Amble Town Council has received a £12,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the project In Memory of the Fallen, in  Amble , Northumberland. Led by the Town Council this community project will look at the social history of Amble, and it’s immediate surrounding area, focusing on the changes from the early 1900’s to around mid-1920’s both in its built environment, working social life and the effect of the First World War on this tight-knit community. The local area was not at forefront of the War, however many felt the effects of deprivation and disruption to their family lives.

During the project the Council will work in partnership with various groups of young people helping them to learn new skills, including interview techniques, and recording skills. Using these skills, the young people will create  a trail on www.amblegpx.com to illustrate, in a modern medium, aspects of the town’s history from the perspective of the families and men who were closely involved in the War.

Assistance will also be given by Amble Development Trust, Amble Social History Group, Warkworth & Amble Royal British Legion and interested individuals..

Community workshops will be held throughout the project to obtain and display information and the final community event will be the Commemorative Service held on 2^nd August 2014 organised by Amble Town Council.

The information gathered about the town and its surrounding areas, together with the data of the men on our War Memorials, will be incorporated into a booklet. Some of the findings and interviews  will result in the production of a DVD creating a lasting record which can be used by schools, libraries and archives long into the future.

The Amble community made a huge contribution to the war effort and the conflict touched the lives of everyone who lived and worked in the area.  Almost 180 names are recorded on the Amble War Memorials.

Commenting on the award, Chairman of Amble Town Council Craig Weir, said: “We are thrilled and proud to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are confident that the project will serve to benefit the community and highlight the events of the past that shaped the Amble area for the future”.

Ivor Crowther, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund  North East, said:

“The First World War changed the face of modern history touching the lives of everyone in this country and beyond.  HLF has committed to funding a variety of projects, from organisations large and small, which will create a deeper understanding of the heritage of the conflict. Some of these will capture the memories of individual soldiers, regiments or families; some will reveal the importance and uncover stories around local war memorials, whilst others like In Memory of the Fallen, will encourage local people, especially younger generations  to learn more about how this period in our history changed the future of Amble. “