SEDBERGH and District History Society has been awarded a grant of £6,000 from the Heritage Lottery First World War: Then and Now programme.

The money will be used to fund a project called Aspects and Untold Stories of WW1 in the Rural Dales around Sedbergh.

It aims to show the many ways which the war affected local communities. The project will encourage local people to come together to preserve the memories and heritage of those who lived through the First World War.

Research has been undertaken by many people over the years and much is available in files in the town’s History Room. The society wishes to preserve this information and make it more accessible to the community. The project will focus on additional information gathered from newspapers, parish magazines and people who are sharing their family memories.

A book will explore the military events in the local context and will raise awareness of events that are not recorded on war memorials. Topics to be covered include the events on the home front, recruitment, enlistment, casualties and awards, regiments and roles. The book will include many contemporary photographs.

An exhibition based on the book will be produced where people can meet, share information and perhaps reflect on their personal recollections.

There will also be support for a drama production to be performed by The Barrel of Fun youth drama group.

If anyone would like to contribute stories or photographs or would like more information then they should contact Sedbergh and District History Society on 015396 20605 or email sedberghhistsoc@aol.com.