Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund have provided £2.4 million for the restoration of the Memorial park in Lancashire, England.
Memorial Park was built in 1925 and is unique due to the fact that its entire grounds were created in commemoration of the First World War.
Councillor Lynne Bowen said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have backed our vision for Memorial Park. The decision reflects the historical significance of the park, both locally and nationally, and it is fitting that we will be undertaking this work during the First World War centenary”.
The £2.4 million funding will be used to carry out “comprehensive restoration” of the park and to create a five year programme of community activities “to celebrate its heritage and the unique history of the town”.
Planned activities include:
Wilfred Owen – the First World War poet was based in Fleetwood from June to December 1916, in charge of the shooting range which was located on the site of the current golf course. A programme of “celebratory activities will coincide with the centenary of his stay”.
The Pharos Project – “continuation of a pilot six-week project led by volunteer veterans who teach young people, particularly young offenders, about the reality of conflict and the nature of commemoration. Using the park to explore attitudes to vandalism and loyalty to friends, they aim to guide youngsters towards positive activities”.
Fit for heroes – “regular guided nature and history walks plus themed events including Everyone A Hero Dash, a fun run around the park and town’s historic monuments and Tea Dance in the Park, themed music and dancing from both World Wars”.
Date of press release: 02/07/2013
Images courtesy of the Visit Fleetwood website
Source: Heritage Lottery Fund website
Posted by: Daniel Barrry, Centenary News