Today the committee of 'Kingsbury Parish at War' has received £9,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project named 'Kingsbury Parish at War' which encompasses the local communities of Kingsbury, Piccadilly, Hurley, Wood End and Bodymoor Heath. The project has been made possible by National Lottery players through HLF’s First World War 'Then and Now' programme. The project will focus on how the First World War impacted on the five local communities.  

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in Kingsbury, Piccadilly, Hurley, Wood End and Bodymoor Heath to come together to help preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War. Volunteers will be recruited to research how the war impacted on the local communities and public meetings will be held for memories and photographs to be collected and shared with others so that a clear picture can be made of what life was really like during those turbulent times.

With help and support from professionals information obtained will be digitally recorded and a website created where all can access, learn and contribute pertinent data. The archive generated will stimulate the local population to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the First World War and in particular the Home Front.

We are also creating a mobile tapestry depicting the many aspects of the war within the communities along with a leaflet explaining the imagery presented. This will be displayed at various venues within the local parish including community halls, schools and significant local events.

A local artist is creating five community themed 'war' paintings to be displayed at each location.

A PowerPoint presentation on the First World War is being developed for use in schools and local community groups. It is also anticipated to produce further literature to cover other aspects of the war as the project progresses.

Several local groups have already become involved with the project and the school children will also help make poppies for the tapestry.

Commenting on the award, Jean Thomas, Chair of the 'Kingsbury Parish at War' committee said, “We are thrilled to have received the support of the National Lottery and look forward to researching, delivering and presenting factual historical information. This will be a tribute to those locally who went through the First World War and information gained will be available for both current and future generations within the parish and further afield to be made aware of the sacrifices made during these times.”