Some of our most valuable heritage sites have been given a crucial lifeline thanks to a major Government scheme.
Matlock Town Council has been awarded £27,700, The Arkwright Society Ltd have been awarded £717,400, WyvernRail plc which run the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth have been awarded £85,000 and the YHA (England and Wales) based in Matlock have been awarded £866,700 after successfully applying to the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage, set up to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, Sarah Dines said she was delighted at the award and how the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage and protect local jobs
The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by heritage experts - the Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - to support organisations in England across the heritage ecosystem that are local and national treasures but have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.
Today Friday, October 9, more than £67m is being shared out among of 433 successful applicants from across England to help with key repair and maintenance work, and help sites operate and recover.
A raft of famous sites across the country have been awarded funding including historical areas, buildings, monuments, collections, museums, archives and places of worship.
Sarah Dines MP said: “These projects are such a major part of the heritage of Derbyshire Dales and the country and I am thrilled this money will help it weather the covid storm and be there for future generations to enjoy. Since the beginning of the pandemic I have been lobbying the Government to support our important heritage in Derbyshire Dales. I have been speaking regularly to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP and the brought the tourism Minister, Nigel Huddleston MP to Derbyshire Dales this summer, so that he could see for himself the important heritage we have here.
“Not only can we learn so much and gain so much insight from our heritage, but it also provides jobs and a boost for the local economy in many ways.
“And as we get through this unprecedented pandemic, places like these and the tremendous work done there can undoubtedly play a part in our recovery.
“Huge credit must go to the Government for this invaluable support.”
The package of support is the first round of funding from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund. Today has also seen a dozen organisations, including English Heritage, the National Trust and the Canal and River Trust share £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to preserve visitor attractions.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.
“This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce back post covid. I’m so pleased that we have been able to help save these important heritage sites in Derbyshire Dales.’’
