We are delighted to announce that the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme will support a further 14 heritage related projects across the Bay. The scheme, which has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supports a range of projects to improve access and participation in Torbay’s heritage and raise awareness of, and celebrate, the UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

The final round of projects include an information trail related to World War II, a cultural exchange initiative between Brixham and Kiribati, geological education projects, outdoor activities and many more. Those projects that were not successful have been offered information on other funding options. Since the scheme opened, 40 local organisations have received support to develop local heritage projects.

Torbay’s Local Heritage Grant Scheme supports our commitment to celebrating and protecting the places that make Torbay special. The grants will support a range of initiatives to maximise the cultural, heritage and event opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

 

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: ‘‘The council is committed to support the wonderful, dedicated community groups who are helping to preserve and celebrate Torbay’s heritage. The Local Heritage Grant Scheme is there to support these groups in their delivery of new and innovative heritage projects. Well done to everyone involved in these exciting projects, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

 

Rachael Kiddey, Strategic Lead for Culture and Heritage at Torbay Council, said: “It was a delight to offer this grant scheme in support of projects from community organisations across the Bay whose enthusiasm to invigorate, educate and share our local and internationally significant heritage for the benefit of all is inspirational.”

 

Melanie Border, Co-ordinator of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark said: ‘‘Torbay’s designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark demonstrates that it is an extraordinary place of international significance. A place where our ancient geology has shaped and influenced our history, landscape and lives.

“This grant scheme is acting as a wonderful catalyst for sharing local knowledge and increasing engagement, giving people of all ages an understanding of how important Torbay and its people, past and present are. I am so pleased that this scheme is providing opportunities and encouraging greater enjoyment and awareness of the Geopark.”

 

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s brilliant to see the final selection of projects for the Local Heritage Grants scheme. These projects have been created by the community, for the community - helping connect people to the heritage that is on their doorstep. There is huge potential for heritage in Torbay and we’re proud to be continuing our work with Torbay Council to unlock this.”

 

Torbay’s Local Heritage Grant Scheme is a collaboration between ourselves, Torbay Culture, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark – one of Earth’s extraordinary places. Made possible thanks to investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.

Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.

We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.

We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

www.heritagefund.org.uk

 

Detail on the third round of awards to be completed between March and September 2025:

 

BRIXHAM FUTURE CIC: Information trail of local Heroes & Heroines in World War 2 (1939 -1945) £7,000

Delivering a series of Information Boards on Local Heroes & Heroines who lived in Brixham during WW2 (1939-1945).  Linked to the 80th Anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025 where 20 descendants will read out the names and decoration received for gallant conduct.

BRIXHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM: A Tale of Two Fishing Communities: Connecting Brixham and Kiribati £1,575

Promote cultural exchange through hands-on workshops, traditional food tastings, and live performances promoting Torbay’s environmental and marine awareness, and encouraging wellbeing through singing, dancing and community.

 

DAISI: Brixham’s Red Earth £4,906

Partnering with Brixham schools and community to provide opportunities for learning, local exploration and celebration of local geology and heritage through Brixham red ochre and its impact on the local fishing boat and paint industries.

 

EMMA CIESLAK-JONES AND KEVIN PAGE: From tropical seas to deserts and ice ages: Climate change in the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark £6,500

A series of four documentaries showcasing key geological sites and themes to be available on YouTube, encouraging local communities and schools to understand and be proud of where they live, and to encourage geo-tourists to this unique area.

FRIENDS OF PARKFIELD HISTORY GROUP:  Parkfield House History Display £1,565

A detailed display of timelines, tithe map, replica documents and significant people curated by volunteers for in-house presentation for public tours and a portable set of materials for speaker visits.

 

GREAT PARKS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Healthy Outdoor Activities £900
Funding for lighting to make more use of an adjoining car park and the MUGA by encouraging outdoor games, nature trails, cycle trails and team sports, raising awareness and access to an important 35 acre ecological haven on the urban fringe of Paignton.

 

JOHN TOMKINS:  Torbay’s music legacy – Five Decades of Sound £4,250

Documentary-style films showcasing Torbay’s music from 1970s to 2000s working with Torquay museum, Paignton Heritage Society and Turning Heads to disseminate through youtube, social media, museum archives and national news.

 

OLDWAY GARDENS GROUP CIO: Bringing alive the legacy of Oldway and the Singer family £4,000

Creation and installation of heritage, information and interpretation boards in liaison with heritage colleagues at Torbay Council.

 

PAIGNTON COMMUNITY SHED: Geopark Topography Experience £4,600

To design, produce and make available to the community at STEAM Discover Centre in Paignton, a 3D model of the Geopark that can be explored by touch, including slide shows of the Bay, landscape and underwater.

 

TALEBLAZERS CIC:  The Bedrock Project £4,900

An expansion of a successful round one project which delivered to schoolchildren at 11 schools, to now reach all 24 Torbay schools. Specialist Meet a Geologist interactive sessions use local maps, rocks and other geological samples encouraging their understanding and resulting in the children becoming ambassadors for the local geopark.

 

TORBAY COMMUNITIES: Ripple Effects £5,000

Using Parkfield House and grounds to deliver local heritage project initiatives and workshops such as crafts through the ages and supporting our biodiversity, and the fascinating history of the flood plains at Parkfield.

 

TORQUAY COASTAL VOLUNTEERS: Heritage photos of the D-Day ramps in Torquay Harbour, June 1944 £1,494

A permanent display of photo boards taken from an official US Government film showing American troops embarking onto landing craft on June 2 1944, to be located at Torquay Harbour and complementary to the D-Day Memorial.

 

WE NEED MUSIC CIC: Sensory Coastal Walks of Torbay £5,000

A series of 8 guided walks with live participants and recorded for later circulation, including two child-focussed walks with wheelchair-accessible stretches, which engage walkers through sight, sound, smell and touch, deepening their connection to the area while exploring its history and unique geology.

 

ZOE CURLEY: Colour-ing the Bay £4,500

Publication of a free electronic-PDF colouring book where the content was inspired by workshop participants sketching, doodling and writing at workshops and outdoor events based in the Geopark. Partnership working with a local school and Torbay Children's services to show how mindfulness and creative activity can help alleviate stress and anxiety.