Once they have finished uncovering the facts they will showcase their findings in a variety of ways, including a ten-track CD, costumed re-enactments and a drama performance.

For the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West said: “We are delighted to support this trio of Young Roots projects that will engage young people in a range of different discoveries, providing them with particular skills and tapping their fantastic creative energies.”

Hacienda Re:Tuned

Manchester’s famous musical heritage is the backdrop for a project that will concentrate on the period 1970 to 2000 with particular reference to the ‘Madchester’ music scene and the former Hacienda nightclub. The renowned RECLAIM Project has been awarded £21,900 to support Re:Verb (RECLAIM’s music collective) who will work with the People’s History Museum and Manchester District Music Archives with support from local author and DJ, Dave Haslam. Local people will be asked to nominate songs they feel are synonymous with the city’s heritage and Re:Verb will rework and record these on a new album. Young musicians across the city will also perform in front of a selected audience and specialist judges at a high profile music venue later in the year. Re:Verb hopes that by reworking this music it will increase its appeal to a new, youthful and multicultural audience.

From Re:Verb, 17-year-old Jaimeel Fenton said: “I am so excited about this project because, as a young person growing up in Manchester today, I don't feel as if I know enough about the local music scene and the history behind it.”

Times Past

A £25,000 grant to Bolton Smart Enterprises means a group of young history detectives can investigate the heritage of Bolton’s buildings and some of the characters that lived in them. Among the local buildings to be studied will be Smithills Hall, Hall’i’thwood and Turton Tower. The young people will take part in a re-enactment of a Tudor banquet wearing period costume and, working closely with staff from the local library, museum and art gallery, they will create a series of textile artworks inspired by local architectural styles. They will also produce a booklet to share their historic discoveries with other young people, schools and youth organisations. As the project comes to an end next March a showcase event will be held at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre.

For Bolton Smart Enterprises Lynda Williams said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Young Roots funding has given young people of Bolton the opportunity to research the history of Bolton’s buildings and the characters that occupied them. The young people will create a body of textile artwork and accompanying booklet depicting Bolton’s buildings/architecture through the centuries and will share their findings with others.”

The Story of Marge and Steel

The major sources of employment for thousands of Irlam and Cadishead residents for much of the 20th century was either the local steel works or the margarine factory. Now, social enterprise Positive Moves will work with local young people to delve into the history of these industries, thanks to a £25,000 grant from HLF.

The factories opened just before or during the First World War and supported the war effort. They also provided social and recreational facilities for the workers and their families. The young people will research their impact on the two towns, recording interviews with former workers and collecting historic photographs. They will also visit the People’s Museum and Manchester Art Gallery’s costume collection as well as the Co-operative Archives and the Bradford Photographic Museum. Using this material they will put together a dramatic performance based on the lives and stories of former workers.

For Positive Moves, Manager Sylvia Mcdowell  said: “We are delighted to have received this funding. The group are looking forward to working with a large cross-selection from the community and it will be great for the generations to learn from each other the importance of the local heritage and its impact on the area.”

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK. 

Further information

Roland Smith, Communications Manager, Heritage Lottery Fund, 020 7591 6047, 07713 486 420, rolands@hlf.org.uk

Hacienda Re:Tuned: Katherine Howell, Co-ordinator, RECLAIM Project, on 0161 233 4090

Times Past: Lynda Williams, Director, Bolton Smart Enterprise CIC, on: 0161 439 6686

The Story of Marge and Steel: Sylvia Mcdowell, Manager, Positive Moves CIC, on: 0161 777 9973