National Lottery bonus for Friends' exciting history project

In early July, the Friends of St Catherine’s Hill (FSCH) received a £10,000 National Lottery grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the project “History of the Hill, Christchurch Remembered”.

Led by volunteers and with the support of Christchurch and East Dorset councils, the project focuses on researching, interpreting and raising awareness of the importance of St Catherine’s Hill during the First World War. A key part of the project will be the delivery of an on-site community History Day, taking place on 24 September.

The project will enhance this popular biennial event by funding living history displays and a pop-up First World War cinema, as well as enabling research into the trench workings and other wartime uses, forming links with Christchurch Junior School and the commissioning of paintings by local artist Craig Wilson.

St Catherine’s Hill is a local beauty spot, rich in both history and wildlife. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its ecological, historical and geological significance, evidence shows use from the Stone Age to the present day. The site was also used during both World Wars, particularly for trench warfare training in the First World War, including for Field Engineers from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

This is an opportunity for the Friends to better identify heritage features from this war period and for the wider community to learn about and better understand their rich local heritage in an enjoyable way. They would welcome contact from anyone with a particular interest or connection to the site who would be happy to provide related material or volunteer their time.

Commenting on the award, Melanie Gibbons, chairman of the Friends, said, “We are delighted to have received the support of the National Lottery and are confident the project will help all of us better identify and understand the rich historical connections of the Hill both now, and into the future.”

The Friends of St Catherine’s Hill is an organisation that promotes the preservation and protection of the Hill, including its use as a recreational resource, particularly by local residents. It also liaises with land owners on the management of the area in the interests of conservation and local residents.

The project is supported by many local organisations, including Jumpers and St Catherine’s Hill Residents Association (previously known as the West Christchurch Residents Association), Christchurch Gun Club, Hampshire Cultural Trust and Christchurch and East Dorset Councils.