Heritage means different things to different people, and our funding can help communities across Merton share what they find special about their history. From Roman times, people have lived and worked in the area. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, the area changed as industry developed on the banks of the river Wandle, notably William Morris’ textile mill. Now famous for the Wimbledon tennis tournament, Mitcham’s historic cricket ground and Wimbledon Common, the borough’s buildings, parks, wildlife and the diverse communities living here today all have stories to tell.
Merton has recently been identified as a borough that has received less HLF funding than others. We are very keen to help more groups to apply for projects which investigate Merton’s rich heritage. HLF’s development team is working in partnership with the London Borough of Merton and Merton Voluntary Service Council to offer support and advice to potential applicants.
Helen Bottomley is the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Development Officer with responsibility for Merton. She works closely with community organisations to promote our work and grant programmes, attends funding fairs and regularly holds surgery sessions in the area.
For further information or events in Merton please contact Helen Bottomley, Development Officer, on 020 7591 6174 or helenb@hlf.org.uk.