Lottery windfall will help more residents enjoy the Bay's history

Torbay is celebrating a Christmas lottery boost.
Torbay Council has been awarded £250,000 from the National Lottery Fund to support increased public participation in local heritage through the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme.
Torbay Communities is holding a Fundraising Forum at the Palace Theatre on Tuesday, February 6 for societies, local organisations and groups to learn about the application process, find out what support is available and how they can be a part of this exciting initiative.
The grant scheme which will run until late 2025, is a golden opportunity for local organisations and groups to contribute to increased public participation in Torbay's heritage, aligning with the UNESCO Global Geopark designation. The scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 for activity and £7,500 for capital costs, with an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility.
The first grants were awarded in August – funding projects as diverse as an Agatha Christie podcast, the Brixham Literary and Poetry Trail, a history of Fleet Walk, Geopark Artist Residencies, and a churchyard restoration project at St Andrew’s Church, Torquay. Round Two will open on January 22, 2024.
Torbay Communities is working closely with Torbay Council to promote the fund. Steven Chown Torbay Communities Funding Advisor said: “We are looking for people to join us at the Fundraising Forum. This is an ideal opportunity for local people to share their passion for local heritage, come together and recognise the people and places that have shaped the history of the Bay.”
Mel Humphrey the Heritage Grants Advisor for the Torbay Council scheme said: “The fund is an opportunity to discover how your passion for heritage can make a difference — through ideas like exhibitions, events or trails.
“The grant scheme is not just about funding projects; it's about making a lasting impact. We want to encourage your inclusive ideas that bring people together to improve access and engagement with the rich tapestry of Torbay's heritage and help make the local area a better place to live, work, or visit.”
The Fundraising Forum will take place on Tuesday 6th February 2024 between 2pm and 4pm at Stage Left, Palace Theatre, Paignton, TQ3 3HF.
To book your free place at the Fundraising Forum register your interest at http://bit.ly/fundraisingforum
Torbay’s local heritage grants scheme is a collaboration between Torbay Council, Torbay Culture, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. It is made possible thanks to investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.