Robert Dunsire VC – The Story of a Victoria Cross.

Heritage Lottery Fund awards £8700 to Methil Heritage Friends exhibition “Robert Dunsire VC – The Story of a Victoria Cross” to mark a First World War Centenary.

Today, Methil Heritage Friends have received £8,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exhibition  project, “Robert Dunsire – The Story of a Victoria Cross” in Methil Heriatge Centre. Awarded through HLF’s First World War: then and now programme, the project will focus on Robert’s military & civilian life.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in Levenmouth to contribute and help preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War. Volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like. This exhibition will tie in with the school curriculum and along with workshops help educate youngsters and visitors alike.

Many people have not heard of the VC holder, Robert Dunsire, who was raised in Buckhaven. With help from professionals, the information gathered will be digitally recorded and an on-line interactive archive created where everyone can access and contribute information.  The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about Robert Dunsire the Home Front.

Commenting on the award, Gary Nurse, Friends chairman said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and look forward to completing this project with our partner organisation Fife Cultural Trust.

Colin McLean, Head of HLF Scotland, said “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching every corner of the UK. Since April 2010, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded more than £70million to more than 1,100 projects – large and small - that are marking this global Centenary; with our small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in “Robert Dunsire – The Story of a Victoria Cross” to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

Notes to editors

About Methil Heritage Friends

The Methil Heritage Friends are a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving the history of the Levenmouth area by working with our partner organisation Fife Cultural Trust within Methil Heritage Centre.

About Fife Cultural Trust

Fife Cultural Trust manages and operates cultural services on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. 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 almost 36,000 projects with more than £5.9bn across the UK.  www.hlf.org.uk.  Follow us on twitter @heritagelottery #understandingWW1

HLF-funded First World War projects include:

First World War Centenary Project, IWM London

An HLF grant of £4.5m is transforming IWM London (part of Imperial War Museums) by creating new ground-breaking First World War Galleries.

Flintham Society – Keeping the Home Fires Burning?

Keep the Homes Fires Burning? is a community history project looking at the impact of the First World War on life in the Nottinghamshire village of Flintham.  

Tank Museum – Access all Areas, Dorset

Holding the world’s finest tank and armoured vehicle collection, The Tank Museum is a popular visitor attraction in the heart of Dorset. HLF’s grant is being used to house 130 ‘at risk’ vehicles, putting the entire collection indoors for the first time. 

Through its First World War: then and now programme, HLF is making at least £1million available per year for six years until 2019.  It will provide grants between £3,000 and £10,000 enabling communities and groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict. 

To find out how to apply for funding visit www.hlf.org.uk/thenandnow.  If a group needs a grant of more than £10,000 for a First World War project, it can apply to HLF through its open programmes www.hlf.org.uk/firstworldwar

UK Government Centenary plans

In June 2013, the Government set out its plans to mark the centenaries of the First World War commencing in 2014. These plans include a £35m refurbishment of the First World War galleries at the Imperial War Museum (IWM); The Government’s principal partners in the commemorations will be the Heritage Lottery Fund and the IWM, but will encompass support for a multitude of other initiatives, large and small, as they come together in the months and years to come.

For further information, images and interviews, please contact
Gary Nurse at Methil Heritage Centre on 01334 659339 or secretary@methilheritage.org.uk