The 30-year history of Acorns Children’s Hospice will be preserved for future generations thanks to a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The West Midlands charity, which was officially opened by Princess Diana in December 1988, will record groundbreaking moments from its history to be displayed in a grand exhibition taking place next year.
The Acorns Story Box Project will be made possible thanks to £34,700 raised by National Lottery players, and will form the lasting legacy of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations next year.
Acorns 30th Anniversary Campaign Manager Sarah Bowron, said:
“We are very excited to reveal that our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been successful. I believe it is vital to capture our history and we are delighted that we have received the support of National Lottery players.
“Not only will the Acorns Story Box project help others understand our historical significance as pioneers in the children’s hospice movement, it will also enable us to share our learning and show the impact of our work over the past three decades.”
A team of dedicated staff and volunteers will collect 30 oral history interviews with key individuals past and present who represent Acorns, with the hospice inviting members of the public to share their own favourite memories of the last three decades.
A bright orange Story Box caravan will be touring towns and cities across the West Midlands collecting people’s childhood stories. These will be shared on the charity’s website alongside the oral history interviews, and the very best memories will be displayed at the 30th anniversary exhibition in early 2019.
Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are pleased to support Acorns to explore and record these important personal stories to mark its 30th anniversary. This oral history project will show the impact their work has had on people’s lives and promote a better understanding of the children’s hospice movement in the wider community.”
For more information visit Acorns Story Box
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