Grants Now Available for Kent Local History Projects

Kent Archaeological Society is offering grants towards the cost of research, publications, exhibitions and other projects aimed at encouraging interest in the county's local history.

Individuals, groups, organisations and students can download application forms from www.kentarchaeology.org.uk or obtain them by sending a s.a.e. to the KAS's Hon. General Secretary at Three Elms, Woodlands Lane, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent DA12 3HH.

The grants are made from the society's Allen Grove Local History Fund and distributed annually in amounts that usually range from £200 to £400. Larger sums are available for "exceptional projects". The deadline for applications for 2010's grants is March 31.

In 2009 grants totaling £1,750 were made to:

• Ashford Town Bowls Club (£250), for research into the club's history and a centenary booklet and display.
• Folkestone People's History Centre (£200), towards the production of the first of a series of journals on the town's history and archaeology.
• Herne & Broomfield Local History Group (£230), for the cost of producing a booklet "Herne Chronicles" - a collection of myths, legends and facts to celebrate 700 years of the parish.
• Guy Hitchings (£250) for the cost of publishing a guide to Speldhurst Church and its unique windows.
• Dr Helen Leaf (£200) for research into a collection of letters written in the 19th century to George Moore, who had emigrated to America, describing life in Faversham area.
• The Save the Hadlow Tower Action Group (£400), for a permanent display about the tower and its history. The tower is to be restored by the Vivat Trust and will have a museum and visitor centre on the ground floor and a holiday flat above.
• Dr David Wright (£200) for research leading to the publication of a book about Rev Bryan Faussett of Canterbury, the 18th century antiquary whose work included notes on the history and architecture of east Kent churches.

When he died in 1990 he left £26,000 from the proceeds of the sale of his house to the KAS, with instructions that the society should invest the legacy and distribute the interest in ways that would promote the enjoyment of Kent's local history.

The first grants were made in 1994. Since then more than £20,000 has been awarded, mainly to support the publication of books and booklets but also for exhibitions, displays in heritage centers, oral history projects, and establishing archives and research centers.

Allen Grove (pictured right) was one of the county's most eminent historians of his generation. He was Curator of Maidstone Museum from 1948 to 1975, Hon. Curator of the KAS for 26 years (and its President in 1987/88) and Chairman of the Kent History Federation for eight years.