Led by Lincs Inspire Libraries and thanks to National Lottery players, the Threads of the Past project will enable local people to share and recall their memories and explore the past through the use of stitchwork, textiles, artefacts and fabrics.

Photographs from the Local History Library will also be used to aid reminiscence and participants will be inspired by local mixed media artist Nicky Dillerstone to recreate the image in textile and stitching.

Ahead of a series of workshops in local care settings, project leader Jennie Cartwright explains how this funding will enrich the lives of participants, their families and carers, “There will be a focus on developing self-expression through creativity and increasing awareness of heritage items and the value they can have in helping people to piece together the past and bring history to life.”

She added: “We are always looking for innovative ways to utilise and increase awareness of our Library Local History Photograph Collection and what better way than to combine it with sharing memories and helping people in local care settings to learn more about our heritage. We are grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for awarding us the opportunity to do this.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Heritage is not all castles, museums and old buildings. Memories, stories and reminiscences are a very popular way of learning about our past and sharing this with future generations. Threads of the Past will allow local people to share their stories in a fascinating and creative way.”

The creative pieces produced as part of the Threads of the Past project will be displayed in local care settings and libraries and a record of the project will be documented on the Lincs Inspire website.

Volunteers are also being recruited to help. They will receive a short training programme, upskilling them in simple and accessible creative activities.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the project should contact Jennie Cartwright at Lincs Inspire Libraries on (01472) 323615 or email [email protected].