THE NATIONAL Lottery is celebrating its 25th birthday during which more than £40billion has been raised for good causes – including £23.4million for Stratford’s heritage.
Since the first draw in November 1994, money from every ticket sold has been invested in good causes across the UK, in the areas of arts, sport, community and heritage.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund distributes funding to heritage projects which in Stratford has included:
* Support for Shakespeare’s heritage including the restoration and redevelopment of New Place, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, and Nash’s Place
* Supporting cultural heritage at the Royal Shakespeare Company, with National Lottery funding enabling the development of the costume workshop and the Swan Gallery
* The restoration of Old Toll House on medieval Clopton Bridge as a space for heritage and commercial enterprise
National Lottery Heritage Fund regional director Anne Jenkins said: “It’s the National Lottery’s 25th birthday and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impact of National Lottery funding across the UK and in Stratford. From saving historic buildings and helping nature to thrive to celebrating our diverse cultures and shared stories, there is so much that quite simply would not be possible without National Lottery players.”