DROITWICH MP Sir Peter Luff has been celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Lottery and looking back at how it has helped Mid Worcestershire.
Sir Peter originally supported the legislation in his first Parliamentary session over two decades ago.
And, since it began, the National Lottery has given more than £23million in funding to the area benefiting more than 500 projects.
The first grant of £500,000 was made in May 1995 for the cricket centre and sports hall at Prince Henry’s High School.
The two largest grants paid in Wychavon so far are the £5.4million hand-out to Hartlebury Castle and the £4.7million pledged in 2003 for the restoration of the Droitwich Canals, both from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The smallest are awards of £150 for the travel costs of Second World War veterans to attend commemorative events.
Sir Peter praised the scheme for what it had done locally and what it had made possible.
“It has had such a positive impact.
“So many village halls, schools, charities, and sports clubs have received money for various projects or to renovate and update facilities.
“These are important local assets that have made a big impact locally – some might not have survived without funding.
“It’s good to look forward to the next decade of lottery funding, knowing countless more projects locally will benefit in the future.”
