A GROUNDBREAKING project to record the effects of the Great War on Winsford has been handed a massive boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Great War and a Salt Town project was awarded £7,000 to help stage commemorations marking a hundred years since the outbreak of the conflict.

The town council initiative will focus on the war’s impact on the people of Winsford, particularly those who worked in the salt industry, and their families.

Specific events will include a ‘poppy cruise’ down the Weaver as part of September’s inaugural Salt Fair Regatta.

Town clerk, Alan Warburton, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“At the outbreak of the Great War, Winsford was a much smaller town than it is now, with most of the working population being employed in the salt industry.

“The grant will allow us to show today’s generation how the Great War impacted on the lives of almost everyone living in our town.”

The project will enable Winsfordians to preserve the memories and heritage of those who lived through the war years, via information displays, demonstrations and practical activities.

Tree planting events, the ‘create a tank’ project, an open air memorial service and an art exhibition will all feature.

A ‘farewell to the boys’ evening will also be staged, as well as a competition to win a rare trip down Britain’s only working deep shaft salt mine – right here in Winsford.

Part of the event will focus on the river and Flashes – Winsford’s famous lakes, created by subsidence due to salt brine pumping.

Talks and events will focus on how the river looked and was utilised to aid the war effort Elsewhere, war memorial names will be compiled into a ‘rolling scroll’ of Winsfordians who gave their life for their country.

Experts will also help create an on-line archive to which everyone can access and contribute information.