Projects aim to celebrate working class histories

Four new projects across Sussex and Kent that aim to celebrate working class histories are to be funded by Historic England.

The projects in Margate, Sheerness, Shoreham and Hastings will benefit as part of the public body's Everyday Heritage Grants programme.

They will create a new ceremonial tradition for Sheerness, consider the local impact of Shoreham Harbour, look at the traditions of the Hastings fishing fleet and research the story of a school for deaf children in Margate.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive, said: "These projects will shine a light on the stories of local, working class people and their extraordinary contributions to our shared history."

Historic England is funding 30 new community-led projects throughout the country, which will share almost £500,000.

Margate's Deaf Voices will receive £24,300 so a group of people with hearing impairments can explore the history of the local Royal School for Deaf Children.

They plan to produce a documentary film and premiere it at the Margate Film Festival in November.

New Rituals in Sheerness will also get £16,750 to create a new ceremonial tradition in the town ahead of a public performance in August.

Historic England said: "New Rituals seeks to rediscover and celebrate Sheppey's unique community identity and establish a new ceremonial tradition that can be passed on to future generations."

Port Stories in Shoreham will receive £19,200 so residents can research the local port and learn new digital skills to co-create a series of interactive walks combining audio trails, augmented reality and video.

These will be launched in 2026 at Eastbrook Manor Community Centre and at locations within the port itself.

Anchor Point in Hastings will also benefit from £18,500.

The collaboration between Hastings Fisherman's Protection Society and Hastings Contemporary will celebrate the cultural heritage of the local fishing fleet.

Initial ideas for activities include net-making and fish filleting workshops, flag-making and fish printing family days, plus the chance to engage with an oral history archive project.

Leah Cross, from Hastings Contemporary, said: "This is important to our community because cultural traditions, practices and sounds which are so integral to the town are at risk of being lost."

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