By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Local Television (KLTV) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to produce a groundbreaking project that will shine a spotlight on Huddersfield’s often-overlooked Windrush Armed Services Veterans.
This project will culminate in a one-hour documentary and a three-hour digital educational workshop designed specifically for schools and colleges.
This initiative, set to begin in August 2024 and launch in July/August 2025, seeks to uncover and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Windrush first, second and third-generation decorated veterans from the Huddersfield area, whose stories have largely remained untold.
The documentary will explore the experiences of these veterans, highlighting their service, sacrifices, and the challenges they faced both during and after their time in the armed forces.
Uncover and Preserve History
Dr Milton Brown, CEO of KLTV, and Executive Producer of the Windrush Veterans Project, expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “KLTV are honoured to receive this support from the Heritage National Lottery Fund.
“This project is seeking to uncover and preserve history as well as educate future generations on the vital role Huddersfield’s Windrush veterans played in our nation’s history.
“Their stories have earned the right to be heard, celebrated, and have their significant contributions to British military history remembered.”
The Huddersfield Windrush Armed Services Veterans Project has been made possible by the support of several organisations and institutions.
Dr Brown continues: “A huge thank you to our partners who believed in this project from its first conception in 2023, including the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS), Don Campbell from The Forgotten Generations CIC, the Kirklees Armed Forces Covenant, Andy Petrie from Local Services 2 You, Huddersfield’s African Descent Church Communities, and The Community Archives and Heritage Group.
“A special thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and their staff for helping to navigate successfully through the funding process”.
KLTV has a proven track record of production high-quality entertaining and educational documentaries
Educational Workshop
The educational workshop will complement the documentary, providing students with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
It will examine the historical context of the legacy of Huddersfield’s Windrush armed services generation, their contributions to the armed services, and the wider impact on British society.
The workshop will be available digitally, ensuring it can reach a broader audience across schools and colleges in the UK.
Promoting Social Cohesion
The project aligns with KLTV’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion through media.
By bringing these stories to light, KLTV hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the Huddersfield Windrush generation’s decorated veterans’ contributions and inspire a new generation to appreciate the rich history that has contributed to and shaped modern Britain.
KLTV will work closely with Huddersfield Windrush veterans’, their families, local community organisations, the Kirklees Armed Forces Covenant, and local and national military historians, to ensure the project is authentic, stimulating and forever remembered.
The project is slated for completion and public release in July/August 2025, with a special premiere event in Huddersfield.
Stay tuned to KLTV and our social media, where we’ll be sharing exclusive updates on the project, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the production, testimonies from the crew, and more.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Huddersfield Windrush Armed Services Veterans Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, KLTV has been able to undertake and develop this project for the benefit of all.
