COMMUNITIES can secure funding for free Penshurst silhouettes to commemorate the fallen in the First World War.
The organisation has teamed up with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to provide micro-grants so that anyone wishing to host an event featuring the installation, There But Not There, can do so free of charge.
The transparent Perspex outlines of servicemen were created by local artist Martin Barraud, who originally put 51 of them up among the pews in Penshurst’s St John the Baptist Church in November 2016 to represent the number of villagers who died during the Great War.
The artwork proved such a success that it gained national recognition, and the silhouettes are now being manufactured for distribution.
The figures are being made by veterans in Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, based at Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford.
There But Not There is selling them as part of a campaign to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities this year, which is the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World war.
The charities include The Royal Foundation: Heads Together, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox: Housing Veterans.
Mr Barraud told the Times: ‘It has taken a year and a half of solid hard work by the veterans working at the Royal British Legion Industries. They have been amazing and they get a real buzz out of the work.
‘I hope it spreads the message that we need to reflect on the past and cherish those who are either serving right now or have served in their lifetimes.’
PICTURE: LEST WE FORGET: The silhouettes in Penshurst
How to apply for a grant
Applications for the grants can be made throughout June, and must provide the following information:
1. Where the project will take place, such as a place of worship or community venue.
2. What type of event will bring your community together. Please note, this does not have to be extravagant, it can
be as simple as a coffee morning.
3. How the occasion will include people within your community in your event, including people from the Armed Forces community, for example, veterans or cadet groups.
4. Why you need financial help.
5. The names of two people involved in running your organisation.
For more information, visit www.therebutnotthere.org.uk
