From teenage musical memories in the Fens to family stories in Littleport - money raised by National Lottery players is helping local people to discover and share their history.

Funding of £72,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been awarded to two projects that are capturing the diverse stories of their communities.

£63,600 of that has been awarded to charity Babylon ARTS to save Baby Boomers’ memories of the music they listened to as teenagers in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Focusing on the four market towns of March, Wisbech, Mildenhall and Brandon, the project will explore the influence of rural life and nearby US airbases on the area’s little-known musical heritage, from fashion to film.

Alongside a programme of activities and events, ‘Reminiscence Roadshows’ will give residents the opportunity to listen to their old favourites and share their experiences and treasured memorabilia with volunteers. These memories will be used to create a documentary film and a touring exhibition to be shown locally.

The project was inspired by, and will form part of, the Arts Council funded Creative People and Places ‘Market Place’ programme being delivered across Fenland.

Robyn Llewellyn, head of HLF East of England, said: “Heritage is not just about buildings; it’s people’s personal experiences that tell us what life in Cambridgeshire was like throughout the 20th century. These projects will save important memories and engage new audiences in the stories of our past.”