POWDERHAM Castle has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to renovate the Victorian kitchens and servants' hall for visitors and school groups. For the first time, the story of ordinary people who worked in the earl's household will be told. The project is an opportunity for the people who work so hard during the Victorian era to receive recognition and to celebrate our shared heritage. First, organisers are appealing for any information from local people whose family had a connection with Powderham Castle in the Victorian period (1837-1901) and especially from 1890 to 1901 – the period that the kitchens will be restored back to. They are also looking for two people, from the local community, to volunteer approximately six hours per week, to take part in the project. It will involve researching and enhancing records of the period and developing educational material. General manager at Powderham, Clare Crawshaw, said: 'Maybe your grandparents met at the castle or your great aunt was the governess; your great, great uncle supplied the bread or your cousin was the butler. 'We are interested in it all and if you have any records such as old photos and letters, we would love to see those too.' If you can volunteer your time or offer family information, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected], visit the website at http://www.powderham.co.uk">www.powderham.co.uk for a downloadable form or write to The Archivist, Powderham Castle, Exeter, Devon. EX6 8JQ.