Grants from a £140,000 pot of money have been awarded to projects to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing.
The captain of the historic voyage, Christopher Jones, and many of the ship’s crew lived in Rotherhithe, from where it set sail in 1620.
Eight projects which so far have received funding include a photojournalism initiative from Club Herop, a multimedia community arts programme by the Bermondsey Artists Group, and the Illuminate Rotherhithe festival.
Michael Daniels, President of Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Local History Society said he was delighted his projects were among those given a grant to commemorate the all-important anniversary.
He said: “Our Local History Society organises illustrated monthly talks on fascinating subjects.
“During the summer of 2020 we will stage a mini-series of talks and walks about the Mayflower here in Rotherhithe.”
The fund is run in partnership with the council, British Land and United St Saviour’s Charity.
Cllr Rebecca Lury, deputy leader of the council, said there already been an “impressive” list of applicants, but that £60,000 was still left to be applied for.
“I would encourage any local group, school or other interested party who have a project which is connected to the Mayflower, and use the application process on the Council’s website to apply for a grant,” she said.
The Mayflower first set sail from its home port of Rotherhithe in July 1620 to join the Speedwell which had set off from Holland at Southampton.
The Speedwell suffered a serious leak and both were forced to turn back, before passengers and provisions regrouped onto the Mayflower at Plymouth.
It then set off sail for the New World in September that year with its passengers including the Pilgrim Fathers.
More details on how to apply and eligibility criteria can be found here.