Stuart Anderson MP has stepped up his campaign to protect cultural heritage in South Shropshire as he marks the opening of the Call for Submissions to the UK Inventory of Living Heritage.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"South Shropshire's cultural heritage is a vital part of heritage and identity. So, I am delighted that the Call for Submissions to the UK's Inventory of Living Heritage has now been launched. As home to the modern Olympic Games, I urged Ministers to ensure South Shropshire features prominently when the plans were announced last year. This vital initiative will help safeguard the unique cultural heritage of South Shropshire and communities across the UK. From traditional crafts to local festivals, our intangible cultural heritage is a treasure trove of stories, skills, and traditions that deserve to be celebrated and protected. This initiative is a vital step forward, and I encourage everyone to get involved and share their stories."
The Call for Submissions follows the UK's ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. The UK Inventory of Living Heritage aims to spark a national conversation about the importance of cultural heritage, encouraging communities to share their stories and traditions. The Call for Submissions will help to identify and safeguard intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Call for Submissions is now open, with local communities invited to share their stories, traditions, and cultural practices. This first major step will help shape the UK's approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, in line with UNESCO's guidelines. The UK Inventory of Living Heritage is a collaborative effort, involving cultural organisations, community groups, and individuals. The Call for Submissions will run until 30th April 2026. For more information, visit their website.
In May 2025, Stuart nominated the Wenlock Olympian Games, founded by Dr. William Penny Brookes in 1850, for inclusion in the UK-wide 'Inventory of Living Heritage'. In a letter to the Minister, Stuart said that this recognition would acknowledge the Games' significance in promoting physical and mental well-being, as well as its role in inspiring the modern Olympic movement.
Dr William Penny Brookes founded the modern Olympiad in Much Wenlock in 1850. He pioneered the annual tournament to motivate the area’s residents to take part more in sport, physical exercise, and stimulating mental activities. This inspired Pierre de Coubertin to set up the International Olympic Committee in 1894. Since the Games’ beginning, 139 Wenlock Olympiads have taken place, with competitions including track and field events alongside music and dance.
Stuart campaign to Save South Shropshire's Cultural Heritage recognises their role as major tourist attractions, generating billions of pounds for the local economy each year. By campaigning for support to preserve the area's cultural heritage, Stuart hopes to foster community pride and a sense of ownership among local residents.He also hopes to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for local businesses and communities to thrive in the years ahead.
