University of Northampton sponsored Heritage Awards acknowledge hard work of historical buildings in county

The Northamptonshire Museums and Historic Houses Forum Heritage awards were held last week at Boughton House near Kettering. The annual awards celebrate the heritage of the county through the work of museums, historic houses and other heritage organisations.

Sponsored by the University of Northampton and supported by BBC Radio Northampton, the event was deemed a complete success with some thrilled and surprised winners. The awards acknowledge the hard work of both volunteers and staff, across ten different categories including: Best Volunteer Project, Best Event and Historical Site of the Year.

The University’s Delia Heneghan, Director of Advancement and International Relations, and Dr Jim Beach, Senior Lecturer in 20th Century History both attended the event – which was presented by BBC Radio Northampton presenter John Griff. Dr Jim Beach was also a judge for the awards.

Dr Jim Beach commented: “I was delighted to be able to take part in the ceremony last Thursday. It was a great pleasure to be able to celebrate the hard work of those within Northamptonshire’s heritage sector.”

The University’s Delia Heneghan added: “The University of Northampton is proud to support the Northamptonshire Museums and Historic Houses Forum Heritage Awards. The event showcased the rich and varied heritage of our county, and acknowledged the exceptional work put in by our heritage organisations’ staff and volunteers.”

The winners were:

Best Exhibition – Kettering Museum and Art Gallery for ‘American Arrivals’

Best Event – Wellingborough Museum for ‘Wellingborough 100’

Best Special Project – Sywell Aviation Museum for ‘Operation Hawker Hunter’

Award for Working with Children and Young People – Wollaston Heritage Society for ‘Wollaston Then and Now’

Best Volunteer Project – The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne for ‘The restoration of NB Sculptor’

Best Project on a Limited Budget – Highly commended: The Prebendal Manor House Nassington, winner: Desborough Heritage Centre for ‘Childhood Memories’

Judges Special Award – Piddington Roman Villa Museum for ‘Local Engagement’

People’s Choice Award (voted for by members of the public and listeners to BBC Radio Northampton’s John Griff show) – Sywell Aviation Museum.

Forum Honorary Award – Ioan Thomas from Oundle Museum

Historic Site of the Year – Canons Ashby for their gardens ‘A Labour of Love’