Volunteers Recognized for Exceptional Service to UK’s Heritage Sector
On Monday, March 11, 2024, a group of dedicated volunteers who have supported Clifton Suspension Bridge were honored for their outstanding contributions to the UK’s heritage sector.
The Ecclesiastical Heritage Collaboration 2023 Award, presented by Ecclesiastical Heritage Hero Awards, celebrated the Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides. This group of volunteers leads hard hat tours into the Leigh Woods Abutments, a series of twelve vaulted chambers that support Brunel’s iconic Victorian suspension bridge.
Through their research and creation of props, the volunteers have brought the story of the bridge to life and their dedication and enthusiasm have led to a doubling of visitor numbers.
Sponsored by Ecclesiastical, a specialist heritage insurer, the Heritage Hero Awards, now in their 14th year, are the Heritage Alliance’s way of recognizing the outstanding contributions of heritage volunteers to society.
Volunteers are essential for the protection of England’s heritage. From caring for rural heritage sites to engaging the next generation of visitors, their skills, passion, and commitment are the backbone of the heritage sector.
The awards were presented by Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical, and Ingrid Samuel OBE, Interim Chair of the Heritage Alliance. Each winner received an Ecclesiastical Heritage Hero 2023 presentation plaque.
The awards ceremony coincided with Heritage Day, a key event in the heritage sector calendar. Speakers included Lord Parkinson, Minister for Heritage, Lord Neil Mendoza CBE, Chair of Historic England, and Ros Kerslake CBE, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical, said: “As the leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, we’re passionate about Britain’s heritage. We’re proud to sponsor the Heritage Hero Awards and this year celebrates two incredibly deserving winners for their outstanding contribution to the heritage sector. Congratulations to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Performance Research Volunteers and Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides!”
Lizzie Glithero-West, CEO at the Heritage Alliance, said: “It’s a pleasure, yet again, to see such a high-quality and diverse range of nominees for an award that celebrates the commitment and passion of volunteers in the heritage sector. These projects are driven by voluntary effort and are achieving incredible things in conserving, celebrating, and opening up special places to new audiences. We’re grateful for Ecclesiastical’s continued support for these special awards and congratulations go to the winners, alongside all those nominated, for their hard work and dedication.”
A spokesperson for the Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Heritage Hero Award! The Clifton Suspension Bridge Hard Hat Volunteer team puts a lot of time and effort into developing their knowledge of the bridge’s history, engineering, and geology, and works hard to share the vaults with a wide range of people. The team does everything from helping visitors to overcome their vertigo, to explaining how stalactites are formed and answering technical questions from professional engineers! This kind of recognition is a celebration of the work of our incredible team and all of the individual achievements that led to a record-breaking 2023 season!”
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*This article was distributed by Pressat.co.uk
