A group of young “Heritage Hunters”, encouraging their community to celebrate local heritage, a 13 year old budding archaeologist, a church adapted into a wellbeing venue for a mental health charity and ex-soldiers recovering from armed conflicts through archaeology – these are among 20 heritage groups and projects chosen to go forward to the finals of the Historic England Angel Awards in London on Monday 31stOctober 2016.
Highlights in the South West:
Fishponds Church of England Academy, BRISTOL - Shortlisted in the ‘Best Contribution by a Young Person’ Category
Operation Nightingale, Netheravon Barrows, Spitfire P9503 Crash, WILTSHIRE – Shortlisted in the ‘Best Community Action Project’, sponsored byThe National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS)
Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust Ltd, SOMERSET - Shortlisted in the ‘Best Community Action Project’, sponsored byThe National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS)
Richard Jefferies Museum Trust, SWINDON - Shortlisted in the Best Community Action Project, sponsored byThe National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS)
Founded by Andrew Lloyd Webber and supported by his Foundation, the Historic England Angel Awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and local groups all over the country who put hours of hard work and enthusiasm into saving derelict or damaged historic landmarks and bringing them back to life.
This year we have expanded the award categories to recognise the inspiratonal young people who are helping to protect, save and share their local historic places. Other new categories celebrate the Best Community Action Project, the Best Research Project, the Best Rescue of a Heritage Site and lastly the Outstanding Contribution to Heritage award will go to an individual or group who has worked tirelessly to save and share a part of our heritage.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “The Angel Awards celebrate once again the unsung heroes of heritage. I am passionate that our heritage is protected, valued and enjoyed by all. I am particularly thrilled that this year we recognise the increasing role of young people in preserving our heritage. In a year when Westminster has been put on the World Heritage register as a site at risk, it is exciting that this year's shortlist proves that people of all ages are dedicated to preserving our heritage and doing so in ever more inventive ways.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said:“This year’s shortlist shows that heritage angels come in many guises and all are dedicated to saving and sharing our spectacular historic environment. The impressive young people among those we are celebrating this year show that our historic places speak to all generations and that anyone can get involved in protecting and championing our heritage.”
Groups from all the shortlisted entries have been invited to attend the Historic England Angels Awards ceremony at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End which the judges, George Clarke, Emma Bridgewater, historian Bettany Hughes and the Dean of Westminster, John Hall will attend.
Vote for your favourite
Historic England is inviting members of the public to vote for their favourite entrywww.historicengland.org.uk/angelawards.
Aon Estates Practice are sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution to Heritage award andThe National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) are sponsoring Best Community Action Project award
The Telegraph is media partner for the awards and the awards are co-funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.www.andrewlloydwebberfoundation.com