Volunteers Recognized for Exceptional Service to UK’s Heritage Sector
A group of dedicated volunteers who have supported the Clifton Suspension Bridge have been honored with the Ecclesiastical Heritage Collaboration 2023 Award. The award, one of two Ecclesiastical Heritage Hero Awards, celebrates the efforts of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides.
These volunteers lead hard hat tours into the Leigh Woods Abutments, a series of twelve vaulted chambers that support Brunel’s Victorian suspension bridge. Through their research and use of props, the volunteers bring the history of the bridge to life, leading to a doubling of visitor numbers.
Sponsored by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical, the Heritage Heroes Awards, now in their 14th year, recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers to 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 of the winners received an Ecclesiastical Heritage Hero 2023 winner presentation plaque. The awards ceremony coincided with Heritage Day, a key event in the heritage sector calendar, with distinguished speakers such as 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, expressed the company’s passion for Britain’s heritage and their pride in sponsoring the Heritage Heroes Awards. She congratulated the winners, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Performance Research Volunteers and the Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides, for their exceptional contributions to the heritage sector.
Lizzie Glithero-West, CEO at the Heritage Alliance, also commended the winners, stating, “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.”
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides expressed their delight at winning the Heritage Heroes Award, stating, “The team do everything from helping visitors to overcome their vertigo to explaining how stalactites are formed and answering technical questions from professional engineers!” They also thanked Ecclesiastical for their support and recognition of their hard work and individual achievements.
Volunteers are vital for the protection of England’s heritage, and their skills, passion, and commitment are the backbone of the sector. The Heritage Heroes Awards serve as a reminder of the important role volunteers play in preserving and celebrating the UK’s rich heritage. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for their outstanding contributions.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.