The judges of the first ever IHBC Marsh Awards have met together and 
carefully assessed the submissions, so the IHBC and the Marsh Christian Trust can announce the two 2016 IHBC Marsh Award winners:
- Chris Hall, former conservation officer at Scarborough, who received the award for ‘retired member’
- Sam Tinsdeall, for ‘Successful Learning’ at the National Trust
with each awarded £500 cash prizes from the Marsh Christian Trust and free places at the 2016 Annual School in Worcester, sponsored by the IHBC, where the Awards will be presented.
IHBC President and awards judge David McDonald said: ‘It has been a real privilege to to have been one of the judges in the first year of the IHBC Marsh Awards. Not only have I been able to appreciate the work of a number of the unsung heroes of conservation, but it has also been an extremely positive experience working with the Marsh Christian Trust.’
‘In giving the Award for Retired IHBC Community Contribution to Chris Hall, we were impressed by the range of projects in which he has been involved and also his willingness to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.’
‘In respect of the Award for Successful Learning in Heritage Skills, Sam Tinsdeall stood out because he was able to take the woodworking skills that he had gained with the National Trust to Norway to increase his knowledge and ability.’
‘I look forward to seeing an equally inspiring range of entrants for the 2017 Awards’.
Emily Reeves, Trust Manager at the Marsh Christian Trust, reported: ‘It is a pleasure to be working with the IHBC on this Awards partnership to help recognise and promote the exceptional work taking place in heritage conservation and learning. As this was the first year in which the Awards were run we were pleased to see that the standard of nominations across both categories was very high and we hope that, as awareness of these Awards grows, more and more nominations will be encouraged every year.’
Winner of the Community Contribution (Retired Member) is Chris Hall, from Scarborough, joint director of two exceptional not-for-profit building restoration projects in the town: The Old Parcels Office at Scarborough Railway Station (ongoing since about 2008) and Dean Road Chapel (ongoing since 2011).
Chris was described by the person who nominated him as always going the extra mile, the ‘go-to man’.
He was delighted to receive the award, commenting: ‘It is a real surprise and honour to have been awarded the first IHBC Marsh Award.’
‘I think building conservation is in my blood and when I retired as Scarborough Borough Council’s building conservation officer three years ago I wanted to continue to use my expertise and I was glad to be able to be involved in a number of projects. I have always felt part of a community here in Scarborough and it has been great to help bring these community projects forward.’
‘If anybody is visiting the country’s first seaside resort I’d be happy to show them round… we could always visit the newly Listed Francis Tearooms!’
Chris’s companion as the first winner of the Community Award is Sam Tinsdeall, winner of the award for ‘Successful Learning’.
Sam acquired his skills through the Direct Labour Team at Clumber Park (National Trust) from 2012, as apprentice joiner under the displaced apprentice scheme. He is now a valued member of the same team. His forte is joinery, for which he uses traditional techniques and detailing to create a range of fixtures and fittings which are in keeping with the buildings, but are made to the current standards.
Sam who was not aware of his nomination, said: ‘It is a complete surprise and an honour! I would like to thank my mentor Graham Kent and the Direct Labour Team at Clumber Park for their support and help which made it possible for me to achieve this award.’
Terry Wilson who nominated Sam, shared Sam’s pleasure and commented that: ‘Recognition by a scheme with the standing of IHBC Marsh Award is something that the National Trust Team will value highly.’
Sam and Chris have the opportunity to join the IHBC’s Annual School in Worcester in June, including the IHBC’s Annual Dinner where the formal presentations of their well-deserved awards will take place along with the presentation of the Gus Astley Student Award 2016.
For more on the annual IHBC Marsh Awards for community contribution and successful learning see the website
