Announcing the winners of the 2025 Heritage Forum Awards

Heritage Awards

15 Jul

2025 winners and dignatories on the lawn at Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed Park hosted an inspiring night to celebrate the very best of Northamptonshire Heritage with winners from the county’s largest and the smallest volunteer run museums and societies and individuals. Oliver Wicksteed DL, Chair of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust welcomed nearly 200 guests and spoke of his great grandfather Charles Wicksteed’s original intention, to provide a place for children and their families to relax and play. Wicksteed Park today remains inspired by their heritage, and the original vision and values are still upheld.

The Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards are held every two years, and this year they received the highest ever number of entries. Leaders from all over Northamptonshire were invited to meet the Forum members, and to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of the winners.

The event was compéred by John Griff DL who introduced the judges, Professor Matthew McCormack from the University of Northampton, Neville Stankley of Nottingham Trent University, Suzanne Oliver of Catalyst Solutions and Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation. There were ten award winners, and eight highly commended certificates awarded (listed below).

At the conclusion of the ceremony The Hon. Mrs Amanda Lowther DL spoke on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant, reflecting on the importance of heritage not least for the economic value it brings to the county, but also for the sense of pride and wellbeing it generates. Organisations like the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum bring together custodians of heritage for the benefit of all. Dr Martin Gaskell DL, chair of the forum closed the evening by thanking all present and expressing the value of North and West Northamptonshire continuing to work together to represent and keep alive the rich history of our beautiful county.

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Best Exhibition

Northampton Museums and Art Gallery
Punk: Rage and Revolution

This boundary-pushing exhibition explored punk’s cultural and political impact in Northamptonshire, using oral histories, personal stories, and crowdsourced items from musicians, fans, and local businesses. It drew more than 55,000 visitors over six months and was widely praised for its authenticity and inclusivity. Social media campaigns were used not just for promotion but to shape the content itself. The exhibition recreated punk’s chaotic energy inside the museum walls, making it feel alive and unapologetically disruptive. Local voices took centre stage, and the project engaged groups that typically feel excluded from heritage spaces. It earned national attention, boosting the profile of Northampton’s heritage scene and creating a vibrant community around the exhibit. Data collection and audience feedback demonstrated strong impact and reach. A high-quality accompanying book added further depth and legacy to this outstanding celebration of countercultural heritage.

Best Exhibition (highly commended)

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
The Bouveries, Descendants of Refugees

This project saw a bold reinterpretation of Delapré Abbey’s Bouverie rooms, sparked by a request from Northampton Town of Sanctuary to highlight the family’s refugee origins. Volunteers uncovered new stories about the Bouveries during lockdown, giving the redisplay depth and resonance. Collaborations with University of Northampton students in media and journalism led to the creation of innovative interpretive features, including talking portraits and multimedia elements. The exhibition successfully blended historical narratives with contemporary relevance, drawing parallels between historic and modern migrations. Particularly praised by the Albanian Cultural Association, it demonstrated how heritage can bridge cultural understanding. Visitor feedback noted the engaging storytelling and fresh approach, moving away from static displays to immersive experiences. The project showcased meaningful community partnership, addressed social themes with nuance, and challenged traditional museum practices—all while drawing in new and diverse audiences.

Best Event

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
Art Jam Festival

Best Exhibition highly commended certificate being given to Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust — Best Event winner, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust

Art Jam was a bold, creative event that transformed Delapré Abbey into a buzzing hub of artistic energy. Designed to engage young adults and underrepresented audiences, the festival featured live painting, workshops, music, food, and craft stalls, encouraging visitors to explore creativity in a historic space. Organised by Tom Nightingale, the event tackled the challenge of making heritage sites feel relevant and inclusive. It broke down perceived barriers to entry – people were invited to ‘make a mess’ in a heritage environment, subverting expectations and inviting a new kind of engagement. Low-cost but high-impact, Art Jam exemplified how historic venues can serve as spaces for contemporary expression. Audience feedback highlighted its welcoming atmosphere, community feel, and inspiring blend of art and heritage.

Best Event (highly commended)

Northamptonshire Family History Society
Northamptonshire Heritage Fair at Chester House

This event brought together 46 exhibitors at Chester House to celebrate the county’s diverse heritage. With guided tours of the Archaeological Resources Centre, landscape walks, archival film screenings, and children’s activities, the fair catered to a broad audience. Informative talks provided deeper insights, making the day both educational and entertaining. The Society demonstrated excellence in planning, promotion, and delivery, collaborating with numerous organisations to showcase shared history. The fair was a well-managed and high-impact example of what local heritage events can achieve. It strengthened community ties, encouraged intergenerational learning, and celebrated Northamptonshire’s story in all its richness.

Best Event (highly commended)

Lamport Hall Preservation Trust
Heritage Open Days 2023: Lamport Conservation Unlocked

Lamport Hall’s free event gave visitors rare access to experts in stained glass, gilding, textiles, and book conservation. Families engaged with hands-on activities across the house and grounds, making specialist knowledge accessible and enjoyable. The focus on conservation—often seen as niche—was brought to life in a tactile, engaging way. A free bus from Northampton helped remove barriers to access. The event reached new audiences and offered valuable lessons for future programming. Lamport Hall succeeded in delivering an experience that was both informative and deeply enjoyable, showing how conservation can be demystified through creative programming.

Best Project by an Organisation or Society

Northamptonshire Record Society
Document Workshop Series

Between October 2024 and April 2025, Northamptonshire Record Society ran a successful series of six ‘document workshops’ at the Northamptonshire Archives. Each session was led by an expert who introduced a specialist topic before participants handled original historic documents in the archive search room. This format helped local historians develop confidence in primary source research and discover previously overlooked material. The project also built new connections among researchers, encouraging collaboration and exploration across themes. The initiative showcased best practice in heritage education – making archives accessible, supporting smaller organisations, and nurturing new interest in historical research. It was a model of sustainability and engagement, demonstrating how deep, practical learning can take place at a low cost but with high impact. The workshops sold out, reflecting strong demand and word-of-mouth success. This was a quiet but powerful project that contributed meaningfully to safeguarding and expanding Northamptonshire’s documentary heritage.

Best Community Wellbeing Project

Cornerstone
Community Outreach Programme

In response to a difficult redevelopment period, Cornerstone turned a potentially negative situation into a powerful community outreach programme. By embracing closure as an opportunity, they offered free activities, engagement sessions, and access to their collections outside their usual venue. The outreach work helped improve public perception, sustained local interest, and forged deeper community relationships. Despite limited resources, the programme reached wide audiences and inspired pride and positivity in Kettering. Activities were diverse and inclusive, and the team’s genuine passion was evident in their delivery. One judge described it as “the art of the possible” - a heartfelt project born out of a need to reconnect and support a town’s cultural confidence. It exemplifies how heritage institutions can act as beacons of resilience and creativity, even under pressure. This was a smart, warm, and community-first initiative that turned hardship into inspiration, with lasting benefits for all involved.

Best Community Wellbeing Project (highly commended)

Northampton Saints Foundation
Memory Café

Best Community Wellness 'highly commended' certificate being awarded to the Northampton Saints Foundation — Best Community Wellbeing Project ‘highly commended’, Northampton Saints Foundation

The Northampton Saints Foundation Memory Café provides a welcoming and stimulating space for individuals dealing with memory loss, mobility challenges, or social isolation. Held monthly and run by dedicated volunteers, each session centres on a themed activity designed to prompt group reminiscence and joyful discussion. The café not only supports participants, but also offers respite and connection for carers. Rugby players and young people from the Foundation’s programmes often take part, helping to build a multi-generational, inclusive environment. The project fosters belonging and wellbeing through shared memory, conversation, and laughter. It’s an example of sport and heritage organisations giving back in a compassionate and meaningful way. The atmosphere is informal but deeply impactful, helping participants rediscover confidence and connection. Judges praised the café for its emotional resonance and practical benefits, calling it a life-enhancing initiative that many hope will continue and expand in years to come.

Best Volunteer Project

Rockingham Forest Trust (Stanwick Lakes)
Nene Valley 5000

Nene Valley 5000 was a spectacular, multi-faceted project led by a dynamic volunteer team at Stanwick Lakes. Focused on bringing prehistory to life, the project included roundhouse building, traditional textile production, barrow reconstructions, and dugout boat experiments – all researched and shaped by the volunteers themselves. With over 8,000 volunteer hours logged and a retention rate of over 90%, the programme was a model for sustainable, skill-based volunteering. Participants grew in confidence, gained leadership experience, and produced work of national and even international interest. The impact went far beyond the site itself, drawing press coverage, academic interest, and new audiences to this nationally significant landscape. Importantly, volunteers weren’t just supporting a programme, they were the programme. Their creativity, passion, and personal development became part of the heritage they were celebrating. Judges highlighted the joy, learning, and legacy left behind by a volunteer team who were empowered to lead and thrive.

Best Volunteer Project (highly commended)

Burton Latimer Heritage Society
Cross-Indexing of Exhibition Folders

Best Volunteering Project 'highly commended' certificate being awarded to Burton Latimer Heritage Society — Best Volunteer Project ‘highly commended’, Burton Latimer Heritage Society

At first glance, indexing folders may not seem glamorous, but this meticulous volunteer-led project is an outstanding example of long-term community service. For each exhibition, a dedicated team compiles images and texts into folders, which are then paginated and systematically indexed by every named individual. This data is uploaded into a searchable spreadsheet, creating a valuable historical resource. The project ensures that past work remains accessible and relevant to the Burton Latimer community today and in the future. It reflects the deep value of methodical, behind-the-scenes effort, often invisible but absolutely essential. The initiative enhances the Society’s ability to answer historical queries, build local pride, and strengthen connections across generations. Volunteers demonstrated extraordinary commitment to ensuring their community’s stories are preserved with care and accuracy. Judges praised the quiet diligence and legacy of this vital work, which now serves as a foundation for ongoing engagement with Burton Latimer’s heritage.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Materials

Higham Ferrers Tourism Business and Community Partnership
Higham Ferrers Junior Town Tour

This innovative project gave children a chance to become heritage ambassadors for their town. Pupils from Higham Ferrers Junior School produced a lively and engaging film showcasing their ten favourite local sites, which was made publicly available on YouTube. Accompanied by display boards placed around the town - including at Chichele College and even in their own playground - the film invites residents and visitors alike to explore Higham Ferrers through the eyes of its youngest citizens. The children’s enthusiasm and pride shine through, and the project successfully inspired new interest in local history. It created a meaningful sense of ownership for the students and provided the wider community with a joyful, accessible resource. The project demonstrates how digital storytelling and place-based education can combine to empower children and promote civic identity. Judges praised the energy, simplicity, and inclusive ambition behind the initiative, noting it as a model for other towns to follow.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Materials (highly commended)

Wicksteed Charitable Trust
Wicksteed Park: The Home of Children’s Play Since 1921

This beautifully produced guidebook, part of the @Play project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, brings Wicksteed Park’s legacy to life through stories, images, and historical insight. Much more than a standard visitor guide, it functions as a mission statement, exploring the philosophy and people behind one of Britain’s most beloved heritage parks. Featuring high-quality photography and accessible storytelling, the book captures a rich narrative of innovation, play, and public enjoyment. It appeals across generations, serving both as a souvenir and an educational resource. Judges described it as nostalgic yet forward-looking – a confident reflection of Wicksteed Park’s past and a hopeful invitation to its future. The guidebook celebrates both the park’s physical features and the human stories woven through its history. In doing so, it reinforces Wicksteed’s identity as a place where history and happiness go hand in hand, making it a worthy of commendation.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Book

Spratton Local History Society
Spratton Church of England Primary School 1819–2022 by Enid Jarvis

This touching and meticulously researched book chronicles the 200-year history of Spratton’s village school, focusing on its role as the heart of the community. Particular attention is paid to the contributions of headteachers over the decades and the evolving educational landscape of rural England. Enid Jarvis collaborated with current pupils during the writing process, teaching them to become historians themselves – an inspiring intergenerational exchange. The book appeals beyond the local community, offering national relevance as a social history of rural schooling. Judges praised its layout, use of primary material, and emotional resonance. With warmth and academic rigour, it documents how the school shaped village life for two centuries. The narrative is both deeply personal and widely relatable – we were all schoolchildren once. This publication not only honours Spratton’s educational legacy but also stands as a model for other communities seeking to preserve their institutional histories.

Hindsight Award for Best Published Book (highly commended)

Piddington cum Hackleton History Society
The Tales of Two Villages

Jon-Paul Carr collecting the 'highly commended' certificate for Best Published Book — Hindsight Award for Best Published Book ‘highly commended’, Piddington cum Hackleton History Society

This richly illustrated book traces the historical evolution of Piddington and Hackleton, two Northamptonshire villages once separated by the main road to London. From the opening of the turnpike in 1709 to the mid-20th century, the book charts local development through photographs, maps, family trees, and anecdotal stories. Its strength lies in its accessibility – well-structured themes, useful indexes, and a wealth of images make it ideal for both casual readers and researchers. The author’s goal was to provide a thorough, readable account of village life, and the judges agreed she succeeded admirably. The book offers a wide range of entry points into history, and serves as a community time capsule, documenting the fabric of rural life through personal and shared memory. It’s an excellent example of how small local history groups can produce meaningful, professional-standard publications that educate, inspire, and preserve the past for future generations.

Best Special Project Over 5 Years

Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO
The Boughton Extension

In March 2024, after 17 years of relentless volunteer effort, the Northampton and Lamport Railway officially opened its half-mile extension to Boughton. This long-term, multi-phase project included major engineering challenges: bridge restoration, track laying, signalling upgrades, and platform construction - all achieved through the dedication of a small but committed team. The extension increased the railway’s operational length by a third and provided a new heritage experience for nearly 11,000 passengers in 2024 alone. Volunteers worked in partnership with students from Northampton College, passing on practical heritage skills while receiving support in return. The project demonstrates how persistence, vision, and community spirit can achieve remarkable results over time. Judges highlighted the exceptional commitment shown by volunteers and the strategic importance of the expansion for the future of the railway. The Boughton Extension stands as a beacon of resilience and ambition, proving what heritage communities can accomplish through collaboration and passion.

Best Special Project Over 5 Years (highly commended)

University of Northampton
Heritage Accelerator and Heritage Skills Hub

This ambitious initiative established the Corby Heritage Accelerator and Heritage Skills Hub, helping to strengthen the infrastructure of the county’s heritage sector over multiple years. Bringing together community groups, experts, schools, and cultural organisations, the project provided a platform for training, collaboration, and shared resources. It helped build confidence in smaller organisations and encouraged new participants to develop heritage-related skills. Through events, workshops, and co-created materials, the project successfully connected grassroots enthusiasm with academic support. It raised the profile of local heritage in meaningful ways and inspired long-term thinking about sustainability and access. Judges were particularly impressed by its reach and the way it acted as a bridge between practitioners and communities. Though the project has now formally ended, its impact is ongoing, and there’s strong appetite for its revival. It was an innovative, forward-looking effort that highlighted the strength of local partnerships and professional development.

Judges Choice Special Award

Wicksteed Park

Judges were delighted with the entry for the special project award which invited children aged eleven and under to design their own fantasy playground equipment. This required imagination and design skills from the entrants. The chosen design was built and installed in the playground for all to enjoy. This entry embodies the spirit of Wicksteed, a place where play has been taken seriously for a hundred years. The design chosen, a giant beanstalk slide and climbing frame has been added to the collection of heritage play equipment designed over the years. The judges noted that Wicksteed Park faced challenges in recent years, but has risen to meet them through community collaboration, hard work and creative thinking. Their entry symbolises the spirit of Wicksteed Park, reflecting the vision of Charles Wicksteed combining engineering and play, and the subsequent generations who have followed on adding their own dreams to the park, a place of both excitement and tranquil natural beauty.

Heritage Organisation of the Year

The Community of Higham Ferrers

The judges felt that a community rather than a single organisation deserved to win this award. The many entries demonstrated a willingness by a number of different Higham Ferrers organisations to work together to benefit the community. There was something for everyone, for parents with young children, school children, young people and older members of the community working together sharing a similar vision of community harmony and fun. It is an important lesson for all who work in heritage to recognise that working together rather than in competition can be inspiring and productive, and that mutual support brings rewards. The judges noted that Higham Ferrers Tourism Business and Community Partnership act as effective leaders for their community and are to be commended for their work.

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