Kettering Borough Council is delighted to have won the prestigious 'Museum of the Year Award' in the Northamptonshire Heritage Awards 2011. We were presented with the award by Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, who was one of the judges at the Award ceremony on 14th June at Harrowden Hall.
We also won the category Best Exhibition for the popular ‘Brass is for Life, not Just for Christmas,’ which was on display at the Manor House Museum from December 2010 to January 2011. The exhibition received hundreds of new visitors and exceptional feedback as it gave visitors a chance to play a musical instrument and find out about our local legacy of brass bands. Many thanks are due to the Gretton Silver Band and Kettering Town Silver Band for getting involved with this award winning exhibition.
We were also runners up in the Peoples Choice public vote which was won by the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne.
Valerie Hitchman Head of Community Services said: 'There are about 50 museums in the county and it is wonderful that this year the judges and our visitors have decided that we should receive these awards. Thank you to everyone that voted for us in the Peoples Choice'.
Councillor Steve Bellamy portfolio holder for Community and Culture said: 'the judges were particularly impressed with the work we have done to attract family volunteers and the value for money of the service. To win The Museum of the Year is wonderful but to have also won the Best Exhibition and be a runner up in the Peoples Choice is an incredible achievement.
The Alfred East Gallery and Manor House Museum have had a fantastic year of exhibitions and activities that have been popular with families looking for things to do. We have also been able to attract families into volunteering and helping to put on their own exhibition.