Here come the heroes
The 12 finalists for this year’s historic england Angel Awards have been announced. An apprentice mason who braved storms, fog and high winds to save a Lundy Island landmark, brothers who transformed derelict Victorian baths into an indoor BMX park and a milestone devotee who has rescued more than 150 markers —and enlisted the help of The Prince of Wales in painting Roman numerals on the Amner milestone on the Sandringham estate—are among the shortlist of individuals and groups who devote their time and energy to ensuring the survival of historic sites.
A winner from each of four categories will be selected by an expert judging panel, which includes the Dean of Westminster, Baroness Young and historic england’s chief executive Duncan Wilson and is chaired by Andrew Lloydwebber, whose foundation also supports the awards. The public has the chance to nominate two separate winners—the historic england Followers’ and Telegraph Readers’ Favourite awards. Visit www.historicengland.org.uk/angelawards to have your say; voting closes on November 5.
Since the england awards launched in 2011, a Scottish heritage Angel Awards was founded in 2014 and the Northern Ireland heritage Angel Awards this year. Now, for the first time, Lord Lloyd-webber and a judge from each country that hosts an Angel Awards scheme will decide on an overall winner. Sponsored by Battersea Power Station, the champion will be announced at the historic england Angel Awards ceremony in London in November.
‘I am always impressed by the tireless commitment shown by our Angel Award nominees,’ says Mr Wilson. ‘The variety of this year’s shortlist proves there are so many different ways to engage with our rich legacy of historic buildings and places and, as ever, the judging panel will have their work cut out to choose the winners. It is essential that we champion the volunteers and heritage professionals whose work ensures we can continue to enjoy england’s wonderful historic sites for generations to come.’