We are delighted to say that Sheffield Cathedral has been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education 2015. This is an independently judged, quality assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, and collections across Britain. Past winners include Hampton Court Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Beamish, York Castle Museum and Blenheim Palace, so we are in exceptional company.
With Heritage Lottery Funding support as part of the Gateway Project, Sheffield Cathedral now runs a rich and varied programme of formal and informal heritage learning opportunities, welcoming and engaging many new visitors to the cathedral. This includes visits for school groups, holiday activities for children and families, Heritage Open Days, talks, tours and historical and cultural events.
A Dedicated Team
The programme is led by Janet Ridler, our Heritage Learning Officer, and supported by the work of Volunteer Co-Ordinator Chris Carrington and a dedicated team of volunteer education assistants, guides and welcomers.
Lead judge Christopher Green commented:
The local and national significance of Sheffield Cathedral’s heritage learning provision is shown in its striking location and in the carefully conceived educational programmes. These programmes employ a wealth of academic, practical and role-play sessions in highly effective ways that inspire and inform. The Cathedral building exhibits many physical changes that reflect its rich heritage and history, but it retains its place as a sanctuary and centre for exploration and learning for all across its diverse community.
We are delighted that the hard work and dedication o the team, and the quality of Sheffield Cathedral’s Heritage Learning programme, has led to national recognition.
To find out more or to get involved, take a look at our Heritage and Learning pages here:
www.sheffieldcathedral.org/learning
www.sheffieldcathedral.org/heritage