NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME HIDDEN GEM CELEBRATED AT PRESTIGIOUS TOURISM AWARDS
A NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME museum was highly commended at a prestigious tourism awards which attracted attention from all across Staffordshire.
The Brampton Museum was shortlisted in each of the three categories it entered in the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards recently – an annual event described as celebrating the crème-de-la-crème of Staffordshire tourism.
Winning Silver in the Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award and the Ethical, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Award, as well as Highly Commended in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Awards – the recognition also comes as the Borough moves through its 850th anniversary year.
(Brampton Museum award image – Teresa Mason and Delyth Copp (Museum Managers) and Elise Turner (Activities and Events Officer))
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “It is the first time that the Brampton Museum has entered the Staffordshire Tourism Awards and everyone connected to it is delighted by the result, especially as it is the focal point of the Borough’s 850th anniversary celebrations this year.
“We are very proud of the Museum, and the work and enthusiasm of its staff and volunteers and I’m delighted to see it take its place among the best attractions in Staffordshire.”
Cllr Tagg added: “The awards recognise the achievements of the best tourism attractions and businesses operating in our county and reflect their hard work and professionalism in contributing to an industry which generates a huge economic impact for our area.
“The success of the museum is a great reflection of the impressive improvements which have been undertaken to the museum as part of the National Lottery funded project to add new event spaces, a café and gallery in addition to redisplaying many parts of the building.”
Also celebrating from the Borough were Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets and Andrew van Buren of the Philip Astley Project CIC.
Nick Moore, Town Centre officer, said: “Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets are delighted to have won Gold at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards. Over the last few years we’ve put all of our energy into invigorating The Stones market by adding a more diverse range of highly-successful market events. Castle Artisan Market, Vegan Festivals, Greyhound Gap Market Take-overs, Music on The Stones are now firm visitor favourites. Alongside the established General and Antique Markets, we now operate up to seven days a week;there’s a market for everyone.
“The award recognised this innovation but also focussed on the support and resilience offered to traders through the Covid-19 Lockdown years and the way in which fledgling businesses can launch affordably at Newcastle-under-Lyme Market with our support.”
Andrew Van Buren. Credit Clara Lou Photograpy
Andrew van Buren said: “I am humbled to have been presented the Silver ‘Unsung Hero Award’, it came as such a surprise when I found out that I had been put forward because of my work gaining recognition for Philip Astley (the Original Ringmaster, Creator of the Modern Circus and Military Hero) plus promoting his legacy of the circus while using all of this to make a positive impact and difference to his and my birthplace – Newcastle under Lyme.
“Working with the amazing Philip Astley Project CIC team, and both local and global partners I think we have made a good start and positive impact, but there is more to do. It is lovely that my and our work has been recognised by Enjoy Staffordshire, I just hope that it helps the area.”
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery was also Highly Commended in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year with Carol Adams of the Trentham Estate awarded Gold in the Unsung Hero Award.
MORE News about the Awards for 2023 can be found HERE
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