News Release

First annual heritage award handover ceremony

Date: Wednesday, August 18

Time: approx 11.15am

Place: Thurnham Castle, Maidstone

Details: An award, in memory of the late Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, will be handed over to Thurnham Parish Council – as the award custodian - to recognise heritage throughout the county.

The heritage award, which will be given out annually, is being awarded in conjunction with English Heritage. It is made from timber that grew in the grounds of Thurnham Castle- itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Cllr John Horne, who is Maidstone’s Heritage Champion and has instigated the award, said: “The point of this heritage award is to recognise an outstanding contribution in Heritage protection. It will recognise that good buildings in attractive places improve the quality of life for all, enhance the setting for daily activities, creating safer and stronger communities and that good design can help raise the standards of new development in historic areas.”

The award may be made to a body corporate, charity, group or individual within a locality who are judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the above objectives.

The Board who will decide the winners each year will comprise the Cabinet Member for Communities or the Heritage Champion from Kent County Council, the Heritage Champion from Maidstone Borough Council, three Parish Council Members and the south east Director of English Heritage or representative.

To nominate call Mrs S Babington - Thurnham Parish Clerk on 01634 867173 or email thurnhamparishcouncil@sherriebabington.co.uk