Society rewards those who preserve and improve town

The Alnwick Civic Society Awards for 2015/2016 were presented on Thursday 10 March, by Peter Carter, author of the recent publication, Telling the Story of Alnwick and District.

A major award for historic building conservation was given to architect Clive Mattison for his work at Pottergate Tower, ‘which brings this prominent landmark into use, for the first time, almost 250 years after it was built’.

There was also an award for the revitalisation of the Castle Quarter, ‘where traders have collaborated to improve the townscape and give the area a welcome boost’.

Stonemason Paul Foster received the Gordon Smith Award for small projects for his stonework for Mrs Roberton and Mr and Mrs Biggers on the chimneys at The Old Manse and Hope Lodge, in Percy Terrace, respectively.

There was a commendation for improvement of a non-listed building in the conservation area handed to VM Dundas joiners and carpenters after they replaced Sarah Campbell’s PVC door at 7 Percy Terrace with a timber one.

Regarding both of the above efforts, the Society highlighted that they all use traditional materials ‘that warm the hearts of conservationists’.

Finally, there were prizes for a group and individual that work hard to brighten up the town during the festive season in recognition of ‘the contribution they make every year to our enjoyment of Alnwick’s townscape and the approach to the centre’. These went to the Alnwick Christmas Lights Committee and Jane Gowland, of Column Cottage.