To consider any communications to be submitted by the Mayor or the Chief Executive.
Minutes:
(a) National Award for Record Keeping Service of the Year 2022 Barnsley Archives
The Chief Executive made Members aware that in September it was announced that Barnsley Archives and Local Studies were winners of the Archives and Records Association’s ‘Record Keeping Service’ of the year award 2022.
This National award recognised the achievements by an archive, conservation, or records management service over the last eighteen months.
Nominated for their hard work and dynamism during the pandemic, projects were highlighted for their digital diversification, keeping the service operating remotely during closures, as well as the creation of a new storage space bringing collections together under one roof.
The award was decided by public vote with people from across the country getting involved.
Other finalists in the category were the University of Nottingham, Manuscripts and Special Collections, The Manuscripts for Medieval Studies Team, the Library of Trinity College Dublin, Transport for London Corporate Archives and Doncaster Archives and Heritage Doncaster.
Winning such a prestigious award was a massive achievement for the Archives Service and was well-deserved after all their hard work in recent years. Special thanks and congratulations were given to David Blunden, Katy Best, James Stevenson and Paul Stebbing.
Councillor Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, passed on his thanks to the service and their hard work. He made Members aware that the President of the Archives and Records Association came to Barnsley in October to present the award, and all delegates attending were impressed by the facilities in Barnsley.
(b) Best Accessible Museum in the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Awards Experience Barnsley Museum
The Chief Executive announced that Experience Barnsley Museum had won the award for Best Accessible Museum in the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Awards.
The charity Kids in Museums had run a prestigious annual award for 16 years, recognising the most family friendly heritage sites in the UK. It was the only museum award to be judged by families. The Best Accessible Museum category celebrated museums making excellent efforts to include families with children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities.
Family judges who visited Experience Barnsley over the summer said they felt comfortable and enjoyed lots of hands-on interaction. They praised the Museum’s Makaton signage, SEND activity backpacks, sensory toys in the shop and inclusive range of books. Members heard how one judge had commented: “The museum was jam-packed with interactive activities which was fantastic…The sensory bag and disabled toilets are exceptional. Staff are lovely, and they go beyond to help”.
Thanks were given to Ally Beckett, Sarah Taylor, Matthew Potter, Michael Hardy, Luke Stanley, and Jude Holland who were present in the chamber, but also to the rest of the Barnsley Museums Team.
Councillor Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, also passed on his thanks to the team, noting how great it was that the learning sessions were being recognised and rewarded with such a prestigious award. This highlighted the quality and creativity of the learning opportunities offered, the experience and dedication of the staff, and showed the museum to be a safe and supportive environment for all learners.
The Mayor added her praise to the hard work of those involved and offered her congratulations.
(c) Thanks to The Reverend Canon Stephen Race
The Chief Executive announced that the Mayor, on behalf of the Council and Civic office, would like to thank The Reverend Canon Stephen Race, Area Dean of Barnsley for his long serving commitment to the residents of Barnsley over the last 17 years, particularly supporting the Civic Office since 2014 as priest of St Mary’s.
It was with great sadness that The Reverend Canon was leaving Barnsley but at the same time officers and Members were delighted and offered congratulations on his recent appointment as the new Bishop of Beverley.
Members heard that the consecration service would take place at York Minster on Wednesday 30 November 2022 at 11.00 am and the event was open to the public should anyone wish to attend.
Best wishes were given to the Reverend and his family for the future.
Councillor Ennis OBE gave thanks to the Reverend for the support he had provided to him and past Mayors of Barnsley, which was echoed by the Mayor.