Bath Postal Museum receives a National Commendation from the Association for Heritage Interpretation
Bath Postal Museum - 18th December, 2007
Bath Postal Museum receives a National Commendation from the Association for Heritage Interpretation
Bath Postal Museum has won a major award for the outstanding way it communicates with its visitors. The Interpret Britain and Ireland Commendation was presented to Colin Baker & Ivan Holliday by popular Irish actor Frank Kelly in Ireland on 26 November.
The awards recognise the very best examples of interpretation – the art of helping people explore and appreciate our world. Winners had to score high marks against a range of rigorous criteria including imagination and innovation, good interpretive planning and a clear commitment to accessibility, training and maintenance.
At the award ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience on the west coast of Ireland, Frank Kelly said: 'Acting is all about telling stories and bringing people and places to life. So I am fascinated to see how heritage sites are using interpretation to tell stories, and inspire and excite people about history, culture and the environment. I'm especially delighted that two Irish sites have won recognition in these awards.'
The awards scheme, now in its 23rd year, is run by the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI), with support from English Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.
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The Bath Postal Museum applied for an award from the Association of Heritage Interpretation following its move to new premises last year. This modern museum is now located beneath the main post office in Bath where new displays and exhibits give visitors an insight into the importance that communications have had in the development of this country. Three important Bath men come to life on 'Talking Heads' screens with John Palmer, Ralph Allen and Thomas Moore Musgrave telling visitors how they influenced the post some 200 years ago. Other postal characters tell their stories of life in the Post Office in bygone days. There are also plenty of other interactive displays for visitors to enjoy.
Visiting AHI judges commented: “We wish to recommend a commendation for this site, based on the attractive use of media, layering of interpretation, lots of interactivity with specific opportunities for families and children. Specific exhibits worked well, particularly, the talking heads and there was a good variety of exhibit types”..
Audrey Swindells, one of the museum's founders, said “how thrilled everyone is at receiving this award. A large number of people have worked very hard over a number of years to ensure the continued success of the museum. This award is a fitting tribute to all their labours”.
Further Notes
The permanent displays are always worth a visit. In addition our colourful and frequently changing exhibits have something to offer for everyone.
Two special displays currently showing:
“Lest We Forget” about the two World Wars
and “60 Glorious Years” featuring the Royal Diamond Wedding.
Opening hours: 11.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday-Saturday. Last entry at 4.30 pm.
During the winter we close at 4.30 pm.
Groups: Groups and schools can be catered for. Please request details of our special facilities and rates.
Contacts: Janine Marriott or Ruth Richardson on 01225 460333 between 10.30am and 4.30pm. email¬ education@bathpostalmuseum.org
For further information about the award scheme, please contact:
Michael H Glen - admin@heritage-interpretation.org.uk or 01738 621996
or Cathy Lewis – cathy@froghopper-design.co.uk or 01929 439027
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ADDITIONAL NOTES
Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI)
AHI is the UK membership body for people working and teaching in the field of heritage and environmental interpretation. AHI members are drawn from a wide range of fields including museums, government agencies, local authorities, trusts and charities, universities and colleges, national and country parks, and consultancies of many kinds. Membership is open to everyone with an interest in communicating about our natural and cultural surroundings.
www.heritage-interpretation.org.uk
Interpretation
Interpretation is defined by AHI as a process that enriches lives through engaging emotions, enhancing experiences and deepening understanding of people, places, events and objects from past and present.
Frank Kelly
Frank Kelly is an Irish actor whose career has spanned radio, television, theatre, music, writing and films. He has played a wide variety of roles in Irish theatre over many years, and he has toured extensively in the U.S. and Canada. He is perhaps best known for playing Father Jack in the hit comedy series Father Ted from 1995 to 1998. Much of the filming of Father Ted took place in County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher.