Marsh Award Winners 2024

The Marsh Trust was established in 1981 by Brian Marsh OBE, and the Trust supports organisations and individuals who make a difference in the community around the country through grant giving and awards programmes. We have been in partnership with the Trust since 2013. It is because of the Marsh Trust’s generosity that we have been able to honour the hard work and commitment of some of those who have contributed to the success of their volunteering projects and their Societies. All our winners were nominated by their colleagues at their Society or Area.

We are delighted to announce the details of the recipients of the 2024 Marsh Awards. 

Group Winners 

The Arts Society West Essex Trails of Discovery Team nominated by their Society Chairman, Pam Percy

Led by Diana Meteyard with great support from her husband Hugh, the team have completed five local church trails and two trails in the gardens of nearby mansion, Copped Hall. For the Essex Area, Diana and Hugh completed two trails in Chelmsford Cathedral, one for pre-school children and the other for people living with dementia. They have also assisted other Societies with their Trails. Their first Trail after the pandemic was launched by the Bishop of Chelmsford in St Mary’s Church Theydon Bois and was attended children from local schools and Brownies. Their Trails will be used by hundreds of people visiting the gardens at Copped Hall. The Trails Team is a vibrant example of how The Arts Society can reach out to the wider community.

The Arts Society Bristol Heritage Volunteers Team nominated by their Society Chairman, Kate Floyd

Led by Debbie Sandow, the group has been working in Bristol Cathedral since 2018. They have been restoring textiles and have produced work of a very high quality and to modern fire standards, enhancing the beauty of the cathedral for all who visit and saving the cathedral a large amount of money to spend on more people-focused activities for the wider community in Bristol. The group are continuing to work on the cathedral textiles and there seems to be a steady stream of new restoration projects for them. As The Very Reverend Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, said “I take great delight in their work, and appreciate the skill and artistry of these wonderful volunteers”. 

The Arts Society West Cornwall Committee nominated by outgoing Society Chairman, Samme Charlesworth

Since its foundation thirteen years ago, the committee has contributed time, passion and commitment to the running and development of the Society and to volunteering in their local area. This year alone, they have arranged and run ten lectures, held 11 committee meetings, judged and gifted cash prizes to emerging artists at their local college, submitted art for the A Level Art Competition, have run visits to museums, hosted private art film screenings, organised trips to ancient sites, churches and historic houses, held themed parties and other events. In addition to this they have raised funds for Young Arts projects targeting the less privileged in their area. They have reached out to community groups working with U3A groups, local art schools and galleries and were sponsors of the inaugural John Le Carré Memorial Lecture. As Samme says, “If not for the gifted hours, skills and friendship, this Society would be all the poorer”.

Individual Winners

International Award Winner, Tony Cabban nominated by Lanie Geldert of The Arts Society Marina Alta

Tony was the founder Chair when the Society opened in 2017. He stepped down after serving his term of office, however he returned to the role in 2023. The pandemic, Brexit and the economic downturn had taken their toll on the Society which had lost two thirds of its membership. Tony returned and together with his committee rescued The Arts Society from closure. Through a variety of innovative ideas including use of social media, reaching out to other community organisations locally, gaining sponsorship, young arts projects and the introduction of flexible membership for ex-pats affected by Brexit, Tony has turned the Society around adding value and pleasure for Members while making a difference to the cultural landscape of the Marina Alta area.

Individual Award Winner for Arts Volunteering, Julia Villiers nominated by Linda Cartwright of The Arts Society Poole

Julia has been a committee member of The Arts Society Poole since 2015. As Arts Volunteering Representative for the Society she identifies a need, seeks out suitable projects and follows through on their implementation and outcome including securing suitable funding from the Patricia Fay Fund and Community Grants. She has several successful projects under her belt including Easter holiday print-making workshops at the Bourne Valley Hub, an area known for its social deprivation. Working with the Dorset Blind Association she organised a tactile workshop where visually impaired people made decorative mugs. A keen networker, Julia has also facilitated joint projects with neighbouring Societies. In addition to her Arts Volunteering role, Julia also organises tours and visits for her Society.

Individual Award Winner for Arts Volunteering, Karen Couchman nominated by Elizabeth Cragg of The Arts Society Monmouthshire

Karen has been the Arts Volunteering Representative on her committee for 10 years. During this time she has initiated many programmes, primarily focussed on schools. She has organised ceramics, art and textile workshops for local primary schools, enlisting the help of artists and teachers, whilst also working with children herself, as she is a qualified artist. In addition to this, in 2018 she organised a quilt project to commemorate the end of World War One, last year she organised a project for children to make large flags to commemorate the Coronation which will go on display later this year and currently she is engaged on two projects with local children involving photography and film. At a time when art is being sidelined in schools, Karen’s creativity and enthusiasm is very much appreciated by all those that have benefited from her projects.

Individual Committee Member Award Winner, Anne Deuchar nominated by Heather Leach, Chairman of The Arts Society Kington Langley

Anne was Chair of the Area Support Team for Wessex from 2021 until earlier this year and she made a huge difference to the Societies in the Area. Her technical skills and expertise empowered local Societies particularly during the Covid period when she helped them get to grips with new technology and Zoom in particular. She developed the use of Ticket Tailor in the Area making the process of joining study days and meetings so much easier. In those days where membership was falling, she responded to requests for help from Societies offering advice, ideas and encouragement. She made Society committees feel that they could and did make a difference. Her Team in the Area also appreciated her kindness, wisdom and faith in their abilities.

Individual Committee Member Award Winner, Jean Schooling nominated by Amanda Howard, Chairman of The Arts Society Greater London Area

Jean will be standing down from her role as Area Co-ordinator for Education for the Greater London Area this month as she approaches a significant birthday! For over 10 years Jean has supervised a team of Study Course Organisers that produces 25 to 30 special interest days and courses per year. These events attract regular attendees from all over the country, not all of whom are Arts Society Members. Jean maintains a monthly MailChimp newsletter which goes out to over 1200 people ensuring the events receive a good attendance. The special interest days provide enjoyment and education for those that attend and in addition to this, they provide funds for the Greater London Area’s impressive grant giving programme which benefits the wider community. Jean’s contribution to arts education and to The Arts Society is much appreciated by all concerned.

Highly-Commended

Group

The Arts Society Dorking Heritage Volunteers Group.

Individual Arts Volunteering

Jan Watson of The Arts Society South East Suffolk

Committee Individuals

Jenny Lush of The Arts Society Eastbourne

Loredana Hartley of The Arts Society Northamptonshire

Tony Lord of The Arts Society Chichester

Special Recognition for her work in Arts Volunteering

Patricia Morgan of The Arts Society Cranleigh.

Our congratulations to all those that received an award this year.