The RNLI's Henry Blogg Museum at Cromer in Norfolk, which opened in April this year, has won a major award.
The Interpret Britain and Ireland Award was presented to Poole-based RNLI museum project manager Maureen La Frenais by TV personality and heritage campaigner Loyd Grossman in Bristol yesterday.
The judges' recommendation for the award explained: “The display of the lifeboat H.F. Bailey and its associated stories is impressive. A purpose-built building, which retains something of the air of a boathouse on the beach at Cromer, has been designed around the lifeboat, providing a through route that starts on the ground floor, alongside and under the hull of the boat, with large high panels introducing the story of its colourful history and its captain, Henry Blogg. The route then ascends to a gallery which enables the visitor to look down on the deck of the boat and enjoy a variety of stimulating panels, artefacts and interactives.
“Under Henry Blogg, the H.F. Bailey was involved, during the first half of the 20th century in a number of dramatic rescues, none more so than in 1932 when he rescued 30 Italian sailors from the stranded Monte Nevoso. During that rescue Blogg also saved a St Bernard dog, Monty, which is used to good effect in some of the lighter interpretation along the route for younger visitors.
“The judges thought that the project had successfully fulfilled its aims and provides a clear and absorbing story of the lifeboat and its captain - the eponymous Henry Blogg. It uses a stimulating variety of means which includes material of interest to a variety of ages and levels and abilities of interest.”
“I'm so pleased that the new museum has been given a national award,” said Maureen. “This confirms the positive feedback we've had ever since it opened. It's proving to be a great new museum for the RNLI Heritage Trust which preserves the history of the charity by caring for the objects and archives that tell the story of the lifesaving service since it began back in 1824.”
The awards recognise the very best examples of interpretation - the art of sharing the stories and significance of natural and cultural heritage.
“It is extremely gratifying to see such excellent interpretive practice being put in place by organisations large and small,” said Loyd Grossman. “It is also exciting that so many people are working to encourage diversity by making their sites and interpretation accessible to everyone.”
The awards scheme, now in its 22nd year, is run by the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI), with support from English Heritage, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales.
Coxswain Henry Blogg (1876-1954) was the RNLI's most decorated lifeboatman. During his 53 years of service Blogg was awarded three gold and four silver RNLI medals for gallantry, as well as the George Cross and British Empire Medal. With the assistance of his dedicated crew, he launched some 387 times and helped to save 873 lives around the Cromer coast.
The new museum illustrates the history of Cromer lifeboats and Blogg's most famous rescues. The Watson class lifeboat HF Bailey, which served heroically under Blogg in World War Two, is the centrepiece of the museum and features alongside historic photographs, paintings, models and memorabilia. The exhibition, with family friendly interactive displays, brings the story of the RNLI to life and up to the present day.
HF Bailey was built in 1935 and was given the 'lucky' Operational Number 777. The historic boat underwent a successful 18 month conservation programme to prepare her for life in the museum. The new museum building appears to be constructed 'around' the boat and a film showing in the museum explains how such a close fit was accomplished.
The RNLI's all weather lifeboat station is half a mile away at the end of the pier.
The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum is currently closed for the winter and reopens on February 1st. Admission is free but donations are welcome. To book a visit and to check opening times, contact the museum on 01263 511294.
For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk
