Judges in the tenth year of the IHBC Marsh Charitable Trust Awards are delighted to announce the 2025 Awards, as Carole Ryan secures the ‘Community Contribution by a Retired Member of the IHBC’ award, while the ‘Successful Learning in Heritage Skills’ goes to William Johnson of Stonewest and the Building Crafts College.
Each award winner is to receive £500 and a free place at the upcoming Annual School in Shrewsbury in June 2025.
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Community Contribution (Retired Member) Award – Carole Ryan
IHBC Marsh Award judges were impressed by Carole’s demonstrable passion and dedication to conserving the historic environment, as well as her engagement on the local level in a variety of aspects. After a successful career in conservation including as the Head of Historic Environment at the former Shropshire County Council, Senior Lecturer in Heritage Conservation at Bournemouth University and Director for the MSc, and as a Chartered Surveyor and consultant, Carole continues to involve herself with local conservation issues through volunteering and community outreach. She has contributed extensively to the IHBC West Midlands Branch and the CPRE as a Heritage Advisor, including attendance at Agricultural Shows to promote the objectives of the Shropshire Branch of CPRE by interaction with show attendees, and talks to public meetings on local heritage matters. Recently Carole has led on the identification, promotion, and development of the evidence base for the successful designation of two conservation areas in Shropshire which had not been originally designated in the 1970s and 1980s.
Carole reflected upon her years in the sector, saying that: ‘The IHBC is like a family, it gives a sense of belonging when one is no longer in full time employment, and with it a sense of direction.
Successful Learning in Heritage Skills – William Johnson
William impressed the judging panel with his positive approach to learning, his diligent work, and his support for junior colleagues as he undertook his Level 2 apprenticeship in stonemasonry whilst attending the Building Crafts College in Stratford, London. The judges further noted his successful career transition in the pursuit of a heritage craft which he has clearly taken to quite fondly. The application provided detailed information and was well illustrated, helping the judges to ascertain William’s particular learning progress and accomplishments.
William said: ‘I am both surprised and proud to be the recipient of this prestigious award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel Gilkison and his fellow tutors at the Building Crafts College who nominated me; their ongoing encouragement, guidance, and shared passion for traditional stonemasonry skills and preserving our heritage is inspiring. I would also like to thank my employer Stonewest for supporting me throughout my training – I am extremely fortunate to work with such skilled and dedicated crafts people on a variety of historic Grade I and II sites.’
‘Finally, I’d like to thank my wife and two children; their support and fascination in what I do keeps me motivated.’
An in-person Award presentation is planned for the Annual Dinner of the IHBC Reading School 2025, on the evening of the IHBC’s Shrewsbury Day School on 13 June.
For more information on the Annual School see HERE.
For more on the IHBC Marsh Awards for Community Contribution (Retired Member) and Successful Learning in Heritage Skills see HERE.
Find more information about the Marsh Charitable Trust HERE.
See the Marsh Awards on Community Contribution (Retired Member) HERE, including past winners
See the Marsh Awards on Successful Learning in Heritage Skills HERE, including past winners
