The first awards for exemplary projects within Ringwood were given by The Ringwood Society in 1981, albeit on a more informal basis than today, and recipients were given a mention in the Society’s newsletter. The awards were later formalised in 1991 as the Certificate of Merit.
The scheme was relaunched in 2022, and are a way of The Ringwood Society identifying good new architecture and worthy conservation works of historic buildings, structures and elements within the town. This brings recognition to the best of design and conservation within our historic market town.
2023 Design and Conservation Awards
The 2023 Design and Conservation Award winners were announced at our open meeting on 24th October 2023, with the presentations being made by the Deputy Major and Committee Town Council Liaison Representative; Cllr Rae Frederick and committee member; Alex Bancroft.
The winners were:
Best Residential Award
Restoration, Orchard House, 39 Christchurch Road
Emily and Joe Sturdy
Previously an exceedingly unloved office building, the restoration of this building by the owners Emily and Joe Sturdy is an excellent example of the benefits a thoughtful and thorough restoration can bring. The Society have watched with enthusiasm during the project taking place as contractors have stripped inappropriate paint finishes from stone detailing, removed poor quality modifications and carefully installed new timber sash windows within reinstated surrounds.
The care and attention to detail that has gone into this scheme is something we congratulate and this is a worthy award winner. We hope it serves as an example to others of what can be achieved.
Best Commercial Award
Restoration, 17-19 West Street
The Pour House (Ringwood Club) Limited
When Ringwood Social Club closed its doors in 2011, it seemed unlikely the building would ever reopen, but for the enormous efforts of Tina Saddington and Helen Homewood. After 12 years of hard work the building is open and returned to its former glory. This is testament to their determination and drive to bring this project to fruition.
This is, to date, the longest running project to have won a Society award, and we are delighted that the perseverance of those involved enables us to raise a glass and thank you for securing the future of these historic buildings for generations to come.
Best Community Award
South Window Restoration, St. Peter and St. Paul Church
Emma Mullen of St. Ann’s Gate Architects Limited for Ringwood Benefice
Nearly 200 years of weathering had taken their toll on the South Window of St. Peter and St. Paul Church and the stonework had deteriorated to such a degree that the glass was in serious danger of falling out.
Ringwood Benefice took the opportunity to not only repair the deteriorated stonework, but also to commission the church architect; Emma Mullen of St. Ann’s Gate Architects to design a new stained glass window to be installed. The resulting design of greens and yellows is designed to replicate natural tones of dappled sunlight through trees and the more than 1,500 panes of glass which make up the design have been expertly crafted by Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass.
The craftsmanship of this project in not only repairing the building, but also creating the new window and the quatrefoil window above is something the Society particularly welcomes. Traditional techniques and skills are constantly under threat, and to see a project so seriously embrace this level of workmanship is something we could not pass the opportunity to reward.
Nominations
Visit the Award Nominations page for details of how to nominate a project for an award.
Previous Award Winners
View the previous award winners here.