Staff at the Winding House Museum in New Tredegar are celebrating after being awarded a “Special Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to their Local Community”.
They received the commendation in the Kids in Museums, Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Awards on September 24 – the first time any museum has been given such a commendation.
The accolade came following testimonies from local families saying how much the museum meant to them. One visitor to the Winding House said: “It’s a brilliant museum for families, hands-on and the whole experience is a two-way thing.”
Dea Birkett, from Kids in Museums, said: “We’ve never given a special commendation for working with the local community before, but nominations from local families for the Winding House were so powerful, we wanted to acknowledge their excellence in this field.
“The undercover family judges who were sent out to the six shortlisted museums reported back that the Winding House was particularly committed to serving their community, welcoming families, supporting and enabling them to discover their own heritage.
“They listened, shared and included. They deserve this special award”, they said.
Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism said: “Congratulations to the Winding House for achieving such special recognition.
“We want to see more people participating in culture and heritage, which brings many educational and social opportunities, so it is encouraging that the Winding House is making its museum welcoming and enjoyable for families.”
The museum is run by Caerphilly County Borough Council and the commendation was presented by historian Dan Snow.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I am absolutely thrilled for the team at the Winding House.
“To be given a national award for outstanding contribution to the local community and to have inspired the creation of the award in the first place, is testament to all the hard work undertaken by the staff and volunteers to ensure that the Winding House is not only family friendly, but also that the local community are engaged in the best way possible.
“The team should be incredibly proud of this achievement – well done to all.”