THE GUILDFORD SOCIETY
Design awards 2010
Bill Bellerby, who is a Past President of the Society, generously volunteered to present the bi-ennial Design Awards of The Society on 21st October this year - in the absence through illness of current President Lord Onslow.
This year winners were invited to describe and explain their projects.
Cllr Keith Childs spoke about the decades it had taken the people of Shere to achieve their public car park, which had succeeded in clearing the roads of shoppers’ cars: “it had transformed the village” he said. He also spoke generously about the design and materials which are so sympathetic to the rural setting and were chosen by Guildford Borough Council.
Architect Richard Wilkinson, of Gerry Lyttle Associates, gave an illustrated presentation on the Sixth Form Centre at St Peter’s Catholic School; and the University gave a presentation on each of its awards this year, the Guildford School of Acting Building and the Surrey Sports Park.
An Award for Environmental Improvement was given this year to an unusual school project. It went to Sandfield Primary School for their striking outdoor murals, achieved by “close collaboration between the artist, Nathalie Scott, the Head Teacher, the staff and the children”. The Deputy Head and two of the children proudly collected the Certificate.
The restoration of Sanford Garage delighted many people, and the owner carried off an award both for Restoration and the People’s Prize. This is an engraved glass tankard given for the project getting most votes at the exhibition of photographs of candidate projects which was held this year at the Guildford Institute in June. Mr Berryman told the audience that the clock has now been ‘restored’; only the hands being original as, sadly, the rest had rusted away.
The Society’s most prestigious award - the Crabtree Award - was also given to the University for the continuing high quality of both architecture and environment on the campus. The engraved vase was accepted gratefully by Jonathan Richards, Dep Director of Estates.
The evening had begun with the presentation, by the Society’s Chairman, Michael Jeffery, of Honorary Life Membership of the Society to both Doreen and Bill Bellerby, in recognition of their many years of service to Guildford. They each gave a light and warm speech of thanks for the honour, and wished The Society well in its endeavours.
An article by David Smith and Judy Beck, who, between them, produce the Society’s excellent newsletters, about their interview with Bill Bellerby is reproduced on this website and can be seen by clicking here
After the formal business, most of the 70 guests and members stayed to enjoy the Society’s hospitality: wine and excellent buffet food kindly provided by the Social & Communications Group, served by two young trainee catering staff from Guildford College - another successful innovation.
Joan Butler
(Dec 2010)