AWARDS

Anne Ainsley, dubbed “saviour of Battle Museum”, has been awarded the MBE at Buckingham Palace. Anne, retired chair of the Battle Museum of Local History, was awarded the accolade for services to the community. The museum, which had been based at Battle Memorial Hall since 1967, was going to be made homeless when Anne took over as chair in 2000. She managed to secure £265,000 for the project and found a new home next to The Almonry in Battle High Street. It opened in 2003. Anne received her MBE from HRH Prince Charles on February 28th Anne said ”He asked how The Battle Museum of Local History was progressing and was pleased when I told him it was going from strength to strength. It was a wonderful occasion that I and my family will never forget.”  Anne would like to thank former chair of the museum, Derek Akers, and her friends and colleagues at the museum for putting her forward for the award.

The creation of new premises for Battle Museum from semi-dilapidated buildings benefiting visitors and school parties and providing a new use for a redundant building. Entered by the architect Anthony Sherwin, the contractor was George Stone Ltd, the designer was Decor & Design Contracts, the structural engineer was J M Loades & Associates.

The judges said: "An excellent solution to a demanding problem. There has been a tremendous input from the local community for this very well thought out project."

ROTARY AWARD

Chair of the Battle Museum, Anne Ainsley, received a prestigious award from Rotary International on March 11th.

Following the closure of the museum in the Battle Memorial Hall in 2001 , Anne worked tirelessly to find new accommodation and funding for the project.

In recognition of her work the Rotary Club of Battle nominated her for Rotary International's Community and Vocational Service Award - only the second time in the Club's history that the award has been presented to an individual.

Anne was unaware she had been nominated, believing she had been invited to the club's weekly luncheon to talk about the progress of the museum. She said, "I was amazed. I went along to give a talk about the ongoing saga of the museum and they presented me with the award".

Anne secured grants from the Lottery, SEEDA, Rother District Council Battle Partnership, The Pilgrim's Trust and Leader +.