Published November 6, 2015 at 10:32
Rossendale came away with two fantastic awards from last night’s Marketing Lancashire Tourism Awards.
The Whitaker Gallery and Museum won the cultural and tourism award last night at the Marketing Lancashire Tourism Awards ceremony in Blackpool.
The award names them as the best cultural and tourism offer in the whole county.
In their category they were up against stiff competition from The Dukes (Lancaster), The Grand Theatre (Blackpool), Grundy Art Gallery (Blackpool), Harris Museum and Art Gallery (Preston) and the Winter Gardens (Blackpool) but The Whitaker fought them all off to reign victorious.
Cllr Alyson Barnes, Chair of the Promoting Rossendale Board, was delighted by the news and said; “Well done to all involved at The Whitaker it’s a great achievement and is fantastic reward for all the hard work that has gone into the museum. Over the past years, because of the Government’s austerity measures the future of the museum was very much at risk. However, we were determined to find a solution whilst at the same time making the most of the facility. The Whitaker Group came forward and we have worked with them closely over the past two years to support the development of the museum into a facility we can be rightly proud of.”
Rossendale Council continue to work closely with the Whitaker Group on the continual development of The Whitaker as one of Rossendale’s key attractions. It is fast becoming a key host venue for events such as The 60’s festival and the Harfest which have been really thriving events recently, as well as providing a regular programme of art and cultural events.
Currently officers are working with The Whitaker Group on developing proposals for a Heritage Lottery Bid for the development of the adjacent barn and stables which, if successful, would see them brought back into use as part of the museum offer.
Dearden Tea Rooms fought off competition from Aspinall Arms (Clitheroe) Guild Promotions (Preston) The Higher Buck (Clitheroe), The Hunters (Preston) to reign supreme.
Cllr Barnes continued; “Well done to Dearden Tea Rooms. This is wonderful news and shows that Rossendale is a strong tourist destination, it’s a place to do business and that we are serious contenders in these categories county wide.”
Andrea Britland, one of the owners of Dearden Tea Rooms said; “The night truly showcased the many successful businesses throughout Lancashire and for Rossendale to have two winners is a triumph. Here at the Dearden Tea Rooms we are ecstatic to receive an award that acknowledges all our hard work over the past 12 months. We are delighted with the acclaim and the platform. Such an award provides for our future marketing.”
In her opening speech Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire and Promoting Rossendale Board member said; “There is no better place to be than Lancashire which offers such a high level range and choice for our visitors and residents, that is continually evolving, improving and being invested in.”
