Each year Cornwall Heritage Trust makes this prestigious award to an ‘unsung hero or heroine’ – someone who gives their time and energy in a voluntary capacity and has made a significant contribution to Cornwall’s heritage. It is open to all organisations in the heritage field to nominate a suitable candidate.
Sir Richard Trant
Sir Richard Trant was a Cornishman of extraordinary talents. After a very distinguished career in the Army he retired to his beloved Cornwall and dedicated his remaining years helping to promote Cornwall’s heritage both in Cornwall and much further afield.
The Heritage Champion Awards were launched in his memory.
Previous Winners
Heritage Champion 2023
Dean Evans
For his work sharing the story and vision of Passmore Edwards in order to preserve and develop his legacy.
Outstanding Contribution Award 2023
James Gossip
For his dedication and willingness to continually go above and beyond for Cornish archaeology as Chairman and Site Director for Meneage Archaeology Group (MAG)
Long Service Award 2023
Chris Easton
For nearly 50 years of service he has so generously given to his community and Cornwall’s heritage
Lockdown Heritage Champion 2022
Trevor Smitheram
For his work in pandemic lockdowns, during which Trevor posted regular, almost daily, videos on social media featuring dialect stories and poems
Heritage Organisations and Groups Champion 2022
St Columb Old Cornwall Society
For its commitment to the preservation of Cornwall’s traditions and heritage at Castle an Dinas
Heritage Champion 2022
Elizabeth Dale
For her work with the “Cornish Bird” blog which shines a light on Cornwall’s hidden places and untold stories. The blog is very well received with over 234,000 page views and over 7,400 Twitter followers.
Heritage Organisations and Groups Champion 2019
The Cornish Wrestling Association
For their work in preserving Cornwall's traditional sports and heritage
Heritage Champion 2019
Will Coleman
For his work promoting Cornwall’s heritage through projects such as the Man Engine and Golden Tree Productions.
Heritage Champion 2018
Cheryl Straffon
For her work with CASPN, FOCAS and the Penwith Landscape Partnership Project. (Image shows John Moss of CASPN presenting Cheryl with her award)
Heritage Champion 2017
Carole Vivian
For establishing and organising the Cornwall Association of Local Historians (CALH) as well as presenting talks and tours all over Cornwall.
Heritage Champion 2016
Captain George Hogg
For his work with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Bartlett Library.
Heritage Champion 2015
Ted Gundry
For his work creating and preserving an archive of interviews and recordings of stories from a career spanning over 50 years, as well as his contribution to Cornish Gig Rowing and his tireless work as Advocate of Cornish social and cultural heritage.
Heritage Champion 2014
Pip Richards
For restoring Carwynnon Quoit and inspiring the local community to help preserve their heritage.
Heritage Champion 2013
Cedric Appleby
For his work on religious nonconformity in Cornwall.
Heritage Champion 2012
Tony Pawlyn
For research into Cornwall’s maritime history.
Heritage Champion 2011
Hugo White
For his work with the Cornish Buildings Group and for many years of dedicated organisation and promotion of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry museum.
Heritage Champion 2010
Andrew Langdon
For his research and practical work on Cornish crosses.
Heritage Champion 2009
John Cuthill
For services to the preservation and revival of Cornish gigs.
Nominations
Nominations for our Heritage Champion 2024 are now open. The deadline for nominations is 9am on Monday 7th October 2024.
Make a nomination
