We are delighted to announce we have been named as the winner of the Digital Volunteer Award at the 12th annual Marsh Volunteer of the Year awards. The awards were held as part of the Churches Conservation Trust’s National Volunteer and Community Event on Wednesday 9th March, which celebrated the efforts of volunteers and communities to protect and care for their local historic church. This is the first time an external partner has been recognised at these Awards, which is a great honour for Mackman.
The Digital Volunteer of the Year award is a new addition that began in 2019 which recognises the role in digital support provided to those supporting their local historic churches. Mackman was recognised for our contributions towards St Peter’s Church in Sudbury.
Most recently, the team have completed a full rebranding and website design for St Peter’s to support them during this crucial time as the church undergoes a major National Lottery Heritage Fund supported regeneration project. The new branding, website and digital activity via social media helped St Peter’s to encourage new and younger visitors to come forward to help at St Peter’s.
The regeneration project aims to handle the urgent repairs that the building needs as well as add brand new facilities to make St Peter’s Church sustainable for the future. Some of these facilities include a new kitchen area, improved storage and new toilet facilities. Once reopened in 2023, the space will be used for many exciting events and activities while allowing the town to reconnect with its history.
The Awards evening saw a programme of regional case studies which shone a light on community projects, alongside the ceremony which celebrated Regional Volunteer, Fundraising Volunteer, Volunteer Team, Digital Volunteer and Achieving Impact through Innovation. The judges were looking for outstanding contributions from volunteers supporting the charitable sector through social, cultural and environmental causes.
Paul Mackman, Group Managing Director, commented:
“It was a wonderful surprise to receive this award and have our contribution recognised. St Peter’s is an important building for Sudbury and the county. As well as its architectural importance, it is a significant cultural venue with huge potential to enrich the lives of visitors and locals alike. I’m pleased that our partnership is continuing to evolve together with the CCT, the Friends of St Peter’s, the Bridge Project, and other volunteers, so that collectively we maximise the social impact.”
Allison Burke, who nominated Mackman for the award, said:
“Mackman are a shining example of how local businesses can be involved in supporting their own local CCT church and demonstrates the undeniable value of the business community coming together with the CCT and other local organisations to save heritage and improve the wellbeing of the community in the process. It really is the CCT strategy in action!”
You can find out more about our work with St Peter’s in our case study, and see more about the regeneration project.