Queen's birthday honours for people carrying out heritage work in York
An MBE and a British Empire Medal has been given out in recognition.
People carrying out heritage and archiving work in York have been named in the Queen's birthday honours list.
John Oxley, originally from Scarborough, has been given an MBE for services to heritage: "It's completely unexpected, totally undeserved. It's a recognition that heritage is of huge importance.
"In the early 1990s there were perhaps half a dozen archaeological societies and history groups working in York and the area around it. Now, there are over 30.
John added that a recent discovery of suspected Roman remains in Scarborough will have a huge community impact: "There's the opportunity to use it as an open-air classroom, with the appropriate interpretation.
"To have something that is of international importance in Eastfield, a community that has all sorts of problems and issues, is fantastic."
● He is York’s specialist advisor on archaeological matters and the guardian of unique historical evidence.
● He has dedicated over 30 years to the protection, investigation and communication of York’s heritage.
● As a principal Archaeologist for York City Council, he has maintained an enthusiasm for and committed to his field and his work has impacted far beyond Yorkshire.
● He initiated the Council’s policy of requiring all development-led archaeology to have some form of community involvement whether by participation in the fieldwork itself, open days or guided tours.
● Through the Archaeological Forum, he has been instrumental in bringing together a great range of interest groups and stakeholders in the city’s archaeology, including historic England, York University, the council for British archaeology and the York Museum Trust, to work together on projects of mutual interest.
● His work has led to important discoveries such as the Extensive Roman Cemeteries, the Roman skeletons and the Victorian legacy.
● He has completed work which has added to York's status internationally.
● He is involved in the arts scene in York as a talented photographer and video artist. He was instrumental in bringing a group of contemporary artists from Germany to York resulting in wonderful art appearing around the city. He also represented York when traveling to China to lecture at The World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo on the subject of York’s Walls. He has helped to create a wide range of research projects, many linked to the Collaborative Doctoral Awards carried out in his department.
● This has ensured the development of those deeper perspectives which must underpin the enduring success of curatorial strategies in a complex such as York.
Barbara Swinn - of Explore York Libraries and Archives - has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Barbara joined Explore in 2015 as manager of city centre library York Explore and has worked in the libraries sector for over 40 years. The team there said: "She is a passionate advocate for public libraries and a gifted leader. In particular her work with the award winning Explore Labs project shows Barbara’s exceptional talent for development and innovation.
"Her work and encouragement has helped Explore grow and develop as a cultural business, and she is always looking at new ways for people to engage with the riches of York’s libraries and archives".
Fiona Williams, Chief Executive of Explore, paid tribute to Barbara: "I can think of no one more deserving of this honour than Barbara. I recognised her talents as soon as I met her and after a conversation, I knew she was part of the Explore family.
"Everything she does is driven by a belief in our values and a commitment to deliver the best for the people of York. She has a quiet determination and a particular ability in developing staff. She always has time for people, she listens to them and guides them to fulfil their potential.
"Her belief in experimentation has driven the award winning Explore Labs project, which brought artists and creatives into libraries to provide exciting activities for existing users and entice new audiences.
"I’m so pleased that she is being recognised as she is the last person to seek praise, she is truly a team player and I enjoy working with her. She is an inspiration to all of us and plays a crucial role in Explore’s success and transformation to a cultural business."
Barbara said "I am honoured and humbled to have been nominated to receive this award. I firmly believe in the power of libraries to change the lives of individuals. This recognition is for all of the Explore team who make a difference every day, in particular the staff at York Explore, our flagship library, who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with artists and creatives, recognising the potential of Explore Labs to enrich well-being.
"Through our work we have shone a light on this inclusive, cultural space in the heart of the city, brought in new audiences and introduced existing customers to high quality cultural experiences.
"It was my privilege to support the development team and archivists who worked so hard to develop and deliver Explore Labs."