A woman who has helped people enjoy and experience Durham’s culture and heritage for 20 years has been recognised with an award.
For the last two decades Dorothy Meade, from Gilesgate, has been involved with Durham’s Heritage Open Days, which sees venues including castles, gardens and museums open to members of the public for free over one weekend in September.
Miss Meade has led guided events and discussions on the history of Kepier Hospital and Loggia, which was built in around 1180 to relieve the poor and to welcome pilgrims to Durham.
Her knowledge of the site is so vast that in 1995, Miss Meade had a book published which focused on its history.
Fittingly, the hospital site was the location of a presentation which saw Miss Meade receive a Caring for your Environment Award from Steve Bhowmick, chair of the Coastal, Heritage and Landscape group which is part of the County Durham Environment Partnership.
“I was delighted to accept the award and it is wonderful to be recognised in this way,” she said.
“Being involved in the Heritage Open Days are something I really enjoy doing.”
Thanks to her involvement, the hospital has remained a firm favourite on the Heritage Open Days programme, which this year ran to 72 venues across the county.
Steve Bhowmick said: “Miss Meade has made an outstanding contribution to the Heritage Open Days programme in Durham for the past 20 years and it was my pleasure to be there to present this award.
“Volunteers like Dorothy who give up their time to share their knowledge mean people are learning a great deal of interesting information about our local heritage and history.”
The County Durham Environment Partnership presents Caring for your Environment Awards to individuals and groups who are committed to protecting and improving their local environment.
For more details on the award or the work of the County Durham Environment Partnership go to www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk or follow #altogethergreener on social media.