Sussex Heritage Awards 2008

Award winning CWO (Cathedral Work’s Organisation Ltd) scooped two key Sussex Heritage Awards 2008 at the ceremony held on Friday 11th July in recognition of the specialist stonemasons’ significant restoration and conservation achievements as the company continues to preserve and even save the region’s historic landmarks.

The Chapel of St Mary and St Nicholas at Lancing College, for which CWO was the main contractor and responsible for the restoration and conservation works, picked up top honours in the Ecclesiastical building category. The judges commented; “The challenges and the setting of work on this project are on a grand scale for client and contractor. Clearly a very professional and thoughtful approach where opportunities for innovative problem solving have been used. The enthusiasm of the contractors was very evident and to be commended.”

Also, the newly restored 18th-century Ionic Rotunda at Petworth House and Park won the top award in the Landscape and Gardens category, where CWO was involved with the reinstatement of the Rotunda’s dome and repair of the surviving Portland stone structure. The judges commented; “The Dome work was exquisite; creation of their own bespoke tools demonstrated the individuality of the work. The dome looks like it has always been there.”

Bernard Burns, Managing Director, CWO said; "Winning these prestigious awards is a great achievement and we are all absolutely delighted! We work closely with the local communities and are immensely proud of the restoration and conservation work we do, it’s a positive talking point with everyone we come into contact with. On a personal level, these awards mean a great deal to me, I am fortunate to be supported by an award-winning team, which makes my job easier! Thank you to everyone involved. ”

The Sussex Heritage Awards scheme started in 1998 and acknowledges architectural and cultural heritage accomplishments, bringing to light “many fine examples of conversation, preservation and rejuvenation projects across the country”.

Over the years a huge variety of projects have been celebrated among the nations’ best, including refurbished chapels, stained-glass windows, barn conversions, bespoke houses and offices, to name a few.

The recent accolades reflect CWO’s growing strength in the heritage sector, recognising recent works that enhance important landmarks in Sussex.