Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, will collect their National Lottery Award at a glittering awards ceremony broadcast on BBC One this week.
The Newcastle-based project was voted the nation’s favourite education project and will be seen receiving their prize by millions of viewers at 10.30pm on Wednesday 11 September in the National Lottery Stars 2013 programme.
The Seven Stories team travelled to London for the bash at the world-famous Pinewood Studios, home of James Bond, Superman and Sherlock Holmes. They mingled with the likes of Duncan Bannatyne, Ricky Tomlinson, Len Goodman and Lisa Riley during the ceremony hosted by TV star John Barrowman.
A short film featuring a surprise visit to the centre by Saturdays’ star Mollie King will also be shown. The National Lottery Awards recognise and reward the inspirational impact of National Lottery funded projects across all sections of society. National Lottery players raise more than £35 million for good causes throughout the UK every week.
Kate Edwards, Seven Stories’ chief executive, said: “It's such a privilege that so many people think that our work is so important that they voted us winner in the Best Education Project category. British children's books are amongst the most inventive and inspiring in the world, and this prize goes to show that they will always have a special place in homes up and down the country. The National Lottery was vital in helping us to build Seven Stories as a National home for children's literature in Newcastle upon Tyne. Winning this prize will help us to bring the magic of books to more and more children not just in the Northeast but all across the UK."
Jackie O’Sullivan of the National Lottery Good Causes added: “The National Lottery Awards seek to recognise and reward the life-changing impact of good causes across the country.
“The 2013 Awards has been our best ever and we have been overwhelmed by the exceptionally high standard of National Lottery funded projects throughout the UK. We have been amazed at the impact they make at local and national levels. I would like to congratulate everyone who took part.
“Seven Stories is a deserving winner in their category and National Lottery players can be justifiably proud that they fund and support such a fantastic organisation.”
About the project:
Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books. Their mission is to champion children’s books as an essential part of childhood, our national heritage and our culture. They want to inspire a love of reading across generations.
Seven Stories is the only place in the UK dedicated to the art of children’s books, and one of just a few such places in the world. They welcome more than 70,000 visitors a year and there is something to enjoy 360 days a year. Everything they do inspires children and grownups to choose, share, read and enjoy the best children’s literature. They attract some of the biggest names in children’s literature to work with them to stage exhibitions and to take part in events.
Seven Stories has received £660,000 in National Lottery funding from Arts Council England and £352,249 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
About the Awards:
There are seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.
Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, beat off six other challengers in a public vote to win the best education project. They will receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy. The National Lottery Awards, hosted by John Barrowman will be broadcast on BBC One at 10.30pm on Wednesday 11 September.
"Read all about it - Centre is the best" The Chronicle 10 Sept 2013
"Award for Seven Stories" The Journal 10 Sept 2013
National Lottery Award Show Teaser
For further information please contact The National Lottery Awards:
Ruairi O’Kane on 07788 612804 or email ruairi.o’kane@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk