Jersey Archive team "over the moon" to be crowned best in British Isles

Monday 04 September 2023

Jersey Archive’s 30th anniversary has been made even sweeter, after the organisation beat off competition from across the British Isles to be crowned the top record keeping service.

They received the award from the professional body for archivists, the Archives & Records Association, at a gala dinner in Belfast on Thursday 31 July and said they were “over the moon” to have won.

Jersey's submission pointed to its growth since it was founded, going from having a single staff member to now having its own building and dedicated legislation.

It also pointed to Jersey Archive’s digital records, support for new staff, the development of an online catalogue and the public service team.

Other projects mentioned included outreach projects such as the Family History Festival and the 'What’s Your Street’s Story?' project.

The Archive was one of three finalists for the Record Keeping Service of the Year award, alongside Edge Hill University Archive and Special Collections and Wolverhampton City Archives.

The final winner was decided by a public vote – Jersey Archive collected a whopping 52% of votes.

Pictured: The Jersey Archive team.

Linda Romeril, Jersey Heritage’s Director of Archives and Collections, said: “We are over the moon to have won this national award, especially as it is voted for by the public and shows their support for the service we provide at Jersey Archive.

“We always strive to do our very best for anyone who contacts or visits the Archive.

“I am very proud of my team and feel the award to testament to their knowledge and commitment to both the preservation and provision of access to the unique records that we care for.

“It is also a fantastic way to mark this year’s 30th anniversary of the Archive service being established.”

A presentation on-island with Jersey staff members and volunteers will take place later in the autumn.

Pictured top - left to right: Archives and Records Association (ARA) President Aideen Ireland; Jersey Archive's Catherine Porter, Laura Anderson and Harry Le Feuvre; Andrew Nicoll, ARA Chair. (Lost Lens Caps Photography/ARA)