Events, Awards & Testimonials
"I have worked with Ruth on a variety of separate projects connected to my work as a presenter for BBC Radio Northampton.
Ruth's commitment to people is as passionate as her commitment to the written word. As a former Bard of Northamptonshire Ruth has proved to be both creative and articulate, overcoming her own personal challenges in the process.
From my point of view Ruth has been a significant contributor to my programme, a reliable colleague and a valued friend. She speaks from the heart and does so with authority. I commend her to you wholeheartedly."
John Griff, BBC Radio Northampton.
HRH the Duchess of Cornwall and the National Literacy Heroes
National Literacy Hero
In December of 2013, I was awarded one of only ten National Literacy Heroes by the National Literacy Trust and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, along with J K Rowling and Henry Winkler.
For more information, see National Literacy Trust.
Ruth receiving her award at St. James's Palace
Umbrella Fair Organisation
On 25th September 2014, I was one of the representatives of The Umbrella Fair Organisation as they won the Environmental Impact Award at the Northamptonshire Community Foundation Annual Awards.
To find out more about the Umbrella Fair Organisation, please visit their web page Umbrella Fair Organisation.
Volunteers Ben, Ian, Ruth and Sofia collect the award on behalf of the Umbrella Fair Organisation.
Northampton Halloween Ghost Tours 2012
I organised a large scale event around the historic and haunted buildings in Northampton town centre, working in partnership with many different organisations, writers, actors, staff and numerous inter-generational volunteers to create an amazing experience on Halloween. Here is some of the feedback from that event:
Working in partnership with Northampton Central Library, Northampton Museum, Nottingham Courts of Justice, Northampton County Hall, Royal and Derngate .
"I just wanted to say Well Done for all the hard work you had clearly put into the organisation and delivery of the Ghost Tours yesterday. The logistics were awe inspiring when you considered the number of organisations and personnel involved and the bureaucracy that needed to be overcome."
Linda Holvey, Children and Families Principle Librarian, Northamptonshire County Council
"Dear All
Thank you all for making the Ghost Tours such a success. This success was a tribute to your enthusiasm and hard work. All who participated were so good, from the costumes to the lady in the cells awaiting hanging! The young volunteers were exceptional I was especially impressed with ‘the caretaker’ ....very scary!
A very special thanks to Ruth who organised everything and everyone.
Thank you again everyone."
Barbara Leigh, Principle Librarian Northamptonshire County Council
"Hi Ruth,
Just a quick note to thank you very much for having me in on one of your tours tonight - all credit to you & your actors. I had a great time & it was really interesting to get into places that normally we never would. One day you must let me take you down beneath the BBC - we have subterranean corridors too!
I hope you didn't catch your death of cold - you must be shattered. Brilliant fun & I can imagine how much work went into the event. Great goody bags too!
Thanks again - see you again soon I hope."
John Griff, BBC Radio Northampton
The ghosts from the County Hall Dungeons
"I have been meaning to email all day, to say a huge THANK YOU on behalf of Ilona and Beth.
The girls had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Halloween Tour - they are v tired today, but full of it all.
Thank you so much for giving them the opportunity to take part - I'm sure it will be something they never forget!
Also to say, we went on the 4 o clock tour, and thought it was brilliant. It was so well done and very entertaining, as well as interesting (& of course scary too).
Everyone seemed to be 'working' really hard - hopefully it will become an annual event?!
Well done, and hope you have been able to take it a bit easier today!"
Helen, Mother of a Volunteer
Other Testimonials
“Ruth has been extremely effective in raising the profile of our anti-bullying song-writing competition final. Within a couple of hours of the event, Ruth had captured several audio interviews and distributed a press release, which resulted in a prime-time broadcast on BBC Radio Northampton and a half-page feature in the Chronicle & Echo. All of this was achieved with sensitive professionalism and detailed knowledge of the media.”
John Bowman, Director, Notivate Ltd (23rd March 2011)
"Ruth got everyone involved with a tailored activity suitable for the client group, great start to the event"
Jayne Hey MA, Access Ability Team Leader, The University of Northampton
"Cheerful and welcoming attitude. Guides but doesn't control conversations. Treats everyone as an equal."
"Enthusiastic, passionate, easy to talk to and friendly. Sessions are enjoyable and the entire thing is a great idea."
"I like the group, I've made new friends and I feel more confident about my writing."
"Get some good interaction. Focusing on writing with personal development as opposed to out and out writing for writings sake. Helps bring on these other folks in confidence and personality too."
Young Adult Creative Writing Group Members
Receiving the New Partnership Award from the National Association of Youth Clubs
The New Community Partner of the Year award is in recognition for my work setting up a variety of youth groups around our counties libraries, such as Creative Writing, Photography, Drama and Customisation which engage and inspire young people as well as developing the offer of the Library Plus Service for our teenage customers.