Nominations are now open for The Blossom Awards which recognise the contribution of British-Chinese people to the environmental, sustainability and heritage sectors – and our national life. Visit their website for information & to make your own nomination: www.TheBlossomAwards.org.uk

Co-founded by Alan Mak, the UK’s first ever MP of British-Chinese heritage, the Awards aim to recognise unsung heroes, promising talent and success stories from the British-Chinese Community.
The Awards have gained the support of Alan Yau OBE, entrepreneur and founder of the Wagamama noodle bar chain and Michelin-starred restaurants Hakassan and Yauatcha.
The Awards include a specific category for “Environment and Sustainability” covering a wide range of disciplines including anyone working or volunteering in environmental stewardship, wildlife, heritage, conservation, the natural or built environment and renewable energy. This could be in a corporate, charitable, public sector, campaigning or third sector context or workplace.

Alan Mak MP said: “British Chinese people are doing inspirational work in the environmental, sustainability and heritage sectors. The Blossom Awards shine a light on British-Chinese people and their success and contributions. From renewable energy and environmental stewardship to conservation and wildlife, British-Chinese people are making a significant contribution to making the UK a better place to live, work and visit. These Awards enable British-Chinese people to challenge outdated perceptions about their identity. Please encourage a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague who deserves recognition to nominate themselves.”

Nominations close on Friday 12 June 2020 and must be submitted online: www.TheBlossomAwards.org.uk  

Award Winners will be invited to a ceremony in central London in late October 2020.

ASCHB are sad to hear of the untimely death of Stephen Coley of ABA. We first met him in 2004 when ABA kindly offered us the use of the Gallery for our monthly meetings. He was a key member of the Gallery Team and gave us frequent help. We send our condolences to his family and is friends at the Cowcross Street Community.

We have added a section on our Meetings and Visits page for Virtual Tours and visits to places, webinars and schools. Please send us links to any interesting websites you find!

Our museums and galleries are offering virtual tours and projects for both children and adults – whether it is create your own dinosaur egg at the Natural History Museum , or virtual tours on Google Streetview at British Museum; V&A, and Science Museum have put videos, talks and photos online. English Heritage have detailed advice on conservation of collections which might inspire you to spring clean and The National Trust have a host of activities to do in your back garden

Please send us your suggestions for less well know museums and galleries to add to our list – here’s a couple you may not know:

Wallace Collection – a chance to examine exhibits in detail
Fan Museum –
Eames Fine Art – an selling exhibition of more Picasso works on paper to go with the Royal Academy exhibition
William Morris Museum – browse the collection – Ctrl+ allows you to zoom in on the designs

ASCHB would like hear from our members and friends whilst we are keeping our physical distance – please send us topics for discussion, observations, or useful links and tips.

We have been exploring internet communications, and social media, TED talks, and Museum tours
If you need a task(!) I have just come across a library cataloguing app Libib.com – you just use your phone to scan the barcode and the book details are automatically entered. And if, having picked up the book you then would like to put a review on the website so much the better!