University of Winchester strikes gold at Heist Awards 2014 for The Search for Alfred the Great
Last January, the University of Winchester and Hyde900 hit regional, national and international news headlines when it announced the discovery of a pelvic bone thought to belong to King Alfred the Great or his son King Edward the Elder. The announcement followed an archaeological investigation to find the final resting place of King Alfred, whose remains have been moved many times since he died in 899 AD.
The award judges praised the University’s Communications team, describing the campaign as ‘a lovely project – turning the business of the University into great marketing, that was very well executed with an excellent return on budget’.
“I’m thrilled that all the hard work that went into breaking the story of The Search for Alfred the Great has been recognised with this award,” commented Lisa Preston, Head of Communications at the University of Winchester. “We’re a small team and this was a big story that needed an extensive public relations campaign to go with it – and I’m extremely proud of what we achieved.”
Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester added: “The discovery of the pelvic bone is one of the most exciting things to have happened at the University. Our excellent Communications team ensured that the eyes of the world were on the University and on Winchester. We’re thrilled that their hard work and creativity has been recognised.”
The prestigious Heist Awards are held annually to showcase outstanding marketing and communications by institutions in higher and further education. The University’s Communications team was presented with their award by impressionist Jon Culshaw during a black-tie ceremony in The Palace Hotel, Manchester.
The University of Winchester, Hyde900 and Winchester City Council are in talks about an archaeological investigation at the site of Hyde Abbey to find further remains of King Alfred and the Wessex royal family.