2022 Politics and Contemporary History Awards: Winners

The University of Salford Politics and Contemporary History Awards returned in person for the first time since Covid-19.

The awards took place on 4 May and there were six awards up for grabs. These were the Alumni Achievement Award, Best Level 4 Student, Best Level 5 Student, Best Level 6 Student, Best PG Student, and the Impact Award.

Alumni Achievement Award

WINNER: Paul Watson

Paul said: “It was truly humbling to win an award from Salford University, especially as my wife Jayne and I are both part of the Alumni and also grew up in Salford. Furthermore, to be recognised for my work to improve the welfare of our Veterans through my book as well as my political platform gives me great pride and continued motivation.

“However, there is much more to do, and this is not just my award, as there are so many people who have helped me along the way, thus, this is our award. I firmly believe that we all need to be more comfortable in having open and honest conversation about mental health in general, and the awareness that this award has generated will hopefully help some of those who are struggling with their own mental health. I honestly believe that it was the life experience gained at my time at Salford that has enabled me to help so many veterans and for this I am truly grateful.”

Best Level 4 Student Award

WINNER: Joseph Temple

Joe said: "Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the awards ceremony, but I am shocked and delighted to have received it. I’m glad I could put in the hard work to earn it.”

Best Level 5 student Award

WINNER: Oliver Nobbs.

Oliver said: “The PCH awards night was a great experience after last year’s online version. The speeches were all interesting, especially the one by James Paul Watson as I am studying CMIH, his insight into the struggles ex-servicemen face was very revealing. It was an unexpected honour to win the award for Best Level 5 Student, I am very grateful for it, and I would like to thank everyone who nominated me for the award.”

Best Level 6 Student Award

WINNER: Sasha Peckham

Sasha said: “When I found out I had been nominated for the award I was so happy. I came to the awards evening and didn't have a clue I would win. I was really shocked as there was some amazing people nominated for the award so to win it especially in my last year was quite emotional for me.”

Best PG Award

WINNER: Kennedy Hill

Impact Award

WINNER: William Burnett-Boothroyd.

William said: “It is truly humbling to have been nominated for and win the impact award. I wouldn’t have ever considered that I would win this award. Impact is a hard term to really quantify when considering tangible things to point to, so I am extremely happy to have won this award and dedicate it to all those who were nominated for all of our work ‘behind the scenes’.”

Ben Williams, a History and Politics lecturer at the University of Salford, said: “This was a really uplifting and positive social event that showcased and celebrated the achievements of Salford University PCH students this past academic year. We were really pleased with the positive turnout, and there were many engaging and varied examples of achievement to hear of how people have been working so hard in the challenging lockdown conditions of the past year or so. People took the opportunity to see each other and mix again face to face, particularly so after all of the pandemic restrictions that meant that these last two events took place online.”