She was accompanied by Simon Timms, Chair of the HLF Committee for the South West and Nerys Watts, HLF Head of South West.

Dame Jenny Abramsky said: “It is fantastic to be here at the wonderful Royal Albert Memorial Museum today to see the impact that HLF funding has had. Our grant helped totally revitalize the museum bringing it into the 21st century and, through redesigning the galleries and creating far better access, the dedicated project team have dramatically improved opportunities for visitors to learn about and enjoy the collections. RAMM is of huge regional significance, providing an insight into the rich, natural and cultural heritage of the South West and was a perfect place to spend Lottery money.”

Dame Jenny Abramsky joined the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund as Chair in October 2008. She was previously Director of BBC Audio and Music, a member of the BBC Executive Board, with responsibility for all BBC national radio networks, for the BBC’s digital radio services, and for music across television, radio, online and live events.

She has spent her working life at the BBC, where she launched BBC Radio Five Live, BBC News Online and BBC News 24 as well as 5 digital radio stations. She was the first and to date only woman editor of the Today programme on Radio 4 hiring John Humphrys as presenter.

She is Chair of the University of London’s Board of Trustees, Chair of the Royal Ballet Governors, a Trustee of the Shakespeare Schools Festival, Governor of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music. Previously she served as Chair of Hampstead Theatre, Trustee of the Central School of Ballet, a member of the Arts and Media Honours Committee, Governor of the British Film Institute and on the Economic Social and Research Council.

She was awarded the CBE in 2001 for services to Broadcasting, and was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours list.

Notes to editors

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) is one of Exeter City Council’s flagship services. RAMM is also supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

RAMM reopened on 15 December 2011 with stunning new displays, new galleries, fabulous exhibitions, modern amenities and a new entrance linking the museum with the oldest public gardens in England and the city’s Roman wall. The multimillion pound development project was funded by the HLF (£9million), ECC and other sources.

Awards and standards include Museum of the Year 2012, the Arts Council Designation Scheme, VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service), Devon Visitor Attraction of the Year 2012, Collections Trust Best Practice Award 2013, RIBA South West Special Award for Conservation and Building of the Year 2013, the Accreditation Scheme for Museums in the United Kingdom, Inspiring Learning for All, 2012 Silver Tourist Attraction Award in the South West and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2013.

Stunning displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and a changing programme of exhibitions and events means there is likely to be something different to see on every visit. Free entry gives everyone the freedom to visit many times and to stay any length of time. For further details see the RAMM website.

Further information

Rob Mackenzie, Marketing Assistant, on 01392 265 317 or robert.mackenzie@exeter.gov.uk.

Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265 103.

Ruth Randall, Audience Development Lead on 01392 265 955.