The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) that has awarded £825,000 in scholarships to help craftspeople continue their studies (including many stonemasons - see the previous issue of NSS) has won an award of its own.

It has won the British Craftsmanship Award, presented at the Walpole Awards for British Excellence 2004 ceremony in front of more than 400 guests gathered on 8 November at the Banqueting House in Whitehall. The presentation was hosted by Absolutely Fabulous actress Joanna Lumley OBE.

The Award, presented to QEST chairman Adam Brett-Smith, was for \'the company or institution that has done more than any other to uphold the finest standards of British craftsmanship; by encouraging traditional as well as developing new craft skills - and training future generations of master craftsmen".

QEST gives Scholarships worth up to £15,000 each to men and women of all ages for further training in modern and traditional crafts and trades. Since 1991 QEST has awarded 135 Scholarships to people wanting to further their studies in a wide range of craft skills, including masonry

The Trust was founded in 1990 by the Royal Warrant Holders Association to celebrate the Association\'s 150th anniversary and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.