Suffolk Preservation Society names new president
Lois Hunt, who has overseen the restoration of the Grade I listed Heveningham Hall for more than 30 years, has been appointed president of Suffolk's county-wide heritage charity.
Why it matters: The Suffolk Preservation Society has championed the conservation of the county's historic buildings and landscapes since 1929. Hunt takes on the role as the charity prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2029 and launches its first small grants scheme for craftspeople working in endangered heritage trades.
The details: Hunt has been a trustee of the society since 2016. She has overseen the ongoing restoration and conservation of the Heveningham Hall estate and mansion, near Halesworth, since her family bought the property.
What they're saying: Hunt said: "It is with great delight, and no small sense of surprise, that I take on the role of President of the Suffolk Preservation Society. It is a privilege I do not take lightly. At the same time, I am determined that we should look forward with energy and ambition."
She added: "Suffolk is a county of extraordinary richness – its landscapes, its architecture, its history and its people are a constant source of inspiration – and the Society's role in celebrating and safeguarding that heritage has never been more important."
Robert Townshend, chair of trustees, said: "Lois is such a dedicated supporter of the Suffolk Preservation Society. Her passion for and knowledge of historic building conservation is so evident in the sensitive and exemplary restoration of her family home, Heveningham Hall, and the surrounding estate. We are thrilled to have Lois as our President."
The bigger picture: The Suffolk Preservation Society focuses its work on three areas: identifying and campaigning for buildings and landscapes at risk, education and training in heritage crafts, and helping communities engage with neighbourhood planning across the county.
Hunt has said traditional building crafts are under threat, warning that skills in lime, flint, oak, brick and thatch are "in real danger of being lost". She said she wants the society to support apprenticeships in traditional building trades to help train the next generation of craftspeople.
The bottom line: As the Suffolk Preservation Society looks towards its 100th year, Hunt's appointment reflects a push to pass traditional building skills on to the next generation.
Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.
This article cost us ~£27 to produce
It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our two community impact partners: local contractor Barnes Construction, and flat roof waterproofing and design firm Axter. Please support us by supporting them.
Below the line