A new direction for the Suffolk Preservation Society

The Suffolk Preservation Society is excited to announce the appointment of its new Director, Tom Foakes. Tom joined the Society on 1^st December. He will be leading the charity with the ambition of greater public engagement and charitable output, while honouring the Society’s foundations in the preservation of Suffolk’s historic buildings, landscapes and heritage crafts.

Tom said, “with the Suffolk Preservation Society celebrating its centenary in 2029, I am delighted to join at this moment. I am looking forward to reframing the charity, engaging with our members and supporters, and building greater charitable impact through partnerships and member events and activities. Suffolk has over 12,500 Listed buildings, and four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – we are privileged to have such riches on our doorstep and these make our county a particularly special place to live.”

Robert Townshend, Chair of Trustees, said, “I am delighted to welcome Tom to the team – we are enthusiastic for the next chapter for SPS, and we look forward to working with Tom as he shapes an optimistic future for the charity as we approach our centenary.”

Tom Foakes has an extensive background in heritage, having occupied leadership positions in museums, galleries and historic houses where he has championed greater public engagement, effective fundraising partnerships, and social inclusion.

The Suffolk Preservation Society is an independent charity that promotes all that is special about our county’s heritage. We recognise the benefits for communities and individuals that is gained from positive engagement with their surrounding environment. We understand why our unique sense of place is important. We seek to celebrate our county, the people and crafts that sustain it, and how contemporary design and architecture can enhance the landscapes and buildings that make our county so special.