The Suffolk Preservation Society is delighted to award a Suffolk Heritage Champion Award to the following for their work on a building conservation project which will safeguard the future of an important piece of Suffolk’s heritage.

Hitcham Church Tower Project – Nicola and Malcolm Currie

Nicole and Malcolm were nominated by SPS Members Elizabeth Coughlin and Edward Martin for their role in making the Hitcham Church Tower Project such a success. They successfully raised significant funds, brought the community together and gave many hours of their own time to the project. The SPS wishes to recognise their achievement in the repair of the historic fabric of this important heritage asset as well as providing essential facilities to allow the church a secure future at the heart of the community.

Hadleigh Local List project – Richard Fletcher

Richard was nominated in recognition of his work through the Hadleigh Society to create an extensive and interactive Local List of Non-Designated Heritage Assets. This will be incorporated into the Hadleigh Neighbourhood Plan and placed on the national Historic Environment Record (HERs).  The SPS is delighted to recognise this important initiative, which will provide a permanent record of Hadleigh’ s local heritage and will become a material consideration in future planning decisions which affect the town’s heritage.

Benton End House and Garden restoration project

The Benton End House and Garden Trust was nominated by Robert Townshend, SPS Trustee, for its work at Benton House and garden in Hadleigh to ensure that its rich cultural history is preserved and celebrated. The aim is to re-establish Benton End as a centre for artistic and horticultural education, as a haven for those wishing to practise arts and horticulture. The SPS is pleased to recognise the Trust’s dedication to the ongoing restoration of this important place which will ensure that the rich history of Benton End is not forgotten.

Little Bealings Community Hub and Kitchen – Helen Clarkson-Fieldsend, Tony Fear and Corinne Jarvis-Fear

Helen, Tony and Corinne were nominated by Jocelyn Saunders as part of the Bealings Community Hub and Kitchen Group for their work in raising over £200,000 towards much needed repairs and upgrades to All Saints Church. SPS is delighted to recognise their work in ensuring that this important historic building will remain at the heart of the community.

Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House restoration

The Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House Trust was nominated by the Ipswich Society for their work to bring about the restoration of the grade I Listed Unitarian Meeting House in Ipswich. This is an invaluable addition to the heritage of Ipswich’s built environment and SPS is delighted to recognise the Trustees’ achievement in securing the building’s future and ensuring that it is accessible for all.

Old Fox Yard, Stowmarket, restoration – Modece Architects

The regeneration of The Old Fox Yard in Stowmarket, a Grade II listed 16th century coaching inn makes a positive contribution to the historic town of Stowmarket. Modece Architects undertook the design and refurbishment of the unit that is currently the office space of the practice. There is also space for local artists to exhibit their work, run classes and have workshops. The SPS is pleased to recognise the sensitive and creative re-use of this important historic building and the contribution it makes to the regeneration of the historic town of Stowmarket.

Great Waldingfield crinkle-crankle wall listing – Clare and Mike Kiely, and Linda and Bernard Rushton

Clare, Mike, Linda and Bernard were nominated for their work to protect the crinkle-crankle wall in Great Waldingfield by successfully achieving its inclusion in the Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Interest. SPS recognises the important role that historic features such as walls can have in contributing to the special character of Suffolk, and we are delighted to recognise their achievement in defending this important architectural feature for the future.