The Suffolk Preservation Society is pleased to award a 2021 Suffolk Heritage Champion Award to the following in recognition of their important contribution to the care of heritage in the county over a number of years.
Tony Bone
Tony (pictured on the right at the Moot Hall, Aldeburgh) was nominated by the Aldeburgh Society for his outstanding contribution to Aldeburgh’s heritage. This includes his role as Chair of the Aldeburgh and District Local History Society, Chair of the Aldeburgh Museum and his contribution as former Chair, and now President, of the Aldeburgh Society. His nomination made special reference to his work relating to the restoration of the Moot Hall and Museum. The SPS is delighted to recognise Tony’s significant contribution to the protection and promotion of Aldeburgh’s heritage.
David Findley
David was nominated by Ufford Parish Council for his work in revising the Ufford Heritage Trail and producing an extensive library of detailed information about many sites and buildings in the village. This has enabled local people to discover more about their historic environment and in a format which also engages young people. The SPS is pleased to recognise David’s contribution to the better understanding and enjoyment of Ufford’s unique heritage by the local community during a time of national lockdown.
Alan Gilpin
Alan (pictured in the walled garden at Little Hall in Lavenham) was nominated for an Award by the Little Hall Management Committee for his longstanding voluntary service to the care and maintenance of both Little Hall in and its beautiful gardens. The SPS wishes to recognise Alan’s commitment over 23 years to Little Hall and its historic garden and the important contribution this has made to visitors’ enjoyment of the Little Hall Museum over many years.
Martin Lightfoot
Martin (pictured outside the Guildhall in Bury St Edmunds) was nominated by the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall Trustees for his longstanding service to many of the county’s heritage organisations including: the Pakenham Water Mill, the Unitarian Meeting House, the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust, the Suffolk Architectural Heritage Trust and the Bury St Edmunds Town Trust. The SPS is delighted to recognise his dedication and commitment to the care and promotion of Suffolk’s unique architectural heritage.
John Popham
John was nominated by the Bury Society for his longstanding service to the care of the historic environment, including his role as former Chairman of the Bury St Edmunds Town Trust, co-ordinator of the Bury St Edmunds Rail Station Group and founder of the BTT/ BTEC Level 3 course on Construction and Conservation in the Built Environment at the West Suffolk College. The SPS is delighted to recognise John’s extensive contribution to the protection and appreciation of the county’s heritage over many years.
Marion Welham and James Halsall
Marion and James were nominated by SPS Trustee, Tony Redman for their work both individually and jointly in promoting and protecting Suffolk ecclesiastical heritage. Marion created “Angels and Pinnacles”, obtaining Heritage Lottery funding, to draw the attention of all ages to church heritage and has produced a number of church guides and children’s activity packs. James was secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for over 25 years and was part of the Suffolk initiative to reduce VAT on church repairs. The SPS is delighted to recognise their contribution to the care of the fabric of the county’s churches, together with the enhancement of the visitor experience.