Wolsey550 announces change of leadership

Wolsey 550 Project Announces New Chair as Vice Chancellor Jenny Higham Succeeds Terry Hunt

The Wolsey 550 project has announced a change of leadership at the top of its project board, with Professor Jenny Higham, Vice Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, taking over as Chair from Terry Hunt, former editor of the East Anglian Daily Times.

The Wolsey 550 project was established in 2021 by Ipswich Central to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich. Phase 1 of the project was hailed a huge success under Mr Hunt’s leadership, with 40,000 people engaged in a busy 18-month long events programme, and a schools project which worked with every school in Ipswich and involved more than 20,000 student participants.

With Phase 2 planning now well underway, the Wolsey 550 team continue to raise funds and deliver heritage education projects and careers development work with schools in Ipswich, supported by a range of partners including local heritage organisations and businesses.

The project board is now being renewed for Phase 2. The initial remit for this part of the project is to develop a conservation programme for Wolsey’s Gate and adjoining churchyard walls, and plan for safe public access to the site with new interpretation explaining the story of Wolsey’s planned Cardinal College. 

As before, the second phase of the project will be delivered in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and other relevant stakeholders. 

The project is an integral part of the new 10-year Culture and Heritage strategy for Ipswich, which launches in October.

Terry Hunt, outgoing Chair of Wolsey 550, said: “It has been a great honour to chair the Thomas Wolsey 550 project for the last five years. From a single, simple idea to celebrate Wolsey’s 550th birthday, it has grown to become an important, inspiring and transformational project for the town. The brilliant work of Wolsey 550 has begun to create a greater sense of pride and aspiration within our historic county town, especially among young people. There is, of course, a great deal of work still to do, including the creation of a new heritage site with a focus on Wolsey’s Gate. I look forward to watching the further exciting progress of Wolsey 550 under the outstanding leadership of new chair Jenny Higham and project director Kath Cockshaw.”

Professor Jenny Higham, incoming Chair of Wolsey 550, said: “The Wolsey 550 project provides a significant opportunity for communities in Ipswich to celebrate the town’s history. I am excited to take on the role as Chair and I thank Terry for his extensive contributions to this project. As we enter the second phase, I look forward to bringing all the partners together to continue to build the legacy for Thomas Wolsey and his ambitions for his ‘Cardinal College’ site.”

Kath Cockshaw, Project Director, said: “Phase 1 of the Wolsey 550 project surpassed all expectations in proving Ipswich’s enthusiasm and love for its heritage – particularly in our schools education work, which engaged every school in Ipswich. Phase 2 brings very exciting challenges as we prepare to tell the stories of a very complex heritage site and develop its relationship to the town. We look forward to being able to ensure safe, informed access to Wolsey’s Gate – a site of real national importance. We’re so grateful to Terry for his leadership and very excited for what Jenny will bring to the project, as this next chapter unfolds.”

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said: “Ipswich Central is incredibly proud of all the work done by the Wolsey 550 project to date. It’s become a really significant heritage placemaking project in the town, and its success speaks to our belief that for a town to thrive, it must celebrate and capitalise on its unique cultural identity. We thank Terry for his outstanding contribution to the project and welcome Jenny as its new Chair.”

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader, Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The success of the Wolsey 550 project shows just how powerful our heritage can be in bringing people together, inspiring civic pride and connecting new generations with Ipswich’s remarkable history. We are grateful to Terry for his dedication and leadership in establishing the project as a lasting cultural legacy for the town.

As we look ahead to this exciting second phase, I am delighted that Jenny has taken the reins as Chair. Her leadership, together with the continued commitment of partners across Ipswich, will help ensure that the vision for our town continues to be celebrated, while opening up new opportunities for learning, heritage conservation and cultural engagement. The project is a key part of our long-term ambitions for Ipswich’s culture and heritage offer, and we look forward to supporting its continued success.”