Thomas Wolsey 550 project in Ipswich to continue into 2025

The Thomas Wolsey 550 project, which launched on March 10, 2023, officially draws to a close on Tuesday, September 10. 

The education programme has reached thousands of people as well as thousands of young people through its Wolsey 550 Place-Changers scheme.

In addition there were eleven community grants projects which took place across the town, the Wolsey's Ipswich exhibition and touring trailer displays presented by The Hold last summer.

Events were held in The Hold (Image: Ipswich Central)

There was also a series of events including Wolsey-inspired talks and walks and a grand Tudor-themed parade along The Saints to the Cornhill, performed by hundreds of school children.

The project started with two aims, to increase social mobility, and improve the sense of pride in place.

CEO of Ipswich Central, Lee Walker said:  "When a proposal to celebrate the anniversary of Wolsey's birth was first raised three years ago, I don't think anyone had an inkling of just how much of an impact that project would make over the course of its 550 days."

The Wolsey 550 team has also announced that the education programme has won further funding from the Ipswich PDP Investment Fund to continue to deliver services until the end of March 2025.

Place Changers after completing art project on Bollards (Image: Ipswich Central)

Hundreds marched through the town over the summer (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Hannah Houghton, education and opportunities lead for Wolsey 550, said: "We have really begun to change young lives with the work we’ve been doing in schools right across Ipswich, and this additional funding ensures that work will be taken in to every school in Ipswich Borough, reaching as many children and young people as possible."

The Wolsey 550 project received investment from Ipswich Central, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, Birketts, ABP and the University of Suffolk, and significant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and business sponsorship.

Terry Hunt, chair of Wolsey 550 Project (Image: Newsquest)

Project chair Terry Hunt, said: "I’ve really loved working on this project, which has achieved so much for Ipswich - and I’m thrilled further funding has been secured for our education work."

A film is to be made to celebrate the projects highlights and achievements which will be shared at the end of October.

The Wolsey 550 project ran for 550 days (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Wolsey's real hat was in Ipswich (Image: Nick Tipping)