The Thomas Wolsey 550 project in Ipswich will continue until 2025

The Thomas Wolsey 550 project, which started on March 10, 2023, will officially end on Tuesday, September 10.

The education programme has reached thousands of people and thousands of young people through its Wolsey 550 Place Changers programme.

In addition, there were eleven community development projects taking place across the city, Wolsey's Ipswich exhibition and the travelling trailer exhibitions presented by The Hold last summer.

The events took place at “The Hold”. (Image: Ipswich Central)

In addition, there were a number of events including Wolsey-inspired talks and walks, and a large Tudor-themed parade along the Saints to Cornhill, attended by hundreds of schoolchildren.

The project began with two goals: to increase social mobility and to strengthen the sense of pride in the place.

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said: “When the proposal to celebrate Wolsey's birthday was first put forward three years ago, I don't think anyone had any idea what impact this project would have over the course of its 550 days.”

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

Place Changers after completion of the art project on bollards (Image: Ipswich Central)

Hundreds marched through the city in the summer (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Hannah Houghton, Wolsey 550's Head of Education and Equal Opportunities, said: “With our work in schools across Ipswich, we have really started to make a difference to young people's lives. This additional funding will ensure our work is implemented in every school in the Ipswich district, 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, as well as significant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and corporate sponsorship.

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

Project leader Terry Hunt said: “I have really enjoyed working on this project which has made such a difference for Ipswich – and I am delighted that further funding has been secured for our educational work.”

To commemorate the highlights and achievements of the project, a film will be shot and released at the end of October.

The Wolsey 550 project lasted 550 days (Image: Charlotte Bond)

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