St Peter's is arguably the most important church in Ipswich because of the 900 year history of its site, its celebrated Tournai Limestone font, and its association with Cardinal Wolsey. The Ipswich Society has provided stewards for opening the church to the public on Thursdays in summer since its renovation in 2008, with Jean Hill organising this for most of that time. Jean is stepping down from her stewarding rota duties now and deserves a big ‘thank you’ for her contribution to the heritage of our town, helping to keep this important building open for all to enjoy. Thank you also to all who have stewarded at St Peter’s. I shall be contacting you in March asking for your help in 2023. 

All Ipswich Society members are most welcome to join the rota, of course. Helpers would need to keep an eye on the displays, talk to visitors and sell booklets. They would not be responsible for opening or locking up the church. There is much to explore while you are in St Peter’s, not least the splendid Ipswich Charter Hangings and the glorious east window (restoration partially funded by the Ipswich Society). Outside, the building has much of interest - the photo shows one of the limestone lions guarding the south door.  They sparkle in the sunshine –- a sort of medieval special effect! Please do contact me if you can give 3 hours on a Thursday during summer 2023 to keep this heritage icon open for the public. 

[http://www.ipswichsociety.org.uk/heritage-icons/st-peters-church] 

Caroline Markham

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