Trustees
Richard Lister
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, Richard has worked at Brunel, Hull, and Essex Universities. He chairs 4YP and the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance and serves on the Food Museum board.
Vanessa Trevelyan
Vanessa is a former Director of Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service and past President of the Museums Association, now advising independent museums.
Anne Harrison
Originally from Kent, Anne has lived in Suffolk for nearly 40 years. She is a qualified accountant, Director of Colour Marketing Services Ltd, and active in local history, charities and her church.
Simon Hooton
Simon has lived in Suffolk over 35 years, working in countryside management and environmental education, and is active locally as a councillor, school governor, wildlife group chair and arts centre director.
Melissa Strauss
Melissa works at the National Lottery Heritage Fund on museums and community engagement, is a Clore Fellow, co-founded Museum Space Invaders and has researched community participation in museum governance.
Jon Pattle
Jon has spent most of his life in Norfolk and Suffolk, including 30 years in Stowmarket. A retired senior police officer, he has served the Home Office, chaired a housing association, and supports the town and its museum.
Bill Seaman
Bill grew up on a South Norfolk farm, trained as a teacher, worked in theatre and museums for 30 years, and is now a museum consultant, trainer, musician and National Trust advisor.
Clare Barlow
Clare is Director of the People’s History Museum, Manchester. She has curated Being Human (Wellcome Collection) and Queer British Art, 1863–1967 (Tate Britain) and champions inclusion in museums.
Alex Butler-Zagni
Alex was called to the bar in 2002, became a solicitor in 2010, and has expertise in agricultural law and the food chain. Based in Ixworth, he advises on rural and commercial property.
Jenny Cousins
Jenny, Museum Director since 2016, has led projects at English Heritage and Imperial War Museums. She chairs Stowmarket Culture Group and sits on the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce board.
Jon Brighton
Jon has lived in Stowmarket for over 20 years. A retired senior Suffolk police officer, he is now chair of Cotman Housing Association, a school governor, and enjoys walking, football, and golf.
