LANDGUARD Fort at Felixstowe has a new governor - former rail boss Tim Clarke.Mr Clarke, who was managing director of Anglia Railways from 1998 until 2004 and then of One railway until 2006, has taken over the helm at the monument as chairman of the Landguard Fort Trust.

LANDGUARD Fort at Felixstowe has a new governor - former rail boss Tim Clarke.

Mr Clarke, who was managing director of Anglia Railways from 1998 until 2004 and then of One railway until 2006, has taken over the helm at the monument as chairman of the Landguard Fort Trust.

The trust is a charitable body runs the fort on behalf of owners English Heritage.

Mr Clarke has taken over as chairman from Peter Bennett, a former chief executive officer of the Port of Felixstowe, and has also taken over from Mr Bennett as chairman of the Harwich Haven Authority, which safeguards the harbour as the Landguard fort did for so long.

Publicity officer for the fort George Buckland said the trust was delighted to have Mr Clarke on board and was looking forward to a busy year.

“It's an important appointment and we feel sure Mr Clarke will enjoy helping to lead the trust forward,” he said.

“The fort is an important monument and attraction for Felixstowe and we have a busy season of events planned this summer from when we re-open at Easter.”

Mr Clarke worked for more than 30 years in the rail industry, holding senior positions in both the public and private sector.

In 2006 he started his own coaching and consultancy business, then, with his colleagues, created Customer Innovation Ltd.

The role of governor at Landguard Fort is steeped in more than 450 years of history - stretching back to the first to hold the post, Henry Rich, 1st Earl Holland, notorious for changing sides many times during the Civil War.

Captain Nathaniel Darell was the most famous governor, leading the fort's forces as they successfully repelled the Dutch invaders of 1667 - the last time England was invaded by a foreign force.

The trust took over the day to day running of the fort in 1995.

It reopens for the summer season on Good Friday March 21, and will be open daily from 10am to 5pm until the end of October or first weekend in November.

Special events this year include art exhibitions, visits by historical re-enactment groups, theatre productions, and a celebration of Darell Day to mark the invasion anniversary.

Has Landguard Fort improved as a visitor attraction? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk