TRIBUTES have been paid today to a Suffolk farmer who helped set up one of the county's biggest tourist attractions. Jack Carter, of Gipping Farm, Stowupland, has died at the age of 92.

TRIBUTES have been paid today to a Suffolk farmer who helped set up one of the county's biggest tourist attractions.

Jack Carter, of Gipping Farm, Stowupland, has died at the age of 92.

A former Stowupland parish councillor and a county councillor, Mr Carter is best remembered for his role as a founder of the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.

Staff and volunteers at the museum today paid tribute to Mr Carter.

A statement, prepared by museum volunteer Roger Barnes and collections manager Lisa Harris, said Mr Carter was a regular visitor to the museum until recently.

The statement said: "It is with regret that we record the passing of Jack Carter.

"A lifetime spent in East Anglian farming bore witness to many changes both within the industry and socially too, and a lifelong interest in history led Jack in his passion to collect agricultural artefacts before it became too late.

"Small collections had been established in various locations in Suffolk from the 1950's but the need for consolidation soon became recognised.

"Working closely with the Suffolk Local History Council, Jack was able to make effective use of the generous gift of land by the Longe family, which led to the establishment of the Museum of East Anglian Life in its permanent location in Stowmarket, in 1967."

Under Mr Carter's supervision collections of agricultural implements and machinery were moved to the museum for display as well as conservation.

He did much of the initial work of record keeping, cleaning and restoration himself, often at his own expense.

The statement said: "Jack believed that conserved agricultural implements, both large and small, should, where possible, be shown in use and that our rich historical heritage be brought to life, especially for the young."

"Though troubled by indifferent health in latter years, he retained a real interest in the Museum he helped found.

"He will be sadly missed."

Mr Carter was also a chairman of Stowmarket Naturalists Society and a governor of Stowupland High School and Stowmarket Middle School.

What are your memories of Mr Carter? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk