Councillor Maria Child

Stowmarket and the people of the town are important to me; it is the place that made me feel at home when I first moved from Bulgaria to the UK. The community has always been welcoming and supportive and serving on the Council gives me the ability to give something back and help do my part in improving the quality of life, the environment and the facilities we have as a town.

In 2019, I had the privilege of being elected to the Town Council representing the Stow Thorney Ward, which was a special moment for me. That experience made me understand how important the role is and what difference a town councillor can make; it showed me that communicating with as many people from the town as possible and listening to their problems, wishes and hopes for the future is decisive when one has committed to representing the community interests; it taught me that there isn’t a task that is too small to deal with – something that seems small can be crucial or even life-changing to others. Being there and helping someone makes a real difference to people.

I believe that if you want to see a change, you need to get involved yourself, so I also try to support different community initiatives and take part in them whenever I can: I volunteer at the Food Museum, I’ve taken part in various environmental initiatives within the town, I am a strong supporter of Stowmarket Youth Theatre.

I’ve been recently co-opted on the Town Council and I believe I can apply my skills and time well to help make the best decisions for our town and our whole diverse community.

I am self-employed and work in the publishing sphere. I have previous experience in education and visitor services.

I am married to David and between us we have four grown-up children and two grandchildren. I like spending time with my family and friends as well as reading, art, history and travelling.