It’s got chilly hasn’t it!
The month started with Remembrance activities. It was an honour (as I mentioned last month) to be asked to be the Patron of the Royal British Legion Stowmarket Poppy Appeal this year. I was out and about on Saturday 8th of November with the Deputy Mayor (the inimitable Darren Dordoy) and Nigel Bailey (the Poppy Appeal organiser). Despite the chill in the wind and the downcast sky we had people come along and say hello and donate to a wonderful cause that does so much the help our veterans and their families. Although this is a challenging time for many people, it feels as thought the people of Stowmarket have been generous to this cause again, thank you.
Then it was Remembrance Sunday. This such an important annual event in the life of our town and our country. To remember those that sacrificed everything in the pursuit of our freedoms is essential, to understand and appreciate properly what you have today you need to understand what people sacrificed for it. On the day I quoted some of the text from the Tomb of the Unknown Solider;
“Thus are commemorated the many multitudes who during the Great War of 1914 – 1918 gave the most that man can give, life itself.”
These are poignant words.
This is also a day to remember the families of service personnel who have been through so much, supporting each other as their loved ones serve away from home, dealing with loss and grief. We also think of those in civilian life that have lost to the effects of war, those who were under the bombs as they fell and those they left behind.
There was great support both in the church and at the memorial gates from the good people of Stowmarket, young and old, both in the parade and in attendance which is heartening to see and shows the commitment of the town to remembrance.
The White Poppy service then followed on, which is another poignant service reflecting on the costs of conflict.
Lastly, on the day, we went to the Salvation Army service for their remembrance service which is another important annual landmark for the town, and I thank them for keeping their message of remembrance alive.
Then on Armistice Day itself we had a short service at the memorial gates and observed the silence, again supported by the Royal British Legion.
Later on in the month I was delighted to represent the Civic side of the town at a group Citizenship Ceremony at Milton House. It was a joyous occasion with 15 proud and hopeful new British Citizens who will no doubt make contributions to this wonderful country, county and town. For them it was the end of a journey through British life and a significant investment of their life to get to the point where they were able to take the responsibilities and commitments of being British. It was a celebration and it was beautiful to be there.
Did you know that Suffolk has the highest number of AI Patents in the UK? I didn’t, but when I went to be part of the opening celebration of “Innovation Labs” at Bury Street they soon set me straight. This is a co-working business space and business support organisation that offers mentoring and introductions to business networking. It was energising to be there and to speak with them and some of the businesses they have supported and are supporting. What is lovely is that these small businesses, often one person innovators, are all trying to move forwards with a product or idea that yes, will make them money but also will make lives better for the people that use them. It was a fascinating insight for me as a person that has been with one employer for the past 35 years!
Then we had the Christmas Tree festival launch at St Peter and St Mary church. I was really looking forwards to this. It is a brilliant and joyous thing to have in the town, and that moment when they start to turn the lights down ready for the big switch on – it’s contagiously exciting. You look around and see the faces of the children ready in anticipation of the big moment. There are trees in the church, but also Red Gables, Stowmarket Library, The Mix, Old Fox Yard, The John Peel Centre and The Regal. Go and see them all!
The final event of the month was the on the final day of the month – the Stowmarket Christmas Fayre. The cold didn’t stop legions of you coming out and supporting the Christmas Market which was brilliant. Thank you so much, your support helps keeps our town on the radar as a great place to visit.
It was about the best weather you can expect for this time of year, which we were all so happy to see after last year. You turned out in your multitudes for a fantastic start to the festive season. There were charities and musical entertainments up at Red Gables, all sorts going on at the museum, movies at The Regal and of course shops and stalls all along the high street. The stall holders I spoke with towards the end of the day love the fact that the people of Stowmarket always come and support these events, and they want to be here with you. I hope you got to go and enjoy the events, and the stalls (and the food offerings!)
I want to thank the sponsors that help stage the event – Bucks estate agents, CFB IT Solutions, Morar Living and Akzonobel.
Last of all. Thank you to all of you. And as the next blog will be in the New Year – Merry Christmas all. You deserve it – you make this town the awesome place that it genuinely is!
All the best David and Maria.
