During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Stowmarket Town Council has been active in supporting the community by diverting staff and resources to assisting with essential services, as well as morale boosting and community bonding endeavours.
Since the start of the virus, we have offered support to GP surgeries, supported the food bank with collections, paid for printing for volunteer groups, erected flags and banners to show support and solidarity for the NHS and keyworkers, kept the market operational with essential food item stalls and published and shared relevant information on our website, including grant opportunities, information for businesses and individuals and links to trusted sites and resources.
In the past month we have gifted hampers to organisations providing supported living services to those in need, such as Avenues and Mencap, to thank staff for their dedication and commitment.
The mayor, Paul Ekpenyong, sent flowers to both Phyllis Barton and Hilda Cullum to celebrate their 100th birthdays. He expressed his sadness at not being able to attend the celebrations in person, but sent his best wishes and congratulations to both ladies at reaching such an impressive milestone.
We have been asking to see pictures of your own window displays, and have loved seeing so much creativity. We were thrilled to see people partaking in VE Day celebrations, including socially distanced doorstep picnics. There is a new trail called Stowmarket Scarecrow Trail, already with some impressive NHS ‘scarecrows’. There is a Facebook group for those who would like to get involved.
Stowmarket Boredom Busters – our Facebook page filled with fun ideas for the whole family – is a great place to check what’s on. Congratulations to Julie Mitchell and family, who won the VE Day colouring competition!
Stowmarket Market has enjoyed a boost in footfall, and has been a popular choice for shopping. The social distancing measures in place have been effective and, given the updated information by the government that being outside is no longer a limited activity (correct at time of writing – please refer to latest government guidelines for current recommendations), we hope that custom at the market will continue to rise. A full list of stalls can be found on our website.
Thank you to everyone who are complying with the current advice and helping to slow the spread of the virus.
Website: www.stowmarkettowncouncil.gov.uk
Boredom Busters: www.facebook.com/Stowmarket-Boredom-Busters
Stowmarket Scarecrow Trail: www.facebook.com/groups/536285260609569