Town Council Update June 2010

June 2010 Meeting Schedule
2nd Planning, Consultation & Strategy Committee
2nd Operations & Services Committee
16th Full Council
16th Planning, Consultation & Strategy Committee
Twice a month there are Council meetings held in the Council Chamber of Stowmarket Town Council, with the first meeting starting at 7pm, while the second meeting of the night will commence at 7.30pm. Members of the public and press are very welcome to attend. Ifyou would like more information on how to attend, please contact the office on 01449 612060.

Town Centre Manager Appointed
Stowmarket now has it’s first ever Town Centre Manager which is welcome news to all traders in the Town Centre as well as the whole town. Mark Strachan started in the role on the 10th May. His over-riding objectives will be to make Stowmarket Town Centre a better place, get more people using the Town Centre and to form a Town Centre Partnership. Mark brings over 20 years of people and project management experience to the role and is extremely enthusiastic about the challenge. “I live with my family on Cedars Park and I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a difference to the town I live in. These are exciting times for Stowmarket with so many improvements going on – such as The Mix, the new bridge, the John Peel Centre, and the Ipswich Street redevelopment amongst others. These will all be a huge boost to the Town Centre and it’s so exciting to be a part of that.” Mark will be getting out and meeting the retailers in the town over the coming weeks as well as developing a Town Centre strategy. “I want to unite all the businesses in the Town Centre to form a single voice through a Town Centre Partnership. If we all work together we can jointly achieve success”

One of the best free music festivals in the region – and it’s right here in Stowmarket!

Yes, StowFest is nearly here – all we need now if for everyone in Stowmarket to pray hard that the weather is actually kind to us for once!
StowFest is over two days this year with the addition of StowFest: The Acoustic Sessions (sponsored by Birse Civils) on Saturday 5th June – the day before the Main Event (sponsored by Hudson Signs and PPG) at the Recreation Ground. Don’t be under any illusions that the Acoustic Sessions will be a low key event. We’ve got a whole array of great acts lined up – from guitar-supremo / singer songwriter Jake Morley to the folk rock 7-piece Songs From the Blue House to the comedy skiffle duo The Ouse Valley Singles Club to foot-stomping blues rocksters, The Back Porch Band. Plus loads more besides. The Acoustic Sessions will be a great event to chill out, have a picnic and enjoy some superb live acoustic music. There will be several commercial food stalls at the event and the Chilton Fields Sports and Social Club bar will be open. Please note that only alcohol purchased from the bar is allowed to be consumed at the event. The Acoustic Sessions will start at 2pm and finish around 11pm. Although children are obviously welcome to attend and will no doubt have a great time, it is an event on a smaller scale than the main event with the music very much the main focus and therefore there will not be any children’s stalls and rides. The Main Event on Sunday 6th June (12pm to 7.45pm) again boasts an exciting line up covering all sorts of styles. As well as the music though there will be loads of other attractions, such as the Caravan Gallery, free t-shirt printing, children’s stalls and rides, The Heart Zone, various commercial stalls including a beer tent and loads more.

Stowmarket Street Market Every Thursday and Saturday
There are plenty of great quality products at excellent priceson our twice-weekly street market. We have been working to attract new stalls to the town and the Thursday market in particular has developed into a bustling, vibrant market. You can pick up fresh fish, fruit and veg, meat, flowers, cards, clothing, watches, jewellery and much much more.

Farmers Market
First Friday of every month The next Farmers’ Markets will be held on Friday 4th June and Friday 2nd July 2010 Visitors can expect to enjoy a variety of local produce on offer including meats, fruit and vegetables, home made fresh bread, relishes, freshly cooked pies and homes baked cakes. Flowers and plants can also be purchased. Market Contact: For more information on markets, including enquiries from traders interested in coming to Stowmarket, please contact Market Warden John Harvey on 01449 612060 or 07894751409 or email johnh@stowmarket.org.