I never fail to be impressed by the dynamic, forward thinking community we have across Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket; full of highly skilled, hugely committed individuals and businesses. But I am equally impressed by the commitment made to our town’s proud history and heritage; and what got us to where we are today.
This is summed up no better than by the recent four-day celebration of our town’s history, culminating in St Edmunds Day on Monday. And what a four days it was! We had children’s craft workshops, a ‘takeover day’ at Moyse’s Hall, live music, events for our canine friends, ‘terrible tours’ and a special St Edmunds Day hosted by St Edmundsbury Mayor Terry Clements.
Businesses embraced all the St Edmunds celebrations and it was wonderful to see the flags flying from so many corners of Bury St Edmunds, with people coming together around the town in recognition of our namesake.
Doing my bit from Westminster, it was both a pleasure and a privilege to promote the special day by bringing it to the attention of the House of Commons with Andrea Leadsom MP, Leader of the House, commending the celebrations and our “very beautiful constituency”.
The host of activities in recognition of St Edmund, the first patron saint of England, was partnership-working at its best. They showcased the best of our area and I commend James Sheen for his efforts, alongside Mark Cordell of Our Bury St Edmunds and his team, Bury Town Council, St Edmundsbury Mayor Terry Clements and so many others.
Our Bury St Edmunds recent launch of ‘Bury and beyond’, to promote our town and tourist attractions in the broader Suffolk area, has done outstanding work both across St Edmunds weekend celebrations and the Christmas Fayre. With record levels of visitors on the first Friday I want to commend all those involved as in particular the traffic management really seemed to be working!
The warmth and unity of these groups, especially when they come together really shows in the events they put on around the town. This, I feel, is what makes our town such a wonderful and welcoming place to visit; when you see people engaging and enjoying with all we have to offer.
In the run up to Christmas, we still have plenty of exciting things to look forward to including my Older Persons Information Fair to be held today at the Apex, between 10.30am and 1.30pm and the wonderful Light up a Life events tomorrow. Nothing to be Bah humbug about here!
Published in Bury Free Press