So what makes Stowupland Village of the Year? Well, for a start the essential elements are: a good clerk, a good Chairman and good councillors, all of whom are committed to supporting their Village and helping make the best of all its assets and community spirit. At the time of going to print, Stowupland Parish Council’s website holds quotes from Rachel Sloane, the Village of the Year judge http://www.onesuffolk.co.uk/StowuplandPC/. Among her thoughts, the importance of the Parish Council having consulted the community through a parish plan was highlighted. The reason this was so important was that it identified needs and gave the parish council a mandate for taking forward village events and making sure they were looking after their younger people. They have also taken great care to make sure their communities are kept informed of all local issues through their website and newsletter.

The rousing words of Jerry Voden, Chairman to Stowupland, in the foreward to their Parish Plan, sum up the enthusiasm and focus that made Stowupland the 2006 winners: ‘The Parish Council are strongly committed to the actions recommended in this Parish Plan and we want to involve as many residents as possible. We want to build on the community feeling that is apparent at events like the fun day. I urge everyone in the village to get involved in some way. Together we can make Stowupland a great place to live.’

Parish Clerk: Rachel Godbold
(01449) 770660
pc@stowupland.suffolk.gov.uk

© Suffolk Association of Local Councils