January was a quieter month for Mayoral engagements, although there is still a lot going on in relation to Town Council meetings, and it looks like it is beginning to get busier. One highlight of January was opening The Range. It’s great to see a new store open in Felixstowe, and positive that the store did not stand empty for long. This end of Felixstowe will surely receive a welcome boost, as Sainsbury’s is soon to open in the premises previously occupied by the Co-Op next to Great Eastern Square.
This year, there are a number of exciting charity events scheduled to raise money for Breast Friends CIC and the Landguard Trust – my two chosen charities. A very successful curry Mayor’s Charity Curry Night was held at Bombay Nite in Walton. On 11 February, we will host an Italian Evening at Alba Chiara, a Night at the Musicals at La Vida on 20 March, and the much-loved Mayor’s Charity Fashion Show will return to St Johns Church in April. I look forward to meeting many of you there, so please come along to show your support! You can book your tickets at www.breastfriends.co.uk/events or by calling 01394 288191.
Tickets for the Mayors Ball, taking place on 25 April, are now on sale, and for the first time ever, it will be held at the award-winning Sea You. Tickets are £55 per person and will include a drink on arrival , a three-course meal, and live music from Rude and Reckless and Asha Louise. The theme this year is Two Tone and the excellent Rude and Reckless while be entertaining us after the meal. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment by contacting the Town Hall on 01394 288191 or email sue.faversham@felixstowe.gov.uk.
The Town Council were disappointed to learn the plans of East Suffolk Council to increase car parking charges during the peak tourist season. I have written to East Suffolk Council outlining the opposition to the increases and that this was imposed on the town without prior consultation. The matter is to be considered at a Scrutiny Committee, which I will be attending to put forward Felixstowe Town Council’s view. I believe the idea is bad for tourism and also for residents, as it is likely to result in more on street car parking preventing residents from parking near their homes, which is already a problem in some areas.
Finally, on an exciting note, invites have been extended to the Burgermeisters of Wesel and Salzwedel to visit Felixstowe in April. Felixstowe Town Council is fortunate to have two thriving town twinning partnerships, and these visits have been my personal highlight of the year.
Cllr David Rowe, Mayor of Felixstowe