Council Chair presents thousands to Stowmarket Charity

19/05/26

Last year’s Mid Suffolk District Council Chair, Cllr Keith Scarff, presented a cheque for £3677 to Stowmarket Relief Trust.

The charity lends a helping hand to those who find themselves experiencing hardship and are able to provide household items such as white goods, bedding and carpet as well as offering household services and helping individuals access the right support and grants where applicable.

Throughout the year, Cllr Scarff has organised and taken part in a number of fundraising events, including a litter pick which saw 155kg of waste collected and raised £1624.75 for the charity.

Cllr Keith Scarff said: “As Chair of Mid Suffolk District Council, it is a great pleasure to present this cheque for the monies raised during my term of office. I am also a Trustee of the Stowmarket Relief Trust, so I see first-hand the efforts in helping those less fortunate in my hometown of Stowmarket and the immediate surrounding villages.

I had no hesitation in naming the Stowmarket Relief Trust as my chosen Charity for my year. Many thanks to all those who have supported my fundraising efforts throughout the year and contributed so generously to this wonderful Charity.”

David Palk, Chair of Stowmarket Relief Trust, said: “The Stowmarket Relief Trust would like to thank Councillor Keith Scarff for choosing the Trust as his charity of the year and for the wonderful sum of £3677 that he has raised for the Trust during his Chairmanship.

This money will go towards giving grants to people in Stowmarket and the adjoining parishes who are in need of help for example by providing white goods such as cookers, fridges and washing machines, as well as other items such as carpets. Thank you so much Keith."

At Mid Suffolk District Council’s Meeting held on Thursday 14 May, Cllr Lorraine Baker and Cllr Keith Scarff were elected as Chair and Vice Chair for 2026/27.

Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue (SULSAR) has been named as the Chair’s chosen charity to support for the upcoming year.

Cllr Keith Scarff presenting cheque to David Palk from Stowmarket Relief Trust