The contributions of four individuals to county life have been recognised on Suffolk Day.
This year's recipients of the Suffolk Medal, the region's highest honour included charity founder Liz Harsant, poet Michael Laskey, journalist Libby Purves and Dr Soni Sushil, who established a Hindu mandir in Ipswich.
Mrs Harsant, an Ipswich councillor, was recognised for her work with Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund in memory of the women killed by Steve Wright, as well as Talitha Koum, which supports women facing addiction and complex challenges.
Libby Purves was recognised for championing Suffolk's arts and culture in the national media, including her column in The Times.
She has promoted the Ink Festival in Halesworth and promoting Suffolk companies like Red Rose Chain and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.
Poet Michael Laskey was thanked for his contributions directing the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival for its first ten years.
Dr Soni Sushil was recognised for establishing a Hindu mandir in Ipswich, organising cultural events and supporting new arrivals, while he also raised funds and negotiated for community spaces.
Additionally, he advocated for equal opportunities within local institutions.
Former BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy, who founded Suffolk Day, spoke about how people were doing Pilates on the counties beaches and the county's attractions, such as RSPB Minsmere, were letting visitors in free of charge to celebrate the event.
He said: "Lots of things going on across the county to just pause and reflect and understand what a wonderful county we live in and it was so good, Suffolk Day, that the following year Norfolk decided they wanted one as well. Can you believe that? But it's nowhere near as good as this, is it?"
Oliver Paul, High Sheriff of Suffolk, spoke about Suffolk's role in Britain's national and international story, including the spread of democracy around the world.
He said: "The Suffolk people are people of generosity and kindness who time and time again step forward and step up to serve something greater than themselves." He also praised the humour and quiet resilience of the county's people.
Donna Higgins, Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, said it was a "real pleasure" to be able to share her "beautiful and historic" town with the rest of Suffolk.
"A county that is so varied and diverse in its landscape, opportunities and people," she added.
Emily Reeves and Oliver Cole, students at Abbeygate Sixth Form College, read out the Suffolk Day Proclamation and Emily spoke about how Bury St Edmunds was a hub for arts and music, as well as boasting a lot of heritage.
The students will travel to Westminster to present the proclamation.
Here is it in full:
On behalf of the Lord Lieutenant and all the civic leaders in Suffolk, we would like to tell you about the historical and cultural hub that is Bury St Edmunds. A town that welcomes the world, and is proud to be at a jewel of our county. Here, food and art and music flourish, leaving visitors spoilt for choice, whilst our rich history inspires many.
The namesake of this market town is England’s first Patron Saint, Edmund whose legendary martyrdom has inspired many art installations, bringing personality and colour. And it was here in 1214 that twenty-five Barons swore an oath to compel King John to accept a ‘Charter of Liberties’ also known as the Magna Carta. This charter, from our town, has become a foundation for global democracy.
There’s something for everyone in Bury st Edmunds; Abbey Gardens blends history and nature together, where 11th century ruins, a sensory garden, and a children’s playground can all be found in one place.
Bury St Edmunds’ range of attractions extends far beyond a simple tourist trip. This historic town mixes rich heritage with entertainment and the arts, a prime example being Theatre Royal, which is the last remaining Regency playhouse in England.
Suffolk is home to many global artists and performers and Bury St Edmunds is home to a thriving live music culture, where our venues provide a hub for bands and musicians across the county. From Bury to Ipswich, Haverhill to Lowestoft, Newmarket to Aldeburgh, music is a shared passion for all ages.
Our biweekly market really earns Bury St Edmunds its title as a “jewel in the crown of Suffolk”, with up to 70 regular stalls attracting thousands, and boasting a unique range of specialities from the rich tastes of local food to bright hand-picked bouquets.
Come sunshine or snow, in Bury St Edmunds there is always somewhere to hunker down and enjoy a lovely meal. For example, our very own Pea Porridge, a Michelin star winning, Mediterranean-influenced restaurant loved by many. Or perhaps the historic Angel Hotel, or Maison Bleue, or a more relaxed setting like Wrights, John’s, Folk or the Suffolk Café for a cosy warm drink with friends.
On the outskirts of this bustling town in rich farmland, deer and hares can be seen frolicking in fields of sugar beet. This beet soon travels its way to our iconic sugar factory, sometimes referred to as the ‘cloud factory’, marking the way home for many Suffolk folk.
Together, we celebrate the past, and the present, and we use the history and heritage from our vibrant town as model for the future.
Share