Stowupland Memorials

Scattered around the village are various benches and trees erected by loved ones in memory of those who have passed. For some we have family memories in other cases only their name can be listed here. Those for whom we have some details are: A. Addison, K.Thrower, R & H Shave, Molly Trundle, Margaret Catchpole, S.Scarlett,  A.Love

in memory of

At the time of writing there is no official memorial plaque for Judy Clarke, sho passed away in 2025.

On the 15th of July, family, friends and the village said a tearful goodbye to Judy Clarke. Judy was a very special and kind person. Judy was brought up in Stowmarket but her married life from the late 50s was spent in Stowupland. During thos 50 odd years she was very much involved in so much of village life, as one long time resident said – ‘it makes you wonder, how did she do it all?’

  • Dinner Lady at the High School • Helping with the village Youth Club • Secretary of the Parish Council • Secretary of the Village Hall Committee • Secretary of the Sports and Social Club • Three time President, Secretary and Treasurer of Stowupland W.I. • Stowupland Local History Group • Promoted and supported the Village Green ‘Half a Mow’ project. • Stowupland W.I. Community Quiz Team • Long term member of the volunteer Telstar Distribution Team • Long term member of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust magazine Distribution Team • Member of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Team • Volunteer at the former Museum of East Anglian Life • Volunteer at the Redgrave and Lopham Fen nature reserve • Volunteer at the Poppy Line Steam Railway at Sheringham • Volunteer at the Oxfam Shop in Stowmarket.

She would have been an asset to the Stowupland Biodivvesity Group, as another frend shared ‘Every time I walk by the Half a Mow, I am reminded that Judy was key in getting this area designated and I smile when I remember how engagingly Judy told me about the large number and wide variety of grasses grown there, giving benefit to the environment and wildlife. Judy was so proud of this project – which happily continues to this day. Maureen Carter recalls happy times together with Judy picking the ragwort from the half a mow area before it was cut as it would have been harmful to the cattle.

Judy always had an ear to the ground and often identified a need for volunteers. If you were not a volunteer when you met Judy, you surely were after a few minutes chat. Judy’s friends all agreed we would miss her generosity of spirit, her open-minded and level headed approach (tinged with the inevitable humour), and last, but not least, her willingness to help in any way with a village project.

Thank you Judy, because of you Stowupland is a much nicer and better place to live…….{taken from aTelstar notice contributed by Cathy Welham].

 

In memory of Mr Keith Powell. Keith was a well-liked and respected teacher/deputy head/head of the Freeman Primary School, where he taught for many years before leaving and moving to Lichfield, Staffordshire. Whilst there, he taught cycling proficiency and met and married his wife, Alla. Keith had been ill for quite a while but fought many times to beat the disease. Keith started at the primary school in September 1980. Many of the children whom he taught, and even their parents, still live in the village.