Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne
Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne was born and raised in South London and moved to Ipswich in 2014.
Whilst living in London, she spent many years within the hotel industry, running housekeeping departments for some of the biggest and best-known hotels in the capital, such as the Dorchester, Claridge’s, Brown’s Hotel, and the Royal Court in Sloane Square, working with people from all over the world.
She then managed services for people with learning difficulties over the course of 20 years, providing support for independent living.
Councillor Bruce-Browne was elected as a Borough Councillor in 2024, representing Whitton Ward.
Music has always played a major part in her life, from DJing at various events throughout the 1980s, to becoming a radio presenter. In 2017, she set up the Ipswich Reggae Choir, whose members have built great supportive friendships while rehearsing together and singing in and around Ipswich.
Mayoral Theme and Charities
The chosen charities for her Mayoral year are:
ActivLives, which supports and empowers people to make positive changes to their own lives and the lives of others within the community. Working across Ipswich and Suffolk, the charity supports people of all ages, particularly those aged 50 and over, helping individuals improve their health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation and loneliness, and access learning, training, volunteering and employment opportunities. By bringing people together through a range of weekly activities and social events, ActivLives helps individuals build friendships, learn new skills, maintain independence and strengthen resilient local communities.
BME Suffolk Support Group (BSSG) is an award-winning registered non-profit community organisation based in Ipswich that provides practical support and advice to marginalised ethnic groups and the wider community to achieve social integration and general well-being. BSSG brings people together, builds strong relationships in and across communities, and also seeks to relieve people from BME communities and the wider community in Ipswich from poverty. Services offered include food provision, support for children and young people, community café, drop-in advice and support, community gathering events, and educational trips/workshops.
Councillor Bruce-Browne says:
“I’m excited to become Mayor of Ipswich and am very much looking forward to attending many wonderful events in the Borough and acting as Ipswich’s ambassador at engagements elsewhere, telling everyone just how great our town is. Of course I’m also hoping to raise as much money as possible for my two fabulous charities so please look out for the fundraising events we put on through the year.”
You can donate to the Mayor's Charities here
Reflection on Ipswich
“Ever since making the decision to move here permanently with my wife, who is from Ipswich, I’ve felt very much welcomed here by both family and the wider community.
“Since becoming a Borough Councillor, I have learnt an immense amount about our town and its diverse communities.
“I am so honoured to be given this opportunity to represent Ipswich as its first black gay female Mayor and I am so looking forward to meeting many people from all the communities that make this town a great place to be.
“During this coming year as Mayor, I would like to bring togetherness across our town, celebrating all the different cultures that we have to learn from, and encouraging acceptance among all who live and work in Ipswich."