Jason Collins, Town Reeve for 2025-26
Jason Collins, Town Reeve for 2025-26
Jason Collins has been installed as the new Town Reeve of Bungay at the annual Town Meeting.
At the age of 39 he becomes the youngest to hold the unique and ancient office for over 20 years, and the second youngest for nearly three-quarters of a century.
After being bestowed with the robes and chain of office by outgoing town reeve Jane Vass, he said it was “both a tremendous honour and responsibility” to be asked to take it on.
He praised the remarkable year Mrs Vass had had as Town Reeve and said:
“The announcement tonight, this moment, belongs to Jane Vass as much as it belongs to me. But most importantly, this moment belongs to our community.
“Being elected Reeve is not just a title; it is a commitment. A commitment to listen, to lead with integrity and to build connections. And while we face challenges—economic pressures, and change—we also stand on a foundation of strength: our community. To my fellow feoffees; It is your ideas, your dedication, and your willingness to get involved that will shape the future we create together.”
He added: “As your Reeve, I promise to lead with transparency, fairness, and a steady hand. My door will always be open. I want to hear your concerns, your hopes, and your solutions. This role is not about one person making decisions—it’s about a community moving forward with a shared vision.
“Together, we can protect what makes our town special while embracing opportunities that will benefit generations to come. Together, we can make sure that every voice feels heard. And together, we will write the next chapter of The Town Trust’s story—one grounded in pride, unity, and possibility.”
The Town Reeve heads the Town Trust, to which he was appointed a feoffee (trustee) 18 months ago. The Trust owns the town lands, the ancient Butter Cross, almshouses and other assets. Bungay is the only town left in the country to perpetuate the Saxon office of town reeve.
Biography
Born in Eastbourne, Mr Collins worked for Asda in Sussex from the age of 16, soon becoming the youngest manager they employed in the region. He moved to Norfolk in 2004 to study Music at UEA and graduated in 2007 – majoring in performance and conducting. He transferred to Asda in Norwich to work full time to support his studies, and worked across many departments.
He moved to Bungay when he became manager of the Fisher Theatre, a role he filled till 2015, when he took on the running of the Earsham Hall Tearooms, which he continues to do.
From 2004, Mr Collins has taught the piano to many different standards and ages and continues to teach three afternoons a week. He has been Musical Director for many choirs over the years, including Hethersett Singers, Framingham Earl Singers, and Bure Valley Male Voice Choir. Currently he is musical director of Bungay Voices (formerly Bungay Choral Society).
Mr Collins, who is single, has chosen retired teacher Jane Wells, a family friend, to be his consort for his year of office.
