Friday, July 30th, 2010
Good Morning
Latest News in Diss
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July
12th July - Diss people get a chance to be Vocal Locals
People in Diss will get the chance on Friday (July 16th) to have their say on everything from anti-social behaviour and job prospects to parking and leisure facilities when the Vocal Local roadshow rolls into town.
A mobile video recording studio disguised as a traditional black cab will be at Mere’s Mouth in the town between 9am and 12pm, giving people the chance to record a message to be relayed to decision-makers.
The How to be a Vocal Local campaign aims to show how easy it is for people to have their say, and highlights how ordinary people who care about their communities are making things happen and making a difference.
In Diss, South Norfolk Council is keen to gather views on a range of issues, which will help the council provide the services residents value the most.
Representatives from the Diss Safer Neighbourhood Team and SNC Neighbourhood Team will be on hand to explain how easy it is for people to get involved in their communities.
South Norfolk councillor Eloise Ellis, cabinet member for economic and regulatory services represents Diss with two of her colleagues, and is a powerful advocate of community involvement in decision-making.
“The people of my town are passionate about it,” she said. “They love it, they want a say in its future, and they pull no punches. But when we really succeed, it is overwhelmingly because we work together.
“We need vocal locals who don’t just shout loudest, but who are prepared to work with others to win the improvements a town like Diss needs if it is to overcome the huge challenges ahead.”
Daniel Cox, Chairman of the Norfolk County Strategic Partnership (NCSP) which is running the campaign, said it was vital that people had their say to help shape the places where they live.
“I have spoken to some truly inspirational people who have really helped change people’s lives, and what they’ve all said is that once they knew how to get involved there was no stopping them,” he added.
“By getting involved in decision-making you really can make a difference.”
A Vocal Local website gives people ideas on the different ways to get involved, from working with neighbours on a local issue, or joining a community group, to giving feedback to councils, police or the local NHS.
A radio advertising campaign will run until late September, encouraging people to become a Vocal Local.
Caroline Money, County Strategic Partnership officer, added: “There are dozens of different ways you can be a Vocal Local, depending on what interests you, how much time you have and how much or little you want to get involved.
“People can give from just a few hours a month to full-time work, but many employers support vocal locals with time off work for public duties. What’s more, for some of these roles, organisations can pay expenses for travel or childcare so you are not out-of-pocket for taking part.”
Visit www.vocallocal.co.uk to find out more
Submited by: Dawn Humphreys.
Contact number: 01603 417722
June
24th June - You’ve got the wheels can you help with our meals?
Do you have some time to spare?
You can help WRVS in Diss with Meals on Wheels by giving as little as one hour a month on a regular basis.
To do this we rely on male and female volunteer drivers and helpers. Together volunteers deliver far more than just a meal – for many individuals who receive Meals on Wheels the delivery is their main social contact and they look forward to seeing a friendly face.
Can you help provide this vital service for elderly and housebound people in your area, as a driver or helper? Mileage allowance is paid.
Submited by: Dorreen.
Contact number: 01379 641666
24th June -
May
19th May - Diss Methodist Church
Diss Methodist Church provides a Light Lunch on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 12-1.15pm.
These were started some years ago as part of the fund raising required to upgrade the kitchen and other parts of the premises. The lunches were so popular that it was decided to keep them going and the money riased now goes to charity. This year;s nominated charity is the Fishermen's Mission.
It is a 2 course lunch, consisting of main course, which during the winter months is home made soup with a choice of at least 3 soups, bread and butter. During the summer months May to September/October (depending on the weather) is a choice of quiche (there are usually 3 of these on offer), ham or cheese salad. There is a choice of hot or cold sweets, served with custard or ice-cream, finishing with a cup of tea or coffee.
The minimum cost is £3.50 but more is always welcome. Expenses are minimal as most of the food is home made and given voluntarily.
Although the lunch is served in the hall of the Methodist church it is open to everyone to come and enjoy a quality lunch amongst the friendly people of the Diss Methodist Church.
Submited by: Lucy.
Contact number: 01953 456789
April
27th April - Diss Town Council Noticeboard May 2010
People will be aware of recent articles in the press and various rumours circulating about the future of Fair Green. We would like to take this opportunity to provide some facts about Fair Green and the Town Council's roles and responsibilities with regard to it.
Fair Green is owned by the Diss Parochial Charity, which has five trustees, two of whom are appointed by the Town Council. Fair Green has been leased to the Town Council for the last 21 years under a full maintaining lease. Over several years, the Town Council has worked with the residents, businesses, Parochial Charity and South Norfolk Council to develop a plan for improving the roads. Funding bids for this have recently been unsuccessful. The lease expires on 1st May 2010.
In anticipation of the expiry of the lease, last year the Town Council considered whether to renew the lease under the existing terms. It was decided that the continued maintenance of the roads was too much of a burden on the tax payers of Diss, because in theory they are for the benefit of Fair Green residents only. To give some idea of cost: to fill the potholes, a measure which usually lasts for about a month, would cost between £2,500 and £5,000 - at least 3 1/2 times what it used to cost; to make significant improvements to the roads would cost in the region of £60,000; and to have the roads brought up to Highways standard for adoption (which as a local authority we would be required to do by forthcoming European legislation), would cost between £250,000 and £500,000. Currently the Town Council does not have the resources to do even a temporary pothole fill.
In November 2009, the Town Council decided to offer to renew the lease to continue to maintain the amenity area for the benefit of the residents of Diss, but without responsibility for the roads. The Parochial Charity was informed of this in December 2009. Meanwhile the Council learned that it would still have responsibility for 50% of the roads and would also be responsible for levying the balance from the residents. This new information meant the Council needed to reconsider the original resolution, which it did at the Full Council meeting on 17th March 2010. The Parochial Charity responded to our offer the week before this meeting asking us to reconsider our position. In view of the new information and the late response of the Parochial Charity, it was decided to request an extension of the lease for six months to allow time to consider other options and to enter into discussions with the residents and the Parochial Charity.
However the Parochial Charity did not wait for a formal response from the Town Council before announcing that Fair Green would be put up for sale by auction.
A response is still awaited from the Parochial Charity to an offer from a community group to purchase the Green. Whoever may be the future owners of Fair Green, it is permanently protected by its status as a registered Village Green and cannot be built on or enclosed. The Town Council is willing to work with the future owners to ensure the continued maintenance of Fair Green as an amenity for the benefit of the residents of Diss and its visitors. It cannot, however, continue to take responsibility for the roads.
Submited by: Lucy.
Contact number: 01953 456789
8th April - Volunteers Needed In Your Community
Help us support people at times of crisis.
The British Red Cross is calling for volunteers in your local community to get involved during Red Cross Appeal Week, the charity's annual fundraising drive, 1st-8th May.
Volunteers are needed to collect for just two hours in towns, your village or down your street and giving just 2 hours can really help to support vunerable people in our communities here in Norfolk and across the world.
If collecting is not for you there are many other ways to get involved, would you like to organise a coffee morning with friends or a Dress in Red Day at work. All support and other ideas are available.
Money raised goes towards helping vunerable people in our local community including, helping those when leaving hospital, supporting those after a fire and loaning wheelchairs and walking aids.
Steven Hart at the British Red Cross said: "During Red Cross Appeal Week we rely on our fantastic volunteers to give their time to collect locally, in aid of the Red Cross. We couldn't do it without them, but the more collectors and supporters we have, the more we can riase, so we are urging people to sign up this year."
People who wish to collect, support or donate for the Red Cross can contact Steven Hart, Fundraiser on 01603 253412 or email stevenhart@redcross.org.uk.
Submited by: Steven Hart.
Contact number: 01603 253412
8th April - Diss Town Council - Noticeboard April 2010
Diss Town Council’s Highways Committee works with Norfolk County Council to improve roads, traffic management, street lighting and other highway related matters in Diss. The Chairman is Mike Bardwell who writes the following about the issues currently being considered by his Committee:
There are many road management issues in Diss and quite a lot of work has been carried out with more planned to improve the roads around the town. In the current climate of budget restrictions county-wide, Diss has been fortunate in the investment received recently. I have listed some of the improvements that have been completed and those still to come.
Improvements to the town are set to continue. Market Hill is looking much smarter since its refurbishment and the Chapel Street improvements are almost complete. The next phase will be St Nicholas Street. In keeping with the Market Hill scheme, the pavements are to be completely re-laid and improved to tidy up the northern end of the town centre. Some alterations to the layout at the bottom of St Nicholas Street will aim to channel larger vehicles at the junction in a bid to avoid damage to the buildings there, as has happened in the past.
Other work carried out recently includes alterations at the junction of Victoria Road and Stuston Road. There have been several instances of vehicles colliding with the house on the corner so higher kerbing has been put in place to prevent this. The work was done during the winter and now that the weather has improved, new white lining for a turning area will be added to finish the project.
The condition of Victoria Road itself from the rail bridge to the Stuston Road junction has deteriorated considerably, the harsh winter hasn’t helped the situation and in light of this we have been able to get the planned resurfacing work brought forward by twelve months. This should take place around August.
Several Bus stops around the town are to be improved and brought up to the national standard with raised kerbs and textured paving to make it easier for those with restricted mobility to use the buses more easily.
Parking in the Market Place has become a noticeable concern with people parking illegally on the paved area next to the railings in front of Boots. New signs will be installed to reinforce the traffic order there and the Traffic Warden will be monitoring the situation.
Remedial work will be carried out at the Morrisons roundabout to reduce the flooding issue and improve the crossing points.
I am pleased at the many improvements however, many other issues exist and we will continue to work with both the District and County Councils to improve Diss for everyone.
March
8th March - Diss Farmers and Continental Market Update
The Market in Diss dates back to the times of Henry I when a charter was granted to the Lord of the Manor. There has been a market held in Diss ever since. Today, the market is still an important part of the week in Diss with Friday being one of the busiest days in the town. People come regularly from within the town and surrounding villages to visit the stalls and shops, meet up with friends and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy market town on market day.
For several years, the people of Diss and surrounds have also enjoyed the successful monthly Farmers’ Market held on the second Saturday of each month in the Market Place. Fresh local food and crafts are available to buy direct from the producer reducing food miles and offering an alternative to supermarket shopping. To support the Farmers’ Market and assist the traders, a support group was set up which has been active in promoting the market to attract a greater variety of stalls and more customers. They have organised live music at the market, hold a regular raffle, provide information on other activities happening in and around the town and put out and remove roadside signs. There are vacancies for volunteers on the group and we are currently looking for more people to volunteer to give up a few hours each month to help keep the Farmers’ Market in Diss vibrant and successful. If you would like to get involved please contact Suzanne Kayne on 01379 641388 email suzannekayne@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
After an absence of a year the Continental Market returns to Diss again on Saturday 20th March 2010. Again organised by Brunomart, it will provide a variety of stalls selling a large selection of continental delicacies. The Continental Market has proved to very popular in previous years with many people coming to the town centre to experience the exciting tastes and aromas of Europe right here in Norfolk. Add this date to your diary to be sure you don’t miss this exciting event.
Submited by: Suzanne Kayne.
Contact number: 01379 641388
January
22nd January - Diss Museum
Perhaps the most enigmatic woman in the history of Diss is Ethel Le Neve, who became notorious a century ago.
She was born Ethel Neave (the Le was a later romantic addition of her own) in a cottage in Bryar's Lane in 1883. She was baptised in St. Mary's Church by one of the Mannings..
Her father, Walter, worked as a clerk on the railway. Ethel was a tomboy and liked to climb trees, play leapfrog and dress as a boy, something prophetic of her later life.
She had a frog foot deformity and suffered pain in learning to walk properly.
The family left Diss when she was about seven. In her twenties we find her working as a typist at Drouet's in London.
She was something of a hypochondriac; and, because of her habitual response to being asked how she was, earned the nickname 'Not Very Well, Thank You'.
Her health and happiness improved greatly when the unhappily married and henpecked Crippen took an interest in her.
Hawley Harvey Crippen was a medical man from Michigan, who came to manage the firm where Ethel worked.
He was married to Cora, a woman of Russian, Polish and German extraction, who wanted to be a music hall artiste, calling herself Belle Elmore.
Ethel became Crippen's mistress. At some point, it is said, Crippen poisoned his wife and buried her mutilated remains in the cellar and made off across the Atlantic with Ethel, dressed as a boy. This was 1910.
Captain Kendall of the Montrose thought that 'Mr.and Master Robinson' were suspicious and sent a message to London, having an eye on the £250 reward. History was made, as this was the first time a criminal had been caught by the use of wireless.
A detective caught a faster ship and the fugitives were apprehended off the coast of Canada.
Crippen was brought back, convicted and hanged. Ethel was tried as an accessory after the fact but acquitted.
F.E. Smith (later Lord Birkenhead), who defended her, felt that she was 'innocent in every sense of the word'. But you must wonder how much she knew.
She is said, in the weeks before Cora's death, to have frequented the Royal College of Surgeons, looking up works on toxicology. So she may have been behind the whole thing.
David James Smith, in Supper With The Crippens, cites several occasions when she lied to her teeth..
But the whole case has been thrown into confusion by the DNA discovery that the remains in the cellar were not those of Crippen's wife. So what did Ethel know about that?
Amy Gibbons will read Ethel's autobiography at St. Mary's Hall, Diss at 7.30pm on Friday 26 February.
The same evening I will give a dramatic presentation of The Flush Hall Murder, a case in which my family was slightly involved in 1915. (£2 to Friends of the Museum, £3 to others.)
The following week, Saturday 5 March, at the Utd Reformed Church, Diss (opposite Somerfields) at 7.30pm, David James Smith, Sunday Times journalist and author of Supper With The Crippens, will talk about the case. (£2.50 at the door.)
Basil Abbott
Submited by: Lucy.
Contact number: 01953 456789
21st January - Diss Town Council Noticeboard
Diss Town Council Notice Board February 2010
Following a decision by Diss Town Council to lease the Corn Hall to the community group, the Friends of Diss Corn Hall, plans are now in place to make it a venue with a lively programme of events which will appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes. From music and film, theatre and comedy, to art and the spoken word, from 2010 onwards, something will be going on at the Corn Hall two or three times a week.
The dawning of this exciting new era in the life of the Corn Hall begins with a three-day launch between 18th and 20th February. It will feature the live broadcast of BBC Radio 4’s most prestigious topical discussion programme Any Questions? on Friday 19th February. The previous evening will be devoted to comedy with a visit from Norwich’s famous Red Card Comedy Club, whose stand-up evenings with top comedians regularly sell out at their Carrow Road venue. Saturday night will be music night and our line-up will feature the hottest young indie band in the area Vanilla Kick, the popular rhythm and blues outfit The BBs, and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
The Old Stables adjoining the Corn Hall will serve as the box office and will also feature regular exhibitions. In February, the work of John Piper, one of Britain’s most popular post war artists, will be launched and acclaimed biographer Frances Spalding will give a talk about her new biography of Piper and his wife Myfanwy on 26th February.
The Corn Hall is a very special venue and the Friends plan to reinstate it at the heart of Diss but will need volunteers to help in all aspects of the running, from manning the box office to stewarding events. The new Corn Hall Manager, Angela Sykes would love to hear from anyone who is interested in helping to create a vibrant arts centre. She can be contacted at the Corn Hall box office on: 01379 652241.
Details of the full Diss Corn Hall programme may be found at www.disscornhall.co.uk where you can also buy tickets.
In addition to the new programme the Corn Hall will continue to host a variety of community and charity events. Coming up in March, country singer Raymond Froggatt returns to Diss on Saturday 6th as part of his 2010 Fields of Rock & Roll Tour, for ticket enquiries phone 01379 644013. This a charity event in aid of the Help for Heroes Fund.
On Saturday 13th March the acclaimed local singing group ‘Merely Divas’ will entertain at a cabaret evening in aid of the Town Mayor’s Charities. This will be an opportunity to enjoy an evening of songs from stage and screen performed by singers Lisa Adamson, Sally Arnold, Kate Dann, Pippa King and Karen Stephenson, with compere and musical director Michael Dann. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and are available from Diss Town Council Offices. Tel: 01379 643848, email: towncouncil@diss.gov.uk.
Submited by: Lucy.
Contact number: 01953 456789
13th January - Rackhams help children in Uganda
Rackhams Help Children’s Home
Rackhams Funeral Service in Diss recently sent 100 kg of children’s clothes to a children’s home in Uganda. The home, run by The Cogwheel Trust, was set up by Mr Kevin Hammond who formerly lived in Stoke Ash.
The home, in Namugongo, was purchased in 2005 and can accommodate over 100 children including its own separate baby unit. Most of the children have lost parents through A.I.D.S. and were either part of an extended family or being cared by grandparents.
Education is important in African life and great emphasis is put on encouraging the children by providing daily tuition. With the provision of mosquito nets, a healthy diet and good medical care, the children’s health and happiness has improved considerably.
Kevin is pictured here with Andrew Fairweather, the funeral director at Rackhams, who is hoping to go to Uganda next year for two weeks to see the work and assist there himself. For more information on the work of The Cogwheel trust you can log on to their website: www.cogwheeltrust.org.
Submited by: Jan Mayor.
Contact number: 01328 829659