A time to remember and revive
Over the past year, a working group
“We wanted to celebrate the good, and to
formed by members of the town council
remember all of those impacted by COVID-
and local residents, has been looking at
19,” said Cllr Sonia Browne. “We chose a
ways to recognise and commemorate the
beacon because, as well as being a powerful
impact COVID-19 has had on our
symbol of light and hope that would
community. Keen to focus on the future
resonate with all of our communities, it’s
too, the group has also been looking at
also a very prominent feature that people
what we can do to move forwards with a
will see when they’re out and about in
spirit of energy and determination. Here’s
town.”
an update on developments so far. “The beacon was originally planned to A powerful symbol of light and hope
commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE
A Beacon of Hope, to be installed in the
Day in 2020,” says working group member,
town’s park, near the Mere and with the
Charlotte Valori. “The COVID-19 pandemic
church in the background, will be lit for the
put paid to all plans to celebrate VE Day
first time on Monday 21st June, marking the
with large public events. But the beacon
end of lockdown. It will then be lit on special
idea was carried forward by our committee
occasions and as a focal point for
to become the Diss Beacon of Hope.”
community celebrations, commemorations and unique events (such as the Diss Carnival). It will also be a focus for future projects with local schools and artists. 26 Diss Matters Summer 2021
