Somewhere over the rainbow
The rainbow has taken on iconic
almost every shop in the town and at other
significance over the past year or so since
places around Diss. But I didn’t sign them,
COVID-19 hit; symbolising support for the
so at first no one knew they were from me -
NHS and hope and happiness following
it was kind of a mystery. But, somehow, they
adversity. One member of our community
found out. And here I am!”
made it her mission to share this symbol of support and encouragement
Having shared
throughout Diss and beyond. Meet the
rainbows with most
remarkable Suzanne Barclay.
businesses and other organisations locally,
A volunteer at The Big C charity shop in
Suzanne decided to
Diss, Suzanne started crafting rainbows at
distribute her artwork
home during the first lockdown.
further afield.
“I drew them at first because I wanted to
“I sent one to Boris
keep myself busy,” said Suzanne. “The
Johnson,” said
charity shop was closed and I had more
Suzanne. “I even sent one to Donald Trump.
spare time than I normally would have had.
Boris Johnson thanked me on TV. Donald
Once I’d drawn them though, I didn’t know
Trump didn’t get back to me though!”
what to do with them. Despite her transatlantic snub, Suzanne “As well as keeping active, I really wanted to
doesn’t plan to stop there.
make people happy, because everything
“My friends at The Big C gave me more pens
was so strange and worrying (especially for
as a Christmas present. So, I’m ready to
people in shops and businesses). I also
start up again. I’m a big Norwich City FC
wanted to show my support for the NHS,
supporter, so I’m going to do a special one
particularly everyone working in the Norfolk
for them. I’m hoping if I do they might send
& Norwich hospital, where I was born.
me a message back. It’s my birthday soon and, if they did, that would be the best
“So I decided to give the rainbows out. I
present ever.”
distributed them by hand and by post to Diss Matters Summer 2021 35
