A time to remember and revive

Over the past year, a working group formed by members of the town council and local residents, has been looking at ways to recognise and commemorate the impact COVID-19 has had on our community. Keen to focus on the future too, the group has also been looking at what we can do to move forwards with a spirit of energy and determination. Here’s an update on developments so far.

A powerful symbol of light and hope A Beacon of Hope, to be installed in the town’s park, near the Mere and with the church in the background, will be lit for the first time on Monday 21st June, marking the end of lockdown. It will then be lit on special occasions and as a focal point for 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. “We wanted to celebrate the good, and to remember all of those impacted by COVID19,” said Cllr Sonia Browne. “We chose a beacon because, as well as being a powerful symbol of light and hope that would resonate with all of our communities, it’s also a very prominent feature that people will see when they’re out and about in town.”

“The beacon was originally planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020,” says working group member, Charlotte Valori. “The COVID-19 pandemic put paid to all plans to celebrate VE Day with large public events. But the beacon idea was carried forward by our committee to become the Diss Beacon of Hope.”

By creating some new walking and cycling trails around the town, we can look back and remember this time. But we can also look forwards, promoting the ” importance of keeping active and living a healthier lifestyle. Charlotte Valori

Remembering and promoting the power of exercise As well as installing a beacon in the park, two new walking trails and one new cycling trail will be created in and around town. These include:

• a short walking trail 2km long, this trail will be fully accessible and routed around the historic centre of

Diss

• a long walking trail 12km long and accessible for pushchairs, this trail will incorporate the historic centre of Diss and its surrounding villages to the east and south

• a cycling trail 15km long, this cycling route will take in the historic centre of Diss and its surrounding villages to the north and west. Designed to cater for all sectors of our community, these Beacon Trails have both a symbolic and practical purpose.

“COVID-19 challenged all corners of society, particularly during periods of lockdown when lifestyles rapidly and dramatically changed,” says Charlotte Valori. “Exercise become a lifeline to many of our residents, helping both with physical health and mental wellbeing.

“By creating some new walking and cycling trails around the town, we can look back and remember this time. But we can also look forwards, promoting the importance of keeping active and living a healthier lifestyle. These trails act as a fitting legacy of this challenging time for future generations.” Detailed information and maps for each of the trails will be available at www.diss.gov.uk/diss-beacon-of-hope