Somewhere over the rainbow

The rainbow has taken on iconic significance over the past year or so since COVID-19 hit; symbolising support for the NHS and hope and happiness following adversity. One member of our community made it her mission to share this symbol of support and encouragement throughout Diss and beyond. Meet the remarkable Suzanne Barclay.

A volunteer at The Big C charity shop in Diss, Suzanne started crafting rainbows at home during the first lockdown. “I drew them at first because I wanted to keep myself busy,” said Suzanne. “The charity shop was closed and I had more spare time than I normally would have had. Once I’d drawn them though, I didn’t know what to do with them.

“As well as keeping active, I really wanted to make people happy, because everything was so strange and worrying (especially for people in shops and businesses). I also wanted to show my support for the NHS, particularly everyone working in the Norfolk & Norwich hospital, where I was born.

“So I decided to give the rainbows out. I distributed them by hand and by post to almost every shop in the town and at other places around Diss. But I didn’t sign them, so at first no one knew they were from me it was kind of a mystery. But, somehow, they found out. And here I am!”

Having shared rainbows with most businesses and other organisations locally, Suzanne decided to distribute her artwork further afield. “I sent one to Boris Johnson,” said Suzanne. “I even sent one to Donald Trump. Boris Johnson thanked me on TV. Donald Trump didn’t get back to me though!”

Despite her transatlantic snub, Suzanne doesn’t plan to stop there. “My friends at The Big C gave me more pens as a Christmas present. So, I’m ready to start up again. I’m a big Norwich City FC supporter, so I’m going to do a special one for them. I’m hoping if I do they might send me a message back. It’s my birthday soon and, if they did, that would be the best present ever.”