Lighthouse inspires Platinum party
Image: Jerry Rolfe
On Thursday 2 June, Diss park hosts a free,
the Coronation celebrations. This will be
public party in honour of Her Majesty the
regretted, as many who would have gone to
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Called Glow in
see these will not view the wonderful
the Park, the event will use light in some
transformation at Mere’s Mouth. To offset
of its many forms to mark this special
this, a few residents have a lighthouse
occasion. A lantern procession, beacon
which will be built in the centre of the
lighting ceremony, spectacular firework
Mere.”
display and street-theatre sensations, LED
This idea was well-received. Particularly by
drumming troupe Spark!, will all make
local businessman and barber, Dan Jones.
Diss “glow”. But there’s more to the theme
“I read with interest of a lighthouse being
than a simple love of lights. Let’s look at
placed on the Mere by a ‘Real Dissean’,”
the inspiration behind the event.
wrote Mr Jones in the following edition of the Diss Express. “We are grateful that
What no fireworks?
somebody has thought of something to
In June 1953*, someone calling themselves
liven our Diss Coronation celebrations.
a ‘Real Dissean’, wrote to the Diss Express
Since the council has done such a good job
with concerns about the forthcoming
of work to the mouth of the Mere.”
Coronation celebrations. Saddened about
Appreciative of his interest and enthusiastic
the lack of fireworks, they suggested an
response, the ‘Real Dissean’ swiftly invited
alternative. A lighthouse on the Mere.
Mr Jones to attend the event. And play a
“In reading through your paper of May 1st,”
part in proceedings.
says the Real Dissean “It is noted that there
“It is now certain that the lighthouse will be
will be no fireworks on the Mere to finish
in position on the Mere on Saturday,” said
22 Diss Matters Summer 2022
