Still making history
Grab a grant
Diss Museum may have been closed since the start of COVID-19; but its work continues. Maintaining interest
So far this year, Diss Town Council has
Museum manager, Basil Abbott’s monthly
provided financial assistance to Norfolk
slots on Park Radio have proved popular
Threads CIC, which is now promoting its
and help to maintain interest in local
second series of free art and wellbeing
history. His book, ‘Call Back the Past: Giving
courses at The Corn Hall. And the good
a Buzz to History’ has secured the museum
news is, there’s still £16k of Community
an income even in lockdown. His
Grant funding left. If you meet the criteria,
presentation about the R34 airship is
why not apply?
booked up well into next year. And his historic town tours continue, with Mr Abbott
Helping Diss Youth Work
leading one in September for former UEA
We’ve had many worthy recipients over the
members as part of a university hosting
years, including the Diss Youth Work team
scheme.
who have used money to run local projects
such as:
Behind closed doors
• conservation work at Quaker Wood
The museum is still asking for help with
• gardening in the community
research and offered items for donation.
• ‘A brush with the Past’ and ‘Elephant on
(Among this year’s donated items were the
the Green’ history projects
personal effects of a local senior
• intergenerational dining
policeman.) And, behind closed doors, work
• Community litterpicking
still goes on to prepare the displays, with
• The Diss Youth Town Council, and the
Basil Abbott’s large collection of neckties
• Fareshare Food scheme.
among the fresh material.
Find out more about applying for a grant at:
It is hoped that the museum will be able to
https://www.diss.gov.uk/community-grant-
reopen its doors soon. Watch this space.
scheme Diss Matters Winter 2021 41
