Strength in numbers: Meet our 14th councillor
“
I have always believed in the power of local people to make a difference, and I am honoured to have a chance to do my best for Diss.
”
On 15 September, Fair Green resident,
supporting Fair Green residents. I also
Charlotte Valori, was co-opted onto the
trained with the charity Change Grow Live,
council. A high-level PA, former MP’s diary
to become a volunteer Independent Visitor
secretary and caseworker, freelance opera
for children in care in Norfolk. I started
and theatre critic, life-long volunteer for
doing this because I’m hoping to foster or
the Pony Club, and now 14th member of
adopt one day.”
the council, Charlotte brings a wealth of experience and interests to her role.
Creating change, solving problems and getting things done
Helping others in the community
Cllr Valori also formed part of the
“I grew up in the Waveney Valley. And,
committee that worked towards installing a
although I went away to school and
Beacon of Hope in the town park. And it
university, and then spent some time
was this involvement, coupled with her
working in London, I always knew I wanted
experience as an MP’s caseworker that
to come back,” said Councillor Valori. “Both
sparked her interest in joining the council.
my parents are from Norfolk; my father’s
“I spent two years as an MP’s caseworker in
Italian family came over to Norwich in the
Ipswich, which was when I first saw how
early 1900s. When I moved to Diss a few
local councillors can create change, solve
years ago, I was immediately struck by the
problems and get things done,” said Cllr
character of Fair Green. I became fascinated
Valori. “I love organising things, large and
by the history of Diss and, as I researched it
small.
more, I realised what a remarkable place it
“During lockdown, I joined what became the
is. It’s a truly special place: vibrant, full of
Beacon Committee and I’ve really enjoyed
life, and very welcoming.”
watching the Beacon of Hope project take
An active volunteer in the community, Cllr
shape over the course of many Zoom
Valori is Deputy Chairman of the Fair Green
meetings. It’s been fun, challenging and
Neighbourhood Association. During
exciting, and made me think seriously about
lockdown, she demonstrated her
joining Diss Town Council.
commitment to helping others in the
“I have always believed in the power of local
community in various ways.
people to make a difference, and I am
“In the early days of the pandemic, I joined
honoured to have a chance to do my best
my neighbours on Fair Green to form a
for Diss.”
small community action group dedicated to Diss Matters Winter 2021 9
