A mayoral update

After a slow start to the mayoral year due to COVID restrictions, Mayor Councillor Eric Taylor’s calendar leapt into life during the summer. Find out where he’s been, who he’s met and what he’s been up to.

My diary So far this year, I’ve attended many events, in addition to my regular council and committee meetings. Events like these are a chance to promote Diss, support the organiser’s charities and engage and network with other chairmen and senior officers at parish, district and county council levels. Here are some highlights of my year so far. 21 June My first event was the Beacon of Hope lighting ceremony in the park. A special guest at the event was the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Michael Gurney DL. Before the ceremony, Mr Gurney tried out both of the new Diss Beacon Trails around the town and surrounding villages and was very complimentary about them. 12 August Another event I attended was a visit to the 13.5-acre Eaton Vale Scout and Guide Activity Centre in Norwich. The event marked the opening of the Iceni House accommodation unit after a major fire in March 2020 and a £500,000 restoration of the accommodation. The range of activities was impressive with archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and many more. And the good news is, it’s not just open to Scouts and Guides, but also to the public with holiday clubs, birthday parties and day passes all available. 15 August I held my car boot sale in the park on what was a lovely sunny day. There were more than 60 pitches and lots of customers, and together we raised £300 for my nominated charity Mind. 4 September Early in September, I travelled to How Hill Trust, near Great Yarmouth for Norfolk County Council Chairman Cllr Penny Carpenter’s Reception. The Trust is a renowned environmental educational charity, based in the landmark How Hill House overlooking beautiful gardens, wetlands, historic windmills, woodlands and the River Ant. Schoolchildren stay in the house virtually every academic week of the year and make full use of its unique position in the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park. 5 September The next day, was the Big Sing at St Mary’s church organised by Gerry Hoskins. It was my first time at this event, and I can confirm that Gerry was wearing a brightly coloured shirt which is apparently his trademark. Aimed at bringing people together, churchgoers or not, the Big Sing was very well supported by the public, with all monies raised going to the Alzheimer’s Society. 6 September Hot on the heels of the Big Sing came the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Michael Gurney DL’s Reception at Cromer Pier. It was a glorious

sunny day and there were stands on the pier supporting local retailers and services including Cromer crab fishermen, the Cromer Cares charity, RNLI, Cromer Museum and Coastal Defence. 12 September This was a particularly special day for me as it was my Civic Ceremony and my chance to welcome dignitaries to our lovely town. I was delighted to see so many representatives from local organisations. It was particularly nice to see mayors and mayoresses from six neighbouring towns

and chairmen from three county and district councils. The ceremony also attracted a surprise guest on the hunt for some local treasure. Just before the ceremony started, I was approached in the grounds of the church by TV weather presenter and BBC Radio Norfolk ‘Treasure Quest’ host, Julie Reinger. It turns out I was the treasure she’d been searching southwest Norfolk for all day! 24 September The Civic Reception for Wymondham’s Mayor, Cllr Kevin Hirn was held in the new council offices at Kett’s Park, opposite the new sports hall and all-weather pitches. It was interesting to see their leisure facilities as this is what we have been discussing with South Norfolk District Council who are keen to provide better sports and leisure facilities for Diss. 26 September Stowmarket Parade and Civic Service for the Mayor Cllr Keith Scarff was quite an event. The streets were closed off for the parade (led by the Salvation Army) from the council offices to St Peter and St Mary’s parish church. 27 September I attended a Rotary Club of Diss Waveney meeting where the guest speaker was Rachel Walsh from Mind (my chosen charity). She gave a presentation on all their support activities, and we were able to have a chat about fundraising ideas, which was useful. 29 September Another big evening for me, I hosted the council’s Annual Town Meeting at the DYCC. This was a great opportunity to meet members of the public, local organisations and charities and present awards to our Junior Good Citizen Lily Mills and Honoured Citizen, Anne Beckett-Allen. 3 October The parade and civic service for Eye Mayor, Cllr Johnnie Walker was quite something and was led by a lone piper. Parading through the town to the sound of bagpipes was quite surreal and very appropriate (Cllr Walker and I were both born in Glasgow!).

Diss Town Mayor, Cllr Eric Taylor