Arts, Crafts, Dancing & Music

Diss Acoustic Music Club Arts Society Diss

Every Tuesday evening from 8.309.30pm we meet in the schoolroom at The Friends Meeting House, Frenze Road, Diss to sing and play all types of music, provided it is acoustic. No electrified instruments are allowed. This is, along with adults only, one of our few rules. Another is that you leave your "ego" outside the door. We always encourage each other. Nobody hogs the session and we take turns to perform whatever we want to bringpolished "gems", "rough diamonds" or work in progress. No alcohol, but free tea and biscuits are "a must". Contact Tony Gooch on 640752 or 07584 291343

Diss Art Group

Meets Tuesday afternoons, from 1.30 to 4.00, at the Roman Catholic Church in Shelfanger Road. The group has a growing membership spanning all ages and abilities. Formed in 1974, the group comprises mixed media and all aspects of painting. The summer term is given over to weekly sketching trips in Diss and the surrounding area. Limited informal tuition is sometimes available during Autumn and Spring terms. Contact Avril Young on 642168 or Mary Hunt on 641142 We are a friendly welcoming group who meet every third Tuesday in the month in the Diss Corn Hall. 1.45 pm for 2.15 pm start. During our season we hear ten carefully selected lectures on a wide range of the Arts. The talks are chosen to provide enjoyment, also to challenge the ideas and perceptions that we may have. Many of our speakers are renowned experts in their field, it is very exciting to discover a new topic or to be asked to look at a familiar subject from a different perspective. The experience of a good talk has been enhanced by the large screen and clear sound quality in the Corn Hall auditorium. During the year we offer escorted short trips, which often relate to a lecture subject and a longer four or five day tour, visiting many historic properties, galleries and museums. Special Interest days are very popular, these offer an indepth look at a subject, led by an expert speaker with a good lunch and a glass of wine, what could be better? You will be welcome to come and have a “taster” session for a donation of £7.50 or you can join as a member for an inclusive fee of £42 for 10 lectures. Committee members are always there to welcome you. To find out more go to artsocdiss.org.uk

1 Chapel Street, Diss IP22 4AN 01379 641212 www.thecycleshack.co.uk

• Massive range of cycles • Full Repair workshop • New

Electric Bike Test Centre • Loads in stock to try

Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays)

ARTSeast magazine

Your local arts magazine delivered bi-monthly in Norfolk and Suffolk. 01379 773347 www.artseast.co.uk Follow us @artseastmag

DBH 21, Diss Business Park, Hopper Way, Diss IP22 4GT

Dedicated to the arts in the Eastern Region

Burgate Singers

We specialise in major choral works with professional orchestras and soloists, under the direction of Alain Judd. Concerts given in Burgate Church, Diss Corn Hall, other local venues and in London. The choir rehearses on Sundays at 4.00pm in Burgate Church Hall (between September and May). Available for weddings. New members welcome. Contact: www.burgatesingers.org.uk for programme and membership details.

Circle Dance Group

Friendly informal group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Mere Street, Diss, from 2 3.30pm to do circle dancing. No partner or experience needed. Come and join us. You are very welcome. Freda Farrell (leader), Tel: 871896.

Discord - the Wellbeing Choir

Discord, the wellbeing choir was founded in January 2011 by experienced musician Michael Dann. There are five choir sessions held each week across South Norfolk & North Suffolk with over 350 members. Aimed at all adults over 16 who have a love for singing and a good sense of fun. No experience required (but those that have are equally welcome), no auditions, so no pressure!! Since being formed, the choirs have raised over £40,000 for various national & local charities. Two choir sessions are held in Diss each Wednesday at 1.15pm & 7.15pm. To find out more and register for a free taster session please go to www.michaeldann.co.uk

Diss Embroidery Group

Meets on the first Tuesday in each month at the Friends' Meeting House, Frenze Road, Diss, 9.00 for 9.30am to 12.30pm. Its activities include practical workshops and visits to exhibitions and museums. Leading experts and professional embroiderers are invited to give talks and provide tuition at occasional day schools. All aspects of embroidery are covered. Visitors are welcome. Contact Abby Brett on 783984.

The Hub - Diss Music School

The Hub is situated in the centre of Diss, in Units 56 Wills Yard, Chapel Street, with good parking facilities nearby. We currently offer tuition in Guitar (all styles), Piano, Drums, Violin, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet. A set of 6 x 30 minute weekly lessons cost £80. We cater for all abilities and ages and have a comfortable reception area, where students and parents can wait, while lessons take place. Contact Pete Arnold at The Hub to discuss your needs and book lessons. Tel: 07934 432185,

LARTER & FORD

Your Local Cookshop and Hardware Merchants Established 1832 15 Market Hill, Diss IP22 4JZ Tel: 01379 642720

www.bressingham.co.uk

Open Easter to October 10-5pm

check www.bressingham.co.uk for details or call 01379 686900 for further details

Find us on Facebook & Twitter search Bressingham Steam

DISS TROPHY CENTRE

Trophies, Glassware & Gifts Comprehensive Engraving Service

23 St. Nicholas Street Diss, Norfolk IP22 4LB 01379 641514 Email: dtc23@uwclub.net

Email: info@dissmusicschool.co.uk or go to www.dissmusicschool.co.uk

Hoxon Hundred Morris Dancers

Want some enjoyable, social exercise. Try Morris Dancing. No dance experience required, dress casual, good flat shoes. Every Wednesday, September to the end of April, at St. Edmund's Hall, Hoxne, 7.30 to 10pm. Contact: Jane Pearse on Janepearse@btinternet.com 07568 468 186

Invidia Voices - Rock and Soul Choir

We are an amateur choir passionate about singing and the fun of it! Our ‘Bliss in Diss’ group is run by talented musician and tutor Chris Chamberlain at the St Henry Morse Church on Tuesday evenings 7.30 – 9 pm. We focus on rock and pop songs chosen by our members and learn these in six part harmony, practising weekly and performing throughout the year! We offer two free tasters for the inquisitive, you can sign up for these at the group of your choice through our website: www.invidiavoices.co.uk/groups

Line Dancing

Monterey Line Dancing Classes. A friendly wellestablished dance club. Monday: (except bank holidays) Palgrave Community Hall, Easy Intermediate 7.159pm. Tuesday: Hope Church, Diss, Improvers 23.30pm. Wednesday: Palgrave Community Hall, Intermediate 7.309.30pm. Contact Melissa Hawkes on 07770 875404 or email montereydance@hotmail.com

LK's School of Dance

This Norfolk based dance school offers a range of dance classes (Hip Hop, Street, Disco and Freestyle) across the county including at Diss Church Junior School, Diss Infant School, Mellis Primary School, Hartismere School in Eye and Wilby Village Hall. For more info call 07835 021439, email: lynne@lksschoolofdance.co.uk or go to www.lksschoolofdance.co.uk

Mere Musica

Small Instrumental Ensemble available for those special events. Details: R.A Kitchen, Director of Music, Tel: 642468.

Mere Players

The society was formed in 1974. Since then two, and at times three, productions have been presented each year, including comedies, thrillers, dramas, musicals, and pantomimes. The group has been awarded NODA recognition for its productions and technical achievements. Acting members are supported by those who design and build sets and scenery, organise stage management, lighting, sound and costumes.

At De Lucy House, your loved one will receive excellent 24 hour care in a superb and friendly setting. The home is managed by Greensleeves Care, an award-winning care charity. De Lucy House was rated Top 20 Care Home in the East of England region in 2018 and 2019. Call Lauren Tubby, Home Manager, on 01379 671333 to arrange a visit.

De Lucy House. 40 Victoria Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4HZ. Email: delucy@greensleeves.org.uk www.greensleeves.org.uk

Greensleeves Homes Trust is a registered charity in England & Wales No 1060478

Est.1923

• Huge range of stock on display • All types of cycles including Trikes & Tandems • Trailers & Trailerbikes for children • Parts, accessories & clothing • Expert service, repairs & renovations

8 Shelfanger Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4EH Tel: 01379 650419 • www.madgettscycles.com

The society is always pleased to welcome new members, both acting and non acting. Chairman: Mark Le Surf Hall, Secretary: Kevin Ball, Tel: 640084 or email: kandkball@btinternet.com

Diss Quilting Group

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Wattisfield Village Hall, 10am to 3pm. External and internal tutored workshops held several times a year. Visitors welcome on non workshop days. For more details contact Caroline Pajak on 07788 425942.

Diss Guitar Ensemble

We are a friendly group of classical guitar enthusiasts with varying abilities who enjoy playing together for personal accomplishment and for public performance. We get together regularly to learn and rehearse group pieces but also meet for social gatherings, visits to concerts and workshops. Any guitarist wishing to join the Ensemble should have some playing and note reading ability equivalent to about Grade 3 standard. We work on a wide range of music from the Renaissance to the present day, including some arrangements of popular (and even 'rock') songs! Come along to a meeting or contact us to find out more. Meetings are held on Mondays in St. Remigius Church Parish Rooms, High Road, Roydon from 7pm to 9:30pm. For further information please go to our website or contact us: Call Bryan Claybrook 688 547, go to dissguitarensemble.org.uk or email dissguitar@gmail.com

South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band The South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band, now known as “SNYSB+” was formed in 1974 by our current Musical Director Mr Michael Booty. SNYSB+ is a selffunding charitable organisation which promotes and enhances musical opportunity for young people mainly Norfolk and Suffolk. Since the band’s 40th Anniversary in 2014, the membership was opened up to people of all ages which has enabled former members, some of whom are now parents of current band members, to share in and enrich the musical experience. The Band meets and rehearses 50 weeks of the year at the Diss Youth and Community Centre, Shelfanger Road at 7pm on Tuesdays and performs charitable concerts in churches, local schools and at local fetes; its collaborations include linkups with Her Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines and The Band of The Parachute Regiment as well as other youth bands and the Norfolk Music Hub. SNYSB+’s ethos is all inclusive; there is no audition for joining the band, the only criteria required is

Home of freshly made food, locally sourced, cooked and prepared on our premises. Try our traditional English, all day breakfast to our lunch time menu. Snacks, baguettes, sandwiches and cakes. Sunday roasts also available. Try our great Italian coffee and a varied children’s menu. Pushchair and wheel chair friendly, find us on Victoria Road opposite the supermarkets. Call us on 01379 308064.

Independent, family run restaurant housed in a 15th Century timber framed building in the market town of Diss.

Enjoy relaxed friendly service and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients cooked with care.

Weavers Wine Bar & Eating House, Market Hill, Diss IP22 4JZ T: 01379 642411 | www.weaversdiss.com

The Park Hotel

Hotel, Bar Restaurant

Using our years of experience and extensive knowledge we can offer a stress free experience!

Bar & Restaurant  Restaurant  Bar Snacks  Sunday Carvery  Food Served all day

19 En suite rooms  Bridal suite  Holiday cottage  Flat Screen TVs  Family Rooms

Weddings & Events  Marriages  Conferences  Entertainment  Family Parties

01379 642244 or email info@parkhotel-diss.co.uk

a love of music and the desire to play an instrument with likeminded individuals. The band’s motto is “Music is Fun”, which SNYSB+ strives for during practice rehearsals and concerts. In August 2008 SNYSB travelled to Singapore, Thailand and East Malaysia to perform concerts for local charities and to carry out music workshops in several schools. Before their trip they organised an emergency fundraising concert in the U.K. to raise urgently needed funds in aid of the victims of the Boxing Day Tsunami and their communities. As a result of the resounding success of the visit in 2008, SNYSB+ were invited by the Rotary Clubs of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak) again in August 2012 and 2016 to give music workshops in schools for over 300 local children and perform several major concerts for local charities. SNYSB+ was again invited to visit Kuching in August 2019 by the Rotary Club of Kuching Central to partake in musical workshops with local schools and perform jointly with them at a major fundraising concert at the 5000 seat Borneo Convention Centre. To find out more go to www.snysb.org.uk

Violin, Viola, Piano & Keyboard Players

Adrian Kitchen offers music lessons to eager pupils. They are also available for special events. The pupils span all ages and abilities. Music can lead to many exciting opportunities. New players welcome. Further details may be obtained from R.A. Kitchen, BA, LGSM, Tel: 642468.

Waveney Choir

The Waveney Choir, which has been established in Diss since 1970, sings music of all types and age and gives concerts throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, in aid of charities and church funds. Our membership is large (70 plus), and is drawn from a wide area and ranges in age from 18 to 90! All new members are welcomed, whatever their experience and there are no auditions necessary. New members are given a four week period in which to decide whether we are the type of choir they are looking for. We nearly always are! Rehearsals: Wednesday evening from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., between September and May, at the United Reformed Church, Mere Street (opposite Aldi). Chairman: David Emerton, Tel: 890145 or visit our website: www.waveneychoir.com

Waveney Valley Folk Collective

The Waveney Valley Folk Collective is a community group promoting Folk & Roots Music in the area. They hold Open Mic Nights on the second Thursday of each month at The Bank, Eye at 8.00pm. Performers are welcome and should arrive

Fair Green, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4NQ

All day breakfast, lunches and home-made soup Delicious home-made cakes and treats Fabulous local ice creams

Open Tuesday–Sunday 8am-4pm

Booking and info 07437 205853 theangelcafediss@gmail.com facebook.com/angelcafediss www.angelcafediss.com

Do you know we do outside catering?

Cannells Butchers

• Local Beef with ID • Local Lamb • Poultry, some Local and Free Range • All Bacon Cured in Suffolk • Game seasonal • Lamb pasties

CYRIL’S PIES • Steak & Kidney lge/sml • Steak large only • Mince & Onion lge/sml • Chicken & Ham lge/sml • Sausage Rolls

MADE ON THE PREMISES READY MEALS Sausages, Burgers, Kebabs & Pork Cheese

Ask about Gluten Free products Deepfreeze orders taken, packed, marked & frozen for you Your own animals butchered for you Deliveries also undertaken

48 Mere Street, Diss Tel: 01379 642020 www.cannells.co.uk cyril@cannells.co.uk

The Saracens Head 75 MOUNT STREET, DISS (Next door to the Church)

SPECIALISING IN HOME-COOKED FOOD - Freshly prepared, 7 days a week. Lunchtimes and evenings

TWO COURSE LUNCHES Monday - Saturday from £8.95

SNACKS & MORNING COFFEE - Monday to Saturday

SUNDAY LUNCHES - POOL TABLE - BEER GARDEN

ACCOMMODATION - Including singles, doubles & family rooms

FUNCTION ROOMS - Available for private lunches, meetings & buffets

The Saracens Head, Diss Phone: 01379 652853

by 7.45pm. We also put on concerts by respected artists on the national Folk Music circuit at The Bank, Eye. Full details on our website https://waveneyvalleyfolkcollective.co.uk

Diss & District Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month, (excluding June and December), at the Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Diss, from 12.30pm 3.30pm. Visit www.dissweaversspinnersanddyers.co.uk or their facebook page, or ring 643563 for further information.

Ukaholics Anonymous

This weekly social ukulele group meets in the Quaker Meeting House on Frenze Road, on Wednesdays, 7.30pm9.00pm. Singers and players of all abilities welcome. Songsheets provided. £20 per five sessions. Free beginner’s sessions available. Full details on https://www.facebook.com/ UkaholicsAnonymous Contact Pete Arnold on 07934 432185.

Diss & District Woodturning Club

A small, friendly club, with both male and female members, based in Redgrave. It has the use of an excellent workshop and has a fabulous Jet lathe capable of carrying out all types of turning, from the most intricate to quite literally treetrunks! All categories of woodturners are welcome, from the absolute beginner to the expert! Help and guidance is available for all to develop your turning technique, improve your designs or tackle that project you have always dreamed of! The club meets on the last Friday evening of the month at 7.30pm. Most meetings have a guest demonstrator to inspire members to tackle new or more ambitious projects plus a small number of allday demonstrations. Demonstrators vary from professional turners of international repute, to local professionals and talented amateurs from throughout East Anglia. We also try to include at least one social event each year. These have varied from BBQ lunches entertained by live jazz bands, to informal dinners in local pubs. The club is affiliated to the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB). So if you would like the chance to enjoy the magic of turning a lump of wood into a really beautiful and useful object, please contact either Ken Hatton, Tel: 687579 or Chris Davies, Tel: 898236. We would love to hear from you, so pick up the phone!!