Annual Town Meeting Success
1 May 2026
Diss Town Council welcomed residents to its Annual Town Meeting, held at Diss Corn Hall on Wednesday 29th April 2026. Chaired by the Town Mayor, Councillor Declan Craggs, the event brought together local organisations, residents and councillors for an engaging evening focused on current initiatives and future opportunities for the town.
Attendees had the chance to connect with a wide range of community groups, including Rosedale Funeral Home, Royal British Legion, Street First Aid, MTM Youth Services, Diss Heritage Trust, Friends of Parish Fields, and Diss Community Woodland and Designermakers21. The event provided a valuable platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships and strengthening community ties.
The evening began with an update from local MP Adrian Ramsay, who outlined his recent work and priorities. This was followed by a presentation from the Town Mayor, who highlighted the Town Council’s key achievements over the past year. Four key partner organisations – Diss Citizens Advice Bureau, Friends of Parish Fields, Diss Corn Hall Trust and the Diss Community Woodland Project - then shared updates on projects and future plans.
Councillor Graham Minshull also provided an update on South Norfolk Council’s key deliverables, and a report was received outlining the work of Norfolk County Council.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Honoured Citizen Award, recognising individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community. This year’s award was presented to Iain Sturgeon, nominated by Andy Davidson, for his exceptional service as Bandmaster of the Diss Salvation Army Band, his longstanding support for the Diss Royal British Legion and veteran community, and his leadership in the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day, VE Day and VJ Day. His dedicated role in organising the annual Remembrance Parade during a period of significant change was also acknowledged.
Alison Bannister, another nominee, received a certificate of recognition for her decades of dedicated service to the town. Bronwen Moran spoke highly of her contributions to the community including a central role in establishing the Citizens Advice Bureau, ongoing commitment to church and neighbourhood initiatives, long-standing involvement with the Dove Dementia Café, and generous support for local groups, charities and residents.
The Mayor also proudly presented a cheque for £1,643.25 to his chosen charity for the Mayoral Year, Friends of Diss Primary Academy PTA.
The event received lots of positive feedback from attendees. Izzy Shaw, CEO of Citizens Advice Bureau Diss & Thetford, commented:
“What a great evening, we got a lot from attending, thanks to you all for your hard work and inclusion of the community and groups. We have gained three potential new trustees and a volunteer from this evening, so we're very pleased. Mario, Peter and I thoroughly enjoyed it… and the cakes!”
Anne Beckett-Allen, Founding Funeral Director of Rosedale Funeral Home, added:
“Wow, what an evening with a fabulous positive energy in the room. Great conversations about mental health, community projects and collaboration, youth work, development and exciting plans.”
George Waterman, Chair of Diss Community Woodland Project, said: Excellent job on the Annual Meeting this year. Of all the meetings I’ve been to over the years, this one was probably the best, particularly in terms of keeping things positive and all about Diss.”
Diss Town Council extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, as well as to all who hosted displays and helped make the evening such a success. It was fantastic to see community groups and organisations coming together, working in partnership and supporting one another for the benefit of the town.
