What a spectacular show of community spirit it was; and so aligned with everything Cittaslow stands for –I felt wonderfully proud of Diss that day.

There is something so life-affirming when people come together on these occasions.

The Cittaslow Diss project is full steam ahead with everything happening at once.

We have approved six new Cittaslow grants, all for local groups to do some great community Cittaslow projects.

We are in the last few weeks of the scheme, so if any group was thinking of putting in an application for a Cittaslow grant, please send it as soon as possible.

The Cobbs Yard new seating and planting will be soon completed, along with some new signage to mark the launch of the new Cittaslow Diss snail trail.

The new noticeboards showing the Cittaslow Diss trail are up in Market Place and the Park car park.

By the time this column is printed, I am hopeful the wildlife boards will also be up in the Park.

We are the first Cittaslow town in the UK to have a Cittaslow Snail trail dedicated to the wider range of Cittaslow themes – promotion of local produce and small independent shops (Diss yards all feature on the trail), respect for the environment (the route includes a new wildlife trail through the Park), respect for heritage (key sites including the church and Corn Hall are highlighted).

Our aim is for Diss to be as welcoming as possible with a new map and trail to help visitors find some of the best parts of the town.

You will soon be able to check out the trail virtually as well - when we launch our new website www.cittaslowdiss.co.uk in the next few weeks, along with our Cittaslow Supporter scheme - more on that next month.

Cynthia Schears is Diss Cittaslow co-ordinator and can be contacted at the Cittaslow Centre, 7 Cobbs Yard, Diss IP22 4LB, 01379 642002, 07828 123414 or email: cynthiaschears@googlemail.com