I have been giving talks about the philosophy and even at the bigger events, alongside the better known models such as Fair Trade towns, it can hold its own and impress.

Cittaslow Diss exhibited at the Youth Expo event – it was an excellent day and gave me the opportunity to chat to many groups I hadn't had chance to reach before.

I met a coach from Diss Rugby Club who told me he worked in London but was always a little embarrassed to admit he came from a Slow Town.

I hope I reassured him about the fact Slow is all about quality, giving due time and attention to the important things in life.

The following week, I was presenting with a Business Link colleague who impressed me with the following quote from a Swedish professor about why we need a Slow philosophy: "The only thing for certain is that everything changes. The rate of change increases. If you want to hang on you better speed up.

"That is the message of today. It could, however, be useful to remind everyone that our basic needs never change.

"The need to be seen and appreciated. It is the need to belong. The need for nearness and care and for a little love!

"This is given only through slowness in human relations. In order to master changes, we have to recover slowness, reflection and togetherness. There we will find real renewal"

At the heart of the Cittaslow model are people. local people working together to achieve sustainable future for their town.

It is also good that Cittaslow is a growing international brand that is giving Diss a unique selling point.

So be proud to come from a Slow Town, it's a great asset for us.

Anyone who wants to understand more about Cittaslow, please contact me.

Soon we will have loads of information about Cittaslow available through our new website – www.cittaslowdiss.co.uk which we hope to launch at the Cittaslow-sponsored Green Event at the Park Hotel on May 15.

It is gearing up to be a great day, not to be missed, so see you there!

• Cynthia Schears is Cittaslow co-ordinator for Diss. She can be contacted at the Cittaslow Centre, 7 Cobbs Yard, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. Telephone 01379 642002.