Recently I made some leaflets and walked down the street putting them through the doors, inviting people to contribute their knowledge, pictures, documents or artefacts to this project.

On the way I got into conversation with several people, all of whom taught me things I didn't know.

At Park Villas a woman said that she was new and didn't know anything about the history of the street. Then she said that the villas were built for the surgeons at the old hospital, where Grasmere the Conservative Club now stands; and that the date of 1862 was on part of the interior work.

I would never have known that if I had not got talking to her.

Jean Francies, who lives in one of the grand houses on the west side, showed me the array of maids' bells that still hung in her kitchen. She told me, with a grin, that a military man had once advised her that her house would be ideally situated as a house of ill-repute. But she did not take his advice.

She mentioned the rumour, which I had heard, that there was hanky-panky among the doctors and nurses at the old hospital, causing some minor scandals. We couldn't teach our forebears a thing about hanky-panky.

Peter Hodgson told me that a Dr Ward lived in his house about a century ago and had a coach house, stables and a leech pit. In those days you were still likely to be bled if you went to the doctor.

Across the street a cottage was owned in recent years by a Greek woman whose husband, a naval man, had to flee his country when the king was deposed; but was later in command of King Hussein's yacht squadron. Where the Beehive pub had been, lived a couple of old women who had had to flee France in front of the German army.

I went to the UEA recently to hear comedian Mark Steel giving the Tom Paine lecture. Mr Steel was good value, having a sound knowledge of his subject and putting it over in a funny, entertaining way.

I have now booked him to appear at Diss Corn Hall on November 7. It is near enough to 2009 to be a prequel to the festival; and should not be missed by anyone who likes an irreverent view of history.

Basil Abbott is manager of Diss Museum. The museum is in the Market Place and is open Wed-Thurs 2-4pm, Fri-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm.

What can you tell us about the history of Denmark Street and its houses? Write to Denmark Street Memories, Diss Express, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE or email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk