Diss citizens awarded top awards for community work
Two Diss residents were crowned honorary citizens on March 5 after remarkable achievements within the community.
Andrew Rackham and Callum Doe were awarded the Honoured and Junior Good Citizens of Diss awards, respectively, at the Diss Youth Community Centre, in Shelfanger Road.
The council said they had received four worthy applicants for the Honoured Good Citizen Award, but Andrew Rackham was chosen by councillors for his outstanding contribution to Diss over the years.
This included his support of organisations such as Diss Waveney Rotary Club, the Royal British Legion and the Fair Green Neighbourhood Association.
On being given the award, Andrew thanked the town’s councillors for recognising him for the accolade, the council staff and his friends and family, including Simon Noble and Suzanne Kayne, who nominated him.
He said: “It is nice to be considered worthy for this year’s Diss Honoured Citizen Award. As mentioned in the meeting, it is probably by accident that I have become involved with so many Diss community projects.
“I do take an interest in the wellbeing and continued development of the town. It must be in my genes as I am a fifth-generation builder. I have been asked to be a town councillor but, for now, I prefer sitting at the back and helping out as a volunteer when needed.”
Mr Rackham has also played a key role in helping to support and organise events such as the Diss Christmas lights switch-on, Diss Cyclathon and Diss Carnival and has shown great efforts in fundraising.
After receiving his award from mayor Sonia Browne in front of family and friends, he said: “It’s so nice to be considered worthy for this year’s Honoured Citizen of Diss award.
“I’d like to thank Diss Town Council for selecting me for this award, Simon Noble and Suzanne Kayne for nominating me and my family and friends, who have helped me with the successful implementation of various projects I have been involved with.”
The Junior Good Citizen Award was given to Callum Doe, for his work within the intergenerational projects in the community.
The 14-year-old, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour on Christmas Eve in 2018, is a member of Diss Youth Group, where he volunteered in running the tuck shop and supported younger members.
Julia Fairbrother, who nominated Callum alongside Richard Pither, said: “No task given to Callum is ever a problem. He does any job needed, whether it’s wet, cold, snowy or sunny and is always eager to learn.
“He is a truly amazing, funny, intelligent young person who has always been kind, considerate and helpful to others, despite his own personal battles.”
His mother, Michelle, from Willbye Avenue in Diss, said: “We’re very proud – we only found out he would receive the award about a week ago. He never complains about anything.”
