Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Diss family agree to return sign




A family business in Diss has agreed to return a piece of significant military memorabilia.

Representatives from Wattisham Airfield approached Simon and Toni Gillings, the owners of Gillings of Diss scrapyard, about buying the archway sign that has been in situ for almost 30 years.

At first, siblings Simon and Toni – who inherited the business in Mission Road following the death of their father, Peter, in 2018 – decided against selling the sign, before a high ranking official returned with a counter offer and won the pair over.

Simon Gillings in front of the sign, which is set to be gifted back to Wattisham Airfield. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Simon Gillings in front of the sign, which is set to be gifted back to Wattisham Airfield. Picture: Mark Bullimore

They have agreed to gift the sign to the airfield, where it will be restored to the front gate, with a memorial plaque added in memory of their father, who died from bowel cancer.

Simon, who spent 28 years in the United States before returning to the UK to help run the scrapyard, said: “I didn’t want to part with it at first, but I think dad would have – and he would like the idea of having a plaque there.

“The airfield holds fond memories for me as my dad and grandad took me there to see the planes as a child. They’ve agreed to give us a tour of the site when the sign goes back ... I’m hoping they will take us up in a helicopter.”

The sign had been given to Mr Gillings when the airbase closed in 1993 – it is now operated by the British Army – and has taken pride of place at the scrapyard ever since.

It will soon return to its former home, paired with the plaque, which will pay tribute to a man who was known and loved by many people in Diss and the wider area.

The inscription on the plaque has not yet been finalised, but it is expected to be unveiled once the sign, which will undergo some restoration work, has been handed back over the coming weeks.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More