Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where
is it:
Diss is on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, about 20 miles south of
Norwich with the nightmare that is the A140 providing the main link
between the two. The market town is also on the main line rail route
from Norwich to London.
What's the population:
More than 6000. The area is popular in the housing market, and
prices have risen sharply during the last couple of years. The town
has steadily grown over the decades with the development of land
for housing, and sits in a part of south Norfolk that is enjoying
the current property boom.
Best-known landmarks:
The six-acre lake known as the Mere. The origin of the Mere has
been the subject of considerable speculation, but its greatest depth
is 20ft. There is evidence of a channel across its muddy bed, possibly
the course of an ancient stream.
Diss Mere
Defining
moment in history:
Talk of culling the ducks to protect the Mere has prompted ongoing
debate among residents, local groups and the town council. The late
Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, heaped praise on the town and
joined a campaign to preserve it. Another Poet Laureate, John Skelton,
was rector there 500 years ago. As cleric, poet and ladies' man
he is said to have held up a love-child of his own in the pulpit
and challenge anyone to find fault with it.
Most likely to see:
Ducks, unless they are culled, of course.
Best place for a drink:
The Cock Inn is popular but the Sun Inn has recently re opened
as the Waterfront Inn and complete with outdoor laser lights, Mere-front
terrace and trendy interior, it could prove a hit.
And a bite to eat:
The Dolphin House on the market square is ideal for lunch or afternoon
tea, or the Saracen's Head pub in
town.
St Mary's Church, Diss
Any opportunities
for retail therapy?:
High street stores, such as Boots and Woolworth's, mix with small
independent retailers. There's Lucretia for all your ethnic clothing,
jewellery and ornaments, and The Patchwork Parlour for interesting
gift ideas. Diss Antiques and Collectors' Centre is tucked away
off one of the main streets, not far from the Quartermasters Stores,
which sells everything from Russian winter hats to stainless steel
handcuffs.
What to do after dark:
Diss is fairly quiet after dark, apart from recent spats of vandalism,
but there are plenty of eating establishments to suit all. They
range from Weavers bistro, Diss Tandoori and Taste of India to Sing
Tong Thai Restaurant and Mr Chips.
Must see:
The large and beautiful 13th century church of St Mary's, where
John Skelton was rector; the small, award-winning museum in the
market place and, if you like architecture, take a look at the timbered
structure of the former Dolphin pub, now the Dolphin House
How to pretend you're a local:
Point out that parking is cheaper in Diss than in Norwich. Carry
a large shopping bag for all your bargains, and have a loaf of bread
to feed the ducks with (but we should add that people are being
discouraged from feeding them with said bread to protect the Mere).
