Community Hero honours for Diss neighbourhood gem
Post on 10th February 2025
A Diss resident has been recognised for her decades of community service with a prestigious award.
Pearl Fisher, 80, is the first Norfolk recipient of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care’s Community Hero Award, presented by the company’s Diss branch team on Mere Street, along with a luxury afternoon tea hamper.
Known for her tireless support of elderly neighbours, Pearl assists with medical appointments, organises social activities, including dominoes afternoons, helps with gardening and arranges weekend outings. She’s also an active member of the local gardening club, hosting afternoon tea gatherings in her garden.
Branch Manager Joanne Batchelor said: “During one of Pearl’s regular hearing check-ups, our audiologist Trevor learned about her extensive community work. Pearl has been a customer for over five years, and we’re delighted to recognise her countless acts of kindness. She demonstrates daily that small gestures make a big difference.”
Pearl and her husband Terry have lived in their self-built Scole bungalow for 58 years since marrying in 1967. They have three daughters and six grandsons.
Her caring nature emerged early – after leaving grammar school in 1970, Pearl trained as a nurse, specialising in caring for physically disabled children before moving into orthopaedic, general, and occupational nursing. She later served 32 years on the Parish Council and spent 15 years as secretary of the Older People’s Forum.
When Pearl celebrated her 80th birthday in August, many guests were from her local community, who’ve become like extended family.
“I was really shocked to receive this Scrivens Community Hero nomination and want to thank the team for making the presentation such a special occasion,” Pearl said.
“Fundraising and helping others have always been my passion. My philosophy is ‘you get back what you give,’ and I thoroughly enjoy supporting my neighbours. Being in our home for so long has enabled Terry and I to create a wonderful community.”
She added: “Seeing the impact of my efforts – the smiles on my neighbour’s faces or getting a thank you from the local charities –brings me much joy. It’s my way of giving back for all the good life has given me. I hope this award inspires others, young and old, to look out for one another.”
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business that was established over 85 years ago in 1938. It has 166 high-street stores in towns and cities across England and Wales, with 1,000 employees. For more information, visit www.scrivens.com.