Projects include signage for the recently relocated Tourist Information Centre and for the new Dad's Army Museum. The town's tourism website www.explorethetford.co.uk will benefit from a refresh and update and the themed leaflet series is to be reprinted. A new leaflet, currently under development, will signpost visitors to Thetford's historic churches.

The Dad's Army theme has proved a real winner, with 28 coach companies bringing visitors to the town in 2007 for a themed tour. The cast of this popular TV classic were based in Thetford and many of scenes were shot in the town. The new Dad's Army Museum capitalises on this connection including displays depicting the history and origins of the series and of Thetford's own Home Guard and wartime fire service. Fans of the series will recognise the Museum in its other guise, as the Walmington-on-Sea Town Hall. Breckland funding will help provide signing for the museum, a white on brown tourism sign and new directional signs for the town's heritage signing scheme.

Paul Claussen, Breckland Executive Member for the Housing and Economic Portfolio says 'Thetford really has a heritage to be proud of and Breckland is pleased to support these initiatives that will help bring more visitors to the town'.  

Town Manager, Susan Glossop says 'There is a lot planned for this year with the celebrations to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first filming of Dad's Army. Visitors are very important to the town's economy and we are grateful to Breckland for their support which will enable a number of projects to be completed'.

The Dad's Army Museum is open the last Saturday of every month, from 10am - 2pm. For further information and details of additional opening, contact the Tourist Information Centre at 2newhorizons, tel 01842 751975.

June 2008