Smurfit Kappa Diss Sponsors Airship Museum at The Pennoyer Centre
Smurfit Kappa Diss is proud to announce a five-year sponsorship of the Airship Museum, part of the popular The Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St Mary near Diss. They believe the centre as a whole plays an integral part in helping to bring the local community together and are delighted to be able to help them continue to offer and grow the support and events on offer. What makes this sponsorship so special, is that prior to being a box factory our Diss site was actually part of the original airfield all those decades ago.
What’s more, some of the Smurfit Kappa Diss workforce grandparents lived in the area when the Airships, or “Pulham Pigs”, as they are affectionately called by locals, were stationed so the Airship Museum holds a special place in the hearts of the local workforce. As the Diss division of Smurfit Kappa has a deep-rooted history with the area, they have a collective interest in securing the future success and sustainability of the Airship Museum and The Pennoyer Centre. For more than 50 years there has been a box packaging factory in Pulham and Smurfit Kappa Diss is honoured to be considered part of what people associate with Pulham, much like the porky-looking “Pulham Pigs” Airships.
Supporting The Pennoyer Centre
Smurfit Kappa Diss is a passionate supporter of The Pennoyer Centre, contributing to their efforts over the years and the relationship between both organisations remains as strong as it’s ever been. This new, five-year sponsorship includes community fundraising events such as race nights and Easter egg hunts for young people and families in the area. Through their sponsorship, they'll also continue to supply year-round cash prizes, as well as a raffle where everyone who enters is guaranteed a prize.
Smurfit Kappa and the history of The Pennoyer Centre
The foundations of The Pennoyer Centre date back to the 15th century Guild Chapel and Victorian school. After receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the centre was restored to its former glory in 2010 when it was reopened as a centre for community and business. The new Airship Museum at The Pennoyer Centre is a fantastic opportunity to share a fascinating history that dates back over a century.
A registered charity, The Pennoyer Centre is almost completely self-financed, including grants for specific projects. However, it receives no regular public funding and relies on fundraising and other income generated through its community cafe, community and business room hire and private functions such as weddings.
A partnership that builds community spirit
The local community work tirelessly to help the centre raise funds and both Smurfit Kappa Diss and everyone connected with The Pennoyer Centre would like to thank the entire Pulham community for their dedication to making the area a better place to live and work. The legacy of Pennoyers can be traced back more than 400 years and many Smurfit Kappa Diss employees had grandparents personally connected with the Pulham Air Station and school.
Anne Cleveland from The Pennoyer Centre said: “This five-year sponsorship programme between Smurfit Kappa Diss and The Pennoyer Centre recognises the mutual benefit of working in partnership to promote our historical links and support the local community. The sponsorship was kick-started with the 'cut the ribbon' event on the 27th of July 2022”
Smurfit Kappa is proud to be part of the Pulham community
Smurfit Kappa Diss currently employs 130 people at their site in South Norfolk, with ambitions to expand the team as they look to the future and help enhance the local economy.
With sustainability a key factor in Smurfit Kappa Diss' ongoing success, they are part of a global packaging brand who offer a full circle sustainable cardboard packaging solution, from procurement through to product delivery. Their circular model centres around making a positive climate impact by reducing carbon and waste. This starts with their products themselves being circular, as they’re made with a 100% renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable primary raw material.
Plenty to do in Pulham
For further information or to find out more about Pulham Pig Airships, come along to the new Airship Museum in The Pennoyer Centre.
If you’re interested in taking the next step in your career, Smurfit Kappa Diss would love to hear from you today.