THETFORD people are being invited to find out more about plans to celebrate the bicen-tenary of the death of writer and philosopher Thomas Paine.A meeting at the Guildhall at 7.

THETFORD people are being invited to find out more about plans to celebrate the bicen-tenary of the death of writer and philosopher Thomas Paine.

A meeting at the Guildhall at 7.30pm on Tuesday will give people the chance to learn about two major events and join the army of volunteers needed to ensure the celebration's success.

Tom Paine 200 will feature two major events - a specially commissioned play with music on the life of Thetford-born Paine - Citizen of the World - to be performed in October, and a weekend of costumed re-enactment on June 6/7.

Musician and re-enactor Jim Bisgood, of Great Hockham-based Nuns Meadows Productions, will talk about plans to turn King Street into 18th century Thetford.

He will describe the opportunities for all those - adults and children - who would like to be involved in the processions and costume dramas to be played out over the weekend.

And he will provide information about how to source and make an appropriate costume to wear on the day - so needlesmiths and costume-makers who would be willing to join

a wardrobe team as well

as actors will be

warmly welcomed.

East Anglian dramatist Mike Levy will talk about his ideas for Citizen of the World, a community play which will be written around the skills and talents of those who come forward to take part.

So anyone - amateur or professional, an individual or a family, an actor, a musician, a backstage lighting or sound technician, whether you want to move an audience or move scenery, join the chorus or take the lead, whether you sing, tap-dance or eat fire - is urged to come forward to

help.

There will be further public meetings in the spring.

Contact the celebrations co-ordinator John Weeks on 01842 820060 to express interest.