The remand cell at Wymondham Heritage Museum has seen its fair share of prisoners. When The Bridewell was a police station, this cell would regularly be occupied by miscreants waiting to go before the court. On Saturday and Sunday, November 28th and 29th, the charge facing the incumbent will be to dispense traditional gifts to wide-eyed young visitors. The cell will become a grotto, the door won’t be locked, and in residence will be Father Christmas.
Yes, he of the red coat and white beard will be parking his sleigh at the museum between 1pm and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday as part of the museum’s Christmas celebrations. Admission to the museum is free, with just a £6 charge to see Father Christmas and receive a present.
The museum will be transformed to transport visitors back to A Very Victorian Christmas of Wymondham’s Past, with volunteers dressed in period costume. Businesses and trades from yesteryear will be brought back to life. The dungeon will become Wymondham Laundry. The Brushroom will go back to S D Page before they merged to become Briton Brush Company. Who remembers Proctor's boot and shoe repair shop? Find them in reception. Clarke & Co Grocer, Draper and Milliner; you will find them and many more names from the streets of Wymondham's past. And of course our C H Standley's The Little Dustpan and Damgate Stores will be open too. Once again we’ll display some nostalgic photos.
Entertainment includes scavenger hunts and Christmas trails plus crafts and games. You can also join Browick Road School choir for some festive music between 2:30 and 3pm on the Sunday, and you can try your luck in the raffle.
There will be Christmas treats in the “Vintage Railway Refreshment Room” including hot chocolate and mince pies. South Norfolk Radio will even be there taking requests for their “Junior Choice” on Christmas Day - with a free prize draw!
If you’re looking for a gift, look out for the craft stall and check out the museum shop. On offer is a wide range of local books, or perhaps a tote bag. The tea towels make the perfect gift if you want to give something that reflects Wymondham's character. There are fifteen images of scenes from our historic market town. There are also of course the ideal stocking fillers including the Beat The Blitz game, pens, pencils, keyrings, rulers and colouring books.
Join us for an all-round family Christmas treat. Keep an eye on our social media for even more details.
Admission is free, remember, with just £6 to visit Santa, including the present. The museum will also be open for the town’s Wynterfest on Sunday, December 6th.
