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Town Centre to host Christmas Lights switch-on event
Santa’s grotto, festive food and drink, craft and gift stalls, a kids’ funfair, and live music all await you at this year’s town centre Christmas lights switch on event: ‘A Very Wymondham Christmas’.
On Sunday 7 December The fun kicks off at 12pm, with the grand lights switch on at 3.30pm and the event continuing until 5pm.
This year’s event has been put together by volunteers from various groups including Wymondham Lions and Wymondham Business Group with backing from Alan R Cross & Sons and Wymondham Town Council.
Money Properties on Market Place will be hosting Santa’s Grotto together with the Lions Club. For £6 per child your little one will get to have a little chat with Santa, take a photo and walk away with a gift to treasure.
A wide range of stalls will bring exciting new gift shopping options to our town centre alongside a number of independent shops opening especially for the event. Stalls will include Home Farm Gin, Faitmaison Wood, Norfolk Rum, The Duck Truck, Churros, I Love Bows, Artisan Donuts, Bakeaholics, Heavenly & Earth Candles, Chim Chim Thai, Fully Loaded Fries and many more.
And of course you can keep warm in our town’s many pubs and cafes, from Fairland St to Town Green you will have dozens of options for hot drinks and delicious food.
Fairground rides will be found on Middleton Street with local company Gray & Sons providing your little ones with exciting thrills.
Wymondham Sports Bar and Town Green Garden Cafe will have an outside bar with mulled wine and hot rum punch. Christmas music and an outdoor cinema will entertain you alongside the takeaway hot food on offer.
The Bridewell Museum is normally closed in December but it will be open just once more this year! Visit from 12-5pm with free entry for all. Hot drinks and mince pies will be on sale in the tearoom.
Refresh at Town Green Garden Cafe
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It has been six years since Rachael and Tim Brown took over Town Green Garden Cafe at the northwest end of our town centre. Last month, with support from friends and family, they completely ripped it apart and gave it a refresh and new layout.
Now as you enter the cafe you’ll immediately be greeted by the barista at the coffee bar instead of having to navigate around tables to get to the counter. There's a cozy new lounge area at the back and bistro style bench seating where the coffee machine used to be, adding ten extra seats for patrons. Groups of up to 14 can be accommodated at one table, which was impossible before.
I sat down with Rachael to find out more about the background and why they’d closed down for a week while investing so much into the refurbishment.
She explained: “I’ve always been in hospitality, I used to run weddings and events. After years and years working for others I felt it was time to run my own business. We took this cafe on because we could see how much potential it had, and since then I’ve always known the layout wasn’t quite right.”
“We had to shift the counter to the front to make it more welcoming and make it easier to get a takeaway coffee. It makes it so much more welcoming when people see us right as they come through the door. Also, the counter used to take up a third of the floorspace. The new layout means we can accommodate larger parties and private dinners for events like birthdays, anniversaries, Christenings and such.”
The hottest ticket in town of late seems to be the set menu pop up chef evenings which they’ve hosted at Town Green Garden Cafe. “We do a 3-course set menu, all three we have done so far have been sold out just via our mailing list,” Rachael explained. “It’s classical British food. Last time we did a goat’s cheese souffle starter, duck with cherry sauce for main, finishing on a chocolate torte with raspberry sorbet and butterscotch caramel sauce. Speciality wines are paired with the menu. We also had homemade focaccia and a rhubarb kombucha palate cleanser between courses.”
The Guest Chef nights are hosted by Rachael and her college friend Nigel Crane. They recently created Sticky Pudding Events and have hosted many private catered parties. Nigel used to work with the late Richard Hughes at No 24 back in its hey day. Nigel went on to travel around Australia and Europe and now uses his knowledge and creativity to cook great British Cuisine with a twist.
I asked Rachael why she works so hard to make this place special and she didn’t hesitate to answer: “I love the regulars, the characters. I love that they come to visit the same day every week and tell us stories and we have that community feel. Everybody looks out for each other. If you have somebody you haven’t seen for a few days, we’ll see if someone who knows them can Guest Che go knock on their door. We have a family-style friendship within the staff team which is wonderful too.”
The team have increased their opening hours, now open 9-3 most days (closed Weds) and in December they’ll be staying open until 5 to accommodate those doing their Christmas shopping at the lovely independent shops in the town centre. There’s even a special Christmas afternoon tea menu you can pre-book, with a mix of miniature delights and a choice of fizz, mulled wine, Bailey’s hot chocolate, tea or coffee.
Does anything surprise her after six years on the high street? “It surprises me that we still have people come in occasionally and say ‘we didn’t know you were here’, when we’ve been here six years. I’ll ask them where they live, and when they say Wymondham I’m very surprised. There’s so many great businesses in the town, people just need to come and see.”
The Abbey appeals for more Bellringers
Wymondham Abbey’s two towers are a notable landmark in the Norfolk countryside, and a handy nesting site for the local peregrine falcons. The birds wisely nest in the ruined East tower and so do not have their perch interrupted by the Abbey Bellringers each Tuesday and Sunday.
Unusually in the modern era, Wymondham can boast of a continuous tradition of bellringing going back to 1903 when the tower was renovated and eight bells installed. These days we are fortunate to ring on probably the best ring of ten bells in Norfolk, bells that were cast in 1967. We are also lucky to have a loyal and very capable band of ringers.
At the beginning of October, a band of ringers from Wymondham took part in the Norwich Diocese’s annual ringing festival and were adjudged to have completed the best performance of the day. This is the third time in the last four years that Wymondham have won this competition.
Our band is made up of people from many backgrounds and with a wide variety of ringing experience. Some have been ringers for over 50 years, having learned as children. Others have been ringing only a few months or years and are still “learning the ropes”. What we have in common is belonging to a caring, supportive group of fellow ringers, a sense of shared service to The Church and the local community, and enormous enjoyment when we ring the bells.
Anyone can learn to ring, although it may take a while before a new ringer has acquired the skills necessary to ring on Sunday morning or for weddings. A reasonable sense of rhythm and enjoying being part of a team are all that is required.
Practice night at Wymondham is on Tuesday at 7:30pm, and we welcome visitors who want to have a look at what is going on, perhaps with a view to learning to ring. We work with the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre in Norwich, the local training centre for bellringing and where David, our Ringing Master, is part of the teaching team.
Why not give it a go yourself?
Contact David at bellringing@wymondhamabbey.org.uk.
Abbey to offer Warm Soup Days every Monday this winter
Wymondham Abbey has announced that they are offering warm soup every Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 during the winter months.
An only post read:
“Come and warm up in our nice warm café space and enjoy some soup and company. We’ll be offering this through the winter months from Monday 3rd November. It’s part of our being an official Warm Space in Wymondham.
“Maybe bring a friend or neighbour who would otherwise be stuck at home.”
Magazine Contributor 'Picked' for New Role at EDP
Victoria Humphrey, the author of the Magazine’s monthly Vic’s Picks column has successfully gained a new role, joining the Eastern Daily Press as a reporter.
Sub-editor Freddy Lowe paid tribute to her contributions:
“We will, of course, miss Victoria’s articles and what they brought to the Magazine, but we wish her the very best of luck in her new role and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Victoria has been one of our best, most loyal and most regular writers for the past year and a half. Her ‘Vic’s Picks’ columns shone a light on every nook and cranny of Wymondham worth exploring.”
The Magazine takes voluntary contributions from anyone in and around Wymondham. So if you fancy following in Victoria’s steps and embarking on a career in journalism, please get in touch with your ideas and pieces to: news@wymondhammagazine.co.uk.
Dementia Support Group Raises £8000 in 20 Days
Members, carers, and volunteers from Wymondham dementia support group have raised more than £8,000 through an inspiring month-long campaign of “positive action” this September.
The initiative, titled 20 Days of Positive Action, saw participants take on a wide range of activities to raise funds and awareness for those living with dementia and their families. From walking, cycling, and running to hula hooping, painting, and even bird watching, every challenge was designed to promote wellbeing, connection, and community spirit.
We concluded the week with a celebration event, where certificates were presented to everyone who took part. Organisers praised the dedication and enthusiasm shown by all involved, describing it as “a shining example of our community spirit in action.”
A spokesperson for the group said:
“We’re incredibly proud of what our members and volunteers have achieved. The creativity and commitment they’ve shown have not only raised vital funds for our charity but also helped raise awareness of dementia and the importance of staying active and connected.”
Funds raised from the campaign will go directly toward supporting our services, helping provide activities, advice, and companionship for those affected and their carers.
For more information about the group or to get involved, please contact Deborah Anstee and Fliss Horne by emailing organiser@wdsg.org.uk
That Little Norfolk Studio introduces menopausal Women’s Midlife Collective
And other New Year updates
A new Women’s Midlife Collective, focusing on issues affecting women during the perimenopause and menopause, is the latest project to be launched at That Little Norfolk Studio in Wymondham, where tailored groups and creative events are on offer for everyone at every life stage.
ClearCompany CIC, the social enterprise behind That Little Norfolk Shop and Studio, is inviting women to participate in a survey that will shape a fortnightly drop-in space for women to meet, socialise, share experiences, and access expert information about the perimenopause and menopause.
The Women’s Midlife Collective will meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from December, and the organisation is teaming up with Dr Emma Ping, who specialises in the perimenopause and menopause, to deliver a safe and informative space to share and access reliable information.
Julie Briggs, Director of ClearCompany CIC, said:
“We consulted a core group of women to create a survey reflecting the range of issues arising. We are inviting women to participate in the survey, with a choice to remain anonymous or share their details to receive further information. We are absolutely thrilled to have Dr Emma Ping on board and recognise how lucky we are to have her expert guidance and support.”
Issues ranging from confusion around HRT options, relationships being negatively impacted, and fears that symptoms may be wrongly attributed to the perimenopause were amongst the main issues initially shared by women with That Little Norfolk Studio. The survey will gather the range of issues affecting women and continue to collect feedback as the group develops, which will inform the direction of the twice-monthly sessions.
Dr Emma Ping, who is accredited by the British Menopause Society, said: “I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and increasing awareness of the perimenopause and menopause. I believe this collective can create an inclusive, understanding and nurturing environment where women can gain support and grow in confidence.”
The Women’s Midlife Collective sessions will begin on Tuesday 16th December at 7-9pm. The group will be shown clips from popular TV shows, podcasts and social media that represent a range of related issues. Women will have the opportunity to listen to a live conversation between Dr Ping and ClearCompany Director, Julie Briggs about how they have been affected by the perimenopause and participate if they wish.
Based in the former Abbey Schoolrooms in Wymondham, That Little Norfolk Studio runs on average 35 events and groups each month. Sales of Norfolk produce and crafts from That Little Norfolk Shop on the lower floor help to raise funds to cover the running costs of the venue.
Regular events include the weekly Friday Youth Café, Dungeons and Dragons sessions, Shanty Nights, Bingo, Quiz Nights, The Sound Café, Ukulele groups, Ante Natal classes, and Whatever Wednesdays, where the venue is open to all to play games, instruments, do crafts, or socialise.
The organisation is actively seeking volunteers to help run the shop and studio, serve the public and set up for events and groups. For further information about events, private hire, groups, or volunteering, email info@clearcompany.org.uk.
Work Underway on Baptist Church Extension
Wymondham Baptist Church has long been a place of worship, warmth, and welcome in the heart of our town. Now, it’s entering a new chapter—one that reflects both its growing congregation and its deepening commitment to serving the wider community.
Over the past few years, the church has seen a steady rise in attendance—not just on Sundays, but throughout the week, particularly at the very popular Roots Community Cafe, the midweek youth cafe, and the Warm Space for those needing a respite from the cold weather and friendly and fun company.
The extension will create more open space, improve accessibility, and provide modern facilities for outreach and ministry.
One of the most exciting features of the new space is a dedicated area for the Roots Café, a much-loved initiative that brings people together over coffee, conversation, and connection. The extension will also offer a welcoming facility for local support groups, giving them a safe and accessible space to meet, share, and grow.
The new facility is being constructed to environmentally friendly standards, reflecting the church’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability. It will also feature full disabled access, ensuring that everyone in the community can feel truly welcome.
This project is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a reflection of the vision of Wymondham Baptist Church ‘to be an authentic church with a place for everyone’. Church members, local residents, charitable trusts, the Greater Norwich Growth Board and volunteers have come together to support the extension through fundraising, prayer, and practical help. The leadership team has worked closely with architects and planners to ensure the space meets the needs of the church and also offers a much needed space to the community.
Construction is underway, with completion expected by Easter 2026. In the meantime, Sunday worship services continue as usual in the main Church, the Trussell Trust Foodbank continues to operate from the Church Lounge on Friday morning, Friday Night Youth group also continues to meet, but the Roots Community Cafe and weekly youth cafe have had to stop for the time being, but Home from Home, our Warm Space is looking to offer some kind of service at a different venue. We all look forward to the completion of the extension with a spirit of anticipation and gratitude.
As a church fellowship, we are excited to use this new physical space for whatever God plans to do in the community through Wymondham Baptist Church.
Big C’s Donation Centre Moves to Gales Business Park
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Have you made a trip to Big C’s Furniture and Craft Emporium recently? Whether you’ve come to drop off donations or have a browse at the amazing array of items, you may have noticed there have been a few changes at the local charity shop.
Big C’s Donation Centre has now moved around the corner to Gales Business Park (39 Ayton Road, Wymondham, NR18 0QQ) and is open to take donations from 9:30am to 3:30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9:30am to 4pm on Saturdays.
The charity, which supports local people affected by cancer in Norfolk, heavily relies on donations of good-quality second-hand and new items, which are distributed across its 12 retail shops across Norfolk and into Suffolk. The money raised from these shops helps to fund Big C’s support centres, which offer 1:1 and group support, counselling, complementary therapies, welfare and benefits advice, bereavement guidance and wellbeing programmes.
Donations can be made of good-quality clothing and accessories, music and entertainment, books, bric-à-brac, toys, linen and furniture (including sofas, chairs, dining sets and coffee tables).
The charity can also sell wedding attire and formal wear through its Timberhill Bridal Boutique, or any designer or high-end clothing or accessories through the Wymondham Boutique.
If you have furniture you wish to donate, it can be collected free of charge. To arrange this, or for any queries regarding a donation, please call the Wymondham Donation Centre on 01953 603320 or email furniture@big-c.co.uk.
Over the coming months, you will begin to see changes at the Furniture and Craft Emporium, as the team expands the shop floor into the original unit that housed the Donation Centre.
These exciting developments mark a new chapter for the charity as it responds to growing demand for sustainable shopping options.
Big C’s Furniture and Craft Emporium stocks an array of crafting supplies and materials, as well as a large selection of furniture and household items. Monthly crafting groups and Warhammer painting sessions are held there, and Big C’s Boutique is just next door, making it a one-stop shop!
This extension will see the charity with its first ‘superstore’, as well as enabling it to increase sorting efficiency, improve donation handling, and streamline stock distribution.
To support this exciting growth, Big C is actively recruiting volunteers. There is a wide variety of volunteering roles, and the charity welcomes applications from anyone looking to give a few hours of their time, including people wanting to gain work experience and Duke of Edinburgh Award students.
Please visit www.big-c.co.uk to find out more about the recent changes and volunteer opportunities.
Extension Leads and Christmas Lights: How Much Is Too Much?
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I see it every December — extension leads running behind Christmas trees, across floors, and powering half the living room! It’s all part of the festive fun, but it’s also when your sockets are under the most pressure.
From fairy lights and heaters to new gadgets and decorations, this is the time of year when we plug in more than ever. A standard 4-way extension lead can safely handle up to 13 amps (around 3,000 watts) in total. That might sound plenty, but once you add a heater, TV, or tumble dryer, you’ll reach that limit surprisingly fast. Go over it, and you risk overheating — especially if the lead is coiled or hidden behind furniture.
A few simple safety checks before you plug in:
1: Always uncoil extension leads fully to prevent heat build-up.
2: Never plug one extension into another.
3: Keep leads off carpets and away from curtains or wrapping paper.
4: Check plugs for heat or scorch marks — they’re early warning signs.
5: Turn off decorations and lights at night or when you’re out.
If you find you’re always running short of sockets every Christmas, the easiest and safest fix is to have an extra one installed. Whether it’s in the living room for your lights or an outdoor socket for decorations, it’s a quick and tidy job that keeps your home safer and your cables neater.
Many homes around Norwich, Wymondham, and Cringleford only need a small update like this to make a big difference. So before the festive season really begins, it’s worth making sure your electrics are ready for the extra load.
For friendly local advice or to have extra sockets fitted safely, call Norfolk Current Ltd on 01603 369447 or visit their website.
Ladders, Lights and Laughs Getting The Town Xmas-Ready
It may have been a damp Saturday 15th November but the spirits of the Lighting Up Wymondham volunteers were anything but, as they went about hanging the town centre Christmas lights, which will be officially switched on at the upcoming ’A Very Wymondham Christmas’ event.
With a great turnout of helpers, long-time lights stalwart Doug Hodges praised all involved:
“Many thanks everyone! Am delighted - we achieved more than I expected and am impressed with the standard! Hope you've finished drying out.”
Mr Hodges has resumed the role after former Mayor Kevin Hurn passed away in November, who had taken on responsibilities.
“Thanks for stepping back to organise us again Doug. Kevin would be pleased to know that we were carrying on for him. Thanks to Sharron and Joanne for the refreshments too.” said volunteer Chris Grant.
Here are just some of the photos taken this year.
Town Council Watch: Christmas Dinner Special
Local Democracy Sketch
Poor old TCW might still be frozen out of Wymondham Town Council meetings while their 6 month long YouTube streaming strike continues, but your beloved columnist is never one to disappoint when hosting. So, undeterred, TCW’s been working away feverishly in the kitchen since 9AM, slicing and dicing, removing giblets and getting ready to give the turkey a good old basting. So pull up one of your spare chairs from the shed, put on your paper crown and get a Rennie at the ready. It’s time to tuck in to your Town Council Watch Christmas dinner.
But can you get through it all?
Aah! Busto
But first, a joke from TCW’s poundshop cracker: Q. Why didn’t the chicken get the bus? A. Because it was scared of crossing the B1172.
Hmm. Who writes these things? They get worse every year.
Throughout September to November, town councillors discussed the need for a new pedestrian crossing over the main road at the Albini Way bus stop.
According to County Councillor Robert Savage (Con), there had been three accidents there this year. A resident had launched a petition for something to be done.
An exasperated Cllr Michael Rosen (Lab) reported that a disinterested County Council had previously horseradished building a crossing because “there weren’t enough people crossing the road”.
If you build it they will come.
But with the cost of installing a button operated crossing estimated at a trouser waist stretching £150,000, the scheme was too large to be funded by the Town Council.
Maybe the people who daubed an England flag over the Melton Road mini roundabout could paint one on? They do this sort of stuff for free.
Eventually the solution became clear: the Town Council would send a strongly worded letter to County Hall.
Find The Leek
After TCW managed to print a word-by-word account of what councillors said in a supposedly behind-closed-doors session about stopping the public being able to watch their meetings on YouTube, it seems TCW’s explanation that he’d lubed himself up in goose fat and snuck into the council’s ventilation shafts to eavesdrop wasn’t buttering any parsnips with the authority.
October’s meeting instead revealed the council had appointed an internal spook catcher to find out who had leaked what was termed CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL INFORMATION, after sensational top-secret data like councillors’ justifications for their decisions somehow got out to the public.
The horror! Still, fun for the council to be writing reports into TCW for once, instead of the other way round.
The investigation even commissioned a ‘'cyber security report’ from an IT company at a cost of £285, which concluded there was “No evidence of hacking, unauthorised access, or breach of the Council’s internal systems”.
Phew. Lord only knows what would happen if the Kremlin got hold of Town Council files.
Mayor Dave Roberts (Lib Dem) delivered a stern speech towards any councillors or staff thinking of leaking meetings to the press in future - you know the kind of leaks, ones that would allow TCW to keep quoting the precise words councillors say. Here’s what he said:
“The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated ..[].. breaching this principle undermines the integrity of our governance, process and potentially exposes the council to reputational and legal risk.”
Reputational risk? Perish the thought, dear reader. TCW wishes them all the best cracking the case.
Burning The Turkey Evidence
Now, despite refusing to live stream their meetings currently, the Town Council has actually still been recording their sessions in the background, as Mayor Dave Roberts reassured one resident online:
“...meetings are still being recorded should anyone want a viewable version. As Chair of WAG (Wymondham Access Group), disabled people will still have [the] opportunity to view the meeting.”
Phew. TCW would hate to see the council’s pledge to promote accessibility issues in town broken...
But after receiving 7 Freedom Of Information (FOI) requests to view videos, the Mayor’s promise and the recordings could soon be going up in flames quicker than the brandy on your Christmas pudding.
At October’s Finance & Governance committee, councillors rushed out a raft of new policies to rapidly delete video recordings, before the pesky public could ever get their dirty mitts on them.
Cllr Lucy Nixon (Lib Dem) even took time to praise the Town Clerk “for the sheer volume of work that’s gone into this agenda. I know she’s been working extra hours to get this done.”
The policies mean that once a recording has been used to help the Clerk write up minutes, it will now be immediately deleted.
“So as soon as they’re drafted that’s it!” Cllr Julian Fulcher (Lib Dem) declared licking his lips, before later interjecting three times to ensure the wording guaranteed the soonest possible deletions.
But why the rush? Cue the Clerk to explain all:
“Don’t forget that if we receive an FOI, the procedure is that we’ve got 20 days to respond - that recording is gone within the 20 days, because I've already typed the minutes.”
Oh right. Clever.
But Cllr Paul Barrett (Green) had concerns about the impact on disabled people:
“If you draft the minutes the following day, then you delete the recordings, if anyone wasn’t able to access the meeting because of disability, [they] wouldn’t be able to view the meeting.”
Anyone would think stopping people watching was the intention...
We were then treated to a prawn cocktail of reasons why it was actually just so terribly difficult for the council to physically share videos with the public, in a series of explanations whiffier than your dad's Brussels sprouts farts.
First it was all to do with storage space at the council and transferring large files “because it’s 4K, it’s big, they’re not like normal mp3 or whatever”.
Then it was all about guarding the privacy of members of the public, who’d turned up to a public meeting and contributed during public participation. They’d need their “faces blurred” and “white noise” dubbing over what they said.
“Could we give them a warning that this is being recorded?” Cllr Roly Frosdick (Lib Dem) helpfully asked, to no particular avail.
Next it was the threat of released recordings being edited with AI:
“AI is scary” the Clerk warned, who’d apparently seen “altered” videos. “You just don’t want that for the council.”
Ah. Maybe that video where the Queen turned up to a Town Council meeting on a jet-ski wasn’t real after all.
And last but not least, if streaming ever did resume, it was storage space concerns again:
“...everything that’s been recorded will have to be removed, because there’s not enough storage on YouTube.”
Heavens. Someone needs to tell the global technology company they need to buy some more floppy disks.
If editing videos was required, Cllr Annette James (Lib Dem) had an entrepreneurial idea at least:
“..[]...we should be charging people who want the video.”
Oh it's all come a long way since “as councillors wishing to be as open and transparent as possible” hasn't it?
Cold Leftovers
They say the average argument on Christmas day starts at 10:13am. But having given town centre improvement plans the nod in November, town councillors then got in a ding dong over the not-so-trifling matter of which type of new bus stop to put on Market Place.
“Have you been in a cantilever bus shelter?!” Cllr Peter Broome (Con) blurted over the table, who wanted to reject a Norfolk County Council offer to build one outside Co-op in favour of a fancier bus stop next to the Cross Keys. “They offer no protection at all apart from if it’s raining from above!”
But with town councillors worried about “residents shivering away outside the Co-op all winter”, they opted instead to have County Council design them a bespoke shelter.
Fancy. TCW’s already looking forward to proudly showing Kevin McCloud around it.
Wymondham Acts of Kindness: Paws & Painters
You know the nice thing about Wymondham? People here support each other.
Even the most cursory scroll through Wymondham Ways reveals that this town has not yet lost its good cheer.
We have our latest local hero in Jules Homes, who put out on Wymondham Ways that she had found someone’s cat and taken them in until the owner got in touch:
‘My local vets in Wymondham had this little lady brought in today as a stray, just sharing, she's safe, she's fed, no chip. She's friendly. She was found on Whispering Oaks. Please message me if you recognise her.’
The owner has not yet been located, but Wymondham’s lovely commenters were quick to respond. ‘Shared to the alders and birch gate group.’ ‘Shared to Lost and Found Pets Hingham, Wymondham, Attleborough, Watton’.
If you recognise your cat from the above photo, get in touch with Jules! The cat shall be well-looked-after until then.
More recently, another Wymondham Ways lady put out a simple but challenging ask: ‘A recommendation for a good painter!’
The 60 responses – 60! – were more than obliging. They mentioned several local painters. And ‘Rembrandt’, ‘Monet’ and ‘Picasso’.
(Good to know they’ve not lost their sense of humour.)
The lady in question wrote back, ‘wow, so many recommended painters! Thank you so much! Now for a floor person lol’.
‘Me!’, promptly replied one of the gentleman commenters.
If you spot a Wymondham Act of Kindness, comment and tag us in with #wymondhamactsofkindness!
The Secret Farmer's Diary: Autumn
Our mystery farmer in the Wymondham area takes a break from drafting his year end stock valuations to tell you what he’s been up to in the last month.
Da Beets
The first lot of sugar beet have been lifted in dry weather conditions, good news for sugar lovers, local road users and farmers alike. The sugar content of the sugar beet was high, at 17%, with growers elsewhere reporting sugars as high as 20%. Yields have also been good, particularly given how dry the summer has been. The income from the sugar beet that has gone into the factory will help begin repaying the money spent on seed and fertiliser, and the land that grew it has already been sown with late sown winter wheat using our new direct drill – something we wouldn’t have been able to use had the weather been too wet.
Pennies from heaven
I write this confined to my quarters (or my workshop, at least) as rain falls steadily outside. Our first lift of sugar beet was unseasonably dry and this sustained rainfall should help replenish our dry soils and watercourses. The soil moisture deficit, the Environment Agency’s measure of the difference between the soil’s full water capacity and its current state, is currently >100mm in South Norfolk, the East of England being the driest part of the UK and the UK as a whole experiencing the driest year since 1976. The rain will help the winter drilled crops grow, improve the soil’s health and help our wildlife, flora and fauna. It probably won’t help our sugar beet harvesting contractor, although he’ll secretly be grateful for a day or two off.
First drive
I’m looking forward to my first shoot of the year next week. Shooting is an important part of the farming social calendar (and indeed wider social calendars, shooting being as much a pastime for tradesmen and professionals, men and women, as us bumpkins now), providing an opportunity for friends and neighbours to come together and socialise, network and relax after the long hours of harvest and autumn drilling. I enjoy taking the birds I have shot home, plucking and dressing them and enjoying a pheasant curry, hoisin duck and partridge ragu as well as the more traditional game stews and pies. Game meat is some of the most flavoursome and sustainably sourced meat available, yet it remains unfashionable with most butchers and game dealers struggling to sell it. Beaters, the volunteers who put the birds up out of woodland and field cover for “the guns” to shoot, are a mix of farmers, farm workers, agronomists, machinery engineers, tradesmen and retirees who enjoy the exercise and camaraderie of walking across some beautiful landscapes, with a typical day involving 20,000 steps through woods, ditches, brambles and ploughed fields. I enjoy beating as much as shooting. Dogs and hot, rich food are a big part of the day, with game stews, soups and sausage rolls enjoyed by human and dog alike.
Pagan rituals
Halloween and bonfire night afford opportunity for the family to indulge in antics of varying levels of responsibility. My eldest was self-conscious being dropped off at her friend’s zombie cheerleader party, seemingly thinking that every passer by might have the visual acuity and level of interest to spot that her face and arms were covered in fake blood and gory scab transfers. We dug out some old furniture and pallets for our bonfire, using the chairs for seating until the end of the evening before burning them on the fire. An effigy that my children named Gerald was assembled in record time from a curtain pole and old newspapers. A couple of fireworks, some sparklers and a battery powered karaoke machine added some light and sound for children and adults alike. Fizzy drinks, beer and pizza provided sustenance. I’m still not certain what do with the catherine wheel on my fence that didn’t light up but remains nailed in place.
St Georges Residents Restore the Forehoe Guardians’ Cross
Two miles northwest of Wymondham sits the residential development of St Georges. This was formerly the site of the Wicklewood Workhouse. Under its official title of the Forehoe House of Industry (later the Forehoe Institution), the workhouse took in the poor from Wicklewood as well as from ten neighbouring parishes from c1776 until 1930.
In 1927, to commemorate the Institution's 150th anniversary, its Guardians placed a white marble memorial cross within the Institution’s burial ground situated on its northern edge, between the main building and the road. Its inscription reads, ‘This enclosure was formerly the burial ground for the Institution. In memory of those who are buried therein, the Forehoe Guardians placed this stone MCMXXVII.
During the intervening 98 years, the cross has had a hard life. Around 35 years ago, when the buildings were converted into a residential development, the burial ground was separated from the main site. This meant the memorial cross had to be re-sited in the curtilage of St Georges. Although the developers chose a site backing onto the burial ground, the cross no longer stands in the reverential shade of old trees; now it has the communal washing lines, gas tanks and the back of a garage block as its companions. Worse still, during the redevelopment, the cross was severely damaged, knocked over and broken into three sections. Poorly repaired, the cross was a sorry sight; its marble, once white, was badly soiled and dirty, and its inscription was no longer legible.
Still, although shoddy and unkept, the memorial cross has always been an integral part of both Wicklewood's heritage and the broader area that made up the former Carleton Forehoe Hundred. Throughout its long existence, when it ministered to the poor, many people passed through the workhouse’s doors, some of whom died here. Today, not only do local residents and those from nearby counties have relatives buried here, but also people from across the world. This year, people from England, the USA and Australia have come to St Georges looking for information about their relatives who were born, lived, or died at the workhouse during the nineteenth century.
The cross, therefore, is both a permanent reminder of South Norfolk's past and a memorial to its poor. So, action was clearly needed to restore it before it was too late. With the aid of a generous grant, facilitated by Richard Elliott, the South Norfolk District Councillor, a bequest from the Wicklewood Old Village Hall Charity Trust, and two private donations, the cross has been professionally repaired, cleaned, and the stonework touched up. To separate the cross from its surroundings and give it dignity, a small hedge has been planted around it. Rosemary was chosen for this because it is not only hardy, drought-resistant, and fragrant, but also symbolises remembrance, especially of the departed. A black granite plaque was commissioned and placed on the ground in front of the cross. Its inscription reads, ‘This cross was refurbished in 2025 by those who have not forgotten former residents buried nearby.’
As the Institution’s Guardians had held a dedication service at the erection of the cross in December 1927, those involved in the cross’s refurbishment decided it would be appropriate to rededicate the cross. On Wednesday, 29th October 2025, in front of the newly restored cross, gleaming white against its autumnal backdrop, over 50 people attended a short service. These included those directly involved in funding the refurbishment, residents from St Georges, and invited villagers from Wicklewood and the surrounding area. Hilary Matthews, one of those who live at St Georges, began proceedings.
After a summary of the site’s history, she outlined why the restoration of the cross was necessary, a theme that Richard Elliot, the South Norfolk District Councillor, expanded upon. Then Trisha Brookes recounted the harrowing story of a heavily pregnant family member, who in 1841 sought help from the workhouse but was denied it. Unfortunately, she died days later, and her newborn young son, though he was admitted, died at the workhouse two months later.
After this sobering account, the Revd. Shirley Holt led prayers before re-dedicating the cross. Hilary Matthews then read Charles Baudelaire’s thought-provoking poem La Mort des Pauvres (Death of the Poor), before the Revd. Shirley Holt read a closing prayer. The weather, although threatening rain, stayed dry throughout the service.
After the service, well over 40 squeezed into The Lodge for tea, cakes, and the opportunity to browse photos and documents about the workhouse, the burial ground, and the cross. Included amongst these, and hot off the press, was the latest book by local historians Mary and Terry Miller: ‘Wicklewood and Crownthorpe: A Step into the Past’. It was a memorable afternoon and enjoyed by all.
Navigating the Property Ladder
Getting on the property ladder is a significant milestone, marking a step towards financial stability and independence. However, the process involves navigating through various legal aspects to ensure a smooth and secure transition into homeownership. In this article, we'll explore the key legal considerations when entering the property market.
Conveyancing Process and Law Firms:
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. This involves various steps, including property searches, title checks, and drafting contracts. Working with a solicitor experienced in conveyancing is essential to ensure all legal requirements are met.
It’s also important to make sure that you choose a regulated law firm. Regulated law firms are bound by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in the UK. This regulatory body sets stringent standards for professional conduct and client care. Choosing a regulated firm provides assurance that your legal matters are handled with the utmost integrity and compliance.
Financing Your Home:
Securing financing is a crucial aspect of getting on the property ladder. Understanding mortgage laws, interest rates, and repayment terms is vital. Consult with a mortgage advisor to explore the best options based on your financial situation.
Stamp Duty:
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax imposed on property transactions in the UK. The amount payable depends on the property's value. First-time buyers will benefit from exemptions or reduced rates.
Help to Buy Schemes:
The government offers various Help to Buy schemes aimed at assisting first-time buyers. These initiatives include shared ownership or a loan to help with the cost of building a home or hiring someone to build one. Each scheme has specific legal implications, so seek legal advice to understand your rights and obligations.
Leasehold vs. Freehold:
Understanding the difference between leasehold and freehold properties is crucial. Leasehold properties come with additional legal considerations, such as ground rent and service charges. Freehold properties provide more autonomy but may still be subject to certain restrictions.
Environmental Considerations:
Environmental issues, such as flooding or contaminated land, can impact property value and usage. Conducting thorough environmental searches is essential to identify potential risks and comply with legal obligations.
Entering the property market in the UK requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Working closely with a solicitor specialising in property law, such as Spire Solicitors, ensures a smooth and legally sound transition onto the property ladder. By navigating the complexities of conveyancing, financing, and government schemes, you can embark on your homeownership journey with confidence and peace of mind.
If you would like to learn more about the process of buying a home or are looking for a conveyancer to begin your journey to home ownership, get in contact with us today on 01953 606351 or email info@spiresolicitors.co.uk.
Greening Wymondham Forced to Vacate their Chapel Lane Allotments
A.E. Housman had it right when he said:
“That is the land of lost content, / I see it shining plain, / The happy highways where I went / And cannot come again…”
For hundreds of Wymondham people, the loss of the Chapel Lane allotments cuts deep. The inevitability, given Anglian Water’s ownership of the land and its expansion plans, doesn’t make it any better.
It’s been grim since the summer. Plotholders were not prepping for autumn planting. Fences were left unrepaired. Very few were weeding (why would you?). Then – heartbreak – as sheds and polytunnels started coming down for storage.
Yes, plotholders are lucky: the Town Council is working on a new site, and it will be wonderful to be able to dig and grow again, but no new provision could rival the beauty of what we had: a walk alongside the Tiffey, majestic old trees providing shade and habitat, and soil enriched and tended for well over two decades.
“It was a magical creative space … I hope you rebuild and shine somewhere else soon,” was one comment among the dozens on a video posted on Instagram and Facebook.
“I’m so sorry, it was a truly lovely space,” said another.
We know! Even though the lower plots sometimes flooded and washed out an autumn’s hard work, even though maintaining the water supply to the plots was laborious, and even though the rats saw sweet corn as an annual challenge – chewing through socks and guard bottles with grim determination.
Balancing it all out was the privilege of having a plot and the friendly community that was there to help you with advice, materials and tools. It was there for solo plot-holders, families with children, and partnerships. We hope plot-holders will rebuild this as they enrich the soil at the new site.
But at Chapel Lane, the wildlife was astonishing: the Wymondham Nature Group recorded 58 types of bird and three species of bat – while plot-holders saw weasel, water vole, and grass snake, with some finding field mice nesting in their sheds.
Everything had an upside. The flooding? Enriched silt. The long drainage ditch? A major route for wildlife. The sewage works themselves? A feeding station for swifts, swallows, martins and bats catching the insects that rose from settlement tanks.
And of course, the utter privilege of having your own place to be and grow things and escape the daily grind.
“It was a sanctuary,” says Jenny Blanchflower, “simple as that. A place where you could work hard, yet relax. And benefit from fresh fruit and vegetables – and cut your own flowers.”
Of course, any new allotments will provide a new beginning with, one hopes, no flooding! And the allotment community has pulled together, with the Action Group organising storage, presenting plot layouts to the Town Council complete with a potential water scheme, and preparing to seek funding with input from the Association. The evacuation of the plots went brilliantly.
So we look back at our land of lost content, and hope we can establish something new and vibrant soon. A few feel they can’t start over somewhere else, though most have said yes. But it will be different.
Photos of the Month: Judge scored it a 10 ‘as soon as he saw it’
WPS had the first print competition of the new season on 4th November, judged by Wayne Davey.
Starting with Tier 1, for less experienced photographers, the judge observed the very high standard of all 14 entries and found it difficult to comment on possible improvements. But eventually he started to score the images, mostly split by half points!
There was a very varied range of subjects and a mix of mono and colour prints. But coming out on top as the only maximum score of 10 was Anthony Cooves with his mystical image of a boat shed in the floods, ‘High and Dry for Now’. The judge liked the composition and the way the shutter speed had been slowed down to get a smooth, mirror-like water and reflection.
On Tier 2, there were 31 images to choose from, and comments were the same as Tier 1, a very high standard and variety of prints, making it a tough night for the judge! Once inspected and scored, 9 prints scored either 9 or 9.5, and 3 scored a maximum 10.
Dom Byrne got 10 for his lovely mono image ‘A Patient Seagull’, but once again the star of the show was Jez Wood with 2 prints scoring 10: ‘Misty Morning’, a great shot of a Grebe on a misty lake, and the Judge’s favourite, 'White-Necked Jacobin’, a stunning image of a hummingbird. It was taken in Tobago one morning when he noticed the birds feeding on nectar at a bird feeder. The judge picked this as his favourite image, scoring it a 10 as soon as he saw it.
The overall standard from club members seemed to have gone up another level, with some very high-quality images on show that are a credit to the club.
What’s in a Photo? Magical Dickensian Evenings
The first Dickensian Evening in December was organised by the Wymondham Lions in 1986 - and what a magical event it turned out to be!
The then-vibrant Wymondham Chamber of Trade took over the organisation in 1988, and the front of the programme for that year is shown below. It featured a host of evening events, among them the switching on of the Christmas lights, communal carols with music by Wymondham Brass Consort, the arrival of Father Christmas by horse and trap, a pub go-cart race and presentation of the Wymondham Shop Assistant of the Year Award.
There were various stalls on the Market Place, as well as a Punch and Judy Show. The Match Box Toy shop, then in Damgate Street, had a Santa's Grotto where children could meet Father Christmas, and before Dickensian evenings, Santa, played by Chamber of Trade legend Eddie Buttolph, had toured the town handing out goodies to kiddies.
Dickensian evenings were continued for some years by Wymondham traders but in 2013, for a short spell, they became Wymondham Dickensian Steampunk, then in 2016, the Town Team staged Wynterfest until 2019 and Covid.
Entering into the spirit of the occasion, some shopkeepers even sported Dickensian garb.
Short Story: The Matchmaker
Margaret had lived alone for ten years. Ten years since Harold's last breath rattled from his chest in the hospice bed, leaving her house echoing with the absence of his chuckle, his way of whistling while making tea, his warm hand reaching for hers. She had filled those years with small rituals, tending the roses, walking, volunteering, and talking to her cat, Jasper, a grizzly ginger Tom with a crooked ear. Jasper was her confidant, her warm weight at the end of the bed.
'You're all I've got left, old boy,' she would murmur, scratching his chin.
One damp autumn morning she noticed a deafening silence. The cushion by the window sat empty. No Jasper. She searched the house calling his name, voice rising with each room. 'Jasper? Supper time.' Nothing but the ticking clock.
Pulling on her coat she stepped into the drizzle, the street smelled of wet leaves. Her neighbours were used to seeing her in the garden with Jasper by her side, but now she was bent low, peering under hedges, calling into shadows, invading other gardens. Alone.
She searched all day and by the time she reached the park, twilight had smudged the sky purple. She stopped at the edge of the duck pond, heart thudding. What if he'd wandered onto the road, or drowned? What if she never saw him again? The panic was sharp, surprising, and deep.'
'Excuse me,' a voice said. 'Are you all right?'
She turned. A man stood with an umbrella tilted against the drizzle. He was tall, his hair silver, his coat neatly buttoned. There was concern in his eyes, not pity, or worse, danger.
'I've lost my cat,' she said, the words catching in her throat. 'He's old, doesn't usually wander.'
'Let me help,' the man offered. 'What's his name?'
'Jasper.'
As they walked the winding paths, she felt strange, her grief for Harold suddenly brushing shoulders with this stranger's kindness. After half an hour her voice had grown hoarse as she slumped onto a damp bench.
'I'm sorry, please don't waste your evening on me.'
He smiled. 'I was only walking to clear my head, get some air, it's better with company. I'm Peter.'
She hesitated. 'Margaret.'
They shook hands. His palm was warm despite the chill.
For several days she searched for Jasper with no luck, but Peter appeared more often than mere coincidence alongside her, asking if there had been any sightings. Sometimes he carried a torch, sweeping the beams under bushes. Sometimes he brought a packet of cat treats.
Margaret began to expect him, her heart leaping when she saw his coat in the distance.
One evening, she confessed. 'It's not only Jasper I miss, I miss Harold, my husband. He's been gone ten years, but tonight, looking for the cat, I felt it fresh all over again.'
Peter nodded. His voice was quiet. 'I lost my wife eight years ago. Cancer. The house still feels too big.' The air between them changed, not heavy but shared, a silence with room for both their losses. They walked on in step.
A week later, Margaret heard a faint mewling from Harold's old shed. Why on earth hadn't she looked there? She flung the door open, and Jasper blinked at her, thin but alive, tail twitching indignantly. She laughed and sobbed at once, scooping him into her arms. That evening she phoned Peter, her fingers trembling.
'I found him! Would you...like to meet him?'
Peter arrived with a tin of salmon. Jasper, ever true to form, hissed and retreated under the sofa. Margaret laughed until she cried, realising how long it had been since laughter came easily to her life.
After that, Peter visited often, at first it was for Jasper, bringing toys, asking after his health, but soon they were sharing pots of tea, talking about books they'd loved, memories of their spouses, the ache of birthdays passed alone. Slowly, Margaret noticed the way Peter's hand lingered over hers when passing the sugar bowl, the warmth in his gaze when she smiled.
One evening, washing dishes side by side, Margaret felt something shift. The kitchen light gleamed on the window, rain streaked the glass, the air was electric. Peter reached to dry a plate, their fingers brushing. The moment hung between them, tender and terrifying.
'I wasn't expecting...' she began, but her voice broke.'
Neither was I,' Peter said softly. 'But maybe we're allowed.'
Margaret thought of Harold then, with gratitude. He had filled her life with love, now, perhaps, she was being offered love again, different but no less real. She imagined Harold smiling at her foolishness for thinking love had an age limit.
She reached for Peter's hand, steady this time. His fingers curled around hers as Jasper yowled from the doorway as if to remind them who had started it all.
Margaret laughed. 'You really are a matchmaker, old boy.'
Peter squeezed her hand, and for the first time in ten years, the house didn't feel quite so empty.
Long-Serving Garden Club Chairman, Andrew Howell, Retires
Andrew Howell, who has been chair and benevolent leader of the club for many years, has decided it is time to hang up his trowel and rake and have a well-earned rest.
Andrew is well-known around the town, having lived here for some considerable time. In his younger days, he served as a town councillor.
Andrew retired at the Club Annual General Meeting in October. The committee surprised Andrew with a big “Thank You” card, a £100 gift voucher and a Cactus (low-maintenance gardening). The Cactus was particularly well received as Andrew “hadn’t got one of that sort in his collection”.
The club thanks Andrew for his contribution to the club and town. We look forward to seeing him in the rank and file. Enjoy your “rest” and other hobbies (Angling and Bridge – keep practising!).
The club are pleased to have Patrick Faircliffe and Joan Welsby as new joint chairs for 2026.
The club is making some minor changes to the established format of talks and show tables in 2026. We hope these changes will encourage more casual gardeners or green-fingered hobbyists to come along.
We will continue to hold our monthly meetings; these will be “Talk and Informal Meets”. So, we’ll have a guest speaker every month and begin at a slightly earlier time. Complimentary hot drinks are served, allowing members and guests to meet, catch up and discuss gardening questions amongst themselves.
In recent years, climate change has made monthly shows a bit “hit and miss”, as sometimes plants have flowered before the traditional expected flowering period. So, we will be holding four seasonal shows – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, with more flexibility in the Show Categories. Our first show is pencilled in for April (or March), depending upon how winter unfolds.
Following the two very successful outings in 2025 - Shropham Vicarage and Dale Farm, we have two more interesting garden visits lined up for 2026.
Membership of the club is held at 2025 prices (£25), a bargain price for 12 evenings out a year. Guests £4. Our 2026 programme will be available from the December meeting.
The January talk is “Diamonds are Forever” with Jamie Blake. Our February talk is “Snowdrops – East Anglian varieties” with Guy Barker. For more details, see the “What’s On” section of the magazine.
Santa is coming to Wymondham!
And other Lions updates.
The clocks have gone back and the memories of summer holidays on the Costas are fading rapidly. It's dark at 4pm, and it heralds the busiest time of the year for Wymondham Lions. Not by any means idle during the summer - helping at the Royal Norfolk and Wayland Shows, running a BBQ at the Jazz Picnic were some of the highlights.
We started the winter period with a very successful quiz at Central Hall. A big thank you to everyone who supported us and raised a pleasing sum. All that we raise at our events goes into our charity account and is used to help others.
November brings a flurry of activities. A Club dinner early in the month is followed by 2 days collecting in Waitrose and two grottoes at the Heritage Museum. The money from the collection will go towards buying Christmas presents for the residents of four Wymondham care homes.
We have managed to secure a block booking for Santa to deliver Christmas cheer! He will be with us at his Museum grotto and again at the December 7th Wymondham Light switch-on. His grotto will be in the courtyard at the rear of Money Properties. We also keep Santa busy with 3 days of delivering presents in the care homes while the Lions and choristers from South Norfolk District Choir entertain the residents with a selection of traditional carols. Events are always very much appreciated by the staff and residents alike. He will also visit a grotto at Wymondham Garden Centre on Saturday 13th.
We then draw breath to enjoy Christmas with our families before gearing up for the annual Burns Supper and Ceilidh on January 23rd - this being a joint venture with Wymondham Rotary Club. This will be followed by collecting for Marie Curie in Morrisons.
We must say a big thank you to the staff of Waitrose, Money Properties, the Museum and the Garden Centre for their assistance in these events. Any money raised is used to help verified people or groups in need of assistance. Mostly local. In the past 12 months, we have given over £3000 to local charities and good causes. Lions give their time voluntarily. We are always on the lookout for new members or people who will help out on an ad hoc basis, such as shaking a collecting tin for an hour. If you need any more information, please ask any Lion, or email wymondhamlions@gmail.com or ring 0345 833 5749.
Greening Wymondham’s Christmas Present to the town
Our Christmas presents to Wymondham will be something of a slow burn!
People using the path down from Friarscroft to the Windmill Surgery will have seen the mud jungle after the pond was deepened and widened, and invasive bamboo taken from the wood.
We were here over two years ago, when Greening Wymondham started managing the wood on behalf of South Norfolk District Council and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. For months, it looked bare and uninviting.
Then, as ever, nature filled in the gaps with reeds, hemp-agrimony, dragonflies and frogs. We are very much hoping to put in a secure jetty so people can get closer to the myriad wildlife.
Come the New Year, we’ll be putting up an information board there – so passers-by know what’s going on, and can see some of the fascinating old maps and photographs of the area, and some of its four-footed or bewinged residents.
Browick Road Community Orchard is still looking lovely in winter, and the team are adding a lovely willow arbour over new gabion seating, which will come into its own over the summer.
We’ve had early gifts too: dozens of plants from Waitrose, which gave us some lovely stock ranging from flowers to young shrubs. You’ll be able to spot these at the Orchard – cue the photograph of Paul Lucas and Paul Barrett looking suitably chuffed by a Christmas Rose – and around the Library.
Elsewhere, we have come to a halt, which we Christmas-wish we hadn’t! We had a good day marking out the trees and beds for Rothbury Park as the Community Volunteers dug a bed for a hedge alongside the playground. We are now waiting for the plants which the council are ordering – we can then start work with volunteers from the area, volunteers who have been champing at the bit to get started!
We’re also waiting for a meeting about the Becketswell Park management plan, devised by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It’s great news that the council have put money towards it, including the reinvigoration of the pond and the invasive Crassula, with a few new trees, more woodland shrubs and flower-rich grass sections.
Greening Wymondham played a part in the creation of this plan, being involved in conversations and site meetings with the late and much-missed Councillor Kevin Hurn, and with the author of the NWT document. You can watch our progress on our Instagram and Facebook.
Music Events Group releases their 2026 lineup
Wymondham Music Events Group was set up by Norman and Helen Illsley with the idea of organising social music events for the Wymondham community to enjoy, whilst also raising money for local charities.
Norman and Helen moved to Wymondham from Essex over 21 years ago and began their charity fundraising in Norfolk, by raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance Charity, putting on concerts, shows and dances where they raised thousands of pounds over many years.
Following this, they set up the Wymondham Music Events Group with a few other local volunteers organising similar events based in Wymondham. They chose three local charities to benefit from the profits raised. Currently, the three charities are Star Throwers, Wymondham Dementia Group, and It’s On The Ball Testicular Cancer Charity.
Norman and Helen believe the events not only raise much-needed funds for the charities, but also offer fun-filled evenings where the Wymondham Community can get together to enjoy Tribute Bands of many different styles and genres. “We love to see the dance floor full of people enjoying their evening. It really does feel that the community is having fun together, whilst raising funds for good causes”.
All of the events are held at Wymondham Central Hall on Back Lane. A bar is available throughout the evening.
Our next event is Showaddywaddy Elite (tribute to Showaddywaddy) with Mel Stevens’s support on Sunday 14th December 2025.
Our 2026 line-up is:
Little Eagles (tribute to The Eagles) – Friday 13 February 2026
The Paul McCartney Project (tribute to Paul McCartney’s music) – Sunday 26 April 2026
Kiss The Teacher - (tribute to ABBA) – with Rhianon Rae’s support – on Friday 14 August 2026
The Horn Factory – Big Jazz Band – Friday 9 October 2026
Steve Mitchell as George Michael – Sunday 11 October 2026
We Three Kings - (tributes to Elvis, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison) – Sunday 13 December 2026
Tickets available via Ticket Source (plus booking fee) www.ticketsource.co.uk/wymondham-music-events-group or from Reeves Stationary Shop at least one month before the concert. For more information or tickets, contact 01953 600563 or email helen.norman.i@uwclub.net or go to our Facebook page.
Bridewell Museum to Open during Christmas Event
The ancient Bridewell, home of the Heritage Museum, has stood proudly on Norwich Road for centuries. In its role as a House of Correction, just imagine how many times cell doors would have been slammed shut and locked. Probably thousands over the years.
Today, there are of course no more prisoners to be secured, so the doors remain open. But on November 2nd, one door was shut and locked. The front door of The Bridewell was shut and locked, marking the end of the 2025 season. Throughout the summer, the door was open daily to welcome visitors to enjoy the history and exhibitions that tell the story of Wymondham, its residents and industries.
Throughout the year, the volunteers have worked tirelessly not only to keep the museum in tip-top shape but also to stage special events. This dedicated band has gone the extra mile to provide visitors with an experience that is both educational and fun. Volunteers include not only the committee but stewards, our Tearoom servers, those who deal with donations, bookkeepers, social media helpers, and our wonderful staff looking after the attractive Courtyard Garden.
Among the season’s exhibition highlights are the tributes paid to the people of Wymondham who took up arms in the war. The “Echoes of Valour” display featuring the Far East Prisoners of War. There was the recreation of an Anderson Shelter and “The Friendly Invasion” display illustrating how the arrival of the Americans in the Second World War had an impact on the town and its people.
The museum prides itself on being family-friendly. There is plenty to amuse the children including hands-on activities, the quiz and dressing up.
Among our special events from last season were the Spooktacular Halloween Week, where the volunteers showed their creativity. The museum was decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins, and our bakers produced themed goodies in the Tearoom.
Ben Goldsborough, our local MP, paid a visit and commented, “Local museums are so important. They provide a link back to families, to human stories where people came from and were going to.”
The Bridewell Tearoom, with its homemade cakes and scones, has also had a successful year, attracting visitors to drop in for a drink and a snack.
All that should have wetted your appetite to come to The Bridewell when the front door is unlocked for the new season in March. Keep your eyes peeled – one of our exhibitions will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Browick Road School.
But - the Bridewell will be open just once more this year! On December 7th, as part of “A Very Wymondham Christmas”, the museum will be open from 12-5pm with free entry for all. Hot drinks and mince pies in the tearoom.
Volunteers Welcome and Needed!
We are already looking for volunteers for next year to continue the good work and keep the museum as one of the major attractions, not only in Wymondham but in Norfolk. Volunteering is fun! The lively team get stuck in and has some laughs on the way.
If you can spare just a few hours a month, there are opportunities in the Tearoom, for stewards, and for those who want to help out generally. Following the sad loss of maintenance manager, David Brackenbury, anybody who can help with maintaining the museum, repairs, building displays and other practical jobs will be most welcome. If you can help, please email info@thewhm.org.uk.
Vic’s Picks: Christmas Shopping
As the festive season approaches, it’s time to think about Christmas gift-giving.
Whether you’re a massive gift-giver or just prefer to give your closest ones a special something, Wymondham is a great place for gift shopping. With a range of small businesses, you’ll be sure to find something that suits. I also think walking around a historic market town can be a much more Christmassy experience than just going to a shopping centre. For your consideration this month, here are my top picks for great places to find Christmas gifts in Wymondham.
For those with a sweet tooth, Yum Yum’s sweet shop, just opposite the green, is the place to be. Selling various sweets and confectionery, it’s the perfect place to get that vital Christmas chocolate. They also have an incredible range of festive-themed items like tree-shaped chocolate and sugared almonds. Gifting sweets is also a fun and often affordable way to pass on a delicious gift - and they also offer gift-wrapping, so you have just a little bit less to do over this busy period.
If there’s a furry or otherwise animal friend in your life, Leeder’s Animal Supplies is an amazing spot to find that something special: coats to keep your pet warm this winter, toys and tasty treats. There’s also an opportunity for your four-legged friend to visit with Santa Paws himself in his grotto.
Now, turning a page to something that I think is an amazing gift - a good book. You can pick up many new reads at Kett’s Books opposite the Market Cross. Aside from some great books, they also have a lovely range of Christmas cards. If they don’t have the book you want in store, they can order it in for you and from my experience, it’s very speedy. If you’re not a reader but are buying for your bookworm friend instead, the staff are always on hand to give you some great recommendations.
Somewhere else that’s great to find books is our various charity shops. Not only is it often an affordable option, I also think a charity shop is a great place to shop for a gift basket. Picking up a nice woolly jumper, a book, and some cute bric-a-brac is an easy one-stop way to create a great gifting experience.
A place that is less obvious to grab a Christmas gift is the Wymondham Arts Centre. They hold various exhibitions and are a perfect opportunity to get your hands on some original local art, whether that be paintings, patchwork, bags, jewellery, and so much more. It’s a great feeling to pass on something one of a kind, especially when you know you’re supporting an artist directly.
So that’s just some of my picks for this edition, as ever, there are so many other places in Wymondham to grab amazing Christmas gifts. But I must narrow it down for the sake of trees, if not your attention.
This will, unfortunately, be my last contribution to the Wymondham magazine for a while due to other opportunities coming up (Team Wymondham Magazine always!). So I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all my readers, even if this is the first Vic’s Picks you’ve ever read or if you’ve been a fan since the first one. I thoroughly recommend that any budding writers with ideas reach out to the magazine. I hope I’ve been able to give you some ideas on finding those all-important Christmas gifts, or even just reminded you to plan your trip into town to get started on your festive shopping.
The Snow Down: Behind the Scenes at the Magazine
12 days of Christmas, 12 behind-the-scenes facts
For 12 days of Christmas, here are 12 exclusive behind-the-scenes facts about the monthly ritual of making Wymondham Magazine:
1. The magazine has three editors: me, Kim, and Jimmy. I field and edit the articles, and then upload them to the digital database. Kim and Jimmy manage advertising and designing everything.
2. The first ten days of the month are usually the quietest. We are relaxed after the release of last month’s edition. Our main job is posting articles from the last edition onto Facebook.
3. Then, on the 10th or 11th of the month, I will create the ‘mockup’. This is a shared document between us that plans and outlines everything in the next issue. I create it, write it, and build it, Kim and Jimmy oversee it.
4. On the day, at about 8pm, an email will ping in Jimmy’s inbox, stating that “Freddy Lowe has invited you to a shared Google Doc, ‘DECEMBER PRINT MOCKUP’”. Or whichever month it is.
5. 08:02pm, my WhatsApp pings:
JIMMY, 08:02pm: [screenshot of the email]
JIMMY, 08:02pm: It never ends, Freddy
JIMMY, 08:03pm: NEVER ENDS
(He loves it really.)
6. From the 10th to the 20th, I go through the News inbox, working my way up chronologically, and put all the articles into the mockup, editing them and storing the photos in another shared folder.
7. While I’m doing that, Jimmy and I will WhatsApp back and forth. It’s usually about the magazine, but sometimes it’s just about life.
Here’s an exclusive insight into our behind-the-scenes communication:
FREDDY, 12:24pm: I took the liberty of putting in a Council story that wasn’t strictly to do with Wymondham, because the News section needs extra.
JIMMY, 12:24pm: what was it?
JIMMY, 12:24pm: attleborough to be flattened
JIMMY, 12:24pm: get the locals cheering
FREDDY, 12:24pm: no
FREDDY, 12:25pm: ‘Council warns against Battery Disposal in Bins’
JIMMY, 12:25pm: scoop alert
FREDDY, 12:26pm: I know – it’s not exactly award-winning, but otherwise the news section only had one article
It’s usually about this time that the social media posts from earlier are gaining traction.
FREDDY, 11:47am: I’ve got good news
JIMMY, 11:47am: you’re quitting?
FREDDY, 11:47am: You wish
FREDDY, 11:47am: Our Facebook posts are gaining clicks, likes and comments! [smug emoji]
The context here is that I had written them all.
JIMMY, 11:47am: praise the lord
8) Other times, our WhatsApp veers off the magazine and goes into general life-coaching. Recently, I had to invoice a separate company for another work-experience placement, and I got Jimmy’s advice on how to do it:
FREDDY, 09:46am: I’m invoicing someone for [amount of money].
FREDDY, 09:46am: That feels obscene
FREDDY, 09:47am: I’ve asked her if she feels she’s getting her money’s worth, and she says yes
JIMMY, 09:47am: yes, this is how capitalism works Freddy. You perform a task you wouldn’t otherwise have done for someone and they give you money.
FREDDY, 09:52am: Ever get the feeling that I’m actually slightly thick beneath the academia?
JIMMY, 09:52am: oh noooooooo no no nooooooo no no not at all well maybe yes
FREDDY, 09:54am: But what I don’t know about Tolstoy isn’t worth knowing
FREDDY, 09:54am: Or Bram Stoker
FREDDY, 09:54am: Or French grammar!
JIMMY, 09:54am: knowing anything about Tolstoy isn’t worth knowing
9) When we’ve hit the 20th of the month, it is usually about now that I will have finished the mockup.
10) 21st of the month – Jimmy realises he has lost the shared mockup link I emailed him earlier.
JIMMY, 10:16am: can you send me the link on here
FREDDY, 10:16am: Oh sorry – did you not get the email?
JIMMY, 10:17am: hahaha
JIMMY, 10:17am: what’s this, sass?
JIMMY, 10:17am: I’m an extremely important and busy man
JIMMY, 10:17am: my email inbox has 23,000 unread emails
FREDDY, 10:17am: [sends him the link]
JIMMY, 11:07am: I’ve put some comments in the mockup for you
JIMMY, 11:08am: basically: Freddy please make these headlines more interesting
I go through and make the headlines more interesting.
11) It is also about this time that we will panic and need to find more content:
JIMMY, 11:11am: Freddy, we need more content
JIMMY, 11:11am: can you email [regular writer], [regular writer], and [regular writer]
JIMMY, 12:01pm: Freddyyyyyy
JIMMY, 12:11pm: more content
JIMMY, 2:30pm: Freddy there’s too much content
12) I upload the articles to the digital database. If it’s a Print edition, Kim and Jimmy will sort out printing costs, delivery, magazine print design, and all of that good stuff. And the magazine comes out to our lovely local readers.
Merry Christmas, Wymondhammers! Here’s to another year of this glorious 12-step process granting you your favourite local community publication.
From My Perspective: Alex Perry Gives the Details on Town Centre Improvements
The Public Realm is a million-pound regeneration of Wymondham Town Centre for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in our town, as well as our tourists. I have served on the Working Group as a Labour town councillor since May 2024, and I have worked constructively with other political parties for the good of our town.
One of the values that I am pleased we share across the political spectrum is that our town should be accessible to the disabled. As a Working Group, we walked from Town Green to The Fairland, and we saw the challenges faced by wheelchair users, such as difficult crossings and narrow sections of pavement.
Thus, I am delighted that you have asked us to improve the crossings at Market Place and to widen the pedestrian zone. We believe this will benefit not only the disabled, but everyone, such as parents with children in pushchairs.
We also share your commitment to the environment. We will continue to support transit to the town centre by bicycle, by bus, by wheelchair and on foot, while not reducing the number of parking spaces.
We will ensure that bicycle racks continue to be available, and we are working with the Highways Department to assess how the flow of traffic through our town can be improved from both the driver’s and the pedestrian’s perspective.
Furthermore, many of you told me that being in green spaces helps you relax and benefits your mental health. We intend for the new parklet, the rain gardens, and the proposed seating in The Fairland to meet these important needs.
During the public consultation in Market Place, several people spoke to me about the importance of community, i.e. that the town centre should be a place where you can sit down and socialise with your family and friends. So, I am glad to announce that there will also be new and improved seating at Market Cross and in Market Place.
We have listened to your concerns in the consultations about the local economy. It is our plan that by making the town centre more welcoming and accessible that this will increase both footfall and the length of time that people spend here. This will benefit our local businesses and encourage new enterprises to fill those empty shops.
We know that there is still work to be done. The next stage will be to progress from concept designs to actual designs that address the needs and concerns that you have raised. We look forward to continuing to work with you to deliver improvements for our town.
Around Wymondham in 80 Dishes: Market Street's Coffee Shop
The Friday Morning Market in Wymondham is a regular outing for us with our neighbour, and each week we visit a different coffee shop. We recently sauntered down the hill to The Coffee Shop, 25 Market Street. At the time, Halloween was only a week away, so the large window of the shop was decorated with a scarecrow and other autumnal items.
When I complimented Michelle on the seasonal décor, she gave the credit to her staff, Amanda and Sarah. Michelle Filby took over the business eight years ago and continued its authentic, homey atmosphere. Glenn Miller music plays softly throughout the day. She plays ‘The Ultimate Big Band Album.’
We’ve eaten here several times over the years and never been disappointed. I’ve previously enjoyed the brie and cranberry panini and the gluten-free cake. Alex has enjoyed a generous breakfast.
This morning, our neighbour Ruth ordered a toasted tea cake, Alex ate a crispy bacon sandwich, with a small salad on the side, and we each had a delicious hot drink: a sweet chai latte, tea, and aromatic cappuccino. Cakes are made on the premises with eggs from free-range chickens. The aroma of from the kitchen tickled our noses as soon as we opened the door.
Most Friday mornings when we drop in, the shop is almost full with an indoor capacity of twenty-one diners. Outside there are two tables and four chairs (if you are a smoker).
The Coffee Shop is open five days a week from 09:30 - 15:30, closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Their food hygiene rating is 5. They are a family-oriented place serving customers of all ages. The morning we were there, a 9-month-old little boy, with his dad, was the centre of attention.
So, what are you waiting for? Make The Coffee Shop your next indulgence for quality food and drinks. You won’t regret it!
Wymondham-bred sports journalist wins Gold at Student Radio awards
Ollie Whitmore, a Wymondham-born-and-bred student sports journalist, has won Gold for Best Sport Programming at the Student Radio Awards, alongside his colleagues at the student radio show ‘Roses 2025’.
Whitmore wrote on Facebook:
‘I’m delighted that Roses 2025 won Gold for Best Sport Programming at the Student Radio Awards this year.
‘We covered 72 fixtures across three days with an unprecedented level of professionalism and expertise.
‘A huge well done to my fellow leads, Joe and Sarah, and the rest of the team. SMASHED IT!
Follow @whitmorewrites to keep up with all my activity as a sports journalist.’
Whitmore is an alumnus of Wymondham High Academy.
SELLOUT New Year's Day 10K!
The New Year’s Day 10K is at maximum capacity! Once again, Wymondham’s eager runners are showing great confidence going into the New Year.
The NYD 10K, run by Wymondham Athletics Club, is a fantastic event that garners a huge array of enthusiastic participants every year. It is a phenomenal way to start the new year on a high point. You have marshals cheering you on all the way, and will even get a medal at the end.
The event begins at 10am at Central Hall on Back Lane. More details are available here.
Rugby Club to host their second 'Breakfast with Santa'
On Monday and Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd, Wymondham Rugby Club is hosting none other than Santa Claus.
The club wrote on Facebook:
‘Breakfast with Santa is Back!
‘Santa enjoyed himself so much last year that he’s booked us in for two magical mornings this December — so no little one misses their chance to see the big man himself before he sets off to deliver presents across the world!
‘Join us for a delicious buffet breakfast, including a special gift and a visit from Santa himself.
Tuesday 2nd December
Volunteer Workday
9:30am-12:30pm, 
Friarscroft Wood
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Talk: Scotland captured by Stephen Ball
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 3rd December
Art Society Christmas Social 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
wymondhamart.org
Saturday 6th December
Community Orchard Volunteer Workday 10am-12pm, Browick Road Orchard
Refreshments and tools provided but bring your own gloves. Entrance opposite Gunton Road NR18 0QN or Ayton Road Car Park.
greeningwymondham.org
Winter Spiritual & Wellness Fair 10am-4pm, Central Hall
Beautiful stalls, music, children’s activities, treatments and readings, free demonstrations and talks throughout the day. Pop up café in the foyer. Free entry, cash preferable but card taken on most stalls.
Abbey Christmas Fair 11am-4pm, Wymondham Abbey
Showcasing unique crafts, Norfolk artisan products, music, a feast of Norfolk street food, children’s activities and mulled wine. Take a Christmas selfie with your friends and family in Santa’s sleigh. Free entry.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Sunday 7th December
A Very Wymondham Christmas 12pm-5pm, Wymondham Town Centre
The town's main festive event celebrating the lights switch on with stalls, fun fair, Santa's grotto and independent shops.
fb.me/e/3wdbaf1Tu
Tuesday 9th December
Kett's Park Volunteer Workday 9:30am-3:30pm, Kett's Park Woodland
Join volunteers to help this woodland to thrive. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, your lunch, a pair of gloves and sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Club projected image competition, theme ‘Leaves'
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 11th December
Talk: Traveller’s Tree Tales – Colourful Caribbean Wildlife 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Mike and Pam Merrick.
Some of the audience may have read Patrick Leigh Fermor’s book “The Traveller’s Tree – A Journey through the Caribbean Islands” on which Mike and Pam have based their title.
All welcome - admission £3, NWT members £2 – no booking required. Questions to Wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Saturday 13th December
Christmas Brass Concert 7pm, Wymondham Abbey
Cawston Band presents a festive evening of brass music in the town's most iconic building. Tickets available from the Abbey shop or website - Adults £15, under 18s free.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk/cawstonband
Sunday 14th December
Charity Music Show: Showaddywaddy Elite 7:30pm, Wymondham Central Hall
Organised by Wymondham Music Events Group in aid of local charities. Kick off the Christmas celebrations with a night of Rock n Roll featuring acclaimed tribute band Showaddywaddy Elite, and support act Mel Stevens. Doors open at 18.30. Licensed Bar available. Tickets £20 at Reeve's or online.
ticketsource.co.uk/wymondham-music-events-group
Monday 15th December
Gardeners' Christmas Social 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
End of Year Garden Club social with Christmas Fare, Fauna, Quiz & a little bit of Bingo! A relaxed casual evening, all gardeners welcome. Members Free, guests £4. Please advise if you intend to come via email at wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 16th December
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-12:30pm, Friarscroft Wood
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Christmas Buffet and Quiz, last meeting before Xmas break
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 20th December
Community Orchard Volunteer Workday 10am-12pm, Browick Road Orchard
Refreshments and tools provided but bring your own gloves. Entrance opposite Gunton Road NR18 0QN or Ayton Road Car Park.
greeningwymondham.org
Wednesday 31st December
New Years Eve Murder Mystery 6:30pm, Barnham Broom Hotel
Unmask the killer this New Year's Eve with a Murder Mystery evening at Barnham Broom including 4 course dinner, 007 Murder mystery & Party till 2am. £99 per person. Please contact the events team on 01603 757522 or book tickets online.
barnhambroom-events.giftpro.co.uk/events/new-years-eve
Saturday 3rd January
Community Orchard Volunteer Workday 10am-12pm, Browick Road Orchard
Refreshments and tools provided but bring your own gloves. Entrance opposite Gunton Road NR18 0QN or Ayton Road Car Park.
greeningwymondham.org
Tuesday 6th January
Kett's Park Volunteer Workday 9:30am-3:30pm, Kett's Park Woodland
Join volunteers to help this woodland to thrive. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, your lunch, a pair of gloves and sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Thursday 8th January
Talk: Creating a garden pond and other habitats for wildlife 7:30pm-9:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Stuart Merchant. Admission £3, NWT Members £2. No need to book. Wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Tuesday 13th January
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-12:30pm, Friarscroft Wood
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Saturday 17th January
Community Orchard Volunteer Workday 10am-12pm, Browick Road Orchard
Refreshments and tools provided but bring your own gloves. Entrance opposite Gunton Road NR18 0QN or Ayton Road Car Park.
greeningwymondham.org
Monday 19th January
Garden Club Talk: Diamonds are Forever 7:15pm, Town Green Centre
Join Wymondham Garden Club for a talk by Jamie Blake who recently retired from Bressingham Gardens. Members Free, guests £4. Further info email wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 27th January
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-12:30pm, Friarscroft Wood
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Sub-editor: Freddy Lowe. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Wymondham Magazine can accept no responsibility for any error or omission that may arise. The views and opinions expressed in Wymondham Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wymondham Magazine. This magazine may not be sold or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanical, without prior consent of the publishers and copyright holders, Wymondham Magazine is a brand of MYOB Digital LTD. Registered address: Black Hall Farm, Traice Road, Fundenhall, Wymondham, NR16 1HQ, VAT number: GB328358189 © Wymondham Magazine