Contents
Calling all Gardeners for Open Gardens 2024
Do you live in Wymondham? Are you a keen gardener and proud of your garden? Would you like to help raise funds for our Heritage Museum?
Then why not be part of our Open Gardens Weekend by showing your garden to the public on the 1st and 2nd June from 12 noon to 5pm!
Your garden doesn’t have to be a stately home or even finished or perfect. It could be quite new, undergoing changes or established and mature.
This isn’t a competition and offers a perfect opportunity for other gardeners, experienced and beginners, to peek behind your garden gate and appreciate all your hard work!
We’ll support you every step of the way, so give us a call and we’ll be happy to come for a chat. Contact Diana Grant, Open Gardens Coordinator on publications@thewhs.org.uk or 07969 165319.
March Print Edition of Wymondham Magazine to be delivered to 8700+ homes
We are now taking advertising bookings for our March print edition, which will be delivered to every home in Wymondham from 29th February.
Full rates and exposure opportunities can be found in our rate card at www.wymondhammagazine.co.uk/advertise. To secure your spot, please book via adverts@wymondhammagazine.co.uk by 12th February.
As usual, we invite anyone in town who wants to contribute an article to send us their story to news@wymondhammagazine.co.uk by the same 12th February date.
Retiring Owner Seeks Crafty Buyer For The Needlecraft Haberdashery
There has been a haberdashery shop at Town Green, Wymondham, for 50 years in a beautiful 18th century building with views of the Abbey Spire. Current owners, Kate and Beth, a mother and daughter team have run it since January 2020, but it’s time for the next stage in its adventure.
Due to Kate’s upcoming retirement, The Needlecraft Haberdashery is now seeking new ownership, with the business for sale as a going concern on a leasehold basis. It will stay open as usual whilst a new owner is sought.
The haberdashery shop provides a unique service to our rapidly growing market town and the surrounding area, with an extensive stock not readily available elsewhere outside of Norwich city centre. As a ‘destination shop’, many customers travel specially to buy and browse products not easily found elsewhere. Many customers visit knowing they can rely on receiving great advice for their sewing and craft projects.
Product ranges include dressmaking, craft and curtain fabrics, yarn, and haberdashery. They also work with other local businesses as a pick-up point for sewing machine servicing, alterations and curtain making services.
Despite the challenges of the last few years, The Needlecraft Haberdashery has maintained a good level of profit whilst increasing stock ranges and modernising. Recent partial renovation of the shop has set up space for sewing and craft classes to take place, with a waiting list of aspiring local sewists, offering great potential for increasing turnover. The foundations of an e-commerce retail website have also been laid offering further easily achievable potential for expansion.
To discuss the opportunity to purchase the business as a going concern, please contact Kate and Beth at info@needlecrafthaberdashery.co.uk.
New Community Shop And Studio Cranks Up Art And Culture For All Ages
Live music, jamming sessions, workshops, wellbeing, street food, and entertainment are on the bill for the new Little Norfolk Shop & Studio opened in Wymondham this January.
Kicking off 2024 with an innovative line-up of music projects and community events, ClearCompany CIC has brought together its collective of artists and artisans under one roof on the fringes of the breath-taking Wymondham Abbey, offering a flexible venue for a broad spectrum of activities.
The social enterprise team has put in weeks of work preparing the former Abbey Schoolroom building, with donated materials and labour from businesses including Quickstep, B&Q, Dulux, and local designer and decorator Andrew Crichton of Design & Decorate. The upper studio floor offers stunning views of the Abbey and is equipped for live music, dining, workshops, and relaxing wellbeing projects, while the lower floor is adapted to be a shop during the day that can accommodate events in the evenings.
The new venue is the latest phase in ClearCompany’s development, seeing the social enterprise grow from pop-up events during the Covid pandemic, to putting down roots in Wymondham with a community venue that harnesses its network of creatives and entrepreneurs.
Julie Briggs, Founder Director of ClearCompany CIC, said “We are absolutely thrilled to have made our home in the heart of the community we originally established ourselves in. We have partnered with Wymondham Abbey, Wymondham Football Club, and Kett's Park over recent years to create events that showcase Norfolk artists and producers. Opening our shop and studio in the shadow of the Abbey gives us an opportunity to tailor events for community groups that unite people, skills and passions. It’s a momentous development for us.”
The Sound Café is amongst the projects being launched this year and will create a relaxed space for musicians, poets, and comedians to take the open mic, meet, collaborate, practice, and develop their skills. The first Café session on Saturday 20 January - from 3pm to 6pm for under 25s, and from 7pm for all ages – was developed following consultation with young musicians. The sessions will be held on the third Saturday of each month with the next on Saturday 17th February.
Anto Morra, musician, artist, and Director of ClearCompany, said: “The Sound Café is a great opportunity for all ages and musical genres to share ideas and enjoy each other’s music and company. The open mic is there for everyone to practise, collaborate, and celebrate local talent. We are really looking forward to hosting musicians of all stages, along with comedians and poets. Everyone is welcome!”
The forthcoming Studio programme includes a variety of activities to boost wellbeing and bring the community together. The search for Wymondham’s “Super Couple'' will be held on Valentine’s night, with music, food, and a competition based on the Mr & Mrs game show.
Slowdown Sundays will start from February 4th, offering a range of chill-out wellbeing activities and taster sessions. Norfolk Psychology is one of many wellbeing services collaborating with ClearCompany and will be advising on the wellbeing provision.
Craftily Bar Events has teamed up with ClearCompany to host cocktail making events on the last Friday of every month. And the Games Café will be launched in spring for visitors to enjoy games, food, and Abbey views. For further details, visit clearcompany.org.uk/tlns.
Business Awards Finalists Announced
The finalists have been announced for the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2024.
The awards are an annual event held by Broadland and South Norfolk Councils and businesses based in the two districts were invited to nominate themselves for an award in any of the 10 categories. Residents in the two districts were also asked to nominate their favourite retailer and their favourite pub.
Wymondham Garden Centre has made the final three for Retailer of the Year and CSN Autos are finalists for the Small Business of the Year.
South Norfolk Council’s cabinet member for stronger, greener economy, Lisa Overton-Neal said: “Despite the continued difficult economic times, many of our local businesses are thriving and this is a chance to congratulate them on their success and recognise their hard work. These awards are just one of the many ways we are supporting our fantastic business community.”
Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Martin Booth said: “We have a wide variety of businesses operating across both districts, from huge multi-nationals to one-man bands, in sectors as diverse as agri-tech, retail, life sciences and tourism. It’s these businesses and the determination of the people behind them, that help our economy to thrive. This is a chance for them to get the recognition they deserve.”
Community Centre Celebrating 50th Anniversary in 2024
Supporters of North Wymondham Community Centre will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The building in Lime Tree Avenue, Wymondham is charity owned and maintained and is the venue for a range of community activities. It began life as a portable structure on gifted land in 1974. It was extended in 1985 and was once the home of the Ladybird Playgroup.
There was a major scare a few years ago when a major roof problem was discovered but was subsequently repaired, with funding obtained from grants and public donations.
Plans are being made to mark its half century, with a series of events throughout 2024, starting with a Quiz on Saturday 20 April and teams of up to six people are invited to take part.
The organisation is looking for additional volunteers and has a vacancy for the position of Secretary. Anyone interested in helping out can contact Committee Member, Tony Vale via tony@valemail.uk.
School Staff Take Part in Half Marathon to Support Literacy Drive
Staff at a Wymondham school are putting their best feet forward to help raise money for new class libraries.
The Robert Kett Primary School is entering a team in next month’s Marriott’s Way Trail half marathon to further enhance literacy opportunities for their pupils.
For many of the dozen staff preparing to take part, it will be their first experience of running at distance.
But deputy headteacher Janine Salter, who has led the fundraising effort alongside Lianne Rees, phase leader for Year 3 and 4, said the thought of raising thousands of pounds for their school will spur them on.
She explained: “We have always wanted a library at Robert Kett, but due to the relocation of classes across the school, we have been considering alternative spaces filled with amazing books.
“We thought individual class libraries was the next best thing and so we have started raising money for those additional rich texts that will enhance our reading experience even more.
“While most of us are not experienced runners, we have all started training hard – which included Christmas Day runs and a group festive jog over the holidays.
“We are looking forward to the event and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us, and donated money to the cause, so far.”
The team, self-titled ‘I’d Rather Be Reading’, is a mix of staff members from across the school who will be running or walking the distance on Sunday 11th February.
To sponsor the team, please visit their Just Giving Page.
Council Grant for Talking Newspaper
South Norfolk Councillors have given local projects just under £20,000 through their ward grants, funding a wide range of activities that support the community.
Each of the district’s 45 Councillors has £1,000 of ward funding which they can give to local groups, charities and projects to benefit local people.
Councillor for Central Wymondham, Kevin Hurn, gave £250 of his ward funding to the Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper. They used the money to purchase five memory stick players, allowing more people to subscribe to the Talking Newspaper’s fortnightly news, information digest and quarterly magazine.
Cllr Hurn said: “The new equipment will help those with impaired vision to keep up with local news and events, and to feel a greater part of community life. The project will also enable more volunteers to contribute to the service by producing recordings and working in the studio.”
Please search Members’ Ward Funding on South Norfolk Council’s website for more information, or contact your local councillor.
Ashleigh Nursery Open Evening
Thursday 15th February
Ashleigh Primary School and Nursery is holding a Nursery Open Evening on Thursday 15th February.
If your child was born between 01/09/2020 and 31/08/2021 and you are interested in Ashleigh Nursery from September 2024, we would love to meet you and show you our wonderful Nursery!
The tours will begin at 415 and 515. Register in advance to book your slot via email to nursery@ashleighprimary.net
New Spring Arts Festival
Thoughts of Spring have already sprung in Wymondham, as the town looks forward to its very first Spring Arts Festival (20 April – 6 May 2024), sponsored by Wymondham Magazine.
Timed to begin with the first Farmers’ Market after Easter, on Saturday 20 April, the Festival will run until Bank Holiday Monday 6 May, when the Abbey is scheduled to have its famous Duck Race.
Events and activities that are due to take place during that period (and a few more besides) are being collated by the Festival Coordinator, Tony Vale, to form a Programme, that will be published in the March 2024 edition of Wymondham Magazine and delivered to 8,500 homes in the town.
Tony said: “This will be a great opportunity to bring community groups and businesses together under a common theme”.
Some of the highlights are a special Eco event at Wymondham Baptist Church on the launch day and Wymondham Players’ latest production in the following week (24-27 April).
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend (3-6 May) there will be a Beer Festival at Wymondham Ex-Services Club, with an Arts and Crafts event and an opportunity to “Meet the Local Authors” in Central Hall, on Saturday 4 May.
This will be followed in the evening, by a selection of original plays from play writing group, Four by Four, at North Wymondham Community Centre, to mark the 50th anniversary of the community venue.
On Sunday 5 May there will be a concert by Status Quo tribute band, Counterfeit Quo at Central Hall.
Community groups and businesses who would like their event or activity included in the Festival Programme should send the details to Tony Vale, via tony@valemail.uk - no later than 12 February.
45th Anniversary of Art Society in 2024
A recently discovered archive shows that the club was started as Wymondham Art & Crafts Society in 1979 by local enthusiasts, with meetings first held in an upstairs room at the Queens Head then at The Abbey Hall. We now meet at the RC Church Hall on Norwich Road – a modern spacious venue with plenty of parking at the venue and nearby car parks. Membership numbers have fluctuated over the years, but now stand at a healthy 70 plus.
In the early days Annual Exhibitions were held at the Assembly Rooms in Norwich, but the increased hiring costs necessitated a move to Wymondham Abbey. Our current exhibitions – in 2024 it will be in the last week of August – are held in the beautifully refurbished Becket's Chapel.
The old records show details of outings, events and demonstrations and amazingly enough, an outdoor exhibition at the White Hart pub! Some decades later, we have a permanent gallery of paintings, by kind invitation of the landlord Kieran Bullen, in the dining room of the White Hart. The popular display is changed quarterly to reflect new and seasonal works of art and is all for sale.
2023 was a very successful year of monthly meetings with demonstrations by professional artists and our exhibition, attended by the Mayor of Wymondham and her deputy, was very well attended. A particularly popular meeting featured the curator of the Munnings Museum in Dedham who talked about the renowned local artist and his links to royal patronage.
Our 2024 programme has something for everyone, including some new demonstrators and some familiar friends, with a good mix of subject matter and use of mediums; oils, watercolours, pastels, inks. We meet at 7:15 pm on the first Wednesday of every month except January. Meetings are free to members and cost £5 for guests – all are welcome.
The opening session on Wednesday 7th February is a portrait in pastel by Liz Balkwill using a live model. In July, Margaret Glass, one of the leading pastellists of the day will paint a sky and river scene and later in the year, Dr Rosy Gray, the curator of contemporary art at Norwich Castle Gallery, will give an illustrated talk on the Singh Twins, who recently exhibited at the Castle to much acclaim. Our full programme is included on our website wymondhamart.org. For more information please email the secretary, Judith Munks.
Brownies Super Sleepover
All 5 Brownie groups in Wymondham had an exciting start to 2024, with a sleepover at Eaton Vale activity centre. 82 girls and 15 volunteer leaders took part in the biggest residential event Girlguiding Wymondham has ever organised.
The theme of the sleepover was ‘We Love Brownies’ and we did lots of games, crafts and activities about Brownies past, present and future. We had a visit from the ‘Archive Resource Centre’, a Girlguiding museum that brought old uniforms for the girls to try on, which was nostalgic for leaders and parents! The girls (and leaders) also challenged themselves to take part in adventurous activities including climbing walls and buggy building. Of course, we finished with campfire songs and toasted marshmallows!
It was the first night away from family for most of the girls and although there were nerves to start with, they all loved it and were very keen to do it again! There were lots of new friendships formed and hopefully everyone made memories that will last a long time.
Girlguiding Wymondham runs unit meetings and activities throughout the year for girls and women aged 4+. It provides fantastic experiences for girls, but all age units have long waiting lists and we are always on the look-out for new leaders. No experience necessary - just enthusiasm and a couple of free hours one evening a week. Anyone interested in joining in the fun can register at go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us and we can chat to you about the opportunities available.
Town Council Watch: The Great Blackout Special
Local Democracy Sketch
As TCW slowly emerged from the cardboard box of straw he’s kept in over the winter hibernation period, it was once again time to eagerly log on to YouTube and catch up with the latest goings on at Wymondham Town Council - starting with December’s meeting. But horror of horrors! The stream was nowhere to be found online.
What had happened? Had the December agenda on their website just been a dream? And just how would this column’s avid readers have their thirst for hyper-local democracy reporting quenched? Well, press ctrl alt delete, try turning it off and on again and maybe even check for trojan horses. It’s time to shine some light on The Great Blackout™.
Come on. It’s not as if a lack of material to cover has ever got in the way of a nice, juicy article before.
Gathering Intel’
The first port of call for TCW was to pump one of his inside moles at the council for any information, who for the sake of anonymity, we’ll call “Deep Throat”.
“The meeting did go ahead,” reported Deep Throat via encrypted message. “But the stream broke. Trevor [The Clerk] tried to fix it for a bit but didn't manage to get it to work”.
Good old Deep Throat. Always a valuable source of information. Lay low for a bit now soldier, lest the spy catchers come a-knocking.
A Potted History Of Town Council Streaming
This is actually the first time the council has suffered a full outage of their YouTube streaming, since the previous council unanimously voted to purchase the necessary equipment back in June 2022, at a cost of £3000 + VAT.
That proposal was co-authored by now-Mayor Suzanne Nuri-Nixon (Lib Dem) and Deputy Mayor Annette James (Lib Dem) whose paper included the line:
“As councillors wishing to be as open and transparent as possible about how we conduct Council matters, I hope we can agree to have the technology costed and installed for our residents to watch our meetings on YouTube.”
Noble stuff. With commitment to openness and transparency like that, just imagine how delighted they must be about TCW's monthly column.
But as well as unleashing the fantastic reporting of the council’s monthly sessions on these pages, streaming on YouTube was also intended to improve accessibility of council meetings, for people not physically able to attend.
Cllr Joe Barrett (Green), prior to being elected, launched a petition to get Town Council sessions streamed. Here’s an excerpt from his change.org page:
“It is essential to democracy that public participation is enabled, particularly for those of us who struggle to, or cannot, attend due to disability.”
So it was perhaps a cruel irony that the streaming service, aimed at improving accessibility, failed in the month the council was to debate a proposal on the very subject of disability.
The paper, submitted by Cllr Dave Roberts (Lib Dem), was aimed at “making our town a disabled-friendly place for residents” and asked the Town Council to “work to raise awareness of disability issues and access needs in the town.”
Hear hear. Welcome words for anyone with access needs in Wymondham. Anyone watching the session at home on YouTube will have been delighted. Oh.
TCW understands from the minutes that the measure passed unanimously.
Surely Just A One Off?
So a sad month in December for this column with the stream breaking. But sometimes technology simply goes wrong and you’ve just got to hold your hands up and say “Sorry. We messed up, we’ll get it sorted ASAP”.
But that’s enough about how TCW lost his job working on the Post Office's Horizon helpline.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer after all. Alarm bells might only start to ring if a whole month was allowed to go past without the issue being fixed.
The matter is surely in hand.
January Meeting Stream Also Fails
Fast forward to January’s full council meeting and TCW gathered around the television in anticipation wearing the giant foam finger he always gets out for exciting spectacles.
But alas! The YouTube stream started but the screen was just black and there was no sound. It lasted just 3 minutes before abruptly ending, never to return.
Now, cold-hearted readers might be thinking: “TCW, how did you tell the difference between the outcomes of that meeting and any of the other ones?”
Shame on you, cynics. It was pretty easy though - as you ask. This one only took 3 minutes to arrive at the same conclusion.
What absolute rotten luck though for the full-council stream to break for the second time in a row for January's meeting. Especially as it was when the Town Council were discussing whether or not to raise their share of council tax.
We’ll now have no minute-by-minute record of who said what.
The councillors wishing to be as open and transparent as possible are going to hit the roof when they realise!
Now, TCW’s famously forgiving in these types of scenarios. But it’s unlikely the Town Council’s Chair, Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, will be taking such a chilled out view of the YouTube streaming outages.
Back in August 2018, the South Wymondham councillor had the foresight to take to Wymondham Magazine to argue the need for councils to be open and transparent.
In an opinion piece entitled ‘Why effective communication is vital for the Council’, written while an opposition councillor, she offered up stern words of warning to those in power:
“I often think that people need to know the facts, even though they may not like them. Attempts to hide facts - whether on purpose or in error - can lead to mistrust and the perception that all politicians are the same and will not give you the truth.”
Oof. Sounds like it could be quite the damning verdict on the stream failures then from the now-Mayor. Innocent mistakes made 'in error' don't escape mistrust, according to the article. Not my words. Read the quote again. I'll wait for you here.
Will The Cock Crow Thrice?
So there we are. A slightly different Town Council Watch this month with no full-council YouTube streams to work from for the past two months. Some of the smaller committees seem to have worked in the meantime, so there’s hope yet that we can soon return to the normal high levels of service you expect.
The next full council meeting will surely be streamed for all to devour and enjoy.
Lightning nevers strikes three times, does it?
Another New Year Reset Been And Gone…
If you are anything like me, the new year is a welcome time to reset. A time for clear thought and setting out the stepping stones for how I want my year ahead to progress. Within my business, I know very well that festive breaks at home, or away, often bring forth a ‘reset’ involving redecorating, extending, or indeed moving house for many homeowners.
If this is the case for you, I wonder whether an influencing factor is to live in a detached property. A recent study conducted using Land Registry data has shown that during 2023, demand for detached property increased by 3.7%, while that of terraced and semi-detached decreased by -1.5% to -3%.
To put this into perspective, 900,000 property transactions took place across England and Wales in the 12 months up to November 2023. At the beginning of this period, semi-detached property accounted for 28% of sales, and detached property 22%.
This evolving change in statistics is interesting and leads to greater questions: Is it purely a desire for more space and privacy, OR are we seeing a more positive economic turn? Monitoring over the coming months, which does look optimistic, may answer these questions.
As always, my line is open to you at any time. If you have thoughts of moving, it is never too early to understand the positioning of your property on the market, and what preparations you may consider that would benefit your journey moving forward.
If you are seeking advice and support regarding your property goals, call us ANYTIME on 01953 665 785 or send a text or WhatsApp on 07923 236 076. For interesting news and tips, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Visit: ewemove.com/instant-valuation.
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Ted Talks:
Bread and Cheese
“We used to call it having your bread and cheese,” said Ted. In the 1940s and 1950s this was a way of referring to chewing the berries from a hawthorn tree for sustenance, but you could not swallow them or you would fall ill.
Staying warm and staying healthy are priorities for all of us during the winter. This was more challenging in Ted’s youth when poverty and scarcity were widespread, especially if you worked on the farms like Ted did. You survived back then by living off the land. Ted recalls catching the water, which flowed out of the clay pipes in the fields, into his hands for a drink when he was thirsty, and being willing to partake of anything that grew out of the soil when he was hungry.
As well as hawthorn berries, he ate roots, gooseberries, and his personal favourite, sugar beet. On a bad day Ted was willing to experiment with different varieties of mushroom – if he didn’t get sick, he ate more of them! On a good day he found a farmer who would let him have an apple or two in return for tidying up his orchard.
Nowadays, wheat is grown solely for its value as a cereal crop. However, back then straw was also a valuable commodity and was used to keep both farm workers and farm animals warm on the coldest of days. Indeed, when Ted was on shepherding duty, he had to sleep in the field with the animals overnight in a hammock that he made using a pump sack and straw.
Farm buildings lacked the amenities we take for granted today; there was no running water, no toilet, and no sewerage. They did have stoves which were a vital, lifesaving source of heat. Ted recalls arranging bales of straw around these buildings to keep them sheltered from the icy winds.
No one wants to fall on the snow and ice, which is why we have grips on the soles of our shoes and boots. Ted’s shoes didn’t have any grips; he wore his socks over his shoes to stop him from falling over; and he also used socks as mittens to keep his hands warm.
Looking back at past winters, Ted said they were terrible, but he is glad that he had the “ways and means” to survive them.
As I Walked Out One Midwinter Morning
Although I love to visit old churches, I have only ever been to a handful of church services in my life, so attending the Eucharist Service at the Abbey church was an unfamiliar experience for me. Nevertheless, I decided that a good way to begin the New Year was to go along one chilly Sunday morning for the 10.30 service.
Despite my misgivings and late arrival, I was ushered in and handed a prayer book and order of service before taking a seat in one of the back rows of the Abbey. There was a good turnout, even several small children playing in the toy area, and a few pet dogs with their owners. I settled down to take it all in. The Abbey never fails to impress, and I must say, the service in such a setting was a revelation. It began with the priest and clergy passing down the main aisle, all togged up in their vestments, carrying crucifixes and swinging the thurible, dispensing fragrant incense and creating a suitably spiritual atmosphere. There followed a good variety of readings, prayers, hymns, and even a telling of the story of the Nativity and arrival of the Magi for the children who sat and listened attentively in the centre of the aisle. And the choir sang beautifully when it was their turn. Along with the inviting atmosphere, the thoughtfully planned service was exceptionally well done.
Towards the end of the service, Father Christopher prepared the Holy Communion at the front, then worshippers were invited to come up for the blessing. Unsure about what to do, I just stayed in my seat, while almost everyone else trooped to the front of the church. I confess, I did feel some discomfort at this point. Not being a habitual churchgoer, I am unsure of the ‘etiquette’ or acceptable norms for attenders. My mother always told me "If in doubt, do nowt", so that's what I did. Otherwise, I felt at ease throughout and found the service uplifting, even if my barely audible mumblings and silence during prayers and hymns may not have made this apparent.
Was it a sin not to take Communion and receive the blessing? Perhaps, but a walk along the Tiffey afterwards with its picturesque view of the Abbey and sheep grazing in the foreground, despite a bitterly cold wind slicing the air, I felt at peace. So maybe the good wishes and handshakes of the other churchgoers around me, and Father Christopher bestowing messages of peace as he passed along the central aisle, had some positive effect on this sinner.
So, for any others like me, whether believers, doubters, lapsed churchgoers, atheists or agnostics, I would highly recommend visiting or even attending a service at Wymondham Abbey. The spirituality, sense of community and a warm welcome are there for everyone - even our canine friends.
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 & 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.
Q&A With Georgette Vale
Wymondham has a wealth of opportunities for getting involved in local community events as a volunteer. This month we talk to Georgette Vale, a familiar face around town, who has fully taken advantage of what’s on offer. Georgette’s husband, Tony Vale, is also an active member of the Wymondham community, and they have even set up organisations for local people. Here Georgette tells us about these activities and how she never has time to get bored.
How long have you lived in Wymondham and what do you like about living here?
We moved here in March 1997 - 26 years ago - and I loved Wymondham as soon as I came here. We decided to move here because of Tony’s job at the time and I managed to get a job in the same area. We moved from Bedfordshire, though I was brought up in Southeast London and worked in France for a while as my mother’s family are French. I later went to Suffolk for my profession - I’m a rehabilitation officer for visually impaired people, specialising in deaf-blind, and was offered secondment in Suffolk in 1985, and that’s where I met Tony.
I like the small-town ethos of Wymondham and the fact that when you walk around town, you keep meeting people you know. I’m a great believer in ‘life is what you make it’, so if you go out and involve yourself with things, you’ll soon get to know other people.
What are the events and activities you’re involved in and why did you choose them?
The first thing I sought out when I came to Wymondham was the local drama group, Wymondham Players, because I was brought up doing drama with my parents.
We also started up Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper for visually impaired people. Tony was involved in the Stowmarket Talking Newspaper when I met him, and as my day job is in sensory impairment that’s how I met him originally. The Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper is still going (and still needs funding), and that’s something we’re still very much at the forefront of organising. It didn’t exist before, although the Lions’ Club were thinking about doing it. Those were the main things I was involved with at first.
I’ve always loved history and wildlife, so I joined WyNG (Wymondham Nature Group) and Wymondham Heritage Society (WHS) who run the Museum and organise talks which take place in Fairland Hall. I now organise the speakers for that and for u3a as well.
Even when I was working full time I had lots of hobbies and interests. I was chair of Norfolk Quilters for a time - but then I changed jobs and had to go to London quite often so some things fell by the wayside. I’m still working part time, one day a week at the moment, but when I ended up doing less of the day job, I could take on more hobbies. It was 20 years ago that I got on the WI (Women’s Institute) Speakers’ List to give talks about 3d fabric flowers which I had developed as an offshoot of the quilting. I did about one talk a month at that time.
Then in 2011 someone suggested that the story of Lucilla Reeve would make a good play. That’s the story of the eviction of villages in Norfolk to create the battleground training area during the Second World War. I read up on it and worked it into a solo performance. It was the first live history talk I did. I now have nine different characters and I get my drama and history kicks out of doing those performances. I do at least one of those a week, so that’s my second job now. I also do guided tours of Wymondham and I have groups that book that. I sometimes get asked to do it in French. I also do a live history of Ethel Gooch as a guided tour.
Since I became semi-retired in 2015, I got involved with the u3a and became Secretary. I am now the speaker seeker. Tony started the u3a in Wymondham as a way of using the North Wymondham Community Centre long before we were able to join as you have to be retired or semi-retired to join. When mum moved up here she joined. It has now outgrown North Wymondham and meetings are at Central Hall. You can come along to a coffee morning on a Thursday to find out more. I now run several groups - Ancestry and Astronomy, and French groups by Zoom. My mum originally ran the French groups but she’s 91 now, although she still takes part. Tony organises some groups as well, including visiting other towns in Norfolk and Suffolk.
In springtime I get heavily involved with Toadwatch. I enjoy doing that because it’s something for nature that is practical. I firmly believe that humans have no right to put other species into extinction and driving our cars around is likely to do that. Toads migrate back to their ponds in springtime to mate and they come out at dusk when the weather conditions are just right for them, so it’s difficult to know when to get the volunteers in the right place at the right time to get the toads safely across the road. There are specific places where we do this. Sadly some of the sites go into decline as other new sights appear. We found a new site at Carleton Forehoe last year, and Wramplingham Road is our biggest site. We also have quite a few at Wicklewood where we get a good turnout of Toaders. I sort the rotas and put the reports into Toadwatch each night which later go onto Frog Life.
I also get involved in crafts and did the Nativity set display with Jaqui Horton when she was the Methodist minister for five years. I’ve now worked that up into a talk which I do as well.
And I’m involved in the Town Team. This is rather like an umbrella organisation of volunteers to assist with events such as Wynterfest or Vintage Day. We are looking at different strategies for the future, but we badly need more volunteers to take leading responsibilities to make sure things happen.
What recommendations do you have for others who want to get involved in volunteering and what level of commitment do you need?
Organisations which need volunteers do rely on commitment – volunteers that will turn up when they say they will. However, you can get a lot out of being a volunteer. If you feel you’re getting bored, then get out and do something. Boredom doesn’t exist in my life! There are an awful lot of things you can get involved in in Wymondham. There's the Town Guide which comes out annually with all organisations listed. It’s available from the Town Council Offices. Also look at the Facebook pages for Wymondham – there are quite a lot – where you can find out what goes on. The Town Council is looking at coordinating volunteering in Wymondham. Watch this space.
How can people find out about upcoming Heritage and u3a talks and theatre performances?
I put them in the What’s On section of this magazine and post on Facebook groups. The next Wymondham Players production will be “Waiting in the Wings” by Noel Coward, 24th to 27th April at Central Hall. We were the first Amateur Dramatic Society in the country to do an audio description for visually impaired people and we will be doing it for this one too.
What's in a Photo?
Market Place Town House
Taken around 1900, this evocative photograph shows a grand townhouse on the Market Place, near Fairland Street, which by 1925 was playing a part in the commercial life of the town as the offices of W.S.Hall and Palmer, noted auctioneers, valuers and estate agents. The firm had relocated from Market Street and became known for its weekly auctions on a saleground, which was situated where the health centre off Bridewell Street is now.
Later the company became Irelands Hall And Palmer and was still at the Market Place offices in the 1980s, but would soon close. For a time a sale still continued on ground off Station Road.
A veterinary practice then took over the imposing building and would remain there until moving to Hethersett nearly 2 years ago, leaving the way for Kett’s Books to move there from Wharton’s Court and, with an army of volunteers and a grant, made a lovely new home for their brilliant community bookshop, which opened last Autumn. The grand townhouse had come a long way from its residential days.
The Honeymoon Couple
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into Gatwick. The weather on the ground is cloudy with a temperature of 10 degrees. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened.’ The cabin crew, their work nearly over, bustled along the aisle preparing the cabin for landing and checking that everyone on board the jet had complied with the captain’s instructions.
Alice glanced down at her lap. Her seat belt was still done up. The sunlight from above the clouds shone in through the small window making her new gold wedding ring look brighter than ever. She twiddled it round her finger, pleased with how neatly it fitted next to the sapphires of her engagement ring. She slipped her arm through Barry’s and smiled at him. He looked bronzed, relaxed and happy - and as always there was that twinkle in his eye whenever he looked at her. He leant across and kissed her cheek.
‘Nearly back home,’ he whispered as the plane descended into the cloud obscuring the sun that had shone so steadily throughout their honeymoon in Madeira.
‘It’s been such a lovely time. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it. The days just flew by! We must go back soon.’ She squeezed his hand, not too sure if she was ready for the landing.
The sunshine of Madeira was far away but never to be forgotten. The other guests at their hotel had called them ‘The Honeymoon Couple’ and had wished them every happiness. One couple they met were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and everyone had laughed when someone figured out that Barry and Alice would have to be over a hundred years old before they could celebrate fifty years of marriage.
As the cabin dimmed and before the journey was over, Alice thought how her life had changed in the last six months and especially in the last two weeks in Madeira. Her first time flying. Her first time abroad. At long last she was being cared for – a complete role reversal and one that she was totally enjoying. Caring for her elderly mother had been her whole life for such a long time. A year ago Barry moved in next door and had become a good friend. They had shared cups of tea over the kitchen table. He had helped her with the garden which had been in serious need of much attention, which Alice just did not have time to give. He had told her about his work on the gas rigs off the coast. He was relishing retirement although it was tinged with sadness since his wife died four years ago.
One morning, six months ago, Barry had arrived to start gardening and had found Alice crying, surrounded by black bin bags and piles of her mother’s clothes destined for the local charity shops. The funeral was over and Alice was trying to face the future alone.
‘Leave that for now,’ he’d said softly as he held out his hand and led her to his car. They’d driven to the coast in the summer sunshine and she’d felt so much better. They’d laughed at the comedian in the end of the pier show, played the arcade games and enjoyed a fish and chip supper. He’d bought her pink roses – her favourite colour. It had all felt so good. From that day on she felt like a tourist in her own country – they went everywhere together and on Christmas Day he had slipped the sapphire ring on her finger and asked her to be his wife forever.
The island was a beautiful place for a honeymoon – like nothing Alice had ever seen before, except on the travel programmes that she had watched with her mother on so many evenings. She had immersed herself in the tropical colours and scents and had enjoyed every moment of being there. The ‘bird of paradise’ exotic flowers, bought at the airport, would remind her of the lush hotel gardens and the days she and Barry had spent together by the pool.
Alice peered through the cabin window. Now the sky was grey. England. She could see green hills and fields dotted with white specks that must be sheep. The runway lights stretched out into a bright future. The pilot made the final descent smoothly. They were home.
A Celebration Year for Wymondham Symphony Orchestra
2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Wymondham Symphony Orchestra and we have a fantastic programme for you to celebrate with us.
As many of you will know, we started the season with our concert in Wymondham Abbey last November – Birds of Myth and Fable- given jointly with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Many of the audience were transported by the sounds of arctic birdsong echoing around the Abbey in the Finnish composer Rautavaara’s piece Concerto for Birds and Orchestra. Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite brought excitement (as well as challenges for the players) and the concert was very well received by a capacity audience.
This term our Spring Concert on 23 March 2024 is titled Love is in the Air and features the ever popular Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture (Tchaikovsky), Peer Gynt Suite (Grieg), as well as works by Ian Hytch (the orchestra’s first conductor), Mascagni, da Falla, and Mahler. It promises to be an evening of memorable and popular music.
Further ahead our Summer Concert on 29 June 2024 will be a special celebration to mark the 40th Anniversary of Wymondham Symphony Orchestra. It also falls on the year that the composer Anton Bruckner would have celebrated his 200th birthday, so we will feature his Symphony 4 (The Romantic). The programme will also feature Little Suite no.2 by Malcolm Arnold (one time local resident and the orchestra’s patron for many years) and the well-known Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn, for which we are delighted to welcome our soloist Catherine McCardel.
Please put these dates in your diary and do try to join us for our Ruby Anniversary year at Wymondham Abbey.
Tickets are available online via links on Facebook and our website, and directly at trybooking.com/uk/eventlist/wso. They are also available from the Abbey shop in the weeks preceding the concert. There will also be some availability on the door. Prices are £15, Friends of the WSO £13 and Under 18s are free.
More details about the orchestra can be found at wymondhamsymphonyorchestra.org.uk or on our Facebook page.
Little Visitors to Windmill House
Friend in Deed is on a mission to bring people of all ages together and create heartwarming intergenerational friendships.
At Friend in Deed, we believe that everyone has something valuable to offer regardless of age. Our mission is to break down the barriers between generations and create a world where everyone feels connected and loved. Our Little Visitor sessions at Windmill House in Wymondham are one way we work towards this goal.
Our Little Visitor sessions are about love, kindness, and connecting people. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and spread joy, from babies to school-aged children.
During these sessions, children and care home residents come together to play games, read stories, and share laughs. It's a beautiful sight to see the joy on everyone's faces as they form new friendships and learn from one another. After a visit, a relative of one of the residents, Geoff Patching, told us, "Looks like everyone, young and old, had a great time. My mum absolutely loves the little children visiting."
We offer a range of support services for care home residents, including those with dementia. These services are all about bringing people of all ages together and creating beautiful bonds. Fran Amiss, Wellbeing lead at Windmill House in Wymondham, said, “The interaction between residents and Friend in Deed's Little Visitors is a real privilege to witness. The benefits to both generations are evident and special bonds are formed, especially with the visiting parents and grandparents that accompany the children.".
Feedback from the residents themselves is also heart-warming, with one telling us “I just love to see the little ones; they make me feel much better. I love children.''
Little Visitor sessions at Windmill House in Wymondham take place every Monday at 11 am. Check out our website or Facebook page for more info and to join our growing community of Little Visitors or to get involved with our other activities and projects.
Bee Friendly Plants Talk
The February Garden Club talk – BEE Friendly Plants - continues the environmentally responsible theme of recent talks; Encouraging wildlife in our Wymondham gardens, avoiding use of harmful chemicals & sustainability in Norfolk.
In this instance, growing the flowering plants, shrubs & trees which favour Bees.
The speaker, Lynda Hunt, is a Norfolk Beekeeper with many years of experience.
If you want to learn more about which plants to grow in your garden – large or small - to encourage these insects (year round, not just in high summer), then this is the talk to attend. Get ideas for what plants to buy & which nurseries or garden centres may sell them untreated with neonicotinoids (systemic insecticides which don’t degrade & kill Bees). Examples of the sorts of plants Lynda might mention: Angelica and Monkshood; Not difficult to grow & low maintenance. NB: Monkshood are not suitable for gardens with domestic pets.
So, if you are interested in Bees, insects in general or wildlife gardening, beginner or expert, this talk is ideal for you.
As mentioned in the What’s On Section: Talk is on Monday, 19th February. At Town Green Centre (adjacent to the Methodist church). Starts 7.30pm, finishes ~9.15pm.
The entry cost is £5 for non-members. Free to members. Membership of the club costs £20 for the year to December 2024. For further information about the club contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
Triptych Competition Winners
The Wymondham Photographic Society recently held a Triptych competition amongst its members. A Triptych consists of 3 images in one photograph having a common theme. The competition was judged by three selected members who "expertly" critiqued each entry.
The two winners were:
Tier 1 - Nick Coates: Nature's Traffic Lights
Tier 2 - Gavin Bickerton-Jones: Owls from Day to Night
Cracking On For Wildlife And Town
Great moves afoot for Friarscroft Wood – the land that runs between London Road and Friarscroft Lane, crossed by the path to the Windmill Surgery.
If you’ve used that path, you’ll have seen the dead hedging on one side. It’s a good resource for nesting birds and helps keep dogs from wandering from the straight and narrow. The work was carried out by the Norwich Community Volunteers – arranged by South Norfolk Council – over two very cold days last year.
And now Dorset Wildlife Trust are going to do a wildlife survey this year – the last major one concentrated on Toll’s Meadow back in 2006. So this should give us a further idea of the plants and creatures that live on our doorstep – a WyNG member saw a nesting woodcock last year.
It will also help the Trust develop a management plan for the whole area, including that part of the wood approaching the Tiffey which is already designated a county wildlife site.
In the meantime, Greening Wymondham will hold workdays to clear and dredge the ponds to encourage amphibians, and scythe the meadows in the area. We’ll also keep the old footpath clear to allow brambling in the autumn, and keep removing debris and litter.
The idea is to have part of the area off the path accessible to people who want to wander through or stop and sit, and the majority for wildlife to continue enjoying in peace.
River testing went ahead from Boxing Day and the latest test came with a reward for Greening Wymondham’s Andrew Robinson – sighting an otter downstream of the town. Let’s hope kingfishers burgeon again upstream too.
Keep in touch with our news and send us your views – on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@GreeningWyndham) Or visit greeningwymondham.org.
Circled in the Radio Times: u3a Talk by John Osborne
Toadwatch Volunteers Needed This Spring
The common toad is in decline in the UK. Each year they return to their ancestral ponds to spawn but they need our help to cross the roads, particularly at dusk.
The season is usually mid-February and March but it depends on the weather. Volunteers work in pairs and typically do an evening about once a week wearing Hi-Viz.
In this area we particularly need help at Carleton Forehoe (the bridge) Wramplingham Road/Youngmans Road and Great Melton.
See Toadwatch.org for more info. If you would like to help your local toads then please contact Georgette at Wymondham@toadwatch.org.
Spring Preparations at Heritage Museum
It’s that time of year when we can look forward to more daylight hours, the garden starts to stir into life and it won’t be too long before we can put away our winter clothes. And, with spring on the horizon it means Wymondham Heritage Museum will soon open for 2024.
Last year proved successful with visitor numbers up. As a result, the committee is hoping to increase opening hours for the new season.
It was also a good year for The Bridewell Tearoom with a significant increase in visitors enjoying refreshments. Not just from those visiting the museum but also from people taking advantage of the Tearoom being open daily until 4pm so, it is one of the very few places in town where you can get a drink and a snack later in the afternoon.
The date for your diaries is Monday March 4th at 1pm, when the doors will open for visitors to come and explore the town’s rich history and find out how folk lived, what they did for a living and how they spent their leisure time.
The Brushroom, which tells the story of the town’s once major industry, will have some new exhibits. These are a small display of new brushes from the Mervyn Jones Collection, which was acquired last year from the family of the late Mervyn Jones. Mr Jones had been involved in brush manufacturing for the majority of his professional life since leaving the Royal Navy in the late 1960s. He initially worked with Briton Chadwick in Wymondham but then moved on to Moseley Stone and later Stanley Tools. He was an avid collector of brushes, extremely knowledgeable on brushmaking and the history of brushes, and also wrote a book in the 1970s entitled ‘The Story of Brushmaking – a Norfolk Craft’.
As you walk around the museum, keep your eyes open for portraits of characters from the past connected to the museum. “People of The Bridewell” will be individually framed and displayed with information on their history.
All the visitors’ favourites have had a spring clean, including the spooky dungeon, the Regal Cinema display, and the agricultural exhibition. Do a bit of window shopping in the two recreated shops, The Damgate Stores and The Little Dustpan.
The Little Dustpan has had some additional shelves installed to display more items that would have been sold by the hardware store when it traded for many years on Town Green. These include decorating materials, jugs and tools.
The Bridwell Tearoom is planning to build on its success in 2023. A further coffee machine has been purchased and opening hours are to be extended. For early birds the Tearoom will open at 9am on Thursdays and Fridays, with the museum opening at 10 o’clock. It is also planned to open on Saturday mornings.
For more information of what to do plus details of opening times go to thewhm.org.uk.
Come and join the museum’s band of volunteers. Pictured are Christine, right, and Laura, two volunteers at the museum. Christine manages the stewards who meet and greet visitors. Laura is one of the museum's social media gurus, keeping you up to date with what’s going on at The Bridewell on Facebook and Instagram. Just search for Wymondham Heritage Museum.
Christine is looking for volunteers to fulfil the role of stewards. She says: “It is really rewarding working in a museum environment. There is no need to know the history of Wymondham. This can be gained whilst working with experienced and knowledgeable volunteers. Support is given in all the roles and stewards always work alongside a buddy.”
Over in The Bridewell Tearoom there are opportunities to join the team to help serve the delicious homemade cakes and scones. Volunteers are needed to help with the additional opening hours.
Can you spare just three hours a month, more if you can manage it? For the Tearoom please email tearoom@thewhm.org.uk. For stewards or to help with the running of the museum, it’s volunteers@thewhm.org.uk.
WyNG February and March 2024 Indoor Meetings
Thursday 8th February 2024, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by John Heaser - A Toad He Would a Wooing Go. With the first hint of spring, toads are driven to return to the pond of their birth and this brings them into conflict with modern life. We will learn about toad behaviour during the mating season and how we can help them to reproduce successfully.
Thursday 14th March 2024, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Allan Archer - Dinosaurs in your garden – the evolution and life of birds (with props). From T-rex to Troglodytes troglodytes (Wren) via Archaeopteryx, let's follow the dinosaurs’ path to your bird table.
The venue is Town Green Centre, Wymondham, NR18 0PW (behind Wymondham Methodist Church). All welcome - admission £3, NWT members £2 – no booking required. Further details from Ann Carpenter on 01508 488337.
Follow Wymondham Nature Group on Facebook: facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup.
Wymondham Nature Group is the local members’ group of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Registered Charity No. 208734.
Royal Coronations and Celebrations Talk
Wymondham Heritage Society presents monthly talks on local history. The next one will take place on Thursday 22nd February 2024 at 7:30pm in Fairland Hall.
Phyllida Scrivens will present her talk titled “Royal Coronations and Celebrations in Norwich during the first half of the 20th century. Back then, Norwich celebrated in style, including decorated streets, church services, gun salutes, processions, cycle races, competitions and brass bands all recorded and reported in the local newspapers. This talk is accompanied by a display of items from Phyllida's personal collection of original printed programmes, postcards and memorabilia, including beautiful China teacups.
Entry to the talk is free for WHS members and for visitors it’s only £2. Visit thewhs.org.uk for more information about the Heritage Society.
Engineering Our Future Energy Requirements
A Special Interest Day on 8th March at Central Hall
COP28 in Dubai was a significant achievement with all participants agreeing to phase out the use of fossil fuels. Perhaps it was not the tougher agreement desired by many, but some progress if the signatories pursue the objective. Climate change fuelled by increasing release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere was first identified over 100 years ago. Increased industrial and transport activity from the mid 20th century up to now has rapidly accelerated the rise in global temperature.
The effects are felt in extreme weather - extremes of heat, rain and storms and coastal erosion. The next 50 years will still see a reliance on oil and gas for energy supply but decreasingly so as time advances. There is an urgent need to develop energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide but at the same time are reliable. Regrettably, wind power is not reliable (in November there was a week when zero power was generated in the UK by wind power). Solar power may be viable in some areas but not damp and cloudy UK!
To provide some insight for future options this special interest day has been organised featuring four guest speakers. The opening talk will be given by George Freeman, our local MP and until recently Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation. Background on the local effects of climate change will be provided by Dr Sophie Day from the University of East Anglia who will discuss coastal erosion in Norfolk. The prospect for future carbon free energy production will have two inputs. Firstly, the proposed Sizewell C nuclear reactor outlined by Jack Raven and finally the future outlook for fusion energy from Chris Warrick of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
Each talk will be about 45 mins in duration with opportunities to ask questions; the content will be pitched for non-specialist audience with speakers encouraged to inform but not baffle the audience. The outline timetable is 9:30am start (refreshments available from 9:00) with talks to 12:15 including a coffee break. The afternoon session begins at 1pm and ends at 3pm followed by tea.
The cost per person including lunch and tea / coffee breaks is £20. For further details and to purchase tickets please email courses@wymondhamu3a.org.uk. Tickets must be purchased by 28th February.
Star Throwers 15th Anniversary
This year we celebrate 15 years since the Star Throwers Centre opened its doors and started supporting people affected by cancer. We will be holding a number of events throughout the year – starting with our Afternoon Tea event at Park Farm Hotel on Sunday 21st April from 1pm, tickets are £26pp and can be purchased by emailing: victoria@starthrowers.org.uk. Please save the date for our Anniversary Ball at Glen Lodge, Bawburgh on 23rd November 2024 and email Victoria to register your interest.
We continue to expand our range of support services and we are now offering a monthly Breast Cancer Support Group and a regular session for Financial Advice for those who have been affected by cancer. Our cancer support centre is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm, please drop in and find out all about our free cancer support services.
Please do pop along to see all the vintage treasures we have at our ‘Treasure Trove’ shop on Melton Road, we are open from 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. We always have new and unique items, bric-a-brac, electrical items, books and much more!
Successful u3a Open Day
Wymondham u3a, is one of over 1000 (University of the Third Age) Branches in the UK. The premise of the u3a organisation is Learn, Laugh, Live. Each Thursday morning Wymondham branch members meet at Central Hall for a coffee, social chat, and participation in various activities, and there is a guest speaker every first Thursday afternoon of the month. In addition to the regular coffee mornings there are nearly seventy activity groups supporting hobbies, interests, and promoting physical and mental well-being for the members.
The branch continues to thrive and membership currently stands at 630. This is a net increase of 196 (45%) in the period from January 2021 to the end of December 2023.
The number and range of groups/activities has increased accordingly in the same period to accommodate the increasing membership. A recent new addition to the Groups is Lifelong Learning. In 2023 there have been several courses and seminars arranged on various topics with guest speakers and presenters and these have been well supported.
The Social Group runs regular holidays and day trips and organises lunches throughout the year. In 2023 there were four holidays to the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Northern Ireland, and Scotland that were all well booked. There were coach trips throughout the year including Norfolk country estates, River and Broads lunch cruises, Kew Gardens and Thursford Christmas Spectacular all either full or with very few spare seats . Three members’ lunches and one garden party were also organised throughout the year.
On Saturday October 21st the branch held its annual Open Day at Wymondham Central Hall for members, friends, and visitors. The event opened at 10:00 and there was a constant stream of people perusing the various group’s displaying, playing, and performing, in the Main Hall and two other smaller rooms throughout the day. During the morning there was a performance by The Line Dancing Group to entertain both members and visitors.
Open Day is also the day when the Social Group published the planned holidays, day trips, and other social events for 2024. There was a continual queue of people booking their places on the various options in what will be the tenth anniversary of the Social Group organising these popular events.
Visitors continued into mid-afternoon, and while the event was open, twenty-five new members were recruited from Wymondham and the surrounding area, and over eighty bookings placed for the newly advertised 2024 Social Programme of holidays, coach trips, and planned lunches.
The event was considered to be very successful. The key aim was to show what a thriving u3a branch has to offer local residents in its catchment area. The fact that twenty-five new members were recruited in one day is maybe a measure of that aim being achieved.
The Lowe Down:
Heights of Exam Season
For years, I cited Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights as one of the worst books I had ever read. A schoolmate and I tried to buddy-read it in Year 10, and we both thought it completely and utterly awful. Strictly speaking, we hadn’t finished the book before arriving at this conclusion, but we justified it with the thought that the first few pages had made us suffer enough. In the years of adolescence that followed, I would attempt it a further two times and DNF it earlier on each subsequent attempt. Three failed attempts must mean something, I thought. My English teacher disagreed: she loved the book, and we had a running joke where she would berate me for not giving it a sufficient chance. “You’ll love it one day,” she would say in that classic teacher way (although her stupidly busy schedule made it quite generous of her to have these conversations with me at all – that’s the Wymondham High English department for you).
My fourth attempt to read it came this Christmas. I devoured it faster than the Christmas pudding. I entered the New Year with humbled awareness of how easy it is to be wrong, especially during one’s teenage years.
Happy New Year, Wymondham readers! At the time of writing, it is January, but by the time this is published, we should have all endured and survived what is commonly held to be the most depressing month of the year. Whether that’s statistically accurate or a myth is another matter, but one can’t deny the challenges of January: the depressing end of Christmas, the return to work, the immersion of our Wymondham school students back into exams – and no issue of the Wymondham Magazine. By contrast, February is the month of Valentine’s Day, the half term for those students mentioned above, and (most importantly) a return from this publication. So, a belated Happy New Year to you all.
We enter the season of increasing exam pressure for the Wymondham student folks. Yet each one of the students currently in GCSE season are heroes, and many of them put immense pressure on themselves. Recently, I spoke to a pal of mine who is undergoing the GCSE season. She achieved a ridiculously high mark on an English Literature GCSE mock, and told me the other day that she felt terrible upon receipt of the mark because she didn’t know how to maintain it! She is not alone. I know from experience that our minds go into overdrive in exam season: one is damned if you don’t score highly, and equally damned if you do because you’re then made nervous about repeating this during the week of the year where the exam marks count.
Yet they shall (of course) all be fine in the end. I always remind myself to reach out and support all the sixteen-year-olds I know when this time of year approaches.
The Wymondham teachers also deserve a shoutout, of course, during any mention of school exam heroes. It is quite remarkable the extent to which a good (or bad!) teacher can affect you long after you leave school, in both large ways and small. Most Wymondham teachers give far more time to their pupils than the call of duty necessitates, from small things like reminding gobby students like me that we might have underestimated Emily Brontë, to the constant providing of support to students who need it for any reason. It is similar to what the Secret Barrister writes about the legal profession. “In practice,” she says, “the job also requires the skills of a social worker, relationship counsellor, arm-twister, hostage negotiator, named driver, bus fare provider, accountant, suicide watchman, coffee supplier, surrogate parent, and – on one memorable occasion – whatever the official term is for someone tasked with breaking the news to a prisoner that his girlfriend has been diagnosed with gonorrhoea.” One would hope the latter task doesn’t apply to the average school teacher – but ‘social worker’, ‘relationship counsellor’, and often ‘nurse’ all apply to the range of tasks called upon for professionals working at schools. They should be recognised and respected for the versatility required of them daily.
Happy 2024 Wymondham readers – and good luck for the year ahead!
From My Perspective: A New Year Revolution
Now that we have stepped across the threshold of a new year, many will be looking for new challenges, such as taking up a new hobby or social activity.
The chances are that in doing so you will want to search for a venue where such an activity might take place, either as a potential or even as a local entrepreneur wanting to start a new business.
You will be entering a world that is probably unknown to many residents, until it comes to casting your vote in a local and/or national election, if the venue happens to double as a Polling Station.
One such building is North Wymondham Community Centre in Lime Tree Avenue. The unassuming hall is charity owned and maintained and is a physical representation of community togetherness and is the home of a range of activities, for all ages.
This year is significant in the history of this important community resource, as it’s the 50th anniversary of when it began life as a portable structure on a piece of gifted land.
It was not until 1985 that it was extended to create the building that is now on the site.
The handful of volunteers who continue to keep it functioning as a public meeting place are looking for a bit of support, as they mark the latest milestone in the Community Centre’s history.
And that’s where a new year resolution can turn into a New Year Revolution.
If you would like to know more about what goes on behind the scenes in this amazing facility, please drop me a note via tony@valemail.uk.
When Jack Met Susan
Wymondham is always growing. Gone are the days of a small market town basking in its minimalism. What we have now is a community. A fast-paced and ever-changing part of Norfolk embracing new wants, needs and necessities.
Due to these dynamic changes, you would assume nothing but also be unsurprised by incredible local achievements.
This is how I felt when I discovered Wymondham’s brand new global selling author Susan Bennett.
Whilst attending a course at Ayton House meeting rooms in Wymondham on Ayton road, I had the pleasure of being greeted by Susan and treated throughout my day by her exemplary customer service skills and warming nature.
After some discussion with her about certain topics during lunch service, we turned to our interests, which is where I learnt so much about her. Susan is a very humble and polite individual who expels a calming aura and welcoming presence. Susan was more than happy to divulge where her journey has led her and share her accomplishments.
Originating from London, Susan moved to Norfolk at a young age and has spent most of her career teaching. In the early 2000’s, Susan started to co-run the motorcycle clothing centre and eventually ran Ayton House meeting rooms with both businesses being here in Wymondham.
It was always Susan’s dream to become an author. Writing as a hobby throughout her career, absorbing almost every aspect of the criminal justice system to eventually produce an exceptional piece of prose currently being purchased and enjoyed the world over.
“It truly is a dream come true” states Susan, claiming that “none of this would have happened without true dedication and the support of everybody around me.”
Hunt for the Shepherd is an intense, captivating and unfathomably gripping thriller primed and ready to keep every reader on the edge of their seat. Following the trials and tribulations of a motley crew of detectives, Hunt for the Shepherd combines a plethora of authenticity from the UK criminal justice system and idiosyncratic scenarios to build the perfect murder mystery for any fan.
Susan states that “I wanted to change the status quo in regards to thrilling murder mystery novels. I want the reader to be on edge, I want them to wonder who the murderer is whilst considering why they’re even doing it.”
After reading this novel, I can confirm that Susan meets the criteria and high standards she has set for herself. I was certainly gripped; speaking to any one and everyone for their opinions and theories. I couldn’t recommend this novel more highly for any avid reader. For a debut book, Hunt for the Shepherd being this professional in its writing and its ability to compete with the big leagues of thrillers already is absolutely astounding. I cannot wait for Susan’s next release.
In the end however, what truly made this novel a delight to read was knowing that somebody so passionate, talented and eager to tackle the challenges of this world was residing here, in our beautiful town of Wymondham. She’s one of us, so please support her as much as you can.
Hunt for the Shepherd is now available to purchase on Amazon. Kindle, paperback and hardback versions are all available.
Fancy a fun fitness challenge?
Looking for a new way of getting fit and having fun without going to the gym?
Then how about Touch Rugby? It’s a fun version of the game with no tackling so it’s inclusive and suitable for anyone who fancies a low impact and friendly way of getting some exercise.
The sport’s on offer at Wymondham Rugby Club which has just been given a “Proud to Pitch In” community grant from Greene King IPA to expand its Touch section and recruit newcomers to the sport.
“It’s one of the easiest team games to take up and is great fun to play,” explained organiser Andy Verney.
“We’ve got some fantastic facilities here in Wymondham and we want more people to come down to enjoy what they’ve got on their doorstep.”
There’s no traditional tackling in Touch - instead players simply put the ball down when they’re touched by an opponent - so it’s a sport that can be played with mixed teams and all ages and abilities.
The club is holding free open sessions for newcomers every Friday evening until Easter. Just register at wymondhamrfc.com/touch-rugby and turn up between 6:30pm - 7:45pm at the club’s Barnard Fields ground on Bray Drive ready for a run around.
Andy said: “Exercise is so good for our physical and mental health and the joy of team sport is that you’re with your friends and actually look forward to doing it!”
The sessions are open to all over-18s, men and women, and no experience is necessary. For more details about Touch Rugby go to: englandtouch.org.uk.
Wymondham AC New Year’s Day 10k
Wymondham once again hosted the annual New Year’s Day 10k road race organised by members of Wymondham Athletics Club. The day dawned bright and sunny, if a little windy. Runners appreciated our course bagpiper (many thanks to Denise Ramsbottom!) and all our enthusiastic marshalls and supporters. The ladies race was won by Sophie Alden in a new course record of 34 minutes 59 seconds, taking 20 seconds off the previous record. Winner of the men's race was Danny Adams in 32 minutes 21 seconds. Congratulations to you both, and well done to all participants – what a great way to start 2024!
Thanks to WAC members, friends and family for all your hard work. And finally, a massive thank you to MW Sweeper Hire Ltd for pulling out all stops to get Lady’s Lane cleaned up for us on December 31st – we were very appreciative of your assistance!
If you are interesting in finding out more about Wymondham AC and what we do, please visit our website, here: wymondhamac.com.
Thursday 1st February
u3a Monthly Talk: Circled in the Radio Times
2pm, 
Central Hall
A storytelling show about TV and Magazines. When writer and storyteller John Osborne found a box of old copies of the Radio Times that used to belong to his grandad, he started to piece his life together by the shows that had been lovingly circled by his grandparents to watch in their front room. Free for members, £2 for non-members.
u3asites.org.uk/wymondham/home
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Annual General Meeting
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Friday 2nd February
Bingo Night 7pm, Ex-Services Club
Eyes Down 8pm in Regal Lounge. Cash Prizes and Raffle
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Saturday 3rd February
Karen Bell Live Singer 8pm, Ex-Services Club
Member's Bar
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Saturday 10th February
Valentines Fair 10am-4pm, Central Hall
25+ stalls, hot drinks, food, cakes, face painting and crafts for kids. Free entry for all!
Mister Pink Live Singer 7pm, Ex-services Club
Regal Lounge Doors Open 7pm, Music 8:30-11:30pm
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 13th February
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-3:30pm, The Lizard
Join volunteers to help this natural area to thrive. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, your lunch, a pair of gloves and sturdy boots.
www.thelizardwymondham.co.uk/
Thursday 15th February
Ashleigh Nursery Open Evening 4:15pm, Ashleigh Primary School
If your child was born between 01/09/2020 and 31/08/2021 and you are interested in Ashleigh Nursery from September 2024, we would love to meet you and show you our wonderful Nursery! Book space on the tour via email to nursery@ashleighprimary.net or on the link below.
forms.office.com/e/50WpicBA91
Tuesday 20th February
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Guest Speaker James Kerwin (via Zoom). Lebanon a paradise lost.
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 22nd February
Heritage Society Talk: Royal Celebrations 7:30pm, Regal Lounge, Ex Services Club
Phyllida Scrivens will present her talk: Royal Coronations and Celebrations in Norwich during the first half of the 20th century. This talk is accompanied by a display of items from Phyllida's personal collection of original printed programmes, postcards and memorabilia, including beautiful China teacups. Free for members - visitors £2. New members can join at a meeting or contact Janet Benjafield on 01953 606257.
www.wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Saturday 24th February
Never Forget 80s vs 90s Big Night Out 7:30pm, Ex-Services Club
Ticket Only - purchase online at eventbrite.co.uk
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 27th February
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Guest Speaker Ian Spratt: How lucky we are, a photographic journey
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Friday 1st March
Photographic Society Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, Dell Bowls Club
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
World Day of Prayer 2pm, Catholic Church, Norwich Road
People of all faiths, in 146 Countries and Islands around the world praying with and for each other at the same time.
Bingo Night 7pm, Ex-Services Club
Eyes down 8pm in Regal Lounge. Cash prizes and raffle
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Saturday 2nd March
Mix Tape Live Band 7pm, Ex-Services Club Members' Bar
Regal Lounge doors open 7pm, Music 8:30-11:30
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 5th March
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.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Full Town Council 7pm, WTC Kett’s Park Office
Public welcome
www.wymondhamtowncouncil.org
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dell Bowls Club
International Competition
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 6th March
Chatty Café 10am-11:30am, Waitrose
All welcome to join in for a chat in the café.
Art Society Demo with Stephen Martyn 7:15pm, Catholic Church Hall
Stephen is inspired by its big skies and wide open spaces. His watercolour paintings are in private collections around the world and are exhibited widely. He will paint a watercolour landscape in the style of Edward Seago.
www.wymondhamart.org
Saturday 9th March
Motown & Northern Soul Night 7pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Regal Lounge doors open 7pm, music 7:30pm-11:30pm
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 10th March
Mothering Sunday Coffee Church Service 10:30am, Methodist Church
All welcome in the Frank Bunn room of Town Green Centre.
wymondhammethodistchurch.com/
70s Pop Choir Performance 10:30am, Wymondham Abbey
Mothering Sunday musical treat from Robert Kett Primary School Choir and the Abbey Choir. The Bishop of Norwich will be preaching. Tea, coffee and biscuits to follow.
www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk/
Tuesday 12th March
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.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dell Bowls Club
Studio Evening
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 14th March
Nature Group Indoor Meeting 7:30pm, Town Green Community Centre
Illustrated talk by Allan Archer - Dinosaurs in your garden – the evolution and life of birds (with props). From T-rex to Troglodytes troglodytes (Wren) via Archaeopteryx let’s follow the dinosaurs’ path to your bird table. Admission £3, NWT Members £2.
01508 488337
www.facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Saturday 16th March
Wellbeing and Spiritual Fair 10am-4pm, Central Hall
25+ stalls selling hand crafted items, jewellery, soaps, fairy gardens/houses and more. Lots of beautiful crystals and knowledgeable stall holders that will help you choose the right ones for you.
Reiki, energy healing and Indian head massage on offer.
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.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Jacquii Cann Live Singer 8pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Members' Bar - Alison Moyet / Yazoo & 80s Covers
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 17th March
Talk: Pancakes to Passiontide 3pm, Wymondham Abbey
How Wymondham people observed Lent 500 years ago. Referencing the Parish Bede Roll of 1524 and Lenten Inventory of 1494. Original documents will be on display. Free Entry.
www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Monday 18th March
Garden Club Talk: Gardening in the Shade 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Illustrated talk by Jim Paine. Jim was co-owner of Walnut Tree Gardens Nursery, retiring last year. Jim is a highly respected speaker with a wide knowledge of which plants are suitable for growing in our Norfolk soils. Members Free, guests £5. For further information about the club contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 19th March
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-12:30pm, Friarscroft
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Open Print Competition Round 3
www.wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 23rd March
Pop Up Pop In Indoor Market 9am-2pm, Becket's Chapel
Pre-loved and Vintage Clothes, Toys, Household Items, Arts, Crafts and Bakes. In aid of Shelter. £1 entry
Town Litter Pick 10am-12:30pm, Methodist Hall Town Green
Join volunteers to help tidy up the town. Bring yourself & a pair of gloves. Refreshments afterwards inside the church.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Quiz Night 6:30pm, Baptist Church Queen St
Teams of up to 8, includes charcuterie board. Book via email at office@wymondhambaptist.org.
01953 606520
Thursday 28th March
Heritage Society Meeting 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Talk by Linda Burkett: Arthur Burkett’s Diaries. The diary of a Prisoner of War on the Long March. Meetings are free to members, non-members are always welcome (£2 entry fee).
01953 600 205
www.wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=heritage.society
Saturday 30th March
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.
www.greeningwymondham.org/
Sunday 31st March
Dan STAR Live Singer 8pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Members' Bar
www.facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
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