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Buskers, street food, and late-night shopping on offer at Wymondham’s ‘Summer Evenings’
July 30th and August 27th
For those of us who can't get to the Med over the summer, the fantastic businesses in our town are bringing lazy summer culture to us!
Over two Thursday evenings, the town will be welcoming buskers, offering street food, and staying open: all your favourite businesses will stay open into the evening to give you a relaxed explore around your own town, so you can have a couple of hours' holiday feel without having to dig out the passport or jet off anywhere.
Together for Wymondham is an organisation made up of all the groups that work to make Wymondham a great place to visit. Made up of both businesses and community groups, and supported by the town council, they're all working together to bring you the summer shopping evenings. The plan is to have buskers around town and a variety of street food.
To avoid competing with the town's existing hospitality businesses, they are focusing on bringing in food stalls that offer food types we can't easily get in Wymondham.
Put it in your diaries, and spread the word!
Council chair chooses Heritage Museum for National Volunteers’ Week spotlight
The Chair of South Norfolk Council, Councillor Kathryn Cross, is marking National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) by highlighting the vital contribution volunteers make to communities across the district.
Volunteering has been chosen as the central theme of Councillor Cross’s civic year, with the Chair pledging to celebrate and promote the people and organisations who give their time to support others.
As part of this commitment, Councillor Cross has selected Wymondham Heritage Museum as her chosen charity for the year.
Run by the Wymondham Heritage Society, the museum tells the story of Wymondham, its people, history and events, and relies heavily on volunteers to keep its doors open.
Councillor Cross said:
“I have chosen Wymondham Heritage Museum to be my charity for the forthcoming year. Without over 100 active volunteers either acting as stewards to greet visitors, take admission payments, sell shop items and answer questions, or in the tearoom serving drinks and light refreshments, this important resource simply would not function.
Over the last four years, I’ve seen visitor numbers grow, drawn by the delicious homemade cakes and cosy atmosphere. If you’ve not tried Edna’s fruitcake or one of Val’s cheese scones, you are missing out!”
Every penny raised by the museum goes back into the museum, updating the exhibits, supporting educational visits, putting on events and keeping on top of the maintenance, ensuring it is a viable and much-loved attraction for visitors and residents alike for years to come.
Throughout her year in office, Councillor Cross will also lead ‘The Year of the Volunteer – a tour of communities in action’, visiting volunteer groups and community organisations across South Norfolk.
Councillors from across the district will nominate volunteer groups in their wards for the Chair to visit, helping to shine a light on the wide range of volunteering opportunities and the positive impact volunteers have in local communities.
Councillor Cross added:
“National Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you to everyone who gives their time to help others. Volunteers are at the heart of our communities and so many organisations simply could not function without them.
“I’m looking forward to meeting volunteers from across South Norfolk during the coming year, to thank them for giving up their time and to celebrate the incredible work they do every day.”
National Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign celebrating the contribution millions of volunteers make across the country.
Talking Newspaper volunteer receives Long Service Award
Attleborough resident Peter Pilgram has received a Long Service Award in recognition of his 28 years of service with Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper (WATN).
The presentation was made to Peter by the WATN Secretary, Georgette Vale.
Peter was one of more than 40 people who responded to a call from the then-Wymondham Lions President, Jim Cawte, to set up a Talking Newspaper for visually impaired local residents.
Peter joined one of the teams as a reader and then became Treasurer of the newly formed charity. He later took on the news-gathering role and today still participates by collating the organisation’s quarterly audio features magazine.
Peter was retiring from a 40-year career with Norfolk Police at the time, both as a serving Police Officer and subsequently as a civilian administrator.
Peter said: “The Talking Newspaper opportunity came at exactly the right time for me, as it allowed me to continue what I had done for all of my working life, to serve my local community”.
A selection of recent news and magazine recordings can be found on the Talking Newspaper website.
Abbey concert to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently completed hiking the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. This physical endeavour was to leverage her global platform to raise awareness for and thank The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Cancer, in some shape or form, has the potential to impact all of our lives. Supporting my friend Dee on her cancer journey – accompanying her to The Royal Marsden, receiving test results and recovery pathway – has been a key aspect of our enduring friendship. So, we wanted to organise something special to raise funds and awareness of the outstanding care that The Royal Marsden provides.
We have organised a fully-fledged music concert at the stunningly beautiful Wymondham Abbey. There is truly something for everyone, with an eclectic mix of choral to traditional Indian music, musical medleys from West End shows such as Wicked and Mary Poppins, and up-and-coming artists homegrown in Wymondham! There will also be a licenced bar for all your refreshment needs.
It never ceases to amaze me the kindness that prevails when you flare a beacon and ask for help! But that’s exactly what Wymondham excels at: community spirit, camaraderie and kindness. If you’re looking for something magical to do in Wymondham, if you have been impacted by cancer, and if you want to give something back, then we warmly invite you to be part of this very special evening.
Pokemon shop soon to open in Wymondham
Brambles Emporium, a new gaming shop, is set to open in Market Street on the 1st of August.
It is a gaming shop that sells, among other things, Pokémon cards and POPs (Pokémon Organised Play).
The owner of the shop is a bit of a mystery - the shop's Facebook and Instagram pages do not yet reveal any details - but we do know that they previously sold their merchandise on Vinted, where they have an astonishing maximum rating of 5.0, with 1179 glowing member reviews.
Elementals Magickal Emporium, the spiritual shop in Market Street, welcomed the news on Facebook. 'Check out their page to see what's in store,' they wrote, linking to Brambles Emporium's Instagram with the hashtags #newshop and #supportlocal.
Free cookery courses at Abbey Schoolrooms
Little Studio invites you to meet, cook and eat
A free year-long cookery project, inviting people in Wymondham to cook and eat together, is about to start at That Little Norfolk Shop & Studio on the edge of the town’s historic Abbey.
The initiative, funded by South Norfolk Health & Wellbeing Partnership, is open for applications now, with group sessions staggered throughout the year from this month until June 2027. Courses will focus on affordable, balanced, nutritious, tasty meals, and reducing food waste, at the same time as creating opportunities for participants to connect while dining.
ClearCompany CIC has designed courses for five demographic groups at their venue “That Little Shop & Studio”: families; men between 40 and 65; women in midlife experiencing troublesome symptoms due to the menopause or perimenopause; senior citizens cooking for one; and young people between 11 and 16 years old.
Each group will be invited to apply for their preferred sessions, or attend the full course, where they will cook a meal and dessert together under the guidance of food experts Caroline Blake and Sara Mathews. One of the six sessions will focus on plant-based alternatives, and another will be devoted to cooking for people with allergies. Each group will be consulted on how they might want to continue to meet and eat together at the venue when the courses end.
Julie Briggs, ClearCompany CIC director, said: “We have been running cookery demos at our Studio for the last year and had big plans for participatory workshops. The cost of essential equipment was an obstacle for us, so we were hopeful when Councillor Kim Carsok supported us to apply for funding from the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.
“Having secured £12000 of funding, we can purchase the necessary equipment and roll out the cookery courses. Both Caroline and Sara are fantastic cooks and very experienced at teaching cookery skills. It will be an invaluable opportunity for people to discover tips and make new friends in their local area - especially those who are recently bereaved, just moved to the area, or living alone.”
Courses start this month for the women’s midlife group and will be followed in October and November with exercise sessions to support women to increase strength for future years.
ClearCompany CIC has been expanding its events, community activities, and groups since it took on the former Abbey Schoolrooms in 2023. That Little Norfolk Studio offers family bingo and quiz nights, open mic sessions, sea shanty nights, children’s art events, a youth club, poetry events, men’s guitar sessions, reading clubs, and ukulele groups.
The volunteer-run venue hosts activities and groups seven days a week and is actively seeking to expand its team to help run That Little Norfolk Shop on the ground-floor which helps generate funds to run the Studio activities.
For further information visit about the first course for Women in midlife, visit clearcompany.org.uk/events/womens-midlife-collective-cookery-workshops.
To apply for cookery courses, or to enquire about volunteering opportunities, email info@clearcompany.org.uk.
Jazz Picnic Saturday 4th July
Don't miss it!
If you’ve never been to the annual Wymondham Jazz Picnic, give it a go this year. It is always a great evening.
For one night only, the slopes of Becketswell Meadow near the Abbey are turned into one big outdoor amphitheatre. Music lovers assemble with chairs, picnics and a bottle of something cold, to listen to the fun upbeat trad jazz of Dixiemix.
Charity stalls selling hot bbq food, cakes, ice cream and coffee will be available so make sure to bring plenty of cash.
Many a toe will be tapped. And it’s all in aid of local charitable causes. The organisers, the Rotary Club of Wymondham, will collect voluntary donations at the entrances (admission is free).
The evening runs from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday 4th July. No need to book. Just show up and enjoy the music and atmosphere.
There really is no more pleasant place to be on a summer’s Saturday evening in Wymondham and many people return year upon year. So get it in your diary today!
Art Show 4th-5th July at Ashleigh
10am-2pm
Building on last year's exceptionally well-received Art Show, Ashleigh Primary School and Nursery are opening their doors to the public once again. All pupils will be represented.
Our theme this year is 'Joy', with our young artists invited to submit work in any medium, alongside the amazing artwork they have created in their art lessons.
Our wonderful PTA 'Friends Of Ashleigh' will be serving up the treats with a pop-up cafe, and there will be collaborative artwork to join in with.
More details and a preview of our wonderful artwork can be seen on our Instagram page.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Short Story: The Cactus Garden.
The small group assembled in the café beside the cactus garden, near the pond. In spring, the air would have been full of the sound of frogs striking up their loud mating songs. This autumnal day, however, there was no such noise. The group, all adults, waited, some in quiet conversation, others thinking about the man they’d come to honour: José, the head gardener of the cactus garden, for more than thirty years. His team of gardeners in their cream and green uniforms, his friends and his family – all were gathered, waiting for his daughter Maria to come with her father’s ashes, which she was to scatter amongst the plants he had tended for so many years.
As Maria entered the café with her husband Tomaz, conversations stopped, and all eyes turned towards the couple in the doorway. Maria, in her plain black dress with a white scarf over her dark hair, held on tightly to an ornate box. Tomaz stood beside her, suave and tall.
‘Bom dia, good morning,’ was whispered round the room.
A side door gave access to the garden, a vast site of colourful Madeiran flowers, bushes and trees. It was famed for, and named after, its monumental cacti. Amongst the palm trees, they rocketed into the vivid blue sky. Alone, they would have been like a desert landscape in the hot sun, an arid place, albeit one of stark beauty. But over the years, José had skilfully interplanted these monsters with bushes of exotic pink bougainvillaea and hibiscus that attracted bright orange butterflies and bees. Lower still, the ground was covered by salvias, snapdragons, marigolds of all hues, and creeping plants that cunningly hid the irrigation pipes that zigzagged across the dry soil. José had always delighted in pointing out the different plants to the many tourists who came to walk in his garden throughout the year. He had overseen all this splendour. He had made it what it was.
Maria and Tomaz led the group along a path, tessellated with white stones. They followed its sinuous route deeper into the garden. No one stopped to admire the flowers. Brown lizards rustled in the foliage as they passed or darted in front of them as the group walked quietly to the central gazebo. A table had been set out beneath the thatched roof. This thickly timbered open-sided structure was a contemplative space in the garden where visitors usually sat to appreciate the garden’s sights, sounds and smells.
A blackbird sang nearby as the mourners grouped themselves around Maria. She put the box on the table. Heads bowed and tears were shed as she spoke of her father’s life and of his deep love for the plants around them. The smell of jasmine filled the air and the blackbird continued his song. Finally, the time came for José’s ashes to be scattered underneath a towering palm tree, its fan-like leaves spread against the sky like angel’s wings.
‘My father will be forever in the place he loved,’ Maria said as she handed the empty box to Tomaz. Then, arm in arm, they led the group back down the path. Maria smiled weakly and gave silent thanks that the parting had been sweet.
How exponential house-building irrevocably changed Wymondham
What's in a Photo?
With controversial plans for another 600 homes on Norwich Common on the northern edge of Wymondham, it's probably worth considering how the town has grown in the last 100 years.
The aerial photo looking at northern Wymondham was taken in 1928. Three years later, the census recorded the population as 5017. Today, it is estimated at 17000.
At this time, there were not many houses on Tuttles Lane, and the land between there and Folly Road (sometimes referred to as Folly Lane) was agricultural. The map shown above shows the two brush factories, which between them employed nearly 1000 people: the Co-op towards the top left of the picture and the Briton Brush Company, later Briton Chadwick Ltd, at the bottom right. Both factories closed in the 1980s and were subsequently demolished to make way for housing, while on the north side of the town, big estates had already been built.
In recent decades, there have been many further houses built, for example, off London Road and at Silfield in areas which were once agricultural. The continual building has arguably exacerbated local waiting times for medical appointments.
Wymondham is now a far cry from the place I knew in the 1950s, when I could walk into town from my home on London Road and I probably knew just about everyone I met!
Short Story: Gerald and the EV
Gerald was a “sensible” man. You remember him, don’t you? He and Dolly got it together on a cruise and now live in a little love nest over Dolly’s café.
Dolly had gone to her sister Flo’s for a few days. Gerald decided not to go on the pretence of looking after the bakery, but in reality, there was only so much eye-rolling, whispers and behind-the-hand discussion of intimate matters a man could take.
After a hectic morning managing the bakery, he headed off to take Dolly’s beloved van for an MOT. It had been tastefully resprayed in baby pink with pastel pictures of colourfully frosted doughnuts – and one or two unicorns for good measure. Gerald wasn’t too keen on driving the van. He felt it undermined his street cred but a promise is a promise. He dug out his largest, most stylish sunglasses, the ones that made him look just like Brad Pitt, shoved the radio on full blast, rested his elbow on the open window ledge, and zoomed off at 20mph, sounding his horn with impunity in true Italian stallion fashion.
It was funny, he mused, that he never had to wait long at the garage, almost as soon as his tyres touched the forecourt, Dolly’s van was whisked away to the dark recesses of the workshop. Gerald sauntered around the garage stretching his legs. The van was small and cute, not conducive to comfort. It was then that he saw her. The world stopped turning. It was love at first sight. The salesman was only too pleased to provide a test drive. “It’s so in keeping with Sir’s image. Looks like it was made especially for you!”
Once a photocopy of Gerald’s driving licence was taken, he “accelerated” off at a snail’s pace (as we already know, Gerald is of the slow and steady school), however, he still felt a frisson of excitement with the salesman’s final warning, “Be careful, the orange model is like a red rag to a bull, every idiot within miles will want to take you on, but you can outrun everything- and don’t forget the turbo-boost button!”
After careful consideration, Gerald decided to drive through the High Street in the hope of being seen by as many customers as possible. He would then make a short stop outside the cafe where he could ask Sue, the assistant, to take a photo with the cafe in the background for Dolly – who would be so impressed.
Everything was just perfect in Gerald’s world. He was very impressed with himself when he managed to find the button for the sunroof and open it without crashing into anything.
The High Street was very busy. As he stopped at the pedestrian crossing, he became aware of a big commotion and lots of shouting. Suddenly a masked figure ran out of the bank leaped over the bonnet and into the passenger seat, pointed a gun at Gerald, flicked the boost switch and said “Go,go,go!”
So Gerald went, faster than he had ever done anything in his whole life! The High Street disappeared in a flash, the gun-toting, would-be bank robber urging Gerald to more and more recklessness as they raced through country lanes. As sweat ran down Gerald’s brow and down the back of his neck, settling between his shoulder blades soaking his shirt, he made a pact with God, making promises he would never be able to fulfil even if he were St Francis of Assisi!
Gerald became aware of the helicopter hovering overhead and the blue flash of police cars that appeared and disappeared in the winding roads behind him.
With no warning at all the car juddered to a halt – it was out of charge!
The gun woman jumped out and pointed the gun at Gerald, screaming at him to get out now. But Gerald couldn’t get out now or ever, there wasn’t enough charge for the door to open. She screamed, “Roof.” Gerald tried his best, but to get his sweaty, slippery body anywhere near the sunroof opening was impossible, even when he modelled himself on the performers of the Cirque du Soleil, which Dolly had treated them to on their last anniversary. The gun person decided discretion was the better part of valour and made a run for it!
The firemen were very kind to Gerald and only gave way to laughter in the privacy of the fire station. Gerald, limp and exhausted, declined a lift back to the garage on the tow truck, agreed to be interviewed by the police tomorrow and promised to pick up Dolly’s van at a later date. If he ever drove again.
Later, when he recounted the episode to Dolly, he became 007, racing through the streets in his shades, roof open, grappling with a masked murderer, sacrificing himself for the greater good. Dolly was hugely impressed with her hero, especially after the trial when his picture appeared in the press. She suggested that as a reward for his bravery, and as the café was doing so well, they could afford to buy the orange car for Gerald. A superhero needed a supercar. Gerald thanked Dolly for her kind offer but thought it would be best if they kept the money in reserve for emergencies – you never know what might happen next!
Left Out of a Will? Understanding Your Legal Options
Being left out of a loved one’s will, or receiving less than you expected, can be upsetting and difficult to understand. Many people assume there is nothing they can do, but that is not always the case.
In England and Wales, there are several legal routes available if there are concerns about whether reasonable financial provision has been made under the will, the validity of the will, or the way an estate is being dealt with.
This area is often referred to as contentious probate.
When can you make a claim?
One common route is a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
This allows certain people to apply to the court if the will, or the intestacy rules where there is no will, does not make reasonable financial provision for them. Eligible applicants can include a spouse or civil partner, a former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or entered a new civil partnership, a child, someone treated as a child of the family, a cohabiting partner in certain circumstances, or someone who was being financially maintained by the deceased immediately before death.
Claims under the 1975 Act are different from a challenge to the validity of a will. The court is not deciding whether the will is valid, but whether the financial outcome is reasonable in the claimant’s particular circumstances.
There is usually a strict six-month deadline from the date of the grant of probate or letters of administration to issue a claim under the 1975 Act, so early advice is important.
Property and ownership disputes
Disputes do not always relate solely to the contents of a will. In many cases, particularly where unmarried couples, family members or shared property are involved, there may be a disagreement about who owns what share of a property or whether it should be sold.
Claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, commonly known as TOLATA, can help resolve these issues. The court can determine beneficial ownership, decide who is entitled to what share, or order a sale where appropriate.
These claims can arise alongside probate disputes, particularly where property forms part of an estate or where the legal title does not reflect the parties’ contributions or intentions.
Challenging the validity of a will
In some cases, the issue is not whether reasonable financial provision has been made under the terms of the will, but whether the will is valid at all.
A will may be challenged on a number of recognised legal grounds, including a lack of testamentary capacity, where the person making the will did not have the necessary mental capacity; a lack of knowledge and approval, where the person did not understand or approve the contents of the will; undue influence, where pressure or coercion caused the person to make or change their will; fraud or forgery, or failure to comply with the legal formalities for signing and witnessing a will.
Will validity claims can be complex and evidence-heavy. Medical records, solicitor’s files, witness evidence, previous wills and information about the circumstances in which the will was prepared may all be relevant.
What evidence may be needed?
The right evidence will depend on the type of claim. In a 1975 Act claim, the necessary evidence may include details of the claimant’s income, outgoings, housing needs, health and financial resources and their relationship with the deceased. In a will validity dispute, evidence about capacity, the will-making process and the deceased’s relationships may be important.
Because estates can be distributed quickly, it is sensible to seek advice as soon as concerns arise. In some cases, urgent steps may be needed to preserve the estate or prevent a grant of probate being issued while matters are investigated.
What should you do next?
If you believe you have been excluded from a will, received less provision than needed, or you have concerns about how a will was made, you should take advice promptly.
A solicitor can help identify the correct type of claim, advise on time limits, assess the evidence and explore whether the dispute can be resolved without court proceedings.
Short Story: Satan's Angel. Part 1.
Hell never slept.
It pulsed.
A living, breathing abyss of fire and ruin, where screams blended into something almost rhythmic—like a heartbeat that refused to stop. Rivers of molten gold carved through blackened stone, casting a dim glow against towering obsidian pillars.
At the centre of it all sat Satan.
Still. Silent. Watching.
A demon grovelled before him, trembling so violently that its claws scraped against the floor.
“My lord—please—I can—”
“Enough.”
Satan didn’t raise his voice.
He didn’t need to.
The word alone pressed through the air like a physical force, forcing the creature flat against the ground.
For a long moment, Satan simply stared at it.
Then, with a flick of his fingers—
The demon vanished.
No scream. No ash. Just gone.
The court remained silent.
They always did.
Not out of respect.
Out of fear.
When the hall finally emptied, the silence that followed was… louder.
Satan leaned back in his throne, exhaling slowly. His gaze drifted upward—toward the endless cavern ceiling, where flickers of light from above occasionally bled through.
He knew what lay beyond it.
Heaven.
Perfect. Untouched. Whole.
His jaw tightened.
“Still watching them?”
The voice came from the shadows to his right.
A figure stepped forward—tall, horned, with a grin too sharp to be trusted. One of his oldest generals.
Satan didn’t look at him. “I don’t watch.”
The demon chuckled. “Of course not.”
Silence stretched.
“You’re thinking about her again."
Her. The only being that mattered.
This time, Satan’s eyes shifted.
Slowly.
Dangerously.
“Careful.”
The warning was quiet.
But real.
The demon raised his hands slightly. “I mean no disrespect, my king. I’m just… curious.”
“Curiosity gets creatures erased.”
“And yet I remain.”
A pause.
reluctantly...
“Yes,” Satan said.
The word hung heavier than any command he’d ever spoken.
Because it wasn’t power.
It was truth.
“I don’t understand it,” Satan continued, his voice lower now, less… sharp. “I have seen every form of desire this existence can produce.”
“Greed. Lust. Obsession.”
“They all break the same way.”
The demon tilted his head. “And her?”
Satan’s expression shifted, just slightly.
“She doesn’t want anything.”
That was the problem.
From prison to tourist attraction: how volunteers reinvigorated the Heritage Museum
In last month’s issue, we celebrated Wymondham Heritage Museum’s 30 years at its Bridewell home. It was a boon to the town when a museum was opened in Middleton Street. The opportunity to purchase The Bridewell in 1994 enabled the museum’s volunteers to make great strides over the decades, eventually establishing an attraction that meets the demands of both tourists and local residents.
Professional boards tell the story of the likes of Robert Kett, the town’s lost pubs and the history of the ancient building.
Recreation has been a theme pursued by the volunteers. Always popular with children is the dungeon with its story of life for a prisoner in the 19th century. Next door is the Anderson Shelter; the commentary helps illustrate what it was like when the bombs were falling.
Then there is the remand cell where prisoners were held when the Bridewell was a police station. It features a mannequin sitting by a bed with a commentary describing the fate that awaits him.
Undoubtedly, the most creative and ambitious project the committee has undertaken is the recreated shops. The idea came from museum stalwart, the late Mike Foyle. Mike was committee chair at the time and drove the project, which included seeking donations to finance the initiative.
When the museum closed for the season in 2019, work commenced to demolish existing displays and create and stock grocery and hardware stores based on the town’s shops in the late nineteenth/early twentieth centuries.
Once cleared, the area was cleaned and decorated. Products of the day included Fynnon Salts, Chivers Marmalade, Lyons Fruit Pie, copper kettles, tools and bed warmers.
Local contractor Stuart Gooda built the shop fronts, signage was added, and the goods were displayed. It was a huge achievement by the volunteers to have everything ready for the opening in March 2020. Unfortunately, the official launch was delayed by the Covid lockdown.
If you haven’t visited the museum, then come along and do some window shopping as the folk of the town did 100 years ago. And don’t be surprised if you spot groceries and ironmongery that were still around in your youth!
New allotments to be set up from scratch by local growers
We can’t tell you how much we’re missing our allotments! It’s now been nearly eighteen months, and with summer in full swing, many of us are finding creative ways to satisfy the allotment itch.
Those lucky enough to have gardens at home are squeezing in a few vegetables wherever they can. Windowsills are packed with tomatoes, chillies and peppers, while runner beans are being encouraged up makeshift arches and fences. For those living in flats, or with gardens already full of sheds, storage and children’s toys, it’s a much bigger challenge.
Of course, none of these substitutes can replace a thriving allotment. Many of us relied heavily on the fresh produce we grew, especially from summer through to autumn, and some of our more experienced growers enjoyed harvests well into winter. But the allotments were always about much more than fruit and vegetables.
They offered a peaceful escape – a place to think, to unwind, or simply to spend a few hours digging, planting and forgetting the pressures of everyday life. They also created a welcoming community where friendships flourished, gardening tips were freely shared, and regular coffee-and-cake gatherings brought people together.
That sense of community is exactly why Wymondham’s Allotment Association has been working so hard to move the new allotment project forward. We’ve been exploring ways to make the best possible use of the site, secure a reliable water supply and create allotments that are practical, attractive and welcoming for everyone.
Our plans include accessible growing spaces to enable more people to enjoy gardening, trial plots for beginners who would like to learn the ropes, and a dedicated wildlife area. Although, to be fair, the previous allotments already provided a wonderful habitat for birds, bees and other wildlife, both on the allotments themselves and in its surrounds.
Fundraising has also been a major focus. Creating a brand-new allotment site, particularly one that requires a borehole and water distribution system, is a significant undertaking. We are delighted that the National Lottery has provided support, alongside several other grants, which will help fund essential infrastructure and bring our vision closer to reality. However, there is still more money to raise before the project can be fully delivered.
Last month, we were also fortunate to welcome a highly experienced team of horticultural experts from the RHS, alongside members of the Browick Orchard team from Greening Wymondham. We were delighted to host Jim Arbury, an orchard specialist; Joe Lofthouse, who manages a large estate which includes England’s biggest kitchen garden; Lenka Cook, well known to many gardening enthusiasts; and Norwich-based Sue Roe, a specialist in herbaceous perennials and conservation horticulture who advises both the RHS and the Woodland Trust.
The group spent time reviewing our plans, sharing valuable advice and discussing ideas for the future. Most encouraging of all was their genuine enthusiasm for the project and their desire to stay involved as it develops. Despite their considerable experience, they told us this is one of the largest allotment-from-scratch projects they have encountered.
That support and encouragement are particularly welcome as we prepare for the next stage of the process. We are aware of the concerns that have been raised by the Planning Department, and the council’s allotment application, due to be submitted in early August, will need to address those issues carefully.
While there is still work ahead, the progress made so far gives us every reason to remain positive. We look forward to keeping everyone updated as the project continues to move forward and, hopefully, bringing allotment gardening back to Wymondham in the not-too-distant future.
Greening Wymondham opens refurbished Rothbury Park with Councils
As the saying goes, another day, another Red Letter Day. This time it was the formal opening of the Rothbury Park refurbishment.
Town Mayor Councillor Lucy Nixon cut the ribbon, watched by several Council representatives and members of Greening Wymondham who put together the funding bid and arranged the overall design.
The Mayor also unveiled the new notice board, which explains how the improved park will increase biodiversity. The board stresses that the park is a facility for the whole local community.
Volunteers have already notched up nearly 400 hours of work at Rothbury, and we hope to start monthly volunteer sessions in the Autumn. The Brownies, Guides and Rangers are also developing their own ideas for part of the Park, which they hope to take to the Town’s Leisure Committee in July.
We were also hugely pleased that the Royal Horticultural Society came to see Browick Community Orchard as part of their recent visit to local community gardens. It was a privilege to have on-the-spot advice from four experts - and to know that they enjoyed their visit.
Thank you, of course, to all in Wymondham who supported our Summer Litter Pick - you know the difference you make in those few hours.
At Friarscroft, we had a picnic to celebrate nearly three years of workdays in the woods. With generous support from South Norfolk Council, we have now planted over 30 trees, created 100 metres of “dead hedges”, improved the pond and built a new viewing pontoon. And there's plenty to view: visits from Egrets, mallards and at one point, a moorhen family.
All our activities aim to improve the environment and support wildlife, but we don’t just rely on good intentions. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has carried out a baseline survey of Rothbury flora, so we'll know in a few years' time if the number of species has risen within the "natural" areas of the park. Wymondham Nature Group are kindly surveying birds in Friarscroft Wood.
Updates on all of these projects and more (including our weekly Tiffey E.coli monitoring) are available on our Facebook page.
Fancy a group outing to Henstead Exotic Gardens? The Garden Club's got you covered
The Annual General Meeting of the Club is never boring! Everyone is welcome, so please come along. This is an earlier AGM than usual - Monday 20th July - to discuss the future of the club going forward into 2027. It will take place at 7:30pm, Town Green Centre, at just £4 entry for guests. Members get in free.
We also have a plant sale, selling garden bric-a-brac and surplus plants at knock-down prices grown by our members.
And don’t forget our outing to Henstead Exotic Gardens in August. This is the last call for names and payment (cost £10 per person). Contact us at wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com for more details.
Norwich exhibition to showcase Wymondham photography legends
15th and 16th of August, 10am-4pm
Wymondham Photographic Society is holding an exhibition in partnership with Wex Photo and Video, a photo equipment warehouse in Norwich.
It will take place August 15th-16th from 10am to 4pm. It is a display of our members' prints and digital images for the 2025-26 season. There will be about 70 prints displayed and a similar number of digital images played on a screen.
Members of the club will be present over the 2 days to answer questions about anything photographic, and admission is free.
The Lowe Down on Wymondham High: Miss B.
The latest in our tell-all Wymondham High anecdotes
If ever there was a teacher at Wymondham High who epitomised the phrase ‘force to be reckoned with’, it has got to be Miss B. Unlike Miss M and the ‘Casa Azul’ teacher – stars of previous Lowe Downs on Wymondham High – Miss B never actually taught me. She did teach some classes but was more famous for patrolling the school in a high-vis jacket and barking orders at transgressors, be it for using their phones in corridors or being late to get to class.
She joined the school as a new member of staff when I was there, and quickly gained a ‘sergeant-major’ reputation. One of her first roles was to announce the school’s new detention policy in assembly, where she announced to the crowd, ‘we can keep you back from school at any time. And we don’t need your parents’ permission to do it.’ Needless to say, everyone loved her for that.
You had to admire her. With that assembly role and her high-vis patrolling duties, she must have known when she took the job that she wouldn’t be instantly popular. But she kept going and became a fixture of the school.
And to her credit, she could be very nice when you met her 1-1. She first noticed me when she heard me play a Rachmaninov piano solo at a school Christmas concert. She came up to congratulate me, and after that, when she saw me in the corridor, she would smile and say hello rather than barking an order. Her warmth towards me meant that in the end the feeling became mutual. She became my advisor at a Careers Advice event, and she was very kind and useful.
(Maybe being good at piano was a route to her good books.)
But Miss B did also provide two of my most memorable school anecdotes, the first of which still haunts me to this day.
Shortly after the Christmas concert – and for reasons best known only to my younger self – I divulged something about my personal life to one or two trusted class teachers. It was a small and ultimately unimportant detail just mentioned in passing, as one does. All was fine.
But this tidbit about me clearly got through the teachers’ grapevine, because a few days later, I was standing in the school dining area holding a just-purchased hot meal – about to sit down – when Miss B cornered me and started giving me advice.
She wasn’t telling me off. She was giving me concerned life advice based on what she’d found out about me.
It was professional, well-meant, and completely mortifying. I have never wanted the ground to open up more. I stood there awkwardly listening and clutching my jacket potato and beans, before scuttling off red-faced that a teacher I barely knew had found this out about me and was forcing me to talk about it in public.
The next time I saw her was even more mortifying – though in a much funnier way.
I was in Year 13 (Upper Sixth). My classmates and I were sitting an English Literature mock exam. It was one of our last practices before the real thing, so it felt like a big deal. Our teacher was absent for the day and they needed an invigilator. Miss B was free, so she was brought in.
One of our teachers wondered afterwards if Miss B was peeved off at having to invigilate during a free period, and so deliberately did a terrible job. Because for whatever reason, she decided to talk incessantly throughout the exam, making naff jokes and chit-chat.
One of our exam texts was a famous Agatha Christie novel. Miss B chipped in (while we were frantically writing), ‘oh yeah, Agatha Christie, she’s good. You know the narrator’s the killer, right?’
(We’d been studying this book for a year.)
A few minutes later, I quietly asked for more paper. She looked at me – only just noticing I’m there – and shouted across the classroom, making people jump, ‘oh, Freddy! Long time no see! Yeah, sure, have more paper. I want you to pass.’
Recollections varied, but some people also remembered her making some fart joke.
It was like a bad comedy night. And it was non-stop. Non-stop until a teacher walked in and said (with forced lightheartedness), ‘Miss B, you’re not talking to them, are you? During an exam?’ This intervening teacher was clearly apoplectic but forcing herself to remain polite to a colleague in front of students.
Things occasionally go down in schools – and that was one of the funnier (and weirder) incidents. All credit to Miss B for terrifying us, mortifying us, and giving us all a laugh!
Around Wymondham in 80 Dishes: The Bridewell Tearoom.
Saturday June 27th and the temperature is 29 degrees. Who wants to go out for coffee or tea? Not me, but I had a deadline looming for the magazine.
I spoke to my favourite person, Alex, lounging in front of the fan in his boxers.
“Alex, will you take me out this afternoon?”
“Where?”
“I need to go to the coffee shop so I can write my article for the magazine.”
“When and where?” My angel replied.
We stepped down the stairs of the Bridewell’s Tea Room at three o’clock. We enter through a side door and the stairs have railings on both sides. This afternoon, there were two women there already being served coffee and cake.
The temperature is a few degrees cooler because the building is below ground level. There is a sky light allowing sunshine to stream through a window, providing lots of natural light. Debbie is the volunteer staff member this afternoon, one of fifteen on a rota to work in the café 3 or 4 hours each day.
I don’t know anywhere else where a pot of tea or a mug of coffee can be bought for £1.50! Or a milkshake for £1.00!
The cakes, brownies, scones, and other delicious morsels are all made by their volunteers. And also sell for a very reasonable price of £2.50. Alex and I shared a piece of delicious coffee cake with thick frosting in the middle. Debbie cut the piece and gave us each our half slice on a fancy plate with a serviette and dessert fork. For our drink, we chose iced coffee served with a taste of caramel syrup and ice. Perfectly satisfying on this hot afternoon. The tea room also has canned drinks and crisps for sale, as well as a delicious-looking variety of homemade cakes.
The tea room has seating for twenty with tables and wooden chairs as well as a strategically placed armchair, below the window in the ceiling. Here one could comfortably relax with a coffee and a book. Two more ladies came in whilst we were savouring our iced coffee and cake. There were several paintings from local artists displayed on the walls.
Jaybee, a friendly volunteer who works at the front desk in the museum, gave us the history of the place. You can read all about it in Neil’s latest. In one corner of the tea room is an original covered well, where you can make a wish and toss a coin down the well.
You may or may not want to toss coins down the well, but you will save more than a few coins when you stop here for a coffee, hot or cold, with a scone or slice of cake.
Debbie welcomed us with her friendly personality and warm smile. There was a certain casual friendliness here that reminded me of days gone by. It is a great place to take anyone, young or old, for a seriously reasonable cost. After tea and cake, go for a tour in the museum and expand your mind with a history lesson. Convenient country calm in our Wymondham town.
Bowls club win big after 25-year tournament hiatus
Huge congratulations to Bruno (Brian) Sturman, Ivan Freedman and Ivan Howman from the Priory Garden Bowls Club for their success in the Age Concern Mrs Clifford King Bowls Challenge Cup.
This was hosted by Horsford Bowls Club on Saturday, 6th June 2026 and is open to all Bowling Clubs registered to play in the AGE Concern League across Norfolk.
After playing in the rain for the entire morning session, the match was adjourned for lunch with a 100% winning record for their team and a healthy shot difference. Following lunch, Bruno and the two Ivans continued their winning ways and, after only being behind for one end during the whole tournament, they finished with a maximum of eight points and a healthy positive shot difference of twenty-eight.
This tournament was first played in 1954, and the Priory Garden Bowls Club last won this trophy back in 1987. In fact, this is the first season they have played this tournament since 2001, so this is wonderful news to bring the trophy back to the Club in Wymondham on their first time competing in 25 years!
EAMA 10K places are now OPEN!
Runners are being encouraged to sign up now as bookings open for South Norfolk Council’s popular EAMA 10K, returning to Wymondham on Sunday 22 November 2026.
Sponsored by East Anglia Motor Auctions, this well-established road race takes participants on a scenic 10km route through the surrounding countryside, starting and finishing on Lady’s Lane. The event is open to runners of all abilities, from experienced athletes to those taking on their first 10K, with staggered start times to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable run for everyone.
Chair of South Norfolk Council, Cllr Kathryn Cross, said:
“With nearly 700 runners taking part last year, we’re expecting another fantastic turnout. Places can sell out fast, so don’t delay – sign up now to secure your place.”
Entry fees help support some of the Council’s most valued community services, with a proportion also donated to the Chair’s chosen charity.
Entry costs £18 for affiliated runners and £20 for unaffiliated runners. A Corporate Challenge option is also available for local businesses looking to get involved.
To find out more and book your place, visit the South Norfolk Council website.
Remembering Rodney Freeburn, Athletics Club legend who ran 500 park runs
Wymondham Athletics Club has released the following statement on Facebook:
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and club member Rodney Freeburn passed away on Saturday.
"Rodney has been a member of the club for over 40 years having only taken up running in his 50s. He was a keen sailor previously and decided to take up running to continue keeping fit.
"He was an active participant in the East Anglian Cross Country League, regular participant in orienteering events and a keen parkrunner.
"We were delighted to help Rodney celebrate his 500th parkrun back in August 2023 where he became only the 10th runner in the world aged 85 or over to complete 500 parkruns.
"Rodney always ran with a smile on his face and with such enthusiasm. He was kind to the core and a true gentleman and we will miss him greatly.
"Our thoughts are with his wife Margretta and their family and friends."
Saturday 4th July
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
Jazz Picnic 6pm-9pm, Becketswell Meadow
Enjoy your picnic to the upbeat music of DixieMix with a lovely view of the Abbey. Hosted by Rotary Club, sponsored by Spire Solicitors. Free entry but donations to charity encouraged. Gates open 5:30pm. If arriving by car please park in town centre.
Sunday 5th July
Ashleigh Art Show 2026 10am-2pm, Ashleigh Primary School
Free entry with guided tours 4th and 5th July. Belonging Day House Art public debut. Art Stars’ newly commissioned art work on display. Join in with live collaborative art work.
Refreshments available at pop up cafe by Ashleigh Friends PTA.
ashleighprimary.com
Wednesday 22nd July
Ladies Golf free open afternoon 4pm, Barnham Broom Golf Club
Join us for our free ladies golf open afternoon, play a few holes, meet members of our fantastic Ladies Section, and find out what it’s really like to be part of our community.
fb.me/e/bMdEfJ1sa
Saturday 25th July
Cavick String Quartet 7pm, Oulton Chapel
The Cavick Quartet returns to Oulton Chapel in summer 2026 for a special fundraising concert, with all proceeds supporting the care and preservation of this beautiful and historic chapel. Hall Rd, Norwich NR11 6NU. £15 tickets on the door cash only.
historicnorfolk.org.uk/event-details-registration/cavick-string-quartet-summer-concert-2
Saturday 1st August
Picnic for Great Big Green Week 12pm-3pm, Browick Road Community Orchard
A GBGW gathering with fun for all
greeningwymondham.org
Tuesday 4th August
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
Wednesday 5th August
Art Society Demo by John Shave 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
John is a professional artist and tutor and is a well-respected member of the Wymondham Art Society. For the Critique evening, members are invited to bring one of their paintings [finished or work in progress] and John will offer invaluable insights.
wymondhamart.org
Friday 14th August
Charity Music Show: ABBA Tribute 7:30pm, Wymondham Central Hall
Get ready for a Glamtastic Evening full of ABBA hits supporting 3 local charities! Kiss The Teacher is an ABBA tribute group originally formed in 2000, performing both abroad and in the UK and they are coming to Wymondham! Doors open at 18:30hrs for a 19:30hrs start.
Tickets are £20 and available online or at Reeves Stationery Shop on Market Street or contact Norman & Helen on 01953 600563.
ticketsource.co.uk/wymondham-music-events-group
Saturday 15th August
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 17th August
Garden Club Talk: Gardening with Bugs - Good & Bad 7:15pm, Town Green Centre
With Dr Ian Bedford, a regular speaker at the club. Ian is a retired former chief entomologist (Insect expert) with the John Innes centre. Insects are his passion, so we look forward to an entertaining talk on the sorts of Bugs which are found in our gardens, the good, the bad - & probably the ugly & unusual as well!
Doors open from 7.10pm, talk begins ~7.30pm. Members Free, Guests £4.
For further information contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 18th August
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
Friday 28th August
Beer Festival 4pm-10:30pm, Rugby Club
Join us on Friday 28th & Saturday 29th August as Wymondham Rugby Club hosts another huge Beer Festival packed with craft beers, ales, cider, gin bars, street food and live entertainment across the weekend. Tickets available online, under 18s free but must leave site by 9pm.
wymondhamrfc.com/club-events
Saturday 29th August
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
Norwich-Brielle Voices Performance 5pm, Wymondham Abbey
This international programme is called 'from Renaissance to Baroque and beyond' and features works by J S Bach, Josquin, Byrd, Holst, Dering, Kuhnau, Tallis, Sweelinck, Scarlatti and Pearsall. The singing will be interspersed with two organ solos given by the choir's director Ashley Grote who has been Master of
Music at Norwich Cathedral since 2012. Tickets are available from the Abbey office, online (£12 in advance, £14 on the door).
wymondhamabbey.org.uk/2026/05/08/briellevoices
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