Contents
TV Appearance for Arts Society's John Shave
Wymondham Arts Society member, John Shave, has appeared on the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year TV show.
John was selected from 2,500 applicants to be one of only 8 artists to paint in a pod in the first programme of the series at Hampton Court Palace.
Despite the gruelling 12-hour day filming, the changing light conditions in the garden and the extreme heat, John enjoyed the experience, calling it an “adventure”.
John is a semi-retired professional artist and tutor who has been a stalwart of WAS for many years. He will be holding a solo exhibition at Becket's Chapel at the end of May this year.
Art appreciators can enjoy a series of arts-related events next month as the Wymondham Magazine Spring Arts Festival programme of events returns.
Food Bank Donations Overflowing Thanks to the Brownies
As part of their 'Make Change' badge, 5th Wymondham Brownies wanted to raise money for a local food bank. They made cakes, which they sold to friends and family. They raised an amazing £164.
After talking about what food banks are for and why they are important, we walked to Lidl, where they used the money they had raised to buy things from the Wymondham Community Outreach wishlist. We left the donation box there overflowing!
New Primary School Building Nearly Complete in Silfield
We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in the construction of Silfield Oak Primary School in Wymondham.
On Friday 31 January, we celebrated the completion of the steel frame with an official steel signing ceremony. The new school, set to open in September 2025, will have a capacity of 420 pupils and will be a fantastic addition to our community.
The ceremony was attended by staff from Norfolk County Council, new headteacher Emily McMillen, builders R G Carter, and consultants NPS and Roy Sykes Consulting.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the grand opening!
Ashleigh Nursery - March Open Days
Ashleigh Primary School and Nursery is holding tours of the nursery in March.
If your child was born between 01/09/2021 and 31/08/2022 and you are interested in Ashleigh Nursery from September 2025, we would love to meet you and show you our wonderful Nursery!
We offer all day provision, funded hours sessions are 8:30-11:30am and 12:15-3:15pm, with chargeable lunch, before and after school sessions. We also accept 30 hour additional funding where applicable.
The Nursery has its own entrance, two welcoming classrooms, an enclosed, secure playground, and a large open grass play area.
The Nursery is well resourced with a wide range of play equipment, both indoors and out. The children enjoy exploring and investigating in the large sand pit and getting messy in our digging area, amongst many other things! We have beautiful, established trees which the children watch with interest as they change across the seasons.
The outdoor canopy enables the children to use the outside area whatever the weather! We have easy access onto the school field offering opportunities to explore the school farm and Forest School areas.
Why choose Ashleigh Nursery? ‘Exceptional’ early years provision rated by Ofsted in 2024. A stimulating, inclusive learning environment. Ideal preparation for the reception year. A Nurturing place where children feel happy. A safe place where children can explore, play, investigate and use their imaginations.
The group tours will be held on 3rd and 4th March. Register in advance to book your slot via email to nursery@ashleighprimary.net or phone 01953 602 410. More information is available on the website ashleighprimary.com.
Abbey Hall Expanding Community Hub
To a casual visitor, the town of Wymondham looks quite prosperous with its historic town centre and Abbey. First appearances are misleading; research by South Norfolk Council indicates a surprising number of people living in poverty, or socially isolated, unable to see friends or access essential services.
A new initiative to help bridge this gap is being planned in the heart of the town.
On the corner of Vicar Street amongst the fine houses is an unremarkable single-storey 1970s building in a small car park. The Abbey Hall, built on the site of the former Vicarage Rooms, belongs to the Diocese of Norwich and is managed by the members of the Abbey Parochial Church Council (PCC).
Until the Covid pandemic, it was hired out by the hour as a typical community hall to groups ranging from Brownies to Bridge Clubs, but by 2022, many of these groups had found other homes or closed altogether, and so the hall was underused.
Fortunately, the Wymondham Community Outreach Project were looking for a new home for the Town foodbank, and they have been providing an amazing and much-needed service from there for the past two years. More recently, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau has been based in the Hall, and the MensCraft charity is now using it as a local hub. The Abbey’s Parish Nurse (whose services are available to all in the Town and who is funded by the PCC) also uses the Hall. Volunteers from the Abbey provide a monthly lunch, and more frequent community meals are planned.
The initiative being put forward by the Abbey PCC is to use the Hall as a permanent base, and at no cost, for such groups, while leaving some of the booking-time available to commercial hires such as birthday parties and, of course, the Polling Station.
The building hasn’t been altered since the early 1970s, and it needs considerable work to make it a pleasant environment and to update the insulation and heating systems to provide affordable warmth for the occupants.
The Abbey PCC is currently drawing up plans for this work. This includes updating the toilets, providing secure storage for the foodbank, creating a new office for confidential discussions, and re-roofing and cladding the building with insulation.
Heating will be by heat pump powered by solar panels in the roof, so the project will help with Net Zero ambitions as well as being warm and much cheaper to run.
All of this will take time and money. Being in a Conservation Area, planning won’t be simple, and the works will be phased so that the vital efforts of the Groups and individuals currently using the Hall can continue without interruption. It will take a lot of fundraising;there is already a team in place applying for grants.
The Abbey is totally self-funding and depends entirely on the generosity of its congregation and visitors. Like many churches, it's a challenge to fund the everyday maintenance and running of such a building, let alone find extra sums for community projects. Offering the hall for free use by community projects is the PCC's way of giving back to the local community.
To carry this project forward successfully, we will need engagement from Wymondham’s community, as well as local councils. A steering group of interested parties is being planned to drive the project forwards. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but the outcome promises to be very exciting for Wymondham!
Come to Central Hall’s Model Railway Show - March 8th
The Norfolk Railway Society will hold a “Railway Show” at Central Hall, Wymondham on March 8th, 10:30-16:30. This event has been held for many years, beginning in Norwich and latterly in Poringland. This is its first appearance in Wymondham.
There will be around ten model railway layouts in various gauges. One of the star exhibits will be “Whiteleaf”, a large layout in ‘G’ scale (1:22.5 approx. on 45mm gauge track) which is visiting from Buckinghamshire. The show will also include displays from by some of our local heritage lines such as the Mid-Norfolk and Bure Valley railways, modelling demonstrations and sales stands. Refreshments will be available.
New Year, New Energy! - Wellbeing and Spiritual Fairs Start Again
Karen Savage is holding the Wellbeing and Spiritual Fairs again, starting on 15th March, July 19th, and December 6th in Wymondham’s Central Hall.
She has been organising these fairs for the last 3 years, and they have proved popular not only amongst the spiritual community but everyone interested in bettering their health with the help of holistic practices and exercise. There will be readers and life coaches on hand to help you navigate your personal journey through the uncertain times we are living in, making this as stress-free as possible. We all need a little guidance from time to time.
We shall have beautiful stalls full of crystals, books, and handmade wooden crafts including fairies, plants and jewellery. Everything has energy and is there to aid us. Talks and demonstrations will take place throughout the day on anxiety relief, stress relief, herbal healing, and even an insight into Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. We will finish the day with our very popular drumming workshop (spare drums provided) and you can also relax in our wonderful café, which provides refreshments and light lunches. Perfect for making a day of it. Hope to see you there!
Craft Beer and Street Food Pop-Up
Wymondham Mobile Bar Company 'Craftily Bars & Events' are teaming up with popular Plant-Based Street Food Business 'Rambling Roots' to bring a new concept to Wymondham Town Centre.
‘Pints and Plants - Craft Bar and Kitchen’ will pop up at That Little Norfolk Studio on Church Street, opposite Wymondham Abbey. On offer is a variety of Craft Beer amongst other bar options and a tasty selection of Plant-Based Flatbread Wraps, Daal and Chilli Bowls, available to Eat In or Takeaway. The Pop-Up Bar & Kitchen will be open Fridays 5-9pm and Saturdays 12-9pm throughout March.
New Free Mental Health Awareness Courses for Young People
South Norfolk and Broadland Councils, alongside partner organisations, have created a mental health awareness course for young people. This is an extension of our Mindful Towns and Villages project, ensuring young people can access training too.
The course aims to increase knowledge and empower young people to better understand their mental health and feel confident to have open conversations with others around them. It has been designed for secondary-school-aged young people.
We are looking for groups and organisations to host a free course for their young people. To discuss this further, please email mtv@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
New Owner Settling in at Needlecraft
A year ago, we reported in this magazine that Kate was planning to retire from running the Needlecraft Haberdashery in Town Green. Happily we can now share that new owner Karen Elfarsi is well settled and enjoying life on our high street.
Karen had been running her own curtain making business in Rutland for many years before Needlecraft came up for sale. Her son, Kieran Bullen, has been landlord of The White Hart since 2019. He pointed out the opportunity for her to expand her business and come live closer to him and his wife Kayleigh.
Together Karen and Kieran submitted the winning bid to take over Needlecraft, and since getting the keys they’ve been refreshing the interiors and taking stock of customers' preferences. The shop is well stocked with everything from fabrics and wool to scissors, hooks, needles and elastics. Soon Karen will be off to a trade show in Birmingham to pick out exciting new products for crafting, sewing, crocheting and knitting.
You might think the shop only caters to an older demographic, but Karen tells me there is also a lot of interest from young kids. “We’ve had some as young as 7 doing crochet which is really good. We have special patterns with 25g balls of chenille for making little animals which they love.”
Karen also explained how her customers find benefits to their mental health through these pursuits: “It just makes you feel better doesn’t it? When you’ve made something good from nothing or recycled something old into something new. People love coming in and showing us what they’ve made, we’ve seen some of the most amazing things.”
In addition to her handmade curtain making service, the shop continues to offer mending and alteration services as well as sewing machine repairs. A variety of workshops are planned in the coming months so make sure and pop in to see what’s new.
Save the Date for 'Meet the Authors' Day!
As part of an event during the upcoming Wymondham Magazine Spring Arts Festival, we will be showcasing the work of Norfolk authors.
The “Come and Meet The Authors” event will take place at the Rothbury Centre in Rothbury Road from 10am until 2pm on April 26th.
It is being hosted and organised by Norfolk fiction writer Samuel J. White and will feature more than 10 writers covering many genres from fantasy and fiction to history, biographies and nonfiction.
A number of the authors, and it is hoped to feature up to 12, will also read from their work at various times during the day and refreshments will be available. Entry to the event is free and will give the public a chance to chat with the writers, learn a little about writing and publishing books, and buy signed copies.
We will have a full list of authors taking part in next month’s e-magazine.
Town Council Watch: Winter Roundup
Local Democracy Sketch
Spring is sprung. The grass is riz. And TCW readers start to wonder where their quarterly updates is. Well here they is - covering December, January and February’s ever more climactic goings on at Wymondham Town Council.
Well someone’s got to make it sound like anything interesting’s been happening.
STAY ALERT > SAVE THE ALLOTMENTS > PROTECT THE TURNIPS
After Anglian Water told the Town Council they wanted their land back at the Chapel Lane allotment site - meaning the eviction of all plotholders - councillors in December set about finding a solution to what a council document retiringly dubbed: THE WYMONDHAM ALLOTMENT CRISIS.
Heavens.
Stepping back from declaring a full-on Allotment Emergency, the council instead set up a working group to look at finding a new site and helping plotholders move their pride and joys there, if and when a one was found.
Phew. With the Wymondham Allotment Crisis now contained, TCW can’t help but wonder if a crack action taskforce shouldn’t be assembled to address the Kett’s Park Soggy Pitch Cataclysm or the Creaky Swing Armageddon on King’s Head Meadow.
And you thought TCW was the one bringing tabloid sensationalism to Wymondham politics...
Waste Watchers
Back in January, alarm bells in TCW’s Waste Watchers department started a-jingling, after it emerged the Town Council had spent £550 on a troupe of dancing elves - in the same meeting they voted to raise their share of council tax.
The ensemble of Santa’s little twerkers - actual dance moves unknown - had apparently been hired to “add a sprinkle of musical silliness and a twinkle of joy” to the council’s Definitely-Not-WynterfestTM Xmas light switching on event, held back in December.
£550 for 3 hours prancing around dressed as an elf? TCW’s in the wrong game. Every man has his price.
TCW’s mole at the event gave a rave review of their performance: “I never saw them.”
Meanwhile, taxpayers were left with a twinkle of joy in their eyes, as the Town Council voted to up their share of council tax to £110.39 for Band D payers, in the same meeting the gyrating gnomes had their pay cheques signed off.
These poor councils. They’ve all had their budgets cut to the bone...
CLASSIFIED BUS STOP
Spare a thought for poor old TCW, who has been shut out of more and more Town Council business of late. The authority has the ability to exclude press and public from meetings, for items relating to confidential staff matters or ones that are commercially sensitive.
The latest topic deemed too hot for the public to handle? An update on a new bus stop outside the Co-op.
Quite right. Lord only knows what would happen if details of that got into Mr Putin’s hands, dear reader...
The road gritters of your dreams
County Councillor Robert Savage (Con) had the room eating out of the palm of his hands in December while revealing details of Norfolk County Council's new ice thwarting tech.
“For the first time, the gritters have a brand new state-of-the-art auto salting technology aided by satellite navigation” he said with due razzmatazz.
“Woooooooooooooh!” swooned town councillors, like an audience who’d just been shown Bully’s Star Prize.
Or at least, that’s how TCW read them side eyeing each other with faint amusement.
LETTERS TO HEAVEN...
The Town Council has installed a new ‘Letters To Heaven’ post box at the cemetery on, erm, Cemetery Lane. According to the council’s website, the cream coloured mail receptacle ‘aims to help the bereaved cope with their grief by giving them the chance to write and post letters, cards and drawings, to a lost loved one in a special post box.’
Bet you’re wincing to see where TCW goes with this then aren’t you? On we go...
Discussing the idea back in May, you’d be forgiven for wondering if councillors had full confidence in the idea:
Cllr Lowell Doheny (Lab) didn’t want to vote for it, saying: “I don’t think we know how many people want it”. He then cited a case in Ireland where such a box had been installed but then removed “after a bit of reaction from some of the residents who had family members buried there, who didn’t like it... for faith based reasons and tone reasons.”
Let’s hope no one rakes it up here and plants that seed in anyone’s head then...
A potential backlash then became something of a preoccupation in the room:
Cllr Suzanne Nuri-Nixon (Lib Dem) said “Unless we put one there, we don’t really know if there will be a backlash or not.” While Cllr Annette James (Lib Dem) posited: “If we do get a backlash, we could look at renaming it to something like Letters To Loved Ones We’ve Lost”.
The council’s press release iterated the idea initially came from a resident.
“I am so happy to see this installed before Christmas;” they said. “a time when many miss their loved ones even more than usual. I am sure it will bring comfort to people and I look forward to using it.”
Of course, being Wymondham Town Council, the new box comes complete with an obligatory passive aggressive note written in bold:
“This is NOT a Royal Mail post box so please do not place actual post here.”
Shame. There goes TCW’s plan to forward on all the SAGA brochures we get through for the late Mrs Ethel Pendelbury* who we bought our house off.
Another sign on the box has better news for the thrifty among us though:
“No need for a stamp or address.”
*Nice try offence brigade but TCW made dear old Ethel up. The people we bought our house off are alive and well, living in Oxfordshire. Back to the drawing board....
Dave’s Saturday Roast
Town and District Councillor Dave Roberts (Lib Dem) got more than he bargained for from the fearsome Wymondham electorate - over a social media post back in December.
Chief Inspector Roberts had seemingly been out with his hi-vis, clipboard and camera, snooping around the KJ’s Grill car park on Ayton Road, running number plates into the UK government website, to see if they were taxed.
“Is it a car and lorry park or a car sales yard?” he mysteriously posted in Wymondham Ways Uncut, alongside a photo of parked cars - triggering confused irritation among users:
“I'm guilty of parking there, didn't realise it's a crime worthy of the social media police”, said one. “Surely you have better things to do with your time?”
But it turned out Hercule Roberts was onto something, as others reported seeing a man using the public land as a free forecourt to sell cars from.
And he would have got away with it too, if it wasn’t for Cllr Dave.
But that wasn’t enough for one user who sensed some unnecessary showboating:
“It's such a small problem, really, one that's really easily resolved by reporting it to the respective authority and letting them do their jobs...” they said, before bemoaning: “jobsworths trying to score points when there are bigger issues that need to be resolved urgently”.
And there was more:
“Instead, you posted a really inaccurate vague, and frankly cryptic message on a social media platform that has clearly not got the 'look at me I'm doing great things' response that you were hoping for.”...“I have viewed your record, and you turn up for 75% of the meetings...that would be the same as me taking 64 sick days off during the working year.” the scolding completed.
Ouch. Can’t please them all Dave. Lord knows, TCW tries...
Trustees - What Responsibilities Do They Have?
Trustees have a wide range of responsibilities when administering the trust estate under their charge.
What is a trustee?
A trustee is a person or organisation that holds and administers property or assets held in a trust for the benefit of a third party. A trust can be created for a variety of purposes. For example, trusts can be established in bankruptcy situations, in certain types of retirement plans or to manage assets on behalf of a minor or somebody who lacks the mental capacity.
Alternatively, a trust may be established to hold assets with income and capital to be distributed to beneficiaries over time. For example, a lump sum of inheritance money may be held in trust for an eighteen-year-old until they reach twenty-five, but the trustees may have discretionary powers to release some of the money early for things such as university fees, or driving lessons.
Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to the trust’s beneficiaries. This means the trustee must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries when managing the trust assets.
What are a trustee’s duties?
A Trustee’s duties are wide-ranging and varied.
Making Decisions
Trustees must make all the decisions regarding the trust. They are responsible for determining how the assets are acquired, used and distributed. They also need to implement the purposes of the trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Further, they must always make decisions within the rules of the trust, and they have a duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence when doing so.
The Trustee Act 2000 expanded trustees’ investment powers, especially if the trust is a discretionary trust. The Act balances this though with safeguarding the interests of beneficiaries to prevent any misuse or abuse of these powers.
Additionally, the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) granted trustees the authority to acquire freehold and leasehold land in the UK, and the Trustee Act 2000 built upon this framework, further expanding Trustees’ powers and providing further guidance.
Under general Trust law principles, subject to a few limited exceptions, trustees must act unanimously when making decisions, unless the Trust Deed states otherwise.
Managing assets
Trustees are responsible for managing the assets in a trust, including money, financial instruments, property and other assets such as cryptocurrency. The assets must be managed for the benefit of the beneficiaries under the trust.
Trustees can instruct professionals to act on behalf of the trust to assist in the acquisition and disposal of assets.
Acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries
As mentioned above, the trustees must, at all times, act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. They must be impartial to ensure no single trustee benefits over others. They must also avoid any conflicts of interest which may arise in relation to themselves and their own affairs, and the trust estate under their charge.
Follow the rules of the trust
Most Trusts are set out in a document called a Trust Deed. The Trust Deed establishes the trust and sets out the powers of the trustees and the rules designed to benefit the beneficiaries. Trustees cannot ignore those rules when making decisions and must always follow them, even if a beneficiary disagrees with them.
If the trust is a discretionary trust, the extent of the discretion will be specified in the trust. Again, trustees should ensure they do not exceed the powers or breach the rules set down in the Trust Deed.
Keeping accounts, paying taxes and the Trust Registration Service (TRS)
Not all trusts are taxable. However, where they are, it is the trustees who are responsible for reporting to HMRC and ensuring that any taxes due are paid. The range of taxes might include Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax. The Trustees may have to prepare accounts each year and submit returns to HMRC, even if tax is not due, although trustees can instruct accountants to prepare accounts on their behalf.
The area of tax in relation to trusts is complicated and in a constant state of flux. For this reason, trustees should stay on top of all relevant rule changes and seek appropriate financial and tax advice from qualified professionals. If you are a trustee, ignorance of the rules is no excuse for failing to follow them.
The Trust Registration Service (TRS) is an arm of HMRC. Since September 2022 most trusts (with a few exceptions) have been required to be registered with the TRS. For those trusts that are registerable, registration is mandatory and the responsibility of the trustees.
Registerable trusts that are not registered can be subject to an HMRC penalty of £5,000.
Complying with the common law duty of care
All trustees must comply with the common law duty of care. This means they must act with the level of care, skill and diligence that a reasonable person would exercise in managing their own affairs.
Think carefully before accepting a trustee appointment
The duties and responsibilities of trustees are onerous and can take up a great deal of time. They may bring you into conflict with the beneficiaries of the trust and this can be challenging, especially when they are family members.
Before accepting the position, take professional advice about the duties and responsibilities and familiarise yourself with the rules under which you are being asked to act as a trustee.
If you are looking to appoint a trustee, have been asked to act as a trustee, or would like more information regarding the contents of this article, please contact our highly regarded and friendly Wills, Tax and Probate team at info@spiresolicitors.co.uk or call 01953 606 351
Final Ted Talks with Edward Charles Barham
Note from Wymondham Magazine Staff: We are sorry to inform readers that Ted Barham, the subject of Alex Perry’s monthly Ted Talks column, has sadly passed away aged 92.
Ted was a popular figure in town, often seen riding his little green bike and offering dog treats to dog walkers. His wife of 57 years - known to Ted, and readers of the column, as Baryl - died last year.
Alex Perry, who wrote up monthly conversations about Ted’s long and varied life, told us:
“Being in Wymondham Magazine meant a great deal to Ted in his final years. People in the street would recognise him and, importantly, listen to his stories. Sometimes, they even invited him around for tea! I consider myself fortunate to have recorded his memories while he was still with us.”
Ted’s funeral will be Friday 14th March 1pm at Wymondham Abbey for people in town to give Ted the send off he deserves. Ted and Alex’s final recorded conversation appears below.
“Clarks in Bridle Street were ironmongers. The shop was run by two brothers, and they would sharpen your kitchen knives,” said Ted, reminiscing on his memories of Wymondham traders who were stalwarts of the market town in the 1950s and 1960s.
Local retailers in those days were less specialised than the high street shops we have today; they sold anything they could get their hands on to anyone who wanted to buy it. Mrs. Stubbs was one of these ‘wide-range’ retailers who sold everything from bread to coal to soap from her store on Factory Lane Corner. Horace Stuart and the Milward family also had shops filled with everything under the sun.
Ted remembers a butcher’s on one side of Damgate Street and a fishmonger’s shop on the other. “I remember seeing the pieces of meat hanging from the hooks in the store window and sometimes in the street,” said Ted. Also, on Damgate Street was ‘Smith’s Radio’ where you could get your 120-volt batteries recharged. The Smith family even ran a general store out of the living room of their house in Barnham Broom Road.
Dougie Green was, in Ted’s opinion, the best greengrocer in town. He is less sure about who sold the best ice cream, but Percival’s, by the bridge, was very good.
Rothbury Hall was the place to go to for music events, and the Drill Hall (now the Air Cadets’ Centre) was where everyone went for socialising and games. Ted has fond memories of Percy Chapman, “a travelling music man,” who used to go door-to-door on the estates with his portative organ and play tunes in exchange for a few pennies.
Ted’s favourite pub in town was ‘The Woolpack’, now the site of ‘Myhills Pet and Garden.’ There used to be a pet shop called ‘The Lizard’, a good place to purchase hamsters and guinea pigs. Those searching for larger animals, like sheep, went out to Suton, where farmers sold disabled and deformed livestock to the public.
Times have changed, and retailers have moved on to be replaced by new businesses. Yet these traders all contributed to Wymondham’s market town history, and Ted remembers them.
What’s in a Photo? Floral Decorations at the Green Dragon
The evocative photo of wagons and horses outside the Green Dragon, dating from around 1900, was one of several Wymondham pictures kindly left to me by the late Margaret "Maggie" Murrell, who sadly passed away last November.
At the time of the picture, the Dragon was regarded as "a top people's pub" and, before World War One, did not serve mild beer. At the time of writing, it is waiting for someone to take over the tenancy.
Legendary Fred Turnell, seen in the middle of the group, held the tenancy from 1953 to 1986 and during that time Maggie, a great local character, supported him in the pub. Fred is holding a merit award, presented by the directors of Norwich Brewery for outstanding achievement in a floral competition for baskets and tubs in 1979.
The other photo shows the front of the pub decorated with floral arrangements around 1960. A pretty picture!
Spring Note from Rosedale
For some, the beginning of a new year can be a good time to make changes in life. A new year brings the possibility of a fresh start. Many people commit to new fitness or dietary goals or reassess their career direction. In January, estate agents report a surge of properties coming onto the market as people decide to change their living arrangements.
On a smaller scale, I like to take stock of my bookshelves, kitchen cupboards and wardrobe. There is something therapeutic about reorganising our personal space and clearing out things that are surplus to requirements. It feels good to donate clothes and books to charity shops, knowing that someone else can benefit from things we no longer need, whilst also making money for worthy causes. This form of recycling is also good for the planet.
For those who are bereaved, a new year is often not a cause for celebration but a reminder that the future must be faced without their loved one. For some, this fear can be quite overwhelming.
At our bereavement groups, we like to remind participants that they still have a future (even though it might look very different to what they had planned). None of us know the future or what good times may lie ahead.
We also remind our participants that they are still individuals of worth (even without their loved one) and that they are still important - friends, family, and colleagues still need them.
No matter our circumstances, we all have something to offer. We each have a unique set of skills, characteristics and abilities that are needed in the world.
Most importantly, we all need to be reminded that we are not alone. Everyone is part of a community, whether that be a family, friendship group, neighbourhood, church, workplace, or hobby club. At the most basic level, we are all part of the human race and have a part to play in making the world a better place.
I’ll finish with a little story. Whilst looking at the comments beneath an Instagram post about mental health, a doctor had commented that he was losing hope and didn’t feel his life had a point anymore. I encouraged him to keep going and told him I believed he had a unique combination of skills and abilities that no one else had. I reminded him that the world needed what he had to give. He replied with ‘Thank you, I really needed to hear this today.’
We don’t know what difficult situations someone else might be facing, but we can all do a little something that might make a big difference- a smile, a helping hand, a kind word, or an act of generosity.
If you would like some support with your bereavement, call Rosedale on 01379 640810 to reserve your free place on our next course.
Short Story: Something Will Come Up
At the time, I thought it was the worst day of my life. As I closed the door behind me for the last time, I had no idea what the future would hold for me.
‘What am I going to do?’ I asked Adam. We had had this conversation many times over in the last months of our shift. The lighthouse that I had tended for twenty three years was to be made automatic. Keepers were not needed any more. His answer was always the same.
‘Something will come up.’
‘It’s alright for you,’ I said. ‘You’re only 29. You’re going back to your studies. I’m nearly twice your age. Too old for studying. Who’s going to employ an old lighthouse keeper?’
‘Something will come up,’ he replied. ‘You’ll see.’ He pointed to a small boat approaching. ‘John’s here. Time to go. Come on.’
I wished a storm would blow in from the Atlantic. I wished John’s boat wouldn’t reach us. I wished I could stay at the lighthouse forever. But within three hours that life was far behind me, and I was unlocking the front door to the rented cottage where I spent my time between my shifts offshore. Adam had waved me goodbye and I was alone.
There was nothing in my fridge and the cupboards were mostly empty. I decided to brave a meal at The Mermaid. I knew the food would be OK but the noise in the bar always deafened me for my first few visits - so loud after the quietness of the lighthouse. Sid, the landlord, welcomed me with his usual greeting.
‘Ahoy there Captain Birdseye! Home forever this time I hear. Not needed any more!’
‘Don’t rub it in Sid,’ I said, scratching my beard. He put a pint in front of me.
‘On the house,’ he said. ‘Something will come up.’
I took my pint into the quietest corner I could find. Everyone says ‘Something will come up.’ How do they know? Have they got a crystal ball or second sight? It was definitely the worst day of my life.
A year has gone by since then. A miserable year. I’ve had ten different jobs around the town – all boring; all in loud crowded places. I couldn’t stick any of them for more than a couple of weeks. Pay days came and went. I shaved off my whiskers – so no more Captain Birdseye. It made me look younger but it didn’t feel right.
Last Wednesday Adam turned up on my doorstep.
‘Come in,’ I said, glad to see my old workmate. ‘What brings you back to these parts? I thought you were studying up north somewhere doing marine engineering.’
‘I’ve finished that. I’m here for an interview tomorrow up at the lifeboat station. Keeping the old boat going, that’ll be the job.’
We went to The Mermaid to eat and talk about ‘old times’. He laughed at my lack of beard – said he’d never seen my chin before! And he laughed even more when I told him about my awful jobs.
‘Something will come up,’ he said. ‘You just have to be patient.’
We agreed to meet at the pub the next evening after his interview. I shook his hand and wished him luck. I was sure he would be offered the job.
When we met I could tell by his smiles that my judgement had been right. He was due to start at the lifeboat station at the beginning of next month.
‘Good for you,’ I said. ‘That’s worth celebrating with a couple of pints. And I’ll buy you a fish and chip supper. Well done.’
‘I’ve put in a word for you with the coxswain,’ he said as the platefuls of food arrived.
‘What d’you mean?’
‘About a job.’
‘A job? Now what can I do on a lifeboat at my age?’
‘Not on the boat. They’re opening a shop up there and they need someone to run it. Someone who looks ‘nautical’! So I told them Captain Birdseye was looking for a job and they said to tell you to come over if you were interested. I told you something would come up,’ he said and raised his glass to mine. ‘Cheers, mate.’
I rubbed my chin. The beard would have to regrow quickly.
‘Cheers, mate. You were right - even if it’s taken a year to happen.’
If you enjoyed this story, check out Anne Bealing's new book!
The Secret Farmer's Diary: Guns
Ah February. The short month where every farmer hopes it finishes warm and dry and without any arguments about who got what for Valentines Day.
The shooting season being over, we pick up, wash down and put away our equipment until the chicks arrive in summer, our surviving birds being grateful to be left alone to court, build nests and lay eggs in the spring.
The farm is beautiful in the morning light of the lengthening days, rabbits and deer leaving their tracks in the frosty fields. The crops grow imperceptibly.
As I start writing this month’s diary; the latest attack review of farming policy is a proposal to further restrict the ability of the public to buy and keep shotguns.
I am cross: not content with jacking up the renewal fees for our firearms and shotgun certificates, the government are now proposing to change the permitting criteria from “no good reason not to issue” to “reason to issue”.
This will affect thousands of law-abiding sporting shooters and gunsmiths more than it will gamekeepers and farmers, since many of us will already hold both a firearms and shotgun certificate, but I don’t believe it’s a proportionate measure to the scale of the problem: the proposals are designed to reduce serious crime involving legally held shotguns (of which I can think of 1 in the last 5 years and 2 in the last 10, both involving serious shortcomings in the certifying authorities).
I sit in an immobilised tractor in the shed as I fulminate over the government… and the tyranny of technology.
Our machinery has never been so clever – with GPS software, laser guidance, computerised control units that govern everything – and yet so foolish: locking itself out if it can’t detect the right digital token, derating itself if it thinks you may be doing harm to the machine or the environment and getting very upset if a sensor stops working.
None of these things are an exclusive farming problem/benefit, but as I sit here in the cab waiting for the engineer, I ponder the extent to which my joy at having comfortable, precise and powerful things around me is cancelled out by my ennui at sitting in a comfortable seat in the warm(ish) and dry unable to get on with anything other than billing and trading corn online.
But then I think of my forebears and their working conditions – cramped, cold and wet a lot of the time – and I think on balance we’ve never lived so well.
My newly found gratitude for my lot is short lived, as my colleague rings to tell me the windscreen on his tractor has exploded for no reason other than to take two machines out of commission. And take £1200 from my pocket to pay for the windscreen and the prompt and helpful glazing chap who fitted it. The old boys didn’t have to worry about that, did they?
Wymondham Magazine Spring Arts Festival 2025:
What To Expect This Year
April sees the return of the Spring Arts Festival programme - presented by Wymondham Magazine - featuring 3 weeks of arts-related events around town. Here are some highlights you can look forward to this year...
Watch live demonstrations by talented artists
Wymondham Arts Society hosts monthly demonstrations by local artists. On 7th May they will observe Christine Lester as she demonstrates an animal portrait in pastels. Find them at the Catholic Church Hall at 7:15pm.
Down on Town Green on 4th May, Needlecraft owner and talented curtain maker Karen will demonstrate how to make a Roman blind from your favourite fabric.
Take in a play at Central Hall
Wymondham Players will be treading the boards once more with their latest production of Agatha Christie's 'Murder In The Studio'. On at Central Hall every evening from 30 April - 3 May with a matinee on 3rd.
Meet fellow creative writers
Ever wondered what it's like to write a book and get published? The ‘Meet The Authors’ event on from 10:00 - 14:00 on 26 April at Rothbury Centre is your chance to meet local authors and hear their publishing stories.
Enjoy a tribute Rolling Stones gig
Mick and Keith fans, this is one not to miss. Not The Rolling Stones play a tribute concert raising money for 3 local charities at 19:30 on Sun 4th May at Central Hall. Wild horses couldn't keep us away!
Add to your art & craft collection
Becket’s Chapel will be hosting a showcase of Norfolk crafting talent daily from 11:00 - 16:00 from 19 April - 4 May. Drop in, have a browse and take home anything that takes your fancy.
Meanwhile, the residents of Robert Kett Court are waiting to show off their artwork to the public in an open exhibition of their work from 10:00 - 12:00 on 19 April.
Get down to music at Ex Services Club
There’s something for everyone’s musical tastes going on at the Ex Services, who are also hosting their Spring Beer Festival. From Elvis to party hits to soul and ska. It promises to be the livliest music venue in town this spring.
Bask in traditional tunes at the Abbey
If you enjoy traditional music you're in for a treat at the organ recital on 3rd May in Wymondham Abbey. Rob Goodrich will be playing the ancient forboding instrument accompanied by young cellist Aile.
Let historical authors take you on a journey
Duncan Mackay, author of 'Echolands: A Journey in Search of Boudica' will be hosted by Wymondham Heritage Society for a talk in Fairland Hall on 24th April at 7:30pm.
You can see the current programme of events here.
LAST CALL FOR YOUR EVENT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME
There is still time to get your event or society into our Spring Arts festival programme, which we will be putting on posters around town and our website. Contact springarts@wymondhammagazine.co.uk. Think small! Even if you just open your doors to the public for a rehearsal or regular meeting. It’s a great chance to show people what you do and gain new members.
What Have the Trees Ever Done for Us? - Greening Wymondham's New Project
Apart from storing carbon, helping prevent flooding, improving the air we breathe, giving us shade, and cooling the air in hot weather, what have the trees ever done for us? Just ask a passing schoolchild!
Greening Wymondham wants to know more about the trees in the town and how we stand tree-wise. We want to try to find the economic value of the services trees provide.
So – and Wymondham Magazine is the first to know – we are starting a community campaign to map them.
Nicola Maunders and Rob Morgan are leading the charge, using a free app devised by Open University called Treezilla. It involves measuring the tree’s height and girth and then noting its species and location. It’s part of the Monster Mapping of trees that quantifies the riches lurking on our streets, parks and gardens.
Once the data is loaded, the app can actually give the amount of runoff avoided, carbon removed and stored, water intercepted, and air quality improved. It then gives an economic value to the tree, based on recognized costs of mitigation.
Why bother? Well, not much is known about urban trees or their numbers or values – despite the fact 80 percent of us live in towns or cities that benefit from the work trees do. As any primary school child will tell you – that includes cleaning our air, providing shade and absorbing run-off.
Our urban trees are also under attack from councils who don’t want the cost of managing them, developers wanting ease of access, disease and weather.
At least, if we have an economic value for our leafy friends, we can add that to their defence alongside the pleasure they give us, the biodiversity they contribute, and their sheer beauty.
Many trees in central Wymondham have a general protection under Conservation Area rulings, but most in the wider area do not. It will be fascinating to find out what types of trees we have and how much they contribute just by being there.
And you can join in too – it means just downloading the free app, selecting your experience level, and starting from there – with no more than thumbtacks and a tape measure and someone to watch your back.
As you get more experienced, you can add more information about the health of the tree and other parameters. Find out more about it here.
And while we’re on the subject – by November, Greening Wymondham will have given one thousand small trees to the town’s Year Six pupils. We’d love to hear from students about their trees, some of which will be four years old this autumn. We’ll be featuring them on our website and social media – and, of course, in this magazine.
Greening Wymondham is also about to start an amphibian survey of the main pond in Friarscroft Wood from March to the end of May. This is ahead of possibly expanding and deepening the water in late autumn. If you’d like to help, email us at greening.wymondham@gmail.com.
WPS Photos of the Month: January and February
In January, WPS had their second cumulative printed image competition, judged by Dom Byrne ARPS, and these are the top 2 images from the night.
In Tier 1, the winner was Anthony Cooves with his titled ‘Blue Shutter'. The judge liked the simplicity of the image, making it almost abstract, with the strong colours of the shutter standing out from the grey shadow and white walls. A very ‘well-seen’ image that was one of 2 images to score a perfect 10.
In Tier 2, Gavin Bickerton-Jones was the winner with his shot of an Elephant in Africa, ‘Gentle Giant’. The judge liked the use of a wide-angle lens to show the environment and to get the scale of the large elephant walking past, with a nice position of the tree framing everything perfectly. This was one of four images to get the perfect 10, in what was according to the judge a very high level of photography from both tiers.
February saw an equally high standard from the contestants. This month, the competition was judged by Simon JG Ciaparra FRPS.
In Tier 1, two images scored a maximum of 10 in Tier 1, with the judge’s favourite being Tony Palmer’s ‘Urban Bench’. He liked this for its ‘low key’ simplicity, with only the bench top visible out of the shadow. He liked the nice balance between the bench and the round objects, and said this wouldn’t look out of place hung in a high-end hotel.
In Tier 2, four images scored 10, with the low-key image of a swan by Richard Howes the judge's favourite. As there were only a few splashes of colour when the morning light hit the swan, the judge felt it was brave to enter the image, but he really liked the simplicity of it, showing a familiar sight on our rivers in a new way. He said it was very creative and commended Richard for seeing this shot.
Wymondham Photographic Society meets on Tuesday evenings at the Dell Bowls Club. Click here for more information on how you can join.
Join the World Day of Prayer Service at the Methodist Church
The World Day of Prayer Service 2025 for the Wymondham area will take place at Wymondham Methodist Church on Friday 7th March at 2pm.
146 countries around the world will take part in the service, which this year is written by the women of the Cook Islands. Their greeting is "Kia Orana" and the theme is "I made you wonderful".
Refreshments will be served afterwards. Everyone is invited.
Other events in March include Messy Church on Saturday 8th March and Mothering Sunday. Visit our website for more information or follow us on Facebook.
Skydives, Cycle Rides, and Afternoon Tea: An Update from Star Throwers
In 2024, we celebrated 15 years since the Star Throwers Cancer Support Centre opened. Over the year, we supported 369 individuals with 2,409 sessions of support. With the help of our amazing community, staff and volunteers, our charity continues to thrive and offer a significant lifeline for cancer patients and carers in Norfolk. To enable the continued growth of our charity and ensure we can continue to support hundreds of people every year, please consider donating to support our work or join us at one of our amazing events this year!
Come along to our Spring Coffee Morning at the Star Throwers Centre on Saturday 22nd March from 10am –1pm. We will have refreshments, a tombola, raffle, homemade crafts, and the Treasure Trove.
Our Afternoon Tea event is back for 2025, but this year, we will be at Glen Lodge in Bawburgh. Tickets are now on sale for this event on Sunday 27th April at just £29.50 per person. Book online today.
Our Garden Party at Star Throwers will also take place on Saturday 19th July.
Fancy taking on a challenge? We have free places in the Norwich 60 and 30 Cycle Ride on 1st June, a Skydive Day on 29th June and free places in the Autumn Blickling Half Marathon on Sunday 19th October.
To find out about any of these great opportunities, please contact us: victoria@starthrowers.org.uk or call 01953 423304.
A wilder Norfolk for all and how we can make it happen
In September 2023, Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) launched its strategy for Nature’s Recovery, to guide their work up until 2030, and beyond. Wymondham Nature Group is hosting a talk by Eliot Lyne, CEO of NWT, to discuss the trust’s clear vision and mission for the future of Norfolk’s wildlife and the importance of involving everyone. This will take place on Thursday 13th of March at the Town Green Centre (NR18 0PW) from 7:30-9:30pm. All are welcome and there is no need to book. Admission is £3, or £2 for NWT members.
The Very Varied Life of an Arborist: Neil Thomas
The Garden Club is hosting what promises to be an amusing and interesting talk on the unusual sorts of things arborists get asked to do.
Our speaker, Neil Thomas is a fully qualified and experienced tree surgeon based in Attleborough.
In addition to the talk, an in-person opportunity to ask questions relating to trees – or big shrubs! This will take place at the Town Green Centre, Monday 17th March, at 7:30pm. Members will be admitted for free, and for guests, only £4.
Heritage Museum Reopens for the Season
Wymondham Heritage Museum will be open for the new season from Monday March 10th and daily until the beginning of November. Over the winter, the volunteers have been beavering away to make sure everything is spick and span. A lick of paint and reorganising the exhibits are among the jobs the dedicated volunteers have carried out. The Bridewell Tearoom has also had a spring clean and will be open daily for the same period.
The popular “Masters of the Air” display, exploring the time when American GIs were stationed at nearby airfields, has been transformed into a permanent exhibition in the main gallery with additional content and new printed boards. Watch out for details of the Friendly Invasion Trail that takes in many of the local haunts the GIs frequented, such as The Regal Cinema, The Green Dragon and Anglo-American Services club on Town Green.
A series of events is planned throughout the year. First is a celebration of Mother’s Day over the weekend of March 29th/30th. Saturday is included so those with family events on the Sunday can attend. The museum will be open from 1pm-4pm on both days, and there will be a special Mother’s Day trail with seasonal treats in The Bridewell Tearoom. Entry for mums is free providing they are accompanied by a child.
The Second World War features strongly in the programme this year with the marking of the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day. In addition, a 1940s weekend will reflect wartime life, with the volunteers dressed in costumes of the period.
The museum shop offers a host of mementos: bookmarks, pens, keyrings and much more. In The Bridewell tearoom, the volunteer bakers will be pulling out their recipes to produce the mouthwatering cakes and scones so popular with visitors. And remember, there is no admission charge for the Tearoom. So if you’re out shopping or picking the children up from school, just pop in and enjoy these homemade snacks.
For more information about opening times and admission prices, go to thewhm.org.uk.
Updates and Events at the Baptist Church
Wymondham Baptist Church continues to be a busy place where there is a warm welcome for everyone.
Over recent months, our external fundraising team have been hard at work making grant applications. To date, we have raised or have promises of approximately £429,000 of our £520,000 target, so we have just £91,000 to go. Our building plans are with prospective builders and we await tender prices. We want to start building in the summer but we need to raise the last bit before we can start. Can you help us? If you would like to know more about the project, please give us a call or visit the Roots Community Café at WBC in Queen Street, Wymondham, on either Wednesday or Friday morning, and we can share our vision with you.
As a church, we are sharing in Gather25 on Saturday 1st March. We will share with Christians from every denomination and every continent for prayer, worship, repentance, and commissioning. We will meet from 7pm – 9pm.
We have recently started a new group at the church – ‘Singing for fun’ – where we spend an hour and a quarter singing fun songs together. This group will be meeting regularly on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:15pm – 2:30pm. If you like to sing but don’t want to sing seriously, come along and have fun with us.
We have a film show planned for the afternoon of Thursday, 27th March – come along and watch ‘The War Room’ – tickets are just £5 each. All proceeds will go to our Building Fund.
We have continued to open our Warm Space on Thursday afternoons – our church lounge is a warm and cosy space where you can have a warm drink or snack and spend time with other people playing board games, doing a jigsaw or just chatting. We are open from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Come and enjoy the warmth and meet new people.
We are looking forward to our Plant Sale and Seed Swap on Saturday 17th April. Do come along and swap your seeds and bring plants or seedlings for sale. Proceeds will go towards the work of the ECO team at Wymondham Baptist.
We are also planning an Old and New Sale in May and a Quiz Night on Saturday 28th June – watch this space for more information.
We also have two sponsored events happening in the next few months – just click here for more information. We would be grateful for your support.
Our vision is ‘To be an Authentic Church with a place for everyone’. Come along and meet us and see what is happening at Wymondham Baptist Church.
The Lowe Down: Getting Stood Up, French Teachers, and Diva Emails
You know how you can be getting on with your day, and then you randomly remember something mortifying that you did years ago? And it makes you freeze and cringe for a split second? That happens to us all more than we admit in polite company. In my case, it is not always stuff I did years ago – it can also be stuff I did last week.
For instance, I made a recent – and mortifying – faux pas when meeting some uni friends for lunch in Edinburgh. (The context for this is my misunderstanding of the phrase “I got stood up”. I have since learned that this typically means, “my romantic date didn’t show up.” However, I always thought it was a generic phrase for anyone not showing up to an arrangement. I was wrong.)
I had arranged a lunch date with my two mates, Anna and Tom, a couple I know from university. When we met, Anna was starving and – she would freely admit herself – showing increasingly unmissable signs of ‘hanger’. So we needed to find somewhere pronto. The only problem was that it was Edinburgh’s heaving lunch hour, and virtually all the cafés within a mile’s radius were full. In the interest of being able to hear ourselves speak, we did not want anywhere too buzzing.
I left Anna and Tom queuing at Nando’s – just in case we needed that as a last resort – and went hunting for other less busy cafés alone. I found one that was virtually empty (probably, in hindsight, because it was a bit grotty), and, hunger-blind to the grottiness, triumphantly texted Anna saying, “I’ve found somewhere!” Then she took one look at it online and said no.
The trouble was, the waiters had already sat me down. Cursing my friends for being both beggars and choosers (although, as said, I completely empathise in hindsight), I handed the menu back over, and – for some reason – said, “nah, don’t worry, I’ve been stood up.” I meant that my friends wouldn’t be turning up. But the staff members took it to mean what it usually means. They reacted sympathetically, and attempting to rectify the mistake, I fumbled my words even more and said, “it’s not like that – there are two of them!” (!!!)
I don’t know what kind of ‘date’ they thought I had planned, but I left before I could do any more damage.
Of course, sometimes what you think is a faux pas is not interpreted that way at all by the other party. I remember being mortified in Year 8 after an interaction with one of my French teachers in the street. I got on brilliantly with this teacher, and so have no idea why I did what I did next. Instead of saying “hello, how are you?”, I just went “à jeudi – au revoir!” and scuttled off. (Maybe I was late for something. Usually my tutors can barely get rid of me.)
I apologised for walking away so abruptly in the next class, upon which she gave me an amused admonishment for overthinking stuff. Promising to speak more the next time I saw her, she then said, “honestly, I’d rather you just walked away.”
Still, it is possible to overthink one’s behaviour. Since starting university, I read, reread and overanalyse my emails constantly – both before and after they have been sent – out of terror that something might be misconstrued. I remember emailing one of my favourite professors to arrange an office hour, to which she said, “that’s great – just note I’ve changed offices”, and I wrote back, “That’s great about the office change! I hope it’s an improvement from your last room.”
I then panicked. “Oh god,” I thought, “what if she thinks I’m being a diva? As if I’m saying, ‘thank goodness you’ve moved darling, your last one was so frightfully drab…”
I sent an immediate follow-up: “That is to say, I hope it is an improvement for YOUR purposes!”
But, of course, the world did not come crashing down. This stuff can feel terrifying in one’s own head – but often, it is just in our own heads. 99% of the time, people do not care. We can afford to chill out.
Vic's Picks: Best Photography Spots
Our town is blessed with some really great places for photography, whether that’s nature photography or something for your Instagram (or even to accompany your Wymondham Magazine articles). Here are some of my top picks for getting that perfect snap.
My first pick has got to be where Church Street and Market Street meet by Becket’s Chapel. This spot is perfect for a little taste of Wymondham to share with your friends from afar. If you angle it correctly, you can get the Wymondham sign, Becket’s Chapel, and the Green Dragon pub all in one shot. The winding road also adds to this photographic moment.
Next is the Market Cross; it’s central, steeped in history, and iconic. This grade one listed building is a great place for a bit of photography - you can sit in the middle if you’d like a family or solo photo, or if you cross the road, you can get a nice pic from any angle; its circularity means it’s impossible to get it wrong.
I couldn’t do this article without mentioning Wymondham Abbey. Not only is it beautiful, captivating, and historical, but it has range. You have endless options and angles to choose from: standing under the huge arch, wandering along a path, peeking through the trees, and even capturing the sheep if they’re there. This is a spot that is also particularly good when the seasons are changing. I don’t know anyone that’s been to Wymondham and doesn’t have a photo of the Abbey. Alongside the sheep, this is also a great place to spy some wildlife.
Another great spot is down one of our many historical streets. I think standing at the bottom of Fairland Street looking up the small incline can be very nice, or down Vicar Street or Becketswell Road. The point is we’ve got lots of them and many more that I’ve not named.
The Wymondham Abbey railway station provides another good photo opportunity, either at various points around the station itself or you can trail down to the bank of the River Tiffy and take one by the bridge.
I hope some of my choices have given you some ideas or even jogged your memory of some photos you’ve taken already. Whether you’re new to Wymondham, dropping by, or are born and bred in our town, sometimes you can’t help but take a snap of some of the beautiful spots our town has to offer.
And with the Spring Arts Festival coming soon, what better time is there to try your hand at photography?
Council Tax: Where Does (Your) Money Go?
Since the Chancellor’s first budget last October, there’s been considerable discussion about public money; more specifically, the amount of money that is needed, predominantly in the form of taxes and borrowing, to raise enough income to fund the Government’s current and future spending plans. The numbers are eye-watering amounts, running into hundreds of billions of pounds! For most of us, it’s not that easy to understand where all that money goes or whether we get the best value. So how about local services? We are asked to contribute financially to provide a wide variety of local services, some statutory and some discretionary, delivered by the county, district and town councils.
Council tax, which is set annually by each council and collected from each household, is often what generates headlines. Promises are sometimes made by politicians to assure us it will not go up! But council tax is not the only source of income to fund local council services. Grants, business rates, borrowing and other income, together with council tax, can fund most of the services delivered locally. The council tax contributions made to local councils have been agreed by councillors and will be itemised in your council tax bill. So, staying locally focussed on our town, in Wymondham for the coming year, the town council will raise £738,840 from households through Council Tax, which means the average home (classed as Band D) will contribute just over £110.
The town council also receives a contribution from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), paid by developers to the Planning Authority, part of which is passed on to the town council to improve infrastructure in the town. Considerable development in Wymondham over the last decade has seen millions of pounds of additional money paid to Wymondham Town Council, with yet more to come. Income is also raised from charges from services delivered by councils - for the town council, this will include the fees and rents associated with the cemetery, allotments and recreation areas.
Naturally, there is always a debate about how much money should be raised locally to fund services. We all want to be sure that Councils avoid unnecessary or excessive spending while ensuring sufficient money is allocated to local priorities. To try and address this and to limit council spending, there are strict principles set by the Government, which apply when setting annual council tax levels. For example, the county council is not permitted to raise council tax annually by more than 5% (which includes a maximum 2% for adult social care), and the district council by not more than £5 or 3%, whichever is greater. County or district councils are required to hold a referendum if they plan to exceed these amounts. Interestingly, town and parish councils can increase council tax without any restriction or a referendum. Some town and parish councils in South Norfolk collect more from their residents in council tax to deliver comparatively limited services than the District Council, which is responsible for delivering considerably more!
We talk a lot about the best use of public money. Generally, people acknowledge there is rarely enough money to do everything everyone wants or needs. We therefore want to be sure that good decisions are made by our locally elected representatives about the amount of money needed and the amount spent by our local Councils. We all have differing priorities, so there is no easy answer. There will be differences of opinion within each Council between councillors about priority spending areas and how much we should ask you to pay. In my experience, currently as a local councillor at South Norfolk District and formerly at Wymondham Town Council, despite the differences, it’s always much better to seek a reasonable consensus between politicians of all political views. Priorities will vary, but overall, the amount of money available is limited, which makes it even more important that councils make good financial decisions and ensure that resources are managed wisely.
Public finances can be an extremely dry subject. Relevant information is often difficult to come by. None of us want to pay more than we need to for our local services, so I hope my reflections will help you better understand where some of your money goes. Beyond that, I hope it will encourage more people to take an interest in the public finances of your local councils, to find out where the money is spent and to hold your local councillors to account, ensuring we all get the best value for money. Perhaps a starting point is knowing exactly what services your town council provides and, in turn, where your money goes.
Jamie's Transport Matters: Spring Edition
Our resident transport expert discusses all things getting about in Wymondham
ROLL OUT THE BERYL
Beryl - as we know, it is the first startup to have reached Wymondham with the aim of improving active travel in the town. It’s great that it’s reached Wymondham - the only town outside of Norwich to have it - and I recently mentioned in my December article that it had reached the new estates in Silfield at long last.
With only 12 bays (that I could count using their provided map) dotted around Wymondham, it hardly covers every street in the town, with areas particularly in north and west Wymondham that would require a long walk to reach a Beryl bay. This is a shame, because it could be such a useful tool for Wymondhamers to use to reach their local amenities without a car, such as the town centre, railway station and doctor’s surgery.
So let's keep our fingers crossed for even more Beryl bays around Wymondham. The more people that have access to bays, the more people will be able to make use of it.
TRAINSPOTTING
It was noted in various Wymondham Facebook groups that a RailAdventure branded High-Speed Train sat in Wymondham’s south siding for a few days in December. It is speculated that the train was to be stored in a siding on the Mid-Norfolk Railway in preparation for international export from Great Yarmouth.
BUS BLUNDER
In a disappointing and unexpected move from the new UK government, the £2 bus fare cap which was funded until December 2024 has been removed and replaced with a £3 cap.
It’s sad to see the cap be raised as having cheaper bus journeys made taking the bus a more enticing option. Conversely, the government decided to fund a fuel duty freeze, instead making travelling by private car more appealing. This unfortunately is the opposite of encouraging active travel.
60 footlong subway
In late 2023, it was announced that there was to be a new subway installed at Wymondham Railway Station’s bridge, allowing cyclists to remain on a segregated path and also widening the road for traffic passing under the bridge. Construction of this was anticipated to have been completed by the end of 2024. However, we are now into 2025 and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of this work taking place, let alone being completed. I wonder what’s happened to this project, and will we get an update soon?
Golf Events Raise £27,075 for Macmillan Cancer Support
The annual Macmillan Golf Days, held in September and October 2024 at Barnham Broom Golf Club, raised an impressive £27,075. This contribution brings the total amount raised over the years to an incredible £322,000, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
As in previous years, funds are specifically earmarked for Macmillan Nurses in Norfolk, enabling them to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of cancer patients across the county.
Despite financial challenges facing many individuals and businesses in 2024, remarkable generosity was shown by loyal supporters. Special thanks go to the event's main sponsor, Mark Burton of MCB Financial Services Ltd, along with Nathan Daly (Daly Group Ltd), Chris Mann (Artisan Drinks Company), Dean Peruzzi (DMD Installations), Scott Walker (Solar Signs), and Rachel Edwards (Cozens Hardy) for their valuable contributions.
This year’s outstanding fundraising achievement was made possible by a combination of efforts, including donations of gifts, team entries for the golf days, sponsorship of banners, and contributions from over 70 golf clubs across the UK. The dedication of numerous volunteers, who generously gave their time and energy, was critical to the success of the events, and their efforts are deeply appreciated.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for the 2025 Macmillan Golf Days. A portion of next year’s proceeds will be shared with East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), a local charity devoted to caring for seriously ill children. MCB Financial Services Ltd has again agreed to be the main sponsor.
The main event is provisionally scheduled to take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Barnham Broom Golf Club.
Graham Knights, Ambassador for Macmillan Cancer Support in Norfolk and Barnham Broom Club Ambassador, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the 2024 events, stating:
“The dedication and generosity of our supporters truly make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer in Norfolk. Thank you to everyone who played a part, big or small, in this year’s success. Your support is invaluable.”
For more information on the 2025 Macmillan Golf Days, or to get involved, please contact:
Graham Knights at grahamjknights@googlemail.com.
Don't Miss WAC's 20-Mile Race!
On Sunday 23 March, hundreds of runners will take to the streets of Wymondham for the annual Wymondham Athletic Club (WAC) 20-mile race.
The event starts at the Market Cross at 9:30am, and finishes at Lady's Lane - the perfect place for a sprint finish! Many of the runners will be using the race as part of their Spring marathon training and raising money for local charities - including me! I'm running my first-ever marathon in aid of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Charity, as a thank you for all the treatment my eldest daughter has had there.
The course is run over two laps around the quiet country lanes surrounding Wymondham, taking in Deopham and Morley St Botolph (see the map of the route for more information). Although roads are not closed to traffic, there will be marshals along the route signposting the runners and helping the race run smoothly.
There are also still a few spaces left - if you fancy signing up, visit this link.
So if you are out and about on the morning of Sunday 23 March and you see the WAC20 miler runners, please do give us a cheer and some encouragement - it's a long distance to run! - and thank you in advance for your patience and support of the race.
Lee Webster Laces Up his Marathon Shoes for Shelter UK
The London Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic races, attracting participants from all over the globe. In 2025, I will be lacing up my trainers for an even greater cause—raising funds for Shelter UK, a charity dedicated to tackling homelessness and supporting families in the housing crisis.
Training for a marathon requires time, commitment, and planning. As soon as I knew I was going to run the London Marathon, I began my training at least six months before race day to give myself ample time to build endurance. At Christmas, I even gave up drinking until race day! My aim has been to complete four runs a week, gradually increasing my distance each week. Yoga and strength training also help improve my stamina while reducing the risk of injury.
Part of my training schedule will be to include the Wymondham 20 miler in March; following this, I will be able to taper.
To be fair, I feel like a broken man every day, possibly because I am turning 50 in May.
Training for the marathon is a challenge in itself, but running for Shelter adds an extra layer of motivation. The funds I raise will directly support their efforts to provide housing advice, shelter, and legal assistance to people facing homelessness. Setting up an online fundraising page has been the easy way to start, but asking for money has been hard. Shelter have been great by providing me with tips and support to maximise donations. If you wish to support the charity with a donation, please visit my Just Giving page.
The final stretch of my marathon journey will culminate on race day. The London Marathon is known for its electric atmosphere, with cheering crowds lining the streets, all supporting my efforts. With months of training and fundraising behind me, the sense of accomplishment will be unmatched.
Running the London Marathon for Shelter UK is more than just a race—it's a chance to help provide a brighter future for those in need. I cannot wait to tie my shoes, hit the pavement, and make every mile count toward a cause that truly matters.
Wednesday 23rd April
u3a Music Group
2pm, 
Fairland Court
The public are welcome to come on in and tap their toes as musicians from the u3a entertain the residents of Fairland Court.
Tai Chi Taster Session 2pm, Central Hall Tiffey Room
Your chance to try the ancient martial art of Tai Chi for free with qualified instructor Derek Simpson. Great for body and mind of all ages.
Saturday 1st March
Young Rebels Gig 1pm, HMV Chantry Place Norwich
Come see young performers from Wymondham at HMV Live & Local - free entry.
facebook.com/people/Rebel-Arts-Wymondham
Monday 3rd March
Ashleigh Nursery Tour 1:45pm, Ashleigh Primary School
If your child was born between 01/09/2021 and 31/08/2022 and you are interested in Ashleigh Nursery from September 2025, we would love to meet you and show you our wonderful Nursery! Book space on the tour via email to nursery@ashleighprimary.net or call 01953 602410.
ashleighprimary.com
Tuesday 4th March
Ashleigh Nursery Tour 10am, Ashleigh Primary School
If your child was born between 01/09/2021 and 31/08/2022 and you are interested in Ashleigh Nursery from September 2025, we would love to meet you and show you our wonderful Nursery! Book space on the tour via email to nursery@ashleighprimary.net or call 01953 602410.
ashleighprimary.com
Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Competition with American club Pikes Peak
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 8th March
NRS Railway Show 10:30am-4:30pm, Central Hall
Displays of Railway interest. Model railway layouts. Society sales stands. Refreshments. Adults £4 Kids 5-16 £2, under 5s free. Family ticket £12 (2 adults + 3 or more children).
norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Tuesday 11th March
Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Continuous improvement, showing results from club studio night with Geoff Long.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 15th March
Farmer's Market 9am-1pm, Market Place
Browse a range of artisan products from local producers at the 25th Anniversary market.
Young Rebels 1pm, Fairland Hall
A place for local young aspiring music artists to develop their talent in a supportive community.
facebook.com/people/Rebel-Arts-Wymondham
Monday 17th March
The Very Varied Life of an Arborist: Garden Club Talk 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Expect an amusing & interesting talk on the unusual sorts of things arborists get asked to do. Our speaker, Neil Thomas is a fully qualified & experienced tree surgeon based in Attleborough. In addition to the talk, an in-person opportunity to ask questions relating to trees – or big shrubs! Members Free, guests £4. Further info email wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Thursday 27th March
Heritage Society Talk 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Join Wymondham Heritage Society for a talk by Kevin Hurn and Jemima Stimpson. Free for members - visitors £2. New members can join at a meeting or contact Janet Benjafield on 01953 600205.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Tuesday 1st April
Full Town Council 7pm, WTC Kett’s Park Office
Public welcome
wymondhamtowncouncil.org
Saturday 5th April
Organ Recital 3pm, Wymondham Abbey
Rob Goodrich will be accompanied by young cellist Aile
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Thursday 10th April
Talk: Introduction to Bats in the Trinity Broads 7:30pm-9:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Eilish Rothney:
An introduction to bats and NWT survey work in the Trinity Broads. This talk is a general introduction to bats in the UK, the threats they face and the research in the Trinity Broads. These fascinating creatures are an essential part of the web of life and there are things we can do to help them.
Admission £3, NWT Members £2. No need to book.
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Saturday 12th April
Organ Recital 11am, Wymondham Abbey
Mike Webb will play mainly music by Bach
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Bowls Club Registration Day 1pm-4pm, Priory Garden Bowls Club Back Lane
Tea and Coffee provided. Welcoming existing members for the new season and especially pleased to meet new members. Previous bowls experience not necessary.
priorygardenbowlsclub.co.uk
Sunday 13th April
Talk: Dr Joy Hawkins 3pm, Wymondham Abbey
‘Medieval Women as Healers: Nurses, Midwives, Wise Women’.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Wednesday 16th April
Lecture: Save our Stations 7pm, Becket's Chapel
Join Historic Norfolk for the Annual Lecture. Piers Hart Chairman of Suffolk Preservation Society will look at ways to counter Greater Anglia's destruction of our railway heritage with particular emphasis on Brandon Station. Tickets from £12 available online.
becketschapel.org.uk
Friday 18th April
Seven Last Words 7pm, Wymondham Abbey
Haydn’s Quartet with meditations for Good Friday
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Kenny Lee & The Hustler Live Music 7:30pm, White Hart Pub
The Anniversary Beer Festival continues with this great rock and roll band.
01953 798574
facebook.com/thewhitehartwym
Saturday 19th April
Artists Showcase 10am-12pm, Robert Kett Court, NR18 0LH
The residents of Robert Kett Court are waiting to show off their artwork to the public in this open exhibition of their work.
Lace Making Demonstration 10:30am-2pm, Central Hall Tiffey Room
Meet the talented lacemakers of Wymondham. See their wares and find out how they go about their fascinating medieval craft.
Silent Book Club 10:30am, Abbey Schoolrooms
Everyone welcome to bring a book of your choice and enjoy an hour or so of quiet reading with chat, coffee and cake either side.
clearcompany.org.uk/tlns
Norfolk Creations Exhibition 11am-4pm, Becket's Chapel
A passionate group of quality crafters from around Norfolk with a wide range and variety of arts and crafts on display and for sale from 19 April to 4 May.
norfolkcreations.co.uk
Sound Cafe Open Mic 7pm-10:30pm, Abbey Schoolrooms
Open Mic for music, poetry and comedy. Light snacks and bar available.
Red Leaf - Live Music 7:30pm, White Hart Pub
The Anniversary Beer Festival continues with this excellent band.
01953 798574
facebook.com/thewhitehartwym
NR Ska Band 8:30pm, Ex-Services Club
Female fronted band, non members £5, Regal Lounge
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 20th April
Danstar Band 8pm, Ex-services Club
Mixed top hits from 80’s to present. Members Bar, signed in Guests welcome.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Wednesday 23rd April
u3a Music Group 2pm, Fairland Court
The public are welcome to come on in and tap their toes as musicians from the u3a entertain the residents of Fairland Court.
Tai Chi Taster Session 2pm, Central Hall Tiffey Room
Your chance to try the ancient martial art of Tai Chi for free with qualified instructor Derek Simpson. Great for body and mind of all ages.
Saturday 26th April
Meet The Authors 10am-2pm, Rothbury Community Hall
Ever wondered what it's like to get a book published? Here's your chance to meet local authors and hear their publishing stories. 18 Rothbury Road NR18 0LD
Simon Fay 8pm, Ex-Services Club
Talented male vocalist from Great Yarmouth will entertain us with his extensive repertoire. Members Bar, signed in guests welcome.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 29th April
Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dell Bowls Club
Monochrome evening - Both PDI and Print images to be judged by club members.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 30th April
Play: Murder in the Studio 7:45pm, Central Hall
Wymondham Players are treading the boards once more with their latest production of Agatha Christie's 'Murder In The Studio'.
wymondhamplayers.org.uk
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