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Don't Miss Bank Holiday Monday Duck Race!
5th May 2025
We can't wait to welcome you to the Annual Wymondham Abbey Duck Race!
Come join us at Becketswell Meadow for a quacking good time. A Bank Holiday Monday Funday for all the Family.
Sponsored by the local businesses of Wymondham, come and watch as hundreds of rubber ducks race down the river in a friendly competition. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family and lots of prizes to be won.
There will be 15 races plus the final ‘Golden Duck’ race so come along and enjoy this wonderful family fun event.
Taking place at the Tiffey Meadow (just downhill from the Abbey). The event starts at 11am and Ducks are available from £1.
A number of stalls will be offering Hot Food, Refreshments, Ice Cream, Cakes, Tombola, Plants, Books and more plus face painting and a treasure hunt for the little ones.
So get ready to cheer on your favourite duck as they paddle their way to victory. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event, see you there you wont be disappointed!
Restoration of Wymondham Landmark Wins Prestigious National Award
The restoration of Becket's Chapel, one of the architectural jewels in Wymondham’s historic town centre, was recognised last week at the 2025 Civic Trust Awards in Manchester.
The magnificent Grade 1 listed building, parts of which date back to the 12th century, scooped an AABC Conservation Award for the exceptional standards of its recent restoration work.
After many years of neglect, the building had been in a very poor state of repair and was on Historic England's risk register. In September 2022, local charity Historic Norfolk purchased the chapel to save it from dereliction and carried out a major programme of restoration and repair. This was thanks to grant funding from Historic England, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Norwich Freemen’s Charity, The Pilgrim Trust, The Headley Trust and the Geoffrey Watling Charity. This is the first phase of a two-stage development on Becket’s Chapel by Historic Norfolk.
The Chapel was named as one of just four national winners in this category for projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation, and which make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment. The judges said, “In preserving Becket’s Chapel, this initiative showcases how conservation can harmonise tradition and modernity, ensuring that historic buildings continue to enrich the community for generations to come.”
Judith Harwood, Chair of Historic Norfolk, said, “This accolade is a fantastic achievement for our relatively modest project sitting alongside such monumental entries as the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and Westminster Hall. It is a particular tribute to the work of our architect, Patricia Forero, her professional team, our partnership with Historic England, and our trustees. None of this would have been possible without the initial and sustained support of the Architectural Heritage Fund which provided project viability, development and capital funding over many years.”
Council Warns Against Battery Disposal in Bins
South Norfolk Council is urging residents to avoid placing batteries in household bins following a recent incident where an e-scooter battery caused a fire in a bin lorry. The fire, which occurred last week, posed a significant danger to the public and refuse workers.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident highlights the severe risks associated with incorrect battery or electrical equipment disposal.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer Environment, Cllr Keith Kiddie said: "Bin lorry fires are on the increase and pose a real threat to the public and our refuse workers. It is crucial that lithium batteries, which are in products such as e-bikes and e-scooters are disposed of responsibly. Please do not put them in the household waste bins.”
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, there were over 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites across the UK in the 12 months before May last year.
Lithium batteries are commonly found in items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, vapes and hoverboards. These batteries should be recycled at Norfolk County Council’s recycling centres.
For more information on battery disposal and the Council's collection services, please visit the Council’s website.
Flags Fly High In Town Centre
The town centre has once again been resplendent in flags throughout April and May, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the Heritage Society and Clement’s hardware shop.
Wymondham Heritage Society & Museum raised the funds to replace the town’s St George’s flags, which had become worn and shabby. These were put up by the Town Team group of volunteers in time for the English patron saint’s day this April.
Lead flag team volunteer Chris Grant also thanked local businesses for their support:
“George from Clement’s got us a great price on 40x broom handles that we’ve used as new poles. We got our elastic bands from Reeves.” Chris has recently been passed the Team lead from Doug Hodges, who for many years has worked tirelessly to organise the putting up and down of Flags and the Christmas lights throughout the town.
But the group won’t be resting long, with the St George’s flags being swapped for Union Jacks in time for VE Day commemorations in May.
Town Council to Spend £33k on “Promoting A Positive Image” Of... Town Council
(And breaks own disability pledge scrapping accessible YouTube streaming)
Wymondham Town Council are advertising a new permanent job position whose key duties will be to “promote a positive image of the Town Council” and “maximise opportunities for positive public engagement with the Council”.
The new part-time permanent job, with a salary range of £30,559 - £33,366 a year, will replace an existing role that promoted the town centre as a shopping and tourist destination to help with footfall for high street businesses.
The job description’s apparent shift of focus from promoting the town to promoting the Town Council is likely to trigger a debate around spending priorities.
Councillors approved the measure having been dogged by a series of negative headlines in local newspapers over the past two years.
Stories have covered topics such as the decline of Wynterfest, chaotic resignation speeches and a mental health ‘red card’ system for meetings that even invited national newspaper attention.
The online job specification lists a key responsibility as ensuring “the proactive publication and promotion of the Town Council news to local media”.
Observers will be keeping a close eye on the recruitment process, after the council did not post the role on their website, Facebook page or the Norfolk Association of Local Councils.
Accessible YouTube streaming axed
The move comes after the Lib Dem controlled council also voted to stop streaming any of their sessions after "negative coverage" had "impacted councillors' wellbeing".
Streaming equipment had been bought in 2023 at a cost of £3,000 in order improve transparency and accessibility for residents unable to attend meetings physically.
The decision taken behind closed doors in April risks the council contravening its own disability pledge taken last January to "work to raise awareness of disability issues and access needs in the town" and is likely to attract the attention of local accessibility groups such as Wymondham Access Group.
VE day Commemorations in Town: What's Going On?
The May bank holiday will see VE day commemorations happening around town. Here's a look at what you can expect:
Community Picnic
King's Head Meadow (Wymondham Town FC) will be the venue for a big community picnic from 12pm to 4pm on Monday 5th May.
The event organised by the Royal British Legion invites people from all over to town to join together for remembrance, fun and community spirit.
There will be live music, kids games, a food van, bar and ice cream. Bring your chairs, picnic blanket and flags.
Heritage Museum Display
Wymondham Heritage Museum is once again open and have a fantastic exhibition celebrating local people of Wymondham and the parts they played in VE day.
Ex Services Beer Festival
All weekend long, the Ex Services Club will have their annual beer, gin and rum festival with a programme of live music throughout.
MOVIE, TEA & CAKE AFTERNOON
The Regal (at Ex Services Club) will hosting a movie, tea and cake afternoon from 12:30pm on 8th May, with a special screening of "Carry On Matron" at 1:30pm.
Flag Team
The town will once again be bedecked in red, white, blue as the volunteer flag team have swapped St George's banners for the union jack in time for commemorations.
Wymondham Abbey Bells
On May 8th bellringers will ring the Abbey's bells from 18:30 - 20:00 to mark the day.
Spring Clean for Bloomers
The spring season of Wymondham in Bloom has continued to bring joy to the volunteer team and excitement for the summer is growing. It has been a relatively dry spring so a fair bit of watering has had to be done to keep the plants happy.
The watering equipment has been upgraded this year with a huge bladder that fits in the boot of a Qashqai and several water butts. Weeds too have been tackled with a new rotary brush tool. All the new equipment has been purchased thanks to generous sponsorship from The White Hart, a community-minded pub in Wymondham town centre. We’ve even purchased new high-vis vests from Mr. Overalls to ensure everyone is aware the work we’re doing is being done by volunteers.
The team continues to go out at least once per week for a few hours to keep weeds and litter at bay and plants thriving. We’ve added bulbs and pocket parks as well as beautiful rose bushes which were donated by Peter Beales.
Our high street business frontage competition has begun with 14 places already signed up to participate. To sign up businesses can go to wymondhamtownteam.org/wym-in-bloom-2025 and fill in the form at the bottom of the page.
If you are walking around town and find yourself pointing out some graffiti on a wall or vape stickers on a bin, you might be our next volunteer! Come and join the team for a bit of fun and sense of achievement in the fresh air. Email wymbloom@gmail.com or message us on Facebook to start a conversation on how you might be able to get involved.
Reframing Grief and Remembering our Loved Ones
A Note from Rosedale
Here at Rosedale, when we run our bereavement support groups, Week Three can be quite difficult for participants. We ask them to bring in a photograph of their loved one and talk for five to ten minutes about them. Most people feel trepidation about doing this as they worry they will get upset or freeze. For some, even bringing in a photograph is a major milestone, as they may not have been able to look at photos since their bereavement.
Just for this week, we ask that participants focus on the life of their loved one, rather than their illness or the circumstances of their death. This helps us see the big picture and understand that their death is a small part of who they are and the full life they have lived. Everyone is different, but being with someone when they died can be a mixed blessing. We may feel grateful we were with them, but also be traumatised by the experience. Some find that their mind keeps replaying unpleasant memories they would rather forget. Sharing photographs is about reframing what has happened and putting their death into the much bigger context of their life.
As is true with so many things, the build-up and anticipation are usually worse than doing the thing itself. As they recall various memories, such as special moments, holidays or funny quirks, there are often tears and usually lots of laughter. Almost without exception, most participants find that talking about their loved one’s life offers a therapeutic release and an opportunity to recall and appreciate the happy times they shared. As facilitators, it is always lovely to see the group members bonding together as they reach a deeper level of empathy.
Memories can be bittersweet, and we may get upset, but crying is a normal response to grief. Our loved ones will always be part of us. We are the person we are today, partly because of them. They live on in us.
Talking to others who are also grieving can be very supportive. Rosedale’s groups are free and open to everyone. Call 01379 640 810 to reserve your place.
What’s in a Photo? Celebrating Victory in Europe
Shown here is the front of the service sheet for a United Thanksgiving Service, which was held at the Senior School (now Wymondham High Academy) eighty years ago on Sunday 13 May 1945, five days after VE Day.
Victory in Europe was met with joy and relief, the first hymn in the service being "Now thank we all our God". On Wednesday 9 May, a thanksgiving service, organised by the Free Church Council, had been held at the Congregational (now United Reform) Church, with another one having been held at the Abbey the previous day.
There was a public and school holiday on Tuesday 8 May (VE Day) and 9 May, with the town gaily decorated and the Market Place floodlit after dark, while children's teas were organised and many bonfires lit. On the evening of VE Day, a large crowd attended a grand dance at the Anglo-American Club in Town Green, pictured here, which was previously a cinema and is now the Sports Bar. With the war in Europe at an end and American service personnel returning to the States, the Club closed in February 1946. During VE Day, the once popular Mary Elizabeth Tearooms, situated in a building on Market Street on the site of which now stands Savers, collected £4 for the town's Victory Fund, which then stood at £500.
The war in Europe was over, but it wasn't until 15 August that VJ Day arrived, signalling the end of the hostilities in the Far East.
Joss Bay
Guest Prose Feature
When the call came, it was sudden and urgent. ‘OK, so it’s tomorrow.’
Martha gathered herself after the shock, feeling ridiculous because she had, after all, known it would happen sometime. ‘That isn’t a problem, is it?’ the voice said, ‘we had talked about this.’
‘Yes, no,’ she gabbled, collecting her thoughts. ‘Of course it’s fine,’ although it wasn’t really. She wasn’t good with unplanned events, or as in this case, planned events with no definite date attached to them.
‘So, you can come.’ She confirmed that she could and that she understood the arrangements, although she asked to run through them again just to be on the safe side.
In the morning, Martha packed a small case and drove to the address she had been given; an area she was familiar with, a mix of older and some newer houses, most with small narrow front gardens. Luckily, at this time of day, it was easy to find a parking space. She drew up and looked for the house. She had been sent some photos of it, which she had studied for at least the 5th time before leaving, and she soon located it. Although it was quiet, she still checked to see if anyone had seen her arrive; she didn’t want to attract the attention of neighbours. She couldn’t bear any interference, not today of all days.
As she approached the front door, she looked about for the blue pot with the red geranium; there it was. Again checking no one was watching, she furtively felt underneath it for the key. Once inside, she had plenty of time to look around and familiarise herself with the layout, and check where everything was that she would need. All seemed to be in order, and she decided to make herself a cup of tea with the calming herbal teabags she had found in one of the cupboards and sit quietly for a while.
The arrangement had been to arrive at 5pm for the pickup, but as was her habit, she decided to be early. She was greeted by a slightly harassed looking young woman in uniform who seemed somewhat surprised to see her, but she shouldn’t have been, because, of course, everything had been agreed in advance, and she was expected. Nevertheless, after disappearing for a moment or two, the young woman, whose badge announced her name was Katrina, returned empty-handed. Martha tried not to panic or to appear as if she didn’t know what she was doing, although in truth she didn’t. Had she forgotten something? It seemed unlikely, as she had made copious notes to remind her what she was required to do and had remembered to bring them with her in her small case.
‘I’m sorry,’ Katrina said, ‘but as we haven’t met before, I have to ask you for the password. We have to be so careful from a security point of view, you understand. What we would be handing over to you is very precious.’
‘Of course, of course,’ Martha blurted out. Then, more quietly, ‘Joss Bay’, she said, ‘that’s the password.’ Katrina retreated into the building, and Martha tried to remain calm. She absolutely could not afford for anything to go wrong now.
It felt like an age, but after what was only a minute or two, Katrina returned again, this time with the all-important cargo. Martha’s heart leapt in her chest as it was finally handed over to her. She had envisioned this moment numerous times, always with a feeling of both anticipation and apprehension; it was completely novel in her experience to be doing this on her own.
The package in her arms soon began to feel heavy, and she worried she might not be able to get it to the car in one piece. Then it began to wriggle...and giggle.
‘Grandma!’ he screeched and hugged her very tightly.
‘Hey buddy,’ she said, ‘Guess who’s looking after you this weekend? Come on, let’s say ‘goodbye’ to nursery, and once we’re home, you can show me all around your lovely new house!’
Short Story: Found You.
It was one of those mornings when Bella wondered why ever she had married a farmer and lived in the depths of the countryside for the last five years. The night-time gale had been so strong that the old farmhouse windows had rattled constantly and John had been up most of the night checking on the animals.
She yawned and began to cross the farmyard with difficulty. Her wellies slipped in the shallow mud just as ice skates would across the surface of a rink. Where the mud lay in deeper patches each footstep felt as if her boots would be sucked off her feet by the brown stickiness. It was just five o clock and barely light. The storm that had been blowing since before bedtime, was now over. There should have been a quietness in the air, but the morning calm was being shattered by John’s chainsaw shrieking at the top end of the drive where an oak tree toppled by the gale was completely blocking the way in and out of the farm.
He had left it to her to re-check the animals. Last night she had helped him lead the two retired seaside donkeys Punch and Judy into the modern steel-clad barn. She could now see the remains of their shed blown to pieces and flapping against the hedge at the far end of their paddock. Bella entered the barn and found that the cows, sheep and goats had made room for the new residents with little fuss; indeed the two donkeys seemed to be at home in their new surroundings. She busied herself with feeds for them all and then ventured outside again into the mud of the yard. The farm cats had climbed up onto the old barn and were sitting along the roof line looking down disdainfully at the muddy ground. Bella counted six of them – none missing.
The duck pond had doubled in size overnight but there were no ducks to be seen, not even around the water’s edge. Where were they? The two pairs of mallards that were the usual residents had disappeared along with their new broods of ducklings. The ditch at the far side of the pond had brimmed over and was now on a new course straight through the pond. The water, normally slack and motionless, was now full of ripples carrying large twigs and other debris along at full pelt. The ducklings, like striped bumblebees, would not be able to cope in such fast moving water. Bella picked her way over to the pond and parted the long grass where she knew two nests had been built. There was nothing left of them.
A raucous braying from the steel barn began to echo across the yard. What was the matter with Punch and Judy? Everything had seemed fine when she had left them just a couple of minutes earlier. Perhaps the goats were causing trouble. She turned and went back into the barn. It was dim inside and her eyes took a while to accustom to the darkness. Punch and Judy were still hee-hawing loudly but the goats were nowhere near them. But there, running around in the straw bedding on the floor, she saw two pairs of ducks and two crocodile lines of tiny ducklings. Found you, she thought.
What Happens If an Executor Dies?
An executor is responsible for administering a deceased person’s estate in accordance with their will. This includes gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritance to beneficiaries. But what happens if an executor passes away before completing their duties? The answer depends on when the executor dies—whether before or after probate has been granted.
If the Executor Dies Before Probate Is Granted
If the executor named in the will dies before applying for probate, the responsibility of administering the estate usually falls to the substitute executor, if one was named in the will. If there is no substitute executor, or if the substitute is unwilling or unable to act, the court will appoint an administrator under the rules set out in the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. Typically, this will be the residuary beneficiary—the person entitled to the remainder of the estate once debts and specific gifts have been distributed.
If the Executor Dies After Probate Is Granted
If an executor dies after probate has been granted but before the administration of the estate is completed, the situation differs. In this case, responsibility may pass to any co-executors named in the will. If there are no surviving co-executors, the role of executor will usually transfer to the executor of the deceased executor’s estate. This process is known as the “chain of representation.” However, if no such executor has been appointed or is willing to act, the court will again step in to appoint an administrator.
Applying for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed
When there is no surviving executor, an interested party—such as a beneficiary—may apply for a grant of letters of administration with will annexed. This legal document gives the appointed administrator the authority to manage the deceased’s estate in line with the will’s terms.
How to Avoid Complications
To prevent complications arising from an executor’s death, it is advisable to:
- Appoint a substitute executor in the will to ensure someone is always available to act.
- Consider appointing professional executors , such as a solicitor or a trust company, who are unlikely to predecease the testator.
- Review the will regularly to ensure named executors are still willing and able to act.
Seeking Legal Advice
The death of an executor can create delays and legal complexities in estate administration. If you are dealing with a situation where an executor has passed away, seeking professional legal advice can help ensure the estate is handled efficiently and in accordance with the law.
At Spire Solicitors, we have extensive experience in probate and estate administration. If you need guidance, contact our friendly Wills, Tax & Probate team today to discuss your situation.
The Secret Farmer's Diary: Seeds
Our mystery farmer in the Wymondham area takes a break from painting fences to tell you what he’s been up to in the last month.
March and April are the months of daffodils and mad hares, longer days and the sudden realisation of just how filthy your house/car/children/face are now you have a bit of sunlight to see into the darker recesses of your home.
Drier weather means we can get on with spring cultivations and drilling. Crop seeds are normally either planted in winter (hence winter barley, winter wheat) or spring (spring barley/oats/wheat, yes). Sugar beet seed is also planted in spring. The ground is prepared for drilling – spreading manure, ploughing, cultivating (like raking it down to break up clods and supply air and moisture to the soil) – and then drilled. After drilling and time permitting, we drag a set of rolls over the land, this is just like pushing the ground down when you plant in the garden, it helps lock in moisture and warmth to help the seed grow and reduces the effect of pests.
On the subject of pests, the pigeons are much in evidence and supply a degree of sport controlling their numbers. The snowdrops and aconites in the woods give way to an early show of daffodils. The cock pheasants look a livid red and deep green and strut boldly as they vie for attention of prospective mates. The rabbits, hare and deer are in early evidence in the banks and woodland around the farm and will grow in number as the month goes on. After the darkness and cold, hard days of winter, it’s all rather lovely.
Turning to less lovely animals of a different kind, the farming community were disappointed but not surprised when DEFRA (or “the Ministry” as those of us old enough to remember when it was MAFF) announced without warning halfway through March that they were closing the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new applications for the rest of the year. This caught many farmers unprepared and will significantly harm their income for the year. Many farmers rely on the service of land agents to submit their applications on their behalf: due to the need for the agents to balance the available workload (and probably chase their recalcitrant clients for the necessary information in some cases), many of these applications didn’t make it in before the deadline.
We had suspected the government’s intentions after they shut the Equipment & Technology Fund grant scheme without warning last year and fortunately ensured we had our application in early. I can see that next year will be a scramble for everyone to get their application in before the money runs out. The Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner says that it remains the government’s ambition to remove public subsidies from UK agriculture entirely.
Meanwhile, over at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, policymakers are consulting on the introduction of a Land Use Framework, billed as a “national conversation” on land use. This sounds like a pretext for confiscating land and building all over it to my ears, particularly since the recently Planning & Infrastructure Bill clears the way to make it easier and cheaper for the government to do so. I suppose they might need my children to service the robots that sweep the streets and trim under the solar arrays when they’re older. I wonder what the future looks like?
Greening Wymondham: The Wait is (Nearly) Over!
It’s been a long time coming, but Greening Wymondham’s drive to transform Rothbury Park is finally bearing fruit, alongside our plans to rejuvenate Rothbury Community Hall. Wymondham Town Council have taken over the project and are even now scheduling the process, with work on the playground to begin first.
Forty people turned up at the hall in April to look over plans, and a dozen or more volunteered their support to help Greening Wymondham with both planting and rejuvenating the building.
Trustee Paul Barrett is still keen to hear your ideas about the hall – he’s had everything from a WiFi café and cinema evenings to keep-fit days and games nights. You can still let him know what you think and if you can volunteer by dropping a note through the hall postbox.
Greening Wymondham successfully brought together two other Wymondham groups in a collaboration that meant each achieved a particular goal. The Fifth Wymondham Brownie Pack were able to earn their Community Badge by helping us plant a hedge at Friarscroft Wood. At the same time, Ollie and Morgan - two Silver Duke of Edinburgh students - added to their already frequent volunteering by learning about hedging and devising instructions for the Brownies. Win-win-win! We hope to see them all again on other projects – meanwhile, you can admire their work as you walk down the path to Windmill Surgery.
Towards the end of May, Greening Wymondham plans to test the Tiffey for E.coli weekly – it’s currently every fortnight – in the most-used spots in Becketswell Park. The few high counts earlier this year have dwindled, but we’ll be giving advice if the numbers soar again. We’re hoping to flag the weekly counts with signs, and it’ll be on social media and our website.
We know it’s early days, but we invite you to put Saturday 7 June in your diaries! We’re celebrating Great Big Green Week with a picnic at Browick Road Community Orchard. See next month’s magazine for more details. Incidentally, the orchard is celebrating a cheque for £1500 from the Norwich Asda community champion Lee Mills for an 'Outdoor Community Spaces Grant'. It will go towards a rainwater harvesting system and storage construction. They are also celebrating a new woven hazel fence they began under the expert eye of Wymondham Nature Group’s co-chair, John Beckett.
We welcome you to join us on any of our projects: please feel free to visit our website or email us at greening.wymondham@gmail.com with your ideas, questions, and comments. We’d love to hear from you!
Garth Coupland and Guided Walks
Upcoming Nature Group Events
“Spiders - Small Super Heroes.” Come to the illustrated talk of that title this month by Garth Coupland, hosted by the Nature Group. Garth has lived in Norfolk all his life, apart from five years in Australia. He is an illustrator, writer, Rock singer, record producer and a lifelong natural historian who lectures on many topics, including Spiders. Using photography, illustrations and anecdotes, this talk’s focus is the general life of British spiders, from their many extraordinary uses of silk to their fascinating sex lives! Garth hopes to elucidate, educate and amuse you.
This will take place on the 8th of May, 7:30-9:30pm, at the Town Green Centre (NR18 0PW). All are welcome, and there is no need to book! Admission is just £3, or £2 for Wildlife Trust members.
Other events this month include a guided walk through Ashwellthorpe Lower Wood on Sunday 18th of May. Meet the Nature Group in the car park on The Street (Ashwellthorpe), and join them for a three-hour stroll to see bluebells, learn about coppice management, and enjoy the woodland biodiversity. Ring Anne Edwards on 01603 812309 for any queries!
Or join the Group at Toll’s Meadow on Sunday 25th of May at 2-4pm for some Wild Flower identification. This is a free event at the meadow, though donations to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust are welcome!
Meet Binda Urquhart - the Wymondham-bred WWII Military Agent
The Royal British Legion launched its official celebrations of Victory in Europe by inviting six decorated veterans to a tea party at London’s Ritz Hotel. The veterans were aged between 96 and 100. The RBL said poignantly, “This is one of the last major opportunities to say thank you to those who served and pay tribute to their courage and fortitude.”
With its Echoes for Valour exhibition commemorating both VE Day and VJ Day, Wymondham Heritage Museum is paying its own tribute to the local people who gave so much to the war effort.
The exhibition’s launch was reported in last month’s magazine and told how the display was the brainchild of museum volunteer Laura Osadciw. Laura was inspired by her partner Guy’s grandmother, Binda Urquhart, after she read letters and saw photographs of Binda’s contributions to the Second World War. Binda’s story is one of nine which form part of the display.
Binda had been accepted to study languages at Oxford, but, owing to the war, was forced to defer her place. She was recruited by the Special Operations Executive, a branch of military intelligence. Her war file is largely classified, but owing to Binda’s position in the main Baker Street offices and her salary increase, Laura believes she held an important role. Binda remained a member of the Special Forces Club until she passed away aged 92.
The museum’s exhibition looks at the town’s response when war was declared on September 1st 1939. The Urban District Council organised Air Raid Wardens, Home Guard, evacuee helpers, fire guards and the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service. There were blackout practices, Andersen and Morison shelters were built, as were ten large public trenches for 30 people. The museum has reconstructed an Andersen Shelter in the basement of The Bridewell. Visitors can see for themselves how people took refuge when the air raid siren went off.
Wymondham celebrated VE Day with the town covered with decorations and flags. There were parties, dances and bonfires were lit.
VJ Day is August 15th. The museum’s display also encompasses the war in the Far East. To coincide with the 80th anniversary, the August issue of the magazine will feature this part of the exhibition and tell some of the stories of local people and the sacrifices they made for the war effort.
Visit the museum to find out more about life in Wymondham during the Second World War and the part its citizens played in protecting the town and keeping the wheels turning. Information on opening times for the museum and the tearoom at thewhm.org.uk.
Dom Byrne and Jez Wood Score Maximum ‘10’ at Photographic Competition
The 8th of April saw Wymondham Photographic Society participate in an interclub ‘tripod’ competition with Lowestoft and Buxton clubs, displaying prints and projected images.
A wide array of subjects was covered, with natural history images especially catching the judges’ eyes. In a close-fought match, Buxton came out on top with 122.5 points, Lowestoft second on 121.5 points, and WPS third on 111 points.
Yet this was not a day without hope: the top scorers from WPS were Dom Byrne and Jez Wood, both getting the maximum score of 10.
Wymondham Photographic Society meets on Tuesday evenings at the Dell Bowls Club. Click here for more information on how you can join.
Symphony Orchestra Goes On Tour
It has been a truly exciting year for Wymondham Symphony Orchestra, and as they gear up for the final event of the 2024-2025 season in June, there is much to celebrate.
The orchestra went “on tour” for their Spring concert in March, travelling to Ely Cathedral to play Verdi’s Requiem to a sell-out crowd alongside Ely Choral Society and Grantham Choral Society. Garnering several 5-star reviews, the magical experience displayed the high calibre of Wymondham’s music scene to a broad audience. A special mention must go to President Adrienne Cleary, whose energetic work on the bass drum made several audience members jump during the Dies Irae!
Looking ahead to the summer, save the date 28 June 2025! The orchestra will be performing Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique" alongside Liszt Rákóczi March and Dvo?ák Cello Concerto in B minor (for which they are delighted to welcome back soloist Ben Rogerson). It will be a bittersweet event because it will be the last concert with their Musical Director of the last 20+ years: Andrew Parnell. Please join them to make this summer concert a night to remember! Tickets are available online or at the Wymondham Abbey shop. There will also be some availability on the door, but we encourage you to purchase tickets in advance to beat the queues. Prices are £15, Friends of the WSO £13 and under 18s are free.
Want to get involved? We’re a friendly group playing fantastic symphony repertoire with regular rehearsals at Central Hall in the heart of Wymondham. If you’re interested in joining the orchestra, we’d love to hear from you. In particular, we’re on the lookout for viola (grade 7 or above), double bass, trombones, and percussion players. More details about the orchestra and how to join can be found here.
The Lowe Down: Deconstructive Rabbits
I have nothing but positive things to say about almost all of my English Literature teachers from Wymondham High. Every university literature professor I have had the privilege of working with has also been wonderful. I believe strongly in the value of literary study and that we neglect it at our peril.
However, just because a subject is worth studying, this does not inoculate it from the occasional bizarre and inadvertently hilarious misstep. We all know that the humanities can sometimes mistake word salad, obscurity, and important-sounding nonsense for rigour, truth, and accuracy. To partake in the hilarity, consider this critical paper that we were set for university recently, one that had me and a pal roaring with laughter.
(It is about rabbits, so think of this as a belated Lowe-Down Easter Special.)
Ecocriticism, in literary spheres, is the art of reading literature for its environmental relevance. This particular paper argued for a specific kind of ecocriticism, one where we acknowledge the overwhelming craziness of the natural world and do not attempt to impose any simplistic human-constructed binaries onto it. All interesting stuff…until you get paragraphs like this:
“How can we ever distinguish properly between humans and nonhumans? Doesn’t the fact that identity is in the eye of the beholder put serious constraints on such distinctions? It’s not just that rabbits are rabbits in name only: it’s that whether or not we have words for them, rabbits are deconstructive all the way down – signifying and display happen at every level. Nothing is self-identical. We are embodied yet without essence.”
This was published in a serious journal and was part of a serious university course. My pals and I wondered if it was a parody.
Is it really impossible to distinguish properly between humans and nonhumans? Well…no. It is very possible. Evolutionary biology does not work without the basic truth of species distinctions. As the most cursory of Google Scholar searches reveals, “species, as biological diversity, are essential elements of scientific investigations for multiple disciplines.” Rejecting species categories on the grounds that “identity is in the eye of the beholder” seems like something only a parody writer would have attempted. It conflates subjective identity with objective biodiversity observations.
Also, in what world are rabbits “deconstructive all the way down”? Deconstructive of what? This is rank bad writing of the first degree, implying profundity but hiding behind obscurity. If I wrote such a sweeping statement in an assessed essay, my tutors would give me zero marks.
Yet our task was to write about this as if it were a credible analysis.
The wise words continue. The writer states that the word “animal” is a “disastrous term”. Quite why, he omits to specify. Presumably, he fears that the term positions nonhumans as lesser beings; his broader point is that we should not assume human superiority. So, what term does he decide is preferable?
“Strange strangers.”
I kid you not. He genuinely suggests “strange strangers” as an alternative to “animals”. “Other life-forms are strangers whose strangeness is irreducible,” he explains. If that is not an “othering” term, I don’t know what is!
Call me a bluff anti-intellectual – but I don’t think animals care what we call them. (And somehow I don’t see “strange strangers” catching on.) Animals care more about us not shooting them, or burning down their homes in forest fires, etc. This analysis is symptomatic of a very shallow academic trend that polices terminology more than it cares about substance.
Then he writes, “Derrida hypothesised that deconstruction applied to the life-nonlife boundary.” Again, one struggles to know what he means. “Nonlife” goes undefined. He surely cannot be arguing about life and death. Short of (heaven forbid) people in comas or who have had near-death experiences, the life/death boundary is very clear. There is (sadly) no bringing back the dead. So why are we straight-facedly arguing that life/nonlife boundaries can be “deconstructed”?
You may also be wondering what this has to do with literature. The idea at university was to apply these ideas as a “way of thinking” about texts. But this claptrap helps nobody to think about anything. The role of literary scholars – and a brilliant, invaluable job it is in its own right – is to analyse literary texts for their endless richness. Wymondham High tutors are working hard to maintain this subject in an era where it is increasingly devalued.
But in the nicest possible way, nobody is buying that rabbits are deconstructive.
Vic's Picks: Returning to Wymondham One Year On
It's been a year since I returned to Wymondham, so I thought I’d deviate slightly from the traditional ‘Vic’s Picks’ structure to mark the occasion. As I discussed in my first contribution to the Wymondham Magazine, I was unable to resist mentioning Wymondham at every possible moment while at university, and I suppose I still haven’t been able to stop, evidenced by my finding any way to praise Wymondham each month through these articles.
For this little one-year anniversary, I thought I would look back on the year and pick some of my favourite moments to share with you all, and maybe some of these moments might even have been some of your favourites.
This first one is not a momentous occasion for most, and nor is it for me, but I loved it at the time and still appreciate it: the introduction of electric buses running from Wymondham. New, clean, sleek, and very quiet. They are much better places to chat with friends, and it is much easier to listen to music or enjoy the passing scenes without the entire bus rattling.
Playing tennis with friends and family on the swanky Kett’s Park courts was also a highlight. I hadn’t had the chance to play on them since they were upgraded in 2022 (I left for university in 2021), so the summer I came back, I had to try them out. I am by no means good at tennis, but it's great fun and I’m looking forward to playing on them again this summer.
The Abbey seasonal fairs have been a highlight of my return: the atmosphere, the music, the food, and the vendors. They are always great days out, no matter the weather, and I always walk away wondering when the next one will be. The Christmas one was very festive and enjoyable, and the spring and summer ones were also fabulous.
Talking of Christmas, the festive light switch-on was also a stand-out. It was lovely to see such a huge turnout, and the fake snow added to the experience. I, and everyone I know who also went, loved the musical acts, and it was truly a great moment to highlight some of the talent we have in our town.
Another highlight was the Wymondham Food and Drink Festival. There were so many great eats, and truly a huge range of vendors and cuisines. I enjoyed the Punch and Judy shows, which were very deep in the back of my mind from being a child visiting the beach.
Just reminiscing on some of this past year’s events has been a pleasant activity, and it’s made me realise that it feels like I’ve been back in Wymondham much longer than a year. I hope you can similarly look back on Wymondham with some great memories. I certainly look forward to more stand-out moments in town.
Rugby Club Rolls Up its Sleeves for Men's Health
“A surprising number of them weren’t very keen on needles!”
That was the conclusion after nearly sixty men - mostly former players and current supporters - signed up for prostate cancer screening at Wymondham Rugby Club.
The club held the session as part of its campaign to promote good physical and mental health among its members.
“I think the fact that it was in a non-medical setting was probably quite helpful in getting more men to come along,” said Anita Coleman, from the club’s Wellbeing Committee.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England - and has been in the news with the terminal diagnosis of Olympian Sir Chris Hoy. Hoy is urging men to go online and check their risk of developing the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK organised the PSA screening session at Wymondham. It’s a simple blood test, and the PSA level in the blood is currently the best indicator of a possible prostate problem.
The online risk checker on Prostate Cancer UK is here.
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.
Thursday 1st May
u3a Monthly Talk: Comets, Asteroids, Meteorites and Extinction Events 2pm, Central Hall
Does Mankind’s nemesis lurk out in deep space, beyond the edge of the Solar System? With a background in Biological Sciences and Astronomy, author David Bryant has reached some startling and novel conclusions about the causes of mass extinctions. Free for members, £2 for non-members.
u3asites.org.uk/wymondham/home
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
Friday 2nd May
Photographic Society Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, Dell Bowls Club
Informal chat about anything
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Spring Beer Festival 1pm-11pm, Ex Services Club Regal Lounge
Free entry all weekend and hot food available. Runs through 4th May while stocks last.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Hazy Cosmic Jive 3pm-6pm, Ex-Services Club
All vinyl DJ
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
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
Marc Anthony and Isaac 8:30pm, Ex-Services Club
Father & Son duo performing reggae, soul and ska in the Regal Lounge.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Saturday 3rd May
Matinee: Murder in the Studio 2pm, Central Hall
Join Wymondham Players for a special matinee performance of Agatha Christie's 'Murder In The Studio'.
wymondhamplayers.org.uk
Karl Presley 3pm-6pm, Ex-Services Club
Elvis Tribute
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
African Choir Performance 7pm, Methodist Church
Refreshments available in the Town Green Centre afterwards. Proceeds will go towards the Mudeka Foundation mudkafoundation.org.
wymondhammethodistchurch.com
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
The Killer Tomatoes 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Ska, Punk, Indie, Rock Party
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 4th May
Norfolk Creations Exhibition Final Day 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
Roman Blind Making Demo 1pm, Needlecraft
Expert curtain maker Karen will show us how to make a Roman blind.
Wax Worx 3pm-6pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Vinyl DJ
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Rolling Stones Tribute Band 7:30pm, Wymondham Central Hall
Tickets at Reeves Stationers or Tel: 01953 600563
Bloke and Burd 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Live band playing mixed party hits
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Monday 5th May
Abbey Duck Race 11am, Wymondham Abbey
The annual bank holiday event for all the family. Duck races along the river start from 11.30.
Hot food, tombola, cakes, plants and other stalls. Bring a bonnet for the Mad Hatter's prize parade.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Tuesday 6th May
Ukulele Group Open Rehearsal 7:30pm-9:30pm, Robert Kett Pub, NR18 0HH
Come and tap your toes as Wymondham Ukulele Group rehearse popular songs from down the years for the public to listen in and enjoy. You can even join in if you play the uke yourself!
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dell Bowls Club
Guest Speaker Justin Minns: A learning curve
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 7th May
Art Society Demo with Christine Lester 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
Animal Portrait in Pastels. This is a return visit from Christine, who previously demonstrated figures in a landscape for us. The subjects Christine finds most engaging are people and animals.
wymondhamart.org
Thursday 8th May
Voces del Camino 4:15pm-6:30pm, Wymondham Abbey
Sacred choral music from the Spanish and English renaissance
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Talk: Spiders – Small Super Heroes 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Garth Coupland.
He is an illustrator, writer, Rock singer, record producer and a lifelong natural historian who lectures on many topics, including Spiders. Using photography, illustrations and anecdotes, this talk’s focus is the general life of British spiders from their many extraordinary uses of silk to their fascinating sex lives!
All welcome - admission £3, NWT members £2 – no booking required. Questions to Wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
01953 602 876
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Saturday 10th May
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
Lizard Volunteer Workday 10am-12pm, The Lizard
Join volunteers to help this natural area to thrive. Meet on the Lizard at the Orchard. Refreshments at 11am. Bring yourself & a pair of gloves.
thelizardwymondham.co.uk
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
Gemma B 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Music across the decades in the Members Bar. Signed in guests welcome.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 13th May
Volunteer Workday 9:30am-12:30pm, Friarscroft Wood
Meet by Windmill Surgery. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring yourself, a pair of gloves & sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Continuous improvement night
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 15th May
Fashion Show with Middletons Clothing 7pm, Wymondham Abbey
Enjoy a wide-ranging presentation of vibrant and functional summer clothing at this fundraiser for the Abbey.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Saturday 17th May
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
Go Johnny Go 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Rock and Roll in the Regal Lounge. Non members £5.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 18th May
Guided Bluebell Walk with WyNG 1pm-4pm, Ashwellthorpe Lower Wood
Join Wymondham Nature group for a guided walk to see bluebells and other spring flowers. Learn about coppice management, and enjoy the woodland biodiversity.
Meet in the car park on The Street, Ashwellthorpe.
Grid reference: TM 13890 97667 - what3words: workload.wording.explain
Contact: Anne Edwards, 01603 812309
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Monday 19th May
Garden Club Talk: Henstead Exotic Gardens – with Andrew Brogan 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
An illustrated talk about recent plantings & successes with the gardens, Andrew will bring along plants for sale. Henstead Exotic Gardens is a 2-acre garden, not far from Beccles with exotic palms, banana trees, a tiered walkway & much more. Open to the public at selected times. To find out more, come along to the talk! Members free, guests £4. wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 20th May
Wymondham Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Studio night with professional model
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 22nd May
Talk by Dr Joy Hawkins 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Join Wymondham Heritage Society for a talk on 'Dealing with Accidents and Emergencies in the Middle Ages'. Free for members - visitors £2. New members can join at a meeting or contact Janet Benjafield on 01953 600205.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Saturday 24th May
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
Jed Watts Recollections 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Tribute to the decades with 13 costume changes in the Regal lounge, non-members £5.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Sunday 25th May
Wildflower Identification 2pm-4pm, Toll's Meadow
Join John Beckett from WyNG to identify flowers in this lovely nature sanctuary. Car Park on Cemetery Lane (free on Sundays). All welcome, no charge (donations to NWT welcome). Email: wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
01953 602 876
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
James Barr 8pm-11pm, Ex-Services Social Club
80s to present hits in the Members' Bar. Signed in guests welcome.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
Tuesday 27th May
Aeolus Winds lunchtime concert 1pm, Wymondham Abbey
Enjoy live music with this popular Norfolk-based wind quintet.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
NWCC Annual General Meeting 7:30pm, North Wymondham Community Centre
Followed by light refreshments
facebook.com/NorthWymondhamCommunity
Photographic Society 8pm-10pm, Dells Bowls Club
Projected image annual competition
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 31st May
Jokin Apart 8:30pm-11:30pm, Ex-Services Social Club
Rock pop party in the Regal lounge, non-members £5.
facebook.com/groups/130014680369369
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