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Volunteers work for 100 hours on Rothbury replanting project
The Great Rothbury Plant-up on 14th April exceeded our expectations - we had 24 volunteers and six young children, who put in over 100 hours of volunteer work! Despite the cold weather in the morning, we were joined by families and representatives from the Allotments (including its new chairman), the Guides, the Waitrose Community Team, and Browick Orchard and Friarscroft Wood. Major pluses were the occasional pitstop subsidised by Waitrose and some home-cooking, and the discovery of a century-old George V penny!
The new Rothbury Park planting beds had to be dug over to prepare for the hundreds of plants, which ranged from tiny hellebores, larger hebes and a substantial daphne. There were some lovely grasses, scented plants like lavender and rosemary, and - once the spring bulbs are planted in the autumn - there will be year-round colour. Unfortunately, the rainwater tank seemed to run dry, but the Community Hall gallantly supported the longest hose ever.
Talking of water, our summer quality testing on the River Tiffey started early this year, so that the results were available before the annual Duck Race.
At Friarscroft Wood, the team is working hard to clear the final mound of rubbish from the public wood, and looking forward to seeing the new wildflower meadow develop in the orchard section. The pontoon is a great hit with the team and passers-by, who can now spot the tadpoles that were released back into the pond after their captivity.
Greening Wymondham will also be welcoming those completing Wymondham Nature Group's bird-watching tours on Saturday 16th and 17th May - with refreshments in the woods' meadows.
Activity centre ‘The Shed’ celebrates 10th anniversary
On Sunday 12th April, The Shed Wymondham celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a party for members, ex-members and invited guests, including its founder, Barry Rooks.
From humble beginnings in a building with broken windows and bare brickwork, Barry had the vision of what the building could be and, more importantly, the effect the Shed project could have on its members: improving self-esteem and mental health, combating social isolation, and fostering a sense of purpose in a non-judgemental environment.
After Barry moved to Lincolnshire, a Community Group was formed in early 2019 and became a Registered Charity in October 2019.
Even during the Covid closures, we kept in touch with a Saturday morning Zoom call every week with some themes such as Bake Off and face-mask designs!
Over the past 10 years, the two-storey Shed building has been fully renovated by using its members’ skills and knowledge. This has allowed for all types of crafting activities to take place. Members can work on their own projects or take part in the many community projects across the Wymondham and surrounding areas.
Also attending were the Mayor Dave Roberts, Wymondham Town Councillors Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, Annette James, Julian Fulcher and South Norfolk Councillor Carmina McConnell, who are all great supporters and friends of The Shed.
Andrew Clarke, past chairman and current Trustee, said, “It was a lovely way to celebrate with past and present members and all our supporters from the last 10 years. The Shed has grown into a lovely and friendly community with new members joining every week.”
Barry Rooks, Founder, said it was “a fantastic day celebrating 10 years of The Shed
Andrew, Steve, Ron, Mike, Stuart and your brilliant team - you have built something really special. I know you still have big plans and dreams for the future of The Shed - you can do it! Keep going, keep believing!”
Stuart, Chairman, said, “Our Shed’s 10-year anniversary party was a great success, with attendance from members past and present, friends and supporters of our Shed. The event was organised by our Management Team and members; I cannot thank them enough for running such a great event.”
If you would like more information regarding The Shed, please visit www.theshedwymondham.org.uk or email to info@theshedwymondham.org.uk.
Norfolk Young Musician prize-winner to front Symphony Orchestra’s next concert
Following another sell-out concert in late March, Wymondham Symphony Orchestra had only a short rest over the Easter break before they were back at work rehearsing.
They started the term with something a little different on 11 April at Wymondham College: they contributed to a conducting masterclass! Featuring 6 budding conductors from across the globe (Romania, UK, Russia, and the Netherlands) and organised by Peter Stark (Professor of Conducting at London’s Royal College of Music). Each young conductor had the opportunity to rehearse with the orchestra, practising their conducting technique (including body language and clarity of gesture) as well as bringing their own unique musicality and artistry to each session. The day ended with an informal concert for friends and family. It was a fantastic collaborative effort, and the orchestra were delighted to support the development of future conducting talent.
The next concert will be a celebration of 20th-century American composers Gershwin and Copland. From Copland, they will perform Fanfare for the Common Man and Appalachian Spring (listen out for all the different moods and tempo changes). Additionally, the programme will include Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and his ever-famous Rhapsody in Blue with the piano solo performed by local pianist Sohyun Park, who, among a large number of awards and accolades, was named the Norfolk Young Musician of the Year in 2011.
Tickets are available online here, or if you prefer a hard copy, there will be tickets available later in the month at the Wymondham Abbey shop. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment! 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.
Fancy discounted tickets?
Join the Friends of Wymondham Orchestra to get tickets at a discounted price, seat reservations, and orchestra news. Find out more on our website.
Plays by Wymondham writers to be staged at Central Hall
An evening of original drama at Central Hall, Wymondham is promised on Friday 5 June.
Local playwright, Tony Vale, is a founding member of the playwriting group Four by Four, and he is coordinating the event, which includes Tony’s one-act play, Saving Grace.
It has been adapted from an award-winning 30-minute monologue performed at Liverpool Fringe Festival in 2024 and focuses on the volatile relationship between Grace and her partner Rob.
Rob is in a coma when the play starts, having fallen down the stairs. The question for the audience is whether he fell or was pushed.
The programme includes two other plays and a monologue from Tony’s fellow playwrights David Howego, Simon Hooton and David Pollard, who together form the production team.
Tickets are just £7 from George Reeves in Market Street, Wymondham, or they can be booked in advance by text on 07851 370666, with payment by cash on the door.
Queen visits Wymondham for St George's Day
The town celebrated the day in style!
Wymondham had a special visitor on St George’s Day, when “Queen Victoria” honoured us with her presence.
Georgette Vale reprised one of her many historical personas as she toured the town centre.
Her Majesty sampled a specially made Victoria Sponge at the Heritage Museum Tearoom, where she met another Victoria and she called into nearby Fairland Court, for another cake tasting.
Next, she dropped into the office of Andy Free, Independent Family Funeral Director. They had invited members of the public to view the recently refurbished HSBC building, where Her Majesty was introduced to Andy’s wife, Victoria.
This was followed by a meeting with Market Street jeweller, Victoria Jane.
Georgette later acted as a Town Guide to give a talk about the history of the Market Cross.
In other St George’s news, Simple Cards in Market Street was declared the Best Decorated Shop (and also received a royal visit). And the Thursday Art Group contributed too, with a dragon-themed St George’s display.
A good time was had by all, and it would appear that Her Majesty was amused.
Photos of the Month: April Edition
On the 10th of March, we had an interclub competition with the Pikes Peak Camera Club in America. Each club provided 30 images, which were then marked out of 20 by judges from the USA and UK. The marks were then added up, and WPS came out on top again with a score of 1001 points to Pikes Peak's 943. Once again, there was a wide variety of images. The top scorers from WPS were Jez Wood, Anthony Cooves, Gavin Bickerton-Jones, and Dom Wood.
On the 17th, we had the final round of our internal cumulative print competition, judged by Geoff Long. In Tier 1, for less experienced photographers, there were only 5 prints this time, with Jim Lightwing’s ‘Rather Large Lunch’ kingfisher picture coming out on top as the judge’s favourite. The judge loved the colours and the fact that Jim had got the bird with a fish. Just a shame it didn’t turn its head towards the camera!
In Tier 2, there were 29 prints, with 12 scoring 9 or over, which just shows the continuing high standard in the club. Anthony Palmer’s ‘Dolphin’ scored 10, as did Denis Gardner's black and white shot ‘Sabre Tooth’ of a building in Tenerife.
But once again, it was Jez Wood with his ‘Great Crested Grebe’ shot that also scored 10 and was the judge’s favourite! A lovely backlit shot in the early morning light on a lake just outside Wymondham, I don’t think there will be any prizes for guessing who will end up as photographer of the year this season!
On the 14th of April, we had a ‘Tripod’ Competition against Lowestoft and Buxton camera clubs. Each club provided eight prints and eight projected images, with judge Simon Ciappara FRPS providing the scores. There was a varied selection of subjects, from landscapes to graphic images, portraits and wildlife, and all were top quality, making life difficult for the judge. Some of his comments were constructive, and some were a bit harsh, but with the standard on display, it was the small differences that made the difference.
2 photographers scored a maximum: Jez Wood (obviously) with his Grebe, and chairman John Cann with his Scottish Highlands landscape. Once all the scores were added up, Lowestoft came out on top with 190.5, Buxton were second with 190, and WPS third with 189.5. It doesn’t get much closer than that! Well done to Lowestoft and Buxton, and thank you for an enjoyable evening. We will have to get revenge next year!
Can you use ChatGPT to write your will?
ChatGPT has recently hit the headlines as a large language model developed by OpenAI, based on GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. It is designed to understand natural language inputs and generate responses that are coherent and contextually appropriate. ChatGPT has been trained on vast amounts of text data, including books, articles, and websites, and can generate responses on a wide range of topics.
Whereas it can be used for a variety of natural language processing tasks, such as language translation, text summarisation, and conversational AI, we look at whether it is a tool you can use to write your own Will.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. ChatGPT can produce draft text, but it cannot ensure your Will is legally valid, personalised, or compliant with the Wills Act 1837. Therefore, you should not rely on it to create a legally binding Will.
As an AI language model, ChatGPT is not authorised or qualified to draft legal documents such as wills. The creation of a will requires careful consideration of legal and personal factors, and it is essential to consult with a qualified legal professional to ensure that the document is legally valid and reflects your intentions.
Furthermore, ChatGPT is not regulated by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) like Spire Solicitors LLP. There are several benefits to using an SRA-regulated law firm, instead of OpenAI methods, or roadside will-writers who tend to be cheaper as they are less qualified. These include:
Protection of client funds
SRA-regulated law firms are required to have separate client bank accounts, which means that client funds are protected.
Professional indemnity insurance
SRA-regulated law firms are required to have professional indemnity insurance, which protects clients if the firm makes a mistake or provides negligent advice.
High standards of professionalism
SRA-regulated law firms must adhere to strict ethical and professional standards, which means that clients can trust that their lawyers are acting in their best interests.
Complaints procedure
SRA-regulated law firms are required to have a complaints procedure in place, which means that clients have a route to seek redress if they are unhappy with the service they have received.
Ongoing training and development
SRA-regulated law firms are required to ensure that their lawyers undertake ongoing training and development, which means that clients can expect to receive up-to-date and relevant legal advice.
Overall, using an SRA-regulated law firm gives clients confidence that they are working with a reputable and professional legal service provider, minimising the chance of any unmitigated risk.
If you would like to discuss anything in this article or are looking for legal advice, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01953 606351.
Short Story: Heartstrings.
When Peter came out of his study to see what the commotion was, he found his 15-year-old daughter Jeannie kneeling on the floor with her head inside the cupboard under the stairs.
“What is the matter?” he enquired gently, as he watched her frantically flinging objects aside in her obvious search for something.
“It’s my tennis lesson any minute, and I can’t find my racquet! It must be here somewhere – I always put it back in here.”
“Always?” he queried, still in a mild tone. “Where was it...” but she cut him off.
“If you ask me where it was when I last saw it, I shall scream – because if I knew that, I wouldn’t be looking for it now!”
“I think we have a few minutes to find it,” he said. “Shall I have a look?”
She huffed loudly and moved back so that he could bend down in the cupboard doorway.
Eventually, even he had to admit defeat. “No, I’m afraid I can’t see it either.”
“Oh God! I bet Tim borrowed it without asking and hasn’t put it back!” she wailed.
“But,” he went on, “you could use this one,” and he withdrew a slightly battered wooden-framed racquet which he then offered her.
“Whose is that?” she said, greatly surprised. “I’ve never seen that one before”.
“Actually, it’s an old one of your mother’s,” he said, “which I had restrung recently.” He was going to add “precisely because I thought this would happen one day”, but more diplomatically continued, “in case you or Tim had a friend here one day who might also want to play.”
“It must be ancient!” she said, casting a disapproving eye over it.
“She had it when she was your age, so it is quite a few years old,” he said, “but it was a very good make in its time, and with new strings, it’s almost as good as new. In fact, she told me that when her father gave it to her, he had taken her to the best sports shop in town and told her she could have the most expensive model they had.”
“Wow.”
“Well, in truth, he owed her that,” her dad went on, “because everyone had forgotten it was her birthday – or just chosen to let someone else do something about it. She told me she spent the whole day waiting for someone – her mother, brother, anyone - to say “Surprise!”. To give her some presents, or offer her a cake with 15 candles on it. But her family wasn’t really like that.
“Anyway, when her dad came home from work, he asked what was up and she told him. He was so shocked that he immediately took her out to get a new racquet and to buy her afternoon tea. To be honest, that seems to have been his default – he was a great one for a grand gesture after the fact, when really some forward thinking and consideration would have been much more valuable. The only excuse I can find for it is that it was wartime, but ordinary life still had to go on.”
Jeannie looked thoughtful. “I realise that Mum doesn’t really get on with her mother, and she can’t stand her brother Will. But she loved her dad?”
“She did. He understood her, shared her love of books and sport, was proud that academically she was so able that she would be the first one in the family to get to university, and told her so. But he was hardly ever home, often gone for weeks, and then he would suddenly appear, take her off to an expensive restaurant, splash out on a fancy meal, and then dash off again until the next time. Mum used to say that we had such different starts in life.”
“I never met your parents, Dad.”
“No, sadly not, but I had a very happy upbringing. My parents had to work so hard to get by, keep us warm, fed, and clothed, but they did. They never complained. They just got on with it. We never felt that we were going without.”
“So, Mum was surrounded by wealth and conflict, and you were happy but poor?”
“That’s about the size of it.”
Jeannie got up to go. “Thanks for the racquet,” she said, “it will be lovely to use it, knowing it was Mum’s originally. I am sure she’ll laugh when we tell her about it! And thanks for the chat.”
Later, at supper, everyone was asked about their day. “Well,” said 9-year-old Katie, beaming, “I moved up to the next Better English book today!”
“And is it better?” Mum said, smiling.
“What?”
“Your English?”
“Oh, well it must be,” Katie said, rather mystified. “And I nearly forgot, we watched the astronauts landing on the moon instead of doing maths! It was rather a good day really!”
“How was tennis?” Dad asked.
“It was fine, thanks. The racquet was ok by the way, so thanks for that,” Jeannie said. “Did anyone manage to find mine?”
“Yes, you guessed right. Your brother had lost his and borrowed yours – it turned up under his bed. We still have no idea where his is.”
“Lucky for him that he’s not here then,” she growled. “Actually, I told some of my friends about your racquet, Mum, and how you got it for your birthday.”
“Did you?” Mum seemed surprised and glanced across at Dad, who said nothing but returned her look. Jeannie had noticed recently that they did a lot of silent talking like this, and they always seemed to know what each other meant.
“Yeah, they were very impressed that you got a top-of-the-range one, even if it’s rather old-fashioned now.”
“Yes, very lucky really,” she said.
“But your whole family had forgotten your birthday! How could you feel lucky?” Jeannie demanded.
“I mean, I feel very lucky now,” Mum corrected herself, “and you are my family now. I hope you feel lucky too – I learned a long time ago that money doesn’t buy you happiness, even if it can get you a top-notch tennis racquet.”
Celebrating Local Success: why the King’s Awards for Enterprise matter to Wymondham
The King’s Awards for Enterprise represent the pinnacle of business recognition in the United Kingdom. They celebrate outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity—highlighting organisations that not only succeed commercially but also make a meaningful contribution to society. While these awards carry national prestige, their greatest impact is often felt at the local level, where they inspire confidence, ambition, and growth. Nowhere is this more evident than here in Norfolk.
Ours is a county with enterprise at its heart
From its strong agricultural heritage to its rapidly growing digital and creative sectors, Norfolk continues to evolve as a place where businesses of all sizes can flourish. Entrepreneurs, family firms, and global exporters alike are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of our local economy. The King’s Awards for Enterprise provide a powerful platform to recognise and celebrate these achievements—placing Norfolk businesses firmly on the national and international map.
For towns such as Wymondham, the significance of this recognition cannot be overstated. When a local company receives a King’s Award, it sends a clear and compelling message: excellence thrives here. It demonstrates that businesses based in our community are competing—and succeeding—at the very highest level. This not only enhances the reputation of the individual organisation but also raises the profile of Wymondham and Norfolk as a whole, attracting attention, investment, and opportunity.
The benefits extend well beyond the accolade itself. Winning a King’s Award often leads to increased visibility, new partnerships, and expanded markets. Many recipients experience sustained growth, enabling them to invest further in their workforce, develop new products and services, and strengthen their supply chains. This creates a ripple effect throughout the local economy—supporting other businesses, generating employment, and contributing to long-term prosperity.
Just as importantly, the awards celebrate values that are central to Norfolk’s identity. In particular, the category of Promoting Opportunity recognises organisations that are creating inclusive workplaces, developing skills, and opening doors for people from all backgrounds. This is an area in which Norfolk businesses are making a real difference, ensuring that economic success is shared widely across our communities.
A shining example of this can be found right here in Wymondham. Netmatters, a highly regarded digital and training company, was honoured in 2025 with The King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity. Their commitment to nurturing talent, providing accessible career pathways, and investing in people has transformed lives and strengthened the local workforce. Their success is not only a testament to their own vision and dedication, but also a source of pride for Wymondham and a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved in our town.
Stories like this matter. They inspire others—whether established businesses considering their next stage of growth, or young people beginning to think about their future careers. They show that ambition, innovation, and community spirit can combine to create something truly exceptional. And they reinforce the message that Norfolk is a place where opportunity exists and success is within reach.
Looking ahead, there is enormous potential for more Wymondham businesses
to follow in these footsteps. The King’s Awards are open to organisations across a wide range of sectors and sizes, and many local companies are already achieving at a level worthy of recognition. Applying for an award is not only about the possibility of winning; it is also a valuable process in itself. It encourages businesses to reflect on their achievements, articulate their strengths, and set out a clear vision for the future.
Encouraging more applications from the Wymondham area and across Norfolk should be a shared ambition. By doing so, we can ensure that the breadth and depth of talent within our county is properly recognised and celebrated. Each success story strengthens our reputation, builds confidence, and contributes to a thriving, resilient economy.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are more than a symbol of excellence; they are a driver of it. They shine a light on what is possible, reward those who lead the way, and inspire others to follow. For Norfolk, and for Wymondham, they represent an opportunity not only to celebrate success, but to create it.
For further information about The King’s Awards for Enterprise, including guidance on how to apply and the support available locally, please email Michael Harrowven, Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, at lord-lieutenant@norfolk.gov.uk.
Short Story: Judgement.
Mona was a feisty woman of 89 years. She had lost most of her hair and wore a long blonde wig, colourful hand-knit sweaters, denim jeans (too short) with mismatched socks and Doc Martens. She used a walker with wheels.
I’m in my fifties and have lived across the hall for 6 months, on the tenth floor. Birmingham is a big city, and this building is not the biggest, but large enough that I only know a few people who live on this floor. I sometimes see Mona in the elevator. She often leaves the door of her flat open and talks to people who pass in the hall. I see carers come and go from her apartment most days, and they are often in and out in a flash. Sometimes they wear a blue uniform, and others wear a white one. I imagine they come from different companies. They are paid to help with the practicalities of life, see that the person is up out of bed, able to bathe and if not, assist, maybe cook a meal.
From my peephole in the door, I’ve seen several different women and men come and go from Mona’s place. Yes, I am a curious sort.
One morning, I heard voices, and on my tiptoes from my peephole, I saw a large man, more than six feet tall, with bodybuilder shoulders and long grey hair in a ponytail. He wore a black leather vest showing big, bare muscled arms. His jeans were raggedy and he wore flip-flops.
I opened my door and asked if he needed anything. Mona spoke from inside her flat, “Tell that nosy neighbour that we don’t need anything other than some peace and privacy!”
“I think she heard you,” he said with a smile.
Then he walked toward me with his hand out. “I’m Kevin, Mona’s carer.”
“Oh!” I said and gingerly shook his hand before closing my door.
I wondered so many things; what agency would hire someone like him to care for an old lady? Was Mona safe with him?
Over the next week, he came every day. Sometimes loud music filtered under the door from her apartment. Other times, I caught the aroma of cooking onions or baking cakes. Some days, he took her out with her walker. They made an unusual sight.
Two months passed by, and he was still coming to care for Mona. I could not help myself. One evening, I knocked on her door. She opened it, the chain still hooked.
“Oh, it’s you.”
“Yes, Peggy from across the hall, may I please come in?”
“If you must.”
We sat in her cosy three-room flat, and I told her I was sorry I had taken so long to give her a proper welcome. I asked her how she and Kevin met, and she said they met in the laundry room downstairs.
“He lives on floor #3. We got talking, and I told him how much I pay each week for carers to come every day. They never stay more than twenty minutes and often run off without even a conversation. Kevin offered to spend two hours a day, and when I asked what he charged, he told me the reward was “just to see my happy face - and whatever I could spare and share from a meal he would cook.”
“Do you know his story?”
“He just got out of prison. He’s on parole. I’m a good influence on him, and he is a big help to me! I get out of this prison three afternoons a week. We go to the corner coffee shop, and sometimes we just sit on the bench in front of the building and people-watch. He tells me about his life and listens to me reminisce about mine.”
“Well, I’m happy for you, and I’ve learned an important lesson.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Don’t judge a book by the cover!”
She grinned, “There is only so much you can learn through a peephole!”
What's in a Photo? The Historic Damgate Bridge
This historic picture of Damgate Bridge is from a book: "Picturesque Views of all the Bridges belonging to the County of Norfolk", published in 1831.
Francis Stone, an architect and surveyor, produced striking and detailed drawings of the bridges with artist David Hodgson. They created them on 84 lithographs for the acclaimed volume.
The bridge, spanning the River Tiffey, was a strategic entrance to the town and played a vital role on the road between Norwich and London. There was no bypass then! Damgate seems to have got its name from a dam at the bridge, which in earlier times had served the Abbot's mill, and when the Great Flood of 1912 subsided, part of a millstone was found there. During the flood, the houses of “Hubbard and Nicholls” adjoining the bridge disintegrated, and all their furniture was lost.
The bridge seems to have been in constant need of repair, and the surviving Town Book (c.1583 - c. 1622) has several entries for "amending" and "repayring" the bridge. With much work carried out in the 20th century, the bridge at Damgate is thankfully now much stronger and can cater for much heavier traffic than it could two hundred years ago.
Dealing with strong emotions, be it bereavement or irritating people
Along with many other strong emotions, anger can be something that those who are bereaved struggle to process. Anger can be felt in the body through physical symptoms such as tension headaches and tight, aching muscles and joints. We may feel irritable and lash out at those closest to us.
I am sure we can all recall being on the receiving end of someone’s anger and having no clue what we have done to deserve it! From time to time, we all experience strong feelings that we release at the wrong moment towards the wrong person.
Grieving is a complex, confusing process. One minute, we can feel desperately lonely, crying uncontrollably with sadness, the next, experiencing gut-wrenching feelings of rage.
We may feel angry at the unfairness of our loved one’s death and cheated out of a future we had planned. Many people feel angry towards the person who has died because they have been left behind to carry on without them. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for feeling this way. Anger often accompanies blame.
When we are grieving, it is important to be kind to ourselves. Anger suppressed or denied becomes internalised and can often lead to depression. Working through our anger is an important part of the grief process.
There are also practical things we can do to help release anger. One example is writing a letter to those we are angry with. We may often choose not to send it! People find it equally therapeutic to rip up such letters or burn them in the fire.
Physical activities can also help, such as running, walking, gardening, shouting in the shower or punching a pillow!
Writing about difficult feelings in a private journal can also be beneficial.
A state of acceptance is not easy to achieve, but it can be the way forward. Practising forgiveness and choosing to let go of anger is a daily process for many of us.
Another useful guide is knowing what we can and cannot control.
Things you can control include your actions, reactions, words, self-care, treatment of others, and decisions on how to live your life. Things you cannot control are unforeseen events like death or illness, wars, global unrest, other people’s behaviour, events that have already happened, and world injustice.
If you’ve been bereaved (recently or in the past) and would like to join one of Rosedale’s Bereavement Support Groups, please call 01379 640 810 to reserve your free place. All groups are free and confidential.
The Food and Drink Festival - only a few weeks to go!
It's just a few weeks now until the fifth Wymondham Food and Drink Festival on Sunday June 28th.
There will be 65+ stalls at the event, offering hot food, cold food, food to try and food to take away. Everything from traditional burgers to African street food, mushrooms to fudge.
As for drink, visitors will be spoilt for choice. Coffee, lemonade, gin or beer - whatever the tipple of choice may be, it will be on offer.
Alongside the food and drink stalls, there will be a selection of locally based craft stalls and charity stalls.
If all this isn't enough, there will be a programme of street entertainment, including the ever-popular Spangle steel band and a local rock choir.
Truly a great day out for the whole family.
Wymondham Rotary Satellite Group are organising the day to raise funds for local charities and is very grateful to local sponsors Electric 11, CSN Autos and Mr Frosty Ice Cream.
Planning your summer? Don’t forget to include Wymondham Open Gardens!
Open Gardens: June 6th-7th
Wymondham Heritage Society and Museum will be running their Open Gardens event over the weekend of June 6th-7th, from midday to 5pm. About twenty gardens will be on view for visitors to exchange ideas. All are welcome, both experienced and new to gardening. Funds raised will go directly towards maintaining the volunteer-run Wymondham Heritage Museum.
Programmes cost £5 per adult (children are free), giving access to all gardens over the weekend and will be on sale throughout May in Wymondham. They are available at the Heritage Museum, Abbey Shop, Tourist Information Centre (above the Market Cross), George Reeves, and Wymondham Garden Centre, who have kindly sponsored printing and advertising. (Please note some of these shops are cash-only.)
You can also buy your programme from our stall at the Market Cross on the mornings of May 15th, 22nd, 29th, 5th and all day 7th June. The gardeners themselves will have programmes for sale during the event (cash only) - look out for the yellow balloons, but do buy in advance if you can to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to seeing you and say a big thank you in advance to all the participating gardeners and volunteers!
For more information, please contact Diana Grant at thewhsopengardens@gmail.com or telephone 07969 165319.
Meet Helen Munday, the Bridewell Tearoom legend
The manager who gave the Tearoom a lick of paint
When I go to Wymondham Heritage Museum, it’s rare for me not to gravitate to the Bridewell Tearoom. If it’s the morning, it’s a cheese scone; in the afternoon, it has to be the lemon curd sponge. It’s the same for my wife when she’s with me, while our granddaughter demolishes an oh-so-chocolaty brownie as if it’s the last thing she’s going to eat.
Making sure my snack of choice is available is this month’s featured volunteer, Helen Munday: the fantastic manager of The Bridewell Tearoom.
Helen had her first taste of catering when she worked at John Lewis.
“I was asked to help out in the café,” she says. “I left when I had my son. When he was at Browick Road school, I was on the Friends committee. After ten years, I left when my daughter went up to high school and thought about trying something different, so I applied to the museum. I was taken on as a steward.
“But then Covid came. When the museum reopened, I was asked if I would also help in the Tearoom.
“I really enjoyed it, and Janice, the manager at the time, joked that she ought to train me up to be a manager. Unfortunately, Janice fell ill, and I found myself in charge sooner than expected!”
Helen thought the Tearoom “needed something”. First were tablecloths. Then the chairs were replaced, followed by shelves and a lick of paint. She has put up posters and menu boards and updated the equipment. A popular addition has been the craft table to keep young visitors amused while mum and dad relax with a snack and enjoy the paintings on display from local artists.
“We’ve got a new fridge-freezer. We were using packets for drinks such as lattes, but now we’ve got two coffee machines. And we’ve got a hot water machine. The volunteers love it! No more boiling a kettle. Next, I want to replace the tables. I’ve put a couple of tables outside at the Browick Road entrance - and people are sitting in the garden now the weather is improving.”
On the catering front, Helen has four bakers who produce scones, sponges, our bestselling banana bread, and those delicious brownies. The Kracken Bakes company provides gluten-free cakes. There are the usual popular snacks to tempt the youngsters, such as crisps, chocolate, biscuits and soft drinks. In addition, toasted teacakes and crumpets are available with special treats on offer for museum events such as Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas and cream teas for Open Gardens. The Tearoom also caters for group visits.
Customer numbers are healthy, and Helen points out that entry to the Tearoom is free. She says there are 15 independent places in Wymondham where you can get coffee, so she is pleased at the number of customers who choose The Bridewell and its competitive prices.
“We have our regulars, and as many walk-ins as we do museum visitors,” she says. “But I’m amazed at the number of people who say: ‘I didn’t know you were here’.”
Helen has a rota of volunteers to cover the tearoom’s opening hours.
“We have a great team and cover most days, but we could do with more volunteers.”
As if managing the Tearoom isn’t enough, Helen works at the Tourist Information Centre, runs a Brownie pack in Norwich and runs a tearoom once a week at her daughter’s gymnastic class.
I caught up with Helen in the Tearoom one Saturday. On duty was the dubbed “weekend lady” Chris Yates.
Chris said, “You always know if Helen has been in because you can't find things.”
And Helen admitted, “I do keep changing things.”
That’s fine, but Helen, please don’t change the cheese scones or the lemon curd sponge. And, of course, those wicked chocolate brownies.
Don't forget the Open Gardens!
Time flies, and already Wymondham Open Gardens is here again, so don’t forget to book the dates. Wymondham Heritage Society will be staging the event over the weekend of June 6th and 7th from midday to 5pm, with around 20 gardens on show. Wymondham Heritage Museum, which is run entirely by volunteers, is grateful to be the beneficiary.
The programmes costing £5 for access to the gardens will also offer free entry to the Museum over the event weekend, plus a further visit before the end of the 2026 season. So garden buffs can also pop into the Ancient Bridewell and discover the history of the town and its citizens.
The museum’s Courtyard Garden will be open, where visitors can relax and enjoy a cream tea from The Bridewell Tearoom.
The museum is running a book stall and a craft and curiosities stall over the Open Gardens weekend and would welcome donations of good paperbacks and bric-a-brac, which can be left at the museum during opening hours.
Will Twentyman’s Garden Club talk will give you a head start on your winter plants
Will Twentyman is a professional Norfolk gardener and horticulturist. He’s the man with the ideas on what plants to brighten winter days.
There’s plenty to ponder on - from early flowering hellebores and aconites to winter clematis and flowering shrubs, and much, much more!
This might feel like an odd time to discuss winter plants, but we plant spring bulbs in early autumn, so, really, now is an ideal time to plan for winter interest plants before they become available in garden centres and nurseries over the coming summer months.
This talk will take place on Monday the 18th of May at the Town Green Centre. Doors open at 7:10pm for a 7:30 start. Just £4 for guests, and free for members!
Grimethorpe Colliery Band soloist to front Needham Market concert
On Saturday 27th June, Mark Glover, the Principal Euphonium Player of the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, will be a guest soloist with Castleton Brass at Needham Market Community Centre.
Band Secretary, Christine Wade, said ‘Band members are all very excited. Mark is one of the best euphonium players in the country, and to have him play with the band is a real privilege. Mark will play four solos accompanied by the band.’
The concert starts at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £13 each and are available from TicketSource or by telephoning 07934169721.
For more details about the band, visit www.castletonbrass.org.uk.
Meet Edith the Van - Wymondham’s weekly NatWest visitor
This is the NatWest van which visits Wymondham every Monday.
It is called Edith, named after Edith Cavell.
There are 26 vehicles of this kind, with names that have a local connection local to the area in which they operate.
Around Wymondham in 80 Dishes: Cavick Farm Café
On the last Thursday of Easter half term before the children returned to school, Alex and I dropped by Cavick Farm café. A few years ago, we always went here for our fresh eggs. Although they no longer sell eggs, Annabel manages a unique and welcoming café that has both indoor and outdoor seating. She bakes everything on site and also sells items in a little gift shop, as well as bouquets of fresh flowers.
Today, the car park had one space left for us! People were sitting at every outdoor table. Alex and I sat in the old threshing barn, on a comfy chair with a sheepskin rug for cushioning. Because today was a beautiful, warm, sunny day, the café was well attended, and Annabel singlehandedly kept the steady stream of customers moving along one coffee at a time.
There was such a wonderful choice of baked goods, I had a few moments of indecision! Would I choose a moist-looking cupcake, a bagel sandwich, a cookie, or a cheese scone? There were also Julie’s homemade shortbread biscuits, chocolate brownies, and lemon poppy seed cake, topped with vegan cream cheese frosting and edible flower petals. Annabel also offers gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options as well as moo-free milks!
There is a Colombian coffee and a cardamom coffee. (Cardamom is the Queen of spices and will be my next taste experience.) Other unusual hot drinks are lavender lattes and iced coffees. Annabel changes her menu daily and according to what’s in season.
I decided on an extra-large sausage roll for Alex and me to share. It had such lean, tasty, perfectly spiced sausage meat with a thin pastry crust. We enjoyed a cappuccino coffee with it.
You may also notice a certificate on their bookcase: ‘Wymondham in Bloom: Best Newcomer’, July 2025. This didn’t surprise me after looking at the beautiful mixed bouquets. Annabel got another feather in her hat in 2017, when she was the winner of the Best Café in Norfolk, awarded by the Muddy Stilettos.
The country atmosphere is what sets this café apart, as well as the amazing variety and choice of baked goods. Her prices reflect the quality and portion size of the food served.
Annabel’s shop is only a short walk past the Abbey. Cavick House Farm Café is open Thursday-Saturday from 10:30 – 2:00 p.m. Their postcode is NR18 9PJ. It is a beautiful, tranquil place to stop for a hot drink and something yummy.
The Lowe Down: La Casa Azul and A-Level teachers
I was remembering one of my Wymondham High A-Level Spanish teachers the other day. I remember this one lesson she gave when she played us Marco Mengoni’s song ‘La Casa Azul’, which is told from the perspective of Frida Kahlo, the Mexican portraitist.
(If you know about Kahlo, you will be familiar with her famous blue house – ‘casa azul’ in Spanish means ‘blue house’.)
Good luck forgetting that song once you’ve heard it once. It’s a complete earworm. There are versions in Italian and Spanish – both are great.
This particular teacher played us the song in full and then asked us if we’d caught any words that suggested what it was about. There’s this bit where Mengoni sings ‘¿qué has dibujado para mi, chiquilla?’ And one of the girls said, ‘I heard something about Shakira’.
Fast forward several years – I’m in my final year at university, all coursework submitted (terrifying) – and I’m having dinner with one of my best friends. He asks me what I’m humming during the cooking, and I play him this song, which has remained on my playlist for all four years since I heard it in class.
It’s a weird thing, recommending a song to someone else and then playing it right in front of them. You keep scanning their face for whether they’re into it, or whether they’re about to give you a confused stare for your dodgy music taste. He listens to the whole song completely plain-faced, giving nothing away, and then says, ‘amazing – let’s listen to it again’. And then requests it again later that evening. Then he texts me at random two days later to say he’s still listening to it now.
Like I said – it’s a catchy one.
I also played him ‘La Chanson des Restos’, which was the main musical feature of my French A-Level classes and has also remained on my playlist for those four years. He was less keen on that one. He’s wrong – ‘Restos’ is also a banger. Still, one out of two isn’t bad.
It’s funny remembering teachers several years after the fact. You come across a lot of them as a young person, especially if you go to university. You meet so many different ones of such different varieties, personalities, vibes, mindsets – you name it. The ‘Casa Azul’ teacher was extremely friendly. She was pretty much always smiling and had a great sense of humour. She was your quintessential ‘nice teacher’, which was not to be confused with being bad or lax (I got an A* at Spanish).
You also come across some unbearable tutors – very rarely. That rule applies to both university and school. On one memorable occasion, I mentioned the name of a tutor I was about to go and visit, and the staff member I was speaking to mimed flicking dog muck off the end of their shoe. (I agreed with the sentiment.)
Another time, a tutor arranged to see me after class for a coffee, and when we met up, they spent two hours giving me all the gossip about their colleagues, including some embarrassing revelations about the behind-the-scenes behaviour of other tutors who had also taught me.
It was as unprofessional as it was hilarious.
But the ‘Casa Azul’ teacher was a reliable one. I remember another class where we talked about ‘los ídolos’ (idols), where we had to discuss various people in the media who we looked up to. Before getting to any Spanish, she just sat us down and had us speak about it in English.
At the time, ‘idols’ were a harder topic than they sound. I did A-Levels during a weird time for online politics – it might have calmed down now. With basically every topical issue being beset with rampant, unverified social media rumours, opinions flying left right and centre on all kinds of individuals, and Gen Z not being entirely renowned for their ability to disagree well, it was eminently possible that one student’s ‘idol’ in that classroom would be another student’s witch.
But even though this teacher was very forward about her politics – possibly more so than average – you were always sure that you would be treated well. She had lots of time for everyone. Which was a relief.
So in conclusion – most teachers are great, some are very eccentric, and most of all, go and listen to ‘La Casa Azul’.
Spotlight: Rothbury Centre and Park
See what River - our 11-year-old Wymondham correspondent - has to say about Rothbury
Recently refurbished and redone beautifully, Rothbury Community Centre and Park is a space for everyone and welcomes you! The perfect place for family fun or a dog walk.
The Community centre hosts many clubs and groups. A couple of weeks ago, I attended a youth group there and was amazed at how different the inside of the hall was! It’s been redecorated and looks beautiful! The Youth Matters Youth Group is every Friday evening and was a great space for young people to socialise in a safe place.
I was also among a group of kids two years ago consulted on what I wanted to see in the new park. We were listened to and loved being part of the creation of it. Before it was redone, the park was plain grass, with no trees and barely any play equipment. Now, there are lots of trees, paths through the grass, picnic benches and lots of new play equipment! Some of the cherry trees and an apple tree were about to blossom. I can’t wait to see their colours light up the park, bringing colour and nature to it.
How sports trainers inspired a feature of local arts festival
Members of the Art Class for 5 – 11-year-olds at the stART Studio were challenged to come up with a design for trainers, as part of the Art is at the Heart of Wymondham project.
Art is also at the heart of collaboration, and the results of the children’s labours were put on display, alongside real trainers, in the window of Footsure in Wharton’s Court.
Alfie Carlin named 'Man of the Match' after high-stakes league game
Wymondham RFC has crowned Alfie Carlin as their 'Man of the Match' after a 'standout performance' in what was, by all accounts, a gruelling game.
In a Facebook post, Head Coach John Llewelyn was quoted:
"In a very tricky afternoon for the team, there were a couple of shining lights in the form of second team debuts for Bob Carter and Ted Devlin, but also the performance of Alfie at 10.
"Alfie had a busy afternoon tackling wave after wave of Cantabs players but also had time to show some silky touches in attack. Another product of our successful Colts programme."
The 2XV Man of the Match award is sponsored by Crendon Timber Engineering.
Tuesday 5th May
Print Art Festival Opening Day
11am-4pm, 
Becket's Chapel
An array of renowned printmakers from Norfolk and beyond are exhibiting in the opening show of 2026. The festival seeks to display a range of printmaking techniques alongside information on how the pieces are created. Featuring local favourites including Sue Welfare, Mandy Doubt, Kerry Buck and Amelia Bowman. Original prints are available alongside greetings cards, gifts and homewares featuring the work of these renowned artists. Free entry, open daily 5-17 May (closed Monday 11th).
wymondhamarts.uk
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Passion for Scapes: Talk with Kevin Pigney
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 6th May
Art Society Demo with Penny Overton 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
Penny specialises in landscapes, seascapes and abstract paintings inspired by the Norfolk countryside and coast. She works in acrylics, bringing extra depth, texture and intricacy by combining the paint with other media including chalk, pastel, ink, sand, foil, leaves, feathers, earth, even tea and coffee grounds, to achieve a complex result that is an emotional response to land and sea. Penny was accepted as a ‘wildcard’ for three years running on Landscape Artist of the Year. She is the owner
wymondhamart.org
Friday 8th May
Quiz Night for Charity 6:45pm, Central Hall
Rotary Satellite Group hosts a charity quiz night with hot drinks and biscuits. Teams of 6, £30 per team. Email WymSatelliteRotary@gmail.com to book.
facebook.com/wymrsg
Tuesday 12th May
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Continuous Improvement night
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Sunday 17th May
Print Art Festival 11am-4pm, Becket's Chapel
An array of renowned printmakers from Norfolk and beyond are exhibiting in the opening show of 2026. The festival seeks to display a range of printmaking techniques alongside information on how the pieces are created. Featuring local favourites including Sue Welfare, Mandy Doubt, Kerry Buck and Amelia Bowman. Original prints are available alongside greetings cards, gifts and homewares featuring the work of these renowned artists. Free entry, open daily 5-17 May (closed Monday 11th).
wymondhamarts.uk
Tuesday 19th May
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Studio night with a pro model, overseen by Geoff Long
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Tuesday 26th May
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Annual Print competition, Tier 1 and 2
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 6th June
Open Gardens 12pm-5pm, Heritage Museum
A range of gardens, in a variety of styles and sizes, will be on view for visitors both experienced and new to gardening to enjoy and exchange ideas. Funds raised will go to the Wymondham Heritage Museum which is run entirely by volunteers. Programmes £5 per adult, available at the Garden Centre, Museum, Abbey Shop, Tourist Info and Reeves.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=open.gardens
Sunday 7th June
Open Gardens 12pm-5pm, Heritage Museum
A range of gardens, in a variety of styles and sizes, will be on view for visitors both experienced and new to gardening to enjoy and exchange ideas. Funds raised will go to the Wymondham Heritage Museum which is run entirely by volunteers. Programmes £5 per adult, available at the Garden Centre, Museum, Abbey Shop, Tourist Info and Reeves.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=open.gardens
Jazz Afternoon Tea 1pm-4pm, Barnham Broom Hotel
Come and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea set to the soulful sounds of live Jazz.
Treat your friends and family to a selection of homemade savouries and scrumptious sweet treats, make it a day of "sparkling music" with our Champagne upgrade.
Hosted in our brasserie lounge or out on our beautiful Terrace with live music. Jazz, Traditional Afternoon Tea - £39.95 or Glass Bollinger, Jazz, Afternoon Tea - £49.95.
barnhambroom-events.giftpro.co.uk/events/jazz-afternoon-tea-1
Wednesday 24th June
Murder Mystery Dinner 6pm-10:30pm, Barnham Broom Hotel
Enjoy a refined 3 course dinner in elegant surroundings while taking part in a live murder investigation with expert insight from Metropolitan Police Murder Squad DCI Steve Gaskin, an experienced forensic psychologist.
barnhambroom-events.giftpro.co.uk/events/true-crime-immersive-dining-experience
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