Not only did Mid-Norfolk Railway volunteers see trains arriving back at Wymondham Abbey in time for the 2024 Diesel Gala, but the station garden was lucky enough to be awarded its third ‘Outstanding’ in the Wymondham in Bloom competition. Wymondham also gained its second ‘Gold’ for Anglia in Bloom.
Over the winter period, the Wymondham Abbey team members were kept busy cleaning and maintaining the station and its garden. Not only was it hoped trains would arrive back on the platform, but public perception of a well-maintained station was a reminder of the MNR’s existence for locals and dog walkers alike.
In March, the station became the proud owner of further heritage benches supplied and restored by the Thuxton restoration team. In some cases, the work involved stripping down to bare wood and repainting, replacing rotten wood, sandblasting the cast iron bench ends and finally transportation and reassembly on a cold early spring platform. The cast iron “Wymondham Abbey” bench nameplates set in hardwood top rails are the icing on the cake. All the benches look amazing and are much used and commented on by everyone using and visiting the station.
The gardening year started slowly thanks to a long wet spring, but finally, daffodils appeared along with bluebells, tulips, primroses and allium bulbs – as well as the usual weeds! In April, the area behind the platform ramp was cleared in preparation for a new wildlife-friendly garden. This area remains a work-in-progress yet now boasts a hedgehog winter hideaway and Wymondham Abbey’s own station bug house.
The gardening programme was also stepped up in preparation for the 2024 Wymondham Open Gardens biennial charity event. Open Gardens took place on the 1st and 2nd of June, the second running weekend for the station. The station saw a steady stream of visitors admiring the plants and flowers and participating in escorted garden tours. Over 18 gardens across Wymondham took part and raised a record £7,000 for Wymondham Bridewell, as the Heritage Museum was our main benefactor for the much-needed funds raised.
Swiftly on the heels of Open Gardens came Wymondham in Bloom, a local campaign that is part of the regional Anglia in Bloom. The theme for this year was “Flower Power”, so considerable work was put in to make the garden as interesting and colourful as possible. Judging took place on 19th July, a sunny and blisteringly hot day. The local Wymondham in Bloom judges arrived first and were very complimentary about the variety of perennial and annual summer flowers. They were followed by the Anglia in Bloom judges who had already visited several other projects in the town. After the Wymondham in Bloom presentations, MNR Abbey Station was awarded an “Outstanding Longevity” certificate for a “singular, remarkable and greatly varied visual display with artistic flair, regular maintenance and care, but also a sustainable and novel presentation with colour, texture and overall impact in evidence in all areas”. A week later came the news that Wymondham as a whole had gained a ‘Gold’ merit, its second in a row. This is thanks to the hard work of the Wymondham Town Team volunteers and the displays by local shops, businesses and groups. You all make Wymondham a great place to live and visit, particularly its heritage station!
The future looks bright for the MNR and Wymondham Abbey with a full operational season planned for 2025. This will include our usual diesel and steam galas as well as the traditional and popular 1940s weekend, our annual August bank holiday beer festival, garden and heritage open days and various family events in addition to the standard running timetables. Full details are to be announced so keep an eye on Wymondham Abbey Station’s Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Train Siding or YouTube sites and signage around Wymondham Abbey station.
The Wymondham Abbey team are also working on several Easter and Halloween themed events to take place at the station and the surrounding areas. Further details will be released in due course, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements via our website and social media.
Longer-term plans include a new platform, new station buildings, and a 30th birthday bonanza in 2029. During his recent visit to the station, Ben Goldsborough MP seemed very interested and supportive of the future plans being made by the MNR and the Wymondham Abbey team to secure the continuance of our very special heritage line.
The railway may now be closed for the 2024 season, but maintenance at Wymondham Abbey station remains ongoing. If you have seen any of the team working, please feel free to pop in for a chat and ask questions you may have. Alternatively, you can make contact via email at wymondhamabbey@mnr.org.uk or visit our website: midnorfolkrailway.co.uk.
