A bench to commemorate the efforts of a community stalwart has been installed at the venue of an event with which he was involved for many years.

Julian Gillett, previously of Tuttles Lane West, Wymondham, died in 2020 and he was well known for his many involvements in local community life. One of these was as an active committee member of Wymondham Music Festival.

A legacy of the Music Festival is the annual Jazz Picnic at Becketswell (behind Wymondham Abbey), which this year will take place on Saturday July 2 from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.

After Mr Gillett’s death, financial contributions were made by several community groups and some individuals, with a view to installing a bench in Julian’s memory, overlooking the River Tiffey.

In addition to the Music Festival, donations were made by Wymondham Photographic Society and Wymondham u3a. Wymondham Town Team provided the balance and co-ordinated the project, with assistance from Wymondham Town Council.

The bench is situated adjacent to the river path, at the town-side entrance to Becketswell, where Mr Gillett could often be seen stewarding the Jazz Picnic.

Mr Gillett’s widow, Daphne, said that she and her family were grateful that her late husband’s community efforts have been recognised in this way.

Julian was respected for his attention to detail and his determination to get things done, often by working quietly in the background. Hence the plaque on the bench reads:

“Julian Gillett. Step up and make it happen. 1942 – 2020”