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Wymondham youth club for 11-16 year olds praised by South Norfolk Council chair
South Norfolk Council Chair, Cllr Kathryn Cross, has visited two inspiring youth groups to see how volunteers are creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people to thrive. She visited Broadside Warriors in Costessey and YOUth MATTERs in Wymondham as part of her drive to shine a light on the vital contribution volunteers make across South Norfolk.
YOUth MATTERs was founded by Laura Coulton just over a year ago after she struggled to find a suitable after-school activity for her teenage son.
The group meets every Friday during term time at Rothbury Community Centre, providing activities and a safe place to socialise for 11 to 16-year-olds for just £1 a session. It now welcomes up to 35 young people.
Laura said: “Sometimes young people need a place with trusted adults in a safe environment where they can have difficult conversations if they need to, grow in confidence and have a positive social experience.”
Cllr Cross added: “What Laura and the volunteers at YOUth MATTERs have created is fantastic. It shows what can happen when someone sees a need in their community and decides to do something about it.
“Both visits really highlighted the difference volunteers make every week. By giving their time, energy and enthusiasm, they are creating opportunities for young people and helping them feel supported and included.”
Anyone interested in YOUth MATTERs, either as a volunteer or for a young person, can email youthmatters.youthclub@gmail.com or contact the group through its Facebook page.
Repair cafés may become a regular local staple after successful Sustainable Wymondham event
Local environmental group Sustainable Wymondham are still buzzing with the success of their recent pop-up Repair Café event, held at Rothbury Community Hall on September 26th.
The group worked in partnership with Repair Café Norwich – veteran organisers with over a decade of local events under their collective belts.
A Repair Café, for those unfamiliar with the term, is a place where people can bring things in to be fixed, rather than thrown away. The repair element is complemented by the opportunity for a drink and a snack from the café element, and even if you don’t have something fixed, a slice of cake is always appreciated! The concept was created in the Netherlands, and there are now repair cafés – official and unofficial – in places all over the world.
Some places have permanent repair cafés, with their own fixed premises. However, often, as is the case with Repair Café Norwich’s set-up, the events are held in community spaces such as halls and libraries on a regular monthly basis.
Sustainable Wymondham wanted to hold this recent event to test the appetite for repair locally. It was promoted widely through local Facebook groups, posters, and word of mouth, and even before the day itself, the team received positive feedback from local people.
Volunteer fixers were recruited via Repair Café Norwich, with skills in IT, electrical repairs, sewing and upholstery repairs, knife sharpening and more. Additional volunteers were also signed up to help with running the day – and with making and selling the refreshments in the café!
Running from 10:30am to 3pm, the event flew by, with dozens of people through the door from start to finish. A total of 60 repair jobs were documented, and over 80% of these were successfully repaired. Those with items that remained unfixed were signposted to other places for help. The most popular repair services were electrical and knife sharpening, but a huge range of items were brought and assessed.
Despite it being free to bring an item for repair, attendees were incredibly generous, and the combined money raised through donations and through the sale of refreshments enabled Sustainable Wymondham to cover all its costs and have additional funds to share with Repair Café Norwich for future events.
There is clearly a want and a need for this kind of event in the town, and Sustainable Wymondham is now planning to launch a regular Wymondham Repair Café, starting in early 2027. For this to be a success, the team will need more help locally – so if you would like to get involved, either as a fixer or just to support the organisation of the events, please contact us by emailing info@sustainablewymondham.org.uk.
Massive success for 'Good Stuff' fair celebrating local clubs
Dozens of stalls, hundreds of people … and one large bee with a placard. The first Good Stuff Fair certainly had a buzz about it.
The intention was to give Wymondham residents a taste of what’s going on in the town: clubs, societies and sports they can take part in. And there’s nothing like meeting the people running the club to find out what it’s really like.
For the stall-holders, it was a chance to show off their wares, meet potential new members, and network with other groups. It helped enormously to have Clear Company providing food and drink on-site to keep everyone going. MP Ben Goldsborough came along to give the Fair his support and heap praise on our volunteers who keep so many aspects of Wymondham going.
The raffle raised an excellent £130 for Girlguiding’s planting plans at Rothbury Park.
A quick poll shows an enthusiasm to hold the Fair again next October – but to give it more than a three-month run-up! As for the Bee who strolled through Wymondham advertising the event – step forward actress Sophie Garrod, who certainly drew people in. Wait to see what we’ve got for her to wear next year!
Vote for your favourite Wymondham business in the just-opened South Norfolk Business Awards
The search is on for Broadland and South Norfolk's top companies, entrepreneurs and employers, as nominations open for the districts' Business Awards today.
The annual awards, hosted by Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils and sponsored by Birketts, recognise those making an outstanding contribution to the local economy and celebrate success, innovation and growth across a wide range of sectors.
From new ventures and independent retailers to established manufacturers and tourism operators, entrants will compete for recognition at one of the area's leading celebrations of enterprise.
Councillor Martin Booth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Broadland District Council, said:
“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the businesses that help our districts thrive. Every year we are inspired by the innovation, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local companies, and we want to hear about the businesses making a real difference in our communities.”
Councillor Lisa Overton-Neal, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at South Norfolk Council, added:
“Broadland and South Norfolk are home to an incredibly diverse and dynamic business community. These awards recognise excellence and celebrate the people behind the businesses that create jobs, invest in their communities and contribute so much to our local economy.
“We know there are some remarkable success stories across our districts and I encourage businesses to enter and residents to support the awards by voting in the public categories.”
Businesses are invited to nominate themselves in the following categories: Business Growth, Business Innovation, Employer of the Year, Environmental Impact, Food and Drink Producer of the Year, Insurance, Financial or Professional Services, Manufacturing and Engineering Business of the Year, New Business, Small Business of the Year and Tourism Business of the Year.
As in previous years, residents will also have the chance to support their favourite local businesses through the popular Retailer of the Year and Pub of the Year awards. Everyone who votes in these categories will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win shopping and pub vouchers.
Nominations close on the 10 December, with finalists invited to attend the awards ceremony at Norwich City Football Club on 4 March 2027.
Wymondhammers praised after recycling event success
Residents have been thanked for their incredible generosity after a joint recycling and donation event organised by South Norfolk Council and the RSPCA proved a huge success.
The event, held at Kett’s Park Community Centre in Wymondham on Monday 12 October, gave residents the opportunity to donate reusable items to the RSPCA while recycling unwanted electricals and textiles through South Norfolk Council.
Around 400 bags and boxes of items were donated to the RSPCA, with an estimated value of £8,000. The response was so overwhelming that the charity filled its vans eight times and still has some of the donated stock waiting to be distributed to its shops.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Martyn Hooton, said:
“The response from residents was absolutely fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who came along and donated or recycled their unwanted items.
“It was wonderful to see so many things being given a second life rather than going to waste, while at the same time supporting the vital work of the RSPCA. The sheer amount collected really shows what can be achieved when our communities get behind events like this.”
Residents recycled 293 small electrical items and 175 wires and plugs, weighing a total of 0.37 tonnes, as well as 12 bags of textiles. The materials recovered through recycling will be put back to good use, helping to reduce waste and make better use of valuable resources.
Remembrance Sunday 2026 - 8th November
This year's Remembrance commemorations in Wymondham will take place on Sunday 8th November and Wednesday 11th November.
On Sunday, the parade will meet at Market Cross at 2pm. At 2:30pm, they will march to the War Memorial, followed by a Remembrance Service at Wymondham Abbey at 3pm.
On Wednesday 11th November (Armistice Day), a two-minute silence will take place at 11am by the War Memorial.
If you wish to support the cause further and want to know how to give back, you can get involved with the Royal British Legion through their many donation or volunteering opportunities.
Halloween Trail proves a scarily popular success once again
The Trick and Treat Trail was back this Halloween. Children marched the streets in Halloween costumes while dozens of high-end businesses handed out free sweet treats.
As you can see from the photos, no one held back on the outfits or decorations. (Keep an eye out for our fabulous local witch, Grim Reaper, and pumpkin-jacket-sporting dog!)
This phenomenal event was organised by Together for Wymondham, who you can follow here.
Rosedale are here to help with autumnal bereavement
The new autumnal season is here, and especially in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, this time is often an opportunity to get ahead by reviewing finances, decluttering, or reorganising our living space for the next season.
Farmers are harvesting, and communities will be celebrating with harvest festivals and suppers, taking the opportunity to collect natural food from the hedgerows. Even without much rain this summer, I’ve still had a decent crop of apples and pears from the trees in my garden. Many will be busy turning these fruits into chutneys, jellies, jams, pies and crumbles. I have to admit that a personal favourite of mine is homemade sloe gin, best enjoyed on a cold winter night in front of a roaring fire.
A time of year all about resetting can make bereavement all the more difficult. It can be incredibly challenging to adjust to the death of someone close to us, often because it is unexpected and can throw our lives into unwelcome chaos.
Even if a death was expected due to illness, there are still many challenging tasks to complete, such as completing paperwork and deciding what to do with clothes and possessions.
Our regular routines will also change. The things we did together are no longer a part of daily life, and we will be trying to cope with the loneliness, sadness and anger associated with loss.
It can take a long time to get used to the changes caused by bereavement. Some may even resist or fight change as a way of refusing to accept what has happened. But there is hope that over time we can learn to accept our current situation and adjust to the changes in our lives. This does not mean we have stopped loving and missing our loved one or that we like our new circumstances, but that we have begun to adapt to life as it is now.
Talking to others who are also grieving can be very supportive. Rosedale’s bereavement support groups are free and open to everyone. Please call 01379 640 810 to reserve your free place on one of our groups taking place throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
Good news surrounds updates on Wymondham's new allotment site
There’s plenty of positive news to share as plans for Wymondham’s new allotment site move forward.
The planning application is still being processed, with Highways requesting a few minor changes. While this may add a little more time to the process, it's all part of ensuring the new site is properly planned and ready for the future.
The public consultation has now taken place, and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. This has been fantastic to see and gives the Allotment Association plenty of reason to remain hopeful and keep those fingers firmly crossed!
We were also delighted to take part in the very first Wymondham Good Stuff Fair, which proved to be a fantastic day for the community. Our stand was busy throughout, with lots of residents stopping to find out more about the proposed new allotment site, what is planned and how they might become involved.
Once again, the feedback was all positive. Several people took information away with them so they could apply to join the waiting list for the new site — including one person who lives very close to the proposed entrance. If they do get a plot, they could well have the shortest allotment commute in Wymondham!
While we wait for the planning process to reach its next stage, the Association Committee is certainly not sitting around twiddling its thumbs. We are busy preparing for the future by updating our constitution, policies and guidelines.
A larger allotment site will bring new opportunities, but also new challenges, and we want to make sure the Association is ready to make the very best of both. Most importantly, we want the new site to be a welcoming, well-organised and thriving part of the Wymondham community.
There is more positive news too. The Council has now issued the tender documents for the infrastructure work required at the new site. By the time you read this, we are hopeful that bids for the various elements of the work will have been submitted.
We have also launched our new Wymondham Allotment Association website, providing another way for members, prospective plot-holders and local residents to keep up to date with the project and find out more about the Association.
So, while there are still a few hurdles to clear, the project continues to move in the right direction.
The support we have received from local residents has been fantastic, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken an interest, responded to the consultation, visited us at the Good Stuff Fair or simply shared their enthusiasm for the plans.
We’re looking forward to growing something really special together — and hopefully, before too long, there will be plenty of digging, planting, growing and community spirit happening on the new site!
Photos of the Month: November 2026.
Wymondham Photographic Society had a ‘Tryptic’ competition this month, where members submitted a panel of three images that had to work together as a panel, as well as three separate pictures.
This time it was just an open completion for everyone, no tiers, and drew 31 entries of some very different and interesting panels.
The judging was done by three club members scoring out of 5 each, so the maximum score was 15. In the end three panels got a 15, and the overall winner was chosen as Lydia Taylor’s wonderful panel ‘Jellyfish’. The runners up were Tony Palmer’s great mono study ‘Angles’, and Gavin Bickerton-Jones with an Osprey panel ‘Dive Dive Dive’.
Short Story: Dreamy Eyes.
Dreamy eyes, he called them.
I wonder if the word ‘dreamy’ has something to do with that gnawing in my chest. There’s no room to turn away in this cramped space, so it’s not like I can look anywhere else.
A long line of creatures like him chatter and smile at me from behind the fence. I flick my tail. Is it too much to ask to have my lunch in peace?
An ache creeps along my spine. I wish Ma was here. When did I last see her? Days ago? Weeks? Time passes slowly inside that sharp point in the middle of my chest. There’s a warm, heavy scent in here that reminds me of her, but when I scan left and right, only my sisters are with me. Sister Nellie is trying very hard to back away from the staring eyes.
‘I don’t like it,’ he says, the one who called my eyes dreamy. ‘They look scared.’
‘Told you,’ says the one next to him. She doesn’t look at me. Instead, she watches him go quiet, satisfaction flitting across her face as his shoulders begin to drop.
They stand close to the fence, but they aren’t pushing forwards or trying to paw me in the face like the others.
This isn’t right, I think. Ma and I should be together, in the safety of our pen where it’s quiet and peaceful.
One of them is by the gate, separated from the crowd. I recognise her. This is the one that brings us food and clears away the strong smells. I like her. She said I looked just like Ma.
She turns to the creature near me, then lifts a front leg, studying the small object fastened around it. Perhaps it’s her tag. The rest of them start walking away towards the next shed, but the one who talked about my eyes stays.
‘You can pet her if you like? Her name’s Maude,’ says the familiar one with the tag. ‘There’s still time before we begin bottle feeding the lambs in the sheep shed.’
He nods and steps back as she unlocks our gate, which is the only thing keeping them at a safe distance. My eyes remain fixed on him as he walks towards me and crouches down. It’s strange seeing how small they can fold themselves. Very bendy, as creatures go.
‘Hi Maude,’ he says, eyes locking onto mine.
I don’t know what to say. I’m waiting for him to paw at me, but he doesn’t. He glances over his shoulder at the crowd, then quickly back to me.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he says, the corners of his mouth turning down. He doesn’t tell me what he’s sorry for, but his eyes look like Ma’s when we were separated.
I step forward, hesitate, then rest my muzzle on his shoulder. His arm moves up to stroke the side of my head, but I don’t mind this time. His body shudders a little, and I want to tell him it’s okay, that I understand.
He pulls back and wipes his eyes. I guess they’re dreamy now too.
Meet the anonymous volunteers who provide meals to the homeless on Sundays
The Anon Street Team was established in 2013 with the aim of providing a hot meal to the homeless in Norwich every Sunday evening. There were no facilities open on Sundays in Norwich, so homeless people had nowhere they could go to get food. We were set up with 4 separate teams covering each Sunday, which meant volunteers would only have to help out one week in four.
We still use the same format today. We now meet outside the City Hall in Norwich on St. Peter’s Street and serve food from 7pm. We provide a hot meal with dessert, snack food, hot and cold drinks, warm clothing and toiletries and emergency sleeping bags and blankets.
Locally, we provide food parcels and ready meals for those in need in Wymondham and surrounding villages, mainly in the South Norfolk area. We help single people, families and those with disabilities and anyone needing regular ongoing support or for those needing help for a short while.
We run entirely on the donations we receive. We collect food that would otherwise go to landfill, donated mainly from supermarkets. Our volunteers help in a variety of ways. We now have over 100 volunteers spread across the 4 teams. Each week, some collect food donations, and others cook main meals and desserts. Volunteers also help us by taking the hot cooked food to Norwich and serving it to those in need. We have volunteers who make up food parcels for local people and deliver them, making sure our parcels have a variety of fresh and frozen food as well as store cupboard packets and cans.
We provide around 130 cooked meals every week, as demand has increased. Any food left over is given to hostels for vulnerable people, including in Wymondham, and we also support the Dementia Club with donations of fruit, bread, cakes and veg.
We support around 30 – 40 separate families locally with food parcels, as and when they need food, either weekly or every 2 weeks.
We are well supported in Wymondham, as that is where our hub is. We were originally given space in Wymondham ‘Old’ Town Hall, provided by South Norfolk Council, but we now have our hub in Fairland Church. We are also supported by Rothbury Community Centre, Town Green Centre, and Barford Van Hire.
We are grateful for regular food donations from Waitrose, Lidl, M&S, Aldi, Cleverleys, Farmer Barnes and many others, with additional regular donations from Town Green Centre, Church and School Harvest Festivals, and private individuals.
We actively fundraise as we have to buy our foil food containers, wooden cutlery and equipment and any extra food. We have held craft events, spring fairs with raffles, and tombolas. Wymondham Town Council have given us a free stall on the market, and we have had stalls at the Abbey Craft Fair too. Wymondham Satellite Rotary also support us by giving us a grant to buy underwear, gloves, roll mats, and equipment. We have held Spring and Autumn Fairs in the Rothbury Community Centre and a Christmas Fair at Fairland Hall.
Everyone in our organisation is a volunteer. No one gets paid, so every penny we raise is spent on helping those in need.
We are always looking for new volunteers to collect food, cook or serve and deliver food parcels.
Please contact Sue at anonstreetteamsouth@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page, Anon Street Team – Norwich.
Inheritance Act Claims and Letters of Wishes: Managing Risk in Estate Planning
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to apply to the court for financial provision if a will or the intestacy rules fail to make reasonable provision for them. One practical way to reduce the risk of disputes is to use a well?thought?out Letter of Wishes.
When a will is not the final word
Many people assume a valid will guarantees their wishes are followed, but that isn’t always the case. UK law recognises that strict adherence to a will can sometimes be unfair, especially where someone was financially dependent on the deceased or family relationships are complex. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows the court to adjust an estate in such situations. Understanding the Act—and using tools like Letters of Wishes—can help reduce uncertainty and the risk of disputes.
What the 1975 Act does
The Act applies in England and Wales and allows certain individuals to claim financial provision if a will or the intestacy rules fail to make “reasonable” provision for them. It applies whether or not a will exists, meaning even a carefully drafted, professional will can still be challenged.
Who can make a claim
The right to claim is limited to specific categories:
- Spouses and civil partners
- Former spouses or civil partners who have not remarried
- Long term cohabitants
- Children (including adult children)
- People treated as children of the family
- Individuals financially maintained by the deceased
The court considers different standards depending on who is claiming. Spouses and civil partners may seek what is reasonable in all the circumstances, while others are limited to what is reasonable for their maintenance.
Time limits and risks
Claims must normally be brought within six months of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Although the court can allow late applications, this is not guaranteed. The time limit creates risk: executors who distribute an estate too quickly may face personal liability, and beneficiaries may face delays or uncertainty if a claim is made late.
What a Letter of Wishes is
A Letter of Wishes is an informal document kept alongside a will. It is not legally binding, but it can guide executors or trustees and explain the reasons behind certain decisions. Unlike a will, it can be updated easily and can include personal or sensitive information the testator does not wish to place in a formal legal document.
How it helps in 1975 Act claims
While a Letter of Wishes cannot prevent someone from making a claim, it can be influential. Courts often want to understand why a testator made choices, especially if a close relative has been excluded or left a reduced share. A clear Letter of Wishes can show that potential claimants were considered, provide context for family dynamics, and demonstrate that decisions were deliberate.
What it should contain
A useful Letter of Wishes should be clear and explain the reasoning behind decisions and anticipate areas of potential dispute. What it must avoid is attempting to change the terms of the will, making unrealistic demands, or using emotional or inflammatory language.
If you are looking for legal assistance, please get in touch with our friendly and efficient team on 01603 677077 or email info@spiresolicitors.co.uk.
Tim Fuller to deliver the next garden Club talk on rare perennials
Monday 16th November, 7:10pm
The Wymondham Garden Club is delighted to welcome Tim Fuller to deliver our monthly talk. The topic? "New, Rare, and Unusual Perennials."
Tim, with his small team, runs the Plantsman’s Preference nursery located on the outskirts of South Lopham village. This is a small nursery dedicated to plants you won’t find in standard garden centres. It specialises in perennials, ornamental grasses and geraniums.
If you are thinking of growing more unusual plants next year, then this is the talk to attend. All are welcome and there is no need to book. Just turn up on Monday 16th November at 7:10pm at the Town Green Centre. It is just £4 for guests and free for Garden Club members.
For further information on the club, please don't hesitate to contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com.
Your child can meet Santa this November at the Heritage Museum's Victorian Christmas
The remand cell at Wymondham Heritage Museum has seen its fair share of prisoners. When The Bridewell was a police station, this cell would regularly be occupied by miscreants waiting to go before the court. On Saturday and Sunday, November 28th and 29th, the charge facing the incumbent will be to dispense traditional gifts to wide-eyed young visitors. The cell will become a grotto, the door won’t be locked, and in residence will be Father Christmas.
Yes, he of the red coat and white beard will be parking his sleigh at the museum between 1pm and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday as part of the museum’s Christmas celebrations. Admission to the museum is free, with just a £6 charge to see Father Christmas and receive a present.
The museum will be transformed to transport visitors back to A Very Victorian Christmas of Wymondham’s Past, with volunteers dressed in period costume. Businesses and trades from yesteryear will be brought back to life. The dungeon will become Wymondham Laundry. The Brushroom will go back to S D Page before they merged to become Briton Brush Company. Who remembers Proctor's boot and shoe repair shop? Find them in reception. Clarke & Co Grocer, Draper and Milliner; you will find them and many more names from the streets of Wymondham's past. And of course our C H Standley's The Little Dustpan and Damgate Stores will be open too. Once again we’ll display some nostalgic photos.
Entertainment includes scavenger hunts and Christmas trails plus crafts and games. You can also join Browick Road School choir for some festive music between 2:30 and 3pm on the Sunday, and you can try your luck in the raffle.
There will be Christmas treats in the “Vintage Railway Refreshment Room” including hot chocolate and mince pies. South Norfolk Radio will even be there taking requests for their “Junior Choice” on Christmas Day - with a free prize draw!
If you’re looking for a gift, look out for the craft stall and check out the museum shop. On offer is a wide range of local books, or perhaps a tote bag. The tea towels make the perfect gift if you want to give something that reflects Wymondham's character. There are fifteen images of scenes from our historic market town. There are also of course the ideal stocking fillers including the Beat The Blitz game, pens, pencils, keyrings, rulers and colouring books.
Join us for an all-round family Christmas treat. Keep an eye on our social media for even more details.
Admission is free, remember, with just £6 to visit Santa, including the present. The museum will also be open for the town’s Wynterfest on Sunday, December 6th.
Next Symphony Orchestra concert in honour of deceased founding member
Tony Cleary, husband of WSO president Adrienne, sadly died this summer
Wymondham Symphony Orchestra returns to Wymondham Abbey on Saturday, November 21. The programme will take you from the enchanted forest of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel to the youthful elegance of Richard Strauss’s Serenade in E flat, the ballroom atmosphere of Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 and, finally, the sweeping landscapes and triumphant conclusion of Sibelius’s Second Symphony.
The concert is dedicated to Tony Cleary, a founding member of WSO and husband to founding President Adrienne Cleary, who sadly passed away this summer.
Tony received Honorary Emeritus Membership of WSO in recognition of his longstanding service of 42 years. His association with the orchestra ran from the very beginning when 12 musicians attended the first rehearsal, and the ensemble grew into the full symphony orchestra you know today. Tony supported the venture from the outset, helping to organise music, secure rehearsal space and encourage musicians to join. Although his previous experience was as a jazz bassist, the fledgling orchestra needed a double-bass player. Tony learned to read classical music and became a familiar presence in the bass section.
His contribution extended well beyond performing. Drawing on his experience in architecture and graphic design, he helped develop the orchestra’s visual identity (including their logo) and assisted with numerous practical projects behind the scenes.
As the music fills Wymondham Abbey once again, the concert offers a fitting opportunity to thank everyone who has helped the orchestra flourish, and we hope you will join us in remembrance of Tony as we perform Shostakovich’s Waltz no. 2 in his honour.
Tickets are available online, or if you prefer a hard copy, there are tickets available 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.
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.
Greening Wymondham raise £100 for the Brownies' Rothbury Park project
And their other many accomplishments this month
No apologies for blowing our own trumpet this month, as that’s the whole point of this column! Our “Good Stuff” Fair at Central Hall proved a huge success. If you weren’t there, you missed an opportunity to find out what an astonishing range of sports and leisure activities are provided by clubs and societies in Wymondham. Thanks are due to the Town Council and our MP Ben Goldsborough, who supported the event, to Clear Company for running the café, to all the clubs and societies who took part, and of course Sophie Garrod in her bee costume!
We have asked people for their views on how it went and how we could improve, with the hope that it could become a regular event. The raffle raised over £100 for the Guides/Brownies for their new garden project at Rothbury Park.
Several of our volunteers took part in Sustainable Wymondham’s Pop-up Repair Café. With over 60 repairs achieved to reduce “throwaway” waste, this was another first for Wymondham, and may also be repeated if we can find more local “repairers”.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust recently visited Friarscroft on one of their autumn walks and admired the work we have done there. With the arrival of autumn, it’s the start of the planting and maintenance season at Rothbury Park, Friarscroft and Browick Community Orchard, and our work sessions at Ketts Park Wood are starting again, now that the birds' nesting season is past. Our final Litter Pick of 2026 is on Saturday 14th November, starting at 10 am at the Methodist Centre in Town Green.
Our monitoring of the water quality in the River Tiffey continues, and is reported on our Facebook page. At the request of the Environment Agency, we’ve extended our testing to include Hackford Water. We’re pleased that our measurements will be included in a forthcoming UEA postgraduate study.
Finally, we’ve just finished our annual visit to the three Primary Schools in Wymondham. We gave each Year Six pupil a sapling tree to plant at their home. In total, we gave out 181 trees, which makes over a thousand trees since we started this programme.
You can contact us at greening.wymondham@gmail.com or keep in touch with our activities through our Instagram and Facebook pages, our website greeningwymondham.org, and of course the What’s On page of this magazine.
"A Tree-Mendous Christmas" to take place near Wymondham for flower lovers
Wymondham Flower Club sadly folded a few years ago. At Cringleford and Hethersett Flower Club, we were pleased to welcome ladies keen to continue enjoying flowers through demos and workshops in a friendly setting. Affiliated with the National Association of Flower Arrangers (NAFAS), our club has been running for over 50 years and is still well attended. New members and guests are always welcome.
Our demonstrator at the end of July was our friend Christine Garrod, who kindly stood in for Elaine Boobier. Christine’s title was ‘Pots & Petals’, and we were treated to a lovely colourful demo using unusual containers and beautiful blooms. The pictures tell the story!
After the August break, we had two events during September, the first being a paper flower workshop with Meg Lowder from Florigami. Members learned how to make paper lavender stems, which were very effective and fun to create!
The second event was our monthly meeting, when we were pleased to welcome Vicki Hease. Vicki demonstrated a creative and imaginative floral display of 'Autumns Glory' using interesting and sustainable ways of arranging. The stage was filled with colour, and we learned some new techniques.
Our open meeting with national demonstrator Coral Gardiner is on Monday 23rd November. Coral’s subject will be “A Tree-Mendous Christmas” and will take place in Hethersett Village Hall.
Tickets are £15 for members and £20 for visitors, which includes mulled wine and mince pies. There will also be stalls and a raffle. Tickets are available from Lynn Rawlings on 01603 457888 or e-mail leopardlynn@hotmail.com.
Confirmed dates for 2027 are 25th January for “A Hat Occasion” with Crystal Dyball, 22nd February for “Song Sung Blue” with Trish Barton, and 22nd March for our AGM with a supper and speaker.
Our friendly club meets in Hethersett Village Hall on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 pm (unless stated otherwise). Doors open at 7pm for refreshments. Annual subscription is £35 payable in April. Visitors are welcome anytime for £5. There are no meetings in December or August. Contact Lynn Rawlings on 01603 457888 or e-mail leopardlynn@hotmail.com for further information.
Do keep an eye on our Facebook page where we have other interesting articles and notices from other local clubs as well. We currently have 160 followers!
Drop-in bereavement café to be hosted by Wymondham Library
Bereaved Wymondhammers can now get support at the Wymondham Library, which is hosting a drop-in bereavement café every Monday from 5:30-6:30pm.
The facilitator is a former nurse and bereavement-trained. She requested anonymity for this piece, but told the magazine, 'The only criteria is that you have been bereaved. It doesn't matter when or the type of bereavement.
'The whole point of the group is that there are no expectations. It is a safe place for people to talk freely about their grief and to share experiences. It's open-ended for people to come and go as they wish.
'It's for all ages over 18 and any gender. We are classless and open to all cultures and beliefs, or none.
'We just ask everyone to keep what is said confidential. You can attend once or for as many sessions as you find helpful. All bereaved people are welcome.'
To find out more, you can contact the Library at 01953 603319 or email wymondham.lib@libraries.norfolk.gov.uk.
The Lowe Down: Wymondham High's Diploma in Performing Arts is fantastic news
Wymondham High recently made a very exciting announcement on their Facebook:
‘We are delighted to announce that NEW for September 2027 here at Wymondham High Sixth Form, we are offering the Extended Diploma in Performing Arts.
‘This is the equivalent of three A-Levels.
‘One course where you will study areas across the Performing Arts sectors and then specialise in either Acting or Music. […] This is ideal for students wanting to specialise in Performing Arts, with Drama or Music as their passion and future learning/careers.’
This is fantastic news. Received wisdom is that, with widespread school budget cuts, performing arts is often the first subject to get dropped. So it is wonderful to see the extent to which Wymondham High has gone in the opposite direction. In the last few years, it has brought in a yearly musical production (previous repertoire including Les Misérables and The Sound of Music), and even partnered with East Theatre Arts to create the Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre.
But this, from what the announcement suggests anyway, is the first performing-arts diploma to be delivered on-site at the school itself.
Neglecting performing arts in schools makes very little sense. The argument often goes that these pursuits are less economically valuable than the likes of maths or science. (And it’s no secret that the creative industries are hard to break into and even harder to make a living from. An English teacher once told me that students are leaving behind English for Maths because, quite simply, they think ‘that’s where the money is’.)
Another argument is that other subjects are more valuable for tangible cognitive skills, an area performance doesn’t especially cover.
But as Anthony Seldon pointed out in the Financial Times, this argument gets thinner with the rise of AI. Quote: ‘The education system remains perversely fixated on cognitive skills and memory, even given the rise of generative artificial intelligence. Algorithms will always outperform us here, but not on agency and creativity, human intelligence and empathy — qualities young adults need.’
Skills developed from performing arts – creativity, thinking outside the box, awareness of the human condition, public speaking, onstage skills – are invaluable in all kinds of workplaces, not just theatres or film sets.
But even if we concede that performing arts are less practically valuable (which we shouldn’t, but even if we did), they are still vital to preserve. We don’t teach physical education for its tangible skill-set benefits. My adult life has so far not needed me to frantically dart away from a terrifying foam-ball missile like in our school dodgeball games. We teach PE for other reasons: partly to encourage health and fitness, but also for the crucial psychological benefits of physical activity.
Performing arts are the same. Even if the benefits are more psychological than practical, consider what those benefits are. I can testify that performing is fantastic for mental well-being. Performing of any kind – acting, music, dancing, or even corporate performing like public speaking or teaching – is a huge dopamine hit. With youth mental health being what it is, one could argue this is enough of a justification.
It also massively improves confidence. Knowing that you successfully navigated a horribly complex musical solo with hundreds of eyes on you is a huge ego boost. It’s vital experience in working under pressure, as well as being very satisfying.
Resilience is another benefit, and here’s where this is relevant even to career paths outside theatres or concert halls.
My first month in Taiwan, there was a week when I was feeling very down about the whole experience (as tends to happen when starting a new job in a new country). I unwisely sent an emotional text to someone I thought would be supportive, only to get a two-word response: ‘MAN UP’.
This person and I had an understanding (and it was a half-joke), so it was quite funny, but I did think the advice was misplaced. Resilience is not about never being weak or never having emotional moments. It’s about what you do after the weak moments. Whether those moments sink you, or whether, after the sobbing, you get up and keep going.
‘Man up’ is what they should have said if I’d written this: ‘I’m really struggling so far in Taiwan – and therefore I’m flying home tomorrow’. If I’d given up that soon, that might have been questionable. But resilience is about letting yourself feel the fear, and then continuing anyway.
One could say, rather like the feeling of waiting in the wings utterly terrified of performing in front of a massive crowd of parents and peers…but walking onstage anyway. And realising afterwards that the anxiety wasn’t so bad after all, because the experience was worth it.
Does a history of performing arts make later-life resilience easier or harder? I think the answer’s obvious. Wymondham High is doing a great service to its students, and we should all be eager to see what it does next.
Six Rugby club under-15s selected to join Premiership Rugby Junior Academies
Six of Wymondham Rugby Club's under-15 players have been selected to join Premiership Rugby Junior Academies.
In a triumphant Facebook post, the Club said, 'A massive congratulations to SIX of our u15 players. [...] These six lads have shown incredible dedication, commitment and hard work both on and off the pitch, and thoroughly deserve this fantastic opportunity!'
Bam, Isaac, and James have been accepted into Leicester Tigers Academy, which has produced Lions veterans like Tom Croft, Dan Cole, and Harry Ellis.
Daniel, Zach, and Ethan are entering Northampton Saints Academy, another of the most prestigious development pathways in English rugby, which has produced stars like Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall.
'It's a proud moment for everyone at Wymondham Rugby Club,' the Facebook post said, 'and a brilliant reflection of the talent coming through our Youth Rugby programme.
'We wish all six players the very best of luck as they take this exciting next step in their rugby journeys. Keep working hard, enjoy every moment and keep making us proud!
'The future is RED & BLACK!'
Tuesday 3rd November
Photographic Society
7:30pm-9:30pm, 
Dells Bowls Club
Open Print competition Round 1
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 4th November
Art Society Demo by Tom Cringle 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
A welcome return for Tom, who is a professional contemporary artist and tutor living and working in Norfolk.
He loves to paint large skies on big canvases, usually showing the wide and beautiful beaches along the East Anglian coast.
wymondhamart.org
Friday 6th November
Fireworks 5pm-11pm, Rugby Club
Get ready for one of Norfolk’s biggest fireworks displays as we light up the Wymondham sky! Tickets £12 must be purchased in advance online.
wymondhamrfc.com/club-events
Saturday 7th November
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
Monday 9th November
Free Senior Citizen Cookery Course 10am-1pm, Abbey Schoolrooms
Caroline Blake and Sara Mathews will lead
you step-by-step through preparing meals and desserts tailored to sustaining health in later life. Book via Julie@clearcompany.org.uk or 07753 822050
clearcompany.org.uk/tlns
Tuesday 10th November
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 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Social evening with coffee and cakes
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 14th November
Litter Pick 10am, Methodist Church Town Green Centre
Join volunteers to help tidy up the town. Bring gloves - we provide pickers & hi-viz. Refreshments afterwards inside the church.
greeningwymondham.org
Winter Fayre 10am-2pm, Wymondham College Sports Hall
Come discover unique Christmas gifts and enjoy delicious treats. 50 independent stalls, some student-led. £1 Entry with refreshments available.
facebook.com/WymondhamCollegePSA
Monday 16th November
Author Event: S G Bell 7pm, Kett's Books
kettsbooks.co.uk/events
Garden Club Meeting & Talk 7:10pm, Town Green Centre
"New, Rare and Unusual Perennials" with Tim Fuller from Plantsman's Preference nursery in South Lopham. Doors open from 7.10pm, talk begins ~7.30pm. Members Free, Guests £4.
For further information contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 17th November
Moot Hill Volunteer Workday 9:30am-3pm, Kett's Park Woodland
See Greening Wymondham Facebook page for more details.
greeningwymondham.org
Kett's Park Volunteer Workday 9:30am-3:30pm, Kett's Park Woodland
Join volunteers to help this woodland to thrive. Refreshments at 11:00am. Bring your lunch, a pair of gloves and sturdy boots.
greeningwymondham.org
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Wayne Davey critiquing members images
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 21st November
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
Orchestra Performance: Winter Poetry 7pm, Wymondham Abbey
Featuring Humperdinck - Hansel and Gretel Prelude Strauss - Wind Serenade No 1 in E flat Shostakovich - Waltz No 2 Sibelius - Symphony No 2. Tickets £15 book online (under 18 free).
trybooking.com/uk/event/eventlist/wso
Tuesday 24th November
Wymondham Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Open PDI (Projected Image) competition, Round 2
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 28th November
Ashleigh Christmas Fayre 11am-2pm, Ashleigh Primary School
Fun and festive games for all the family!
Refreshments available at pop up cafe by Ashleigh Friends PTA.
ashleighprimary.com
Tuesday 1st December
Wymondham Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dell Bowls Club
Continuous improvement - Macro Evening.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 3rd December
Art Society Christmas Social 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
wymondhamart.org
Tuesday 8th December
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Phone & Tablet Competition - members judging
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Sub-editor: Freddy Lowe. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Wymondham Magazine can accept no responsibility for any error or omission that may arise. The views and opinions expressed in Wymondham Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wymondham Magazine. This magazine may not be sold or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanical, without prior consent of the publishers and copyright holders, Wymondham Magazine is a brand of MYOB Digital LTD. Registered address: Black Hall Farm, Traice Road, Fundenhall, Wymondham, NR16 1HQ, VAT number: GB328358189 © Wymondham Magazine