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Major Improvement Plans for Kett’s Park: Have Your Say
Cafe expansion, Soft Play, New Studio and 3G Pitch
After receiving planning permission for phase one of the project, South Norfolk Council is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to transform Kett’s Park in Wymondham.
The project will deliver significant improvements that will enhance sport, recreation and community facilities for residents of all ages.
The investments will build on the existing leisure provision at Kett’s Park, which has become an increasingly important destination for local sports clubs, families and community groups.
Plans include the creation of an additional full-size 11-a-side 3G football pitch, helping to address growing demand for year-round training and match facilities in the area. The proposals also feature a larger café, improved changing facilities and toilets, a new multi-purpose community room, and the conversion of the existing sports hall into an indoor soft play facility. New pathways around the site would improve accessibility and encourage more informal exercise and recreation.
The improvements are designed to create a modern, flexible and welcoming community hub, supporting everything from grassroots sport and fitness classes to birthday parties, meetings and social activities. The new facilities would help ensure Kett’s Park continues to meet the needs of Wymondham’s growing population while encouraging healthier and more active lifestyle.
South Norfolk Council has already invested significantly in Kett’s Park in recent years, including the installation of a floodlit 3G football pitch and the refurbishment of tennis and netball courts. These improvements have led to increased use of the site and strengthened its role as one of Wymondham’s key community assets.
Councillor Kim Carsok said: "This is an excellent example of the benefits of collaborative working, and it’s great to have the backing of Wymondham Town Council. Kett’s Park is a hugely valued community facility and these proposals represent an exciting opportunity to build on its success. We want to create a modern, accessible and vibrant destination where people of all ages can come together to enjoy sport, leisure and social activities. These improvements will help meet growing demand for high-quality sports facilities, provide more opportunities for families and community groups, and ensure Kett’s Park continues to serve local residents for many years to come."
The proposals form part of a wider vision to enhance leisure and wellbeing facilities across South Norfolk including a new leisure centre in Diss and expanded facilities in Framingham Earl. You can find out more and have your say on the South Norfolk Leisure website.
New mural celebrating Wymondham's heritage unveiled in town centre
Residents and visitors are being encouraged to discover the stories, landmarks and history of Wymondham through a striking new mural in the heart of the town.
The eye-catching artwork was officially unveiled on 14 September by South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Growth, Cllr Lisa Overton-Neal, at Wymondham's historic fire arch, the former entrance and exit to the town's fire station.
The mural forms part of a programme of public realm improvements, jointly funded by South Norfolk Council and Wymondham Town Council, to enhance the town centre and encourage more visitors to explore local businesses and attractions.
Cllr Lisa Overton-Neal said:
"It was a pleasure to officially unveil this fantastic mural and see the finished artwork brought to life. It brings together many of the landmarks, stories and features that make Wymondham such a special place.
“The project forms part of our ongoing commitment to creating vibrant places, strengthening local economies and making our market towns attractive destinations for residents and visitors."
While larger improvement projects continue to be developed, the mural has been delivered to maintain momentum and help boost footfall and economic activity in the town.
Local artist Julia Allum was commissioned to create the vibrant artwork, which incorporates 22 local features, including the historic fire arch.
Work began in August, with Julia spending around three weeks preparing the wall, sketching the design and carefully painting each element by hand. Throughout the process, residents and shoppers regularly stopped to watch the mural take shape.
Now complete, the mural provides a colourful new attraction for Wymondham. Visitors are encouraged to see how many of the 22 landmarks and features they can spot within the design before exploring the town to discover them in person, supporting local shops, businesses and attractions along the way.
See our Features section for Wymondham Magazine's exclusive interview with the artist behind this mural!
Santa Claus books his annual visit to Wymondham
(With the help of some local charities...)
Long before any of us are counting how many sleeps remain before Christmas, the Wynterfest team are busy getting music, stalls and fun together, so you can explore, shop and join in all the excitement of the season in our town.
For a lot of us, of course, the highlight of the festival is the arrival of Santa.
Where does he come from? Where is he going? How does he get to Wymondham?
We haven't been able to track down his exact route from the North Pole, but we do know that the Wymondham Lions look after him the whole time he's here. Starting at Town Green in an actual red sleigh, they go (the wrong way! But he's used to flying, not driving!) up Market Street, with thousands of families cheering him on.
Santa's Wymondham home is in a grotto at Money Properties, which Mick and the team generously turn into a wonderland every year. The Lions and their families make sure he has gifts to share with the children, and keep everyone safe and happy.
For both groups this is a mission that goes beyond Christmas. Both the Lions and Money Properties have been part of Wynterfest for as long as anyone can remember. Mick Money is well known for his community contribution, particularly in supporting Star Throwers.
And the Lions are a quieter but continuous presence around Wymondham. They have been part of bringing Wynterfest to us for years, and stepped up their participation in 2021. When they aren't spreading Christmas cheer, they raise funds for the food bank, provide the child safety service at the Norfolk Show, and privately help families in need. They even help to keep the flowers watered in town!
This year the Lions are partnering with Together for Wymondham to make sure the festival continues to bring fun for us all - and to make sure that Santa brings lots of Christmas cheer as well!
What you need to know:
The light switch-on will happen ten days before the event, on Thursday 26 November, at 4:00
Wynterfest will be held on Sunday 6 December from 11:00-4:30
Santa arrives in town at 11:30
His grotto will be open for visitors from 12:00-4:00
Together for Wymondham is a not-for-profit organisation. It is a trading name to represent the businesses, charities, and Wymondham Town Council, who are working together to improve Wymondham for visitors, residents and traders.
For more information email togetherforwymondham@gmail.com.
Halloween Treat Trail returns 31st Oct to Town Centre
On Saturday, 31st October the scarily popular Trick or Treat Trail will return to Wymondham town centre. Dozens of high street businesses will again be giving away free treats to children in Halloween costumes from 12-2pm.
Follow Together for Wymondham on Facebook to see the participants map when it is published: facebook.com/WymondhamTogether
Live George Michael tribute comes to Central Hall this October
Experience the magic of George Michael through performances that capture every nuance of his legendary artistry. From intimate ballads to high-energy anthems, witness a tribute that honours the music and the man behind it.
Steve Mitchell delivers the UK's most authentic George Michael tribute experience yet, combining exceptional vocal talent with meticulous attention to detail. With over 15 years of professional entertainment experience, Steve's talent has amazed live audiences nationwide.
From soulful ballads like "Careless Whisper" and "A Different Corner" to the upbeat dance anthems such as "Faith," "Freedom! '90," and "Outside," every George Michael hit is performed with the passion and precision that made the original songs timeless classics. Steve's tribute show transports audiences back to the golden era of pop music.
Come along and enjoy this amazing music and get on the dance floor for a great evening of entertainment. You will be supporting Wymondham Music Events Group in raising funds for 3 local charities: Wymondham Dementia Group, Star Throwers and It's On The Ball (Testicular Cancer Charity).
Doors open at 6:30pm for a 19:30 start. Bar available.
Tickets are £20 and available here or Reeves Stationary Shop, Market Street, Wymondham or call Norman & Helen on 01953 600563.
Dealing With Probate When Someone Dies Without a Will
Although many understand the importance of planning for their future, there are many occasions where a family member may die without a will.
Dealing with probate when someone dies without a will
When someone dies without having a valid will, it is called dying intestate. This means the estate will be determined by rules of intestacy. This will also occur if a person does have a will but no beneficiaries are named.
The assets, including any property, money, and possessions, will be sold or transferred, and liabilities will be settled. The leftover balance will then be paid to the beneficiaries. This is known as Administering the Estate.
Once administered, the estate will be distributed in accordance with the legislation. This means that if someone dies without a will, the law will determine who receives and in what share. This means that in many probate cases where there is no will, unmarried or unregistered partners, stepchildren, and stepbrothers and sisters will not inherit anything.
An application must be made to the court before the legal administration of the Estate can begin. The intestacy rules that determine who gets what can be complex and the family tree will need to be clearly understood. Due to these difficulties, cases of probate without a will can have a greater risk of mistakes in the identification of who administers and benefits from the Estate. Estate administrators could be personally liable for any loss resulting from a breach of their duty.
It is thus highly advised that probate cases without a valid will are dealt with by specialist probate solicitors.
Rules of Intestacy
As described above, the rules of intestacy can be strict and complicated and do not allow for modern family relationships. Below are some simple examples of how an estate may be divided in straight forward situations.
- If the person who died was married or in a civil partnership with no children, all of their estate will go to their partner.
- If the person who died was married or in a civil partnership with children, the first £270,000 of their estate will go to their partner together with all the deceased’s personal chattels. Anything over this will be divided between the partner and the children. The partner will receive 50% and the children will receive 50% divided between them.
Examples with modern family relationships:
- If the person who died was not married or in a civil partnership but was living with their partner, the partner will not be entitled to receive anything.
- If the person who died was not married or in a civil partnership but did have children, the whole estate will go to them. If there are no children, the estate will instead go to parents, siblings, or other relatives.
If you would like to discuss any points in this article further or are looking for independent advice when administering an estate without a will, please contact Spire Solicitors LLP on 01953 606351. We can also assist with writing a will to ensure your wishes for your family and assets are honoured upon your passing.
Poem of the Month: In the Breeze by Michelle Woodley.
A local arts project all about the love of trees has inspired a new poem.
“Artist Tree” was launched to coincide with this year’s Community Garage Sale on August Bank Holiday Monday, organised by North Wymondham Community Centre.
The event included art and craft displays, poetry, and a short play in the Hall. After hearing the work of local poet John Beckett, an audience member (Michelle Woodley) was inspired to write this poem.
In the Breeze
When I woke this morning the sky glowed red, I closed my eyes to see the darkness instead
I sat still as if invisible to my fellow friends when they danced, showing off their colours and depths
Shrinking into a crunched-up ball pretending I had died
Ready to fall
Then dawn faded, bringing with its departure a new feeling
What if I were able to be a unique example that dances in the breeze
I to have a colour that glides and flows gently.
Part of the cycle I now decide to shine a little piece of myself at a time.
Short Story: Family.
I knew you could fix it,’ Marion said as Peter handed back the iron.
‘It was only the fuse gone, Mum.’
‘You know I don't understand these things. Your Dad used to do all that.’
Marion picked up a framed photo from the sideboard, dusted it and put it back in its place on the lace mat. ‘It doesn't seem like three years ago.’
‘Well I've been living at home again for nearly that long,’ Peter reminded her.
He thought back to the gossip that had spread round the village when Dawn, his wife, had left him and gone to live with a local farm labourer. The village had approved of his returning home to Mum. He would help her come to terms with being a widow, and in return she would look after him.
Peter looked at his mother. She had aged considerably since her husband's sudden death. She was only in her mid-fifties but looked much older. She had become nervous and always seemed on edge, as if expecting disaster at any time. Finances and the upkeep of the house worried her the most - probably because she had always delegated these burdens to her husband. Now she allowed herself to rely heavily on him.
‘Now is there anything else you want mended before I put my tools away?’
‘No love. That's all, thanks.’
Peter put his tools back in the garage. Dawn had always complained that he spent too long in the garage when they had been married. She was jealous of the time and attention, and money too, that he lavished on his numerous projects - machines to mend, cars to restore. Now he allowed no such garage projects to fill his time. He had forced himself to be more outgoing. Since his divorce he had become the lynch pin for several village activities. Although he knew his mother didn’t like him being out so much.
Peter went back indoors.
‘Mum, don't forget I'm teaching my car maintenance course tonight.
‘What time will you be home?’ Marion asked, trying to hide her disappointment at another evening alone.
‘Don't know - it takes a while to put all the equipment away - and I'll probably call in for a pint afterwards.’
‘You're always out. Never in.’
Peter took no notice of her predictable remarks. Much as he loved her and cared about her, he couldn't stay at home forever.
She always waited up for him, no matter how long he stayed out. The first time he had stayed out all night, she had panicked and almost called the police. Since that time, Peter had always phoned to tell her if he wouldn't be home. He never revealed any more than that. He never told her where he was, or who he was with. Helen, with whom he spent these missing hours, had urged him to tell Marion about their growing relationship .
‘Mum don't wait up for me tonight.’ Peter began, dreading where the conversation would lead. ‘I won't be back till the morning. I'll be with a friend...’
‘I suppose he's one of your mates from the pub. I agree you shouldn't drive home if you've been drinking, but don't forget you've got to get to work in the morning.’
‘It's not that Mum. It's...’ he forced himself to go on. He'd promised Helen. ‘It's Helen. I'll be with Helen.’
‘And who is she...?’ Marion interrupted.
‘A good friend. I've known her six months now. I'm very fond of her.’
Marion swallowed. Words stuck in her throat. She had guessed this might be the reason behind her son's unexplained absences.
‘I'm...’ she searched for words to express her feelings. Hurt, upset, selfish, frightened, all flashed through her thoughts, but she managed to say, with a faint smile, ‘I'm pleased.’
Peter hadn't been prepared for this. He put his arms round his mother and kissed her on the forehead. ‘I still love you Mum,’ he whispered.
Marion half expected Helen to be a frightful divorcee, on the lookout for another man, but when they met later that week, she found out, to her surprise, that Helen was a pleasant young woman with a six-year-old daughter called Emma. She could see that Peter thought the world of them both.
Gradually Helen managed to guide Marion towards interests and activities which took her outside the isolation of her home. Emma treated her like a new grandmother.
‘I haven't been so happy for years,’ Marion admitted to Peter, with a smile.
‘Nor have I, Mum.’
‘There is just one thing wrong though,’
A worried look chased the smile from Peter's face.
‘You couldn't fix the kettle for me! You know I don't understand these things!’
Photos of the Month: October 2026.
On the 15th of September, Wymondham Photographic Society had our first open competition of the new season, judged by Ben Pike.
Our members presented a great variety of images and a very high standard. In Tier 1, for the less experienced photographers, three people got a maximum score of 20: new member Colin Jack with his black-and-white image of a postbox, Karl Taylor with his seascape shot, and another new member Ian Taylor with his still-life shot of an Echeveria flower. It is always great to see new blood coming through.
In Tier 2, for more experienced photographers, six images got the maximum score of 20. Diane Ashton is coming up with some great stuff after her promotion last year: she got 20 for her lovely portrait of a puffin at Bempton Cliffs. Anthony Cooves got 20 for his two images, one a street shot of a red bike outside some steps against an orange wall, and the other a long-exposure shot of a seascape.
Alex Park also got a 20 for his lovely study of a wild onion plant. And I also got a 20 for two images: one a shot of Michael Dunlop at the Isle of Man’s Southern 100 motorbike race, the other a shot of a tiger in India waking up on the forest floor.
What's in a Photo? The Keymen at the Cross Keys
In the Summer edition of this magazine, I described how the Queen's Head, now called The Wise Monkeys, boasted a quartet led by landlord Spencer Armstrong, which entertained its patrons in the Swinging Sixties.
However, the Queen's Head wasn't the only Wymondham pub where live music was once enjoyed. On the Market Place, the historic Cross Keys (now due to reopen) was providing such entertainment with The Keymen in the Rockin' Fifties. The main picture shows landlord Charlie Webb on the piano with Tony Burton on double bass and Alan Garwood playing the accordion. Another picture of The Keymen shows Tony Burton on the left and Charlie Webb on the right.
In 1958, the genial John Knights had taken over as landlord. He also promoted jazz sessions at the old Women's Institute Hall on Norwich Road, which was sold in 1965 and demolished shortly after - but that's another story!
Exclusive: the artist who created Wymondham's astonishing new mural
I sat down with illustrator and printmaker Julia Allum to talk about her first large-scale mural, a colourful celebration of Wymondham painted on the town's old fire station.
Walk past the old fire station in Wymondham, and you'll see a wall crammed with the town itself: abbey, market cross, railway, river and more. Look another day, and you'll probably spot something you missed. That's exactly what its creator intended.
"The mural includes 23 references to the town, some of which are more obvious than others," says Julia Allum. "The idea was to have an image people could walk past on several occasions and spot something new each time."
Allum's work is instantly recognisable: bold, geometric, and flooded with colour, with a nod to the golden age of the travel poster. She says it took years to arrive at.
"It was only when I stopped trying to follow trends and just create what I liked that it began to develop," she explains. Her love of vintage design, especially the clean lines and simple shapes of art deco, runs through everything. But she's wary of copying the past. "Rather than creating a pastiche of this style, I take elements from it and mix them up with my love of geometry, shapes, and negative space to make images that are distinctively mine yet still have a little of that vintage vibe."
Art was never in doubt as a career. "I've been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember so I don't think pursuing anything other than art ever crossed my mind," she says. She chose to study illustration because she likes working within limits: "Illustration is visual problem solving and communication and I enjoy the challenge of answering a brief."
Her commercial illustration is created digitally in Adobe Illustrator using simple vector shapes, but printmaking came later, as a way back to making things by hand. Screen printing, a common way of reproducing mid-20th-century travel and advertising posters, felt like the natural fit. "I love the mechanical process of screen printing, breaking an image down into layers, working out how colours are going to interact, cutting stencils and finally pulling the prints."
The brief for the mural was refreshingly open: "A bright vivid design that showcases Wymondham." It listed the town's landmarks and historical industries as starting points. Allum visited to get a feel for the place and "took lots of photos", then set about fitting it all together.
The result covers the Abbey and its ruined arch, Market Cross, the Green Dragon pub, the war memorial, Becket's Chapel, the town sign, the museum and station, the Heritage Railway and Ket's Oak. There's a market, a signpost pointing to local places of interest, Moot Hill, the River Tiffey, and a nod to flowers and green space. Historical industries such as brick making, agriculture and brush making appear too, along with the old fire station itself.
"It's obviously not an accurate recreation of the town but a colourful artistic representation," she says. She had intended to keep the design simple, with a limited palette, "however, I did get a bit carried away, and the design ended up being far more complicated than I had originally envisioned!"
The design was worked up over a month, fitted around other projects. Mapping out and drawing took three days and painting took 13. From blank page to varnished wall, it came to more than 200 hours.
The hardest part, she says, was the design itself: "Getting all the elements to fit together in an appealing and cohesive way took a lot of work." On the wall, the drawing was the trickiest stage. "Getting everything straight and level was time-consuming and all the lines did at times get rather confusing. Spending time on the drawing paid off though as it meant the painting was pretty straightforward."
A print is something you choose to hang at home. A mural isn't, and Allum says that shaped her approach. "It's a privilege to be able to have my work out in the community for all to share," she says. "People choose art they want to display on their own walls, but they don't have that choice with public art, it is out there for all to see. For this reason it was important to me to try and create something to appeal to as many people as possible."
Her aim was "something positive to showcase Wymondham at its best": bright, cheerful, "contemporary but not abstract".
Away from murals, Allum keeps returning to birds. "The sheer number of species and variety that there are offer an endless opportunity to play with colour, shape and pattern," she says. They're also her best-selling prints. Landmarks such as bridges, lighthouses and windmills draw her in for the same reason: "the structures offer so much to visually play with."
Though she's found herself drawn towards abstraction lately, she likes to keep a starting point to jump from, "and then explore abstraction within that."
Wymondham may be the start of something bigger. "I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process though so I'm hoping this will be the start of a new direction for me," she says. A few mural enquiries have already come in, and she's keen to do more: "I'd love to do something similar in other towns, and I'm open to any opportunities if a space needs brightening up somewhere."
You can see more of Julia Allum's work and browse her print shop at juliaallum.co.uk, and follow her latest projects on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky and LinkedIn.
Short Story: Tranquility.
It’s tranquil here, isn’t it?”
The waves lap at the shoreline, shifting smaller shingle particles into hollows.
A clear blue sky with a slight haze hovering just above the surface of the undulating water. A beautiful sunny day is approaching.
I take off my socks, turn up my jeans and bury my toes into the damp sand, pebbles digging into my denimed bottom. And exhale.
I look along the beach. Robert has sauntered off alone, hands buried deep in pockets, face down scanning for shells and seaweed. Lost in his thoughts as usual.
Good. Let him.
Oh yes, it’s tranquil here, alright. And this is the weekend away that’s needed. A reset.
A small boat pootles and tracks across the scene, right to left. I wish I could board that boat. Or a plane. Perhaps a sea eagle will swoop down, gather me up in its talons and carry me away. Not violently, of course – I’m not a salmon. More Gandalf with a just cause. Maybe I’ll return wearing an aura of white after such a long, grey fellowship of the ring.
Tranquil, yes.
Bugger that. My mind is a waltzer with no option to get off. There’s loud screaming, and the ride is getting faster. Loud music, flashing lights and men casually spin me round with fags hanging out of their traps.
I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him.
He’s boring. He wears crap knitwear and looks like a Damart catalogue man. Like his mother has dressed him.
God, he’s bland.
Missionary position, roast dinners, Only Connect.
I’m leaving him. Wanted to do it for years. I want to travel, eat unidentifiable foods, laugh till a little wee is released, and have intercourse where I actually…you know.
The kids. They’re boring too. Settled adults. Cardboard cut-outs of their dad. They’ll be alright.
I wish I could be calm, content and fulfilled. I need a semipermeable membrane, an osmosis process to absorb the tranquil outside space and level out the brain carnage. But, a shift has most definitely arrived, the universe shenanigans and alignment blah.
How can I make this his fault? He’ll not have strayed, he’s way too predictable – although it’s always the quiet ones you want to watch.
I get up abruptly, sand and stones scattering from my ankles and feet. I begin marching in the completely opposite direction to him.
And I don’t want to stop.
Why climate change matters when doing the gardening
Sam Outing's talk reveals all on Oct 19
Wymondham Garden Club is delighted to welcome Sam Outing on Monday 19th October to give a talk, 'Seasonal and Climate-Conscious Planting with Garden Design'.
Sam is a Norfolk-based award-winning garden designer who creates gardens large and small, rural and urban. He has designed gardens for Chelsea Flower Show.
His last design, “The Goldcrest Garden”, was at the Sandringham RHS 2026 show, a biodiversity-rich garden which anticipates our significantly warmer future.
Very much an in-demand designer, we are lucky to have him come and talk in Wymondham. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about what to plant for a warmer climate.
Doors open at Town Green Centre from 7:10pm, and the talk begins at 7:30. It is free for members and just £4 for guests.
Free Halloween and Christmas events for children this year at Heritage Museum
At this time of year, a frequent comment is: hasn’t summer gone quickly? I’m not sure we can say that this year. The long hot days seemed to go on for ages. Wasn’t it great knowing you could go out without having to even think about taking an umbrella? That said, it seems we’ve arrived very quickly at the final month of Wymondham Heritage Museum being open, after which it will close on Sunday November 8th.
So make haste and pay us a visit before we close. There is so much to see and do at The Bridewell – and you won’t need an umbrella!
If you were a pupil at Browick Road School, or if you know someone who was or has a youngster there, you’ll love our 150th anniversary Browick Road School display. The school has had various names during its 150 years, including Wymondham Junior School and Browick Road Council Board School. In the exhibition are photographs of pupils and teachers over the years, as well as artefacts and memories from former pupils.
Geoffrey Dixon was a teacher at the school. Now in his 90s, Geoffrey called in to the museum to donate five books he compiled with his pupils in the 1960s. They were mostly written and illustrated by the children, but Geoffrey edited them and added some short stories and poems of his own. The books show how an inspirational teacher encouraged children to explore and be creative.
One book tells how he took groups of up to six children on trips to the Broads. They packed into his Morris Minor or 1954 Morris Oxford. Goodness knows how they all squeezed in. And of course there were no seat belts! They took to the water in punts where they learnt about the Broads wildlife.
Were you at Browick Road School in the 1960s? Maybe you contributed to one of Geoffrey Dixon’s books. Memory books are available for visitors to record their memories of the school.
At the end of the month, it’ll be time to get spooky. It’s half term, so there will be a week’s worth of goings-on as the museum celebrates Halloween. Entry is free for children, and there is free squash in the Tearoom. Also in the Tearoom will be themed goodies and the popular craft table. There’ll be a pumpkin trail, and children are of course encouraged to dress up in ghostly costume.
Another date for your diary: the museum will open specially on November 28th and 29th for its annual festive event. This year the theme is a Victorian Christmas. A certain gentleman with a white beard and a red coat has already said he will be dropping in. Watch out for more information.
Although the museum will be closing for the winter, we will welcome contact from anybody interested in volunteering for next season. Roles for stewards and serving in the Tearoom are available, or if you think you can help in any way, please get in touch. More information can be found on thewhm.org.uk.
Shostakovich's Waltz No 2 and other wintery classics at the Abbey this November
Fairytale forests, an elegant serenade, a captivating waltz and the stirring landscapes of Finland will fill Wymondham Abbey when Wymondham Symphony Orchestra presents its autumn concert on Saturday, November 21.
The orchestra will perform a programme packed with atmosphere and colour, ranging from the enchanted world of Hansel and Gretel to the triumphant conclusion of Sibelius’s much-loved Second Symphony.
The concert begins at 7pm in the historic surroundings of Wymondham Abbey, providing an appropriately dramatic setting for an evening of music.
Opening the concert will be the Prelude to Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and Gretel. Based on the Brothers Grimm tale, the opera began with a set of songs written for children before developing into a full-scale stage work. Its Prelude introduces the story through warmly glowing brass, lyrical melodies and richly woven orchestral colours. A serene opening suggests the children’s evening prayer, while livelier passages hint at adventure, magic and the dangers waiting in the forest.
The fairy-tale of Humperdinck will be followed by Richard Strauss’s Serenade in E-flat for wind instruments. Written in 1881 when Strauss was still a teenager, this work already reveals his remarkable ear. Scored for 13 wind players, it blends flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and horns into a mellow, finely balanced ensemble.
A very different kind of elegance arrives with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2. Its instantly recognisable melody has the sweep of a ballroom dance, but beneath the polished surface lies a characteristic hint of unease. The steady three-beat rhythm and prominent saxophone give the music a smoky, theatrical quality, while its shifts between light and shade make it feel by turns glamorous, playful and haunting.
The evening’s major work will be Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major. Beginning with gentle, rising figures in the strings, the symphony seems to grow organically from a handful of small musical ideas. Pastoral calm gives way to darker and more turbulent episodes, including a brooding slow movement and an exhilarating scherzo driven by racing strings. Without a break, the scherzo gathers momentum and opens into the broad melody of the finale.
Although Sibelius resisted attaching a specific political or patriotic story to the work, the Second Symphony has often been associated with Finland’s landscape and national aspirations. Its journey from quiet uncertainty to radiant D major has helped make it one of the composer’s most popular works.
Tickets are available online here or if you prefer a hard copy, there are tickets available at the Wymondham Abbey shop. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment! Tickets are £15 for adults, £13 for Friends of WSO, and free for under-18s.
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 at wymondhamsymphonyorchestra.co.uk.
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 celebrate 10th birthday at revamped Rothbury Park
Greening Wymondham proudly celebrated its 10-year-anniversary last month. Here are some of the best photos for you to scroll through.
In other news, we have been busy organising the “Good Stuff Fair”, an event celebrating all the clubs, societies, venues and charities Wymondham has to offer. Dozens of stalls will be at Wymondham Central Hall on October 3rd, 10am-4pm, with the bonus of a full-on café run by Clear Company. Copies of our new Tree Trail leaflet will also be available. And look out for South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough, who is coming along to have a look too!
At Friarscroft Wood, the welcome rain is recharging the pond and the trees and plants, and on the River Tiffey, the weekly E.coli testing is now back to fortnightly, along with our testing for nitrates and phosphates. We’re also embarking on more data analysis to help us develop our grand plan to extend testing further along the Tiffey.
We’ve had our first monthly session at Rothbury Park – weeding, planting the banks, and clearing convolvulus! Although the police are unfortunately investigating numerous incidents of new plants being uprooted, we very much hope to see more of the people who enjoy using the park at our next session on Oct 10th.
Regular volunteer sessions continue at Browick Community Orchard, where the new rainwater harvesting system is now “on tap”. And the Town Council has generously agreed to fund next season’s work at Kett’s Park Wood, where we shall soon be starting our autumn sessions. For more information on our activities, you can see our Instagram and Facebook, our website greeningwymondham.org, or the What’s On section of this magazine.
Allotments don't just grow vegetables - but also communities
Kevin Stuart argues the new allotments are socially vital for Wymondham
Allotments are much more than places to grow vegetables – they are good for people, good for communities and good for wildlife, according to the Chair of Wymondham Allotment Association.
Kevin Stuart has thrown the Association's support behind plans for a new allotment site on land north of Tuttles Lane West, Wymondham, under South Norfolk Council planning application 2026/2374. He and his committee colleagues emphasised these points at last month's busy public meeting at Fairland Hall.
"The proposed site could provide a major boost for the local community and deliver important health and environmental benefits.
“Allotments are one of those community assets where everybody can benefit. They give people somewhere to grow fresh food, get active, enjoy the outdoors and meet other people.
“For many allotment holders, tending a plot is an important part of their physical and mental wellbeing. It gets people outside, keeps them active and provides a real sense of achievement from growing something yourself."
He believes the benefits don't stop with the people who have an allotment.
"Allotment sites can be fantastic for biodiversity, providing flowers, plants, hedges and other habitats for bees, butterflies, birds and a whole range of wildlife.
“In an increasingly built-up environment, we should be looking for opportunities to protect and create green spaces. A well-managed allotment site can be a productive growing area and a haven for nature at the same time.”
At the old Chapel Lane allotments, holders regularly exchanged gardening knowledge, seeds, plants and produce, while new growers benefitted from the experience of established gardeners.
Kevin said, “There's a great community spirit around allotments. People help each other, share advice and often share their surplus produce. It brings together people from different backgrounds and different generations. That social side is just as important as growing the food.”
He believes the proposed Tuttles Lane West site provides an opportunity to create a long-term community asset for Wymondham.
“We recognise that South Norfolk Council has to consider all aspects of the planning application carefully. However, from the perspective of the Allotment Association, we strongly support the principle of providing this new facility.
“This isn't simply about providing somewhere for people to grow vegetables. It is about creating a healthier community, supporting biodiversity, encouraging people outdoors and providing a place where people can connect.
“We hope the wider benefits of the proposal will be recognised when the planning application is considered.”
The Lowe Down: How does Wymondham compare to New Taipei City?
This month’s Lowe Down comes to you from Sanxia District, New Taipei City.
Some might argue that moving to Asia is a slightly extreme response to the UK unemployment crisis. You’d be right. But this Wymondhammer needed something to fill his days when he wasn’t writing Lowe Downs and producing this magazine for you all. I was fortunate enough to land a job in Taiwan, a country where I could practise Mandarin – so off I went.
Never fear – if you are subscribed to the magazine, these Lowe Downs are not being dropped. They will still be in your inbox every month, whether you want them or not. And to excite you for what’s to come, this article is answering the question that I’m sure you were all itching to have answered: how does New Taipei City compare to Wymondham?
(I’m really going for the universal questions this month.)
First criterium – geographical clarity.
Wymondham is a straightforward town with a straightforward surface area. You know where you are at all times. At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, it has a clear border on a map that delineates it from other towns with different names.
This may sound self-evident, but New Taipei City is not quite the same. It is not to be confused with Taipei (Taiwan’s capital). New Taipei is a circular city that goes around the border of Taipei, which makes it probably the most useless geographical marker imaginable. You could have two people both in New Taipei, but if they’re on opposite sides, they’ve got a whole other city between them and are further apart than two people in Wymondham and London.
So for geographical logic, Wymondham takes the first point. (1-0)
Now let’s get into the really competitive things. Eating and drinking!
In both Wymondham and New Taipei City, you can find places to eat very easily. Wymondham has a wonderful array of pubs (the Green Dragon and King’s Head…chef’s kiss). It also has the fabulous Big Fry and Chips Away. And let’s not forget that our local Domino’s has a delivery option (which has saved me multiple times when I’ve got back from the train station late).
However, in New Taipei City – and in Taiwan generally, in fact – the food is basically on your doorstep. You walk all of two minutes before finding a 7/11, Family Mart, or PXMart. And they sell microwaveable lunchbox deliciousness with vegetables on the side, and they’re not even high in sugar content. You can get curried chicken, sweet and sour, braised pork with rice, and all kinds of other deliciousness with a side of broccoli, grapes, and a couple of naughty Kinder bars – all in a few minutes, and pretty cheaply.
And that’s only if you’re copping out and going for the convenience-store option. If you want to be more adventurous, there are night markets here with Taiwan sausage (divine), pork dumplings (even more divine), and fried quail eggs (gross – wash them down with the first two). Fried rice and breaded chicken are also very easy to come by.
To be clear – Wymondham and New Taipei score equally on quality. Sometimes, you’re in the mood for fish and chips. Other times, you want fried rice. But for sheer on-your-doorstep levels of convenience, New Taipei has to take the point. (1-1)
When it comes to drinking, again both are pretty good, but I’m giving Wymondham the point because you can get English Breakfast tea there. Taiwan’s tea is iconic, but the lack of English Breakfast is a serious downer (2-1).
Now let’s move on to probably the most important thing: stuff to do. What is there on offer? How easy is it to meet people and have a good time?
New Taipei – it’s got to be said – is an amazing place. It’s a bustling city with shops and markets on every corner. There are lots of people, and more young people, so friends and dates are easier to come by. My district in the south is surrounded by huge mountains and rivers and iconic hiking spots. It also has an old street (????) full of religious temples, including a brilliant one where you can get your fortune told by a Chinese god. You have to pay him money by throwing it into a furnace (got to respect a deity who needs paying before he coughs up), but then you get a bit of pink paper telling your fortune.
Now, I’m not religious or spiritual at all, but that slip of paper with its endless Barnum statements did say something disturbingly accurate about my love life. You don’t get that in Wymondham.
But then you consider what Wymondham does have to offer.
That glorious bandstand. The historic building. The school that brought us all up. The stunning sense of community – from Greening Wymondham to all our wonderful music groups. There’s a reason why the ‘Community’ section of this magazine is nearly always the largest.
That’s something it has in common with New Taipei – the willingness of people to help each other out. Ever since I’ve arrived in this new country with no friends or loved ones, I’ve been struck by the willingness of total strangers to lend a hand to this random foreigner, sometimes even trawling around shops with me to help me buy something for a flat.
In that sense, Wymondham and New Taipei are barely different. They have different food and architecture, but – and forgive this nauseatingly cheesy outro – both of them have great people. Unpleasant ones too, obviously, but great ones if you know where to look. That matters most regardless of which might have won the tally.
Quiz nights, three-course dinners, and fireworks on offer at the Rugby Club this season
We have a fantastic line-up of events coming up at Wymondham Rugby Club over the next few weeks, with something for everyone! From fundraising and quiz nights to hospitality lunches, rugby legends and our biggest event of the year — there’s plenty to look forward to.
Macmillan Coffee Morning – Friday 25th September
Join us for our very own Macmillan Coffee Morning! Come along, enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake, catch up with friends and help us support this fantastic cause.
Oktoberfest Pre-Match Hospitality – Saturday 17th October
We take on Wanstead and are celebrating with an Oktoberfest-themed pre-match hospitality lunch. It is three courses and just £32.50 per person.
Get your friends together and join us for a great afternoon of food, fun and rugby!
The OLD Balls Quiz Night – Friday 23rd October
Our ever-popular Quiz Night is back! And there are cash prizes to be won.
Put your team of six together, brush up on your general knowledge and get ready for a night of fun and friendly competition.
Dinner with England Legends – Friday 30th October
This is one you won't want to miss!
Join us for an evening with England legends Dean Richards, Peter Winterbottom and Mike Teague. Expect plenty of brilliant rugby stories, laughter and memories from three legendary players. This is another three-course dinner and £75 per person. Spaces are limited, so don’t leave it too late to book.
Pre-Match Hospitality – Saturday 31st October
We welcome Braintree to the club with a great hospitality lunch planned — this time with a more relaxed and informal two-course buffet. This is £25 per person and the perfect way to enjoy some great food before cheering on the boys.
We Love Fireworks – Friday 6th November
Get your tickets early and join us for an incredible evening of fireworks, entertainment, food, drinks and family fun.
Tickets will sell fast — be sure to get yours early!
We look forward to welcoming you to the club and making the most of what promises to be a fantastic Autumn lineup.
Tuesday 6th October
Photographic Society
7:30pm-9:30pm, 
Dells Bowls Club
Sports photography. A talk by club member Gavin Bickerton-Jones
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 7th October
Art Society Demo by Vanessa Whinney 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
Vanessa is going to present an illustrated talk on the fascinating life and work of her late father, the celebrated architect and watercolour artist James Fletcher-Watson [1913 – 2004] who was influenced by the Norfolk School of painters and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, as well as being the author of several books on watercolour techniques.
wymondhamart.org
Thursday 8th October
Author Event: Heidi Swain 7pm, Kett's Books
kettsbooks.co.uk/events
Saturday 10th October
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
Rothhbury Gardens Volunteer Day 10am-12pm, Rothbury Park
Join volunteers to help care for plants in this newly refurbished park. Bring a pair of gloves and a trowel/spade.
greeningwymondham.org
Sunday 11th October
Charity Music Show: George Michael Tribute 7:30pm, Wymondham Central Hall
Experience the magic of George Michael through authentic performances that capture every nuance of his legendary artistry. From intimate ballads to high-energy anthems, witness a tribute that honours the music and the man behind it. Doors open at 18:30hrs for a 19:30hrs start.
Tickets are £20 and available online or at Reeves Stationery Shop on Market Street or contact Norman & Helen on 01953 600563. Proceeds benefit local charities.
ticketsource.co.uk/wymondham-music-events-group
Monday 12th October
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 13th October
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
PDI Tryptych competition. Members produce panels of 3 images. A panel of members will judge.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 15th October
Fashion Show with Middletons Clothing 7pm, Wymondham Abbey
Enjoy a wide-ranging presentation of vibrant and functional Autumn clothing at this fundraiser for the Abbey. Includes free welcome drink, canapés, Middletons discount voucher and entry into £100 Middletons voucher prize draw.
Tickets £20 – must be purchased in advance online or at Middletons.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Monday 19th October
Garden Club Meeting & Talk 7:10pm, Town Green Centre
“Seasonal & Climate Conscious Planting with Garden Design”. Talk with Sam Outing. Sam is a Norfolk award winning garden designer who creates gardens large & small, rural & urban. He has designed gardens for Chelsea Flower Show. 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 20th October
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
International Tripod Competition against Pikes Peak (US) and Adelaide (AUS)
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 22nd October
Talk: Norfolk Archaeological Trust 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Join Wymondham Heritage Society for this fascinating presentation by Fran Young. Free for members - visitors £2. New members can join at a meeting or online via the heritage museum website.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Saturday 24th October
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
Tuesday 27th October
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
ZOOM talk by Aleka Gjika: In search of "Je ne sais quoi"
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 31st October
Trick or Treat Trail 12pm-2pm, Wymondham Town Centre
Dozens of businesses on the high street will have treats for children in Halloween costumes.
facebook.com/WymondhamTownTeam/events
Green Halloween 4:30pm-6:30pm, Wymondham Abbey
Free nature themed Halloween event for all ages in the church and churchyard. Craft activities, bat and bug hunting, homemade pumpkin soup. Come in old clothes and waterproofs and bring a torch.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Tuesday 3rd November
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Open Print competition Round 1
wymondham-ps.org.uk
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
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
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Social evening with coffee and cakes
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Monday 16th November
Author Event: S G Bell 7pm, Kett's Books
kettsbooks.co.uk/events
Tuesday 17th November
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Wayne Davey critiquing members images
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 21st November
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
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