Contents
Date Set for Town Centre Christmas Event
'A Wymondham Christmas' is now confirmed for Sunday 7th December, 12pm to 5pm. We have had an excellent response from volunteers, many from Lighting Up Wymondham (a group of volunteers that install the lights throughout the town), many from Wymondham Lions, many who regularly volunteer for events in Wymondham, and several new volunteers I have never met.
We have some food vendors arranged for the Market Place, L Gray is providing children's fairground rides in the town centre and there will be music in the Market Place. Money Properties have kindly agreed to create a new accessible Santa's Grotto which will be at the rear of the shop and be heated and illuminated with Christmas lights.
Lovells are kindly providing barriers for the road closures, which is being organised by the Town Council. The Town Council will also be installing the Christmas tree, and lighting at The Market Place.
There will be fun for all with tombolas, raffles and refreshments.
Wymondham Sports Bar will be involved to include Town Green in the festivities, and Wymondham Lions will be organising Santa's procession to his grotto.
We are still awaiting confirmation from a choir for the afternoon, but if there are any local choirs who would like to be involved please get in touch, we can have more than one choir.
We encourage cafes and businesses in Wymondham to open for a few hours to make it a truly Wymondham focussed event. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm, followed by carol singing around the Christmas Tree.
We still have a few other items to be confirmed, and are happy to add more volunteers to our list.
If there are other people or groups that would like to be involved please contact Wymondham Lions or Kevin Hurn via email; kevin.hurn.kh@gmail.com
Ben Langley Brings the Laughs to Wymondham for a Good Cause
South Norfolk comedian, Ben Langley, will be performing at Wymondham Central Hall on Saturday November 15 2025, to raise money for a local testicular cancer charity, It’s On The Ball.
Ben is well known for his comedy, having appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018 with his popular ‘Misheard Lyrics’ Act. He also starred for five years in the Norwich Pantomime and performs annually in the Hippodrome Circus' Christmas Spectacular in Great Yarmouth.
It’s On The Ball is a small local charity, which aims to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer by delivering talks to schools, colleges and businesses about symptoms and how to check for these, as well as supporting patients across East Anglia.
Ben says, “I am thrilled to be appearing in this event supporting this righteous charity and so close to home in lovely South Norfolk. If you fancy it, book it quick!’
Tickets are £15 and available here.
For more information about the work of Its On The Ball, visit their website.
Petition Launched for Crossing at Bus Stop on Norwich Road
The Albini Bus Stop on Norwich Road (on the route to Wymondham) needs an urgently safer crossing, according to local resident Angela Kenny. Her petition to make this road safer - a road often crossed by parents with young children - has already garnered over 100 signatures.
Kenny wrote on the petition’s website:
“We are in a desperate need for a signal crossing on Norwich Common at the Albini Way Bus Stop going towards Wymondham.
There’s no lay-by for the bus to stop, which is a nightmare for traffic getting past. Passengers dropped off are then left standing in all weathers while the bus and all other traffic continue to Wymondham.
There is also a high step up from the road pavement making it difficult for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with pushchairs to cross Norwich Common.
A child has already been injured due to a lack of a controlled safe crossing.
I feel this situation needs addressing as a matter of urgency. The amount of people using the bus service is increasing, especially with children travelling daily to school.
I am hoping this petition will help raise awareness to town and County Councillors involved in making our road safe.”
She told the magazine, “I have the backing of Councillor Robert Savage and Councillor Lucy Nixon”, and that we must make people aware “of the dangers the community have to endure” trying to cross this road.
If you want to support this petition, it is available here!
Host Thanks Guests for a Successful July Wellbeing and Spiritual Fair
A great day was had again at the Wellbeing and Spiritual Fair on the 19th of July in the Wymondham Central Hall.
The children enjoyed the indoor beach day and activities without too much mess! The stallholders had a busy day with a steady flow of visitors throughout, and the talks and demonstrations were well attended alongside the main hall.
Wonderfully tempting snacks and light lunches were well appreciated in the pop-up café.
The last fair of the year will be on 6th of December. It will be lovely to see you all again, and thank you to everyone in attendance for making it a beautiful event.
Wymondham Residents Rally to Give 800 Items a Second Life
Wymondham residents turned out in force to support sustainability at South Norfolk Council’s Reuse and Recycling Event, held on Thursday 31st July at Kett’s Park Community and Recreation Centre.
The event welcomed 183 attendees, who helped give hundreds of items a second life while doing their bit for the environment. Residents dropped off a total of 766 electrical items, with 63 selected for reuse following safety checks and the remainder responsibly recycled. In addition, 30 items of clothing and textiles were taken home by visitors during the event.
Cllr Keith Kiddie, South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
"It was fantastic to see so many residents getting involved in the event. We collected hundreds of electrical items, from kettles and toasters to laptops and TVs, along with bags full of clothing and textiles. Many of these were saved for reuse, giving them a second life and helping others in the community. Events like this show how small actions can make a big impact, cutting waste, supporting local charities and protecting the environment all at once."
Local cancer charity Big C also benefited from the community’s generosity, collecting 9 bin bags and 5 shopping bags full of textiles for reuse and taking the remaining electrical devices that passed the safety test. Nearly two clothing banks were filled, with contents now heading off for further reuse and recycling.
For more information on future reuse and recycling events, visit our website on the topic.
Wymondham Rotary’s International Project Turns Plastic Waste into Homes
Although the Wymondham Rotary Club supports many local charities, Rotary is an international organisation. Our club donates each year to the Rotary campaign to end polio worldwide, responds to appeals from disaster areas and has assisted families from Ukraine. However, for the last 3 years, the club has been working with its twin club - Amsterdam Nieuwendam - to fund the creation of a plastic recycling centre in the western Indian province of Andhra Pradesh.
This province is very heavily polluted with plastic waste, much of it seaborne. The beaches are becoming suffocated with plastic. Years' worth of accumulated non-degradable plastic lies in thick layers around the coastal villages.
In 2023, a small group from Wymondham Rotary visited Amsterdam to discuss the scheme and view the most up-to-date processing equipment. This equipment is able to convert waste plastic into tiles, bricks and other building materials.
Impressed by the environmental benefits of the project, the Wymondham Club raised funds and encouraged other East-Anglia-based clubs to contribute. Grant applications were made to the Rotary District and International bodies.
In addition to the cost of the equipment and building (the land was donated), monies were required to train the operatives, raise awareness of the risk of plastic to health and the environment, and promote the importance of recycling. The target was £142,000. This goal was reached last year. The centre is now complete and officially open.
The carbon footprint of the plant will be kept as low as feasible. The processes do not require water, and electricity is provided by solar power.
The production process involves collecting bags of plastic. There is no need for the waste to be cleaned. The plastics are melted in an agglomerate machine, and the melted plastic goes into an extrusion plant to be formed into planks and tiles which can then be used in local building schemes.
The Wymondham Rotarians participate in various local and international environmental enterprises and have an Environmental Officer. For further information regarding the Wymondham Club and its activities or if you would like to attend a meeting, see the club’s website.
All Aboard the Mid Norfolk Railway Halloween Express
Friday 31st October 2025
As part of the Mid Norfolk Railways 30th Anniversary celebrations, the team at Wymondham Abbey wanted to host an event which was both family-friendly and value for money. Hence, the MNR Halloween Express, on Friday 31st October: this Halloween Train will take you from Wymondham Abbey Station on a spooky ride to Kimberley Park Station.
Look out for the Wicked Witches of Wicklewood on the way. You may spot a few on your travels.
Fun activities and goody bags for all children are included in the price, and light refreshments will be available to purchase at Kimberley Park Station. You can dress up if you desire, parents included!
We look forward to welcoming you on board the Halloween Express on the MNR. Tickets are available via our website. You will also find details here of our upcoming 2025 Polar Express Event.
Local Social Worker Publishes Guide for Older Adults Facing Mental Health Challenges
Wymondham's very own Maria Bravo has published her latest book, 'Always Near'.
Wymondham-based social worker Maria Bravo is an Assistant Practitioner for NCC Adult Social Services, soon to be based at Ogden Court Community Hospital.
She has drawn on her years of expertise in the mental health world to write her new book, ‘Always Near’ - available now!
The book seeks to support people facing mental health challenges in the UK. Bravo told the magazine:
“Always Near was born from my deep desire to bring humanity back into the care of older adults.
As a social worker with experience in Adult Social Services in the UK, I have the privilege of supporting many vulnerable adults, and over the years, I have seen their personal stories forgotten, their wishes left undocumented, and their identities lost in the routines of care.
I created this guide to offer practical tools, clarity, and emotional support — whether for a family member, a professional carer, or an older adult taking charge of their own care. Inside, they will find essential information sheets, personal and medical details, a “Who I Am” section, daily routines, a vision board, meaningful cognitive and physical activities, fall prevention tips, guidance on assistive technology, useful UK resources, and information on the Lasting Power of Attorney, among other helpful content.”
Bravo’s short, accessible, and powerful guide for “older adults and those who walk beside them” is available here.
Postal Voters Warned about Major Change in Law
South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils are urging residents who vote by post to reapply ahead of a major change in electoral law that could affect their ability to vote in future elections.
Under new rules introduced by the Elections Act 2022, postal votes are now valid for a maximum of three years. This means that anyone who applied for a postal vote before 31 October 2023 must reapply by 31 January 2026 to continue voting by post, including in the May 2026 elections.
The change affects around 37,500 voters in the two districts.
The Councils’ Managing Director Trevor Holden, said:
“We’re encouraging all affected postal voters to reapply as early as possible to avoid any disruption. If your postal vote is affected, we’ll contact you directly, so please keep an eye out for your reapplication letter and respond promptly. Reapplying is quick and easy and ensures you can continue voting securely from the comfort of your home.”
To reapply, visit gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. You will need your date of birth, National Insurance number and a handwritten signature. If you can’t apply online, a paper form will be sent out later this year.
Residents should look out for emails from elections.at.south.norfolk.and.broadland@notifications.service.gov.uk or expect a letter if no email address is held.
Anyone who does not reapply by the deadline will have their postal vote cancelled. They will still be able to vote in person, but must bring an accepted form of photo ID.
More details are available here.
Garage Sale Makes Shopping Haven of the Wymondham Streets
The residential streets of Wymondham were turned into Shopping Malls on the August Bank Holiday Monday, as 100 households signed up to the annual town-wide Community Garage Sale.
A digital map produced for the event received over 2000 viewings!
Hosted by North Wymondham Community Centre and now in its fourth year, the event provided an opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other and dispose of their unwanted items in an environmentally friendly manner.
New this year was the involvement of local family business, Buddy’s, who provided bacon baps, hot dogs and burgers, alongside stalls that were invited to set up on the grassed area adjacent to the building in Lime Tree Avenue.
Nearby, Rothbury Community Hall, which is also charity-owned and maintained, took part for the first time by offering a venue for stallholders next to the newly refurbished Rothbury Park.
A spokesperson for the event organisers said:
“We were delighted that we had a record number of families taking part but had hoped for more from the outlying estates. Efforts were made to recruit a Champion for each of the named housing areas, to encourage more of their residents to take part, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Being able to work with our counterparts at Rothbury Community Hall was an added bonus.”
If you are interested in helping out in this way for next year’s event, contact Tony Vale, via tony@valemail.uk.
Get Our September Print Issue Delivered Anywhere In The UK
If you're one of our many readers who reads our digital edition but don't live inside our free Wymondham delivery area for print editions, you don't need to despair.
For just £4.50 per edition, we can deliver you a glossy copy of the printed Wymondham Magazine anywhere in the UK! Take a look at our subscription website here.
And if you sign up today, you will get our September print edition delivered to you at the same time as it hits doorsteps in town.
Keep up with all the news in Wymondham and support the printing of our community magazine. It's a win win!
Is Your Home’s Wiring Up to Scratch?
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As evenings draw in and we start relying more on lights, heaters, and tumble dryers, your home’s electrics are put under extra pressure. It’s often around this time of year that hidden problems show up—tripping circuits, flickering lights, or sockets that feel warm to the touch. That’s why many homeowners in Wymondham choose to arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
An EICR is best described as an MOT for your home’s wiring. During the inspection, your fusebox, sockets, cabling, and earthing are checked to make sure they’re safe and meet today’s standards. The test looks for common issues such as old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring, loose connections, signs of wear and tear, or outdated fuseboards that don’t offer the level of protection modern homes need.
The results usually bring welcome peace of mind. Most homes pass with no problems at all, and if anything does show up, it’s normally a minor issue that can be fixed quickly before it develops into something more serious or costly.
EICRs are recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, or sooner if you’re moving house, have noticed electrical issues, or can’t remember when your wiring was last checked. It’s a straightforward process, and many customers tell me it’s reassuring to know their electrics are safe for years to come.
Special offer for Wymondham readers: book your EICR before the next edition of this magazine and I’ll also carry out a free smoke alarm check. Many people don’t realise that smoke alarms have an expiry date, so this is a simple way to make sure yours are still protecting your home.
Call Ciaran at Norfolk Current on 01603 369447
Email Ciaran on ciarant@norfolkcurrent.co.uk
Visit our website
Town Council Watch: Autumn 2025
May - August Roundup
My life will be forever Autumn. Cause you’re not here. Cause you’re not heeeeeeere. So sang Justin Hayward in Jeff Wayne’s musical War Of The Worlds. And as the seasons change, that’s how poor old TCW feels, after Wymondham Town Council voted to axe YouTube streaming of their sessions for the past 3 months to try and “dry out” your beloved columnist of material.
And as you can tell from the next 1300 words covering their latest goings on, it’s worked an absolute charm.
The chances of anything coming from TCW are a million to one they said... But still he comes. 🎵 DUM DUM DUUUUM! DUM DUM DUUUUUUM! 🎵
Not fellow travellers
May saw Wymondham Town Council welcome their newest elected recruit, Cllr Jonathan Purle (Con), with trademark hospitality.
After a group of travellers occupied part of Ketts Park, the new Central Wymondham representative posted on Facebook that he’d reported the situation to the relevant authorities, who’d be handling things from there.
But the post ruffled the competitive feathers of credit hungry colleagues, who’d also been working on the issue:
“Well done the councillors who worked together last night and today with Town Council, District and the police to ensure travellers moved on from Ketts Park.” posted Cllr Suzanne Nuri-Nixon (Lib Dem) to an audience of 17,000 users on the Wymondham Ways Facebook group, before training her crosshairs on nasty old Cllr Purle:
“I’m afraid the new councillor, who has yet to properly meet the rest of his colleagues, sought to claim the win 😬 Trying to ‘work’ with this individual will be a challenge I’m sure…”
Nothing like approaching new people with an open and tolerant mind is there?
The revealing post attracted much ire from the Wymondham public: “So is that what local politics is about now, being the one who can claim a win?” asked one. “shameful point scoring”, “playground behaviour”, “unprofessional”, “not a good look”, “not very mature” others’ feedback piled in.
And on it went: “A little bitter after a resounding loss at the recent election probably”, “does little to inspire confidence among residents”, “Shouldn’t you all be working together rather than putting people down?”.
Hear hear. It’s time to turn down the temperature of Wymondham politics, which is why TCW has raked the whole thing back up here, months later.
The hoo-ha was eventually picked up by local publishing minnows, the Eastern Daily Press, where Mr Purle deadpanned: “I was warned [..] there were a couple of characters [..] who are notorious shitposters on Facebook”. “[..]the voters managed to ignore them, so I’m sure I can.”
Oh, TCW hates to see things descend like this. He really does.
Flush your cache
In June, TCW was greatly excited to see that the Town Council had launched a new gov.uk website.
No longer hosted by a Wymondham company, the new site offers a few improved features. Minutes and agendas are now conveniently located on the same page for example. And draft minutes are helpfully published a lot earlier than in times gone by.
A boon for news-hungry pillocks pillars of the community like TCW.
Now, the colours public bodies choose to brand themselves with can often be a thorny issue - what with politics and the associations people make with particular colours. So it’s been a relief to see the Town Council plump for a fetching shade of Dysentery Brown as the colour scheme for their entire online presence.
Few will argue this is an inappropriate choice.
Very charitable indeed
With no plans to organise a town centre Christmas event themselves this year, TCW was overjoyed to hear in July that the Town Council would at least be throwing an event to celebrate the next closest thing we have to the coming of Christ: Mayor of Wymondham, Dave Roberts.
A paper by, erm, Cllr Dave Roberts (Lib Dem) proposed a new Mayor’s Vanity Charity Concert to be held at Wymondham Abbey in December, to raise money for local good causes. The event would cost approximately £1000 to put on and any profits from ticket sales would be donated to charity.
If even just a pound is raised by the end of it all, it will have been worthwhile, dear reader.
But who could organise such an event? Would it be Wymondham-based Clear Company, organisers of Wynterfest among other local events? Apparently not. Cllr Roberts’ proposal had instead handpicked a Costessey-based company for the job.
Now, regular readers will know TCW’s commitment to journalistic excellence and public service, so imagine his relief when research found the company chosen belongs to one of Mr Roberts’ fellow Liberal Democrat councillors on South Norfolk Council.
Phew! You can’t just let anyone organise an event of this stature. So what better guarantee of quality than one of your fellow councillors from the same party as you?
Of course, TCW would love to print Cllr Roberts’ explanation of the doubtless totally understandable circumstances behind proposing to award a council contract to a company with such a close political connection. But alas, there’s no streaming for poor old TCW to quote from at the moment.
Curse my luck. Curse it indeed.
Trouble in paradise
In August, the notoriously delicate TCW was rocked to his core to see another bout of comment section fisticuffs break out between town councillors on Facebook. This time about a tree.
Tensions spilled over about a Greening Wymondham article that had questioned South Norfolk Council for felling a mature tree in Priory Gardens. The squirrel towerblock had been deemed unsafe by the authority but the ecological group weren’t so convinced.
And their article seemed to unearth more festering bugs than you’d find in a mouldy old tree stump:
“Wonder if there was [sic] any objections from [the] Green councillor in WTC planning minutes” goaded a user by the name of Dave Roberts on the public page.
“I don’t normally rise to fatuous remarks on social media,” Green Party town councillor Paul Barrett bit back. “But as you are dragging me into this - the Town Council’s application to fell this tree did not come before the Planning Committee so our views could not be minuted.”
Before another commenter under the name of Lucy Nixon chimed in to school Mr Barrett: “[..] the discussion did come to planning re not putting the TPO on that tree [..] I don’t know which meeting it was so can’t trawl through to find the minutes but it is all there and there were no objections from anyone on the committee or the public.”
Someone should check the stream.
Streaming strop stretched
With sinister local media outlets the EDP and Wymondham Magazine continuing their dastardly conspiracy to make the Town Council do and say things people find ridiculous, the student union council held crunch talks in August, and voted to continue their YouTube streaming strike until January, to keep those pesky reporters’ beaks out of their business.
Being Wymondham Town Council, the session on how better to engage with the public and press happened behind closed doors - after voting to exclude the public and press.
A good start there then.
Undeterred, TCW smeared himself in lard and climbed into the ventilation shafts of the council’s £2 million Ketts Park fortress, to have a good old earwig about what was being said. And his ears were soon burning:
Cllr Dave Roberts explained why the council had pulled the plug on streaming:
“A certain magazine have over the past year decided to take it upon himself to use whatever method he’d like to attack or demonise councillors.”
Pfft. Lazy analysis. TCW plays the ball. Not the man. And it’s been three years. Three years! Back when Dave and friends were still knee high to a grasshopper.
At least it was good news for TCW’s kneecaps: “[..] we have no grounds to stop them publicising what they want.”
Cllr Paul Barrett (Green) didn’t like the column but said: “[..] the answer isn’t to remove people’s access to the democratic process.” “[..] if one dominant party decided to block vote, there’s no point in other councillors turning up, because the debate is lost. It’s not recorded anywhere. It’s not visible to anyone. It’s very very undemocratic.”
Cllr Suzanne Nuri-Nixon was feeling sorrowful: “[..] it’s hard for me to accept that we can’t have the cameras on, because it does stop democracy up to a point [..] however it’s been weaponised against us.” “[..] I don’t see why we should help them write their magazine.”
How has TCW managed all these years?
Cllr Lucy Nixon cited a harrowing case where the EDP had got the wrong end of the stick on Wynterfest being cancelled. The council complained to press regulators IPSO, who according to Ms Nixon scolded the EDP thus: “[..] the truth was available. It was live streamed. You chose to ignore it.”
The case for streaming, well made. Oh hang on, she voted against it too. Go figure.
Cllr Lowell Doheny (Lab) wanted to know if the council had publicised the fact that any member of the public can request downloads of the meetings, which are actually still being recorded.
”That completely defeats the point of what we’re trying to discuss!" interjected Cllr Julian Fulcher (Lib Dem).
But Cllr Roberts had reassurance for everyone: “[..] Wymondham Magazine cannot get a copy of the download, because they will be refused.”
Gar. Foiled again! Be terrible if members of the public started requesting the downloads and sent them to tcw@wymondhammagazine.co.uk. Terrible!
ScaryCrow Trail Returns to Wymondham!
24th October to 2nd November 2025
Something spooky is happening in Wymondham! Get ready for frightfully fun family entertainment as the Halloween Scarycrow Trail returns from 24th October to 2nd November 2025 in conjunction with Wymondham Business Group. It’s the perfect half-term activity for all ages — and it’s completely free!
The Scarycrow Trail is a self-guided Halloween adventure where residents, organisations and businesses across Wymondham create creepy, creative scarycrows to surprise and delight. Using a free online map, families can explore the town, discover each spooky display, and enjoy some seasonal fun in the fresh air.
There’s no deadline to sign up if you’d like to add your Halloween decorations to the trail — the more the scarier! Whether it’s a spooky skeleton, a classic scarecrow, or a quirky monster, your creativity will help bring Wymondham to life this Halloween.
Stay up to date and get the online map by searching ‘Wymondham Halloween Scarycrow Trail 2025’ on Facebook. You'll find trail updates, inspiration for your own display, and photos from the community.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Wymondham’s most fun and family-friendly Halloween traditions!
For enquiries or more information, please contact the organiser, Kay Rose, on Facebook, or via Instagram @kaykaykayrose.
Keeping Your Property Transaction on Track
A failed house purchase isn’t just disappointing, but it can have huge repercussions both financially and practically. There are many reasons a property transaction may fall through, and research suggests 1 in 3 house sales do. However, there are also things you can do to make the process smoother.
1. Understand the process
If you understand the process of purchasing a house, you will be in a much better position to make decisions, provide the right documentation at the right time and respond to any queries. We are of course always on hand on the telephone or in person if you have any questions.
2. Paperwork
There are many essential documents you will need to provide when selling or purchasing a house and it is a good idea to get these ready so you can provide them quickly when they are needed.
The first documents you will need to provide when selling or buying is ID and proof of address. This will usually be in the form of a photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) and proof of address with a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
There are more documents required when selling a property, such as evidence of planning permission if you have had an extension or other building work, Building Regulations completion certificates if any alterations have been made, relevant guarantee/warranty certificates, up-to-date boiler checks, FENSA certificates for new windows.
It can take time to gather these documents, so begin collecting these early on.
3. Finances
If you are buying a property and require a mortgage, we recommend getting in touch with a mortgage advisor before making an offer on a property. This will help you to know exactly what you can afford. It is also important to set aside a sum of money to cover the additional costs such as solicitors’ fees and search fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax.
4. Considering selling before you buy
It can be tricky to time a house sale and purchase so that you don’t need to find interim accommodation or are left paying for two properties. However, there are more benefits of selling before you buy. Although you may need to find temporary accommodation if your buyer isn’t willing to wait for you to find a property, you will be only paying for one set of bills. You will also be in a better position when it comes to making an offer on a property with no chain involved, making you a more attractive buyer.
If you are buying a new build, you may be able to arrange with the developer to part exchange your current property for the new property.
5. Solicitors
Conveyancing is a long and complex process. It is vital that you choose an expert accredited conveyancing lawyer to ensure everything is done in a timely and efficient manner. Spire Solicitors LLP’s efficient and friendly conveyancing team will guide you through all stages of your property transaction from start to finish. We will always be on hand to answer any queries you may have relating to the process and pride ourselves on keeping you informed every step of the way. The service we offer is personal and professional and backed up by the latest technology.
If you would like any more information on the sale or purchase of a property, or need a quote, please contact Spire Solicitors LLP on 01953 606351.
How I Organised My First Beckets Chapel Exhibition
Taking on the organisation of my first exhibition was a mix of excitement, anxiety, and steep learning curves. After exhibiting at the same event last year, I found myself volunteering to run it this time—before I fully realised what I was getting into!
Clay Glaze Fire brought together 12 ceramic artists from the Anglian Potters community, showcasing a wide range of styles, techniques, and creative expression.
Becket’s Chapel in Wymondham, Norfolk—an atmospheric Grade I listed medieval building—provided the perfect setting. Restored and run by Historic Norfolk, it now serves as a cultural hub and the home of Wymondham Arts.
One of the most rewarding aspects was working with other ceramicists. The group was incredibly supportive—offering advice, helping with setup, and sharing in the excitement. Seeing such diversity in clays, glazes, firings, and designs was truly inspiring.
Naturally, there were hurdles: meeting advertising deadlines, worrying about visitor turnout and sales, managing the budget, and making sure everything ran smoothly. But I kept detailed notes—so I can do an even better job this year (yes, I’m doing it again!).
There were many joyful moments: watching visitors engage with the work, hearing their appreciation, and seeing sales come through for all the artists. The heartfelt thanks I received made it all worthwhile.
Organising Clay Glaze Fire pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a newfound appreciation for the effort behind every exhibition—big or small. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, there’s something magical about bringing art to life in a shared space.
As I said - I’m doing it again this year, and it’s coming up soon! Clay Glaze Fire runs from 4–16 November at Becket’s Chapel. If you’re nearby, come and see the beautiful work on display!
Who were Wymondham's Bellringers?
What's in a Photo?
Posing in his Town Crier's uniform, Jesse Harvey Senior looks an imposing figure - and he was!
A master tailor, born in Fairland Street in 1853, he may have made the uniform himself. It seems he took over the Wymondham Town Crier’s role, which involved being the bellman as well as toll and rent collector, around 1880 from his grandfather Robert Harvey (1803-1882). Jesse held the position until his death in 1914. Apart from a short spell in London's Bethnal Green, he had lived in Wymondham at Fairland Street, Town Green, Pople Street, Cock Street and lastly at 63 Damgate - so he must have known his way about the town! He had 16 children!
In his role as bellman, he announced events at Wymondham's Whit Thursday sports, which were famous in late Victorian and Edwardian times, attracting competitors and spectators from far afield. Among his many interests, he was a member of the Lizard committee and the Juvenile Foresters local court "Loyal Windham" of the Ancient Order of Foresters, passing through all the latter’s chairs and acting as senior trustee for over 20 years. He was also President of the Sun Inn Bowls Club. He really was Mr. Wymondham!
When Jesse Senior passed away in 1914, his son, Jesse Junior, who for a spell lived at 61 Damgate, took on the position of town crier and tolls collector of open spaces until his resignation in 1945, when it seems the position was not continued.
In 2003, Jill Clarke and Michael Armstrong purchased the town crier's bell and presented it to Martin Wynne, then Council Chairman, who accepted it on behalf of the town. In recent years, Pete Green acted as bellman for a short time until his tragic death in a house fire.
For much of this information, I am indebted to a lady who lives in Liverpool, Angela Harvey, a direct descendant of Wymondham's bell-ringing Harveys. She has built up a collection of much family history, as well as newspaper cuttings and books on the town, including some of mine, but has yet to visit Wymondham. She hopes to address this in the next couple of months and hold the bell her ancestors used in the bellman role.
Short Story: No Fishing
The weathered sign said NO FISHING in large letters.
But Jason took no notice of the Broads Authority regulation as he hauled his fishing gear towards his usual spot on the riverbank. It wasn’t his favourite place – that was just a few miles upstream – but it was the nearest to where he lived.
Today, he had bunked off from High School and was glad to be out in the autumn sun, not stuck in old Drabble’s English lesson. The river was quiet out of season, so there were no boats moored at the staithe. Jason threw his net onto the grass, unfolded his fishing seat and started to set up his gear. Maybe today would be the day for that big pike. He’d caught smaller ones before, little jack pikes, lively things, but never any bigger than 10lbs. Uncle John, who’d bought him his first rod as a 9th birthday present, had told him there were pike as big as 20lbs in that part of the river, but Jason didn’t quite know whether to believe him or not. He’d seen pictures in the EDP of big pike caught at Horning and Wroxham, but not here on what he thought of as ‘his’ bit of the river.
Bait on. Line out to the quiet spot under the shadow of the big willow. Jason settled down with his phone for company and a couple of sandwiches and a Mars Bar he’d brought with him. Away from the educational tedium and the playground fights of the High School he felt a different person. Here by the river, no one picked on him. No one made him feel a fool. Here he was an expert. Here he knew what to do.
A couple of cruisers chugged past. Jason ignored them. He watched the coots squabbling. It reminded him of the playground fights – always someone wanting to bully someone else. He threw the last of his sandwiches at them, and the water foamed as the birds dived and squabbled for his offerings. But no pike of any size showed an interest in his bait. He tried different baits, cast in different positions, but still no success.
As the day passed, the sun sank lower and a red hue suffused the late afternoon sky. A marsh harrier hovered in the distance. It was then that his rod tip bobbed and his line started reeling away. Yes! Jason shot to his feet and grabbed the rod. Something big was swimming out towards the overhanging alders on the far bank. It took all of his strength to begin reeling it in. It was going to be a long job. It was definitely ‘the big one’ – the one Uncle John had told him about. Every now and then, despite the growing darkness, he could see the green skin of its huge back as it broke the surface of the water. The fish showed no sign of tiring, but for Jason, the fight was draining him more than any of his playground scraps.
Somehow he held on. After half an hour, the pike, green and glistening, was on the ground next to his bag. There was not much light now, but he awkwardly pointed his camera phone at the writhing captive fish. It was all he could do to keep it still, wrap it in a cloth, weigh it and then gently release it back into the river. 23lbs!
He’d done it.
The Secret Farmer's Diary: August
Our mystery farmer in the Wymondham area takes a break from compiling inbound mass flow reports to tell you what he’s been up to in the last month.
The harvest began early this year, the dry weather having caused our crops to ripen a couple of weeks earlier than usual. Some parts of the country have seen very little rainfall, but fortunately, the land around Wymondham contains enough clay to retain a degree of moisture in the soil. Travel a short distance west, however, and the Breckland soil is much sandier, meaning any rainfall quickly drains away and crop yields suffer as a result. World wheat prices remain low due to good harvests elsewhere, however, meaning British farmers face a triple whammy of high costs, low yields and low prices this year.
On a brighter note, the fruit in the orchard and the blackberries in the hedgerows look to be yielding another “mast year”, the supposedly once in a five- to seven- year event (that happened last year too). The dry weather has meant that the Victoria plums are smaller than perhaps is normal, but the branches groan under the weight of the fruits – the apple trees too. The horse chestnuts and oaks brim with conkers and acorns that the children and I will pot up shortly to grow some trees.
Have you noticed and wondered why your house is full of spiders this time of year? August and September are their mating season, so they come out more often in search of a mate. House spiders and harvest spiders (which are often erroneously thought to move into the home from the recently harvested fields) are both active around now and even predate on each other, as well as flies and other insects. Harvest spiders can eat house spiders, but house spiders do not generally eat harvest spiders. Female house spiders will eat the male house spiders when they die after mating.
You’ll also be aware that spiders are prolific consumers of house flies, which is just as well because various farmers, Anglian Water and other waste producers will be spreading manure on the fields after harvesting and shortly before incorporating the nitrogen content of muck into the soil. This – aside from causing a plague of flies in Wymondham and some unmistakable summer smells – helps the crops to grow. We also spread chalk, lime, salts, straw ash, chicken litter ash and bone meal ash to replenish various important elements in the soil that the growing of crops uses up.
The harvest collected and safely in the shed for winter, we turn to drilling the fields with winter sown crops for next year’s harvest. Many of our crops are now planted using a direct drill or minimum tillage drill that run straight over the top of the stubble from last year’s crops. Traditional ploughs are out of favour in current UK agricultural best practice, they being bad for soil structure and good at releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That said, ploughs are still needed after growing sugar beet, in very wet weather, on certain types of land – and for incorporating muck! – and remain an important tool in a farm’s machinery inventory. Technology has largely replaced the skill of ploughmen of old in drawing straight furrows across the field, but one place where the skill lives on is at the annual Carleton Rode drawing match, taking place on Saturday 6th September this year. Anyone is welcome to pay to have a go at ploughing a furrow, using one or more vintage tractors, with proceeds going to local charities. There will be a cash bar, BBQ and heavy horse demonstration, and children’s toy tractor play area. It’s a lovely afternoon – and if it rains, it will have the bonus of being beneficial to the crops we’ve already sown.
Wymondham Acts of Kindness
September 2025
“Would like to say a massive thank you to the lovely lady that helped with my daughter in Morrisons this afternoon. You didn’t judge her or me at all! So thank you again ??”
A mother wrote this on the Facebook group Wymondham Ways.
Every day in Wymondham, people do these small acts of kindness. It is easy to scroll social media and see nothing but doom and gloom, but in reality, people do these small-scale acts all the time, and the world is better for it.
As George Eliot said, “the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts”.
And you can find these unhistoric acts if you know where to look.
A mother on Wymondham Ways recently thanked someone at the Leisure Centre who did a kindness for her child. “Have you seen this very well loved toy?” she wrote on Wymondham Ways after her son lost his toy sheep. “Answers to the name of Sheepy and is currently much missed! Hoping someone will have found him and handed him in. ????????”
And they did! This was a tiny act for whoever it was – picking up a toy and handing it in, rather than strolling past, as it is so easy to do. But it makes people much happier. The mum uploaded an adorable photo of her son reunited with Sheepy.
But possibly the best this month was this post written by Amber Hopkins, a story which speaks for itself:
“I stopped and checked on a couple of teenage girls near the police station just now who saw a young deer being hit at the side of the road by a car who drove off. They stayed with the deer which unfortunately passed away. Just to say to the parents of the girls that stayed with it until it passed away [ – ] well done for raising such kind, polite and caring children. At times there can be some negativity about the youth in Wymondham, so thought it’s nice to share when there is something positive.”
If you have a Wymondham Act of Kindness to share, get in contact at news@wymondhammagazine.co.uk.
Photos of the Month
+ See WPS's New Portrait Venture
Wymondham Photographic Society have just wrapped up our annual exhibition.
We had a public vote of the 65 prints on display, where 31 images got at least one vote from the varied subjects on display.
The overall winner, with 11 votes, was Craig Harriss with his inventive ‘Cityscape’ image.
Chris told the magazine, “I saw the idea for this online somewhere, so decided to try in my garage at home. I bought a piece of black shiny acrylic and put it on a table, and used a black sheet as a background. Then I picked some nuts and bolts and things and played around with them until it looked a bit like tall city buildings.
“I then use a continuous light with a pillow case over it to diffuse a bit, and experiment with the best angle etc to get a nice reflection. One thing I noticed straight away is that it showed up every spec of dust, so a lot of cleaning was needed before taking the finished shot!”
Equal 2nd were two stunning wildlife images by 2025 Top Photographer Jez Wood. His shots of a Ptarmigan and Osprey got 7 votes each.
Interested in taking people’s portraits on camera? Look no further than the Society’s new venture.
This is an internal group for WPS club members who want to hone their portrait skills, and has 6 sessions planned so far. The first took place at the Dell Bowls Club on Wednesday 17th August and was a lighting masterclass. The next session will take place in October; check the Dell Bowls website for more information.
The group is being run by Geoff Long and Charles Phillips, who have some interesting shoots planned, a great addition to the club's activities.
We welcome any new members and visitors! For more information, see our website.
The Wymondham Photographic Society would like to thank exhibition sponsors Smith & Pinching financial services for their continued support
Amy Robsart - Accident, Suicide, or Murder?
See the Heritage Museum’s exhibition on a Tudor whodunnit
Did she jump or was she pushed?
In 1560, Amy Robsart was found dead at the bottom of the stairs of a friend’s house with a broken neck. At the inquest, the coroner’s verdict was “accident by misfortune”.
But could it have been suicide or even murder?
Wymondham Heritage Museum features a display that tells Amy Robsart’s story and offers clues to the mystery, suggesting another reason for her death.
The display is adjacent to the museum’s Robert Kett exhibition, as there is a family connection. Amy married Robert Dudley, whom she may have met at Stanfield Hall near Wymondham, where she spent her childhood. Robert was the younger son of John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, who is thought to have stayed at the hall on his way to Norwich to defeat Kett’s Rebellion.
The marriage was not a happy one for Amy. Robert was sent to the Tower for his part in his father’s plot to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Mary Tudor. Following his release, Amy still didn’t see much of him. He went to fight for King Philip of Spain. On his return, Elizabeth I was on the throne. She took a shine to the handsome Robert, and he spent much time at court, fuelling rumours about his relationship with the monarch.
On that day in 1560, Amy insisted that all the servants go to a local fair, leaving her alone in the house. When they returned, they discovered her lifeless body at the bottom of the stairs. The evidence showed that the injuries were consistent with a fall downstairs.
Amy had had breast cancer, leaving her depressed, and speculation continued about Robert’s relationship with the Queen. So, was it an accident or suicide? Or could it have been murder, and if so, who was responsible?
Despite the coroner’s verdict, the death of Amy Robsart leaves outstanding questions. Wymondham Heritage Museum’s display explores a number of theories. Come along to the museum and discover the full story of Amy Robsart, her marriage to Robert Dudley and the clues that surround the manner of her death.
See if you can solve this Tudor whodunnit.
Greening Wymondham Kicks Off Autumn Projects with New Tree at Friarscroft
We’ve planted our first small sapling in Friarscroft Wood! (Shown above.)
A foot-tall oak, since you ask. It’s an odd feeling, planting a tree – knowing that if it grows undisturbed, it could outlast everyone now in Wymondham. But as it grows, it will give us all pleasure, shade and shelter, a home to wildlife and a contribution to the planet’s health.
The wood continues to surprise – we’re used to seeing muntjac, birds and the odd fox on our trail-cam. This time the camera caught a sparrow hawk feasting on a song-bird. Follow Greening Wymondham on Instagram or Facebook for the full video!
Autumn – though September may give us summer’s last hoorah – is a huge time for Greening Wymondham. We’re planning for more trees and a bigger pond at Friarscroft; the rainwater storage system will be up and running at Browick Road Community Orchard, and there’s more planting to be done. Ketts Park Wood swings back into action next month.
And we have Rothbury Park. Rothbury is already a major success even in its first stage. The new paths have made it more accessible for those needing a flat surface; the new play equipment is getting the thumbs-up. A rainwater harvesting system is in: we are waiting for rain and a pump connection, but it will be invaluable for the planting, which should start in October. There will be trees for shade and perennials for scent and colour. Perfect for picnics!
We’ll be meeting up again with volunteers to look at the planting plan this month – then the hard work begins over autumn into spring next year!
A quick reminder - September’s litter pick on Saturday 13th starts and finishes at the Methodist Church in Town Green. For families coming along, did you know you can use this activity to qualify for the Blue Peter Green Badge – and get free tickets to attractions? Find out about the different types of Blue Peter badge and how to apply for free using My Blue Peter - CBBC.
New Season Brings New Faces at the Symphony Orchestra
Following an incredible concert in June, Wymondham Symphony Orchestra bids farewell to Musical Director Andrew Parnell. After a phenomenal 20+ years working together, he bids a fond farewell to the group. The orchestra wishes him well and hopes he has relaxing Tuesday evenings for the foreseeable future!
A new season brings a new face to the orchestra as they are delighted to welcome Theo Vinden as the new Musical Director. In his own words, Theo “is very excited to start to work with the Wymondham Symphony Orchestra this Autumn!”
Theo is guest conductor of the Grim’s Dyke professional Opera company (formerly the D’Oyly Opera company), assistant conductor of the National Youth String Orchestra of the U.K., assistant professor of conducting at the London Performing Academy of Music, and conductor at the North London Conservatoire. Over the past three years, he served as director of Keele University’s orchestra and choir. The orchestra doubled in size during his tenure, and he refounded the choir in January 2024.
His international expertise includes formerly conducting the Fellow of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra (in West Texas, U.S.) and serving as interim director of orchestra at the University of Texas Permian Basin, while completing his doctoral studies in the U.S. Last year, he also participated in the Mostly Modern Festival in the Netherlands, on a full scholarship, championing new music of composers from across the world. Before going to the U.S., he was involved with many groups in Hungary while completing his Master's degree in Kodály pedagogy and choral conducting. Whilst in Hungary, he conducted important ceremonies commemorating Kodály's birth and death anniversaries in the 2017-18 season - performing most of Kodály’s choruses. This followed his studies in Russia (St. Petersburg Conservatory) and the U.K. (Royal Northern College of Music and University of Manchester Joint Course, cello).
Theo, with his rich background in Kodály pedagogy, is passionate about educational work. He formerly coached the Intermediate Choir of the North London Conservatoire, the West Texas Children’s Chorus, Pro Corda and the English School’s Symphony Orchestra. He also performed at the Royal Festival Hall with musicians from the Philharmonia Orchestra, in an education project involving London youth music hubs.
As cellist, Theo has appeared as soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra and done freelance work with many professional orchestras in the U.K. and U.S., including Opera North, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra.
We asked Theo what attracted him to the position with Wymondham Symphony Orchestra.
“I think there are two aspects of the orchestra that particularly appealed to me. WSO is clearly a very high-functioning orchestra - with an excellent committee, history, and a plethora of musical possibilities. The orchestra plays a very important and special role in the lives of people in and around Wymondham, and I am very happy to become a part for this. Norfolk brims with considerable amount of musical activity! In addition, I have always been struck at how beautiful the landscape of Norfolk is. I am grateful to find this opportunity to further familiarise myself with the area!”
Thinking ahead to this next phase in the life of the orchestra he says “I think that an important part of any arts organisations is to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with its immediate community. Andrew Parnell has done such wonderful work, during his tenure - bringing performances to the people of Wymondham, developing outreach concerts for our children, and collaborating with choirs in the area. As the orchestra continues to grow, I endeavour to continue to build its span of influence in Norfolk, and its relationship with the people. I hope that there will be a multitude of opportunities to collaborate with other arts organisations in the area - and this will manifest in the coming years!”
Rehearsals for the first concert of the 2025/2026 season start in September and the orchestra can’t wait to get stuck in!
Save the date for their next concert: 29 November 2025, Wymondham Abbey Church (program to be confirmed)
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 www.wymondhamsymphonyorchestra.org.uk
Seabirds, Crime and Conservation: Nature Group’s Autumn Talks Line-Up
It is a diverse itinerary for the Nature Group this month!
On Thursday 11th September, Dick Houghton is joining the group at the Town Green Centre (NR18 0PW) to give an illustrated talk on Lowestoft Kittiwakes. Houghton is a biologist and bird expert who has served on the Lowestoft Seagull Action Group, in addition to his work as a Lowestoft Town Councillor. Don’t miss what promises to be a curious and enlightening event - the Group told the magazine that all are welcome. The event starts at 7:30pm. On Thursday 9th October, PC Chris Shelley will speak about how the Police tackle wildlife and animal crime within Norfolk, along with some Norfolk case studies. Shelley is well-known for his animal protection work. He was voted Rural Crime Enforcer of the Year in 2022. That same year, illegal hare coursing fell by a third after a police crackdown headed by him. This event begins at 7:30pm.
Admission for both events is £3 for guests, £2 for Wildlife Trust members, and there is no need to book for either.
Fungi - Friend or Foe?
Monday 15th September - Dr Tony Leech visits Wymondham
At this month’s Garden Club talk, find out which Fungi are gardeners’ allies and which are our enemies!
Dr. Leech is the Norfolk County Recorder for Fungi. He is an acknowledged expert and enthusiast and stars in several Fungi-related videos on YouTube.
He is visiting the Garden Club to give a talk on Fungi on Monday 15th September. The talk is at 7:30pm at the Town Green Centre.
It is free for members and just £4 for guests. Hope to see you there!
Wymondham Brownie Girls take on Norjam
Volunteers Welcome at Future Events!
A group of 1st Wymondham Brownies recently attended the Norjam Cub and Brownie Day at the Norfolk Showground.
Norjam is a week-long International Jamboree that brings together Scouts and Guides. It is traditionally held every 4 years in Norfolk. During this week, there are two Cub and Brownie days when both young groups can join in on the fun and activities the camp has to offer. The theme of the day was Carnival of Fun, and the brownies took part in a variety of things, including crafts, circus skills, an inflatable donkey derby and lots of dancing! There were smiles all round!
As the pack name suggests, 1st Wymondham Brownies was the first Brownie unit to open in the town and celebrated its centenary last year. Along with the other Guiding groups in Wymondham (Rainbows, Guides, Rangers and 4 more Brownie units), we offer the girls an action-packed programme with a chance to meet new friends, learn new skills, build confidence and of course have fun!
None of this is possible without adult volunteers, and sadly, like many areas, we are lacking these in Wymondham. There are many different ways to volunteer for Guiding, from working directly with the girls to supporting behind the scenes. Further information about volunteering and how to register an interest can be found here.It would be great to see Guiding in Wymondham continue for another 100 years!
Wymondham in Bloom Celebrates a Great Year
A huge thank you to all the businesses who took part in Wymondham in Bloom this year. Nearly 30 put themselves forward for judging with many more providing great floral displays.
July was a busy month. It began on the 17th of July when members of Wymondham Gardening Club judged the Business Competition. Many thanks to them for undertaking this role. The sun shone and the judges were very impressed with both the variety of plants and plant care on display.
The 22nd of July was Anglia in Bloom judging day. A team of two enjoyed visiting a variety of venues including the Browick Road Community Orchard, Fairland Church Dementia Garden, Mid Norfolk Railway Station and the Abbey gardens as well as touring the town. The judges and volunteers enjoyed a buffet lunch at the Abbey provided by Waitrose. The judges gave nothing away so we are keeping our fingers crossed for good results at the Award Ceremony on the 4th September in St Ives.
Wymondham in Bloom held its award ceremony at The White Hart on the 31st. The event was well attended and we were delighted to celebrate with both category winners and those receiving their certificates. The final overall winners were as follows:
- Plant Care - Fosters.
- Creativity and Originality - Star Throwers.
- Longevity - White Hart.
- Overall Impact - Warners.
- Hidden Gem - Town Green Garden Café.
- Best Newcomer - Cavick House Farm Café.
- Most Improved - Kett’s Books.
- Public Vote - Ex Services.
Wymondham in Bloom would not be possible without its volunteers, who work tirelessly - whatever the weather - to keep the town looking great. This year one special volunteer, Lesley Clarke, was presented with the John Reeve Award for extraordinary contribution to the 2025 campaign.
The Lowe Down: A Defence of (Occasionally) Stuffing It Up
When I was at Wymondham High, a group of friends and I formed a quartet group and started busking in the street. It was a fun little time; we made a decent amount of money and got some nice compliments from the crowds. We even played at a couple’s wedding once.
I’ve been in the (amateur) music game for most of my life. I have been lucky enough to work with multiple amazing teachers. I have played several concerts with both Norfolk and Edinburgh-based groups, including two student operas and a film music concert featuring pieces by Hans Zimmer, John Williams, John Barry, and more, which included me playing the iconic solo at the start of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Which made what happened recently all the more embarrassing.
I was at a rehearsal for an upcoming project, and as usual, you glance over it in advance and identify any particularly tricky passages. I identified one line of odd-looking treble clef and thought, “eh, just one nasty part – no problem. We’ll be grand.”
I turn up, and there’s always that first five minutes of a rehearsal where you haven’t quite warmed up, so the sound quality is a bit off. It didn’t help that that was the exact moment I had to play a solo – but I went through it anyway. “Eh. These things happen. At least I hit the notes. The sound will improve as we go.”
An hour later, I felt unemployable and considered resigning from the instrument entirely. I played F sharps in the naturals and F naturals in the sharps, zoned out in the wrong places, and stuffed up basically any moment where it was me playing by myself. Not helped by the fact that I was trying to make a good impression on someone in the group I hadn’t worked with before, a guy who glanced at me with increasingly suspicious eyebrow-raises as the rehearsal went on.
I of course exaggerate. These types of rehearsals happen all the time, often in the lead-up to the concerts you enjoy the most. Like in general life, you have days when you’re useless, days when you’re unusually good, and the average ones. In reality, I am a decent but average cellist – I do not claim to be brilliant, but I can pull it out most of the time, and usually people ask me back to do these things again.
Nevertheless, I think we as a society should celebrate that you can still be good at something if you stuff it up. Case-in-point: one of my favourite singers ever, Idina Menzel. Menzel is responsible for the voice behind Elsa (Frozen) and was the original Elphaba in the first ever run of Wicked on Broadway. She has given us Defying Gravity, The Wizard and I, No Good Deed, Let It Go, Show Yourself, and Into the Unknown, among other iconic songs.
At midnight on New Year’s Day, 2014, she performed Let It Go outside in New York’s Times Square. It was a very cold night, an infamous disadvantage for singers. She aimed for the iconic high note at the end of the song (“let the storm rage oooooooon…”) and what actually came out was a hoarse, uncomfortable-sounding yell that was nowhere near the actual note. She finished the song as if nothing had gone wrong and called out “Happy New Year everybody!” like a total champ.
She is one of the most iconic Western music figures of all time, and royally stuffed it up in public. I love this story – it makes me like her so much more. She showed us all that stuffing things up is part of being iconic! We can apply that in all of our lives, even if we’re not Broadway-level singers. (Crucial point there – I am not comparing myself to Idina.) I took a – microcosmic – version of that lesson with me through language A-Levels, reminding myself that the occasional disastrous oral session didn’t mean that life was over. (And, ironically, I listened to a lot of Idina Menzel between exams. Her belt is very cathartic during stressful periods.)
So the message for this particular month – go out. Do stuff. Mess it up. Hold your head high. That is part of being iconic.
Vic's Picks: Ways to Give Back
As we all recover from what has felt like a very warm summer, I thought I’d share with you some of the ways that you can get involved and give back to the community. However you are able to help, there are lots of different ways to support local causes. Maybe you might like to be like me and volunteer to write articles for an award winning local magazine…. I know so many people who do lots for our town, but if you’re thinking of contributing for the first time, or taking on yet another responsibility, I’ve collected some of my favourite ways you can give back to the community.
If you’re green-fingered, Wymondham is heaving with voluntary gardening opportunities. We have a few community gardening groups such as Greening Wymondham and Wymondham in Bloom who are responsible for the bulk of the lovely pockets of nature that we are privileged to have in our town. Greening Wymondham have done lots of great things from tree planting to raising money for new footpaths; I especially enjoy their community orchard in Browick Road park. Wymondham in Bloom seeks to brighten up spaces across town with flowers, and I’m sure you've seen some of their beds when in the town centre. Not only would you be getting outside in the fresh air but you would also be helping to encourage our native wildlife. If you’ve not got the time for this commitment, picking up litter as and when you see it is also a great way to contribute just a few seconds to helping the environment and our tiny resident creatures.
Wymondham’s got a lot of charity shops, and they are great places to give back to the community. By donating clothes you're not only helping them to raise money, but you're also able to give your clothes a new life, rather than throwing them away. Even just purchasing something here and there from a charity shop instead of buying new can make a difference. Volunteering your time at a charity shop is a great way to meet new people and try something new. Alongside charity shops, we have a great social enterprise - Poppy’s Pantry; by shopping here you support their work, and they have some great eco products on sale that aren’t available elsewhere in town.
If you’d prefer to donate food rather than clothes, Wymondham Community Outreach Project and Hub Community Project are places you can help. The non-perishable classics like tinned goods are great, but often food banks could do with things like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and pet food. It’s worth checking with your local foodbank to see what they are running low on.
The most obvious way you can support our community is to shop local, not just at local shops on the highstreet, but also at the weekly market and farmer’s markets. By shopping locally, you're not only saving on travel costs, but you're helping the environment by making a shorter journey and directly helping our local economy. We all benefit when we shop local.
Libraries are not all books. Lots of libraries are looking for people to help out in a variety of ways, whether that’s running various clubs, hosting support groups, leading coffee mornings, or even giving tech support. But even just actively using the library helps: getting a library card, donating books, or just using their computers and free WiFi. It helps demonstrate how important that space is for our community.
Well, there are my top picks for giving back to the community. I know lots of us are short on time but when we give back, not only do we help others, but we also help ourselves in a myriad of ways.
From My Perspective: Unitary Councils
If I asked you to pay more Council Tax for the same services, I’m pretty sure I know what you would say. And I can also guess what you would say if I then told you that actually, you were going to get less despite paying more.
This is what I find myself thinking about as I look at some of the proposals for changing the way your local Council services are delivered. Don’t get me wrong – I can see lots of ways we could make things better by joining together our District and County Council services in Unitary Councils. No confusion over who does what for a start. Smoother systems for solving problems and greater efficiency meaning we can do more for less cost. What’s not to like?
Well, as a Wymondham Councillor, there’s one big problem. All the District Councils that don’t represent Wymondham think it’s a great idea to create three new Councils. This plan sees our town added to a small Norwich-centric Unitary. I’m not going to speculate on why they think this, but I don’t understand why they are going against the evidence in an independent report from Deloitte (that they commissioned themselves), which clearly shows this is not the best answer to the two things I think matter most: how to keep costs down and how to deliver good services.
Under their proposals, you would very likely end up paying more for less. Norfolk County Council already struggles to find the money it needs to meet its legal obligations to older people and children who need additional services. Once we move to Unitary Councils, those financial pressures are going to affect the services that District Councils currently deliver. My worry is that Norwich has high levels of need, and if it’s set up as a small, city-focused Unitary, including Wymondham, it won’t be able to afford to deliver the services we get now from South Norfolk District Council. Unless it puts our Council Tax up.
So, do I have a better idea? Yes.
It’s something that officers and Councillors at South Norfolk have been working on since we first saw the proposals to create new Unitary Councils. Our idea is to create just two new Councils. For Wymondham, this would mean being part of a larger Unitary rather than becoming part of Norwich. The original independent report from Deloitte suggested that this gives the best answers for South Norfolk residents, and the work we have done since confirms this. Our plan is focused sharply on getting the best for the people who live in South Norfolk. After all, that’s our job as South Norfolk Councillors. In my view, though, it’s also best for the people of Norwich. They will be part of something bigger and better than a small city-focused Council that struggles to pay its way.
In the end, this decision will be taken by national government, and I will be pushing for our idea of two Unitaries to be the chosen option. You can find more detail about the idea on the South Norfolk Council website. As ever, I would welcome your views which you can send to me at michael.rosen@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.
Wymondham Bowls Team Smashes the Premier League
In 2024, Wymondham A team were relegated from the Premier division of the Norfolk EBA league. We played for 2025 in the Central 1 division, which was a very competitive but friendly league.
A narrow victory against Shipdham on the last game of the league season resulted in them winning the league and qualifying for the WP Baker cup, which involved the winners of all five divisions and was held at Thorpe Recreation Ground.
Wymondham won the preliminary round against Cawston, progressing to the semi-final against a team from King’s Lynn. This proved to be a very close game, with Wymondham only taking the win on the very last end.
The final of the WP Baker Cup was played on the same afternoon against Martham Bowls Club. With Wymondham making a strong start, this was a much more comfortable game, enabling them to control it from the outset and secure a good win to lift the Baker Cup.
Captain Ali Stevenson said, "it has been a very challenging and exciting season playing in a different league. We were warmly welcomed by all opposition teams and some great bowls were played. I am immensely proud of all players for making my first season as captain a memorable one."
Wymondham will return to the Premier League next season.
On 16th August, the club held an Open Day to encourage people who haven’t tried bowls before to come along and have a go, or to encourage those who may have played in the past to return. The event was advertised far and wide through posters, Facebook and a mention on Radio Norfolk. It was well attended, and newcomers were given vouchers for free coaching sessions by a qualified coach if they thought the sport might be for them.
Wymondham Bowls Club has a full schedule of competitive games throughout the winter season. But for those who want to play a more relaxed game, we have sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday where you can play in casual clothes, provided you have suitable footwear.
We welcome anybody who would like to give it a go! Contact us here for more information.
Free Keep Fit Trial Session for Retired Wymondham Magazine Readers
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Former armed forces soldier and local fitness trainer Matt Philpot has a huge passion for helping retired people keep active! So much so that he has set up some Keep Fit groups in the local area for this age category.
Matt tells us below why he is so passionate about this area and also explains some of the reasons why keeping fit later in life is so important.
“As we age, staying physically active becomes more crucial than ever for maintaining overall health and well-being. Aging bodies undergo a range of natural, yet sometimes challenging, changes. These include decreases in muscle mass and bone density, stiffening joints and a slower metabolism.
I could see that there wasn’t much support or many local groups on offer for those who have retired. My mission was to get people moving more and to show that you are never too old to exercise.
Back in 2012, I launched my first ever Keep Fit class in Sprowston. The classes are low impact and every exercise is choreographed to music from the 60s, 70s and 80s era to bring the fun factor.
The classes instantly had a positive impact on so many people’s lives! Not just physically and mentally, but socially too. Many of the people who come along have made friends for life and even go out for coffee together.
Some of my customers have reduced their medication for blood pressure and cholesterol. Some joined with aches and pains from which they no longer suffer in the same way. This is why it’s so beneficial! Exercise and keeping fit can reduce the challenges that come with ageing.
Since the launch of my first low-impact exercise to music class in 2012, I have expanded into Hellesdon, Taverham, Wymondham, Morley and Attleborough. All classes have been a success.
With the high level of consistency at these classes, the regular smiles and the kind words of appreciation, I am now on a mission to expand and add more classes to my timetable. I hope to launch two new Keep Fit classes every year in different locations.”
Our local groups are:-
Tuesdays 1:15-2:05pm Wymondham Catholic Church Hall
Thursdays 9:45-10:35am Morley Village & Sports Hall
Fridays 1:10-2pm North Wymondham Community Centre
Courtesy to all of the Wymondham Magazine readers, Matt from ATP Health and Fitness Norwich would like to offer a free trial session for all.
You can contact him either by email or by phone, informing him that you read about it in the magazine.
Email: info@healthandfitness.uk.com
Phone: 07824995689
Tuesday 2nd September
Photographic Society
7:30pm-9:30pm, 
Dells Bowls Club
PDI Images from the summer. Members to comment and advise.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 3rd September
Art Society Demo by Denise Allen 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
Denise loves to paint en plein air, and was once a wild card on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. She will demonstrate her ‘deconstruction and reconstruction’ technique.
wymondhamart.org
Friday 5th September
Photographic Society Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, Dell Bowls Club
Informal chat about anything
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Tuesday 9th September
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
Norfolk Creations Exhibition 11am-4pm, Becket's Chapel
A passionate group of quality crafters from around Norfolk with a wide range and variety of arts and crafts on display and for sale from 9-21 Sept.
norfolkcreations.co.uk
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Peter Benson: Photography on the Dark Side, London Nights via Zoom
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 13th September
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
Volunteer Litter Pick 10am-12pm, Methodist Church Town Green
Join volunteers to help tidy up the town. Bring yourself & a pair of gloves. Refreshments afterwards inside the church.
greeningwymondham.org
Organ Recital 11am, Wymondham Abbey
Daniel Ayers, Organ Scholar at Royal Holloway, London
Free entry, retiring collection in aid of Abbey funds. Refreshments served from 10:30.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Monday 15th September
Fungi - Friend or Foe? Garden Club Talk 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Our speaker Dr. Tony Leech is the Norfolk County Recorder for Fungi. Members Free, guests £4. Further info email wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077254060337
Tuesday 16th September
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Open PDI Competition, Round 1 with External Judge
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 20th September
Young Rebels 1pm, Fairland Hall
A place for local young aspiring music artists to develop their talent in a supportive community.
facebook.com/people/Rebel-Arts-Wymondham
Sunday 21st September
Norfolk Creations Exhibition Final Day 11am-4pm, Becket's Chapel
A passionate group of quality crafters from around Norfolk with a wide range and variety of arts and crafts on display and for sale from 9-21 Sept.
norfolkcreations.co.uk
Tuesday 23rd September
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
Scott Hurd from Namibia via Zoom
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 25th September
Patrick Boswell presents Wymondham Scroll 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Join Wymondham Heritage Society for this fascinating presentation. Free for members - visitors £2.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Saturday 27th September
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
Sunday 28th September
Counting Angels & Family Activities 3pm, Wymondham Abbey
Part of our 'Sundays at Three' series. Free entry, retiring collection in aid of Abbey funds. Refreshments available.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Tuesday 30th September
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Continuous Improvement: Groups with lead member discussing different camera features.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Wednesday 1st October
Art Society Demo with Kay Barker 7pm, Catholic Church Hall
Kay is a prize-winning printmaker who has
worked in collographs, lithography, screen printing, etching and woodcuts. She will give us an introduction to various methods of printmaking.
wymondhamart.org
Friday 3rd October
Photographic Society Coffee Morning 10am-12pm, Dell Bowls Club
Informal chat about anything
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Tuesday 7th October
Wymondham Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dell Bowls Club
Guest Speaker Matt Curtin: Iconic scenes of Devon & Cornwall
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Talk: Church Going by Andrew Ziminski 7:30pm, Wymondham Abbey
Andrew is a master mason who has written two books on his work, Andrew will be signing books at the end and there’ll be an opportunity to look at the rare mason’s marks in the Abbey.
Tickets £8 (includes wine and nibbles) from the Abbey shop or online.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Thursday 9th October
Talk: Tackling Rural Crime 7:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Pc Chris Shelley, Norfolk Police.
He will speak about how the Police tackle wildlife and animal crime within Norfolk, along with some Norfolk case studies.
All welcome - admission £3, NWT members £2 – no booking required. Questions to Wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Saturday 11th October
Talk: Lowestoft Kittiwakes 7:30pm-9:30pm, Town Green Centre
Join WyNG for an Illustrated talk by Dick Houghton. Admission £3, NWT Members £2. No need to book. Wymondham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
facebook.com/WymondhamNatureGroup
Tuesday 14th October
Wymondham Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Studio Night with Geoff Long. Professional Model, bring camera.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Saturday 18th October
Organ Recital 11am, Wymondham Abbey
Peter O’Connor, St Andrew’s Hingham and Assistant Organist. Free entry, retiring collection in aid of Abbey funds. Refreshments served from 10:30.
wymondhamabbey.org.uk
Young Rebels 1pm, Fairland Hall
A place for local young aspiring music artists to develop their talent in a supportive community.
facebook.com/people/Rebel-Arts-Wymondham
Tuesday 21st October
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Tripod competition PPCC/ACC. With Pikes Peak & Adelaide. External Judge.
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Thursday 23rd October
Talk by Steve Gaskin 7:30pm, Fairland Hall
Join Wymondham Heritage Society for a talk on Nelson. Free for members - visitors £2. New members can join at a meeting or contact Janet Benjafield on 01953 600205.
wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk/?p=programme
Tuesday 28th October
Photographic Society 7:30pm-9:30pm, Dells Bowls Club
Presentation by Gavin Bickerton-Jones: Behind the scenes
wymondham-ps.org.uk
Friday 31st October
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
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