HODs 2024

Free entry to Dereham sites

There are 14 local attractions offering a free visit this September You can find them all listed, with opening times and what’s on offer in the free leaflet you can find in the library or online, here.

Last year, several hundred visitors were amazed to view an exhibition in St Nicholas Church, and to climb the bell tower. This year, the exhibition will feature the story and images of St Withburga and her sister Etheldreda of Ely and is open every day. Nearby, the museum will offer new displays of working life in Dereham in the early part of the 20th century as well as a display of art produced on the theme of picturing peace and honouring local artist John Craske.

Also close at hand, in Church House, are information and artefacts to explain how you can research your family history by the Mid Norfolk Family History Society. This year, for the first time, the Council’s Assembly Rooms will be opening their doors with information about the history of this building and its role in the town centre.

Some of the most beautiful buildings in the town are the churches which are opening their doors and offering free refreshments to visitors: both Trinity Methodist and Cowper Congregational Church are well worth a visit to appreciate the beauty of the interiors as well as their significant histories.

Also nearby, at Dereham Station you can hear about the role of the railway in war and in peace over the last 175 years and, right by the level crossing on Norwich Road, visit the WWII pillbox and remembrance garden.

Slightly further afield, Gressenhall Museum has an exhibition about the workhouse, St Peter and St Paul Church in Scarning will open its doors, and the Mid Norfolk Railway will also put up displays at Wymondham Abbey Station. Talking of trains – why not visit County School station and take a ride on the miniature trains?

Dereham Windmill is one of the local landmarks that will be pulling out all the stops to showcase their wonderful restoration – did you know that you can try your hand at grinding flour? They have a lovely and welcoming tea room in the grounds as well as picnic tables.

Dereham Walkers are Welcome will once again be leading two town walks looking at former road and rail routes in Dereham, with historical information supplied by a member of Dereham Heritage Trust.  As with all HODs events, joining the walk is free, but booking is needed to control numbers – to reserve a place, book with Ken Hawkins, ken-hawkins@tiscali.co.uk or phone 07561 813243.

2023 saw unprecedented numbers of people visiting these sites in Dereham, often for the first time and it was not uncommon to hear people say they “had no idea” there was so much interesting history in the town. With most of the venues being within walking distance, you can walk from one to the other – but do check the timetable to find out timings of talks and guided tours. Look for the leaflet in the library.