From Stage Lights to LED Lights: Wymondham Community Centre's Journey Toward Energy Efficiency

For more than 25 years Tony Vale has been a driving force behind Wymondham’s community life, whether through playwriting, volunteering, or championing sustainability. As a long-time resident and former Chair of North Wymondham Community Centre, Tony has witnessed firsthand the vital role the centre plays in a rapidly growing town, and the increasing pressure to keep it running efficiently.

Wymondham has doubled in size over recent decades, and with that growth comes greater demand on shared spaces like the community centre.  Once a modest Hall, it’s now a hub for events, classes, and groups like the Wymondham U3A (University of the Third Age), which Tony helped establish and which now boasts over 600 members.

But with usage comes wear and tear, and as Tony explains, the cost of keeping the Centre warm and welcoming has soared, particularly in recent years."Energy bills have doubled in the last two years," he says, pointing to rising electricity prices as the primary cause.  Despite earlier improvements like replacing heaters and installing double glazing, the financial strain is real.

The Community Centre recently marked its 50th anniversary, and while that’s a milestone worth celebrating, it’s also a prompt for reflection.

“Ongoing maintenance and utility costs are the biggest challenges,”  Tony says. “If we want these places to survive for another 50 years, we need to start thinking sustainably.”

That’s exactly what the team at the Centre is doing. With support from groups like Community Action Norfolk (CAN), they’re now exploring options like solar panels and other measures to futureproof the building. Tony recently attended an energy advice session hosted by CAN and described their input as "vital" for volunteers managing these spaces.

Tony believes that energy efficiency is about more than saving money, it’s about strengthening community resilience.

“It’s people, place, and purpose,” he says, referencing a philosophy that guides much of his work. “No single building can tackle these challenges alone. Like the Roman gladiators, we need to put our shields together.”

Tony’s creative instincts have found a unique way to support the cause of energy awareness. He has written a play titled “Karl’s Finest Hour”, centred around a character called Karl the Kilowatt Hour, to highlight the challenges of energy use in community buildings. With a cast of quirky characters like Click the Kettle and Wally the Water Heater, the play offers a light-hearted yet thought provoking look at serious issues. Designed to be humorous and accessible, it’s available royalty free and can be performed by local drama groups or simply read aloud at community events.

Image of Karl the Kilowatt Hour

“It’s about making people think, but also enjoy themselves,” Tony explains. “Sometimes, theatre can achieve what a leaflet simply can’t.”

While North Wymondham Community Centre is still early in its sustainability journey, Tony’s vision is clear, practical upgrades supported by creative engagement. Whether through improved insulation, renewable energy, or sparking conversations via performance, he believes change is possible, and necessary.

“Community Centres are the heartbeat of our towns and villages,” he says. “We’ve got to invest in them, not just with money, but with ideas, collaboration, and care.”

If you're interested in Tony’s play or would like to get involved, performances and script readings can be arranged by contacting him directly at 07851 370666. ­