It was a red-letter day for Wymondham’s Heritage Museum in April 1997 when Ian Lavender, famous for his role as Private Pike in the popular BBC sitcom Dad’s Army, paid a visit. He is seen with historian Adrian Hoare, whose book “Standing Up To Hitler” was being launched.
The launch coincided with the opening of an exhibition at the museum about the Norfolk Home Guard. Adrian was renewing an old acquaintance for he had once taught history to Ian, who sadly passed away in February, in Birmingham at Bournville Grammar Technical School for boys.
Adrian moved to Norfolk in 1974 and taught history at Wymondham College. He has written numerous books and pamphlets about aspects of the Wymondham’s history, particularly Robert Kett and the town’s historic streets, all beautifully illustrated by Anne, his wife, who sadly passed away last December. He has supported the Heritage Museum for many years, taking on different duties, and was Chairman of the Museum Committee from 2000 to 2011 inclusive.
