Olden times in Old Buckenham

Celebrating village life

Links with Old Buckenham dating back more than 100 years were celebrated recently when members of one of the village’s best known families made a sentimental journey back in time. Focus of the gathering was “the Boy from Rod Alley”, John Loveday, whose book of that title has stirred the imaginations of villagers present and past. 

Descendants of some of those mentioned in his memoir about growing up in Old Buckenham in the 1930s were among those who met at the Gamekeeper for a celebration of family and friendship. The pub - called The White Horse in John’s day - is just yards away from where their parents and grandparents lived and worked in a very different era of local trade, employment and education. 

John is now 98 and was unable to make the journey himself from his care home near Basingstoke but was instrumental in promoting the visit. His daughter Sharon Brunsden drove up from Berkshire accompanied by her uncle, John Houchin - originally from Attleborough - and Don Cronshaw, the son-in-law who grew to love the village after his marriage to Marina, John Loveday’s late daughter.

Sharon and her cousins Caroline Lindenmayer, Vivienne Robinson and Kelly Loveday - all grandchildren of Tom and Kathleen Loveday, who lived at 4 Rod Alley Row - were also joined at the Gamekeeper by John’s sister Barbara Robinson.  

Others with roots in the village attended as well; some had never met the Loveday family members before but have been corresponding regularly about their shared links with village history. They included Tom and Cynthia Walshe. Tom’s mother, Marjorie and grandfather, Wiggy Westfield, were mentioned in the book, Marjorie having been born in the same year as John. Richard Styles also attended. His sister, Betty, knew John well and their father, Charlie, was one of the village’s longest lived residents, reaching the age of 101 before his death in 2009. Newsletter and blog editor Ron Brewer was also present to record the occasion for village interest. 

Conversation was lively and amusing with many interesting historical facts arising. Sharon said that she had wanted to meet those who had been so interested in her father’s book and keeping in touch with him. She added that John Loveday’s love for, and interest in, Old Buckenham village life remains as strong as ever. 

Young John

Older John

John's painting used for cover of his book

John's sister Barbara

The generations (with other guests)

Opportunity in Old Buckenham

School governors needed

Chapel Green School is a complex needs school located on the outskirts of Old Buckenham and is looking for individuals to join our Governing Body. If you are a driven professional with expertise in one of the following fields we would love to hear from you:

• ·         Finance & Accounting

• ·         Business & Marketing

• ·         Leading in the Education sector

• ·         HR

• ·         Medical

Our leadership team upholds the highest standards for teaching and learning and are driven by an ambition for their pupils; celebrating the significant positive impact the school has on each and every one of its students. The whole school community carries an established vision of aspiration, resilience and compassion: supporting pupils from the age of 3½ to 19.

 

If you are a professional, with a passion for education, we invite you to consider joining our Governing body, to help shape the future of a unique and truly child-centred school. Governors are concerned with the strategic aims and objectives of the school; helping to set and monitor the progress towards these aims. Governors also shape and review school policies, ensuring relevant compliance. Finally, governors help to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards its aims through providing effective support and challenge to the Headteacher. In order to achieve this, school governors are equipped with interpersonal skills of tact and diplomacy, able to uphold confidentiality and self-evaluate. A governor does not need to be an expert in all areas of governance but will take responsibility for a key area of professional expertise. Relevant training will be provided which all governors are required to attend in addition to attending at least 6 FGB meetings per academic year and any occasional committees if required. The governor role is not paid, however, agreed expenses such as travel are reimbursed.

If you would like more information about the role, please contact the school office on 01953 453116 or email: Joanne Cox, jcox@chapelgreenschool.org.uk  

Old Buckenham April minutes

 Old Buckenham Parish Council

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is changed at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 11 April at Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel. Councillors present were Naomi Bailey(Chair), Leslie Evison, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, David Taylor, Doug Irons and Ali McWilliam. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and six members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held Thursday 7 March were approved (7 in favour 1 abstain).

Financial matters. The Precept payment from Breckland was £11,420.50 which brought the Community Account balance to £30,481.66. Payments of £4093.71 were approved (8 in favour). These included £201.65 to the community car drivers, £100 for grass cutting and £311.61 for membership of the National Association of Local Councils.

Also included were the Precept Grants that had been paid:

Old Buckenham Village Hall £1000

Old Buckenham Primary School Family Association £250

Old Buckenham Primary School Family Association Preloved £200

Monday Mardle £125

Almshouse Trust £500

Fawns £250

R.O.B.S (?) £250

Windmill Trust £500

Two Wheel Tuesday. David Tranmer has acquired the materials to make good the areas of the Green which were damaged during last year’s events.

Councillor reports. Ali McWilliam reported that the allotments are beginning to come to life and looking very tidy. She said the drainage ditch inside the perimeter needs clearing and the Clerk is to write to the land owner to request this is undertaken sooner rather than later.

Pete Twissell has removed a section of the new hedging on the Recreation Area to allow access for a tractor and has replanted the removed saplings on the footpath side of the field. He also reported that the Village Hall committee would like to meet with the Parish Council during May. He had also spoken to the Village Hall Committee regarding the use of their car park when Two Wheel Tuesday is taking place. Their committee was not opposed but will need to check that the hall is not in use on those nights so that is no conflict of use. The Clerk to suggest to David Tranmer that he makes a donation to the hall at the end of each season as a goodwill gesture.

Steve Gower reported that he has gained another two volunteers for the community Speedwatch group. Also that the batteries for the SAM Sign need replacing and that they available from Westcote at £86 each. The Clerk to investigate if can get them for a better price through his employer.

David Taylor asked about overgrown footpath from the Country Park to New Buckenham. The Clerk advised that this was not a Parish Council issue but it was the responsibility of the land owners who have a duty to ensure they are accessible to walkers.

Naomi Bailey has had correspondence with the ‘owners’ of the bench that has been flooded by the waters in Ottomer Pond and the bench base concerns which will be reviewed when it is safe to do so. Following a meeting with Highways she now has written correspondence that Highways are not responsible for the ditch, roadway or pathway leading up to the Primary school. Should anybody wish to clear a ditch on their property and they have been told by Highways they are not allowed to, this is wrong. They are in fact allowed to. Highways do not have the budget to clear every ditch in Norfolk and are grateful for the help from residents. Also Naomi Bailey reported that she, Leslie Evison and the Clerk had a meeting with the Highways Engineer at NCC who has ensured everyone that Old Buckenham is on the list for drainage and ditch clearing as well as pot hole repairs but also pointed out that due to the severe weather this winter they are rather busy but he will chase contactors. They also pointed out that the new steps they fitted at Manor Corner were rather a poor effort considering the cost of the project. The Clerk informed him that the Parish Council felt let down with the quality of the steps and the work involved.

The Clerk will attend a meeting at County Hall with the Planning Inspectorate regarding the flooding situation caused by the infilling of the ditch at West View Farm.

The Chair and the Clerk received a letter from MP George Freeman asking to attend a meeting for which he has been formally invited (the monthly surgery in May).

Action Log updates. Doug Irons and Steve Gowers gave all members a run through of the electronic version of the action log and also asked all members to keep this updated so that the Parish Council can report to the village each month what has been done and what is still needed.

Planning applications. Access from the west on to Buckenham Road. Widening and enhancements to the existing agricultural access to create a temporary construction access onto Buckenham Road (3PL/2024/0285/F). Supported by the Parish Council (8 in favour).

Development Plot at Poplar Farm, Fen Road NR17 1NP. Demolition of existing building (with extant permission to convert to a dwelling) and the erection of New Single Dwelling and Cartlodge, and Change of Use of Agricultural Land to Domestic Curtilage (Revised Scheme) 3PL/2020/1009/F. Supported by the Parish Council (8 in favour).

Other business. Stan Burton and Pete Twissell reported that only two members of the public attended the Surgery on Saturday 30 March but this was a bank holiday weekend so perhaps people had other plans.

(Steve Gowers departed the meeting)

Items for next agenda. These will include flooding update, the burial ground, allotment security and the Local Plan.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 2 May starting at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel.

Next opening of Old Buckenham Mill

Tours of Mill and food available too

The first official opening of the new season took place last Sunday afternoon when the new refreshment 'shed' was put through its paces. Visitors gathered to try the drinks and cakes with many of them also going on a guided tour of the historic building too.

The next Open Day will be on Sunday 5 May when you can come along between 1pm and 4pm for your tour and/or homemade cake feast. It is amazing how many people have lived in Old Buckenham for years and not looked inside and climbed up the various stairs inside. Why not spend this coming Bank Holiday Sunday scaling the heights and trying the tasty baking?

Old Buckenham's own surgery

Come along and discuss

The next Saturday Surgery will be held on Saturday 27 April from 10am till 12 noon in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall. This is an opportunity for all parishioners, especially those that cannot easily attend the normal Old Buckenham Parish Council meetings that are held in the evening. Two or more of our councillors will be on hand to help address any issues that may concern you.

Old Buckenham Hall auction

Sale of Kitchen Gardens and Downmore Farm

In August 1937 a sale took place of 173 acres of land including the Hall's Kitchen Gardens and Downmore Farm. These scans of pages from the booklet produced at the time give a description on what was on offer.

Old Buckenham history

When local things were sold

Here are scans of a couple of sample pages from an auction that took place in 1937 when areas of Old Buckenham Hall went on the market. More pages are being scanned...

Preparing Old Buckenham windmill

Getting ready for new season of Open Days

There was plenty of action today at the Old Buckenham mill when volunteers gathered to put up the new shed (aka the posh refreshment servery with opening hatch).  It  turn out to be 'fun' handling the large metal panels in the gusty winds.  Elsewhere the official sign in the car park was being cleaned and the inside of the mill was also being sorted out. Hard work but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Sign cleaning

Bottoms up

   

Many hands hold walls up

Job finished and new outside seating 

Calling Old Buckenham photographers

Show off your photographs

The ninth BUCKS PHOTOSHOW will take place in New Buckenham Village Hall from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May this year. They are calling all photographers in New Buckenham, Old Buckenham and the surrounding villages and towns. This is your chance to put your work on public show.

The Photoshow will be widely advertised and hopefully you will get a lot of visitors seeing your work. It’s all very simple: for just £18 you rent an 8ft by 4ft display board and on it you arrange however many of your pictures you wish - it’s your space.  If you can’t fill a board, why not arrange to share with another photographer?  You put up your pictures yourself before the show opens on the Friday evening and take them down after the show closes on the Sunday lunchtime.  It’s up to you whether you offer your work for sale.

Please email your application to Charles Oxley with contact details to photoshow@newbuckenham.net and you will need to send your payment of £18 to arrive not later than Tuesday 14 May (but preferably earlier).

Who's coming to Old Buckenham?

Into the unknown

Note the dates now, more details coming later.

Lilies in Old Buckenham Church

Flowers to admire

Around 150 white lilies have been used to decorate the inside of All Saints Church. They are there to celebrate the departed members of many local families and their friends. The church is open every day so why not pop in and admire them?

Paddy fields in Old Buckenham

 Opening up today

Why not go along to the special openings of the new paddy fields along Hargham Road in Old Buckenham. Local farmer Steve has found that his normal crops do not like all the rain and the subsequent flooding of the fields. He will be there to answer your questions up until noon today.

After much research and consultations with the John Innes Institute he has deliberately made sure that some fields are kept flooded and these have now been planted with a suitable type of rice (variety Pool Flair) that should be able to cope with the British summer weather.

This has the added advantage that the paddy fields will store water which could have been causing flooding problems elsewhere. It's a win/win solution for everyone.

Singing in Old Buckenham

Women's Institute singing for well-being

The WI started their meeting on Thursday 28 March with Stephen Amer by singing an aboriginal lullaby! Then Stephen explained about his work with the non profit making charity ‘Voice Cloud’ where they promote the role of music for well-being and health with different groups of people in areas such as palliative care, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke and mental health. He spoke of a project in Beccles working with young people and Heritage Projects that he had been involved in including one in Lowestoft with Suffolk Archives looking into the fishing history of the town in 2016 which involved music such as sea shanties. They sang more songs in between his talk and he did comment at the end that they had done really well. They ended the evening with breathing exercises to wind down.

They had definitely earned their tea/coffee and home-made cake. The Flower of the Month competition was really popular and Stephen judged the hand-made bookmark for a musician competition. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all. 

Author at Old Buckenham bookshop

 A literary evening with the ‘Real Duke of Norfolk’

A Thursday evening in March saw bestselling author Louis de Bernières, who dubs himself the ‘Real Duke of Norfolk’, visit Old Buckenham to discuss his recent novel. Light Over Liskeard is an apocalyptic novel set in our, perhaps not too distant, future where AI has taken such a level of control over day to day lives, that humanity itself is at risk.

Some 40 guests gathered in All Saints Church and the Old School Bookshop to hear Louis talking about his book, writing and career. The audience was treated to humorous tales and also some poetry readings from the author on what was World Poetry Day. Then everyone had a chance to meet and chat with Louis as he signed their books. Feedback from the event was really positive and there are plans to invite Louis back for further events including a music evening and also arrange other author events in the future. A limited number of copies of ‘Light Over Liskeard’ can be obtained from the Old School Bookshop. Owner of the Old School Bookshop, Lucie, expressed thanks to the local community - residents and readers - for their ongoing support and for sharing a magical evening. 

Singing in Old Buckenham

Go along for a song

Old Buckenham Women's Institute have Stephen Amer coming to their next meeting on Thursday 28 March. He will be giving them a session on 'Singing for Wellbeing'. Meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The monthly competition is for a ‘Handmade Bookmark for a Musician’. There will be the usual Flower of the Month Competition, a raffle and home-made cake with refreshments. It sounds like good fun so please go along and see them. Visitors are welcome.

Latest thoughts from Old Buckenham

March Parish Council minutes

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may include information that is changed at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 March at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Lesley Evison, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, David Taylor and Doug Irons. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and ten members of the public. Apologies for absence had been received from Ali McWilliam. The minutes of the meeting held in February were approved (6 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community Account Balance now stands at £21,427.68. Payments for £2366.55 were approved (6 in favour) and included £146.75 to the community car drivers, £149.99 for a water pump, £540 to Glebe Farm Services and £177 to West Norfolk Web Design. 

Two Wheel Tuesday. David Tranmer of the Ox and Plough was formally invited to this month's meeting so as to produce new rental agreement and check his Public Liability Insurance Certificate which he did supply. Naomi Bailey asked a question regarding repairs to the Green which should have been undertaken after last year's events. David Tranmer reported that this was not possible due to the weather during this last winter and more recently. He gave his undertaking that all repairs will be carried out after this seasons' events. Naomi Bailey also asked if it was possible for the stewards at this this year's events to politely ask car drivers who visit not to park outside people's dwellings and to refrain from parking outside the play area. This causes an obstruction of view from the playground gates and could lead to an accident. Steve Gowers and Doug Irons have suggested the Parish Council invest in some signs advising drivers not to park in certain areas and direct them to park at village hall so the Council will investigate this option. The Clerk asked David Taylor to speak with village hall to ask for their approval. The Parish Council have also approved the siting of picnic benches on the Green by David Tranmer again this year . The Clerk to send a contract for these.  The Parish Council also agreed to leave the rates the same as charged for 2023 season for both Two Wheel Tuesday and the benches.

Councillors' reports. Pete Twissell had attended the Village Hall Management Committee in March. Direction markers in the car park have eroded away and they ask for permission from the Parish Council to erect directional signs on post at the edge of the recreation ground. All six councillors in favour so this can go ahead. Also the Committee are keen to reinstate the meetings between them and the Parish Council. The Clerk suggest they send a couple of their committee to the Parish Council Surgery to be held each month to keep the dialogue flowing. Steve Gowers reported that the Community Speedwatch had their first day in the village and also that it is still looking for more volunteers. He also passed on a letter of thanks from the Almshouses Trust for last year’s precept grant.

Doug Irons sent out the draft of the new website to all members and is awaiting feed back from everyone involved. He is also looking into the Neighbourhood plan to investigate what grants are available and to see if we can get enough volunteers to help with this.

Naomi Bailey has emailed Darren at Highways to ask for the yellow lines outside the High School to be re painted as they have eroded away and are barely visible. The Chair and the Clerk also confirmed that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Saturday 22 June 2024 with a start time of 11am at Old Buckenham Village Hall with refreshments available.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken spoken to Jim Trice from the Met Office who informed him that the build went out for tender but no one was successful so it has gone out for tender again. He has also made contact with the company Pace Energy and spoken to Alex Ross about the solar panel site. He says that the plan is still ongoing and they are trying to rectify issues with the national grid with reference to connection before the first phase of building works can commence. He has agreed to keep us up to date with a monthly email.

The first Parish Council 'Surgery' was held on Saturday 24 February. It was well attended by parishioners and Steve Askew was also in attendance. There was lots of talk regarding flooding around the village and it was agreed to send out a survey via the newsletter to establish who and where there are issues with water and to gather information on where ditches are located.

On Sunday 18 February a team manned the pump at Ottomer pond after another heavy rainfall. Thanks go out to Richard, Karen and Monty for helping the Clerk and Chair in setting up the pump and manning it for the day. On Sunday 25 February the pump was used to clear the ditch and roadway leading to the primary school to ensure the school could reopen after the half term break. Thanks again go out to Richard, Karen and Monty for their help. Then on Sunday 3 March the pump was run again at the primary school to ensure the road and pathway were clear for Monday morning. 

Action Log updates. Doug Irons and Steve Gowers gave all members a new copy of the Action Log which will be in electronic form.

Planning applications. Roughlands Farm, Grove Road. Prior approval for proposed change of use of an agricultural building to 1 no small dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) and for building operations reasonably necessary for the conversion. The Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) -Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q (UseClass)V3PN/2024/0004/UC. Proposed building is outside the Settlement Boundary and not supported by the Parish Council (6 in favour).

Other business. Naomi Bailey reported that the first Saturday Surgery went well and she is keen for this to keep going. Thanks to Steve Askew for his attendance and she hopes to see him at further surgeries. 

Sapienta Trust have undertaken to clear the debris from the ditch behind the High School to aid the flow of water. Lesley Iverson said that she has been in contact with the relevant authorities regarding the flooding and running water on Fen Street. She was keen to point out that the Fen was totally water logged and if nothing is done this vital wetland will become a danger to all the wildlife that call it home. A member of the public pointed out that the hedges on Hargham Road are over grown and causing an issue to vehicles. The Clerk to write to those residents who own the said hedges and ask them to be cut back.

Next agenda. This should include a flooding update, news of suggested new Burial Ground and progress on a Local Plan.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 11 April at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel.

Old Buckenham walks

 Women Walk the World

Why not join the walk with 'The Friends of Old Buckenham WI' on Saturday 27 April to celebrate Women Walk the World Day and hopefully raise some funds for projects carried out by ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World).

The walk start at 10am from the Children's Playground by All Saints Church. There will be a range of possible walks ranging from 1 mile to about 5 miles along roads and footpaths in the Hargham Road, Fen Street, Fen Road, Leys Lane and Barker's Lane area. There will be points along the route where it will be possible to do a shorter walk than the full 5 miles but all will take in Ragg's Lane. Some maps will be available on the day.

If you want a walk of about 1 mile you can join us at the footpath starting between 36 and 38 Hargham Road at 10.15am or soon after. Limited parking will be available at the Methodist Chapel in Hargham Road if necessary.

The organisers ask for a Voluntary donation (£2 is suggested but any amount would be welcome) for ACWW. Donations will be collected at the start of the walk - Children's playground or footpath at Hargham Road.

Everybody is welcome to join us, particularly men and boys and  well behaved dogs on leads. If you need any more information contact Sheila Freake 01953 860156 or sheilafreake@btinternet.com

Flowering in Old Buckenham

Indoor gardening

The rugby all happened yesterday and the weather forecast predicts it will be too wet to garden this afternoon. So get along to Old Buckenham Village Hall at 2.30pm today with a ten pound note in your hand and enjoy some hollyhock gardening in the dry. 

Radar tower in Old Buckenham

Progress so far 

Jim Trice of the Met Office has been in touch to provide an update on the East Anglia Radar Project. There has been a lot of behind the scenes work on the project but it has yet to reach any significant milestones yet. As mentioned in the last update, the project suffered a delay in tendering for the main contractor to build the radar tower and associated cabin.  Their intention is to re-issue the tender this month which would lead on to appointing a main contractor in the early summer of this year.  Based on that they would anticipate construction work starting on site in the autumn or winter and finishing in the spring of 2025.  There will be a testing and commissioning phase following on from that, with much of that work being controlled and monitored remotely from their HQ in Exeter. As they approach the construction phase of the project, they expect that there will be much more interest from local residents and businesses. They will be to providing more regular updates during that time. 

This information has also been sent by the Met Office to both Old Buckenham and Carleton Rode Parish Councils to keep them informed about the project.

Playing in Old Buckenham

What are you doing on St Patrick's Day?

Well why not do something different and come to the Village Hall in the afternoon for a theatrical performance for a mere £10.

This is a show about people in love but it’s also a show about story-telling; the magic of sitting down in a darkened room and listening to a story. Starring Owen Evans (The Nimmo Twins/Canada Boys) and Dawn Finnerty (The Canada Boys/Rosa Mendoza) fEAST Theatre promises that ‘these darkly funny tales of loneliness and lust are guaranteed to warm the coldest winter evening.’

Avoid disappointment by reserving some seats for you and your friends by contacting bookings.obvh@gmail.com or phoning 07880660444 or 01953 861336.

Last Saturdays in Old Buckenham

Meet your councillors 

A Saturday Morning Surgery will be held on Saturday 30 March from 10am till 12 noon in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall. This is an ideal opportunity for those that can not attend meetings on a Thursday evening to come and chat to some members of our Parish Council about concerns and issues they may have in the village.

In future these will be held throughout the year on the last Saturday of every month.

Old Buckenham Parish Council meeting in April

Later than usual

The next Parish Council meeting will not be until Thursday 11 April and will be held in the Methodist Chapel rather than the Village Hall.

New hedging in Old Buckenham

 Planting for the future

Last year, the Parish Council agreed to plant a hedge to replace the fence which used to divide the recreation ground from the Village Hall car park. The Woodland Trust kindly donated 210 saplings in a variety of species. Councillor Pete Twissell  enlisted the help of groups from the High School, the Primary School and Chapel Green School to plant the saplings in November of last year. He later became aware that no space had been left for the tractor to access the recreation ground for grass cutting so some of the saplings will be moved in the coming weeks. Thanks to all those who helped with the planting.

There will be more hedging needed to be planted along the side of the recreation ground adjacent to the footpath that leads to Chapel Green School. Again the schools will be invited to take part.

If you are part of a local group and would like to get involved, please contact Pete Twissell at pc99twissell@gmail.com

Electrical item collections in Old Buckenham

 Put out for collection

Small electrical items and batteries can't be placed in your normal recycle bin but Breckland Council can still recycle them for you. Over the last year they have been collecting small electrical waste items and batteries, including toasters, irons and laptops, as part of their kerbside collection service.

Simply place your small electrical items inside a loosely-tied bag and leave it on top of your normal bin on collection day. There is limited space on the collection vehicles so they may not be able to collect all items the first time they are put out. To find out how to benefit from this free service visit www.breckland.gov.uk/rubbish/electrical-waste

Old Buckenham newsletter awaiting delivery

 Boxes of delight

Over 600 printed copies of the March newsletter have been sitting in the editor's house for two days now awaiting an insert from the Parish Council. Once the documents arrive they will have to be inserted and then distribution can begin.

Showing and telling in Old Buckenham

 Sharing their talents

It was “Show & Tell” at Old Buckenham WI following their annual meeting last Thursday. Six members revealed their passions outside the WI and they could not have been more wide-ranging. From the diversity of eggs from her smallholding, to the tradition of crocheting a beautiful blanket for grandchildren, a revised version of a knitted blanket created for a son and now a grandson, some of the 456 gardening books, beautiful applique on clothing, extraordinary patchwork and the newly discovered talent for sewing, it showcased the talent in our village Woman's Institute.

A new committee has been voted in, The new appointments are President Christine Long, Treasurer Lesley Passfield and Secretary Betty Stacey. They look forward to another year of activities, demos, talks and competitions and outings and of course those lovely home-made cakes and biscuits!

More Theatre in Old Buckenham

The Hollyhock Trilogy

Old Buckenham Village Hall is delighted to welcome back fEAST Theatre one of the region’s leading touring theatre companies with a brand-new show called The Hollyhock Trilogy. fEAST is touring to lots of venues across Norfolk this spring and luckily they will be stopping off in Old Buckenham on Sunday 17 March for a matinee performance.

Written by Rob John (The Canada Boys/Rosa Mendoza) The Hollyhock Trilogy presents three strange but poignant love stories. A woman reveals an unrequited passion for her postman, an aging trapeze artist dreams of the beautiful woman who dropped him and a chance remark about hollyhocks changes the lives of two strangers for ever.

Author Rob says he wants to take the audience on three separate but connected journeys while John feels it is a show about people in love but it’s also a show about story-telling; the magic of sitting down in a darkened room and listening to a story.

Starring Owen Evans (The Nimmo Twins/Canada Boys) and Dawn Finnerty (The Canada Boys/Rosa Mendoza), fEAST Theatre promises that ‘these darkly funny tales of lonelinessand lust are guaranteed to warm the coldest winter evening.’

Sunday 17 March at 2.30pm and tickets are £10, paid in cash at the door on the night please. So avoid disappointment by reserving your place in the audience by contacting bookings.obvh@gmail.com or ringing either 07880660444 or 01953 861336.

Latest from Old Buckenham Parish Council

Parish Council February minutes

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is altered at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 1 February at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Lesley Evison, David Taylor and Doug Irons. Ali McWilliam had sent her apologies for not being able to attend. Also present were Clerk Jonn Hicks and fifteen members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4 January were approved (6 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £22674.54. Payments for approval (6 in favour) were £1246.86 which included £106.75 to the community car drivers, allotment rent of £450, stationary and postage £43.50, Clerk and RFO salary £510.34, hire of Methodist Chapel £15 and purchase of St George flag £115.27.

Councillors’ reports. Stan Burton said that he has the Christmas tree lights stored in his barn and they can remain there for the year. Steve Gower reported that the Speed Watch training will be in the Methodist Chapel on Friday 16 February. Doug Irons said that he has sent content to the web designers and was awaiting their reply.

Naomi Bailey reported that she and the Clerk attended a meeting in January regarding this year’s maintenance of the footpath between the Primary School and Chapel Green School. It was agreed that the Parish Council will cut the grass, Primary School will cut and maintain the hedge and Chapel Green School will maintain the footpath surface.

Green Report. The Chair, Stan Burton, Lesley Evison and the Clerk attended a meeting in the Methodist Church in January with members of the Green Working Party John Fernihough and Sarah Dye. Naomi Bailey set out the rules of a working party to all and it was agreed by everyone to re-start this with everyone aware of how the working party should work and who is permitted to attend. It was agreed by all that Suggitt Farm Services will continue to cut the Green three times a year at the cost of £500 per cut, Stuart Barker to remain as the village handyman at the same price as last year. Any other works that need performing will only proceed once a job card has been issued by the Clerk and approved by the Parish Council to avoid any confusion. It was also pointed out that any work carried out on or around the Green are subject to insurance and risk assessment being provided to the Parish Council as well as a method statement before any works commence.

Action Log updates. Doug Irons and Steve Gowers to look at rebooting the action log with a different format.

Planning. To consider planning applications and to receive Breckland District Council’s decisions made on any planning applications received before the meeting. All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal and all Parish Councillors have been asked by the chair to view the new applications in advance of the meeting.

New planning applications. Westward, The Green, NR17 1RR. Proposed change of use of existing barn and outbuildings to a single residential dwelling (3PL/2023/1204/F). Proposal to support was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Crown House, Stacksford, NR17 1PD. Demolition of outbuilding. Erection of 2no. single storey extensions and a cart shed with storage above (3PL/2024/0060/HOU). Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour). Chestnuts, Mill Road, NR17 1SG. Horse Chestnut trees, target prune the trees to clear the overhead utilities and bracing from the telegraph pole. T3 Scots Pine tree, Prune back the upper laterals overhanging the roof line and functioning chimney of the dwelling "Chestnuts2” by no more than 2.0m (TRE/2024/0018/TCA). Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour).

Planning decisions by Breckland. Grange Road from Stacksford Lane to Hargham Road, Stacksford  (3PL/2023/1025/EU). Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing Use (CLUED) for the use of the dwelling known as Stacksford Grange in breach of the agricultural occupation condition attached to planning permission 3PL/1988/1300/O.

Traffic issues. Numerous members of the public attended the meeting to voice their concerns with traffic issues around the village. It was accepted that this needs addressing so a meeting has been called at the Memorial Room on Saturday 24 February at 10am. The clerk will invite the NCC Highways officer and Steve Askew to attend to try and answer questions from the public.

Concerns were raised by public around the large amount of flooding in the village in recent weeks. Clerk to speak with Highways regarding ditches that need cleaning and Ron Brewer has put a piece in the village newsletter asking residents to ensure drains and any ditches on their property are kept clear

Public participation. Adrian Joel reported that a former Parish Council member Derek Smalley has died. He also reported that the community car scheme is looking for new drivers.

Items for next agenda. These will include updates on Solar Farm and flooding update

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 March at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.