Diary dates for January
Sunday 4 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 6 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 7 Luncheon Club New Year party, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 8 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 8 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 8 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 9 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 10 Senior Citizens Lunch, Village Hall, 1pm for 1.30pm
Monday 12 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Thursday 15 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 16 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Friday 16 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 17 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Village Hall, 2.30pm
Saturday 17 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 18 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Wednesday 21 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 21 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 22 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 23 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
(note: there is no Monday Mardle or Crib this month)
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Christmas at All Saints
Christmas Eve service
There was standing room only at All Saints Church for the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols. The service was led by Revd Alistair Monkhouse and there were readings given by members of village organisations. Old Buckenham Primary School sang "Walking in the Air" and the choir from the High School sang "In the Bleak Midwinter". The local Scouts, Cubs and Beavers sang "While Shepherds watched their flocks by night" to the tune of "On Ilkley Moor Ba' Tat". Other contributions were made by Howard Marshall who sang a Sussex folk carol and the organist, Tom Hilton, who played Herbert Sumsion's Prelude on the "Holly and the Ivy".
Prayers were led by Alison Hannah and the Christmas message was given by Dr Richard Lindner of the RHCCC. The offertory of £563 was given for the work of the St Martin's Housing Trust (Norwich Night Shelter).
There was standing room only at All Saints Church for the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols. The service was led by Revd Alistair Monkhouse and there were readings given by members of village organisations. Old Buckenham Primary School sang "Walking in the Air" and the choir from the High School sang "In the Bleak Midwinter". The local Scouts, Cubs and Beavers sang "While Shepherds watched their flocks by night" to the tune of "On Ilkley Moor Ba' Tat". Other contributions were made by Howard Marshall who sang a Sussex folk carol and the organist, Tom Hilton, who played Herbert Sumsion's Prelude on the "Holly and the Ivy".
Prayers were led by Alison Hannah and the Christmas message was given by Dr Richard Lindner of the RHCCC. The offertory of £563 was given for the work of the St Martin's Housing Trust (Norwich Night Shelter).
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
The difference a 100 years makes
Changes at the chapel
There have obviously been some changes to buildings in the village over the last hundred years.
One picture is taken from a postcard that was posted in 1905 so the photograph would have been taken before that. The current owner of the Chapel, which is now converted for domestic use, obtained the postcard recently.
The other photo shows the building as it is now, definitely recognisable but also showing the changes that have taken place.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Your number may come up
December winners
The winners at the December crib in the village hall were Alan Staniforth, Helga Baggs, Alistair Monkhouse, Richard Cockerill, Jean Rush and Tommy Mack.
There will be no crib at the hall in January.
During the tea interval the December Numbers Club was drawn. The special £25 prizes went to John Walker and Tim Edwards, there was £10 each to Carol Brinded and Peter Warren and the £5 winners were Alan Staniforth, Julian Goodey, Joan Jenkins, Tommy Mack, Bob Garwood and Gerald Norton.
Fen Street seems to have hit it lucky for this December draw as Joan, Peter, Bob and Tim all live within a stone's throw of each other.
January sees the start of a new year for the numbers club so please be prepared when your collectors call upon you.
The Village Hall Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the Numbers Club in the past and hope that you will continue to do so. It does help to swell the coffers and they have a big revamp of the kitchen and bar area as their next project. Every penny helps.
The winners at the December crib in the village hall were Alan Staniforth, Helga Baggs, Alistair Monkhouse, Richard Cockerill, Jean Rush and Tommy Mack.
There will be no crib at the hall in January.
During the tea interval the December Numbers Club was drawn. The special £25 prizes went to John Walker and Tim Edwards, there was £10 each to Carol Brinded and Peter Warren and the £5 winners were Alan Staniforth, Julian Goodey, Joan Jenkins, Tommy Mack, Bob Garwood and Gerald Norton.
Fen Street seems to have hit it lucky for this December draw as Joan, Peter, Bob and Tim all live within a stone's throw of each other.
January sees the start of a new year for the numbers club so please be prepared when your collectors call upon you.
The Village Hall Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the Numbers Club in the past and hope that you will continue to do so. It does help to swell the coffers and they have a big revamp of the kitchen and bar area as their next project. Every penny helps.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Been to the windmill yet?
Visit our mill in 2009
The proposed opening dates for the village windmill are in 2009 are:
Sunday 12 April
Sunday 10 May (National Mills Weekend)
Sunday 14 June
Sunday 12 July
Sunday 9 August
And Sunday 13 September.
These are all the second Sunday of the month with the usual 2pm to 5pm opening times.
Sunday 12 April
Sunday 10 May (National Mills Weekend)
Sunday 14 June
Sunday 12 July
Sunday 9 August
And Sunday 13 September.
These are all the second Sunday of the month with the usual 2pm to 5pm opening times.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Parish Council deliberations
Parish Council in December
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
All parish councillors were present except Trevor Crook who had sent his apologies.
Matters arising. The Clerk had received a reply to his letter to Mike Jackson (NCC Planning and Transportation) concerning possible cutbacks. He has circulated copies to all councillors.
In addition to the scheduled highways inspection the Clerk has forwarded photos of the lay-by near the village shop to Jonathan Pearson (NCC Highways) pointing out the deplorable state of the surface of the lay-by.
Village Hall. The Clerk is still awaiting written confirmation from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on reclaiming VAT. However, pending receiving that information, definitive guidance has been received from the HMRC website which does confirm the Clerk’s opinion that VAT is reclaimable on this project. A grant application has been submitted to the Lottery in the name of Old Buckenham Parish Council.
Children’s Play Area. Kerry Talbot reported that a grant of £10,000 has been received from WREN. The cheque was presented in mid-November. Together with local support, a total (including £5,000 from the Parish Council) of £17,500 has been raised since June 2008. Adventure Playgrounds have completed the work requested some three months ago.
Settlement Boundary Review. Adrian Joel said that an information booklet will be published for the Parish Council to make sure that all aspects have been covered. This will be available on the website. There will also be a ‘sites specific’ release for the Parish Council to discuss at their next meeting.
Recreation area behind the Village Hall. An inspection report on both this and the playground is in hand and the Clerk was instructed to purchase an accident book. The Clerk is awaiting notification from solicitors that the agreement to lease has been executed. Then the planning application will be submitted.
The Green. A meeting will be arranged with the Green Rights Proprietors prior to Christmas (Saturday 20 December was suggested) to discuss the dissatisfaction that had been expressed over the state of Green.
Planning applications. Cotman Housing Association. Land adjacent to St Andrews Close. Erection of 12 dwellings. No objections from parish council.
A Nicholls, Cart Lodge, Cake Street. Erection of new stable and tractor store. Hedging on roadside and roof. No objections from parish council.
M Frazer, Peacehaven, 29 Fen Street. Proposed rear conservatory. No objections from parish council.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Mr and Mrs A Medley, Ottomer Cottage, The Green. Proposed single storey dwelling (resubmission). Refused by Breckland.
Mr and Mrs Mason, Willow House, Mill Road. Erection of domestic swimming pool building over existing pool. Approved at Breckland.
J A Becker, The Old Dairy Barns, Fen Street. Conversion of former workshop to dwelling with new garage. Approved at Breckland.
Account balances. The current account balance is £6123.90, the Instant Access Saver is £740, the Alliance & Leicester main account balance is £18954.23and the Bucks Just Play account contains £1136.09.
Setting of precept for 2009/10. The Clerk had previously circulated details of how the precept impacts on local householders as far as their contribution to Breckland Council is concerned. The sum of £15,000 was proposed by Tim Ing and seconded Adrian Joel. This was carried on a majority vote.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel spoke about the local development framework. He said that a great deal may change in the next few years and the question of growth restriction of the parish will be revisited every three years.
Councillors’ reports. The question of fly tipping in village hall bins is being looked at by the Village Hall Management Committee.
The Clerk will be writing to the schools about the problem of children on bikes riding without lights.
Support for older people requiring help from the Eleemosynary fund was suggested. This subject will be discussed at the January meeting but this part of the meeting will not be open to the public.
Highways. There is a new Highways inspector at Norfolk County Council and the Clerk had arranged to meet with him and Adrian Sewell on Friday 5 December. The recent flooding in Cake Street is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities. Other problems have been notified in writing and will be inspected at this December meeting.
Correspondence. A new scheme of providing information comes into force at the beginning of January 2009. Details are available on http://www.ico.gov.uk/ and the Clerk recommended that all councillors visit this site and consider any action on freedom of information that the Parish Council needs to take to comply with the new scheme.
The Clerk has received a letter from Sue Daniels (Electoral Services Manager) about the vacancy for a parish councillor He confirmed that no requests for an election have been received so the Clerk will advertise for a new member for co-option.
The Clerk has also received paperwork from Terry Cracknell on a number of issues including the provision of a Parish Council budget in the future and a survey on the public usage of the safer route to school.
Any other business. A letter of thanks will be sent by the Clerk to Jackie Stiff (lollipop lady in the village for many years) on behalf of the Parish Council.
The next parish council meeting will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 January as the first Thursday in January is New Year’s Day.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
All parish councillors were present except Trevor Crook who had sent his apologies.
Matters arising. The Clerk had received a reply to his letter to Mike Jackson (NCC Planning and Transportation) concerning possible cutbacks. He has circulated copies to all councillors.
In addition to the scheduled highways inspection the Clerk has forwarded photos of the lay-by near the village shop to Jonathan Pearson (NCC Highways) pointing out the deplorable state of the surface of the lay-by.
Village Hall. The Clerk is still awaiting written confirmation from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on reclaiming VAT. However, pending receiving that information, definitive guidance has been received from the HMRC website which does confirm the Clerk’s opinion that VAT is reclaimable on this project. A grant application has been submitted to the Lottery in the name of Old Buckenham Parish Council.
Children’s Play Area. Kerry Talbot reported that a grant of £10,000 has been received from WREN. The cheque was presented in mid-November. Together with local support, a total (including £5,000 from the Parish Council) of £17,500 has been raised since June 2008. Adventure Playgrounds have completed the work requested some three months ago.
Settlement Boundary Review. Adrian Joel said that an information booklet will be published for the Parish Council to make sure that all aspects have been covered. This will be available on the website. There will also be a ‘sites specific’ release for the Parish Council to discuss at their next meeting.
Recreation area behind the Village Hall. An inspection report on both this and the playground is in hand and the Clerk was instructed to purchase an accident book. The Clerk is awaiting notification from solicitors that the agreement to lease has been executed. Then the planning application will be submitted.
The Green. A meeting will be arranged with the Green Rights Proprietors prior to Christmas (Saturday 20 December was suggested) to discuss the dissatisfaction that had been expressed over the state of Green.
Planning applications. Cotman Housing Association. Land adjacent to St Andrews Close. Erection of 12 dwellings. No objections from parish council.
A Nicholls, Cart Lodge, Cake Street. Erection of new stable and tractor store. Hedging on roadside and roof. No objections from parish council.
M Frazer, Peacehaven, 29 Fen Street. Proposed rear conservatory. No objections from parish council.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Mr and Mrs A Medley, Ottomer Cottage, The Green. Proposed single storey dwelling (resubmission). Refused by Breckland.
Mr and Mrs Mason, Willow House, Mill Road. Erection of domestic swimming pool building over existing pool. Approved at Breckland.
J A Becker, The Old Dairy Barns, Fen Street. Conversion of former workshop to dwelling with new garage. Approved at Breckland.
Account balances. The current account balance is £6123.90, the Instant Access Saver is £740, the Alliance & Leicester main account balance is £18954.23and the Bucks Just Play account contains £1136.09.
Setting of precept for 2009/10. The Clerk had previously circulated details of how the precept impacts on local householders as far as their contribution to Breckland Council is concerned. The sum of £15,000 was proposed by Tim Ing and seconded Adrian Joel. This was carried on a majority vote.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel spoke about the local development framework. He said that a great deal may change in the next few years and the question of growth restriction of the parish will be revisited every three years.
Councillors’ reports. The question of fly tipping in village hall bins is being looked at by the Village Hall Management Committee.
The Clerk will be writing to the schools about the problem of children on bikes riding without lights.
Support for older people requiring help from the Eleemosynary fund was suggested. This subject will be discussed at the January meeting but this part of the meeting will not be open to the public.
Highways. There is a new Highways inspector at Norfolk County Council and the Clerk had arranged to meet with him and Adrian Sewell on Friday 5 December. The recent flooding in Cake Street is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities. Other problems have been notified in writing and will be inspected at this December meeting.
Correspondence. A new scheme of providing information comes into force at the beginning of January 2009. Details are available on http://www.ico.gov.uk/ and the Clerk recommended that all councillors visit this site and consider any action on freedom of information that the Parish Council needs to take to comply with the new scheme.
The Clerk has received a letter from Sue Daniels (Electoral Services Manager) about the vacancy for a parish councillor He confirmed that no requests for an election have been received so the Clerk will advertise for a new member for co-option.
The Clerk has also received paperwork from Terry Cracknell on a number of issues including the provision of a Parish Council budget in the future and a survey on the public usage of the safer route to school.
Any other business. A letter of thanks will be sent by the Clerk to Jackie Stiff (lollipop lady in the village for many years) on behalf of the Parish Council.
The next parish council meeting will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 January as the first Thursday in January is New Year’s Day.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Coming to the Rectory
New Rector for·the Quidenham Group
An announcement was made in all the local parish churches on Sunday 16 November saying that that the Bishop has appointed the Revd David Hill, currently curate in Dereham, to be Rector of the Quidenham Group of Parishes (which includes Old Buckenham). He will be instituted on Tuesday 5 May 2009.
David will be continuing his ministry in the Dereham group of parishes until after Easter Sunday after which time he will move to take up residence in the Banham Rectory.
An announcement was made in all the local parish churches on Sunday 16 November saying that that the Bishop has appointed the Revd David Hill, currently curate in Dereham, to be Rector of the Quidenham Group of Parishes (which includes Old Buckenham). He will be instituted on Tuesday 5 May 2009.
David will be continuing his ministry in the Dereham group of parishes until after Easter Sunday after which time he will move to take up residence in the Banham Rectory.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Help wanted for allotments
Land wanted for dig
Old Buckenham Parish Council is often asked about the provision of allotments for the keen gardener and this is a service that the council would like to provide. If there is any landowner in the immediate vicinity of the village who would like to consider making some land available, the Chairman of the Parish Council, Norman Cawston, would welcome enquiries.
In the first instance please contact the Parish Clerk, Mike Read, on 01953 860920 who will arrange a meeting.
Old Buckenham Parish Council is often asked about the provision of allotments for the keen gardener and this is a service that the council would like to provide. If there is any landowner in the immediate vicinity of the village who would like to consider making some land available, the Chairman of the Parish Council, Norman Cawston, would welcome enquiries.
In the first instance please contact the Parish Clerk, Mike Read, on 01953 860920 who will arrange a meeting.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Next month is panto time
Ali Baba is coming
Old Buckenham Players will be presenting Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by David Swan on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall – with a special matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 17January
Sunny Baghdad is the place to be this January – well Old Buckenham Village Hall to be more precise with David Swan’s cleverly written pantomime promising a stream of one-liners and eastern fun. You will be able to experience hot and cold running sand in the Hotel Bedouins, bargains galore in the old bazaar and Fatima’s snake pie.
Join the lovely Polyanna and her absent-minded father, Professor Jones, on the trail of the Temple of Doom - watch out for the evil El Scorpio though.
Come along to shout, laugh, sing and heckle – a show to warm up January!
There will be a licensed bar, a cheeky camel(?) and, of course, audience participation.
Tickets costing £6 (and £4 for the under 14s) are available from Old Buckenham Post Office or by calling 01362 697260.
Old Buckenham Players will be presenting Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by David Swan on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall – with a special matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 17January
Sunny Baghdad is the place to be this January – well Old Buckenham Village Hall to be more precise with David Swan’s cleverly written pantomime promising a stream of one-liners and eastern fun. You will be able to experience hot and cold running sand in the Hotel Bedouins, bargains galore in the old bazaar and Fatima’s snake pie.
Join the lovely Polyanna and her absent-minded father, Professor Jones, on the trail of the Temple of Doom - watch out for the evil El Scorpio though.
Come along to shout, laugh, sing and heckle – a show to warm up January!
There will be a licensed bar, a cheeky camel(?) and, of course, audience participation.
Tickets costing £6 (and £4 for the under 14s) are available from Old Buckenham Post Office or by calling 01362 697260.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Squares mean prizes
The Big Square Draw
Over the last month, visitors to the village shop in Old Buckenham have been able to ‘buy squares’ to take part in a big pre-Christmas Draw. Masterminded by Janet Moore, it was more successful than even she had hoped and 1075 squares had been taken by the time the draw took place.
All the money collected (£1075) was spent on prizes and these were supplied through the village shop. The aim was to provide a community event and not to make a financial profit of any kind.
Over fifty people gathered in the Church Rooms to see the ‘Big Square Draw’ take place.
Father Christmas was on hand to draw the first three prizes of hampers to the value of £100, £70 and £45 that were won by Eric Sopp, Jeffery Jones and Stan Burton respectively. There were another 86 prizes that were then drawn by the other villagers that had attended, items such as cases of wine, boxes of chocolates, bottles of spirits, tins of biscuits, even a cuddly toy or two.
All the children present were able to collect a small gift from Father Christmas before he had to leave for commitments elsewhere.
Over the last month, visitors to the village shop in Old Buckenham have been able to ‘buy squares’ to take part in a big pre-Christmas Draw. Masterminded by Janet Moore, it was more successful than even she had hoped and 1075 squares had been taken by the time the draw took place.
All the money collected (£1075) was spent on prizes and these were supplied through the village shop. The aim was to provide a community event and not to make a financial profit of any kind.
Over fifty people gathered in the Church Rooms to see the ‘Big Square Draw’ take place.
Father Christmas was on hand to draw the first three prizes of hampers to the value of £100, £70 and £45 that were won by Eric Sopp, Jeffery Jones and Stan Burton respectively. There were another 86 prizes that were then drawn by the other villagers that had attended, items such as cases of wine, boxes of chocolates, bottles of spirits, tins of biscuits, even a cuddly toy or two.
All the children present were able to collect a small gift from Father Christmas before he had to leave for commitments elsewhere.
Refreshments were freely available to all those at the draw and donations towards the cost of these resulted in £40 being raised to go to the East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH).
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Next Sunday's Christingle event
Christingle afternoon
On Sunday 14 December there will be an afternoon of sharing, creating and fun as the annual Christingle event takes place in the Old Buckenham Church Rooms.
There will be an hour of activities starting at 3pm for children of all ages including toddlers and pre- schoolers (accompanied please) followed by a short candlelit celebration in the Church at 4pm where the participants can be joined by the children’s mums, dads, grandparents and carers.
Tea and cake will be served after the service in the Church Rooms with a chance to look at and collect the children’s creations.
As well as having festive fun together the event is also hoping to raise some money for the Children’s Society this year and will be asking for a voluntary donation of £1 per child for those attending the workshop.
If you have any queries or would like further details please do not hesitate to contact 01953 861360 or 01953 861353.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Latest parish council news
Next year's precept
Old Buckenham Parish Council has agreed on a 25% increase in the precept requirement for 2009/10. A larger increase was contemplated so that more could be done to accommodate the village's wishes regarding capital projects in the next year or two. But the Council, having due regard to the current national financial situation, was minded to moderate any increase at this point in time. So the precept requirement for 2009/10 will be £15,000. The Council asks that householders bear in mind that the increase adds only £6.17 per annum to the council tax of a Band D house.
Old Buckenham Parish Council has agreed on a 25% increase in the precept requirement for 2009/10. A larger increase was contemplated so that more could be done to accommodate the village's wishes regarding capital projects in the next year or two. But the Council, having due regard to the current national financial situation, was minded to moderate any increase at this point in time. So the precept requirement for 2009/10 will be £15,000. The Council asks that householders bear in mind that the increase adds only £6.17 per annum to the council tax of a Band D house.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
It's WI time again
November WI Meeting
November can be a gloomy month but Old Buckenham WI had its annual pilgrimage to the Thursford Carol Concert to lift the spirits. The fabulous show was a real hit and everyone voted to continue to book seats for the next concert in 2009. Continuing with a theatrical theme, members were reminded of the trip to see West Side Story at the Theatre Royal in January.
Even during the festive season our village WI continues to campaign on important issues facing rural communities. The meeting was read a letter by the President outlining objections to the Government’s white paper proposing changes to the dispensing of medicines at the GP’s surgery. The letter was approved at the meeting and will be sent to the local MP.
Also in members’ thoughts at this time of year are those who need the support of St Martin’s Housing Trust, based in Norwich, and the work it does in helping the homeless. Once again members were asked for their support collecting for this charity in local supermarkets. Many local organisations help St Martin’s worthwhile work by fund raising at Christmas time.
The formal business of the annual general meeting followed. Essential reporting was kept to a minimum as usual. It is always interesting to hear a review of the year and realise just how active the WI is, not just locally but visiting other areas and taking part in conferences and courses too. Next the new committee was approved by the meeting and finally the President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for 2009.
This was followed by two short reports by members. The first report was given by Nancy Hunt. Nancy had attended the 'Posh Frocks and Posh Food' event at Little Ellingham. An elegant afternoon was spent with a delightful meal and followed by a glamorous fashion show with frocks from the 1920s to present times.
The next report was by Margaret Bevis who, with other members, had attended one of the popular mini-Council meetings in October. The new WI banners had been on display along with a polished metal heron, donated to the WI, as their emblem. The speaker took every one back to the Middle Ages with tales of mediaeval life.
It was also explained at this meeting that 2009 is the 90th anniversary of the Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institutes. Many events are planned for the coming twelve months including a service in Norwich Cathedral and the wearing of hats at the AGM in the spring.
After refreshments, and to lighten the mood, members engaged themselves in a Beetle Drive. Competition was strong and the winner was presented with her prize.
No meeting will be held in December but members will be enjoying a Christmas dinner at a local restaurant instead. At the meeting on Thursday 22 January there will be a talk entitled ‘My life breeding peacocks’ given by Quinton Spratt. The competition is for a feather or an item made from feathers.
November can be a gloomy month but Old Buckenham WI had its annual pilgrimage to the Thursford Carol Concert to lift the spirits. The fabulous show was a real hit and everyone voted to continue to book seats for the next concert in 2009. Continuing with a theatrical theme, members were reminded of the trip to see West Side Story at the Theatre Royal in January.
Even during the festive season our village WI continues to campaign on important issues facing rural communities. The meeting was read a letter by the President outlining objections to the Government’s white paper proposing changes to the dispensing of medicines at the GP’s surgery. The letter was approved at the meeting and will be sent to the local MP.
Also in members’ thoughts at this time of year are those who need the support of St Martin’s Housing Trust, based in Norwich, and the work it does in helping the homeless. Once again members were asked for their support collecting for this charity in local supermarkets. Many local organisations help St Martin’s worthwhile work by fund raising at Christmas time.
The formal business of the annual general meeting followed. Essential reporting was kept to a minimum as usual. It is always interesting to hear a review of the year and realise just how active the WI is, not just locally but visiting other areas and taking part in conferences and courses too. Next the new committee was approved by the meeting and finally the President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for 2009.
This was followed by two short reports by members. The first report was given by Nancy Hunt. Nancy had attended the 'Posh Frocks and Posh Food' event at Little Ellingham. An elegant afternoon was spent with a delightful meal and followed by a glamorous fashion show with frocks from the 1920s to present times.
The next report was by Margaret Bevis who, with other members, had attended one of the popular mini-Council meetings in October. The new WI banners had been on display along with a polished metal heron, donated to the WI, as their emblem. The speaker took every one back to the Middle Ages with tales of mediaeval life.
It was also explained at this meeting that 2009 is the 90th anniversary of the Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institutes. Many events are planned for the coming twelve months including a service in Norwich Cathedral and the wearing of hats at the AGM in the spring.
After refreshments, and to lighten the mood, members engaged themselves in a Beetle Drive. Competition was strong and the winner was presented with her prize.
No meeting will be held in December but members will be enjoying a Christmas dinner at a local restaurant instead. At the meeting on Thursday 22 January there will be a talk entitled ‘My life breeding peacocks’ given by Quinton Spratt. The competition is for a feather or an item made from feathers.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Friday, 28 November 2008
What's on next month
Diary dates for December
Monday 1 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 2 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 3 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 4 Women's Institute, Christmas Lunch, The Stag
Thursday 4 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 5 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 7 The Big Square Draw, Church Rooms, 3pm
Sunday 7 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 8 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 9 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 11 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 10.30am
Thursday 11 Social and Wine Circle party, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 12 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Sunday 14 Christingle afternoon, Church Rooms, 3pm
Monday 15 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 17 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 19 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Sunday 21 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Wednesday 24 Crib Service, All Saints Church, 3pm
Wednesday 24 Candlelit Carol Service, All Saints Church, 7pm
Monday 1 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 2 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 3 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 4 Women's Institute, Christmas Lunch, The Stag
Thursday 4 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 5 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 7 The Big Square Draw, Church Rooms, 3pm
Sunday 7 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 8 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 9 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 11 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 10.30am
Thursday 11 Social and Wine Circle party, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 12 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Sunday 14 Christingle afternoon, Church Rooms, 3pm
Monday 15 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 17 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 19 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Sunday 21 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Wednesday 24 Crib Service, All Saints Church, 3pm
Wednesday 24 Candlelit Carol Service, All Saints Church, 7pm
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Picking the winners
The Big Square Draw
The Christmas draw at the village shop has been going very well with many hundreds of squares having been bought. When this item was posted around 800 squares had been sold and, as all the money spent on buying the squares will be returned in prizes, the picking of the winners should be an exciting event.
The Church Rooms have been hired for the occasion and the public are invited to come along and help pick out the winning squares. Father Christmas will be there to pick out the first prize (a £100 hamper) and there are further hampers, cases of wine, boxes of chocolates, boxes of crackers, etc, all to be won that afternoon.
So why not come along at 3pm on Sunday 7 December and enjoy some refreshments and nibbles during the draw. It is understood that Father Christmas will have some sweets for the children too.
It is not too late to take part as squares (£1 each) will be on sale at the village shop right up until Saturday 6 December. It would be great to have prizes worth over £1000 to distribute around to people who are users of the village shop.
The Christmas draw at the village shop has been going very well with many hundreds of squares having been bought. When this item was posted around 800 squares had been sold and, as all the money spent on buying the squares will be returned in prizes, the picking of the winners should be an exciting event.
The Church Rooms have been hired for the occasion and the public are invited to come along and help pick out the winning squares. Father Christmas will be there to pick out the first prize (a £100 hamper) and there are further hampers, cases of wine, boxes of chocolates, boxes of crackers, etc, all to be won that afternoon.
So why not come along at 3pm on Sunday 7 December and enjoy some refreshments and nibbles during the draw. It is understood that Father Christmas will have some sweets for the children too.
It is not too late to take part as squares (£1 each) will be on sale at the village shop right up until Saturday 6 December. It would be great to have prizes worth over £1000 to distribute around to people who are users of the village shop.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
The first big step
£10,000 towards the refurbishment of the children's play area
There will soon be changes expected at the play area in the village, following the successful fundraising efforts of the Bucks Just Play project (working party for Old Buckenham Parish Council). With a total target of £61,000 for both the toddler and junior play areas, it seemed to be a mammoth task but with their own funds of £5,000 provided by the Parish Council, they have now attracted a grant from WREN of £10,000. A cheque was presented on Wednesday 19 November at the play area by Sarah Gosling, WREN Project Manager, to members of the Bucks Just Play group and Old Buckenham Parish Council.
Kerry Talbot of Bucks Just Play says the WREN award is a fantastic start to their grant funding and together with local support they have raised a grand total of £17,500 since June this year. The support for this project within the village has been amazing and very much appreciated. There is still a long way to go but the working party are confident that they can deliver the new play area chosen by the village people.
Funding for the project is still being sourced and applied for, with hopes that the junior area can be started early in 2009.
Sarah Gosling, Project Manager for WREN, came along to present the cheque. WREN support a number of play equipment projects and this particular one aims to provide much-improved facilities for a wide age range. WREN, based in Bridgham, administer the Landfill Community Fund scheme for the Waste Recycling Group.
Kerry Talbot of Bucks Just Play says the WREN award is a fantastic start to their grant funding and together with local support they have raised a grand total of £17,500 since June this year. The support for this project within the village has been amazing and very much appreciated. There is still a long way to go but the working party are confident that they can deliver the new play area chosen by the village people.
Funding for the project is still being sourced and applied for, with hopes that the junior area can be started early in 2009.
Sarah Gosling, Project Manager for WREN, came along to present the cheque. WREN support a number of play equipment projects and this particular one aims to provide much-improved facilities for a wide age range. WREN, based in Bridgham, administer the Landfill Community Fund scheme for the Waste Recycling Group.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Wide-ranging Green views
More on that Green meeting
A record of the meeting was made by Alison Frank and the following description is based on these notes. There were three members of the Green Right Proprietors, Colin Phillips, Rosemary West and Mike Read, at the front to deal with the queries. There was also a table at the side with relevant papers about the history of the Green and Howard Marshall had displayed some leaflets and boards about the biodiversity of the Green.
More than 60 people attended and listened to a short introduction by Colin Phillips (Vice-chairman) on behalf of Old Buckenham Green Right Proprietors (GRP). He said he had called the meeting in response to letters in the Old Buckenham newsletter, particularly the recent one from Chris Talbot, and various discussions amongst groups in the village. Colin read out a letter from Chris Talbot who was unable to attend the meeting.
Colin Phillips reiterated that the meeting was to air ideas, much as Mulbarton has done, so that residents have some idea of any proposed plan for the future management as “we can’t leave the Green as it is”.
Colin opened the meeting to questions and comments. These included a compliment to him personally for his work on the improvements to Rod Alley Row pond, some of which Colin had arranged and some completed himself.
Adrian Joel asked Colin to explain what the GRP rights are. Colin gave a potted history starting from the 39 people around the Green who were given one acre each in perpetuity by the king. One right was later given for the War Memorial site.
The following discussion included: could the Parish Council buy the Green (no) and how rights were passed on or sold, the number of people holding green rights who were living in the village now and how many of them were present at this meeting.
Nick Gilford asked for clarification of grass cutting times and how the trees were managed on the Green. Rosemary West (GRP Secretary and Treasurer) explained ‘estovers’? which meant that tree right owners had responsibility for trees coming down which must be removed and replaced. Other questions on this topic concerned what trees can be planted where and is there a restriction on the numbers.
Mike Read (Chairman of GRP) defined the proprietors having “joint and several responsibility for the maintenance of the Green”. Mike pointed out that there are geographical demarcations of the Green. It was felt lopping needed to be carried out on some trees and Mike told the meeting that all the trees were surveyed every three years. This is instigated for insurance purposes with the help of Ross Guyton, a tree surgeon, and is due again this autumn. Mike also outlined the difficulties with the electricity company concerning the proximity of trees to their wires and the differences of opinion between the tree rights holders and Breckland Council’s Tree Conservation Officer.
Ron Brewer made a plea for mixed areas on the Green, some cut, some not and said that the cutting of paths through the long grass was much appreciated by walkers this summer. It was felt that cutting and leaving the grass was messy. Rosemary West explained the restrictions imposed by DEFRA meant that the Green could not be cut before the end of July and after the end of September. Geoff Scott said John Askew used to cut it twice a year in the past. Julian Goodey, who has lived here for 54 years, stated that the grass was “in a disgusting state” which drew applause from the audience. Mike Read noted that it was Mr Davey’s last year of his contract this year. There is a proposal being drafted from the Parish Council to the GRP about their management of the grass next year. This will be discussed at the GRP’s AGM in February 2009. Mike was asked who is responsible for administering the grass cutting and replied that the Green is a conservation area set up by ancient government, not a 21st century one. A lot of seemingly sensible regulations are not enforceable, like parking in the areas near the village shop.
The subject of a footpath across the Green was raised by Adrian Joel (District Councillor) who is finding out whether planning permission is required. Mike Bartlett hoped it wouldn’?t be turned down by Breckland like the proposed amenity area opposite the shop. Colin Phillips pointed out that if done legally the VAT can be claimed back, if we just got on and did it we wouldn’t be able to do this.
Mike Read then gave reasons for the football posts being taken down and not replaced.
Howard Marshall, villager and conservation film maker, spoke passionately about diversity being important and that dwindling hay meadows needed to be defended. The discussion then ranged around the length of the grass, flowering times, the existence of a football pitch in the last decade and Chris Davey’s problems with vandalism of hay bales left on the Green in the past.
Colin Phillips said the suggestion had been put to him that allotments could be allocated on the Pound area near the Almshouses. Doug Baker asked that more seats be put on the Green. Peter Martin offered to cut the Green at no cost when Mike Read outlined the potentially exorbitant cost of cutting the Green because of its size (compared to the few areas cut in Quidenham by Norfolk County Services). Mike Bartlett praised Terry Cracknell as well as Mike Read for working hard for the village and asked that they continue to do so – together.
A positive newcomer to the village, Heather Pfeiffer, asked about young people’?s involvement with the Green. She commented that it was good they sat outside the shop and some walked to school. Mike Read gave some background about offering the triangle of land outside the High School to make vehicular access easier but he never received a reply from the Education Department.
Doug Baker asked why the GRP don’t tell people what they are doing so, to help this, why not have regular open meetings to explain things. Dennis Baggs asked if the GRP has been approached by the local authority to take over the Green. Colin Phillips replied that he had written a constitution for the GRP some time ago to stop this ever happening. Mike Read recounted the yearly story of Colin proposing at the GRP’s AGM that ‘All Green Rights are offered to the Parish Council’. This drew applause and some cheers from the audience!
It was requested that footpaths be cut every year across the Green. If the Fete happens again next year then the surface around the stalls needs to be improved.
Attention turned to income and expenditure. Mike Read stated that the money ‘won’ from the Forge Close case was used for improving Rod Alley Row pond and its surroundings. Wayleaves (rents) bring in some regular money so GRP is solvent – just. Some money was spent on an industrial strimmer. Ron Brewer asked if the GRP income and expenditure could be made public. This was declined but some ‘facts’ could be extracted for use in the newsletter after GRP discussion. Tim Ing’s role as Parish Council representative on the GRP involved what could, or could not, be disclosed.
Ron Brewer also asked for a date to be fixed for the next public meeting with the GRP. Mike declined to fix a date at present but promised it would be discussed by the GRP at their meeting in November.
The meeting finished at approximately 9pm with the opportunity for some people to stay for tea and biscuits and further informal discussions with those involved with looking after the Green.
Monday, 24 November 2008
Latest parish council meeting
Old Buckenham Parish Council
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
There were three members of the public at the November meeting of the parish council as well as the county councillor John Baskerville. Apologies for absence were received from Gerald Norton, Liz Taylor and Trevor Crook.
Matters arising from the minutes. The Clerk has received a satisfactory reply from Breckland Council enforcement concerning two local unoccupied houses, this reply was circulated to all parish councillors. He subsequently has been in contact with the owners of the Hill House Farm explaining that it was the responsibility of the parish council to report on seemingly unoccupied properties.
The latest estimate for the work required at the village hall is £27,500 plus VAT. The clerk is still awaiting written confirmation from HM Revenue and Customs on the VAT reclaim situation.
County Councillor’s report. John Baskerville explained possible effects of the County Council having money tied up in Icelandic banks. The Council is expecting to get this money back but there will be a loss of interest. There are no real cash flow problems.
The Clerk was instructed to write, on behalf of the parish council, to the County Council to protest at any reduction of the budgets for both public transport and road maintenance.
The ‘safe route to school’ pathway was proceeding well.
Children’s Play Area. Kerry Talbot reported the current financial status and other information on the project. The working party will take a break and then resume in the New Year.
The sum of £206 was raised from a local raffle thanks to Lesley Coates and Julie Taylor. More money has been raised. A Christmas shopping fundraiser in conjunction with Old Buckenham Pre-school was being held in November.
Grant applications to Breckland Council and the Norfolk Community Foundation are being sent off in November.
The working party has personally paid for and organised “T” shirts for all working party members displaying their logo. These will be used at all fund-raising and other publicity events.
Settlement Boundary Review. The Clerk has been notified by Andrea Long, Environmental Planning Manager, that there will be further consultation concerning site specific policies and proposals in the development plan document early in 2009. This plan goes forward to 2026.
Recreation area behind the Village Hall. No agreement to lease has yet been received by the parish council although it is understood that the village hall management has received theirs. Youth involvement should be pursued in ongoing plans.
Planning applications. Mr and Mrs Mason, Willow House, Mill Road. Erection of domestic swimming pool building over existing pool. No objections from parish council.
Mr & Mrs A Medley, Ottomer Cottage, The Green. Proposed single storey dwelling (resubmission). No objections from parish council.
Stephen Thorley, College Barn, Cake Street. Proposed rear extension. No objections from parish council.
Stephen Brown, Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Conversion of agricultural barn, etc, to provide residential accommodation. No objections from parish council but a 106 restriction needs to be applied so that it cannot be sold off as a separate entity.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Dr J Crawford, Sunnyside Cottage. Replacement windows. Passed.
The Gamekeeper Public House. Repainting exterior wall (retrospective). Passed.
B M Developers, Stone Cottage, Fen Street. Construction of a two- bedroom cottage. Permission refused.
J A Askew and Partners, Scales Farm. Change of usage to dwelling. Passed.
Financial. The Clerk circulated details of how the setting of the precept for 2009/10 impacts on local householders as far as their contribution to Breckland Council is concerned.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said that nominations for the Pride in Breckland awards are being invited. He also said that the Cotman Housing planning application is about to be submitted.
Councillors’ reports. Trevor Crook said one tree has been allocated to the parish council by Ross Guyton. Its position is to be allocated.
Tim Ing mentioned several matters. Large lorries over 7.5 tonne are abusing the weight restriction on Hargham Road. He also feels that a village map is needed and that County Council Highways should be asked to resurface the shop lay-by. The Clerk will include this when he sees the Highways inspector.
A suggestion was made for traffic lights to operate at school times on the B1077. The views of the “lollipop lady” will be sought and the matter put to Norfolk Highways and the police, depending on her response.
Clerk’s report. The editor of the village newsletter had asked for an up-to-date list of parish councillors, their contact details and specific areas of responsibilities on the council.
The parish council members decided that any announcement should make it clear that, in everyone’s interest, initial enquiries from parishioners should be addressed to the parish clerk who is obliged to make known all his contact details. In this way he will be able to direct issues, where appropriate, to the relevant councillor.
Indemnity insurance for individual councillors will probably need to be investigated when the recreation area starts to be equipped. In the meantime the Clerk has established with Zurich insurance that the existing public liability insurance is adequate provided normal safety checks are properly carried out. This applies specifically to the children’s playground at the moment.
An inspection is now waiting scheduling with the County Council Highways. There is a new Highways inspector at the County Council and the Clerk will meet him and Adrian Sewell in the next couple of weeks. The recent flooding in Cake Street is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities. The Clerk passed round the plans for the Church Lane drainage scheme. Work is due to start in the first week of December.
Resignation of councillor. Becca Frank has tendered her resignation. Gerry Norton has informed the Clerk that he will take over the responsibility for representing the parish council at village hall management meetings.
The appointment of a new councillor is to be investigated by the Clerk with the Breckland returning officer’s department.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham parish council will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 4 December.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
There were three members of the public at the November meeting of the parish council as well as the county councillor John Baskerville. Apologies for absence were received from Gerald Norton, Liz Taylor and Trevor Crook.
Matters arising from the minutes. The Clerk has received a satisfactory reply from Breckland Council enforcement concerning two local unoccupied houses, this reply was circulated to all parish councillors. He subsequently has been in contact with the owners of the Hill House Farm explaining that it was the responsibility of the parish council to report on seemingly unoccupied properties.
The latest estimate for the work required at the village hall is £27,500 plus VAT. The clerk is still awaiting written confirmation from HM Revenue and Customs on the VAT reclaim situation.
County Councillor’s report. John Baskerville explained possible effects of the County Council having money tied up in Icelandic banks. The Council is expecting to get this money back but there will be a loss of interest. There are no real cash flow problems.
The Clerk was instructed to write, on behalf of the parish council, to the County Council to protest at any reduction of the budgets for both public transport and road maintenance.
The ‘safe route to school’ pathway was proceeding well.
Children’s Play Area. Kerry Talbot reported the current financial status and other information on the project. The working party will take a break and then resume in the New Year.
The sum of £206 was raised from a local raffle thanks to Lesley Coates and Julie Taylor. More money has been raised. A Christmas shopping fundraiser in conjunction with Old Buckenham Pre-school was being held in November.
Grant applications to Breckland Council and the Norfolk Community Foundation are being sent off in November.
The working party has personally paid for and organised “T” shirts for all working party members displaying their logo. These will be used at all fund-raising and other publicity events.
Settlement Boundary Review. The Clerk has been notified by Andrea Long, Environmental Planning Manager, that there will be further consultation concerning site specific policies and proposals in the development plan document early in 2009. This plan goes forward to 2026.
Recreation area behind the Village Hall. No agreement to lease has yet been received by the parish council although it is understood that the village hall management has received theirs. Youth involvement should be pursued in ongoing plans.
Planning applications. Mr and Mrs Mason, Willow House, Mill Road. Erection of domestic swimming pool building over existing pool. No objections from parish council.
Mr & Mrs A Medley, Ottomer Cottage, The Green. Proposed single storey dwelling (resubmission). No objections from parish council.
Stephen Thorley, College Barn, Cake Street. Proposed rear extension. No objections from parish council.
Stephen Brown, Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Conversion of agricultural barn, etc, to provide residential accommodation. No objections from parish council but a 106 restriction needs to be applied so that it cannot be sold off as a separate entity.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Dr J Crawford, Sunnyside Cottage. Replacement windows. Passed.
The Gamekeeper Public House. Repainting exterior wall (retrospective). Passed.
B M Developers, Stone Cottage, Fen Street. Construction of a two- bedroom cottage. Permission refused.
J A Askew and Partners, Scales Farm. Change of usage to dwelling. Passed.
Financial. The Clerk circulated details of how the setting of the precept for 2009/10 impacts on local householders as far as their contribution to Breckland Council is concerned.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said that nominations for the Pride in Breckland awards are being invited. He also said that the Cotman Housing planning application is about to be submitted.
Councillors’ reports. Trevor Crook said one tree has been allocated to the parish council by Ross Guyton. Its position is to be allocated.
Tim Ing mentioned several matters. Large lorries over 7.5 tonne are abusing the weight restriction on Hargham Road. He also feels that a village map is needed and that County Council Highways should be asked to resurface the shop lay-by. The Clerk will include this when he sees the Highways inspector.
A suggestion was made for traffic lights to operate at school times on the B1077. The views of the “lollipop lady” will be sought and the matter put to Norfolk Highways and the police, depending on her response.
Clerk’s report. The editor of the village newsletter had asked for an up-to-date list of parish councillors, their contact details and specific areas of responsibilities on the council.
The parish council members decided that any announcement should make it clear that, in everyone’s interest, initial enquiries from parishioners should be addressed to the parish clerk who is obliged to make known all his contact details. In this way he will be able to direct issues, where appropriate, to the relevant councillor.
Indemnity insurance for individual councillors will probably need to be investigated when the recreation area starts to be equipped. In the meantime the Clerk has established with Zurich insurance that the existing public liability insurance is adequate provided normal safety checks are properly carried out. This applies specifically to the children’s playground at the moment.
An inspection is now waiting scheduling with the County Council Highways. There is a new Highways inspector at the County Council and the Clerk will meet him and Adrian Sewell in the next couple of weeks. The recent flooding in Cake Street is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities. The Clerk passed round the plans for the Church Lane drainage scheme. Work is due to start in the first week of December.
Resignation of councillor. Becca Frank has tendered her resignation. Gerry Norton has informed the Clerk that he will take over the responsibility for representing the parish council at village hall management meetings.
The appointment of a new councillor is to be investigated by the Clerk with the Breckland returning officer’s department.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham parish council will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 4 December.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Friday, 21 November 2008
Four to become three
Bottles and paper make money
Contributors are reminded there is no longer any need to separate different coloured glass going into the village hall bottle banks since all are mixed up in collection. Once the contract on four banks runs out at the end of the financial year it is planned to reduce to three containers to save on annual rental (£82.68 per bank). The collection charge is £13.40 per tonne. These charges are deducted from the recycling credits; there is no payment for the material.
Contributors are reminded there is no longer any need to separate different coloured glass going into the village hall bottle banks since all are mixed up in collection. Once the contract on four banks runs out at the end of the financial year it is planned to reduce to three containers to save on annual rental (£82.68 per bank). The collection charge is £13.40 per tonne. These charges are deducted from the recycling credits; there is no payment for the material.
The village gets a better deal for paper since the contract is direct with Aylesford Newsprint which does not pay for material but does not charge for collection either, so the village hall gets the recycling credit in full.
Income from recycling has become an important contributor to the maintenance of the village hall, so please continue to bring paper and glass (especially those of you who are regular users of the car park, often for non village hall activities).
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Fund raising
November Market makes money
Many thanks to all who supported the November Market held on Saturday 15 November. A total of £470 was raised for Church funds.
Many thanks to all who supported the November Market held on Saturday 15 November. A total of £470 was raised for Church funds.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Butterflies at Flower Club
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
David Boulton attended November's meeting and a gave an illustrated talk on butterflies and insects. His beautifully presented slide show, accompanied by music, showed some of the thousands of butterflies, moths and insects that can be found in East Anglia.
The competition was 'Misty Nights' – the New Hands class was won by Norma Howes and Old Hands by Sally Westrup. Norma was also awarded the Joan Barry Trophy for best use of garden plant material.
December's meeting will be held on Thursday 11 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall commencing at 10.30am; please bring a table covering, secateurs and scissors for the teach-in to make a door ring. Although everything else for the ring will be provided please note there will be a small charge (£6). Please bring a plate of food for lunch at 12.30pm which will be followed by Chrystal Dyball's demonstration 'Christmas is coming'. There will also be a Christmas gift stall - please price gifts and indicate contents if wrapped.
The competition will be for a 'Table Decoration for Boxing Day'. Cups will be awarded to the best exhibit in both classes.
Why not visit the Club's stall at the Medieval Market being held in the cloisters of Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 13 December?
David Boulton attended November's meeting and a gave an illustrated talk on butterflies and insects. His beautifully presented slide show, accompanied by music, showed some of the thousands of butterflies, moths and insects that can be found in East Anglia.
The competition was 'Misty Nights' – the New Hands class was won by Norma Howes and Old Hands by Sally Westrup. Norma was also awarded the Joan Barry Trophy for best use of garden plant material.
December's meeting will be held on Thursday 11 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall commencing at 10.30am; please bring a table covering, secateurs and scissors for the teach-in to make a door ring. Although everything else for the ring will be provided please note there will be a small charge (£6). Please bring a plate of food for lunch at 12.30pm which will be followed by Chrystal Dyball's demonstration 'Christmas is coming'. There will also be a Christmas gift stall - please price gifts and indicate contents if wrapped.
The competition will be for a 'Table Decoration for Boxing Day'. Cups will be awarded to the best exhibit in both classes.
Why not visit the Club's stall at the Medieval Market being held in the cloisters of Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 13 December?
Monday, 17 November 2008
Our Eleemosynary Charity
Twenty-five years as trustee
The Eleemosynary Charities' longest serving trustee was thanked for his contribution of long service, wise counsel and knowledge of the community at the trustees' meeting on Tuesday 11 November. Bill Wardman was appointed as a co-opted trustee, to replace Peter Bloom, in 1983 and was not joined by any of the current trustees until Colin Arksey took over from John Askew in 1985.
The Charities operate under a scheme drawn up in 1914 which put together four charities for the relief of poverty in the village, dating from 1565, 1622, and two from the Enclosure Act for the village in 1791. They have ten trustees, two ex officio (the Vicar of the Parish and the Lord of the Manor), six appointed by the parish council but not necessarily councillors, and two co-opted by the trustees. The current chairman is Colin Arksey.
The Eleemosynary Charities' longest serving trustee was thanked for his contribution of long service, wise counsel and knowledge of the community at the trustees' meeting on Tuesday 11 November. Bill Wardman was appointed as a co-opted trustee, to replace Peter Bloom, in 1983 and was not joined by any of the current trustees until Colin Arksey took over from John Askew in 1985.
The Charities operate under a scheme drawn up in 1914 which put together four charities for the relief of poverty in the village, dating from 1565, 1622, and two from the Enclosure Act for the village in 1791. They have ten trustees, two ex officio (the Vicar of the Parish and the Lord of the Manor), six appointed by the parish council but not necessarily councillors, and two co-opted by the trustees. The current chairman is Colin Arksey.
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Good things are brewing
Wagtail's winner
Our local village brewery is going from strength to strength. The Wagtail Brewery, which prides itself on its use of local ingredients, has won a first prize for its 'English Ale' at the recent Norwich Beer Festival in the class for Olds, Stouts and Porters.
The current beer of the season is 'Jumping Jericho', a strong ale brewed especially for the festive period and you should be able to pick up a bottle at the village shop.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Money from poppies
Thank you to collectors
John and Christine Fernihough have just finished counting the poppy money from Old Buckenham. They are pleased to report that the village contributed a total of £882.52.
They would like to thank all of the collectors for their efforts and support of this worthy cause.
They would like to thank all of the collectors for their efforts and support of this worthy cause.
Monday, 10 November 2008
No longer can do
Recyling cans at village hall
The Village Hall committee have regretfully announced that there will no longer be facilities for recycling cans at the village hall as from the beginning of December. The can bank has been withdrawn because the operator was going to charge the Village Hall Committee £15 each time it was emptied, and the money received from the cans does not cover this, thus making it not viable to continue.
The Village Hall committee have regretfully announced that there will no longer be facilities for recycling cans at the village hall as from the beginning of December. The can bank has been withdrawn because the operator was going to charge the Village Hall Committee £15 each time it was emptied, and the money received from the cans does not cover this, thus making it not viable to continue.
It is always a pity when a method of recycling becomes unavailable but please keep putting your tin cans into your black bins instead.
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Looking after our Green
Lively Green meeting
Such was the interest in Friday evening’s meeting about the village Green that the crib players needed to move into the smaller Memorial Room at the village hall. This made room for the sixty or so villagers who came along to have their say to sit down in the larger main hall.
An official record of the meeting was made and should be available for readers later but here are some personal thoughts and observations from the newsletter editor.
The present vice-chairman of the Old Buckenham Green Rights Proprietors (OBGRP) has done plenty of research on the ‘ownership’ of the Green and started the meeting by going through this and explaining the position of the OBGRP when it comes to looking after the Green.
Originally 39 people with houses around the Green were given the right to keep their animals on the Green (1792?). These Green Rights have since been handed down through families or sold and many Green Rights holders no longer live in the village. Very few of the present holders (there now appear to be 38 green rights, several people owning more than one) were at the meeting.
Some people also have responsibility for the trees on specific areas of the Green meaning that they should keep existing trees in good condition, replace dead ones and have to give permission for new trees to be planted within their area of responsibility.
Views on how the Green should be managed in future were expressed at the meeting and ranged widely from regularly-cut parkland to wild hay meadow. Most seemed in agreement that the cutting for hay this year had not been a success leaving the Green looking a mess [see photo with this item which was taken in November with cut hay still laying on the ground]. It is understood that the contract for the hay cutting comes up for renewal in 2009.
Other matters that were raised included car parking on some areas, the need for regular cutting of the natural footpaths across the Green, differences of view between the District Council’s tree officer and those having responsibility for particular trees, and even the possibility of having allotments on the Green itself.
With the Green being part of the village Conservation Area, there appeared to be many restrictions on what can be done. But there was a general feeling that the possibility of the Parish Council taking a positive interest in the management of the Green should be properly explored.
The AGM of the OBGRP would be in February 2009 and a follow up meeting for all those in the village was requested in the hope that some positive progress and decisions were made at this AGM.
Such was the interest in Friday evening’s meeting about the village Green that the crib players needed to move into the smaller Memorial Room at the village hall. This made room for the sixty or so villagers who came along to have their say to sit down in the larger main hall.
An official record of the meeting was made and should be available for readers later but here are some personal thoughts and observations from the newsletter editor.
The present vice-chairman of the Old Buckenham Green Rights Proprietors (OBGRP) has done plenty of research on the ‘ownership’ of the Green and started the meeting by going through this and explaining the position of the OBGRP when it comes to looking after the Green.
Originally 39 people with houses around the Green were given the right to keep their animals on the Green (1792?). These Green Rights have since been handed down through families or sold and many Green Rights holders no longer live in the village. Very few of the present holders (there now appear to be 38 green rights, several people owning more than one) were at the meeting.
Some people also have responsibility for the trees on specific areas of the Green meaning that they should keep existing trees in good condition, replace dead ones and have to give permission for new trees to be planted within their area of responsibility.
Views on how the Green should be managed in future were expressed at the meeting and ranged widely from regularly-cut parkland to wild hay meadow. Most seemed in agreement that the cutting for hay this year had not been a success leaving the Green looking a mess [see photo with this item which was taken in November with cut hay still laying on the ground]. It is understood that the contract for the hay cutting comes up for renewal in 2009.
Other matters that were raised included car parking on some areas, the need for regular cutting of the natural footpaths across the Green, differences of view between the District Council’s tree officer and those having responsibility for particular trees, and even the possibility of having allotments on the Green itself.
With the Green being part of the village Conservation Area, there appeared to be many restrictions on what can be done. But there was a general feeling that the possibility of the Parish Council taking a positive interest in the management of the Green should be properly explored.
The AGM of the OBGRP would be in February 2009 and a follow up meeting for all those in the village was requested in the hope that some positive progress and decisions were made at this AGM.
Local winners
Crib and Numbers Club
The crib winners for November were Joyce Goodey, Doris Monkhouse, Jill Emms, Ed McAnulty, Muriel Large and Olive Fuller.
The November Numbers club draw took place during the tea interval at the crib evening and the winners were:
£10 each to Val Parish and the late Pauline Walker with the £5 prizes to Val Rix, Lesley Evison, Barbara Gilmour, Joyce Goodey, Edna Hall and Ed McAnulty.
Numbers club members are reminded that the subscriptions for 2009 will be due in January. Please contact Jill Emms if you would like to join the numbers club.
The crib winners for November were Joyce Goodey, Doris Monkhouse, Jill Emms, Ed McAnulty, Muriel Large and Olive Fuller.
The November Numbers club draw took place during the tea interval at the crib evening and the winners were:
£10 each to Val Parish and the late Pauline Walker with the £5 prizes to Val Rix, Lesley Evison, Barbara Gilmour, Joyce Goodey, Edna Hall and Ed McAnulty.
Numbers club members are reminded that the subscriptions for 2009 will be due in January. Please contact Jill Emms if you would like to join the numbers club.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Our village sign
History of the village sign
The village sign was re-installed in September this year. Here is some background to the history and design of the sign (based on information provided by the current Women’s Institute).
The original Old Buckenham village sign was unveiled on 23rd June 1979 by the then WI County Chairman, Jill Scott, in the presence of local WI officers and members and Audrey Juby (the then WI County Secretary). The sign was made by wood carver Steve Eggleton of Banham.
The creation and erection of a sign had been chosen by the village Women’s Institute as its charity of the year. Three different designs were put on display at different functions so that villagers could look at them and offer their comments.
To achieve their goal, the members set themselves the task of raising £600 - a considerable sum in those days for only a small institute. However, they accumulated £580 thanks to members’ hard work and generous supporters who had given donations. Permission was given by Breckland District Council for the sign to be placed on the village green between an oak and the jubilee tree and was mounted on a brick plinth given by Reg Sturman, a builder who lived in the village.
The deer on the sign represent the derivation of the name Buckenham (from the number of bucks which abounded in its Great Park).
The three figures on the top of the sign represent the local blacksmith (whose house was on the Green), a monk from Buckenham Priory and a cricketer. Cricket is important to the village because in 1911 a Lionel Robinson bought Old Buckenham Hall and was responsible for the famous cricket ground, soil for the foundation of which was brought from Australia. The village became famous for one day in 1921 when the Australian team, captained by Armstrong, played a match on this ground against an All-England XI captained by A C McLaren. The England team included Chapman, Fender, Hobbs, Jupp and White. Jack Hobbs always said that he played his finest innings in that match at Old Buckenham.
The main part of the village sign shows the local miller. There were several windmills in the village. The only existing mill in the village today is the one in Mill Road built in 1819. At one time this was owned by J & J Colman of Carrow Road, Norwich. It has undergone extensive renovation by the NorfolkWindmill Trust and had sails put in position in the 1990s. It is said to have the widest tower in the country at 23 feet across.
The coats of arms on the village sign belong to William d’Albini (later Earl of Chichester and Earl of Arundel). His estates included Attleborough, Wymondham, Snetsham and Kenninghall and he had to perform the service of 'Butler' at coronations in return for his vast estates. This office is held by the Dukes of Norfolk today as Earls of Arundel, as they are the present legal descendants of the d'Albinis.
If you have a chance to look carefully at the actual real sign (rather than just a photograph) you will find that there are subtle differences between the pictorial panels on one side to those on the other.
The village sign was re-installed in September this year. Here is some background to the history and design of the sign (based on information provided by the current Women’s Institute).
The original Old Buckenham village sign was unveiled on 23rd June 1979 by the then WI County Chairman, Jill Scott, in the presence of local WI officers and members and Audrey Juby (the then WI County Secretary). The sign was made by wood carver Steve Eggleton of Banham.
The creation and erection of a sign had been chosen by the village Women’s Institute as its charity of the year. Three different designs were put on display at different functions so that villagers could look at them and offer their comments.
To achieve their goal, the members set themselves the task of raising £600 - a considerable sum in those days for only a small institute. However, they accumulated £580 thanks to members’ hard work and generous supporters who had given donations. Permission was given by Breckland District Council for the sign to be placed on the village green between an oak and the jubilee tree and was mounted on a brick plinth given by Reg Sturman, a builder who lived in the village.
The deer on the sign represent the derivation of the name Buckenham (from the number of bucks which abounded in its Great Park).
The three figures on the top of the sign represent the local blacksmith (whose house was on the Green), a monk from Buckenham Priory and a cricketer. Cricket is important to the village because in 1911 a Lionel Robinson bought Old Buckenham Hall and was responsible for the famous cricket ground, soil for the foundation of which was brought from Australia. The village became famous for one day in 1921 when the Australian team, captained by Armstrong, played a match on this ground against an All-England XI captained by A C McLaren. The England team included Chapman, Fender, Hobbs, Jupp and White. Jack Hobbs always said that he played his finest innings in that match at Old Buckenham.
The main part of the village sign shows the local miller. There were several windmills in the village. The only existing mill in the village today is the one in Mill Road built in 1819. At one time this was owned by J & J Colman of Carrow Road, Norwich. It has undergone extensive renovation by the NorfolkWindmill Trust and had sails put in position in the 1990s. It is said to have the widest tower in the country at 23 feet across.
The coats of arms on the village sign belong to William d’Albini (later Earl of Chichester and Earl of Arundel). His estates included Attleborough, Wymondham, Snetsham and Kenninghall and he had to perform the service of 'Butler' at coronations in return for his vast estates. This office is held by the Dukes of Norfolk today as Earls of Arundel, as they are the present legal descendants of the d'Albinis.
If you have a chance to look carefully at the actual real sign (rather than just a photograph) you will find that there are subtle differences between the pictorial panels on one side to those on the other.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
What's on in November
Diary dates for November
Saturday 1 Autumn Sale, Methodist Chapel, from 11am
Sunday 2 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 3 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm Tuesday 4 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 5 Flower Club outing, from Village hall car park, 9.15am
Wednesday 5 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 6 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 7 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 7 Open meeting on village Green, Memorial Room, 7.30pm
Monday 10 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 11 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 12 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 13 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 13 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.15pm
Friday 14 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 15 November Market, Church Rooms, 11am to 2pm
Sunday 16 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 17 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 19 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 21 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Wednesday 26 Luncheon Club Christmas outing
Wednesday 26 Royal British Legion AGM, Church Rooms, 3pm
Thursday 27 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 28 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 29 Prize bingo, Church Rooms, 2.30pm
Saturday 29 Collection of goods for homeless, Church Rooms, all day
Sunday 30 Collection of goods for homeless, Church Rooms, all day
Saturday 1 Autumn Sale, Methodist Chapel, from 11am
Sunday 2 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 3 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm Tuesday 4 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 5 Flower Club outing, from Village hall car park, 9.15am
Wednesday 5 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 6 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 7 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 7 Open meeting on village Green, Memorial Room, 7.30pm
Monday 10 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 11 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 12 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 13 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 13 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.15pm
Friday 14 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 15 November Market, Church Rooms, 11am to 2pm
Sunday 16 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 17 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 19 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 21 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Wednesday 26 Luncheon Club Christmas outing
Wednesday 26 Royal British Legion AGM, Church Rooms, 3pm
Thursday 27 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 28 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 29 Prize bingo, Church Rooms, 2.30pm
Saturday 29 Collection of goods for homeless, Church Rooms, all day
Sunday 30 Collection of goods for homeless, Church Rooms, all day
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
It's out there now
The November issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter is now available. If you do not get a copy with your morning newspapers then there are copies in the village shop, All Saints Church, the two pubs in the village (The Gamekeeper and the Ox and Plough) and the Clinic on the Green.
Pick up your free copy now.
Saturday, 25 October 2008
Fighting talk at WI
Women’s Institute
The October meeting had an historical theme provided by the speaker, Mike Wabe. He arrived with theatrical costume baskets in tow and then retired to change. He returned dressed in a long black woollen robe with a red cross. Mike had travelled back through time and emerged as a twelfth century sergeant templar, a fighting monk.
He regaled members with tales of his life including an explanation of the terrible scars on his body (too terrible to show) gained during battle in the Crusades. Mike came with his full body armour which included a padded stab jacket, chain mail and helmets. The audience were invited to lift the armour, which was surprisingly heavy, and everyone concluded that movement on the battlefield would have been extremely difficult.
Along with the armour came the weapons. Shields, spears, swords and the infamous long bow with its deadly arrows were also on display. The speaker explained their development, their manufacture and how armies were raised at the time.
Alongside tales of war and weaponry Mike explained what mediaeval life in England was like for the peasantry and the huge role the Church played at that time. He was then thanked for his amusing and informative talk by Doris Monkhouse.
During the tea break everyone enjoyed a 21st century birthday celebration for Old Buckenham WI, now 41 years old, with a glass of sherry and a slice of decorated cake (specially made for the occasion by one of the members).
Members were reminded of future events – a visit to Thursford to see the Christmas Show, a trip to the Theatre Royal to see West Side Story and a Christmas lunch in December. As next month’s meeting is the AGM, nominations were taken during the evening for the Committee for 2009. The November meeting will be on Thursday 27 November and the competition is for a decorated branch for Christmas.
The October meeting had an historical theme provided by the speaker, Mike Wabe. He arrived with theatrical costume baskets in tow and then retired to change. He returned dressed in a long black woollen robe with a red cross. Mike had travelled back through time and emerged as a twelfth century sergeant templar, a fighting monk.
He regaled members with tales of his life including an explanation of the terrible scars on his body (too terrible to show) gained during battle in the Crusades. Mike came with his full body armour which included a padded stab jacket, chain mail and helmets. The audience were invited to lift the armour, which was surprisingly heavy, and everyone concluded that movement on the battlefield would have been extremely difficult.
Along with the armour came the weapons. Shields, spears, swords and the infamous long bow with its deadly arrows were also on display. The speaker explained their development, their manufacture and how armies were raised at the time.
Alongside tales of war and weaponry Mike explained what mediaeval life in England was like for the peasantry and the huge role the Church played at that time. He was then thanked for his amusing and informative talk by Doris Monkhouse.
During the tea break everyone enjoyed a 21st century birthday celebration for Old Buckenham WI, now 41 years old, with a glass of sherry and a slice of decorated cake (specially made for the occasion by one of the members).
Members were reminded of future events – a visit to Thursford to see the Christmas Show, a trip to the Theatre Royal to see West Side Story and a Christmas lunch in December. As next month’s meeting is the AGM, nominations were taken during the evening for the Committee for 2009. The November meeting will be on Thursday 27 November and the competition is for a decorated branch for Christmas.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Friday nights out
What do you do Friday nights?
Did you know that every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month between 7pm and 9pm Old Buckenham Village Hall opens its doors to youths of the area?
With eats and cans of drink on sale and a selection of computer and board games - it's probably better than doing nought. So why not check it out, entrance is free (£3 for computers) - sorry over 12s only.
The next two evenings will be on Friday 14 and Friday 28 November.
Did you know that every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month between 7pm and 9pm Old Buckenham Village Hall opens its doors to youths of the area?
With eats and cans of drink on sale and a selection of computer and board games - it's probably better than doing nought. So why not check it out, entrance is free (£3 for computers) - sorry over 12s only.
The next two evenings will be on Friday 14 and Friday 28 November.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Have you strong Green views?
Village Green meeting
There will be a public meeting in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall on Friday 7 November starting at 7.30pm. The meeting, which has been arranged by Colin Phillips, will be a chance for everyone interested in the way that the Green is managed to hear what can, and cannot, be done. It will also be a chance to put your views to those involved.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Thursday, 16 October 2008
What went on at the parish council
October Parish Council
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the village newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
Norman Cawston (Chairman) opened the October meeting of the parish council and welcomed 15 members of the public. Apologies for absence were received from two councillors, Becca Frank and Kerry Talbot.
Matters arising from minutes. Haymaking on the Green was well on the way to being completed although the weather has not helped.
The Clerk is having problems getting a quote for making the car parking signs to use outside the village shop and there are doubts on how effective they will be without being able to be backed up in law.
A temporary gulley for drainage in Church Lane has been dug. A proper drain is scheduled with the safe route to school work. Other drainage issues are being addressed when the County Council Highways inspection takes place.
Although flooding at The Cottage, Attleborough Road, is not a parish council issue, the Clerk has arranged to have the landowners clear their ditches and Breckland Environment Department (Angela Masterson) is looking into possible drain irregularities behind the Gamekeeper public house. The Clerk has also received answers and details of remedial work from relevant landowners, Dennis Burton and John Alston.
Village Hall kitchen. The Clerk referred to messages from Joan Jenkins and from Harold Yates (from the original Village Action Plan Committee) concerning the request for grant funding. He also referred to an endorsement from architect Martin Hall that improvements were called for.
Adrian Joel asked to have a budget plan made out. Tim Ing, Denise Ziman and Gerry Norton supported the Village Hall’s request and want to encourage the Parish Council to support the hall. Carol Marshall had reservations, wondering if the improvements were necessary to keep the activities legal and whether there were not other priorities.
The Chairman recommended that a financial commitment of a minimum of £1000 be made and this was unanimously agreed.
Children’s Play Area. Mike Craven-Romain said a generous donation has been received from the Ox & Plough. Grant funding application is in progress and swing repairs are in hand.
Settlement Boundary Review. Adrian Joel reported that there had been a mixed reception to the proposals at the recent public consultation. The figures in support or against various proposals varied. However it was agreed that the expansion of the industrial resources of the Attleborough area should be exploited. The area to the south of Attleborough is a particularly contentious issue and must be considered carefully in due course. Infrastructure, such as roads, must be implemented first before anything else.
The Chairman said that it was a disappointment that decisions hadn’t yet been firmly decided. This made it difficult to form an opinion and make any suggestions. Further shop developments might work against our local shop.
Current views from the parish council members will be sent by the councillors to the Clerk.
Recreation Area behind the Village Hall. The area is under cultivation. The existing broken down fence should now be removed. Help to do this is invited once the lease is signed.
The Green. Clarification of the situation regarding the footpaths and any proposal for the management of the Green for next year will be required in good time before the Green Rights Proprietors’ AGM in February 2009.
Planning applications. B M Developers, Stone Cottage, Fen Street. Construction of two-bedroom cottage. Not supported on the grounds that a new cottage has been started and the entrance is on a narrow lane.
M Foulger, Lodge Farm, Sandy Lane. Extension to rear of property. No objection.
Mr and Mrs Hughes, East View, Fen Street. Application to modify or discharge application already granted. Majority decision to let this proceed.
J A Becker, Old Dairy Barns, Fen Street. Conversion of former workshop to dwelling with new garage. Resubmission. No objection but checking with neighbours.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Chris Noller, Dairy Farm, Cake Street. Installation of flue, wood burning stove and replacement windows. Both approved by Council.
Tom Crawford, Hill Farm, Leys Lane. Steel-framed building for grain storage. No prior approval is required. Passed.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that fly tipping and similar “grot spots” remain a problem. Photographic evidence does make the authorities move into action and he reported that he had been provided with a suitable camera to help provide the necessary evidence.
Councillors’ reports. A challenge has been made to the amount of mileage allowance for community cars. The payment over 40p per mile should not be considered “profit” for taxation purposes.
The Clerk is currently awaiting a reply concerning the extent of insurance cover in place for items such as the new village sign
Trevor Crook and Tim Ing will form the working party for the village hall project.
Signs concerning parking outside the shop have been investigated and the Clerk is awaiting a price.
The speed camera scheme is thought to be a good idea and Becca Frank will be consulted.
It was suggested that the parish council updates its training for councillors.
The parish council was asked to make a further contribution to the Scouts in respect of litter picking activities. This will be discussed at the November meeting.
Clerk’s report. The audit for 2007/8 has been successfully completed. The situation of the parish council as custodian trustee of the Village Hall has been clarified.
A final decision on the precept requirement must be made at the November meeting.
The parish council needs to prepare an asset register with valuations for this year’s accounts for audit.
The money received from the Eleemosynary Charity should be ring-fenced in a separate account and an account opened with the sum of £740 (the last 2 years’ receipts).
The Clerk asked the secretary of Green Rights Proprietors (Rosemary West) to look up the latest Tree Preservation Order (TPO) following on from a letter received from Breckland Council and amend in the records accordingly. Provisionally, the secretary has advised the Clerk that the documentation about the TPO is not correct and she has undertaken to look into this on everyone’s behalf.
The Clerk said he has copies of letters from Mike Bartlett (Village Action Plan) to Dorian Avellino of Mott MacDonald regarding the selection of Route 1 for the safe route to school. They ask for clarification of the criteria that makes this, rather than Route 4, the preferred route.
The Clerk has received some promotional leaflets and timetable concerning ‘Sustainable Communities Team Surgeries’. These were distributed.
The Clerk was asked to write concerning an old house on Hargham Road and the old Eagling’s property in Fen Street. These properties are unoccupied and steadily deteriorating.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 6 November 2008 in the village hall.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the village newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is corrected later at the next month's meeting.
Norman Cawston (Chairman) opened the October meeting of the parish council and welcomed 15 members of the public. Apologies for absence were received from two councillors, Becca Frank and Kerry Talbot.
Matters arising from minutes. Haymaking on the Green was well on the way to being completed although the weather has not helped.
The Clerk is having problems getting a quote for making the car parking signs to use outside the village shop and there are doubts on how effective they will be without being able to be backed up in law.
A temporary gulley for drainage in Church Lane has been dug. A proper drain is scheduled with the safe route to school work. Other drainage issues are being addressed when the County Council Highways inspection takes place.
Although flooding at The Cottage, Attleborough Road, is not a parish council issue, the Clerk has arranged to have the landowners clear their ditches and Breckland Environment Department (Angela Masterson) is looking into possible drain irregularities behind the Gamekeeper public house. The Clerk has also received answers and details of remedial work from relevant landowners, Dennis Burton and John Alston.
Village Hall kitchen. The Clerk referred to messages from Joan Jenkins and from Harold Yates (from the original Village Action Plan Committee) concerning the request for grant funding. He also referred to an endorsement from architect Martin Hall that improvements were called for.
Adrian Joel asked to have a budget plan made out. Tim Ing, Denise Ziman and Gerry Norton supported the Village Hall’s request and want to encourage the Parish Council to support the hall. Carol Marshall had reservations, wondering if the improvements were necessary to keep the activities legal and whether there were not other priorities.
The Chairman recommended that a financial commitment of a minimum of £1000 be made and this was unanimously agreed.
Children’s Play Area. Mike Craven-Romain said a generous donation has been received from the Ox & Plough. Grant funding application is in progress and swing repairs are in hand.
Settlement Boundary Review. Adrian Joel reported that there had been a mixed reception to the proposals at the recent public consultation. The figures in support or against various proposals varied. However it was agreed that the expansion of the industrial resources of the Attleborough area should be exploited. The area to the south of Attleborough is a particularly contentious issue and must be considered carefully in due course. Infrastructure, such as roads, must be implemented first before anything else.
The Chairman said that it was a disappointment that decisions hadn’t yet been firmly decided. This made it difficult to form an opinion and make any suggestions. Further shop developments might work against our local shop.
Current views from the parish council members will be sent by the councillors to the Clerk.
Recreation Area behind the Village Hall. The area is under cultivation. The existing broken down fence should now be removed. Help to do this is invited once the lease is signed.
The Green. Clarification of the situation regarding the footpaths and any proposal for the management of the Green for next year will be required in good time before the Green Rights Proprietors’ AGM in February 2009.
Planning applications. B M Developers, Stone Cottage, Fen Street. Construction of two-bedroom cottage. Not supported on the grounds that a new cottage has been started and the entrance is on a narrow lane.
M Foulger, Lodge Farm, Sandy Lane. Extension to rear of property. No objection.
Mr and Mrs Hughes, East View, Fen Street. Application to modify or discharge application already granted. Majority decision to let this proceed.
J A Becker, Old Dairy Barns, Fen Street. Conversion of former workshop to dwelling with new garage. Resubmission. No objection but checking with neighbours.
Planning decisions by Breckland. Chris Noller, Dairy Farm, Cake Street. Installation of flue, wood burning stove and replacement windows. Both approved by Council.
Tom Crawford, Hill Farm, Leys Lane. Steel-framed building for grain storage. No prior approval is required. Passed.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that fly tipping and similar “grot spots” remain a problem. Photographic evidence does make the authorities move into action and he reported that he had been provided with a suitable camera to help provide the necessary evidence.
Councillors’ reports. A challenge has been made to the amount of mileage allowance for community cars. The payment over 40p per mile should not be considered “profit” for taxation purposes.
The Clerk is currently awaiting a reply concerning the extent of insurance cover in place for items such as the new village sign
Trevor Crook and Tim Ing will form the working party for the village hall project.
Signs concerning parking outside the shop have been investigated and the Clerk is awaiting a price.
The speed camera scheme is thought to be a good idea and Becca Frank will be consulted.
It was suggested that the parish council updates its training for councillors.
The parish council was asked to make a further contribution to the Scouts in respect of litter picking activities. This will be discussed at the November meeting.
Clerk’s report. The audit for 2007/8 has been successfully completed. The situation of the parish council as custodian trustee of the Village Hall has been clarified.
A final decision on the precept requirement must be made at the November meeting.
The parish council needs to prepare an asset register with valuations for this year’s accounts for audit.
The money received from the Eleemosynary Charity should be ring-fenced in a separate account and an account opened with the sum of £740 (the last 2 years’ receipts).
The Clerk asked the secretary of Green Rights Proprietors (Rosemary West) to look up the latest Tree Preservation Order (TPO) following on from a letter received from Breckland Council and amend in the records accordingly. Provisionally, the secretary has advised the Clerk that the documentation about the TPO is not correct and she has undertaken to look into this on everyone’s behalf.
The Clerk said he has copies of letters from Mike Bartlett (Village Action Plan) to Dorian Avellino of Mott MacDonald regarding the selection of Route 1 for the safe route to school. They ask for clarification of the criteria that makes this, rather than Route 4, the preferred route.
The Clerk has received some promotional leaflets and timetable concerning ‘Sustainable Communities Team Surgeries’. These were distributed.
The Clerk was asked to write concerning an old house on Hargham Road and the old Eagling’s property in Fen Street. These properties are unoccupied and steadily deteriorating.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 6 November 2008 in the village hall.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Herring history
Social and Wine Circle
More details of Norfolk history were dispensed at the October meeting of the village Social and Wine Circle. Mary Fewster was the speaker and she gave a fulsome history of the Yarmouth herring industry. She started by explaining how the herring shoals came down the English Channel, arriving off the Norfolk coast for the last three months of the year. They were caught in drift nets, sometimes as much as 2 miles long, with as many as 600 boats fishing out of Yarmouth at the peak of its popularity around 1900.
The ‘gutting lassies’ followed the fleet of boats as it travelled down the east coast from Scotland during the year and were famous for working out of doors in the cold winter days. The original drifters were sailing boats but eventually they became steam powered which enabled them to get back to port with their valuable cargo as quickly as possible.
The herring around Yarmouth became more and more scarce throughout the last century so the industry slowly faded away. The speaker had started her interest in the subject in the 1980s and had taken photographs of several of the buildings involved in the herring industry which had since been demolished. Much is now recorded at the popular ‘Time and Tide Museum’ in Yarmouth to educate people on what life must have been like for all those involved.
Next month there will be a talk on Morris dancing by Jonathan Dutton starting at 7.45pm in the Church Rooms on Thursday 13 November. This will be preceded by a short AGM so members are asked to arrive earlier at 7.15pm.
More details of Norfolk history were dispensed at the October meeting of the village Social and Wine Circle. Mary Fewster was the speaker and she gave a fulsome history of the Yarmouth herring industry. She started by explaining how the herring shoals came down the English Channel, arriving off the Norfolk coast for the last three months of the year. They were caught in drift nets, sometimes as much as 2 miles long, with as many as 600 boats fishing out of Yarmouth at the peak of its popularity around 1900.
The ‘gutting lassies’ followed the fleet of boats as it travelled down the east coast from Scotland during the year and were famous for working out of doors in the cold winter days. The original drifters were sailing boats but eventually they became steam powered which enabled them to get back to port with their valuable cargo as quickly as possible.
The herring around Yarmouth became more and more scarce throughout the last century so the industry slowly faded away. The speaker had started her interest in the subject in the 1980s and had taken photographs of several of the buildings involved in the herring industry which had since been demolished. Much is now recorded at the popular ‘Time and Tide Museum’ in Yarmouth to educate people on what life must have been like for all those involved.
Next month there will be a talk on Morris dancing by Jonathan Dutton starting at 7.45pm in the Church Rooms on Thursday 13 November. This will be preceded by a short AGM so members are asked to arrive earlier at 7.15pm.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Flower Club news
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
Adele Kent from Hethersett gave a 'Blooming Marvellous' demonstration at the October meeting in Old Buckenham village hall. Using a great variety of foliage her designs included white and yellow carnations, proteas, lilies and lisianthus, and were much admired by members and visitors alike.
The competition for three blooms and foliage was won by Shirley Penfield (Old Hands) and Margaret Smith (New Hands). Shirley was awarded the Barbara Fisher trophy for the best modern exhibit.
The Club’s outing to Bury St Edmunds will take place on Wednesday 5 November leaving Old Buckenham Village Hall at 9.15am.
The next meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall of Thursday 13 November starting at 2pm when David Boulton will be giving an illustrated talk on butterflies. The competition title will be Misty Nights and the Joan Barry Trophy will be awarded for the best use of garden material.
The meeting on Thursday 11 December will be a teach-in commencing at 10.30am followed by lunch and then a demonstration at 2pm. If you wish to make the door-ring please inform a member of the committee.
Adele Kent from Hethersett gave a 'Blooming Marvellous' demonstration at the October meeting in Old Buckenham village hall. Using a great variety of foliage her designs included white and yellow carnations, proteas, lilies and lisianthus, and were much admired by members and visitors alike.
The competition for three blooms and foliage was won by Shirley Penfield (Old Hands) and Margaret Smith (New Hands). Shirley was awarded the Barbara Fisher trophy for the best modern exhibit.
The Club’s outing to Bury St Edmunds will take place on Wednesday 5 November leaving Old Buckenham Village Hall at 9.15am.
The next meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall of Thursday 13 November starting at 2pm when David Boulton will be giving an illustrated talk on butterflies. The competition title will be Misty Nights and the Joan Barry Trophy will be awarded for the best use of garden material.
The meeting on Thursday 11 December will be a teach-in commencing at 10.30am followed by lunch and then a demonstration at 2pm. If you wish to make the door-ring please inform a member of the committee.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Everyone is a winner
Village Hall Numbers Club
The October numbers club winners were drawn at the monthly crib drive at the village hall. As a result £5 each went to Gordon Bertram, Geoff Scott, Tommy Mack, Anna Waller, Julian Goodey and Alan Soanes. The £10 prizes went to Mike Read and Bill Cheesley.
The crib drive winners were Joyce Goodey, Mary Parker, Matthew Thomas, Julian Goodey, Bev MacAnulty and Bill Cheesley.
The October numbers club winners were drawn at the monthly crib drive at the village hall. As a result £5 each went to Gordon Bertram, Geoff Scott, Tommy Mack, Anna Waller, Julian Goodey and Alan Soanes. The £10 prizes went to Mike Read and Bill Cheesley.
The crib drive winners were Joyce Goodey, Mary Parker, Matthew Thomas, Julian Goodey, Bev MacAnulty and Bill Cheesley.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Local playtime
“Two plays and a song”
Old Buckenham Players
Old Buckenham Village Hall, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September
It must be difficult for local amateur dramatic groups to think up something just a bit different for their productions. Old Buckenham Players livened up their two one-act plays by having live music from a local group during the interval and providing “nibbles” that turned out to be much more than crisps and peanuts.
The opening play, Green Favours, was a bitter-sweet story set in an allotment shed. The duet of Tom and Valerie (Richard Crawley and Jeanette Cruickshank) both had their own secret feelings about each other and romance so nearly blossomed amongst the garden forks and damp gardening clothes. Both actors coped well with the understated dialogue and you felt really sorry for both characters when the story didn’t end as both of them probably hoped.
After this relatively short play (under half an hour) the audience enjoyed some pleasant and tasty refreshments while being entertained by a local trio of young people who perform as Smallprint. Their confidence and ability went down well with those present as did the food.
Old Buckenham Players
Old Buckenham Village Hall, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September
It must be difficult for local amateur dramatic groups to think up something just a bit different for their productions. Old Buckenham Players livened up their two one-act plays by having live music from a local group during the interval and providing “nibbles” that turned out to be much more than crisps and peanuts.
The opening play, Green Favours, was a bitter-sweet story set in an allotment shed. The duet of Tom and Valerie (Richard Crawley and Jeanette Cruickshank) both had their own secret feelings about each other and romance so nearly blossomed amongst the garden forks and damp gardening clothes. Both actors coped well with the understated dialogue and you felt really sorry for both characters when the story didn’t end as both of them probably hoped.
After this relatively short play (under half an hour) the audience enjoyed some pleasant and tasty refreshments while being entertained by a local trio of young people who perform as Smallprint. Their confidence and ability went down well with those present as did the food.
Out for the Count was the second play – much more in the style of a short pantomime. It had plenty of awful puns and plays on words while some of the characters were really out of this world. Set in a lunatic asylum (where else?), it provided the opportunity for all the cast to overact and get away with it.
The Count Nolyard* (ably portrayed by Al Frank) comes visiting from Transylvania ready to seduce the two young ladies in the house but his evil ways were fraught with difficulties. An unlikely professor Hertz Van Hyer (Laurence Barnett) provides everyone with large crosses to protect themselves while the housekeeper Bridget (an ideal part for Joan Beales) just tells the Count what he can do with his evil schemes.
Everyone in the cast of nine obviously enjoyed doing this play and that enjoyment spilled over into the audience.
As usual the sets were excellent with much effort put in for just two evening performances. Now we have to wait until January next year to see what the Players will get up to in their pantomime ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’.
The Count Nolyard* (ably portrayed by Al Frank) comes visiting from Transylvania ready to seduce the two young ladies in the house but his evil ways were fraught with difficulties. An unlikely professor Hertz Van Hyer (Laurence Barnett) provides everyone with large crosses to protect themselves while the housekeeper Bridget (an ideal part for Joan Beales) just tells the Count what he can do with his evil schemes.
Everyone in the cast of nine obviously enjoyed doing this play and that enjoyment spilled over into the audience.
As usual the sets were excellent with much effort put in for just two evening performances. Now we have to wait until January next year to see what the Players will get up to in their pantomime ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’.
* This is Draylon spelt backwards which gave the opportunity for comments about it being a “fabric-ation” and the name “wouldn’t wash”.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
What's on this month
Diary dates for October
Wednesday 1 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 1 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 3 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 4 Roadside textile collection, from 9am
Sunday 5 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 10 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 14 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 15 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 15 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Sunday 18 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Thursday 25 Women's Institute group meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Saturday 25 Garage sale, Holly Cottage, Ragmere Road, 10am to 2pm
Sunday 26 Garage sale, Holly Cottage, Ragmere Road, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 29 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 1 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 1 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 3 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 4 Roadside textile collection, from 9am
Sunday 5 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 10 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 14 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 15 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 15 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Sunday 18 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Thursday 25 Women's Institute group meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Mobile Police Station by Village Shop, 9am to 10.30am
Saturday 25 Garage sale, Holly Cottage, Ragmere Road, 10am to 2pm
Sunday 26 Garage sale, Holly Cottage, Ragmere Road, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 29 Luncheon Club Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
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