July is a busy month

Diary dates for July

  Friday 1               Crib drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 2          Debating Society, Church Rooms, 10am

Sunday 3             Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm

Monday 4           Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 5           Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon

Wednesday 6      Luncheon Club outing

Wednesday 6      Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm

Thursday 7         Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Friday 8               'One Stop Bus' outside Village Shop, 10am to 12 noon

Sunday 10          Askew Agricultural Museum, open 2pm to 5pm

Sunday 10          Old Buckenham windmill, open 2pm to 5pm

Monday 11         Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm

Tuesday 12         Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm

Thursday 14       Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm

Thursday 14       Social and Wine Circle al fresco at the Frosts

Saturday 16        Cream teas, 26 Hargham Road, 2.30pm

Tuesday 19      Village Fete meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday 20   Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 20 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm

Wednesday 20   Old Buckenham 2000 Trust AGM, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Sunday 24          Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm

Saturday 23     Green Right Proprietors open meeting, Village Hall, 10am

Saturday 23     Opening of recreation area (with football match), 2pm

Thursday 28       Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 30     Bizet to Broadway Concert, All Saints Church, 7.30pm

Jump for July

Copies now available
Pick up your copy from the village shop now.

Icebergs and show dogs

Members to the rescue
Difficulties and disasters come in threes, they say, and this has proved to be right for Old Buckenham WI in 2011. They have had two speakers cancel earlier in the year and the speaker this month ‘forgot’ his booking too. Still Old Buckenham members are a hardy lot and two ladies volunteered to give talks about the unexpected events in their lives.
Jenny North regaled members with a tale of luck and good fortune. When she entered a newspaper competition in December 2007 little did she think that she would win a trip of a lifetime. In January 2008 the call came to ask her if she could be ready to embark on a cruise of Antarctica. Within a week, Jenny had flown to Buenos Aries and then onto Ushala to board the ship bound for the southern ocean and continent. She told about ‘Iceberg Alley’, the penguin colonies and whales, and the pristine environment. The ten day cruise, complete with informative lectures, soon came to an end and the rather choppy seas were navigated back to Argentina and finally home.
A very different tale was told by member, Jean Bornett. Jean is an animal lover and when she went looking for a new puppy to join her menagerie she was offered a Hungarian Vizsla. These are working dogs and Jean had high hopes for Joe to be a champion. Jean and Joe have travelled the British Isles together competing at shows and they have the silverware to prove that Joe is indeed a champion. Now a veteran of the show circuit, Jean has high hopes that his son will prove to be equally successful.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu talks and all were grateful to the volunteers.
After the tea break all were reminded of the Norwich history walk with a blue badge guide that would take place the next evening and the annual Progressive Supper that would be held in July.

Enjoyable fund raising

Cheese and Wine
The rain stopped and the sun tried to come out this evening in time for the Cheese and Wine Party held to raise money for All Saints Church funds. Around a hundred people had bought tickets and they gathered in the gardens of John and Barbara Frost's house to admire the plants, to talk to everyone and even to drink the occasional glass of wine. With plant sales, a tombola stall and a very well supported raffle, many hundreds of pounds will have been raised in a most enjoyable way.

Fete progress

Getting nearer
On Tuesday 14 June there was a further meeting of those involved with the village fete. At the previous meeting the decision had been taken that all proceeds from the Fete will go towards the Village Hall lighting fund. Since then a request had been received from the recreation area committee for a donation to be made for the use of that area. It was decided to leave the decision on this until the July meeting when it was hoped that a recreation area committee member would attend.
The responsibility for various fete items were discussed including car parking, signs, provision of tables, the sound system, advertising posters, the raffle and the grand draw.
The car boot sale advert has been advertised in the village newsletter and has already attracted some interest with four spaces confirmed so far.
The invitation letters to potential stallholders had gone out and stalls would include bric-a-brac, bookstall, woodwork items, a barbecue, ice creams, teas, cake stall, tombola, spot the ball, splat-the-rat, a bottle stall and a human fruit machine.
The Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper had booked a stall and hopes to record the memories of the older residents of the village during the war time years (as the date of the fete, the third of September, was “the day war broke out”). The East Cost Truckers have booked a stand and there will be an exhibition of historical Old Buckenham photos and postcards on the hall stage.
Other entertainments will include a dog show (run according to Kennel Club rules and with 13 show classes including some fun ones), Punch and Judy, Kenninghall Morris Dancers, a trampoline, a gun dog demonstration and a painting exhibition in the Memorial Room.
Public car parking will be at the High School, the car boot sale in the Primary School, vintage cars on the Village Hall car park and disabled parking on the approach road to the Village Hall.
The next fete meeting will now be on Tuesday 19 July starting at 7.30pm in the Memorial Room of the Village Hall. This new date should enable detailed information to be put into the August issues of the village magazines.

Support the Trust

Old Buckenham 2000 Trust AGM
The Trustees would like to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust. This will be held in the Church Rooms on Wednesday 20 July starting at 7.30pm.

Telling our story

Our local history

A series of booklets about the village history were produced in the 1990s. They had mainly black covers and were entitled:

• The story of Old Buckenham
• The Church of Old Buckenham
• Memories of Old Buckenham
• and Sporting life of Old Buckenham.

The editor of this blog does get asked by people where they can get hold of copies of these booklets as they now appear to be out of print. If you should have any spare copies that you no longer need, or know someone else who has unwanted copies, then please contact him by leaving your details in the comment box below so that he can try to arrange to collect them.

Life at the Palace

Royal reminiscences
A further look behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace and other Royal Household activities was the subject of the June meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle. Patrick Thompson was back with more facts, figures and reminiscences of his time working for the Royal Family.
The subjects covered ranged from attending the recent royal wedding, the very large reductions in staffing compared with Queen Victoria’s time, how Norfolk has more landed gentry than any other county, what it is like to ride in a royal coach at Ascot and the fact that there are more vets than medical doctors on the Queen’s staff. Other items mentioned included the sewage system at Buckingham Palace, the organisation of garden parties and the problems caused by dying while in the House of Lords.
At their next meeting the Social and Wine Circle will be out-of-doors on Thursday 14 July in the garden of John and Barbara Frost in Mill Lane.

Claim to fame

Breckland Flower and Garden Club
The chairman opened the meeting welcoming two new members and guests. Janet Steel then gave an amusing account of her 'Claim to Fame' when she and her then fiance appeared on one of the first BBC 'reality shows'. Journalists and cameramen followed preparations for their wedding - live broadcasts and unexpected requests to make presentations followed.
The flower arranging competition was won by Susan Thurlow with her interpretation of a television personality (she was also the trophy winner for best use of colour) and the table show competition - a rose from the garden - was won jointly by Christine Harvey and Pat Poulter.
Thursday 14 July is the date for the next meeting at Old Buckenham Village Hall, starting at 2pm. Linda Harman will demonstrate 'Outside in', the monthly competition title is 'Tiny Snippets' (a miniature arrangement) and the table show is for a vase of sweet peas.
Visitors are always welcome.

Green questions and answers

Have your say
Old Buckenham Green Right Proprietors will be holding a meeting open to all Old Buckenham residents on Saturday 23 July in the Village Hall between 10am and noon. After a brief update on recent developments involving various issues concerning the Green there will be plenty of opportunity for anyone to ask questions which those Proprietors present will try to answer.

A Sunday for bargains

Sales everywhere in Old Buckenham

Henry and Yvonne of Karmel on the Green (by Manor Corner) are holding a garage/yard sale on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August. It will run from 8am to 4pm both days and there will be cakes, books, nearly new items, bric-a-brac, videos, cassette tapes, etc. There will also be some new items that could be ideal for birthday or Christmas presents.

All proceeds will go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance so please book the dates now so that you can come along and support this good cause.
The village-wide garage sales will also be taking place on Sunday 21 August so it will be a good day to pick up bargains all over Old Buckenham.

A flight to remember

Really chuffed
You may remember the Buckenham Pre-school Group’s Building Blocks raffle that raised nearly £1000 back in April. The main prize, thanks to Old Buckenham Aero Club, was a short flight from Old Buckenham Airfield and this was won by Fred Bracey from the local Aldertree kennels. He was reported to be really “chuffed” about this and took his prize flight yesterday.
He was more than chuffed afterwards having even been allowed by pilot Gerry Honey to take control of the Stearman biplane for a short while. At the end of the trip there were a few aerobatics, including looping the loop, to make this an experience to remember.

Good all round

Ofsted report on Old Buckenham High School

Old Buckenham High School is celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating in all key areas, achievement, teaching, leadership and management, and behaviour and safety, during its recent inspection. The school was one of just 150 schools chosen from across the country to be inspected under Ofsted’s pilot inspection programme.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors praised the ‘strong leadership and management at all levels’ saying it has ‘brought about significant key improvements since the school was last inspected’. They also observed that ‘teachers have a good rapport with students which underpins the learning’ and ‘the proportion of students gaining A*-C grades including English and mathematics in GCSE examinations in 2010 was well above average’.

The report noted that ‘students conduct themselves well in classrooms and around the school, helping to ensure that students feel safe’, a view reflected by parents and carers with 98% agreeing that their child feels safe at school in questionnaire responses. The inspectors spoke with a large number of the 604 students on roll and were told that bullying is very rare but is dealt with.

Headteacher Peter Whear said that he was delighted that the inspection team recognised how good the school has become and the huge strides that it has already taken towards its goal to become an outstanding school.

Latest village news

June parish council meeting
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the village blog from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month’s meeting.
All members of the parish council and the parish clerk were at the June meeting of the parish council and four members of the public also attended.
Minutes of Annual General Meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Derek Smalley asked if someone else could sit on the Youth Council working party as he had a large amount of work with other working parties. It was agreed that Akis Chrisovelides would replace him on the working party.
Minutes of the May Parish Council meeting. These too were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Adrian Joel asked if any decision had been made as to where the parish archives would be sited and displayed. Derek Smalley will put an item in the village newsletter asking for volunteers for the scheme. Paul Boggia suggested the village hall as a possible site and John Frost said they could be stored at the church. The meeting was informed that Gerald Norton had a mower belonging to the Parish Council which needs to have a new storage place. It was suggested that the church could store it.
Allotments. Adrian Joel gave out plans of the allotment layout for new councillors as well as a suggested addendum to the tenancy agreements that are in force at present time. Water is now available on the site and this fact needs to be incorporated into the tenancy agreements. Adrian Joel asked for the parish council’s permission to send out the addendum and this was agreed. Sarah Windle raised the matter of the colour of sheds on the allotments. Tim Ing read out an email from the landowner regarding a blue shed which he said was not in keeping with site. Jonathan Kemp said shed colours should be restricted and Adrian Joel would inform Old Buckenham Allotment Society of this at the next liaison meeting. The Parish Clerk is to write to all allotment holders on the matter. The question of the water supply was raised and it was agreed that a new stand pipe be inserted in between plots 2 and 3 at an approximate cost of £100. The question of the exit from the allotments on to Ragmere Road was raised but Tim Ing said that the landowner would not provide another exit.
Recreation Area. Carol Marshall gave an overview of the progress of the project for the new councillors from its initial inception in 2009 up to present date. Johnathan Kemp then distributed a business plan for the project which was circulated to all councillors who were then invited to ask questions. The Parish Clerk said the project must provide detailed audit trails of all major decisions and expenditure for government auditors as the project was in excess of £50,000. Derek Smalley raised the matter of the ground condition and Carol Marshall informed everyone of the ground works that have been carried out to date. Adrian Joel said that the business plan was excellent and that the Parish Council should adopt it. This was agreed unanimously. Sarah Windle raised matter of groups booking the facilities and paying for its use, no decision was reached on this point.
Planning applications. Barns at Amberley, The Green. Extension to time limitation of previous planning application. No objections from parish council, this was agreed unanimously.
The Shrublands, Puddledock. Alteration and modernisation of Shrublands, conversion of existing coachhouse for ancillary accommodation and construction of garden room and garage. No objections from parish council, this was agreed with two abstentions.
The Shrublands, Puddledock. Demolition of mid-20th century bungalows and conversion of barns to 8 dwellings and erection of 15 new dwellings. It was proposed that this should be objected to on the grounds that is was outside the village settlement boundary. Also there were concerns over access and there is no exception criteria valid. This was agreed with 9 for and 2 objections.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Dairy Barn, Cake Street. Introduction of a glazed window to kitchen at rear. Approved.
Harlingwood Lane. Erection of two detached cottage-style dwellings and garages. Rejected.
Doe Lane Meeting notes. Adrian Joel raised the matters of access to the Church which can be difficult with the play area. Tim Ing is to raise this matter at the next meeting of the Green Rights Proprietors. He also said that the Amenity Area was already being considered by a working party.
Youth Council. Carol Marshall has received information from Breckland Council about setting up youth councils and will be holding a meeting of the working party in near future.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing asked working parties to keep him involved of the dates of their meetings as he would like to attend some if he has time. If he cannot attend, he asked if they could supply notes of the meetings so he can keep fully informed of progress.
District Councillor’s report. The mileage allowance for community car schemes in Norfolk has been increased from 40p to 45p per mile. Breckland have offered to cover half the cost of the increase, they will consult both co-ordinators and Parish Councils before agreeing a recommendation. Derek Smalley said the other half of the increase should be passed on to the users of the scheme as the service is a far less expensive alternative to public transport.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson had attended the recent ACT meeting in Attleborough which clearly showed the residents of Attleborough were against the proposed expansion scheme. Derek Smalley also attended the ACT meeting and put notes from the meeting in the circulation folder for all councillors to read. He also attended a neighbourhood watch meeting in May at Attleborough Police Station. He is trying to set up a home watch scheme for Cake Street and re-vitalise the existing Old Buckenham schemes. He had been unable to attend the SNAP meeting as it clashed with the Parish Council meeting. He is still trying to establish a bulk oil purchase scheme in the village. Carol Marshall said there would be a grand opening of the Recreation Area on Saturday 23 July with a football match at 2pm. Also they are planning a fund raising garage sale in the village for Sunday 21 August. Sarah Dye said she is in contact with Norfolk Rural Community Council regarding training in the maintenance of play areas. Adrian Joel read out a note from the working party to support the village shop.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Clerk read out an email regarding the scouts doing litter picking in the village. Also an email from the Play Area working party saying they have been awarded a grant totalling £2712 which would pay for equipment and fun days for the play area. They would have to purchase the equipment first before getting the grant and Clerk asked for Parish Council permission to fund the grant. This was agreed.
Highways. Carol Marshall said the Dambrigg Crossroads where the B1077 and B1113 meet needs all the white lines repainting. Also, a crossroad sign at the Hargham Road/Grove Road junction is covered in hedging which needs cutting back. The Parish Clerk to arrange with NCC Highways.
The Green. Tim Ing said the next meeting of the Green Rights Proprietors would be on Tuesday 7 June and he will raise the question of parking at the pub and play area. Derek Smalley raised the matter of grass cutting on the Green and Tim Ing said the matter will be on the agenda. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the Parish Council doing maintenance on the Green once the current contract runs out. Various councillors voiced their views on the subject. John Frost said he had encountered and spoken to people from outside the village at the war memorial and they had commented on how nice it looked, its good location and said that it was a credit to the village.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 7 July in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Playtime and sale time are coming

Looking forward to August

Some advance notice of two future events.
There will be a 'party in the park' for the young people and their families in Old Buckenham and the surrounding area. Bucks Just Play (the group who established the children’s play area) have secured, as part of their Community Spaces grant, further money called a Sustainability Grant which has provided funding for maintenance equipment and activities to be organised within the play area. This event will be on Saturday 6 August and will be held in the play area. Posters will be put up around the village nearer the time but you can put a note in your diary to come now.
Another village garage sale is also coming in August. Now is the time to sort out all your unwanted items and be ready to recycle them outside your home on Sunday 21 August. You can reserve your pitch now, it will cost just £6, by phoning Liz on 860709 or Carol on 861480.

The future of farming and libraries

Resolutions
Debate, plants and socialising were the three dominating features of the May meeting of Old Buckenham Women’s Institute.
The WI is well known for its campaigns and every year they have to decide which proposed resolutions they will support and ask their delegate to vote for, or against, at the Annual General Meeting.
Barbara Stone and Nancy Hunt had attended an information day on Old Buckenham’s behalf and reported back to the meeting regarding the two resolutions put forward. Nancy outlined the information supporting ‘Mega Farms’ that had been presented by a farmer and an agricultural journalist. Both said how people must endorse large farming units for pigs and cows to provide a secure and sustainable supply of food at a reasonable cost to the consumer. They indicated that these farms would be highly regulated and the welfare of the animals paramount. There was no speaker to oppose these views. Why? The Old Buckenham meeting then discussed the issues involved and voted unanimously to support the WI Resolution against these large units or mega farms.
Barbara reported on the second Resolution regarding ‘Closure of Libraries’ nationwide. Fortunately in Norfolk there are no proposals to close libraries although opening hours may be reduced. The meeting was reminded that libraries will be closing in other parts of the country. Again, after some discussion, the Resolution went to the voteand Old Buckenham decided to support the WI Resolution with only one abstention.
During an extended tea break members were encouraged to buy plants from the May plant stall. With the many avid gardeners in Old Buckenham those donated plants were guaranteed a good home. Many members brought plants along to sell and then went home again with a bagful or two of other plants they had bought, managing to raise £20 for the funds in the process.
The next meeting is on Thursday 23 June and speaker will be Charles Garland with ‘From Vicar’s Son to BBC Producer’ The competition is for “A snapshot of you as a child”. Will members be able to guess who is who?