Diary dates for March
Tuesday 1 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 2 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 2 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 3 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 6 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 7 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Thursday 10 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 10 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Monday 14 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 16 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 16 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Wednesday 16 Annual parish meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 19 Bingo, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 21 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Thursday 24 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 27 Display of Easter lilies, All Saints Church
Wednesday 30 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Monday, 29 February 2016
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Party time in Old Buckenham
Senior Citizens Party
The more senior members of Old Buckenham met together today for their annual party in the Village Hall. It was a chance to get together and meet old friends as well as having a good roast dinner, a selection of home-made sweets as well as cheese and biscuits. All washed down with the odd glass of wine or soft drinks.
After dinner entertainment was provided by John and Chrissie of Timescape singing music of the 1930s and 1940s. There was time for a couple of games of bingo, a large raffle and then mince pies washed down with tea or coffee.
Funds for this event are raised through various events in the village throughout the year along with some generous donations. The success also depends greatly on the volunteers of all ages who lay tables, cook, serve meals and generally help to make things run smoothly.
The more senior members of Old Buckenham met together today for their annual party in the Village Hall. It was a chance to get together and meet old friends as well as having a good roast dinner, a selection of home-made sweets as well as cheese and biscuits. All washed down with the odd glass of wine or soft drinks.
After dinner entertainment was provided by John and Chrissie of Timescape singing music of the 1930s and 1940s. There was time for a couple of games of bingo, a large raffle and then mince pies washed down with tea or coffee.
Funds for this event are raised through various events in the village throughout the year along with some generous donations. The success also depends greatly on the volunteers of all ages who lay tables, cook, serve meals and generally help to make things run smoothly.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Yet another Old Buckenham newsletter
All the news for March
You can read about what's going on in Old Buckenham by picking up a copy of the March newsletter which has now been dropped off at all the usual locations.
Monday, 22 February 2016
More events in Old Buckenham
Dates are filling up
Here are some of the events planned to happen in Old Buckenham during the rest of 2016. If you know of other things that ought to go on this list and any corrections that need to be made then you can post a comment below for the blog editor to read.
Wednesday 16 March. Annual Parish Meeting, Village Hall.
Here are some of the events planned to happen in Old Buckenham during the rest of 2016. If you know of other things that ought to go on this list and any corrections that need to be made then you can post a comment below for the blog editor to read.
Wednesday 16 March. Annual Parish Meeting, Village Hall.
Sunday 27 March. Display of Easter lilies, All Saints Church.
Saturday 23 April. Grand Prix racing at the Village Hall (Scalextric scale).
Sunday 8 May. Chanter's Jigge concert, All Saints Church.
Sunday 15 May. Village garage sale.
Wednesday 15 June. Women’s Tour of Britain cycle tour expected to speed through.
Saturday 2 July. Eileen Oliver’s cream teas.
Saturday 2 July. OB 2000 Trust Summer Party, Village Hall.
Saturday 9 July. Village Fete at Village Hall.
Wednesday 13 July. England v Australia Test match, over 70s, at the cricket ground.
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July. Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 31 August. Luncheon Club coffee morning at Village Hall.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September. Cycling weekend with racing around the Green on Saturday 3 September.
Sunday 11 September. Open Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 24 September. Balloon Festival at Airfield.
Sunday 13 November. Remembrance service at the Airfield.
Saturday 23 April. Grand Prix racing at the Village Hall (Scalextric scale).
Sunday 8 May. Chanter's Jigge concert, All Saints Church.
Sunday 15 May. Village garage sale.
Wednesday 15 June. Women’s Tour of Britain cycle tour expected to speed through.
Saturday 2 July. Eileen Oliver’s cream teas.
Saturday 2 July. OB 2000 Trust Summer Party, Village Hall.
Saturday 9 July. Village Fete at Village Hall.
Wednesday 13 July. England v Australia Test match, over 70s, at the cricket ground.
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July. Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 31 August. Luncheon Club coffee morning at Village Hall.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September. Cycling weekend with racing around the Green on Saturday 3 September.
Sunday 11 September. Open Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 24 September. Balloon Festival at Airfield.
Sunday 13 November. Remembrance service at the Airfield.
Saturday, 20 February 2016
Floral passion in Old Buckenham
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
Over fifty members met for the February meeting and enjoyed Crystal Dyball's demonstration 'Floral Passion'. Her designs illustrated spring through to summer and included green chrysanthemums, antirrhinums, stocks, gerberas, roses and carnations together with a variety of foliage some of which she manipulated - passing on tips of how to do this.
The competition table was well supported and colourful with Alison Vivian winning the monthly trophy.
The March meeting will be held on Thursday 10 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 2pm for the AGM and followed by a presentation by Christine Hewson. Visitors are always welcome. The competition title is 'My favourite design' and the table show will be for 'Spring bulbs - pot of any variety'.
Further details on the club from Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712.
Over fifty members met for the February meeting and enjoyed Crystal Dyball's demonstration 'Floral Passion'. Her designs illustrated spring through to summer and included green chrysanthemums, antirrhinums, stocks, gerberas, roses and carnations together with a variety of foliage some of which she manipulated - passing on tips of how to do this.
The competition table was well supported and colourful with Alison Vivian winning the monthly trophy.
The March meeting will be held on Thursday 10 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 2pm for the AGM and followed by a presentation by Christine Hewson. Visitors are always welcome. The competition title is 'My favourite design' and the table show will be for 'Spring bulbs - pot of any variety'.
Further details on the club from Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
Charity collection in Old Buckenham
Double your donations
All Saints Church will have a security collection box available inside the building on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February to receive cash donations, of any size, which will be forwarded to the Unicef Syrian relief Fund.
The attraction is not only that the village can help these people but that the Government have pledged to double all the money donated.
The closing date has to be Sunday 29 February. If a total of £100 is contributed then the relief in Syria will benefit to extent of £200. More details can be found on the Unicef website, Syria section.
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Tea and cakes in Old Buckenham
Fund raising for Air Ambulance
The afternoon was a financial success with fantastic £677.19 being raised.
If you would like to sponsor Katy, the link to her sponsorship page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KatyWalker
Much to everyone's delight, the fund-raising event today in Old Buckenham Village Hall attracted a large number of visitors. It was organised by village resident Katy Walker as part of her support for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
Katy will be running in the London Marathon for the EAAA in just ten weeks time on Sunday 24 April. She is excited to be one of just two people in Norfolk chosen by the EAAA to run the 26.2 mile course, having completed the London Marathon in 2015 for the British Heart Foundation. Katy is already fundraising and is aiming to raise enough money to cover the cost of one life-saving Air Ambulance flight.
She had organised a tea and cake event this afternoon and it was well supported by villagers, family members and others from further afield. Even royalty was invited but unfortunately one of the EAAA pilots, the Duke of Cambridge, was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
As well as a seemingly unending supply of tea, coffee and cakes to enjoy there was a big raffle, a quiz to enter, and home-made jam and greetings cards for sale.
(just click of the images to see them at a larger size)
The afternoon was a financial success with fantastic £677.19 being raised.
If you would like to sponsor Katy, the link to her sponsorship page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KatyWalker
Friday, 12 February 2016
Retiring from Old Buckenham High School
Bidding farewell after 77 years at school
When Pauline Cattermole was asked to pop into the school library before 9am on the day she retired, she was rather surprised to find the headmaster, several teachers and other staff were gathered there. They had come to say thank you to Pauline, a Midday Supervisory Assistant (a dinner lady to you and I), who had served for 30 years at Old Buckenham High School.
She was affectionately known as 'Nanny P' by both students and staff, and it was a particularly poignant farewell as she had also been a pupil at the school from the age of 5 at the start of World War II in 1939 - in the days when boys had to salute and girls nod as the Headmaster drove into school. During her time at the school, Pauline was a keen athlete and sprinted for Norfolk and England as well as becoming Head Girl in 1948. Mr Twiddy, the then Headteacher, recognised her many outstanding achievements that year by obtaining a front line seat for her at the Summer Olympics held in London.
When Pauline Cattermole was asked to pop into the school library before 9am on the day she retired, she was rather surprised to find the headmaster, several teachers and other staff were gathered there. They had come to say thank you to Pauline, a Midday Supervisory Assistant (a dinner lady to you and I), who had served for 30 years at Old Buckenham High School.
She was affectionately known as 'Nanny P' by both students and staff, and it was a particularly poignant farewell as she had also been a pupil at the school from the age of 5 at the start of World War II in 1939 - in the days when boys had to salute and girls nod as the Headmaster drove into school. During her time at the school, Pauline was a keen athlete and sprinted for Norfolk and England as well as becoming Head Girl in 1948. Mr Twiddy, the then Headteacher, recognised her many outstanding achievements that year by obtaining a front line seat for her at the Summer Olympics held in London.
(remember you can enlarge the photos by just clicking on them)
Thursday, 11 February 2016
More cycling events in Old Buckenham
Biking galore in 2016
Various cycling happenings are planned during 2016 which look as if they will involve Old Buckenham in some way.
On Wednesday 15 June the first stage of the Women's Tour of Britain will be held between Southwold and Norwich. Precise details of the route are not available yet but the obvious route between Harleston and Attleborough would be along the B1077 road through the Green (but in the opposite direction to the men's tour last year). http://www.womenstour.co.uk
On Sunday 19 June Diss Cycling Club are organising three long distance rides, two of which look as if they will come through Old Buckenham. http://www.disscyclathon.org
Then on Saturday 3 September it is intended to have racing on the circuit around the Green as in 2015. This will be part of an Old Buckenham cycling festival over the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September. As well as the crit races around the Green there will be a funfair, beer festival, food and craft stalls, and a l'eroica style classic sportive.If you are interested in doing some general exploring of Old Buckenham and the surrounding area by bicycle then take a look at http://www.bikingoldbuckenham.com which has several suggestions for enjoyable rides of various lengths.
On Wednesday 15 June the first stage of the Women's Tour of Britain will be held between Southwold and Norwich. Precise details of the route are not available yet but the obvious route between Harleston and Attleborough would be along the B1077 road through the Green (but in the opposite direction to the men's tour last year). http://www.womenstour.co.uk
On Sunday 19 June Diss Cycling Club are organising three long distance rides, two of which look as if they will come through Old Buckenham. http://www.disscyclathon.org
Then on Saturday 3 September it is intended to have racing on the circuit around the Green as in 2015. This will be part of an Old Buckenham cycling festival over the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September. As well as the crit races around the Green there will be a funfair, beer festival, food and craft stalls, and a l'eroica style classic sportive.If you are interested in doing some general exploring of Old Buckenham and the surrounding area by bicycle then take a look at http://www.bikingoldbuckenham.com which has several suggestions for enjoyable rides of various lengths.
Tuesday, 9 February 2016
January meeting of Old Buckenham WI
Relaxing Women’s Institute meeting
Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Eileen Oliver to their January meeting. Eileen gave an excellent presentation about the history of Yoga followed by some Yoga exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques. Yoga has been around for several thousand years and has developed over the years to several different disciplines. The importance of exercise, breathing, eating fresh, natural foods and a calm simple life are key features. Eileen said that breathing practice is the most important element of Yoga.
At the January meeting, members discuss the choice of resolutions which have been submitted by members for presentation at the national Annual General Meeting in June. This year, eight possible resolutions have been submitted and members are given the opportunity to vote on the resolutions which they would like taken forward. Old Buckenham members chose the resolution concerning the banning of microbeads which are particles of plastic that cannot be filtered out of waste water. These microbeads are found in cosmetic and personal care products, are polluting the oceans and causing long-term health risks for both aquatic life and humans. The resolution aims to raise awareness of the problems associated with plastic microbeads and to lobby manufacturers in banning the use of these products.
At the March meeting on Thursday 24 March the speaker will be Mary Graydon who will talk about Prison Monitoring.
Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Eileen Oliver to their January meeting. Eileen gave an excellent presentation about the history of Yoga followed by some Yoga exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques. Yoga has been around for several thousand years and has developed over the years to several different disciplines. The importance of exercise, breathing, eating fresh, natural foods and a calm simple life are key features. Eileen said that breathing practice is the most important element of Yoga.
At the January meeting, members discuss the choice of resolutions which have been submitted by members for presentation at the national Annual General Meeting in June. This year, eight possible resolutions have been submitted and members are given the opportunity to vote on the resolutions which they would like taken forward. Old Buckenham members chose the resolution concerning the banning of microbeads which are particles of plastic that cannot be filtered out of waste water. These microbeads are found in cosmetic and personal care products, are polluting the oceans and causing long-term health risks for both aquatic life and humans. The resolution aims to raise awareness of the problems associated with plastic microbeads and to lobby manufacturers in banning the use of these products.
At the March meeting on Thursday 24 March the speaker will be Mary Graydon who will talk about Prison Monitoring.
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Old Buckenham parish council minutes
Parish Council in February
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There was a large attendance at the February parish council meeting with 41 members of the public, Stephen Askew (NCC councillor) and a representative from Roberts Molloy Associates. All the parish councillors were there too apart from Sarah Hornbrook who had sent her apologies.
Public recess. Seven Fen Street residents and one from Crown Road spoke on the planning application for eight dwellings with four garages and parking bay (3pl/2015.1498/F). An email from a resident supporting the application was read out but the other speakers objected to the application, raising issues regarding increased traffic levels, road safety, security issues of nearby residents, possible flood issues and pedestrian safety. A resident spoke on the Breckland Local Plan and spoke against the site option 8 which in the plan was designated as suitable for development. He also said that Old Buckenham should not be subject to large scale development. Another resident asked when development in Old Buckenham would take place under the local plan. Adrian Joel responded on the matter. A resident from Hargham Road raised objections to a planning application for the erection of five dwellings and parking and garages with turning on site (3pl/2015/1495). He cited speed issues in Hargham Road and the proposed new footpath. A resident spoke on Chapel Road School development which would greatly increase traffic levels on the B1077 with up to a possible 150 extra vehicles a day using the road during term times. Rona Boggia responded saying a new access road was being built but not for use of residents. The Parish Council will be raising a petition to challenge this decision and try and get the road to be also used by residents.
Minutes of January Parish Council meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting (seven for and three abstentions).
Matters arising from the minutes. The matter of the hedge in Cake Street being cut was raised and the clerk is to contact Highways to see if they approve of the new cut.
Planning applications. Fen Street. Erection of eight dwellings, four garages, parking and turning within site. After studying some plans, councillors asked questions of the agent of Roberts Molloy Associates regarding S106 payments and other costs that they would be liable for under the application. Following discussions and expressed views of parish councillors, it was proposed that the application would be approved but there was no seconder so the motion was withdrawn. It was then proposed and seconded that the application be rejected. This was agreed with eight for and two abstentions.
Hargham Road. Erection of five dwellings with associated parking, garages and turning on site, new highway access and pavement works. Jonathan Kemp expressed his many concerns on the application including road safety, enough social housing in that area of Old Buckenham and the design of houses not in keeping with other nearby properties. Also, in the local plan, Breckland council have designated the site as not suitable for development. Terry Cracknell raised the point of the developer paying for a new footpath to which the agent said the developer would pay for it. Other councillors expressed views on the application. Then it was proposed and seconded and agreed with six for and four abstentions to reject the application.
Orchard House, Hargham Road. Change barn so that residential dwelling can be erected and the erection of two single-storey detached garages. Various councillors expressed views on the application especially one of the garages being right up against the front hedge of the development. It was proposed and seconded that the application be rejected, this was agreed with nine for and one abstention.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Cherry Tree Cottage, Los Wroo. Erect summer house. Permission granted.
Tudors, Cake Street. Proposed extension and alteration to existing three bedroom bungalow. Permission granted.
The Pines, Manor Corner. Single-storey rear extension. Permission granted.
Doe Lane. Erection of five holiday chalets. Permission refused.
Creation of working parties. Steve Milner said that the workload of the Parish Council has increased greatly and that working parties need to be set up and they will then come back to the Parish Council with updates at each meeting. Working parties would be: Chapel Road School - Rona Boggia, Steve Milner, Mike Bartlett (resident) and Terry Cracknell. Neighbourhood Plan - Jonathan Kemp, Adrian Joel, Sarah Hornbrook, A Jaggard (resident) and Michelle Willford (resident). The Green - Ben Devlin, Terry Cracknell, Graham Hart, and Mike Farrington. Play Area. Mr A Joel, Mr G Hart, Kerry Talbot (resident) and Mike Farrington. Adrian Joel then gave an update on the Neighbourhood Plan and said that the parish council had to inform Ian Williamson of Breckland Council that Old Buckenham was creating a neighbourhood plan. The Parish Clerk will write to him. It is hoped to outline steps and timelines to create the plan and to soon seek resident consultation on the plan. The Parish Council is to create a Facebook page. Terry Cracknell also suggesting contacting Tim Bornett to assist in delving into information regarding the creation of the plan.
Breckland Plan. Adrian Joel said the plan needs to be discussed, looking at the development sites included in the plan and also at other sites that have not been included in the plan and designated suitable for development. Barbers Yard was not feasible for development as there is no access. Site at top of Mill Road is on a single road that was too narrow which could cause access problems. The plot of land on Attleborough Road could be suitable for development subject to highways, access and parking in any future planning applications. A parish councillor said that ‘unreasonable alternatives’ on the plan should exclude plot 8 which should be designated ‘reasonable alternative’. Councillors discussed this and it was proposed and seconded that the plot remain ‘unreasonable alternative’. This was agreed with six for, two against and two abstentions. The Parish Council was happy with no allocation of housing in the plan for Old Buckenham (page 40). The Parish Clerk is to write to Breckland on this matter.
Chairman’s report. Steve Milner informed the meeting that he would not be seeking re-election as chairman at the May AGM but that he will remain as a councillor as he felt he could still serve Old Buckenham. He then raised the question of circulating all emails to all councillors. He said this would result in too much time having to read and digest information. He said he would continue to address the issue and send some only to the relevant people but if they are relevant to all councillors then they would be copied in. The Shrublands development, despite the Parish Council’s objections, was approved. The Village Hall will be holding a charity event on Sunday 14 February between 2pm and 4pm in aid of the Air Ambulance. Recent data obtained from the SAM 2 traffic sign in Cake Street showed that 60% of drivers passing the sign were speeding and that 10% of drivers were exceeding 40mph and this data will be passed to police. The police had been doing their own speed check in village on Thursday 4 February. Steve Milner felt the SAM 2 sign did make a difference and drivers do slow down when they see their speed indicated.
District Councillor’s report. Consultation of Breckland’s Local Plan Preferred Directions and Site Specific documents finishes on Monday 22 February. The next step is to look at the Site Specifics including any additional sites and this will be put out in the spring for further consultation. Residents across Breckland are being reminded to leave recycled waste loose in their bins and not to put it into plastic bags or carrier bags as these could ruin materials that could otherwise be recycled.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Ben Devlin said the new bench is to be sited on the Green in February and would have a plaque for Old Buckenham Ladies Hockey Club who donated the funds for the bench. Carol Marshall suggested Andy Nichols for the Recreation Area Working Party and will try to get more young people involved. Ben Devlin suggested a new agenda item of ‘Follow up on jobs allocated’. Carol Marshall said another village garage sale would be held in May. Jonathan Kemp said the Neighbourhood Plan working party was getting a village questionnaire out to all residents in May. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the weir off Banham Road near Old Buckenham Hall which is blocked and causing problems in the village. The Parish Clerk to contact East Harling Drainage Board on the matter. The Play Area Working Party met recently. Repair work carried out by Playdale after contact by the clerk had resulted in reduction of charges by £250. Play equipment needs to be washed down in the spring. A handyman will cut the grass and maintain the area in the summer. Now there is a need to look at what type of fence is required to replace the existing fence. Grants of up to 50% are available from Breckland Council for this purpose. A letter from a resident on allotments issues included flooding and some allotment holders not keeping their allotments tidy. It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Adrian Joel contact the resident to try to resolve the matter. Mike Farrington said the Women’s Cycling Tour of Britain was likely to come through Old Buckenham and he hoped the village could organise a similar event to this year’s Tour of Britain. Terry Cracknell said he was prepared to hold breakfast meetings at his house to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan, the Green and Chapel Road School. Rona Boggia has received minutes from Attleborough Development Partnership. The Parish Council need to elect a representative who could vote at meetings without first consulting the Parish Council and also requested a substitute member. It was proposed and seconded that Rona Boggia be the Parish Council representative and Terry Cracknell be the substitute member, this was agreed unanimously. Tom Johnson said the village hall wished to return the grant of £3,500 given to them for insulating of the hall. The costs now had spiralled and even with this money, they would not be able to afford the new costs. It was reported that the contractor who currently cuts the grass is no longer able to do so and the person who cuts the grass at the Recreation Area was unable to do it either. There will be a Bingo evening on Saturday 19 March in the evening at the village hall.
County Councillor’s report. Stephen Askew reported on the closing of three existing recycling sites which will close 2019/20 and be replaced with a super site along the A11. Steve Milner said he would send an email to Stephen Askew on the subject. Stephen Askew then read an email which stated that the lease for Chapel Road School had been signed.
Highways. It had been reported that Cake Street keeps flooding and Highways need to clean the drains out again. Also the potholes on the road off Abbey Road to the Primary school are not up to standard. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on the matter.
Public recess. A resident raised the matter of the Village Hall returning grant money to the Parish Council. He said that other grants are available for insulation of village halls and asked if the cost of the insulation was known. Tom Johnson responded stating the views of the village hall and a resident suggested that the Parish Council keep the returned funds in a special reserve for possible future insulating project at village hall. He suggested residents should be made aware they can make individual comments to Breckland Council on the Local Plan. They then raised the matter of housing development in Old Buckenham and said that no money had been spent on infrastructure. He said Norfolk County Council should be notified of the increase in road accidents within the village.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 3 March at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There was a large attendance at the February parish council meeting with 41 members of the public, Stephen Askew (NCC councillor) and a representative from Roberts Molloy Associates. All the parish councillors were there too apart from Sarah Hornbrook who had sent her apologies.
Public recess. Seven Fen Street residents and one from Crown Road spoke on the planning application for eight dwellings with four garages and parking bay (3pl/2015.1498/F). An email from a resident supporting the application was read out but the other speakers objected to the application, raising issues regarding increased traffic levels, road safety, security issues of nearby residents, possible flood issues and pedestrian safety. A resident spoke on the Breckland Local Plan and spoke against the site option 8 which in the plan was designated as suitable for development. He also said that Old Buckenham should not be subject to large scale development. Another resident asked when development in Old Buckenham would take place under the local plan. Adrian Joel responded on the matter. A resident from Hargham Road raised objections to a planning application for the erection of five dwellings and parking and garages with turning on site (3pl/2015/1495). He cited speed issues in Hargham Road and the proposed new footpath. A resident spoke on Chapel Road School development which would greatly increase traffic levels on the B1077 with up to a possible 150 extra vehicles a day using the road during term times. Rona Boggia responded saying a new access road was being built but not for use of residents. The Parish Council will be raising a petition to challenge this decision and try and get the road to be also used by residents.
Minutes of January Parish Council meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting (seven for and three abstentions).
Matters arising from the minutes. The matter of the hedge in Cake Street being cut was raised and the clerk is to contact Highways to see if they approve of the new cut.
Planning applications. Fen Street. Erection of eight dwellings, four garages, parking and turning within site. After studying some plans, councillors asked questions of the agent of Roberts Molloy Associates regarding S106 payments and other costs that they would be liable for under the application. Following discussions and expressed views of parish councillors, it was proposed that the application would be approved but there was no seconder so the motion was withdrawn. It was then proposed and seconded that the application be rejected. This was agreed with eight for and two abstentions.
Hargham Road. Erection of five dwellings with associated parking, garages and turning on site, new highway access and pavement works. Jonathan Kemp expressed his many concerns on the application including road safety, enough social housing in that area of Old Buckenham and the design of houses not in keeping with other nearby properties. Also, in the local plan, Breckland council have designated the site as not suitable for development. Terry Cracknell raised the point of the developer paying for a new footpath to which the agent said the developer would pay for it. Other councillors expressed views on the application. Then it was proposed and seconded and agreed with six for and four abstentions to reject the application.
Orchard House, Hargham Road. Change barn so that residential dwelling can be erected and the erection of two single-storey detached garages. Various councillors expressed views on the application especially one of the garages being right up against the front hedge of the development. It was proposed and seconded that the application be rejected, this was agreed with nine for and one abstention.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Cherry Tree Cottage, Los Wroo. Erect summer house. Permission granted.
Tudors, Cake Street. Proposed extension and alteration to existing three bedroom bungalow. Permission granted.
The Pines, Manor Corner. Single-storey rear extension. Permission granted.
Doe Lane. Erection of five holiday chalets. Permission refused.
Creation of working parties. Steve Milner said that the workload of the Parish Council has increased greatly and that working parties need to be set up and they will then come back to the Parish Council with updates at each meeting. Working parties would be: Chapel Road School - Rona Boggia, Steve Milner, Mike Bartlett (resident) and Terry Cracknell. Neighbourhood Plan - Jonathan Kemp, Adrian Joel, Sarah Hornbrook, A Jaggard (resident) and Michelle Willford (resident). The Green - Ben Devlin, Terry Cracknell, Graham Hart, and Mike Farrington. Play Area. Mr A Joel, Mr G Hart, Kerry Talbot (resident) and Mike Farrington. Adrian Joel then gave an update on the Neighbourhood Plan and said that the parish council had to inform Ian Williamson of Breckland Council that Old Buckenham was creating a neighbourhood plan. The Parish Clerk will write to him. It is hoped to outline steps and timelines to create the plan and to soon seek resident consultation on the plan. The Parish Council is to create a Facebook page. Terry Cracknell also suggesting contacting Tim Bornett to assist in delving into information regarding the creation of the plan.
Breckland Plan. Adrian Joel said the plan needs to be discussed, looking at the development sites included in the plan and also at other sites that have not been included in the plan and designated suitable for development. Barbers Yard was not feasible for development as there is no access. Site at top of Mill Road is on a single road that was too narrow which could cause access problems. The plot of land on Attleborough Road could be suitable for development subject to highways, access and parking in any future planning applications. A parish councillor said that ‘unreasonable alternatives’ on the plan should exclude plot 8 which should be designated ‘reasonable alternative’. Councillors discussed this and it was proposed and seconded that the plot remain ‘unreasonable alternative’. This was agreed with six for, two against and two abstentions. The Parish Council was happy with no allocation of housing in the plan for Old Buckenham (page 40). The Parish Clerk is to write to Breckland on this matter.
Chairman’s report. Steve Milner informed the meeting that he would not be seeking re-election as chairman at the May AGM but that he will remain as a councillor as he felt he could still serve Old Buckenham. He then raised the question of circulating all emails to all councillors. He said this would result in too much time having to read and digest information. He said he would continue to address the issue and send some only to the relevant people but if they are relevant to all councillors then they would be copied in. The Shrublands development, despite the Parish Council’s objections, was approved. The Village Hall will be holding a charity event on Sunday 14 February between 2pm and 4pm in aid of the Air Ambulance. Recent data obtained from the SAM 2 traffic sign in Cake Street showed that 60% of drivers passing the sign were speeding and that 10% of drivers were exceeding 40mph and this data will be passed to police. The police had been doing their own speed check in village on Thursday 4 February. Steve Milner felt the SAM 2 sign did make a difference and drivers do slow down when they see their speed indicated.
District Councillor’s report. Consultation of Breckland’s Local Plan Preferred Directions and Site Specific documents finishes on Monday 22 February. The next step is to look at the Site Specifics including any additional sites and this will be put out in the spring for further consultation. Residents across Breckland are being reminded to leave recycled waste loose in their bins and not to put it into plastic bags or carrier bags as these could ruin materials that could otherwise be recycled.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Ben Devlin said the new bench is to be sited on the Green in February and would have a plaque for Old Buckenham Ladies Hockey Club who donated the funds for the bench. Carol Marshall suggested Andy Nichols for the Recreation Area Working Party and will try to get more young people involved. Ben Devlin suggested a new agenda item of ‘Follow up on jobs allocated’. Carol Marshall said another village garage sale would be held in May. Jonathan Kemp said the Neighbourhood Plan working party was getting a village questionnaire out to all residents in May. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the weir off Banham Road near Old Buckenham Hall which is blocked and causing problems in the village. The Parish Clerk to contact East Harling Drainage Board on the matter. The Play Area Working Party met recently. Repair work carried out by Playdale after contact by the clerk had resulted in reduction of charges by £250. Play equipment needs to be washed down in the spring. A handyman will cut the grass and maintain the area in the summer. Now there is a need to look at what type of fence is required to replace the existing fence. Grants of up to 50% are available from Breckland Council for this purpose. A letter from a resident on allotments issues included flooding and some allotment holders not keeping their allotments tidy. It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Adrian Joel contact the resident to try to resolve the matter. Mike Farrington said the Women’s Cycling Tour of Britain was likely to come through Old Buckenham and he hoped the village could organise a similar event to this year’s Tour of Britain. Terry Cracknell said he was prepared to hold breakfast meetings at his house to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan, the Green and Chapel Road School. Rona Boggia has received minutes from Attleborough Development Partnership. The Parish Council need to elect a representative who could vote at meetings without first consulting the Parish Council and also requested a substitute member. It was proposed and seconded that Rona Boggia be the Parish Council representative and Terry Cracknell be the substitute member, this was agreed unanimously. Tom Johnson said the village hall wished to return the grant of £3,500 given to them for insulating of the hall. The costs now had spiralled and even with this money, they would not be able to afford the new costs. It was reported that the contractor who currently cuts the grass is no longer able to do so and the person who cuts the grass at the Recreation Area was unable to do it either. There will be a Bingo evening on Saturday 19 March in the evening at the village hall.
County Councillor’s report. Stephen Askew reported on the closing of three existing recycling sites which will close 2019/20 and be replaced with a super site along the A11. Steve Milner said he would send an email to Stephen Askew on the subject. Stephen Askew then read an email which stated that the lease for Chapel Road School had been signed.
Highways. It had been reported that Cake Street keeps flooding and Highways need to clean the drains out again. Also the potholes on the road off Abbey Road to the Primary school are not up to standard. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on the matter.
Public recess. A resident raised the matter of the Village Hall returning grant money to the Parish Council. He said that other grants are available for insulation of village halls and asked if the cost of the insulation was known. Tom Johnson responded stating the views of the village hall and a resident suggested that the Parish Council keep the returned funds in a special reserve for possible future insulating project at village hall. He suggested residents should be made aware they can make individual comments to Breckland Council on the Local Plan. They then raised the matter of housing development in Old Buckenham and said that no money had been spent on infrastructure. He said Norfolk County Council should be notified of the increase in road accidents within the village.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 3 March at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
Saturday, 6 February 2016
Old Buckenham's jumble sale bigger than ever
All go at the Church Rooms
They were queuing outside the doors well before opening time.
Once inside it was everyone for themselves as they sorted through the huge heaps of clothes, checked the toys and surveyed the bric-a-brac.
There was a chance to have a refreshing drink and buy some home-made cakes.
Few could resist a go on the tombola which had been set up in the entrance hall as there was no room for it in the main rooms.
Eventually the rush subsided and there was the chance to sort through the clothes in a more relaxed manner.
All the unsold material was collected up at the end of the sale by the charity UK2Rom which transports it for re-use in Romania.
They were queuing outside the doors well before opening time.
Once inside it was everyone for themselves as they sorted through the huge heaps of clothes, checked the toys and surveyed the bric-a-brac.
There was a chance to have a refreshing drink and buy some home-made cakes.
Few could resist a go on the tombola which had been set up in the entrance hall as there was no room for it in the main rooms.
Eventually the rush subsided and there was the chance to sort through the clothes in a more relaxed manner.
All the unsold material was collected up at the end of the sale by the charity UK2Rom which transports it for re-use in Romania.
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
Old Buckenham's big jumble sale
Buckenham Pre-school Group’s jumble sale will be on Saturday 6 February in the Church Rooms from 10am to 12 noon. There will also be a cake stall, tombola and refreshments.
If you have any jumble to donate then please ring 07799 778806. This is always a very popular event, particularly with lots of clothing and furnishings at very low prices (mostly just 20p an item).
If you have any jumble to donate then please ring 07799 778806. This is always a very popular event, particularly with lots of clothing and furnishings at very low prices (mostly just 20p an item).
If there is anything left after 12 noon then it will go to the charity UK2rom to help those most in need in Romania.
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