Printed copies of the Old Buckenham village newsletter for February 2017 have been spread around at various locations in the village. If you haven't had one put through your door, go and pick one up soon.
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Old Buckenham's February newsletter
More village news
Printed copies of the Old Buckenham village newsletter for February 2017 have been spread around at various locations in the village. If you haven't had one put through your door, go and pick one up soon.
Printed copies of the Old Buckenham village newsletter for February 2017 have been spread around at various locations in the village. If you haven't had one put through your door, go and pick one up soon.
Monday, 30 January 2017
Old Buckenham funding for homeless project
Handover at breakfast time
During the latter months of 2016, residents of Old Buckenham in Norfolk had been raising money to help with the building of more accommodation to be used by the St Martins Trust in Norwich to care for those who find themselves homeless.
So early on the morning of Saturday 28 January many of those involved in raising the money found themselves at Route 11 on the outskirts of Attleborough for the ceremonial handing over of the results of their efforts.
Wally Webb of BBC Radio Norfolk was on hand to do some interviewing and the Bishop of Norwich (who had done his session of bucket collecting outside a local supermarket in December) spoke about the problems of homelessness.
Three cheques were handed over to Derek Player of St Martins. The major one was for over £29,000 pounds and a further £1004 came from the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust and £477 had been collected at the candlelit carol service at All Saints, Old Buckenham, on Christmas Eve.
The total sum raised was a staggering £31,253.42.
Many thanks are due to the staff of Route 11 for opening up early, hosting the event and providing refreshments.
During the latter months of 2016, residents of Old Buckenham in Norfolk had been raising money to help with the building of more accommodation to be used by the St Martins Trust in Norwich to care for those who find themselves homeless.
So early on the morning of Saturday 28 January many of those involved in raising the money found themselves at Route 11 on the outskirts of Attleborough for the ceremonial handing over of the results of their efforts.
Wally Webb of BBC Radio Norfolk was on hand to do some interviewing and the Bishop of Norwich (who had done his session of bucket collecting outside a local supermarket in December) spoke about the problems of homelessness.
Three cheques were handed over to Derek Player of St Martins. The major one was for over £29,000 pounds and a further £1004 came from the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust and £477 had been collected at the candlelit carol service at All Saints, Old Buckenham, on Christmas Eve.
The total sum raised was a staggering £31,253.42.
Many thanks are due to the staff of Route 11 for opening up early, hosting the event and providing refreshments.
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| Posing for the EDP photographer |
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Annual meal in Old Buckenham
Senior citizens enjoy their lunch
Old Buckenham Village Hall was full yesterday as the older members of the community sat down for their annual meal provided by a team of volunteers and financed by various fund-raising events during the previous twelve months.
After the roast beef dinner, homemade sweets, drinks galore and cheese and biscuits there was a chance to relax listening to songs from Wymondham singer Carole Lea. This was followed by a short session of bingo, warm mince pies and a choice of tea or coffee.
A pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon , all provided by the generous activities of local people.
Old Buckenham Village Hall was full yesterday as the older members of the community sat down for their annual meal provided by a team of volunteers and financed by various fund-raising events during the previous twelve months.
After the roast beef dinner, homemade sweets, drinks galore and cheese and biscuits there was a chance to relax listening to songs from Wymondham singer Carole Lea. This was followed by a short session of bingo, warm mince pies and a choice of tea or coffee.
A pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon , all provided by the generous activities of local people.
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| With special thanks to the cooks |
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Gardening advice in Old Buckenham
Organic gardening
Growing Buddies are volunteers who offer free food growing advice and encouragement to Breckland residents. You can learn to grow your own food and join many local residents who benefit from growing organic food in their garden. To learn more, contact Deborah on deborandunseith@btconnect.com
Growing Buddies are volunteers managed by Garden Organic offering food growing advice and support. They don't offer a gardening service. Participation for all involved is free.
Growing Buddies are volunteers who offer free food growing advice and encouragement to Breckland residents. You can learn to grow your own food and join many local residents who benefit from growing organic food in their garden. To learn more, contact Deborah on deborandunseith@btconnect.com
Growing Buddies are volunteers managed by Garden Organic offering food growing advice and support. They don't offer a gardening service. Participation for all involved is free.
Sunday, 22 January 2017
House move in Old Buckenham
Lifted out for repairs
The recent high winds had caused the duck house on the pond by Post Office Terrace to capsize as one of its mooring lines had become detached. This morning the operation took place to turn it up the right way once more.
The job was made more difficult as the structure was surrounded by thick ice. Eventually the house was freed and lifted out on to the bank. A quick examination showed that a few repairs are needed so it was placed in 'dry dock' until this can be done.
A big hole in the ice was all that was left as a reminder of a good morning's work.
The recent high winds had caused the duck house on the pond by Post Office Terrace to capsize as one of its mooring lines had become detached. This morning the operation took place to turn it up the right way once more.
The job was made more difficult as the structure was surrounded by thick ice. Eventually the house was freed and lifted out on to the bank. A quick examination showed that a few repairs are needed so it was placed in 'dry dock' until this can be done.
A big hole in the ice was all that was left as a reminder of a good morning's work.
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Old Buckenham learns of an exotic garden
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
The speaker for the January meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall was Andrew Brogan with his talk ‘The Making of an Exotic Garden’. It’s difficult to believe that anyone could create an exotic garden close to our east coast but Andrew had a vision that was very evident throughout his talk. With the aid of slides he had a captive audience as he spoke jokingly of his father who had no interest at all in gardening (but more the appearance of a local drug dealer), his tales of growing up in Notting Hill in the 60s, moving to Suffolk, the obstacles he had encountered, including objections from local residents which resulted in planning issues lasting several months. Things finally ended in his favour and the relief was evident as he told his story.
Andrew has created an exotic garden able to survive the British climate. He doesn’t wrap his plants in fleeces and bubble wrap but chooses and positions his plants carefully. The garden has featured in several gardening magazines and been visited by celebrity gardeners. One, Alan Titchmarsh, gave it the accolade of ITV’s Britain’s Best Garden 2015. You can read more about Andrew’s Exotic Garden on his website hensteadexoticgarden.co.uk.
Winner of the competition for an arrangement entitled “Winter texture” was Jean Carnwell. The table show for “Winter Colour” was won by Christine Hewson.
The next meeting is at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 9 February starting at 2pm with a floral demonstration.There is a £4 entry fee for visitors who are always welcome.
If you would like further details contact Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712.
The speaker for the January meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall was Andrew Brogan with his talk ‘The Making of an Exotic Garden’. It’s difficult to believe that anyone could create an exotic garden close to our east coast but Andrew had a vision that was very evident throughout his talk. With the aid of slides he had a captive audience as he spoke jokingly of his father who had no interest at all in gardening (but more the appearance of a local drug dealer), his tales of growing up in Notting Hill in the 60s, moving to Suffolk, the obstacles he had encountered, including objections from local residents which resulted in planning issues lasting several months. Things finally ended in his favour and the relief was evident as he told his story.
Andrew has created an exotic garden able to survive the British climate. He doesn’t wrap his plants in fleeces and bubble wrap but chooses and positions his plants carefully. The garden has featured in several gardening magazines and been visited by celebrity gardeners. One, Alan Titchmarsh, gave it the accolade of ITV’s Britain’s Best Garden 2015. You can read more about Andrew’s Exotic Garden on his website hensteadexoticgarden.co.uk.
Winner of the competition for an arrangement entitled “Winter texture” was Jean Carnwell. The table show for “Winter Colour” was won by Christine Hewson.
The next meeting is at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 9 February starting at 2pm with a floral demonstration.There is a £4 entry fee for visitors who are always welcome.
If you would like further details contact Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712.
Monday, 16 January 2017
Old Buckenham parish council in January
January Parish Council minutes
These notes have been written by the newsletter editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
At the meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council held on Thursday 5 January the councillors present were Adrian Joel (chairman)), Terry Cracknell, Sarah Hornbrook, Jonathan Kemp, Tom Johnson, Carol Marshall, Steve Milner and Andy Nicholls as well as the parish clerk Hilary Clutten and county councillor Stephen Askew.
There were six members of the public who attended including John Fernihough and Sarah Dye in relation to the discussions on the Green.
Apologies for absence had been received from councillors Rona Boggia, Ben Devlin and Graham Hart.
The minutes of the meeting held in December 2016 were approved as a true and accurate record of the meeting
Public participation in relation to agenda items. Two members of the public had come to speak about their current planning application to convert a barn into a house at Stacksford House Farm. The access to the site has been moved to a new position where there are better visibility splays. Tree, structural and bat surveys have also been carried out.
There was a complaint about extensive dog mess on the Green. It was agreed to put an item in the village newsletter about this. It is hoped that the situation will improve when the Green is better looked after.
The village sign and the Parish Council’s noticeboard are deteriorating and it was agreed to put these items on the next agenda.
The village shop/post office owners are having a problem with people parking outside the shop at school opening and closing times. As the land involved is public land there is nothing that can be done to deter this.
It was noted that an increasing number of people are bringing dogs in cars to the village for exercise.
It was confirmed that the Parish Council owns the village sign.
It is important for the Parish Council and the Green Right Proprietors to decide on an option to support the upkeep of the Green and to present this to the village. It was also thought that a working party should be set up to look for funding and ideas for fund raising. These things need to happen quickly so that matters can be agreed by the February Parish Council meeting and then presented to the village at the Annual Parish Meeting in March. It was suggested that a working party be set up to look into the future management of the Green with the following make up:
Two Green Right Proprietors, two parish councillors, two independent village residents and the Lord of the Manor. This working party would need to meet soon and make a recommendation to the Parish Council at its next meeting. It was also suggested that a separate group be set up to deal with the conservation issues of the Green and which could then advise the management working party.
The public and parish councillors were invited to make comments.The members of the public present were keen to see the Parish Council take over the management of the Green which would be an asset to the village if properly maintained as well as making it more user-friendly. Most councillors were in favour of taking on the management of the Green regardless of who owned it. It was said that it was not useful to discuss the past wrongs of the situation but to work to sort something out particularly as it appears to be something that the village residents want.
There is a concern about the trees on the Green as some have specific owners who have the right to estovers (necessaries allowed by law to a tenant especially fuel or wood for repairs) and some trees have no owners. The Green Right Proprietors have a map of the trees which they can provide. It was suggested that the estover tree owners should give up their rights. Some of the Green could be managed as an amenity area similar to the area in front of the Ox and Plough and some areas left for conservation. Speaking as Lord of the Manor, Terry Cracknell said that the project has his full support as it had been purchased with a view to providing a village amenity.
The Council then resolved, with one abstention, to set up a Green Management Working Party with the following make-up:
Adrian Joel and Andy Nicholls on behalf of the Parish Council,
Terry Cracknell as Lord of the Manor,
Sarah Dye and one other on behalf of the Green Right Proprietors,
And John Fernihough and Ray Bayfield as independent village residents
It was agreed that the Working Party should meet in about ten days’ time.
The Clerk was asked to arrange to give her comments on the proposed contract.
It was agreed that Ron Brewer should be asked to put something in the February issue of the village newsletter about the management of the Green being discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting in March and that a poster should also be put on the Parish Council’s noticeboard.
General Power of Competence. The Clerk had circulated information on the General Power of Competence (Localism Act 2011) to all the councillors. The Council confirmed, with one abstention, that it now met the criteria to adopt and use the General Power of Competence and resolved to adopt it with one abstention.
County Councillor. Stephen Askew arrived and was invited to speak to the meeting. Referring to the road crossing issue he said it was a case of waiting for the County Council to reply to the letter from George Freeman MP. It was reported that there had been some near misses recently involving vehicles on the road through the village. It is important to get a new site for the 30mph sign as soon as possible. Stephen Askew asked if he could be emailed about this matter. Stephen Askew was also asked by Steve Milner if there was any news about the changes to the recycling sites but there was none.
Planning applications. Barn at Stacksford House Farm, part demolition of existing agricultural building and conversion of remaining barn to dwelling house with new detached garage and access. The Council agreed to support this application with one abstention.
Stacksford village, Stacksford. Removal of condition to not use the existing septic tank and to provide a new treatment for the disposal of water. Council agreed to support this application with one abstention.
Planning permission by Breckland. The Joules, Crown Road. Permission has been granted for change of use of a workshop to an annex.
Local Plan. Two additional sites within Old Buckenham have been submitted to Breckland Council for consideration. One site is on Attleborough Road but, if this site were to be allocated for development, the village would want a safe road crossing point, roundabout and a school dropping off area. The other site is behind the area known as the Pound but has no access so is not really an option. In addition the site is huge and development in that location would spoil the view of the Green. It was agreed that Sarah Hornbrook would word a suitable response on the two sites.
At the meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council held on Thursday 5 January the councillors present were Adrian Joel (chairman)), Terry Cracknell, Sarah Hornbrook, Jonathan Kemp, Tom Johnson, Carol Marshall, Steve Milner and Andy Nicholls as well as the parish clerk Hilary Clutten and county councillor Stephen Askew.
There were six members of the public who attended including John Fernihough and Sarah Dye in relation to the discussions on the Green.
Apologies for absence had been received from councillors Rona Boggia, Ben Devlin and Graham Hart.
The minutes of the meeting held in December 2016 were approved as a true and accurate record of the meeting
Public participation in relation to agenda items. Two members of the public had come to speak about their current planning application to convert a barn into a house at Stacksford House Farm. The access to the site has been moved to a new position where there are better visibility splays. Tree, structural and bat surveys have also been carried out.
There was a complaint about extensive dog mess on the Green. It was agreed to put an item in the village newsletter about this. It is hoped that the situation will improve when the Green is better looked after.
The village sign and the Parish Council’s noticeboard are deteriorating and it was agreed to put these items on the next agenda.
The village shop/post office owners are having a problem with people parking outside the shop at school opening and closing times. As the land involved is public land there is nothing that can be done to deter this.
It was noted that an increasing number of people are bringing dogs in cars to the village for exercise.
It was confirmed that the Parish Council owns the village sign.
It is important for the Parish Council and the Green Right Proprietors to decide on an option to support the upkeep of the Green and to present this to the village. It was also thought that a working party should be set up to look for funding and ideas for fund raising. These things need to happen quickly so that matters can be agreed by the February Parish Council meeting and then presented to the village at the Annual Parish Meeting in March. It was suggested that a working party be set up to look into the future management of the Green with the following make up:
Two Green Right Proprietors, two parish councillors, two independent village residents and the Lord of the Manor. This working party would need to meet soon and make a recommendation to the Parish Council at its next meeting. It was also suggested that a separate group be set up to deal with the conservation issues of the Green and which could then advise the management working party.
The public and parish councillors were invited to make comments.The members of the public present were keen to see the Parish Council take over the management of the Green which would be an asset to the village if properly maintained as well as making it more user-friendly. Most councillors were in favour of taking on the management of the Green regardless of who owned it. It was said that it was not useful to discuss the past wrongs of the situation but to work to sort something out particularly as it appears to be something that the village residents want.
There is a concern about the trees on the Green as some have specific owners who have the right to estovers (necessaries allowed by law to a tenant especially fuel or wood for repairs) and some trees have no owners. The Green Right Proprietors have a map of the trees which they can provide. It was suggested that the estover tree owners should give up their rights. Some of the Green could be managed as an amenity area similar to the area in front of the Ox and Plough and some areas left for conservation. Speaking as Lord of the Manor, Terry Cracknell said that the project has his full support as it had been purchased with a view to providing a village amenity.
The Council then resolved, with one abstention, to set up a Green Management Working Party with the following make-up:
Adrian Joel and Andy Nicholls on behalf of the Parish Council,
Terry Cracknell as Lord of the Manor,
Sarah Dye and one other on behalf of the Green Right Proprietors,
And John Fernihough and Ray Bayfield as independent village residents
It was agreed that the Working Party should meet in about ten days’ time.
The Clerk was asked to arrange to give her comments on the proposed contract.
It was agreed that Ron Brewer should be asked to put something in the February issue of the village newsletter about the management of the Green being discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting in March and that a poster should also be put on the Parish Council’s noticeboard.
General Power of Competence. The Clerk had circulated information on the General Power of Competence (Localism Act 2011) to all the councillors. The Council confirmed, with one abstention, that it now met the criteria to adopt and use the General Power of Competence and resolved to adopt it with one abstention.
County Councillor. Stephen Askew arrived and was invited to speak to the meeting. Referring to the road crossing issue he said it was a case of waiting for the County Council to reply to the letter from George Freeman MP. It was reported that there had been some near misses recently involving vehicles on the road through the village. It is important to get a new site for the 30mph sign as soon as possible. Stephen Askew asked if he could be emailed about this matter. Stephen Askew was also asked by Steve Milner if there was any news about the changes to the recycling sites but there was none.
Planning applications. Barn at Stacksford House Farm, part demolition of existing agricultural building and conversion of remaining barn to dwelling house with new detached garage and access. The Council agreed to support this application with one abstention.
Stacksford village, Stacksford. Removal of condition to not use the existing septic tank and to provide a new treatment for the disposal of water. Council agreed to support this application with one abstention.
Planning permission by Breckland. The Joules, Crown Road. Permission has been granted for change of use of a workshop to an annex.
Local Plan. Two additional sites within Old Buckenham have been submitted to Breckland Council for consideration. One site is on Attleborough Road but, if this site were to be allocated for development, the village would want a safe road crossing point, roundabout and a school dropping off area. The other site is behind the area known as the Pound but has no access so is not really an option. In addition the site is huge and development in that location would spoil the view of the Green. It was agreed that Sarah Hornbrook would word a suitable response on the two sites.
Financial matters. The Clerk had circulated a financial report to the councillors and said that since the report was written she had submitted the VAT repayment claim for 2016 and the Charity Return for the same period. The income of the charity was confirmed as £371 and a Charity meeting will be held after the next Parish Council Meeting.
Update on highways matters. It had been determined that a broken pipe was responsible for all the water in Cake Street and the County Council spent about a week rectifying matters. Some potholes and road edging have also been repaired and currently the finger posts are being cleaned. It was reported that there was a problem with water in a ditch on the right of leaving the village from Cake Street towards Dam Brigg.
Steve Milner proposed that the Parish Council purchase a mirror for the Grove Road/Mill Road junction and ask a nearby landowner if it can be mounted on his property. Council agreed to set a budget of £100 to purchase and erect a mirror subject to the Clerk checking on potential liability for accidents and Steve Milner speaking to a nearby landowner.
Sarah Hornbrook and Jonathan Kemp asked for it to be recorded that they had voted against this resolution on safety liability grounds.
The Council discussed the continuing issue with the hedge in Harlingwood Lane and agreed that a councillor should visit the landowner together with a representative from Highways.
Chapel Green School. It was reported that the contractors were making a good job of the road and that work should start on the building in February. There is still a problem with access to Footpath 4 during weekdays and the Clerk is to make further enquiries about resolving this issue. The Village Hall Committee had hoped to use a nearby ditch to help with its car park drainage problem but the ditch has been used by the school contractors for services. Morgan Sindall has agreed to mend a ceiling in the Village Hall in return for using services at the Village Hall and will possibly remove the BMX humps but is unlikely to help with the drainage problem in the car park too. The Clerk was asked to contact the Village Hall Committee to remind them that there was still Parish Partnership money available from NCC for the car park until the end of March 2017.
Broadband update. Work is in progress and some results are likely to be seen by March 2017.
Purchase of the village telephone kiosk. The Clerk had circulated information from BT about purchasing old telephone kiosks. The Council agreed to purchase the BT telephone kiosk near the Green for the sum of £1. The Council also agreed that it preferred BT to continue paying for the electricity supply to the kiosk and would let BT know that it intended to install a defibrillator in due course.
Precept Grant. The Council agreed, with two abstentions, to make an advance payment of £640 to New Buckenham Football Club being its Precept Grant awarded for 2017/18.
Chairman’s report. The Chairman requested that the correspondence folder be circulated more quickly.
District Councillor’s report. Breckland Council is switching to one main customer contact number, 01362 656870, which is expected to make it quicker and more convenient for residents to contact the District Council. Residents and businesses in Breckland are being invited to have their say on the Council’s draft budget for 2017/18. The consultation started on Friday 23 December and will last for one month. To have a say people can visit the Breckland Council website to view the budget and for further details of how to respond. Printing of the Breckland Voice magazine was suspended but money has been found to enable it to be published again twice per annum. To balance its budget Breckland Council is not selling off land but aiming to make better use of it as a partner in a Local Asset Backed Vehicle (LABV). A member of the public drew attention to the fact that a growing number of homeless people from Thetford were ending up in Norwich. Adrian Joel reported that there was a lack of social housing in Thetford.
Neighbourhood Plan. Sarah Hornbrook said that there was nothing to report at present but that a meeting would be held soon.
Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan. Nothing to report at present as the Plan has been handed in and developments are awaited.
Road Safety. Some members of the group had met with George Freeman MP and they were very pleased with the letter he had written to Norfolk County Council in support of a safe road crossing. The Clerk was asked to write a letter of thanks to George Freeman.
Play Area. The Chair reported that the group was awaiting further news from Graham Hart and that grants were being sought towards the cost of the new railings.
Parish Councillors’ reports. The Chair reported that the allotments were much better now and he would advertise for tenants in the village newsletter. It was requested that the Parish Council still pursue the possibility of finding a new site for the allotments. A new litter bin was requested and the Clerk would action using her spending power. There was a report of a dog bin not being emptied. There was a query about an invoice for a ‘traffic survey’ and the Clerk will resolve this at the next meeting.
Sarah Hornbrook had noticed that the Santander Account was still open. Carol Marshall said that a problem had arisen with one of the alleged signatories to the account and the Clerk will investigate.
Correspondence. A letter had been received from Age UK Norfolk seeking financial support. A thank you letter had come from the Village Hall Fete Committee for the Precept grant it is to receive in April
Items for the next meeting. These should include dog bins, the allotment site, Chapel Green School, the Green, Highways, village sign, noticeboard, and road safety invoice.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council Meeting will be on Thursday 2 February in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Update on highways matters. It had been determined that a broken pipe was responsible for all the water in Cake Street and the County Council spent about a week rectifying matters. Some potholes and road edging have also been repaired and currently the finger posts are being cleaned. It was reported that there was a problem with water in a ditch on the right of leaving the village from Cake Street towards Dam Brigg.
Steve Milner proposed that the Parish Council purchase a mirror for the Grove Road/Mill Road junction and ask a nearby landowner if it can be mounted on his property. Council agreed to set a budget of £100 to purchase and erect a mirror subject to the Clerk checking on potential liability for accidents and Steve Milner speaking to a nearby landowner.
Sarah Hornbrook and Jonathan Kemp asked for it to be recorded that they had voted against this resolution on safety liability grounds.
The Council discussed the continuing issue with the hedge in Harlingwood Lane and agreed that a councillor should visit the landowner together with a representative from Highways.
Chapel Green School. It was reported that the contractors were making a good job of the road and that work should start on the building in February. There is still a problem with access to Footpath 4 during weekdays and the Clerk is to make further enquiries about resolving this issue. The Village Hall Committee had hoped to use a nearby ditch to help with its car park drainage problem but the ditch has been used by the school contractors for services. Morgan Sindall has agreed to mend a ceiling in the Village Hall in return for using services at the Village Hall and will possibly remove the BMX humps but is unlikely to help with the drainage problem in the car park too. The Clerk was asked to contact the Village Hall Committee to remind them that there was still Parish Partnership money available from NCC for the car park until the end of March 2017.
Broadband update. Work is in progress and some results are likely to be seen by March 2017.
Purchase of the village telephone kiosk. The Clerk had circulated information from BT about purchasing old telephone kiosks. The Council agreed to purchase the BT telephone kiosk near the Green for the sum of £1. The Council also agreed that it preferred BT to continue paying for the electricity supply to the kiosk and would let BT know that it intended to install a defibrillator in due course.
Precept Grant. The Council agreed, with two abstentions, to make an advance payment of £640 to New Buckenham Football Club being its Precept Grant awarded for 2017/18.
Chairman’s report. The Chairman requested that the correspondence folder be circulated more quickly.
District Councillor’s report. Breckland Council is switching to one main customer contact number, 01362 656870, which is expected to make it quicker and more convenient for residents to contact the District Council. Residents and businesses in Breckland are being invited to have their say on the Council’s draft budget for 2017/18. The consultation started on Friday 23 December and will last for one month. To have a say people can visit the Breckland Council website to view the budget and for further details of how to respond. Printing of the Breckland Voice magazine was suspended but money has been found to enable it to be published again twice per annum. To balance its budget Breckland Council is not selling off land but aiming to make better use of it as a partner in a Local Asset Backed Vehicle (LABV). A member of the public drew attention to the fact that a growing number of homeless people from Thetford were ending up in Norwich. Adrian Joel reported that there was a lack of social housing in Thetford.
Neighbourhood Plan. Sarah Hornbrook said that there was nothing to report at present but that a meeting would be held soon.
Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan. Nothing to report at present as the Plan has been handed in and developments are awaited.
Road Safety. Some members of the group had met with George Freeman MP and they were very pleased with the letter he had written to Norfolk County Council in support of a safe road crossing. The Clerk was asked to write a letter of thanks to George Freeman.
Play Area. The Chair reported that the group was awaiting further news from Graham Hart and that grants were being sought towards the cost of the new railings.
Parish Councillors’ reports. The Chair reported that the allotments were much better now and he would advertise for tenants in the village newsletter. It was requested that the Parish Council still pursue the possibility of finding a new site for the allotments. A new litter bin was requested and the Clerk would action using her spending power. There was a report of a dog bin not being emptied. There was a query about an invoice for a ‘traffic survey’ and the Clerk will resolve this at the next meeting.
Sarah Hornbrook had noticed that the Santander Account was still open. Carol Marshall said that a problem had arisen with one of the alleged signatories to the account and the Clerk will investigate.
Correspondence. A letter had been received from Age UK Norfolk seeking financial support. A thank you letter had come from the Village Hall Fete Committee for the Precept grant it is to receive in April
Items for the next meeting. These should include dog bins, the allotment site, Chapel Green School, the Green, Highways, village sign, noticeboard, and road safety invoice.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council Meeting will be on Thursday 2 February in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Saturday, 14 January 2017
Past picture of Old Buckenham
As seen on the radio
Back in the early 1980s, BBC Radio Norfolk broadcast a series of programmes under the title of Village Voice. One such visit was to Old Buckenham and the presenter, Wally Webb, went around many of the highlights of the village and interviewed the locals to learn more about them.
The speaker at the January Social and Wine Circle meeting in the Church Rooms was situated in a cassette recorder used to play a tape of the broadcast.
Some of the people on the recording were invited along to the meeting to hear their contributions. Mike Bartlett had been talking about fundraising for the 'new'village hall while Jean Wade gave details of the Womens' Institute.
Other people heard on the tape explained more about the village sign, the doors and windows of All Saints Church, John Askew spoke about growing reed for re-thatching the church roof and Rosemary West on the history of the Green. Other subjects covered were Abbey Farm, Old Buckenham Hall, the local playgroup, Robert Cocks and the Almshouses, Terry Frost and his 'Hovis' house and the history of the windmill.
Back in the early 1980s, BBC Radio Norfolk broadcast a series of programmes under the title of Village Voice. One such visit was to Old Buckenham and the presenter, Wally Webb, went around many of the highlights of the village and interviewed the locals to learn more about them.
The speaker at the January Social and Wine Circle meeting in the Church Rooms was situated in a cassette recorder used to play a tape of the broadcast.
Some of the people on the recording were invited along to the meeting to hear their contributions. Mike Bartlett had been talking about fundraising for the 'new'village hall while Jean Wade gave details of the Womens' Institute.
Other people heard on the tape explained more about the village sign, the doors and windows of All Saints Church, John Askew spoke about growing reed for re-thatching the church roof and Rosemary West on the history of the Green. Other subjects covered were Abbey Farm, Old Buckenham Hall, the local playgroup, Robert Cocks and the Almshouses, Terry Frost and his 'Hovis' house and the history of the windmill.
Thursday, 12 January 2017
Old Buckenham thanks volunteers
Luncheon Club says thank you
Yesterday was the first Luncheon Club meeting of 2017 and also the opportunity to thank all those people who help this activity to continue to take place. It was an extra special meal with roast beef, yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and several vegetables - all washed down with a glass of wine or appropriate soft drink. And followed by sherry trifle, after-eight mints and coffee.
All those volunteers who collect members from home and take them back again afterwards were invited along to this meal as a special thank you. Bridget Burton also thanked all the other helpers including the main cooks Jean and Barbara, also Annabel, Peggy and Margaret who all just do whatever else needs doing in the kitchen as well as Enid and Carol who are two of the drivers who stay on to help and then end up serving coffee, running the raffle and serving meals.
Yesterday was the first Luncheon Club meeting of 2017 and also the opportunity to thank all those people who help this activity to continue to take place. It was an extra special meal with roast beef, yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and several vegetables - all washed down with a glass of wine or appropriate soft drink. And followed by sherry trifle, after-eight mints and coffee.
All those volunteers who collect members from home and take them back again afterwards were invited along to this meal as a special thank you. Bridget Burton also thanked all the other helpers including the main cooks Jean and Barbara, also Annabel, Peggy and Margaret who all just do whatever else needs doing in the kitchen as well as Enid and Carol who are two of the drivers who stay on to help and then end up serving coffee, running the raffle and serving meals.
Then there is Steve who puts out all the tables and chairs and then has to come
back to the hall to put them all away.
The members themselves are so generous with raffle prizes and always put their small change in the box and this
year there was enough to pay for the November meal on the outing to Thetford. A
kind offer from the Six Villages magazine also paid for the coach on that
occasion so all were able to have a free outing.
Once
again an anonymous donor gave their winter heating allowance to the club and
this, along with other kind gifts and help with the outings, means that the
price of the meals will be able to remain at £3.50 during 2017.
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Still time for Old Buckenham panto
Oh yes, it's here again
Old Buckenham Players are back with their pantomime offering for 2017. This time it will be 'Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp' by Ron Hall.
Transporting you back in time to Peking, the brave Aladdin along with his cheeky-chappy brother Wishee Washee and his voluptuous Mother Dame Widow Twankey will set out to avenge the kidnapping of his true love, Princess Lotus Blossom, by the evil Abanazar. He meets loveable and not so loveable characters along the way. Only the Genie of the Lamp's magic can help save the day on their intrepid journey. The riches on offer to the audiences include colourful costumes, eye-catching scenery, special effects and show-stopping musical numbers.
Performances start at 7.30pm on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 January 2017 with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on the Saturday. It's all taking place at Old Buckenham Village Hall where there'll also be a raffle and a reasonably priced bar serving a range of soft and alcoholic drinks. Tickets are on sale now and cost just £8 for adults or £4 for the under 16s. They can be purchased by calling 01953 861336 or in person from Old Buckenham Village Stores or from the Nuts 'n' Bolts shop in Attleborough.
Transporting you back in time to Peking, the brave Aladdin along with his cheeky-chappy brother Wishee Washee and his voluptuous Mother Dame Widow Twankey will set out to avenge the kidnapping of his true love, Princess Lotus Blossom, by the evil Abanazar. He meets loveable and not so loveable characters along the way. Only the Genie of the Lamp's magic can help save the day on their intrepid journey. The riches on offer to the audiences include colourful costumes, eye-catching scenery, special effects and show-stopping musical numbers.
Performances start at 7.30pm on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 January 2017 with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on the Saturday. It's all taking place at Old Buckenham Village Hall where there'll also be a raffle and a reasonably priced bar serving a range of soft and alcoholic drinks. Tickets are on sale now and cost just £8 for adults or £4 for the under 16s. They can be purchased by calling 01953 861336 or in person from Old Buckenham Village Stores or from the Nuts 'n' Bolts shop in Attleborough.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Ceilidh in Old Buckenham
Time for a good old knees up
On Saturday 18 February the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust will be hosting a Ceilidh event at the Old Buckenham Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm with the Fezziwig Band leading the evening. There will be a bar and food available so come and join us for a good old knees up. Tickets are £7.50 each and are available from Meg Batchelor (860992) or Celia Clarke (860129).
Please note this is an adult event so over 18s only.
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Old Buckenham Parish Council in 2017
Visit the meetings
Here are the dates for the meetings of Old Buckenham Parish Council during 2017. All are in the Village Hall and start at 7.30pm.
Thursday 5 January
Thursday2 February
Thursday 2 March
Friday 17 March, Annual Parish Meeting
Thursday 6 April
Thursday 4 May
Thursday 1 June
Thursday 6 July
There is no meeting in August
Thursday 7 September
Thursday 5 October
Thursday 2 November
Thursday 16 November, Precept Meeting
Thursday 7 December
The public are welcome to attend these meetings so why not go along and listen to the councillors’ deliberations?
Here are the dates for the meetings of Old Buckenham Parish Council during 2017. All are in the Village Hall and start at 7.30pm.
Thursday 5 January
Thursday2 February
Thursday 2 March
Friday 17 March, Annual Parish Meeting
Thursday 6 April
Thursday 4 May
Thursday 1 June
Thursday 6 July
There is no meeting in August
Thursday 7 September
Thursday 5 October
Thursday 2 November
Thursday 16 November, Precept Meeting
Thursday 7 December
The public are welcome to attend these meetings so why not go along and listen to the councillors’ deliberations?
Monday, 2 January 2017
Getting ready for Old Buckenham jumble sale
Get ready to jumble
 |
| It was a hive of activity in 2016 |
If you are having a post-Christmas sort out, please remember that the Buckenham Pre-school Group are having their annual fund-raising jumble sale (with tombola, cake stall and refreshments on Saturday 11 February. It is being held in the Church Rooms (by All Saints Church), doors open at 10am and buying will go on until 12 noon.
If you have any jumble or bric-a-brac to donate for this event then please contact the Pre-school on 07799 778806.
Anything left unsold at the end of the sale will be collected by the charity UK2ROM where it will be delivered to Romania or used to raise funds for those who need it most.
If you have any jumble or bric-a-brac to donate for this event then please contact the Pre-school on 07799 778806.
Anything left unsold at the end of the sale will be collected by the charity UK2ROM where it will be delivered to Romania or used to raise funds for those who need it most.
Sunday, 1 January 2017
Wet walking in Old Buckenham
Out and about for the New Year
Unfortunately New Year's Day didn't dawn like the photo posted earlier today. By mid-morning the rain had set in and probably deterred some of those intending to take part in the village walk that took place regardless of the weather.
People and their dogs were gathering outside the Church Rooms at around 10.30 am and they set off for their three mile walk a little later.
As they walked off they were passed by the radio car of Radio Norfolk on its Sunday morning Treasure Quest. Clue 3 was hidden on the Christmas tree in the Church Rooms
where it was soon found by 'Big Band' Anna and read out so that everyone listening to the programme could help solve it. This gave a chance for Linda Foulger to explain about our village walk and how it was raising funds for the Alzheimer's UK charity
When the clue was solved it turned out that the next location was to New Buckenham for their 'Hair of the dog' walk which has taken place for many years having first taken place in 1996.
For the next four weeks you can listen to the broadcast of the appropriate Treasure Quest edition on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04kt19z#play Start at about 1hr 35 mins in for the local part.
When the Old Buckenham walkers returned they were welcomed by the sight of nice hot home-made soup and the opportunity to sit, talk and dry out from their morning's excursion.
Unfortunately New Year's Day didn't dawn like the photo posted earlier today. By mid-morning the rain had set in and probably deterred some of those intending to take part in the village walk that took place regardless of the weather.
People and their dogs were gathering outside the Church Rooms at around 10.30 am and they set off for their three mile walk a little later.
As they walked off they were passed by the radio car of Radio Norfolk on its Sunday morning Treasure Quest. Clue 3 was hidden on the Christmas tree in the Church Rooms
where it was soon found by 'Big Band' Anna and read out so that everyone listening to the programme could help solve it. This gave a chance for Linda Foulger to explain about our village walk and how it was raising funds for the Alzheimer's UK charity
When the clue was solved it turned out that the next location was to New Buckenham for their 'Hair of the dog' walk which has taken place for many years having first taken place in 1996.
For the next four weeks you can listen to the broadcast of the appropriate Treasure Quest edition on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04kt19z#play Start at about 1hr 35 mins in for the local part.
When the Old Buckenham walkers returned they were welcomed by the sight of nice hot home-made soup and the opportunity to sit, talk and dry out from their morning's excursion.
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