To ensure that all our villagers can keep up with what is going on, we have printed an extra 100 copies this month. Terri and her volunteer distributors are aiming to get a copy through every letterbox in Old Buckenham.
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Another Old Buckenham newsletter
June issue being delivered around
To ensure that all our villagers can keep up with what is going on, we have printed an extra 100 copies this month. Terri and her volunteer distributors are aiming to get a copy through every letterbox in Old Buckenham.
To ensure that all our villagers can keep up with what is going on, we have printed an extra 100 copies this month. Terri and her volunteer distributors are aiming to get a copy through every letterbox in Old Buckenham.
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
Old Buckenham Green
Latest news
Here is an update from John Fernihough on the work that has been going on to maintain and improve our village Green.
We are very lucky to live in a village with allegedly the largest village green in the country. It extends to forty-five acres, and incorporates about seven acres of mixed woodland.
Certain householders in the village traditionally had grazing rights and also rights regarding timber etc. This was set down by Act of Parliament in the 1790s and the act is very specific regarding individual rights, etc. It was also registered as Common Land in the 1960s, incorrectly, but it would take another Act of Parliament to correct this error.
It is currently leased by Old Buckenham Parish Council who are responsible for its maintenance, grass, trees, paths and ponds.
The Parish Council have a sub-committee, the Green Management Group, that manages the Green. This committee comprises two Parish Councillors, the Lord of the Manor or his representative, two Green Rights Proprietors and two lay members of the village community. Others are sometimes asked to join to help and offer their specialist skills. This committee makes recommendations to the Parish Council, who are the final arbiters as to what is done.
The actual management of the Green can be controversial. We need to cut the grass to keep it tidy and accessible but the timing of this is critical. If it is cut too early many villagers approve as it looks 'better' but others feel it should be left until later to allow wild flowers to seed. We try to come to a happy medium but probably don't satisfy anyone. This year we are hoping to cut the main Green in late June but to leave The Pound, that piece in front of the Almshouses, until the autumn. This may be a reasonable compromise? The grass around the ponds and under the trees is only tidied up in the autumn where it is accessible to a tractor, the rest is left for wildlife, etc.
The various trees are managed, many old and damaged trees have been removed recently and we have 80 replacement trees to plant in the autumn (probably looking for volunteeers then to help with the planting). We have 20 oaks to go into the woodland opposite "The Hovis House" and a mixture of Field Maple and Hornbeam (total 60) to be planted on The Pound and on the Green opposite The Gamekeeper, behind the Bus Shelter and other sites.
We have renovated Green Pond and Ottomer Ponds recently and access is being maintained. Originally we thought to replant trees around the Ottomer but it is now as it was in the 1930s, when tree growth was limited by grazing cattle. It is probably to be left as it is, depends upon public opinion.
The Green is funded by the Parish Council, paid out of your precept, and we are always aware of the need to keep costs down. We received a grant of £2000 from Greggs for the Ottomer Pond, and Mervyn Lambert supplied a machine at cost price to do the earth moving and this was operated, by a villager, for free. There are obviously ongoing costs. Steven Suggitt cuts the main Green twice a year, and trims other areas in the Autumn, again at cost price. A great service, and we are most grateful to all who give their time, etc, for the Village.
Finally, the committee do try to manage the Green for the benefit of our villagers, the wildlife, bats, birds, the environment. Some people may be happy, others dissatisfied but it is a compromise. Should you have any concerns about the Green, please contact one of the Parish Councillors, or myself.
Thank you.
John Fernihough, chair of Green Management Committee
Snetterton Farm, NR17 1PH, telephone 01953 860471
Here is an update from John Fernihough on the work that has been going on to maintain and improve our village Green.
We are very lucky to live in a village with allegedly the largest village green in the country. It extends to forty-five acres, and incorporates about seven acres of mixed woodland.
Certain householders in the village traditionally had grazing rights and also rights regarding timber etc. This was set down by Act of Parliament in the 1790s and the act is very specific regarding individual rights, etc. It was also registered as Common Land in the 1960s, incorrectly, but it would take another Act of Parliament to correct this error.
It is currently leased by Old Buckenham Parish Council who are responsible for its maintenance, grass, trees, paths and ponds.
The Parish Council have a sub-committee, the Green Management Group, that manages the Green. This committee comprises two Parish Councillors, the Lord of the Manor or his representative, two Green Rights Proprietors and two lay members of the village community. Others are sometimes asked to join to help and offer their specialist skills. This committee makes recommendations to the Parish Council, who are the final arbiters as to what is done.
The actual management of the Green can be controversial. We need to cut the grass to keep it tidy and accessible but the timing of this is critical. If it is cut too early many villagers approve as it looks 'better' but others feel it should be left until later to allow wild flowers to seed. We try to come to a happy medium but probably don't satisfy anyone. This year we are hoping to cut the main Green in late June but to leave The Pound, that piece in front of the Almshouses, until the autumn. This may be a reasonable compromise? The grass around the ponds and under the trees is only tidied up in the autumn where it is accessible to a tractor, the rest is left for wildlife, etc.
The various trees are managed, many old and damaged trees have been removed recently and we have 80 replacement trees to plant in the autumn (probably looking for volunteeers then to help with the planting). We have 20 oaks to go into the woodland opposite "The Hovis House" and a mixture of Field Maple and Hornbeam (total 60) to be planted on The Pound and on the Green opposite The Gamekeeper, behind the Bus Shelter and other sites.
We have renovated Green Pond and Ottomer Ponds recently and access is being maintained. Originally we thought to replant trees around the Ottomer but it is now as it was in the 1930s, when tree growth was limited by grazing cattle. It is probably to be left as it is, depends upon public opinion.
The Green is funded by the Parish Council, paid out of your precept, and we are always aware of the need to keep costs down. We received a grant of £2000 from Greggs for the Ottomer Pond, and Mervyn Lambert supplied a machine at cost price to do the earth moving and this was operated, by a villager, for free. There are obviously ongoing costs. Steven Suggitt cuts the main Green twice a year, and trims other areas in the Autumn, again at cost price. A great service, and we are most grateful to all who give their time, etc, for the Village.
Finally, the committee do try to manage the Green for the benefit of our villagers, the wildlife, bats, birds, the environment. Some people may be happy, others dissatisfied but it is a compromise. Should you have any concerns about the Green, please contact one of the Parish Councillors, or myself.
Thank you.
John Fernihough, chair of Green Management Committee
Snetterton Farm, NR17 1PH, telephone 01953 860471
Saturday, 23 May 2020
Old Buckenham says farewell
Local losses
At the present time and without the usual funerals being held at All Saints the editor felt it appropriate to include details of the lives of two villagers who have recently died.
Gwen Rix. Gwen was born on 22 April 1932 the eldest of seven children of George and Gladys Buckingham living in Sibton Green near Yoxford, Suffolk. They lived in a small farm workers cottage sharing bedrooms and beds as often happened in those days. However they were a happy family even though money and food was scarce. When Gwen was 14 years old she left school and went to work as a housekeeper, a job she enjoyed all her life. Being very aware that there was little money in the family and lots of mouths to feed Gwen did her best to support her parents as much as she could.
After her daughter Susan was born it wasn't easy to find a job where Gwen could take Susan with her and, after a particularly unpleasant experience, Gwen decided to leave her family behind and move to Old Buckenham. The job was to be a housekeeper for Stan at the house he had built called Tall Trees at the top of Doe Lane. Stan's wife had died young leaving him with a family, including a young daughter, to look after. Gwen and Stan fell in love, married and later moved to St Andrews Close They enjoyed 35 happy years together adding two more sons to the family.
With her brothers and sisters all living in Suffolk, Gwen was only able to see them once or twice a year. She did though become part of the village life in Old Buckenham for over 60 years, joining the WI, The Women’s Fellowship, the Women's branch of the British Legion and the Luncheon Club to name but a few. She loved singing and joined the village Singing Group run by Rosemary West which she enjoyed immensely. Her favourite song was Mario Lanza's "Be My Love" which she would sing word perfect and without any music even after moving to Windmill House in Jan 2018 when the dementia had sadly taken hold. Gwen loved taking part in all the concerts the singing group gave throughout the county. Gwen was very happy and contented living in Windmill House for the two years she was there. The care she received was exemplary and many of the other residents became part of her new 'family'. She joined in many of the activities taking place and there were lots of laughs with visitors and carers.
Gwen died on Monday 4 May. The funeral took place Friday 22 May at the Breckland Crematorium with only close family present.
(Details provided by Gwen’s daughter Susan Simpson.)
Ida Jolley. Ida passed away on Easter Saturday 11 April 2020. She was born at High House Farm, Cranworth, on 11 February 1937. Her father was a smallholder farmer and she was the eldest daughter of six children. Ida left school at 15 years old. Her parents moved to Park Farm, Abbey Road, in March 1955 where her father and brothers worked for Robert Gilmore.
Ida used to attend church in Old Buckenham on Sundays and during the week meet up with friends on the village Green which is where she met her husband Keith. Ida was also in the Girl Guides and St John ambulance, both of which she enjoyed with great interest. Keith was working at Larkmans in Attleborough as an apprentice agricultural engineer and Ida worked at Briton Brush. She cycled to work there with her two friends Maureen and Cynthia Soanes.
At 21 Ida got engaged to Keith. He had now finished his apprenticeship and had to do two years national service. They rented the cottage at Post Office terrace in Old Buckenham six months before Keith finished his national service so it was ready for them to move into when they married on 22 February 1960 in Old Buckenham church. Ida remained in this cottage for all the rest of her life, she was married for almost 49 years and was devastated when her husband died suddenly in October 2008.
Ida was kept going after her husband’s death by her strong faith and knowledge that she would be reunited with her beloved husband.
(Details provided by Ida’s niece Amanda Welham)
At the present time and without the usual funerals being held at All Saints the editor felt it appropriate to include details of the lives of two villagers who have recently died.
Gwen Rix. Gwen was born on 22 April 1932 the eldest of seven children of George and Gladys Buckingham living in Sibton Green near Yoxford, Suffolk. They lived in a small farm workers cottage sharing bedrooms and beds as often happened in those days. However they were a happy family even though money and food was scarce. When Gwen was 14 years old she left school and went to work as a housekeeper, a job she enjoyed all her life. Being very aware that there was little money in the family and lots of mouths to feed Gwen did her best to support her parents as much as she could.
After her daughter Susan was born it wasn't easy to find a job where Gwen could take Susan with her and, after a particularly unpleasant experience, Gwen decided to leave her family behind and move to Old Buckenham. The job was to be a housekeeper for Stan at the house he had built called Tall Trees at the top of Doe Lane. Stan's wife had died young leaving him with a family, including a young daughter, to look after. Gwen and Stan fell in love, married and later moved to St Andrews Close They enjoyed 35 happy years together adding two more sons to the family.
With her brothers and sisters all living in Suffolk, Gwen was only able to see them once or twice a year. She did though become part of the village life in Old Buckenham for over 60 years, joining the WI, The Women’s Fellowship, the Women's branch of the British Legion and the Luncheon Club to name but a few. She loved singing and joined the village Singing Group run by Rosemary West which she enjoyed immensely. Her favourite song was Mario Lanza's "Be My Love" which she would sing word perfect and without any music even after moving to Windmill House in Jan 2018 when the dementia had sadly taken hold. Gwen loved taking part in all the concerts the singing group gave throughout the county. Gwen was very happy and contented living in Windmill House for the two years she was there. The care she received was exemplary and many of the other residents became part of her new 'family'. She joined in many of the activities taking place and there were lots of laughs with visitors and carers.
Gwen died on Monday 4 May. The funeral took place Friday 22 May at the Breckland Crematorium with only close family present.
(Details provided by Gwen’s daughter Susan Simpson.)
Ida Jolley. Ida passed away on Easter Saturday 11 April 2020. She was born at High House Farm, Cranworth, on 11 February 1937. Her father was a smallholder farmer and she was the eldest daughter of six children. Ida left school at 15 years old. Her parents moved to Park Farm, Abbey Road, in March 1955 where her father and brothers worked for Robert Gilmore.
Ida used to attend church in Old Buckenham on Sundays and during the week meet up with friends on the village Green which is where she met her husband Keith. Ida was also in the Girl Guides and St John ambulance, both of which she enjoyed with great interest. Keith was working at Larkmans in Attleborough as an apprentice agricultural engineer and Ida worked at Briton Brush. She cycled to work there with her two friends Maureen and Cynthia Soanes.
At 21 Ida got engaged to Keith. He had now finished his apprenticeship and had to do two years national service. They rented the cottage at Post Office terrace in Old Buckenham six months before Keith finished his national service so it was ready for them to move into when they married on 22 February 1960 in Old Buckenham church. Ida remained in this cottage for all the rest of her life, she was married for almost 49 years and was devastated when her husband died suddenly in October 2008.
Ida was kept going after her husband’s death by her strong faith and knowledge that she would be reunited with her beloved husband.
(Details provided by Ida’s niece Amanda Welham)
 |
| Villagers stand outside All Saints Church to pay their respects at Ida's funeral |
Ivy Beales, Ida’s sister, and her family wish to thank Amanda and her family for all they have done to help, particularly in making the funeral arrangements.
Friday, 22 May 2020
Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes
A virtual meeting
These notes by the blog editor have been written from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met virtually via Zoom on Thursday 7 May. Those ‘present’ were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chair), Steve Milner, Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook, Ben Devlin and Andy Nicholls. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and six members of the public. Prior to the meeting, councillors had emailed their votes for Chair and Vice-chair. Jonn Hicks was re-elected as Chair (4 in favour, 3 abstain) and Steve Milner was re-elected as Vice-chair (6 in favour).
The minutes of the meeting held in March were approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain). There were no matters arising or any reports of matters arising from those minutes.
Declarations of interests. Ben Devlin had a planning application being discussed later in the meeting.
Financial matters. Balance at bank is £38,836.91. Income received was a VAT refund £2,802.95 and Precept payment of £10,192.50. Payments approved (7 in favour) totalled £1196.31.
Playground. Several members of the public have explained their frustration at the playground maintenance (and subsequent closure) taking too long. Because of lockdown, the company providing the rubber pellets is unable to produce them and consequently some of the work could not be completed by the contractor. A member of the public explained that they understand the limitations of lockdown, but could we look at alternative suppliers who are open or tap in to the many volunteers in the village. Jonn Hicks explained that the company providing the pellets is going to re-open on Monday 11 May and so the contractor has been told the work should therefore be completed immediately, hopefully by the end of the following week. While the chairman was very grateful to the offers of help by villagers, he was reluctant to involve groups of people during lockdown and explained that there may be problems with insurance if there was an accident. Once work is completed, RoSPA will inspect it and it can be ready for use (once the government allow).
*The PC paused the meeting to allow the 8pm Clap for Carers*
Communication in current situation. Jonn Hicks said he would like to thank everyone in the village who have helped residents during this difficult time. His full message can be found in the May copy of the village newsletter.
Mike Farrington raised the point that the village newsletter has become an important source of information at this time, especially for those not online or using social media. The current advertising costs don’t cover printing a copy for every household in the village and Puddledock is felt too dangerous for people to deliver to. The village newsletter editor has paid personally to ensure everyone has a printed copy during this time at a cost of just over £40. Could the Parish Council subsidise/contribute in some way? There was an initial difficulty in distribution too but the team of volunteers have aimed to deliver copies to the whole village. Jonn Hicks proposed giving the village newsletter (the only community magazine still in print during lockdown) a one off cheque for £300 as a short term solution to help cover the extra printing during the coronavirus situation (approximately five months including the May issue). The issue will be discussed further at a future meeting to look at long term ideas. This payment was agreed (7 in favour).
Terri Hammond has been the key coordinator of the volunteers in the village and wished to update the Parish Council on the current situation. There are currently 15 volunteers covering the whole of the village. They have made over 85 prescription runs, collected lots of food packages and are working with Breckland Council to help with any emergency help in the village. If there is anyone who requires help, please contact Terri Hammond/the Parish Council/a neighbour. Also please check on neighbours and ensure no-one is struggling alone. The volunteers have been working with OB2000 Trust to co-ordinate money for food/prescriptions. Electronic payments are made to the Trust by the resident, who is then passing the money on to the volunteers. If a resident is unable to pay electronically, the Trust is temporarily covering the debt until the resident can arrange payment safely. Thanks are due to the OB2000 Trust for their help at this time. The Chairman added that the Parish Council can’t give financial support at this time, so if there is anyone who is in financial difficulty, please contact Breckland Council for information.
Jonn Hicks took a moment to explain that during this difficult time, we need to be grateful and thankful to everyone for their help and remember those that have recently passed. The village also recently lost three great residents (not to Covid-19) and they will be greatly missed. The Parish Council held a 1 minute silence.
Rachel Noyes asked the Parish Council whether they have considered a Parish Council Facebook page due to its popularity in the village? Currently, Rachel Noyes uses her personal account to make Parish Council announcements online and would prefer not to. It could also be a source of keeping the village updated on Parish Council events/work/improvements to the village etc. Steve Milner explained that there had recently been a meeting of himself, the village newsletter editor and a member of the public with experience in IT/Communications to discuss the Parish Council Communications Strategy. This was broken down to four key points:
- What is being communicated?
- When is it communicated?
- Who is sending out the information and to whom?
- How is it communicated?
The group also highlighted the need for someone to own the communication (Clerk/Chair) and look at the various aspects of communication: website (which will need to meet new NALC guidelines), social media, those not on social media, newsletter, etc. It was felt by many that the Parish Council needs to get more of the good news out to the public as it is very easy to focus on negative comments. The need to make the communication two-way was also highlighted and a member of the public asked whether it was worth only having one central source of information to reduce confusion. The Parish Council decided to meet up (once allowed) and come up with a clear Communications Policy which will encompass all these aspects before proceeding with anything new.
Public participation. Members of the public contributed to the discussions as appropriate.
New planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications - Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
West View Farm, The Green. Convert the existing barn into one dwelling and to build two new dwellings with a new access to service the three dwellings (3PL/2020/0327/LB). This application is linked with application 3PL/2020/0326/F. There was great concern by many councillors that this development would lead to an increase in traffic on a small road, past a playground and pub, which is used as one of the main walking routes to the schools. No comment yet received from Highways. The ecological survey needs further investigation too. The access road to the properties would run past a listed building, which could potentially cause damage. However it was highlighted that building on these areas to “fill in the gaps” in the village is preferable to expanding outwards. A proposal to object was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).
5 Oaklands. Removal of garage; new side and rear extension (3PL/2020/0379/HOU). No obvious problems with the application. Proposal to support was approved (7 in favour).
Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Prior approval for change of use from agricultural to C3 residential use under Class Q(a) only (3PN/2020/0014/UC).
*Ben Devlin was temporarily removed from the meeting for this application*
Previous application was rejected as tried to apply for Class Q(a) and (b) last time and mistakes were made in application. Only for Class Q(a) this time. Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).
Planning Decisions by Breckland Council. The following five applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved.
Nivelles, Fen Street. Proposed front entrance hall extension and alterations (3PL/2020/0113/HOU).
Apple Tree House, Church Lane. Demolition of west side lean-to. Demolition of front wall to the front porch to create open fronted canopy. Construction of a single-storey flat roof extension to the rear and small canopy porch to the east. Installation of ground source heating (3PL/2020/0150/HOU).
17 Hargham Road. 1st floor extension and ground floor infill creating a 1½ storey dwelling with annex accommodation (3PL/2020/0189/HOU).
Attleborough SUE Land south of Attleborough, Attleborough. Outline planning consent for all matters reserved apart from the principle means of vehicular access (3 accesses onto the B1077 Buckenham Road; 1 access across Burgh Common; 1 access across Hargham Road, 1 access across Leys Lane and 1 access onto London Road) for residential development for up to 4,000 dwellings on land to the south of Attleborough; construction of new link road between Buckenham Road and London Road, pedestrian footbridge across the railway line to connect with Leys Lane, provision of two, 2-form entry primary schools; Local centre including up to 2,600m2 gross floorspace for uses within Class A1 (shops), up to 1,400m2 (gross) for uses within Classes A2/A3/A4 and/or A5 and petrol filling station, along with up to 2,100m2 (gross) for Community Uses (Class D1). Two further neighbourhood centres together including up to 400m2 (gross) for uses within Classes A1/A2/A3 and/or A5, sports pitches, public open space and amenity greenspace with sustainable drainage systems and associated infrastructure (including off-site town centre highway improvements) and demolition of existing unused sewage works and agricultural buildings (3PL/2017/0996/O).
The Farm, Doe Lane. Erection of new poultry shed adjacent to poultry shed no. 7 and erection of associated 3 feed silos and removal of existing outbuilding. Provision of new steel shed adjacent to poultry shed no. 1 (3PL/2020/0071/F).
The following application has now been considered and the application has been refused.
Land adjacent Caldcleugh dwelling under construction at The Old Asparagus Field, Cake Street. Revised access location to dwelling approved under ref 3PL/2018/1014/VAR (3PL/2020/0171/F).
Road Safety. The SAM sign is back after having Bluetooth installed (to allow safer download of data when roadside). Can currently download on to a phone only and so may need to purchase a small notebook computer purely for use with the SAM sign and to store all the data. This will be looked at in a future meeting.
Recreation Area. This has been rolled. Currently unable to purchase football goals but will do as soon as possible.
Councillors’ reports. Adrian Joel said that two new allotments had been rented. Need access to the water meter for a reading but it is currently overgrown, will be cleared and tided as soon as possible. Terry Cook reported that no Village Hall meetings are currently being held but please be aware that the recycling bins are presently full as priority of collections has been given to care homes, etc. The Village Hall has also applied for a grant to help with current finances but are still waiting for a verdict. Jonn Hicks made a recommendation that the Village Hall Committee be offered a deferment on their loan repayment (a repayment holiday) until after the Covid19 virus epidemic and added to the end of the loan repayment period. Councillors present agreed to the proposal and this suggestion would be put to the Village Hall committee to see if they wished to take up the offer. Mike Farrington said that less traffic on the roads recently means that Puddledock has been a lot quieter with only one small accident in the last couple of months. Ben Devlin told the meeting that he has a new lawnmower so is happy to help with cutting play area, etc, when work there is completed.
Next agenda. Items to be covered would include a Covid-19 update, the Action Plan, encouraging more people to join the Parish Council and village communications
Next Parish Council meeting is to be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday 4 June starting at 7.30pm.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met virtually via Zoom on Thursday 7 May. Those ‘present’ were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chair), Steve Milner, Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook, Ben Devlin and Andy Nicholls. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and six members of the public. Prior to the meeting, councillors had emailed their votes for Chair and Vice-chair. Jonn Hicks was re-elected as Chair (4 in favour, 3 abstain) and Steve Milner was re-elected as Vice-chair (6 in favour).
The minutes of the meeting held in March were approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain). There were no matters arising or any reports of matters arising from those minutes.
Declarations of interests. Ben Devlin had a planning application being discussed later in the meeting.
Financial matters. Balance at bank is £38,836.91. Income received was a VAT refund £2,802.95 and Precept payment of £10,192.50. Payments approved (7 in favour) totalled £1196.31.
Playground. Several members of the public have explained their frustration at the playground maintenance (and subsequent closure) taking too long. Because of lockdown, the company providing the rubber pellets is unable to produce them and consequently some of the work could not be completed by the contractor. A member of the public explained that they understand the limitations of lockdown, but could we look at alternative suppliers who are open or tap in to the many volunteers in the village. Jonn Hicks explained that the company providing the pellets is going to re-open on Monday 11 May and so the contractor has been told the work should therefore be completed immediately, hopefully by the end of the following week. While the chairman was very grateful to the offers of help by villagers, he was reluctant to involve groups of people during lockdown and explained that there may be problems with insurance if there was an accident. Once work is completed, RoSPA will inspect it and it can be ready for use (once the government allow).
*The PC paused the meeting to allow the 8pm Clap for Carers*
Communication in current situation. Jonn Hicks said he would like to thank everyone in the village who have helped residents during this difficult time. His full message can be found in the May copy of the village newsletter.
Mike Farrington raised the point that the village newsletter has become an important source of information at this time, especially for those not online or using social media. The current advertising costs don’t cover printing a copy for every household in the village and Puddledock is felt too dangerous for people to deliver to. The village newsletter editor has paid personally to ensure everyone has a printed copy during this time at a cost of just over £40. Could the Parish Council subsidise/contribute in some way? There was an initial difficulty in distribution too but the team of volunteers have aimed to deliver copies to the whole village. Jonn Hicks proposed giving the village newsletter (the only community magazine still in print during lockdown) a one off cheque for £300 as a short term solution to help cover the extra printing during the coronavirus situation (approximately five months including the May issue). The issue will be discussed further at a future meeting to look at long term ideas. This payment was agreed (7 in favour).
Terri Hammond has been the key coordinator of the volunteers in the village and wished to update the Parish Council on the current situation. There are currently 15 volunteers covering the whole of the village. They have made over 85 prescription runs, collected lots of food packages and are working with Breckland Council to help with any emergency help in the village. If there is anyone who requires help, please contact Terri Hammond/the Parish Council/a neighbour. Also please check on neighbours and ensure no-one is struggling alone. The volunteers have been working with OB2000 Trust to co-ordinate money for food/prescriptions. Electronic payments are made to the Trust by the resident, who is then passing the money on to the volunteers. If a resident is unable to pay electronically, the Trust is temporarily covering the debt until the resident can arrange payment safely. Thanks are due to the OB2000 Trust for their help at this time. The Chairman added that the Parish Council can’t give financial support at this time, so if there is anyone who is in financial difficulty, please contact Breckland Council for information.
Jonn Hicks took a moment to explain that during this difficult time, we need to be grateful and thankful to everyone for their help and remember those that have recently passed. The village also recently lost three great residents (not to Covid-19) and they will be greatly missed. The Parish Council held a 1 minute silence.
Rachel Noyes asked the Parish Council whether they have considered a Parish Council Facebook page due to its popularity in the village? Currently, Rachel Noyes uses her personal account to make Parish Council announcements online and would prefer not to. It could also be a source of keeping the village updated on Parish Council events/work/improvements to the village etc. Steve Milner explained that there had recently been a meeting of himself, the village newsletter editor and a member of the public with experience in IT/Communications to discuss the Parish Council Communications Strategy. This was broken down to four key points:
- What is being communicated?
- When is it communicated?
- Who is sending out the information and to whom?
- How is it communicated?
The group also highlighted the need for someone to own the communication (Clerk/Chair) and look at the various aspects of communication: website (which will need to meet new NALC guidelines), social media, those not on social media, newsletter, etc. It was felt by many that the Parish Council needs to get more of the good news out to the public as it is very easy to focus on negative comments. The need to make the communication two-way was also highlighted and a member of the public asked whether it was worth only having one central source of information to reduce confusion. The Parish Council decided to meet up (once allowed) and come up with a clear Communications Policy which will encompass all these aspects before proceeding with anything new.
Public participation. Members of the public contributed to the discussions as appropriate.
New planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications - Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
West View Farm, The Green. Convert the existing barn into one dwelling and to build two new dwellings with a new access to service the three dwellings (3PL/2020/0327/LB). This application is linked with application 3PL/2020/0326/F. There was great concern by many councillors that this development would lead to an increase in traffic on a small road, past a playground and pub, which is used as one of the main walking routes to the schools. No comment yet received from Highways. The ecological survey needs further investigation too. The access road to the properties would run past a listed building, which could potentially cause damage. However it was highlighted that building on these areas to “fill in the gaps” in the village is preferable to expanding outwards. A proposal to object was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).
5 Oaklands. Removal of garage; new side and rear extension (3PL/2020/0379/HOU). No obvious problems with the application. Proposal to support was approved (7 in favour).
Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Prior approval for change of use from agricultural to C3 residential use under Class Q(a) only (3PN/2020/0014/UC).
*Ben Devlin was temporarily removed from the meeting for this application*
Previous application was rejected as tried to apply for Class Q(a) and (b) last time and mistakes were made in application. Only for Class Q(a) this time. Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).
Planning Decisions by Breckland Council. The following five applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved.
Nivelles, Fen Street. Proposed front entrance hall extension and alterations (3PL/2020/0113/HOU).
Apple Tree House, Church Lane. Demolition of west side lean-to. Demolition of front wall to the front porch to create open fronted canopy. Construction of a single-storey flat roof extension to the rear and small canopy porch to the east. Installation of ground source heating (3PL/2020/0150/HOU).
17 Hargham Road. 1st floor extension and ground floor infill creating a 1½ storey dwelling with annex accommodation (3PL/2020/0189/HOU).
Attleborough SUE Land south of Attleborough, Attleborough. Outline planning consent for all matters reserved apart from the principle means of vehicular access (3 accesses onto the B1077 Buckenham Road; 1 access across Burgh Common; 1 access across Hargham Road, 1 access across Leys Lane and 1 access onto London Road) for residential development for up to 4,000 dwellings on land to the south of Attleborough; construction of new link road between Buckenham Road and London Road, pedestrian footbridge across the railway line to connect with Leys Lane, provision of two, 2-form entry primary schools; Local centre including up to 2,600m2 gross floorspace for uses within Class A1 (shops), up to 1,400m2 (gross) for uses within Classes A2/A3/A4 and/or A5 and petrol filling station, along with up to 2,100m2 (gross) for Community Uses (Class D1). Two further neighbourhood centres together including up to 400m2 (gross) for uses within Classes A1/A2/A3 and/or A5, sports pitches, public open space and amenity greenspace with sustainable drainage systems and associated infrastructure (including off-site town centre highway improvements) and demolition of existing unused sewage works and agricultural buildings (3PL/2017/0996/O).
The Farm, Doe Lane. Erection of new poultry shed adjacent to poultry shed no. 7 and erection of associated 3 feed silos and removal of existing outbuilding. Provision of new steel shed adjacent to poultry shed no. 1 (3PL/2020/0071/F).
The following application has now been considered and the application has been refused.
Land adjacent Caldcleugh dwelling under construction at The Old Asparagus Field, Cake Street. Revised access location to dwelling approved under ref 3PL/2018/1014/VAR (3PL/2020/0171/F).
Road Safety. The SAM sign is back after having Bluetooth installed (to allow safer download of data when roadside). Can currently download on to a phone only and so may need to purchase a small notebook computer purely for use with the SAM sign and to store all the data. This will be looked at in a future meeting.
Recreation Area. This has been rolled. Currently unable to purchase football goals but will do as soon as possible.
Councillors’ reports. Adrian Joel said that two new allotments had been rented. Need access to the water meter for a reading but it is currently overgrown, will be cleared and tided as soon as possible. Terry Cook reported that no Village Hall meetings are currently being held but please be aware that the recycling bins are presently full as priority of collections has been given to care homes, etc. The Village Hall has also applied for a grant to help with current finances but are still waiting for a verdict. Jonn Hicks made a recommendation that the Village Hall Committee be offered a deferment on their loan repayment (a repayment holiday) until after the Covid19 virus epidemic and added to the end of the loan repayment period. Councillors present agreed to the proposal and this suggestion would be put to the Village Hall committee to see if they wished to take up the offer. Mike Farrington said that less traffic on the roads recently means that Puddledock has been a lot quieter with only one small accident in the last couple of months. Ben Devlin told the meeting that he has a new lawnmower so is happy to help with cutting play area, etc, when work there is completed.
Next agenda. Items to be covered would include a Covid-19 update, the Action Plan, encouraging more people to join the Parish Council and village communications
Next Parish Council meeting is to be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday 4 June starting at 7.30pm.
Sunday, 17 May 2020
Old Buckenham headmaster 100 years ago
Can you help?
Shirley Boothroyd has contacted the newsletter editor to try to find out more about her relative who had an important job in the village over a hundred years ago.
Her great great uncle John Curtis Trinder lived with his wife Ellen in Old Buckenham from 1890 to approximately 1915. He was the master at the school next to the church and they lived in the schoolhouse, according to the censuses of 1891, 1901 and 1911. Whilst living there he was also the clerk to the board of charity trustees (Kellys Directory). He was quite a musical man as there are several reviews of him performing in concerts at Deeping St James and at the Assembly rooms in The George Hotel, New Buckenham.
She is trying to find information and possibly photos of the school, children and teachers for this period (1890-1915). Perhaps someone in the village would have had grandparents that attended as children? He would have attended All Saints so would there be any records there? Maybe Sunday school picnics etc. He retired from the school so could there be some publicity around that event? They then left Old Buckenham and went to live in the village of Briston until 1921, when he died.
The newsletter editor has sent some photos of the Church Rooms in the past and is it is now.
Shirley is happy for people to contact her direct by email at sboothroyd3@gmail.com and the newsletter editor would appreciate being copied in on obnewspostbox@aol.com so that he can keep readers up-to-date on any progress.
Shirley Boothroyd has contacted the newsletter editor to try to find out more about her relative who had an important job in the village over a hundred years ago.
Her great great uncle John Curtis Trinder lived with his wife Ellen in Old Buckenham from 1890 to approximately 1915. He was the master at the school next to the church and they lived in the schoolhouse, according to the censuses of 1891, 1901 and 1911. Whilst living there he was also the clerk to the board of charity trustees (Kellys Directory). He was quite a musical man as there are several reviews of him performing in concerts at Deeping St James and at the Assembly rooms in The George Hotel, New Buckenham.
She is trying to find information and possibly photos of the school, children and teachers for this period (1890-1915). Perhaps someone in the village would have had grandparents that attended as children? He would have attended All Saints so would there be any records there? Maybe Sunday school picnics etc. He retired from the school so could there be some publicity around that event? They then left Old Buckenham and went to live in the village of Briston until 1921, when he died.
The newsletter editor has sent some photos of the Church Rooms in the past and is it is now.
Shirley is happy for people to contact her direct by email at sboothroyd3@gmail.com and the newsletter editor would appreciate being copied in on obnewspostbox@aol.com so that he can keep readers up-to-date on any progress.
Friday, 8 May 2020
Thursday, 7 May 2020
Future road closure in Old Buckenham
What route will you take?
Cake Street to be closed near the junction with Harlingwood Lane in less than two weeks time.
Cake Street to be closed near the junction with Harlingwood Lane in less than two weeks time.
Sunday, 3 May 2020
Recycling in Old Buckenham
Save now for later
The Village Hall Management Committee are having problems with the collection of waste from the containers in the hall car park, particularly the one for wastepaper. They are doing their best to get something done about this as soon as possible. In the mean time they ask the people of the village to bear with them and to continue to collect material ready for when they can get the bins emptied.
Your efforts to recycle material via these bins also raises funds that go towards the upkeep of the village hall.
The Village Hall Management Committee are having problems with the collection of waste from the containers in the hall car park, particularly the one for wastepaper. They are doing their best to get something done about this as soon as possible. In the mean time they ask the people of the village to bear with them and to continue to collect material ready for when they can get the bins emptied.
Your efforts to recycle material via these bins also raises funds that go towards the upkeep of the village hall.
Brightening up Old Buckenham
First posters posted
The first posters have now been put up on the noticeboard at the Methodist Church. Here are Anna and Lucy Hornbrook who had just put up some pictures, plus a further one by Travis Gipp.
More pictures please as there is still lots of space to fill (details posted on Monday 27 April)
The first posters have now been put up on the noticeboard at the Methodist Church. Here are Anna and Lucy Hornbrook who had just put up some pictures, plus a further one by Travis Gipp.
More pictures please as there is still lots of space to fill (details posted on Monday 27 April)
Saturday, 2 May 2020
Old Buckenham telephone call
Who was talking from the phone?
The link below is to a BBC radio programme on BBC Radio 4 extra today that contains an old recording of a lady talking from the telephone box by Old Post Office Terrace
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000hn28
Go about 45 minutes into the programme. Her name sounds as if it was Lancaster. Can anyone tell me more?
Thanks to Jackie Terry and the power of the village Facebook site we have learnt that the caller's name was Margaret Lancaster and she lived at Carr Farm, Old Buckenham. If Jackie remember rightly it was Radio Norfolk that she phoned and the call just went on and on.They used to keep playing it as one of their classic callers. Her husband was Tony Lancaster and he worked for John Alston of Besthorpe Hall. They had a daughter called Denise who lives in Attleborough.
The link below is to a BBC radio programme on BBC Radio 4 extra today that contains an old recording of a lady talking from the telephone box by Old Post Office Terrace
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000hn28
Go about 45 minutes into the programme. Her name sounds as if it was Lancaster. Can anyone tell me more?
Thanks to Jackie Terry and the power of the village Facebook site we have learnt that the caller's name was Margaret Lancaster and she lived at Carr Farm, Old Buckenham. If Jackie remember rightly it was Radio Norfolk that she phoned and the call just went on and on.They used to keep playing it as one of their classic callers. Her husband was Tony Lancaster and he worked for John Alston of Besthorpe Hall. They had a daughter called Denise who lives in Attleborough.
Friday, 1 May 2020
Latest Old Buckenham village newsletter
Enjoy the May issue
Extra effort is being made to get one through all the letterboxes in the village. If you are a member of the Old Buckenham Facebook, you can download the artwork on a recent post there.
The contents contain different articles this month as there were no parish council minutes to include. You can read about the winter of 1709 or the jobs on offer in the EDP during November 1969. There are even a couple of pages of poetry...
Extra effort is being made to get one through all the letterboxes in the village. If you are a member of the Old Buckenham Facebook, you can download the artwork on a recent post there.
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