Starting the year in Old Buckenham

It's time for some exercise

Have you put some polish on those boots or stout shoes? Are you ready for the New Year's Day walk tomorrow? Starting from the Village Hall at 10.30am it will be a relatively short walk. Should be in need of more exercise just walk from home to the hall and back home again afterwards.

Bring plenty of change to put in the pot for donations after you have had your homemade soup and rolls. A chance to meet your friends for a natter and maybe meet new friends too. See you there for the start of 2024.

Old Buckenham newsletter for start of 2024

 Now circulating

The January 2024 newsletter arrived from the printer yesterday and copies have started being distributed around the village.Thanks to our printer working yesterday we are in time for you to read about the New Year's Day walk and the pantomime happening later in the month. Read and enjoy.

Donate tins to St Martins in Old Buckenham

 

The Old Buckenham

Christmas Eve Donations for St Martins

 

Donations of non-perishable foods (tins, etc.)  for St Martins Housing Trust very gratefully received – anytime during the day on Christmas Eve

Please leave inside the church this year – not at the Bookshop/Church Rooms

THANK YOU

and Happy Christmas to you all

Christmas opening at Old Buckenham village shop

Good news

If you find you have forgotten some vital ingredient or need to restock your drinks, help is at hand. If you are wondering how you will manage to get by this Christmas, Krishna has told me the village shop will be open for you on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10am to 12 noon. 

Old Buckenham walk in 2024

The Old Buckenham

NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK

 

…calling all those keen to stretch their legs and walk off a little of that ‘slightly over indulged’ feeling!

The walk will start at the Village Hall this year – setting off at 10.30am.  Dogs on leads welcome.

On return to the hall there will be the usual homemade soup and rolls

No charge but generous donations welcome for St Martins Housing Trust

 or if you prefer

 The main change this year is that we will be leaving from the village hall at 10.30am and not the church rooms. Why not come out and enjoy some fresh air with family and friends and maybe make new friends? The walk will be approximately 2 to 3 miles walking on fields and roads, dogs on leads will be welcome. After the walk you are invited back to the village hall for homemade  soup and rolls etc. 

We normally ask for a voluntary donations and again this year any monies raised will be donated to St Martins Housing Trust "More than a home for the homeless"

Thanks

Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes for December

 Report on latest Council meeting.

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 December at 7pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Apologies for not being able to attend had been received from Doug Irons and Ali McWilliam. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and three members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 November were approved (5 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community Account balance was currently at £26,815.44. Payments of £1188.99 were approved (4 in favour). These included £262.1 for the community car drivers, £495.33 for the salary of the Clerk and RFO, £62.20 for new bulbs for the Christmas tree on the Green, £125 for electrical services and £30.95 for batteries to go in the defibrillators.

Councillors' reports. Naomi Bailey reported on problems at both schools regarding cars parking on footpaths. She has spoken to all parties involved and both agreed to send letters to parents asking for this to cease. Naomi Bailey had also received a letter from a resident regarding the over flowing water at the Ottomer Pond and she will write to the resident. Steve Gowers will speak to John Frost to investigate where the overflow pipe for the pond is, if there is one.

Naomi Bailey then made a statement regarding the picnic benches on the Green outside the Ox and Plough. These have now been removed from the Green for the winter as the correct paperwork was not submitted for them to remain there for the winter. She also asked that if any resident has an issue with this, that they attend the Parish Council meeting (which is held the first Thursday of every month) and not voice their anger via social media. They can then give their opinion so that any questions they may have can be answered.

Lesley Evison reported that Prince Harry’s Wood has a large amount of rubbish to be cleared. Steve Gowers now has the correct number of volunteers to enable the Speedwatch group to restart. More are still required so he can set up more than one group to enable the a larger presence in the village. Also there are an increasing number of HGVs flouting the weight limit on Hargham Road. The Clerk to write to local companies to make them aware we will be watching and reporting to the authorities.

Pete Twissell has completed the hedge planting on the recreation ground. He also confirmed the Village Hall Management Committee will allow the Parish Council to open an office within the Village Hall in January. The Clerk and the Parish Council would like to thank Norwich Lighting Centre for the donation of 50 clear LED bulbs for the Christmas tree.

Green Report. The Green has had its final cut for 2023 and also the areas around the trees have been cut back. Thanks to Suggitts for their service again this year.

Planning applications. There were no new planning applications, no amended applications, no planning decisions by Breckland and no planning appeals to be reported or considered.

Precept Grants. After discussion, the following awards were made:

Monday Mardle, applied for £125, granted £125.

Almshouses Trust, applied for £1000, granted £500.

Pre Loved, applied for £200, granted £200.

Fawns Playgroup, applied for £468, granted £200.

Old Buckenham Windmill, applied for £1000, granted £1000.

Open Produce Show, applied for £500, granted £250.

Primary School Families Association, applied for £500, granted £250.

Old Buckenham Village Hall, applied for £1000, granted £1000.

Public participation. Nothing from the public.

Items for next agenda. These included the Precept, current situation with solar farm, Green issues update and footpath from Village Hall to Chapel Green School.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 4 January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Raising money in Old Buckenham

Festive refreshments and more

A week ago an event was held in our Village Hall to raise some funds for All Saints Church. There were lots of stalls and  plenty of visitors. It is understood that over £400 was raised during the afternoon.

Old Buckenham newsletter

Words needed for January 2024

Our village newsletter is one that does produce an edition every month of the year. January needs that extra bit of effort from the editor and the printer to do their best to ensure it gets out on time. Copy date for this next issue is Wednesday 20 December so please send any contributions to the editor as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hedging in Old Buckenham car park

 Schools plant very young hedge

When the old fence started to fall down, it was decided to replace it with some proper hedging. The tiny plants and their protective shields are now in and hopefully starting to grow.

More details to come later

History of Old Buckenham blog

It started fifteen years ago

At the beginning of December 2008 this blog was launched. 151,028 visitors recorded  so far. That's not many, popular blogs could get that number of hits in a day. Visitors come from all over the world but 85% are from the UK with the United States (6%) and Norway, France and India all around just 1%. Seventeen countries like Senegal, Angola and Malawi have only made a single visit in fifteen years.

At the moment the blog editor publishes around ten posts per month. Hardly anybody has bothered to put on any comments even thought it is easy to do. Will we make twenty years of blogging?

Fallen tree in Old Buckenham graveyard

Problem to solve

About three weeks ago, the tallest tree in the church yard at All Saints fell to the ground. It somehow managed to miss all the nearby gravestones. It has been gradually dismantled by volunteers happy to get some future firewood for their wood-burning stoves. Much timber now taken away.

But what next? The remaining tree is supported by one massive bough. How do they cut the rest down without some very heavy trunks falling on the nearby gravestones?

Another winner in Old Buckenham

Well done Phin

Fen Street has the winner in this EDP Business Awards event.

December newsletter out in Old Buckenham

 Still plenty to read

There is more about our Methodist Church, future events at the Old School Bookshop, a  review of Horse Play, the High School allotment project and, of course, notes on the last Parish Council meeting. Even a Christmas Word Search for you to solve. It should soon be dropping through letterboxes all over Old Buckenham (or you may well have had it already).

It looks like this:

Bookshop opens in Old Buckenham

 Opens to villagers today

There was a preview of the new Old School Bookshop late yesterday afternoon when a few guests were invited inside to have a look around.The old Church Rooms are getting a thorough makeover and the shop is open for villagers for a short while today, Sunday 26 November, so that more people can see the transformation that has taken place.

Come and see inside between 1pm and 3pm.

Here are a few photos to whet your appetite.

Market in Old Buckenham

Another chance to visit Chapel Green School

Lots of stalls and other activities for you to enjoy. Book the date now and then go along and explore. 

Review of Old Buckenham's 'Horse Play'

Moving story of a Norwich horse

One member of the audience who was at the Village Hall last Friday has provided this review of Horse Play which was performed at the hall that evening.

What a surprising performance this was! I don’t think the audience expected a working television screen to appear on the back of the set or for part of it to open for a horse to poke his long brown head out and then proceed to speak! The play, written by Katie-Anna Whiting and performed by her and fellow actor Florence Wright, continued to surprise as we watched their portrayal of different characters, their accents and turns of phrase as they unfolded the story of Sprowston Boy. We knew of course that Sprowie would win at Royal Ascot but we were led to his glorious achievement through an outline of man’s long relationship to the horse, into the vagaries of race course betting, including a lesson on what to look for in a good steed and how the going of the track helps or hinders the racers.

The set proved a most ingenious means of framing the action, with its TV screen, its use of press cuttings, its multiple openings and use of race track rails. The lighting and sounds were slickly co-ordinated to showcase the action on stage, a tribute to Tom, the technical controller. Katie and Florence carried the action on stage with confidence in their various roles and the appropriate language of race commentators, trainers, punters, patronising fellow jockeys, all with understated humour. Most touching of all was Katie’s portrayal of Geoff, her grandfather, a wise and kindly figure brought to life.

This was no feminist vehicle but all the more powerful for highlighting the poor treatment female riders were subjected to in a male-dominated business. Gay won her race but decades had to pass before another female proved victorious. The appeal of the tale drew much power from its closeness to our region and to the writer’s grandfather who part-owned Sprowston Boy. A proud moment for her to celebrate a remarkable man who visited his mount every day, long after his Ascot triumph.

'Horse Play' continues its tour of East Anglian venues, supported by the Arts Council and Norfolk Arts Awards. Produced by Katie-anna Whiting and with original music by Skinny Boy Tunes, directed Daniel Burgess and designed by Fern Blevins.

Well reviewed play for Old Buckenham

Favourite to win on Friday

Horse Play will arrive in our village hall on Friday night. It has had great reviews on its way around Norfolk this month and this will be the chance for those in and around Old Buckenham to see it for themselves. Remember that doors open at 6.45pm on Friday so you can come and chat and drink before the start at 7.30pm. Come prepared with a few tissues and see if it lives up to the earlier reviews.

If you haven't reserved a place yet, you can still email bookings.obvh@gmail.com or ring 07880 660444. Or even risk turning up with your £10 note in your hand prior to the start. 

Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Latest set of minutes

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 2 November at Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam, Doug Irons,  Pete Twissell, Paul Phillips, Stan Burton and Steve Gowers. Apologies for non attendance had been received from Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and four members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 5 October were approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £28,264.44. Payments totalling £1408.25 were approved (7 in favour). These included grass cutting, work on the flagpole and hire of the village hall for meetings.

Reports from councillors. Stan Burton has collected the trailer and has it stored in his grain store awaiting its sale. Looking for a minimum of £800. Pete Twissell has spoken with all schools regarding hedge planting around the recreation ground. All schools are willing to take part and he is awaiting delivery from the Woodland Trust and will then liaise with all parties. Ali McWilliam has had two more allotment applications and the Clerk to send invoices. Doug Irons is awaiting update for the new website. Steve Gowers has moved the SAM sign to Cake Street and is still looking for volunteers for the Community Speedwatch. He will contact Westcot regarding training for the SAM sign to enable the downloading of the information stored on it to recommence.

Green report. Ali McWinter attended the Green meeting. Green Right holders to contribute £1000 towards the tree maintenance work that needs to be undertaken before the spring. The final cut of the Green has been postponed due to the wet weather. The area behind the bus shelter needs tidying and Matt Harrowven from the coffee shop has offered his help. The grass around the trees by the Hovis House needs cutting but will need a small tractor and a flail machine due to the brambles, Naomi Bailey to speak to one of her clients to see if we can borrow a machine. Pot holes in the drive way by the Gamekeeper need urgent attention. Next Green meeting will be on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

New planning applications. Cricket Field, Old Buckenham Cricket Club. Internal changes to pavilion (larger bar area) and re-siting of traditional clock within a new dormer area (front elevation) (3PL/2023/1023/F). Approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

Planning decision by Breckland Council. The following application has been considered and has been approved. Stacksford House Farm, Stacksford. Proposed single storey side and link extensions (3PL/2023/0910/HOU).

The following application has been withdrawn: Cricket Field, Old Buckenham Cricket Club. Internal changes to pavilion (larger bar area) and re-siting of traditional clock within a new dormer area (front elevation) (3PL/2023/0960/LU).

Open Spaces Society. Agreed to not take part as of no obvious benefit to the village.

Christmas tree on Green. The Christmas tree lights ‘switch on’ will be Sunday 10 December with the tree being erected on Saturday 2 December. Agreed to ask Richard Bunn to provide new cables and sockets with £500 allocated for task. Will place a bucket in the village shop for parents to put children’s names in and a name picked from the bucket on the day will perform the switch on.

Parish Partnership Scheme. Steve Askew to chase the Parish Partnership regarding flooding issues within the village.

Remembrance Day. The Clerk will lay the wreath on behalf of the Parish Council and Ali McWilliam to perform the roll call of the fallen.

Parish Council representatives. Doug Irons has the key to the new flagpole and will look after its use.

Public participation. Nothing from the public.

Items for next agenda. These will include the Precept, playground repairs, Green cutting, Green issues update and footpath from Village Hall to Chapel Green School.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 December at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Today on Old Buckenham Green

The annual remembrance service

There was a large crowd from the very young to the much, much older who all gathered around the war memorial this morning. The blog editor was there as usual with his camera, took lots of pictures and then found that many were not usable because the camera is too clever for the editor.

Some were recovered and are shown below.

Horse Play in Old Buckenham

Nice piece on BBC Look East

There was an item on Look East evening news on Friday 3 November prior to the opening night of Horse Play at the Garage in Norwich.  This is what the playwright has said about the first night:

"It went down an absolute treat. Think Old Buckenham are going to really enjoy it!"

Book your place at Old Buckenham Village Hall now so that you can see it on Friday 17 November. Go to bookings.obvh@gmail.com or ring 07880 660444.

Old Buckenham newsletter for November

 Slightly later than usual.

It is only just starting being delivered around the village by all the volunteers that pop it through your letter box. You can read more about the cover story, the village's forthcoming bookshop, how to apply for a precept grant from the Parish Council, Father Christmas coming to the Mill in December, the results of the village quiz and the regular notes on the latest Parish Council meeting. Read and enjoy! 

Fund raiser in Old Buckenham

 Helping those with Alzeimers

A special Brunch and Cake sale was held today at Scales Farm. It was organised by Steve Askew with the support of many family members to help the charity that had helped them when Steve's father John suffered during his last few years.

The house soon filled up with many visitors and there was coffee, tea and bacon rolls available to quench their appetites. A large raffle with at least thirty prizes attracted a lot of interest and also a table full of all sorts of cakes, sausage rolls, scones and pickles.

Everyone seemed happy to sit and talk with new-found friends until the lengthy raffle draw took place. Then it was time to go home, well fed and clutching their raffle winnings knowing that they had raised lots of money for a very deserving cause.

The sum raised just today including the raffle was £746.95p. On line donations currently stand at £975 so it's been well worth the effort.

 

Churchyard clearance in Old Buckenham

 Lots of strimmers strimming

The wet weather caused the postponement for a week but there was plenty of action in the All Saints churchyard today. Here are a few photos of the action, when they stopped for coffee and then a group photo before getting back to work again.The grass was still wet and many wheelbarrows were needed to ferry it all away.

 Notes on October Parish Council meeting

These notes are written by the blog editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is changed at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 October at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church.

Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey Chair, Ali McWilliam, Doug Irons, Lesley Evison, Pete Twissell, Paul Phillips and Stan Burton. Apologies had been received from Steve Gowers and David Taylor. Also attending were Rachel Noyes Clerk) and three members of the public.

Proposal to approve Stan Burton as a new Parish Councillor was approved (6 in favour). The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 September were approved (5 in favour, 2 abstain). There were no declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members’ Register of Interests and Stan Burton to complete necessary paperwork before next meeting.

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £30,356.11. Received VAT refund of £1,044.09 and Precept instalment of £11,365.50. David Tranmer has paid up to date.

Payments totalling £2,136.87 were approved (7 in favour). These included £69.54 for defibrillator pads and £806.40 for newsletter paper.

Councillors’ reports. Pete Twissell had contacted the schools regarding hedge planting. Has had a positive reply from High School and Chapel Green but awaiting response from Primary School. Will continue to liaise about dates for planting.

Ali McWilliam said the allotment open day was quite successful with 2½ plots taken up which was more than target. Will continue to publicise them, including further afield.

Lesley Evison wanted to thank Councillor Steve Askew who had paid his contractors to cut the overgrown hedges on Barkers Lane. She also asked which bins around the Green are suitable for dog waste as saw some being deposited in bus shelter bin. The Clerk explained that many of the bins around the Green are for both dog waste and litter. She would check to confirm this includes one by bus shelter.

Doug Irons reported that 50% of new website has now been paid. A working copy will be provided in next couple of weeks. A working document is complete for analysing issues around the Green which will be discussed with the Green Working Party at their next meeting.

The Chair, Naomi Bailey, had attended the recent Breckland Local Plan meeting. Met many other local councillors. This plan is being reviewed for the next 23 years but Breckland will review it every five years. Many attendees stated that while they were not objecting to development, they were not for it either, as villages want to ensure they do not become towns. Additionally, there were strong feelings that infrastructure should be prioritised first. Many attendees also expressed a desire for local councils to be listened to more, as they know the local areas best of all. Councillors agreed these claims by explaining that half of the new houses in Attleborough will be built before new road (Bunns Bank to A11) and additional facilities are constructed. Ali McWilliam highlighted that most meetings were held during the day and so is unable to attend them because of work and so is having too travel far to attend. Recently conducted interviews for new Parish Clerk and RFO. Jonn Hicks will be taking over the roles from the start of November.

The Clerk reported on many things. The Breckland Mobile Food Van will be at the Village Hall car park every Friday between 1.15pm and 2.15pm. It will offer discounted food for a small initial joining fee. A replacement Tulip Tree purchased and planted for the Queen’s Jubilee Trees. Had received email from the Open Spaces Society offering their help and advice. Ali McWinter to research the cost and what is offered. Pads had been changed at Village Hall defibrillator. She is in the process of arranging road closure and wreath for Remembrance Sunday.

The Clerk is to order Christmas tree for the Green. Ali McWinter to liaise with David Tranmer about possibility of supplying electricity. Parish Council to make donation to pay for electricity. A resident has received offer of new free/discounted lights for the village Christmas Tree and will enquire further.

Green Report. No report as next meeting is on Monday 9 October. The Chair unable to attend but Stan Burton and Ali McWinter to attend instead.

Action Log updates. Skip at allotments filled with rubbish and now removed. The flagpole has been delivered and exact location confirmed. Handyman to install. Trailer inspected.

New planning applications. Stacksford House Farm, Stacksford. Proposed single storey side and link extensions (3PL/2023/0910/HOU). No objections. Very little information on application which makes it difficult to comment. Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have been considered and have been approved:

The Old School/Church Rooms, Crown Road. Three Non Illuminated Fascia Signs (3PL/2023/0399/A).

The Old School/Church Rooms, Crown Road. Proposed use of Church Rooms to include Class E (bookshop / cafe and sale of related merchandise)(3PL/2023/0398/F).

Land at 32 Fen Street. Erection of detached house and garage (3PL/2023/0414/F).

Arenal, New Buckenham Road. Change of use of site for storage, cutting and timber log distribution business, including extension to existing building for tractor/log storage and additional hard-standing area (retrospective) (3PL/2022/0433/F).

Planning Appeals. The following appeal has been dismissed: Hammonds Farm, Stacksford, Old Buckenham NR17 1PD. Appeal reference APP/F2605/W/23/3315976.

Trailer and equipment. Pete Twissel had inspected the trailer and equipment. Only slight signs of use on trailer and it is generally in good condition. Mower is in good condition and is stored in dry barn, rather than in trailer. Multipower tool (chainsaw/strimmer) is also in good condition and there are a few small accessories (petrol can, etc). Mower is still used at playground by Handyman. Have received offer to purchase trailer but feel it is worth a little more. The Clerk has enquired with insurance company about whether residents can use it. If selling the trailer, would need an alternative venue to store. Stan Burton offered a secure area to keep equipment. Proposal to sell the trailer for £1000 was approved (7 in favour). Will offer to local residents initially.

Precept Grants. Budget needs to be approved and submitted by end of January. Last year’s Precept grants were £4106. Naomi Bailey had comments from a few parishioners that felt the Precept Grants were a high total. Doug Irons and Paul Phillips felt that supporting local community groups should continue to be a priority of the Parish Council. Paul Phillips suggested writing an article for the newsletter explaining how the Precept works and how residents’ council tax is impacted by the Precept. Precept Grants will again be available from the Parish Council. Local community groups can apply for grants, which will be payable from the start of the next financial year. Grant application deadline is Thursday 30 November.

Insurance for events. Document from insurance company explains that, provided several conditions are met, that fetes are covered by their insurance. This will allow a resident to organise a village fete without seeking additional insurance. Resident will need to ensure these conditions are met and liaise with the Parish Council about the organisation of the event. Insurance Company will also be notified of the event.

Public participation. Paper has been delivered for printing next year of newsletters. Could Councillors please ensure they speak loudly and clearly in meetings for those villager who attend?

Items for next agenda. These will include Remembrance arrangements confirmation, Christmas Tree and switching on arrangements and any ideas for Parish Partnership Scheme.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 2 November at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Flags can fly in Old Buckenham

Up she goes

There was a flurry of activity on the Green this morning when our new flagpole arrived by tractor and was fitted to the concrete base that was installed last week. In less than an hour it was vertical and flying the Union Flag thanks to the efforts of John Fernihaugh and our village handyman Brent.   

Here is the story in pictures.