Latest Old Buckenham news

 The October village newsletter is here

Thanks to valiant efforts from our printer the printed copies of the latest newsletter arrived about about 8pm yesterday. It has now been distributed around the village and some lucky people will already had it put through their letterbox thanks to one or two people who live near the editor. Thank you everybody.

September Parish Council minutes

Ready for you to read 

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 September at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), County Councillor Steve Askew (from 8:45pm) and ten members of the public. A proposal to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8 August was agreed (6 in favour). 

Declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members' Register of interests. Ali McWilliam stated that her employment has changed. She is now doing supply teaching and setting up her own education business, as well as working as a singer.

Matters arising from the minutes: The Chair said the Christmas tree requires ordering and Remembrance Sunday wreaths and road closures to be arranged. Ali McWilliam said public comments regarding cutting grass around speed signs needed following up.

Steve Askew provided other information. The Breckland Food Hub started last year by attending our Village Hall in a mobile van but constant issues with the van caused it to cease coming. Breckland will be re-launching the service in the next few weeks under a different model. lt was also highlighted that someone from the Kenninghall Pantry (who are part of the set up) will be attending the Produce Show to provide further information.

When attending the Parish Council surgery on Saturday, a lady enquired about the recent footpath registration request (Ragg's Lane). He had looked into it and they are still going through the legal process. This may take a while and he will provide updates when possible. Community Groups (which includes the Parish Council) can put forward applications for a grant. Steps opposite the Stud have been closed off. Highways will be looking at possible solutions. `

Planning applications.  Note that Breckland have informed that there might be a slight delay to new applications due to switching over of their computer systems.

New planning application. Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Erection of a new agricultural building for the secure storage of agricultural machinery, hay, straw and haylage (3PL/2024/0503/F). Naomi Bailey explained that this would be placed behind the existing barn. Lesley Evison raised concern that this might be linked to a previous application for a trucking business on the same road. Further information to be requested from Breckland.

Woodland Trust Report. Peter Twissell and Stan Burton attended this public meeting. Plan looks very favourable with a mix of some evergreen but mostly deciduous trees. All trees will be native British trees and will be managed woodland, therefore some trees will be coppiced as they grow. Both areas will be accessible with footpaths and picnic benches. However this will be after several years, in order to allow trees to become established. Stan Burton highlighted that there were some concerns that this would cause British farmland to be going out of production.

Ali McWilliam produced an anonymous note that had been left for the Paris Council on the phone box noticeboard. The note objected to the Woodland as it would affect the view and reduce visibility for cars on Abbey Road. Member of public raised concern that when walking their dog recently on the fields that may be used for this woodland that there were signs stating that pesticides had been used and to keep dogs on a lead.

Finance Working Party. Proposal to set up a Finance Working Party was approved (6 in favour). 

Play Area repairs. Magnets needed for the playground gate. Doug Irons has ordered and will install them. There is a hole that needs filing near the roundabout. A suggestion has been made for a substance to use but Naomi Bailey requires time to research and ensure it is the right product for the job. A proposal to get both repairs completed was approved (6 in favour). Playground requires a new inspection and the Clerk will arrange. 

Graveyard update. Unfortunately this process needs to start again. Pete Twissell to assist Naomi Bailey and Ali McWilliam and will report back next month. 

Puddledock Corner. Naomi Bailey has been in correspondence with a resident regarding some cutting of a tree which is causing visibility issues on Puddledock Corner. She has requested a local tree surgeon to attend site and quote for work. Two other quotes will also be needed. Will also speak to Steve Askew and Highways.

Prince Harry's Wood. A couple of residents from March Field Way have complained that the brambles are growing through their fences. While they have cut them back on their own side, the issue needs addressing on the wood side too. There are several areas around St Andrews Close and March Field Way where grass has not been cut or bramble have overgrown, which is resulting in a small number of residents refusing to pay their ground rent. A local resident will inspect and feedback. Possibly look at getting quotes for bramble work.

Sandbags at Ottomer Pond. Have been contacted by a resident who enquired as to why the sandbags are still around the pond, now that we are in the summer months and the flooding risk has subsided and they look a mess. The resident with them outside her house wants them to stay. Stan Burton suggested that the sandbags be covered with soil and used to build up the bank, including the area near the playground corner. As the overall issue of the drainage has not been resolved, there is a risk of flooding again during winter months. David Taylor questioned whether this was environmentally friendly as the bags may contain plastic and could degrade.  

Stan Burton has found the outflow pipe and marked its location. He made a suggestion for reinstating the outlet, which would not cause the current water levels to drop too low either. This would allow flood water to flow towards the ditch which runs alongside the High School. David Taylor to investigate the environmental impact of sandbags, Lesley Evison to estimate the volume of soil required and Stan Burton to investigate feasibility and cost of reinstating the overflow pipe. 

Green Working Party meeting. The Green Working Party is made up of two Green Rights Proprietors, two members of the Parish Council and two members of the public. Email has been sent out saying that they should liaise between themselves to arrange a meeting as they are long overdue a meeting. Meeting needs to take place on neutral ground, such as the Methodist Church, which the Parish Council will pay for. Adrian Joel (resident) has stepped down from Green Working Party so there is a space for a member of the public. Another resident who has expressed a large interest in the Green was put forward by Naomi Bailey and is willing to accept the position.

Public participation. One resident suggested that there should be a sub-committee to take a lead on Prince Harry’s Wood, rather than including it in the Green Working Party responsibilities.

Another resident said there were large weeds growing in ditch near St Andrews Close as they have not been cleared for two years. Naomi Bailey to chase up and clarify responsibility and arrange cIearing. Also asked if there is a timeline for the graveyard and what the next steps are. Ali McWilliam explained she cannot give a timeline. They are investigating an area of land and will need to contact people leasing the land from us and discuss possibility. Will also need a survey for suitability of the land. While no timeline can be given, it will be worked on as quickly as possible.

A further resident pointed out that as they weren't available for the village meeting with the Woodland Trust, an online response was made. However, they were disappointed to see how few responses the villagers had made. Stan Burton explained that the meeting was well supported and they and will try and adapt planting of the trees to take the concerns into consideration. The general response was positive and the Woodland Trust did appear to take on all points mentioned by those attending the meeting.

A further resident asked when the contents from the High School ditch were being removed. Lesley Evison explained that they are ready to remove them but have not found a suitable location to move them to in order to burn the material. A resident highlighted that they have seen two hedgehogs living in there and Lesley Evison explained that care would be taken to remove everything without hurting hedgehogs.

One more resident raised concerns around the management of the Green including tractors without grass wheels compounding the soil and cuttings being left which are becoming hay and creating a fire risk in hot weather. Resident felt that the Green Working Party and Parish Council need a clearer strategy and consultation with the village about the areas being left wild, as there is clearly a clear divide in opinion. The Sunnyside Track struggle with parking from the school which has even resulted in cars double parking next to each other on the Green which is causing severe damage. Residents on Sunnyside have been doing research themselves in to maintenance options, which could be quite expensive. Enquired what could be done to stop teachers and parents parking there. There are also rumours of closing Reg's Way (small section of track which meets Sunnyside Track half way). Request that homeowners are consulted, which Lesley Evison assured them would take place. Resident has now joined the Green Working Party.

Another resident said thank you for putting the agenda on Parish Council Facebook page while new website is being completed. He also gave a Community Car update: Two drivers have returned and, once paperwork is completed, there will be five drivers. Will be having a meeting soon and a suggestion has been made that they only go to NHS appointments in Norfolk or private hospitals with NHS appointments in order to cut costs as it is getting expensive. Ali McWilliam explained that she has previously been offered medical appointments in Cambridge and Yarmouth. Residents will often take the earliest appointment available, regardless of location. Lesley Evison explained that some hospitals will contract out work to private hospitals. Feedback to be made and discussed during Community Car Drivers meeting. lnvoices to be given to Donna Oakley as the new Registered Finance Officer (RFO). 

Items for the next agenda. These will include graveyard update, minutes for July, play area repairs, Puddledock corner, sandbags, Prince Harry’s Wood, Christmas tree and road closures for Remembrance Sunday. 

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church.

Hiring Old Buckenham Village Hall

The new charges

From the beginning of September new charges will apply when booking the village hall. Regular users of the Main Hall will pay £11 an hour and occasional users £12 an hour. For the smaller Memorial Room it is slightly cheaper at £8 an hour for regular users and £9 for those using the facilities occasionally.

Commercial users pay more. Regular commercial users are charged £13.75 an hour for the Main Hall and occasional users £15 an hour.

For children’s parties (under 12s only) there is a minimum 4 hour hire for £60, then £15 per hour for longer. Social events such as social gatherings/celebrations, weddings and wakes, there is a minimum hire of 4 hours (hire charge on application). Daily commercial rates also available on application.

Slow down in Old Buckenham

 Community Speed Watch update

On Tuesday 17 September there was a higher than normal police presence in the village. This was due to a Day of Action across Norfolk and Suffolk with Community Speed Watch teams being supported by the police. The police were especially interested in Cake Street and Hargham Road because of the information that has been collected by our Speed Watch team and the SAM sign that indicates the speed of vehicles and flashes the phrase ‘SLOW DOWN’.

Old Buckenham Garage Sale

 Taking part?

This year's Garage Sale is on Saturday 21 September from 9am until 1pm. Not long to go so reserve your entry on the official map now. Deadline to guarantee entry on the official map is 1pm on Sunday 15 September. Reservations cost £5 and can be made via Ticketsource. All money raised goes to the Friends of Old Buckenham Windmill charity, to support restoration and maintenance of the mill.

The windmill will also be open 9am to 1pm on the same Saturday for tours of the mill. The tea hut will be open serving hot and cold drinks and refreshments. Pop in for a brew and something tasty as you're walking around the village.
Maps will be available free of charge from the windmill on the day and will be available in advance from village locations or to download online. Make your reservations, mark your calendar and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Ownership of Old Buckenhan Green

 An often asked question

This answer to an important question is written by Parish Councillor Stan Burton. Old Buckenham Green is common land. Common land is an area over which certain people have Rights. That does not make Old Buckenham Green a common. It is registered as a Green.

It all goes back to the Enclosure Act and Apportionment Act where rights were granted. These can be Green Rights, Grazing Rights, Planting Rights, Estovers, Rights of Common and Sporting Rights (shooting and fishing).

Originally there were forty Rights for Old Buckenham green but one was given up by the then Lord of the Manor for the War Memorial.

In 1965 all Common land, including Greens, and any Rights had to be registered with the County Council. If they were not registered, they were lost.

In a court case a few years ago, a Judge ruled that as ownership of Old Buckenham Green had not been registered, ownership passed on to the Public Trustee, a Government body, and any person with registered Rights could set up a management committee to look after the Green. This responsibility has since been passed over to the Parish Council Green Working Party.

 

Commons Registration Act 1965

Definition of Town or Village Green.

Town or Village Green means land which has been allotted by or under any act for the exercise or recreation of the inhabitants of any locality or on which the inhabitants of any locality have a customary right to indulge in lawful sports and pastimes or on which the inhabitants of any locality have indulged in such sports and pastimes as of right for not less than twenty years.

Clearing Old Buckenham churchyard

 It's that time of year again

Churchyard Tidy Up is on Saturday 14 September from 9am until midday. Could you possibly spare some time to help tidy up the Churchyard, even if just for an hour or two? As well as helping it's also a great way to make new friends. 

It would be great to see you. If you can, please bring tools, ie strimmer, rake, shears, loppers, wheelbarrow. Some spare tools will be available. Cups of tea and coffee will be supplied. Please let David Hannah know if you are able to come. Thank you.

Old Buckenham residents ask questions

Useful surgery

Two members of the Parish Council held the Saturday surgery at the Village Hall Memorial Room on Saturday 31 August. They were kept occupied for the whole period of the surgery. Four members of the public and District and County councillor Steve Askew came along. 

A resident pointed out to us that brambles are starting to take over some areas of the woodland at the south west side of the green and enquired about general upkeep of the trees around the Green. It was suggested that the council should investigate grant funding for upkeep of the woodland areas. The same resident offered some further information regarding drainage pointing out that there is a pipe running from the small pond (Green Pond) opposite the shop, passing under the main road and emerging between the road and Ottomer pond. Foliage around Green Pond is at risk of blocking that drain.

The current village newsletter editor pointed out that he will not be able to run the newsletter for ever and that there is a need for someone to take over in the future. He also supplied the Council with a details of the paper which will be needed for the magazine in 2025.

A resident from Chattergate noted that double yellow lines on Abbey Road potentially preclude delivery vehicles unloading to their back gate. While the council cannot advise on highway matters, it was pointed out that the HMG published guidelines indicate that brief stops for loading and unloading are permitted. 

Another resident enquired about progress with applications for sections of Raggs Lane and Barkers Lane to be designated as public footpaths. Steve Askew will ask for a progress report from Norfolk County Council and report back to the Parish Council.