Helping people get greener

Our own Environment Day
There was a steady stream of people at the Old Buckenham Village Hall on Saturday 18 July between 10am and 1pm for the first Environment Day event. Visitors spent their time gathering information from the numerous stalls and chatting over the refreshments.
It was one of those events that wasn’t all about making money. It is hoped that everyone that attended left with just that little bit more knowledge about how they can personally make a difference to the local and national environment.
Everyone who came could take part in the judging that took place to choose the designs that will go on the Old Buckenham ‘Bag for Life’. This will be distributed to all households in Old Buckenham during August. From an original 62 entries from local school children there were seven short-listed designs on show and the two winning designs were by Elyse Garwood and Katherine Ledwith.
There were many free samples of recycled products and other goodies on offer to the visitors with the displays including those by Norfolk County Council, Breckland District Council, the Energy Saving Trust (details of grants available, etc), a Fairtrade stand, an opportunity to purchase discounted compost produced from green waste collected by Norfolk County Council) and much more.
There was a chance to donate new and used postcards for Radio Norfolk which raises cash for the Norfolk Association of Deaf Children through recycling the cards. Also accepted on the day were used batteries to ensure that they are disposed of safely rather than dumped in landfill.
The Village Environment and Recycling Group (VERG) was supporting the reuse message with mainly second-hand books - all at bargain prices. The proceeds of over £80 will go towards the updating of the kitchen at the village hall and a raffle of donated prizes raised sufficient money to cover the cost of hiring the hall for the day.

Helping to pay for lunch later

Cream teas for lunch
The weather just managed to behave for the cream tea afternoon in Eileen Oliver’s garden. The rain didn’t start until after the last teas were served. The final sum raised to help fund the Senior Citizens Christmas lunch reached £305 which was fantastic. Eileen would like to thank all the lovely helpers and all those who attended because without them it would have been a non-event. Thank you also to those who sent donations.

You can rest next month

Change of dates for NetGamers
The Old Buckenham computer games club - NetGamers - is closing for a month during August. When it re-opens in September it will only run once a month, on the second Friday of the month between 7pm and 9pm in the village hall.
For more information call Paul on 01953 860023 or visit www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/netgamers
The wargames group meetings will continue to be held twice a month on the first and third Sundays from 2.30pm to 6pm.

Cycle to aid churches and chapels

Pedal power
All Saints Church in Old Buckenham was wonderfully supported by many kind folk last year in the annual Norfolk Churches Trust sponsored bike ride. The event is taking place this year on Saturday 12 September from 9am to 5pm. If you don’t fancy pedal power then the day’s journey can be undertaken on foot or in fact any form of non-motorised transport. So why not put the date in your diary, pick up a sponsor form from the back of All Saints Church, or Old Buckenham Stores and have a fun energising day out whilst raising much needed and appreciated funds.
Most of the wonderful and beautiful churches across the local area will be open throughout the day to receive visitors with many providing refreshment. The bike ride is part of a bigger nationwide ride (32 counties in total) so if you fancy really getting on your bike neighbouring counties including Suffolk are taking part with many churches over all of the Eastern region open. Last year the total raised in Norfolk was £135,700 providing a real boost to so many wonderful buildings. The sponsorship money raised is split between your choice of church or chapel and the Norfolk Churches Trust which uses the sponsorship to provide grants for repair and restoration work. The event is great fun with many smiling faces to meet along the way both on bikes and at churches.
And the sun usually shines...

The photo shows a Moulton bicycle outside an appropriately named chapel which was visited by the newsletter editor several years ago when he took part in this sponsored ride around local Norfolk churches.

Miscellaneous concert in church

Midsummer fun for everyone
An enjoyable Midsummer Miscellany took place at All Saints Church on Saturday 4 July. The village concert was designed to bring forth local talent for all to enjoy and it was in abundance from young and not-quite-so-young alike.
More than 120 people packed the Old Buckenham Parish Church in glorious sunshine to hear the Banham hand bells entertain with songs from the shows, the Old Buckenham WI make them laugh with witty poetry and the Old Buckenham Cubs and Beavers delight with weather songs which included sign language, actions and even audience participation. Jordan Bailey, the Old Buckenham High School Poet Laureate, read his own specially commissioned poem, the new Rector David Hill sung for his supper while Annette Winters and Geoff Sankey blew away any summertime cobwebs with trombone and organ accompaniment. The show finale was the Dead Goat’s Appreciation Society (New Buckenham Women’s Drumming Group) beating out the most amazing rhythms.
Everyone then decamped to the churchyard for an early evening barbecue.
The event had a wonderful community feel to it, was greatly enjoyed and, in addition to being lots of fun, the event had the added bonus of raising over £350 for All Saints Church.
The organisers are incredibly grateful to all those who took part in the concert and gave of their time so willingly, all those who attended on a balmy Saturday evening to support the event as well as to those ‘back stage’ including cooks and ticket sellers. A huge thank you to all and there is no doubt that “we’ve got talent in Old Buckenham”

Al Fresco musical

Crude Apache perform outdoors
Following a rather wet outdoor performance in Norwich the previous evening, the Crude Apache Theatre Group were blessed with a fine evening when they came to Old Buckenham. They performed their play ‘The Chalk Hill Gang’ to an appreciative audience on the Green outside the Ox & Plough pub. Some of the audience had come with a picnic and their own chairs. Others had come for a pint at the pub and decided to stop and watch. All were treated to a large cast of enthusiastic thespians who provided lots of laughs for those watching.
If you missed this performance and want to find out what it was like for yourself, they will be putting the play on in Wymondham on Wednesday 22 July – the location will be the High School, Folly Road and it starts at 7pm. You can ring 01953 861333 for further information.

Police, fire and ambulance

Helping keep children safe
Each year the Child Accident Prevention Trust organises a Child Safety Week during June. The Buckenham Pre-school Group make full use of this time to teach their children many important lessons.
They had visit from local Police Community Support Officers Laura Key and Gary Szarbo with a police car, the St John Ambulance came with a first response vehicle and the Attleborough Fire Service brought their fire engine (even though they did have to leave early when they were called out during their visit). Also road safety officer Ivan Ward brought along Spike the Hedgehog to pass on some road safety tips.
The local lollipop lady, Julie Taylor, called in to control the traffic during the “Beep – Beep” days when the children brought in their own ride-on toys to learn about road safety. At the same time they raised money for both the Pre-school and the road safety charity ‘Brake’.
Overall lots of useful lessons were learnt and great fun was had by all.

More prize winners

Crib and Numbers Club
The numbers of those attending the crib drive at the village hall were a bit lower at the July meeting but a good night was still had by those playing. The prize winners were Julian Goodey, Helga Baggs, Jill Emms, Iris Lancaster and Geoff Rix. Please note that there will be no crib in September because things will be being set up for the Village Fete on the following day.
The prize winners in the July numbers club draw that was made during the crib evening were: £5 each to Geoff Rix, Cyril Dye, Peter Bloom, Denis Burton and John Walker with the £10 prizes going to Barbara Jones and the Luncheon Club.

Earn some extra money

What's hiding in your garage?
You can earn yourself some money without even having to leave your home in Old Buckenham.
The skills required include customer service, stock management and quality control.
Do you think you can handle the pressure? Then you can start today to get yourself ready for the village garage sale on Sunday 27 September. All it will cost you is £6 that will go to help the Recreation Project fund. Your takings will all go to you.
So get sorting out the house, garden and garage now, phone 01953 860709 or 861480 to get hired and find out more about the job!

Enjoy raising funds for lunch

Cream teas at Eileen’s
If you would like a pleasant afternoon while raising money for the Senior Citizens’ Christmas lunch why not go along to 26 Hargham Road on Saturday 11 July. Eileen and friends will be hosting their now famous cream teas. The garden will be open for you to pop in, look around and just mardle from 2pm. The cream teas will be served from 3pm to ensure you have room for them after your Saturday lunch.

Come along and vote

It will be a busy month

Diary dates for July

Wednesday 1 Flexibus service due to start
Wednesday 1 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 3 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Friday 3 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 4 MidsummerMiscellany, All Saints Church, 5pm
Sunday 5 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, outing, 8.30am
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, al fresco at 1 Mill Cottages, 7.30pm
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club outing
Friday 10 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Friday 10 The Chalk Hill Gang, outside Ox & Plough, 7.30pm
Saturday 11 Cream teas, 26 Hargham Road, doors open from 2pm
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 16 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Saturday 18 Environment Day, Village Hall, 10am to 1pm
Sunday 19 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 20 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 22 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 29 Cheese and Wine evening, 1 Mill Cottages,6.30pm
Friday 31 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am

Time to pick up the next issue

July news

The latest issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter is now in the village shop and at other locations around the village. Pick up a copy if you want to know what events are on in July.

Merlins and skylarks

Old Buckenham Airshow

The editor saw today's airshow from a field somewhat distant from the end of the airfield runway. His attempts at photography just prove that taking pictures of fast flying aircraft requires a special skill and he still has to learn it.

The weather for the flying display just held out. Then there was 5o mm (2 inches) of rain during the next two hours.

One memorable spot in the display was the sound of the Merlin engines of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight's Hurricane and Spitfire being joined by the voices of a couple of skylarks in full song. No noisy aeroplanes were going to stop them performing...

Check out your bouquet

The language of flowers

At the beginning of their June meeting, Old Buckenham WI held a minute’s silence in memory of Rosemary Leeder who died recently. She had been a stalwart and loyal member of the WI for many years, being a long-standing committee member and supporter of many activities. She will be much missed.
As was fitting on a warm and sunny evening, members were initiated into the gentle Victorian art of ‘The Language of Flowers’ by Lyn Barrow. Lyn appeared dressed for the part with a nosegay and a tussy-mussy. She told of the popularity of flowers and their ‘language’ for the Victorians. All cultured young ladies of this time studied botany and the choice of flowers when carried as a nosegay very often conveyed a message in the choice of blooms used. Victorian ladies carried flowers on every possible occasion and tussy-mussies were used as fragrant air-fresheners, often very necessary. Tussy-mussies are very small, dainty posies, sometimes made of fragrant herbs, packed in damp moss and held in a small cone-shaped holder for pinning on a dress. They could also be sewn into special pockets made in crinoline petticoats. These made a pleasant scent as ladies brushed past in their voluminous skirts. Ladies’ maids learnt the art of making tussy-mussies for their mistresses and also learnt what the flowers ‘said’ for the nosegays they made. Carnations seem to have been the trickiest to learn about as the varied colours sent quite different messages. Pink said ‘I’ll never forget you’, white was ‘sweet and lovely’ but yellow said ‘you have disappointed me’. Woe betide the maid who got her colours mixed up. Everyone was given a sheet with a list of the flowers and their meanings to look at so there won’t be any birthday posies with gladioli in; these mean ‘give me a break’. Mary Nicholls thanked Lyn for her talk and demonstration.
Susan Hunter gave a lively and interesting report as she had been the delegate at the 94th AGM in the Albert Hall which was so obviously a rewarding, thought provoking and entertaining, occasion.
Recent dates in the local WI calendar have been the garden party held in Susan Hunter’s garden which raised £258 for funds. Having accepted the Federation Chairman’s Challenge to increase £5, this became £36 when a delicious cake made by Jean Wade was raffled. There is the Progressive Supper to look forward to and a visit to Thursford at the end of November – it seems a long way off but tickets are precious for this annual outing.

Go to the end of the pier

Spare seats for the seaside
Old Buckenham WI have some spare seats for their summer trip to ‘The End of the Pier Show’ at Cromer. The coach will leave Old Buckenham Village Hall at 10am on Tuesday 18 August and returns early evening. The cost is £21.50 per person and this includes transport and seats for the matinee. There will be time to have lunch in Cromer before the show. Please contact Doris on 01953 861322 or Pat on 01953 452965 if you would like to go on this trip.

Is this Tufty on the B1077?

If you are too young to remember Tufty look at http://www.tuftyclub.org.uk/

The clerk is ticking

Parish clerk vacancy
The closing date for applications for the post of parish clerk in Old Buckenham was Friday 19 June. There have been several applications for the post and the parish council will be arranging to interview the applicants. This blog will try to keep you up-to-date as and when there is any further information.

Waiting for the bus

Here is the Flexibus news
The ‘Harling’ Flexibus starts on Wednesday 1 July offering transport from here to the market towns of Attleborough, Diss and Thetford.
It aims to give you the opportunity to access shops, visit the doctors or take part in leisure activities. You can also extend your journey and connect to other buses, coaches or trains and visit Norwich or even London.
The service is open to all ages with reduced fares for under 16s and free travel to those with concessionary passes.
Young people can now get about more easily during school or college holidays.
So what exactly is a Flexibus? It is a different kind of public transport. It doesn’t have a set timetable. The bus will collect you from close to your home at a pre-arranged time and drop you where you want to go.
You have to pre-book your seat at least one day before you wish to travel (or by 5pm on Friday for journeys on the following Monday).
To book your journey call 0845 600 2315 between 9am and 5pm. Tell them your journey plan - what time, where you want to be collected from, what town or village you are visiting.
Then give your return details - what time, where you want to be collected from and where you are returning to.
Subject to availability the advisor will confirm your booking and tell you your approximate pick up times (you may need to be a little flexible with your arrangements).
The focus of the service is to link villages with local market towns, particularly Attleborough and Diss.
During school term time the hours of operation are 9.15am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday and from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays.
During the school holidays the times are 8am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.
There are two buses. Bus 1 serves
Attleborough on Mondays and Thursdays,
Attleborough and Thetford on Tuesdays,
Diss on Wednesdays and Fridays.
On Saturdays there is a connection in Garboldisham to service 338 that goes to Bury St Edmunds.
Bus 2 operates Monday to Friday and is free to roam and does not have set destinations.
The villages that this flexibus service covers include Banham, Blo Norton, Bressingham, Brettenham, Bridgham, East Harling, Eccles, Fersfield, Garboldisham, Gasthorpe, Goose Green, Heywood, Kenninghall, New Buckenham, North Lopham, Old Buckenham, Quidenham, Riddlesworth, Rushford, Shadwell, Shelfanger, South Lopham, Wilby, and Winfarthing.

Are we proud of our community?

We have been judged
Old Buckenham had been entered into the Pride in Norfolk Community Awards this year and has managed to get in the top four of the entries for villages with a population of between 1000 and 2500 inhabitants.

A panel of three judges, Susan Warr of the Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institutes, Sue Sansby from CPRE Norfolk and Tony Nash representing the Norfolk Association of Local Councils, visited the village today. They were looking to find out how friendly and dynamic the community is, how it provides facilities for both the young and the elderly, and what else it gets up to. They wanted to know why we thought our village was so special and had conversations with a small group of villagers to see if they could find out.

Now it is just a matter of waiting to see how we compared with the other three villages in our category. The newsletter editor managed to get a photo of the judges when they dropped in to the local pub for a spot of lunch – at least they were looking cheerful.

Wedding flowers

Breckland Flower and Garden Club
David Wright gave a delightful demonstration for a Summer Wedding at June's meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
From the ring to the venue, bridesmaids to cake (a three tier arrangement in soft pinks and purples), a honeymoon in Whitby (not forgetting the fish!) and, for the bride, a modern cascade using white gerberas and black feathers. All were beautifully presented.
The Renee Hambley Trophy was awarded to Marion Beesley (Old Hands) for the best use of colour in the competition and Janet Skidmore won the New Hands class.
The outing to Hyde Hall and Braintree for shopping will leave Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 9 July at the earlier time of 8.30am, not 9.15am as previously stated. If you have any queries please contact Sheila on 01953 888710.

Ringing to celebrate

Norfolk WI is 90 today

Bells have been ringing out all over Norfolk this morning in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Women's Institute starting in the county.

Here in Old Buckenham Barbara and Pat did their bit at 11am on the six [small] bells in All Saints Church.

Do your bit for our environment

Our Environment Day
This will be on Saturday 18 July from 10am to 1pm.
A total of 62 entries for the Breckland and Old Buckenham ‘Bag for Life’ project were submitted by pupils at the High School and have been shortlisted to seven designs. Judging for the winning entry will take place in the Village Hall at this event on Saturday 18 July between 10am and 1pm. All those attending will have the opportunity to cast their vote. Prizes will be awarded by Breckland District Council.
You can come and go as you wish or stop for the judging.
Each finalist designer will keep the bag printed with their entry which incorporates their name. Supporting agencies, which include the village shop, will also be shown on the winning bag.
Later this year each household in the village will receive a winning bag, while the village shop will also have supplies.
The event will certainly be worth a visit. There will be no entry charge and coffees, etc, will be available. Many free samples of recycled products will be on offer such as pencils made from old CD cases. Displays in the hall will include Norfolk County Council, Breckland District Council, the Energy Saving Trust (details of grants available, etc), Fairtrade, May Gurney (an opportunity to purchase discounted compost produced from green waste collected by Norfolk County Council) and the ‘Love Food - Hate Waste’ campaign. In addition Environmental Spike will be there to entertain the children.
There will be a collection centre for new and used postcards for Radio Norfolk (who may have a representative present) which raises cash for the Norfolk Association of Deaf Children through recycling the cards. Please sort out any postcards and bring them along. Also accepted on the day will be your used batteries to ensure that they are disposed of safely. The event is part of the national Small Change - Big Difference Week.
VERG will be supporting the reuse message with stalls of household and other items and books - all at bargain prices. The proceeds will, as always, go towards community projects in the village. There will be a small raffle to cover the cost of hiring the hall, one prize being a £20 voucher to spend at the “Best in Breckland” village shop (which just happens to be in our village). Donations of other raffle prizes, value not exceeding £10, are invited.
You will not find a similar event anywhere else. It is thought that Old Buckenham, in conjunction with Breckland District Council, is the first with such an initiative to support the need to promote the environment and recycling. Please make sure you at least pop in, you might well be surprised by what you learn.

School will be out on the Green

The Chalk Hill Gang
Why not go along to the local performance of ‘The Chalk Hill Gang’ that is to be staged as part of the Norwich 'Theatre in the Parks' festival. It will be performed by the CA Theatre Group outside the Ox & Plough, Old Buckenham, on Friday 10 July at 7-30pm.
This is a free event.
So what is The Chalk Hill Gang all about? If your dog has eaten your homework, your robot is running riot and your science project has exploded, then it's just another day at Chalk Hill School. It’s sort of High School Musical meets Bash Street Kids in Crude Apache's hilarious new musical comedy, suitable for all the family.

If you can’t make this date then it is also on at Wymondham High School, Folly Road, Wymondham on Wednesday 22 July at 7pm.
All shows are free so why not bring along a blanket and a picnic for an entertaining evening out. For further information you can telephone 01953 861333.

Fete information

Time to book your spot

Make a date for the village fete to be held Saturday 5 September between 2pm and 4pm on the green in front of the village hall. A number of stalls have been booked and the fete committee under the chairmanship of David Hannah is looking at other attractions for the afternoon including entertainment and a barbeque. Anyone wishing to book a stall at £5 per table should contact Alison on 860692. The next fete meeting will be held in the Memorial Room of the village hall on Monday 20 July at 7.30pm when everyone is welcome to attend.

Inside views of royal life

Social and Wine Circle
He was so entertaining when he came to speak last year that Patrick Thompson was invited back in June to give another talk to the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle.
Having held a high position in the Royal Household, Patrick was able to give various insights into life at the palaces. He gave details, amongst many other things, of how to get a card sent from the Queen for your diamond wedding anniversary, the sizes of the union flags flown at Buckingham Palace, the joys of being part of the carriage ride at Royal Ascot and the responsibilities of the royal piper and the royal flower arranger. He talked about this year’s Maundy service at Bury St Edmonds which he had found most moving.
Next month the Social and Wine Circle will be having an al fresco evening in Barbara and John’s garden in Mill Road, just eating, drinking and talking.

Soon to meet up?

Making contact
This blog is read by people from all over the world. A person living in Canada, who is visiting Norfolk soon, was searching for an old work acquaintance who they hoped to be able to meet during their trip over here. The name they were searching for was found on one of the blog pages, a message was left in the comment box and the newsletter editor has been able to put the two parties in touch with each other.
Such is the power of the internet.

Local money winners

Numbers Club
The crib evening in June was well attended and the winners were Jill Emms, Julian Goodey, Bill Cheesley, Richard Cockerill and Dave Livingstone.
The June winners of the numbers club (which raises money for the village hall) were drawn and they were: £25 to Peggy Bertram, £10 each to Julie Getley and Mrs J Marshall with the £5 prizes going to Jean Wade, Brian Oliver, Alan Soanes, Bev McAnulty and Alan Staniforth.

The fourth of July

A Midsummer Miscellany
There will be a Old Buckenham ‘village concert’ on Saturday 4 July.
Forget American Independence Day celebrations, never mind the Ladies’ Final at Wimbledon, the big event on the fourth of July this year will be the Old Buckenham Midsummer Miscellany.
The plan is to stage a village concert where all ages can enjoy a performance of music, poetry, words, song and then good barbecue food, all in aid of All Saints Church.
The Cubs and Beavers, Old Buckenham Community Primary School and Old Buckenham High School will be taking part as will Old Buckenham WI and the Hand Bells Group. The concert will provide an opportunity to celebrate the wealth and variety of talent in the village.
The concert will be in All Saints Church at 5pm, a time designed to suit all the family, and will be followed by a barbecue in the Church grounds.
The organisers really hope that you can offer your support to the performers and in turn assist with much needed fundraising for the parish Church. In return they aim to provide a great fun community event.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children, which includes a meal from the barbecue and a soft drink, will be on sale at Old Buckenham Stores or you can contact Helen on 01953 861353.

Local election result

Guiltcross Division
If you are interested in the result of the election for our local county councillor you can see the details here:

http://elections.norfolk.gov.uk/std_index.asp?divisionid=34&x=8&y=7

Busy supporting bees

Women’s Institute report
At Old Buckenham’s May meeting, members discussed the Resolution for debate at the national WI Annual General Meeting . Susan Hunter went through the single proposal, one that urges HM government to increase funding for research into honey bee health. This subject is very apposite at the moment with much public debate and media coverage. The honey bee population is under attack from the Varroa parasitic mite. Also ‘colony collapse’ is wiping out whole colonies of bee hives. Bees play such a critical part in biodiversity and their honey production and plant pollination are also vital to the population’s health and wellbeing. After some interesting discussion the President will be on her way to the Albert Hall with unanimous support from Old Buckenham.
Members were then given a demonstration by Michelle from Sussex Farmhouse Foods, a firm delivering ‘the finest quality frozen meals to your door’. There was a tasting session with two examples of their main course products and two desserts to sample. The smells that wafted in from the Village Hall kitchen were tempting, and members were soon all tasting the lamb and apricot casserole, roast chicken (both with vegetables), lemon meringue pie and blackcurrant cheesecake. These were much enjoyed and got the general approval of those present.
Three members, who had recently attended courses at the WI Denman College, brought examples of their handiwork. As always, they had had a most interesting and hard-working time but had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Members who had attended the 90th anniversary service in Norwich Cathedral reported that it had been a most memorable and moving service. Without doubt, the singing of ‘Jerusalem’ had made a great impression on them.
Old Buckenham WI have also been busy providing refreshments at various village functions including the Book Sale, with proceeds for this helping towards the new Village Hall kitchen fund (a project close to this WI’s heart).

Pictures at the exhibition

The Bucks PhotoShow
Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2009-
New Buckenham Village Hall
The Bucks Photoshow at the end of May was well supported by people from both villages. Of the 32 exhibitors, 11 came from New Buckenham and 9 live in Old Buckenham.
Old Buckenham resident Alison Hannah went along to the first night and here is her review of what she saw.

Attracting over 30 exhibitors from New and Old Buckenham and the surrounding area, the ‘Bucks PhotoShow’ at New Buckenham Village Hall was a wonderful showcase for local talent. Photographers from 17 to 70+ had the opportunity to display their work – some never having done so before. The result was a fascinating collection of well-presented photographic art – covering every kind of subject. From New Buckenham Market Place to the distant splendours of the Ganges or Cuba; from seascapes and wild skies to zoo and wildlife; and from the brilliant colour of the digital abstract to black and white portraiture – the range was inspiring. Although many of the photographs were for sale, it was evident that for those taking part it was having this chance to share their love of the visual image that was most important.

It was a real pleasure to see the work of the amateur ‘who just loves to take photos’ given the same prominence as the professional work – and sometimes it was hard to tell which was which. The organisers, who masterminded the event with a group of volunteers, were delighted with the response on the first night of the weekend-long exhibition. This second show, which grew out of the popular New Buckenham Art Exhibition, had this year attracted even more entrants and yet higher standards than the first. It’s hoped that the event would go from strength to strength, becoming a regular bi-annual fixture in the Buckenhams' calendar.

Just flown in

One more thing to do in June

What you can do in the village next month

Diary dates for June

Monday 1 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 2 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 3 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 4 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 5 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Friday 5 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 7 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 8 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 10 Pre-school Open Event, 3.15pm to 4.30pm
Wednesday 10 Village Fete meeting, Memorial Room, 7.30pm
Thursday 11 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 11 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 12 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Monday 15 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 17 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Sunday 21 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Wednesday 24 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 25 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 26 Child seat belt checks, Village Hall car park, from 8.45am
Friday 26 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Monday 29 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Pristine path

Safer walking along the B1077

The new path across the Green is finished and open for walkers. Give it a few months and it won't look so stark, the moles are already at work softening the edges.

Latest newsletter

June is here early.

The latest village newsletter is now available around the village.

Management and money

Village Hall news
There have been a couple of changes on the village hall management committee. Alison Frank has replaced Tony Freake as the All Saints PCC representative and Dawn Kerry is the new Scouts’ representative.
Although less people attended the gardening event this year, more than £300 was raised for Village Hall funds.

Bags for life

Environmental day in village
During the first week of May, Carol Marshall, parish councillor and member of Old Buckenham Village Environmental and Recycling Group, visited Old Buckenham High School with Adrian Joel, the District Councillor, and other members of Breckland Council, to launch Old Buckenham Environmental Day.
This will take place in the Village Hall on the morning of Saturday 18 July.
Pupils at the school have been invited to design the ‘Breckland Bag for Life’ and preliminary judging will take place on Wednesday 3 June by a panel of independent judges. The chosen designs will be displayed on Environmental Day for our community to judge. There will be a prize for the winner and possibly an environmental freebie gift for all those voting. The winning design will be incorporated on the Breckland Bag for Life and, when it is produced, the bag will be delivered to all Old Buckenham residents.
In addition to the involvement of Breckland District Council, Norfolk County Council will be taking part as well as other environmentally-orientated organisations. It is hoped that compost produced from the brown bin collections will be available for sale at reduced prices.
The incentive to all members of the community is that this event is all free, even admittance.
This event is considered a first, and hopefully will put recognition in the direction of Old Buckenham and its support for the environment. There will be an optional raffle during the morning to cover the cost of hiring the hall.
Please make sure that you book this date to support the youngsters at Old Buckenham High School and their interest in the environment.
Further details will be posted on the blog when they become available.

Visit the Pre-school

Pre-school Open Event

Buckenham Pre-school Group will be having an Open Event on Wednesday 10 June between 3.15pm and 4.30pm. The Pre-school, which is situated in the grounds of Old Buckenham Primary School, takes children from two years of age until primary school entry. Funding is available for eligible children.
If you want to know more then go along to meet the staff and find out more about this friendly Pre-school. You can telephone 07799 778806 during school hours or speak to the supervisor, Claire, on 01953 860244.

Permissive society in Old Buckenham

Habeas corpus
The newsletter editor went along to the second night of the latest production put on by the Old Buckenham Players. The following are his own personal comments on the evening’s entertainment, Alan Bennett’s ‘Habeas Corpus’.
This was a most delightful way to spend an evening. A play by one of the country’s best living playwrights performed by a group of local talented actors. It was a production of the highest standard that had the audience laughing out aloud throughout as the plot unfolded.
Technically the evening went without any obvious boobs. Well that’s not really true as there were several pairs forming an integral part of the plot. With one character unable to cope with his lack of height, another upset about being flat-chested, one hypochondriac and a fourth who was seriously depressed, it is a surprising funny play. Describing the plot is difficult. Alan Bennett is a high class writer who is able to describe things in words that this reviewer is unable to paraphrase without making it sound trite.
The housekeeper, Mrs Swabb, keeps the audience aware of what is going on with the Wicksteed family, Canon Throbbing, Lady Rumpers and her daughter Felicity, Sir Percy Shorter, Mr Shanks and Mr Purdue as they move on and off the stage. Most of the men lose their trousers at some time or another, without the action collapsing into farce, and the phrase “so this is what they mean by the permissive society” is regularly heard.
It would be inappropriate to pick out individual members of the cast – they all played their parts to a high standard and brought out the best in a wonderful script. The set was deliberately kept simple, again to allow the dialogue to speak for itself.

Now we can look forward to the autumn show of one act plays on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September.

Money for old books

Book sale
Thanks to all those who supported the book sale in the Church Rooms on Sunday 18 May, particularly those who assisted in the organising, and the Old Buckenham WI for providing the refreshment facilities. At the time of this post, something in the region of £350 was raised by the Village Environmental and Recycling Group for the village.

Decorating the tables

Breckland Flower and Garden Club
A busy afternoon was had by all members at the May meeting in the village hall creating a table decoration on a ring using tulips or roses, sticks, foliage and beads resulting in a very colourful display.
In the monthly competition, ‘petite - in or with a cup and saucer’, first in the new hands class was Janet Skidmore and first in old hands (and winner of the Betty Warburton trophy for best use of garden material) was Pat Wells.
The June meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 11 June starting at 2pm. The demonstrator will be David Wright whose title will be 'Summer Wedding' . The competition is for a white and green wedding table arrangement - with or without candle/s and the Renee Hambley Tropy will be awarded for the best use of colour.
If anyone would like to come on the Club's outing to Hyde Hall and Braintree (£10 for RHS members and £14.50 for non members) please contact Sheila on 01953 888710.
Visitors are always welcome to come to the meetings. Further details can be obtained from Pat on 01953 457305 or Sally on 01953 788712.

Money matters

More funds raised
The Spring Fair held on Saturday 9 May raised a total of £305 towards the cost of the Senior Citizens Christmas party. Thanks to all the helpers that gave their time to help at this event and also to those members of the public who came along and spent their money.
A further fund-raising event for the party will be a cream tea to be held on Saturday 11 July. More details will be given later.

High level talk raises money

Nepal Plus
The Village Hall in Old Buckenham was filled with around eighty people on Saturday 9 May who came to listen to David Hannah talk about his experiences on a trip to Nepal. His illustrated talk started off at Diss railway station and followed his journey to Kathmandu, the flight to Lukla, then trekking to Phortse via Namche Bazaar. While in Phortse he had been present at the formal opening of their new community centre, a building that had been masterminded by another Old Buckenham resident, Tony Freake. The final part of his journey from Phortse to Gokyo, way up into the Himalayas and to heights of over 5,500 metres, was where the effects of altitude sickness finally caught up with David and he was grateful to move down to the lower altitudes once more.
The main highlights of his trip included the friendliness of the Nepalese people, some exhilarating plane flights, the many precarious bridges he had to cross and the fortuitous meetings with people he had met while on a T’ai Chi course back in Wymondham. There were a number of people in the audience who had been to Nepal themselves and they enjoyed reliving memories of their visits to this amazing country.
The second half of the meeting involved an ‘auction of experiences’. There was strong bidding for some high speed laps around the Lotus test track at Hethel and for the pairs of tickets for various concerts at the High Lodge Centre in Thetford Forest as well as the other dozen items.
Thanks go to all the people who turned out to support the evening which resulted in a profit of £870 which will go towards the upkeep of All Saints Church in the village.

Fund raising Saturday

Parting with their money

Saturday in Old Buckenham was a day for raising money for two local good causes.

In the afternoon there was a Spring Fayre in the Church Rooms to provide some funds for the Senior Citizens Christmas lunch that will take place early in 2010. Many of the people who will enjoy the free lunch were there manning the stalls or spending their money to buy raffle tickets, plants, refreshments and bric-a-brac.

In the evening the Village Hall was filled with around eighty people who came to listen to David Hannah talk about his experiences on a trip to Nepal and to bid for items in an auction of 'experiences'. Initial calculations show that this event raised £870 which will go towards the upkeep of All Saints Church. A longer report will appear on the blog within the next few days.

Unfurling the banner

Celebration time

It was time for a bubbly celebration at Old Buckenham Stores when they received further recognition of their recent success in being voted the best independent village store in the whole of Breckland.

Becky Jefcoate, Economical Development Officer at Breckland District Council was there to pass over a specially-made banner to allow the shop to advertise its success to all those passing by. The Londis Regional Manager Jon Chapman was also there along with John Miller, Regional Director of Musgrave Retail Partners, to pass on their congratulations to Old Buckenham's village shop.

Adrian Joel, Old Buckenham's local councillor, helped the shop staff and some of their regular customers to show off the banner to the photographers and to open a suitable celebratory bottle of bubbly on this important occasion.

The top picture shows, from the left, John Miller (Musgrave Retail Partners), Doug Baker (customer), Venuka (from the shop), Adrian Joel (local councillor), Lavanya (from the shop) and Janet Moore (customer).

Celebrations

Now what was going on outside the village shop earlier today?

More details of this event will be on the blog tomorrow morning.

A new red coat

Pretty postbox

A new coat of red paint and the clematis in flower. Shame that the sun wasn't out on this picturesque post box in Ragmere Road, Old Buckenham.

Go and fetch it

May has arrived

It may be a few days late but the May issue is now available to pick up at the village shop, the Ox and Plough, the Gamekeeper and the Clinic on the Green. There are also a few copies at the Airfield.

Those lucky numbers

Crib and Numbers Club
The prizewinners of the crib drive held at the village hall in May were Mary Parker, Olive Fuller, Dave Livingstone, Muriel Large, Joyce Goodey and Jean Rush.
The Numbers Club winners were drawn at the drive and they were Stuart Barker, Adrian Brinded, Joyce Goodey, Tommy Mack, J Eagling, Jean Garwood and Den Packham.
It is still not too late to join the club for this year. Next month sees an extra prize of £25 being drawn so please do your little bit to help the Village Hall. It only costs £1 each month to belong. If you want to know more just contact any committee member or Jill on 01953 860551.

Bargains in books

Book this time and place

Whether you are interested in gardening, crafts, biography, travel, romance, recent best sellers, sport, or just books in general, you are sure to pick up a good read at a very keen price at the fifth VERG (Village Environment and Recycling Group) book sale on Sunday 17 May between 11am and 3.30pm in the Church Rooms. Children will have lots of old favourites to choose from as well, with space to browse. The WI will be on hand with light refreshments in an area set out for rest and chat and the raffle will provide chances to win, among other things, shopping tokens (and even a token for two tickets for a Norwich City home football match of your choice).The village hall kitchen refurbishment project needs plenty of money to give the village a kitchen fit for the beginning of the twenty- first century.

Thank you to all those who have or are donating books and hopefully many of you will pop in for a browse and to purchase a stock of books to last until the next sale. If you would like to come but find it difficult to get there please let VERG know (telephone 01953 452716, the same number for collection of books).

Royalty and the WI

WI goes to Sandringham
For their April meting, Old Buckenham WI had a visit from Mrs Watt (also known as Maureen Rispin from Sandringham). She told them of her visit to Sandringham in February 1919, at the invitation of Queen Mary. They had met before this at the first meeting of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in Caxton Hall, London. Queen Mary had invited Mrs Watt, a Canadian from British Columbia, to come and speak to the ladies of Sandringham to tell them about the WI which was, of course, founded in Canada.
Mrs Watt looked very smart in her costume of jacket and full-length skirt, with a hat. She had been enchanted with her visit to Sandringham, being shown round the estate, the stud farm and seen the flock of Southdown sheep. The meeting was held in West Newton Village Hall, to which the Queen and the Princess Royal also came. By having the Queen take an active interest at Sandringham, Mrs Watt saw that this would do wonders for the WI movement nationally and internationally. Later she wrote an article about this inaugural meeting for the first edition of ‘Home and Country’. She said she had realised her childhood dream of meeting the Queen, not in a palace but in her more homely surroundings. At that meeting the Queen agreed to be President and 60 ladies became members.
Meetings followed a format which many WI members would recognise today – talks, plenty of time for social chat, and refreshments. From a Minute Book Mrs Watt read that there had been outings by charabanc to Norwich and Cromer, six hostesses were in charge of refreshments at meetings, a talk had been given by someone from the Brooke Bond tea company, and many people who worked on the estate and in the gardens were asked to talk about their lives . They also had time for games though musical chairs could present a problem if there was one chair left and one other member besides Her Majesty – history did not relate who won!
To end her talk Mrs Watt read the Alberta Creed which sets out very simply and clearly the WI ethos. Doris Monkhouse thanked Maureen Rispin for her most interesting and novel way of bringing early WI days to life.
Pride of place at this meeting was given to Old Buckenham’s Cator Cup entry which had won second place. This was a lovely reward for all the hard work that had gone into producing the exhibit entitled ‘Wild, Wild Women’. With third place last year, second this year, what about 2010? At the end of the meeting the annual draw for the Denman Bursary was taken and future meetings were planned for the ‘floral’ themed Garden Party on Saturday 6 June at Susan Hunter’s home and also planning for the Village fete later in the summer.
The next meeting will be the annual resolutions meeting held on Thursday 28 May and the competition will be for a pretty cup and saucer.The June Lynn Barrow will be talking about the language of flowers and the competition is for a posy of five flowers with foliage.