Carols in Old Buckenham

 A chance to sing

Old Buckenham Methodist Church will be holding a Carol Service this coming Sunday 19 December starting at 10.45am. All are welcome to come along to the Chapel in Hargham Road and join in.

Christmas lunch in Old Buckenham

Luncheon Club meet for their Christmas meal

After not being able to meet for ages, the Luncheon Club was back for a proper meal on Wednesday 8 December. Thanks to all the new volunteers coming along and doing the cooking and serving.

Busy mardling...

...and chatting

Starting to serve

Plates filling up

Drinks available too

A full plate...

...soon all eaten

Just some washing up to do.

News of Old Buckenham

December newsletter is out and about

Contains news of the carol service in All Saints on Christmas Eve, some festive activities in the Church Rooms on Saturday 11 December, full details of the Parish Council's November  meeting and how  the Parish council's chairman is cycling the length of Route 66 over the next twelve months. Read it from cover to cover to keep up with what is going on.

Old Buckenham New Year's Day activity

New Years Day Walk

For those of you not too hungover, or even if you are it will be a good cure, why not come out and enjoy some fresh air with friends for the NYD Walk? It will leave from outside the Church Rooms at 10.30am. 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 Church Rooms for homemade soup and rolls, etc.

Normally just a voluntary donation towards the food. Sadly with so many people in the village struggling with cancer, any money raised will go to a local cancer charity.

More details will follow later.

Ready to start on the walk at the start of 2019

A thank you to Old Buckenham

The village did well

 A special plaque commissioned and produced by the Norfolk Lieutenancy was presented to the village before the parish council meeting on Thursday 2 December. It was to commemorate our community's resilience in the year of the pandemic. It was brought along by Ian Lonsdale who is one of Norfolk's Deputy Lord Lieutenants and was handed over to Terri Hammond as a representative of all those who did so much during the lockdown to help the many villagers in need.

Library calls at Old Buckenham

 Use the mobile library

The Norfolk mobile library vehicle visits Old Buckenham once every month so why not make use of it? It is not just for old people.

Books borrowed from the mobile library are issued for eight weeks as opposed to three weeks from a “bricks and mortar” library. Books borrowed from any Norfolk library can be returned through dropping in on the mobile library. More importantly library users can request any book from within the Norfolk Library Service online and collect from the mobile library (this request/reservation service is free to under 16s). Simply request a book online and under “Location” select CEN516 which is the Buckenham route number. The requested book will then be on the mobile library as and when it becomes available. 

The next visit will be on Friday 17 December from 10am. Pop in and have a look around. 

Old Buckenham's Christmas tree

 Lights on the Green

Lots of activity planned for Sunday 12 December.

Revisiting an Old Buckenham walk

 Local history in comfort

The group at Buckenham Castle

Were you unable to come on the recent Heritage wellbeing walk? Those taking part walked from All Saints church to New Buckenham and back - via the castle and priory site in Abbey Road, St Martin's church and the 'new' castle, hearing about the history of these important places for our local heritage along the way. Perhaps you did come but would like to hear the history again, this time from a comfortable seat with a glass of wine?

Come along at 7.30pm on this Saturday 20 November to Old Buckenham Village Hall for the 'Heritage illustrated talk'. You will be shown pictures of the places that were  visited and will be told a few bits of local history that were not covered fully on the walk. The event is free, and a glass of wine or soft drink, and nibbles, will be provided to enjoy while the talk takes place. 

Donations for the All Saints Restoration fund will be welcome as there is a need to rebuild the funds (much depleted after completion of the re-thatching and the impact of such a long period of church closure on donations) in the expectation of more work being needed to this ancient church in the near future. If you haven't yet picked up a copy of the history guide book these will be available on the night, or you can always pick one up from the church (suggested minimum donation £2).

Looking forward to seeing you on the evening of Saturday 20 November.

Old Buckenham's new choir

Why not join in?

There is a newly-formed community choir in Old Buckenham. They are called The Old Buckenham Singers and met together for the first time on Tuesday 9  November in the Church Rooms. They had seven new members join them and had a really lovely evening singing Christmas carols and some Christmas songs. They will of course be singing lots of different  songs in the new year. 

They are a choir that sings for pleasure, fun and well-being regardless of singing ability. They  will be meeting at 7.30pm every Tuesday evening in the Church Rooms and would welcome anyone that loves to sing to come along and join them. For more information please contact Jill Irons via email jillstevenson.irons@hotmail.co.uk  or by phone on 07756 233064.

Old Buckenham remembrance

 Yesterday on the Green

At the war memorial

Old Buckenham Parish Council notes

November Parish Council

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 4 November in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook and Andy Nicholls. There were no apologies. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and eleven members of the public.

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

Reports of matters arising from these minutes. Steve Milner reported that he had attempted to clear the two overgrown allotments but struggled. He will use the Parish Council’s strimmer to have another attempt. There is a need to advertise the two remaining vacant allotments. He had not yet had the chance to sort out recreation ground fencing.

The Clerk reminded all that the Precept Grant Application deadline is Saturday 20 November. The flashing 20mph signs (wig-wags) have been installed on Abbey Road as part of the PPS project. A charity tin has been organised by volunteers in the village shop towards the upkeep of the play area. Many thanks from the Parish Council for this gesture and support. A memorial plaque will be presented to the community to commemorate all the efforts during the pandemic. It was suggested to present plaque before the start of the next Parish Council meeting at 7pm on Thursday 2 December. Once the time and date are confirmed with the Deputy Lieutenant, Terri Hammond and the team of volunteers will be invited and the event advertised to the public.

Mike Farrington reported another accident at Puddledock the previous week. Time to re-start a campaign about the danger of the corner, especially during winter weather. There also seem to be diesel spilt on roads occasionally too. Need to coordinate a meeting with NCC Highways about what changes can be made to lower the risk.

Doug Irons had researched structure of Neighbourhood Plans and has made contact with New Buckenham and Breckland Council. Funding may be reduced in future and only appears to be made for a year at a time. Going to need a lot of volunteers within the village to push it forward as it is a community project. Need to publicise to entire village.

Naomi Bailey had spoken to the High School Headteacher, who has been very helpful, about graffiti in the bus shelter. An in-person meeting is scheduled. Also she had contacted local police regarding reports of drugs being used there. The Playground had been inspected and monthly report written. Maintenance work is currently being planned and costed up.

Trevor Cook admitted that Parish Councillors had forgotten to attend a planned joint meeting with the Village Hall management. The rearranged meeting needs to discuss the Parish Council’s role as Custodial Trustee and matters of common interest.

Adrian Joel pointed out that the County Council are taking back the cutting of borders/edging so need to confirm with Breckland if cutting will continue in the village. Also need to elect a Chairman of each working Party so that meetings can be called and organised. Remembrance Sunday Service will take place on Sunday 14 November at 10.45am at the War Memorial. Steve Milner and Naomi Bailey volunteered to lay Parish Council wreath. The Christmas tree is ordered and the lights have all been replaced/repaired. Ox and Plough has organised some music/food/drinks and school choir will also perform. Switch on is at 4pm on Sunday 12 December.

Financial matters. Community account balance is currently £34,883.16. Payments totalling £911.45 were approved (7 in favour) which included nearly £200 to the community car drivers and £250 for the Christmas tree lights. Payment was approved at the last meeting of £500 to ATTCARE.

Public participation relating to agenda items. A resident has met with District Councillor Steve Askew and a Breckland representative to inspect Prince Harry’s Wood. There was still rubbish to be cleared. Breckland Council own this piece of land and the resident requested that Councillors and villagers walk through to have a look themselves to see the state of it and consider what action, if any, might be necessary in future. Further residents raised the issue of speeding on Fen Street, which is mostly National Speed Limit (60mph). The Parish Council explained that there have been many attempts to get it changed to 30mph but with no success. The Clerk is to write to Highways again. The Parish Council also advised that the more comments from residents the better. Steve Milner highlighted that we are unable to use the mobile SAM sign on de-restricted roads, only in 30mph zones.

Planning applications. Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Four New Holiday Lodges (3PL/2021/1406/F). Highways are happy and doesn’t appear to cause any issues for neighbours. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved. Land off Attleborough Road. Ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm along with continued agricultural use, ancillary infrastructure and security fencing, landscaping provision, ecological enhancements and associated works (3PL/2021/0236/F).

Twitchers Cottage, Stacksford. Retention of a mobile home which is used as an annex for a member of the family (3PL/2021/1333/F).

Old Buckenham Water Treatment Works, Abbey Road. Construction of a pump store at Old Buckenham Water Treatment Works (3PL/2021/1354/F).

Crumb Cottage, Cake Street. First storey extension over existing single storey element and internal reconfiguration (3PL/2021/1290/HOU).

Development Site 605747 291109 Hargham Road. Erection of 4 dwellings and garages - technical details consent following application 3PL/2020/0117/PIP (3PL/2021/0210/TDC).

The following applications have now been considered and the applications have been refused. Coal Storage Yard Road, from Stacksford Lane to Hargham Road. Outline Planning Application for 5 Dwellings (3PL/2021/0500/O).

Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. New cabin to replace existing poly tunnel for fitness and well-being centre (3PL/2021/0908/F).

Trustee of Old Buckenham Eleemosynary Charity. The Eleemosynary Charity provides support to residents that are facing financial difficulties. Majority of the trustees are Parish Council appointed. A Parish Council trustee has recently stepped down and therefore necessary for the Parish Council to nominate a new councillor to be a trustee. Proposal to nominate Naomi Bailey for the position was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

Temporary Gamekeeper rent. Area in front of the Gamekeeper is part of the Green. As the Gamekeeper is beginning to trade again, the Parish Council need to address the issue of renting this area of the Green, just as other businesses currently do. Councillors have started working on a new policy about renting the Green. This will then allow clear and consistent rules for areas of the Green to be rented, both by businesses and individuals for events. Until this policy is completed, a temporary agreement needs to be written for the Gamekeeper to use this area in front of the premises. Proposal to write a temporary agreement for the Gamekeeper and then create a contract for the use of the Green was approved (7 in favour).

Wildflowers on the Green. The Green Working Party have decided to have a designated area to encourage and diversify wildflowers. The aim is to prepare the area in March 2022 and sow seeds in April. Area is 30 metres by 50 metres (0.2 of a hectare) and will be marked with 4 or 6 fence posts, rather than a full fence. Will be easy to mow around when Green is cut. Aim is that the wildflowers are in an area that will allow them to be seen and enjoyed. Initial thoughts were to plant on the western side of the Green (between Windmill corner and Almshouses) but a resident highlighted that it does get fairly wet there during winter. Suggestion of nearer the traffic lights so that people can easily see them as they walk/drive past. Surveys are frequently completed of existing wildflowers by Green Rights Proprietors and there are equations to calculate the biodiversity gain. Seeds are all native species. Any donations received from public will be put towards costs and remainder paid for from Green Working Party budget.

Village footpaths. Terry Cook has looked at maps with Countryside Officer but there is no record of a permissive path from Puddledock Corner. There may have been one previously but it just was not transferred to the maps. If an individual or group of individuals wishes to check if a Permissive Path was granted in the past they would need to check with the NCC Legal Orders and Registers Team. If an individual wants to make a claim for a footpath to become a Permissive Path then they would need to contact the Legal Orders and Registers Team and would need at least 12 people to sign a document claiming they have walked the footpath for over 20 years. While the Parish Council will not be doing this, Terry Cook is happy to advise. There is still confusion about why the permissive path was recently rescinded. Could enquire with the landowner for their reasons why they have done this.

War Memorial maintenance. Steve Milner and Adrian Joel have inspected War Memorial. Most slabs are solid and stable although a little uneven. Need to ensure any cleaning would not cause any damage to the stone. A parishioner explained that it could be sensitively cleaned without chemicals and would cost an estimated £1500. This would last 4 to 5 years and needed to be done in the Spring. May require scaffolding to reach the highest parts. Parishioner kindly offered to donate half of the money towards its cleaning and the Parish Council will match the donation to cover total cost. Proposal to also put aside £300 a year towards regular maintenance in the future was approved (7 in favour).

Queen’s Jubilee. A village meeting is to be organised to get ideas and plan a village celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee. A second meeting will be required for discussing a Neighbourhood Plan. Need to talk to the local community groups/businesses so they can get their ideas together before the meeting. Also need to look at funding of the celebrations. Steve Milner will bring a proposal to the next Parish Council meeting.

Neighbourhood Plan. Need to advertise for more residents to join the Neighbourhood Plan team. It is a big commitment and requires a large number of residents to support it. While the Parish Council are supporting the Neighbourhood Plan and helping to organise a group, it is a community project. Possibly could pay for a professional to put together a framework which would give clearer information to residents and explain the process. Doug Irons to research consultants/cost/grants/funding.

Items for next agenda. These will include Precept Grants, Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the Neighbourhood Plan.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 2 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. There will be a presentation beforehand of a commemorative plaque for the community at 7pm. 

Remembrance at Old Buckenham

 Time to remember

Service at War Memorial, 10.45 am on Sunday 14 November.

Old Buckenham's panto in 2022

 Book the dates now

Pantomime at Old Buckenham will be back. This coming January will see the return of the highly acclaimed Old Buckenham Players panto. Their creative style will be added to the classic Dick Whittington by Ben Crocker. Filled with well-rehearsed comic routines and a great mix of songs, this talented cast will entertain the whole family and leave you wanting more!    

The show will be at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 January from 7.30pm, with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm and tickets will be available on Ticket Source.   

Find out about the Players at: www.oldbuckenhamplayers.co.uk or look on their Facebook page.  

Old Buckenham Fayre

Be part of it

There will be a Christmas Fayre at the village hall on Saturday 4 December between noon and 4pm in aid of the primary school. If you would like to have a stall there then you need to contact fa@obps.set.education by Saturday 27 November.

See the lilies in Old Buckenham

 Displays in All Saints

If you are out walking on the Green this weekend, why not pop into All Saints Church and look at the flower displays that are using well over a hundred white lilies. Each flower is in memory of different people who have died and are being remembered by their family and/or friends. A full list of those being remembered is available for you to pick up while you are there.

November's Old Buckenham Newsletter

On its way around

Another 5,000 words for you in this latest issue of our village newsletter. There is a free talk on our local history, a list of forthcoming talks to the Social and Wine Circle, news of a rebuilt bridge on a local footpath and, of course, notes on what went on at the October parish council meeting. Read and inwardly digest to get the most out of village activities.

Old Buckenham bell ringing

Ringing for the future

The church bells rang for half an hour this evening, part of a nationwide activity to remind people of the importance of Cop26 in Glasgow next week. The blog editor was there watching.

All Saints has six bells which are struck by pulling some static ropes at the base of the tower. It is physical work to do this continually for 30 minutes. Well done John.

The lone bell ringer in the darkened church

Fast hand movements mean blurred pictures

Still hard at work after 25 minutes

Bell ropes disappear up the tower

Lilies in Old Buckenham

Quietly arranging

Work was going on in All Saints church today to complete the flower arrangements in time for the All Saints Day service tomorrow. Each lily, all 130 of them, has been 'sponsored' in memory of departed relatives or friends. Why not pop in the church to admire them on Sunday afternoon or during the following week or two?

Bells ringing in Old Buckenham

A warning to us all

The the past church bells were always used  to warn the local population about forthcoming disasters. Many churches will be ringing their bells this Saturday 30 October between 6pm and  6.30pm.  All Saints, Old Buckenham, is intending to join in. This will herald the start of the International Climate Change  conference being held in Glasgow.

Old Buckenham Halloween event

 Ghostly event at Chapel Green School

The public were back for a Coffee Morning at Chapel Green School this morning to enjoy drinks and food prepared by the students and all with a Halloween theme. The students had also been busy making many  gifts and games to tempt the visitors to spend their money. It was so nice to be back supporting the school.

Old Buckenham running in the dark

Go for a virtual run

Run In the Dark Old Buckenham is back. This year's run is a socially distanced 'virtual' run due to Covid. The event is on Wednesday 17 November at 8pm and there'll be a few villagers informally running the usual route around Old Buckenham. Register at the link below. https://runinthedarkgbp.niftyentries.com/Run-In-The-Dark

Latest on Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Parish Council meeting in October

The following notes of the meeting have been written by the village newsletter editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday 7 October in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons and Mike Farrington as well as Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Elizabeth Burrows from Attcare and six members of the public. Councillors Terry Cook and Andy Nicholls had sent their apologies.

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 September. Minutes approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain) with addition that comments from a member of the public supporting the Ox and Plough were read out. They highlighted the fact that the Bikes on the Green event was supported by many in the community.

Matters arising from these minutes. The chairman had spoken to a workman regarding the Recreation Ground fencing. There are enough posts to make the two end fences safe (next to the car park and Chapel Green School road). Intend to leave side next to the Primary School open as there is already a hedgerow on other side of footpath. This was approved (5 in favour).

He has spoken to press regarding the Radar Tower appeal. Commissioned bat survey received which states there are many species of bats in the area (several of which are endangered). As bats can be affected by radar, it provides a strong ecological argument against the Radar Tower. No notification yet from Breckland Council of the Appeal, only a message from the Met Office of their intentions. The Solar Farm was well received at Planning Committee but will need to speak in detail regarding the Grant for the Parish.

The Clerk said the footpath in front of the schools was being well used by pedestrians and seems to be effective in controlling where people are crossing. Also benefiting drivers who know where pedestrians will be crossing. Poles for flashing speeds signs (wigwags) are installed. There is a small delay on the actual signs but should be installed soon. Abbey Road near the Anglian Water site will be closed from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 October. The handrail is now installed next to ramp for the bench outside the Almshouses. The Bus Shelter has been covered in graffiti again. Culprits are unknown but Naomi Bailey has offered to liaise with the High School about this issue as students are one of the main users of the bus stop. Graffiti has been painted over but the bus shelter needs re-paint anyway so looking for volunteers to do this.

Mike Farrington reported that a permissive path in the village has been closed. Terry Cook of the Footpaths Working Party was absent so discussion to be postponed until next month.

Naomi Bailey said the Playground had been inspected in the last month and had passed. The report said safety items were mostly low/very low risk from wear and tear, with a few moderate risk items that need addressing. Many can be solved by local tradesmen so she will go through the report and prioritise work required and costings. Also looking at any longer term solutions that would be more cost effective. 

News from Adrian Joel included that he will speak to the vicar and arrange road closure for Remembrance Sunday. The Clerk to arrange wreaths and it is hoped that as many Councillors as possible will attend. It had been suggested that the War Memorial might need cleaning. The Clerk researched this subject and the War Memorials Trust advise cleaning only when truly necessary as over cleaning can cause damage to the stone. A Christmas tree has been ordered and the lights have been repaired and improved. Switch on event will be on Sunday 12 December at 4pm. Ox and Plough are going to organise an event with a band and has also kindly offered to pay for the electricity for tree. Naomi Bailey to create a poster for the event.

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £24,150.05. Payments for approval (5 in favour), which totalled £1,811.24, included the cost of the annual audit, the new handrail, paper for the village newsletter during 2022, grass cutting and strimming as well as payments to the community car drivers. The charity annual return has been filed.

Public Participation relating to agenda items. The need for a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) was first raised six years ago yet there has still been no action on it. The village needs to decide what they want included and get things moving. Steve Milner explained that it requires a lot of time and people to commit to and complete a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council are looking to use New Buckenham’s Neighbourhood Plan as a template (nearly complete and approved after over four years of work). The Parish Council is there to help support the Neighbourhood Plan group but it is actually a community project that requires residents to lead and participate. First step is to get a group formed and Doug Irons is to research the structure and organisation required of a Neighbourhood Plan group.

AttCare Presentation by Elizabeth Burrows. Attcare is a charity that was set up as part of the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan in order to find out what health and social care provisions are available and required for Attleborough and surrounding villages. Attleborough’s Health Practice is already very over-stretched due to a huge growth in population in the area without improvements to the infrastructure or services. Many services are now being held elsewhere, such as Wymondham and Norwich. A survey of the services available and what was required was completed six years ago and found significant gaps but this information is now out of date. The Government is going to provide five major towns in Norfolk funding to improve Health and Social Care and Attleborough is hoping to be selected. Attcare is acting as a facilitator by highlighting the needs and requirements of the town and neighbouring villages in order to improve its chances of selection for the funding. In order to do this, a new research survey is required. The survey is completed by UEA and has been split in to two halves. The first half has been completed and has established the facts around the current health and social care situation in Attleborough. Attcare is £3,500 short of its target to commission the second half of the report which will look at recommendations for improvements. All Parishes that use Attleborough health services are being asked if they can contribute towards this cost, with many donating. Steve Milner enquired about whether developers have donated and it was explained that they are contributing through ‘section 106’ funding. Attcare wishes to address many health and social care services including minor injuries, palliative care, mental health care, training to help increase staff numbers and supported living.

Councillors felt that these services are important to many residents of Old Buckenham and Attcare should be supported in its work to make significant improvements. Proposal to donate £500 was approved (5 in favour).

New planning applications received before the meeting. Old Hall, Harlingwood Lane. Replacement dwelling (3PL/2021/1251/F). Looking to tear down a 16th century building and replace it. There is extensive damage to the current property. Not a listed building but classed as ‘non designation heritage asset of significant local interest’. Councillors felt they would rather see restoration of current property rather than demolition. Propose to object was approved (5 in favour).

Hargham Road. Residential Development – 12 units (3PL/2021/1274/F). A member of the public made the following observations: This application will affect the whole village. It is outside the village settlement boundary and Old Buckenham has met its housing target, therefore there is no requirement for these properties. There is also the risk that it will set a precedent for further development in the area. It is set on a narrow road, which would possibly need widening. However, there are 10 large oak trees along that road which should be protected. Additionally, there are dangerous junctions in both directions. The design of the properties would cause significant light pollution which would affect neighbouring properties and local wildlife. Councillors were in agreement with these points and felt that the application would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area. Adrian Joel highlighted that it also goes against many policies of Breckland’s Local Plan (GEN 02, COM 01 and TR02). Majority of comments on the Planning Portal are against the development. Breckland Councillor Steve Askew is unable to raise it to the Planning Committee. Anglian Water have also stated that they do not have the capacity to process the waste from these houses. Proposal to object was approved (5 in favour).

Crumb Cottage, Cake Street. First storey extension over existing single storey element and internal reconfiguration (3PL/2021/1290/HOU). No objections. Proposal to support was approved (5 in favour).

Twitchers Cottage, Stacksford. Retention of a mobile home which is used as an annex for a member of the family (3PL/2021/1333/F). Has been there for many years but need to renew it every 10 years. Proposal to support was approved (5 in favour).

26 Oaklands. Proposed Single Storey Front Extension (3PL/2021/1348/HOU). No objections. Unable to tell if it would project further forward than neighbouring properties. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour).

Old Buckenham Water Treatment Works, Abbey Road. Construction of a pump store at Old Buckenham Water Treatment Works (3PL/2021/1354/F). This is for the sewage works. No objections. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour).

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

42 Fen Street. Single storey side and rear extensions (3PL/2021/0947/HOU).

The Barn, High London Farm, New Buckenham Road. Outline planning application for the conversion of an agricultural barn to a single dwelling (3PL/2020/1356/O).

Hunters House, access roads in and around Old Buckenham Hall. Erection of a 5m by 3.5m wood cabin within the front garden for use as a small dog grooming business (3PL/2021/0721/F).

Church Farmhouse, The Green. Proposed Single storey, Kitchen, Wetroom and Utility Room extensions and re-positioning of oil tank to front garden with screening (3PL/2021/1089/HOU).

The following application has now been considered and the application has been refused. Rear of 41 Hargham Road. Erection of single storey dwelling and two bay cart lodge (self build) (3PL/2021/0830/O).

The following application has been withdrawn. Caldcleugh, Cake Street. New Access to the Highway and Garage/Outbuilding (3PL/2021/1216/HOU).

Precept Grants launch. Councillors felt that the Precept Grants are important for the community and local groups. Proposal to continue Precept Grants approved (5 in favour). The Clerk is to update and advertise their availability. Application forms available from the Clerk. Deadline for receiving completed applications is Saturday 20 November.

Welcome Pack. This has been updated with all relevant information. The Clerk to advertise its availability and will need neighbours to notify her when and where it is required.

Allotment rents. Current allotment annual rent prices for Old Buckenham residents are £40 for a plot (40 metres by 20 metres) and £20 for half a plot. People outside the village pay £50 or £25. Twelve of the plots are currently being used. Proposal to maintain allotment rents as the same for 2021/22 was approved (5 in favour). If anyone is interested in renting an allotment, please contact the Clerk.

Wildflowers on the Green. The Green Working Party would like to trial growing some wildflowers on the Green in a 50 metre by 40 metre test area which will need clearing and preparing. A wildflower seed mix of native British flowers has been ordered to be sown in late March/early April 2022. Councillors asked for clarification of the area and how the area will be cordoned off and protected. Doug Irons also wanted to see a copy of report from the Wildlife Trust with its recommendations. Steve Milner to liaise with Green Working Party for further information.

Public footpaths. A Permissive Path near Puddledock has been rescinded. It was the only safe way for Puddledock residents to access village on foot without walking on dangerous roads, as well as being a popular walking route. There is confusion from many residents about the reason behind the change. Councillors clarified that this was a permissive path and not a Public Right of Way (PRoW) which meant the landowner gave permission for residents to walk on the land and so they are in their right to also stop that access. Terry Cook has good knowledge on the subject and will re-address public footpaths in the Parish at next month’s Parish Council meeting.

Working Parties Projects. This updated list of Working Parties members was agreed.

Personnel Committee: Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook

Play Area Working Party: Naomi Bailey, Kerry Talbot (resident), Doug Irons

Recreation Area Working Party: Andy Nicholls, Steve Milner

SNAP: Steve Milner

Old Buckenham Village Hall: Terry Cook

Allotments: Adrian Joel

Parish Council website: Steve Milner, Rachel Noyes.

Old Buckenham Green Rights: Andy Nicholls

Almshouses Trust: Mike Farrington

Village Green Working Party: Andy Nicholls, Adrian Joel, Sarah Dye (Green Right Proprietor), Allison Frank (Green Right Proprietor), Lord of the Manor, John Fernihough (resident)

Eleemonosynary Trust: Steve Milner

Neighbourhood Plan: Steve Milner, Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook, Andy Nicholls, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons

Public Rights of Way (PRoW): Steve Milner, Terry Cook, Mike Farrington

School Liaison Officer: Naomi Bailey

Play area. Naomi Bailey to review the latest inspection report and price up any maintenance work required.

Items for next agenda. These will include the wild flower trial on the Green and current public footpaths in the village.

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

Rosa Mendoza visits Old Buckenham

Do something different on Sunday

Rosa Mendoza can be seen on Sunday 17 October at 3pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

A Spanish chambermaid shakes things up in this play set in Cromer. Nothing will be the same again when this eccentric Spanish chambermaid arrives at a Cromer hotel. Come along and see what happens.

fEAST is touring with an original production called Rosa Mendoza, written by local writer Rob John. Old Buckenham Village Hall is one of 12 venues throughout the region where Rosa Mendoza will be performed.

Dawn Finnerty, fEAST's artistic director, said “the play is funny, thought-provoking, full of surprises and it’s all set against the rapidly changing events of the past five years. It really is a dark comedy for our times.”

Make an afternoon of it and enjoy the bar, tea/coffee & biscuits and choc ices,  all of which will be on sale and not forgetting a raffle! All in aid of Village Hall funds.

Tickets are £10. Phone 07880 660 444 or email bookings.obvh@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

Enjoying the Old Buckenham quiz

Quizzers at work again

The village quiz took place last night (Saturday 9 October) with a reduced number of teams to allow more space between the tables. There was some serious quizzing, some freshly cooked fish (or sausage) and chips as well as a busy bar. At half time, four teams were heading the field, all with the same number of points.

A great way to raise funds for the Village Hall.

Ready for the start

Thinking hard

The winning team from the Women's Institute

A happy team captain

If you can remember your table number, here are your scores

Final quiz scores

1st Women’s Institute  67 points

2nd Quizzly Bears  64 points.

3rd All Saints Church  62points

4th Shrobucks  60 points

Joint 5th  Cricket Team and 'Im, 'Er and Them 58 points

Joint 7th  Figgy and Pen Pushers 57 points

9th Confused.com  48 points

10th Methodist Church  39 points

11th Fen Street Gang  38 points

12th East meets West  37 points

Halloween event in Old Buckenham

 Getting back to more normal

Chapel Green School are opening up to the public and inviting people to come to their Halloween event on Friday 22 October. No doubt the pupils are hard at work preparing some scary treats for all that come along.

Coming to Old Buckenham

 Hopeful sign

Anyone know when?

Latest Old Buckenham newsletter

October's news

Read it all the way through and you can find out who won the classes in the village Produce Show, who visited Orkney for their 90th birthday, some details about the newest parish councillor  and which councillor has now stepped down due to family and work commitments. There is a full report on the latest parish council meeting and information on meeting Rosa Mendoza in the Village Hall.

The volunteer distributors may have already delivered your copy so get reading now.