Driving for Old Buckenham

How you can help others

Do you have your own car, enjoy driving and meeting people?  Have you got some spare time - but don't want to be 'tied' to a particular weekly time commitment?  The Old Buckenham Community Car scheme needs more volunteer drivers.  Supported by Breckland Council, the scheme is open to residents of Old Buckenham who do not have access to their own transport and cannot easily use public transport - for travelling to appointments at hospital, local GP surgeries or dentists/opticians etc.  Those requesting a community car are asked to phone the drivers direct and even between them, not every request can be met. We need more drivers!

The cost of each journey is calculated on a set amount per mile (currently 45p). Passengers pay the driver 50% of the total, and the balance is met by the Parish Council (funded by a grant from Breckland) - so the driver is not out of pocket (although be prepared for some trips to be time consuming).  If you'd like more information about what is involved please call one of the current drivers (their details are in the village magazine on page 32) or Adrian Joel who is the link person with Breckland Council and the Parish Council.  

First time in Old Buckenham

 Book Club meets at Old School Bookshop

January saw the launch of the bookshop’s book club. Nine members met across a daytime and an evening meeting to discuss the beautifully lyrical book Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. It was a popular choice and members commented on the beauty of the writing and discussed themes which emerged from the challenging topic of the Magdalene Laundries in 1980s Ireland. The group really enjoyed making new friends and discussing literature with like- minded people.

The book club are now reading Arthur & George by Julian Barnes which follows the true story of the Great Wyrley Outrages ready for a discussion on Thursday 8 February. New members very welcome – find out more by visiting the bookshop or at www.oldschoolbookshop.co.uk/book-club

Write for Old Buckenham village newsletter

 

Words wanted

Because of the short length of the parish council minutes and there being no village hall management meeting in January, there will be plenty of room in the February village newsletter for you to try your skills at writing an article or two.

Perhaps we could have something on how the overflowing pond was overcome or someone from Chapel Green School could give more details on what volunteers they want on 5th, 6th and 7th of February.

Just send your contributions, no matter how old you are, to obnewspostbox@aol.com by Saturday 20 January. Or even send some real writing on paper...

Any queries email crockslea@aol.com Thank you.

Latest Old Buckenham Parish Council notes

Parish Council in January

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 4 January in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Lesley Evison, David Taylor, Doug Irons and Ali McWilliam. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and nine members of the public. The District and County Councilor Steve Askew also attended for a short while. There were no apologies for absence.

The minutes of the meeting held Thursday 7 December 2023 were approved (4 in favour, 4 abstain).

Financial matters. The Community account balance was £25106.41. Payments for approval totalled £2358.07. These were approved (8 in favour) and covered Suggitt Farm Services £1800, hire of Village Hall £16.25, salary of Clerk and RFO £541.82 and John Frost for community car journeys £73.80.

Councillors’ reports. Steve Gower said the SAM speed sign has been relocated to Hargham Road. He was going to place it on Attleborough Road but the hedges there are over grown and need cutting back. He will speak to the contractor renting the land to ask for it to be cut. Future Community Speedwatch members are awaiting training later in January and then it will be up and running.

Doug Irons reported that the content has been sent to web designer and awaiting reply. He has also asked Parish Council about the renewing of policies but the Clerk has moved this to a February due to having to finalise the precept for the coming year. Also asked that the Parish Council should prepare earlier for the Remembrance Sunday service earlier this year as no road closure was put in place last time. The clerk has been reimbursed by Norfolk Police for road closure that did not happen. Stan Burton has a PA system he will lend for this year’s service.

Naomi Bailey said the Christmas tree light switch on was a success and thanks Stan Burton for the PA system and the switch. She has responded to correspondence with resident regarding the benches around the Ottomer Pond.

Steve Askew reported that there is flooding in all areas of the village with drains and ditches being overwhelmed due to the large amount of rainfall this month. NCC Highways have the road drains in the village on their schedule but we must be patient because, due to the severity of the weather, they are extremely busy. The pothole issue on Grove Road will be rectified once the weather dries up.

Green Report. Both Naomi Bailey and Steve Gowers were contacted by numerous residents on Christmas Eve regarding the flooding situation of Ottomer Pond. Sandbags were delivered and an appeal was posted on social media asking for residents to help fill them and place around the pond to try to contain it. They were very disappointed with the response of the village to help those in need. Thanks go to David Keable (our village postman who lives in Attleborough) for his help and Mark Ward for supplying the sand bags. It was also reported that there was an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and how we could prevent the problem in the future. A submersible pump has been borrowed and will be running for a week to try to reduce the level in the pond. It was also discussed about locating the overflow pipe from the pond which has been unsuccessful in the past and replacing this with a new pipe running from the pond across the Green into the ditch by the High School. This suggestion was then put to the Parish Council and was agreed. All voted in favour of investigating further. The clerk is to speak with contractors to gain a price for the works and then to seek funding from NCC and Breckland. If it is needed to borrow the monies this will have an effect on the precept for the following year.

Planning applications. Westward, The Green. Proposed change of use of existing barn and outbuildings to single residential use (3PL/2023/1204/F). The Clerk to ask for an extension of time to comment as details of application had only just arrived. This was agreed (8 in favour).There were no amended applications, planning decisions by Breckland Council or planning appeals.

Precept. The Clerk presented the figures and the Parish Council voted to keep the precept the same as year 2023 (8 in favour). The Clerk is to fill in request and submit the forms to Breckland before the end of January.

Public participation. This was not on the agenda due to the Parish Council having to discuss the 2024 precept and the issues of flooding within the village.

Items for next agenda. These would include final precept figures, flooding, policies, the Solar Farm, Green issues update and the footpath from the Village Hall to Chapel Green School.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 1 February starting at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. 

Old Buckenham pond in a new light

Looks better in the sunshine

Ottomer pond is still full up but looks much better with the sun shining on the many protective sandbags and the ducks enjoying themselves.

Get back a bit of Old Buckenham

Enliven your Sunday mornings

Do you miss listening to 'Treasure Quest' that was on Radio Norfolk every Sunday morning for many years. It visited the village lots of times. Well two of the participants from that programme are now producing a podcast about the Norfolk countryside that can appear on your computer each Sunday morning. Even better, if you don't have a computer you can get sent a CD version of the talks for free.

Look up and listen to Chris Skinner's Country Side podcast to get a bit of Sunday back...

Walking around Old Buckenham

Pleasant way to start the year

At least eighty people of various ages and several dogs gathered at the Village Hall this morning to enjoy their New Year's Day Walk. The weather was crisp and bright so ideal for the walkers and at least one young cyclist to explore Old Buckenham. Then back to the hall for soups and rolls, plenty of chatting with other villagers, while raising some funds for St Martins.

Collecting up outside the hall

Getting instructions before starting

Setting off

Through the gate

Homemade rolls out ready

Tables laid ready for walker to return

The homemade soup menu

Some of the first walkers back...

...and some more.

Time for a chat and to check your phone

Choosing your soup

Hall full of diners...

...and some more

Someone had to wash up!

Starting the year in Old Buckenham

It's time for some exercise

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

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

Old Buckenham newsletter for start of 2024

 Now circulating

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

Donate tins to St Martins in Old Buckenham

 

The Old Buckenham

Christmas Eve Donations for St Martins

 

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

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

THANK YOU

and Happy Christmas to you all

Christmas opening at Old Buckenham village shop

Good news

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

Old Buckenham walk in 2024

The Old Buckenham

NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK

 

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

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

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

No charge but generous donations welcome for St Martins Housing Trust

 or if you prefer

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

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

Thanks

Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes for December

 Report on latest Council meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public participation. Nothing from the public.

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

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

Raising money in Old Buckenham

Festive refreshments and more

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

Old Buckenham newsletter

Words needed for January 2024

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

Hedging in Old Buckenham car park

 Schools plant very young hedge

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

More details to come later

History of Old Buckenham blog

It started fifteen years ago

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

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

Fallen tree in Old Buckenham graveyard

Problem to solve

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

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

Another winner in Old Buckenham

Well done Phin

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

December newsletter out in Old Buckenham

 Still plenty to read

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

It looks like this: