Diary dates for March
Friday 1 Crib, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 2 Meeting on future of Village Hall, 11am
Sunday 3 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 4 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 5 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Tuesday 5 Village Fete planning meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wednesday 6 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 7 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 9 Roadside collection of textiles from 9am
Monday 11 Textile collection, Village Hall car park, 8.30am to 9am
Monday 11 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 13 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 14 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 14 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 15 Village quiz, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 16 Talk on history of All Saints Church, in Church at 7.30pm
Sunday 17 LAA and homebuilt aircraft Fly in at the Airfield
Monday 18 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 20 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Wednesday 20 Annual Parish Meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 23 Jumble sale, Church Rooms, from 10am
Wednesday 27 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 27 High School 75th anniversary celebrations from 5pm
Thursday 28 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
March newsletter all around Old Buckenham
News of all the March events
The printed copies of the March issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter have been left at various locations around the village. Two extra locations where you may now find some are inside the Village Hall and in the Church Rooms.
The main supply point is, of course, the village shop.
The printed copies of the March issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter have been left at various locations around the village. Two extra locations where you may now find some are inside the Village Hall and in the Church Rooms.
The main supply point is, of course, the village shop.
Monday, 25 February 2013
More on Senior Citizens' Lunch in Old Buckenham
What was on offer
A full roast dinner with plenty of vegetables was provided for everyone. Then there was the choice of sweets and a plateful of mixed cheeses to eat your way through, all washed down with glasses of wine or fruit juice.Everyone had been given a free raffle ticket on arrival so the raffle was drawn next while the entertainer got ready on the stage. Country and Western songs were then sung for an hour or so to let all the meal be digested and give some people the opportunity to join in with the lyrics of songs remembered from many years ago. A couple of cards of cash bingo were played before more food arrived in the form of homemade mince pies, tea and coffee.
The afternoon finished with a big thank you to all the organisers and volunteers with the main cook being called out from hiding to receive a large bouquet of flowers.
Soon everyone was drifting out of the hall while some volunteers were still washing up in the kitchen...
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Benefit of being old in Old Buckenham
Senior Citizens' Lunch
Over eighty people who have reached 'retirement' age and live in Old Buckenham were treated to a slap-up lunch in the village hall yesterday. Money had been raised at various events in the village over the last twelve months and so, with the help of many volunteers on the day, the diners had nothing to do but sit down and enjoy themselves.
Work had started by setting out and decorating the tables on the evening before. Then food had been prepared and cooked during the morning ready for the guests to arrive just before 1pm.
Looking around on arrival you could collect your glass of sherry, see a table full of raffle prizes, another table loaded with lots of homemade sweets and, hidden away in the kitchen, plates of various cheeses being assembled for later consumption.
There was the opportunity to have your photo taken and to attempt to work out some answers to the quiz sheet that had been left on each table. Then it was time for grace to be said and everyone got down to eating and drinking.
Over eighty people who have reached 'retirement' age and live in Old Buckenham were treated to a slap-up lunch in the village hall yesterday. Money had been raised at various events in the village over the last twelve months and so, with the help of many volunteers on the day, the diners had nothing to do but sit down and enjoy themselves.
Work had started by setting out and decorating the tables on the evening before. Then food had been prepared and cooked during the morning ready for the guests to arrive just before 1pm.
Looking around on arrival you could collect your glass of sherry, see a table full of raffle prizes, another table loaded with lots of homemade sweets and, hidden away in the kitchen, plates of various cheeses being assembled for later consumption.
There was the opportunity to have your photo taken and to attempt to work out some answers to the quiz sheet that had been left on each table. Then it was time for grace to be said and everyone got down to eating and drinking.
More photographs will be posted tomorrow.
You can click on these ones if you would like to enlarge them.
Friday, 22 February 2013
Old Buckenham hears about Victorian asylums
Social and Wine Circle
The talk for February’s meeting was entitled “Life in a Victorian Asylum”. A dry subject you might think but, after Alison Hannah’s talk about a similar subject last year, she was invited back to give more interesting information about asylums, especially the Norfolk Lunatic Asylum (NLA). This was built in 1814, shortly after the passing of the County Asylums Act in 1808 and, when it closed finally in 1998, was the third oldest asylum in the country. In its first year, the NLA had 62 patients, the majority of which were male and who had been transferred from workhouses which until then had been the main unit for housing such individuals. Some thirty years later, there were more than 550 patients in the NLA, recognition that mentally ill persons needed to be looked after rather than abandoned. The patients were expected to work, this being therapeutic as well as practical. The men looked after the gardens where food produce for the inmates was grown (the amount available to feed inmates was 4s 9d per person per week, approx 24p) while the women cleaned and cooked. All inmates were expected to look after themselves to a degree, there being very few staff to do this. Treatments were many and varied. Opium, cannabis and nicotine were some of the drugs used whilst purgatives ‘helped to calm or distract’ some patients. Alison had researched the subject bringing a wealth of information with her, helped as she advised us by the fact that the Victorians recorded everything in great detail.
Next month’s talk, on Thursday 14 March, will be “Computers today” to be given by Steve Hammond.
The talk for February’s meeting was entitled “Life in a Victorian Asylum”. A dry subject you might think but, after Alison Hannah’s talk about a similar subject last year, she was invited back to give more interesting information about asylums, especially the Norfolk Lunatic Asylum (NLA). This was built in 1814, shortly after the passing of the County Asylums Act in 1808 and, when it closed finally in 1998, was the third oldest asylum in the country. In its first year, the NLA had 62 patients, the majority of which were male and who had been transferred from workhouses which until then had been the main unit for housing such individuals. Some thirty years later, there were more than 550 patients in the NLA, recognition that mentally ill persons needed to be looked after rather than abandoned. The patients were expected to work, this being therapeutic as well as practical. The men looked after the gardens where food produce for the inmates was grown (the amount available to feed inmates was 4s 9d per person per week, approx 24p) while the women cleaned and cooked. All inmates were expected to look after themselves to a degree, there being very few staff to do this. Treatments were many and varied. Opium, cannabis and nicotine were some of the drugs used whilst purgatives ‘helped to calm or distract’ some patients. Alison had researched the subject bringing a wealth of information with her, helped as she advised us by the fact that the Victorians recorded everything in great detail.
Next month’s talk, on Thursday 14 March, will be “Computers today” to be given by Steve Hammond.
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
The stained glass of All Saints Old Buckenham
Looking at windows
Have you ever thought about the history of the oldest building in Old Buckenham? You may walk or drive past it every day, you may regularly attend worship there – but maybe you have only been inside occasionally, for a wedding or funeral perhaps. It’s just possible you’ve never visited at all! To launch a major heritage project in relation to the restoration of the medieval windows, there will be an illustrated talk entitled 'All Saints Windows - Throwing light on 1000 years of a village Church’ in All Saints Church on Saturday 16 March at 7.30pm.
The talk will be about the 1000 year history of this building, focusing particularly on the stained and painted glass. After the talk there will be refreshments in the Church Rooms with an opportunity to learn more and to find out how to get involved in supporting the continuous work of preserving this wonderful building for the future. Donations for the restoration project will be most welcome. For more information please contact Alison on 01953 861261.
Have you ever thought about the history of the oldest building in Old Buckenham? You may walk or drive past it every day, you may regularly attend worship there – but maybe you have only been inside occasionally, for a wedding or funeral perhaps. It’s just possible you’ve never visited at all! To launch a major heritage project in relation to the restoration of the medieval windows, there will be an illustrated talk entitled 'All Saints Windows - Throwing light on 1000 years of a village Church’ in All Saints Church on Saturday 16 March at 7.30pm.
The talk will be about the 1000 year history of this building, focusing particularly on the stained and painted glass. After the talk there will be refreshments in the Church Rooms with an opportunity to learn more and to find out how to get involved in supporting the continuous work of preserving this wonderful building for the future. Donations for the restoration project will be most welcome. For more information please contact Alison on 01953 861261.
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Valentine's day in Old Buckenham
Romantic flowers
The first design consisted of all white flowers for ‘innocence’, freesia and eustoma in baskets. This was followed by a lovely romantic table arrangement with red candles with red/pink rose buds and spray carnations arranged on a metal candelabram. Also included was a heart-shaped foam base with rose buds, alstromeria, carnations, a selection of foliage and also ribbon and phormium leaves woven around the heart. A hand-tied gift bag of a dozen red roses for love, a cuddly bear, balloon and a large Valentine card were added.
This was followed by three designs arranged in floral foam in pots to resemble hand-tied bouquets. First was a design of cornus twigs with red and pink tulips (perfect love), then one of red anemones (unfading love) and a third of blue hyacinth (constancy).
A design of Cupid’s arrow followed, palm leaves with zantedeschia lilies (beauty) and cymbidium orchid (virility). Also a wire heart constructed by Christine with coloured wire, sisal and beads, with orchid heads and zantedeschia lilies woven in.
The last design was of three tall metal pots including stargazer lilies (wealth and prosperity), pink roses (love and gratitude) and included a candle. These were copied from the designs Christine had at her wedding as she was celebrating her wedding anniversary on Valentines day.
All the arrangements were raffled. Christine's knowledge of her plant material and tips were warmly welcomed, also her flower meanings, the history of Valentine and the customs of the day.
The monthly competition was for an arrangement depicting 'Romance is in the Air'. The Christine Hewson trophy was awarded for the best exhibit and it went to novice class winner Alyson Walker with the runner-up being Sylvia Briggs.
The Breckland Flower and Garden Club meet at Old Buckenham Village Hall, Abbey Road, on the second Thursday of the month. Their next meeting is on Thursday 14 March starting at 2pm and it will be the club’s AGM followed by a talk and demonstration entitled 'Quilts and flowers'.
All visitors are welcome (£4) and for more information call Christine on 01953 454528.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Old Buckenham Parish Council
Parish Council in February
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of this blog from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
Two councillors, Derek Smalley and Paul Boggia, had sent their apologies for not being able to attend the February meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. There were four members of the public present.
There was the usual public recess when the meeting was suspended for a short while to allow members of the public to ask questions.
Minutes of January meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting. Chairman Tim Ing thanked Kerry Talbot who had done the minutes in the absence of the Parish Clerk.
Matters arising from the minutes. The Parish Clerk said that under Chairman’s report it was stated that a rebate of £983.50 will be paid to the Council. The Clerk explained that this was not a rebate but, because of a new means of fixing precepts, Breckland Council has a smaller tax base from which the precept was allocated and in year 2013/14 it meant there was a shortfall in the precept of this amount. Central government was funding this shortfall and Breckland was paying it in the form of a grant to make up the precept shortfall.
BMX trail and car parking at recreation area. Jonathan Kemp said that three quotes had been received for the works and he then gave details of the ground works involved. This would increase car parking spaces by up to 17 cars. Carol Marshall has had a meeting with the young people in the village showing them what the track would look like. They were very enthusiastic about the project and would put forward ideas as to how the final layout could look. Councillors then asked questions relating to the project. Jonathan Kemp and Carol Marshall would liaise with the village hall on start dates for the project. The quotes received were for £5,610, £3,666 and £3,040 (all were plus VAT). Jonathan Kemp proposed that the quote of £3,040 be accepted as the person had done previous work in the village, this was seconded by Carol Marshall and agreed unanimously. Tim Ing thanked them both for their hard work on the project. The Parish Clerk is to send letters to the two unsuccessful firms who quoted.
Village Emergency Plan. It was proposed by Carol Marshall and seconded by Jonathan Kemp that the village emergency planned produced by Steve Milner be adopted, this was agreed unanimously.
Planning applications. None
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Crown House, Stacksford. Erection of front porch. Permission granted.
Alice Cottage, Ragmere Road. Convert integral garage into bedroom and bathroom and side extension to form car port. Permission granted.
Abbey Farm, Abbey, Road. Convert outbuilding to residential annexe. Permission granted.
43 Fen Street. Demolish existing rear storage room and erection of conservatory. Permission granted.
The Finches, Cake Street. Front and rear extensions, raise roof to create rooms in roof including Juliette balcony. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing had received an email regarding overhanging trees on Hargham Road. He said that they were the responsibility of the landowners and the problem was not too severe at the present time. He then said the play area parking work was done and was proving successful. He had also been informed that the promised contributions to fund the work would now not be paid as they disagreed with how the work was done. School parking during the recent snowy weather had been a problem as the Village Hall car park was not accessible because of the snow. He also said that congestion at the school is growing as more people are dropping off children. Tim Ing said he had received comments regarding proposed street lights in the village and most of them were against the idea of having them. The matter will be discussed at the Annual Parish meeting being held on Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm. He also reported that he had some words with farmers’ wives regarding farm traffic in Hargham Road and the damaged being caused to grass verges. The Shrublands planning application would be discussed at a public enquiry on Tuesday 12 March at Attleborough Town Hall, this matter is to be put on March agenda for full discussion.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said a licence had been given to move the great crested newts from St Andrews Close to the newly constructed ‘piles’ in the adjoining woods. This would enable Cotman Housing Association to start building the 14 new properties in early summer 2013. Breckland Council had a deficit a year ago of £3.5 million and they had to find this over the next five years. This deficiency had already been reduced to £2.6 million with efficiency savings and better use of their assets. Breckland had decided after their consultation programme to keep free parking in the five market towns. Breckland are proposing a council tax increase of £4.98 per year on Band D properties which would be the first increase in four years and would take a band D property to £69 per year. District Councils are getting together a scheme to save residents money on their gas and electricity bills. A ‘power switch’ scheme will be announced shortly and residents will be asked to register their interest and full details would be available later this month.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Steve Milner said that slow down speed signs have now been distributed and are appearing on wheelie bins in the village. John Frost said the church tower has been awarded a grant and it is hoped to start work in 2014. A bat survey had been carried out at the church and none were found, only some droppings. Another survey would be carried out later this year. Akis Chrisovelides has prepared a draft notice regarding the youth council and would be putting them up in the village and see what response there is. Adrian Joel said a resident has thanked the Parish Council for providing new grit bins. There were suggestions that another one was needed and he would raise the matter in November to see if any funds were available to get another one. Tom Johnson said he attended a Village Hall committee meeting and they raised the matter of flooding in the car park which they thought was Parish Council responsibility. Jonathan Kemp said the responsibility actually rested with the school. Norfolk County Council have said they will deal with problem. Tom Johnson said there was a quiz night at the village hall on Friday 15 March and hoped the Parish Council would enter a team. A public meeting at the Village Hall would be held on Saturday 2 March regarding the future of the Village Hall. They urgently need three new nominated trustees. There has been a lot of correspondence between the Charity Commission and the Village Hall regarding the existing committee and, if no new volunteers are forthcoming, then the hall could close and the Parish Council would have to take up Custodian Trustee status. Tom Johnson asked if Parish Council would attend the public meeting and support the existing committee. Wednesday 3 April would be the date for the AGM of the village hall and Wednesday 10 April would be the first committee meeting. Jonathan Kemp has applied for a grant of £20,000 for the recreation area from Norfolk Community Foundation and would be in the March round of applications.
Highways. Pot holes were reported in Abbey Road on the left approaching the school. Also in Grove Road and the junction of Hargham Road. More were reported in Hargham Road from number 46 down towards Fen Street. The footpath up to the shop in Hargham Road needs attention. John Frost reported another recent accident at the junction of Grove Road and Mill Road. The Parish Clerk is to contact Highways on these matters.
The Green. Sarah Dye said the AGM of the Green Right Proprietors would be held at the end of February. Tom Johnson said the duck house on the pond at the Gamekeeper needed repairs and Sarah Dye said it would be dealt with in near future. Akis Chrisovelides asked if the Green Right Proprietors had regular funding streams for the Green. Sarah Dye said that there was not and that the income received paid for the insurance but no extra money was available.
The next parish council meeting will be on Thursday 7 March in the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of this blog from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
Two councillors, Derek Smalley and Paul Boggia, had sent their apologies for not being able to attend the February meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. There were four members of the public present.
There was the usual public recess when the meeting was suspended for a short while to allow members of the public to ask questions.
Minutes of January meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting. Chairman Tim Ing thanked Kerry Talbot who had done the minutes in the absence of the Parish Clerk.
Matters arising from the minutes. The Parish Clerk said that under Chairman’s report it was stated that a rebate of £983.50 will be paid to the Council. The Clerk explained that this was not a rebate but, because of a new means of fixing precepts, Breckland Council has a smaller tax base from which the precept was allocated and in year 2013/14 it meant there was a shortfall in the precept of this amount. Central government was funding this shortfall and Breckland was paying it in the form of a grant to make up the precept shortfall.
BMX trail and car parking at recreation area. Jonathan Kemp said that three quotes had been received for the works and he then gave details of the ground works involved. This would increase car parking spaces by up to 17 cars. Carol Marshall has had a meeting with the young people in the village showing them what the track would look like. They were very enthusiastic about the project and would put forward ideas as to how the final layout could look. Councillors then asked questions relating to the project. Jonathan Kemp and Carol Marshall would liaise with the village hall on start dates for the project. The quotes received were for £5,610, £3,666 and £3,040 (all were plus VAT). Jonathan Kemp proposed that the quote of £3,040 be accepted as the person had done previous work in the village, this was seconded by Carol Marshall and agreed unanimously. Tim Ing thanked them both for their hard work on the project. The Parish Clerk is to send letters to the two unsuccessful firms who quoted.
Village Emergency Plan. It was proposed by Carol Marshall and seconded by Jonathan Kemp that the village emergency planned produced by Steve Milner be adopted, this was agreed unanimously.
Planning applications. None
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Crown House, Stacksford. Erection of front porch. Permission granted.
Alice Cottage, Ragmere Road. Convert integral garage into bedroom and bathroom and side extension to form car port. Permission granted.
Abbey Farm, Abbey, Road. Convert outbuilding to residential annexe. Permission granted.
43 Fen Street. Demolish existing rear storage room and erection of conservatory. Permission granted.
The Finches, Cake Street. Front and rear extensions, raise roof to create rooms in roof including Juliette balcony. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing had received an email regarding overhanging trees on Hargham Road. He said that they were the responsibility of the landowners and the problem was not too severe at the present time. He then said the play area parking work was done and was proving successful. He had also been informed that the promised contributions to fund the work would now not be paid as they disagreed with how the work was done. School parking during the recent snowy weather had been a problem as the Village Hall car park was not accessible because of the snow. He also said that congestion at the school is growing as more people are dropping off children. Tim Ing said he had received comments regarding proposed street lights in the village and most of them were against the idea of having them. The matter will be discussed at the Annual Parish meeting being held on Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm. He also reported that he had some words with farmers’ wives regarding farm traffic in Hargham Road and the damaged being caused to grass verges. The Shrublands planning application would be discussed at a public enquiry on Tuesday 12 March at Attleborough Town Hall, this matter is to be put on March agenda for full discussion.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said a licence had been given to move the great crested newts from St Andrews Close to the newly constructed ‘piles’ in the adjoining woods. This would enable Cotman Housing Association to start building the 14 new properties in early summer 2013. Breckland Council had a deficit a year ago of £3.5 million and they had to find this over the next five years. This deficiency had already been reduced to £2.6 million with efficiency savings and better use of their assets. Breckland had decided after their consultation programme to keep free parking in the five market towns. Breckland are proposing a council tax increase of £4.98 per year on Band D properties which would be the first increase in four years and would take a band D property to £69 per year. District Councils are getting together a scheme to save residents money on their gas and electricity bills. A ‘power switch’ scheme will be announced shortly and residents will be asked to register their interest and full details would be available later this month.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Steve Milner said that slow down speed signs have now been distributed and are appearing on wheelie bins in the village. John Frost said the church tower has been awarded a grant and it is hoped to start work in 2014. A bat survey had been carried out at the church and none were found, only some droppings. Another survey would be carried out later this year. Akis Chrisovelides has prepared a draft notice regarding the youth council and would be putting them up in the village and see what response there is. Adrian Joel said a resident has thanked the Parish Council for providing new grit bins. There were suggestions that another one was needed and he would raise the matter in November to see if any funds were available to get another one. Tom Johnson said he attended a Village Hall committee meeting and they raised the matter of flooding in the car park which they thought was Parish Council responsibility. Jonathan Kemp said the responsibility actually rested with the school. Norfolk County Council have said they will deal with problem. Tom Johnson said there was a quiz night at the village hall on Friday 15 March and hoped the Parish Council would enter a team. A public meeting at the Village Hall would be held on Saturday 2 March regarding the future of the Village Hall. They urgently need three new nominated trustees. There has been a lot of correspondence between the Charity Commission and the Village Hall regarding the existing committee and, if no new volunteers are forthcoming, then the hall could close and the Parish Council would have to take up Custodian Trustee status. Tom Johnson asked if Parish Council would attend the public meeting and support the existing committee. Wednesday 3 April would be the date for the AGM of the village hall and Wednesday 10 April would be the first committee meeting. Jonathan Kemp has applied for a grant of £20,000 for the recreation area from Norfolk Community Foundation and would be in the March round of applications.
Highways. Pot holes were reported in Abbey Road on the left approaching the school. Also in Grove Road and the junction of Hargham Road. More were reported in Hargham Road from number 46 down towards Fen Street. The footpath up to the shop in Hargham Road needs attention. John Frost reported another recent accident at the junction of Grove Road and Mill Road. The Parish Clerk is to contact Highways on these matters.
The Green. Sarah Dye said the AGM of the Green Right Proprietors would be held at the end of February. Tom Johnson said the duck house on the pond at the Gamekeeper needed repairs and Sarah Dye said it would be dealt with in near future. Akis Chrisovelides asked if the Green Right Proprietors had regular funding streams for the Green. Sarah Dye said that there was not and that the income received paid for the insurance but no extra money was available.
The next parish council meeting will be on Thursday 7 March in the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Once lived in Old Buckenham
Neave, Lovett and Harper
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One blog reader, Alec Cooper of Harleston, saw the blog entry on 9th January 2013 entitled “Behind the mantelpiece”and was prompted to share details of his maternal grandmother’s story with the readers. This is information that formed a small part of his family tree research. A move brought Alec to Wymondham in 1968 and then later he retired to Harleston, often travelling through Old Buckenham without knowing it was home for some of his ancestors.
The lady’s maiden name was Edith Neave and she was born in 1878. The 1881 census shows that she and her sister Sarah Elizabeth lived with Robert and Lydia Lovett’s family in Attleborough Road, Old Buckenham. Lydia’s maiden name was also Neave and she was born in 1824 and married in 1848.
The lady’s maiden name was Edith Neave and she was born in 1878. The 1881 census shows that she and her sister Sarah Elizabeth lived with Robert and Lydia Lovett’s family in Attleborough Road, Old Buckenham. Lydia’s maiden name was also Neave and she was born in 1824 and married in 1848.
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Edith’s photograph was taken when she was about 20, just before the time she got married to a Hussar. She met him in Old Buckenham and the story goes that the horse he was exercising entered their cottage doorway to get the apple that she was eating. He convinced her that the horse would not leave without the apple!
The other photograph is of Alec’s grandfather, Harry Harper, in his 7th Hussar’s uniform and taken about the same time as Edith’s.
If any readers can add anything to this information then they can leave a comment below or contact Alec direct on
If any readers can add anything to this information then they can leave a comment below or contact Alec direct on
Saturday, 9 February 2013
New homes in Old Buckenham
If you go down in the woods today...
Several large heaps of earth, sticks and rubble have appeared recently beside the pond at Manor Corner and in amongst the trees in nearby Prince Harry's Wood. It turns out that these have been built to provide suitable accommodation for the great crested newts that are living in the locality.
The proximity of these protected newts has delayed building on the nearby Cotman Housing site and it appears that the aim is to persuade the newts to establish themselves outside the area approved for the new houses.
Several large heaps of earth, sticks and rubble have appeared recently beside the pond at Manor Corner and in amongst the trees in nearby Prince Harry's Wood. It turns out that these have been built to provide suitable accommodation for the great crested newts that are living in the locality.
The proximity of these protected newts has delayed building on the nearby Cotman Housing site and it appears that the aim is to persuade the newts to establish themselves outside the area approved for the new houses.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
World record attempt in Old Buckenham
Guinness World Record attempt
To celebrate National Libraries Day, which is on Saturday 9 February, Old Buckenham High School students today took part in an attempt to smash the world record for the most people writing a story at multiple venues. The current record is held by 953 people at five venues.
Top-selling author Matt Haig had written the first page of a story called 'My Family and Other Aliens' and the aim has been to get as many students as possible to write one sentence each to continue the story during Wednesday 6 February.
At break and lunchtime students were having to read the story so far and, in turn, add their own sentences. The ever-growing text was continually updated on the school website http://www.obhs.co.uk/?p=school.library
Over a hundred schools were simultaneously taking part in this attempt and as Old Buckenham managed to get 32 people to help write the story it seems likely that the existing record will be well and truly beaten.
Top-selling author Matt Haig had written the first page of a story called 'My Family and Other Aliens' and the aim has been to get as many students as possible to write one sentence each to continue the story during Wednesday 6 February.
At break and lunchtime students were having to read the story so far and, in turn, add their own sentences. The ever-growing text was continually updated on the school website http://www.obhs.co.uk/?p=school.library
Over a hundred schools were simultaneously taking part in this attempt and as Old Buckenham managed to get 32 people to help write the story it seems likely that the existing record will be well and truly beaten.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Old Buckenham's help for homeless
Handing over the cheques
Representatives of the St Martins Housing Trust came along to the Church Rooms at Old Buckenham this morning. St Martins is a registered charity for single homeless people in Norwich and Norfolk. Each year they are invited to come along and collect cheques for the money that has been raised by various groups within Old Buckenham to support their continual work for the local homeless people.
The four cheques handed over today were for money raised from
Representatives of the St Martins Housing Trust came along to the Church Rooms at Old Buckenham this morning. St Martins is a registered charity for single homeless people in Norwich and Norfolk. Each year they are invited to come along and collect cheques for the money that has been raised by various groups within Old Buckenham to support their continual work for the local homeless people.
The four cheques handed over today were for money raised from
- the collection at the Christmas Eve carol service at All Saints Church,
- from fund raising organised by the Sainsburys store in Attleborough,
- more fundraising by the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust
- and money given at the many 'bucket collections' made at several local supermarkets over the Christmas period.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Quiet month in Old Buckenham
Diary dates for February
Friday 1 Crib, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 3 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 4 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 5 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 7 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 11 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 13 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 13 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 14 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 14 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Sunday 17 Valentines Fly in at the Airfield
Monday 18 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Saturday 23 Senior Citizens Lunch, Village Hall, 1pm
Wednesday 27 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 28 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 1 Crib, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 3 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 4 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 5 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 7 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 11 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 13 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 13 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 14 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 14 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Sunday 17 Valentines Fly in at the Airfield
Monday 18 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Saturday 23 Senior Citizens Lunch, Village Hall, 1pm
Wednesday 27 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 28 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Old Buckenham Newsletter for February
Printed copies available
You will be able to pick up copies in all the usual places in the village now. In addition there should be some copies in the Village Hall and in the Church Rooms.
You will be able to pick up copies in all the usual places in the village now. In addition there should be some copies in the Village Hall and in the Church Rooms.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
If you are driving through Old Buckenham today...
Lots of water
Yesterday afternoon everywhere was covered in snow. This morning there was hardly any snow to be seen. It has melted overnight and water is now covering some of the local roads. So drive with care...
Yesterday afternoon everywhere was covered in snow. This morning there was hardly any snow to be seen. It has melted overnight and water is now covering some of the local roads. So drive with care...
Thursday, 24 January 2013
From Old Buckenham to Nepal
Aiming high
Who is this crazy
person, seen running around the lanes of Old Buckenham between 6.30am and 7.30am in the
mornings, even running on ice? It’s Old Buckenham resident David Hannah and he’s training for his second
attempt at summiting Gokyo Ri Nepal
He leaves
in April, and is asking people if they would be kind enough to sponsor him to
raise money for St Martins Housing Trust. St Martins provide outstanding help
for the homeless of Norfolk
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Photo competition in Old Buckenham
Calling all gardeners/photographers
The Old Buckenham Gardening Event will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 27 April. As the photo competition was successful last year the organisers (the Village Environment and Recycling Group) are running it again and would like even more entries from people of all ages. Basic details of the rules and the entry form are here on the blog and a printed version will be available at the village shop, Old Buckenham Stores.
So that you can start thinking about it now,the basic rules are just one entry per category, all entries must be submitted as prints and all photographs must be taken in a garden.
Prizes will be awarded for the winner and runner-up in each category with an overall winner and special children's prize. Also, visitors to the Gardening Event will be able to vote for their favourite photo.
It may seem a long time until April when you need to put your entries in but as one category is for a "winter wonderland" you may want to take a picture or two before all the current snowfall has melted away.
The full list of the six categories is:
The Old Buckenham Gardening Event will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 27 April. As the photo competition was successful last year the organisers (the Village Environment and Recycling Group) are running it again and would like even more entries from people of all ages. Basic details of the rules and the entry form are here on the blog and a printed version will be available at the village shop, Old Buckenham Stores.
So that you can start thinking about it now,the basic rules are just one entry per category, all entries must be submitted as prints and all photographs must be taken in a garden.
Prizes will be awarded for the winner and runner-up in each category with an overall winner and special children's prize. Also, visitors to the Gardening Event will be able to vote for their favourite photo.
It may seem a long time until April when you need to put your entries in but as one category is for a "winter wonderland" you may want to take a picture or two before all the current snowfall has melted away.
The full list of the six categories is:
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Winter wonderland
- My favourite spot in the garden
- Wildlife in the garden
- Gardeners
- Blowing in the wind
Friday, 18 January 2013
Old Buckenham Parish Council
Parish Council meeting in January
The following notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later meeting.
All parish councillors attended the January meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council except Akis Chrisovelides and Sarah Dye who had sent their apologies. Kerry Talbot attended to take the minutes as the parish clerk was unable to be there. One member of the public also attended.
Minutes of December meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Adrian Joel advised that a decision on the outline planning application for houses in Fen Street would be delayed until the planning meeting on Thursday 14 February because of Highways reports. Derek Smalley asked if the allotment vacancy had been filled; it had not and Adrian Joel would continue to advertise the matter.
Planning applications. Crown House, Stacksford. Erection of front porch. It was agreed unanimously that there were no objections.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Alice Cottage, Ragmere Road. Convert integral garage into bedroom and bathroom, and side extension to form cart lodge. Permission granted.
Land off Fen Street. Outline application for five houses. Decision delayed until Thursday 14 February.
The Finches, Cake Street. Front and rear extensions, raise roof to create rooms in roof including Juliette balcony. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing said that a rebate of £983.50 will be paid to the Council in respect of the Government passing back funding. A discussion took place regarding the affect on the precept. All councillors were happy to retain the rebate for future use as this would be a one-off payment. A decision on how the extra money could be used will be made at a later date. Tim Ing asked for an update on the Recreation Area quotes. Jonathan Kemp had not received any so far, a further update will be given in the parish councillors’ reports. Providing a tree guard was mentioned but Steve Milner said that this was no longer required.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that the current Chief Executive Officer at Breckland Council was retiring at the end of January and a new CEO had been appointed. He would be Trevor Holden from Luton Borough Council, on a three-month secondment. Trevor Holden was a previous CEO at Breckland and will be responsible for Breckland, South Holland and Luton Councils during this period. Derek Smalley asked if anyone was running the local CCTV. Adrian Joel replied that West Norfolk Council were monitoring the cameras through their offices, thus reducing the cost by sharing this resource.
Parish Councillors’ reports. John Frost reported that the Christmas Eve carol service at All Saints, Old Buckenham, was again very successful and raised £540 for the St Martins charity. Donations of food for the homeless were extremely generous including contributions from both local schools and 700 tins of soup from an anonymous donor. Fuller details will be available following the next PCC meeting. It was also mentioned that the Radio Norfolk Treasure Quest programme included a visit to a clue held within the church. Steve Milner reported that five Speed Watch sessions were held in December with five more planned for January. Steve Milner had also drafted a letter to the chief engineer of the County Council Highways Department to ask for advice on the Grove Road/Mill Road junction. Councillors all agreed this draft should be sent to parish clerk to send on behalf of the parish council. Adrian Joel raised the issue of large pot holes running along Post Office Terrace and round to the Hargham Road – this is deemed the responsibility of Green Right Proprietors. Tim Ing suggested waiting for clarification from Highways before taking any further action. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next parish council meeting. Tom Johnson reported on a meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee. The Chair, Treasurer and Secretary will be standing down at the next AGM. Tim Ing offered the help of the parish council to assist in keeping the Village Hall viable. An open meeting is to be held on Saturday 2 March at 11am in the Village Hall entitled “The future of the Village Hall is your hands”. This meeting will be publicised in the Six Parishes Newsletter. The Charity Commission has been consulted and they anticipated that if no officers were forthcoming, the Hall and car park should be locked and the keys handed to the parish council as custodian trustees. This process should take about six weeks to complete. Tom Johnson also asked if sign posts could be erected along the B1077 to advertise the meeting. Adrian Joel suggested contacting the Norfolk Association of Village Halls and inviting them to the meeting. Other suggestions included a leaflet drop to all dwellings in the village and door-to-door canvassing. Jonathan Kemp suggested a copy of the job descriptions for each role so that parishioners could be made aware of what is required for each role. All councillors agreed that this was an urgent issue and would support the Village Hall in any way they could. Paul Boggia advised that he had emailed Breckland Council regarding street lighting for junctions within the village to aid safety. Adrian Joel said that each village pays for their own costs of street lighting through the precept and suggested that Paul Boggia speaks to New Buckenham Parish Clerk for advice. Paul Boggia advised that the cost would be in the region of £1600 for purchase and installation. The general consensus of the Parish Council was that this issue will be on the agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting in March. Jonathan Kemp reported that the grant application for the Recreation Area to Norfolk Community Foundation has been rolled over to the next round in March (a total of £2m was awarded in the first round). Three pieces of further information had been requested and Jonathan Kemp is to organise submission of these to the Norfolk Community Foundation. Tim Ing is to provide a copy of correspondence from Breckland Council regarding planning. Carol Marshall will organise further quotes and Mike Bartlett confirmed (by invitation from the Chair) that the Village Hall had 100% agreed the bins could be moved once work commences on the Recreation Ground. Derek Smalley reported he had received the “Slow down in our village” posters for distribution and placing on wheelie bins at various points around the village. Tim Ing thanked Derek Smalley for his efforts in securing these posters at minimal cost to the Parish Council. Derek Smalley also reported on ASHAP and ACT and the lack of infrastructure planning in respect of the 375 houses being built in Attleborough. He stressed how important it will be for Old Buckenham to pull together to lobby Breckland Council as this new development will affect Old Buckenham and he will continue to copy all correspondence and information he receives to all councillors. He asked that Attleborough Town Council and Old Buckenham Parish Council become more involved. Adrian Joel advised that Section 106 money has been agreed for new housing and ASHAP is on the cabinet agenda for their next meeting. Derek Smalley will ensure information is available for the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 20 March.
Highways. Jonathan Kemp reported that lorries were eroding the bank in front of his house and neighbouring houses. This is mainly due to inconsiderate use of the road by farm vehicles. There is also excessive mud on Hargham Road. Tim Ing suggested contacting Highways and, if nothing is achieved, to notify the Parish Council at the next meeting. Tom Johnson reported that the 30mph sign was not working (near the Gamekeeper). Derek Smalley had checked recently and this is now working. Steve Milner reported deep potholes along the main through road in Stacksford (near to Stacksford Villa). There are also potholes beside the island outside the High School. Tim Ing noted that Highways had responded very quickly to the highways issues reported last month.
The Green. There was no update on the hay bales still on the Green and there was no update on the footpath repairs. The play area parking looks durable and is working well, the section damaged by a lorry will be dealt with once the ground has dried out. The Clerk is to write to the Green Right Proprietors to ask them to remove the bales.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 7 February in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
The following notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later meeting.
All parish councillors attended the January meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council except Akis Chrisovelides and Sarah Dye who had sent their apologies. Kerry Talbot attended to take the minutes as the parish clerk was unable to be there. One member of the public also attended.
Minutes of December meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Adrian Joel advised that a decision on the outline planning application for houses in Fen Street would be delayed until the planning meeting on Thursday 14 February because of Highways reports. Derek Smalley asked if the allotment vacancy had been filled; it had not and Adrian Joel would continue to advertise the matter.
Planning applications. Crown House, Stacksford. Erection of front porch. It was agreed unanimously that there were no objections.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Alice Cottage, Ragmere Road. Convert integral garage into bedroom and bathroom, and side extension to form cart lodge. Permission granted.
Land off Fen Street. Outline application for five houses. Decision delayed until Thursday 14 February.
The Finches, Cake Street. Front and rear extensions, raise roof to create rooms in roof including Juliette balcony. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing said that a rebate of £983.50 will be paid to the Council in respect of the Government passing back funding. A discussion took place regarding the affect on the precept. All councillors were happy to retain the rebate for future use as this would be a one-off payment. A decision on how the extra money could be used will be made at a later date. Tim Ing asked for an update on the Recreation Area quotes. Jonathan Kemp had not received any so far, a further update will be given in the parish councillors’ reports. Providing a tree guard was mentioned but Steve Milner said that this was no longer required.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that the current Chief Executive Officer at Breckland Council was retiring at the end of January and a new CEO had been appointed. He would be Trevor Holden from Luton Borough Council, on a three-month secondment. Trevor Holden was a previous CEO at Breckland and will be responsible for Breckland, South Holland and Luton Councils during this period. Derek Smalley asked if anyone was running the local CCTV. Adrian Joel replied that West Norfolk Council were monitoring the cameras through their offices, thus reducing the cost by sharing this resource.
Parish Councillors’ reports. John Frost reported that the Christmas Eve carol service at All Saints, Old Buckenham, was again very successful and raised £540 for the St Martins charity. Donations of food for the homeless were extremely generous including contributions from both local schools and 700 tins of soup from an anonymous donor. Fuller details will be available following the next PCC meeting. It was also mentioned that the Radio Norfolk Treasure Quest programme included a visit to a clue held within the church. Steve Milner reported that five Speed Watch sessions were held in December with five more planned for January. Steve Milner had also drafted a letter to the chief engineer of the County Council Highways Department to ask for advice on the Grove Road/Mill Road junction. Councillors all agreed this draft should be sent to parish clerk to send on behalf of the parish council. Adrian Joel raised the issue of large pot holes running along Post Office Terrace and round to the Hargham Road – this is deemed the responsibility of Green Right Proprietors. Tim Ing suggested waiting for clarification from Highways before taking any further action. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next parish council meeting. Tom Johnson reported on a meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee. The Chair, Treasurer and Secretary will be standing down at the next AGM. Tim Ing offered the help of the parish council to assist in keeping the Village Hall viable. An open meeting is to be held on Saturday 2 March at 11am in the Village Hall entitled “The future of the Village Hall is your hands”. This meeting will be publicised in the Six Parishes Newsletter. The Charity Commission has been consulted and they anticipated that if no officers were forthcoming, the Hall and car park should be locked and the keys handed to the parish council as custodian trustees. This process should take about six weeks to complete. Tom Johnson also asked if sign posts could be erected along the B1077 to advertise the meeting. Adrian Joel suggested contacting the Norfolk Association of Village Halls and inviting them to the meeting. Other suggestions included a leaflet drop to all dwellings in the village and door-to-door canvassing. Jonathan Kemp suggested a copy of the job descriptions for each role so that parishioners could be made aware of what is required for each role. All councillors agreed that this was an urgent issue and would support the Village Hall in any way they could. Paul Boggia advised that he had emailed Breckland Council regarding street lighting for junctions within the village to aid safety. Adrian Joel said that each village pays for their own costs of street lighting through the precept and suggested that Paul Boggia speaks to New Buckenham Parish Clerk for advice. Paul Boggia advised that the cost would be in the region of £1600 for purchase and installation. The general consensus of the Parish Council was that this issue will be on the agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting in March. Jonathan Kemp reported that the grant application for the Recreation Area to Norfolk Community Foundation has been rolled over to the next round in March (a total of £2m was awarded in the first round). Three pieces of further information had been requested and Jonathan Kemp is to organise submission of these to the Norfolk Community Foundation. Tim Ing is to provide a copy of correspondence from Breckland Council regarding planning. Carol Marshall will organise further quotes and Mike Bartlett confirmed (by invitation from the Chair) that the Village Hall had 100% agreed the bins could be moved once work commences on the Recreation Ground. Derek Smalley reported he had received the “Slow down in our village” posters for distribution and placing on wheelie bins at various points around the village. Tim Ing thanked Derek Smalley for his efforts in securing these posters at minimal cost to the Parish Council. Derek Smalley also reported on ASHAP and ACT and the lack of infrastructure planning in respect of the 375 houses being built in Attleborough. He stressed how important it will be for Old Buckenham to pull together to lobby Breckland Council as this new development will affect Old Buckenham and he will continue to copy all correspondence and information he receives to all councillors. He asked that Attleborough Town Council and Old Buckenham Parish Council become more involved. Adrian Joel advised that Section 106 money has been agreed for new housing and ASHAP is on the cabinet agenda for their next meeting. Derek Smalley will ensure information is available for the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 20 March.
Highways. Jonathan Kemp reported that lorries were eroding the bank in front of his house and neighbouring houses. This is mainly due to inconsiderate use of the road by farm vehicles. There is also excessive mud on Hargham Road. Tim Ing suggested contacting Highways and, if nothing is achieved, to notify the Parish Council at the next meeting. Tom Johnson reported that the 30mph sign was not working (near the Gamekeeper). Derek Smalley had checked recently and this is now working. Steve Milner reported deep potholes along the main through road in Stacksford (near to Stacksford Villa). There are also potholes beside the island outside the High School. Tim Ing noted that Highways had responded very quickly to the highways issues reported last month.
The Green. There was no update on the hay bales still on the Green and there was no update on the footpath repairs. The play area parking looks durable and is working well, the section damaged by a lorry will be dealt with once the ground has dried out. The Clerk is to write to the Green Right Proprietors to ask them to remove the bales.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 7 February in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Snow scenes around Old Buckenham Green
Village in the snow
Whether it is just the sun shining through the trees, a sign on the pond, the almshouses, the village shop (always welcome when people don't want to drive far), a view across the Green, or the always picturesque All Saints Church there is always something to photograph and to share with the blog readers all over the world.
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle
Over 125 years of local music making
Despite the inclement weather, there was a good turnout for January's talk at the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle in the Church Rooms. The speaker was Pauline Bott who told the audience all about the New Buckenham Silver Band. Pauline had brought along a large collection of photographs, programmes and newspaper articles detailing the history of the band from inception in 1887 up to the present day, together with uniforms past and present. The talk illustrated the highs and lows experienced by the band - from the big concerts with guest celebrities such as Roy Castle and the grant of £65,000 from the lottery fund, to the subsequent theft of virtually all the valuable instruments shortly thereafter. Pauline then gave a brief demonstration on her tuba to the delight of all present. Joining the Band would be an ideal grounding in music for the young, said Pauline, and would be invaluable should any youngster wish to pursue a career in music - pop or classical.
Next month's meeting on Thursday 14 February will be a talk from Alison Hannah on "Life in a Victorian asylum". Alison's talk last year on a related topic was unexpectedly most informative and highly entertaining so members are looking forward to hearing more on this subject.
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