March activities in Old Buckenham

Diary dates for March

Sunday 1             Learn a new song, Methodist Church, 6.30pm                             

Monday 2           Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4pm

Tuesday 3           Coffee and Chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards

Wednesday 4      Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 6         Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 7          Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm

Wednesday 11   Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Church, 2.30pm

Thursday 12       Breckland Flower and Garden Club, 2pm

Thursday 12       Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Friday 13            Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Friday 13            Winter Warmer Restaurant, Chapel Green School, 6pm

Saturday 14        Antarctic talk, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Monday 16         Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 18   Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 18   Songs of praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm

Thursday 26       Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

  Sunday 29        Litter pick, meet at Ottomer Pond, 11am

Meal out in Old Buckenham

Have an interesting evening

Back by popular demand. Chapel Green School are hosting another enjoyable restaurant evening this month. Please come along and enjoy a relaxed evening with freshly-made food, listening to music whilst being looked after by their wonderful students.

The restaurant is at Chapel Green School, NR17 1RF, on Friday 13 March between 6pm and 8pm. The cost is £10 per seat for adults and £5 for children under 12. Please contact the school office 01953 453116 to book your place (limited seats available). All food and entertainment is free. Remember there are no card reading facilities available so you will have to pay your £10 in cash.

The menu is vegetarian and gluten free.
Starter: Stuffed potato skins with homemade cheese and onion filling.
Main course: Homemade fresh pasta with Chapel Green's own twist, colourful salad accompaniment and freshly-made bread with homemade garlic butter.
Dessert: Homemade chocolate brownie with raspberry coulee.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available. Feel free to bring any other drinks, including alcohol, with you. Glasses will be supplied.
Make your bookings now.

Plays with Old Buckenham connections

Something worth seeing

It will mean going to New Buckenham but the programme includes a play by someone living in Fen Street and one of the actors is a member of Old Buckenham Women's Institute. Order your tickets now... 

Flowers in Old Buckenham

Breckland Flower and Garden Club 

Over 40 ladies gathered in Old Buckenham village hall for their February meeting. With it being so close to Valentine’s day there was a sprinkle of romance in the air. The guest speaker for this month was Hazel McGregor who had travelled from Bury St Edmunds. Her demonstration was titled “Floral Infusion” and it certainly was, with its mixture of colour, flowers and containers. Hazel worked meticulously on stage with an abundance of flowers and foliage whilst at the same time giving an informative talk mixing history with a little humour to keep the audience entertained. She created a wonderful infusion of colour, completing a cocktail of arrangements including, in a true demonstrator’s tradition, a couple she had prepared earlier.
The demonstrator concluded her visit by judging the competition. The winner of this month’s competition “Valentine Romance” was Alyson Spinks and Mo Dorking came second. Christine Hewson had the pleasure of awarding Allison with the trophy which just so happened to be the Christine Hewson trophy.
The afternoon was over all too soon and the raffle was drawn, with several ladies taking home one of Hazel’s delightful arrangements.
The next meeting on Thursday 13 March is the Club’s AGM which will start at 2pm. There will be a presentation of the charity cheque this year to NARS (Norfolk Accident Rescue Service) and a brief talk on the role that NARS plays in our community. Thank you to everyone, for helping and supporting the club’s charity this year. Next year charity begins at home and for the first time in a while the club will be raising money for the club itself in a bid to continue offering the high standard and quality of meetings that have been enjoyed over the years. The Chairman’s raffle will continue with donations going to a local charity at Christmas. There will be a short pictorial of the past year, led by Christine Hewson, and tea and cakes will be served.
For more details regarding any of the above including membership/visiting the club, please contact Christine Hewson on 01953 454528 or Sally Westrup on 01953 788712.

Token bonanza in Old Buckenham

Get cutting

Starting in Saturday's EDP and continuing throughout half term you will find lots of extra tokens for you to cut out and save for Chapel Green School. They are hoping to win some useful gardening equipment for their students.
Please collect them up and take them to reception at the school, the Old School House on the Green, Crockslea in Cake Street or put them in the collection box in the village shop.

Old Buckenham council minutes

Parish Council minutes for February
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 6 February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Those present were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chair), Steve Milner, Adrian Joel and Mike Farrington Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and seven members of the public.
Apologies for absence had been received from Andy Nicholls and Terry Cook. Ben Devlin was also absent but no apology had been received.
The minutes of the January meeting were approved (4 in favour). Matters arising from these minutes included that there had been no response to the council’s initial response about the Met Office proposal for a weather radar tower. Therefore the council agreed to object (4 in favour).
There were no declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members’ Register of Interests
Financial matters. The community account balance was now £33,179.05 and no income was received in January. Payments approved (4 in favour) totalled £1,414.02 including accounting fees of £200, the clerk’s salary and expenses of £254.47 as well as £540 to Broadland Tree Services for the Christmas tree on the Green. Also Norfolk Association of Local Council’s courses had cost £168, village hall hire was £54 and community car drivers had received £197.55. A Precept Grant for £20,385 had been submitted.
Oliver Lee report. Oliver Lee had been employed to give a landscape architect’s view of the current Green. He gave a detailed presentation about his analysis of the Village Green. He initially looked at its composition, appearance and use. From these findings, he highlighted the need to create a more cohesive feel to the Green, a clearer boundary around the Green and how different areas could be developed. Several suggestions were put forward to achieve a clearer boundary and also more cohesive appearance, which included wooden bollards at each approach to the Green, using gravel spray grip on the roads to clearly indicate to motorists that they are entering the Green area, and selective mowing of the boundary and paths could help minimise the divisive impact of the road. He also felt that parking for the playground could be developed with the possibility of an informal gravel ‘square’ near the Ox and Plough could have several uses including parking and an event space. Additional suggestions included raising the canopy of some trees, additional tree planting and seating around the Green that could also be beneficial. Some of the suggestions would need approval from Highways. The Village Green Working Party and the Parish Council will look at these suggestions and decide if any would be suitable for the Green in the future.
New planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications - Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
Bramble House (formerly Karmel), The Green. Two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension, garage extension and change of roof direction (3PL/2020/0016/HOU). The Parish Council had no problems with the plans for the property and therefore proposed to support the application on the condition that any damage done to the track in front of the property by construction vehicles be repaired (4 in favour).
This led to a discussion about recent construction work in the village and the consequential parking of vehicles. There were strong feelings about some vehicles continuously blocking footpaths and causing residents to walk out onto dangerous roads around them. The formulation of a “delivery plan” during the application process was suggested.
Land South of March Field Way. Residential development of 9 dwellings and associated external works (3PL/2019/1401/F). Revised plans with additional information received. The developers have purchased additional land on which to build. The Parish Council felt the need to show consistency and therefore proposed to object (2 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstain).
The Farm, Doe Lane. Erection of new poultry shed adjacent to poultry shed number 7 and erection of associated three feed silos and removal of existing outbuilding. Provision of new steel shed adjacent to poultry shed number 13 (PL/2020/0071/F). This was supported by the Parish Council (4 in favour).
Nivelles, Fen Street. Proposed front entrance hall extension and alterations (3PL/2020/0113/HOU). This was supported by the Parish Council (4 in favour).
Planning decisions by Breckland Council.
Roughlands Farm, Grove Road. Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling (permitted development) Town and Country Planning ( General Permitted Development) Order 2015 Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q (3PN/2019/0062/UC). This application has now been considered and the application has been refused.
Land to the west of 49 Hargham Road. Permission in principle for erection of four detached dwellings (3PL/2019/1164/PIP). This application has been withdrawn.
SkyFall, Cake Street. Proposed alterations, extension and garage conversion (3PL/2019/1567/HOU). This application has now been considered and the application has been approved.
Green Rights Regulations. The Parish Council have been informed of the updated name of a Green Rights Owner.
Health and Safety Policy. The chairman has updated the policy.
Chairman’s report. New Buckenham have published their Neighbourhood Plan and have kindly sent a copy that councillors are currently reading through. Monday 9 March is the new date for a joint Parish Council and Village Hall meeting (in the Memorial Room at 7.30pm). The Council is struggling to find a firm to complete work for gate through from the village hall car park to access the Chapel Green School MUGA. Management of jobs for the village handyman to be given to Village Green Working Party for regular maintenance jobs such as strimming round posts, etc.
Village Green Working Party. Bats had been found living in a tree due for cutting back. Environmentalist is needed to assess.
Road safety. Now have the mobile SAM sign which will be used in conjunction with the fixed one to monitor vehicle speeds throughout the village.
Play Area.The work not quite finished because of the wet weather. A safety inspection date of Tuesday 25 February has been arranged.
Recreation Area. Waiting for some dryer weather in order to roll the grass for the football pitch. It is planned that some trees will then be planted at the far end and the top right-hand corner sectioned off to protect orchids growing there.
Councillors’ reports. Mike Farrington reported another accident at Puddledock. There was a need to look at speed preventative measures such as illuminating warning signs. Steve Milner said he will be giving a talk about his recent visit to Antarctica in the Village Hall on Saturday 14 March starting at 7.30pm.
Items for the next agenda. These will include the agreement with the Ox and Plough on use of the village Green.

The next Parish Council meeting to be held on Thursday 5 March starting at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Old Buckenham WI January meeting

Wild life and resolutions

Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome a new member to their January meeting.
The speaker for the evening was Gavin Binkerton Jones, a wildlife photographer who has been shortlisted for BBC's Countryfile calendar, for wild life photographer of the year and has had photos published in the national press. He treated members to some stunning pictures of the wildlife around us (mostly taken in Norfolk including Old Buckenham Country Park). Owls featured strongly as well as other birds of prey, kingfishers and a variety of mammals. He gave details of their diets, breeding habits and life cycles. Great patience is required to get such amazing shots.
At this meeting members are required to vote on a selection of resolutions put forward by the National Federation to be acted on by WI this year. The five choices were: 
1) To encourage an increase in stem cell donation, 
2) To create equitable testing for male and female crash test dummies, 
3) To end modern slavery, protect victims and give long term support, 
4) To encourage more discussion about death and dying, 
and 5) To protect our precious helium gas. The majority of members voted for resolution 5. Helium is running out and it cannot be manufactured, without it there will be no such things as MRI scans in the future. The other members voted for resolution 3. The votes from all WIs will be collated and one or two will go forward for discussion and adoption at the National Federation Annual meeting in June.
A report was given on the final celebration in December of Norfolk Federation of WI's Centenary year, a service in St Nicholas chapel, Kings Lynn. A member from each WI attending processed down the aisle with a lit candle in a decorated jar. After the service there were hot drinks and mince pies. Several members from Old Buckenham WI enjoyed the experience.
Vouchers were awarded to the annual winners of the two monthly competitions. Flower of the month was won by Barbara Frost and the monthly exhibition was won by Kathy Fleckney.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 27 February when the members will be hearing from someone from the St Martins Trust talking about helping the homeless in Norwich. Come along to the village hall at 7.30pm. 
The following meeting is on Thursday 26 March at 7.30pm in the village hall when the speaker will be Rebecca Tate. Her subject is 'Hats Made from Start to Finish'.

Easter lilies at All Saints

On Easter Day each year, All Saints Church in Old Buckenham commemorate the lives of loved ones who have died and they will continue the tradition this year. Flower arrangements in the church at Easter will comprise of lilies, each in memory of departed relatives or friends.

If you would like to contribute to this event could you please let Alistair Monkhouse have your donation before Saturday 29 March together with the name of the persons to be remembered. It is estimated that each lily will cost in the region of £5 and any additional monies received this year will go towards the final stage of re-thatching the roof of the Church.
If you wish to contribute please send your cheque made out to 'Old Buckenham PCC' with details of the deceased to Revd Alistair Monkhouse, ‘Wildwood’, Mill Road, Old Buckenham, Norfolk, NR17 1SG.

Old Buckenham helps St Martins

A thank you to the volunteers

Many of the people from Old Buckenham who had helped throughout 2019 to raise money for St Martins Housing Trust - money that goes to help the homeless in Norwich - met in the Church Rooms last Saturday. A total of just over £39,000 has been raised, mainly from donations and collections outside local supermarkets. Cheques were handed over for two specific events organised by the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust and All Saints Church, Old Buckenham.
Jan Sheldon, Chief Executive Officer at St Martins, thanked all those present for all their hard work throughout the last twelve months and gave a short talk on all that has gone on during the last year to help with the problem of looking after the homeless and ensuring that they have the opportunity to improve their lives. She also answered questions from the volunteers.

Old Buckenham village newsletter

February issue out and about

Lots of news including updates on re-thatching All Saints, speeding, Easter lilies, the parish council minutes and a list of events in Old Buckenham throughout 2020. Guaranteed to be Brexit free.

Collecting coupons in Old Buckenham

Helping Chapel Green School

The EDP is  printing tokens each day in its paper which will allow schools collecting the tokens  to receive a gardening pack worth over £130 if they collect over 1000 tokens. Chapel Green School is taking part and also trying to challenge for one of the £1000 prizes that can be won by the top three schools (most tokens as an average of total pupils).
There have been 15 tokens printed so far. They will continue to appear for another eight weeks.
You can take any coupons you collect to the school reception, to Crockslea in Cake Street or to the Old School house on the Green. You will also find a collecting box in the village shop if that is more convenient for you.

Old Buckenham events in February

Diary dates for February

Monday 3           Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 4           Coffee and Chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards

Wednesday 5      Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 6         Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday 12   Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Church,      2.30pm

Thursday 13       Valentine's Cafe, Chapel Green School, 9.30am to 11.30am

Thursday 13       Breckland Flower and Garden Club, 2pm

Thursday 13       Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Friday 14            Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Saturday 15        Senior Citizens' Party, Village Hall, 1pm

Monday 17         Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 19   Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

  Thursday 27      Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Old Buckenham Parish Council January meeting

Draft minutes

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 9 January at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Those present were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chair), Steve Milner, Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook and Andy Nicholls. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Parish Clerk), Donna Oakley (RFO) and Breckland and Norfolk councillor Stephen Askew as well as seven members of the public. Apologies had been received from Gemma Frost and Ben Delvin. Andy Nicholls had indicated that he would be late arriving.
Minutes of the December meeting. These were approved (2 in favour, 3 abstain). There were no matters arising from these minutes.
Financial matters. The community account balance now stands at £33,706.89. Income received (allotment rents) was £80 with allotments rents of £265 still due.
Payments approved (5 in favour) totalled £489.59 and were made up of the accounting fees and expenses, the parish clerk’s salary and expenses and payments to community car drivers.
The Precept requests were approved (details will appear here later) (5 in favour).
The RFO, Donna Oakley, was thanked for all her hard work at a particularly busy time of year for her.
Public participation. Clarification was sought over the planning application for land to the north of Fen Street that was mentioned in previous minutes. The questioner was informed that it was supported by the Parish Council at PIP stage.
Breckland and Norfolk councillor Stephen Askew reported that the Hargham Road ditch appeared to be working well and that the issue of light reflection on the Rod Alley pond is being looked at with the hope of finding a solution. A scheme is being planned to cure the flooding in Church Lane but this is not guaranteed to be completed this year.
Some potholes in St Andrews Close have been addressed. Large potholes in Grove Road were reported just after Christmas. The road was closed the next day because of their size and danger, especially to cyclists, but drivers keep driving round barriers or simply moving them out the way. If barriers/signs are removed, then there is danger to other drivers and cyclists who may not know/see potholes are there. He asked that people please leave barriers in place, it is a major fix and will hopefully be completed soon. Further potholes have been reported on Fen Street and these will be chased up. He will also chase up the provision of gravel for Post Office Terrace.
Adrian Joel enquired about the provision of hard copies of the Local Plan. The clerk will request copies.
Planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications. Parish councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
New planning applications. Part of Anglian Water Drilling Unit site Abbey Road. Erection of a 28.5m high radar tower and associated communications cabin (3PL/2019/1555/F).
(Andy Nicholls arrived)
The Met Office had sent a letter explaining that the application had been submitted. Carleton Rode parish council had emailed to explain their concerns including lack of consultation and unknown visual impact as they had not been included. A representative from Old Buckenham Airfield was present at the meeting and raised several points. A Visual Impact Assessment has not been completed locally, only further away and not from Waterwork’s House which is next to proposed site. In reports, the Met Office claim aircraft will be 900ft away but this only applies to fast jets. In reality, smaller aircraft could be much closer as they approach the runway.
Other points the Airfield representative raised were that they would breach two Air Navigation Orders, the height of the tower appears to have increased from 22m to 28.5m, Daylight and Access Assessment did not have any ground elevation levels and that there are other sites which are better suited and would give equal coverage. Also both New Buckenham and Carleton Rode councils had not been consulted, despite the site being very close to their parish boundaries. The Airfield plans to object as they feel the whole application is flawed.
Councillors were surprised to discover that such a big application has not been given to an experienced senior planning officer. The application had been submitted just before Christmas, which some councillors felt was to try and “hide” it when people were busy over festive period. Mike Farrington highlighted that while the application does appear to be poor, that it will hopefully provide data to help the Met Office forecasts and local residents will benefit. However, he felt that they should try to find an alternative location. Stephen Askew explained that he had requested it be called to committee.
A proposal to request a month’s extension to the application’s consultation period due to the flawed nature of the application, the safety issues raised and lack of consultation with the parishes of New Buckenham and Carleton Rode was approved (6 in favour). It was also agreed to request a meeting with the Head of Planning or Senior Planning Officer at Breckland Council.
SkyFall, Cake Street. Proposed alterations, extension and garage conversion (3PL/2019/1567/HOU). No objections from the parish council (6 in favour).
60 Fen Street. Demolish existing garage/store room and erection of a similar size sitting room extension (3PL/2019/1593/HOU). No objections from the parish council (6 in favour).
Planning Decisions by Breckland Council.  The following four applications have now been considered and have been approved:
Land to the north-west of 29 Fen Street. Permission in Principle for the erection of one dwelling (Town and Country Planning) Permission in Principle (Amendment) Order 2019 (3PL/2019/1405/PIP).
Downmore Farm, Banham Road. Prior Approval for Change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q Permission in principle for erection of four detached dwellings
(3PN/2019/0055/UC).
Land to the north of Fen Street. Change of use of land from agriculture to domestic gardens (3PL/2019/1375/F).
Land to north of Fen Street. Erection of four detached dwellings following outline permission (3PL/2019/1359/D).
The following application has been referred to the Planning Committee: Land to the west of 49 Hargham Road. Permission in principle for erection of four detached dwellings (3PL/2019/1164/PIP).
Health and Safety Policy. Jonn Hicks explained that there were several issues with the current policy and it would need more time to review.
Paperless Parish Council. Jonn Hicks proposed that the Parish Council make an effort to work towards being paperless because of the the environmental impact of the excessive printing of documents. Some councillors already use tablets for meetings and therefore print less/nothing and did not want another tablet provided from the Council. It would be necessary to examine the financial impact of printing versus having tablets. It was suggested that the money might be better spent on a projector for the Memorial Room which would allow everyone to view documents. Councillors were asked to spend time researching the financial impact and full options.
It was also suggested getting a tablet/computer purely for the SAM sign as data currently has to be downloaded via cable. Steve Milner wants to upgrade to a Bluetooth device which will make downloading data easier and safer as one could sit in a car instead of standing on side of busy road). Cost of Bluetooth upgrade is approximately £250. Data is currently stored on Steve Milner’s personal laptop but needs to be accessible to other councillors. Steve Milner and Jonn Hicks are to investigate costs.
Village Green Working Party (VGWP). Report stated the Parish Council had approved a company to cut the Green next year. This was not discussed at previous meeting. Also there was confusion over the title on the Working Party report. The Parish Council is the Green Management Committee. The clerk will research and clarify titles.
Road Safety. The SAM sign is up, working well and already providing interesting data. On Hargham Road there is an average of over 4000 cars a day, with approximately 40% driving over the speed limit. Better data obtained from Abbey Road with far fewer speeding cars. Data can be given to police at SNAP meetings who can then use it to monitor roads at specific times.
Play Area. Good progress on the improvements that are being carried out. Many thanks for public’s patience while work is in progress.
Recreation Area. There has been a request to install new football goals/pitch. Grass will be rolled in the Spring. New goals to be installed and old ones removed. Suitable goals to be investigated.
Councillors’ reports. Adrian Joel said that the Christmas tree on the Green had been very popular with lots of photos posted on the local Facebook group. Steve Milner pointed out that a footpath near Stacksford and Quidenham is not technically classified as a footpath. Ten people need to sign a form stating they have been walking it for 20 years in order to get it re-classified as a footpath. Contact Steve Milner or the Clerk for more information. Steve Milner and Terry Cook volunteered to attend a public footpaths seminar.
A Village Hall report was given by Terry Cook. Fly tipping has recently been an issue in the red bin located on the Village Hall car park. Notices have been placed on the bin and an item is being included in the village newsletter. Please could villagers be vigilant and report any sightings of people fly tipping. Work on the disabled toilet is finished, other toilets refurbished and plans are in hand for updated baby changing facilities. A report was given on state of the car park including pot-holes, repairs and useage. Planting trees on the recreational area is responsibility of Parish Council. A request was made for new members of the Numbers Club as there are currently vacant numbers available. A question was asked on whether the Parish Council made a decision concerning the provision of new security doors? There will be a joint meeting between the Village Hall Management Committee and the Parish Council on Monday 27 January at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Items for next agenda. These would include the Health and Safety Policy and the Oliver Lee Report

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 6 February starting at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Community Cafe in Old Buckenham

Eat out on Wednesday 22 January
This poster has all the details:

Collecting in Old Buckenham

Help Chapel Green School

The EDP are running a new campaign Plant to Plate in partnership with Enjoy Gardening More, giving primary and junior schools across the region the chance to share £10,000 worth of gardening products.

Chapel Green School would like to take part in this competition and if they collect over 1,000 tokens, they will receive a pack worth £130 including seeds, herbs, a planting kit, compost, planting guide and recipe ideas. The top three schools will win £1,000 worth of gardening equipment each plus personal advice and guidance from Head Gardener Peter McDermott. (This is based on the number of pupils in the school versus the number of tokens collected, meaning that all schools have a chance, both big and small!).
Everyday there will be tokens in the Eastern Daily Press (two on Saturdays) whilst weekly titles will also hold one token (Evening News, Great Yarmouth Mercury, Lowestoft Journal, Beccles & Bungay Journal, North Norfolk News, Dereham Times and Fakenham Times), There will also be ‘bonus tokens’ at various times.
The tokens are in the papers from Saturday 18 January up until Friday 27 March. Please spread the word and send in as many tokens as possible to help Chapel Green School and their pupils win some of these gardening products.

You can take the tokens you have collected to reception at the school or give them to the blog editor who lives at Crockslea in Cake Street.

Meetings in Old Buckenham

Have your say
Thursday 9 January is the day for the next Parish Council meeting. It will start at 7.30pm in the Memorial room at the Village Hall. There should be plenty of interesting discussion, particularly when the planning application for a weather radar station along Abbey Road is reached.
Then on Saturday 11 January the chairman of the Parish Council has called a meeting for all villagers to discuss his plans for a big Craft and Food Fair on the Green in May. Come along to hear the proposals and give your point of view. The meeting is due to start at 10am, despite what you may have read elsewhere.

Tradition continues in Old Buckenham

Village photo and a walk
Many more pictures can, thanks to Steve Milner, be seen at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmKpY7PU

Walkers start off across the village Green

Lining up for a big photograph

Enjoying mugs of hot soup in the Church Rooms after finishing the walk

Ready to walk in Old Buckenham?

Be ready in the morning
Begin the new decade with a village walk starting from the Church Rooms on Wednesday 1 January 2020 after the big photograph at 10.30am. Hot soup and rolls for you when you finish.

Starting off at the beginning of 2019

2020 events in Old Buckenham

Diary dates for January

Wednesday 1    Village photograph, Church Rooms, 10am

Wednesday 1    Village New Year Walk, starts at Church Rooms, 10am

Monday 6    Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 7    Coffee and Chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards

Wednesday 8    Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 8    Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Church, 2.30pm

Thursday 9    Breckland Flower and Garden Club, 2pm

Thursday 9    Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Thursday 9    Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 11    Village Meeting, Village Hall, 10am

Sunday 12    Methodist Church, Covenant Service, 10.45am

Thursday 16    Camelot pantomime, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Friday 17    Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Friday 17    Camelot pantomime, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 18    Camelot pantomime, Village Hall, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Monday 20    Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 22      Fusion Cafe, Chapel Green School

Wednesday 22      Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 23    Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

First Old Buckenham newsletter of 2020

Latest village news

Many copies are now around the village so you should be able to find out what to do  and where to go in January.