It's out there being delivered
This is a picture of what you may already have or should expect soon. The astute readers will notice that the two parts of Steve Askew's news about his fund-raising Brunch have ended up on different pages (2 and 4) so the date to put in your diary is Sunday 29 October. There is of course lots of other village news for you to read...
Notes on September minutes
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is changed at a later date.
Old
Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 September 2023 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham
Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali
McWilliam, Doug Irons, David Taylor, Lesley Evison and Pete Twissell. Also
attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), District and County Councillor Steve Askew
and eight members of the public. Apologies for non-attendance had been received
from Paul Phillips and Steve Gowers.
The
minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 3 August were approved (4 in favour, 1
abstain).
Declarations
of interests. Ali McWilliam is paid for gigs at the Ox and Plough.
Financial
matters. The Community account balance now stands at £22,130.05. Payments for
approval totalled £4,506.93 and included £325.80 to the community car drivers,
£250 to the village handyman, £1,657.45 for the new flagpole, £248 for the skip
at the allotments, £600 for mowing the Green and £800 for clearing work at the
allotments. The payment of these was approved (5 in favour).
Reports
from councillors. Pete Twissell had attended the Village Hall management
meeting and was reminded that the Parish Council was going to enter a team in
the village quiz. There had been a query about the organisation of a future Village
Fete. The Clerk was asked to enquire with their insurance company about whether
the Parish Council insurance would cover such event rather than the individual
organising it.
Ali
McWilliam reported that the skip at the allotments was now filled with rubbish
and the Clerk was asked to arrange its return. Her meeting with allotment
holders had organised an Open day on Sunday17 September. Three half plots have
been marked out ready for use and will be offered to locals. The future of the
site will be re-evaluated in March depending on uptake of empty allotment
plots. Present allotment holders are feeling frustrated about vandalism at
allotments and the Clerk is to put article on Facebook. She had also had complaints
from residents about speed of cars on Hargham Road, especially during school
hours. Steve Gower has taken over road safety, including the SAM sign. He is to
move the SAM sign from Hargham Road and regularly rotate around village
locations. Option to buy more brackets to allow more locations around the
village where sign can be fitted. Ali McWilliam also thanked resident Brian
Fiddy and all other residents who came in to village after seeing the recent accident
at Puddledock and returned to village to help direct and warn other drivers.
Naomi
Bailey had spoken to a farmer about a potential burial site. She will create a
document with all costings. Also has received a letter with Notice to Close the
Churchyard. Suggestion was made to take the letter to solicitor or NALC to
confirm what letter says before it being signed. The Clerk will arrange this.
There have been further complaints about staff from schools parking on Abbey
road and Sunnyside Track. Ali McWilliam, Naomi Bailey and Doug Irons are to
arrange meeting about parking around village.
Rachel
Noyes reported that the road surface had
been repaired by Manor Pond. Also the flagpole had been delivered and is to be
installed before Remembrance Service in November. One of the Jubilee trees has
died and a replacement will be reordered. She had been contacted about a car
that had been left on the Green for many weeks. Put a request for information
on social media and the car had been removed that evening. The defibrillators
have been checked and will need to order some new pads for one of them.
Planning
application 3PL/2022/0433/F was due to be heard at Planning Committee but has
been postponed. There will be a Local Plan preview for Parish Councils and Naomi
Bailey to attend. The Parish Council had been contacted by the Woodland Trust
regarding an Afforestation Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) within the
parish requesting feedback.
Steve
Askew said that the Breckland Mobile Food Store: will be adding Old Bucenham to
its route. The Clerk confirmed that the Village Hall has been contacted as an
option but are currently working out logistics. He has requested an update on the
possible Manor Corner crossing and will pass on once received. Overgrown hedges
blocking footways and sightlines are causing multiple problems for residents
and farmers around the village. If residents do not take action then Breckland
Council may cut them and charge the owners.
The
Green to receive a final cut end of September/early October. Update requested
on pond maintenance plan and various vegetation maintenance mentioned at last
Green Working Party meeting. Resident Stan Burton attended meeting at Chair’s
request to help pass on information regarding the history of the Classification
of the Green. His records showed that Old Buckenham Green is Common Land but
this does not mean the land is necessarily a Common. As part of the Commons
Registration Act 1965, all common land (which includes Greens) had to be
registered with the Council, plus all rights over the land. Town or Village
Green is classified as land that has been allotted for the exercise or
recreation of the inhabitants or that residents have a right to indulge in
lawful sports or pastimes, or that residents have indulged in these pastimes
for no less than 20 years. During a court hearing regarding ownership of the
Green, a judge declared the Green ownership is vested in Public Trustee. The
Clerk to research paperwork to provide evidence of information.
A resident
has enquired about the potholes outside the Gamekeeper. Doug Irons explained
that he is in discussion with current landowner (who has changed over the last
year) who is disputing that all damage is caused by customers and that
residents from Post Office Terrace are also responsible.
Action
Log. Flagpole has been delivered and will be installed soon. The Lesley Evison
to liaise with Peter Twissell to arrange delivery of Parish Council trailer for
inspection.
New
planning applications. None.
Amended
applications. St Marys Chapel, Castle Hill Road. Amendment to 3PL/2022/0997/LB
- Change planned kitchen to two bedrooms & leave existing kitchen as is.
Move one bathroom in converted sheds to the East of planned bedroom. New
windows in elevation to the West. Change from Glass wall to windows on East
Elevation. Grey Zinc Monopitch Roof to Extension (3PL/2023/0775/LB).
The
Old School/Church Rooms, Crown Road. Proposed use of Church Rooms to include
Class E (bookshop / cafe and sale of related merchandise (3PL/2023/0398/F and
3PL/2023/0399/A). Supporting documents now included.
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have been considered and have been approved: St Marys Chapel, Castle Hill Road. Amendment to 3PL/2022/0997/LB Change planned kitchen to two bedrooms & leave existing kitchen as is. Move one bathroom in converted sheds to the East of planned bedroom. New windows in elevation to the West. Change from Glass wall to windows on East Elevation. Grey Zinc Monopitch Roof to Extension (3PL/2023/0775/LB).
West
View Farm, The Green. Convert the existing barn into one dwelling to include
the demolition of adjoining existing hen house and erection of side extension and
the creation of a new access (3PL/2020/1500/F).
Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Erection of 8 no. holiday lodges (3PL/2023/0076/F).
Planning
appeals. None
An
application has been submitted for an Operator’s License at a property on Fen
Street. The Parish Council have not been notified directly but have been
informed by residents. A member of the public requested that the Parish Council
discuss the matter and submit feedback. Councillors felt that the road is too
small for heavy goods vehicles to use regularly and a proposal to object was
approved (6 in favour).
Hedge
planting. Application made for free hedges from the Woodland Trust. These are
to form a hedge between Village Hall car park and Recreation Ground.
Application was successful and saplings to be delivered in November. Pete Twissell
to look at getting schools involved in the planting.
Newsletter
paper. A quote of £672 for 120 reams of paper for the Village Newsletter has
been received. Proposal to approve was agreed (6 in favour)
Clerk
and RFO position. The RFO handed in her notice last month and will finish at
the end of October. The Clerk has also handed in her notice and will finish at
the same time to allow jobs to potentially be advertised for one person. Proposal
to advertise job for up to 25 hours a month, starting on points 20-21 of pay
scale was approved (6 in favour). Ali Mc William thanked the Clerk, Rachel Noyes,
for her hard work and wished her good luck with new post.
Trailer
and equipment. Pete Twissell had not received contact details for collecting
trailer and equipment. Will liaise with Lesley Evison to collect and inspect to
establish condition and value of goods. Will then potentially look at selling
the equipment as is no longer required.
Public
participation. Sorry to see Rachel Noyes going as she has been an asset to the
Parish Council. Hope that the Parish Council are able to find a good
replacement Clerk and RFO. Felt that both had done a great job and Jonnathan
Hicks said he was proud to appoint them when Chairman of the Parish Council.
There
were concerns about how new approved property on West View Farm would be
accessed around a listed building. Application states that wall which would be
knocked is not listed despite previous claims it was listed and needed to be
rebuilt by previous owner.
Items
for next agenda. These would include insurance for potential village fete and update
on Parish Council website.
The
next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 October at 7.30pm at location
which will be announced.
The blog editor rarely writes anything himself but has written this item especially for the October newsletter. You can see it first here.
A few pictures to start with. Note how the radio car has changed over the years and see if you can recognise all the locations
The BBC Radio Norfolk
van will not be visiting Old Buckenham so often in the future. The popular
“Treasure Quest” programme came to a tearful end on Sunday 10 September, a week
later that the other local radio favourites that had been cut by the BBC bosses
the week before.
Old Buckenham has had its part to play in the programme since it started some fifteen years ago. It provided locations for the Treasure Quest to visit after the listening audience had solved the devious clues that would lead them all around Norfolk. The sites that the TQ team had visited in the past included:
Road
sign at junction of Fen Street with the B1077 at Puddledock,
The
Gamekeeper pub,
The
notice board outside the village shop,
The
War Memorial,
The
Old School on the Green,
The
Church Rooms a couple of times including a New Year’s Day walk,
All
Saints Church at least twice as well,
The
Almshouses,
The
Windmill,
The
Village Hall for the Produce Show at least twice,
The
Airfield for the Air Show a couple of times too,
The
Askew Agricultural Museum that was at Scales Farm,
Phin’s
house in Fen Street for Open Gardens
and
some others I’ve possibly forgotten.
I
will not now be leaving my home on a Sunday morning anymore to rendezvous with the
radio car and knowing that on many occasions I was the only person in the
village to know that they were coming. Other times there was a lot of secret
arranging beforehand so that the visits could go on unhindered.
I
will really miss the program and all those involved in making it happen...
A chance to come and see
There was the opportunity this afternoon to look around the plots and talk to some of the people working on them. No great rush of applicants but at least one family was impressed and is thinking of taking one on. Another gentleman came along later and he intends to take on a "half allotment", so in total 1.5 allotments, in theory, could soon have new owners.
Come to Social and Wine
The Autumn programme of the Social and Wine Circle starts tonight, Thursday 14 September, at 7.15pm for 7.30 pm in the Village Hall,. The speaker will be Nicola Herns who is the Curator of the Museum of the Broads at Stalham. Her presentation will be “The stories of the Broads”. Its interesting that although we live so close to the Broads, it's years since many of us last visited. Come and enjoy the evening.
 |
| Ready for the talk to start |
Old Buckenham Parish Council
Clerk and RFO advertisement
Old Buckenham Parish Council are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with good IT and organisational skills, to take on the role of Parish Clerk and Registered Finance Officer (RFO).
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
Organising and attending council meetings, preparing agendas, and writing minutes
Maintaining/updating files and documents
Implementing the Council decisions
Attending to all correspondence including letters and emails
Distributing relevant information to Councillors
Monitoring planning applications and circulating to the Council
Liaising with District and County Councillors
Manage and report on Parish Council finances
Payment of invoices
Prepare accounts for audit
Prepare and apply for annual Precept
The position is primarily home based and involves working up to 25 hours per month, with attendance required at all monthly Parish Meetings on the first Thursday the month.
Salary will be between £14.75/hour and £15.02/hour (SCP 20-21), with the possibility to increase with experience. The Parish Council are also open to splitting the two duties and so will accept applications for only one of the roles. Please make this clear when you apply. Local Government experience is desirable but not essential as regular support, appraisals and training is offered.
If you would like to apply for the position, please send a letter of application and your CV to the Parish Clark at oldbuckenhampc@live.co.uk. Deadline for applications is Friday 22 September, with interviews taking place the week beginning Monday 25 September.Allocation
of Benefits in 2023
It is now that time of year when the Trustees of the Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charity invite residents of Old Buckenham to apply for an annual grant of
benefit. Grants are to help with needs experienced by residents, such as
electricity and heating bills and various other needs. It may be that there is
a long-term situation requiring extra funds, or perhaps a more temporary problem
has occurred only recently. As will be understood, the Trustees have a duty to
ensure that the annual distribution of monies reflects the aim of the Charity
to support the most deserving in our village and there is no age restriction.
The Trustees will review all requests received and will take into consideration any other benefits currently received by all applicants. Application forms will be available in All Saints Church from the beginning of October. Fully completed forms should be returned to Mrs Jennifer Sallnow, Arianne, Attleborough Road, Old Buckenham, NR17 1RF (Telephone 01953 860166). The Trustees ask that all previous beneficiaries complete a new application form for consideration by the Trustees during their annual November meeting.
What have you heard?
I've heard that the Old Buckenham Players are putting this play on next month in the Village Hall.
Early notification
Many of you will have seen the previous performance by 'The Whiting's on the Wall' in the Village Hall. Now we have a new production coming on Friday 17 November when you can have an evening out for a mere £10. Put the date in your diary now.
There are eleven other locations where you can see it, or re-see it, during November including Diss Corn Hall.
Revised timetables for 37A
From the beginning of September there have been some slight variations on the times of our local buses. There are still two buses to Norwich at about 7am and 9.30am on Mondays to Fridays. There are also buses back to Old Buckenham that leave Norwich at about 3.15pm, 4.45pm and 5.45pm. It also looks as if that it is now possible to travel by bus to Norwich on one bus on Saturday morning and get a bus back to the village in the afternoon.
This all assumes that I have read the timetables correctly...
Latest issue
This one should have arrived with most Old Buckenham residents by now.
It contains lots of information about the Produce Show, the Churches' Cycle Ride and the Allotment Open Day. The editor also got the services at All Saints incorrect. The list should read:
All Saints services in September
Sunday 3 September
All are welcome to come along to any of these services.
Flower Festival for all
The Old
Buckenham Methodist Church Flower Festival is free to visit and is taking place
over this August Bank Holiday weekend. There are flower displays based on
the theme of ‘Place’ plus activities, games, refreshments and outdoor seating
(weather permitting). The event is aimed at all the family so there will be
things to do for all ages. The church will be open on Sunday from noon to 4pm and again on Bank Holiday Monday from 10am to 4pm).
Pop in to see what 'Places' are on show, try the refreshments and try the various games and puzzles. Enjoy yourselves in Hargham Road, NR17 1SL.
Here are a few photographs taken today to arouse your interest.
A busy meeting
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later.
Old
Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 3 August at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham
Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali
McWilliam, Paul Phillips, David Taylor, Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers and Pete
Twissell. Doug Irons had sent apologies for non-attendance. Also attending were
Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and four members of the public
The
minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6 July 2023 were approved (5 in favour,
2 abstain).
Declarations
of interests. Ali McWilliam will be performing a gig at The Ox and Plough for
payment and Paul Phillips hosts a quiz at The Gamekeeper every month.
Financial matters. Community account balance now stands at £24,945.10 which includes a payment received from David Tranmer. Payments for approval totalled £1,088.13 and included the new dog bin installation and hire of the room for meetings. Proposal for payment was approved (7 in favour).
Donna
Oakley has handed in her resignation as Registered Finance Officer (RFO) for
the parish council and will now work out her three months notice period. Naomi Bailey
highlighted the great work Donna has done in her time with the Parish Council. The
Clerk to advertise for a new RFO.
Councillors’
reports. The Village Hall committee had been approached by resident who wants
to arrange a village fete on the Green. Pete Twissell explained that the
management of the Green is currently under consultation. However Naomi Bailey
explained that they can complete the ‘Use of Green’ application form, with
Recreation Ground as a back-up should any problems arise. Pete Twissell to
suggest they contact Clerk for Use of Green application form.
Received
complaints about the parking of vehicles all over the village in order to walk
to the Air Show/watch from the Green. Parking was also poor during all recent Two
Wheel Tuesdays when people moved traffic cones out the way in order to park.
Need to look at long term solutions to parking in the village. Ali McWilliam
suggested arranging a meeting about parking in the village with representatives
from all parties, including the Parish Council, schools, local businesses,
Breckland Council, Highways, etc. Clerk to arrange.
No Parish
Council representative currently on Almshouses Trust. Steve Gower offered to be
a link person between the Almshouses Trust and the Parish Council.
Naomi
Bailey had attended recent some Two Wheel Tuesdays and noted there were not
always stewards outside playground. She has contacted the local police about
speeding in neighbouring villages. Their response explained that they are aware
of speeding issues and monitor when possible. They are no longer responsible
for enforcing parking offences. Also tried to arrange a meeting between David
Tranmer and the Village Hall about the possibility of using the Village Hall
car park during Two Wheel Tuesdays. No further progress made.
Ali
McWilliams will be having a meeting with allotment holders this month. Happy to
work around skip availability. Clerk to order delivery of skip.
The Clerk said the previously suggested bench location around Ottomer Pond is not available as already a bench there. David Taylor suggested having the new bench between the pond and playground and the Clerk is to arrange. The new dog bin on Harlingwood Lane has been installed and publicised. Steve Gower confirmed that collections have started and that it was well used. Service Level Agreements (SLA) with Breckland Council being processed for grass cutting on St Andrews Close and dog bin emptying.
The Met Office update about Weather Radar Tower said that specifics of the design have been completed by engineers and ‘Invitation to Tender’ were issued in July with an estimate to award contract mid-October. Construction is now likely to begin early 2024. Possibility of some work on site to progress infrastructure works (power and communications) in the autumn.
Classification
of the Green: Norfolk County Council (NCC) have replied with lots of background
information. It appears the Green is classified as Common Land. However they
are not responsible for enforcing rules, this is done by landowners, Parish
Councils or District Councils. NCC also explained that it would be difficult to
apply to have it changed. Naomi Bailey does not want to discuss the matter further
until all information is collected. Paul Phillips objected to the issue not
being discussed as it is such a large matter for the village. Clerk to contact
Breckland District Council to enquire if they would enforce the rules over
Common Land.
The
Clerk had a phone call from Breckland Planning regarding shop signs. They would
be objecting to permanent signs on the Green as there are no others. Would be
suggesting temporary mobile signs as an alternative. Was also copied in to an
email highlighting that an Operators’ license has been applied for on Fen Street.
Parish Council was not made are of this but was advertised in local newspaper. Action
Log of projects by the Parish Council has been updated. The Harlingwood Lane
dog bin project has been completed.
Planning.
There have been no new applications, amended applications or planning appeals since the last
parish council meeting.
Planning
decisions by Breckland Council. The following application has been considered
and has been approved: Land at 32 Fen Street. Erection of detached house and
garage (3PL/2023/0414/F).
Parish
Council trailer. The Parish Council owns a trailer which stores a lawn mower
and strimmer which was used by volunteers to cut areas of grass around the
village. They are no longer needed as job is completed every month by village
handyman who has his own equipment. Lesley Evison has spoken to the handyman
and researched re-sale value. Have received an offer for the trailer. Pete Twissell
offered to evaluate and assess the state of the equipment. Ali McWilliam to
look at option of using equipment for the allotments.
Burial
site. Naomi Bailey had a meeting with a Parochial Church Council (PCC)
representative to discuss the issue. Estimated three new graves left (to be
confirmed). Main points were that there is a possibility of using an area for
reburial. However these need to be over 75 years old and families of deceased
need to be contacted. Many neighbouring parishes are facing similar issues.
They have been contacted for advice. Would need to look at area of half to one
acre and would need to consider consecration, gravestones rules and record of
all internments. Financially, would need to investigate solicitors’ fees and
environmental report as well as the actual purchase of the land. Lesley Evison
enquired whether there would be any financial help from District/County Council
and the Clerk to research this. Naomi Bailey and Ali McWilliam to continue
researching and compiling a report for the Parish Council on the issue.
Public
participation. The road at Manor Corner road is in a poor state. Clerk has
previously reported to Highways but will chase it up. An enquiry about whether
any of the wildflower seed planted on the Green last year survived.
Unfortunately due to very hot dry weather the seeds did not germinate. A resident
expressed concern about speeding and parking in the village as a whole. Steve Gower
explained that this is something he is keen to improve. Clerk also highlighted
that Fen Street is on a list for speed limit review next year. The SAM sign on
Hargham Road has run out of battery and needs recharging. Naomi Bailey and Steve
Gower to sort this.
A resident
has correspondence regarding the Green being tied to the Lord of the Manor
title, which may help with Classification of the Green enquiries. Another resident
explained that they have tried to help with several matters over the last year
but due to changing circumstances they have not been completed yet. Clerk is
still working on projects and these should be completed soon.
Items
for next agenda. These will include trailer and equipment, burial site update
and progress on new website.
The
next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 September starting at 7.30pm
at Old Buckenham Village Hall.
Carl Fogarty on the Green
Yesterday evening the Two Wheel Tuesday event was graced by a visit from one of the world's greatest motorcycling legends, none other than the former four times World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty, He was admired for his gutsy, aggressive style and a determination to win at all costs. After retiring from racing in 2000, 'Foggy' has pursued a number of media and business interests, including two best-selling books, team ownership, a popular chat-show tour and charity work. In 2014 he won the TV reality show I'm A Celebrity ... Get me Out of Here!
Improved look
The Old Buckenham village shop used to look like this:
Now the frontage has been tided up and it looks like this:
More work has been going on inside the shop too. Go on in, meet the owner Krishna and see what you can discover. You can even now use it as an Amazon collection point.
Latest from the Met Office
This message has been sent to our Parish Council
"The project team have been working with our structural engineers in recent months to finalise the specifics of the design of the radar tower and cabin. Following on from this work the Invitation To Tender (ITT) for the main works contract was issued on Friday 14 July, and our best estimate for the date for awarding the contract is mid-October.
As part of the tender process each potential contractor will provide us with their schedule for the works, including any ‘mobilisation’ period – we will therefore have a much better idea of project timelines once we have seen the ITT returns. Whilst we go through the ITT process we are using the time to progress site infrastructure works (mainly power and comms) so there may be some limited activity relating to this at the Anglian Water site later this summer and during the autumn.
We had previously indicated that the main works would be likely to start in the autumn of this year so I wanted to let the council know that although it’s still possible that the construction phase of the project would start late in 2023, it is now more realistic to assume that it will be in early in 2024. We will of course update you on likely start dates once we have evaluated the tender responses."
Soaring away
This exciting report on the Airshow appeared in the Sun on Wednesday 2 August.
Very worthwhile trip
On Saturday 29 July Olly Whittle (aged 7) completed his challenge to ride 50 miles on his bike for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH). Olly trained hard over the last three months to build up his stamina and talked through the route he wished to ride to include the busy streets of Norwich. Olly woke up bright and early, setting off from the Windmill at 5.50am. He was forced to stop after 20 miles due to a puncture, getting back on the road for 10am. He breezed through Norwich and continued, with endless energy towards Acle, his chosen destination. He arrived at 2.30pm at his Grandparent’s house to enjoy a rest and endless desserts!
He was thrilled to receive the Blue Peter Silver Badge which is awarded to Blue Peter fans who show individual acts of kindness and do something for others. Olly and his family are very proud as well as overwhelmed by the amount of support from friends and family. His fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/page/ollyridesforeach where you can find some photos from the day. So far he has raised £1260 from over 70 donations. A big thank you to the local support, especially Olly’s school friends and his neighbours on Mill Road.
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