Early Christmas in Old Buckenham

 Listen to our own local singer

This looks like being a great evening to get you in the mood for all those Christmas celebrations. Not for a while yet but you can put it in your diaries now and possibly buy you tickets too...

Future in Old Buckenham

 Come and meet Paul

An evening with a difference in our Village Hall. You never know what you might find out...

Latest Old Buckenham news

 The October village newsletter is here

Thanks to valiant efforts from our printer the printed copies of the latest newsletter arrived about about 8pm yesterday. It has now been distributed around the village and some lucky people will already had it put through their letterbox thanks to one or two people who live near the editor. Thank you everybody.

September Parish Council minutes

Ready for you to read 

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 September at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), County Councillor Steve Askew (from 8:45pm) and ten members of the public. A proposal to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8 August was agreed (6 in favour). 

Declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members' Register of interests. Ali McWilliam stated that her employment has changed. She is now doing supply teaching and setting up her own education business, as well as working as a singer.

Matters arising from the minutes: The Chair said the Christmas tree requires ordering and Remembrance Sunday wreaths and road closures to be arranged. Ali McWilliam said public comments regarding cutting grass around speed signs needed following up.

Steve Askew provided other information. The Breckland Food Hub started last year by attending our Village Hall in a mobile van but constant issues with the van caused it to cease coming. Breckland will be re-launching the service in the next few weeks under a different model. lt was also highlighted that someone from the Kenninghall Pantry (who are part of the set up) will be attending the Produce Show to provide further information.

When attending the Parish Council surgery on Saturday, a lady enquired about the recent footpath registration request (Ragg's Lane). He had looked into it and they are still going through the legal process. This may take a while and he will provide updates when possible. Community Groups (which includes the Parish Council) can put forward applications for a grant. Steps opposite the Stud have been closed off. Highways will be looking at possible solutions. `

Planning applications.  Note that Breckland have informed that there might be a slight delay to new applications due to switching over of their computer systems.

New planning application. Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Erection of a new agricultural building for the secure storage of agricultural machinery, hay, straw and haylage (3PL/2024/0503/F). Naomi Bailey explained that this would be placed behind the existing barn. Lesley Evison raised concern that this might be linked to a previous application for a trucking business on the same road. Further information to be requested from Breckland.

Woodland Trust Report. Peter Twissell and Stan Burton attended this public meeting. Plan looks very favourable with a mix of some evergreen but mostly deciduous trees. All trees will be native British trees and will be managed woodland, therefore some trees will be coppiced as they grow. Both areas will be accessible with footpaths and picnic benches. However this will be after several years, in order to allow trees to become established. Stan Burton highlighted that there were some concerns that this would cause British farmland to be going out of production.

Ali McWilliam produced an anonymous note that had been left for the Paris Council on the phone box noticeboard. The note objected to the Woodland as it would affect the view and reduce visibility for cars on Abbey Road. Member of public raised concern that when walking their dog recently on the fields that may be used for this woodland that there were signs stating that pesticides had been used and to keep dogs on a lead.

Finance Working Party. Proposal to set up a Finance Working Party was approved (6 in favour). 

Play Area repairs. Magnets needed for the playground gate. Doug Irons has ordered and will install them. There is a hole that needs filing near the roundabout. A suggestion has been made for a substance to use but Naomi Bailey requires time to research and ensure it is the right product for the job. A proposal to get both repairs completed was approved (6 in favour). Playground requires a new inspection and the Clerk will arrange. 

Graveyard update. Unfortunately this process needs to start again. Pete Twissell to assist Naomi Bailey and Ali McWilliam and will report back next month. 

Puddledock Corner. Naomi Bailey has been in correspondence with a resident regarding some cutting of a tree which is causing visibility issues on Puddledock Corner. She has requested a local tree surgeon to attend site and quote for work. Two other quotes will also be needed. Will also speak to Steve Askew and Highways.

Prince Harry's Wood. A couple of residents from March Field Way have complained that the brambles are growing through their fences. While they have cut them back on their own side, the issue needs addressing on the wood side too. There are several areas around St Andrews Close and March Field Way where grass has not been cut or bramble have overgrown, which is resulting in a small number of residents refusing to pay their ground rent. A local resident will inspect and feedback. Possibly look at getting quotes for bramble work.

Sandbags at Ottomer Pond. Have been contacted by a resident who enquired as to why the sandbags are still around the pond, now that we are in the summer months and the flooding risk has subsided and they look a mess. The resident with them outside her house wants them to stay. Stan Burton suggested that the sandbags be covered with soil and used to build up the bank, including the area near the playground corner. As the overall issue of the drainage has not been resolved, there is a risk of flooding again during winter months. David Taylor questioned whether this was environmentally friendly as the bags may contain plastic and could degrade.  

Stan Burton has found the outflow pipe and marked its location. He made a suggestion for reinstating the outlet, which would not cause the current water levels to drop too low either. This would allow flood water to flow towards the ditch which runs alongside the High School. David Taylor to investigate the environmental impact of sandbags, Lesley Evison to estimate the volume of soil required and Stan Burton to investigate feasibility and cost of reinstating the overflow pipe. 

Green Working Party meeting. The Green Working Party is made up of two Green Rights Proprietors, two members of the Parish Council and two members of the public. Email has been sent out saying that they should liaise between themselves to arrange a meeting as they are long overdue a meeting. Meeting needs to take place on neutral ground, such as the Methodist Church, which the Parish Council will pay for. Adrian Joel (resident) has stepped down from Green Working Party so there is a space for a member of the public. Another resident who has expressed a large interest in the Green was put forward by Naomi Bailey and is willing to accept the position.

Public participation. One resident suggested that there should be a sub-committee to take a lead on Prince Harry’s Wood, rather than including it in the Green Working Party responsibilities.

Another resident said there were large weeds growing in ditch near St Andrews Close as they have not been cleared for two years. Naomi Bailey to chase up and clarify responsibility and arrange cIearing. Also asked if there is a timeline for the graveyard and what the next steps are. Ali McWilliam explained she cannot give a timeline. They are investigating an area of land and will need to contact people leasing the land from us and discuss possibility. Will also need a survey for suitability of the land. While no timeline can be given, it will be worked on as quickly as possible.

A further resident pointed out that as they weren't available for the village meeting with the Woodland Trust, an online response was made. However, they were disappointed to see how few responses the villagers had made. Stan Burton explained that the meeting was well supported and they and will try and adapt planting of the trees to take the concerns into consideration. The general response was positive and the Woodland Trust did appear to take on all points mentioned by those attending the meeting.

A further resident asked when the contents from the High School ditch were being removed. Lesley Evison explained that they are ready to remove them but have not found a suitable location to move them to in order to burn the material. A resident highlighted that they have seen two hedgehogs living in there and Lesley Evison explained that care would be taken to remove everything without hurting hedgehogs.

One more resident raised concerns around the management of the Green including tractors without grass wheels compounding the soil and cuttings being left which are becoming hay and creating a fire risk in hot weather. Resident felt that the Green Working Party and Parish Council need a clearer strategy and consultation with the village about the areas being left wild, as there is clearly a clear divide in opinion. The Sunnyside Track struggle with parking from the school which has even resulted in cars double parking next to each other on the Green which is causing severe damage. Residents on Sunnyside have been doing research themselves in to maintenance options, which could be quite expensive. Enquired what could be done to stop teachers and parents parking there. There are also rumours of closing Reg's Way (small section of track which meets Sunnyside Track half way). Request that homeowners are consulted, which Lesley Evison assured them would take place. Resident has now joined the Green Working Party.

Another resident said thank you for putting the agenda on Parish Council Facebook page while new website is being completed. He also gave a Community Car update: Two drivers have returned and, once paperwork is completed, there will be five drivers. Will be having a meeting soon and a suggestion has been made that they only go to NHS appointments in Norfolk or private hospitals with NHS appointments in order to cut costs as it is getting expensive. Ali McWilliam explained that she has previously been offered medical appointments in Cambridge and Yarmouth. Residents will often take the earliest appointment available, regardless of location. Lesley Evison explained that some hospitals will contract out work to private hospitals. Feedback to be made and discussed during Community Car Drivers meeting. lnvoices to be given to Donna Oakley as the new Registered Finance Officer (RFO). 

Items for the next agenda. These will include graveyard update, minutes for July, play area repairs, Puddledock corner, sandbags, Prince Harry’s Wood, Christmas tree and road closures for Remembrance Sunday. 

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church.

Hiring Old Buckenham Village Hall

The new charges

From the beginning of September new charges will apply when booking the village hall. Regular users of the Main Hall will pay £11 an hour and occasional users £12 an hour. For the smaller Memorial Room it is slightly cheaper at £8 an hour for regular users and £9 for those using the facilities occasionally.

Commercial users pay more. Regular commercial users are charged £13.75 an hour for the Main Hall and occasional users £15 an hour.

For children’s parties (under 12s only) there is a minimum 4 hour hire for £60, then £15 per hour for longer. Social events such as social gatherings/celebrations, weddings and wakes, there is a minimum hire of 4 hours (hire charge on application). Daily commercial rates also available on application.

Slow down in Old Buckenham

 Community Speed Watch update

On Tuesday 17 September there was a higher than normal police presence in the village. This was due to a Day of Action across Norfolk and Suffolk with Community Speed Watch teams being supported by the police. The police were especially interested in Cake Street and Hargham Road because of the information that has been collected by our Speed Watch team and the SAM sign that indicates the speed of vehicles and flashes the phrase ‘SLOW DOWN’.

Old Buckenham Garage Sale

 Taking part?

This year's Garage Sale is on Saturday 21 September from 9am until 1pm. Not long to go so reserve your entry on the official map now. Deadline to guarantee entry on the official map is 1pm on Sunday 15 September. Reservations cost £5 and can be made via Ticketsource. All money raised goes to the Friends of Old Buckenham Windmill charity, to support restoration and maintenance of the mill.

The windmill will also be open 9am to 1pm on the same Saturday for tours of the mill. The tea hut will be open serving hot and cold drinks and refreshments. Pop in for a brew and something tasty as you're walking around the village.
Maps will be available free of charge from the windmill on the day and will be available in advance from village locations or to download online. Make your reservations, mark your calendar and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Ownership of Old Buckenhan Green

 An often asked question

This answer to an important question is written by Parish Councillor Stan Burton. Old Buckenham Green is common land. Common land is an area over which certain people have Rights. That does not make Old Buckenham Green a common. It is registered as a Green.

It all goes back to the Enclosure Act and Apportionment Act where rights were granted. These can be Green Rights, Grazing Rights, Planting Rights, Estovers, Rights of Common and Sporting Rights (shooting and fishing).

Originally there were forty Rights for Old Buckenham green but one was given up by the then Lord of the Manor for the War Memorial.

In 1965 all Common land, including Greens, and any Rights had to be registered with the County Council. If they were not registered, they were lost.

In a court case a few years ago, a Judge ruled that as ownership of Old Buckenham Green had not been registered, ownership passed on to the Public Trustee, a Government body, and any person with registered Rights could set up a management committee to look after the Green. This responsibility has since been passed over to the Parish Council Green Working Party.

 

Commons Registration Act 1965

Definition of Town or Village Green.

Town or Village Green means land which has been allotted by or under any act for the exercise or recreation of the inhabitants of any locality or on which the inhabitants of any locality have a customary right to indulge in lawful sports and pastimes or on which the inhabitants of any locality have indulged in such sports and pastimes as of right for not less than twenty years.

Clearing Old Buckenham churchyard

 It's that time of year again

Churchyard Tidy Up is on Saturday 14 September from 9am until midday. Could you possibly spare some time to help tidy up the Churchyard, even if just for an hour or two? As well as helping it's also a great way to make new friends. 

It would be great to see you. If you can, please bring tools, ie strimmer, rake, shears, loppers, wheelbarrow. Some spare tools will be available. Cups of tea and coffee will be supplied. Please let David Hannah know if you are able to come. Thank you.

Old Buckenham residents ask questions

Useful surgery

Two members of the Parish Council held the Saturday surgery at the Village Hall Memorial Room on Saturday 31 August. They were kept occupied for the whole period of the surgery. Four members of the public and District and County councillor Steve Askew came along. 

A resident pointed out to us that brambles are starting to take over some areas of the woodland at the south west side of the green and enquired about general upkeep of the trees around the Green. It was suggested that the council should investigate grant funding for upkeep of the woodland areas. The same resident offered some further information regarding drainage pointing out that there is a pipe running from the small pond (Green Pond) opposite the shop, passing under the main road and emerging between the road and Ottomer pond. Foliage around Green Pond is at risk of blocking that drain.

The current village newsletter editor pointed out that he will not be able to run the newsletter for ever and that there is a need for someone to take over in the future. He also supplied the Council with a details of the paper which will be needed for the magazine in 2025.

A resident from Chattergate noted that double yellow lines on Abbey Road potentially preclude delivery vehicles unloading to their back gate. While the council cannot advise on highway matters, it was pointed out that the HMG published guidelines indicate that brief stops for loading and unloading are permitted. 

Another resident enquired about progress with applications for sections of Raggs Lane and Barkers Lane to be designated as public footpaths. Steve Askew will ask for a progress report from Norfolk County Council and report back to the Parish Council.

Meet Old Buckenham councillors

Come and have a chat

Saturday 31 August sees the return of the monthly Saturday Surgery. This will take place in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall. Two councillors will be available from 10am till 12 noon for you to speak to about any issues/questions you may have.

Old Buckenham goes abroad

Some beautiful places...

The Women's Institute went travelling around the world at our their meeting on Thursday 22 August thanks to one of our members telling us about her backpacking experiences. Julia talked about India and South America and some fantastic places that she has seen. The rest of the world is to come at future meetings. She brought some photo albums for them to look at as well which were really interesting.

Nice thinking on Old Buckenham

Paul's thoughts

You lucky people…

Early one recent morning I was on the Green as the sun came up, along with a few hot air balloons gliding gently across the village. And I thought; aren’t we so lucky to live in a place like this.

Just think about what this small community offers – in no particular order and doubtless not everything. Schools and societies, pubs and clubs, a post office and shop, a coffee venture, a bookshop, a thriving country park, an airshow on our doorstep. The open space, an abundance of history. The sense of community. Ask for help on the Old Buckenham Facebook group, for example, and it will quickly be offered.

Of course, not everything about this village is perfect and it wouldn’t pretend to be.

But look at the bigger picture. It’s what I did that morning and felt inspired to write this. If it comes across as sentimental and twee then so be it. 

In the past few weeks there’s been a slew of controversy in the village, some of it voiced loudly and - arguably - unfairly on social media.

I’m sure those with grievances, (imagined or not) will continue to bellow through their keyboards. Go ahead, if you must, but perhaps just remember that, on balance, you are very lucky people.

 

 

Latest Old Buckenham news

 

Old Buckenham and the Green

 Parish Council news

The Old Buckenham Parish Council issued this statement late yesterday and it will be included in the September village newsletter for all those without computers or those who 'do not do Facebook'.

You can now also read it here.

Reason for the formalisation of Business use on the green.

Old Buckenham Parish Council (OBPC) Insurance company has stipulated that OBPC must ensure that any business using the Green would need Event insurance that covers Personal and public liability and to provide a risk assessments based on the activities taking place.

Previously OBPC councillors would have been liable for any problems/accidents with any incident on the Green caused by a business operating from it. The OBPC insurance policy would not cover any business operating on it, any additional cost would need to be covered from the Precept or the Business operating from the Green.

The OBPC and the Green rights holders are responsible for following the terms within the 20 year lease (up until 29 March 2042). These are rules/regulations and statutes within the Enclosure Act 1857, Commons Act 2006 and guidance of ‘Common land and town or village Greens’ from the department for the environment, food & rural affairs.

Village businesses do not own any of the Green and will need permission and prior agreement from the OBPC and Green rights holders to use the Green.

There is now the correct insurance for the OBPC councillors and Businesses that use the Green, there are Risk assessments carried out for any use of the Green as part of the signed agreement.

This change now gives

1) Insurance / Protection for the Businesses and Staff operating on the Green.

2) The OBPC councillors are not personally liable for any incident/accident on the Green.

3) The Public is kept safe, as reasonably practicable by ensuring that any event is controlled, risk assessed and reviewed annually, to make sure it aligns with current legislation.

Two wheel Tuesday

There has been an agreement between Two Wheel Tuesday (TWT) and the Old Buckenham Parish Council (OBPC) for 8 years plus regarding monies due. This is not a new thing. Except now the use of the Green conforms to current legislation.

No OBPC member is against using the Green for legitimate local business, but OBPC/Green right holders are here to protect the Green for today and the future, but the main responsibility is the safety of the public today.

There is a signed agreement between both parties. With terms and conditions.

Each TWT event is charged £25, for up to 30 events between April and October, this money is ring fenced in the OBPC accounts, it is spent only on the upkeep of the Green.

If the event does not take place No Charge will be made. So far this year OBPC are going to charge TWT for 5 events due to poor weather restricting access to the Green for that event.

The amount charged has not increased for the last 3 years, despite the cost-of-living crisis, even though OBPC have to accept increased maintenance costs themselves during these hard times.

The insurance provided by TWT was for 1000 people to attend but when this attendance limit was exceeded, TWT immediately changed their insurance to 1500 people. This process is working, it ensured everyone including you, and your families are protected and covered.

OBPC have remained flexible and accommodating. Even when the terms we not fully adhered to:

1) Applications not submitted on time.

2) Late on agreed payment terms.

3) Not repairing the damage to the Green.

4) Using areas of the Green for Catering that are outside of the agreed boundaries of use.

The Benches on the Green provided by Mr Tranmer

There is a signed agreement between both parties. With terms and conditions.

The benches are located on the Green, in an agreed defined area, which a risk assessment has been carried out and adequate insurance is provided by Mr Tranmer.

Mr Tranmer is charged £1.17 per day between April and October, this money is ring fenced in the OBPC accounts, it is spent only on the upkeep of the Green.

The amount charged has not increased for the last 3 years, despite the cost-of-living crisis, even though OBPC have to accept increased maintenance costs themselves during these hard times.

The Green needs time to recover over winter and spring to maintain the Green to the required Standards.

There are benches that remain outside the Public house during the winter period, so seating is available, In a period where the actual demand for benches is reduced during the winter months.

OBPC have remained flexible and accommodating. Even when the terms were not fully adhered to:

1) Applications not submitted on time.

2) Applications not submitted for 2024

3) Late on agreed payment terms.

Old Buckenham Parish Council (OBPC)

We are a strong team from a great range of backgrounds and ages, all with a keen interest in helping maintain Old Buckenham Village.

A Parish Council is the ‘grass roots’ level of local government, and as such, plays a vital role as a connection between the local community and government authorities. It is non-political and non-sectarian.

The Councillors’ are a team of individual volunteers, from wide and varied backgrounds/age groups who live or work, in and around the Old Buckenham area. We give our time freely to maintain and improve the environment, services, and facilities for the residents of the local community.

All members of the Council are personally involved in these activities, giving their time and effort far beyond the monthly meetings.

OBPC holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at the Village hall Abbey Road, Old Buckenham, NR17 1RH. Residents are welcome to attend any meetings.

OBPC are only responsible for

• Street furniture.

• Allotments.

• Public buildings.

• Open spaces.

• Community transport.

• Statutory Consultee (planning).

• Cemetries.

There are also various sub committees, which perform specific functions throughout the Parish and meet every few months. Currently we have:

• Speed Watch.

• Allotments.

• The Green working Party for Maintenance and Preservation of the green.

• Application for to use the Green.

• Playground.

• Recreation Ground.

• Prince Harrys wood.

If you are interested in learning more about the parish council or would like to get involved with some of its activities, please contact the clerk via email on oldbuckenhampc@live.co.uk

Everyone is welcome. The more councillors we have the more we can achieve.

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Lively meeting in Old Buckenham

 Active Parish Council

Last night's Parish Council was rather unusual. The car park of the Methodist Chapel was overflowing, all the parish councillors were there and the number of the public in the audience was just over thirty (there are usually only two or three). The subject of interest was Two Wheel Tuesday which happens outside of one of Old Buckenham's pubs during the summer months and attracts hundreds of motor cyclists and their machines to park on the village Green.

The subject of TWT as it is known had aroused a lot of comment on the Old Buckenham Facebook page during the last week. These comments ranged from how good TWT was for the village and the pub, the problems caused by the parked cars of those coming to see the bikes and  the speeding and noise of some bikers going through neighbouring villages.

We will have to wait for the minutes of this parish council meeting to see whether anything was resolved...

Old Buckenham's railway carriage

Trains of thought

This article written by Tom Walshe tracks a railway carriage journey through this description of more local history: Old Buckenham is not an obvious place to find a railway carriage. So you may be surprised to learn the story of a coach that began its journey on the commuter lines of Victorian London and now lies derelict in woodland at Old Buckenham Hall.

It came to its current resting place in the late 1980s following an intriguing contribution to local history - first as a unusual family home and then as an unlikely addition to the village sporting scene. 

Built by the Great Eastern Railway at its Stratford Works around 130 years ago, the carriage was one of many redundant vehicles sold off by the railway companies in the 1920s and 30s for domestic use. When and why it first came to Old Buckenham is unclear but, from the 1940s, it was situated on a large piece of land beside Hargham Road. It was lived in by Mr Horace Hilton, his second wife Florence and their young son David, born in 1948. 

Horace was the brother of Herbert Hilton and an uncle of Clifton who farmed at Mill Farm. He and his first wife had a cottage on the opposite side of Hargham Road (or Old Mill Road as it was then known). But after her death in 1939 and his marriage to Florence the following year, the newlyweds moved into the carriage, granting occupancy of the house to his daughter Ella and her husband Fred Lancaster.

As I remember the carriage in the 1960s, it had only basic amenities with a bedroom and kitchen extension on the side - as with most living accommodation in the village at that time - an outdoor plank-and-pail toilet. Other features included a solid-fuel stove, a harmonium (on which David honed his considerable skills as an organist) and Mr Hilton's trusty Windsor chair.

To some degree, young David adopted the quirkiness of the living arrangements. If the actual accommodation was a little inhibiting, the extensive piece of land it occupied widened his horizons. And both helped inspire his interest in railways and gardening. He even set out an imaginary train line via garden paths, complete with semaphore signals connected by string to wooden levers. Friends on their bicycles would ride along the “track” obeying the signals that David operated. Later in life he realised his boyhood dream to become a signalman and worked the box at Attleborough station (see below) for a decade before going on to supervise signalling on the North Yorkshire Moors heritage line.

Back in the early 1970s, after his parents had died, David and his sister Ella decided to sell the land for development. But what to do with the railway carriage? Old Buckenham Cricket Club needed somewhere as an equipment store and part-time pavilion and he generously gifted the carriage to the club, a crane and low-loader being hired to relocate it to the Hall grounds. 

It served its purpose well for around fifteen seasons until the present brick clubhouse was built, after which it was moved to the edge of a nearby meadow and used as a hay store for horses. There it remains, rather sad but still recognisable, among the trees that frame its resting place.

The fate of the carriage has only become known to the family following David’s death late last year. His son Tom, who taught music at the High School for a number of years, says: "Following Dad's passing, it has been fascinating to learn the full story of the Hilton railway carriage. Having had a lifelong association with Old Buckenham - attending the Primary School, teaching at the High School, and playing the organ at All Saints' Church - I am proud of my ancestors' small but unique contribution to village history."

Old Buckenham's future local parking

Future parking in Attleborough

Breckland District Council is proposing to start charging for all the car parks that it owns in the market towns in about twelve months time. The proposals were prepared for them by outside consultants and were approved by the council in July and will soon go out for public comment. The editor of this blog has been reading through the consultants’ report and even watched the proceedings of the Breckland Council’s meeting when these proposals were passed by members. 

The following is his attempt to summarise what he thinks it all means.

The towns involved are Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford, Watton and Attleborough. Breckland Council reckons that it owns thirty car parks and that three of them are in Atteborough. It also says that running all these car parks costs it around £450,000 to maintain them. The proposal is that in future each market town will have one car park offering the first hour's parking for free, with tariffs between 50p and £1 for the first chargeable hour across the district. 

For Attleborough the suggested prices are a charging period 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday with Sunday parking charged at a fixed rate (suitable to each town). No evening charges (after 6pm). Cost for Attleborough would be one hour 60p, two hours £1, three hours £1.40, four hours £1.80 and all day £3. For all day on Sunday and Bank Holidays there would be a fixed rate of £1. These charges would apply to all Blue Badge holders and also to those charging their electric cars in the car park. The paying method suggested would be contactless at new on-site solar-powered terminals. Local retail outlets with Pay Point systems can also accept cash payments for parking services for those who rely on cash to pay for goods and services. At present Attleborough has a very popular car park in Queen’s Road where people can stay for up to three hours (and no longer) without payment. Exceed three hours and you are fined. This allows time to go round the shops or visit one of the cafes. An hour of free parking is hardly enough to enjoy a good cup of coffee.

At the moment we don’t know various other factors. How much were the consultants paid to produce their report? How expensive will it be to fit the new solar-powered payment machines to the car park? What does Attleborough Town Council think about their present scheme being abandoned? How happy are the local shops with the idea? Will it always be possible to find a parking space in Queens Square or will lots of people pay their £3 and then get a bus off to Norwich or Thetford? Only time will tell.

Old Buckenham event in 2025

 Famous people next year

Unfortunately it has been necessary to cancel this year’s Flower Festival which normally takes place in the Methodist Chapel during the August Bank holiday weekend. Apologies to those who have already put in lots of work into your proposed displays but they will be keeping the same title “Famous British People” for next year. There shouldn’t be the same problems in 2025 so please put that August Bank holiday weekend in your diary.

Latest Old Buckenham minutes

Parish Council deliberations in July

The following notes were 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 at 7.30pm on Thursday 4 July at Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Lesley Evison, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton and Ali McWilliam. David Taylor arrived at 9.30pm. Apologies had been received from Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. Also in attendance were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and four members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6 June were approved (5 in favour 2 abstain). 

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £21,388.39. Payments of £528.45 were approved (5 in favour) which consisted of Community car drivers £153,30, grass cutting £150 and Parish Clerk salary £225.15.

Councillors’ reports. Naomi Bailey reported that she had numerous complaints from various residents because of the volume of cars parked around the Green during the recent TWT event. David Tranmer of the Ox and Plough was invited to attend this meeting but sent message to say he was unable to attend but also asked for payment for the event to be held off for a couple of weeks due to the recent poor weather. This was rejected by the Parish Council and so the Clerk will speak to him and insist on payment. Clerk reported that he has delivery coming for the cones and barriers and will erect them on the next TWT if the weather is ok for the event to go ahead.

The Clerk also has taken delivery of the new batteries for the SAM sign and will deliver them to Steve Gowers. Pete Twissell told the Parish Council that the damage on the Green caused by TWT has begun but thinks this should be put on hold until this year’s events have ceased. The Parish Council all agreed but insisted that this must be done in November.

Naomi Bailey said that she had a phone call from a resident asking to fell a tree on his land. The Clerk informed her that she must tell the resident to speak to the Breckland Tree officer as this tree will have a Tree Protection Order attached and therefore requires permission from them before any works can be carried out.

Ali McWilliam had called an allotment holders meeting but only three turned up so will try again. Also reports that there is a small parking issue at the allotments but holders will strim and cut grass to relieve problem. Lesley Evison said that a couple of branches will be removed from tree by the High School due to them blocking the footpath and a couple of residents having problems using it on mobility scooters. Stan Burton has looked at Ottomer Pond for the overflow pipe again but the water level is still too high to find it

Action Log update. None 

Planning updates. 48 Fen Street. Proposed removal of rear conservatory, rear single storey extension & porch. Conversion of attached garage. Proposed rear extension, and re-building porch (3PL/2024/0525/HOU). There were no objections from the Parish Council (5 in favour),

The Kenyons, The Green. Front Garden Wall (3PL/2024/0499/LU). There was a lack of information on this application and it was not supported (4 in favour, 1 abstain). It now appears to have been withdrawn.

Saturday Surgery. A couple of residents attended and pointed out the footpath on Raggs Lane was very overgrown. Lesley Evison will walk it and inspect and then report to the Clerk. The Clerk will then speak to Breckland to find out when the Rangers are next in village and will ask them to tidy.

Other business. Naomi Bailey said that a few residents had complained on social media that the Annual Parish Meeting was not advertised. The Clerk pointed out that it was in the village newsletter editorial and was also included in the diary dates. Ali McWilliam pointed out that all personnel must be aware of what is posted on social media and to think before posting or commenting on posts. The Clerk said that the post she refers to was on a personal page and that if it is copied and pasted to another page it's often taken out of context. 

The next Parish Council meeting will on Thursday 8 August at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Meeting venue now changed to Methodist Chapel