Christmas Market in Old Buckenham

 Come and enjoy

These posters give all the details so put the dates in your diaries and then come along and enjoy yourselves. Also buy your raffle tickets now...

Remembrance in Old Buckenham

Extra views of villagers this morning

The service at the war memorial on the Green was well attended. Several photos have been put on the Old Buckenham Facebook page and some others are here.

Christmas Markets in Old Buckenham

Where you can spend your money

You can go to the High School for their Christmas Market on Saturday 16 November from 2pm to 5pm

You can also to Chapel Green School for their Christmas Market on Saturday 30 November from noon to 4pm.

The choice is yours.

New in Old Buckenham village hall

Come and have a look this Monday

The Shelf Pop Up Pantry will be coming to our Village Hall every Monday (except Bank Holidays) between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. This is an initiative by Citizens Advice Diss and supported by Breckland Council and the Norfolk Community Foundation. The Shelf Pop-up Pantry provides and supports rural communities across Breckland with affordable food and groceries and health and wellbeing support services too. 

Please pop in and see what is on the shelf for you!

Latest from Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Parish Council in October

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 3 October 2024 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Doug Irons and Pete Twissell. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from David Taylor and Lesley Evison. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and seven members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 5 September were approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain). Also the minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday 17 September were approved (4 in favour, 2 abstain).

Financial matters. Payments of £2249.45 were approved (6 in favour). These payments included £85 on room hire, £408 to William Morfoot Limited, £1200 to Stuart Barker and £449.45 to the community car drivers.

Councillors’ reports. Doug Irons said he had obtained three quotes to purchase paper for newsletter. He is happy to purchase the paper and claim money back. A proposal to accept the cheapest quote was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

The Terms of reference for the Green Working Committee have been drafted and will need approval at next meeting. There is a need to meet with the Clerk to deal with share point for central access of documents. An FOI request has been received by the Parish Council. It has been responded to and we are dealing with the request. New email addresses had recently been created and he wished to know if councillors wanted to change to these. Naomi Bailey wished to keep things the same for now but keep the emails for potential future use.

Pete Twissell could not attend the meeting with the Village Hall Management Committee but sent thanks for use of the post box. Enquiry had been sent about getting a second key cut which they are happy with.

Stan Burton had received an email enquiring about drainage on land. East Harling drainage board should clear ditches every year. He will chase up. He has also found the drain by Ottomer Pond but needs a digger to gain better access to pipe which can then be adapted to control the water level in the pond. Propose to approve the investigation stage of the project which will involve hiring of a digger (copies of public insurance liability to be sent to Naomi Bailey before work commences) with a maximum spend of £250 towards the project. This proposal was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Steve Gowers said the Speedwatch Group and the police had a Day of Action across Norfolk and Suffolk in September. The police turned up three times and was a very positive day. Have a meeting coming up with police where data from the SAM sign will be shared to better inform them of times of day and speeds involved. Cake Street has become a road of concern due to the speeds some people drive there. He has the magnets for the Play Area gates but still collecting quotes for repairing hole by roundabout. Naomi Bailey has received call from County Broadband recently who would like to make a donation of £500 towards Old Buckenham playground. Steve Gowers is to also look at topping up rubber chippings.

Naomi Bailey has received call from a Village Hall Management Committee member. They are getting fed up with emptying the red bin on the recreation ground as it frequently contains dog waste. She will publicise and send out requests not to use for dog waste. While a dog bin at this location has been rejected by Breckland before, she will contact Breckland to see if a solution can be found.

At the last Saturday surgery four members of the public attended. One member of the public requested an extension of 30mph limit to the entrance to Doe Lane due to lack of footpath and increasing numbers of people walking between the village and Country Park. Have contacted Highways but they have stated it is not possible.

Have contacted George Freeman MP for updates following meeting regarding flooding in the Spring.

Need to start looking for someone to start taking on the monthly production of the village newsletter. The Parish Council will help publicise and co-ordinate a recruitment campaign. Update request about radar tower awaiting response..

Would like to acknowledge that there is concern around village about flooding this winter after recent rainfall and not wanting a repeat of last year. Would like to reassure villagers that there are ditches being cleared, etc, around the village, to ensure better drainage.

Fence at back of Recreation Ground (alongside Chapel Green entrance road) is starting to fall into disrepair. Previously believed this to be Chapel Green School’s responsibility but it transpires that it is the Parish Council’s. Pete Twissell to arrange for more hedging to be planted and work with the school.

Have been in contact with a company to investigate the feasibility of the suggested plot of land for a graveyard. They were able to complete a preliminary desktop check. There is significant expense just to get preliminary checks and surveys completed. No grants available from Breckland. Graveyard Working Group will have a meeting due to the high volume of work and information.

Rachel Noyes has arranged for road closure requested for Remembrance Day. Will need to arrange traffic cones/signs. Stan Burton may be able to arrange a PA system. Ali McWilliam explained that after doing some reading, there is a need to ensure the service is inclusive to all faiths. Rachel Noyes to contact All Saints church about the arrangements for this year’s service.

Defibrillators have had a maintenance check. Will need to order and install two new sets of pads. Will be completed as soon as possible.

Have contacted Solar Farm to update contact details and begin enquiries about the building schedule. No reply yet, will chase up.

Initial email sent to last year’s provider of the village Christmas Tree but no response yet. Will continue to collect quotes but also need to establish desired height of tree. Doug Irons explained that the tree will be in a different location this year due to need to have a power supply. Businesses around the Green have been approached and Harrow and Fearne have agreed to provide electricity to the tree which can then be placed on corner of the Green. The Parish Council will cover cost of electricity. Switch-on date will be Sunday 8 December. Rachel Noyes to arrange PAT test of tree lights.

County and District councillor Steve Askew said the new Highways engineer is quite proactive and so lots happening in background such as drains being cleared. He has discussed the Cake Street scenario with him but it will take a while to get things done as there was a lot of inaction before. Attleborough Road corner needs dealing with and is going to be assessed properly. Wants to get the right things with the steps opposite the Stud entrance and will take a little bit of time due to volume of work. Will get to it as soon as possible, possibly with a different design. However, the Parish Council won’t be putting any more money towards it. Rachel Noyes enquired about a Highways speed limit review scheme. Fen Street was put forward but wasn’t selected.

Planning applications. There have been no new planning applications, no amended applications and no planning decisions by Breckland Council.

Review of Code of Conduct. (OBPC Code of Conduct Rev A.pdf). Steve Gowers highlighted page 5 which refers to expecting “respectful behavior from the public” and stated that this should also be highlighted on the website. A proposal for this to be done was approved (6 in favour).

Review of Data Protection Policy. (OBPC Data Protection Policy Rev A.pdf). This was approved (6 in favour).

The GDPR Record Retention Schedule (OBPC GDPR Record retention Schedule Rev A.pdf) was also approved (6 in favour).

Review of the Grants Policy (OBPC Grant Policy Sept 24 Rev A.pdf). Steve Gowers suggested the policy should be sent out with an application form and the application form should include a tick box to show they have read and understood it. This was approved (6 in favour).

Precept Grants 2025/2026. Last year a total of £3,575 was spent on Precept Grants. With the high cost of living, there was a question about whether the total Grant amount should be capped as any increase would cause an increase to residents’ Council Tax. Councillors all felt that a cap total of £3500 would be fair. Some application forms have been quite vague previously but the Parish Council do require a clear break down of what the money would be used for and calculations of the amount. Receipts will also need to be provided for the work. Application form to be updated to include bank details for payment. Applications for Precept Grants for 2025/2026 will be open soon with a deadline of Friday 29 November. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or requested from the Clerk.

Pump and pump fittings. Lesley Evison currently has the pump purchased last year, along with long section of flat pipe. If the pump is required this winter, then additional fittings and a solid section of pipe are required (they were borrowed last year). Stan Burton estimated £60 for the fittings. Proposal to spend up to £200 to purchase fittings and pipe was approved (5 for, 1 abstain). Trees on corner of the Green. A resident has contacted Naomi Bailey as large tree branches are frequently falling in to his garden. The tree has previously been identified as having ash die back and requiring work. Resident has offered to hire a contractor to make the tree safe and is happy to keep the wood, with Parish Council approval. Ali McWilliam explained that the Parish Council needs to prioritise trees that are causing risk to people and their homes. A proposal to allow Ben Devlin to deal with the identified trees to make them safe was approved (6 in favour). Village Country Fayre. A resident has contacted the Parish Council as they feel that there is a lot of demand in the village for some kind of summer country fayre. They are happy to lead the group and find a date/plan that works well within the village. Naomi Baily would like to organise a village meeting to assess interest and plans. Public participation. At the last meeting there was a statement about the Community Car drivers not going outside Norfolk. Naomi Bailey explained this was an idea that the community car drivers were going to discuss but the Parish Council has not heard anything since. New legislation around graveyards has been published which may impact on Parish Council research on a new graveyard site. One resident stated that police did not catch anyone speeding on Cake Street during their visits. Steve Gowers explained that they often act as a deterrent and that the data from the SAM sign will help police identify peak periods of speeders on the road. Road signs at Harlingwood Lane junction are covered with greenery and need cutting back. Where is the other end of the drainage pipe from Ottomer Pond? Stan Burton will find its exact location and ensure no flooding is caused by the pond overflow pipe. Would the Parish Council consider getting sand/sandbags in preparation for any flooding this winter? Naomi Bailey explained that she could access sand quickly if needed. She would look at obtaining some empty sandbags which can be stored. There has been an escalation of parking on the Green, which is causing damage and will get worse over winter. Residents are looking at funding posts themselves but need help understanding where the utilities run. Rachel Noyes to investigate a possible option.

Items for next agenda. These will include Abbey Road posts, Graveyard, Christmas tree switch-on, Remembrance Day Sunday arrangements, Ottomer Pond, dog bin on the Recreation Ground and Allotment payments.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 November in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Celebrating in Old Buckenham

 Women's Institute fifty-seventh birthday

On Thursday 24 October Old Buckenham WI had their Birthday Party for members and friends. It was an excellent evening with lots of lovely food and entertainment provided by Neil Hunt, a Toastmaster, with all his tales of the top tables. He came dressed in his official outfit and looked very regal. Members supplied plates of food and the WI committee had cooked up the tasty desserts.

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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