The Old Buckenham Bible

 

Restoration and history of the Old Buckenham Bible

An illustrated talk entitled "A Little Bundle of Times" will be given by Jamin Wilson on Saturday 26 April in All Saints Church, Old Buckenham, on the ‘Old Buckenham Bible’ and its conservation.  The talk will be followed by refreshments in the Old School Bookshop  and an opportunity to see the bible displayed alongside other rare and beautiful books restored by Mr Wilson.

This will be the only opportunity to see this beautiful church bible, in use in the church from its publication in 1701 through to the mid-19th century. Recently re-discovered in poor condition, it has been restored by Jamin Wilson and is now in his private collection.  His detailed research has uncovered some fascinating details about this edition of the bible and his dedicated restoration has brought this copy back to life.

There is no formal charge for entrance but donations (suggested £10 per person) towards refreshments costs and in support of All Saints Church are invited. To help with planning please email thegables_2000@yahoo.co.uk to reserve a place.

Old Buckenham visits the Broads

 Women' Institute report

Old Buckenham WI had an interesting talk from George Cooper on Thursday 23 January about the social history of the Broads. He is a volunteer at the Museum of the Broads and very enthusiastic about the history from when the Broads were created to the present day. They learnt about the life of boat people in wherries, the Norfolk Barrow, quanting and smuggling. A very enjoyable evening.

Traffic problems in Old Buckenham

 It takes a village…

This email came in for the February village newsletter during the recent difficulties of getting to Attleborough because of problems on the B1077. It is from a group of people living in Fen Street: You may know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well, we believe “it takes a village to raise concerns affecting the village”.

What used to be. Fen Street is a pretty, single track lane teaming with wildlife. The traffic is sporadically light making it the perfect circular village route for pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers, horse riders and family walks. At the Hargham Road end it is more densely residential with a 30mph limit whilst at the Puddledock End it is more sparsely residential with an unrestricted speed limit.

Current chaos. However, with the current chaos of road closures and inappropriate diversions in the village, can you even recognise the above description? We are sure that, by now, you have also suffered the inconvenience and frustration of trying to get from one end of Fen Street to the other either on foot or in your car.

Negative impact. The negative impact in terms of traffic, environmental destruction and village cohesiveness has been shocking. There have been queues, frayed tempers and cross words. There has been obliteration of verges, trespassing in driveways, accidents and damage to cars. Worse, the emergency services have been severely restricted in getting to their destinations.

It’s not your fault. The “Road Closed” signage from Attleborough has been inadequate with no indication that the Hargham Road is the alternative route. Keir Highways have somehow managed to divert all forms of traffic off a two-lane B-road onto a single-track unclassified road with no passing places!

Effect on the village. It is obvious to all of us villagers that Fen Street is the width of one car; it is completely unsuitable for two-way traffic; it is completely unsuitable for HGVs; it has blind bends making it dangerous; it has an inappropriate speed limit enabling new or inconsiderate drivers to travel too fast for the conditions; it is structurally inadequate for any vehicle over 7.5 tonnes. Villagers know that Fen Street can never be deemed an appropriate diversion route.

Keeping the village a village. Many of us believe that we need to keep the country lanes in the village pedestrian-friendly. That we need to keep verges for wildlife and pedestrians. That we need to have safe routes for our families to walk around and keep healthy. That we need to have places to walk without HGVs and speeding cars. Let’s come together as a village to ask the authorities to sit up and take note because “it takes a village to raise concerns affecting the village”.

It only takes two minutes. We would like to keep our village safe for families.

If you would like to comment that the speed limit in Fen Street is inappropriate; or that HGVs should take alternative routes; or that Fen Street needs to be kept as a safe walking route; or that Fen Street should not be used as a diversion route (or all the above!), then please spend just two minutes emailing all or any of the following (it is easiest to write one email and copy it to all those listed below!) and let's keep our village a village...together.

Norfolk Highways – highways@norfolk.gov.uk

Norfolk Council – luke.denny@norfolk.gov.uk

Breckland Council – planning@breckland.gov.uk

Stephen Askew – Stephen.askew.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk

Parish Council – oldbuckenhampc@live.co.uk

Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes

 Latest discussions

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 9 January 2025 at Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Present were councillors Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers, David Taylor and P Twissell. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from  Naomi Bailey and Donna Oakley. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and five members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 5 December 2024 were approved (4 in favour, 2 abstain).

Financial matters. Payments for a total of £2776.47 were approved (6 in favour). These included £250 to Donna Oakley (RFO), £153.82 to Rachel Noyes as reimbursement for dog bin costs, £148.80 to Online Playgrounds, £264 to Biltons Limited and Stan Burton as reimbursement for digger hire. Payments to the community car drivers totalled £119.10.

VAT reclaim received for 2023/24 financial year was £1474.33.

An invoice had recently been received from Breckland that had not been paid last year. This is for the cutting of grass around St Andrews Close and emptying of dog bin on Harlingwood Lane. A proposal to pay from the remaining balance held by Breckland was approved (6 in favour).

Green Budget. This has been kept the same at £2000 on the draft Precept. Lesley Evison enquired whether we would need more for the maintenance for Prince Harry’s Wood in addition to the Green. Doug Irons explained that once Terms of Reference are completed, then full budget can be planned for the Green. If there is no evidence to need to increase the budget, then we can’t really change it for now. Will review spending at the end of the year.

Precept. The key points included the suggestion as whether the Training budget suggested to be halved to £500. Councillors felt it should stay at £1000 as new Clerk will need training and several councillors need to update their training. There was a query over what the Footpath allocation is for. Would mean a reduction in Precept by £1,067. Proposals to agree the spending breakdown and the  draft Precept were approved (6 in favour).

Councillors’ reports. Lesley Evison hasn’t managed to get to the allotment or look at feasibility. Some allotment holders are not happy as there is poor quality land, break-ins and wildlife damaging crops. She will liaise with Donna Oakley to analyse spending and whether they are economically viable. Rachel Noyes to investigate original agreement with landowner. There will be a Green Working Committee meeting on Monday 13 January.   

Stan Burton reported that the Christmas tree was down and he will collect the lights. Hasn’t had a chance to trim hedging from around 40mph sign but will do so as soon as possible, weather permitting and when safe to do so on the road.

Steve Gowers had had a meeting with Highways Engineer about speeding on Cake Street. Very positive and looking at possible solutions. It could be very expensive to change speed limits. Engineer will come back with some options in the Spring. Meanwhile he will look at funding and gather opinions from Cake Street residents opinions. Looking at new locations to place the mobile SAM sign. Currently have three so this would allow a collection of data to then argue the need for Speedwatch to be able to use those locations. Would require purchasing new bracket to attach SAM sign to poles, which would be approximately £50 and he will collect quotes for purchase. Steve Gowers has got repair kit for hole by playground. Waiting for dry weather to complete repair. He has consulted with the company that provided the repair kit for advice about playground surfaces and they are going to suggest improvements and quotations. There may also be funding available. Will complete research and keep the Council updated.

Rachel Noyes had received thanks from all the village groups that applied for Precept grants. The dog bin for the Recreation Ground purchased and she will arrange installation this month. Has spoken to the Bank about new account. The mandate that was signed after last meeting and posted has not been received. They believe it has been lost in the post. They will resend us another mandate. She will collect signatures s soon as possible and can take to branch to avoid same issue again. This will be the third copy they have sent out as first copy was never received as also lost in the post. The advertisement for a new Clerk was put up in December. Have completed interviews and looking at possible option of Rachel Noyes staying for a short while as a mentor to help in transition of workload and information.

Doug Irons had been approached by parishioner about the area of land off Sunnyside Track that has an area of parking for two cars, which some residents believe they own. However the Parish Council believe it is still part of the Green. Stan Burton explained that the Government website says that a claim of ownership for parking cannot be made on town and village Greens. Posts have currently been placed around it by residents. However they would need to be removed from around it and placed adjacent to the track.

Thanks to Steve Gowers, Steve Askew and Highways for the installation of handrails on steps opposite Stud. However the Parish Council were led to believe that the steps themselves need changing due to differing heights so Steve Gowers is to contact Highways for clarification.

Planning applications received before the meeting. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications  Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting)

New planning applications. Three Ways, Cake Street. A proposal for single storey front, side and rear extensions, increase in roof height to create a first floor and new double garage to the front of the dwelling (PL/2024/0776/HOU). Cannot identify any areas to object to. A resident raised the issue of whether a car can turn around and exit the property on a dangerous bend. No objections from Highways. A proposal to support was approved (6 in favour).

Caldcleugh, Cake Street. Proposed two storey side extension (PL/2024/0781/HOU). No areas for objection and proposal to support was approved (6 in favour).

Posts on the Green. Residents on the top of Sunnyside Track have paid for posts to be installed to prevent parking on the Green. Reg’s Way (track from Abbey Road that is perpendicular to Sunnyside track) has become very busy with parking and is causing severe erosion of the Green. Resident has collected quotes for placing posts along both sides of Reg’s Way and bottom of Sunnyside Track in one order, but would be paid separately. Permission has been received from Highways and consulted about requirements and specifications. The Parish Council would pay for those for Reg’s Way, residents for those at bottom of Sunnyside Track. Resident explained that they would still need to allow a certain amount of traffic to pass through, otherwise it will push the problem elsewhere. Best quote is for £1,920.96. Doug Irons highlighted that all posts will need to have two reflectors per post. The quotes received for posts are 100mm instead of 150mm (size of those already installed). Current posts are also taller than the ones proposed (due to ground conditions). Current ones can be shortened if needs be. A proposal to agree the potential purchase, provided the Green Working Committee approve the installation and location, was approved (6 in favour).

The traffic and parking has been monitored in depth. Teachers parking out on Abbey Road and the Green has reduced as they have given an area of land. This is now boggy with wet weather but it will be tarmacked in the summer This still might not be enough space. Councillors felt that the High School need extra pressure to provide enough spaces for all the staff. Steve Gowers highlighted that it is the school that needs to make more effort to manage the parking/turning of cars.

Documents for approval. (i) OBPC complaints procedure Rev A, (ii) OBPC Grievance Policy rev A, (iii) OBPC Disciplinary Policy rev A, (iv) OBPC Antibullying & Harassment-policy-rev A and (v) OBPC Antibullying & Harassment-Practical Guide notes-rev A. Proposal to approve all above documents was approved (6 in favour). Doug Irons had also sent out an answer to the Freedom of Information Request for councillors to read. All Councillors were happy for the reply to be sent with no changes suggested.

Annual Parish Meeting date. The proposed date was Saturday 7 June starting at 10:30am.

CPR and defibrillator training. Approximately 30 people have shown interest so far. The charity that runs the sessions can do a maximum of 20 people per session so would require two separate sessions. Steve Gowers to organise a date and arrange bookings. Anyone still wanting to express interest to contact him.

Lease Agreement for the Green. Documents for revised versions of the Lease Agreements were sent out. No changes suggested by Councillors. A proposal to agree the revised Lease Agreements for the Green was approved (6 in favour). Doug Irons to liaise with David Tranmer to complete applications for Two Wheel Tuesday and benches. Concern was raised about the fact that repairs have not been made to the Green, despite reminders and attempted help from Pete Twissell. Invoices for TWT events, benches and additional events in 2024 were sent out at the end of November and should have been paid within 14 days but have still not been paid. The Clerk to contact David Tranmer to remind about overdue payments and repairing of the Green.

Electricity payment for Christmas Tree lights. Cost for electricity measured and calculated at £38.49. Proposal to approve payment was approved (6 in favour) and an additional cheque approved for payment of £38.49. Thanks to Harrow and Ferne for providing the electricity for the tree and helping with the organisation of the switch on.

Pipe for West View Farm. At the last meeting, Doug Irons and Stan Burton agreed to investigate where the pipe goes from concrete slab outside West View Farm. Have now got a working endoscope so will complete investigation this month. Resident explained that an engineer from lead Local Flood Authority has stated that if there is proof that the pipe goes in to a (now filled in) ditch outside West View Farm, then it may need to have ditch reinstated.

Public participation. A resident questioned the rules around taking a picture of a lorry and its driver, as there are frequently lorries on Hargham Road that exceed weight limit. Clerk to research the rules. Thanks were also give to Stan Burton for all his work on the Ottomer pond and the overflow pipe.

Items for next agenda. These would include the site of a possible future graveyard.

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

 

They are building in Old Buckenham

 Perhaps it's Spring

The rookery along Cake Street is very noisy at the moment. Rooks are pairing up and thinking about the rebuilding of their nests.

Old Buckenham Parish Council Clerk

 

Would you like a job?

 Old Buckenham Parish Council is seeking an individual to assume the position of Parish Clerk.

The position involves working 20 hours per month. The role is home based with attendance at Parish Council meetings, which are held on the first Thursday of each month. Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating and clerking council meetings, drafting agendas and recording minutes.
• Ensuring that any decisions from the councillors are actioned.
• Maintaining and updating records and documents.
• Handling all incoming correspondence, including telephone calls, letters and e-mails.
• Acting as the Data Protection Officer for the Parish Council.
• Monitoring planning applications and distributing them to the Council.
• Liaising with the District and County Councillors.
• Providing advisory support to the Council.
• Ensuring that the Council’s Policies are up to date.

Further information about the Village and the Parish Council can be found at our website: www.oldbuckpc.co.uk

The successful candidate should have good IT and organisational skills. Salary will be paid in line with NALC guidelines and according to experience.

To apply, please e-mail your CV to clerk@oldbuckpc.co.uk. There is no closing date for applications.

Busy Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Parish Council in December

The following report has been written by the village 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 December 2024 at Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison, David Taylor (would be late) and Pete Twissell. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Donna Oakley (RFO) and three members of the public. Apologies received from Steve Gowers. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 November were approved after an amendment was made to a Stan Burton report which should read “£110 plus VAT”

Financial matters. Cheques totalling £2081.96 were approved which included Information Commissioners Office £40, West Norfolk Web Design £217.80, Wave Water £15.76, Donna Oakley (3 months pay) £750 and Rachel Noyes (3 months pay) £1058.40. Community car drivers were paid a total of £53.75. These payments were approved (5 in favour).

A £500 donation had been received from County Broadband towards the playground. Also a VAT reclaim submitted. The annual website maintenance cost for the next 12 months is £217.80. This has been paid upfront for the next year as a gesture of good will because of previous late payments. There is no difference in total cost if it is paid monthly or yearly.

External Auditors have issued a Public Interest Report as the Parish Council failed to submit the AGAR (Annual Governance and Accountability Return) on time this year. Donna Oakley has now prepared accounts and AGAR for 2023/24. She is concerned whether we can get an internal auditor to review it, so will ask external auditor for advice. Accounts, AGAR and Public Interest Report all need to be displayed on our website. The Minutes reference required for the public interest report and the AGAR.

(David Taylor arrived)

Donna Oakley has prepared the AGAR and sent to councillors to review. The Parish Council shouldn’t have gone overdrawn but it did and this means that our Precept Agreement was broken. As this is now sorted, it will be put in the letter for clarification. A proposal to approve the AGAR was approved (6 in favour). Similarly the 2023/24 Accounts were approved (6 in favour) and a proposal to agree the receipt of the Public Interest Report and to publish it online was also agreed(6 in favour).

Councillors’ reports. County and District Councillor Steve Askew said he has been chasing several issues around Old Buckenham with limited success. This includes the drains on the corner near Fearne and Harrow and the steps opposite the Stud. At recent Saturday Surgery, Stan Burton explained that two residents raised concerns about flooding/ditches on Cake Street as water is running down all of Harlingwood Lane into Cake Street. Steve Askew offered to come and join upcoming meeting with Highways Officer and Naomi Bailey.

On entering village from the New Buckenham direction, the 40mph signs are overgrown and not clearly visible. Stan Burton offered to trim back vegetation. Lesley Evison highlighted that the village has developed since speed limits were initially introduced and so are no longer suitable for the number of cars now using the roads. Steve Askew explained that the change of speed limits is an expensive process and so is difficult to get. A member of the public enquired who manages the hedges on Abbey Road as branches are getting broken by lorries which are then causing issues for drivers. Steve Askew thinks it may be Chapel Green School so will make contact and enquire.

Naomi Bailey reported that a meeting was scheduled for after Christmas regarding the youth club. An item had been posted online about defibrillator training. Appears to have a lot of interest and may team up with New Buckenham Parish Council. The village Christmas tree has been installed and lights are on. Switch on is at 4pm onwards on Sunday 8 December. Highways are aware of the flashing speed sign by memorial needing repairing.

She would like to thank Donna Oakley and Rachel Noyes for returning to the Parish Council and their work over the last few months to rectify issues. As Chair, would also like to thank all councillors for all their work over the last year which has been challenging and when they could have easily stepped down. The councillors all gave their thanks to Naomi Bailey for everything she has done and leading the Parish Council through a difficult year.

Steve Gowers had submitted a report that was read out. They now have another volunteer for Community Speed Watch Team and another volunteer has stepped up to complete much of the administration, moving the SAM sign and downloading data. Enquired about setting up a Speed Watch email address to help with continuity in the future. Have had residents raise concerns about lorries over the weight limit (7.5 ton) using Hargham Road. Could the Parish Council write to the companies involved? We also need to have control over future developments, such as the Solar Farm on Attleborough Road. Naomi Bailey highlighted that the traffic plan for developments will often provide alternative routes and that the Parish Council stipulated this fact in their response to the application. Lesley Evison explained that Old Buckenham is sometimes a diversion when there is an accident on A11 and that there are strict rules about photographing vehicles as evidence. Meeting arranged with Highways on about speeding vehicles on Cake Street. Both Naomi Bailey and Steve Askew will be attending.

Stan Burton apologised for the technical issues for the lack of last post at Remembrance Sunday service. He has collected the wreaths and will keep them for next year. Some groups struggle with this yearly cost but will still make a donation. Last year, wreaths from the Old Buckenham memorial were collected by people outside the village for this reason. A risk assessment has been completed for the sound system for the Christmas Tree Switch-on. Also have some posts to help direct people. Will need contingency in case of bad weather. Naomi Bailey to make a call about weather by 1.30pm.

A drainage company had jetted out the Ottomer Pond drainage pipe. They traced the jet washer down the pipe and found it came to edge of wall by West View Farm but could not go any further. Dug down next to wall and found two concrete slabs. Company believe that it may go in to ditch by West View Farm and there may be a drain that comes down from Sunnyside. Need to dig down with a digger to the concrete slab and find what is below. Don’t know if it goes under the road, pipe must lead somewhere as water level in the pipe decreased. Naomi Bailey will speak to Highways and Lead local flood authority (LLFA) and see what can be done. Doug Irons suggested drilling down and putting an endoscope down to investigate what is under the concrete slab. The drainage company were there about two hours.

Pete Twissell had planted hedge down side of recreation ground with support from High School and Chapel Green School. Did not have any response from the Primary School. Lesley Evison has received contacts and plan for the allotments. One user is still unhappy about the security at the allotments. She raised concerns about whether the allotments are financially viable. Lesley Evison, Doug Irons and Donna Oakley to compile review of allotments.

Doug Irons said the Green Working Committee have identified a suitable seed for the repair of the Green by the Ox and Plough but wanted to highlight the need for soil too. Lesley Evison and Stan Burton (as Green Rights Holders) confirmed that any good quality top soil would be suitable. He had attempted to create a central sharepoint with the Clerk’s laptop but discovered it could not be done for free. Will liaise with David Taylor to try and find a solution. Has a reply prepared to Freedom of Information request. Tried to get NALC to proof read who recommended the ICO who were unable to help as they must remain impartial. Councillors can look at and review his draft reply. He enquired about an update on the Barclays bank account. Donna Oakley explained that they were just waiting for the card reader still. Rachel Noyes said the Lloyds bank account paperwork was delayed. Have chased and now received. Will get councillors to sign forms and send off as soon as possible. Donna Oakley also required to provide ID in branch.

New planning applications. 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). This application was previously highlighted to the Parish Council and due to a lack of information meant it was not discussed. A resident has sent a detailed report as to why they objected to the application. Proposal by Naomi Bailey to object due to volume of traffic and issues with the application and this was approved (6 in favour).

There were no Amended Applications or Planning Decisions by Breckland Council. Breckland Council are changing the system used for planning applications and this is causing issues with communication. Clerk has confirmed new email address with Breckland Planning.

Precept Grant applications. Councillors were reminded that they previously voted to limit the amount given out in Precept Grants this year to £3500. This is to prevent any significant increase in the council tax paid by residents.

Robert Cocks Almshouses: Request £5000 for roofing project that is still ongoing. Last year, they didn’t cash cheque until reminded by a councillor. However due to changes with our bank, the cheque did not cash in. This will have to be re-issued and they will be reminded that the money needs to be spent on the project stated by the end of the financial year. Proposal to give £600 was approved (6 in favour).

Primary School Families Association: Request for £750 towards a school trip to Norfolk Show. Naomi Bailey to abstain from vote due to conflict of interest. Parents will be asked to donate and Families Association will be contributing (through fundraising). Coach costs have increased significantly in recent years but felt it was important to support and educate about our local community. Doug Irons highlighted that this is good value for the number of children that would be attending. Proposal to give £750 was approvd (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Fawns: Request for £624 for the cost of hiring the hall to enable the group to be free. Member of the public explained that attendees make voluntary donations if they can and that they also hold fundraising events themselves to minimise costs to the families. Councillors felt that with no nursery in the village, it provides good support for young children and new parents. Proposal to give £624 was approved (6 in favour).

Monday Mardle: Request £150 towards running costs and hiring premises. Proposal to give the full £150 was approved (6 in favour).

Old Buckenham Youth Group: Request for £1000 towards set up costs. Naomi Bailey to abstain from vote due to conflict in interest. Group is looking to get running at Easter and will be fundraising some money too. While it is being held at a Methodist Church, it is not anything to do with the Church so the Parish Council is able to accept applications. Councillors felt it was important to support and give it a chance. Proposal to give £500 was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Village Hall: Requesting £1200 to replace the stage curtains and the curtains in the Memorial Room. PT to abstain from vote due to conflict in interest. They need to be fire retardant and are now out of date. Cost of re-treating them is similar to having new ones. Curtains also offer thermal insulation to the hall. Propose to give £700 (5 in favour, 1 abstain). 

Cricket Club: They had requested £1500 towards furniture and work on their new pavilion. Councillors felt that the Parish Council has given a lot of money in previous years and the Cricket Club has good revenue. Proposal to give £200 was approved (6 in favour).

Precept Grants approved totalled £3,524.

Green Working Party report. The Green Working Committee met in November. A new resident has joined to replace Adrian Joel. Ryegrass seed is needed for the repair of Green by David Tranmer. There are some trees on the Green with silver discs on. This was after every tree was surveyed and all the trees were identified and logged to aid with maintenance. The Clerk to send report to Lesley Evison. Going to look for volunteers to help tidy the Green by clearing branches, etc. Litter picks to also be organised. Possible meeting in June for residents about the Green. Rachel Noyes suggested combining it with Annual Parish Meeting.

Lesley Evison would like a clear list of workers and their contacts. She struggles with IT so would like a paper document. Naomi Bailey highlighted that the Terms of Reference has to be discussed and approved before they can proceed. Doug Irons has drafted a copy on their behalf which can quickly be amended/approved at next meeting. Stan Burton volunteered to keep the footpaths on the Green clear. Next meeting will be on Monday 13 January with plan for grass cutting for 2025 to be discussed.

Dog bin on Recreation Ground. Breckland Council have now confirmed they would collect and dispose of the waste from a dog bin on the Recreation Ground. However as it is not public land, the Parish Council would need to pay for this. Cost of new bin installed would total £253.82. Would also cost £239.78 a year to have this bin emptied. Councillors felt this was a good solution to the problem of dog waste being repeatedly put in the litter bin which is emptied by the Village Hall cleaner. Proposal to go ahead was approved (6 in favour).

Disclosure and Barring Service. It was felt that employees should have DBS checks as an extra level of security for the Parish Council. It costs £53 for an enhanced DBS check. Current Clerk already has one and will provide evidence to Chair.

Register for filming locations. Clerk has been contacted about being added to a list of filming locations by a Norfolk-based filming company who are partially funded by Norfolk County Council. A proposal to agree to be added to this list was approved (6 in favour).

Allotment rent. Discussion on this will be delayed until report about financial viability of allotments is collated.

Community Car Scheme. The village Community Car Scheme is run by volunteers and many appointments are being given at hospitals far afield and at some private hospitals. The Community Car drivers have discussed and have amended the wording of the definition of Old Buckenham community car use to “Only NHS appointments, in a radius of 50 miles of Old Buckenham, including Hospitals, visits to Doctors Surgeries, Physiotherapy Clinics, Opticians and Dental Surgeries”. Councillors felt that if this is what the drivers are happy to do, then the Parish Council should support them. Doug Irons suggested adding the words “at the drivers discretion”. Proposal was approved (6 in favour).

To consider the document: OBPC Financial Risk Assessment Rev A. Proposal to approve and adopt was carried (6 in favour).

Public participation. None.

Items for next agenda. These will include the precept, the allotments and the date for the Annual Parish Meeting in 2025.

The next Parish Council meeting on will be on Thursday 9 January 2025 at Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Changes over Christmas period in Old Buckenham

 Either open or shut

In the run-up to Christmas the village shop has its revised opening hours posted on the front door. On New Year's Day it will be open from 9am to 12 noon.

The Old School Bookshop is opening from 10am to 4pm on both Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December so that you can buy those last minute books, cards, wrapping paper and other little presents you may suddenly decide that you need. Lucie will then be having a well-earned rest and working on getting the second room open. The bookshop opens again on Friday 10 January when normal service will resume.

The Pop Up Pantry at the Village Hall will start again in 2025 on Wednesday 8 January and its opening hours have changed and will now be 9.30am to 11am. New times to pick up your bargains...

Carols in Old Buckenham

Go along to the Methodist Church 

Plenty of chances to sing. The Carol Service is at 10.45am, tomorrow Sunday 15 December (mince pies after the service).

Then there is a Christmas Singalong – 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 December – a mix of carols and other well-known Christmas songs. Organ to be played by Sarah Dye. Followed by mince pies, coffee and mulled wine (non-alcoholic).

 

Festive refreshments in Old Buckenham

Visit the Village Hall on Saturday

Come along and see all the stalls on Saturday 7 December as well as partaking in festive refreshments between 2pm and 4pm. Enjoy yourself and help to raise funds for All Saints Church.

History of Old Buckenham blog

 When it all started

This blog began on 1st December 2008 which is 16 years ago. According to some not particularly accurate software, it has had 157,460 visits since then and is now getting about 600 visits each month. It may be looked at by people from all over the world but is a pretty small fish in a very large ocean.

Since it started the readership has been around 85% UK, 6% USA, 1% Germany, Norway, France and India with no other country reaching one percent. Recently these figures have changed and over the last three months the UK has dropped to 81%, USA risen to 9% and Germany has reached 6%. There has only been one visit in 16 years from about twenty countries including Gambia, Aruba and Guam.

Long may it continue...

Opportunity for Old Buckenham learners

Maritime Heroes

Start 2025 by learning about  Norfolk  maritime heroes with this series of three local talks.

Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes

Latest discussions

The following notes of the meeting have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so contain information that may be amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 November at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers and Pete Twissell. David Taylor arrived later in the meeting. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Donna Oakley (RFO)and five members of the public. 

Election of Vice Chair. Ali McWilliam has stepped down from the Parish Council. On behalf of all the councillors, we would like to send many thanks for all of her help over the last few years. It was agreed to appoint Doug Irons as Vice Chair (5 in favour, 1 abstain). The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 3 October were approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Declaration of interests. Stan Burton will be receiving payment for his band playing at the Ox and Plough pub.

Financial matters. Payments totalling £1,974.64 were approved (6 in favour). These included room hire, web design, paper for the village newsletter, poppy wreath, defibrillator pads and the community car drivers. As the new Vice Chair, Doug Irons to become internal auditor of finances in place of Ali McWilliam. He requested that any payments/claims are given to Donna Oakley in advance of a meeting otherwise they will not be processed until the following month.

Councillors’ reports. At the Saturday Surgery, four members of public attended with the primary topic of roads and road safety. Naomi Bailey has communicated with Highways Engineer and is now awaiting responses. She has also spoken to Highways about potentially placing posts or a bank along Abbey Road and Sunnyside Track. This will require further research. The ditch alongside footpath to the Village Hall has been cleared by Sapientia Trust. Will liaise with residents about clearing ditch around the back of houses on Sunnyside Track.

There needs to be a big push on getting a replacement for the editor of the village newsletter editor. The current editor will put an advertisement together and the Parish Council will also help to publicise. A Youth Club will potentially be starting in Easter. It will be located in the Methodist Church but run by independent volunteers. Research has also been done about other local Youth Clubs. Have received more feedback from villagers and there seems to be more initial interest from primary school than secondary school children.

There was a recent news article about the village Christmas Tree. Acting on the information given to the Parish Council by the previous clerk, the Parish Council had committed to plans to ensure there would be a Christmas Tree in the village, albeit in a new location. It has come to light that the information given to us from the previous clerk was incorrect. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Christmas Tree has been outside Ox and Plough for seven years and so it is nice to allow other local businesses to benefit from it. As this story was picked up from social media, it highlights the need to raise any concerns or issues with the Parish Council directly rather than on social media.

Doug Irons asked to receive financial information a little earlier as councillors only received data just before the meeting. Rachel Noyes to update Donna Oakley with all contact details so that they can be sent directly, rather than via the clerk, to save time.

The Green needs repairing from Two Wheel Tuesday erosion, as per agreement with David Tranmer, as it is now the end of the season. Peter Twissell volunteered to assist and asked if the Green Working Committee can ensure that the correct type of grass seed and type of soil is identified for David Tranmer. During a recent meeting with David Tranmer, his Christmas Fayre will take place within the Ox and Plough property and not on the Green. As part of this, there will be a Christmas Tree being lit but again located on the property of the pub. The Financial Risk Assessment needs completing. The Clerk has been unable to complete this during the previous month but will be a priority for next meeting. Also the Freedom of Information (FoI) request is still in progress. The Parish Council is collating all relevant information, ready to feed back.

Peter Twissell reported he has had two new keys cut for Village Hall post box, one for the RFO and one for the Clerk. The saplings have arrived for the planting the back hedge of Recreation Ground. He has been in contact with Chapel Green School and first planting session to take place on Tuesday 12 November.

Stan Burton has been dealing with Ottomer Pond. He had hired a digger to get to pipe at a cost of £100 (agreed at previous meeting). Also dug two ditches to look for outlet but couldn’t locate it. Contacted Company A to investigate cost for blasting it clear. They cannot do it all in one go and would charge nearly £1000 for a day. Company B could blast the whole thing at a cost of £110/hour (including VAT) and is predicted to take five to six hours. They will also be able to locate exact locations of blockages within pipe using sensors. Steve Gowers thanked Stan Burton for all his work on the issue and suggested that it might be worth adding inspection chambers for the future. Lesley Evison felt that this will give a clearer picture of the problem (blocked/broken, etc) and location. Stan Burton suspects it is not damaged but simply blocked and suggested building a weir box in the future. Steve Gowers proposed that Company B is asked to blast the pipe and locate any blockages in the overflow pipe from Ottomer Pond. This was approved (6 In favour). Stan Burton has also mowed and tidied the area around the War Memorial in advance of Remembrance Sunday service.

Steve Gowers said the new magnets are now on playground gate. He has been collecting quotes for repair of the surface near roundabout and will complete soon. During a recent Speedwatch event on Cake Street, 14 people were recorded in one hour travelling at speeds ranging from 35-45mph. These speeds are done when they know the Speedwatch are there so there is concern about speeds travelled when no one is there recording. One car was recorded travelling on Hargham Road at 53mph. Sent correspondence to County Councillor Steve Askew about the issue. Steve Gowers  is concerned that there will be a fatality in the village one day and wants to do everything possible to prevent this from happening. He wanted it noted that the Police do not tell them when they’re doing a speed check, they choose the location based on data sent to them by Speedwatch and they’ve been on Cake Street twice in the last month. Lesley Evison asked about a resident’s query at getting the 30mph limit extended (to replace the 40mph) due to popularity of Country Park but after Naomi Bailey raised the issue with Highways, they explained that this would not be possible. Naomi Bailey has also had concern from resident about speed on Hargham Road outside of the main village.

(David Taylor arrived)

Rachel Noyes gave news of arrangements on Remembrance Day. Poppy wreath has been delivered ready for Sunday. Road closure of B1077 was rejected by Highways due to difficulty in closing a B Road and creating a diversion. However, an alternative solution of a TO15 was offered as this would allow us to simply block the road for 15 minutes and not require a set diversion in place. Crown Road would be closed also to prevent drivers travelling straight back down next to the Memorial. The Village Hall has offered to lend us some traffic cones to assist with blocking the road. Councillors volunteered to be in place to put road closure in place and direct drivers. Stan Burton has offered to read the list of names on the Memorial and will be providing a PA system. He is a member of Attleborough British Legion. He discovered that last year, our wreaths were collected without our knowledge after the event and sold this year at a discount price (still for the British Legion). Will be speaking to the group to ensure this is not done again.

Two new sets of defibrillator pads purchased and installed in the defibrillators located at the Ox and Plough and on Fen Street. A Green Working Committee meeting booked for Wednesday 13 November. New Parish Council bank account has been started. Now awaiting mandate and information to be sent in the post. Had expected it to arrive by now so will chase up.

David Taylor had contacted the Tree and Countryside Officer about whether sandbags can be left in place at Ottomer pond and covered with soil. They explained that this would leave the plastic from the bags in place and so is not advised. Would need to remove the bags, but could leave the sand before building up bank. Last meeting, it was agreed that trees on the Green that are over hanging a residents property could be cut back. Wanted to highlight that if any TPOs are in place on those trees, then permission would need to be sought and approved by Breckland Council. Tree surgeons would be able to assist with this.

Planning applications. There had been no new planning applications, no amended applications and no planning decisions by Breckland Council since the last Parish Council meeting.

To consider the document “Terms of Reference OBPC Template rev A”. A proposal to approve was agreed (7 in favour).

To consider the document “Terms of Reference Green Lease Committee Rev A v1.0”. This was previously approved and mistakenly added to agenda. Will require another Terms of Reference for Green Working Committee.

To consider the document “OBPC Grant application 2025-2026 Rev A_Optimized”. A proposal to approve was agreed (7 in favour). Rachel Noyes is to publicise and send out as soon as possible as deadline is Friday 29 November.

To consider the document “OBPC Quotation approval Rev A.pdf”. A proposal to approve was agreed (7 in favour).

Parish Council’s Saturday Surgery. Initially set up for a year’s trial. While there were lots of attendees initially, numbers have dwindled in recent months, with the same people in attendance every month. The approximate cost of renting the room for two hours a month is £240 a year. Councillors highlighted that there are many ways to contact the Parish Council and the councillors: email, phone, the website, the monthly meeting and in person. A proposal by Naomi Bailey to reduce to meeting to every other month and then review after six months was approved (7 in favour).

Defibrillator Training. After recent loss in the village Steve Gowers researched defibrillator training and discovered a charity that offers an hour’s CPR and defibrillator training for free (with donations greatly appreciated). Cost to Parish Council would be rental of the Village Hall for an hour or two. Councillors felt it would be very popular with villagers. Proposal to offer CPR and defibrillator training for the village was approved (7 in favour).

Signage on the Green. As the Parish Council is responsible for leasing out the Green to interested parties, there is a duty to display signs explaining that “Commercial use of the Village Green is not allowed without prior permission”. These have been purchased and will be displayed at prominent locations around the Green.

Prince Harry’s Wood. The Registry Office is processing the Parish Council purchase of Prince Harry’s Wood. They have spotted a small error as there is a sliver of land that was originally included in the agreement that actually belongs to someone else. Will require Parish Council to agree and re-sign relevant documents. Proposal to approve these amendments was approved (7 in favour).

Public participation. Flashing 30mph signs aren’t working. Naomi Bailey confirmed she had already informed Highways about it and will chase up.

Items for next agenda. These will include Green Working Party, Cemetery and DBS checks for Councillors.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 December at the Methodist Church starting at 7.30pm.

Lighting up Old Buckenham

 Doing different this year

The lit-up Christmas tree on the village Green will be on a different site this time.

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.