Latest Old Buckenham minutes

Parish Council deliberations in July

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action Log update. None 

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

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

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

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

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

Activity at Old Buckenham church

 All Saints this weekend

The last couple of days have provided plenty of action at All Saints.

John down on his knees to keep the graveyard looking colourful, a quick glance at the comments in the visitors' book and a service for dogs and their owners.

Al fresco in Old Buckenham

 Social Circle eats out

Old Buckenham's Social Circle has for many years spent its July meeting in the garden of John and Barbara Frost. Usually they enjoy all the colours of the garden and have a good chat before partaking of a tasty meal of fish and chips cooked just outside the garden.

This evening's meeting was a little different with everyone sitting around under cover and wearing their warm coats. The talking took place as usual, the hot meal was appreciated and some went home with a raffle prize. Perhaps the sun will come out in July next year.

Americans in Old Buckenham

Friendly Invasion

Coming to Old Buckenham Village Hall  on Wednesday 24 July at 7.30pm

Tickets £12 online www.harlestonplayer.co.uk

Oversexed, overpaid and over here...in July!

Summer, 1942. The US.has entered World War II, and the first American aircrews arrive in the east of England. Along with their heavy bombers, the GIs bring cola and chewing gum, jukeboxes, jazz and the jitterbug. East Anglia will never be the same again.

80 years on, a reunion weekend at one of the airfields brings together a group of visitors, whose memories of a local girl and an American airman recreate their bitter-sweet wartime romance.

Harleston Players are teaming up with Metfield-based singing group, Station 366, plus swing dancers from the Red Feather Club at Horham airbase museum, to create Friendly Invasion -  a show about the arrival of the USAAF to this area and the ways in which the presence of thousands of Americans influenced life in the region.

Bookshop news from Old Buckenham

 

Old School Bookshop break Lucie from the Old School Bookshop wants to give you some advance notice that she will be having a very short break this month. This will allow her some time to rest and recover as well as progressing work on the tea rooms. The bookshop will be closed from Friday 12 to Friday 19 July. It will reopen again on Saturday 20 July. The online shop bookbubble.co.uk continues to operate 24/7 while they are closed. The Book Clubs are unaffected by the break and will still be taking place on Thursday 11 July as normal.

Wild flowers on Old Buckenhan Green

 A different coloured patch

A couple of years ago John Fernihaugh and Richard Lindner tried to plant some wild flower seeds on a small patch of the Green. They were limited in how much preparation to the soil that they could do and their spreading of the seed mix was followed by a very dry spell of weather. The birds, rooks and jackdaws in particular, spent much of their time pecking away to see what they could find. 

The Green is home to many, many wild flowers but one little area is now showing one result of their experiment as many white daisies have appeared. It seems that the birds didn't eat everything.

Old Buckenham newsletter for July

 The cover looks like this

Copies were here just in time for the first of the month and you may have had your copy by now. All sorts of interesting news like the church service where you are invited to take your dog with you, why part of the village isn't it still called Staxford and the number of people who attended the meeting to show an interest in a possible youth club.

Now all you have to do is read it all.

Bollywood in Old Buckenham

Women's Institute members dancing

Lots of laughter and fun was had on Thursday evening 27 June when the Old Buckenham WI were introduced to Bollywood dancing by Tina Vallance. They warmed up with her showing how to move their hands, arms, legs and body. Then they practiced with music. As you can imagine lots of wrong steps and movements as well as some really good dancing. Then they dressed up with Bindis and costumes and danced away until they couldn’t stand any more.

They were all desperate for their drinks and cake and afterwards listened to their delegate, Liz Moy, who gave a report on the National Annual Meeting in April. Business, competitions and a raffle ended the evening very nicely.

Old Buckenham prepares for Airshow

 Open during Airshow

It has become a tradition during the last couple of years for people unable to get tickets for the Old Buckenham Airshow to congregate on the village Green or in the car park and recreation area behind the village hall. During the four-hour flying displays on both Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July, the Village Hall Management Committee have agreed to open the hall between 10am and 4pm so that the spectators can use the toilets and get themselves a drink and simple refreshments.

Please treat these arrangements with due respect and use the facilities with care.

Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Latest Parish Council minutes

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and may be incomplete or amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 6 June at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Lesley Evison, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Ali McWilliam, Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. David Taylor arrived part way through the meeting. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and four members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 11 April were approved (5 in favour, 2 abstain).

Financial matters. The Community Account balance presently stood at £26,069.04. Payments of £4776.15 were approved (6 in favour) and were made up of:

Community car drivers £165.20

Grass cutting £446

Clerk’s salary £375.25

and Suggitts £3780.

Councillors’ reports. Pete Twizzell said that the damaged areas of the Green will be repaired this month. David Tranmer was invited to the meeting but was unable to attend due to ill health.

The Clerk has reported that the instruction banners for Two Wheel Tuesdays are being made and being donated by a local company who wish to remain un-named. Martin Lambert are willing to donate some used road cones and traffic banners to help ease the parking issues on a Tuesday evening. The clerk to collect with the trailer before the end of the month. Councillors asked about payments for TWT. The clerk informed them that he agreed to delay the first payment due to the poor weather that has had an effect on the event but is to speak with David Tranmer to ensure payments are caught up.

Naomi Baily had a meeting with Steve Askew, George Freeman and representatives from Banham parish council regarding the local flooding issues. George Freeman was to lobby parliament to try and find a solution but this is now on hold as parliament is being dissolved due to the election. Naomi Bailey will press for this action to restart once we have an elected MP, whoever that will be.

Pete Twissell also reported that that the Village Hall Management Committee members thought the joint meeting was a success and Graham Dye will attend the next Parish Council meeting.

Steve Gowers said that the Almshouse Trust has thanked the Parish Council for their precept grant.

Ali McWilliam reported that the ditch at the allotments still hasn’t been cleared by the land owner but it was not possible due to the burst water main that has now been repaired. The Clerk to chase the landowner to clear the ditch.

Pete Twissell also reported that the Village Hall Management Committee are looking for new committee members as some of the current members are wishing to retire.

Steve Gowers reported that he felt that the sign for the bookshop is blocking the view on the junction and will speak to the owner. Clerk has ordered new batteries for the SAM sign.

Naomi Bailey reports that she and the Friends group at the primary school would like to hold a few car boot sales to raise funds for Old Buckenham Primary School and were asking for the use of the recreation area for such an event. Doug Irons voiced his concerns about the event getting too big and causing traffic issues within the village. However Naomi Bailey assured the Parish Council that this would only be one or two events so should not be a problem. All the Parish Council agreed this can go ahead.

Naomi Bailey also said that a meeting had been arranged to see if there was an interest in forming a youth club for the village.

Action Log updates. The Clerk has sent all the Policies to Doug Irons in electronic form so they can be added to the new website. Many of these documents are now out of date and need updating and re adopting.

Planning updates. There have been no new planning applications but Breckland Council have approved the following: Land off Attleborough Road. Amendment to pp 3PL/2021/0236/F - regularise the approved drawings so that they align with the new skylark mitigation set out in the CEMP and EMP. The revised layout also increases the distances from vegetation along the southern boundary to the panels, improving the efficiency of the panels (3NM/2024/0024/NMA).

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 4 July starting at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel (as the Village Hall is being used for General Election voting).

Bouquets in Old Buckenham

 Pick your own flowers

The Garden Retreat is now back open for its third year at Old Buckenham Country Park and there are more than 40 varieties of flowers to choose from. The business is a real family affair and it is run by mother-and-daughter Claire Hornby  and Jessica Ward (who lives in Old Buckenham). The Garden Retreat is a Community Interest Company (CIC) and in 2025 they will be relocating to a larger site at the country park.

Visitors can pick their own flowers and are charged from £6, £10 or £16 according to how big a bunch they pick. Paying is by cash only with cutters provided.

The Garden is open from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays and Sundays until the end of September and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.  

They can also offer bespoke flower and foliage buckets for weddings and other events. These need to be pre-ordered as they are grown elsewhere.  Look at the 'Old Buckenham Garden Retreat' Facebook page for more details and updates.

Elephant in Old Buckenham

 Village Hall hosts great play

Touring theatre company fEast brought their new play ‘Elephant’ to a packed Old Buckenham Village Hall on Friday evening 14 June and, like the proverbial elephant in the room, there were a good many secrets the characters in the play were deliberately avoiding.

The play itself was a bit of a cliff-hanger, set in a house balanced on an eroding cliff in North Norfolk.  Local recluse Manny gets a surprise visit from his estranged sister, Jessie, whom he’s not seen for a year. She’s wildly unpredictable, searching for a long lost family secret, and has inexplicably brought along with her a petty criminal, Lee Farrier, trussed up in a sack. Jessie describes an unlucky series of events that have conspired to her making such a poor and rash decision, but Manny’s believing none of it. She’s done this kind of thing before.

As a rising tide eats away at the foundations, it’s the sudden appearance of a local girl, Cally, arriving with a damaged reputation and an uncanny ability to read minds, that forces all four of them to try and salvage something from the day before it’s too late. But as time runs out, and the uneasy truce turns towards possible violence, a hastily reckless plan begins to fall apart, exposing the bitter truths that have brought them together, the lies they’ve told each other, and against all expectation, the discovery of a strangely redemptive power that might just be buried beneath their feet. 

The acting throughout was superb, the story engaging (if a bit crazy at times!) and without giving a spoiler, the ending was pure gold.  Do go and see at it Diss Corn Hall this Thursday 20 June or later in its performances around Norfolk if you get the chance – you won’t be disappointed.

Visit Old Buckenham windmill

 Look inside

The future dates to put in your diaries if you would like to visit the mill this year are Sunday 23 June from 1pm to 4pm, Sunday 18 August also from 1pm to 4pm and then on Saturday 21 September. This time in September the opening hours are longer, 9am to 1pm as this will be a village garage sale event. They will still be open for mill tours too.

Then one more opening this year on Sunday 13 October from 1pm to 4pm. 

Come and visit for a tour of the mill or just come and sit, take in the view and enjoy tea and homemade cakes. Cash and cards accepted. All profits going toward the upkeep of the mill. Follow on Facebook for more information and updates.

Become an Old Buckenham community car driver

 Community Car Scheme

The Parish Council have agreed to support the following Community Car Scheme to offer transport to villagers for medical appointments.

Would you like to volunteer to be a driver? The drivers need to meet the following conditions:

a)    All vehicles must be taxed and have a current MOT

b)    All drivers hold a valid driving license

c)    Have a biennial CRB check (no cost to driver)

d)   A three-year medical by a General Practitioner (cost reimbursed in full by Breckland Council)

e)   Have full comprehensive insurance and letter confirming that this applies whilst driving as a Community Car Driver

These requirements are to protect both passengers and drivers.

The reimbursement is divided between the passenger paying 50% of the journey with Breckland Council and Parish Council paying the other 50%. The passenger fee is paid direct to the driver with the other 50% paid to the driver by the Parish Council monthly by cheque. Monthly returns should go to the Parish Clerk/RFO.

There is a set fee paid by the passenger to the N&N Hospital and to Attleborough Surgeries, other destinations are calculated on mileage. (At present the passenger pays just under £10 for a return trip to the NNUH  and below £2 to go to and return from Attleborough Surgeries.)

Any resident who would like to help as a driver should please contact  Adrian Joel on 01953 860663.     

Old Buckenham newsletter starting its rounds

June is on its way around

The first few hundred have been delivered while others were still having inserts about the Village Show being added. All distributors have now had the opportunity to collect their batch of newsletters and take them around for you to read.

This issue includes news of an elephant in the Village Hall later this month, an article on the relationship between the local young ladies and American GIs, opening dates at the Mill for the rest of year and a meeting to see if people would like a Youth Club in the village.

Plus much more so try to read it all when it arrives.

Young organist visits Old Buckenham

 A Norfolk challenge

On Friday 31 May All Saints Church at Old Buckenham had a special visitor. Ollie Welling is on a fundraising mission to play every organ in Norfolk. This challenge started about four years ago to raise money to pay for two new church bells at his local bell ringing tower in Swanton Morley. That challenge was completed but Ollie is continuing to go around the county playing on different church organs and has so far played at 176 different churches (with probably another four or five hundred to go).

Ollie, a self taught pianist with a passion for Bach, tried out the Old Buckenham organ for about half an hour and enjoyed himself "pulling out all the stops" and so adding one more to his total.

Proposed Youth Club in Old Buckenham

 

Youth Club?

Are you aged between 10 and 18 years old?

Would you like to have a Youth Club in the village?

Would you like to have your say on what you’d want it to offer?

The Parish Council is looking into supporting the starting up of a Youth Club, possibly in September this year, but we want to give the young people of the opportunity to have their input into what it could be like and what activities, events and resources it could include.

We have a potential venue, the Methodist Chapel on Hargham Road, and we have the idea of running it on Friday evenings during term time.

So if you are a young person aged 10-18, a parent or someone interested in giving a helping hand please come along to our ‘ideas event’ to be held on:

Friday 21 June, 6.30pm-7.30pm at the Methodist Chapel, Hargham Road.

Refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions please contact obyouthclub@gmail.com 

Reporting back in Old Buckenham

Important Parish meeting

The Parish of Old Buckenham Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Saturday 22 June at 11am in the Village Hall. This is your chance to hear what the Parish Council and other village organisations have been up to during the last year. Also your opportunity to give your views on what you feel should be happening. The agenda has yet to be finalised but expect to hear reports from the Chair of the Parish Council, our District and County councillor and possibly our Lord of the Manor.

Book opportunities in Old Buckenham

Open more hours

Lucie from the Old School Bookshop is delighted to say that from the beginning of June they will be open an extra day each week. The Bookshop will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - 10am to 4pm on each day. This should offer you more flexibility to visit the shop.

Don't forget they are also open 24/7 online @bookbubbleshop with postal, local delivery and collection options.

Old Buckenham Parish Council

 May Parish Council minutes

This report has been written by the newsletter and blog editor from the draft minutes and may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 2 May at Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Leslie Evison, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, David Taylor and Ali McWilliam. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and two members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held Thursday 11 April were approved (6 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community Account Balance now stands at £26,422.95. Payments of £610.11 were approved (6 in favour). These covered payments to three community car drivers, grass cutting and the Parish Clerk’s salary.

Two Wheel Tuesday. Naomi Bailey reported that a few complaints were received regarding parking on the Green. The Parish Council is to observe for the next couple of weeks to gather evidence and will then will invite David Tranmer to the next meeting to discuss. Ali McWilliam also suggested purchasing a couple of signs to be erected on a Tuesday advising motorist bikers of their responsibility toward parking. Stan Burton also suggested buying some cones from Highways and placing them around the affected areas of the Green to try to prevent anti-social parking whilst TWT is taking place. The Clerk to investigate the prices of signs and cones and will confirm these at the next meeting. He will also formally invite David Tranmer to attend the next Parish Council meeting.

Councillors’ reports. Ali McWilliam reported that the allotments are beginning to come to life and looking very tidy. She has formally asked if it is possible to erect some gates at the entrance to the allotments to aid with security of the site due to the fact that last year saw lots of vandalism to people’s crops and property. The Clerk asked her to investigate the costs and report back to next meeting. He will also speak to the landowner as his permission would be required before anything could be erected.

Naomi Bailey is attending a meeting with Steve Askew, George Freeman, Anglian Water and representatives from Banham Parish Council to discuss local flooding issues and will report back at the next meeting.

Pete Twissell confirmed that representatives from the Village Hall Management Committee will meet with Parish Council members on Saturday 25 May at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall before the Parish Council monthly Surgery. Naomi Bailey also confirmed that the our MP George Freeman will also attend the Parish Council surgery on Saturday 29 June.

Stan Burton and Naomi Burton said that there was no damage caused to the benches or concrete pads around the Ottomer Pond after the recent flooding. The concerned families have been informed.

Planning application. Grange Road from Stacksford Lane to Hargham Road, Stacksford. Change of use of summerhouse to beauty studio (retrospective) (3PL/2024/0367/F). There were no objections (6 in favour) but it was noted that the applicant could have come to the Parish Council with their intentions before they commenced work rather than go about this in the way that they have done.

Other business. Leslie Iveson was elected as new trustee for Eleemosynary Trust.

Next agenda. Items to be discussed to include a car boot sale on the Recreation Ground, the Allotments and progress on Burial Ground.

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

Missed the Bucks Photoshow

 Not back for another two years

The 2024 Bucks Photoshow closed at lunchtime today. Many of those people who have been exhibiting their pictures were at New Buckenham Village Hall soon after 8am for a complimentary breakfast and then went round their displays with professional photographer Duncan Kerridge. He gave them some comments and useful tips on the photos that they had on display. Most worthwhile.

At 1pm all the 260ish photos were taken down and the heavy gang came in to remove all the display boards. If you didn't manage to come this time you missed a good show and you'll have to wait for 2026 for another one.

Old Buckenham showing in New

Visit the Bucks Photoshow this weekend

Local photographers will be hard at work putting up their displays before the Photoshow opens in New Buckenham Village Hall at 7.30pm this evening. Come along for the special event tonight or visit on Saturday 18 May between 10am and 5pm. Also open on Sunday 19 May from 10am to 1pm. See the hundreds of photos on display, talk to some of the photographers who will be around and enjoy the coffee and refreshments.

On Saturday you should be able to see the original photo albums of Prince  Freddie Duleep Singh and marvel at the many local pictures he took over one hundred years ago. Entrance is free all weekend.

WI meeting in Old Buckenham

Living in Blickling Hall

 The speaker at the Woman's Institute meeting on Thursday 25 April was Elizabeth Scott, in character as Kath the scullery maid, explaining the living history of Blickling Hall. She explained what it was like for Kath working at the house in the 1930’s interacting with the audience. Lord Aster made an appearance as well. Then Elizabeth explained the history of the house with a slide show. How the original building was associated with Ann Boleyn’s parents and the current building was built in 1616 in Jacobean style by Sir Henry Hobart. The National Trust took it over in 1940 and they now have demonstrations of how the kitchen was run in the 1930s with the food of that time. It was a very enjoyable evening and lots of fun and laughter.

More about Old Buckenham mill

Billy the Miller

This is a slightly shortened version of an item by Tom Walshe that recently appeared on the Old Buckenham Facebook page and is reproduced here for those many people are not on Facebook.

There’s been a lot said and written about Old Buckenham windmill over its 206 year history. And in its heyday a lot of well-known owners and industrious millers came and went. But one man’s name has stood the test of time and links the mill of old with the present-day showpiece still in the throes of restoration.

Billy Goodrum, the final miller, is he. You won’t find too much about him online but there are a few things that have got people talking about Billy again since the mill reopened to visitors on some summer Sundays. You can see one of them on quiet display at the mill. It’s a quirky old sack barrow with just a single handle, made (or adapted) for Billy after he lost an arm to the mill machinery in 1921. Bruce Coverley was fascinated to see it on a recent visit and took the attached photo.

Another is a poem that links Billy with the man whose family firm almost certainly fashioned the barrow for him. The poem was penned by John Loveday, whose writings and recollections from his own 98 years of life have revealed so much about the history and characters of the village in which he grew up. John’s father, Tom Loveday, knew Billy and his father, Jonathan Goodrum, well.  And the Goodrums would have done business with the Lovedays’ foundry and threshing machine operation across the Green. Tom and Billy both died in 1970 and are buried close to each other, which prompted John to write the verse titled “Under the Yew Tree”…

The man who threshed the corn,

The man who milled it,

Lie close here.

The Yew tree shadows both,

Is old:

 

Its roots will not disturb 

The man who threshed the corn,

My father, Tom,

Or Billy with one arm,

The man who milled it. 

Fete in Old Buckenham

Keep this date free 

On Saturday 29 June  Old Buckenham Primary School  will be holding a fete from 11am till 3pm. Among the attractions that have so far been arranged are Lotus cars, pony petting, teacher as goalie, face painting, many craft stalls, raffles, tombola, cakes and refreshments.

There is no poster available yet but make sure you put the date in your diaries and on your calendars so that you don't miss lots of fun and games for all.

Calling Old Buckenham photographers

Bucks Photoshow

As usual there will be wide range of photographic styles, some by experienced photographers and others by complete beginners. On the Friday opening night there's a bar. On the Saturday we hope to have an unique collection of original photographic prints of the area taken by Prince Duleep Singh which will be of special interest to local historians.

Had you thought of showing your own photos? It's not too late to enter; please phone or email Charles as soon as possible and all help and encouragement will be given.

Charles Oxley for New Buckenham Arts

01953 860708

photoshow@newbuckenham.net

Latest Old Buckenham newsletter

 Starting to be distributed

The May newsletter has been printed and is starting its journey around to all the letterboxes in the village. In it you can read the latest exploits of young spy hunter TonyPetley, the get-together of many members of the Loveday family, the latest play being performed by the Old Buckenham Players and how to get a tour of the windmill.

There is also the latest news from the Parish Council, the Village Hall and a list of events going on in our village during May. Read and enjoy.

Olden times in Old Buckenham

Celebrating village life

Sharon Brunsden's (John's daughter, third from right) with Richard Styles, Caroline Lindenmayer, John Houchin, Don Cronshore, Tom and Cynthia Walshe. 

Links with Old Buckenham dating back more than 100 years were celebrated recently when members of one of the village’s best known families made a sentimental journey back in time. Focus of the gathering was “the Boy from Rod Alley”, John Loveday, whose book of that title has stirred the imaginations of villagers present and past. 

Descendants of some of those mentioned in his memoir about growing up in Old Buckenham in the 1930s were among those who met at the Gamekeeper for a celebration of family and friendship. The pub - called The White Horse in John’s day - is just yards away from where their parents and grandparents lived and worked in a very different era of local trade, employment and education. 

John is now 98 and was unable to make the journey himself from his care home near Basingstoke but was instrumental in promoting the visit. His daughter Sharon Brunsden drove up from Berkshire accompanied by her uncle, John Houchin - originally from Attleborough - and Don Cronshaw, the son-in-law who grew to love the village after his marriage to Marina, John Loveday’s late daughter.

Sharon and her cousins Caroline Lindenmayer, Vivienne Robinson and Kelly Loveday - all grandchildren of Tom and Kathleen Loveday, who lived at 4 Rod Alley Row - were also joined at the Gamekeeper by John’s sister Barbara Robinson.  

Others with roots in the village attended as well; some had never met the Loveday family members before but have been corresponding regularly about their shared links with village history. They included Tom and Cynthia Walshe. Tom’s mother, Marjorie and grandfather, Wiggy Westfield, were mentioned in the book, Marjorie having been born in the same year as John. Richard Styles also attended. His sister, Betty, knew John well and their father, Charlie, was one of the village’s longest lived residents, reaching the age of 101 before his death in 2009. Newsletter and blog editor Ron Brewer was also present to record the occasion for village interest. 

Conversation was lively and amusing with many interesting historical facts arising. Sharon said that she had wanted to meet those who had been so interested in her father’s book and keeping in touch with him. She added that John Loveday’s love for, and interest in, Old Buckenham village life remains as strong as ever. 

Young John in cowboy outfit made by his grandmother st Sunnyside.

Older John in National Service uniform (with Education Corps just after WW2).

John's painting used for cover of his book.

John's sister Barbara who also grew up in village in 1930s.

Generations of the Loveday family (with other guests).

Opportunity in Old Buckenham

School governors needed

Chapel Green School is a complex needs school located on the outskirts of Old Buckenham and is looking for individuals to join our Governing Body. If you are a driven professional with expertise in one of the following fields we would love to hear from you:

• ·         Finance & Accounting

• ·         Business & Marketing

• ·         Leading in the Education sector

• ·         HR

• ·         Medical

Our leadership team upholds the highest standards for teaching and learning and are driven by an ambition for their pupils; celebrating the significant positive impact the school has on each and every one of its students. The whole school community carries an established vision of aspiration, resilience and compassion: supporting pupils from the age of 3½ to 19.

 

If you are a professional, with a passion for education, we invite you to consider joining our Governing body, to help shape the future of a unique and truly child-centred school. Governors are concerned with the strategic aims and objectives of the school; helping to set and monitor the progress towards these aims. Governors also shape and review school policies, ensuring relevant compliance. Finally, governors help to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards its aims through providing effective support and challenge to the Headteacher. In order to achieve this, school governors are equipped with interpersonal skills of tact and diplomacy, able to uphold confidentiality and self-evaluate. A governor does not need to be an expert in all areas of governance but will take responsibility for a key area of professional expertise. Relevant training will be provided which all governors are required to attend in addition to attending at least 6 FGB meetings per academic year and any occasional committees if required. The governor role is not paid, however, agreed expenses such as travel are reimbursed.

If you would like more information about the role, please contact the school office on 01953 453116 or email: Joanne Cox, jcox@chapelgreenschool.org.uk