Diary dates for January
Friday 1 Village photograph, Village Hall, 11.30am
Sunday 3 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 5 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 6 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 7 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 8 Netgamers, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 9 Senior Citizens Party, Village Hall
Monday 11 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Thursday 14 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 14 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 15 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Sunday 17 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Wednesday 20 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 20 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 21 OB Players pantomime, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 22 OB Players pantomime, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 23 OB Players pantomime, Village Hall, 2.30pm
Saturday 23 OB Players pantomime, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 28 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Monday 28 December 2009
Full house for ever popular carol service
Candlelit service on Christmas Eve
Over 400 villagers and friends gathered at All Saints Church, Old Buckenham, for the Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols. The service was led by the Revd Alistair Monkhouse and there were readings given by members of village organisations and other churches. Danni Haylett sang the "Once in Royal" solo and pupils from Old Buckenham Primary School read a Christmas story. The choir from the High School sang the Angels' Carol by John Rutter and Howard Marshall sang a Yorkshire folk carol. Instrumental Christmas music was provided by Annette Winters, accompanied by the organist, Tom Hilton. The Cubs and Beavers sang "We wish you a Happy Christmas".
Prayers were led by Francis Darrah and the Christmas message was delivered by the Revd David Hill, Rector of the Quidenham Benefice, who also sang the first verse of "O come all ye Faithful" as a solo. The offertory of £551 was given for the work of St Martin's Housing Trust (Norwich Night Shelter).
Saturday 26 December 2009
Ten years on
Start 2010 at the village hall
On New Year’s Day in 2000 Old Buckenham residents met to have their photograph taken as we went forward into the new millennium. It is proposed that the village does it again ten years on and maybe have regular photos taken every decade as a record of the village inhabitants. Lots of people research their ancestors so there will be photographic evidence for future generations.
If you are interested please make the effort to come to the Village Hall at 11.30am on New Year’s Day where Ivan Hardy will take the photo(s). Copies will be available later (and many of you can compare how your looks have changed since the photo of 2000).
On New Year’s Day in 2000 Old Buckenham residents met to have their photograph taken as we went forward into the new millennium. It is proposed that the village does it again ten years on and maybe have regular photos taken every decade as a record of the village inhabitants. Lots of people research their ancestors so there will be photographic evidence for future generations.
If you are interested please make the effort to come to the Village Hall at 11.30am on New Year’s Day where Ivan Hardy will take the photo(s). Copies will be available later (and many of you can compare how your looks have changed since the photo of 2000).
Tuesday 22 December 2009
New property available, Old Buckenham Green
Recent new build, short term let only
Just on the market, this open plan property is situated on the much sought after Old Buckenham Green. Would suit single person with lots of very warm clothing or might be just the thing for a small dog.
Very low carbon footprint and completly built of recycleable materials.
Offers will be accepted for a short time only so contact the sole agents without delay.
Saturday 19 December 2009
Snow scenes
Out and about with a camera
A sprinkling of snow and touch of sunshine makes things in the village look rather wonderful.
Friday 18 December 2009
Decisions at the Hall
News from the village hall
The estimate for the refurbishment of the kitchen/bar area has been agreed with JW Construction with the work to be done in February.
The Committee has agreed that, in the light of the financial situation facing the community, there will be no increase in hiring charges for 2010. Any shortfall in the Committee's finances which arises from this may have to be considered when a review for 2011 takes place.
New chairs have been purchased for the Memorial Room.
It has been agreed that the hall will seek to obtain a full Premises Licence so that temporary Event Notices do not have to be obtained, at a cost of £21 for each notice, for the sale of alcohol or the performance of plays, films, etc. This Licence is costly and so the costs will be recovered from those hirers who would previously have had to pay for a temporary event notice.
The estimate for the refurbishment of the kitchen/bar area has been agreed with JW Construction with the work to be done in February.
The Committee has agreed that, in the light of the financial situation facing the community, there will be no increase in hiring charges for 2010. Any shortfall in the Committee's finances which arises from this may have to be considered when a review for 2011 takes place.
New chairs have been purchased for the Memorial Room.
It has been agreed that the hall will seek to obtain a full Premises Licence so that temporary Event Notices do not have to be obtained, at a cost of £21 for each notice, for the sale of alcohol or the performance of plays, films, etc. This Licence is costly and so the costs will be recovered from those hirers who would previously have had to pay for a temporary event notice.
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Toying with a new idea
Can your toys go in the bin?
There will soon be a new bank on the village hall car park and it will be one that will not be seen in many other recycling areas until it has been tested. BCR Global, the company with whom the Village Environment and Recycling Group (VERG) deals for the textiles collections, wants to experiment with toy collections along the same lines as textiles. Villagers are being invited to put toys still in good condition (or only slightly damaged) into the bank for collection, sorting and sending to third world countries.
On its website, http://www.bcrglobal.co.uk/, the company says that it sets out not only to find solutions to environmental problems in this country by reducing the quantities going into landfill but also helps build businesses in other countries to generate wealth. The textiles collections have certainly achieved both these objectives in a relatively short time, generating significant sums for Old Buckenham community projects at the same time. Most recently it was £360.28 for the senior citizens' Christmas party. It will be interesting to see if the expansion into toys will be as successful. If it works in Old Buckenham it will no doubt be rolled out elsewhere.
The toy collections will be weighed and VERG will receive recycling credits on the weights. For this financial year this figure is £44.90 per tonne. So, for all those unwanted toys after the Christmas receipt of new ones, look out for a new 5 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot receptacle in the village hall car park.
On its website, http://www.bcrglobal.co.uk/, the company says that it sets out not only to find solutions to environmental problems in this country by reducing the quantities going into landfill but also helps build businesses in other countries to generate wealth. The textiles collections have certainly achieved both these objectives in a relatively short time, generating significant sums for Old Buckenham community projects at the same time. Most recently it was £360.28 for the senior citizens' Christmas party. It will be interesting to see if the expansion into toys will be as successful. If it works in Old Buckenham it will no doubt be rolled out elsewhere.
The toy collections will be weighed and VERG will receive recycling credits on the weights. For this financial year this figure is £44.90 per tonne. So, for all those unwanted toys after the Christmas receipt of new ones, look out for a new 5 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot receptacle in the village hall car park.
Monday 14 December 2009
Settling the settlements
Future settlement boundaries
Breckland Council is currently preparing the next Site Specifics document for public consultation in the Spring of 2010. This document will contain settlement boundaries for Old Buckenham and surrounding villages such as New Buckenham and Banham. The previous consultations in Summer 2008 and Spring 2009 presented the various sites that have been submitted to Breckland Council. The forthcoming consultation document will present options for how the new settlement boundaries might look and whether new areas of land need to be drawn into the boundary or alternatively whether some areas need to be excluded to protect areas from over-development and garden grab.
A draft plan for Old Buckenham will be considered by Breckland Council’s LDF Task & Finish Group when it meets at the end of January. The meeting is being held at the Old School Hall in East Harling on Thursday 28 January 2010 at 2pm and will be considering villages across the rural south-east of the District. Members of the public are able to attend the meeting to hear proceedings. The preferred plan for Old Buckenham will be consulted on in Spring 2010 for six weeks and the document will be available for comment on-line at http://www.breckland.gov.uk/ or alternatively paper copies will be sent to the Parish Council, Attleborough Library and the Breckland Customer Services Centre at Attleborough Town Hall.
A draft plan for Old Buckenham will be considered by Breckland Council’s LDF Task & Finish Group when it meets at the end of January. The meeting is being held at the Old School Hall in East Harling on Thursday 28 January 2010 at 2pm and will be considering villages across the rural south-east of the District. Members of the public are able to attend the meeting to hear proceedings. The preferred plan for Old Buckenham will be consulted on in Spring 2010 for six weeks and the document will be available for comment on-line at http://www.breckland.gov.uk/ or alternatively paper copies will be sent to the Parish Council, Attleborough Library and the Breckland Customer Services Centre at Attleborough Town Hall.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Social evening with wine...
Party time with fish and chips
The December get-together of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle in the Church Rooms was an opportunity for an entertaining party. To start with Brian Stone provided some quiz sheets to keep those on each table fully engrossed. This was followed by some light-hearted games of bingo before fish and chip suppers were delivered for everyone. Soon it was time to try to guess the film, play and book titles in a less-than-serious session of charades and then to have the chance to win something in the larger-than-normal raffle.
The first meeting in the New Year will be a quiz evening and takes place on Thursday 14 January in the Church Rooms starting at 7.45pm and new members are always welcome to come along.
The December get-together of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle in the Church Rooms was an opportunity for an entertaining party. To start with Brian Stone provided some quiz sheets to keep those on each table fully engrossed. This was followed by some light-hearted games of bingo before fish and chip suppers were delivered for everyone. Soon it was time to try to guess the film, play and book titles in a less-than-serious session of charades and then to have the chance to win something in the larger-than-normal raffle.
The first meeting in the New Year will be a quiz evening and takes place on Thursday 14 January in the Church Rooms starting at 7.45pm and new members are always welcome to come along.
Saturday 12 December 2009
In party mood
Getting ready for Christmas
Old Buckenham Women’s Institute relaxed with a Christmas party on Friday 11 December in the Village Hall after a year of successful and interesting meetings. Over sixty members, their guests and representatives from neighbouring WIs were treated to a sumptuous spread of food that had been prepared by the members. They then enjoyed entertainment from singer Susie Turner and her accompanist Annette before having sherry and Christmas cake.
The president Susan Hunter gave special thanks to those in the village who generously help the WI in various ways such as auditing the accounts, getting the hall ready for meetings and assisting with the annual produce show. The evening came to a conclusion with a large raffle before the president wished all present a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
The president Susan Hunter gave special thanks to those in the village who generously help the WI in various ways such as auditing the accounts, getting the hall ready for meetings and assisting with the annual produce show. The evening came to a conclusion with a large raffle before the president wished all present a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Carols by candlelight
Christmas Eve carols
All Saints Church in Old Buckenham are continuing their tradition of holding a Candlelit Carol Service at the church on Christmas Eve starting at 7pm.
This will be a service of Lessons and Carols involving children and representatives of the local community. The collection at the service will be sent to the Norwich Night Shelter for the homeless. The congregation, along with the general public, are invited to donate gifts of non-perishable food. The Church Rooms will be open throughout Christmas Eve to receive these food donations.
All Saints Church in Old Buckenham are continuing their tradition of holding a Candlelit Carol Service at the church on Christmas Eve starting at 7pm.
This will be a service of Lessons and Carols involving children and representatives of the local community. The collection at the service will be sent to the Norwich Night Shelter for the homeless. The congregation, along with the general public, are invited to donate gifts of non-perishable food. The Church Rooms will be open throughout Christmas Eve to receive these food donations.
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Monday 7 December 2009
One thousand one hundred and eighty-three squares
At the big square draw
It was a very entertaining, and for many a very rewarding, afternoon and evening at the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham at the culmination of the village’s big square draw. Over the last month or so visitors to the village shop have been able to choose their own squares at £1 each. As a result £1183 was raised and it was all spent on prizes bought at the best prices that the village shop could obtain.
At the draw there was entertainment, sponsored by Old Buckenham Stores, by singer Jessica Todd. After her first set, Father Christmas was on hand to make the draw for the first prize of a hamper of various groceries and goodies worth at least £100. This was won by Garry Webb with the next hamper (worth £75) going to Mr Halliwell and the £50 hamper being collected by Maureen Bunn. The draw for a further ninety prizes took place throughout the evening with more music from Jessica Todd to keep the evening going with a swing.
Father Christmas had small presents for the younger people present and there were also free refreshments and drinks. Donations made towards the cost of the refreshments amounted to £85 and will be given to Quidenham Hospice (EACH).
This was a community project with the aim of having an enjoyable event for all those in the village and those using the village shop. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the organiser, Janet Moore, and the Old Buckenham Stores this aim was successfully achieved and a good time was had by all who attended and also those 93 people who were winners in the draw.
It was a very entertaining, and for many a very rewarding, afternoon and evening at the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham at the culmination of the village’s big square draw. Over the last month or so visitors to the village shop have been able to choose their own squares at £1 each. As a result £1183 was raised and it was all spent on prizes bought at the best prices that the village shop could obtain.
At the draw there was entertainment, sponsored by Old Buckenham Stores, by singer Jessica Todd. After her first set, Father Christmas was on hand to make the draw for the first prize of a hamper of various groceries and goodies worth at least £100. This was won by Garry Webb with the next hamper (worth £75) going to Mr Halliwell and the £50 hamper being collected by Maureen Bunn. The draw for a further ninety prizes took place throughout the evening with more music from Jessica Todd to keep the evening going with a swing.
Father Christmas had small presents for the younger people present and there were also free refreshments and drinks. Donations made towards the cost of the refreshments amounted to £85 and will be given to Quidenham Hospice (EACH).
This was a community project with the aim of having an enjoyable event for all those in the village and those using the village shop. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the organiser, Janet Moore, and the Old Buckenham Stores this aim was successfully achieved and a good time was had by all who attended and also those 93 people who were winners in the draw.
Sunday 6 December 2009
Christmas crib
In the money
The December crib drive saw a good turnout. The winners were Doris Monkhouse, Richard Cockerill, Tommy Mack and Bill Cheesley.
There will be no crib in January because the first Friday in the month happens to be New Years Day so the next crib drive will be on Friday 5 February.
The December numbers club draw saw two £25 winners who were Gordon Bertram and Iris Lancaster, the £10 winners were Dave Jones and Joan Jenkins, and the £5 winners were Stuart Barker, Mary Askew, Adrian Brinded, Jean Garwood and the Flower Club.
It is hoped that everyone who is in the numbers club will be willing to renew in January and if anyone in the village would like to join please ring Jill on 01953 860551. It costs just £12 per year, and you have the chance every month to win £10 or £5. Every six months there is an extra £25 prize and at Christmas another extra £25. Any profit left after disbursement of the prize money goes to support the village hall.
The December crib drive saw a good turnout. The winners were Doris Monkhouse, Richard Cockerill, Tommy Mack and Bill Cheesley.
There will be no crib in January because the first Friday in the month happens to be New Years Day so the next crib drive will be on Friday 5 February.
The December numbers club draw saw two £25 winners who were Gordon Bertram and Iris Lancaster, the £10 winners were Dave Jones and Joan Jenkins, and the £5 winners were Stuart Barker, Mary Askew, Adrian Brinded, Jean Garwood and the Flower Club.
It is hoped that everyone who is in the numbers club will be willing to renew in January and if anyone in the village would like to join please ring Jill on 01953 860551. It costs just £12 per year, and you have the chance every month to win £10 or £5. Every six months there is an extra £25 prize and at Christmas another extra £25. Any profit left after disbursement of the prize money goes to support the village hall.
Saturday 5 December 2009
Two hundred and fifty
Another little anniversary
Never thought I would get to 250 posts when this blog was first set up.
Never thought I would get to 250 posts when this blog was first set up.
Friday 4 December 2009
Business and bees at the WI
WI Annual Meeting
November was the month at Old Buckenham Women’s Institute for the formal business of the Annual Meeting. Although essential business is kept to a minimum it was good to hear a review of the past year's activities. It makes one realise how active the village WI is - taking part in darts and scrabble tournaments, competing in the annual Cator Cup Competition, supporting village events and staging the village produce show to mention just a few.
The new committee was approved by the meeting and the President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for 2010. This was followed by an interesting and amusing report from Nancy Hunt about the London visit to the Science Museum and more especially the Law Courts
After tea and refreshments, members played a hilarious game of 'Bee' which was
based on the normal game of 'Beetle' but, this being 'The Year of the Bee', rather more topical.
There is no normal meeting in December as it is Christmas Party time.
At the meeting on Thursday 28 January a cognitive behaviour therapist, Brenda Bingham, will be talking about some of the aspects of her work and the competition is for a photo 'Snow in Old Buckenham’.
The new committee was approved by the meeting and the President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for 2010. This was followed by an interesting and amusing report from Nancy Hunt about the London visit to the Science Museum and more especially the Law Courts
After tea and refreshments, members played a hilarious game of 'Bee' which was
based on the normal game of 'Beetle' but, this being 'The Year of the Bee', rather more topical.
There is no normal meeting in December as it is Christmas Party time.
At the meeting on Thursday 28 January a cognitive behaviour therapist, Brenda Bingham, will be talking about some of the aspects of her work and the competition is for a photo 'Snow in Old Buckenham’.
Thursday 3 December 2009
Looking for a Loveday
Recognise anyone?
Do you have any idea where or when this photograph was taken? It has been sent to the editor of this blog by someone who has come across it and thinks it might have connections with the Loveday family - several branches of the family have lived in this area.
Any helpful suggestions to oldbuckhistory@aol.com
(Just click on the photo to see it in more detail)
Thank you
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Look out for the toadstools
Pick up your December newsletter
If you havn't got one yet, this is the cover to look for
Monday 30 November 2009
Parish Council report
November Parish Council
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the village newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
If you wish to read the full, unedited minutes, then they are posted on the notice board outside the village shop prior to the next parish council meeting.
Councillors present were Norman Cawston (Chairman), Tim Ing (Vice-chairman), Mike Craven-Romain, Trevor Crook, Adrian Joel, Carol Marshall, Gerald Norton, Kerry Talbot, Liz Taylor and James Watling (Parish Clerk).
Apologies were received from Stephen Thorley and there were six members of the public also present.
Matters arising from the October minutes. Adrian Joel asked if final details had been received from Trell & Co regarding the footpath costs. The Parish Clerk said he had a final invoice from Trell and this had been paid in full and according to Trell & Co the Parish Council had no further liabilities. Adrian Joel then raised the matter of the drainage works along Crown Road. Councillors expressed their views and raised points on the matter. It was finally agreed that the whole matter needed further discussion and it was agreed to discuss the matter in the public recess section of the meeting.
Adrian Joel said that the figure given as the church donation of £600 was incorrect, the actual donation amount from the Church was £840.14. The Parish Clerk will write to the Church and thank them for the donation.
Minutes of the Precept meeting in October. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from Precept minutes. Adrian Joel said he had been asked by Stephen Thorley to raise the matter of Council Fund Balance at year end. According to the September Bank Reconciliation it was stated that £14,000 would be Fund Balance yet the Parish Clerk said at Precept Meeting it would be £11,000. The Parish Clerk said the Parish Council may wish to allocate further Specific Reserves before the end of the year to reduce Fund Balance.
The Green. Tim Ing had attended the Green Rights Meeting and the Probation Service is going to arrange manpower for the tidying up of the Green. Tim Ing stated that the Green is in the best condition it has been for years. The ditches at the Gamekeeper have been drained and the water runs freely now. There are possible problems further down the line and it was suggested that the residents concerned with the problem sort the matter out between themselves. It was also pointed out that the Ox and Plough had not paid for their benches to be sited on the Green for the past two years. The AGM of the Green Rights Committee is on Tuesday 23 February. Tim Ing also reported that the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust had awarded the Parish Council a grant of £380 for two benches for the Green. He had put forward possible sites for the benches at the meeting and no objections to his suggestions were raised.
Planning. There were no applications to discuss and no planning decisions notified.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel informed the meeting that Attleborough Town Council had asked Breckland to look at car parking charging in the town. A meeting has been arranged and presentations had been made by interested parties and the public had spoken on the matter. The UEA are to do a survey on car park usage and a further meeting was to be held in mid-November at Attleborough Town Hall. Cotman Housing Association’s bid for funding had not been successful but another bid could be submitted in the next couple of weeks. The Association is hoping to be successful and to be able to start the new units in the New Year. Breckland have launched a web site where people on the housing list are now able to see what houses are available and can express their interest in the property. An application has been made by Old Buckenham Cricket Club to Breckland for a match funding grant of £3,000 towards new double nets. Also a welcome home parade will take place on Friday 4 December for the Light Dragoons in Dereham where 200 soldiers of the Regiment will take part accompanied by the Parachute Regiment Band. The parade starts at 11am.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Adrian Joel had received a letter from BT offering the Parish Council the opportunity to adopt the red telephone kiosk in the village once the telephone is removed. The item is to be put on the December meeting agenda. Gerald Norton informed the meeting that the Village Hall Committee had met and intended to start the kitchen refurbishment in February. The question of the car park of the village hall was raised as it is getting the worse for wear. The Parish Clerk to write to Norfolk County Council and see if they are prepared to pay towards the repair as parents using the school use the car park to drop off their children. Carol Marshall said the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust had given a grant of £1,000 to the recreation area for six picnic tables and towards fencing. Kerry Talbot informed the meeting that the Just Play project was still awaiting decision from Community Spaces. They had also had a meeting with Playdale who will put into place the final drawings for the project. The area itself had been levelled and large boulders removed and she thanked all the volunteers who had helped in the clearing of the area despite having to work in torrential rain. She also expressed thanks to Miah Tonkin, John Frost, Norman Cawston and Stephen Askew who all gave up time to make the area ready for seeding.
Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk said he would produce a Health & Safety policy document for the Parish Council and hoped it would be ready for adoption at the January meeting.
Highways. Kerry Talbot said the speed limit signs on Crown Road were round the wrong way. Also that on the flashing speed signs on the approaches from both Attleborough and New Buckenham, the 30 flashing speed sign does not work. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on the matter.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 3 December in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the village newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
If you wish to read the full, unedited minutes, then they are posted on the notice board outside the village shop prior to the next parish council meeting.
Councillors present were Norman Cawston (Chairman), Tim Ing (Vice-chairman), Mike Craven-Romain, Trevor Crook, Adrian Joel, Carol Marshall, Gerald Norton, Kerry Talbot, Liz Taylor and James Watling (Parish Clerk).
Apologies were received from Stephen Thorley and there were six members of the public also present.
Matters arising from the October minutes. Adrian Joel asked if final details had been received from Trell & Co regarding the footpath costs. The Parish Clerk said he had a final invoice from Trell and this had been paid in full and according to Trell & Co the Parish Council had no further liabilities. Adrian Joel then raised the matter of the drainage works along Crown Road. Councillors expressed their views and raised points on the matter. It was finally agreed that the whole matter needed further discussion and it was agreed to discuss the matter in the public recess section of the meeting.
Adrian Joel said that the figure given as the church donation of £600 was incorrect, the actual donation amount from the Church was £840.14. The Parish Clerk will write to the Church and thank them for the donation.
Minutes of the Precept meeting in October. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from Precept minutes. Adrian Joel said he had been asked by Stephen Thorley to raise the matter of Council Fund Balance at year end. According to the September Bank Reconciliation it was stated that £14,000 would be Fund Balance yet the Parish Clerk said at Precept Meeting it would be £11,000. The Parish Clerk said the Parish Council may wish to allocate further Specific Reserves before the end of the year to reduce Fund Balance.
The Green. Tim Ing had attended the Green Rights Meeting and the Probation Service is going to arrange manpower for the tidying up of the Green. Tim Ing stated that the Green is in the best condition it has been for years. The ditches at the Gamekeeper have been drained and the water runs freely now. There are possible problems further down the line and it was suggested that the residents concerned with the problem sort the matter out between themselves. It was also pointed out that the Ox and Plough had not paid for their benches to be sited on the Green for the past two years. The AGM of the Green Rights Committee is on Tuesday 23 February. Tim Ing also reported that the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust had awarded the Parish Council a grant of £380 for two benches for the Green. He had put forward possible sites for the benches at the meeting and no objections to his suggestions were raised.
Planning. There were no applications to discuss and no planning decisions notified.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel informed the meeting that Attleborough Town Council had asked Breckland to look at car parking charging in the town. A meeting has been arranged and presentations had been made by interested parties and the public had spoken on the matter. The UEA are to do a survey on car park usage and a further meeting was to be held in mid-November at Attleborough Town Hall. Cotman Housing Association’s bid for funding had not been successful but another bid could be submitted in the next couple of weeks. The Association is hoping to be successful and to be able to start the new units in the New Year. Breckland have launched a web site where people on the housing list are now able to see what houses are available and can express their interest in the property. An application has been made by Old Buckenham Cricket Club to Breckland for a match funding grant of £3,000 towards new double nets. Also a welcome home parade will take place on Friday 4 December for the Light Dragoons in Dereham where 200 soldiers of the Regiment will take part accompanied by the Parachute Regiment Band. The parade starts at 11am.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Adrian Joel had received a letter from BT offering the Parish Council the opportunity to adopt the red telephone kiosk in the village once the telephone is removed. The item is to be put on the December meeting agenda. Gerald Norton informed the meeting that the Village Hall Committee had met and intended to start the kitchen refurbishment in February. The question of the car park of the village hall was raised as it is getting the worse for wear. The Parish Clerk to write to Norfolk County Council and see if they are prepared to pay towards the repair as parents using the school use the car park to drop off their children. Carol Marshall said the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust had given a grant of £1,000 to the recreation area for six picnic tables and towards fencing. Kerry Talbot informed the meeting that the Just Play project was still awaiting decision from Community Spaces. They had also had a meeting with Playdale who will put into place the final drawings for the project. The area itself had been levelled and large boulders removed and she thanked all the volunteers who had helped in the clearing of the area despite having to work in torrential rain. She also expressed thanks to Miah Tonkin, John Frost, Norman Cawston and Stephen Askew who all gave up time to make the area ready for seeding.
Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk said he would produce a Health & Safety policy document for the Parish Council and hoped it would be ready for adoption at the January meeting.
Highways. Kerry Talbot said the speed limit signs on Crown Road were round the wrong way. Also that on the flashing speed signs on the approaches from both Attleborough and New Buckenham, the 30 flashing speed sign does not work. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on the matter.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 3 December in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Saturday 28 November 2009
Have a busy December
Diary dates for December
Tuesday 1 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 2 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 3 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 3 New Buckenham Silver Band, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 4 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 6 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 6 The Big Square Draw, Church Rooms, from 4pm
Monday 7 'Fit together' walk, starts from All Saints Church, 10.30am
Monday 7 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Monday 7 Scout Gang Show, Village Hall, 6.15pm
Tuesday 8 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 9 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 10 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 10 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 11 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 14 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 16 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 18 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Sunday 20 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 20 Christingle workshop and service, All Saints, from 3.30pm
Thursday 24 Candlelit carol service, All Saints, 7pm
Thursday 31 Closing date for recycling bag photograph competition.
(Friday 1 January, village photograph, Village Hall, 11.30am)
Tuesday 1 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 2 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 3 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 3 New Buckenham Silver Band, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 4 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 6 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 6 The Big Square Draw, Church Rooms, from 4pm
Monday 7 'Fit together' walk, starts from All Saints Church, 10.30am
Monday 7 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Monday 7 Scout Gang Show, Village Hall, 6.15pm
Tuesday 8 Ladies Fellowship, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 9 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 10 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 10 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 11 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 14 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 16 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 18 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Sunday 20 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 20 Christingle workshop and service, All Saints, from 3.30pm
Thursday 24 Candlelit carol service, All Saints, 7pm
Thursday 31 Closing date for recycling bag photograph competition.
(Friday 1 January, village photograph, Village Hall, 11.30am)
Friday 27 November 2009
Get fit together
Walking for health
Breckland Council, together with various other organisations, organise a programme of walks under the general title “Fit together” with the aim of improving people’s fitness. They are open to anyone.
There is a local walk on Monday 7 December starting from Old Buckenham Church at 10.30am. It will be 4 miles long but has an option to stop after 2 miles for anyone who wishes to do so. It is entitled Old Buckenham Stud and the description is 50% hard tarmac quiet lanes/pavement and 50% soft grassy or mud tracks. The route crosses fields of grazing horses. There are three stiles and one bridge with large steps down.
If you have not taken part in these walks before, just get there a quarter of an hour before the start and introduce yourselves to Rick and Nancy who will be leading the walk that day.
The next programme of walks for January to March 2010 will soon be out and the blog will try to mention the local ones in future issues.
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Be there, be square
The big square draw
Squares for the Christmas draw are selling well and will be available to buy until Saturday 5 December at the Old Buckenham village shop. They cost £1 each and all the money collected is spent on buying the prizes (all purchased at the best prices that the shop can negotiate).
So why not come along to the Church Rooms on Sunday 6 December from 4pm to hear a live performance from local singing star Jessica Todd who will start singing at 4.30pm.
Father Christmas will be there during the afternoon/evening to meet everyone and to give small gifts to the children. He will also start the Big Square draw.
Refreshments will be available throughout the event in the Church Rooms.
So bring along all the family for what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon/evening. And make a point of visiting the village shop to purchase a square (or several if you like) where you can also see a display of the Christmas gifts on offer including sweets, chocolates, Christmas cards, gift wrap, toys or even a Christmas outfit.
Be in it and try to win it.
Squares for the Christmas draw are selling well and will be available to buy until Saturday 5 December at the Old Buckenham village shop. They cost £1 each and all the money collected is spent on buying the prizes (all purchased at the best prices that the shop can negotiate).
So why not come along to the Church Rooms on Sunday 6 December from 4pm to hear a live performance from local singing star Jessica Todd who will start singing at 4.30pm.
Father Christmas will be there during the afternoon/evening to meet everyone and to give small gifts to the children. He will also start the Big Square draw.
Refreshments will be available throughout the event in the Church Rooms.
So bring along all the family for what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon/evening. And make a point of visiting the village shop to purchase a square (or several if you like) where you can also see a display of the Christmas gifts on offer including sweets, chocolates, Christmas cards, gift wrap, toys or even a Christmas outfit.
Be in it and try to win it.
Monday 23 November 2009
Ten years older
One decade on
On New Year’s Day in 2000 Old Buckenham residents met to have their photograph taken as we went forward into the new millennium. It is proposed that the village does it again ten years on and maybe have regular photos taken every decade as a record of the village inhabitants. Lots of people research their ancestors so there will be photographic evidence for future generations.
If you are interested please make the effort to come to the Village Hall at 11.30am on New Year’s Day where Ivan Hardy will take the photo(s). Copies will be available later (and many of you can compare how your looks have changed since the photo of 2000).
On New Year’s Day in 2000 Old Buckenham residents met to have their photograph taken as we went forward into the new millennium. It is proposed that the village does it again ten years on and maybe have regular photos taken every decade as a record of the village inhabitants. Lots of people research their ancestors so there will be photographic evidence for future generations.
If you are interested please make the effort to come to the Village Hall at 11.30am on New Year’s Day where Ivan Hardy will take the photo(s). Copies will be available later (and many of you can compare how your looks have changed since the photo of 2000).
Friday 20 November 2009
High School leadership
Appointments at the top
The governors at Old Buckenham High School have made two new appointments to the leadership of the School—a new Head and a new Business Manager.
Peter Whear is the new headteacher. The governors feel he is a gifted teacher, leader and manager who puts the success and well-being of every pupil at the heart of all his thinking. Peter was the outstanding candidate amongst an accomplished field of applicants and will start his job in the new year.
The school has also been looking for a new Business Manager. This is a really important role, overseeing all the non-teaching aspects of the School. Lorraine Collins has been appointed to this job and she has now taken up the post.
The governors at Old Buckenham High School have made two new appointments to the leadership of the School—a new Head and a new Business Manager.
Peter Whear is the new headteacher. The governors feel he is a gifted teacher, leader and manager who puts the success and well-being of every pupil at the heart of all his thinking. Peter was the outstanding candidate amongst an accomplished field of applicants and will start his job in the new year.
The school has also been looking for a new Business Manager. This is a really important role, overseeing all the non-teaching aspects of the School. Lorraine Collins has been appointed to this job and she has now taken up the post.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Charity monies
Eleemosynary elucidation
One of the Eleemosynary charity trustees has provided this item which aims to explain where some of the village charity money comes from.
The notes on the parish council’s October meeting (the blog post on Sunday 1 November) stated “it was unanimously agreed to transfer £962.92 from general funds to Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities”. Before anyone looks for significantly increased sums to more beneficiaries of the OBUEC on the back of this apparently well-timed donation from the council, it must be stressed that what was almost certainly intended was a transfer to the Former Highways Surveyor’s Land charity, of which the council is the sole trustee.
The council appears to have been pouring all receipts into one pot without adequate allocation, and its attempts to sort the many problems this has caused are to be commended, especially in relation to the money it controls as charity trustees, rather than as local authority. But it has not quite got there yet.
As the newsletter’s regular readers will know, OBUEC is a collection of bequests and allocations dating back to the sixteenth century, for the benefit of those in the parish less fortunate than the rest (those who have drawn the short straws in life, in Warren Buffet’s words). Its only connection with the parish council is that as a parochial charity it has six of its ten trustees appointed by the council. These can be, but do not have to be, councillors. They are in no way responsible to the council, only to the community. (The numbers are made up by two ex officio trustees, the Lord of the Manor and the vicar of the parish, and two co-opted trustees. The current Scheme of Management was issued by the Charity Commissioners on 1 September 1914).
The Former Highways Surveyor’s Land Charity has its origins in the responsibility parishes used to have through the Church of England vestry meetings for much of their own affairs, including provision and repair of roads. Highways Surveyors were appointed and pieces of land allocated for the provision of necessary materials. But towards the end of the nineteenth century responsibility for local government was transferred to specially created local authorities and so highways surveyors in each parish were no longer needed. Nor were their special pieces of land. The new local authorities took on responsibility for the land but were required to administer it on a trust basis, on behalf of the local communities who still owned it.
In due course Breckland Council became responsible for Old Buckenham’s former highways surveyor’s land and rented it to the OBUEC at a peppercorn rent, £2 per annum. (This went into the parish account that was then part of the rating system). OBUEC, some of whose own land was adjacent to the former highways surveyor’s land, added it to the lease with its own tenant, at a market rent, and used the income for its own beneficiaries. But in the 1980s, Breckland Council transferred the trusteeship to Old Buckenham Parish Council whose legal advisers warned that it could not lawfully continue to rent at a peppercorn because everyone in the parish should benefit from the Highways Surveyor’s land, whereas only the less fortunate could benefit from OBUEC. So OBUEC dropped out of any connection with the highways surveyor’s land and the tenants paid a market rent direct to the parish council.
As is so often the case, over time most of this has been forgotten. The parish council has not understood why it was receiving rent, neither what it was supposed to do with it. Briefings provided for the succession of parish clerks have not succeeded in establishing the information firmly in local knowledge, though possibly more recent dissemination via email to all councillors may have a better outcome, for a while. Our ancestors may have had more success through the information put up in the church (shown in the photographs) recording what the parish owned. Perhaps the archives evening next year will encourage more interest in the village’s heritage and how we can best protect and use it.
One of the Eleemosynary charity trustees has provided this item which aims to explain where some of the village charity money comes from.
The notes on the parish council’s October meeting (the blog post on Sunday 1 November) stated “it was unanimously agreed to transfer £962.92 from general funds to Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities”. Before anyone looks for significantly increased sums to more beneficiaries of the OBUEC on the back of this apparently well-timed donation from the council, it must be stressed that what was almost certainly intended was a transfer to the Former Highways Surveyor’s Land charity, of which the council is the sole trustee.
The council appears to have been pouring all receipts into one pot without adequate allocation, and its attempts to sort the many problems this has caused are to be commended, especially in relation to the money it controls as charity trustees, rather than as local authority. But it has not quite got there yet.
As the newsletter’s regular readers will know, OBUEC is a collection of bequests and allocations dating back to the sixteenth century, for the benefit of those in the parish less fortunate than the rest (those who have drawn the short straws in life, in Warren Buffet’s words). Its only connection with the parish council is that as a parochial charity it has six of its ten trustees appointed by the council. These can be, but do not have to be, councillors. They are in no way responsible to the council, only to the community. (The numbers are made up by two ex officio trustees, the Lord of the Manor and the vicar of the parish, and two co-opted trustees. The current Scheme of Management was issued by the Charity Commissioners on 1 September 1914).
The Former Highways Surveyor’s Land Charity has its origins in the responsibility parishes used to have through the Church of England vestry meetings for much of their own affairs, including provision and repair of roads. Highways Surveyors were appointed and pieces of land allocated for the provision of necessary materials. But towards the end of the nineteenth century responsibility for local government was transferred to specially created local authorities and so highways surveyors in each parish were no longer needed. Nor were their special pieces of land. The new local authorities took on responsibility for the land but were required to administer it on a trust basis, on behalf of the local communities who still owned it.
In due course Breckland Council became responsible for Old Buckenham’s former highways surveyor’s land and rented it to the OBUEC at a peppercorn rent, £2 per annum. (This went into the parish account that was then part of the rating system). OBUEC, some of whose own land was adjacent to the former highways surveyor’s land, added it to the lease with its own tenant, at a market rent, and used the income for its own beneficiaries. But in the 1980s, Breckland Council transferred the trusteeship to Old Buckenham Parish Council whose legal advisers warned that it could not lawfully continue to rent at a peppercorn because everyone in the parish should benefit from the Highways Surveyor’s land, whereas only the less fortunate could benefit from OBUEC. So OBUEC dropped out of any connection with the highways surveyor’s land and the tenants paid a market rent direct to the parish council.
As is so often the case, over time most of this has been forgotten. The parish council has not understood why it was receiving rent, neither what it was supposed to do with it. Briefings provided for the succession of parish clerks have not succeeded in establishing the information firmly in local knowledge, though possibly more recent dissemination via email to all councillors may have a better outcome, for a while. Our ancestors may have had more success through the information put up in the church (shown in the photographs) recording what the parish owned. Perhaps the archives evening next year will encourage more interest in the village’s heritage and how we can best protect and use it.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Christmas crackers
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
November's meeting in Old Buckenham Village Hall was very well attended when Alan Smith from Ipswich gave his demonstration titled 'Christmas Crackers'. He is always an entertaining demonstrator, his designs evoking the spirit of the festive season. Using variegated foliage and mainly red and white flowers, with occasional gold roses and purple orchids, all were 'cracking' arrangements. His finale included bronze chrysanthemums and red lilies atop a wonderful brass urn – did this arrangement manage to get home in one piece?
The competition table for a table ring was very colourful. The winner of the Old Hands class (and Joan Barry Trophy for best use of garden plant material) was Sylvia Briggs and the New Hands class winner was Margaret Smith.
December's meeting will commence at 10.30am on Thursday 10 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall. In the morning members will be able to make 'floral cake'. All ingredients will be provided - however please bring a table cover, scissors and plate on which to place your cake. Cost will be £5 each. Please also bring something for a 'plate lunch'. During the afternoon members of the committee will be showing ideas for Christmas.
The competition is for an arrangement entitled “A Christmas Carol” - with a title card. Trophies for the best exhibit will be awarded for each class.
Further information can be obtained from Pat on 01953 457305 or Sally on 01953 788712.
November's meeting in Old Buckenham Village Hall was very well attended when Alan Smith from Ipswich gave his demonstration titled 'Christmas Crackers'. He is always an entertaining demonstrator, his designs evoking the spirit of the festive season. Using variegated foliage and mainly red and white flowers, with occasional gold roses and purple orchids, all were 'cracking' arrangements. His finale included bronze chrysanthemums and red lilies atop a wonderful brass urn – did this arrangement manage to get home in one piece?
The competition table for a table ring was very colourful. The winner of the Old Hands class (and Joan Barry Trophy for best use of garden plant material) was Sylvia Briggs and the New Hands class winner was Margaret Smith.
December's meeting will commence at 10.30am on Thursday 10 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall. In the morning members will be able to make 'floral cake'. All ingredients will be provided - however please bring a table cover, scissors and plate on which to place your cake. Cost will be £5 each. Please also bring something for a 'plate lunch'. During the afternoon members of the committee will be showing ideas for Christmas.
The competition is for an arrangement entitled “A Christmas Carol” - with a title card. Trophies for the best exhibit will be awarded for each class.
Further information can be obtained from Pat on 01953 457305 or Sally on 01953 788712.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Gang Show coming soon
All for Children in Need
1st Old Buckenham Scout group proudly present their Gang Show on Monday 7 December commencing at 6.15pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
The price of the tickets for adults are £2.50 and children £1. The proceeds from this performance are to go to Children in Need. To reserve tickets please contact Akela on 01953 860121.
The stars of the show range from 6 years to 18 years and should include music, drama, and action.
The price of the tickets for adults are £2.50 and children £1. The proceeds from this performance are to go to Children in Need. To reserve tickets please contact Akela on 01953 860121.
The stars of the show range from 6 years to 18 years and should include music, drama, and action.
Saturday 14 November 2009
Marilyn Monroe in Old Buckenham
Looking at a star
What were over twenty of the village’s older inhabitants doing sitting in the darkened Church Rooms looking at pictures of an infamous pin-up and film star? It turned out that they were at the November meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle listening to a talk about Marilyn Monroe by John Lee.
John started by explaining that Marilyn had a very unsettled childhood and got married for the first time just after her sixteenth birthday so that she could get out of the children’s home that she was in. During the war she worked packing parachutes and it was photographs taken of her at this time that led to more photographic work as a model. Despite having no experience or training in singing, dancing and acting, she eventually became a popular film star. Her first marriage ended in divorce as did her subsequent marriages to baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller. The later involvement with the Kennedy family and subsequent presumed suicide when only 36 meant that she became even more of an enigma.
One result of giving these talks is that John has been able to amass a collection of all sorts of Marilyn memorabilia. Apart from many books he now has bags, calendars, mugs, plates, drink mats, clocks, pens, shopping bags, a neck scarf and even wrapping paper all carrying images of this unforgettable lady.
At the start of the meeting the club held a short AGM. Chairman Alistair Monkhouse reported back on a successful year with many good speakers. The financial position was stable and would be improved with larger attendances at the monthly meetings. David Sallnow was appointed vice-chairman, the intention being that he will take over at the end of 2010 allowing Alistair to retire after twelve years in the post.
Talks planned for next year will cover subjects such as herbal medicines, seaside architecture, fostering and the Attleborough Fire Station. All are welcome to attend, all it costs is £1 per evening.
The December meeting is the usual party evening with a fish and chips supper. The meeting will start in the Church Rooms at 7.45pm on Thursday 10 December.
What were over twenty of the village’s older inhabitants doing sitting in the darkened Church Rooms looking at pictures of an infamous pin-up and film star? It turned out that they were at the November meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle listening to a talk about Marilyn Monroe by John Lee.
John started by explaining that Marilyn had a very unsettled childhood and got married for the first time just after her sixteenth birthday so that she could get out of the children’s home that she was in. During the war she worked packing parachutes and it was photographs taken of her at this time that led to more photographic work as a model. Despite having no experience or training in singing, dancing and acting, she eventually became a popular film star. Her first marriage ended in divorce as did her subsequent marriages to baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller. The later involvement with the Kennedy family and subsequent presumed suicide when only 36 meant that she became even more of an enigma.
One result of giving these talks is that John has been able to amass a collection of all sorts of Marilyn memorabilia. Apart from many books he now has bags, calendars, mugs, plates, drink mats, clocks, pens, shopping bags, a neck scarf and even wrapping paper all carrying images of this unforgettable lady.
At the start of the meeting the club held a short AGM. Chairman Alistair Monkhouse reported back on a successful year with many good speakers. The financial position was stable and would be improved with larger attendances at the monthly meetings. David Sallnow was appointed vice-chairman, the intention being that he will take over at the end of 2010 allowing Alistair to retire after twelve years in the post.
Talks planned for next year will cover subjects such as herbal medicines, seaside architecture, fostering and the Attleborough Fire Station. All are welcome to attend, all it costs is £1 per evening.
The December meeting is the usual party evening with a fish and chips supper. The meeting will start in the Church Rooms at 7.45pm on Thursday 10 December.
Friday 13 November 2009
Games off in December
No NetGamers in December
The Old Buckenham computer games club - NetGamers - will not be running in December. The next meeting will be Friday 8 January in Old Buckenham village hall from 7pm to 9pm and on the second Friday of the month thereafter.
For more infomation call Paul on 01953 860023 or visit www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/netgamers
The Old Buckenham computer games club - NetGamers - will not be running in December. The next meeting will be Friday 8 January in Old Buckenham village hall from 7pm to 9pm and on the second Friday of the month thereafter.
For more infomation call Paul on 01953 860023 or visit www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/netgamers
Thursday 12 November 2009
Increased donations
Poppy collection
John and Chris report another successful remembrance poppy collection and, thanks to the generosity of the residents of Old Buckenham, are pleased to say that the village donated a total of £937.38 This is a substantial increase on last year, when the gross was £882.52.
They also wish to take this opportunity to thank all collectors, particularly those that do the house to house collection, as without their help the collection would not be possible.
Many thanks to everyone and any further volunteers to help with collections next year would be much appreciated.
They also wish to take this opportunity to thank all collectors, particularly those that do the house to house collection, as without their help the collection would not be possible.
Many thanks to everyone and any further volunteers to help with collections next year would be much appreciated.
Sunday 8 November 2009
The day to remember
Remembrance day service on the Green
The villagers of Old Buckenham gathered at the war memorial on the Green this afternoon for a short Remembrance Day service.
Saturday 7 November 2009
Raising money for a good cause
Funding the lunch
Several recent events have provided very welcome funding for that most important event in January next year. A big thank you to Janet Moore and her helpers for the generous cheque of £251.20 from the bingo fund raising. Another thank you for £293.80 from the textile collection plus another £66.48 from the lanfill refund. Also thanks to the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust for the £600 donation.
All these are for the Senior Citizens lunch and have really bumped up the fund. This will ease the pressure for next year’s fund-raising programme. Eileen, Brian and Carol are very grateful and hope to put on a good show once again.
Several recent events have provided very welcome funding for that most important event in January next year. A big thank you to Janet Moore and her helpers for the generous cheque of £251.20 from the bingo fund raising. Another thank you for £293.80 from the textile collection plus another £66.48 from the lanfill refund. Also thanks to the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust for the £600 donation.
All these are for the Senior Citizens lunch and have really bumped up the fund. This will ease the pressure for next year’s fund-raising programme. Eileen, Brian and Carol are very grateful and hope to put on a good show once again.
Friday 6 November 2009
More hot air in 2010
Floating above Old Buckenham
Looking forward to 2010, the newsletter has been told that there will be another balloon festival at Old Buckenham airfield over the August bank holiday weekend. So let’s hope for nice bright calm weather during Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 August to give the participants more opportunities to fly than they had in 2009.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Pumpkin delight
Shining bright
Anna was out and about on Halloween and took photos of some great pumpkins in Old Buckenham. She thinks there are obviously some very talented people around here.
These pictures are from Forge Close, Post Office Terrace and Hargham Road.
Monday 2 November 2009
A day to remember
There will be a Remembrance Day service on Sunday 8 November at the Old Buckenham War Memorial on the Green at 2.30pm.
Sunday 1 November 2009
Will there be fireworks?
The next Old Buckenham Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 November in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
If you wish to read the full, unedited minutes, then they are posted on the notice board outside the village shop prior to the next parish council meeting.
There were four members of the public present at the October meeting of the Old Buckenham Parish Council and there were no apologies for absence from the council members.
Minutes of the May, June and July meetings were all agreed to be true and accurate records of the meetings. One item from the meeting in May was to be put on the November agenda.
Concerning the minutes of the September meeting, Carol Marshall said that under section 8 it should read "property two doors down" (not at the property). With this amendment the minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the September minutes. Tim Ing said that he had a quote for the benches for the Green at a cost of £190 plus VAT for each bench which are made from recycled materials. Also an application had been made to Old Buckenham 2000 Trust for a grant. The council hoped to put four benches on the Green. He also said that he had attended the presentation with Norman Cawston to receive the award for being runner up in a community award scheme. The prize included £40 in garden centre vouchers.
The Green. Tim Ing said there was a Green Rights Meeting being held on Tuesday 6 October and he would be attending. Carol Marshall asked that tree management on the Green be raised at the meeting as the trees were getting untidy.
Planning applications. Homestead, The Green. Rear extension. No objections from parish council (agreed with 8 for and 1 abstention).
Southview, Fen Street. Erection of oak frame 2 storey cart lodge with playroom above. Matters to be put on the November agenda and the parish clerk to arrange an extension with Breckland.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said the Breckland Council Policy Core Strategy had been approved as “sound” by the Government Inspectors. The Strategy is expected to come into force in January 2010. The Local Development Framework Task and Finish group has started to look at site specifics. They recently looked at Watton and East Harling and Old Buckenham will be looked at in the New Year under Settlement Boundaries. Attleborough Town Council is considering introducing parking charges in the town. Members of the public were encouraged to attend a meeting about this at Connaught Hall in mid-October. Breckland’s planning applications will be live on Breckland’s website from Tuesday 27 October. The public will be able to view planning applications online as well as the comments made by parish councils and members of the public. Cotman have submitted their grant application for the new houses in St Andrews Close and are waiting a decision.
Parish Councillors' reports. Stephen Thorley attended the Attleborough Task Force meeting in September along with Adrian Joel. The objective of the task force is to facilitate the area-based and multi-agency working in Attleborough to get together the public and local community groups to discuss and implement possible improvements for the area. At the September meeting Breckland ‘s Principal Planning Policy officer raised the points that 4000 new homes had been agreed for the Attleborough/Snetterton corridor area and this could create 2,000 jobs but is dependant on the outcome on the Core Strategy report which was with the Government inspectors and their report is due early November. They will also offer a view whether the preferred option of development south of the railway line is the best way forward, or whether land north of the A11 will be included. Also being considered is whether the Snetterton aspect of the development is deliverable. The Parish Council’s watching brief will include the areas of Infrastructure, Services and Recreation and Leisure. Stephen Thorley will report back after the next scheduled meeting in early November.
Adrian Joel said the hedge at Castle Hill needs to be cut back, parish clerk to arrange. He also said that he had written to the Chairman suggesting inviting the new temporary Headmaster to a meeting. Councillors suggested waiting till a permanent appointment had been made at the school. Liz Taylor said that a recent garage sale for the recreation area had raised £415.02 and that Robert and Denise Ziman had donated £50. She thanked all who had taken part in the fund raising and suggested that the recreation area needed to have its own cheque book.
KerryTalbot said the play area site is now cleared and levelling was due to start in the next week. They have applied to Breckland Council for up front funding but they need a letter of support from the Parish Council showing the support and confirming a contribution of £3,900 (the parish clerk to arrange). They had received funding of £5000 from the Grassroots Foundation and total funding at the bank now stood at £16,388.
Norman Cawston said a trustee was needed to sit on the Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities. Adrian Joel agreed to serve for the three-year period.
Clerk’s report. The clerk informed meeting that he had written to Zurich Insurance to get cover for the new fence at the recreation area and obtaining public liability cover for the area. He had also received a letter from Government auditors on the accounts for 2008/9. He had agreed that the accounts would be with them by early October. Breckland Council was holding an Open Forum evening for parish councillors on Thursday 29 October and councillors were invited.
Freedom of Information Act Model Publication Scheme. The parish clerk had produced a Model Publication Scheme which showed how members of the public could obtain information from the Parish Council under the Freedom of Information Act. It was agreed unanimously that it be adopted by the Parish Council,
Transfer of funds to Special Reserves. The parish clerk said that he wished to simplify the funds held by the Parish Council so that they could be easily identified for future purposes in the accounts.
It was unanimously agreed to transfer £962.92 from general funds to Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities. To transfer from general funds to Old Buckenham Just Play £16,388.60. To transfer £3,089.04 from general funds to Old Buckenham Parish Council (Recreation Project). It was also agreed that the project name be changed and for the working party to have their own cheque book account with a minimum of two authorised signatories.
Parish Council accounts. The parish clerk said he had produced a set of amended accounts for the year ending March 2009. It was agreed unanimously that they be adopted and forwarded to government auditors. The parish clerk said that following the departure of the previous Internal Auditor Robert Ziman, he had a replacement available who was a Mrs Carole Porter.
These notes of the parish council meetings are prepared by the editor of the newsletter from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended later at the next month's meeting.
If you wish to read the full, unedited minutes, then they are posted on the notice board outside the village shop prior to the next parish council meeting.
There were four members of the public present at the October meeting of the Old Buckenham Parish Council and there were no apologies for absence from the council members.
Minutes of the May, June and July meetings were all agreed to be true and accurate records of the meetings. One item from the meeting in May was to be put on the November agenda.
Concerning the minutes of the September meeting, Carol Marshall said that under section 8 it should read "property two doors down" (not at the property). With this amendment the minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the September minutes. Tim Ing said that he had a quote for the benches for the Green at a cost of £190 plus VAT for each bench which are made from recycled materials. Also an application had been made to Old Buckenham 2000 Trust for a grant. The council hoped to put four benches on the Green. He also said that he had attended the presentation with Norman Cawston to receive the award for being runner up in a community award scheme. The prize included £40 in garden centre vouchers.
The Green. Tim Ing said there was a Green Rights Meeting being held on Tuesday 6 October and he would be attending. Carol Marshall asked that tree management on the Green be raised at the meeting as the trees were getting untidy.
Planning applications. Homestead, The Green. Rear extension. No objections from parish council (agreed with 8 for and 1 abstention).
Southview, Fen Street. Erection of oak frame 2 storey cart lodge with playroom above. Matters to be put on the November agenda and the parish clerk to arrange an extension with Breckland.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said the Breckland Council Policy Core Strategy had been approved as “sound” by the Government Inspectors. The Strategy is expected to come into force in January 2010. The Local Development Framework Task and Finish group has started to look at site specifics. They recently looked at Watton and East Harling and Old Buckenham will be looked at in the New Year under Settlement Boundaries. Attleborough Town Council is considering introducing parking charges in the town. Members of the public were encouraged to attend a meeting about this at Connaught Hall in mid-October. Breckland’s planning applications will be live on Breckland’s website from Tuesday 27 October. The public will be able to view planning applications online as well as the comments made by parish councils and members of the public. Cotman have submitted their grant application for the new houses in St Andrews Close and are waiting a decision.
Parish Councillors' reports. Stephen Thorley attended the Attleborough Task Force meeting in September along with Adrian Joel. The objective of the task force is to facilitate the area-based and multi-agency working in Attleborough to get together the public and local community groups to discuss and implement possible improvements for the area. At the September meeting Breckland ‘s Principal Planning Policy officer raised the points that 4000 new homes had been agreed for the Attleborough/Snetterton corridor area and this could create 2,000 jobs but is dependant on the outcome on the Core Strategy report which was with the Government inspectors and their report is due early November. They will also offer a view whether the preferred option of development south of the railway line is the best way forward, or whether land north of the A11 will be included. Also being considered is whether the Snetterton aspect of the development is deliverable. The Parish Council’s watching brief will include the areas of Infrastructure, Services and Recreation and Leisure. Stephen Thorley will report back after the next scheduled meeting in early November.
Adrian Joel said the hedge at Castle Hill needs to be cut back, parish clerk to arrange. He also said that he had written to the Chairman suggesting inviting the new temporary Headmaster to a meeting. Councillors suggested waiting till a permanent appointment had been made at the school. Liz Taylor said that a recent garage sale for the recreation area had raised £415.02 and that Robert and Denise Ziman had donated £50. She thanked all who had taken part in the fund raising and suggested that the recreation area needed to have its own cheque book.
KerryTalbot said the play area site is now cleared and levelling was due to start in the next week. They have applied to Breckland Council for up front funding but they need a letter of support from the Parish Council showing the support and confirming a contribution of £3,900 (the parish clerk to arrange). They had received funding of £5000 from the Grassroots Foundation and total funding at the bank now stood at £16,388.
Norman Cawston said a trustee was needed to sit on the Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities. Adrian Joel agreed to serve for the three-year period.
Clerk’s report. The clerk informed meeting that he had written to Zurich Insurance to get cover for the new fence at the recreation area and obtaining public liability cover for the area. He had also received a letter from Government auditors on the accounts for 2008/9. He had agreed that the accounts would be with them by early October. Breckland Council was holding an Open Forum evening for parish councillors on Thursday 29 October and councillors were invited.
Freedom of Information Act Model Publication Scheme. The parish clerk had produced a Model Publication Scheme which showed how members of the public could obtain information from the Parish Council under the Freedom of Information Act. It was agreed unanimously that it be adopted by the Parish Council,
Transfer of funds to Special Reserves. The parish clerk said that he wished to simplify the funds held by the Parish Council so that they could be easily identified for future purposes in the accounts.
It was unanimously agreed to transfer £962.92 from general funds to Old Buckenham United Eleemosynary Charities. To transfer from general funds to Old Buckenham Just Play £16,388.60. To transfer £3,089.04 from general funds to Old Buckenham Parish Council (Recreation Project). It was also agreed that the project name be changed and for the working party to have their own cheque book account with a minimum of two authorised signatories.
Parish Council accounts. The parish clerk said he had produced a set of amended accounts for the year ending March 2009. It was agreed unanimously that they be adopted and forwarded to government auditors. The parish clerk said that following the departure of the previous Internal Auditor Robert Ziman, he had a replacement available who was a Mrs Carole Porter.
Saturday 31 October 2009
And did those feet in ancient times?
The shoes of Norwich
Old Buckenham WI’s speaker for their October meeting was Barbara Miller who gave a fascinating talk and slide show about the history of footwear from the earliest times to the present day. She illustrated her talk by showing us that even in prehistoric times man always wore a primitive form of foot covering made of animal skin stuffed with moss grass. Early man learnt the ability to treat leather so making it more supple to work with and to wear. The Greeks wore sandals and the Romans wore what we now call “flipflops”. Shoe fashions evolved over the years and it was not until Elizabethan times that shoes were made with a left and a right foot. Until then shoes were made in exactly the same shape with no difference between the left and the right. In France, Marie Antoinette led the fashion in having shaped heels for the first time.
There had been a flourishing shoe trade in Norwich and this of course no longer exists. In l792 a James Smith (a local leather merchant) conceived the idea of making up stocks of boots of different sizes, rather than each customer giving an order he could now select from stock. Other prominent names in the Norwich shoe industry were James Southwell, David Soman, Henry Sexton, Henry Holmes and George White of Norvic. In the 1970’s almost every High Street had a Norvic shop.
For various reasons, the Norwich shoe industry fell into decline and at the present time only Start-rite and Van Dal have a presence in the city. These brands of shoes are no longer made in Norwich - they merely have a marketing and sales role in the city. Barbara Miller was thanked for her excellent talk by Barbara Stone.
The October meeting was the 42nd anniversary of the formation of Old Buckenham WI and the event was celebrated with a glass of wine and a slice of cake made and decorated by fellow member, Jean Wade.
Barbara Ives then gave a report on the recent Autumn Council Meeting that she had attended, with all the relevant information about what is happening in the county. She was pleased to inform the members that Old Buckenham WI had won a prize for their entry in the county Food Waste campaign.
Members were reminded about the forthcoming Flower Festival in Quidenham Church from Friday 4 to Monday 7 December in memory of past member, Rosemary Leeder.
Susan Hunter congratulated the team which had won the recent Village Quiz. She also said that the WI had been pleased to take part in the recent Village Garage Sale. Members were also brought up-to-date on the planned village hall kitchen refurbishment.
Old Buckenham WI’s speaker for their October meeting was Barbara Miller who gave a fascinating talk and slide show about the history of footwear from the earliest times to the present day. She illustrated her talk by showing us that even in prehistoric times man always wore a primitive form of foot covering made of animal skin stuffed with moss grass. Early man learnt the ability to treat leather so making it more supple to work with and to wear. The Greeks wore sandals and the Romans wore what we now call “flipflops”. Shoe fashions evolved over the years and it was not until Elizabethan times that shoes were made with a left and a right foot. Until then shoes were made in exactly the same shape with no difference between the left and the right. In France, Marie Antoinette led the fashion in having shaped heels for the first time.
There had been a flourishing shoe trade in Norwich and this of course no longer exists. In l792 a James Smith (a local leather merchant) conceived the idea of making up stocks of boots of different sizes, rather than each customer giving an order he could now select from stock. Other prominent names in the Norwich shoe industry were James Southwell, David Soman, Henry Sexton, Henry Holmes and George White of Norvic. In the 1970’s almost every High Street had a Norvic shop.
For various reasons, the Norwich shoe industry fell into decline and at the present time only Start-rite and Van Dal have a presence in the city. These brands of shoes are no longer made in Norwich - they merely have a marketing and sales role in the city. Barbara Miller was thanked for her excellent talk by Barbara Stone.
The October meeting was the 42nd anniversary of the formation of Old Buckenham WI and the event was celebrated with a glass of wine and a slice of cake made and decorated by fellow member, Jean Wade.
Barbara Ives then gave a report on the recent Autumn Council Meeting that she had attended, with all the relevant information about what is happening in the county. She was pleased to inform the members that Old Buckenham WI had won a prize for their entry in the county Food Waste campaign.
Members were reminded about the forthcoming Flower Festival in Quidenham Church from Friday 4 to Monday 7 December in memory of past member, Rosemary Leeder.
Susan Hunter congratulated the team which had won the recent Village Quiz. She also said that the WI had been pleased to take part in the recent Village Garage Sale. Members were also brought up-to-date on the planned village hall kitchen refurbishment.
Friday 30 October 2009
Plenty of November events
Diary dates for November
Sunday 1 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 2 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 3 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 4 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 5 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 5 Flower Club trip to Cambridge
Friday 6 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 8 Remembrance service at war memorial, 2.30pm
Monday 9 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 11 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 11 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 7.30pm
Thursday 12 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 12 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 13 Netgamers, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Friday 13 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 3.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 15 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 16 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 18 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 20 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Saturday 21 Family portraits, Memorial Room, Village Hall, from 10am
Saturday 21 Christmas bingo, Church Rooms, 2.30pm
Wednesday 25 Luncheon Club outing
Thursday 26 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 30 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Sunday 1 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 2 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 3 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 4 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 5 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 5 Flower Club trip to Cambridge
Friday 6 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 8 Remembrance service at war memorial, 2.30pm
Monday 9 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 11 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 11 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 7.30pm
Thursday 12 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 12 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 13 Netgamers, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Friday 13 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 Masque of the Red Death, High School, 3.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 15 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 16 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 18 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 20 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Saturday 21 Family portraits, Memorial Room, Village Hall, from 10am
Saturday 21 Christmas bingo, Church Rooms, 2.30pm
Wednesday 25 Luncheon Club outing
Thursday 26 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 30 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Thursday 29 October 2009
Unexpected lump
Concrete problem at play area
Removing this unexpected find is not proving to be child's play.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Red Death to hit local school
Masque of the Red Death
The stories of Edgar Allen Poe have been tingling spines and chilling the blood for over 100 years. They have formed the basis of cinema and theatre works and even inspired at least three rock albums.
After seeing the sell-out stage production at London’?s Battersea Arts Centre last year, Head of Performing Arts at Old Buckenham High School, Hugh Lynch, together with Head of Music Tom Hilton, set out to bring Poe’s story ‘Masque of the Red Death to the stage of the High School – this time, though, as a musical.
Hugh and Tom have already devised musicals for the school but ‘Masque’ is their most ambitious project yet. Poe’s original story is a mere five pages long; from it, the team have created a two-hour show with scares and songs. The basic plot concerns a feast thrown by an Italian Prince at his castle, he and his friends celebrating while death stalks the surrounding area in the form of a plague known as ‘The Red Death’.
All in all, the show will be unlike anything OBHS has attempted before. Why not go along to one of the performances?
Wednesday 11 November at 7.30 pm. (preview). Tickets £3 on the door.
Friday 13 November at 7.30 pm, Saturday 14 November at 3.30 pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance and £6 on the door.
Get your tickets from the High School, just ring 01953 860233.
The stories of Edgar Allen Poe have been tingling spines and chilling the blood for over 100 years. They have formed the basis of cinema and theatre works and even inspired at least three rock albums.
After seeing the sell-out stage production at London’?s Battersea Arts Centre last year, Head of Performing Arts at Old Buckenham High School, Hugh Lynch, together with Head of Music Tom Hilton, set out to bring Poe’s story ‘Masque of the Red Death to the stage of the High School – this time, though, as a musical.
Hugh and Tom have already devised musicals for the school but ‘Masque’ is their most ambitious project yet. Poe’s original story is a mere five pages long; from it, the team have created a two-hour show with scares and songs. The basic plot concerns a feast thrown by an Italian Prince at his castle, he and his friends celebrating while death stalks the surrounding area in the form of a plague known as ‘The Red Death’.
All in all, the show will be unlike anything OBHS has attempted before. Why not go along to one of the performances?
Wednesday 11 November at 7.30 pm. (preview). Tickets £3 on the door.
Friday 13 November at 7.30 pm, Saturday 14 November at 3.30 pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance and £6 on the door.
Get your tickets from the High School, just ring 01953 860233.
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Good news for village hall
Council says yes
A member of the Old Buckenham Village Hall Management Committee has done a short report on the Breckland District Council meeting held today [27th October 2009] at Dereham.
Item 4 of agenda: Breckland Council Grant Funding.
Bullet points:
The Chairman welcomed the representation from Old Buckenham which included ladies from organisations within Old Buckenham, desperate to see the kitchen in the Village Hall extended to allow additional membership and improved catering.
The District Councillor, Adrian Joel spoke of the need for the necessary work to be carried out, in addition to the application under the Breckland match funding scheme for grant funding amounting to £10,000.
The Chairman of the meeting congratulated the community of Old Buckenham in raising a third of the cost of the extension and refurbishment and, from the chair, recommended to Members that the application to be granted which was unanimously supported. A grant of £10,000 or 29% of total project cost, whichever is the lower, was approved. The estimated cost of the project is £34,979.
The financial support of the Big Lottery, Norfolk Foundation, Old Buckenham Parish Council, Old Buckenham Trust 2000, and Six villages Newsletter, together with Village Hall funds will now finances the project 100%, with work commencing in February next year.
The Committee of the Village Hall appreciate the support of the community, who overwhelmingly backed the project in the Village Action Plan of 2002. The involvement and support of our Member of Parliament, Christopher Fraser, has been an inspiration.
Item 4 of agenda: Breckland Council Grant Funding.
Bullet points:
The Chairman welcomed the representation from Old Buckenham which included ladies from organisations within Old Buckenham, desperate to see the kitchen in the Village Hall extended to allow additional membership and improved catering.
The District Councillor, Adrian Joel spoke of the need for the necessary work to be carried out, in addition to the application under the Breckland match funding scheme for grant funding amounting to £10,000.
The Chairman of the meeting congratulated the community of Old Buckenham in raising a third of the cost of the extension and refurbishment and, from the chair, recommended to Members that the application to be granted which was unanimously supported. A grant of £10,000 or 29% of total project cost, whichever is the lower, was approved. The estimated cost of the project is £34,979.
The financial support of the Big Lottery, Norfolk Foundation, Old Buckenham Parish Council, Old Buckenham Trust 2000, and Six villages Newsletter, together with Village Hall funds will now finances the project 100%, with work commencing in February next year.
The Committee of the Village Hall appreciate the support of the community, who overwhelmingly backed the project in the Village Action Plan of 2002. The involvement and support of our Member of Parliament, Christopher Fraser, has been an inspiration.
Monday 26 October 2009
Another newsletter to read
Get your copy
The November issue is out and about now. You should be able to pick up a copy from the village shop, the two village pubs, All Saints Church and the Clinic on the Green.
And two of these locations can be seen in the photo on the front cover...
Saturday 24 October 2009
Preparing the ground
Digging for victory?
It has been a case of clearing the surface of the play area so that it can be prepared ready for grass seed to be sown this autumn. Volunteers have been hard at work these last few days.
Friday 23 October 2009
Now in the store cupboard
Primary School Harvest Festival
The members of Old Buckenham Luncheon Club would like to say a sincere thank you to the pupils, parents and staff of the Primary School for their generous contribution of the items received at the school's recent Harvest Festival service. This gesture is very much appreciated by the members and the goods have been put in the Club's store cupboard for use in the coming months.
The members of Old Buckenham Luncheon Club would like to say a sincere thank you to the pupils, parents and staff of the Primary School for their generous contribution of the items received at the school's recent Harvest Festival service. This gesture is very much appreciated by the members and the goods have been put in the Club's store cupboard for use in the coming months.
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Looking at our past
About the archive evening
On Saturday 13 March 2010 a speaker from the East Anglian Film Archive has been booked for an event at the Village Hall. It is proposed to combine this with exhibitions in the Memorial Room at the Hall of photos and memorabilia of Old Buckenham and the surrounding area. If you or your village organisation would like to exhibit photos or papers then please contact Alison on 860692.
The proceeds from the evening will be divided between All Saints Church and the Village Hall.
On Saturday 13 March 2010 a speaker from the East Anglian Film Archive has been booked for an event at the Village Hall. It is proposed to combine this with exhibitions in the Memorial Room at the Hall of photos and memorabilia of Old Buckenham and the surrounding area. If you or your village organisation would like to exhibit photos or papers then please contact Alison on 860692.
The proceeds from the evening will be divided between All Saints Church and the Village Hall.
Sunday 18 October 2009
And the results were...
Quiz comes alive again
There was plenty of friendly rivalry at the Village Hall on Friday 16 October when the village quiz was well supported with thirteen teams taking part. The Wobblers had won the right to provide the questions and the organisation on the night by being the winners of the last quiz.
There were eight rounds, each of ten questions, on a variety of subjects ranging from sport, the arts and, of course, pot luck. At half time the team from the village Social and Wine Circle (appropriately known as the “Winos”) had a narrow lead but had used their joker in the first round. The interval was spent working out cryptic clues to the names of various birds and then it was back to the quiz proper for four more rounds.
While the prizes were distributed from a rather large raffle, the organisers were working out the final scores. In the bird quiz the Winos were third, Maggie’s Mob were second and the team from All Saints Church won the small prizes awarded for this part of the evening’s entertainment.
The results were very close in the main quiz when the results were announced. A team with the name “Bowled Over” collected the booby prize but at the top only two points separated the top four teams. The Winos and the Harling Bucks had 62 points, POPPs were second with 63 points and the Women’s Institute team (Doris Monkhouse, Barbara Stone, Barbara Frost and Mary Nicholls) won with 64 points. This was an 'under-strength' WI team who managed to disobey their president’s instructions by winning the cup and also the privilege of running the next quiz in 2010.
There were a satisfying number of teams taking part (nearly twice as many as at the last village quiz) which made this a very pleasant evening and which hopefully also raised some useful funds for the Village Hall.
There was plenty of friendly rivalry at the Village Hall on Friday 16 October when the village quiz was well supported with thirteen teams taking part. The Wobblers had won the right to provide the questions and the organisation on the night by being the winners of the last quiz.
There were eight rounds, each of ten questions, on a variety of subjects ranging from sport, the arts and, of course, pot luck. At half time the team from the village Social and Wine Circle (appropriately known as the “Winos”) had a narrow lead but had used their joker in the first round. The interval was spent working out cryptic clues to the names of various birds and then it was back to the quiz proper for four more rounds.
While the prizes were distributed from a rather large raffle, the organisers were working out the final scores. In the bird quiz the Winos were third, Maggie’s Mob were second and the team from All Saints Church won the small prizes awarded for this part of the evening’s entertainment.
The results were very close in the main quiz when the results were announced. A team with the name “Bowled Over” collected the booby prize but at the top only two points separated the top four teams. The Winos and the Harling Bucks had 62 points, POPPs were second with 63 points and the Women’s Institute team (Doris Monkhouse, Barbara Stone, Barbara Frost and Mary Nicholls) won with 64 points. This was an 'under-strength' WI team who managed to disobey their president’s instructions by winning the cup and also the privilege of running the next quiz in 2010.
There were a satisfying number of teams taking part (nearly twice as many as at the last village quiz) which made this a very pleasant evening and which hopefully also raised some useful funds for the Village Hall.
Thursday 15 October 2009
Conservation in the churchyard
Churchyard clearing and tidying
In 2008, Norfolk Wildlife Trust launched a scheme in partnership with the Norfolk Probation Service to provide free, practical help in churchyards. The aim of this scheme is to encourage churches to maintain and develop areas which are actively managed for conservation, and help to benefit wildlife.
Following a successful application, the Probation Service sent a number of workers who spent three weekends working in Old Buckenham churchyard. The work included clearing neglected areas, scrub and hedge cutting and removal of ivy from some of the tombs.
It is hoped that this work will now make access more approachable and easier for the many visitors to the church in tracing past relatives.
In 2008, Norfolk Wildlife Trust launched a scheme in partnership with the Norfolk Probation Service to provide free, practical help in churchyards. The aim of this scheme is to encourage churches to maintain and develop areas which are actively managed for conservation, and help to benefit wildlife.
Following a successful application, the Probation Service sent a number of workers who spent three weekends working in Old Buckenham churchyard. The work included clearing neglected areas, scrub and hedge cutting and removal of ivy from some of the tombs.
It is hoped that this work will now make access more approachable and easier for the many visitors to the church in tracing past relatives.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Visiting gardens
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
John and Ann Bridge brought their colourful slides to the October meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall. These had been taken at some of the many gardens they have visited, showing plants in bloom throughout the year. Ann also gave helpful flower arranging tips for competition work.
The October competition results were: New hands Janet Skidmore and Margaret Smith were placed equal first and Pat Barton won the Old Hands class and was also awarded the Barbara Fisher Trophy for the best modern exhibit.
The next meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 12 November starting at 2pm when Alan Smith will be getting members into the Christmas spirit with his demonstration 'Christmas Crackers'.
The competition is for a table ring using fresh flowers and foliage - additional decorations are optional.
John and Ann Bridge brought their colourful slides to the October meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall. These had been taken at some of the many gardens they have visited, showing plants in bloom throughout the year. Ann also gave helpful flower arranging tips for competition work.
The October competition results were: New hands Janet Skidmore and Margaret Smith were placed equal first and Pat Barton won the Old Hands class and was also awarded the Barbara Fisher Trophy for the best modern exhibit.
The next meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 12 November starting at 2pm when Alan Smith will be getting members into the Christmas spirit with his demonstration 'Christmas Crackers'.
The competition is for a table ring using fresh flowers and foliage - additional decorations are optional.
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