Diary dates for December
Thursday 1 Youth meeting, Village Hall, 6.30pm
Thursday 1 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 1 Silver Band concert at Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 1 Women's Institute, Christmas meal
Friday 2 Crib drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 4 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 5 Monday Mardle, Christmas lunch
Tuesday 6 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 7 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Wednesday 7 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 8 Breckland Flower Club workshop, Village Hall, 1pm
Thursday 8 Social and Wine Circle party, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Saturday 10 Debating Society, Church Rooms, 10am
Sunday 11 Christingle service, All Saints Church, 4pm
Monday 12 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 21 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Sunday 24 Candlelit carol service, All Saints, 7pm
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Monday 28 November 2011
Last one before Christmas
December is now done, printed and ready for you to read.
Sunday 27 November 2011
Old Buckenham carol service 2011
Candlelit service overflowing?
All Saints Church, Old Buckenham, will be holding their ever popular annual candlelit service of Carols and Lessons on Christmas Eve starting at 7pm. The service will include participation by local schools, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers as well as members of the local community. The Rt Revd Dr Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, will give the Christmas message.In recent years the number of people in the congregation has increased greatly and so this year, once the church is full, it will be necessary to provide additional seating in the Church Rooms. Here people will be able to participate via a video link to the service taking place in the church.
The collection will be given to the Norwich Night Shelter.
Friday 25 November 2011
Walking with the WI
Enjoying the sunshine
Most months of the year, on the Friday morning after their monthly meeting, Old Buckenham Women's Institute organise a walk around the 'local' footpaths. Today it was based around the village of Redgrave in Suffolk.
The sun shone all morning, the footpaths were all in good condition and the group stopped at the Cross Keys pub in Redgrave for a pleasant lunch after their two hours of exercise. A very nice way to spend a Friday morning.
Wednesday 23 November 2011
What the judges decided about Old Buckenham
Pride in Norfolk 2011
The presentation ceremony took place this afternoon at County Hall and we were obviously delighted.
Winner, under 2,500 category
Old Buckenham
"The Judges felt that Old Buckenham exemplified an excellent community of this size with exceptional facilities. In every criteria we were satisfied that there was true community involvement, and the numerous and varied activities on offer were well supported.
We were also pleased to see that initiatives that had been suggested at previous judging visits (2 years ago) have now been implemented. We had no hesitation in making Old Buckenham the winner of this category."
The trouble with winning a brass plaque is that it is not easy to photograph and shows up all the fingerprints and/or reflections. So here is the best photo managed so far of what was won (it did come with a very welcome cash prize too).
The presentation ceremony took place this afternoon at County Hall and we were obviously delighted.
Winner, under 2,500 category
Old Buckenham
"The Judges felt that Old Buckenham exemplified an excellent community of this size with exceptional facilities. In every criteria we were satisfied that there was true community involvement, and the numerous and varied activities on offer were well supported.
We were also pleased to see that initiatives that had been suggested at previous judging visits (2 years ago) have now been implemented. We had no hesitation in making Old Buckenham the winner of this category."
The trouble with winning a brass plaque is that it is not easy to photograph and shows up all the fingerprints and/or reflections. So here is the best photo managed so far of what was won (it did come with a very welcome cash prize too).
Sunday 20 November 2011
Charmed by Ivor Novello
Filling the plush
Many people came along to the Old Buckenham village hall to hear all about ‘The charm of Ivor Novello’ on Saturday 19 November. There was room for many more and it is a shame that that they didn’t bestir themselves as they missed a great evening’s entertainment.
Ivor Novello could be considered as the Andrew Lloyd Webber of the 1930s, 1940s and the early 1950s. He wrote the music for all of his shows and often the lyrics as well. The productions played to full houses and made Novello a rich man. He believed in “filling the plush” which in today’s language meant getting bums on seats.
The evening was narrated by John and June Garratt who told the story of Novello’s life in words written by Richard Crawley. The narration was interspersed by performances of songs from the shows energetically sung by Susie Turner along to Annette Jude’s accompaniment. The performers were suitably dressed for the time of the songs’ popularity with Susie Turner changing dresses when appropriate. The audience were allowed to join in at times singing the choruses of ’Keep the home fires burning’ and ‘We’ll gather lilacs in the Spring again’.
The event was organised to help raise funds towards the Old Buckenham village hall lighting improvements which are expected to start in early 2012. Many people were involved in setting up the evening with the Old Buckenham Players providing the front of house staff and the Old Buckenham Women’s Institute supplying the homemade cakes that were much appreciated during the interval.
Next time such an event is put on let’s hope more village people can be convinced that they can forgo their tv programmes (they can always be recorded and watched later), come out to see a live performance and ‘fill the plush’ in the village hall.
Saturday 19 November 2011
Enjoyable lunchtime
November market
The Church Rooms were full of the usual stalls today - and the usual people turned out to spend their money to raise funds for All Saints church. There was the raffle, tombola, books, beads, cards, bric-a-brac, FairTrade goodies and, of course, those lovely dishes of hot homemade soups to provide you with a light lunch.
It is a shame that more people from the village didn’t stroll across to the Church Rooms to see what was available but, just the same, a total of £603 was raised and an enjoyable time was had in the process.
Friday 18 November 2011
Our local history
Working locally
‘Working life in Attleborough’ was the title of the talk given by Cliff Amos to the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle at their November meeting. Cliff Amos is the chairman of Attleborough Heritage Group and was able to show a wide selection of old photos of life over the last 150 years in Attleborough and the surrounding villages.
There were images of farming through the ages including harvest time, pigs, sheep being dipped, turkeys being fattened up and timber sawing. The local shops were pictured such as the butchers and International Stores. The opening of the railway station led to big changes with a busy goods yard bringing in coal and the post while allowing Gaymers cider to be delivered all over the country.
Even more photos showed the gas works, Dingles garage, the police, the fire brigade, the local ambulance and the staff that worked at Wayland hospital.
There was plenty of feedback from the audience, many of whom had their own memories brought back by scenes that were normal to them in their childhood.
The talk had been preceded by a short AGM where it was pointed out that although the accounts showed a very small loss for 2011, the meeting fee of £1 would remain the same for the forthcoming year. David Sallnow was re-elected chairman as were the committee members (Brian Stone, Peter Warren and Alistair Monkhouse).
‘Working life in Attleborough’ was the title of the talk given by Cliff Amos to the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle at their November meeting. Cliff Amos is the chairman of Attleborough Heritage Group and was able to show a wide selection of old photos of life over the last 150 years in Attleborough and the surrounding villages.
There were images of farming through the ages including harvest time, pigs, sheep being dipped, turkeys being fattened up and timber sawing. The local shops were pictured such as the butchers and International Stores. The opening of the railway station led to big changes with a busy goods yard bringing in coal and the post while allowing Gaymers cider to be delivered all over the country.
Even more photos showed the gas works, Dingles garage, the police, the fire brigade, the local ambulance and the staff that worked at Wayland hospital.
There was plenty of feedback from the audience, many of whom had their own memories brought back by scenes that were normal to them in their childhood.
The talk had been preceded by a short AGM where it was pointed out that although the accounts showed a very small loss for 2011, the meeting fee of £1 would remain the same for the forthcoming year. David Sallnow was re-elected chairman as were the committee members (Brian Stone, Peter Warren and Alistair Monkhouse).
Thursday 17 November 2011
Just more than last year
Poppy collection
It was another successful village poppy collection, a gross total of £1102.52 was donated by the inhabitants of Old Buckenham.This was an improvement on last year by the princely sum of 27 pence.
This was a valiant collection by a dwindling number of collectors. The remaining collectors buckled round and every house was visited (if you were out at the time hopefully you donated at one of the static collection points at the village shop, the pubs, schools or at the airfield). Thank you all for your generosity and a huge “thank you” to all of the collectors, without whom this collection would not be possible.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
Somethings for Saturday
Market and music
Make the best of your weekend by participating in two fund-raising events.
Come to the Old Buckenham Church Rooms at 11am for the November Market arranged by members of All Saints Church. Ideal for a light lunch from noon, nice homemade soups on the menu.
Then spend the evening in Old Buckenham village hall and be charmed by the music of Ivor Novello (and more refreshments).
Just click on the poster images to read all the details.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Beauty and the beast
The panto is coming
Old Buckenham Players will be performing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ by Ron Nicol, a classic retelling of the traditional 18th century fairy tale, in Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 January starting at 7.30 pm with a special matinee on Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £6 (or £4 for the under 14s) and will be available in December from Old Buckenham Stores, Nuts ‘n’ Bolts in Attleborough or by phoning 01603 810373.
Monday 14 November 2011
Remembrance Sunday
Old Buckenham remembered
There were two services in Old Buckenham on Remembrance Sunday 13 November. The weather was bright and sunny all day which meant that a few hundred people gathered at Old Buckenham Airfield for a short service at their war memorial. A representative of USAF Lakenfield was amongst those who laid wreaths, a poignant reminder that although the 453rd Bombardment Group was only operational there for eighteen months, 366 aircrew lost their lives. A flypast of two planes from the last World War brought the service to a close and those attending could look around at the American vehicles and classic cars that were lined up for all to see.
In early afternoon there was the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial on Old Buckenham Green. The last post was sounded for the second time during the day and representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Parish Council, the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts came forward to lay their wreaths while many villagers looked on.
Sunday 13 November 2011
Using renewable sources
Energy explained
Over thirty people gathered at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Saturday 12 November to learn about the various ways that they could use renewable energy systems for their own houses or for community schemes. The event had been organised by the Village Environment and Recycling Group (VERG). Breckland Council were represented and providing general energy saving advice while two commercial suppliers were there to answer questions.
Much of the morning was then taken up by a presentation by Damien Baker of RenEnergy who gave a non-commercial talk covering many of the systems available such as photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and wind turbines. Each was explained in basic terms, the pros and cons of each being pointed out. The importance of designing any system to the individual building properties was stressed and the financial outlay and potential monetary feedback explained.
There were plenty of questions from the audience to keep the speaker busy and discussions were continuing well after the event had theoretically come to an end.
Saturday 12 November 2011
More arranging
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
More than 60 members and guests enjoyed a lively demonstration by Brenda Tubb at the November meeting. Her superb designs started everyone thinking of Christmas as they included baubles and a hint of glitter as well as a wonderful selection of foliage (some courtesy of a supermarket gardener) and roses of different shades. She also regaled us with tales from the days when she worked in a florists and of her husband’s efforts at soupmaking.
The competition entitled 'Advent' was won by Shirley Penfold in the Old Hands class and Janet Skidmore in the New Hands class. Janet also won the monthly cup for best use of garden plant material.
The table show was won by Shirley Penfold by half a point.
The meeting on Thursday 8 December at Old Buckenham Village Hall will start at 1pm for the workshop. Those attending should please bring a table cover and rubbish bag, scissors/secateurs, a dozen 2 inch ivy leaves and no more than a handful of cupressus - all other ingredients will be provided (free of charge). There will be afternoon tea so also bring a small plate of cakes.
The competition title is 'The Christmas Story' and for the table show it is 'Three stems of seasonal foliage'.
The first meeting of 2012 will be at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 12 January starting at 2pm. The demonstration will be by 'the girls' with the the title ‘What's in the Box'. The monthly competition is for an arrangement entitled 'Winter Box of Delights' and the table show will be for a photograph of winter colour.
Visitors are always made welcome, further details from Pat on 457305 or Sally 788712.
Friday 11 November 2011
Silver Band performance
Concert at Methodist Chapel
The New Buckenham Silver Band will be in concert at the Old Buckenham Methodist Church on Thursday 1 December starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Come along and get in the Christmas spirit, a warm welcome awaits everyone.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Councillors' discussions
November’s Parish Council meeting
The following notes have been prepared from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at the next meeting.
Peter Whear, headteacher of Old Buckenham High School, and Darryl Smith, Principal Housing Officer at Breckland Council, attended as well as two members of the public. There were no apologies for non-attendance.
Minutes of the October Parish Council meeting. A amendment was made in the Parish Councillors’ reports to change Attleborough Council to read Breckland Council. With this amendment they were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Minutes of the Precept meeting in October. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Old Buckenham High School. Peter Whear, headteacher, gave an update of the school in which he said they had received an excellent OFSTED report and have achieved sporting academy status. Improvements to the school accommodation have taken place and are continuing to do so. Achievements at the school continue to rise including sporting and musical activities. Carol Marshall asked what sporting activities they have planned so the recreation area does not duplicate. Peter Whear responded with information that funding had been greatly reduced and this required a complete reassessment of what they could do. Lots of indoor sports are carried out in the school working with the local community. Akis Chrisovelides asked how many students were at the school. He was informed there were 598 and that the school has a school council ensuring representation of the students. Akis Chrisovelides said that it was hoped that the Parish Council would be involving young people in what happens in the village and he hoped the Parish Council and the school could work together on this. Peter Whear agreed to meet to discuss this matter. Sarah Dye asked how the school could be at the heart of the community and Peter Whear gave a response. Carol Marshall raised the question of the tennis courts being used by the village and Peter Whear said he hoped they could reach an agreement on this. Adrian Joel raised the problem of parking and Peter Whear said he had no problem with the school parking facilities being used, subject to an agreement. Derek Smalley raised the matter of the Attleborough Development Plan and how the school would fit into this and would a sixth form be created at the school. Peter Whear said he was currently talking to headteachers of other schools in the area on this matter but he felt there was no real clarification in the plan on the matter. Tom Johnson raised concerns on the expansion and that Old Buckenham may have to take up some of the overflow of pupils. Tim Ing thanked Peter Whear for attending the meeting.
New development in Old Buckenham. Mrs Darryl Smith of Breckland Council said she had responsibility for housing development within the Breckland Area. Breckland Council had been approached by developers with ideas for development in Old Buckenham. She said that planning concepts were changing and there was a move by Government to encourage developments. She asked for the Parish Council’s views on future development in the village. She said that the Localism Bill and the National Planning Framework would bring forward changes which will give greater opportunities for local councils to be more involved in the decision process. Various councillors asked questions and concerns to which Darryl Smith responded. Tim Ing said that the Parish Council would have to think on the matter and discuss it in more detail at a future meeting and he thanked Darryl Smith for attending.
Recreation area. Jonathan Kemp raised the question of the Norfolk Village Games and had spoken to Breckland Council on the matter. He hoped the Recreation Area working party would be preparing a list of events which would then be advertised and that Breckland would assist in this. Jonathan Kemp would look into how many sporting groups there actually were in the village. Carol Marshall said that a grant application had been submitted for two litter bins for the recreation area.
Policy procedures. Three documents had been drawn up by the parish clerk covering Grievance Procedure Policy, Disciplinary Procedure Policy and Equal Opportunity Policy. It was agreed that these documents should be adopted and this was agreed unanimously.
Grit bins. The Parish Clerk informed the meeting that he had sufficient funds to purchase two grit bins from this year’s budget and he had ordered them. They will be located at St Andrews Close and at Hargham Road near the Almshouses. The Parish Clerk will inform Norfolk County Council Highways of their location.
Planning applications. 32 Hargham Road, installation of source heat pump. It was agreed to object to this on grounds of being too near the neighbouring property and suggest movement of the unit further from property boundary.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Repair to Old Buckenham Mill, permission granted.
32 Hargham Road, installation of air source heat pump. Permission refused.
Old School House, erection of solar panels. Permission granted.
Ox & Plough, various signage. Permission granted.
Twitchers Cottage, Stacksford, erection of mobile home for use of as an annexe. Permission granted.
Eel Farm, Fen Road. Removal of condition 8 of previous planning application concerning occupation of annexe and new garage block and alterations. Permission refused.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing said he and Adrian Joel had attended the Town and Parish Council Forum meeting at Breckland Council offices where issues relating to Town and Parish Councils were discussed and that things would be coming down the line. Tim Ing asked if there had been any progress in finding a suitable site for village archives. Paul Boggia replied that nowhere had yet been found.
District Councillor's report. Adrian Joel said the One Stop Bus service had been funded up to September 2011 by the Breckland Partnership. It had brought services and IT training to rural villages but with the end of funding the service would stop from November. The Overview and Scrutiny Commission have been asked to look at alternative and more cost effective way of providing a similar service. He then said Breckland Council is providing a one-off funding to assist groups to stage goodwill events over Christmas period under the banner of The Pride of Breckland 12 Days of Christmas giving scheme. Grants of £100 are available but application forms had to be submitted to Stephan Clifford of Breckland Council by Friday 11 November.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Carol Marshall informed the meeting there was a renewable energy event being held at the Village Hall on Saturday 12 November at 10.30am. Adrian Joel said the allotment renewable agreements had been sent out and only two tenants had not yet replied. He would contact them. One new tenant has taken over a vacant plot. He then raised the matter of the Remembrance Service being held at the war memorial this month, Paul Boggia is to lay a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council. Adrian Joel raised the matter of insurance for the war memorial. The Parish Clerk said that he had spoken to Gerry Norton of the War Memorial Trust and informed him that a grant may be available for insurance. Tim Ing said the water at the allotments would be turned off soon to enable a meter reading to be taken so bills for usage could be sent out to allotment holders. Tom Johnson said that a tree had fallen on the Green recently near the war memorial and asked who would be responsible in this instance if damage had occurred. He was informed that it would have been the responsibility of the Green Right Proprietors. Akis Chrisovelides said there would be a meeting for young people in the Village Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday 1 December and that he would arrange publicity for the meeting. Tom Johnson said he and Adrian Joel had attended a meeting of the Attleborough Task Force and said that things were moving forward and the Parish Council's views are being considered. Paul Boggia said that he attended a meeting in October organised by Breckland Council in relation to celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. He said it was a useful meeting and very informative with lots of suggestions for events. John Frost said that All Saints Church would be holding a service on the day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He then said the church has to have a surveyor’s report every five years and the latest one found the church tower to be in a dangerous condition and the base of the tower will be cordoned off in future. Also on there will be a service at the church on Christmas Eve and it is hoped a screen will be used to allow any overflow to watch the service in the Church Rooms. He asked for a volunteer to read the service on Christmas Eve and Tim Ing said he would do this. Derek Smalley will be attending a meeting of Homewatch in Attleborough in November and he also raised the matter of Jubilee Woods but Adrian Joel said no land had been found in the village to create such a wood.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk explained the procedures that had to be followed after the resignation of a parish councillor. He said there are two people who wished to be considered to be co-opted on to the Parish Council. Councillors would vote on the matter of whom is co opted at the December meeting.
Highways. It was reported that a tree was down in Hargham Road between Leys Lane and Burroughs Farm. The Clerk to speak to Highways on the matter.
The Green. Sarah Dye said that no date had yet been agreed for the next meeting of the Green Right Proprietors.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 1 December at the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
The following notes have been prepared from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at the next meeting.
Peter Whear, headteacher of Old Buckenham High School, and Darryl Smith, Principal Housing Officer at Breckland Council, attended as well as two members of the public. There were no apologies for non-attendance.
Minutes of the October Parish Council meeting. A amendment was made in the Parish Councillors’ reports to change Attleborough Council to read Breckland Council. With this amendment they were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Minutes of the Precept meeting in October. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Old Buckenham High School. Peter Whear, headteacher, gave an update of the school in which he said they had received an excellent OFSTED report and have achieved sporting academy status. Improvements to the school accommodation have taken place and are continuing to do so. Achievements at the school continue to rise including sporting and musical activities. Carol Marshall asked what sporting activities they have planned so the recreation area does not duplicate. Peter Whear responded with information that funding had been greatly reduced and this required a complete reassessment of what they could do. Lots of indoor sports are carried out in the school working with the local community. Akis Chrisovelides asked how many students were at the school. He was informed there were 598 and that the school has a school council ensuring representation of the students. Akis Chrisovelides said that it was hoped that the Parish Council would be involving young people in what happens in the village and he hoped the Parish Council and the school could work together on this. Peter Whear agreed to meet to discuss this matter. Sarah Dye asked how the school could be at the heart of the community and Peter Whear gave a response. Carol Marshall raised the question of the tennis courts being used by the village and Peter Whear said he hoped they could reach an agreement on this. Adrian Joel raised the problem of parking and Peter Whear said he had no problem with the school parking facilities being used, subject to an agreement. Derek Smalley raised the matter of the Attleborough Development Plan and how the school would fit into this and would a sixth form be created at the school. Peter Whear said he was currently talking to headteachers of other schools in the area on this matter but he felt there was no real clarification in the plan on the matter. Tom Johnson raised concerns on the expansion and that Old Buckenham may have to take up some of the overflow of pupils. Tim Ing thanked Peter Whear for attending the meeting.
New development in Old Buckenham. Mrs Darryl Smith of Breckland Council said she had responsibility for housing development within the Breckland Area. Breckland Council had been approached by developers with ideas for development in Old Buckenham. She said that planning concepts were changing and there was a move by Government to encourage developments. She asked for the Parish Council’s views on future development in the village. She said that the Localism Bill and the National Planning Framework would bring forward changes which will give greater opportunities for local councils to be more involved in the decision process. Various councillors asked questions and concerns to which Darryl Smith responded. Tim Ing said that the Parish Council would have to think on the matter and discuss it in more detail at a future meeting and he thanked Darryl Smith for attending.
Recreation area. Jonathan Kemp raised the question of the Norfolk Village Games and had spoken to Breckland Council on the matter. He hoped the Recreation Area working party would be preparing a list of events which would then be advertised and that Breckland would assist in this. Jonathan Kemp would look into how many sporting groups there actually were in the village. Carol Marshall said that a grant application had been submitted for two litter bins for the recreation area.
Policy procedures. Three documents had been drawn up by the parish clerk covering Grievance Procedure Policy, Disciplinary Procedure Policy and Equal Opportunity Policy. It was agreed that these documents should be adopted and this was agreed unanimously.
Grit bins. The Parish Clerk informed the meeting that he had sufficient funds to purchase two grit bins from this year’s budget and he had ordered them. They will be located at St Andrews Close and at Hargham Road near the Almshouses. The Parish Clerk will inform Norfolk County Council Highways of their location.
Planning applications. 32 Hargham Road, installation of source heat pump. It was agreed to object to this on grounds of being too near the neighbouring property and suggest movement of the unit further from property boundary.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Repair to Old Buckenham Mill, permission granted.
32 Hargham Road, installation of air source heat pump. Permission refused.
Old School House, erection of solar panels. Permission granted.
Ox & Plough, various signage. Permission granted.
Twitchers Cottage, Stacksford, erection of mobile home for use of as an annexe. Permission granted.
Eel Farm, Fen Road. Removal of condition 8 of previous planning application concerning occupation of annexe and new garage block and alterations. Permission refused.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing said he and Adrian Joel had attended the Town and Parish Council Forum meeting at Breckland Council offices where issues relating to Town and Parish Councils were discussed and that things would be coming down the line. Tim Ing asked if there had been any progress in finding a suitable site for village archives. Paul Boggia replied that nowhere had yet been found.
District Councillor's report. Adrian Joel said the One Stop Bus service had been funded up to September 2011 by the Breckland Partnership. It had brought services and IT training to rural villages but with the end of funding the service would stop from November. The Overview and Scrutiny Commission have been asked to look at alternative and more cost effective way of providing a similar service. He then said Breckland Council is providing a one-off funding to assist groups to stage goodwill events over Christmas period under the banner of The Pride of Breckland 12 Days of Christmas giving scheme. Grants of £100 are available but application forms had to be submitted to Stephan Clifford of Breckland Council by Friday 11 November.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Carol Marshall informed the meeting there was a renewable energy event being held at the Village Hall on Saturday 12 November at 10.30am. Adrian Joel said the allotment renewable agreements had been sent out and only two tenants had not yet replied. He would contact them. One new tenant has taken over a vacant plot. He then raised the matter of the Remembrance Service being held at the war memorial this month, Paul Boggia is to lay a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council. Adrian Joel raised the matter of insurance for the war memorial. The Parish Clerk said that he had spoken to Gerry Norton of the War Memorial Trust and informed him that a grant may be available for insurance. Tim Ing said the water at the allotments would be turned off soon to enable a meter reading to be taken so bills for usage could be sent out to allotment holders. Tom Johnson said that a tree had fallen on the Green recently near the war memorial and asked who would be responsible in this instance if damage had occurred. He was informed that it would have been the responsibility of the Green Right Proprietors. Akis Chrisovelides said there would be a meeting for young people in the Village Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday 1 December and that he would arrange publicity for the meeting. Tom Johnson said he and Adrian Joel had attended a meeting of the Attleborough Task Force and said that things were moving forward and the Parish Council's views are being considered. Paul Boggia said that he attended a meeting in October organised by Breckland Council in relation to celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. He said it was a useful meeting and very informative with lots of suggestions for events. John Frost said that All Saints Church would be holding a service on the day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He then said the church has to have a surveyor’s report every five years and the latest one found the church tower to be in a dangerous condition and the base of the tower will be cordoned off in future. Also on there will be a service at the church on Christmas Eve and it is hoped a screen will be used to allow any overflow to watch the service in the Church Rooms. He asked for a volunteer to read the service on Christmas Eve and Tim Ing said he would do this. Derek Smalley will be attending a meeting of Homewatch in Attleborough in November and he also raised the matter of Jubilee Woods but Adrian Joel said no land had been found in the village to create such a wood.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk explained the procedures that had to be followed after the resignation of a parish councillor. He said there are two people who wished to be considered to be co-opted on to the Parish Council. Councillors would vote on the matter of whom is co opted at the December meeting.
Highways. It was reported that a tree was down in Hargham Road between Leys Lane and Burroughs Farm. The Clerk to speak to Highways on the matter.
The Green. Sarah Dye said that no date had yet been agreed for the next meeting of the Green Right Proprietors.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 1 December at the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Monday 7 November 2011
Lighting improvements nearer to reality
Village Hall news
At the November meeting of the village hall committee Sarah Dye was warmly welcomed. She proceeded to outline the possibilities of gift aiding some of the money which comes into the village hall coffers. Most of it is not able to be gift aided but some of it could be and this could provide a welcome extra small income for the hall. Sarah offered to be the gift aid co-coordinator for the hall and is going to acquire the appropriate forms from the Inland Revenue.
The Treasurer was pleased to report that the Norfolk Foundation had granted £1500 towards the new stage lighting project and Richard Crawley also reported that Breckland Council had also given a grant. This means the work to upgrade the lighting will commence early next year after the Old Buckenham Player’s pantomime.
The barn dance, which should have been held in October, had been cancelled bcause of a lack of support. The committee felt that it seemed to be an uphill struggle to come up with ideas which people would support. Anyone with ideas on what people want nowadays would be most welcome to share their ideas with the hall committee. The next fund raisers will be a quiz in March and the Garden Event in April and, of course, the Ivor Novello evening which is on Saturday 19 November (full details are given in the post on Friday 7 October).
Everyone is reminded that the village hall is available for hire from £6 per hour upwards, dependant on time of day and type of function.
At the November crib drive at the hall the winners were Joyce Goodey, Bill Cheesely, Alan Staniforth, Iris Lancaster and Muriel Large. The numbers club winners drawn at the crib drive means that £10 each goes to Bev McAnulty and the Allens with the £5 prizes being won by Bev Giles, Malcolm Wade, Gerald Norton, Jean Garwood and Berta Scott. The renewal date for the numbers club is Sunday 1 January and the committee hope that all existing members will carry on their subscriptions. There are several numbers which now have no owner so new members will be welcome. Any enquiries about the numbers club or hire of the hall can be directed to Jill on 860551.
At the November meeting of the village hall committee Sarah Dye was warmly welcomed. She proceeded to outline the possibilities of gift aiding some of the money which comes into the village hall coffers. Most of it is not able to be gift aided but some of it could be and this could provide a welcome extra small income for the hall. Sarah offered to be the gift aid co-coordinator for the hall and is going to acquire the appropriate forms from the Inland Revenue.
The Treasurer was pleased to report that the Norfolk Foundation had granted £1500 towards the new stage lighting project and Richard Crawley also reported that Breckland Council had also given a grant. This means the work to upgrade the lighting will commence early next year after the Old Buckenham Player’s pantomime.
The barn dance, which should have been held in October, had been cancelled bcause of a lack of support. The committee felt that it seemed to be an uphill struggle to come up with ideas which people would support. Anyone with ideas on what people want nowadays would be most welcome to share their ideas with the hall committee. The next fund raisers will be a quiz in March and the Garden Event in April and, of course, the Ivor Novello evening which is on Saturday 19 November (full details are given in the post on Friday 7 October).
Everyone is reminded that the village hall is available for hire from £6 per hour upwards, dependant on time of day and type of function.
At the November crib drive at the hall the winners were Joyce Goodey, Bill Cheesely, Alan Staniforth, Iris Lancaster and Muriel Large. The numbers club winners drawn at the crib drive means that £10 each goes to Bev McAnulty and the Allens with the £5 prizes being won by Bev Giles, Malcolm Wade, Gerald Norton, Jean Garwood and Berta Scott. The renewal date for the numbers club is Sunday 1 January and the committee hope that all existing members will carry on their subscriptions. There are several numbers which now have no owner so new members will be welcome. Any enquiries about the numbers club or hire of the hall can be directed to Jill on 860551.
Saturday 5 November 2011
Examination results
Getting close up
Following the quinquennial inspection of All Saints Church at Old Buckenham it became necessary to carry out a more detailed inspection of the condition of the church tower (see the pictures on the previous post on Wednesday 3 November).
This inspection revealed that the tower had succumbed to excessive weathering over the years. This has caused much of the mortar to be eroded and this has resulted in some of the flint work not now being securely fixed to the tower. Already some flints have fallen off the tower and there is a danger that many more will become detached.
To protect the public the area around the tower has been cordoned off, restricting passage around the tower and for safety reasons has become a ‘no go area’.
It is estimated that this diversion may last for the next two years. First the required remedial work will be put out to tender and then it will be necessary to make applications for grants so that the work can be completed.
Following the quinquennial inspection of All Saints Church at Old Buckenham it became necessary to carry out a more detailed inspection of the condition of the church tower (see the pictures on the previous post on Wednesday 3 November).
This inspection revealed that the tower had succumbed to excessive weathering over the years. This has caused much of the mortar to be eroded and this has resulted in some of the flint work not now being securely fixed to the tower. Already some flints have fallen off the tower and there is a danger that many more will become detached.
To protect the public the area around the tower has been cordoned off, restricting passage around the tower and for safety reasons has become a ‘no go area’.
It is estimated that this diversion may last for the next two years. First the required remedial work will be put out to tender and then it will be necessary to make applications for grants so that the work can be completed.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Up the tower
Having a close look
This week saw an examination of the fabric of All Saints Church, Old Buckenham. To get a good look at the flintwork of the octagonal tower meant a ride in the sky for those involved.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Enjoyable birthday party
Celebrate the forty-fourth
On Thursday 27 October it was time for Old Buckenham Women’s Institute to celebrate its forty-fourth birthday So husbands, friends, delegates from other local WIs and the county WI chairman were invited along to Old Buckenham Village Hall to enjoy the party. Members had been busy preparing a real finger buffet to be followed by the usual collection of mouth-watering sweets (that did need a spoon to eat them). Wine or non-alcoholic drinks were provided to wash it all down.
After the meal there was entertainment provided by members of the Old Buckenham Players with a collection of sketches that were ideal for the audience especially when they portrayed the church flower arranging group or the proposals for a forthcoming Old Buckenham WI calendar.
There was the usual large raffle and then the chance to have a piece of the beautifully iced birthday cake together with a glass of sherry.
On Thursday 27 October it was time for Old Buckenham Women’s Institute to celebrate its forty-fourth birthday So husbands, friends, delegates from other local WIs and the county WI chairman were invited along to Old Buckenham Village Hall to enjoy the party. Members had been busy preparing a real finger buffet to be followed by the usual collection of mouth-watering sweets (that did need a spoon to eat them). Wine or non-alcoholic drinks were provided to wash it all down.
After the meal there was entertainment provided by members of the Old Buckenham Players with a collection of sketches that were ideal for the audience especially when they portrayed the church flower arranging group or the proposals for a forthcoming Old Buckenham WI calendar.
There was the usual large raffle and then the chance to have a piece of the beautifully iced birthday cake together with a glass of sherry.
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