Coming soon from Old Buckenham Players
Old Buckenham Players next production will be Alan Ayckbourn’s “Comic potential”
The action of this play takes place in the near future when ‘Actoids’ have replaced human actors and one, JC- F31—333, appears to have a glitch as she keeps breaking into laughter.
JC- F31—333, or Jacie as she becomes known, has a comedy specially written for her but this just leads to jealousy especially when Jacie and the comedy writer fall in love…
The play will be performed at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May. More details later.
Saturday 31 March 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
Look what's coming
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 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 4 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Wednesday 4 Village Hall AGM, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 5 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 6 Crib drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 8 Askew Agricultural Museum, Scales Farm, 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 8 Windmill open, 2pm to 5pm
Monday 9 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Thursday 12 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 12 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Friday 13 Village Fete planning meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 13 Village Fete planning meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 Diamond Jubilee planning meeting, Village Hall, 10am
Monday 16 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 18 Luncheon Club outing
Wednesday 18 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Saturday 21 Debating Society, Church Rooms, 10am
Thursday 26 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 28 Garden event, Village Hall, 10am to 1pm
Sunday 29 RV Fly In, OB Airfield
Monday 30 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Early for April
This is the cover to look out for
All the news from Old Buckenham in that old-fashioned printed way.
Sunday 25 March 2012
Players say thank you
Around three year's ago it became obvious to Old Buckenham Players that the stage lighting equipment installed at Old Buckenham Village Hall was getting to the end of its useful (and safe) life. Now, after much fundraising, the new equipment and lighting rigs have been installed and the Players felt it was appropriate to say thank you to all those involved.
This thank you took the form of an evening's "light entertainment", provided free to all who wanted to come along and enjoy it.
After a couple of introductory speeches from the Players' chairman Laurence Barnett and from Lynda Turner (Breckland Council Member for Localism, Community and Environmental Services) to explain the background and where all the money (over £10,000) had come from, the entertainment started.
There was a mixture of short sketches, songs and 'radio plays' to enjoy over the next couple of hours. A break was taken to savour homemade cakes provided by the Old Buckenham Women's Institute and to distribute the prizes from a worthwhile raffle.
Most of the cast managed to get on stage for the final radio play "This was their finest flower", an item so full of vegetable puns that it was impossible to keep up with them.
After the final curtain, a further thank you to all involved was given by Jill Emms from the Village Hall Committee.
If there was anything disappointing about the evening it was the lack of Old Buckenham people who bothered to come along and support the event. If, as Jill Emms suggested, they had stopped at home to watch so-called talent shows on television then they certainly missed seeing some of the great talent that exists on their own doorstep.
Friday 23 March 2012
Grants from Parish Council
You need to think ahead
Any voluntary organisation within the village of Old Buckenham seeking a grant from the parish council in the next financial year (commencing 1 April 2013) needs to submit their application in writing to the Parish Clerk before Sunday 30 September this year.
Any voluntary organisation within the village of Old Buckenham seeking a grant from the parish council in the next financial year (commencing 1 April 2013) needs to submit their application in writing to the Parish Clerk before Sunday 30 September this year.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Results of the Old Buckenham quiz
Quiz statistics
There was some careful counting up of points before the winners of the village quiz held on Friday 16 March were announced as being ‘Table 7’. This turned out to be the Women’s Institute A team who had 79 points (out of a possible 110), just one point in front of ‘Table 9’. Close behind were ‘Table 10’ and ‘Table 11’, both with 75 points.
Perhaps it is better to keep the teams anonymous for those sharing last place who were teams 5 and 17, each with 51 points.
Team 10 was the only team to achieve a perfect score of 10 on a round which they managed on “It happened in 2011”. Team 20 achieved the highest score of 17 out of 20 on the word equations table quiz.
Thanks need to go to Roy and Pat for all their work in setting the questions and keeping all the scores. As mentioned in the earlier post on this quiz, one of the most important numbers for the evening was the £210 raised for village hall funds.
Sunday 18 March 2012
Frederick Duleep Singh and Old Buckenham
Hall filled for local history talk
For the second night running the Old Buckenham Village Hall was packed with people. On Saturday 17 March it was for the talk by Peter Bance on 'The Prince who lived in Old Buckenham'. There can't be many small villages in the country that can claim to have had a prince and three princesses living there at the same time.
But then Prince Frederick Duleep Singh came to live at Old Buckenham Hall in 1897 followed soon after by his three sisters, the princesses Bamba, Catherine and Sophia, at the Manor House beside Old Buckenham Green. How this all came about was all explained by Peter Bance as he gave the history of the Duleep Singh dynasty, how members of the family were forced to leave India and then came to England where they were befriended by Queen Victoria.
Frederick settled in his new home in Old Buckenham and set about improving the house and gardens. He was a keen shot and, along with his elder brother Victor, set up local records for the amount of game shot in one day. He moved on to other houses locally, first to Breckles and then to Blo' Norton where he died and is buried.
All this, and much more, was illustrated by the speaker's collection of old photographs and other family items. He answered questions from the audience and also heard their stories of Prince Frederick, even down to the wonderful handwriting he had when recording the minutes of the Old Buckenham Green Right Proprietors.
The aim of this evening's event was to raise money for the village hall funds and, with all 120 seats taken, it was successful raising over £400. The local Attleborough Heritage Group provided excellent projection facilities and the Old Buckenham Women's Institute served up wonderful homemade refreshments.
Perhaps even more important was that the audience seemed to enjoy it, probably spoke to people from the village that they had never met before and went home knowing more about their village history than they did when they arrived.
Saturday 17 March 2012
Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in Old Buckenham
Timetable of events
Saturday 2 June. Royal quiz in the evening at the Village Hall. Organised by Old Buckenham WI. Initial survey shows this event will be popular. Proposal is for teams of six, around 12 teams.
Likely cost £4.50 including fish and chips. Looking for subsidy to bring down the price
Sunday 3 June. Aircraft display and classic car rally at Old Buckenham Airfield during the afternoon. Fun fair booked as well.
Barn dance and barbeque in the evening, cost £5 (children under 12 free if with adult).
Tuesday 5 June. Outdoor service on the Green. Then at 1pm there will be a ‘bring a plate’ meal for everyone on the Green. This is expected to be on the stretch of road running from the village shop towards the almshouses. During the afternoon there will be sports activities such as a rounders match and other fun competitions on the Green.
Throughout the holiday weekend a display of heritage photographs and other items will be put on at the village hall. There will also be pub games for all at the Ox and Plough.
The Jubilee mugs have been obtained and will be distributed to the village children at the meal at Tuesday lunchtime. Other people wanting mugs will be able to buy them at £2.50 each.
A fund-raising ‘squares board’ will be organised to provide some income to subsidise events where necessary. Prizes will include a flight in the Stearman biplane from the Airfield.
It is hoped to plant a commemorative tree on the Green to celebrate the Jubilee.
The next meeting to discuss these arrangements will be on Saturday 14 April at 10am in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall.
Popular village quiz
Teams galore
Quiz mania hit Old Buckenham Village Hall last night. Twenty-five teams turned up to take part in the latest village quiz leading to some last minute photocopying to provide enough paperwork for all the teams. It was well after 11pm before the proceedings finished so the full results of event will be posted later.
One thing that can be reported is that the event raised £210 for the village hall funds.
Friday 16 March 2012
Old Buckenham Fete
Organising the 2012 fete
Nine people came along to the Village Hall on Tuesday 6 March to sort out arrangements for an Old Buckenham village fete to be held on Saturday 1 September. Other people from the village sent apologies for not being able to attend because the All Saints PCC was holding its AGM on the same evening.
Jill Emms led the meeting and agreed to take the minutes. It was realised that there was a necessity for a co-ordinator, especially on the day itself, to make sure that everything was running smoothly and it was decided to aim to have someone agree to take on this responsibility before the next fete planning meeting. Jill Emms agreed to be treasurer.
Feedback from the 2011 fete was strong, with visitors remarking on the wonderful atmosphere, and it was agreed that planning for a fete should go ahead.
In view of the uncertainties, it was agreed that some decisions should be left for the time being, particularly booking acts for the main ring.
The basic format would remain as last year, the fete taking place between 2pm and 5pm on the area in front of the village hall and on the recreation area at the back.
Car parking arrangements had generally worked well and the schools to be approached again this year.
Various suggestions were made for entertainment activities including last year’s favourites such as the Punch and Judy, Morris Men and the Dog Show with other organisations to be approached to see if they would attend.
It was expected that the majority of the village organisations would run stall as last year including the art exhibition, the barbecue and a bookstall. It was hoped to have definitive answers at the next meeting in April. Mike Bartlett agreed he would be willing to organise the Grand Draw and would appreciate help in selling the tickets around the village.
It was put forward that the proceeds of the dog show to go to the WI and the proceeds of the main fete (mostly draw money, stall fees, raffle, etc) should all go to the Village Hall.
The next meeting about the fete would be on Tuesday 3 April in the Memorial Hall starting at 7.30 pm.
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Learning something new
Crafty WI in Old Buckenham
Old Buckenham Women’s Institute ran a successful Craft Day in the Village Hall today. Nearly sixty ladies from neighbouring WIs came along to get an insight into what was probably, for them, a new craft skill. And they all went away clutching the product of their hard work, ready to go home and say “Look what I made today”.
There were five crafts being taught, embroidery on gingham, pewter work, beading, patchwork and decorating a tin. Under the watchful eye of their tutors the participants persevered and found that they could produce something that they were proud of. Several people commented on how quiet it was in the hall with everyone concentrating on learning something new.
Behind the scenes there was plenty of work going on preparing food and drink to keep everyone fed and watered throughout the day.
Old Buckenham Women's Institute
Raising a toast
At their February meeting, Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Martin Wynn as their speaker on the subject of the history and etiquette of toastmastering.
Martin told members that he had spent 32 years of his life as a police officer and the last thirteen years as a toastmaster. This is the only country in the world that employs the services of a professional toastmaster. The origins of the job went back as far as the Hebrews and Vikings and the Normans brought the custom with them when they came to Britain in 1066. There had always been a custom of proposing a toast to the good health of their companions before going into battle.
The speaker appeared resplendent in his toastmaster’s “uniform”. He outlined the importance of planning on the part of the toastmaster on each occasion when he is employed and he must use tact and diplomacy at all times. He concluded his talk with some humorous anecdotes.
Final arrangements were made at the meeting for twenty members to go on a trip to Wells-next-the-Sea in May. The local WI there will entertain the group to lunch after which there will be the opportunity for members to have a guided walk around the town and quay.
On a county level, members are being encouraged to take their cameras out and about during the next few months to enable them to compete in the photographic competition entitled ‘Norfolk Inland Waterways’. The winners’ entries will be used in the WI calendar for 2014 (the WI always likes to plan well ahead). At least two Old Buckenham members have been winners in past years so it is hoped that more of members may take up their cameras during
2012.
Forty members and friends enjoyed their annual trip to the Theatre Royal for the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society’s production of “Hello Dolly” and some members are looking to support the Dereham Operatic Society’s production of “Oklahoma” in October.
Members have a very busy few months ahead, including provision of refreshments at some village events plus of course the Jubilee celebrations in June. Work is also starting to plan the schedule of the Village Produce Show on Sunday 9 September so watch this space.
A Spring Fair will be held in the Church Rooms on Saturday 31 March and it is hoped that many villagers will go along for afternoon tea between 2pm and 4pm.
At their February meeting, Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome Martin Wynn as their speaker on the subject of the history and etiquette of toastmastering.
Martin told members that he had spent 32 years of his life as a police officer and the last thirteen years as a toastmaster. This is the only country in the world that employs the services of a professional toastmaster. The origins of the job went back as far as the Hebrews and Vikings and the Normans brought the custom with them when they came to Britain in 1066. There had always been a custom of proposing a toast to the good health of their companions before going into battle.
The speaker appeared resplendent in his toastmaster’s “uniform”. He outlined the importance of planning on the part of the toastmaster on each occasion when he is employed and he must use tact and diplomacy at all times. He concluded his talk with some humorous anecdotes.
Final arrangements were made at the meeting for twenty members to go on a trip to Wells-next-the-Sea in May. The local WI there will entertain the group to lunch after which there will be the opportunity for members to have a guided walk around the town and quay.
On a county level, members are being encouraged to take their cameras out and about during the next few months to enable them to compete in the photographic competition entitled ‘Norfolk Inland Waterways’. The winners’ entries will be used in the WI calendar for 2014 (the WI always likes to plan well ahead). At least two Old Buckenham members have been winners in past years so it is hoped that more of members may take up their cameras during
2012.
Forty members and friends enjoyed their annual trip to the Theatre Royal for the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society’s production of “Hello Dolly” and some members are looking to support the Dereham Operatic Society’s production of “Oklahoma” in October.
Members have a very busy few months ahead, including provision of refreshments at some village events plus of course the Jubilee celebrations in June. Work is also starting to plan the schedule of the Village Produce Show on Sunday 9 September so watch this space.
A Spring Fair will be held in the Church Rooms on Saturday 31 March and it is hoped that many villagers will go along for afternoon tea between 2pm and 4pm.
Monday 12 March 2012
Social and Wine Circle
Working in Wyoming
There was a high attendance in the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham on Thursday 8 March to hear the local Rector David Hill give an illustrated talk on his family visit to Wyoming USA last year. He officiated each Sunday during August in a tiny wooden chapel located 6000 feet up a mountain in Jackson Hole close to the famous Snake River. In idyllic surroundings in the shadow of the Teton Mountains, David was locum priest for the Chapel of the Transfiguration where there was an impressive turnout for the Sunday services. With 60 to 80 attending the 8am service and well in excess of 100 at the 10am service, the mass attendance was well in excess of the local population.
The trip also afforded David, his wife Kate and the boys to experience the glorious and impressive sightseeing including the Yellowstone National Park and the local rodeo. The beauty and magnificence of the area was illustrated with some excellent photographs accompanied by David’s informative narrative with the usual funny anecdotes thrown in. Their trip also had a nostalgic twist for the first slide shown was that of diary entries of Kate’s mother dated the 24th to the 26th of August 1951 when she too had been in Jackson Hole.
The next meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle will be on Thursday 12 April in the Church Rooms at 7.45pm. In a change to the previously published programme, the evening will be a talk and presentation given by Easton Coaches on their history and the services that they can offer.
There was a high attendance in the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham on Thursday 8 March to hear the local Rector David Hill give an illustrated talk on his family visit to Wyoming USA last year. He officiated each Sunday during August in a tiny wooden chapel located 6000 feet up a mountain in Jackson Hole close to the famous Snake River. In idyllic surroundings in the shadow of the Teton Mountains, David was locum priest for the Chapel of the Transfiguration where there was an impressive turnout for the Sunday services. With 60 to 80 attending the 8am service and well in excess of 100 at the 10am service, the mass attendance was well in excess of the local population.
The trip also afforded David, his wife Kate and the boys to experience the glorious and impressive sightseeing including the Yellowstone National Park and the local rodeo. The beauty and magnificence of the area was illustrated with some excellent photographs accompanied by David’s informative narrative with the usual funny anecdotes thrown in. Their trip also had a nostalgic twist for the first slide shown was that of diary entries of Kate’s mother dated the 24th to the 26th of August 1951 when she too had been in Jackson Hole.
The next meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle will be on Thursday 12 April in the Church Rooms at 7.45pm. In a change to the previously published programme, the evening will be a talk and presentation given by Easton Coaches on their history and the services that they can offer.
Saturday 10 March 2012
The Prince who lived in Old Buckenham
Only a week to go
If you are interested in local history then you may like to come along to a talk in Old Buckenham entitled ‘The Prince who lived in Old Buckenham’. Two-thirds of the tickets have already been sold so don't put off getting yours any longer.
This will be an illustrated talk by Peter Bance and has been organised by the Old Buckenham Village Newsletter supported by the Attleborough Heritage Group.
Peter Bance is a renowned expert on the Duleep Singh family. He will be explaining how the Maharaja Duleep Singh was exiled to Britain at the age of 13 and was befriended by Queen Victoria who was godmother to several of his children. One of the sons, Prince Frederick, was born in 1868 and came to live in Old Buckenham Hall in 1897. Three of Frederick's sisters, the princesses Bamba, Catherine and Sophia, also came to live at the Manor House alongside Old Buckenham Green.
Frederick lived the life of a country squire at his 340 acre estate surrounding Old Buckenham Hall, he bought Old Buckenham windmill in 1900 and even erected a monument at the Hall to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
So come along and enjoy hearing about the prince and princesses that lived in Old Buckenham on Saturday 17 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
The talk will start at 7pm, admission costs £5 (to include homemade refreshments) and the event is in aid of Village Hall funds
Tickets are now available from the Old Buckenham village shop, the Attleborough Heritage Centre in Station Road, Attleborough, or from the Old Buckenham blog editor. For more information you can email oldbuckhistory@aol.com
Friday 9 March 2012
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
Twigs and tulips at AGM
The AGM was held at the March meeting. Club membership had increased during the year and all had enjoyed a mixed programme of flower arranging and garden demonstrations and talks.
Pat Wells had completed her three year term of office as chairman and handed over to Sally Westrup. Olive Heppel passed on the president's badge to Pat Wells. Pat, Olive and Ann Norris, who also stepped down from the committee, were thanked for all their hard work for the Club.
Janet Skidmore gained most points during the year in the New Hands Class with Alison Walker second while Shirley Penfold gained the most points in the Old Hands class with Sylvia Briggs second.
The President's cup for overall points for flower arranging was won by Shirley Penfold who also accumulated the most points in the table show.
The AGM was followed by a workshop led by Christine Hewson who showed how to make a design - twigs and tulips - with very colourful results.
The next meeting is the Club's Pearl Anniversary (members only) which will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall commencing 10.30am for a welcome coffee. There will be a talk on the history of pearls in the morning, a buffet lunch will be served and Nick Grounds will be demonstrating in the afternoon followed by afternoon tea.
The competition title is 'Celebration Cocktail' and the table show is for a vase of spring blooms from the garden.
In the March competitions, Alison Walker was first in the table show and also first in the New Hands flower arranging. Pat Wells was first in the Old Hands section.
Monday 5 March 2012
Up to the minute minutes
Parish Council in March
These notes are written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There were five members of the public present at the Parish Council meeting in March and two councillors, Jonathan Kemp and Carol Marshall, sent apologies as they were unable to attend.
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting in February were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Tom Johnson raised the matter of a grant to the Village Hall of £1500 for solar panels and asked when the money would be paid. Tim Ing said that the money would be paid after April 2013 if the grant was approved at the next precept meeting. Tom Johnson asked if the Parish Council could make a loan for the amount before April 2013 and Tim Ing said the matter could be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting. Adrian Joel said that the 2011 census information might be available shortly. Tim Ing raised the matter of parking in the Village Hall car park when people are dropping off and collecting children from the school. Councillors Tim Ing, Adrian Joel and JohnFrost had met with the headmaster of the school to discuss the matter. The school wanted to do a project with the children on the subject. It was agreed that a ‘horseshoe’ system of using the car park would be introduced after the Easter holidays. Leaflets would be given to the parents explaining the system and councillors would monitor the situation. Derek Smalley asked if speeding in Hargham Road could be put in the letter to parents. The Parish Clerk to write to police on the matter and ask if they could look at the problem. Adrian Joel thanked Kerry Talbot for doing an excellent job with the minutes of the February meeting during the sickness absence of the Parish Clerk. John Frost said some minor anti-social behaviour had occurred at the church but the police were very good and were regular visitors to the church. Sarah Dye said vandalism at and near the play area had increased and Derek Smalley agreed to raise the matter at the next police SNAT meeting.
Planning applications. 4 Chattergate. Bay window and porch, two additional windows and replacing existing conservatory with ground floor extension. The Parish Clerk is to seek an extension to the respond period.
High Bank Farm, Fen Street. Erection of single storey conservatory. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Park Farm, Abbey Road. Installation of two small turbines and ancillary work. No objections, agreed with 7 for, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Snetterton Farm, Banham Road. Single storey lean-to on front elevation. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Land at St Andrews Close. Change of use to amenity land and the installation of soakways for the adjacent residential development. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Eel Farm, Fen Road. Removal of condition 8 on previous planning application and new garage and alterations. Refused by Breckland Council.
East View, Attleborough Road. Decking Area (retrospective) Refused by Breckland Council.
2 Chapel Loke. Replacement of glassed roof conservatory at rear of building with facing brick and pantile kitchen/dining area. Permission granted.
18 Oaklands. Garage conversion to bedroom with side porch extension. Permission granted.
Land adjacent to 12 Hargham Road. Erection of 3-bedroom dwelling and garage (resubmission). Permission granted.
Approval of accounts payable. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the payroll being done by outside contractors and the cost involved. The Parish Clerk said the system was good value as they produced all PAYE records and end of year returns including issuing P60s to any employee and ensured all payments of tax to HRMC on time. Tim Ing asked the two qualified accountants who were members of the Parish Council for their views. They both agreed the present system was good as it offered counter checks that all tax was being deducted and correct amounts were paid and that prompt payments of all tax was made to ensure no penalties to the Parish Council. It was proposed that the present system of doing payroll continue, this was agreed by 6 for and 3 against.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing raised the matter of the proposed new incinerator at Kings Lynn, details of which had been circulated. The Parish Council had not responded but councillors were free to respond as individuals. He then said he contacted the owner of the land at the junction of Mill Road and Grove Road where there are clear visibility problems for motorists. Discussion would take place about cutting back the hedge at the next farmers’ meeting. Tim Ing said that the dog bin situated in Raggs Lane had been vandalised. A replacement had been purchased and he hoped to install it soon. He also said that the Highways Rangers would not pick up litter on their visits to the village, they only dealt with matters relating to highways and if anyone had any issues to raise for the next visit would they let the Parish Clerk know. The Jubilee celebration mugs have arrived. There had been an email from a resident regarding the state of the footpath on the Green along the B1077 saying it needs work done on it. John Frost agreed to inspect the path and report back to the Parish Council.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that the Breckland Council’s share of the council tax for the year 2012/13 will be held at the same level as last year. Breckland has to look towards finding savings of nearly £3million over the next five years and will be reviewing all discretionary services. He then said that Breckland have “Breckland Direct” on the web and this will allow residents to select from a wide range of services.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said he had attended a meeting of the Attleborough Task Force which had discussed the possible new road for the Attleborough development. Various options were discussed, one option could increase traffic through Old Buckenham. It was said at the meeting that 15% of traffic through Old Buckenham was HGVs. Concerns were also expressed at the meeting that the library in Attleborough had reached saturation point with over 8,000 people a week using the facility. The next meeting was being held in approximately two month’s time. Paul Boggia said the next meeting of the Jubilee celebrations working party was on Saturday 3 March. Tom Johnson asked who is funding the celebration activities. He was informed by Tim Ing that the Parish Council had allocated £1,000 for the event. Tom Johnson said that if there was a surplus on any of the activities could it be given to charity like the village hall. John Frost said there was a lot of litter in the hedges near the school and that brambles were also growing in the hedges. Sarah Dye said she attended a meeting on the Localism Act and she found the meeting very useful. The Parish Council needed to have a plan for this and the Parish Council should consider the matter seriously. This item will be put on the April meeting agenda. Derek Smalley said that he had delivered two new welcome packs with one further yet to be delivered. He then said the oil buying scheme was getting oil at 61.7p per litre and there were variable prices with other suppliers. Steve Milner said survey forms had been distributed about participation in the Jubilee celebrations and the response was excellent. Adrian Joel said that an Allotment Liaison Group meeting had been arranged and the allotment holders wanted to apply for grants for an eco toilet and extra fencing. They would like the Parish Council to apply on their behalf but that the allotment holders would need to do the work to put together a grant application. Akis Chrisovelides said he was trying to engage the youth of the village and would continue to pursue the matter with those young people that are interested.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Clerk said that he had sought legal advice from the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (NALC) regarding any future funding for the Green by the Parish Council. The NALC had said that the Parish Council had no legal powers to fund work on the Green as it is privately owned. The Localism Act may bring powers which could be used for this but this would need secondary legislation to be brought forward by the government. They also suggested that the Parish Council should register the Green on the community assets register which will be compiled by the local district council under the Localism Act 2011. This would mean that the community would have the opportunity to bid for the land first should it ever come up for sale.
Highways. Adrian Joel said the flashing speed sign on the B1077 opposite the Gamekeeper pub was not working. The Parish Clerk is to contact Highways on the matter. Tim Ing said that in the Barkers Lane rear entrance to Poplar Farm there were a number of potholes. Again the Parish Clerk will contact Highways to rectify.
The Green. Sarah Dye said she is the new chairman of Green Right Proprietors following the recent AGM and ordinary meeting of the Proprietors. Alison Franks was elected to continue as vice-chair and Rosemary West was elected to continue as secretary/treasurer. She said there would be no new maintenance agreement of the Green before next year. Rope and posts will be put up near the play area to assist with the parking problems being encountered there at the present time. Tim Ing said he would be contacting Sally Bishop to see if she would assist in the funding for this. Following questions from Akis Chrisovelides, Sarah Dye gave a brief overview of the matters discussed at the last meeting of the Green Right Proprietors. She also gave some details of the income they generate and looked at ways that they may be able to generate extra sources of income. They are looking to do a full survey of all the trees on the Green but this may prove too expensive.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 March and the next monthly Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5 April. Both meeting will be held at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
These notes are written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There were five members of the public present at the Parish Council meeting in March and two councillors, Jonathan Kemp and Carol Marshall, sent apologies as they were unable to attend.
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting in February were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Tom Johnson raised the matter of a grant to the Village Hall of £1500 for solar panels and asked when the money would be paid. Tim Ing said that the money would be paid after April 2013 if the grant was approved at the next precept meeting. Tom Johnson asked if the Parish Council could make a loan for the amount before April 2013 and Tim Ing said the matter could be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting. Adrian Joel said that the 2011 census information might be available shortly. Tim Ing raised the matter of parking in the Village Hall car park when people are dropping off and collecting children from the school. Councillors Tim Ing, Adrian Joel and JohnFrost had met with the headmaster of the school to discuss the matter. The school wanted to do a project with the children on the subject. It was agreed that a ‘horseshoe’ system of using the car park would be introduced after the Easter holidays. Leaflets would be given to the parents explaining the system and councillors would monitor the situation. Derek Smalley asked if speeding in Hargham Road could be put in the letter to parents. The Parish Clerk to write to police on the matter and ask if they could look at the problem. Adrian Joel thanked Kerry Talbot for doing an excellent job with the minutes of the February meeting during the sickness absence of the Parish Clerk. John Frost said some minor anti-social behaviour had occurred at the church but the police were very good and were regular visitors to the church. Sarah Dye said vandalism at and near the play area had increased and Derek Smalley agreed to raise the matter at the next police SNAT meeting.
Planning applications. 4 Chattergate. Bay window and porch, two additional windows and replacing existing conservatory with ground floor extension. The Parish Clerk is to seek an extension to the respond period.
High Bank Farm, Fen Street. Erection of single storey conservatory. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Park Farm, Abbey Road. Installation of two small turbines and ancillary work. No objections, agreed with 7 for, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Snetterton Farm, Banham Road. Single storey lean-to on front elevation. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Land at St Andrews Close. Change of use to amenity land and the installation of soakways for the adjacent residential development. No objections, agreed unanimously.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Eel Farm, Fen Road. Removal of condition 8 on previous planning application and new garage and alterations. Refused by Breckland Council.
East View, Attleborough Road. Decking Area (retrospective) Refused by Breckland Council.
2 Chapel Loke. Replacement of glassed roof conservatory at rear of building with facing brick and pantile kitchen/dining area. Permission granted.
18 Oaklands. Garage conversion to bedroom with side porch extension. Permission granted.
Land adjacent to 12 Hargham Road. Erection of 3-bedroom dwelling and garage (resubmission). Permission granted.
Approval of accounts payable. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the payroll being done by outside contractors and the cost involved. The Parish Clerk said the system was good value as they produced all PAYE records and end of year returns including issuing P60s to any employee and ensured all payments of tax to HRMC on time. Tim Ing asked the two qualified accountants who were members of the Parish Council for their views. They both agreed the present system was good as it offered counter checks that all tax was being deducted and correct amounts were paid and that prompt payments of all tax was made to ensure no penalties to the Parish Council. It was proposed that the present system of doing payroll continue, this was agreed by 6 for and 3 against.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing raised the matter of the proposed new incinerator at Kings Lynn, details of which had been circulated. The Parish Council had not responded but councillors were free to respond as individuals. He then said he contacted the owner of the land at the junction of Mill Road and Grove Road where there are clear visibility problems for motorists. Discussion would take place about cutting back the hedge at the next farmers’ meeting. Tim Ing said that the dog bin situated in Raggs Lane had been vandalised. A replacement had been purchased and he hoped to install it soon. He also said that the Highways Rangers would not pick up litter on their visits to the village, they only dealt with matters relating to highways and if anyone had any issues to raise for the next visit would they let the Parish Clerk know. The Jubilee celebration mugs have arrived. There had been an email from a resident regarding the state of the footpath on the Green along the B1077 saying it needs work done on it. John Frost agreed to inspect the path and report back to the Parish Council.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that the Breckland Council’s share of the council tax for the year 2012/13 will be held at the same level as last year. Breckland has to look towards finding savings of nearly £3million over the next five years and will be reviewing all discretionary services. He then said that Breckland have “Breckland Direct” on the web and this will allow residents to select from a wide range of services.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said he had attended a meeting of the Attleborough Task Force which had discussed the possible new road for the Attleborough development. Various options were discussed, one option could increase traffic through Old Buckenham. It was said at the meeting that 15% of traffic through Old Buckenham was HGVs. Concerns were also expressed at the meeting that the library in Attleborough had reached saturation point with over 8,000 people a week using the facility. The next meeting was being held in approximately two month’s time. Paul Boggia said the next meeting of the Jubilee celebrations working party was on Saturday 3 March. Tom Johnson asked who is funding the celebration activities. He was informed by Tim Ing that the Parish Council had allocated £1,000 for the event. Tom Johnson said that if there was a surplus on any of the activities could it be given to charity like the village hall. John Frost said there was a lot of litter in the hedges near the school and that brambles were also growing in the hedges. Sarah Dye said she attended a meeting on the Localism Act and she found the meeting very useful. The Parish Council needed to have a plan for this and the Parish Council should consider the matter seriously. This item will be put on the April meeting agenda. Derek Smalley said that he had delivered two new welcome packs with one further yet to be delivered. He then said the oil buying scheme was getting oil at 61.7p per litre and there were variable prices with other suppliers. Steve Milner said survey forms had been distributed about participation in the Jubilee celebrations and the response was excellent. Adrian Joel said that an Allotment Liaison Group meeting had been arranged and the allotment holders wanted to apply for grants for an eco toilet and extra fencing. They would like the Parish Council to apply on their behalf but that the allotment holders would need to do the work to put together a grant application. Akis Chrisovelides said he was trying to engage the youth of the village and would continue to pursue the matter with those young people that are interested.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Clerk said that he had sought legal advice from the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (NALC) regarding any future funding for the Green by the Parish Council. The NALC had said that the Parish Council had no legal powers to fund work on the Green as it is privately owned. The Localism Act may bring powers which could be used for this but this would need secondary legislation to be brought forward by the government. They also suggested that the Parish Council should register the Green on the community assets register which will be compiled by the local district council under the Localism Act 2011. This would mean that the community would have the opportunity to bid for the land first should it ever come up for sale.
Highways. Adrian Joel said the flashing speed sign on the B1077 opposite the Gamekeeper pub was not working. The Parish Clerk is to contact Highways on the matter. Tim Ing said that in the Barkers Lane rear entrance to Poplar Farm there were a number of potholes. Again the Parish Clerk will contact Highways to rectify.
The Green. Sarah Dye said she is the new chairman of Green Right Proprietors following the recent AGM and ordinary meeting of the Proprietors. Alison Franks was elected to continue as vice-chair and Rosemary West was elected to continue as secretary/treasurer. She said there would be no new maintenance agreement of the Green before next year. Rope and posts will be put up near the play area to assist with the parking problems being encountered there at the present time. Tim Ing said he would be contacting Sally Bishop to see if she would assist in the funding for this. Following questions from Akis Chrisovelides, Sarah Dye gave a brief overview of the matters discussed at the last meeting of the Green Right Proprietors. She also gave some details of the income they generate and looked at ways that they may be able to generate extra sources of income. They are looking to do a full survey of all the trees on the Green but this may prove too expensive.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 March and the next monthly Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 5 April. Both meeting will be held at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
Saturday 3 March 2012
Buckenham Brains show their skills
Old Buckenham Women's Institute provide the winning team
A group of six members of Old Buckenham WI took on eighteen other local teams to come out victorious in the annual quiz held tonight in Attleborough to raise funds for Christian Aid.
Connaught Hall was filled with teams of varying ability, some taking it more seriously than others. The WI team, playing under the name of Buckenham Brains, were in equal first place after the eight rounds of questions and then managed to do best in the tie break question to snatch victory.
Well done to Susan, Doris, the two Barbaras, Gill and Sheila for upholding the pride in our own little village.
Friday 2 March 2012
Solar pv on village hall roof
May the sun keep shining
The installation of seventeen solar photo voltaic panel on the roof of Old Buckenham Village hall was carried out last weekend.
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