Diary dates for April
Tuesday 2 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 3 Pond dipping by play area, 1.30pm to 4pm
Wednesday 3 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Wednesday 3 Village Hall AGM, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 4 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 5 Crib, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 6 WI coffee morning, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Sunday 7 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 8 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Tuesday 9 VERG meeting, Church Rooms,10.45am
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 11 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 11 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm
Sunday 14 Windmill open, 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 14 Askew Agricultural Museum open, 2pm to 5pm
Monday 15 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 16 Village Fete planning meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wednesday 17 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Saturday 20 Spring Fair, Church Rooms, 2pm to 4pm
Sunday 21 Taildraggers Fly in at the Airfield
Wednesday 24 Luncheon Club outing
Wednesday 24 Jazz Jam band, High School, 7.30pm
Thursday 25 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 27 Gardening Event, Village Hall, 10am to 1pm
Monday 29 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Sunday 31 March 2013
Saturday 30 March 2013
Easter lilies in Old Buckenham
Decorating the church with Easter lilies
People have been busy today doing the flower arrangements in All Saints, Old Buckenham, ready for Easter Sunday tomorrow.
Each year on Easter Day the main flower arrangements comprise of lilies, each in memory of departed relatives or friends. There are over a couple of hundred individual lily flowers in the displays and donations have been made towards their cost.
Some photos of the arrangements are given below and it is hoped to provide some more pictures once the flowers have opened further. We just need some warmer weather...
People have been busy today doing the flower arrangements in All Saints, Old Buckenham, ready for Easter Sunday tomorrow.
Each year on Easter Day the main flower arrangements comprise of lilies, each in memory of departed relatives or friends. There are over a couple of hundred individual lily flowers in the displays and donations have been made towards their cost.
Some photos of the arrangements are given below and it is hoped to provide some more pictures once the flowers have opened further. We just need some warmer weather...
Not all the arrangements feature lilies. One window ledge is decorated with chicks in front of a stained glass window of chicks.
(You can just click on the individual pictures to enlarge them)
Friday 29 March 2013
April Old Buckenham Newsletter now available
Read a printed copy
You can pick up this latest issue from places all over the village now.
You can pick up this latest issue from places all over the village now.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Old Buckenham High School celebrates
Seventy-five years young
This evening was a chance for many local people to go back and relive their youth, a chance for previous staff to go back and see what had changed and a chance for the blog editor (who went to school over a hundred miles away) to wander around the village High School.
Old Buckenham High School opened 75 years ago so a celebration evening was arranged and all were invited. The school band played to entertain everyone, the original school cane was brought out of retirement so that the present headmaster, Peter Whear, could play his part for the photographer from the local newspaper and people scoured the old school photos to try to find the one that they were in.
And most of those attending found plenty of people to talk to about those 'good old days'.
Old Buck High
There's so much to it
I could put it together
Slowly, bit by bit
But if you hadn't been there
It would mean nothing
To be true to you
It has to mean something
If you hadn't…
Burst through the school gates
Hoping you're not late
Forgot some schoolbooks too
To your mum, hadn't mentioned
You got a detention
Thinking, why is it always you?
If you hadn't...
Tried your best
On that really hard test
And finally got top marks
Or done something noble
Just to be helpful
And in your tummy, felt that spark
If you hadn't...
Won the game on a whole
Because you scored the goal
And soared up to cloud nine
Or made anew friend
Your best in the end
And everything was just fine
If you hadn't…
Seen that play
At the end of the day
That seemed to finish so fast
Cooked that cake
When you just couldn't bake
And got that grade at last
Because if you didn't
Or hadn't, you wouldn't
Know all the fun we've had
Big, bright and bold
75 years old
And today we're feeling glad
This evening was a chance for many local people to go back and relive their youth, a chance for previous staff to go back and see what had changed and a chance for the blog editor (who went to school over a hundred miles away) to wander around the village High School.
Old Buckenham High School opened 75 years ago so a celebration evening was arranged and all were invited. The school band played to entertain everyone, the original school cane was brought out of retirement so that the present headmaster, Peter Whear, could play his part for the photographer from the local newspaper and people scoured the old school photos to try to find the one that they were in.
And most of those attending found plenty of people to talk to about those 'good old days'.
75
Years of Us
Written
by Georgina Dunkinson, OBHS Poet Laureate 2012/2013
Old Buck High
There's so much to it
I could put it together
Slowly, bit by bit
But if you hadn't been there
It would mean nothing
To be true to you
It has to mean something
If you hadn't…
Burst through the school gates
Hoping you're not late
Forgot some schoolbooks too
To your mum, hadn't mentioned
You got a detention
Thinking, why is it always you?
If you hadn't...
Tried your best
On that really hard test
And finally got top marks
Or done something noble
Just to be helpful
And in your tummy, felt that spark
If you hadn't...
Won the game on a whole
Because you scored the goal
And soared up to cloud nine
Or made anew friend
Your best in the end
And everything was just fine
If you hadn't…
Seen that play
At the end of the day
That seemed to finish so fast
Cooked that cake
When you just couldn't bake
And got that grade at last
Because if you didn't
Or hadn't, you wouldn't
Know all the fun we've had
Big, bright and bold
75 years old
And today we're feeling glad
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Flower Club meeting in Old Buckenham
Flower Club March meeting
The Breckland Flower and Garden Club’s March meeting in Old Buckenham Village Hall started with the AGM. The Chairman welcomed members and visitors to the meeting and the secretary then gave her annual report saying it had been a very successful year with speakers, demonstrations and garden visits all enjoyed.
The accounts were then presented with an acknowledgment from the members that there would need to be an increase in fees for the coming year because of increases in the cost of speakers and travel/flower costs.
The Chairman thanked the competition winners for the year and presented the trophies. The advanced winner was Sylvia Briggs and the novice winner was Alyson Walker. The overall winner with most points was also Sylvia Briggs who was presented with the Presidents’ cup. Christine Hewson was presented with the show cup, for most points in the year in the table show classes.
Pat Wells, the outgoing president, thanked the club for allowing her the honour of holding the position for the past year and then passed on the badge of office to the new incoming president Hazel Dingle.
The afternoon then proceeded with a 'Show and Tell' with members bringing along their handicrafts and hobbies to share with the club members. Joy Tunmore and Sally Westrup showed their large selection of quilts and quilting items. Melissa Sheldrake and Joy Tunmore then shared their City & Guilds embroidery pieces with superb fine stitching. Sheila Bullen shared some lovely spring flower arranging items, Jean Wade had brought along some fine bead work of baubles and decorations, Pat Barton had a selection of jewellery, necklaces and earrings while Christine Hewson showed some Easter vine rings with chocolate chicks and eggs.
This was followed by tea and cakes supplied by the committee and a raffle of Easter eggs donated by members.
The Breckland club meets at Old Buckenham village hall on the second Thursday in the month. The next meeting will be on Thursday 11 April starting at 2pm when Dr Ian Bedford of the John Innes Institute will be talking on 'Garden Bugs'. Visitors are welcome, call Christine on 01953 454528 for more information.
The Breckland Flower and Garden Club’s March meeting in Old Buckenham Village Hall started with the AGM. The Chairman welcomed members and visitors to the meeting and the secretary then gave her annual report saying it had been a very successful year with speakers, demonstrations and garden visits all enjoyed.
The accounts were then presented with an acknowledgment from the members that there would need to be an increase in fees for the coming year because of increases in the cost of speakers and travel/flower costs.
The Chairman thanked the competition winners for the year and presented the trophies. The advanced winner was Sylvia Briggs and the novice winner was Alyson Walker. The overall winner with most points was also Sylvia Briggs who was presented with the Presidents’ cup. Christine Hewson was presented with the show cup, for most points in the year in the table show classes.
Pat Wells, the outgoing president, thanked the club for allowing her the honour of holding the position for the past year and then passed on the badge of office to the new incoming president Hazel Dingle.
The afternoon then proceeded with a 'Show and Tell' with members bringing along their handicrafts and hobbies to share with the club members. Joy Tunmore and Sally Westrup showed their large selection of quilts and quilting items. Melissa Sheldrake and Joy Tunmore then shared their City & Guilds embroidery pieces with superb fine stitching. Sheila Bullen shared some lovely spring flower arranging items, Jean Wade had brought along some fine bead work of baubles and decorations, Pat Barton had a selection of jewellery, necklaces and earrings while Christine Hewson showed some Easter vine rings with chocolate chicks and eggs.
This was followed by tea and cakes supplied by the committee and a raffle of Easter eggs donated by members.
The Breckland club meets at Old Buckenham village hall on the second Thursday in the month. The next meeting will be on Thursday 11 April starting at 2pm when Dr Ian Bedford of the John Innes Institute will be talking on 'Garden Bugs'. Visitors are welcome, call Christine on 01953 454528 for more information.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Old Buckenham has a rumble in the jumble
Heaps of bargains
There hasn't been a real jumble sale in Old Buckenham for ages. But, despite the snow showers outside, plenty of people came along to the Church Rooms today to search through the heaps of clothing piled up on the tables. They may have been looking for themselves, their children or grandchildren but they seemed to be finding lots of potential bargains. And with virtually everything priced at just 20p an item there were certainly bargains to be found.
The jumble sale had been organised as a fundraiser by the Buckenham Pre-school Group. As well as the clothing there was bric-a-brac, toys, books, CDs, homemade cakes, drinks and a tombola to persuade the visitors to part with a little more money.
First indications are that the Pre-school funds will benefit to the tune of around £280.
One further benefit of the event was that all the clothing that was left over was going to the charity UK2Rom [uk2rom.webs.com] and would soon be on its way to one of the poorest parts of Romania to be given to people in great need of such 'luxuries'.
There hasn't been a real jumble sale in Old Buckenham for ages. But, despite the snow showers outside, plenty of people came along to the Church Rooms today to search through the heaps of clothing piled up on the tables. They may have been looking for themselves, their children or grandchildren but they seemed to be finding lots of potential bargains. And with virtually everything priced at just 20p an item there were certainly bargains to be found.
The jumble sale had been organised as a fundraiser by the Buckenham Pre-school Group. As well as the clothing there was bric-a-brac, toys, books, CDs, homemade cakes, drinks and a tombola to persuade the visitors to part with a little more money.
First indications are that the Pre-school funds will benefit to the tune of around £280.
One further benefit of the event was that all the clothing that was left over was going to the charity UK2Rom [uk2rom.webs.com] and would soon be on its way to one of the poorest parts of Romania to be given to people in great need of such 'luxuries'.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle
A computerised future?
At the March meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle, Steve Hammond gave a talk entitled “Computers Today”. Steve approached the subject not from the perspective of how to use a computer but outlined the impact of IT technology on various aspects of life at the moment and, more importantly, in the future. For instance, currently workers at the National Grid predict that, when a popular TV programme ends many kettles are switched on, so there may be the need to arrange for extra power to be brought in from elsewhere. In the future, devices installed in our homes will communicate automatically with the National Grid to determine the best and most efficient way of using power to ensure electricity will not ‘run out’ meaning that no human intervention will be necessary. Steve told how last year he worked at the Olympic Games ensuring that the London Games were the ‘most connected’ Games ever. It has to be said that if there were any glitches over the period, none of those watching the TV at home – or those lucky enough to be at the Games – was aware of it.
The next meeting of the Social and Wine Circle will be in the Church Rooms on Thursday 11 April for a talk about the Automobile Association. As always, a welcome is extended to all and the cost is merely a small donation of £1 per person from all who attend.
At the March meeting of the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle, Steve Hammond gave a talk entitled “Computers Today”. Steve approached the subject not from the perspective of how to use a computer but outlined the impact of IT technology on various aspects of life at the moment and, more importantly, in the future. For instance, currently workers at the National Grid predict that, when a popular TV programme ends many kettles are switched on, so there may be the need to arrange for extra power to be brought in from elsewhere. In the future, devices installed in our homes will communicate automatically with the National Grid to determine the best and most efficient way of using power to ensure electricity will not ‘run out’ meaning that no human intervention will be necessary. Steve told how last year he worked at the Olympic Games ensuring that the London Games were the ‘most connected’ Games ever. It has to be said that if there were any glitches over the period, none of those watching the TV at home – or those lucky enough to be at the Games – was aware of it.
The next meeting of the Social and Wine Circle will be in the Church Rooms on Thursday 11 April for a talk about the Automobile Association. As always, a welcome is extended to all and the cost is merely a small donation of £1 per person from all who attend.
Tuesday 19 March 2013
From Old Buckenham to Nepal
Aiming high
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He is raising funds for St Martins Housing Trust who provide outstanding help for the homeless people of Norfolk. If you would like to sponsor him or know more about his reasons for going on this trek, please see the fund-raising webpage www.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidHannah1.
In return David aims to give feed back on his experiences (for better or for worse!). This will probably take the form of a Nepal Evening at Old Buckenham village hall later in the year.
Sunday 17 March 2013
Church windows at Old Buckenham
A thousand years of local history
It was an unusual way to spend a Saturday evening - sitting in a rather chilly church lit just by candles and watching a PowerPoint presentation on a screen in front of the pulpit.
Alison Hannah gave a talk on the history of All Saints, Old Buckenham, pointing out that there has probably been a church on this site for over a thousand years and went through the changes that have taken place during that period. She explained how the building had expanded over the years, how the octagonal tower may once have been circular and that the tower was once surmounted by a spire that later collapsed.
Of particular interest was the development of the stained glass windows that adorn the building. Some very old glass remains and is now in need of specialist restoration. Other windows have been installed over the years by various renowned stained glass producers.
Fund raising is in progress to ensure that vital repairs can be carried out to ensure the historical glass is conserved so that it will be available for people to see for hundreds of more years.
For more information on the individual stained glass windows in All Saints, go to http://www.norfolkstainedglass.co.uk/Old_Buckenham/home.shtm After the talk everyone collected for drinks and refreshments in the nearby Church Rooms. A collection was made to help fund the restoration of the stained glass windows and raised £222.71 which was a worthwhile reward for all the effort that had been put into evening's event.
It was an unusual way to spend a Saturday evening - sitting in a rather chilly church lit just by candles and watching a PowerPoint presentation on a screen in front of the pulpit.
Alison Hannah gave a talk on the history of All Saints, Old Buckenham, pointing out that there has probably been a church on this site for over a thousand years and went through the changes that have taken place during that period. She explained how the building had expanded over the years, how the octagonal tower may once have been circular and that the tower was once surmounted by a spire that later collapsed.
Of particular interest was the development of the stained glass windows that adorn the building. Some very old glass remains and is now in need of specialist restoration. Other windows have been installed over the years by various renowned stained glass producers.
Fund raising is in progress to ensure that vital repairs can be carried out to ensure the historical glass is conserved so that it will be available for people to see for hundreds of more years.
For more information on the individual stained glass windows in All Saints, go to http://www.norfolkstainedglass.co.uk/Old_Buckenham/home.shtm After the talk everyone collected for drinks and refreshments in the nearby Church Rooms. A collection was made to help fund the restoration of the stained glass windows and raised £222.71 which was a worthwhile reward for all the effort that had been put into evening's event.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Brains at work in Old Buckenham
Villagers gather for quiz
There were fourteen teams enjoying a social evening at Old Buckenham village hall last night trying to answer questions on a wide range subjects from entertainment to British geography. Susan Hunter and her team from Old Buckenham Women's Institute were responsible for the questions and for all the marking with the latest scores being regularly being updated on the 'large' video screen.
At half time the Winos, the team from the village Social and Wine Circle, were in the lead but Maggie's Mob from Attleborough steadily overtook them and were five points ahead by the time the quiz finished. Maggie's Mob also won the table round but only after making the best guess at a tie break question on the area of Africa in square miles...
There was a well supported raffle and the event was an enjoyable way to raise some money for village hall funds.
There were fourteen teams enjoying a social evening at Old Buckenham village hall last night trying to answer questions on a wide range subjects from entertainment to British geography. Susan Hunter and her team from Old Buckenham Women's Institute were responsible for the questions and for all the marking with the latest scores being regularly being updated on the 'large' video screen.
At half time the Winos, the team from the village Social and Wine Circle, were in the lead but Maggie's Mob from Attleborough steadily overtook them and were five points ahead by the time the quiz finished. Maggie's Mob also won the table round but only after making the best guess at a tie break question on the area of Africa in square miles...
There was a well supported raffle and the event was an enjoyable way to raise some money for village hall funds.
(click on this score sheet to make it more readable)
Friday 15 March 2013
Buckets in Old Buckenham
Sorting out the great crested newts
Cotman Housing are still hoping to start soon on the building of the affordable housing in St Andrews Close, Old Buckenham. Site clearance has started and the area is enclosed in low 'newt-proof' barriers. Buckets have been set into the ground around the edge and the aim is to collect up any great crested newts that are inside the barriers and can be persuaded to enter the buckets during the night. They will then be collected up each morning and placed outside the barriers on their new purpose-built homes in Prince Harry's Wood.
Cotman Housing are still hoping to start soon on the building of the affordable housing in St Andrews Close, Old Buckenham. Site clearance has started and the area is enclosed in low 'newt-proof' barriers. Buckets have been set into the ground around the edge and the aim is to collect up any great crested newts that are inside the barriers and can be persuaded to enter the buckets during the night. They will then be collected up each morning and placed outside the barriers on their new purpose-built homes in Prince Harry's Wood.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Roadside decorations in Old Buckenham
And icicles hang by the hedge...
The combination of poorly drained roads, speeding motorists and constantly low temperatures has led to some beautiful decorations growing on these hedges in Cake Street, Old Buckenham.
The combination of poorly drained roads, speeding motorists and constantly low temperatures has led to some beautiful decorations growing on these hedges in Cake Street, Old Buckenham.
To embiggen these pictures just click on the image
Sunday 10 March 2013
Old Buckenham WI antiques talk
Looking at antiques
Because of heavy snow the WI meeting in January had been cancelled and it was nice to be back together for the February meeting.
Colin Lucy, from Freya Antiques, gave a very amusing and interesting talk starting with his visits (in school uniform) to the local auction house with his father where he bought boxes of books for about 2/6d and later made a profit selling them to his classmates. He left school and went to Cambridge, trained to be an architect, worked in the City of London, made a living as a professional gambler and eventually, in his forties, went back to dealing in books and antiques. Members had brought their own antiques and Colin told members something about each one, his favourite being a piece of Moorcroft pottery.
The monthly competition results for 2012 were announced – Barbara Frost won ‘Flower of the month’ and Kathy Fleckney was the monthly competition winner. They both received an ‘M&S’ token as their prize.
Old Buckenham WI is holding a Coffee Morning with various stalls, homemade cakes, etc, in the Church Rooms on Saturday 6 April. Do come and see what is on offer.
Because of heavy snow the WI meeting in January had been cancelled and it was nice to be back together for the February meeting.
Colin Lucy, from Freya Antiques, gave a very amusing and interesting talk starting with his visits (in school uniform) to the local auction house with his father where he bought boxes of books for about 2/6d and later made a profit selling them to his classmates. He left school and went to Cambridge, trained to be an architect, worked in the City of London, made a living as a professional gambler and eventually, in his forties, went back to dealing in books and antiques. Members had brought their own antiques and Colin told members something about each one, his favourite being a piece of Moorcroft pottery.
The monthly competition results for 2012 were announced – Barbara Frost won ‘Flower of the month’ and Kathy Fleckney was the monthly competition winner. They both received an ‘M&S’ token as their prize.
Old Buckenham WI is holding a Coffee Morning with various stalls, homemade cakes, etc, in the Church Rooms on Saturday 6 April. Do come and see what is on offer.
Friday 8 March 2013
Deliberations of Old Buckenham Parish Council
Parish Council March meeting
These notes have been produced by the blog editor using the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There was one member of the public at the March meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. Apologies had been received from three parish councillors who were unable to attend (Paul Boggia, Jonathan Kemp and Sarah Dye).
There was a short public recess where the meeting was suspended to allow the member of the public to ask questions.
Minutes of February Parish Council meeting. There were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Tom Johnson said that Mike Bartlett of the Village Hall had contacted the Charity Commission and was informed that the Parish Council are custodian trustees, not management trustees, of the Village Hall. Three trustees are required by the village hall and they should be residents of the village.
Shrublands development. Tim Ing said a public enquiry was being held regarding the proposed development and it would take place in Attleborough Town Hall on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March following an appeal against Breckland Council by the developer. Tim Ing will attend on one of the days and Adrian Joel will attend as a District Councillor.
Planning applications. The Hermitage, Abbey Road. External and internal alterations. There were no objections from the parish council subject to a satisfactory archaeological survey.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Abbey Farm, Abbey Road. Convert outbuildings to residential use. Permission granted.
Accounts payable. Steve Milner sought information on the four cheques payable to the play area and Adrian Joel sought clarification on the Parish Clerk’s salary. It was agreed unanimously that all the invoices due for payment on the cheque list be paid.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing raised the matter of litter being left on the new BMX track and suggested that a litter bin should be provided on the Recreation Area. Also part of the fence on the area was down. A resident had raised the matter of the condition of the track in front of their house on Hargham Road down to the shop which was part of the safer route to school. Norfolk County Council have stated this is not their responsibility. Nor is it that of the Parish Council so the resident said they will deal with the problem. Tim Ing said draft minutes would be displayed along with last month’s minutes on the notice board. On the subject of village groups being asked to make reports at Annual Parish Meeting, it was agreed that parish councillors would supply contact names and telephone numbers to the Parish Clerk so they can be invited to give a report.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that Breckland Council have agreed an increase of £4.98 per year on Band D properties, the first increase in four years. This would take a band D property to £69.03 per year. Breckland’s ‘switch and save’ campaign was launched at the beginning of March. Residents who were interested need to register their interest by Monday 8 April. Registration can be done via Breckland Council’s website or by telephoning 01352 656870. A Road Show describing the scheme will be held at Attleborough Library on Friday 15 March between 1pm and 5pm. The Breckland District Wide plan starts with a working party this month. Land owners who submitted an interest in developing land in the previous LDF will be written to and information regarding any additional application will be in the new Voice magazine.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said the Village Hall would like to thank the Parish Council for extending car parking facilities at the Recreation Area. The question of the precept was also raised by them and they wanted the Parish Council to precept for a contingency fund for the Village Hall each year. The Parish Clerk said that this was not possible as the Village Hall would have to submit a grant application each year before the end of September for consideration for the following financial year. Also there would be changes to the precept setting in the financial year 2014/15 following changes by the government in funding for district councils. The Communities Minister had been quoted as saying he may introduce capping on precept increase levels. Tom Johnson then said that Village Hall was holding a quiz night on Friday 15 March. National Express coaches were no longer stopping at Attleborough and he suggested Breckland Council should make representation to the company to prevent this happening. It was reported that the swing in the play area needs the top bracket replacing and also the springs on both gates need mending. Carol Marshall reported that construction of the car park at Recreation Area was completed. The new BMX trail was being created by the youngsters. The Recreation Area has had an annual safety inspection carried out. The grant application to Norfolk Foundation had hit a last minute snag over possible planning permission but this had now been sorted and the grant application for £20,000 would be considered later this month and hopefully a decision will be available for the next Parish Council meeting. The Almshouses had been given a full survey and a priority list had been drawn up for houses number 1 to 6 for renovation work to be carried out. The whole project will take 4 years. Also the Fire Officer had paid a visit to all the properties. He gave residents advice on fire safety and checked fire alarms. An electrical inspection has also been done and appropriate work carried out. The driveway has had some repairs and is now in good condition. Two new trustees have been appointed, both of whom have worked in the field of property for many years and have knowledge of listed buildings. Tim Ing thanked both Carol Marshall and Jonathan Kemp for their work on the Recreation Area project. Derek Smalley had distributed the slow down speed signs for wheelie bins and has some spares. He also asked if anyone knew of new residents in village who would require a welcome pack. Derek Smalley will continue as Parish Council representative for the Attleborough Expansion. The Oil scheme runs out at the end of this month and needs a total of at least 15 people paying £1 each to renew it. The village newsletter is no longer being distributed with the national newspaper deliveries so maybe the Parish Council can help to ensure all residents receive a copy. John Frost reported that the Six Villages church newsletter needs new committee members. Akis Chrisovelides and Tim Ing arrived early before the meeting to be available to talk to young people about a possible youth council. Unfortunately no one turned up. More notices will be displayed in the village in the hope that interest will be generated and youngsters will come to a meeting. Adrian Joel said he was contacted by the owner of the village shop regarding people parking outside the shop and then walking their children to school. The Parish Council were unable to do anything as there are no parking restrictions in force there. Steve Milner said Speedwatch is continuing and a number of drivers have been reported for speeding. John Frost said that on Saturday 16 March a presentation would be made on the history of All Saints church. Villagers are welcome to attend the meeting at the church and refreshments will be available afterwards.
The Green. Parking on the Green is becoming a serious problem. Traffic is mounting the kerb outside the High School and damaging the soil surface. A replacement tree soon will be planted to make up for the one taken down when the play area was constructed. A tree by the War Memorial has been reported as dead and Tim Ing will deal with the matter. The bales of grass on the Green will be removed soon by the new contractor.
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 20 March and the next Parish Council meeting on Thursday 4 April. Both meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
These notes have been produced by the blog editor using the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
There was one member of the public at the March meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. Apologies had been received from three parish councillors who were unable to attend (Paul Boggia, Jonathan Kemp and Sarah Dye).
There was a short public recess where the meeting was suspended to allow the member of the public to ask questions.
Minutes of February Parish Council meeting. There were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Tom Johnson said that Mike Bartlett of the Village Hall had contacted the Charity Commission and was informed that the Parish Council are custodian trustees, not management trustees, of the Village Hall. Three trustees are required by the village hall and they should be residents of the village.
Shrublands development. Tim Ing said a public enquiry was being held regarding the proposed development and it would take place in Attleborough Town Hall on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March following an appeal against Breckland Council by the developer. Tim Ing will attend on one of the days and Adrian Joel will attend as a District Councillor.
Planning applications. The Hermitage, Abbey Road. External and internal alterations. There were no objections from the parish council subject to a satisfactory archaeological survey.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. Abbey Farm, Abbey Road. Convert outbuildings to residential use. Permission granted.
Accounts payable. Steve Milner sought information on the four cheques payable to the play area and Adrian Joel sought clarification on the Parish Clerk’s salary. It was agreed unanimously that all the invoices due for payment on the cheque list be paid.
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing raised the matter of litter being left on the new BMX track and suggested that a litter bin should be provided on the Recreation Area. Also part of the fence on the area was down. A resident had raised the matter of the condition of the track in front of their house on Hargham Road down to the shop which was part of the safer route to school. Norfolk County Council have stated this is not their responsibility. Nor is it that of the Parish Council so the resident said they will deal with the problem. Tim Ing said draft minutes would be displayed along with last month’s minutes on the notice board. On the subject of village groups being asked to make reports at Annual Parish Meeting, it was agreed that parish councillors would supply contact names and telephone numbers to the Parish Clerk so they can be invited to give a report.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that Breckland Council have agreed an increase of £4.98 per year on Band D properties, the first increase in four years. This would take a band D property to £69.03 per year. Breckland’s ‘switch and save’ campaign was launched at the beginning of March. Residents who were interested need to register their interest by Monday 8 April. Registration can be done via Breckland Council’s website or by telephoning 01352 656870. A Road Show describing the scheme will be held at Attleborough Library on Friday 15 March between 1pm and 5pm. The Breckland District Wide plan starts with a working party this month. Land owners who submitted an interest in developing land in the previous LDF will be written to and information regarding any additional application will be in the new Voice magazine.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said the Village Hall would like to thank the Parish Council for extending car parking facilities at the Recreation Area. The question of the precept was also raised by them and they wanted the Parish Council to precept for a contingency fund for the Village Hall each year. The Parish Clerk said that this was not possible as the Village Hall would have to submit a grant application each year before the end of September for consideration for the following financial year. Also there would be changes to the precept setting in the financial year 2014/15 following changes by the government in funding for district councils. The Communities Minister had been quoted as saying he may introduce capping on precept increase levels. Tom Johnson then said that Village Hall was holding a quiz night on Friday 15 March. National Express coaches were no longer stopping at Attleborough and he suggested Breckland Council should make representation to the company to prevent this happening. It was reported that the swing in the play area needs the top bracket replacing and also the springs on both gates need mending. Carol Marshall reported that construction of the car park at Recreation Area was completed. The new BMX trail was being created by the youngsters. The Recreation Area has had an annual safety inspection carried out. The grant application to Norfolk Foundation had hit a last minute snag over possible planning permission but this had now been sorted and the grant application for £20,000 would be considered later this month and hopefully a decision will be available for the next Parish Council meeting. The Almshouses had been given a full survey and a priority list had been drawn up for houses number 1 to 6 for renovation work to be carried out. The whole project will take 4 years. Also the Fire Officer had paid a visit to all the properties. He gave residents advice on fire safety and checked fire alarms. An electrical inspection has also been done and appropriate work carried out. The driveway has had some repairs and is now in good condition. Two new trustees have been appointed, both of whom have worked in the field of property for many years and have knowledge of listed buildings. Tim Ing thanked both Carol Marshall and Jonathan Kemp for their work on the Recreation Area project. Derek Smalley had distributed the slow down speed signs for wheelie bins and has some spares. He also asked if anyone knew of new residents in village who would require a welcome pack. Derek Smalley will continue as Parish Council representative for the Attleborough Expansion. The Oil scheme runs out at the end of this month and needs a total of at least 15 people paying £1 each to renew it. The village newsletter is no longer being distributed with the national newspaper deliveries so maybe the Parish Council can help to ensure all residents receive a copy. John Frost reported that the Six Villages church newsletter needs new committee members. Akis Chrisovelides and Tim Ing arrived early before the meeting to be available to talk to young people about a possible youth council. Unfortunately no one turned up. More notices will be displayed in the village in the hope that interest will be generated and youngsters will come to a meeting. Adrian Joel said he was contacted by the owner of the village shop regarding people parking outside the shop and then walking their children to school. The Parish Council were unable to do anything as there are no parking restrictions in force there. Steve Milner said Speedwatch is continuing and a number of drivers have been reported for speeding. John Frost said that on Saturday 16 March a presentation would be made on the history of All Saints church. Villagers are welcome to attend the meeting at the church and refreshments will be available afterwards.
The Green. Parking on the Green is becoming a serious problem. Traffic is mounting the kerb outside the High School and damaging the soil surface. A replacement tree soon will be planted to make up for the one taken down when the play area was constructed. A tree by the War Memorial has been reported as dead and Tim Ing will deal with the matter. The bales of grass on the Green will be removed soon by the new contractor.
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 20 March and the next Parish Council meeting on Thursday 4 April. Both meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Saturday 2 March 2013
A future for Old Buckenham Village Hall
A way forward
Seventy members of the community of Old Buckenham attended a meeting at the village hall today, Saturday 2 March, to establish the way forward in management of the building, the facilities and its financing.
The parish councillor, Tom Johnson addressed those present, explaining the time had come for a number of trustees to stand down. He explained the legal situation, as it stands with the Charity Commission. It is felt that, at a minimum, the new committee requires volunteers to act as secretary, a treasurer, chairperson and booking clerk. However Tom Johnson indicated the present booking clerk was willing to continue.
It was emphasised that attendance at the forthcoming AGM on Wednesday 3 April was essential as that is the opportunity to vote new trustees to the committee.
The meeting was in agreement on two points. Firstly the constitution should be revised, increasing the number of elected representatives (this can only be carried out in conjunction with the Charity Commission). Secondly the parish should contribute financially to the running of the building through the annual precept.
Seventy members of the community of Old Buckenham attended a meeting at the village hall today, Saturday 2 March, to establish the way forward in management of the building, the facilities and its financing.
The parish councillor, Tom Johnson addressed those present, explaining the time had come for a number of trustees to stand down. He explained the legal situation, as it stands with the Charity Commission. It is felt that, at a minimum, the new committee requires volunteers to act as secretary, a treasurer, chairperson and booking clerk. However Tom Johnson indicated the present booking clerk was willing to continue.
It was emphasised that attendance at the forthcoming AGM on Wednesday 3 April was essential as that is the opportunity to vote new trustees to the committee.
The meeting was in agreement on two points. Firstly the constitution should be revised, increasing the number of elected representatives (this can only be carried out in conjunction with the Charity Commission). Secondly the parish should contribute financially to the running of the building through the annual precept.
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