Saturday 29 March 2014

What's on in Old Buckenham during April

Diary dates for April

Tuesday 1 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon

Wednesday 2 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm

Wednesday 2 Village Hall AGM, Village Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm

Thursday 3 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Sunday 6 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm

Monday 7 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 9 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 10 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm

Thursday 10 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.45pm

Saturday 12 Coffee Morning, Methodist Chapel, 10am to 12 noon

Saturday 12 Bingo, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Sunday 13 Askew Agricultural Museum open, 2pm to 5pm

Sunday 13 Old Buckenham Windmill open, 2pm to 5pm

Monday 14 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm

Wednesday 16 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 Luncheon Club outing

Thursday 24 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 26 Spring Fayre, Church Rooms, 2pm to 4pm

Saturday 27 Wings and Wheels at Airfield

Monday 28 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Thursday 27 March 2014

Old Buckenham April newsletter now available

It's got daffodils on the cover
Copies have now been taken around the village for you to pick (or you may be lucky to get one put through your letterbox by some of the volunteers who also deliver the Six Villages newsletter).
If you have moved into Old Buckenham during the last fifteen years you might not know how these displays of daffodils came into being. They were planted at all the entrances to the village (by the 30mph signs) in the autumn of 1999. They first flowered in 2000 and formed part of the millennium celebrations. Volunteers from several village organisations helped by planting many sacks full of bulbs.
Despite being dug up for road works and telephone cables as well as being trimmed early by the verge cutters, they have survived quite well and still produce a colourful display.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Busy weekend at Old Buckenham Village Hall

Questions, sausages and cycles
Even the morning of Saturday 22 March was a busy time at the village hall as the organisers of the evening's quiz were busy peeling potatoes and putting out tables and chairs. By the time the ten teams arrived in the evening everything was ready for them to get down to answering eight rounds of questions and, in between, enjoy a wonderful meal of sausages, mashed potato, beans, onions and gravy.
This time it was the turn of Old Buckenham WI (as winners of the last quiz) to set the questions. Susan Hunter had prepared the questions and answers for eight rounds and a table show while the job of questionmaster(?) was carried out by Patricia Shearing.
The meal was served halfway through the evening giving a bit more time to work through the fifty questions on the table show sheet. This table show was marked and the raffle drawn after the last question had been asked and so gave time for the markers to add up the final scores. The final order was:

 1. Figgifens 62

2=. Willy Nilly 60

2=. Old Buckenham WI 60

4. Vicky's Mob 57

5. Old Buckenham High School 56

6. Foursomes 54

7. The Millers 54

8. Two and Two 53

9. Making Up The Numbers 49

10. Quiz Busters 41

(there were some half points won as well but the computer does not want to print them in a reasonable form)





 Table show winners, Vicky's Mob, clutching their Easter egg prizes
 
The delighted Figgifens team, winners of the main quiz
 
On Sunday 23 March a younger crowd, with more families, had gathered to see The Lion King film. This was a free event, the unique attraction being that the projector was powered by volunteers who had to keep pedalling bikes to keep the picture on the screen. 
This time the food was more popcorn and lollipops to provide a special cinema experience.






               


Monday 24 March 2014

Old Buckenham pond back to normal

Flooded pond is no more
The water at Ottomer pond on Old Buckenham Green had at one time risen the height of the nearby road but the recent fine weather has allowed it to go back to its normal level. Here are some photos taken on 13 February when it was about its highest and on 22 March when things had gone back to normal.



Thursday 20 March 2014

Old Buckenham and road safety

Comment on new school developments
There were some interesting presentations that occurred at the Old Buckenham Annual Parish Meeting last night.
Here, from Steve, is one resident's view of what was said at this Parish Meeting.
Two presentations were given last night. One by the local police saying that their priorities are speeding/road safety and congestion outside the schools. We then listened to a presentation about the proposed new Chapel Road school from Chris Hey (Norfolk County Council) who was saying that there will be nothing done as part of the development to try and alleviate the traffic problems we have here in the village..
So it seems there will be a two-way relief road for the new school but this will not be an access to the junior school so the grid lock in the village hall car park will continue.
The new road will form a T junction with the B1077, not a roundabout as requested by parishioners. I leave you to make your own conclusions about this. Those living at the entrance to the village can comment on their experiences of entering the B1077 from their houses.
The new school will increase the level of traffic going through Old Buckenham and the County Council Highways do not appear to be prepared to do anything about this with respect to road safety.
Our county councillor was at this meeting and requested an urgent meeting with the County Council Highways to review the situation. We are told that this will happen shortly.
In May there will be a further consultation, and planning permission will be sought in June.
This development is moving fast.
Firstly there is a need for you to register your views. There were only a handful of residents at the meeting so it is crucial to get as many opinions as possible put forward now as "together we are strong".
So please consider doing one of the following:
1. email/telephone your parish councillor, contact details are on the OB website www.oldbuckenham.org or on page 21 of the March issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter.
2. Respond via the Old Buckenham group Facebook page.
3. Use the blog comment facility at the end of this post.
The clock is ticking...

Sunday 16 March 2014

Flower Club AGM at Old Buckenham

Breckland Flower and Garden Club
 

At the AGM in Old Buckenham Village Hall the out-going chairman Sally Westrup reported on another successful year. A varied programme had been enjoyed by an increasing number of members and visitors.
The committee members were thanked for all their hard work with special thanks to Maria Pilgrim who was standing down because of work commitments and especially to Marjorie Greenwood who was also retiring from the committee after 26 years managing the plant stall and offering her experience with the club's catering - she was presented with a gift of flowers.
The members were then asked to elect the newly nominated committee. Christine Hewson was elected chairman and welcomed the new committee that including three new members. Joy Tunmore then gave details of the programme for 2014/15.
Christine Hewson presented the year’s charity collection of ‘pennies in jars’ to Sue Blackett. This collection raised £167.42 for the Nelson's Journey and Marie Curie charities in memory of David Blackett.
The annual table show trophy was won by Alison Walker. She also gained most points overall during the year for her flower arrangements and also in the New Hands class. Sylvia Briggs gained most points in the Old Hands class.
This was followed by a 'presentation' by Mellissa Sheldrake called 'A Box of Delights'. With tales of shipwrecked sailors (not to mention the piglet) and sunken Chinese treasure, the language of the fan, and treasures found at auction, her talk was informative, amusing and enthralling.
The monthly competition winners were Old Hands, Shirley Penfold, and New Hands, Alison Walker who also won the table show.
The next meeting will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 10 April starting at 2pm when there will be talk with slides by herbalist Christine Herbert. The flower competition is for an 'Arrangement in a Flower Pot to include Herbs' and the table show for a 'Selection of Spring blooms from the garden’.
Visitors are always welcome to the Flower Club meetings, contact Christine on 01953 454528 for more details.


 

Friday 14 March 2014

Old Buckenham WI and tractors

Ladies’ Tractor Run
You will all have all heard of ‘ladies who lunch’ but at the February meeting of the Old Buckenham WI they learnt about ladies who drive tractors, fundraising for Breast Cancer Research. This innovative way of collecting money for charity was the brainchild of Annie Chapman who has organised the ‘Ladies Tractor Run’ in and around Harleston for the last ten years. Donations so far have exceeded £300,000. As vintage tractor enthusiasts, Annie and her husband decided that it would be a novel way of fund-raising. During the first year, 50 tractors and their lady drivers, dressed in pink, ambled through the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside. Spurred on by its success, Annie has organised the event every summer since. In 2013, 160 tractors took part, all outrageously embellished in pink.
In 2012, Annie was recognised as a tireless fund-raiser and invited to be one of the torchbearers prior to the London Olympic Games. Annie came to the WI meeting resplendent in her Olympic tracksuit and brought her torch with her. She captured the admiration of all those at the meeting and is an inspiration to charity fund-raising.
Members also had brief reports from two Old Buckenham members who had attended courses at the WI’s own Denman college in Oxfordshire. Alison Frank spoke about the treasures of the Oxford colleges and museums while Betty Stacey had studied the 21st century skill of buying and selling on eBay. They reminded everyone that the college is a remarkable and valuable resource for WI members and friends.


 

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Old Buckenham Parish Council meeting in March

Minutes of this month's meeting
The following notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.


There were five members of the public present at the meeting. Three councillors (Adrian Joel, Steve Milner and Paul Boggia) were unable to attend and had sent their apologies.
The meeting was suspended for a short time to allow the members of the public to ask questions.
Minutes of the February Parish Council meeting. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting. There were no matters arising.
Village Hall broadband. Tom Johnson reported that the Village Hall would be going ahead with a year’s trial but a recent report by the Village Hall suggested a hub and satellite system. This item to be put on the April agenda.
Planning applications. Orchard House, Mill Road. Proposed loft conversion with dormers to front and rear. There were no objections from the parish council, this was agreed unanimously.
Roughlands, Grove Road. Erection of two livestock buildings and associated feed silo. Alterations to access and provision of passing bay. It was proposed by Derek Smalley that there would be no objections but no seconder was found so the proposal failed. It was then proposed by Jonathan Kemp and seconded by Akis Chrisovelides that it should be objected to as not adequate detail of drainage and disposal of effluence was available. This was agreed by all councillors present apart from Sarah Dye who had declared an interest.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. None
Chairman’s report. Tim Ing informed the meeting that the bid for flashing speed signs had been accepted by Norfolk County Council (NCC) for a grant of £3,375 and the Parish Council would have to fund the balance of £3,375. A working party is to be set up consisting of Steve Milner, Jonathan Kemp and Tom Johnson to seek grant funding for the balance. A representative of the County Council will attend the Annual Parish Meeting regarding highway matters. Concerns had been raised about lorries mounting the verge at Manor Corner and NCC Highways have said they will install additional kerbing to resolve the problem.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson had attended a recent Village Hall management meeting and they need £240 for cleaning 120 chairs, £400 for maintenance of the building and £500 for electrical work. They will be raising the cost of hiring the Village Hall from April this year (the last increase in charges was in 2011) and the proposed increases would amount to about 7%. They are also looking at producing a forward business plan. Their AGM is being held on Wednesday 2 April at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Carol Marshall reported that the Almhouses are looking to employ a part time clerk and sharing the cost with New Buckenham. An email has been sent to Mr Harman who has a digger requesting a quote for work on the Recreation Area. Jonathan Kemp reported that the new football nets are ready and hopefully they will be up in time for the school holidays. John Frost reported that some church windows would be taken out for repair in the summer.
Highways. In Cake Street there are potholes between the reflectors and Walnut Shade on the left side of the road going towards Diss. The Parish Clerk to report the matter to Highways. John Frost is to deal with a hole in the asphalt by Forge Close.
The Green. The Green Right Proprietors held their AGM on Tuesday 4 March and it was well attended. The Ottomer pond drain needs cleaning. A tree map of the Green has been drawn up by Derek Smalley. The mowing of the Green is being looked at and consideration given to how it could be made commercially viable for a contractor.
The next meetings of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Wednesday 19 March, the Annual Parish Meeting, and on Thursday 3 April for the regular monthly Parish Council meeting. Both meetings will be in the Village Hall and start at 7.30pm.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Old Buckenham Village Hall AGM

Have your say on the Village Hall
The Annual General Meeting of Old Buckenham Village Hall will take place on Wednesday 2 April starting at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall
All parishioners are welcome and there will be complimentary tea and biscuits from 7pm.
Representatives of the groups that use the hall have been asked to attend.

This is your chance to have your say on what goes on at the Village Hall. There were large changes in the committee last year and they have instigated several new events over the last twelve months. Come along and give your views to help them in the future.

Sunday 9 March 2014

In New rather than Old Buckenham

War Horse experience
We don't often post about that village next door with a similar name but Steve, our arts correspondent, went to New Buckenham Village Hall last night and felt motivated to pen a few lines on his 'West End' experience.

Just spent a fantastic evening in New Buckenham watching War Horse, no watching is the wrong word, experiencing War Horse. This was a recording of a live performance at The National Theatre. On some of these occasions the performance is live and shown via a satellite link. The result is a West End Theatre production in our own back yard.
Technically it could not be faulted with high definition projection onto an enormous screen, all this and the audience participation lead to the feeling of being in the theatre.
War Horse is an unbelievable spectacle, overshadowed with full size puppets of horses, the mastery of the puppeteers gave these majestic creations the actions and mannerisms of the real thing. When the horses felt pain and joy you felt it as well. Lynn said to me as the play started “remember they are only puppets”, this was immediately forgotten as we met Joey as a foal running in his field and pulling grass. Lighting and sound again added to the realism of the extremely harrowing battle scenes
Hats off to the New Buckenham Arts Group for putting on this spectacle. More performances are planned so keep watch and do not miss these wonderful experiences, unless it clashes with something in Old Buckenham!


Saturday 8 March 2014

Another film show in Old Buckenham

Old Buckenham Village Hall Cinema presents


Saturday 29 March at 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm)

Bar and snacks

Advance tickets £4, on the door £6

To reserve tickets email
boxofficeobvh@gmail.com or call 01953 860866

Thursday 6 March 2014

Cycle cinema back in Old Buckenham

Peddling at the pictures
Get on the bikes and keep the picture going. Then you can enjoy watching The Lion King at 5pm on Sunday 23 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
This event is free (apart from some people having to use a little of their own energy). There is a restriction on the number of seats available so please ring 01953 860866 and book places for you (and your family).
 
(click on the images to enlarge them and make them easier to read)

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Aurora Borealis visible in Old Buckenham

Lighting up the sky
The Aurora Borealis, or "Northern Lights", were visible across the UK last week. This was a particularly strong occurrence of the phenomena and although the lights are normally only visible in Iceland, Scandinavia or the North of Scotland, this time the lights were visible as far south as Essex. Chris Clarke managed to photograph them from Oaklands in Old Buckenham and has kindly allowed us to use his pictures on the blog.
These two photos were taken on the evening of Thursday 27 February and show a distinct red band of light across the sky to the north across the village Green.



Monday 3 March 2014

Forthcoming events in Old Buckenham during 2014

Coming sooner or later
Here is a list of many things happening in Old Buckenham over the next nine months. This list may help to avoid unfortunate clashing of dates. Should you know of more events please pass any further information on to the village blog editor (email obnewspostbox@aol.com) so that he can publicise them for you and include them in future lists. Similarly if you know there are errors in this list please tell the editor and he will make amendments.



Wednesday 2 April - Village Hall AGM at 7.30pm.

Saturday 10 May – 1940s Hangar dance at Airfield.

Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May - Old Buckenham Players production of My Boy Jack.

Sunday 8 June - Chanter’s Jigge concert in All Saints Church starting at 3pm.

Saturday 14 June - Garden Party at John and Barbara Frost’s house in Mill Road.

Saturday 5 July - Cream teas at the Oliver's in Hargham Road.

Friday 18 July - Primary School Fete.

Saturday 19 July – Village fete at Village Hall.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July – Old Buckenham Airshow.

Saturday 23 August – Hangar dance at Airfield. 


Wednesday 10 September – Luncheon Club coffee morning at Village Hall.

Sunday 14 September – Village Produce Show at Village Hall.

Saturday 27 September - Quiz at Village Hall.

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September – Balloon Festival at Airfield.

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October – Military Revival at Airfield.

Sunday 9 November – Remembrance service at Airfield.

Saturday 1 March 2014

All go for Old Buckenham jumble

Pre-school Group has successful jumble sale
The doors opened at 10am but there was a queue forming at the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham well before that today. Once inside it was everyone for themselves as they sorted through the clothes, toys and books. At 20p an item it was hard to resist getting something.
The tombola was popular and all the prizes were soon claimed. Some people even found time for coffee, tea and cakes.
Organised by Buckenham Pre-school Group, this event will raise funds for their activities. Even though there were still heaps of clothes on the tables as the sale drew to an end, this was being collected by a local charity that ensures it is put to good use by needy people in Romania.