Diary dates for December
Tuesday 2 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 3 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 3 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 4 Women's Institute Christmas lunch
Thursday 4 Breckland consultation meeting, Village Hall, 6.30pm
Thursday 4 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 5 Christmas Market, High School, 7pm to 9pm
Sunday 7 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 8 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Thursday 11 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 11 NB Silver Band carols, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Thursday 11 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm
Friday 12 Festive Bingo, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 14 Christmas Fly In, Old Buckenham Airfield
Monday 15 Monday Mardle Christmas lunch
Wednesday 16 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Wednesday 17 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 24 Candlelit Carol service, All Saints, 7pm
Sunday 30 November 2014
Saturday 29 November 2014
Another Old Buckenham newsletter
Last one for 2014
Another four thousand words for you to read and so learn about the goings on in Old Buckenham.
Another four thousand words for you to read and so learn about the goings on in Old Buckenham.
Friday 28 November 2014
Affordable properties in Old Buckenham
Grand opening for new affordable homes
Fourteen new homes have been completed in Old Buckenham which aim to help keeping the local community together meaning that families won’t have to look at moving away to find a new home. The new houses are a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes for affordable rent which extend an existing housing development owned and managed by Cotman Housing Association.
A grand opening event for the properties was held today, Friday 28 November. It was attended by customers and staff from Cotman Housing Association and local Councillor Adrian Joel, who gave a speech alongside Cotman Chair Bett Barrett.
The first residents of the new homes moved in at the end of October. The expansion of the Old Buckenham site is part of a wider strategy by Cotman Housing Association to support communities in the areas where they operate. The homes have been built on previously disused land owned by Breckland District Council. They’ve been constructed to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and were partially funded through the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Adrian Joel, Breckland Council ward member for Buckenham, had identified the land a number of years ago as suitable for affordable housing and has worked with Cotman and Council officers to help bring about this development. These new affordable homes are specifically allocated for people living in or with connections to Old Buckenham and its locality.
Introductory speeches were given outside one of the houses before the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon across the door and the handing over of keys to the new occupants. Then it was time for a look around the site and a chance to see inside one or two of the new properties before going for a buffet lunch at the local Gamekeeper pub.
Fourteen new homes have been completed in Old Buckenham which aim to help keeping the local community together meaning that families won’t have to look at moving away to find a new home. The new houses are a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes for affordable rent which extend an existing housing development owned and managed by Cotman Housing Association.
A grand opening event for the properties was held today, Friday 28 November. It was attended by customers and staff from Cotman Housing Association and local Councillor Adrian Joel, who gave a speech alongside Cotman Chair Bett Barrett.
The first residents of the new homes moved in at the end of October. The expansion of the Old Buckenham site is part of a wider strategy by Cotman Housing Association to support communities in the areas where they operate. The homes have been built on previously disused land owned by Breckland District Council. They’ve been constructed to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and were partially funded through the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Adrian Joel, Breckland Council ward member for Buckenham, had identified the land a number of years ago as suitable for affordable housing and has worked with Cotman and Council officers to help bring about this development. These new affordable homes are specifically allocated for people living in or with connections to Old Buckenham and its locality.
Introductory speeches were given outside one of the houses before the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon across the door and the handing over of keys to the new occupants. Then it was time for a look around the site and a chance to see inside one or two of the new properties before going for a buffet lunch at the local Gamekeeper pub.
Thursday 27 November 2014
Old Buckenham Village Hall Cinema
What's on at the pictures?
Three films have been booked to show during the late winter and spring. In addition the screenings are moving to Friday evenings.
So what's going to be on?
Friday 6 February, What we did on our Holiday. A comedy created by Andy Hamilton and starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connelly. In a similar vein to the tv programme Outnumbered, it portrays stressed parents and over-clever kids taking the world and life at face value.
Friday 20 March, Mr Turner. Directed by Mike Leigh and with Timothy Spall portraying Britain's great artist JMW Turner through the last 25 years of his life. This was the period when he created many of his most admired paintings.
Friday 24 April, The Imitation Game. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Follows the story of Alan Turing as he battles to crack the Enigma code, while at the same time he has to endure the establishment turning on him due to his homosexuality despite the fact that he led the team that saved thousands of lives by decoding German forces' transmissions.
Programmes will start at 7.30pm as usual and tickets bought in advance tickets will be £4.
So now is the time to put these dates in your 2015 diaries to keep the evenings free.
Three films have been booked to show during the late winter and spring. In addition the screenings are moving to Friday evenings.
So what's going to be on?
Friday 6 February, What we did on our Holiday. A comedy created by Andy Hamilton and starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connelly. In a similar vein to the tv programme Outnumbered, it portrays stressed parents and over-clever kids taking the world and life at face value.
Friday 20 March, Mr Turner. Directed by Mike Leigh and with Timothy Spall portraying Britain's great artist JMW Turner through the last 25 years of his life. This was the period when he created many of his most admired paintings.
Friday 24 April, The Imitation Game. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Follows the story of Alan Turing as he battles to crack the Enigma code, while at the same time he has to endure the establishment turning on him due to his homosexuality despite the fact that he led the team that saved thousands of lives by decoding German forces' transmissions.
Programmes will start at 7.30pm as usual and tickets bought in advance tickets will be £4.
So now is the time to put these dates in your 2015 diaries to keep the evenings free.
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Lost a kitten in Old Buckenham?
Away from home
A small black kitten, with white rear socks and a white tip to its tail, has been found wandering around by the Almshouses. If you think it might be yours or know who might have lost it then the kitten is now at the Connaught Road Vets in Attleborough and they can be contacted on 01953 454945 for any enquiries.
Sunday 23 November 2014
Weekend of Old Buckenham films
Film Festival finale
Tonight brought the first Old Buckenham Film Festival to an end (details were given in the post on Friday 14 November). What made this special was the pre-film Italian meal and the cornettos at the half time break.
The film, a digitally remastered version of Hotel Paradiso, was so appropriate and the audience agreed it was a great evening. Come along to the next film shows, make sure you don't miss out.
The proposed programme for early 2015 is
Friday 6 February What we did on our holiday
Friday 20 March Mr Turner
Friday 24 April The imitation game
Tonight brought the first Old Buckenham Film Festival to an end (details were given in the post on Friday 14 November). What made this special was the pre-film Italian meal and the cornettos at the half time break.
The film, a digitally remastered version of Hotel Paradiso, was so appropriate and the audience agreed it was a great evening. Come along to the next film shows, make sure you don't miss out.
The proposed programme for early 2015 is
Friday 6 February What we did on our holiday
Friday 20 March Mr Turner
Friday 24 April The imitation game
Friday 21 November 2014
The future for Old Buckenham
Issues and Options document
There will be a presentation from Breckland Council given by Iain Withington (Planning Team Leader) and Adrian Joel (local District Councillor) on Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm (prior to the Parish Council meeting that starts at 7.30pm)
It will be held in the Memorial Room at Old Buckenham Village Hall.
This document is important and could affect the village.
The Issues and Options stage of the Local Plan sets out the context for the new Breckland Local Plan and offers an opportunity for the Council to seek input and views from a wide range of statutory consultees, interest groups, and residents on the issues and priorities that should be considered when identifying and assessing potential planning options for the new Local Plan.
Key issues include
- How much housing (market and affordable) will be needed in the future and where it should be built;
- How much land we need to develop to support new jobs, including jobs in the rural economy and where;
- Approach to market towns and villages;
- How to protect and enhance our special habitats, natural and historic landscapes;
- How to achieve development that contributes towards a high quality life for all.
The Issues and Options document can be found on http://consult.breckland.gov.uk. As stated above there will be a presentation by Breckland Council on Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. A hard copy of the Issues and Options document is available through the Old Buckenham Parish Clerk or the District Councillor (Adrian Joel on 01953 860663).
Alongside the Consultation there will be a call for sites. If there is any land that a resident would like considered for allocation, details are on http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/consultations-contact-us
Wednesday 19 November 2014
Monday 17 November 2014
Old Buckenham group prepares for Christmas
Breckland Flower and Garden Club meeting
At the November meeting of Breckland Flower and Garden Club over fifty members and guests enjoyed a workshop with Christine and Joy as tutors. All participants took home their own Advent ring with candles and roses.
In the monthly competition the Advent design winners were Alyson Vivien in the novice class and Sylvia Briggs in the advanced class. The table show for a collection of dried preserved material was won by Christine Hewson.
The fundraising event for Scottie’s Little Soldiers, held at Bunwell village hall, included cakes, flowers, jewellery, tombola and afternoon tea. A sum of £500 was raised for the charity.
Next month will be the Christmas meeting at Old Buckenham village hall on Thursday 11 December. There will be a floral demonstration with the theme “Ready, Steady, Arrange” by four Club members followed by afternoon tea. Also there will be a raffle, sales table, and Christmas squares to win a hamper. The competition will be for a ‘Christmas table arrangement'.
All are welcome to attend (£4 for visitors). Telephone 01953 454528 for further details.
Saturday 15 November 2014
Old Buckenham Women's Institute celebrates
In late October Old Buckenham WI were pleased to welcome members and their guests for their 47th Birthday Party. After a “bring and share” supper and a glass of wine, they were entertained by “Hank” with music from the 60s and 70s including the Shadows, Jim Reeves, Cliff Richard and many more. Then there was the traditional glass of sherry and birthday cake to end the evening.
Several of the Old Buckenham members went to Diss on Thursday 6 November to welcome the WI “Baton” at the bus station as part of the WI Centenary celebrations. The baton was launched in Anglesey where the first WI meeting was held in September 1915. At the end of its journey it will have travelled throughout the 69 Federations of England, Wales and the Islands to celebrate the links of friendship within the community that have been made through the WI over the last 100 years. Norfolk Federation chose to take the Baton around the county by public bus as part of their involvement with the Norwich Bus Forum.
Friday 14 November 2014
Old Buckenham's Film Festival
Three nights of film shows
Over the weekend of Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November Old Buckenham are having a mini film festival, starting with “Chef” on Friday, and the climax on Sunday with Italian food served before the showing of the Oscar winning “Cinema Paradiso” (subtitles).
You can check out trailers on www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFws3AoIUY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stLekU5BnbI
The original intention was to show “Calvery” on Saturday 22 February but this would clash with “The Trench”, a play being performed at Old Buckenham Airfield. As it would cost more to cancel than to continue with the hire, the plan is to show Calvery on the Saturday night anyway. If you have tickets for Friday and Sunday, entry will be free, otherwise the charge will be a nominal £2 on the door. (Warning, this is a brilliant film but it has a dark story line and explicit language).
Over the weekend of Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November Old Buckenham are having a mini film festival, starting with “Chef” on Friday, and the climax on Sunday with Italian food served before the showing of the Oscar winning “Cinema Paradiso” (subtitles).
You can check out trailers on www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFws3AoIUY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stLekU5BnbI
The original intention was to show “Calvery” on Saturday 22 February but this would clash with “The Trench”, a play being performed at Old Buckenham Airfield. As it would cost more to cancel than to continue with the hire, the plan is to show Calvery on the Saturday night anyway. If you have tickets for Friday and Sunday, entry will be free, otherwise the charge will be a nominal £2 on the door. (Warning, this is a brilliant film but it has a dark story line and explicit language).
Thursday 13 November 2014
Public recess session at Old Buckenham Parish Council
November public recess notes
These notes have been written by the blog editor from material supplied by the parish clerk.
One resident raised the matter of his concern over the Chairman not delegating enough and putting too much pressure on his time. He commented on a meeting that he had attended of Norfolk County Council Planning Committee where the planning application for new school was passed. He thought the Parish Council was listened to by NCC at the meeting but the whole presentation was not done in the best way. He referred to a recent planning application for a pig farm in Old Buckenham where the applicant employed a professional who won the application. He thought that if Parish Council had a professional person to put their case on the new school it would have stood a better chance of winning the case. He thanked Steve Milner for all his efforts. Steve Milner replied that he thought the best case was put forward by Parish Council and that the Parish Council could not afford to pay a professional to put forward their case. A resident, who attended the meeting, said that from a purely planning point of view the application was a valid one. The only objection at that time was access and NCC had dealt with it. A resident said that traffic flows to and from the school would cause problems because of traffic coming from Thetford, Attleborough and Diss. Steve Milner said that traffic levels were raised at the meeting but NCC said the increased levels were insignificant. Jonathan Kemp, Derek Smalley and Andrew Joel made comments on this point. Stephen Askew, the local NCC councillor, spoke on the meeting and said the committee had dealt with all issues raised in detail and the application was given full consideration. Jonathan Kemp gave a brief summary of the work of the Working Party* (see notes below) which had held another meeting earlier trying to find a way forward following the approval of the planning application. Adrian Joel suggested a meeting with the Head of Children's Services and also the Director of Transport of NCC rather than the local Highway’s Engineer. A resident also suggested the meeting with both the Director of Transport and the Parish Council. Steve Milner said he would be meeting with the local Highways Engineer next week to discuss road safety issues and other councillors were welcome to attend the meeting. A further resident raised the matter of a planning application before the council for approval. Another resident raised some points of concern over the application as she was directly affected by the application.
*Chapel Road School Working Party
This group met in early November. It consists of Jonathan Kemp (Chair), Sarah Hornbrook, Adrian Joel, Mike Bartlett and Tim Bornett (who was not able to attend this meeting).
At the meeting there was a discussion on the outcome of planning, a review of the conditions set out in the planning consent, a discussion on the Parish Council’s conditions successes, the elements that now need to be prioritised and a discussion around the education consultation and the decision of the Director of Children’s Services.
Planning permission for the school has been granted and there is no third party right to appeal. The only possible route to query the decision would be the ombudsman but this would focus on the procedural elements and would not change the outcome. Judicial review is an option but an application has to be put in within six weeks and costs can exceed £50,000.
The conditions in planning consent were reviewed. There was a need to set up meetings with the successful contractor at earliest possible stage to form a relationship and ensure the conditions are met.
Of the eight conditions that the Parish Council had asked for, four had been taken into account. For instance it had been agreed that the 30mph speed limit is moved nearer to Attleborough and that construction traffic would not to enter through the village.
In future the focus needs to be on a 20mph speed limit by the schools, installation of crossing refuges, the use of the new road and the availability of the MUGA (multi use games area) for the local community.
Tim Bornett had conducted some research into the education consultation – this will continue to be investigated to see if any influence can be achieved through the Director of Children’s Services.
These notes have been written by the blog editor from material supplied by the parish clerk.
One resident raised the matter of his concern over the Chairman not delegating enough and putting too much pressure on his time. He commented on a meeting that he had attended of Norfolk County Council Planning Committee where the planning application for new school was passed. He thought the Parish Council was listened to by NCC at the meeting but the whole presentation was not done in the best way. He referred to a recent planning application for a pig farm in Old Buckenham where the applicant employed a professional who won the application. He thought that if Parish Council had a professional person to put their case on the new school it would have stood a better chance of winning the case. He thanked Steve Milner for all his efforts. Steve Milner replied that he thought the best case was put forward by Parish Council and that the Parish Council could not afford to pay a professional to put forward their case. A resident, who attended the meeting, said that from a purely planning point of view the application was a valid one. The only objection at that time was access and NCC had dealt with it. A resident said that traffic flows to and from the school would cause problems because of traffic coming from Thetford, Attleborough and Diss. Steve Milner said that traffic levels were raised at the meeting but NCC said the increased levels were insignificant. Jonathan Kemp, Derek Smalley and Andrew Joel made comments on this point. Stephen Askew, the local NCC councillor, spoke on the meeting and said the committee had dealt with all issues raised in detail and the application was given full consideration. Jonathan Kemp gave a brief summary of the work of the Working Party* (see notes below) which had held another meeting earlier trying to find a way forward following the approval of the planning application. Adrian Joel suggested a meeting with the Head of Children's Services and also the Director of Transport of NCC rather than the local Highway’s Engineer. A resident also suggested the meeting with both the Director of Transport and the Parish Council. Steve Milner said he would be meeting with the local Highways Engineer next week to discuss road safety issues and other councillors were welcome to attend the meeting. A further resident raised the matter of a planning application before the council for approval. Another resident raised some points of concern over the application as she was directly affected by the application.
*Chapel Road School Working Party
This group met in early November. It consists of Jonathan Kemp (Chair), Sarah Hornbrook, Adrian Joel, Mike Bartlett and Tim Bornett (who was not able to attend this meeting).
At the meeting there was a discussion on the outcome of planning, a review of the conditions set out in the planning consent, a discussion on the Parish Council’s conditions successes, the elements that now need to be prioritised and a discussion around the education consultation and the decision of the Director of Children’s Services.
Planning permission for the school has been granted and there is no third party right to appeal. The only possible route to query the decision would be the ombudsman but this would focus on the procedural elements and would not change the outcome. Judicial review is an option but an application has to be put in within six weeks and costs can exceed £50,000.
The conditions in planning consent were reviewed. There was a need to set up meetings with the successful contractor at earliest possible stage to form a relationship and ensure the conditions are met.
Of the eight conditions that the Parish Council had asked for, four had been taken into account. For instance it had been agreed that the 30mph speed limit is moved nearer to Attleborough and that construction traffic would not to enter through the village.
In future the focus needs to be on a 20mph speed limit by the schools, installation of crossing refuges, the use of the new road and the availability of the MUGA (multi use games area) for the local community.
Tim Bornett had conducted some research into the education consultation – this will continue to be investigated to see if any influence can be achieved through the Director of Children’s Services.
Wednesday 12 November 2014
November Market in Old Buckenham
Why not pop in for a light lunch?
The annual November Market is nearly here again. Drop into the Church Rooms on Saturday to support this fund-raising event, enjoy a mardle over your homemade soup and see what the stalls have to offer.
The annual November Market is nearly here again. Drop into the Church Rooms on Saturday to support this fund-raising event, enjoy a mardle over your homemade soup and see what the stalls have to offer.
Tuesday 11 November 2014
Radio Norfolk talks about Old Buckenham
Local cricket and famous matches
The new book about Lionel Robinson and Old Buckenham cricket (see post on Saturday 8 November) was the subject of a discussion on BBC Radio Norfolk today. It will be available for the next seven days so if you wish to listen to it go to
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02b3543
and you will find it starting about about six minutes into the programme.
The new book about Lionel Robinson and Old Buckenham cricket (see post on Saturday 8 November) was the subject of a discussion on BBC Radio Norfolk today. It will be available for the next seven days so if you wish to listen to it go to
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02b3543
and you will find it starting about about six minutes into the programme.
Old Buckenham Parish Council in November
Minutes of November Parish Council meeting
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is changed at a later date.
All parish councillors, except Tim Ing, attended along with seven members of the public and Stephen Askew (Norfolk County Councillor).
Steve Milner and Carol Marshall both declared an interest in individual planning applications that were to be discussed.
The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to ask questions. Notes on subjects discussed will be posted on this blog at a later date. The meeting then resumed.
Minutes of October Parish Council meeting. After a small amendment the minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. John Frost said that the missing gates from the play area had been found and should be put back. Steve Milner said the proposed rent increase for the recreation area would be postponed until ownership of the area was established. He also said the Village Hall did not rent the recreation area for boot camp. Carol Marshall stated she could find no other parish council who had to pay rent for a recreation area. Also there was a dispute as to the ownership of the site.
Adoption of Financial Risk Assessment. This was agreed by nine for and one abstention.
Planning applications. 6 Oaklands. Single storey front extension, change flat roof over porch and garage to lean-to roof and extensions to front roof slope dormers. Derek Smalley said these alterations relate to a previous application which Parish Council objected to as the then proposed extension was too big and out of character. The new alterations have reflected those concerns and the new proposed extension is fully acceptable to the Parish Council.
1 Barbers Yard. Change garage to annex. Derek Smalley said it was a garage and always will be a garage and was not in keeping with other properties and would also result in increased traffic levels to the dwelling. Akis Chrisoviledes, Carol Marshall, Sarah Dye and Adrian Joel commented on the application. Derek Smalley then proposed that the application be refused but no seconder could be found so the motion failed. Steve Milner then proposed approving the application subject to “The living accommodation shall be incidental to the use of the main dwelling and shall not be let or occupied at any time as a separate and un-associated unit of accommodation”.
Whitehands Farm, Stacksford. The Parish Clerk is to obtain a time extension and the application will be put on the December agenda.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. 15 Fen Street. Front extension, replacement garage, reformation of existing rear extension. Permission granted.
Downmoor Farm. Single storey residential extension. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Steve Milner reported that he had attended a recent NALC meeting and had found it an excellent meeting with two main presentations. One was on the Parish and Town Partnership which gives 50% funding to highway projects. He will be meeting with local highway engineer next week to discuss costing and road safety measures. Breckland Council have just released an Issues and Options consultation document relating to their Local Development Plan and urged all councillors to read it when they see it in the circulation folder as there is a lot of pressure on Breckland to allow more development in the district. NALC said a Neighbourhood Plan would not be approved if it goes against the Local Development Plan and he suggested another working party be set up to look at the National Planning Policy Framework and see how they can protect the village against aggressive developers.
District Councillor’s report. In November Breckland Council will be launching their consultation on the Issues and Options document. They are inviting comments on key issues and priorities that should be considered when shaping planning policy over the next 20 years. In addition it provides people with the opportunity to suggest any issues that they feel should be addressed in the document. The document will be found on http:/consult.breckland.gov.uk. There will also be a drop-in session on Thursday 4 December at Attleborough Town Hall between 2pm and 6pm. A hard copy is available through Adrian Joel on 01953 860663. Alongside the consultation there is also a call for sites. If there is any land that residents think should be considered for allocation, details are on http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/consultations-contact-us. The recycling revolution got off to a good start in October with an overall increase in recycling of 10% in the first four weeks. Breckland has also agreed to the route for the Attleborough Link Road. The option selected was option 3 which is from London Road near the Breckland Lodge to Bunns Bank. He raised his concerns about future HGVs going through Old Buckenham on the B1077 and suggested that the Link Road be adopted as the lorry route hierarchy in both directions, the suggestion was well received.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson attended the Village Hall meeting and they had indicated they still wanted a grant at this year’s Precept meeting. Broadband is now available in Village hall and parish councillors will be able to access it. He also reported he had received complaints from a resident concerning overgrown hedge in Banham Road. Paul Boggia said he would speak to the landowner on the matter. Paul Boggia also raised the matter of the recently reported water leaks in Grove Road, both of which are now repaired. Derek Smalley recently attended a meeting of The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee. Akis Chrisoviledes had done some work on a Neighbourhood Plan (NP). He had spoken to an expert on the matter who said any NP should be embedded in Breckland’s Development Plan, not wait until a Development Plan is produced. Steve Milner said a Neighbourhood Plan could not be produced before the release of Breckland’s Development Plan as there was insufficient time and also there was the high cost of producing a Neighbourhood Plan. Adrian Joel said the Community Infrastructure Levy was not yet agreed by Breckland due to government constantly changing the rules. John Frost reported that the church tower repairs are now complete.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk had conversations with NCC Highway Department and they reported the depression in Harlingwood Lane was programmed for repair within four to six weeks. The vast majority of potholes in the village have now been repaired. The depression in Hargham Road has been reported to Anglian Water who will carry out repairs. The Public Right of Way leading up to primary school has been inspected and is now free from obstruction. The matter of the pond near Manor House was raised and the pond needs dredging to prevent surface water collecting on the highway. Also some trees near the pond need cutting back to improve visibility for road users.
Highways. The 30mph flashing speed sign outside the Gamekeeper is not working. White give-way lines at Dambrigg are not working. The 30mph sign at the south end of village has been damaged. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on these matters.
The Green. Steve Milner attended the recent Green Right Proprietors’ meeting where the pond issue was discussed and concerns over possible litigation following an alleged tripping accident. Tree and parking issues were raised and the three donated trees will soon be planted.
The next meetings of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be a Precept Meeting on Wednesday 19 November and a regular monthly Parish Council meeting on Thursday 4 December. Both meetings will be at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is changed at a later date.
All parish councillors, except Tim Ing, attended along with seven members of the public and Stephen Askew (Norfolk County Councillor).
Steve Milner and Carol Marshall both declared an interest in individual planning applications that were to be discussed.
The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to ask questions. Notes on subjects discussed will be posted on this blog at a later date. The meeting then resumed.
Minutes of October Parish Council meeting. After a small amendment the minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. John Frost said that the missing gates from the play area had been found and should be put back. Steve Milner said the proposed rent increase for the recreation area would be postponed until ownership of the area was established. He also said the Village Hall did not rent the recreation area for boot camp. Carol Marshall stated she could find no other parish council who had to pay rent for a recreation area. Also there was a dispute as to the ownership of the site.
Adoption of Financial Risk Assessment. This was agreed by nine for and one abstention.
Planning applications. 6 Oaklands. Single storey front extension, change flat roof over porch and garage to lean-to roof and extensions to front roof slope dormers. Derek Smalley said these alterations relate to a previous application which Parish Council objected to as the then proposed extension was too big and out of character. The new alterations have reflected those concerns and the new proposed extension is fully acceptable to the Parish Council.
1 Barbers Yard. Change garage to annex. Derek Smalley said it was a garage and always will be a garage and was not in keeping with other properties and would also result in increased traffic levels to the dwelling. Akis Chrisoviledes, Carol Marshall, Sarah Dye and Adrian Joel commented on the application. Derek Smalley then proposed that the application be refused but no seconder could be found so the motion failed. Steve Milner then proposed approving the application subject to “The living accommodation shall be incidental to the use of the main dwelling and shall not be let or occupied at any time as a separate and un-associated unit of accommodation”.
Whitehands Farm, Stacksford. The Parish Clerk is to obtain a time extension and the application will be put on the December agenda.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. 15 Fen Street. Front extension, replacement garage, reformation of existing rear extension. Permission granted.
Downmoor Farm. Single storey residential extension. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Steve Milner reported that he had attended a recent NALC meeting and had found it an excellent meeting with two main presentations. One was on the Parish and Town Partnership which gives 50% funding to highway projects. He will be meeting with local highway engineer next week to discuss costing and road safety measures. Breckland Council have just released an Issues and Options consultation document relating to their Local Development Plan and urged all councillors to read it when they see it in the circulation folder as there is a lot of pressure on Breckland to allow more development in the district. NALC said a Neighbourhood Plan would not be approved if it goes against the Local Development Plan and he suggested another working party be set up to look at the National Planning Policy Framework and see how they can protect the village against aggressive developers.
District Councillor’s report. In November Breckland Council will be launching their consultation on the Issues and Options document. They are inviting comments on key issues and priorities that should be considered when shaping planning policy over the next 20 years. In addition it provides people with the opportunity to suggest any issues that they feel should be addressed in the document. The document will be found on http:/consult.breckland.gov.uk. There will also be a drop-in session on Thursday 4 December at Attleborough Town Hall between 2pm and 6pm. A hard copy is available through Adrian Joel on 01953 860663. Alongside the consultation there is also a call for sites. If there is any land that residents think should be considered for allocation, details are on http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/consultations-contact-us. The recycling revolution got off to a good start in October with an overall increase in recycling of 10% in the first four weeks. Breckland has also agreed to the route for the Attleborough Link Road. The option selected was option 3 which is from London Road near the Breckland Lodge to Bunns Bank. He raised his concerns about future HGVs going through Old Buckenham on the B1077 and suggested that the Link Road be adopted as the lorry route hierarchy in both directions, the suggestion was well received.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson attended the Village Hall meeting and they had indicated they still wanted a grant at this year’s Precept meeting. Broadband is now available in Village hall and parish councillors will be able to access it. He also reported he had received complaints from a resident concerning overgrown hedge in Banham Road. Paul Boggia said he would speak to the landowner on the matter. Paul Boggia also raised the matter of the recently reported water leaks in Grove Road, both of which are now repaired. Derek Smalley recently attended a meeting of The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee. Akis Chrisoviledes had done some work on a Neighbourhood Plan (NP). He had spoken to an expert on the matter who said any NP should be embedded in Breckland’s Development Plan, not wait until a Development Plan is produced. Steve Milner said a Neighbourhood Plan could not be produced before the release of Breckland’s Development Plan as there was insufficient time and also there was the high cost of producing a Neighbourhood Plan. Adrian Joel said the Community Infrastructure Levy was not yet agreed by Breckland due to government constantly changing the rules. John Frost reported that the church tower repairs are now complete.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Parish Clerk had conversations with NCC Highway Department and they reported the depression in Harlingwood Lane was programmed for repair within four to six weeks. The vast majority of potholes in the village have now been repaired. The depression in Hargham Road has been reported to Anglian Water who will carry out repairs. The Public Right of Way leading up to primary school has been inspected and is now free from obstruction. The matter of the pond near Manor House was raised and the pond needs dredging to prevent surface water collecting on the highway. Also some trees near the pond need cutting back to improve visibility for road users.
Highways. The 30mph flashing speed sign outside the Gamekeeper is not working. White give-way lines at Dambrigg are not working. The 30mph sign at the south end of village has been damaged. The Parish Clerk to contact Highways on these matters.
The Green. Steve Milner attended the recent Green Right Proprietors’ meeting where the pond issue was discussed and concerns over possible litigation following an alleged tripping accident. Tree and parking issues were raised and the three donated trees will soon be planted.
The next meetings of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be a Precept Meeting on Wednesday 19 November and a regular monthly Parish Council meeting on Thursday 4 December. Both meetings will be at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
Sunday 9 November 2014
Old Buckenham High School performs "Oliver"
Coming soon
Perhaps this High School play will have you coming back for more. All the details are on the poster, just click on the image to see it at a larger size.
Saturday 8 November 2014
Lionel Robinson and cricket at Old Buckenham
New book on Old Buckenham resident
Thank you to Tom Walshe who has provided all these details.
Old Buckenham’s remembrance of the Fallen, 100 years on from the start of the Great War, coincides with publication of a new book recalling the man who gave the village its fine war memorial along with the cricket ground and racing stud.
‘Lionel Robinson: Cricket at Old Buckenham’ is a biography by Norwich author Stephen Musk who traces the life and times of the Australian stockbroker and recounts how his purchase of the Old Buckenham Hall estate from Prince Frederick Duleep Singh changed the course of village history.
‘Lionel Robinson: Cricket at Old Buckenham’ is a biography by Norwich author Stephen Musk who traces the life and times of the Australian stockbroker and recounts how his purchase of the Old Buckenham Hall estate from Prince Frederick Duleep Singh changed the course of village history.
The book reveals in detail for the first time the influence Robinson and his colourful associates had on cricket, horse racing, commerce and politics across the world. It also attempts to unravel Robinson’s complex character, which could swing from kind and generous to autocratic and explosive. And it examines the question of whether Lionel, despite his wealth and patronage, ever really gained acceptance in English society.
The narrative begins in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where Robinson was born – illegitimately it turns out – in 1866. It moves to Australia, where he made his fortune as a wheeler-dealer stockbroker and financier during the mining boom, and then to England when he switched to the London Stock Exchange.
In 1906 he bought Old Buckenham Hall estate, building a vast mansion, two cricket grounds, the stud farm and paddocks. He entertained lavishly and shooting parties on the estate were renowned affairs. He was Lord of the Manor, High Sherriff of Norfolk in 1916, and helped bankroll the famous Triangular Test cricket series in England in 1912. That year, in addition to sponsoring the South African touring team, he brought the Australians to play an England XI at the Lakenham Cricket ground in Norwich and South Africa to play his own team of top cricketers at his new ground at Old Buckenham Hall.
In 1919 the first international cricket match played in England after the Great War was at Old Buckenham where Lionel Robinson’s team entertained the Australian Imperial Forces in a 12-a-side match. And most famously of all, in 1921, the all-conquering Australian Test team travelled to Old Buckenham for a three-day game against an almost full strength England side playing as Lionel Robinson’s XI.
The narrative begins in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where Robinson was born – illegitimately it turns out – in 1866. It moves to Australia, where he made his fortune as a wheeler-dealer stockbroker and financier during the mining boom, and then to England when he switched to the London Stock Exchange.
In 1906 he bought Old Buckenham Hall estate, building a vast mansion, two cricket grounds, the stud farm and paddocks. He entertained lavishly and shooting parties on the estate were renowned affairs. He was Lord of the Manor, High Sherriff of Norfolk in 1916, and helped bankroll the famous Triangular Test cricket series in England in 1912. That year, in addition to sponsoring the South African touring team, he brought the Australians to play an England XI at the Lakenham Cricket ground in Norwich and South Africa to play his own team of top cricketers at his new ground at Old Buckenham Hall.
In 1919 the first international cricket match played in England after the Great War was at Old Buckenham where Lionel Robinson’s team entertained the Australian Imperial Forces in a 12-a-side match. And most famously of all, in 1921, the all-conquering Australian Test team travelled to Old Buckenham for a three-day game against an almost full strength England side playing as Lionel Robinson’s XI.
Jack Hobbs batting at the Hall ground in 1921 (Sydney Smith Collection, State Library of New South Wales)
The book traces Lionel’s encounters with some of the greatest cricketers of all time, including Jack Hobbs and Archie MacLaren. The latter organised Robinson’s cricket and lived at Old Buckenham for a decade.
A section is devoted to Lionel’s success as a breeder and owner of racehorses, both in Australia where he and his business partner Bill Clark won prestigious races including the Melbourne Cup and the Caulfield Cup, and in England where their victories – such as that in the 1907 Cesarewitch – were often accompanied by big betting coups.
Essentially a cricket book, however, Stephen Musk’s comprehensive work traces the largely forgotten story of cricket at Old Buckenham either side of the Great War, and shows how the haughty and humble aspects of the country house and village game shared a not always cohesive relationship.
Here are snapshots of local characters such as William Groom, aka Squibs, unkindly dubbed “the village idiot” by one visiting toff, but a talented cricketer and wholehearted chap. And Old Buckenham schoolmaster Len Hart who spent so much time on the cricket field that he sometimes adopted a scorebook alias, borrowed from a local vicar, to mask his absences from the classroom.
The book contains more than 50 illustrations, mostly contemporary photographs sourced from both Britain and Australia, many previously unpublished. Some – including the cover shot of Lionel Robinson, a photo of Squibs and others of Archie MacLaren at Old Buckenham – are from a photo album kept by MacLaren’s son, Ian, and loaned by the cricketer’s biographer, Michael Down.
Lionel Robinson died the year following his most famous match and lies buried in Old Buckenham churchyard. The Hall and cricket affairs passed to another enigmatic character – businessman, playboy (and later Member of Parliament) Everard Gates. An account of his (ultimately unsuccessful) struggle to keep the estate and cricket going during the Depression, and the key role played in the latter by Len Hart, is covered in a closing chapter that forms a fascinating adjunct to the grandeur of the Robinson years.
‘Lionel Robinson: Cricket at Old Buckenham’, is published by the Association of Cricket Statisticians (ACS) and is available via their website - acscricket.com - at £14.
A section is devoted to Lionel’s success as a breeder and owner of racehorses, both in Australia where he and his business partner Bill Clark won prestigious races including the Melbourne Cup and the Caulfield Cup, and in England where their victories – such as that in the 1907 Cesarewitch – were often accompanied by big betting coups.
Essentially a cricket book, however, Stephen Musk’s comprehensive work traces the largely forgotten story of cricket at Old Buckenham either side of the Great War, and shows how the haughty and humble aspects of the country house and village game shared a not always cohesive relationship.
Here are snapshots of local characters such as William Groom, aka Squibs, unkindly dubbed “the village idiot” by one visiting toff, but a talented cricketer and wholehearted chap. And Old Buckenham schoolmaster Len Hart who spent so much time on the cricket field that he sometimes adopted a scorebook alias, borrowed from a local vicar, to mask his absences from the classroom.
The book contains more than 50 illustrations, mostly contemporary photographs sourced from both Britain and Australia, many previously unpublished. Some – including the cover shot of Lionel Robinson, a photo of Squibs and others of Archie MacLaren at Old Buckenham – are from a photo album kept by MacLaren’s son, Ian, and loaned by the cricketer’s biographer, Michael Down.
Lionel Robinson died the year following his most famous match and lies buried in Old Buckenham churchyard. The Hall and cricket affairs passed to another enigmatic character – businessman, playboy (and later Member of Parliament) Everard Gates. An account of his (ultimately unsuccessful) struggle to keep the estate and cricket going during the Depression, and the key role played in the latter by Len Hart, is covered in a closing chapter that forms a fascinating adjunct to the grandeur of the Robinson years.
‘Lionel Robinson: Cricket at Old Buckenham’, is published by the Association of Cricket Statisticians (ACS) and is available via their website - acscricket.com - at £14.
Friday 7 November 2014
Great night for Old Buckenham fireworks
Sparkling display in the night sky
The clouds faded away and the wind died down to provide a crisp night for the firework display put on by the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust. Well over three hundred people gathered on the playing field of Old Buckenham High School to enjoy hot soup, burgers and other drinks before watching the professional display of sparkling, crackling and beautifully coloured fireworks.
There were children there of all ages to enjoy the occasion and to hopefully raise more funds for the Trust to make available to village organisations in the future.
The clouds faded away and the wind died down to provide a crisp night for the firework display put on by the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust. Well over three hundred people gathered on the playing field of Old Buckenham High School to enjoy hot soup, burgers and other drinks before watching the professional display of sparkling, crackling and beautifully coloured fireworks.
There were children there of all ages to enjoy the occasion and to hopefully raise more funds for the Trust to make available to village organisations in the future.
Something spectacular in Old Buckenham tonight
Fireworks tonight
Come along to Old Buckenham High School this evening. Tickets are still available on the gate at £7 for adults and £3 for children.
Gates open at 6pm. You can enjoy burgers, hotdogs (meat supplied by Tony Perkins), hot soup and a bar, all before the firework display starts.
Sorry but no sparklers are allowed at this event
Remember the safety of your pets and keep them indoors.
Come along to Old Buckenham High School this evening. Tickets are still available on the gate at £7 for adults and £3 for children.
Gates open at 6pm. You can enjoy burgers, hotdogs (meat supplied by Tony Perkins), hot soup and a bar, all before the firework display starts.
Sorry but no sparklers are allowed at this event
Remember the safety of your pets and keep them indoors.
Monday 3 November 2014
House appears on Old Buckenham Green
Moving building
There was an intriguing sight in the village this morning. What was a house doing on Old Buckenham Green?
Closer examination showed that there were two parts to this house and that they were on wheels.
Both parts had arrived on low loaders and were destined for a house down Crown Road which is rather narrow for large wide loads. So they were being downloaded on the road across the Green before finishing their journey, each towed by a Land Rover for the last couple of hundred of yards, and being installed in the appropriate location.
There was an intriguing sight in the village this morning. What was a house doing on Old Buckenham Green?
Closer examination showed that there were two parts to this house and that they were on wheels.
Fungi on Old Buckenham Green
Back for another year
If you walk around Old Buckenham Green the annual fungi display is underway again. The colourful fly agaric are the most obvious but look carefully and you'll find others.
If you walk around Old Buckenham Green the annual fungi display is underway again. The colourful fly agaric are the most obvious but look carefully and you'll find others.
Saturday 1 November 2014
Brighter church tower in Old Buckenham
Tower now uncovered
The renovation work on the tower of All Saints Church has now finished and all the covering and scaffolding has come down. All the loose flints have been firmly embedded in with plenty of lime mortar, windows have been replaced and brickwork repaired. So the tower looks quite different, much lighter in colour and with much less flint on view.
These photos, taken in the afternoon's bright sunlight, give an indication of the new look. It will, of course, weather over time and become a bit more like the tower we have been used to looking at for many decades.
The renovation work on the tower of All Saints Church has now finished and all the covering and scaffolding has come down. All the loose flints have been firmly embedded in with plenty of lime mortar, windows have been replaced and brickwork repaired. So the tower looks quite different, much lighter in colour and with much less flint on view.
These photos, taken in the afternoon's bright sunlight, give an indication of the new look. It will, of course, weather over time and become a bit more like the tower we have been used to looking at for many decades.
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