Happening during 2015
Here are the dates of some meetings and events in Old Buckenham in 2015. If you know of others then please let the village blog editor know via the comments box and he will include the information in future blog posts.
Why not put the information in your brand new diaries and make sure that you don’t miss them (or arrange other things on the same dates).
Friday 6 February – Film Night in Village Hall
Saturday 21 February - Senior Citizens' Lunch at Village Hall.
Saturday 28 February – Jumble Sale in Church Rooms.
Friday 20 March – Film Night at Village Hall
Saturday 11 April – Liquorice Allsorts Quartet concert in All Saints Church.
Saturday 25 April - WI Centenary Evening in Village Hall.
Saturday 27 June - Upper Octave concert, All Saints Church.
Saturday 4 July – Village Fete at Village Hall.
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August – Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 2 September – Luncheon Club coffee morning, Village Hall.
Sunday 13 September – Produce and Handicraft Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October - Military and Vintage Revival, Airfield.
Sunday 8 November – Remembrance service at Airfield.
Wednesday 31 December 2014
Tuesday 30 December 2014
Old Buckenham events for January
Diary dates for January
Saturday 3 Meeting on Village Plan, Village Hall, 10am
Monday 5 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 6 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 7 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 8 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 8 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 8 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm
Monday 12 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Monday 12 Fete planning meeting, Church Rooms, 7.30pm
Wednesday 16 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Monday 19 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 21 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 22 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 29 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 30 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 31 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 2.30pm
Saturday 31 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 3 Meeting on Village Plan, Village Hall, 10am
Monday 5 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 6 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Wednesday 7 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 8 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 8 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 8 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm
Monday 12 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Monday 12 Fete planning meeting, Church Rooms, 7.30pm
Wednesday 16 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Monday 19 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 21 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 22 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 29 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 30 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 31 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 2.30pm
Saturday 31 Jack and the Beanstalk, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 28 December 2014
Start the year with Old Buckenham newsletter
Ready to read
The January 2015 villge newsletter has been distributed around today and many of you will get a copy put through your letterbox in the next few days. Other copies have been left in All Saints church, the village shop and pubs, the Clinic on the Green and the airfield. Enjoy the read.
The January 2015 villge newsletter has been distributed around today and many of you will get a copy put through your letterbox in the next few days. Other copies have been left in All Saints church, the village shop and pubs, the Clinic on the Green and the airfield. Enjoy the read.
Thursday 25 December 2014
Sunday 21 December 2014
Future plans for Old Buckenham
Neighbourhood Plan or not?
All are invited to an informal gathering at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Saturday 3 January commencing at 10am. It will be to discuss if Old Buckenham should, or should not, have a Neighbourhood Plan (NP). At present Attleborough are into a plan, Kenninghall have just commenced and Besthorpe are expected to follow suit. Tim Bornett has carried out considerable research on the matter while Sarah Hornbrook in her working capacity has much to offer in the way of guidance. Both will be at the meeting on Saturday 3 January.
Recently a member of the Attleborough team has stated that he feels that Old Buckenham must have a NP as Breckland Council are struggling to find space in the towns of the district to fulfil all the new homes required by the government. They are possibly going to have to consider moves into rural areas to comply with the requirement. Does this warrant consideration for a NP and would this improve Old Buckenham’s chances of influencing any decisions?
Perhaps at the informal gathering, consideration can be given to various points. Should a person with experience and existing involvement of NPs come and address our community? Should Old Buckenham Parish Council examine in depth the benefits, costs, etc, of having a NP and call a public meeting as a way forward?
Everyone is invited to this “kick off “. Hopefully a drink and biscuits will be an added incentive. No formal minutes will be taken but a volunteer to take notes would be helpful (contact Mike on 01953 860462).
All are invited to an informal gathering at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Saturday 3 January commencing at 10am. It will be to discuss if Old Buckenham should, or should not, have a Neighbourhood Plan (NP). At present Attleborough are into a plan, Kenninghall have just commenced and Besthorpe are expected to follow suit. Tim Bornett has carried out considerable research on the matter while Sarah Hornbrook in her working capacity has much to offer in the way of guidance. Both will be at the meeting on Saturday 3 January.
Recently a member of the Attleborough team has stated that he feels that Old Buckenham must have a NP as Breckland Council are struggling to find space in the towns of the district to fulfil all the new homes required by the government. They are possibly going to have to consider moves into rural areas to comply with the requirement. Does this warrant consideration for a NP and would this improve Old Buckenham’s chances of influencing any decisions?
Perhaps at the informal gathering, consideration can be given to various points. Should a person with experience and existing involvement of NPs come and address our community? Should Old Buckenham Parish Council examine in depth the benefits, costs, etc, of having a NP and call a public meeting as a way forward?
Everyone is invited to this “kick off “. Hopefully a drink and biscuits will be an added incentive. No formal minutes will be taken but a volunteer to take notes would be helpful (contact Mike on 01953 860462).
Wednesday 17 December 2014
Old Buckenham's Luncheon Club
Luncheon Club has food and fun
Today was the last meal of 2014 and a chance for a more light-hearted and Christmassy occasion. The box of over-the-top hats came out again, there was special raffle for a Christmas hamper and the main meal was roast chicken with all the trimmings. Before the meal there were the usual games of cards and crib with the chance to just chat while enjoying coffee and mince pies.
The Luncheon Club is for those living on their own and residing within the area covering Banham, New Buckenham, Quidenham, Eccles and Wilby as well as Old Buckenham. Volunteers provide a ‘home-cooked’ meal in Old Buckenham Village Hall every two weeks throughout the year for around 30 to 40 people. Many of those attending do not normally get out much or get a chance to talk with others of their generation.
The Club was set up in 1981. Members pay a nominal fee for their lunches (£3.50 now but 75p when things started 33 years ago). There are also four outings held each year where members are taken out by coach to some interesting location and then have a meal out before returning home.
Anyone in the area living on their own and interested in coming to the Club, or who knows someone who could benefit by coming along, can contact Bridget on 01953 860241.
Today was the last meal of 2014 and a chance for a more light-hearted and Christmassy occasion. The box of over-the-top hats came out again, there was special raffle for a Christmas hamper and the main meal was roast chicken with all the trimmings. Before the meal there were the usual games of cards and crib with the chance to just chat while enjoying coffee and mince pies.
The Luncheon Club is for those living on their own and residing within the area covering Banham, New Buckenham, Quidenham, Eccles and Wilby as well as Old Buckenham. Volunteers provide a ‘home-cooked’ meal in Old Buckenham Village Hall every two weeks throughout the year for around 30 to 40 people. Many of those attending do not normally get out much or get a chance to talk with others of their generation.
The Club was set up in 1981. Members pay a nominal fee for their lunches (£3.50 now but 75p when things started 33 years ago). There are also four outings held each year where members are taken out by coach to some interesting location and then have a meal out before returning home.
Anyone in the area living on their own and interested in coming to the Club, or who knows someone who could benefit by coming along, can contact Bridget on 01953 860241.
Monday 15 December 2014
Old Buckenham's Social and Wine Circle
Enjoyable nights out
Old Buckenham's Social and Wine Circle ended its 2014 series of meetings with a relaxed party-type evening and a fish and chip supper. This was the conclusion to a year of interesting talks on subjects as varied as water towers, the local airfield and Coleman's mustard.
This organisation goes back to the days when it seemed everyone was making homemade wine and beer leading to each village having competitions amongst themselves and surrounding villages. The interest in homemade wine has waned but the club still meets monthly in the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham as a social activity and arranges a series of talks on varied subjects.
The new series of 2015 meetings will start on Thursday 8 January when Peter and Kathy Fleckney will be talking about their visit to the North Island of New Zealand. Other subjects during the year will include the role of a modern day funeral director, the Eaton Park Railway, a visit to a stained glass repair workshop, life in medieval England and a romp through the life of Henry VIII.
There is no formal membership, just £1 to pay each meeting (and probably another £1 on raffle tickets). If you are interested just come along to the Church Rooms around 7.30pm on Thursday 8 January for the talk that begins at 7.45pm. And you can bring some wine or other beverage if you wish...
Old Buckenham's Social and Wine Circle ended its 2014 series of meetings with a relaxed party-type evening and a fish and chip supper. This was the conclusion to a year of interesting talks on subjects as varied as water towers, the local airfield and Coleman's mustard.
This organisation goes back to the days when it seemed everyone was making homemade wine and beer leading to each village having competitions amongst themselves and surrounding villages. The interest in homemade wine has waned but the club still meets monthly in the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham as a social activity and arranges a series of talks on varied subjects.
The new series of 2015 meetings will start on Thursday 8 January when Peter and Kathy Fleckney will be talking about their visit to the North Island of New Zealand. Other subjects during the year will include the role of a modern day funeral director, the Eaton Park Railway, a visit to a stained glass repair workshop, life in medieval England and a romp through the life of Henry VIII.
There is no formal membership, just £1 to pay each meeting (and probably another £1 on raffle tickets). If you are interested just come along to the Church Rooms around 7.30pm on Thursday 8 January for the talk that begins at 7.45pm. And you can bring some wine or other beverage if you wish...
Friday 12 December 2014
Festive bingo in Old Buckenham
Numbers lucky for some
There were a couple of dozen people gathered in the Village Hall tonight to try their luck at a few games of bingo. There was a definite festive touch with Father Christmas there to sell you your pack of tickets.
The main innovation was the use of the hall's projection system and some clever software to allow a set of almost automated games to take place. Specially printed sheets were used with every 'card' having its own reference number. The computer picked the random numbers for each game, they were projected onto the big screen while the numbers were read out by a clear disembodied voice at a speed that the audience were happy with. Checking if the call was correct was also done via the computer using the unique number on each card.
Prize money increased throughout the evening with a mere £1 for a line in the first game to a rather larger £52 for a full house in the last game. The evening finished with a large raffle of decent prizes ensuring that many people went home with something worthwhile.
There were a couple of dozen people gathered in the Village Hall tonight to try their luck at a few games of bingo. There was a definite festive touch with Father Christmas there to sell you your pack of tickets.
The main innovation was the use of the hall's projection system and some clever software to allow a set of almost automated games to take place. Specially printed sheets were used with every 'card' having its own reference number. The computer picked the random numbers for each game, they were projected onto the big screen while the numbers were read out by a clear disembodied voice at a speed that the audience were happy with. Checking if the call was correct was also done via the computer using the unique number on each card.
Prize money increased throughout the evening with a mere £1 for a line in the first game to a rather larger £52 for a full house in the last game. The evening finished with a large raffle of decent prizes ensuring that many people went home with something worthwhile.
Wednesday 10 December 2014
Public's questions to Old Buckenham Parish Council
What the public asked in November
These notes have been written by the blog editor from material supplied by the parish clerk.
A resident raised the matter of parking outside Barbers Yard and said he last raised this matter in May and now the area is a danger and should be closed. He suggested the Green Right Proprietors and the Parish Council should get together on the matter and sort it out.
Another resident raised the matter of his planning application which was on the meeting’s agenda and said he had spoken to his neighbours who had no concerns on the application. A further resident raised his planning application which also was on the agenda and informed the meeting that it was a resubmission of his previous application with some amendments.
One resident raised the matter of the Green and said that the grass is in a bad way and that the ditch at the bottom of the footpath was last cleaned out about five years ago and needed doing again. Jonathan Kemp informed the resident that the Green was not the responsibility of the Parish Council. John Frost said the Green was, in parts, a nature area and the grass should therefore be left long in those parts.
These notes have been written by the blog editor from material supplied by the parish clerk.
A resident raised the matter of parking outside Barbers Yard and said he last raised this matter in May and now the area is a danger and should be closed. He suggested the Green Right Proprietors and the Parish Council should get together on the matter and sort it out.
Another resident raised the matter of his planning application which was on the meeting’s agenda and said he had spoken to his neighbours who had no concerns on the application. A further resident raised his planning application which also was on the agenda and informed the meeting that it was a resubmission of his previous application with some amendments.
One resident raised the matter of the Green and said that the grass is in a bad way and that the ditch at the bottom of the footpath was last cleaned out about five years ago and needed doing again. Jonathan Kemp informed the resident that the Green was not the responsibility of the Parish Council. John Frost said the Green was, in parts, a nature area and the grass should therefore be left long in those parts.
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Old Buckenham Parish Council in December
Latest parish council discussions
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.
Seven members of the public were present at the December meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. Apologies had been received from councillors Steve Milner and Akis Chrisoviledes. In Steve Milner’s absence Jonathan Kemp chaired the meeting.
The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to speak. A report of the subjects raised will be posted on this blog at 12 noon tomorrow.
Minutes of November Parish Council meeting. With two minor amendments these were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Adrian Joel had arranged a public meeting to discuss the Breckland document Issues and Options earlier in the evening. A presentation was given by Breckland Council and he asked if the Working Party could get together and agree a way forward to put views forward to Breckland by Friday 9 January 2015. The Working Party arranged to meet later in December.
Minutes of Precept Meeting in November. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Chapel Road School. Jonathan Kemp gave details of an update from Steve Milner and said that details of the consultation process will be put on the Old Buckenham Facebook page with a link for people to put forward individual comments. Also he was forming a letter which could be sent to George Freeman MP asking him to write to the landowner John Alston. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the MUGA which had restricted hours for its use and the Parish Council had previously suggested the MUGA be moved to a more central location of the school site so that more use could be made of it. He also asked if the school could be used by village organisations. Tim Ing raised the possibility of a swimming pool. Could this also be used by villagers and wanted to know if this was still part of the development.
Neighbourhood Plan. Adrian Joel said he thought there was a need for a Neighbourhood Plan in Old Buckenham but he did not know the strength of feeling of the residents for such a plan. He said some grants were available, up to £7,000 or £8,000. Various councillors expressed views on the subject including the point that the cost of a Neighbourhood Plan could exceed £20,000. It was agreed to put the matter on January meeting agenda.
Flashing speed signs. Fifty percent funding for the signs was available from NCC and the other 50% is available from Parish Council funds. It was proposed by Adrian Joel and seconded by Sarah Dye to get costs of the different lights that were available, this was agreed unanimously. Adrian Joel also raised the matter of a report drawn up by Norfolk Constabulary about road safety in the village on the B1077 to assist children crossing the road to get to and from school. It suggested a path be installed across the Green from the B1077 to Hargham Road, the cost would be approximately £20,000. The item is to be put on the January agenda.
Norfolk Playing Fields Association. It was proposed by Carol Marshall and seconded by Tim Ing that the Parish Council obtain membership of the Association, this was agreed unanimously. The Parish Clerk is to arrange.
Planning applications. Whitelands Farm, Stacksford. Conversion of barn to holiday accommodation. Agreed (with 7 for, 1 against and 1 abstention) that the Parish Council had no objections
Burghfields, Stacksford. Demolish rear porch and conservatory and erect first floor extension over whole dwelling and remodel. No objections from Parish Council.
Airbase and Old Buckenham Aero Club, Old Buckenham Airfield. Insertion of new caretaker's flat into existing vacant office/workshop space. No objections from Parish Council.
Barns adjacent to Amberley, The Green. Minor material amendment in respect of earlier amended scheme. No objections from Parish Council. Orchard House, Mill Road. Erection of two -storey residential extension. No objections from Parish Council.
Waterworks House, Abbey Road. Extension and associated alterations. The Clerk is to seek an extension to reply as application only received on day of parish council meeting.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. 6 Oaklands. Single-storey front extension, change flat roof over porch and garage to lean-to roof and extensions to front roof slope dormers. Permission granted.
1 Barbers Yard. Change garage to annex. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Jonathan Kemp had attended a meeting of the Village Hall Working Party regarding the additional parking at the Village Hall. Various solutions were discussed and costings will soon be available and then a pre-review will be sent to Breckland Council before submission of a planning application. It was asked if the Parish Council could submit the application as this would halve the cost, the Parish Clerk said there would be no problem with this as there was no VAT element involved. Parking fees at the Village Hall had become a point of discussion in the village in terms of timing and the level of fees. The PreSchool Play Group is having trouble finding the fees in full. The Parish Clerk suggested a loan could be made available as a last resort and repayment could be made over the year 2015. The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan was raised and an overview of the media brief was given to the meeting.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that he was invited by Cotman Housing Association to open officially the 14 new properties in March Field Way along with Ben Barrett, Chair of Cotman Housing Association, on Friday 28 November. All the properties are now allocated to people with connections to Old Buckenham. He had also attended the Attleborough Development Partnership Seminar as the Old Buckenham District Councillor and he will keep the Parish Council informed of their progress.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said the Village Hall had discussed the resurfacing of the car park and are now awaiting costings. The next Film Nights are Friday 6 February and Friday 20 March. Christmas Bingo night will be Friday 12 December starting at 7pm. He raised the matter of damage to roadside grass at the new Cotman Housing development. Adrian Joel said the repair work would be carried out in the near future. Paul Boggia raised the matter of the parking at the play area and outside the public house as it needs a lot of attention. He would carry out some repairs to the matting to make it safer. He said that the Attleborough Christmas lights would soon be turned on. Derek Smalley had again reported to SNAP the matter of parking along Abbey Road. Norfolk Constabulary had sent some letters that could be put on people’s cars who were parking inconsiderately. He reported that the Community Car scheme is kept going by voluntary drivers and they are in desperate need of more volunteers to offer their services taking people to hospital and doctor appointments. Anyone who could offer their services could contact the Parish Clerk on 01953 880110. John Frost said All Saints church gets lots of enquiries regarding burial plots from people outside Old Buckenham who are seeking information on the graves there. The Church now has a registry of all the grave plots which is available for anyone to look at in the church. Tim Ing raised the matter of farm vehicles collecting sugar beet and parking their vehicles on the road when they were not very well lit and it could cause an accident. He also said last year John Hicks had donated £250 to Scotties Little Heroes in lieu of any payment for the work he carried out on the play area throughout the year. He asked if it could be repeated this year, item to be put on January agenda.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Clerk reported that a national agreement had been reached on pay for clerks and other local government workers. This resulted in a one-off payment to clerks on his grade of £115 for 2014 (£100 would be paid in January and £15 in April). This figure would not be consolidated into hourly rates. From April 2015 the hourly rate has been increased by a few pence per hour.
Highways. Concerning mud on the road around the village, the Parish Clerk reported this was the responsibility of the farmers to clear this up. Also a letter had been received from a resident regarding school buses not taking the proper route through the village to and from the school. The Parish Clerk to contact Children’s Services at NCC on the matter.
The Green. Tim Ing raised the matter of the duck house on the pond which was still floating upside down. Sarah Dye said it was on the list of work to be carried out by the Green Right Proprietors. Adrian Joel said that some residents may contribute to replacing it with a new one.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 8 January in the Village Hall starting 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.
Seven members of the public were present at the December meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council. Apologies had been received from councillors Steve Milner and Akis Chrisoviledes. In Steve Milner’s absence Jonathan Kemp chaired the meeting.
The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to speak. A report of the subjects raised will be posted on this blog at 12 noon tomorrow.
Minutes of November Parish Council meeting. With two minor amendments these were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes. Adrian Joel had arranged a public meeting to discuss the Breckland document Issues and Options earlier in the evening. A presentation was given by Breckland Council and he asked if the Working Party could get together and agree a way forward to put views forward to Breckland by Friday 9 January 2015. The Working Party arranged to meet later in December.
Minutes of Precept Meeting in November. These were signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Chapel Road School. Jonathan Kemp gave details of an update from Steve Milner and said that details of the consultation process will be put on the Old Buckenham Facebook page with a link for people to put forward individual comments. Also he was forming a letter which could be sent to George Freeman MP asking him to write to the landowner John Alston. Adrian Joel raised the matter of the MUGA which had restricted hours for its use and the Parish Council had previously suggested the MUGA be moved to a more central location of the school site so that more use could be made of it. He also asked if the school could be used by village organisations. Tim Ing raised the possibility of a swimming pool. Could this also be used by villagers and wanted to know if this was still part of the development.
Neighbourhood Plan. Adrian Joel said he thought there was a need for a Neighbourhood Plan in Old Buckenham but he did not know the strength of feeling of the residents for such a plan. He said some grants were available, up to £7,000 or £8,000. Various councillors expressed views on the subject including the point that the cost of a Neighbourhood Plan could exceed £20,000. It was agreed to put the matter on January meeting agenda.
Flashing speed signs. Fifty percent funding for the signs was available from NCC and the other 50% is available from Parish Council funds. It was proposed by Adrian Joel and seconded by Sarah Dye to get costs of the different lights that were available, this was agreed unanimously. Adrian Joel also raised the matter of a report drawn up by Norfolk Constabulary about road safety in the village on the B1077 to assist children crossing the road to get to and from school. It suggested a path be installed across the Green from the B1077 to Hargham Road, the cost would be approximately £20,000. The item is to be put on the January agenda.
Norfolk Playing Fields Association. It was proposed by Carol Marshall and seconded by Tim Ing that the Parish Council obtain membership of the Association, this was agreed unanimously. The Parish Clerk is to arrange.
Planning applications. Whitelands Farm, Stacksford. Conversion of barn to holiday accommodation. Agreed (with 7 for, 1 against and 1 abstention) that the Parish Council had no objections
Burghfields, Stacksford. Demolish rear porch and conservatory and erect first floor extension over whole dwelling and remodel. No objections from Parish Council.
Airbase and Old Buckenham Aero Club, Old Buckenham Airfield. Insertion of new caretaker's flat into existing vacant office/workshop space. No objections from Parish Council.
Barns adjacent to Amberley, The Green. Minor material amendment in respect of earlier amended scheme. No objections from Parish Council. Orchard House, Mill Road. Erection of two -storey residential extension. No objections from Parish Council.
Waterworks House, Abbey Road. Extension and associated alterations. The Clerk is to seek an extension to reply as application only received on day of parish council meeting.
Planning decisions received from Breckland. 6 Oaklands. Single-storey front extension, change flat roof over porch and garage to lean-to roof and extensions to front roof slope dormers. Permission granted.
1 Barbers Yard. Change garage to annex. Permission granted.
Chairman’s report. Jonathan Kemp had attended a meeting of the Village Hall Working Party regarding the additional parking at the Village Hall. Various solutions were discussed and costings will soon be available and then a pre-review will be sent to Breckland Council before submission of a planning application. It was asked if the Parish Council could submit the application as this would halve the cost, the Parish Clerk said there would be no problem with this as there was no VAT element involved. Parking fees at the Village Hall had become a point of discussion in the village in terms of timing and the level of fees. The PreSchool Play Group is having trouble finding the fees in full. The Parish Clerk suggested a loan could be made available as a last resort and repayment could be made over the year 2015. The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan was raised and an overview of the media brief was given to the meeting.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel reported that he was invited by Cotman Housing Association to open officially the 14 new properties in March Field Way along with Ben Barrett, Chair of Cotman Housing Association, on Friday 28 November. All the properties are now allocated to people with connections to Old Buckenham. He had also attended the Attleborough Development Partnership Seminar as the Old Buckenham District Councillor and he will keep the Parish Council informed of their progress.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Tom Johnson said the Village Hall had discussed the resurfacing of the car park and are now awaiting costings. The next Film Nights are Friday 6 February and Friday 20 March. Christmas Bingo night will be Friday 12 December starting at 7pm. He raised the matter of damage to roadside grass at the new Cotman Housing development. Adrian Joel said the repair work would be carried out in the near future. Paul Boggia raised the matter of the parking at the play area and outside the public house as it needs a lot of attention. He would carry out some repairs to the matting to make it safer. He said that the Attleborough Christmas lights would soon be turned on. Derek Smalley had again reported to SNAP the matter of parking along Abbey Road. Norfolk Constabulary had sent some letters that could be put on people’s cars who were parking inconsiderately. He reported that the Community Car scheme is kept going by voluntary drivers and they are in desperate need of more volunteers to offer their services taking people to hospital and doctor appointments. Anyone who could offer their services could contact the Parish Clerk on 01953 880110. John Frost said All Saints church gets lots of enquiries regarding burial plots from people outside Old Buckenham who are seeking information on the graves there. The Church now has a registry of all the grave plots which is available for anyone to look at in the church. Tim Ing raised the matter of farm vehicles collecting sugar beet and parking their vehicles on the road when they were not very well lit and it could cause an accident. He also said last year John Hicks had donated £250 to Scotties Little Heroes in lieu of any payment for the work he carried out on the play area throughout the year. He asked if it could be repeated this year, item to be put on January agenda.
Parish Clerk’s report. The Clerk reported that a national agreement had been reached on pay for clerks and other local government workers. This resulted in a one-off payment to clerks on his grade of £115 for 2014 (£100 would be paid in January and £15 in April). This figure would not be consolidated into hourly rates. From April 2015 the hourly rate has been increased by a few pence per hour.
Highways. Concerning mud on the road around the village, the Parish Clerk reported this was the responsibility of the farmers to clear this up. Also a letter had been received from a resident regarding school buses not taking the proper route through the village to and from the school. The Parish Clerk to contact Children’s Services at NCC on the matter.
The Green. Tim Ing raised the matter of the duck house on the pond which was still floating upside down. Sarah Dye said it was on the list of work to be carried out by the Green Right Proprietors. Adrian Joel said that some residents may contribute to replacing it with a new one.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 8 January in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Sunday 7 December 2014
Old Buckenham panto
New Year entertainment
The Old Buckenham Players' panto has been well supported over the years. In January you can go to see Jack and the Beanstalk, a traditional pantomime with all the characters and gags you would expect, in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
The dates are Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January with an afternoon matinee on the Saturday. Despite being burdened with rising costs the Players have still managed to maintain the ticket price at £8 for adults and £4 under 16s. More details on the poster below.
The Old Buckenham Players' panto has been well supported over the years. In January you can go to see Jack and the Beanstalk, a traditional pantomime with all the characters and gags you would expect, in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
The dates are Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January with an afternoon matinee on the Saturday. Despite being burdened with rising costs the Players have still managed to maintain the ticket price at £8 for adults and £4 under 16s. More details on the poster below.
Thursday 4 December 2014
Graves at All Saints, Old Buckenham
Help in finding graves in Old Buckenham churchyard
A detailed folder of all this information has been compiled by Virginia Sullivan and is available to view in the church.
It comprises of two parts. Part one shows the grave yard area around the church, divided and lettered from A – K together with a plot numbers. The plot number then references the name of the person in alphabetical order and where possible inscription comments are given. A separate loose leaf map is available to trace the position of a grave. (This should be returned to the chained reference folder in the church after use.)
Part two is a list of all burials and memorials inside the church and is in the back of the folder under the title of Graves, Plaques and Memorials.
Recent burials (from 1992) and cremations (after 2004) are shown separately on a plan in the vestry.
There are references from the year 1604. One recently discovered grave refers to a Captain Eyles Mounsher who as a Lieutenant in the Navy fought at the battle of Trafalgar.
It is hope that these unique records will assist the many who wish to trace their heritage back to Old Buckenham.
Tuesday 2 December 2014
AGM of Old Buckenham Women's Institute
A full and active year
The Annual Meeting on Thursday 27 November of Old Buckenham WI was the usual mix of social time and business. Susan Hunter, the President, gave a warm welcome to everyone including a new member and the adviser from the Norfolk Federation Office, Sue Ovenden.
The accounts were presented to members by the Treasurer, the Committee for 2015 voted for and the current President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for another year.
The activities and achievements over the last twelve months were outlined by both the Secretary and the President and these included organising a spring quiz in the Village Hall, running the annual Craft and Produce Show, supporting the village Fete, and this year, buying a replacement radio-controlled clock for the Village Hall. Old Buckenham WI had also competed in WI darts matches, Scrabble competitions and won the County annual quiz. Their monthly meetings had covered a range of topics from humorous to serious, there were monthly walks and Scrabble matches, an annual visit to the Theatre Royal and a summer outing.
After the serious business was finished everyone relaxed with refreshments before taking their places for a game of Beetle which this year was won by the latest member, Joyce Andersen.
The year will finish with an early Christmas lunch when members can enjoy good food and good company. A fitting start to the festive season.
The Annual Meeting on Thursday 27 November of Old Buckenham WI was the usual mix of social time and business. Susan Hunter, the President, gave a warm welcome to everyone including a new member and the adviser from the Norfolk Federation Office, Sue Ovenden.
The accounts were presented to members by the Treasurer, the Committee for 2015 voted for and the current President, Susan Hunter, was re-elected for another year.
The activities and achievements over the last twelve months were outlined by both the Secretary and the President and these included organising a spring quiz in the Village Hall, running the annual Craft and Produce Show, supporting the village Fete, and this year, buying a replacement radio-controlled clock for the Village Hall. Old Buckenham WI had also competed in WI darts matches, Scrabble competitions and won the County annual quiz. Their monthly meetings had covered a range of topics from humorous to serious, there were monthly walks and Scrabble matches, an annual visit to the Theatre Royal and a summer outing.
After the serious business was finished everyone relaxed with refreshments before taking their places for a game of Beetle which this year was won by the latest member, Joyce Andersen.
The year will finish with an early Christmas lunch when members can enjoy good food and good company. A fitting start to the festive season.
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