Diary dates for March
There has been an unexpected delay in producing the printed copies of the Old Buckenham village newsletter for March so here is the list of things going on during the month.
Wednesday 1 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 3 Roadside textile collection from, 9am
Saturday 4 Prize Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm
Saturday 4 Village cinema, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 5 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 6 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Monday 6 Fete planning meeting, Village hall, 7.30pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards
Wednesday 8 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm for 7.45pm
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 15 Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Friday 17 Visits from Mobile Library during morning
Friday 17 Annual Parish Meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 20 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 22 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Tuesday 28 February 2017
Sunday 26 February 2017
Old Buckenham future events
Looking ahead
Here is an updated list of events that the blog editor has been informed about from April onwards. It is a decent list of individual activities and there are certainly more that could be included so please pass the information on to the editor, via the comment box if you prefer.
Sunday 16 April, Floral displays of lilies in All Saints Church from 11am, refreshments in Church Rooms from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Saturday 29 April, Prize Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm.
Thursday 18 May, New Buckenham Silver Band at Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm.
Saturday 20 May, WI Coffee Morning at 59 Fen Street.
Saturday 27 May, Coffee Morning, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon.
Sunday 11 June, Village-wide garage sales plus open gardens.
Saturday 24 June, Church Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Sunday 25 June, Sunday School Reunion, Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 1 July, WI 50th Birthday Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 8 July, Village Fete, Village Hall, 12 noon to 4pm.
Saturday 22 to Monday 24 July, Breckland Flower Club 35th Anniversary Flower Festival at All Saints Church.
Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 July, Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 23 August, Luncheon Club coffee morning, Village Hall.
Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, Flower Festival at Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, Cycling weekend.
Sunday 10 September, Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 7 October, Village Quiz, Village Hall, 7.30pm.
Saturday 14 October, concert by Liquorice Allsorts, All Saints Church at 7.30pm.
Sunday 12 November, Remembrance service at Airfield.
Here is an updated list of events that the blog editor has been informed about from April onwards. It is a decent list of individual activities and there are certainly more that could be included so please pass the information on to the editor, via the comment box if you prefer.
Sunday 16 April, Floral displays of lilies in All Saints Church from 11am, refreshments in Church Rooms from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Saturday 29 April, Prize Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm.
Thursday 18 May, New Buckenham Silver Band at Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm.
Saturday 20 May, WI Coffee Morning at 59 Fen Street.
Saturday 27 May, Coffee Morning, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon.
Sunday 11 June, Village-wide garage sales plus open gardens.
Saturday 24 June, Church Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Sunday 25 June, Sunday School Reunion, Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 1 July, WI 50th Birthday Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 8 July, Village Fete, Village Hall, 12 noon to 4pm.
Saturday 22 to Monday 24 July, Breckland Flower Club 35th Anniversary Flower Festival at All Saints Church.
Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 July, Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 23 August, Luncheon Club coffee morning, Village Hall.
Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, Flower Festival at Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, Cycling weekend.
Sunday 10 September, Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 7 October, Village Quiz, Village Hall, 7.30pm.
Saturday 14 October, concert by Liquorice Allsorts, All Saints Church at 7.30pm.
Sunday 12 November, Remembrance service at Airfield.
Wednesday 22 February 2017
Old Buckenham's latest school news
Progress at Chapel Green School
The first period back on site since the holiday season has been exceptionally busy. The access road leading to the project has been completed and tarmac has been installed, giving clear uninterrupted access to the main site. This has allowed progress to accelerate at a great pace.
With clear access to the site, they have been importing Type 1 material (crushed aggregate) and laying this across the full area for the building footprint. Following compaction, this gives a solid and clean hardstanding area on which they can then construct the building and will form the base for the ground floor concrete slab.
A lagoon has been excavated to the south east of the site which gives a holding area for all surface water on site, allowing control of both the water that falls from above and water that flows. The contractors have also been working hard to form the main site set up which includes the installation of temporary site accommodation, storage and parking area.
Engagement with the local community is a key part of this project, and during February there have been site tours with students from Old Buckenham Primary School, Old Buckenham High School and Chapel Road School. Children had the opportunity to sit in a digger, carry out some setting out using state of the art equipment and also received an update on the project progression.
Morgan Sindall have also carried out some works to the village hall – repairing potholes to the car park and providing safer access for all.
Finally, the project now has a website for you to stay up to date with everything: www.chapelgreenproject.com
The first period back on site since the holiday season has been exceptionally busy. The access road leading to the project has been completed and tarmac has been installed, giving clear uninterrupted access to the main site. This has allowed progress to accelerate at a great pace.
With clear access to the site, they have been importing Type 1 material (crushed aggregate) and laying this across the full area for the building footprint. Following compaction, this gives a solid and clean hardstanding area on which they can then construct the building and will form the base for the ground floor concrete slab.
A lagoon has been excavated to the south east of the site which gives a holding area for all surface water on site, allowing control of both the water that falls from above and water that flows. The contractors have also been working hard to form the main site set up which includes the installation of temporary site accommodation, storage and parking area.
Engagement with the local community is a key part of this project, and during February there have been site tours with students from Old Buckenham Primary School, Old Buckenham High School and Chapel Road School. Children had the opportunity to sit in a digger, carry out some setting out using state of the art equipment and also received an update on the project progression.
Morgan Sindall have also carried out some works to the village hall – repairing potholes to the car park and providing safer access for all.
Finally, the project now has a website for you to stay up to date with everything: www.chapelgreenproject.com
Monday 20 February 2017
Old Buckenham Village Hall
Have your meetings at the Village Hall
Blog posts during the last couple of weeks have listed two places in our village where you can hold your meetings. Here is one more. Old Buckenham also has a lovely Village Hall for larger functions like wedding receptions, adult and children's parties, film shows, quizzes, etc. It seats 120 people, has a sprung floor for dancing, a well equipped kitchen and a bar. Then there is also the Memorial Hall suitable for smaller functions. All for hire at very competitive rates.
Blog posts during the last couple of weeks have listed two places in our village where you can hold your meetings. Here is one more. Old Buckenham also has a lovely Village Hall for larger functions like wedding receptions, adult and children's parties, film shows, quizzes, etc. It seats 120 people, has a sprung floor for dancing, a well equipped kitchen and a bar. Then there is also the Memorial Hall suitable for smaller functions. All for hire at very competitive rates.
For booking enquiries contact Eileen
Oliver at booking.obvh@gmail.com or telephone her on 01953 860664.
Friday 17 February 2017
Another meeting place in Old Buckenham
A location available for use
On Tuesday 7 February there was a post about Old Buckenham Church Rooms. Another place that might be suitable for your local meetings is the Old Buckenham Methodist Church in Hargham Road. It is available for bookings for meetings, events and activities. It is fully renovated with a kitchen and ample parking. There is a small booking fee to cover costs, though reductions are available to Old Buckenham residents, charities and church groups. To enquire please contact 01953 861207 or email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk
Wednesday 15 February 2017
Colourful arrangements in Old Buckenham
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
For the meeting on Thursday 9 February
the skies outside Old Buckenham Village Hall threatened snow but all of this
was soon forgotten as members sat down to be entertained by Susan Horn with her
demonstration titled “Pick a colour, any colour”. For almost two hours Susan
charmed the audience with her unique talent for flower arranging, creating nine
colourful arrangements whilst sharing an insight into her family life and her
love of flower arranging and demonstrating. She used a variety of foliage, most
of which can be found in the garden even at this time of the year, adding
bright colours with her selection of flowers. These were not large flamboyant
blooms but the sort you can buy in the supermarkets. There were of course a few
exotic ones for extra effect as she was there to put on a show. Susan concluded
her visit by judging the competition before heading back to Chelmsford. The arrangements
were all raffled and nine lucky ladies each took one home.
There were eight entries in the
competition titled “Love is in the air” and the winner was Alison Vivian with a
stunning heart-shaped table arrangement.
The next meeting, at Old Buckenham
Village Hall on Thursday 9 March at 2pm, is the Club’s AGM followed by a talk by
Chairman Christine Hewson and using slides to look back over the many years of the
Club.
If you would like further details please
contact Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712.
Tuesday 14 February 2017
Old Buckenham Parish Council in February
February Parish Council
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
The meeting was held on Thursday 2 February. Councillors Adrian Joel (Chairman), Terry Cracknell, Ben Devlin, Tom Johnson, Steve Milner and Andy Nicholls were present along with the parish clerk Hilary Clutten. There were apologies for non attendance from Rona Boggia, Sarah Hornbrook and Jonathan Kemp.
Minutes of the January Parish Council Meeting. These were agreed as a true and accurate record of the January meeting.
Matters arising from these minutes. The metal village sign needs sandblasting and then repainting – a quote is to be obtained for the work. An item had been put in the Village Newsletter about the dog mess on the Green. There has been a problem about installing a broadband box on Hargham Road as it was not possible to obtain a wayleave to get an electricity supply. It might be possible to connect it to an electricity pole in a different position. The purchase of the telephone kiosk is in hand. BT need to carry out a consultation exercise before removing the telephone service, then the purchase of the kiosk can be completed. The litter bin purchased by the Clerk has been delivered to the shop and installed.
Public participation on agenda items. It was reported that the road sign on the corner of Abbey Road is in a disgusting state and part of the sign is missing; Clerk will report this to the Highways Department. The Parish Council was urged to be cautious about erecting a mirror as they can be dangerous to road users. The Parish Council was urged to show it appreciation for everything that Ron Brewer does in the village at the Annual Parish Meeting next month. A lady living at Ragmere will be 100 years old in March, the Clerk will arrange for the Parish Council to send hera card.
The Green. A report was given by John Fernihough and Sarah Dye of the first meeting of the Green Management Working Party. A potential lease has been thrashed out which if acceptable to the Parish Council will be presented to the Green Rights Proprietors at their AGM in February and to the Annual Parish Meeting in mid-March. It is a tight timetable to ensure that work can start on the Green to remove the mole hills so that the grass can be cut. More work may need to be done on mole eradication later this year and next year as the problem is prolific at the moment. Three ponds need to be cleaned eventually and potholes filled in which in the course of time will improve the look of the area. There are three dog bins at present but they are not in satisfactory places and possibly four more may be required; the next Green Management Working Party Meeting will discuss locations and cost.
It would be good to have some publicity for the Annual Parish Meeting, such as posters put around the Green. Steve Milner agreed to look into doing this. Also publicity would be useful on the village noticeboard, the Parish Council website, perhaps a press release, an entry on Facebook and the village blog, leaflets in the Ox and Plough and at the next film presentation in the Village Hall. Possibly also a leaflet within the Six Villages Newsletter. Steve Milner will seek volunteers to help him with distributing publicity material.
The public liability insurance for the Green will be covered by the Council’s current insurance so no additional premium will be necessary. The parish councillors were then offered the opportunity to make their own comments on the suggested lease arrangements. Comments ranged from it being immoral to ask people in Old Buckenham to pay for what are effectively the financial responsibilities of the Green Right Proprietors to something has to be done to improve matters as it has gone on too long but to keep in mind getting value for money. The Village Survey responses on the Green last year are indicative of what the residents think about the current situation.
A vote was then taken on whether or not to accept the terms of the draft lease document drawn up by the Green Management Working Party. The Council resolved to accept the terms of the draft lease and it will now be presented to the Green Right Proprietors for agreement at their AGM in February.
Planning applications. Oak Lodge, Fen Street. Single storey extension – the Parish Council had no objections to this application.
The Parish Council had just received pre-application details of a plan to convert an old agricultural building into a residence in Doe Lane – the Parish Council had no issues with this prior application.
Planning decisions received from Breckland Council. Land off Fen Road. Planning refusal for three detached dwellings and garages.
5 Hargham Road. Planning permission for extension to dwelling.
Old Buckenham Airfield, Planning permission for temporary office space.
Whitehands Farm, Stacksford. Planning permission for variation of condition.
9 Old Yard. Planning permission for static caravan as temporary accommodation (retrospective).
Financial matters. The Clerk had circulated a financial report prior to the meeting.
The Clerk had carried out the annual update of the Parish Council’s Risk Assessment and had distributed it before the meeting and the Council resolved to adopt the revised Risk Assessment. The Clerk explained the problems that she had had with getting monthly payslips and had offered to take over the PAYE calculating and reporting for a fee of £10 per month which represents a saving of £5 per month compared to the current external contractor. The Council agreed that the Clerk should take over the PAYE calculating and reporting from April 2017 at a cost of £10 per month. The Information Commissioner’s annual fees would in future be paid by direct debit
Chairman’s report. The Chairman will be away for the next Parish Council meeting and it may be necessary to appoint a chairman for the meeting if the Vice-chair is not present. The tenure of the present Chair will come to an end in May 2017 and a new Chair will have to be appointed.
Breckland Council would be holding a Local Plan Working Party meeting in February and members of the public and parish councillors were invited to attend and make their contributions. The recommendation being put forward for Old Buckenham is that the two additional sites are not suitable, but the proposal to allocate 50 houses without the sites being specified is still on the table. This leaves the village with a great deal of uncertainty and despite several ‘calls for sites’ being made, no suitable land has been offered. The Chair will be asking the Local Plan Working Party to revise the Old Buckenham housing figure downwards.
Attleborough Town Council Highways meeting. Tom Johnson and Terry Cracknell reported that there had recently been a meeting in the Council Chamber in Attleborough Town Hall where about 150 people had attended in a room that would only comfortably seat 80. Another meeting will be called to summarise the views of Breckland Council and Highways Department to improve the Attleborough road network and associated traffic issues.
Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan. Terry Cracknell reported that the plan was in its final stages and it should soon be possible to move forward.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Andy Nicholls reported that the Gamekeeper public house was shown as being under offer to rent on the Enterprise Inns website. The Clerk was asked to contact the local Highways Engineer to thanks him for his recent assistance with highway matters and to report a blocked drain on Crown Road/Ragmere Road as well as outside Down Combe on Attleborough Road. Andy Nicholls also reported that he had a nasty experience on the road whilst walking his dogs as a driver was not paying due care and attention to the road. The community policeman, Andrew London, had been called out and given an excellent service. The Clerk was asked to thank him.The road near Councillor Nicholl’s development site in Harlingwood Lane will be closed for a while for highway improvements to be carried out and it is hoped that any upheaval will be kept to a minimum. Terry Cracknell reported that he had visited the resident on Harlingwood Lane with the local Highways Engineer about the hedge. The house owner has cut back his trees but there is still two feet overhanging the area designated as ‘highway’. The banking by the edge of the road is prone to crumbling and Highways offered to arrange some edging and will also do some road markings. Terry Cracknell reported on the most recent Village Hall Management meeting where a risk assessment has been carried out and fifty-six permits been issued for parking at the Village Hall. The Village Hall is hoping to have further work carried out on the car park using the balance of the Parish Partnership’s Award for 2016/17. The Clerk said that this would need to be paid for by the end of the current financial year and will liaise with the Village Hall Committee.
Terry Cracknell would still like the Parish Council to consider appointing an ‘odd job man’ to do village jobs. Ben Devlin offered to chase up the fence quotation for the Play Area – the Chair said that he would let him have a copy of the quotation. Steve Milner reported that the village would have the SAM sign for the next few weeks but it is not suitable for use on single track roads. Concern about speeding on Doe Lane was raised and Steve Milner reported that he has an app on his mobile phone to measure road speeds which provides good data.
Terry Cracknell reported that litter is being thrown out of vehicles between Attleborough and Old Buckenham, and that asbestos is also being dumped.
Steve Milner has completed the Parish Partnerships grant application. The next film to be shown at the Village Hall will be “A Street Cat Named Bob”.
Road Safety Working Party. The Chair reported that Norfolk County Council has replied to the letter sent by George Foreman MP and that he will be arranging for the Parish Council to get a copy of this response. The Council resolved to amend the description of a ”Traffic Survey” mentioned in the minutes of the November 2016 meeting to “Road Safety Survey” and to pay the invoice received from the contractor for £3256.
Play Area Working Party.The Council resolved to allocate up to £5,000 on the new fencing for the Play Area from the Council’s Play Area reserves. At the beginning of the meeting the Clerk had been handed cheques totalling £800 from Lesley Coates being donations from residents of Old Buckenham and fundraising carried out at the summer fete – this sum to be added to the Play Area reserves. Some steering wheels for the tractor were also provided.
Almshouses Charity. Nomination of a Parish Council trustee for next four years is necessary but as the current appointed trustee was not present it was agreed to leave the item until the next meeting.
Highways matters. The Clerk is awaiting further details about verge cutting from the Highways Department. The subject of roadside mirrors is to be discussed at the next meeting.
Update on Chapel Green School. The Clerk is to contact Rona Boggia on her return to the village to organise a meeting with Norfolk County Council regarding the road crossing. It was also agreed to invite local resident Tim Bornett to the meeting. The School Governors have met with Norfolk County Council but Old Buckenham Parish Council was not invited to the meeting.
Items for the next meeting. These are expected to include the Green, highway verges, Chapel Green School, Doe Lane speed limit, the Annual Parish Meeting, the PC-appointed Trustee to the Almshouses Charity, the Play Area, the Recreation Area and Highways matters.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 2 March in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
The Annual Parish Meeting to take place on Friday 17 March in Old Buckenham 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 amended at a later date.
The meeting was held on Thursday 2 February. Councillors Adrian Joel (Chairman), Terry Cracknell, Ben Devlin, Tom Johnson, Steve Milner and Andy Nicholls were present along with the parish clerk Hilary Clutten. There were apologies for non attendance from Rona Boggia, Sarah Hornbrook and Jonathan Kemp.
Minutes of the January Parish Council Meeting. These were agreed as a true and accurate record of the January meeting.
Matters arising from these minutes. The metal village sign needs sandblasting and then repainting – a quote is to be obtained for the work. An item had been put in the Village Newsletter about the dog mess on the Green. There has been a problem about installing a broadband box on Hargham Road as it was not possible to obtain a wayleave to get an electricity supply. It might be possible to connect it to an electricity pole in a different position. The purchase of the telephone kiosk is in hand. BT need to carry out a consultation exercise before removing the telephone service, then the purchase of the kiosk can be completed. The litter bin purchased by the Clerk has been delivered to the shop and installed.
Public participation on agenda items. It was reported that the road sign on the corner of Abbey Road is in a disgusting state and part of the sign is missing; Clerk will report this to the Highways Department. The Parish Council was urged to be cautious about erecting a mirror as they can be dangerous to road users. The Parish Council was urged to show it appreciation for everything that Ron Brewer does in the village at the Annual Parish Meeting next month. A lady living at Ragmere will be 100 years old in March, the Clerk will arrange for the Parish Council to send hera card.
The Green. A report was given by John Fernihough and Sarah Dye of the first meeting of the Green Management Working Party. A potential lease has been thrashed out which if acceptable to the Parish Council will be presented to the Green Rights Proprietors at their AGM in February and to the Annual Parish Meeting in mid-March. It is a tight timetable to ensure that work can start on the Green to remove the mole hills so that the grass can be cut. More work may need to be done on mole eradication later this year and next year as the problem is prolific at the moment. Three ponds need to be cleaned eventually and potholes filled in which in the course of time will improve the look of the area. There are three dog bins at present but they are not in satisfactory places and possibly four more may be required; the next Green Management Working Party Meeting will discuss locations and cost.
It would be good to have some publicity for the Annual Parish Meeting, such as posters put around the Green. Steve Milner agreed to look into doing this. Also publicity would be useful on the village noticeboard, the Parish Council website, perhaps a press release, an entry on Facebook and the village blog, leaflets in the Ox and Plough and at the next film presentation in the Village Hall. Possibly also a leaflet within the Six Villages Newsletter. Steve Milner will seek volunteers to help him with distributing publicity material.
The public liability insurance for the Green will be covered by the Council’s current insurance so no additional premium will be necessary. The parish councillors were then offered the opportunity to make their own comments on the suggested lease arrangements. Comments ranged from it being immoral to ask people in Old Buckenham to pay for what are effectively the financial responsibilities of the Green Right Proprietors to something has to be done to improve matters as it has gone on too long but to keep in mind getting value for money. The Village Survey responses on the Green last year are indicative of what the residents think about the current situation.
A vote was then taken on whether or not to accept the terms of the draft lease document drawn up by the Green Management Working Party. The Council resolved to accept the terms of the draft lease and it will now be presented to the Green Right Proprietors for agreement at their AGM in February.
Planning applications. Oak Lodge, Fen Street. Single storey extension – the Parish Council had no objections to this application.
The Parish Council had just received pre-application details of a plan to convert an old agricultural building into a residence in Doe Lane – the Parish Council had no issues with this prior application.
Planning decisions received from Breckland Council. Land off Fen Road. Planning refusal for three detached dwellings and garages.
5 Hargham Road. Planning permission for extension to dwelling.
Old Buckenham Airfield, Planning permission for temporary office space.
Whitehands Farm, Stacksford. Planning permission for variation of condition.
9 Old Yard. Planning permission for static caravan as temporary accommodation (retrospective).
Financial matters. The Clerk had circulated a financial report prior to the meeting.
The Clerk had carried out the annual update of the Parish Council’s Risk Assessment and had distributed it before the meeting and the Council resolved to adopt the revised Risk Assessment. The Clerk explained the problems that she had had with getting monthly payslips and had offered to take over the PAYE calculating and reporting for a fee of £10 per month which represents a saving of £5 per month compared to the current external contractor. The Council agreed that the Clerk should take over the PAYE calculating and reporting from April 2017 at a cost of £10 per month. The Information Commissioner’s annual fees would in future be paid by direct debit
Chairman’s report. The Chairman will be away for the next Parish Council meeting and it may be necessary to appoint a chairman for the meeting if the Vice-chair is not present. The tenure of the present Chair will come to an end in May 2017 and a new Chair will have to be appointed.
Breckland Council would be holding a Local Plan Working Party meeting in February and members of the public and parish councillors were invited to attend and make their contributions. The recommendation being put forward for Old Buckenham is that the two additional sites are not suitable, but the proposal to allocate 50 houses without the sites being specified is still on the table. This leaves the village with a great deal of uncertainty and despite several ‘calls for sites’ being made, no suitable land has been offered. The Chair will be asking the Local Plan Working Party to revise the Old Buckenham housing figure downwards.
Attleborough Town Council Highways meeting. Tom Johnson and Terry Cracknell reported that there had recently been a meeting in the Council Chamber in Attleborough Town Hall where about 150 people had attended in a room that would only comfortably seat 80. Another meeting will be called to summarise the views of Breckland Council and Highways Department to improve the Attleborough road network and associated traffic issues.
Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan. Terry Cracknell reported that the plan was in its final stages and it should soon be possible to move forward.
Parish Councillors’ reports. Andy Nicholls reported that the Gamekeeper public house was shown as being under offer to rent on the Enterprise Inns website. The Clerk was asked to contact the local Highways Engineer to thanks him for his recent assistance with highway matters and to report a blocked drain on Crown Road/Ragmere Road as well as outside Down Combe on Attleborough Road. Andy Nicholls also reported that he had a nasty experience on the road whilst walking his dogs as a driver was not paying due care and attention to the road. The community policeman, Andrew London, had been called out and given an excellent service. The Clerk was asked to thank him.The road near Councillor Nicholl’s development site in Harlingwood Lane will be closed for a while for highway improvements to be carried out and it is hoped that any upheaval will be kept to a minimum. Terry Cracknell reported that he had visited the resident on Harlingwood Lane with the local Highways Engineer about the hedge. The house owner has cut back his trees but there is still two feet overhanging the area designated as ‘highway’. The banking by the edge of the road is prone to crumbling and Highways offered to arrange some edging and will also do some road markings. Terry Cracknell reported on the most recent Village Hall Management meeting where a risk assessment has been carried out and fifty-six permits been issued for parking at the Village Hall. The Village Hall is hoping to have further work carried out on the car park using the balance of the Parish Partnership’s Award for 2016/17. The Clerk said that this would need to be paid for by the end of the current financial year and will liaise with the Village Hall Committee.
Terry Cracknell would still like the Parish Council to consider appointing an ‘odd job man’ to do village jobs. Ben Devlin offered to chase up the fence quotation for the Play Area – the Chair said that he would let him have a copy of the quotation. Steve Milner reported that the village would have the SAM sign for the next few weeks but it is not suitable for use on single track roads. Concern about speeding on Doe Lane was raised and Steve Milner reported that he has an app on his mobile phone to measure road speeds which provides good data.
Terry Cracknell reported that litter is being thrown out of vehicles between Attleborough and Old Buckenham, and that asbestos is also being dumped.
Steve Milner has completed the Parish Partnerships grant application. The next film to be shown at the Village Hall will be “A Street Cat Named Bob”.
Road Safety Working Party. The Chair reported that Norfolk County Council has replied to the letter sent by George Foreman MP and that he will be arranging for the Parish Council to get a copy of this response. The Council resolved to amend the description of a ”Traffic Survey” mentioned in the minutes of the November 2016 meeting to “Road Safety Survey” and to pay the invoice received from the contractor for £3256.
Play Area Working Party.The Council resolved to allocate up to £5,000 on the new fencing for the Play Area from the Council’s Play Area reserves. At the beginning of the meeting the Clerk had been handed cheques totalling £800 from Lesley Coates being donations from residents of Old Buckenham and fundraising carried out at the summer fete – this sum to be added to the Play Area reserves. Some steering wheels for the tractor were also provided.
Almshouses Charity. Nomination of a Parish Council trustee for next four years is necessary but as the current appointed trustee was not present it was agreed to leave the item until the next meeting.
Highways matters. The Clerk is awaiting further details about verge cutting from the Highways Department. The subject of roadside mirrors is to be discussed at the next meeting.
Update on Chapel Green School. The Clerk is to contact Rona Boggia on her return to the village to organise a meeting with Norfolk County Council regarding the road crossing. It was also agreed to invite local resident Tim Bornett to the meeting. The School Governors have met with Norfolk County Council but Old Buckenham Parish Council was not invited to the meeting.
Items for the next meeting. These are expected to include the Green, highway verges, Chapel Green School, Doe Lane speed limit, the Annual Parish Meeting, the PC-appointed Trustee to the Almshouses Charity, the Play Area, the Recreation Area and Highways matters.
The next meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council will be on Thursday 2 March in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
The Annual Parish Meeting to take place on Friday 17 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Sunday 12 February 2017
Old Buckenham learns about Jane Austen
Women's Institute's first meeting of 2017
Old Buckenham WI were pleased to
welcome Rev Jacqui Horton (the local Methodist minister) to their first meeting
of 2017. Jacqui gave a fascinating insight into the life of Jane Austen, who
died at the early age of 42 in 1817 (this year is the bi-centenary of her
death). The title of the talk was “The Trail of Jane Austen” and the speaker
traced the life of this remarkable author from her birth at Steventon (a
village in Hampshire) in 1775 until her death in Winchester in 1817. Her father
was the vicar of this village and on his retirement she, with her parents and
sister, moved to Bath and lived there for four years. After her father’s death
in 1805 she and her mother and sister moved around the country until finally
settling in the village of Chawton in Hampshire (this house now houses the Jane
Austen museum). She had already written in script form the novels of Northanger
Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility whilst living at Steventon
and the latter two books were published in 1811 and 1813 respectively. Her
other books were published posthumously. For the last two years of her life she
and her sister lived in Winchester so that she could be near to her doctor and
she died there in July 1817. She is buried in Winchester Cathedral and there is
a stained glass window in the cathedral dedicated to her memory.
Members were pleased to hear that
Alison Frank has now raised over £1,000 through the “Waste Not Want Not” table she
organises each month. This money is donated to the Associated Country Women of
the World, of which the WI is a founder member, and supports the education and
training of women in third world countries.
The next meeting is in the Village Hall
on Thursday 23 March starting at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Chris Brown and
the subject of his talk is “The Case for the Defence – life as a criminal lawyer”.
Old Buckenham WI meets on the fourth Thursday of each month and they are always
pleased to welcome new members.
Saturday 11 February 2017
Old Buckenham jumble today
Pictures tell the story
No need for many words, these photos show the action from the Church Rooms earlier today. Lots of happy customers went away carrying bags of bargains.
No need for many words, these photos show the action from the Church Rooms earlier today. Lots of happy customers went away carrying bags of bargains.
Thursday 9 February 2017
Rumble in the Old Buckenham jumble
Are you ready for the scrum?
For the bargains of the year come to the jumble sale in the Church Rooms at Old Buckenham on Saturday 11 February. Everything kicks off at 10am so get there to pick up clothes, toys and bric-a-brac. Refreshments too.
For the bargains of the year come to the jumble sale in the Church Rooms at Old Buckenham on Saturday 11 February. Everything kicks off at 10am so get there to pick up clothes, toys and bric-a-brac. Refreshments too.
Tuesday 7 February 2017
Using Old Buckenham Church Rooms
Take part in village activities
There are lots of things going on these days in the Church Rooms in Old Buckenham.
There are new pilates classes (including one for the over 60s) , the weekly Art Group, the Monday
Mardle, the Fawns baby and toddler group, bingo sessions, whist drives, the Wine and Social Circle,
Cubs, and every Sunday after the service in All Saints there is coffee from about 10.30am.
It is a great venue for parties or craft courses or training groups. Why not come along and try something new this year? Or book the rooms for your own event. Hire charges start from only £5 per hour.
It is a great venue for parties or craft courses or training groups. Why not come along and try something new this year? Or book the rooms for your own event. Hire charges start from only £5 per hour.
Lydia Darrah, 01953 861360 or lydiadarrah@hotmail.co.uk, can point you in the right direction for details of all of the groups using
the hall and is the person to contact for new bookings. There is room for more activities!
Sunday 5 February 2017
Old Buckenham lilies
All Saints and Easter lilies
On Easter Day each
year, All Saints Church in Old Buckenham commemorates the lives of loved ones who have died and they will continue this tradition this year. Flower arrangements in the church at Easter
will comprise of lilies, each in memory of departed relatives or friends. If you
would like to contribute to this event could you please let Alistair Monnkhouse have your
donation before Sunday 2 April together with the name of the
person to be remembered. In the event you have not subscribed before please
also advise year of birth and date of death.
It is estimated that each lily will cost in the region of £4 and any additional monies received will go towards a lasting memorial. Last year donations given went towards the purchase of a fifteen set of Nativity figures. If you wish to contribute please send a cheque made out to ‘Old Buckenham PCC’ with details of the deceased to Revd Alistair Monkhouse, Wildwood', Mill Road, Old Buckenham, Norfolk. NR17 1SG
It is estimated that each lily will cost in the region of £4 and any additional monies received will go towards a lasting memorial. Last year donations given went towards the purchase of a fifteen set of Nativity figures. If you wish to contribute please send a cheque made out to ‘Old Buckenham PCC’ with details of the deceased to Revd Alistair Monkhouse, Wildwood', Mill Road, Old Buckenham, Norfolk. NR17 1SG
Friday 3 February 2017
Old Buckenham events throughout 2017
Happening during 2017
Here are the dates of some meetings and events in Old Buckenham that are fixed to happen later this year. There must be many more so if you know of others then please let the village newsletter editor know (via the comment facility on this blog or emailing obnewspostbox@aol.com) and he will include the information in future blog posts and in the printed newsletters.
Put the information in your diaries now to make sure that you do not miss them (or arrange other things on the same dates).
Saturday 4 March, Prize Bingo in the Church Rooms, 2pm.
Sunday 16 April, Floral displays of lilies in All Saints Church from 11am, refreshments in Church Rooms from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Saturday 29 April, Prize Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm.
Saturday 20 May, WI Coffee Morning at 59 Fen Street.
Saturday 27 May, Coffee Morning, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon.
Sunday 11 June, Village-wide garage sales plus open gardens.
Saturday 24 June, Church Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 1 July, WI 50th Birthday Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 8 July, Village Fete, Village Hall, 12 noon to 4pm.
Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 July, Old Buckenham Airshow.
Wednesday 23 August, Luncheon Club coffee morning, Village Hall.
Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, Flower Festival at Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, Cycling weekend.
Sunday 10 September, Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 7 October, Village Quiz, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 October, concert by Liquorice Allsorts, All Saints Church at 7.30pm.
Sunday 12 November, Remembrance service at Airfield.
Here are the dates of some meetings and events in Old Buckenham that are fixed to happen later this year. There must be many more so if you know of others then please let the village newsletter editor know (via the comment facility on this blog or emailing obnewspostbox@aol.com) and he will include the information in future blog posts and in the printed newsletters.
Put the information in your diaries now to make sure that you do not miss them (or arrange other things on the same dates).
Saturday 4 March, Prize Bingo in the Church Rooms, 2pm.
Sunday 16 April, Floral displays of lilies in All Saints Church from 11am, refreshments in Church Rooms from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Saturday 29 April, Prize Bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm.
Saturday 20 May, WI Coffee Morning at 59 Fen Street.
Saturday 27 May, Coffee Morning, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon.
Sunday 11 June, Village-wide garage sales plus open gardens.
Saturday 24 June, Church Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 1 July, WI 50th Birthday Garden Party, Mill Cottage.
Saturday 8 July, Village Fete, Village Hall, 12 noon to 4pm.
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July, Breckland Flower Club 35th Anniversary Flower Festival at All Saints Church.
Wednesday 23 August, Luncheon Club coffee morning, Village Hall.
Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, Flower Festival at Methodist Chapel.
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, Cycling weekend.
Sunday 10 September, Produce Show, Village Hall.
Saturday 7 October, Village Quiz, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 October, concert by Liquorice Allsorts, All Saints Church at 7.30pm.
Sunday 12 November, Remembrance service at Airfield.
Wednesday 1 February 2017
What to do this month in Old Buckenham
Diary dates for February
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 5 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 6 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards
Wednesday 8 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm for 7.45pm
Saturday 11 Jumble Sale, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Friday 17 Visits from Mobile Library during morning
Saturday 18 OB 2000 Trust Ceilidh, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 20 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 22 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 5 Wargames Club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 6 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards
Wednesday 8 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm for 7.45pm
Saturday 11 Jumble Sale, Church Rooms, 10am to 12 noon
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Friday 17 Visits from Mobile Library during morning
Saturday 18 OB 2000 Trust Ceilidh, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Monday 20 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 22 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
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