Where you can spend your money
You can go to the High School for their Christmas Market on Saturday 16 November from 2pm to 5pm
You can also to Chapel Green School for their Christmas Market on Saturday 30 November from noon to 4pm.
The choice is yours.
Come and have a look this Monday
Please pop in and see what is on the shelf for you!
Parish Council in October
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 3 October 2024 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Doug Irons and Pete Twissell. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from David Taylor and Lesley Evison. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and seven members of the public.
The minutes of the meeting
held on Thursday 5 September were approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain). Also the
minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday 17 September were approved
(4 in favour, 2 abstain).
Financial matters. Payments
of £2249.45 were approved (6 in favour). These payments included £85 on room
hire, £408 to William Morfoot Limited, £1200 to Stuart Barker and £449.45 to
the community car drivers.
Councillors’ reports. Doug
Irons said he had obtained three quotes to purchase paper for newsletter. He is
happy to purchase the paper and claim money back. A proposal to accept the
cheapest quote was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).
The Terms of reference for
the Green Working Committee have been drafted and will need approval at next
meeting. There is a need to meet with the Clerk to deal with share point for
central access of documents. An FOI request has been received by the Parish
Council. It has been responded to and we are dealing with the request. New
email addresses had recently been created and he wished to know if councillors
wanted to change to these. Naomi Bailey wished to keep things the same for now
but keep the emails for potential future use.
Pete Twissell could not
attend the meeting with the Village Hall Management Committee but sent thanks
for use of the post box. Enquiry had been sent about getting a second key cut
which they are happy with.
Stan Burton had received an
email enquiring about drainage on land. East Harling drainage board should
clear ditches every year. He will chase up. He has also found the drain by
Ottomer Pond but needs a digger to gain better access to pipe which can then be
adapted to control the water level in the pond. Propose to approve the
investigation stage of the project which will involve hiring of a digger
(copies of public insurance liability to be sent to Naomi Bailey before work
commences) with a maximum spend of £250 towards the project. This proposal was
approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).
Steve Gowers said the Speedwatch Group and the police had a Day of Action across Norfolk and Suffolk in September. The police turned up three times and was a very positive day. Have a meeting coming up with police where data from the SAM sign will be shared to better inform them of times of day and speeds involved. Cake Street has become a road of concern due to the speeds some people drive there. He has the magnets for the Play Area gates but still collecting quotes for repairing hole by roundabout. Naomi Bailey has received call from County Broadband recently who would like to make a donation of £500 towards Old Buckenham playground. Steve Gowers is to also look at topping up rubber chippings.
Naomi Bailey has received
call from a Village Hall Management Committee member. They are getting fed up
with emptying the red bin on the recreation ground as it frequently contains
dog waste. She will publicise and send out requests not to use for dog waste.
While a dog bin at this location has been rejected by Breckland before, she will
contact Breckland to see if a solution can be found.
At the last Saturday surgery
four members of the public attended. One member of the public requested an
extension of 30mph limit to the entrance to Doe Lane due to lack of footpath
and increasing numbers of people walking between the village and Country Park.
Have contacted Highways but they have stated it is not possible.
Have contacted George Freeman
MP for updates following meeting regarding flooding in the Spring.
Need to start looking for
someone to start taking on the monthly production of the village newsletter.
The Parish Council will help publicise and co-ordinate a recruitment campaign. Update
request about radar tower awaiting response..
Would like to acknowledge that
there is concern around village about flooding this winter after recent
rainfall and not wanting a repeat of last year. Would like to reassure
villagers that there are ditches being cleared, etc, around the village, to
ensure better drainage.
Fence at back of Recreation
Ground (alongside Chapel Green entrance road) is starting to fall into
disrepair. Previously believed this to be Chapel Green School’s responsibility
but it transpires that it is the Parish Council’s. Pete Twissell to arrange for
more hedging to be planted and work with the school.
Have been in contact with a
company to investigate the feasibility of the suggested plot of land for a graveyard.
They were able to complete a preliminary desktop check. There is significant
expense just to get preliminary checks and surveys completed. No grants
available from Breckland. Graveyard Working Group will have a meeting due to
the high volume of work and information.
Rachel Noyes has arranged for
road closure requested for Remembrance Day. Will need to arrange traffic
cones/signs. Stan Burton may be able to arrange a PA system. Ali McWilliam explained
that after doing some reading, there is a need to ensure the service is
inclusive to all faiths. Rachel Noyes to contact All Saints church about the
arrangements for this year’s service.
Defibrillators have had a
maintenance check. Will need to order and install two new sets of pads. Will be
completed as soon as possible.
Have contacted Solar Farm to
update contact details and begin enquiries about the building schedule. No
reply yet, will chase up.
Initial email sent to last
year’s provider of the village Christmas Tree but no response yet. Will continue to
collect quotes but also need to establish desired height of tree. Doug Irons
explained that the tree will be in a different location this year due to need
to have a power supply. Businesses around the Green have been approached and
Harrow and Fearne have agreed to provide electricity to the tree which can then
be placed on corner of the Green. The Parish Council will cover cost of
electricity. Switch-on date will be Sunday 8 December. Rachel Noyes to arrange
PAT test of tree lights.
County and District councillor Steve Askew said the new Highways engineer is quite proactive and so lots happening in background such as drains being cleared. He has discussed the Cake Street scenario with him but it will take a while to get things done as there was a lot of inaction before. Attleborough Road corner needs dealing with and is going to be assessed properly. Wants to get the right things with the steps opposite the Stud entrance and will take a little bit of time due to volume of work. Will get to it as soon as possible, possibly with a different design. However, the Parish Council won’t be putting any more money towards it. Rachel Noyes enquired about a Highways speed limit review scheme. Fen Street was put forward but wasn’t selected.
Planning applications. There have been no new planning applications, no amended applications and no planning decisions by Breckland Council.
Review of Code of Conduct.
(OBPC Code of Conduct Rev A.pdf). Steve Gowers highlighted page 5 which refers
to expecting “respectful behavior from the public” and stated that this should also
be highlighted on the website. A proposal for this to be done was approved (6
in favour).
Review of Data Protection
Policy. (OBPC Data Protection Policy Rev A.pdf). This was approved (6
in favour).
The GDPR Record Retention
Schedule (OBPC GDPR Record retention Schedule Rev A.pdf) was also approved (6
in favour).
Review of the Grants Policy
(OBPC Grant Policy Sept 24 Rev A.pdf). Steve Gowers suggested the policy should
be sent out with an application form and the application form should include a
tick box to show they have read and understood it. This was approved (6 in
favour).
Precept Grants 2025/2026. Last year a total of £3,575 was spent on Precept Grants. With the high cost of living, there was a question about whether the total Grant amount should be capped as any increase would cause an increase to residents’ Council Tax. Councillors all felt that a cap total of £3500 would be fair. Some application forms have been quite vague previously but the Parish Council do require a clear break down of what the money would be used for and calculations of the amount. Receipts will also need to be provided for the work. Application form to be updated to include bank details for payment. Applications for Precept Grants for 2025/2026 will be open soon with a deadline of Friday 29 November. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or requested from the Clerk.
Pump and pump fittings. Lesley Evison currently has the pump purchased last year, along with long section of flat pipe. If the pump is required this winter, then additional fittings and a solid section of pipe are required (they were borrowed last year). Stan Burton estimated £60 for the fittings. Proposal to spend up to £200 to purchase fittings and pipe was approved (5 for, 1 abstain). Trees on corner of the Green. A resident has contacted Naomi Bailey as large tree branches are frequently falling in to his garden. The tree has previously been identified as having ash die back and requiring work. Resident has offered to hire a contractor to make the tree safe and is happy to keep the wood, with Parish Council approval. Ali McWilliam explained that the Parish Council needs to prioritise trees that are causing risk to people and their homes. A proposal to allow Ben Devlin to deal with the identified trees to make them safe was approved (6 in favour). Village Country Fayre. A resident has contacted the Parish Council as they feel that there is a lot of demand in the village for some kind of summer country fayre. They are happy to lead the group and find a date/plan that works well within the village. Naomi Baily would like to organise a village meeting to assess interest and plans. Public participation. At the last meeting there was a statement about the Community Car drivers not going outside Norfolk. Naomi Bailey explained this was an idea that the community car drivers were going to discuss but the Parish Council has not heard anything since. New legislation around graveyards has been published which may impact on Parish Council research on a new graveyard site. One resident stated that police did not catch anyone speeding on Cake Street during their visits. Steve Gowers explained that they often act as a deterrent and that the data from the SAM sign will help police identify peak periods of speeders on the road. Road signs at Harlingwood Lane junction are covered with greenery and need cutting back. Where is the other end of the drainage pipe from Ottomer Pond? Stan Burton will find its exact location and ensure no flooding is caused by the pond overflow pipe. Would the Parish Council consider getting sand/sandbags in preparation for any flooding this winter? Naomi Bailey explained that she could access sand quickly if needed. She would look at obtaining some empty sandbags which can be stored. There has been an escalation of parking on the Green, which is causing damage and will get worse over winter. Residents are looking at funding posts themselves but need help understanding where the utilities run. Rachel Noyes to investigate a possible option. |
Items for next agenda. These will include Abbey Road posts, Graveyard, Christmas tree switch-on, Remembrance Day Sunday arrangements, Ottomer Pond, dog bin on the Recreation Ground and Allotment payments.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 November in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
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Women's Institute fifty-seventh birthday
On Thursday 24 October Old Buckenham WI had their Birthday Party for members and friends. It was an excellent evening with lots of lovely food and entertainment provided by Neil Hunt, a Toastmaster, with all his tales of the top tables. He came dressed in his official outfit and looked very regal. Members supplied plates of food and the WI committee had cooked up the tasty desserts.
Listen to our own local singer
This looks like being a great evening to get you in the mood for all those Christmas celebrations. Not for a while yet but you can put it in your diaries now and possibly buy you tickets too...
Come and meet Paul
An evening with a difference in our Village Hall. You never know what you might find out...
The October village newsletter is here
Ready for you to read
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 September at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present Naomi Bailey (Chair), Ali McWilliam, Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Doug Irons and Steve Gowers. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), County Councillor Steve Askew (from 8:45pm) and ten members of the public. A proposal to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8 August was agreed (6 in favour).
Declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members' Register of interests. Ali McWilliam stated that her employment has changed. She is now doing supply teaching and setting up her own education business, as well as working as a singer.
Matters arising from the minutes: The Chair said the Christmas tree requires ordering and Remembrance Sunday wreaths and road closures to be arranged. Ali McWilliam said public comments regarding cutting grass around speed signs needed following up.
Steve Askew provided other information. The Breckland Food Hub started last year by attending our Village Hall in a mobile van but constant issues with the van caused it to cease coming. Breckland will be re-launching the service in the next few weeks under a different model. lt was also highlighted that someone from the Kenninghall Pantry (who are part of the set up) will be attending the Produce Show to provide further information.
When attending the Parish Council surgery on Saturday, a lady enquired about the recent footpath registration request (Ragg's Lane). He had looked into it and they are still going through the legal process. This may take a while and he will provide updates when possible. Community Groups (which includes the Parish Council) can put forward applications for a grant. Steps opposite the Stud have been closed off. Highways will be looking at possible solutions. `
Planning applications. Note that Breckland have informed that there might be a slight delay to new applications due to switching over of their computer systems.
New planning application. Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Erection of a new agricultural building for the secure storage of agricultural machinery, hay, straw and haylage (3PL/2024/0503/F). Naomi Bailey explained that this would be placed behind the existing barn. Lesley Evison raised concern that this might be linked to a previous application for a trucking business on the same road. Further information to be requested from Breckland.
Woodland Trust Report. Peter Twissell and Stan Burton attended this public meeting. Plan looks very favourable with a mix of some evergreen but mostly deciduous trees. All trees will be native British trees and will be managed woodland, therefore some trees will be coppiced as they grow. Both areas will be accessible with footpaths and picnic benches. However this will be after several years, in order to allow trees to become established. Stan Burton highlighted that there were some concerns that this would cause British farmland to be going out of production.
Ali McWilliam produced an anonymous note that had been left for the Paris Council on the phone box noticeboard. The note objected to the Woodland as it would affect the view and reduce visibility for cars on Abbey Road. Member of public raised concern that when walking their dog recently on the fields that may be used for this woodland that there were signs stating that pesticides had been used and to keep dogs on a lead.
Finance Working Party. Proposal to set up a Finance Working Party was approved (6 in favour).
Play Area repairs. Magnets needed for the playground gate. Doug Irons has ordered and will install them. There is a hole that needs filing near the roundabout. A suggestion has been made for a substance to use but Naomi Bailey requires time to research and ensure it is the right product for the job. A proposal to get both repairs completed was approved (6 in favour). Playground requires a new inspection and the Clerk will arrange.
Graveyard update. Unfortunately this process needs to start again. Pete Twissell to assist Naomi Bailey and Ali McWilliam and will report back next month.
Puddledock Corner. Naomi Bailey has been in correspondence with a resident regarding some cutting of a tree which is causing visibility issues on Puddledock Corner. She has requested a local tree surgeon to attend site and quote for work. Two other quotes will also be needed. Will also speak to Steve Askew and Highways.
Prince Harry's Wood. A couple of residents from March Field Way have complained that the brambles are growing through their fences. While they have cut them back on their own side, the issue needs addressing on the wood side too. There are several areas around St Andrews Close and March Field Way where grass has not been cut or bramble have overgrown, which is resulting in a small number of residents refusing to pay their ground rent. A local resident will inspect and feedback. Possibly look at getting quotes for bramble work.
Sandbags at Ottomer Pond. Have been contacted by a resident who enquired as to why the sandbags are still around the pond, now that we are in the summer months and the flooding risk has subsided and they look a mess. The resident with them outside her house wants them to stay. Stan Burton suggested that the sandbags be covered with soil and used to build up the bank, including the area near the playground corner. As the overall issue of the drainage has not been resolved, there is a risk of flooding again during winter months. David Taylor questioned whether this was environmentally friendly as the bags may contain plastic and could degrade.
Stan Burton has found the outflow pipe and marked its location. He made a suggestion for reinstating the outlet, which would not cause the current water levels to drop too low either. This would allow flood water to flow towards the ditch which runs alongside the High School. David Taylor to investigate the environmental impact of sandbags, Lesley Evison to estimate the volume of soil required and Stan Burton to investigate feasibility and cost of reinstating the overflow pipe.
Green Working Party meeting. The Green Working Party is made up of two Green Rights Proprietors, two members of the Parish Council and two members of the public. Email has been sent out saying that they should liaise between themselves to arrange a meeting as they are long overdue a meeting. Meeting needs to take place on neutral ground, such as the Methodist Church, which the Parish Council will pay for. Adrian Joel (resident) has stepped down from Green Working Party so there is a space for a member of the public. Another resident who has expressed a large interest in the Green was put forward by Naomi Bailey and is willing to accept the position.
Public participation. One resident suggested that there should be a sub-committee to take a lead on Prince Harry’s Wood, rather than including it in the Green Working Party responsibilities.
Another resident said there were large weeds growing in ditch near St Andrews Close as they have not been cleared for two years. Naomi Bailey to chase up and clarify responsibility and arrange cIearing. Also asked if there is a timeline for the graveyard and what the next steps are. Ali McWilliam explained she cannot give a timeline. They are investigating an area of land and will need to contact people leasing the land from us and discuss possibility. Will also need a survey for suitability of the land. While no timeline can be given, it will be worked on as quickly as possible.
A further resident pointed out that as they weren't available for the village meeting with the Woodland Trust, an online response was made. However, they were disappointed to see how few responses the villagers had made. Stan Burton explained that the meeting was well supported and they and will try and adapt planting of the trees to take the concerns into consideration. The general response was positive and the Woodland Trust did appear to take on all points mentioned by those attending the meeting.
A further resident asked when the contents from the High School ditch were being removed. Lesley Evison explained that they are ready to remove them but have not found a suitable location to move them to in order to burn the material. A resident highlighted that they have seen two hedgehogs living in there and Lesley Evison explained that care would be taken to remove everything without hurting hedgehogs.
One more resident raised concerns around the management of the Green including tractors without grass wheels compounding the soil and cuttings being left which are becoming hay and creating a fire risk in hot weather. Resident felt that the Green Working Party and Parish Council need a clearer strategy and consultation with the village about the areas being left wild, as there is clearly a clear divide in opinion. The Sunnyside Track struggle with parking from the school which has even resulted in cars double parking next to each other on the Green which is causing severe damage. Residents on Sunnyside have been doing research themselves in to maintenance options, which could be quite expensive. Enquired what could be done to stop teachers and parents parking there. There are also rumours of closing Reg's Way (small section of track which meets Sunnyside Track half way). Request that homeowners are consulted, which Lesley Evison assured them would take place. Resident has now joined the Green Working Party.
Another resident said thank you for putting the agenda on Parish Council Facebook page while new website is being completed. He also gave a Community Car update: Two drivers have returned and, once paperwork is completed, there will be five drivers. Will be having a meeting soon and a suggestion has been made that they only go to NHS appointments in Norfolk or private hospitals with NHS appointments in order to cut costs as it is getting expensive. Ali McWilliam explained that she has previously been offered medical appointments in Cambridge and Yarmouth. Residents will often take the earliest appointment available, regardless of location. Lesley Evison explained that some hospitals will contract out work to private hospitals. Feedback to be made and discussed during Community Car Drivers meeting. lnvoices to be given to Donna Oakley as the new Registered Finance Officer (RFO).
Items for the next agenda. These will include graveyard update, minutes for July, play area repairs, Puddledock corner, sandbags, Prince Harry’s Wood, Christmas tree and road closures for Remembrance Sunday.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church.
Commercial users pay more. Regular commercial users are charged £13.75 an hour for the Main Hall and occasional users £15 an hour.
For children’s parties (under 12s only) there is a minimum 4 hour hire for £60, then £15 per hour for longer. Social events such as social gatherings/celebrations, weddings and wakes, there is a minimum hire of 4 hours (hire charge on application). Daily commercial rates also available on application.
Community Speed Watch update
On Tuesday 17 September there was a higher than normal police
presence in the village. This was due to a Day of Action across Norfolk and
Suffolk with Community Speed Watch teams being supported by the police. The police
were especially interested in Cake Street and Hargham Road because of the
information that has been collected by our Speed Watch team and the SAM sign
that indicates the speed of vehicles and flashes the phrase ‘SLOW DOWN’.
Taking part?
An often asked question
This
answer to an important question is written by Parish Councillor Stan Burton.
Old Buckenham Green is common land. Common land is an area over which certain
people have Rights. That does not make Old Buckenham Green a common. It is
registered as a Green.
It all goes back to the Enclosure Act and Apportionment
Act where rights were granted. These can be Green Rights, Grazing
Rights, Planting Rights, Estovers, Rights of Common and Sporting Rights (shooting
and fishing).
Originally there were forty Rights for Old Buckenham
green but one was given up by the then Lord of the Manor for the War Memorial.
In 1965 all Common land, including Greens, and any
Rights had to be registered with the County Council. If they were not
registered, they were lost.
In a court case a few years ago, a Judge ruled that as
ownership of Old Buckenham Green had not been registered, ownership passed on
to the Public Trustee, a Government body, and any person with registered Rights
could set up a management committee to look after the Green. This
responsibility has since been passed over to the Parish Council Green Working
Party.
Commons
Registration Act 1965
Definition of Town or Village Green.
Town or Village Green means land which has been allotted
by or under any act for the exercise or recreation of the inhabitants of any
locality or on which the inhabitants of any locality have a customary right to
indulge in lawful sports and pastimes or on which the inhabitants of any
locality have indulged in such sports and pastimes as of right for not less
than twenty years.
It's that time of year again
Useful surgery
Two members of the Parish Council held the Saturday surgery at the Village Hall Memorial Room on Saturday 31 August. They were kept occupied for the whole period of the surgery. Four members of the public and District and County councillor Steve Askew came along.
A resident pointed out to us that brambles are starting to take over some areas of the woodland at the south west side of the green and enquired about general upkeep of the trees around the Green. It was suggested that the council should investigate grant funding for upkeep of the woodland areas. The same resident offered some further information regarding drainage pointing out that there is a pipe running from the small pond (Green Pond) opposite the shop, passing under the main road and emerging between the road and Ottomer pond. Foliage around Green Pond is at risk of blocking that drain.
Come and have a chat
Saturday 31 August sees the return of the monthly Saturday Surgery. This will take place in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall. Two councillors will be available from 10am till 12 noon for you to speak to about any issues/questions you may have.
Some beautiful places...
Paul's thoughts
You lucky people…
Just think about what this small community offers – in no particular order and doubtless not everything. Schools and societies, pubs and clubs, a post office and shop, a coffee venture, a bookshop, a thriving country park, an airshow on our doorstep. The open space, an abundance of history. The sense of community. Ask for help on the Old Buckenham Facebook group, for example, and it will quickly be offered.
Of course, not everything about this village is perfect and it wouldn’t pretend to be.
But look at the bigger picture. It’s what I did that morning and felt inspired to write this. If it comes across as sentimental and twee then so be it.
In the past few weeks there’s been a slew of controversy in the village, some of it voiced loudly and - arguably - unfairly on social media.
I’m sure those with grievances, (imagined or not) will continue to bellow through their keyboards. Go ahead, if you must, but perhaps just remember that, on balance, you are very lucky people.
Parish Council news
The Old Buckenham Parish Council issued this statement late yesterday and it will be included in the September village newsletter for all those without computers or those who 'do not do Facebook'.
You can now also read it here.
Reason for the formalisation of Business use on the green.
