Old Buckenham School after LEGO

Please collect the tokens

Chapel Green School are collecting the tokens that are now appearing in the EDP and are asking for help to win the school some LEGO.
The EDP are running a new campaign with CreativeHUT, giving primary and junior schools across the region the chance to share £10,000 worth of LEGO Education resources.
Our Chapel Green School would like to take part in this competition and for every 1,000 tokens they collect, they will receive £50 worth of LEGO. The top three schools who collect most tokens will win £1,000 worth of LEGO (this is based on number of pupils in the school versus tokens collected, meaning that all schools have a chance, both big and small).
Tokens started appearing in the EDP on Saturday 9 February and everyday there will be tokens in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News (two on Saturdays) as well as some of the weekly titles such as the Lowestoft Journal and the Dereham Times also including tokens.
Tokens are now in the papers and the final token will be printed on Friday 3 May. Please spread the word and collect up as many as you can. Ask your neighbours and friends too to cut them out for you if you know they read the EDP. You can take the tokens along to Reception at the school or, if more convenient, give them to the blog editor or put them through the letterbox at his house, Crockslea in Cake Street.

Old Buckenham Women's Institute

January 2019 meeting
President, Kate Lloyd, welcomed members of Old Buckenham Women’s Institute to the first meeting of 2019 including the new secretary Betty Stacey and WI Adviser Carol Cousins.
A minute's silence was held in memory of Marjorie Greenwood, a member of Bunwell and Carleton Rode WI and a long serving judge at Old Buckenham's Produce Show.
Members and friends had enjoyed a trip to the Theatre Royal for the Norwich and Norfolk Amateur Operatic Society's production of Guys and Dolls.
The speaker for the evening was Helen Reeve who owns a 60-head herd of Dexter cattle in the Waveney Valley, one of only a handful of Dexter breeders in Norfolk. She also teaches at Easton and Otley colleges. Helen spoke about the organisation 'Ladies in Beef'. This was set up following the realisation that other groups promoted aspects of farming for instance Ladies in Pigs, Farm Women's club and the NFU but there was nothing specific to celebrate beef production. Launched by Princess Anne in 2011 it is now countrywide and champions high welfare status beef concentrating on the health and welfare of cattle. It also runs an annual Great British Beef Week which raises funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute.
In January all WI members vote for one of the year's Resolutions which this year covered the environment, women's health and rural buses. The majority of Old Buckenham's votes went to plant bio-security with the promoting of smear tests coming second. The one or two resolutions gaining most votes throughout the country will be discussed and passed for campaigning on at WI’s national AGM in June.
Vouchers were awarded to those members gaining most points in the two competitions held at each meeting throughout the year. Barbara Frost won for Flower of the Month and Kathy Fleckney for the monthly competition. A posy of flowers was given to Susan Hunter for consistently entering both categories.
At the next meeting on Thursday 28 February Norma Howell will be taking about medical detection dogs. Then on Thursday 28 March at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall the speaker will be Christine Humphries on 'Laura Eke and the fisherman who painted in wood'.

At All Saints Church Old Buckenham

An unusual scene
The mourners mostly came by car but the coffin was given a special arrival.

Arriving

Unloading

Returning home

The Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham

A message from Tony and Jen

Hi Old Buckenham, we have been asked by Ron (the village newsletter and blog editor) to drop you a line and bring you up to date with what is happening at The Gamekeeper. So here it is.

You will no doubt have heard the rumours that we are leaving The Gamekeeper. The reason for writing this is not just to confirm that rumour but also, as you know, rumours lead to gossip and with gossip there is always a victim who gets hurt. So, to prevent this we would like to outline the motivation behind our decision.

The fact is there is not currently enough business in The Gamekeeper. In an effort to keep the overheads down we are each working 80 hours per week and that is not sustainable. We could employ more people but the revenue can’t afford it, we are just working to pay the VAT. If the government would see sense and reduce the VAT on food sold in a pub, in line with the supermarkets, then a lot more country pubs like ours (yours) would survive. It’s our belief that in 10 years’ time there will be no country pubs as a result of this and business rates. We also have tried to get people to understand that The Gamekeeper’s history of being a restaurant is no longer valid, instead it is “A PUB that serves food” but unfortunately this has not been the perception.

We also understand that some of you will be very critical of Ei Group (you know them as Enterprise). Well we would like to put this straight. As with all organisations it’s the person who is your first point of contact that sets the standard and Adam has been very fair with us as over the past 6 months our rent has been significantly reduced in an effort to keep this pub going.

So, the only thing for us to do sadly is to move on and make way for another publican with more energy than we have, with more backing and hopefully more support from the local people. Ei are currently recruiting and, to our knowledge, there is at least one couple in the frame and producing their business plan.

Sadly, but with some relief, we say bye to Old Buckenham. Our contract termination date is Tuesday 16 April so this will be our last day but if the new publican is ready before then it could be sooner. That would be better for them as to take over one week before Easter could be difficult.

All that remains is for us thank the lovely people that have supported us and to wish you all well.

Tony & Jen

Yet another Old Buckenham newsletter

February issue available for you to read

Copies have been distributed around and, subject to the weather, many may be making their way through your letter box along with the Six Villages Newsletter.

A little snow in Old Buckenham

Winter delight
A sprinkling of snow and some bright clear skies make Old Buckenham Green look as pretty as a picture.

February events in Old Buckenham

Diary dates for February

Monday 4          Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 5          Coffee and Chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards

Wednesday 6    Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 7        Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday 13  Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm

Thursday 14      Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm

Thursday 14      Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Friday 15           Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Saturday 16       Senior Citizens' lunch, Village Hall, 1pm for 1.30pm

Saturday 16       Classic Cinema, Village Hall, 6.30pm

Monday 18        Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 20  Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

 Thursday 28    Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Rooms you can book in Old Buckenham

Places for you to use

The Church Rooms. 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. Lydia Darrah on 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. 

Methodist Church. The Old Buckenham Methodist Church in Hargham Road 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

Village Hall. 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 that has recently been refurbished with a carpeted floor and new furniture, particularly 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.

Old Buckenham helps homeless

Big donation to St Martins
There was the opportunity on Saturday 26 January to hear about all the wide rang of work carried out by the St Martins charity to help the homeless in Norwich.

More than £36,000 had been raised during 2018 and this meeting at The Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham was arranged so that those volunteers that had been collecting at supermarkets and raising money by other activities could hear first hand from some of the people that were being helped by St Martins.

Old Buckenham Parish Council

February's meeting

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

A meeting of the Old Buckenham Parish Council took place on Thursday 3 January at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Old Buckenham.

Those present were councillors Jon Hicks (Chairman), Adrian Joel, Debbie Callaghan, Ben Devlin, Steve Milner and Donna Oakley Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk)and two members of the public. Apologies for absence had been received from Gemma Frost and Andy Nichols.

Rachel Noyes was welcomed and introduced as the new Parish Clerk.

Minutes of the December meeting. Jon Hicks had been contacted by a contractor who wished to complain about their name being published in December’s minutes against a high quotation claiming that it reflected poorly on his company. Adrian Joel explained that names had always been published in the past. Ben Devlin and Steve Milner agreed that everything discussed in a public meeting should be published. Debbie Callaghan highlighted that it could affect his business and that councillors should have checked the minutes before publication. No one had contacted Jon Hicks about the minutes. It was agreed that quotations should be published for clarity with parishioners but they should be anonymous and that councillors will have one week to check the minutes of the meeting before it is sent for publishing on the village blog and published in the village newsletter. Also a letter would be sent to the contractor apologising for this mistake.

The minutes were accepted subject to amendments.

Matters arising from these minutes. Adrian Joel said that Oliver Lee was unable to attend this month’s meeting and so will be coming to February’s meeting instead. The public will be notified.

Adrian Joel asked when the wall behind the old Parish Council notice board would be repaired. Steve Milner is to organise repair work.

Public participation. A parishioner wished everyone a Happy New Year. He explained that while he liked the objectives of the council it doesn’t always feel like they were being achieved. Some 41 meetings ago, the matter of a blind drain which caused frequent flooding to his garden was mentioned to Councillor Stephen Askew. However, nothing has been done. Jon Hicks agreed and stated that Norfolk CC and Highways will be informed in order to investigate and complete any work.

A parishioner also asked if there will be a public consultation regarding the location of the crossing of the B1077 as he did not feel that the proposed location was the most useful or logical. The public should be provided with more information regarding the crossing. Steve Milner explained that the Parish Council had no choice in the location and, as the process has taken so long and even failed in the past, we should focus on the positives that we are getting a crossing and should work together to find best ways of making it work for the village. Steve Milner to write to County Councillor Stephen Askew to ask for an update on the crossing.

The parishioner commented that he felt good progress had been made in the village by the Parish Council and felt that the hard work should be demonstrated and highlighted to the parishioners. Is getting rid of a designated PC noticeboard diluting the importance of the council?

Debbie Callaghan raised the issue of moles on the Green and that after all the hard work and money spent on it, it now highlights the mess made by the moles. No representative of the Village Green Committee was present to comment. Adrian Joel explained that a previous attempt was unsuccessful as it was too big an area to control and it is an expensive process with no guarantee of success.

Planning. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications) and parish councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting.)

New planning applications. Meadowcroft, Doe Lane. Removal of agricultural restriction. (3PL/2018/1460/VAR)

The councillors agreed to support the application (4 for, 1 against,1 abstaining).

Document for planning issues. Jon Hicks provided a sheet with a tick-box list of factors that are considered during the planning process. It also clearly stated reasons that cannot be considered. It was laminated so that it can be reused by councillors for each planning application. Adrian Joel explained that the tick-box can be used to determine the balance of for/against arguments for an application. Ben Devlin found the sheet nice and clear, simple and straight forward. He also hoped to develop one in the future so that it runs along-side the Neighbourhood Plan in considering what we want within the village. Debbie Callaghan mentioned that they hoped to complete the next Village Survey both online and by post.

Assets of community Jon Hicks introduced the idea of adding the village shop to a list of Assets of Community Value which would allow the village to bid for the building, should it be put up for sale in the future. While the current lease of the shop is for sale, the building itself is not. If we were interested we would have six weeks to bid and then a further six months to find the money. Ben Devlin questioned whether having a community shop would be a good idea due to the difficulty in staffing it. It would be a large commitment by the village. Other villages with community shops/pubs were having trouble staffing it and therefore resorted to paying salaries. Debbie Callaghan reminded that it is important to a lot of people in the village, especially as it houses the Post Office. Debbie Callaghan also suggested that it could simply owned by the village and then rented out. JH explained that adding the shop to the list of village assets would simply give the Parish Council the option to bid in the future.

It was agreed that the village shop be added to the list of village assets (six approved/no objections/no abstaining).

Chairman’s report. Defibrillator is ready to be installed. Been let down by three electricians but two more are coming to quote for work. Should hopefully be completed by the end of January. The phone box is Grade II listed so has to be repaired, specifically the glass pane at the top stating Telephone. It is leaning towards the pond so will be lifted and placed on new base as well as being fully restored. Ideas are needed for its use after restoration. Ben Devlin suggested using it as a community hub of information - Parish Council minutes, a drop-box for suggestions and comments by residents, maps for walkers, surveys, What’s On information, etc. Full discussion would take place at the February meeting. Jon Hicks is to get quotes for the restoration work although he is keen to also use community help if possible.

District Councillors’ report. Breckland Council will be holding a Town and Parish Forum on Thursday 21 February in the Committee Suite at Elizabeth House, Dereham from 5.45pm. It is hoped that a councillor(s) from the Parish Council will attend. The consultation on the recommendations from the Inspector on the Local Plan should take place for a six-week period during January/February. Councillors and residents will be informed when dates are received.

The Planning Committee is to discuss the Attleborough SUE Outline Planning Application in early February (date not yet confirmed). In view of comments from the Parish Council in September 2017 and the views of residents, a parish councillor should speak at the meeting. Steve Milner dealt with it previously and will attend to speak. Jon Hicks also offered to speak, provided Steve Milner could provide the information.

If any rough sleepers are spotted locally, especially during this cold weather, contact Breckland Council on 01362 656870 for emergency shelter.

Recreation Area.The goals are in a poor state. Local children should be consulted on what they would like to have there and ideas of use. Debbie Callaghan is to speak to the High School for possible collaborative work. Steve Milner had asked previously on social media but received no suggestions. Jon Hicks explained that work was planned to build a shelter but the idea got scrapped once the High School became part of the Sapientia Education Trust.

Councillors’ reports. Steve Milner said the Village Cinema is being relaunched and the first film would be Lawrence of Arabia on Saturday 16 February. Adrian Joel said the lighting on MUGA has been paid.

Jon Hicks said that twice-a-year meetings are to take place between the Parish Council and Village Hall Committee (VHC). First was to be on Wednesday 23 January. VHC against including Green Committee, as suggested by Jon Hicks. Jon Hicks, Adrian Joel, Ben Devlin and Steve Milner all volunteered to attend.

Parish meeting. The Village Parish Meeting will be held on Friday 22 March starting at 7.30pm and all councillors are requested to attend. A guest speaker is required, nothing political as it is in the run up to local elections. Any suggestions to the chairman Jon Hicks.

Items for next agenda. These will include the phone box, the purchase of more defibrillators and the Oliver Lee Presentation.

The next Parish Council meeting to be held on Thursday 7 February at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Disco evening in Old Buckenham

Re-live your youth
Or perhaps come and see what your parents enjoyed when they were young...

Old Buckenham roof nears completion

Nearly there
Whether you look at the south side or the north side, the newly-thatched chancel roof at All Saints now has now got its patterned ridge.

Walking in Old Buckenham

Starting off the New Year
Villagers (and their dogs) collected up outside the Church Rooms to enjoy a walk around the local footpaths.

First they all gathered to have their photo taken

Then it was off in one long line across the Green

A couple of hours later there were a few people still walking back across the Green towards All Saints

Enjoying some well-deserved soup and a roll

Queuing for their refreshment.

The refreshments were free but the generous walkers donated just over £250 which will go the the Raise the Roof fund.

Old Buckenham events in 2019

Diary dates for January

Tuesday 1   New Year's Day walk, starts at Church Rooms, 10.30am

Thursday 3   Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

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

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

Thursday 13   Breckland Flower Club, Village Hall, 2pm

Thursday 13   Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Wednesday 16   Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm

Thursday 17   OB Players pantomime Cinderella, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Friday 18   Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Friday 18   OB Players pantomime Cinderella, Village Hall, 7.30pm 

Saturday 19   OB Players pantomime Cinderella, Village Hall, 2.30pm 

Saturday 19   OB Players pantomime Cinderella, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Monday 21   Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday   23 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

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

January issue of Old Buckenham village newsletter

Here we go again
Lots of information about the latest goings on in Old Buckenham can be found in the printed version of the monthly newsletter. The January copies have been spread around the village and some may have already dropped through your letterbox.

Start 2019 with the Old Buckenham walk

New Year's Day Walk
Why not start the New Year with a good walk and possibly new friends? This walk, now in its fourth year, leaves the Church Rooms at 10.30am, distance about 2 to 3 miles. On returning to the Church Rooms you will be able to enjoy homemade soup and rolls. The route will be a mixture of  'off and on road' but it is possible to skip some of the 'off road' bits if you have a pushchair. 

Well controlled dogs welcome. People who normally come to 'Coffee and Chat' on the first Tuesday of each month may like to come to the Church Rooms about 11.30amand join in with the returning walkers.

Donations towards your refreshments will go to the 'Raise the Roof' fund.

Your visit will also give you a chance to look at the newly thatched chancel roof. The final work on the ridge is now taking place.

22 November 2018 

24 December 2018

Just click on the images to see them at a larger size

Latest Parish Council minutes from Old Buckenham

Lengthy minutes for December
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and may contain information that is amended at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 6 December. Those present were councillors Jon Hicks (Vice-chairman and in the chair), Gemma Frost, Adrian Joel, Debbie Callaghan, Andy Nichols and Ben Devlin. Also attending were Kerry Talbot taking minutes in absence of a Clerk, Donna Oakley and three members of the public. Apologies for absence had been received from Steve Milner.
It was agreed to approve Jon Hicks as Chair and Gemma Frost as Vice Chair. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 1 November 2018 were approved.
Matters arising from November minutes. Adrian Joel advised that the highways’ issues regarding the chevrons and signs were now resolved.
Responsible Financial Officer. It was agreed to approve the appointment of Donna Oakley as the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). The fee to be £200 per month with exception of one month at £250. Andy Nichols asked if Donna Oakley would agree to a yearly rolling contract with a three month notice period for both parties to provide continuity for the council. Donna Oakley agreed to prepare a contract for the council including a notice period for the council to consider.
Co-option of new councillor. It was agreed to approve Donna Oakley as a councillor. Jon Hicks advised that an RFO is also able to be a councillor, there is no conflict of interest but that there will be certain financial matters where they will need to abstain.
Bank accounts. Jon Hicks advised that he has started process of removing two previous signatories and adding Jon Hicks and Adrian Joel. It was agreed to add Donna Oakley and Gemma Frost. The account has also been changed so every cheque issued needs two signatures. Jon Hicks has also requested VISA capability on the account.
Public participation relating to agenda items. A parishioner wished to thank all councillors and their associates for what has been an extremely difficult year. The first quarter of 2019 will determine the success of the council and the hope that, by working together, objectives will be met to demonstrate progress is being made. The local community are taking an interest in the Green and need to be encouraged to attend meetings. They would like to see more young people involved with the council. Jon Hicks responded that the change in format for the meetings has gone well and the council intends to continue in this vein, keeping the agenda short and allowing public to be involved throughout the meeting. If discussions get out of hand then the council will review. Debbie Callaghan suggested the council considers a strategy in the New Year to make meetings more of a social event. Ben Devlin suggested allowing five minutes at end of meetings for the public to state their views. Jon Hicks suggested a continuation of meetings with parish council and the village hall management. Jon Hicks also suggested that he would like the Village Green Working Party to be invited to participate. Jon Hicks would also like to hold a public meeting with all three groups in attendance to give the local community the opportunity to share their views and allow the three groups to engage with them. A parishioner warned the council that using on-line banking for transfers with two signatories required can sometimes be difficult. The Village Green Working Party (VGWP) has been in contact with Oliver Lee Landscape Partnership who are keen to work with the council to develop a strategy for the Green. A parishioner asked if the council would still like Oliver Lee to attend a council meeting and this was agreed. There would be crossover with the Neighbourhood Plan and Oliver Lee could inform on the wider context of the village such as materials, how planting takes place and where. Part of the Neighbourhood Plan is to see how the Green would look in the future. This could include the war memorial and any other areas of the village so any improvements or enhancements take place through a plan rather than rushing ahead. The parishioner also asked if the new payment approval process for the VGWP had been formally agreed by the Council. Adrian Joel advised that this would be discussed at the precept meeting on Thursday 13 December and suggested the VGWP put together an idea of how much would be needed and send this for inclusion at the precept meeting. Andy Nichols agreed that VGWP should produce a budget plan. Parishioner advised that the main contractor for the Green has agreed to continue for 2019 at the same cost. Councillors agreed that it was important that VGWP budget did not include items such as bench repair. Andy Nichols felt it was important to negotiate a longer term lease, eg ten years with five year break clauses for both parties. A parishioner would like to see the lease extended as without a long term plan any work undertaken could be seen as a benefit to private organisations and could in the future prevent NWT and UEA from getting involved.
Jon Hicks said that the pedestrian crossing is being pursued but he has no updates. Parishioners told the council that they had attended a Norfolk Wildlife Trust workshop on ponds and this covered how to engage with wildlife, all notes of this meeting will be sent through to Jon Hicks. It was said that grants were available but the Green would need to be re-registered as a common.
Declarations of interests not already recorded. Donna Oakley declared an interest in financial matters and Ben Devlin gave a change of address.
Financial matters. The available balance on Wednesday 5 December 2018 was £41,469.58 and the Premium account balance on Thursday 1 November was £2,876.06.
Income received included Precept £20,160.57, transitional grant £246, allotment rents £165, Green donations £2,850, loan repayment from Village Hall £500 and Community car payment £900It was agreed that Donna Oakley should attend a training course as the newly appointed RFO. Invoice for supply and installation of the Christmas Tree on the Green had been received and Donna Oakley to pay as already approved at previous council meeting.
Planning applications and Breckland District Council’s decisions. Parish councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting. All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal - www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications.
New planning applications. Walnut Shade, Cake Street. Conversion of part ground floor to form annex, new first floor accommodation above existing footprint (including increased ridge height), attached new garage and replacement conservatory.(3PL/2018/1375/HOU).This was not supported by the parish council as it was considered out of character of the street scene.
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. Shrublands Farmhouse. Two-storey rear extension and erection of three-bay cart lodge with room over. (3PL/2018/1072/HOU). Approved.
Discussions were undertaken regarding the need to debate planning applications at the council meetings. All councillors were asked to ensure that they checked the portal prior to the meeting to make themselves aware of any potential issues. To ensure smooth and efficient running of the meeting, some councillors felt that discussions should only take place if an objection needed to be raised. Andy Nichols disagreed and felt that all applications should be debated. Both Adrian Joel and Andy Nichols felt that the council should comment to Breckland either way as the council are part of the consultation process. Ben Devlin felt all applications should be discussed, debated and voted on by the council.
Parish notice board. Jon Hicks said that the notice board had fallen off the wall outside the village shop. It was not economical to repair and that he would make good the wall. A parishioner generously said that half of the community notice board near the shop could be used as parish council space. Council agreed that sharing the notice board could encourage more people to read community and council notices. An additional set of keys would be obtained with the Council to pay any cost. The parishioner agreed to add any items to the notice board in the meantime.
Allotments. Adrian Joel provided a schedule showing payments to date. He would contact any non-payers with a view to all payments being made by end of January 2019 and advising that if no payment is received the allotment will be forfeit and the occupier asked to remove any belongings. Debbie Callaghan asked the cost of plots - £40 per year or £20 for half an allotment.
Village Green Working Party. Gemma Frost asked for the council to approve the payment plan and limits in respect of individual payments, suggested maximum £300 spend per item without council approval with an overall budget of £1000. Jon Hicks explained situation for benefit of councillors not at previous meetings. Ben Devlin asked why £1000 and so this will be discussed at the precept meeting. Andy Nichols said that there had been a number of very positive comments on the Green, one which stated they had lived in the village for eight years and it was the best they had ever seen it.
District Councillor’s report. Breckland councillors have discussed the Council's proposed budget for 2019-20 and future financial strategies. If the plans are adopted next year, this would include significant investments in local communities over the coming twelve months but also a small rise in council tax. Breckland Council is currently predicting a balanced budget through until 2022-23 and that the council is putting in place financial plans to safeguard local services ahead of 'unprecedented levels of change' in national funding, which are expected from 2020-21. The Inspectorate amendments to the Breckland Local Plan Pre-Publication Document has now been received and presented to the full Council. One of the major concerns of the parish council and residents was the unallocated allocation of 17 properties in Old Buckenham. The Inspectorate amended document has retained the 17 properties with these expected to come forward over plan period of 2016-2036. Breckland will be carrying out a consultation for a six week period early in 2019.
Chairman’s report. Jon Hicks advised that the defibrillator had been purchased and an electrician needs to be engaged to install it on an outside wall of the village hall. Cost was under budget (£1400 plus VAT) so the remaining budget to be used to purchase a further defibrillator for the Church Rooms. The cost included a three-year maintenance contract with yearly inspections. Jon Hicks said no training was required, the user dials 999 and they will give code to access the equipment and guidance on how to turn it on. The equipment itself guides the user. Once installation has taken place Jon Hicks will make contact with the NHS to register the device on the 999 register. Adrian Joel and Andy Nichols passed on their thanks to Jon Hicks for his assistance in this matter.
Chapel Green School. Jon Hicks said that the meeting with the school took place and discussion centred around the footpath and the MUGA. The school were allocated money for maintenance and, as the areas around the school itself are not ready to be cut, they intend to appoint a maintenance team in January 2019. The footpath along the side is not a council or village responsibility - if the area needs cutting, individuals need to contact the school. The school is keen for the village and organisations to use the MUGA on the condition that access is via a gateway from the village hall car park. Groups will be given their own key code to access the MUGA. Chapel Green has asked that area is kept tidy and any equipment used is put away in the shed and, if able to, the organisations using the site to give a donation to the Friends of the School. Fencing is likely to cost in the region of £5000 with a handrail with steps to the MUGA. The school are asking Morgan Sindall for a quote and the Parish Council will source another quote for comparison. It is likely that the MUGA will be available during Spring/Summer months after 4pm and at weekends providing there are no events on at the school. Andy Nichols raised the issue of lighting. Lighting is a future consideration depending on how much use is seen during Spring/Summer. If the MUGA is well used the situation will be reviewed. If installed, the lights will be controlled from a payment box and timed so that when the last group leaves, the lights switch off. Andy Nichols stated that this was a perfect opportunity to engage with young people in the village who wished to use the facility and asked if this could be placed on the agenda for next meeting.
Village Hall. Jon Hicks asked for a volunteer to attend the Village Hall meetings as he was now Chair and he would not able to attend. Debbie Callaghan agreed to undertake the role and Jon Hicks will email all details. All committees to be reviewed at the next meeting.
Road Safety. Jon Hicks reported on behalf of Steve Milner. SAM sign grant application has been submitted and Steve Milner has met with the Highway engineer regarding the four installation sites. Speedwatch has been limited due to weather. However, the police have spent some time in Cake Street. They stopped 26 people for speeding, nine of whom were residents in Old Buckenham. Adrian Joel advised that the signs in Banham had memory sticks. The system for Old Buckenham will record data and direct it to the police.
Councillors’ reports. Debbie Callaghan advised that work will restart on the Neighbourhood Plan during the Christmas period and she will make contact with Andy Nichols and Steve Milner in the second week of January to make further progress. Debbie Callaghan had received an email from another village also starting the process who were not sure it was right for them but would like to join Old Buckenham for discussions. Jon Hicks felt this was a good idea for other parishes to open discussions to support each other through the process. Adrian Joel advised that the Breckland Neighbourhood Plan Officer is available to help. Debbie Callaghan said she would like to have a plan complete within six months. Adrian Joel also asked if the 2019 meeting venue had been booked including the Annual Parish Meeting. Jon Hicks confirmed that these had been booked.
Jon Hicks advised that he had received two quotes for removal of stumps from the Green. One contractor quoted £500 + VAT and another £240 + VAT. Gemma Frost asked if the stumps needed to be removed. Jon Hicks said that they were willow and if not removed they would re-grow and were very close to the play area fencing. Broadland Tree Services would be appointed to undertake the work.
Debbie Callaghan asked if council could engage contractors for a year with a rate card for varying work around the Green. Could ask three companies to quote for a twelve month period so that three quotes do not have to be sought each time work needs doing. Gemma Frost will raise at the VGWP meeting. Ben Devlin asked if the council could ensure that all work undertaken is completed ‘cradle to grave’. Andy Nichols said that the stump removal work could not be undertaken by the contractors who did the other work on the Green and therefore the council had to complete piece meal. A parishioner stated that council should seek to engage with the local community at every opportunity and if contractors are engaged for a twelve month period we may lose the opportunity. Jon Hicks used Ottomer Pond as an example of work undertaken by different people as there were volunteers and contractors used. Financial constraints need to be taken into consideration. Andy Nichols suggested a scope of works undertaken for each task.
Jon Hicks and Steve Milner attended a meeting at the former Penwood Chicken Company as LGC Waste are moving into the premises. They intend to set up their operation to buy all shredded waste plastic from Norfolk/Suffolk. They have five other sites in the UK. A total of eleven trucks per day will bring in waste and reload with product going out. The plastic is crushed into pellets and used in power stations to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Proposed site operation would be Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, with ten employees on site. Plastic is sourced from within a ten mile radius. The company has purchased the site and as it will be producing green energy it is not likely to be refused planning permission. There will be no vehicles based at the site and the licence will be restricted to eleven vehicles with strict access rules so that no vehicles will use Abbey Road. There will be financial penalties if not followed and Jon Hicks said that vehicles will be fitted with tracking technology. Andy Nichols asked that the council takes due diligence and asks for a list of contractors/sub contractors so the situation can be policed. Debbie Callaghan asked if there was any restriction on the number of vehicles. Jon Hicks said that their contract is with three power stations and there is no further capacity for trucks to exceed eleven. Need to check where the lorries will park up if they cannot access the site. Adrian Joel asked if we had a contact with Carlton Rode parish council as this would come under their jurisdiction and felt this will have more impact on Spooner Row.
Phone box. Colin Brown has agreed to undertake work on the phone box by Rod Alley Pond in the Spring, pressure washing and then painting. Councillors were asked to consider uses for the phone box for discussion at next meeting.
Projects finished. Defibrillator to be installed before Christmas. Jon Hicks to contact the Village Hall committee to arrange access for the electricians and to let them know where it will be located. Steve Milner has agreed to cut back growth alongside driveway down to the school but work not yet completed.
Items for the next agenda. These would include review of action log, uses for phone box, review of committees and working parties, the war memorial, lighting in the MUGA, planning tick list and an Oliver Lee presentation. Andy Nichols has offered apologies for not being able to attend the next meeting.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 3 January 2019 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

More homeless help from Old Buckenham

Food donations
As usual the Church Rooms at All Saints Church will be open throughout Christmas Eve to receive donations of non-perishable food to be taken to St Martins, the Norwich-based charity for the homeless. May be you have something to spare that you could take along for those more unfortunate than you and your family.

Tonight at All Saints is the annual candlelit carol service which starts at 7pm. The collection taken at this service will also go towards supporting the homeless in Norwich and South Norfolk.

Tree alight in Old Buckenham

Switched on
The Christmas tree on the Green, funded by the Parish Council,  is now lit up during the evenings.
The lighting up ceremony took place last Sunday with the New Buckenham Siver Band on hand to provide some Christmas music. 

Before

After

Old Buckenham High School helps homeless

Charity begins at the High School

Every year students at Old Buckenham High School enjoy a tradition that has become deeply embedded over the years. This is the Hampers for the Homeless competition where the whole school gets involved by donating food and then decorating hampers to be donated to the local Norfolk charity St Martins Housing Trust in time for Christmas. The hampers are judged for best decoration and most filled with the winning forms receive small prizes for their efforts. 

This year judging was carried out by representatives from St Martins, from Attleborough Sainsburys, who provided the prizes, and the school's deputy head. The clear winners were class 10F who created a beautiful house filled with all sorts of food under the snowy roofs and having flashing lighting too.. They were followed by classes 8F, 8B and 9T who provided other decorated boxes of items. All were then loaded into a van and taken off to Norwich to be distributed to those in need.