Old Buckenham parish council minutes

What was discussed in April

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 4 April 2019 in the Village Hall. Those present were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chair), Gemma Frost, Steve Milner, Andy Nicholls, Donna Oakley, Ben Devlin and Adrian Joel along with Rachel Noyes (Parish Clerk) and ten members of the public. There were no apologies for absence.
The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 March were approved (5 in favour, 2 abstained). It was requested that the Action Log be added to every agenda.
Public participation. A resident of Fen Street wished to highlight that the Parish Council had discussed a planning application for Fen Street at the last meeting that had not been on the original agenda. The last time this application was submitted, there was a large turnout at the PC meeting, which demonstrated the strong feelings of residents. He also felt that developers could time the submission their applications in order to avoid them being fully discussed at parish council meetings. He asked how the council can claim to represent the residents’ views if they didn’t have anyone in attendance to give their views. There was also a concern that it was opening the floodgates to other developers to build on Fen Street. Andy Nicholls and Adrian Joel explained briefly how the process works and that every consultee has three weeks to register their views. While this particular application was submitted and passed for review the same day, it has previously taken longer, so would be difficult for a developer to carefully time their submissions. It was explained by Jonn Hicks that the application only came through on the day of the meeting and, with three weeks to log the PC views, the deadline would have passed before the next parish council meeting. While councils can apply for an extension, it is not guaranteed and therefore, if it had been declined, then the opportunity to have a say would have passed. Andy Nicholls highlighted that Old Buckenham Parish Council are only one consultee and that the residents will have more influence on this decision. Therefore he encouraged residents to either email or write to Breckland Council with their opinion, whether in favour or against. Steve Milner explained that Breckland aren’t meeting their five-year housing quota so would be looking for opportunities to boost their numbers. Andy Nicholls explained that Old Buckenham also has a quota of 25 houses over the next 20 years so need to find space for them. Jonn Hicks explained that to accommodate the views of some residents of Fen Street who were present at the last meeting, a letter had been submitted raising those concerns and how to use the potential development to improve several factors on Fen Street. (A copy of this letter is printed at the end of this report.) He also explained that the application did not meet the criteria for refusal on the checklist used to analyse planning applications. He encouraged residents of Old Buckenham, and in Fen Street in particular, to write and email to Breckland Council.
The Recreation Area is seeing some use by children but villagers are asked to encourage more use over the Easter Holidays. An additional request was made as some Bee Orchids had been found in one corner of the field previously. It was hoped that this area can be sectioned off to protect them from being cut down.
The Council were asked to choose the wording carefully in the minutes to record their views on planning applications as they cannot approve them but only support applications. Also a policeman was positioned on Cake Street recently (as a result of the Speedwatch team’s observations) and recorded several speeding motorists.
Financial matters. The balance in the community account is £48,479.94 (this includes the Precept money received of £10,634.99) and the balance in premium account is £2,877.49. Payments of £1338.05 were approved (7 in favour) which included £90 for cutting the recreation area, £70 for strimming around Rod Alley pond, £450 for allotment rent and £180 to the community car drivers.
Planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications. Parish councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
New planning applications. College Barn, Cake Street. Variation of condition no 2 on 3pl/2017/0927/F for the roof to be increased by 500mm as the existing headroom was too low once insulation has been introduced (3PL/2019/0282/VAR). This application was originally not supported by the Parish Council and therefore it was felt that the Council should show consistency and stand by their original comments. The proposal not to support the variation was agreed (6 for and 1 abstention).
Downmore Farm, Banham Road. An open sided turkey shed (3PL/2019/0278/F). Adrian Joel and Andy Nicholls explained that farmers are permitted to build a barn on their land and only have to provide “Notice to Build”. However this was a full application and Ben Devlin questioned why they were building a new barn – was it to increase the number of turkeys? Steve Milner found there were no environmental objections and Andy Nicholls felt it was important to support local businesses. Proposal was supported (6 for and 1 abstension).
Orchard House, Hargham Road, Loss Wroo. Removal of two extensions and conservatory and construction of two-storey extension and new fencing (3PL/2019/0237/F). It was explained that approval had already been granted for an additional house there. The work proposed would be replacing and improving existing extensions that had been built. The parish council supported the application (6 for and one abstention).
Planning decision by Breckland Council. Willow House, Mill Road. Construction of a single storey rear extension along with extending and converting a loft space over an existing garage to form addition bedroom accommodation and erection of a two-bay cart lodge with non-habitable space over (3PL/2019/0080/HOU). This application has been approved.
Chairman’s report. The Annual Parish Meeting will be on Friday 31 May starting at 7pm.
District Councillor’s report. Adrian Joel said that he was not standing for re-election as District Councillor after 24 years. He wished to thank the Parish Council and residents for their support and challenges he has received over the years. Breckland Council have received six nominations for the Parish Council therefore there will be no election necessary. The Parish Council will be able to co-opt five councillors to make the full quota of 11.
The public consultation on Main Modifications MM18, MM119 and MM148 of the Breckland Local Plan have been extended to Wednesday 15 May. Work has started on the 12 Cotman Housing Association Social Houses in March Field Way and these should be completed by the end of January 2020.
Play Area. Waiting on quotes from Playdale and another recommended company for bearings and seats of swings as this was picked up on the safety report. The report also highlighted lots of bare ground around play equipment which was leaving plastic matting showing through in places such as the bottom of the slide and under swings. Could either re-seed, which would result in closing play ground while it grew, or remove matting and fill in with sand. The easiest and cheapest option would be to fill in with sand. However it was questioned whether this was best option long term and it would just end up everywhere as children played. Rope bridge is still waiting for new rope as they have sent wrong part three times now. Also looking at getting a quote for replacing whole bridge as it is wearing in places.
Councillors’ reports. Ben Devlin had received an email from the parishioner who had installed, and later removed, wooden posts around play area. In the email, he wanted to explain that he understands the Parish Council decision but was disappointed. However, there were no hard feelings and he looked forward to continuing to be part of the village community. He also explained that he hadn’t submitted an invoice before for previous work and was asked to send in the invoice for this particular work. Ben Devlin also wanted to again highlight how grateful the Parish Council and the village were for all his hard work and contributions over the years. Gemma Frost explained that as the Parish Council and the Green Working Party hadn’t approved the works, they felt there was little option. Jonn Hicks also informed that he had had a personal meeting with the parishioner in which they discussed the situation. The Parish Council were also informed that someone had complained about the posts to Highways (as they are responsible for the verges next to roads) and they had ordered their removal.
Steve Milner reported that the stolen speed check sign had been replaced. There had been another response from Highways regarding Fen Street speed limits in which they rejected the idea of extending the 30mph zone. One resident is particularly keen to pursue and help. The loaned electronic speed sign on Hargham Road has been quite effective. Thanks to Steve Burling for placing at the end of their property. He noted that generally, people did slow down when their speed was displayed.
Steve Milner, along with Adrian Joel, had attended the meeting about the Attleborough SUE. A parcel of land that had been included was actually part of Old Buckenham parish. The developers explained that this was a mistake and would not be built on. The SUE is quite large and there will be a bus route to the edge. Adrian Joel and Steve Milner suggested that it be extended to include Old Buckenham in its route. Concerns were also raised about the already strained doctors’ surgery would cope with extra residents from 4,000 new homes. There were also concerns about how the drainage system would cope. Lastly, it appeared that the construction traffic was planning on reaching the A11 through Old Buckenham, down Hargham Rd. There is a weight limit on this road, so will need to find alternative route. Hopefully, this will be monitored and enforced during construction.
Gemma Frost reported on a successful litter pick by village residents. The next one will be on Saturday 11 May. Meet at 10am outside the Church Rooms. Several members of the Parish Council noted that they felt less litter was being dropped and so the Green was looking good, especially with all the spring flowers blooming. With the extra care and attention the Green was getting, people were respecting it more. The Green Working Party explained that they were looking at suitable flowers to plant in particular around Ottomer pond which people were also highlighting as looking good.
Adrian Joel has the paint for the phone box and is just waiting for good weather and time to complete.
Items for next agenda. None were listed because of the election being before the next meeting.

The next Parish Council meeting to be held on Thursday 9 May 2019 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

This is the text of the letter sent by Old Buckenham Parish Council to Breckland Council about the proposed dwellings in Fen Street.

Dear Sir/Madam

RE: Planning Application 3PL/2019/0231/O

On behalf of Old Buckenham Parish Council, I am writing to you regarding the planned construction of the 4 dwellings in the above application. While the Parish Council has no objections to the location in principle, there are some concerns about whether the area can cope with additional housing.

Fen Street is a very small and narrow road which already suffers with some issues. Firstly, the speeding of vehicles is a large problem as well as the weight of traffic. Both the Parish Council and Fen St residents have questioned its ability to cope with more vehicles, including large construction lorries. The dangerous nature of this road is not helped by the difficult junctions in which visibility can be poor. This in turn makes it a very hazardous road for all road users including drivers, cyclists and walkers, including children making their way to/from school.

Secondly, some utilities in the area struggle with the current number of dwellings, specifically water and sewerage. This can be frustrating for residents and there is concern about whether these problems will become exaggerated with the construction of 4 additional dwellings.

However, if these issues can be addressed by Breckland Council and the Applicants, then we do feel we could support the application. Specifically, we would like to see the 30mph zone extended to cover the entirety of Fen St and visibility at junctions improved where possible with the aim of improving safety for all road users. Additionally, we would like clarification on how the utilities will be improved for existing residents and whether they will be able to cope with an increase in population.

We look forward to hearing how the application develops.

Regards

Rachel Noyes

Clerk to Old Buckenham Parish Council

Alternative Old Buckenham quiz

‘And Now For Something Completely Different…’
The Old Buckenham Alternative Quiz Night will be on Saturday 27 April starting at 7pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church.
There will be range of rounds including music, film, TV and other interactive quizzes plus traditional questions and answers.
Cost is £4 per person including refreshments and food with proceeds to be donated to the St Martins Housing Trust.
Bookings available for teams of 4 to 6 people (individuals also welcome to join or make up teams).There will be a raffle on the evening
To book a place either email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk or phone 01953 861207.
Note that due to the size of the building they can only accept a maximum number of 50 participants so book your place now.

Election details for Old Buckenham

Who you can vote for

The local elections take place on Thursday 2 May. In the election of councillors to Breckland Council, the three candidates (in alphabetical order) are:
Stephen Askew, Conservative Party
Chrissie Nebbett, Labour Party
Jan Prior, Green Party

There were insufficient candidates to make an election necessary for the Old Buckenham Parish Council. The following people are therefore elected as parish councillors and will be able to co-opt further members should they so wish.
Gemma Frost
Jonn Hicks
Adrian Joel
Stephen Milner
Andy Nicholls
Donna Oakley

Murder mystery in Old Buckenham

Dial M for Murder

Old Buckenham Players are privileged to present the classic thriller, Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott. The availability of this play for amateur performance is rare so the Players jumped at the opportunity to perform it. Such is the quality of the writing that the play was transferred to the big screen by Alfred Hitchcock having barely changed the script or setting.
It is a play full of intrigue and murder with a well-crafted plot, so whether you have fond memories of Hitchcock’s masterpiece or have never seen this classic, this is a production not to be missed!
Tickets are £8 and available from Old Buckenham Village Stores, Nuts ’n’ Bolts in Attleborough or by telephoning 01953 861336

Loss of an Old Buckenham character

Rosemary West

Many of you will know Rosemary West who was born in Old Buckenham and lived in the village for 86 years. Sadly Rosemary passed away peacefully in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on Thursday 21 March and her funeral is at All Saints Church on Thursday 11 April at 2pm.
Everyone welcome.

Rosemary loved her home and was passionate about the Green. Her strong views were sometimes at variance to the majority but always with the desire for the best for a unique and special piece of the countryside.

A country woman at heart with a love for music, gardening, dogs, donkeys, knitting ...... her life was full. The last of her generation for the family and the loss of a character for Old Buckenham.

Local walk in Old Buckenham

Walking the world
On Friday 26 April, Old Buckenham Women's Institute are holding a "Women Walk the World" event to raise money for Associated Countrywomen Worldwide (ACWW). Starting from Old Buckenham Village Hall there will be two walks. One will start at 10.30am and will cover 6.5 miles with another starting an hour later at 11.30am and be just 2.5 miles long. Entry for each walk cost £2.
Both walks will end up at the village hall where a lunch of homemade soups and desserts (for £5) will be waiting at 12.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to join in, there are no age limits and you don't have to be a member of the WI.

Let's hope the weather is better than it was last year...

Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham

Moving on
As you will probably know if you read this blog and the Old Buckenham village newsletter  you be aware that Jen and Tony are coming out of The Gamekeeper on Monday 15 April. 

This post is to bring you up to date with things.
Firstly, the last food service will be this coming Sunday 7 April and for all that weekend (the previous Friday and Saturday evenings and the Sunday lunch) they are offering starters with the offer of buy one and get the second half price and the same deal will apply with desserts while stocks last.
Secondly, from Thursday 11 April at 6pm until they close on Sunday 14 April, all drinks will be half price while stocks last...
This is because Ei (Enterprise Inns) have not yet found a tenant to replace Jen and Tony so it looks at the moment that The Gamekeeper will close for the time being. 
And as Ei don't buy the existing stock, all must go....
Will you go along and help to drink the place dry?  
The pub will be serving drinks only from next Tuesday 9 April and will not be opening until 3pm from the Tuesday to the Friday and at 12 noon on the Saturday and Sunday.

Old Buckenham events in April

Diary dates for April

Monday 1    Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday 2    Coffee and Chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am onwards

Wednesday 3    Luncheon Club outing

Wednesday 3    Village Hall AGM, Memorial Hall

Thursday 4    Community Cafe, Chapel Green School, 9.30am to 11.30am

Thursday 4    Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday 10    Chapel Friendship Group, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm

Thursday 11    Breckland Flower and Garden Club, Village Hall, 2pm

Thursday 11    Social and Wine Circle, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Friday 12    Visits from Mobile Library during morning

Saturday 13    Classic Film 'The Graduate', Village Hall, 7.30pm

Monday 15    Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 17    Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 17    Songs of praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm

Thursday 25     Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Friday 26    WI village walks, 10.30am and 11.30 am from Village Hall

Saturday 27    Alternative Village Quiz, Methodist Church, 7pm

Latest Old Buckenham village newsletter

Local news and views

May have already dropped through your letterbox or is available to pick up from the village shop, All Saints Church, both pubs and the Airfield.

Enterprising cafe in Old Buckenham

Go along to Chapel Green
There is a chance for you to make a personal visit Chapel Green School on Thursday 4 April between 9.30am and 11.30am when they will be having their Fusion Enterprise Community Café. Don't be put off by the long driveway or the barriers across the road. The barriers will be lifted if you speak nicely to them.
The Enterprise Café will have sandwiches, cakes and drinks available for a donation, a range of products made by students can be purchased and there will be games (and games mean prizes).
You could even deliver all those LEGO vouchers that you have been saving.

The Café will also be open on Thursday 16 May and Thursday 20 June, two more dates to put in your diary.

Collecting in Old Buckenham

Please continue collecting the tokens

Chapel Green School are still 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 is taking 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 appear everyday in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News. On particular dates there are ten additional tokens printed in the papers meaning that you can collect significantly more of them and quickly increase total collected. Every Tuesday and Saturday from now until Saturday 20 April are the 'token bonanza' dates.  So the dates to remember and put in your diaries are Tuesday 26 March (tomorrow!) and then Saturday 30 March. Next month it will be the Tuesdays 2, 9 and 16 April, Thursdays 11 and 18 April and the Saturdays 6, 13 and 20 April.
The final token will be printed on Friday 3 May so 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 newsletter editor or put them through the letterbox at his house, Crockslea in Cake Street.

Significant birthday in Old Buckenham

It was party time
Friends and relations of Alison gathered in Old Buckenham Village Hall yesterday to celebrate her 'significant' birthday. The family had done her proud with the whole event themed around Alice in Wonderland (Alison in wonderland?) with illustrations all over the walls and on the plates and cups on the tables.
It really was a party for all ages, from babies to those in their nineties. It was a tea party without a Mad Hatter; there were games of pass the parcel, a quiz for each table to try to answer and an elaborately decorated cake. The guests all came away with a party bag containing a piece of cake and a packet of all those little sweets that remind you of your childhood.
Thank you Alison and family for arranging an event that you and we will all remember for years to come.
Happy birthday Alison

Bulk recycling in Old Buckenham

Jumble sale in Church Rooms
The queue outside the Church Rooms started moving inside at 10am this morning. There was plenty of activity inside as the happy shoppers searched through for the bargains in the heaps of clothes, books, bric-a-brac and children's toys.
Many sackfuls of stuff went off to be reused and everything that was left over at the end was taken away by a local charity that uses it to make more money and also takes clothes and toys to those in Romania  who greatly appreciate it. 

Old Buckenham Parish Council in March

Minutes of March meeting 

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.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 March in the Village Hall.
Those present were councillors Gemma Frost (Vice-Chair), Jonn Hicks, Steve Milner, Andy Nicholls and Donna Oakley as well as Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and six members of the public. Apologies for absence had been received from councillors Adrian Joel and Ben Devlin.
The minutes of the February meeting were approved (4 in favour, 1 abstained) and there were no matters arising.
Public participation relating to agenda items. A parishioner highlighted the talk by Norfolk Wildlife Trust about Common Wildlife on Friday 15 March at the Village Hall.
Financial matters. The balance in community account at the end of February was £38,714.68 and the balance in the premium account was £2,877.49. There was no income in February and payments approved totalled £971.98 including £110 for the installation of the defibrillator at the Village Hall and £225 for community car services.
A parishioner had submitted an invoice for approximately £400 for placing wooden posts and reflectors around the playground to prevent cars from parking on the Green in that area. The posts themselves had been donated and the invoice was for the labour and reflectors. However, this work had not been discussed or approved by either the Green Working Party or the Parish Council. Councillors discussed whether to pay this invoice as approval has not been sought beforehand and if they paid for this then others might carry out unapproved work and expect the Parish Council to pay for it. While all councillors were very grateful to the parishioner for all their help and contribution to the village, they felt the need for consistency was important. It was highlighted that the parishioner had not gone through the proper channels, they had not used the village handyman or sought three quotations for the work which is the standard practice on all work carried out in the village. A proposal to reimburse the parishioner £55 for the reflectors only and write a letter explaining why the Parish Council was unable to pay the full invoice was approved (5 in favour).
New planning applications. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications. Parish councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
Willow House, Mill Road. Construction of a single storey rear extension along with extending and converting a loft space over an existing garage to form additional bedroom accommodation. Erection of a two-bay cart lodge with non-habitable space over. (3PL/2019/0080/HOU). There were no objections from the parish council (5 for).
Land to the north of Fen Street. Erection of four detached dwellings (3PL/2019/0231/O). There have been previous applications for this land by Askew & Partners, which have been refused due to utilities such as water and sewerage. This is the first application for four dwellings (previously for eight). There were several issues for existing residents of Fen Street such as traffic speeds, junctions with poor visibility and water pressure. While no one objected to the general location, it was questioned whether or not the existing problems could cope with more houses. Andy Nicholls highlighted that Breckland Council haven’t reached their five-year housing quota and so might be more likely to approve this time. Steve Milner suggested using the potential building of these dwellings to help improve the issues current residents are facing. This would include extending the 30mph zone to the full length of Fen Street, improving the visibility at junctions and making it safer for walkers and cyclists. If these issues are addressed, then the council would support the application. A proposal to support the application with letter explaining that it is on the condition of addressing these issues was approved (5 in favour).
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Two-storey and single-storey extensions to farmhouse (3PL/2019/0040/HOU).
Meadowcroft, Doe Lane. Removal of Agricultural Restriction on planning permission W.8024 and W.85233 (PL/2018/1460/VAR).
The two above applications have now been considered and both the applications have been approved.
Tourism/Breckworld. New Buckenham Parish Council had been in contact to inform about an idea they had to develop tourism within their parish, with the possibility of linking it with Old Buckenham. Breckland Council are developing an app (Breckworld) to promote five market towns in Breckland. New Buckenham Parish Council would like to join forces with Old Buckenham Parish Council and extend the Attleborough information to cover both villages, possibly through the Tas Valley Way which runs through Old Buckenham. All councillors viewed this as positive for the village as it would support local businesses and may be a way of promoting, and therefore protecting, local wildlife. Jonn Hicks explained that the only issue was funding. However there are lots of grants available which were being investigated by New Buckenham Parish Council. It was suggested that we could also link up with other nearby villages (eg Banham, Keninghall, etc) which would help spread the cost too. A representative of New Buckenham Parish Council would be invited to next month’s meeting for more information and an update.
Action Log review. The Action Log was reviewed and updated. Items still to be completed included putting together a welcome pack for all new villagers with useful information, to produce a Neighbourhood Plan (which will now be deferred until a new council is elected in May), and arranging repairs and conversion of the old phone box into an information point.
Village Green Working Party. The three quotes for clearing vegetation behind the bus shelter had been obtained. Only one of the quotes included chipping, despite this being requested from all three companies. There was not enough time to go back to ask the other companies to re-quote as the work must be completed before birds start nesting. Therefore, it was proposed to accept the company ‘B’ quote of £600. This was approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).
Road Safety. One of the Speed Watch signs had been stolen. A letter and email had been sent to Highways regarding extending the 30mph zone on Fen Street but Highways claim there haven’t been enough accidents to justify this. Steve Milner appealed to residents of Fen Street to all write to Highways about this topic.
Play Area. The Safety Inspection has been passed. Nothing serious to do but there were quite a few advisory notes. An initial estimate of approximately £650 had been made to complete all improvements. Now waiting for Playdale to come back with more information before making a detailed costing.
Recreation Area. Stuart Barker has asked if the Recreation Area needs cutting this year. While it has already been agreed, Rachel Noyes will contact and confirm this with him.
Councillors’ reports. Steve Milner stated that work on broadband in Stacksford has started. Also he asked if there could there be a poster to publicise the elections in May to get people’s attention. Donna Oakley wished to remind all dog walkers to pick up dog mess. The minority of people who don’t do this make the village and the Green look awful. Gemma Frost said that the initial plans to plant snowdrops around Ottomer pond needed to be bought forward. It would now be taking place Saturday 9 March at 10am. Also the Primary School has requested an area around the pond that can be worked on with children for their Forest School project.
Items for April agenda. Play area to be discussed.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 4 April starting at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Old Buckenham Women's Institute

Detection dogs
At the February meeting of Old Buckenham WI President Kate Lloyd welcomed members and two guests. Arrangements were made for those members attending the Federation Annual Meeting in March. This year is being held in the Theatre Royal as it is the Federation's Centenary. Also there will be a celebration service in Norwich Cathedral in April at which OBWI will process with their banner.
The speaker for the evening was Norma Howell, her subject Medical Detection Dogs. This charity is totally dependent on public donations and has the Duchess of Cornwall as its patron. Here is yet another amazing service that dogs can provide for us along with guide dogs, sniffer dogs, etc.
The charity was started by Claire Guest (who worked with guide dogs) when her own dog, Daisy, detected her breast cancer. Research followed and now detection takes place under clinical conditions with trained dogs sniffing samples of urine or breath. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, 300 million smell receptors compared with a human's 5 million.
Norma also described the work of Medical Alert Assistance dogs. These dogs live with clients who have a disease such as diabetes and can warn carers when intervention is necessary. Each disease has a specific odour footprint and dogs can detect changes before any symptoms occur so, for example, they can warn parents during the night if their child's sugar levels are needing attention. Detection of Parkinson's disease for which there is no definitive test can mean treatment is possible up to 10 years earlier.
These dogs save lives, save the NHS hundreds of pounds and are life changing for many people.
Old Buckenham WI next meets on Thursday 28 March in Old Buckenham Village Hall and starts at 7.30pm. The speaker is Christine Humphries on the sbject of 'Laura Eke and the fisherman who painted on wood'.
The following meeting is on Thursday 25 April at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall when Simon White will talk about Peter Beales and the romance of the rose.

Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham

Fund raising for cancer centre at NNUH
Today was the AGM of Breckland Flower and Garden Club. The meeting was held in Old Buckenham Village Hall with some sixty members present to hear reports on how the club as done over the last year and to elect the officers and members of the committee. With the official part of the meeting over, it was time to hand over a cheque to the chosen charity for 2018/2019. The money had been raised by several special events and some generous donations.
Members gasped with amazement when the cheque was unrolled - the sum raised was £5,ooo which is going to help with breast cancer treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

This is the second cheque in the past year of fundraising, there was £3,000 last May for breast screening equipment making  a total £8,000.

The Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS) is the chosen charity for 2019/20. 

Members then took part in a workshop to produce an arrangement in a small pot using ivy leaves, delicate twigs and pink tulips before enjoying their tea and cakes.
A more detailed report of the meeting will appear on this blog later in later in the month.

Great news for Old Buckenham

All Saints Church secures National Lottery support
This is the official press release about the grant.

Old Buckenham PCC has received a grant of £95,700 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards its Raise the Roof heritage project in Old Buckenham. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project aims to replace the decayed thatched roof on the nave of All Saints Church in Old Buckenham ensuring the building is conserved for future generations. Starting this spring, the project will also include various activities designed to engage the local community with the heritage of the church, its history and its role in the life of the village.
Among the activities planned, children from Old Buckenham Primary school will contribute to the production of a ‘heritage and nature trail’ leaflet for the church and will be using the churchyard for activities as part of their ‘forest school’- based learning. Pupils from Chapel Green School will be undertaking a project to develop a sensory trail leaflet to help people with special needs access the building’s features and learn about their use.
All Saints Church is a focal point for the village and its history reaches back over 1000 years. Grade 1 listed, the building has been assessed by Historic England as ‘at risk’ because of the state of the thatched roof. As well as having an active congregation at weekly services of worship it is used by the schools for special services and for occasional events such as concerts throughout the year. The church is open during daylight hours every day for visitors.
Commenting on the award, Alison Hannah said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. We know how much All Saints Church means to the village and it’s great to know that we can bring a new generation along with us as we protect the building’s future for another 50 years at least” 

Old Buckenham Parochial Church Council (PCC)  is responsible for the management of All Saints Church and all that takes place there, on behalf of the Church of England. The PCC is made up of elected members of the congregation and is chaired by Rev Canon Stephen Wright, the priest in charge, with the support of the church wardens. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, using money raised by the National Lottery, inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk. 

Putting colour in Old Buckenham Green

Preparing for next Spring
A group of hardy volunteers spent some of their Saturday morning planting snowdrops and aconites around the area of Ottomer Pond on the village Green. The planters were of all ages and were dressed to cope with the icy wind blowing across the site.
Now it will be a twelve month wait to see the outcome of this work.

Common talk in Old Buckenham

Life on the village Green

This talk at the Village Hall is free (and there are refreshments). Gemma Walker of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be introducing some of the species that exist on our Norfolk commons and including those on our village Green.
There is no need to book so just come along and enjoy it.

Drive carefully in Old Buckenham

Speeding down Cake Street

As a result of the measurements made by members of the village Speedwatch team, the police often come to officially check on the speed of vehicles in Old Buckenham.
Today the local 'speed cop' was stationed for a while in Cake Street. We understand that at least a dozen motorists were recorded at well over the 30mph limit. While the blog editor was present, one motorist came by at 48mph - that driver will definitely be paying the price for their lack of concentration...

Busy in Old Buckenham

Diary dates for March

Saturday 2          Prize bingo, Church Rooms, 2pm        

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 and Garden Club, Village Hall,      2pm

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

Friday 15            Visits from Mobile Library during morning

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

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

Wednesday 20   Songs of praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm

Saturday 23        Jumble Sale, Church Rooms, 10am to noon

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

Saturday 30        Litter pick on Green, meet at shop, 10am

  Saturday 30       Spring Fair, Memorial Room at Village Hall, 2pm

Another Old Buckenham newsletter

March issue now around and about

With lots and lots of news for you to read...

Old Buckenham raising a bundle

Help with more re-roofing

After the success of the Raise the Roof campaign, achieving the initial aim to thatch the chancel roof on All Saints church, attention is now turning to the nave…an even bigger challenge. The aim of ‘raise a bundle’ is to ask for sponsorship through donations that represent the bundles of reed needed for the roof. It will take approximately 2200 bundles of Norfolk reed to thatch the nave roof each costing about £4. To make sponsorship really easy a ‘Just Giving’ page is now available through which you can make your donation - and see just how much has been raised towards the total cost of the reed - some £8,800. Just go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/raisetheroofallsaints
If you would rather donate by traditional means, Old Buckenham PCC will be happy to receive your cheque or cash - just make it clear if you want your particular donation to go towards the ‘Raise a bundle’ total.
Of course the cost of the reed is only one part of the total costs of the project and other donations and support for other fundraising efforts for Raise the Roof will be very welcome - there is a long way to go. If the sponsorship received for ‘Raise a bundle’ exceeds the amount finally needed for the reed, the balance will still help ‘Raise the Roof’ and the Church restoration fund.
An application has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a very substantial grant towards the total project costs and all are waiting with baited breath to hear the outcome, probably sometime in March.

Old roof on left and re-thatched chancel

A £4 bundle is big

Old Buckenham lifesaver

Defibrillator now active
Old Buckenham now has a defibrillator installed by the front entrance of the village hall and it is now registered on the NHS system and the 999 call centre.

Old Buckenham Parish Council

Parish Council meeting in February

The following 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 7 February 2019 in the Village Hall. Those present were councillors Jonn Hicks (Chairman), Gemma Frost, Adrian Joel, Ben Devlin, Steve Milner, and Andy Nicholls. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Parish Clerk), NCC Councillor Stephen Askew, Oliver Lee (Landscape Partnership), Sarah Dye (Village Green Working Party) and five members of the public. Apologies for absence had been received from councillors Donna Oakley and Debbie Callaghan.
Pedestrian crossing. Stephen Askew gave an update on the pedestrian crossing. It is hoped that the crossing will be in place by the start of the new school year in September 2019. However, the council have said that the crossing needs to be lit, despite this not being on the original plans. During his conversations with the County Council, they insist that any crossing placed there will have to be lit, so he has been pushing for them to install the minimum required light and to ensure that the lights are targeted on to the crossing. Adrian Joel was disappointed to hear that lights were required while Gemma Frost raised the question whether the priority was children’s safety or lights on the road. There was concern from Jonn Hicks and Steve Milner that if there was any objection to the lights or crossing, things would go back to consultation stage and may even be lost altogether. It has taken approximately two years to get this far. Sarah Dye explained that it was important for councillors to look at the overall picture rather than just focus on their personal opinion. One member of the public disagreed with the whole crossing as he felt it that a lot of time and money was being spent on putting it in the wrong location but Jonn Hicks explained that there was not a perfect location in the village as people approach the school on foot from lots of directions. Stephen Askew summarised that while it was a disappointment to have the addition of lights, the Parish Council were getting the crossing that they had requested and that it was not possible to pick and choose aspects that we want/don’t want. It was also highlighted by a member of the public that a lot of time and money had been spent on the project so far and would be a shame to waste it and that sometimes making the right choice is not always the most popular. Jonn Hicks thanked Stephen Askew on behalf of the Parish Council for the hard work and time he had put into the project so far.
The Parish Council agreed unanimously to support these changes and the crossing overall.
While in attendance, Stephen Askew explained that the potential new trod (a basic level footpath) on Hargham Road towards the junction could cost approximately £23,000. Also, the drain on Church Lane that has been causing problems is still being investigated but unable to find the cause of the problem at the moment.
Presentation from Oliver Lee from Landscape Partnership. The Village Green Working Party had contacted Oliver Lee about how best to use/manage/improve the Green. Mr Lee explained that due to its size, the Green fragments the village up into separate areas, whereas there was a need to look at ways to use the Green to bring the village together. Mr Lee showed various examples of areas his company had worked on and explained that various aspects would be incorporated: environmental, social, traffic, visual, etc. They would firstly learn about the village before presenting several options that could be discussed and fine-tuned with the Council and the village. Several members of the public commented how much better the Green looked after recent work and were keen to see how it could be improved further. Steve Milner raised the point of needing a long term plan for the Green and village, which brought up the Neighbourhood Plan. Andy Nicholls explained that the Neighbourhood Plan had only been reinstated three months ago so not much progress yet but the proposal put forward by Landscape Partnership will be part of the Neighbourhood Plan. The two aspects need to be unified and cohesive. The issue of funding was raised by the public and Andy Nicholls assured them that there were various methods of funding the project including grants, funds or borrowing money. The Green Working Party will fund Oliver Lee’s initial work initially, as a sub-committee of the Parish Council. A sum of £1000 has been donated towards costs by a member of the public so only £800 required. First report will take approximately two to three months.
Funding for Oliver Lee’s work was approved by all six councillors. A contract would need to be drawn up for this work.
January minutes. The minutes of the parish council meeting held on Thursday 3 January 2019 were approved. There were no matters arising from these minutes.
Public participation. A member of the public raised the issue of the speed of vehicles travelling down Fen Street in the section that was outside of the 30mph zone. Steve Milner had started investigating the speed restrictions of the village and found that the majority of houses lay within 30mph zones. However there were the exceptions, in particular Stacksford, Fen Street, Ragmere and Grove Road. Steve Milner asked that the parish clerk send a letter to Highways, requesting a review of the speed restrictions within the village. Jonn Hicks added that the more letters and emails about this, the better so encouraged any affected residents to write to Highways themselves. It was also requested that Harlingwood Lane be added to the list.
Financial matters. Donna Oakley was absent but had passed on a financial report. The balance in the community account was £39,809.42 and the balance in premium account £2,877.49. Income received included a VAT refund of £1,272.66 and allotment rent of £80.
New planning applications. Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling (3PN/2019/0001/UC). The applicant was Ben Devlin and he explained that there was a Government scheme to convert agricultural buildings to residential use. This is a new application because of a change of the regulations. Ben Devlin then left the room to allow discussion and voting. The council supported the application, two for and three abstaining.
Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Two-storey and single-storey extensions to farmhouse (3PL/2019/0040/HOU). The council supported the application, five for and one abstaining.
Manor Corner, The Green. Two-storey side extension and internal alterations (3PL/2019/0083/HOU). This was not supported due to over development of site.
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. 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). The above application has now been considered and the application has been approved.
Land south of March Field Way. Residential development of 12 dwellings and associated external works (3PL/2018/0719/F). This application has been approved.
Phone box. Ben Devlin explained his idea at a previous meeting about using the phone box as an information point for the village: maps, walks, events, heritage, suggestion box for public, etc. This was agreed by all councillors. John Hicks explained that the structure has started leaning and will need repairing due to its Grade II listing. Materials have been donated to repair and a local workman has offered to do the work for free. Would have to replace glass at the top, where it says ‘Telephone’.
The use of the Green. The yearly agreement for rent of an area of the village Green for use by the Ox and Plough public house is due to end in March. It was felt clarification was needed on the area included in this agreement and Andy Nicholls suggested drawing the specific area on a map. Jonn Hicks also suggested the rent stay the same for the next agreement but that in the future it would increase in line with inflation and be paid in two instalments. If any extension of that area was required for an event by the Ox and Plough, then they would need to apply to the Parish Council. This was approved with five for and one abstention. The Clerk is to write a new agreement and send to the Ox and Plough along with the first invoice.
Chairman’s report. The initial date for the Annual Parish Meeting falls within ‘purdah’ (the time immediately before the local elections) and therefore has been changed to Friday 31 May as this will give villagers the chance to meet the new Council members and provide any new ideas. Nomination forms for the Parish Council elections need completing and handing in by Wednesday 3 April. Adrian Joel is happy to help anyone and any members of the public who require a form should contact the Parish Clerk. A member of the public raised the issue of advertising to the public. Adrian Joel explained that New Buckenham published an article about becoming a counsellor and asked that the Clerk should write a similar article for publication in the village newsletter and also on Facebook.
District Councillor’s report. The Cabinet have met to make a recommendation of the Breckland share of the Council Tax. It was agreed to set the Council Tax at £88.83 for a Band D property in 2019-20, a £4.95 per annum increase on 2018-19. This will be the recommendation going to the Full Council for approval.
The Legal 106 has now been signed off and planning approval given for the 12 New Cotman Housing Association Houses in March Field Way. These properties are built under the Local Connection Scheme and are available to local people for rent. To qualify you must live, work or have family in Old Buckenham. There is a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom houses and building should start in March/April 2019. For those interested, they must add their name to the Breckland Council list.
Village Green Working Party. A tall tree near the War Memorial is requiring work to reduce its height although this could cause rapid new growth as it is a healthy tree. The recommendation by Breckland Tree Officer is to plant several replacement trees and then to fell the original tree in about eight to ten years time.
The track outside the Gamekeeper requires repair. A contractor has been agreed (after receiving several quotes) and the Brewery has agreed to share the £710 cost. The Green Working Party will pay the Brewery £355 (as the Brewery want the contractor to do some additional work which they will pay for). The Village Workman to cut back and clear vegetation growing into Rod Alley Pond. The Woodland Trust have advised about planting three native British tree species around Ottomer Pond. It is believed that these trees can be sourced for free from several charities and will be planted by Working Party members.
Play Area. The Play Area has passed its annual safety inspection. Some minor repairs are needed and Playdale have been contacted about parts.
Councillors’ reports. Steve Milner said it is one year since telephone mast was approved. The phone company is trying to change terms of access to 24 hours and discussions are still ongoing.
Old Buckenham High School’s 80th Anniversary is approaching and they have a project to interview past pupils. Anyone who was/knows past pupils, please contact Dana Eden at the High School.
Andy Nicholls said the football club had been informed that they can use the MUGA at Chapel Green School during the daytime and they are going to contact the Headteacher. If demand for the outside space increases, then lighting options will be investigated to allow evening use.
Items for next agenda. These will include an Action Log update.

The next Old Buckenham Parish Council meeting will be Thursday 7 March at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Flowers in Old Buckenham

Breckland Flower and Garden Club

February’s meeting was all about romance as the date was Valentine's day. Joy Tunmore opened the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone followed by the sad news of the passing of Marjorie Greenwood. Marjorie will be missed by all at Breckland Flower and Garden Club as shehad  played a huge role - past president and chairman along with supplying plants and cuttings from her own garden for the monthly plant sales table. She was a very popular lady dedicating her life to family, friends and the community. Members shared a minute’s silence followed by a short slide show in honour of Marjorie. Dilky thanked everyone for their show of kindness and support for her family.

The special guest this month was Vicki Hease with her demonstration titled “Treasured moments”. Vicki created six beautiful arrangements, describing the lives of a young couple from engagement through to celebrating their Pearl Wedding anniversary. As she worked she told a story catching the imagination of her audience and the essence of romance. Apparently she has now created a part two demonstration which hopefully she will bring to the Club on a future visit.
The raffle was drawn, with several ladies winning one of Vicki’s arrangements. The competition was judged by Vicki and the winner this month was Allison Vivien, Well done to everyone that entered, all the entries were stunning.
The next meeting is the Club’s AGM, on Thursday 14 March starting at 2pm. There will be a workshop and members need to bring a bunch of pink tulips and scissors. Then there will be cakes plus the handing over of a cheque to the NNUH Breast Cancer Care Unit. Prior to the next meeting, the last event for this charity will be a Fashion Show at M and Co in Attleborough on Wednesday 6 March at 7pm. Tickets are limited but still available.
For more details regarding membership,visiting the club or the Fashion Show please contact Christine Hewson on 01953 454528 or Sally Westrup on

01953 788712.