Murders galore in Old Buckenham

Find out who did it

Old Buckenham Players are proud to present their latest production for this May, the mystery thriller And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and 21 May at Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Eight people arrive on a small, isolated island off the Devon coast, each having received an unexpected personal invitation. During the first evening a gramophone recording accuses all ten people of past crimes that went unpunished by the law. Soon they start dying one at a time, and the remaining guests deduce that the murderer is one of their own.

This highly acclaimed, tense thriller is one not to be missed and we are expecting high demand for tickets so book early at www.ticketsource.co.uk/oldbuckenhamplayers or call 07783 461803

Alternative quiz in Old Buckenham

Great fun was had during this inventive quiz evening held at the Methodist Church on Saturday 23 April. Their were just four teams trying not to take it too seriously but the results showed that the final scores were very close. They were (out of a maximum of 100):

 The Methodists 59

The Timelords 68

Women’s Institute 69

Saints & Sinners 71

The event also raised £133 for St Martins Housing Trust. 

Council minutes for Old Buckenham

 April Parish Council minutes

These notes have been written by the village newsletter editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a latter date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 April at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons and Terry Cook who also took the minutes. Apologies for being unable to attend had been received from Mike Farrington, Andy Nicholls and Rachel Noyes (Clerk). Three members of the public also attended. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 3 March were approved (5 in favour).

Financial matters. The current Community account balance is £28,772.50. Total payments of £3007.34 were approved (5 in favour) which included £1,768.43 for maintenance of the Play Area.

Councillors’ reports. The defibrillator still requires phone to be attached to ensure it is fully operable. Any jobs around the Green for the handyman need to be indicated so they can be completed before Jubilee Celebrations. Grass to be cut in the Recreation Area and the chairman is chasing up fence repair. Still need to find location for the Village trailer.

Doug Irons is continuing with background work on the Village Plan. Naomi Bailey has had further contact with the High School. Proposed date for meeting between Parish Councillors and the School Council is Friday 29 April. School are unable to allow the use of the High School MUGA. There is still an issue with cars and vans parking on the road and path in Hargham Road by the new housing development. The Parish Council will discuss with the contractors. All schools in the village have been contacted about making bunting for the Jubilee. High School has said no, Chapel Green is discussing and the Primary School is making.

Items from the Clerk were read out at the meeting. The owner of the empty house on Post Office Terrace was not happy with the term “state of disrepair” being used to describe the property and says that it is well looked after and regularly checked on. Road closure for Jubilee Street Party completed (thanks to Terri Hammond) and paid for (£37.64). Playdale have visited the Play Area to lift the roundabout and replace the bearings. The ‘Spring chicken’ will hopefully be done soon by local tradesman. A resident whose father loved Old Buckenham and lived here most of his life had passed away before Christmas. One of his requests was to have his ashes scattered on the Green. Is this OK? If so, are there any areas that are specifically out of bounds for this? The meeting would need to consult the regulations relating to the Green before providing an answer and the subject would be on the agenda for May.

Breckland Council not aware that the Cotman Trust has any ownership of Prince Harry’s Wood despite a resident claiming that they pay towards the maintenance of it. Residents need to check what that maintenance payment is for. Naomi Bailey added that she had been approached by a resident about the surrounding area and suggested that the Cotman Trust be approached regarding the cutting of the grass and trees on their area of responsibility. Decision has been made by Breckland to transfer the wood to Old Buckenham Parish Council. Environmental Services will send over records from their tree inspections over the last few years. Zoe Footer and Fiona Culshaw (Breckland District Council) are happy to meet up and discuss what state the wood should be in at point of transfer. They would like a list of potential issues ahead of the visit, eg litter and condition of trees. Councillors have been emailed to mention any issues they think need addressing. Steve Askew has requested that as part of the transfer that the trees which boundary the Marchfield Way properties are coppiced beyond the boundary fence as they are causing overhang issues. Likewise, the trees on the B1077 side are in need of coppicing as they protrude onto the footpath and are starting to impede vision for motorists. Currently a solicitor is being sought to complete the transfer process so details can be sent to Breckland.

A parishioner had been asked by Steve Milner to investigate a possible MUGA being built on the Recreation Area. He reported back that an approach had been made to Andy Nicholls who said he would raise the issue of obtaining drainage quotes as an initial step. An outline price guide of £40,000 plus vat for a 20metre by 10metre fenced tarmac surface, multi-use games area, with football goals and basketball nets, 1metre side fence, and 3metre high end fencing behind the goals. The price would rise for a 30metre by 15 metre size of the same specification to £60,000 plus vat. Polymer rubber surface would cost more. Grants would obviously need to be sought, alongside fundraising. There could be other options too, such as better drainage, rolling and cutting, which may make it more useable. As Andy Nicholls could not make the meeting, the matter was deferred to the May meeting.

A meeting needs to take place between the chairman and residents to discuss payment options for improving the track between the shop and the phone box. A quote has been received for re-surfacing section up to the posts.

Reminder needed that a second Village Meeting will be taking place on Saturday 23 April in the village hall from 10am to noon. This is to check on Jubilee planning and see what still needs doing. Tea/coffee/cake will be available again and some paper and pens. Councillors added that there is a need for wider publicity for this meeting.

Public participation relating to agenda items. A parishioner has reported to Breckland Council the rubbish that has accumulated in Prince Harry’s Wood. Despite having an acknowledgment code, no action had been taken so far by Breckland. In discussion this matter was seen as a wider issue in the parish as there are instances of fly tipping not being addressed by Breckland. It was recommended that this issue should be raised with Breckland when the joint meeting is held regarding Prince Harry’s Wood. Also, the matter should be taken up with our District Councillor.

It was remarked by a parishioner that the width of Hargham Road by the new build houses is now an issue. Despite the contractors apparently having a separate area for parking there are still cars, vans and lorries being parked on the road and pavement. Alternatives were discussed including requesting Breckland monitor the situation and discussing with Highways the possibility of installing a chicane safety measure (as in Spooner Row). Another parishioner remarked on the narrowness of part of the new footpath and raised the question ‘was it wide enough to allow wheelchair use’.

An observation was made by another parishioner – ‘are there now too many trees being planted on the Green?’. It was further remarked ‘who is going to maintain them in the long-term’. (Steve Milner confirmed there is a tree maintenance plan in existence.) A further question was posed ‘are all the new trees plotted on the Green Tree Plan. (Steve Milner said a statement would be sought from the Green Maintenance Committee.)

A question was then raised by a parishioner regarding the new planning application for 12 houses on Hargham Road (discussion on this item merged into the first item under Planning Applications below). It was noted by a parishioner that the Planning Officer recommends refusal; the target for new houses in Old Buckenham is already exceeded; the new application sits outside the settlement boundary and does not enhance the character or appearance of the Parish; the development would place a further danger on two close dangerous road junctions. Further discussion by the public stressed the development was at the entrance to the village, part of the countryside and the development was not in keeping with the village. Further concerns were also raised about the level of construction on an already difficult stretch of road.

New planning applications. Hargham Road. Residential Development - 12 Units (3PL/2022/0298/F). Discussion continued from the previous agenda item. It was felt that the application was outside the village boundary; there were numerous Highways issues; the development would be on top of an already exceeded local plan target; it was not in keeping with the village and surrounding countryside. It was proposed to vote for rejection (5 voted in favour of rejection).

Planning Decisions by Breckland Council. The below applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved: Friedland, Cake Street. Side, rear extension and new roof to form 1st floor accommodation (3PL/2021/1711/HOU). Despite approval, it was reported that the Council had been made aware of concerns about possible flooding due to drainage alterations.

Redbourne House, Abbey Road. Proposed front double garage link conversion of existing attached garage and rear extension (3PL/2022/0071/HOU).

The Old Crown Gate Bakery, The Green. Change existing garden room roof from polycarbonate to tapco tiled roof (3PL/2022/0224/HOU and 3PL/2022/0225/LB).

The Council also had just received (too late to be on the distributed agenda) Ash Tree Cottage, The Green. Single Storey Rear Extension (3PL/2022/0181/HOU).

The following application has now been considered and the application has been refused: Walnut Shade, Cake Street. Retrospective alterations to the layout of the annexe and change of use to enable the annexe to be rented out as a separated self-contained unit (3PL/2021/1555/F).

The following application has been passed to the Planning Committee: Coal Storage Yard, Road from Stacksford Lane to Hargham Road. Outline permission for 3 no. Dwellings (3PL/2021/1564/O). Steve Milner will be attending the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Council also had just received (too late to be on the distributed agenda) from the Planning Inspectorate in relation to The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – Appeal Ref: APP/F2605/W/21/3279448 - the appeal decision regarding application 3PN/2021/0013/UC: Roughlands Farm, Grove Road, Old Buckenham. The decision is the proposal is not permitted development and the appeal is, therefore, dismissed.

Community Car Scheme fuel costs. This item was raised because of the rise in fuel costs. Currently, the nationally agreed rate for car use is paid. Figure is made up of contributions from the Parish Council, Breckland Council and the user. This is a voluntary scheme (the Breckland scheme is viewed very positively as a good community project) to just cover costs. It is felt that the volunteer community drivers should not be out of pocket and be recompensed for their endeavours. With the large rise in fuel costs the Council feel it is time to review the rate paid. As we are not the only Council to face this issue it was proposed to seek advice from Breckland Council and NALC (the Advisory Body for Parish Councils). Voted 5 in favour.

Signatures on cheques. As new signatories for cheques are required it was felt that this was a good time to review the Council payment procedures. It was agreed the Council would research the possible introduction of electronic banking alternatives.

Use of the Green amendments. Three documents were put before the Council for formal adoption:

I. ‘Policy for Use of The Village Green’ – this is an updated version of the previous policy to include the extension of the lease until March 2042 and the wishes of the Executors of The Lord of The Manor to formally withdraw from the agreement in February 2022 as they stated they did not wish to exercise an interest in the Green. The new agreement was formally agreed between the Old Buckenham Parish Council and Old Buckenham Green Rights Proprietors to manage the Green for the Parish as a whole. In March 2022 a twenty-year extension agreement was signed by the Parish Council and Green Rights Proprietors.

II. ‘Village Green Application for Lettings’ – the process and application form.

III. ‘Village Green Application for Lettings Confirmation’ – formal agreement between the Parish Council and Applicant.

All three documents would be forwarded to the Chair of the Green Rights Proprietors and Green Management committees. It was reported that these three documents would be standardised into a common format, use a standard template, and become controlled documents (modifications to document headers and exemplification statements will be centrally managed by a control group). This means the template is automated and any modifications to one document will automatically transfer to the other two. All modifications will be tracked and the most up to date version will appear on the Council website. Applicants can then download the forms and complete them online. Any use of the Green must comply with the “Policy for Use of The Green’ and formal permission granted via the ‘Village Green Application for Lettings Confirmation’ before the activity can take place.

Annual Parish Meeting. After detailed discussion it was agreed to hold the meeting on a Saturday morning in July (exact date will be dependent on availability of the Village Hall) before the school summer holidays begin. A format and speakers were discussed (see Churchyard item below), and these will be formalised at the next Parish Council meeting.

Insurance Company. The Clerk tabled a paper informing the Council that she had been notified by Norris and Fisher (Insurance Broker) that they will no longer be undertaking Parish Council Insurance as from the renewal date, Wednesday 1 June 2022. She looked at NALCs website and saw they are partnered with BHIB, who also have a relationship with Aviva. Councillors were sent a link to their website to have a look at it and the. opportunity to think about any issues they wanted highlighting in a policy. Also to ensure it covers everything they wanted and needed it to do. BHIB also offer a subscription to Parish Online if the parish council take out a three-year deal. This is a digital asset mapping tool for Councils and can be used for many things, including Neighbourhood Plans. Councillors are submitting any further questions to the Clerk they want answered and also requesting boundaries of costs. When Councillors have the full information, they will formally discuss at their May meeting (Thursday 5 May) and vote on whether they wish to sign up to BHIB Council Insurance.

Commemorative Gift for Platinum Jubilee. The Clerk reported on her research into mugs and other gifts to give for Jubilee celebrations. She has also spoken to Jonn Hicks as he had organised this for Golden Jubilee. Mugs were a favourite item when discussed at the Village Meeting. Previously, they were free to under 16s and approximately 300 were ordered. If we do so again then there will be an initial cost of £630.72 plus delivery. We would sell for £5 each but free to under 16s. She has also prepared a suggested order form which could be placed online and in the Village Newsletter. Due to time restrictions, she will need to order a commemorative gift quickly. Councillors were asked if the Parish Council wish mugs to be ordered or a different item as a commemorative gift? Councillors were in favour of ordering the mugs but requested the Clerk rework the figures for commemorative mugs with personalised Old Buckenham logo on the reverse side. Also would the Clerk investigate the possibility of engraved commemorative coins. It was agreed that Councillors were happy to order 300 (or any amount felt suitable) of the items. The Council needs to investigate sponsorship and access to additional Jubilee funding.

Churchyard. The Churchyard at All Saints will start to run out of space for burials in a few years, estimated at two to three years). The matter has been discussed with Sarah Dye and her comments have been emailed to all Councillors. The Parish Council has the power to provide a burial site and it would need a lot of management but would be a source of income for the Parish Council. The Parish Council does not have a duty to provide this, and if they do not follow this path, then burials would have to take place in neighbouring villages who still have space. There are sometimes courses from NALC about managing burial sites which Clerk/Councillors could attend. The key question is do the Parish Council wish to acquire land as a future burial site for the village? Councillors felt this is a very important decision and one that the parishioners should have their say on before a final decision is made. It was recommended that the item should be a key agenda item at the Annual Parish Meeting with a speaker putting forward all the pros and cons. In preparation for this the Parish Council should make neighbouring landowners aware of the situation and seek views on donations or purchase of land.

To aid the discussion the very helpful summary had been produced by Sarah Dye. There are essentially two considerations which go with the decision of All Saints PCC to close our churchyard for new burials. The first is that when a graveyard like ours is closed, it remains the responsibility of the PCC unless they give notice (under s 215 of the Local Government Act 1972) to transfer that responsibility to the Parish Council. The Parish Council are obliged to take it over - or refuse to do so, in which case responsibility passes up the chain to the District Council. That is not what All Saints PCC are proposing. For the time being, they intend to continue to take responsibility for maintaining the graveyard, even though, when space runs out, no new burials will be made there. The second issue is about providing burial space for the residents of Old Buckenham. When the All Saints graveyard is closed, All Saints PCC will no longer be able to provide burial spaces and do not wish to extend the existing graveyard in order to make more space available. With that in mind, the Parish Council may want to acquire land to provide a graveyard with burial spaces for the village. The Parish Council is a 'burial authority' and is permitted to provide and maintain graveyards/cemeteries. The point for the Parish Council to debate is do they want to acquire land for a new burial ground to be used when the All Saints graveyard is full?

Items for next agenda. These will include the Neighbourhood Plan, the Jubilee arrangements, the Annual Meeting, Community Car costs, cheques/online payments, insurance. Prince Harry’s Wood and fly tipping/litter.

The next Parish Council meeting to be held on Thursday 5 May at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. 

Alternative quiz in Old Buckenham

Just a week to go 

Calling Old Buckenham photographers

Get the picture

The eighth Bucks Photoshow will be for three days at the end of May. It is your chance to put your own photographic work on show. It'll be widely advertised and hopefully you will get a lot of visitors seeing your work. It’s all very simple to take part. For just £16 you rent an 8 foot by 4 foot display board in New Buckenham Village Hall and on it you can arrange however many of your pictures you wish - it’s your space.  If you can’t fill a board, you can arrange to share with another photographer.  You put up your pictures yourself before the show opens on the evening of Friday 27 May and take them down after the show closes at lunchtime on Sunday 29 May.  It’s up to you whether you offer your work for sale.

Applications to take part to Charles Oxley photoshow@newbuckenham.net  telephone 01953 860708  along with a cheque for £16 payable to New Buckenham Village Hall Trust (not later than Wednesday 18 May but preferably earlier). If the event is oversubscribed, display boards will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis, giving priority to exhibitors who live in New and Old Buckenham and the immediately surrounding villages. If you have any queries before you apply, please contact Charles (details above). He would be pleased to hear from any photographers in the area who have not previously exhibited and who may be interested. Just let him  know.

The last show that took place in 2019

Sharing stories of Old Buckenham

 Telling Tales on Tuesdays

click to enlarge image

Here is a chance to mardle with your mates and chat with your chums. Book a place now and share the story of your local life in an enjoyable series of meetings.

Important meetings in Old Buckenham

Have you been to occasions in the Village Hall and just taken it for granted without thinking about how it is organised? Or perhaps you belong to a village organisation that was grateful for a financial grant from the the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust and never wondered where the money came from? Within the next week there are two important Annual General Meetings taking place of volunteer organisations that would appreciate your attendance at their AGMs.

Tomorrow, Monday 11 April, why not attend the AGM of the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms and discuss the future of the Trust and its activities.

Then find out the current situation at the Village Hall on Wednesday 13 April by going along to their AGM that starts at 7pm, not surprisingly, in the Village Hall. Maybe you could get involved and help with the running of this most important village organisation.

Cricket has started in Old Buckenham

 Old Buckenham Cricket Club in April

Everyone is welcome at the cricket ground at all times whether playing, practicing or supporting. Come and support your local Cricket Club.

Wednesday 6 April. Senior outdoor training. 6pm.

Saturday 9 April. 1st team vs Sprowston at home. 12 noon start.

Wednesday 13 April. Senior training 6pm.

Saturday 16 April. 1st team vs Norwich away. 12 noon start.

2nd team vs Norwich at home. 12 noon start.

Wednesday 20 April. Senior training 6pm

Saturday 23 April. Junior training starts at 9am until 11am.

1st team vs Downham Stow CC ,12 noon start.

2nd team vs Downham Stow CC away 12 noon start.

Wednesday 27 April. Senior training 6pm

Popular Art Show near Old Buckenham

 New Buckenham Art Exhibition

Despite a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic there has been a
great response from artists for the New Buckenham Art Exhibition.
There are 111 artists from Norfolk, Suffolk and further away. In total
there will be 428 works of art on display. Some of the artists are
professional and others are dedicated hobby painters, some are even from Old Buckenham. 

Opening night is Friday 15 April at 7.30pm. If you are looking for a work of art, you will find paintings in a lovely variety of styles and materials to choose from all over the Easter weekend.There will be also be a section of unframed pictures displayed in our browser stands and over 30 artists will be exhibiting greetings cards. 

St Martins and Old Buckenham

 News on charity collection

The community of Old Buckenham and generous shoppers in local supermarkets raised an incredible £28,300 last year for St Martins. A team of loyal volunteers organised by longstanding co-ordinator Michael Bartlett from the village ran collections in supermarkets across Norfolk throughout the year. An event was held in the Church Rooms, Old Buckenham, on Saturday 26 March to thank the volunteers and update them about St Martins' work to help the homeless of Norfolk. The money raised will be used towards funding a new accommodation project which is set to open in Norwich later in the year.

A new Old Buckenham village newsletter

 April 2022 issue now available

Five thousand words and details of lots of local firms and services are there for you to read through. A printed copy may already have come through your letter box or will be with you soon.

Read all about lily displays in All Saints Church, the search for a treasurer, arrangements for Jubilee celebrations, the need for bunting and the Parish Council's deliberations on planning applications. And a lot more...

Wild flowers on Old Buckenham Green

Experiment has started

You may have noticed that a small area of the Green alongside the B1077 had recently been roughly harrowed. This area, about half an acre, has been chosen for an experimental wild flower 'meadow'. On the morning of Friday 25 March this patch was sown with commercially obtained wild flower seed that was 'spun' from the back of a moving truck to give good dispersal across the area. A little more of the harrowing and the use of a roller has hopefully secured the seed in the soil and it is now a case of 'wait and see' what happens over the next few months.

If the seed does its job, we can look forward to seeing many bright flowers being on view for all those who use the Green as they are out walking or who travel past by cycle or car.

Setting up

Filling up

Testing spinner speed

Starting first run

On return journey

All seeds have been spun

Bunting in Old Buckenham

 Flying the flags

Many of you will remember the fantastic street party for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and we would like the Platinum Jubilee to be even better! A big part of creating the party atmosphere is getting Old Buckenham to be as brightly decorated as possible. We’re sure that many people will be decorating their homes, but there are many communal areas that will need decorating too. This is where we need your help. We need lots of bunting to hang around the village, especially for the Street Party on Crown Rd (by the War Memorial). Bunting is a great beginners project for sewers and so we have some instructions for anyone wishing to have a go (thanks to Freckles and Co). If you would like to download the full-sized instructions, then they are also available from the Platinum Jubilee folder of the Parish Council website. Hopefully it goes without saying that Red, White and Blue are the colours of choice for the occasion! Any finished bunting can be given to either Terri Hammond or Rachel Noyes (Parish Clerk). Thank you!

Trees on Old Buckenham Green

What and where are the commemorative trees?

One of the expected activities to celebrate the Queen’s platinum anniversary is the planting of some more trees on the village Green later in 2022 when new trees will have a better chance of surviving. There are several commemorative trees with a royal connection that have been planted over the years and the newsletter editor would like to make a record of them.

An oak tree was planted just ten years ago for the Golden Jubilee and is doing well. The big oak tree with the seat around it at the junction of the B1077 and Abbey Road is believed to have been planted to commemorate something (1937 coronation of George VI?). Another oak tree on the left-hand side while going along the road towards All Saints Church could be another special tree but has been extensively pruned as it is directly under some power cables and this makes it difficult to age. Possibly 1953?

If you can provide more information please contact the newsletter editor on obnewspostbox@aol.com. Some of you may well be old enough to have been there when they were planted.

Ten years ago

Same tree today...

...and its plaque

Is this one, much pruned?

This is one but when planted?

Drone flying around Old Buckenham

Safety concerns

Today, Sunday 20 March, the Old Buckenham Airfield has had a report of a drone operating near Fen Street, halfway between the village and Puddledock. This activity is a criminal offence. The person(s) flying it are in breach of the Air Navigation Order and liable to prosecution. Whilst the fines are of the order of £1,000 and confiscation of the drone where a license is required, within the Flight Restriction Zone around an Aerodrome penalties are higher and can include imprisonment. Whoever is flying this device is endangering an aircraft and therefore lives. We do have means to detect and trace the owners and will deploy them, alerting the Police in the process. Matt Wilkins, Aerodrome Manager, is empowered by the CAA to issue permissions for drone operations on a 'one-off or good ‘til cancelled' basis; please email airfield@oldbuck.com. No permission has, or will be issued in the location where reports have been made this afternoon which is recklessly stupid.

An authorised drone owner in Old Buckenham, Steve Milner, has added the following: I would like to add my voice to the situation. Drone flying must always follow the drone code and the operator must pass the CAA test and display the operator number on the craft.  The test is not difficult and is not expensive so there is no excuse for none compliance. Like it or not, flying in the Old Buckenham area is even more restrictive due to the air field activity and quite rightly so. Drones do not carry passengers unlike the flights going to and from the airfield but endangering life by irresponsible drone flying is completely unacceptable.  Matt, manager at the Airfield, has been very accommodating so if you want to fly contact the airfield and ask for permission, giving when and where you want to fly and give your operators' number.  Even if you have permission you must ALWAYS BRING THE DRONE DOWN IF YOU HEAR AN AIRCRAFT. Flying as described will only have one result and that will be a total ban on flying, spoiling the pleasure of responsible flyers in the Old Buckenham.

Queen and Old Buckenham

Have you met the present Queen?

For the exhibition in the Village Hall during the Jubilee celebrations at the start of June, the organisers are hoping to collect up information about villagers who have met Elizabeth II at some time in their life. You may have seen her when you have been to Sandringham or even attended a Royal Garden Party or perhaps been a youngster presenting some flowers at an official visit. If you can provide a few words describing the occasion, ideally along with a photo or a newspaper cutting, the village newsletter editor is happy to collect them up to make a display at the exhibition and even produce them as a small booklet if there is enough material.

If you are willing to provide your reminiscences please contact the newsletter editor on obnewspostbox@aol.com and he will aim to do the rest. Thank you.

Enterprise Cafe in Old Buckenham

 Pop along on Friday  morning

opening up again

Old Buckenham pub amendments

 Reading the signs

Have you stopped to read these boards outside the Gamekeeper?  There has been a reduction in the hours that food is served on Monday to Friday afternoons and a special deal available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Latest Old Buckenham Parish Council report

March Parish Council report

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 3 March at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons, Terry Cook and Mike Farrington. Apologies had been received from Andy Nicholls for not being able to attend and from Naomi Bailey who would be arriving late. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and three members of the public. The minutes of the February meeting were approved (3 in favour, 2 abstain).

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stood at £29,877.36 including £40 received for allotment rent. Allotment 8A has been handed back due to being water logged. Payments approved totalled £1,006.94 (5 in favour). These included the installation of the defibrillator, a new dog bin and a training course for a councillor.

Reports from councillors. (Naomi Bailey arrived) Steve Milner said that the footpath on Hargham Road has been completed and will now provide a safe route for residents to walk in to the village. Should hopefully set a precedent for future developers to consider and provide pedestrian access. The Jubilee meeting was well attended by parishioners. More volunteers are needed to help organise events. Anyone interested please contact the Parish Clerk. A resident has queried whether Cotman Trust own part of Prince Harry’s Wood as residents currently pay a small fee to get grass cut. The Clerk is to raise this query with Breckland Council. Questions were raised about changing the name of the wood which could be part of the Jubilee celebrations. A recent inspection of allotments showed that while most were in good condition, two are quite boggy. So he will consult with landowner about improving drainage. Also there is the issue of weeds spreading from vacant plots to maintained ones. Intend to purchase a membrane to cover vacant plots and prevent weeds from growing.

The Clerk said that an empty house on Post Office Terrace had been reported. The owner has made contact with the Parish Council and will have full correspondence soon to discuss any concerns. The Green Lease Renewal has been signed by Executors, Green Rights Proprietors and the Parish Council. Need to now amend Use of the Green Policy. The dog bin on Hargham Road now replaced after previous one was damaged and removed. The Church graveyard is running out of space. The Clerk is currently conducting research about what this means for the Parish Council and the rules regarding burial sites. She will compile information and raise at next month’s meeting.

Minor repair jobs at the Children’s Playground have been completed (U-bolts on swings, bumper repaired on large swing, bolts tightened. The ‘Spring chicken’ will be moved away from near the fence. The Roundabout repair by Playdale had been booked for Monday 14 March.

The Clerk had spoken to Tracey Allan at Good Neighbours Network in response to request to look at formation of Village Volunteer Group. It is a lottery-funded scheme that is free to sign up to and will cover DBS checks, insurance and training for volunteers. If anyone in the village wishes to run this scheme in Old Buckenham, please contact the Clerk.

A further defibrillator box installed at the Ox and Plough. Defibrillator will be added to the box and registered for use this month. Village Hall defibrillator was required, but then not used recently. While the Hall conduct their own weekly and monthly checks, regular maintenance checks are also required so a checklist has been set up.

Adrian Joel had recently inspected Prince Harry’s Wood. It is a surprisingly large area with some fallen trees needing to be removed. Also require a clear detailed plan of the area including ownership of ditches, footpath, etc. Could also contact Norfolk Wildlife Trust for some advice on habitats. Serco currently cut the small grass areas within St Andrews Close/March Field Way so would need to consider this maintenance as well. Attended Attcare seminar which was very useful. Copy of slides given at the meeting have been sent out to Councillors .

Now that Green Lease and Use of Green Policy have been sorted, the rents for the two pubs need to be agreed, including maintenance responsibilities. Steve Milner, Terry Cook and Doug Irons to meet with landlords of both pubs to discuss this. It was confirmed that the Green will be cut in May ready for the Jubilee celebrations.

Terry Cook reminded that the Parish Council only advise on issues of Rights of Way (RoW). A parishioner has stopped the application process for a recently closed permissive path. Originally, a deadline of 2026 meant County Councils have been inundated with applications for RoW. That has now been rescinded and the Act of 2020 has been amended but poorly publicised. DEFRA will issue a streamlined package of measures with no cut-off date. He also said that the treasurer for the Village Hall Management Committee has resigned. Please contact the Village Hall if you are willing to take up the role. Thanks to the Clerk for finding information regarding trustees for Village Hall. Clarified that Parish Council are custodian trustee and Village Hall committee are Managing trustees, and therefore liable for any issues. Currently the Village Hall is an Unincorporated company but looking at possibility of becoming Incorporated which would allow the Village Hall Committee to get its own insurance, although this could be costly.

Mike Farrington reported that the Almshouses Trust had a meeting recently in which they said goodbye to the Chair, Canon Steve Wright. No immediate replacement so they will be rotating the Chair in the mean time. Also have concerns regarding personal and public liability for members and will be looking in to options. There is lots of Ash dieback in the Puddledock area which may require many trees to be removed over the next few years. Some of the maintenance work on Puddledock corner has been completed by Highways. Residents felt that all of their suggestions for improvements were dismissed by Highways and that residents’ safety was not being considered. Another car has gone through a fence recently.

Naomi Bailey is still awaiting contact from the High School about getting the school more involved in the community. She had contacted District and County Councillor Steve Askew regarding Abbey Rd traffic during school hours as cars are parking closer and closer to junction with Abbey Road, including the Mobile Library. Many staff from the High School are parking along the road as there is not enough parking within the school and therefore less space for parents to park on the road. Steve Askew has raised it with Highways.

Pot holes have been reported to Highways at the junction by the Garden House, a large bump and pothole on nearby corner and potholes on Hargham Road. Vans and cars are being parked on the new footpath on Hargham Road causing a lot of issues for drivers. Steve Milner to raise the issue with the site manager. Nationally parking laws are currently under consideration for any vehicle that parks on a pavement. The Parish Council will need to be aware if any changes are made that will affect parking in the village in the future.

Public Participation relating to agenda items. In Prince Harry’s Wood there is still litter that was reported two years ago and it is in a bit of a mess. It should be in perfect condition before being handed over. The Parish Council needs a full breakdown of costs involved, including legal fees.

If parking on pavements rules are changed in the future (see item above), will residents on Attleborough Road be asked to park elsewhere?

One resident said it was disappointing to see so few residents attending the Parish Council meetings. Another resident commented that the Recreation Ground is getting in a poor state at the moment. Gets quite boggy and drainage needs to be addressed. As the villagers are unable to use the two school MUGAs (multi-use games areas) it would be good if the Recreation Ground was managed better. Feasibility study needed to look at suitable options for Recreation Ground.

New planning applications. Ash Tree Cottage, The Green. Single Storey Rear Extension and New Carport (3PL/2022/0181/HOU). No objections. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

The Old Crown Gate Bakery, The Green. Change existing garden room roof from polycarbonate to tapco tiled roof (3PL/2022/0224/HOU and 3PL/2022/0225/LB). No objections. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain)

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. There were none announced since the last meeting.

Village Jubilee Meeting feedback. Had a successful village meeting to discuss ideas and plans for Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. Many thanks to all those who attended and contributed. A rough schedule for the weekend has been drafted:

Thursday 2 June: Decorating homes and around the village, beacon lighting at the Airfield.

Friday 3 June: Village Walk, Landrovers at the Ox and Plough.

Saturday 4 June: Picnic at Country Park, Live band at the Ox and Plough.

Sunday 5 June: Joint Church Service, The Big Lunch Street Party.

All weekend: Exhibition about the Queen in Village Hall, activities for children such as treasure trail/scarecrow trail, crown making and designing commemorative plaques. Purchase a commemorative gift for children of the village.

Autumn: Planting of trees for Queen’s Green Canopy. Suggestion of seven different trees, one for each decade.

Need more volunteers to help organise activities and events. Please contact the Clerk if you are able to help out. A second Village Meeting has been booked for Saturday 23 April to monitor progress of plans. The Parish Council have £500 set aside already and there will be grants of £500 available from Breckland (more information will be available at start of April). Steve Milner will look at fundraising more money. Rachel Noyes to estimate cost of events.

Shop to phone box track. No apparent easement document for adjoining properties. Cars have caused damage to the track but it is a well used route for walkers, including school children. There is a concrete base and services underneath. Need to arrange a meeting between some Parish Council members and residents to discuss possible options.

Neighbourhood Plan. Doug Irons had attended a course about Neighbourhood Plan which was very useful. Still no guarantee whether funding will continue but will know after end of April. If extended, there are grants for £10,000, with Breckland paying an extra £5000. There is another £8,000 available but only if you meet certain criteria. Will have to use that £15,000 in the year, otherwise will have to pay back any remaining money and reapply. Have been in contact with Sue Heinrich (Neighbourhood Plan Officer at Breckland Council) and she has confirmed that there is no formal plan of the area, but will be easy to arrange. Doug Irons queried why the previous attempt at Neighbourhood Plan stopped, as he only wants to start the process if it will be seen through to completion. Previously, the councillor leading the project stepped down and nobody took over to complete it. No clear idea of costs but has been assured that they are in line with Grants. If a consultant is used, then would need one suited to our needs and fill in any gap in skills/knowledge. Will need to keep Sue Heinrich informed along the way. Looking for seven to ten residents to work on a Neighbourhood Plan. Going to create a leaflet for distribution to all residents, highlighting some of the skills and knowledge that would be needed. Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) would potentially need to be involved and would require extra work for them. Will enquire if would they be able to commit and would need to budget for their pay.

June Parish Council meeting. Date clashes with Platinum Jubilee celebrations as beacon will be lit on Airfield that evening. Several councillors will also be away at the time and a proposal to cancel the June Parish Council meeting was approved (5 in favour).

Solar Farm Community Grant. Expected to get £3,600 a year for 10 years. Need to clarify if money comes from the site or the company. Councillors to consider options previously discussed and will compile proposals for the next meeting.

Items for next agenda. These will include Solar Farm Community grant, signatures for cheques and the graveyard.

Date of next Parish Council meeting will be Thursday 7 April and it will be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. 

Old Buckenham 2000 Trust

Forthcoming AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Old Buckenham 2000 Trust will be held on  Monday 11 April in the Church Rooms commencing at 7.30 pm when there will be discussion of the future of the Trust.

Anybody that is interested in becoming a Trustee and considers they have the drive and energy to assist other members will be most welcome to attend.

  

Bingo back in Old Buckenham

 Will your number appear?

Double doses of Bingo are coming, starting again in the Church Rooms on Saturday 19 March at 2pm sharp with raffle and refreshments. There will be a second Bingo session on Saturday 30 April with the same details. Both in aid of Church funds. Any prizes or help offered please contact Alison 860692 or email andrew.frank@btinternet.com