Tuesday 30 June 2009

It will be a busy month

Diary dates for July

Wednesday 1 Flexibus service due to start
Wednesday 1 Women's Fellowship, Methodist Chapel, 2.30pm
Thursday 2 Parish Council, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 3 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am
Friday 3 Crib Drive, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 4 MidsummerMiscellany, All Saints Church, 5pm
Sunday 5 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 7 Coffee and chat, Church Rooms, 10.30am to 12 noon
Thursday 9 Breckland Flower and Garden Club, outing, 8.30am
Thursday 9 Social and Wine Circle, al fresco at 1 Mill Cottages, 7.30pm
Wednesday 10 Luncheon Club outing
Friday 10 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Friday 10 The Chalk Hill Gang, outside Ox & Plough, 7.30pm
Saturday 11 Cream teas, 26 Hargham Road, doors open from 2pm
Monday 13 Whist drive, Church Rooms, 2pm
Wednesday 16 Request Songs of Praise, Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm
Saturday 18 Environment Day, Village Hall, 10am to 1pm
Sunday 19 Wargames club, Village Hall, 2.30pm to 6pm
Monday 20 Monday Mardle, Church Rooms, 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 22 Luncheon Club, Village Hall, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 23 Women's Institute, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Friday 24 Netgamers computer games, Village Hall, 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 29 Cheese and Wine evening, 1 Mill Cottages,6.30pm
Friday 31 Mobile Police Station outside village shop, 9am to 10.30am

Monday 29 June 2009

Time to pick up the next issue


July news

The latest issue of the Old Buckenham newsletter is now in the village shop and at other locations around the village. Pick up a copy if you want to know what events are on in July.

Sunday 28 June 2009

Merlins and skylarks








Old Buckenham Airshow

The editor saw today's airshow from a field somewhat distant from the end of the airfield runway. His attempts at photography just prove that taking pictures of fast flying aircraft requires a special skill and he still has to learn it.

The weather for the flying display just held out. Then there was 5o mm (2 inches) of rain during the next two hours.

One memorable spot in the display was the sound of the Merlin engines of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight's Hurricane and Spitfire being joined by the voices of a couple of skylarks in full song. No noisy aeroplanes were going to stop them performing...

Check out your bouquet


The language of flowers

At the beginning of their June meeting, Old Buckenham WI held a minute’s silence in memory of Rosemary Leeder who died recently. She had been a stalwart and loyal member of the WI for many years, being a long-standing committee member and supporter of many activities. She will be much missed.
As was fitting on a warm and sunny evening, members were initiated into the gentle Victorian art of ‘The Language of Flowers’ by Lyn Barrow. Lyn appeared dressed for the part with a nosegay and a tussy-mussy. She told of the popularity of flowers and their ‘language’ for the Victorians. All cultured young ladies of this time studied botany and the choice of flowers when carried as a nosegay very often conveyed a message in the choice of blooms used. Victorian ladies carried flowers on every possible occasion and tussy-mussies were used as fragrant air-fresheners, often very necessary. Tussy-mussies are very small, dainty posies, sometimes made of fragrant herbs, packed in damp moss and held in a small cone-shaped holder for pinning on a dress. They could also be sewn into special pockets made in crinoline petticoats. These made a pleasant scent as ladies brushed past in their voluminous skirts. Ladies’ maids learnt the art of making tussy-mussies for their mistresses and also learnt what the flowers ‘said’ for the nosegays they made. Carnations seem to have been the trickiest to learn about as the varied colours sent quite different messages. Pink said ‘I’ll never forget you’, white was ‘sweet and lovely’ but yellow said ‘you have disappointed me’. Woe betide the maid who got her colours mixed up. Everyone was given a sheet with a list of the flowers and their meanings to look at so there won’t be any birthday posies with gladioli in; these mean ‘give me a break’. Mary Nicholls thanked Lyn for her talk and demonstration.
Susan Hunter gave a lively and interesting report as she had been the delegate at the 94th AGM in the Albert Hall which was so obviously a rewarding, thought provoking and entertaining, occasion.
Recent dates in the local WI calendar have been the garden party held in Susan Hunter’s garden which raised £258 for funds. Having accepted the Federation Chairman’s Challenge to increase £5, this became £36 when a delicious cake made by Jean Wade was raffled. There is the Progressive Supper to look forward to and a visit to Thursford at the end of November – it seems a long way off but tickets are precious for this annual outing.

Saturday 27 June 2009

Go to the end of the pier



Spare seats for the seaside
Old Buckenham WI have some spare seats for their summer trip to ‘The End of the Pier Show’ at Cromer. The coach will leave Old Buckenham Village Hall at 10am on Tuesday 18 August and returns early evening. The cost is £21.50 per person and this includes transport and seats for the matinee. There will be time to have lunch in Cromer before the show. Please contact Doris on 01953 861322 or Pat on 01953 452965 if you would like to go on this trip.

Thursday 25 June 2009

Is this Tufty on the B1077?

If you are too young to remember Tufty look at http://www.tuftyclub.org.uk/

Wednesday 24 June 2009

The clerk is ticking

Parish clerk vacancy
The closing date for applications for the post of parish clerk in Old Buckenham was Friday 19 June. There have been several applications for the post and the parish council will be arranging to interview the applicants. This blog will try to keep you up-to-date as and when there is any further information.

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Waiting for the bus


Here is the Flexibus news
The ‘Harling’ Flexibus starts on Wednesday 1 July offering transport from here to the market towns of Attleborough, Diss and Thetford.
It aims to give you the opportunity to access shops, visit the doctors or take part in leisure activities. You can also extend your journey and connect to other buses, coaches or trains and visit Norwich or even London.
The service is open to all ages with reduced fares for under 16s and free travel to those with concessionary passes.
Young people can now get about more easily during school or college holidays.
So what exactly is a Flexibus? It is a different kind of public transport. It doesn’t have a set timetable. The bus will collect you from close to your home at a pre-arranged time and drop you where you want to go.
You have to pre-book your seat at least one day before you wish to travel (or by 5pm on Friday for journeys on the following Monday).
To book your journey call 0845 600 2315 between 9am and 5pm. Tell them your journey plan - what time, where you want to be collected from, what town or village you are visiting.
Then give your return details - what time, where you want to be collected from and where you are returning to.
Subject to availability the advisor will confirm your booking and tell you your approximate pick up times (you may need to be a little flexible with your arrangements).
The focus of the service is to link villages with local market towns, particularly Attleborough and Diss.
During school term time the hours of operation are 9.15am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday and from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays.
During the school holidays the times are 8am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.
There are two buses. Bus 1 serves
Attleborough on Mondays and Thursdays,
Attleborough and Thetford on Tuesdays,
Diss on Wednesdays and Fridays.
On Saturdays there is a connection in Garboldisham to service 338 that goes to Bury St Edmunds.
Bus 2 operates Monday to Friday and is free to roam and does not have set destinations.
The villages that this flexibus service covers include Banham, Blo Norton, Bressingham, Brettenham, Bridgham, East Harling, Eccles, Fersfield, Garboldisham, Gasthorpe, Goose Green, Heywood, Kenninghall, New Buckenham, North Lopham, Old Buckenham, Quidenham, Riddlesworth, Rushford, Shadwell, Shelfanger, South Lopham, Wilby, and Winfarthing.

Friday 19 June 2009

Are we proud of our community?


We have been judged
Old Buckenham had been entered into the Pride in Norfolk Community Awards this year and has managed to get in the top four of the entries for villages with a population of between 1000 and 2500 inhabitants.

A panel of three judges, Susan Warr of the Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institutes, Sue Sansby from CPRE Norfolk and Tony Nash representing the Norfolk Association of Local Councils, visited the village today. They were looking to find out how friendly and dynamic the community is, how it provides facilities for both the young and the elderly, and what else it gets up to. They wanted to know why we thought our village was so special and had conversations with a small group of villagers to see if they could find out.
Now it is just a matter of waiting to see how we compared with the other three villages in our category. The newsletter editor managed to get a photo of the judges when they dropped in to the local pub for a spot of lunch – at least they were looking cheerful.

Thursday 18 June 2009

Wedding flowers


Breckland Flower and Garden Club
David Wright gave a delightful demonstration for a Summer Wedding at June's meeting of the Breckland Flower and Garden Club in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
From the ring to the venue, bridesmaids to cake (a three tier arrangement in soft pinks and purples), a honeymoon in Whitby (not forgetting the fish!) and, for the bride, a modern cascade using white gerberas and black feathers. All were beautifully presented.
The Renee Hambley Trophy was awarded to Marion Beesley (Old Hands) for the best use of colour in the competition and Janet Skidmore won the New Hands class.
The outing to Hyde Hall and Braintree for shopping will leave Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 9 July at the earlier time of 8.30am, not 9.15am as previously stated. If you have any queries please contact Sheila on 01953 888710.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Ringing to celebrate


Norfolk WI is 90 today

Bells have been ringing out all over Norfolk this morning in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Women's Institute starting in the county.

Here in Old Buckenham Barbara and Pat did their bit at 11am on the six [small] bells in All Saints Church.

Do your bit for our environment

Our Environment Day
This will be on Saturday 18 July from 10am to 1pm.
A total of 62 entries for the Breckland and Old Buckenham ‘Bag for Life’ project were submitted by pupils at the High School and have been shortlisted to seven designs. Judging for the winning entry will take place in the Village Hall at this event on Saturday 18 July between 10am and 1pm. All those attending will have the opportunity to cast their vote. Prizes will be awarded by Breckland District Council.
You can come and go as you wish or stop for the judging.
Each finalist designer will keep the bag printed with their entry which incorporates their name. Supporting agencies, which include the village shop, will also be shown on the winning bag.
Later this year each household in the village will receive a winning bag, while the village shop will also have supplies.
The event will certainly be worth a visit. There will be no entry charge and coffees, etc, will be available. Many free samples of recycled products will be on offer such as pencils made from old CD cases. Displays in the hall will include Norfolk County Council, Breckland District Council, the Energy Saving Trust (details of grants available, etc), Fairtrade, May Gurney (an opportunity to purchase discounted compost produced from green waste collected by Norfolk County Council) and the ‘Love Food - Hate Waste’ campaign. In addition Environmental Spike will be there to entertain the children.
There will be a collection centre for new and used postcards for Radio Norfolk (who may have a representative present) which raises cash for the Norfolk Association of Deaf Children through recycling the cards. Please sort out any postcards and bring them along. Also accepted on the day will be your used batteries to ensure that they are disposed of safely. The event is part of the national Small Change - Big Difference Week.
VERG will be supporting the reuse message with stalls of household and other items and books - all at bargain prices. The proceeds will, as always, go towards community projects in the village. There will be a small raffle to cover the cost of hiring the hall, one prize being a £20 voucher to spend at the “Best in Breckland” village shop (which just happens to be in our village). Donations of other raffle prizes, value not exceeding £10, are invited.
You will not find a similar event anywhere else. It is thought that Old Buckenham, in conjunction with Breckland District Council, is the first with such an initiative to support the need to promote the environment and recycling. Please make sure you at least pop in, you might well be surprised by what you learn.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

School will be out on the Green


The Chalk Hill Gang
Why not go along to the local performance of ‘The Chalk Hill Gang’ that is to be staged as part of the Norwich 'Theatre in the Parks' festival. It will be performed by the CA Theatre Group outside the Ox & Plough, Old Buckenham, on Friday 10 July at 7-30pm.
This is a free event.
So what is The Chalk Hill Gang all about? If your dog has eaten your homework, your robot is running riot and your science project has exploded, then it's just another day at Chalk Hill School. It’s sort of High School Musical meets Bash Street Kids in Crude Apache's hilarious new musical comedy, suitable for all the family.

If you can’t make this date then it is also on at Wymondham High School, Folly Road, Wymondham on Wednesday 22 July at 7pm.
All shows are free so why not bring along a blanket and a picnic for an entertaining evening out. For further information you can telephone 01953 861333.

Monday 15 June 2009

Fete information


Time to book your spot
Make a date for the village fete to be held Saturday 5 September between 2pm and 4pm on the green in front of the village hall. A number of stalls have been booked and the fete committee under the chairmanship of David Hannah is looking at other attractions for the afternoon including entertainment and a barbeque. Anyone wishing to book a stall at £5 per table should contact Alison on 860692. The next fete meeting will be held in the Memorial Room of the village hall on Monday 20 July at 7.30pm when everyone is welcome to attend.

Sunday 14 June 2009

Inside views of royal life

Social and Wine Circle
He was so entertaining when he came to speak last year that Patrick Thompson was invited back in June to give another talk to the Old Buckenham Social and Wine Circle.
Having held a high position in the Royal Household, Patrick was able to give various insights into life at the palaces. He gave details, amongst many other things, of how to get a card sent from the Queen for your diamond wedding anniversary, the sizes of the union flags flown at Buckingham Palace, the joys of being part of the carriage ride at Royal Ascot and the responsibilities of the royal piper and the royal flower arranger. He talked about this year’s Maundy service at Bury St Edmonds which he had found most moving.
Next month the Social and Wine Circle will be having an al fresco evening in Barbara and John’s garden in Mill Road, just eating, drinking and talking.

Monday 8 June 2009

Soon to meet up?

Making contact
This blog is read by people from all over the world. A person living in Canada, who is visiting Norfolk soon, was searching for an old work acquaintance who they hoped to be able to meet during their trip over here. The name they were searching for was found on one of the blog pages, a message was left in the comment box and the newsletter editor has been able to put the two parties in touch with each other.
Such is the power of the internet.

Sunday 7 June 2009

Local money winners

Numbers Club
The crib evening in June was well attended and the winners were Jill Emms, Julian Goodey, Bill Cheesley, Richard Cockerill and Dave Livingstone.
The June winners of the numbers club (which raises money for the village hall) were drawn and they were: £25 to Peggy Bertram, £10 each to Julie Getley and Mrs J Marshall with the £5 prizes going to Jean Wade, Brian Oliver, Alan Soanes, Bev McAnulty and Alan Staniforth.

Saturday 6 June 2009

The fourth of July


A Midsummer Miscellany
There will be a Old Buckenham ‘village concert’ on Saturday 4 July.
Forget American Independence Day celebrations, never mind the Ladies’ Final at Wimbledon, the big event on the fourth of July this year will be the Old Buckenham Midsummer Miscellany.
The plan is to stage a village concert where all ages can enjoy a performance of music, poetry, words, song and then good barbecue food, all in aid of All Saints Church.
The Cubs and Beavers, Old Buckenham Community Primary School and Old Buckenham High School will be taking part as will Old Buckenham WI and the Hand Bells Group. The concert will provide an opportunity to celebrate the wealth and variety of talent in the village.
The concert will be in All Saints Church at 5pm, a time designed to suit all the family, and will be followed by a barbecue in the Church grounds.
The organisers really hope that you can offer your support to the performers and in turn assist with much needed fundraising for the parish Church. In return they aim to provide a great fun community event.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children, which includes a meal from the barbecue and a soft drink, will be on sale at Old Buckenham Stores or you can contact Helen on 01953 861353.

Friday 5 June 2009

Local election result

Guiltcross Division
If you are interested in the result of the election for our local county councillor you can see the details here:

http://elections.norfolk.gov.uk/std_index.asp?divisionid=34&x=8&y=7

Busy supporting bees

Women’s Institute report
At Old Buckenham’s May meeting, members discussed the Resolution for debate at the national WI Annual General Meeting . Susan Hunter went through the single proposal, one that urges HM government to increase funding for research into honey bee health. This subject is very apposite at the moment with much public debate and media coverage. The honey bee population is under attack from the Varroa parasitic mite. Also ‘colony collapse’ is wiping out whole colonies of bee hives. Bees play such a critical part in biodiversity and their honey production and plant pollination are also vital to the population’s health and wellbeing. After some interesting discussion the President will be on her way to the Albert Hall with unanimous support from Old Buckenham.
Members were then given a demonstration by Michelle from Sussex Farmhouse Foods, a firm delivering ‘the finest quality frozen meals to your door’. There was a tasting session with two examples of their main course products and two desserts to sample. The smells that wafted in from the Village Hall kitchen were tempting, and members were soon all tasting the lamb and apricot casserole, roast chicken (both with vegetables), lemon meringue pie and blackcurrant cheesecake. These were much enjoyed and got the general approval of those present.
Three members, who had recently attended courses at the WI Denman College, brought examples of their handiwork. As always, they had had a most interesting and hard-working time but had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Members who had attended the 90th anniversary service in Norwich Cathedral reported that it had been a most memorable and moving service. Without doubt, the singing of ‘Jerusalem’ had made a great impression on them.
Old Buckenham WI have also been busy providing refreshments at various village functions including the Book Sale, with proceeds for this helping towards the new Village Hall kitchen fund (a project close to this WI’s heart).

Monday 1 June 2009

Pictures at the exhibition











The Bucks PhotoShow
Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2009-
New Buckenham Village Hall
The Bucks Photoshow at the end of May was well supported by people from both villages. Of the 32 exhibitors, 11 came from New Buckenham and 9 live in Old Buckenham.
Old Buckenham resident Alison Hannah went along to the first night and here is her review of what she saw.

Attracting over 30 exhibitors from New and Old Buckenham and the surrounding area, the ‘Bucks PhotoShow’ at New Buckenham Village Hall was a wonderful showcase for local talent. Photographers from 17 to 70+ had the opportunity to display their work – some never having done so before. The result was a fascinating collection of well-presented photographic art – covering every kind of subject. From New Buckenham Market Place to the distant splendours of the Ganges or Cuba; from seascapes and wild skies to zoo and wildlife; and from the brilliant colour of the digital abstract to black and white portraiture – the range was inspiring. Although many of the photographs were for sale, it was evident that for those taking part it was having this chance to share their love of the visual image that was most important.

It was a real pleasure to see the work of the amateur ‘who just loves to take photos’ given the same prominence as the professional work – and sometimes it was hard to tell which was which. The organisers, who masterminded the event with a group of volunteers, were delighted with the response on the first night of the weekend-long exhibition. This second show, which grew out of the popular New Buckenham Art Exhibition, had this year attracted even more entrants and yet higher standards than the first. It’s hoped that the event would go from strength to strength, becoming a regular bi-annual fixture in the Buckenhams' calendar.

Just flown in


One more thing to do in June