That busy day in Old Buckenham

Loads to do

The blog editor was out and about in the hot sun for quite a lot yesterday. And he managed to miss all the football hysteria.

First of all there was a session of litter picking on the Green. Thanks to the work done a couple of months ago, there was not so much to pick up this time.

Then it was off to the Chapel Green School fete, the first to be held on their new site in the village. There were stalls and other activities to help you spend your money as well as the opportunity to go on a tour around the school to see all the facilities. The outside areas, now nearing completion, are most impressive and it was surprising that more Old Buckenham residents didn't take the opportunity to see them at close quarters.

After a quick diversion to New Buckenham (it was their village show) it was back to Old Buckenham for the evening Garden Party at the home of Barbara and John Frost. This is an annual event to raise funds for All Saints church, this year with an emphasis on the 'Raise the Roof' fund-raising. There was glorious sunshine, wine, an over-active tombola and a huge raffle as well as all the tempting food so everyone had a great evening.

The blog editor had a film to go and see in New Buckenham so he left while events were in full swing. No doubt it went on well into the evening, succeeding in its purpose of raising money for All Saints and its roof.

Jane Austen talk in Old Buckenham

Love of literature

You are invited to attend a talk being delivered by Rev Jacqui Horton at Old Buckenham Methodist Church on Monday 9 July starting at 7pm.

Jacqui was posted to a parish in Hampshire some years ago which included the house where Jane Austen lived. Ever since then she has had a fascination on her life, works and the places she has lived. She has visited a range of properties and researched much about her life and has now created a presentation on her findings. The evening will also include a piano performance of the music that Jane used to play herself.

The event is free and will include refreshments. Please feel free to bring someone else with you and to open this invitation to anyone who may be interested in history or literature.

Clearing around Old Buckenham pond

Cutting back

In case you wondered what has been going on today around Ottomer Pond on the Green, the explanation is that UK Power Networks have been clearing trees that have grown too close to the electric power cables that pass over the pond.

They expect to be there again next Friday and maybe the one after that.

Don't miss Old Buckenham Fete

Stalls, food, entertainment and a dog show

The weather is going to be great so come along and enjoy yourselves. All the details are on the poster.

(click on the image to enlarge it)

A day at Old Buckenham village fete

Fundraising can be fun

The weather has been so predictable lately that you knew it would be a hot dry day. Stall holders were busy setting up during the morning, visitors started arriving after midday and continued over the next few hours. Games of chance were played, prizes were won, goods were bought, competitions were entered, tea was drunk, burgers, cakes and ice cream were eaten, children were entertained. 

Here is a photo diary of some of the activities.

Awaiting the first customers

Final arranging of the tombola prizes

All set up and ready to go

Stevie Spud begins his entertainment

Scouts get the burgers started on the barbecue

Karin, headteacher at Chapel Green School, does the formal opening

You could buy an ice cream from this man

Phin and his family have fun

Stevie Spud advises on stilt walking

The rector updates his juggling skills

Lorries of all sizes have come along

Soon it's time to pack things away

Hopefully less things go home than were brought along earlier

Final clearing up of entertainer's equipment

All that's left soon after 4pm in front of the Village Hall

Old Buckenham Women’s Institute

Who do you think you are?

At the June meeting of Old Buckenham WI the speaker was Liz Keable, a Personal Success mentor and trainer. Her subject was 'You Are What You Think.' A biologist with a special interest in the brain and often known as the 'Brain Lady', Liz always pursued brain-friendly ways of teaching. People have different ways of learning and members filled in a questionnaire to discover whether they used visual, auditory or kinesthetic means.

Babies are born with few and unconnected brain cells but by the time they are a year old these have increased and formed a neural network achieved by learning, using mostly smell and taste. Before the age of seven children learn differently, soaking up information which they put into practice from then on. The five senses are the only way of learning and decisions are made starting with thinking then feelings and actions leading to results. So if you want to change something in your life it must start with thinking.

Our local delegate at the WI's Annual Meeting in Cardiff, Pauline Chamberlain from Attleborough WI, gave a report on that meeting. The resolution on Mental Health Matters gained a majority of 98% in favour. The speakers at the meeting were Huw Edwards, the newsreader and Stella Rimington, formerly of MI5 and now a novelist. It is said that Judy Dench's M in the Bond films was based on her.

Arrangements were made for the Old Buckenham village fete, a Progressive Supper and planned theatre outings to both Guys and Dolls and Calendar Girls the Musical were discussed.

On Thursday 26 July the speaker at the meeting will be Jon Read who will be talking about stainless steel tableware. At the following meeting  on Thursday 23 August Old Buckenham WI will welcome their friends from New Costessey WI and the speaker is Sue Sursham on the Trans Siberian Railway.

Wedding flowers in Old Buckenham

Breckland Flower and Garden Club

On Thursday 12 July Breckland Flower and Garden Club (BFGC) members flocked to Old Buckenham Village Hall for their monthly meeting. Chairman, Joy Tunmore, introduced Tim Green as the speaker with his demonstration titled “Wedding Belles. It was Tim’s first visit to the Club. He now lives in Downham Market after moving from London to enjoy a slower pace of life. Even so he worked at a remarkable pace while talking about his love, at an early age, of flower arranging and in his early twenties owning his first florists business in London. Tim created six beautiful arrangements using lilies, roses, gerberas, stocks, etc in colours and designs associated with weddings, both vintage and modern. When the raffle was drawn, six members were delighted to be taking one of the arrangements home with them.

The afternoon concluded with refreshments, the chairman’s charity raffle and a chance to make final purchases from the sales table. The competition this month was “Something old, something new, something borrowed and blue!” There were five entries and the winners were Advanced, Pat Barton, and New Hands, Glynis Allin. The table show was “First rose of the summer”. The five beautiful roses displayed were all declared winners.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 9 August with “our own girls” doing a demonstration “Summer time and the living is easy”. Visitors are always welcome for a small charge of £6. For further information please contact Christine Hewson on 01953 45428 or Sally Westrop on 01953 788712.