THE SIX VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

May 2018

Banham, Old Buckenham, New Buckenham, Quidenham, Eccles & Wilby

SIX VILLAGES NEWSLETTER

Spread your branches

I’ve only lived in Old Buckenham for twenty-six years but people keep commenting about how many people I know. People making this comment have often lived here much longer than me. So why is this? It’s probably because I take part in lots of village activities, not only in Old Buckenham where I live but also in New Buckenham, in Banham and in Attleborough. I like talking to people, I go out for walks (even though I haven’t got a dog). I always have a camera with me (sometimes even better if you want to talk to people) and I produce a newsletter for the residents of Old Buckenham. Being a newsletter editor does help. People come to you with their stories about the church roof, the latest play they are going to put on, what the Women’s Institute are doing next month, activities at the pubs and stories about the local schools. You get to put paintings in art shows and have your photographs displayed for all to see. Putting the parish council minutes into a reader-friendly form means Old Buckenham residents have a pretty good idea what is going on throughout their neighbourhood. These new contacts that you make then can become friends if you stop and chat when you meet them in the local supermarket. Or perhaps you can go and sit next to them when you see them in the waiting room at the doctors’ surgery. If you take part in things then others will start to recognise your name as an occasional letter writer in the EDP, in the Guardian or even see items in the Village People magazine. Then they will possibly pluck up courage and come and speak to you. As a result you will learn more and they will widen their group of friends. Loneliness is not really a word in my vocabulary even though I’ve lived alone for eight years since my wife died. Take the initiative, stay cheerful and you can be busy all the time. Ron Brewer Editor of the Old Buckenham newsletter and village blog.

Do you need leaflets printed? As you know we now outsource our magazine printing. We still have our duplicator which we can potentially make available for community needs. It suits print runs of 25 or more and does black and white A4 only (you can fit two A5 leaflets on an A4 sheet!). We would only ask for a contribution towards costs. Get in touch with our editing team if you are interested (contacts on Page 24).

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Reports from Local Clubs

Attleborough and District Gardening Club – Jenny North opened the March meeting with the sad news that one of our long standing members, John Don, had passed away on Monday 19 March 2018. John was always willing and happy to help and was a committed exhibitor on the show bench showing off his undoubted skills as a horticulturist. The speaker for the evening, Geoff Hinchley gave a talk on his time in Chile and Patagonia over the period of the Millenium. His photographs were wonderful and we thoroughly appreciated his talk. Our next meeting will be held on Wed 16th May at 7.30pm in Attleborough Primary School, Besthorpe Road. The speaker will be Kristopher Harper who will give a slide demonstration on Fuchsias. Visitors and New Members welcome. Contact Jenny North 01953 455481.

Old Buckenham WI –Members were welcomed to the March meeting especially our secretary Pat who has been away on a world tour for the last three months. After the business members learnt to love stinging nettles more with an excellent talk by Fay Jones. We were told how to turn raw nettles into usable fibre, their use as dyes, as an alternative to spinach, how they can be made into drinks such as beer, tea, cordial, gin and jelly and their value in the garden as a plant tonic and for the insects that depend on them. Fay’s knowledge and enthusiasm was obvious. Outings planned for the summer included a tour of the Biomass plant at Snetterton, a garden visit, an excursion on the Wymondham to Dereham railway and a Blue Badge guide in Norwich. To celebrate our 50 years as a WI, a Hornbeam tree was planted on the Green The next meeting is on Thursday 24th May, 7.30pm, at OB Village Hall when members will discuss and vote on this year's resolution 'Mental Health Matters.' The result being taken to the national WI Annual meeting in June

Breckland Flower & Garden Club – Over sixty ladies gathered for the April meeting. It was a delight to welcome Bernard Collingsworth who presented his demonstration titled “From Fields to Dreams”. He entertained us with his skills creating six outstanding designs, using mostly garden foliage, calla lilies, roses, and gerberas in subtle pinks to a more vibrant red and orange hues. Refreshments followed allowing the ladies an opportunity to chat with Bernard and take photos of his beautiful displays on stage. This year the club is supporting the NNUH Breast Cancer Unit raising money for new equipment. Fund raising events will be held throughout the year. Any donations and support for forthcoming events will be welcome. Our next meeting will be on 10th May 2pm-4pm at OB Village Hall. The guest speaker will be Neil Bradfield talking about “Creative Spring Planting”. Visitors are welcome for a small charge of £6. Annual membership is £30. For more info. contact Christine 01953 454528 or Sally 01953 788712.

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News from Norfolk County Council Findings of Norfolk’s first independent mobile coverage survey - An extensive independent survey has found that attempts to make a mobile phone call in locations across Norfolk are likely to be unsuccessful nearly one in five times. Norfolk County Council commissioned the survey earlier this year to establish a true picture of mobile voice and data coverage in the county. The survey was carried out between February and March along more than 3,400 miles of Norfolk’s roads but also at 30 railway stations and main railway lines, enterprise zones and popular tourist sites and destinations. NCC will use this information to make a difference and improve mobile phone coverage in Norfolk. It has already made the four main mobile network providers the offer of installing their mobile infrastructure on more than 200 public sector buildings and structures in the county and now need to match these structures with the ‘not spots’ identified in the survey. 2018 Surface Dressing Work - Work started last month to add a new seal to more than 320 miles of Norfolk’s roads this spring and summer. The £10.4m surface dressing scheme will extend the life of the roads and provide a new skid-resistant surface to help reduce the risk of accidents. A thin layer of bitumen and chippings is laid onto the road, stopping water penetration and reducing the number of potholes caused by frost. Vehicles passing over the new surface plays an important part in helping the new surface to settle in. Casework Notice - Please note that I am unable to take up casework matters on my social media platform. If you would like to contact me about an issue, please get in touch using the contact information below. If you would like to raise an issue with me, please ensure that you include your full name, address and postcode, email address and telephone number as well as outline the issue and include or attach any relevant material. Stephen Askew, Member for Guiltcross Division Stephen.askew@norfolk.gov.uk Tel 01953861481

News from Breckland District Council Temporary Accommodation - Breckland Councillors have agreed to invest over £1m in providing new temporary accommodation to help meet the needs of those who experience homelessness in the district and keep families together. During the Heavy Snow during February /March, Breckland Officers ensured that there were no rough sleepers in the street or in the forest. Breckland World War One Heritage Fund -. To mark the centenary year of the First World War armistice, Breckland Council has set up a fund to support local organisations and communities who wish to stage events and develop projects that explore, share and conserve the heritage of the war in the district. The new provides grants of up to £500 to support a wide range of projects

Derelict house in Banham - Breckland Housing Officers have now made "Lucys' Shop their main priority within the Unsightly Buildings list, I will feed back to Banham Parish Council and Six Villages Magazine of progress. Adrian Joel, Breckland councilor for Buckenhams’ and Banham Wards Telephone: 01953 860663 E-mail: adrianpjoel@btinternet.com

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Garden Jottings from Ken

Gardening is very diverse and everybody’s taste is a little different. One of the best ways of improving your garden and gardening skills is to go and see what other people have achieved and take home a few ideas. You’re never too old to learn something new and in many cases they share the same problems that you do. If you look closely you will discover that a few weeds and various pest and disease problems are normal, and it’s not Nature’s personal attack on you!

Wherever you go, look around at the plants, whether it’s in supermarket car parks with their tough and reliable easy maintenance selection, the vast herbaceous borders of stately homes or a municipal park displaying labour intensive carpet bedding - all offer inspiration that can be applied to your own outside space. If the opportunity arises go and have a look at some Open Gardens, particularly those in local villages, where residents bravely open their side gates for a good cause and allow the public a sneaky peek into their private space. These are genuine gardens maintained on an average budget in the owners’ spare time, giving you a good idea of what you can achieve on your plot.

Open Garden events in the Six Villages area include New Buckenham on Sunday 10 June, Old Buckenham on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July, so put these dates in your diary, look out for posters and adverts for others nearby. If you’re opening your garden we have all you need to make your plot look stunning, and if you’re visiting take a close-up photo of your favourite plants then call in to The Garden Enclosure to add them into your plan.

Britain has a wealth of gardening tips and traditions, and the nice thing about gardeners is their willingness to share a little time passing on some of their wisdom to others. Ask a gardener the best time to prune a rose bush, or how to stake a tree, and he or she will happily tell you, but ask a top vegetable showman for the secret to growing such perfectly flawless and sometimes ridiculously enormous produce and you’ll probably get an evasive answer. Some of the whispered comments at Open Gardens are ‘it’s not as good as mine’ or ‘I could do better than that’- so come on, why not open yours next time and prove it! Cheers, Ken The Garden Enclosure, Banham - open for gardens!

The Garden Enclosure

Independent Plant Centre and Garden Shop

01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk

Inspiring plant selections, plant sourcing and garden advice, gardening and floristry sundries, pet supplies, gifts…..and more!

Find us at Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE by the entry kiosks Open Thursday to Monday, 9.30 am to 5 pm (10am to 4pm Nov to Feb)

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Mobile Library Service – May visits Route CENS5412 Friday 11th Old Buckenham 10.00 The Sun (ex. pub) 10.25 St Andrew’s Close 10.50 Hargham Road 11.15 Fen Street New Buckenham

11.40 Banham Dam Brigg (Haugh Rd bungalows)

13.20 Chapel Street (leaving 15.15)

Route CEN348 Wednesday 23rd Banham 14.55 Mill Road 15.20 Apple Close 16.00 The Green Route CEN5415 Friday 25th Quidenham 11.25 ex. Post Office 14.30 St Edmunds Lodge

Local Bus Services Semence Coaches 10A Semence Coaches 1 Outward Mondays to Fridays Outward Sat Banham, adj sch 0700 0928 OB, adj Green 0909 OB, adj Green 0707 0935 NB, opp Green 0916 NB, adj Green 0712 0940 Banham, opp sch 0923

-- -- -- Quid, opp Home Fm 0933 Norwich, St Stephens 0810 1032 Diss, adj Bus Station 1005 Return Mondays to Fridays Return Sat Norwich, St Stephens 1320 1610 1745 Diss, adj Bus Station 1200

-- -- -- Quid, adj Home Fm 1229 NB, opp Green 1404 1655 1830 Banham, adj sch 1239 OB, opp Green 1408 1701 1836 NB, adj Green 1246 Banham, opp sch 1412 1705 1840 OB, opp Green 1253 Flexibus – book your journey (by 3pm the day before) - 0300 1231145 Concessionary travel for O.A.Ps – apply for free bus travel pass – 0344 800 8020

Information regarding rural crime from Norfolk Police Type of incident

Who to contact Non Urgent Urg

ent Farm/Agricultural & gen advice

DC Andy Brown

Tel 101 or 07900 407106 OperationRandall@norfolk.pnn.police.uk 999

Metal Theft DC Andy Brown

Tel 101 or 07900 407106 OperationRandall@norfolk.pnn.police.uk 999

Wildlife Crime Insp Jon Papworth

Tel 101 or WildlifeCrime@norfolk.pnn.police.uk 999

Community concerns

Sgt Mark Askham OperationRandall@norfolk.pnn.police.uk 999

Other enquiries DC Andy Brown OperationRandall@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

Wildlife Crime – to report current or very recent incidents please dial 999. The Wildlife Crime Officers for Breckland are Insp Jon Papworth and Sgt Andy Tomlinson. Contact them via WildlifeCrime@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

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Lip Reading Classes - Free lip reading classes. Small friendly group at New Buckenham village hall on Wednesdays 1 - 3pm. Just come along or contact: lipreadingwithhayley@gmail.com for more information.

Bridge in Attleborough every Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 4.45pm. Enjoy a friendly game of Bridge at Holly Court, near St Mary's Church. We play the Chicago version, and provide refreshments. It will only cost you £1, and new members are very welcome. Contact Bob Gee on 01953 887743, email bobgee49@live.co.uk or phone Mary Parker on 01953 860167 for more info

The Arts Society Diss - meet at Diss Corn Hall and have one ninety minute lecture per month, given by a highly-respected figure from the world of art, antiques, history or travel. Everyone welcome For more information visit http://dissdfas.org.uk

Bunwell Camera Club meet at the Tibenham Community Hall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8pm. Bunwell & District Camera Club is a small friendly club. Details at http://www.bdcameraclub.co.uk/

Attleborough Health Walks – join the Attleborough ramblers for interesting weekly walks (some starting from our local villages). The walks start at 10.30am and vary from 2 to 5 miles. Below is the schedule for May giving meeting points: 7 May, Fundenhall. St. Nicholas’ Church, Church Lane, NR16 1AH (3.8 miles) 14 May, Mulbarton. Village Hall Car Park, The Common, NR14 8AE (3.95miles) 21 May, New Buckenham. Village Hall, Moat Lane, NR16 2AU (1.75 or 3.6 mls) 28 May, Winfarthing. St. Mary's Church. IP22 2ED (4.1 miles) For more info. contact Brian Lawrence on 01953 454635 or 07710 248303

East Harling Athletics Club - Harling AC is a friendly but competitive athletics club. It is committed to promoting athletics within the local community. We welcome juniors (aged 7+) and seniors of all abilities. We offer training in road running, cross country and track and field events. Training sessions take place at East Harling Sports Club and Old Buckenham High School. Whether you want to improve your fitness, compete, or just have fun why not come along and try one of our sessions. Training Times – Juniors / Seniors – East Harling Sports Club, Saturday 9.00 – 10.30am, Monday 7.00 – 8.00pm: Juniors – Old Buckenham High School, Tuesday 7.00 – 8.15 pm: Seniors – long distance run Sun 8.00 am Contact Details - Email: harlingathletics@gmail.com, Mobile: 07825 612692 Website: www.harlingac.com, Facebook: Harling Athletics Club

Old Buckenham Methodist Church - The ladies group that meets at Old Buckenham Methodist Church is wanting to re-invent itself! From May 9th, the group is going to meet every 4 weeks on a Wednesday afternoon instead of once every calendar month. The meetings will alternate between a speaker and a shared activity or discussion. On May 9th (starting at 2:30pm) Jacqui Horton will tell the story of her Jane Austen 'Bookbench' - bought at auction last September. Four weeks later, on June 6th attenders are asked to bring a favourite book to share with the group. Each meeting will begin with a Hymn, a reading and a prayer and will end with light refreshments If anyone would like further details before coming along, please contact Gill Large on 860599

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A view from the Rectory May

‘Oh what transport of delight’ sing Flanders And Swan about the London omnibuses. To me, the familiarity of the phrase comes from ‘The king of love my shepherd is’, based on Psalm 23. I am hoping we can supply the Bishop of Norwich, Right. Revd. Graham James, with transport of delight when he visits our six villages on the 6th May (Service in Wilby at 10am), for we plan Tractors, Horse and racing carriage, and Ambulater in the course of his day. I hope the weather’s a delight too. The following week we celebrate the Ascension of Christ and the beginning of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ week – a week encouraging people to pray for this country in a more concerted way. I hope you will join in. The Anglican, Methodist and New Life Churches will all be having different events during the ten days starting on the 10th May. If you like to be up early, come for prayers each morning at St. Mary’s Banham, 7am. If you’re more a nightingale, then sing at the Methodist Songs of Praise (16th at 7pm), or dance - Banham Community Centre on the 19th! If you need transport to get to these, then please ask and we wil find you someone delightful to help �. I write this while still in the glow of Easter and all the positive music that comes in the season in church after the somewhat sombre season of Lent. I hope that you will find sources of delight through your prayers, in whatever weather we are sent, and even your transport. And yes, alright. I made up Ambulater. He’s walking one section, weather permitting. Steve Wright

More details of our churches and events on www.quidenhamgroup.co.uk

Contact details Priest in charge Rev Canon Stephen Wright 01953 887183 For Banham Rev Michael Richardson 01953 888958 For Old Buckenham Rev Alistair Monkhouse 01953 860845 For New Buckenham Mrs Helen Pearson (Reader) 01953 860251 For Eccles Quid & Wilby Rev Alan Smith 01953 860550

Benefice Administrator Jill Moses jillannm1@gmail.com 01953 887413

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Old Buckenham Methodist Church, Hargham Road hold an informal, friendly service every Sunday morning at 10.45 am. All are welcome. For more information on activities or for enquiries to hire the church for events please visit our website http://oldbuckenhammethodist.yolasite.com/ phone 01953 861207 or email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk

Banham Spire Lighting: Do you have an anniversary soon? A wedding or special event in your life? For just £5 a night you can have the church spire lit up to celebrate your special day. Please contact Canon Stephen Wright on 01953 887183

Please note: Closing date for church material for June middle pages will be Thursday 17th May. Send direct to sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com or contact Sally on 01953 888183

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All the usual goodies (Bacon rolls, scones, cakes, hot drinks etc)

All welcome

at St. Mary’s Church, Banham. For young people over 11.

Contact Steph or Jonathan on 01953 887396

Open Door St Mary’s Church, Banham 3 - 4.30pm

Tuesday 15th May Tea, cakes and a friendly chat

All Welcome

New Life Church (affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance) meet at Banham Community Centre

Morning Services every Sun (except the last Sun. of each month) at 10am Evening Service on the last Sunday of each month at 6.00 pm

Everyone is welcome to join us in these services visit www.nlcbanham.org.uk or ring Jonathan Richardson on 01953 887396

Friday Club

Fridays 6.15–7.15pm (during term time)

For children up to 9 year. meets at Rowancroft,

Kenninghall Rd, Banham

Contact Steve and Gill Eggleton. 01953 887579

Youth Café Fridays

7.30-9.30pm (during term time)

Friends of Banham Church (FOBC) FOBC is set up to support the fabric of our historic village centrepiece. Funds are raised through events during the year and by subscriptions of only £10 per year. To join, please pick up a form from one of our events or in the Church.

Messy Church Banham Church 4-6pm

Sunday 13th May If you would like to get involved or help please

contact Steve on 01953 887183.

Saturday Cafe St Mary’s Banham

5th May, 10-12noon

Thanks from All Saints, Old Buckenham - On behalf of All Saints PCC may I thank everyone who took part in our annual Remembrance lily celebration on Easter Day. Thank you also for the many generous donations we received which will go towards our ‘Raise the roof fund’ to re-thatch our deteriorating roof. If you were unable to visit the church to see all the displays pictures are posted on the Old Buckenham blog spot; http.//oldbuckenham.blogspot.com . With many thanks and best wishes Alistair Monkhouse 1st World War memorabilia - To mark 100 years since the ending of the First World War, I would like to have a commemorative exhibition in Banham Church. I have downloaded various details from the war memorial / war graves website, and further details about the memorial itself. I am also interested in any surviving links to families still in the village/area. I would like to request that if anyone has family links to those listed on the war memorial, and has any family history or photos that they would be willing to share, that they contact me davidhicks24@btinternet.com or 01953 887575.

Bishop helps to Raise the Roof, All Saints Church On Rogation Sunday, 6th May, the Bishop of Norwich will visit the Quidenham Group of Parishes. Following the Group service at Wilby, he will move on to Old Buckenham Church Rooms to meet members of the community, over

sherry and "nibbles", sponsored by a member of P.C.C. Everyone welcome. This is your chance to meet the Bishop. Later the Bishop will join interested persons at the Gamekeeper for Lunch, to support the fundraising required to re-thatch the roof at All Saints Church. We celebrate and thank everyone for the monies raised so far by their hard work and initiative, and are hoping to both motivate the community, and raise money for the roof restoration. Numbers are restricted, due to size of venue, and early purchase of tickets at £50 per head, only available from Ray Bayfield (860593), and Terry Cracknell ( 860747 ) is recommended. All the money raised from the ticket price will go to the fund. The total cost of re-thatching the roof is expected to be between £80,000 and £100,000, We encourage the Old Buckenham community to support the cause to keep the building open.

Thy Kingdom Come Week - there will be joint events happening between 10th and 20th May in Old Buckenham, New Buckenham and Banham, jointly organised by the Church of England, the Methodists and New Life Church. Some of the events have been mentioned in the ‘View from the Rectory’ (Page 11). If you want to find out more details about these and other events please contact Richard on 01953861207 or email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk

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Services for May 2018 Sunday 6th Rogation Sunday – all six churches in Wilby at 10am

Readings: Dt. 8.1-10; Ps107.1-9; John 15.9-17

Sunday 13th 7th Sunday of Easter

Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

New Buckenham 18.30 Evensong

Old Buckenham 08.00 09.30

Holy Communion Morning Worship

Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist

Readings: Acts 1.15-17, 21-end; Psalm 1; 1 John 5.9-13 John 17.6-19

Sunday 20th Pentecost/Whit Sunday

Banham 09.30 Morning Worship

New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

Quidenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Readings: Acts 2.1-21; Psalm 104.26-end; Romans 8.22-27; John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15

Sunday 27th Trinity Sunday

Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

New Buckenham 11.00 Morning Worship

Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

Eccles 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 6.1-8 Psalm 29 Romans 8.12-17 John 3.1-17

Holy Communion: All Saints, OB–1st Tuesday of the month followed by coffee in the Church Rooms.

Christian Aid Week 13-19th May, St Mary's Banham - Please will you help people in great need by giving as much as you can in the special envelopes. Return them to Church or PO in Banham. There will be a Sunday lunch with all money going to Christian Aid on Sunday 20th May at 12.15pm. £12 for three courses plus tea or coffee. All welcome.

Open Gardens in Banham will be happening again this year. Would you be willing to help by opening your garden or helping to serve refreshments in church or at Millcroft? A Meeting to be held at Millcroft, Mill Road on 3rd May at 7 pm, when decisions will be made. Joy Stanley 01953 887175

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Forthcoming events at Garnier Hall Fri 18th May – Join us for a Stag & Hen Party honouring the Royal Wedding of Harry and Megan. Stag & Bride fancy dress optional. Starting from 7.30pm Live music Party in Park in summer, further details will follow. For further details view at www.garniervillagehall.co.uk

Movies @ St Marys - Saturday 12th May, Find your Feet (change of movie) A retiring middle class snob discovers her husband is having an affair with her best friend and goes into exile with her bohemian sister who lives on an inner-city council estate. Stars Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley and Imelda Stauton. Tickets: £5 on the door or £4.50 in advance from Banham Post Office or contact 01953 887575. Film starts at 7.45pm. Join us at the church for a pre-film meal at 7pm (£4 additional charge). Drinks and refreshments available.

Concert at Old Buckenham Methodist Church -On Thursday 10th May, at 7:30pm, New Buckenham Silver Band is once again giving a Concert. Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection of donations if desired. There will be light refreshments. For more information contact gilllarge@btinternet.com

Little Ouse Headwaters Project Peat Fest, Monday 7th May at Blo Norton Village Hall and Parkers Piece Peat Fest will run from 10am - 3pm and includes guided walks, peat burning, cooking, children’s activities, displays, food stalls, windmill tours (£4)

and an art exhibition. Mike Harding will be leading a talk & walk, entitled ‘Meet the Peat’ starting at 10.30am from the windmill. Dogs welcome on leads. We’d love to see you there. Come along anytime and enjoy our sites. There is a map and more info on our website: www.lohp.org.uk

Burgate Singers - The next concert to be given by the Burgate Singers and Burgate Sinfonia will take place in Burgate Church on Sunday May 12th at 7.30pm. The programme is: Handel - Overture to the Royal Fireworks Music and Dixit Dominus; and Verdi - Four Sacred pieces. Tickets: £16 (under 16s) and £18, supper afterwards £5. Pay at the door or phone 01379 677 333.

Old Buckenham Players present The Tempest by William Shakespeare

17-19th May nightly at 7.30pm at OB Village Hall Tickets £8 available at Old Buckenham stores, Nut ‘n’ Bolts Attleborough or call the box office on 01953 851948

Old Buckenham Players take on a Shakespeare classic to celebrate their 40th Anniversary! Set on a remote island following an epic storm, we meet both outsiders and islanders on a journey of magic, murder-plots, romance and much humour. We can guarantee your enjoyment and appreciation of the efforts of all involved, so why not join us in celebrating local talent at its best. There'll be a raffle and a very reasonably priced bar serving a range of soft and alcoholic drinks. Visit www.oldbuckenhamplayers.co.uk

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Buckenham Pre-School Group – You are invited to an Open Event on Wednesday 23rd May from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. The Pre-School, which is in the grounds of Old Buckenham Primary School, takes children from age 2 until primary school entry. Funding is available for eligible children. For further info. please contact - Claire Hancy – Supervisor on 07799778806 (school hours) or 01953 860244. Come along and find out more about our friendly Pre-School.

Friends of Banham Church (FOBC) invite you to a Jigzaw Puzzle Race

on Sat 9th June in Banham Church, 6pm – 9pm Come along with family (children included) and/or friends in teams of four to take part in a fun competition to complete a 500 piece jigsaw (prizes for the winning team). The cost is £18 for a team of four and includes a light supper. If you can’t get a team together come anyway and we’ll make up teams on the night (cost per person £5). There will be hot drinks, wine and soft drinks served all evening. To help with catering please contact Sally on 01953 888183 or sallymcginn21@gmail.com to book your table.

“Rock, Crackle and Roll” - In aid of the NSPCC. Dine on a Hog Roast and swing to the Sixties at Lyng Farm, Garboldisham on Friday 15th June. Guests welcome from 6.30pm, hog roast at 7.30pm. Tickets £20 (includes a welcome drink) must be bought in advance. Contact Mrs Caroline Elliott, email top.barn@btinternet.com. Cheques (to NSPCC,) to be sent to Top Barn, Wymondham Rd, Wramplingham, Wymondham, NR18 0RZ

Keep this date free in your diary – our ever popular annual Summer fete at Banham Community Centre is on Saturday 7th July from 11am to 4pm. Raffle, gifts, face painting BBQ, Bar, stalls, entertainment, dance, games, bouncy castle and lots more. More details nearer the time. Enquiries & bookings welcome! Email: Banhamcc@mail.com or Facebook.com/Banhamcc/.

Breda’s monthly verse

The Black Prince The hedgerows play host to the noble Blackthorn, With its first show of blossom; white as the pure driven snow. Little clusters of delicate petals appear to grow, With zeal and such urgency on dark stems devoid of foliage. Tiny green shoots start to nervously appear, Bound tightly at first; in readiness to burst. Elegant blooms some tinged with pink, Slowly bow their heads, sadly, soon to be extinct. Some falling gently, to the ground, Quietly, dying without a sound. Their fragrance alas taken, but shed not a tear, As the Black Prince of the hedgerow, Will reappear in splendour, Serene again, year after year. Breda Ware

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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

What’s going on at our community venues?

Banham Community Centre

60’s Dances 8pm (£7.50 unless otherwise stated) 5 May - Sounds Imperial (£8) 2nd June – Get Back Telephone 01953 888628 to enquire about the above or hire of the halls

Yoga Classes - Mondays 1–2.15pm in the small hall with June Roberts. Contact June on 01953 498343

‘Banham Bats’ table tennis club welcomes all new players (of high school age), all abilities. Tuesday evening (school term only) 7:15 - 8:30pm. For more details contact Mark Nash on 01953 888308 or mark.nashy@tiscali.co.uk

Pilates – weekly classes in small hall, Mon & Thurs 6.30-7.30pm, Tues 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sheila on 07841 978456

Banham Badminton Club. New players very welcome. Mondays and Thursdays 8.30pm to 10.30pm. For experienced players and beginners alike. 1st weeks free. Contact adam@adampower.co.uk tel 660281. Banham Short Mat Bowls Club meets every Monday between 2 and 5 pm.

Banham Toddler Group – we are a friendly toddler group which takes place every Monday (except bank holidays) 10am – 12 noon in the small hall. The first week is free and then it’s £2 per family, including a snack and drink. All welcome For more information see our Facebook page.

Garnier Village Hall/Social Club, Eccles

Social club opening times:- Thursdays 7pm Petanque matches. Fridays 7pm Club night Membership £1 year, children free. Local Real Ales. Hall & Bar for hire - full catering facilities (contact for booking 01953 454528) Visit www.garnierhall.co.uk for information about future events.

Watch the FA Cup (9th May) on screen. Hall & Bar open 2 hrs before kick-off

Fish & Chip Van – every Tuesday, 5-7pm in hall car park

Open Mic nights - 1st Friday in every month

Cubs Tues, Scouts Wed, Beavers Mon, kenninghallscoutgroup.@gmail.com

Line dance group Wed 1pm - 3pm - come along all welcome.

Petanque teams play outside during April - Sept from 7pm

Flower arranging classes Wed 9.30am to 12.30pm. Contact Christine on 454528 or email: hewsonchristine103@gmail.com

Quidenham Reading Room

Quidenham Reading Room is a small, cosy, period room with many original features including a log fireplace. A 'Coffee Morning' is held on the first Sat. of the month 10.30a.m.-12noon (excluding Jan). Occasionally, a book sale is held and seasonal gatherings of residents and families can be booked. Contact: 01953 888604.

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Old Buckenham Village Hall

Mondays: Invigorate Fitness; Rainbows; Beavers Tuesdays: Zumba; Karate; Bowls; Kettlebell Wednesdays: Luncheon Club; Slanted Dance Thursdays: Breckland Flower & Garden Club; Pilates; OB Players; WI Fridays: Yogacise; Pastel Class; Karate Saturdays: Special events Visit www.oldbuckenham.org.uk for more details

Pilates Class every Thursday at 2pm – call Amanda on 07557 025513 to find out more and join the class. Yogacise Class every Friday at 9.30am. No experience necessary, suitable for all ages. Contact Eileen Oliver on 01953 860664. Breckland Flower and Garden Club – meets on second Thursday of the month. All welcome. £5 visitors. Tel. 01953 454528 for further details.

Old Buckenham Church Rooms The Church Rooms are used regularly for events in the village ie. Scouts, Art Club, Children's parties, Photography, Table top sales, Coffee mornings, PCC meetings, Monthly Whist, and other occasions such as Funerals and Weddings. Contact Lydia Darrah 01953 861360 for more information and booking.

New Buckenham Village Hall

New Buckenham Village Hall serves both the local and wider community. Many groups such as badminton, kettle bells, Fitsteps, Slimming World, historical war games and the Good Companions use the hall. We have exhibitions and theatrical productions. We can cater for parties and weddings. For booking phone 07469  715517  or visit www.newbuckenhamvillagehall.co.uk Pilates class every Thursday evening 6-7pm, email heatherormerodpilates@gmail.com (other classes and times available) Fitness & Martial Arts Classes take place in the Village Hall. Also Kung Fu & Kickboxing, Circuit Training, Outdoor Fitcamp. Contact Jamie-Lee on 01953 860943 info@jwcorept.co.uk The Good Companions - A club for the over 50s which meets on the third Thursday of the month starting at 2.30 pm. We have entertainers, raffles, tea. There is also a summer outing and Christmas Lunch. Membership is open to all from any of the villages. Annual subscription is £12 per person. Further details from Dianna on 01953 860636. See P. 24 for meetings & outing dates NB Silver Band – meets every Thursday, 8-10pm. All ages / abilities welcome. Bookings secretary ali.austin@tiscali.co.uk

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coffeemates! at St Martin’s, New Buckenham

Saturday, 12th May, 10.30 am Join us for Coffee, Cakes & Chat

Raising funds for ‘Star’ Throwers’. Cake Stall, Book Stall and more! Donations for the Foodbank welcome

CPRE Norfolk Alliance - CPRE Norfolk is our county branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. With so much countryside in Norfolk there is always plenty to do in trying to ensure development is appropriate to its proposed location. Having said this, CPRE Norfolk is not against development per se, as we appreciate the need for more housing, especially when it’s meeting real need, such as that for affordable homes in villages, enabling local people to live near their families and employment, or for say retired residents wanting to downsize. Across Norfolk our Local Authorities have Local Plans in place which have already allocated sites for sufficient new housing, given current and historic build rates, to last for over 20 more years of construction, and yet many more sites are being added into new and emerging plans. CPRE Norfolk’s calling for a common sense approach to be used for these new sites, which is for these only to be built on once the vast majority of sites in existing plans are completed. This will mean that the most appropriate sites will be built first, providing homes where they are more needed, rather than allowing more of our precious countryside’s greenfield sites to be lost to unnecessary development. This approach has already gained the support of 142 Parish and Town Councils across Norfolk. We hope that more Parish and Town Councils will sign our pledge. A full list of the signatories to date is available on the CPRE website. (Note: to date only Banham from our villages has signed the pledge.) If your village or town has not signed yet, please consider asking your Council to do so. I can be contacted at the email address below and can also provide advice on other planning issues. Michael Rayner, CPRE Norfolk Planning Campaigns Consultant, michaelr@cprenorfolk.org.uk Website: www.cprenorfolk.org.uk

CPRE Norfolk Annual Lecture 2018 - On Thursday 31st May at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral, 5.30pm. Our Annual Lecture will be delivered by the eminent artist Gerard Stamp (www.gerardstamp.com) entitled ‘Artistic Licence'. This heavily illustrated talk will be free to attend but you will need a ticket. Contact helenl@cprenorfolk.org.uk or call 01603 761660.

Do you want to apply for a grant? The committee have prepared a simple application form to give them details of what you would like funding for. Request this form by emailing sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com or contacting Sally McGinn (01953 888183)

Supporting local community initiatives. Helping maintain community facilities

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Diary of regular events April

Tue 1 10-12 Coffee & Chat O.B. Church Rooms Tue 1 11-12 Coffee Morning Walnut Tree, K Rd, Banham Tue 1 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Wed 2 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Fri 4 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 4 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 5 10-12 Banham Café Banham Church Sat 5 8pm 60’s Dance Banham C.C. Sat 5 10.30- 12 Coffee Morning Reading Room Quid. Sun 8 2-6pm War Games O.B. Village Hall Thu 10 2pm Breckland Flower Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 10 7.45pm O.B. Wine & Social Club O.B. Church Rooms Fri 11 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 11 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Tue 15 3-4.30pm Open Door Banham Church Tue 15 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Wed 16 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Wed 16 7.30pm Att. & Dist. Gardening Club Att. Junior School Thur 17 2.30pm Good Companions Sale N.B. Village Hall Thu 17 7.15pm Eccles Women’s Institute Art Centre, Eccles Hall Sch. Fri 18 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 18 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 19 2.30pm Good Companions Sale N.B. Village Hall Thur 24 7.30pm O.B. Women’s Institute O.B Village Hall Fri 25 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 25 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 26 9am -12.30 Lopham Farmers Market Village Hall, North Lopham Wed 30 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall

Key C.C. – Community Centre O.B. – Old Buckenham Quid – Quidenham N.B. – New Buckenham Att. – Attleborough K – Kenninghall

The Six Villages Newsletter is now online – find the Newsletter on our local website at www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/sixvillages. All listings are free. Email Paul Girling at paul@greystokegraphics.co.uk or on 07584 000442

Do you have difficulty reading the small print in the Newsletter? - To obtain a copy in larger print contact Wendy on 01953 888165 or sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com

Newsletter Notes - Items to the editor Wendy Pontin at sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com For info. on advertising and flyer insertion contact Joy Stanley on 01953 887175 or joystanley39@gmail.com. Distribution–1750 copies. Closing date for the June issue is by Thur. 17th May. “Bundling day” on Tue. 29th May. 2pm in Banham Church

The inclusion of an article or advert in the publication does not constitute any endorsement by the Editorial Committee of the views expressed, a product or service.

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