THE SIX

VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

David Ord Kerr

March 2020 Banham, , , , Eccles & Wilby

CONTENTS

Editorial Notes 2 Church Pages 13-16 Editorial Feature article 3 Events coming up 17-18 Ken’s Garden Jottings 4 Local Council Reports 21-22 Local Club reports 7-8 Mothering Sunday quotes 25 Regular Clubs / activities 8 Mob Lib & bus/train times 26 Community Centres info. 11-12 Diary of regular events 28

At a Glance handy telephone numbers.

Police 999 (Non-urgent 101) Helplines Leisure Facilities Fire and ambulance 999 Eastern Electricity Theatre Royal, Norwich (non-urgent ambulance 111) 08007838838 01603 630000 Power cut 105 Anglia Water 08457145145 OB Country Park Medical numbers BT phones. 0800800150 or 07557479199 Surgeries Mob. 03301234150 Banham Zoo 01953 453166 BT Broadband Faults 01953 887771 (Dispensary 01953 452663) 08001114567. Applewood Countryside Attleborough Health Centre Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Holidays 01953 715319 01953 457303. Diss 03444111444 Swimming pools Kenninghall 01953 887208 Tel. Preference Service Diss 01379 654754 Phone either surgery for out 08450700707 0184753110 of hours numbers Hospitals Travel Wymondham Travel Line 08712002233 01953 607171 N & Norwich 01603 286286 W. Suffolk. 01284713000 Diss and Attleborough Local Government Stations’ 03456007245 Spire Hosp. Norwich District Council Nor. Airport 01603 411923. Breckland 01362 656870 01603 456181 Global Clinic, Norwich Local Schools Parish Councils 01603 812266 Banham Primary Banham 01953 887327 Com. Hospital W Norwich 01953 887293 New Buck 07963 860872 01603 776776 OB Prim. 01953 860380 Old Buck. 01953 861355 NHS Hospital Car Scheme OB High 01953 860233 Quidenham 03332404100 Chapel Green Sch, OB. 01953 888184 Out of hours dental and 01953 453116 Registrar’s Office pharmacy numbers 111. Eccles Hall 01953 887217 (Thetford) 0344 800 8020

Handy Web Addresses Police www..police.uk Norfolk County Council www.norfolk.gov.uk Council www.breckland.gov.uk N & Norwich Hospital www.nnuh.nhs.uk Citizens Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk Theatre Royal, Norwich www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Please note, deadline of 19th March for items for the April Newsletter

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Editorial Notes Take a look at the Editorial - This month’s editorial has been undertaken by David Ord Kerr, a local artist based in Wilby. David has a background in zoology, botany and painting. Early in his career he accompanied the Wallace Expedition to the Amazon producing drawings for the British Museum. On his return to the UK he trained at the Royal Accademy, winning prizes for anatomy drawing and landscape painting. He has made numerous research trips returning to the Amazon as well as the Kalahara Dessert and the Middle East. Based in Norfolk, David is a founder member of the Norfolk Guild of Norwich Painters and has worked with the Norfolk Naturalist Trust. He has very kindly given his time to draw and paint compositions for us which, even with their poor reproduction, convey his undoubted skill and talent. A very big thank you.

Old Buckenham Church Rooms - Thank you for so generously supporting our emergency roof works. Your grant of £800 enabled us to complete essential repairs to the roof to stop the water coming in and improve weather-proofing for the future. Our Church Rooms are a lovely resource, which we want to be able to offer as a reasonably priced venue for everybody to use. With your support, we will be able to continue to do this and keep all our users dry! Thanks again - from the OB Church Rooms Management Team

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 [email protected] or contacting Sally McGinn (01953 888183) Supporting local community initiatives. Helping maintain community facilities

The Six Villages Newsletter is online at www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/sixvillages. Listings are free. Email Paul Girling at [email protected] or 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 [email protected] Do you need leaflets printed? - 25 or more, black and white A4 (two A5 leaflets fit on an A4 sheet!). A contribution towards costs appreciated. Get in touch with our editing team if you are interested. Spaces available for local business adverts – there are still spaces at a very reasonable cost available in the newsletter for business adverts for 2020. Apply now if you would like to place an advert for the rest of the year. (see below).

Newsletter Notes - Items to the editor Wendy Pontin at [email protected] For flyer insertion contact Joy Stanley on 01953 887175 and for queries regarding placement of adverts contact Pat Dickinson at [email protected] Distribution–1760 copies. Closing date for copy for the April issue is Thurs 19th March. “Bundling day” is on Tues 31st March, 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

2 SIX VILLAGES NEWSLETTER

In an unguarded moment the good Canon asked me to write an editorial. Being an artist, better at drawing than writing, I agreed providing just a short scribble was allowed. The below drawing is a group of some of the insects and flowers that have established themselves during the first pilot ‘wild flower’ project along one of the flint walls of Wilby. David Ord Kerr

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Garden Jottings

from Ken

Storms & gales can play havoc in a garden as gusty winds smash pots, snap supports, scatter debris & destroy old fences, but out of destruction comes opportunity! Pots can be replaced (this time choose wide bases for more stability & use a heavy loam-based compost such as John Innes for added weight & improved growing conditions), make a note to check stakes for rot in late Summer & to be more tidy around your plot in Autumn, & as for the collapsed fence it’s decision time - do you replace it with a new one or plant a natural hedge instead? Hedges are a simple & cost-effective answer to defining boundaries. If they are grown well they are able to contain or exclude animals & people, reduce wind speeds, & provide food & habitat for countless species of wildlife - all with a positive carbon footprint! A hedge is simply a row of plants either of the same type or a mixture of several species. A traditional hedge would have been made up of native trees with one type being dominant, usually hawthorn or blackthorn, intermixed with others such as hazel, dogwood, field maple, dog rose, spindle & guelder rose depending on local availability. This type of hedge is best planted “bare root” (dug from the field & transplanted whilst the plants are dormant during the colder months, November to the end of March). Some varieties should still be available to order now, or container-grown choices are available all year round. As the need for hedges to enclose fields & settlements has diminished, the demand for more ornamental hedging has developed. Evergreen choices might be required to create privacy, hide objects, or form a backdrop to more elaborate planting. Laurel & Thuja plicata are fast-growing & therefore create screening relatively quickly, but they require more ongoing maintenance to keep them in check, as opposed to Portuguese laurel, yew or holly, which are all fine choices for more modest spaces. You can use almost any woody shrubs to create a hedge, but if you wish to deter intruders try pyracantha or berberis, & if allowed to reach a reasonable size these will also provide great protection for nesting birds. A nice straight clipped hedge adds formality to a space, or why not let your imagination run free & indulge in a spot of topiary? Cheers, Ken The Garden Enclosure, Banham - making gardening a breeze!

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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Reports from Local Clubs Attleborough and District Gardening Club – Chairman, Peter Firman, opened the January meeting welcoming Members. A short AGM was followed by our guest speaker, Helen Reeve relating the Adventures of a Travelling Young Farmer. Helen told how her obsession with raising beef cattle started and about her work with Easton College as an assessor of the work and welfare of apprentices throughout . She became heavily involved with the local Young Farmers association and went on to become Chair of the National Young Farmers Organisation. The Club's next meeting will be on Wednesday 18 March at Attleborough Primary School, Besthorpe Road, Attleborough, starting at 7.30pm when Andrew Brogan will be giving a presentation about his ‘Exotic Garden’. Visitors and new members are always most welcome. For further information please contact the Secretary, Ann Butcher, 01953 455552 or find us on Facebook: Attleborough & District Gardening Club. Old Buckenham WI – The speaker at the January meeting was Gavin Binkerton Jones, a wildlife photographer who has been shortlisted for BBC's Countryfile calendar, for wild life photographer of the year and has had photos published in the national press. He treated members to some stunning pictures of the wildlife around us (mostly taken in Norfolk including Old Buckenham Country Park). Owls featured strongly as well as other birds of prey, kingfishers and a variety of mammals. He gave details of their diets, breeding habits and life cycles. Great patience is required to get such amazing shots. Members then discussed and voted on a selection of resolutions to be campaigned on by the WI this year. (see Page 22 for more details) The next meeting will be on Thursday 26th March at 7.30pm in the Old Buckenham Village Hall when the speaker will be Rebecca Tate. Her subject is 'Hats Made from Start to Finish'. Visitors always welcome. Contact Betty on 01953 454790 for more info. Breckland Flower & Garden Club – Our guest speaker at the Feb meeting was Hazel McGregor whose demonstration was titled “Floral Infusion. Hazel worked meticulously on stage with an abundance of flowers and foliage and created a wonderful infusion of colour completing a cocktail of arrangements. Our next meeting is on 13th March at 2pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall and is the Club’s AGM followed by a short pictorial of the past year, led by Christine Hewson, so please come along and join us, tea and cakes will be served. For more details phone Christine on 01953 454528 or Sally on 01953 788712 Eccles WI – Our president welcomed members and guests to the February meeting at the Garnier Village Hall. Following on from the business everyone thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of doing jigsaws. The meeting concluded with refreshments. The March meeting will be a visit to The Smallest Picture House at Wymondham on Tuesday 10th March. Visitors always very welcome. Contact Jill on 01953 887413 for more info.

7 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. Visit http://dissdfas.org.uk Bridge in Attleborough every Tues. from 1 to 4.45pm. Enjoy a friendly game at Holly Court, near St Mary's Church. We play the Chicago version, and provide refreshments. Cost £2. New members welcome. Contact Bob Gee on 01953 887743, [email protected] or Mary Parker on 01953 860167. Bunwell Camera Club meet at the Tibenham Community Hall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm It is a small friendly club. New members always welcome. Details at www.bdcameraclub.co.uk/ Meet up Mondays – Come along to the Town Hall, Queens Square Attleborough on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (2pm – 4pm). All welcome for tea/coffee and biscuits. Mervyn Beales 01953 454604 Banham over 60’s Coffee and Chat – We get together on the 3rd Friday of every month at 10am in Banham Church. Come along to enjoy good company and a chat. If you like to ʼknit and natterʼ bring your knitting or craft too. Refreshments £1.50 Any queries contact Sue on 01953 716084. Attleborough Health Walks –Join the Attleborough Ramblers on their weekly walks starting at 10.30am. Below are the walks & meeting points. 2 Mar, Wreningham, Bird in Hand PH, Church Road, NR16 1BJ (4.35mls) 9 Mar, Kenninghall, Powell Close (from Sch. Cose), NR16 2DZ (3.75 mls) 16 Mar, Carleton Rode, Jubilee Hall, Mill Road, NR16 1RQ (4mls) 23 Mar, Old Buckenham, OB Church, The Green, NR17 1RN (2 or 4mls) 30 Mar, Mulbarton, Village Hall Car Park, The Common, NR14 8AE (4.75mls)

Pilates at Banham Community Centre ‘Mindful movements for all’ - to regain the body’s natural rhythm, movement and coordination A variety of classes are now being offered in the small hall at Banham Community Centre. Whether you are a total beginner, already a keen Pilates enthusiast, or just intrigued come along and try a class within a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The classes already running on Tuesday and Thursday mornings will continue (note earlier start for Thursday class). Two new classes will follow on from these at a more intermediate level Tuesdays 9.30 – 10.30am (General / Core class) 10.45 – 11.45am (General / Intermediate class) Thursdays 9 00 – 10.00am (General / Beginner class) 10.15 – 11.15am (General / Intermediate class) If you are interested in coming to any of these classes please call Debbie on 07771 544549 or email [email protected] .

More clubs / activities at our Community Centres on Pages 11 & 12

8 Banham Community Centre

There is a large Sports Hall and small meeting hall (both for hire). The Social Club opens Wed, Thur & Fri from 7.30-11.30pm and Sun from 5pm. There is pool table, dart board & free WiFi. Glass recycling bins & clothes bank outside. Telephone 01953 888628 to enquire about the above or hire of the halls

60’s Dances 8pm (£7.50) unless otherwise stated) Sat 7th Mar – Kenny &The Motives Sat 4th April – Mel Stevens

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

Pilates Classes - Tues 9.30 &10.45am Thurs 9 & 10.15am in the small hall. Classes are for all levels of abilities. Beginners welcome. Contact Debbie on 07771 544549 or at [email protected].

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 [email protected] tel: 01953 660281.

1 Banham Short Mat Bowls Club meets every Monday between 2 and 5 pm.

Banham Toddler Group takes place every Monday (except bank holidays) 10am – 12 noon in the small hall. £2 per family. 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) Free WiFi Internet. ‘Mixed Glass’ bottle bank available for recycling glass. Visit www.garnierhall.co.uk or email [email protected] for all info.

Open music mic 1st Friday in month. 7th Feb, 6th March, 3rd April etc.

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

Flower arranging classes for beginners, 1st Tues of the month 7–9pm, Contact Christine on 01953 454528 for details and to book.

Eccles WI - meet 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2pm. Visitors welcome Contact Jill on 01953 887413 or email [email protected]

Old Buckenham Church Rooms

A characterful hall available to hire (£5 per hour), with simple kitchen facilities and seating for approximately 50. Activities inc .Monday Mardle-1st & 3rd Mon of month, Cubs - Mon evening, Yoga - Mon evening, , Fawns Toddler Group - Fri am (term time), Coffee after Church every Sun (10.30am) Contact Lydia Darrah for bookings. 01953 861360 or [email protected]

Wine & Social Circle - meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7.45pm. Everyone welcome. For more information ring 01953 860845.

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Old Buckenham Village Hall

Mondays: Invigorate Fitness; Rainbows; Beavers Tuesdays: Zumba; Karate; Bowls. Wednesdays: Luncheon Club, Slanted Dance. Thursdays: Breckland Garden Club, Pilates, OB Players, OB WI Fridays: Yogacise; Karate. Saturdays: Special events Visit www.oldbuckenham.org.uk for more details Pilates classes every Thursday 9.30-10.30am & 10.45-11.45am. For more information email [email protected] Pilates Class every Thursday at 2pm – call Amanda on 07557 025513 Yogacise Class every Friday at 9.30am. No experience necessary, suitable for all ages. Contact Eileen Oliver on 01953 860664. OB Luncheon Club meets on alternate Wednesdays, 10–1pm. (See P28 for dates). Open to anyone living alone in the Six Villages (transport arranged if needed). For more information contact Bridget Burton on 01953-860241 Breckland Flower and Garden Club – meets on second Thursday of the month. All welcome. £6 visitors. Tel. 01953 454528 for further details.

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. For more information and booking contact Nicola on 01953 887160

New Buckenham Village Hall Many groups such as badminton, kettle bells, Fitsteps, Slim ming World, historical war games and Good Companions use the hall. We have exhibitions and theatrical productions. We can cater for parties & weddings. For booking phone 07469 715517 or visit www.newbuckenhamvillagehall.co.uk Pilates classes weekly Mon 9.30-10.30am & 10.30-11.30am. Wed 6.30- 7.30pm & 7.30-8.30pm. Varied classes for all levels. For more information email [email protected] Dragons Martial Arts, Kung fu and Kickboxing lessons. Weekly classes on Wednesdays -Little Dragons 16.30. Adults 17:30. Contact Jamie-Lee on 01953 887991 [email protected] The Good Companions - A club for the over 50s which meets on the third Thursday of the month starting at 2.30 pm. Membership is open to all from any of the villages. Annual subscription is £12 per person. Further details from Dianna on 01953 860636. See Page 28 for meetings & outing dates NB Silver Band – meets every Thursday, 8-10pm. All ages / abilities welcome. Bookings secretary [email protected]

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View from the Rectory March

We are now in the season of Lent. My service book says Christians have prepared for Holy Week and Easter with a season of penitence and fasting, since early days, ‘with great devotion’. They take to heart the call to repentance, but also the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, and so grow in faith and ‘in devotion to our Lord’. I think, by and large, we are uncomfortable with being ‘devoted’ to anyone. We might say of someone at their funeral, who had looked after their partner through many years of illness, that they were ‘devoted to them’, and think of that as a good thing, but mostly I think, we feel that if your life is dominated by the demands or wishes of another that this is a bad thing. You should work something out so you get a bit of ‘your own life’, stop letting them dominate you, say NO, or in the case of illness, get a paid carer so you are not ruled by another. There is of course a need for carers to have rest time, and it’s good if dominant people give others their preferences sometimes, but the thought that our own life might be found in giving it up for another is so odd these days. And yet, I don’t see how marriage, loving children, loving God, or a full functioning of society is possible without some element of devotion to others. I think that developing a proper perspective in this regard is important. Are you devoted to anyone? Do you suspect you might be, really, only devoted to yourself? A bit of prayer, fasting, and self-denial involving a bit of looking around to serve the needs of others might help. And a bit of reading and meditating on the stories of Jesus surely wouldn’t go amiss – turn to Matthew, Mark, Luke or John in a bible and read till you find something to think about. Steve Wright

Contact details Priest in charge Rev Canon Stephen Wright 01953 887183 For Banham Rev Canon Stephen Wright 01953 887183 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 Jill Moses Benefice Administrator [email protected] 01953 887413

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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.

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

More details of our churches and events on www.quidenhamgroup.co.uk Communion: 10am, All Saints, Old Buckenham - 1st Tuesday of the month followed by coffee in the Church Rooms.

Services for March 2020 Sunday 1st Lent 1 Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharis Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Genesis 2.15-17; 3.1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5.12-19; Matthew 4.1-11 Sunday 8th Lent 2 Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist 16.00 Messy Church 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Worship New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist Readings: Genesis 12.1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5, 13-16; John 3.1-17 Sunday 15th Lent 3 Banham 09.30 Morning Worship Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Mattins Quidenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.5-42 Sunday 22nd Lent 4 Banham 08.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Morning Worship Eccles 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: 1 Samuel 16.1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5.8-14; John 9.1-41 Sunday 29th Lent 5 Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8.6-11; John 11.1-45

Youth Café Saturday Café Fridays 7.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Banham (during term time) 7th March 4th April

10-12noon at St. Mary’s Church, Banham. For young people over 11. All the usual goodies (Bacon rolls, scones, cakes, hot drinks etc) Contact Steph or Jonathan on 01953 887396 All welcome

Friday Club Messy Church

Fridays 6.15–7.15pm in (during term time) St Mary’s Banham usually rom 4 - 6pm For children up to 9 years. f Sun 8th March Sun 12th April (12noon) meets at Rowancroft, Kenninghall Rd, Banham A monthly fellowship for all the family with craft activities around a bible story Contact Steve and Gill with song and refreshment Eggleton. 01953 887579 Contact Steve on 01953 887183.

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 [email protected]

Banham Spire Lighting You can have the church spire lit up to celebrate your special day. Donations towards costs appreciated. Contact 01953 887183

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All Saints - Old Buckenham - On Easter Day each year, we commemorate the lives of loved ones who have died. Flower arrangements in the church at Easter will comprise of lilies. If you would like to contribute to this event could you please let me have your donation before the 29th March together with the name of the persons to be remembered. It is estimated that each lily will cost about £5.00 and any additional monies received will go towards rethatching the roof of the Church. If you wish to contribute please send your cheque made out to: -'Old Buckenham PCC' with details of the deceased to Revd. Alistair Monkhouse. ‘Wildwood’ Mill Road, Old Buckenham. Norfolk. NR17 1SG.

Mothering Sunday At Banham Church on 22nd March at 4pm A Special Family Celebration of Our Mothers Children of any age, come and celebrate the care your Mother has given you. There will be tea and cakes and a chance to make a posy for Mum. Come and join us for a happy time. All Welcome

Raise the Roof - All Saints Church Old Buckenham 'Raise the Roof' are organising a Heritage Well-being Walk (History Highlights- Church, Castles and Priory) on Saturday May 2nd - tickets will be available shortly, more info. to follow. Contact Alison Hannah ([email protected] )for details

16 Events coming up

Friends of Banham Church (FOBC) – Movies @ St Marys

Tickets: £5.50 on the night, £5 in advance (unless otherwise stated) You can obtain tickets from Banham P.O. or contact David on 01953 887575. Films start at 7.45pm. Join us at the church for a pre-film meal at 7pm (£4.50) Refreshments served, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks.

Saturday 7th March – Judy (12a) Renee Zellwegger and Jessie Buckley. Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland arrives in swinging London for a sell-out run. It is 30 years since The Wizard of Oz, the voice has weakened, but its dramatic intensity has only grown and there are battles ahead.

Saturday 4th April – The Lion King (PG), New Voices, New Songs – In the savanna a future king is born. Simba idolises his father King Mufasa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival, and Scar, a former heir to the throne has plans of his own…

Activity Afternoons at Bunwell Village Hall Do you want to get out especially during this Winter into Spring. Join us on 11th March and on 25th March between 2 and 3.30pm (and then on into April). There are wordsearches, sudoku type puzzles, chess, dominoes, draughts, coloured pens for doodling/drawing, paper for origami, poetry books. The afternoons are intended for adults and a hot drink is available. No charge is made but a donation is suggested of around £1.50 toward cost of hiring the hall. What’s going on at Garnier Village Hall

NARS Norfolk Accident and Rescue Charity – There will be CPR instruction on Friday 13th March at 7pm. All welcome. No charge. Bar open. (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a method used to keep someone alive in a medical emergency).

Spring Table Top Sale - Saturday 28th March. 10am to 4pm. Set up 9am. Also Coffee, cake and refreshments available. To book a table (£5) contact 01953 454528 or [email protected]

Vintage collectors Car & Bike show Saturday May 30th from 10am. If you have a vehicle you would like to show contact www.garnierhall.co.uk .

Flower Arranging Workshop First Tuesday in the month, 7 – 9pm. Contact Christine on 01953454528

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Bunwell Camera Club event – A very successful talk was given at Bunwell & District Camera Club in February by Stephen Milner who gave a small taster presentation about his journey to Antarctica and the profound effect it has had on his life. The title of his Presentation was Antarctica:- As Far As You Can Go ! He showed amazing images and information about this fragile place, melting glaciers and how it is going to impact on the planet and global warming. The public will have a chance to preview these incredible images on Saturday 14th March 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. The images and narrative will be from Steve and Lynn Milner. Free entry and Bar. Children welcome. Donations for the Windmill Restoration and the Village Hall are welcome.

The New Buckenham Art Exhibition is a popular Easter event where artists from both Suffolk and Norfolk display and sell their art work. You will see watercolours, oil and acrylic paintings, drawings, photographs, collage, prints and pottery together with a selection of unframed pictures and greetings cards. Together they give an interesting and lively show. The Opening Night takes place on Friday 10th April 7.30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Admission is £4.00. The exhibition continues over the weekend Saturday 11th April, Sunday 12th April and Monday 13th April from 11a.m – 4.30p.m. . Admission is £2.00. All the money that is raised at this event is donated to St Martins Church New Buckenham and the Village Hall. Bring you family and friends and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with homemade cakes. For more information email [email protected] .

Have You Ever Done An Escape Room ?? What is an escape room? An escape room is a game in which a team of players discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in a limited amount of time. There will be nothing “physical” just “mental”. If we have enough interest we will turn Quidenham Church into an Escape room on 4th April (this is no April Fool!). Are you interested? Please let me know [email protected] ,01953 887160 It will be £5 per person – teams of 2-6 ideally - 3 teams per “slot” competing to solve the puzzles and escape the church within an hour. It is adult based but children are welcome. Let me know if it is of interest and we will make it happen. Refreshments will also be available for those who wish to come and support their team but no take part.

Old Buckenham will be opening its gardens again in 2020, midsummer weekend (20th and 21st June). Come and discover fascinating gardens, from large and rambling to courtyard and cottage. Refreshments all day and many wonderful plants on sale. Tickets £5 available on the day at Old Buckenham Village Hall.

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News from Norfolk County Council Get Checked – campaign launches to prevent silent killer - Nearly 130,000 people in Norfolk and Waveney are expected to have high blood pressure that has not been diagnosed Dubbed the ‘silent killer’ due to the lack of obvious symptoms, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack or heart disease if left unchecked. The launch of ‘Get Checked’ across Norfolk, encourages everyone to have their blood pressure checked. It is urging anyone who is worried about their blood pressure to go to one of the participating community pharmacies for a check. Lifestyle changes and certain medicines if needed, can help keep blood pressure to a safe level. NCC are working with selected community pharmacies to diagnose more people with high blood pressure and refer them for treatment to local GPs. The campaign aims to make people more aware of the risks of high blood pressure and encouraging them to get a free blood pressure check at one of the participating pharmacies which can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/getchecked . Care professionals making a difference - Activities took place last month to celebrate Norfolk Care Careers Week. NCC is supporting care providers to promote the many different roles a career in care has to offer. Working in social care can offer an enormous sense of personal achievement and there is a huge array of opportunities for progression and professional development. NCC are raising awareness of the many different pathways to a career in care, be it home care support, nursing, residential care, dementia care, learning disabilities or mental health. There are a wide range of learning and development opportunities with clear career progression. For more information call 0344 800 8020 and ask for the Adult Social Care team. Stephen Askew NCC Member for Guiltcross Division [email protected] Tel 01953 861481

News from Breckland District Council Budget - At their meeting on February 3rd, Breckland Council’s Cabinet heard how the proposed budget for 2020/21 would avoid reducing local services and enable the council to invest in a number of projects in the future. Members also heard how the Council was facing significant financial pressure due to national reviews, giving un(ertainty around exactly how much money the district council will receive from business rates and central government grants. The draft budget report outlined how the Council will seek to minimise its reliance on central government funding and instead try to generate income through other means and Public's Views Sought on Car Park's Future - Attleborough residents and visitors are being consulted on a planned change to car parking arrangements in the town (see Feb. issue for details of proposed changes). The trial at Queens Square car park is expected to launch in March. The consultation will be open for comment until midnight on Friday 6th March. Comments can be sent to [email protected] or in writing to Breckland Council, Facilities Department, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, , NR19 1EE. Stephen Askew Breckland Councillor for The Buckenhams & Banham Ward [email protected] Tel: 01953861481

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Banham Parish Council, keeping you informed All in all, so far, February has been a quiet month, if you disregard the howling wind. The relocation of the junior swings with the new frame at the play area has been delayed by bad weather. The ditch in Back Lane has been cleared and the water is now running freely. This means that the residents won't have to suffer flooding again. The church path will be cleaned, prior to work on a new surface and new drains. Two new dog bins are due to be placed in the village, after permission from County and District Councils is confirmed. We are looking to replace our excellent Responsible Financial Officer, who has resigned. This requires knowledge of accounts and audits. If you are interested, please contact me. (Details below.) We always welcome residents at Parish Council meetings, if you'd like to drop in, the next meeting is on 4 March at 7.30pm in the Community Centre's small hall. Feel free to join us. Just a reminder, if you spot any potholes or other road defects, or any street lights not working, just contact me and I'll report it for you. Contact Geraldine (Parish Clerk) on 01953 887327 or by email at [email protected]

Quidenham Parish Council have a vacancy for a Parish Councillor to join a small team of dedicated and enthusiastic individuals. No qualifications are needed other than an interest in helping your community thrive. For further information and an informal chat please contact the Council Chairman Peter Lotarius on 01953 887213 or by email at [email protected].

WI resolutions put forward by their National Federation - At their January meeting members of Old Buckenham WI discussed and voted on a selection of resolutions put forward by the National Federation to be considered for campaigning on nationally by the WI this year. All members across the country are invited to vote. The five resolutions put forward were: 1. To encourage an increase in stem cell donation 2. To create equitable testing for male and female crash test dummies. 3. To end modern slavery, protect victims and give long term support. 4. To encourage more discussion about death and dying. 5. To protect our precious Helium. The majority of OB members voted for resolution five. Helium is running out and it cannot be manufactured. Without it there will be no such things as MRI scans in the future. The remaining members voted for resolution three. The votes from members of all WIs will be collated and one or two will go forward for discussion and adoption at the National Federation Annual meeting in June.

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Mothering Sunday - A few quotes about motherhood Firstly, motherhood is …...never robbing your child of the opportunity to make a bad choice all on his own. anon. …..spending longer on the toilet because it feels good to be alone. anon. …..going back to work for a rest. anon

…..counting ketchup as one of their daily five portions of fruit and veg. anon. …..perhaps the only unpaid position where failure to show up can result in arrest. Mary Kay Baaely What makes a mother? • If evolution really works how come mothers only have two hands. Dussault • A true mother knows that when their child pampers them with compliments, they really just want something. Kirsten, a mother • There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one. Jill Churchill and finally, • When a child is born so are grandmothers. Judith Levy

County Broadband Press Release Revealed: Banham and Old Buckenham could miss out on lightning fast full- fibre broadband network Banham and Old Buckenham is on the cusp of securing Hyperfast full-fibre broadband of up to 1,000 megabits per second (mbps) specialist Hyperfast broadband provider County Broadband has announced. Thousands of premises in over 130 villages across have already given the green light to join the provider’s future-ready network after last year’s rollout launch, backed by a £46million private investment to replace ageing Victorian copper wires. County Broadband is now urging the remaining villages, which includes Banham and Old Buckenham, in the rollout’s first phase to rally together and press ahead with the proposals. Construction will begin when just 30% of residents & businesses sign up. Schools and community halls will also receive a free connection and service. Currently, only 10% of UK homes and businesses can access full-fibre broadband. The network would be installed later this year and be available to all premises. Full-fibre broadband provides lightning-fast speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (mbps) through FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) networks in which fibre optic cables are connected directly into properties and offices.. This means HD films and music can be downloaded in seconds. FTTP speeds are up to 20 times faster than current superfast broadband which is based on a FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet) infrastructure which, even though it is promoted as fibre, uses slow copper cables to deliver the internet from green roadside cabinets to the home. Speeds typically halve every 600 metres on these outdated FTTC networks and connections can be unreliable at peak times. To find out more visit www.countybroadbandfibre.co.uk/futureready .

25 Mobile Library Service – March visits (15-20 mins unless otherwise stated) Route CEN516 Friday 13th Old Buckenham 10.00 The Sun 10.25 St Andrew’s Close 10.50 Hargham Rd 11.15 Fen Street 14.35 -15.40 Abbey Rd Banham 11.40-12.10 Dam Brigg (Haugh Rd bungalows) New Buckenham 13.20-14.30 Chapel St. 15.45 Market Place Route CEN318 Wednesday 18th Banham 15.20-16.00 Apple Close 16.05-16.30 The Green 16.35-17.05 Mill Road Route CEN521 Friday 27th Quidenham 11.20 ex. Post Office 12.15 St Edmunds Lodge

Local Bus Services Konectbus 37A Semence Coaches SE1 Outward Mondays to Fridays Outward Sat Banham, adj sch 0654 0923 OB, adj. Green 0909 OB, adj Green 0702 0931 NB, opp Green 0916 NB, adj Green 0708 0937 Banham, opp sch 0923 Norwich, City College 0803 Quid, opp Home Fm 0933 Norwich, St Stephens 0810 1038 -- -- Nor. Castle Meadow 1042 Diss, adj Bus Station 1005 Return Mondays to Fridays Return Sat Nor. Castle Meadow 1315 1615 1745 Diss, adj Bus Station 1200 Norwich, St Stephens 1320 1620 1750 -- -- Norwich, City College 1627 Quid, adj Home Fm 1229 NB, opp Green 1425 1729 1855 Banham, adj sch 1239 OB, opp Green 1432 1732 1902 NB, adj Green 1246 Banham, opp sch 1438 1738 1908 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 Coach Services 371 East Harling--Banham--Diss High School Outward – Norfolk school days only Return – Norfolk school days only East Harling 0750 Diss High School 1520 Banham* 0801 Banham* 1530 Diss High School 0825 East Harling 1550 *Bus stops opp. or adj. to Zoo, Greys Manor, school and phone box Bus also stops in Kenninghall, Winfarthing and Shelfhanger

Local Train Times between Norwich and Eccles Road Greater Anglia (Cambridge, Ely and Norwich line) Outward Mon - Sat Return Mon - Fri Saturday Eccles Road 0657 0759* Norwich 1548 1735 1535 1738 Wymondham 0711 0816 Wymondham 1747 1547 1747 Norwich 0726 0830 Eccles Road 1610 1759 1559 1759 All trains stop at Attleborough * Stops at Spooner Row on request

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Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lorne Green’s proposals for the 2020/21 Norfolk policing budget received the unanimous support of the county’s Police and Crime Panel. The PCC took his proposals, which include an increase of 3.95% to the policing element of council tax (19p per week based on a Band D property), to a public meeting at County Hall in February. PCCs are responsible for setting the policing budget for their force area and how much local taxpayers contribute to funding their police service through their council tax. He told members that extensive engagement throughout the year had taken him across the County, giving him the opportunity to explore public views on what Norfolk residents expect from their policing service and it had been shown that local people were very concerned with how we tackle anti-social behaviour, improve 101 call waiting times, and the impacts of mental illness and domestic abuse on policing demand. Following on he said “I do understand, however, that no one likes to pay more for less. A 3.95% increase this year would enable me to provide additional funding of £3m to the Constabulary would allow us to invest in and improve services in areas such as mental health support in the police control room, additional resources for the 101 service to improve response times and receive calls related to ASB, and domestic abuse safeguarding support. The reports from the meeting of the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel are available to view on the Norfolk County Council website www.norfolk.gov.uk

Old Buckenham Village Hall Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am Wednesday 7 – 8 pm Fun fitness suitable for everybody and every body! Contact Lou 07866 534087

Mobile in the comfort of your home. Treatments available:

Hair – Cut and Blowdry, Shampoo & Set. Child & Gents cuts. Colours & Perms. Beauty – Facials. Waxing. Manicure. Pedicure. Eyebrow & Eyelash Tinting. Call Cherilyn 01379 688116 or 07881563303

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Diary of regular events March 2020 Sun 1 2-6pm War Games O.B. Village Hall Tue 3 10-12 Coffee & Chat O.B. Church Rooms

Tue 3 11-12 Coffee Morning Walnut Tree, K Rd, Banham Tue 3 7.30pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham C.C.l Wed 4 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall

Fri 6 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 6 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 7 10-12 Saturday Cafe Banham Church Sat 7 10.30- 12 Coffee Morning Reading Room Quid. Sat 7 8pm 60’s dance Banham C.C. Sun 8 4-6pm Messy Church Banham Church Tue 10 2pm Eccles Women’s Institute Outing Thu 12 2pm Breckland Flower Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 12 7.45pm O.B. Wine & Social Club O.B. Church Rooms

Fri 13 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 13 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Tue 17 7.30pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham C.C.l Wed 18 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Wed 18 7.30pm Att. & Dist Gardening Club Att.Junior School Thur 19 2.30pm Good Companions N.B Village Hall Fri 20 10am Over 60’s Coffee & Chat Banham Church

Fri 20 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 20 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Thu 26 7.30pm Old Buckenham WI O.B. Village Hall

Fri 27 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 27 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 28 8 - 12.30 Lopham Farmers Market Village Hall,

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

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