The Six Villages Newsletter

THE SIX

VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

December / January 2017/18

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

SIX VILLAGES NEWSLETTER

The clock is ticking. Time goes by. This is our third Christmas in the Quidenham Group of Parishes. At the time of writing I’m having trouble choosing hymns that people know – I’m in the dark of course because I don’t know they don’t know them until we have them. We journey into the unknown! It’ll be the same with choosing carols at Christmas, but slowly, I’m sort of getting the hang of it.

The clock is ticking. Time goes by. Advent calendars, some with chocolates, encourage us to count time and mark the days until the awaited day! Advent marks the day, as yet unknown, when Jesus comes. We’re in the dark of course because we don’t know the day. But we do know the day of Christmas, and celebrating it is a good contribution to being prepared for that greater day when he comes, or we return to him. Hearing Jesus’ story is a way to get a good perspective on life.

The clock is ticking. Time goes by. New Year is looming, new hopes, new dreams perhaps, or maybe depression – another year, another headache? For some, the long dark nights and lonely Christmases make this a hard time of year. Look out for those on their own – a word of encouragement, of willingness to support, a gift perhaps, can stop alone-ness becoming loneliness. If someone in your family seems quiet, perhaps it’s not a gift they wanted, but rather a word of appreciation, a warm embrace, or simply your company for longer than the gap between your emails and Facebook. Sing up, remember Jesus, love, and you’ll get the hang of this season and be ready for next year too!

Happy Christmas to Banham and the Bucks, Eccles, Quidenham and Wilby!

Steve Wright

Local Clubs and Societies

Attleborough and District Gardening Club - Our speaker for the October meeting was Richard Hobbs on “Wildlife Gardening. The November meeting was our last for 2017. The topic for our speaker, Georgette Vale, was “Nativity Set”. Georgette had brought along at least 20 different sets of the Nativity for us to look at and gave an interesting talk on what their history is. The next meeting is on Wednesday 17th January at 7.30pm in the Primary School, Besthorpe Road.. It is the AGM and the speaker will be Simon White talking about Chrysthanums. Visitors and new members are very welcome. Contact Jenny North 01953 455481

Old Buckenham WI - Old Buckenham W.I. celebrated their 50th birthday in October and they welcomed guests from local WIs to their special birthday party. After a special meal prepared by the committee, they were entertained by Martyn Shults who talked about the lives of the "Rat Pack". He illustrated his talk by singing some of the songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Matt Munro and Sammy Davis Junior among others. Roy Dickinson proposed a toast to the WI and wished them all success for the next 50 years! Our next meeting is on Thursday, 25th January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village hall when the speaker will be Jim Whiteside talking about the work of the Lowland Rescue

Breckland Flower & Garden Club – At the November we enjoyed a workshop, taught by Joy. Armed with mainly spray carnations and roses and a small amount of foliage, Joy showed how to produce a Christmassy teardrop shaped arrangemen. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 14th December at 2pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall when Brenda Tubb will be getting us all into the Christmas spirit with her title ‘ Another Fine Mess for Christmas’. This will be followed by tea and refreshments so please bring a plate of ‘nibbles’ January The January meeting will be on Thursday 11th 2pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Guy Barker will speak about ‘ Snowdrops and Snow Treasures’. Further details from Christine 01953 454528

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. The next session is on Tues. 21st Nov. at 1.30pm. Everyone welcome. Visit http://dissdfas.org.uk or just come along.

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/

2 News from Norfolk County Council Measures to improve discharge delays - Norfolk County Council is launching two new initiatives, to reduce delays to people being discharged from hospitals and other NHS centres - 1) Accommodation-based reablement – special units that help people to regain their independence, before they return home; and 2) Trusted assessors – people based in hospitals, who liaise with care providers and ensure that the right packages are in place. Borrow from Norfolk libraries with enhanced digital services - An extended range of digital eBooks and eAudio books are now available free to Norfolk residents via a new mobile app. The app can be downloaded on mobile phones and tablets. Loans can be made for up to 21 days when they will be automatically returned unless the customer has renewed them. To find out more visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/ebooks New social workers join Norfolk C.C. - Thirty new children’s social workers have joined Norfolk County Council in the last month as part of the council’s successful campaign to grow its own talent. The latest recruits take the number of staff to join the scheme to 187 over three years. The retention rate for newly qualified children’s social workers in Norfolk is high at 83% and is helping to reduce some of the need for agency staff in Norfolk. Feedback from Thetford Recycling Centre, event in October - NCC appointed the hazardous waste contractor ASCO, to operate these events together with council officers and contractor NEWS. These events are run every year and are very popular. In total there were 1605 visitors to the Thetford Recycling centre over the two days of the event. May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stephen Askew, Member for Guiltcross Division [email protected] Tel 01953 861481

News from Breckland District Council Breckland could see the installation of four charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles in the district. Four locations in Breckland have been identified, near the A11 and A47 and within the areas of Dereham, Swaffham, Attleborough & Thetford. One hundred per cent funding would be available for the installation of these units, in return for the council providing suitable locations for ten yeas. Breckland Council has launched a brighter and easier way to navigate their website which includes a new feature to help residents access useful information about where they live, simply by entering their postcode. The Council's new 'My Breckland' section tells you when your next household bin collection is, who your ward members are, where your nearest doctors surgeries and dentists are located; and if there are any flood warnings in place where you live. The launch of My Breckland is part of the Council's ongoing programme of work to improve its website and the next update will enable anyone entering their postcode to look up planning applications. Adrian Joel – Breckland councillor for Buckenhams’ and Banham Ward Telephone: 01953 860663. E-mail: [email protected]

Garden Jottings from Ken

Choosing a real tree to share your home with over the festive season should be a fun experience, but just remember… • Know your limits… before setting off, measure the space you have available as tree sizes can be amazingly deceptive in different surroundings! • Select your tree type… an elegantly-tiered ‘non-drop’ Nordman Fir is ideal for warm family homes, its fragrance is fresh, and it really holds on to its soft needles. Norway Spruce is famed for its pine fragrance, but is more ideally suited to cool conditions to avoid needle loss. • Fresh is best… once felled a tree starts to deteriorate, so buy a locally- grown one from us to ensure it was cut as late as possible. • Take your time… bring the family and look through as many trees as you can in your chosen size range. Get someone to hold different trees out and give them a spin to find their best side until you find the right one for you. • Choose early… even if you’re not ready to take your tree indoors it’s a good idea to select the best shape and size for your home while there’s plenty of choice. Stand your tree temporarily in water in a sheltered spot outside and remove its net stocking. • Look before you buy… never buy a Christmas tree that you haven’t seen out of its netting and viewed from all sides, that way you’ll be sure you know what you’re getting. We’ll net your tree to protect it and to make transport home easy, or we can arrange delivery. • Keep it fresh… saw a thin slice off the bottom of the trunk and secure your tree in a stable water-retaining stand, position it away from heat and check the water level regularly as real trees enjoy a good drink at Christmas! Merry Christmas from The Garden Enclosure, Banham. Call in for fresh local Christmas trees and wreaths, seasonal plants, gorgeous hamper fillers, fabulous gifts (or vouchers), plus wild bird and pet supplies… to keep everyone happy over the festive season! Please note, we’re closed from Christmas Day and reopen on Thurs 18th Jan 2018

Independent Plant Centre and Garden Shop The Garden Enclosure 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)

Mobile Library Service – Dec 2017 and Jan 2018 visits Route CENS5412 Friday 19th January Old Buckenham 10.00 The Sun (ex. pub) 10.50 25 Hargham Road 10.25 St Andrews Close 11.15 Fen Street Banham 11.40 Banham Dam Brigg (Haugh Rd bungalows) New Buckenham 13.20 Chapel Street Route CEN348 Wednesday 6th December & 3rd January Banham 15.20 Apple Close 16.40 Mill Road 16.05 The Green Route CEN5415 Friday 8th December & 5th January Quidenham 11.25 ex. Post Office 14.30 St Edmunds Lodge

Local Transport Bus H. Semmence & Co 10A Norfolk Coachways NC1 Outward Mondays to Fridays Outward Sat Banham, adj sch 0700 0928 Attleborough, 0901 OB, adj Green 0707 0935 OB, adj Green 0909 NB, adj Green 0712 0940 NB, opp Green 0916 -- Banham, opp sch 0923 -- Kenninghall, adj PO 0930 -- 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 -- Kenninghall, opp PO 1232 -- Banham, adj sch 1239 NB, opp Green 1404 1655 1830 NB, adj Green 1246 OB, opp Green 1408 1701 1836 OB, opp Green 1253 Banham, opp sch 1412 1705 1840 Attleborough 1302

Other options 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

Youth Café Saturday Cafe Fridays 7.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Banham (during term time) 2nd December., 10-12noon

at St. Mary’s Church, Banham. All the usual goodies For young people over 11. (Bacon rolls, scones, cakes, hot drinks etc) Contact Steph or Jonathan on All welcome 01953 887396 Open Door St Mary’s Church, Banham 3 - 4.30pm Friday Club Tuesday 19th December

Tea, cakes and a friendly chat Fridays 6.15–7.15pm All Welcome (during term time)

For children up to 9 year. Messy Church meets at Rowancroft, Banham Church 4-6pm

Kenninghall Rd, Banham th Sunday, 10 December Contact Steve and Gill If you would like to get involved or help please Eggleton. 01953 887579 contact Steve on 01953 887183.

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

Old Buckenham Methodist Church, Hargham Road hold an informal, friendly service every Sunday morning at 10.45 am. All are welcome. We also hold a monthly 'Songs of Praise' sing-a-long every month. 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: 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 Phil Moore 01953 888333 or [email protected]

Please note – no Saturday Café (Banham Church), Coffee Morning at Walnut Tree or ‘Open Door’ (Banham Church) in Jan. Back to normal in Feb.

Play Whist in the Church Rooms - Afternoon Whist in Old Buckenham Church Rooms on the second Monday of the month at 2pm. Fee £1 including a score card, tea and biscuits. Contact Jean and Gerald Norton on 860025

The Church Rooms at Old Buckenham will be open throughout Christmas Eve as a reception centre for non-perishable food. This will be taken to St. Martins Homeless Charity and distributed to those in need in single room accommodation, the Westwick Centre and the Drop in Centre ( Night Shelter ) at Gas Hill. Please give generously. Thank you.

In memory of loved ones at Christmas time, Remembrance Candles for display in St Mary’s Church, Banham are available to order. contact Sally; 01953 888183

All Saints, Old Buckenham Candlelit Carol Service, th (Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 Dec. at 7 pm) As Christmas approaches, churchgoers at All Saints church are preparing for the Candlelit Carol Service. The Church will be decorated ready for the Christmas celebrations and will be brightly lit by many candles for this event. Decorations and candles have been sponsored by the generous donations of many local residents and businesses and many hours of work have been put in by dedicated parishioners. The Churchwardens and clergy are looking forward to welcoming everyone to this service, which promises to be a splendid prelude to the Christmas festivities. Any monies received from sponsorship over and above the expenses for the decorations will be put towards the Raise the Roof fund which is the major fundraising effort for All Saints Church at present. A collection during the service will be donated to St Martins Housing Trust who work to relieve homelessness in Norfolk. The Clergy, Churchwardens and all those involved at All Saints wish everyone a very blessed and peaceful Christmas and thank everyone for their generous support for the church both now and in the coming year.

Please note: Closing date for church material for Feb middle pages will be Thursday 18th January. Send to Phil at [email protected]

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 [email protected] 01953 887413

More details of our churches and events on www.quidenhamgroup.co.uk 11 Services for December 2017 Sunday 3rd First Sunday of Advent Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Eccles 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7. 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13: 24-37 Sunday 10th Second Sunday of Advent Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 18.30 Carol Service 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Worship Eccles 16.00 Candlelit Carol Service Quidenham 11.00 Baptismal Service with Communion Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2. 8-13) 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Sunday 17th Third Sunday of Advent Banham 16.00 Nine Lessons and Carols New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 18.00 Carol Service

Readings: Isaiah61:1-4. 8-11. Psalm126 or Luke1:46b-55 1Thessalonians5: 16-24 John1:6-8. 19-28 Sunday 24th Christmas Eve Banham 23.30 Midnight Eucharist New Buckenham 21.30 Christmas Eucharist 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 19.00 Carol Service Eccles 20.00 Parish Eucharist

Readings:2 Samuel7:1-11,16 Luke1:46b-55 or Ps 89:1-4 19-2 Romans16:25-27 Luke1:26-38 Monday 25th Christmas Day New Buckenham 11.00 Crib Service Old Buckenham 09.30 Christmas Eucharist 12 Quidenham 11.00 Christmas Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1: 1-4 [5-12] John 1:1-14 Sunday 31st The First Sunday of Christmas Banham 10.00 Group Service Readings: Isaiah 61:10- 62.3 Ps 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:15-21 Services for January 2018 Sunday 7th The Baptism of Christ Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Genesis 1:1-5 Ps. 29 Acts 19: 1-7 Mark 1: 4-11 Sunday 14th The Second Sunday of Epiphany Banham 9.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Matins 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Worship Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist Readings: 1 Sam. 3. 1-20 Ps. 139.1-18 Rev 5. 1-10 John 1. 43-end Sunday 21st The Third Sunday of Epiphany Banham 09.30 Morning Worship New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Genesis 14: 17-20 Ps. 128 Rev. 19: 6-10 John 2: 1-11 Sunday 28th The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Banham 9.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Morning Worship Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Eccles 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Deut. 18: 15-20 Ps 111 Rev. 12. 1-5a Mark 1: 21-28

Christmas celebrations After School Christingle - 3.30pm on Tuesday 5th December in St Mary’s Church, Banham. Materials Provided. Refreshments. All Welcome All Saints Church, Wilby - Nine Lessons and Carols, 7.45pm on Fri. 8th Dec. St Andrew’s Church, Quidenham - Carol Service at 6pm, 17th December then to Reading Rooms for Karaoke carols round the fire. St Martin’s Church, New Buckenham - Carols Service at 6.30pm, 10th December (rehearsal at 5pm for those wishing to join the choir)

Carol Singing during December

Carols round the Tree on Banham Village Green - Saturday 2nd Dec. at 6pm. Followed by hot chocolate and mince pies in the church. Carols on the Green in Old Buckenham - Saturday 16th Dec. at 4.30pm. The carol singing to start at approximately 5pm. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available in the Church Rooms beforehand. Carols on the Green in New Buckenham - 19th December 6.30pm. Refreshments provided.

Christmas events at Old Buckenham Methodist Church Women's Fellowship Christmas meeting on Wednesday 6th December at 2:30pm will be our Christmas service with carols, readings and light hearted fun. There will be seasonal refreshments after. All are welcome. Festive Sing-a-long - Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol? Come and join us on Wednesday 20th Dec at 7:30pm for a Festive Sing-a-long of the carols and festive songs of your choice. There will be seasonal refreshments. There will be no Women's Fellowship or Songs of Praise in Jan or Feb.

Former members of Banham Good Neighbours and friends are invited to Banham Primary School for carols and cake on Thursday 14th December, 2pm. All welcome!

...... Christmas flower workshops three Saturdays in December at Garnier Hall 9am - 4 pm. Limited spaces. Contact Christine 01953 454528 or [email protected] to book.

Christmas events at Shropham Village Hall Christmas Craft Fair on Sat 9th Dec, 10-2pm. Lovely festive atmosphere. Come along to shop for wreaths, cakes, presents. Refreshments and light lunches served. Christmas Bingo on Monday 18th Dec. £100 Jackpot Bar and Raffle. Eyes down at 7.30pm. Come join our friendly regulars - warm welcome guaranteed

Mary Kemp’s ‘Stress Free Christmas - Come and join Mary Kemp, a local cook, food writer and host for the Norfolk Show Food Hall host, at Kenninghall school on Wednesday 6th Dec from 7pm. She will be demonstrating six recipes to create a stress-free Christmas. This fun evening will include local food sellers as well as nibbles and a complimentary glass of mulled wine on arrival. Tickets £15, Limited spaces available so book early. Contact Dianne on 07786543013 to buy your ticket. All proceeds go to Kenninghall Primary School.

New Buckenham Players

Dick Whittington th th th 7 8 and 9 of December at 8pm th (Matinee 2:30 pm 9 of Dec)

This year’s pantomime is the well known story of Dick Whittington and his cat who travel to London to seek their fortune. Come along to Boo, Hiss and Cheer. Sets are being built and painted by our dedicated crew, costumes are well on the way, lights, music, sound and special effects are being planned. So see you there at New Buckenham Village Hall. Tickets £8 (matinee £5) Tickets available on 01953 861438 01953 860320 or from Kings Stores.

Christmas wreath-making workshop at the Barn at Rowancroft, Kenninghall Road, Banham. 9 am – 12 noon on Tues 12th Dec. Please bring secateurs, moss and greenery if you can, (No yew please) and £2 towards materials.

Friends of Banham Church invite you to a Progressive Lunch on Sunday 14th January FOBC are inviting you to banish the post Christmas blues by joining them for a progressive Sunday lunch on 14th January at venues close by in the village. The meal will start with sherry and canapés, followed by a choice of main course with wine and from there to a feast of deserts and coffee. The cost per person will be £12.50. Numbers are limited so please contact Sally on 01953 888183 to book your place and find out more details

To kick off their 40th Birthday celebrations, Old Buckenham Players present their 2018 pantomime. Mother Goose by David Maun. Sit back and enjoy the comedy, music and good old fashioned audience participation as we visit enchanted forests, grand mansions and the Queen's courtroom. Performances are being held in Old Buckenham Village Hall nightly at 7.30pm on 18th - 20th January and a 2.30pm matinee performance on the Saturday. cont. overleaf

Old Buckenham Players cont……There'll be a raffle, choc ices and a very reasonably priced bar serving a range of soft and alcoholic drinks. Tickets are on sale from Mon. 11th Dec. costing £8 for Adults and £4 for under 16's. They can be purchased from the Box Office on 01953 851946 or from Old Buckenham Village Stores or Nuts 'n' Bolts in Attleborough. Want to find out more about Old Buckenham Players? Why not 'Like', 'Follow' or 'Browse' us today! See below how to get in touch, find out what we do, how to get involved and keep up to date on our forthcoming shows. . Website: www.oldbuckenhamplayers.co.uk twitter.com/OldBuckPlayers or: www.facebook.com/OldBuckenhamPlayers

Charity Christmas cards - Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Shop 12th Oct. – 17th Dec. The Forum (Portakabin), Norwich, Open 7 Days a week Selling cards for more than 40 charities plus gifts, gift wrap,

traditional advent calendars and lots more.

Learn Mindfulness with the Blue Angel Sangha Every Friday from 8–9pm at Old Buckenham Relax (Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane, NR17 1PP) contact 07909 505831 or [email protected]

Lip Reading Classes - Free lip reading classes. Small friendly group at New Buckenham village hall on Wednesdays 1 - 3pm. Just come along or contact: [email protected] for more information.

Old Buckenham Luncheon Club meets at the OB Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays. It is open to all residents living on their own in the villages covered by the Six Villages Newsletter. If you know anyone who you think might benefit, please telephone Bridget Burton on 01953 860241. The only cost involved is that of the lunch (currently £3.50) and transport can be arranged.

Looking for respite care at Christmas? - If you’re a full-time carer, or spend a lot of time caring for someone, it's important to make time for yourself, both for the sake of your own wellbeing and to give you the energy to carry on caring. That’s where respite care can help, particularly at times like Christmas. Spending time in a caring and warm environment, with dedicated helpers on hand can be the answer, and a way to give a carer that break. Age UK Norfolk can meet such demands with its 20-bed respite unit at the Grays Fair Court (GFC) centre in Norwich. The path to respite care can be taken in two ways. First, through the social services system via Norfolk County Council, and care packages taken this way will be funded if the patient meets the necessary criteria. Or there is a self-funding option. To find out more about respite care at Christmas, or any other time, then contact Age UK Norfolk’s Grays Fair Court on 01603 594747; or contact Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020

What’s going on at our community venues?

Banham Community Centre

60’s Dances 8pm (£7.50) 2 Dec–Sound Imperial (£8) 13 Jan-Heartbeat (£6) Telephone 01953 888628 to enquire about the above or hire of the halls

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

‘Banham Bats’ table tennis club welcomes all new players (of high school age), experienced or beginners. Come along on a Tuesday evening (school term only) 7:15 - 8:30pm. Your first week is free and then only £1 per week. For more details contact Mark Nash on 01953 888308 or [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 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 Saturdays – see website for details of future events. 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.

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

Open Mic nights - 1st Friday in every month

Cubs Tues, Scouts Wed, Beavers Thur, [email protected]

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

Flower arranging classes Wed 9.30am to 12.30pm. Contact Christine on 454528 or email: [email protected]

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 Saturday of the month 10.30a.m.-12noon (excluding Jan) primarily for the upkeep of the room and donations to local charities. Occasionally, a book sale is held and seasonal gatherings of residents and families can be booked. Contact: 01953 888604.

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 [email protected] (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 [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. 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 £10 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 [email protected]

20 Information regarding rural crime from Norfolk Police

Type of Who to Non Urgent Urgent incident contact

Farm / Agricultural. DC Andy Tel 101 or 07900 407106 999 & general Brown [email protected] advice

DC Andy Tel 101 or 07900 407106 Metal Theft 999 Brown [email protected]

Wildlife Insp Jon Tel 101 or 999 Crime Papworth [email protected]

Community concerns & SGT Mark [email protected] 999 Newsletter ASKHAM feedback

All other DC Andy [email protected] enquiries Brown

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. The Attleborough Bridge Club is relaxed and informal. It will only cost you £1, and new members are very welcome. Contact Bob Gee on 01953 887743, email [email protected] or phone Mary Parker on 01953 860167 for more details.

Banham PCC would like to thank the Six Villages Newsletter Committee for their generous contribution towards the cost of the refreshments for the Heritage event on 18th ovember.

Banham Bowls Club would like to thank the Six Villages Newsletter Committee for giving them a grant towards the purchase of new shirts and equipment.

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

Diary of regular events December Fri 1 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 1 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Sat 2 10-12 Banham Café Banham Church Sat 2 8pm 60’s Dance Banham C.C. Sat 2 10.30- 12 Coffee Morning Reading Room Quid. Sun 3 2-6pm War Games O.B. Village Hall Tue 5 10-12 Coffee & Chat O.B. Church Rooms Tue 5 11-12 Coffee Morning Walnut Tree, K Rd, Banham Tue 5 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Fri 8 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 8 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Mon 11 2-4pm Afternoon Whist O.B. Church Rooms Wed 13 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Good Companions Wed 13 12.00pm N.B. Village Hall (Christmas lunch) Thu 14 2pm Breckland Flower Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 14 7.45pm O.B. Wine & Social Club O.B. Church Rooms Fri 15 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 15 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Tue 19 3-4.30pm Open Door Banham Church Tue 19 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Thu 21 7.15pm Eccles Women’s Institute Art Centre, Eccles Hall Sch. Sat 23 9am -12.30 Lopham Farmers Market Village Hall, North Lopham January cancellations No Coffee morning at Walnut Tree, Banham No Saturday Café at Banham Church No ‘Open Door’ at Banham Church Back to normal in February 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 [email protected] or on 07584 000442 Do you have difficulty reading the small print in the Newsletter? - We can provide a copy of the content in larger print. Please contact Wendy on 01953 888165 or email [email protected] to receive a large print copy.

Newsletter Notes - Items to the editor Wendy Pontin at [email protected] or Joy Stanley on 01953 887175. For info. on advertising and flyer insertion contact Joy Stanley. Distribution–1750 copies hand delivered. Closing date for the Feb. issue is by Mon. 15th Jan. Folding day on Thur. 25th Jan. 1pm in the Church Rooms. 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.