THE SIX

VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

December 2019 and January 2020

Banham, , , Quidenham, Eccles & Wilby

CONTENTS

Editorial 3 Church Pages 13-16 Ken’s Garden Jottings 4 Events coming up 17-18 Local Club reports 7 Local Council Reports 21-22 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, (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 01953 887208 Tel. Preference Service Diss 01379 654754 Phone either surgery for out 08450700707 0184753110 of hours numbers Hospitals Travel 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

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 February 2020 issue is Thurs 16th Jan. “Bundling day” is on Tues 28th Jan, 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

Collection of Old Buckenham's Six Villages newsletters - While the Church is closed for rethatching please collect newsletters from the Church Rooms on ‘bundling day’ (last Tuesday of the month between 3.30 and 5pm). If this time is missed please collect on following Sunday after the service in Church Rooms (approximately 10.30am). On the Sunday - stay to coffee if you like! Thank you.

1 SIX VILLAGES NEWSLETTER

People talk about making our country “Great” again in their electioneering as we like to be part of something great. But what is “Greatness”? Being independent and having nobody who can order you about? Being so wise that people come to you for advice? The way they use it seems to mean being selfishly wealthy. Some who got wealthy by being inventors and entrepreneurs, in the 18th century and since, have given a lot of money to good causes, and to founding good organisations – Carnegie, Rockefeller, Bill Gates etc. and lots of less known people – but others were a lot less philanthropic. Is Greatness truly Wealth? Independence? Military power? What kind of greatness was shown in the creation of the extraordinary thing that is the world around us - the amazing beauty in a tiny little bird, and the amazing skill of an artist to portray it? What kind of greatness was there in the birth of Jesus in a Middle Eastern stable all those years ago. Is there a lesson for us as we come to celebrate that birth? I hope you will find some space this Christmas to pause and see beauty in the lives around you, to give thanks for the blessings that have been yours, and eyes to see where true greatness is to be found. Steve Wright

The Editorial Team would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have regularly given their time to help ensure this newsletter reaches every household in our six villages. We look forward to continuing to provide a publication that is both interesting and helpful to everybody. We always welcome feedback on how we are doing and how we can improve. Wishing all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

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Festive Jottings from

the Garden Centre

There’s no doubt that mankind is a destructive species, with so many people in the world our impact on the planet is not only causing harmful damage to ourselves but affecting everything else in the process. Global temperatures are rising, weather events becoming more severe and frequent, and our ‘use once then throw away’ mentality is polluting everything around us. It’s obvious that we cannot continue in all our ways, and so we need to moderate the rate of our damage and help improve our environment. We can all do a little bit to address the problem, and planting trees ticks lots of environmental boxes. Imagine a forest covering thousands of acres of land planted with over seventy million trees, looked after by a team of custodians who check it regularly, carefully manage it, and responsibly harvest around ten per cent per year, and then replant an equivalent amount to maintain the size and sustain numbers. A forest which provides a habitat for countless species of wildlife, both fauna and flora, insects and bugs, a whole ecosystem cleaning the air of carbon and pumping out oxygen for us all to breathe. It’s not a dream, this forest already exists fragmented into plantations across our green country. A Christmas tree takes about ten years to reach around six foot and even longer for taller sizes, all this time they are doing their bit. They’re planted to be harvested, and this vast forest only survives due to us choosing to decorate our homes with a real tree. Artificial trees have improved in appearance over the years, if you’ve got one and it looks ok keep using it for as long as you can, but think carefully before you buy another one. Produced overseas from a mixture of materials which are almost impossible to recycle and so will eventually be destined for landfill, where they will take hundreds of years to degrade down to their chemical forms. Our range of non-drop Nordman firs are grown in so there’s no need to worry about excessive pollution from transport miles either, and it also means they’re cut late so stay fresh for longer, making them the natural choice for your home. For your festivities this year you can choose to be naughty or nice, but whichever way you think about it a tree is for life, not just for Christmas!

Seasons Greetings to you all! Cheers, Ken and Angela Visit now for fresh local trees, plus wreaths, houseplants, gifts and goodies! We close at Christmas & reopen on Saturday 18th January 2020.

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)

4 Reports from Local Clubs Attleborough and District Gardening Club – October's meeting was a fun night. Simon White gave a lively and interactive demonstration of making Christmas Holly Wreaths. Throughout the evening Simon entertained Members with interesting facts and figures, checking back later in the evening to see if we had remembered! Simon explained that he holds workshops at Peter Beales Nursery, where he works, with some places still available in December. He also makes wreaths for sale in the Nursery - some 300+ each year. There will be no meeting in December. Meetings next year will begin on Wednesday 15th January at the Attleborough Primary School, Besthorpe Road, starting at 7.30pm. 'The speaker will be Helen Reeves presenting ’Around the World with Young Farmers' The talk will be preceded by the Club's AGM Visitors very welcome. Contact Jenny North on 01953 455481 for more info. Old Buckenham WI – The first meeting of 2020 will be on Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. The speaker will be Gavin Binkerton Jones talking about 'Norfolk Wildlife Through the Lens'. Visitors always welcome. Contact Betty on 01953 454790 for more info. Breckland Flower & Garden Club – Our December meeting will be on Thursday 12th December with Lee Berrill giving a demonstration entitled ‘Made for Christmas’. The first meeting in 2020 will be on Thursday 9th January at which a workshop will take place (visitors £6 plus materials). Meetings are held in OB Village Hall at 2pm. Visitors always welcome. For more details visit our Facebook Page or phone Christine on 01953 454528 Eccles WI – At our Annual General Meeting in November reports were given by Pauline, our Secretary and Jill the Treasurer. Trisha, our President recalled what a busy and successful year we have had with talks on a variety of topics from a young lady who runs a successful beef enterprise, to the work of Alcoholic's Anonymous, Nettles and their many uses and The St. John's Ambulance to name a few. There were visits to The English Whisky Distillery and Peter Beales Rose Gardens. We have also joined other local WI’s for interesting and enjoyable group meetings in April and September. If you would like to join us next year you will be made most welcome. We meet on the 2nd Tues of every month at 2pm in Garnier Hall. Our first meeting of 2020 is on Tuesday 14th January when we will welcome in the new year with enthusiasm and an action packed programme of meetings, visits and events. Visitors always very welcome. Contact Jill on 01953 887413 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. 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.

7 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. We will be having a speaker Damian Demolder at our meeting on 3rd December talking on ʻStreet Photographyʼ (£5.00 for non-members. Refreshments are included}. 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). No charge, all welcome for a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. Any queries contact Mervyn Beales on 01953 454604 Banham over 60’s Coffee and Chat – We get together on the third Friday of every month at 10am in Banham Church. Come along to enjoy good company and a chat. 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 Dec, Attleborough, Breckland Lodge Hotel, London Rd, NR17 1AY (4.5ml) 9 Dec, Mulbarton, Village Hall Car Park, The Common, NR14 8AE (4.15mls) 16 Dec, Banham, Near St Mary’s Church, The Green, NR16 2AA (3.75 ml) 23 Dec, Spooner Row, Primary School, Station Road, NR18 9JR (3.75ml) 30 Dec, Hopton, Bowls club, Short Grove Lane, IP22 2RP(3.85ml) 6 Jan, Great , Hockham Picnic Site, A1075, IP24 1PG (3.85ml) 13 Jan, All Saints, Playing Field, Green Lane, NR17 1UA (4.35ml) 20 Jan, East , Nature Reserve Car Park, A1075, IP24 1RU, (3.8 ml) 27 Jan, Fundenhall, St Nicholas Church, Church Lane, NR16 1AH, (4.25ml) For more info. contact Brian Lawrence on 01953 454635 or 07710 248303

The Repair Shop Cafe Every Friday 10 to 12noon Banham Com. Centre (Small Hall). £3 per session including tea/coffee and cake. Time to get those little repair odd jobs done in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly company. Bring along an item to repair. Repair materials and tools will be supplied. Please pop in any Friday to find out more or call Lucy on 01953 888432 or find on Facebook

What’s going on at East Harling Sports and Social Club? Every Friday Evening, Pizza Van, 6-8:30pm 7th Dec, Live Band, The Butchers Dog, 8:30pm 8th Dec, Christmas Workshop, Table Centrepiece,10:30am for 11am start, £30pp (all materials inc.), mulled wine & mince pies. To book 01953 718251 14th Dec, Twins Group, 10:30am - 12:30pm 20th Dec, Kids Christmas Party & Santa’s Grott, 6-9pm 21st Dec, It’s a Shoot Out, ‘8pm 21st Dec Christmas Draw 7:30pm New Years Eve Party, 7 - late!! Free Entry Christmas Hours - 24th 12-10pm, 25th 11:30am - 2pm, 26th 12-10pm

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

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Banham Community Centre

There is a large Sports Hall and small meeting hall (both for hire). The Social Club opens Wed & Thur from 7pm and Sun from 5pm. There is a pool table, dart board and free WiFi. Glass recycling bins and 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 Dec – Sounds Imperial (£8) Sat 11th Jan - Heartbeat Sat 1st Feb – Hi-Definition

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

Pilates Classes - Tues mornings 9.30-10.30am and Thurs evening 7-8pm in the small hall. Classes are for ladies and gents of all ages and 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.

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

Flower arranging classes for beginners, 1st Tues of the month 7–9pm, Sept -Dec. Contact Christine on 01953 454528 or [email protected]

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 that 7.45pm. Everyone welcome. For more info. 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: 01953 888604.

New Buckenham Village Hall Many groups such as badminton, kettle bells, Fitsteps, Slimming 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. Thurs 6-7pm & 7.15-8.15pm. 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 P28 for meetings & outing dates NB Silver Band – meets every Thursday, 8-10pm. All ages / abilities welcome. Bookings secretary [email protected]

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

at St. Mary’s Church, Banham. 10-12noon For young people over 11. All the usual homemade goodies plus

Contact Steph or Jonathan on Christmas stalls (see P17). 01953 887396 All welcome

Friday Club Messy Church

Fridays 6.15–7.15pm St Mary’s Banham from 4 - 6pm (during term time) st usually 1 Sunday of the month For children up to 9 years. 1stDecember** 5th January 2nd February meets at Rowancroft, A monthly fellowship for all the family Kenninghall Rd, Banham with craft activities around a bible story Contact Steve and Gill with song and refreshment Eggleton. 01953 887579 Contact Steve on 01953 887183.

**Change of venue - on Sunday 1st Dec Messy Church will be held in New Buckenham Church with a hands on Christingle Service. A Carol Service has been organised by the Dean of Norwich in Norwich Cathedral on 16th December at 7.30 pm for St. Martins Housing Trust. The service will be in aid of reducing rough sleeping in Norfolk. All welcome. Christmas at Old Buckenham Methodist Church December 4th at 2:30pm is the next meeting of the Chapel Friendship Group. This will be our Christmas Carol service. It will be followed by fun and games with a Christmas Word search compiled by one of our Church members and then seasonal refreshments. December 18th at 7:30pm. Our usual Songs of Praise will take the form of our annual Festive Sing-a-long, with Carols, Christmas music, solos and readings. This will be led by Pastor Sean Worsley and will finish with seasonal refreshments. (no Songs of Praise in January and February, but will commence once more on 18th March 2020). January12th 2020 at 10:45 am is our Covenant Service with Holy Communion. This will be led by Rev. Mary Cousins There will be tea or coffee and biscuits to follow. All are welcome to any of these events. May we take this opportunity to wish all who read this A Blessed and Happy Christmas.

New Life Church Craft Mornings - Come and join us for breakfast and Christmas crafts this Advent on Sunday 1st, 8th and 15th December. All welcome - 9.30am New life Church, Banham Community Centre, Large Hall. For more information contact Amy at [email protected]

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Advent Festival of Light in Banham Church. From the beginning of December Banham Church will be decked in candle light to celebrate Advent, the preparation season before the major festival of Christmas. As in past years, candles will be sold and lit in church during the Christmas season in remembrance of your loved ones. This year the remembrance candles will be included as part of our Advent Festival of light. To order your candle (£5.00 each ) please email me at [email protected], phone me on 01953 888183 or deliver a note to Whitegates, Church Hill Banham NR16 2HN. Please include your name, and the dedication for your loved one and their name. I will arrange the collection of your payment with you in due course!! With thanks, Sally McGinn.

Christingle in Banham Church - This will be held on Wednesday 11th December, straight after school – refreshments and craft will be supplied.

Christmas Services 24th December 7pm Old Buckenham Follow the Star service ** 7pm Eccles Christmas Eucharist 9.30pm New Buckenham Christmas Eucharist 11.30pm Banham Christmas Eucharist 25th December 9am Old Buckenham and Wilby Christmas Eucharist 11am Quidenham Christmas Eucharist 11am New Buckenham Christmas Service

**Follow the Star – Old Buckenham Christmas Eve Service Due to the closure of the main church for rethatching, our Christmas Eve service at 7pm will be more like a carols round the tree service. We’ll start with carols outside the Church Rooms, and like the Three Kings we’ll follow the star when we see it until we get to The Inn. Will the innkeeper will let us inside? Come and find out. For those dressing up as shepherds, wise men, angels (wings on the outside of your coats perhaps?) there will be the chance to be in the tableau once we reach it. The evenings collection will be in aid of the St. Martin’s Housing Trust helping the homeless.

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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Services for December 2019 Sunday 1st 1st Sunday of Advent Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 16.00 Christingle Service Eccles 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 24.36-44 Sunday 8th 2nd Sunday of Advent Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Worship New Buckenham 18.30 Carols Service Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist Eccles 16.00 Carols Service Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7,18-19; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12 Sunday 15th 3rd Sunday of Advent Banham 09.30 Morning Worship Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Mattins Quidenham 18.00 Carols Service Readings: Isaiah 35.1-10; Psalm 146.4-9 or Luke 1.46-55; James 5.7-10 Sunday 22nd 4th Sunday of Advent Banham 08.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Morning Worship Eccles 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 7.10-16; Psalm 80.1-7, 16-18; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-25 Sunday 29th 1st Sunday of Christmas Group service in New Buckenham at 10am Readings: Isaiah 63.7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2.10-18; Matthew 13-23

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Services for January 2020 Sunday 5th Epiphany Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Quidenham 09.30 Morning Worship Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-15; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12 Sunday 12th Baptism of Christ Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist 08.00 Holy Communion Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Worship New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 42.1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10.34-43; Matthew 3.13-end Sunday 19th 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Banham 09.30 Morning Worship Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 18.30 Evensong Quidenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-12; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9; John 1.29-42 Sunday 26th 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Banham 08.30 Parish Eucharist Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eucharist New Buckenham 11.00 Morning Worship Eccles 11.00 Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1-12; 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23

Communion: 10am, All Saints, Old Buckenham - 1st Tuesday of the month followed by coffee in the Church Rooms.

N.B. Old Buckenham Church closed for rethatching. All services to be held in the Church Rooms until further notice More details of our churches and events on www.quidenhamgroup.co.uk

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Events coming up

Seasonal Stalls at St. Mary’s Banham - During our usual Saturday Café in the church on 7th December, from 10am. There will also be a number of seasonal stalls including Cakes and Produce, Bring and buy, Books, Guess the Cost of the Hamper, Crafts, Candles for dedication, Tombola, Raffle. Come along with friends and family. All welcome. Anyone with donations for stalls or wanting to help on the day, please contact Val Plummer on 07786068105

Tree on the Green Saturday 7th Dec at 6pm Join us on Banham Green for carols round the Christmas Tree. Dress up warm, bring a torch and come along with family & friends. Everyone welcome. Refreshments afterwards

Garnier Hall Christmas workshop Sat 7th Dec, 9am – 4pm including lunch (cost £20). Contact Christine for booking & details on 01953 454528 or email [email protected]

Christmas Concert, Saturday 21st Dec, 7pm in Banham Church FOBC presents The Community Choir at Christmas plus special guests. Get your Christmas holiday off to a flying start with well-loved Christmas songs old and new. Tickets can be bought in advance either from Banham Post office or from any choir member. Tickets cost £5 including buffet (accompanied children under 15 FREE). Mulled wine, hot chocolate and other drinks on sale. Raffle and Hamper to be won! Come along and enjoy the festive time. For more information contact David at [email protected] or on 01953 997575

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NWT event in New Buckenham Tuesday 17th Dec 7.30-9 pm – Evening talk, New Buckenham Village Hall - Common (and not so common) Wildlife. From barn owls to turtle doves, hedgehogs to water voles this illustrated talk by Gemma Walker and Izzy Williamson (Norfolk Wildlife Trust) will introduce you to some common associated with Norfolk commons. Discover the history of some of the characteristic species found on Norfolk commons and learn about the new Wildlife in Common project funded by the Heritage Lottery. Includes refreshments. Free entry, no need to book..

Walk on New Year’s Day taking place on Wednesday 1st January at 10.30am from Church Rooms, Old Buckenham. Soup and rolls will be available for a donation on return (proceeds in aid of Raise the Roof). A village photograph will be taken celebrating the start of a new decade. Walk will be 2 - 3 miles over road and field paths. Please wear suitable footwear. Accompanied children and dogs on leads welcome. For more information email Linda Foulger on [email protected].

FOBC Saturday Café back on 1st February2020 with all the usual favourites and not a turkey in sight - 10am to 12noon at St Mary’s, Banham Friends of Banham Church (FOBC) – Movies @ St Marys Tickets: £5.50 on the night, £5 in advance (unless otherwise stated) Why not try a season ticket – 4 films for the price of 3 £15.00 Buy tickets from Banham Post Office 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 extra) Drinks and refreshments available throughout – bring your cushions!

1st Feb – Downton Abbey (PG), starting the 2020 Season with a full length film about the much loved characters featured in the TV series. The Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance. 18

News from Norfolk County Council £250,000 fund launched to support early years groups - Community groups that support young children and their parents/carers in Norfolk are being invited to apply for grants of up to £2,500 towards projects that will support children aged 0- 5. To apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/earlychildhoodfunding or email cs-0- [email protected] and request an application form. Giving Tree appeal for children in care - Christmas shoppers in Norwich are being given the opportunity to get into the festive spirit by buying a book for a child in care. NCC and Waterstones have teamed up again to launch the Giving Tree appeal. The tree, situated in Waterstones (Castle Street, Norwich), is decorated with dozens of tags, each representing a child and the book they would like to receive this Christmas. Customers wishing to support the appeal can buy the books which will be wrapped and sent to the children in time for Christmas. Books can also be purchased via email. Send an email with 'Giving Tree Appeal' in the subject line to [email protected]. Books should be purchased by Monday 9 Dec so they reach children in time for Christmas. Road Gritting - Norfolk’s gritters make their first run of the season at the end of October. Preparations for keeping Norfolk moving this winter are in place with around 16,000 tonnes of salt stocked in the county. There is plenty of useful info at www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkwinter & www.norfolk.gov.uk/gritting. Stephen Askew NCC Member for Guiltcross Division [email protected] Tel 01953 861481

News from Council Breckland Local Plan - Breckland Council has received the Report of the Inspector into the Breckland Local Plan. The Report and accompanying main modifications can be viewed at www.breckland.gov.uk/inspectors-report . Town & Parish Forum - The next Breckland Town & Parish Forum has been arranged for Wed 12 February 2020 at 5.30pm and will be held in the Breckland Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, . Fly Tipping - The Council is advising residents who discover a fly tip to inform the council immediately to increases the chance of catching the culprits. Suspected fly tipping can be reported online at www.breckland.gov.uk/flytip or contact the Council direct. Change of Date (Gadget Savvy Marketplace) - Due to the forthcoming UK elections on 12th Dec, Your Voice Breckland, which offers a voice to older residents in Breckland, has had to postpone their Christmas event, 'Gadget Savvy Marketplace', from 13th December to March 27th 2020 at 1.30pm at the Breckland Council Offices, Dereham. The session will be packed with stands to explain how new modern technology could make life easier and contribute to older people remaining healthy and independent. Organisations who would like to exhibit contact [email protected] to reserve a free stand. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy 2020. Stephen Askew Breckland Councillor for The Buckenhams & Banham Ward [email protected] Tel: 01953861481

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Banham Parish Council, keeping you informed The application for 43 houses on a green field site in Kenninghall Road was deferred to the Planning Committee which met at Breckland Council on Monday, 25th November. Objectors or supporters were invited to speak at this meeting. The outcome of the meeting will be reported. On the recommendation of the play area inspectors, the Parish Council will dismantle the junior swings at the play area, to be able to replace the wooden struts with a sturdy metal frame. The swings will then be relocated further from the hedge and gate leading into the field at the rear. At the moment there is one allotment vacant at Hunts Corner. If you'd like to apply, and are a Banham resident, please contact me (details below). It's that time of year when Breckland Council asks us how much we need for the Precept (funds for the day to day needs of the village, such as street lights, grass cutting, churchyard maintenance etc). We're happy to say that we haven't asked for an increase in over 4 years, despite rising costs. In fact, two years ago, we asked them to reduce the amount, unheard of in Local Government, I suspect. 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, 01953 887327 or [email protected]

Help for those sleeping rough The Church Rooms in Old Buckenham will be open throughout Christmas Eve as a reception centre for non-perishable food, to be taken to St. Martins Housing Trust who manage the Night Shelter in Norwich.

Some of the collection will be distributed to those sleeping rough, who have been accommodated in the Night Shelter, and returned to life in the community, but are still struggling.

Your donations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Mike Bartlett

Multi Charity Christmas Shop celebrating 60 years in 2019 16th October to 18th December Festive Portacabin, Millennium Plain, Norwich Open all week 10am-5pm (Mon-Sat) and 11am-4pm (Sundays) Selling cards for more than 40 charities plus gifts, gift wrap, traditional advent calendars and lots more. Cards for Good Causes (CFGC) pays the participating charities at least 70p in every

pound from card sales. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk (Registered Charity No.249039)

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Robert Cocks Charity volunteer trustee - A vacancy has arisen for the voluntary position of Trustee to assist in the management of the Robert Cocks charity, which runs the well-established alms houses situated in Old Buckenham, Experience with listed buildings and their maintenance would be beneficial, although not essential, as would understanding of financial planning and/or the needs of older people. Details: The Robert Cocks Almshouses Charity consists of 10 properties providing accommodation for residents who are over 55 years with limited means. Working with a board of fellow trustees, the vacancy would particularly suit someone from the local area who is able to commit to attendance at four quarterly meetings and any ad hoc meetings in between as required. Quarterly meetings are usually held at 7.45pm on Tuesdays. To apply: Please send application letter and/or CV with details of relevant experience to the Chair, Canon Steve Wright, at [email protected]

Greetings Biz Bods! Passport to Puppetry. The Norwich Puppet Theatre launch a Biz appeal to give free creative fun to needy children. They need your help. Flexible co-working office space available in central Norwich. The big 4 phone companies say they'll work together to end the rural not-spots…but at what cost? Meanwhile the Mobile Phone Mystery deepens and can a mobile phone mast look like a tree????!!! If you have any biz notes you want spread around, do get in touch. [email protected] www.np4nb.online Biz Buzz is a group of business folk and wannabes in and around New Buckenham spreading the news, offering support and swopping contacts.

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.

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

25 Mobile Library Service – Dec/Jan visits (15-20 mins unless otherwise stated) Route CEN516 Friday 20 Dec and 17 Jan 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 22 Jan Banham 15.20-16.00 Apple Close 16.05-16.30 The Green 16.35-17.05 Mill Road Route CEN521 Friday 6 Dec 3 Jan and 31 Jan Quidenham 11.20 ex. Post Office 12.15 St Edmunds Lodge

Local Bus Services Konectbus 5A/5C Semence Coaches SE1 Outward Mondays to Fridays Outward Sat Banham, adj sch 0659 0929 OB, adj. Green 0909 OB, adj Green 0708 0936 NB, opp Green 0916 NB, adj Green 0711 0941 Banham, opp sch 0923 Norwich, City College 0803 Quid, opp Home Fm 0933 Norwich, St Stephens 0810 1038 -- -- Norwich, Rail Station 1045 Diss, adj Bus Station 1005 Return Mondays to Fridays Return Sat Norwich, Rail Station 1313 1613 1743 Diss, adj Bus Station 1200 Norwich, St Stephens 1322 1622 1752 -- -- Norwich, City College 1627 Quid, adj Home Fm 1229 NB, opp Green 1413 1718 1843 Banham, adj sch 1239 OB, opp Green 1417 1722 1847 NB, adj Green 1246 Banham, opp sch 1421 1726 1851 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 (, 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 Diary of regular events December 2019 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 Thu 5 O.B. WI (Christmas lunch) 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. Tue 10 2pm Eccles Women’s Institute Garnier Hall, Eccles Fri 13 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 13 7.30-9 30 Youth Café Banham Church Wed 11 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Wed 11 12 noon Good Companions Christmas Lunch 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 Fri 20 10am Over 60’s Coffee & Chat Banham Church Sat 28 8 - 12.30 Lopham Farmers Market Village Hall,

Diary of regular events January 2020 Sat 4 10-12 No Saturday Cafe in Jan Banham Church Sat 4 10.30- 12 Coffee Morning Reading Room Quid. Sun 5 2-6pm War Games O.B. Village Hall Tue 7 10-12 Coffee & Chat O.B. Church Rooms Tue 7 11-12 No Coffee morning in Jan Walnut Tree, K Rd, Banham Wed 8 10-1pm Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 9 2pm Breckland Flower Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 9 7.45pm O.B. Wine & Social Club O.B. Church Rooms Sat 11 8pm 60’s dance Banham C.C. Tue 14 2pm Eccles Women’s Institute Garnier Hall, Eccles Wed 15 7.30pm Att. & Dist. Gardening Club Att. Primary School Thu 16 2.30pm Good Companions N.B. Village Hall Fri 17 10am Over 60’s Coffee & Chat Banham Church Wed 22 10-1pm Luncheon Club (NY Party) O.B. Village Hall Thu 23 7.30pm O.B. Women’s Institute O.B. Village Hall Sat 25 8 - 12.30 Lopham Farmers Market Village Hall, North Lopham N.B Friday Café and Youth Café start on Friday 10th January

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