THE SIX VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

April 2020 Banham, Old Buckenham, New Buckenham,

Quidenham, Eccles & Wilby

CONTENTS

Editor’s message 1 Church Pages 12-18 Community initiatives 2/3 Events coming up 17-18 Home deliveries 4 Via-Beata 21 Cancelled events 7 Local Council Reports 22 Regular Clubs / activities 8 Au revoir 28 Ken’s Garden Jottings 11

A message from the Editor The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our lives as we struggle to help support our NHS, save lives and protect our society. We really are all in this together. We must all try to have as little contact with each other as possible if we are to beat this virus. Clubs, events, social gatherings and anything involving close social contact is closing down. We have produced a Newsletter for April but as you can see there is little to report on and plenty of cancellations! It will be shorter (pages 13 – 16 gone!) as there is not much material coming in. Sadly, we have decided to make this our last publication for the time being. Not only will we have little to report in these fast changing uncertain times but it is also uncertain that we will be able to get printing undertaken and more importantly that delivery to you by our volunteers will increasingly become more difficult. I have endeavoured to make this last issue as helpful as possible to everyone in these difficult times. On the following pages is information about local community initiatives to help ensure everyone is looked after, about local businesses that are offering home deliveries and about closures and cancellation of local centres and events. I have been heartened and amazed at the terrific community spirit we have in our villages. I’m sure there is more going on than I have been able to report but it is impressive. We must very seriously take heed of government directives and recommendations and help each other to do so if we are going to save lives and give the NHS a fighting chance to cope. It is going to be a lenghty struggle and we need to support each other Let’s look forward to getting back together and continuing to support each other in happier times. Take care everyone and sincere wishes from all the Editing Team. Wendy Pontin N.B. Apologies to our advertisers. We will endeavour to reimburse you for lost advertising when we resume publication

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Community initiatives in our villages Banham

Banham COVID-19 Community Network If you are self-isolating, there is a group of volunteers in the village who can:

• Pick up your shopping • Pick up urgent supplies (e.g. medication, baby milk, etc.) • Post your letters, . Walk your dog if you are too ill • Call you by phone for a quick chat and check that you’re okay

If you need help, please ring Geraldine on 01953 887327 or email her at banhamclerk@outlook.com and she’ll pass the details on to a volunteer who’ll do their best to help. She will usually be available between 8am and 9pm and will check our messages frequently throughout the day. You can keep up to date with us by using Facebook or Nextdoor Banham and searching for Banham (Covid - 19) Community Network. To order groceries at Banham Post Office, call 01953 887216 or email neiltdavey@hotmail.com Coronavirus is contagious, so items will be left on your doorstep. Volunteers will take every precaution to ensure that they are spreading only kindness. Please make sure you do the same by regularly washing your hands and avoiding physical contact.

When you make contact with us, please confirm that you give the project permission to hold and use information about you. We will only hold information needed to provide support or involve you and we will not share it with anyone outside of the project.

Can YOU Help? - The Banham COVID-19 Community Network are getting together a list of people willing and able to help during this fast-changing situation. If you can help in any way, please call Geraldine on 01953 887327 or email her at banhamclerk@outlook.com . If we pull together as a community, we can help to keep us all safe. Keep in touch with Banham Covid-19 Community Network groups on Facebook and Nextdoor Banham . Thank you!

Old Buckenham A Helping Hand – The Village will get through this together The Village has come together to ensure everyone has someone to contact in the event of you being sick or self-isolating. If you need help with getting food, medical supplies or even to arrange for someone to walk the dog please call your street co-ordinator. If there is something concerning you the village is here to help support you. You should have received a note through your door to say who your local co-ordinator is. If you have not received one, or you have lost yours you can call Terri on 01953 860096 who will put you in touch with the co-ordinator for your street.

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New Buckenham Helping Hands in New Buckenham If you are self-isolating, there is a group of volunteers within the village who are willing to help in the following ways:

Picking up your shopping Picking up urgent supplies (e.g. medication, baby milk, etc.) Posting your letters Walking your dog Contacting you by telephone to check that you are alright

If you need help, please ring Alice and Richard on 01953 860136 and we will pass your details on to a volunteer who will do their best to help. If you’d rather email it’s alicecattermole@hotmail.com or you can text us on 07900 272524. We will usually be available between 8am and 9pm and will check our messages frequently throughout the day. Kings Stores can be contacted on 01953 860264 or at suecat64@outlook.com

Coronavirus is contagious, so items will be left on your doorstep. Volunteers will take every precaution to ensure that they are spreading only kindness. Please make sure you do the same by regularly washing your hands and avoiding physical contact.

Eccles If you require help in any way contact Peter Lotarius on 01953 887213 or peterlotarius@hotmail.com – he will be able to pass information to volunteers in the village able to help. He will also act as a focal point for Eccles Church Notices and information will be put on the Quidenham Parish Council website. www.quidenhamparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.uk .(Contact for the wbsite is Kate Lloyd: at quidenhamclerk@gmail.com ) Sarah Suggitt: Sarah.Suggitt@breckland.gov.uk our Breckland District Councillor has offered her support wherever it is needed.

Quidenham The aim of our community effort has been to make sure everyone is “connected”. It started with a request / flyer asking for contact details for those wanting  help  or  thinking  they  may  need  help  and  those  willing  to  offer  help  The flier was delivered to every household. Everyone responded very quickly and the information was collated and distributed to all those involved. It came to light that generally the more elderly had phone and email only. The remainder had phone, email and messenger (internet social group). A “village” messenger group has been set up which gives shared instant access. Any member needing help, who can only contact a member of the messenger group by email or phone call, will have their request immediately posted on the messenger group and anyone who can help can react and respond. For more information contact Nicola Dorks on 01953 887160 or at nicola@cavellrose.co.uk

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Home deliveries from local businesses Banham Post Office and Stores We can offer grocery deliveries to the local area. We have a wide range of stock and we also deliver newspapers Monday to Saturday. Please contact 01953 887216 or neiltdavey@hotmail.com to discuss your requirements.

One Stop Stores, Banham (opp. Zoo)

Should you find yourself having to self isolate we are able to deliver your groceries. If we can help, please call us on 01953 887320 and let us make the challenge a little easier.

Banham Butchers (opp. Zoo) We can deliver all your requirements for meat, egg and cheese. Phone in your order to 01953 888579.

Kenninghall Bistro - During this time of uncertainty and isolation we are offering a delivery service to those who are unable to venture out or are in self-isolation. All you need to do is phone your order through to the Bistro and pay by card and we will do the rest for you. We will be offering free local delivery and there is no need to worry about contact as we will knock on your door and leave the items on your doorstep. All orders outside Kenninghall require a minimum spend of £10.00. Phone 01953 716013 to discuss your order. Below is our menu (subject to change)

Kenninghall Bistro - Menu

Meal Deal - £4.50 - Sandwich or Soup served with crisps, drink and traybake Soup & Roll - £3.00 - Soup of the Day with a bread roll 2 Course Meal - £6.00 - Homemade Hot Meal, Mini Cake Afternoon Tea for 2 - £15.00 High Tea 2 for £20.00

Cake Options 8 Inch Sponge - £10 Chocolate / Victoria Sandwich / Coffee / Bakewell / Mocha) 6 Traybakes - £10.00 Fruit/Cheese Scone - £1.50 6 Mini Cakes - £5.00 4 Large Cookies - £2.00 Bag of Mini Bite Traybakes - £2.00

Frozen Items Meals - £4.50 – Toad in the Hole, Cottage Pie, Shepherdess Cottage Pie (vegan), Beef or Game Stew & Dumplings, Cowboy Hotpot, Chicken Thai Curry, Sweet Potato Thai Curry (vegan), Beef Chilli, Vegetable Chilli (vegan), Three Bean Chilli (vegan), Tuna Pasta Bake, Bacon & Mushroom Pasta Bake, Meat Balls in Tomato Sauce with Pasta, Nut Roast (vegan), Mushroom Stroganoff (vegetarian) Pies - £2.50 – Various Flavours Meals can be accompanied by your choice of Mash Potato, Root Veg Mash or Roasted Potatoes Special Offer on Meals – 3 for £12.00 Soup - £2.00 (Various Flavours) Desserts - £2.00 - Fruit Crumble, Sponge Pudding, Slice of Cake (vegan options)

We are also able to offer delivery of meat, eggs and cheese from Banham Butchers.

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Cancelled or postponed events! All our community venues are closed for the foreseeable future and all club meetings, regular activities and events which take place in them have been cancelled. Below is a list of these with some contact details or web addresses.

Banham Community Centre 01953 888628

Garnier Village Hall 1953 454528, garniervh@gmail.com or visit www.garnierhall.co.uk

Old Buckenham Church Room 01953 861360, lydiadarrah@gmail.com

Old Buckenham Village Hall 07469 715517 or visit www.newbuckenhamvillagehall.co.uk

Quidenham Reading Room 01953 8876160

New Buckenham Village Hall – 07469715517 or visit www.newbuckenhamvillagehall.co.uk

Other activities and events Banham Zoo has shut Mobile Library visits are suspended Attleborough Health Walks suspended Both Banham and Old Buckenham ‘Open Gardens’ in June cancelled. The New Buckenham Art Exhibition will not take place in April. The Escape Room planned for in Quidenham Church in April will be postponed Garnier Village Hall events suspended. They would like to report that the Garnier social club handed over a cheque to NARS for £1,933.28 which was raised in the last 9 months.

Banham Youth Café on line We can't run youth cafe in the church at the moment so we are going to run it online. There will be chat and games. Young people of high school age can join us online. All adults will be our DBS checked staff and volunteers. If you would like a young person to be able to join then please email jonathan@integrateyfc.org.uk to get a password.

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Reports from Local Clubs Attleborough and District Gardening Club – Vice Chairman, John Frost, opened the February meeting welcoming Members. The 2019 year end accounts were presented by the Treasurer and were proposed, seconded and adopted by Members. Our guest speaker, Helen Worvill then demonstrated by laying out a selection of plants on mats, her ideas for planting a long, narrow, shaded border and a larger square, sunny border. The aim of which would be to enhance these areas giving colourful interest throughout the Four Seasons of the Year. Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed by covid-19 monthly meetings at Attleborough School will no longer take place for the time being. 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 Old Buckenham W.I's February meeting was Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St. Martin's Housing Trust. Also attending was Mike Bartlett who helps to raise astonishing amounts of money for St. Martin's every year. Starting with a video of some people talking about how they became rough sleepers and how the charity has helped them Jan explained they offer hope, trust and safety to the rough sleepers of Norwich. Among the varied facilities owned by the trust 'Under One Roof' teaches life skills to enable them to gain confidence and make them feel human again. They are never given up on and some end up working for them. The number of rough sleepers in Norwich has decreased from 35 in 2016 to 18 in 2019. St. Martin's help up to 200 people at any one time. Altogether an excellent and enlightening talk. Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed by covid-19 monthly meetings at Old Buckenham Village Halll will no longer take place for the time being. Contact Betty on 01953 454790 for more info.

Breckland Flower & Garden Club –Our Annual General Meeting was held at the March meeting. The Committee was thanked for all their work for the past year. The club members then elected a committee of 12 and a president for the coming year 2020/2021. A 2nd cheque for fundraising for the year was presented to NARS Norfolk accident rescue service for £440.78 bringing the total raised for the year to £1,483.38. Then two volunteer's from NARS gave a CPR instruction talk which was very interesting. Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed by covid-19 monthly meetings at Old Buckenham Village Halll will no longer take place for the time being. Contact Christine on 01953 454528, Sally on 01953 788712 or email the secretary at brecklandclub1982@gmail.com

Eccles WI – For their March meeting members visited The Smallest Picture House at Wymondham where they enjoyed watching the film Judy. Due to the ongoing restrictions imposed by covid-19 monthly meetings at Garnier Village Halll will no longer take place for the time being. Contact Jill on 01953 887413 or email jillannm1@gmail.com.

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Garden Jottings from Ken

It seems many of us may be having a bit more ‘at home’ time than usual over the next few months, but self-isolation isn’t all bad - no travelling on overcrowded transport, no meetings in stuffy offices, no crowds to squeeze through, just your own safe surroundings to stay in… but how will you occupy your time? TV perhaps - no! housework - definitely no! DIY - no again! it’s time to get outside and make 2020 the Year of Your Garden; enjoy fresh air and a bit of gentle exercise, it’s a great tonic for us all! Gardens have always been a sanctuary, a place to retreat to, calm and tranquil spaces away from everything. Being in or looking onto a green space allows you time to pause and consider the things that are important to you. Like the weather, you can’t change what’s happening around you, so with a bit of time and effort you can make a place you’ll really want to be in. Whatever your garden looks like there’s always something to do, whether it’s a quick tidy up, a complete refresh, or just a simple task such as planting up a couple of stylish pots with colourful flowers. You could take the opportunity to prepare an area for ‘grow you own’, and discover a few taste sensations and prove once and for all that fresh is always best. You can start off a lot of seeds now in trays or small pots, and transfer them into their final growing positions later on, but be aware that root crops such as carrots, parsnips and swede are tap-rooted and resent being shifted about. If you’re at home with the kids, get them involved, the magic of runner beans winding upwards, or the anticipation of a large pumpkin for Halloween usually catches the imagination. Don’t forget giant sunflowers as well, these can create a bit of fun rivalry between siblings or friends, and when the show’s over, cut off the seed heads and leave them for the birds to enjoy. Encouraging wildlife into your garden is always a pleasure, and by providing clean water, shelter, and a reliable source of quality food you’ll keep them coming back. Make a list of all the different species you see and the number visiting at any one time to get an indication of the health of your garden. It’s not only the obvious birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, frogs and toads that you’ll attract, there’s also a lot beneficial bugs and beasties to accommodate, so leave a patch a little wild for these to occupy as their own special sanctuary! Cheers, Ken The Garden Enclosure, Banham 01953 888043 From our Enclosure to your Enclosure - local delivery service available, please phone us for all your garden, wild bird and pet supplies!

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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View from the Rectory April

Well, what to say? At the time of writing you are not allowed to come to church services. Does that make them more attractive I wonder? Will people gather in clandestine meetings to pray together for the thrill of doing it in secret? Not yet I think. It is an extraordinary step which, for all I know, will be out of date by the time you read this. I have been really encouraged by the efforts of people in our villages to work together to be coordinated to help those who are in difficulties because of isolating themselves from others. This to me is a Christian attribute of our culture, so often secular in its outlook these days. People are putting themselves out for others, sometimes in significant ways, and that to me reflects what God does for us on the Cross at Easter. God didn’t need to bother with us, just as we don’t need to bother with our neighbours, but he did, and walking in his way, we will too. On Easter morning Jesus rose from the dead and although I look forward to that day when I shall rise and see him face to face, I think that when we look out for one another and love one another like God did, we will see sparks of new life in the relationships around us because those we helped will no longer live in fear. They have friends. As the old hymn goes: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear And what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. If you’d like to receive what I am sending out to church members each week to help them pray together, each one at home, then email me canonstevewright@gmail.com , and tell me what village you live in, and I’ll send it to you �. 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

Benefice Administrator Jill Moses jillannm1@gmail.com

01953 887413

Old Buckenham Methodist Church - all Sunday services and all activities and events are cancelled until further notice. For more info. please visit www.oldbuckenhammethodist.yolasite.com/ or phone 01953 861207 or email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk

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Services for April 2020 At the time of writing public gatherings at church services have been suspended in an effort to support the government’s attempts at slowing the spread of Covid-19. When normal services are going to be resumed we cannot forecast but I encourage you all to mark Sundays with special prayers. Below are the readings set for each week in our churches. If you would like to sign up for weekly emails with thoughts on these readings, some prayers, and links to suitable hymns to sing then email Steve, our Priest in Charge, canonstevewright@gmail.com .

Sunday 5th Palm Sunday

Readings: Isaiah 50.4-9; Psalm 31.9-18, Philippians 2.5-11; Matthew 21.1-11; 27.11-54

Sunday 12th Easter Day

Readings: Job 14.1-14; Psalm 31.1-5; 1 Peter 4.1-8; Matthew 27.57-end

Sunday 19th Easter 2

Readings: Acts 2.14a,22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1.3-9; John 30.19-end

Sunday 26th Easter 3

Readings: Acts 2.14a, 36-41; Psalm 116.1-7; 1 Peter 1.17-23; Luke 24.13-35

God of compassion, have mercy upon this nation and our world

in this time of fear and confusion: we bring before you those who are suffering and who tend to their needs;

may those in isolation know your comfort and company and may neighbours show your love in works of care,

kindness and prayer; we pray for the National Health Service and all engaged in scientific research

and we pray too for those upon whose shoulders the yoke of leadership rests,

that in their conversation and communication your still small voice may be heard;

we ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit, through the One who stretched out his hands to bless and to heal

even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

All regular services are suspended until further notice For more infoormation.visit www.nlcbanham.org.uk or ring Jonathan Richardson on

01953 887396

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All Saints - Old Buckenham - On Easter Day each year, we usually commemorate the lives of loved ones who have died with flower arrangements in the church. Following the restrictions regarding the Coronavirus and the cancellation of services the display of lilies remembering past relatives and friends has been postponed. It is hoped that this event can take place on Sunday 1st November – All Saints Day. This change is regretted but unavoidable in existing circumstances. Revd. Alistair Monkhouse

All Saints Old Buckenham – Roof Raised! - We want to thank all those who have played any part in helping us to ‘Raise the Roof’ – donors, fundraisers and supporters alike. We believe we have now got all the funding in place for the completion of the project. We had hoped to be able to invite everyone to share our joy and thanks at a group service of celebration and re-dedication, however this cannot now happen – yet. We will have this celebration at some point in the future and in the meantime we will be planning how All Saints can be made available to the community for prayer and reflection in these difficult times. Alison Hannah - Old Buckenham PCC

Old Buckenham Methodist Church - On 1st March the second "Sing a New Song" took place. It was a very inspiring and enjoyable evening with Iwona taking the lead and her husband Zak on his guitar. All the words and bible readings were on the screen which was controlled by their son. Pastor Sean Worsley commenced and ended with a prayer. The March meeting of CFG was really enjoyable. Liz Worsley came along and demonstrated her skills at Decoupage, which is the decoration of various items. It is amazing the things she managed to make and decorate. She showed us bottles, slate hearts, a papier-mache bucket she had made using a flower pot as a mould, cut off bottoms of plastic bottles, slate and wooden hearts and even a broken piece of an old butler sink! We really enjoyed watching her skills. At the end she was presented with 3 pots of polyanthus plants as a thank you. This was all followed by tea and biscuits. A very happy afternoon. Sadly we have had to suspend all future meetings and activities for the time being. Gill Large

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. Contact David on 01953 887575 if you would like to join

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

Saturday Café, Film night, Youth Cafe, Messy Church, Over 60’s Coffee and Chat at St Mary’s and Friday Club at Rowancroft are all suspended

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

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Via Beata (A way of Blessing) One day, in the Summer of 2009, a group of Christians from the locality met in a little wooden shelter, just inside the gate of our property here at Rowancroft in Banham. Led by Rev. David Hill, we were commissioning the first ‘way-station’ of a Christian sculpture trail that would one day stretch across the U.K. from Lowestoft in the East, to St. David’s on the west coast of Wales. Now, ten years later, the Eastern end of the trail is almost complete, with way-stations at comfortable walking distances apart. From the Midlands, the trail continues westwards with way-stations dotted along the route, but with some gaps, yet to be filled. In this coming year, we are looking forward to adding some exciting and challenging sculptures. Firstly, by the time you read this, a large stainless steel sculpture will be well under way, for the South Pier at Lowestoft. It will depict the miraculous catch of fish, as recorded at the end of John’s Gospel. At the other extremity of the trail, we have been invited to place a sculpture in St. David’s cathedral. Another sculpture in progress, is for the Northamptonshire village of Ashby St. Ledgers. This is where the ‘Gunpowder Plot was hatched. The room where the plotters met, overlooks the churchyard. Whatever the truth about the plot, it stands in the memory of this nation as a stark reminder of division in the church. We plan to place a sculpture in the churchyard at Ashby, which will speak of forgiveness and unity. We want churches of all persuasions, from along the trail, to take part in the making of this piece. The Via Beata art-works have been made by a number of different individuals and community groups. Ex-offenders, recovering addicts, church groups and youth groups, all sorts have benefitted from being involved. More recently, however, we have been joined by a team from our locality. Since being part of the heritage days during the refurbishments at St. Church, Banham, we have recruited a team of trainee sculptors, who meet at Rowancroft every Thursday Morning. To date, they have had a hand in five of the sculptures. More are on the way. The over-arching aim of the Via Beata, is to bring blessing to the villages and communities through which this trail passes (including the villages of the Quidenham group), and to the wider United Kingdom. Perhaps we might take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported us in this endeavour over these past years. Steve and Gill Eggleton, trustees, and all the Via Beata team. www.viabeata.co.uk

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News from Norfolk County Council The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a rapidly evolving situation. The most recent data from Public Health England (PHE) is here www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-track-coronavirus-cases.

The latest information on the Government’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response This is a very fast moving situation and the focus right now is on delaying the spread of coronavirus and ensuring our services are responding well. This is clearly hugely important and requires all of our attention. www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and www.gov.uk/coronavirus are trusted sources of information. It is really important to go to the right sources of information and keep up to date with how to look after yourselves and each other. Guidance for the public - Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas, Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection, Guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people are all available on the NCC website New funding for 1000 smoke alarms in Norfolk homes - Norfolk Safety CIC (Community Interest Company) have donated £5,000 towards the installation of up to 1000 smoke alarms in homes across Norfolk. The alarms will be installed by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as part of their home fire safety checks which carried out in the homes of the most vulnerable people. Free sanitary product collection points announced by County Council - Vulnerable women and girls can now access free sanitary products at 79 different locations across Norfolk thanks to a newly expanded Norfolk County Council service. More info can be found at.  https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/library-services/health-and-wellbeing/the-tricky-period Stephen Askew NCC Member for Guiltcross Division Stephen.askew@norfolk.gov.uk Tel 01953 861481

News from Breckland District Council Unique council contract to deliver a better service - Breckland council has joined forces with North Norfolk District Council and King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council to appoint Serco as a single provider to collect residents' household bins. Serco will also be delivering general waste and recycling collections on alternate weeks, household bulky waste collections, street cleaning, removal of fly-tipped materials, litter and dog bin management, and grass cutting. £1m support for vulnerable people - Last month Breckland Council approved proposals which will see more than £1m invested in a range of projects which will support local vulnerable people and a further £750k to help local towns and villages. The projects will focus on tackling ‘county lines’ drug and child exploitation, supporting those who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, providing opportunities to people who becoming socially isolated and lonely in later life, and helping people to avoid poor mental health. Stephen Askew, Breckland Councillor for The Buckenhams & Banham Ward stephen.askew@breckland.gov.uk Tel: 01953861481

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At a Glance handy telephone numbers.

Police 999 (Non-urgent 101) Fire and ambulance 999 (non-urgent ambulance 111) Power cut 105

Medical numbers Surgeries Attleborough 01953 453166 (Dispensary 01953 452663) Attleborough Health Centre 01953 457303. Kenninghall 01953 887208 Phone either surgery for out of hours numbers Hospitals N & Norwich 01603 286286 W. Suffolk. 01284713000 Spire Hosp. Norwich 01603 456181 Global Clinic, Norwich 01603 812266 Com. Hospital W Norwich 01603 776776 NHS Hospital Car Scheme 03332404100 Out of hours dental and pharmacy numbers 111.

Helplines Eastern Electricity 08007838838 Anglia Water 08457145145 BT phones. 0800800150 or Mob. 03301234150 BT Broadband Faults 08001114567. Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Diss 03444111444 Tel. Preference Service 08450700707

Travel Travel Line 08712002233 Diss and Attleborough Stations’ 03456007245 Nor. Airport 01603 411923.

Local Schools Banham Primary 01953 887293 OB Prim. 01953 860380 OB High 01953 860233 Chapel Green Sch, OB. 01953 453116 Eccles Hall 01953 887217

Leisure Facilities Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630000 OB Country Park 07557479199 Banham Zoo 01953 887771 Applewood Countryside Holidays 01953 715319 Swimming pools Diss 01379 654754 Thetford 0184753110 Wymondham 01953 607171

Local Government District Council Breckland 01362 656870 Parish Councils Banham 01953 887327 New Buck 07963 860872 Old Buck. 01953 861355 Quidenham 01953 888184 Registrar’s Office (Thetford) 0344 800 8020

Handy Web Addresses Police www.norfolk.police.uk Norfolk County Council www.norfolk.gov.uk Breckland District 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

Banham Parish Council, keeping you informed Owing to restrictions caused by the pandemic, the Parish Council meetings have been cancelled for the time being There is some good news, however. The front of Lucy’s shop is being cleared of debris and plants. It appears that the dogged determination of our District and County Councillor, Stephen Askew, on our behalf, has paid off. I am still contactable by

phone and email to report street light failures or road faults or other matters to the relevant authority in the usual way.Contact Geraldine (Parish Clerk) on 01953 887327 or by email at banhamclerk@outlook.com

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County Broadband press release Revealed: Banham and Old Buckenham could miss out on lightning fast full-fibre broadband network Banham and Old Buckenham are on the cusp of securing Hyperfast full-fibre broadband of up to 1,000 megabits per second (mbps) - 20 times faster than the UK average, specialist Hyperfast broadband provider County Broadband has announced. Thousands of premises in over 130 villages across East Anglia 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. Currently, only 10% of UK homes and businesses can access full-fibre broadband, compared with 71% in Spain and 89% in Portugal. The government is relying on privately funded infrastructure specialists like County Broadband to accelerate the UK’s rollout. Residents and businesses now have the choice of pre-ordering the new network or staying with their current providers. John Johnson-Allen, who lives in Great Moulton and is Chairman of the Parish Council, commented: “My fellow councillors and I all enthusiastically supported full-fibre broadband coming to the village. It is a fantastic opportunity which will benefit the whole community. As other local villages are also taking the wonderful opportunity which we have been given, nearby communities will also benefit from lightning fast speeds after years of average speeds of 20mbps. Residents and businesses please contact your local Territory Sales Executive on the email sales@countybroadband.co.uk

Greetings Biz Bods! Crisis advice and answers

Biz Buzz has the latest facts about the business help you can access and how to get it. All the contacts you need both locally and nationally. Names, phone numbers for direct queries and web sites. How are our local businesses coping? Are you doing what your company needs? Your crisis management communications check list. If you have any biz notes you want spread around, do get in touch at info@np4nb.online 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

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

The Six Villages Newsletter is online at www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/sixvillages. Listings are free. Email Paul Girling at paul@greystokegraphics.co.uk 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 sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com 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.

Newsletter Notes - Items to the editor Wendy Pontin at sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com For flyer insertion contact Joy Stanley on 01953 887175.

Publication of the Newsletter suspended till further notice. The inclusion of an article or advert in the publication does not constitute any endorsement

by the Editorial Committee o the views expressed, a product or service

 

   

     

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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  

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

Diary of regular events April 2020 Sadly none!

And finally, to fill the page a couple of pictures

Together we’ll beat you!

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