THE SIX VILLAGES

NEWSLETTER

July 2016 Banham, Old Buckenham, New Buckenham,

Quidenham, Eccles & Wilby

THE SIX VILLAGES NEWSLETTER

“Holy Batman!” Batman? I didn’t know much about bats until I became churchwarden of St Mary’s church in Banham. I knew they flew around my garden on warm summer evenings; I knew they ate insects and moths….and they had an intricate sonar system called echolocation ….. and they slept upside down….and they made a lot of mess in the church porch which I had to sweep up every morning in the summer and occasionally on mild winter nights. Other than that I didn’t know much else. I was about to learn. You may have gathered by now that St Mary’s church needs a lot of repair work doing to the tower and east window costing thousands of pounds and for which we have had to apply for an HLF grant. But before any work starts we are committed by law to have our building inspected for bat activity, because if there is any activity we have to make sure the bats are not harmed or their roosts disturbed by the work. So we employed a chiropterist to do the job, (a chiropterist is a bat expert). Over the past two years on a number of occasions Phil Parker and his gang of helpers have staked out the church inside and out with infra-red cameras and sound detectors to monitor the bat activity. A number of species were seen in and around the church including Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Serotine, Noctule, Daubentons, Brown Long-eared and Natterer’s. Some of the bats roost in the church and some are visitors in search of food. The survey also highlighted an unusual occurrence and it has to do with the Natterers. There was found to be a well-established maternity roost in the roof of the church porch - an unusual location for this species of bat who do not like light and prefer to leave their roosts to hunt in the dark, which means they usually prefer to roost in a dark building or cave. So the fact they chose the porch, security lights and all, is very unusual. Even more of a surprise was the number of bats making use of this location. One night a count showed 135 bats emerged from the roost. Bats are fascinating and there’s still a lot of mystery surrounds their behaviour. If you’d like to know more about them come to St Mary’s church on 6th August, meet Phil Parker and see for yourselves. More details of this event on Page 16.

Phil Moore

The Six Villages Newsletter is now online – find the Newsletter on our local website at www.banhamandthebucks.co.uk/sixvillages. The website is run for the community and all listings are free. Email Paul Girling at paul@greystokegraphics.co.uk or on 07584 000442 Do you have difficulty reading the small print in the Newsletter? We can provide a copy of the content in larger print. Please contact Wendy on 01953 888165 or email sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com to receive a large print copy

Local Club / Society News

Breckland Flower & Garden Club They say “time flies when you are busy” this certainly has been the case over the past few weeks. It began with the Club creating wonderful arrangements for the Rejoice Flower Festival which celebrated the opening of the new development and exhibition “The Abbey Experience” in the wonerful setting of Wymondham Abbey. Some of the flowers were later displayed in Attleborough church. On June 2, members and friends headed off from Old Buckenham Village Hall for a trip to Woodbridge and Beth Chatto Gardens. We strolled around the gardens taking photos and taking inspiration from her wonderful variety of flora. On June 8 summer seems to have arrived at last and another outing took place, this time to Walnut Tree Nursery. We were given a talk on pruning and then treated to tea and cake followed by the chance to purchase plants. At our monthly meeting we welcomed Howard Norton, who gave a talk, with the aid of slides, on Delphiniums. He shared with us how to nurture these beautiful plants from seeds and how to make a support for the plants. Howard was very informative and happy to answer questions. The next meeting will be at Old Buckingham Village Hall on July 14 at 2.00pm. The demonstration will be by David Wright entitled “It is an Education”. All welcome, visitors £4. Contact Christine 01953 454528 or Sally 01953 788712.

Attleborough & District Horticultural Society At the May meeting the Speaker was Stephen Pope who gave an informative talk on a Victorian Farming Year. Stephen works at Gressenhall and talked about the way farming took place during the Victorian era and its hardships and developments. For most workers on farms in Norfolk the year started at the beginning of October, labourers where employed for a year. All animals were bred and they included what are now classed as rare breeds. Stephen talked about the use of oxen and horses for ploughing, the crops grown and who did what around the farm. The start time was generally 4am finishing at 3.30pm for 6 days a week with a wage of 10 to 15 shillings a week. Everyone went to church or chapel on Sundays. There were a number of questions from the floor and our Chairman thanked Stephen for his talk. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th July at 7.30pm in Attleborough Junior School when Jamie Blake will give a talk about Alan Bloom For further details contact Christine 01953 454528 or Sally 01953 788712. Visitors are very welcome.

Bunwell Camera Club We 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. We welcome new members. For details see http://www.bdcameraclub.co.uk/

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News from Norfolk County Council Devolution - Council leaders across Norfolk and Suffolk have reached agreement with the government for a deal for the two counties. This runs in parallel with a deal for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. In summary, £25m a year single pot for the next 30 years, £130m Housing Investment allocation over five years, A guaranteed £225m annual transport budget for the next five years, Control of an existing £20m a year Adult skills funding, Control of an existing £2m a year Apprenticeship Grant for Employers, More control and influence over investment in key roads across Norfolk and Suffolk, Norfolk and Suffolk wide approach to flood & coastal risk management. At a full council meeting on 27th June, it is anticipated that councillors will be asked to endorse the deal. If voted through, public consultation would take place in July and August. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the secretary of state will prepare an Order, and councils would then get a final chance to debate and vote on the Order before the end of October. An order could then go before Parliament in December. The Combined Authority would be set up in March, and Mayoral elections would take place in May 2017. Activities for children and young people - If you’re struggling to know what to get up to during the summer holidays there are lots of activities in Norfolk available. Visit https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/activities-for-children-and-young-people for ideas and suggestions. “Write On Norfolk” (Children's storywriting competition) – This is a competition NCC are running with the EDP and in association with Jarrold the Store, designed to keep the county’s young minds active and writing skills sharp over the summer holidays. To enter, children aged from 5 - 13 are encouraged to submit a piece of original creative writing – a poem, a story, a letter or anything in between – so long as it is no more than 500 words long. There’s only one rule: Norfolk has to appear at some point in the piece. For more information visit https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/what-we-do-and-how-we-work/campaigns/write-on-norfolk

Stephen Askew Member for Guiltcross Division Stephen.askew@norfolk.gov.uk Tel 01953861481 News from Breckland District Council At Breckland Council's Annual Meeting on 12 May 2016, Cllr Bill Borrett was elected Chairman of the Council for 2016/7, with Sam Chapman-Allen as his Vice Chairman. Following our launch of the Breckland New Digital Web Site, over 1,400 people have signed up for Brown garden waste bins. See how easy it is to subscribe for yourself just press the "Apply for it" Tab. www.breckland.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Adrian Joel - Breckland Councillor for the Buckenhams' & Banham Ward Address: 9 Hargham Road, Old Buckenham NR17 1SL Telephone: 01953 860663, E-mail: adrianpjoel@btinternet.com

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Garden Jottings from Ken

It’s our tenth birthday on July 1st, and we can’t believe how quickly a decade has passed. For those of you who have been visiting since we opened, you’ll know that we pack a lot into a small space, and even as we have expanded over the years this hasn’t changed, more space has resulted in more choice to help you make the garden of your dreams. Popular additions include timber arbours, and timber or metal arches, obelisks and trellis for beautiful climbers to scramble over or twine through. Blousy clematis, fragrant honeysuckles, exotic-looking kiwi, and wonderful wisterias will all put on a reliable show every year and are easy to grow. Alpine plants are once again in fashion, giving you the chance to enjoy some of nature’s more diminutive treasures. With plenty of varieties to choose from, these miniature wonders look fantastic planted in shallow bowls topped off with a layer of horticultural grit or small stones. Choose a few containers to make an arrangement, or really go for it and create a rockery using stone from our selection of rocks and boulders, surrounded by a decorative weed-suppressing shingle or slate mulch. Almost all of our plants are sourced right here in East Anglia from dedicated nurserymen and women who grow an enormous selection of plants, which gives us the best quality at sensible prices, and means that if we haven’t got it in stock we may be able to find it for you. Plants are a bit like pets, they need to be looked after, provided with food and water, given shelter from the elements, and trained to keep them under control. Our shop is stocked with everything you need to keep them happy, tools and quality composts, fertilisers and chemicals, water butts and hoses, canes and ties, and more. As we all like our creature comforts we also stock bird food and pet supplies for our wild and not so wild friends, plus gifts, greetings cards, preserves, sweets and snacks for everyone else. A big thank you to our customers for supporting us in our venture. Ken and Angela The Garden Enclosure, Banham - your local garden centre

The Garden Enclosure

Independent Plant Centre and Garden Shop 01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk

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

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

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Mobile Library Service – July visits

Route CEN5412 Friday 8th Old Buckenham 10.00 The Sun (ex. pub) 10.25 St Andrew’s Close 10.50 Hargham Road 11.15 Fen Street New Buckenham 11.40 Banham Dam Brigg

(Haugh Rd bungalows) 13.20 Chapel Street (leaving 15.15)

Route CEN348 Wednesday 20th Banham 14.30 Mill Road 15.00 Pound Close 15.20 Apple Close 16.00 The Green Route CEN128 Monday 11th and 25th Eccles 09.55 Station Road Route CEN5415 Friday 1st and 29th 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 – O.A.P.? – apply for free bus travel pass – 0344 800 8020

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Banham Parish Council – Neighbourhood Plan Banham Parish Council is at the early process of considering forming a neighbourhood plan. Would villagers be willing to come to a meeting at the Community Centre to voice their opinions and perhaps offer their support and involvement. Please reply to the Parish Clerk on banhamclerk1@btinternet or on 01953 887327.If sufficient villagers show interest, I will arrange a meeting. Below are some possible inclusions into a neighbourhood plan. • The development of housing, including affordable and bringing vacant or

derelict housing back into use. • Provision for businesses to set up or expand their premises. • Transport and access (including issues around roads, cycling, walking and

access for disabled people). • The development of schools, places of worship, health facilities, leisure and

entertainment facilities, Community and youth centres and village halls. • The restriction of certain types of development and change of use, for example

to avoid too much of one type of use and the design • of buildings. • Protection and creation of open space, nature reserves, allotments, sports and

play areas, parks and gardens and the planting of trees. • Protection of important buildings and historic assets. • Promotion of renewable energy projects, (eg solar energy and wind turbines).

Many thanks Geraldine, Parish Clerk

Banham Zoo is asking for donations of browsing material for their vegetarian animals. They are asking that interested parties who are lopping trees for example should contact them with a view to providing suitable material. If you think you can help please contact Rob Rouse 01953 715352 rob.rouse@zsea.org

Standing together against domestic abuse - Domestic abuse can affect anyone – physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual. Much of it goes unreported. A campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and increase reporting and referrals to agencies that can help has been started. It aims to reach those responsible for abuse, those who experience it and friends and family members who may be aware of it. Posters, magazine articles, social media, advertising, street graffiti and other methods are being used to spread the word and reach the target groups. Laura McGillivray, chair of the County Community Safety Partnership (CCSP), said: “Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse. Please seek help. There are agencies you can go to for help in turning your life around.” In March this year there were 1,115 domestic abuse crimes and incidents reported to Norfolk police. Councils, health services, police and other public and voluntary sector organisations are uniting for the initiative led by the CCSP, which aims to encourage earlier intervention, reduce stigma and minimise harm. For more information about domestic abuse and the campaign, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/domestic-abuse . You can also call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours).

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A view from the Rectory

Gardening – July

June was hard work on bended knee for some New Buckenham and Banham residents trying to get their gardens or allotments ready for open days. In Old Buckenham

Eileen and Brian will have done the same for the Senior Citizens

and John and Barbara for the Church. In Quidenham a team of volunteers maintains the verge and conservation garden on the

Green, and most of our churchyards are maintained by

green-fingered volunteers. I admire the patience of those who

can make a garden beautiful – picking a weed in time saves nine. But I prefer landscaping

myself, or letting the lawn grow long enough to give it a ‘proper’

cut.

I like to do the same with God. Reading the bible, little and often, or praying each day morning and evening, is what I’m supposed to do, but

it doesn’t come naturally. I’d rather sit and read a whole book of the bible every now and then in one go, or have a whole day set aside to

pray. There are advantages to both these ways of carrying on a relationship with someone and so I do both. At the end of the month we’re going to have a whole day to explore how we hear God – my prayer equivalent of giving the lawn a proper cut. After a whole day

trying out different ways of listening I should have cleared enough to see what he’s up to. It’s open for all – see the separate advert. I would

advise anyone who desires God to work at it with patience, and I believe that after a while, standing up from bended knee to survey your life, you

will find the beauty of God visible there.

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

Holy Communion: All Saints, Old Buckenham – 1st Tues. of the month followed by coffee in the Church Rooms.

Please note: Closing date for church material for the August 2016 middle pages will be Mon 18th July. Send to Phil at bailcott@gmail.com

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Old Buckenham Methodist Church is available for community groups, organisations and individuals to book for events and activities. The church was renovated in 2001 and has a kitchen, toilets and ample parking. The building is available for £7.50 an hour. For information or to book: phone 01953 861207 or email oldbuckenham.methodist@inbox.com  .  

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Banham Spire Lighting: Do you have an anniversary soon? A ay, wedding or special event in your life? For just £5 a night you can ve the c have the church spire lit up to celebrate your special day.

Please contact Phil Moore 01953 888333 or bailcott@gmail.com

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

All welcome

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

Contact Steph or Jonathan on 01953 887396

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

Tues 19th July 2016 All Welcome

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

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

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

Friday Club

Fridays 6.15–7.15pm (term time)

For children up to 9 year. meets at Rowancroft,

Kenninghall Rd, Banham

Contact Steve and Gill Eggleton. 01953 887579

Youth Café Fridays 8-10pm (term time only)

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 £5 per year. To join please pick up a form from one of our events or in the Church.

Messy Church Banham Church 4-6pm

Sun 10th July If you would like to get involved or help please

contact Kate on 01953 888862..

Open Gardens Saturday Cafe

St Mary’s Banham Sat 2ndJuly 10-2pm

Friends of Banham Church - Events in 2016 will include a progressive meal on 17th July and our annual Challenge Trophy Quiz at Banham Community centre on Sat. 16th October, with Fish and Chips served on the night. More details of the ‘Sunday Progressive Lunch’ are on Page 15.

Learning to Listen – Quiet Day 30th July, Rowancroft, Kenninghall Road, Banham A day exploring different methods of hearing God – Learn to hear through silence, creative endeavour, walking, monastic prayer, and social interaction, with visiting Speaker Revd Murray Brown from the Diocese of Sheffield. You are welcome to stay for the whole day, or choose according to interest: • 10am hearing God through stillness, • 12noon God through creative endeavour • 1pm lunch - bring your own packed lunch • 2pm continue with the part you liked best earlier • 3.30pm contemplative walk to Quidenham Monastery and back with Vespers

there at 4.30pm • 6.30ish Bonfire/Barbeque, Food will be provide • 7.30ish Pulling the threads together, followed by Compline at 8.30ish

Payment by Cheque On behalf of the six Anglican churches of our six villages, thank you for all your support over the years. Due to tightening of bank procedures, please note that cheques cannot now be cashed if made out to '[village name] church' but can only now be paid in if the payee is '[village name] PCC'. Details for Online payments or Direct Debits are available from each church treasurer.

Old Buckenham Spring Fayre The Spring Fayre was held on June 4th in Old Buckenham Church. £336.40 was raised for All Saints Church. Thanks go to all my helpers and the public for giving their support on the day and for donations that people sent. Janet Moore

Due to planned restoration work at St. Mary’s, Banham we can only take bookings for weddings up to the end of July. Weddings after this they may have to be held in another church in the benefice. Apologise for any inconvenience.

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 Rev Alan Wright

Mrs Helen Pearson (Reader) 01953 860300 01953 860251

For Eccles, Quid.& Wilby Rev Alan Smith 01953 860550 Benefice Administrator Jill Moses

jillannm1@gmail.com 01953 887413

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Services for July 2016 Sunday 3rd Thomas the Apostle

Banham 09.30 Family Eucharist

New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Old Buckenham 08.30 09.30

Holy Communion Parish Eucharist

Quidenham 09.30 Morning Prayer

Readings: Habakkuk 2:1-4 Psalm 31:1-6 Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29

Sunday 10th

Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

New Buckenham 18.30 Evensong

Old Buckenham 09.30 Morning Prayer

Wilby 09.30 Parish Eucharist

Readings: Deuteronomy 30: 9-14 Psalm 25: 1-10 Colossians 1: 1-14 Luke 10: 25-37

Sunday 17th

Banham 09.30 Morning Prayer

New Buckenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Old Buckenham 09.30 Family Eucharist

Quidenham 11.00 Parish Eucharist

Readings: Genesis 18: 1-10a Psalm 15 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10: 38-42.

Sunday 24th

Banham 09.30 Parish Eucharist

New Buckenham 11.00 Family Service

Old Buckenham 09.30 Parish Eurcharist

Eccles 11.00 Parish Eurcharist

Readings: Genesis 18:20-32 Psalm 138 Colossians 2: 6-15 [16-19] Luke 11: 1-13

Sunday 26th

Qiudenham 10.00 Group Eucharist

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2. 12-14; 2:18-23 Psalm 49:1-12 Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 12:13-21

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Old Buckenham Mill

Open day details 2016 10th July 2pm – 5pm 14th August 2pm – 5pm 11th Sept. 2pm– 5pm

Open Garden and Cream Teas hosted by Eileen and Brian Oliver’s at 26 Hargham Rd. Old Buckenham, 2nd July, 2-5pm in aid of our Senior Citizens Party. Call 01953 860664

Open Gardens in Banham Saturday 2nd July

16-18 gardens to view - Refreshments in church, Cream Teas at Millcroft,

Mill Rd, Banham. Ice Cream/Children’s Quiz at Banham Primary School Programme (entry ticket) £4, Children free. Available from Post Office and Millcroft, Mill Rd. in advance or from the Church, Banham School & Millcroft on the day. For further information contact Joy Stanley: 01953 887175

Banham Allotments Open Day Sunday July 3rd 11am – 4pm We are situated at the far end of Cemetery Lane. Many of our plots will be open for you to visit and hopefully, enjoy. There will be refreshments available along with some produce and plants, donations for which will go to this year’s chosen charity, ‘Target Ovarian Cancer’. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

Old Buckenham Fete, Saturday July 9th OB Village Hall’ from midday to 4pm

Attractions include lots of stalls, Mr Jugglefun, Art show, East Coast Truckers lorries, Model remote lorries, Raffle, Beat the Goalie, Plants,

Wine or Water, Barbeque and beer tent Free entry

Forncett Art Group Exhibition at Forncett St Mary Church on the 9th and 10th July from 11am - 4pm. There will be Sketchbooks, Photographs, Sculptures and a 'Have-a-go' Table. Refreshments available. Free Admission

Friends of Banham Church invite you to a Progressive Sunday Lunch in Banham

on Sunday 17th July

starting between 12 noon and 1pm Following the success of our progressive lunch in November last year, we invite you to join us again for a relaxing and leisurely lunch hosted at four venues in Banham (all within walking distance!). We start with sherry, followed by starters, then onto a main course (with wine) finishing with desserts and coffee. A feast for only £10 per person. Please reserve your tickets from Sally (01953 888183) or Wendy (01953 888165).

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Licensed ‘batman’, Phil Parker, will give a talk about the bats living in St. Mary’s Church. He has conducted a survey to advise on the potential effects of the planned church repair works on our resident bat populations. There will be a live bat watch highlighting the activity in the porch. We hope fostered bats will be on display. This is an amazing chance to learn about the results of Phil’s survey, why bats and their roosts are protected and much, much more. For more information please contact Anita Bounds, Banham PCC Trustee, on anita@boundsconsulting.co.uk or 01953-887084.

Call for a new swim group - Glancing through the Diss Mercury a few weeks ago I came across a request from John Holland from Banham for anyone interested in forming a swimming club to meet regularly at the Executive Leisure swimming pool in Old Buckenham. What a good idea. On ringing the given contact number I was disappointed to find that this number was not recognised. Perhaps John could contact the Six Villages Newsletter with correct contact details so that we can get in touch. I’m sure there will be interest from readers to start a local swimming group. Wendy Pontin (01953 888165)

An observation on cats from Steve Highton - Cats are extraordinarily well adapted predators, and most are free to roam without limits. Unlike all other predators, they are not affected by reductions or even extinctions in wildlife populations. They kill instinctively rather than for food. Their amazing agility grants them access to all areas. The skill and intelligence of some cats is almost beyond belief. I well remember a neighbour's cat (now sadly no longer with us) that was frequently able to catch and kill low flying swifts as they entered and exited their nests beneath the eaves of the surrounding houses.

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What’s going on at our community venues?

Banham Community Centre

60’s Dances 8pm (£7) Sat 2nd July Tobacco Road. Sat 6th Aug Class Act 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. For more information 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 it is only £1 per week. For more details contact Mark Nash on 01953 888308 or mark.nashy@tiscali.co.uk

Banham Badminton Club. New players very welcome. Mondays and Thursdays 8.30pm to 10.30pm. A great workout for experienced players and beginners alike. 1st weeks free. Contact adam@adampower.co.uk tel 660281.

Banham Short Mat Bowls Club - meets every Monday between 2 pm and 5 pm. New members always welcome.

Banham Good Neighbours - A friendly Club for the over 50s in the area. Most meetings are held on Thursday afternoons at 2.00 pm (see P. 24 for dates). Activities include speakers, entertainers and social afternoons. Coach outings take place and cost £10.00. New members welcome. Annual subscription is £8.00 per person. Contact Sandy or Fred Collinson, Secretaries, 01953 887448

Banham Belles is a monthly social group for ladies. Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Subscription is £15 per year, or £2 per meeting. Activities consist of talks, quizzes, meals out, dvd evenings. New members are welcome. Contact Annette on 01953 888238

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

The hall is available for private hire and for groups and meetings. There is a Social club with Bar, open Friday (from 7pm). Free membership. Children's games, table tennis, pool, play area. Contact: 01953 454528/887720. A.G.M. Friday 1st July 7pm - Nominations required for Committee Members. Meeting followed by a BBQ. Visit www.garnierhall.co.uk

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

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

Flower arranging classes Wed 9.30am to 12.30pm. All welcome. Contact Christine on 01953 454528 or email; hewsonchristine103@gmail.com

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Old Buckenham Village Hall

Mondays: Invigorate Fitness; Rainbows; Beavers Tuesdays: Zumba; Karate; Bowls; Kettlebell Wednesdays: Luncheon Club; Slanted Dance Thursdays: Breckland Flower & Garden Club; Pilates; OB Players; WI Fridays: Yogacise; Pastel Class; Karate Saturdays: Special events Visit www.oldbuckenham.org.uk for more details Pilates Class every Thursday at 2pm – call Amanda on 07557 025513 to find out more and join the class. Yogacise Class every Friday at 9.30am. No experience necessary, suitable for all ages. Contact Eileen Oliver on 01953 860664. Breckland Flower and Garden Club – meets on second Thursday of the month. All welcome. £5 visitors. Tel. 01953 454528 for further details.

Old Buckenham Church Rooms The Church Rooms are used regularly for events in the village ie. Scouts, Art Club, Children's parties, Photography, Table top sales, Coffee mornings, PCC meetings, Monthly Whist, Mardle afternoon, Karate, Wine and Social Club, Green Rights and other occasions such as Funerals, Weddings, Sunday School. 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, sewing and historical war games use the hall together with the Good Companions, annual art and photography exhibitions, the Village Show, various theatrical productions and meetings / conferences. We can cater for parties and weddings. For booking phone 07469  715517  or visit www.newbuckenhamvillagehall.co.uk Fitness & Martial Arts Classes take place in the Village Hall and on N.B Cricket Green (children and adults). Kung Fu & Kickboxing, Circuit Training, Outdoor Fitcamp. Contact Jamie-Lee on 01953 860943 info@jwcorept.co.uk The Good Companions - A club for the over 50s which meets on the third Thursday of the month starting at 2.30 pm. We have entertainers, raffles, tea. There is also a summer outing and Christmas Lunch. Membership is open to all from any of the villages. Annual subscription is £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.

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.

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Derelict House in Banham Following a question posed by Tim Bornett of Old Buckenham regarding possible repairs to the derelict house in Crown Street, Banham, Tim Partridge, Breckland Housing Officer, has responded with the following: “ Breckland Council is not at liberty to discuss matters relating to an individual in public but it has not refused any proposals put forward by the owner of 27/29 Crown Street. The action being proposed by the Planning Department is under a specific piece of legislation that only allows for a limited outcome. The advantage is that it is a relatively quick and straightforward process compared with other potential actions but, in itself, will not bring the property back into use. The empty dwelling policy, as with all policies, sets out a framework within which officers can work. It allows for resources to be directed towards achieving the policy objectives but it does not specify action to be taken against any particular circumstance. Whilst a range of potential actions are possible it does not mean that all, or any, are appropriate in every case and officers are always bound by the limits of the legislation.” Our Councillor Adrian Joel has arranged for Mr. Partridge to attend a Banham Parish Council Meeting to discuss the Empty Homes Policy. Mr Patridge has been invited to attend a Council meeting on Wednesday 3rd August (held in the Small Hall of the Community Centre at 7.30pm). We will confirm this in the August issue of the Newsletter. Interested residents are urged to attend. It would be useful to get some more specific response from Mr Partridge regarding the derelict house in Crown Street. His reply above does not seem to give much commitment to specific action. Breckland’s own housing policies on empty dwellings refer to their keenness to reduce homes empty for 6 months or more. The derelict house in Crown Street has now been empty for more than 15 years. It must be about time for some action!

A letter has been received by the Editing Team from Mr Bert Aldridge stating that he has purchased the property on Crown Street and is now the owner. He was displeased with the information in the last Newsletter and also the barriers erected in front of the property. He was just about to renew flooring and get a tenant and this was prevented by the barriers being in place. He wanted to have his displeasure recorded. The Editing Team apologise for any offence caused.

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

Supporting local community initiatives. Helping maintain community facilities

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Diary of regular events July 2016 Fri 1 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 1 8-10pm Youth Cafe Banham Church Sat 2 10-2pm Banham Café Banham Church Sat 2 10.30-12 Coffee Morning Reading Room Quid. Sat 2 8.00pm 60s Dance Banham C.C. Sun 3 2-6 War Games O.B. Village Hall Tue 5 10-12 Coffee & Chat O.B. Church Rooms Tue 5 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Tue 5 11-12 Coffee Morning Walnut Tree, K Rd, Banham Wed 6 O.B.Luncheon Club Outing Wed 6 Good Companions Outing (leave N.B. 10.15) Thu 7 2pm Banham Good Neighbours Banham C.C. Fri 8 6.15-7.15 Friday Club Rowancroft, K. Rd. Banham Fri 8 8-10pm Youth Cafe Banham Church Mon 11 2-4pm Afternoon Whist O.B. Church Rooms Wed 13 7.30pm Banham Belles Banham C.C. 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 8-10pm Youth Cafe Banham Church Tue 19 3-4.30 Open Door - Coffee and Chat Banham Church Tue 19 8pm Bunwell Camera Club Tibenham Com. Hall Wed 20 7.30pm Att. & Dist. Hort. Society Att Junior School Wed 20 10-1pm O.B. Luncheon Club O.B. Village Hall Thu 21 Banham Good Neighbours Outing Thu 28 7.30pm O.B. Women's Institute O.B. Village Hall

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

More folders and deliverers needed - Volunteers are required on the last Thursday of the month to help fold and staple the pages in the Church Rooms, O.B. ready for distribution. Numbers are low during holiday season and if you can spare about an hour, working in a pleasant atmosphere, it would be very helpful. We could also do with more people willing to deliver a few Newsletters each month (especially in N.B). If you can help contact Joy Stanley on 01953 887175.

Newsletter Notes Items to be sent to the editor Wendy Pontin at sixvillagesnews@yahoo.com or contact Joy Stanley on 01953 887175. For enquiries on advertising contact Chris Mehew on 01953 887344. Distribution – 1700 copies hand delivered. Closing date for the August 2016 issue is by 6pm on Monday 18th July please. Folding Day is on Thursday 28th July at 1.00pm, O.B. 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.

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