New Buckenham Parish

Welcome to the New Buckenham Parish Website
Quick Links: - - - Parish Council - - - Diary - - - Parish News - - - Village Hall - - - Location Map - - - History - - - Junior Football - - -
New Buckenham is an historic market town, now effectively a village, in the Breckland District of Norfolk, England. Surrounded by mixed farmland, it lies some 15 miles (24km) SW of Norwich, 4 miles (7km) from Attleborough and 8 miles (13km) from Diss. Of particular interest and linked to its long history is the layout of streets in a near orthogonal medieval grid pattern.

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EMERGENCY PLANS

Information: Facilities, Groups, etc.

Pictures:

Points of Interest:

Links: Related Internet sites

Note: If an option fails, pick (Select..] and retry.

Note: PN deadline 19 June

DIARY Data: Parish News
For details of times, venues and other events click here
JUNE
21	Good Companions
28-30	New Buck Players: "The Crucible"
JULY
7	Music at the Rookery
11	Parish Council
14	Village Show

Broadband is connected. HEADLINES

Recycling

EDP Norfolk
Village of the Year 2002:
Winner (pop. under 900)

Calor Gas
Village of the Year 2002:
Regional Award for Community Life

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Site Design: Mike Boswell Copyright © New Buckenham Parish Council 2002-2007 Last Update: June 2007

NEW BUCKENHAM:MAP
Location: N52deg 28.25', E01deg 4.31'
OS grid: TM087904 Altitude: 41m (134ft.)

TRANSPORT LINKS

New Buckenham lies just east of the intersection of the B1113 (Norwich - Bury) and the B1077 (Ipswich - Swaffham) roads.

New Buckenham is served by buses to Norwich, Attleborough and Diss.

Rail Links: Trains run from Attleborough to Norwich, Ely, Cambridge, Peterborough, the Midlands and North-West, and from Diss to Norwich, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Colchester and London.

Taxis are located in Banham, Carleton Rode, Attleborough and Wymondham - refer to telephone directories

Norwich Airport has regular flights to Amsterdam and UK airports including Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Many charter flights depart from Norwich.

NEW BUCKENHAM:MAP
Location: N52deg 28.25', E01deg 4.31'
OS grid: TM087904 Altitude: 41m (134ft) ASL.

Local Area

NEW BUCKENHAM:FACILITIES

The village has two pubs, both offering good food, real ale and a warm welcome. The George ------ Tel 860043 The King's Head - Tel 860487 There is a superb Village Hall, playng field and cricket ground.

Accommodation
Pump Court Bed & Breakfast, converted coach house and stables Tel 861039

Shops
Visit the Village Shop and Post Office(Lovells) for groceries, freshly baked bread, and some stationery and household items
Cattermole's (butcher) is well known for its organic meat.

Naylors Pine - pine furniture and unusual gifts
The Basket Shop for made to order basket work, fence panels, etc.

Sarah Bush Photography - Weddings and Portraits - Tel 861484

Mill House Garage (Clive Rush) for vehicle service, repairs and MOT. Paint specialists and air-conditioning service. Tel. 860572

Mobile Library: Every 2nd Tuesday:
1:30pm Chapel St.; 1:50pm Market Place; 2:15pm Dambrigg
Nearest County Library: Attleborough

Churches
St Martins (C of E)
Methodist Chapel

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES

Village Hall Trust

New Buckenham Society

Good Companions

New Buckenham Players

New Buckenham Silver Band

Gardening Group

Badminton

Bereavement Group

Art Classes

Fund Raising Committee

The "100" Club

Mother & Toddler Group

St Martins Church

Methodist Chapel

Singing for Pleasure

Royal British Legion, Womens' Section

Womens Institute

Junior Activities Committee

Home Watch (Tel: 860221)

Cricket Club

Junior Football Club

Piero's Plodders

NEW BUCKENHAM:REPRESENTATION

Parish Council
Meetings are normally on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm
Chair: Karen Hobley, 9 St.Martins Gardens Tel:860529
Councillors:

Mark Stevens	Wisteria House, Market Place	Tel:
Robert St.John-Cooper	Ivy House, Market Place	Tel:860985
Fran Doe		Tel:
Len Putnam	2 Town House, Marsh Lane	Tel:860038
Darren Rush		Tel:
VACANCY

Clerk: Mike Boswell Tel:860015

There is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor.

Breckland District Council, Buckenham Ward: Councillor Adrian Joel

Norfolk County Council, Guiltcross Division: Councillor John Baskerville

NEW BUCKENHAM:HISTORY

William d'Albini, of Norman origin, founded the Castle (of which only the motte, bailey and ruined keep remains) in 1145. There had been an earlier stronghold on the site of Old Buckenham Priory. To service the castle ansd garrison, the town was built up around the castle to provide services and labour, and probably covered much the same area and layout as is seen today. Apart from the castle, the earliest existing buildings are St. Mary's Chapel (early 13thC), and the Parish Church (1246). Among the earliest existing houses are those on the west side of the Market Place which have their origins in the 15th century. Queen Elizabeth 1st awaded a Town Charter, permitting markets and fairs to be held. This tradition lives on with the May Day Fair and August Bank Holiday fete being held each year. New Buckenham functioned as a small town until the 1930's, but trades have since declined. In 1906, a fire destroyed a department store, adjacent to the site of the Wine Cellars, leading to Pump Court (now B&B) being used for a time as the town's fire station.

Also of interest is the Common, which has been grazed for at least 800 years and is largely unchanged in that time.

Link to Norfolk Historic Buildings Group

Recently found: a picture from the old forge, thought to date from about 1950.

More History? - contributions welcome.

NEW BUCKENHAM:MILLENNIUM BOOK

To mark the passing of the Millennium, each village family was invited to write a short essay, illustrated if possible, on how they came to the village and their thoughts on life in New Buckenham. The book is on display in the village hall foyer. Pages are turned from time to time so that as much of the information as possible can be viewed over time. Copies are held by the New Buckenham Society Archivist, available for anyone to borrow.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

For an emergency requiring police, fire or ambulance action you should of course call 999. For non-urgent matters requiring Police advice, ring (01953) 424242

The prolonged electricity power cut in October 2002 highlighted the need for handling information in the event of any such crisis or emergency affecting the community.

The scheme as proposed should at least alleviate some of the problems in getting information etc. Home Watch have a similar scheme and it is quite possible the two may operate together

1. Ken Gee (860221) and as a back up, Mike Boswell (860015) will telephone the appropriate authorities for information. This is intended to reduce the number of people calling the authority thus helping to speed up the response.

2. Ken and / or Mike will pass on any information to a small group of co- ordinators (to be advised later, but likely to be the Parish Councillors), each responsible for their own area in the village. Also, most importantly, they would make a point of checking any residents that may be particularly vulnerable, such as elderly or infirm folk, maybe living on their own.

3. Any one can in turn ring the co-ordinator for their area for information or help. If your co-ordinator is not available any other one will do. Ken Gee is nominated as a recipient of information from Breckland Council. So, in the event of such a situation, you should in the first instance phone (or call personally - the phone is likely to be busy!) Ken in the first instance and Mike as a back-up.

KEY NUMBERS: KEN GEE 860221 Diken Cottage, King Street. MIKE BOSWELL 860015 Peel House, Chapel Street.

PIRRO's PLODDERS

This season will again run from September to June, with each walk having one or two people to set a route and lead it. We plan generally to walk on the second Sunday each month, and for 2004/5 have adopted a new programme.

We welcome new Plodders. Plods rarely exceed 5 miles and you can check out each walk with its leader. Plod once a year or every month. All you need is sensible clothing (unless posing for the Calendar?), with boots/stout shoes, and carry a waterproof and a drink (for you and accompanying dog/cat/ferret…..). Actually do please note that not all routes will be dog-friendly. More details from Piero on 861003,or Sue & Ian on 860929.

PIERO's PLODDERS - Programme 2003-4

Piero's Plodding Plans 2004

Put those boots on, the walking season is upon us again!

We normally plod on the 2nd Sunday each month (but note November and January). The final plod will be a Saturday evening in June, followed by a barbecue. We will usually meet at 10:55am at the Market Cross, earlier if we’re going further afield. Times will be published in Parish News and on this page, with the leader’s phone number, so you can check details.

Updated programmes are available from Susie 860929

Date	Organiser	Notes
2004/5
14th Nov	Piero 861003	Details tba
December	Helen 01379 800619	details tba
1st January	NB Society Hair of the Dog	Sherry fist, food & drink after in Village Hall
16th January	Mike 860015	Afternoon walk after pub lunch; time tba
13th February	Andrew 860068	Where for the Mud Walk this year?
13th March	Jo 860917	Thornham Walks
10th April	Sheila/Peter 861165	Further afield, earlier start
15th May	Paul/Heidi 861032	Evening walk, pub meal, Broads
Sat 11th June	John & Fiz 861253	Early evening Local walk followed by barbecue at Park House 860068

NEW BUCKENHAM:PARISH NEWS

Editorial Copy to:
David Hupton, Beech House, Norwich Road email Mark Stevens email
Linda Bryan Tel:861107 Pine Cottage, Marsh Lane email
Bryan Hill Tel:860125 Four Winds, Marsh Lane

FINAL COPY DATE around the 19th of the Month (check each issue). Late entries email by preference!

Editorial Committee:
David Hupton, Anne Bird, Ken Hurst, Joyce Little, Charles Sapsford, Joan Whitwham.

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES:

NEW BUCKENHAM SOCIETY

Promotes interest in the village, its heritage, conservation and people. Events include: film shows and talks of local interest; Christmas "Mardle"; New Year "Hair of the Dog" walk, and visits to other local communities.

Forthcoming Events: See diary for details

Chair: Prof. Ken Hobbs Tel 860558
Secretary: Ian Jowett Tel 860929

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES:

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

If you enjoy singing, why not come to the village hall on alternate Wednesdays, generally in school term-time. We will try to sing most kinds of song, it's very informal! Contact Jo Hurst Tel:860917

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES:NEW BUCKENHAM PLAYERS

Formed in 1979 after a group had previously arranged readings of ghost stories, performed Mummers plays and a Victorian melodrama. Pantomimes and light drama during the 1980's in the homely atmosphere of the "old" village hall attracted a loyal audience.

1990's highlights included Alan Bennett's "Habeus Corpus" and Chaucer's bawdy "Canterbury Tales".

In 1995, using the new hall for the first time, with the previously unknown delights of central heating and an indoor route from the Green Room to the stage, we staged perhaps our most challenging production of the time, Brian Friel's "Dancing at Lughnasa". We went on to take "Lughnasa" to the 1997 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Intellectually challenging material has included "Top Girls" (Caryl Churchill), "Oh What A Lovely War" (Joan Littlewood), and "Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell" (Keith Waterhouse), while recent comedy has included Peter Shaffer's "Black Comedy"

Our experience of musicals includes Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins" and Lionel Bart's "Oliver".

Three of our number wrote a pantomime, "Cosmic Catastrophes", performed in 1996. We continue with the pantomime theme for many December productions. Our acclaimed December 2005 production was "A Christmas Carol", ably directed by Sue Hilton-Jowett with possibly our biggest cast to date - 43 people on stage!

In recent years, with the improved Village Hall facilities and better publicity, we attract wider audiences.

The main thing is: IT'S FUN, and we try to involve many people of all ages in our productions!

We have about 45 members, and we welcome newcomers of all ages, whether to "tread the boards" or help with set building, stage crew, costumes, etc.

To find out more, telephone: Louise Casson (Chair,860191) . Rehearsals: Tuesdays, and Sunday afternoons for the last few weeks before production.

NEW BUCKENHAM:GROUPS & ACTIVITIES: 100 CLUB

Win up to £20! For £1 per month you can be automatically entered ino a cash prize draw. Proceeds to the village hall. Contact Jimpy Casson Tel:860191 or Ken Gee Tel:860221

NEW BUCKENHAM:VILLAGE HALL

Available for Hire: Auditorium, Meeting Rooms and Kitchen.
Excellent facilities including Staging, full Light and Sound Systems. Wheelchair access and facilities, hearing loop, car parking, including spaces for the disabled. Separate Large (LMR) and small (SMR) meeting rooms. Well-equipped kitchen.
Please contact the Bookings Administrator, Gill Goodwin, 01953 860463 for further details and hire charges.
The hall houses the 1997 Village Tapestry and other commissioned works by local artists, all supported by the Lottery Arts project.

Trustees
Chair: Andrew Bingham
Vice Chair: Karen Hobley (Parish Council)
Treasurer: Carolyn Hupton
Bookings Administrator: Dawn Lister
Gillie Brown (WI)
Anne Gascoyne (Fundraisers)
Violet Highton (NB Society)
Joyce Little (NB Players)
Clive Rush (Elected)
Elizabeth Rutledge (NB Silver Band)
Christine Wilby
Margaret Wright (St. Martins Church)
Clerk: Caroline Greenwood Tel:860789
Regular Bookings:

Sundays:
9am Right Hand Christian Fellowship

Tuesdays:
7:30pm, Parish Council (2nd Tue each month).
8pm, New Buckenham Players, play rehearsals.
8pm, Bereavement Group, as advertised.

Wednesdays:
8pm Badminton; 8pm WI (monthly, LMR)
8:30pm (alternate weeks) Singing, SMR.

Thursdays:
2:30pm Good Companions (monthly);
7pm NB Silver Band - practice.

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES:BADMINTON

Informal doubles games every Wednesday from 7:45pm in the village hall. £2.00 per evening, term rates available. Ann Gascoyne Tel: 860164

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES :SILVER BAND

Band meets Thursday evenings from 7pm, in the village hall.

Secretary - Karen Beales 01379 650518
Chairwoman - Elizabeth Abbott 01953 452314

Website

See diary for events

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES:GARDENING GROUP

Talks and Presentations on all things horticultural.
Garden visits.
Organisation of the Horticultural Show every July and Open Gardens every two years.

Chair: Randal Youngs Tel:860049
Secretary Jo Boswell Tel: 860015

See diary for events

NEW BUCKENHAM: POINTS OF INTEREST: TAPESTRY

Started as a modest project for the village by the then active sewing group, the tapestry project grew in size, both physically and in terms of grandeur and complexity. Designs were sought from anyone who wanted to submit ideas. Two designs were submitted, one of which became the major project. The other, by a local distinguished artist, is currently in progress. "I was asked to submit a representation of the life and soul of New Buckenham", says Jo Boswell, chosen project designer, "my knowledge of cartography led me to have a central section depicting a map of the village with the medieval street 'grid' and the Common with its wildlife. This was surrounded by smaller panels representing the more interesting village architecture with a border showing depictions of village societies, activities and events, those things which the sewing group members wished to include." Twelve members of the sewing group, organised by Sylvia Watling, worked on the main sections, and as far as possible, the depicted groups had a representative to sew the relevant section of border. On a day in September 1998, villagers were invited to "add a stitch or two"; this helped make it a true community project. After nearly half a million stitches, and a trip to Letchworth for specialist stretching and framing, it stands proudly in the village hall foyer. It is part of a number of works commissioned from local artists and funded from the lottery arts project for the village hall.

Don't Forget the Village Show, Saturday 14th July! Details from Ian, 860768

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Other systems, please check your manual or on-screen help.

NEW BUCKENHAM:GROUPS & ACTIVITIES: FUND RAISING COMMITTEE

The Fundraising Committee run a number of large events during the year,
including the Art Exhibition and May Day Fair.
The Committee meets regularly to plan and co-ordinate its activities.
Events are usually in Parish News and on posters around the village.

Secretary: Jo Boswell, Peel House Tel:860015

NEW BUCKENHAM: GROUPS & ACTIVITIES: BEREAVEMENT GROUP

The Group has regular meetings on Tuesday evenings at the Village Hall.
Speakers are organised and outings are arranged.

Contact Charles Clarke Tel:01379 687351

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ST MARTINS CHURCH

When New Buckenham was founded BY William d'Albini in the 1140's, the spiritual needs of the people were served by a small flint chapel on the south side of the castle. This exists today a disused barn just off Castle Hill Road. The castle and its lands passed a century later to the Tateshale family, Sir Robert de Tateshale being the brother-in-law of Hugh d'Albini, (d1242). The town had grown, so the chapel was too small and Sir Robert founded the church of Holy Trinity, St Mary and St Martin in 1246, the building being completed some eight years later. The church became and remained under the the control of Buckenham Priory until the Reformation.

In the mid 15th century, the castle was in the hands of the Knyvett family who were the church's benefactors, assisted by local notables. The church as seen today is the result of considerable works carried out between 1479 and 1530. The side aisles were rebuilt, the roof was raised with generous clerestory windows added. The tower was rebuilt, embellished with the tall pinnacles and panelled buttresses. The base course is described as "fine", decorated with monograms and traceries.

An account of 1730 refers to arms in the windows and to a chapel (of St. Mary) separated from the body of the church by a "handsome carved oak screen". Many features were lost in the extensive reconstruction in late Victorian times. The oak screen was apparently sold to help pay for the works. The principal benefactor was then Mr John Gall, the squire, a farmer who lived at the Grange, described as "an ignorant and obstinate man". He did much for the church however and despite the loss of much of interest, his legacy is a pleasing, airy interior. He and his wife are commemorated in the East window, but this is obscured by the 1909 reredos behind the altar. The glass to the south aisle was extensively damaged in 1941 by a landmine. The south porch arch was replaced in 1983 as the original was eroded beyond repair.

The Font has a 15thC base and a 17thC bowl bearing the names of the Churchwardens in 1619.

The Nave Roof has 15thC corbels representing the Apostles and other carvings of David and his harp, four archangels and a variety of other angels. These are beautifully carved and very charming. Happily for us they were out of the reach of possible Puritan vandals.

The Easter Tomb in the Sanctuary is the likely burial place of Robert de Tateshale, but the canopied style of teh tomb is much later, and probably carved for the Knyvett family. A missing brass is thought to commemorate a Knyvett wife.

The Lady Chapel was restored by the last vicar (Hugh Whitwham) before New Buckenham was grouped with other local parishes. The altar table is Elizabethan and the piscina is late 15th century. In the Sanctuary is a beautiful 13th century piscina.

The Sacring Bell Squint is a small door above the tower arch, dating from the 14th century. It was the practice to post a boy to watch the priest at the High Altar and to ring a bell when the Bread and Wine were consecrated so that absent worshippers could make their devotions.

The Clock was made by William Dutton of London in 1787, installed in the church about a century later. The mechanism was moved to the ground floor on 1984 after cleaning and adjustment.

The Peal of Six Bells was cast in 1814 by Wm. Dobson of Downham Market.
Tenor, 12cwt., Inscribed - "In commemoration of Peace, this bell was cast in 1814";
V, 9cwt., "John Gall, Benjamin Sword, Churchwardens";
IV, 7.5cwt.,"Fear God, honour the King";
III, 6.5cwt, "Prosperity to the Town of New Buckenham";
II, 5.5cwt., " My song shall always be of the loving kindness of the Lord";
Treble, 5cwt, Inscribed with the Founder's name.

Adrian Joel (Conservative)
Breckland District Councillor
Buckenham Ward
9 Hargham Rd,
Old Buckenham
Tel 860663

John Baskerville (Conservative)
Norfolk County
Councillor
Guiltcro

ST MARTINS CHURCH
When New Buckenham was founded BY William d'Albini in the 1140's, the spiritual needs of the people were served by a small flint chapel on the south side of the castle. This exists today a disused barn just off Castle Hill Road. The castle and its lands passed a century later to the Tateshale family, Sir Robert de Tateshale being the brother-in-law of Hugh d'Albini, (d1242). The town had grown, so the chapel was too small and Sir Robert founded the church of Holy Trinity, St Mary and St Martin in 1246, the building being completed some eight years later. The church became and remained under the the control of Buckenham Priory until the Reformation.
In the mid 15th century, the castle was in the hands of the Knyvett family who were the church's benefactors, assisted by local notables. The church as seen today is the result of considerable works carried out between 1479 and 1530. The side aisles were rebuilt, the roof was raised with generous clerestory windows added. The tower was rebuilt, embellished with the tall pinnacles and panelled buttresses. The base course is described as "fine", decorated with monograms and traceries.
An account of 1730 refers to arms in the windows and to a chapel (of St. Mary) separated from the body of the church by a "handsome carved oak screen". Many features were lost in the extensive reconstruction in late Victorian times. The oak screen was apparently sold to help pay for the works. The principal benefactor was then Mr John Gall, the squire, a farmer who lived at the Grange, described as "an ignorant and obstinate man". He did much for the church however and despite the loss of much of interest, his legacy is a pleasing, airy interior. He and his wife are commemorated in the East window, but this is obscured by the 1909 reredos behind the altar. The glass to the south aisle was extensively damaged in 1941 by a landmine. The south porch arch was replaced in 1983 as the original was eroded beyond repair.
The Font has a 15thC base and a 17thC bowl bearing the names of the Churchwardens in 1619.
The Nave Roof has 15thC corbels representing the Apostles and other carvings of David and his harp, four archangels and a variety of other angels. These are beautifully carved and very charming. Happily for us they were out of the reach of possible Puritan vandals.
The Easter Tomb in the Sanctuary is the likely burial place of Robert de Tateshale, but the canopied style of teh tomb is much later, and probably carved for the Knyvett family. A missing brass is thought to commemorate a Knyvett wife.
The Lady Chapel was restored by the last vicar (Hugh Whitwham) before New Buckenham was grouped with other local parishes. The altar table is Elizabethan and the piscina is late 15th century. In the Sanctuary is a beautiful 13th century piscina.
The Sacring Bell Squint is a small door above the tower arch, dating from the 14th century. It was the practice to post a boy to watch the priest at the High Altar and to ring a bell when the Bread and Wine were consecrated so that absent worshippers could make their devotions.
The Clock was made by William Dutton of London in 1787, installed in the church about a century later. The mechanism was moved to the ground floor on 1984 after cleaning and adjustment.
The Peal of Six Bells was cast in 1814 by Wm. Dobson of Downham Market. Tenor, 12cwt., Inscribed - "In commemoration of Peace, this bell was cast in 1814"; V, 9cwt., "John Gall, Benjamin Sword, Churchwardens"; IV, 7.5cwt.,"Fear God, honour the King"; III, 6.5cwt, "Prosperity to the Town of New Buckenham"; II, 5.5cwt., " My song shall always be of the loving kindness of the Lord"; Treble, 5cwt, Inscribed with the Founder's name.