Boughton Parish Council

SAM 2 Report for Week All: 2023-01-16 to 2023-03-03
SAM 2 Located at Mill Hill Road – West Facing – Mind the Ducks
Number of vehicles: 12172 over 47 days
Average speed of all vehicles: 23.9mph
Maximum speed recorded: 42mph
Maximum speed of 42mph seen at:
Mon 30/01/2023, 05:00:00
Wed 08/02/2023, 05:10:00
Sat 18/02/2023, 19:25:00
Sun 19/02/2023, 08:25:00
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on all days: 8% (926 of 12172) over 47 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekdays: 8% (804 of 10162) over 35 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekends: 6% (122 of 2010) over 12 days
Peak Hour: 15:00-16:00, with 1250 vehicles across 47 days
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles: 32mph
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles in the Peak Hour: 33mph
Average vehicles per day: 259 (290 on weekdays, 168 at weekends)

SAM 2 Report for Week All: 2022-12-06 to 2023-01-16
SAM 2 Located at Mill Hill Road – North Facing – Into Village
Number of vehicles: 9085 over 42 days
Average speed of all vehicles: 27.9mph
Maximum speed recorded: 57mph
Maximum speed of 57mph seen at:
Fri 16/12/2022, 15:45:00
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on all days: 30% (2714 of 9085) over 42 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekdays: 30% (2172 of 7232) over 30 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekends: 29% (542 of 1853) over 12 days
Peak Hour: 15:00-16:00, with 952 vehicles across 42 days
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles: 34mph
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles in the Peak Hour: 34mph
Average vehicles per day: 216 (241 on weekdays, 154 at weekends)

There have been several reports of children and teens playing on the frozen pond, trying to break the ice!

This is an extremely dangerous activity as the ice is not thick and stable.

The pond has filled up from the drought and whilst it might still only be 1m deep the thick sludge at the bottom and freezing cold temperature would induce shock and panic if the ice were to break and a child fall in.

If there is anyone who hasn’t seen the news in the last 24 hours to see that the consequences can be tragic, then please make sure your children are safe and aware of the dangers!

 

Wellbeing Newsletter                    Winter is Coming

With the Met office issuing weather warnings for cold weather and even possibly snow for Norfolk, we can be sure that winter is well and truly with us.
We know that many amongst us will struggle to stay warm and fed this winter.  Below we offer some general advice on how to stay warm without spending too much money.  For people needing immediate assistance help is at hand:

Community Hot Spots and Libraries
Norfolk County Council working with Norfolk Community Foundation have funded a number of locations where you can go to access services and other help; receive a hot drink and refreshments and a place to socialise and stay warm. Follow the links:
Community Hot Spots
Libraries
Cuppa Care Bus

Food banks and larders
There are a range of places around the county where food parcels or cheap and wholesome food can be obtained.  More information about locations and opening times can be found via the Nourishing Norfolk network, or via the list held on Norfolk ALC’s website:
Nourishing Norfolk
Norfolk ALC

General Advice

Wrap up well

• Wear plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one is the best way to keep warm in winter.
• Wear clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres (cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
• Keep your feet warm with rugs and slippers.
• Wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night
• Putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside. If you’re heading out, make sure you take some extra layers – even if you don’t need them immediately, it’s a good idea to be prepared because the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes in.

Heat where you need it

• Only heat the rooms you use – heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.  Turn the heating in other rooms down or completely off.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• The ideal temperature is 64°F (18°C) for your bedroom and 70°F (21°C) for your living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature, and keep your bedroom window shut on a winter’s night.
• Draw your curtains and tuck them behind the radiator to avoid cold spots.
• Use a hot-water bottle, wheat bag or electric blanket to warm the bed, but never use a hot-water bottle and electric blanket together as this can be dangerous.
• More tips at MoneySavingExpert.

Eat well

• A healthy balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day like soup which is nutritious, keeps you warm and is inexpensive to make or buy.
• If you have them, microwaves, slow-cookers and airfryers are often the most cost (and energy) efficient ways of creating hot meals.
• Batch cook and reheat in a microwave.
• Get your 5 a day.
• Avoid comfort eating.

Stay active and stay in touch

• Staying active is good for your health. Walking, for example, can be good for you. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors by catching up on all the household tasks you’ve been putting off.
• Stay in contact with friends and family, especially if you’ve been stuck in the house for a few days. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help, check up on them.

The cold weather could be just one of many reasons why someone has tumbled into crisis and needs help and support.  Places where that help can be found are contained in our “Help in a Crisis” document available from our website.  Good places to try first are as follows:

Norfolk Assistance Scheme can help you get support and financial assistance for food, energy, water, and other household essentials including white goods. You can apply yourself or a support organisation, such as Age UK Norfolk or Citizens Advice can apply on your behalf. 0344 800 8020.

Citizens’ Advice – CABx can offer help with energy bills and with advice on how to reduce your ongoing energy requirements. 0800 144 8848

Norfolk Community Foundation’s Nourishing Norfolk food hubs provide a range of food support. This includes community fridges and larders, food pantries and community supermarkets

Cost of living vouchers – if you are eligible for free school meals you will now receive a monthly ‘cost of living’ voucher. The vouchers will be £15 per month per child with an additional payment of £30 per child in December.

Anglian Water provides an Extra Care Support Service for people who need help paying their water bills including advice, payment breaks, flexible payment plans and discounts. 0800 169 3630

SAM 2 Report for Week All: 2022-10-31 to 2022-12-06
SAM 2 Located at Stoke Road – South Facing – Into Village
Number of vehicles: 11839 over 37 days
Average speed of all vehicles: 28.8mph
Maximum speed recorded: 57mph
Maximum speed of 57mph seen at:
Mon 28/11/2022, 15:00:00
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on all days: 36% (4221 of 11839) over 37 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekdays: 35% (3645 of 10397) over 27 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekends: 40% (576 of 1442) over 10 days
Peak Hour: 16:00-17:00, with 1285 vehicles across 37 days
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles: 34mph
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles in the Peak Hour: 34mph
Average vehicles per day: 320 (385 on weekdays, 144 at weekends)

There is substantial mud on the road at The Green in Boughton after a newly refurbished grass verge has been destroyed by heavy vehicles.

Please take care when passing, we have already had reports of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians slipping on the surface.

The council has contacted Highways for urgent remediation.

 

PLANS FOR PLAYGROUND UPDATE REVEALED

(Image shown is indicative only and does not show the precise equipment proposed)

Plans are in place for a significant upgrade of our popular children’s playground and the project needs your support. A new swing unit incorporating more inclusive elements is planned to be installed, including a “bird’s nest swing”. It will replace the existing swings that are now rotting away and complement the remaining equipment in Boughton’s playground.

The equipment is expensive and the council will apply for a grant to supplement its own fund raising. For the grant application to be successful it needs to demonstrate support for the project from the community. We know that many people from the surrounding villages come to Boughton Pond and use the playground. If you, or anyone you know uses the current Boughton playground please consider helping the bid by simply expressing your support. All that we need is a message of support with your name and address. You can send this by e-mail to boughtonpc@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Neil Matthew
Chair, Boughton Parish Council
chair.boughtonpc@gmail.com

This month the exciting news from the Magpie Centre, home of West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, is that we have a new Chairwoman, Mrs Bernadette Ford, who took up the role in late September.

She said: ‘I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of WNRDA and look forward to helping take the charity from strength to strength, as we rebuild after the difficult times encountered through Covid.

‘I have been very impressed by the work and dedication that the volunteers and staff have shown,’ she continued, ‘and have been thrilled to see the happiness on faces and improvements in our clients’ wellbeing, as they participate in Riding, Carriage Driving, Equine Assisted Learning Therapy, or Tea with a Pony sessions.’

Mrs Ford, an experienced horsewoman, who hails from New Zealand, gave a little insight into her equestrian background.

‘I have always been passionate about horses and am lucky enough to own and breed them in West Norfolk,’ she said.

‘I also have direct experience of disability within my own family, and have seen at first hand, the benefits that being around horses can bring.’ she said.

Mrs Ford, who hails from New Zealand, came to the UK as a university graduate, and aims to use the IT and management skills gained during her career, to benefit the  charity.

The Magpie Centre is looking to expand its fundraising activities, and is seeking new volunteers, so that even more disabled people can enjoy the benefits of equestrian activities.

To find out more about what we do, and how you can get involved, just visit our website at www.rda-westnorfolk.org.uk or call the Centre on 01553 810202 during office hours.

SAM 2 Report for Week All: 2022-09-26 to 2022-10-31
SAM 2 Located at Chapel Road – East Facing – Into Village
Number of vehicles: 9632 over 36 days
Average speed of all vehicles: 20.8mph
Maximum speed recorded: 39mph
Maximum speed of 39mph seen at:
Fri 07/10/2022, 14:20:00
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on all days: 1% (92 of 9632) over 36 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekdays: 1% (73 of 7793) over 26 days
Percentage of vehicles over the limit on weekends: 1% (19 of 1839) over 10 days
Peak Hour: 16:00-17:00, with 1003 vehicles across 36 days
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles: 32mph
Average speed of “speeder” vehicles in the Peak Hour: 32mph
Average vehicles per day: 268 (300 on weekdays, 184 at weekends)