Karaoke and Disco - Tonight at The Three Sisters

Karaoke and Disco tonight (the 19th of October) at The Three Sisters Upchurch.

The fun starts at 9:00pm !

Come along for a good night out.

The Three Sisters
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Upchurch Family Fireworks - Appeal for Helpers

Upchurch Scout Group is once again holding their Firework Display on Saturday the 3rd of November at Westmoor Farm on the A2 near Rainham.

This is a charity event, raising money not only for us but could also be for You !

There will be Pitches and stalls available to Scout and Guide groups. All we ask is that you provide two marshals available from 4:00pm until the event closure and possibly two helpers for the Saturday set up, 1:oopm to 4:00pm or Sunday 9.00am to 1:00pm

Anybody who helps will be issued with a family ticket to the event. There are some conditions regarding young helpers. For any more information please contact Upchurch Scout Group on: info@upchurchfireworks.co.uk

If you do not wish to run a stall then please just feel free to support us and have a fun time with music, food and a great spectacular event and encourage as many people to attend as possible.

All stalls need to be self-sufficient for power and water.

Please visit our website:  www.upchurchfireworks.co.uk  for even more information.

The members of Upchurch Scout Group Executive Committee need to call on you for assistance again. As our firework Display grows we need to have more marshals and general helpers to ensure the safe running of the event for everyone.

If we don’t get enough Marshals we can’t run the event !

We have said many times that we are fortunate that the fireworks and waste paper collections provide enough funding for the group without the need to keep asking parents to help and contribute. Most other groups spend many weekends throughout the year trying to raise the kind of money we can raise in one weekend !

Could you spare us some time over the weekend of 3rd & 4th to assist please ?

Our primary concern is to ensure we have enough marshals but we also need assistance to set up on Saturday and clear up on Sunday. (we always get less volunteers for Sunday !) Any time you can give would be much appreciated. Many hands really do make light work. Children may assist with the clear up but we would prefer not to have Cubs and Beavers around whilst we are setting up and children under 16 are not allowed to be in or around the stalls in the evening.

In order to be a marshal you must be over 16 and attend a short, simple safety briefing on Saturday at 11.30am or 4:30pm and then be available on site from 4:30pm until approximately 8:30pm. There’s no upper age limit so Grandparents can help too provided they are physically fit and healthy !

Marshalls must not have children with them for whom they are responsible i.e. if children under 16 are coming with you, there must be another responsible adult to take care of the children. You may well be able to stand with your family but you will need to be available to move where required quickly, particularly in an emergency situation.

So if the idea of standing in a dark field on a cold November night with a silly orange jacket on doesn’t appeal to you – how about we throw in a free family ticket ? Interested ? Please send us an Email as soon as possible.

We spend an awful lot of time chasing people who we know are happy to help but we don’t have them down on our sheet. Please do it now if you can – don’t wait until later !

Email us at:  info@upchurchfireworks.co.uk

Thanks,

Upchurch Scout Group
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Run! Deep in the Amazon - By David Wood

David Wood.

David Wood has just had an article about the Amazon with detailed information about his and Nigel Barling's experiences there published on an American website named 'Extreme travel Stories'.

You can read it  Here

Upchurch Matters

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The Gullands guide to Continuing Care Claims

There has been a considerable amount of media attention to nursing home fees in recent months.

Many people have mistakenly been charged nursing home fees when they should in fact be paid by the relevant Primary Care Trust (PCT). They assume that if they have a reasonable amount of savings or own their own property that they would not be eligible for nursing home fees to be paid for them.

In fact the criteria is not financial stability, it is the primary need for health care. The individual’s needs are assessed and if it is agreed that the primary need for the individual going into a nursing home is that of healthcare, the NHS is responsible for all of the nursing home costs. Not just the healthcare costs, all of the costs.

It pays to understand nursing home fees.

Media coverage has often implied that the opportunity has now passed to make such a claim but this is not necessarily correct. If you have paid nursing home fees between 2004 and March 2011 the deadline to register a claim was 30 September. However, if you have already written to the PCT and not yet received a response you will possibly have complied with the deadline. As such your claim is in time and in the system. It is possible that you are now waiting for a retrospective review of an assessment. In some cases the first assessment may be about to take place.

Following initial investigations claims are sometimes rejected on the basis that there is no Primary Health Care need. The rules and regulations surrounding this are quite complex. There are several stages of appeal available and some cases have been agreed on the second or third appeal.

For care fees paid between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 the deadline for making the application is not until 31 March 2013. Claimants should submit an initial letter to the PCT so the matter can be investigated. Once the request for review is logged and accepted, the process has begun.

The assessment process is based on twelve areas of care needs from behaviour to an all-encompassing “other significant care needs”. The areas include cognition, mobility and continence. Each of the different sections is graded on the level of care needed between “no need” and “priority need”. The level of care assessed will decide whether you are entitled to be considered for continuing care. It is this twelve step criteria that makes the process complicated and time consuming.

Clearly it is important that people who should not have paid for care are refunded and in the future those entitled to have their care paid for by the PCT are properly assessed.

If you have a relative or are thinking that you may need to go into nursing care, it is worth knowing and understanding the questions to ask at the initial process and ensuring that a formal request for assessment is made.

If you have paid nursing home fees you may still be entitled to a refund.

For further information about continuing care contact Jacqueline Beadle by:
Email at:  j.beadle@gullands.com
Direct dial:  01622 689751  

Website:  www.gullands.com

Gullands Solicitors

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Upchurch Choral Society seeks new Music Director

This 40 strong mixed voice non-auditioned, friendly choir, established since 1968, is looking for a Music Director to rehearse and conduct the 3 concerts it usually performs for charity each year.

Rehearsals take place weekly in St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch from 8.00pm – 9.30pm on Fridays. The repertoire includes both sacred and secular music.

For further details please contact the secretary, Liz Walters, on: 01634 361897.

Liz Walters

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Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy for one Councillor

Due to the resignation of Cllr Catford, there is a vacancy for one councillor. The Parish Council would like to co-opt someone to fill this vacancy.  

Anyone interested in coming on to the Council should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible. The qualifications are that you should be a European national, at least 18 years old, an elector and living within three miles of the parish for 12 months or someone with land or a primary place of business in the parish.

Please include the following in your written application:

• • Contact details
• • Length of residence in Upchurch
• • Profession or trade
• • Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations
• • Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council

If you would like to find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Chairman or the Clerk. 

Mrs Sara Tucker
Chairman  
1 Jubilee Fields
Tel: 01634 388971

chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Mrs Claire Attaway
Clerk
33 Church Farm Road
Tel: 01634 363906c
clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Council Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 4th October 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Administration – Resignation of Chairman – Cllr Tucker reported that a letter of resignation had been received from Cllr Catford. Appreciation of his long service was expressed. Election of Chairman –It was decided to hold a signed vote. The Clerk reported that Cllr Tucker received 4 votes and Cllr Lewin 3. Cllr Arnold stood down as Chair and Cllr Tucker thanked him.  

Public Time – Highways- A resident reported that a gully in The Poles constantly overflows. KCC Highways were aware of the situation and Cllr Arnold was following this up. Minutes- Also he referred to page 23/12-13 of the minutes of 6^th September, item 47 iv). He requested that this be amended. Members noted his concerns and assured him that no objections to this proposed diversion had been submitted. Chairman- A resident referred to the resignation of Cllr Catford and hoped that the Council was planning to recognise his service to the Council. He was assured that members would arrange this at the Annual Parish Meeting. Local Needs Housing- He also commented that he supported the proposed local needs housing scheme in Upchurch as he felt that the village needed homes for young people. Allotments- A resident asked for an update on clearing up the allotments. It was reported that this would be carried out shortly. Overgrown vegetation- He also asked for an update on the trimming of the hedge outside 17-21 Oak Lane. Cllr Arnold offered to follow this up with KCC Highways.

Planning -Permissions and Refusals – the following decisions have been received:

Permissions granted:

SW/12/1015 6 Wallbridge Lane – Variation of condition (4) of planning permission SW/11/1150 to permit four mothers and babies (plus staff) at any one time instead of three.

Appeal decision:

APP/V2255/A/12/2169572 Ridgedale Stables, Halstow Lane, Lower Halstow – The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for 5 years for “change of use to residential – stationing of 3 mobile homes for a gypsy family”.

Other Planning matters – Local Needs Housing -  Update from sub-group meeting & on Councillors vote – Cllr Tucker thanked those for attending this meeting and reported that she wished to retract her request to vote on this issue. It was agreed to ask the Parish to vote on whether to proceed with the scheme and that members should represent the Council as a united body. It was commented that members sign a declaration of interest form at the start of any meeting. Advice from Mark Radford indicated that if any member felt that there was a chance they may have an interest, then they should declare this. It was agreed that members would not vote on returning a decision to ERHA & ACRK that it was not the right time for the village to undertake such a scheme. Revised covering draft letter to accompany voting form – A copy had been circulated. Cllr Tucker explained that this letter had been rewritten as it would now be distributed after the ‘drop-in’ event. It was reported that the voting outcome will be the instruction the Council gives to ERHA. Arrangements for ‘drop-in’ event/”Public Forum” and distribution of voting forms – The Clerk confirmed that Upchurch Newsagents had agreed to place the ballot box in its shop. All agreed to help distribute the voting forms after the ‘drop-in’ event.  The Clerk was given permission to publish the result of the Public Count on the Parish Council website and Notice boards. 

Finance – Expedition to Peru & Tanzania – It was suggested that ideas for small tasks could be forwarded to the Clerk, for example, litter picking, bulb planting. The Clerk could then email the list of ideas to the residents in order for them to choose. Authorised bank signatories – It was agreed that Cllr Denny, Cllr Rossiter and Cllr New would be the signatories. Cllr Tucker would assist with the checking of invoices prior to start of the meeting.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Risk Assessment – Cllr Apps reported that the water meter was still faulty despite several visits from Southern Water. The Clerk will write a letter to Southern Water expressing concerns with this continual issue. Cllr Apps suggested obtaining quotes for installing a stop cock on the Councils side of the allotments. Allotment gate – It was agreed to accept the quote from Peter Rayfield to the sum of £325 for the relocation of the gate.

Paddock – Lease – The Clerk reported that there was no update on the progress of the renewal of the lease. Litter Bin – The Clerk reported that the old bin had been vandalised. This had been reported to the Police. Cllr Apps offered to remove the damaged bin. Trees overhanging properties in Bradshaw Close – Cllr Kennard reported that he had visited the properties and suggested work required. The Clerk will contact the Conservation Officer at Swale BC for advice.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Church yard wall – Cllr Rossiter, Cllr Lewin and a resident will meet in the Churchyard to discuss areas that required the application of weed killer. Trees requiring attention in the Church yard – The Clerk advised that this would be discussed at the Budget/Precept sub-group meeting. Possibility of allowing cremated remains in the Church yard – Cllr New advised that the PCC will be discussing this further with Ian Dodd.

Environment – Tree Planting for Jubilee Celebrations – Members discussed ideas. It was suggested to discuss this again at the next meeting. Cllr Tucker and Cllr Kennard will investigate the cost of buying a tree. The Clerk will consult the Conservation Officer.

Highways - Street light energy – The Clerk reported that the electricity contract with EDF Energy had been renewed. The cost per month would be around £197.00 plus VAT for 35 months. Street light identification labels – It was agreed to accept the quote from Stock signs to the sum of £226.50 plus VAT for the printing of black and white labels. These labels would state the number of the street light and telephone contact number of the Parish Council.  

Next meetings – 8^th November and 6^th December. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School starting at 7.30pm and the Public are welcome to attend this meeting. The Public may put questions and/or make comments to members and it is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council.

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Charity Fund Raising Event in aid of the British Heart Foundation and CRY

A Charity fund raising event takes place on board S.B. Edith May at Lower Halstow dock on Tuesday November 27th from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

The proceeds will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and CRY (cardiac risk in the young).

Tea and homemade cakes will be served and there will be various stalls including a bring and buy and a raffle. Prizes include a homemade christmas cake, a local artists Painting, a voucher from The Three Tuns and a golf lesson from Upchurch Pro Greg Diddams.

Jane Gransden

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World's Biggest Coffee Morning - Amount Raised

On Friday 28th of September Diane Macaulay hosted another Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year Diane and her guests raised an amazing £600 for Macmillan !

A brilliant total and well done and thank you to all who attended and contributed.

Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch Bellringers - Outing to ring the Bells in the Charing area

Eight Bellringers from Upchurch joined up with four Newnham ringers last Saturday (29th September) to go on an outing to ring bells in the Charing area. The churches we visited were: Egerton, Pluckley and Little Chart. All were 6 bell towers and nine of us undertook the trip on bikes - a ten mile round trip approximately. Lunch was taken after ringing at Pluckley in the Black Horse, a very handy pub right next door to the church. The ringing deteriorated slightly after lunch but, nevertheless, a wonderful day was had by all in beautiful weather.

If you are interested in learning to ring Church Bells then we practise on Wednesday nights (you may have heard us !) from 7:30pm. Contact either Ralph Liddell on: 01634 375481 or Norman Easterbrook on: 01634 371230 or just turn up on a Wednesday.

Ralph Liddell

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Downloads from the Kent Police

A series of themed advice guides are now available as easy-to-read downloads from the Kent Police website.

The link is:  www.kent.police.uk/yourguide

Current titles: Home and garden security, Property marking, Anti-social behaviour, Contacting Kent Police, Safe cycling, Bike security, Motorbike safety, Vehicle security, Restorative practice, Bogus callers, Rural crime, Metal theft,Plant theft, Internet safety, Personal safety, Drug dealing and use (spotting/reporting).

Helen Marshall 57873

Public Information/New Media Officer
Corporate Communications
Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone, ME15 9BZ.
Telephone: 01622 652162
Mobile: 07807 340356

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Upchurch Twinning Group - Anniversary Event

Visit to the Historic Dockyard at Chatham on Sunday the 7th of October

Don’t forget the above event – time is running out! It is happening this coming Sunday, 7th October.

We will meet in the Wheelwright’s Restaurant at 11:00am for coffee and pastries and to meet our friends from Ferques. Then we will look around, lunch at 1:00pm and then enjoy a tour of the Ropery in the afternoon.

Contact us NOW if you would like to join in.

Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780

Sue Rossiter

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Scrap Metal Stolen

This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police.

On the 26th of September 2012, between 12:00 and 2:30pm, scrap metal was taken from a property in Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch. The metal was being used to block the side access of the house to keep dogs in.

If you have any information please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you that was message: 1159.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Local Needs Housing - Drop In Event

Upchurch Parish Council 

Upchurch Local Needs Housing

Drop In Event

Friday 12^th Oct 2012

3pm to 8pm

Upchurch Village Hall

The purpose of this ‘drop-in’ is for residents to find out more information on the proposed Local Needs Housing Scheme in Upchurch. A ‘Public Forum’ will be held between 6.30pm
and 7.30pm.

New Voting forms will be distributed to all residents during
the week of 13^th Oct- 20^th Oct.

Claire Attaway, Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel: 01634 363906 Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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