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Monday 30 November 2015

Local Fundraisers Wanted for Action Medical Research for Children


We're on the hunt for 16 new fundraising groups in 2016 for the children's charity Action Medical Research for Children and I wondered whether anyone in Upchurch would like to start a new group?

Our fundraising groups plan and organise lots of fantastic events. We have something to suit everyone, ranging from opera concerts to auctions and cake sales to vintage fairs.

If you want to join Action Medical Research's fight for little lives today, please Email: pray@action.org.uk to find out more.

Many thanks

Paula Ray
Website: www.action.org.uk
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Thursday 26 November 2015

Latest News from Upchurch WI

2015 has been a very busy year of events to celebrate the Centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Our WI was formed in March 1931 (84 years). Another 16 years and we will be celebrating our own Centenary but in order to achieve this we need a regular injection of new members with new ideas.


Upchurch WI at the Village Fete Day 2015.

Our programme for 2016 includes guest speakers on a variety of subjects at most meetings, a Quiz Night, a Pamper Day, a Stall at the Village Fete, and a number of "Foody" events (at which we excel!). We meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7:30PM in the Village Hall.

New members are always welcome. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Christine Stevens
Upchurch WI
Website: www.thewi.org.uk
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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre 2015

Clare Evans
Parents & Friends of Holywell School
Website: www.pfhs.co.uk

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Indoor Equestrian Christmas Table Top Sale at Upchurch Village Hall

Gemma Bassett-Burr
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Monday 23 November 2015

Thursday 19 November 2015

Laptop Stolen - Upchurch Village Hall

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/040558/15

Between Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th of November a Laptop was stolen from Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Upchurch.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Temporary Daytime Road Closure - Horsham Lane


It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane, Upchurch from Saturday the 12th of December 2015 for an estimated period of up to 1 day, between 8:00am and approximately 4:00pm.

Horsham Lane will be closed between the junctions with Wallbridge Lane and Woodruff Close.

Access remains from either direction up to where the road is closed, but there will be no through access during the works.

The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 London Road, Oak Lane and Horsham Hill.

The closure is to enable safe access to overhead phone cables for repairs to restore services being carried out by Openreach.

The duration of works is advisory, and it is possible works may over-run due to such factors as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.


Click Map to Enlarge.

Phil Lightman
Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent
Highways, Transportation & Waste Kent County Council
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Mini Winter Beer Festival & Christmas Market at The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns
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Tuesday 17 November 2015

Road Closure - Holywell Lane



Holywell Lane, Upchurch will be closed to through traffic, on or after Wednesday the 2nd of December 2015 for up to 3 days.

The road will be closed for its entire length.

The alternative route is via The Street and Breach Lane.

The closure is necessary to enable urgent carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.

This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site, and is valid for a period of no more than 5 days.


Click Map to Enlarge.


Kent County Council - East Kent Roadworks Team
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Monday 16 November 2015

Attempted Burglary - Ham Green

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/040207/15 

Between 8:00am and 10:00am on Sunday the 15th of November there was an attempted burglary at Orchard Close, Ham Green, Upchurch.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal - 2015

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3,000 for the first time. Of this amount £733 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £260. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by fourteen residents and eight Scouts.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by the Reverend Julian Staniforth aided by the Reverend Mark Ham. Wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel on behalf of the Church, The Mayor of Swale, Upchurch Parish Council, the Upchurch Scouting movement and Upchurch Brownies. Following the laying of wreaths the Last Post was played and a two minute silence was observed. After the service in the church Reverend Staniforth led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the warm autumnal weather to the burial ground where wooden remembrance crosses were laid at the five War Graves Commission headstones.

This year we remained mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in World War I and in subsequent conflicts to the present time.

On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser 
Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
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Thursday 12 November 2015

Holywell School Presents the Last Night of the Proms - Open Air Classical Music from the Kent Concert Orchestra





Holywell School will be staging an Open Air Classical Concert on the School Playing Field, between 7:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday the 11th of June 2016.

The Kent Concert Orchestra will be performing music from the Last Night of the Proms to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official 90th Birthday Weekend.

Please bring your own Refreshments, Picnics and Chairs.

Look out for further details and ticket prices to follow in early January, if not before.

Ray Kemsley
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Beavers & Cubs Christmas Fayre & Cupcake Bake Off

Darren Hatcher - Group Scout Leader
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Wednesday 11 November 2015

How Roadworks are Managed - A Short Guide


Kent County Council
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2015


The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 5th November at the Village Hall where 4 Councillors were present and 10 members of the public including Ward Cllr Wright.
Minutes of the meeting held on 1st October 2015 – It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.
Public TimePlanning – 2 Horsham Lane - A resident enquired whether the planning application for four 4 bedroom houses had been accepted for 2 Horsham Lane and whether Swale Planning had considered the impact that the extra cars would have on parking in the area around the development. Cllr Lewin reported that the planning application had been accepted and that as there was no objection from KCC the plans must have conformed to their parking standards. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had raised concerns regarding the parking situation.   Brent Orchard, Halstow Lane - A resident asked whether the Council had received notification of a change of use from agricultural to residential. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had not yet received the paperwork but would review the application when received. Jubilee Fields – A resident asked whether the Council had any update on this application. Cllr Tucker reported that a lot of testing had been taking place on the ground in the proposed area. Cllr Lewin reported that a date had not yet been set for the application to be discussed by the Swale Planning committee. Paddock Play Area – Several residents enquired as to why the play equipment had been removed and whether it would be replaced. Cllr Tucker reported that due to the play area equipment failing the recent safety report and therefore making the area uninsurable the Council had no choice regarding the removal of the equipment. The Council are looking to get residents opinions on how to progress with this area as any improvements will have an impact on the precept. It is the intention that the project be discussed at the Parish Meeting next year to enable residents to give their views and ideas and form part of a play area sub-committee. Bus Timetable - Ward Cllr Wright reported that himself and Ward Cllr Baldock are still in discussions regarding the reduced service on the 326/327 buses and possible solutions to this. Defibrillator – A resident enquired as to where the defibrillator has been sited. Cllr Arnold reported that the defibrillator is fully functional and sited on the Chaffes Lane wall of Snaffles. Initially it was thought that the machine could not be placed in direct sunlight but following discussions with the manufacturers it is fine to remain where it is. If the machine is needed then 999 should be dialled and the caller will be given a code to open the casing and access the machine. The machine then dictates how to proceed whilst a first responder will be despatched to the site. Bus shelter – A resident asked whether the Council had considered purchasing the bus shelter from a local joinery firm. Cllr Lewin reported that the governing factor when purchasing the bus shelter is ensuring that it conforms to the conservation order. The Council agreed that when the project meets the stage of purchase, quotations will be requested from local firms.
Declarations of Interest – Cllr Tucker and Cllr Arnold disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in the letter from the Fete committee.
Correspondence – Letter regarding parking in Recreation Ground– The Clerk had received a letter from a resident concerned about the parking in the Recreation Ground around the Scout hut and the dangers posed to pedestrians. The Clerk had liaised with the leaders of the Scouts, Guides and Brownies and requested that they speak with the parents regarding possible dangers at these times. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Cllr Tucker reported that Kent Association of Local Councils are running the community awards scheme again next year. It was agreed that the Council would put someone forward for this and any nominations should be forwarded to the Clerk. Fete – The Clerk reported that she had received a request from the Fete committee for the use of the Paddock and Recreation Ground on 18th June 2016. Permission was granted.
Planning –15/502716/FULL – Ridgedale Riding School, Halstow Lane – The Council have objected to this application on the basis that there are already a substantial amount of traveller sites in and around the village. Further comments are to be submitted with regards to the fact that the proposed site is a known flood plain and that the applicant has not shown sufficient evidence that they are of nomadic habit. 15/507923/FULL – 63 Chaffes Lane – The Council could see no reason to object to this application provided that any neighbour’s comments were taken into consideration. 15/508572/FULL – 17 Horsham Lane – The Council had only received the full paperwork for this application on the day of the meeting, therefore any comments will be submitted to planning once the paperwork has been reviewed. APP/V2255/D/15/3133082 – 61 Horsham Lane – The Clerk has liaised with the applicant regarding initial concerns the Council had regarding the amount of dormer windows in the application. Following this discussion it was confirmed that the application was in keeping with surrounding properties and the Clerk advised Swale Planning that the Council had no objections. 14/506519/FULL – Kent Terrace – Cllr Lewin reported that permission was granted for this application at the Swale planning meeting although the Council had raised concerns regarding the highway issues and the possible effects of the ground work on the existing Victorian terrace houses. The application was approved on the basis that a green space provision towards off-site play facilities be provided to the sum of £11203.40. The Clerk will contact the developers regarding this. 15/503300/FULL – 2 Horsham Lane – This application was accepted at the Swale Planning meeting with the agreement that the exterior finish would be facing brick rather than barge boarding. 
Finance – Annual Audit - The Clerk reported that the external audit had been completed successfully.  Finance meeting update – The Clerk reported the outcome of the recent finance meeting and it was agreed that the Council should endeavour to work with the residents to ascertain which projects should take priority over the coming years. It was agreed that over and above the regular responsibilities, the Council will make additional provision for the Bus Shelter, a survey of trees under the Council’s responsibility to assist with future budgeting, funds to potentially engage contractors to assist with tidying the environment and regeneration of the old play area – dependent on longer term plans. Potential projects are the Village Hall and the replacement of the play area. As the potential projects will impact the precept, it was agreed that next year’s Parish Meeting would provide a good forum for discussion in order to gauge resident’s views.
General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 21st October had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.
Casual Vacancy – The Clerk reported that a notice had been placed in the noticeboards advising that the Council currently have three casual vacancies. Councillors have begun to distribute leaflets throughout the village.
Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations – It was agreed that Cllr Tucker would review these by May 2016.
Paddock – Cllr Arnold had provided the Clerk with quotations for a replacement gate in the Paddock. These will be reviewed at the next General Purposes Committee meeting.
Bus Shelter – The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation from Swale Planning that planning permission is not required for the Bus Shelter, however the proposed site is owned by KCC and therefore the Clerk will need to obtain permission form them.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree overhanging the Crown Pub - The Clerk reported that she has a meeting with the Conservation Officer regarding the tree overhanging the Crown Pub on 6th November 2015. Ashes Plots in Churchyard – Cllr Denny reported that she and the Clerk have a meeting on 20th November 2015 with the Churchwardens regarding the proposal for ashes plots to be placed in the Churchyard.
Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are currently two faulty street lights in the village. Cllr Tucker advised that any pot holes should be reported directly to the KCC website or to the Clerk who will report them to KCC.
Other Matters not yet arising – Remembrance Sunday Service – This will take place in St Mary’s Church on 8th November at 10.15am. Cllr Lewin reported that the wreath will be laid by Royal Engineer Robert White.  
Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.
The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 3rd December at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. A private session will take place before the meeting at 7.15pm which the public are not able to attend.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.
Tel: 01634 363906

Thursday 5 November 2015

An Upchurch Soldier’s Experiences in World War One 1914 - 1918 by David Wood


Charles Seamer who was born into a big family of six brothers and four sisters in 1893 lived in Shoregate Lane at Ham Green. He left Holywell School with high hopes that he would get a job but after short term seasonal work on local farms he decided that he would have to look farther afield for long term employment so he joined the army in 1909. 

After walking to Canterbury Charles enlisted in the Royal East Kent Regiment later known as ‘The Buffs’ and underwent basic training which prepared him for his first posting.

Travelling on the troop ship ‘Plassy’ he travelled to India where he stayed until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. At this point his battalion was recalled from India and sent to Kilbride Camp near Dublin in Ireland. While serving there Charles met his future wife Katherine who moved to England with him.



The Second Battle of Ypres by Richard Jack.
After finishing his posting in Ireland Charles saw action in the Great War of 1914-1918 with the Second Battalion of The Buffs at Ypres in 1915 but in the midst of heavy fighting at the Ypres Salient under appalling conditions caused by torrential rain, his regiment became victims of a chlorine gas attack, introduced for the first time by the Germans when the wind direction became favourable. Enveloping clouds of greenish yellow gas caused victims to vomit and suffer burning throats and eyes as they clutched their throats or lay on the ground and expired with convulsing limbs and distorted features. Without any protection many soldiers who survived suffered lung tissue destruction and long term illness. Charles survived but had to be withdrawn from the fighting to recover. According to his son Derek he suffered from the ill effects of chlorine gas for the remainder of his life. 

Although not fully recovered from gassing Charles volunteered to return to duty and was soon back in action. Having been made a machine gunner in the machine gun section of The Buffs and sent back to the Western Front, he got badly wounded in the arm by shrapnel from an exploding shell while in action and was knocked unconscious. When he awoke in a German military hospital he realized that he had been taken prisoner. A German surgeon tried to save his arm but failed so Charles had to remain in the Prisoner of War Camp until he was finally released as a wounded combatant and sent back to England.

Although he suffered the loss of his left arm Charles was luckier than other family members as William and Edward Seamer both lost their lives during the conflict. Edward died when his ship ‘HMS Turbulent’ was rammed and sunk at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 while William died when his tug ‘HM Desire’ was sunk by a German U-boat off the Yorkshire coast in 1918. After getting an artificial arm fitted at the artificial limb centre in Roehampton Charles underwent training as a radio technician for the last part of the war. After this he returned to Upchurch and worked at Chatham Dockyard then became a railway signalman until he finally retired during the 1950s.



About David
David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

Monday 2 November 2015

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - September 2015

A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:
August 2015September 2015
All crime3428
Anti-social behaviour98
Bicycle theft00
Burglary94
Criminal damage and arson55
Drugs00
Other crime00
Other theft31
Possession of weapons00
Public order00
Robbery00
Shoplifting10
Theft from the person00
Vehicle crime24
Violence and sexual offences56
Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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