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The Memorial Service in St. Mary’s Church will be held on Sunday the 17th of February at 4:00pm, and not on the 3rd of February as advertised in the Gabriel.
Please let any friends or relatives who are planning to come, and are not on Facebook know of the different date.
For those who are unaware of this service, it is for families or friends who have been bereaved, recently or in the past, to join with others to remember their loved ones in a sensitive and uplifting way, light a candle in remembrance and find comfort with others.
Pat New
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It will be necessary to close part of Lower Hartlip Road, Hartlip, near Sittingbourne, planned from Thursday 14th February 2019, with estimated completion by 27th February 2019.
Lower Hartlip Road (shown as Mount Lane on some maps) will be closed in the general vicinity of Mount View Lodge, with no through access between the junctions with Mount Lane and Cowstead Road.
The alternative route for through traffic is via Mount Lane and Warren Lane.
Local access to the remainder of Lower Hartlip Road continues from either direction up to where the road is actually closed.
The closures are to enable maintenance works to water mains to be carried out by Clancy Docwra, working with Southern Water.
Due to the nature of these works, it will not be possible to re-open the road outside the working hours.
There is a chance that the works may over-run for such reasons as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.
The Southern Water Customer Services Team phone number is: 0845 278 0845
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline is: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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Band D households will be asked to pay just £3.35 per week for Swale Borough Council services, if budget plans are approved.
The proposals to increase Swale’s share of council tax are being put to the council’s Cabinet next week (Wednesday, 6th February), before a final decision is made at full Council on 20 February.
If approved, band D households will pay £174.42 a year to the council, a rise of £4.59 (2.7%). Most properties (63.7%) in Swale are in bands A-C meaning they will pay even less than this.
The funding the council receives from central government has fallen from £1.95m in 2016/17 to £113,000 in 2019/20. By 2020/21, this will have reduced to nothing.
Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley, cabinet member for finance at the council, said:
“We have worked hard to make sure the loss of funding from central government hasn’t led to any reduction in the delivery of our frontline services.
This has not been easy, and difficult decisions have had to be made, so we are proposing a modest increase in council tax so we can continue to invest in the services that are important to local people.
This means that a typical band D property will be paying just £3.35 a week for the services we provide, and almost two-thirds of local households will pay less than that.
I think most people would be more than happy paying that just to have their bins taken away, let alone for things like the budgeted for improvements for parks and leisure facilities.
It also covers the delivery of the everyday services that people might take for granted – street cleaning, environmental health, homelessness, planning and many more.
I’m pleased that the firm financial foundations we have put in place mean we are able to protect these vital services that make a real impact on the lives of people across the borough.”
Charges for Swale Borough Council services are only one element of the final council tax bill residents receive.
Householders’ council tax bills also include charges for Kent County Council, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Kent & Medway Fire and Rescue Service, and parish or town councils where these exist. These are set by the respective organisations, and are collected on their behalf by Swale.
The cabinet meeting discussing the proposals is on Wednesday, 6th February and the report can be viewed on the council’s website: www.swale.gov.uk
Swale Borough Council
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Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have joined forces to start the Dementia Revolution.
Vicky Davies is running the London Marathon on Sunday 28th April 2019, raising money for Dementia Revolution and will be hosting a local charity - fundraising ball at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course on Friday 8th March.
Tickets are £35 and include a 3 course meal with live band.
Thank you
Vicky Davies
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The BarnYard
Oak Lane, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7EZ
Telephone: 01634 235059
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Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/16403/19
Between 8:00am and 10:00am on Thursday 24th of January, a green purse was stolen from a vehicle parked in Chaffes Lane.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
Kent Community Messaging
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Kent County Council gives notice that Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch will be closed to through traffic, on or after Friday 25th January 2019 for up to 5 days.
The alternative route is via Horsham Lane and Oak Lane.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 9:30am and 15:00.
The closure is necessary to enable TDS Trees to carry out urgent tree works.
This notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site, and is valid for a period of no more than 21 days.
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline is: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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Pictured above: State of the art changes have made the church clock fit for the 21st century.
Click image to enlarge.
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The modernisation of the church clock
Upchurch Parish Council, who look after the church clock, (which is a war memorial) on behalf of the residents of the Parish used Parish funds to upgrade and modernise the clock and winding mechanisms in the tower of Saint Mary the Virgin, Upchurch, to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and as a lasting act of remembrance in helping preserve our War Memorial for future generations of villagers and visitors to enjoy.
Local residents and visitors to the village expressed their desire to make a donation towards the cost of the restoration as a way of saying 'thank you' to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Councillors have been overwhelmed by the response from the community to their invitation to ‘buy time’ on the clock face, the target was to raise an hour, or put another way 3600 seconds, to say thank you! This echoes the response from villagers 100 years ago.
Update
The church clock is working really well and keeping excellent time. The clock mechanism has had a service since the winding mechanisms were updated and the drive shafts that link the clock to the 3 faces have all been adjusted and checked for wear and tear.
The clock successfully made the adjustment from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time (back an hour) automatically at the end of October, and the Parish Council is looking forward to it making the adjustment the other way in March, which involves the clock stopping for 23 hours and then restarting automatically at the correct time, quite a feat of engineering! In the meantime, councillors Alan Horton and Peter Masson continue to monitor the clock and are always willing to answer questions.
New memorial plaque
The Parish Council is in the process of preparing an application to seek a faculty through the Diocese of Canterbury's senior legal officer, the Commissary General, who will then consider the request for a new memorial plaque on the left hand side of the church door, to mirror the original on the right hand side, the plaque will be as close as possible in design, size and material to the original and will in as close a message as possible detail the centenary contributions from the community toward the winding mechanism, in the same manner as the original contributions bought the clock and chimes.
44 minutes sold - £6255.63 donated
Your donations:
£60.00 - Beckenham Park Residents Association
£500.00 - Upchurch Handbell Ringers
£1100.00 - Upchurch Village Fete Committee
£150.00 - Upchurch Horticultural Society
£75.00 - Parish Council Stall at Upchurch Village Fete
£100.00 - Upchurch Wives group
£750.00 - Swale Borough Council
£125.11 - Holywell School, Oak and Cambria Classes
£322.02 - 1st Upchurch Brownies and Guides
£1133.00 - JustGiving Page
£564.00 - Upchurch WI
£100.00 - Upchurch Cricket Club
£500.00 - Friends of St. Mary's
£776.50 - Individual residents donations
£6255.63 - Total
Upchurch Parish Council would like to thank everybody who has donated, your generosity has been overwhelming.
Thanks also to Upchurch Matters.
Tyrone Ripley
Chairman - Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07702 222093
Kent Police is appealing for people to hand in unwanted or illegally held guns during a 2 week surrender of firearms and ammunition.
The surrender begins at 9:00am on Monday 21st January 2019 and ends at 5:00pm on Friday 1st February 2019.
Members of the public can take firearms or ammunition to any police station where they can dispose of them.
This includes replica and antique firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items.
During this period, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession and can remain anonymous.
Many firearms are held innocently with owners unaware of their illegality, or are overlooked heirlooms forgotten in people’s homes.
Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm communities. Any firearm believed to be linked to criminal offences will be investigated in the usual manner.
The surrender is an opportunity to dispose of unwanted, unlicensed weapons in a safe place and avoid the risk of them falling into the wrong hands.
More than 300 guns were handed in to Kent Police during last year’s firearms surrender including a Second World War era pistol.
During the surrender the public can hand firearms to the front counter at the following police stations:
◼︎ Folkestone
◼︎ Margate
◼︎ Ashford
◼︎ Canterbury
◼︎ Tonbridge
◼︎ Maidstone
◼︎ North Kent
◼︎ Medway
◼︎ Sittingbourne
Please check the opening times of a station by visiting the Kent Police website before attending at: www.kent.police.uk
Individuals wishing to dispose of an unwanted firearms or ammunition who cannot attend the above stations should call 101 and collection will be arranged.
A host family is required for a 17yr old French female student to stay with for 2 weeks during the summer holidays to help improve her English.
Please contact Marian Bohling: marian.bohling@orange.fr
Thank you
Ray Kemsley
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Six weeks remain to apply to Swale Borough Council’s grant scheme for sporting projects in our area.
The current round of funding will expire at the end of February, but £6000 remains unallocated.
The maximum grant for any one project is £1000 and only one application can be submitted by an organisation in each financial year.
Recent grants awarded include an Astro Turf Wicket being installed at Sheppey Cricket Club, and a self-propelled wheelchair for Indoor Bowls for MS Swale, in partnership with Swale Indoor Bowls Centre.
Peter Fathers, fundraiser for MS Swale says:
“The money from Swale Borough Council part funded our specially designed wheelchairs. It means people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions can bowl independently, using the same rules and conditions that able bodied people do. It’s wonderful to see everyone bowling together on an equal footing.”
Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley, cabinet member for finance and performance at Swale Borough Council says:
“We encourage sporting organisations in Swale to apply for this funding. Helping residents get fit, active and healthy is a priority for the Council and applying for this money is an excellent step in the right direction.”
Swale Borough Council
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Swale Borough Council is encouraging local people to think about whether they would like to apply to be a councillor in local elections being held on 2nd May 2019.
An event will be held on 7:00pm in the Committee Room at Swale House, Wednesday 13th February for anyone interested in standing.
Chief Executive and Returning Officer Mark Radford will be there to explain work undertaken by Swale Borough Council.
Mark says:
“If you care about the area that you live or work in and the issues facing local people, you may wish to consider standing to be a councillor. Come along on Wednesday 13th February to find out more about what is involved and how to apply.”
A councillor’s role and responsibilities include:
• representing the ward for which they are elected
• engaging with constituents about issues that concern their area
• decision-making
• developing and reviewing council policy
• scrutinising decisions taken by the councillors on the executive or cabinet
• regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory duties
• community leadership and engagement
Find out more
The event will be informal, interactive and will give people a chance to speak to the Chief Executive about the role of councillors, to learn about how to apply to be a councillor, and to hear first-hand from a councillor about what it is like to be a councillor. If you would like to attend the event, or want more information about becoming a councillor, email our team at: DemocraticServices@swale.gov.uk
Swale Borough Council
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Call now to book your table
The BarnYard
Oak Lane, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7EZ
Telephone: 01634 235059
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Saturday 30th March
Call now to book your table
The BarnYard
Oak Lane, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7EZ
Telephone: 01634 235059
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Call now to book your table
The BarnYard
Oak Lane, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7EZ
Telephone: 01634 235059
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It will be necessary to close School Lane, Iwade from Monday 14th January 2019 for up to 3 Days.
The road will be closed between the junction of Wagstaff Lane and River Hall Lane.
The alternative route is via Iwade Road, Stickfast Lane, Sheppey Way, Ferry Road and School Lane.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by KCC - Highways.
This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site and is valid for a period of no more than 21 days.
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline is: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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My family and I would like to thank the many people who sent such an overwhelming number of messages of sympathy and love on the sudden death of Alec. They gave us so much comfort and help.
I hope you will forgive me for not contacting you all personally, particularly those who have sent donations in memory of Alec. They are going to St. Mary’s Church and will help towards the repair of the buttress.
Again, many thanks.
Pat New
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At the end of last year I reported on this Appeal. I am now able to tell you that the amount donated within Upchurch was £3,131. I will say again thank you, on behalf of the Royal British Legion, for your generous contributions to last year’s appeal.
The years 2014-18 marked the centenary of World War I from its start to the armistice being signed. Many centenary events were planned during the recent last four years at National and equally importantly at local level. This all culminated with the ‘Battles Over’ events throughout the Nation. The Royal British Legion produced in each year of the centenary poppy pin badges which were dated 1914–2014, 1915-2015, 1916-2016, 1917-2017, 1918-2018. If anyone would like a set of these five pin badges I am able to supply them for a minimum donation to the Royal British Legion of £15.
I have now been associated with the Poppy Appeal in Upchurch for more than 25 years and would appreciate a break. If you are interested in becoming the next Poppy Appeal Organiser in Upchurch please contact me and I can explain what this voluntary task entails.
“LEST WE FORGET”
Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Appeal Organiser
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England’s 10,000+ Village Halls are at the heart of rural community life - providing an important hub for social activities, classes and services.
ACRE’s Village Halls Week is an initiative and annual celebration of the Village Halls and other community buildings, which exist at the heart of England’s rural communities. The aim of the week long campaign is to champion the diverse range of buildings which make up the 10,000+ strong network and promote the sheer volume of services they offer.
There will be an opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers who run the buildings and learn more about the groups, organisations, individuals and businesses who are making use of these buildings week in and week out. Predominantly the week will take place on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), however ACRE Network members will also host events to engage with people in their area.
Nationally ACRE speaks up for Village Halls, ensuring Government policymakers are aware of the challenges faced by volunteers who are often struggling with red-tape and the demands of managing a community building.
Upchurch Village Hall
Upchurch Village Hall was built over 60 years ago and as a registered charity all Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee (UVHMC), members become a ‘Trustee’ of the Village Hall for the duration that they are on the Committee. All Trustees have a legal responsibility for the running of the Hall, along with all the associated health & safety and financial responsibilities. Maintenance and future planning are also part of the role.
The Village Hall Management Committee members are volunteers who meet regularly throughout the year to ensure the smooth running of the Hall for all the local groups and organisations that hire it on a regular basis, and for those individuals who hire the Hall for private parties and special family occasions.
Thank you for everything you do 👏🏼
Improvement Project - Presentation
Many of you will know that the Village Hall still needs a lot of remedial work to bring it up to standard. In recent years generous donations have been received from numerous individuals, local Councillors, Council grants, the Co-op Membership Local Community Fund and from numerous fundraising events held in the Hall itself. Together all these have enabled essential work to be carried out, and keep the Hall in good working order.
On Tuesday 5th February at 7:00pm, the Village Hall Management Committee will present their ideas for the refurbishment of Upchurch Village Hall. It is a 3 year project which they would like you all to know about.
Come along and see for yourself!
Help ACRE celebrate the huge contribution that Village Halls and the volunteers running them make to rural communities throughout England, with the hashtag #VillageHallsWeek and support your local Village Hall!
To book Upchurch Village Hall, please contact Mollie Harriss on: 01634 364859
Upchurch Matters
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Produced in Kent is showcasing Kent's food heritage and product innovation through www.kentfoodtrails.co.uk, an exciting new tourist and travel website, inspiring residents and visitors to explore and enjoy Kent’s wonderful food and drink.
Visitors to Kent love to know how and where their food is produced, and even get involved! They need great places to stay and to eat too. From products grown here for 100's of years to 21st century innovations, food and drink has shaped the landscape of our wonderful county.
Take or make your own trail
Visitors to www.kentfoodtrails.co.uk can create their own trails or select a ready curated one.
To start, visit the Businesses Page and search for who and where to visit.
You can view search results as a list or a map.
Search by name, select a type (Vineyard, Café etc) or search by location.
Select the business you want to start from and create your own trail.
Create an account to save your trails, print or share them.
A series of ‘Bite Sized Guides’ about Kent's finest products are already available to read and download from the website. The guides will introduce you to a whole range of fabulous food and drink from the Garden of England.
Enjoy!
Raise your business profile to a wider audience
Over 100 businesses from across Kent have already joined Kent Food Trails, including 18 in Swale, predominately in Faversham and the Downs. More businesses in Sittingbourne and Sheppey are required, and additional choice from Faversham is welcomed.
Businesses providing a place to eat, stay, visitor attractions, producers, retailers or activity providers - providing it is a visitor experience incorporating food and drink can all apply to join. Find everything you need to know about joining at kentfoodtrails.co.uk/for-businesses
Kent Food Trails has already featured in over 30 offline and online publications and will be further promoted through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
New trails are being curated and it would be great to see some trails around Swale featured to compliment those already on the website.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please Email: trails@producedinkent.co.uk or call: 01732 853170.
Upchurch Matters
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