Upchurch Parish Council Report - August 2014

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5^th July at the Village Hall where 5 Councillors were present and 8 members of the public.

Public Time – Upchurch Active Retirement Association (UpARA) – The secretary asked the Council if they had any land available in the Parish that they could use to build a Petanque Court. The Council will consider this. Beckenham Park Residents Association –The resident commented that Otterham Quay Lane was becoming unsightly and dangerous. The Clerk will log a request with Swale BC to litter pick this area and also inform Highways that cuttings from conifers had been left on the pavement. Village Fete – A resident commented that this was a fantastic day and would like to thank those who organised it. Cllr Tucker explained that a small committee had organised the event, some of which were members of the Parish Council. It was agreed that the day was very enjoyable and as good as the fetes that were held years ago.

Correspondence – Air ambulance – A request for a grant of £250 to support their lifesaving work in the community was considered by members. It was decided not to support this. St Johns College Cambridge – The Clerk reported that a new Property Managing Agent had been appointed to act on the Diocese behalf. The new agent is Savills based in Bishops Stortford replacing George Webb Finn.

Planning - Public Access/e-consultation portal – It was noted that planning applications could be accessed via: http://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications

Permissions and refusals – SW/14/0267 Horsham Lane Garage– Cllr Tucker reported that this planning application had been approved with many pre-development conditions. An update received from Cllr Lewin explained that he had substituted, sat, spoke and voted in favour at the Committee meeting at Swale which approved this application. Officers reported, prior to the decision being made, that KCC Highways had commented that the development satisfied the KCC parking standards in-site and that the path along part of the frontage of the development should be widened.

Other planning matters – Horsham Car Sales – Cllr Lewin had advised that Officers at Swale BC were currently pursuing three matters, the signage, the storage of cars at the front of the site and the use of articulated car transporters to take and bring cars to the site. Gypsy & Travellers Allocations consultation – Cllr Lewin had explained that the responses to this consultation earlier in the year were being considered at a Local Development Framework Panel Committee. He thanked the Council for responding to the consultation and much of the responses had been taken into account in policy recommendations.

Finance – Budget report – The Clerk reported that meeting expenses would be higher than amount budgeted for as the cost to hire the Village Hall was £7 more for each meeting. The Photocopier had been returned to Konica Minolta.

Administration - Centenary Birthday Card – It was reported that a resident would be 100 years old on 16^th July 2014. It was agreed that the Parish Council would send her a birthday card. Village Cleaner - It was explained that The Paddock was being litter picked and bins emptied on a regular basis by Cllr Rose, Cllr Tucker and Cllr Lewin. The Recreation Ground was being looked after by Cllr Denny and Cllr Tucker. Cllr Arnold had consulted Highways about the possibility of a Village Caretaking scheme but it would be several months before this scheme was up and running. Therefore, it was agreed to advertise for a short term temporary Village Caretaker. This would be a self-employed role to cover the summer months. A maximum of 3 hours per week, would be offered, at a cost of around £15-£20 per week. A closing date of 16^th July 2014 would allow the GPC to consider any applications received.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Vacant plots at Allotments – The Clerk reported that one full plot remained vacant but there were several names on the waiting list. Therefore it was hoped to reallocate this plot shortly. Recreation Ground gate – It was reported that Cllr Masson had readjusted the gate and members thanked him for his efforts.

Paddock – Draft plans submitted by residents – A copy of this report had been circulated. It was commented that the plans for The Paddock Project had been presented very well and a working group was now needed to follow this up. Village Fete – Cllr Tucker commented that it was an excellent day and thanked all those who were involved in making it a success. All agreed. She explained that the committee who organised the fete would evaluate the day and have arranged for a survey to be carried out via Upchurch Matters. It was hoped to find out what went well, what things people enjoyed or what they would like to see at the next fete etc. It was reported that the stall holders raised a lot of money for their village organisation or group and it was hoped to repeat this event again.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Review the fee renewal of memorial plaque – The Clerk reported that the renewal fee at present was £10 for a period of ten years. This was considerably lower than other cemeteries, for example, Maidstone Borough Council charged £44.50 for one year’s dedication. It was therefore agreed to increase the renewal fee to £75 for a period of ten years. Adopt a grave – It was explained that several residents had chosen a grave to adopt and overgrown vegetation had already been cleared from some graves in the Churchyard and middle Burial Ground. However, an issue had arisen with the disposal of the vegetation that had been cleared from the graves. It was hoped that a solution to this issue could be found.

Environment – Best Kept Garden Competition 2014 – Members were reminded that judging would take place on or around 21^st July. Flats located in Forge Lane – Cllr New raised concerns regarding the state of the car park and grass verges. The Clerk will contact the owner of the flats to request this area is tidied up.

Highways - Speed watch – It was reported that this would be taking place during the month of July at various locations in the village. PCSO Cork is planning to attend a session. Street light in Marstan Close – It was reported that Highways were planning to charge the Council £220 for costs incurred from making this light safe. Cllr Baldock indicated that he would follow this up with Highways on the Council’s behalf. Parking problems at village centre – Members were advised that the Council had forwarded contact details for Maidstone Borough Council to the Co-Op Risk Manager in order for them to apply for a loading bay. Canterbury Lane – It was explained that Cllr Lewin had reported that fly tipping had taken place on the evening of Monday 30^th June in the stretch from Seymour Road to Otterham Quay Lane. Swale BC Enforcement Officers viewed the fly tipping for evidence to see if a prosecution could be made, but they found none and there were no witnesses. The material required the road to be closed to traffic and it was now for KCC to clear the highway. The report reference was 17336204.

Matters arising - Barbara Webb Memorial – A ceremony will be held on Friday 8^th August 2014 at 10.30am in the Village Hall grounds to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the death of Barbara Webb, Upchurch Carnival Queen 1964 who died 8^th August while carrying out her duties. During the ceremony, a Rowan Tree will be planted and it is hoped as many of Barbara’s family and friends can attend.

Next meetings – 4^th September and 2^nd October. Please note that the meetings are held at Upchurch Village Hall and start at 7:30pm.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon - Thurs 9am to midday)

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Entertainment at the Three Sisters

Friday 18th July LISA MILLS

Back by popular demand one of the top singers in Essex. Fantastic voice and personality singing all the popular songs and hits from the seventies to the present day. If you want a good night out and a dance, come and join us. You will be impressed.

Friday 25th July 2 BRO

One of the liveliest acts we have ever had. One GREAT singer and one Saxophone make this duet worth a date in your diary. Reggae and Motown at its best. A great night not to be missed.

Friday 1st August KARAOKE and DISCO

with our popular LUKE

If you fancy a sing song and a dance, come and join the fun.

Website: www.threesistersrainham.com

Sally and George

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Upchurch Guides - Strawberry Tea

Upchurch Guides would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to our Strawberry Tea and bought raffle tickets.

We raised an incredible £501 and a cheque is already winging its way to Breast Cancer Care.

We hope you enjoyed your Strawberry Tea, see you next year.
Many thanks again.

The Winners of the Raffle are:

Ticket No 285 - Irene Murphy
Ticket No 414 - Beryl Diffy
Ticket No 782 - Alan Auper
Ticket No 606 - Vivianne Hawkey

All Winners will be contacted - We don't have a telephone number for Irene Murphy so can you please contact Abigail Conway or Tracey Snellings.

Tigger x

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A Message for Upchurch from our PCSO John Cork

PCSO John Cork.
Photo Kim Taylor.

There have been a few reports of thefts in and around the area of Upchurch.

Our advice is to consider fitting an alarm and make sure you always lock and secure your premises, including any outbuilding and sheds.

You can help by looking out for any suspicious vehicles, including flatbed trucks and vans which have the space to hold items. These vehicles could be parking up near isolated businesses farms or houses.

By working together we can ensure Upchurch and the surrounding area remains a safe place to live and work.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to me directly call me on my work mobile:
07772 226217 or visit me at my surgery in the Post Office in Upchurch where I can supply you with security marker pens and give you security advice.

PCSO John Cork

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Barbara Webb Memorial

Upchurch Parish Council and Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee would like to invite friends of Barbara Webb to a ceremony being held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her death. 

This will be held on Friday 8th August 2014, 10:30am at Upchurch
Village Hall.

Barbara Webb was the Upchurch Carnival Queen in 1964 who died whilst carrying out her duties.

At the ceremony, a tree will be planted and a lay reader will conduct
the service.

It is hoped that friends and family of Barbara will attend, along with members of the Parish Council and Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee.

Claire Attaway, Clerk to the Parish Council

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

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Burglary - Spade Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Message 467 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/024356/14: Between 8th and 9th of July a large toolbox was stolen during a burglary from First Choice Motoring Group, The Oast Spade Lane.

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

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch in the Opening Months of the Great War in 1914 by David Wood

HMS Bulwark 1904.

As a small Swale village with a population of little more than 1,000 inhabitants and where the male population mainly worked locally on farms, on barges or in the brickfields, life in Upchurch continued as usual with joyous events like weddings periodically taking place. In August 1914 James Button and Gertrude Seal became the first Upchurch couple to have a motor wedding to take people’s minds away from the European conflict that had recently broken out.

When war broke out in July 1914 it would have felt like a distant conflict to most residents as they lived out their daily lives in the village. Government propaganda indicated that the war would be a short and glorious affair with heroic cavalry charges and brave infantry attacks, similar to what had taken place during the 19^th century. The reality became very different as the opposing armies soon got bogged down in trench warfare with few gains being made by either side.

In the early months Upchurch felt few effects of the European conflict although an article in the parish magazine during the summer of 1914 contained forebodings of what followed.

Little thought that it would be a chronicle of real war. War, with all its horrors, its terrible dangers, its fearful sorrows, is upon us. Our army has gone to France to help against the German foe; our fleet patrols the ocean and guards our shores. Captured vessels have lain in the Medway, ships of our navy, injured in the fight for freedom, have passed our sea wall. We have heard the muffled anger of guns fired in dread earnest. Night after night the beams of light play with the silent softness over the heavens. Day after day airships glide forth on their mission of discovery. The future looms darkly but we know our cause is just.

As the war progressed things began to happen in Upchurch. By the end of September 1914 Mr Marsh from Forge Lane had gathered the names of all soldiers and sailors in the village serving in the war. The vicar’s wife Mrs Trew volunteered to be the recipient of bad news for families of fatalities and an appeal on behalf of the Red Cross raised £20. Money was also collected for the Soldiers and Sailors Family Association.

In September 1914 Cecil Dawson from The Street became the first man from Upchurch to officially join up to fight although there were others who were already full time professional soldiers like Percy Hales from Horsham Farm who served in the Grenadier Guards and Tom Anderson who served with the Northumberland Fusiliers. Both men participated in the early conflicts of 1914.

David Wood.

It wasn’t until October that news of casualties first appeared in the village magazine with a report that Ernie Carter, Henry Mason and Tom Anderson were fatalities and that George Sharp had been wounded by shrapnel and was recovering in Warrington Infirmary.

Of the early fatalities Henry Mason served as chief stoker aboard H.M.S Hogue but died when a torpedo fired by a German submarine sunk his vessel on September 22^nd and Ernie Carter who served as a private in the Royal Marines Light Infantry died when his ship H.M.S Aboukir was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat in the North Sea. Army fatalities were also reported like John Allen from Gore Bank, Tom Anderson formerly of Upchurch, Albert Newman from Otterham Quay and Charles Gransden from Gore Bank. They were all killed in action in France and Belgium.

The general feelings of people in Upchurch towards fatalities appeared in the parish magazine report of October 1914.

Toll for the Brave:

Two husbands are missing (Mr Mason and Mr Carter) and whilst we naturally fear the worst, we feel that men who die like this, die a glorious death. They die that we may live in safety. Therefore, toll for the brave.

While Upchurch men fought on the European mainland money raising activities flourished in the village, particularly at the village schools where charitable efforts took place.

At the Infant’s School children made clothes for the Belgian Refugees Fund while at Holywell headmaster Mr. Maltravers and his wife Ethel organised a bazaar and raised money for the HRH Princess Mary’s Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund.

The harsh reality of war finally arrived in Upchurch at 7-50 a.m. on the morning of November 26, 1914 when a massive explosion rocked the village as the battleship HMS Bulwark moored in the Medway estuary exploded and sank to the bottom of the river with 750 crew members lost. Thick black smoke filled the air, debris scattered over a four mile radius and the Ham Green peninsular got covered in soot and debris according to eye witnesses. Although rumours spread that the incident had been the work of German agents, a forthcoming court of inquiry announced a verdict of accidental ignition of ammunition. The incident became the second worst accidental destruction of a naval vessel in British naval history and was the first major incident where the horror of war was brought directly to the parish of Upchurch.

As more men lost their lives and others joined the forces families in the village experienced the tragedy of war which very soon developed into a horrific, lengthy and bloody conflict of attrition that lasted for four years on the European mainland.

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.

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