The Windmill on Windmill Hill

These days Windmill Hill is just a name without significance for many people, other than having a dangerous bend in the road, but from the early nineteenth century a towering windmill stood there as a familiar building and landmark. It could be seen for miles around due to its high location and like Upchurch church it was used a navigation point for boats sailing along the River Medway. During the second half of the nineteenth century the building became the property of farmers ‘Wakeley Brothers’ but by the beginning of the twentieth century it was no longer in use. However, the owners allowed it to continue standing as a familiar landmark that had existed for about 100 years.

Wakeley's Mill 1903

Timber built with a brick base, old and well tarred wood, the windmill was highly inflammable and this eventually proved to be costly because on Thursday September 8th, 1910 it caught fire. A farm worker noticed a narrow plume of smoke coming from it after he had returned from lunch. Due to the inflammability of the building the fire took hold quickly and the high leaping flames and black smoke could be viewed for miles around. This caused crowds of people to converge on the scene to view the spectacle. Eventually, after a long delay, the Rainham Fire Brigade engine arrived but there was little that could be done to save the windmill. Nobody could get anywhere near the fire because it was so hot and intense. The situation worsened when the burning sails from the windmill broke off and fell into a nearby orchard causing considerable damage to young fruit trees that had just come into bearing. Many of these were badly burnt or scorched.

Police constable Jenner and Sergeant Ashton from Rainham assisted by several passers by were able to rescue some pigs in a sty close to the blazing windmill otherwise the animals would have been burnt alive. A timber built store owned by Mrs. Stokes, wife of late farmer Sam Stokes, also caught fire but the fire brigade were able to extinguish the blaze. Water was obtained from a standpipe at the top of Windmill Hill but the pressure remained low due to the high location and this slowed down the firemen who fought the fire for about three hours.

Eventually the fire subsided but the windmill was completely destroyed and the nearby fruit orchard badly burnt. Although Mrs Stokes store survived it was badly damaged. Several carts, a collection of fruit baskets, wheat and grain inside the store were destroyed or damaged. The cost to Wakeley Brothers was about £250 and Mrs. Stokes lost about £100. Both parties were later able to claim insurance but the windmill, such a significant landmark on the landscape, disappeared for ever and only the name and a few photos survive.


David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch, 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 Wood's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Fishy Friday today at The Brown Jug

It's Fishy Friday at The Brown Jug this Friday, December the 23rd. 6:30pm – 10:00pm.

Freshly cooked cod, chips, choice of peas or mushy peas at only £6.50 each. For further details or to book, Please call: 01634 366543.

Upchurch Matters

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Christmas at The Three Sisters

Lots of things happening this Christmas at The Three Sisters.

Celebrate Christmas this year at the Three Sisters. On Christmas Eve there is a live singer and on Christmas Day the pub is open from 11:00am - 2:00pm.

Boxing Day there is Karaoke from 8:00pm until late and New Year's Eve a Disco and Karaoke (ticket only) at £5.00 which includes a free drink and buffet.

For enquires please phone: 01634 231991

Nicola Mccloud

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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - 2012

The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne next year.

To mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign the Diamond Jubilee will take place in 2012. The celebrations will centre around an extended weekend in 2012 on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of June.

Upchurch Parish Council are forming a working party to collect ideas and make arrangements for village celebrations for the Queen's Jubliee in 2012. Current proposals include a 'Party in the Paddock' where individual streets can have their own areas for celebrations with space for the younger generation to have various arranged activities once the tables are cleared.

BUT...... We' need some help ! If there are any residents that would like to join this working party and contribute ideas and effort in taking them forward then please contact Claire the parish clerk at: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  

Sara Tucker
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - January 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 1^st December in the hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 3 members of the public.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

 SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – Change of use to a residential unit caring for young mothers- babies. A further response will be submitted to Swale BC. Concern was expressed that some information was still not known, for example, who is behind this planning application, who is going to run the unit? It was noted that the service users would be voluntarily accommodated under S20 of the Children Act 1989 which stated that “Every local authority shall provide accommodation for any child in need within their area...” However, it was commented that they were not aware of any need being identified, therefore it was requested that this evidence of “need” be reported.

SW/11/1369 8 Drakes Close – To convert an integral garage into a habitable room and alteration to front elevation to remove garage door and replace with brick and window. – There were no objections provided neighbours views were taken into consideration.

SW/11/1394 1 Macklands Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Erection of single storey conservatory to rear – There were no objections provided neighbours views were taken into consideration.

SW/11/1296 Frogs Farm, Susans Lane – Retrospective application for the building of an agricultural barn. The Planning Review Team will review this proposal.                       

v) Permissions and refusals

Permission granted:

SW/11/1161 Redbrick Cottage, Poot Lane – Rear extension. To be used as a plant room (To house oil storage & boiler)

vi) Proposal to hold a private party for Scout Leaders, Committee Members and Supporters of the Scout Group on 31 December 2011 at Upchurch Scout Group Headquarters, Drake Lodge Recreation Ground, Oak Lane – There were no objections.                                                

Rural Needs Housing – Members discussed a request from a resident asking that a full declaration of interest be made by each councillor on the working party. It was agreed that sufficient checks were in place to ensure that they all behaved properly in relation to this proposal. It was commented that a register of members interests is maintained, and that at each Parish Council meeting, Councillors were required to sign that they either had no material interest on any item on the agenda or indicate items which they did have an interest. Members noted a suggestion forwarded by Tessa O’Sullivan (ACRK) that it may be viable to build 8 to 10 units. Alison Thompson (ERHA) had also agreed that this might be possible and that the site next to Holywell Primary School could be considered. However, the Planning Officer at Swale BC had commented that it would need to be demonstrated that the other, more preferable sites originally identified, were not able to come forward, and also state the reason. Support for this site would also be subject to the design, bulk and scale of the proposed houses and how they relate to their surroundings. It was decided that the working group would meet to discuss this and report back at the next Parish Council meeting.

Administration – Annual Parish Meeting – This has been arranged for Thursday 26^th April 2012 at 7.30pm in the main hall of Upchurch Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and wine and nibbles will be available after the meeting.

Finance – Village Hall Asbestos Problem – A grant application form had been received from the Management Committee and a decision will be made at the meeting in January 2012.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Bonfire at Allotments – Members considered a request by a resident to stipulate times of the day when bonfires were allowed at the Allotments. It was suggested that allotment holders were reminded to show consideration to the neighbours and ensure that bonfires were not left unattended.

Paddock – Installing a barrier at the entrance by 22 Chaffes Lane – An estimate from M Belsom to the sum of £215 + VAT for installing a Kee Clamp Barrier at this entrance was accepted. It is hoped to arrange this installation as soon as possible. Dumping of garden waste – The Council would like to remind everyone that garden waste must not be disposed of in the Paddock and that it is considered as fly tipping.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – St Marys Churchyard – footpath to Burial Ground- Members were informed that a quote had been received from First Highways Ltd. They requested that the Clerk contact the PCC to see if they would be able to contribute towards this cost.

Environment – Queens Diamond Jubilee – Members are still considering many different ideas on how to celebrate this occasion. Please do consider joining the committee. They hope to plan an event which would be suitable for all ages. If you are interested in being part of this committee, please contact the Clerk who will forward your details to a committee member.

Next meetings – 5^th January 2012, 2^nd February 2012. Please note that the meetings are held in the hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.

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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Fishy Friday at The Brown Jug

It's Fishy Friday at The Brown Jug this Friday, December the 9th. 6:30pm – 10:00pm.

Freshly cooked fish, chips and peas available at only £6.50 each. For further details or to book, Please call: 01634 366543.

Upchurch Matters
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Thank you from the PFHS

Thank you very much to all the businesses that donated to the school christmas fayre last Friday.

Julie Pike
Chairperson of the PFHS
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An Englishman in Colombia

David Wood.

Upchurch resident  David Wood has recently had an online version of his book 'An Englishman in Colombia' published on the internet which can be accessed at:  colqat.weebly.com

It's about his experiences in that country over a ten year period from the late 1980s to the late 1990s and a description of the problems there between the drug cartels and the government and the everyday problems experienced. The book begins with David and another Upchurch resident Nigel Barling from Poot Lane going to Colombia for an adventure on the Caribbean and in the Amazon and then about David's experiences while working in Bogota and travelling around the country which includes six muggings, the murder of his business partner, an earthquake and a bomb explosion.

It was an action packed experience in one of the most violent and uncertain periods in Colombian history.


Upchurch Matters
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Memories of Working in the Brickfields

From the mid nineteenth century for about 100 years many local men were employed in the Otterham or Lower Halstow brickfields including the late Cliff Wanstall before he became a well known and long serving Upchurch village postmaster during the early 1950s.

“I worked in the Lower Halstow brickfields for about five years during the 1930s. My father had worked there as a moulder and setter and I used to travel to London in one of the brickfield trucks and helped the driver unload. I also ran errands in the brickfield during the school holidays. My first full time job as a ‘crowder’ was physically hard. I had to push a barrow full of bricks along a rail then load the contents on to a lorry. I also worked as a ‘flatty’ making bricks by hand in the brick shed.

Memories of Upchurch.

Men usually worked  full time in the brickfield and women worked there as barrow loaders during the summer months but sometimes workers were laid off during winter because of wet weather which made brick making difficult. Work usually began at 6 a.m. and finished at 5 p.m. with a one hour lunch break. Workers were paid on a peace work basis per thousand bricks. Unfortunately, if rain came after working hours a whistle sounded and workers had to return to the field to cover the bricks, even late at night. Work was physically hard but relations between workers were good.

Local Upchurch men I remember working in the Lower Halstow brickfield included Bert Smitherman and Wally Edmonds from The Street and Bert and Ashley Edmonds from Twinney but there were others.

Safety precautions were quite good but several times I remember watching an inexperienced worker running downhill with his wheelbarrow too quickly only to let go when losing control causing the barrow and its contents to tip over on the ground. However, the older workers looked after the younger ones and advised them. Work was difficult to obtain during the 1930s depression so the brickfields allowed a regular income and many men worked there for the whole of their working lives.

After the war I worked at the Otterham Brickfield for two years and my first job was in the chalk pit just off Canterbury Lane. Work in the main brickfield area was easier than at Lower Halstow because you didn’t have to run so far with the bricks. We also had to provide our own transport and many of the workers cycled to work and some took a bottle of cold tea to drink. I got laid off for a month after I crashed my bike into the back of a lorry at the bottom of Windmill Hill on my way to work and got injured but I soon recovered and returned to my job.

The greatest benefit of working for ‘Eastwoods’ at the Otterham brickfield was that if you were a member of a gang that produced one million bricks the company would provide each man with a new pair of boots. The work was very hard but I enjoyed it and worked there until the late 1940s.”

David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch, 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 Wood's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Upchurch Fifty Years Ago in December 1961

Memories of Upchurch.

The East Kent Gazette reported Christmas 1961 as the coldest for seventeen years with bitterly cold winds, frost and burst water pipes. To make matters worse tragedy struck on Funton Marshes when a group of Upchurch and Halstow boys went duck shooting. Using rubber dinghies they split into two pairs but after 90 minutes the second pair consisting of Graham Daniel from Oak Lane Upchurch and Peter McKenzie from Lower Halstow watched a hat float past and an upturned dingy floating on the water. After searching for their friends they called for help and the drowned bodies of Peter Shrub and John Gooding were recovered from the river. Because of their waders, heavy clothing and cartridge belts the boys had been pulled under the water after their dingy had capsized. The tragedy caused great sadness for local people.

With a surge in building there were many requests to Swale Rural Council and Kent County Council for planning permission in Upchurch. An attempt to have a site for 100 caravans constructed on a 5½ acre field next to the brickfield in Otterham Quay and another in Poot Lane were both rejected. There was also an application to put the defunct slaughterhouse in W. H. Hales butchers yard in Forge Lane back into use. Swale Rural Council refused fearing that residents would complain and that the building was not in good repair.

In social affairs the Darby and Joan Club held a Christmas party in the village hall where members were presented with gifts of biscuits and small parcels of groceries. The horticultural society held its annual dance in the village hall and raised £12 for a local charity, while Mr and Mrs Stevens from Holywell Farm presented the church with a Christmas tree. Rich Boakes of Chaffes Lane continued organising the weekly village youth club. Acting as doorman and DJ he spent much of his time playing loud musical hits. He even organised a football match between the youth club boys and girls on the recreation ground which the boys just won 3-2. Meanwhile, the village football team was performing very well and scored their 50th goal of the season when they defeated East End 6-1. Les Woolley scored four goals. Two weeks earlier he had scored four in an exciting 5-4 victory over Medway United.

While the village footballers were banging in the goals members of the Women’s Institute spent their December meeting listening to Mr Cooper talking about wine then after some sherry tasting elected their new officers for the year. Mrs Smith was elected president, Mrs Watson secretary, Mrs Gore treasurer and Mrs Tress auditor. A competition for the most articles in a jar was won by Mrs Tress.

Finally, only one funeral took place when Florence Robinson aged 75 of The Street was buried in the churchyard while birthdays were celebrated by Leonard Sketchley aged 13 from Chaffes Lane, Elaine Stokes aged 10 from Holywell Farm Cottages, Cristine Cripps aged 13 from Twinney Cottages, and Anne Clemons aged 11 from Gore Bank.

David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch, 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 Wood's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood
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Stay Vigilant

Upchurch residents are reminded to stay extra vigilant over the Christmas period after a car was broken into in Woodruff Close at the weekend whilst parked on the owners drive. A Sat Nav along with some loose change were taken in the theft.


Sally Cushing
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Roy's Karaoke

Come along and sing your favourite !

Roy Player brings his famous Karaoke to the Crown on Saturday the 17th of December. It all starts at 9pm and all are welcome.

Upchurch Matters

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Upchurch Twinning Group News - December

Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.

Try the Holywell School website:  www.holywell.kent.sch.uk  or Upchurch Matters:  www.upchurchmatters.co.uk  for our news as well. In addition, visit:  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff !

Happy Christmas !       Joyeux Noël !

Saturday 4^th February 2012 – Quiz night in Holywell School, 7:30 pm start. Tables of up to 8 (you can have 4 or 6 or whatever!), £4 each, bookable with Mike Johnson on: 01634 234226.  Bring your own drinks, nibbles and glasses etc. There will also be a raffle on the night.

March 2012 – Anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Charter in Upchurch – we’re planning an outing, possibly to the Historic Dockyard and some of the Ferques residents will be joining us.


Sunday 15^th April 2012 – Upchurch Choral Society will be performing in the church at Ferques – the concert will start at 6pm. The choir will be going by coach and we hope some of you will come along and listen !


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

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Mr. Bridger

From left to right: Colin Wood, Dave Hursell and Mark Neilson.

Mr. Bridger are now signed to Paisley Archive.

Mr. Bridger a three piece band comprising of vocalist and lead guitarist, Dave Hursell, Colin Wood bassist and vocalist from Upchurch and Mark Neilson on the drums formed in April 2009. The band gig regularly right across the country.

Dave was the hinge pin in getting it up and running. He and Colin were already involved in musical projects but wanted to move things forward. Dave and Mark used to play in a band some 10 years before called The Spirals. So a meeting of minds was arranged. After weeks of deciding what to call the band, they chose the name Mr. Bridger.” An iconic character played by Noel Coward in 1969 film The Italian Job, Bridger was typically English, patriotic, had good values that represent the bands feelings perfectly.

In no time at all they had written and recorded their first album a 28 minuet 12 track album named “Change of Term” in two days recording time at Ranscome studios in Rochester there sound and influences were clear from their high energy and rawness compared to The Jam, The Who, Buzcocks and Small Faces.

After a gig filled summer they were contacted by 208 Records an independent label offering sales and distribution. Management came from the Help of Rob Holmes creator of the Underground Groove who projected the band forward to secure gigs with iconic bands such as The Purple Hearts, DC Fontanna and The Lambrettas .During this time a single was released “Got To Know Your Name” B/W Get Away.

The live musical experience is one not to be missed both Dave and Colin sing while Marks rhythms fuel aggression. Since they formed they have performed on stages where many of our great and legendary artists have at some of our greatest music venues across the country.

At this year’s Underground Groove they sold albums and merchandise, signed photographs and albums they were often seen talking to fans in the audience and was interviewed by Mark Sergent of Scootering Magazine for an article. This was a long way from their first gig in 2009 playing in Colin’s garden to friends and family.

A second album now completed Was released on 1st September 2011 “Out For Tea” ,available from “Paisley Archive” part of Detour records, slightly more refined and has been a working progression the band say, gigs are now being booked for a national 2012 tour to promote this.

Mr. Bridger is now pleased to announce that as from January 2012 all bookings and band related enquiries will now be taken care of by Hipster Lee at “Heavy Ears Promotions”.

For more information on the band, please go to:

Website:  mrbridger.com


Facebook:  Their Page


YouTube:  Watch the video to "GET AWAY"


Amazon:  The CD "OUT FOR TEA" for sale on Amazon


The OFFICIAL Mr. Bridger Fan Club:  On Facebook


iTunes:  Download tracks here


Colin Wood

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Upchurch Poppy Appeal 2011

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM” 

The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection in Upchurch was undertaken in all areas of the village by seventeen collectors.

The total collection in Upchurch in 2011 was £2,390. Of this amount £983 was collected in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £50.

St Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by Reverend Jacky Davis. Five wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel. After the service Reverend Davis led the choir and congregation in the autumnal sunshine to the burial ground were wooden crosses were laid at the five war commission graves. We were mindful of recent and current losses in Afghanistan suffered by our Armed Forces.

The need for the Poppy Appeal continues and the money donated will be used by the Royal British Legion entirely for welfare work including its Battle Back and Personnel Recovery Centres. It supports those who have served in the Armed Forces and their loved ones when they find themselves in need through bereavement, injury or other circumstances. On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.

Cllr Gerry Lewin – Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser

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The Old Days of Hop Picking in Upchurch

Hop picking dates back hundreds of years in Upchurch with hop gardens and oasthouses once scattered around the parish. Although all have disappeared, 91 year old Marj Lacy from Bradshaw Close still has vivid memories of the hop picking season on those damp and misty autumn days of eighty years ago.

“I started when I was ten years old back in the 1930s and went hop picking with my brother and two cousins at Wakeleys’ hop garden in Hartlip. We shared a bin between us and picked into half bushel baskets which we tipped into the bin. I went picking to buy a new school uniform for myself each year. I earned about fifteen shillings a week and picked for the whole season which lasted for about five weeks starting in September. I worked in the Hartlip hop garden for four years and remember Seymour Wakeley from Rainham inspecting the picking and overseeing the payment of wages at the end of each week.

I worked at ‘Seventeen Acres’ hop garden in Oak Lane during the 1940s. Pickers from Upchurch brought their own equipment consisting of a stool and picking basket. Some pickers brought their equipment in a baby’s pram while others visited the workplace the night before to see which row they had been allocated.

Many Upchurch residents worked in ‘Seventeen Acres’ like Ellen Boast and Win Wraight from The Street, Mrs Goodall and Elsie Waters from Oak Lane and Win Edmonds and Molly Bass from Drakes Close. Mrs Neame from The Street Stores also came with volunteers to raise money for the Darby and Joan Club. Meanwhile, Mr Oldland, the foreman from Rainham, organised the pickers who came by bus from Chatham and brought their children with them while Brian Wakeley from Forge Lane often inspected the picking. Other visitors included a man with a basket of doughnuts and another on a horse and cart selling sweets. The pickers brought tins which were hung on a wire with a hook above a fire for making tea which they drank while they worked. Official tea breaks didn’t exist.

The pickers were paid per basket and chose the hours they worked although the usual working day began at 7 a.m. and finished at 4 p.m. A lunch break took place for one hour. The work was pleasant but the hops that dropped on the ground had to be picked up. This was the hardest work. I didn’t only do picking, I also did stringing and training. The hop bins were collected early afternoon by horse and cart and taken to Moor Street oasthouse situated nearby or to the Station Road oasthouse in Rainham for drying. At the end of a working day I returned home, did the cooking and housework and looked after my two daughters. I thought nothing of it in those days.

David Wood.

The last day of the season was usually a fun day when pickers arrived in fancy dress, had a good laugh and played tricks on each other. On one occasion my mother was put into a sack which was then tied up. I really miss hop picking, it was marvellous.”

David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch, 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 Wood's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Christmas Crafts and Produce Sale at St. Margaret's

Come along to St. Margaret's on the 3rd.

There will be a Christmas Crafts and Produce Sale at St. Margaret's Church Lower Halstow on
Saturday the 3rd of December from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Come and join us for a wide variety of local crafts including cards, calendars, jewellery, wood turned gifts and toys, traditional Advent calendars, African art, home made and home grown produce and refreshments.

The Reed Bed Studio is also open as is the delightful tea room on the Thames Sailing Barge, the Edtih May.

Come and spend the afternoon at arguably the prettiest location around !

Liz Mouland

Friends of St. Margaret's Church, Lower Halstow

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Upchurch Parish Council Report for December 2011

The Parish Council met on Thursday 3^rd November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – A resident raised concerns about a street light in The Poles, which was still not working even though it had been reported. It was explained that the Council was required to report four street lights before DW Lighting would attend. Another resident raised concerns about vehicles parking on pavements, particularly at night, which caused pedestrians to walk in the road. The Council would like to remind people not to obstruct pathways when parking. Another resident referred to the November report in the Gabriel, asking why it referred to the traveller’s site formally known as Hursell Farm. It was explained that a resident had raised this issue and the Council was unaware of the situation. The resident reported that a planning application was being prepared by Mr Cullen of Kent Drawing.

Correspondence – Monthly Indoor Boot fair to be held in Village Hall – A request from Lisa Older to use The Paddock as an overflow car park if required. Members considered this request and decided that more information was required about the people organising the Boot fair and also, highlight that a charge or donation may be made for the use of The Paddock. Swale Community Safety Unit – An email from Sergeant Tim Hill providing information about the unit and asking if the Council would like to gain a better understanding of this, the work they do and how they could assist our community. It was suggested that he might like to attend the Annual Parish Meeting in April 2012.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – Change of use to a residential unit caring for young mothers – babies - The following objections had been forwarded to Swale BC:-

·      The fact that it would be a business amongst residential properties and could possibly devalue them if the owners wish to sell at a future date

·      For Health & Safety reasons, it would not be appropriate for babies/toddlers to be in the vicinity of the covered swimming pool that takes up most of the garden at the rear of the property.  In this respect, it raises the question as to whether planning permission was sought or obtained for this to be built.

·      The residents adjacent to the property are elderly and one very elderly next door neighbour, who has a full-time carer, would find any excessive noise disturbing

·      It would be helpful if more information could be provided as to the ownership and management of the unit.  Are the staff to be subjected to CRB checks? The Council queries the need for such a unit in the 21^st. century when unmarried mothers are not shut away in disgrace.  Are the residents likely to be battered wives who could have abusive partners causing a nuisance?  Is their stay to be temporary or permanent?  Will there be a constant change of residents?

SW/11/1160 Field to the rear of 32/62 Hartlip Hill – Variation of condition 4 of SW/11/0653 to allow 3 mobile field shelters and two horse trailers –No objections.

SW/11/1161 Redbrick Cottage, Poot Lane – Rear extension. To be used as plant room (To house oil storage & boiler) No objections.

SW/11/1226 Unit 12, Oast Park Trading Estate, Spade Lane, Hartlip – Use of unit 12 for B1 purposes –No objections.

SW/11/1263 16 Oak Lane – renewal of SW/08/0942 for single storey side and rear extension- No objections.

Permissions and refusals

Permission granted:

SW/11/1020 18 Horsham Lane – demolition of existing conservatory and existing rear extension and erection of new single storey pitched roof extension

SW/11/0866 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Stationing of portable office/restroom

SW/11/0867 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Formation of areas of hard standing, siting of wheel spinner, CCTV cameras and stanchion

Local Needs Housing –  An email from Alison Thompson of English Rural Housing Association informing the Council that the land owners of the site in Forge Lane opposite Holywell Primary School had decided not to sell this land. Members discussed the process taken by the Council to date and how it could decide what to do next. It was commented that deciding on whether to progress with this scheme would be a strategic decision for the village to make. It was suggested that the working group meet to discuss what do to next and to find a way of getting an objective view from all residents. Cllr Catford, Cllr Lewin and Cllr New would meet to discuss this and it was agreed that Cllr Tucker would also join the working group.                       

Finance – KCC Community Engagement Grants Scheme 2011-12 – The Clerk reported that the grant for improvements to The Paddock was not supported by Keith Ferrin. Village Hall Asbestos Problem - A letter had been received from the Village Hall Management Committee requesting funding for the cost of asbestos removal, to the sum of £4,800. Members discussed various ways they could support this request. However, it was agreed that further information was still required, therefore the Clerk would forward them a grant application form in which to complete.                       

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Goal Posts in Recreation Ground – Advice from Graeme Tuff, Green spaces Manager at Swale BC had been circulated which suggested installing two 5 a side goal posts. The Clerk will obtain three quotes. Unfortunately, it was commented that the road cones, purchased by the Council, for the benefit of the footballers had been vandalised.  Allotment Rent Review – Members agreed that this be increased to £14 for a resident with a full plot and £23 for a non-resident, effective April 2012.
           

Paddock – Tree work required by 22 Chaffes Lane – It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Company to the sum of £150 to fell and remove 3 overhanging false acacia.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – St Marys Churchyard – Footpath to Burial Ground – Members had met with Neil sheppard of First Highways Ltd to discuss installing a footpath in the Churchyard, leading round to the Village Hall Car Park.

Environment – Queens Diamond Jubilee – Cllr New, Cllr Rossiter and Cllr Tucker will be forming a committee to discuss ideas or suggestions on how to celebrate this occasion. Residents are invited to join this committee too, please contact the Clerk for further details or if you wish to suggest any ideas.

Highways - Small Profits– Track at end of Crosier Court – An email from Michael Ellis, Public Rights of Way Officer, explaining that this track was privately owned. The public had a legal right to use the track as pedestrians and the landowner can give permission to individuals to use their land. He advised that he would only get involved if the exercise of private rights i.e. the Lorries damaged the surface to such an extent that it was no longer possible for the public to walk up and down the track.

Next meetings – 1^st December 2011 and 5^th January 2012 in the hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm.

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

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk   Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Office opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00am till 11.30am

Upchurch Parish Council
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Kentish Beer Festival at the Three Sisters

Come along this weekend for a selection of Kentish Beers.

The Three Sisters Upchurch are holding a Kentish Beer Festival tomorrow and all this weekend, the 11th, 12th and 13th of November.


http://www.upchurchmatters.co.uk/Adverts/thethreesisters.html


Upchurch Matters
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101 launches in Kent for non urgent Police calls

Kent Police have announced a new nationally recognised number for the public to call to report non-urgent crimes, access services, make enquiries or contact their neighbourhood officer.

101 will launch in Swale on November 14th and will replace 01622 690 690. The number can be used 24 x 7 and is hoped to help reduce abuse of the 999 emergency number.

In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, dial 999. For non-emergencies dial 101.


Email:  csu@swale.gov.uk


Website:  swalecsp.co.uk 


Twitter:  twitter.com/swalecsp


Telephone: 01795 417193

Issued by the Swale Community Safety Partnership
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Grand Opening Event and Fireworks at the Brown Jug Tonight !

Come along to the Grand Opening Event with Fireworks !

There is a Grand Opening night tonight at the Brown Jug Upchurch with Fireworks and hot food served from 7:30pm till late !


The Brown Jug is under new ownership and Kate, Dan and Rachel welcome all old and new customers, assuring them of a warm and courteous reception. We look forward to a long and happy relationship with you all.


• New selection of Beers and Lagers
• Good range of Wines to cater for all tastes
• New exciting Menu coming
• Covered smoking area
• Warm friendly atmosphere


Starting soon... Traditional Sunday Roast Dinners !


Upchurch Matters
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Hillbilly Hoedown Barn Dance

Come along the 19th.

Time to dust for Upchurch Players Hillbilly Hoedown Barn Dance. Saturday the 19th of November 2011 at 7:30 pm in the Village Hall.

The chuck wagon will be serving sausage, bacon, beans & jacket potatoes.

Please bring your own drinks, glasses, crockery & cutlery.

Tickets price £7.50 from Andrea Candy, 6 Bradshaw Close, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 361040

Dave Candy

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