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| 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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Sunday, 27 November 2011
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Upchurch Twinning Group News - December
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Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France. |
Happy Christmas ! Joyeux Noël !
Saturday 4th 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 15th 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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Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Mr. Bridger
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| From left to right: Colin Wood, Dave Hursell and Mark Neilson. |
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| 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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Thursday, 17 November 2011
Upchurch Poppy Appeal 2011
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| “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.
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.”
“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.
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| David Wood. |
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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Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Christmas Crafts and Produce Sale at St. Margaret's
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| Come along to St. Margaret's on the 3rd. |
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
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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Thursday, 10 November 2011
Upchurch Parish Council Report for December 2011
The Parish Council met on Thursday 3rd 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 21st. 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 – 1st December 2011 and 5th January 2012 in the hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906
Office opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00am till 11.30am
Upchurch Parish Council
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Kentish Beer Festival at the Three Sisters
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| Come along this weekend for a selection of Kentish Beers. |
http://www.upchurchmatters.co.uk/Adverts/thethreesisters.html
Upchurch Matters
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Wednesday, 9 November 2011
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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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
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Saturday, 5 November 2011
Grand Opening Event and Fireworks at the Brown Jug Tonight !
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| Come along to the Grand Opening Event with Fireworks ! |
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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Friday, 4 November 2011
Hillbilly Hoedown Barn Dance
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| Come along the 19th. |
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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Upchurch Players Present Sleeping Beauty
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| Village Pantomimes are always fun for all the family. |
At Upchurch Village Hall on:
Thursday the 1st of December 2011 at 7:30 pm
Saturday the 3rd of December 2011 at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Tickets are obtainable price £5 from Andrea Candy, 6 Bradshaw Close, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 361040
Dave Candy
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Upchurch Christmas Farmers Market
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| A fun day for all the family. |
There will be some 30 stalls providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts including many with a seasonal flavour. Also for your enjoyment:
A Hog Roast.
Musical Entertainment.
Children’s Amusements including a Bouncy Castle and Face Painting.
There will be free visitor parking in the Paddock.
Affiliated to KENT FARMERS MARKETS ASSOCIATION.
Dave Candy
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Dave Candy
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Upchurch Family Fireworks CANCELLED !
Friday 3rd Nov 2011 - 22.00
Upchurch Scout Group regrets to announce that this year's Upchurch Family Fireworks Display has been cancelled. The site field is already very wet and with heavy persistent rain forecast between Thursday night and Saturday, the conditions in the field, particularly in the car parks would make it difficult to enter and exit the field safely. The very wet ground poses a potential safety issue in terms of access for emergency vehicles and a logistics issue for our deliveries. Those that came last year will recall the problems to traffic flow that the wet field caused. This year the field is already as wet and it is highly unlikely to dry out in time even if the weather did clear on Saturday as some are forecasting.
In 2008 we suffered losses for the first time in our history due to the poor weather. As a charity we could not justify risking the outlay required for the 2009 display. We came back in 2010 with an agreed set of procedures to minimise the risk to the group and its funds. During an emergency committee meeting tonight, it was decided, based on those procedures and the potential safety risk, to cancel the 2011 display and minimise the potential losses to the group by taking an early decision.
Upchurch Scout Group would like to apologise to our customers, stall holders and sponsors for any inconvenience caused. A vast amount of people give up their time to make this happen and because of the amount of volunteer work involved, it is not possible to reschedule the event.
It’s a very sad decision for those of us who have spent months working on the display but we hope you understand that we have a duty to ensure the safety of the display and also to protect the funding of the group.
We hope you will come back and support us again in the future. We’d be pleased to hear any comments you have on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/upchurchfireworks
Upchurch Scout Group regrets to announce that this year's Upchurch Family Fireworks Display has been cancelled. The site field is already very wet and with heavy persistent rain forecast between Thursday night and Saturday, the conditions in the field, particularly in the car parks would make it difficult to enter and exit the field safely. The very wet ground poses a potential safety issue in terms of access for emergency vehicles and a logistics issue for our deliveries. Those that came last year will recall the problems to traffic flow that the wet field caused. This year the field is already as wet and it is highly unlikely to dry out in time even if the weather did clear on Saturday as some are forecasting.
In 2008 we suffered losses for the first time in our history due to the poor weather. As a charity we could not justify risking the outlay required for the 2009 display. We came back in 2010 with an agreed set of procedures to minimise the risk to the group and its funds. During an emergency committee meeting tonight, it was decided, based on those procedures and the potential safety risk, to cancel the 2011 display and minimise the potential losses to the group by taking an early decision.
Upchurch Scout Group would like to apologise to our customers, stall holders and sponsors for any inconvenience caused. A vast amount of people give up their time to make this happen and because of the amount of volunteer work involved, it is not possible to reschedule the event.
It’s a very sad decision for those of us who have spent months working on the display but we hope you understand that we have a duty to ensure the safety of the display and also to protect the funding of the group.
We hope you will come back and support us again in the future. We’d be pleased to hear any comments you have on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/upchurchfireworks
Mike Powell
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Thursday, 3 November 2011
UPCHURCH MATTERS STILL NEEDS YOU !
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St. Mary's Church
Holywell School
Upchurch Beavers
Upchurch Brownies
Upchurch Guides
Upchurch Cubs
Upchurch Scouts
Upchurch Choral Society
Upchurch Darby & Joan
Upchurch Handbell Ringers
Upchurch Mothers Union
Upchurch Short Mat Bowls Club
Upchurch Women's Institute
Upchurch Village Hall Committee
Upchurch Twinning Group
Upchurch Parish Council
Upchurch Players
Upchurch Farmers Market
Upchurch Short Mat Bowls Club
Upchurch Horticultural Society
Our regularly updated Notice Board and Diary Pages are already carrying lots of village dates and details of upcoming events for many of the village groups and organisations that have stepped up and got involved.
They are all making excellent use of our free methods of publicity by contributing to our Village Diary Page and emailing in details of their future events to go on our Notice Board Page and we couldn't be more happy with the way it's going !
It's easily done and not that hard we promise !
We post all new Notice Board Page items on Facebook and Twitter too where we currently have over 1400 friends, that's a lot of people and a great way to publicise your events.
If you're on the above list then please do contact us we'd love to hear about your village dates and events.
Thank You in advance,
Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch Twinning Group News
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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!
Anniversary Dinner and Dance in Ferques – held on 15th October. Several Upchurch residents joined in the festivities. The dinner was scrumptious and the entertainment was entertaining! A good time was had by all!
School visit – School children from Ferques visited Holywell School on 18th October and joined in with lessons, break and outdoor games. They spent the morning in the school then visited Dover Castle in the afternoon. It was voted a really good day by all concerned.
Diary dates for you:
Saturday 5th November – Scout Group Fireworks at Westmoor Farm – Find the Twinning Group stall – we will be selling our famous, delicious bacon rolls again! A great night out! More info: www.upchurchfireworks.co.uk
And for 2012:
Saturday 4th February 2012 – Quiz night in Holywell School – PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE – due to circumstances beyond our control. 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 and nibbles.
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 15th 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!
FRIENDS OF THE TWINNING GROUP – Our “Friends of the Upchurch Twinning Group” has a healthy membership now, but we would always welcome anyone who would be willing to give practical support e.g. on stalls, or at events, giving hospitality etc etc. Just let us know!
Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780
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Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Old Reed Bed Christmas Open Studios
Click on either picture to enlarge it
The Old Reed Bed Studios
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Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Holywell Primary School Christmas Fare
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| Please come along after school on the 2nd. |
There will be Tombolas, a Raffle, Christmas Money Tree, Hoopla, Craft Stalls, Coffee, Teas, Home Made Cakes & Refreshments and lots more !
Please come and join in our festive fun.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Julie Pike
Chair of the Parents and friends of Holywell school
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