Drought 2012 - Water Restrictions

Upchurch will be affected by the Southern Water restrictions on the 5th of April.

Southern Water is to bring in restrictions on water use for the first time since 2005/6, following the second driest 12 months on record.

The restrictions, which will include the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, come into effect from the 5th of April for customers in Kent and Sussex who receive their water from them.

Upchurch is one of the affected areas. You can see a map of all the affected areas  here

More details about exceptions to the restrictions can be found  here

Answers to some of the most common questions about water restrictions can also be found  here

Click on the poster to enlarge it.

Upchurch Matters

space

Thefts from Lower Halstow Cricket Club

[Reference: CB22]

Message: 393.

This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police.

A small black dustbin containing grass seed has been emptied and the grass seed stolen along with some petrol which was siphoned from a triple-mower at Lower Halstow Cricket Club, The Street, Upchurch, Sittingbourne.


This happened between 25th and 26th of March. If you have any information please contact Kent police on telephone number: 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you that was message: 393.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

space

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne this year.

Weekend of 2nd – 4th June 2012

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee committee is delighted that the weekend of 2^nd – 4^th June promises to be a weekend to remember in Upchurch.  As well as the Parish Council’s efforts, other organisations are coordinating so that our celebrations will do justice to what is a really historic event: 

Saturday evening 2^nd June – Jubilee Concert at the Village Hall.  Starting at 7.30pm, tickets will be £3 each and these will be on sale from Monday 16^th April from Sue Rossiter on 01634 234780 or  suerossiter@waitrose.com  The programme will feature local artists and groups plus excerpts from Lionel Bart’s Oliver, performed by children from Holywell School and actors from the village. This will be an event not to be missed!

Sunday 3^rd June – All day – exhibition in St Mary’s church of Coronation Day 1953 memorabilia.
10.30am – parade from Scout Hut to church of uniformed organisations.
11.00am – service of Thanksgiving for the Queen in St Mary’s church.
12.00noon – Jubilee Jolly at the Village Hall – stalls, games, fancy dress, bouncy castle, food – something for all and for organisations to run stalls etc.

Monday 4^th June – Street parties (privately arranged), possible beacon lighting during the late evening.
The Parish Council plans for a tree and a gift of a Jubilee mug for all children are progressing.

In respect of the mugs, we would still be delighted to collect the names of all children of primary school age who live in Upchurch, but do not attend Holywell School.  Please let one of the committee know so that they will receive one.

Sara Tucker tel: 01634 388971  Pat New tel: 0164 374220  Sue Rossiter tel: 01634 234780.

Sue Rossiter

space

Upchurch Twinning Group News

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! 

2012 is looking busy for the Twinning Group.  Here are some events you may be interested in:

March – Holywell School trip– the children of years 5 and 6 visited the school in Ferques on 20^th March.  They had a really lovely time with the French children in class and then visited the Nausicaä Sea Life centre in Boulogne.   It was a hugely valuable and much-enjoyed trip.

Sunday 15^th April 2012 – Upchurch Choral Society trip - Our Choral Society will be giving a concert in the church in Ferques.  It is due to start at 5.30pm and end about 6.30pm, free admission.  Afterwards, there will be a reception in the Mairie before we all come home.  The choir is going by coach and we hope some of you might come along and listen!    Do contact us for any details.  It would make a great ending to a day out in France.

Thursday 17^th May 2012 – Annual General Meeting – at 7.30pm in Holywell School Hall.  Come and hear more about us and enjoy refreshments afterwards.  All are welcome to this AGM and we would love to see everyone there.

Saturday 14^th July – Bastille Day in Ferques – We’ll be having a stall at the street fair in Ferques as usual this year.  We will be plying everyone with English food and beverages, plus we will sell good quality, donated items to raise some funds.  This event is well worth a visit as part of a day out and to see if you can pick up any bargains on the other stalls!   If you have any items that would be suitable for our stall, do let us know – we can collect if required.  See you there, hopefully!

Saturday 25^th August. 2012 – Sports Day – this is now an annual affair and this year will be in Ferques.   We will be arranging a coach so think about a day out with lots of sporty fun in France that day, plus food will be available.  Cost of a seat on the coach will only be £10.  This is always most enjoyable and well supported so register your interest as soon as possible.

October – Anniversary Event – Originally planned for March; this will now be on 7^th October and will take the form of an outing somewhere in Kent.  A coach load of Ferques residents will be coming over the water to join us.  Watch this space!

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

Upchurch Twinning Group

space

Chaffes Lane in the 19th Century

Named after the Chaffe family who were influential residents in the area, Chaffes Lane remained virtually unpopulated until well into the 19^th century. Cottages situated at Chaffes Place on the top left of the lane became the first dwellings during the early 19^th century followed by a row of cottages at Gore Bank during the second half.

So what did the lane and surroundings look like 170 years ago? A contemporary tithe map dated 1839 shows that after entering Chaffes Lane from The Street an orchard with fruit trees and a pond belonging to Church Farm was situated on the left with The Paddock on the right, not very different to its appearance in the early 1960s. Upon turning the first corner open arable fields stretched almost to the present Drakes Close on the left. The first of these was named ‘Long Field’ owned by St John’s College and the second was ‘Dingles’ owned by Holywell farmer Henry Miskin. On the other side of the road the vicarage grounds stretched up to the present recreation ground, which, in 1839 was an arable field named ‘Broom Field’ owned by St John’s College. John Walter of Gore Farm owned the adjoining field, also arable, which extended as far as the present Marstan Close. This was adjoined to another arable field owned by Rainham farmer Thomas Dodd then pasture extended to the top end of the lane. Chaffes Place with several cottages was situated on the left and behind that pasture extended from Gore Bank up to the entrance of Gore Farm. Horse drawn ploughs and large groups of labourers toiled in the fields and horse drawn hay or dung carts passed along the lane.

In 1861 Chaffes Place cottages, the only inhabited dwellings in the lane, housed agricultural labourers and their families. These included John Castle, Alf Castle, Henry Rose, George Wildish, Henry Seager and their families. Descendents of several of these families still reside in the village today. In 1861 the population of Chaffes Lane consisted of 35 people.

Memories of Upchurch.

With the construction of dwellings at Gore Bank, the population of Chaffes Lane increased to 41 in 1881. Things changed dramatically in the following ten years so that by 1891 129 people resided in the Lane. This coincided with a sharp rise in the village population during the second half of the 19^th century.

 People living in Chaffes Lane during the 1890s included James Ivory and Charles Allen who were employed in the cement works, William Clout, a farm servant, William Twort, a wheelwright and Fred Fielder, George Trice, George Clark and George Tabrett who were agricultural labourers.

During the 1890s two footpaths which still exist opposite Bradshaw Close led down to Forge Lane and Gore Farm respectively while the recreation ground was converted from an arable field in 1897. An oasthouse stood on the site of the present Marstan Close with a field behind. Opposite and a little farther up the lane were Chaffes Place Cottages. These constructions existed until the second half of the 20^th century when demolition led to new housing, an increased population and a changed image of Chaffes Lane.

David Wood, who 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 on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

space

Pie & Mash Night at the Brown Jug

This Friday the 30th from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, it's Dan's traditional homemade Pie, Mash and Liquor for only £6.50.


To book please call: 01634 366543.


Upchurch Matters
space

Invitation to a Sherry Reception on April 21st

St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

A reminder that The Friends of the Church are having an informal reception on Saturday, April 21st in the Church from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

All who are interested in preserving the 700 year old Church for another 700 years are welcome and enquiries about becoming a Friend will be welcomed.

During the evening we will be given a brief presentation on a recent major restoration project to the Church by Frank Osborne. 

We are also delighted to announce that during the evening copies of the History of the Church will be available for purchase - this booklet has just been updated in a project led by Helen Osborne.

Gerry Lewin - on behalf of the Trustees of the Friends of the Church

space

Barn broken into - Spade Lane

[Reference: CB22]

Between the 16th and 19th of March 2012, the barn of a house in Spade Lane was broken into and a Mountfield lawn mower, a mountain bike and various garden tools were stolen.

If you have any information, please contact your local police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you, that was message: 3 6 6.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

space

Fred Richards 1934 - 2012

Fred Richards.

Beryl, Paul and Stephen are sad to report the death on the 7th of March 2012, of Fred Richards, a beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Born in Herefordshire, Fred worked as a commercial artist and taught art at Medway College.

For the past 50 years he lived in Upchurch where he made many good friends.

Fred designed and painted the Upchurch village sign which stands opposite St. Mary's Church.


Beryl Richards

space

Upchurch Choral Society - 2012 Concerts

Future concerts in 2012 include:

Sunday 15^th April 6pm
‘Songs for an April Evening’ (Chansons pour le Jumelage) in L’Eglise de Notre Dame de l’Assomption, Ferques.


Saturday 2^nd June 7.30pm
A selection of British folk songs as part of the Jubilee Celebration concert.


Saturday 14^th July in St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch and Sunday 15^th July in St. Nicholas Church, Leeds.
A joint performance with Bearsted Choral Society to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee including:

Coronation Mass by Mozart

Coronation Ode by Elgar

Zadok the Priest by Handel

Gloria in Excelsis by Stanford

National Anthem arr. By Britten

Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8 (£4 for students).


For further information on any of these concerts please contact Liz Walters

on: 01634 361897.

Liz Walters

space

Vacancy for one Councillor

Due to the resignation of Cllr Bean, there is a vacancy for one councillor. The Parish Council would like to co-opt someone to fill this vacancy.  

Anyone interested in coming on to the Council should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible.  The qualifications are that you should be a European national, at least 18 years old, an elector and living within three miles of the parish for 12 months or someone with land or a primary place of business in the parish.

Please include the following in your written application:

•   Contact details

•  Length of residence in Upchurch

•   Profession or trade

•  Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations

•  Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council.

If you would like to find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Chairman or the Clerk.


Mr John Catford
Chairman
2b Crosier Court
Tel: 01634 231326
chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk


Mrs Claire Attaway
Clerk
33 Church Farm Road
Tel: 01634 363906
clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk


Parish Council website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council

space

Easter Bazaar

Upchurch Darby and Joan Club are holding their Easter Bazaar on Wednesday the 4th of April from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Upchurch Village Hall.

There will be raffles, homemade cakes a craft stall and lots more.

Please come along and support us.

  

All money collected will go towards the Diamond Jubilee and Birthday Party. We have 60 paying members in the club and plenty of room for more !

Thank You

Janet Gilbert

space

Upchurch Farmers Market

Upchurch Farmers Market is back this Sunday the 25th of March from 10:00 am.

With up to up to 30 stalls providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts.

Including

Bread, Meat, Game, Jams, Preserves, Pies, Cheese, Fish, Greengrocery, Eggs, Vinegars, Cakes, Olives, Nuts, Sausages, Cider, Plants etc.

Plus

Photography, Glass Creations, Children's Books and Greetings Cards.

Hot & cold beverages & light refreshments also available.

Back this month

• McCarthy’s the Baker

• Dippy Egg

• Shoregate Nurseries

New this month

• Cupcakes, Traybakes & Cakepops

• Planters & baskets

• Wild Food Company

Dave Candy

For those that like to buy locally there is a monthly Village Market at Iwade.  Details here.

space

Upchurch's Peter Boakes to be an Olympic Torchbearer

Peter Boakes.

Upchurch resident Peter Boakes has been nominated and chosen from a list of over 30,000 inspirational people as just one of 8,000 that will carry the Olympic Flame as it journeys across the UK.

Peter received one of the places
allocated to Lloyds TSB.

Peter was nominated by his niece Angela for his 10 years + of fundraising. During the last 10 years, Peter, together with the assistance of family, friends and villagers has raised an incredible £50,000 + for various good causes, mainly by hosting and selling tickets for outdoor evening BBQs at his Upchurch home.


To play his part Peter will have to travel to Euxton near Liverpool on Friday the 1st of June 2012 where he will wear the special white and gold uniform supplied to all Torchbearers. There he'll be given the once in a lifetime honour of carrying the Olympic Torch for half a mile between 7:55 a.m and 8:15 a.m.


Representing peace, unity and friendship the Olympic Flame is Lit in Greece and arrives in the UK on Friday the 18th of May 2012. It will come within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK and will enable local communities to shine a light on the best their area has to offer. Torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK.


For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay visit the official London 2012 website:  here.


Good luck on your big day Peter from the whole of Upchurch.

Upchurch Matters

space

The Runaway Upchurch Postmaster

Well liked and respected in the village, Harry Legge had served as sub postmaster, churchwarden and secretary of both Upchurch Cricket Club and Lower Halstow Working Men’s Club. He owned his own house and had a wife and two children. He appeared to be a contented and established figure in the village. On March 25^th, 1924 he suddenly disappeared.

Harry Legge’s worried family knew nothing of his whereabouts and the post office authorities had to be called in. After inspecting the accounts they found that £336 had disappeared. With the post office suspended until further notice, Harry’s shop (now Terry’s) was closed down and the police were called in to investigate.

The 49 year old sub postmaster who had held the position since 1916 was eventually traced after an extensive nationwide search then arrested at ‘The George Hotel’ in Hull on March 28th where he had registered his name as Fred Carlton. A waitress pointed him out to the police as he attempted to leave upon their arrival. After a scuffle the police seized a loaded pistol from him with nine cartridges and £164. When questioned he admitted that he had made out money orders, posted them to various towns and then followed these up with the duplicates and collected the money. He also admitted that he was on his way to Boston in Lincolnshire to leave the country by boat with his money.

Memories of Upchurch.

After charged with being in possession of a loaded pistol without a certificate Harry Legge was discharged then immediately re-arrested by Detective-Sergeant Burgess from Sittingbourne and transported back to Kent where he appeared at Sittingbourne Petty Sessions. He was then charged with intent to defraud and referred to the Kent Assizes. During the court case it emerged that he had lived in Argentina before arriving in Upchurch and this is where he obtained his pistol.

After serving three months in custody Legge appeared at Kent Assizes in Maidstone where he pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud against him but pleaded for compassion because he claimed he had financial problems and said his creditors had pressurized him. Therefore, he argued that he had carried out his crime as an act of desperation. This made little difference as he was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment with hard labour in Manchester prison on the basis that an example had to be made of him to other post office employees. In the meantime, his house in Upchurch was sold and his family dispersed.

Harry Legge’s case caused a sensation in Upchurch and his crime shocked his family and stunned the inhabitants of the village who could not believe that such a respected and well liked person could have carried out such a crime. Whether his actions were out of desperation or sheer temptation is debatable but his unusual story hit the local newspaper headlines for several weeks at the time.

David Wood, who 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 on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.


David Wood

space

Upchurch Village Hall AGM

The Upchurch Village Hall AGM will be held on Wednesday the 11th of April 2012 at 7:45 p.m. in the back hall.


Please come along to support what is after all YOUR hall !


Jan Lacy
space

Temporary road closure of the A2 at Newington

It is necessary to close the A2 High Street at Newington (Swale area) from Monday 2nd April 2012 for up to 3 weeks.

The closure is for gas mains replacement works to be carried out in a section of road too narrow for works to be done safely without a closure.

It is anticipated the road will be re-opened on or before Sunday 22nd April 2012.

Closure and alternative routes

The road will be closed between the junctions with Playstool Road (access remains as far as Wickham Close) and Bull Lane.

Delays are inevitable, and it is suggested that drivers consider using alternative routes for the duration of these works.

The main motorway alternative route is via A2, A249, M2 between junctions 5 and 4, A278 and A2.

An additional alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A249 to Maidstone, thence A229 and A230 to Chatham then back onto the A2.

The specific road names for each diversion are listed at the foot of this Bulletin.

Details of closure

This closure has been re-scheduled to be carried out during the Easter Holidays, following extensive local consultation.

Works will be carried out 6 days a week, working extended hours, to reduce the length of time that the road is closed.

These works are part of a scheme to replace the ageing gas mains with modern materials to maintain the security of gas supplies.

Southern Gas Networks has a legal obligation to replace all iron pipes within 30 metres of properties, like the ones at Newington.

All other options have been considered to avoid closing the A2 but there is no satisfactory alternative.

The existing main is in the middle of the carriageway where the road is very narrow.

~ Whilst the road is closed, other highway improvement works will be carried out to avoid the need for separate closures and minimise future disruption ~

Traffic issues

Signage will be put in place on various roads in the vicinity of the road closure to indicate they are unsuitable for large vehicles.

Weight restrictions of 7.5 T (except for access) are likely to be in place on roads leading from the A2 between Rainham and the A249, when signposted (these roads are individually listed at the foot of this message and on the Public Notice)

The situation will be closely monitored, and it may be that additional traffic regulations are introduced for the safety of the public.

Contacts

These works are being carried out by Morrison Utility Services working with Southern Gas Networks.

The Southern Gas Networks 24-hour Customer Service Centre phone number is 0845 070 1431

Kent County Council’s 24-hour helpline is 08458 247 800

Enclosed is a copy of the Public Notice in confirmation of this, as well as an Information leaflet and map giving additional details about the scheme.

This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors.

Alternative Routes

Motorway

The alternative motorway route is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, M2 from Junction 5 to Junction 4, A278 Hoath Way, A2 London Road and A2 High Street.

Non-motorway

The alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, Detling Hill, Sittingbourne Road, Bearsted Road, Penenden Heath Road, Sandling Lane, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, Chatham Road, Maidstone Road, A230 Horsted Way, Maidstone Road, A2 Best Street, Brookside, Union Street, New Road, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Watling Street, Sovereign Boulevard, Watling Street, London Road and High Street.

Weight Restrictions

A 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access) will be imposed on the following roads, when the relevant signage is in place:

Spade Lane, Mill Lane, Breach Lane, Lower Hartlip Hill, Playstool Road, Church Lane, Bull Lane, Callaways Lane and Rook Lane.

Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with alternative names given where known.

For details of roadworks, please see:  www.elgin.gov.uk

Visit our website:  www.kent.gov.uk/highways  to find out how we look after the roads in Kent.

Customer Information Bulletin SW180G / 1

Regards

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division

KCC Highways & Transportation

Ashford Highway Depot

Javelin Way

Ashford

TN24 8AD

(08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre)

Fax : 01233 648318

Email:  roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk
space

Upchurch Matters featured in Inside Swale Magazine

Click on the article to enlarge it.

The latest edition of Swale Borough Councils 'Inside Swale Magazine' carries a full page feature on Upchurch Matters.

Inside Swale is published quarterly and delivered by Royal Mail to over 80,000 homes in the borough.

The article is great publicity for our village and the website and we are thrilled to be in there.

Upchurch Matters

space

Mother's Day

Please remember your Mum.

Celebrate Mum and say thank you for all she is and all she does at our Mother's Day Service this Sunday, 18th of March, 10:30am in St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

A service for the whole family, with fun groups for the children, and flowers for Mum.

Rev Hugh Nelson

Curate, The Six

space

Attempted Burglary

Motney Hill Road. An attempted Burglary between Midnight on Wednesday the 7th of March and 3:30pm on Thursday the 8th of March.

An attempt was made to force the front door but no entry was gained.

If you have any information, please contact your local police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Reference: DY4703 DA36. 

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.
space

Pilot Officer Corbett

This interesting piece has come about during David Hughes research into the proposed new war memorial for Upchurch.

Shot down over Kent he crash landed at Bayford Marsh about a mile from Upchurch village. Rev. W.J. Wright went to the crash site and reported back to Corbett’s home church, also called St Mary’s in Oak Bay, Victoria British Columbia, Canada.


After the war, his family commissioned a stain glass window in Oak Bay and for many years a bouquet of red roses was placed under the window. Since local family members have died, a parishioner continues the Remembrance Day memory with a single red rose.

Thanks to the Times Colonist newspaper for the image of the window.

Upchurch Matters

space

Upchurch Parish Council Report – April 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 1^st March 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 8 members of the public.

Public Time – SW/12/0058 - A resident asked the Council for an update on the planning application submitted for Hursell Farm. Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane - A resident explained that she was experiencing problems with footballs being kicked into Oak Lane. The problem was that footballers were using the trees in the Paddock as goal posts which caused the ball to bounce into the road, and sometimes even further, into their property and onto parked cars. Drop-In Session for Rural Needs Housing - A resident asked if it would be possible for the residents of Jubilee Fields to have a stand.

Correspondence – Cllr Ina Bean – A letter of resignation had been received. The Clerk will advertise a casual vacancy for one Councillor. It is hoped to hold interviews for any prospective applicant before the start of the Parish Council meeting in June. Please look out for further details.

           

Planning - SW/11/0672 Spade Lane Depot, Spade Lane – Application to extend the time limit for the implementation of the planning permission granted under SW/06/1345 – removal of condition 6 (VI) of SW/89/1248 (restriction use) and change of use to allow the Spade Lane Depot (including existing and unbuilt phase) to be used for general class B1C (light industrial), B2 (general industrial) or B8 (storage or distribution uses) - The Council reiterated previous objections and commented that, as this application was originally made in 2006 and has not yet been implemented, it would appear that there is no need for the changes to which it refers.

SW/12/0058 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Change of use of site to allow the siting of a gypsy mobile home with associated parking and amenity space (retrospective) - The Council strongly objected to this becoming yet another gypsy site and requested that the Planning Department exercised its powers to refuse permission and take the necessary steps to order the land to be restored to its original state.

SW/12/0079 39 Oak Lane – Proposed two storey side and rear extension – There were no objections however it was commented that the size and extent of the extension could overshadow the adjacent residence and block sunlight. Serious consideration should be given to neighbours’ comments.

SW/12/0078 The Brown Jug, 76 Horsham Lane – Rear kitchen extension & alterations including oil fired boiler enclosure – There were no objections but stressed that comments from the neighbouring property owners be given serious consideration.

SW/12/0093 The Cart Lodge, Chaffes Lane – Provision of oak timber doors to enclose present parking area and 3 no. conservation style rooflights (see also SW/12/0137 for Listed Building Consent) – There were no objections. However, comments by neighbouring property owners should be given due consideration.

SW/12/0166 Yew Tree Cottage, Poot Lane – Garage extension to front, new roof extension over existing log-store, conversion of building to form granny annex – There were no objections. However neighbours views should be taken into consideration.                                                                                                           

APP/V2255/A/12/2169572/NWF – Ridgedale Stables, Halstow Lane - Removal of condition (7) of planning permission SW/08/0710 to allow permanent occupation of 3 mobile homes for gypsy family - appeal by Mr W Ball – The Clerk will reiterate previous objections.                                                                       

SW/12/0217 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – Demolition and replacement of existing building for use as a tractor and implement store – There were no objections.

ix) Permissions and Refusals - the following decision have been received: Permission granted:

SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – Change of use to a residential unit caring for young mothers-babies

Rural Needs Housing - The working group had met with Alison Thompson from English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) and Tessa O’Sullivan from Action with Communities in Rural Kent (ACRK) to discuss organising a drop-in Session. It was suggested to hold this event on a weekday in June between the hours of 3pm – 7pm. The voting form needed further discussion but it was hoped that this could be offered to any resident who was prepared to record a good reason for not coming to the drop-in. ERHA and ACRK had advised against allowing opposition groups to set up a stand. Members will be discussing further how to organise the session but it is hoped as many residents as possible will be able to attend. Details of this event will be published as soon as possible.

Finance – Swale West Parishes Group –Members discussed project ideas for the KCC Local Engagement Forum Grant Scheme. It was agreed to submit an application for the sum of £5,000 towards play equipment for the Paddock.  

Administration - Annual Parish Meeting – This will be held on Thursday 26^th April 2012 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be available after the meeting. It is hoped that Sergeant Tim Hill, Community Safety Sergeant will give a presentation. Also, it is hoped to discuss ideas for new play equipment in the Paddock and also, given an update on the Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water at the Allotments – Cllr Apps reported that water usage would need to be monitored on a regular basis. Goal Posts in the Recreation Ground – It was agreed to install two sets of five-a side goal posts in the Recreation Ground at a cost of approx £700.

Paddock – Ball games in the Paddock – An email from resident concerned that youths were still kicking footballs over the fence into Oak Lane. It was agreed to investigate ways of putting up a net around the edge of the Paddock.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree Related Subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane -The Tree Officer from Swale BC was consulted. The trees behind the property do not have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on them. However, the trees alongside the property in the Churchyard are within a Conservation Area, so will have a TPO. A quote for removing the trees behind the property will be obtained. Yew Tree in Churchyard – The Tree Officer from Swale BC agreed that this tree could be cut back 2 metres within the building. Review of layout of Burial Ground – Members were advised that the slab path in the Burial Ground was covering some potential grave spaces. Also, the spoil heap needed to be relocated. The possibility of extending the Burial Ground was also discussed. A quote for lifting some of the slabs will be obtained.

Environment – Queens Diamond Jubilee – An email from Mr Kemsley had been circulated regarding the purchase of mugs for all primary school children. Members discussed ways of spending the budgeted amount of £1,500 for the Celebrations and whether it was acceptable to purchase mugs for children who lived outside the Parish. It was agreed that the Committee would make the final decisions. KCC Broadband survey – Please do register your demand for a better broadband service in Kent via:  www.kent.gov.uk  You will find a link to the survey on the home page.

Highways - Proposed Bus Shelter – Correspondence from residents opposing the bus shelter had been circulated. It was suggested that members could consider the possibility of installing a Youth Shelter in the Paddock on the tarmac area. This might encourage the youths to gather there instead of any bus shelter. If this was a possibility, then designs for the bus shelter could be considered after this had been installed.            

Next meetings – Thursday 29^th March and 3^rd May, 7.30pm in the Hall of Holywell Primary School.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk - Tel:  01634 363906
Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Please note opening times: Mon-Thurs 9.00am -11.30am.

Upchurch Parish Council
space