Water on the Road - Windmill Hill

Water on the road from Windmill Hill towards Otterham Quay Lane.

I have for the last two weeks been concentrating my efforts on seeking a resolution to this highways problem after receiving numerous complaints from residents following the recent spell of cold weather. In this period the offending gulley has been tested by Southern Water, Kent Highway Services have undertaken closed circuit television viewing and it has been visited by contractors working on behalf of Kent Highway Services.

As of today Thursday 20^th December I can report the following.

Contractors have cleared out the very shallow gulley at the top of Windmill Hill from where the water was spilling onto the highway. After was emptied the Kent Highway Services engineer has found no evidence of any water ingress into the gulley except for a trickle of natural ground water at the bottom. He also advises that there is no evidence of faults from other piped water systems in the area.

The engineer will therefore recommend that the gulley will be used as a chamber for catchment of water from which an underground pipe will be laid down the hill to an existing gulley at the bottom. The guesstimated cost of this work will be around £25k which will need to be found from the KHS 2013/14 budget.

This means that no remedial work will be undertaken in the short term. I therefore stressed that he also reports back the need for gritting when ice is predicted. The engineer agreed to do that. However he pointed out that wet weather could wash the gritting away before the temperature dropped below zero. In this case firstly there is a roadside slat bin in that location and secondly local residents if they note that it has happened should ask for some spot salting by KHS by phoning: 08548 247 800.

Please write to County Cllr Keith Ferrin asking for his support to the funding of this scheme in 2013/14.

Regards

Gerry Lewin

135 Oak Lane, Upchurch ME9 7AY. Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com

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Holywell School Christmas Fayre - Amount Raised

I would like to thank you for your support at the recent Christmas Fayre, and I am delighted to tell you that as result we raised just over £1,300 for the children of our school.

I hope that you enjoyed the Fayre, and that perhaps you feel inspired to come along and help organise a future event.  New faces and ideas are always welcome, and the date of our next meeting will be circulated in the New Year.

On behalf of all of us in PFHS I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

With best wishes.

Clare Evans
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 6^th December 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Windmill Hill – A resident reported that the drain located on this hill was still leaking. Internet Speeds – A resident asked for an update on this. Cllr Lewin reported that he had consulted Cllr Catford and would be taking this forward. Blocked drain – A resident reported that a drain in The Poles was still blocked. Cllr Arnold reported that he had consulted Kent Highways regarding this and would request it be cleaned again. Rural Crime – A resident explained that this was happening all over the village. The Clerk will contact PCSO Cork to request if his presence in the village could be increased. Residents are reminded to report crime to the Police. The non-emergency number for Kent Police is 101. Dog waste – A resident reported that bags full of dog waste were being left in the bushes along footpaths. Parking issues in the centre of the Village – A resident raised concerns over parking on the bend of the junction with Church Farm Road/Chaffes Lane during school pick up times. It was suggested that wooden bollards on this bend could prevent this. Paddock Play equipment – Two residents reported that they had come along to the meeting to find out the Councils plan for the Paddock play area.

Administration - Co-option of one member – Members welcomed David Steward who had filled this vacancy.

Correspondence – Swale Rural Forum – The next Forum will be held on Tuesday 8 January 2013 at 7pm at Eastchurch Village Hall.

Planning - Permissions and Refusals – The following changes have been made to the route on the Definitive Map sheets:

Footpath ZR32 (part) Upchurch – Public Path Diversion Order 2010 – The Kent County Council (Map Sheet 089 (TQ86NE) Definitive Map Modification Order, NO.2, 2012.  

Finance – KCC Member Community Engagement Grant Scheme 2012/13 – A grant of £6,120 for Paddock Play Equipment and re-pointing of church yard wall had been approved and the acceptance form submitted to Kent County Council. Members discussed ideas for the Paddock Project. It was hoped that a working group could be set up with Parish Councillors and residents to investigate this project further. A detailed plan and costing for the project was required and then ways to obtain grant funding could be explored. Cllr Tucker offered to contact the residents present at the meeting who had expressed an interest in the project and the Clerk will consult Phil Newbery. Members were asked to forward any ideas for the project to Cllr Tucker. Subscriptions 2013/14 – Members agreed the planned expenditure for next year’s subscriptions and donations. Budget/Precept Planning 2013-14 – The sub-group had met and a draft proposal had been circulated. The Clerk reported that the draft plan proposed a 0.3% increase in the precept, however the tax base had not yet been reported by Swale BC, and therefore this figure could change. The sub-group were looking towards planning for a three year budget.                                                           

Paddock – Lease – The Clerk reported that an email had been received from Tim Simmons with several attachments. The correspondence attached indicated that the lease renewal was in progress and that questions had been raised with regards to the use of the Paddock as a car park. Trees overhanging properties in Bradshaw Close – Cllr Kennard had met Paul Hegley, Tree Officer of Swale BC to discuss the issues raised by residents of 2 and 3 Bradshaw Close. Members considered the work required:

·      The felling of 5 false acacia/Robinia trees to the rear of No. 2

·      The felling of 2 no. Holm Oaks saplings to the rear of No. 3

The Clerk will submit the application to Swale BC to remove these trees which are located within a Conservation Area. 

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Trees overhanging pub garden, Churchyard wall and cables on outside of garage – It was suggested that a management programme was needed for this area. The Clerk will contact the owners of the garage in Horsham Lane with regards to the cables on the outside of the garage wall. The Clerk will find out if the cost of repointing the churchyard wall was still the same as previously quoted. The Clerk will arrange the weed spraying of the churchyard wall as soon as possible. Cllr Lewin explained that he had asked a resident to carry out adult supervision whilst the three fundraising students carried out some menial tasks in the churchyard.                                    

Environment – Christmas tree Festival at St Marys Church from 16^th December 2012 – The Clerk reported that a Christmas tree would be decorated on behalf of the Council and the theme chosen was “A Sweetie Christmas Tree”. She thanked Cllr Apps and his wife Trudy for kindly offering to donate a real Christmas tree and providing the decorations.                                                

Highways - Street light in The Poles – An email from a resident explaining that this light was causing light pollution onto their property. Cllr Arnold would continue to follow this up. Street Lights needing attention – Residents may wish to report any faulty street lights found in the village to Cllr Arnold:  john.arnold@justclickmail.com  and/or the Clerk: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  Windmill Hill – Cllr Arnold reported that he was consulting Kent Highways regarding the issue of running water down this hill. However, the ownership of this issue had not yet been identified.                                                           

Upchurch Parish Council wishes all residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Next meetings – 3^rd January 2013, 7^th February 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm and the Public are welcome to attend this meeting. The Public may put questions and/or make comments to members and it is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.

Claire Attaway

Clerk to the Parish Council

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Monday – Thursday 9am to midday)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council
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Christmas Bin Collections 2012

Swale Borough Council's refuse and recycling collection dates over the festive period are as follows:

If your normal collection falls on .....      Your collection will take place

Monday 24th December ...............................      Collection as normal
Tuesday 25th December................................      Thursday 27th December
Wednesday 26th December .........................       Friday 28th December
Thursday 27th December .............................      Saturday 29th December
Friday 28th December ..................................     Monday 31st December
Monday 31st December ................................      Tuesday 1st January
Tuesday 1st January......................................     Wednesday 2nd January
Wednesday 2nd January ...............................     Thursday 3rd January
Thursday 3rd January....................................     Friday 4th January
Friday 4th January ........................................     Saturday 5th January

Collections will return to normal on Monday the 8th of January.

Collections Disrupted By Weather (e.g. snow and ice) Our advice is simple - leave your bins out on collection day and we will get to you as soon as we can.

Daily updates will be on our Website:  www.swale.gov.uk or from
Customer Services on: 01795 417850.

Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch 50 Years Ago in December 1962

With the pending arrival of Christmas residents quickly entered into the season’s spirit with celebrations across the village while colourfully lit Christmas trees began appearing in living room windows.

The first main celebration took place on December 19th when the Darby and Joan Club held a Christmas party in the village hall. Reverend Bradshaw gave an opening address as guest speaker followed by games, dancing and singing with rousing solo singing performances by Mrs. Carlton from Wetham Green and Mrs. Lofthouse. The event turned out to be a very lively and happy one for the pensioners.

The Darby and Joan Club celebrations were soon followed up by a well attended torchlight procession around the village which began at the vicarage and ended at the village hall. Many people representing different village organisations attended in fancy dress. An organ mounted on a van playing Christmas carols and a sleigh with Father Christmas followed by hoards of village children proved to be very popular. Afterwards, in the village hall, stalls sold various types of produce and sideshows took place. Many village clubs participated in this with Young Wives members Mrs. Bishop and Mrs. Ray from Horsham Lane winning the fancy dress competition with their entry ‘A mother and baby.’ The event, organised by the parish council, was held in aid of the ‘Village Hall Fund’ and proved to be a great success.

The Women’s Institute made sure that they didn’t miss out on the festive spirit when they invited the church choir to perform carols at their Annual General Meeting and had a musical end to the evening. Before this the election of new committee members took place with Mrs. Burrows elected president, Mrs. Daniel vice president, Mrs. Jones secretary and Mrs. Thompson treasurer. The new committee consisted of Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pepperill, Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Turner and Miss. South. 

David Wood.

On December 28th the final Christmas celebration took place with a Christmas concert in the village hall. A wide variety of village organisations participated in a musical event that raised money for the ‘Freedom from Hunger Fund’ and new curtains for the village hall.

During an evening service the church suffered a power cut and candles and torches had to be used for the event to be completed. This became another example to back up residents’ complaints to the parish council about the poor quality electricity supply to the village discussed at the monthly council meeting. Another problem occurred for the church when organist Mr. Wheeler resigned but this was soon resolved when Mrs. Bodley-Scott from Wallbridge Lane offered to help out until an alternative could be found. The recently formed Girl Guides group also had a leadership problem as vicar’s wife Mrs. Bradshaw continued to run them on a temporary basis although Mrs. Olive Couling from Crosier Court volunteered to be lieutenant to take some pressure off.

The only Christmas wedding involved Diana Naylor from The Street with Roger Gilbert from Rochester along with the baptism of Caroline Casey from Crosier Court. This ended an entertaining month in the village before a prolonged freezing cold spell with heavy snowfall set in on Boxing Day and lasted until March.

About David:
David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood
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Holywell School. Vacancy - Clerk to the Governors

KCC pay scale 4 Pro-rata  38 weeks - 2hours/week

The Headteacher and governors require a clerk to arrange and clerk meetings of the Board of governors. Maintain information on the membership of the Governing Body in accordance with legal requirements. Advise the governing Body on some procedural and legislative matters.

This position needs good interpersonal skill; ICT skills; Good listening, oral and literacy skills. Full job details with application form. Training will be given.

The successful applicant will need to have a CRB check and manage CRB checks for Governors.

Please contact Mrs J Bunting, Office Manager, Tel: 01634 366416 or Email:
office@holywell.kent.sch.uk  for an application form.

Return form to School Marked ‘For the Attention of Mr A. HORTON’.

Closing date 9th of January 2013.

Ray Kemsley
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Thwarted Burglary in Chaffes Lane

Message: 1395

[Reference: XY/037764/12]

This is Patricia from Neighbourhood Watch.

In view of a thwarted opportunist burglary at a property in Chaffes Lane, Upchurch, we would advise that householders keep all external doors locked even if they are at home and expecting a visitor. 

If you need to contact Kent police, use telephone number 101 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you end of message

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Nursery Days Christmas Fayre - Amount Raised

Sarah is raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Nursery Days Upchurch are pleased to announce their Christmas Fayre on Tuesday the 4th of December raised a grand total of £250 for Cancer Research UK.

The money  raised will go towards Sarah Oakham's fundraising.

On the 28th of April 2013 Sarah will be running in the 2013 London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK. 

Sarah's giving page is:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahOakham

Sarah and Steph would like to thank everybody for their generosity and for coming along.

Steph Oakham

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2 Attempted Burglaries in Upchurch

Message: 1358

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

Item one: An attempted burglary was averted when a security light activated and alerted a household member in Marstan Close, Upchurch. This happened at 6:30 pm on Sunday the 2nd of December.

Item two: Would-be burglars used a stone ornament to attempt illegal entry to a property in Oak Lane, Upchurch at 1:30 am on Thursday the 29th of November.

If you have any information about this please contact Kent police on telephone number 101 give Crime Number: XY/036887/12 or XY/036489/12 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you end of message

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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The End of World War 1 Village Memorial and Celebration Events

At the end of World War 1 most of the 140 Upchurch men who had fought in the conflict returned home, thirty four didn’t. Discussions took place in the village about how to greet those who had survived and what should be done to remember those who had perished.

The first major event took place on May 24^th, 1919 when a marble memorial tablet and stained glass window named ‘Soldiers at the Crucifixion’ were dedicated by the Rural Dean in the church. With the building packed to capacity the parish magazine of June 1919 described the service as a highly emotional event with tears streaming down many people’s faces as a bugler played ‘The Last Post’. The 34 names of those who had died in the conflict were then read out and a sermon given by Reverend J. G Easton in which he quoted from Rupert Brooke’s poetry:

Blow out you bugles, over the rich dead.

There’s none of these so lonely and poor of old.

Best, dying has made us rarer gifts than gold.  

Such was the intensity of emotion that Upchurch vicar Reverend Dicker was moved to comment in the following month’s edition of the village magazine that those who had openly wept at the service should not be ashamed.

Memories of Upchurch.

On June 3^rd 1919 a vote took place in the village for the best peace memorial. Residents had the choice of a clock for the church tower, a new recreation ground, a gate to the churchyard or a sun balcony for a hospital which had all been put forward at the parish council ‘Memorial Committee’ meeting. After residents had voted for the options a memorial clock for the church tower came first with 240 votes. The clock was eventually fitted to the church tower after a series of fund raising events in 1921.

A victory celebration fete took place at Holywell Meadow followed by entertainment for the soldiers and sailors from the village who had survived the war on Saturday July 19^th 1919. The Upchurch Nuggets performed a variety of clown acts followed by sports events after which old people and children were treated to a meat tea in the marquee. Gifts of tobacco were given to the old people and sweets to the children. The fete ended with the playing of the National Anthem.

The last celebration took place at the Infant’s School when welcome home celebrations for soldiers and sailors were held on August 8th 1919. With the building decorated with red, white and blue bunting guests sat down at long tables decorated with flowers. After Reverend Dicker had given a brief address packets of cigarettes and tobacco were distributed and a concert party with music took place to entertain everyone.

Finally, on November 11^th 1920 people in Upchurch were requested to stand still for two minutes at 11 a.m. followed by the tolling of a single church bell 34 times in memory of those from the village who had died in the war. A Sunday Remembrance Day service also became established which is still observed in the church every November.

About David:
David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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