Temporary Road Closure - Horsham Lane

BT Openreach will be carrying out repair works adjacent to number 136 Horsham Lane, south towards number 163 Horsham Lane on Thursday the 2nd of May 2013.

The road will be temporarily closed between 8:45am until 3:30pm.

Access to property will be maintained wherever possible during the closure and the alternative route will be sign posted.

Upchurch Matters
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Rob and Nick Sketchley Start Their Rally Across Europe Tomorrow

Please Sponsor Rob and Nick as they rally across Europe raising money for Well Child.

This Thursday the 2nd of May 2013 local brothers Rob and Nick Sketchley are taking part in the Scumrun a famous 4 day charity rally across Europe seen on Sky TV and now in its seventh year!

The brothers know roughly how many miles they will have to travel, but do not know where the finish line is. They will be given directions each morning with a set of check points where they have to achieve certain objectives. The twist on the event is that competitors are not allowed to spend more than £500 purchasing their car, in which they have to cover over 3000 miles in 4 days. There are more than 100 cars taking part and as you will probably have guessed not all of them make it back!

The original car they bought was a P Reg Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000. The engine was a complete mess when they bought the car and they had no choice but to purchase a nice shiny reconditioned engine.

But unfortunately this week and after hours and hours of working on the Impreza disaster struck and it became apparent it would not make the journey.

At the eleventh hour a Saab 900 Turbo convertible was bought, Sign written and made ready to go all on the day they are due to leave !

Their car will be seen in the official Scumrun DVD and on Sky TV. There will also be a press release in the local paper thanking our sponsors for their support nearer the event.

The brothers are looking for sponsors (individuals or businesses) to help raise money for Well Child their chosen charity.

You can sponsor Rob and Nick by visiting their just giving pages (links below) there's also a sponsor form and collection for the boys in the Crown if you'd rather donate in person.

For more info on the charity Well Child and the great work they do, visit their Website here:  www.wellchild.org.uk

The link to the official Website of the Scumrun is here:  www.scumrun.com 

If you'd like to sponsor Nick online click here:  www.justgiving.com/Nick-Sketchley

If you'd like to sponsor Rob online click here:  www.justgiving.com/robert-sketchley

Upchurch Matters

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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 visit:  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff !

16^th June – visit to Hever Castle by a group from Ferques – Some of our French friends will be coming to Kent for a day trip on Sunday 16^th June. They would love to see any of us from Upchurch at Hever Castle that day.

Sunday 14^th July 2013– Bastille Day Fair in Ferques. We always have a stall at this street fair – do plan a day out over there and come and find us. The village over there will be full of stalls selling all manner of stuff. Our stall will be selling our usual samples of English type goodies such as cups of tea and locally brewed beer plus our famous bacon rolls!

In addition there will be our bric-a-brac sale so we would greatly appreciate any donations to this, more or less anything as long as it’s good quality please! Do have a sort out and think of us in the next month or so – we can collect if required – just give us a ring or email Sue.

Sunday 1^st September 2013 – TWINNING SPORTS DAY!  In Upchurch – a definite date for your diaries. We hope to see lots of you there!

From about 10:00am to 4:00pm, at Upchurch Cricket Club – many thanks to the Cricket Club for making their wonderful facilities available to us.

There is lots of parking space, and loads of grass to play games and sports, also the bar will be open and we will have a barbeque around lunch time.

This promises to be a grand day full of fun and games and an opportunity to mingle with many friends of all ages from Ferques.

Annual General Meeting – Thursday 20^th June 2013 at 7:30pm. In Holywell School hall, followed by wine and nibbles.

Jim Harman: (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter: (Secretary) 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com 

Sue Rossiter
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Entertainment coming to the Three Sisters

Friday the 3rd of May Karaoke/Disco with the ever popular Luke - come and try your singing skills or just come along for a dance.

Saturday the 11th of May ME & THEM a new band with a difference. Not just singers, plenty of banter with audience participation. Come along to be entertained.

This Years Beer Festival date to be announced shortly !

George & Sally
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Upchurch Parish Council - Annual Parish Meeting

I give you notice that  the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING of the Upchurch Parish Council will be held in the Main Hall of Upchurch Village Hall on THURSDAY 25^th April 2013 at 7.30pm.

Dated this 18th day of April 2013

S Tucker

Chairman to the Parish Council

AGENDA

1.  Chairman’s introduction

2.   Apologies for absence

3.   Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April 2012

4.   Chairman’s report

5.  Matters arising and questions on the Chairman’s report

6.  Presentation of Accounts

7.  General Parish Business

Refreshments, including wine and nibbles will be available after the meeting.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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Upchurch Best Kept Garden 2013

Judging for the Best Kept Garden will take place during July.

Judges will assess what can be seen at the front of each house in the following categories. Firstly a garden which is predominately growing flowers, secondly a garden which is mixture of flowers, trees and or shrubs, and finally for those with only a small or no front garden the judges will assess any hanging baskets or flower troughs.

The prizes, currently sponsored by the Parish Council, will be presented at the Upchurch Horticultural Society Show during September in the Village Hall and the overall winner will hold the Barbara Webb Memorial Trophy for a year.

Contact me if you would consider sponsoring a prize [cash or in kind] - Gerry Lewin on: 01634 366113 or lewing135@btinternet.com

On behalf of the Upchurch Horticultural Society and the Parish Council

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News From St. Mary's Church

Sunday 14^th April  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments (in the church)

Sunday 21^st April – No 9:00am service in church but there is a 10:30am Uplift All Age service in the Village Hall.

Sunday 28^th April 9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments (in the church)

Sunday 5^th May 9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church.)

10:30am  Uplift All age service in the Village Hall followed by refreshments.

Sunday 12^th May  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church)

Sunday 19^th May Day of Pentecost!  No 9:00am Service.

10:30am Uplift All age service in Village Hall with refreshments.

Sunday 26^th May  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church) 

Also at 7:00pm on 26^th May, The 7@7 service will take place in Upchurch church. A quiet service of contemplative music and prayer and a chance to share together. Refreshments after.

Many thanks to all who helped to make our Easter Saturday so successful in the church!  We welcomed in many who followed the footprints of Jesus around the church depicting the events of Holy Week (esp. one little girl who wanted a guided tour with explanations 4 times!)  We used 4 large pots of home–made  soup  and fresh bread and nearly all the hot cross buns – hot and buttered!  Next year, we are aiming for a week  long event – watch this space.

On 5^th May, our six churches of Upchurch, Lower Halstow, Iwade, Newington, Hartlip and Stockbury officially become one benefice and to mark this occasion (which has practically taken an act of Parliament to make it complete!), we will be celebrating in L. Halstow church at 6:30pm with a service covering the music and traditions of all six churches. The  Archdeacon of Maidstone will be the guest preacher and very special refreshments are promised for after! What does it mean?  To be one benefice makes us stronger rather than remaining  as 6 individual churches...With lower church numbers and reducing numbers of clergy, we need to reform for the future! There will be increasing input from lay members and our Priest in Charge will become our Rector. Many exciting plans for the future are being discussed, and you will find them here!

On Thursday 9^th May – Ascension Day...We will be celebrating by having a service at Hartlip church with a Russian Orthodox Choir.  If you have never heard one, you are in for a treat, the harmonies are beautiful!  Come and enjoy the service with us all, it starts at 7:30pm Meet our Russian friends after and enjoy refreshments with them.

On the weekend of 31^st May and 1^st June, Canterbury Cathedral is hosting ‘THE GATHERING’ – a weekend festival of faith.  Many events involving clergy, laity and young people and children.   Each day has its own particular focus and flavour....this year’s theme is ‘Re-imagining.’ It is a ticketed event to which all are welcome. Visit the website:  www.the-gathering.co.uk

Sunday 30^th June is Canon Alan’s last service with us.  He would like it to be in Newington Church at 11:00am and hopes you will all join him. Varied service covering all our traditions, and there is a reception afterwards.

Saturday 4^th May, Lower Halstow Church  have their BREAKFAST CLUB PLUS for all junior school children (any junior school).  9:30-11:30am. in L.H. church -  it is non stop action with breakfast, Bible Story and then themed work and play all morning. Last month we had an outside bar-b-cue of fresh fish to mark Jesus’ appearance on the beach at Tiberius after the Resurrection, with His invitation to ‘bring some fish and have breakfast! So we did! Revd. Jacky leads it and you can contact her with queries on: 01795 842557. Parents needn’t stop, but the children must be accompanied and signed in.

Revd. Jacky Davis

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Upchurch in the 18th Century

In a small village based on agriculture and with the population mainly housed around the church, Upchurch consisted of 40 dwellings and a population of about 200 inhabitants for much of the 18th century.

In the village centre a forge and Elizabethan barn existed at the top end of Forge Lane, a butcher’s and food store were located close to the Crown pub and the Black Horse operated as an unlicensed drinking house at Black Horse Cottage in Oak Lane. According to the petty sessions list four licensed pubs existed in 1750. These were The Crown, The George, The Brickmakers Arms and the Blue Anchor. The exact location of these pubs apart from The Crown is not recorded but one was thought to be at the end of Shoregate Lane and another in the building opposite the church known today as Wayside.

A contemporary map of 1758 shows that just beyond the village centre woods covered the top left of Horsham Hill and extended up to and across Wallbridge Lane. Chaffes Lane remained uninhabited apart from dwellings at Chaffes Place and existed as a horse and cart track to Gore Farm. Much of the architecture from the period has disappeared although the village road outline remains very much the same. Upchurch contained 1,760 acres of land, 100 acres of woods and 1,200 acres of marsh during the 18^th century.

Throughout most of the 18^th century a poor house existed against the churchyard wall on the south side of the church and was maintained by the parish. According to the vestry expense records William Lockyer was paid three shillings by the parish for periodically repairing the thatch on the roof until the building was destroyed by fire in 1791. Another poor house existed in Susan’s Lane, Twinney with a poor field that stretched from the back of the house to Wetham Green. According to a contemporary expense sheet dated 1789 people housed there were allowed to grow crops on the land and sell the produce within the parish.

 Twelve ships and boats were based at Otterham Quay, a small port from where farm produce such as grain was shipped to other locations while two hulks were moored in Stangate Creek and operated as a quarantine base for disease infected ships arriving from overseas. Sheep grazed on the marshes and Burntwick Island was joined to the mainland until the river cut a channel through and separated it during the middle part of the century. The smuggling of spirits, tea and owls was rife in this area during the late 18^th century.

David wood.

Holywell, in the southern part of the parish, consisted mainly of woodland and belonged to the Earl of Thanet. On the east side of the valley stood the Manor of Gore known today as Gore Farm where the ground was very wet. An area of land still known as Slayhills comprised of 500 acres and was given to the Manor of Gore during the 18^th century.

Horsham Farm took its name from the first owner Stephen de Horsham who obtained it during the reign of Edward III. During the 18^th century it had several owners. John Harding of London owned it in 1715. It then passed to Joseph Hasted of Chatham then to his grandson Edward Hasted. Thomas Williams owned it during the last part of the 18^th century. Cattle and sheep were mainly produced on the farm.

Parsonage Farm occupied the site of the vicarage and paddock with a farmhouse consisting of two cottages leased out to farmer Mr. Packman by the owners All Souls College Oxford during the later part of the century. Parsonage Farm consisted of 81 acres of arable land plus marshland and saltings. It also had tithes of about 500 acres of arable land worth an annual rent of £16/13/8d plus 16 quarters of wheat and 16 of malt. The money was used to maintain the church. The vicar of Upchurch also held one acre of land at Culvers Valley on the site of the present Gore Farm.

Because local employment was based on agriculture and the work seasonal, people spent periods of time unemployed so poverty remained an ongoing problem in Upchurch. Charities designed to help the village poor included 6 shillings and 8 pence paid annually on Michaelmas Day from the parsonage and 10 shillings from Munn Farm paid by John Sharpe. Benjamin Trowtes will of 1623 gave an annual bread handout to the poor of Upchurch valued at 10 shillings to be distributed on Maunday Thursday and on the Saturday before Michaelmas each year. To further alleviate the problem two acres of Hurst Wood at Gore Farm were given to the poor for their own use with an annual produce worth 40 shillings.

According to Hasted in his 1789 study of Kent twelve poor people in Upchurch had to be continually helped with relief while fifteen were given short term assistance. Local charity also allowed the village children to be given a basic Christian education in the church although many children of school age were committed to work by their parents for economic reasons and received little or no education.

Disease cut short peoples lives and infant mortality was high by modern standards with periodic outbreaks of plague. In 1701 there were 43 burials in the churchyard and 14 of these were in November alone due to an outbreak of disease. Ague, a form of malaria from mosquitoes, common in many Kent marshland areas remained an annual problem with many villagers regularly falling ill. Such was the problem that consecutive Upchurch vicars chose to live outside the village for fear of contracting the disease. 

Although deceased villagers were interned in the churchyard outsiders were buried on the marshes. According to a surviving notebook in 1709 two shillings was paid to bury a drowned man and boy on the marshes. During the second part of the 18^th century an argument developed over the burial of a sailor whose body had been washed ashore at Bayford. The overseers of Upchurch refused to have the body buried in the churchyard but Lower Halstow accepted which resulted in 150 acres of land in the Bayford and Ham Green area being presented to the parish of Lower Halstow by the owner. It was returned to the parish of Upchurch in 1882 but people living in the Poot Lane to Ham Green area did not theoretically have ecclesiastical rights in the village church until the early 1960s. The concrete boundary posts with the letter H on one side and U on the other can still be seen at Bayford Farm. 

Upchurch remained a small and quiet village but incidents still occurred like in 1728 when John Pell, the village butcher, was charged with cohabiting with a local maid servant causing a scandal in the village. Appearing before a committee consisting of the vicar Reverend Parsons and the church wardens, he was accused of ‘highly offending God.’ He repented and told his accusers that he would promise to be ‘a good and pious Christian.’ Being of previous good reputation and manner he was eventually excused and a document was signed by the village vicar and churchwardens witnessing the meeting.

The legal settlement of children born out of wedlock became the responsibility of the parish in which they were born. Overseers tried to remove pregnant, single women to their place of legal settlement before the child was born to force the burden of cost on another parish. Overseers and Churchwardens were elected each year by householders in the parish to deal with this. John Chambers served as a well known Upchurch overseer during the early years of the 18^th century and The Crown publican Jeremiah Chapman played a big part in village affairs during the later years.

Orders were sometimes taken out against individuals like Thomas Philpott from Sheppey who was ordered to pay 80 shillings to Hannah Bennett of Upchurch for the maintenance of the child they had out of wedlock. On February 3^rd, 1706 Richard John Banner of Upchurch was granted three shillings to maintain himself and his family after he complained that he wasn’t getting help from the parish. The order was addressed to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor in Upchurch.

           

Overall, Upchurch did not experience a good social or economic period during the 18^th century. Life expectancy was low, disease rife, work periodic and life generally hard with most parishioners living out their entire lives in the village.

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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Upchurch Parish Council Report - May 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 4^th April 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Rural Crime – A resident expressed concerns about petty crime in the village. It was reiterated the importance of reporting crime to the Police. Please report non-urgent crime on the non-emergency number 101. SW/13/0030 Hursell Farm – The resident also commented on this planning application for change of use of land to gypsy site. They questioned whether a public footpath would be kept opened if this application was granted. It was felt that this footpath would not be affected.  Issues with people using footpaths – A resident explained that the Footpath Officer from KCC had visited him recently to follow up a complaint regarding his horses kept in a field close to Horsham Lake. He reported that the Footpath Officer was assured that his horses were not causing any danger to people using the footpath and explained the issues that he was experiencing. His horses had been fed by people passing by which meant that they now associated anyone walking though with food. Children aged between 6 and 10 were using a corner of the field to make a camp which he didn’t mind. However, they were now throwing things at the horses. Dog walkers were not clearing up after their dogs and often let their dogs run loose. Members have asked that residents note these issues and avoid them continuing. Please show respect for the horses in the field and co-operate with the land owners. Water at the Allotments – A resident asked why the water had not yet been turned back on. The Clerk reported that there was a suspected leak. Footpaths The resident also commented that he had seen dog walkers letting their dogs run loose across the field and cutting corners. Dog poo bags being thrown in hedges was a common problem in his field. The Council would look into all these issues.

Correspondence – Upchurch Twinning Group – A letter confirming another Sports Day was being planned by the Twinning Group and would be held in Upchurch on Sunday 1^st September 2013. Further details will follow and the venue for the day will be Upchurch Cricket Ground. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Information on a new Scheme being launched. The aim of the Scheme was to acknowledge & give recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to local community. It was a voluntary Scheme and it was hoped that awards would be presented at Parish and Town Council Annual General Meetings in May 2014.Members agreed to adopt the Scheme. Upchurch Village Management Committee – A request for representative trustees to be nominated. Members were advised that the Village Hall AGM would be held on Wednesday 10^th April in the back hall starting at 7.30pm. Cllr Tucker agreed to be a representative trustee. 

Planning - The following applications were considered:

 SW/13/0283 2 Macklands Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Single storey infill extension with new roof over existing garage. No objections.
SW/13/0306 136 Horsham Lane – Erection of a two storey side extension, roof extension and rear dormer window. No objections.
SW/13/0323 11 Crosier Court – Single storey rear extension to residential dwelling to accommodate extended kitchen. No objections.
TP/12/0155 The Paddock, Rear of 2-6 Bradshaw Close – Fell 4 Robinia trees to rear of 2 Bradshaw Close and fell 2 Holm Oak saplings to rear of 3 Bradshaw Close. No objections.
TC/13/0028 St Marys churchyard, Horsham Lane – reduction of 1 x London Plane by 5-10%. No objections.
SW/13/0331 3 Marstan Close – single storey rear extension. The Planning Review Team had no objections. Members would review this proposal on-line. 
SW/13/0030 Hursell Farm – Change of use of land to gypsy site for two gypsy families (related) and for the siting of one static caravan and extension and erection of dwelling (stable building) and stationing of one touring caravan and use of existing barn as general amenity (retrospective). This application had only just been received; therefore the Planning Review Team will meet to discuss this further.
SW/13/0362 2 Amelia Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Two storey side extension. This application had only just been received; therefore the Planning Review Team will look at this proposal on-line.
ix) Permissions and refusals: Application withdrawn: SW/13/0190 11 Forge Lane – Single storey rear extension. 
Permission granted: SW/13/0046 49 Chaffes Lane – To construct a single storey one bedroom annexe for disabled accommodation .

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Parking on the grass in the Recreation Ground – concern over the number and frequency of vehicles using the Recreation ground as an extension to the car park. This was causing the grass and ground to be churned up whilst vehicles manoeuvre to park and also very dangerous to people wishing to walk through the Recreation ground or access the Scout Hut. Water at Allotments – The Clerk reported that a local plumber had been contacted to quote for installing three stop cocks at the Allotments. Rent due from Allotment holders by 1^st April 2013 – The Clerk reported that rent was outstanding from 10 allotment holders. A notice will be displayed at the Allotments informing allotment holders that should payment not be received by 1^st May, then tenancy agreements would be terminated and plots reallocated.

Paddock – Paddock project – Cllr Tucker and the Clerk had met with Mr Newbery to discuss the Paddock Project that was considered by the Council several years ago. Cllr Tucker explained that the project focused on the vegetation in The Paddock. The aim was to open up the area by removing trees/shrubs/hedgerows so that it became a “Village Green”. It was agreed that Cllr Steward, Cllr Tucker, Cllr Arnold and Cllr Denny would form a sub-committee to progress this project further. 

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Burial Ground Gate – Members had been informed that this gate had been damaged by hirers of the Village Hall. A repair had been carried out by Mr F Osborne and a cheque to the sum of £170 had been agreed for payment. Re-pointing of Church Yard wall – A quote from Gransden Construction to the sum of £2,682 plus VAT had been agreed. It was hoped that work would commence as soon as the weather was warmer.

Environment – Broadband project – It was suggested that the Council may wish to carry out a survey by compiling a questionnaire and forwarding the results to BT. All agreed. Best Kept Garden Competition 2013 It was confirmed that this would be organised again this year and it was hoped to carry out judging during July. 

Highways - Horsham Hill – a suggestion for traffic lights being installed on Horsham Hill to allow only one flow of traffic. Members discussed this and Cllr Arnold will refer this to KCC Highways. Also, it was suggested starting a walking bus to help alleviate the traffic congestion during school pick up/drop off times. The Clerk will refer this to the Head teacher of Holywell Primary School. Speed watch –A Dual Message Display System has been brought by the Council and it is hoped to discuss the use of this equipment at the next meeting. The Poles Street Light – Members noted emails from two residents in The Poles. Although one resident expressed his appreciation to the Council for replacing this lantern, another resident commented that no consultation or notification was carried out. 

Next meetings – Annual Parish Meeting - 25^th April at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome!

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council – 2^nd May at 7.00pm followed by monthly meeting at 7.30pm at Holywell Primary School. The monthly meeting in June will held on 6^th June at 7.30pm at Holywell School.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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UCC Fun Day/Official Opening of Refurbished Pavilion

Upchurch Cricket Club are holding the official opening of their refurbished Pavilion on the 19th of May.

This is going to be in the form of a Family Fun Day, also incorporated into Dave Masters (Essex CC) benefit year.

Click Poster to Enlarge

Ann Danton

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Dog Stolen

Message 255

A micro-chipped 1 year old brown male chocolate Sprocker wearing an orange collar was stolen from Jasmil Rehoming Kennels, Lower Halstow after a break in on Wednesday, 3rd April 2013.

If you have any information about this please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101, give relevant Crime Number: XY/010213/13 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.

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Groceries Stolen - Chaffes Lane

Message 247 (XY/009638/13)

2 crates of Grocery Shopping were stolen from the back of a Tesco delivery van as the driver was knocking on the door of his customers house in Chaffes Lane Upchurch.

This happened at 9:05 pm on 29th of March.

If you have any information about this please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101, give the relevant Crime Number and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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