Forthcoming Entertainment at the Three Sisters

Friday 31st May - Karaoke with Luke.

The First Tuesday of Every Month - Quiz Night (starting 4th June).

Sally and George

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Well Child Rally Across Europe - Amount Raised

Back in April brothers Rob and Nick Sketchley along with friends Stuart Hooper and Gavin Banfield rallied their two £500 cars across Europe in aid of the charity Well Child.

The two cars between them raised the fantastic grand total of £ 2412.50

A great achievement !

Upchurch Matters

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Child's Scooter Stolen - Chaffes Lane

Message 347 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/015264/13: A child's push-along scooter was stolen from the rear garden of a property in Chaffes Lane Upchurch sometime on Saturday the 18th of May.

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Dan and Scott Bennett - Expedition to Peru

Local firm Kent Trade Frames, owned by Bernard and Christine Sketchley, have offered to support Dan and Scott’s world challenge Expedition to Peru. 

Dan and Scott aim to raise £4000 each in support of this project.

The purpose of the expedition is to gain experience and learn how to interact with local communities in a 3rd World Country. It will help them to learn and pass on leadership and development skills. The trip will last for 4 weeks and whilst in Peru they will go through an acclimation period including going to the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon). They will then face the arduous main trek which will include climbing the Ausangate mountain (at 6372 metres high). This will take them into the main project where they will work with local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. Most importantly they will help to build and decorate part of a school which will be a lasting legacy of their hard work. Finally, they will be allowed a short, well earned rest where they will be able to relax and reflect on their experience.

To help raise the funds the boys are offering to carry out various odd jobs around the village including car washing and lawn mowing.

Christine said she is impressed that the boys are willing to work hard to achieve their goal. She added ‘you hear so many bad comments about young people today but we don’t agree with that! Most of our local teenagers are decent youngsters and these two are proving the point. They want to support this cause they are not just asking for donations, they are actually willing to work for it’.

Dan and Scott said they are really grateful for the help Bernie and Chris are giving them and hopefully people will give them odd jobs around the village so they can reach their target.

If you have any odd jobs you want doing you can contact them on: 01634 389906 or mobiles: 07908269557 and 07944604993.

Bernard and Christine Sketchley

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 2^nd May 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Broadband – A resident explained that he was a fibre planning manager for Open reach who install the fibre network and would be happy to communicate information he had about super fast broadband for the village. He advised that a new box had been installed in Wallbridge Lane although the village was not expected to be connected for another ten months. Speed watch – A resident was pleased to note that this was being progressed. Lorries delivering to Co-Op – A resident commented that at one time the Co-Op made an application to convert the garden for parking. He was advised that this was discussed at a Parish Council meeting but it was felt at the time that the proposed exit going onto Horsham Lane would not be sufficient. He was advised that members were looking into concerns being raised about Lorries delivering to the Co-Op and any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. Parking in Oak Lane – A resident reported that during the day, more and more vehicles were being parked in the road along Oak Lane. However, in the evenings, there would be far less vehicles. Residents are requested to park their vehicles on their driveway if they have one. Trees in Oak Lane – A resident raised concerns about a Holm Oak and Lime Tree in Oak Lane. He also commented that a Hawthorn bush was sticking out at the end of the Recreation Ground path. He was assured that both of these issues would be investigated.

Correspondence – Swale BC Community Safety Unit – Suggestions for volunteering opportunities to be undertaken by Swale BC staff during employee Community Action Days. It was felt that they could get involved with clearing graves in St Marys Churchyard. 

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/0331 3 Marstan Close – single storey rear extension. No objections.

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) – The Planning Review Team had commented as follows:

We would register our objection to the application for change of use from agricultural land to use for a gypsy site. There is an increasing concern throughout the village regarding the erosion of our countryside and such applications are only serving to accelerate that process.

Several questions have been asked regarding the ‘proposed’ site:

1. 1) The plans for this application illustrate one towing caravan and we note there are 2 visible already located on the site. We are assuming there will be instruction to remove the second caravan? Also, the illustrated parking area for 2 cars seems insufficient for the number of vehicles regularly parked there.
2. 2) The static yet movable stable building has raised questions as it is a substantial building and we would request more information as to how it is deemed movable?
3. 3) We would also like more information relating to the ‘general amenity’ barn and what that actually means. It has been observed that there appears to be patio style doors in side of the barn currently so clarification of this usage would be appreciated.

With regard to all the retrospective, gypsy applications, we continue to express our concerns and strong objections to the number we are receiving for sites that have defied the standard planning regulations, ignored responses to previous applications and then used the traveller/gypsy clauses to obtain permission. They are rarely temporary sites as suggested by what literature we have seen regarding traveller & gypsy sites and therefore only add to the already high number we have in the village.

We understand that in cases such as these it is most unlikely that permission will be refused, despite any objections raised, and would like to raise our frustration that this legislation seems to leave us powerless to stop these sites continuing to appear. 

SW/13/0362 2 Amelia Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Two storey side extension – No objections.

SW/13/0320 Bayford House, Poot Lane – Erection of three-bay timber-framed garage with room in roof and two dormer windows – No objections.

Permissions and refusals: Permission granted:SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane – Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom Consent granted:TP/12/0155 The Paddock, rear of 2-6 Bradshaw Close – Fell 5 Robinia trees and 2 Holm Oak Saplings TC/13/0028 St Marys Churchyard – reduction of 1 x London Plane by 5-10% to the branches closest to The Crown Public House

Points raised at Annual Parish Meeting - Junction of Holywell Lane/Forge Lane – The Clerk will write to the residents near to this junction to request that they keep the hedgerow as low as possible. Cricket Club – The Clerk will contact the Cricket Club to politely request that visitor’s park considerately.Bus Stop sign – It was felt that no action was necessary. Holywell Lane – Members were advised that this area had been cleared up. Repairs to the road were still necessary. Bus Service – The Clerk will contact Chalkwell and request that the Council is kept informed of changes to the bus timetable. St Marys Churchyard – It was explained that a faculty was required before investigating further the possibility of laying a footpath. 

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water at the Allotments – Cllr Apps confirmed that he had turned the water back on and would take a meter reading a week later. Allotment Representative – It was reported that some concerns had been raised by allotment holders regarding the administration of the Allotments. Trees planted to celebrate Jubilee/London Olympics – It was reported that a branch from the London Plane had been snapped off. 

Paddock – Lease –Members had been advised that the Lease was dated 1^st August 2012, for a term of 14 years and commencing rent was £700 per annum. All agreed to sign the lease. Paddock Project –The Village Hall has been booked for the evening of 27^th June to hold a meeting with the public to discuss this project. Please do check the Notice Board and  www.upchurchmatters.co.uk  for updates.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Request to purchase corner of Burial Ground – a request to purchase a small section of land which was currently being used to store spoil from the graves. This request was declined. Report from Representative – Cllr Rossiter reported that the Diocese had confirmed that St. Mary's Churchyard could not be reopened. It was agreed to decline reservations for grave spaces in the Burial Ground for a temporary period.

Highways – Speed Watch – It is hoped to start up this scheme as soon as possible and any volunteers are asked to contact Cllr Steward on: 07771 865 680 or by email djsteward@btinternet.com

Next meetings – 6^th June 2013 and 4^th July 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.

The Public are welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions and/or make comments to members. 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
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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Garden Wall Demolished - Forge Lane

What remains of Mr Sketchley's wall

During school pick up time on Tuesday 14th May, 2013 part of a garden wall at 27 Forge Lane, Upchurch was demolished by an unknown vehicle.

The owner of the property, Bernard Sketchley said that congestion outside the school has long been a problem, but I do understand that parents have to get their children to school so we do try to adopt a ‘live and let live attitude’ In fairness most parents park responsibly and I know for them to get a parking space must sometimes be a nightmare. On the other hand there are some that adopt a serious attitude when parking and they are the problem. With their ‘could not care less mentality’ they park in such a way that it is virtually impossible for passing traffic, particularly buses to get through. If the drivers ask them to move they either get ignored or they get abuse.

That my wall has been knocked down is not the main issue. I can have that rebuilt! It is the fact that someone has the arrogance to think they can do it and then just drive off is what gets to me.

If the person responsible just had the common decency to have knocked on my door it could have been sorted without any fuss. Accidents happen! As it is, I have now reported it to the police and they have said they will investigate. They class this as a criminal offence and when they catch the culprit (and the police think they will) there will be a prosecution. They also think they have access to some CCTV footage which may produce evidence so if the person who did it ends up in court so be it!

Unfortunately it is people like this that causes resentment toward all the parents which I think is totally unfair. Equally it is not fair to expect local residents to have to put up with this kind of damage and not complain. I believe because of people like this there will ultimately be parking restrictions put in place in Forge Lane and the surrounding roads and that will make it worse for everyone trying to get their children to school.

If anyone saw this incident please could you contact me on: 01795 431600

Bernard Sketchley

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Local Produce Fair at The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns Lower Halstow will be holding the 3rd of their successful Local Produce Fair's on Bank Holiday Monday May the 27th between 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

This year there will be more stalls than ever, including: Meat, Breads, Jam and Preserves, Seafood and Fish, Cheeses, Honey, Fruit and Vegetables.

As well as Local Ales and Ciders and a Hog Roast.

Visit their website here:  www.thethreetunsrestaurant.co.uk

Upchurch Matters
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Help Us Create A History Of Upchurch Scout Group

Do you remember the fun you had as a Beaver, Cub, or Scout in Upchurch? Maybe you had a memorable camp in the rain, or a hike through the snow, perhaps you remember what it was like to do bob-a-job week. Upchurch Scout group need your help. The leaders would like to create a history of our group to share some of the heritage with our young members. So if you were a young member or a leader and have any anecdotes to tell, documents or photos that you think may be of interest please call Rozz on: 01634 375168. All documents and photos will be scanned onto a computer and returned to you straight away.

We also need your help with our paper drive. Every 2^nd Saturday of the month, some wonderful volunteers collect paper and cardboard from around the village to help us raise funds to do activities with the young people in our group. Please leave your unwanted paper and cardboard at the front of your property by 9:00am for us to collect and re-cycle.

We would like to say a really big Thank You to all of the volunteers that collect the paper and to the people of the village that continue to offer us support by putting paper out for us.

Rozz Dyett (Group Scout Leader)

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Community Speed Watch Scheme - Volunteers Wanted

The Parish Council has recently purchased the equipment to start up a Community Speed Watch Scheme. The next thing we require are volunteers to help man the equipment.

Full training will be given to volunteers. The training covers how the scheme works, what equipment is used and how to stay safe when deployed.

At least two volunteers will be together at any one time. We would expect that each volunteer would be asked to man the equipment at least one daytime session per month.

If you feel able to assist or would like some further information please contact the Parish Clerk or Councillor David Steward on: 07771 865680 or Email: djsteward@btinternet.com

David Steward
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