Upchurch 50 Years Ago in June 1964

In a series of summer events related to the fete and carnival, the month got off to a great start when ‘The Crown’ Darts Team reached the final of the Rainham & District Darts League. Well- known Upchurch player Doug Sellen from Gore Bank reached the singles final then paired up with ‘Taffy’ Burnell from Gore Farm Cottages for the doubles final to be played at the Central Hotel, Gillingham in July.

On June 20th the Carnival Queen Final took place at the Infant’s School with nineteen year old Barbara Webb from Drakes Close winning the title. The following week the Miss Upchurch final took place with fourteen year old Rosemary Gransden from Wallbridge Lane winning the competition. Kay Donald from Chaffes Lane and Linda Ellis from Horsham Lane were runners –up.

At the parish council Annual General Meeting long serving village councillor Ted Tress became chairman and Eric Wright from Chaffes Lane vice-chairman. Various committees were then formed dealing with footpaths, allotments and the recreation ground. At the same meeting Mr. Stearne from The Poles and Mr. Bull from Otterham Quay caravan site were elected as councillors, Mrs. Burton from Horsham Lane became manager of the Infant’s School and Mr. Clark from Frog Farm Cottages became trustee of the Upchurch Charities following the death of Charles Witherden.

The parish council paid a special tribute to recently deceased farmer Charles Witherden from Crown Cottage at Ham Green for his service as a parish councillor and a charities trustee. He had managed the village charities for many years. Meanwhile, a special farewell party took place for Tom and Edith Colven from Horsham Lane before their departure to Cranbrook after living in the village for fifteen years. Tom Colven had served as a parish and rural councillor while Edith Colven had run the Darby & Joan Club, she had served as a member of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and had sat on the school management committee. An autograph book signed by friends and a gift of £24 were presented to the couple in appreciation for their contribution to the village community.

In sporting affairs Upchurch Cricket Club had a mixed month with several good wins against other local teams. Peter Porter took 5-26 against Baldwins, Eric Gransden took 5-12 against Borden while Len Harris took 4-10 against BP Research. He also took 5-47 against Rennats and scored 56 against the Kent Farm Institute. The problem of clearing sheep droppings from the playing surface immediately before matches with shovels at the Poot Lane ground periodically occurred but the playing area continued to be well maintained.

David Wood.

At the Women’s Institute president Mrs. Burrows presided over 40 members while Mrs. Ives gave a demonstration of homemade sweet making. In the competition that followed to see who could make the best sweets, Mrs. Daniel from Oak Lane came first and Mrs. Burrows second. After this a geographical guessing game took place entitled ‘Where I was born’ which gave members a competitive and engaging evening.

June birthdays were celebrated by Clive Glover from Oak Lane aged six, John Lamberton from Chaffes Lane aged four and Colin Wood from Ham Green aged three. The only recorded baptism involved Gerald Diffey from Oak Lane in a month dominated by parish council, village fete and carnival queen elections.

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 at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood.

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