Cancelled - Upchurch Cricket Club Charity Football Match in aid of the Air Ambulance

Upchurch Cricket Club Charity Football Match in aid of the Air Ambulance at Upchurch Cricket Club, Holywell Lane on Sunday the 27th of December has now been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

We hope to reschedule the Match for around Easter 2016. Please look out for an announcement nearer the time.

The first year we raised £150.00 and last year £350.00 through match fees and donations. We would like to raise a minimum of £500.00 next year, so as well as donations from spectators... we are also looking for a sponsor!

Support from the village would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Steve Parker
Mobile: 07879 883153
Email: Sparker57@icloud.com

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Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - November 2015

Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past two months:

	October 2015	November 2015
All crime	27	34
Anti-social behaviour	5	7
Bicycle theft	1	1
Burglary	4	3
Criminal damage and arson	4	7
Drugs	0	0
Other crime	1	0
Other theft	1	3
Possession of weapons	0	0
Public order	0	1
Robbery	0	0
Shoplifting	1	0
Theft from the person	0	0
Vehicle crime	4	4
Violence and sexual offences	6	8

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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Christmas 2015 and New Year Waste and Recycling Collections

Swale Borough Council

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UpARA - Christmas Spectacular

It’s taken me some time to enter the inner circle of UpARA (Upchurch Active Retirement Association), but I managed it this Friday ( 11/12/15). The day was titled Christmas Spectacular, I had little idea what to expect. Perhaps some afternoon tea and a nice chat with the retired lay at the back of my mind. Wow how wrong I was thinking that. A two course meal, magic show, and dancing, but I am jumping ahead. To go back to the beginning, it all started in the afternoon at 2pm with a carol concert by the Holywell school choir. They were really very, very good, our village youngsters are something to be proud of, there must have been about forty in all, singing some old favourites and some lovely new carols. Their teachers must have worked tirelessly to have achieved such a high standard with the choir. This was followed by an explanation of a “Christmas Carol” by Malcolm Groves a club member. Did you know a carol was originally a pagan dance, no, well neither did I. As expected this was followed with a lovely cup of tea biscuits and cake, all provided free by the club. Expecting that this was the afternoon finished I collected my coat, I underestimated these retired folk. Next up was the Upchurch Choral Society. All I can say is, if you get a chance this festive season to hear them sing don’t miss out, I’m glad I stayed, as Bryan Veale performed the memorable “If I was a rich man” from” Fiddler on the Roof”, I thought for a moment I was back in London’s West End with Topol it was that good, Marion Whentringham also sang “O Holy Night” as a lovely solo. The choir finished with a sing-a-long with all joining in. It was then that I realised this was but the prelude to even more. I had my ticket for the evening and rushed home to change and return at 6:45pm sharp as I was told.

UpARA members and guests enjoying this years Christmas Party.

I doubted that the retired could better the afternoon, but I underestimated once again. I was met at the door by members of the committee, shown the table plan and given a glass of wine, not a bad start once again. While waiting for dinner to arrive our own Upchurch magic man (Masks & Magic) entertained us with table illusions that baffled all. My dinner arrived piping hot, a succulent chicken breast cooked in a tomato and sherry sauce garnished with a large prawn, minted new potatoes three coloured baby carrots (all English) and sweetcorn. Our very own magic man then entertained us further with a stage magic show. My meal finished with a fruit cheese cake and lashings of double cream. I had earlier told my other half I would be home about 9:30pm, after all this was the retired and I expected then to be heading home for a hot chocolate by then. Once again I was wrong, so very wrong.

It was now music and dance time, with Jeff Pedley our Upchurch troubadour as entertainment. He in turn was supported by the Pedletts a group of singers from the club membership. Two songs performed the group prepared to leave but the merry audience called for more and two further numbers were performed. The evening continued till almost 11pm with dancing and singing. It would be an understatement to say everyone had a good time (including me) and I was late home, but for £10.00 a head these retired UpARA lot know how to do it.

I look forward to next year!

By Spoof Scoop

Upchurch’s only Investigative Journalist
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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre - Thank You

Dear All,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this year’s Christmas Fayre. This includes all those who helped organise and run stalls, and also those who supported on the day. As a result of everyone’s hard work and dedication, a total amount of just over £2,000.00 has been raised. This is a real achievement and will make a significant contribution to our fundraising efforts this year.

Many thanks again for your continued support.

Simon Smith

On behalf of PFHS
Website: www.pfhs.co.uk
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Trailer Stolen - Poot Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/043331/15

Just after 10:00am on Tuesday the 8th of December a 4 Metre Flat Trailer with drop sides was stolen from Poot Lane, Upchurch.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2015

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 3^rd December at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 39 members of the public including Ward Cllr Baldock and PCSO John Cork.

Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th November 2015 – Amendments were made, which can be seen on the full minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time– Flats on Forge Lane - A resident raised concerns regarding the rubbish and general condition of the area outside of the flats. Cllr Tucker reported that the Clerk has tried to contact the landlord several times without success. PCSO John Cork provided the Clerk with a contact number for the Environmental Warden at Swale and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact her. Bus Shelter- Ward Cllr Baldock reported that he had been liaising with the Clerk and KCC with regards to the siting of the Bus Shelter and that the Clerk is now awaiting a response from KCC. Bus Service – Ward Cllr Baldock provided an update on the recent meeting between Chalkwell buses and KCC and stated that unfortunately Chalkwell were not accommodating with regards to increasing the recently reduced services. He is now looking into alternatives and is arranging a meeting between Councillors of the local Parishes to ascertain how to move forward. Paddock Play Area – A resident reported that the survey on Upchurch Matters face book page asking whether residents would like the play equipment replaced has had 52 responses to date. 49 for and 3 against.  Planning – 15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park –A large number of residents from Beckenham Park were in attendance to raise their concerns with regards to the recent application submitted to erect five new mobile homes at Beckenham Park. The Chairman of the Residence Association of Beckenham Park spoke on behalf of the residents and raised the following concerns – a) No prior notification had been given to them by Haulfryn Ltd which goes against their residency agreement. b) The report submitted with regards to the parking was carried out over one day which is not substantial evidence to assess the need or usage. c) The garages to be demolished are currently in use. d) The amount of parking spaces to be cut will leave less than one remaining per home. Also having an impact on visitors, carers and other services currently visiting the park. e) There will be health and safety issues with large vehicles coming into the park. It is already difficult for them to turn and will be even more so with the lack of space that will be left. f) The age limit on the application is 40 however the report shows 55 and uses the incorrect age to back up parking usage figures. g) Residents have previously been turned down for hard standing outside of homes and this is now being allowed in order for new homes to be erected. h) The proposed plans will greatly reduce the green areas on the site and the views. Cllr Tucker thanked the residents for attending and for putting across their views. It was agreed that Cllr Lewin would assist Beckenham Park with the process of speaking with Haulfryn Ltd and Swale Planning. The Clerk will contact Swale Planning and advise them of the large attendance at the meeting and reiterate the issues raised as well as asking for an extension on the consultation period due to Haulfryn Ltd failing to provide Beckenham Park with the correct notification period.  New Councillors– Cllr Tucker introduced two recently co-opted Councillors and welcomed them to the meeting. PCSO Report – PCSO John Cork reported that there had been further reports of a homeless person sleeping in the Paddock and a local farmer’s barn. Following the Clerk reporting cars being left in the Recreation Ground, he had contacted Horsham Garage who denied that the cars belonged to them. The cars are registered to private owners. The PCSO holds monthly surgeries in the Post Office, the dates and times of these are on Upchurch Matters and in the Post Office.

Declarations of Interest – None.

Correspondence – Request for parking in Recreation Ground and Paddock– The Clerk had received a letter from the school requesting the use for both areas for parking on 11^th June 2016. The school are organising an open air concert to celebrate the Queen’s 90^th birthday and are hoping for an attendance of up to 1000. The profits from this will be split with 70% going to the school and 30% to the village hall to assist with the required maintenance. The Clerk reported that having spoken to the holders of the lease for the Paddock and the Recreation Ground, she had received clarification that they do not feel the Paddock is a suitable area for parking. They will allow the Recreation Ground to be used once a year for parking with permission. As permission has already been granted to the Village Fete in 2016 it was agreed that due to the nature of the event on 11^th June the Clerk should contact the leaseholders to ask if permission could be granted also for the concert. Cllr Horton reported that he has now taken on the role of Chair of Governors for the school and thanked the Parish Council for considering the request. Poppy Appeal Update – The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3000 for the first time. Cllr Lewin conveyed thanks to Upchurch on behalf of the Royal British Legion.  

Planning –15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park, Otterham Quay Lane– As previously mentioned the Clerk will contact Swale Planning to express the raised concerns and request an extension on the comments period. 15/505680/FULL – Orchard Close, Poot Lane – The Council had received an amended drawing for this application but could see very little difference to the original drawing. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Swale Planning stating that it is felt that the design is still not in keeping with the area. Mill Farm, Otterham Quay Lane – The Clerk reported that having received concerns regarding the size of the works carried out at Mill Farm she had contacted the Planning Enforcement Officer at Swale and had been advised that the application had been approved in 2000. As work had started within three years of this date there is no time limit on completion of the works. It was agreed that as the building work being carried out is not in keeping with the original application, the Clerk should contact the Enforcement Officer again. Horsham Car Sales – The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation from the Enforcement Team that the matter of the signage at Horsham Car Sales had been referred to the legal department to take forward to prosecution.

Finance – Agreement of Final Budget – It was agreed that the budget would be finalised in January once the Clerk is in possession of the tax base figure and the balance of the reserve account.

General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 18^th November had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.

Defibrillator – The Clerk reported that the W.I had offered to donate a second defibrillator to the village. It was agreed that the Clerk should thank the W.I for their generous donation and a further discussion would need to take place regarding possible sites for this.  

Paddock – It was agreed that the Clerk should place an order for a new gate for the Paddock. This will be funded from an underspend in this year’s budget. The figure already allocated for a new gate in next year’s budget should be reallocated towards a village Christmas tree. The Clerk will obtain a quote for replacement rubber matting under the swing in the Paddock.

Recreation Ground – Cllr Denny reported that the damaged bench in the Recreation Ground needs removing as soon as possible as this is unsafe. The Clerk reported that she has written to three contractors to obtain quotes for a new bench and the re-siting of a bench in the Paddock.

 Burial Ground and Churchyard – The Clerk reported that she and Cllr Denny had met with the Churchwarden on 20^th November to discuss the proposal for memorial rose beds and ashes plots in the closed Churchyard. The Churchwarden agreed at this meeting to discuss the possibility of a contribution towards maintenance costs with the Diocese on 2^nd December and will inform the Clerk of the outcome. Cllr Tucker reported that a written agreement will need to be put in place with regards to the Parish Council’s responsibilities with regards to maintenance.

Clean for the Queen – In the run up to the Queen’s 90^th birthday on 21^st April 2016 a countrywide clean-up is taking place. The aim is to inspire a million people to take action and enjoy a few hours together litter-picking to improve the areas we live in. It was agreed that Upchurch Parish Council would like to be involved with this from Friday 4^th to Sunday 6^th March 2015. Cllr Horton suggested that the school get involved with this and will research the logistics and liaise with the Clerk.

Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are currently three faulty street lights in the village and will obtain a quote for repairing these.  

Other Matters not yet arising – Church Christmas Tree Donation– Cllr Denny reported that she had contacted the Churchwarden regarding the Christmas tree festival and that she is happy to donate and decorate one on behalf of the Parish Council.  

Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 7^th January 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

The First Upchurch Village Fete by David Wood

The past two years has seen a revival of the village fete, an annual event in Upchurch until the early 1980s, but what were its origins?

The word fete comes from the French word fete champétre meaning rural feast and the event originated from France. Village fetes became popular in England from the 1890s.

Reverend Trew and his daughter Winnifred thought up the idea of a fete in Upchurch which took place for the first time on Saturday June 28th, 1905. It took the form of a garden fete on the vicarage lawn with the aim of raising money for a new church organ. Financial responsibility for this lay with the parochial church committee which included Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers, churchwarden James Holloway, bellringer Bill Hyland, village cobbler George Dawson, Mr C Bishop and Mr W Barrell.

Winnifred Trew organised the placement of wooden stalls on the vicarage lawn then parochial church committee members assembled and erected them. Miss Trew also set up two treasure hunts, a putting green and a bran tub. Seymour Wakeley from Rainham helped with the stabling of horses at the vicarage and the setting up of a stage where speeches were given while the village pubs offered free accommodation to visitors.

With glorious weather on the day the New Brompton Boy’s Band began with the National Anthem then Lady Harris opened the fete with a short speech. Winnifred Trew presented her with a bouquet of roses followed by short speeches of thanks by churchwarden James Holloway and Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers. After this 16 children from the Infant’s School performed maypole dancing then entertainment took place on the tennis court adjacent to the lawn where a local ventriloquist named Mr Dillon gave two performances. Between performances the New Brompton Boy’s Band played music and a gramophone was also used to entertain visitors. After the entertainment old people were served tea on twenty tables set out around the lawn.

A variety of stalls sold produce which included a fancy stall run by Infant’s School headmistress Miss Armstrong, while others sold fruit and flowers in decorative baskets and punnets. These were overseen by Mrs Stevens and Mr Maltravers from Holywell.

Although quite basic and small, the first fete proved successful with a good attendance and raised sufficient funds for a new church organ purchased from Messrs Morton and Ellis of Sevenoaks and installed in the church in August 1905.

The Upchurch village fete continued annually after 1905 but had moved from the vicarage lawn to The Paddock as it became bigger and more popular by the 1920s. It raised money for different village causes throughout its existence and its recent revival allows it to continue in a slightly different form as an annual village event once again.

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

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - October 2015

A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

	September 2015	October 2015
All crime	28	27
Anti-social behaviour	8	5
Bicycle theft	0	1
Burglary	4	4
Criminal damage and arson	5	4
Drugs	0	0
Other crime	0	1
Other theft	1	1
Possession of weapons	0	0
Public order	0	0
Robbery	0	0
Shoplifting	0	1
Theft from the person	0	0
Vehicle crime	4	4
Violence and sexual offences	6	6

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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UpARA Christmas Newsletter & Latest Schedule of Events - December 2015

David Powell - Chairman
Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01795 843550
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Local Fundraisers Wanted for Action Medical Research for Children

We're on the hunt for 16 new fundraising groups in 2016 for the children's charity Action Medical Research for Children and I wondered whether anyone in Upchurch would like to start a new group?

Our fundraising groups plan and organise lots of fantastic events. We have something to suit everyone, ranging from opera concerts to auctions and cake sales to vintage fairs.

If you want to join Action Medical Research's fight for little lives today, please Email: pray@action.org.uk to find out more.

Many thanks

Paula Ray
Website: www.action.org.uk
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Latest News from Upchurch WI

2015 has been a very busy year of events to celebrate the Centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Our WI was formed in March 1931 (84 years). Another 16 years and we will be celebrating our own Centenary but in order to achieve this we need a regular injection of new members with new ideas.

Upchurch WI at the Village Fete Day 2015.

Our programme for 2016 includes guest speakers on a variety of subjects at most meetings, a Quiz Night, a Pamper Day, a Stall at the Village Fete, and a number of "Foody" events (at which we excel!). We meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7:30PM in the Village Hall.

New members are always welcome. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Christine Stevens

Upchurch WI

Website: www.thewi.org.uk

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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre 2015

Clare Evans
Parents & Friends of Holywell School
Website: www.pfhs.co.uk
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Indoor Equestrian Christmas Table Top Sale at Upchurch Village Hall

Gemma Bassett-Burr

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Upchurch Colts FC - Latest Team Fixtures

Rob Croome

Chairman - Upchurch Colts FC

Tel: 07909 688456 or Email: robcroome@sky.com

Website: www.upchurchcoltsfc.co.uk

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Laptop Stolen - Upchurch Village Hall

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/040558/15

Between Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th of November a Laptop was stolen from Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Upchurch.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Temporary Daytime Road Closure - Horsham Lane

It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane, Upchurch from Saturday the 12th of December 2015 for an estimated period of up to 1 day, between 8:00am and approximately 4:00pm.

Horsham Lane will be closed between the junctions with Wallbridge Lane and Woodruff Close.

Access remains from either direction up to where the road is closed, but there will be no through access during the works.

The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 London Road, Oak Lane and Horsham Hill.

The closure is to enable safe access to overhead phone cables for repairs to restore services being carried out by Openreach.

The duration of works is advisory, and it is possible works may over-run due to such factors as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.

Click Map to Enlarge.

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent

Highways, Transportation & Waste Kent County Council

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Mini Winter Beer Festival & Christmas Market at The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns
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Road Closure - Holywell Lane

Holywell Lane, Upchurch will be closed to through traffic, on or after Wednesday the 2nd of December 2015 for up to 3 days.

The road will be closed for its entire length.

The alternative route is via The Street and Breach Lane.

The closure is necessary to enable urgent carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.

This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site, and is valid for a period of no more than 5 days.

Click Map to Enlarge.

Kent County Council - East Kent Roadworks Team

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Attempted Burglary - Ham Green

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/040207/15 

Between 8:00am and 10:00am on Sunday the 15th of November there was an attempted burglary at Orchard Close, Ham Green, Upchurch.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal - 2015

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3,000 for the first time. Of this amount £733 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £260. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by fourteen residents and eight Scouts.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by the Reverend Julian Staniforth aided by the Reverend Mark Ham. Wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel on behalf of the Church, The Mayor of Swale, Upchurch Parish Council, the Upchurch Scouting movement and Upchurch Brownies. Following the laying of wreaths the Last Post was played and a two minute silence was observed. After the service in the church Reverend Staniforth led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the warm autumnal weather to the burial ground where wooden remembrance crosses were laid at the five War Graves Commission headstones.

This year we remained mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in World War I and in subsequent conflicts to the present time.

On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser 

Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com

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Upchurch Choral Society Presents Christmas is Coming

Bryan Veale
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Holywell School Presents the Last Night of the Proms - Open Air Classical Music from the Kent Concert Orchestra

Holywell School will be staging an Open Air Classical Concert on the School Playing Field, between 7:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday the 11th of June 2016.

The Kent Concert Orchestra will be performing music from the Last Night of the Proms to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official 90th Birthday Weekend.

Please bring your own Refreshments, Picnics and Chairs.

Look out for further details and ticket prices to follow in early January, if not before.

Ray Kemsley
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Beavers & Cubs Christmas Fayre & Cupcake Bake Off

Darren Hatcher - Group Scout Leader
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How Roadworks are Managed - A Short Guide

Kent County Council
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2015

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 5th November at the Village Hall where 4 Councillors were present and 10 members of the public including Ward Cllr Wright.

Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st October 2015 – It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time– Planning – 2 Horsham Lane - A resident enquired whether the planning application for four 4 bedroom houses had been accepted for 2 Horsham Lane and whether Swale Planning had considered the impact that the extra cars would have on parking in the area around the development. Cllr Lewin reported that the planning application had been accepted and that as there was no objection from KCC the plans must have conformed to their parking standards. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had raised concerns regarding the parking situation.   Brent Orchard, Halstow Lane - A resident asked whether the Council had received notification of a change of use from agricultural to residential. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had not yet received the paperwork but would review the application when received. Jubilee Fields – A resident asked whether the Council had any update on this application. Cllr Tucker reported that a lot of testing had been taking place on the ground in the proposed area. Cllr Lewin reported that a date had not yet been set for the application to be discussed by the Swale Planning committee. Paddock Play Area – Several residents enquired as to why the play equipment had been removed and whether it would be replaced. Cllr Tucker reported that due to the play area equipment failing the recent safety report and therefore making the area uninsurable the Council had no choice regarding the removal of the equipment. The Council are looking to get residents opinions on how to progress with this area as any improvements will have an impact on the precept. It is the intention that the project be discussed at the Parish Meeting next year to enable residents to give their views and ideas and form part of a play area sub-committee. Bus Timetable - Ward Cllr Wright reported that himself and Ward Cllr Baldock are still in discussions regarding the reduced service on the 326/327 buses and possible solutions to this. Defibrillator – A resident enquired as to where the defibrillator has been sited. Cllr Arnold reported that the defibrillator is fully functional and sited on the Chaffes Lane wall of Snaffles. Initially it was thought that the machine could not be placed in direct sunlight but following discussions with the manufacturers it is fine to remain where it is. If the machine is needed then 999 should be dialled and the caller will be given a code to open the casing and access the machine. The machine then dictates how to proceed whilst a first responder will be despatched to the site. Bus shelter – A resident asked whether the Council had considered purchasing the bus shelter from a local joinery firm. Cllr Lewin reported that the governing factor when purchasing the bus shelter is ensuring that it conforms to the conservation order. The Council agreed that when the project meets the stage of purchase, quotations will be requested from local firms.

Declarations of Interest – Cllr Tucker and Cllr Arnold disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in the letter from the Fete committee.

Correspondence – Letter regarding parking in Recreation Ground– The Clerk had received a letter from a resident concerned about the parking in the Recreation Ground around the Scout hut and the dangers posed to pedestrians. The Clerk had liaised with the leaders of the Scouts, Guides and Brownies and requested that they speak with the parents regarding possible dangers at these times. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Cllr Tucker reported that Kent Association of Local Councils are running the community awards scheme again next year. It was agreed that the Council would put someone forward for this and any nominations should be forwarded to the Clerk. Fete – The Clerk reported that she had received a request from the Fete committee for the use of the Paddock and Recreation Ground on 18^th June 2016. Permission was granted.

Planning –15/502716/FULL – Ridgedale Riding School, Halstow Lane – The Council have objected to this application on the basis that there are already a substantial amount of traveller sites in and around the village. Further comments are to be submitted with regards to the fact that the proposed site is a known flood plain and that the applicant has not shown sufficient evidence that they are of nomadic habit. 15/507923/FULL – 63 Chaffes Lane – The Council could see no reason to object to this application provided that any neighbour’s comments were taken into consideration. 15/508572/FULL – 17 Horsham Lane – The Council had only received the full paperwork for this application on the day of the meeting, therefore any comments will be submitted to planning once the paperwork has been reviewed. APP/V2255/D/15/3133082 – 61 Horsham Lane – The Clerk has liaised with the applicant regarding initial concerns the Council had regarding the amount of dormer windows in the application. Following this discussion it was confirmed that the application was in keeping with surrounding properties and the Clerk advised Swale Planning that the Council had no objections. 14/506519/FULL – Kent Terrace – Cllr Lewin reported that permission was granted for this application at the Swale planning meeting although the Council had raised concerns regarding the highway issues and the possible effects of the ground work on the existing Victorian terrace houses. The application was approved on the basis that a green space provision towards off-site play facilities be provided to the sum of £11203.40. The Clerk will contact the developers regarding this. 15/503300/FULL – 2 Horsham Lane – This application was accepted at the Swale Planning meeting with the agreement that the exterior finish would be facing brick rather than barge boarding. 

Finance – Annual Audit - The Clerk reported that the external audit had been completed successfully.  Finance meeting update – The Clerk reported the outcome of the recent finance meeting and it was agreed that the Council should endeavour to work with the residents to ascertain which projects should take priority over the coming years. It was agreed that over and above the regular responsibilities, the Council will make additional provision for the Bus Shelter, a survey of trees under the Council’s responsibility to assist with future budgeting, funds to potentially engage contractors to assist with tidying the environment and regeneration of the old play area – dependent on longer term plans. Potential projects are the Village Hall and the replacement of the play area. As the potential projects will impact the precept, it was agreed that next year’s Parish Meeting would provide a good forum for discussion in order to gauge resident’s views.

General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 21^st October had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.

Casual Vacancy – The Clerk reported that a notice had been placed in the noticeboards advising that the Council currently have three casual vacancies. Councillors have begun to distribute leaflets throughout the village.

Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations – It was agreed that Cllr Tucker would review these by May 2016.

Paddock – Cllr Arnold had provided the Clerk with quotations for a replacement gate in the Paddock. These will be reviewed at the next General Purposes Committee meeting.

Bus Shelter – The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation from Swale Planning that planning permission is not required for the Bus Shelter, however the proposed site is owned by KCC and therefore the Clerk will need to obtain permission form them.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree overhanging the Crown Pub - The Clerk reported that she has a meeting with the Conservation Officer regarding the tree overhanging the Crown Pub on 6^th November 2015. Ashes Plots in Churchyard – Cllr Denny reported that she and the Clerk have a meeting on 20^th November 2015 with the Churchwardens regarding the proposal for ashes plots to be placed in the Churchyard.

Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are currently two faulty street lights in the village. Cllr Tucker advised that any pot holes should be reported directly to the KCC website or to the Clerk who will report them to KCC.

Other Matters not yet arising – Remembrance Sunday Service – This will take place in St Mary’s Church on 8^th November at 10.15am. Cllr Lewin reported that the wreath will be laid by Royal Engineer Robert White.  

Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 3^rd December at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. A private session will take place before the meeting at 7.15pm which the public are not able to attend.

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk