Mr J Clark wanted to develop the Otterham Quay area but the council refused. They also turned down a request for street lighting at Drakes Close. More discussion took place regarding lighting at the junction of Oak Lane and the A2 which had been an issue for some time but with little progress being made. Parish clerk Aubrey Smith even visited the Ministry of Transport to get permission but failed.
In social affairs Linda Ellis from Plantation Cottages became Miss Upchurch at the annual competition and dance in the village hall while Linda Boakes from Chaffes Lane and Catherine Dubont became her attendants. Meanwhile, Carol Edmonds (now Carol Boakes) from Holywell became Upchurch Carnival Queen and Angela Gooding from Ham Green and Annette Devont became her attendants for the carnival due to take place in August. Other entertainment in May included three one act comedies staged by ‘The Upstarts’ in the village hall.
In sporting affairs Upchurch Cricket Club enjoyed a successful month with victories against Kent Farm Institute, Detling, Borden and Minster. Although the matches were generally low scoring Don Diffey hit 62 against Kent Farm Institute while bowler Alan Twist took 5-37 against Borden and Len Harris 5-23 against Minster. The club continued to play at their Poot Lane ground where Ted Tress umpired, John Brunning did the scoring while Mary Barden, Mrs Porter and Evelyn Veale usually prepared the teas.
During the long summer evenings large groups of boys played football on the recreation ground with regulars including Peter and Lawrence Duncalf, David Wood, Dave Diddams, Michael ‘Tich’ Parker, Chris Ballard, Mick Kearns, Bob and Philip Gregory and Derek Wraight with Peter and Brian Boakes sometimes joining in. The youths who hung around the village centre outside the Infant’s School were sometimes recruited by Eric Gransden to clear sheep droppings from the cricket ground for a fee of 6d each.
At other village organisations members of Upchurch Women’s Institute listened to a talk given by Miss Degan about diet and how this controls a person’s health and temper. During the same evening members voted to retain ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ and sing ‘Jerusalem’ at future meetings.
As today crime periodically occurred in the village and in June 1965 Florence Crittenden’s house at Plantation Cottages got broken into and an eternity ring and money were stolen. The burglar stole £25 which Mrs Crittenden had saved for the Spastics lighthouse organisation and this caused widespread local condemnation.
In agricultural affairs Gore Farm went up for sale but it had to be withdrawn from the auction in Sittingbourne because the price fell too low. With a starting price at £30, 000 for 152 acres of land and a restored farmhouse the price fell to £22, 000. Edward Vinson & Son Ltd from Faversham eventually became the new owners while Mike Blee arrived as the farm manager. He later bought the farm in 1977.
In church affairs Mrs Wraight decided to retire as the church cleaner but her husband Ernie continued as verger and maintained the new churchyard. Miss Orchard finished as the church organist and her position was taken over by Mrs Bodley-Scott on Sunday mornings and Mrs Ryder midweek. Meanwhile, church services were conducted by Reverend Bradshaw with a full congregation attending most Sunday mornings.
The only recorded marriages of the month involved Kay Latter from Drakes Close and John Price from Chatham and Georgine Bateman from Oak Lane and Tim Long from Higham. The funeral of Harry Bass from Drakes Close also took place at the church to end a fairly typical month 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 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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