Christmas Craft Fair at St. Margaret's Church Lower Halstow

Liz Mouland
Friends of St. Margaret's Church Lower Halstow

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Centenary Marks a Generation Lost in Kent's 'Somme'

This weekend (Sept 25-28) marks the centenary of probably the blackest day in Kent's history when thousands of young soldiers from the county were killed in the Battle of Loos during World War One. 

Twelve attacking battalions, including the East Kent, West Kent, Queen's West and East Surrey Regiments, lost 8,000 out of 10,000 men in just four hours of fighting on Sept 26, 1915. The 8th Bn The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) was virtually wiped out.

The Battle of Loos was the largest British battle on the Western Front during WWI and the casualty figures rivalled the horrors of the first day of the Somme.

Kent's small rural farming communities were hit hard with many villages and hamlets left grieving the loss of their young men.

One of them was Sgt Arthur Harrison, of Newington, near Sittingbourne, who will be commemorated by Newington History Group and the village primary school on Monday (Sept 28) - the centenary of his death.

Sgt Harrison enlisted in Chatham in 1910 and fell in the Loos battle aged 23. The pupils have been learning about his family life and years in the 2nd Bn The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). They will present the History Group with a small cross with Sgt Harrison's name on it to be placed at the village's war memorial.

British casualties in the main attack at Loos were 48,367 and 10,880 more died in the subsidiary attack - about twice as high as the German casualties. It represented 59,247 of the 285,107 British deaths on the Western Front that year.

It was the first time the British used poison gas - a move that backfired when wind blew much of it back over our own trenches - and was the first mass engagement of Kitchener's Army units. The battle was part of the attempt by the Allies to break through the German defences in Artois and Champagne.

The initial advance over open fields on Sept 25 was within range of German machine guns and artillery. In many places British artillery had failed to cut the German wire in advance of the attack, leading to the devastating losses.

Though the British were able to break through the weaker German defences and capture the town of Loos-en-Gohelle, supply and communications problems, combined with the late arrival of reserves, meant that the breakthrough could not be exploited.

The Germans had recovered and improved their defensive positions by the time the reservists arrived and the battle resumed the following day.

However, as WWI researcher Kyle Tallett, from Ashford, says: "The reservists (the 8th Bn) arrived in France - untrained and unacclimatised - and were marched straight into battle. They hadn't even had dinner!"

The advance with the reserves was repulsed and 8,000 men died in four hours.

The 8th Bn arrived in France on Sept 1 and were sent to the concentration area for the Battle of Loos on Sept 21 before being marched to Bethune on Sept 25. They were told to move to Vermelles for an attack that night which was postponed until the following morning.

Detailing the battle, Mr Tallett says: "The unit had only been in France for three weeks, hadn’t done it’s apprenticeship in the trenches as was customary plus it had marched hard to get to the start point without rations.

"The Buffs attacked an objective at Hulluch, they had to cross a stretch of no man's land a mile wide. The brigade and the Buffs reached their objective, despite being badly machine gunned, to find intact wire in front of it. The fight was conducted from in front of the German wire. The Division to the right withdrew leaving the right flank open with machine gun fire coming through it. 

"The Germans started shelling. The Buffs withstood this for four hours before withdrawing taking casualties as they withdrew. They were relieved that night, but the casualties were staggering. Only one officer was left alive to bring them out. The casualty figures were 24 officers and 610 other ranks.

"It was a similar story with the West Kents, Queens, and East Surreys. The battalion was virtually non-existent within three weeks of landing in France. The Division, the 24th never recovered, and had to have a regular brigade attached to it to stiffen it up. The truth is they were not taught to fight and never saw a trench until the attack."

By Sept 28 the British had retreated to their starting positions. Further fighting during October was hampered by fog, a lack of hand grenades, heavy rain and accurate German shelling as the losses mounted up.

The 6th Buffs, with three month's experience to draw on, were committed on Oct 13, also at Hulluch. By a cruel coincidence they clambered over the killing fields of their sister battalion.

The Kent men crossed no man's land to find the wire uncut and were machine gunned before they could retreat. Ten of the 13 officers were killed along with 450 other ranks.

Mr Tallett says Loos was Kent's equivalent of the first day of the Somme but is not as well known. "Our divisions were wiped out at Loos - a good seven months before the Somme - with casualty figures that rivalled the first day of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

"If the casualties of the 8th Buffs had occurred on that day they would have been second in the table for most casualties sustained. The 6th Buffs would have been in the top half.

"In terms of proportion to Kent's rural communities it was every bit a disaster."

The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 soldiers who fell in the battle and have no known grave - including Sgt Harrison.

Richard Thompstone - Issued on behalf of Newington History Group

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Upchurch Choral Society Presents Christmas is Coming

A concert of festive music and readings

St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch

Saturday, 28th November 2015 at 7:30pm

Admission by programme £5 (children free)

Pat New - Secretary to the Choral Society

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Upchurch Parish Council - Problems in the Paddock

Unfortunately the Parish Council have to report further damage in the Paddock to the matting under the small play equipment. It would seem that there is a homeless person sleeping in the Paddock and using the matting as a mattress. PCSO John Cork has asked that if anyone sees the man walking around the village they report it to 101.

John will be checking the area tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday whilst doing his rounds.

Thank you.

Julia Cura - Clerk to the Parish Council.

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning at The BarnYard

Watch the Video

The video may not be visible in our Email alert version of this post.

 If not you can watch it here

The BarnYard will be participating in this year’s Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, from 10am - 12pm on Friday 25th September.

During this time we will have Buy One Get One Half Price (discount applies to the cheaper item) on everything available in our Gift Shop. There will also be a ‘bargain bucket’ of jewellery (excluded from half price offer) with all proceeds from the sale of these going to Macmillan!

Nationally Last years Macmillan Cancer Support World's Biggest Coffee Morning raised an amazing £25,102,796.00

All are welcome - Please come along and support this very worthy cause.

The BarnYard - Oak Lane
Tel: 01634 235059
Website: www.the-barnyard.com
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Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal - 2015

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

The Upchurch team of collectors will be making the annual house-to house collections from Saturday the 24th October until Saturday the 7th November.

Remembrance Sunday will be the 8th of November.

The Royal British Legion celebrates its 94th year since being founded.

Its purpose remains as always to look after the welfare of those who have served or the dependants of those who have served Sovereign and Country on our behalf.

The need continues - please donate whatever you can.

Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Appeal Organiser 

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

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Annual Prize Giving at the Upchurch Horticultural Society Summer Show

Exhibits at this years Upchurch Horticultural Society Summer Show.

Christine Madden and Councillor Gerry Lewin with Horticultural Society Chairman Ted Lightfoot presenting the Barbara Webb Memorial Rose Bowl to overall winners in the Upchurch Best Kept Garden 2015 competition Mr & Mrs Friend for their beautifully presented garden in Beckenham Park.

This years prizes were sponsored by Upchurch Parish Council and Helena Sait of
Radiance by Helena seen here presenting Mrs Friend with her prize of a Gift Experience Certificate.

Upchurch Matters

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Festive Restaurant Lunch Menu & Christmas Marquee Party Nights at The BarnYard

The BarnYard

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Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at Upchurch Village Hall - 1973

The Cast of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! performed at Upchurch Village Hall in 1973.

Just after building contractor E.C. Gransden Ltd had completed the village hall extension (Stage, under stage storage, meeting room etc) I was approached to organise an evening of entertainment to celebrate it’s opening and a committee was formed.

The original concept producing a concert using local talent was very quickly over taken by enthusiasm for producing a shortened version of the Musical Oliver! which was then showing on the London stage.

The new stage was transformed with foot and spot lights, scenery and various effects for the big night by a dedicated and enthusiastic team led by Dick Borley, Vincent Webb and John Uglow.

The first half featured performances from members of the ‘The Upstarts’ drama group, notably John Tamsett and Mike Brady who were very funny, and musical items from other artists including children from the Leslie Nunn School of Dancing. The second half however was devoted to the performance of Oliver! which was a resounding success and destined to be repeated again in future years.

Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

The Cast:

The Beadle - Alec New
Oliver - Andrew Jacobs
Artful Dodger - Mark Veale
Fagin - Bryan Veale
Nancy - Evelyn Veale
Children of the Workhouse, Workhouse staff, Fagin’s Gang - Choristers and adult members of the Choir of St. Mary The Virgin, Upchurch.
Accompanist - Doris Rider

Lighting - Vincent Webb
Stage Manager - Richard Borley
Props and Scenery - Pam Borley John Uglow

Producer and Musical Director Bryan Veale

Bryan Veale

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The Upchurch Village Sign by David Wood

Village signs are often displayed in a prominent part of the locality such as in the village centre or on the green showing different aspects of the community.  Features on these signs show historical or cultural images related to the village. The sign is usually made of wood or metal mounted on a wooden post with the village name clearly displayed. King Edward VII started the tradition when he asked all the villages on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to erect village signs during his reign. He thought this would aid motorists and add an extra feature to the estate. After this more villages across England erected village signs as the trend became popular.

The idea of a village sign in Upchurch arose to mark the centenary of the Parish Council from 1894 to 1994. In the May 1992 edition of the Gabriel village magazine residents were asked to submit ideas to the Parish Council about how to enhance the corner of Horsham Lane and The Street. These were assessed then In December 1992 local resident and graphic designer Fred Richards from Wetham Green was commissioned to interpret the ideas for the design of a village sign. He later designed village signs for Bredhurst and Eastchurch.

Photos courtesy of Kim Taylor - Beryl Richards - AKN/KRN.

Fred first produced a set of visual ideas, one was chosen then a finished drawing made. Local builders E.C. Gransden Ltd produced a three dimensional model which Fred supervised and then hand painted after it had been cast in aluminium. E.C. Gransden Ltd also produced the post and its metal surround then erected the sign in the village centre opposite the church in Horsham Lane. Finally, a special unveiling ceremony took place in the summer of 1994. Amongst those who attended were the Mayor of Swale, Parish Council Chairman Wendy Moppett, Derek Gransden of E.C. Gransden Ltd and Fred Richards. The sign was erected on the corner of The Street and Horsham Lane so that it could be clearly seen by motorists and people passing through the village.

Parish Council clerk Pat New had earlier complimented Fred Richards on the finished sign in a letter written to him dated 29^th July, 1993:

“I have heard nothing but complimentary remarks regarding its design and execution (with only secondhand complaints about a waste of ratepayer’s money!) and the Council are very satisfied with the vastly enhanced appearance of the corner.”

The Upchurch sign includes colourful images of the church, a sailing barge and pottery surrounded by fruit and leaves, symbols of the village from the past and present. Under the pictorial design is the name ‘Upchurch’ in gold lettering on a black band with a general background of pale blue.

In addition to the sign the Parish Council also had the burial ground fenced in and part of The Paddock kerbed on the Chaffes Lane side near The Street. A centenary celebration in the form of a fete took place in The Paddock on September 10^th 1994. Documents and photographs related to the history of the Parish Council were exhibited in the former Infant’s School along with the launch of the Woodruff Diaries, based upon the writings of former Upchurch vicar John Woodruff who served the village during the early mid-19^th century.

The Upchurch village sign is now an important feature that can be clearly seen in the village centre and has only been repainted once since it was erected in 1994.

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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Rivers Restaurant Autumn Party Night at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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The Rivers Restaurant Wedding Fair at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Look Out For The 327 Bus Service Questionnaire - Coming Through Your Door Soon!

Following a well attended public meeting on the 26th of August in Upchurch Village Hall regarding recent changes to the 327 Bus Service for Upchurch and Lower Halstow, Kent County Councillors Lee Burgess, Roger Truelove and Mike Baldock have prepared a residents consultation survey in order that they can make proposals to Chalkwell Coach Hire for a more satisfactory and usable Bus Service for the residents of both villages and one that will best reflect the needs of the local people.

Councillors will be out delivering the residents surveys over the next week or so.

Councillor Mike Baldock

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - September 2015

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 3^rd September at the Village Hall where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th August 2015 – It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Masson that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time– Bus timetable public meeting - A resident conveyed his thanks to Mr Quy for arranging the public meeting regarding the changes to the Chalkwell bus timetable and reported that it had been well attended. Mr Quy thanked the Parish Council for their support and Mr Apps for chairing the meeting. Mr Quy also conveyed thanks to Ward Cllr Wright for his contributions and for arranging for a representative from Chalkwell buses to attend. Cllr Tucker thanked Mr Quy for putting together the meeting in such a short space of time and advised that the Parish Council would like to assist in any way they can as Mr Quy pursues the matter further. It was reported that Chalkwell buses were unlikely to change the timetable now due to lack of profit made on the previous timetable with many buses running almost empty. Cllr Tucker reported that there is a petition in the Post Office if anyone would like to sign it. At the bus timetable public meetng Ward Cllr Baldock agreed to obtain a consensus from residents to approach Chalkwell with. This could take up to six months to progress. Rubbish in the village – A resident asked if the Clerk had received any response from the leaseholders of the flats in Forge Lane regarding the rubbish outside of them. The Clerk reported that she had not received a response but would continue to pursue this. Pot hole Wallbridge Lane– A resident reported a large pothole in Wallbridge Lane. Cllr Tucker advised that this had already been reported to KCC by the Parish Council and that residents could report this themselves via the KCC website. Precept – A resident requested that the Parish Council consider using the S137 budget for tidying the village centre when calculating the next precept.

Correspondence – Bus Timetable Meeting – Further to the discussion in public time, it was reported that three Councillors attended the public meeting which had a very strong turnout and a lot of support. Cllr Tucker reported that Ward Cllr Baldock will be carrying out a consensus from residents to approach Chalkwell with. This could take up to six months to progress. KALC Training events – The Clerk had received notification of upcoming training events for the Parish Council.

Casual Vacancies – As no responses have been received for the two vacancies for Parish Councillors it was agreed that a campaign should commence in order to promote the positions in a more informative way with regards to what the Parish Council do and the projects that are ongoing and upcoming. It was suggested that a leaflet drop would be a good way forward for this.

Planning – 15/506513/FULL – Tranquillity Otterham Quay Lane – The Council saw no reason to object to this application but requested that the design addresses the two reasons for refusal to the previous application in 2013. It also raised concerns with regards to the impact on highways with the access to the two dwellings on a fast and narrow road. 15/501109/REM – Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – The Council had submitted an objection to the revised application based on the comments made on the original application. Other Planning Matters – APP/V2255/Z/3129078- Greens Motor Group Garage, London Road Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had no further comments to those made on the initial application with regards to this appeal. APP/2255Y/15/3067567- Pond Farm, Newington – Cllr Tucker reported that the Clerk had written to the Planning Inspectorate to reiterate our objections to this application.

Defibrillator – The Clerk advised that she had met with the W.I and the owners of Snaffles and it had been agreed for the defibrillator to be placed on the wall of Snaffles with the electricity supply coming from the street light attached to the building. Cllr Arnold will liaise with the electricity suppliers regarding this.

Recreation Ground - Cllr Denny reported that there are loose fence posts on Chaffes Lane and some of the wire is becoming detached from the posts. The Clerk will contact the contractors regarding this.

Paddock - Cllr Denny and the Clerk will arrange for a notice to be placed on the Paddock gate with the Clerk’s contact details. Cllr Tucker reported that the play area inspection report had been received and that several high risk areas had been identified. In order to resolve the issues, the rubber matting would need removing, which would result in further issues and potentially the play equipment having to be removed completely. A sub-committee was set up in order to speak with residents to obtain their views as to whether the play equipment should be replaced. To replace the equipment would cost a considerable amount of money which in turn would unfortunately increase the precept.  

Bus Shelter – Cllr Masson reported that he has passed a site plan to the Clerk. The Clerk will forward this to Swale planning in order to progress with the pre planning meeting.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Cllr Rose submitted the proposed changes to the Burial Ground rules and regulations to the members and all agreed that the Council should proceed with these. The Clerk will send the updated rules and regulations to all plot holders and Funeral Directors. St Mary’s Church Clock – The Clerk is still awaiting a date for the clock to be serviced. Burial Ground Gardener meeting The Clerk reported that she and Cllr Rose had met with the gardener to discuss the non-compliant graves and work has started on the graves of which relatives are no longer contactable. Burial Ground steps update – The Clerk has ordered a notice for the Burial Ground gate warning that the steps and pathway are uneven.

Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are now four faulty street lights and therefore he will contact the contractors to get these repaired.

Other Matters not yet arising – December meeting – It was agreed that this should be moved back to the original date of 3^rd December following the cancellation of the Pantomime.

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 1^st October 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

Talent Show and Barn Dance

Step up and show off your talents in this extravaganza of live entertainment by our very own, or simply come and enjoy watching the talent we have in our midst, interspersed with barn dancing. In Scotland they'd call it a Ceilidh.

Saturday 12th September 7:30pm - 11:00pm in the Village Hall.

Tickets now available:
£6 adults
£3 children

Bring your own drink and buffet type food to share. Proceeds to be split between St. Mary's Church, Upchurch and Kampala Children's Centre in Uganda.

For tickets please contact Ralph on: 01634 375481 or Email: ralphliddell@talk21.com

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UpARA - September 2015 Events

David Powell - Chairman
Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01795 843550
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Poolside Bar & Courtyard New Years Eve Party Night at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Rivers Restaurant New Years Eve Party Night at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Graffiti on Ancient Church Walls

The picture shows a face (on the right, facing towards your left with a long nose bridge) in
the chancel of Newington parish church.

While graffiti on buildings is regarded as an eyesore and the work of vandals, historians are discovering graffiti dating from medieval times in many Swale churches - including Upchurch, Newington, Lower Halstow and Stockbury.

Their research is revealing that, in the days before spray paints, people would etch images and text into stone buildings.

This medieval graffiti seems generally to have been of a religious nature - figures and symbols - as memorials and thanks for prayers, though eager Victorian restorers managed to destroy many examples.

Graffiti has been found on pillars and walls in many of our local churches.

Historian Alan Anstee, a trustee of Fort Amherst, Chatham, and one of a small number of enthusiasts helping to survey the graffiti, will reveal some of his remarkable findings to Newington History Group on Thursday, September 10th, in the Methodist Hall, Church Lane, at 7:30pm.

The group meets on the second Thursday of each month for anyone interested in the history of the village and the surrounding area. Entry for guests is £3, with members free.

For more details contact: 01795 842711 or Email: thelma@newingtonhistory.co.uk

Richard Thompstone

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

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

	June 2015	July 2015
All crime	30	36
Anti-social behaviour	6	7
Bicycle theft	0	1
Burglary	5	6
Criminal damage and arson	4	8
Drugs	0	1
Other crime	0	0
Other theft	5	4
Possession of weapons	0	0
Public order	0	1
Robbery	0	0
Shoplifting	0	2
Theft from the person	0	0
Vehicle crime	7	1
Violence and sexual offences	3	5

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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Poolside Bar Music Nights in October and November at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

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