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News Archive

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Friday 30 November 2018

Upchurch Choral Society Presents a Christmas Concert "Gloria in Excelsis!"

Following the death of Alec New, a long term member of Upchurch Choral Society, this concert will be dedicated to him.

Sue Rossiter - Upchurch Choral Society
Telephone: 01634 234780
Email: suerossiter@waitrose.com
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New Website for UpARA

UpARA has a new website so members can stay up to date with all that's going on within the association.

Visit >> www.upara.club

Upchurch Matters
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Thursday 29 November 2018

Upchurch Village Hall Improvement Project Presentation and Thank You to the Co-op, Upchurch

Many many thanks 

The Village Hall Management Committee would like to thank the Co-op, Upchurch for raising £1743.89 this year towards the improvement project for the Village Hall.

They have again put the Village Hall forward for funding next year.

If you would like to know more about our future plans for the Village Hall, we will be presenting them on Tuesday the 5th of February 2019 at 7:00pm in the Village Hall.

Please come along and see for yourself.

John Tutt
Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee
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Thank You from 1st Upchurch Guides

A big thank you to the Co-op Local Community Fund for donating £1560.76 to 1st Upchurch Guides. The money will help us buy some new tents to take the girls camping.

We would also like to thank all the Co-op members shopping at their Upchurch store for choosing us as their local cause.

Tracey Snellings - 1st Upchurch Guides
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Wednesday 28 November 2018

Thank You from the Village Hall Management Committee






The Village Hall Management Committee would like to record their thanks to Robbie Sketchley Kent Trade Frames Ltd ) for the very generous donation and installation of the new height restricting barrier at the entrance to the Village Hall Car Park.

For those hiring the Village Hall and wishing to open the barrier, a key will be on the hirers set of keys.

John Tutt
Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee
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Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham


Patient Non Attendance

Patients are still not notifying the surgery that they are unable to keep an appointment they have made. This includes seeing the Doctor and/or the Nurse.

During September 58 appointments were not kept.

Please telephone: 01634 231423 to cancel an appointment.

Flu Vaccinations 
Influenza Injections

If necessary a home visit could be arranged by contacting the surgery to make an appointment. Those that are under 65 years of age that may also be eligible are - carers, those that have a medical condition, those that are pregnant and those that are deemed to be obese. If in doubt check at the surgery.  

People over 65 years have taken up the offer of the vaccination. 

NB, Those under 65 years old are not taking up the offer of the vaccination. The Practise Manager is requesting people to rethink and make an appointment with the surgery as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or suggestions on the local practice, please Email:
Jan Bunting (Secretary) janannbunting@outlook.com or 
Ray Kemsley (Chair) raykemsley@btinternet.com

Ray Kemsley
Chair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
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Monday 26 November 2018

Project KRAKEN - Report Suspicious Activity Near the Coastline


Photos: David Metcalfe and Ed Gransden.
At around 5:00am on 15th November, a red coaching launch belonging to Medway Towns Rowing Club was stolen. Later that morning at 9:00am, the owners of Sailing Smack, Thistle, moored off Shoregate Creek, Upchurch reported to Kent Police that the launch had become stranded at low tide and a group of intruders acting suspiciously (possibly illegal immigrants or people smugglers) were now aboard their vessel.

The Coast Guard attended around lunchtime and loud hailed the Smack, when nobody responded they stood down and didn’t return. Once the tide was in, the owners managed to board their Smack but the intruders and the red launch were already gone. Some items were stolen, firewood had been burned and some foil blankets had been left behind.

The same day around 5:00pm, a committee member at Lower Halstow Yacht Club was alerted to a jetty fire. The fire was extinguished and the red launch was found to be the cause. Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended with 3 appliances and moved the burnt remains of the launch, placing it alongside the slip.

It’s not known when, or if Kent Police attended and their response has been branded 'incompetent' and 'ineffectual', resulting in the abandoned launch being completely destroyed, and causing serious damage to the jetty.

The suspected illegal immigrants or people smugglers travelling aboard the launch appear to have escaped too. It’s believed they could have been easily intercepted by the Coast Guard and Kent Police as the tide came in.

Project KRAKEN




Project KRAKEN is a joint National Crime Agency, Police, and Border Force initiative aimed at encouraging the public to report suspicious or unusual activity around the UK’s coastline and maritime environment.

There are nearly 20,000 miles of coastline, and a complex network of estuaries, navigable rivers, coves, inlets, ports and harbours, all of which can be exploited by terrorists and serious criminals.

Authorities want you to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour in these and other maritime environments. No matter how trivial it may seem; if it looks out of the ordinary, they want to know about it.

Whether you work in the maritime industries, are a keen sailor, or are just walking along the coast, your local knowledge and your experience of the maritime world means you are well placed to spot anything unusual.

By working together you can help to prevent terrorists and organised criminals posing a threat to your neighbours, your pastimes, your businesses and your livelihoods. They will exploit any opening they find.

How can you help?

What to report

Report any unusual or suspicious activity near the coastline and in maritime environments. This could include, among others:

 Crew who show signs of nervousness or lack of awareness of maritime protocols.
 Vessels showing signs of unusual modification or minor damage.
 Increased activity at isolated coastal locations or at unusual times of the day.
 Attempts to signal to vessels offshore or guide them into an unusual location.
 Strange patterns of payment, such as large amounts of cash.
 People testing site security or an unusual interest in site structures and wharfs.

What should you do?

How to report suspicious activity

If you see unusual or suspicious activity, report it to Kent Police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111 and quote 'KRAKEN'

If you want to anonymously report your information online, visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Record as much information as you can - the smallest detail could be significant.
Do not take direct action against any individuals or groups.

If it is an emergency, call 999

Upchurch Matters
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Saturday 24 November 2018

Payout Celebration Day at the Co-op - Upchurch

On Saturday 24th November 2018, thousands of Co-op colleagues celebrated the £19m members have raised for local causes across the country during the last round of funding in their Co-op Local Community Fund.

Co-op Members shopping in Upchurch have helped raise £4997.28 for our local causes. To celebrate, Co-op colleague Sally Butcher presented Sandy and John Tutt from the Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee with a cheque for £1738.88, money which was raised by Co-op members who chose the Village Hall as their local cause during the last 12 month round of funding which began in November 2017.

1% for local causes

The co-op  give 1% of what members spend on Co-op branded food products in their stores and selected services, as well as money raised from sales of carrier bags and Co-op scratch cards, to local causes.

So just by buying a pint of milk from one of their stores, you could help make things better in your community.

You can choose which cause you want your own 1% to go to.

Any money raised by members who don’t select a cause is added to the money raised from shopping bag sales and shared equally between the causes in your local area.

5% for you

When you buy selected products and services from Co-op Group businesses, including their food stores, they’ll put 5% of what you spend into your Co-op Membership account.

Choose your local cause

The next round of funding has begun. Co-op members can now choose their next local cause by signing into their membership account online.

The co-op chooses new causes every 12 months.

Members can sign in to see the causes their local Co-op is supporting and choose which one they want their own money to go to.

Sign in to your membership account if you haven’t already chosen at: www.coop.co.uk/membership

Upchurch Matters
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Alec New 1930 - 2018


Alec New died in hospital on Wednesday 21st November after a very short illness. I would like to thank all those who have already sent messages of love and support. I really appreciated the help it has given me and my family.

Alec's funeral will take place on Monday 10th December at 1:00pm in St. Mary's Church followed by a cremation at The Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing at 2:00pm.

We would prefer family flowers only but should you wish to donate in Alec's memory, St. Mary's Church is his chosen charity. Cheques should be made payable to Upchurch PCC and either sent to John Weir Funeral Directors at 130 - 132 High Street, Rainham, Kent ME8 8AR or brought along on the day.

Alec had already planned his funeral service and his friends will be most welcome to join us. Refreshments will follow at Upchurch Cricket Club Pavilion in Holywell Lane, Upchurch.

The family would like everyone to dress wearing lovely bright colours if possible, not black funeral clothes.

Thank you

Pat New
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Friday 23 November 2018

Upchurch Players Present Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

At Upchurch Village Hall

Thursday 6th December at 7:30pm
Friday 7th December at 7:30pm
Saturday 8th December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Fun for the whole family!!!

Tickets - £7

Available now from Sue and Keith at 114 Chaffes Lane, Upchurch
Telephone: 01634 234780

Dave Candy
Upchurch Players
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Wednesday 21 November 2018

CANCELLED - Upchurch Cricket Club - Christmas Quiz Night

Saturday 8th December

7:30pm for 8:00pm Start

Prize for the Best Christmas Jumper

Tables of 6
£5.00 per Person

Bring your own Nibbles

To Book a Table Contact Mick Hales: 07368 527540


Mick Hales
Upchurch Cricket Club
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Monday 19 November 2018

Swale Borough Council - Christmas and New Year Office Opening Times

Swale Borough Council
Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne Kent ME10 3HT
Customer Services: 01795 417850
Website: www.swale.gov.uk
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Swale Borough Council - Revised Recycling and Waste Collections for Christmas and New Year


Swale Borough Council
Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne Kent ME10 3HT
Customer Services: 01795 417850
Website: www.swale.gov.uk
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Sunday 18 November 2018

Upchurch Poppy Appeal - 2018


On behalf of the Royal British Legion, thank you for donating to the collection in Upchurch this year. Thanks to the house-to-house collectors who ensured that most areas of the Parish were covered. Thanks also to the business and retail outlets who provided static collection points. In this special year there are many others in the village who should also be thanked for their contributions to Remembrance Day 2018.

The Remembrance Sunday service taken by Reverend Chris Shipley was held in the church of St Mary the Virgin on November 11th and was as always a moving occasion for the large congregation. We were pleased to welcome the Venerable Stephen Taylor, Archdeacon of Maidstone who gave the sermon. The names of all those from Upchurch who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and WWII were read out and included Pilot Officer Corbett, a Canadian Pilot shot down and fatally wounded over Upchurch during WWII. There then followed the laying of eight wreaths in the Lady Chapel, one of which was from the Mayor of our twin village Ferques in France – our Parish Council had sent a wreath of poppies for laying at the service in Ferques. After the service the Venerable Stephen Taylor, the Reverend Chris Shipley, the church choir, the uniformed Scout and Guide organisations together with members of the congregation processed to the burial ground. Remembrance crosses were laid at each of the War Graves Commission Graves by five past members of the Armed Services or Police and members of the youth organisations from the Parish.

Later in the day, at the new beacon in the recreation ground, the names of the Upchurch war dead from WWI and WWII were read out to the large crowd that had assembled. The Last Post was sounded and a two minute silence was observed. Then at 7:00pm the beacon was set alight and the church bells were rung as we joined in the conclusion of the Nation’s “Battle's Over” commemoration of the WWI Armistice being signed 100 years ago.

The work of The Royal British Legion continues and it stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve. It provides financial, social and emotional support to those who have served or are currently serving including their dependants. At this time we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and in subsequent conflicts but we also give for the welfare and support of those who returned, in so many cases badly injured, from recent conflicts.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Appeal Organiser 
Telephone: 01634 366113
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Saturday 17 November 2018

Berengrave Local Nature Reserve - Public Meeting at Rainham Cricket Club



A new management plan is being prepared for Berengrave Local Nature Reserve.

Anyone who wants to come along to this public meeting at Rainham Cricket Club is welcome on Wednesday 5th December 2018 at 7:00pm to tell us what you like about the nature reserve and how you would like it to be improved for people, heritage and wildlife.

At this meeting we will be gathering people’s ideas. We hope also to arrange some volunteer days and encourage local people to get more actively involved.

Find out how you can help by volunteering at the reserve.

For more information contact the Medway Council Greenspace Development Team on 01634 331255

Parking is available in the cricket club grounds.

Sharon Bayne
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Friday 16 November 2018

Medway Council - Christmas and New Year Changes to Waste and Recycling Collections

Medway Council will be operating a revised waste and recycling collection schedule over Christmas and New Year.

Please have your bin out by 7:00am on your revised collection day. They will not be able to return for single missed bins over the holiday period. There will also be no bulky and large item collections.

There will be no brown bin collections during Christmas week (Monday 24th December to Saturday 29th December)

Brown bin collections resume during New Year week (Monday 31st December 2018 to Saturday 5th January 2019)

Bulky and large item collections will not be made between Saturday 22nd December 2018 and Sunday 6th January 2019.


Upchurch Matters
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Thursday 15 November 2018

Upchurch Choral Society Presents a Christmas Concert "Gloria in Excelsis!"


A programme of music and readings in anticipation of the festive season, including Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Conducted by Music Director, Marius Reklaitis

Saturday 1st December 2018

St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch at 7:30pm

Tickets £5 on the door 

Or contact Sue Rossiter on: 01634 234780 Email: suerossiter@waitrose.com for more details.

Sue Rossiter - Upchurch Choral Society
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2018

Report of the Parish Council November 2018

Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Janet Marshall, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence

Church Clock Restoration
Councillors have been overwhelmed by the response to the appeal to restore the church clock in commemoration of the centenary of the end of the Great War. Upchurch lost thirty four young men during the First World War and Upchurch Cricket Club has remembered that three of their players never returned home. At the time of writing this report, £5661.25 has been generously donated and donations are continuing to be received. There is still time to contribute as an act of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Donations can be made by cheque payable to “Upchurch Parish Council”and sent to the Clerk at 14 Trapfield Close, Bearsted ME14 4HT or given to any Councillor.

Planning 
Ref: 18/504810/FULL
Address: 15 Forge Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AE  
Proposal: Demolition of existing Conservatory. Erection of single storey rear extension with flat roof and lantern skylight, along with First Floor rear extension.
Councillors considered the application and had no comment to make save that neighbours’ views be taken into account.

Ref: 18/503381/FULL  Address: Kaynes Farm Breach Lane Lower Halstow Kent ME9 7PA
Proposal: Retrospective application for stationing of a mobile home
The application has been refused.

The caravan and portacabin which have been sited in Wallbridge Lane have been reported to Enforcement Officers.
There has been an increase in the number of caravans on the site next to The Three Sisters and this has been escalated with Swale Officers who are taking legal advice. The density of the caravans raises a Health and Safety issue. 

Paddock and Recreation Ground 
Councillors were disappointed that the picnic bench in the Paddock has been targeted by vandals and had been graffitied. Residents are asked to be vigilant and to report any incidents to the Police.

Dog Fouling
Dog fouling in the Paddock, especially near the children’s play area, continues to be a problem and it poses serious health risk especially to children. Councillors have considered asking owners to keep their dogs on leads and the Dog Warden will be asked to make extra patrols of the area. Councillors raised concern that a child might contract toxocariasis. Councillors acknowledge that most dog owners are conscientious but if the problem continues dogs will be banned from the Paddock.

Allotments
There are a few vacant plots and anyone interested in renting a plot should contact the Clerk.

Village Christmas Tree
The Council is grateful to Mr Bob Friend for his generous donation of a Christmas tree again this year. The Parish Council has applied to the Swale Borough Council Festive Fund for a grant to replace the lights. The tree will be in place in early December.

KALC Community Awards
Councillors agreed to adopt the Awards scheme to acknowledge and recognise the contribution a resident has made to the village.  
Nominations for a suitable recipient must be sent to the Clerk by 21st December 2018.

Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 6th December 2018 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Scout Hut.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 19th December at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.
Full Council - Thursday 3rd January 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 16th January at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.

All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.

Upchurch Parish Council would like to wish all residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01634 363906
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Wednesday 14 November 2018

THE BIG SPOTACULAR Bring & Buy Sale at Holywell Primary School

Toys, games, fancy dress, books and more!

Friday the 16th of November 

From 3pm until 4pm in the School Hall

All proceeds to BBC Children in Need

Open to all

Please come and support this very worthy cause

Thank you

Arranged and led by the TED committee


Holywell Primary School
Forge Lane, Upchurch, ME9 7AE
Telephone: 01634 388416
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Janey Hinton - Walking with Nature Calendar 2019



Local photographer Janey Hinton has recently produced a stunning new calendar "Walking with Nature” featuring some of her beautiful photographs of local wildlife.

Walking with Nature features predominantly photographs taken at Lower Halstow. 
Cards are also available and selected prints too.

Calendars cost £10 with 20% going to the charity Marie Curie.


Janey says...

“I'm not good at sitting in a hide and waiting for wildlife to appear as I would much rather be walking with the wildlife from birds to butterflies and flowers to fungi. There's much talk about mindfulness these days and for me that is focusing on the immediate nature around me when I walk and by walk that sometimes means creeping quietly. I am frequently found on the Brickfields at Lower Halstow although I also visit Oare and Stodmarsh nature reserve.


My favourite captures are the most frustrating and that's the goldfinchs in flight as it's such it's a delight to see the feisty, little birds their extreme colours. The "Goldfinches against snow" was the reward for sitting in the freezing winter conditions. The kingfisher is an amazing bird and to watch her was a privilege. And the wasp spider was a first for me this year. Patience required? Yes but it's worth it to capture that moment - that dive, that squabble, that unusual spider, damsel fly or cobweb. Nature's all there and the camera help me to look more closely and connect with it.”


To order your calendar for Christmas, please Email: jakalush1@btinternet.com

To see more photographs, "Like" JJ Images at: www.facebook.com/JJImagesnature

Upchurch Matters
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Tuesday 13 November 2018

Upchurch Horticultural Society - October Show






Sponsored by Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd

Photographs from the Upchurch Horticultural Society October Show held on Saturday the 20th in the Barn to the rear of 97 Chaffes Lane.

Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society
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