back2back productions is working on an exciting new paranormal series for UKTV, and is currently looking for properties that are haunted and who’s owners might want them investigated to see what can be uncovered.
Have you had any ghostly goings on in your home?
Would you like a top team of paranormal investigators to help?
If you would like to share your story and take part in the series then please Email the team: haunted@back2back.tv
Thank you for your help in advance and we look forward to hearing from you.
Please come and support your local Scout Group outside the Co-op, Upchurch on Saturday 2nd March between 10:00am and 12:00pm Every penny donated goes towards supporting young people so they can enjoy fun and challenging activities, helping to prepare them with skills for life. Thank you Jane Canning
Darren Hatcher
Upchurch Scout Group
Kent County Council gives notice that Sheerness Road, Lower Halstow will be closed to through traffic, on or after Tuesday 5th March 2019 for up to 2 Days. The road will be closed at the Junctions of Basser Hill and The Street. The alternative route is via The Street, Breach Lane, A2 Hartlip Hill, A2 London Road, A2 High Street, A2 Boyces Hill, A2 Keycol Hill, Sheppey Way, Ferry Road, The Street, Old Ferry Road and Raspberry Hill Lane. The closure is necessary to enable KCC Highways to carry out Pothole Blitz - Carriageway Repairs. It is planned that the road will be closed between 7:30am and 5:30pm.
Businesses open as usual. This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site and is valid for a period of no more than 21 days.
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline is: 03000 418181
Band D households will pay £3.35 per week for Swale Borough Council services from April.
Council tax for the 2019/20 financial year was set at last night’s full council meeting, with band D households set to pay £174.42 a year to the council, an increase of £4.59 (2.7%).
Most properties (63.7%) in Swale are in bands A-C meaning they will pay even less than this.
Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley, cabinet member for finance at the council, said:
“Dark Stormy clouds are on the horizon. We have to look to a very uncertain future. Most importantly this budget will give the new administration whatever the political make up in May a sound and solid foundation to work from and will be able to use our assets to the best advantage, regenerating our borough, making certain that our investments provides a regular income to offset annual costs and to contribute to our self financing strategy.
In the last century we had the roaring 20’s.We can break through those dark stormy clouds and into the bright sunshine and enter the Golden Age, the 20 20’s. It is the step forward into a future that will benefit the residents of this wonderful borough of Swale, providing an excellent service now and for years to come.”
Charges for Swale Borough Council services are only one element of the final council tax bill residents receive. The charges being for a band D property are:
Authority
Band D
Increase (%)
Kent County Council
£1,299.42
4.99
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
£193.15
14.19
Swale Borough Council
£174.42
2.7
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority
£77.76
2.98
Areas with town or parish councils will also have to pay for their services. This is set by each individual parish/town councils, and averages £43.13 where applicable.
The council meeting discussing the proposals took place on Wednesday, 20th February and the report can be viewed on the council’s website
It will be necessary to close part of Otterham Quay Lane for 2 days, planned from Friday 8th March 2019, for Pothole Blitz - Carriageway Repairs carried out by KCC.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 7:30am and 5:30pm.
For details of Otterham Quay Lane roadworks, please see: www.roadworks.org
It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane for 1 day, planned for Tuesday 12th March 2019, for Pothole Blitz - Carriageway Repairs carried out by KCC.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 7:30am and 5:30pm.
For details of Horsham Lane roadworks, please see: www.roadworks.org
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline is: 03000 418181
Between Thursday 14th and Friday 15th of February, a silver Vauxhall Insignia, Reg No: DY66 GRZ was stolen from Wickham Close, Newington.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
Nine children or more in a family is rare today but not in past times. In Upchurch there are numerous examples.
The Drake family consisted of twelve children. Edmund Drake served as village vicar from 1560 to 1567. He originated from Devon and came to Upchurch after a spell living on a shipwreck on the River Medway. Drake’s eldest son Francis became a famous seaman who attacked the Spanish in the Caribbean and led the fight against the Spanish Armada in 1588. Edmund Drake is buried in the village churchyard.
Roger Chaffe, a gentleman and landowner who owned a large amount of land in Kent moved to Upchurch with his wife and nine children from London in the early nineteenth century. They lived in a big house known as Chaffes Place located near the entrance to Gore Farm in Chaffes Lane. Roger Chaffe became a patron of the church and the village school. When he died in 1843 his family moved away and the house was demolished to make way for Chaffes Cottages in 1858. Chaffes Lane is named after Roger Chaffe.
Reverend John Woodruff who served as the village vicar from 1834 to 1868 and his wife Elizabeth had a large family of ten children. They lived at Parsonage farmhouse which became the village vicarage until it was demolished in the mid-1970s. Reverend Woodruff is one of only a few Upchurch clergymen buried in the churchyard. Woodruff Close is named after him.
During the first half of the twentieth century some very large families existed in the village. Walter Godden worked as fruit foreman for farmers Wakeley Brothers and lived in Wallbridge Lane with his wife and twelve children. The family became well-known in the village but they emigrated to Canada during the 1930s. At about the same time Fred and Kate Seamer who lived in The Street had eleven children which included eight girls and three boys.
Some Upchurch farmers have produced large families. John Green and his wife Elizabeth who owned Horsham Farm during the mid-nineteenth century had fifteen children. John Green became an overseer of the poor and got involved in parish affairs. Following him James Stevens came to Upchurch during the 1870s. He lived at Boxted Farm and owned 240 acres of land in the area. He and his wife Mary produced eleven children consisting of seven boys and four girls. Some of the boys entered the family farming business and some became well-known local cricketers. Frank Stevens became a farmer, a parish council member and president of Upchurch Cricket Club during the early twentieth century, while Charles Stevens became a successful opening batsman for Upchurch Cricket Club. Les Stevens and his sons David and Mark are still involved in the family farming business.
The Barling family came to Bayford Farm during the 1920s. Charles and Esme Barling had nine children consisting of four boys and five girls. The family kept livestock and provided the village with milk for some years. Of the boys, Bill and Dave have become the most well known in the village as the owners of Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd in Oak Lane. Numerous members of the family still reside in Upchurch.
Albert and Ivy Sketchley who lived in Chaffes Lane produced ten children, five boys and five girls. Albert, who worked as a bricklayer, gained fame as a footballer with Upchurch Football Club during the 1930s and as a successful darts league player for The Brown Jug pub. His youngest son Bernard who still lives in Upchurch became a successful marathon runner at the annual Upchurch Marathon. A patron of several village organisations, he started local window business 'Kent Trade Frames Limited.' Of the girls Evelyn became Upchurch Carnival Queen in 1954.
Edward Cozens grave in the churchyard at St. Mary's, Upchurch.
Edward Cozens who owned a blacksmith’s business at The Old Bakery in Forge Lane lived in the village from 1874 to 1882. He and his wife Elizabeth had twenty one children, possibly the biggest recorded Upchurch family. Edward Cozens also served Newington and Lower Halstow as a blacksmith. When he left Upchurch his son Ernest continued living at The Old Bakery and became well-known as the village photographer, chairman of the parish council and as sub-postmaster during the early twentieth century. Edward and Elizabeth Cozens both died in 1904 and are buried in the churchyard. Their grave overlooks Forge Lane.
James and Sarah Button who first lived in Oak Lane and then at 4 Gore Bank Cottages produced what is thought to be the second biggest recorded Upchurch family of twenty children. Sarah Button also had twenty one brothers and sisters. The couple lived into old age and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1931.
The descendants of past big Upchurch families continue to live in the village but exceptionally large families remain a feature of bygone days.
About David
David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and 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.
Join the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership for our monthly Beach Clean in the park on Thursday 14th March, 9:30am - 11:30am.
Meet at Copperhouse Lane. Nearest parking is either the park's Visitor Centre (approx 15 minute walk) or opposite Copperhouse Lane in Lower Featherby Road (signed 'Grange Farm Shop').
All equipment provided, but please wear suitable clothing.
The Beach Cleans at Riverside are a monthly event and are open to all age groups. Everybody welcome.
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
Allotments
There are still plots available in the Allotment Garden and anyone interested in having one should contact the Clerk. There are preferential rates for residents.
Paddock and Recreation Ground
The new litter bin will be installed in the Paddock when the weather is better.
The Council has awarded the grounds maintenance contract to Vincent James Landscapes for the forthcoming year.
Church Clock
The clock needed a software upgrade because of the change in the National Radio Signal and this has been has carried out. A stone mason had been contacted for the centenary memorial plaque for the other side of the church door, but was unable to give a quotation as he does not work in limestone. Another stone mason has been found who will be able to replicate the original plaque.
Street Lighting
Tenders are being invited for upgrading the streetlights and permission is being sought to take out a loan for the project.
Highways
There has been a change in the nature of traffic going through the village, many drivers cut through to the Lower Rainham Road especially when the A2 is blocked. A speed survey will be carried out in Horsham Lane.
Environment
The Upchurch Great British Spring Clean will be held on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April 2019.The event was cancelled last year due to inclement weather. The initiative has been extremely successful in previous years.
The Parish Council has applied for a grant from the Swale Environment Fund towards the cost of a planter and is waiting to hear if it has been successful.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 7th March 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 20th March 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.
Refurbishment work to the bar, originally planned for next week has been bought forward to tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday. Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Have you got a few hours to spare during the week?
Kent Police are looking for volunteers to play a new role in community policing.
Could this be you?
As a Community Policing Volunteer (CPV) you’ll work closely with communities and businesses to promote community safety. You'll also identify and support vulnerable people through local engagement and working with partner agencies.
You could be responsible for patrolling a neighborhood, or in a more specific role. You will be supporting the community by;
•Providing reassurance and point of contact in the community.
•Utilising your powers to deal with antisocial behaviour and traffic management.
•Working with them and partners to resolve longer term community problems.
Working closely with regular officers, special constables, PCSO’s and partner agencies to actively seek information and intelligence around criminal activity, disorderly or anti-social behaviour and provide feedback on outcome of police action.
Shifts
You can (but do not have to) serve in an area where or close to where you live, so you already have an understanding of the community issues and key people to network with.
Kent Police are looking for a commitment of 16 hours a month. The core hours they are looking for support from you, are between 7:00am and 11:00pm, 7 days a week. In addition they request your availability to support community events and parades working alongside Police cadets and the Special constabulary.
What they are looking for in you
As a Community Policing Volunteer you will need good communication skills to build trust and confidence in a community, so you can gain vital information and intelligence to build a picture of criminal activity. Being able to listen and manage information sensitively is also important, so you can make accurate and timely electronic submissions of actionable intelligence on criminal activity, anti-social behaviour and vulnerability.
Volunteers information evening
Are you are interested in joining Kent Police as a Community Policing Volunteer? Why not come along to the information evening on Wednesday 13th February 2019 at Kent Police College (Coverdale Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 9DW). Doors open at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start
There will be the chance to speak to Kent Police staff and the recruitment team so you have all the information you need to start your journey. Registration is required for this event. Complete the form at the link >> http://bit.ly/2SAGmy0and they will confirm your attendance via Email. You will be required to bring a form of ID with you. Any guests who attend without pre-registering before the commencement of the event may not be granted access.
Become a Kent Police Volunteer - A new challenge is waiting for you...
Nigel Lawrence is running The Brighton Marathon this year on Sunday the 14th of April 2019 - raising money for Terrence Higgins Trust.
You'll probably know Nigel or recognise him if you've ever visited The Three Tuns, Lower Halstow.
Please visit Nigel's Virgin Money Giving page where you can sponsor him and help him on his way towards his target of £500 for this very worthy cause. Please remember to Gift Aid!
Nigel's story
“Hello and thank you for visiting my page!
Once again I'm running a marathon for my third consecutive year! This year though, I will be running the 2019 Brighton Marathon on the 14th April. Last year in London I crossed the finish line after 4 hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds; the best time within my charity group. This year I'm aiming to beat that, and I'm doing it all for a new cause!
I currently volunteer for HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust and this year, wanted to give back even more by fundraising for them! Terrence Higgins Trust was one of the first charities to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV, and improving the nations sexual health, ever since.
Terrence Higgins Trust offers services to people infected, or affected, by HIV and ill sexual health. They support over 100,000 people through counselling, complementary therapy, health education, work positive programme, which helps people living with HIV into employment, and more. As well as providing services, they campaign on issues from relationships and sex education in schools to the proper funding of HIV services. And on behalf of Public Health England, they lead It Starts With Me, the national HIV Prevention programme.
Their mission is to contribute to the end of HIV transmissions along with a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination. As good sexual health is a right and reality for all.
So please help me reach my total and support such an amazing cause!
For those that couldn't make it, here is a video created from the slideshow shown during the presentation.
David Powell and the Village Hall Management Committee presented their 3 year plan for the Village Hall refurbishment and improvement project at a well attended public meeting held on Tuesday 5th February 2019 at 7:00pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Medway Hospital Charity is holding a Race Night in the Restaurant at Medway Hospital on Friday 8th March, from 7:00pm, to raise money for a new dementia therapy garden.
Tickets are £7.50 per person - bring your own drinks and nibbles!
On the night you will be able to stake money on the outcome of recorded races, and if you are lucky your flutter will make you a winner!
We will also be holding a raffle to raise extra money towards the appeal.
Please contact the fundraising team on: 01634 825398 or
