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Local community groups and projects can get the extra funding support they need thanks to the member grant scheme.
Almost £113,000 funding is available from local councillors, as each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £2,400 available to support small-scale, local community projects through the member grants scheme. From Monday 3rd June, community groups throughout Swale can bid for funding for projects that provide benefits in areas including culture, sport, recreation, health, environment and community safety.
The application process is easy; groups simply need to discuss the project with their local councillor in order to get their support and fill in a simple application form.
Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of Swale Borough Council, said:
“Local projects and community groups make such a difference to our neighbourhoods. From larger community led organisations, to smaller one-off projects, they all deserve as much help as they can get.
These grants are the perfect way for us to help these groups continue with their hard work and efforts.”
Just some of the previous projects and organisations that received funding from the member grants scheme include:
• Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta - £850 provided by five local councillors to provide a 10k and 2k fun run.
• Sittingbourne Food Bank - £3,050 provided by nine local councillors to help provide funds for storage.
• Children Centre’s Early Help - £1,000 provided by eight local councillors to fund a children’s Christmas party for disadvantaged families within the area.
• Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association - £400 provided by two local councillors to provide an Autism Chill Out Zone at the Christmas Lights.
• Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey - £2,000 provided by three local councillors to help provide the Dementia Café for the local community. The group was named Alzheimer’s Society National Youth Champions 2018 for the Dementia Café. The award was presented by Angela Rippon CBE November 2018 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London. Paul Murray from the Oasis Academy Dementia Café said: “Without the funding this would have not been possible.”
The member grant scheme is not the only funding available this financial year. Organisations can also apply for:
• Heritage Grants - £10,000 is available in the Heritage Grants pot.
• Culture Grants – there is £10,000 allocated in the Culture Grants Fund.
• Sports and Physical Activity Grants - funding of £20,000 is available for this financial year.
• Environment Grants - after the successful trial of a new Environment Grants earlier this year, we have reopened it for this financial year, with £5,000 available: www.swale.gov.uk/environment-grants
Swale Borough Council
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ROADWORKS ON ST MICHAEL’S ROAD DUE
TO BEGIN ON JUNE 10TH
The Spirit of Sittingbourne partnership will be undertaking roadworks on St Michael’s Road in June, as part of the regeneration of the town centre.
The works will be on the gyratory at the far western side of St Michael’s Road, before it intersects with Dover Street, beginning on June 10th and due to be finished in December 2019.
Work will occur across two stages, on each side of the road. This will mean a single lane will remain open throughout the works period, allowing traffic to flow through. The road will be converted to a single-lane route permanently following the works.
Whilst we are working to minimise any impact arising from these works, with a single lane remaining open throughout, we are advising residents to build additional time into their journeys once the works begin.
Local shops and businesses will remain open as usual. Access to Cockleshell Walk Car Park will be maintained throughout the works, though will result in a temporary reduction in the number of parking spaces.
Contact: Kevin McKeever or Gordon McKee
Tel: 01795 602011
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Get on your bike this summer with the Medway Cycling Festival.
The Medway Cycling Festival returns this year with nine days of events and activities to encourage residents to get out and about on their bikes.
The festival, from Saturday 8th June, until Sunday 16th June, marks the start of an exciting summer of cycling in Medway and is designed to encourage riders of all ages and abilities to explore Medway’s cycle routes.
There will be a number of free rides on offer of various lengths and difficulties exploring Medway’s landmarks, heritage and network of cycle paths, including a women-only Breeze ride on the popular Heron Trail. Suitable for people aged 16 and above. To find out more and to book onto one of the Active Medway Cycle Group Let’s Ride events Email: cycling@medway.gov.uk or visit: www.letsride.co.uk
Free adult beginners cycling lessons will also be on offer to help bike owners master the basics of riding a bike. Email: cycling@medway.gov.uk to book your place.
Cyclists will then have the chance to take part in a series of non-competitive rides as Medway Sport joins forces with Evans to stage a day of Ride It Sportives on Sunday 15th June. Three rides, ranging from 30 to 80 miles, will set off and finish at Medway Park and take riders on a tour of the Kent countryside.
On each ride there will be waymarked routes, feed stations sponsored by High 5 Sports Nutrition and mechanical and sweeper van support if things go wrong. There will be electronic chip timing to recorder riders journeys and everyone who completes a course will receive a finisher’s medal. Prices starts from £20 per adult, children ride free.
For more information visit: www.medway.gov.uk/cyclingfestival
Get pumped at Medway’s new BMX pump track at Queen Elizabeth Fields, Gillingham, on Saturday 15th June, from noon to 4:00pm. Young riders and families can enjoy free coaching and skills sessions with coaches from British Cycling, organised supervised races on the track, BMX tricks displays plus free bike servicing and repairs.
The summer of cycling continues in July when Rochester stages the British Cycling’s HSBC UK National Circuit Championships. On Sunday 21st July, the UK’s top elite male and female riders will race around Rochester’s cobbled streets. Previous winners of the national event include World and Olympic champions. The event will be free for spectators to enjoy, with the women’s race starting at 5:00pm and the men’s race at 6:30pm.
Before the elite men’s and women’s championships races the public has a chance to ride the course in the Medway Big Ride. From 2:30pm to 3:30pm you can register to ride on closed roads around the majority of the 1.6km looping race route.
There will also be a range of activities and family-fun in and around Rochester Castle Gardens including a pump track, stunt shows, British Cycling skills coaching, trade stalls, refreshments and more. There are limited places available for the Big Ride and registration opens on Tuesday 21st May.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “The Medway Cycling Festival is a great opportunity for residents to find out more about the 81.5 miles of cycle routes across Medway and experience them for themselves. Cycling is a great way for residents to become more active and I would encourage cyclists of all ages to sign up for the Medway Big Ride when registration opens. It’s a fantastic event and this year you will be able to ride the same course as elite cyclists.”
Medway Council
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Residents are invited to spend Father’s Day celebrating maritime Medway at the River Festival.
The free family event will return to Chatham waterfront on Sunday, 16th June, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Enjoy demonstrations and have-a-go river and land activities. The popular fire tug returns to the River Festival and this year there will be performances by the army boat display team.
Visitors can step inside a giant 18m inflatable whale, meet the cheerful Navigator, and experience a funny and interactive show which aims to highlight the impact plastic has on the environment through a series of fun, learning and theatrical experiences.
There will be food stalls, Father’s Day activities and children’s entertainment alongside arts and crafts in Chatham Library.
Visitors can watch dance performances from a number of troupes at Dance on the Pier at Sun Pier House from 12:00pm until 4:00pm. With a mix of dance genres, visitors will have the chance to try out some of the styles.
Find out more about the exciting Command of the Heights project which is currently underway at Chatham Riverside and Fort Amherst. The project will transform areas of historic value including the Barrier Ditch, a critical part of Chatham’s defences. Work has also begun to transform the Spur Battery, which was once used for troop encampments, siege warfare training and military punishment, into an amphitheatre with seating for outdoor performances.
The significant heritage regeneration project has secured £1.78 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The council is also contributing £400,000.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “The River Festival celebrates Medway’s maritime history and gives residents and visitors the chance to watch river-based activities such as rowing, sailing and kayaking. There will also be plenty of activities on land including theatrical workshops inside a giant inflatable whale and arts and crafts. I would encourage residents to come along and celebrate the River Medway with us.”
The River Festival takes place along Chatham Waterfront, from Sun Pier to Gun Wharf, on Sunday, 16th June from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Medway Council
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Summer teaching experience in Italy
Come and experience northern Italian countryside life with Avia at their unique English Summer Camp opportunity.
Avia are looking to recruit English speaking young people (minimum age 18 years) to help teach, lead and organise games and projects through play with Italian children between the ages of 3 and 12 years.
StartIng in July and running through to September, the Camp is conducted in English and is designed to encourage young Italian people to learn the English language, whilst at play.
If you are looking for a fulfilling summer gap year experience, Avia are who you are looking for!
If you think you are a perfect match then they will be happy to welcome you on board. Flights and accommodation will be provided.
For more information, please Email: info@aviatranslations.it Skype address: ileanaachino
Facebook: Avia Villanova d'Asti Website: www.aviatranslations.it/en
Avia Villanova d'Asti has strong family ties with Upchurch and any residents who would like more information can contact Bryan Veale on: 01634 234047.
Sara Lanfranco
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Looking for some half-term fun?
Desert Adventure is a FREE children's fun morning happening at St. Mary's Church, Newington on Thursday 30th May from 10:00am until 12:00pm.
A fun children's session with a desert theme and lots of craft and games activities, following the story of Moses.
For more information, to book places or download a registration form, please go to: www.thesix.org.uk/funday or you can register on the day.
Thank you
Rosie Liddell
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Everyone wanting to visit Medway’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will need to bring ID with them from Monday, 3rd June.
Following further discussions with Kent County Council (KCC) it has been agreed that KCC residents will continue to have access to Medway’s three HWRCs after Monday, 3rd June, for the next 18 months.
Earlier this month it was announced that, following KCC’s decision to charge Kent residents to dispose of certain materials at their HWRCs, Medway Council would be making changes to the centres in Capstone, Cuxton and Gillingham.
Medway Council has always been committed to ensuring that Medway residents do not have to pay at any of Medway’s three HWRCs.
Everyone will need to bring one form of ID with them if they wish to use the centres and their full postcodes will be recorded to enable us to identify and monitor usage by KCC residents.
This ID could be a:
• Council Tax bill from the current Council Tax financial year
• Driving licence (a photocard or paper licence will be accepted)
• Utility bill* (gas, electric or water)
• TV licence*
• Bank or building society statement*
• Benefits award statement*
• Letter from HMRC or the home office*
*less than a year old
Staff at Medway’s HWRCs will ask residents to show their identification at the entrance of each site.
To help ensure this process runs smoothly, each site will be closed to make changes to site entrances. The Capstone centre is currently closed and is anticipated to reopen from Thursday, 30th May. Further closures will be announced in due course.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Medway residents are always at the heart of what we do and we are committed to ensuring that our residents do not have to pay at our recycling centres. We are pleased to have come to a pragmatic, sensible agreement with Kent County Council to ensure that our centres will also remain open to residents living in the Kent area. This will particularly benefit residents who live on the outskirts of Medway on our boundary with Kent County Council.
“It’s incredibly important to us that we all continue to dispose of our waste responsibly to protect our local environment. Allowing KCC residents access to our centres for the next 18 months will give KCC time to bring forward its own facilities to meet the needs of Kent residents.”
Medway’s centres offer an easy way to recycle as residents can dispose of more than 30 types of materials including scrap metal, wood and clothing.
For more information about Medway’s HWRCs visit: www.medway.gov.uk/recyclingcentres
Kent County Council plans to have a new HWRC in Tonbridge and Malling in place for their residents.
Medway Council’s three HWRCs are:
• Cuxton Waste and Recycling Centre, Sundridge Hill, Rochester, ME2 1LF
• Hoath Way Waste and Recycling Centre, Ambley Way, Gillingham, ME8 0QH
• Capstone Waste and Recycling Centre, Shawstead Road, Lordwood, ME7 3JL
Medway Council
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Report of the Parish Council May 2019
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.
Councillors
Cllr Tyrone Ripley was elected Chairman of the Parish Council for another year and Cllr John Arnold has been appointed Vice Chairman.
Neil Sheppard was co-opted onto the Parish Council.
Paddock and Recreation Ground
A new bin has been installed at the Recreation Ground.
The Parish Council has agreed that all dogs must be kept on short leads in the Paddock and only four dogs per dog walker. Owners must clean up after their dogs as dog fouling can lead to an increased risk in and toxocara canis can pass from dog poo to humans as Toxocariasis through contaminated sand or soil, and children are at particular risk.
Planning
i. Ref: 19/501302/FULL
Address: Antolin Interiors Sittingbourne Distribution Centre Spade Lane Upchurch ME9 7TT
Proposal: Upgrade of gatehouse, extension to existing hardstanding and addition of 3 no. disabled parking spaces, 4 no. electrical vehicles charging points and 1 no. substation.
Councillors considered the application and had no objections to the proposal.
ACTION: Clerk to inform Hartlip Parish Council of the application.
ii. Ref: Ref: 19/501773/OUT
Address: Land off Jubilee Fields Upchurch Kent ME9 7AQ
Proposal: Outline application for residential development of 41no. two, three and four bedroom houses. (All matters reserved except for access).
Councillors AGREED UNANIMOUSLY to object to the proposal.
ACTION: Cllr Rosewell to draft response.
iii. Ref: 19/501816/FULL
Address: Whitegate Stables Wallbridge Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME8 7XH
Proposal: Change of use of the land for the stationing of a mobile home for a temporary period (Retrospective).
Councillors considered the application. Concern was raised that people should put structures on land and then apply for retrospective planning permission.
Councillors AGREED UNANIMOUSLY to object to the proposal.
iv. Ref: 19/501819/FULL
Address: 16 Oak Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AT
Proposal: Construction of front porch and rear/side first floor extension. Conversion of extended loft into habitable space to include the installation of a rear dormer window and 2no. roof lights to front elevation. Internal alterations and changes to fenestration (Resubmission to 18/505524/FULL).
Councillors considered the application and had no comment to make save that neighbours’ comments be taken into consideration.
Allotments
There are still a few plots available in Upchurch and anyone interested in having an allotment garden should contact the Clerk. There is a preferential rate for residents.
Parking issues at Holywell School
The Swale Parking Enforcement Team are continuing to monitor the area. Drivers are requested to park in a safe and considerate manner, failure to do so may result in a fine.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 6th June 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 19th June 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.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Cllr Roger Truelove has been elected as leader of a new coalition administration at Swale Borough Council.
The leader was elected by fellow councillors at Annual Council last night following elections earlier this month.
The meeting also saw a new cabinet and deputies appointed to make decisions on resources and priorities to deliver and implement the budget and policies decided by the council.
The new cabinet is made up of:
• Cllr Roger Truelove - leader of the council and lead member for finance
• Cllr Mike Baldock - deputy leader and planning
• Cllr Richard Palmer - community
• Cllr Monique Bonney - economy and property
• Cllr Tim Valentine - environment
• Cllr Angela Harrison - health and wellbeing
• Cllr Ben J Martin – housing
The new deputy cabinet members are:
• Cllr Derek Carnell - finance
• Cllr Alastair Gould - planning
• Cllr Julian Saunders - community
• Cllr Sarah Stephen - economy and property
• Cllr Eddie Thomas - environment
• Cllr Hannah Perkin - health and wellbeing
• Cllr Ghlin Whelan - housing
The meeting also agreed new chairs for council committees and appointments to outside bodies.
For more information, including more details about what the cabinet portfolios cover, you can read the reports on the meeting agenda page
Swale Borough Council
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See an excavated small Roman town …
One of the most significant sites in Kent
Newington’s Iron Age and Roman site open for public viewing for only one day at a free event on Thursday, May 23rd, 10:00am - 4:00pm, at Watling Place (Persimmon Homes site), 99 High Street, Newington ME9 7JJ.
The excavations can be made public now that all the artefacts have been removed and the site’s features recorded. This is your only opportunity to see what’s been revealed before a new housing estate covers the area.
You’ll be able to see a Romano-Celtic temple - such temples are so rare that they are considered to be of national importance. Also, rare Iron Age bloomer furnaces and Roman pottery kilns in situ, and a main Roman road.
There are three access points. Via the marketing suite for adults only, with entry every 30 minutes from 10:00am (last entry 3:00pm), or for adults and children from the public footpaths at Iwade Road (opp. the church) and A2 (opp. Eden Meadow) to a viewing terrace at any time during open hours. Only adults in hi-vis jackets can go from the terrace to the excavation area.
Newington History Group (NHG) is publicising the Open Day on behalf of SWAT Archaeology, who are responsible for co-ordinating the event and ensuring public safety on the construction site. Hi-vis jackets and hard hats are available from the marketing suite, but bringing your own would assist us.
Access to the site is entirely at the discretion of Persimmon Homes.
We regret there is no access for people with mobility issues or who are visually impaired.
An on-site cafe will be selling lunches and refreshments.
Richard Thompstone - Newington History Group
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Daytime closures of part of Callaways Lane, Newington are planned from Monday 10th June 2019 for an estimated period of up to 5 days, starting from 9:30am each day.
Callaways Lane will be closed in the general vicinity of ‘Cranbrook Farm’, with no through access.
The alternative route for traffic west of the closure is via A2 High Street, Bull Lane and Callaways Lane, and vice versa.
Traffic north and east of the closure can continue to access Callaways Lane from A2 High Street, but to exit will need to follow the above diversion, as there is No Entry from Callaways Lane into A2 High Street.
Closures have been timed to start from 9:30am onwards to allow most commuters to exit Callaways Lane via Bull Lane before works start each day.
After 09:30 hours traffic will be able to exit via Bull Lane, but subject to delays to allow temporary ramps to be placed to allow vehicles through.
The road will be re-opened each night after works have been completed.
The closures are to enable works to provide a new water connection to be carried out by Clancy Docwra, working with Southern Water.
This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site and is valid for a period of no more than 21 days.
There is a slight chance that the works may over-run for such reasons as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.
The Southern Water Customer Services Team phone number is: 0845 278 0845
The Kent County Council Highways helpline is: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks, see: www.roadworks.org
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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Do you know a young person who really does try to do their best?
If you do, perhaps their efforts should be rewarded by recognition at the annual Try Angle Awards organised by KCC.
The awards, which are in their 25th anniversary year, raise the profile of young people aged between 11-18 years (up to 25 years with additional needs) in their community who try really hard, often with little recognition.
All nominations receive a recognition certificate and are entered into district finals. Three nominees in each category and their guests are invited to the Spirit of Try Angle County Final where the overall winner is announced.
The efforts and achievements of young people are divided into these 8 categories:
Arts - for personal achievement in arts, in any form.
Music - for personal achievement in music, in any form.
Sport or outdoor activities - recognising achievement in any sport or outdoor activity, demonstrating fair play and commitment.
Community action - marking a contribution made to a community e.g. school councils, youth forums, charity work, environmental project and campaigns.
Good friends and young carers - recognising those who spend time being a good friend, mentor or carer to another in their family or community.
Personal development - for special achievement in education, training or other activities, making changes to improve.
Courage - recognising acts of courage displayed with coping bravely with illness or other adversity.
Positive intervention - where an individual or group has prevented harm, bullying, discrimination or damage.
Nominations for 2019 are now open until Sunday 30th June 2019. Anyone can nominate a young person for an award.
Kent County Council
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Co-op Membership - supporting local causes
Applications for the next round of funding beginning 27th October 2019 are now open. Local causes have until Sunday 16th June 2019 to complete their applications.
The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects that make a difference to local communities close to their stores and funeral homes. Thanks to their members, together we've helped raise an amazing £19 million for local causes across the UK since November 2017. The Co-op website estimates there will be around £12,500.00 to share between the 3 causes chosen in our community.
The Co-op will let you know if you're successful by October 2019. If you are you’ll be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months - from 27th October 2019 to 24th October 2020. You'll receive your share of the funding in 2 payments - one in April 2020 and one in November 2020. New causes are chosen every 12 months.
Apply to be a local cause now at: www.coop.co.uk/causes
Our current 3 local causes are:
Upchurch Scout Group
Demelza Hospice Care for Children
Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee
How the fund works
The Co-op gives 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 projects - from improving community spaces or helping young people learn life skills, to simply connecting people.
You can choose which cause your own 1% goes to. Any money raised by members who don’t select a cause is shared equally between the causes in their local area. 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.
Member benefits - 5% for you
When you buy selected products and services from the Co-op, including their food stores, they will put 5% of what you spend into your Co-op Membership account. You can spend it on most things you buy from them - not just Co-op products. Spend the money you've earned in rewards by showing your card or giving your membership number when you pay.
Coastal Canines is an initiative of Bird Wise to encourage people to adopt responsible behaviours when visiting the coast, in an effort to reduce disturbance to the birds that depend on the coastal habitats throughout the year.
It is hoped that by promoting good behaviour and having ambassadors to champion responsible dog walking and ownership, the bad behaviours will reduce and bird populations will thrive. It will be FREE to join and members will sign up to a code of conduct when they register online.
We hope to get dog trainers and businesses on board to form a directory of those businesses that understand our ethos and agree to adhere to the codes of behaviour.
Follow us on social media for updates:
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