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Plans are being put together by Swale Borough Council to help local foodbanks support more local families.
Cabinet members have been meeting with groups such as Children and Families, Faversham Foodbank and Sittingbourne Foodbank that run local projects to get a better understanding of the need and take up of the service.
These meetings also gave councillors the chance to see how the foodbanks work with each other and other agencies, and helped the council identify ways it could support them to become more effective.
Cllr Julian Saunders, deputy cabinet member for community at the council who is leading on the project, said:
“It’s a sad fact that there are a significant number of local people - including families with children - who simply cannot afford enough food to get by.
Thankfully, there are groups of dedicated volunteers who have been working hard to fill the gap - and it’s time for us to support them.
Cabinet members have been actively speaking to different local foodbanks to try to identify useful ways we can help them to help more local people.
By looking at provision across the borough, we’ve been able to help identify areas where there are gaps in provision, as well as flag up opportunities for more cooperation between groups.
We’re keen to help them work efficiently to support people, including making sure people are getting information about eating healthily, and signposting towards relevant advice to help address their need for a foodbank in the first place.
We also need to make sure people are more aware of our foodbanks so that donations of food and cash increase.”
The plans to support local foodbanks are being finalised but will include funding to help with logistics and advice.
The project is being put together by a number of cabinet and deputy cabinet members including Cllr Angela Harrison, Cllr Richard Palmer, Cllr Hannah Perkin and Cllr Saunders.
Swale Borough Council
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The Village Survival Guide
Today is officially the first day of National Countryside Week.
The British countryside is a huge natural asset and its contribution to our everyday life cannot be underestimated, so to help ensure its future, The Prince's Countryside Fund has launched The Village Survival Guide - How to build a strong community.
Featuring a foreword from Miranda Hart, the guide is based on the lived experiences of rural residents from all across the UK, and will help communities tackle a multitude of issues to make sure that their community will thrive in the future.
Featuring advice from experts, as well as the stories of those who've made a real difference in their rural community, The Village Survival Guide is a colourful manual that features case histories, checklists and practical advice, and is intended to help those living in the countryside to utilise the talents available in their own communities to tackle some of the social and economic barriers they face.
The Village Survival Guide follows on from the Fund’s 2018 research, which saw over 3000 people tell the charity about the challenges they faced living in rural areas, and how they were pulling together to overcome these.
Keep an eye on social media pages for updates throughout the week:
The Prince's Countryside Fund
The fund's vision is of a confident, robust and sustainable agricultural and rural community which is universally appreciated for its vital contribution to the British way of life and fit to support future generations.
The Prince's Countryside Fund is passionate about the countryside. Established by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010, The Prince’s Countryside Fund exists to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life. Through their partnerships and events such as National Countryside Week they celebrate and promote the value of the countryside.
To help ensure the future of our countryside they:
• Provide more than £1m in grant and initiative funding every year to projects across the UK that help to provide a secure future for the countryside.
• Lead their own initiatives, such as The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme.
• Commission research into issues affecting farming families and rural communities.
• Are an advocate for the countryside and bring together individuals and businesses to help us tackle current challenges.
• Help communities in crisis through their Emergency Fund.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund relies on the income they generate through their corporate partnerships, events and donations. They are grateful for the generosity of all those that support them.
Upchurch Matters
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Because of works on overhead power lines, Kent County Council has made an order to prohibit through traffic and cycles on various roads and a cycle track, in Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone and Swale, as per the below.
22nd July 2019 for 75 days - Cycle Track - Fastrack Bluewater (next to A296 Watling Street).
31st July 2019 for 3 weeks - D398 Batts Road J/W D397 Gold Street To D398 Batts Road J/W D397 Henley Street - between Batt’s Road and Henley Street, Cobham.
The alternative route is via Henley Street and vice versa.
31st July 2019 for 3 weeks - Dabbs Place, Cobham - between Copt Hall Road and Henhurst Road.
The alternative route is via Church Road and Henhurst Road and vice versa.
2nd August 2019 for 28 mornings between 04.00hrs and 07.00hrs - only 5 days out of 28 will be closed as and when signage is on site - A206 Crossways Boulevard, Dartford - between Anchor Boulevard Roundabout to Galleon Boulevard Roundabout.
The alternative route is via A206, A226, Cotton Lane, B3228, A206 and vice versa.
23rd September 2019 for 3 weeks - White Hill Road, Detling - between Scragged Oak Road and Kemsley Street Road.
The alternative route is via Magpie Lane, Cox Street, Matts Hill, Matts Hill Road and vice versa.
9th September 2019 for 11 days - Boxted Lane, Newington - between Breach Lane and Church View Cottages.
The alternative route is via Breach Lane, The Street, Sheerness Road, Basser Hill, Iwade Road and vice versa.
9th September 2019 for 11 days - Wardwell Lane, Lower Halstow - between School Lane and Newington Enterprise Centre.
The alternative route is via Breach Lane, The Street, Sheerness Road, Basser Hill, Iwade Road and vice versa.
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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Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Section 14(1), As Amended By The Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991.
I am writing as a matter of courtesy to advise that Kent County Council has made an Order the effect of which is to temporarily close for a distance of 20 metres either side of the point at which the power line crosses the path;
• Public Footpath ZR45 at NGR TQ 8573 6617
• Public Footpath ZR46 at NGR TQ 8600 6619
• Public Footpath ZR47 at NGR TQ 8608 6619
• Public Footpath ZR50 at NGR TQ 8653 6622
On or after the 29th July 2019.
The paths will be closed for a maximum of six months, although it is expected that each individual path will be closed for a period of approximately two weeks.
The paths are closed because works to replace the overhead line conductor are planned on or near the path.
There will be no alternative route during the closure.
For detailed enquiries please contact Michael Ellis. Contact Centre no: 03000 417171
Kind Regards
Mr William Barfoot
Definitive Map Team | PROW & Access | Countryside and Community Development | Growth, Environment & Transport | Kent County Council
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Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day.
If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.
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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To contact the project team, Email: info@leighacademyrainhamplans.co.uk
Upchurch Matters
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Remembrance Sunday [Poppy Day] will be on the 10th of November.
The Royal British Legion, established in 1921, is a UK charity providing lifelong welfare support for the Armed Forces, Reservists, Veterans and their families. It organises the National Poppy Day Appeal as the main fundraiser for its welfare duties and it puts on the Festival of Remembrance.
In Upchurch a team of collectors will again be making the annual house-to-house collections from Saturday the 26th October to Saturday 9th November.
Volunteer house-to-house collectors are needed for Butchers Green, Eastwood Meadow, Forge Lane, Kent Terrace, Quilters Yard, The Street and Woods Edge - if you would be willing to give two hours of your time to collect in one or more of these roads during the appeal please contact me.
Also I would welcome help with organising which covers the periods leading up to, during and after the appeal. Ideally I would like someone to come forward and be willing “to learn the ropes” with a view to taking over in 2020.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Gerry Lewin - Poppy Day Appeal Organiser
Telephone: 01634 366113 - 07946 996789
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The pop-up Co-op, Upchurch, currently situated in the yard is not able to cope with what is required, especially during the recent warm weather.
It has been deemed not fit for purpose unfortunately and will close permanently this evening, Saturday 27th July at around 7:00pm.
Work to reopen the main store is ongoing with no completion date available at this time.
Nearest stores are:
37 High Street, Newington.
22 Parkwood Green, Rainham.
Sorry for any inconvenience
David Davies
Manager - Upchurch Co-op
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Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch
Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past 2 months:
| May 2019 | June 2019 |
|---|
| All crime | 37 | 42 |
| Anti-social behaviour | 9 | 4 |
| Bicycle theft | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 |
| Criminal damage and arson | 4 | 3 |
| Drugs | 0 | 0 |
| Other crime | 2 | 1 |
| Other theft | 1 | 5 |
| Possession of weapons | 0 | 0 |
| Public order | 6 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 1 | 0 |
| Theft from the person | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle crime | 0 | 2 |
| Violence and sexual offences | 12 | 25
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Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.
Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past 2 months:
| May 2019 | June 2019 |
|---|
| All crime | 38 | 42 |
| Anti-social behaviour | 13 | 15 |
| Bicycle theft | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 0 | 2 |
| Criminal damage and arson | 6 | 4 |
| Drugs | 0 | 0 |
| Other crime | 1 | 0 |
| Other theft | 1 | 1 |
| Possession of weapons | 0 | 0 |
| Public order | 5 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 0 | 2 |
| Theft from the person | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle crime | 1 | 4 |
| Violence and sexual offences | 11 | 13
|
Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.
Celebrating Will Adams
The bond between Medway and Japan began with Will Adams.
Will Adams established the first trading link between Britain and Japan and each year thousands of residents and visitors celebrate maritime history and Japanese culture at the Will Adams Festival in Gillingham Park.
Adams, born in Gillingham, joined the Navy and set sail as Chief Navigator on flagship Hope in 1598. In 1600 his ship ran aground on the Japanese Island Kyushu.
Though he was captured and imprisoned as a pirate, the Shogun appointed him as a trusted aide and diplomatic advisor because of his knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation, binding Medway and Japan.
This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, 7th September at Gillingham Park, from 11:00am to 4:30pm - FREE entry.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see and have a go at traditional Taiko drumming, Origami and Japanese martial arts. These martial arts originated in the warrior traditions of the Samurai. Adams himself was awarded the honoured title of Samurai when he proved himself to be a knowledgeable and trusted advisor.
There will also be a history exhibition on display, created by St. Mary’s Magdalene Church at Gillingham Green, where Adams was christened.
The Will Adams Festival introduces residents to an important part of Medway’s history, allowing them to learn about, and experience, contemporary Japanese culture.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“We are excited to, once again, celebrate our close connection with Japan at our annual Will Adams festival. It is important that we continue to recognize Medway’s cultural heritage. I am looking forward to seeing our residents learning, experiencing and celebrating our maritime history and Japanese culture.”
Getting to the festival
There will be limited adjacent street parking or you can easily get to Gillingham Park by public transport.
You can get the following buses:
• 101 to Jeffrey Street (5 minute walk to park)
• 182 to Gillingham High Street (15 minute walk to park)
• 116 to Canterbury Street (1 minute walk to park)
• 132 to Jezreels (3 minute walk to park).
Please note these are all estimated times.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
Medway Council
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The illustration shows an initial design including an adjacent sports hall,
available for community use. It is anticipated that construction of the
new academy will begin next autumn. The school is due to open in September 2020.
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Exhibition
The project team for Bowmer + Kirkland, the main contractor for the proposed Leigh Academy Rainham are holding a public exhibition where members of the community can review and comment on proposals to build a new secondary academy in Rainham, before they submit their planning application to Medway Council.
The exhibition will take place at St, Margaret’s Millennium Centre, Gatekeeper Chase, Rainham, Kent, ME8 9BH on Friday the 6th of September 2019 between 2:00pm and 7:00pm.
The Plans
It is proposed to build the new mixed 11-18 yr secondary academy, which will be part of the Leigh Academies Trust group of schools on a site south of the railway at Otterham Quay Lane, junction of A2 Moor Street, known locally as Westmoor Farm.
School Places
If you are interested in a school place or working at Leigh Academy Rainham, the Leigh Academies Trust have set up a website: www.leighacademyrainham.org.uk where you can register to be kept up to date regarding open events and the admissions process for the new school.
To contact the project team, Email: info@leighacademyrainhamplans.co.uk
Upchurch Matters
More support is being offered to help rough sleepers get off the streets in Swale.
Swale Borough Council is investing £150,000 in a more proactive approach to helping rough sleepers by working with charities and voluntary groups to help identify and support them back into suitable housing.
A new rough sleeping coordinator has been appointed who is working with local charities and voluntary groups such as food banks and soup kitchens to help identify and support those sleeping on the streets.
The council has also brought in specialist outreach and complex needs workers from the homeless charity Porchlight. These workers support people living on the streets by assessing their housing, social and healthcare needs, and working with partner agencies to help them move towards a more positive future.
The council are already putting together plans with community groups to provide a night shelter in winter to make sure rough sleepers have a safe warm place to stay on the coldest nights.
Cllr Ben Martin, cabinet member for housing at the council, said:
“Getting people off the streets and helping them access the support they need is a priority for the new administration, but we know we can’t do this by ourselves.
There are already local and regional groups that are working to support people who are sleeping rough, such as food banks and soup kitchens. We want to work with these groups so we can encourage rough sleepers to engage with the support services that can help them.
Porchlight offer us some of the best outreach support available, so working with them gives us the greatest chance of helping the most difficult cases.
This won’t be easy, and we won’t solve it overnight, which is why we’re also working on plans to provide night shelter in the winter months, so no-one should be left out in the cold.
All of this is part of our wider plans to address the severe housing issues we face in the borough - we need more genuinely affordable homes that meet local people’s needs.”
Chris Thomas from Porchlight, said:
"The funding from Swale Borough Council means that Porchlight can get more help to people on the streets.
We'll also be working closely with other homelessness and housing services in the area to ensure everyone gets the support they need."
Swale Borough Council
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Partnership asks businesses to ‘Give an Hour’ and make a difference to the future career choices a young person makes.
The Give an Hour campaign is reaching out to businesses to give an hour of their time to introduce young people to the world of work. This initiative is delivered as part of the Enterprise Adviser Network (EAN), which is funded nationally by The Careers & Enterprise Company and locally by The West Kent Partnership, Medway Council and Kent County Council in partnership with The Education People.
The Network helps young people realise their career potential by promoting career paths and delivering employability activities, and helps schools engage with businesses in their local community. The Network helps to address the skills needs of our local economy but equally important is the potential to improve outcomes and provide greater opportunities for our young people - the workforce of the future.
James Roberts, CEO of The Education People, said:
“As an ex-school leader, and parent, I have witnessed the huge impact that employers can have on the education, aspirations and life chances of children and young people. They can provide inspiration to those at risk of becoming disengaged, provide clarity for those confused about their future career path, and provide tangible solutions to those who are seeking guidance and support. The Give an Hour campaign aims to do just that and I would encourage businesses to sign up and help change the lives of young people in their local area”
The Give an Hour campaign is a great way to give something back to the community. Opportunities are also available for business leaders to get involved in strategic partnerships with local schools and colleges as well as other inspiring activities across Kent and Medway.
Iain Hawthorne, Regional Food and Drink Director at HSBC and Enterprise Adviser, said:
“The importance of inspiring the future generations to live and work in the great county of Kent is not only a privilege to do, but incredibly valuable to young people. Whilst both challenging and rewarding, it’s also fun and develops a great sense of helping the community.”
An hour may not sound like enough time to have an impact but activities such as mock interviews, CV workshops or a career insight session can make such a difference to a group of young people.
Volunteer Enterprise Adviser and business owner, Susan Pearson said of the campaign:
“It is a very powerful initiative that brings local businesses and schools together and helps to influence the future workforce. Through the campaign, the students benefit from the knowledge shared by the business leaders - whether that be through coaching, interview training or even work experience. The business leaders benefit from inspiring and shaping the talent of the future, as well as supporting their local communities.
As a local business owner, I can see great benefit in this scheme - for the sake of an hour of their time, business individuals can make a huge difference to a student's career outlook and prospects, whilst also getting an insight into the next generation entering the workplace. Furthermore, the design of this scheme makes it a fun and easy process for all involved, and so producing much more effective results.”
Suz Elvey | Communications Officer | People and Communications | Kent County Council
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The new opening hours for Kent’s Libraries have been decided and will take effect from Monday 30th September 2019.
The pattern of opening hours at each Library has recently been subject to a local engagement with Library customers.
During a three-week public engagement, customers were asked for their comments and invited to vote for their first and second preferences for the opening hours from a range of options for each Library offered - each option was for a different arrangement of the same number of hours the Library would be open.
The results were carefully considered and the hours chosen have all been based on the results and comments made.
Each Library is currently displaying a poster detailing the new opening hours.
This exercise followed a 10-week consultation by KCC’s Libraries, Registration and Archives service last November on its proposed new strategy which included the proposal for tiering Libraries. This outlined which Libraries would be in each tier and how many hours a week each Library would be open.
Following review of the consultation results, Mike Hill, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, took the decision in March 2019 to implement the strategy, which included the tiering model and the Libraries in each tier.
The current opening hours and new opening hours for Sittingbourne Library, beginning Monday 30th September 2019 can be found at the link here >> http://bit.ly/2YcJI9b
Murray Evans
Kent County Council
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PCSO John Cork holds regular Police Surgeries in Upchurch so residents can speak to him about any local Policing issues they may have.
Police Surgery dates for Upchurch are:
Friday 30th August between 2:00pm and 3:00pm at Snaffles
Saturday 28th September between 2:00pm and 3:00pm at Snaffles
Saturday 26th October between 2:00pm and 3:00pm at Snaffles
If residents need to contact PSCO Cork before these dates they can ring the 101 number or John's mobile: 07772 226217
PCSO John Cork
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Overall Winner Peter Boakes - 97 Chaffes Lane
All gardens in the Parish that can be viewed from the front of your home were judged on Saturday the 20th of July 2019.
The judging took place without interviews with the occupants - so if you were shopping or on holiday your garden would have still been judged!
The winners and highly commended gardens in the following 4 categories are:
Overall Winner
Peter Boakes - 97 Chaffes Lane
Flowers and Shrubs
Winner
Leslie Long - 130 Chaffes Lane
Highly Commended
John Lewin - 21 Drakes Close
Small Garden
Winner
Margaret Packer - 11 Chaffes Terrace
Highly Commended
Julie & Steve Laming - 1 Church Farm Road
Hanging Baskets and Container Garden
Winner
Peter Boakes - 97 Chaffes Lane
Highly Commended
Jeannette & Jim McAlpine - 51 Crosier Court
Beckenham Park
Winner
Paul & Pauline Knights - 66 Beckenham Park
Highly Commended
Frederick & Stephanie Kemsley - 6 Beckenham Park
Rosemary & Stephen Stringer - 48 Beckenham Park
Leslie Long - 130 Chaffes Lane
John Lewin - 21 Drakes Close
Margaret Packer - 11 Chaffes Terrace
Julie & Steve Laming - 1 Church Farm Road
Jeannette & Jim McAlpine - 51 Crosier Court
Paul & Pauline Knights - 66 Beckenham Park
Frederick & Stephanie Kemsley - 6 Beckenham Park
Rosemary & Stephen Stringer - 48 Beckenham Park
The overall winner was judged to be Peter Boakes for his beautifully presented garden in Chaffes Lane. As overall winner, Peter will be presented with the Barbara Webb Memorial Rose Bowl to keep until next year’s winner is announced.
Prizes for the above along with highly commended certificates will be presented at the Upchurch Horticultural Society - September Summer Show, taking place at 2:00pm on Saturday the 14th at Peter Boakes, 97 Chaffes Lane, Upchurch.
Everyone is welcome to visit the show.
Upchurch Parish Council will be in touch with all the winners and those awarded highly commended over the coming weeks.
Thank you to all the Judges for their time and effort. The competition would not be possible without their support.
Peter also picks up this year's 1st Prize of 'Special High Tea' for 4 people at The BarnYard, Upchurch who have kindly sponsored this year's competition again. Thank you.
Please see menu below:
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On behalf of Upchurch Parish Council and Upchurch Horticultural Society.
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