Sunday, 30 May 2021
Poolside Bar & Courtyard Presents Jersey Boys and the Legends of Music Tribute Show at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
Saturday, 29 May 2021
NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin
More than one million first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have now been given across Kent and Medway.
The milestone is another important step in the fight against coronavirus and a huge achievement for the many teams who are working on the vaccination programme.
You can read more about our vaccination programme in our fortnightly vaccine update
NHS 111 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering patients support on a wide range of conditions, covering both illnesses and injuries. Help is at hand from a team of highly trained experts and if needed, an appointment can be booked at an urgent treatment centre (UTC) or even an A&E department.
For more information on help available over the bank holiday visit our website
This increase in demand, as well as the huge support practice teams continue to give to the vaccination programme, means that local practices are working harder than ever to support their patients.
You can watch a video featuring local GPs and practice teams speaking about the ways they are making sure you can access services as quickly and simply as possible.
We understand that some people experience difficulties accessing their GP surgery, and the frustrations that causes.
However, we are hearing increasing reports of people taking their frustrations out on practice staff. Abuse of any kind is not acceptable. We would ask everyone to be respectful and understanding of our NHS staff who continue to work in difficult circumstances.
Please check your surgery website for the best way to contact your local practice or visit our website for more general information on accessing GP services.
This is part of the work taking place to make sure that you get the right care, with the right person, as quickly as possible.
For an overview of these roles, and to find out more about some of the team you might come into contact with visit our website, or see your surgery website.
Thursday, 27 May 2021
Urgent Road Closure - Sheerness Road, Lower Halstow
It will be necessary to close Sheerness Road, Lower Halstow from Tuesday 1st June 2021 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed between the junctions of Vicarage Lane and Basser Hill.
The alternative route is via Vicarage Lane, Wardwell Lane, Iwade Road and Basser Hill.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 09:30 hrs and 16:30 hrs.
This is to enable drainage works to be carried out by Kent County Council.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks see: https://one.network
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
Monday, 24 May 2021
Temporary Road Closure - Bull Lane, Newington
Poolside Bar & Courtyard Music Night with Darren Green and Simon Rawlings at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Saturday, 22 May 2021
The Countryside Code
Respect everyone
Protect the environment
Enjoy the outdoors
Read the Countryside Code summary at >> https://bit.ly/3wmNzSz
For further information, read the guide to enjoying parks and waterways, coast and countryside at >> www.gov.uk/countryside-code
Upchurch Matters
Temporary Road Closure - School Lane, Lower Halstow
Thursday, 20 May 2021
UPDATED: Poolside Bar & Courtyard Music Nights May - July 2021 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
UPDATED: Poolside Bar & Courtyard Opening Times at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
Poolside Bar & Courtyard Music Night with Matt Brooks at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
Fuel Siphoned | Motorcycle Stolen - Newington
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/83405/21
Between 2:00am and 6:00am on Monday the 17th of May, a tankful of fuel was siphoned off and stolen while the HGV driver slept, in a layby off the A249 near Newington.
Crime Number: 46/84640/21
Between Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th of May, a white KTM motorcycle, reg number: CX20 XRZ was stolen from Watling Drive, 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.For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Community Messaging
Temporary Road Closure - Yaugher Lane, Hartlip
Wednesday, 19 May 2021
Upchurch Parish Council Report - May 2021
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.
Councillors
Cllr Tyrone Ripley has been elected Chairman of the Parish Council for another year and Cllr John Arnold has been appointed Vice Chairman.
There is currently a vacancy on the Parish Council, anyone interested in being co-opted onto the Council should contact the Clerk.
Streetlights
Most of the streetlights have been connected and UKPN are due to return to complete the remaining lights.
The Great British Spring Clean
The Great British Spring Clean is from 28th May - 13th June. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, the Council is unable to organise an event. The Council is grateful to those residents who are currently litter picking their local area, if you would like to help during the national event please contact the Clerk.
Environment
A letter of thanks for the provision of a litter bin in Oak Lane has been received.
The planters are due to be installed at the beginning of June, the cold weather has affected the supply.
Burial Ground
The wheelie bins have now been moved to enable easy access, visitors are requested to separate any rubbish into the correct bin.
A request for resident fees for the interment of ashes was considered. It was decided that as the parties involved had entered into an arrangement with the Council and had understood the fee schedule at that time; the fee for a non-resident stood.
Planning
Ref: 21/501424/TCA Address: 8 The Street Upchurch ME9 7AJ.
T1 - Yew Tree in neighbouring property overhanging nursery play area - crown reduce lateral growth overhanging play area removing up to 1.5m of growth. Tree is at a height of approximately 6m. Crown radius is approximately 4.5m we are reducing one side by up to 1.5m leaving overall crown radius at approximately 3m. Overall height will not be affected by these works. Reason - yew tree dropping seeds and berries into nursery play area - safeguarding issue for the children as berries and seeds are poisonous.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the MidKent portal. It was agreed unanimously that there were no objections and the matter should be left to the Tree Warden for opinion.
ii. Ref: 21/501751/FULL Address: 29 Woolbrook Close Upchurch ME8 8ST.
Proposal: Demolition of the conservatory. Erection of a single storey rear extension and part garage conversion to a habitable space (Part Retrospective).
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the MidKent portal. It was agreed unanimously to support the proposal subject to neighbours’ comments being taken into account.
Ref: 21/501839/OUT Address: Land Off Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch Kent.
Proposal: Outline application for up to 74no. dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and vehicular access point. (All matters reserved except for means of access).
Councillors considered the application and agreed unanimously to object to the proposal; this site is not within the current adopted Local Plan; this area is regarded as countryside being outside of any built up environment of Upchurch; this is a loss of Agricultural land that has recently had a replanted Orchard; the development is remote from both the village of Upchurch and Rainham which will encourage use of private cars and increase pollution; with 40% affordable housing the public transport for this area is limited and will not support the residents; this and the other developments currently either underway or due to start shortly will only add to the already overloaded and over stretched highway and infrastructure in this area and again raises concerns over air quality; Swale Borough Council has in the past refused permissions in the area such as Tranquillity Otterham Quay Lane with the exception of the reuse of "brown field sites"; developer contributions cannot begin to resolve the issues of demonstrable harm caused by this development; this development pays no regards to the settlement gaps between Medway and Swale.
Ref: 21/501973/FULL Address: 9 Woolbrook Close Upchurch Gillingham Kent ME8 8ST.
Proposal: Single storey side/rear extension and partial conversion of existing attached garage.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the portal. Councillors had no objections to the proposal.
Ref: 21/501979/FULL Address: Ebenezer Chapel Halstow Lane Upchurch ME9 7AA.
Proposal: Change of use and conversion of existing workshop (Use Class B1c) to 3no. residential units, together with creation of parking area, associated external alterations including insertion of rooflights, replacement windows and reinstatement of windows to front elevation.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there was one objection on the portal. It was acknowledged that the proposal was sympathetic and an improvement to the Victorian building. It was agreed unanimously to support the proposal.
Ref: 20/505046/FULL Location: High Hopes Poot Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent.
Proposal: Erection of 2no. holiday homes (Revised Plans).
Councillors considered the revised plans and the applicant’s view of the Heritage Statement. The proposal supports the local economy and local services. Councillors agreed unanimously to support the application.
Ref: 21/502113/FULL Address: 5 Littlefield Road Upchurch ME8 8SE.
Proposal: Proposed single storey rear extension and partial garage conversion.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the portal. Councillors had no objections to the proposal.
This is a precis of Council business; full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 24th June at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 14th July at 7:30pm in the Small Hall 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
Tuesday, 18 May 2021
Monday, 17 May 2021
Thank You from Upchurch Village Hall - Upchurch Afternoon Tea
Covid-19 all but closed the Village Hall for use since April 2020. On the 17th May this year all of us began Step 3 of the Roadmap and by June 21st we can all start to begin leading normal lives. In consequence, the Village Hall is re-opening up to its regular users and other hirers as the Roadmap allows.
During the prolonged closure, a lot has been achieved by the Village Hall with Phase One [“The Refurbishment Project”] completed. In the lead up to Covid-19, many residents had been supporting fundraising and the Village Hall was applying for grants to pay for the works.
As part of the current re-opening of the Village Hall, we would like to take the opportunity to say “thank you” to the residents and organisations of Upchurch for supporting us prior to and during the closure. To which end on the afternoon of Saturday, August 21st we shall be inviting you to accept our afternoon tea [with the Upchurch WI in the kitchen] from 3:00pm - 5:00pm when you will be able to chat and talk to friends without being subjected to speeches or a “programme”.
If any village voluntary organisation would like to set up a stand [free of charge] then they will be welcome. There will be an opportunity for a limited number of trade stands for local businesses.
We look forward to the pleasure of your company.
David G Steward - Chairman UVH
Post Van Vandalised | Car Window Broken - Upchurch
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/83034/21
At 12:36pm on Saturday the 15th of May, a post van in Holywell Lane, Upchurch, was vandalised by unknown suspects who plastered it with flour and eggs.
Crime Number: 46/83040/21
At 12:40pm on Saturday the 15th of May, a car window was broken when a pick-up truck with people standing in the back were throwing flour and eggs at vehicles as they travelled along The Street in Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Community Messaging
Covid-19: Restrictions in England from 17th May - STEP 3
STEP 3
Upchurch Matters
Saturday, 15 May 2021
UPDATED: Contact Details for Kent Police Rural Team - North Division
The Kent Police Rural Team takes action against fly-tippers, wildlife criminals, illegal shellfish harvesters, hare coursers, soft fruit thieves, poachers, heritage looters as well as agricultural machinery and equestrian tack and trailer thieves.
Rural Team - North Division contact details:
Tel: 07528 989095
PC Nathan Southern
Rural Crime Co-ordinator - Doug Robertson: 07972 004578
Upchurch Matters
NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin
Symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, joint or muscle pain, chest pains, not being able to focus or to think straight.
If the effects of a Covid infection last for more than 12 weeks, patients should contact their GP practice, so any alternative diagnosis for the condition can be ruled out and to decide if the Post-Covid Assessment Service would be suitable.
Once referred, the Post-Covid Assessment Service will make contact with the patient and an expert team of professionals will assess their condition and provide support in accessing services to support their recovery.
Visit our website to find out more.
That’s very close to the number of face-to-face appointments that were taking place monthly before the pandemic. Combined with many more telephone and online appointments, our 198 practices held over 200,000 more appointments this March compared to February 2020.
As Covid-19 restrictions lift further on Monday (17th May 2021) GP surgeries across the country are being asked to have receptions open to patients whilst following social distancing and covid-secure guidance.
GPs have also played a key role in the vaccination effort, managing the delivery of almost one million of Kent and Medway’s vaccines so far.
This increase in demand, as well as continuing to support vaccinations, means that your local practice will remain very busy.
To help manage this and make sure that you get the right care from the right professional as quickly as possible, triage systems will remain in place. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions with a member of the healthcare team to assess the most appropriate next steps and which of the practice team it would be best to see.
If you are able to use online forms for your initial contact please do, so that phone lines can be kept clearer for those who cannot.
GP practices will continue to offer telephone and video consultations. These can be convenient and flexible ways to receive healthcare for many people but where patients need to be seen by a health professional face-to-face, this will be arranged.
If you have a preference about how to access care you can discuss this with your practice.
From March 2020 to March 2021, 8,927 people in Kent and Medway were given details of the programme, which helps people make positive lifestyle changes and avoid the disease. Read more on this story on our website.
This week is Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (10th May - 16th May) and a wealth of information to stay healthy is available on our website.
Despite the further easing of restrictions, social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings. People will still need to wear face coverings on transport and in shops - unless they are exempt.
Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.
Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on the roadmap out of lockdown.
Friday, 14 May 2021
Estuary 2021
23 Days of Art, Music, Literature and Film
Estuary 2021 is the second edition of the large-scale arts festival that celebrates the lives, landscapes and histories of the spectacular Thames Estuary.
Estuary 2021 is led by a partnership between estuary-based arts organisations, Metal (South Essex) and Cement Fields (North Kent).
The festival runs from Saturday 22nd May to Sunday 13th June 2021.
The Strand Swimming Pool Will Reopen This Summer
Survey: Your Views on Sittingbourne’s Avenue of Remembrance
Thursday, 13 May 2021
Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - March 2021
16 Anti-social Behaviour
1 Other Crime
Upchurch Matters