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Your views on Kent Police 2022
Earlier this year, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott conducted his Annual Policing Survey to help shape his Police and Crime Plan.
The survey seeks to understand the views of Kent residents and businesses and whether they agree with the priorities Mr Scott has set for the force and to find out what matters to them and how safe they feel where they live.
The Police and Crime Plan is the document that outlines the priorities that Kent Police is held to account on by Matthew Scott.
Mr Scott was also keen to know if you have been a victim of crime and, if so, whether you thought the police and victim support services did a good job. He received 2964 completed survey responses overall. Your responses help shape what you want your police force to be focused on.
Residents told Mr Scott:
■ The new Chief Constable must show effective communication in his new role.
■ Violence against women and girls, antisocial behaviour, and gangs and county lines were the priorities the Chief Constable should focus on.
■ They agreed with the PCC's priorities for Kent Police. ‘preventing crime and antisocial behaviour’ and ‘being visible and responsive to the needs of communities’ were the most popular.
■ They feel safer where they live than in previous years; however, they feel less safe on the roads.
■ More than half would be willing to pay more council tax (with half of these stating they would pay £15 more a year) to support the police service.
■ Most had not been a victim of crime in the last year but almost 50% of those who had been a victim were dissatisfied with the service they received from Kent Police.
■ Crime types mattered most: serious violence, sexual offences, child sexual exploitation, and burglary/robbery.
Click the photo montage to enlarge it.
Upchurch Parish Council has installed new wooden trim trail balance equipment in The Paddock funded by a collective grant from Queenborough Fishery Trust and Swale Borough Council.
Cllr Pam Denny hopes to eventually create a woodland trail in the wooded area of The Paddock. Pam met with children from Holywell School earlier this year. They gave her lots of good ideas, which included adding bug hotels, bird boxes, bat boxes and the new trim trail.
If anyone has some of these items they can donate, they will be very gratefully received - thank you.
A trim trail is balance equipment of varying forms. In The Paddock, there are now balance beams, a wobble beam and a wobble bridge leading to the wooded area, which will hopefully encourage children to use this area more to play and explore, which could be educational.
The latest equipment in The Paddock is in addition to the swings, rocker, space saucer and new benches, which the Parish Council installed along with the adult exercise equipment on the Recreation Ground, also funded by grants.
Thanks to Pam for the information.
Why not take the children to go and explore The Paddock this holiday?
Upchurch Matters
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Upchurch Matters.
Thank you for all the support you have given the website throughout the year.
This Christmas, we think of those struggling with the cost of living crisis and the brave people of Ukraine.
To peaceful and more affordable times in 2023 🥂
Santa illustration courtesy of Nick Thompson-Moore.
Thank you, Nick 🎅🏼
Upchurch Matters
Saturday 24th December
Crib Service at 4:00pm
Carol Service at 7:30pm
Christmas Day
Sunday 25th December
Sung Communion at 10:00am
Sue Rossiter
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/241571/22
At around 08:00 on Saturday the 17th of December, somebody broke into a Nissan Micra parked in Wickham Close, Newington and stole the radio and a socket set.
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
Maidstone Road Surgery Rainham, including Upchurch Surgery.
Changes to Upchurch Surgery Opening Hours over Christmas and New Year
Upchurch Surgery will be closed on Monday the 26th of December 2022, and Monday the 2nd of January 2023. Otherwise, the usual opening hours apply.
Covid and Flu Vaccinations
Covid and Flu vaccinations are going well. Patients should contact the Rainham Surgery if they have not been called in for their vaccinations yet.
Patients that use a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone are requested to use Patient Access to order their repeat prescriptions.
Collecting Medication
If you are collecting medication from Upchurch, please write the word 'Upchurch' in the box at the bottom, and submit your requests at some point over the weekend prior to the week you require your medication. Thank you.
Blood Test Results
Ray Kemsley
Chair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
Uplift is celebrating Christmas with an action-packed re-telling of the Christmas story on Sunday the 18th of December at 10:30am in the village hall.
Come and join us as we begin enjoying this amazing time of year.Come and join us as we celebrate this amazing act of love.
Come and sing carols and eat mince pies.
Come and feel the joy.
God is with us.
'Jesus'
God's precious gift, given because he loves each and every one of us.
All are welcome, the young and the young at heart, and those in between.
Gill Gay
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/238590/22
Between 00:01 on Thursday the 1st of December and 16:02 on Tuesday the 13th of December, somebody stole the batteries from a telephone roadside cabinet in Playstool Road, Newington.
Crime Number: 46/237901/22
At around 20:30 on Sunday the 11th of December, somebody stole Christmas decorations from a driveway in Bull Lane, 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
It will be necessary to close Wardwell Lane, Newington from Tuesday 13th December 2022 for up to 11 days.
The road will be closed outside Enterprise Centre.
The alternative route is via Vicarage Lane, The Street, Breach Lane, Boxted Lane, School Lane, Wardwell Lane and vice versa.
This is to enable cabling works to be carried out by UK Power Networks.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks see: https://one.network
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
Please join us for carol singing around the village in aid of the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund.
We will be knocking on doors like the ‘old days’.
Starting at the Upchurch village sign opposite the church at 6:00pm on Wednesday the 21st of December, with some mince pies and mulled wine to get us on our way!
Everybody welcome.
Elspeth Baecke
It was Friday the 9th of December and very cold outside, but there was a lovely warm glow inside our village hall.
We played Christmas carols, drank hot drinks and enjoyed delicious snacks together. And best of all, we chatted and enjoyed each other's great company.
And thanks to the Village Hall Committee, Upchurch's Co-op, and Cllr Richard Palmer, it was all free!
Our next Warmer Place will be in the village hall again on Friday the 13th of January from 11:00am until 1:00pm.
There will be a warm welcome waiting for you.
We hope and pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year ❤️
Hosted by St Mary's and Uplift.
Gill Gay
Winter Nets begin at Leigh Academy Rainham on Monday the 9th of January 2023 from 8:00pm until 9:30pm for 10 weeks.
🏏 Age 13 to 60+ years
🏏 Everyone welcome
🏏 No experience necessary
James Longhurst
Upchurch Cricket Club
It will be necessary to close part of Susans Lane, Upchurch from Wednesday 18th January 2023 for up to 1 day between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.Susans Lane, Upchurch will be closed between the junctions with Wetham Green and Twinney Lane, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is Wetham Green, The Street, Forge Lane, Halstow Lane, Twinney Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while cable renewal works are undertaken by Openreach.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Openreach on: 0800 023 2023, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks see: https://one.network
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane, Upchurch from Wednesday 18th January 2023 for up to 1 day between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.
Horsham Lane, Upchurch will be closed from outside number 60 to outside number 68, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is Horsham Lane, Otterham Quay Lane, Lower Rainham Road, A2 Moor Street, London Road, Hartlip Hill, Breach Lane, The Street, Halstow Lane, Forge Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while pole replacement works are undertaken by Openreach.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Openreach on: 0800 023 2023, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
Bus operator Chalkwell Coach Hire has announced a number of changes to their 326/327 bus services timetable over Christmas and New Year.Passengers are advised that during Christmas and New Year, Chalkwell bus services will operate as follows:
Monday 19th December 2022 - Normal services
Tuesday 20th December 2022 - Normal services
Wednesday 21st December 2022 - Normal services
Thursday 22nd December 2022 - Normal services
Friday 23rd December 2022 - Normal services
Saturday 24th December 2022 - Normal services
Sunday 25th December 2022 - No services
Monday 26th December 2022 - No services
Tuesday 27th December 2022 - No services
Wednesday 28th December 2022 - Saturday services
Thursday 29th December 2022 - Saturday services
Friday 30th December 2022 - Saturday services
Saturday 31st December 2022 - Saturday services
Sunday 1st January 2023 - Sunday services only
Monday 2nd January 2023 - Sunday services only
Normal bus services timetable will resume on Tuesday 3rd January 2023
For further information on bus times, Call: 01795 423982 or Email: coachhire@chalkwell.co.uk
For travel information on routes, times, tickets and fares, visit: www.chalkwell.co.uk/bus-services
Upchurch Matters
December proceeded with adults eagerly awaiting the Christmas holidays and children impatiently waiting to receive and open their presents on Christmas Day. However, during this festive period, news of a serious incident arose about a fire in a house belonging to the Oliver family in Chaffes Lane.
While watching TV in the living room with his younger brother Anton, eleven year old Mark Oliver noticed smoke coming from under the kitchen door. Mark opened the door to see flames and smoke belching from the oven. The two boys immediately vacated the house, but Mark then realised that his baby sister Cheryl was still inside. Without hesitation, Mark rushed back into the house through a wall of fire and smoke, found his baby sister, tucked her inside the front of his pullover and rushed back through the burning inferno in the kitchen until they were safely outside. Amazingly, the two children did not suffer any serious burns, and Mark instantly became an Upchurch hero.
The fire had been caused by Mark’s mother, Christine Oliver, leaving a pan of boiling potatoes on the oven and then departing to do some shopping without turning off the switch. The potatoes were burnt as flames, and smoke rose higher from the oven.
A neighbour who had heard Anton screaming came to the house to investigate and upon finding the fire in the kitchen, threw a wet cloth over the oven, which caused the fire to subside. The fire service was then called but when they arrived, the fire had already finished.
The firemen praised Mark for his bravery, and then a shocked Mrs Oliver arrived with her shopping. She realized her mistake of leaving the boiling potatoes on the oven and then leaving the house, but she also praised Mark for his brave actions.
Because of his courageous act, Mark was nominated for the ‘Charlie Chester Award of the Month’ and invited to the BBC’s Paris Studio in Regent Street, London. Accompanied by his proud parents Stuart and Christine Oliver and his brother Anton, Mark received his award in the form of an inscribed scroll from the comedian Charlie Chester who felt that Mark deserved more and so he gave him a £1 note. The presentation formed part of a radio show to be broadcast on New Year’s Eve.
At the monthly parish council meeting chairman, Bryan Veale expressed his anger regarding the delay of the Department of the Environment’s inquiry date for the compulsory purchase of land in Forge Lane for a new Holywell School. A date for the inquiry had not been set. In the meantime, the existing Infant’s School in the Street had become seriously overcrowded. The situation became so serious that Mrs M Barton contacted local Conservative MP Roger Moate to see if he could use his influence to make the Department of the Environment set a date for the Inquiry. The problem dragged on, and the new school did not become reality until 1975.
In village sporting affairs, Upchurch United, who played in the Medway Sunday League Premier Division, were struggling, second from bottom in the table. In early December, they did manage a 1-1 draw with Twydall Engineers, and they were on the losing end of a very good game against Berry Wiggins. After going three goals down, Steve Davies and Ian Daniel pulled two goals back but then Berry Wiggins scored three more goals to claim victory.
All was not bad news as Steve Davies from Horsham Lane, one of the leading village table tennis players along with brothers Peter and Brian Boakes, saw the table tennis club’s first team go top of Division Three and the fifth team top Division Five in the Sittingbourne and District Table Tennis League during the Christmas period. The table tennis club, organised by Rich Boakes from Chaffes Lane, met every Monday evening in the village hall.
Village superstar sportsman Derek Hales who had scored a large number of goals for Upchurch United Boys in 1967, had become a full time professional footballer with Luton Town in the Second Division (now the Championship) of the English Football League, while his two brothers Richard and Ray were regularly banging in the goals for Sittingbourne Football Club.
Hempstead United 1970-71 - New Brompton League Champions and
Kent Junior Cup Winners. Taken at Bowaters Sittingbourne.
Derek Hales pictured, second from left in the bottom row,
and Rod Diddams, second from right.
The goalkeeper is writer David Wood from Upchurch.
Derek Hales, son of village butcher Dick Hales, also proved to be an exceptional cricketer with Upchurch Cricket Club and in December, he won the East Kent Gazette and North Kent Times Cricket Bat Award for the highest individual score of 166 against Bredgar Cricket Club. He also scored 128 against Rodmersham, 123 against Lenham and he made 1,000 runs for the season. As a bowler, he took 45 wickets to contribute to the best season for Upchurch Cricket Club in eighteen years. These were the early years which saw Upchurch Cricket Club gradually transform from being a very average Swale village club to being a major force in Kent cricket with a first class ground and facilities.
In other village club affairs, the Women’s Institute were shown a film in which pop star Cliff Richard discussed the activities of the Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied organisation (PHAB). After the film, the result of the Competition of the Month was announced. The competition involved the ladies knitting a square. Mrs Cox won the competition with Mrs Gilbert and Mrs Skinner joint second.
The Women’s Institute also held its annual meeting in December to elect officials and form a new committee. Mrs Gilbert was elected president, Mrs Mitchell secretary and Mrs Goodson treasurer. The new committee consisted of Mrs Ambers, Mrs Dickenson, Mrs Lepinier, Mrs New, Mrs Smith, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Skinner and Mrs Bridger.
As always, some people hoped for a white Christmas, and in the week before Christmas Day, a cold spell saw the temperature drop to -13 degrees for one night, but mild weather soon returned, and a white Christmas failed to materialise.
During the weeks leading up to Christmas, parties were held by the two village schools and clubs, such as the Darby and Joan Club. A torchlight procession also took place. It started from the Crown pub and proceeded to Bishop Lane. It then turned and continued back to the village centre.
A Christmas Sale took place in the village hall, which had Christmas decorations, a Christmas tree and a variety of stalls selling different products. The Brass Band of the Medway RAF Association played music, and Santa Claus sat in a grotto waiting for children to visit him. The sale raised about £40 for the Village Hall Extension Fund.
When Christmas Day arrived, the church opened for a Christmas morning service led by Father Bradshaw while most people stayed at home, eating, drinking and watching television. Jimmy Osmond topped the pop charts with his song ‘Long Haired Lover from Liverpool’, and The BBC showed a variety of attractive programmes. These included ‘The Morecombe and Wise Christmas Show’ with guest stars actress Glenda Jackson, singer Vera Lynn and Kenny Ball and his jazzmen. The televised pantomime ‘Dick Wittington’ starred Dick Emery, ‘Christmas Night with the Stars’ featured the Two Ronnies, Cilla Black, the Goodies Mike Yarwood and Dad’s Army. Jimmy Saville and Ed Stewart presented ‘Top of the Pops’, Rolf Harris presented ‘Disney Time’, and of course, the Queen’s Christmas Message to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth appeared during the afternoon.
On Boxing Day, some people went for walks while others attended sports events. During the evening, the local pubs were packed, as people celebrated, and some village youths attended the Central Hotel Christmas Disco in Gillingham. It was time for people to party.
When Christmas Day and Boxing Day had passed, residents prepared themselves for the New Year celebrations and December passed as an interesting month with a variety of memorable incidents, successes and activities.
About David
David was born and raised at Ham Green and still lives there today.
He writes from personal experience about Upchurch village life and the changes that have taken place over the years.
David's book, Memories of Upchurch, is a very readable and detailed historical study of the village and is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk price £12 + postage and packing.
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch WardA brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months.
31 crimes are shown on the map in October 2022 including:
2 Anti-social Behaviour
1 Burglary
2 Criminal Damage and Arson
3 Other Theft
4 Public Order
1 Shoplifting
2 Vehicle crime
15 Violence and Sexual Offences
1 Other Crime
28 crimes were shown on the map in September 2022.
Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.
Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.
Upchurch Matters
Click the photo montage to enlarge it.
The ladies of the knitting group, with their partners, have once again decorated the railings at St Mary's Church with lots of eye-catching new knitted chains, wreaths and Christmas characters, adding even more colour to the centre of Upchurch village this festive season.
A lovely new knitted post box topper, complete with Father Christmas and reindeer, has been added, along with snowmen and stockings on the post office railings.
More stockings with tiny bells and hats above them hang on the wooden posts on the corner of Horsham Lane.
New reindeer, robin red breast and nativity scene wreaths have all been added to the bus shelter.
They look superb again - thank you.
Go and take a good look for yourself...
Upchurch Matters
There has been a lot of giving going on this week. You were truly amazing on Wednesday!
You covered the pavement with your generosity. We had 3 hampers, and a boot full of toys from our Advent Gift Services held on Sunday. Plus we had the hampers and gifts from the whole village.
So A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. It was truly humbling to see such love and kindness in action. You have certainly played your part to help those struggling to find joy this Christmas time.
The photos show Jackie Swift picking up the toys for The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal and the tremendous Swale Foodbank gifts from the people of Upchurch.
I hope the joy of giving has given you a lovely warm glow. You deserve to enjoy it.
God loved us and gave us his son. You have taken his love and made sure it's shared.
May your Christmas be amazing. And may 2023 bring you many blessings.
January will be a cold and tough month for many so I will be gratefully collecting your Swale Foodbank donations again at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday the 4th of January 2023, between 10:30am and 11:30am.
God bless you all ❤️
Southern Water provides £98m support to cut costs and fight the corner for thousands of customers facing a cost of living crisis.
• Boosting minimum bill discounts for 104,000 households from 20% to 45%
• Bill discounts of up to 90% for those customers in greater need
• Funding warm spaces and fighting hardship for communities
Southern Water is providing a £98m package of support for customers to combat the cost-of-living crisis, which is disproportionately hitting the most vulnerable households hardest, across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Coming to the aid of people facing financial hardship, we will boost the minimum discount on bills offered to 104,000 households, from 20% to 45%, whilst adding another 21,000 households to that number, offering these customers at least an average annual saving of £200 on a dual service bill. The support will also continue to help customers that are in greater need, to access bill discounts of up to 90%.
Katy Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Water, said:
“While Christmas excitement may be growing for many families in our region, we know that there will be lots who are worried about how they will afford it and also pay for their heating and other bills.
“As water is an essential service that people cannot live without, we believe it is critical that we support thousands of vulnerable households in our region who need a break.
“Our customers live in the same communities as our colleagues and their families, people we speak to and serve every day. We are in an extremely fortunate position where we can help, which is why we have put together a package worth £98m to support customers who need help, until 2025.
“I would urge anyone who needs help to reach out and we will do everything we can to support you.”
To help those facing the challenge around rising food and energy costs, Southern Water is also giving out 20 community centre energy grants of £1,000 each this winter to ensure community hubs and spaces can stay open and stay warm, supporting around 6,000 people each week to continue to attend foodbanks, befriender cafes, support groups, and wellbeing classes.
Meanwhile, Southern Water teams are working closely with many organisations who have direct contact with customers struggling financially, such as the Citizens Advice, Job Centres and Food Banks, running face-to-face support surgeries with customers. The funding is also providing a £30 food voucher to around 3,700 families in West Sussex as part of a Free School Meals initiative.
Michael Barnes, Policy Manager at the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:
“This will be a tough winter financially for many households so we’re really pleased to see Southern Water stepping up its efforts to help customers who are currently struggling to pay their water bill.
“With so much focus on energy costs, it’s often overlooked that about 1 in 5 households currently struggle to pay their water bills. There are many ways to get help with your bill and we’d urged anyone with money worries to reach out and ask for support from their water company.”
Southern Water will be making this change as simple as possible, with bill discounts being automatically applied to essentials tariff customers by April 2023. Anyone who is not on an existing discount tariff but thinks they may be entitled to discounts on their bills can complete an online form on the Southern Water website, where they can also find out information about community grants and further support.
If customers do have questions about bills or need help they can contact us for free on: 0800 027 0363 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm).
Southern Water
Saturday 10th December between 10:00am - 11:30am
Homemade Cakes, Jams, Pickles, Scones and Savouries
Also Puzzles, Books, Bric-à-brac and sometimes Plants
Something for everyone!
Refreshments
Please help support this ancient building - Thank you
🍰 🍓 🧩 📚 🎨 🪴 ☕️ ➕
Upchurch Matters
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/232693/22
Between 17:30 on Saturday the 3rd of December and 08:30 on Sunday the 4th of December, somebody broke into a business property in Warren Lane, Hartlip.
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
Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Click the photo montage to enlarge.
Upchurch Parish Councillors Tyrone Ripley, Neil Sheppard, Gary Rosewell, and Ernie Berntsen, with Bob Friend, have all helped put the village Christmas tree up today.
'SANTA STOP HERE' has been added to the village sign along with sparkling Santa's sleigh and reindeer lights.
This year's lovely village tree has been kindly donated by Bob Friend and his family again.
Thank you, Bob.
The lit Nativity Scene, beautifully built by the late Frank Osborne, has also returned to the Churchyard at St Mary’s, Upchurch.
Upchurch Matters
General waste, recycling and clinical collections will be collected a day later than usual for 2 weeks from Monday the 26th of December.
Usual collection date
➥ Monday 26th December | Collection will be on
➥ Tuesday 27th December |
| ➥ Tuesday 27th December | ➥ Wednesday 28th December |
| ➥ Wednesday 28th December | ➥ Thursday 29th December |
| ➥ Thursday 29th December | ➥ Friday 30th December |
| ➥ Friday 30th December | ➥ Saturday 31st December |
| ➥ Monday 2nd January | ➥ Tuesday 3rd January |
| ➥ Tuesday 3rd January | ➥ Wednesday 4th January |
| ➥ Wednesday 4th January | ➥ Thursday 5th January |
| ➥ Thursday 5th January | ➥ Friday 6th January |
| ➥ Friday 6th January | ➥ Saturday 7th January |
Garden waste will be suspended as usual from Monday the 26th of December, and restart on Monday the 9th of January.
Bulky waste collections will be suspended from Monday the 26th of December for 2 weeks and will restart on Tuesday the 10th of January.
