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Apply for the Co-op Local Community Fund
The Co-op supports projects that make communities fairer for everyone.
Co-op members have raised over £85m for nearly 30,000 local projects since the Local Community Fund began in 2016.
To be eligible for funding, you must be a not for profit group and deliver a project to benefit your local community.
If successful, you will be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 23rd October 2022 to 21st October 2023.
You can encourage Co-op members to support your local cause, and the more members that shop at the Co-op, the more money your project will receive.
You will find out if your application has been successful in October 2022.
If you are successful, you will receive your funds in November 2023.
To apply, you need to join the Co-op online community centre, Co-operate and send your application by the new extended deadline of Sunday the 12th of June 2022.
Our current 3 local causes are:
1st Upchurch Brownies and Guides
Upchurch Support Network
Upchurch Village Hall
Sally Butcher - Member Pioneer for Upchurch and Bobbing
Join us for Jubilee Songs of Praise at St Mary’s Church, Upchurch on Sunday the 5th of June at 10:30am.
Followed by coffee and cake.
Elspeth Baecke
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/100793/22
Between 11:30 and 23:30 on Thursday the 12th of May, somebody stole a recently delivered parcel from a doorstep in The Street, 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.
Kent Community Messaging
Swale Borough Council wheelie bin collections are not affected by the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.
Upchurch Matters
Wendy Pitts - Upchurch Women's Institute
As part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 celebrations, UpARA is holding a Jubilee Fundraising Open Afternoon in support of the DEC Ukraine Appeal at Upchurch Village Hall between midday and 4:00pm on Friday the 3rd of June.
There will be a variety of entertainment, plus tea, coffee, cake, baguettes, books and jigsaws on sale, raffles and fun fundraising activities.
UpARA would love to see as many people as possible - members, non-members, villagers, even if you just pop in and buy a cup of tea or a raffle ticket - the aim is that every pound spent will be sent to the appeal.
If you can donate a cake (bought or homemade to sell by the slice), please bring it along, or Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com to bring it earlier. Books and jigsaws will also be on sale, so if you have anything to donate, please bring it on the day - thank you.
There will be a quiz in the evening after, where other village groups and organisations will be entering teams to win the coveted title of 'The Biggest Brains in Upchurch'.
If your village group or organisation would like to enter a quiz team, please Email UpARA at: uparaupchurch@gmail.com
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE DEC UKRAINE APPEAL
Upchurch Matters
Upchurch Parish Council is celebrating The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 in the village, and all residents are invited.
On 6th February this year, Her Majesty The Queen became the only monarch ever to have reached the unbelievable milestone of 70 years since her coronation, having already celebrated her silver, gold and diamond jubilee.
To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons 🔥
Thursday 2nd June
The village beacon at the Recreation Ground will be lit once more as part of a coordinated beacon lighting across the country.
The evening will start at 7:30pm, and there will be a selection of food and drinks stalls, including a hog roast, ice creams and cakes with music for a festive mood in celebration of Her Majesty’s outstanding service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
As part of the national celebration, the Parish Council has arranged for a Piper to play Diu Regnare at 9:35pm and at the request of the Queen’s Pageant Master, a Bugler will play the unique Bugle Call - Majesty, at 9:40pm, before the beacons, are lit at 9:45pm.
For public safety, there will be a closure of Oak Lane from the junction with Bishop Lane to the Doctor's surgery, with a diversion using Chaffes Lane and Bishop Lane. The road closure signs will be posted in Oak Lane at the junction of Bishop Lane and in Oak Lane at the Post Office, although access will remain available to those needing to get through as far as the surgery on Oak Lane.
The road closure is expected to last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions and wind direction.
The Parish Council ran a free competition for residents to win the chance to light the beacon. The competition has now closed, and the draw will take place at 9:00pm on the evening.
To be chosen, you must have already entered and be present at the draw on the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane. You cannot enter the competition now or on the evening.
The village beacon was lit for the first time on 11th November 2018 as part of Battle’s Over, a coordinated beacon lighting and international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I.
Street Parties 🇬🇧
Sunday 5th June
Village residents are invited to share in this spectacular weekend of celebration, a time for friendship, food and fun with families, loved ones, friends and neighbours.
Upchurch street parties are encouraged and, where it is not possible for you to hold street parties in your road, because, for example, it is a through route or too fast to be safe, residents can have their 'street party' at the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane.
Groups who would like to take advantage of this need to inform the Parish Council so that the event can be held safely.
Please contact the Clerk to book your space, you will be expected to provide your own tables, chairs, gazebos and so on and of course, clear up after!
The Council is keen to know how residents are celebrating the jubilee and would be pleased to hear from you if you are organising any kind of celebration, especially a street party, or would like to bring your street party to the Recreation Ground.
Please contact the Clerk: 01622 739324 Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Please save the dates and come along to be part of the special Jubilee celebrations in Upchurch 👑
For more information, visit:
Upchurch Matters
After recent events and reading everyone's comments about the speed of drivers going through Upchurch, Debbie and I are going to start campaigning for a 20 mph speed limit throughout Upchurch.
We will be looking to attend the next Parish Council meeting on Thursday the 9th of June to raise our concerns. We have already contacted our local councillors, and they have been helpful in pointing us in the right direction to get things underway.
We will require as much support as possible to get this noticed, and we need all of us behind it.
This is following our third cat being knocked down on Friday the 27th of May by a car and almost killed. He is still with emergency vets now.
We know that many of you have had the same experience. We want to protect our children, older residents and our animals.
LET'S MAKE OUR VILLAGE SAFE
Jonathan Martin
Maidstone Road Rainham Surgery, including Upchurch Surgery.
Thursday 16th June 2022
For one day only, the Upchurch surgery will be closed on the afternoon/evening of Thursday 16th June 2022. The surgery will be open between 10:00am and 1:00pm instead.
From Thursday 7th July 2022
From Thursday 7th July 2022 until further notice, there will be no afternoon/evening surgery at Upchurch on a Thursday. The surgery will be open between 10:00am and 1:00pm instead.
Upchurch surgery opening hours on Mondays and Wednesdays will remain the same:
Monday 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesday 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Ray KemsleyChair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 Art projects
Children at Holywell School have been working extremely hard over the last few weeks, researching, designing and creating their finished pieces of Platinum Jubilee art.
Each class were set a challenge to create a piece of art to celebrate either events, objects or people over the previous 70 years.
The art will be on display at St Mary's Church throughout the half-term holiday - please visit the church to take a look at all of the children's amazing ideas and creations.
School Jubilee Picnic
The school celebrated The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 together on the school field with a special end of term Jubilee Picnic on Friday the 27th of May.
Display of Your Flower Arrangements at St Mary's
Everyone is invited to bring their own flower arrangements (in vases and jars) to the church to help create a wonderful display in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022. Children can bring wildflowers if they wish.
The church will be open to wander around and enjoy the flowers, along with the Holywell School Art Projects, from Thursday the 2nd to Sunday the 5th of June, between 9:30am and 4:30pm.
Jubilee Songs of Praise at St Mary's
A special Jubilee Songs of Praise will be held at St Mary's Church at 10.30am on Sunday the 5th of June, followed by coffee and cake.
Elspeth BaeckeTracey Sellings - Holywell Primary School
Upchurch Colts FC - U7’s is looking for new players.
The team currently plays friendlies most Saturdays and trains on Wednesday evenings.
The new season begins in September, and we would like to be ready!
Please contact Keith: 07711 992104
Ben CampbellAssistant Coach - Upchurch Colts FC
Historic boats set to sail in Platinum Jubilee River Pageant
Thousands are expected to watch a momentous occasion on the River Medway to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s unparalleled 70 years on the throne.
More than 100 boats will sail past historic sights in the south-east as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The River Medway will play host to vessels, including extraordinary ships such as the steam puffer VIC 96 and a collection of 100-year-old Thames sailing barges.
The riverbanks in Chatham from Gun Wharf to Sun Pier are expected to be filled with people eagerly awaiting the parade of vessels, including East Coast fishing smacks (traditional sailing fishing boats) and commercial and recreational craft, on Saturday, 4th June.
The Platinum Jubilee Medway River Pageant will begin at 12:30pm when the vessels come together near Upnor, led by a local rowing boat contingent from the Medway Towns Rowing Club and clubs from Queenborough and Faversham.
They will meander along the River Medway, passing Chatham landmarks before arriving at Sun Pier in Chatham at 2:30pm.
Sun Pier will have a street party vibe with live music, including a 30-piece choir performing pop music, a folk band and Music Hall singalong performers.
Her Majesty The Queen will even have an official representative aboard one of the vessels. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, will join the head of the fleet before conducting a fleet review at Sun Pier at approximately 2:30pm.
At 3:30pm a 21-Gun Royal Salute will be fired from Fort Amherst in Chatham to mark the occasion, signalling the start of 'The Grand Cacophony' - a synchronised spectacle of sights and sounds from ship to shore with the sounding of horns, cheering from the crowds, church bells ringing and further amplified by the whistles of steam locomotives at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The River Pageant has been organised in partnership with Tiller and Wheel CIC, which was set up in 2019 to raise the profile of the historic ships of the East Coast and encourage greater engagement with our rivers and coastline. The company offers free sailing experiences throughout the year, supported by a patron scheme, to make sailing financially accessible to all.
Deputy Leader of Medway Council, and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said:
“We have a fantastic range of family-friendly events and activities planned to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I am pleased that the River Medway is at the very heart of our celebrations. Witnessing more than 100 historic ships and sailing barges coming down the river will be a truly spectacular sight and with entertainment for all the family to enjoy, the unique event is not one to be missed. We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Medway to mark, and celebrate, this momentous occasion.”
Ed Gransden, Director of Tiller & Wheel CIC, said:
"70 years ago, when the Queen ascended the throne, the River Medway was a hub of activity - sailing barges, steam tugs and commercial craft filled the water. The Jubilee will bring life back to this part of the river in spectacular fashion and showcase the best of the modern river community."
Medway’s impressive events and festivals programme, and the Medway Jubilee River Pageant supports the council’s aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does.
To find out more about Medway’s fantastic jubilee events, visit: visitmedway.org/jubilee
Medway Council
Swale Borough Council has refused Gladman Developments Limited outline planning application: 21/501839/OUT for up to 74 dwellings at land off Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch, with public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system and vehicular access point - all matters reserved except for means of access.
The Swale Borough Council planning decision notice, and Medway Council consultee comment, letters of objection along with associated documents can be viewed at >> https://bit.ly/3wJ9Ahx
Upchurch Matters' post regarding the original planning application can be viewed at >> https://bit.ly/32CKIrU and the developer's pre-application consultation at >> https://bit.ly/3v7X4oL
Gill Gay
In a year dominated by the desire to obtain a new school for Upchurch, April 1972 was highlighted by news that the Department of the Environment had approved the siting of a new village school in Forge Lane to replace the old Holywell School in Holywell Lane, an important step in getting a new school for Upchurch.
A big row broke out after the Brown Jug publican Eric Funnell had been granted bar rights at Rochester Corn Exchange. Rochester publicans were angry and argued that the rights should go to a Medway publican and not to somebody outside the Medway area. Eric Funnell obtained a happy conclusion when Rochester City Council finally confirmed the bar rights to him.
The parish council had a busy month starting with the election of Mr E Weeks of Church Farm Road as a new councillor, a position left vacant by the death of former councillor Roy Bachelor. The parish council also fought with Swale Council about concessionary fares on the buses for elderly residents in the village. This came at a time when Maidstone & District Bus Company had increased fares for passengers. Medway and Swale councils decided to pay a proportion of the fares to the bus company.
The parish council had a discussion about the recreation ground after the football club had complained that after a period of heavy rain, the surface had cut up causing stones and flints to appear which caused injuries to footballers. This led to the parish council discussing the possibility of getting a new recreation ground for the village, but an alternative suitable site could not be found after investigations. Bob Witherden from Poot Lane re-turfed the goal mouth areas on the football pitch to help protect the goalkeepers from serious injury, and the football club continued to play home matches on the recreation ground.
The parish council turned down a proposal by Rainham farmer Jack Clark to establish a residential caravan park with 75 caravans on a site in Horsham Lane. A proposal also submitted by Mrs Kennard to build on her land on the hill at Oak Lane where her bungalow and cherry orchard were located was also turned down by Kent County Council. Building recently began on the site in 2022 after the new owners had submitted a new proposal to the council at a time when the bungalow had become derelict, the orchard overgrown and long after the death of Mrs Kennard. However, in April 1972, the council did give builder Eric Gransden permission to build houses on land close to Wallbridge Lane.
Village residents were informed that the Bishop of Dover would be coming to the village to consecrate the new burial ground near the village hall on 6th June. The parish council also decided that they would contribute £2.50 for a new citizen’s Advice Bureau due to open in Sittingbourne on April 21st.
Upchurch Women’s Institute had an enjoyable month organising a week of activities for the institute’s 41st birthday celebration. A birthday party took place in the village hall on Saturday 8th April. The ladies decorated the village hall with flowers, and Mrs Pilcher made and decorated the birthday cake with a Spring motif which members admired as a work of art. Later in the month, Mrs Pilcher gave an interesting talk to members about wine making. A music quiz also took place, won by Mrs Jacobs and Mrs Thompson.
The birthday week ended with a talk given by BBC newsreader Alvar Lidell speaking about his experiences as a newsreader at the BBC, which resulted in a good attendance by the ladies of the Women’s Institute.
BBC newsreader Alvar Lidell.
In Upchurch sporting affairs, Upchurch Cricket Club began preparations for the new season with net practice and work on their Poot Lane ground before matches began. Although some matches were affected by rain, the club started well with an easy victory against Minster, who they bowled out for 29 runs and defeated them by nine wickets thanks to an outstanding bowling performance by Bryan Veale, who took five wickets for only fourteen runs. In the other early season game, the team drew with Belnor. The club progressed to have a better season compared to the previous one, with brothers Derek and Raymond Hales making outstanding contributions with bat and ball.
In a month really dominated by council affairs, the parish orchards lit up the area with a mass of pink and white blossom on fruit trees, and newly born lambs skipped in the fields as summer drew a little closer.
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.
Maidstone Road Rainham Surgery, including Upchurch Surgery.
At the last meeting, the following points were announced:
1. Practice Programme
The practice is now in a major 'catch up' programme following the Covid pandemic.
a) Diabetics - the practice has some 516 patients
b) Respiratory issues
c) Dementia and mental health
d) General health checks - cardio/weight/diabetic and cholesterol
Patients will be contacted to make an appointment.
Any patient due for one or more will be contacted by the surgery to make an appointment.
2. Kidney Tests
Patients are now receiving 'minuteful' kidney function test kits via Royal Mail.
If patients do not have a smartphone or tablet, they should contact the surgery to receive a sample bottle, and one of the nurses will send it off.
3. COVID-19
Vulnerable patients and those over 75 years will be contacted by the NHS to make an appointment for the 2nd booster (4th jab) 6 months after the date of their last (1st booster).
If any patient would like to join the Patient Participation Group, then please contact Ray Kemsley: raykemsley@btinternet.com
The group meets 4 times per year.
Ray Kemsley
Chair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
Meetings held at 97 Chaffes Lane, starting at 7:30pm
Sponsored by: Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd
June 1st - BBQ at Peter’s Barn - Planning for July Show
July 2nd - July Show
July 6th - July Meeting
August 3rd - August Meeting - Planning for September Show
September Meeting
September 3rd - September Show
October 5th - October Meeting - Planning October Show
October 15th - October Show
November 2nd - November Meeting - Schedule Planning for 2023
Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society
CHAMPIONS! 🥇 🏆 ⚽️ 🏃🏻
Congratulations to Upchurch Colts FC - U10’s who became KFU Champions on Saturday 21st May 2022, beating some tough competition in a 2 - 1 win at Dartford.
Chairman and Manager Darren Wakefield commented:
“One of my proudest moments since I founded the club.
Thank you to every single one of you for your continued support of the club and for making it the best place to play and enjoy football.
What a season for every team. So proud to have such special people at this club.”
What a season for Upchurch 😀
U7’s League Cup Winners
U8's Colts Cup Winners
U8's Colts League Cup Winners
U10's United League Cup Runners up
U10's Colts Champions League Winners
U13's Hearts League Winners and Cup Runners up
Katie Kemlo
Secretary - Upchurch Colts FC
It will be necessary to close Stickfast Lane, Bobbing from Thursday 19th May 2022 for up to 9 days.
The road will be closed outside Parsonage Lane.
The alternative route is via Iwade Road, School Lane, Ferry Road and Sheppey Way.
This is to enable cabling works to be carried out by UK Power Networks.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
CANCELLED: It will be necessary to close The Street, Lower Halstow between 7:00am and 7:00pm for up to 2 days for works programmed to begin on Saturday 11th June 2022.
The road will be closed between the junctions of Green Farm and Church Path, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is via Vicarage Lane, Wardell Lane, Church Lane, A2 High Street, A2 London Road, A2 Hartlip Hill, A2 Moor Street, Otterham Quay Lane, Horsham Lane, Forge Lane and The Street.
The closure is required while road micro surfacing improvement works are carried out by Kent County Council.
This type of work can be affected by bad weather, so if it is not possible for us to carry it out at this time, we will arrange a new date and let residents know via a letter drop to your home. We will also put up signs along the road, before we start, showing the date we plan to start work.
Local businesses will be open as usual.
KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
Report of the Parish Council May 2022
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny (Vice Chairman), Cllr Ernie Berntsen, Cllr Helen Boakes, Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting was held in person for the first time since the pandemic began and was well attended by residents. Groups reported to the meeting on their activities over the past year. The KALC Community Award was presented to Mr John Arnold for his sterling work on the upgrading the streetlights in the village.
Annual Parish Council Meeting
Tyrone Ripley has been elected Chairman for the forthcoming year and Pam Denny has been elected Vice Chair.
Beacon Lighting to Celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The beacon will be lit on Thursday 2nd June and there will be food and drinks stalls at the Recreation Ground during the evening and this will be a memorable event for the village. A piper will play at 9:35pm, a bugler will play a unique Bugle Call at 9:40pm and the beacon will be lit at 9:45pm.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2022
On Sunday 5th June street parties are being encouraged across the country. In Upchurch, where residents are unable to have a party in their road, they will be permitted to use the Recreation Ground, please contact the Clerk for full details: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Recreation Ground and Paddock
The Council has held a successful meeting with ambassadors from Holywell School to discuss the Woodland Trail for The Paddock. The children have given advice as to what could be incorporated on the signs and have also suggested fundraising. The Council is grateful to the team for their help.
A plaque for the Jubilee oak tree has been commissioned.
Finance
The Council has made a donation of £50 to Swale Citizens Advice in recognition of the valuable help the charity gives residents.
Planning
i. Ref: 21/506474/FULL Address: Burntwick The Street Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7EU
Proposal: Erection of 2no. four bedroom semi-detached dwellings and 1no. detached garage, with associated fencing, gates, access and parking.
Amended drawings - changes of description of proposal.
Councillors noted the concerns of residents and that the amended design has not mitigated the concerns. The Council supported the concerns of residents. A site visit was requested.
ii. Ref: 22/500974/FULL Address: 116 Oak Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AY
Proposal: Erection of a new front boundary wall and gates to plots 1 and 2 approved under 20/505179/FULL.
Revised details.
Councillors welcomed the changes but expressed concerns about the hedge along Wallbridge Lane and Oak Lane which should be limited to maintain the sight line. The beech tree would also be a sight line issue.
iii. Ref: MC/21/2225 Proposal: Land To The East Of Seymour Road And North Of London Road Rainham Gillingham ME8 6YX
Proposal: Outline Application with all matters reserved (except access) for a residential development of up to 48 dwellings, including associated access, parking, landscaping and open space.
Amended parameter plan.
Councillors considered the amended parameter plan and agreed that their objections remain.
iv. Ref: 22/501595/FULL Address: 1 Gore Farm Cottages Chaffes Lane Upchurch ME9 7BE
Proposal: Erection of a detached family annex in rear garden.
Councillors noted the application.
v. Ref: 22/501571/FULL Address: Sedgemoor House Stables Holywell Lane Upchurch
Proposal: Remodelling of existing dwelling, works to include part single/ part 2 storey front extension, single storey side/rear extension, part single/part 2 storey rear extension together with conversion of double garage and attached store. Roof alterations to create additional first and second floor accommodation with associated balconies and roof lights and changes to fenestration.
Councillors considered the application and had no objection to the proposal. Historically the area has been screened by trees and it is requested this be considered going forward.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 9th June at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall - Please note the change of date due to the beacon lighting.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 15th June 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.
To help keep loved ones safe, please DO NOT attend the meeting if you have COVID-19 or have experienced symptoms. Questions and comments can be sent to the Clerk to be raised at the meeting.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
