Swale Foodbank Collection and Call into the Church for A Cuppa and a Chat

Swale Foodbank Collection

Thank you, Upchurch.

As usual, in March, you were very generous with your donations towards the work of Swale Foodbank. 

I know that February and March caught some of you out with the first Wednesday of the month actually falling on the 1st. 

This month the first Wednesday in April falls on the 5th.

So I will be collecting your Swale Foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 5th of April, between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Please bring your items in carrier bags. We will then deliver them to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.

All donations are helpful, providing the food is long life and well within date.

When I started collecting for the Foodbank by waiting in the layby, those of you who were there from the beginning will remember that my husband Ron was helping me. Ron became ill around September 2021 and could no longer help. Sadly he passed away on the 12th of February this year.

Despite such a terrible loss, God willing, I will continue to be in the layby on the first Wednesday of every month because I want to support those who are struggling, as I know you also want to help them too.

Thankfully Sue and Georgina from St Mary's are helping and supporting me to continue - bless them.

Thank you 🙏🏼

A Cuppa and a Chat

While you are there, why not call into the church for A Cuppa and a Chat in the Lady Chapel.

We will have the kettle on from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

You will receive a warm welcome and there will be cake!

Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm until 12:30pm.

Pop in and join us or write a prayer in our prayer book and we will pray for your concerns. And if you have anything you would like to have a prayer for, speak to Jill, William or Elizabeth, and they will help you.

just call in, and we will be pleased to see you!

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

Temporary Road Closure - Dane Lane, Hartlip

It will be necessary to close part of Dane Lane, Hartlip from Monday 15th May 2023, for up to one day.

Dane Lane, Hartlip will be closed in the vicinity of Ivy Cottage, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route is via Place Lane, Mount Lane, The Street, Munns Lane, Dane Lane and vice versa.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while electrical installation works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.

For information regarding this closure, please contact UK Power Networks on: 0800 029 4285, 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

Upchurch Horticultural Society - Spring Plant Sale

Saturday 22nd April 2023

The Paddock, Upchurch

9:00am - 12:30pm

A wide variety of locally sourced plants will be available at

great prices with experts to assist you with your choice.

Homemade Cakes - FREE Parking

For more information, Email: upchurchsociety@gmail.com

Visit: https://linktr.ee/upchurchhorticulturalsociety

Sponsored by Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd

Upchurch Matters

M2 Junction 5 - A249 Stockbury Interchange Improvement Scheme: Additional Phase - Temporary Road Closures - Various Roads, Maidstone and Swale

Update:

An additional phase of works is now required, as detailed below.

11^th April Overnight 9:00pm to 5:00am

The A249 Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury & A249 Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham will be closed southbound between the junctions with A249 M2 J5 Roundabout and Rumstead Lane.

 

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via M2 J5 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J3 Off Slip, Taddington Wood Roundabout, Blue Bell Hill, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, M20 J6 to J7 On Slip, M20, M20 J7 Off Slip.

 

12^th April Overnight 9:00pm to 5:00am

The A249 Sittingbourne Road, Detling, Detling Hill, Detling, Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham, Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury will be closed northbound between the A249 Newnham Court Roundabout M20 J7 and the A249 M2 J5 Roundabout.

 

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, Newnham Court Roundabout, M20 J7 to J6 On Slip, M20, M20 J6 Off Slip, Running Horse Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Taddington Wood Roundabout, M2 J3 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip.

 

No Right Turn - Oad Street, Stockbury

From the 12^th April a No Right Turn will be in place from Oad Street onto the A249 until the end of the M2 J5 Improvement works.

 

22^nd April - 19^th June

Maidstone Road, Stockbury will be closed between the junctions with Wormdale Hill and A249 M2 J5 Roundabout.

 

The alternative route is via Maidstone Road, Chestnut Street, Key Street Roundabout, Key Street Slip Southbound On, A249 Maidstone Road, A249 M2 J5 Roundabout and vice versa.

 

*Please note once these works are completed the permanent traffic order will come into place and Maidstone Road will be closed indefinitely. Vehicles will need to use the new link road between Maidstone Road and Oad Street*

 

12^th - 15^th May, 9pm on Friday 12^th May to 5:00am on Monday 15^th May

The A249 Sittingbourne Road, Detling, Detling Hill, Detling, Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham, Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury will be closed northbound between the A249 Newnham Court Roundabout M20 J7 and the A249 M2 J5 Roundabout.

 

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, Newnham Court Roundabout, M20 J7 to J6 On Slip, M20, M20 J6 Off Slip, Running Horse Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Taddington Wood Roundabout, M2 J3 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip.

Temporary Road Closures

Various Roads, Maidstone and Swale

1^st October 2021

It will be necessary to close various roads in the Maidstone and Swale district.

This Order takes effect on or after 1st October 2021 for a period of up to 31 months or until works have been completed. Planned dates will be published in advanced of the works on https://one.network and indicated by signage displayed on site 14 days before they start. 

These works are subject to weather and other factors which may potentially cause changes at short notice; every effort will be made to keep as close as possible to the planned dates that are notified, and any changes will be publicised.

Each individual restriction will be signed on site and will follow the construction programme as required. 

Schedule

Road Closures

The A249 Sittingbourne Road, Detling, Detling Hill, Detling, Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham, Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury will be closed northbound between the A249 Newnham Court Roundabout M20 J7 and the A249 M2 J5 Roundabout.

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, Newnham Court Roundabout, M20 J7 to J6 On Slip, M20, M20 J6 Off Slip, Running Horse Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Taddington Wood Roundabout, M2 J3 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip. 

The A249 Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury & A249 Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham will be closed southbound between the junctions with A249 M2 J5 Roundabout and Rumstead Lane.

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via M2 J5 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J3 Off Slip, Taddington Wood Roundabout, Blue Bell Hill, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, M20 J6 to J7 On Slip, M20, M20 J7 Off Slip. 

Maidstone Road, Stockbury will be closed between the junctions with Wormdale Hill and A249 M2 J5 Roundabout. 

The alternative route is via Maidstone Road, Chestnut Street, Key Street Roundabout, Key Street Slip Southbound On, A249 Maidstone Road, A249 M2 J5 Roundabout and vice versa.

Oad Street, Stockbury & Bredgar will be closed between the junctions A249 Sittingbourne Road and Woodgate Lane. 

The alternative route is via Maidstone Road, Stockbury Roundabout, A249 Sittingbourne Road and vice versa.

Honeycrock Hill, Stockbury will be closed for its entire length. 

The alternative route is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, A249 M2 J5 Roundabout, A249 Sittingbourne Road, Church Hill. 

Church Hill, Stockbury will be closed for its entire length.

The alternative route is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, A249 M2 J5 Roundabout, A249 Sittingbourne Road, Honeycrock Hill.

50mph Speed Restrictions

A temporary mandatory 50 mph speed restriction will be imposed on A249 Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury (Northbound and Southbound) & A249 Sittingbourne Road, Thurnham (Northbound and Southbound) between A249 M2 J5 Roundabout & 600m South of Chalky Road.

30mph Speed Restrictions

A temporary mandatory 30 mph speed restriction will be imposed on the following roads:

• • Oad Street, Bredgar & Oad Street, Stockbury between the junctions with A249 Sittingbourne Road and Woodgate Lane.
• • Chestnut Street, Borden between the junctions with Key Street Roundabout and Maidstone Road.
• • Maidstone Road, Borden & Maidstone Road, Stockbury between the junctions with Chestnut Street and A249 M2 J5 Roundabout.

No Right Turn Restrictions

A restriction on turning right will be imposed on the following roads:

• • A249 Sittingbourne Road, Stockbury - restricting traffic from turning right into Honeycrock Hill and Church Hill.
• • Oad Street, Stockbury - restricting traffic from turning right onto A249 Sittingbourne Road.

Width Restriction and No Parking Restriction

It will be necessary to temporarily suspend the width restriction Order and prohibit waiting on Chestnut Street, Borden for its entire length.

The restrictions are required for the safety of the public and workforce while highway improvement works are undertaken by Graham Construction on behalf of National Highways.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network

For information regarding this Order please contact National Highways on: 0300 123 5000, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works and any further enquiries.

The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

New FREE App to Help Patients Wait Less for Urgent NHS Care

Get the right treatment when you need it.

Patients in Kent and Medway can now use an app to view waiting times at NHS urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and minor injury units (MIUs).

The WaitLess app will help patients who have decided to go to a UTC or MIU make an informed choice about which site to visit.

The app displays the number of people waiting and the longest waiting times, along with travel information, so patients can decide to visit a site that is not so busy.

Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway, said:

“I would always advise patients to contact NHS 111 first if they are not sure where to go or what service they need.

"NHS 111 will continue to offer booked appointments at our urgent treatment centres, where needed.

“However, we know some people decide to go straight to our UTCs without contacting NHS 111 first, and this app will help them find UTCs that are not as busy, where the wait is potentially less.

“Kent and Medway has more than a dozen UTCs and MIUs. By checking the waiting times before they travel, patients can choose which one they go to when they have an urgent medical issue.”

You can download the WaitLess app FREE from the Apple App Store and Google Play

Download the NHS app to access a range of services from your phone or tablet.

More information about using the right health service is available at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk The site also includes a map of all pharmacies in the county. Pharmacists are trained professionals who can help with a wide range of common health issues.

Upchurch Matters

Holywell Kids Club - Easter Holidays 2023

Booking is essential and is taken on a first come first served basis, please use Arbor to book if your child attends Holywell or call/text the team: 07706 002060 or Email: kclub@holywell.kent.sch.uk for other schools.

Holywell Primary School

Poolside Bar & Courtyard - Coronation Day Celebration Party with Josh Hassell at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626

Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

The English Festival at Riverside Country Park

Celebrate iconic traditions at The English Festival

Celebrate English traditions, both old and new, ahead of St George's Day at a free family festival at one of Medway’s award-winning country parks next month.

There will be Punch and Judy shows, a helter skelter, live music and a George and the Dragon show at The English Festival on Saturday, 15th April, at Riverside Country Park, from 11:00am until 5:00pm.

There will be something for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy including the ever-popular beach area, have-a-go-archery sessions, miniature steam engines and even a medieval encampment.

Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: 

“The annual English Festival at Riverside Country Park is always incredibly popular with families as there is a whole range of fun traditions and exciting activities to take part in. There will truly be something for everyone to enjoy including a tractor display, a fun fair and, of course, a George and the Dragon show. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents, and visitors, to the festival next month.”

Getting to the festival

A park and ride service will be available to take residents and visitors to The English Festival.

Visitors can park at the University of Greenwich’s Medway campus and will be taken to the festival by bus. The park and ride service will run every 12 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.

There are also two shuttle services running.

The first shuttle service will start at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station and call at Jeffery Street, Richmond Road, The Strand and Riverside Country Park. It will run every 20 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.

The second shuttle service will run between the Cricketers pub on the A2 and Riverside Country Park, stopping outside Mariners Farm. It will run every 30 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.

The event shuttle bus timetables can be found on the Visit Medway website.

Onsite parking is available on a first come, first serve basis and will cost £6.

For blue badge holders, parking is available onsite, free of charge. Please note that the parking will be on a field and may be uneven in certain areas.

Park and walk is also available at Bloors Wharf, which costs £3.

For more information about The English Festival, visit: VisitMedway.org/EnglishFestival

Medway Council

Newington History Group

Join us this week to find out about a document that is unique to Newington.

Sheila Malloch, who spent much of her working life at Kent Archives, will delve into the village’s first parish register at Newington History Group's monthly meeting on Thursday (23rd) at 7:00pm in Newington Village Hall.

Hear her fascinating stories from the register which gives a detailed insight into baptisms, marriages and deaths of those who lived here hundreds of years ago.

Admission for guests is only £3 (NHG members free). There are free refreshments and parking.

NHG's Sue Flipping will be giving her talk "Newington - A Roman Service Station?" to the Friends of St Margaret's Social Club in the Memorial Hall, School Lane, Lower Halstow, on Tuesday the 28th of March 2023, from 7:30pm - 9.00pm.

Find out about some of the most significant finds from the 2018 - 2019 excavation in Newington and what they add to our knowledge of the local Roman occupation.

Everyone is welcome - £4.00 entry on the door.

Refreshments and Raffle.

For more details contact the group at: www.newingtonhistory.uk or call: 01795 842711.

Follow on Facebook: Newington History Group, and Twitter: @newingtonhg

Newington History Group

Mountain Bike Stolen - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/50322/23

On Monday the 13th of March at around 17:05, somebody stole a black mountain bike from where it was secured in the road on Keycol Hill, 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

Swale Borough Council - Notice of Election

Local borough, parish and town council elections are taking place across England on Thursday the 4th of May 2023.

New voter ID requirement

New government legislation means voters in England will need to bring an accepted photo ID to vote at a polling station.

If you don't have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

To find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day, visit: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

To register to vote, visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Upchurch Matters

Medway Council - Free Parking Mondays in Selected Car Parks Across Medway

Free Monday parking in 10 car parks

From Monday the 3rd of April 2023, there will be free parking every Monday from 9:00am in 10 car parks across Medway.

You do not need to do anything, just park and enjoy the benefits that your local high street has to offer.

Be aware that if your vehicle is still in the car park when the next charging period starts, you will have to ensure that payment is then made to cover your continued stay.

Times vary, please see below for details:

Chatham

• The Brook car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 12.01am on Tuesday

• St Johns car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

Rochester

• Blue Boar Lane car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

• Cathedral car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

Gillingham

• Littlewoods car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

• Balmoral Gardens car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

Rainham

• Longley Road car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

• Cricketers car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

Strood

• Temple Street car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

• Commercial Road car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday

Encouraging more people to visit our high streets

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:

“We are committed to supporting local businesses and this free parking initiative aims to encourage more people to visit our high streets. Motorists do not need to do anything to use the free parking, simply park and enjoy the wide variety of shops on offer in our town centres.”

Helping small businesses

Tim Aker, Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Kent and Medway, said:

“Introducing these periods of free parking will help small businesses on the high street. Footfall matters to independent retailers and those businesses struggling with the increasing cost of doing business. We are aware of the financial pressures councils are under, and this move demonstrates Medway Council’s commitment to its high streets and small businesses.”

Medway Council

Holywell Primary School - School Council | Afternoon Tea and Discussion

You are invited to an Afternoon Tea (tea and cakes) for the children to interact with people from the local community and discuss how Upchurch has changed over the years, what the best things about living in Upchurch are and what problems people in Upchurch may face, such as litter, overpopulation etc.

These conversations will then inform our decision on what we will focus our young citizens' action project on.

Please RSVP by Monday the 20th of March.

Email: office@holywell.kent.sch.uk

Telephone: 01634 388416

Holywell Primary School

Appeal to Build up to 74 New Homes on Land off Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch, Allowed

The Secretary of State and Planning Inspectorate has allowed (subject to a schedule of conditions) an appeal by Gladman Developments Limited challenging Swale Borough Council's refusal to grant permission for 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 site is part of a commercial pear orchard located in Otterham Quay Lane at the junction with Lower Rainham Road.

Click plan to enlarge.

Swale Borough Council refused the planning application in May 2022, and the developer subsequently lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in October 2022 and requested a public inquiry. The Inspector's hearing for the appeal took place over 2 days at Swale House on Wednesday the 11th and Thursday the 12th of January 2023.

The Planning Inspectorate appeal decision document can be viewed at >> http://bit.ly/3TqNIRO

The Swale Borough Council planning decision notice and Medway Council consultee comment letters of objection along with the appeal and hearing 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

Upchurch Matters

Become a Local Cause - Register Your Interest Now for the Co-op Local Community Fund

The Co-op Local Community Fund

The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects across the UK that its members care about.

Every time Co-op members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to them, and the Co-op gives the same to support community organisations and local causes.

Co-op members have helped raise £101.08 million for UK causes and £43,847 for causes near Upchurch.

Register your interest now

To apply to be a local cause, you must be part of a not-for-profit group and run a project that will benefit your local community.

To find out if you can apply to become a local cause in t

he Co-op Local Community Fund and to read the fund terms and conditions, visit: www.coop.co.uk/membership/lcf-who-can-apply

Applications are currently closed and will open again in spring 2023, 

but you can register your interest now at: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LCFRegsiterInterest, and the Co-op will contact you when they are open for applications.

If successful, you will be part of the Local Community Fund, usually for 12 months.

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.

Co-op membership

To become a Co-op member and choose a local cause to support, visit: coop.co.uk/membership

Our current 3 local causes are:

1st Upchurch Brownies and Guides

Upchurch Village Hall

SATEDA

Sally Butcher - Member Pioneer

Email: sally.butcher@coop.co.uk

Upchurch Fifty Years Ago in March 1973 by David Wood

A siege with hostages in Chaffes Lane, pigeons bombing residents and arguments raging about the Maplin Development plan, March 1973 turned into a month of action in Upchurch.

Two criminals had broken into a Chatham gun shop and had stolen a shotgun and cartridges. One of the men had later sprayed ammonia into the face of a police constable leading to a police chase for the two criminals. The police caught and arrested one of the men, but the other escaped, which led to a manhunt.

The armed criminal trying to evade the police reached and wandered the streets of Upchurch during the night, then posing as a policeman, managed to get entry into the Rahman household at 90 Chaffes Lane, where Mr and Mrs Rahman, their three children and mother of Mrs Rahman, Mrs Clemons resided. The criminal forced the family from their bedrooms and into the living room, where they were held hostage. Mr Rahman was later allowed to use the outside toilet when he was able to escape and alert a policeman living nearby, believed to have been part-time constable Fred Wilson who lived at Gore Bank in Chaffes Lane. More police then arrived, and an armed police cordon was set up around the house, and the neighbours were evacuated. The Deputy Chief Constable of Kent named Mr Haslam, not in uniform and posing as a Council Welfare Officer, then negotiated with the criminal. During the negotiations, Mrs Clemons was sent out to bring a car for the criminal’s escape and the youngest child freed. When Mr Haslam persuaded the criminal to let him enter the house to check the children, the police moved in, and after a scuffle, they arrested the criminal, which ended the siege.

When the criminal appeared in court with his partner, the judge sentenced both men to fourteen years imprisonment for a wide variety of crimes and described them as the ‘enemies of society.’

The proposed plan for the Maplin development, which would mean an airport and a seaport on the banks of the River Medway and would take the islands in the river and the lower part of Upchurch on the Ham Green peninsular, was discussed at a select committee in the Houses of Parliament and a decision for or against the development, was expected in the Spring. For farmers in the Ham Green and Poot Lane areas, it would mean the sale of their land or the compulsory purchase of it. People interested attended an open meeting chaired by TV presenter Raymond Baxter in Chatham Town Hall. Mr Baxter outlined the proposal, and then a representative of Maplin answered questions from the audience that included Bayford and Ham Green farmers Charles and Philip Barling and Jack Wood.

Complaints from Upchurch residents were made to Swale Rural Council about pigeons bombing them with droppings. Mr G Gilbert, clerk to the parish council, said, ‘I don’t think anything will happen to the pigeons. They may well get destroyed, but although the villagers may want to get rid of the pigeons, I don’t think they want them to be killed.’

In village sporting affairs, Derek Hales was selected to play his second First Team game for Luton Town against Sunderland in the F A Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, scouts from Luton Town and Gillingham watched his younger brother Ray, who was scoring lots of goals for Sittingbourne. But Ray had misgivings about becoming a professional footballer because he felt that unless he was offered a big salary, he would prefer to continue working in his present job and play for Sittingbourne at weekends.

In other sporting affairs, Upchurch Table Tennis Club First Team continued to top Division Three of the Sittingbourne and District Table Tennis League even after suffering defeat against Wyvern. The other teams were holding their own in their respective divisions, and the Monday evening practice sessions organised by Rich Boakes were well attended.

In a fairly busy month for the village, the Chaffes Lane siege became the main talking point, the council dealt with the bombing pigeons and the Maplin development was finally shelved and did not take place, meaning that Ham Green and Bayford farmers would not lose their land to compulsory purchase and could continue farming.

David Wood

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.

Rainham Poetry Festival

St Margaret’s Church, Rainham, will be the venue for a brand new FREE poetry festival coming to Medway in April 2023.

The two-day festival on Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th of April 2023, is headlined by poet John Agard whose poems have been on the GCSE syllabus since 2002 with support from renowned poets Jessica Mookherjee, Charlotte Ansell, Bill Lewis, Maggie Harris, Barry Fentiman Hall, Sarah Hehir, Jane Burn and Rosemary McLeish.

Further information is available on the CREATIVE MEDWAY website at: https://bit.ly/422wJYX

Upchurch Matters

St Mary's Church Fundraising Sale

Saturday 11th March 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

Kent Dementia Showcase

An event for anyone that is affected by dementia or anyone whose work involves caring for or spending time with someone who has dementia.

Visit the link to reserve a spot FREE on Eventbrite >> http://bit.ly/3mHWpec

Kent Dementia Action Alliance

Upchurch WI - Quiz Night

Wendy Pitts - Upchurch Women's Institute

Tel: 01634 362253

Email: marwen.pitts@btinternet.com

From the Potting Shed - March 2023

Sponsored by Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd

March is here and with it the spring, which means that the garden swings into action for another year. The real work starts in April, but if the weather is fine, it is worth getting off to a good start this month. We are pursuing enquiries about a parcel of land on our southern boundary with a line of Sycamore trees that when in leaf cast the house and garden into shade.

The lawn, moss in our case, can get the first cut in March with the blades high and scarify it with a spring tyne rake to get out the dead thatch and clear any winter debris. That will freshen up the lawn, get it standing upright and allow air and light to get to the roots. Most of our lawn will be lifted for a vegetable patch, so I will just rake around a marked-out area and leave the rest. Tidy up any edges with a half-moon cutter and then leave till next month when it will start growing vigorously.

Dig over the vegetable patch, lift the remainder of the winter vegetables and add a general fertiliser. New Potatoes should be in by March if they didn’t go in by February as they take approximately 3 months to come to harvest. My favourite is Rocket which can be ready in 11 weeks, so February planting will give you a crop in May unless it’s a cold spring. The first sowing of Lettuce can be done in March under glass followed by successive monthly sowings through to July. Although winter varieties of salad crops are now available and I intend to experiment with a winter Spring Onion this year to see if it is true! Broad Beans can also go in this month and the more frost-hardy varieties could have been planted in February. The Leeks are well up now in seed trays and getting sun and light on the south-facing bedroom window sill. I will leave them a little longer, then pot on into 3” pots and put them in the shed.

The Duchess has made a brave start on the borders and pruned back the ancient roses… maybe a little early, but then what do I know? The unwelcome shrubs are getting cut back savagely, and the undergrowth is getting cleared. Meanwhile, I am clipping away at overgrown honeysuckles and brambles, and slowly, the garden is getting tidied up. A local landscaper has given us an amazing price for removing two large Acacia trees, some tall Sycamores, grinding the stumps and trimming 60m of conifer hedge. So he will be starting at the end of the month.

Revenge for the low offer!

The momentum should be building with April and May, the really busy months, just around the corner, hopefully with some fine weather and the longer evenings. But you can do as little or as much as you like. We are just getting to work on a retirement cottage with a lot to do, and really looking forward to the project ahead. However, if you just wish to tackle a small project in the garden this year, then now is the time to start getting to work so you can enjoy it when the summer months arrive.

The land here in Suffolk is very open, and with bare trees, you can see for miles, Norfolk and Lincolnshire even more so. Big brown ploughed fields stretch as far as the eye can see, ready for this year’s crop. The people here are close to the soil, and land management is important. Rivers are dredged, banks built up, sluices in place to water the fields with ditches and gullies cleared for drainage. When I was a boy, one of my favourite programmes was Out of Town with Jack Hargreaves, and I feel like I am starting to live that life. I have a black dog. I just need to get a pipe. There is another accoutrement that goes with a dog and a pipe, but then there is nothing new about that.

UHS is always looking for new members and tries to encourage a fun attitude towards friendly competition. So if you want to grow your own fruit, vegetables, and flowers or even enter any of the shows we hold each year, please get in touch. We would be happy to hear from you.

If you are interested in becoming a new member, (all ages are welcome), please contact Tracy Wells: tracywells0312@gmail.com

Sean Barry