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It will be necessary to close part of Keycol Hill, Bobbing from Sunday 6th August 2023, with estimated completion by 10th August 2023.Keycol Hill, Bobbing will be closed between Rook Lane and Ladyfields, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is A2 Keycol Hill, Boyces Hill, High Street, London Road, Hartlip Hill, London Road, Moor Street, High Street, London Road, Bowaters Roundabout, A278 Hoath Way, Hoath Way Roundabout, Hoath Way, Wigmore Roundabout, Hoath Way, M2 J4 to J5 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip, A249 Maidstone Road, A2 Key Street Roundabout and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while excavation 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
July 1973 was not a busy month in comparison with other months in the village calendar apart from the parish council and the cricket club.
During July, various residents applied to the council for permission to begin a variety of businesses. Mr Calver of Danaway Fisheries in Forge Lane applied for a licence to make and sell ice cream at the premises, while Mr Bennett from The Poles applied for a licence to make and sell sausages. Some residents clearly saw new business opportunities in the village, which had expanded rapidly since the early 1960s.
Permission was granted to Mrs Swift to begin a business to extract and dispose of fumes, but it was discovered that she had installed the extractor without permission from the council. Residents had also complained about the smell from the building, but the council did not take any action.
The parish council complained to the National Bus Company for a more regular bus service for school children in the village. This was because about 80 children from Upchurch had been stranded in Rainham for about two hours, waiting for the bus to bring them home. The National Bus Company accepted responsibility and promised to provide a more regular and reliable service.
Sittingbourne Fire Brigade visited Upchurch Play Group, where they gave a demonstration of fire-fighting to the children who were allowed to participate, which caused a lot of excitement. This led to a photograph of the children in action with hosepipes being published in the East Kent Gazette newspaper.
Village sporting affairs were dominated by the successes of Upchurch Cricket Club, who were experiencing a good period in terms of results, mainly due to the exploits of well-known professional footballer Derek Hales.
Having returned to play cricket for Upchurch after a season playing football for Luton Town, Derek Hales had a great start by hitting 120 runs against Elham. Gerald Smith backed him up with a useful 25 as Upchurch totalled 200. In reply, Elham could only manage 130 all out, as Bob Goodson 4-38 and Basil Barden 2-35, were the pick of the Upchurch bowlers. This was a special month for the two Hales brothers as Derek was transferred from Luton Town to Charlton Athletic, while Ray Hales decided to join Chatham Town from Sittingbourne, on the basis that Chatham played at a higher level.
In the next match after Elham, Upchurch defeated Lenham Storage. Upchurch scored 192 mainly due to Gerald Smith hitting 50 runs and being well backed up by Tucker 37 and Dickenson 27, not out. Lenham Storage were then bowled out for 57, with Bryan Veale taking 4 wickets for 23 runs and Basil Barden taking 3 wickets for 18.
Derek Hales continued building on his early successes with a remarkable bowling performance which became a club record when he took all ten Cooling wickets for only 18 runs. Cooling were bowled out for 57 runs which left Upchurch with an easy victory after Ian Daniel had scored 24 runs.
Derek Hales’ relentless success continued against Gravesend NALGO the following week when he scored another century of 105. Upchurch scored 210. Gravesend managed to score 106 in reply, with Derek Hales taking 3 wickets for 10 runs and Bob Goodson taking 3 wickets for 28 runs. This ended a very successful month for Upchurch Cricket Club.
Another well-known local cricketer and footballer made the news when David Pullen from Rainham married Glynis Tyler from Chaffes Lane in the village church. David Pullen had played football for Gillingham Youth and Rainham Youth and cricket for Chatham Nomads Cricket Club. The married couple chose to live in Upchurch.
July ended with some remarkable cricket at Upchurch Cricket Club, still fourteen years away from getting its present ground at Holywell Lane, while the council dealt with numerous monthly affairs.
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.
Swale Foodbank Collection
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your generous support for the foodbank collection in July.
While the children are away from school, it would be wonderful if we could add a few summertime snacks and bottles of squash to the usual staples that help put meals on the tables of struggling families.
It's incredible how generous everyone is, even while facing the cost of living crisis that affects us all.
You show such kindness and care, and I am humbled every month when I receive Upchurch's gifts.
I will be collecting your foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 2nd of August, 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.
Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️
It will be necessary to close Basser Hill, Lower Halstow from Wednesday 23rd August 2023, for up to one day.
Basser Hill, Lower Halstow will be closed for the entire length, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road, Raspberry Hill Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while drainage works are undertaken by Kent County Council.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Kent County Council, 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 Stickfast Lane, Bobbing & Iwade Road, Newington from Thursday 31st August 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.
Stickfast Lane will be closed between Iwade Road and Cambray Cottages, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
Iwade Road will be closed between Church Lane and Basser Hill, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route for any through traffic is via Basser Hill, Sheerness Road, The Street, Breach Lane, A2 Hartlip Hill, London Road, High Street, Boyces Hill, Keycol Hill, Key Street Roundabout, Sheppey Way, Stickfast Lane and vice versa.
The closures are required for the safety of the public and workforce while pole testing works are undertaken by Openreach.
For information regarding these closures, 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
WE'RE HIRING!
PART TIME KITCHEN PORTER TO JOIN OUR AWESOME TEAM
Kitchen Porter required, on a part time basis, to work at The BarnYard, Upchurch.
Duties include washing up / drying up / helping keep the kitchen clean and tidy / some small amount of prep work for the chefs.
The BarnYard
Get your views heard
Every year, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott conducts his Annual Policing Survey to help shape his Police and Crime Plan, which sets the priorities Mr Scott expects the Chief Constable to deliver. The priorities are shaped by what the residents and businesses of Kent tell him matters most to them.
The Police and Crime Plan is the document that outlines the priorities that Kent Police is held to account on by Matthew Scott.
This survey seeks to understand the views of Kent residents and businesses, whether they agree with the priorities that Mr Scott has set for the force, and to find out what matters to them and how safe they feel where they live.
It also focuses on how much you trust Kent Police, how safe you feel in your area, and your preferences on how offenders of crimes, such as antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, are punished through out-of-court orders.
It is that time of year when the PCC puts the spotlight on you, the public, to share your views on policing performance, your experiences of being a victim of crime, and what crimes matter most in your communities.
Please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous survey.
Your responses will be carefully studied. Your voice matters to help shape what you want your police force to be focused on.
Upchurch Matters
Families with children on free school meals can enjoy free bus travel across the county during the summer holidays.
Thanks to funding provided through the government’s National Bus Strategy and the co-operation of Kent’s local bus operators, eligible families can benefit from the scheme, titled Bus About Kent, between 23rd July and 31st August.
Families of up to four can take advantage of the offer, as long as there is at least one adult in the party, and a maximum of two.
Families already in receipt of benefits-related free school meals will automatically receive an e-voucher that contains the digital bus pass via email from their child’s school before the end of term.
David Brazier, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We are pleased to be able to promote this offer to some of the county’s most hard-pressed families and thank the bus companies and their staff involved for their co-operation in implementing it.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said:
“Supporting Kent County Council with providing free bus travel to children on free school meals during the holidays is yet another important way we’re helping families in Kent save money through the cost of living increase and make the most of the fantastic days out and holiday opportunities Kent has to offer.
“People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we’re providing Kent County Council with over £37 million to boost its bus services.”
Families, with up to four people travelling each time, will be able to use it as many times as they like between 23rd July and 31st August. Simply show it to the bus driver.
There are some restrictions on the use of this bus pass:
• At least one child and one adult must travel together;
• Journeys cannot start after 8:00pm in the evening;
• It is only for use by the family to whom it was allocated;
• These passes are only valid for journeys in areas maintained by Kent County Council. The passes cannot be used to travel into or out of the county (for example on services that start or operate in Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex or the Transport for London area);
• Medway is covered by a different local authority so residents in those areas should contact Medway Council for information about support for children and families.
The pass is valid in Kent on the following buses:
• Autocar
• Arriva
• Chalkwell
• Farleigh Coaches
• Go Coach
• Hams Travel
• Kent Coach Tours
• Metrobus
• Nu-Venture
• R&J Coaches
• Redroute
• Regent Coaches
• Stagecoach
• Starline Coaches
Kent County Council
To help meet the financial challenge Kent County Council is facing, the Community Warden service has been asked to reduce its annual budget by £1 million by 2024-25.
To achieve this level of savings, the council will need to redesign the service.
• The current Community Warden service, including what it does and how it operates.
• Why KCC is proposing to make changes and how they have developed their proposals.
• The proposed changes to the service and details of other options that have been considered.
The proposals presented in the consultation have been developed with information from service users and input from staff and partners.
Most of the service’s £2.4 million budget provides the salaries of community wardens. To reduce the service budget by the required £1 million, staffing reductions are needed. In summary, KCC is proposing to:
• Redesign the service, ensuring there is a core Community Warden presence across the county, with teams covering 2 districts.
• Reduce the service by 32 warden posts and 2 management posts.
• Retain the remit and community-based way the service currently works but cover fewer communities.
• Use data and information to identify where to place wardens for the most impact.
The service is currently structured with: • 70 wardens, including 6 team leaders.
• 2 area managers.
• 1 volunteer and apprenticeship scheme manager.
• 1 business coordinator.
Have your say!
Before any decisions are made, the council wants to hear your views on:
• How the proposed reductions and approach to allocating wardens could impact you.
• Any additional information that you think they need to consider.
• Any alternative suggestions for how the service could make the savings.
• The assumptions they have made in the draft Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA)
Please read the Consultation document first before completing the online questionnaire below.
The council is keen to hear your views on its proposals and how any changes may affect you and your family.
You can answer all or as many of the questions as you like. If you would rather not provide feedback on a section or question, just move on to the next one.
The consultation closes on Tuesday the 3rd of October 2023.
The Christmas Market at Upchurch Village Hall was very well supported and enjoyed by all last year.
The market was a fundraising event for the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund with refreshments provided by Upchurch WI, and it raised a fantastic amount of £602 on the day!
The village children were very excited to meet Santa in his sleigh with giant reindeer, and the good news is that he will be returning this year to see if they have all been good again, courtesy of Upchurch Parish Council.
Thank you
Upchurch Matters
Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/128426/23
Between 00:01 on Sunday the 1st of January and 11:49 on Thursday the 13th of July, somebody damaged a residential property in Playstool Road, 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
Ray KemsleyChair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham
It will be necessary to close Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch from Thursday 20th July 2023 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed in its entirety.
The alternative route is via Oak Lane, Horsham Lane and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs 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
SJM Planning Ltd has submitted outline planning application 23/503028/OUT to Swale Borough Council with some matters reserved (access, layout, and scale sought) for the erection of up to 48 new dwellings, including new access onto Canterbury Lane and associated road widening, provision of open space, and hard and soft landscaping on land on the northern side of Canterbury Lane, Upchurch, Kent, ME8 8QW.
Comments can also be made in writing to:
Mid Kent Planning Support
Maidstone House
King Street
Maidstone
ME15 6JQ
Quoting reference number: 23/503028/OUT
Upchurch Parish Council has been granted an extension to the deadline for submitting comments so they can consider the application at their full council meeting on Thursday the 7th of September 2023.
Upchurch Matters
Swale Borough Council has launched the Community Infrastructure Grant (CIG) scheme to support projects to improve the viability and encourage the use of important community assets.
Grants of between £1,000 and £7,000 are available to cover up to 75% of the capital cost of projects that improve community infrastructure across the borough.
The CIG scheme will provide funding to projects supporting specific themes, and the type of projects that could be eligible for a grant include:
• Warm and sustainable - insulation, green power, LED lighting.
• Fit for purpose - alterations, improvements, and new facilities.
• Digitally connected - fast broadband and Wi-Fi.
• Welcome and work - café development, creating or improving meeting and workspace.
• Mobility - EV charging points, bike storage.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the council’s regeneration and property committee, said:
“The Community Infrastructure Grant scheme has been set up to support a range of projects that benefit the community.
“This could be things like increasing the use of community buildings, through things like enabling improved or expanded activities or services.
“We’ll also support projects that can help improve the environmental and financial sustainability of community facilities through carbon reduction measures, or encourage walking, cycling or use of electric vehicles.”
Successful projects should be able to be completed by the 31st March 2024 and applicants will need to set out what outcomes are expected from the investment. This could be increased visitor numbers to a facility, a new service being delivered because of the investment, or a reduction in carbon footprint.
For any organisation considering investing in reducing their Carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency, a bespoke advisory service is also available, free of charge.
Contact prosperityfund@swale.gov.uk for more information.
The CIG is funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The greater part of the funding available will be used in rural areas, but some funding remains available to the whole borough.
Applications for the CIG scheme are open now with a closing date of 21st August 2023. However, given the total fund is limited, if the fund becomes over-subscribed, applications may have to close early.
To find out more about the criteria for the CIG, and to apply for a grant, visit www.swale.gov.uk/cig
Swale Borough Council
Projects could get help with funding from their local councillor to help make a difference in their community.
Each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £1,000 available to support small-scale, local community projects through the council’s member grants scheme.
Community groups can bid for funding for projects that provide benefits in areas such as culture, sport, recreation, health, environment, and community safety.
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee at the council, said:
“The people who really know what their area needs are those who live there, and member grants are part of our work to help local people work to improve their community.
“To neighbourhood projects, even a small amount of money can make a huge difference, so we want to make sure we’re doing what we can to support them.
“It’s a simple process - you just need to discuss the project with your local councillor to get their support and fill in the application form.”
Previous schemes that received funding from the member grants scheme include:
• Contribution towards redecorating Leysdown Village Hall.
• Funding for technology for projects at Old Forge Wartime House.
• Replacement lockers at Faversham Pools.
Swale Borough Council
Report of the Parish Council June 2023
Planning
I. 23/502292/FULL Yentik Poot Lane. Demolition of existing garage and erection of annexe.
UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.
II. 23/502249/FULL 1 Webb Cottages, Poot Lane Garage conversion to habitable room.
UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.
III. 23/501613/FULL Land to east of Orchard House London Road Erection of 1 3 bed dwelling.
UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.
IV. 23/502056/OUT land next to 113 Chaffes Lane outline application for 4 detached and 4 semi-detached dwellings.
Cllr Lewin prepared a proposed response to the application.
Upchurch Parish Council Reporting
I. General Purpose and Planning Committee
Next meeting 14th June 2023 will be cancelled due to the Chair and Clerk being unavailable.
II. Paddock and Recreation Ground
(a) Email from Park Regis FC requesting use of the Recreation Ground.
Concerns regarding the timetable as UPC has agreed to Upchurch Colts use of the ground. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Ripley to refuse this application.
Unanimous.
(b) Woodland Trail - Bat Boxes.
It was reported approved contractor for fitting Bat Boxes was on holiday date for fitting to be confirmed.
(c) Repairs to the car park/scout hut access road.
Clerk reported that she contacted landowner and UPC can go ahead with repairs. One quote has been received Clerk to obtain 2 more.
III. Burial Ground and Churchyard
(a) Cllr Denny reported the Burial Ground not been cut and looked untidy.
Clerk has reported this to contractor has confirmed this is due to be actioned next week. Clerk reported a timetable of works had been requested so residents are aware of when work will be completed.
Noted.
IV. Highways and Street Lighting
(a) Cllr Horton reported meeting with KCC 5th June 2023 to discuss Highways Plan.
(b) EDF it was reported that the situation regarding the billing had been resolved and that now the electricity usage had been rebilled. UPC has a large credit on the account. The project is now completed for the residents.
Noted.
V. Footpaths
(a) Cllr Denny reported path ZR12 overgrown.
Clerk reported to PRoW.
(b) Cllr Rosewell reported that he had been contacted regarding the footpath between Otterham Quay Lane to Tranquillity overgrown vegetation.
Clerk to report.
(c) Cllr Sheppard reported the bus stop at Wallbridge Lane overgrown.
Clerk to report.
VI. Environment
(a) Planters / Barrier Baskets.
Clerk reported the flowers will be planted in the next two weeks.
VII. Village Hall - No Updates
VIII. KALC
(a) Request to complete membership survey.
Clerk reported this was completed.
(b) Request for representatives to Swale Area Committee.
No UPC members available.
IX. Allotments
(a) Clerk reported that two plots had been allocated to new plot holders.
Clerk to go to waiting list for possible 2 further new plots.
(b) Repairs to fence.
Clerk reported waiting for 2 more quotes, one received.
Update at next meeting.
X. Village Defibrillators
Cllr Sheppard will present report on options for Defib upgrades at next meeting.
Finance Reporting
I. Financial review - bank statement and reconciliation were received signed by Cllr Lewin.
Noted.
II. Cheques received - £325.00 burial.
Noted.
III. Cheques for approval litter picker: £32.70.
Noted.
IV. Schedule of payments for approval:
All Payments agreed.
Proposed by Cllr Horton seconded by Cllr Lewin.
Members resolved to approve the schedule of payments.
Annual Return
It was resolved to approve the dates for the exercise of public rights.
Monday 12th June - Friday 21st July 2023.
Proposed by Cllr Horton Seconded Cllr Lewin.
Unanimous.
Clerk Updates
I. Upchurch policies and documentation.
Clerk reported all documents approved at Annual Meeting updated on website.
Noted.
II. Update on grant application.
Clerk reported decision date 14th June 2023.
Items to be considered for inclusion on the next Full Council agenda
Cllr Boakes Defib Fundraising.
Quarterly Budget Figures.
Update on Highways Improvement Plan.
Cllr Sheppard Defib Report.
Annual Clock Maintenance.
Members resolved to approve the dates of the next meetings.
Nina Henley
