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News Archive

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Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts

Sunday 17 March 2024

Upchurch Annual Parish Meeting






































This year's Annual Parish meeting is on Thursday the 11th of April 2024, at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.

The meeting is an opportunity for residents to learn about local groups and activities in the Village.

If you would like to speak or read out a report, please contact the Clerk.

If you are unable to attend but would like a report read out on your behalf, please send it to the Clerk no later than the 9th of April 2024.

We hope you can all attend and look forward to seeing you in April.

Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696

Nursery Days Spring Fayre















































Nursery Days Spring Fayre

Saturday the 20th of April 

From 10:00am until 12:00pm

Come along and join the fun

At The Old School, The Street, Upchurch, ME9 7AJ

Telephone: 01634 376924

Upchurch Village Hall - AGM

Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee
Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 10th April 2024 at 7:00pm in the Main Hall

The Village Hall Management Committee is a group of volunteers who run the hall on behalf of the community. It is made up of representatives from the regular users of the hall along with village reps.

The groups currently with an opportunity to nominate 2 reps each are the Parish Council, PCC, WI, Players, Bowls and UpARA.

At present, not all of these groups are part of the Hall Committee, and we hope to see this change at the AGM because we want all regular users to have a say in how the hall is run and to help shape its future. 

The AGM is open to all as an opportunity for residents to find out what's been happening in the hall, what plans are being made, and to ask any questions.

Thank you

Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee

Sunday 10 March 2024

Safer Streets - Free Online Bystander Training Sessions






































As part of the Safer Streets Project for Folkestone and Swale, online bystander training has been organised to help equip residents with the skills to intervene and prevent harmful situations.

If you would like to join one of the free interactive online coaching sessions, please scan the Eventbrite QR code links in the poster to register.

Funding for the campaign came after Swale, through the Community Safety Partnership, worked with the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner to successfully bid for the additional resources.

Upchurch Matters

Saturday 3 February 2024

The Upchurch Poppy Appeal


The local Appeal, organised in Upchurch during Remembrancetide 2023, raised over £3,145 in donations to The Royal British Legion.
 
As I indicated last year, the 2023 Upchurch Appeal would be the last Appeal that I would organise. This after being associated with the Appeal for 30 years after taking over from Mrs Vera Kew.

I am pleased to let you know that The Upchurch Poppy Appeal will, in future, be organised by Colin Sutcliffe, who, for the last four Appeals, has been a house-to-house collector in Crosier Court.

For me, it has been an honour to give 30 years of service to The Royal British Legion, during which time the Upchurch Appeals have raised in excess of £64,000.

In 1988, I became one of the first civilians to become a Member of the Legion.

My personal and RBL thanks go to past and present house-to-house collectors who also gave service to the Legion and equally to residents, organisations, schools and businesses who have donated so generously.

LEST WE FORGET

Hon. Alderman Gerry Lewin
Telephone: 01634 366113 Email: lewing135@btinternet.com

Upchurch Scout Group Says Thanks Again to Kent Trade Frames



























Scout Group Chairman Jeremy Jobson MBE, joined by
Kent Trade Frames' Robert Sketchley with members and leaders of
the Upchurch Scout Group sections.

Young people from the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, with their leaders and Chairman, have all thanked Kent Trade Frames for generously donating and installing smart new doors at their Scout HQ on the Recreation Ground.

They made cards, wrote messages of thanks and presented the popular local business with a hamper, all to show their gratitude.

The new doors have improved disabled access and fire safety and are in addition to the new fire escape door KTF donated to the Scouts in 2016.

To find out more about Scouting in Upchurch, contact GSL Julia Richardson.
Tel: 01634 389836 Email: 1stupchurchscoutgroup@gmail.com

For quality replacement windows, doors and conservatories with no sales representatives or pressure selling, supplied and installed by a local family-run business, contact Kent Trade Frames.
Tel: 01795 431600 Email: enquiries@kent-tradeframes.co.uk

Upchurch Matters

Sunday 28 January 2024

Terry Lewis 1944 - 2024



















Terry Lewis

Terry Lewis of Crosier Court passed away on Friday the 12th of January 2024.

Terry was a much loved husband, father, grandad, great grandad, brother, uncle and a good friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Our family moved to Upchurch in 1976, and Terry began helping with the football at Holywell School and with the fundraising for their new swimming pool. There were no checks in those days. You just joined in. The school pool later became the Pioneer and Challenger classrooms. 

After Terry retired from working abroad, he helped run the Farmers Market at the Village Hall and played a large part on the committee that successfully returned the Village Fete back to the Paddock in Upchurch in 2014.

Terry enjoyed attending the many quizzes, dances and fundraisers organised by the various village organisations I have been involved with over the years.

As one of the knitting group husbands, Terry helped us decorate the centre of the village, many times with knitted characters at Christmas, Easter, Jubilees and with poppies, Tommy silhouettes, and a military arch specially built for Remembrance Sunday.

When I lost my regular cleaning partner at St Mary's Church, Terry started helping me and proved to be the better cleaner.

He was also a regular helper at the Scout's monthly Paper Drive and joked that his children had left over 30 years ago!

Terry loved village life and the people of Upchurch.

A positive service and appreciation of Terry's life will be held inside St Mary’s Church on Friday the 9th of February, at 10:30am, followed by his committal in the Burial Ground.

Car parking is available at Upchurch Village Hall.

A reception will be held afterwards upstairs at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course from around 12:00pm.

All who knew and loved Terry are welcome to attend.

We ask for family flowers only, please.

Donations (made in the box) will given to the Macmillan Nurses.

Thank you

Jill Lewis

Sunday 14 January 2024

Upchurch Bingo Group


Our bingo sessions are held in the back room of The Crown on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

We begin at 7:30pm with eyes down at 8:00pm.

£1.00 entry - £6.00 for 12 games. 

We are a non-profit group, and all proceeds are distributed as prizes.

Our next session is on Tuesday the 16th of January.

Why not join us for an evening of fun?

Sylvia Roberts

Sunday 7 January 2024

Derek Keeler 1934 - 2023



















Derek Keeler.

My Father, Derek Keeler of Crosier Court, passed away on Monday the 18th of December 2023.

Derek served in the Territorial Army Royal Signals, and after moving from Rainham to Upchurch, he was well known for his long-standing involvement with Upchurch Church Lads and Girls Brigade during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

When the Brigade finished, Derek continued to attend the Remembrance Sunday service wearing his uniform and throughout the years, he played the bugle and laid poppy crosses on the war graves after the the service.

Derek will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

There will be a service for Derek at St Mary the Virgin, Upchurch, at 10:30am on Thursday the 25th of January, followed by his committal at Garden of England Crematorium, Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GZ at 12:00pm.

All who knew him are welcome to attend.

Family flowers only and donations in Derek's name, if wished, can be made to the Royal British Legion via JustGiving at his official obituary page: www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/118963

Thank you

Sharon
Derek's daughter

Monday 1 January 2024

Swale Foodbank Collection - January

























Swale Foodbank Collection

Thank you, Upchurch, for all your love and care for vulnerable people throughout 2023.

We have begun a new year, and while there are still families in danger of going hungry, I will continue collecting your wonderful gifts throughout 2024.

I will be collecting your generous foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 3rd of January, between 10:30am and 11:30am. I know you will be there too.

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.

God bless your loving, generous hearts. May he pour many blessings into your lives in 2024 ❤️

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Thursday 28 December 2023

Kent Association of Local Councils - Community Awards Scheme 2024















Calling all Upchurch Parish Residents.

Upchurch Parish Council will once again be presenting an award to a resident or group that has made a difference to the village.

The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award acknowledges and recognises a resident or group that has made a significant contribution to their local community over a period of years.

If you know of someone who has given this kind of service and merits an award, please nominate them.

The person must live or work within the Upchurch Parish Council boundary. Parish residents can make just one nomination, but all adult family members may submit a nomination form.

The nomination form below can be downloaded and printed or requested from the Clerk at: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk or by telephone: 07798 600696.





















Tap and hold or right-click on the nomination form above to download and print it.

The winner will receive a certificate signed by the Chairman of Kent County Council and the KALC Chairman.

The Upchurch Parish Council Chairman will present the award at the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday the 11th of April 2024.

Please send your completed nomination forms in a sealed envelope to:

Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer
2 Alfriston Grove
Kings Hill
West Malling
ME19 4SR

The closing date for receiving nomination forms is Wednesday the 31st of January 2024.

The previous winners of the KALC Award in Upchurch are:

Pat New in 2017
Tracey Snellings in 2018
Ray Kemsley in 2019
No award given in 2020
Cia Merrall in 2021
John Arnold in 2022
Gerry Lewin in 2023

Upchurch Matters

Saturday 23 December 2023

The Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal - Thank You



Dear Upchurch,

You very generously donated three carloads, with boots, back seats and front passenger seats, all full of gifts for this year's joint Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal outside the church on Wednesday the 6th of December.

My car carried the wonderful Hampers of Hope, but we also had bags and bags of Christmas goodies, toys, gifts, knitted items and staple foods.

What a generous village Upchurch is. Esther, the Project Manager at Swale Foodbank (the lady in the red standing in their Christmas aisle), was amazed, and she sends her blessings.

She did say out of all the collections she receives, Upchurch is the most generous.

So be proud, Upchurch, your Godly kindness is noted. You have spread joy and light this Christmas.

Thanks also to Sally at Upchurch's Co-op for their collection point in store, where you kindly left your donations.

Thanks also to everyone who joined us for Carol Singing in Upchurch on Wednesday the 6th at Beckenham Park, Monday the 11th on the corner of Marstan Close and Chaffes Lane, and Monday the 18th, opposite the church by the village Christmas tree.

Over the three nights, you helped us raise a total of £156.35 towards The Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal.

As well as raising money to help vulnerable people, it was really good fun.

We finished by the village Christmas tree with mulled wine and mince pies.

Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️

Enjoy your Christmas!

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Saturday 2 December 2023

The Salvation Army - Christmas Food Hampers | Swale Foodbank - Christmas Collection | Carol Singing in Upchurch

The Salvation Army - Christmas Food Hampers


















The hamper boxes are ready!

I know that with the help of Upchurch residents, UpARA and St Mary's / Uplift churches, they will soon be full of Christmas goodies for the four struggling families that are being supported by Swale Foodbank and the Salvation Army.

They have joined together this year to try and help vulnerable people through Christmas. You may have seen the posters. They are trying to fill over 400 hampers. You are doing your bit - bless you.

Please visit: www.giftofchristmas.co.uk where you can read what's happening and join their Facebook group with more info.



























Swale Foodbank - Christmas Collection


























As well as the hampers, with the help of Santa's little helpers, Sue and Georgina, I will be collecting all your Christmas gifts for Swale Foodbank at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday, the 6th of December, between 10:30am and 11:30am. If you could go completely Christmas, that would be fantastic.

If you are able to provide long-lasting Christmas-type food, for example:

Christmas Pudding
Christmas Cake
Tinned Ham
Christmas Treat Stockings
Tinned Cream
After Eight Mints
Christmas Twiglets and other savoury treats
Biscuits to go with Cheese
Nuts and Crisps
Squash and Drinks

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.

We are also collecting new toys, gift sets and new hats, scarves and gloves if you would like to donate a gift. These gifts need to be unwrapped.

The Salvation Army will be running a pop-up shop where families known to them will be able to come along and choose a gift for each member of their family. 

I think that's such a wonderful idea.

Can you help?

Carol Singing in Upchurch

























I haven't finished yet. I'm gathering groups for carol singing on:

Wednesday the 6th of December at Beckenham Park, between 5:30pm and 6:00pm.

Monday the 11th of December on the corner of Marstan Close and Chaffes Lane, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.

Monday the 18th of December, opposite the church by the village Christmas tree, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.

Please come and lend your voice. Or come and pop some coins in our containers.

All proceeds will go to the Swale Foodbank and The Salvation Army appeal.

God bless you - you have stood with those struggling for the whole of this year.

I have no doubt that you will stand with them through this Christmas too.

Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Sunday 26 November 2023

Nursery Days Christmas Fayre















































Nursery Days Christmas Fayre

On Saturday the 16th of December 

From 10:00am until 12:00pm

At The Old School, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7AJ

Come along for traditional games, prizes, festive food, and bundles of Christmas cheer!

Telephone: 01634 376924

Friday 24 November 2023

Remembrance Sunday 2023 - Upchurch





















The Remembrance Sunday service was led by Revd. Julian Staniforth and took place in the Church of St Mary the Virgin on November 12th.

The Upchurch uniformed youth organisations paraded from Drakes Hut as the rain eased and formed a guard of honour along the entrance to the south door of the church.

At the service, a very full church remembered all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and subsequent conflicts for this Nation. Eight wreaths were laid in turn in the Lady Chapel. The wreaths were on behalf of the Church, the Mayor of Swale, The Royal Navy Clearance Divers Association, Ferques (our twin village in France*), Upchurch Parish Council, Upchurch Scouts, Upchurch Guides and the Upchurch Brownies.

The names of all those on the Upchurch memorial tablets in the Lady Chapel who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and WWII were then read out in the order recorded. At 11.00 hours, the bugler played the Last Post and the two minutes silence was observed.

At the end of the service, the choir led the congregation out to the middle burial ground. Wooden Remembrance crosses were laid at each of the five War Grave Commission graves by past members of the Armed or Civilian services. After the crosses were laid, all those present stood in silent Remembrance on what was a damp and dull morning only brightened by the autumnal foliage. This act concluded with prayers.

It was pleasing to see the village showing poppies on lamp posts, knitted poppies on the church railings and elsewhere. In the cemetery, a blanket of poppies had been erected guarded by two silhouettes of “Tommys” acknowledging the fallen. My Royal British Legion thanks to those responsible for these displays.

*Upchurch Parish Council sends a wreath to Ferques for laying on Armistice Day when the French remember their war dead.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Hon. Alderman Gerry Lewin - Poppy Appeal Organiser
Telephone: 01634 366113 - 07946 996789 Email: lewing135@btinternet.com

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