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Christmas Market with Santa at Upchurch Village Hall
Saturday the 9th of December
From 11:00am until 4:30pm
The Christmas Market, organised by the Village Hall Management Committee, is a fundraising event for the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes will be provided inside the hall by Upchurch WI, with burgers and wraps available from Butlers Butties van outside. Both are donating from their profits to the Bell Tower Restoration Fund.
Thanks to Upchurch Parish Council, Santa, in his sleigh with giant reindeer and elves, will be visiting the children at the Village Hall from 12:00pm until 2:30pm.
Last year's Christmas Market was a big success!
Don't miss this excellent village event this year.
Upchurch Matters
Co-op Community Celebration Day
Co-op colleagues are celebrating the £138 million their members have helped raise for millions of people in local communities across the UK since 2016.
The annual Community Celebration Day at Upchurch's Co-op on Saturday the 18th of November, paid out a whopping £3063.92 to the store's 3 previous local causes.
Co-op Member Pioneer Sally Butcher presented the funds to local causes chosen during the last round of funding in the Co-op Community Fund.
Upchurch Village Hall received £1015.09
SATEDA received £1015.23
1st Upchurch Brownies and Guides received £1033.60
Congratulations 😃
Become a Co-op member and choose a local cause to support
Becoming a Co-op Member is really simple and costs £1. You will get access to exclusive offers, discounts and events, and for every £1 spent, you will earn 2p for yourself and 2p for your local community.
Make a difference in your community!
Upchurch's Co-op has been paired with their store at Parkwood Green, Rainham, for this new round of funding.
Our 2 new local causes are:
Upchurch Village Hall
4th Gillingham (Rainham) Sea Scouts
Upchurch Matters
The age-old nuisance of dog fouling around the village has been raised with the parish council by residents angry at irresponsible dog owners for not cleaning up after their pets.
Dog waste poses a significant health risk to humans, particularly young children, as their immune systems are not fully developed.
Children are also more likely to come into contact with soil or sand that contains dog waste whilst playing in parks, gardens and playgrounds.
All waste contains bacteria that can cause stomach upsets, but the greatest risk is from Toxocariasis, which can pass from dog waste to humans through contaminated soil or sand. Children are at particular risk. It is rare, but it can sometimes cause serious health problems and even blindness.
Would you really want that on your conscience?
It is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place, and Swale Borough Council has the power to fine dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.
You can receive an on-the-spot fine (FPN) of up to £100 if you do not clean up after your dog.
If you refuse to pay the fine, you could be taken to court and fined up to £1000.
There really is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog.
The parish council has provided litter & dog waste bins at locations around the village where owners can dispose of bagged dog waste, as well as TiksPac dispensers at the Recreation Ground and near the Paddock in Chaffes Lane.
Please bag your dog waste and put it in any public litter bin or take it home to your household green wheelie bin.
Allowing your dog to foul in a public place and not clean it up is antisocial and totally unacceptable to all residents.
Please leave our village spaces clean, tidy and safe for others to enjoy.
Thank you
Upchurch Matters
Upchurch Poppy Appeal
A team of local volunteers will again be making the annual house-to-house collections in Upchurch between Saturday the 28th of October, and Saturday the 11th of November.
Upchurch Parish Council has displayed poppies on lampposts throughout the village. The knitting group has added poppy crosses and wreaths to the church and post office railings. Two Tommy silhouettes are standing guard in the churchyard with heads bowed on either side of a beautiful display of flowing red poppies with some purple poppies amongst them to remember the animal victims of war. A post box topper is in place again outside the post office. These will remain on display throughout Remembrance Tide.
Remembrance Sunday Parade to the Church
The Remembrance Sunday Service begins at 10:15am on the 12th of November in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Upchurch.
The young people of the uniformed sections and their leaders will make their yearly parade from the Scout HQ on the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane to the church.
Leaving at 9:30am, they will march (accompanied by marshals) along Oak Lane and return at 11:30am.
Oficial KCC road closures and restrictions on driving will be in place this year during both the parades to and from the church. Further details are at: https://tinyurl.com/3ccuhfa6
Please be patient during this time.
If you need to drive through the village centre during the parades, please consider using Church Farm Road and Chaffes Lane instead.
Thank you
Wreaths will be laid at the internal war memorial in the Lady Chapel on behalf of the Church, Swale Borough Council, Ferques (our twin village in France), Upchurch Parish Council, Upchurch Scouts, Upchurch Guides and Upchurch Brownies.
After the service, crosses will be laid at the five Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves in the churchyard.
A wreath on behalf of all Upchurch residents from the Parish Council has been sent to Ferques for laying at their ceremony on Saturday the 11th of November.
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
Thanks to Hon. Alderman Gerry Lewin - Poppy Appeal Organiser, for the information.
Upchurch Matters
To all who would like a chat.
Since I lost my husband in February, I have realised the importance of getting together to have a chat.
A friendly group of us will be at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course again at 2:00pm on Monday the 13th of November.
Do join us. Just turn up - buy a drink, and come and have a chat in the Poolside Bar.
We meet once a month, but who knows, we may make it a more regular thing.
If you know someone who needs a lift, please let me know, and I will see what I can do. If you drive, why not offer a lift to a friend or a neighbour?
So you know who I am - you may already know me from the foodbank collections, the Rainbow Café or Uplift church.
I look forward to chatting with you all.
Gill Gay
Swale Foodbank Christmas Collections
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Upchurch.
The photo doesn't show the amount of food you provided justice.
There was lots - the shelf behind Georgina and Esther was holding bags that were mostly three deep. You are amazing!
I will be collecting your foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 1st of November and Wednesday the 6th of December, between 10:30am and 11:30am, when we are hoping to go all out for Christmas. If you could add Christmas treats or go completely Christmas for the next two months, 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.
The Salvation Army - Christmas Food Hampers
I attended a meeting between Swale Foodbank and the Salvation Army. There is a big move to bring Christmas to vulnerable families this year.
If you want to drop off something Christmassy at other times, Upchurch's Co-op is kindly receiving your gifts and storing them for me to pick up and take to the right place.
St Mary's / Uplift and UPARA will be making Hampers.
If a group of you would like to put together a hamper, that would be amazing.
A hamper needs 20 or more Christmassy bits, so getting together in a group is a better way of putting a hamper together. If you are able to make up a hamper, I will pick it up. Please let me know Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk
God bless you - it might be getting cold, but with glowing hearts from helping those in need, we will be very warm, and we will help families get through what can be one of the most difficult times of the year.
Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
To all who would like a chat.
Since I lost my husband in February, I have realised the importance of getting together to have a chat.
So, I will be at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course again at 2:00pm on Monday the 9th of October.
Do join me. Just turn up - buy a coffee, and come and have a chat in the conservatory.
We will meet once a month at first, and who knows, we may make it more regular.
If you know someone who needs a lift, please let me know, and I will see what I can do. If you drive, why not offer a lift to a friend or a neighbour?
So you know who I am - you may already know me from the foodbank collections, the Rainbow Café or Uplift church.
I look forward to chatting with you all.
Gill Gay
To all who would like a chat.
I have learned that since I lost my husband in February, it is essential to be in the company of others and to chat.
So, I will be trying an experiment.
I will be at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course at 2:00pm on Monday the 11th of September.
Get yourself a drink and join me there in the conservatory.
Anyone, and there are no restrictions, who would like to chat, why not come and join me?
We will meet once a month at first, and who knows, we may make it more regular.
If you know someone who needs a lift, please let me know, and I will see what I can do. If you drive, why not offer a lift to a friend or a neighbour?
So you know who I am - you may already know me from the foodbank collections, the Rainbow Café or Uplift church, which meets in Upchurch Village Hall.
I look forward to chatting with you all.
Gill Gay
Jeannette McAlpin
Jeannette McAlpin of Crosier Court, Upchurch, died peacefully at home in the presence of her loved ones on Wednesday, the 30th of August.
She was a much-loved wife, mother, nan, sister, aunt and good friend to all who knew her.
Jeannette's funeral will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, the 20th of September, at Garden of England Crematorium, Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GZ.
A wake will be held at The Crown, 9 The Street, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7EU.
Thank you
Jim McAlpin
Swale Foodbank Collection
Dear Upchurch,
A big thank you to everyone who came along with their generous foodbank donations on Wednesday the 2nd of August
It was a quieter month, but you still gave a good amount to the foodbank.
Thank you for digging deep and sharing God's love with the increasing number of families who find themselves trapped within the spiralling cost of living crisis.
I'm so concerned about how the winter will look for vulnerable people. Thank you for standing with us as we try to make a small difference.
I will be collecting your foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 6th of September, 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 ❤️
On the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 2:00pm to 4:30pm.
Everyone welcome.
Gill Gay and the Rainbow Café Team
To celebrate International Youth Day, please help Upchurch’s Co-op Go BIG for Barnardo's, their chosen charity partner.
Win a Mario cake
Enter in-store for £1 per raffle strip - Please ask a staff member at the till.
The winner will be picked by Thursday the 24th of August.
Cake to be collected upon winning.
Win a Sweetie Cake
Children's drawing competition.
Draw your hero on one of the paper sheets available in-store.
It could be a famous superhero, or you can make up a new hero yourself!
Write your name and number on the back, and I will display your drawings in the front window and choose someone to pick the winner.
Enter in-store for 50p - Please ask a staff member at the till.
Cake to be collected upon winning.
Good luck 🤞🏼
Thank you
Sally Butcher - Member Pioneer
Remembrance Sunday will be on the 12th of November this year, with the Poppy Appeal taking place in the preceding two weeks.
This annual act is a National opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We will remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.
The Royal British Legion is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity which provides support from day one of service and continues through life, long after service is over. From providing expert advice and guidance to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life. It’s not just the members of the Armed Forces, but their families too.
This year's Appeal will see the introduction of an all paper poppy, which will eventually replace the current poppy.
I am beginning the planning for the Upchurch Appeal, which this year is from Saturday the 29th of October to Saturday the 11th of November, by forming a team of the house-to-house collectors allocated to specific areas so that the whole Parish is contacted.
I know at this stage that I shall require volunteers for Butchers Green, Drakes Close, Eastwood Meadow, Forge Lane, Kent Terrace, and Pear Tree Grove - if you would be willing to give up to two hours of your time on one day during the appeal, to collect in one or more of these areas, please contact me. For new collectors, I will provide all the support and assistance you need leaving you only the task of seeking donations in your allocated areas.
If you have any special orders for Poppy Appeal items, please contact me.
Also, I would welcome help with organising the Upchurch Appeal with a view “to learning the ropes” and taking over in 2024. This will be my last year as organiser of the Upchurch Appeal, which I have been associated with for 30 years.
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
Hon. Alderman Gerry Lewin - Poppy Appeal Organiser
Telephone: 01634 366113 - 07946 996789
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.
