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St Mary the Virgin, Upchurch.
The Friends of St Mary Upchurch (FOSM)
FOSM is a registered secular charity that was formed to financially support the maintenance and repair of the historically listed church in the centre of our parish.
In this matter, the friends are currently supporting the Bell Tower Restoration Project by making grants to the church towards that project. Since being formed in 2011, FOSM has made grants to the church and will continue to do so in the future.
If you would like to become a friend, I.E. a member, and support this charity, please contact Roger Pocock on: 01634 233521. Life or yearly memberships are available. Would current friends with yearly membership note that subscriptions are now due.
History Talk and AGM
Last year's talk was given by Revd. Chris Shipley and covered the meaning and content of the Te Deum window above the altar and mentioned St. Spiridon, who appears in it.
This year’s talk will be specifically about St. Spiridon, who also appears in a wall painting, dated from the 13th century above the south aisle of the church.
The talk will again be given by Revd. Chris Shipley on Thursday, October 19th, from 7:00pm in the church - all are welcome, and there is no charge.
Hon. Alderman Gerry Lewin - Chairman of FOSM Telephone: 01634 366113 - 07946 996789
Saturday 12th August 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
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
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 ❤️
Dear Upchurch,
The photo doesn't do justice to just how many bags of food we took to the foodbank warehouse on Wednesday.
The bags were 2 and 3 deep, but as the photographer is so short, it doesn't show that 😂
Again, Upchurch, you turned up and gave with all the kindness that Upchurch has.
Thank you, and God bless you for your big generous heart - that is Upchurch village ❤️
I will be collecting your donations for Swale Foodbank again next month at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday the 2nd of August, between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Saturday 8th July 2023
7:30pm in St Mary’s Church, Upchurch
Entry £10, under 18s free
Upchurch Choral Society will perform their Summer Concert of a varied evening of music with a historical flavour this month.
Please come and join them!
Refreshments will be available.
UCS is also planning to hold a Singing Workshop day on Saturday the 16th of September, also in St Mary's Church - more information to follow.
They always welcome new members to sing with and are a four-part choir, that meets on Friday evenings at 7:45pm in our church.
For more information, contact UCS Secretary Sue Rossiter.
Upchurch Matters
A very warm welcome awaits you at the Rainbow Café in St Mary's Church, Upchurch, when the doors hopefully reopen on Thursday the 14th of September 2023 - times TBA.
The café will again serve homemade, delicious cakes, savouries and drinks, with a great snack deal for the children.
The team hopes to use part of the café's income to fund the school fees for five children in Uganda again.
Enjoy the refreshments, and chat while the children play.
All ages welcome.
The rainbow team can't wait to welcome you all back!
Upchurch Matters
Saturday 8th July 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
Swale Foodbank Collection
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your generous support for the foodbank again last month.
I will be collecting your foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 5th of July, 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 ❤️
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.
There will be a warm welcome.
Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm.
Is there someone or something you would like a prayer for?
Pop in and join us or leave a note.
Thank you, everyone, for your generous support for the foodbank.
You are amazing!
It is heartwarming to see how you turn up each month with your gifts of love.
Thank you, and God bless you ❤️
I will be collecting your donations for Swale Foodbank again next month at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday the 5th of July, between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Last week, twelve oil-filled candles went missing from St. Mary's Church, Upchurch.
A reward of £10, plus a thank you from a grateful community published in the Gabriel village magazine, is on offer for information that leads to their recovery.
Thank you
William Little
Saturday 10th June 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
Swale Foodbank Collection
Hi Everyone,
We had a great Foodbank collection last month.
Your generosity was overwhelming and heartwarming. I'm feeling the consequences of weekly price rises in my own shopping, and I'm starting to make different choices - but I still have food in my cupboard and fridge.
What scares me are those who haven't got room to make choices and changes to their buying because they are already at rock bottom.
I want to thank you for standing with me and helping me give those struggling a helping hand to put food on their tables for their families and themselves.
I will be collecting your wonderful foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 7th of June, 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 🙏🏼
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.
There will be a warm welcome.
Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm.
Is there someone or something you would like a prayer for?
Pop in and join us or leave a note.
The Six Benefice congregations will be joined by different Christian churches at an open air Pentecost Ecumenical Communion and Picnic on Whit Sunday, the 28th of May.
Reverend Amanda Lane and Reverend Nick Carpenter will lead the service at the orchard next to St Mary the Virgin Newington, beginning at 10:30am.
All are welcome from across the benefice for this service, followed by a picnic to enjoy after, spending time in this lovely setting.
Please bring your own picnic food, drinks and chairs.
Elizabeth Shorthouse
UpARA Chairman John Wishart presented fundraiser Elspeth Baecke with a cheque for £3,000 towards their chosen charity, St Mary's Church - Bell Tower Restoration Fund, at their monthly meeting on Friday the 19th of May 2023.
The association's fundraising events have raised £5,000 this year for worthy causes, including the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Ukraine Humanitarian Appeals, all thanks to its generous members.
Congratulations to UpARA members and the committee for another super year of fundraising!
Members had their Birthday Party in Upchurch Village Hall to look forward to after their guest speaker and AGM.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday, UpARA 🎉
Upchurch Matters
Saturday 13th May 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
Dear Upchurch, you gave so generously again today.
The price of everything is soaring, yet you are digging deep to help those who need a helping hand.
A special thank you to Chris and Brian, who helped me collect the food and take it to the warehouse - they had so many empty shelves.
We had a chat today, and Swale Foodbank stocks four centres where people go for help. Three are churches, and one is at a school. They also deliver to people with no means of getting to a centre.
Well done, Esther and her team of volunteers, and to all the centres on the front line.
May God bless you all as you share his love ❤️
I will be collecting your donations for Swale Foodbank again next month at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday the 7th of June, between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Thank you
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Click the photo montage to enlarge it.
The ladies of the knitting group, with their partners, have decorated the railings at St Mary's Church with eye-catching knitted gold and purple bunting and Charles and Camilla characters, adding some welcome colour to the centre of Upchurch village.
Their lovely decorations mark the national celebrations for the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort on Saturday the 6th of May 2023.
A lovely knitted post box topper, complete with characters, has been added, along with bunting hung between the posts on the corner of Horsham Lane, from the bus shelter and the Post Office railings.
It looks superb again - thank you, ladies!
Go and take a good look for yourself...
Read more about the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort on Upchurch Matters at >> https://bit.ly/41bSoOu
Upchurch Matters
My neighbour Sarah Mitchell will be generously baking her fabulous cakes this Coronation Weekend in aid of the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund for collection in person from Upchurch.
There is also a lovely Victoria Sponge to be raffled at £2 per entry, the same as the one pictured.
The raffle winner will be drawn on Friday afternoon and can collect the sponge on the morning of Saturday the 6th of May.
For more details, including cake prices, to be entered into the raffle and to contact Sarah, visit >> https://bit.ly/3HwP8Fk
We have raised £36,000 towards the restoration of the bell tower so far, but please help us to reach our goal of £50,000!
Thank you
Elspeth Baecke
