Contact Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Showing posts with label Upchurch Parish Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Upchurch Parish Council. Show all posts
Wednesday 4 January 2023
Tuesday 27 December 2022
New Wooden Trim Trail Balance Equipment in The Paddock
Upchurch Parish Council has installed new wooden trim trail balance equipment in The Paddock funded by a collective grant from Queenborough Fishery Trust and Swale Borough Council.
Cllr Pam Denny hopes to eventually create a woodland trail in the wooded area of The Paddock. Pam met with children from Holywell School earlier this year. They gave her lots of good ideas, which included adding bug hotels, bird boxes, bat boxes and the new trim trail.
If anyone has some of these items they can donate, they will be very gratefully received - thank you.
A trim trail is balance equipment of varying forms. In The Paddock, there are now balance beams, a wobble beam and a wobble bridge leading to the wooded area, which will hopefully encourage children to use this area more to play and explore, which could be educational.
The latest equipment in The Paddock is in addition to the swings, rocker, space saucer and new benches, which the Parish Council installed along with the adult exercise equipment on the Recreation Ground, also funded by grants.
Cllr Pam Denny hopes to eventually create a woodland trail in the wooded area of The Paddock. Pam met with children from Holywell School earlier this year. They gave her lots of good ideas, which included adding bug hotels, bird boxes, bat boxes and the new trim trail.
If anyone has some of these items they can donate, they will be very gratefully received - thank you.
A trim trail is balance equipment of varying forms. In The Paddock, there are now balance beams, a wobble beam and a wobble bridge leading to the wooded area, which will hopefully encourage children to use this area more to play and explore, which could be educational.
The latest equipment in The Paddock is in addition to the swings, rocker, space saucer and new benches, which the Parish Council installed along with the adult exercise equipment on the Recreation Ground, also funded by grants.
Thanks to Pam for the information.
Why not take the children to go and explore The Paddock this holiday?
Why not take the children to go and explore The Paddock this holiday?
Upchurch Matters
Sunday 4 December 2022
Upchurch Village Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene at St Mary’s Churchyard
Click the photo montage to enlarge.
Upchurch Parish Councillors Tyrone Ripley, Neil Sheppard, Gary Rosewell, and Ernie Berntsen, with Bob Friend, have all helped put the village Christmas tree up today.
'SANTA STOP HERE' has been added to the village sign along with sparkling Santa's sleigh and reindeer lights.
This year's lovely village tree has been kindly donated by Bob Friend and his family again.
Thank you, Bob.
The lit Nativity Scene, beautifully built by the late Frank Osborne, has also returned to the Churchyard at St Mary’s, Upchurch.
Upchurch Matters
Friday 25 November 2022
Rescheduled: Upchurch Parish Council - Monthly Meeting December 2022
Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Friday 18 November 2022
Christmas Market with Santa at Upchurch Village Hall
Christmas Market
On Saturday the 10th of December
From 11:00am until 4:30pm at Upchurch Village Hall
The Christmas Market is organised by the Village Hall Management Committee and is a fundraising event for the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund with refreshments provided by Upchurch WI.
Market stalls include:
Teas & Cakes
Crafts
Grand Raffle
Upchurch Players Costume Shop
Usborne Children's Books
Art from Local Artists
And Many More!
Thanks to Upchurch Parish Council, Santa, in his sleigh with giant reindeer and elves, will be visiting the children at the Village Hall from 2:30pm until 4:30pm.
Gerry Lewin
Organiser of the Christmas Market for the Village Hall Management Committee
Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
Telephone: 07946 996789
Wednesday 16 November 2022
Upchurch Traffic Speed Survey Results 2022
A summary of data from 3 recent traffic speed surveys of vehicles travelling in both directions along Horsham Lane, Forge Lane, and The Street, Upchurch, is now available.
Forge Lane
The Street
The traffic speed surveys were funded by Swale ward councillors Alan Horton and Richard Palmer from Ward Members Grants allocations and are to help inform the current Parish Highways Improvement Plan.
Traffic speeds were recorded at 15 minute intervals 24 hours per day for 7 days. The 2 measures used when looking at traffic speed are average speed and 85th percentile speed. The latter is the speed at which 85% of vehicles are travelling at or below.
Please click each graphic to enlarge it.
Horsham Lane
TSS carried out a 7 day ATC on Horsham Lane commencing the 14/10/22.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 30mph was 1343, which is 5.48% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 24519.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 30mph was 1343, which is 5.48% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 24519.
TSS carried out a 7 day ATC on Forge Lane commencing the 06/10/22.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 30mph was 1847, which is 7.25% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 25482.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 30mph was 1847, which is 7.25% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 25482.
TSS carried out a 7 day ATC on The Street commencing the 06/10/22.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 60mph was 0, which is 0.00% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 3501.
The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit of 60mph was 0, which is 0.00% of the total vehicles recorded in both directions, which was 3501.
Thank you to Upchurch Parish Council for sharing this information.
Upchurch Matters
Tuesday 8 November 2022
Christmas Market with Santa at Upchurch Village Hall
On Saturday the 10th of December
From 11:00am until 4:30pm at Upchurch Village Hall
The Christmas Market is organised by the Village Hall Management Committee and is a fundraising event for the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund with cakes and refreshments provided by Upchurch WI.
There will be crafts and much more, plus a grand raffle with the first prize winner to be drawn by Santa.
Thanks to Upchurch Parish Council, Santa, in his sleigh with giant reindeer and elves, will be visiting the children at the Village Hall from 2:30pm until 4:30pm.
Upchurch Village Hall is looking for local businesses to provide or sponsor Grand Raffle prizes.
If you think you can help, please get in touch at: enquiries@upvh.co.uk
Thank you
Upchurch Matters
Tuesday 11 October 2022
Upchurch Parish Council - New Village Caretaker Required
WE ARE HIRING - VILLAGE CARETAKER
■ Litter Picking
■ Emptying Bins
■ Keeping Upchurch Tidy
■ No Experience Required
■ Communicative
■ Self Motivated
APPLY NOW - MORE INFO
Contact Parish Clerk Nina Henley: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Upchurch Parish Council
Thursday 22 September 2022
Save the Date: Christmas Market at Upchurch Village Hall
Teas, Cakes, Crafts, Grand Raffle and more!
With thanks to Upchurch Parish Council, Father Christmas and his giant reindeer have kindly agreed to make an appearance for the children.
The market is being organised by the Village Hall Committee and further details will follow.
The market is being organised by the Village Hall Committee and further details will follow.
Any local businesses and organisations wishing to take a stall should contact:
Gerry Lewin lewing135@btinternet.com 07946 996789
Gerry Lewin lewing135@btinternet.com 07946 996789
Thank you
David Steward
Chairman - Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee
Tuesday 13 September 2022
Public Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III | Book of Condolence Open for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Click montage to enlarge.
Public proclamation
Following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a local ceremony to proclaim His Majesty King Charles III the new sovereign took place at Upchurch Village Hall on Monday, 12th September at 3:00pm.
Headteacher Darran Callaghan and teacher Jackie Warner accompanied children from Holywell School who joined residents and Parish Councillors in the sunshine to ensure this village tradition continued.
Swale Ward Cllr Alan Horton thanked everyone for attending and gave an introductory speech before Parish Council Chairman Cllr Tyrone Ripley made the local proclamation of the new monarch, which ended with GOD SAVE THE KING. Cllr Horton then proposed and led three cheers for His Majesty King Charles III to finish.
Protocol and guidance dictate the day and timings for local events following the national proclamation on Saturday, 10th September and further proclamations across the nations of the UK on Sunday, 11th.
Book of condolence open
A book of condolence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is open at St Mary's Church for residents to sign and leave personal messages in the Lady Chapel.
Upchurch Matters
Sunday 11 September 2022
Public Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III
The State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September at 1100hrs BST.
Prior to the State Funeral, The Queen will Lie-in-State in Westminster Hall for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects.
Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Thursday 14 July 2022
Upchurch Parish Council Report - July 2022
Report of the Parish Council July 2022
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny (Vice Chairman), Cllr Ernie Berntsen, Cllr Helen Boakes, Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.
Parish Highways Improvement Plan Update
Following the Parish Highways Improvement Plan consultation in 2019, the following objectives and priorities have been worked on by the Parish Council with support from both Swale Borough Council and KCC Highways where appropriate.
The Parish Council has painted 30 mph roundels and SLOW signs in Horsham Lane and anecdotal feedback from residents was that it had made a difference; following that success SLOW signs were painted either side of Crosier Court and further feedback was that had improved matters further. Speed checks were not carried out in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic and the combination of lockdowns and home working would not have given a true comparison. A 20mph zone would take two to three years minimum to achieve, it had taken Newington seven years to secure theirs. If supported by residents, the Parish Council would have to fund the scheme as there were not accident statistics to justify it as was the case in Newington. The point was made that most often speed checks have found that it is people from the village who are most often exceeding the limit and whilst it was not a pleasant message it was clear that residents must take responsibility and lead by example.
The number one priority on the Parish Highways Improvement Plan was the Oak Lane narrowing just north of the junction with Wallbridge Lane - a chicane and priority signs are to be installed by the developer of 116 Oak Lane. Priority will be for those leaving the village. While waiting for this work to be carried out, the Council has installed roundels and SLOW signs in Horsham Lane, Forge Lane and Oak Lane, they have been painted on the road twice. The chicanes in Oak Lane are expected to have a significant impact on Oak Lane, in particular as vehicles entering the village will give way to those leaving.
Oak Lane junction with A2 – Residents expressed concern that vehicles from Sittingbourne when seeing a queue into Rainham make a quick decision to turn into Oak Lane, often cutting the corner, and across the front of vehicles waiting to exit Oak Lane. This is a KCC Highways issue, and with little crash statistics to justify costs, the cost, which would be significant given it is a primary route junction would fall to the Parish, that said, the Council may wish to pursue this.
Residents have repeatedly expressed concern regarding speeding vehicles in Horsham Lane, both into and leaving the village. 30mph speed - roundels have been painted and a speed survey carried out (2019) found the vehicles to be within normal tolerances for a 30mph limit but would exceed the tolerances for a 20mph limit without physical mitigations being installed. The roundels were repainted in 2021 and SLOW painted on the carriageway to reinforce the message, the most recent additions being either side of the Crosier Court junction.
Vehicles parking in The Street opposite Horsham Lane - this means vehicles travelling from Lower Halstow toward the Lower Rainham Road often are forced around parked vehicles onto the wrong side of the road, and from there sweep into Horsham Lane across the front of vehicles waiting to turn right. A plan has been submitted to restrict parking outside the terrace houses and to allow them appropriate parking to remove the island by The Crown for and create a dedicated residents area for those houses. It is an expensive project and there are no accident statistics to justify the changes. Swale Borough Council and KCC Highways have visited the site with Cllr Horton to assess options including if a ghost island could be justified there but again it is very expensive with no statistics to support the costs.
Vehicles entering the village from Lower Halstow are controlled by a pair of speed cushions either side of the school. The ownership of the streetlamp over the speed cushion at the end of Church Farm Road is disputed with KCC Highways, this has been long running and remains unresolved.
A traffic survey in Horsham Lane has been planned but then at KCC’s recommendation postponed until after the works in Oak Lane are completed.
The Parish Council has agreed to undertake a simultaneous traffic speed survey and Ward Members Richard Palmer and Alan Horton have agreed to contribute to the cost through their Swale Borough Council Member Grant Scheme.
The Parish Council has engaged with the school to enforce parking, the school staggered start times during Covid significantly which mitigated the problem. A walking bus to school has been explored. It is not the school‘s responsibility to keep the road clear, although the Parish Council acknowledges the significant work the Head and staff put in to do so. He made the point that it is often thoughtless drivers who park inconsiderately that cause the congestion.
Church Farm Road junction with Chaffes Lane - At the Forge Lane end of Church Farm Road is a speed cushion and corner protection provided by wooden posts, following feedback from residents the Parish Council requested posts at the Chaffes Lane end of Church Farm Road to protect that junction in a similar way and also remove parked cars from the apex of the ‘blind bend’ in Chaffes Lane and make it safer. KCC Highways has approved the work, this was delayed due to Covid, and staff changes within the Highways team. It has been agreed to install three sets of posts, two at the corners of the junction and the third at the apex of the bend. KCC Highways has agreed to fund the work, and to support those measures, the Parish Council has to keep the hedge at The Paddock cut back and the houses on the corner must do the same. There will be advance warning signs of the bend and SLOW signs to slow down the traffic.
Kent Terrace/Woods Edge Canterbury Lane - The plans for the Four Gun Field development clearly showed a ramp from Kent Terrace, however steps were installed. After lobbying, a ramp with handrails has now been installed. A bin for the play area at this site is being arranged.
Holywell Lane - The verges are overgrown and pedestrians are forced to walk in the road. This is a KCC Highways and local landowner issue not a Parish Council issue. KCC Highways has a maintenance scheme.
The most recent resident concern is speeding in The Street and northward past the houses to Poot Lane and Wetham Green – The roads outside the built-up area of the village are country lanes where the national speed limit applies (60mph). There are few accidents and they are not serious enough to support a reduction of speed. The PCSO has suggested that Poot Lane could become a designated Quiet Lane, however, it may be that the road (given it is a loop) is too busy to be considered. The accepted standard for a quiet lane is clear:
Quiet Lanes are nationally recognised designations of single-track road where visitors and locals can enjoy the natural surroundings and use them for activities such as cycling, horse-riding, jogging and walking.
Quiet Lanes are usually obvious and often have two-wheel tracks either side of a grassy/mossy ridge where vehicles do not disturb the centre of the road, in his opinion whilst it would be a benefit Poot Lane and the route around Wetham Green clearly does not qualify.
The PCSO has tried to carry out speed checks in The Street but was unable to do so because of parked cars.
Residents at the meeting sought views on the implementation of a 20mph zone for the village. There would need to be an informal consultation, however the 2019 Parish Highways Improvement Plan consultation did not show support for the idea. A speed survey is required and if there is public support the Parish Council can then apply to KCC Highways to see if a 20mph zone can be achieved without mitigation, such as speed bumps or chicanes. Should mitigations be required there is then often resident objections as they do not want cars and busses riding the bumps outside their home day and night. The current trend nationally appears to be moving away from schemes that require mitigations as they appear to increase pollution with cars braking hard and accelerating away. Once a scheme has been designed a formal consultation is then conducted by KCC Highways, which can produce significant objections, then a traffic regulation order is drawn up and the scheme installed. It is highly unlikely the scheme and any mitigation measures would be paid for by KCC Highways as there does not appear to be accident statistic justification for the change.
A resident raised concern about the sight line and need to walk into the road to go around a house in Horsham Lane opposite the end of the churchyard. The Parish Council will seek a reduction in the hedge height and a cut back with the house owner and agreed that it would be appropriate to support the work from Parish Funds once only to establish the correct line, after which it was hoped the residents would keep the area cut back for the benefit of all.
Planning
Ref: 22/502002/FULL Address: 81 Forge Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AD
Proposal: Alteration and erection of a rear and side single storey extensions to existing outbuilding to provide 2no. lodges to be used as Bed and Breakfast.
Councillors agreed to support the application providing there is sufficient parking for residents.
Ref: 22/502282/FULL Address: Land North Of Horsham Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AP
Proposal: Demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of new building with a primary use as a flower school and additional use as a multi-purpose space for hire/the community together with associated access, parking and landscaping.
Councillors agreed to support the application.
iv) Ref: 22/502411/FULL Address: Breach Farm Cottage Breach Lane Upchurch ME9 7PE
Proposal: Erection of a part two storey, part single storey rear extension. Removal of garage door and replace with window, and changes to fenestration.
Councillors agreed to support the application subject to the views of neighbours being taken into account.
Environment
The Council is still waiting to receive a quotation from Swale Borough Council for the cost of installing two litter bins.
The notice board by the Co-op is to be relocated near the bus stop to make it more accessible for residents.
A contractor has been instructed to cut back the hedge in Chaffes Lane by The Paddock as a matter of urgency.
This is a precis of the meeting held on 7th July, full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.
Date of next meetings:
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 17th August at 7:30pm in the Small Hall of the Village Hall.
Full Council - Thursday 1st September at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.
To help keep loved ones safe, please DO NOT attend the meeting if you have COVID or have symptoms. Questions and comments can be sent to the Clerk to be raised at the meeting.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01622 739324
Seasonal Planters add Beautiful Colour to Upchurch Village Again
Click the montage to enlarge.
The beautiful seasonal cascading planter at the corner of Horsham Lane and the barrier baskets on the Recreation Ground fence are once again brightening up the centre of Upchurch village.
Last season's planters gave weeks of beautiful colour, and so Upchurch Parish Council ensured their return again this year.
Thank you 👏🏼
Upchurch Matters
Wednesday 13 July 2022
Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy for Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer
Working as Parish Clerk for Upchurch Parish Council will involve: preparing budgets, monitoring and balancing the Council's accounts and preparing records for audit purposes, ensuring that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the Council are observed. Preparing agendas for our council meetings and taking and writing up minutes as well as reports for local publications. Additional tasks will involve managing the Council’s website, responding to general correspondence and liaising with local residents, governing bodies, Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council. The successful candidate will also be required to oversee contractors carrying out Council work. You will need to be able to work from home and to store council documents.
Impartiality to matters and acting under the instruction of the Council is imperative to this role.
Upchurch Parish Council is responsible for a Burial Ground. The successful candidate would be required to liaise with families, undertakers and the Church in order to administer funerals and interments. You will also be required to oversee the administration and running of this area.
The Parish Council is responsible for allotments and the Clerk is responsible for the administration and rent collection of these.
Knowledge of Local Government procedures would be an advantage. Consideration will be given to candidates with the right skills and a willingness to learn a new role to support the Parish Council. A Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification is preferred (or a willingness to achieve this within an agreed time scale, funded by the council if required).
The job is 12 hours per week which includes at least 2 evening meetings per month. The salary scale is set nationally starting at spinal column point LC2 SCP 18 £13.21 p/hr and rising to spinal column point 23 £14.67 p/hr dependent on experience.
Please apply by sending a CV and brief supporting letter explaining how you meet the requirements to the Chairman, either by emailing: tyroneripley@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk or via post to: The Chairman, Upchurch Parish Council, Kaine Farm House, Breach Lane, Upchurch, ME9 7PH before the closing date of Wednesday 27th July 2022.
If you would like to discuss this prior to application contact details can be found on the Parish Council website.
Upchurch Parish Council
Tuesday 21 June 2022
Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2022
Report of the Parish Council June 2022
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny (Vice Chairman), Cllr Ernie Berntsen, Cllr Helen Boakes, Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council.
Beacon Lighting to Celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The beacon lighting event on Thursday 2nd June was a success. The Council would like to thank the organisations which took part. A special thanks to Dave Neale for providing the PA system, the disco, fire safety and for helping with the road closure. The hog roast raised £920 from donations for the church who also raised £180 from teas and coffees. Ellinor’s ice creams has made a donation of £50 to the Council and this has been given to the Scout Group as a thank you for the use of the Scout Hut.
Planning
i. Ref: 22/501429/FULL
Address: Land Rear To Ebenezer Chapel Halstow Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7AA
Proposal: Use of land for open storage/builder's yard including the re-siting of a lawful storage container, siting of a storage cabin and the erection of palisade fencing.
Councillors considered the application and had no objections to the proposal.
ii. Ref: 22/502132/ADV
Address: Christine House London Road Upchurch Kent ME8 8PT
Proposal: Advertisement Consent for internally illuminated fascia signage, internally illuminated totem signage and 3no. flags.
Councillors considered the application and agreed that it would be disappointing if there is harmful illumination in this countryside gap; harmful illumination should be avoided at all costs and there should be no illumination outside trading hours.
iii. Ref: 22/502203/PNQCLA
Address: Pear Tree House Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch Gillingham Kent ME8 8QW
Proposal: Prior notification for the change of use of 2 no. agricultural buildings to 2 no. dwellinghouses and associated operation development. For its prior approval to: Transport and Highways impacts of the development; Noise impacts of the development; Contamination risks on the site; Flooding risks on the site; Whether the location or siting of the building makes it otherwise impractical or undesirable for the use of the building to change from agricultural use to C3 (dwellinghouses); Design and external appearance impacts on the building; Provision of adequate natural light in all habitable rooms of the dwellinghouses.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there is presumption in favour of such applications; it was noted that The Three Sisters has said that it would not object if the road were made up; it was noted that residents do not want the road made up; there is a perceived harm regarding the development; it is a private road so KCC Highways will not comment; it is an existing agricultural building; in the design statement the applicant has stated they will keep to the building design.
Councillors had no objections to the proposal.
iv. Ref: MC/21/2225
Proposal: Outline Application with all matters reserved (except access) for a residential development of up to 48 dwellings, including associated access, parking, landscaping and open space.
Location: Land To East Of Seymour Road And North Of London Road, Rainham, ME8 6YX
Amended parameter plans
Councillors considered the amended parameter plans and were mindful that the Council had objected on the grounds of the extra impact this development would have on the village. There was nothing in the amended parameter plans to mitigate concerns and the Council continues to object to the development.
v. Ref: 21/503319/FULL
Address: Halstow Grove Halstow Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AB
Proposal: Retrospective application for stationing of 1 no. mobile home, 1 no. caravan, erection of a utility block, 2 no. parking bays, drive way and 1 no. septic tank.
Councillors considered the application and noted the two objections on the planning portal. Councillors raised concern regarding the amount of infill in Halstow Lane and that the nature of the lane is being changed; the proposal will destroy the Important Local Countryside Gap; Halstow Lane is being urbanised; the proposal would change the tranquillity of the countryside; the applicant’s Gypsy and Traveller status needs to be clarified. Neighbours’ objections must be taken into account.
vi. PINS Ref: APP/V2255/D/22/3296407
Ref: 21/505502/FULL
Address: 15 Horsham Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne
Proposal: Demolition of rear conservatory. Erection of part single, part two storey side and rear extension. Creation of first floor including alterations to roof, insertion of front and rear dormers and front rooflights. Alteration to front garden, boundary wall and access.
Councillors noted that the Planning Inspectorate/Secretary of State has decided that this does not offer an opportunity for interested parties to comment further at the appeal stage.
Highways
Concern has been raised regarding the speed of traffic in the village and this will be considered for inclusion in the Parish Highways Improvement Plan.
The Council has speed watch equipment and previously Councillors undertook training and the PCSO assessed suitable sites but unfortunately, the sessions stopped through lack of volunteers. It needed four volunteers to undertake the sessions, it was difficult to get helpers and we held sessions for just over a year. The main sites were in Oak Lane, below the Wallbridge Lane junction, and in Horsham Lane by the church and we found few people were actually speeding. It is a deterrent. If anyone would be interested in helping with a speed watch session, please contact the Clerk.
Antisocial behaviour of drivers driving circuits of the village late at night have been raised. The Council asks that anyone noticing such behaviour to report to PCSO Loraine Holmes on: 07970 458 645 or call the Police on 101.
Environment
Dog fouling continues to be a problem in the village. Dog fouling can lead to an increased risk and Toxocara canis can pass from dog waste to humans as Toxocariasis through contaminated sand or soil, and children are at particular risk. The Parish Council asks all dog owners to be responsible and clean up after their dogs, please.
This is a precis of Council business, full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 7th July at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 20th July at 7:30pm in the Small Hall of the Village Hall.
All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.
To help keep loved ones safe, please DO NOT attend the meeting if you have COVID-19 or have symptoms. Questions and comments can be sent to the Clerk to be raised at the meeting.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01622 739324
Monday 6 June 2022
Upchurch Celebrates The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Photographs
Click photos to enlarge.
Upchurch Celebrates The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 🇬🇧 👑 🎉 🔥
Photographs 📸
Upchurch Matters
Saturday 4 June 2022
St Mary's Church - Bell Tower Restoration Fund - Thank You
Elspeth with the Bell Tower model.
The Bell Tower at St Mary's requires urgent repairs.
The Bell Tower model on display in the church.
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously for the hog roast at The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons at the Recreation Ground on Thursday the 2nd of June.
So altogether, we have raised over £1000 now towards the St Mary's Church - Bell Tower Restoration Fund.
Your donations on the evening raised over £920 towards the urgent repairs needed to the Bell Tower at St Mary’s.
I can now get the Holywell school children to start covering the Bell Tower model with their post-it notes.
The model is on display in the church for everyone to look at until Monday the 6th of June. It will then move to Holywell School in time for my talk to the children on Wednesday the 8th of June.
I feel really excited about the brilliant start to our fundraising!
Thank you
Elspeth Baecke
Friday 3 June 2022
Upchurch Burns Brightly for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022
Click photo to enlarge.
Thanks very much to Reverend Nathan Ward, Vicar at St Margaret's Church, Rainham, for sending us his photos of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons taken from the church tower on Thursday the 2nd of June 2022.
Nathan's three photos of the beacons visible at Riverside Country Park and Hoo show Upchurch burning the most brightly.
🔥 🔥 🔥
For more information, visit: www.queensjubileebeacons.com
Upchurch Matters
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons - Upchurch
Click photo to enlarge.
Hundreds gathered at the village beacon on the Recreation Ground this evening to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's incredible 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
As part of a national celebration, a Piper played Diu Regnare, and a Bugler played the unique Bugle Call - Majesty before beacons were lit across the nation and abroad at 9:45pm.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Shorthouse, this evening's lucky winner in the Parish Council draw to light the beacon.
Thanks to councillors Tyrone Ripley, Alan Horton, Gerry Lewin, Pam Denny, Upchurch Parish Council, DJ Dave Neale and his fire crew, and everyone else who gave their time to help stage such an excellent village event.
Your donations for the hog roast this evening have raised a considerable amount towards the urgent repairs needed to the Bell Tower at St Mary’s Church.
Thank you
As part of a national celebration, a Piper played Diu Regnare, and a Bugler played the unique Bugle Call - Majesty before beacons were lit across the nation and abroad at 9:45pm.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Shorthouse, this evening's lucky winner in the Parish Council draw to light the beacon.
Your donations for the hog roast this evening have raised a considerable amount towards the urgent repairs needed to the Bell Tower at St Mary’s Church.
Thank you
🔥 🇬🇧 👑
Upchurch Matters
Monday 30 May 2022
Upchurch Celebrates The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022
Upchurch Parish Council is celebrating The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022 in the village, and all residents are invited.
On 6th February this year, Her Majesty The Queen became the only monarch ever to have reached the unbelievable milestone of 70 years since her coronation, having already celebrated her silver, gold and diamond jubilee.
To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons 🔥
Thursday 2nd June
The village beacon at the Recreation Ground will be lit once more as part of a coordinated beacon lighting across the country.
The evening will start at 7:30pm, and there will be a selection of food and drinks stalls, including a hog roast, ice creams and cakes with music for a festive mood in celebration of Her Majesty’s outstanding service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
As part of the national celebration, the Parish Council has arranged for a Piper to play Diu Regnare at 9:35pm and at the request of the Queen’s Pageant Master, a Bugler will play the unique Bugle Call - Majesty, at 9:40pm, before the beacons, are lit at 9:45pm.
For public safety, there will be a closure of Oak Lane from the junction with Bishop Lane to the Doctor's surgery, with a diversion using Chaffes Lane and Bishop Lane. The road closure signs will be posted in Oak Lane at the junction of Bishop Lane and in Oak Lane at the Post Office, although access will remain available to those needing to get through as far as the surgery on Oak Lane.
The road closure is expected to last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions and wind direction.
The Parish Council ran a free competition for residents to win the chance to light the beacon. The competition has now closed, and the draw will take place at 9:00pm on the evening.
To be chosen, you must have already entered and be present at the draw on the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane. You cannot enter the competition now or on the evening.
The village beacon was lit for the first time on 11th November 2018 as part of Battle’s Over, a coordinated beacon lighting and international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I.
Street Parties 🇬🇧
Sunday 5th June
Village residents are invited to share in this spectacular weekend of celebration, a time for friendship, food and fun with families, loved ones, friends and neighbours.
Village residents are invited to share in this spectacular weekend of celebration, a time for friendship, food and fun with families, loved ones, friends and neighbours.
Upchurch street parties are encouraged and, where it is not possible for you to hold street parties in your road, because, for example, it is a through route or too fast to be safe, residents can have their 'street party' at the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane.
Groups who would like to take advantage of this need to inform the Parish Council so that the event can be held safely.
Please contact the Clerk to book your space, you will be expected to provide your own tables, chairs, gazebos and so on and of course, clear up after!
The Council is keen to know how residents are celebrating the jubilee and would be pleased to hear from you if you are organising any kind of celebration, especially a street party, or would like to bring your street party to the Recreation Ground.
Please save the dates and come along to be part of the special Jubilee celebrations in Upchurch 👑
For more information, visit:
Upchurch Matters
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