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Wednesday, 5 June 2019

Temporary Closure of Public Footpath ZR33

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 14 (1), As Amended By The Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991.

Kent County Council intends to make an Order the effect of which is to temporarily close Public Footpath ZR33 between its junction with Public Footpath ZR32 at Twinney Wharf and the steps into the former brickworks (NGR TQ 8594 6742) from the 24th June 2019.

The path will be closed for a maximum of six months, although it is expected that it will reopen by mid August 2019.

The path is closed because works are planned on or near it.

The alternative route is via public footpaths ZR32, ZR35, The Street and the southern end of ZR33 to meet the link to Church Path and will be signed for the duration of the closure.

For detailed enquiries please contact Michael Ellis. Contact Centre no: 03000 417171

Kind Regards

Mr William Barfoot
Definitive Map Team | PROW & Access | Countryside and Community Development | Growth, Environment & Transport | Kent County Council
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Tuesday, 4 June 2019

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - April 2019

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch


Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past 2 months:
March 2019April 2019
All crime2736
Anti-social behaviour518
Bicycle theft00
Burglary00
Criminal damage and arson33
Drugs01
Other crime01
Other theft21
Possession of weapons00
Public order11
Robbery00
Shoplifting00
Theft from the person00
Vehicle crime32
Violence and sexual offences139
Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Lower Halstow and Iwade


Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past 2 months:
March 2019April 2019
All crime1911
Anti-social behaviour86
Bicycle theft11
Burglary00
Criminal damage and arson21
Drugs00
Other crime00
Other theft10
Possession of weapons00
Public order01
Robbery00
Shoplifting00
Theft from the person00
Vehicle crime31
Violence and sexual offences41
Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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Sunday, 2 June 2019

Join The Adventure at 1st Upchurch Scout Group - Come and Meet the Team at Upchurch Village Fete


Click image to enlarge.


New recruits and volunteers are always welcome to join the adventure at 1st Upchurch Scout Group.

Come and meet the team on our stall at Upchurch Village Fete at Holywell School on Saturday 22nd June between 12:00pm and 4:00pm.

We look forward to meeting you!

For more information, please Email: 1stupchurchscoutgroup@gmail.com

Do more.
Share more.
Be more.


Julia Richardson
Group Scout Leader - 1st Upchurch Scout Group
Tel: 01634 389836
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Saturday, 1 June 2019

9th Annual Lower Halstow Novelty Dog Show


Saturday 8th June at the Memorial Hall Green, Lower Halstow

Registration 9:00am - Judging starts at 11:00am

All monies raised will be contributed to the over 60's Christmas function

Keith Howard Challis MBE
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A thank you from ex-Borough Councillor Gerry Lewin


Alison, Gerry and Sarah Lewin.
I have had the pleasure to represent Hartlip & Upchurch originally and then Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch as a Swale Borough Councillor since 1991, when I stood for election for the first time in my life. I was then re-elected at every subsequent borough election until this year when my name did not appear on the May 2019 ballot paper, a decision I had made in 2017.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the kindness and support that I have received in those 28 years. I am also happy to acknowledge that you all have offered me enormous amounts of advice at one time or another - most of which I was happy to listen too!

Thank you also to the many who have wished me a ‘happy retirement’, but you should know that I intend to continue to be active in the parish of Upchurch in which I live.

It goes without saying - but it needs to be said - that I owe a considerable debt of gratitude to my late wife Dianne and our daughters Alison and Sarah for their support which enabled me to spend a third of my life as an elected Councillor.

Gerry Lewin
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New Charges at KCC Household Waste Recycling Centres

Kent County Council will begin charging for the disposal of some non-household waste materials (soil, rubble, hardcore and plasterboard) at its 18 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) from Monday the 3rd of June 2019. in line with the non-household waste charging policy.

Even if produced at a domestic property, these materials are to be treated as non-household waste in accordance with the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012.

Non-household waste already charged for at HWRCs includes tyres from cars and motorcycles.

KCC HWRCs do not accept waste emanating from a business.

Plasterboard and tyres have designated recycling containers.

Other chargeable materials noted below must be placed in the soil, rubble and hardcore recycling area.

The list below details chargeable materials:

Ceramic Bathroom and Kitchen Items (including baths, bidets, cisterns, shower

00trays, sinks, toilet pans, wash basins)
 Breeze blocks and bricks
 Cement (set and powder)
 Concrete
 Drainpipes (ceramic types)
 Flagstones
 Granite
 Hardcore, rubble, gravel and rocks
 Marble
 Plasterboard
 Sand
 Slate
 Soil and stones
 Tiles (ceramic/clay/slate)

Please note that tyres (car and motorcycles etc) are already chargeable on site.

Vehicle restrictions were implemented at HWRCs in 2012. If you wish to check restrictions, please see KCC’s vehicle policy regarding vehicles that require vehicle vouchers.

Chargeable waste should be brought to site in appropriately sized bags; no larger than a standard black sack.

Items such as sheets of plasterboard, paving slabs and sinks that don’t fit into bags will be charged per item.

A daily limit on soil, rubble and hardcore, in-line with current restrictions will apply - a maximum of 5 bags/items (a bag can be up to the size of a standard black sack). The policy to limit these materials was introduced in 2012 to prevent trade waste abuse. 

Site staff decisions are final.


Upchurch Matters
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Memories of Bishop Lane in the Early Years by David Wood

Before being constructed the area now known as Bishop Lane and the old people’s bungalows adjacent to it was nothing more than an overgrown wasteland with the recreation ground on one side and a rough dirt track known by locals as ‘The Donkey Path’ running down the other side. A row of old dwellings named Gore Bank Cottages (originally known as Seager’s Cottages, constructed in 1882) stretched along Chaffes Lane to the recreation ground on the same side. These were demolished to make way for Bishop Lane and the new houses.

Constructed in 1964/65 during a period of new housing expansion in the village, Bishop Lane which has twenty three houses and is named after well-known Upchurch organiser and parish councillor Cecil Bishop, came into existence and has flourished with a close knit community.

Two main types of houses were constructed on the site, with either two or three bedrooms. An outhouse is attached to the side of each house. Initially, the houses were council properties but most of these were sold off and became privately owned.



Some of the early residents were well known in the village because of their involvement in different organisations or clubs. Alan Bissell who lived with his wife Phyllis at number 21 had served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War Two and gained fame as a goalkeeper with Upchurch Football Club during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Jim Martin who worked as a Redlands lorry driver became a very successful bowler with Lower Halstow Cricket Club during the 1960s and Doug Sellen who lived with his wife Gladys at number 7 became a leading darts player for The Crown in the local darts league. Dave Bronger who lived with his mother at number 9 performed as a well-known local football referee, while his mother Annie, a very talkative and jolly woman, belonged to several village organisations which included the WRVS, the Darby & Joan Club and The Women’s Institute. She also served on the Carnival Committee and regularly appeared on carnival floats and in the carnival fancy dress parade. She also did seasonal work on local farms. As her elder son John said, “Mum was in everything.”

Annie Bronger and former brickfield worker Charlie Clark were two well-known characters at Bishop Lane in the early days. These are sadly long gone but Neville and Betty Wildish, Joan Bunting and Janet Gilbert are some of the original residents still living in the lane. Janet Gilbert says,

“The relationship between the residents has always been very good, particularly in the early days when everyone knew each other. We were like one big family. We looked after each other’s children. Many of the children played on the recreation ground and I used to go fruit picking with Iris Martin, Joan Bunting and Pat Friend. Residents designed and entered a decorated float in the village carnival. I remember we did St Trinian’s one year. A lot of younger people have moved in but Bishop Lane is still a very quiet and friendly place to live.”

Bishop Lane continues to thrive with its community of long term and more recent residents.

About David

David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and detailed historical study of the village.

David's book, ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood
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Daks over Normandy - 75th D-Day Commemoration


Click the map to enlarge.

 THE CROSSING 

On Wednesday the 5th of June 2019, more than 35 Douglas DC-3/C-47s will take to the skies from Imperial War Museum - Duxford. Just like on June the 5th 1944, all these aircraft will fly in formation across the English Channel for an airborne parachute drop over the original 1944 drop zones.

Escorted by World War II fighters, they will set course for Caen-Carpiquet Airport in Normandy. The planned flight will pass Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Maidstone and Eastbourne before heading out over The Channel. If we are lucky, we may just be able to see them from here in Upchurch.

They will then pass Le Havre and then the historic UK Drop Zone at Sannerville, where the skies will be filled with paratroopers jumping round military parachutes, as they descend in honour of the troops who did the same 75 years ago.

The fleet will then descend on Caen-Carpiquet Airport around 16:45pm (FR time) where they will be on display on Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th of June.


 D-DAY HISTORY 

June the 6th 1944 is one of the most important dates in modern history. It marks the date on which almost 160,000 Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches to start the liberation of Western-Europe. The assault was preceded by 24,000 troops who parachuted in or came by glider. The most important aircraft to support the airborne assault was formed by over 800 Douglas C-47 Skytrains (Dakotas). These carried the brunt of all men into battle across the English Channel. In June 2019 the D-Day Invasion will see her 75th commemoration.

It will most probably be the very last large commemoration of this historic day.

More information at: www.daksovernormandy.com

Upchurch Matters
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Friday, 31 May 2019

Swale Borough Council - Grants Funding Applications Open for Another Year


Local community groups and projects can get the extra funding support they need thanks to the member grant scheme.

Almost £113,000 funding is available from local councillors, as each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £2,400 available to support small-scale, local community projects through the member grants scheme. From Monday 3rd June, community groups throughout Swale can bid for funding for projects that provide benefits in areas including culture, sport, recreation, health, environment and community safety.

The application process is easy; groups simply need to discuss the project with their local councillor in order to get their support and fill in a simple application form.

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of Swale Borough Council, said:

“Local projects and community groups make such a difference to our neighbourhoods. From larger community led organisations, to smaller one-off projects, they all deserve as much help as they can get.

These grants are the perfect way for us to help these groups continue with their hard work and efforts.”

Just some of the previous projects and organisations that received funding from the member grants scheme include:

 Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta - £850 provided by five local councillors to provide a 10k and 2k fun run.

 Sittingbourne Food Bank - £3,050 provided by nine local councillors to help provide funds for storage.

 Children Centre’s Early Help - £1,000 provided by eight local councillors to fund a children’s Christmas party for disadvantaged families within the area.

 Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association - £400 provided by two local councillors to provide an Autism Chill Out Zone at the Christmas Lights.

 Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey - £2,000 provided by three local councillors to help provide the Dementia Café for the local community. The group was named Alzheimer’s Society National Youth Champions 2018 for the Dementia Café. The award was presented by Angela Rippon CBE November 2018 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London. Paul Murray from the Oasis Academy Dementia Café said: “Without the funding this would have not been possible.”

To find out more about member grants visit: www.swale.gov.uk/member-grants or contact your local ward councillor.

The member grant scheme is not the only funding available this financial year. Organisations can also apply for:

 Heritage Grants - £10,000 is available in the Heritage Grants pot.

 Culture Grants – there is £10,000 allocated in the Culture Grants Fund.
To find out more, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/culture-grants

 Sports and Physical Activity Grants - funding of £20,000 is available for this financial year.
To find out about how to apply, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/sport-and-physical-activity-grant 

 Environment Grants - after the successful trial of a new Environment Grants earlier this year, we have reopened it for this financial year, with £5,000 available: www.swale.gov.uk/environment-grants

Swale Borough Council
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Thursday, 30 May 2019

The Spirit of Sittingbourne - Roadworks on St Michael’s Road


ROADWORKS ON ST MICHAEL’S ROAD DUE
TO BEGIN ON JUNE 10TH

The Spirit of Sittingbourne partnership will be undertaking roadworks on St Michael’s Road in June, as part of the regeneration of the town centre.

The works will be on the gyratory at the far western side of St Michael’s Road, before it intersects with Dover Street, beginning on June 10th and due to be finished in December 2019.

Work will occur across two stages, on each side of the road. This will mean a single lane will remain open throughout the works period, allowing traffic to flow through. The road will be converted to a single-lane route permanently following the works.

Whilst we are working to minimise any impact arising from these works, with a single lane remaining open throughout, we are advising residents to build additional time into their journeys once the works begin.

Local shops and businesses will remain open as usual. Access to Cockleshell Walk Car Park will be maintained throughout the works, though will result in a temporary reduction in the number of parking spaces.

Contact: Kevin McKeever or Gordon McKee
Tel: 01795 602011
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Saturday, 25 May 2019

Medway Cycling Festival 2019

Get on your bike this summer with the Medway Cycling Festival.

The Medway Cycling Festival returns this year with nine days of events and activities to encourage residents to get out and about on their bikes.

The festival, from Saturday 8th June, until Sunday 16th June, marks the start of an exciting summer of cycling in Medway and is designed to encourage riders of all ages and abilities to explore Medway’s cycle routes.

There will be a number of free rides on offer of various lengths and difficulties exploring Medway’s landmarks, heritage and network of cycle paths, including a women-only Breeze ride on the popular Heron Trail. Suitable for people aged 16 and above. To find out more and to book onto one of the Active Medway Cycle Group Let’s Ride events Email: cycling@medway.gov.uk or visit: www.letsride.co.uk

Free adult beginners cycling lessons will also be on offer to help bike owners master the basics of riding a bike. Email: cycling@medway.gov.uk to book your place.

Cyclists will then have the chance to take part in a series of non-competitive rides as Medway Sport joins forces with Evans to stage a day of Ride It Sportives on Sunday 15th June. Three rides, ranging from 30 to 80 miles, will set off and finish at Medway Park and take riders on a tour of the Kent countryside.

On each ride there will be waymarked routes, feed stations sponsored by High 5 Sports Nutrition and mechanical and sweeper van support if things go wrong. There will be electronic chip timing to recorder riders journeys and everyone who completes a course will receive a finisher’s medal. Prices starts from £20 per adult, children ride free.
For more information visit: www.medway.gov.uk/cyclingfestival

Get pumped at Medway’s new BMX pump track at Queen Elizabeth Fields, Gillingham, on Saturday 15th June, from noon to 4:00pm. Young riders and families can enjoy free coaching and skills sessions with coaches from British Cycling, organised supervised races on the track, BMX tricks displays plus free bike servicing and repairs.

The summer of cycling continues in July when Rochester stages the British Cycling’s HSBC UK National Circuit Championships. On Sunday 21st July, the UK’s top elite male and female riders will race around Rochester’s cobbled streets. Previous winners of the national event include World and Olympic champions. The event will be free for spectators to enjoy, with the women’s race starting at 5:00pm and the men’s race at 6:30pm.

Before the elite men’s and women’s championships races the public has a chance to ride the course in the Medway Big Ride. From 2:30pm to 3:30pm you can register to ride on closed roads around the majority of the 1.6km looping race route.

There will also be a range of activities and family-fun in and around Rochester Castle Gardens including a pump track, stunt shows, British Cycling skills coaching, trade stalls, refreshments and more. There are limited places available for the Big Ride and registration opens on Tuesday 21st May. 

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “The Medway Cycling Festival is a great opportunity for residents to find out more about the 81.5 miles of cycle routes across Medway and experience them for themselves. Cycling is a great way for residents to become more active and I would encourage cyclists of all ages to sign up for the Medway Big Ride when registration opens. It’s a fantastic event and this year you will be able to ride the same course as elite cyclists.”

For more information about the Big Ride, and to sign up, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/bigride

For more information about the Medway Cycling Festival, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/cyclingfestival

Medway Council
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River Festival 2019 - Celebrating Maritime Medway

Residents are invited to spend Father’s Day celebrating maritime Medway at the River Festival.

The free family event will return to Chatham waterfront on Sunday, 16th June, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Enjoy demonstrations and have-a-go river and land activities. The popular fire tug returns to the River Festival and this year there will be performances by the army boat display team.

Visitors can step inside a giant 18m inflatable whale, meet the cheerful Navigator, and experience a funny and interactive show which aims to highlight the impact plastic has on the environment through a series of fun, learning and theatrical experiences.

There will be food stalls, Father’s Day activities and children’s entertainment alongside arts and crafts in Chatham Library.

Visitors can watch dance performances from a number of troupes at Dance on the Pier at Sun Pier House from 12:00pm until 4:00pm. With a mix of dance genres, visitors will have the chance to try out some of the styles.

Find out more about the exciting Command of the Heights project which is currently underway at Chatham Riverside and Fort Amherst. The project will transform areas of historic value including the Barrier Ditch, a critical part of Chatham’s defences. Work has also begun to transform the Spur Battery, which was once used for troop encampments, siege warfare training and military punishment, into an amphitheatre with seating for outdoor performances.

The significant heritage regeneration project has secured £1.78 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The council is also contributing £400,000.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “The River Festival celebrates Medway’s maritime history and gives residents and visitors the chance to watch river-based activities such as rowing, sailing and kayaking. There will also be plenty of activities on land including theatrical workshops inside a giant inflatable whale and arts and crafts. I would encourage residents to come along and celebrate the River Medway with us.”

The River Festival takes place along Chatham Waterfront, from Sun Pier to Gun Wharf, on Sunday, 16th June from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

For more information visit: www.medway.gov.uk/riverfestival

Medway Council
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Avia Villanova d'Asti - English Summer Camp

Summer teaching experience in Italy

Come and experience northern Italian countryside life with Avia at their unique English Summer Camp opportunity.


Avia are looking to recruit English speaking young people (minimum age 18 years) to help teach, lead and organise games and projects through play with Italian children between the ages of 3 and 12 years.

StartIng in July and running through to September, the Camp is conducted in English and is designed to encourage young Italian people to learn the English language, whilst at play.


If you are looking for a fulfilling summer gap year experience, Avia are who you are looking for!

If you think you are a perfect match then they will be happy to welcome you on board. Flights and accommodation will be provided.

For more information, please Email: info@aviatranslations.it  Skype address: ileanaachino


Facebook: Avia Villanova d'Asti  Website: www.aviatranslations.it/en


Avia Villanova d'Asti has strong family ties with Upchurch and any residents who would like more information can contact Bryan Veale on: 01634 234047.


Sara Lanfranco

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Friday, 24 May 2019

Desert Adventure - Can You Survive It?

Looking for some half-term fun?

Desert Adventure is a FREE children's fun morning happening at St. Mary's Church, Newington on Thursday 30th May from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

A fun children's session with a desert theme and lots of craft and games activities, following the story of Moses.

For more information, to book places or download a registration form, please go to: www.thesix.org.uk/funday or you can register on the day.

Thank you

Rosie Liddell
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Announcement on Medway’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres

Everyone wanting to visit Medway’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will need to bring ID with them from Monday, 3rd June.

Following further discussions with Kent County Council (KCC) it has been agreed that KCC residents will continue to have access to Medway’s three HWRCs after Monday, 3rd June, for the next 18 months.

Earlier this month it was announced that, following KCC’s decision to charge Kent residents to dispose of certain materials at their HWRCs, Medway Council would be making changes to the centres in Capstone, Cuxton and Gillingham.

Medway Council has always been committed to ensuring that Medway residents do not have to pay at any of Medway’s three HWRCs.

Everyone will need to bring one form of ID with them if they wish to use the centres and their full postcodes will be recorded to enable us to identify and monitor usage by KCC residents.

This ID could be a:

 Council Tax bill from the current Council Tax financial year
 Driving licence (a photocard or paper licence will be accepted)
 Utility bill* (gas, electric or water)
 TV licence*
 Bank or building society statement*
 Benefits award statement*
 Letter from HMRC or the home office*

*less than a year old

Staff at Medway’s HWRCs will ask residents to show their identification at the entrance of each site.

To help ensure this process runs smoothly, each site will be closed to make changes to site entrances. The Capstone centre is currently closed and is anticipated to reopen from Thursday, 30th May. Further closures will be announced in due course.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Medway residents are always at the heart of what we do and we are committed to ensuring that our residents do not have to pay at our recycling centres. We are pleased to have come to a pragmatic, sensible agreement with Kent County Council to ensure that our centres will also remain open to residents living in the Kent area. This will particularly benefit residents who live on the outskirts of Medway on our boundary with Kent County Council.

“It’s incredibly important to us that we all continue to dispose of our waste responsibly to protect our local environment. Allowing KCC residents access to our centres for the next 18 months will give KCC time to bring forward its own facilities to meet the needs of Kent residents.”

Medway’s centres offer an easy way to recycle as residents can dispose of more than 30 types of materials including scrap metal, wood and clothing.

For more information about Medway’s HWRCs visit: www.medway.gov.uk/recyclingcentres

Kent County Council plans to have a new HWRC in Tonbridge and Malling in place for their residents. 

Medway Council’s three HWRCs are:


 Cuxton Waste and Recycling Centre, Sundridge Hill, Rochester, ME2 1LF
 Hoath Way Waste and Recycling Centre, Ambley Way, Gillingham, ME8 0QH
 Capstone Waste and Recycling Centre, Shawstead Road, Lordwood, ME7 3JL

Medway Council
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