Friday, 14 June 2019
Poolside Bar & Courtyard - Live Music with JUST ONE MORE at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
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Thursday, 13 June 2019
Raffles Style Afternoon Cream Tea at Upchurch Village Hall - Thank You
Friends of Upchurch Village Hall, would like to thank all those who attended the tea party on Saturday 8th June.
In total the event made a surplus of over £600.00 which will go towards the refurbishment project for the hall.
Particular thanks must go to the ladies of the W.I. who provided most of the wonderful cakes that graced the tables, we could not have achieved the success that it was without their help.
Thank you
John Tutt
Thank you
John Tutt
Friends of Upchurch Village Hall
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Response from Cllr Mike Whiting to Upchurch Parish Council Regarding Fly Tipping in Oak Lane
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Rubbish has been fly tipped in the lay-by in Oak Lane. |
Please see below KCC Cllr, Mike Whiting - Member serving Swale West and Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste's response to Upchurch Parish Council regarding the recent incident of fly tipping in Oak Lane.
“Thank you for your email regarding the fly tipping in the lay-by near the golf club in Oak Lane. I condemn fully this criminal activity.
Fly tipping is a criminal activity, carried out by criminals. We must all do what we can to help Swale Council and the police catch them and put them in prison, fine them or confiscate their vehicles, which is what KCC has committed to do.
I understand Tonbridge and Malling Borough has no Household Waste sites where Swale has three. However, fly tipping in Swale is three times as bad as Tonbridge and Malling. This suggests to me that Swale's issue is more about criminal activity than the availability of facilities for law-abiding citizens.
I have been to Oak Lane this evening and it is clear the overwhelming majority of the fly tipped waste there could have been taken to the tip in Sittingbourne or Gillingham completely FREE OF CHARGE. There appears to be a small amount of soil and hardcore which would have cost just £4 to dispose legally of at Sittingbourne or would have been free to dispose of legally at Gillingham.
However, like the Parish Council I remain concerned, that the new charges may, against all the available evidence, lead to more fly tipping. KCC has, therefore, created an enforcement fund to work with Swale Council, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the police to enforce against this illegal activity, much of which is being done by criminal gangs preying on otherwise law abiding householders.
It must be remembered, that any householder whose rubbish ends up being fly tipped is liable to prosecution alongside the person doing the fly tipping, so everyone should check carefully that anyone they are paying to take their waste away has the relevant licence and provides the right paper work.
I met with the new Swale Council Leader to discuss fly tipping last week and have had conversations with the local NFU. I am meeting the Police and Crime Commissioner next week and have also written to the Chief Constable. Between us all we must find a way to catch and punish the criminals who are getting away with fly tipping, despoiling our countryside and costing law-abiding tax payers a fortune in clean up costs.
I have by way of this reply asked your Swale borough councillors to arrange for the waste to be disposed of and checked for any evidence that could lead to those involved being prosecuted and punished.”
I have by way of this reply asked your Swale borough councillors to arrange for the waste to be disposed of and checked for any evidence that could lead to those involved being prosecuted and punished.”
Cllr Alan Horton
Swale Borough Councillor - Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch Ward
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Upchurch Parish Council - Casual Litter Picker Required
Upchurch Parish Council is looking for somebody to help with holiday cover for our village litter picker.
If you are able to help, please contact the Clerk on: 01634 363906
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2019
Report of the Parish Council June 2019
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Janet Marshall, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.
At the meeting held on 6th June 2019, the Council recorded its thanks to the men who took part in the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Normandy on 6th June 1944 and who gave so much for their countries.
Planning
Ref: 19/501302/FULL Address: Antolin Interiors Sittingbourne Distribution Centre Spade Lane Upchurch ME9 7TT
Proposal: Upgrade of gatehouse, extension to existing hardstanding and addition of 3 no. disabled parking spaces, 4 no. electrical vehicles charging points and 1 no. substation
As a result of informing Hartlip Parish Council about the application for Antolin Interiors and being given their comments, Upchurch Parish Council’s response was amended to request no more exterior lighting.
Ref: 19/502119/PIP Address: Ebenezer Chapel Halstow Lane Upchurch ME9 7AA
Proposal: Permission in principle for the conversion of existing building to 5no. two bedroom flats over three floors
Councillors were concerned as to whether the proposal was sustainable as there are no shops nearby so residents would be reliant on having a car. There is no footpath and the site is at the narrowest point of the road. There is only one parking space for each two bedroomed flat with no visitor parking.
The Parish Council raised concerns regarding insufficient parking and the sustainability of the site.
Burial Ground
The steps down to the Burial Ground will have safety markings painted on the edge of the steps. The Burial Ground will be monitored to ensure compliance with the rules.
VE Day 75th Anniversary 8th May 2020
There will be a national recognition of the seventy-fifth anniversary of Victory in Europe and will be the same format as the Battle’s Over commemorations. It will be held over the weekend of the 8th May 2020 and will be a combination of celebration of commemoration and celebration. Councillors are considering a “street” party at the Recreation Ground and the beacon could be lit. The Parish Council had a budget for the Peace Party celebrations in 2019 but as it has been unable to hold this event, the budget will be used for the VE Day 75th Anniversary. A working party has been set up to hold the event.
Parking issues at Holywell School
The Swale Parking Enforcement Team are continuing to monitor the area. Drivers are requested to park in a safe and considerate manner, failure to do so may result in a fine.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 4th July 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 17th July at 7:30pm in the Committee Room 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.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
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Little Wild Things - Lower Halstow
Little Wild Things is an outdoor learning group, set up by Hazel and Rowan, for children and their parents.
Based in Wardwell Lane, Lower Halstow, they run a regular preschool parent and child session every Friday throughout term time for children aged 1-4. They also run school holiday sessions for parents and children age 1-9 on set dates and birthday parties with personalised activities and themes.
Little Wild Things are passionate about Providing the opportunity for children to explore their natural environment. They believe that there are huge learning opportunities and heaps of fun to be had in any weather.
To find out more and to book your little wild thing onto a session, visit: www.littlewildthings.co.uk
Follow Little Wild Things on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/littlewildthings.lowerhalstow
Upchurch Matters
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Newington History Group - Newington Peace Day Celebrations
On Saturday (June 15th), Newington will mark 100 years since the official end of the Great War with a special Peace Day Celebration led by the village's History Group (NHG).
The event will be incorporated into the annual St Mary's parish church Summer Fete from 2:00pm in the church and its grounds.
It will see the launch of Newington's 'Peace Tree' and time capsule project, a fitting tribute by pupils of Newington CEP, themed community activities and an exhibition compiled by NHG.
In 1919, the village gathered for a Peace Day and to honour its men who fought in the war. Most of the 131 who survived the conflict attended and received a souvenir gift.
To commemorate the occasion NHG has produced limited edition Peace Day mugs which will be available at £3.50 each.
The church's traditional village fete will include a family pets competition, a display of historic working farm machinery, new-born lambs, entertainment, games, tombola, strawberries and cream teas and more.
For more details contact:
Peace Day: 01795 842711 or newingtonhistorygroup@outlook.com
Fete - David Lane: 01795 842478 or laneatborden@btinternet.com
The event will be incorporated into the annual St Mary's parish church Summer Fete from 2:00pm in the church and its grounds.
It will see the launch of Newington's 'Peace Tree' and time capsule project, a fitting tribute by pupils of Newington CEP, themed community activities and an exhibition compiled by NHG.
In 1919, the village gathered for a Peace Day and to honour its men who fought in the war. Most of the 131 who survived the conflict attended and received a souvenir gift.
To commemorate the occasion NHG has produced limited edition Peace Day mugs which will be available at £3.50 each.
The church's traditional village fete will include a family pets competition, a display of historic working farm machinery, new-born lambs, entertainment, games, tombola, strawberries and cream teas and more.
For more details contact:
Peace Day: 01795 842711 or newingtonhistorygroup@outlook.com
Fete - David Lane: 01795 842478 or laneatborden@btinternet.com
Richard Thompstone - Newington History Group
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Poolside Bar & Courtyard Music Night with Mike Harris at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Jenny - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
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Upchurch River Valley Golf Course, Poolside Courtyard Presents Star Cabaret Tribute With Elton Towers
Jenny - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Telephone: 01634 360626
Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk
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Tuesday, 11 June 2019
Upchurch Best Kept Garden 2019
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Last year's Overall Winners were Paul and Pauline Knights for their beautifully presented garden at 66 Beckenham Park. |
All gardens in the Parish that can be viewed from the front of your home will be judged on Saturday the 20th of July 2019.
The judging takes place without interviews with the occupants - so if you are shopping or on holiday your garden will still be judged!
Prizes are awarded for the following 3 categories:
• Flowers and Shrubs
• Small Garden
• Hanging Baskets and Container Garden
The Overall Winner will look after the Barbara Webb Memorial Rose Bowl for 1 year.
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Prizes for the above along with highly commended certificates will be presented at the Upchurch Horticultural Society - September Summer Show, taking place at 2:00pm on Saturday the 14th at Peter Boakes, 97 Chaffes Lane, Upchurch.
This year's 1st Prize is for 'Special High Tea' for 4 people at The BarnYard, Upchurch who have kindly sponsored this year's competition again. Thank you.
Please see menu below:
The BarnYard, Oak Lane, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 235059. Website: www.the-barnyard.com
Chairman - Tyrone Ripley: 07702 222093 Email: tyrone.ripley@yahoo.co.uk
On behalf of Upchurch Parish Council and Upchurch Horticultural Society.
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To the Swimming Pool… and Beyond!
Dive into summer with Disney-inspired family fun swimming sessions at Splashes.
Families are invited to take part in the sessions which will feature activities inspired by Swim England’s essential swimming skills and some of Disney’s most-loved characters.
Kick off this summer with games inspired by the new release of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4, sessions will feature activities inspired by the magic of Disney storytelling.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “These swim sessions are a good way of encouraging children to have fun, and become more active, over the summer holidays. Swimming is a key life skill and the activities will help build on children’s skills to help them become stronger swimmers. Medway has excellent sporting facilities and I would encourage residents to visit their local sports centre and find out what’s on offer, especially over the summer.”
The activities are suitable for children aged 3 to 11 and take place at Splashes in Bloors Lane, Rainham, from 10:30am to 11:15am on Saturdays throughout the summer. Costs £5 per child. To book visit Splashes, call: 01634 333977 or visit: www.medway.gov.uk/splashes
To find out more about Medway’s fantastic sporting facilities, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/sport
To find out more about Medway’s fantastic sporting facilities, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/sport
Medway Council
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Monday, 10 June 2019
Emergency Road Closure - South Bush Lane, Rainham
It will be necessary to close South Bush Lane, Rainham from Wednesday 12th June 2019 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed at the junction with the A2 and Meresborough Lane.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by KCC Highways.
It is planned that the road will be closed between 07:30 and 17:00.
The alternative route is via A2 London Road, Spade Lane and Meresborough Lane.
This notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site and is valid for a period of no more than 21 days.
The Kent County Council Highways helpline is: 03000 418181
For details of roadworks, see: www.roadworks.org
Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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Swale Borough Council - Brown Bin Garden Waste Collections
Subscribe to garden waste collections
Swale residents needing to dispose of garden waste can subscribe to the council's own garden waste collections.
Once you have subscribed, your brown bin will be collected 26 times a year - the equivalent of 1 collection a fortnight, for an annual cost of £37. Once registered, you will be advised of your first collection day when placing your order.
To subscribe to garden waste collections, you can use the online garden waste subscription service at the link >> Here or call our customer service team on: 01795 417888.
More information
Putting your garden waste out
To find the date of your next garden waste collection, you can use the find your nearest service at the link >> Here
To find the date of your next garden waste collection, you can use the find your nearest service at the link >> Here
Renewing an existing subscription
To renew an existing garden waste subscription, you can use the Swale online garden waste renewal service at the link >> Here or call the automated payment line on: 0330 0881702. You will need your 7 or 8 digit garden waste reference number. You need to renew your subscription each year to ensure you continue to receive the service.
More information
To help Swale collect your garden waste, please ensure you have closed the lid of your brown bin. If you can't close it, they won't be able to take it. They will not take any excess garden waste which has not been placed into the brown wheelie bin either.
Assisted bin collections
If you have trouble getting your garden waste bin to the front of your property, you may be eligible for the assisted bin collection service. To apply for assisted bin collections, you will need to call the customer service team on: 01795 417888.
Upchurch Matters
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If you have trouble getting your garden waste bin to the front of your property, you may be eligible for the assisted bin collection service. To apply for assisted bin collections, you will need to call the customer service team on: 01795 417888.
Upchurch Matters
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Garden Ornaments Stolen - Hartlip

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward
Crime Number: 46/107830/19
Between Tuesday the 4th and Thursday the 6th of June, garden ornaments were stolen from Sweepstakes Farm, Lower Hartlip Road, Hartlip.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Please Nominate Holywell School to win £5,000 in National Book Tokens
Please nominate Holywell School to win £5,000 in National Book Tokens to spend on their School Library and you could win a £100 in National Book Tokens to spend on yourself!
The prize draw closes on Wednesday 31st July. The winner will be announced at the start of the new school year in September 2019, so keep an eye on your Emails, Facebook & Twitter.
About National Book Tokens
National Book Tokens have been inspiring book lovers since 1932. They work with their charity partners at World Book Day, Book Aid International and Read for Good - and through the thousands of people who give National Book Tokens as gifts and rewards to children and young adults each year - to encourage a lifelong love of reading among children everywhere. Accepted in 1000s of bookshops, online and on eBooks, National Book Tokens are the perfect way to reward and inspire.
The more nominations Holywell receives, the higher their chances of winning - so please get nominating at the link here >> www.nationalbooktokens.com/schools
About National Book Tokens
National Book Tokens have been inspiring book lovers since 1932. They work with their charity partners at World Book Day, Book Aid International and Read for Good - and through the thousands of people who give National Book Tokens as gifts and rewards to children and young adults each year - to encourage a lifelong love of reading among children everywhere. Accepted in 1000s of bookshops, online and on eBooks, National Book Tokens are the perfect way to reward and inspire.
The more nominations Holywell receives, the higher their chances of winning - so please get nominating at the link here >> www.nationalbooktokens.com/schools
Only 1 entry per person will be accepted, but multiple entrants may nominate the same school.
Thank you
Upchurch Matters
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Saturday, 8 June 2019
Fly Tipping - Oak Lane
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Rubbish has been fly tipped in the lay-by in Oak Lane. |
Our first incident of fly tipping in the village since recent changes at KCC and Medway Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
Residents are asked to be vigilant and report ALL incidents of fly tipping to Swale or Medway Council.
Report fly tipping in Swale here >> http://bit.ly/2WrblKC
Report fly tipping in Medway here >> http://bit.ly/2Wns2Xm
Report fly tipping in Medway here >> http://bit.ly/2Wns2Xm
Cllr Pam Denny
Upchurch Parish Council
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Upchurch Village Fete Presented by the PFHS - Schedule of Events
FREE Parking in the Paddock
However there will be donation buckets when entering the Paddock.
If you can walk to the Fete, please do!
Otherwise please park in the Paddock, using the entrance on Oak Lane.
Please do not park in neighbouring roads.
Please be considerate to other residents.
Thank you
Schedule of Events
12:00pm Grand Opening
12:05pm Holywell School Choir
12:30pm Rock Choir
1:00pm The Links
1:30pm The School Musicians
2:00pm Buxton Dance
2:20pm Tug of War
2:30pm Rock Choir
3:00pm Dance4Kent
3:15pm Maypole
3:30pm Raffle
4:00pm Close
Along with the exciting performances on the main stage, here are some of the stalls you will find as you make your way around the Fete:
Bouncy Castle
Coconut Shy
Chuck a Chicken
Bows by Emma
Hook a Duck
Kids Days
Upchurch Karate Club
Upchurch WI
Upchurch Horticultural Society
Slime Stall
Mr Fizz Magic Shows
Lang’s Cocktail Bar
Upchurch Matters
Refreshments and BBQ
St. Mary’s Cream Teas
Tombola
My Shining Star
Made by Bubba
Reflexology
Beat the Goalie
Nursery Days
Upchurch Brownies and Guides
Upchurch Players
Upchurch Scout Group
Prize Draw
1st Prize - £100 Amazon voucher
2nd Prize - £50 Love to Shop voucher
3rd Prize - High Tea for 2 at The BarnYard
and many more...
Tickets are 50p each, £5 for a book - available from The school office and The Crown.
Message from the PFHS
As some of you are aware the Village Fete was going to be cancelled this year. Parents and Friends of Holywell School along with the School were very saddened by this and therefore decided to organise a joint Fete to promote both the School and the wider community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and supported the PFHS in making this event happen.
The school are focusing on outside learning this year, so money raised by the school at this event is being put towards an outside canopy for Richmond Class and other areas around the school which will enable children to explore the curriculum in a creative and engaging way, using the whole environment.
We appreciate dogs are normally welcome at the Village Fete, so we would like to invite friendly dogs and mindful owners to come and join in the fun.
We hope you have a fantastic afternoon.
Katie Kemlo - Chair of the PFHS
Upchurch Matters
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Newington History Group - Low-down on Smugglers
Tales of smuggling that was rife in Kent between the early 1600s and mid-1800s will be told at Newington History Group's meeting on Thursday, June 13th in the Methodist Hall, Church Lane ME9 7JT at 7:30pm.
Peter Ewart's illustrated talk will tell of violence and treachery, and about the local creeks and buildings that notorious gangs used for their contraband.
The history group's Facebook page includes videos of last month's Iron Age and Roman excavations and its website has details of other projects.
The group meets on the second Thursday of the month. It seeks to unearth, preserve and promote the history of the village and neighbouring areas. Annual subscription is £15 and guests (£3) are welcome.
Peter Ewart's illustrated talk will tell of violence and treachery, and about the local creeks and buildings that notorious gangs used for their contraband.
The history group's Facebook page includes videos of last month's Iron Age and Roman excavations and its website has details of other projects.
The group meets on the second Thursday of the month. It seeks to unearth, preserve and promote the history of the village and neighbouring areas. Annual subscription is £15 and guests (£3) are welcome.
For more details, contact the group through: www.newingtonhistorygroup.btck.co.uk
Or call: 01795 842711
Or call: 01795 842711
Kentish Village Life in Victorian Times by Helen Allinson
Local historian Helen Allinson will give the talk to The Sittingbourne Society in Room C6, Phoenix House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne on Monday 10th June at 7:30pm.
Members free - non-members £3 - HRGS members £1.
Upchurch Matters
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Wednesday, 5 June 2019
Daks over Normandy - 75th D-Day Commemoration
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