A2 Closure, Newington – Bull Lane Now Closed

Update on A2 Closure, Newington – Bull Lane now closed - 4th April 2012.


Following the closure of the A2 High Street, Newington it has now been necessary to close Bull Lane at the junction with the A2.

This commences from today Wednesday 4th April 2012 for up to 3 weeks, until the main works are completed.

The Bull Lane closure is between the junction with The Willows and the A2. Access remains to The Bull car park.

There is access to the A2, westbound only, via Playstool Road.

This closure has been necessary for safety issues at the junction due to the narrowness of the roads.

The A2 closure is between the junctions with Playstool Road (with access as far as Wickham Close) and Bull Lane.

These roads are not suitable for through traffic and have 7.5 T weight limits on them.

A list of roads with weight restrictions is listed at the foot of this message.

The situation is being monitored regularly each day to check the progress of the works and the impact they are having.

Other works on the A2 whilst it is closed to through traffic mean there are likely to be other temporary traffic lights in certain places.

Delays are inevitable, so it is strongly recommended that drivers use the signposted alternative routes.

The main alternative route is using the M2 motorway, via the A2, A249, M2 between junctions 5 and 4, A278 and A2.

Non-motorway traffic will be diverted via the A249 to Maidstone, then on the A229 and A230 to Chatham and back onto the A2.

These works are being carried out 6 days a week, working extended hours, to reduce the length of time that the road is closed.

The Southern Gas Networks 24-hour Customer Service Centre phone number is: 0845 070 1431.

Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with alternative names given where known.

For details of roadworks, please see:  www.roadworks.org

Customer Information Bulletin SW180G / 5

Weight Restrictions

A 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access) will be imposed on the following roads, when the relevant signage is in place:

Spade Lane, Mill Lane, Breach Lane, Lower Hartlip Hill, Playstool Road, Church Lane, Bull Lane, Callaways Lane and Rook Lane.

Regards

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division

KCC Highways & Transportation

Ashford Highway Depot

Javelin Way

Ashford

TN24 8AD

( 08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre)

Fax    : 01233 648318

E-mail:  roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk

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Children's Easter Party at The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters are holding a Children's Easter Party on Easter Monday the 9th of April at 2:00pm.


( Map )


There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, Bouncy Castle, Games, Ben 10 and Hello Kitty.


Everyone Welcome.


Upchurch Matters
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Fishy Good Friday at The Brown Jug

This Friday it's Fishy Good Friday at The Brown Jug, 76 Horsham Lane, Upchurch.  ( map )

8oz fillet of Cod with Chips and a choice of boiled or mushy peas only £6.50.

Please ring on: 01634 366543 to book your table as this is always a popular event.

Upchurch Matters

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Diesel Heater Stolen - Oak Lane

[Reference: CB22 ]

Message: 408.

This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police.

An industrial diesel heater which is a metal unit about 2 feet from the floor and 3 - 4 feet wide mounted on wheels was stolen from a marquee at The Barnyard Oak Lane, Upchurch. This happened between 6:30 and 10:20 p.m on Friday the 30th of March.

If you have any information please contact Kent police on telephone number: 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you


That was message: 408.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Reminder of A2 Closure Newington - 2nd of April

Reminder of A2 Closure, Newington (Swale) – 2nd of April 2012.

The closure of the A2 High Street, Newington is planned from Monday 2^nd April 2012 for up to 3 weeks. 

This for gas mains replacement works in the narrow section of the A2 at Newington.

It is anticipated that the road will be re-opened on, or hopefully before, Sunday 22^nd April 2012.

Closure and alternative routes

The closure is between the junctions with Playstool Road and Bull Lane (with access as far as Wickham Close). 

~ There is no access between Sittingbourne and Rainham, using the A2 ~

Other separate works will be done along sections of the A2 whilst it is closed to through traffic, and there are likely to be temporary traffic lights in certain places.

~ Delays are inevitable, so it is strongly recommended that drivers use the signposted alternative routes ~

The main alternative route is using the M2 motorway, via the A2, A249, M2 between junctions 5 and 4, A278 and A2.

Non-motorway traffic will be diverted via the A249 to Maidstone, then on the A229 and A230 to Chatham and back onto the A2.

The specific diversions are listed at the foot of this Bulletin.

Details of closure

This closure has been re-scheduled to be done during the Easter Holidays, and the timescale has been reduced from 6 weeks to 3 weeks, following extensive consultation.

Works will be carried out 6 days a week, working extended hours, to reduce the length of time that the road is closed.

The situation will be monitored daily to check the progress of the works and the impact they are having.

~ Whilst the road is closed, other highway works will be carried out to avoid the need for separate closures and minimise future disruption ~

Traffic issues

Signage will be in place on various roads leading from the A2 between Rainham and the A249 to indicate they are unsuitable for large vehicles. 

Weight restrictions of 7.5 T (except for access) are likely on certain roads when signs are in place, and the roads involved are individually listed at the foot of this message.

Contacts

The works are being carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of Southern Gas Networks.

The Southern Gas Networks 24-hour Customer Service Centre phone number is: 0845 070 1431

Kent County Council’s 24-hour helpline is: 08458 247 800

This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any other road users who may be affected.  Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors. 

Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with alternative names given where known.

For details of roadworks, please see:  www.roadworks.org 

Visit our website:   www.kent.gov.uk/highways  to find out how we look after the roads in Kent.

Alternative Routes

Motorway

A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, M2 from Junction 5 to Junction 4, A278 Hoath Way, A2 London Road and A2 High Street.

Non-motorway

A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, Detling Hill, Sittingbourne Road, Bearsted Road, Penenden Heath Road, Sandling Lane, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, Chatham Road, Maidstone Road, A230 Horsted Way, Maidstone Road, A2 Best Street, Brookside, Union Street, New Road, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Watling Street, Sovereign Boulevard, Watling Street, London Road and High Street.

Weight Restrictions

A 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access) imposed on following roads, when the relevant signage is in place:

Oak Lane, Spade Lane, Mill Lane, Breach Lane, Lower Hartlip Hill, Playstool Road, Church Lane, Bull Lane, Callaways Lane and Rook Lane.

Customer Information Bulletin SW180G / 2

Regards

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division

KCC Highways & Transportation

Ashford Highway Depot

Javelin Way

Ashford

TN24 8AD

( 08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre)

Fax    : 01233 648318

E-mail:  roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk

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Olympic & Paralympic Games Time Greeters Wanted

This is a Community Message on behalf of Games Time Kent Greeters, and Visit Kent.

• Are you excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
• Do you love Kent?
• Are you knowledgeable about your local area?
• Are you aged 18 years or over?
• Would you like to be involved?

Volunteer Games Time Kent Greeters are currently being sought by Visit Kent to assist during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and during the Torch Relay. Successful volunteers are required to be available between 17th July and 9th September and be able to commit to a minimum of three sessions of up to six hours per session. Training will be undertaken and successful candidates will need to commit to 2 days of training. Greeters will be located at transport hubs, special event locations, and along the torch relay route. Volunteers should be knowledgeable about their local area and enjoy meeting people and being at ease in communicating and assisting.

To express interest please email your contact details Name, Address and Contact Telephone Number to:  gamestimegreeters@visitkent.co.uk  or visit our website:  www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk/gamestimegreeters  you may also telephone 01227 812908 for further information. Promotional posters and A5 postcards are available if required.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Sally Wookey
Project Manager
Games Time Kent Greeters
Visit Kent

28 30 St Peter's Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BQ
Direct: 01227 812916
Mobile: 07751 877251
Switchboard: 01227 812900
Website:  www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk/gamestimegreeters 
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Drought 2012 - Water Restrictions

Upchurch will be affected by the Southern Water restrictions on the 5th of April.

Southern Water is to bring in restrictions on water use for the first time since 2005/6, following the second driest 12 months on record.

The restrictions, which will include the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, come into effect from the 5th of April for customers in Kent and Sussex who receive their water from them.

Upchurch is one of the affected areas. You can see a map of all the affected areas  here

More details about exceptions to the restrictions can be found  here

Answers to some of the most common questions about water restrictions can also be found  here

Click on the poster to enlarge it.

Upchurch Matters

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Thefts from Lower Halstow Cricket Club

[Reference: CB22]

Message: 393.

This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police.

A small black dustbin containing grass seed has been emptied and the grass seed stolen along with some petrol which was siphoned from a triple-mower at Lower Halstow Cricket Club, The Street, Upchurch, Sittingbourne.


This happened between 25th and 26th of March. If you have any information please contact Kent police on telephone number: 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you that was message: 393.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne this year.

Weekend of 2nd – 4th June 2012

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee committee is delighted that the weekend of 2^nd – 4^th June promises to be a weekend to remember in Upchurch.  As well as the Parish Council’s efforts, other organisations are coordinating so that our celebrations will do justice to what is a really historic event: 

Saturday evening 2^nd June – Jubilee Concert at the Village Hall.  Starting at 7.30pm, tickets will be £3 each and these will be on sale from Monday 16^th April from Sue Rossiter on 01634 234780 or  suerossiter@waitrose.com  The programme will feature local artists and groups plus excerpts from Lionel Bart’s Oliver, performed by children from Holywell School and actors from the village. This will be an event not to be missed!

Sunday 3^rd June – All day – exhibition in St Mary’s church of Coronation Day 1953 memorabilia.
10.30am – parade from Scout Hut to church of uniformed organisations.
11.00am – service of Thanksgiving for the Queen in St Mary’s church.
12.00noon – Jubilee Jolly at the Village Hall – stalls, games, fancy dress, bouncy castle, food – something for all and for organisations to run stalls etc.

Monday 4^th June – Street parties (privately arranged), possible beacon lighting during the late evening.
The Parish Council plans for a tree and a gift of a Jubilee mug for all children are progressing.

In respect of the mugs, we would still be delighted to collect the names of all children of primary school age who live in Upchurch, but do not attend Holywell School.  Please let one of the committee know so that they will receive one.

Sara Tucker tel: 01634 388971  Pat New tel: 0164 374220  Sue Rossiter tel: 01634 234780.

Sue Rossiter

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Upchurch Twinning Group News

Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.

Try the Holywell School website  www.holywell.kent.sch.uk  or Upchurch Matters www.upchurchmatters.co.uk  for our news as well. In addition, visit  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff! 

2012 is looking busy for the Twinning Group.  Here are some events you may be interested in:

March – Holywell School trip– the children of years 5 and 6 visited the school in Ferques on 20^th March.  They had a really lovely time with the French children in class and then visited the Nausicaä Sea Life centre in Boulogne.   It was a hugely valuable and much-enjoyed trip.

Sunday 15^th April 2012 – Upchurch Choral Society trip - Our Choral Society will be giving a concert in the church in Ferques.  It is due to start at 5.30pm and end about 6.30pm, free admission.  Afterwards, there will be a reception in the Mairie before we all come home.  The choir is going by coach and we hope some of you might come along and listen!    Do contact us for any details.  It would make a great ending to a day out in France.

Thursday 17^th May 2012 – Annual General Meeting – at 7.30pm in Holywell School Hall.  Come and hear more about us and enjoy refreshments afterwards.  All are welcome to this AGM and we would love to see everyone there.

Saturday 14^th July – Bastille Day in Ferques – We’ll be having a stall at the street fair in Ferques as usual this year.  We will be plying everyone with English food and beverages, plus we will sell good quality, donated items to raise some funds.  This event is well worth a visit as part of a day out and to see if you can pick up any bargains on the other stalls!   If you have any items that would be suitable for our stall, do let us know – we can collect if required.  See you there, hopefully!

Saturday 25^th August. 2012 – Sports Day – this is now an annual affair and this year will be in Ferques.   We will be arranging a coach so think about a day out with lots of sporty fun in France that day, plus food will be available.  Cost of a seat on the coach will only be £10.  This is always most enjoyable and well supported so register your interest as soon as possible.

October – Anniversary Event – Originally planned for March; this will now be on 7^th October and will take the form of an outing somewhere in Kent.  A coach load of Ferques residents will be coming over the water to join us.  Watch this space!

Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780.

Upchurch Twinning Group

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Chaffes Lane in the 19th Century

Named after the Chaffe family who were influential residents in the area, Chaffes Lane remained virtually unpopulated until well into the 19^th century. Cottages situated at Chaffes Place on the top left of the lane became the first dwellings during the early 19^th century followed by a row of cottages at Gore Bank during the second half.

So what did the lane and surroundings look like 170 years ago? A contemporary tithe map dated 1839 shows that after entering Chaffes Lane from The Street an orchard with fruit trees and a pond belonging to Church Farm was situated on the left with The Paddock on the right, not very different to its appearance in the early 1960s. Upon turning the first corner open arable fields stretched almost to the present Drakes Close on the left. The first of these was named ‘Long Field’ owned by St John’s College and the second was ‘Dingles’ owned by Holywell farmer Henry Miskin. On the other side of the road the vicarage grounds stretched up to the present recreation ground, which, in 1839 was an arable field named ‘Broom Field’ owned by St John’s College. John Walter of Gore Farm owned the adjoining field, also arable, which extended as far as the present Marstan Close. This was adjoined to another arable field owned by Rainham farmer Thomas Dodd then pasture extended to the top end of the lane. Chaffes Place with several cottages was situated on the left and behind that pasture extended from Gore Bank up to the entrance of Gore Farm. Horse drawn ploughs and large groups of labourers toiled in the fields and horse drawn hay or dung carts passed along the lane.

In 1861 Chaffes Place cottages, the only inhabited dwellings in the lane, housed agricultural labourers and their families. These included John Castle, Alf Castle, Henry Rose, George Wildish, Henry Seager and their families. Descendents of several of these families still reside in the village today. In 1861 the population of Chaffes Lane consisted of 35 people.

Memories of Upchurch.

With the construction of dwellings at Gore Bank, the population of Chaffes Lane increased to 41 in 1881. Things changed dramatically in the following ten years so that by 1891 129 people resided in the Lane. This coincided with a sharp rise in the village population during the second half of the 19^th century.

 People living in Chaffes Lane during the 1890s included James Ivory and Charles Allen who were employed in the cement works, William Clout, a farm servant, William Twort, a wheelwright and Fred Fielder, George Trice, George Clark and George Tabrett who were agricultural labourers.

During the 1890s two footpaths which still exist opposite Bradshaw Close led down to Forge Lane and Gore Farm respectively while the recreation ground was converted from an arable field in 1897. An oasthouse stood on the site of the present Marstan Close with a field behind. Opposite and a little farther up the lane were Chaffes Place Cottages. These constructions existed until the second half of the 20^th century when demolition led to new housing, an increased population and a changed image of Chaffes Lane.

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

David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Pie & Mash Night at the Brown Jug

This Friday the 30th from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, it's Dan's traditional homemade Pie, Mash and Liquor for only £6.50.


To book please call: 01634 366543.


Upchurch Matters
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Invitation to a Sherry Reception on April 21st

St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

A reminder that The Friends of the Church are having an informal reception on Saturday, April 21st in the Church from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

All who are interested in preserving the 700 year old Church for another 700 years are welcome and enquiries about becoming a Friend will be welcomed.

During the evening we will be given a brief presentation on a recent major restoration project to the Church by Frank Osborne. 

We are also delighted to announce that during the evening copies of the History of the Church will be available for purchase - this booklet has just been updated in a project led by Helen Osborne.

Gerry Lewin - on behalf of the Trustees of the Friends of the Church

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Barn broken into - Spade Lane

[Reference: CB22]

Between the 16th and 19th of March 2012, the barn of a house in Spade Lane was broken into and a Mountfield lawn mower, a mountain bike and various garden tools were stolen.

If you have any information, please contact your local police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you, that was message: 3 6 6.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Fred Richards 1934 - 2012

Fred Richards.

Beryl, Paul and Stephen are sad to report the death on the 7th of March 2012, of Fred Richards, a beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Born in Herefordshire, Fred worked as a commercial artist and taught art at Medway College.

For the past 50 years he lived in Upchurch where he made many good friends.

Fred designed and painted the Upchurch village sign which stands opposite St. Mary's Church.


Beryl Richards

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Upchurch Choral Society - 2012 Concerts

Future concerts in 2012 include:

Sunday 15^th April 6pm
‘Songs for an April Evening’ (Chansons pour le Jumelage) in L’Eglise de Notre Dame de l’Assomption, Ferques.


Saturday 2^nd June 7.30pm
A selection of British folk songs as part of the Jubilee Celebration concert.


Saturday 14^th July in St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch and Sunday 15^th July in St. Nicholas Church, Leeds.
A joint performance with Bearsted Choral Society to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee including:

Coronation Mass by Mozart

Coronation Ode by Elgar

Zadok the Priest by Handel

Gloria in Excelsis by Stanford

National Anthem arr. By Britten

Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8 (£4 for students).


For further information on any of these concerts please contact Liz Walters

on: 01634 361897.

Liz Walters

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Vacancy for one Councillor

Due to the resignation of Cllr Bean, there is a vacancy for one councillor. The Parish Council would like to co-opt someone to fill this vacancy.  

Anyone interested in coming on to the Council should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible.  The qualifications are that you should be a European national, at least 18 years old, an elector and living within three miles of the parish for 12 months or someone with land or a primary place of business in the parish.

Please include the following in your written application:

•   Contact details

•  Length of residence in Upchurch

•   Profession or trade

•  Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations

•  Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council.

If you would like to find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Chairman or the Clerk.


Mr John Catford
Chairman
2b Crosier Court
Tel: 01634 231326
chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk


Mrs Claire Attaway
Clerk
33 Church Farm Road
Tel: 01634 363906
clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk


Parish Council website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council

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Easter Bazaar

Upchurch Darby and Joan Club are holding their Easter Bazaar on Wednesday the 4th of April from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Upchurch Village Hall.

There will be raffles, homemade cakes a craft stall and lots more.

Please come along and support us.

  

All money collected will go towards the Diamond Jubilee and Birthday Party. We have 60 paying members in the club and plenty of room for more !

Thank You

Janet Gilbert

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