Loud booming music, village characters in fancy dress, slow moving processions with colourful floats, dog shows, wrestling, coconut shies, competitions and big crowds, the Upchurch carnival had it all and existed as a major annual village event every August for a period of thirty years. It generated great interest and participation not only from people in the village but also from far and wide.
Upchurch Cricket Club originally conceived the idea of a carnival in 1952 in aid of a memorial tablet to be placed in the church in memory of those from Upchurch who died in World War Two. The aim was to raise ₤30 to complete the fund and anything above this figure was to be kept by the cricket club. In later years the profits from the event contributed to a new village hall, then a village hall extension. Both were successfully achieved.
From small beginnings the carnival expanded to become one of the biggest of its kind in the area. A carnival committee organised the event although cricket club member Rich Boakes from Chaffes Lane played a big part in the early years organising the construction of frames and marquees in The Paddock, doll auctions and music.
The first carnival, held in September 1952 included a procession, a Carnival Queen (Inys Hales) and Miss Upchurch (June Barling), hula girls, clowns, a mini bride and groom and a flying bed on a bicycle. The Sheerness St Johns Ambulance Band led the procession around the village. A fete in the Paddock and a dance in the Infants School followed this. Before the procession the floats and competitors were judged on the recreation ground. This became the format of the carnival until 1982.
The Upchurch Village Carnival 1953.
Sometimes the carnival had a theme. In 1981 a medieval theme was used when residents and visitors dressed up as jesters, Robin Hoods and courtly ladies and people were put on display in the stocks.
Many village organisations were represented on floats and always outnumbered external ones. The Darby and Joan Club regularly took first prize and produced some of the most interesting, including, You're Never Too Old in 1959, The Wedding of Snow White in 1966, Music Hall Stars in 1975, Upchurch Safari Park in 1978 and Pearly Kings and Queens in 1980. In 1973 they even hired a 1933 Leyland bus for their entry Summer Outing. In 1954 they held centre stage on their float in the procession as they performed a rousing rendition of "The more we are together" to a piano accompaniment along the entire route.
Church Farm Road had five consecutive victories for the best tableau from 1968 to 1973. These included Tutenkhamun in 1972 and Power Crunch in 1973. Other entries included Drakes Close with A Touch of the East in 1961, the Women’s Institute with Gypsies in 1965, Upchurch Badminton Club with The Young Bucks at Upchurch Playgirl Club in 1966 and Crosier Court with Treasure Island in 1982.
Other awards were given for the ‘Best Dressed Vehicle’, won in 1952 by Mr Lesley Starns with his entry Garden of England. Peter Wildish won the Best Dressed Bicycle award with Spirit of Carnival in the same year. Other memorable vehicles included Revd Keith Chare with The Golden Hind in 1977.
The number of floats varied every year with the most being 37 in 1977. Attendances also increased as the years progressed with the most recorded being over 5,000 in 1978 which demonstrated how popular the carnival had become. Therefore, not only did increasing numbers of entries from the village participate but representatives from other areas also took part such as Miss Faversham, Miss Rainham Social Club, Miss Invicta Co-op and Miss Birchington.
Sometimes individuals stood out on floats, like Jill Hitchin as A Bird in a Gilded Cage in 1966 and Julie Goodman as a damsel being roasted in a pot by cannibals in 1974. On other occasions whole groups participated like the entire Upchurch Scout troop who were inside the dragon for their entry St George and the Dragon in the 1973 procession. In 1959 a troop of skipping mice accompanied the procession collecting donations in boxes while in 1981 N & D Motors from Rainham used a concealed water pipe on their float to periodically drench surprised spectators and send them running for cover.
The Carnival Queen became the focal point of the procession, seated on her own float with two attendants. In 1970 Lorraine Manley really became the centre of attention when she got caught in a downpour just before the procession. Within minutes her dress got drenched and became totally transparent. Soaked and embarrassed, she rushed home to change - the procession took off without her and unfortunately finished before her return.
Tragedy occurred in 1964 when popular Carnival Queen Barbara Webb was killed immediately after the procession in an accident involving the float on which she was travelling. This tragic incident hit the national headlines and shocked the people of Upchurch but the event continued in the future. Other memorable Carnival Queens included Evelyn Sketchley in 1954, Joyce Bass in 1956 Tina Madden in 1961, Kay Latter in 1963, Ann Davies in 1966, Beverley Williams in 1971 and Caroline Martin in 1979.
After June Barling participated as the first Miss Upchurch in the 1952 carnival others included Mary Batchelor in 1954, Rita Wickenden in 1960, Muriel Clements in 1962, Linda Ellis in 1965, Rosemary Gransden in 1966 and Mandy Bunting in 1982. In the late 1950s a Carnival King was even established with a memorable Brian Budd in 1958.
The carnival procession was annually led by a variety of people but Mr. J. W. Brunt from Oak Lane, a member of the Tickham Hunt who led the procession on several occasions, seated on his horse, dressed in hunting pink stood out most. A Rainham Fire Engine, Dick Turpin, Napoleon and a variety of bands also led the procession.
The carnival wasn't free from mishaps as in 1956 when a gale force wind blew down the marquees and frames on the eve of the event leaving organisers and volunteers to do a frantic, last minute rescue act. Furthermore, in 1979 a Rainham Fire Engine participated in the procession but had to leave temporarily to answer an emergency call. When it returned to rejoin it got stuck outside The Paddock causing a massive traffic jam in the village centre.
The fete, which followed the carnival, had many activities including bowling for the pig, coconut shies, a rifle range and a treasure hunt while loud, recorded pop music boomed across The Paddock. A tea tent refreshed the public and stalls sold a variety of goods. Children’s art competitions were even held in the Vicarage Rooms.
From 1957 a Dog Show began, organised by Jasmil Kennels owner Bert Millen. This became very popular and attracted competitors from all over Kent. In 1961 there were over 200 entries. A tug of war contest was also started in 1952 when A. Hinge & Son from Ham Green competed against Lower Halstow Working Men’s Club in the final of a competition consisting of four teams.
The annual fancy dress competition always aroused humour. In 1952 John Lewin won with Family Allowance and Hilda Clemons as Bessy Bunter. In 1954 regular winners Sally Atkinson and her daughter Sandra won as ASpanish Lady and A Jungle Princess respectively. In 1955 Stuart Hart was hilarious as The Elephant Man in the under five competition. In 1956 Emily Wigley turned people’s heads as Lady Docker, while Don Diffey posed with his flying machine in 1970. Fancy dress played a big part throughout the carnival and fete. In 1961 Annie Bronger posed as a rather oversize toddler for a competition 'Guess the Baby's weight'. Sometimes whole families dressed up like the Boakes family as characters from Doctor Who and the Davis family as a group of Martians.
The dogs also had a fancy dress competition with many comical entries, one of the funniest being in 1965 when a boxer dog named Chip entered dressed as Andy Capp with a cigarette in mouth.
In 1965 the pupils of Temple School, Strood, gave a trampoline display and by 1970 wrestling became established with village wrestler Phil Cooper performing with sizeable local support. In 1971 this was extended when M & R Promotions presented a tag-wrestling match between The Tigers and The Commancheros. By the late seventies this had become so popular that in 1978 TV wrestling star Johnny Kwango opened the fete then participated in a tag wrestling match with other well known wrestlers. In 1977 a Wild West shoot out given by the Western Saddle Club took place and in 1982 a troupe of majorettes from London gave a musical marching display while 12 teams competed in a newly formed pie throwing competition won by 'The Village Idiots.'
There were years when the carnival had limited success, particularly when the weather was bad. In 1974 children dressed as Little Slave Girls with bare midriffs trembled in the cold and the carnival Queen and attendants were wrapped in blankets. However, 1976 was the only year when the carnival failed to take place.
When the fete finished the day was concluded with a carnival dance, initially held in the Infant’s school, the village hall in later years. The only exception took place in 1954 when a concert was held in the Old Forge.
The carnival continued to boom and remained a massively popular event until 1982. Although it proved to be very successful and raised money for the village school swimming pool, future organisational problems arose, suddenly ending the biggest single, annual village event. David Wood
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 and detailed historical study of the village.
David's book is available from David at david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + postage and packing.
Produce Sale and Crafts on Saturday the 25th of August from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at St. Margaret's Church, Lower Halstow.
Please join us at arguably the prettiest location around for a wide range of home grown and home made produce and crafts including: jewellery, pens, wood work, needle work, cards and honey.
Refreshments available and warm welcome guaranteed.
Last year with your help Diane raised an amazing £1181.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
On Friday the 28th of September Diane Macaulay will be hosting another Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, as she has done for the past 15 years !
All are welcome for Coffee, Cake and a Raffle at 22 Church Farm Road, between 10am and 12pm.
In an ideal world, a church should be left open at all times. Unfortunately, experience has shown that this is not possible in this day and age. However, we welcome visitors who wish to come and look round our lovely building, as well as residents of the village who want to come in for some peaceful moments.
From August 11th, the building will be open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesdays in August from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stewards will be there to welcome you.
If you wish to come at another time or arrange a guided tour for a group, please contact either of the church wardens:
On Wednesday the 22nd of August 2012 Nursery Days Ltd would like to give parents / carers the opportunity to view our nursery, between 9am and 3pm.
We pride ourselves on parental partnerships and as such extend a warm welcome to those wishing to view the setting. We still have spaces for September in our under three rooms and spaces are still available for the afternoon sessions in our pre-school where you can use your free government funding. Kids Days is our out of school club which provides care for 4 – 14 year olds and operates from Upchurch village hall during all holidays, 8am-6pm. Why not come along to there Fun Day in aid of Macmillan cancer and meet the team on 17th August between 1pm and 3pm ? The Fun Day will feature a bouncy castle, refreshment stall and a raffle with excellent prizes, such as a family pass to Butlins Bognor Regis.
Contact Stephanie or Melanie at the nursery for more information on: 01634 263896 or Sarah and Jodie from Kids Days on: 07435 975138 or alternatively...
I am delighted to let you know that the Holywell Primary School - A musical Evening that took place in St. Mary’s Church, on Saturday the 21st of July raised the magnificent sum of £837.00 for the School.
The Concert was enjoyed by over 100 people !
Thanks to all who took part in the Concert, the performers the organisers and the audience.
This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police. STOLEN: A red cast-iron Post Box about 4-foot high pointed crown shaped top back missing with the word LETTERS in gold writing. On the front is a picture of a man on a horse. It was stolen from the front garden of a property in Drakes Close, between 25th and 26th of July. If you have any information please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. Thank you that was message: 970
The carnival had become the biggest village event of the year since 1952 and dominated August as eleven floats lined up at the recreation ground.
Before the carnival procession started a two mile route around the village, Swale council chairman Mr. D W Morgan-Kirby and farmer William Wakeley and his wife from Hartlip judged the competitions. The Youth Club won the best float competition with a nautical scene in which Miss Youth Club Pauline Ward posed with a lighthouse, rocks, sea and sailors. The Fremlin’s Brewery vehicle won the best decorated vehicle competition and Laurel Clegg from Horsham Lane dressed as Eliza Doolittle with baskets of flowers won the best decorated bicycle competition. Meanwhile, the annual fancy dress competition had a variety of entrants. Mandy Dawson won the ‘Up to Five’ competition, Steve Parker the Up to Seven competition and Janice Todd the ‘Up to Eleven’ competition.
The carnival procession led by the St John’s Ambulance Brigade Band took off from the recreation ground with Carnival Queen Barbara Webb from Drakes Close and her attendants on the first float. Miss Upchurch Muriel Clemons followed on the second float and the Youth Club Queen Pauline Ward on the third. Other floats depicting different scenes followed including the Women’s Institute entry ‘Brewers and Boozers’ which showed a raucous scene from a medieval tavern. On a two mile route the procession moved along Oak Lane, Horsham Lane, Windmill Hill then up Wallbridge Lane and into Chaffes Lane.
After the procession a fete and dog show took place in The Paddock. The Dog show, organised by Bert Millen from Jasmil Kennels, proved particularly successful with entries from all over Kent. With a punch and judy show, a variety of games such as throwing the sponge, a coconut shy, handicrafts and darts, a lot of activities kept people amused and interested. Overall, the event raised £220 for the Village Hall Fund while Revd Bradshaw writing in the village magazine several weeks later praised the effort and also urged parishioners to send in envelopes with contributions to help maintain the church.
The cricket club had several good victories with the highlight being a surprising crushing defeat of Torry Hill which contained Gore Court First XI players. Alan Auger took 6-8 off only eight overs as Torry Hill were dismissed for 18 allowing Upchurch to cruise to a nine wicket victory. Meanwhile, the scouts led by Scoutmaster Peter Bowden suffered rain on their one week summer camp at Lyndhurst in the New Forest but managed to last the distance.
During August birthdays were celebrated by Tina Harris aged three from Twinney Cottages, Carol Button aged 10 from Drakes Close, Adrian Wood aged 13 from Wallbridge Lane and Keith Vole aged 12 from Breach Lane. Marriages included Jean Elizabeth Bodley Scott from Wallbridge Lane with Brian Lindsey and Anna Diddams from Oak Lane with Mr G Foster from Rainham. The only recorded burial was that of Jessie Bissell of Alfred Cottages aged 70 but as in previous years the carnival stood out as the main highlight of the month.
About David: David Wood 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.
The Parish Council still has a few special commemorative Diamond Jubilee Mugs left for general sale.
The Mugs are good quality bone china and make a wonderful souvenir of our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and of our celebrations here in Upchurch.
Price £2.70 from Sue Rossiter. Do contact her if you would like one on: 01634 234780 or Email: suerossiter@waitrose.com 114 Chaffes Lane.
Will your child be starting primary School in September ? Either at Holywell School, or another local primary School ? They would be eligible for a Jubilee mug as a gift from the Parish Council. Just contact Sue Rossiter.
Saturday 14th July – Bastille Day in Ferques – This was cancelled due to torrential rain. Their weather was as bad as ours ! So no go this year. C’est la vie !
Saturday 25th August. 2012 – Sports Day CANCELLED – Due to circumstances beyond our control this event has been cancelled for this year. Sorry if you were looking forward to a good day out, as we were, but an alternative date could not be found that would be sensible.
Sunday 7th October – Anniversary Event – An outing to Chatham Historic Dockyard is planned to include a meal at their restaurant. A coach load of Ferques residents will be coming over the water to join us. Watch this space ! More details next month, but we think the cost of entry + a 2-course lunch in the Wheelwrights’ restaurant will be about £23-£25. Do contact us for more details or to book a place. Numbers may be limited, so ring us now !
Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780
Although more than half a century has passed since he lived in the area, actor James Robertson Justice is still remembered by older parishioners as an out of the ordinary resident of Upchurch. Well known as Doctor Sir Lancelot Spratt in the classic 1950s and 1960s ‘Doctor at Large’ films, Justice starred in over eighty British films after being spotted by an Ealing Studios writer at the Players Theatre Club in London during the 1940s. He appeared in box office hits like ‘The Guns of Navarone’, ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ and ‘Moby Dick’. He also starred alongside 1960s sex symbols Diana Dors and Bridget Bardot.
Educated at Marlborough College and a science student at University College London, Justice held two doctorates and was a big man of six feet two inches with a beard and a booming well spoken accent. Amongst his early experiences he worked as a lumberjack and English teacher in Canada, a policeman in Germany, a journalist for Reuters, he managed the British ice hockey team, he fought in the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and he got wounded while serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1943. After getting discharged from the navy he arrived at Ham Green in Upchurch and resided in a farm worker’s cottage known today as ‘Greylag.’
A larger than life character who loved nature, Justice was also an expert falconer, a keen ornithologist and spent time bird watching on the sea wall and saltings, sometimes accompanied by well known contemporary TV wildlife presenter Sir Peter Scott. He later became a member of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and invented the rocket propelled net for catching wildfowl. He was also a keen naturalist and often swam naked in the river with lady friends visiting him from London. Marj Davies from Horsham Lane informed me that her father, Charles Barling from Bayford Farm, warned her to keep away from the river when Justice was there with his female companions, although the actor sometimes joined the Barling family for a meal and a chat in Bayford farmhouse when not otherwise engaged. Several times he was spotted walking the Ham Green peninsular in a kilt playing a set of bagpipes and became a regular in ‘The Crown’ where he joined locals for a drink and a yarn.
Known as ‘Crackerbarrel’ to the village children because of his appearance in cheese adverts, Justice caused controversy in 1944 when a flashing light was spotted coming from his bedroom window during the wartime blackout. This led to rumours that he was a German spy and after several police warnings about breaking the blackout law he was cautioned at Sittingbourne Magistrates Court. At the end of the Second World War Justice left the area and became a well known film actor. He also taught Prince Charles falconry while living in Scotland and became a personal friend of Prince Philip. He served as rector of Edinburgh University and also contested the Scottish constituency of North Angus and Mearns for the Labour Party in 1950. He died penniless after a series of strokes in 1975 but is still remembered in Upchurch as a great character of the parish.
About David: David Wood 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.ukprice £12 + p+p £2.
The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th July in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 7 members of the public.
Public Time – Local Needs Housing - A resident commented that English Rural Housing Association would let any homes built under this proposed scheme to whoever they wished. It was commented that the Council did not support this view. Voting form - It was commented that the voting form should have been addressed individually to residents to avoid the opportunity of people filling it in on behalf of each other. It was explained that the Council was not allowed to access the Electoral Register for this purpose. ‘Drop-in’ - A resident commented that it was far too hasty to have the rescheduled ‘drop-in’ in September.
Allotments - A resident asked if there were plans to tidy up the allotments. Members noted this. Trimming of Hedge in Oak Lane – It was requested that this hedge next to the Vicarage be cut back. Members will follow this up. Windmill Hill - A resident reported that his car had been damaged by bushes on Windmill Hill. The Clerk will inform Highways of this issue.
Correspondence – Southern Water – A letter providing an update on the water resources situation and water restrictions. Southern Water had removed the temporary use ban, currently in place in Kent and Sussex supply areas on Thursday 14th June.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/12/0841 11 Marston Close – Single storey rear extension. Demolition of conservatory – There were no objections to the proposals but members requested that serious considerations be given to neighbours views.
Permissions and Refusals – the following decisions had been received:
Permissions granted:
SW/12/0393 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – Demolition and replacement of existing, agricultural building only for use as a tractor and implement store
SW/12/0418 Land at Breach Lane – Change of use of land for the mixed use of agriculture and keeping of horses with the provision of three new stables, tack rooms, haystore and sand school
SW/12/0330 Tanzor Riding School, Poot Lane – Retention of existing timber building in support of livery use of land
SW/12/697 Holywell Primary School, Forge Lane – Erect new palisade fencing 1.8 metre high powdered green (58 metres long) to east side of school’s main entrance
SW/12/0439 Bedfont House, Holywell Lane – Change of use from commercial offices to private dwelling (5 in total), extend length of north fencing dormers to accommodate Juliette balconies and additional windows in flank elevation
SW/12/0510 35 Forge Lane – Two storey side extension and single storey garage
Permission Refused:
SW/12/0399 Co-Op, 3 The Street – One internally illuminated wall mounted display unit
SW/12/0464 The Oast, Holywell Lane – Single storey rear extension with room in loft area
Local Needs Housing - It was hoped that four residents would come forward to join the four members of the Parish Council and the Clerk as part of the sub-group. It was confirmed that any meetings of this sub-group would be held in public. The objectives for inviting representatives to join were two-fold. Firstly, to remove any misunderstanding of the procedures followed to date. Secondly, to look at the detail of the voting form and consider any suggestions put forward by the representatives.
‘Drop-in’ event rescheduled for 21st September 2012 and ‘public count’ on 5th October 2012 – It is planned to hold these two events in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome.
English Rural Housing Association – possible outcomes from the ballot – A copy of an email from Alison Thompson had been circulated. Cllr Catford had requested information on the process that would be followed if the Council wished to go ahead with the proposed scheme. It was felt that the information provided did not answer this question and would be followed up again. Nomination for Opposition Representative – It was agreed to accept the nomination for Mr B Sketchley to be a representative.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water Meter – A request was made to Southern Water to replace this. Some minor repair was undertaken by Southern Water.
Paddock – Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – Members discussed issues being experienced by a resident in Oak Lane. PCSO Cork was following up these issues and was in contact with the resident. Members will meet to discuss possible ways of making the area unattractive to footballers. Some ideas are to plant trees or install fence posts in the end of the Paddock where footballers play.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree Related subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane – Members considered three quotes submitted for the removal of 16 x leylandi, 1 x ash and 1 x sycamore from the churchyard boundary wall with the garage. It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co. Other tree works required - It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co to trim the Yew Tree 3 metres from the Church. Rules and Regulations – Cllr Rossiter had circulated a discussion paper. The Chairman thanked Cllr Rossiter. The Clerk and Cllr Rossiter will update the rules and regulations to include the ideas in the discussion paper and present a draft at the next meeting.
Environment – Internet speeds – Cllr Catford reported that Mr A Collier, Mr A Waterhouse and Cllr Arnold had offered to meet to discuss this further. Cllr Lewin also offered. Queens Diamond Jubilee – Members discussed the planting of the commemorative tree. Further investigations were needed, to see if a tree was available for the Council to use.
Highways - Request to use Recreation Ground Car Park – Members considered this which a resident raised during public time. It was agreed to allow this request.
Opposition Representatives for the Local Needs Housing Sub-Group - Mr A Waterhouse, Mr O’Neill and Mr R Higgs approached the Clerk after the meeting to put their name forward as representatives of opposition to local needs housing in Upchurch.
Next meetings – 6th September 2012 and 11th October 2012. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7:30pm.
A 10 x 4 foot strip of Lead was stolen from the roof of St. Mary's Church, Upchurch between the 6th and the 8th of July.
It had been removed from the gully between two pitched roofs. This had previously been security marked with smart water. If you have any information, please contact Kent police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. Thank you, that was Message: 8 7 7.
A householder prevented the theft of a wooden Porters Trolley from his garden in Oak Lane, Upchurch, just after 5:00 pm on Friday the 6th of July. 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: 867.
WE EXPECT over 20 stalls providing a
wide range of local produce, services and crafts
• We
now have a BUTCHER [Just Cutts from Rainham] and are working hard to
obtain the services of a BAKER
• The
KNITTING stall, which proved so popular last month, will also be back
• KENT
CIDER will be returning after missing last month
• Hopefully,
Steve from THE SEAFOOD CENTRE will once again have his full range of goods
available.
• We
are introducing a RAFFLE, the proceeds of which will be evenly split
between the Market’s “Community Project” Fund and prizes of £5.00
vouchers, redeemable at the stall(s) of your choice.
ALTHOUGH
THE ATTENDANCE AT THE JUNE MARKET WAS MORE ENCOURAGING, WE STILL URGENTLY NEED
YOUR SUPPORT. SO, IF YOU CAN COME, BRING AS MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS
POSSIBLE WITH YOU. IF YOU CAN’T, TELL THEM ABOUT IT !
FARMERS MARKET
COMMUNITY PROJECTS FUND
Calling
all Village Organisations
Upchurch Farmers
Market was established in June 2011 as a non-commercial community project with
the express intention that all monies accruing from Stall fees (after deduction
of essential expenses) would be offered in the form of modest grants to village
organisations/good causes.
After one year, the
Market Management Committee has agreed that a sufficient reserve has been
accumulated to allow such grants to be awarded.
Accordingly,
applications are invited from bona fide Village Organisations who wish to be
considered for such an award. Each application should be forwarded in
writing (by hand or e-mail) to The Market Secretary, David Candy, at 6
Bradshaw Close, Upchurch or: dave_candy@sky.com and must include:
oName of Organisation
oRepresentative’s Name
and Contact Details
oPurpose for which
grant required
oAmount Required
(Maximum gifted likely to be no more than £200)
Applications to reach
The Secretary no later than midnight on Sunday 30th September 2012.
Collection boxes for the Church of England Children’s Society are due to be emptied soon. This year we shall be doing this at the Church Porch Sale in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 14th July.
If you have a box would you please bring it along in the morning for counting anytime between 9:30 and 11:30am. Alternatively, boxes can be passed to any wives group member or left at 18 Crosier Court.
If you would like someone to collect your box, please contact me on: 01634 375109 and I will arrange this on your behalf and return the box to you when it has been emptied.
Few could complain about a boring village as expanding clubs and popular events like the village fete and marathon dominated a busy month in July 1962.
Holywell farmer Frank Stevens opened the fete in The Paddock on Saturday July 8th and the event raised £160 for the Church Fabric Fund. With The Paddock packed to capacity stalls offered a variety of products like flowers and cakes. Highlights included country dancing by pupils from Holywell School and a fancy dress competition in which Laurel Clegg from Horsham Lane won the ‘Up to Eleven’ group and Roy Hogbin from Drakes Close won the ‘Up to Seven’ group. Miss Upchurch Muriel Clemons from Chaffes Lane presided over the fete while Revd Bradshaw described the overall effort as ‘a splendid piece of community teamwork.’
Early in the month Barbara Webb from Drakes Close was chosen as Carnival Queen from eight candidates while Angela Hodgkin from Poot Lane and Patricia Allen from Highsted were selected as her attendants for the big annual village event due to be held in August.
The village marathon which had been revived for the first time in six years by Aubrey Smith from Oak Lane and assisted by Bryan Veale from Horsham Lane, took place on the last Friday of the month as a preliminary for the village carnival. The women were first away from The Paddock and after racing a relatively short distance Christine Cripps from Poot Lane won the event. Six boys next lined up with Robert Gregory from Drakes Close winning and Ian Daniel from Oak Lane second. The men’s competition, a three mile race to Breach Lane and back was dominated by Maidstone Harriers runner D. Norman who coasted to victory on a very successful marathon evening.
Early in July the parish council met to discuss better facilities for the village clubs as Chairman Mr Colven described present facilities as ‘few and far between.’ Improvements were needed for several organisations including the rapidly expanding horticultural society. In their summer show entries exceeded 300 with a high level of exhibits. Winners included Mrs E Chaplin with roses, George Friend with vegetables, A Hinge & Son with cherries, Ernie Waters with potatoes and Charlie Stokes with onions.
The cricket club also thrived and recorded several good victories in July with the highlight being the match against Riverside in which Peter Smith scored an aggressive 57 in only 26 minutes. In partnership with Don Diffey who scored 80, Upchurch totalled 201-4. Frank Cook then bowled out Riverside for 50 taking four wickets for only 14 runs. Frank continued his good form with 6-22 against Minster later in July. Meanwhile, the Women’s Institute attracted new members with the July meeting being dominated by a report read out by Mrs Porter from Ham Green about the recent national meeting at the Royal Albert Hall followed by a talk about heraldry by guest speaker Mrs Skinner. After this members were asked to design a coat of arms for Upchurch. Mrs Nelson won the competition with Queenie South second. This ended a busy and varied month in the village calendar.
About David: David Wood 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.ukprice £12 + p+p £2.
Martin Sheppard (top left) along with his fellow travellers.
Hello my name is Martin Sheppard and I'm 15 years old. I live in Wallbridge Lane Upchurch. In the summer of 2013 I will be going on an aid project to Tanzania in Africa with a few pupils from my school 'The Westlands School' In this time I will be helping the communities by building the Children a small school etc.
My trip is for one month and it's costing around £4,500 all of which I have to raise BY MYSELF !
I'm very much hoping people around the village will be able to sponsor me ! If there are any jobs around the village that you would like done then please give me a call on: 07860 520387 or Email me on: martinsheppard@live.co.uk
Some of the main projects are based outside Tanga, one of Tanzania’s oldest coastal towns and in the Moshi area of northern Tanzania, in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.
Some other things I will be doing when out there are:
Volunteer work on important projects to improve the standard of living for rural Tanzanian communities. Participate in ongoing conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and the environment. Safari in some of Tanzania’s premier National Parks. Marine conservation programme. Indian Ocean and rural location. Mountain trekking opportunities.
Curate, Rev Hugh Nelson, is leaving after 3 happy years in The Six. Hugh has been appointed Vicar of Goudhurst & Kilndown, two lovely villages in the Weald of Kent.
Hugh's last Sunday will be the 29th of July. Everyone is welcome to Hugh's Last Hurrah ! Service at 10:30am at St. Mary the Virgin Church Newington.
There will be no services in other 'The Six' Churches that Sunday.
Good Luck to Hugh and his family from all of us in Upchurch.
