News from St. Mary The Virgin, Upchurch

St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

Sunday 2nd December 9:00 am Our ‘Welcome Communion Service’....slightly less formal than usual, following on from our Back to Church Sunday. Led by our choir, come and enjoy with us, and stay for refreshments after – we’d love to chat with you.

Also on the 2nd at 10:30 am our Uplift All age service in the Village Hall.

Sunday 9th December 9:00 am Our normal Sung Communion Service... refreshments after.

Sunday 16th December No 9:00 am service – but there is our Uplift all age service in the Village Hall.

Also on the 16th at 4:00 pm WE ARE HOLDING OUR INFORMAL CAROL SERVICE! We would love to welcome you, a mixture of carols, stories, Christmas facts, and crackers! Mince pies and punch after! 

Also on the 16th we start our Christmas Tree festival, you are invited to supply a Christmas Tree – real, artificial or hand made – any size and it can have lights on if you like! Bring it to the church to help build up our festival of trees! Entirely a fund rasing event for E.L.F. Eliminate Leukemia Fund – a cause close to the hearts of us all. The Church will be open for a time everyday until Christmas to enable everyone to enjoy seeing the display......seasonal refreshments will be served and it will be warm! Come and enjoy, just watch out for poster on opening hours. Also would you like to offer an hour on our rota? Queries ? Our Church Wardens Jill Rothery on: 01634 389530 or Elizabeth Shorthouse on: 01634 364676.

Wednesday 19th December Come Carol Singing! Meet at Upchurch Church for a 6:00 pm. start ....if you’re late, we’ll leave details on the church door. This is also on behalf of E.L.F. - Eliminate Leukemia Fund. Hot Coffee and mince pies in the church after for whoever would like to join us.

Thursday 20th December 9:30 am Holywell School will be holding their Christingle service in the church.

Sunday 23rd December 9:00 am Sung Communion Service with our choir.....we would love you to join us...Christmas refreshments after.

Monday 24th December  CHRISTMAS EVE! 5:30 pm Our popular Crib service...come and hear the Christmas story, help us build up the Nativity Scene and sing the carols with us. Surprises for the children.......and the clock will be ticking away!

Then at 7:30 pm our traditional 9 lessons and carols service. Choir led, this centuries old service still attracts so many people to take part.

Tuesday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY! We will be holding our Christmas Sung Communion Service at 9a.m. and hope to welcome you all! It’s a great way to start Christmas Day and you’ll be home just after 10:00 am!

Sunday 30th December There will not be a service as we are all going to Iwade to share our 6 church benefice service with Revd. Ron Partridge who is retiring the next day! It starts at 10:30am

2013

Sunday 6th January 9:00 am Our ‘Welcome Communion Service’ again, it is slightly less formal, and suitable for everyone!

At 10:30 am in the Village Hall, there will be our Uplift all age service.

Sunday 13th January 9:00 am Sung Communion service with refreshments after.

Sunday 20th January No 9:00 am Service but there will be Uplift all age service in the Village Hall.

Also on the 20th of January at 6:30 pm we will be holding our ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE in the church. For all those who have been bereaved, particularly within the last two years, we invite you all to join us for a candle lit service, in which your loved one’s names are read out and you are invited to light a candle and to receive a candle as well. As the candle lights mount up, we enjoy a huge area of burning candles, a symbol of our love for all those who have gone ahead of us. It is not a mournful service - on the contrary it is full of hope and precious memories. All are invited, just come! Queries? Revd. Jacky on: 01795 842557.

Sunday 27th January 9:00 am Sung Communion service with refreshments after.

Visit the Church website. The Six:  www.thesix.org.uk

Revd. Jacky Davis

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Upchurch Poppy Appeal - 2012

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM” 

The total collection in Upchurch in 2012 is above £2,280. Of this amount £709 was collected in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £53 The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection in Upchurch was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by thirteen collectors.

St. Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by Reverend Jacky Davis. Five wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel. Also village school children sang ‘Remember’.

After the service Reverend Davis led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the autumnal sunshine to the burial ground were wooden crosses were laid at the five war commission graves. We were mindful of current losses and injuries in Afghanistan suffered by our Armed Forces.

The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Royal British Legion to help Armed Forces families with £1.7 million each week in direct welfare support – that is £90 million each year, answering more than 165,000 calls for help. This year the Royal British Legion secured a commitment to have the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant written into law - an historic first.

On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.

For more information visit: The Royal British Legion website  Here

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser

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Upchurch Darby and Joan - Christmas Bazaar

On Wednesday the 28th of November, Upchurch Darby and Joan Club host their annual Christmas Bazaar from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Upchurch Village Hall.

All welcome!

Janet Gilbert

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 8^th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Four Gun Field Action Group – Two representatives of this group expressed their support for the Planning Application reference SW/12/1243. He summarised the issues faced by residents near to the site and the efforts by the group to find a mutually satisfactory use for the land. They requested the Councils support for this planning application. Highways – A resident reported that Kent Highways had still not cleared a gully in The Poles. Allotments – A resident reported that allotment holders were pleased with the new vehicular gate that had been relocated further back from the road. Windmill Hill – A resident expressed concerns over a gully overflowing on Windmill Hill. Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Tree– A resident offered an Oak Tree to the Council. Members thanked him. Vacancy for one Councillor – A resident explained that he had applied for this vacancy and had come along tonight to observe the meeting. 

Correspondence – Climate South East Parish and Town Council Survey – An organisation aiming to carry out research on the impacts of climate change by conducting telephone interviews with local parish council representatives. Cllr Apps offered to take part in this. 

Planning - The following applications were considered:

 SW/12/1245 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (1) of SW/11/0867 to extend the time period in which the hardstanding, wheel spinner, CCTV cameras and stanchion may be retained on site to a period of 36 months without the commencement of a B2 use.  No objections but queried why the applicant had asked for a period of 3 years.

SW/12/1244 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (1) of SW/11/0866 to extend the time period in which the portable office/restroom may be retained on site to a period of 36 months without the commencement of a B2 use. No objections but queried why the applicant had asked for a period of 3 years.

SW/12/1243 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Outline application for residential development (about 36 dwellings), residential care home (about 80 beds) and public open space with wildlife area. The Council had no objections to the proposal however, they commented that they would like to see homes of varied sizes within the application i.e. not just 3 and 4 bedroom homes and that there will be pressure for affordable homes in the village.

SW/12/1331 13 Horsham Lane – Erection of single-storey side extension to provide double garage; first floor infill rear extension; demolition of existing conservatory and erection of new conservatory to side. No objections and commented that neighbours views should be taken into consideration.

FPS/W2275/4/37 Footpath ZR32 (Part) Upchurch – Public Path Diversion Order, 2010 – The Planning Inspectorate – The Order is confirmed.

Local Needs Housing - Draft notes from ‘drop-in’ event – A copy had been circulated and was agreed. Public Count – This had taken place on Friday 26^th September 2012 at 6.30pm in the back hall of the Village Hall. The result had been published on the Parish Council website and Notice boards, and also Upchurch Matters website - Do you support the proposal to build Local Needs Housing on a Rural Exception Site? Result -570 Votes No and 101 Votes Yes – therefore majority vote is NO. The Council will not be investigating this scheme further.

Finance – Swale West Parishes Group – KCC Community Engagement Grants Scheme 2012-13 – An email from Bill Ronan (KCC) explaining that he is waiting on the cabinet decision for a grant to the sum of £6,120 towards the Paddock project and the re-pointing of the Church yard wall. 

Administration - General purposes committee – It is hoped to set this up shortly, and will be discussed at the next meeting.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water meter at Allotments – Cllr Apps reported that a new water meter had been installed by Southern Water. Review allotment rents – It was agreed to keep the rent payable by allotment holders at the same rate as this year - residents £14 for a full plot and £23 for non-residents. Risk Assessment –Members raised concerns with a pot hole at the entrance to the car park at the Recreation Ground. It was suggested that this issue could be discussed by the general purposes committee, when formed. 

Paddock – Lease – A copy of the draft form Lease had been circulated, along with a letter from our solicitors. Members agreed to accept the Lease. The Clerk will ask for clarification on whether the Paddock can be used for car parking, and in particular, for the annual plant sale by Upchurch Horticultural Society. Play equipment – An email from a resident was circulated regarding lack of toddler equipment in play area. Members noted this and commented that they were still trying to negotiate the Lease renewal and once this had been finalised, they would investigate installing new play equipment in the Paddock. Risk Assessment – Cllr Apps reported that he had removed the damaged bin and filled in the hole. Cllr Kennard reported that he was meeting Paul Hegley, Tree Officer at Swale BC the next day to discuss the trees against the fence in 2 and 3 Bradshaw Close. 

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Church yard Wall – Cllr Lewin and Cllr Rossiter will arrange a site meeting to discuss weed spraying the wall. Cllr Rossiter reminded members that the re-pointing of the wall still needed to be done. A concern was raised about the live wires running along the outside of the garage wall that had been exposed when the trees were removed. Cllr Rossiter will investigate. Church yard Path – Cllr New reported that St Marys PCC were looking into obtaining a faculty for this and were consulting Lower Halstow for advice.

Environment – Fundraising event in aid of a charity fighting against Leukaemia – A request from Jill Rothery to place a Christmas tree in St Mary’s Church for the Christmas Tree Festival. The Clerk will arrange this and Cllr Apps offered to help too.

Highways - Parking problems around school pick up/drop off times – It was suggested that a working group be set up to investigate this further and will be discussed at the next meeting. Lay-by opposite Granny’s Green – Members discussed the ownership of a section of road in Oak Lane, south of the allotments, on the boundary of Ian Daniels land. They queried whether it was a lay-by. The Clerk will consult Cllr Arnold, and then contact Kent Highways. 

Next meetings – Thursday 6^th December 2012 and 3^rd January 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School starting at 7.30pm and the Public are welcome to attend this meeting. The Public may put questions and/or make comments to members and it is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon – Thurs 9am – midday)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council
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PFHS Golf Day - Amount Raised and Pictures

On Monday the 12th of November Linwoods proudly sponsored The Parents & Friends of Holywell School, Upchurch, Kent, Charity Golf day at Gillingham Golf Club.

The day was well supported by many of the Dads from the school plus several school governors. Linwoods provided the green fees and some raffle prizes, and with all other prizes being donated, the great sum of just under £600 was raised for the school!

Adam Webber, a product trainer from Panasonic, came down to show off the new Panasonic GH3 Lumix camera. He took many pictures of the players on the 1st tee. If you would like a high res copy of them, please send us an email at:  Panasonic@linwoodhe.com

Thank you to everyone who helped this day be the huge success which it was.

All the pictures should be available for all to see via:  www.linwoodhe.com  by the end of today (Wednesday the 14th of November).

Next PFHS Golf Day will be Monday the 25^th of March 2013 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Club. Details to follow.

Richard Divers

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Christmas Craft Fair at St. Margaret's

St. Margaret's Church.

St. Margaret's Church, Lower Halstow Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Saturday the 1st of December between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

Please join us for a wide range of local crafts and home made produce, including fountain pens, cards, calendars, needlework, wood turning, preserves and more, Refreshments available.

A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Come along and visit arguably the prettiest church around and the handsome 'Edith May' Thames Sailing Barge in the neighbouring dock.

See you there !

Elizabeth Mouland

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Church News

St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

This Sunday 11th November at 10:15 am in St. Mary the Virgin Church,..... Remembrance Day service...to include 2 minutes silence and laying of wreaths. Uniformed organisations will leave the Scout Hut at 9:45 am to march down to the church with the band of Church Lads and Girls Brigade. Laying of crosses on war graves in the churchyard will be after the service accompanied by the uniformed groups. Refreshments in the church after. There will not be a 9:00am service.

Sunday 16th December at 4:00 pm Come to our Carol Service in St. Mary’s, seasonal refreshments after and a cracker for everyone! Bring the family!

Also on 16th December we are holding a Christmas Tree Festival in the church. We invite any organisations or individuals to supply and decorate a Christmas Tree (with lights if you like), and display it in the church. It can be real, artificial or hand made – use your imagination! It is in aid of Elimination of Leukaemia Fund run from Kings College Hospital and is near to our hearts. Trees can be put in place the day before (15th Saturday) More information from our Church Warden Jill Rothery on: 01634 389530.

Wednesday 19th December Come Carol Singing! Meet at the church at 6:00pm and we will go round the village singing all your favourite carols. Bring a torch or lantern, children very welcome but must be with a responsible adult. Again, it is in aid of Elimination of Leukemia Fund.

Christmas Eve 24th December 5:30 pm in the Church, our popular CRIB SERVICE! Come and join the excitement of sharing the Christmas story and building up the Crib Scene together with singing the carols....as the clock ticks away!

Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm in the Church also, our equally popular 9 lessons and carols – a centuries old service exactly as it says, 9 lessons and 9 carols. All readers are chosen from the village. Christmas Day..... Come and celebrate at 9:00 am with a Sung Communion Christmas Service. It lasts approx 1 hour.

Forward notice...... Sunday 30th December will be Revd. Ron Partridge’s last service before retirement the next day! It will be held in Iwade Church at 10:30 am and is the only service that morning in our six churches. No service in Upchurch that day.

Visit the Church website. The Six:  www.thesix.org.uk

Revd. Jacky Davis

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Upchurch Family Fireworks - Press Release

The Bonfire Team spent a full 2 days building this years Fire !

Upchurch Family Fireworks celebrated its 17th year this weekend (3rd November) with a superb sound and light show, an impressive bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.

Turnout for the event at Westmoor Farm (off the A2 in Rainham) by residents from Medway, Swale and beyond was excellent and with the weather on our side helped make the evening a resounding success - generating much needed revenue for the Upchurch Scout Group which provides funding for a range of activities and facilities for the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers throughout the year.  

Visitors this year saw one of the best displays around !

Stall holders reported fantastic sales of everything from burgers, hotdogs and doughnuts, to candy floss, hot and cold drinks and ‘Glow’ toys.

It is estimated that 500 vehicles made use of free on-site parking but with careful pre-planning the event team managed to minimise any disruption.

The Upchurch Family Fireworks Committee would like to thank everyone who attended the event as well as all the hardworking volunteers who gave up their precious time to help organise, set-up and run the event.

We would especially like to say a huge, ‘Thank you’, to those who turned up in the pouring rain on Sunday morning to help pack things away!

We look forward to an even bigger and better Upchurch Family Fireworks 2013 – see you there !

Upchurch Family Fireworks

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PFHS - Next Meeting

Dear Parents /Carers,

The next PFHS meeting will be on Wednesday the 14th of November, 7:30pm at The Crown pub, Upchurch.

We hope you can join us.

PFHS

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The Great Hurricane of October 1987

According to the Met Office the last hurricane to hit England occurred in 1703 with serious damage and loss of life. Perhaps that’s why BBC weather forecaster Michael Fish seemed so confident when he said there wouldn’t be a hurricane on October 16^th 1987 but how wrong his prediction turned out to be. At least 13 people were known to have died across the country as roofs and chimneys were blown off houses and fallen trees caused havoc with electricity cables, railway lines and roads.

Michael Fish.

In Upchurch chimney pots and roofs were hit hard as powerful winds swept right across South-East England during the night of October 16th. The most surprised Upchurch residents were Tony Witherden and his mother Dolly at Hilda’s Cottage in Poot Lane. Tony said,

‘I was awoken in the early hours by the movement of the house and howling of the wind. To my surprise when I awoke all I could see was the orchard. The front wall of the house had completely disappeared.’

The two shocked inhabitants and their dog were fortunate to escape uninjured. Their house which had been partly destroyed had to be demolished at a later date but they were not the only surprised residents. Charles Barling of Colts Field Farm in Poot Lane had a close shave while rounding up his cattle when a sheet of sharp edged corrugated tin tumbled across his field at high speed and narrowly missed him. A little earlier his garage had been blown away by a powerful gust just seconds after he had removed his car. At Beckenham Park caravan site in Otterham Quay several caravans were overturned but nobody suffered injury, a boat was blown on to the seawall at Ham Green while Mike and Mary Laity from Wetham Green discovered that their shed of ducks had been blown away. However, many people slept through the worst of the storm and only realized what had happened when they looked outside the following morning and saw the damage.

David Wood.

Compared to some areas Upchurch suffered less devastation but there were damaged chimney stacks, fallen roof slates, uprooted trees and severed electricity cables. The chimney stack on the co-op building fell through the roof and caused short term inconvenience and large trees fell on to the road at Windmill Hill causing some traffic problems.

Local fruit farmers were hit hard and lost hundreds of fruit trees totally uprooted by the wind. Other trees were badly damaged and had to be grubbed and replaced during later years while storage sheds were blown away and strewn across the landscape. Farmers later received some compensation from the government. Overall, 1987 wasn’t a good year for weather conditions as heavy snow had cut the village off from Medway for several days in early January and the summer had been very wet.

The Swale council, overwhelmed by problems left in the wake of the hurricane, employed local Upchurch residents armed with chainsaws to clear up the mess left by fallen trees on roads and property and very soon everything returned to normal. The first hurricane for 300 years had left its mark but most residents hoped it would be the last in their lifetime.

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  or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood
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Karaoke and Disco - Tonight at The Three Sisters

Karaoke and Disco tonight (the 19th of October) at The Three Sisters Upchurch.

The fun starts at 9:00pm !

Come along for a good night out.

The Three Sisters
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Upchurch Family Fireworks - Appeal for Helpers

Upchurch Scout Group is once again holding their Firework Display on Saturday the 3rd of November at Westmoor Farm on the A2 near Rainham.

This is a charity event, raising money not only for us but could also be for You !

There will be Pitches and stalls available to Scout and Guide groups. All we ask is that you provide two marshals available from 4:00pm until the event closure and possibly two helpers for the Saturday set up, 1:oopm to 4:00pm or Sunday 9.00am to 1:00pm

Anybody who helps will be issued with a family ticket to the event. There are some conditions regarding young helpers. For any more information please contact Upchurch Scout Group on: info@upchurchfireworks.co.uk

If you do not wish to run a stall then please just feel free to support us and have a fun time with music, food and a great spectacular event and encourage as many people to attend as possible.

All stalls need to be self-sufficient for power and water.

Please visit our website:  www.upchurchfireworks.co.uk  for even more information.

The members of Upchurch Scout Group Executive Committee need to call on you for assistance again. As our firework Display grows we need to have more marshals and general helpers to ensure the safe running of the event for everyone.

If we don’t get enough Marshals we can’t run the event !

We have said many times that we are fortunate that the fireworks and waste paper collections provide enough funding for the group without the need to keep asking parents to help and contribute. Most other groups spend many weekends throughout the year trying to raise the kind of money we can raise in one weekend !

Could you spare us some time over the weekend of 3rd & 4th to assist please ?

Our primary concern is to ensure we have enough marshals but we also need assistance to set up on Saturday and clear up on Sunday. (we always get less volunteers for Sunday !) Any time you can give would be much appreciated. Many hands really do make light work. Children may assist with the clear up but we would prefer not to have Cubs and Beavers around whilst we are setting up and children under 16 are not allowed to be in or around the stalls in the evening.

In order to be a marshal you must be over 16 and attend a short, simple safety briefing on Saturday at 11.30am or 4:30pm and then be available on site from 4:30pm until approximately 8:30pm. There’s no upper age limit so Grandparents can help too provided they are physically fit and healthy !

Marshalls must not have children with them for whom they are responsible i.e. if children under 16 are coming with you, there must be another responsible adult to take care of the children. You may well be able to stand with your family but you will need to be available to move where required quickly, particularly in an emergency situation.

So if the idea of standing in a dark field on a cold November night with a silly orange jacket on doesn’t appeal to you – how about we throw in a free family ticket ? Interested ? Please send us an Email as soon as possible.

We spend an awful lot of time chasing people who we know are happy to help but we don’t have them down on our sheet. Please do it now if you can – don’t wait until later !

Email us at:  info@upchurchfireworks.co.uk

Thanks,

Upchurch Scout Group
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Run! Deep in the Amazon - By David Wood

David Wood.

David Wood has just had an article about the Amazon with detailed information about his and Nigel Barling's experiences there published on an American website named 'Extreme travel Stories'.

You can read it  Here

Upchurch Matters

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The Gullands guide to Continuing Care Claims

There has been a considerable amount of media attention to nursing home fees in recent months.

Many people have mistakenly been charged nursing home fees when they should in fact be paid by the relevant Primary Care Trust (PCT). They assume that if they have a reasonable amount of savings or own their own property that they would not be eligible for nursing home fees to be paid for them.

In fact the criteria is not financial stability, it is the primary need for health care. The individual’s needs are assessed and if it is agreed that the primary need for the individual going into a nursing home is that of healthcare, the NHS is responsible for all of the nursing home costs. Not just the healthcare costs, all of the costs.

It pays to understand nursing home fees.

Media coverage has often implied that the opportunity has now passed to make such a claim but this is not necessarily correct. If you have paid nursing home fees between 2004 and March 2011 the deadline to register a claim was 30 September. However, if you have already written to the PCT and not yet received a response you will possibly have complied with the deadline. As such your claim is in time and in the system. It is possible that you are now waiting for a retrospective review of an assessment. In some cases the first assessment may be about to take place.

Following initial investigations claims are sometimes rejected on the basis that there is no Primary Health Care need. The rules and regulations surrounding this are quite complex. There are several stages of appeal available and some cases have been agreed on the second or third appeal.

For care fees paid between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 the deadline for making the application is not until 31 March 2013. Claimants should submit an initial letter to the PCT so the matter can be investigated. Once the request for review is logged and accepted, the process has begun.

The assessment process is based on twelve areas of care needs from behaviour to an all-encompassing “other significant care needs”. The areas include cognition, mobility and continence. Each of the different sections is graded on the level of care needed between “no need” and “priority need”. The level of care assessed will decide whether you are entitled to be considered for continuing care. It is this twelve step criteria that makes the process complicated and time consuming.

Clearly it is important that people who should not have paid for care are refunded and in the future those entitled to have their care paid for by the PCT are properly assessed.

If you have a relative or are thinking that you may need to go into nursing care, it is worth knowing and understanding the questions to ask at the initial process and ensuring that a formal request for assessment is made.

If you have paid nursing home fees you may still be entitled to a refund.

For further information about continuing care contact Jacqueline Beadle by:
Email at:  j.beadle@gullands.com
Direct dial:  01622 689751  

Website:  www.gullands.com

Gullands Solicitors

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Upchurch Choral Society seeks new Music Director

This 40 strong mixed voice non-auditioned, friendly choir, established since 1968, is looking for a Music Director to rehearse and conduct the 3 concerts it usually performs for charity each year.

Rehearsals take place weekly in St. Mary’s Church, Upchurch from 8.00pm – 9.30pm on Fridays. The repertoire includes both sacred and secular music.

For further details please contact the secretary, Liz Walters, on: 01634 361897.

Liz Walters

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Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy for one Councillor

Due to the resignation of Cllr Catford, 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. 

Mrs Sara Tucker
Chairman  
1 Jubilee Fields
Tel: 01634 388971

chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

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

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

Upchurch Parish Council

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 4th October 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Administration – Resignation of Chairman – Cllr Tucker reported that a letter of resignation had been received from Cllr Catford. Appreciation of his long service was expressed. Election of Chairman –It was decided to hold a signed vote. The Clerk reported that Cllr Tucker received 4 votes and Cllr Lewin 3. Cllr Arnold stood down as Chair and Cllr Tucker thanked him.  

Public Time – Highways- A resident reported that a gully in The Poles constantly overflows. KCC Highways were aware of the situation and Cllr Arnold was following this up. Minutes- Also he referred to page 23/12-13 of the minutes of 6^th September, item 47 iv). He requested that this be amended. Members noted his concerns and assured him that no objections to this proposed diversion had been submitted. Chairman- A resident referred to the resignation of Cllr Catford and hoped that the Council was planning to recognise his service to the Council. He was assured that members would arrange this at the Annual Parish Meeting. Local Needs Housing- He also commented that he supported the proposed local needs housing scheme in Upchurch as he felt that the village needed homes for young people. Allotments- A resident asked for an update on clearing up the allotments. It was reported that this would be carried out shortly. Overgrown vegetation- He also asked for an update on the trimming of the hedge outside 17-21 Oak Lane. Cllr Arnold offered to follow this up with KCC Highways.

Planning -Permissions and Refusals – the following decisions have been received:

Permissions granted:

SW/12/1015 6 Wallbridge Lane – Variation of condition (4) of planning permission SW/11/1150 to permit four mothers and babies (plus staff) at any one time instead of three.

Appeal decision:

APP/V2255/A/12/2169572 Ridgedale Stables, Halstow Lane, Lower Halstow – The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for 5 years for “change of use to residential – stationing of 3 mobile homes for a gypsy family”.

Other Planning matters – Local Needs Housing -  Update from sub-group meeting & on Councillors vote – Cllr Tucker thanked those for attending this meeting and reported that she wished to retract her request to vote on this issue. It was agreed to ask the Parish to vote on whether to proceed with the scheme and that members should represent the Council as a united body. It was commented that members sign a declaration of interest form at the start of any meeting. Advice from Mark Radford indicated that if any member felt that there was a chance they may have an interest, then they should declare this. It was agreed that members would not vote on returning a decision to ERHA & ACRK that it was not the right time for the village to undertake such a scheme. Revised covering draft letter to accompany voting form – A copy had been circulated. Cllr Tucker explained that this letter had been rewritten as it would now be distributed after the ‘drop-in’ event. It was reported that the voting outcome will be the instruction the Council gives to ERHA. Arrangements for ‘drop-in’ event/”Public Forum” and distribution of voting forms – The Clerk confirmed that Upchurch Newsagents had agreed to place the ballot box in its shop. All agreed to help distribute the voting forms after the ‘drop-in’ event.  The Clerk was given permission to publish the result of the Public Count on the Parish Council website and Notice boards. 

Finance – Expedition to Peru & Tanzania – It was suggested that ideas for small tasks could be forwarded to the Clerk, for example, litter picking, bulb planting. The Clerk could then email the list of ideas to the residents in order for them to choose. Authorised bank signatories – It was agreed that Cllr Denny, Cllr Rossiter and Cllr New would be the signatories. Cllr Tucker would assist with the checking of invoices prior to start of the meeting.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Risk Assessment – Cllr Apps reported that the water meter was still faulty despite several visits from Southern Water. The Clerk will write a letter to Southern Water expressing concerns with this continual issue. Cllr Apps suggested obtaining quotes for installing a stop cock on the Councils side of the allotments. Allotment gate – It was agreed to accept the quote from Peter Rayfield to the sum of £325 for the relocation of the gate.

Paddock – Lease – The Clerk reported that there was no update on the progress of the renewal of the lease. Litter Bin – The Clerk reported that the old bin had been vandalised. This had been reported to the Police. Cllr Apps offered to remove the damaged bin. Trees overhanging properties in Bradshaw Close – Cllr Kennard reported that he had visited the properties and suggested work required. The Clerk will contact the Conservation Officer at Swale BC for advice.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Church yard wall – Cllr Rossiter, Cllr Lewin and a resident will meet in the Churchyard to discuss areas that required the application of weed killer. Trees requiring attention in the Church yard – The Clerk advised that this would be discussed at the Budget/Precept sub-group meeting. Possibility of allowing cremated remains in the Church yard – Cllr New advised that the PCC will be discussing this further with Ian Dodd.

Environment – Tree Planting for Jubilee Celebrations – Members discussed ideas. It was suggested to discuss this again at the next meeting. Cllr Tucker and Cllr Kennard will investigate the cost of buying a tree. The Clerk will consult the Conservation Officer.

Highways - Street light energy – The Clerk reported that the electricity contract with EDF Energy had been renewed. The cost per month would be around £197.00 plus VAT for 35 months. Street light identification labels – It was agreed to accept the quote from Stock signs to the sum of £226.50 plus VAT for the printing of black and white labels. These labels would state the number of the street light and telephone contact number of the Parish Council.  

Next meetings – 8^th November and 6^th December. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School starting at 7.30pm and the Public are welcome to attend this meeting. The Public may put questions and/or make comments to members and it is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council.

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