Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 6^th December 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Windmill Hill – A resident reported that the drain located on this hill was still leaking. Internet Speeds – A resident asked for an update on this. Cllr Lewin reported that he had consulted Cllr Catford and would be taking this forward. Blocked drain – A resident reported that a drain in The Poles was still blocked. Cllr Arnold reported that he had consulted Kent Highways regarding this and would request it be cleaned again. Rural Crime – A resident explained that this was happening all over the village. The Clerk will contact PCSO Cork to request if his presence in the village could be increased. Residents are reminded to report crime to the Police. The non-emergency number for Kent Police is 101. Dog waste – A resident reported that bags full of dog waste were being left in the bushes along footpaths. Parking issues in the centre of the Village – A resident raised concerns over parking on the bend of the junction with Church Farm Road/Chaffes Lane during school pick up times. It was suggested that wooden bollards on this bend could prevent this. Paddock Play equipment – Two residents reported that they had come along to the meeting to find out the Councils plan for the Paddock play area.

Administration - Co-option of one member – Members welcomed David Steward who had filled this vacancy.

Correspondence – Swale Rural Forum – The next Forum will be held on Tuesday 8 January 2013 at 7pm at Eastchurch Village Hall.

Planning - Permissions and Refusals – The following changes have been made to the route on the Definitive Map sheets:

Footpath ZR32 (part) Upchurch – Public Path Diversion Order 2010 – The Kent County Council (Map Sheet 089 (TQ86NE) Definitive Map Modification Order, NO.2, 2012.  

Finance – KCC Member Community Engagement Grant Scheme 2012/13 – A grant of £6,120 for Paddock Play Equipment and re-pointing of church yard wall had been approved and the acceptance form submitted to Kent County Council. Members discussed ideas for the Paddock Project. It was hoped that a working group could be set up with Parish Councillors and residents to investigate this project further. A detailed plan and costing for the project was required and then ways to obtain grant funding could be explored. Cllr Tucker offered to contact the residents present at the meeting who had expressed an interest in the project and the Clerk will consult Phil Newbery. Members were asked to forward any ideas for the project to Cllr Tucker. Subscriptions 2013/14 – Members agreed the planned expenditure for next year’s subscriptions and donations. Budget/Precept Planning 2013-14 – The sub-group had met and a draft proposal had been circulated. The Clerk reported that the draft plan proposed a 0.3% increase in the precept, however the tax base had not yet been reported by Swale BC, and therefore this figure could change. The sub-group were looking towards planning for a three year budget.                                                           

Paddock – Lease – The Clerk reported that an email had been received from Tim Simmons with several attachments. The correspondence attached indicated that the lease renewal was in progress and that questions had been raised with regards to the use of the Paddock as a car park. Trees overhanging properties in Bradshaw Close – Cllr Kennard had met Paul Hegley, Tree Officer of Swale BC to discuss the issues raised by residents of 2 and 3 Bradshaw Close. Members considered the work required:

·      The felling of 5 false acacia/Robinia trees to the rear of No. 2

·      The felling of 2 no. Holm Oaks saplings to the rear of No. 3

The Clerk will submit the application to Swale BC to remove these trees which are located within a Conservation Area. 

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Trees overhanging pub garden, Churchyard wall and cables on outside of garage – It was suggested that a management programme was needed for this area. The Clerk will contact the owners of the garage in Horsham Lane with regards to the cables on the outside of the garage wall. The Clerk will find out if the cost of repointing the churchyard wall was still the same as previously quoted. The Clerk will arrange the weed spraying of the churchyard wall as soon as possible. Cllr Lewin explained that he had asked a resident to carry out adult supervision whilst the three fundraising students carried out some menial tasks in the churchyard.                                    

Environment – Christmas tree Festival at St Marys Church from 16^th December 2012 – The Clerk reported that a Christmas tree would be decorated on behalf of the Council and the theme chosen was “A Sweetie Christmas Tree”. She thanked Cllr Apps and his wife Trudy for kindly offering to donate a real Christmas tree and providing the decorations.                                                

Highways - Street light in The Poles – An email from a resident explaining that this light was causing light pollution onto their property. Cllr Arnold would continue to follow this up. Street Lights needing attention – Residents may wish to report any faulty street lights found in the village to Cllr Arnold:  john.arnold@justclickmail.com  and/or the Clerk: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  Windmill Hill – Cllr Arnold reported that he was consulting Kent Highways regarding the issue of running water down this hill. However, the ownership of this issue had not yet been identified.                                                           

Upchurch Parish Council wishes all residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Next meetings – 3^rd January 2013, 7^th February 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start 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

Clerk to the Parish Council

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Monday – Thursday 9am to midday)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council
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Christmas Bin Collections 2012

Swale Borough Council's refuse and recycling collection dates over the festive period are as follows:

If your normal collection falls on .....      Your collection will take place

Monday 24th December ...............................      Collection as normal
Tuesday 25th December................................      Thursday 27th December
Wednesday 26th December .........................       Friday 28th December
Thursday 27th December .............................      Saturday 29th December
Friday 28th December ..................................     Monday 31st December
Monday 31st December ................................      Tuesday 1st January
Tuesday 1st January......................................     Wednesday 2nd January
Wednesday 2nd January ...............................     Thursday 3rd January
Thursday 3rd January....................................     Friday 4th January
Friday 4th January ........................................     Saturday 5th January

Collections will return to normal on Monday the 8th of January.

Collections Disrupted By Weather (e.g. snow and ice) Our advice is simple - leave your bins out on collection day and we will get to you as soon as we can.

Daily updates will be on our Website:  www.swale.gov.uk or from
Customer Services on: 01795 417850.

Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch 50 Years Ago in December 1962

With the pending arrival of Christmas residents quickly entered into the season’s spirit with celebrations across the village while colourfully lit Christmas trees began appearing in living room windows.

The first main celebration took place on December 19th when the Darby and Joan Club held a Christmas party in the village hall. Reverend Bradshaw gave an opening address as guest speaker followed by games, dancing and singing with rousing solo singing performances by Mrs. Carlton from Wetham Green and Mrs. Lofthouse. The event turned out to be a very lively and happy one for the pensioners.

The Darby and Joan Club celebrations were soon followed up by a well attended torchlight procession around the village which began at the vicarage and ended at the village hall. Many people representing different village organisations attended in fancy dress. An organ mounted on a van playing Christmas carols and a sleigh with Father Christmas followed by hoards of village children proved to be very popular. Afterwards, in the village hall, stalls sold various types of produce and sideshows took place. Many village clubs participated in this with Young Wives members Mrs. Bishop and Mrs. Ray from Horsham Lane winning the fancy dress competition with their entry ‘A mother and baby.’ The event, organised by the parish council, was held in aid of the ‘Village Hall Fund’ and proved to be a great success.

The Women’s Institute made sure that they didn’t miss out on the festive spirit when they invited the church choir to perform carols at their Annual General Meeting and had a musical end to the evening. Before this the election of new committee members took place with Mrs. Burrows elected president, Mrs. Daniel vice president, Mrs. Jones secretary and Mrs. Thompson treasurer. The new committee consisted of Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pepperill, Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Turner and Miss. South. 

David Wood.

On December 28th the final Christmas celebration took place with a Christmas concert in the village hall. A wide variety of village organisations participated in a musical event that raised money for the ‘Freedom from Hunger Fund’ and new curtains for the village hall.

During an evening service the church suffered a power cut and candles and torches had to be used for the event to be completed. This became another example to back up residents’ complaints to the parish council about the poor quality electricity supply to the village discussed at the monthly council meeting. Another problem occurred for the church when organist Mr. Wheeler resigned but this was soon resolved when Mrs. Bodley-Scott from Wallbridge Lane offered to help out until an alternative could be found. The recently formed Girl Guides group also had a leadership problem as vicar’s wife Mrs. Bradshaw continued to run them on a temporary basis although Mrs. Olive Couling from Crosier Court volunteered to be lieutenant to take some pressure off.

The only Christmas wedding involved Diana Naylor from The Street with Roger Gilbert from Rochester along with the baptism of Caroline Casey from Crosier Court. This ended an entertaining month in the village before a prolonged freezing cold spell with heavy snowfall set in on Boxing Day and lasted until March.

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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Holywell School. Vacancy - Clerk to the Governors

KCC pay scale 4 Pro-rata  38 weeks - 2hours/week

The Headteacher and governors require a clerk to arrange and clerk meetings of the Board of governors. Maintain information on the membership of the Governing Body in accordance with legal requirements. Advise the governing Body on some procedural and legislative matters.

This position needs good interpersonal skill; ICT skills; Good listening, oral and literacy skills. Full job details with application form. Training will be given.

The successful applicant will need to have a CRB check and manage CRB checks for Governors.

Please contact Mrs J Bunting, Office Manager, Tel: 01634 366416 or Email:
office@holywell.kent.sch.uk  for an application form.

Return form to School Marked ‘For the Attention of Mr A. HORTON’.

Closing date 9th of January 2013.

Ray Kemsley
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Thwarted Burglary in Chaffes Lane

Message: 1395

[Reference: XY/037764/12]

This is Patricia from Neighbourhood Watch.

In view of a thwarted opportunist burglary at a property in Chaffes Lane, Upchurch, we would advise that householders keep all external doors locked even if they are at home and expecting a visitor. 

If you need to contact Kent police, use telephone number 101 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you end of message

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Nursery Days Christmas Fayre - Amount Raised

Sarah is raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Nursery Days Upchurch are pleased to announce their Christmas Fayre on Tuesday the 4th of December raised a grand total of £250 for Cancer Research UK.

The money  raised will go towards Sarah Oakham's fundraising.

On the 28th of April 2013 Sarah will be running in the 2013 London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK. 

Sarah's giving page is:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahOakham

Sarah and Steph would like to thank everybody for their generosity and for coming along.

Steph Oakham

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2 Attempted Burglaries in Upchurch

Message: 1358

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

Item one: An attempted burglary was averted when a security light activated and alerted a household member in Marstan Close, Upchurch. This happened at 6:30 pm on Sunday the 2nd of December.

Item two: Would-be burglars used a stone ornament to attempt illegal entry to a property in Oak Lane, Upchurch at 1:30 am on Thursday the 29th of November.

If you have any information about this please contact Kent police on telephone number 101 give Crime Number: XY/036887/12 or XY/036489/12 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you end of message

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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The End of World War 1 Village Memorial and Celebration Events

At the end of World War 1 most of the 140 Upchurch men who had fought in the conflict returned home, thirty four didn’t. Discussions took place in the village about how to greet those who had survived and what should be done to remember those who had perished.

The first major event took place on May 24^th, 1919 when a marble memorial tablet and stained glass window named ‘Soldiers at the Crucifixion’ were dedicated by the Rural Dean in the church. With the building packed to capacity the parish magazine of June 1919 described the service as a highly emotional event with tears streaming down many people’s faces as a bugler played ‘The Last Post’. The 34 names of those who had died in the conflict were then read out and a sermon given by Reverend J. G Easton in which he quoted from Rupert Brooke’s poetry:

Blow out you bugles, over the rich dead.

There’s none of these so lonely and poor of old.

Best, dying has made us rarer gifts than gold.  

Such was the intensity of emotion that Upchurch vicar Reverend Dicker was moved to comment in the following month’s edition of the village magazine that those who had openly wept at the service should not be ashamed.

Memories of Upchurch.

On June 3^rd 1919 a vote took place in the village for the best peace memorial. Residents had the choice of a clock for the church tower, a new recreation ground, a gate to the churchyard or a sun balcony for a hospital which had all been put forward at the parish council ‘Memorial Committee’ meeting. After residents had voted for the options a memorial clock for the church tower came first with 240 votes. The clock was eventually fitted to the church tower after a series of fund raising events in 1921.

A victory celebration fete took place at Holywell Meadow followed by entertainment for the soldiers and sailors from the village who had survived the war on Saturday July 19^th 1919. The Upchurch Nuggets performed a variety of clown acts followed by sports events after which old people and children were treated to a meat tea in the marquee. Gifts of tobacco were given to the old people and sweets to the children. The fete ended with the playing of the National Anthem.

The last celebration took place at the Infant’s School when welcome home celebrations for soldiers and sailors were held on August 8th 1919. With the building decorated with red, white and blue bunting guests sat down at long tables decorated with flowers. After Reverend Dicker had given a brief address packets of cigarettes and tobacco were distributed and a concert party with music took place to entertain everyone.

Finally, on November 11^th 1920 people in Upchurch were requested to stand still for two minutes at 11 a.m. followed by the tolling of a single church bell 34 times in memory of those from the village who had died in the war. A Sunday Remembrance Day service also became established which is still observed in the church every November.

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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Car Window Smashed - Bishop Lane

A glass bottle was thrown though the window of a car parked in Bishop Lane overnight, Wednesday the 28th into Thursday morning the 29th (today).

Police have been notified and will be attending. If you know anything about this act of Vandalism, then please contact the Police on phone number: 101.

Upchurch Matters
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Village Groups & Charities Awarded Market Cash

Mrs Marjorie Lacy (centre) with some of the
recipients at Sundays Grand Christmas Market.

At Sunday's Grand Christmas Farmer's Market much of the proceeds from previous Markets were awarded to various village groups & charities.

Dave Candy, Secretary of the Farmers Market Committee, made 11 awards totalling more than £1800.

The cheques were presented by Mrs Marjorie Lacy who is a senior resident of Upchurch and who has supported every market so far.

Well done to Dave and Andrea Candy, the Farmers Market Committee, the Stall Holders and all the members of the public who helped raise such a great amount for various village groups & charities.

Upchurch Matters

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Attempted Burglary - Chaffes Lane

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

Message: 1334 

A Builders workshop in Chaffes Lane, Upchurch was the scene of an attempted burglary overnight between 24th and 25th of November. A metal door was damaged by unknown persons who used a crowbar.

If you have any information about this crime please contact Kent Police on telephone number: 1 0 1, give Crime Number: XY/035953/12 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Twinning Group - Quiz Night

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UPCHURCH TWINNING GROUP wishes everyone

 a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Upchurch Twinning Group Quiz Night on Saturday the 2nd of February 2013 at Holywell School.

 Eyes down at 7:30 pm with Tables of up to 8, £4.00 per person, children under 8 free.

Bring your own drink and nibbles, glasses etc. Raffle !

Book a table by contacting Sue Rossiter on: 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com

Sue Rossiter

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Upchurch Badminton

Sessions - Nov 30th, Dec 14th, Dec 19th (7pm - 11pm)

Upchurch Badminton has been set up to get Badminton played in Upchurch again! The first sessions of 2012 have been booked - November 30th, December 14th & 19th. 2013 we'll be hoping to play every Monday from the 7th January. Sessions are (unless otherwise stated) from 7pm - 11:00pm (or until we get too tired to play so don't arrive too late!).

Price is £3.50 per person, per session no matter how long you stay (price suggested is a minimum and may have to change depending on numbers and Village Hall charges). 

PLEASE NOTE - on nights when there are fewer people a more generous fee would be appreciated - I am not doing this for profit and cannot afford to pay for the hall myself! 

Proper foot-wear must be worn, but rackets can be borrowed on the night.

Depending on numbers doubles games will be played using the (still relatively) new scoring system. This is meant to be a fun, mixed ability evening so we won't be taking things too seriously!

To register an interest or ask a question. please contact Alison Lewin on: 01634 366 113 or
Email:  kynai@hotmail.com

Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/UpchurchBadminton

Alison Lewin

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Rotary Club Santa Fun Run

On Saturday the 24th of November, 8 Scouts and 3 Adults took part in the annual Rotary Clubs Santa Fun Run in Rochester. It rained, but this didn't dampen the spirits of all the Santa's that took part.

It was a fantastic afternoon and all Scouts that took part will eventually get a badge and two of our oldest Scouts managed to reach the highest goal in Scouts. They gained their Chief Scouts Gold Award and not only that, they had the honour of it being presented by the Mayor dressed up in a santa outfit carrying skis on his back. 

Certainly up for a laugh. What a cool guy he is.

Upchurch Scout Group

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Christmas at The Three Tuns

Celebrate this Christmas at The Three Tuns.

Saturday the 1st of December to 11pm on Monday the 31st of December, Lunchtimes and Evenings ~ Festive Season Menu

1 Course £12.95

2 Course £16.95

3 Course £20.95

***

Cauliflower, Turmeric & Stilton Soup

Chicken & Sage Terrine Wrapped in Parma Ham

Onion Jam & Toasted Brioche

Goats Cheese Millefuille

Sundried Tomato & Red Onion Salad

Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pate

Grilled Ciabatta Slices

***

Roasted Local Turkey

Traditional Accompaniments

Slow Roasted Pork Belly

Wholegrain Mustard Mash, Braised Red Cabbage & Port Wine Jus

Herb Crusted Fillet of Salmon

Dill Veloute, New Potatoes & Fine Beans

Shallot & Cherry Tomato Tart Tatin

Stilton & Chestnut Salad

***

Christmas Pudding

Brandy Sauce

White Chocolate Panna Cotta

Orange & Cranberry Compote

Pears Poached in Mulled Wine

Cinnamon Ice Cream

Kentish Cheese Plate

Celery, Grapes and Walnut Bread

***

Coffee and Mince Pies

Winter Warmer Mulled Wine £3.00

For further info and to book Tel: 01795 842840

Click here for The Three Tuns advert on Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Matters

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Christmas at The Crown

Celebrate this Christmas at The Crown.

Monday the 10th of December to Sunday the 23rd of December ~ Christmas Dinners

Lunchtimes and Evenings, 3 Courses Traditional Turkey or Beef. Choice of Starter and Pudding £14.95

Christmas Eve ~ Party, all welcome

New Years Eve ~ Disco, no tickets required. FREE Buffet

New Years Day ~ Breakfast 10:00am - 12:00pm. £5 bookings only

For further info and to book Tel: 01634 233896

Click here for the Crowns advert on Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Matters

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Christmas at The Three Sisters

Celebrate this Christmas at The Three Sisters.

Thursday the 13th of December ~ Race night

Friday the 14th of December ~ Disco & Karaoke

Saturday the 15th of December ~ Christmas Party with Singer

Christmas Eve ~ Disco & Karaoke

New Years Eve  ~ Disco

For further info Tel: 01634 231991 or 07980 80525

Click here for The Three Sisters advert on Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Matters

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Holywell Primary School Christmas Fayre

Please join us for the Holywell Primary School Christmas Fayre to be held in the School Hall on Sunday the 9th of December 2012 between 11:00 am and 2:00pm. 

Admission is free. Attractions include Games, Stalls and Crafts. You can also do some Christmas shopping in the Market Place and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto. Tickets to see him are £2.50 to include a gift and pre-booking is essential.

For further details and to book your tickets to visit Father Christmas please telephone: 07806 431175 (Emily) or 07799 641 906 (Clare) or Email us at:  pfhs@holywell.kent.sch.uk

Many thanks

Emily Divers and Clare Evans

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Nursery Days Christmas Fayre

Click poster to enlarge.

Nursery Days
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Handy Van from Age UK

If you are a victim of crime and are over 60 years of age there is a service available called Handy Van.

It is sponsored by Age UK and offers an opportunity to have your home security inspected and updated without charge in many cases. All of their workers are CRB checked.

Appointments can be made to suit and lots of little jobs can be done if necessary. Such as curtains hung up again and hand rails erected should they be needed.

If interested phone NHW on: 01795419212 or use freephone on: 0808 100 3308 and speak to George who will help you to get this helpful service.

For more info visit the age UK Website  Here

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Sarah Oakham To Run The London Marathon 2013

Please help Sarah raise money for Cancer Research UK.

On the 21st of April 2013, Upchurch's Sarah Oakham will be running in the 2013 London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Heres why....

“I am running the London Marathon in 2013. I was a spectator for this year's marathon and it really inspired me to apply..... so here I am!! This will be my first ever marathon so please support me and dig deep, anything you can donate will be a massive help!

I have decided to raise money for a great cause...Cancer Research UK, the UK's leading cancer charity. Cancer research is a charity close to my heart due to my personal experience as a child and I want to raise money to support my friends and family whom have suffered from cancer.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.”

Sarah's giving page is:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahOakham

Sarah will be holding a Bake Sale on Sunday the 24th of March at The Crown. Money raised will go towards Sarah's fundraising. More details to follow soon.

Upchurch Matters

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St. Mary the Virgin Upchurch - A Brief History & Guide

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Upchurch - A Brief History and Guide.

Our Parish church is over 700 years old during which time much has happened. The guide has been updated this year and reprinted to include photographic illustrations. It will be of interest to all in the Parish and elsewhere.

The guide priced at £2.50 will make an excellent and inexpensive Christmas gift or stocking filler. All money raised from its sale will benefit the charity ‘Friends of St. Mary’s’ whose purpose is to ensure the building exists in 700 years time for the benefit of future generations.

Copies can be obtained from the church or myself. If you would like me to post a copy second class within the UK then please add 50p for p&p.

Gerry Lewin - Chairman of ‘The Friends’
135 Oak Lane, Upchurch ME9 7AY.
Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
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Upchurch Players - Pantomime 2012

Click poster to enlarge.

Dave Candy
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Grand Christmas Market

Click poster to enlarge.

Dave Candy
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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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