Well Child Rally Across Europe - Amount Raised

Back in April brothers Rob and Nick Sketchley along with friends Stuart Hooper and Gavin Banfield rallied their two £500 cars across Europe in aid of the charity Well Child.

The two cars between them raised the fantastic grand total of £ 2412.50

A great achievement !

Upchurch Matters

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Child's Scooter Stolen - Chaffes Lane

Message 347 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/015264/13: A child's push-along scooter was stolen from the rear garden of a property in Chaffes Lane Upchurch sometime on Saturday the 18th of May.

If you have any information about this please contact Kent police on telephone number 101 and give the relevant Crime Number and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Dan and Scott Bennett - Expedition to Peru

Local firm Kent Trade Frames, owned by Bernard and Christine Sketchley, have offered to support Dan and Scott’s world challenge Expedition to Peru. 

Dan and Scott aim to raise £4000 each in support of this project.

The purpose of the expedition is to gain experience and learn how to interact with local communities in a 3rd World Country. It will help them to learn and pass on leadership and development skills. The trip will last for 4 weeks and whilst in Peru they will go through an acclimation period including going to the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon). They will then face the arduous main trek which will include climbing the Ausangate mountain (at 6372 metres high). This will take them into the main project where they will work with local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. Most importantly they will help to build and decorate part of a school which will be a lasting legacy of their hard work. Finally, they will be allowed a short, well earned rest where they will be able to relax and reflect on their experience.

To help raise the funds the boys are offering to carry out various odd jobs around the village including car washing and lawn mowing.

Christine said she is impressed that the boys are willing to work hard to achieve their goal. She added ‘you hear so many bad comments about young people today but we don’t agree with that! Most of our local teenagers are decent youngsters and these two are proving the point. They want to support this cause they are not just asking for donations, they are actually willing to work for it’.

Dan and Scott said they are really grateful for the help Bernie and Chris are giving them and hopefully people will give them odd jobs around the village so they can reach their target.

If you have any odd jobs you want doing you can contact them on: 01634 389906 or mobiles: 07908269557 and 07944604993.

Bernard and Christine Sketchley

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 2^nd May 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.

Public Time – Broadband – A resident explained that he was a fibre planning manager for Open reach who install the fibre network and would be happy to communicate information he had about super fast broadband for the village. He advised that a new box had been installed in Wallbridge Lane although the village was not expected to be connected for another ten months. Speed watch – A resident was pleased to note that this was being progressed. Lorries delivering to Co-Op – A resident commented that at one time the Co-Op made an application to convert the garden for parking. He was advised that this was discussed at a Parish Council meeting but it was felt at the time that the proposed exit going onto Horsham Lane would not be sufficient. He was advised that members were looking into concerns being raised about Lorries delivering to the Co-Op and any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. Parking in Oak Lane – A resident reported that during the day, more and more vehicles were being parked in the road along Oak Lane. However, in the evenings, there would be far less vehicles. Residents are requested to park their vehicles on their driveway if they have one. Trees in Oak Lane – A resident raised concerns about a Holm Oak and Lime Tree in Oak Lane. He also commented that a Hawthorn bush was sticking out at the end of the Recreation Ground path. He was assured that both of these issues would be investigated.

Correspondence – Swale BC Community Safety Unit – Suggestions for volunteering opportunities to be undertaken by Swale BC staff during employee Community Action Days. It was felt that they could get involved with clearing graves in St Marys Churchyard. 

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/0331 3 Marstan Close – single storey rear extension. No objections.

SW/13/0030 Hursell Farm – Change of use of land to gypsy site for two gypsy families (related) and for the siting of one static caravan and extension and erection of dwelling (stable building) and stationing of one touring caravan and use of existing barn as general amenity (retrospective) – The Planning Review Team had commented as follows:

We would register our objection to the application for change of use from agricultural land to use for a gypsy site. There is an increasing concern throughout the village regarding the erosion of our countryside and such applications are only serving to accelerate that process.

Several questions have been asked regarding the ‘proposed’ site:

1. 1) The plans for this application illustrate one towing caravan and we note there are 2 visible already located on the site. We are assuming there will be instruction to remove the second caravan? Also, the illustrated parking area for 2 cars seems insufficient for the number of vehicles regularly parked there.
2. 2) The static yet movable stable building has raised questions as it is a substantial building and we would request more information as to how it is deemed movable?
3. 3) We would also like more information relating to the ‘general amenity’ barn and what that actually means. It has been observed that there appears to be patio style doors in side of the barn currently so clarification of this usage would be appreciated.

With regard to all the retrospective, gypsy applications, we continue to express our concerns and strong objections to the number we are receiving for sites that have defied the standard planning regulations, ignored responses to previous applications and then used the traveller/gypsy clauses to obtain permission. They are rarely temporary sites as suggested by what literature we have seen regarding traveller & gypsy sites and therefore only add to the already high number we have in the village.

We understand that in cases such as these it is most unlikely that permission will be refused, despite any objections raised, and would like to raise our frustration that this legislation seems to leave us powerless to stop these sites continuing to appear. 

SW/13/0362 2 Amelia Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Two storey side extension – No objections.

SW/13/0320 Bayford House, Poot Lane – Erection of three-bay timber-framed garage with room in roof and two dormer windows – No objections.

Permissions and refusals: Permission granted:SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane – Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom Consent granted:TP/12/0155 The Paddock, rear of 2-6 Bradshaw Close – Fell 5 Robinia trees and 2 Holm Oak Saplings TC/13/0028 St Marys Churchyard – reduction of 1 x London Plane by 5-10% to the branches closest to The Crown Public House

Points raised at Annual Parish Meeting - Junction of Holywell Lane/Forge Lane – The Clerk will write to the residents near to this junction to request that they keep the hedgerow as low as possible. Cricket Club – The Clerk will contact the Cricket Club to politely request that visitor’s park considerately.Bus Stop sign – It was felt that no action was necessary. Holywell Lane – Members were advised that this area had been cleared up. Repairs to the road were still necessary. Bus Service – The Clerk will contact Chalkwell and request that the Council is kept informed of changes to the bus timetable. St Marys Churchyard – It was explained that a faculty was required before investigating further the possibility of laying a footpath. 

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water at the Allotments – Cllr Apps confirmed that he had turned the water back on and would take a meter reading a week later. Allotment Representative – It was reported that some concerns had been raised by allotment holders regarding the administration of the Allotments. Trees planted to celebrate Jubilee/London Olympics – It was reported that a branch from the London Plane had been snapped off. 

Paddock – Lease –Members had been advised that the Lease was dated 1^st August 2012, for a term of 14 years and commencing rent was £700 per annum. All agreed to sign the lease. Paddock Project –The Village Hall has been booked for the evening of 27^th June to hold a meeting with the public to discuss this project. Please do check the Notice Board and  www.upchurchmatters.co.uk  for updates.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Request to purchase corner of Burial Ground – a request to purchase a small section of land which was currently being used to store spoil from the graves. This request was declined. Report from Representative – Cllr Rossiter reported that the Diocese had confirmed that St. Mary's Churchyard could not be reopened. It was agreed to decline reservations for grave spaces in the Burial Ground for a temporary period.

Highways – Speed Watch – It is hoped to start up this scheme as soon as possible and any volunteers are asked to contact Cllr Steward on: 07771 865 680 or by email djsteward@btinternet.com

Next meetings – 6^th June 2013 and 4^th July 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.

The Public are welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions and/or make comments to members. 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 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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Garden Wall Demolished - Forge Lane

What remains of Mr Sketchley's wall

During school pick up time on Tuesday 14th May, 2013 part of a garden wall at 27 Forge Lane, Upchurch was demolished by an unknown vehicle.

The owner of the property, Bernard Sketchley said that congestion outside the school has long been a problem, but I do understand that parents have to get their children to school so we do try to adopt a ‘live and let live attitude’ In fairness most parents park responsibly and I know for them to get a parking space must sometimes be a nightmare. On the other hand there are some that adopt a serious attitude when parking and they are the problem. With their ‘could not care less mentality’ they park in such a way that it is virtually impossible for passing traffic, particularly buses to get through. If the drivers ask them to move they either get ignored or they get abuse.

That my wall has been knocked down is not the main issue. I can have that rebuilt! It is the fact that someone has the arrogance to think they can do it and then just drive off is what gets to me.

If the person responsible just had the common decency to have knocked on my door it could have been sorted without any fuss. Accidents happen! As it is, I have now reported it to the police and they have said they will investigate. They class this as a criminal offence and when they catch the culprit (and the police think they will) there will be a prosecution. They also think they have access to some CCTV footage which may produce evidence so if the person who did it ends up in court so be it!

Unfortunately it is people like this that causes resentment toward all the parents which I think is totally unfair. Equally it is not fair to expect local residents to have to put up with this kind of damage and not complain. I believe because of people like this there will ultimately be parking restrictions put in place in Forge Lane and the surrounding roads and that will make it worse for everyone trying to get their children to school.

If anyone saw this incident please could you contact me on: 01795 431600

Bernard Sketchley

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Local Produce Fair at The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns Lower Halstow will be holding the 3rd of their successful Local Produce Fair's on Bank Holiday Monday May the 27th between 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

This year there will be more stalls than ever, including: Meat, Breads, Jam and Preserves, Seafood and Fish, Cheeses, Honey, Fruit and Vegetables.

As well as Local Ales and Ciders and a Hog Roast.

Visit their website here:  www.thethreetunsrestaurant.co.uk

Upchurch Matters
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Help Us Create A History Of Upchurch Scout Group

Do you remember the fun you had as a Beaver, Cub, or Scout in Upchurch? Maybe you had a memorable camp in the rain, or a hike through the snow, perhaps you remember what it was like to do bob-a-job week. Upchurch Scout group need your help. The leaders would like to create a history of our group to share some of the heritage with our young members. So if you were a young member or a leader and have any anecdotes to tell, documents or photos that you think may be of interest please call Rozz on: 01634 375168. All documents and photos will be scanned onto a computer and returned to you straight away.

We also need your help with our paper drive. Every 2^nd Saturday of the month, some wonderful volunteers collect paper and cardboard from around the village to help us raise funds to do activities with the young people in our group. Please leave your unwanted paper and cardboard at the front of your property by 9:00am for us to collect and re-cycle.

We would like to say a really big Thank You to all of the volunteers that collect the paper and to the people of the village that continue to offer us support by putting paper out for us.

Rozz Dyett (Group Scout Leader)

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Community Speed Watch Scheme - Volunteers Wanted

The Parish Council has recently purchased the equipment to start up a Community Speed Watch Scheme. The next thing we require are volunteers to help man the equipment.

Full training will be given to volunteers. The training covers how the scheme works, what equipment is used and how to stay safe when deployed.

At least two volunteers will be together at any one time. We would expect that each volunteer would be asked to man the equipment at least one daytime session per month.

If you feel able to assist or would like some further information please contact the Parish Clerk or Councillor David Steward on: 07771 865680 or Email: djsteward@btinternet.com

David Steward
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Temporary Road Closure - Horsham Lane

BT Openreach will be carrying out repair works adjacent to number 136 Horsham Lane, south towards number 163 Horsham Lane on Thursday the 2nd of May 2013.

The road will be temporarily closed between 8:45am until 3:30pm.

Access to property will be maintained wherever possible during the closure and the alternative route will be sign posted.

Upchurch Matters
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Rob and Nick Sketchley Start Their Rally Across Europe Tomorrow

Please Sponsor Rob and Nick as they rally across Europe raising money for Well Child.

This Thursday the 2nd of May 2013 local brothers Rob and Nick Sketchley are taking part in the Scumrun a famous 4 day charity rally across Europe seen on Sky TV and now in its seventh year!

The brothers know roughly how many miles they will have to travel, but do not know where the finish line is. They will be given directions each morning with a set of check points where they have to achieve certain objectives. The twist on the event is that competitors are not allowed to spend more than £500 purchasing their car, in which they have to cover over 3000 miles in 4 days. There are more than 100 cars taking part and as you will probably have guessed not all of them make it back!

The original car they bought was a P Reg Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000. The engine was a complete mess when they bought the car and they had no choice but to purchase a nice shiny reconditioned engine.

But unfortunately this week and after hours and hours of working on the Impreza disaster struck and it became apparent it would not make the journey.

At the eleventh hour a Saab 900 Turbo convertible was bought, Sign written and made ready to go all on the day they are due to leave !

Their car will be seen in the official Scumrun DVD and on Sky TV. There will also be a press release in the local paper thanking our sponsors for their support nearer the event.

The brothers are looking for sponsors (individuals or businesses) to help raise money for Well Child their chosen charity.

You can sponsor Rob and Nick by visiting their just giving pages (links below) there's also a sponsor form and collection for the boys in the Crown if you'd rather donate in person.

For more info on the charity Well Child and the great work they do, visit their Website here:  www.wellchild.org.uk

The link to the official Website of the Scumrun is here:  www.scumrun.com 

If you'd like to sponsor Nick online click here:  www.justgiving.com/Nick-Sketchley

If you'd like to sponsor Rob online click here:  www.justgiving.com/robert-sketchley

Upchurch Matters

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Upchurch Twinning Group News

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

Try the Holywell School website:  www.holywell.kent.sch.uk  or visit:  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff !

16^th June – visit to Hever Castle by a group from Ferques – Some of our French friends will be coming to Kent for a day trip on Sunday 16^th June. They would love to see any of us from Upchurch at Hever Castle that day.

Sunday 14^th July 2013– Bastille Day Fair in Ferques. We always have a stall at this street fair – do plan a day out over there and come and find us. The village over there will be full of stalls selling all manner of stuff. Our stall will be selling our usual samples of English type goodies such as cups of tea and locally brewed beer plus our famous bacon rolls!

In addition there will be our bric-a-brac sale so we would greatly appreciate any donations to this, more or less anything as long as it’s good quality please! Do have a sort out and think of us in the next month or so – we can collect if required – just give us a ring or email Sue.

Sunday 1^st September 2013 – TWINNING SPORTS DAY!  In Upchurch – a definite date for your diaries. We hope to see lots of you there!

From about 10:00am to 4:00pm, at Upchurch Cricket Club – many thanks to the Cricket Club for making their wonderful facilities available to us.

There is lots of parking space, and loads of grass to play games and sports, also the bar will be open and we will have a barbeque around lunch time.

This promises to be a grand day full of fun and games and an opportunity to mingle with many friends of all ages from Ferques.

Annual General Meeting – Thursday 20^th June 2013 at 7:30pm. In Holywell School hall, followed by wine and nibbles.

Jim Harman: (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter: (Secretary) 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com 

Sue Rossiter
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Entertainment coming to the Three Sisters

Friday the 3rd of May Karaoke/Disco with the ever popular Luke - come and try your singing skills or just come along for a dance.

Saturday the 11th of May ME & THEM a new band with a difference. Not just singers, plenty of banter with audience participation. Come along to be entertained.

This Years Beer Festival date to be announced shortly !

George & Sally
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Upchurch Parish Council - Annual Parish Meeting

I give you notice that  the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING of the Upchurch Parish Council will be held in the Main Hall of Upchurch Village Hall on THURSDAY 25^th April 2013 at 7.30pm.

Dated this 18th day of April 2013

S Tucker

Chairman to the Parish Council

AGENDA

1.  Chairman’s introduction

2.   Apologies for absence

3.   Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April 2012

4.   Chairman’s report

5.  Matters arising and questions on the Chairman’s report

6.  Presentation of Accounts

7.  General Parish Business

Refreshments, including wine and nibbles will be available after the meeting.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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Upchurch Best Kept Garden 2013

Judging for the Best Kept Garden will take place during July.

Judges will assess what can be seen at the front of each house in the following categories. Firstly a garden which is predominately growing flowers, secondly a garden which is mixture of flowers, trees and or shrubs, and finally for those with only a small or no front garden the judges will assess any hanging baskets or flower troughs.

The prizes, currently sponsored by the Parish Council, will be presented at the Upchurch Horticultural Society Show during September in the Village Hall and the overall winner will hold the Barbara Webb Memorial Trophy for a year.

Contact me if you would consider sponsoring a prize [cash or in kind] - Gerry Lewin on: 01634 366113 or lewing135@btinternet.com

On behalf of the Upchurch Horticultural Society and the Parish Council

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News From St. Mary's Church

Sunday 14^th April  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments (in the church)

Sunday 21^st April – No 9:00am service in church but there is a 10:30am Uplift All Age service in the Village Hall.

Sunday 28^th April 9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments (in the church)

Sunday 5^th May 9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church.)

10:30am  Uplift All age service in the Village Hall followed by refreshments.

Sunday 12^th May  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church)

Sunday 19^th May Day of Pentecost!  No 9:00am Service.

10:30am Uplift All age service in Village Hall with refreshments.

Sunday 26^th May  9:00am Sung Communion with refreshments after. (In the church) 

Also at 7:00pm on 26^th May, The 7@7 service will take place in Upchurch church. A quiet service of contemplative music and prayer and a chance to share together. Refreshments after.

Many thanks to all who helped to make our Easter Saturday so successful in the church!  We welcomed in many who followed the footprints of Jesus around the church depicting the events of Holy Week (esp. one little girl who wanted a guided tour with explanations 4 times!)  We used 4 large pots of home–made  soup  and fresh bread and nearly all the hot cross buns – hot and buttered!  Next year, we are aiming for a week  long event – watch this space.

On 5^th May, our six churches of Upchurch, Lower Halstow, Iwade, Newington, Hartlip and Stockbury officially become one benefice and to mark this occasion (which has practically taken an act of Parliament to make it complete!), we will be celebrating in L. Halstow church at 6:30pm with a service covering the music and traditions of all six churches. The  Archdeacon of Maidstone will be the guest preacher and very special refreshments are promised for after! What does it mean?  To be one benefice makes us stronger rather than remaining  as 6 individual churches...With lower church numbers and reducing numbers of clergy, we need to reform for the future! There will be increasing input from lay members and our Priest in Charge will become our Rector. Many exciting plans for the future are being discussed, and you will find them here!

On Thursday 9^th May – Ascension Day...We will be celebrating by having a service at Hartlip church with a Russian Orthodox Choir.  If you have never heard one, you are in for a treat, the harmonies are beautiful!  Come and enjoy the service with us all, it starts at 7:30pm Meet our Russian friends after and enjoy refreshments with them.

On the weekend of 31^st May and 1^st June, Canterbury Cathedral is hosting ‘THE GATHERING’ – a weekend festival of faith.  Many events involving clergy, laity and young people and children.   Each day has its own particular focus and flavour....this year’s theme is ‘Re-imagining.’ It is a ticketed event to which all are welcome. Visit the website:  www.the-gathering.co.uk

Sunday 30^th June is Canon Alan’s last service with us.  He would like it to be in Newington Church at 11:00am and hopes you will all join him. Varied service covering all our traditions, and there is a reception afterwards.

Saturday 4^th May, Lower Halstow Church  have their BREAKFAST CLUB PLUS for all junior school children (any junior school).  9:30-11:30am. in L.H. church -  it is non stop action with breakfast, Bible Story and then themed work and play all morning. Last month we had an outside bar-b-cue of fresh fish to mark Jesus’ appearance on the beach at Tiberius after the Resurrection, with His invitation to ‘bring some fish and have breakfast! So we did! Revd. Jacky leads it and you can contact her with queries on: 01795 842557. Parents needn’t stop, but the children must be accompanied and signed in.

Revd. Jacky Davis

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Upchurch in the 18th Century

In a small village based on agriculture and with the population mainly housed around the church, Upchurch consisted of 40 dwellings and a population of about 200 inhabitants for much of the 18th century.

In the village centre a forge and Elizabethan barn existed at the top end of Forge Lane, a butcher’s and food store were located close to the Crown pub and the Black Horse operated as an unlicensed drinking house at Black Horse Cottage in Oak Lane. According to the petty sessions list four licensed pubs existed in 1750. These were The Crown, The George, The Brickmakers Arms and the Blue Anchor. The exact location of these pubs apart from The Crown is not recorded but one was thought to be at the end of Shoregate Lane and another in the building opposite the church known today as Wayside.

A contemporary map of 1758 shows that just beyond the village centre woods covered the top left of Horsham Hill and extended up to and across Wallbridge Lane. Chaffes Lane remained uninhabited apart from dwellings at Chaffes Place and existed as a horse and cart track to Gore Farm. Much of the architecture from the period has disappeared although the village road outline remains very much the same. Upchurch contained 1,760 acres of land, 100 acres of woods and 1,200 acres of marsh during the 18^th century.

Throughout most of the 18^th century a poor house existed against the churchyard wall on the south side of the church and was maintained by the parish. According to the vestry expense records William Lockyer was paid three shillings by the parish for periodically repairing the thatch on the roof until the building was destroyed by fire in 1791. Another poor house existed in Susan’s Lane, Twinney with a poor field that stretched from the back of the house to Wetham Green. According to a contemporary expense sheet dated 1789 people housed there were allowed to grow crops on the land and sell the produce within the parish.

 Twelve ships and boats were based at Otterham Quay, a small port from where farm produce such as grain was shipped to other locations while two hulks were moored in Stangate Creek and operated as a quarantine base for disease infected ships arriving from overseas. Sheep grazed on the marshes and Burntwick Island was joined to the mainland until the river cut a channel through and separated it during the middle part of the century. The smuggling of spirits, tea and owls was rife in this area during the late 18^th century.

David wood.

Holywell, in the southern part of the parish, consisted mainly of woodland and belonged to the Earl of Thanet. On the east side of the valley stood the Manor of Gore known today as Gore Farm where the ground was very wet. An area of land still known as Slayhills comprised of 500 acres and was given to the Manor of Gore during the 18^th century.

Horsham Farm took its name from the first owner Stephen de Horsham who obtained it during the reign of Edward III. During the 18^th century it had several owners. John Harding of London owned it in 1715. It then passed to Joseph Hasted of Chatham then to his grandson Edward Hasted. Thomas Williams owned it during the last part of the 18^th century. Cattle and sheep were mainly produced on the farm.

Parsonage Farm occupied the site of the vicarage and paddock with a farmhouse consisting of two cottages leased out to farmer Mr. Packman by the owners All Souls College Oxford during the later part of the century. Parsonage Farm consisted of 81 acres of arable land plus marshland and saltings. It also had tithes of about 500 acres of arable land worth an annual rent of £16/13/8d plus 16 quarters of wheat and 16 of malt. The money was used to maintain the church. The vicar of Upchurch also held one acre of land at Culvers Valley on the site of the present Gore Farm.

Because local employment was based on agriculture and the work seasonal, people spent periods of time unemployed so poverty remained an ongoing problem in Upchurch. Charities designed to help the village poor included 6 shillings and 8 pence paid annually on Michaelmas Day from the parsonage and 10 shillings from Munn Farm paid by John Sharpe. Benjamin Trowtes will of 1623 gave an annual bread handout to the poor of Upchurch valued at 10 shillings to be distributed on Maunday Thursday and on the Saturday before Michaelmas each year. To further alleviate the problem two acres of Hurst Wood at Gore Farm were given to the poor for their own use with an annual produce worth 40 shillings.

According to Hasted in his 1789 study of Kent twelve poor people in Upchurch had to be continually helped with relief while fifteen were given short term assistance. Local charity also allowed the village children to be given a basic Christian education in the church although many children of school age were committed to work by their parents for economic reasons and received little or no education.

Disease cut short peoples lives and infant mortality was high by modern standards with periodic outbreaks of plague. In 1701 there were 43 burials in the churchyard and 14 of these were in November alone due to an outbreak of disease. Ague, a form of malaria from mosquitoes, common in many Kent marshland areas remained an annual problem with many villagers regularly falling ill. Such was the problem that consecutive Upchurch vicars chose to live outside the village for fear of contracting the disease. 

Although deceased villagers were interned in the churchyard outsiders were buried on the marshes. According to a surviving notebook in 1709 two shillings was paid to bury a drowned man and boy on the marshes. During the second part of the 18^th century an argument developed over the burial of a sailor whose body had been washed ashore at Bayford. The overseers of Upchurch refused to have the body buried in the churchyard but Lower Halstow accepted which resulted in 150 acres of land in the Bayford and Ham Green area being presented to the parish of Lower Halstow by the owner. It was returned to the parish of Upchurch in 1882 but people living in the Poot Lane to Ham Green area did not theoretically have ecclesiastical rights in the village church until the early 1960s. The concrete boundary posts with the letter H on one side and U on the other can still be seen at Bayford Farm. 

Upchurch remained a small and quiet village but incidents still occurred like in 1728 when John Pell, the village butcher, was charged with cohabiting with a local maid servant causing a scandal in the village. Appearing before a committee consisting of the vicar Reverend Parsons and the church wardens, he was accused of ‘highly offending God.’ He repented and told his accusers that he would promise to be ‘a good and pious Christian.’ Being of previous good reputation and manner he was eventually excused and a document was signed by the village vicar and churchwardens witnessing the meeting.

The legal settlement of children born out of wedlock became the responsibility of the parish in which they were born. Overseers tried to remove pregnant, single women to their place of legal settlement before the child was born to force the burden of cost on another parish. Overseers and Churchwardens were elected each year by householders in the parish to deal with this. John Chambers served as a well known Upchurch overseer during the early years of the 18^th century and The Crown publican Jeremiah Chapman played a big part in village affairs during the later years.

Orders were sometimes taken out against individuals like Thomas Philpott from Sheppey who was ordered to pay 80 shillings to Hannah Bennett of Upchurch for the maintenance of the child they had out of wedlock. On February 3^rd, 1706 Richard John Banner of Upchurch was granted three shillings to maintain himself and his family after he complained that he wasn’t getting help from the parish. The order was addressed to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor in Upchurch.

           

Overall, Upchurch did not experience a good social or economic period during the 18^th century. Life expectancy was low, disease rife, work periodic and life generally hard with most parishioners living out their entire lives in the village.

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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