Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off - Donate A Raffle Prize

Thank you,

Darren Hatcher
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Upchurch Cubs & Scouts Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off

Have you got what it takes to bake the best ever Christmas Cup Cake?

This year Upchurch Cub Scouts are holding a Christmas Bake Off

Monday the 2nd of December at 7:00pm

Enter 6 homemade cupcakes with a Christmas theme for a chance to win a fabulous Prize

Come along and see all our Cubs & Scouts run stalls

All profits raised will be donated to our Scouts Jamboree Japan 2015 appeal

Spread the word, we'd love to have lots of people at the Scout Hut to share in the fun

Entries can be brought in on the day, but if you require more info please call

Darren on: 01634 373313 or Text: 0791 700 3374

Lucky Dip   Tombola   Mulled Wine   Mince Pies

Darren Hatcher
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Upchurch Poppy Appeal 2013

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

The total donations collected in Upchurch in 2013 are just over £2,600 some £350 above last years total. Of this amount £922 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £58. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection in Upchurch was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by twenty two collectors eight of whom were Upchurch Scouts.

St. Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by Reverend Jacky Davis. Six wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel. After the service Reverend Davis led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the autumnal sunshine to the burial ground where 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. Additionally £50 million has been committed over ten years to support the Defence Recovery Capability programme for wounded and sick Armed forces personnel. Of this, £27 million is to create and operate The Battle Back Centre at Lilleshall.

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

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser.

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Temporary Road Closure - Otterham Quay Lane

Temporary Road Closure - Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch - from 2nd December 2013 for 3 weeks.

It will be necessary to close part of Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch from Monday 2nd December 2013 for up to 3 weeks.

Otterham Quay Lane will be closed from the junction with Wallbridge Lane to the entrance to the Caravan Park.

The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 Moor Street, London Road, Oak Lane and Wallbridge Lane.

The closure is to enable Kent County Council to safely carry out to drainage and carriageway repairs and improvements.

Due to the nature of these works, it will not be possible to re-open the road outside the working hours.

These works are weather dependent, and adverse weather may affect how quickly they can be completed.

The Kent County Council Highway Helpline is: 03000 418181 - ask for Drainage Team.

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

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

Regards,

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division
KCC Highways and Transportation
Ashford Highway Depot
Javelin Way, Ashford, TN24 8AD
Phone: Highway Helpline 03000 418181
E-mail: roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk
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Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy for Two Councillors

The Parish Council are seeking to co-opt someone to fill these vacancies. 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 Email: chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk 

Mrs Claire Attaway Clerk. 33 Church Farm Road.

Tel: 01634 363906 Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

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

Upchurch Parish Council

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 7^th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public including Cllr Mike Baldock.

Public Time –Bus Shelter – A resident expressed a need for a bus shelter in the centre of the village. Tree outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident explained that he had given the Council correspondence regarding the issues with this tree and had not heard any update. It was explained that Highways had been consulted who declared that it was safe. The tree at the rear of the property was a Swale BC planning issue. Cllr Lewin reported that he was taking up this issue as Borough Councillor. Fly tipping in Oak Lane – A resident reported that although rubbish continued to be dumped by the recycling bins, the amount was reducing. He commented that Swale BC was good in responding but unfortunately the problem had not been resolved.CXK – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that CXK were running a session each Tuesday 15:30 – 18:00 for children in Upchurch and was held in Chaffes Lane. CXK have been commissioned by KCC to run youth services in rural areas. They provide positive activities & intervention work for young people. It is hoped that the Council will be able to meet with them to find out more about the services they offer. Oak Lane – A resident reported that a section of this road had sunk again. Highways were aware and continue to repair this but during heavy rainfall, it sinks again.

Correspondence – Christmas art in the village – A request to display a maximum of seven plaques showing the Christmas story on lamp posts around the village. All agreed this would be acceptable for lampposts maintained by the Parish Council. Bus Shelter – A request from a resident to raise the need for a bus shelter again. Cllr Tucker reported that after consulting Cllr Baldock, it was felt that this would not be possible by the bus stop due to lack of space. However, it could be considered by the Village Sign. It was noted that objections had been raised previously and it was felt that now a decision was required, taking into account all views. Cllr New explained that residents objecting were concerned it would attract vandalism therefore she would like to see a teen shelter. It was suggested that further investigations be made into types of shelters and possible grant funding. The Clerk will look into this. Cllr Baldock commented that he would support a grant for a shelter by the telephone box. Also, he would like to support the idea for a teen shelter too. Free micro chipping for dogs in the community – An email from Dogs Trust looking to book in events. The Clerk will notify local Dog Trainers and also Gabriel and Upchurch Matters. UPC expenditure – A resident questioning some of the small but seemingly regular expenses. Items of expense identified included Burial Ground refuse collection, Burial Ground gardening, repairs to Burial Ground gate and churchyard fence, stopcocks at allotments and Speed watch equipment. Members noted this. It was explained that the Speed watch equipment was 100% grant funded. The Clerk will request reimbursement from the Village Hall for half the cost of the repair to the Burial Ground Gate.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/1119 Tranquility, Otterham Quay Lane – Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration and internal alterations. No objections.

SW/13/1039 Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages, parking spaces and access driveway – This application has now been withdrawn.

Permissions and refusals – permission granted:

SW/13/0964 Field rear of 32-62 Hartlip Hill – Proposed four loose boxes, tack room, manège, muck heap and one horse trailer

Other planning matters - Gypsy & Traveller Consultation – Swale BC are undertaking a consultation on Part 2 of the Local Plan. Part 2 will relate to Gypsy and Traveller site allocations only. Comments need to be submitted by 5^th December 2013.

Finance – Donation to Wisdom Hospice – It was agreed to forward a donation to the sum of £50 in memory of the late Brian Kennard. Budget/Precept 2014/15 – This is being discussed.  The grounds maintenance costs are yet to be finalised.

Administration - General Purposes Committee –Mr Sheppard of First Highways had offered to assist the Council with sourcing additional salt bins at no extra charge to the Council. Resignation of Councillor – Cllr Steward has resigned. There are now two vacancies on the Council. Please do contact the Clerk or any member of the Council if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor. Request for copies of Correspondence to be directed to the Clerk – Residents can contact the Clerk for copies of the Councils correspondence. Any items for the agenda should be forwarded to the Clerk at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotment Rent review – It was agreed to increase the rent due 1^st April 2014 by £2.00 per full plot. Poplar trees – It was agreed to discuss a quote to pollard/reduce canopy on 12 poplar trees in the Recreation Ground during confidential session.

Paddock – Village fete – St Mary’s PCC have indicated an interest in participating in this. Members are keen to find out if Holywell Primary School would like to take part too.                                   

Burial Ground and Churchyard –Review of fees– It was agreed to increase the fees charged.

Environment – Grounds Maintenance Contract 2014-17 – Grass verges have been removed from the grass cutting schedule.  Quotes received were discussed during confidential session. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Information on this scheme had been circulated. Nominations had been made but it was explained that a justification would need to be submitted. It is hoped that a decision will be made at the meeting in January 2014. If any resident would like to nominate someone for this award, please contact the Clerk. The aim of the scheme is to acknowledge & give recognition to those that have made a significant contribution to their local community. Japanese Knotweed in Co-op garden – The residents at 1 Horsham Lane had asked the Council for their support on dealing with this issue. Following a letter to the Co-Op Manager, a representative from Co-Op Headquarters contacted the Council. The Co-Op agreed to follow up with the contractor the Councils concern regarding the maintenance of the garden.

Highways -Traffic calming – The Council has been trying to arrange a meeting with Highways to discuss traffic calming ideas suggested at the Drop-In. However, Highways are not able to do this as they only visit locations where funds have been allocated to carry out improvements. Proposal for zigzag lines outside school – A consultation had been carried out with properties close to the school located in either Church Farm Road or Forge Lane. The response was overwhelmingly “for” an extension of the zigzag lines outside the school. Highways will be informed.

Next meetings – 3^rd December 2013 and 9^th January 2014. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

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

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre

Clare Evans

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Free Anti-Burglary Packs from Contact Points in Swale

This is message 812 from Neighbourhood Watch.

Free anti-burglary packs on offer at Police Contact Points in Swale.

Kent Police is urging residents in Swale to safeguard their homes and their belongings with the help of free anti-burglary packs.

Officers will be available in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheppey for the remainder of this month, handing out infra-red battery operated alarms, UV pens to mark property, timer switches to help make empty homes appear occupied and personal attack alarms.
The packs are free as part of Kent Police's Stay Safe This Autumn campaign.
Police Community Support Officers will be handing them out, offering crime prevention advice and listening to residents' concerns at a number of Police Contact Points across Swale.

In addition to being able to contact Kent Police via phone, Email, social media and traditional Police stations, members of the public can also engage with officers at Police Contact Points. They are held each day from Wednesday through to Sunday when Police vans will stop at a prominent location for an hour and mainly visit rural locations.

Officers will be available this month on:

Thursday 14 November
- 12pm-1pm at St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Road in Tunstall.
- 2pm-3pm at Mountview in Borden.
- 5pm-6pm at Bredgar Village Hall, Bexon Lane in Sittingbourne.

Friday 15 November
- 12pm - 1pm Newington Village Hall, High Street, Sittingbourne ME9 7JJ
- 2pm - 3pm Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Sittingbourne ME9 7EU
- 5pm - 6pm Lower Halstow Village Hall, School Lane, Lower Halstow ME9 7ET

Saturday 16 November
- 12pm-1pm at Sheerstone in Iwade.
- 2pm-3pm at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road in Eastchurch.
- 5pm-6pm at Swale Council car park, Imperial Drive in Warden.

Sunday 17 November
- 12pm-1pm outside Teynham Village Hall, Belle Friday Close in Teynham.
- 2pm-3pm at St Laurence Church, The Street in Bapchild.
- 5pm-6pm at Bobbing Village Hall, Sheppey Way in Bobbing.

Wednesday 27 November
- 12pm-1pm at Selling Railway Station, Selling Road in Selling.
- 2pm-3pm at Boughton Village Hall, Bull Lane in Boughton-under-Blean.
- 5pm-6pm at Northdown, off The Street in Doddington.

Thursday 28 November
- 12pm-1pm at St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Road in Tunstall.
- 2pm-3pm at Mountview, Borden.
- 5pm-6pm at Bredgar Village Hall, Bexon Lane in Sittingbourne.

Friday 29 November
- 12pm-1pm at Newington Village Hall, High Street in Sittingbourne.
- 2pm-3pm at Upchurch Village Hall, The Street in Sittingbourne.
- 5pm-6pm at Lower Halstow Village Hall, School Lane in Lower Halstow.

Saturday 30 November
- 12pm-1pm at Sheerstone in Iwade.
- 2pm-3pm at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road in Eastchurch.
- 5pm-6pm at Swale Cou mcil car park, Imperial Drive in Warden.

For times and routes of the Police Contact Points, and to find out other ways of contacting Kent Police in your area, please go to: www.kent.police.uk/yourarea

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.

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Caravan Stolen - Breach Lane

Reference: Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch Ward

This is message 801 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/036179/13: A brown and cream Lord Musterland 1987 Caravan was stolen from a field in Breach Lane Upchurch overnight between 7th and 8th of November.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant Crime Number.

For more information on crime prevention visit:  www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Vehicles Vandalised - Upchurch

Reference: Hartlip, Newington, Upchurch Ward

This is message 794 from Neighbourhood Watch

Three vehicles were vandalised between the 1st and 2nd of November, in XY/035426/13: Newington XY/035304/13: Oak Lane Upchurch and XY/035456/13: The Street Upchurch. 

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant Crime Number.

For more information on crime prevention visit:  www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch Darby and Joan Christmas Bazaar

Upchurch Darby and Joan are holding their Christmas Bazaar on Wednesday the 20th of November at Upchurch Village Hall.

Open to all ages with free entry it starts at 10:00am until 12:00pm. There will be the usual raffle and other attractions with homemade cakes, tea and bric a brac.

Funds raised will go towards the 55 members Christmas lunch.

All welcome!

Janet Gilbert

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Hello Sopranos of Upchurch Choral Society

The Freegard Singers.

I sing with a small chamber choir known as The Freegard Singers, we really do need some Sopranos, 1st. and 2nd. I know that Peggy Moseley is your conductor and we are lucky enough to have her as the accompanist for our concerts. Therefore our concert dates would obviously never clash.

We meet on a Thursday evening in term time at 7:45 pm at Bapchild School. If you would like to sing on another evening each week, we would be delighted to see you.

Please Email me:  jenny.ron@hotmail.co.uk  or if you prefer to call, my number is: 01634 239528.

Website:  http://freegardsingers.org.uk/drupal/home

Jenny Osborn

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Upchurch's New Zealand Connection - Jenni Gibson's Family Story

We receive Emails from all over the world here at Upchurch Matters from people with family connections to the village. Recently Jenni Gibson from New Zealand Emailed us telling her families fascinating story. Jenni has kindly agreed to us sharing it with you.

Hi from New Zealand,

My great great grandfather William Denness married Mary Ward at St. Mary the Virgin Church on 5th July 1856. They had six children including Mary Denness born 1 July 1860. She was my great grandmother and married Stephen James Gilbert at Lower Halstow. I visited Kent in 1984, 100 years after they had arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand on the ship Trevelyan (from Glasgow) with two little daughters. She gave birth to my grandfather a week after they arrived (having spent 100 days on the ship). She had three more children and passed away aged 32. Stephen James lived a long time and my mother knew him as a child in the 1930s. I have a photo of him, and a medal as he was in the fire brigade for 13 years in the days of horse and water cart! His son Harry was in WW1 at Gallipoli and had a gun shot wound to the head so lost an eye. He was also in WW2. He had two sons and one of them was my dad whose first name was Denness because of the family connection with the surname.

Stephen James Gilbert.

The first photo attached is from about 1892, Stephen James Gilbert is centre and children around him. Laura on the left and Emily at the top were the two children who came to New Zealand on the ship with him. Nellie is on the right, Harry in the centre is 7 years old, Rose is on the floor and Bill (William) on the left. Bill and Harry are both my grandfathers as my parents are cousins, so that is why I am doubly interested in Kent. Stephens wife Mary could not read and write but the children all did well at school according to Papers Past website Otago Daily Times and received prizes. I live in Wellington (North Island) but went to Dunedin (south Island) twice this year - for some odd reason the Otago official death record has Mary as Elizabeth, but I was able to produce her birth, marriage and passenger list name, so they have put "known as Mary" on her official record. "Elizabeth" died the same day as "Mary" so is has to be the same person! Their grave is in the southern cemetery Dunedin and I paid to have the gravestone re-done, it is just one word "Gilbert" - the r and t had fallen off.

There are two ship diaries of the trip published too and the captains log. There was a storm off Ireland, and they had to put the anchor down to avoid going onto the rocks, so very frightening. They were good with ropes of course, and made a swing of ropes for the children. When they were stopped in the doldrums they rode across to ships going the other way with mail for "home". When they got to New Zealand they had to stay on the ship for quarantine, but locals rowed out with bread and vegetables. Emily was 3 years and Laura was 1 year in the Assisted passenger list; Stephen was 26 years and a brickmaker, Mary was 23 years. I was 21 when I went to UK and 23 when I came back to New Zealand - travelling by plane was much easier! I came to the UK again in 1986 and took my mother so visited Kent a second time.

Stephen James.

The second photo is approximately early 1914 at Dunedin. Stephen James is in the centre. Nellie is on the right, and Emily on the far right. Rose is on his left and Laura in the far left with glasses on. Bill/William is standing behind Laura and Rose, Harry is behind Stephen next to Bill/William. The other adults are spouses and the children all off-spring. Bill Brown in the top left was a step son, unfortunately killed by a shark as he was a surf life guard. Their descendants are spread back to England, Japan, all over New Zealand and Australia.

I was fortunately to be contacted in 2000 by a Mrs Denness living in Gillingham who gave me info on the family, as I had advertised in a genealogy book. John Dennis (married Elizabeth Bishop on 12th Oct 1769 in Gillingham Parish Church. The second generation married in Gillingham. The third generation married in Rainham. The fourth generation is William Denness and Mary Ward. So I have a lot of info. I was just trying to find out which relatives were in Milton Union and currently am corresponding with a researcher as I am not sure if it was Mary, or her siblings - the father had 13 children as he remarried when his first wife died, so perhaps it was the children from the second marriage. One relative Mary's brother Fred (born Upchurch 1 March 1859) designed a brick kiln, so I have to email a contact about that; some were built around Kent; he travelled all around America. He didn't have any children, but it would be good to remember him because he was bright, he is buried at All Saints Church Findsbury, Kent. She kindly sent me lots of certificates.

They used the name Dennis because Denness sounded a bit foreign.

I have more info as my mother had written a book which I am expanding on, so the link is not lost forever. My niece came to the UK last year, but unfortunately has not got the ancestor bug yet! But she will be back. Other family came from the north of England near where Alice in Wonderland was written - apparently there are lots of sink holes there, and a carved rabbit in Ripon Cathedral, so it is all very interesting as my grandmother was called Alice, and my sister's second name too.

My 14 year son loves cricket and I see from the book I have on Lower Halstow that it used to be a very important part of village life!

Hopefully one day I will visit Kent again with our teenage boys.

Jenni Gibson

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World's Biggest Coffee Morning - Amount Raised

The Macmillan Coffee morning hosted by Laura Grigg and Sarah Fielder last month at Upchurch Village Hall raised a staggering £1,090!

It was a great success and they will be hosting another one next year.

Well done to all who took part. A great achievement for a very worthy cause.

Upchurch Matters

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Upchurch Farmers Market - 27th October 2013

Dave Candy
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Upchurch Scout Group A.G.M - Presentation and Party

Dear Parents,

We would like to welcome you along to our Annual General Meeting and Party on the 21st of October starting at 6:00pm in the scout hut. 

Why should you come? 

Firstly and most importantly because you can find out about all of the amazing adventurous activities your child has taken part in this year. Whether it’s memories of a special camp or dancing like a dragon for the Chinese New Year. 

The Cubs and Scouts will be making presentations to some of our members so please come along to make it special for them. Every presentation is special to a child but if there are lots of adults there it makes it a memory to treasure.

(All adults welcome not just parents so the more the merrier) 

Our leaders work extremely hard throughout the year for your child and attending our AGM is a simple way of showing your support for these valuable volunteers

(no-one in the scout group is paid they are all volunteers!) 

Have you ever had any questions about the group or how it is run? The AGM gives parents the opportunity to come along, meet the executive committee and ask questions or make comments about the group. Don’t worry you won’t be expected to suddenly become a leader by attending! 

Please come along and join in with the celebrations and the party!

Rozz Dyett Group Scout Leader

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 3^rd October 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 6 members of the public including Cllr Mike Baldock.

Public Time – Kent County Councillor Swale West – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that KCC had refused his proposal for a 20mph speed limit outside schools.  Vegetation growing along the corner of Chaffes Lane/Oak Lane – a resident reported that vegetation on the orchards opposite the Golf Course required cutting back. Holywell Lane – He also reported that this lane was full of litter. The Clerk will ask Swale BC to carry out a litter pick. Application pending for Brick earth extraction – The resident queried whether members were aware of this and raised concerns should this application be granted permission. Allotments – An allotment holder asked why there was a delay in allocating him an additional plot. Planning Application SW/13/1039 – A resident apologised to the Council and explained that his complaints regarding the handling of this application were directed at Swale BC. He had challenged a Councillor’s involvement in this.

Correspondence – Swale BC Draft Economic Development Strategy 2013-2016 “Open for Business” – this strategy aims to set out a course for Swale BC and partners to help stimulate economic growth & that the benefits are felt by local people, local businesses & local communities. The full document could be found at:  www.swale.gov.uk/open-for-business

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/1039 Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages, parking spaces and access driveway – The Planning Review Team commented that it had no objections in principle to the change of use from garage to residential.  However, it had the following observations to make:

• • It does not conform to conditions in policies E14 and E15 of Swale B.C. local plan - planning
• • It is too intensively developed for the size of the plot
• • The site of plot No. 5 should be the subject of a separate planning application as it does not form part of the garage site
• • The development as shown requires building on a substantial part of property No. 4 Horsham Lane which would require change of use from garden to access road
• • The access road has no turning circle and, although no measurements are given in the plans, seems too narrow to accommodate two vehicles passing.  This could result in one having to reverse onto Horsham Lane, as would any delivery Lorries.
• • It is unsympathetic to the street scene
• • It will impinge on the well-loved view of the church when approaching from Horsham Lane
• • It will impact on the adjacent conservation area, particularly the Grade 1 listed building of St. Mary the Virgin church
• • Plans for plots 2 – 4 do not appear to conform with the layout plans in that plots 3 and 4 seem to have the same garage
• • There is some concern that the boundary at the rear of plots 1 – 4 would be shared with the churchyard wall which at present has no retaining wall on its western boundary other than the short section back to the existing garage showroom.  The churchyard here is in the conservation area and so must be protected.
• • The Council would like to see measurements on the plans

The Planning Review Team had noted all correspondence received from residents commenting on this application. The Chair explained that a letter had been received from the applicant, Mr Davies.

ii) SW/13/1098 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Change of use of land to gypsy site and for siting for two static caravans and extension of one static caravan, and stationing of one touring caravan and use of barn as general amenities and extension of barn, and erection of stable building for the keeping of horses, and use of part of site for keeping horses (part retrospective) –The Planning Review Team made the following objections:

• • One of the conditions for permission for the site to be used as a pig farm was that, should the business be discontinued, the site be restored to its original state.
• • It is not believed that the applicant is of gypsy stock as she has lived in a house in the village for some years.
• • The plans still show some permanent structures
• • There is a proliferation of gypsy/traveller sites in the village and there is no wish to grant more

Permissions and Refusals – Notification of grant of permission to develop land

SW/13/0913 5 Woodruff Close – Conversion of one of two garages to study

Finance – KCC Members Grants Scheme 2013/14 – It was reported that the two grant applications for the Paddock and Recreation Ground had been verbally approved. Budget/Precept Planning 2014-15 – It was suggested that any future grant applications be accounted for when calculating the budget. Cllr New advised members that the Council was allowed to include an amount for “maintenance/improvement costs” in the precept. She commented that the “Trustees” of the Village Hall carry out a service in the village which would fall on the Parish Council if they were not prepared to do this. Cllr New concluded that she would like to see the Council include this in the precept so that the Village Hall had regular income. Audit Commission - Annual return for the year ended 31 March 2013 – The Clerk reported that this had been completed and certified. The Commission had highlighted that the Responsible Financial Officer had not dated the return in Section 1. Clerk’s salary – It was agreed that the Clerk’s salary be paid by standing order.

Administration – Annual Parish Meeting 2014 – This will be held on the evening of Thursday 24^th April at the Village Hall.

Allotments and Recreation Ground - Lease Renewal – The Clerk reported that she had confirmed the Council’s agreement to the renewal of the lease under the existing terms and conditions and that the new rent to commence from 11^th October 2013. The new rent would be in the region of £1,065 per annum.

Paddock – Paddock project – It was reported that the planning application for the tree work had been submitted to Swale BC. The Clerk had contacted St Marys PCC to investigate their interest in supporting a “joint summer fete”. This event could be held to celebrate the project work undertaken and also to mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Rules and regulations – A copy had been circulated and amendments agreed. The Council no longer accepts reservations for plots and only the burial of deceased parishioners will be allowed. Overgrown graves – It was suggested to explore further the idea of “adopt a grave”. Please do let the Clerk know if you are interested in taking part in this. Further details to follow.

Highways – Salt bag – Kent Highways will be delivering a one tonne bag of salt shortly. The Council is considering where to locate the bag, possibly the Paddock or Recreation Ground.

Next meetings – 7^th November and 5^th December. 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 – 12pm)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy For One Councillor

The Parish Council are seeking 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 Email: chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk 

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

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

Upchurch Parish Council

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Upchurch Parish Council - Notice of Vacancy

NOTICE is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred in the membership of the above Parish Council. 

Under the Local Government Act 1972, ten electors can petition for an election by writing to the Proper Officer at Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 3HT within 14 working days of the date of this Notice, ie. by 29^th October 2013.  

If no petition is received within that time period, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-opting a person onto the Parish Council.

Persons wishing to be considered for this appointment should apply in writing to the Clerk to the Parish Council as soon as possible but no later than 30^th November 2013.

Written applications should be made to the Clerk at the following address: - 

33 Church Farm Road
Upchurch
Kent ME9 7AG

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

Dated: 8^th October 2013

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

Special October & November Offer at Nursery Days

Nursery Days
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