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The Parish Council met on Thursday 9th January in
the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 12
members of the public.
Public
Time
– Bus Shelter – A resident referred to objections made at the last
meeting. He commented that the suggestion that the village sign be taken away
in order to remove the pavement was rather dangerous. The comment that there is
only one bus every two hours therefore a shelter is not required is precisely
the reason why you do need one as you have no choice. Tree outside 21 Oak
Lane – A resident reported that work is being planned. Water leak
outside 29 Oak Lane – The resident reported that this section of the road
is gradually disappearing. Tree overshadowing allotment plot – A
resident referred to his request for this tree to be trimmed. Parking on Granny’s
Green – A resident commented that a number of vehicles have been parking on
the grassed area. Emergency road closure of Oak Lane – A resident
commented that it was totally inadequate closing this road when Windmill Hill
was closed. He felt that a “stop/go sign” was needed in Canterbury Lane or
alternatively, Police assistance. It was advised that the closure was necessary
to carry out the work. The Clerk will contact Highways to explain that traffic
lights would be needed in Canterbury Lane if this situation ever arose
again. SW/13/1373 Orchard Park,
Oak Lane – A resident asked if it was the Councils policy to publish
details of planning applications on notice boards and lamp posts. It was
explained that the Council had not posted this application on lamp posts around
the village and it was not their policy to do so. This application was on the
agenda for discussion at the meeting as an additional comment had been
submitted to Swale BC. Details of all planning applications are available
on-line for public information. All planning applications that are forwarded to
the Council for comment are discussed at monthly Parish Council meetings.
Correspondence – Planning Application for Orchard Park, Oak Lane – A letter from Upchurch Golf Course requesting a meeting be
arranged with them, neighbouring Parish Councils and Mr Freeman, Senior Planner
at Swale BC. Bus Shelter – A letter and an email from residents of Horsham
Lane objecting to this. Members commented that the Council had been discussing
this for a while. It was decided to note any future correspondence regarding
this and then gather together for discussion at one meeting. The Council will
investigate the options available for carrying out a public survey in the
village. Young Kent and KIYS Clinic Launch – An email from the Youth Development Officer explaining the
restructure of Kent Integrated Youth Services. The Clerk will invite them to
the Annual Parish Meeting scheduled for 24th April.
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1273
Orchard Park, Oak Lane – It was reported that
additional comments had been submitted to Swale BC following comments raised
during public time at the last meeting. It was agreed that Cllr Tucker would
request to speak at the Planning Committee meeting of the Council scheduled for
16th January at Swale House.
SW/13/1518 14 Horsham Lane – single storey first floor rear extension and provision of
balcony. The Planning Review Team had no objections provided neighbours views
were taken into consideration.
TC/13/0147 The Paddock – Fell 4 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 1 x Holm Oak, 1 x Ash, 1 x
Hawthorne. Crown lift 6 x Holm Oak, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 2 x Lime. Coppice 2
x Field Maple. Cut & remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Acacia. Thinning of 50%
of vegetation. The Planning Review Team commented:
Mrs Attaway, as Clerk to the Parish Council, has submitted
this application on our behalf as the land in question is leased by the Parish
Council. The area has been sadly left unattended, other than emergency work,
for many years due to issues in renewing the lease on The Paddock. Now this is
satisfactorily resolved, we now need to undertake the work to thin out the trees,
giving better growing conditions and tidy up overgrown areas to improve the
overall appearance of The Paddock. All proposed work has been discussed in
detail with our local Conservation Officer and local Tree Surgeon so as to
ensure we protect the area’s overall ambience, whilst opening up overcrowded
areas and attempting to control spread of unwanted growth. There is no
intention to completely strip out areas with heavy undergrowth but it is felt
that tactful clearance would improve the overall view of the area.
Proposed diversion of Public
Footpath ZR24 (part) Upchurch – Members
were advised that the order will be determined following a hearing at 10.00am
on 15th April 2014 at Upchurch Village Hall. Cllr Lewin will attend
this.
Permission granted:
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)
SW/13/1190 The Cart Lodge,
Chaffes Lane – Construction of Oak-framed
garage and two open fronted parking bay. Relocation of entrance gate (new
fencing to be installed at boundary where existing gate is removed) and
formation of new access and excavation of soil around the proposed garage.
Permission refused:
SW/13/1403 13 Wilks Close – Convert garage into habitable room
SW/13/1369 2 Macklands Cottages
– Proposed raised patio area with
workshops/store below
Public Consultation on the Pre
Submission Draft of the Kent Minerals & Waste Local Plan – Members were advised that the consultation will commence
online Here on 31st January 2014 and close on 16th March 2014.
Finance
–
Budget/Precept 2014/15 – It
was agreed to accept a 0.3% increase in the precept.
Paddock
– Paddock Project
- Quote for tree work – It
was commented that a local tree surgeon had assisted members with moving this
project forward. It was therefore felt that he be consulted when seeking quotes
for the work. It was agreed to waive the standing orders on this occasion and
obtain one quote for the tree work. Village Fete – The Clerk reported
that village organisations and businesses had been advised of this proposed
event with a suggested date as Saturday
28th June 2014.
Support had been received from Upchurch Matters and Upchurch Golf Course.
Holywell School and St Marys PCC had already indicated an interest. It is hoped
that this will be a village event, facilitated by the Parish Council. Residents
are encouraged to be part of the working group so please do contact either the
Clerk or Chair if you would like further details.
Environment – Power
Supply Problems – Members discussed the problems experienced during the
storms. The Clerk will contact UK Power Networks to highlight the poor
communication and ask what the plans are for this area in the future.
Highways
– Zigzag markings outside Holywell School – Kent
Highways had confirmed that they would be able to remark the zigzags to the
maximum permitted length of 43.56m (i.e. by nine metres in each direction) without
the need to make any further amendments to the current Traffic Regulation
Order.
Next
meetings – 6th February and 6th
March in the Hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.
Bonne année à tous les membres de Upchurch!
Or in plain English – Happy New Year to everyone in Upchurch!
Saturday 1st February 2014 – Quiz night in Holywell School. Eyes down at 7:30pm, tables of up to 8 (you can have 4 or 6 or whatever!), £4 each, bookable with Sue Rossiter or Jim Harman.
Bring your own drinks and nibbles and there will be a raffle. Be quick, tables are going fast!
Committee – desperately needs more members. Do get in touch with us if you feel you could be part of our committee. Not onerous, but great fun!
Saturday 28th June 2014
Following the Jubilee celebrations last year in which the whole village cooperated in producing a fantastic community jolly, Upchurch Parish Council and St. Mary’s Church PCC are joining forces to organise a Grand Village Fete.
A small committee has already been set up to discuss the format and they would like some volunteers to join with them. So far, the village organisations have been contacted and they will be able to run their own stalls/events.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to be involved and with suggestions for what should be included.
Sara Tucker: 01634 388971
Claire Attaway: 01634 363906
Pat New: 01634 374220
Pat New
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On 23rd and 24th December 2013, our electricity distribution network in the South East and the East of England was affected by severe weather conditions, affecting power supplies to about 300,000 households. Although in most cases, engineers were able to restore supplies quickly, the extensive damage caused to the network by high winds and floods left some customers without power over the Christmas period.
Your feedback is valuable to us and we would like to understand more about your experience in the December storms. We welcome suggestions on what we can do better to improve communication and make the electricity network more resilient in the future.
We have created a short online survey which we encourage you to complete. To access the survey, please go to: http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/have-your-say/ Then scroll down the page and click on ‘Complete a Survey’.
Please feel free to send the link to anyone in UK Power Networks' geographical footprint who may have been affected by the storms .
This online survey forms part of the series of consultations we hold to collect views from customers and wider stakeholders on their experience during the storms.
Our stakeholders have a say in what we do and we take all feedback very seriously.
Many thanks
Stakeholder Engagement Team
UK Power Networks
Newington House
237 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 6NP
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Norman Long. |
Norman Long of Church Farm Road sadly passed away on Tuesday. Born in Hartlip in 1928 he was for many years the village Milkman and worked for Wakeley Brothers and in Chatham Dockyard too.
Norman was one of five siblings and is survived by two of his brothers, one sister and his two sons. His wife Christine passed away in 1991.
A regular in The Crown, at St' Mary's Church and a familiar face around Upchurch he will be very much missed.
Upchurch Matters
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Edmond Drake became vicar of Upchurch in 1560 during the reign of Elizabeth 1st and is famous mainly because of his son Sir Francis Drake who became a famous seaman and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.
Edmond’s last will and testament dated December 25th 1566 was written the day before he died in Upchurch. He opens the will with the words that he is redeemed by the blood of Christ and commits his soul into the hands of God. He then states that he wishes to be buried in Upchurch churchyard next to his son Edward who died in infancy and next to the graves of the Blechenden family. A marked grave does not exist in the churchyard today so the original location remains a mystery.
With regard to Edmond’s immediate family the will only mentions Thomas who was the youngest of several surviving brothers. There were twelve children in total but some died in infancy while others were away at sea like Francis, John and Joseph. Thomas was probably the only son still living nearby during Edmond Drake’s last days. Because of the bequests given to him Edmond may have wanted Thomas to follow him into the clergy.
In the will a wide range of items are bequeathed to Thomas including two chests of books, a new basin, an old platter, a collection of pewter dishes, a French pewter pot, Edmond’s best bible, four of his best candlesticks, his best kettles, his best feather bed, two pillows and five shirts. Edmond’s friend Mr Baker who is named overseer of the will is bequeathed one cock and seven hens while Richard Mylwaye is left Edmond’s chair and best cushion. All other items are left to Edmond’s nurse which indicates she had been looking after him for some time.
While Thomas Drake is designated the sole executor of the will, Clemente Mylwaye, a relative and Richard Sawell, a contemporary Upchurch resident witness it. Mr Baker who is mentioned is an old friend who lived in London and served as Clerk and Keeper of the Stores to the Admiralty and was looking after Edmond’s son Thomas.
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David Wood. |
Although Francis is not mentioned in the will, the date of Edmond Drake’s death indicates that he was a teenager at the time and was probably already away at sea. Concrete evidence is not available about whether Francis went to sea while residing in Upchurch or whether he went before Edmond became vicar of the village. Information that has passed down the generations in Upchurch by word of mouth is that Francis did learn seamanship on a small vessel based at the small village port of Otterham Quay and regularly sailed to the coast of Belgium while living in Upchurch but this cannot be proven with hard written evidence.
The Drake family accept that their ancestor is buried in the village churchyard and have had an association with Upchurch since Edmond’s death. This is shown in a letter dated November 4th 1935 sent to Reverend Lightburne, vicar of Upchurch from the Drake home at Buckland Abbey in Devon. The letter was written by Mrs. Seaton, daughter of Lady Eliot Drake, presenting her mother’s book ‘The Family and Heirs of Sir Francis Drake’ to the people of Upchurch.
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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‘Time to talk’ rather than ‘time and task’ - pioneering a new approach to later life in our local area
No Place Like Home is a highly personalised, private support service for Canterbury and Swale senior residents. It was established by local resident, Alison Carter, in response to challenges experienced by her mother, Leslie, in sourcing high quality, tailored support at home for husband, John.
Our passion is to help our clients be better prepared for and to make the most of later life, focusing on quality experience and enjoyment. We pride ourselves in carefully crafting our companionship and care around each individual’s wishes – this might include escorted trips out as well as help in the home or, if needed, personal care.
We are available 7 days a week and can respond to urgent requests, however, we find that it is often helpful to introduce support gradually, perhaps just for a morning or two each week. We are always delighted to receive visits from prospective clients, friends and family to explore how we might be able to help. Of course, we can also come out to visit prospective clients in their own homes if they are unable to come to us. We especially welcome those living with dementia.
We would like to invite you to our next Public Open Day at our office on: Tuesday 11th February 2014. Enjoy ‘Tea and Talk’ between 10-12am.
Alison Carter
Managing Director
No Place Like Home
Bespoke Later Life Support
Office: Syndale Park, Ospringe, near Faversham, Kent ME13 0RH
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You may have noticed a collection of artworks that have been put up on posts and lamp posts around the centre of Upchurch. These form a collection of works produced by the youth group that meets in St. Mary's church on Thursday evenings.
The young people were asked to produce a painting or simply to use words in an artistic way, to express their feelings about Christmas. What you see are eight pieces. These were produced as artistic gifts to the people of Upchurch. Beneath each artwork is a passage from the bible.
If you have time, and weather permitting, please take a look. They start at the top of Horsham Lane in a circuit that runs along Church Farm Road, looping back to Horsham Lane.
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
George Hulme (Lay Minister - Reader)
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The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th December
2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 4 Councillors were present
and 16 members of the public including Gordon Henderson MP and Cllr Mike Baldock.
Public
Time – SW/13/1373
Orchard Park, Oak Lane – Gordon Henderson MP assured those present that he
would continue to support them in objecting this application. He reported his
reasons for opposing this proposal and a question and answer session followed.
It was suggested that the Council and residents collectively put in their
objections. However, individual letters were encouraged as well. The Council
and members of the public thanked Mr Henderson and he left the meeting. It was
proposed to set up a working group to include residents. This group could
escalate to Swale BC and other bodies, the growing concerns of residents over
the increasing number of traveller & gypsy sites in Upchurch in proportion
to other Parishes across Swale. Tree overshadowing allotment – A
resident requested that a tree in the Recreation Ground be cut back as it
created a shadow on his allotment for a large part of the day. Teen Shelter
– A resident raised concerns about this idea. Bus Shelter – A resident
explained that his views opposing this were well documented. Residents living
in the vicinity of the proposed bus shelter were strongly against it. Another
resident explained that Lower Halstow had a bus shelter and there was no
evidence of anti-social behaviour there. It was commented that there are other
bus stops in the villages and they may also like a bus shelter.
Correspondence – Proposed Bus Shelter on corner of The Street and Horsham
Lane – An email from a resident objecting to this had been
circulated. Also another email from a resident highlighting concerns about this
and a teen shelter had been circulated. It was commented that planning
permission would almost certainly be required as the bus shelter would be
located in a Conservation Area. It was felt that the Council should seek the
opinions of residents by organising a petition for example, or by arranging a
poll/survey on Upchurch Matters. Burial Ground expenditure – An email from a resident questioning
why the Parish Council is involved in the control and operation of the Burial
Ground had been circulated. It was reported that the Parochial Church Council
(PCC) asked UPC to take over responsibility for the maintenance of the two
areas of Churchyard in 1998 and they agreed. If they had said no, then the PCC
might have carried on or asked the next level of local government to look after
it – Swale BC. At the time, it was felt that the village would rather have
control of the areas where their ancestors’ and relatives’ graves lay, rather
than passing such control to an outside authority with less personal
commitment. The
Parish Council Burial Ground is owned by UPC therefore has the responsibility
for the control and operation of this area, subject to Civil and Ecclesiastical
Law.
Planning - The following applications were
considered:
SW/13/1206
The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Variation of
Conditions 1 & 3 of planning permission SW/04/1302 to allow additional
mobile homes on the site (total 5), with one being sited adjacent to the
southern boundary - The Planning Review Team of UPC objected most
strongly*
SW/13/1209
The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land
for the stationing of two mobile homes (in connection with adjacent existing
site) - The Planning Review Team of UPC also objected to this application,
mainly as this application had various anomalies which needed an explanation,
as well as disquiet at what amounts to yet another gypsy site, or an extension
to an existing site.*
SW/13/1369
2 Macklands Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane –
Proposed raised patio area with workshops/store below - The Planning
Review Team of Upchurch Parish Council had no objection *
SW/13/1190
The Cart Lodge, Chaffes Lane –
Construction of Oak-Framed garage and two open-fronted parking bays. Relocation
of entrance gate (new fencing to be installed at boundary where existing gate
is removed) and formation of new access and excavation of soil around the
proposed garage and construction of retaining wall (stone-filled gabions) – The Planning Review Team had no objections.
SW/13/1373
Orchard Park, Oak Lane – Application to vary
conditions (2), (3) and (4) of SW/10/0765 (private gypsy and traveller site
consisting of eight plots); condition (2) to be varied to allow up to 32 (note: currently 22) caravans of which no
more than 16 (note: currently 8) can
be static caravans or mobile homes; condition (3) such that occupancy is
restricted to gypsies and travellers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for
Traveller Sites; and condition (4) such that the use is to cease and the site
to be restored to its previous condition if it ceases to be occupied by gypsies
and travellers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites - The Planning Review Team of Upchurch Parish
had major concerns and felt overall the conditions imposed in 2010 should be
upheld*
SW/13/1403
13 Wilks Close – Convert garage into
habitable room – no objections.
Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use
or Development
SW/13/1091
2 Wallbridge Lane – Single storey garage
to side
SW/13/0886
75 Forge Lane – Lawful Development
Certificate for rear dormer window and internal alterations (proposed)
TP/13/0112 The Paddock – Fell 4 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 1 x Holm Oak, 1 x Ash, 1 x
Hawthorne. Crown lift 6 x Holm Oak, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 2 x Lime, 1 x Mixed
Holly. Coppice 2 x Field Maple. Cut and remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Acacia.
Thinning of 50% vegetation – It was reported that residents of Bradshaw Close
were concerned about the proposed clearance of undergrowth labelled as number
19 on the plan. It was emphasised that the plans did not include removing all
the trees; the objective was to remove weaker trees and open up the Paddock to
create a “Village Green”.
Notification of refusal of
permission to develop land:
SW/13/1119
Tranquillity, Otterham Quay Lane –
Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration; and
internal alterations.
Finance
–
Ground Maintenance Contract 2014-2017 – It was agreed that the price of cuts be the deciding factor
irrespective of the contractor. Therefore it was confirmed that the quote from
Grasstex would be accepted. Budget/Precept 2014/15 – Swale BC will no longer be providing the Council Tax Support.
Last year, the Council received £2,183 under this scheme. Therefore, the
Council will be looking at ways to make savings.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Allotment tenancy agreement – This has been amended and all
allotment holders will be asked to sign the new agreement at the time the rent
is renewed.
Paddock – Paddock
Project – Members were pleased
to hear that Holywell School would like to be involved in the Village Fete. Two
dates were suggested, the first weekend in August and 28th June
2014. It is hoped to set up a working group as soon as possible. Please let the Clerk know if you are
interested in being part of this working group.
Next
meetings – 9th January 2014 and 6th
February 2014 starting at 7.30pm, at Holywell Primary School.
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.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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Fire strikes: Friday 13th December 6-10pm and Saturday 14th December 6-10pm - please pass on to friends, colleagues and family
There will be two national firefighters strikes on Friday and Saturday evening. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) will continue to answer and deal with 999 calls, but will not be operating at the normal level of service. So it is particularly important everyone takes extra care. If we all take a few minutes to for a some safety checks we really can help reduce unnecessary calls and prevent fires in homes and businesses. As with previous strikes there will be fire engines at strategic locations around the county. During the strikes KFRS will keep their website: www.kent.fire-uk.org updated with information about any significant incidents and provide a regular update online.Safety tips:• Most home fires start in the kitchen - for example, when someone is distracted or falls asleep, leaving a pan on the hob. Please take extra care and if you come home from a night out feeling peckish, this may be the night to have a takeaway.
• Many KFRS calls are to rescue people from road crashes - please take extra care on the road on Friday night and during Monday morning's rush hour.
• Before you leave the house or go to bed unplug unused electrical items, make sure sockets aren't overloaded and test your smoke alarms.
• Businesses need to make extra safety checks too.
More safety advice at: www.kent.fire-uk.org or follow the Twitter hashtag #takeextracare
Kent Community Messaging
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Upchurch
Parish Council has now designated sites in the village to operate the
equipment. However, due to the requirement to have 3 trained volunteers to man
the Speed Watch Equipment, we have arranged a follow up session for more
volunteers and for interested residents of neighbouring parishes.
If you are interested in volunteering or were unable to attend the previous session, the next training session has been provisionally
arranged for Thursday 23rd
January 2014 at 7pm. This will
take place in the back room of the Village Hall.
Upchurch Parish Council
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Duties are to maintain the Village Hall accounts to the Charity Commissioner’s accounting standards. Applicants must have a working knowledge of financial accounting, preferably using the SAGE commercial accounting package.
Use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word will also be required. A monthly honorarium will be paid. The successful applicant will be required to start duties in January 2014, and will work for a short while with the assistance of the current Treasurer.
John McWilliam
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For further info on how collections will be changing, visit: swale.gov.uk/new-collections
Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch Parish Council
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Update - Emergency Closure - Oak Lane, Upchurch
The emergency closure of Oak Lane, Upchurch (Swale Area) remains necessary due to the serious collapse in the carriageway.
We have been advised that Otterham Quay Lane is due to re-open from approximately 2:30pm today.
We have been told that Seymour Road is also due to re-open at approximately 2:30pm today.
Oak Lane remains closed in the vicinity of the railway bridge.
The alternative route (once Otterham Quay Lane has re-opened) is via A2 London Road, Moor Street, Otterham Quay Lane, Wallbridge Lane and Oak Lane.
It is suggested that drivers find alternative routes if they possibly can, or allow additional time for their journeys.
All roads in the area are narrow and patience is needed.
Re-opening Otterham Quay Lane should ease some of the local problems that have been faced. When the closure of Otterham Quay Lane was agreed, the closure of Oak Lane could not have been foreseen.
Otterham Quay Lane could not be re-opened immediately, until the works there were made safe.
It is likely that Oak Lane may be closed for several weeks, and a further update bulletin will be issued in the near future.
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 is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France. |
Happy Christmas! Joyeux Noël!
School exchange – The visit from Elinghen School to Upchurch was very
successful and a lovely day was had by all. This included interaction in the morning, at Holywell, followed
by a trip to Dickens World in the afternoon. The Twinning Group was pleased to help fund the costs of
this day together.
Bonfire Night – Sorry we had to pull out of running a stall at the
Scouts’ Bonfire. It did go ahead
and there was a fantastic firework display – but no bacon rolls I’m
afraid! We couldn’t get the tent
to stay up!
Quiz night – date for your diary! Our ever popular and fun quiz evening will take place on Saturday
1st February 2014 at
Holywell School. Arrive from 7:00pm
for 7:30pm start, cost will be £4 per person, tables up to 8 max, though, just
come along if there’s only two of you – we’ll fit you in! Bring your own drinks and nibbles and
there will be a raffle. Contact
Jim or Sue to book a table.
Committee – desperately needs more members. Do get in touch with us if you feel you
could be part of our committee.
Not onerous, but great fun!
A packed church service conducted by Reverend Bradshaw, ‘The Queen’s Christmas Message,’ ‘Billy Smart’s Circus’ and ‘Christmas Night with the Stars’ on black and white TV, families overeating and relaxing in front of a roasting coal fire. Are you old enough to remember Christmas Day in 1963?
Before the arrival of Christmas the month began on a serious note with a discussion at the monthly parish council meeting about essential services being overloaded if the village continued to grow at a fast rate, particularly with regard to the electrical power supply and sewage services. At the meeting councillors decided to inform the planning authority that when considering future building development in Upchurch essential services should be kept at a minimum standard.
As the festive season drew closer a Christmas fair took place in a gaily decorated village hall with Father Christmas and most village organisations present. On a cold evening the event began in The Paddock where a carol procession headed by The Women’s Institute and the church choir led the way followed by Father Christmas being pulled on the ‘Upchurch Clipper’ by village youth club members. They took off on a route incorporating Oak Lane, Horsham Lane, Crosier Court and The Poles then to the village hall where a ten minute carol singing session took place before everyone went inside to have refreshments provided by the Women’s Voluntary Service.
Inside the village hall the Christmas fair began with a fancy dress parade won by the Darby and Joan Club with its entry ‘The Ghost of Sir Francis Drake.’ After this Angela Lacy and Mrs. Eastwood both won the ‘Best Dressed Doll Competition’ with their entries ‘The Beatles’ and ‘Regency Lady’ respectively. In a successful evening a profit of £75 was made and this contributed towards the repayment of the loan for the village hall. Shortly after the Christmas Fair the horticultural society held a dance which also raised money for local charities.
More social events followed In the week leading up to Christmas Day when the church choir and Upchurch Young Wives made a carol singing tour of the village while other attractions outside the village included the Christmas pantomime ‘Dick Wittington’ at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury with Richard Murdoch and the film ‘Treasure Island’ starring Robert Newton as Long John Silver at the Odeon cinema in Sittingbourne.
With Christmas Day rapidly approaching ‘The Crown’, a more basic pub than today with two separate bars and outside toilets, attracted more customers in the run up to Christmas and continued to serve as the main social meeting place in the village centre with a variety of regulars. Landlady Kitty Stewart was always good for a chat, Doug Sellen and ‘Taffy’ Burnell starred as the main darts players while Alf Castle, John Brunning and Jimmy Goodall were regular euchre card players. Sadly, these well-known village characters are now just a distant memory.
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David Wood. |
In sporting affairs a meeting took place in the village hall to form Upchurch Badminton Club. With 26 members enrolled Mr. Julier was elected chairman, Mr. New treasurer and Mrs. Gurtler secretary. Meanwhile, the table tennis club continued to thrive in the village hall with teams in all divisions of the Sittingbourne & District League. Star players included Keith Pamplin from Drakes Close and Peter and Brian Boakes from Chaffes Lane, while Rich Boakes continued as the principal organiser.
December also proved to be a very good month for local farmers when Frank Stevens & Sons from Boxted Farm won the champion beast prize at the East Kent Christmas Fat Stock Show at Canterbury Cattle Market with a pedigree Sussex steer named ‘Copton Manor.’ Another local farm company W.H. Mouland & Son from Lower Halstow came second with an Aberdeen Angus cross breed steer named Mr. Bert. Frank Stevens also won second prize in the Southdown Sheep Society prize for three lambs and first for a pair of Sussex cockerels, four ducks and drakes and another second with four fat hens.
Birthdays were celebrated by Anne Clemons aged 13 from Gore Bank, Elaine Stokes from Holywell Cottages aged 12 and David Swift from Chaffes Lane aged five in a busy and varied December Christmas schedule with residents experiencing an entertaining and joyous month.
About David:
David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.
David Wood.
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Friday November 29th - Karaoke with Luke
Friday December 6th - Karaoke with Luke
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Sam Spade. |
Saturday December 7th - Sam Spade Guitar Man
(Reggae Ska and a whole lot more)
Friday December 13th - Karaoke with Luke
Saturday December 14th - Disco with Sue the Moo
Friday December 20th - Country covers with Sarah
(Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and many many more)
Christmas Eve - Disco to be confirmed
Friday December 27th - Karaoke with Luke
New Years Eve - Party
Regular ale at the moment - Mad Cat Brewery - Meaney’s Platinum Blonde 4.2%
Plus 3 local guest ales every day!
Sally
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The Home Library Service
Your local Kent County Council Library has a team of volunteers who deliver and collect library items to and from customers’ homes. This free service is called The Home Library Service.
Home Library Service customers are entitled to longer loan periods and it’s not just about books. Items that can be loaned include CDs, spoken word cassettes, CDs, DVDs and also large print books.
Many people benefit from joining The Home Library Service. Some of our customers, for instance, find it hard to leave their home because they have to care for another family member. Some customers are elderly or suffer with ill health, whilst others may be new parents who need the service for a few months until they get back on their feet.
This service would not be possible without our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers and we are always looking for more people to support The Home Library Service. If you think you could spare a few hours a week and would enjoy making a difference to people’s lives, why not think about becoming a Home Library Service volunteer or volunteering for one of the many other volunteer roles that we can offer?
Visit: the KCC website here, phone us on 03000 41 31 31, or next time you visit your local library ask for more information and an application form.
Our volunteers delivering the Home Library Service are screened for this role.
Daren Kearl
Community Development Librarian, Canterbury & Swale
Libraries, Registration & Archives
Kent County Council
Internal: 7000 1548
External: 01622 221548
Website: www.kent.gov.uk/libs
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Christmas Eve Party with Disco & Karaoke from 8:00pm till late.
New Year's Eve Party with Disco & FREE Buffet from 9:00pm till late.
Christmas Menu
Available from the 16th until the 22nd of December
Two Courses £12.95
Three Courses £14.95
Starters
Prawn Cocktail
Carrot & Coriander Soup
or Paté & Toast
Mains
Roast Turkey Dinner
Served with all the Trimmings
Dessert
Berry Flapjack Crumble
Christmas Pudding with Cream or Custard
To Follow
To book or for more info, please call: 01634 233896
Annmarie
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The table details the changes in arrangements for waste collections over Christmas week 2013 (week commencing 23rd December 2013).
As you will note some collections will take place earlier than the usual collection day.
Jonathan Longley
Contracts Manager (Operations)
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Dogs Trust have just started a huge chipping campaign to run with the new government announcement that from the 6th April 2016 all dogs will have to be microchipped. Dogs Trust have new roaming chipping teams who will be offering FREE microchipping across the UK.
We are currently looking to book in events for the rest of the year and next. We can join in with any events that you already have running and we can run our own. We are happy to work outside in estates or open areas as we have a gazebo we can set up. We will also work in community halls/centres or anywhere available.
We will be advertising each event in local papers to ensure we get the maximum turnout, but any help from you to make sure that the whole community hears about the event will be greatly appreciated. We want to reach as many dogs and people as possible that would normally not have the opportunity to have this service.
If you would be interested in holding an event in your community then please don’t hesitate to contact me to talk about dates/times etc.
I hope to hear back from you soon
Best wishes
Ione Onslow
Email: ione.onslow@dogstrust.org.uk
Website: www.dogstrust.org.uk
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Hollie Honeyman from Upchurch Scouts has been chosen with two other Explorers to represent the Sittingbourne and Milton District Scouts at the World Scouting Jamboree Japan 2015.
This will be a gathering of tens of thousands of Scouts and Explorers from all over the world. This will be a life changing experience for Hollie. She would like to thank the Upchurch Cubs and Scouts for holding the Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off to help raise money for this appeal.
Find out how you can be part of the Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off Here
Hollie Honeyman
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! THIS SUNDAY !
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