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The best way to tell us is through the contact form
here
The Parish Council met on Thursday 6th March in
the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 12 members
of the public.
Public
Time
–Oak Lane – A resident raised concerns about the section of road that
appeared to be sinking and commented that no repair work had taken place. C.A.Ts
(Community Action Team)– A resident reported that he attended a youth
session held in the Village Hall on Tuesdays between 3.30pm and 6.00pm. He explained
that there was no charge and really enjoyed the session. SW/13/1373 Orchard
Park – A resident asked if there was any update on holding a joint meeting
with other Parish Councils to discuss issues with gypsy and traveller sites.
Cllr Tucker reported that she hoped to arrange this shortly. The resident
reported that there was around 6 or more caravans at the gypsy/traveller site
near to The Three Sisters Public House. Bus Shelter – A resident
reported that he had completed his unofficial survey on the number of people
using the bus in the village. The maximum number of people waiting for the bus
in one day was 9 and the minimum was 2. This excluded the children waiting for
the school bus as this was variable. The majority of people waited for the bus travelling
to Chatham. He commented that you would need a pavilion to fit in the amount of
people waiting for this bus. He reported that vandalism at St Marys Church had
occurred again when the door to the gas meter was kicked in. SW/14/0074 Oast
Field Stud – A resident explained that she had submitted this application
and would be willing to answer any questions that the Council may have. Bus
Shelter – A resident commented on the minutes of the last meeting. He
referred to a comment made during public time that implied that the people
asking for a bus shelter did not use it. He commented that they were using the
bus and will continue to do so. He also referred to the suggestion to carry out
a survey for this proposal. He commented that the Council does not suggest
doing so when discussing installing dog bins for example or for installing
facilities in the Recreation Ground. Therefore, the Council may find they are
asked to carry out a survey for any improvements or facilities they propose in
the village. He also raised concerns about involving Chalkwell as he did not
want to send the wrong signals and pointed out that the 327 Sunday Bus Service
will be withdrawn from 31st March 2014.
Administration
– Co-option of two members – It was reported that
Maria Rose and Peter Masson had been selected by the Council.
Correspondence – Holywell Primary School –Members
queried the overheads charged to the Council at the last meeting when the
school building was already being used. Also they requested that adequate notice
was given should the hall be unavailable on the date of the Council meeting. Holywell
Lane – A resident had raised concerns about the environment in this lane.
Swale BC Environment Officer had investigated and residents were instructed to
clear all the litter. Also, this lane is scheduled to be closed in order for BT
Openreach to carry out repair work to the telephone lines.
Planning
- SW/14/0096 Twinney Wharf,
Susans Lane – Erection of barn for storage
of animal feed, bedding and associated plant and machinery. The Planning Review
Team had no objections on planning grounds, but felt that the barn was
overlarge for the purpose for which it was proposed and that it was close to
the Saxon Shore Way and may not fit in with the nature of the area. SW/14/0074
Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site (1 no.
mobile home, 2 no. touring caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking
bays. The Planning Review Team commented that this was a retrospective
application. As the Parish Council has already commented, Upchurch already has
9 gypsy/traveller sites and the location of this one is contributing to a vast
expansion of such sites in the area. It joins Holywell Lane which has had a
ribbon development of gypsy sites along it which are contributing to an
unsightly and haphazard development. They front on to a narrow lane with no
pedestrian footways and where it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each
other. SW/14/0148 Land adjacent “Orchard House” Fronting Oak Lane – Change of use of an orchard into a facility for the
keeping of horses, including the construction of a livery/stable yard with
stables, a schooling area, associated paddocks, fencing and an access road,
together with the blocking up of the existing site access and the provision of
an improved access in an alternative location with associated walls and gate.
The Planning Review Team commented that the new location for the access was dangerous as it was nearer the railway
bridge and vehicles usually speed up at this point. They asked if the gate to
the access was set back sufficiently for a horsebox or car with a horseback
trailer to wait whilst the gate is being opened or closed. Should permission be
granted for this application, conditions should be imposed limiting the times
that the floodlights are in use. TC/14/0028
21 Oak Lane – reduce Holm Oak canopy by 33%. The Planning Review Team welcomed
the decision to reduce the size of this tree and so make the quality of life
for residents of no. 21 considerably enhanced, although it was felt that it
could be decreased by more than a third. Because of the hardiness and rapid
growth associated with this species of tree, they requested a condition that
the tree be scheduled for similar treatment every two years without the need
for further planning applications. SW/14/0190 2 Church Farm Road – First
Floor extension over existing garage. The Planning Review Team commented that
the plans were ambiguous and the amendment to the style of the extension in their
opinion was out of character with the property, and more detrimental to the
area than the previous one.
Permission granted: SW/13/1518 14 Horsham Lane – Single storey first
floor extension and provision of balcony
SW/12/1243
Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane –
Outline application for residential development (about 50 dwellings) and public
open space with wildlife area.
Permission refused: SW/13/1563 Bell Grove Stud Farm, Halstow Lane – Variation of condition 4 of SW/10/0485 to allow unrestricted
overnight use of the caravan/mobile home by employees and customers of the stud
farm.
Other planning matters – Swale BC Local Plan: Part 2: Issues & Options
Consultation for Gypsy & Traveller Site Allocations – It was reported
that the purpose of this session was to discuss the allocation of sites until
2031. The document could be viewed online Here Please
note that this consultation is open to all - Residents are encouraged to
respond.
SW/13/1373
Orchard Park – Members discussed
whether to register to speak at the Planning Committee meeting being held on 13th
March. It was agreed to do this and Cllr Tucker will report on this application
on behalf of the Parish Council.
Paddock
–
Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – A resident had suggested installing a metal fence high
enough to stop the balls going over into Oak Lane. The Conservation Officer
commented that from an arboricultural view, provided the position and
installation of any new fence did not compromise the boundary trees or hedges
then in essence he would have no objections. However, it was likely to require
planning permission. Members are considering various options but with limited
funds they are mindful of finding the best way to actually achieve the desired
result.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Burial
Rules & Regulations – Members discussed a
request to use Corian as a material for a tablet. The rules and regulations
stated that only a natural stone may be used for memorials. It was agreed to
make no amendment to the rules and regulations at this time. Damage to
Churchyard wall – It was reported that a Co-Op delivery lorry had reversed
into the side of the wall that adjoins The Crown Public House. St Marys PCC was
dealing with this and the Co-Op was assisting.
Environment – Village
Fete – Cllr Tucker reported that plans for the fete were going well. A
small committee had been formed and there were lots of ideas and suggestions.
Next
meetings – 3rd April and 1st May
in the Hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm. The Annual Parish Meeting will be
held on 24th April in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
Friday 7th March - Karaoke with Luke
Friday 14th March - Karaoke with Luke
Sunday 16th March - St. Patrick's Day celebration
Come and join us for singing and dancing with traditional buskers
from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Guinness and all beers and lagers, including 4 local ales
(all at £2.80 a pint).
Bar snacks and piping hot roast potatoes free on the bar.
We are pleased to announce our own real ale,
The Three Sisters.
Smooth, crisp and flavoursome, pale straw colour, ABV 4.7%.
Difficult to put down, easy to pour down!
Come and sample some.
Available from Thursday 13th March.
Sally and George.
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One of the most serious incidents experienced locally in World War Two took place in August 1944 when a German V1 rocket, known as a doodle bug, destroyed the bridge in Oak Lane Upchurch shortly before a train approached resulting in a tragic accident causing death, injury and chaos.
According to Peter Wood’s research at ‘Kent History Forum’ dated September 4th 2013, in the afternoon of August 16th flight lieutenant John Malloy of the RAF chased a V1 rocket in his ‘Tempest’ fighter plane over Kent. In his combat report Malloy wrote that he tried to shoot the rocket down without success then closed in on it and managed to flip it over with the wing of his plane. This worked and the rocket sped downwards but by sheer bad luck it landed almost under the bridge in Oak Lane and not in the surrounding fields. It exploded and completely destroyed the structure. It also killed a railway worker who was sheltering underneath.
As the 3-35 pm Victoria to Ramsgate train with about 400 passengers aboard approached the bridge from Rainham, the driver didn’t notice a problem until he saw smoke directly ahead but it was too late. Both he and the fireman desperately tried to stop the train but they failed and the engine tender and three carriages crashed heavily into the gap. ‘The East Kent Gazette’ of August 1944 reported that the engine was turned upside down and the front two carriages were crushed. The third coach mounted the wreckage in front and the fourth coach was left hanging over the gap where the bridge had previously stood. Passengers jumped from the carriages to help the trapped and injured. Seven passengers were killed in the front two carriages and the body of the dead railway worker who had been killed in the rocket explosion lay on the ground nearby.
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David Wood. |
With the train and carriages damaged and strewn over the embankment and in the gap where the bridge had stood, the ground was littered with wounded passengers who had been thrown out of the carriages, onto the track and down the embankment.
Miraculously, both the driver and the fireman survived without serious injury. After clambering from the wreck the fireman ran along the track in the direction of the Newington signal box to issue a warning for fear of a train coming from the opposite direction. Luckily, the train travelling to London had already been held up at Sittingbourne otherwise the disaster could have been much worse.
Doctors, ambulances, passers-by and members of the local WRVS were soon on the scene to help the casualties while the nearby transport café known as ‘The Rest Tea Rooms’ situated opposite on the A2 was turned into a temporary hospital as doctors and medical staff rushed to the scene to help. Most of the injured were eventually taken to St Bart’s Hospital in Rochester for emergency treatment.
According to ‘The East Gazette’ of August 1944 12 passengers were killed and 34 injured although more recent research suggests that less were killed and far more injured.
After the wreckage had been cleared a new bridge was constructed in November 1944 at a cost of £3,800 and it still exists today. The disaster turned out to be the most serious and tragic incident to hit the parish of Upchurch during World War Two.
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 at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.
David Wood.
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Our local PCSO John Cork has set up some new surgery times so local residents can talk to him about any village Policing issues they may have.
The new surgeries will be at Upchurch Post Office on:
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PCSO John Cork. |
28th of March 2014 2:00pm > 3:00pm
25th of April 2014 2:00pm > 3:00pm
20th of May 2014 2:00pm > 3:00pm
25th of June 2014 2:00pm > 3:00pm
Upchurch Matters
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The Parish Council met on Thursday 6th February
in Cambria Classroom of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were
present and 20 members of the public.
Public
Time
– Tree outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident reported this had been pruned
and asked for an update on the tree at the rear of the property. Oak Lane – A resident reported
that blue lines had been painted on the section of the road that appeared to be
sinking. Allotments – A resident reported that there were several plots
not being worked on and suggested offering these out for working prior to the
annual rent payment due date in order to get them cultivated. Gypsy &
Traveller Sites – A resident referred to article 8 of human rights and reported
that he would be following this up with Swale BC. Four Gun Field – A
resident reported that there was a large puddle in the road. Upchurch Burial
Ground – Concerns were expressed with a recent grave where the ground
appeared to be considerably wet. It was suggested that the Council may like to
seek independent advice. The possibility of installing a bench in the lower
part of the Burial Ground was mentioned but it was advised that there was
opposition to this. Bus Shelter –A resident reported that he had
contacted Chalkwell Bus Company to request statistics on the number of people
getting on the bus. Unfortunately, they were not allowed to give him this
information and he suggested that the Council may be able to obtain this. He
reported that the highest number of people waiting for the bus was 9 on the 4th
February 2014 and the lowest was 3 on the 15th January 2014. He
commented that vandalism was a problem in the village centre and reported
several incidents that had occurred. It was commented that the people who are
“for” the bus shelter are not using the bus; therefore what was it going to be
used for when it was not needed. Bus Shelter – Another resident
commented that this proposal had been discussed many times now and should the
Council allow this, then it would open up a can of worms. Teen Shelter - A
resident commented that this proposal seemed to be attached to the Bus Shelter
and asked that it be separated. Councillor – Cllr John Wright explained
that highway issues such as pot holes or flooding could be reported on the KCC
portal. It was advised that the planning application at Orchard Park, Oak Lane
would be discussed at the Planning Committee Meeting held in March. He thanked
those who attended the consultation event for the proposed Brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm,
Newington and reported that it was well attended.
Correspondence – Upchurch Horticultural Society – Members agreed to a request to use the Paddock for a
Plant Sale on the morning of Saturday 26th April as long as the ground
was dry. Young Kent and KIYS Youth – Members were advised that Sue
Maidens had accepted her invitation to give a short presentation at the Annual
Parish Meeting. Upchurch Information/interpretation board on the 1944 Rail
Crash in Oak Lane – Members discussed a proposal from Richard Emmett.
Further information will be obtained.
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1483
Colourpacks Plant Centre, London Road, Newington – Change
of use of part of site to provide a retail area/trade counter. Members noted
this.
SW/13/1485
Land at Spade Lane, Hartlip – Siting of two mobile
homes with associated utility block, parking for cars and 2 touring caravans
for a gypsy family. Members noted this.
Permission
granted:
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 Lime. Coppice 2 x Field Maple. Cut & remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x
Acacia. Thinning of 50% of vegetation. Crown lift 1 Mixed Holly to give ground
clearance of 1.5m
Permission
refused:
SW/13/1442
2 Church Farm Road – First Floor extension
over existing garage
Other planning matters: SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane –
Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom. The Planning Review Team
will investigate the conditions placed on this planning permission. Gypsy
& Traveller site allocations – Cllr Tucker reported an update from the Planning
Committee meeting. Members agreed to draft a letter to Gordon Henderson. It was
hoped that neighbouring parishes would support this. Residents would also be
encouraged to contact Gordon Henderson if they have concerns on this matter. Proposed
Brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm, Newington – Cllr Rossiter
reported that this consultation event was well attended. It outlined the
proposal to KCC and provided preliminary information. Wienerberger was a large
brick manufacturing company and the route to the factory from this site would
be along the A2 through Newington. It would take place for 6-8 weeks during dry
summer months. During this time, there would be one lorry leaving the site
every 5 minutes. It was commented that the impact for Newington and Hartlip
would be enormous. The Planning Application would be submitted to KCC and Swale
BC would be a consultee. Members appreciated the need to support Hartlip and
Newington Parish Council.
Finance
–
KCC Member Community Engagement Grant
Scheme – Members were advised that
the application for parking improvements on Rec Ground Car Park had been approved.
Members discussed whether to accept the offer of a grant. Various
ideas/suggestions were discussed but it was felt that further consultation with
the Scout Group was needed. It was agreed to decline this offer. It was reported that the grant offer
for £4,500 towards the cost of the Paddock Project had been approved and it had
been accepted. The Council had budgeted £2,500 to match this funding and the
remaining amount would be funded by reserves.
Paddock
– Paddock Project – It was reported that planning
permission had been granted for the tree work in the Paddock. A meeting had
taken place with Lindsay & Co Tree Surgeons to discuss arranging this work.
It was noted that any work must take place before the bird nesting season which
started on 1st March. If this deadline was missed, then work would
not be able to commence until August. It was agreed to accept their quote.
Village fete –
Cllr Tucker reported that a meeting would be arranged the following week with
Mr Kemsley to discuss this further. Local village groups and organisations had
shown an interest in taking part in this event. It was noted that England may
be playing in the World Cup football on 28th June but it was felt
that the timing of the event could be scheduled around this.
Recreation
Ground – Members would like to politely request that
users of this car park do not drive or park on the grass.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Members discussed a concern raised by a
family about their parent’s grave being waterlogged. The Burial Ground
representative had been monitoring the situation and also consulted the grave
digger. It was agreed to consult the Diocese and also obtain independent
advice.
Environment – KALC Community Awards Scheme – Keith Rossiter was nominated for this award for his
dedication to the village.
Next
meetings – 6th March and 3rd April.
Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start
at 7.30pm. The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for 24th April
2014 at the Village Hall.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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A Puppet Show for Adults?
Upchurch Village Hall presents a Strangeface production of
Shooting the Moon
Sat 22nd Feb at 7:30pm, Upchurch Village
Hall
A show for children aged 8 to 80 years!
Imagination knows no rules…the fantastical life of
illusionist Georges Méliès.
Experience the magic of a full-mask and
puppet performance from acclaimed theatre company, Strangeface, with this
fantastic new show. Through a series of surreal and comic scenes, the life of
French illusionist and filmmaker Georges Méliès, will be bought to the stage
before your very eyes.
Both mask theatre enthusiasts and those
who have never experienced mask theatre before will be amazed, entranced and
moved by the way the characters come alive to convey this fantastical tale of
illusion, film and fame.
This performance supports your Village
Hall – please come and support it!
Discounted tickets available at £8 (adults), £7 (under 16s) and £25
(family, 2+2) from Keith Rossiter, 114 Chaffes Lane (01634 234780) before 15th
February.
Prices rise after
that – book early!
Lots more about the world of Strangeface Productions
and masks at: www.strangeface.co.uk
Keith Rossiter
Dance4Kent provide first-class, fun, engaging & stimulating dance classes, holiday camps & educational services as a part of schools curriculum & also out of hours. We also run classes, holiday camps & other exciting events at our very own D4K dance schools!
With our growing number of D4K instructors we are able to offer a wide array of dance styles that organisations, staff & pupils can really benefit from.
All of our instructors are suitably qualified & experienced & they are all DBS checked, fully insured & have undergone various training in a number of pastoral care subjects including behaviour management, child protection, safe guarding & first aid.
Ballet & Tap classes for children aged 2 1/2 years upwards are run every Monday from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at Lower Halstow Memorial Hall.
Stephanie Rossiter
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A Promise Auction will be held on behalf of
St' Mary the Virgin, Upchurch at the
Grand Village Fete, The Paddock, Saturday 28th June 2014
We have received a number of promises from local villagers and organisations such as
• Homemade cake once a month for six months
• Candle decorating lessons
• Jar of sweets
• Computer lessons
• Lessons to learn Holiday French
• Hair voucher
• Rich fruit cake
• Singing lesson
Offer a service you can perform.....Give up some time........All for your community
Simply put..........Make a promise
We will auction your promise and sell it to the highest bidder, it's as simple as that, you give up your time, offer a skill, or something others might want and we do the rest! All proceeds will go to the church funds.
If you have something to offer? Please let Brenda Kemsley know on Tel: 01634 231585 or Email: brenda_ann@btinternet.com
Do good and feel good, all at the same time!
Brenda Kemsley
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Many years before the appearance of the ‘Upchurch Festival of Music’ the village experienced a musical month which generated plenty of local interest in February 1964.
The football club began the monthly social events with a lively dance to the music of Dave Champion and the Strangers. This was followed up with a ‘Musical Fanfare’ in the village hall with fifty people participating in a concert. The Church Choir, The Women Institute’s choir, Jane Scott, Myra Duncalf, Peter Brightman and Bryan Veale all performed. Parish clerk Aubrey Smith organised the event which turned out to be very successful and about £12 was raised and donated to inter-church aid. Later in the month a concert took place in the village hall with brass quartets, soloists and a light orchestra which attracted a big audience.
Down at Otterham Quay the annual ‘Miss Otterham’ event took place with lots of twisting and shaking to Dan Barcott’s Band with girls dressed in mini skirts and men wearing smart suits and ties. Twenty eight year old Yvonne Baker won the event with Julie Sims and Jean Martin runners up.
The Upchurch Horticultural Society Dinner turned out to be the most significant social affair of the month. Opened by society president Albert Clemons from Suffield Cottages, 120 guests sat down to dinner after chairman Cliff Wanstall had given a summary of the year. Royal Society medals were awarded to Les Stevens and A Hinge & Son while Charlie Stokes won the vegetable award and George Friend the flower award.
At the Women’s Institute Mrs Johnson gave a lecture about the history of drama. She spoke about the origins of drama in ancient Greece and finished by giving tips on choosing and casting a play. At the same meeting Mrs Court resigned because of ill health and Mrs. Wright won the competition for growing a hyacinth in a jar.
The parish council decided not to enter Upchurch in the ‘Best Kept Village Competition’ but good news arrived with the announcement that a letter had been received from the Divisional Education Officer stating that additional accommodation would be provided for the Infant’s School at the end of the year. At the same time the council announced that more Royal Mail post boxes and a new telephone box were still needed in the village. Permission was also given for the recreation ground to be used for the judging of floats and used as a car park in the forthcoming August carnival.
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David Wood. |
A wedding with a difference took place in Upchurch when Peter Boakes from Chaffes Lane married Janet West from Iwade at the village church. After the ceremony the bridegroom presented dolls to the bridesmaids and identical models of the Jaguar car to the pages that had brought them to the church. The couple then went to Devon for their honeymoon.
In the village centre daily life continued as usual where Mr and Mrs Jaggers ran the Upchurch Stores, Dick Hales managed W.H. Hales butcher’s with his assistant Barry Madden, Mr and Mrs Huggins ran the grocery shop opposite the church, Cliff and Fay Wanstall managed the post office, Fred Clemons organised the delivery of newspapers while Marj Davies served petrol at her family run garage in Horsham Lane.
Finally, birthdays for the month included Jill Hitchen from Horsham Lane aged seven, Paula Maxted from The Street aged one and Pamela Edmonds from Drakes Close aged twelve. Although there weren’t any recorded baptisms for February Lucy Gransden from Oak Lane aged 70 was buried in the churchyard. A long term resident in the village, Mrs. Gransden had been a regular member of the Mother’s Union and had done a lot of work for the church along with her husband Charles who had served as a churchwarden during the 1960s. This ended a month mainly remembered for music, entertainment and social gatherings.
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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Dear Stakeholder,
Today is a normal day across the networks with no widespread power cuts due to the weather. However, UK Power Networks is working closely with the Met Office to track the high winds and heavy rain that ARE forecast to hit the UK on the 5th of February.
If the storm materialises and affects power lines, our paramount focus will be on restoring electricity to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
We are currently putting in place a range of measures to be better prepared to respond to any potential impact on our networks and customers.
Measures
We are currently preparing to deal with the storm’s potential impact on our network and customers. Below are some of the measures we are taking:
• We are arranging additional staff to cover call centre roles. Additional people have been allocated to take and make phone calls and provisions are in place for even more engineers and resources to be available on short notice in case of need.
• Our emergency teams are reviewing plans and a message has gone out to our trained customer champions to be prepared to be deployed to sites if the storm materialises.
• We invest in a partnership arrangement with the British Red Cross and can activate their volunteers to support vulnerable customers if power is affected.
• The emergency teams in the local authorities have access to the web link that enables them to see fault levels. In the aftermath of Storm St Jude, we have improved our systems to make the tracker more robust.
Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can affect overhead power lines when tree branches and windborne debris damage them. In the event of a power cuts as result of the winds and rain, UK Power Network’s priority will be to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible and keep people informed as best we can during a constantly changing situation. We will work from job to job targeting big jobs first where many customers are affected.
In communication with customers, we urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to UK Power Networks.
To report any power cuts and damaged lines on free helplines, please use the following numbers: In the South East call: 0800 783 8866.
You can also see: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and follow the company on twitter for updates.
Preparing for a power cut
Below is some advice on how our customers can prepare for a power cut:
• Keep our freephone number handy.
• See the website for some useful videos offering you advice during a power cut.
• Keep spare batteries for radios and torches – local radio stations often broadcast helpful information.
• Keep an old-fashioned corded phone which you can plug in, as cordless phones won’t work in the event of a power cut.
• Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed.
• Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames.
• Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours.
• Switch off all your electrical equipment, except one light which will let you know when the power comes back on.
• Remember the street lights may also be off so take care if you go out.
• Look out for elderly neighbours; please consider taking them a flask of hot water round or hot food.
Kind regards,
Stakeholder Engagement Team
UK Power Networks
Newington House
237 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 6NP
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Westmoreland in Lower Halstow Dock in the early 1960s
with the Brickfields in the background. |
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Westmoreland as she stands today. |
The last surviving Kent Brick Barge and famous racer, Westmoreland has lain derelict for 40 years but a Heritage Lottery Bid is now underway to save her.
Westmoreland Trust CIC are a 'not for profit' community interest company established to restore Thames Sailing Barge Westmoreland and are speaking to Heritage Lottery Fund about a major grant application.
Westmoreland was saved from Standard Quay in Faversham and moved to Otterham Quay. Now she is back home in Lower Halstow Creek after many years away! This move has only been possible with the support of those willing to defer payment for towing her there.
Built in 1900 in Conyer, she worked from Lower Halstow for 60 years, taking bricks from the Brickfields there up to London. The Brickfields and the last Barge that serviced them are a vital part of the local heritage, Westmoreland Trust hope to tell the story of that lost industry using the Barge, once she is fully restored.
The Heritage Lottery process is likely to take up to two years but in the short term funds are needed to pay for moving Westmoreland to her dry Dock and for the ongoing insurance and ancillary costs until such time as other funding streams are secured.
It is intended that she be moored on a swinging mooring in Lower Halstow Creek prior to being moved back into the dock at Lower Halstow, from where she traded for 60 years. If the Heritage Lottery Fund bid is successful she will be restored to her former glory and operating from the dock once again.
The Thames Sailing Barge needs to be protected while the Heritage Lottery Fund bid is prepared. Westmoreland is slipping away and this project is no doubt the last chance to save her.
So please get behind the project and help raise the funds to keep her safe until the Heritage Lottery bid can be submitted.
Please pledge if you can by visiting the Thames Sailing Barge Westmoreland JustGiving page: Here
If you are on Facebook then you can stay up to date with her progress by visiting their page: Here and clicking 'Like'.
Upchurch Matters
SPACE
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Nick Sketchley 1976 - 2014. |
Nick sadly passed away on Tuesday the 28th of January and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A family man and loving husband to his wife Joanne, Nick was Dad to two children, Annie and Billy and, along with his brother Robert, a loving son to his parents Chris and Bernard.
Many will remember Nick from growing up in Upchurch, and his school days at Holywell Primary and the Westlands School in Sittingbourne. He went on to study drama at Mid Kent College, during which time he worked at festivals and in the theatre. Nick went on to help run the family business for many years.
Before settling in Lower Halstow, Nick and Joanne travelled the world. Nick will be remembered as someone who embraced life fully and made those around him smile. His zest for life meant that he was able to experience many of his great passions.
Nick had many good friends and the number of kind thoughts and tributes received this week are testament to a well-loved man who will be truly missed.
Robert Sketchley
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Upchurch Parish Council would like to advise residents that there is a bag of winter mix (salt/sand) located in the Recreation Ground Car Park for residents use.
If you would like to get prepared for the winter, please do help yourself to this salt using your own bag/container. We do ask that you clear away any spillage's to ensure the area is kept tidy.
Upchurch Parish Council
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On behalf of Wienerberger I would like to make you aware of a public exhibition which is due to take place at Hartlip Parish Hall on Wednesday 5th February from 2pm until 8pm. You are welcome to attend.
Representatives from Wienerberger will be at Hartlip Parish Hall to meet local residents to discuss plans for the proposed brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm, Newington.
Plans will be on display and the team will be on hand to answer any questions from the local community. All issues including transport movements, the process of extracting the material and timings will be explained to anyone wishing to attend.
Feedback forms will also be made available on the day for any additional comments.
Terry Gilligan
Associate Director – on behalf of Wienerberger
Upchurch Players - AGM
Monday 10th March 7:45 pm
Please attend the AGM in the Back Hall at Upchurch Village Hall if you want to be part of putting on a Panto again.
If not enough people which means, Actors and Backstage Crew are not present at this meeting or notify me of their interest to help and in what way they will help....It won't go again and the chance is the group will be disbanded.
Please do not say you will help to bow out late but please do come and reinvigorate the group. Tel: 01634 363271 for notifications of interest or Email: pottibird-alias@yahoo.co.uk
Gloria Knight
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Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.
Upchurch Twinning Group Quiz Night on Saturday the 1st of February at Holywell School.
If you are thinking of attending and having a table - then please book it very quickly with Sue Rossiter on (01634 234780) - If you are unable to reach Sue then please try my phone (01634 235420) or Email: jimharman@talktalk.net
We currently have up to 13 tables. There is only room for a maximum of 15 tables in the School Hall.
Jim Harman (Chairman)
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