Upchurch Parish Council Report - May 2014

The Parish Council met on Thursday 3^rd April in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 3 members of the public including Cllr John Wright.

Public Time – Cllr Wright – Swale BC’s changes to the refuse collections started shortly and he commented that he would like to receive any feedback on this. He also referred to the consultation document titled “Swale BC Gypsy & Traveller Site Allocations: Issues & Options Feb 14” and encouraged members and residents to respond. Approval of Gypsy and Traveller Site in Oak Lane – A resident asked if the Council could arrange a meeting with the Planning Officer at Swale BC to find out why they continually have objections overturned and explain their policies. This meeting could be held in the Village Hall and a question and answer session could follow. Cllr Tucker assured the resident that members understood his concerns and would follow this request up

Correspondence – Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee – Members noted that the AGM will be held on Wednesday 9^th April. Cllr Tucker will continue as the Village Hall Representative. Victim Support – A request for support in the forthcoming financial year. Members decided not to support this request. Co-Op Lorries in the centre of the village – An email from a resident asking if the Parish Council propose to take action had been circulated. His concern was with regards to the Co-Op Lorries visiting the village and their maneuvers and parking within the centre of the village. Members asked the Clerk to contact the Co-Op to find out if they are taking steps to address this issue. Holywell Primary School – A letter explaining that additional costs will be charged for letting of the school Hall. Members agreed to change the venue of the meetings to the Village Hall. Due to a prior booking, the Clerk will confirm the date of the first meeting to be held at the Village Hall. (Please note: the meeting on 1^st May will be held in the school hall. From 5^th June, the meetings will be at the Village Hall)

Planning - SW/14/0162 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Partial change of use of stable block to use as a day room and the siting of an additional mobile home. The Planning Review Team objected and commented as follows “The use of the existing stable block for use as a day room, is in contravention of Swale Planners conditions in the previous permission for the use of this site (SW/13/1098) Condition 5 states that the stable is for the stabling of horses only, for private use only, not for any commercial or residential purpose. Enforcement of this condition should have been taken by Swale. The so-called day room appears to be larger and better appointed than for its stated use and could easily be used for habitation.”

SW/14/0267 Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & rear of 2 & 4 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and workshop, and the residential development of 4 no.3 bedroom two storey houses and 1 no. 2 bedroom flat over garage unit together with all associated garages, parking spaces and access driveway. The Planning Review Team commented:

• It is concerned about the lack of parking spaces. As most households now possess at least two vehicles that will occupy the spaces shown, there is no space for visitors to park. Also there is no turning circle which would require vehicles e.g. delivery Lorries to reverse onto Horsham Lane.

• The north and eastern boundaries adjacent to the Churchyard require retaining walls to prevent slippage of land. This should be supplied if the proposed fencing is used along these boundaries (an extension to 10.5.4 of the recommendations in the Archaeological Desk-based Assessment)

• There should be no planting of trees or shrubs in the front garden of plot No.1 which would obscure the view of the Church when approaching Horsham Lane (an extension to 10.5.1 of the recommendations in the Archaeological Desk-based Assessment)

• The Churchyard is located in a Conservation Area and we ask that a condition be placed on the trees that they are not allowed to be removed should they shade resident’s gardens at any time in the future.

SW/13/1198 134 Horsham Lane – Erection of timber framed garden shed- no objections.

SW/13/1209 The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes (in connection with adjacent site).The Planning Review Team made the following comments:

• It reiterates its previous comments about the ribbon development of Holywell Lane and the track to Gore Farm. This additional site extends it further and there is already another planning application for the adjacent site alongside this current one.

• There is already an application for an additional mobile home on the existing site (SW/14/1206). We have not received a decision on this and, if approved, together with the current application will bring the number of vans to seven. This is in contravention of Policy H4, assuming it can be still applied to this site?

• With both these application still current, is the water & waste removal sufficient for almost doubling the size of the site?

Permission granted:

SW/13/1373 Orchard Park, Oak Lane – application to vary conditions (2), (3) and (4) of SW/10/0765) private gypsy and traveler site consisting of eight plots); condition (2) to be varied to allow up to 32 caravans of which no more than 16 can be static caravans or mobile homes; condition (3) such that occupancy is restricted to gypsies and travelers 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 travelers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.

Application withdrawn:

SW/14/0096 Twinney Wharf, Susans Lane – Erection of barn for storage of animal feed, bedding and associated plant and machinery and demolition of existing storage buildings.

Other planning matters a) Spade Lane, Sittingbourne – Members noted the proposed sale of this site with pending planning permission. SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane – Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom. It was questioned whether the applicant had obtained permission for the large bright pink signs that had been placed over their fences.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotment rent due 1^st April 2014 – It was reported that six allotment holders had not paid their rent. It was suggested that the Council could advertise the allotments should any plots remain unoccupied.

Paddock – Tree at rear of 2 & 3 Bradshaw Close – A request to remove a tree causing concern for a resident had been referred to the Tree Officer of Swale BC. It had been advised that if the offending tree was a shrub then it would not fall within the regulations therefore the Council could proceed with any necessary works without submitting a formal notice. Maintenance Plan – It was suggested that a review be carried out for the general maintenance of the Paddock to include a review of the litter bins/dog bins.           

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Risk Assessment – In the middle churchyard, two headstones needed reinstating. Also, a section of fencing was down on the east side. It was explained that Mr. Osborne was able to repair this at cost but would require assistance. Cllr Rossiter raised concerns about the increased marking of boundaries by little hedges, little fencing, stones etc. She commented that more stones/gravel coverings were appearing and shrubs being planted in the grave spaces and also outside ashes tablet areas. The Rules and Regulations specifically say no shrubs allowed at all. It was therefore suggested to arrange a tightening up of the Rules to make it easier and safer for the grass cutters. It was agreed to refer this to the GPC. 

Environment – BT High Speed Broadband – It was reported that that the proposed roll out for fibre optic was currently scheduled to be completed by BT between April and June this year. Residents could contact BT directly by telephoning the BT Sales Team on 0800 800 150 or via the website: www.bt.com/inifinity

Next meetings – Thursday 1^st May at 7.15pm in the Hall of Holywell School. Thursday 5^th June at 7.30pm at the Village Hall.

Upchurch Village Fete – Please note this is being held on Saturday 28^th June 2014 from 11am onwards.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Annual Parish Meeting

This years Annual Parish Meeting will be held on the 24^th of April 2014  at Upchurch Village Hall, starting at 7:30pm. Refreshments available.

Upchurch Matters
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Promise Auction on behalf of St. Mary the Virgin Upchurch

We have had some great promises with full details on our website shortly available. Thank you to everyone who has offered their services, there are many amazing promises for all to bid for!

Bidding commences on the 1st June until midnight 27th June, closing with the final offers at the Grand Fete in the Paddock on Saturday 28th June 2014.

Watch out for the website address and final details on how to bid.

Brenda Kemsley on: 01634 231585

Email: brenda_ann@btinternet.com

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Upchurch 50 Years Ago in April 1964 by David Wood

At a time when Upchurch had expanded substantially after the construction of several new housing estates, the parish council had more issues to deal with which characterised village affairs in April 1964.

The month began with Upchurch parish council having a busy time dealing with several local issues of concern. The first regarded the establishment of a new burial ground as the old one had become full. To achieve this the council needed a loan so they requested £600 from the Public Works Loan Committee. Chairman Tom Colven also applied to the Minister of Housing and Local Government to get approval for a children’s play area and the parish council asked the County Surveyor to improve road safety in the village centre. This necessitated a ‘Slow’ sign being placed near the bus stop in Horsham Lane and opposite ‘The Crown.’ The road surface in Forge Lane, Oak Lane and near Lower Halstow cricket ground had to be repaired. Reflector posts were recommended for Oak Lane and ‘No cycling’ signs were suggested for the old footpath between Oak Lane and Wallbridge Lane.

At the same meeting parish clerk Aubrey Smith announced that the maintenance of the allotments in Oak Lane and fencing for the recreation ground had become the biggest council expenditure for the year but it continued.

Although the recreation ground surface resembled that of today the surroundings were less attractive. The fencing which had existed for decades at each end of the ground had become dilapidated and the side where the Bishop Lane housing estate now stands remained an open and unsightly wasteland. A wooden shack existed on the Bishop Lane side of the ground for the football club to use as changing rooms. Large groups of village boys played football on the area during the evenings while the football club used it on weekends. The judging of the carnival floats and a fair took place there during the summer months.

At the end of the monthly parish council meeting chairman Tom Colven received thanks for his service to the parish council before he departed from the village to begin a new life in Cranbrook with his wife Edith who had played a big part in the organisation of the village Darby & Joan Club.

The Women’s Institute members had an evening of entertainment at their monthly meeting when they listened to an hour of classical music arranged by Mr. Featherstone after which he explained the meaning and construction of each musical piece. Arrangements were also made for a whist drive in aid of funds and a visit to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The meeting eventually ended with a knitting race won by Mrs. Adams from Oak Lane.

David Wood.

On the first weekend of the new cricket season Upchurch Cricket Club had a disappointing start when they suffered a narrow three run defeat against the Kent Farm Institute after being bowled out for 105 chasing a total of 108. The following day they bowled out Murston for only 48 with Len Harris from Drakes Close taking 8 wickets for only 21 runs but the Sittingbourne outfit also bowled well and dismissed Upchurch for only 34 leaving the village team without a win.

Socially, the village had a busy month with the horticultural society Easter Bonnet Competition taking place on April 4th with a high attendance, the Darby & Joan Club film show on April 5th followed by a dance in the village hall on April 10th and a cricket club dance on April 25th.

Only one burial took place in April with the funeral of Dora Everest from Otterham Cottages aged 75 while baptisms included Melissa Stevens from Gore Farm, Paul Barden from Wallbridge Lane, Beverley Warwick from Chaffes Lane, Glyn Humphries from Horsham Lane, Katherine Catford from Crosier Court and Andrew Waghorne from the caravan site. April birthdays were celebrated by Hilary Gilbert aged 11 from Drakes Close, Richard Murr aged 14 from Oak Lane and Linda Boakes aged 13 from Chaffes Lane.

Finally, Bryan Veale had to give up his position as choirmaster due to too many other commitments in a busy month where parish council affairs dominated.

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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Computer Stolen - Burglary Otterham Quay Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Reference: DY9920 from Neighbourhood Watch

DA36. Otterham Quay Lane. A burglary occurred between 12:00pm and 12:10pm on Thursday 10/04. Entry was gained, damage was caused and a computer was stolen. It is believed that 2 people are responsible:

Male 1- 30-37 years old, 5ft7, black short hair, stocky build and was wearing a blue and grey stripes top and grey jogging bottoms.

Male 2- 30-37 years old, 5ft7, black hair, slim build, pointed chin and was wearing a black jacket zipped upto the neck.

Did you hear or see anything? If so, please contact The Police on 101 and quote Crime Number: XY/12701/14.

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee - AGM

The Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee AGM is being held on Wednesday the 9th of April at 7:30pm in the Back Hall.

Upchurch Matters

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Superfast Fibre Optic Broadband in Upchurch - Online Petition

When an Upchurch resident contacted BT  recently asking when Superfast Fibre Optic broadband will be available in the village the company responded saying that they can only give an estimate of between April and June of of 2014.

“When can I get fibre optic BT Infinity?”

“Sorry, fibre optic BT Infinity isn't currently available at your property. Fibre optic broadband is estimated to be in your area between April 2014 and June 2014. Please note that these dates have been provided by our supplier and are estimates. Dates may be subject to change due to factors outside our control such as; delays agreeing cabinet locations with your local council or unforeseen issues encountered during the construction of your st.”

To try and move things along an online Petition at the GoPetition website has been setup and you can sign it at the link below:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fibre-optic-broadband-for-upchurch.html

Thanks to Tracey Snellings for the info.

Upchurch Matters

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Upchurch Choral Society - 'O Sacred Head'

Upchurch Choral Society and the St. Mary's Church Choir are joining together to perform a programme of wonderful Music and Readings on

Good Friday evening.

St. Mary's Church, Friday the 18th of April 7:00pm 

Conductor: Helen Osborne - Organist: Sue Rossiter

Programme includes Music by:

Purcell, Victoria, Elgar, Bach, Stainer, Handel, Chilcott, Tchaikosvsky

and Mauder

Admission Free - Retiring Collection in aid of the
British Heart Foundation

Bryan Veale

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UpARA - Upchurch Active Retirement Association

UpARA

Upchurch Active Retirement Association

We had a very successful launch to our new association in Upchurch, with 77 members signing up at the inaugural meeting.

Our next meetings in the village hall are;-

Monthly Meeting

Friday 11th, April 2014, 2:00pm

(Members Free Guests £2.00)

Coffee Morning

Tuesday 29th, April 2014, 09:30am

(Members £1.50 Guests £2.00)

New Members Welcome

David Powell

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PFHS - Family Bingo Night

Clare Evans
SPACE

Upchurch Village Fete Day

Contact: chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk for more details.

Sara Tucker

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News from Upchurch Players

Players Auditions - are being held on Sunday the 27th of April, 3:00pm at the Village Hall.

Beat the Quizmaster - on Saturday the 10th of May at the Village Hall, 7:45pm. Tables of 6, £5 entry per person. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Painting Days - on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of May at the Village Hall, 9:00am.

Beat the Quizmaster - on Saturday the 11th of October at the Village Hall, 7:45pm. Tables of 6, £5 entry per person. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Painting Days - on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of October at the Village Hall, 9:00am.

Gloria Knight

Tel: 01634 363271
Email: pottibird-alias@yahoo.co.uk

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Quad Bike Stolen - Crosier Court

[Reference: Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward]

Message 207 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/010085/14

Unknown offenders have broken into commercial premises and stolen a red quad bike from stables at Crosier Court, Upchurch. This happened overnight between 19th and 20th of March.

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

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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How Upchurch has changed over the Years by David Wood

From being a small rural village with a tiny population living in thatched cottages surrounding the church for centuries, Upchurch, which means ‘Church on the hill’, has grown into a big village in Swale and at present has a population of over 3,500. Although the road layout is similar to previously, many parts of the village are unrecognisable from past times and some big changes have taken place.

The first significant rise in population took place in the second half of the 19^th century when the figure rose from 777 in 1871 to 1,121 in 1881, mainly due to the establishment of the brickfields. The village population only rose slightly to 1,129 in 1901 and only grew gradually after that until the 1960s. During this period several housing estates were constructed in quick succession starting with Crosier Court in 1961, followed by The Poles, Church Farm Road, Marstan Close and later Bishop Lane. These estates attracted new residents from far and wide. The population then grew substantially until it exceeded 3,000.

Old thatched cottages once existed at Ham Green and Wetham Green while oast houses were located in Horsham Lane, Chaffes Lane and Forge Lane. As a result of population growth and the building of new houses some old historical buildings which were left over from past centuries disappeared for ever. For example, on the site of Church Farm Road housing estate an old Elizabethan barn, a forge and Church Farm Cottages had existed up to the 1960s before being demolished. Opposite The Crown several buildings that dated from the 18^th century were knocked down while Bradshaw Close replaced the old vicarage building which had existed since 1724.

There are still buildings which have survived from the distant past. These include the church which dates from 1100, ‘Wayside’ situated opposite which is believed to have served as a vicarage, a coach and horses stop off point, a pub and a confectionary shop at different times. The site originally dates from the 14^th century although the present house dates from the 17^th century.

The site of The Crown pub has survived from the 14^th century with a layout that suggests that it had a connection with the church, a meat store, a coffin maker’s workshop and finally a pub. Gore Farm farmhouse also dates from the 14^th century and Black Horse Cottages in Oak Lane survive from the 18^th century. The Paddock still exists in more or less the same condition since the mid-19^th century with the exception of the children’s play area and the recreation ground has existed since 1897 although trees have been planted around the perimeter. A scout’s hut named Drake’s Lodge adjoins it, the wooden hut that Upchurch Football Club used for changing purposes no longer exists and Upchurch Football Club no longer play there. Next to the recreation ground and opposite the doctor’s surgery is the former police house where the village policeman lived. A policeman had been resident in the village since the second half of the 19^th century and before then constables were elected by the parish overseers to maintain law and order in the village. This is no longer the case.

Holywell School served the village for the education of all village children from 1847 until 1883 when the Infant’s School was opened. Children of secondary school age continued to be educated at Holywell until the 1930s then began travelling to Medway for their secondary education. In 1976 the school closed and the pupils were moved to a new building in Forge Lane along with pupils from the Infant’s School to form the new Holywell School. The old Holywell School eventually became the location for a private company while the Infant’s School became a private nursery school named ‘Nursery Days’ in 1996. Upchurch Children of secondary age now travel to Sittingbourne schools for their education.

David wood.

The village post office has occupied various buildings starting with the shop now known as ‘Terry’s’ during the late 19^th and first part of the 20^th centuries. It then moved to the Old Bakery in Forge Lane for a while, back to ‘Terry’s’ then to the Upchurch Stores opposite the church in The Street. During the 1950s it moved on to the building now known as ‘Snaffles’ and finally to its present location at the newsagent’s in 1982.

The building opposite Snaffles is now the Co-op stores but after its construction in 1893 it became the Edward 1^st pub which had originally been located at ‘Wayside,’ the white building opposite the church. It became a convalescent home during and after World War 1 then the Co-op Stores from the early 1950s.

Today there is more and better quality housing available than at the beginning of the 20^th century. A village hall appeared for the first time in 1961 which has served as a venue for parties, village organisations and sports clubs. Previously the Infant’s School and the former Labour Hall served as the main social venues. The golf club replaced the hop gardens in Oak Lane and a new location appeared first for the cricket club in 1987 then later for the football club in Holywell Lane. A garage with a petrol pump existed almost opposite Crosier Court in Horsham Lane from the 1950s but this closed down and became a car showroom.

With the coming of Woodruff Close in Horsham Lane and the construction of housing estates on the sites of the former brickfield and Four Gun Field near Canterbury Lane, Upchurch is expanding and getting closer to being joined to Rainham.

Outside the village centre farmland is worked more intensively by fewer farmers than previously. In the past a larger number of farmers and smallholders existed in the parish but due to economic circumstances many went out of business and local labour has been replaced by seasonal and temporary Eastern European workers. This has led to barns and farm workers cottages being converted into luxury homes, mainly in the Ham Green area of the parish and a change in the composition of the local population. While ‘Pick Your Own’ strawberries are no longer available at Twinney, The Barnyard farm shop still continues at Gore Farm.

Otterham Quay has served as a port over the centuries allowing the transport of agricultural products and bricks to other locations. In the 16^th century it became an outlet for the export of corn which made the village affluent for a while. It also became an important consideration in the building of the brickfields during the mid-19^th century from where a single track allowed bricks to be transported to Otterham Quay then on to other locations by barge. A similar situation arose at the Wakeley Poot Lane brick works from 1862 when bricks were transported across Wetham Green by rail to Twinney Creek then on to other locations by barge. By the early 20^th century three pubs known as The Anchor & Hope, The Lord Stanley and The Three Sisters served the Otterham brickfield workers, bargemen and seamen. Today only The Three Sisters continues to exist as a pub in the Otterham Quay area.

The area of the village has remained about the same but Burntwick Island just off the Ham Green Peninsular is no longer part of the village as it got cut off by the river during the mid-18^th century. During the same period a large area of land incorporating the lower end of Poot Lane and Ham Green which got handed over to the parish of Lower Halstow by the owner as a gift was returned to Upchurch in 1882 although parishioners living there didn’t officially obtain ecclesiastical rights in the village until the early 1960s.

Until well into the 20^th century most Upchurch residents were born, educated, married, worked and died in the village. Being a rural area male residents found work on local farms, on the barges or in the brickfields. Women did periodic fruit or hop picking on local farms to supplement their husbands’ income. This remained relatively unchanged until the 1960s. At present residents generally work away from the village with many commuting to London and are generally much better off than residents from previous centuries who suffered hardship, periods of unemployment and disease such as ague, a marsh malaria that wasn’t totally eradicated until the early 20^th century.

The church, which is characterised by its ‘candle snuffer’ tower and where Sir Francis Drake’s father Edmund Drake served as vicar, has remained a focal point in the village but its social role has changed. Up to the early 19^th century it incorporated the village school. Although it continues its traditional role for religious services, baptisms, weddings and funerals, it’s now also the venue for musical concerts and fund raising events. There is no longer a resident vicar but instead a group of clergy who operate between several parishes which includes Upchurch.

Many clubs and organisations have existed since the second part of the 19^th century with the oldest being Upchurch Cricket Club formed in 1883 and the Mother’s Union formed in the early 1890s. With a large variety of clubs the village has catered for a vast range of residents’ recreational interests over the years.

The village continues with its long tradition of fund raising which has remained a feature since the mid-19^th century. Old traditions have ended like the annual village fete and carnival, the village marathon and the Empire Day celebrations while new events like the Upchurch Festival of Music and theatrical plays have become established.

Upchurch today is a well organised village with good quality housing and facilities for residents while still maintaining its rural character with plenty of open spaces and a healthy environment for families to live.

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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Falls Prevention Classes - A New Free Service

Brighter Futures will be delivering a new programme of falls prevention classes in the community across east Kent. Funded by Public Health, these are specialist classes for people who have had a fall or are at risk of falling. They develop confidence, strength, balance and postural stability.

Falls often have a terrible effect on older people, limiting confidence and increasing isolation longer term.

This is a free programme with transport available for those who need it, delivered across the area.

Amanda Duddle

Postural Stability Coordinator

Voluntary Action Maidstone

39-48 Marsham Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1HH

Tel: 01622 762403

Website: www.vam-online.org.uk

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Temporary Road Closures - Halstow Lane & The Street, Lower Halstow

Temporary Road Closures - Halstow Lane & The Street, Lower Halstow - 31st March - 3rd April 2014.

Closures of sections of Halstow Lane and The Street, Lower Halstow are planned, starting from 31st March 2014, as shown below.

HALSTOW LANE will be closed from Monday 31st March 2014 for up to 2 days.

The closure is in the vicinity of the Cricket Ground.

The alternative route is via Halstow Lane, Holywell Lane and Breach Lane.

THE STREET will be closed from Wednesday 2nd April 2014 for up to 2 days.

The closure is in the vicinity of Neptune Bungalow, to the north of the junction with Vicarage Lane.

The alternative route is via Sheerness Road, Basser Hill, High Oak Hill, Wardwell Lane and Vicarage Lane.

Due to the nature of the works, it is unlikely that roads can be re-opened outside working hours.

The closures are to enable Kent County Council to carry out works to install village gateways.

These works are weather dependent, and if adverse conditions prevent them going ahead on the planned dates, revised dates will be notified locally and signposted on site.

The Kent County Council Highway Helpline phone number is 03000 418181

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.ukspace
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Phil Cooper 1944 - 2014

It is with great sadness that Gloria Cooper would like to inform the village of the death of her husband Philip Cooper.

On Sunday the 16th of March Phil was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident and would have been 70 in May of this year.

Many will remember Phil, Gloria and their sons Nicholas and Paul from their years living at No 3 The Poles.

Upchurch Matters.

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News from Upchurch Twinning Group

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

Do visit: www.ferques.fr for interesting stuff as well! 

Committee – desperately  needs more members.  This is now a matter of some urgency as, without new people to replace those of us who are stepping down at the AGM, the committee will cease to function. Please come to our AGM or contact us beforehand to help us here. We will need a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and ideally a few others to bring our group up to strength. Do ask us about our committee’s work if you are unsure of anything.

The two villages will always be twinned because of our signed Charters, but without a committee there cannot be events or excursions organised.

Your Twinning Group needs you!

 Annual General Meeting – our AGM has been fixed for Thursday 19^th June 2014 at 7:30pm in Holywell School Hall. Refreshments will be available after the meeting.

Bastille Day Fair in Ferques – Always on 14^th July, this year it is a Monday. Ferques always has a street fair. Makes a good day out!

Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420

Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780 or Email: suerossiter@waitrose.com 

Sue Rossiter

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Promise Auction at the Grand Village Fete - Update

St. Mary the Virgin, Upchurch

Promise Auction

at the

Grand Village Fete

on 28th June 2014

We have received a steady flow of Promises but we still have room for more.

Do you have something to offer?

If so

Please contact either

Brenda Kemsley on: 01634 231585 or

Email: brenda_ann@btinternet.com

or

Elizabeth Shorthouse on: 01634 364676 or

Email: elizabeth.shorthouse@tesco.net

There will be a website set up to take ‘Bids’ from the 1^st June 2014
Until 12 noon 28^th June 2014.

Brenda Kemsley

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