A burglary in your own home is an upsetting experience that can affect you and your family long after the clear up and the insurance paperwork is complete.
Don’t let a burglar in
This autumn, Kent Police is working with Surrey, Sussex and Thames Valley Police reminding residents how they can help protect themselves from becoming a victim.
The majority of burglars are opportunistic; they will look for properties where they think they can enter unobserved and ‘work’ undisturbed.
While you're at work... so are they
From experience we know that most burglaries happen during daylight hours so while you're at work, so are they. Offences peak after 11am so it's important to make sure the measures taken at night are also taken before you leave home in the morning.
Three simple actions can help deter these types of criminals… Light it, Lock it, List it.
Burglars mess with your head - watch this
(Apologies as the video will not be available in the Email version of this Post)
Light it
Make your house look occupied – even when it isn’t
• Use an automatic timer switch to turn interior lights and a radio on and off • Light dark or hidden entrances using low wattage timed security lighting
Find out more - watch video online
Watch this video to show what a difference lighting your property can make -> 'Light it' video
Lock it
• Double-lock uPVC doors and close windows • Keep side gates locked - burglars often break into homes from the garden where they have less chance of being seen • If bins are emptied before you leave for work return them to your garden - they can be used as climbing aids if left on display • Instead use bins in side entrances as obstructions • Trim high hedging/plant growth - they could provide cover for a burglar • Secure your shed - tools that are easily accessible can be used to break in to your home • If you get the train or bus ensure you car is locked, windows are closed and keys are not left on display through windows
List it
All valuables items should be registered for free on www.immobilise.com - logging details helps us return them to you if we find or seize them. These include:
•Expensive jewellery and antiques
•Bicycles • Laptop, desktop computers and tablets • Mobile phones and MP3 players • Home entertainment systems including TVs and games consoles
We now release images of all the recovered and seized items we have. If you've been a victim of burglary and have yet to receive your items back take a look to see if you recognise any. Each image has a reference number and number to call for more information.
XY/037522/14: at midday on Wednesday 23rd of October A yellow towable petrol powered hydraulic log splitter was stolen by unknown persons driving a green van in Ham Green Upchurch.
XY/037961/14: Between 26th and 27th of October headlights were stolen from a vehicle in The Street Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the Crime Number.
Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.
The Ferques/Upchurch Twinning Group are pleased to announce the annual Quiz night will take place in Holywell School on Saturday the 7th February, 2015 at 7:30pm.
The regular quiz-master and helpers are guaranteed to make this an exciting and fun packed evening with lots of prizes to be won.
The Quiz Night is always a popular evening so don't forget to book your table to avoid disappointment.
As before, all the proceeds go towards sending our village school children to France for a day to mix with French children in their school.
It is generally agreed that this years school visit was a huge success so let's do it again.
Watch this space for table prices. Just bring your own nibbles and general refreshments.
You can read more about Upchurch Twinning Group at the link: here Mike Johnson, Chairman: 01634 234226 Email: mikeinupchurch@gmail.com
Ideas Test has been out and about over the last few months promoting their Six Ways to Wellbeing Swale project. They’re offering an exciting programme of workshops for young people 13-19 (25 SEN) in Swale aiming to improve their sense of wellbeing through film, dance, drama, writing and creative technology. Working with some of the most exciting arts organisations in Kent and beyond, it’s a great range of opportunities – have a look at the list below for details.
A crowd-sourced ‘wellbeing poem’ has been launched with Dan Simpson, who’s one of the workshop leaders. Get involved on Twitter with: #wellbeingpoem or Email: hello@dansimpsonpoet.co.uk The result will be broadcast during a final performance at The Avenue Theatre in Sittingbourne on December 6, which will showcase what participants have done during this project.
• Join Codasign to make an interactive phone cover which lights up when your phone rings or to create an interactive installation.
• Explore elements of dance and develop your dance and physical theatre skills with The Jasmin Vardimon Company.
• The Rochester LitFest offers you the chance to have fun with poetry and spoken word - writing and performing - and learn about digital storytelling using social media.
• Want to write, direct, act or design a TV series? These fun, exciting and hands on sessions with Viola Films will give you the chance to learn some basic film making skills and create a new Six Part Webseries.
• Your ideas performed from scratch – Wide Eyed Theatre will help you create a story of people, place and events that make you happy!
To find out more about each workshop, visit the Six Ways To Wellbeing link under the ‘Events at a glance’ on the Ideas Test home page: www.ideastest.co.uk Email: Cassy@creativepeopleplace.info or call: 07713 865955.
The Six Ways to Wellbeing are:
• Connect – with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours
• Be active – walk, run, garden, dance
• Take notice – be curious, reflect on experiences
• Keep learning – try something new
• Give – doing something for others
• Grow your world – planet care for its sustainability
Dianne passed away peacefully at home on the 5th October.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Gerry and her daughters Alison & Sarah who have already been overwhelmed with the amount of cards, love and care shown to them on her behalf.
If anyone would like to join them in saying goodbye and celebrating her life details of arrangements and how to donate to Brain Tumour Research in her name can be found at:
The Parish Council met on Thursday 2ndOctober at the Village Hall where 5 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.
Public Time – Horsham Lane – A resident asked if there was any response from Kent highways regarding the proposals for traffic calming. Cllr Arnold explained that he would follow this up with the Kent Highways Representative when he visits in November. The resident offered to attend this. It was explained that a working group would be needed to progress this further. Home to School Bus Transport – A resident asked member’s advice for improving the bus service from the village to secondary schools in Rainham. It was suggested that residents could contact Chalkwell Bus Service and Kent County Council Transport Integration.
Correspondence –Christmas Tree Festival at St Marys Church – It was explained that this fundraising event was being organised again in aid of a charity fighting against Leukaemia. Members agreed to take part and the Clerk will notify Jill Rothery.
Planning - The following applications were considered:14/502710/PNJCLA Crescent House, Gills Terrace, Otterham Quay Lane – Change of use of offices (B1) to residential 9C3 – The Planning Review Team will look into this and if necessary, the Clerk will request copies of the plans.
14/500247/FULL Greenacres, Holywell Lane – Retention of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes, one day room, one utility room and four touring caravans – The Planning Review Team had submitted an additional comment strongly objecting to this site. Cllr Lewin had advised the Council that few, if any comments had been received by Swale BC which was surprising considering the angst expressed by so many residents to gypsies & travellers in the Parish. It was suggested to remind residents that they can search for and comment on planning applications via the website: http://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/
14/500684/FULL 18 Wallbridge Lane – Erection of 2 dwellings and garages to the side garden- The Planning Review Team had submitted an additional comment requesting consideration be given to the parking arrangements for these 2 houses to ensure that residents do not leave their cars on the road.
14/500947/FULL 17 The Poles – Proposed fence, 2m in height – An email had been received from the applicants asking members to reconsider their objections. It was commented that although the fence was tall, members did not object. It was agreed to submit an additional comment explaining that members withdrew their objections but neighbours views should be given serious consideration.
14/502297/PNEXT 36 Chaffes Lane – Prior notification for a proposed single storey rear extension which: a) extends by 7.2 metres beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling b) Has a maximum height of 4.0 metres from the natural ground level c) Has a height of 2.4 metres at the eaves from the natural ground level – The Planning Review Team will review this.
APP/V22255/A/14/2224462 Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site 91 no.mobile home, 2 no.touring caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking bays.An appeal had been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and would be determined on the basis of an Informal Hearing. Cllr Tucker will review the comments reported at the Planning Committee meeting held at Swale House and forward a response to the Clerk.
Other Planning matters - Land in Medway east of Otterham Quay Lane – Members discussed an outline application for up to 300 new dwellings. The Clerk will contact Medway Council asking to be notified of this planning application when it is submitted due to its proximity to the Parish. Kent Minerals & Waste Local Plan (MWLP) 2013-30 Notification of Publication – Cllr Masson had reviewed this document and commented that it was the first stage of a long process. Before any application for a mineral abstraction or landfill licence was to be granted, all concerns would have to be covered before permission was given. Cllr Lewin had advised the Council that a public meeting was taking place in Hartlip Village Hall to discuss the brick earth removal application. It was also discussed when he attended Newington Parish Council meeting and there were talk of the parishes working co-operatively to fight this, particularly Bobbing, Hartlip and Newington. Members agreed to join in this co-operation and Cllr Tucker will inform the Chairman of Hartlip Parish Council. Cllr Masson offered to be the contact for this.
Administration–Casual vacancy for Councillor – The Clerk advised that the “Notice of Vacancy” had been advertised and the Council was now able to fill the vacancy by co-opting a person onto the Parish Council. It was agreed that the Clerk should advertise this vacancy and will forward the advert to the Chair for approval. Members discussed preparing for the Elections in 2015 and ways they could encourage residents to stand for election. It was agreed that that the Council would promote the Election in the Parish. Cllr Tucker will document the process and present some ideas to the GPC.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Review allotment rent – It was agreed to increase the rent due on 1st April 2015 by £2.00 per full plot.
Paddock –Fitness equipment – Cllr Arnold advised that the climbing frame had been fixed with the assistance of Cllr Masson. Vehicular entrance gate – Cllr Arnold and Cllr Masson reported that there were issues with this gate and were looking into ways of addressing this.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Community Payback – The Clerk reported that she had met Gary Foster from Kent Probation Service (KPS) to discuss the Burial Ground/Churchyard Project. Although the KPS were very positive about the Community Payback team being able to help with this project, there was an issue with disposing of the rubbish and waste vegetation from the site. Mr Foster explained that KPS would not be able to take away and dispose of this. Members raised concerns and discussed various options. KPS had suggested disposing of the rubbish via a bonfire but members did not feel this would be appropriate. It was agreed to discuss this further at the next GPC meeting and the Clerk would contact Swale BC in the meantime to see if they could assist the Council in any way. Wobbly Headstones – The Clerk had given Cllr Rose notices to place on wobbly headstones identified in the risk assessment.
Highways - Street lights – Cllr Arnold reported that at least 3 lights needed attention, therefore he would report these to the Contractor. He explained that Highways had contacted the Vicarage regarding overgrown vegetation covering the streetlight in Bradshaw Close. This light was by the footpath to Oak Lane. Unfortunately no action had taken place yet to remove this vegetation. The Clerk will contact St. Mary's Churchwardens to request their assistance in this matter. Proposed Loading Bay outside Co-Op Store – The Clerk will contact the Co-Op Risk Manager to find out if there is any update on this proposal.
Next meetings – 6th November (Village Hall) and 4th December (Holywell School) starting at 7:30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road.
Our membership has now reached 150, so up to our limit. However, if you do know of someone who is interested in joining encourage them to put their names on our waiting list. It is not very long and our next membership year is not far off.
September saw us on a very pleasant afternoon trip to the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham with tea, and something stronger if you wished. We have lots more trips planned, so all the more reason to be at our Coffee Mornings and meetings and get your name down before all the places are taken up.
Our next events are: -
Monthly Meetings (2nd Friday of the month)
(Members Free; Guests £2.00)
*
Friday 14th November 2014 - 2:00pm
Coffee Mornings (4th Tuesday of the month)
(Members £1.50; Guests £2.00)
*
Tuesday 28th October 2014 - 09:30am until 12:30pm
*
Tuesday 25th November 2014 - 09:30am until 12:30pm
Village Walks (Every other Friday)
*
Friday 10th October 2014 - 10:00am
*
Friday 24th October 2014 - 10:00am
Outings
*
Thursday 16th October 2014
Criterion Music Hall, Blue town, Sheerness
*
Saturday 8th November 2014 Greyhound Racing Sittingbourne
Swale Borough Council have produced this document 'Becoming a Councillor'. The guide is intended to provide information for prospective candidates on how to stand as a 'Borough Councillor' in the local Borough Elections in May 2015.
Their Guide (in PDF format) can be read and downloaded at the link below:
Join us for a wide range of crafts, gifts and home baking, including jewellery, needlework, fountain pens, cards, calendars, local honey and woodwork. Refreshments available. Also the Winter Tea Room aboard the 'Edith May' Thames Sailing barge is open 10am to 4pm.
Liz Mouland Friends of St. Margaret's, Lower Halstow
Top: Children singing with Marian. Centre: Children all gathered together in Elinghen Village Hall. Bottom: Children, grouped together and mixed up (English/French/Boys and Girls) all doing prepared activities around the table.
As you may already be aware, we had a highly successful day in Elinghen with the children from Ferques; both these villages belong to the same commune and share resources.
It was a varied day and included quite serious desk-bound activities to encourage communication, general running around and "letting off steam", a sing-song with Marian Bohling who is a bi-lingual resident of Ferques followed by an introduction to cardiogoal, a new sport that is rapidly gaining popularity with the youngsters. Altogether a highly educational day for all the children which we hope to repeat next year, sufficient funds permitting. You can read more about Upchurch Twinning Group at the link: here Mike Johnson, Chairman: 01634 234226 Email: mikeinupchurch@gmail.com space
Children from Pioneer and Challenger classes (years 5 & 6) left Holywell school early this morning for a day trip to our twinned French village of Ferques, courtesy of Upchurch Twinning Group.
A write-up of the days activities hopefully to follow soon.
Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers pictured here with the whole school also served as a constable during World War One.
The main news of the month concerned two missing Upchurch men who had joined up to fight in the war. A piece in the Upchurch village magazine dated October 1914 read:
‘Whilst we naturally fear the worst, we feel that men who die like this, die a glorious death. They die that we may live in safety. Therefore, toll for the brave.’
The first of these named Henry Mason had served as Chief Stoker aboard H.M.S Hogue and died aged 41 when his vessel was sunk by a German torpedo on September 22nd, 1914. Born in Horton, Buckinghamshire, he worked as a packer before the war. He is remembered on the Chatham Memorial. The second fatality, Ernie Carter, who served as a Private in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, also died on September 22nd, 1914 when his ship H.M.S Aboukir was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat in the North Sea. Born in Rainham, he is remembered on the Chatham, Rainham and Upchurch War Memorials.
Ernie Carter is commemorated on a plaque inside St. Mary's Church, Upchurch.
The village magazine reported that Albert Crowhurst and Fred Anderson had joined up and had both quickly become corporals in the army. The magazine also had a hint of optimism about the war with a piece that read: ‘No one knew what war really meant; now we know, and the knowledge brings with it the determination to fight on till we can gain an honourable and lasting peace.’
Every day the tenor bell in the church rang out a message of intercession to signal people to break off from their daily activities to remember and pray for those fighting in the war. In later years it also rang out when news of fatalities was received.
With security in the village a priority a force of 22 special constables patrolled the village to protect property and to be alert for possible German spies. The force included Percy Betts, Stuart Mercer, Fred Blewitt and Wilfred Baker who all later died in the war after joining up. Alf Giles, George Whitnell, Edward Crowhurst, George Richens, Charles Witherden, Cecil Bishop, William Ball, Tom Wraight and Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers also served as constables. All these men had to take an oath before beginning their duties.
While men from the village fought in the war villagers collected money for the Soldiers and Sailors Families Association while children at Holywell School brought donations for the Belgian Refugees Fund. By the end of October they had raised 15/1d. An entry in the school diary by Mr Maltravers dated October 21st 1914 stated that the pupils were being given special lessons about the war.
At a meeting in the school room the Parochial Working Party discussed fund raising on behalf of soldiers, sailors and the Belgians. They agreed to meet in the Church Institute every Wednesday afternoon at 2-30 and in the evening at 6 0’ clock. At the first meeting Mrs Champion handed over 13/- profit which had been made previously. Upchurch Parish Council met on Monday October 26th and those attending included chairman Len Harvey, Charles Bishop, Bill Hales, James Holloway and Bill Wickenden. They mainly discussed a letter received from Milton Rural District Council with regard to the election of a County War Relief Representative and the provision of a urinal on the allotments which they unanimously agreed upon.
The Harvest Festival held on October 16th became the main social event of the month. Sermons in the church were given by Reverend J A Finch from Bredhurst and by Upchurch lay readers Mr James Holloway from Ham Green and Mr George Marsh from Forge Lane. A range of of fruit and vegetables were put on display in the church which included top class fruit from James Holloway and Wakeley Brothers. Flowers, vegetables and 70 pounds of jam were also on display. Collections at the church amounted to £4/9/0d, later distributed to St Bart’s Hospital and to the Belgians.
David Wood.
The bellringers had a shortage of ringers in October as Mr Jarrett had joined up and gone away to fight in the war while Mr Hyland from Wetham Green who had previously played a big part in the organisation could not continue. The group received a boost when Mr Marsh from Forge Lane joined as a new bellringer. The organisation held a supper at the end of the month at which Mr Maltravers, the headmaster of Holywell School, played the National Anthem of each of the allied nations to conclude the evening.
As October came to an end people continued their daily lives in the village but had come to realise that the war would last much longer than most had originally anticipated and prepared themselves for more casualties amongst those men from Upchurch who had joined up to fight for King and Country.
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 + £3.50 postage and packing.
Laura and I have finished counting and had a quick check on our text to donate page and the total so far from 2.5 hours of cake eating and tea drinking on Friday is......
£1,080!
What a fantastic effort by all of you! Thank you all so much for all of your help and support. We couldn't have done it without you.
To everybody who came early on Friday to help set up, those who stayed late to help us tidy up the mess, and everyone who donated raffle prizes, sold raffle tickets (bought raffle tickets!) made cakes and came along to join us for the morning - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Macmillan have been in touch and were really pleased with the event and loved the liveliness and community spirit of the whole morning which is fantastic news.
We are so happy that people from Upchurch came along and supported us. It really did mean a lot.
