Rob Croome
Chairman - Upchurch Colts FC
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Monday 23 November 2015
Thursday 19 November 2015
Laptop Stolen - Upchurch Village Hall
Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Number: XY/040558/15
Between Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th of November a Laptop was stolen from Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Wednesday 18 November 2015
Temporary Daytime Road Closure - Horsham Lane
It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane, Upchurch from Saturday the 12th of December 2015 for an estimated period of up to 1 day, between 8:00am and approximately 4:00pm.
Horsham Lane will be closed between the junctions with Wallbridge Lane and Woodruff Close.
Access remains from either direction up to where the road is closed, but there will be no through access during the works.
The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 London Road, Oak Lane and Horsham Hill.
The closure is to enable safe access to overhead phone cables for repairs to restore services being carried out by Openreach.
The duration of works is advisory, and it is possible works may over-run due to such factors as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.
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Click Map to Enlarge. |
Phil Lightman
Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent
Highways, Transportation & Waste Kent County Council
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Tuesday 17 November 2015
Road Closure - Holywell Lane
Holywell Lane, Upchurch will be closed to through traffic, on or after Wednesday the 2nd of December 2015 for up to 3 days.
The road will be closed for its entire length.
The alternative route is via The Street and Breach Lane.
The closure is necessary to enable urgent carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
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Click Map to Enlarge. |
Kent County Council - East Kent Roadworks Team
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Monday 16 November 2015
Attempted Burglary - Ham Green
Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Number: XY/040207/15
Between 8:00am and 10:00am on Sunday the 15th of November there was an attempted burglary at Orchard Close, Ham Green, Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal - 2015
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3,000 for the first time. Of this amount £733 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £260. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by fourteen residents and eight Scouts.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by the Reverend Julian Staniforth aided by the Reverend Mark Ham. Wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel on behalf of the Church, The Mayor of Swale, Upchurch Parish Council, the Upchurch Scouting movement and Upchurch Brownies. Following the laying of wreaths the Last Post was played and a two minute silence was observed. After the service in the church Reverend Staniforth led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the warm autumnal weather to the burial ground where wooden remembrance crosses were laid at the five War Graves Commission headstones.
This year we remained mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in World War I and in subsequent conflicts to the present time.
On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.
Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser
Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
Friday 13 November 2015
Thursday 12 November 2015
Holywell School Presents the Last Night of the Proms - Open Air Classical Music from the Kent Concert Orchestra
Holywell School will be staging an Open Air Classical Concert on the School Playing Field, between 7:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday the 11th of June 2016.
The Kent Concert Orchestra will be performing music from the Last Night of the Proms to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official 90th Birthday Weekend.
Please bring your own Refreshments, Picnics and Chairs.
Look out for further details and ticket prices to follow in early January, if not before.
Ray Kemsley
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Wednesday 11 November 2015
Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2015
Minutes
of the meeting held on 1st October 2015 – It was
proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a
true record. All agreed.
Public
Time– Planning – 2 Horsham Lane - A
resident enquired whether the planning application for four 4 bedroom houses
had been accepted for 2 Horsham Lane and whether Swale Planning had considered
the impact that the extra cars would have on parking in the area around the
development. Cllr Lewin reported that the planning application had been
accepted and that as there was no objection from KCC the plans must have
conformed to their parking standards. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had
raised concerns regarding the parking situation. Brent
Orchard, Halstow Lane - A resident asked whether the Council had received
notification of a change of use from agricultural to residential. Cllr Tucker
reported that the Council had not yet received the paperwork but would review
the application when received. Jubilee Fields – A resident asked whether
the Council had any update on this application. Cllr Tucker reported that a lot
of testing had been taking place on the ground in the proposed area. Cllr Lewin
reported that a date had not yet been set for the application to be discussed
by the Swale Planning committee. Paddock Play Area – Several residents
enquired as to why the play equipment had been removed and whether it would be
replaced. Cllr Tucker reported that due to the play area equipment failing the
recent safety report and therefore making the area uninsurable the Council had
no choice regarding the removal of the equipment. The Council are looking to
get residents opinions on how to progress with this area as any improvements
will have an impact on the precept. It is the intention that the project be
discussed at the Parish Meeting next year to enable residents to give their
views and ideas and form part of a play area sub-committee. Bus Timetable - Ward
Cllr Wright reported that himself and Ward Cllr Baldock are still in
discussions regarding the reduced service on the 326/327 buses and possible
solutions to this. Defibrillator – A resident enquired as to where the
defibrillator has been sited. Cllr Arnold reported that the defibrillator is
fully functional and sited on the Chaffes Lane wall of Snaffles. Initially it
was thought that the machine could not be placed in direct sunlight but
following discussions with the manufacturers it is fine to remain where it is.
If the machine is needed then 999 should be dialled and the caller will be
given a code to open the casing and access the machine. The machine then
dictates how to proceed whilst a first responder will be despatched to the
site. Bus shelter – A resident asked whether the Council had considered
purchasing the bus shelter from a local joinery firm. Cllr Lewin reported that
the governing factor when purchasing the bus shelter is ensuring that it
conforms to the conservation order. The Council agreed that when the project
meets the stage of purchase, quotations will be requested from local firms.
Declarations of Interest – Cllr Tucker and Cllr Arnold disclosed
a non-pecuniary interest in the letter from the Fete committee.
Correspondence – Letter regarding parking in
Recreation Ground– The
Clerk had received a letter from a resident concerned about the parking in the
Recreation Ground around the Scout hut and the dangers posed to pedestrians.
The Clerk had liaised with the leaders of the Scouts, Guides and Brownies and
requested that they speak with the parents regarding possible dangers at these
times. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Cllr Tucker reported that Kent
Association of Local Councils are running the community awards scheme again
next year. It was agreed that the Council would put someone forward for this
and any nominations should be forwarded to the Clerk. Fete – The Clerk
reported that she had received a request from the Fete committee for the use of
the Paddock and Recreation Ground on 18th June 2016. Permission was
granted.
Planning –15/502716/FULL – Ridgedale Riding
School, Halstow Lane – The
Council have objected to this application on the basis that there are already a
substantial amount of traveller sites in and around the village. Further
comments are to be submitted with regards to the fact that the proposed site is
a known flood plain and that the applicant has not shown sufficient evidence
that they are of nomadic habit. 15/507923/FULL – 63 Chaffes Lane – The
Council could see no reason to object to this application provided that any
neighbour’s comments were taken into consideration. 15/508572/FULL – 17
Horsham Lane – The Council had only received the full paperwork for this
application on the day of the meeting, therefore any comments will be submitted
to planning once the paperwork has been reviewed. APP/V2255/D/15/3133082 –
61 Horsham Lane – The Clerk has liaised with the applicant regarding
initial concerns the Council had regarding the amount of dormer windows in the
application. Following this discussion it was confirmed that the application
was in keeping with surrounding properties and the Clerk advised Swale Planning
that the Council had no objections. 14/506519/FULL – Kent Terrace – Cllr
Lewin reported that permission was granted for this application at the Swale
planning meeting although the Council had raised concerns regarding the highway
issues and the possible effects of the ground work on the existing Victorian
terrace houses. The application was approved on the basis that a green space
provision towards off-site play facilities be provided to the sum of £11203.40.
The Clerk will contact the developers regarding this. 15/503300/FULL – 2
Horsham Lane – This application was accepted at the Swale Planning meeting
with the agreement that the exterior finish would be facing brick rather than
barge boarding.
Finance – Annual Audit - The Clerk reported that the external
audit had been completed successfully. Finance
meeting update – The Clerk reported the outcome of the recent finance
meeting and it was agreed that the Council should endeavour to work with the
residents to ascertain which projects should take priority over the coming
years. It was agreed that over and above the regular responsibilities, the
Council will make additional provision for the Bus Shelter, a survey of trees
under the Council’s responsibility to assist with future budgeting, funds to
potentially engage contractors to assist with tidying the environment and
regeneration of the old play area – dependent on longer term plans. Potential
projects are the Village Hall and the replacement of the play area. As the
potential projects will impact the precept, it was agreed that next year’s
Parish Meeting would provide a good forum for discussion in order to gauge resident’s
views.
General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting
held on 21st October had been circulated. All agreed that these were
a true record of the meeting.
Casual Vacancy – The Clerk reported that a notice had
been placed in the noticeboards advising that the Council currently have three
casual vacancies. Councillors have begun to distribute leaflets throughout the
village.
Review of Standing Orders and
Financial Regulations – It
was agreed that Cllr Tucker would review these by May 2016.
Paddock – Cllr Arnold had provided the Clerk
with quotations for a replacement gate in the Paddock. These will be reviewed
at the next General Purposes Committee meeting.
Bus Shelter – The Clerk reported that she had
received confirmation from Swale Planning that planning permission is not
required for the Bus Shelter, however the proposed site is owned by KCC and
therefore the Clerk will need to obtain permission form them.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree overhanging the Crown Pub - The Clerk reported
that she has a meeting with the Conservation Officer regarding the tree
overhanging the Crown Pub on 6th November 2015. Ashes Plots in
Churchyard – Cllr Denny reported that she and the Clerk have a meeting on
20th November 2015 with the Churchwardens regarding the proposal for
ashes plots to be placed in the Churchyard.
Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are
currently two faulty street lights in the village. Cllr Tucker advised that any
pot holes should be reported directly to the KCC website or to the Clerk who
will report them to KCC.
Other Matters not yet arising – Remembrance Sunday
Service – This
will take place in St Mary’s Church on 8th November at 10.15am. Cllr
Lewin reported that the wreath will be laid by Royal Engineer Robert White.
Please
note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish
Council website.
The
next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 3rd December at
7.30pm in the Village Hall. A private session will take place before the
meeting at 7.15pm which the public are not able to attend.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Rivers Restaurant Christmas Party Nights 2015 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Poolside Bar Christmas & New Year Opening Hours 2015 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Monday 9 November 2015
Upchurch Rainbow Café
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Please save the jpg above to your computer then print it out. |
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Friday 6 November 2015
Thursday 5 November 2015
An Upchurch Soldier’s Experiences in World War One 1914 - 1918 by David Wood
Charles Seamer who was born into a big family of six brothers and four sisters in 1893 lived in Shoregate Lane at Ham Green. He left Holywell School with high hopes that he would get a job but after short term seasonal work on local farms he decided that he would have to look farther afield for long term employment so he joined the army in 1909.
After walking to Canterbury Charles enlisted in the Royal East Kent Regiment later known as ‘The Buffs’ and underwent basic training which prepared him for his first posting.
Travelling on the troop ship ‘Plassy’ he travelled to India where he stayed until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. At this point his battalion was recalled from India and sent to Kilbride Camp near Dublin in Ireland. While serving there Charles met his future wife Katherine who moved to England with him.
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The Second Battle of Ypres by Richard Jack. |
Although not fully recovered from gassing Charles volunteered to return to duty and was soon back in action. Having been made a machine gunner in the machine gun section of The Buffs and sent back to the Western Front, he got badly wounded in the arm by shrapnel from an exploding shell while in action and was knocked unconscious. When he awoke in a German military hospital he realized that he had been taken prisoner. A German surgeon tried to save his arm but failed so Charles had to remain in the Prisoner of War Camp until he was finally released as a wounded combatant and sent back to England.
Although he suffered the loss of his left arm Charles was luckier than other family members as William and Edward Seamer both lost their lives during the conflict. Edward died when his ship ‘HMS Turbulent’ was rammed and sunk at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 while William died when his tug ‘HM Desire’ was sunk by a German U-boat off the Yorkshire coast in 1918. After getting an artificial arm fitted at the artificial limb centre in Roehampton Charles underwent training as a radio technician for the last part of the war. After this he returned to Upchurch and worked at Chatham Dockyard then became a railway signalman until he finally retired during the 1950s.
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.
David Wood
Monday 2 November 2015
Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - September 2015
| August 2015 | September 2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| All crime | 34 | 28 |
| Anti-social behaviour | 9 | 8 |
| Bicycle theft | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 4 |
| Criminal damage and arson | 5 | 5 |
| Drugs | 0 | 0 |
| Other crime | 0 | 0 |
| Other theft | 3 | 1 |
| Possession of weapons | 0 | 0 |
| Public order | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 1 | 0 |
| Theft from the person | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle crime | 2 | 4 |
| Violence and sexual offences | 5 | 6 |
Upchurch Matters
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Friday 30 October 2015
Parents & Friends of Holywell School - Family Bingo Night
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Thursday 29 October 2015
Darby and Joan Christmas Bazaar 2015
Upchurch Darby and Joan are holding their Christmas Bazaar
on Wednesday the 18th of November at Upchurch Village Hall.
Open to all ages with FREE ENTRY it starts at 10:00am until 12:00pm.
There will be the usual Raffles and other Attractions with Homemade Cakes, Tea and Bric a Brac.
Funds raised will go towards the members Christmas Dinner.
All are welcome - Please come along and support this event.
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Tuesday 27 October 2015
Upchurch Colts FC - Latest Fixtures
7-11-15
UNDER 8s BLUES
AWAY VS ROCHESTER ATHLETIC FC + KINGS HILL RANGERS
UNDER 8s COLTS
HOME VS CHATHAM TOWN FC + CASTLE COLTS FC
UNDER 9s
AWAY VS SITTINGBOURNE LIONS REDS FC
14-11-15
UNDER 9s
HOME VS AYLESFORD COLTS FC
21-11-15
UNDER 9s
HOME VS COXHEATH & FARLEIGH FC
28-11-15
UNDER 9s
AWAY VS TUNBRIDGE WELLS RIDGEWAY ALBION FC
The under 8s are trying to get some friendlies for the dates that they are not playing and I will inform you as soon as we have some.
Rob Croome
Chairman - Upchurch Colts FC
Tel: 07909 688456 or Email: robcroome@sky.com
Website: www.upchurchcoltsfc.co.uk
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Sunday 25 October 2015
The Choir of St. Mary’s 1992 by Bryan Veale
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The picture shows the choir ready robed at the Cathedral, and the choristers who were presented with their awards during the Festival service by the Bishop of Dover. |
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L to R Helen Stewart (Senior Bishop Award): Kerry Apps (Dean’s Award}: Amy Morton (Dean’s): Jennifer Pocock (Bishop’s Award): Helen Rossiter (Bishop’s): Lisa Tutill (Dean’s}. The choir had for many years maintained a high standard in it’s music, which was clearly acknowledged by the RSCM. |
Choristers were coached by Susan Rossiter the church organist for musical performance and knowledge, and by Sandy and Alan Wakely and Rev. John Lefroy for Religious Knowledge. The choir’s Musical Director, Bryan Veale selected choristers and monitored progress.
All six passed in their various levels with flying colours, and shortly afterwards following a visit from the Secretary of the RSCM to our morning service, the Choir was advised that it had been selected as the processional choir at the forthcoming Choirs Festival in Canterbury Cathedral, a singular great honour in those days for a village choir to be selected, as normally this was an honour reserved for the large town parish churches.
Bryan Veale
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New Play Equipment For The Paddock - Please Vote in the Parish Council Poll
The removal of this equipment will take place on 29th October 2015. The Council are keen to obtain the opinions of residents with regards to replacing this equipment and would be grateful if you could vote in this short 1 question Poll at the link below.
☞ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOTE ☜
Thank you.
Julia Cura - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01634 363906
Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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Newington History Group - History Group's Heaven Scent
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Hamamelis Virginiana. |
Being the home to one of the three National Plant Collections of hamamelis, or witch hazels, is one of Newington's more unusual and lesser known attractions.
The Witch Hazel Nursery in the village's Callaways Lane has more than 500 plants. Flowering in winter in shades ranging from pale yellow to deep red, their spicy scent is described as 'heavenly'.
Newington History Group provides an opportunity to learn much more about the plants and the national collection at its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 12, when the nursery's Chris Lane will be attending.
The group meets at the Methodist Hall in Church Lane at 7.30pm and is open to all. Admission is £3 for guests.
The nursery's collection can be viewed on designated open days. For more information visit www.witchhazelnursery.com
The other national collections are in Romsey, Hampshire, and Albrighton in the West Midlands.
For more information about NHG and for membership details contact 01795 842711 or thelma@newingtonhistoryco.uk
Richard Thompstone
Newington History Group
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Friday 23 October 2015
Bogus Callers and Rouge Traders Operating in Swale
Kent Police have reported recent increases in burglary as a result of Bogus Callers within the borough. Bogus callers turn up unannounced at people’s homes and may try to trick their way into homes to steal valuables or money. They may operates alone or in pairs and pretend to be from the local council or work for a utility company as examples.
The easiest way to tackle them is to not open your door if you are concerned about who is calling.
The easiest way to tackle them is to not open your door if you are concerned about who is calling.
Steph Curtis (Safer and Stronger Communities Officer)
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Wednesday 21 October 2015
Upchurch Scout Group AGM
This years Scout Group AGM takes place on Friday the 23rd of October at 7:00pm in Drakes Lodge Scout Hut.
Please come along and support your young people and their leaders in this annual event.
Find out what our sections have been up to and how Upchurch Scout Group is doing as a whole.
Cubs, Scouts and Beavers will be presented with their badges on the evening as well.
Thank you for your time in advance
Darren Hatcher GSL - Upchurch Scout Group
Tel: 01634 373313
Monday 19 October 2015
Ride on Mower Stolen - Oak Lane
Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Number: XY/036326/15
Between the 16th and 17th of October, a Mountfield Ride on Mower was stolen from a domestic garage in Hales Field, The Stables, Oak Lane, Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Saturday 17 October 2015
Upchurch Christmas Nativity Circa 1951 / 1952 - Can You Help Name The Performers?
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This Nativity scene was performed in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Upchurch around 1951 / 1952. |
The part of Mary was played by Evelyn Champion (Veale) with Edward Neame the Village Postmaster playing Joseph. Peter Porter front left is playing the part of one of the Sages.
Some help in naming the other performers would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Bryan Veale
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