Neighbourhood Watch - Get Together with your Neighbours and Help Cut Crime

Neighbourhood Watch (NhW) is a way in which communities help themselves to stay safe. Groups of local volunteers work in partnership with the Police and the local council to;

• Distribute advice on security and safety

• Help to make sure elderly or vulnerable residents aren't targets for criminals
• Gather information to help police tackle local problems
• Alert residents when there is a particular crime problem in the area

Get Involved

To find out more contact your local liaison officer who will advise whether a scheme already exists or help you start a new one;

East Division - Alex Harrington: 01303 289083

West Division - Sophie Thring: 01622 604395
North Division - John Haddaway: 01634 792131

NhW Websites

Canterbury and District Neighbourhood Watch Association
Maidstone and District Neighbourhood Watch Association
Medway Neighbourhood Watch Association
West Kent Neighbourhood Watch Association

Country Eye

Country Eye is a partnership between the rural community, Kent Police and Neighbourhood Watch. The aim is to help reduce crime and the fear of crime by involving the community and protecting those who are most vulnerable. Membership is open to individuals, businesses or community organisations. Country Eye is administered locally across North, West and East Kent by the Volunteer Watch Liaison Officers (VWLO).

Joint Working

The Police cannot work in isolation. Country Eye promotes the sharing of information and the gathering of crime-related intelligence with key partners. These include:

• Landowners and parish councils
• Libraries and schools• River and waterway organisations
• Horse watch and wildlife organisations
• Post offices, local businesses and rural churches

PCSO John Cork

Tel: 07772 226217

Email: john.cork@kent.pnn.police.uk

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - January 2016

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 7th January at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 11 members of the public including Kent County Cllr Baldock and Ward Cllr John Wright. 

Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd December 2015 – Amendments were made, which can be seen on the full minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Masson and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time – Recreation Ground Parking - A resident raised concerns regarding unauthorised vehicles being left in the Recreation Ground, he advised that some had been there for a number of weeks. Cllr Tucker reported that the Clerk has contacted everyone that currently has permission to park there, in order to try and address the situation. Cllr Tucker reported that the issue of the gate being left open requires addressing and a new padlock needs to be purchased as a matter of priority. It was agreed in the meeting that the Clerk should speak again with the PCSO to discuss the unauthorised vehicles and it was agreed that she would place signs on the cars requesting their removal within 14 days. Beckenham Park planning application - The Chairman of the Residents Association of Beckenham Park reported that following a meeting with Haulfryn Ltd today, it had become apparent that modified plans had been submitted and asked if the Parish Council had received notification of this. Cllr Tucker reported that they had not. Cllr Lewin advised that the reason for the modified plans may be due to the original application being inadequate. Cllr Tucker reported that following the Residents Association’s meeting with Haulfryn in December the Council had submitted further objections to this application. It was agreed that the Residents Association and the Clerk would continue to liaise with regards to this application. Parking outside of Holywell Primary School – Ward Cllr Wright reported that he had been speaking to residents regarding the parking outside of the school and to parents regarding the safety issues involved. KC Cllr Baldock will be distributing KCC informative leaflets in the area. Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – Ward Cllr Wright reported that following a rise in crime in both Hartlip and Newington the areas had actively sought to strengthen their neighbourhood watch schemes and enquired whether Upchurch had an active scheme. Cllr Tucker reported that there had been several attempts to resurrect the scheme in the past years but this had unfortunately received little interest. Swale CCTV consultation – KC Cllr Baldock reported that Swale are starting a CCTV consultation. It was agreed that the Clerk would ask Upchurch Matters to publish a survey similar to the Play Area survey to ascertain public interest. Village Christmas tree –A resident thanked the Parish Council for the Christmas tree and provided the members with a report from Upchurch Matters showing the support for the tree. The members thanked resident Mr Robert Friend for his kind donation of the tree to the village. Forge Lane Flats – A resident reported that the rubbish has started to be removed from the flats. The Clerk reported that she is continuing to work with the Environmental Officer at Swale regarding this. Mill Farm – A resident raised concerns regarding the building work at Mill Farm. Cllr Lewin reported that Swale planning are carrying out further investigations having finally obtained the original plans.

Declarations of Interest – Cllr Lewin declared a Disclosable Non Pecuniary Interest in agenda item 6 (iii) – Draft Strategy and Charter for Planning Enforcement.

Correspondence – Lord Lieutenant of Kent annual Civic Service at Rochester Cathedral – It was agreed that Cllr Lewin and the Clerk would attend.

Planning – Land North of Moor Street – Cllr Tucker reported that the appeal is taking place on 23rd February and is expected to run for six days. The Clerk is awaiting confirmation of the venue for this appeal. Four Gun Field – Cllr Lewin reported that an amendment had been submitted for this application. Cllr Tucker reported that the amendment will be fully discussed at the GPC meeting on 20th January 2016 along with any other applications that are received and require comments before the next UPC meeting.

Finance – Agreement of Final Budget and Precept for 2016/17 – The Clerk provided the members with the forecast for 2016/17 and the draft budget preparation. A discussion took place regarding the current reserves held by the Council and this will be discussed further at a finance meeting to be arranged. The Clerk had provided the members with two precept budgets in order to make clear the difference in the precept when taking either £3990 or £5990 from reserves. It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Horton that the higher figure be taken from reserves in order to make the increase in the precept minimal. All agreed.

General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 15th December 2015 had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.

Defibrillator – The Clerk reported that the second defibrillator had been ordered and following a discussion it was agreed that a possible site would be around the Beckenham Park area.

Paddock – The Clerk reported that the gate had been ordered and she had received confirmation that installation would take place in the week commencing 8th February 2016.

Allotments – Cllr Masson will meet with Southern Water on 8th January 2016 in order for them to carry out an inspection.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – The Clerk reported that she had received permission from Swale planning for a crown lift to be carried out on the trees overhanging The Crown Pub. The Clerk is in the process of obtaining quotations for the work.

Clean for the Queen – In the run up to the Queen’s 90th birthday on 21st April 2016 a countrywide clean-up is taking place. The Clerk has registered the Council for this. Cllr Horton reported that Holywell Primary School have also registered and will be participating with litter picking. The Clerk will research the purchase of litter pickers, refuse sacks and high visibility vests. It was agreed that the Clerk will submit an article to both Upchurch Matters and Gabriel requesting volunteers for the clean-up.

Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are currently three faulty street lights in the village.

Other Matters not yet arising – Church Christmas tree Donation – The members thanked Cllr Denny and her husband for the donation of a Christmas tree to the Church on behalf of the Parish Council.

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 4th February 2016 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. 

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch at War in 1916 by David Wood

With the war in full swing money raising activities continued in Upchurch and news of fatalities arrived while fighting raged on the Western Front.

As fund raising for the war continued at Holywell School under the direction of headmaster Mr Maltravers, Alf Clark from Poot Lane started the Free Will Offering Memorial Fund for a war memorial to honour the fallen after the conflict had finished. By August 1916 £13/17/0d had been raised. Holywell School contributed to the fund by staging a fairy operetta called ‘Briar Rose’ in which 40 children participated. Later in the year £4 was raised for the Lord Kitchener Home for the Blinded and Disabled Soldiers and sailors. In December Young Patriots at Holywell School raised £11/1/6d for St Bart’s Hospital in Rochester and in May they raised £5. Throughout the year they raised money for other causes like HRH Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund for Soldiers and Sailors, the Belgian children and the YMCA hut scheme. In the period October 1915 to May 1916 the Young Patriots made a total of £17. 

The war remained firmly in people’s minds as news of fatalities arrived. On March 5th Henry Marsh of the Ist Canadian Pioneers from Rose Cottage in Forge Lane died of pneumonia in British Columbia in Canada and was buried with full military honours at Ross Bay cemetery. He was one of three brothers fighting in the war. One of his other brothers George Marsh, formerly a blacksmith from Forge Lane, went to France with the British Expeditionary Force in 1915 as a member of the RAMC and became a staff sergeant, taking charge of motor convoy workshops.

Edward Seamer from Shoregate Lane served as a leading stoker on H.M.S Turbulent but died on June 1st 1916 aged 28 when a German ship rammed his vessel and sank it at the Battle of Jutland. On the Western Front Arthur Faulkner aged 28 served as a corporal in The Buffs but perished after a bomb dropped by a German plane exploded close to him in May 1916. He lived and worked in ‘The Crown’ where his father James Faulkner served as publican. Fred Banfield aged 35 from Bayford also died in action while serving with the REKMR on September 7th. He had joined up only fifteen months earlier and had been in France for just over a week when he perished.

Some men were scarred for life by their war-time experiences like Charles Witherden from Ham Green who served as a Royal Marine at the naval Battle of Jutland on May 31st 1916. For years after the battle he had nightmares about the dead bodies of victims floating on the sea after witnessing the destruction and sinking of British ships.

War incidents in the village were rare throughout the conflict but in May 1916 Police Constable Jenner arrested Private William Duley from the 5th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment for being absent without leave from the army. Duley had taken refuge in a private house in Upchurch before being caught.

With the outbreak of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916 the sound of massive artillery explosions on the battle front could be faintly heard in the coastal areas of Kent when the wind blew from France. By this stage of the war precautions against air attacks led to the windows of Upchurch church being shrouded with curtains and the interior being lit with candles. The windows of the Mission Room in Otterham Quay were fitted with blinds at about the same time. This had been decided by the parish council which formed a committee that included Messrs Holloway, Bishop and Anderson to raise money for the materials. The parish council also proposed to have a public telephone installed in the village so that warnings of approaching enemy aircraft could be obtained and also for general use by local residents. Councillors Mr O’Connell and Mr Dennis were elected to make the necessary application but long delays meant that the telephone did not materialise during the war years.

All was not bad news as annual events like Empire Day still took place in the village on June 10th. Mrs Dora Wakeley from Rainham, who later became well-known for establishing Upchurch Pottery, opened the event then distributed attendance medals and certificates to Holywell pupils. Ivy Robinson appeared as the May Queen while children from the Infant’s School performed maypole dancing. A cricket match between the choir boys and Holywell schoolboys followed this in The Paddock during the evening. Another cricket match took place in The Paddock by invitation of Reverend Dicker in July. This was played between Royal Engineers who had erected telephone lines in the village and Upchurch Cricket Club. Upchurch won the match when after scoring 66 runs they bowled out their opponents for 58 to win a closely contested game. After the match both teams were invited to a smoking concert given by Reverend Dicker at the vicarage. Reverend Dicker played the piano while the cricketers sang the night away.

In September a military wedding took place in the church involving Sid Dennis, a Second Airman Mechanic of the RMC and youngest son of farmer Tom Dennis of Natal Farm. He married Jeannie Gould, daughter of Mr and Mrs Gould proprietors of the Brown Jug pub.

By the end of the year the war had reached a stalemate with massive casualties including 120,000 British soldiers killed at the Battle of the Somme. Without an end in sight and war casualties mounting, Upchurch residents entered 1917 with apprehension that the war would continue with more suffering and the loss of more village boys at the war front.

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

UpARA New Year Newsletter & Latest Schedule of Events - January 2016

David Powell - Chairman
Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01795 843550
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Cancelled - Upchurch Cricket Club Charity Football Match in aid of the Air Ambulance

Upchurch Cricket Club Charity Football Match in aid of the Air Ambulance at Upchurch Cricket Club, Holywell Lane on Sunday the 27th of December has now been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

We hope to reschedule the Match for around Easter 2016. Please look out for an announcement nearer the time.

The first year we raised £150.00 and last year £350.00 through match fees and donations. We would like to raise a minimum of £500.00 next year, so as well as donations from spectators... we are also looking for a sponsor!

Support from the village would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Steve Parker
Mobile: 07879 883153
Email: Sparker57@icloud.com

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Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - November 2015

Here is a brief summary of the crime information for the past two months:

	October 2015	November 2015
All crime	27	34
Anti-social behaviour	5	7
Bicycle theft	1	1
Burglary	4	3
Criminal damage and arson	4	7
Drugs	0	0
Other crime	1	0
Other theft	1	3
Possession of weapons	0	0
Public order	0	1
Robbery	0	0
Shoplifting	1	0
Theft from the person	0	0
Vehicle crime	4	4
Violence and sexual offences	6	8

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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Christmas 2015 and New Year Waste and Recycling Collections

Swale Borough Council

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UpARA - Christmas Spectacular

It’s taken me some time to enter the inner circle of UpARA (Upchurch Active Retirement Association), but I managed it this Friday ( 11/12/15). The day was titled Christmas Spectacular, I had little idea what to expect. Perhaps some afternoon tea and a nice chat with the retired lay at the back of my mind. Wow how wrong I was thinking that. A two course meal, magic show, and dancing, but I am jumping ahead. To go back to the beginning, it all started in the afternoon at 2pm with a carol concert by the Holywell school choir. They were really very, very good, our village youngsters are something to be proud of, there must have been about forty in all, singing some old favourites and some lovely new carols. Their teachers must have worked tirelessly to have achieved such a high standard with the choir. This was followed by an explanation of a “Christmas Carol” by Malcolm Groves a club member. Did you know a carol was originally a pagan dance, no, well neither did I. As expected this was followed with a lovely cup of tea biscuits and cake, all provided free by the club. Expecting that this was the afternoon finished I collected my coat, I underestimated these retired folk. Next up was the Upchurch Choral Society. All I can say is, if you get a chance this festive season to hear them sing don’t miss out, I’m glad I stayed, as Bryan Veale performed the memorable “If I was a rich man” from” Fiddler on the Roof”, I thought for a moment I was back in London’s West End with Topol it was that good, Marion Whentringham also sang “O Holy Night” as a lovely solo. The choir finished with a sing-a-long with all joining in. It was then that I realised this was but the prelude to even more. I had my ticket for the evening and rushed home to change and return at 6:45pm sharp as I was told.

UpARA members and guests enjoying this years Christmas Party.

I doubted that the retired could better the afternoon, but I underestimated once again. I was met at the door by members of the committee, shown the table plan and given a glass of wine, not a bad start once again. While waiting for dinner to arrive our own Upchurch magic man (Masks & Magic) entertained us with table illusions that baffled all. My dinner arrived piping hot, a succulent chicken breast cooked in a tomato and sherry sauce garnished with a large prawn, minted new potatoes three coloured baby carrots (all English) and sweetcorn. Our very own magic man then entertained us further with a stage magic show. My meal finished with a fruit cheese cake and lashings of double cream. I had earlier told my other half I would be home about 9:30pm, after all this was the retired and I expected then to be heading home for a hot chocolate by then. Once again I was wrong, so very wrong.

It was now music and dance time, with Jeff Pedley our Upchurch troubadour as entertainment. He in turn was supported by the Pedletts a group of singers from the club membership. Two songs performed the group prepared to leave but the merry audience called for more and two further numbers were performed. The evening continued till almost 11pm with dancing and singing. It would be an understatement to say everyone had a good time (including me) and I was late home, but for £10.00 a head these retired UpARA lot know how to do it.

I look forward to next year!

By Spoof Scoop

Upchurch’s only Investigative Journalist
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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre - Thank You

Dear All,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this year’s Christmas Fayre. This includes all those who helped organise and run stalls, and also those who supported on the day. As a result of everyone’s hard work and dedication, a total amount of just over £2,000.00 has been raised. This is a real achievement and will make a significant contribution to our fundraising efforts this year.

Many thanks again for your continued support.

Simon Smith

On behalf of PFHS
Website: www.pfhs.co.uk
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Trailer Stolen - Poot Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/043331/15

Just after 10:00am on Tuesday the 8th of December a 4 Metre Flat Trailer with drop sides was stolen from Poot 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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2015

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 3^rd December at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 39 members of the public including Ward Cllr Baldock and PCSO John Cork.

Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th November 2015 – Amendments were made, which can be seen on the full minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time– Flats on Forge Lane - A resident raised concerns regarding the rubbish and general condition of the area outside of the flats. Cllr Tucker reported that the Clerk has tried to contact the landlord several times without success. PCSO John Cork provided the Clerk with a contact number for the Environmental Warden at Swale and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact her. Bus Shelter- Ward Cllr Baldock reported that he had been liaising with the Clerk and KCC with regards to the siting of the Bus Shelter and that the Clerk is now awaiting a response from KCC. Bus Service – Ward Cllr Baldock provided an update on the recent meeting between Chalkwell buses and KCC and stated that unfortunately Chalkwell were not accommodating with regards to increasing the recently reduced services. He is now looking into alternatives and is arranging a meeting between Councillors of the local Parishes to ascertain how to move forward. Paddock Play Area – A resident reported that the survey on Upchurch Matters face book page asking whether residents would like the play equipment replaced has had 52 responses to date. 49 for and 3 against.  Planning – 15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park –A large number of residents from Beckenham Park were in attendance to raise their concerns with regards to the recent application submitted to erect five new mobile homes at Beckenham Park. The Chairman of the Residence Association of Beckenham Park spoke on behalf of the residents and raised the following concerns – a) No prior notification had been given to them by Haulfryn Ltd which goes against their residency agreement. b) The report submitted with regards to the parking was carried out over one day which is not substantial evidence to assess the need or usage. c) The garages to be demolished are currently in use. d) The amount of parking spaces to be cut will leave less than one remaining per home. Also having an impact on visitors, carers and other services currently visiting the park. e) There will be health and safety issues with large vehicles coming into the park. It is already difficult for them to turn and will be even more so with the lack of space that will be left. f) The age limit on the application is 40 however the report shows 55 and uses the incorrect age to back up parking usage figures. g) Residents have previously been turned down for hard standing outside of homes and this is now being allowed in order for new homes to be erected. h) The proposed plans will greatly reduce the green areas on the site and the views. Cllr Tucker thanked the residents for attending and for putting across their views. It was agreed that Cllr Lewin would assist Beckenham Park with the process of speaking with Haulfryn Ltd and Swale Planning. The Clerk will contact Swale Planning and advise them of the large attendance at the meeting and reiterate the issues raised as well as asking for an extension on the consultation period due to Haulfryn Ltd failing to provide Beckenham Park with the correct notification period.  New Councillors– Cllr Tucker introduced two recently co-opted Councillors and welcomed them to the meeting. PCSO Report – PCSO John Cork reported that there had been further reports of a homeless person sleeping in the Paddock and a local farmer’s barn. Following the Clerk reporting cars being left in the Recreation Ground, he had contacted Horsham Garage who denied that the cars belonged to them. The cars are registered to private owners. The PCSO holds monthly surgeries in the Post Office, the dates and times of these are on Upchurch Matters and in the Post Office.

Declarations of Interest – None.

Correspondence – Request for parking in Recreation Ground and Paddock– The Clerk had received a letter from the school requesting the use for both areas for parking on 11^th June 2016. The school are organising an open air concert to celebrate the Queen’s 90^th birthday and are hoping for an attendance of up to 1000. The profits from this will be split with 70% going to the school and 30% to the village hall to assist with the required maintenance. The Clerk reported that having spoken to the holders of the lease for the Paddock and the Recreation Ground, she had received clarification that they do not feel the Paddock is a suitable area for parking. They will allow the Recreation Ground to be used once a year for parking with permission. As permission has already been granted to the Village Fete in 2016 it was agreed that due to the nature of the event on 11^th June the Clerk should contact the leaseholders to ask if permission could be granted also for the concert. Cllr Horton reported that he has now taken on the role of Chair of Governors for the school and thanked the Parish Council for considering the request. Poppy Appeal Update – The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3000 for the first time. Cllr Lewin conveyed thanks to Upchurch on behalf of the Royal British Legion.  

Planning –15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park, Otterham Quay Lane– As previously mentioned the Clerk will contact Swale Planning to express the raised concerns and request an extension on the comments period. 15/505680/FULL – Orchard Close, Poot Lane – The Council had received an amended drawing for this application but could see very little difference to the original drawing. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Swale Planning stating that it is felt that the design is still not in keeping with the area. Mill Farm, Otterham Quay Lane – The Clerk reported that having received concerns regarding the size of the works carried out at Mill Farm she had contacted the Planning Enforcement Officer at Swale and had been advised that the application had been approved in 2000. As work had started within three years of this date there is no time limit on completion of the works. It was agreed that as the building work being carried out is not in keeping with the original application, the Clerk should contact the Enforcement Officer again. Horsham Car Sales – The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation from the Enforcement Team that the matter of the signage at Horsham Car Sales had been referred to the legal department to take forward to prosecution.

Finance – Agreement of Final Budget – It was agreed that the budget would be finalised in January once the Clerk is in possession of the tax base figure and the balance of the reserve account.

General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 18^th November had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.

Defibrillator – The Clerk reported that the W.I had offered to donate a second defibrillator to the village. It was agreed that the Clerk should thank the W.I for their generous donation and a further discussion would need to take place regarding possible sites for this.  

Paddock – It was agreed that the Clerk should place an order for a new gate for the Paddock. This will be funded from an underspend in this year’s budget. The figure already allocated for a new gate in next year’s budget should be reallocated towards a village Christmas tree. The Clerk will obtain a quote for replacement rubber matting under the swing in the Paddock.

Recreation Ground – Cllr Denny reported that the damaged bench in the Recreation Ground needs removing as soon as possible as this is unsafe. The Clerk reported that she has written to three contractors to obtain quotes for a new bench and the re-siting of a bench in the Paddock.

 Burial Ground and Churchyard – The Clerk reported that she and Cllr Denny had met with the Churchwarden on 20^th November to discuss the proposal for memorial rose beds and ashes plots in the closed Churchyard. The Churchwarden agreed at this meeting to discuss the possibility of a contribution towards maintenance costs with the Diocese on 2^nd December and will inform the Clerk of the outcome. Cllr Tucker reported that a written agreement will need to be put in place with regards to the Parish Council’s responsibilities with regards to maintenance.

Clean for the Queen – In the run up to the Queen’s 90^th birthday on 21^st April 2016 a countrywide clean-up is taking place. The aim is to inspire a million people to take action and enjoy a few hours together litter-picking to improve the areas we live in. It was agreed that Upchurch Parish Council would like to be involved with this from Friday 4^th to Sunday 6^th March 2015. Cllr Horton suggested that the school get involved with this and will research the logistics and liaise with the Clerk.

Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are currently three faulty street lights in the village and will obtain a quote for repairing these.  

Other Matters not yet arising – Church Christmas Tree Donation– Cllr Denny reported that she had contacted the Churchwarden regarding the Christmas tree festival and that she is happy to donate and decorate one on behalf of the Parish Council.  

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 7^th January 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

The First Upchurch Village Fete by David Wood

The past two years has seen a revival of the village fete, an annual event in Upchurch until the early 1980s, but what were its origins?

The word fete comes from the French word fete champétre meaning rural feast and the event originated from France. Village fetes became popular in England from the 1890s.

Reverend Trew and his daughter Winnifred thought up the idea of a fete in Upchurch which took place for the first time on Saturday June 28th, 1905. It took the form of a garden fete on the vicarage lawn with the aim of raising money for a new church organ. Financial responsibility for this lay with the parochial church committee which included Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers, churchwarden James Holloway, bellringer Bill Hyland, village cobbler George Dawson, Mr C Bishop and Mr W Barrell.

Winnifred Trew organised the placement of wooden stalls on the vicarage lawn then parochial church committee members assembled and erected them. Miss Trew also set up two treasure hunts, a putting green and a bran tub. Seymour Wakeley from Rainham helped with the stabling of horses at the vicarage and the setting up of a stage where speeches were given while the village pubs offered free accommodation to visitors.

With glorious weather on the day the New Brompton Boy’s Band began with the National Anthem then Lady Harris opened the fete with a short speech. Winnifred Trew presented her with a bouquet of roses followed by short speeches of thanks by churchwarden James Holloway and Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers. After this 16 children from the Infant’s School performed maypole dancing then entertainment took place on the tennis court adjacent to the lawn where a local ventriloquist named Mr Dillon gave two performances. Between performances the New Brompton Boy’s Band played music and a gramophone was also used to entertain visitors. After the entertainment old people were served tea on twenty tables set out around the lawn.

A variety of stalls sold produce which included a fancy stall run by Infant’s School headmistress Miss Armstrong, while others sold fruit and flowers in decorative baskets and punnets. These were overseen by Mrs Stevens and Mr Maltravers from Holywell.

Although quite basic and small, the first fete proved successful with a good attendance and raised sufficient funds for a new church organ purchased from Messrs Morton and Ellis of Sevenoaks and installed in the church in August 1905.

The Upchurch village fete continued annually after 1905 but had moved from the vicarage lawn to The Paddock as it became bigger and more popular by the 1920s. It raised money for different village causes throughout its existence and its recent revival allows it to continue in a slightly different form as an annual village event once again.

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

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - October 2015

A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

	September 2015	October 2015
All crime	28	27
Anti-social behaviour	8	5
Bicycle theft	0	1
Burglary	4	4
Criminal damage and arson	5	4
Drugs	0	0
Other crime	0	1
Other theft	1	1
Possession of weapons	0	0
Public order	0	0
Robbery	0	0
Shoplifting	0	1
Theft from the person	0	0
Vehicle crime	4	4
Violence and sexual offences	6	6

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters
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UpARA Christmas Newsletter & Latest Schedule of Events - December 2015

David Powell - Chairman
Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01795 843550
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Local Fundraisers Wanted for Action Medical Research for Children

We're on the hunt for 16 new fundraising groups in 2016 for the children's charity Action Medical Research for Children and I wondered whether anyone in Upchurch would like to start a new group?

Our fundraising groups plan and organise lots of fantastic events. We have something to suit everyone, ranging from opera concerts to auctions and cake sales to vintage fairs.

If you want to join Action Medical Research's fight for little lives today, please Email: pray@action.org.uk to find out more.

Many thanks

Paula Ray
Website: www.action.org.uk
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Latest News from Upchurch WI

2015 has been a very busy year of events to celebrate the Centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Our WI was formed in March 1931 (84 years). Another 16 years and we will be celebrating our own Centenary but in order to achieve this we need a regular injection of new members with new ideas.

Upchurch WI at the Village Fete Day 2015.

Our programme for 2016 includes guest speakers on a variety of subjects at most meetings, a Quiz Night, a Pamper Day, a Stall at the Village Fete, and a number of "Foody" events (at which we excel!). We meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7:30PM in the Village Hall.

New members are always welcome. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Christine Stevens

Upchurch WI

Website: www.thewi.org.uk

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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre 2015

Clare Evans
Parents & Friends of Holywell School
Website: www.pfhs.co.uk
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Indoor Equestrian Christmas Table Top Sale at Upchurch Village Hall

Gemma Bassett-Burr

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