Tug-of-War Teams prepare for St. George's Battle

Inter-village pub Tug-of-War Competition. The Three Tuns pub from Lower Halstow won the competition in 2012. Will they win this year ?

Something stronger than pints will be pulled at pubs in and around Sittingbourne over the next few weeks as teams get into training for the annual inter-village pub tug-of-war tournament at the St. George's Day celebrations in Newington on Saturday, April 27th.

The current title holders, the Three Tuns in Lower Halstow, are keen to retain their crown - and the silver trophy that has been proudly displayed in the bar for the past year.

Members of the 10-man squad are preparing to give up some of their Easter holidays to get fit and to practise their technique. The landlady Carol Haines said: "The lads enjoyed their victory last year and I think they're going to be even stronger this year. They're ready to take on any other pub."

However, they face determined opposition, notably from two Upchurch pubs, last year's runners-up the Three Sisters, and new entrants the Brown Jug. Kate Johns, the Brown Jug publican, said: "Bring it on. We're definitely going to take the trophy off the Three Tuns. Everyone's fired up and looking forward to a good day out."

The parish-council organised St. George's Day fete and music festival starts at noon on Newington primary school field with the tug-of-war beginning at 1:00pm. It will be umpired by an official from the England Tug-of-War Association.

Ten highly-talented bands and singers from across Kent and Medway will perform on the festival's main stage from noon until 9:00pm. Other attractions include the Newington School Choir, Newington Concert Party, an Assault Course, displays, sideshows, stalls, fairground attractions, hot food and a licensed bar.

For more information contact Parish Councillor Suki Calder on: 01795 843334

or visit:  www.facebook.com/Newington.Fete.and.Festival

Upchurch Matters

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Friends of St. Mary’s Church - Photography Competition

The Friends of St. Mary’s church is holding a photography competition open to all. Prints (6in x 4in or 7in x 5in) of the church or its surroundings should be sent to 135 Oak Lane by 30th September. (Don’t forget to give details of the photographer!).

The entries will be displayed at the Friends of St. Mary’s AGM in October when the winners will be announced. Modest cash prizes for each class winner will be provided together with the opportunity for a small display of winners’ portfolios on the Upchurch Matters website.

The judges will be particularly interested in originality and innovation in the composition of the pictures. Entries at £1 each should be submitted in any of the following classes: 

• Black and white; 

• Under 16 years; 

• 16 years and over; 

• Creative i.e. manipulated images.

Ben Walters

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Charity Cake Bake at the Crown - Amount Raised

The Charity Cake Bake on Sunday the 24th of March at The Crown raised a grand total of £230.

Proceeds will go to Sarah Oakham who is running the 2013 London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Sarah's giving page is:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahOakham

Upchurch Matters
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The Gullands Guide To Motoring Offences

For most people the mere sight of someone being spoken to by the police on the side of the road prompts them to slow down and consider how they would feel if they were in the same position.

The penalties if convicted of a very serious traffic offence can be high. For example, causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

For many, however, the prospect of losing their driving licence is a much greater possibility, and in these circumstances it is prudent to take expert legal advice from a solicitor.

Most road traffic offences, such as going through a red traffic light or driving in a bus lane, will add penalty points to your licence. Offenders who reach 12 points within three years, known as ‘totting up’, become liable for disqualification. A first disqualification is for a minimum of 6 months.

Not all motoring offences are endorsable but those that are carry a minimum of three penalty points with some, such as speeding, carrying a range of points depending on the seriousness of the circumstances. If you are caught speeding on a motorway and the measured speed exceeds 100mph, for example, the magistrates’ court will always consider a period of disqualification.

Where a person is offered a fixed penalty, this would be for three penalty points and currently a £60 fine. If they wish to dispute the offence or where the addition of penalty points would result in the driver totting up, they will be summonsed to attend court. If convicted, the magistrates can impose a greater number of points and a higher fine.

A magistrates’ court has discretion not to disqualify a driver, or disqualify for a period less than six months if, on hearing evidence, it considers that loss of licence would result in exceptional hardship.

An alternative solution available to the court is to impose a discretionary disqualification for the new offence, typically for a period of between seven and 56 days. This allows the court to mark the offence with a shorter disqualification, avoiding the need to consider whether exceptional hardship arises.

If you have been stopped by the police about a driving matter or have been summonsed to appear before a magistrates’ court and would like advice contact John Roberts at Gullands Solicitors.

Phone:  01622 678341
Email:   j.roberts@gullands.com   

Website:  www.gullands.com

Gullands Solicitors

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News From St. Mary's Church

Easter Saturday  St. Mary's invites you to come and experience the events of Holy Week leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection!

Follow the steps around the church and see how the events led to the horror of the Crucifixion and the triumph of the Resurrection!

See the Cross and the empty tomb and imagine yourself there!

For the children, we have plenty of craft ideas and fun things to do. For you all we offer hot cross buns and also hot soup and rolls at lunch time.

We shall be open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and we look forward to welcoming you all!

Queries? Ring Revd. Jacky on: 01795 842557, Elizabeth on: 01634 364676 or Gabriele on: 01634 374136.

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday  24th March 9:00 am Sung Communion and the giving of Palm Crosses.

Maundy Thursday  28th March. Stripping of the Altar and Sung Communion. 8:00 pm.

Easter Sunday  31st March. 9:00 am Easter Celebration Sung Communion for all the family.

Easter Sunday  You are invited to join Revd. Jacky and others at 6:30 am down by the Creek in Lower Halstow (behind L.H. church) for a service of light and celebration, continued in the church with Communion, and then after the service, stay for hot Bacon sandwiches and coffee!

Revd. Jacky Davis

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Upchurch Farmers Market

Upchurch Farmers Market is back this Sunday the 24th of March at Upchurch Village Hall, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Dave Candy

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