Upchurch Farmers Market - Sunday 22nd September

Dave Candy

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News from Upchurch Twinning Group

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

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

Sports Day – thank you to all residents who joined the Twinning Group and 50 visitors from Ferques for a lovely day of games, barbeque and general camaraderie at the Cricket Club on 1st September. A grand day was enjoyed and the French people have expressed their gratitude for the event. Thank you also to the Cricket Club for the use of their superb facilities.

School Exchanges – Holywell School are expecting 50 children and some staff members from Elinghen School on 18th October. They will join classes 5 and 6 in the morning and then all of those children, including ours, will be visiting Dickens World in the afternoon. The coach for our village children will be funded by the Twinning Group. We are pleased to be able to help with the school’s costs of this outing.

Bonfire Night – We hope to be selling bacon rolls, as we often do, at the Upchurch Scouts firework display on Saturday 2nd November. Do come and find us at Westmoor Farm.

Committee – desperately needs more members. Do get in touch with us if you feel you could be part of our committee.

Jim Harman: (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter: (Secretary) 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com 

Sue Rossiter
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Upchurch Parish Council Report - October 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5^th September in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 11 members of the public, including Cllr Mike Baldock.

Public Time – Planning Application ref SW/13/1039 – A resident raised his objections to this proposal commenting that it was “garden grabbing” of properties at 4 and 6 Horsham Lane, not in keeping with the village and incorrectly displayed on the UK Planning website. He urged members to consider this and reject the application. Cllr Tucker commented that his views would be noted. The Planning Review Team was responsible for submitting observations on this proposal but in this case, all members had been asked to view the plans Monthly expenditure of the Council – A resident referred to several payments made on a regular basis and questioned if the Council was getting value for money.  Fly tipping – It was pointed out that Swale BC would attend any site where this had occurred and takes photos for evidence. Speeding in Oak Lane near Wallbridge Lane – A resident read out an email sent to the Council and updated members. She advised that PCSO Cork had recorded sufficient evidence to confirm that there was a speeding problem at this location. Cllr Tucker thanked her for being proactive and that this issue had been known for a while. The Council was looking at traffic issues around the village and would be finding out how other villages are tackling this. Spotlight outside tower of St Marys Church – It was commented that this light was too bright and needed adjusting. The Clerk will contact the PCC. Bus Stop at Windmill Hill – A resident reported that this was not fit for standing on. Cllr Arnold offered to follow this up. Windmill Hill footpath – It was also commented that it was dangerous walking up and down this hill. Wallbridge Lane – Two residents commented that there was a large amount of litter accumulating along this lane and speeding issues continued. They were pleased to find that the salt bin had finally been replaced. They commented that the speed limit needed to be reduced from 60mph to 30mph. Planning Application SW/13/1039 – A resident raised concerns about the impact of this proposal on several houses. He was asked to forward his comments to the Clerk. He also commented on the speeding issues along Horsham Lane and reported that a car had nearly skidded into his parked car. Parking in Forge Lane and installing a bus shelter in the village – Cllr Baldock asked members for their comments regarding this. It was commented that these were ongoing issues and requested that he let the Clerk know if he had further information/advice.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

 i) SW/13/0913 5 Woodruff Close – Conversion of one of two garages to study – The Planning Review Team had no objections. 

ii) SW/13/0964 Field to the rear of 32-62 Hartlip Hill – Proposed four loose boxes, barn, tack room, ménage, muck heap and one horse trailer – The Planning Review Team had no objections. 

iii) Swale BC Notification of grant of permission to develop land:

SW/13/0559 13 Horsham Lane – Erection of single storey side extension to provide double garage: first floor infill rear extension; demolition of existing conservatory and erection of new conservatory to side

SW/13/0442 68 Horsham Lane – Alteration and extension to dwelling, replacement access and change of use of land for vehicle parking

SW/12/1019 New Kaine Farm, Holywell Lane – Construction of Solar Farm comprising up to 7000 solar panels, plus associated equipment, cabling & works, including a steel container to house inverters

SW/13/0573 24 Orchard House, Wallbridge Lane – Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of garage for domestic use

SW/13/0706 Orchard View , Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (i) of planning permission SW/96/0329 to allow any gypsy family to live at the site

SW/13/0440 51 Chaffes Lane – Demolition of existing garage and re-construction of new extended brick built garage with pitched roof. Plus extension to existing kitchen at rear

SW/13/0320 Bayford House, Poot Lane – Erection of three-bay timber-framed garage with room in roof and two dormer windows

iv) Swale BC Notification of refusal of permission to develop land:

SW/13/0030 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Change of use of land to gypsy site for two gypsy families (related) and for the siting of one static caravan and extension and erection of dwelling (stable building) and stationing of one touring caravan and use of existing barn as general amenity (retrospective)  

Allotments and Recreation Ground –  Bollards on Recreation Ground Car Park – It was advised the Scout Group did have concerns about installing bollards on the boundary of the car park. It was suggested to investigate installing lockable bollards that could be removed. It was agreed that the GPC would discuss this further. Allotments and Recreation Ground Lease Renewal – Cllr Lewin had submitted a paper outlining the history of the lease and the suggested rental. This had been circulated to all members prior to the meeting. He had proposed that the Council agree the approach of the local agent and offer to pay a revised rental of £1,065 per annum. With 5 votes for and 2 against, the proposal was accepted. 

Paddock – Paddock project – It was advised that all volunteers had been contacted to see if they would be interested in taking the lead regarding the play equipment. The members involved in the project would continue with looking into the tree work required. Two volunteers had shown an interest and would like to meet with members. Members arranged to meet to discuss this further and agree the completion of the planning application for tree works in the Paddock. Play Safety Inspection Report –It was pointed out that a few issues had been highlighted regarding the litter bins and debris of leaves in the old play area. Cllr Tucker asked for member’s comments on removing the old play area. It was generally felt that it would be a good idea to start this process.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Meeting with St Marys Churchwardens –The Churchwardens had confirmed at the meeting that cremated remains can be buried in a closed churchyard, providing the necessary faculty was obtained. It was also noted that Cllr Rossiter was looking into the consecration status of the Burial Ground rose-beds. Investigations had indicated that the rose-beds were not included in the consecration. Proposals concerning the management of the capacity in our Burial Ground – Statistics on the usage of the Burial Ground over the last three years had been circulated. It was pointed out that in terms of land usage about one quarter of our burials were non-parishioners. Members considered this and agreed to cease allowing the burial of non-parishioners in our Burial Ground.  It was noted that this was a temporary measure and the word “burial” applied to both an earthen grave and ashes plot. 

Next meetings – 3^rd October and 7^th November. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7:30pm.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Burglary - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Message 634 from Neighbourhood Watch

No: XY/028986/13

Burglary occurred at the Upchurch River Valley Golf Course in Oak Lane just after 6:00pm on Thursday the 12th of September.

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

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Wags & Walkies for Wisdom

Come and join The Friends for a Sunday morning Mooch with your Pooch.

Wags & Walkies for Wisdom is our 3 mile Sponsored Dog Walk, starting and finishing at The Three Tuns Public House in Lower Halstow, ME9 7DY. Walkers will enjoy a picturesque route along the Saxon Shore Way taking in views of the River Medway and surrounding countryside.

Entry fee is just £5 for adults, while children (under 12) and dogs can take part for free. We also encourage you to ask your friends and family to sponsor your pooch, it's not every day that your four-legged friend walks 3 miles!

Contact Katie on: 01634 831163 or Email:  katietyler@fowh.org.uk  for further details and to request sponsor and entry forms.

Website:  www.fowh.org.uk

Katie Tyler

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Oak Lane Train Crash Talk by the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne

RAF 274 Squadron.

Richard Emmett MSc of the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne is to reveal his research on the Oak Lane, Upchurch train crash of August 1944. The talk on Thursday, October 10th will be at the Methodist Church, School Lane Newington starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are free for members of the group, but £3 for none members. All are very welcome.

He will reveal how Flt Lt John Alfred Malloy of the Royal Canadian Air Force "tipped" the V2 rocket forcing it into the fields near the railway line. The rocket was heading towards London and his actions therefore saved hundreds of lives. Malloy was based at the time at West Malling airfield with the RAF 274 Squadron. He was killed during a mission over Germany 13th January 1945. Research reveals for the first time a war time image of Molloy.

Upchurch Matters

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