The Last Will and Testament of Edmond Drake Vicar of Upchurch 1560-1567

Edmond Drake became vicar of Upchurch in 1560 during the reign of Elizabeth 1st and is famous mainly because of his son Sir Francis Drake who became a famous seaman and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.

Edmond’s last will and testament dated December 25th 1566 was written the day before he died in Upchurch. He opens the will with the words that he is redeemed by the blood of Christ and commits his soul into the hands of God. He then states that he wishes to be buried in Upchurch churchyard next to his son Edward who died in infancy and next to the graves of the Blechenden family. A marked grave does not exist in the churchyard today so the original location remains a mystery.

With regard to Edmond’s immediate family the will only mentions Thomas who was the youngest of several surviving brothers. There were twelve children in total but some died in infancy while others were away at sea like Francis, John and Joseph. Thomas was probably the only son still living nearby during Edmond Drake’s last days. Because of the bequests given to him Edmond may have wanted Thomas to follow him into the clergy.

In the will a wide range of items are bequeathed to Thomas including two chests of books, a new basin, an old platter, a collection of pewter dishes, a French pewter pot, Edmond’s best bible, four of his best candlesticks, his best kettles, his best feather bed, two pillows and five shirts. Edmond’s friend Mr Baker who is named overseer of the will is bequeathed one cock and seven hens while Richard Mylwaye is left Edmond’s chair and best cushion. All other items are left to Edmond’s nurse which indicates she had been looking after him for some time.

While Thomas Drake is designated the sole executor of the will, Clemente Mylwaye, a relative and Richard Sawell, a contemporary Upchurch resident witness it. Mr Baker who is mentioned is an old friend who lived in London and served as Clerk and Keeper of the Stores to the Admiralty and was looking after Edmond’s son Thomas.

David Wood.

Although Francis is not mentioned in the will, the date of Edmond Drake’s death indicates that he was a teenager at the time and was probably already away at sea. Concrete evidence is not available about whether Francis went to sea while residing in Upchurch or whether he went before Edmond became vicar of the village. Information that has passed down the generations in Upchurch by word of mouth is that Francis did learn seamanship on a small vessel based at the small village port of Otterham Quay and regularly sailed to the coast of Belgium while living in Upchurch but this cannot be proven with hard written evidence.

The Drake family accept that their ancestor is buried in the village churchyard and have had an association with Upchurch since Edmond’s death. This is shown in a letter dated November 4th 1935 sent to Reverend Lightburne, vicar of Upchurch from the Drake home at Buckland Abbey in Devon. The letter was written by Mrs. Seaton, daughter of Lady Eliot Drake, presenting her mother’s book ‘The Family and Heirs of Sir Francis Drake’ to the people of Upchurch.

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 on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  or from us here at Upchurch Matters.

price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood.

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No Place Like Home - Bespoke Later Life Support

‘Time to talk’ rather than ‘time and task’ - pioneering a new approach to later life in our local area

No Place Like Home is a highly personalised, private support service for Canterbury and Swale senior residents. It was established by local resident, Alison Carter, in response to challenges experienced by her mother, Leslie, in sourcing high quality, tailored support at home for husband, John.

Our passion is to help our clients be better prepared for and to make the most of later life, focusing on quality experience and enjoyment. We pride ourselves in carefully crafting our companionship and care around each individual’s wishes – this might include escorted trips out as well as help in the home or, if needed, personal care.

We are available 7 days a week and can respond to urgent requests, however, we find that it is often helpful to introduce support gradually, perhaps just for a morning or two each week. We are always delighted to receive visits from prospective clients, friends and family to explore how we might be able to help. Of course, we can also come out to visit prospective clients in their own homes if they are unable to come to us. We especially welcome those living with dementia.

We would like to invite you to our next Public Open Day at our office on: Tuesday 11th February 2014. Enjoy ‘Tea and Talk’ between 10-12am.

For more information, please contact Alison Carter on: 01795 597 983 or Email: alisoncarter@noplacelikehome.eu or see our website: www.noplacelikehome.eu

Alison Carter
Managing Director
No Place Like Home

Bespoke Later Life Support

Office: Syndale Park, Ospringe, near Faversham, Kent ME13 0RH

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Youth Group Artworks Around The Village

You may have noticed a collection of artworks that have been put up on posts and lamp posts around the centre of Upchurch. These form a collection of works produced by the youth group that meets in St. Mary's church on Thursday evenings.

The young people were asked to produce a painting or simply to use words in an artistic way, to express their feelings about Christmas. What you see are eight pieces. These were produced as artistic gifts to the people of Upchurch. Beneath each artwork is a passage from the bible.

If you have time, and weather permitting, please take a look. They start at the top of Horsham Lane in a circuit that runs along Church Farm Road, looping back to Horsham Lane.

You can leave comments here too, please see:  http://upchurchchristmas.wordpress.com 

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

George Hulme (Lay Minister - Reader)

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - January 2014

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5^th December 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 4 Councillors were present and 16 members of the public including Gordon Henderson MP and Cllr Mike Baldock.

Public Time –  SW/13/1373 Orchard Park, Oak Lane – Gordon Henderson MP assured those present that he would continue to support them in objecting this application. He reported his reasons for opposing this proposal and a question and answer session followed. It was suggested that the Council and residents collectively put in their objections. However, individual letters were encouraged as well. The Council and members of the public thanked Mr Henderson and he left the meeting. It was proposed to set up a working group to include residents. This group could escalate to Swale BC and other bodies, the growing concerns of residents over the increasing number of traveller & gypsy sites in Upchurch in proportion to other Parishes across Swale. Tree overshadowing allotment – A resident requested that a tree in the Recreation Ground be cut back as it created a shadow on his allotment for a large part of the day. Teen Shelter – A resident raised concerns about this idea. Bus Shelter – A resident explained that his views opposing this were well documented. Residents living in the vicinity of the proposed bus shelter were strongly against it. Another resident explained that Lower Halstow had a bus shelter and there was no evidence of anti-social behaviour there. It was commented that there are other bus stops in the villages and they may also like a bus shelter.

Correspondence – Proposed Bus Shelter on corner of The Street and Horsham Lane – An email from a resident objecting to this had been circulated. Also another email from a resident highlighting concerns about this and a teen shelter had been circulated. It was commented that planning permission would almost certainly be required as the bus shelter would be located in a Conservation Area. It was felt that the Council should seek the opinions of residents by organising a petition for example, or by arranging a poll/survey on Upchurch Matters. Burial Ground expenditure – An email from a resident questioning why the Parish Council is involved in the control and operation of the Burial Ground had been circulated. It was reported that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) asked UPC to take over responsibility for the maintenance of the two areas of Churchyard in 1998 and they agreed. If they had said no, then the PCC might have carried on or asked the next level of local government to look after it – Swale BC. At the time, it was felt that the village would rather have control of the areas where their ancestors’ and relatives’ graves lay, rather than passing such control to an outside authority with less personal commitment. The Parish Council Burial Ground is owned by UPC therefore has the responsibility for the control and operation of this area, subject to Civil and Ecclesiastical Law.                                                            

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/1206 The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Variation of Conditions 1 & 3 of planning permission SW/04/1302 to allow additional mobile homes on the site (total 5), with one being sited adjacent to the southern boundary - The Planning Review Team of UPC objected most strongly*

SW/13/1209 The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes (in connection with adjacent existing site) - The Planning Review Team of UPC also objected to this application, mainly as this application had various anomalies which needed an explanation, as well as disquiet at what amounts to yet another gypsy site, or an extension to an existing site.* 

SW/13/1369 2 Macklands Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Proposed raised patio area with workshops/store below - The Planning Review Team of Upchurch Parish Council had no objection *

SW/13/1190 The Cart Lodge, Chaffes Lane – Construction of Oak-Framed garage and two open-fronted parking bays. Relocation of entrance gate (new fencing to be installed at boundary where existing gate is removed) and formation of new access and excavation of soil around the proposed garage and construction of retaining wall (stone-filled gabions) – The Planning Review Team had no objections.

SW/13/1373 Orchard Park, Oak Lane – Application to vary conditions (2), (3) and (4) of SW/10/0765 (private gypsy and traveller site consisting of eight plots); condition (2) to be varied to allow up to 32 (note: currently 22) caravans of which no more than 16 (note: currently 8) can be static caravans or mobile homes; condition (3) such that occupancy is restricted to gypsies and travellers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites; and condition (4) such that the use is to cease and the site to be restored to its previous condition if it ceases to be occupied by gypsies and travellers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites - The Planning Review Team of Upchurch Parish had major concerns and felt overall the conditions imposed in 2010 should be upheld*

SW/13/1403 13 Wilks Close – Convert garage into habitable room – no objections.

* Please note that a full copy of the comments submitted to Swale BC can be obtained from the Clerk. Requests must be made by Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development

SW/13/1091 2 Wallbridge Lane – Single storey garage to side

SW/13/0886 75 Forge Lane – Lawful Development Certificate for rear dormer window and internal alterations (proposed)

TP/13/0112 The Paddock – Fell 4 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 1 x Holm Oak, 1 x Ash, 1 x Hawthorne. Crown lift 6 x Holm Oak, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 2 x Lime, 1 x Mixed Holly. Coppice 2 x Field Maple. Cut and remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Acacia. Thinning of 50% vegetation – It was reported that residents of Bradshaw Close were concerned about the proposed clearance of undergrowth labelled as number 19 on the plan. It was emphasised that the plans did not include removing all the trees; the objective was to remove weaker trees and open up the Paddock to create a “Village Green”.

Notification of refusal of permission to develop land:

SW/13/1119 Tranquillity, Otterham Quay Lane – Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration; and internal alterations.

Finance – Ground Maintenance Contract 2014-2017 – It was agreed that the price of cuts be the deciding factor irrespective of the contractor. Therefore it was confirmed that the quote from Grasstex would be accepted. Budget/Precept 2014/15 – Swale BC will no longer be providing the Council Tax Support. Last year, the Council received £2,183 under this scheme. Therefore, the Council will be looking at ways to make savings.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotment tenancy agreement – This has been amended and all allotment holders will be asked to sign the new agreement at the time the rent is renewed.                                   

Paddock – Paddock Project – Members were pleased to hear that Holywell School would like to be involved in the Village Fete. Two dates were suggested, the first weekend in August and 28^th June 2014. It is hoped to set up a working group as soon as possible. Please let the Clerk know if you are interested in being part of this working group.

Next meetings – 9^th January 2014 and 6^th February 2014 starting at 7.30pm, at Holywell Primary School.

 The Public are welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions and/or make comments to members. It is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting.

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

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Fire Fighters Strike

Fire strikes: Friday 13th December 6-10pm and Saturday 14th December 6-10pm - please pass on to friends, colleagues and family

There will be two national firefighters strikes on Friday and Saturday evening. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) will continue to answer and deal with 999 calls, but will not be operating at the normal level of service. So it is particularly important everyone takes extra care. If we all take a few minutes to for a some safety checks we really can help reduce unnecessary calls and prevent fires in homes and businesses. As with previous strikes there will be fire engines at strategic locations around the county. During the strikes KFRS will keep their website:  www.kent.fire-uk.org  updated with information about any significant incidents and provide a regular update online.

Safety tips:
• Most home fires start in the kitchen - for example, when someone is distracted or falls asleep, leaving a pan on the hob. Please take extra care and if you come home from a night out feeling peckish, this may be the night to have a takeaway.

• Many KFRS calls are to rescue people from road crashes - please take extra care on the road on Friday night and during Monday morning's rush hour.

• Before you leave the house or go to bed unplug unused electrical items, make sure sockets aren't overloaded and test your smoke alarms.

• Businesses need to make extra safety checks too.

More safety advice at:  www.kent.fire-uk.org  or follow the Twitter hashtag #takeextracare

Kent Community Messaging

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Community Speed Watch Scheme - Training Session

Upchurch Parish Council has now designated sites in the village to operate the equipment. However, due to the requirement to have 3 trained volunteers to man the Speed Watch Equipment, we have arranged a follow up session for more volunteers and for interested residents of neighbouring parishes.

If you are interested in volunteering or were unable to attend the previous session, the next training session has been provisionally arranged for Thursday 23^rd January 2014 at 7pm. This will take place in the back room of the Village Hall.

Please contact the Clerk if you would like to attend.
Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  or Telephone: 01634 363906.

Upchurch Parish Council

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