Barbara Webb Memorial – Cllr Apps reported that it was fifty years since the loss of Barbara Webb and commented that the Council should not let this anniversary go unmarked. Cllr Lewin reported that Mrs Madden had indicated her intention to replace the bowl used in the presentation for the Best Kept Garden Competition. Cllr New explained that the Village Hall Management Committee may like to be involved, perhaps by planting a tree or plant.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2014
The Parish Council met on Thursday 1st May in the
Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 9 members
of the public.
Public
Time
– Gypsy/Traveller site –
A resident reported that he had put
up notices regarding the planning application at Orchard Park. He commented
that it felt like the village was accepting travellers and that he can see
caravans coming into the horizon. It was explained that the Council was trying
to voice the concerns of the settled community. Highway issues – A
resident raised concerns about the amount of damage the delivery Lorries were
causing in the village, in particular the Lorries delivering to the Co-Op. He
also reported that two road accidents had happened in one day. One in Forge
Lane outside the Fish & Chip shop and one outside the Car Sales Showroom in
Horsham Lane. It was explained that cars were being parked to close to the
boundary with Horsham Lane and that they were using a full size transporter. It
was reported that the Council had contacted the Co-Op to raise resident’s
concerns about the delivery Lorries and it was hoped that the Store Manager
would attend the next GPC meeting. Orchard
Park – A resident reported that
a fence dividing the small orchard/farmers field had been taken down. Overhanging vegetation – A resident commented that a large
amount of vegetation would need cutting back. There were many sites in the
village where the sightlines were poor. Swale BC Councillor – Cllr Lewin reported that the situation
with a planning application for a gypsy & traveller site in Holywell Lane
had changed. The site had been sold to a different family. He reported that
there were now 4 touring caravans on site, with at least 2 of the families on
site having 2 and 3 small children respectively. The Enforcement Officer had
decided it was not appropriate at this time to serve an enforcement notice and
had advised the occupiers to submit a planning application within the next 28
days, failing which they would move to serve an enforcement notice. Cllr Lewin
explained that he had replied to this as follows:
I am amazed that we are not taking a
firm stand on this. Holywell Lane has been transformed
from a quiet rural lane to a lane urbanised by Gypsy & Travellers. This
latest situation will undoubtedly create further issues of access to sites
etc., which as happened recently will damage the environment.
We must put ourselves in control of
these situation not put it in the hands of others. I do not accept that the
land now newly occupied has deemed consent for use by Gypsies. This will be a
retrospective application yet again.
Planning – SW/14/0423 R/o 124
Chaffes Lane – New
dwelling within rear garden- The Planning Review Team commented as follows:
· It
believes it is an over-developed back-fill
· It
will impact on the owners of Nos. 134 and 132 Chaffes Lane
· The
owner of No.2 Marstan Close is a relative of the applicants and, although she
may not object to the use of the right way of fronting her property, any future
owner could find it intrusive.
· The
views of the owners of No. 3 and all neighbours in Marstan Close and the
surrounding properties on Chaffes Lane and Oak Lane should be given serious
consideration.
· Marstan
Close is a small, cul-de-sac with congested parking and the proposed
development would exacerbate this problem with increased on-road parking for
visitors or commercial deliveries.
Taking
these views as a whole, the Planning Review Team objects to the proposals.
Permission granted: TC/14/0028 21 Oak Lane – reduce Holm Oak tree by 33%, annual
pruning to maintain reduced size. SW/14/0161
Gibbens Farm Bungalow, The Street, Bredgar – The transfer of agricultural
occupancy condition attached to the bungalow, Gibbens Farm, Bredgar to the
cottage, Gore Farm. SW/14/0190 2
Church Farm Road – First floor extension over existing garage.
Other planning matters – Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track,
Holywell Lane – Change
of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site (1 no. mobile home, 2 no. touring
caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking bays. It was advised that
this planning application would be reported to the Planning Committee of Swale
BC on 8th May 2014. Cllr Tucker will register to speak at this
meeting.
Finance – Final Accounts for approval
– a copy of the accounts for the year
2013-14 had been circulated and approved at the Annual Parish Meeting held on
24th April 2014. It was agreed that they be approved and it was
noted that the Councils expenditure was greater than its income therefore it
was necessary to move towards three year budgeting.
Administration – Resignation of
Village Cleaner – It was explained that the current
role was unmeasurable. Therefore the Council could consider other options. Cllr
Tucker thanked Cllr Denny, Cllr Rose and Cllr Lewin for offering to help litter
pick in The Paddock whilst the Council considers this role. Members expressed a
preference to the possibility of employing a sub-contractor. It was suggested
renaming the role to “Village Caretaker” which could include additional tasks,
for example, cutting back vegetation overhanging sightlines.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Salt
in Recreation Ground Car Park – It was reported that the salt bags
would be removed by the end of May. Anyone wishing to collect some of this salt
were encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Noticeboard for Allotments – It was explained that Mr Osborne had
asked for a specification for this. A resident had offered to install the
noticeboard. The design and specification would be confirmed at the next GPC
meeting. It was also suggested to install a noticeboard in the Burial Ground.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – St Mary’s Church Clock – It was agreed to accept a quote to
the sum of £368 + VAT from Gillett & Johnston for replacing the winding
switch. Members requested that the engineer investigate why the clock is not
working properly when they attend to carry out this repair work.
Environment – Proposal for a Bus Shelter in the
Village Centre– A paper prepared by those “for” and those “against” had been
circulated. Members discussed this and then Cllr Tucker asked members to vote
on the following proposal:
Those
in favour of progressing the administration side of progressing the proposal
for a Bus Shelter in Horsham Lane.
With 4 members for and 3 members
against, it was agreed that the Council would contact the Conservation Officer
to discuss further. It was explained that funding was an issue and that the
Council would take time in making decisions on how and when this would move
forward.
Barbara Webb Memorial – Cllr Apps reported that it was fifty years since the loss of Barbara Webb and commented that the Council should not let this anniversary go unmarked. Cllr Lewin reported that Mrs Madden had indicated her intention to replace the bowl used in the presentation for the Best Kept Garden Competition. Cllr New explained that the Village Hall Management Committee may like to be involved, perhaps by planting a tree or plant.
Barbara Webb Memorial – Cllr Apps reported that it was fifty years since the loss of Barbara Webb and commented that the Council should not let this anniversary go unmarked. Cllr Lewin reported that Mrs Madden had indicated her intention to replace the bowl used in the presentation for the Best Kept Garden Competition. Cllr New explained that the Village Hall Management Committee may like to be involved, perhaps by planting a tree or plant.
Highways – Identification of Street Lights – It was agreed to accept a quote to
the sum of £235.50 for producing fifty labels. Replacement Street Light in
Breach Lane – It was reported
that the new light in Breach Lane had been installed. UK Power Networks
grant – Cllr Arnold reported
that he had submitted a grant application for installing energy saving street
lighting at a cost of around £10,000.
Next
meetings – 5th June and 3rd July.
Please note that the meetings will now be held at the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon - Thurs 9am to midday)
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
A Tribute to Evelyn Veale
Evelyn Veale 12th
August 1936 - 16th
April 2014.
Evelyn was the only child of Reginald and Ethel Champion. She was born at Plantation Cottages, Horsham Lane, Upchurch, Kent on the 12th August 1936. Shortly afterwards, her parents and their new baby moved to a slightly larger property nearby at No.2 Otterham Cottages. She remained resident of the Parish of Upchurch throughout her life, marrying Bryan Veale in 1958, and bearing two sons, Mark Jonathan and Andrew Timothy.
Reginald Champion her father was, we believe born in Grain Village, his parents moving to Upchurch whilst he was a very young child. His education took place at the two village schools, the Infants School in The Street, and the Junior School at Holywell. He commenced work with Wakeley Brothers at the age of 15, initially as an apprentice shipwright working on the Company barges at Overshore, but moved to farming, as this was more to his liking. He was to remain with Wakeley Bros. all his working life, becoming eventually farm foreman, retiring in 1972.
Ethel, his wife was born to Ruben and Mary Wildish at Overshore Cottages, Overshore, The Wharf, Upchurch. She like Reg was to live in the Parish all her life.
Evelyn had a very happy childhood in the care of her two loving parents, enjoying the freedom to roam as she grew older in what was then an idyllic rural environment.
Both Ethel and Reginald are laid to rest in St.Mary’s churchyard/cemetery, Upchurch, as are each of Evelyn’s grand parents.
Evelyn had a very happy childhood in the care of her two loving parents, enjoying the freedom to roam as she grew older in what was then an idyllic rural environment.
Both Ethel and Reginald are laid to rest in St.Mary’s churchyard/cemetery, Upchurch, as are each of Evelyn’s grand parents.
The Teen Years
Holidays
as a child and a young teenager were often spent either at her auntie Ivy and
uncle Bert Bishop’s home at the agricultural college at Hextable or with her
uncle Bill Champion and Evelyn’s grandmother Champion at Wimbledon. Her
grandmother living there to help bring up Bill’s two sons as his wife had died
at a fairly young age.
Following her early schooling in Upchurch, Evelyn
continued into her secondary education at Rainham School for Girls, Orchard
Street, leaving there at the age of 16 to work as a book keeper and cashier at
Rix’s Furniture and Hardware Store in Gillingham High Street
Rix’s
was a respected and well-supported family run business of the old school. Mr.
Rix was a fair and generous
employer, subsidising each year a trip to the coast for the staff, their family
or close friends. Sometimes a visit to a London show, and always a Christmas
Dinner and Dance, usually held at the Central Hotel Gillingham. Each member of
the staff received a Christmas
gift from their employer.
Her
closest friends came mainly from the village, and included her next door
neighbour Margaret Everest, Mary Barden who lived at ‘Pendene’ in Horsham Lane,
and a Pat Simmons who lived in the bungalow opposite the Brown Jug Pub. Evelyn
had accompanied her to see a young man singing during the interval at the Ritz
cinema, Chatham. It was that boy who was one day to become her husband.
From Teen to
Adulthood
Around
about 1952/3 Evelyn became members of the Hartlip Tennis Club, and Hartlip
Youth Club. She with other friends would cycle to the village hall in Hartlip
to attend club nights once a week, and dances run by local organisations. These
were good times, and Evelyn built up many close friendships, many of who remain
her close and valued friends even to this day. These were good and carefree
times for those living in Upchurch and around because of the friendly and
active communities.
It
was at the Hartlip youth club that Evelyn met, courted and became engaged to
Bryan Veale from Newington in January 1957, marrying at St.Mary’s Church,
Upchurch on Saturday 9th August 1958. Bryan by this time was a
serving Merchant Navy Engineer Officer with the Union-Castle Line, but owing to
dockworker strikes in South Africa he was in danger of not arriving back to the
UK in time for his wedding to Evelyn. Fortunately, schedule changes to the
ship’s ports of call allowed the ship to arrive back to London just three days
before their wedding.
Following
Bryan’s service in the Merchant Navy, and the years which followed in which he
became a Commissioning Engineer, and later a manager with Fisher Controls often
took him away for long periods. In his absence Evelyn had the responsibility of
overseeing the many responsibilities of running the family home and caring for
their children. She undertook these tasks both willingly, and certainly very
efficiently. This dedication and skill was to be her hallmark throughout her
life.
In
the early part of 1959 E.C
Gransden and Sons commenced the building of their new house opposite the church in Horsham
Lane, and was completed and ready for occupation in the November of that same
year. It was an exciting time for them both. Evelyn of course was still working
at Rix’s, a family furniture and iron mongers business in Gillingham, and both
of them had been saving to meet the costs of deposit and mortgage. In those
days only the husband’s salary was considered for mortgage loans, and did not
allow overtime/bonus payments as in the calculations of today. The house was
named ‘Cedarstones’ because of the cedarwood and Kent Rag-stone features.
On
the 20th October 1961 Evelyn gave birth to their first baby, Mark
Jonathan. Bryan was present at the birth at their home, the midwife being Nurse
Harris. It was a wonderful moment. Mark was certainly a beautiful baby, and
gave them both so much happiness and pride. Two years later on the 1st
November 1963 Evelyn gave birth to Andrew Timothy. Andrew, like his brother was
to mature into a much loved and very caring son.
Wives Group
In
1960 Evelyn became a member of the Young Wives Group, which was then led by
Phillada Bradshaw, the wife of the Vicar the Rev. J. McNeil (Mac) Bradshaw.
When
the Rev Keith Chare became Vicar his wife Barbara agreed to take the
leadership, and upon her retirement in 1981 Evelyn was invited to become the
leader a post that she retained until retiring in 2008.
The Church Choir
Her
parents Reginald and Ethel Champion were practising Christians, both attending
St. Mary’s Church in the village. It was they who encouraged Evelyn to join the
church choir at the age of eleven in December 1947. She was to remain as a
regular member for the next 55 years, and was the longest serving member in
living memory, and continued to be willing to assist when invited.
She
was blessed with a lovely soprano voice, and even after her retirement
continued to be invited to sing solo’s (particularly by former choristers at
their weddings).
The
Church choir was to play an important part in the lives of both Evelyn and her
husband Bryan. He became choirmaster for period of 37 years, with both finally
retiring in Dec 2001. Between them they encouraged and supported so many young
people to enjoy music. They encouraged a great social side for the choristers,
walks and picnics in the summer, and the popular Christmas parties in their
home.
During 70’s, 80’s and 90’s the choir
membership remained in excess of 20 choristers and senior members, and
maintained a high standard.
Upchurch Choral Society
(2014)
Up
to her death Evelyn and Bryan were the sole remaining founder members of the
U.C.S., the choir being formed in 1967 by the Rev. MacNeil Bradshaw and Tom
Rider the husband of Doris Rider the then organist at St.Mary’s. The choir has continued presenting two/three
concerts each year. The choir’s first concert was the amalgamation of the
Church and Women’s Institute choirs. Evelyn remained an influential member and
was for many years its Chairman.
Evelyn
was also, together with Bryan a long serving member of the Sittingbourne
Orpheus Choral Society.
She
was a tireless worker in her community and for her church, and will be
remembered for the hours she spent raising funds for her church by organising
and manning a stall at local ‘Boot Fares’, and for being one of the main
organisers of the monthly ‘Porch
Sale’ at St.Mary’s.
She
will also be remembered for her work and happy disposition whilst working at
‘The Barn Yard’
Her family and friends
Evelyn
placed great value and importance to her family. She loved her parents dearly,
and extended this love to Bryan’s family. All her six nieces and nephews
received birthday cards each year up to their 21st birthday, and
their children in turn were remembered similarly up their 18th
birthday.
The
birth of her grand children Ashley and Taylor brought her great joy, and the
early death of her first grandchild Aaron great sadness. A day never went by
without her speaking of them, and her trips to Italy to see them were such joy
and so much looked forward to.
A Worrying Time
In
March 2011 Evelyn was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in her right kidney.
The operation to remove the kidney was undertaken at the Darenth Valley
Hospital, Dartford in the April by Mr.Marsh and was a complete success. Andrew
flew from Italy to be with his parents and was a wonderful support at this very
worrying time. Evelyn’s progress following the operation continued to be good,
allowing her to travel to Italy with Bryan in the following June.
In
late 2012 further cancerous tumours were diagnosed and a process of
radio-therapy followed by chemotherapy was commenced. In spite of the many awful side effects she suffered Evelyn
maintained a positive attitude, never complaining and would never allow herself
to be seen suffering in public continuing to take part in the many activities
she enjoyed.
She
even took up ‘short mat’ bowls in the village and at Newington, which she
really enjoyed.
On
Sunday 13th April 2014 Evelyn experienced terrible abdominal pain
and was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital. Her condition deteriorated and on
Wednesday the 16th April at 6.15am Evelyn died in the arms of her
loving Bryan.
She
was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved people, and had many
friends. She never sought thanks or favours in anything she did. She was, in
every sense a beautiful woman, a true Saint, loved by all, and deeply mourned
by those so privileged to have known her.
Goodnight
my sweetheart.
“Granddad
asked us to write just a few words about our grandma, but what can we say that
you don’t already know.
Warming,
loving, cheerful, radiant, firm, a little stubborn too, strong, enduring, full
of energy, respectful and respected.
It’s
impossible to even try to begin to express the impact she has had on us, but
here are just a few thoughts that came to mind.
Our Grandma!
An
exceptional person. She taught us many many things, some of which, how to love,
how to be patient, how to be positive and never give up, and most of all, how
to make a great Gin & Tonic.
She
had a special way with people, not just her family but everyone, making you
feel somebody, because she really did care.
She
always spoiled us grandchildren with her cooking when we visited; finishing
every meal with a sweet of some kind, her fantastic crumbles and pies, and her
wonderful Yorkshire puddings that dad has tried in vain to rival but with
little success.
One
of our favourite memories of grandma was at Christmas. Every year the same
scene would repeat itself. While
waiting for the turkey to cook we would all open a couple of presents, each
waiting to see what the other had been given, and then the time would come when
grandma and granddad would give us their presents, and as we opened them, right
on cue granddad would say, “ooohhhhhh well that’s nice, who gave you that”?
quickly followed up by Grandma giving him a slap saying “we did Bryan, we did”.
We all knew she was in charge of Christmas, come to that, in charge of just
about everything. And we loved watching granddad getting told off every year
and grandma pretending to be angry.
Silly memories but ones
that we will always remember and laugh about.”
Bryan Veale.
space
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Draft Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
The Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISH
MEETING of the Upchurch Parish Council held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday 24th April 2014 commencing
at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr
Sara Tucker (Chair), Cllr John Arnold (Vice-Chair), Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr
Patricia New, Cllr Susan Rossiter, Cllr Michael Apps, Cllr Maria Rose, Cllr
Pamela Denny, Mrs Claire Attaway (Clerk), and 21 members of the public
including PCSO John Cork and Cllr John Wright
Apologies: Cllr
Peter Masson
1. Chairman’s Introduction – All
present were warmly welcomed by the Chairman.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 25th
April 2013 – There were no amendments. It was proposed by Mr Alec New,
seconded by Mr Robert Quy, that they be accepted as a true record and all
agreed.
3. Presentation of the accounts – The unaudited
accounts were presented by the Clerk, and a copy is filed with these minutes.
Copies of the accounts had also been provided.
The Clerk thanked all the
Councillors for their help and support during her fifth year as Parish Clerk.
The Clerk referred to the
accounts. She explained that the Council was given a grant from KCC towards the
Paddock Project. This covered approx. 55% of the total cost of the project. She
reported that income from the Burial Ground almost doubled compared to last
year.
The highest expenditure was in
the Paddock totalling over £16,500. Half of this amount was the cost of the Paddock
Project. It also included the cost of installing the new play equipment. The
KCC grant towards this cost was received in last year’s financial year and
covered approx. 75% of the total cost. The annual rent payable to St Johns
College Cambridge for the lease of the Recreation Ground and Allotments
increased by 28% this year from £832 to £1,065. Project expenditure in the
Burial Ground totalling £2,682 was the total cost of repointing the Churchyard
Wall. Again a KCC grant was received towards this in last year’s financial year
and covered approx. 75% of the total cost of the project.
All agreed that the accounts be
accepted and approved.
4. Presentation from Sue Maidens, Youth
Development Officer for Young Kent (Formally Kent Youth and Kent Council for
Voluntary Youth Services KCVYS) – Cllr Tucker introduced Mrs
Maiden.
Mrs Maiden thanked the Council for the opportunity to talk
about the services of Young Kent and KCVYS. She explained that they offer
essential support services to youth organisations of all sizes through their
membership services. They have four main functions; Member Services, Programmes
for Young People, Representation and Information and Celebrating Achievement.
Benefits of membership are as follows:
· Networking
opportunities & seminars
· Support
Visits from Youth Development Officers
· Club
Pack – a useful guide for youth organisations of all sizes
· Access
to the Members area on the new website
· Funding
information
· Activities
for young people
· DBS
disclosure checks (formally called CRB checks)
· Training
for volunteers/staff
· Advice,
guidance and information
· Insurance
They are able to support youth
groups aimed at 8-25 year olds. Mrs Maiden gave the Clerk details on obtaining
membership. She explained that the cost of membership was £59 and also that
there was a one-off additional joining fee of £25.
Mrs Maiden gave details about
the me2 programme. This aims to break
down some of the barriers that prevent disabled young people from being
included in mainstream youth and leisure activities. This is achieved by
bringing together disabled young people aged 13 to 19 with non-disabled
mentors. Mentors (aged 15 to 19) are given the opportunity to complete an
intensive 3 day peer inclusion mentor training course and subsequently provide
supportive relationships that enable disabled young people to be included in
local clubs of their choice.
Cllr Tucker commented that by
having a youth group it may help alleviate issues with young people
congregating in the village centre.
PCSO Cork commented that in
Parkwood, they held a youth group 5 nights a week and was well attended. He
found them very useful as it enabled him to interact with this age group.
Mr Newbery asked PCSO Cork if
there was a major youth problem in the village. PCSO Cork commented that in his
opinion, Upchurch did not have a major youth problem. The type of crimes
committed by young people included shoplifting from the Co-Op, drug taking and
low level shed break-ins.
Cllr Lewin commented that
youths don’t misbehave if you don’t have a youth group, they do it anyway.
However, the Parish Council could consider drafting a policy to encourage
engagement with the community and that it will aim to provide youth facilities.
Cllr Tucker thanked Mrs Maiden
for her presentation which was most appreciated by those present. She asked
residents to let the Council know if they had any ideas on how to progress with
the setting up of a youth group in the village. A resident commented that the
Council could elect two under 18 year olds to attend meetings. Members thanked
him for this suggestion.
5. Chairman’s Report – A
copy of the Chairman’s report is filed with these minutes.
6. Presentation of KALC Community Award – Cllr
Tucker thanked Keith Rossiter for all his voluntary work with various groups
and organisations in the village, for example, the Scouts and Village Hall
Management Committee. She presented him with a certificate signed by the High
Sheriff of Kent. Mr Rossiter thanked the Council and commented that he would
find somewhere suitable to display it. He thanked all the volunteers involved
in the groups and organisations he helps with, and explained that without their
support we wouldn’t be a village. He thanked the Parish Council too.
7. Matters arising and questions on the
Chairman’s report
Footpath along Windmill Hill – Mr
& Mrs Davies reported various issues with this footpath. Cllr Arnold and
the Clerk will follow this up. It was explained that faults could be logged
with KCC at: www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess
and clicking on Public Rights of Way-report a problem. It was commented
that a road closure had been scheduled to complete drainage and carriageway
works. This was planned to commence from 12th May 2014 for up to
three weeks.
Mr & Mrs Davies also raised
concerns about the 60mph speed limit from the Three Sisters Public House
through to Horsham Lane. JA/Clerk
Bus Shelter – Mr
Newbury commented that we are now looking forward to the summer months and that
we have established there is no major youth problems in the village, therefore
lets progress with the bus shelter so that residents do not have to stand out
this winter in the rain waiting for a bus. Cllr Tucker explained that the best
way forward had been subject to many discussion options and after taking
residents opinions into account, the most acceptable way to was to hear the
case for both sides at a full council meeting and the council votes. This would
take place on the meeting scheduled for 1st May 2014.
Mr Freeman commented that it is
either needed or it isn’t. A reason for not providing one was to avoid youths
congregating there. However if it is raining, residents need a shelter. He
explained that he is able to drive at the moment but one day he might not. He
commented that why is one group so important that they can watch their
neighbours get wet. Cllr Tucker
explained that this issue would be discussed at the next meeting. The Council
had requested those “for” and those “against” to prepare a paper for discussion
in order for members to make an informed decision.
Cllr Wright reminded members
that funding is limited for installing and maintaining a shelter.
Mr Kew asked the Council to let
residents know that this would be discussed at the next meeting. Cllr Tucker
explained that this had been included in the minutes and publicised through the
Gabriel and was an agenda item. After much debate, it was agreed by all that
the Council should make a decision at the next meeting.
Cllr New suggested putting up a
notice at the Bus Stop. Mr Newbury suggested informing residents via Upchurch
Matters website.
Mr Osborne commented that he
understood that there would be no discussion about this proposal during public
time at the next meeting. Cllr Tucker confirmed that this was the intention but
it now seemed that residents wanted to discuss this. Mr Osborne explained that
he could see people waiting at the bus stop and they do not get wet, they bring
umbrellas.
Cllr Tucker clarified that this
proposal could not be debated at this meeting. It would be discussed and voted
on at the next meeting on 1st May 2014. Cllr Lewin commented that he
fully supported this.
Mrs Osborne remarked that she
thought this was the best way forward and would accept the decision made by the
Parish Council.
Speed limit along Horsham Lane
– A
resident from Beckenham Park queried why the speed limit had not been reduced
to 30mph.
Cllr Lewin explained that KCC
Highways are expected to justify the costs of any safety improvement schemes.
They have to work out that if it is done, there would be some kind of benefit
to reducing the pattern of personal injury crashes. There was no record of any
such pattern of crashes along this lane to make KCC spend their money.
Therefore they are required to focus its spending on priority cases.
Gypsy & Traveller sites – A
resident from Beckenham Park queried why objections are overturned.
Cllr Lewin clarified that
decisions made by Swale BC are based on planning policies and guidelines as
well as adopted local plans.
Cllr Tucker encouraged
residents to respond to consultations. The Parish Council could forward
comments to Swale BC but residents could also respond individually. A gypsy and
traveller consultation was currently being carried out and the Council had
asked residents to complete this.
The Paddock Project – Mr
Rossiter reported that he was part of a working group that had cleared
undergrowth from the Paddock thirty years ago. However, since then it had grown
back. He commented that the Council had successfully cleared it once again. He
asked if there were any plans to prevent the vegetation and undergrowth re-growing.
Cllr Tucker stated that the General Purposes Committee had discussed this and
was aware that a maintenance plan was needed. GPC/Clerk
Recreation Ground Gate – Mr
Kew reported that a vehicle had reversed into one of the posts, therefore it
was difficult to lock the gate. He asked if the Council could put up a sign
requesting that it is locked in the evening. Cllr Tucker advised that a sign
had been ordered and would be installed shortly. The Recreation Ground
Representative would investigate the damage to the gate post and also the
condition of the chestnut fencing. PD/ST/Clerk
Hedge adjacent to 39 Oak Lane – Mr
Kemsley asked the Council if they could arrange the ivy to be cut back that is
growing out further and further. It was explained that the Recreation Ground
Representatives would investigate this. PD/ST/Clerk
Footpath by 19 & 21 Oak
Lane – Mr Kemsley explained that this was often covered in debris
from the vegetation outside the Bungalows and was not very pleasant. Cllr
Arnold and the Clerk will investigate. JA/Clerk
Four Gun Field – A
resident from Beckenham Park asked for an update on this. Cllr Lewin reported
that outline planning permission for 50 houses had been granted. The owners of
the site had arranged for it to be boarded up in order to mitigate any dust for
neighbouring houses. The applicants now needed to come forward with a detailed
planning application for the site.
Councillor – Cllr
New remarked that it was nice to have representation from Beckenham Park at
this meeting. Also, she gave a vote of thanks to the Chair, Sara Tucker for her
commitment to the Parish Council and commented that this was appreciated by
all.
Cllr Lewin reported that the judges
for the Best Kept Garden Competition would be visiting in July.
There being no further business
to discuss, the Chairman thanked those present for attending and the meeting closed
at 9.00pm. Refreshments were enjoyed by all present.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Monday, 5 May 2014
Saturday, 3 May 2014
The Formation of Upchurch Football Club
While Upchurch Football
Club battle away in Division 1 of the Rochester & District League, players
and officials may not be aware that the club dates back more than a century in
the village and has produced some great teams and players over the years with
numerous championship and cup winning teams.
Although football became
popular during the second part of the 19th century leading to the setting up of
professional and amateur leagues countrywide, an official village football club
did not emerge in Upchurch until 1907. In the years leading up to this
information in the village magazine shows that matches were played on the
recreation ground but these were just occasional friendly games.
Local businessman George
Cremer and Holywell headmaster J. H. Maltravers created the idea of an official
village football club and held the first A.G.M in the Church Room on July 27th,
1907. After advertising for players 31 men and boys turned up to join as
members. In a lengthy debate a set of club rules was formulated and a
subscription of 2/6d was charged to each member, to be paid before September 1st.
The club was registered as Upchurch United F.C with club colours of light and
navy blue stripes. A committee was also formed. This comprised of Messrs
Anderson, Wyles, Cremer, Ellis and Lambkin. Arthur Lambkin became captain,
village butcher Bill Hales vice-captain, Mr. J. H. Maltravers, secretary and
George Cremer chairman. The Recreation Club in Horsham Lane served as the
headquarters.
Players were supposed to
reside in the village to qualify as members but if outsiders wished to join
then it was possible with committee approval. Farmer Frank Stevens gave permission
for the club to use Holywell Meadow as its home ground and Chairman George
Cremer purchased a hut to be placed there for changing purposes.
First team players
included striker Bill Hales who scored 29 goals in the first season, defenders
were Horace Holloway and William Philpott, midfielders Ernie Hart and Arthur
Lambkin while other names included Sifleet, Tadman, Morris and Trigg.
The First team joined
Division Two of the Sittingbourne & District League, a boy’s team was also
formed and it was hoped to run a reserve team. The reserve team did not
materialise but after training in August the First XI started the season in
September and finished fifth in a division of seven teams. The team obtained 12
points from 12 games. They won five, lost five and drew two.
In its second season,
1908/09 in an enlarged league, the club became much more successful and by the
end of March they were in top position with 17 points from 12 games. However,
the other challengers, H.M.S Actaeon, who went on to win the championship and
RGA had games in hand which they won, leaving Upchurch in third position. In
their final game of the season Upchurch defeated Murston Reserves 3-1.
David Wood. |
Upchurch soon became an
established club in the area and continued to compete in the Sittingbourne
& District League. They later switched to the Free Church League which they
won in 1928/29 and again in 1934/35 when they also won the Chatham Memorial
Cup. After this they played in the New Brompton League and then in the
Rochester & District League in which they were undefeated for two seasons
during the early 1950s. They also won the Kent Junior Cup C section in 1948 and
were joint champions in the league and then the Quarter Century Cup in 1956. In
the past decade the First Team have won the Sittingbourne Charity Cup in 2001
and the Quarter Century Cup in 2005.
Goalscorers over the
years have included Billy Hales in the pre-World War One years, Cyril Wraight
in the 1930s, Billy Hales junior in the 1950s, Les Woolley and Wilf Busbridge
in the 1960s and Terry Morgan in the 1980s. Colin ‘Nippy’ Edmonds became the
longest serving player from 1947 to 1971 while Bob Barnes who played in goal
for the reserves as a 15 year old went on to become a professional with
Sheffield Wednesday.
Although the club’s
original colours were light and dark blue stripes they later wore blue shirts
and white shorts then green and white stripes, all white with green trimmings
and finally black and white stripes and black shorts.
The club played at
several grounds including Holywell Meadow, 'Piwit' in Poot Lane and the recreation
ground. Until recently they played at Beechings Green in Gillingham then to a
new ground at Holywell Meadow.
Upchurch Football Club flourished until the 1970s and usually fielded two teams every Saturday but disbanded for a while before re-joining the Rochester & District League in which they continue to participate.
Upchurch Football Club flourished until the 1970s and usually fielded two teams every Saturday but disbanded for a while before re-joining the Rochester & District League in which they continue to participate.
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 + p+p £2.
David Wood.
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