The Choir of St. Mary’s 1992 by Bryan Veale

The picture shows the choir ready robed at the Cathedral, and the choristers who were presented with their awards during the Festival service by the Bishop of Dover.

L to R Helen Stewart (Senior Bishop Award): Kerry Apps (Dean’s Award}: Amy Morton (Dean’s): Jennifer Pocock (Bishop’s Award): Helen Rossiter (Bishop’s): Lisa Tutill (Dean’s}. The choir had for many years maintained a high standard in it’s music, which was clearly acknowledged by the RSCM.

1992 was a particularly memorable year for the choir of St. Mary’s, Upchurch. Six choristers had been studying and practicing music towards gaining awards from The Royal School Of Church Music.

Choristers were coached by Susan Rossiter the church organist for musical performance and knowledge, and by Sandy and Alan Wakely and Rev. John Lefroy for Religious Knowledge. The choir’s Musical Director, Bryan Veale selected choristers and monitored progress.

All six passed in their various levels with flying colours, and shortly afterwards following a visit from the Secretary of the RSCM to our morning service, the Choir was advised that it had been selected as the processional choir at the forthcoming Choirs Festival in Canterbury Cathedral, a singular great honour in those days for a village choir to be selected, as normally this was an honour reserved for the large town parish churches.

Bryan Veale

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New Play Equipment For The Paddock - Please Vote in the Parish Council Poll

Following the recent Play Equipment Safety Report it is with regret that the Parish Council has had to action the removal of the two slides and swing along with the rubber matting in the Paddock play area.

The removal of this equipment will take place on 29th October 2015. The Council are keen to obtain the opinions of residents with regards to replacing this equipment and would be grateful if you could vote in this short 1 question Poll at the link below.

☞ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOTE ☜ 

Thank you.

Julia Cura - Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel: 01634 363906
Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

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Newington History Group - History Group's Heaven Scent

Hamamelis Virginiana.

Being the home to one of the three National Plant Collections of hamamelis, or witch hazels, is one of Newington's more unusual and lesser known attractions. 

The Witch Hazel Nursery in the village's Callaways Lane has more than 500 plants. Flowering in winter in shades ranging from pale yellow to deep red, their spicy scent is described as 'heavenly'.

Newington History Group provides an opportunity to learn much more about the plants and the national collection at its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 12, when the nursery's Chris Lane will be attending.

The group meets at the Methodist Hall in Church Lane at 7.30pm and is open to all. Admission is £3 for guests.

The nursery's collection can be viewed on designated open days. For more information visit www.witchhazelnursery.com

The other national collections are in Romsey, Hampshire, and Albrighton in the West Midlands.

For more information about NHG and for membership details contact 01795 842711 or thelma@newingtonhistoryco.uk

Richard Thompstone

Newington History Group

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Bogus Callers and Rouge Traders Operating in Swale

Kent Police have reported recent increases in burglary as a result of Bogus Callers within the borough. Bogus callers turn up unannounced at people’s homes and may try to trick their way into homes to steal valuables or money. They may operates alone or in pairs and pretend to be from the local council or work for a utility company as examples.

The easiest way to tackle them is to not open your door if you are concerned about who is calling.

Steph Curtis (Safer and Stronger Communities Officer)

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Upchurch Scout Group AGM

This years Scout Group AGM takes place on Friday the 23rd of October at 7:00pm in Drakes Lodge Scout Hut.

Please come along and support your young people and their leaders in this annual event.

Find out what our sections have been up to and how Upchurch Scout Group is doing as a whole.

Cubs, Scouts and Beavers will be presented with their badges on the evening as well.

Thank you for your time in advance

Darren Hatcher GSL - Upchurch Scout Group

Tel: 01634 373313

Upchurch Family Fireworks

Upchurch Scout Group
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