Upchurch Parish Council - Annual Meeting and May 2016 Reports

The Draft Minutes of the ANNUAL MEETING of the Upchurch Parish Council held in Holywell School Hall on Thursday 5th May 2016 commencing at 7:15pm.

Present: Cllr Sara Tucker, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Stephen Hunt, Cllr Tyrone Ripley, Cllr Pamela Denny, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Gary Rosewell, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Mrs Julia Cura (Clerk) and 15 members of the public.

Apologies: Cllr John Arnold

Election of Chairman – Cllr Tucker reported that she would have no objection to continuing as Chair. Cllr Horton proposed and Cllr Lewin seconded, that Cllr Tucker be Chair. There were no other nominations. All agreed and Cllr Tucker signed her declaration of office.

Election of Vice-Chairman – Cllr Tucker proposed and Cllr Horton seconded that Cllr Ripley be Vice-Chairman. There were no other nominations. All agreed and Cllr Ripley signed his declaration of acceptance of office.

Election of Representatives – It was proposed by Cllr Tucker and seconded by Cllr Masson that the following were elected to represent Upchurch Parish Council as follows:

a) KALC Cllr Masson and Cllr Horton 

b) Village Hall Cllr Tucker 

c) School Representative Cllr Horton 

d) Police Liaison Officer Cllr Rosewell 

e) Highways Cllr Arnold 

g) Christmas Tree Rep Cllr Denny 

h) Twinning Group Cllr Lewin

Allocation of Responsibilities – The following areas of responsibilities were agreed:

Paddock and Recreation Ground: Cllr Denny 

Allotments: Cllr Masson 

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Cllr Hunt 

Internal Auditor – Kevin Funnell 

Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) – The Clerk

Sub Committees –

Planning: Cllr Tucker, Cllr Denny, Cllr Masson and Cllr Ripley

HR: Cllr Lewin, Cllr Denny, Cllr Arnold and Cllr Ripley Clerk to discuss with Cllr Arnold whether he wishes to remain on this sub committee

Finance: Cllr Horton, Cllr Arnold, Cllr Tucker and Cllr Lewin

This concluded the business of the Annual Meeting and the evening continued with the monthly meeting of the Council.

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The Draft Minutes of the MEETING of the Upchurch Parish Council held in the Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday 7th May 2016 following the Annual Meeting of the Council.

Present: Cllr Sara Tucker (Chair), Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Vice-Chair), Cllr Gary Rosewell, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Pamela Denny and Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Stephen Hunt, Cllr Lewin Mrs Julia Cura (Clerk) and 15 members of the public.

Apologies: Cllr John Arnold and Ward Cllr John Wright.

Minutes of the meeting held on 7th April 2016 – Cllr Lewin requested that amendments be made to 160 (i). It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Horton that the minutes be accepted as a true record and all agreed. Cllr Tucker signed them.

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Public Time

i) Beckenham Park– Several residents attended from Beckenham Park with regards to the new planning application submitted by Haulfryn Ltd. Residents stated that a petition had been carried out on the site and 84% of residents object to the development. Residents raised the following concerns: There appears to be no allowance for disabled parking. Residents who currently have two spaces will have these reduced to one according to the application drawings, thus meaning no facilities for visitors to park. The application is misleading and in the opening paragraph of their report they refer to an entirely different park. The current parking spaces are shown incorrectly on the plans. The current parking bays are 15ft by 8.5ft there is no room to move these forward from the boundary fence without going into the road. The road around the park does not meet the 3m width requirement. The Haulfryn site office does not display a licence for 75 mobile homes. Residents stated that conditions should be attached if the application is allowed. Cllr Tucker thanked the residents for their comments and stated that the application is due to be discussed in the meeting by the members. She also advised that the Residents Association should check the SBC website, as if the application goes before the planning committee one person could request to represent the park and raise their concerns. Cllr Tucker also stated that if the application is accepted with conditions, the residents would need to report any conditions not being met directly to the enforcement team. Cllr Lewin reported that three minutes are allocated at a planning committee meeting per speaker and therefore it is imperative to prioritise concerns.

ii) Upchurch Colts Junior Football Team – The Chairman of Upchurch Colts football team asked that the members consider the request for the younger teams to train on the Recreation Ground. Cllr Lewin asked whether facilities would be required. It was confirmed that Upchurch Colts have all of their own equipment and nothing other than the use of the ground would be required. Cllr Tucker reported that as the item was on the agenda the request would be discussed in the meeting.

iii) Burial Ground – A resident had been asked to approach the Council to ascertain whether residents are allowed to cut the grass and verges in the Burial Ground themselves. As the Council pay a contractor to carry out this work and it is unclear exactly what the residents were asking to do, it was agreed that anyone with such requests contact the Clerk directly to discuss them.

iv) Wallbridge Lane – A resident requested that the hedge on Wallbridge Lane where the road joins Horsham Lane be cut back. The Clerk will contact KCC regarding this.

v) Church Path – A resident asked whether any progress had been made with regards to the Church Path. Cllr Tucker reiterated to the resident that as previously stated the Churchyard is private property and not under the jurisdiction of the Parish Council. As discussed at the APM the Church Path is a matter for the PCC and Village Hall to discuss. A member of the PCC reported that they will be widening the path by the Church gate themselves by digging this out and placing bark down to ensure it retains a natural look. This is being done with a view of creating access to their new ashes plot area. Through access to the Village Hall car park will remain the same. The PCC reported that a tarmac path cannot be put in place due to the cost and conservation order. Cllr Lewin stated that he was grateful to the PCC for addressing the issue.

vi) Orchard Park site – A resident raised concerns regarding activity with lorries unloading hard core at this site. Cllr Lewin reported that the amount being unloaded is below the minimum amount stipulated on the enforcement notice.

The meeting re-opened at 8:10pm

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Declarations of Interest

Cllr Lewin declared a Disclosable Non Pecuniary Interest in 5(iv). Cllr Horton declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in 6 (ii).

Correspondence

i) Outer Thames Estuary Consultation Letter– An email had been received by the Clerk inviting comments on this. Cllr Lewin proposed that the Council should respond stating that they are grateful to have been consulted, however this is of little interest to the area of Upchurch. All agreed.

ii) Upchurch Colts Football Team – As discussed in public time a request had been submitted for the teams to use the Recreation Ground for training. All agreed that permission should be granted on the understanding that any rubbish is disposed of and that any activity is carried out at their own risk. The Clerk will write to confirm the terms. Cllr Denny requested that vehicles are not taken onto the grass to transport equipment. The Parish Council are happy for the Recreation Ground to be used in such a way but do request that people seek permission so that we can ensure the correct insurance and liability is in place.

Planning

i) 16/501900/FULL – 53 Drakes Close Upchurch- Conversion of garage into habitable room – Update on comments submitted 29th April 2016. This application was discussed at the GPC meeting due to the cut-off date for comments falling before the Council meeting. Cllr Tucker reported that the Clerk had submitted comments stating that the Council had no objections to this application.

ii) 16/503183/FULL – Resubmission of 2 dwellings – Land adjacent to 18 Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch – Following discussion it was agreed that the houses have been completely redesigned and the concerns regarding off street parking have been addressed. It was agreed that the Clerk should submit comments stating that the Council have no objections to this application.

iii) 16/502999/TNOT56 – Telecommunications Notification – As this application had been discussed at proposal stage and comments submitted, it was agreed that the Clerk would submit comments stating that the Council had no objections.

iv) 16/5013132/FULL – 30 The Poles Upchurch – Replace existing felt roof of front porch with tiled pitched roof. Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should submit comments stating that the Council have no objections to this application.

v) 15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park, Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch – Change of use of land for the siting of five mobile homes, to include demolition of garages, 14 new communal parking bays and 29 new on-pitch private parking bays. Members agreed that Haulfryn Ltd still had not taken into account concerns of residents following the initial application. Cllr Horton reported that although there are concerns regarding disabled parking spaces, none are actually being removed from the site. Cllr Lewin reported that there are two types of disabled space, one specifically designated to an applicant and placed close to the home and secondly spaces in public car parks which require the proof of a disability badge. The need for a space next to the home requires proof of disability. Cllr Lewin reported that there is no lawful requirement for the provision of disabled parking on private land. Cllr Lewin stated that the members should consider whether the recreational needs of residents had been taken into consideration in this application. Whether the application ensures enough parking spaces for the current residents as well as the proposed five extra homes. Cllr Lewin stated that emotive reasons for objections would not be considered at planning and neither would a resident’s survey. Reasons for objections should be factual planning reasons. Cllr Masson agreed to look into the parking situation and discuss his findings with the planning committee who will assist the Clerk with comments to be submitted to SBC.

vi) 16/503404/FULL – 18 Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch – Part single, part two storey extension to rear of property – Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should submit comments to SBC stating that the Council has no objections to this application, however it is unclear as to the difference between the original and amended drawings.

Any other Planning

i) Cllr Lewin advised that access can be gained via the SBC website on 19th May 2016 to a large document regarding the additional housing needs in Swale.

Finance

i) Payment of Councillor expenses – The subject of Council allowances and expenses was discussed. Parish Councils can place councillor expenses in the budget, although this has not previously been done by Upchurch. Cllr Horton stated that this should be the choice of the individual. It was agreed that this would be revised and discussed further at the precept budget meeting.

ii) Final Accounts for approval – a copy of the accounts for the year 2015-16 had been circulated to the members. Cllr Horton raised concerns regarding the future of the Burial Ground income and it was agreed that this should be placed on the agenda for the GPC and discussed further. The Clerk reported that she is still to meet with the Internal Auditor following a delay with the end of year bank statement from Barclays Bank. The Annual Audit return will therefore be presented at the Council meeting on 2nd June 2016.

Administration

i) General Purposes Committee (GPC) – a copy of the notes taken from the meeting held on 19th April 2016 had been circulated and agreed.

ii) Insurance Renewal – The Clerk reported that two quotations had been received, one from AON and one from Zurich. The Clerk explained the differences between the quotations. It was agreed that the Clerk should discuss the amount of cover for fences and gates further with Zurich. All agreed that following this discussion the Council should renew their insurance with Zurich and the Clerk was given permission to get the cheque signed at the GPC meeting on 18th May 2016.

iii) APM Follow up – Cllr Tucker requested permission to place a statement regarding the outcome of the APM on the Council website and Upchurch Matters. Cllr Horton asked whether any feedback had been received regarding the change in format of the meeting to previous years. No formal feedback had been received, but comments made to both Cllr Lewin and Cllr Horton reported that the general feeling is that it had been an excellent meeting with positive comments regarding the different village groups being represented at the meeting. Cllr Tucker will provide a statement on the APM.

iv) Clerk’s Resignation – Cllr Tucker reported that regrettably the Clerk had tendered her resignation due to personal circumstances. It was agreed that the Clerk and Cllr Ripley would draft an advertisement for the role and once agreed publicise the vacancy.

Allotments

i) Vacant Plots – The Clerk reported that these are currently being advertised.

Paddock and Recreation Ground

i) Play Area Resurfacing – Cllr Tucker proposed that the Council obtain three quotes to remove the tarmac and metal fencing left in the old play area and seed this area. This work was budgeted for in the precept. Cllr Lewin reported that he had been contacted regarding a working group of residents making improvements to this area by means of a grant. The Clerk reported that she had also been contacted by the same resident and had asked for clarification of their intentions via email. Cllr Denny seconded Cllr Tucker’s proposal and all agreed. The Clerk will obtain three quotes.

ii) Vandalism in Play Area – Cllr Denny reported that further vandalism had taken place in the Paddock with broken tree debris having to be removed again.

iii) Fence posts on boundary of Chaffes Lane – Cllr Denny reported that fence posts had been removed from the Chaffes Lane boundary. The Clerk reported that she had instructed the contractor to carry out works to this fence. The Clerk will check that it is the contractor that has removed the posts.

iv) Paddock Bushes – It was agreed that Cllr Denny and Cllr Masson would meet with Grasstex to discuss the options for cutting back the bushes in the Paddock on the Bradshaw Close boundary. The Clerk will ask Cllr Arnold if he would like to be present as he is interested in this project.

v) Recreation Ground Gate – Cllr Denny reported that the padlock is still missing from the gate and that a car had been seen driving on the grass as well as quad bikes. Both incidents had been reported to the PCSO. A discussion took place regarding the prevention of vehicle access to the grass and it was agreed that the Clerk should obtain quotes for possible solutions to the problem.

Burial Ground and Churchyard

i) Church Clock – The Clerk had provided quotations from two companies for the annual servicing of the Church Clock. Cllr Horton and Cllr Masson reported that they felt they had familiarised themselves enough with the clock to carry out the requirements for the day to day running of it. Due to this it was agreed that following poor service from Gillett and Johnston the Clerk should contact them to state that the Council will not be renewing their maintenance contract with them. The Clerk will write to the other two companies to ascertain whether it is possible to use them for repairs when required if a maintenance contract is not entered into.

Environment

i) Bus Shelter – The Clerk reported that she is chasing the licence department daily regarding the application. This part of the process can take up to twelve weeks. Cllr Ripley asked whether the contractor had given a timescale to make and place the shelter. The Clerk will contact him to obtain this information.

ii) Tree Survey – The Clerk had distributed the tree survey to the members. All agreed that this is a very informative document. Cllr Tucker suggested that a member take ownership of this document in order that the Council can budget for required works, as this was the original purpose of it. It was agreed that this should be placed on the GPC agenda.

iii) Speedwatch Conference Update – Cllr Denny reported that she had attended the conference with her husband. Cllr Denny stated that the conference had been very informative and although it had shown that Upchurch does not have the speeding issues suffered by many villages it would be beneficial for the speedwatch equipment to be utilised. Unfortunately due to a lack of volunteers this has not been possible. However Cllr Masson and a resident have put themselves forward to attend speed watch training.

Highways

i) Street Lights – It was reported that the both the Bradshaw Close and Oak Lane street lights have been fixed.

Reports from representatives

i) Village Hall – Cllr Tucker reported that she is now Chair of the Village Hall committee. The committee recently had a meeting with a representative from ACRK who recommended that projects be split to smaller more achievable ones. The representative stated that the amount of regular bookings is a good sign. Cllr Tucker reported that the intention is to get one project off the ground in the near future. The hall still requires assistance financially and Cllr Tucker asked if the Council would consider the village hall’s grass area being added to the Council’s grass cutting contract. Cllr Horton commented that if the Council did this it could set a precedent for further requests. It was agreed that the details for the contractors should be passed to the village hall in order for them to deal directly with them.

ii) PCSO – The Clerk had received a report from the PCSO which she read to the meeting. Crime has been low in the village. There had been a theft from a motor vehicle in Grenadier Close, reports of youths in motor vehicles in the village hall car park. Damage in the Paddock area and youths playing football in the road. The PCSO requests that any anti-social behaviour be reported to him.

iii) Twinning Group – Nothing to report.

iv) KALC – Nothing to report.

Matters arising not yet covered

i) Traveller site near Three Sisters – Cllr Masson reported excessive vans at this sites and raised concerns with regards to their close proximity with each other and the amount of gas bottles on the site. The Clerk was asked to raise this with the enforcement team.

Next meetings – Confirmed as being 2nd June 2016 and 4th August 2016 in the Village Hall.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9:45pm. 

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council

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

Lower Halstow Celebrates The Queen’s 90th Birthday

Join in the fun as Lower Halstow celebrates the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

Sing-A-Long and Snippets

Friday the 10th of June at the Memorial Hall from 7:30pm - 9:30pm.

Do join us as we sing songs from the past and hear snippets from village life in juxtaposition with the Queen’s experiences. Fun and informal. All welcome, tea and coffee.

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Family Fun on The Recreation Ground

Saturday the 11th of June from 3:00pm - 7:00pm.

A fun filled afternoon with live music, barbecue, children’s rides, bar, bouncy castle and more.

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Cream Teas and Those Two Ladies

Sunday the 12th of June at St. Margaret’s Church from 2:30pm - 4:30pm.

The opportunity to visit this wonderful little church, in a unique setting alongside the dock. No obligation to stay to the service which will close our weekend of celebration. Short Thanksgiving Service at 5:00pm.

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Liz Mouland pp Friends of St. Margaret's, Lower Halstow.

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The Amazing 54 Year Love Affair by David Wood

It started as a teenage friendship, developed into a full blown love affair then circumstances split the couple between two countries. They reluctantly parted but never stopped thinking about each other. This is the story of Ann Hubbard from Upchurch and George Frid from Lower Rainham whose love affair captivated local people and hit the pages of The Sunday Express in 1924.

The story began during the 1860s when the couple first met. Ann later described how they met.

‘George had a sister, who, before I met him was already my friend. She took me to her home and I met George. We became child friends. We met at play, at day school and at Sunday school. Jolly years sped on during which George and I wandered together about the district, along the footpaths, down the lanes joining the two villages until we were finally recognised as sweethearts.’

George got a job in the Otterham brickfield when he left school but because he was ambitious and wanted to improve his life he decided to immigrate to Canada. Because he loved Ann and had courted her for three years he wanted to marry her and take her to Canada but Ann’s parents objected and so she reluctantly had to stay at home.

Ann and George’s mother were against him going to Canada but he said that he would return home after one year. Ann explained:

‘Before he left home we pledged our troth. I promised to join him if he was unable to come back, as soon as he could make the home ready. But my parents were against the plan. They resolutely declined to approve the great adventure.’

When it was time for George to leave for Canada in 1870 Ann accompanied him to Chatham railway station.

‘Never shall I forget our last farewell at Chatham. The heart of youth is always filled with hope and I did not think the parting would be for long as we bid each other a tender goodbye. Letters followed punctually on his arrival in Canada and he gave me enthusiastic accounts of the pretty little town of Hamilton where he decided to settle. He told me of the beautiful scenery of lake and mountain, and stressed the point that he had alighted in the garden of Ontario. As he was striving so hard to make progress he was unable to return as he had planned and sent for me to go out to him. Of course, I was longing to join him, so that we might face the world together in a wonderful new country.

My mother was a strong minded woman and she stated if I tried to go to Canada she would follow and bring me back. And as I was only eighteen I was made to realise that the laws would enable her to fulfil her threat so I delayed and delayed hoping that the months to come would find some solution to our problem.

George’s father died soon after his departure and his mother, with a family of boys, left to join him, but my mother now insisted that he should return to England and marry me in my old home. At this time this was impossible. Money was still scarce and hard to earn so we just hoped on. Time moved more slowly. The days seemed to grow longer. Several springs came and fled, and I was still listening daily for the click of the gate as the postman came up the path to bring me news of my far away lover.

For ten years our letters crossed the great ocean that divided us and each letter seemed to make me feel the distance was growing greater…’

George worked as a brick-maker in Hamilton for about seven years before going into business as a brick manufacturer. He eventually decided that Ann was never going to join him so he met and married a girl from Montreal. Ann explained the situation.

‘… Then one horrible day the message came that, since I could not go to him, he had met someone in Canada and that he had decided to marry and make a good name for himself………It was terrible to have all my girlish hopes blighted, but I appreciated his position and wrote him sending my very best wishes and prayers for his happiness and explained there was no good reason why he should remain single, as I was bound by filial duty to remain with my parents. Then came a great silence. All correspondence ceased between us until I heard no more of him until this summer (1924).’

After years of marriage George’s Canadian wife died in 1922 making him a widower. By this time George had retired. He made a visit to Rainham and made inquiries about Ann but he could not find her. In July 1924 he made a second trip and stayed at the Jubilee Temperance Hotel (later The Railway pub) in Station Road. While staying there he discovered that Ann was still alive, single and living in Rainham aged 70 and both of her parents were dead. She had never married and still loved George. He decided to visit her. Ann described what happened:

‘Early in July he arrived, and once more my heart thrilled to the click of the garden gate. A silver haired man with tanned features and the clear eyes that I remembered so well greeted me as in the old days, and I knew that my love burned brighter and stronger than ever. We chatted over old times and tender memories were revived that showed he had not forgotten. He learned too, that my love had remained through the years, unchanging and true. He confessed that he had always kept my picture, and laughingly told how the children used to call to their mother as they looked through the old family album. ‘Come and look at dad’s old sweetheart.’

George then popped the question and asked Ann to marry him and to return to Canada with him. Ann described what happened:

‘Then the great question came. I realised that my life of constancy and love was going to receive its reward and I answered as my heart had dictated as a girl-54 years ago.

The news spread. Friends expressed their kindly interest and inquired whether Mr Frid was an old beau of mine. Only those who had known me in my girlhood knew anything about my early love, as I had always jealously guarded my secret from the outside world. So my life’s hidden romance came as a great surprise to many when they heard that I had been led to the altar, and with my bridegroom how so kept our troth of years ago.’

The happy couple got married at Sittingbourne Congregational Church and then went to Margate by car for their honeymoon. Ann summed up her feelings before embarking for Canada:

‘And after all I am going to Canada. I am looking forward to embarking soon for my new home. I have no regrets in leaving the old place. To me Hamilton is not new; it represents the dreams of my youth. I know I am going to find it vastly different from the time when Mr Frid first went out as it has grown to a population of 120,000. Of course, I shall not have the happiness of helping him make his life, but at least I am going to enjoy with him his success. I feel that a true and noble man is the greatest blessing which can be bestowed on any woman and to win such a man has been worth waiting for…I have waited 54 years for the man of my choice. Fifty four years is a long time but it is over. I am happy now and that is all I care about.’

On September 27^th 1924 the couple left Southampton for Canada on the liner ‘Empress of France’ and they were seen off by several friends. Their long affair had embodied great happiness and deep sadness but it all ended happily as the couple lived out the remainder of their lives together in a new land.

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 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

Vandalism and Dog Fouling in The Paddock

The Paddock 

Unfortunately over recent weeks the Paddock area has again fallen prey to vandalism and dog fouling.

Trees have been broken and fly tipping has taken place.

The Paddock is leased by the Parish Council and is therefore the responsibility of the Parish Council, not Swale Borough Council.

Any repairs have to be funded by the Parish Council.

The members of the Parish Council who are volunteers, along with the village caretaker are having to clear up after the people responsible for this vandalism.

If you see any unacceptable behaviour in this area please report this to the PCSO John Cork, the Clerk or the Caretaker who is regularly in this area and working tirelessly to keep it tidy.

Thank you for your support. 

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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Garage Broken into in Shorefields & Theft from a Car in Ten Acre Way

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/16205/16

Shorefields, Rainham. A Garage was broken into between the hours of Midday on Wednesday 27/4/2016 and 4:00pm on Friday 29/4/2016. A DeWalt Drill was stolen.

Crime Number: XY/16463/16

Ten Acre Way, Rainham. A Theft from a Kia Sportage between the hours of 9:00pm on Sunday 1/5/2016 and 11:00am on Monday 2/5/2015. £ pairs of Sunglasses were stolen.

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

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

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Parish Council - Annual Parish Meeting Report 2016

The Notes of the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday 21st April 2016 commencing at 7:30pm. 

Present: The Parish Council attended along with 31 members of the public.

1. Chairman’s Introduction – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the change in format from previous Annual Parish Meetings. 

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2015 – There were no amendments. It was proposed by Mrs P New and seconded by Mr R Foulds, that they be accepted as a true record and all agreed. 

3. Presentation of KALC Community Award – Cllr Tucker thanked Jim Harman for his tireless voluntary work with various groups and organisations in the village, for example, the Parish Council, 1 o’clock club, Twinning Group and the Scouts. Mr Harman was presented with his award. 

4. Twinning Group – Cllr Lewin spoke on behalf of the Twinning Group. He spoke about the success of the quiz nights that have enabled foreign exchange trips between Holywell School and Ferques in France. Mr R Kemsley reported that the students from both schools benefit greatly from these exchanges. The next one is in October this year. Mr Kemsley thanked everyone involved in making these trips possible. Cllr Lewin advised that the Twinning Group are looking for new members. 

5. Friends of St Mary’s – Mrs P New spoke on behalf of the group. The group are passionate about the Church building and maintaining it. Mrs New gave a brief history of the Church and advised that it is not necessary to be a member of the Church to be a member of the group. Application forms for membership are available. A single membership is £10 a year and a joint membership is £15. This membership contributes towards the maintenance of the Church. The benefits include a newsletter and social events. 

6. Parents and Friends of Holywell School – Mr S Smith spoke on behalf of the group. The group fundraises to provide activities which are not otherwise available from the School budget. The Committee is made up of parents, carers and teachers. The PFHS strive to be involved around the village as much as possible and welcome new events. They are focused on the School’s ethos and hold meetings once a month. The website for the PFHS is: www.pfhs.co.uk

7. Reverend Julian Staniforth – The Reverend spoke on behalf of the Church and the PCC. The Reverend quoted that ‘The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those that are not its members’. The Church building used to be the hub of the Village and the Church are endeavouring to become this again. The Rainbow Café takes place in the Church and is an opportunity for the Church to engage with the community, the PCSO, Community Warden and Citizens Advice Bureau are invited to attend the event. Everyone is welcome to the Church which holds different styles of worship and congregations. The Reverend advised that plans are in the early stages for a garden of remembrance in the Churchyard.

8. Upchurch Village Hall – Cllr Tucker spoke on behalf of the Village Hall. Cllr Tucker reported that she has recently become Chairman of the Village Hall. She spoke about the background of the Village Hall and the improvements needed along with the costs involved in making these improvements. The Village Hall would be grateful for any help received from residents with regards to fundraising for improvements. 

9. Upchurch Village Fete – Mr C Bunting spoke on behalf of the Village Fete. The Fete is now in its third year. The last two years have proved successful and the idea is to keep the theme of a traditional fete. The Fete has been very lucky to receive significant sponsorship from local businesses as well as local grants to cover the costs of running such an event. The Committee is independent. If anybody wishes to become involved please make contact with one of the members. The Fete this year is on 18th June 2016. 

10. Parish Council Projects – Cllr Tucker spoke on behalf of the Parish Council, she provided an update on the Bus Shelter which is this year’s project. Cllr Tucker reported that the Parish Council’s next proposed main project is the Paddock. This is as a result of the demise of the play area. Money has been set aside to improve the surface of this area. Anything further would require a working group made up of residents and Councillors to discuss ideas and how to move forward with them. 

11. Questions from the public – Very few questions were raised. A resident raised the question as to whether the play area in the Paddock would be reused. Following a question regarding the Church path, an action was taken for the Church/PCC to discuss possibilities with the Village Hall Committee accessing their property. Discussions regarding the work needed to the Village Hall took place and Cllr Tucker will report these back to the Village Hall Committee. 

12. The reports have been summarised in these notes – full reports from representatives are available from the Parish Council Clerk. 

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council

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