In parish council affairs Ted Tress from Wallbridge Lane was re-elected chairman and Roy Bachelor from Horsham Lane vice-chairman. At the same meeting the clerk announced that a quarter of the allotments in Oak Lane had become vacant mainly due to an excess of water that had flooded the ground from the bend in the road at the foot of the hill in Oak Lane. The replacement of glass panes in the telephone kiosk came under discussion while permission was given to Upchurch Football Club to erect a large portable pavilion on the recreation ground. The council learned that Mr Gardner of Oak Lane had offered to regularly trim the young elm trees on the northern boundary of the recreation Ground.
Because of an increase in pupil numbers a new single timber built classroom had to be provided at Holywell School meaning that four classrooms would be in use from the following September and an advertisement placed for an extra teacher. An increase in the village population due to the building of four private housing estates in quick succession during the first part of the decade had resulted in higher pupil numbers and had put Holywell School under pressure for space. Miss Phyllis Broughton who came to the school in 1936 continued to serve as headmistress.
On June 18th the Carnival Queen Selection Dance took place in the village hall and the group ‘Music Makers’ provided music. Ann Davies of Horsham Lane was elected Carnival Queen with Janet Boakes and Linda Ellis as her attendants. Meanwhile, the Women’s Institute entertained a party of handicapped elderly people from Court Regis in Sittingbourne and Mrs Bull organised a coffee morning and raised 30/- for Christian Aid Week.
In village sporting affairs Upchurch cricket club captained by Basil Barden had a mixed month with the highlight being the match against Hollingbourne when Don Diffey and Aubrey Belson both scored half centuries in a 100 run opening partnership to enable Upchurch to score 152. Frank Cook then helped to dismiss the visitors for 109 by taking 6 wickets for 30 runs. The club also recorded a good victory against Oakdean but were defeated by Minster and Borden in a month where rain caused the cancellation of some matches.
Upchurch Young Wives visited West Malling Abbey, the oldest religious house in England, where they met the Enclosed Order of the Benedictine Nuns. The chaplain escorted the Upchurch ladies around the building and gave them a brief history on a memorable day.
The only recorded wedding to take place at the church in June involved Joy Swift of Crosier Court and Norman Calver of Newton Pagnell while baptisms took place for Brian Henniker of Oak Lane and Peter Bentley of Chaffes Lane. There were not any burials during the month.
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
