Newington History Group - Diary 2019

The group covers a wide range of topics of general interest to people in Newington, Upchurch, Lower Halstow and further afield. Guests (£3) are welcome or you can become a member for £15pa.

The group meets in the Methodist Hall, Church Lane, Newington, at 7:30pm on the second Thursday of the month, excluding January and August.

These are the scheduled events for the next year:

January - No meeting

February 14th - Kent Remembered - Our changing county with Colin Harvey

March 14th - Brick making with Dave Burton

April 11th - Old Kent Windmills with Andrew Wood

May 9th - AGM & Social plus Always Look on the Bright Side of Life with Sue Flipping

June 13th - Smuggling in Kent with Peter Ewart

June TBA - WWI Peace Day Celebrations at St Mary’s Church, 2:00pm

July 11th - Visit: The Great Lines, Chatham (members and their guests only)

August - No meeting

September 12th - The Atom Bomb at Chatham with Graham Dudley

September 14th & 15th - Heritage Open Days at St Mary’s Church, 2:00pm - 5;00pm

October 10th - A Schoolgirl’s War (WW2) with Mary Smith

November 10th - Remembrance Sunday at St Mary’s Church,10:00am

November 14th - Tales of Historic Items told by NHG members

December 12th - Christmas Social (members and their guests only)

For more details about the group:

Website: www.newingtonhistorygroup.btck.co.uk

Email: thelma@newingtonhistory.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NewingtonHG

Call: 01795 842711

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Frank Fiddyment 1938 - 2018

Dad died in hospital on Thursday 29th November after a short illness. Helen, Simon and Lucy would like to thank all those who have already sent messages of love and support.

Dad's funeral will take place on Monday 7th January at 2:00pm at The Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing.

We would prefer family flowers only but should you wish to donate in dad's memory, Demelza House is the chosen charity. Cheques should be sent to John Weir Funeral Directors at 130 - 132 High Street, Rainham, Kent ME8 8AR or alternatively donations can be made through www.funeralzone.co.uk where you can also share memories, stories and photos of the wonderful man who gave so much of his time and energy to the village he and mum lived in for so many happy years.

Friends are welcome to attend the funeral service, and to join us at The Crown, Upchurch afterwards to share stories and raise a glass in his memory.

Thank you

Helen, Simon and Lucy Fiddyment

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Upchurch Village Christmas Tree 2018

Upchurch Parish Councillors Peter Masson, Neil Sheppard, Tyrone Ripley, Gary Rosewell, John Arnold and Pam Denny, all helped put up the village Christmas tree today, Saturday 8th December 2018.

Also lending a hand were village caretaker Cliff Hansford, PCSO John Cork, Terry Lewis and Nick Thompson-moore.

The new Christmas tree lights have been paid for this year with a Festive Display Grant secured from Swale Borough Council.

Upchurch is 1 of 19 local organisations sharing almost £28,000 in grant money to help provide Christmas displays in towns and villages across the borough.

This year's lovely tree was once again very kindly donated by Bob Friend and family.

Thank you Bob 🎄🎅🏼 👍🏼 😀

Councillor Tyrone Ripley

Upchurch Parish Council

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Would YOU know what to do in a Flood? - Become a Community Reserve Volunteer

The Environment Agency has launched its Flood Action Campaign, partnering with the Red Cross, to encourage people to learn how to Prepare Act Survive in a flood to reduce the impacts of damage, and to join a new national network of Community Reserve Volunteers to help their communities if disaster strikes.

According to Environment Agency research, 18-34 year olds are least likely to know if the area where they live is at risk of flooding and least likely to know how to protect their homes and possessions. Less than half (48%) of under 35s would know what to do if a flood warning was issued.

Their research shows young people's lack of knowledge is putting them at risk in a flood. The Campaign launched on 29th November 2018 urges young people to learn how to protect themselves, their families and help their communities when flooding hits. Helping to prepare for a flood now, potentially saves months of misery and thousands of pounds worth of damage…or worse.

• 18-34s least aware of dangers of flooding in their area

• More than half of 18-34s would not know what to do in an emergency
• Mental health impacts of flooding can last for two years or more

5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding and the average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000 but the devastating consequences can go beyond the material.

The Environment Agency is spending more than £2.6 billion to build flood schemes around the country as part of its current programme, which will better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.

What to do in a flood 

All floods are different and you should take advice from the emergency services and your local authority if you’re in a flood.

• What the flood warnings mean

• What to do if you get a flood alert

• What to do if you get a flood warning

• What to do if you get a severe flood warning

• How to plan ahead for flooding

• How to recover after a flood

• What happens after a flood

Information on all the above and what to do in a flood can be found at >> https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/what-to-do-in-a-flood

You can view current flood warnings and advice specific to your area at >> https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

Get ready to help

 You could help your community in a crisis.

The British Red Cross wants to create a national network of 10,000 Community Reserve Volunteers who can be called upon to help in a crisis. Over 5,000 people have already signed up to the scheme so far. This new volunteering opportunity allows you to make a difference during a flood, fire or any other major emergency near you.

To be a Community Reserve Volunteer you don’t need specialist skills to make a difference and simple acts of kindness can make big difference. Any necessary training will be given at the scene of the crisis and you can confirm your availability when you are contacted. With these initiatives the Environment Agency and the Red Cross want to see younger people not only better prepared for flooding but also more actively involved in supporting the community in times of need.

Take the first step towards being prepared in a crisis, join the new national network of Community Reserve Volunteers to help their communities if disaster strikes at >> https://reserves.redcross.org.uk

For more information about becoming a Community Reserve Volunteer, check out the FAQ’s at >> http://reserves.redcross.org.uk/faq

#PrepareActSurvive 

Upchurch Matters

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UPDATE - Santa’s Sleigh Round Comes to Upchurch

On Monday 10th December, Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association will be bringing Santa’s Sleigh Round to Upchurch for the very first time, for what promises to be a great opportunity for children of all ages to join in the festive fun.

Santa’s Sleigh Round starts at 6:30pm and finishes at 9:00pm.

Santa's Round

6:30 - 7:20pm - Littlefield Road / Four Gun Field Estates

Santa's volunteers will travel around door knocking and collecting donations towards Sittingbourne Christmas Lights. It is highly likely that the sleigh will get 'stuck' with a long queue of children so it may be the case that people will need to come to Santa, although of course this shouldn't involve a long walk.

Santa's Tracker will be live online from 6:30pm so everyone should be able to find him easily enough at >> www.scla.co.uk/santatracker

Santa has to leave Otterham Quay at 7:20pm regardless of whether children are still waiting, which no one wants, so we will manage the queue if necessary to avoid people waiting and not getting a visit. The simple message is 'come early'!

Santa will leave promptly at 7:20pm to arrive;

7:30pm - 8:10pm - Crosier Court

Santa will stay there until 8:10pm. The same process will apply, the message is again, get there early...

Santa will leave promptly at 8:10pm to arrive;

8:15pm - 9:00pm - Drakes Close

Santa should travel the whole loop of the Close and will leave promptly at 9:00pm.

All proceeds from the collection go to help provide and maintain the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights each year.

Volunteers Still Needed

The organisers don't usually announce Santa's visits in advance but they make an exception for new and more far flung villages as they need us to find volunteers to help them run the evening. 

Volunteers must be 16 or over, and if under 18 accompanied by a responsible adult. If you would like to volunteer, please contact:

Tyrone Ripley: 07702 222093 Email: tyrone.ripley@yahoo.co.uk
Alan Horton: 07447 925760 Email: alanhorton@btinternet.com

Volunteers should meet at 6:15pm on Littlefield Road for a quick briefing. All volunteers will be wearing a hi-vis vests with the wording 'Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Volunteer' written on the back and front, and will be wearing an ID badge.

Follow the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/SittingbourneChristmasLights

Visit the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association website: www.scla.co.uk

Upchurch Parish Council
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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Christmas Fayre 2018

Parents & Friends of Holywell School

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