Upchurch Village Christmas Tree 2019

Upchurch Parish Councillors, Tyrone Ripley, Neil Sheppard, Gary Rosewell and John Arnold were helped by Shoun Bearup and Bob Friend today, to put up this year's village Christmas tree and Santa's sleigh and reindeer lights.

Thanks very much to Shoun and Bob for all their help.

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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‪Important Consultation on Potential Alterations to Chalkwell 326/327 Bus Services

Chalkwell Coach Hire have announced an important consultation on potential alterations to the 326/327 bus service that links Sittingbourne to the Medway Towns via the villages of Newington, Upchurch and Lower Halstow.

Residents are invited to submit their views to the bus company either in writing or by completing the online consultation form at the link here >> http://bit.ly/2rFWIti

The closing date for submissions is Sunday 15th December.

The operator wrote:

“Chalkwell Coach Hire are the operators of the 326/327 bus service that links Sittingbourne to the Medway Towns via the villages of Newington, Upchurch and Lower Halstow.

We provide this service at our own commercial risk, with Kent County Council supporting evening and Saturday journeys.

The 326/327 service has been greatly impacted by the SGN roadworks on the A2, with the closure of Newington in July and the current 42 week programme increasing our costs and journey times dramatically. We understand that these roadworks are essential in order to replace an ageing gas line. However, they make operating buses very difficult and are causing punctuality issues.

We have requested reasonable financial compensation from SGN who have so far refused to meet our costs. Likewise, Kent County Council are not in a position to provide assistance. This is not a sustainable position for us and because of these factors beyond our control, there are elements of the 326/327 service that are no longer commercially viable.

We are therefore considering withdrawing some of the 326/327 service or re-timing the existing journeys. Before making any decisions, we would like feedback from our customers and the community.

As a local family-owned business we appreciate that our customers depend on this service for a variety of reasons, including accessing education, employment and health facilities. If you are particularly dependant on an element of the 326/327 it is essential that you let us know your views. The journeys that are most likely to be affected are services to Medway schools and off-peak services during the hours of 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

It is not likely that services to Sittingbourne schools will be affected, as these are generally well used. Also, if you have any views on how the 326/327 service can be improved then please do let us know below.

Alternatively you can write to us at Chalkwell Coach Hire, The Coach Depot, Unit 2A Church Road, Sittingbourne ME10 3RS. The closing date for submissions is Sunday 15th December. The current 326/327 service can be found here.

If you wish to let SGN know what you think then please contact them here.”

Upchurch Matters

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UpARA - December 2019 Newsletter & Latest Schedule of Events

John Wishart - Chairman

Tel: 07971 511956

Email: john@togthedog.co.uk

Website: www.upara.club

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Urgent Road Closure - Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade

It will be necessary to close Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade from Tuesday 10th December 2019 for up to 3 Days.

The road will be closed at the junction with Old Ferry Road.

The alternative route is via Old Ferry Road, The Street, Ferry Road, Sheppey Way, A2/Keycol Hill, Breach Lane, The Street and Raspberry Hill Lane.

This is to enable a new water connection to be installed by Southern Water.

This Notice applies when the relevant signs and barriers are on site, and is valid for a period of no more than 5 days.

The KCC Highways 24hr Contact Centre helpline is: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks, please see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste
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Uplift Advent Service at St. Mary's, Upchurch

Come and join us as we look forward to Christmas

Sunday 1st December at 4:00pm here @ St Mary’s Church.

Drama - Mince Pies - Carols - Children’s Activities.

All helping us to explore the real meaning of Christmas together.

Uplift is a part of The Six, including the churches in Upchurch and other local villages.

Our aim is to be child-friendly.

Gillian Gay

Website: www.thesix.org.uk

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Upchurch Christmas Services & Events

Uplift Christmas Service

Sunday 15th December at 10:30am at Upchurch Village Hall

Come along to this very child-friendly service.

Explore the real Christmas.

Uplift Christmas Craft ‘Make & Do’

Sunday 15th December from 2.30pm to 4:30pm 

Come and have a go at a variety of Christmas crafts.

Take what you make home to decorate your tree/home.

There will be a café where cakes, drinks and snacks will be on sale.

Book your place at: xmas.make.and.do@gmail.com

This is a FREE event.

Crib Service at St. Mary’s, Upchurch

Tuesday 24th December at 5:30pm

Carol Service at St. Mary’s, Upchurch

Tuesday 24th December at 7:30pm

Gillian Gay

Website: www.thesix.org.uk

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