More Kent Libraries Set to Reopen

More Kent Libraries and Archives Search Room set to reopen.

A further set of Kent Libraries will reopen over the course of week beginning Monday, 24th August. These will be the first libraries to also offer a socially-distanced book browsing service for customers so they can select books from the shelves.

In the meantime, KCC has also announced the re-opening of the archive search room at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone from next Tuesday (17th August).

The libraries due to re-open include (from Monday, 24th August): Faversham, Canterbury Beaney, Coldharbour (Gravesend), Tenterden, Larkfield and Dover Discovery Centre; and (from Tuesday, 25th August): Ramsgate, Showfields (Tunbridge Wells), Cranbrook, Swanley, Allington and Hythe.

Additional safety measures in each library will include hand sanitizer stations, one-way circulation routes through the building, use of the self-service machines, and face coverings being mandatory.

The first 12 libraries that opened across Kent in July will continue to offer a “select and collect” service for the time being, with browsing likely to be introduced in the coming weeks.

In September, the service will also be relaunching its mobile library service and plans to open further libraries across Kent.

At the archive search room, changes have been made to the way the service operates in line with social distancing and hand hygiene requirements. It will be operating an appointment-only system and all documents must be ordered in advance.

Full details can be found at: www.kentarchives.org.uk

The opening hours of the Archive Search Room will be 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Murray Evans
Kent County Council

New Street Lighting for Upchurch

Photos: Paul Whitehead - Prime One Maintenance Ltd

Contractor Prime One Maintenance Ltd, working on behalf of Upchurch Parish Council, has been carrying out upgrades to 58 street lights around the village.

The new LED lights are dimmable and can be controlled remotely from the companies offices in Sheerness.

Some of the lights replaced were over 70 years old with 'installed in December 1942' stamped inside the control box.

Upchurch Matters

St. Mary's Church to Open for Wednesday Afternoon Private Prayer

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin will be open for private prayer between 2:30pm and 4:30pm each Wednesday beginning on August 19th.

It is expected that there will be someone present who will be available to guide and assist where desired.

The Covid-19 precautions, as advised, will be followed at all times, and the related items for protection will be available.

All are welcome.

William J. Little

Upchurch’s Co-op - Guess How Many Sweets Are in the Jar - Raising Money for MIND

Upchurch’s Co-op is again raising money for their chosen charity partner this year, MIND - the mental health and support charity.

Guess how many sweets are in the jar 🧐

Enter in store for £1 per guess.

The closest guess will be picked on Monday 7th September.

The winner gets to keep the jar of sweets and wins a £10 voucher to spend in-store.

Please ask a member of staff at the till to enter.

Good luck 🤞🏼

Read more about MIND at: www.mind.org.uk

Thank you 

Sally Butcher - Upchurch’s Co-op

Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - June 2020

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch

Here is a brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

40 crimes are shown on the map in June 2020 including:

9 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Burglary

5 Criminal Damage and Arson

1 Other Theft

5 Public Order

2 Vehicle Crime

17 Violence and Sexual Offences

54 crimes were shown on the map in May 2020.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Lower Halstow and Iwade

Here is a brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:

29 crimes are shown on the map in June 2020 including:

19 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Other Theft

3 Public Order

6 Violence and Sexual Offences

43 crimes were shown on the map in May 2020.

Not all crime that occurs is shown on the map.

Please visit: www.police.uk for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.

Upchurch Matters

Nominations are Open for the Try Angle Awards 2020/21

Recognising the efforts & achievements of young people in our community.

Do you know a young person who really tries to do their best?

Have you noticed examples of excellence and exceptional achievements from a young person during the difficult period of COVID-19 lockdown this year?

If so, perhaps their efforts should be rewarded by recognition at the annual Try Angle Awards organised by KCC.

The awards, which are in their 26th year, raise the profile of young people aged between 11-18 years (up to 25 years with additional needs) and their families or groups who try hard, often with little recognition and in difficult circumstances.

This has been demonstrated during the current pandemic where there have been so many wonderful examples, during the many months of the Covid “lockdown” by children, young people and their families.

The Try Angle Awards for the efforts and achievements of young people are divided into these 8 categories:

Arts - for personal achievement in arts, in any form.

Music - for achievement in music, in any form.

Sport or Outdoor Activities - demonstrating fair play and commitment in any sport or outdoor activity.

Community Action - marking a contribution made to a community e.g. school councils, youth forums, charity work, environmental project and campaigns.

Good Friends and Young Carers - recognising those who spend time being a good friend, mentor or carer to another in their family or community.

Personal Development - for special achievement in education, training or other activities, making changes to improve.

Courage - recognising acts of courage displayed with coping bravely with illness or other adversity.

Positive Intervention - where an individual or group has prevented harm, bullying, discrimination or damage.

All nominations receive a certificate and are entered into the district finals.

Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. 

3 nominees in each category and their guests are invited to the Spirit of Try Angle County Final where the overall winner is announced.

For more information go to: www.kent.gov.uk/tryangle or contact the team on: 03000 417185 or Email: tryangle@kent.gov.uk

Kent County Council