Major Refurbishment Project Completed at Upchurch Village Hall

The new floor and ceiling in the main hall.

The Village Hall Management Committee has been busy during lockdown overseeing a major refurbishment project including new fire safety measures, lighting, heating, electrical work, insulation and a new floor and ceiling in the main hall.

Read their report at >> https://bit.ly/32H1q9M

Upchurch Matters

Remembrance 2020

The Remembrance Sunday service, led by Revd. Simeon Nevell, was held outside of the south porch of the church of St Mary the Virgin on November 8th. It was, because of COVD-19 restrictions, a “by invitation only” outdoor service. A number of residents stood on a calm, mild and sunny day in the bus stop area to observe. At this service we remembered all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and in subsequent conflicts for this Nation. After prayers, five wreaths were laid in turn in the Lady Chapel. The wreaths were from the Church, the Mayor of Swale, Upchurch Parish Council on behalf of all residents, Upchurch Scouts and the Upchurch Guiding Association. At 11:00 hours the two minutes silence was observed after which the names of all those from Upchurch who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and WWII were read out.

A further service was also held in the middle burial ground on Remembrance Day Wednesday November 11th and was led by Revd. Simeon Nevell. A large number of residents came to observe this further Act of Remembrance on a mild, calm but overcast day. After prayers, wooden remembrance crosses were laid at each of the five War Grave Commission graves by past members of the Armed or Civilian services. After opening prayers, the Last Post was sounded by a bugler. At 11:00 hours the two minutes silence was observed followed by Reveille and closing prayers.

During annual Remembrance tide the Royal British Legion undertakes its major fundraising - known as The Poppy Appeal. The work of The Royal British Legion continues and it stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve in our Armed Forces providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have served including their dependants.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Hon. Ald. Gerry Lewin - Poppy Day Appeal Organiser 

Telephone: 01634 366113 - 07946 996789

Email: lewing135@btinternet.com

Appeal for George

George Bearman.

Help build a wet room for George

Many of you who are reading this will know me. For those who do not, I have been a resident of Upchurch for over forty years. John and I live in Bradshaw Close and we have two children, Katie and Michael, who are now grown up and have long fled the nest! Both Katie and Michael went to Holywell School.

Although a long time supporter of those in need, this is the first time that I have done something like this and launched an appeal on Upchurch Matters. An issue has arisen which is giving me a lot of heartache. My W.I. ladies will remember my niece, Nicola, who gave an amusing talk a little while ago about her role as a criminal barrister. Nicola’s sister, Helen, has now brought to the attention of the family the plight of her elderly neighbour, George. George and Helen both live in East Sussex. May I say at the outset that it is appreciated and recognised that no-one in Upchurch knows George.

George needs help. He has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. To make his life that bit easier as he adapts to needing a wheelchair, his local community are raising money to help build a wet room for him so that he can remain in the family home. This will cost the family £5,000. So far, with the help of local contributors £3,345 has been raised. We desperately need, however, to fund the shortfall.

I am all too well aware, especially in this time of Covid 19, that many, many people have gone above and beyond to help those in need. Just recently we have also had Children in Need on the TV. However George, too, needs help. If you can find it in your hearts to help him by donating whatever you can through the attached link, I and my family would be very grateful.

Please donate at the GoFundMe link >> https://gf.me/u/y5rjn9

Thank you so much.

Barbara Gurtenne

Thank You from Gill Gay and The Blythswood Care Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2020

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

You are amazing and so generous ❤️

The young lady in my first photo is Yvonne, she is in charge of the shoe box appeal in this area.

I spent the afternoon helping her put shoe boxes in the big boxes but we could really do with more people to help do this.

Could you help?

There is also a lorry coming on Saturday afternoon with hundreds of boxes to be checked.

Could you help unload the lorry?

Please Email me if you would lkie to help or would like to know more: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

Please visit the link for more information, heart-wrenching photos and keep scrolling down to see a short video which is a must to watch.

Link >> https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal

Thank you and bless you.

Gill Gay

Work to Begin on 300 Homes in Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham

Site establishment works for the development of 300 homes by Persimmon Homes South East are due to begin later this month on land at Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham.

Otterham Park, Rainham will be the largest development in neighbouring Rainham North Ward for many years, located close to the boundary of Upchurch in Swale.

Despite residents objections and the pleas of ward councillors over the loss of countryside and insufficient supporting infrastructure, road congestion and pollution, Medway Council’s planning committee supported the application by granting the developer permission in 2018, and to help the council meet central government house building targets.

A Section 106 Agreement requires the developer to contribute considerable sums toward the provision of local services and infrastructure improvements and to provide some affordable housing.

In a letter written to homeowners living near the former orchard in Otterham Quay Lane last week, Persimmon says work on the site will begin on Monday 16th November 2020.

Contractors will start initial groundworks which will include constructing access to the site, setting up a compound, undertaking earthworks, forming roads and installing drainage.

The developer has written that work will be carried out between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 9:00am and 1:00pm on a Saturday, adding they will do all they can to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2020

Report of the Parish Council November 2020

Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Janet Marshall, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.

Paddock and Recreation Ground

The new exercise equipment has been installed and this has been paid for by the section 106 money from Kent Terrace.

The Parish Council cannot guarantee that using the equipment is not contributing to the spread of the virus as the equipment cannot be sanitised after each use. When using the exercise equipment, please use the following guidelines to keep you and your loved ones safe:
• Follow the current social distance guidelines when visiting and encourage others to do the same.

• If the exercise equipment is busy, consider coming back at a later time.

• Wash your hands before and after visiting. Take hand sanitiser with you and use it frequently.

• Follow and adhere to all current government advice in addition to the above guidance.

For more information about what to do visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

It has been agreed not to replant the barrier baskets for the winter as the fence is due to be replaced, they will be replanted for the summer.

Otterham Quay Lane

The Council is aware of issues caused by car transporters in Otterham Quay Lane. Swale Borough Council Planning Enforcement is looking into the matter. Kent Police are also aware of issues on the highway and are currently investigating this. The Police have asked that residents report all sightings of car transporters to PCSO John Cork on 07772 226217. The Police have also asked for visual evidence and if photos can be taken without risk to residents that would be greatly appreciated. Photos can be sent to PCSO Cork by email to john.cork@kent.pnn.police.uk All information will be treated in confidence.

Planning

Ref: 20/504437/TPOA

Address: 12 Bradshaw Close Upchurch ME9 7BW

Proposal: TPO Application - 1x Oak Tree - Reduce hgt to 8m and radial spread to 4m. Reason: 3-stem tree, noted separation of two stems at base, tree previously reduced, further reduction required to reduce risk of failure, this to be the initial stage of a phased reduction programme to ultimately maintain as pollard.

Councillors considered the application and had no objections to the proposal, the recommendation of the Tree Officer be followed.

Ref: 20/503315/FULL Address: 32 Chaffes Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7BN

Proposal: Erection of single storey rear extension, creation of part first floor rear extension, and addition of window to the side flank wall.

The application has been permitted.

Ref: MC/20/2358 

Address: Rainham Bootfairs South Bush Lane Rainham Gillingham Medway ME8 8PS

Proposal: Change of use from agricultural land to a mixed use of agriculture and leisure activities including 6 days of bootfairs and 331 days for outdoor/drive in cinema, open air theatres/circus, weddings, motoring shows/events over and above the number of days allowed as permitted development under Schedule 2, Part 4, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

An application for change of use of land in South Bush Lane has been submitted to Medway Council, residents should make comments on the Medway Council planning portal.

Street Lights

The project is near completion and the Council is waiting for some lights to be connected by UK Power Networks.

Christmas Tree

The Parish Council extends its grateful thanks to Mr Bob Friend and his family for, once again, generously donating a Christmas tree to the village. The tree and decorations will be installed at the beginning of December.

This is a precis of Council business; full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.

Date of next meetings:

Full Council - Thursday 3rd December 2020 at 7:30pm.

The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 16th December at 7:30pm.

The Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Meetings) Regulations 2020 now gives Local Councils the power to meet remotely during this COVID-19 pandemic and Upchurch Parish Council is now holding meetings virtually. Please check the website for details of the meetings.

All residents are welcome to view the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.

Please contact the Clerk, clerkupc@outlook.com to obtain login details for the meeting.

Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01622 739324
Email: clerkupc@outlook.com
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk