New Roundabout in Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham

Bowmer + Kirkland has begun work to construct a roundabout for the primary vehicular access to the new Leigh Academy Rainham secondary school in Otterham Quay Lane, at the junction with Blackthorne Road.

Working in agreement with Medway Council, the roadworks will take place under 2-way temporary traffic lights and will require lane closures for up to 12 weeks.

The developer aims to complete the works as quickly as possible to avoid disruption and make sure access for residents is maintained.

The academy will also have 2 separated pedestrian crossing points for safe access to the school for both students and staff, expected to arrive from different directions.

Upchurch Matters

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

Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch

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

33 crimes are shown on the map in September 2020 including:

10 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Burglary
3 Criminal Damage and Arson
1 Other Theft
2 Public Order

2 Vehicle Crime
14 Violence and Sexual Offences

43 crimes were shown on the map in August 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:

39 crimes are shown on the map in September 2020 including:

15 Anti-social Behaviour

1 Criminal Damage and Arson

6 Drugs

1 Other Theft

1 Possession of Weapons

2 Public Order

1 Shoplifting

3 Vehicle Crime

9 Violence and Sexual Offences

43 crimes were shown on the map in August 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

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