Margaret Boakes 1930 - 2020

Margaret and Cyril enjoying their trip to Bruges.

Sadly, Margaret Boakes of Chaffes Lane, Upchurch passed away swiftly and unexpectedly in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Margaret leaves Cyril, her husband of 72 years, daughter Linda and son Colin each of whom have given them two grandchildren.

Born Margaret Stringer in Ivy Street, Rainham on 9th December 1930, she moved to Chaffes Lane after her marriage to Cyril, where they have lived ever since.

Margaret was well known to many for the greengrocer’s stall she ran through the sixties, seventies, and eighties from their market garden home in Chaffes Lane. 

Thank you

Colin Boakes 

Winner of the Christmas Hamper Raffle at Upchurch’s Co-op - Raising Money for MIND

Congratulations to Terence Honeyman, winner of the Christmas Hamper Raffle at Upchurch’s Co-op.

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets ☺️

You helped us raise £74 for our chosen charity this year, MIND - the mental health and support charity.

Please keep a lookout for future raffles and events to come.

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

Thank you 

Nik - Upchurch’s Co-op

Happy 100th Birthday Madge Boakes

Madge and Richard on their wedding day in 1939.

The couple with sons Peter and Brian attending a wedding circa 1947/48.

The large 100 cut-outs created especially by the family as a surprise for Madge on her birthday.

Madge Boakes is celebrating her 100th birthday today.

Madge was born on 27th December 1920 and lived in Rainham before moving to Gravesend when Richard, who later became her husband, would visit her on his motorbike. Madge still lives in Chaffes Lane, Upchurch in the same home she and Richard moved into after they married in 1939.

The couple have two sons, Peter and Brian, both still in Upchurch. And each of their sons has two children - Peter has sons and Brian daughters. Both Peter's sons and one of Brian's daughters also live in the village. Madge has eight grandchildren, six of whom live in Upchurch too.

Madge used to work in a baby clothes shop, and when she wasn't busy would knit baby clothes herself - Madge still knits today!

More recently, Madge was called to Parkwood Health Centre, Rainham to receive her Covid-19 vaccination. Whilst Madge was there, it was announced she would soon be celebrating her 100th birthday. To Madge's great surprise, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers followed by a round of applause.

Congratulations Madge - Enjoy your special milestone birthday!

Upchurch Matters

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone the merriest possible Christmas and a healthy more prosperous new year.

We really do appreciate all the support you have given www.upchurchmatters.co.uk throughout 2020, a worrying and challenging time for us all.

But there is still a way to go before things can hopefully return to some normality.

So for the sake of us all, please follow the guidance.

Onwards and upwards into 2021, and to happier days 🚀

Thank you, and stay safe.

Upchurch Matters

COVID-19 Vaccine Scam Alert

Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group is aware some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination.

In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their phone keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.

Please be alert to these scams. The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn.

The NHS will:

• NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.

• NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Kent Police online or phone 101.

Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

Christmas Opening Hours at Upchurch’s Co-op

Upchurch Matters