KCC - Symptom-free Testing Open to the Public in Swale and Thanet

Rapid-result coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for people who don’t have symptoms is now available to anyone who lives or works in Swale and Thanet.

The testing will find people who don’t currently have symptoms, who may be unknowingly spreading the virus in the community.

Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said:

“We have opened up the booking system for our symptom-free testing sites to allow anyone who lives or works in the two districts to get a test. It’s important that as many people without symptoms come forward and book themselves regular tests so we can find people who may be unknowingly transmitting the virus either at home or at work.

“Remember, up to 1 in 3 people may have COVID-19 without any symptoms at all and with this new strain that is more transmissible, we need to identify those people and encourage them to isolate so we break the chain of transmission.

“My message to everyone across Kent is please keep following the tier 4 restrictions and limit your social interactions. It’s important to self-isolate, not only after receiving a positive test result but also while you wait for the results.”

Symptom-free testing sites will be rolled out across the county from Monday 4th January to help try to reduce the rates of COVID-19.

To book a test in Swale and Thanet use this link: kcc.healthit.org.uk

Symptom-free testing sites are being set up using funding from central government to support local councils in tier 4 to help reduce rates of COVID-19.

These sites are in addition to the regional and local testing sites for people who have symptoms. If you have symptoms you should NOT attend one of our symptom-free testing sites but instead book a PCR test: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Kent County Council

New Year's Opening Hours at Upchurch’s Co-op

Upchurch Matters

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