Medway Council - Donate Unwanted Items to Help Medway’s Most Vulnerable Residents

When visiting one of Medway’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs), residents can now donate reusable items to a charity.

Residents can donate good quality, clean items including furniture, fridges, freezers, washing machines, small electrical items, books, homeware, tools and toys at Medway Council’s three HWRCs in Capstone, Cuxton and Hoath Way, Gillingham, thanks to a new partnership between Medway Norse and Gillingham Street Angels.

Medway Norse manages the recycling centres on behalf of Medway Council.

Gillingham Street Angels supports people across Medway during difficult times and has charity shops in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham.

The charity was awarded the overall Pride in Medway award at last year’s awards.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said:

“I am pleased that we are working with Gillingham Street Angels. By donating quality second-hand items to charity instead of throwing them away, residents will be helping the environment, contributing to a more sustainable future and supporting a Medway charity which helps some of Medway’s most vulnerable residents. We are extremely grateful to all of the charitable organisations and community groups who support residents.”

Neil Charlick, CEO of Gillingham Street Angels, said:

“Gillingham Street Angels is delighted to be working in partnership with Medway Norse and Medway Council. Our ethos is to repair, reuse, recycle and repurpose where possible. This contract will provide the opportunity for us to offer community groups where people can come together to learn and share new skills by up-cycling unwanted items.”

This exciting project also supports Medway Council’s climate change ambitions.

For more information, visit: medway.gov.uk/DonateReusableItems

To book your trip to one of Medway’s HWRCs, visit: medway.gov.uk/TipBooking

Medway Council

UpARA Newsletter - February 2023

Hello UpARA members,

Thank you... to those that attended and made the social afternoon such great fun. We have another planned on Friday, March 24th. Watch this space for more info, you now know what to expect!

Membership renewals... are due at the end of February, after which there will be a one-month grace period for payments. If anyone is not intending to renew for the next year, please let us know so we can offer your place to others. Further details to follow. Payments can be made at the next meeting or via BACS transfer.

Thank you to those that have already paid, membership cards will be available towards the end of February.

Please note Table Tennis players... The session normally on the first Tuesday of the month is cancelled for February.

At our monthly meeting, Linda Warren... will be giving a talk on the swinging 60’s and 70’s from 2:00pm. Please feel free to bring a few photos of your own to help the reminiscing. Miniskirts, Mods & Rockers, Skinheads, Platforms, Flower Power... bring them along and share…

The thoughts of Chairman John

Hi everyone,

Can we be moving into February already? We have picked up on all of our regular activities, not the best time of the year for Petanque, - 6 of us ventured out, and I must admit the hot chocolate was very welcome afterwards.

Those of you who came to our social afternoon, I believe, had an enjoyable time, all the hard work put in to entertain us proved to be a winning combination, the quizzes, a variety of reminiscence from the past with the music of the time, and Elspeth's talk on the history of Upchurch was very well received, probably something of an eye-opener to many of us.

You may also notice that we have given Jan and Ann a break from the onerous job of selecting raffle prizes every month, but will be reinstated at various times, with the Coronation and other Festivals.

This year’s chosen charity is looking very productive so far, as you know we have been working hard on various extra events with proceeds earmarked for the Church Bell Tower.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members, I'm sure you will be able to enjoy some of our activities.

John W

Payments

At the next meeting (and coffee morning on the 7th), Brenda and Malcolm will be taking any money due for those who have booked for the following:-

Lunch at the Crown on 15th Feb (still a few places available), Frankie Valli - Inn on The Lake (still places available) trip on 7th June, Mystery Day trip in July and the Potters holiday in May.

There is still limited availability for some of our holidays; for Bournemouth later this month, Potters in May, and Llandudno in November, contact Brenda if you are interested.

Any queries on availability above, (also open to non-members), Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com

Pick-up times for Bournemouth on 20th Feb:-

• Upchurch (opp the Church) 09:30
• 3 Sisters PH 09:40
• Rainham (The Cricketers) 09:55
• Rainham (opp Pump Lane) 10:00

Luggage labels for this trip can be picked up from Brenda.

Please remember that there is now a £1 entrance fee at our Friday meetings, to help cover our costs.

February Calendar

Wednesdays February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd at 10:15am - Line Dancing

Friday, February 3rd at 10:00am - Village Walk 

Mondays February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th at 10:00am - Short Tennis

Monday, February 6th at 2:00pm - Kurling

Tuesday, February 7th at 9:30pm - Coffee Morning and Art

Tuesday, February 7th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis - CANCELLED

Friday, February 10th at 2:00pm - Monthly Meeting

Linda Warren, ‘The Swinging 60’s and 70’s’

Tuesday, February 14th at 10:00am - Ten Pin Bowling

Wednesday, February 15th - Lunch at The Crown

Friday, February 17th at 10:00am - Village Walk,

Monday 20th - Friday 24th February - Bournemouth Trip

Tuesday, February 21st at 1:00pm - Petanque

Tuesday, February 28th at 9:30pm - Coffee Morning and Art

Tuesday, February 28th at 2:00pm - Table Tennis

Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.

Email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com

Website: www.upara.club

Temporary 30 mph Speed Restriction - Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch

It will be necessary to impose a temporary mandatory 30 mph speed restriction on Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch from Tuesday 28th February 2023, with estimated completion by 13th March 2023.

The temporary mandatory 30 mph speed restriction will be imposed from outside Hubbards Cottage to outside The Cottage, to the extent indicated by signage on site.

The speed restriction is required for the safety of the public and workforce while electrical connection works are undertaken by ALS Civil.

For information regarding this restriction, please contact ALS Civil on: 07791 868025, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

KCC 24hr Contact Centre: 03000 418181

For details of roadworks see: https://one.network

Kent County Council - Highways, Transportation & Waste

Diversity House Celebrates International Women’s Day with Launch of Centre for Women and Girls Innovation and Empowerment

CWGIE is a Diversity House project that intends to bring together women and girls from different backgrounds to increase understanding and support that will create a cycle of empowerment.

By discussing shared concerns and developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills, it will enhance the economic prowess of women and girls. CWGIE aims to enable its users to assess information, acquire skills and enhance confidence to achieve their aspirations.

Join Diversity House on International Women’s Day for a day of activities, breaking barriers, inspiring talks and raising awareness on Wednesday the 8th of March at Diversity House, Old ISP School, Church Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3EG - between 9:00am and 3:00pm.

Register for free entry at: http://bit.ly/40dN3pJ or ask for more information at Diversity House reception.

Website: www.diversityhouse.org.uk

#IWD

Upchurch Matters

The Friends of Lower Halstow Brickfields Present The Spring Ball at The Oak Grove

We're delighted to finally be hosting the friend's Spring Ball this year after it sadly had to be postponed back in 2020.

We look forward to welcoming you all to The Oak Grove for what promises to be a great night of entertainment for a very worthy local cause.

Well over half the tickets have now sold. If you would like to join us, please make sure you reserve your tickets as soon as possible.

For tickets, please Email: mstraaten@aol.com

Please show your support!

Thank you

Sam Holland - The Oak Grove

Swale Foodbank Collection and Call into the Church for A Cuppa and a Chat

Swale Foodbank Collection

Dear Upchurch,

We will be collecting your Swale Foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 1st of February, between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Please bring your items in carrier bags. We will then deliver them to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.

All donations are helpful, providing the food is long life and well within date.

You always amaze us with your generosity - Thank you ♥️

A Cuppa and a Chat

While you are there, why not call into the church for A Cuppa and a Chat in the Lady Chapel.

We will have the kettle on from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm until 12:30pm. Pop in and join us or write a prayer in our prayer book and we will pray for your concerns.

A warm welcome awaits you - just call in, and we will be pleased to see you!

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk