Kent Association of Local Councils Community Awards Scheme 2023

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Congratulations to Gerry Lewin, this year's worthy winner of the Kent Association of Local Councils Community Awards Scheme 2023 in the community of Upchurch.

Councillor Alan Horton presented Gerry with his award at this year's Annual Parish Meeting, held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday the 27th of April 2023.

The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award acknowledges and recognises a resident or group that has made a significant contribution to their local community over a period of years.

Gerry's certificate reads:

Hon. Alderman Gerald Lewin

In the community of: Upchurch

Awarded for: To acknowledge and give recognition to the significant contribution and dedication to the community, Upchurch Parish Council and Swale Borough Council as well as the many other local community organisations.

Thank you, Gerry, for everything you have done for our village 👏🏼

Upchurch Matters

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

Swale Foodbank Collection

Dear people of Upchurch,

You certainly outdid your usual generosity last month - it was amazing!

The Trussell Trust says they have helped 33% more people this year.

Together we can help keep them going.

I will be collecting your wonderful foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 3rd of May, 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.

Swale Foodbank is short of most items, but especially the following:

Soups

Jar Sauces

Tinned Tomatoes

Tinned Vegetables - Peas, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Potatoes (They don't need Pulses)

Tinned Meats

Tinned Fish

Long-life Milk

Custard

Tinned Fruit

Jars of Coffee

Bottles of Squash

Thank you, and may God bless 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.

There will be a warm welcome and there will be cake!

Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm.

Is there someone or something you would like a prayer for?

Pop in and join us or leave a note.

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

Temporary Road Closure - The Street, Lower Halstow

It will be necessary to close part of The Street, Lower Halstow from Monday 5th June 2023, with estimated completion by 9th June 2023.

The Street, Lower Halstow will be closed in the vicinity of the cricket ground, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route is The Street, Breach Lane, Holywell Lane, Halstow Lane and vice versa.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while new installation works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.

For information regarding this closure: please contact UK Power Networks on: 0800 029 4285, 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

Temporary Road Closure - The Street & Mount Lane, Hartlip

It will be necessary to close part of The Street & Mount Lane, Hartlip from Wednesday 31st May 2023, for up to one day, between the hours of 09:30 and 15:30.

The Street will be closed in the vicinity of Mount Place, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

Mount Lane will be closed between the junctions with The Street and Lower Hartlip Road, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Place Lane, Meresborough Lane, Spade Lane, A2 London Road, Mill Lane, Munns Lane, The Street, Hollow Lane, Lower Hartlip Road and vice versa.

The closures are required for the safety of the public and workforce while overhead cabling works are undertaken by Openreach.

For information regarding these closures, please contact Openreach on: 0800 023 2023, 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

Newington History Group - The Men They Left Behind

The stories of local men left in France during the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940 will be told at Newington History Group's meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday (27th) at 7:00pm.

In his talk, The Men They Left Behind, Terry Matson will detail the fate of thousands of British troops abandoned on the Dunkirk beaches.

Winston Churchill called the evacuation of 338,000 troops 'a miracle', but 41,000 were left behind. Terry will explain what happened to them.

Admission is £3 for non-NHG members. It includes refreshments and there is free parking at the hall.

The history group, which actively seeks to unearth, preserve and promote the heritage of the village and neighbouring areas, meets monthly on the fourth Thursday (7:00pm).

For more details Email: newingtonhistorygroup@outlook.com; contact the group through their website: www.newingtonhistory.uk; or Call: 01795 842711.

Follow on Facebook: Newington History Group, and Twitter: @newingtonhg

Richard Thompstone

Newington History Group

Photographic Exhibition at St Mary’s Church - Photographs

Click the photo montage to enlarge.

The 3-day Photographic Exhibition at St Mary’s Church, Upchurch, with all proceeds towards the Bell Tower Restoration Fund, opened on Friday the 21st of April and runs until 4:00pm on Sunday the 23rd.

The exhibition features photographs from local photographers and camera clubs - with many photos available to buy.

Admission is £5 on the door, and children accompanied by an adult are free.

Entry includes a hot drink with a slip to vote for your favourite photo and a programme of exhibits.

Please come along and support this very worthy cause.

A JustGiving fundraising page has been published to help towards the restoration of St Mary's Church Bell Tower at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/upchurchbelltower

Upchurch Matters