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London Walks... return this month. We will be re-attempting the walk we had to cancel last year due to the train strikes - Paddington Basin to Kings Cross along the Regents Canal, taking in the Paddington Fan Bridge, Little Venice, under London Zoo’s Aviary, Camden Lock, Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square. We will stop for lunch at Camden Market. We’ll be travelling up via the Elizabeth Line and returning on the high speed from St Pancras. To register your interest and receive further details, please email: uparaupchurch@gmail.com or text: 07802 250773.
Tony Harris... returns as our speaker this month. Always entertaining, and very popular, this month his topic is ‘D-Day’.
Watch this space... Evening Petanque will return very soon during the lighter evenings, perhaps with a drink in the bar afterwards.
Dates for your Diaries:
• 13th October - Quiz Night
• 15th December - Christmas Party
• 31st December - New Year's Eve Party
The thoughts of Chairman John
Hi everyone,
It was with great pleasure that I was able to present the results of our fundraising efforts at our last meeting. It was a good turnout on what was a very busy day, taking in our monthly meeting, AGM, and 9th Birthday Party.
John Wishart presenting a cheque for £3,000 to Elspeth towards the St Mary’s Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund. Together with funds raised for the Ukraine DEC appeal, Turkey/Syrian Earthquake Appeal and Malawi Floods Appeal, this totals over £5,000 that UpARA members have raised this year for charitable causes.
Unfortunately, I never made the party, but I’m told Nick Bosworth did not disappoint, entertaining over 80 of you pretty much non-stop for over 3 hours.
In fact, May was a busy month all round with our Potters break taking place the week before - once again, many thanks to Brenda & Malcolm for organising such a lovely break.
We are intending to re-establish the evening Petanque this month but haven’t got a date yet. Once decided, we will update you all via email.
John W
Payments
Payments... At the next meeting, Brenda and Malcolm will be taking any money due for the lunch at the Golf Course on 28th June. They will also be taking the balance due for the Northern Ireland trip in September. Please contact Brenda if you wish to pay by bank transfer or need any other information.
Brenda will also be asking if any members are interested in a short break to Potters 5 Lakes at the end of April next year. If you are interested, but will not be at the June meeting, please let Brenda know by email at: uparatrips@gmail.com
Pick up Times for Inn on the Lake Wednesday 7th June
• Lower Halstow (The Green) 10:50am
• Upchurch (opposite the Church) 11:00am
• Otterham Quay (up from 3 Sisters) 11:05am
• Rainham (The Cricketers) 11:10am
• Rainham (opposite Pump Lane) 11:15am
Please look... at the calendar for all the activities we currently undertake, and if you haven’t tried them, why not give it a go? Some of our numbers have been dwindling of late, and we need a new input of enthusiasm to boost this. The sad facts of all that we do, is that they can only continue with the participation of enough people. If you’re not sure, just email us and ask.
June Calendar
Village Walk at 10:00am on Friday 2nd June
Short Tennis at 10:00am on Monday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June
Kurling at 2:00pm on Monday 5th June
Coffee Morning and Art at 9:30am on Tuesday 6th June
Table Tennis at 2:00pm on Tuesday 6th June
*Line Dancing at 10:15am on Wednesday 14th and 28th June
Franki Vali at The Inn on the Lake on Wednesday 7th June
Monthly Meeting at 2:00pm on Friday 9th June
Tony Harris, D-Day
10 Pin Bowling - Hollywood Bowl at 10:00am on Tuesday 13th June
Petanque at 2:00pm on Tuesday 20th June
Please note the new summer times
Village Walk at 10:00am on Friday 16th June
Coffee Morning and Art at 9:30am on Tuesday 27th June
Table Tennis at 2:00pm on Tuesday 27th June
Lunch Club at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course on Wednesday 28th June
London Walk, Regents Canal - Paddington to Kings Cross on Friday 30th June
*Note - No Line Dancing on the 7th and 21st June
Hopefully, see you all soon - your UpARA Committee.
Swale Foodbank Collection
Hi Everyone,
We had a great Foodbank collection last month.
Your generosity was overwhelming and heartwarming. I'm feeling the consequences of weekly price rises in my own shopping, and I'm starting to make different choices - but I still have food in my cupboard and fridge.
What scares me are those who haven't got room to make choices and changes to their buying because they are already at rock bottom.
I want to thank you for standing with me and helping me give those struggling a helping hand to put food on their tables for their families and themselves.
I will be collecting your wonderful foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 7th of June, 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.
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.
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.
It will be necessary to close part of Basser Hill, Lower Halstow from Saturday 1st July 2023, with estimated completion by 9th July 2023.Basser Hill, Lower Halstow will be closed between Raspberry Hill and Little Callum Farm, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is School Lane, The Street, Old Ferry Road, Raspberry Hill Lane and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while main laying works are undertaken by Southern Water.
For information regarding this closure, please contact Southern Water on: 0330 303 0368, 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
A programme to support people struggling to feed their families and pay their bills has reopened across the borough.
Swale Borough Council has received more than £500,000 from Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Support Fund to help households access food boxes, get vouchers to pay their electric, gas and water bills, and buy items needed to keep warm until March 2024.
The money is being used to support organisations within the local community who have been on the ground helping people navigate the cost-of-living crisis.
Swale Foodbank, Children and Families, Faversham Food Bank and Diversity House will be providing emergency food parcels.
West Faversham Community Association will be providing meals to the young people visiting their youth hub and Age UK will be delivering hot meals and shopping to pensioners.
The council’s fuel and water home advisor and Citizens Advice Swale will be providing Fuel Bank Foundation fuel vouchers to people with pre-paid meters as well as advice and support. Children and Families will be providing Mastercard vouchers for people with billed utility accounts.
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee at the council, said:
“We were able to support almost 6,000 local households with the previous round of funding over winter.
“Unfortunately, just because the weather has improved it doesn’t mean people are finding it any easier to make ends meet.
“We’ll be continuing to work with our partners in the voluntary and community sector who have been doing a tremendous job of reaching those who need the help most.”
Cllr Elliott Jayes, vice chair of the community committee at the council, said:
“The local organisations have done an amazing job reaching out to find and support people who are struggling with the cost of living.
“We can’t thank them enough for the work they’re doing, and we’re lucky to be working with such committed and hardworking partners.
“We’re committed to continuing the great work that has already taken place and supporting those most in need.”
Swale Borough Council
Waste carriers were targeted last week as part of a day of action to crackdown on fly-tipping.
Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Rural Task Force to carry out enquiries and collate evidence with a view to prosecuting offenders for waste related crimes.
Outcomes of the day were:
• 4 vehicles stopped and searched
• 3 Fixed Penalty Notices issued
Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment Committee at the council, said:
“Fly-tipping is something that affects us all. Dumping waste in our towns and across our countryside is irresponsible and thoughtless.
“Although the low rates being offered by some carriers may seem like a cheap and easy way to clear your waste, it could land you with a large fine.
“Remember, if using a waste carrier, it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re licensed. If any illegally carried or dumped waste leads back to you, you could receive a £400 FPN.
“Always ask to see a waste carriers license before using them.”
More and more of these action days are taking place across the county. A tremendous amount of preparation takes place ahead of these days, including the gathering of vital intelligence to support the Council’s Enforcement team with their duties.
What can you do to dispose of your waste responsibly?
Fly-tippers often target households via social media or local advertising, luring customers in with cheap rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste. However, these unlicensed waste carriers often simply dump the waste wherever they can get away with it, including in Kent’s country lanes.
Householders or small businesses found to be using criminals to dispose of their waste can and are being prosecuted by local authorities in Kent with fixed penalty notices that go up to £400 per offence. Failure to pay such an FPN may result in court action where fines can be significantly larger.
To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licenced to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website below, or alternatively call: 03708 506506.
It also helps if householders receive a written receipt or transfer note, including contact details, description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.
The 13 Kent councils, along with Kent Police, are working in partnership to Keep Kent Clean.
To keep updated with the council’s efforts to tackle fly-tipping and littering, follow #KeepKentClean
Swale Borough Council
Medway Council’s new administration has set out its agenda for the next 100-days, with a key theme of providing the right support directly within communities.
Following the local election on 4th May 2023, the Labour and Co-Operative Group became the leading party responsible for the running of Medway Council’s services.
During Medway’s Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, 24th May, Cllr Vince Maple was elected as the new Leader of Medway Council.
As well as thanking the public for their support and recognising the value of council staff providing support to residents, the new Leader of Medway Council expressed his commitment to supporting residents from all walks of life, and particularly those who need to access support services, including housing and social care.
Cllr Maple took the opportunity to outline the key areas the council would be working on during his first 100-days in post.
During his speech at the meeting, Cllr Maple, said:
“In our first 100-days, we will start the change people voted for by bringing forward a Cost of Living Plan for Medway, start to tackle the rogue landlords, bring forward recommendations to improve GP services, enhance the democracy of this council, take on the fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, reaffirm our commitment to our Armed Forces, increase the support for Medway’s small and medium businesses, work hard to ensure we make progress when the next Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services arrives, improve the way residents can interact with the council and much much more.”
Medway’s new Leader also announced the new Cabinet, who will be responsible for working towards the agenda:
• Leader Cllr Vince Maple - In charge of Finance and Strategic Overview
• Deputy Leader Teresa Murray - In charge of Health and Adults’ Services
• Cllr Adam Price - Children’s Services
• Cllr Tracy Coombs - Education
• Cllr Naushabah Khan - Housing and Property
• Cllr Simon Curry - Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration
• Cllr Lauren Edwards - Economic Regeneration and Inward Investment
• Cllr Tris Osborne - Community Safety and Enforcement
• Cllr Harinder Mahil - Heritage, Culture and Leisure
• Cllr Zoe Van Dyke - Business Management
Cabinet members will also be working with services across the council on a number of other projects including introducing a new neighbourhood warden for each ward, new parks and improved access to green spaces, regenerating Medway’s high streets and creating 1,000 new jobs in Medway by 2027, as well as on climate change, social care provision and better supporting schools.
To kick start the 100-day plan, Cllr Maple and members of the Cabinet will be supporting Volunteers’ Week from 1st to 7th June - a national campaign thanking everyone who contributes their time to make a difference in their communities - and visiting voluntary organisations across Medway.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Maple, said:
“I am privileged to have been elected and am proud to be representing Medway. I’ve lived nearly all my life in Medway since moving here when my Dad served in the Royal Navy, I was educated in Medway and I’m proud to call Medway home. Everything I have set out during our 100-day plan, and that I hope to achieve over our four-year term, is to help and benefit Medway residents.
“I am looking forward to getting out in the community meeting and working for our residents as the Leader of Medway Council, as well as developing closer relationships with Medway’s partner organisations to achieve more for Medway.”
The full list of ward councillors, Cabinet members and representatives on committees will be updated on our website, at: www.medway.gov.uk/councillor
Medway Council
