Notice Board

Saturday, 28 October 2023

Swale Foodbank Christmas Collections - November and December | The Salvation Army - Christmas Food Hampers

Swale Foodbank Christmas Collections

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Upchurch.

The photo doesn't show the amount of food you provided justice.

There was lots - the shelf behind Georgina and Esther was holding bags that were mostly three deep. You are amazing!

I will be collecting your foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 1st of November and Wednesday the 6th of December, between 10:30am and 11:30am, when we are hoping to go all out for Christmas. If you could add Christmas treats or go completely Christmas for the next two months, that would be fantastic.

If you are able to provide long-lasting Christmas-type food, for example:

Christmas Pudding

Christmas Cake

Tinned Ham

Christmas Treat Stockings

Tinned Cream

After Eight Mints

Christmas Twiglets and other savoury treats

Biscuits to go with Cheese

Nuts and Crisps

Squash and Drinks

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.

The Salvation Army - Christmas Food Hampers

I attended a meeting between Swale Foodbank and the Salvation Army. There is a big move to bring Christmas to vulnerable families this year.

Please visit: www.giftofchristmas.co.uk where you can read what's happening and join their Facebook group with more info.

If you want to drop off something Christmassy at other times, Upchurch's Co-op is kindly receiving your gifts and storing them for me to pick up and take to the right place.

St Mary's / Uplift and UPARA will be making Hampers.

If a group of you would like to put together a hamper, that would be amazing.

A hamper needs 20 or more Christmassy bits, so getting together in a group is a better way of putting a hamper together. If you are able to make up a hamper, I will pick it up. Please let me know Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

God bless you - it might be getting cold, but with glowing hearts from helping those in need, we will be very warm, and we will help families get through what can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Saturday, 21 October 2023

Temporary Road Closures - Lower Rainham Road, Rainham

Roadworks website one.network shows two more temporary road closures of Lower Rainham Road, Rainham.

Lower Rainham Road will be closed for utility roadworks near the Redrow Homes Hamlet Park Development from today, Saturday, the 21st of October, until Sunday, the 29th of October.

Lower Rainham Road will be closed again between the junctions of Berengrave Lane and Lower Bloors Lane for remedial works on behalf of CityFibre on Saturday, the 4th and Sunday, the 5th of November.

Access to properties and businesses should be maintained, with a diversion route for vehicles in place.

For information regarding these closures, contact Medway Council: 01634 333 333

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

Upchurch Matters

Remembrance Sunday Parade to St Mary's Church - Restrictions on Driving

The young people of the uniformed sections and their leaders will make their yearly Remembrance Sunday Parade from the Scout HQ on the Recreation Ground in Oak Lane to St Mary's Church on the 12th of November.

Leaving at 9:30am, they will march (accompanied by marshals) from the Recreation Ground along Oak Lane and return at 11:30am.

Please be patient during this time.

If you need to drive through the village centre during the parade, please consider using Church Farm Road and Chaffes Lane instead.

Thank you

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Upchurch Matters

Sunday, 15 October 2023

Vehicle Broken Into | Shop Window Smashed | Baby Gate Stolen - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/177109/23

On Monday the 2nd of October, at around 01:59, somebody broke into a vehicle parked on the road at Wormdale Hill, Newington.

Crime Number: 46/174478/23

On Thursday the 28th of September, at around 04:22, two men smashed a shop window by throwing stones at it in High Street, Newington.

Crime Number: 46/179676/23

On Friday the 8th of September, between 00:01 and 23:59, somebody stole a baby gate from a garden in High Street, Newington.

If you have any information that could help investigators, please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Community Messaging

Saturday, 14 October 2023

Important Public Consultation - Have Your Say on the Upchurch Highways Improvement Plan

Click the map to enlarge.

Dear Upchurch Residents,

We are writing to invite you to participate in a crucial decision-making process that will directly impact our community - the improvement of our local highways.

The Parish Council would like to invite you to participate in a public consultation and help the council to make informed decisions that align with the needs and preferences of the community.

Background:

KCC Highways has committed to look at one project for improvement from each parish per year.

We have a number of options UPC are considering.

The Parish Council has narrowed the options to just 3:

Option 1

Progressing the already approved plan for the narrowing of Oak Lane and giving priority to vehicles coming out of the village, north of the junction with Wallbridge Lane.

Option 2

Horsham Lane junction with The Street.

Option 3

Forge Lane junction with Holywell Lane.

Objectives of the Consultation:

To gather input from residents on what you feel in the most important highways issue that needs addressing.

This allows residents to have your say in the areas we request KCC to prioritise on your behalf.

Please let us know your top 2 priorities of the 3 options.

How You Can Participate

We value your input and encourage you to participate in this consultation.

There are several ways you can get involved:

• Using the Upchurch Parish Council website, contact the council, with your choice.

• Send your decision via email to: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

• Write to the clerk at: 2 Alfriston Grove, West Malling ME19 4SR

• Attend our next Parish Council meeting on Thursday, November 2nd, held at Upchurch Village

Hall at 19:30pm

Timeline:

Consultation Period: 11-10-23 - 05-11-23

Next Steps:

Once the Parish Council has analysed all the feedback, we will work closely with KCC Highways to develop a plan for the future of our roads. We will ensure transparency throughout the process and keep you informed about any developments or decisions.

Thank you for your participation.

Nina Henley
Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council