Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Upchurch Matters.

Thanks for all the support you have given the website throughout the year.

This year's lovely village Christmas tree was again kindly donated by Bob Friend and his family.

Thank you, Bob.

Upchurch Parish Councillors have added 'SANTA STOP HERE' to the village sign so he knows where to stop and deliver all the children's presents.

The sparkling Santa's sleigh with reindeer and twinkling lights with the star on top of the Christmas tree all look lovely.

The knitting group has done another wonderful job of decorating the centre of the village with knitted Christmas characters. The added colour they bring really brightens up our winter days.

Why not go and check them out during the holidays?

The lit Nativity Scene, beautifully built by the late Frank Osborne, has also returned to the Churchyard.

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work and generosity, once again.

To more peaceful and affordable times in 2024 🥂

Upchurch Matters

The Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal - Thank You

Dear Upchurch,

You very generously donated three carloads, with boots, back seats and front passenger seats, all full of gifts for this year's joint Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal outside the church on Wednesday the 6th of December.

My car carried the wonderful Hampers of Hope, but we also had bags and bags of Christmas goodies, toys, gifts, knitted items and staple foods.

What a generous village Upchurch is. Esther, the Project Manager at Swale Foodbank (the lady in the red standing in their Christmas aisle), was amazed, and she sends her blessings.

She did say out of all the collections she receives, Upchurch is the most generous.

So be proud, Upchurch, your Godly kindness is noted. You have spread joy and light this Christmas.

Thanks also to Sally at Upchurch's Co-op for their collection point in store, where you kindly left your donations.

Thanks also to everyone who joined us for Carol Singing in Upchurch on Wednesday the 6th at Beckenham Park, Monday the 11th on the corner of Marstan Close and Chaffes Lane, and Monday the 18th, opposite the church by the village Christmas tree.

Over the three nights, you helped us raise a total of £156.35 towards The Salvation Army and Swale Foodbank - Christmas Food Hampers Appeal.

As well as raising money to help vulnerable people, it was really good fun.

We finished by the village Christmas tree with mulled wine and mince pies.

Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️

Enjoy your Christmas!

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

Vehicle Damaged | Attempted Burglary - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/219929/23

Between 10:30am on Monday the 11th of December and 4:00pm on Wednesday the 13th of December, somebody damaged a vehicle parked in the road and let air out of the tyres in Church Lane, Newington.

Crime Number: 46/223127/23

Between 00:01 and 23:59 on Friday the 15th of December, somebody tried to break into a residential property in High Street, Newington. They left when they were disturbed by the resident. 

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

Changes to Upchurch Surgery Opening Hours over Christmas and New Year

Maidstone Road Surgery Rainham, including Upchurch Surgery.

Upchurch Surgery will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday the 25th of December 2023, and New Year's Day, Monday the 1st of January 2024. Otherwise, the usual opening hours apply.

The practice website is: www.maidstoneroadsurgeryrainham.co.uk

Ray Kemsley

Chair - Surgery Patient Participation Group - Upchurch & Rainham

Email: raykemsley@btinternet.com

Chalkwell Bus Services Timetable for Christmas and New Year

Chalkwell bus services for Christmas and New Year will operate as per the graphic.

Normal bus services will resume on Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024.

The current 326/327/328 bus timetable can be found at >> https://chalkwell.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/326-8-chalkwell-timetable-wef290823-web.pdf

For further information on bus times, Call: 01795 423982 or Email: coachhire@chalkwell.co.uk

For travel information on routes, times, tickets and fares, visit >> www.chalkwell.co.uk/bus-services

Upchurch Matters

The Christmas Rainbow Café at St Mary's Church

On the 2nd Thursday of each month.

The Christmas Rainbow Café at St Mary's Church opens its doors on Thursday the 14th of December, between 2:00pm and 4:30pm.

The café serves hot and cold drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savouries, including our £1 children's snack deal (5 items and a drink), with Christmas stories and crafts to entertain them.

You will receive a warm welcome and be helping us support four Ugandan children through school.

Everybody welcome!

Gill Gay and the Rainbow Café Team

Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk