Upchurch Farmers Market

Upchurch Farmers Market is back this Sunday the 25th of March from 10:00 am.

With up to up to 30 stalls providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts.

Including

Bread, Meat, Game, Jams, Preserves, Pies, Cheese, Fish, Greengrocery, Eggs, Vinegars, Cakes, Olives, Nuts, Sausages, Cider, Plants etc.

Plus

Photography, Glass Creations, Children's Books and Greetings Cards.

Hot & cold beverages & light refreshments also available.

Back this month

• McCarthy’s the Baker

• Dippy Egg

• Shoregate Nurseries

New this month

• Cupcakes, Traybakes & Cakepops

• Planters & baskets

• Wild Food Company

Dave Candy

For those that like to buy locally there is a monthly Village Market at Iwade.  Details here.

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Upchurch's Peter Boakes to be an Olympic Torchbearer

Peter Boakes.

Upchurch resident Peter Boakes has been nominated and chosen from a list of over 30,000 inspirational people as just one of 8,000 that will carry the Olympic Flame as it journeys across the UK.

Peter received one of the places
allocated to Lloyds TSB.

Peter was nominated by his niece Angela for his 10 years + of fundraising. During the last 10 years, Peter, together with the assistance of family, friends and villagers has raised an incredible £50,000 + for various good causes, mainly by hosting and selling tickets for outdoor evening BBQs at his Upchurch home.


To play his part Peter will have to travel to Euxton near Liverpool on Friday the 1st of June 2012 where he will wear the special white and gold uniform supplied to all Torchbearers. There he'll be given the once in a lifetime honour of carrying the Olympic Torch for half a mile between 7:55 a.m and 8:15 a.m.


Representing peace, unity and friendship the Olympic Flame is Lit in Greece and arrives in the UK on Friday the 18th of May 2012. It will come within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK and will enable local communities to shine a light on the best their area has to offer. Torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK.


For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay visit the official London 2012 website:  here.


Good luck on your big day Peter from the whole of Upchurch.

Upchurch Matters

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The Runaway Upchurch Postmaster

Well liked and respected in the village, Harry Legge had served as sub postmaster, churchwarden and secretary of both Upchurch Cricket Club and Lower Halstow Working Men’s Club. He owned his own house and had a wife and two children. He appeared to be a contented and established figure in the village. On March 25^th, 1924 he suddenly disappeared.

Harry Legge’s worried family knew nothing of his whereabouts and the post office authorities had to be called in. After inspecting the accounts they found that £336 had disappeared. With the post office suspended until further notice, Harry’s shop (now Terry’s) was closed down and the police were called in to investigate.

The 49 year old sub postmaster who had held the position since 1916 was eventually traced after an extensive nationwide search then arrested at ‘The George Hotel’ in Hull on March 28th where he had registered his name as Fred Carlton. A waitress pointed him out to the police as he attempted to leave upon their arrival. After a scuffle the police seized a loaded pistol from him with nine cartridges and £164. When questioned he admitted that he had made out money orders, posted them to various towns and then followed these up with the duplicates and collected the money. He also admitted that he was on his way to Boston in Lincolnshire to leave the country by boat with his money.

Memories of Upchurch.

After charged with being in possession of a loaded pistol without a certificate Harry Legge was discharged then immediately re-arrested by Detective-Sergeant Burgess from Sittingbourne and transported back to Kent where he appeared at Sittingbourne Petty Sessions. He was then charged with intent to defraud and referred to the Kent Assizes. During the court case it emerged that he had lived in Argentina before arriving in Upchurch and this is where he obtained his pistol.

After serving three months in custody Legge appeared at Kent Assizes in Maidstone where he pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud against him but pleaded for compassion because he claimed he had financial problems and said his creditors had pressurized him. Therefore, he argued that he had carried out his crime as an act of desperation. This made little difference as he was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment with hard labour in Manchester prison on the basis that an example had to be made of him to other post office employees. In the meantime, his house in Upchurch was sold and his family dispersed.

Harry Legge’s case caused a sensation in Upchurch and his crime shocked his family and stunned the inhabitants of the village who could not believe that such a respected and well liked person could have carried out such a crime. Whether his actions were out of desperation or sheer temptation is debatable but his unusual story hit the local newspaper headlines for several weeks at the time.

David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village.

David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.


David Wood

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Upchurch Village Hall AGM

The Upchurch Village Hall AGM will be held on Wednesday the 11th of April 2012 at 7:45 p.m. in the back hall.


Please come along to support what is after all YOUR hall !


Jan Lacy
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Temporary road closure of the A2 at Newington

It is necessary to close the A2 High Street at Newington (Swale area) from Monday 2nd April 2012 for up to 3 weeks.

The closure is for gas mains replacement works to be carried out in a section of road too narrow for works to be done safely without a closure.

It is anticipated the road will be re-opened on or before Sunday 22nd April 2012.

Closure and alternative routes

The road will be closed between the junctions with Playstool Road (access remains as far as Wickham Close) and Bull Lane.

Delays are inevitable, and it is suggested that drivers consider using alternative routes for the duration of these works.

The main motorway alternative route is via A2, A249, M2 between junctions 5 and 4, A278 and A2.

An additional alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A249 to Maidstone, thence A229 and A230 to Chatham then back onto the A2.

The specific road names for each diversion are listed at the foot of this Bulletin.

Details of closure

This closure has been re-scheduled to be carried out during the Easter Holidays, following extensive local consultation.

Works will be carried out 6 days a week, working extended hours, to reduce the length of time that the road is closed.

These works are part of a scheme to replace the ageing gas mains with modern materials to maintain the security of gas supplies.

Southern Gas Networks has a legal obligation to replace all iron pipes within 30 metres of properties, like the ones at Newington.

All other options have been considered to avoid closing the A2 but there is no satisfactory alternative.

The existing main is in the middle of the carriageway where the road is very narrow.

~ Whilst the road is closed, other highway improvement works will be carried out to avoid the need for separate closures and minimise future disruption ~

Traffic issues

Signage will be put in place on various roads in the vicinity of the road closure to indicate they are unsuitable for large vehicles.

Weight restrictions of 7.5 T (except for access) are likely to be in place on roads leading from the A2 between Rainham and the A249, when signposted (these roads are individually listed at the foot of this message and on the Public Notice)

The situation will be closely monitored, and it may be that additional traffic regulations are introduced for the safety of the public.

Contacts

These works are being carried out by Morrison Utility Services working with Southern Gas Networks.

The Southern Gas Networks 24-hour Customer Service Centre phone number is 0845 070 1431

Kent County Council’s 24-hour helpline is 08458 247 800

Enclosed is a copy of the Public Notice in confirmation of this, as well as an Information leaflet and map giving additional details about the scheme.

This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors.

Alternative Routes

Motorway

The alternative motorway route is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, M2 from Junction 5 to Junction 4, A278 Hoath Way, A2 London Road and A2 High Street.

Non-motorway

The alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, Detling Hill, Sittingbourne Road, Bearsted Road, Penenden Heath Road, Sandling Lane, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, Chatham Road, Maidstone Road, A230 Horsted Way, Maidstone Road, A2 Best Street, Brookside, Union Street, New Road, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Watling Street, Sovereign Boulevard, Watling Street, London Road and High Street.

Weight Restrictions

A 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access) will be imposed on the following roads, when the relevant signage is in place:

Spade Lane, Mill Lane, Breach Lane, Lower Hartlip Hill, Playstool Road, Church Lane, Bull Lane, Callaways Lane and Rook Lane.

Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with alternative names given where known.

For details of roadworks, please see:  www.elgin.gov.uk

Visit our website:  www.kent.gov.uk/highways  to find out how we look after the roads in Kent.

Customer Information Bulletin SW180G / 1

Regards

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division

KCC Highways & Transportation

Ashford Highway Depot

Javelin Way

Ashford

TN24 8AD

(08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre)

Fax : 01233 648318

Email:  roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk
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Upchurch Matters featured in Inside Swale Magazine

Click on the article to enlarge it.

The latest edition of Swale Borough Councils 'Inside Swale Magazine' carries a full page feature on Upchurch Matters.

Inside Swale is published quarterly and delivered by Royal Mail to over 80,000 homes in the borough.

The article is great publicity for our village and the website and we are thrilled to be in there.

Upchurch Matters

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Mother's Day

Please remember your Mum.

Celebrate Mum and say thank you for all she is and all she does at our Mother's Day Service this Sunday, 18th of March, 10:30am in St. Mary's Church Upchurch.

A service for the whole family, with fun groups for the children, and flowers for Mum.

Rev Hugh Nelson

Curate, The Six

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Attempted Burglary

Motney Hill Road. An attempted Burglary between Midnight on Wednesday the 7th of March and 3:30pm on Thursday the 8th of March.

An attempt was made to force the front door but no entry was gained.

If you have any information, please contact your local police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Reference: DY4703 DA36. 

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.
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Pilot Officer Corbett

This interesting piece has come about during David Hughes research into the proposed new war memorial for Upchurch.

Shot down over Kent he crash landed at Bayford Marsh about a mile from Upchurch village. Rev. W.J. Wright went to the crash site and reported back to Corbett’s home church, also called St Mary’s in Oak Bay, Victoria British Columbia, Canada.


After the war, his family commissioned a stain glass window in Oak Bay and for many years a bouquet of red roses was placed under the window. Since local family members have died, a parishioner continues the Remembrance Day memory with a single red rose.

Thanks to the Times Colonist newspaper for the image of the window.

Upchurch Matters

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Upchurch Parish Council Report – April 2012

The Parish Council met on Thursday 1^st March 2012 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 8 members of the public.

Public Time – SW/12/0058 - A resident asked the Council for an update on the planning application submitted for Hursell Farm. Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane - A resident explained that she was experiencing problems with footballs being kicked into Oak Lane. The problem was that footballers were using the trees in the Paddock as goal posts which caused the ball to bounce into the road, and sometimes even further, into their property and onto parked cars. Drop-In Session for Rural Needs Housing - A resident asked if it would be possible for the residents of Jubilee Fields to have a stand.

Correspondence – Cllr Ina Bean – A letter of resignation had been received. The Clerk will advertise a casual vacancy for one Councillor. It is hoped to hold interviews for any prospective applicant before the start of the Parish Council meeting in June. Please look out for further details.

           

Planning - SW/11/0672 Spade Lane Depot, Spade Lane – Application to extend the time limit for the implementation of the planning permission granted under SW/06/1345 – removal of condition 6 (VI) of SW/89/1248 (restriction use) and change of use to allow the Spade Lane Depot (including existing and unbuilt phase) to be used for general class B1C (light industrial), B2 (general industrial) or B8 (storage or distribution uses) - The Council reiterated previous objections and commented that, as this application was originally made in 2006 and has not yet been implemented, it would appear that there is no need for the changes to which it refers.

SW/12/0058 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Change of use of site to allow the siting of a gypsy mobile home with associated parking and amenity space (retrospective) - The Council strongly objected to this becoming yet another gypsy site and requested that the Planning Department exercised its powers to refuse permission and take the necessary steps to order the land to be restored to its original state.

SW/12/0079 39 Oak Lane – Proposed two storey side and rear extension – There were no objections however it was commented that the size and extent of the extension could overshadow the adjacent residence and block sunlight. Serious consideration should be given to neighbours’ comments.

SW/12/0078 The Brown Jug, 76 Horsham Lane – Rear kitchen extension & alterations including oil fired boiler enclosure – There were no objections but stressed that comments from the neighbouring property owners be given serious consideration.

SW/12/0093 The Cart Lodge, Chaffes Lane – Provision of oak timber doors to enclose present parking area and 3 no. conservation style rooflights (see also SW/12/0137 for Listed Building Consent) – There were no objections. However, comments by neighbouring property owners should be given due consideration.

SW/12/0166 Yew Tree Cottage, Poot Lane – Garage extension to front, new roof extension over existing log-store, conversion of building to form granny annex – There were no objections. However neighbours views should be taken into consideration.                                                                                                           

APP/V2255/A/12/2169572/NWF – Ridgedale Stables, Halstow Lane - Removal of condition (7) of planning permission SW/08/0710 to allow permanent occupation of 3 mobile homes for gypsy family - appeal by Mr W Ball – The Clerk will reiterate previous objections.                                                                       

SW/12/0217 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – Demolition and replacement of existing building for use as a tractor and implement store – There were no objections.

ix) Permissions and Refusals - the following decision have been received: Permission granted:

SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – Change of use to a residential unit caring for young mothers-babies

Rural Needs Housing - The working group had met with Alison Thompson from English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) and Tessa O’Sullivan from Action with Communities in Rural Kent (ACRK) to discuss organising a drop-in Session. It was suggested to hold this event on a weekday in June between the hours of 3pm – 7pm. The voting form needed further discussion but it was hoped that this could be offered to any resident who was prepared to record a good reason for not coming to the drop-in. ERHA and ACRK had advised against allowing opposition groups to set up a stand. Members will be discussing further how to organise the session but it is hoped as many residents as possible will be able to attend. Details of this event will be published as soon as possible.

Finance – Swale West Parishes Group –Members discussed project ideas for the KCC Local Engagement Forum Grant Scheme. It was agreed to submit an application for the sum of £5,000 towards play equipment for the Paddock.  

Administration - Annual Parish Meeting – This will be held on Thursday 26^th April 2012 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be available after the meeting. It is hoped that Sergeant Tim Hill, Community Safety Sergeant will give a presentation. Also, it is hoped to discuss ideas for new play equipment in the Paddock and also, given an update on the Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water at the Allotments – Cllr Apps reported that water usage would need to be monitored on a regular basis. Goal Posts in the Recreation Ground – It was agreed to install two sets of five-a side goal posts in the Recreation Ground at a cost of approx £700.

Paddock – Ball games in the Paddock – An email from resident concerned that youths were still kicking footballs over the fence into Oak Lane. It was agreed to investigate ways of putting up a net around the edge of the Paddock.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree Related Subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane -The Tree Officer from Swale BC was consulted. The trees behind the property do not have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on them. However, the trees alongside the property in the Churchyard are within a Conservation Area, so will have a TPO. A quote for removing the trees behind the property will be obtained. Yew Tree in Churchyard – The Tree Officer from Swale BC agreed that this tree could be cut back 2 metres within the building. Review of layout of Burial Ground – Members were advised that the slab path in the Burial Ground was covering some potential grave spaces. Also, the spoil heap needed to be relocated. The possibility of extending the Burial Ground was also discussed. A quote for lifting some of the slabs will be obtained.

Environment – Queens Diamond Jubilee – An email from Mr Kemsley had been circulated regarding the purchase of mugs for all primary school children. Members discussed ways of spending the budgeted amount of £1,500 for the Celebrations and whether it was acceptable to purchase mugs for children who lived outside the Parish. It was agreed that the Committee would make the final decisions. KCC Broadband survey – Please do register your demand for a better broadband service in Kent via:  www.kent.gov.uk  You will find a link to the survey on the home page.

Highways - Proposed Bus Shelter – Correspondence from residents opposing the bus shelter had been circulated. It was suggested that members could consider the possibility of installing a Youth Shelter in the Paddock on the tarmac area. This might encourage the youths to gather there instead of any bus shelter. If this was a possibility, then designs for the bus shelter could be considered after this had been installed.            

Next meetings – Thursday 29^th March and 3^rd May, 7.30pm in the Hall of Holywell Primary School.

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk - Tel:  01634 363906
Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Please note opening times: Mon-Thurs 9.00am -11.30am.

Upchurch Parish Council
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Burglary in Church Farm Road

Between 11:15 pm on the 4th of March and 7:15 am on the 5th of March 2012, entry was gained to a property in Church Farm Road Upchurch, and a Samsung mobile phone, a laptop computer and a Vivitar camera were stolen.

If you have any information, please contact your local police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you, that was message: 2 8 1.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.
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Make Kent Quicker

Register your demand for broadband to make Kent quicker.

KALC is working with Kent County Council to encourage people to register their demand for better broadband. Before broadband providers will invest in improving the network, they need evidence to show that this is what people want. It is important therefore that people register their demand.

Funding has been secured to transform the broadband network in Kent and Medway.

The Government, through their agency Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), has made £9.87 million available to upgrade Kent and Medway’s broadband infrastructure in line with their targets of securing superfast broadband for 90% of properties within each county and delivering a service of at least 2mbits/s for the remaining 10%. Kent County Council has committed a further £10 million to make this project happen and it is anticipated that the network operator who wins the right to build the network will contribute the remaining funding required for this £43 million project.

To make it happen, people need to say they want it. Before broadband providers will invest in improving the network, they need evidence that this is something the people of Kent want to see.

Kent Association of Local Councils is working with Kent County Council to encourage people to register their demand for better broadband through the ‘Make Kent Quicker’ campaign.

It only takes five minutes so please:

 sign up to register your demand at:  www.makekentquicker.com

 encourage your neighbours to register their demand

 consider whether you can display a poster to raise awareness in your community

 contact Action with Communities in Rural Kent on 01303 813790 if you are interested in becoming a local broadband champion to encourage greater sign up in your area.

If you have no broadband access, please register at a KCC library or Gateway or contact the Kent County Council Contact Centre on: 08458 247 247.

Terry Martin
County Secretary
Kent Association of Local Councils

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Upchurch Women's Institute - News

Upchurch Women's Institute meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Village Hall.
Our March meeting is entitled "Molluscs & Me" by Helen Howard. Do join us on March the 13th. Then on April the 10th we have Margaret Lewis with a talk entitled "How to trace your family tree". Both meetings start at 7:30pm.

On Friday May the 11th why not book a table for our Quiz night ? Tables of 6 cost £5 a head, with a plouhgmans supper included. Bring your own drink. Starts at 7:30pm.

To book a table, please ring Joyce Gilbert: on 01634 232346.

Gillian Holland

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An Invitation To A Sherry Reception

The “Friends of the Church” Trustees invite you all to a reception they are hosting in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Upchurch on Saturday the 21^st of April from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. The evening provides an opportunity for the Trustees to introduce themselves also Frank Osborne has kindly agreed to give a brief talk on one of the major restoration projects undertaken in the Church.

The “Friends of the Church” scheme was launched in 2011 to raise funds to support the upkeep of the historic Church building.

Gerry Lewin – on behalf of the Trustees

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Upchurch Twinning Group - News

Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.

Try the Holywell School website:  www.holywell.kent.sch.uk  or Upchurch Matters:  www.upchurchmatters.co.uk  for our news as well. In addition, visit:  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff! 

Firstly, a thank you!

Quiz night – Thank you to all those stalwarts who turned out on a very snowy evening to support us on 4^th February.  Because of the weather numbers were down a bit, but we all had a good time and we are pleased to say that we raised nearly £470 for our funds.

2012 is looking busy for the Twinning Group.  Here are some dates you may be interested in:

March – Holywell School trip– the children of years 5 and 6 will be visiting one of the schools in Ferques this month.  They will spend the morning with the French children in class and then visit the Nausicaä Sea Life centre in Boulogne. 

Sunday 15^th April 2012 – Upchurch Choral Society trip - Our Choral Society will be giving a concert in the church in Ferques.  It is due to start at 6pm and end about 7.30pm.  Afterwards, there will be a reception in the Mairie before we all come home.  The choir is going by coach and we hope some of you might come along and listen!  There may even be one or two spare seats.  Do contact us for more details.  It would make a great ending to a day out in France.

Thursday 17^th May 2012 – Annual General Meeting – at 7.30pm in Holywell School.

Saturday 14^th July – Bastille Day in Ferques – We will be having a stall at the street fair as usual, but no bric-a-brac this year.  We will be plying everyone with English food and beverages so it’s worth a visit for that and to see if you can pick up any bargains on the other stalls!

Saturday 25^th August. 2012 – Sports Day – this is now an annual affair and this year will be in Ferques.   We will be arranging a coach so think about a day out with lots of sporty fun in France that day.  This is always most enjoyable and well supported so register your interest as soon as possible.

October – Anniversary Event – Originally planned for March, this will now happen in October and will take the form of an outing somewhere in Kent.  Watch this space!

Jim Harman (Chairman): 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary): 01634 234780

Sue Rossiter

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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Celebrations are planned for the weekend of 2nd - 4th June.

On behalf of the Parish Council a committee is now progressing and developing plans for a weekend of public celebration to mark our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and below is a brief idea of what is planned at present:

Saturday evening 2nd June – musical entertainment evening at the Village Hall.

Sunday 3rd June – All day – exhibition in the church of Coronation Day 1953 memorabilia.

Late morning onwards – a Jubilee Jolly at the Village Hall – stalls, games, fancy dress, food – something for all and for organisations to run stalls etc.

Mid-afternoon – a Service of Thanksgiving for everyone in the church.

Monday 4th June – Possible beacon lighting during the late evening.

In addition, the Parish Council hopes to plant a tree in the Paddock and also to give a commemorative mug to all primary school aged children in the village.

In respect of the mugs, we would be delighted to collect the names of all children of primary school age who live in Upchurch, but do not attend Holywell School. Please let one of the committee know so that they will receive one.

Sara Tucker tel: 01634 388971   Pat New tel: 01634 374220   Sue Rossiter tel: 01634 234780

Sue Rossiter

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Miss Broughton and Holywell School

A throwback to the Victorian era, her lengthy period of 31 years as headmistress was not without controversy as she shaped the lives of consecutive generations of Upchurch children.

Known as ‘Fanny’ Broughton to her pupils, she attended Sittingbourne County School from 1918 to 1924, had served as an unqualified teacher then entered Goldsmiths College London in 1926. She was then appointed to Sheerness Rose Street Junior School in 1929. After a short period at Sheerness Broadway Junior School she arrived at Holywell in September 1936.

Newly appointed Phyllis Broughton created a stir when parents discovered she was a Catholic. After all, Holywell had started as a Church of England school. Revd Lightburne writing in the parish magazine in October 1936 tried to reassure parents by stressing that her religious denomination had no bearing on her selection but expressed sadness that she would not be able to participate in the village church.

The H.M.I Report of November 17^th 1937 recognised Miss Broughton’s talent as a teacher:

The headmistress gives vigorous lessons in physical training to both classes and the results of her introduction of imaginative painting and pattern work allied with simple book craft are most satisfactory.

Memories of Upchurch.

A strict, no nonsense lady with a round face, Miss Broughton used her own effective methods of dealing with pupils. A serious tantrum sometimes led to incarceration in the cloakroom at playtime, several sharp raps across the palm of the hand with a wooden ruler were frequently given for dissent. Occasionally, a ball kicked into Mr Steven’s adjacent field of bullocks during playtime would sometimes be retrieved by a pupil without permission. Reported immediately by watching ‘goody goodies’, Miss Broughton would soon be on hand with her trusty ruler ready to administer the inevitable punishment.

Few dared defy or question Miss Broughton. Her brother served as a detective inspector in the police so order and discipline ran in the family. However, she also demonstrated a sympathetic side as an entry in the school log book dated April 3^rd 1939 shows: Percy Still bitten by a dog on the way to school. Treated in school–suffering from shock so was sent home.

On October 30^th 1946 she wrote: During gardening Graham Clemons accidentally stuck a digging fork in Roger Martin’s foot. The wound was cleaned and dressed then the boy sent home.

Miss Broughton had an eye for picking potential 11 plus pupils and concentrated her efforts on them, ensuring the select group passed for the local grammar school. This method led to praise from some parents but criticism from others. A dedicated teacher, she consistently maintained good order and generally gained respect. She also successfully ran the school under difficult circumstances during World War Two when Upchurch based Rainham Secondary pupils had to return to Holywell to continue their education, sharply increasing numbers from 39 to 95 in 1940.

Miss Broughton finally retired in 1967 and is still remembered by former Holywell pupils for helping to shape their early education, with a few sharp raps across the palm with the dreaded ruler along the way.


David Wood, who was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village.

David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Advice Surgery Appointments

MP Gordon Henderson.

Gordon Henderson will be hosting an advice surgery at Upchurch Village Hall on Friday the 2nd of March from 5pm until 7pm.

If any local residents are experiencing problems and would like to talk to their MP, please ask them to make an appointment by calling: 01795 423199.

Jess McMahon

Constituency Senior Caseworker to Gordon Henderson MP

Member of Parliament for Sittingbourne & Sheppey
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Pie, Mash and Liquor at The Brown Jug

The Brown Jug Upchurch are serving Dan's homemade Pie, Mash and Liquor this Friday the 17th, from 7:00pm - 10:00pm.


Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tel: 01634 366543.


Upchurch Matters
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Upchurch Farmers Market

The first Upchurch Farmers Market of 2012 is on Sunday the 26th of February. Doors open at 10:00 am through to 1:00 pm.

There will be some 30 stalls on the day providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts.

Affiliated to Kent Farmers Markets Association.

Dave Candy

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Handel's Messiah at St. Mary’s Church

Upchurch Choral Society with conductor Helen Osborne and organist Sue Rossiter will be performing excerpts from Handel's Messiah on Good Friday, the 6th of April.


The show starts at 7:00pm at St Mary’s Church, Upchurch and entrance is FREE !


There will be a retiring collection in aid of Leukaemia Research.


All welcome.


Liz Walters
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