Upchurch Film Star and Extrovert of the 1940s

James Robertson Justice.

David Wood.

Although more than half a century has passed since he lived in the area, actor James Robertson Justice is still remembered by older parishioners as an out of the ordinary resident of Upchurch. Well known as Doctor Sir Lancelot Spratt in the classic 1950s and 1960s ‘Doctor at Large’ films, Justice starred in over eighty British films after being spotted by an Ealing Studios writer at the Players Theatre Club in London during the 1940s. He appeared in box office hits like ‘The Guns of Navarone’, ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ and ‘Moby Dick’. He also starred alongside 1960s sex symbols Diana Dors and Bridget Bardot.

Educated at Marlborough College and a science student at University College London, Justice held two doctorates and was a big man of six feet two inches with a beard and a booming well spoken accent. Amongst his early experiences he worked as a lumberjack and English teacher in Canada, a policeman in Germany, a journalist for Reuters, he managed the British ice hockey team, he fought in the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and he got wounded while serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1943. After getting discharged from the navy he arrived at Ham Green in Upchurch and resided in a farm worker’s cottage known today as ‘Greylag.’

A larger than life character who loved nature, Justice was also an expert falconer, a keen ornithologist and spent time bird watching on the sea wall and saltings, sometimes accompanied by well known contemporary TV wildlife presenter Sir Peter Scott. He later became a member of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and invented the rocket propelled net for catching wildfowl. He was also a keen naturalist and often swam naked in the river with lady friends visiting him from London. Marj Davies from Horsham Lane informed me that her father, Charles Barling from Bayford Farm, warned her to keep away from the river when Justice was there with his female companions, although the actor sometimes joined the Barling family for a meal and a chat in Bayford farmhouse when not otherwise engaged. Several times he was spotted walking the Ham Green peninsular in a kilt playing a set of bagpipes and became a regular in ‘The Crown’ where he joined locals for a drink and a yarn.

Known as ‘Crackerbarrel’ to the village children because of his appearance in cheese adverts, Justice caused controversy in 1944 when a flashing light was spotted coming from his bedroom window during the wartime blackout. This led to rumours that he was a German spy and after several police warnings about breaking the blackout law he was cautioned at Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.
At the end of the Second World War Justice left the area and became a well known film actor. He also taught Prince Charles falconry while living in Scotland and became a personal friend of Prince Philip. He served as rector of Edinburgh University and also contested the Scottish constituency of North Angus and Mearns for the Labour Party in 1950. He died penniless after a series of strokes in 1975 but is still remembered in Upchurch as a great character of the parish.

About David:
David Wood 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 Parish Council Report for August

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th July in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 7 members of the public.


Public Time –  Local Needs Housing - A resident commented that English Rural Housing Association would let any homes built under this proposed scheme to whoever they wished. It was commented that the Council did not support this view. Voting form -  It was commented that the voting form should have been addressed individually to residents to avoid the opportunity of people filling it in on behalf of each other. It was explained that the Council was not allowed to access the Electoral Register for this purpose. ‘Drop-in’ - A resident commented that it was far too hasty to have the rescheduled ‘drop-in’ in September. 

Allotments - A resident asked if there were plans to tidy up the allotments. Members noted this. Trimming of Hedge in Oak Lane – It was requested that this hedge next to the Vicarage be cut back. Members will follow this up. Windmill Hill - A resident reported that his car had been damaged by bushes on Windmill Hill. The Clerk will inform Highways of this issue.

Correspondence – Southern Water – A letter providing an update on the water resources situation and water restrictions. Southern Water had removed the temporary use ban, currently in place in Kent and Sussex supply areas on Thursday 14^th June.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/12/0841 11 Marston Close – Single storey rear extension. Demolition of conservatory – There were no objections to the proposals but members requested that serious considerations be given to neighbours views.

Permissions and Refusals – the following decisions had been received:

Permissions granted: 

SW/12/0393 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – Demolition and replacement of existing, agricultural building only for use as a tractor and implement store

SW/12/0418 Land at Breach Lane – Change of use of land for the mixed use of agriculture and keeping of horses with the provision of three new stables, tack rooms, haystore and sand school

SW/12/0330 Tanzor Riding School, Poot Lane – Retention of existing timber building in support of livery use of land

SW/12/697 Holywell Primary School, Forge Lane – Erect new palisade fencing 1.8 metre high powdered green (58 metres long) to east side of school’s main entrance

SW/12/0439 Bedfont House, Holywell Lane – Change of use from commercial offices to private dwelling (5 in total), extend length of north fencing dormers to accommodate Juliette balconies and additional windows in flank elevation

SW/12/0510 35 Forge Lane – Two storey side extension and single storey garage

Permission Refused:

SW/12/0399 Co-Op, 3 The Street – One internally illuminated wall mounted display unit

SW/12/0464 The Oast, Holywell Lane – Single storey rear extension with room in loft area

Local Needs Housing - It was hoped that four residents would come forward to join the four members of the Parish Council and the Clerk as part of the sub-group. It was confirmed that any meetings of this sub-group would be held in public. The objectives for inviting representatives to join were two-fold. Firstly, to remove any misunderstanding of the procedures followed to date. Secondly, to look at the detail of the voting form and consider any suggestions put forward by the representatives. 

‘Drop-in’ event rescheduled for 21^st September 2012 and ‘public count’ on 5^th October 2012 – It is planned to hold these two events in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome.

English Rural Housing Association – possible outcomes from the ballot – A copy of an email from Alison Thompson had been circulated. Cllr Catford had requested information on the process that would be followed if the Council wished to go ahead with the proposed scheme. It was felt that the information provided did not answer this question and would be followed up again. Nomination for Opposition Representative – It was agreed to accept the nomination for Mr B Sketchley to be a representative.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water Meter – A request was made to Southern Water to replace this. Some minor repair was undertaken by Southern Water. 

Paddock – Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – Members discussed issues being experienced by a resident in Oak Lane. PCSO Cork was following up these issues and was in contact with the resident. Members will meet to discuss possible ways of making the area unattractive to footballers. Some ideas are to plant trees or install fence posts in the end of the Paddock where footballers play.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree Related subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane – Members considered three quotes submitted for the removal of 16 x leylandi, 1 x ash and 1 x sycamore from the churchyard boundary wall with the garage. It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co. Other tree works required - It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co to trim the Yew Tree 3 metres from the Church. Rules and Regulations – Cllr Rossiter had circulated a discussion paper. The Chairman thanked Cllr Rossiter. The Clerk and Cllr Rossiter will update the rules and regulations to include the ideas in the discussion paper and present a draft at the next meeting. 

Environment – Internet speeds – Cllr Catford reported that Mr A Collier, Mr A Waterhouse and Cllr Arnold had offered to meet to discuss this further. Cllr Lewin also offered. Queens Diamond Jubilee – Members discussed the planting of the commemorative tree. Further investigations were needed, to see if a tree was available for the Council to use.

Highways  - Request to use Recreation Ground Car Park – Members considered this which a resident raised during public time. It was agreed to allow this request.

Opposition Representatives for the Local Needs Housing Sub-Group -  Mr A Waterhouse, Mr O’Neill and Mr R Higgs approached the Clerk after the meeting to put their name forward as representatives of opposition to local needs housing in Upchurch.

Next meetings – 6th September 2012 and 11th October 2012. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7:30pm.


Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906

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Lead Stolen From The Roof Of St. Mary's Church, Upchurch

[Reference: CB22]

A 10 x 4 foot strip of Lead was stolen from the roof of St. Mary's Church, Upchurch between the 6th and the 8th of July.


It had been removed from the gully between two pitched roofs. This had previously been security marked with smart water.

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

Thank you, that was Message: 8 7 7.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Theft Prevented - Oak Lane

[Reference: CB22]

A householder prevented the theft of a wooden Porters Trolley from his garden in Oak Lane, Upchurch,  just after 5:00 pm on Friday the 6th of July.

If you have any information please contact Kent police on telephone number 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thank you that was Message: 867.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch Farmers Market

 Our next market is on SUNDAY 22nd JULY

UPCHURCH VILLAGE HALL - 10:00 am until 1:00 pm

WE EXPECT over 20 stalls providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts

• • We now have a BUTCHER [Just Cutts from Rainham] and are working hard to obtain the services of a BAKER

• • The KNITTING stall, which proved so popular last month, will also be back

• • KENT CIDER will be returning after missing last month

• • Hopefully, Steve from THE SEAFOOD CENTRE will once again have his full range of goods available.

• • We are introducing a RAFFLE, the proceeds of which will be evenly split between the Market’s “Community Project” Fund and prizes of £5.00 vouchers, redeemable at the stall(s) of your choice.

ALTHOUGH THE ATTENDANCE AT THE JUNE MARKET WAS MORE ENCOURAGING, WE STILL URGENTLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT. SO, IF YOU CAN COME, BRING AS MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS POSSIBLE WITH YOU. IF YOU CAN’T, TELL THEM ABOUT IT !

FARMERS MARKET COMMUNITY PROJECTS FUND

Calling all Village Organisations

Upchurch Farmers Market was established in June 2011 as a non-commercial community project with the express intention that all monies accruing from Stall fees (after deduction of essential expenses) would be offered in the form of modest grants to village organisations/good causes.

After one year, the Market Management Committee has agreed that a sufficient reserve has been accumulated to allow such grants to be awarded.

Accordingly, applications are invited from bona fide Village Organisations who wish to be considered for such an award. Each application should be forwarded in writing (by hand or e-mail) to The Market Secretary, David Candy, at 6 Bradshaw Close, Upchurch or:  dave_candy@sky.com  and must include:

o   Name of Organisation

o   Representative’s Name and Contact Details

o   Purpose for which grant required

o   Amount Required (Maximum gifted likely to be no more than £200)

Applications to reach The Secretary no later than midnight on Sunday 30th September 2012.

Dave Candy

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The Children’s Society

Collection boxes for the Church of England Children’s Society are due to be emptied soon. This year we shall be doing this at the Church Porch Sale in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 14th July.

If you have a box would you please bring it along in the morning for counting anytime between 9:30 and 11:30am. Alternatively, boxes can be passed to any wives group member or left at 18 Crosier Court.

If you would like someone to collect your box, please contact me on: 01634 375109 and I will arrange this on your behalf and return the box to you when it has been emptied.

Thank you

Jan Bunting

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