Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off - Donate A Raffle Prize

Thank you,

Darren Hatcher
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Upchurch Cubs & Scouts Christmas Cup Cake Bake Off

Have you got what it takes to bake the best ever Christmas Cup Cake?

This year Upchurch Cub Scouts are holding a Christmas Bake Off

Monday the 2nd of December at 7:00pm

Enter 6 homemade cupcakes with a Christmas theme for a chance to win a fabulous Prize

Come along and see all our Cubs & Scouts run stalls

All profits raised will be donated to our Scouts Jamboree Japan 2015 appeal

Spread the word, we'd love to have lots of people at the Scout Hut to share in the fun

Entries can be brought in on the day, but if you require more info please call

Darren on: 01634 373313 or Text: 0791 700 3374

Lucky Dip   Tombola   Mulled Wine   Mince Pies

Darren Hatcher
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Upchurch Poppy Appeal 2013

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

The total donations collected in Upchurch in 2013 are just over £2,600 some £350 above last years total. Of this amount £922 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £58. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection in Upchurch was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by twenty two collectors eight of whom were Upchurch Scouts.

St. Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by Reverend Jacky Davis. Six wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel. After the service Reverend Davis led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the autumnal sunshine to the burial ground where wooden crosses were laid at the five war commission graves. We were mindful of current losses and injuries in Afghanistan suffered by our Armed Forces.

The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Royal British Legion to help Armed Forces families with £1.7 million each week in direct welfare support. Additionally £50 million has been committed over ten years to support the Defence Recovery Capability programme for wounded and sick Armed forces personnel. Of this, £27 million is to create and operate The Battle Back Centre at Lilleshall.

On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser.

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Temporary Road Closure - Otterham Quay Lane

Temporary Road Closure - Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch - from 2nd December 2013 for 3 weeks.

It will be necessary to close part of Otterham Quay Lane, Upchurch from Monday 2nd December 2013 for up to 3 weeks.

Otterham Quay Lane will be closed from the junction with Wallbridge Lane to the entrance to the Caravan Park.

The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 Moor Street, London Road, Oak Lane and Wallbridge Lane.

The closure is to enable Kent County Council to safely carry out to drainage and carriageway repairs and improvements.

Due to the nature of these works, it will not be possible to re-open the road outside the working hours.

These works are weather dependent, and adverse weather may affect how quickly they can be completed.

The Kent County Council Highway Helpline is: 03000 418181 - ask for Drainage Team.

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

For details of roadworks, please see: www.roadworks.org

Regards,

Phil Lightman

Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division
KCC Highways and Transportation
Ashford Highway Depot
Javelin Way, Ashford, TN24 8AD
Phone: Highway Helpline 03000 418181
E-mail: roadworkseast@kent.gov.uk
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Upchurch Parish Council - Vacancy for Two Councillors

The Parish Council are seeking to co-opt someone to fill these vacancies. Anyone interested in coming on to the Council should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible. The qualifications are that you should be a European national, at least 18 years old, an elector and living within three miles of the parish for 12 months or someone with land or a primary place of business in the parish.

Please include the following in your written application:

• Contact details

• Length of residence in Upchurch

• Profession or trade

• Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations

• Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish

   Council

If you would like to find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Chairman or the Clerk.

Mrs Sara Tucker Chairman. 1 Jubilee Fields.
Tel: 01634 388971 Email: chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk 

Mrs Claire Attaway Clerk. 33 Church Farm Road.

Tel: 01634 363906 Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Council website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2013

The Parish Council met on Thursday 7^th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public including Cllr Mike Baldock.

Public Time –Bus Shelter – A resident expressed a need for a bus shelter in the centre of the village. Tree outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident explained that he had given the Council correspondence regarding the issues with this tree and had not heard any update. It was explained that Highways had been consulted who declared that it was safe. The tree at the rear of the property was a Swale BC planning issue. Cllr Lewin reported that he was taking up this issue as Borough Councillor. Fly tipping in Oak Lane – A resident reported that although rubbish continued to be dumped by the recycling bins, the amount was reducing. He commented that Swale BC was good in responding but unfortunately the problem had not been resolved.CXK – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that CXK were running a session each Tuesday 15:30 – 18:00 for children in Upchurch and was held in Chaffes Lane. CXK have been commissioned by KCC to run youth services in rural areas. They provide positive activities & intervention work for young people. It is hoped that the Council will be able to meet with them to find out more about the services they offer. Oak Lane – A resident reported that a section of this road had sunk again. Highways were aware and continue to repair this but during heavy rainfall, it sinks again.

Correspondence – Christmas art in the village – A request to display a maximum of seven plaques showing the Christmas story on lamp posts around the village. All agreed this would be acceptable for lampposts maintained by the Parish Council. Bus Shelter – A request from a resident to raise the need for a bus shelter again. Cllr Tucker reported that after consulting Cllr Baldock, it was felt that this would not be possible by the bus stop due to lack of space. However, it could be considered by the Village Sign. It was noted that objections had been raised previously and it was felt that now a decision was required, taking into account all views. Cllr New explained that residents objecting were concerned it would attract vandalism therefore she would like to see a teen shelter. It was suggested that further investigations be made into types of shelters and possible grant funding. The Clerk will look into this. Cllr Baldock commented that he would support a grant for a shelter by the telephone box. Also, he would like to support the idea for a teen shelter too. Free micro chipping for dogs in the community – An email from Dogs Trust looking to book in events. The Clerk will notify local Dog Trainers and also Gabriel and Upchurch Matters. UPC expenditure – A resident questioning some of the small but seemingly regular expenses. Items of expense identified included Burial Ground refuse collection, Burial Ground gardening, repairs to Burial Ground gate and churchyard fence, stopcocks at allotments and Speed watch equipment. Members noted this. It was explained that the Speed watch equipment was 100% grant funded. The Clerk will request reimbursement from the Village Hall for half the cost of the repair to the Burial Ground Gate.

Planning - The following applications were considered:

SW/13/1119 Tranquility, Otterham Quay Lane – Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration and internal alterations. No objections.

SW/13/1039 Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages, parking spaces and access driveway – This application has now been withdrawn.

Permissions and refusals – permission granted:

SW/13/0964 Field rear of 32-62 Hartlip Hill – Proposed four loose boxes, tack room, manège, muck heap and one horse trailer

Other planning matters - Gypsy & Traveller Consultation – Swale BC are undertaking a consultation on Part 2 of the Local Plan. Part 2 will relate to Gypsy and Traveller site allocations only. Comments need to be submitted by 5^th December 2013.

Finance – Donation to Wisdom Hospice – It was agreed to forward a donation to the sum of £50 in memory of the late Brian Kennard. Budget/Precept 2014/15 – This is being discussed.  The grounds maintenance costs are yet to be finalised.

Administration - General Purposes Committee –Mr Sheppard of First Highways had offered to assist the Council with sourcing additional salt bins at no extra charge to the Council. Resignation of Councillor – Cllr Steward has resigned. There are now two vacancies on the Council. Please do contact the Clerk or any member of the Council if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor. Request for copies of Correspondence to be directed to the Clerk – Residents can contact the Clerk for copies of the Councils correspondence. Any items for the agenda should be forwarded to the Clerk at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotment Rent review – It was agreed to increase the rent due 1^st April 2014 by £2.00 per full plot. Poplar trees – It was agreed to discuss a quote to pollard/reduce canopy on 12 poplar trees in the Recreation Ground during confidential session.

Paddock – Village fete – St Mary’s PCC have indicated an interest in participating in this. Members are keen to find out if Holywell Primary School would like to take part too.                                   

Burial Ground and Churchyard –Review of fees– It was agreed to increase the fees charged.

Environment – Grounds Maintenance Contract 2014-17 – Grass verges have been removed from the grass cutting schedule.  Quotes received were discussed during confidential session. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Information on this scheme had been circulated. Nominations had been made but it was explained that a justification would need to be submitted. It is hoped that a decision will be made at the meeting in January 2014. If any resident would like to nominate someone for this award, please contact the Clerk. The aim of the scheme is to acknowledge & give recognition to those that have made a significant contribution to their local community. Japanese Knotweed in Co-op garden – The residents at 1 Horsham Lane had asked the Council for their support on dealing with this issue. Following a letter to the Co-Op Manager, a representative from Co-Op Headquarters contacted the Council. The Co-Op agreed to follow up with the contractor the Councils concern regarding the maintenance of the garden.

Highways -Traffic calming – The Council has been trying to arrange a meeting with Highways to discuss traffic calming ideas suggested at the Drop-In. However, Highways are not able to do this as they only visit locations where funds have been allocated to carry out improvements. Proposal for zigzag lines outside school – A consultation had been carried out with properties close to the school located in either Church Farm Road or Forge Lane. The response was overwhelmingly “for” an extension of the zigzag lines outside the school. Highways will be informed.

Next meetings – 3^rd December 2013 and 9^th January 2014. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.

Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)

Email:  clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk