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The best way to tell us is through the contact form
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The Parish Council met on Thursday 6th February
in Cambria Classroom of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were
present and 20 members of the public.
Public
Time
– Tree outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident reported this had been pruned
and asked for an update on the tree at the rear of the property. Oak Lane – A resident reported
that blue lines had been painted on the section of the road that appeared to be
sinking. Allotments – A resident reported that there were several plots
not being worked on and suggested offering these out for working prior to the
annual rent payment due date in order to get them cultivated. Gypsy &
Traveller Sites – A resident referred to article 8 of human rights and reported
that he would be following this up with Swale BC. Four Gun Field – A
resident reported that there was a large puddle in the road. Upchurch Burial
Ground – Concerns were expressed with a recent grave where the ground
appeared to be considerably wet. It was suggested that the Council may like to
seek independent advice. The possibility of installing a bench in the lower
part of the Burial Ground was mentioned but it was advised that there was
opposition to this. Bus Shelter –A resident reported that he had
contacted Chalkwell Bus Company to request statistics on the number of people
getting on the bus. Unfortunately, they were not allowed to give him this
information and he suggested that the Council may be able to obtain this. He
reported that the highest number of people waiting for the bus was 9 on the 4th
February 2014 and the lowest was 3 on the 15th January 2014. He
commented that vandalism was a problem in the village centre and reported
several incidents that had occurred. It was commented that the people who are
“for” the bus shelter are not using the bus; therefore what was it going to be
used for when it was not needed. Bus Shelter – Another resident
commented that this proposal had been discussed many times now and should the
Council allow this, then it would open up a can of worms. Teen Shelter - A
resident commented that this proposal seemed to be attached to the Bus Shelter
and asked that it be separated. Councillor – Cllr John Wright explained
that highway issues such as pot holes or flooding could be reported on the KCC
portal. It was advised that the planning application at Orchard Park, Oak Lane
would be discussed at the Planning Committee Meeting held in March. He thanked
those who attended the consultation event for the proposed Brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm,
Newington and reported that it was well attended.
Correspondence – Upchurch Horticultural Society – Members agreed to a request to use the Paddock for a
Plant Sale on the morning of Saturday 26th April as long as the ground
was dry. Young Kent and KIYS Youth – Members were advised that Sue
Maidens had accepted her invitation to give a short presentation at the Annual
Parish Meeting. Upchurch Information/interpretation board on the 1944 Rail
Crash in Oak Lane – Members discussed a proposal from Richard Emmett.
Further information will be obtained.
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1483
Colourpacks Plant Centre, London Road, Newington – Change
of use of part of site to provide a retail area/trade counter. Members noted
this.
SW/13/1485
Land at Spade Lane, Hartlip – Siting of two mobile
homes with associated utility block, parking for cars and 2 touring caravans
for a gypsy family. Members noted this.
Permission
granted:
TC/13/0147
The Paddock – Fell 4 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 1
x Holm Oak, 1 x Ash, 1 x Hawthorne. Crown lift 6 x Holm Oak, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x
Oak, 2 Lime. Coppice 2 x Field Maple. Cut & remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x
Acacia. Thinning of 50% of vegetation. Crown lift 1 Mixed Holly to give ground
clearance of 1.5m
Permission
refused:
SW/13/1442
2 Church Farm Road – First Floor extension
over existing garage
Other planning matters: SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane –
Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom. The Planning Review Team
will investigate the conditions placed on this planning permission. Gypsy
& Traveller site allocations – Cllr Tucker reported an update from the Planning
Committee meeting. Members agreed to draft a letter to Gordon Henderson. It was
hoped that neighbouring parishes would support this. Residents would also be
encouraged to contact Gordon Henderson if they have concerns on this matter. Proposed
Brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm, Newington – Cllr Rossiter
reported that this consultation event was well attended. It outlined the
proposal to KCC and provided preliminary information. Wienerberger was a large
brick manufacturing company and the route to the factory from this site would
be along the A2 through Newington. It would take place for 6-8 weeks during dry
summer months. During this time, there would be one lorry leaving the site
every 5 minutes. It was commented that the impact for Newington and Hartlip
would be enormous. The Planning Application would be submitted to KCC and Swale
BC would be a consultee. Members appreciated the need to support Hartlip and
Newington Parish Council.
Finance
–
KCC Member Community Engagement Grant
Scheme – Members were advised that
the application for parking improvements on Rec Ground Car Park had been approved.
Members discussed whether to accept the offer of a grant. Various
ideas/suggestions were discussed but it was felt that further consultation with
the Scout Group was needed. It was agreed to decline this offer. It was reported that the grant offer
for £4,500 towards the cost of the Paddock Project had been approved and it had
been accepted. The Council had budgeted £2,500 to match this funding and the
remaining amount would be funded by reserves.
Paddock
– Paddock Project – It was reported that planning
permission had been granted for the tree work in the Paddock. A meeting had
taken place with Lindsay & Co Tree Surgeons to discuss arranging this work.
It was noted that any work must take place before the bird nesting season which
started on 1st March. If this deadline was missed, then work would
not be able to commence until August. It was agreed to accept their quote.
Village fete –
Cllr Tucker reported that a meeting would be arranged the following week with
Mr Kemsley to discuss this further. Local village groups and organisations had
shown an interest in taking part in this event. It was noted that England may
be playing in the World Cup football on 28th June but it was felt
that the timing of the event could be scheduled around this.
Recreation
Ground – Members would like to politely request that
users of this car park do not drive or park on the grass.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Members discussed a concern raised by a
family about their parent’s grave being waterlogged. The Burial Ground
representative had been monitoring the situation and also consulted the grave
digger. It was agreed to consult the Diocese and also obtain independent
advice.
Environment – KALC Community Awards Scheme – Keith Rossiter was nominated for this award for his
dedication to the village.
Next
meetings – 6th March and 3rd April.
Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start
at 7.30pm. The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for 24th April
2014 at the Village Hall.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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A Puppet Show for Adults?
Upchurch Village Hall presents a Strangeface production of
Shooting the Moon
Sat 22nd Feb at 7:30pm, Upchurch Village
Hall
A show for children aged 8 to 80 years!
Imagination knows no rules…the fantastical life of
illusionist Georges Méliès.
Experience the magic of a full-mask and
puppet performance from acclaimed theatre company, Strangeface, with this
fantastic new show. Through a series of surreal and comic scenes, the life of
French illusionist and filmmaker Georges Méliès, will be bought to the stage
before your very eyes.
Both mask theatre enthusiasts and those
who have never experienced mask theatre before will be amazed, entranced and
moved by the way the characters come alive to convey this fantastical tale of
illusion, film and fame.
This performance supports your Village
Hall – please come and support it!
Discounted tickets available at £8 (adults), £7 (under 16s) and £25
(family, 2+2) from Keith Rossiter, 114 Chaffes Lane (01634 234780) before 15th
February.
Prices rise after
that – book early!
Lots more about the world of Strangeface Productions
and masks at: www.strangeface.co.uk
Keith Rossiter
Dance4Kent provide first-class, fun, engaging & stimulating dance classes, holiday camps & educational services as a part of schools curriculum & also out of hours. We also run classes, holiday camps & other exciting events at our very own D4K dance schools!
With our growing number of D4K instructors we are able to offer a wide array of dance styles that organisations, staff & pupils can really benefit from.
All of our instructors are suitably qualified & experienced & they are all DBS checked, fully insured & have undergone various training in a number of pastoral care subjects including behaviour management, child protection, safe guarding & first aid.
Ballet & Tap classes for children aged 2 1/2 years upwards are run every Monday from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at Lower Halstow Memorial Hall.
Stephanie Rossiter
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A Promise Auction will be held on behalf of
St' Mary the Virgin, Upchurch at the
Grand Village Fete, The Paddock, Saturday 28th June 2014
We have received a number of promises from local villagers and organisations such as
• Homemade cake once a month for six months
• Candle decorating lessons
• Jar of sweets
• Computer lessons
• Lessons to learn Holiday French
• Hair voucher
• Rich fruit cake
• Singing lesson
Offer a service you can perform.....Give up some time........All for your community
Simply put..........Make a promise
We will auction your promise and sell it to the highest bidder, it's as simple as that, you give up your time, offer a skill, or something others might want and we do the rest! All proceeds will go to the church funds.
If you have something to offer? Please let Brenda Kemsley know on Tel: 01634 231585 or Email: brenda_ann@btinternet.com
Do good and feel good, all at the same time!
Brenda Kemsley
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Many years before the appearance of the ‘Upchurch Festival of Music’ the village experienced a musical month which generated plenty of local interest in February 1964.
The football club began the monthly social events with a lively dance to the music of Dave Champion and the Strangers. This was followed up with a ‘Musical Fanfare’ in the village hall with fifty people participating in a concert. The Church Choir, The Women Institute’s choir, Jane Scott, Myra Duncalf, Peter Brightman and Bryan Veale all performed. Parish clerk Aubrey Smith organised the event which turned out to be very successful and about £12 was raised and donated to inter-church aid. Later in the month a concert took place in the village hall with brass quartets, soloists and a light orchestra which attracted a big audience.
Down at Otterham Quay the annual ‘Miss Otterham’ event took place with lots of twisting and shaking to Dan Barcott’s Band with girls dressed in mini skirts and men wearing smart suits and ties. Twenty eight year old Yvonne Baker won the event with Julie Sims and Jean Martin runners up.
The Upchurch Horticultural Society Dinner turned out to be the most significant social affair of the month. Opened by society president Albert Clemons from Suffield Cottages, 120 guests sat down to dinner after chairman Cliff Wanstall had given a summary of the year. Royal Society medals were awarded to Les Stevens and A Hinge & Son while Charlie Stokes won the vegetable award and George Friend the flower award.
At the Women’s Institute Mrs Johnson gave a lecture about the history of drama. She spoke about the origins of drama in ancient Greece and finished by giving tips on choosing and casting a play. At the same meeting Mrs Court resigned because of ill health and Mrs. Wright won the competition for growing a hyacinth in a jar.
The parish council decided not to enter Upchurch in the ‘Best Kept Village Competition’ but good news arrived with the announcement that a letter had been received from the Divisional Education Officer stating that additional accommodation would be provided for the Infant’s School at the end of the year. At the same time the council announced that more Royal Mail post boxes and a new telephone box were still needed in the village. Permission was also given for the recreation ground to be used for the judging of floats and used as a car park in the forthcoming August carnival.
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David Wood. |
A wedding with a difference took place in Upchurch when Peter Boakes from Chaffes Lane married Janet West from Iwade at the village church. After the ceremony the bridegroom presented dolls to the bridesmaids and identical models of the Jaguar car to the pages that had brought them to the church. The couple then went to Devon for their honeymoon.
In the village centre daily life continued as usual where Mr and Mrs Jaggers ran the Upchurch Stores, Dick Hales managed W.H. Hales butcher’s with his assistant Barry Madden, Mr and Mrs Huggins ran the grocery shop opposite the church, Cliff and Fay Wanstall managed the post office, Fred Clemons organised the delivery of newspapers while Marj Davies served petrol at her family run garage in Horsham Lane.
Finally, birthdays for the month included Jill Hitchen from Horsham Lane aged seven, Paula Maxted from The Street aged one and Pamela Edmonds from Drakes Close aged twelve. Although there weren’t any recorded baptisms for February Lucy Gransden from Oak Lane aged 70 was buried in the churchyard. A long term resident in the village, Mrs. Gransden had been a regular member of the Mother’s Union and had done a lot of work for the church along with her husband Charles who had served as a churchwarden during the 1960s. This ended a month mainly remembered for music, entertainment and social gatherings.
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 or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.
David Wood.
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Dear Stakeholder,
Today is a normal day across the networks with no widespread power cuts due to the weather. However, UK Power Networks is working closely with the Met Office to track the high winds and heavy rain that ARE forecast to hit the UK on the 5th of February.
If the storm materialises and affects power lines, our paramount focus will be on restoring electricity to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
We are currently putting in place a range of measures to be better prepared to respond to any potential impact on our networks and customers.
Measures
We are currently preparing to deal with the storm’s potential impact on our network and customers. Below are some of the measures we are taking:
• We are arranging additional staff to cover call centre roles. Additional people have been allocated to take and make phone calls and provisions are in place for even more engineers and resources to be available on short notice in case of need.
• Our emergency teams are reviewing plans and a message has gone out to our trained customer champions to be prepared to be deployed to sites if the storm materialises.
• We invest in a partnership arrangement with the British Red Cross and can activate their volunteers to support vulnerable customers if power is affected.
• The emergency teams in the local authorities have access to the web link that enables them to see fault levels. In the aftermath of Storm St Jude, we have improved our systems to make the tracker more robust.
Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can affect overhead power lines when tree branches and windborne debris damage them. In the event of a power cuts as result of the winds and rain, UK Power Network’s priority will be to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible and keep people informed as best we can during a constantly changing situation. We will work from job to job targeting big jobs first where many customers are affected.
In communication with customers, we urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to UK Power Networks.
To report any power cuts and damaged lines on free helplines, please use the following numbers: In the South East call: 0800 783 8866.
You can also see: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and follow the company on twitter for updates.
Preparing for a power cut
Below is some advice on how our customers can prepare for a power cut:
• Keep our freephone number handy.
• See the website for some useful videos offering you advice during a power cut.
• Keep spare batteries for radios and torches – local radio stations often broadcast helpful information.
• Keep an old-fashioned corded phone which you can plug in, as cordless phones won’t work in the event of a power cut.
• Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed.
• Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames.
• Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours.
• Switch off all your electrical equipment, except one light which will let you know when the power comes back on.
• Remember the street lights may also be off so take care if you go out.
• Look out for elderly neighbours; please consider taking them a flask of hot water round or hot food.
Kind regards,
Stakeholder Engagement Team
UK Power Networks
Newington House
237 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 6NP
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Westmoreland in Lower Halstow Dock in the early 1960s
with the Brickfields in the background. |
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Westmoreland as she stands today. |
The last surviving Kent Brick Barge and famous racer, Westmoreland has lain derelict for 40 years but a Heritage Lottery Bid is now underway to save her.
Westmoreland Trust CIC are a 'not for profit' community interest company established to restore Thames Sailing Barge Westmoreland and are speaking to Heritage Lottery Fund about a major grant application.
Westmoreland was saved from Standard Quay in Faversham and moved to Otterham Quay. Now she is back home in Lower Halstow Creek after many years away! This move has only been possible with the support of those willing to defer payment for towing her there.
Built in 1900 in Conyer, she worked from Lower Halstow for 60 years, taking bricks from the Brickfields there up to London. The Brickfields and the last Barge that serviced them are a vital part of the local heritage, Westmoreland Trust hope to tell the story of that lost industry using the Barge, once she is fully restored.
The Heritage Lottery process is likely to take up to two years but in the short term funds are needed to pay for moving Westmoreland to her dry Dock and for the ongoing insurance and ancillary costs until such time as other funding streams are secured.
It is intended that she be moored on a swinging mooring in Lower Halstow Creek prior to being moved back into the dock at Lower Halstow, from where she traded for 60 years. If the Heritage Lottery Fund bid is successful she will be restored to her former glory and operating from the dock once again.
The Thames Sailing Barge needs to be protected while the Heritage Lottery Fund bid is prepared. Westmoreland is slipping away and this project is no doubt the last chance to save her.
So please get behind the project and help raise the funds to keep her safe until the Heritage Lottery bid can be submitted.
Please pledge if you can by visiting the Thames Sailing Barge Westmoreland JustGiving page: Here
If you are on Facebook then you can stay up to date with her progress by visiting their page: Here and clicking 'Like'.
Upchurch Matters
SPACE
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Nick Sketchley 1976 - 2014. |
Nick sadly passed away on Tuesday the 28th of January and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A family man and loving husband to his wife Joanne, Nick was Dad to two children, Annie and Billy and, along with his brother Robert, a loving son to his parents Chris and Bernard.
Many will remember Nick from growing up in Upchurch, and his school days at Holywell Primary and the Westlands School in Sittingbourne. He went on to study drama at Mid Kent College, during which time he worked at festivals and in the theatre. Nick went on to help run the family business for many years.
Before settling in Lower Halstow, Nick and Joanne travelled the world. Nick will be remembered as someone who embraced life fully and made those around him smile. His zest for life meant that he was able to experience many of his great passions.
Nick had many good friends and the number of kind thoughts and tributes received this week are testament to a well-loved man who will be truly missed.
Robert Sketchley
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Upchurch Parish Council would like to advise residents that there is a bag of winter mix (salt/sand) located in the Recreation Ground Car Park for residents use.
If you would like to get prepared for the winter, please do help yourself to this salt using your own bag/container. We do ask that you clear away any spillage's to ensure the area is kept tidy.
Upchurch Parish Council
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On behalf of Wienerberger I would like to make you aware of a public exhibition which is due to take place at Hartlip Parish Hall on Wednesday 5th February from 2pm until 8pm. You are welcome to attend.
Representatives from Wienerberger will be at Hartlip Parish Hall to meet local residents to discuss plans for the proposed brick earth extraction site at Paradise Farm, Newington.
Plans will be on display and the team will be on hand to answer any questions from the local community. All issues including transport movements, the process of extracting the material and timings will be explained to anyone wishing to attend.
Feedback forms will also be made available on the day for any additional comments.
Terry Gilligan
Associate Director – on behalf of Wienerberger
Upchurch Players - AGM
Monday 10th March 7:45 pm
Please attend the AGM in the Back Hall at Upchurch Village Hall if you want to be part of putting on a Panto again.
If not enough people which means, Actors and Backstage Crew are not present at this meeting or notify me of their interest to help and in what way they will help....It won't go again and the chance is the group will be disbanded.
Please do not say you will help to bow out late but please do come and reinvigorate the group. Tel: 01634 363271 for notifications of interest or Email: pottibird-alias@yahoo.co.uk
Gloria Knight
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Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.
Upchurch Twinning Group Quiz Night on Saturday the 1st of February at Holywell School.
If you are thinking of attending and having a table - then please book it very quickly with Sue Rossiter on (01634 234780) - If you are unable to reach Sue then please try my phone (01634 235420) or Email: jimharman@talktalk.net
We currently have up to 13 tables. There is only room for a maximum of 15 tables in the School Hall.
Jim Harman (Chairman)
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The Parish Council met on Thursday 9th January in
the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 12
members of the public.
Public
Time
– Bus Shelter – A resident referred to objections made at the last
meeting. He commented that the suggestion that the village sign be taken away
in order to remove the pavement was rather dangerous. The comment that there is
only one bus every two hours therefore a shelter is not required is precisely
the reason why you do need one as you have no choice. Tree outside 21 Oak
Lane – A resident reported that work is being planned. Water leak
outside 29 Oak Lane – The resident reported that this section of the road
is gradually disappearing. Tree overshadowing allotment plot – A
resident referred to his request for this tree to be trimmed. Parking on Granny’s
Green – A resident commented that a number of vehicles have been parking on
the grassed area. Emergency road closure of Oak Lane – A resident
commented that it was totally inadequate closing this road when Windmill Hill
was closed. He felt that a “stop/go sign” was needed in Canterbury Lane or
alternatively, Police assistance. It was advised that the closure was necessary
to carry out the work. The Clerk will contact Highways to explain that traffic
lights would be needed in Canterbury Lane if this situation ever arose
again. SW/13/1373 Orchard Park,
Oak Lane – A resident asked if it was the Councils policy to publish
details of planning applications on notice boards and lamp posts. It was
explained that the Council had not posted this application on lamp posts around
the village and it was not their policy to do so. This application was on the
agenda for discussion at the meeting as an additional comment had been
submitted to Swale BC. Details of all planning applications are available
on-line for public information. All planning applications that are forwarded to
the Council for comment are discussed at monthly Parish Council meetings.
Correspondence – Planning Application for Orchard Park, Oak Lane – A letter from Upchurch Golf Course requesting a meeting be
arranged with them, neighbouring Parish Councils and Mr Freeman, Senior Planner
at Swale BC. Bus Shelter – A letter and an email from residents of Horsham
Lane objecting to this. Members commented that the Council had been discussing
this for a while. It was decided to note any future correspondence regarding
this and then gather together for discussion at one meeting. The Council will
investigate the options available for carrying out a public survey in the
village. Young Kent and KIYS Clinic Launch – An email from the Youth Development Officer explaining the
restructure of Kent Integrated Youth Services. The Clerk will invite them to
the Annual Parish Meeting scheduled for 24th April.
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1273
Orchard Park, Oak Lane – It was reported that
additional comments had been submitted to Swale BC following comments raised
during public time at the last meeting. It was agreed that Cllr Tucker would
request to speak at the Planning Committee meeting of the Council scheduled for
16th January at Swale House.
SW/13/1518 14 Horsham Lane – single storey first floor rear extension and provision of
balcony. The Planning Review Team had no objections provided neighbours views
were taken into consideration.
TC/13/0147 The Paddock – Fell 4 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 1 x Holm Oak, 1 x Ash, 1 x
Hawthorne. Crown lift 6 x Holm Oak, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Oak, 2 x Lime. Coppice 2
x Field Maple. Cut & remove Ivy, 1 x Sycamore, 1 x Acacia. Thinning of 50%
of vegetation. The Planning Review Team commented:
Mrs Attaway, as Clerk to the Parish Council, has submitted
this application on our behalf as the land in question is leased by the Parish
Council. The area has been sadly left unattended, other than emergency work,
for many years due to issues in renewing the lease on The Paddock. Now this is
satisfactorily resolved, we now need to undertake the work to thin out the trees,
giving better growing conditions and tidy up overgrown areas to improve the
overall appearance of The Paddock. All proposed work has been discussed in
detail with our local Conservation Officer and local Tree Surgeon so as to
ensure we protect the area’s overall ambience, whilst opening up overcrowded
areas and attempting to control spread of unwanted growth. There is no
intention to completely strip out areas with heavy undergrowth but it is felt
that tactful clearance would improve the overall view of the area.
Proposed diversion of Public
Footpath ZR24 (part) Upchurch – Members
were advised that the order will be determined following a hearing at 10.00am
on 15th April 2014 at Upchurch Village Hall. Cllr Lewin will attend
this.
Permission granted:
SW/13/1098 Hursell Farm,
Chaffes Lane – Change of use of land to
gypsy site and for siting for two static caravans and extension of one static
caravan, and stationing of one touring caravan and use of barn as general
amenities and extension of barn, and erection of stable building for the
keeping of horses, and use of part of site for keeping horses. (Part
retrospective)
SW/13/1190 The Cart Lodge,
Chaffes Lane – Construction of Oak-framed
garage and two open fronted parking bay. Relocation of entrance gate (new
fencing to be installed at boundary where existing gate is removed) and
formation of new access and excavation of soil around the proposed garage.
Permission refused:
SW/13/1403 13 Wilks Close – Convert garage into habitable room
SW/13/1369 2 Macklands Cottages
– Proposed raised patio area with
workshops/store below
Public Consultation on the Pre
Submission Draft of the Kent Minerals & Waste Local Plan – Members were advised that the consultation will commence
online Here on 31st January 2014 and close on 16th March 2014.
Finance
–
Budget/Precept 2014/15 – It
was agreed to accept a 0.3% increase in the precept.
Paddock
– Paddock Project
- Quote for tree work – It
was commented that a local tree surgeon had assisted members with moving this
project forward. It was therefore felt that he be consulted when seeking quotes
for the work. It was agreed to waive the standing orders on this occasion and
obtain one quote for the tree work. Village Fete – The Clerk reported
that village organisations and businesses had been advised of this proposed
event with a suggested date as Saturday
28th June 2014.
Support had been received from Upchurch Matters and Upchurch Golf Course.
Holywell School and St Marys PCC had already indicated an interest. It is hoped
that this will be a village event, facilitated by the Parish Council. Residents
are encouraged to be part of the working group so please do contact either the
Clerk or Chair if you would like further details.
Environment – Power
Supply Problems – Members discussed the problems experienced during the
storms. The Clerk will contact UK Power Networks to highlight the poor
communication and ask what the plans are for this area in the future.
Highways
– Zigzag markings outside Holywell School – Kent
Highways had confirmed that they would be able to remark the zigzags to the
maximum permitted length of 43.56m (i.e. by nine metres in each direction) without
the need to make any further amendments to the current Traffic Regulation
Order.
Next
meetings – 6th February and 6th
March in the Hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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Upchurch is twinned with Ferques-Elinghen in Pas de Calais, France.
Bonne année à tous les membres de Upchurch!
Or in plain English – Happy New Year to everyone in Upchurch!
Saturday 1st February 2014 – Quiz night in Holywell School. Eyes down at 7:30pm, tables of up to 8 (you can have 4 or 6 or whatever!), £4 each, bookable with Sue Rossiter or Jim Harman.
Bring your own drinks and nibbles and there will be a raffle. Be quick, tables are going fast!
Committee – desperately needs more members. Do get in touch with us if you feel you could be part of our committee. Not onerous, but great fun!
Saturday 28th June 2014
Following the Jubilee celebrations last year in which the whole village cooperated in producing a fantastic community jolly, Upchurch Parish Council and St. Mary’s Church PCC are joining forces to organise a Grand Village Fete.
A small committee has already been set up to discuss the format and they would like some volunteers to join with them. So far, the village organisations have been contacted and they will be able to run their own stalls/events.
Please contact any of the following if you wish to be involved and with suggestions for what should be included.
Sara Tucker: 01634 388971
Claire Attaway: 01634 363906
Pat New: 01634 374220
Pat New
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On 23rd and 24th December 2013, our electricity distribution network in the South East and the East of England was affected by severe weather conditions, affecting power supplies to about 300,000 households. Although in most cases, engineers were able to restore supplies quickly, the extensive damage caused to the network by high winds and floods left some customers without power over the Christmas period.
Your feedback is valuable to us and we would like to understand more about your experience in the December storms. We welcome suggestions on what we can do better to improve communication and make the electricity network more resilient in the future.
We have created a short online survey which we encourage you to complete. To access the survey, please go to: http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/have-your-say/ Then scroll down the page and click on ‘Complete a Survey’.
Please feel free to send the link to anyone in UK Power Networks' geographical footprint who may have been affected by the storms .
This online survey forms part of the series of consultations we hold to collect views from customers and wider stakeholders on their experience during the storms.
Our stakeholders have a say in what we do and we take all feedback very seriously.
Many thanks
Stakeholder Engagement Team
UK Power Networks
Newington House
237 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 6NP
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Norman Long. |
Norman Long of Church Farm Road sadly passed away on Tuesday. Born in Hartlip in 1928 he was for many years the village Milkman and worked for Wakeley Brothers and in Chatham Dockyard too.
Norman was one of five siblings and is survived by two of his brothers, one sister and his two sons. His wife Christine passed away in 1991.
A regular in The Crown, at St' Mary's Church and a familiar face around Upchurch he will be very much missed.
Upchurch Matters
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Edmond Drake became vicar of Upchurch in 1560 during the reign of Elizabeth 1st and is famous mainly because of his son Sir Francis Drake who became a famous seaman and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.
Edmond’s last will and testament dated December 25th 1566 was written the day before he died in Upchurch. He opens the will with the words that he is redeemed by the blood of Christ and commits his soul into the hands of God. He then states that he wishes to be buried in Upchurch churchyard next to his son Edward who died in infancy and next to the graves of the Blechenden family. A marked grave does not exist in the churchyard today so the original location remains a mystery.
With regard to Edmond’s immediate family the will only mentions Thomas who was the youngest of several surviving brothers. There were twelve children in total but some died in infancy while others were away at sea like Francis, John and Joseph. Thomas was probably the only son still living nearby during Edmond Drake’s last days. Because of the bequests given to him Edmond may have wanted Thomas to follow him into the clergy.
In the will a wide range of items are bequeathed to Thomas including two chests of books, a new basin, an old platter, a collection of pewter dishes, a French pewter pot, Edmond’s best bible, four of his best candlesticks, his best kettles, his best feather bed, two pillows and five shirts. Edmond’s friend Mr Baker who is named overseer of the will is bequeathed one cock and seven hens while Richard Mylwaye is left Edmond’s chair and best cushion. All other items are left to Edmond’s nurse which indicates she had been looking after him for some time.
While Thomas Drake is designated the sole executor of the will, Clemente Mylwaye, a relative and Richard Sawell, a contemporary Upchurch resident witness it. Mr Baker who is mentioned is an old friend who lived in London and served as Clerk and Keeper of the Stores to the Admiralty and was looking after Edmond’s son Thomas.
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David Wood. |
Although Francis is not mentioned in the will, the date of Edmond Drake’s death indicates that he was a teenager at the time and was probably already away at sea. Concrete evidence is not available about whether Francis went to sea while residing in Upchurch or whether he went before Edmond became vicar of the village. Information that has passed down the generations in Upchurch by word of mouth is that Francis did learn seamanship on a small vessel based at the small village port of Otterham Quay and regularly sailed to the coast of Belgium while living in Upchurch but this cannot be proven with hard written evidence.
The Drake family accept that their ancestor is buried in the village churchyard and have had an association with Upchurch since Edmond’s death. This is shown in a letter dated November 4th 1935 sent to Reverend Lightburne, vicar of Upchurch from the Drake home at Buckland Abbey in Devon. The letter was written by Mrs. Seaton, daughter of Lady Eliot Drake, presenting her mother’s book ‘The Family and Heirs of Sir Francis Drake’ to the people of Upchurch.
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 or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
price £12 + p+p £2.
David Wood.
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