Upchurch Parish Council Report - March 2015

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5^th February at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 12 members of the public.

Public Time – Localism Grant Fund – Cllr John Wright stated that there is a small amount of money left in the fund. Cllr Tucker advised that the Council would give this some thought. Otterham Quay Lane – A resident raised concerns over the blocked gullies following the hedge cutting. Cllr Lewin advised who should be contacted when this situation arises. The resident also requested that he be able to remove the traffic cones left on Chaffes Lane and store them for the Council. Planning – a resident raised their concerns over the Solar Farm, Boxsted Lane and questioned why the planning permission had been passed and that they felt they had not been properly informed by Swale Planning of the planning application for this site and still have concerns regarding the impact on the countryside.  Cllr Tucker advised that the resident should email all of their concerns to the Clerk who will then speak to Swale Planning regarding this.

Correspondence – Local Boundary Commission Electoral Review – Cllr Tucker advised that the Electoral review of Kent County Council has commenced. This is open to the public and full details of this can be found on the website www.lgbce.org.uk. Lord Lieutenant’s Civic Service at Rochester Cathedral on 10/3/2015 – Cllr Tucker advised that Cllr New and Cllr Lewin would be attending this event.

Planning - 14/505230/FULL Jack Russell Place, Halstow Lane – Variation of condition 2 and 4 of planning permission SW/11/0496 to increase the number of mobile homes (from 2 to 5), and to have flood lighting security lightning for safety. – Cllr Tucker confirmed that an objection had been made by the Parish Council that the applicant had acquired new land not on the original application. Cllr Rossiter had received a response from Swale Planning stating that the applicant will be contacted with a view to the application being withdrawn or amended. 14/506519/FULL Kent Terrace, Canterbury Lane – Redevelopment of existing landscape contractor’s yard and land surrounding Kent Terrace to provide 13 dwelling houses and an extension to the existing terrace with associated car parking and landscaping. In addition a ground floor rear extension of Plot 15. It was decided that the Parish Council would object to the application in its current state and will reconsider an amendment.

Permissions and refusals – Crescent House – It was confirmed that Crescent House has had prior approval for change of use to residential buildings.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotments and Recreation Ground fences – It was agreed to accept one of the quotes for both the repairs to the Allotment fence and for the replacement of the Recreation Ground fence and for work to proceed on these as soon as possible.

Paddock - Nothing to report.

Burial Ground and Churchyard - Burial Ground Rules and Regulations – Cllr Rose has reviewed the Rules and Regulations and has drafted a proposal to deal with the issues of non-compliance of the current rules. It was agreed to move the proposal forward on the ‘next steps’ and formulate a detailed proposal.

Environment - Salt bag – The village annual salt provision has been incorrectly delivered to Nursery Days car park. Cllr Masson and Cllr Lewin have agreed to distribute small salt bags from the car park to residents who may wish to make use of the salt. A date for this will be confirmed with the Clerk who will put notification on the website and notice boards. Unipar Dual Message System - It was agreed that the system be repaired and returned to the Parish Council.

Highways - Street lights – Cllr Arnold reported that the parts for the street light on the junction of The Street with The Poles have now arrived. He was also aware of a faulty light in Chaffes Lane and that the contractors have been notified. Cllr Tucker advised she would be raising KCC’s proposal to upgrade all lights to LED at the Swale West Meeting to see if a grant could be obtained.

Other Matters – Church Clock – It had been noted that the Church is running slow. The Clerk will contact the contractors to get this fixed.

Next meetings – Confirmed as being 5th March 2015 and 2^nd April 2015, 7:30pm in The Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting will take place in the Village Hall on 30^th April 2015.

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council 

Telephone: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Upchurch Cricket Club - Colts Football For Ages 5, 6 and Under 7’s

Good news! There is now officially an under 7's football team operating from Upchurch Cricket club!

It is a desire to start up 5's and 6's teams too who will be able to progress through the club.

Any parents with boys of these ages who would like to get involved are welcome to contact by Email Terry Lewis terrylewis44@yahoo.co.uk or Rob Croome robcroome@sky.com

All are welcome to visit Upchurch Cricket Ground on a Saturday morning at 10am where the present team train.

Terry Lewis

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Talented Local Singer Wanted

Hello people of Upchurch, Singer/Rapper "Palermo" (James Hansford) is looking for a talented Singer within the village to feature on an upcoming release which will feature on his
"Legion" EP.

James would like to extend the invitation to the local people in the instance. The right person would have to travel to perform the single at relevant events where "Palermo" performs (all expenses paid for).

James "Palermo" is signed to a Manager/Record Label as well as being UK ambassador to an exclusive clothing line, so there is great potential to be seen by mainstream companies and record labels.

Please message James directly through Facebook to enquire: Here 

James on Instagram: www.instagram.com/palermomusic

James Hansford

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Thank You from Upchurch Twinning Group

This years winning team.

On behalf of Upchurch Twinning Group may I, as secretary thank all the people who attended the Quiz on Saturday the 7th at the school, it was our best attendance ever and as a consequence we raised our best ever contribution to the funds.

This year we raised around £700 and our treasurer has gone to bed tonight a very happy man!

Thanks again to all who came along and spent their money buying raffle tickets and joining in our card game in the interval. Our thanks must also go to our question master, Frank Osborne and his team, not only for their efforts tonight but for setting the questions.

Ann Harman (Secretary)

Mike Johnson (Chairman)

Email mikeinupchurch@gmail.com

You can read more about Upchurch Twinning Group at the link here

Upchurch Twinning Group

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UpARA - Latest Schedule of Events

Upchurch Active Retirement Association

Into another new year on the calendar and a new year for UpARA not far off. As of 1st March annual subscription become due at £15, the same as last year. Obviously it is necessary to be fully paid up to maintain your membership. You can even pay early if you like! Hopefully everyone will sign up again, but if you decide not to continue with us it will be very helpful if you can let the committee know, as we do have a waiting list of over 30 people eager to join us.

Monthly Meetings (2nd Friday of the month)

(Members Free; Guests £2.00)

*

Friday 13th February 2015 - 2:00pm

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Friday 13th March 2015 - 2:00pm

Coffee Mornings (4th Tuesday of the month)

(Members £1.50; Guests £2.00)

*

Tuesday 24th February 2015 - 09:30am until 12:30pm

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Tuesday 24th March 2015 - 09:30am until 12:30pm

Village Walks (1st & 3rd Friday of the month)

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Friday 6th February 2015 - 10:00am

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Friday 20th February 2015 - 10:00am 

Outings

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Tuesday, 10th February 2015

ITV Studios, London

Mel & Sue

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Saturday, 21st March 2015

Thriplow Daffodil Festival

David Powell - Chairman

Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01795 843550

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Two Upchurch Men at the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915 by David Wood

William Wood.

Charles Gransden.

With the outbreak of war in 1914, men from all over Britain joined up to fight for King and Country. In Upchurch William Wood from Ham Green and Charles Gransden from Forge Lane both enlisted in the East Kent Yeomanry, a cavalry regiment made up of landowners, farmers and farm workers under the command of Lord Harris and they were soon undergoing training in Canterbury.

On September 24th 1915 the two Upchurch men sailed from Liverpool with their regiment to Mudros in Greece then on to Gallipoli where they had their first experience of warfare but were not used as cavalry, instead they operated as infantry in trenches. Coming ashore on the Helles Peninsular, they faced Turkish gunfire and shrapnel shells from high cliff-top positions. William Wood said they were targeted by a determined enemy who British soldiers respected as fighters and nicknamed ‘Johnny Turk.’ On the day after they arrived the allied commander General Sir Ian Hamilton visited and welcomed the East Kent Yeomanry but had a narrow escape when a shell fired by the Turks exploded directly above him according to his personal diary from 1915.

Armed Soldiers of the East Kent Yeomanry 

Serving at the front line for two week periods followed by two weeks behind the lines where soldiers constructed roads and unloaded provisions, Wood and Gransden survived in trenches and dugouts in the firing line with their fellow soldiers and food was brought to them on a mule. When a Turkish sniper eventually shot and killed the mule this apparently affected the men's morale badly. Disease also became a problem with an estimated 50,000 allied soldiers suffering enteritis or dysentery. Unsuitable diet, flies, unburied putrid corpses and open latrines caused this. William Wood contracted dysentery but survived mainly off periodic food parcels sent from home.

Eating bully beef, biscuits and jam as a daily main meal, soldiers suffered more when the weather became inhospitable with a severe blizzard that lasted for three days in November causing hostilities to temporarily cease. Ferocious winds with torrential rain flooded trenches and the snow and frost that followed caused frostbite and death from exposure. The regiment spent several months facing Turkish gunfire on the rugged Helles Peninsular until they were successfully evacuated at night by the Royal Navy in late December 1915 which turned out to be the most successful part of an otherwise disastrous allied campaign.

During 1916 the regiment amalgamated with the West Kent Yeomanry to form the 10th Buffs Yeomanry Battalion. The new Battalion formed part of General Allenby's Palestine offensive against the Turks. After landing at Alexandria in Egypt in 1917 they participated in the Second Battle of Gaza, then the Battle of Beersheba. They also played a leading part in the capture of Jerusalem from the Turks. William Wood recalled that during the campaign he remembered Captain Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) regularly entering the army camp on horseback with Bedouin warriors to deliver information about enemy movements in the Hijaz Desert to General Allenby. Apparently, soldiers ran from their tents to stare or laugh at the captain dressed in traditional Arab clothes.

Heavy casualties on the Western Front required the withdrawal of infantry divisions from Palestine to France in May 1918. After fighting at Merville, the Kent Yeomanry Battalion moved to the Somme in September and participated in the advance on the Hindenburg Line and then in the final advance which led to the armistice of 11th November 1918.

When the war ended William Wood returned to his farm at Ham Green physically unscathed while Charles Gransden who sustained a serious leg injury in a rail accident in France returned to Forge Lane and later became bellringer captain and churchwarden at the village church. Both men maintained contact with their old regiment and regularly attended the annual reunion dinner together until they both passed away during the mid-1960s.

In 2001 on Anzac Day which is observed by Australians and New Zealanders, I visited the site of the Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey where an Australian military historian took me to the beach where my grandfather and Charles Gransden came ashore with the East Kent Yeomanry and to the rugged and desolate area where they had fought, a fascinating and enlightening experience almost a century after the event.

David Wood.

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 at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

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Kent Community Messaging - Driveway Cleaning & Block Paving Work

Reference: Community Message.

A group of males are operating in this area offering driveway cleaning and block paving work.

There is a white van involved. Please do not deal with these males at the door and report any pushy / threatening behaviour to the Police on 101.

Kent Police Website: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upcoming Lunches - Dinners and Events at The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns

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Cash - Mobile - Land Rover Discovery All Stolen - Horsham Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Message 058 from Neighbourhood Watch

XY/002898/15: on Sunday 25th of January, a male bogus customer was involved in theft of cash and a mobile phone from an insecure office at FCS Car Sales in Horsham Lane Upchurch. He was described by another customer as 50 years of age wearing a cream pullover and drove away in a purple car with a younger female.

XY/002913/15: A silver Land Rover Discovery, registration: LC12 ZRT was stolen from a garage in Horsham Lane Upchurch between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on 25th of January.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Parents & Friends of Holywell School - Family Bingo Night

Clare Evans
Parents & Friends of Holywell School
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Upchurch Twinning Group Annual Quiz Night - All Tables Now Reserved

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

The Quiz Night is always a popular evening.

As most of you will already be aware - we are holding our Annual Quiz Night in the Hall of Holywell School on Saturday 7^th February, with tables of 6 to 8 (maximum) persons, at £4.00 per head, please bring your own drinks and nibbles. The school will be open from 7:00pm, with the first question at 7:30pm.

Good news - we have had reservations for all 18 tables now!

Still well over a week to go - if you have booked a table or are part of a team - please don't forget to turn up!

All proceeds go towards years 5 & 6 Holywell children visiting either Elinghen or Ferques schools.

You can read more about Upchurch Twinning Group at the link here

Ann Harman (Secretary) on: 01634 235420

Mike Johnson (Chairman) on: 01634 234226 Email mikeinupchurch@gmail.com

Ann Harman

Upchurch Twinning Group
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Money Stolen - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: XY/001388/15

Money was stolen from the office area at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course, Oak Lane.

This happened between 8:00am and 12 noon on Sunday 11th of January.

If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the crime number above.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch Parish Council Report - February 2015

The Parish Council met on Thursday 8^th January at the Village Hall where 7 Councillors were present and 12 members of the public.

Public Time - Gullies – a resident queried about the gully cleaning – lots of intentional signs but no cleaning appears to have taken place.  Cllr Tucker will investigate. Planning – a resident asked for clarification as to why Swale BC seem to refer to Mid-Kent Planning support.  Cllr Lewin explained that back office planning administration for all of Mid-Kent in general is now dealt with at Maidstone, but any Swale area planning applications will always return to Swale BC for progression. Swale Borough Council is still our Planning Authority. Holywell Lane – the owner of the land at Tree Tops in Holywell Lane was supporting the local Travelling community by clarifying that much of the mess along that lane was not necessarily down to the travellers as had been reported in the local paper a few months ago. Cllr Tucker informed him that the newspaper has picked this up from the minutes of one of the meetings where a resident had reported the state of the lane, and it had subsequently been recorded that the statement was incorrect. However the Council is not responsible for what is reported in the newspapers.

Correspondence - River Basin Management – Cllr Lewin advised this was not of high relevance to Upchurch. Swale Rural Forum - The next forum is on 10th February 2015 at Lower Halstow Memorial Hall, 7pm – Cllrs Lewin and Tucker will attend.  All are welcome and should be a useful evening.  Cllr Lewin has asked for a discussion on bridleway system west of the A249 as there is so much “horsiculture” around such that horses are often seen on our roads.  A discussion on safety issues as well as economical support of the industry would be beneficial. He asked that members inform him of any issues to include in his talk. Lord Lieutenant’s Civic Service at Rochester Cathedral on 10/3/15 – Cllrs New and Lewin would like to attend. Communication within the Parish – Upchurch Matters Website (Louis Newbery) had emailed with some suggestions of how to improve communication from the Parish Council to the village.  The ideas were favourably received as it is important to get information out, but it was decided to await the new Clerk.

Planning - 14/505052/FULL Twinney Wharf, Susans Lane – Erection of a barn for storage of animal feed, bedding and associated plant and machinery. – the Parish Council response was that the amendments made were more in keeping with the rural area and therefore could see no planning reasons to object. SW/14/0074 Appeal Ref: APP/V2255/A/14/2224462 Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site (1 no. mobile home, 2 no. touring caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking bays. – Appeal hearing to be 28/1/15 10am at Swale House.  Cllr Tucker will try to attend.  In addition, Cllr Lewin has raised objections and has proposed refusal in committee, so he will be attending as Borough Councillor. 14/505230/FULL/EMEI Jack Russell Place, Halstow Lane – Variation of condition 2 and 4 of planning permission SW/08/0917 (Change of use to residential – stationing of one touring caravan and two mobile homes. Erection of a stable block and a storage shed (open sides).) to increase the number of mobile homes (from 2 to 5), and to have flood lighting security lightning for safety.– There has been an amendment to this application to vary conditions of SW/11/0496 rather than SW/08/0917. It was agreed that the Parish Council response should object this relatively considerable increase in mobile homes and to any lighting in this site as it is open countryside.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotments and Recreation Ground fences – Repairs to the allotment fence will be progressed as quickly as possible. The Recreation Ground fence along Oak Lane path is to be replaced with a grant from KCC.

Paddock -. Nothing to report

Burial Ground and Churchyard - Burial Ground Steps – Cllr Masson and the Clerk had met with the contractor regarding the steps which are sloping. Cllr Tucker will follow up the outcome. Churchyard path – Cllr New reported that she was aware that the faculty for this has been taken to the Diocese. Burial Ground Rules and Regulations – Cllr Rose is beginning to review the Rules and Regulations. This will be added to the agenda for the next GPC meeting.

Environment - Salt bag – The village annual salt provision has in incorrectly delivered to Nursery Days car park. A resident has been approached to help to move the bag to the Village Hall car park. The salt available for all village residents to use in event of icy conditions. Cllr Tucker will follow this up and also research the availability of smaller salt bags for people to fill. Church Christmas Tree Festival – this event was very successful and Cllrs Denny and Rose were thanked for their efforts with the Parish Council contribution.

Highways - Street lights – the light at the junction of The Street with The Poles is still not working.  Cllr Arnold reported that the contractor is awaiting some brackets. He was also aware of the light opposite 101 Wallbridge Lane being out and others in Crosier Court and near Snaffles which are unreliable. All are being followed up with Highways. Pot hole in The Street – has been repaired. Oak Lane closure – Information that this road will be closed from Bishop Lane to Snaffles, on Sundays 18th and 25th January

Next meetings – Confirmed as being 5th February 2015 and 5th March 2015, 7:30pm in The Village Hall.

Mrs Julia Cura Parish Clerk

43 Woodside, Rainham, Kent ME8 0PL

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

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Upchurch Village Hall Committee - Secretary Wanted

Upchurch Village Hall

Upchurch Village Hall Committee are seeking to co-opt a parish resident on to their Committee to undertake the specific role of Secretary. The committee seeks to manage all affairs of the hall such as financial affairs, rules and regulations, health and safety matters, bookings and general maintenance.

This is a voluntary position which requires attendance normally at 2 meetings a month, the main meeting being the evening of every second Wednesday of the month. The other is a sub-committee of the Officers which meets just prior to these to discuss agenda items.

The duties of the Secretary include:-

• Being a contact point for general enquiries relating to the village hall;

• Investigating and co-ordinating fund raising and grant applications;

• Obtaining quotes; Recording and storage of all correspondence, sent

   and received, on behalf of the committee;

• Maintaining the attendance book;

• Taking, circulating and storage of all Committee minutes;

If you are interested in supporting your local village hall in this way please contact the Chairman, Keith Rossiter on: 01634 234780 or via email: keithrossiter@waitrose.com

Upchurch Village Hall Committee

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Parents & Friends of Holywell School Charity Golf Day

Clare Evans
Parents & Friends of Holywell School
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Kent Association of Local Councils - Swale Area Election Awareness Event

Kent Association of Local Councils
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Upchurch Cricket Club - Winter Nets Programme

Winter training starts on Sunday 1st February

at Sittingbourne Community College.

We will have two lanes available from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The structure will be as follows:

Lane One from 6:30pm to 7:30pm - Under 11's and Under 13's only (plus any Under 9's who have played hard ball cricket)

Lane Two from 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Under 15's, 17's and Seniors

Lane One from 7:30pm to 8:30pm - Under 15's, 17's and Seniors

£3.00 for Seniors/Under 17's and £2.00 for all other age groups.

All sessions will be conducted by the XI Captain, Kevin Masters in conjunction with Head Coach Alan Pattenden and on some occasions Dave Masters (Essex County player) will also be coming along.

If you have any friends who would like join us for Winter Nets they are more than welcome to join us.

Steve Parker

Upchurch Cricket Club

Telephone: 01795 843361

Email: sparker57@icloud.com

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Upchurch Twinning Group - Annual Quiz Night

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

The Quiz Night is always a popular evening so don't forget to book
your table to avoid disappointment.

The Annual Twinning Quiz night is to be held in the School Hall on Saturday 7th February 2015

Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm prompt start.

Teams of 6 / 8 max, cost £4 per team member.

Bring your own drinks, glasses and nibbles.

All proceeds go towards years 5 & 6 visiting either Elinghen or Ferques schools

To book a table:-

Contact Ann Harman on Medway 235420 - Email:- jimharman@talktalk.net

Or Mike Johnson on Medway 234226 - Email:- mikeinupchurch@gmail.com

You can read more about Upchurch Twinning Group at the link:- here

Upchurch Twinning Group
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Distraction Thefts at Cashpoints

Kent Police
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Upchurch at War in 1915 by David Wood

While the war raged on in Europe and beyond Upchurch residents continued to live out their daily lives in the village. Most had little idea about the reality of the conflict apart from what they read in weekly local newspaper reports and news from servicemen who had returned home on leave.

Although Upchurch men had joined the Armed Forces, an article appeared in the East Kent Gazette dated March 6th 1915 accusing the village of lacking patriotism, stating that men of fighting age were not joining up. The article ended with the words,

‘Wake up my lads! Seize the chance of your lifetime and lay a just claim to honour your existence as Britishers.’

This eventually proved unjustified as 140 men from the village joined up to fight during the course of the war including Alfred and James Robinson from Ham Green who were amongst the first of the 1915 volunteers.

The fervour of patriotism continued on Sunday June 5th, 1915 when a troop of the East Kent Mounted Rifles rode into the village for an open air recruitment meeting beside the church. At the meeting Reverend Trew urged the troop captain to persuade mothers present to commit their sons to join up, Mr R. M. Wakeley of ‘Wakeley Brothers’ gave an impassioned patriotic speech and Holywell headmaster Mr. Maltravers raised the Union Jack flag above the Infant’s School.

Only James Hatton and Fred Godfrey from Upchurch were recorded as war fatalities during 1915. James Hatton served as a private in the Buffs and after enlisting in 1909 he served in Singapore and Ireland before going to the European mainland with the British Expeditionary Force in 1914. He was killed in action on February 27th, 1915 and is buried in the Bois Grenier cemetery in France. Before the war he worked as a shepherd boy and lived at Butler’s Cottages, Ham Green then Brent Cottages near the present Upchurch Cricket ground.

Fred Godfrey served as a private in The Buffs. He was killed on the Western Front on November 26th 1915. Born in Teynham he lived at Ham Green when the war began. He is remembered on the Lynsted and Upchurch war memorials and is buried at Hedge Row Trench Cemetery, Leper, Belgium. On a more pleasing note George Marsh from Forge Lane joined up at the start of the war and after fighting in France with the British Expeditionary Force he gained promotion to sergeant in August 1914 then to staff sergeant in September 1914. After this he became attached to the RAMC taking charge of motor convoy workshops. An August 1915 edition of the East Kent Gazette reported that in celebration of his achievements he received a watch and chain, a pouch and two boxes of cigars from his comrades.

James Hatton and Fred Godfrey are both commemorated
on a plaque inside St. Mary's Church.

Throughout the year Holywell School raised money for the war. In May 1915 pupils at the school presented a show in aid of St Bart’s Hospital and raised £5. Fund raising activities continued under the direction of teachers Mr and Mrs Maltravers. Later in December 1915 a bazaar took place at Holywell School and raised £12/3/10d for Princess Mary’s Fund. The Young Patriots at the school also raised £30 during the year for organisations like ‘HRH Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund for Soldiers and Sailors,’ the ‘Belgian children’ and for the ‘YMCA Hut Scheme.’

During the summer months of 1915 many village residents were busy fruit picking while fruit foreman Bill Hyland had to regularly chase boys ‘nicking’ fruit from Wakeley Brothers Wetham Green cherry orchard during the long evenings. Cyril Wraight and his friends congregated beside the water pump situated in The Street at the top of Forge Lane where they ate their pickings. There wasn’t much else for the village youngsters to do as the recreation ground had been abandoned and out of use since 1906, both the village football and cricket clubs were suspended until the war ended and money was scarce.

Several serious incidents took place in the village starting with Robert Mills, a tramp, who got arrested by the police after repeatedly begging for money in June. He received fourteen days hard labour. Later, the police arrested William Duley, a private in the 5th battalion Middlesex Regiment for being absent from the army without leave in Upchurch.

The most puzzling incident concerned local inventor Mr Mantle from Bayford House in Poot Lane, forced out of the parish by the police under instructions from the military. He was later charged and arrested under the Defence of the Realm Act. According to the authorities Mr Mantle had acted in a way prejudicial to public safety. He later fought the case through his MP Mr Granville-Wheeler and it went to the Under–Secretary of State in the House of Commons. He eventually had the charges overturned and returned to Bayford House for a short time then after suing the government for wrongful arrest he moved away from the area.

David Wood.

At the end of 1915 Reverend Trew moved away from the village and Reverend Dicker replaced him in early 1916. James Holloway and Charles Shipp served as church wardens and Bill Hyland and Ted Tress served as Overseers of the Poor during this period.

When 1915 finally ended not much optimism existed for a quick end to the war as more village youths joined the army and navy while the opposing armies fought for small gains with massive casualties along the Western Front in France and Belgium.

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 at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

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UpARA - Latest Schedule of Events

Upchurch Active Retirement Association

Well I think we are all a bit breathless, and possibly overfed from all the Christmas festivities. UpARA’s Christmas “Do” was really outstanding, and all our thanks to the team that made it happen it such a professional way. Also a very professional display for our decorated Christmas tree in the church by Joyce, Mary, Barbara, Sandra and Elaine.

Now another year is with us - onwards and upwards!

Monthly Meetings (2nd Friday of the month)

(Members Free; Guests £2.00)

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Friday 9th January 2015 - 2:00pm

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Friday 13th February 2015 - 2:00pm

Coffee Mornings (4th Tuesday of the month)

(Members £1.50; Guests £2.00)

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Tuesday 27th January 2015 - 09.30am until 12:30pm

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Tuesday 24th February 2015 - 09.30am until 12:30pm

Village Walks (1st & 3rd Friday of the month)

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Friday 2nd January 2015 - 10:00am

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Friday 16th January 2015 - 10:00am 

Outings

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Thursday 22nd January 2015

Jersey Boys, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

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10th February 2015

ITV Studios, London

Mel & Sue

David Powell - Chairman

Email: davidrpowell5@hotmail.co.uk

Telephone: 01795 843550

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Upchurch Cricket Club Charity Football Match - Amount Raised

Upchurch Cricket Club played Upchurch Football Club in a charity football match on Sunday the 28th of December at their home pitch in Holywell Lane.

The match ended in a draw and raised a grand total of £355 for
The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust.

Thanks to all the spectators who came along and to everybody who supported this very worthy cause.

Terry Lewis

Tel: 01634 230643

Email: terrylewis44@yahoo.co.uk

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Valentines Dinner Dance at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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Poolside Bar Music Nights at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
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