The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 3rd December at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 39 members of the public including Ward Cllr Baldock and PCSO John Cork.
Wednesday 9 December 2015
Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2015
The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 3rd December at the Village Hall where 8 Councillors were present and 39 members of the public including Ward Cllr Baldock and PCSO John Cork.
Minutes of the meeting held on 5th November 2015 –
Amendments were made, which can be seen on the
full minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that
they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.
Public Time– Flats on Forge Lane - A resident raised concerns
regarding the rubbish and general condition of the area outside of the flats. Cllr
Tucker reported that the Clerk has tried to contact the landlord several times
without success. PCSO John Cork provided the Clerk with a contact number for
the Environmental Warden at Swale and it was agreed that the Clerk should
contact her. Bus Shelter- Ward Cllr Baldock reported that he had been
liaising with the Clerk and KCC with regards to the siting of the Bus Shelter
and that the Clerk is now awaiting a response from KCC. Bus Service – Ward
Cllr Baldock provided an update on the recent meeting between Chalkwell buses
and KCC and stated that unfortunately Chalkwell were not accommodating with
regards to increasing the recently reduced services. He is now looking into
alternatives and is arranging a meeting between Councillors of the local
Parishes to ascertain how to move forward. Paddock Play Area – A
resident reported that the survey on Upchurch Matters face book page asking
whether residents would like the play equipment replaced has had 52 responses
to date. 49 for and 3 against. Planning
– 15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park –A large number of residents from
Beckenham Park were in attendance to raise their concerns with regards to the
recent application submitted to erect five new mobile homes at Beckenham Park.
The Chairman of the Residence Association of Beckenham Park spoke on behalf of
the residents and raised the following concerns – a) No prior notification had
been given to them by Haulfryn Ltd which goes against their residency
agreement. b) The report submitted with regards to the parking was carried out
over one day which is not substantial evidence to assess the need or usage. c)
The garages to be demolished are currently in use. d) The amount of parking
spaces to be cut will leave less than one remaining per home. Also having an
impact on visitors, carers and other services currently visiting the park. e)
There will be health and safety issues with large vehicles coming into the park.
It is already difficult for them to turn and will be even more so with the lack
of space that will be left. f) The age limit on the application is 40 however
the report shows 55 and uses the incorrect age to back up parking usage
figures. g) Residents have previously been turned down for hard standing
outside of homes and this is now being allowed in order for new homes to be
erected. h) The proposed plans will greatly reduce the green areas on the site
and the views. Cllr Tucker thanked the residents for attending and for putting
across their views. It was agreed that Cllr Lewin would assist Beckenham Park
with the process of speaking with Haulfryn Ltd and Swale Planning. The Clerk
will contact Swale Planning and advise them of the large attendance at the
meeting and reiterate the issues raised as well as asking for an extension on
the consultation period due to Haulfryn Ltd failing to provide Beckenham Park
with the correct notification period. New Councillors– Cllr Tucker introduced
two recently co-opted Councillors and welcomed them to the meeting. PCSO
Report – PCSO John Cork reported that there had been further reports of a
homeless person sleeping in the Paddock and a local farmer’s barn. Following
the Clerk reporting cars being left in the Recreation Ground, he had contacted
Horsham Garage who denied that the cars belonged to them. The cars are
registered to private owners. The PCSO holds monthly surgeries in the Post
Office, the dates and times of these are on Upchurch Matters and in the Post Office.
Declarations of
Interest – None.
Correspondence – Request for parking in Recreation
Ground and Paddock– The
Clerk had received a letter from the school requesting the use for both areas
for parking on 11th June 2016. The school are organising an open air
concert to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and are hoping for an
attendance of up to 1000. The profits from this will be split with 70% going to
the school and 30% to the village hall to assist with the required maintenance.
The Clerk reported that having spoken to the holders of the lease for the
Paddock and the Recreation Ground, she had received clarification that they do
not feel the Paddock is a suitable area for parking. They will allow the
Recreation Ground to be used once a year for parking with permission. As
permission has already been granted to the Village Fete in 2016 it was agreed
that due to the nature of the event on 11th June the Clerk should
contact the leaseholders to ask if permission could be granted also for the
concert. Cllr Horton reported that he has now taken on the role of Chair of
Governors for the school and thanked the Parish Council for considering the
request. Poppy Appeal Update – The total donations to the Royal British
Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3000 for the first time. Cllr Lewin conveyed
thanks to Upchurch on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
Planning –15/509058/FULL – Beckenham Park,
Otterham Quay Lane– As
previously mentioned the Clerk will contact Swale Planning to express the
raised concerns and request an extension on the comments period. 15/505680/FULL
– Orchard Close, Poot Lane – The Council had received an amended drawing
for this application but could see very little difference to the original
drawing. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Swale Planning stating that
it is felt that the design is still not in keeping with the area. Mill Farm,
Otterham Quay Lane – The Clerk reported that having received concerns
regarding the size of the works carried out at Mill Farm she had contacted the
Planning Enforcement Officer at Swale and had been advised that the application
had been approved in 2000. As work had started within three years of this date
there is no time limit on completion of the works. It was agreed that as the
building work being carried out is not in keeping with the original
application, the Clerk should contact the Enforcement Officer again. Horsham
Car Sales – The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation from the
Enforcement Team that the matter of the signage at Horsham Car Sales had been
referred to the legal department to take forward to prosecution.
Finance – Agreement of Final Budget – It was agreed that the budget would
be finalised in January once the Clerk is in possession of the tax base figure
and the balance of the reserve account.
General Purposes
Committee – A
copy of the notes from the meeting held on 18th November had been
circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.
Defibrillator – The Clerk reported that the W.I had
offered to donate a second defibrillator to the village. It was agreed that the
Clerk should thank the W.I for their generous donation and a further discussion
would need to take place regarding possible sites for this.
Paddock – It was agreed that the Clerk should
place an order for a new gate for the Paddock. This will be funded from an underspend
in this year’s budget. The figure already allocated for a new gate in next
year’s budget should be reallocated towards a village Christmas tree. The Clerk
will obtain a quote for replacement rubber matting under the swing in the
Paddock.
Recreation Ground
– Cllr
Denny reported that the damaged bench in the Recreation Ground needs removing
as soon as possible as this is unsafe. The Clerk reported that she has written
to three contractors to obtain quotes for a new bench and the re-siting of a
bench in the Paddock.
Burial Ground
and Churchyard – The Clerk reported that she and Cllr
Denny had met with the Churchwarden on 20th November to discuss the
proposal for memorial rose beds and ashes plots in the closed Churchyard. The
Churchwarden agreed at this meeting to discuss the possibility of a
contribution towards maintenance costs with the Diocese on 2nd
December and will inform the Clerk of the outcome. Cllr Tucker reported that a
written agreement will need to be put in place with regards to the Parish
Council’s responsibilities with regards to maintenance.
Clean
for the Queen – In the run up to the Queen’s 90th birthday on 21st
April 2016 a countrywide clean-up is taking place. The aim is to inspire a
million people to take action and enjoy a few hours together litter-picking to
improve the areas we live in. It was agreed that Upchurch Parish Council would
like to be involved with this from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th
March 2015. Cllr Horton suggested that the school get involved with this and
will research the logistics and liaise with the Clerk.
Highways – Cllr
Arnold reported that there are currently three faulty street lights in the
village and will obtain a quote for repairing these.
Other Matters not yet arising – Church
Christmas Tree Donation– Cllr Denny reported that she had
contacted the Churchwarden regarding the Christmas tree festival and that she
is happy to donate and decorate one on behalf of the Parish Council.
Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on
the Upchurch Parish Council website.
The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 7th
January 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.
Tuesday 8 December 2015
The First Upchurch Village Fete by David Wood
The past two years has seen a revival of the village fete, an annual event in Upchurch until the early 1980s, but what were its origins?
The word fete comes from the French word fete champétre meaning rural feast and the event originated from France. Village fetes became popular in England from the 1890s.
Reverend Trew and his daughter Winnifred thought up the idea of a fete in Upchurch which took place for the first time on Saturday June 28th, 1905. It took the form of a garden fete on the vicarage lawn with the aim of raising money for a new church organ. Financial responsibility for this lay with the parochial church committee which included Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers, churchwarden James Holloway, bellringer Bill Hyland, village cobbler George Dawson, Mr C Bishop and Mr W Barrell.
Winnifred Trew organised the placement of wooden stalls on the vicarage lawn then parochial church committee members assembled and erected them. Miss Trew also set up two treasure hunts, a putting green and a bran tub. Seymour Wakeley from Rainham helped with the stabling of horses at the vicarage and the setting up of a stage where speeches were given while the village pubs offered free accommodation to visitors.
With glorious weather on the day the New Brompton Boy’s Band began with the National Anthem then Lady Harris opened the fete with a short speech. Winnifred Trew presented her with a bouquet of roses followed by short speeches of thanks by churchwarden James Holloway and Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers. After this 16 children from the Infant’s School performed maypole dancing then entertainment took place on the tennis court adjacent to the lawn where a local ventriloquist named Mr Dillon gave two performances. Between performances the New Brompton Boy’s Band played music and a gramophone was also used to entertain visitors. After the entertainment old people were served tea on twenty tables set out around the lawn.
A variety of stalls sold produce which included a fancy stall run by Infant’s School headmistress Miss Armstrong, while others sold fruit and flowers in decorative baskets and punnets. These were overseen by Mrs Stevens and Mr Maltravers from Holywell.
Although quite basic and small, the first fete proved successful with a good attendance and raised sufficient funds for a new church organ purchased from Messrs Morton and Ellis of Sevenoaks and installed in the church in August 1905.
The Upchurch village fete continued annually after 1905 but had moved from the vicarage lawn to The Paddock as it became bigger and more popular by the 1920s. It raised money for different village causes throughout its existence and its recent revival allows it to continue in a slightly different form as an annual village event once again.
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
Thursday 3 December 2015
Latest POLICE.UK Crime Data for the Area - October 2015
A brief summary of crime information for the past 2 months:
September 2015 | October 2015 | |
---|---|---|
All crime | 28 | 27 |
Anti-social behaviour | 8 | 5 |
Bicycle theft | 0 | 1 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Criminal damage and arson | 5 | 4 |
Drugs | 0 | 0 |
Other crime | 0 | 1 |
Other theft | 1 | 1 |
Possession of weapons | 0 | 0 |
Public order | 0 | 0 |
Robbery | 0 | 0 |
Shoplifting | 0 | 1 |
Theft from the person | 0 | 0 |
Vehicle crime | 4 | 4 |
Violence and sexual offences | 6 | 6 |
Upchurch Matters
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Monday 30 November 2015
Local Fundraisers Wanted for Action Medical Research for Children
Our fundraising groups plan and organise lots of fantastic events. We have something to suit everyone, ranging from opera concerts to auctions and cake sales to vintage fairs.
If you want to join Action Medical Research's fight for little lives today, please Email: pray@action.org.uk to find out more.
Many thanks
Paula Ray
Website: www.action.org.uk
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Thursday 26 November 2015
Latest News from Upchurch WI
2015 has been a very busy year of events to celebrate the Centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Our WI was formed in March 1931 (84 years). Another 16 years and we will be celebrating our own Centenary but in order to achieve this we need a regular injection of new members with new ideas.
Our programme for 2016 includes guest speakers on a variety of subjects at most meetings, a Quiz Night, a Pamper Day, a Stall at the Village Fete, and a number of "Foody" events (at which we excel!). We meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7:30PM in the Village Hall.
New members are always welcome. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Monday 23 November 2015
Thursday 19 November 2015
Laptop Stolen - Upchurch Village Hall
Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Number: XY/040558/15
Between Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th of November a Laptop was stolen from Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Wednesday 18 November 2015
Temporary Daytime Road Closure - Horsham Lane
It will be necessary to close part of Horsham Lane, Upchurch from Saturday the 12th of December 2015 for an estimated period of up to 1 day, between 8:00am and approximately 4:00pm.
Horsham Lane will be closed between the junctions with Wallbridge Lane and Woodruff Close.
Access remains from either direction up to where the road is closed, but there will be no through access during the works.
The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, A2 London Road, Oak Lane and Horsham Hill.
The closure is to enable safe access to overhead phone cables for repairs to restore services being carried out by Openreach.
The duration of works is advisory, and it is possible works may over-run due to such factors as adverse weather conditions or unforeseen engineering difficulties.
Phil Lightman
Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent
Highways, Transportation & Waste Kent County Council
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Tuesday 17 November 2015
Road Closure - Holywell Lane
Holywell Lane, Upchurch will be closed to through traffic, on or after Wednesday the 2nd of December 2015 for up to 3 days.
The road will be closed for its entire length.
The alternative route is via The Street and Breach Lane.
The closure is necessary to enable urgent carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
Monday 16 November 2015
Attempted Burglary - Ham Green
Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Number: XY/040207/15
Between 8:00am and 10:00am on Sunday the 15th of November there was an attempted burglary at Orchard Close, Ham Green, Upchurch.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant crime number above.
For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk
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Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal - 2015
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
The total donations to the Royal British Legion from Upchurch will exceed £3,000 for the first time. Of this amount £733 was donated in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £260. The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by fourteen residents and eight Scouts.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by the Reverend Julian Staniforth aided by the Reverend Mark Ham. Wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel on behalf of the Church, The Mayor of Swale, Upchurch Parish Council, the Upchurch Scouting movement and Upchurch Brownies. Following the laying of wreaths the Last Post was played and a two minute silence was observed. After the service in the church Reverend Staniforth led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the warm autumnal weather to the burial ground where wooden remembrance crosses were laid at the five War Graves Commission headstones.
This year we remained mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in World War I and in subsequent conflicts to the present time.
On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.
Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser
Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
Friday 13 November 2015
Thursday 12 November 2015
Holywell School Presents the Last Night of the Proms - Open Air Classical Music from the Kent Concert Orchestra
Holywell School will be staging an Open Air Classical Concert on the School Playing Field, between 7:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday the 11th of June 2016.
The Kent Concert Orchestra will be performing music from the Last Night of the Proms to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official 90th Birthday Weekend.
Please bring your own Refreshments, Picnics and Chairs.
Look out for further details and ticket prices to follow in early January, if not before.
Ray Kemsley
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Wednesday 11 November 2015
Upchurch Parish Council Report - November 2015
Minutes
of the meeting held on 1st October 2015 – It was
proposed by Cllr Lewin and seconded by Cllr Denny that they be accepted as a
true record. All agreed.
Public
Time– Planning – 2 Horsham Lane - A
resident enquired whether the planning application for four 4 bedroom houses
had been accepted for 2 Horsham Lane and whether Swale Planning had considered
the impact that the extra cars would have on parking in the area around the
development. Cllr Lewin reported that the planning application had been
accepted and that as there was no objection from KCC the plans must have
conformed to their parking standards. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council had
raised concerns regarding the parking situation. Brent
Orchard, Halstow Lane - A resident asked whether the Council had received
notification of a change of use from agricultural to residential. Cllr Tucker
reported that the Council had not yet received the paperwork but would review
the application when received. Jubilee Fields – A resident asked whether
the Council had any update on this application. Cllr Tucker reported that a lot
of testing had been taking place on the ground in the proposed area. Cllr Lewin
reported that a date had not yet been set for the application to be discussed
by the Swale Planning committee. Paddock Play Area – Several residents
enquired as to why the play equipment had been removed and whether it would be
replaced. Cllr Tucker reported that due to the play area equipment failing the
recent safety report and therefore making the area uninsurable the Council had
no choice regarding the removal of the equipment. The Council are looking to
get residents opinions on how to progress with this area as any improvements
will have an impact on the precept. It is the intention that the project be
discussed at the Parish Meeting next year to enable residents to give their
views and ideas and form part of a play area sub-committee. Bus Timetable - Ward
Cllr Wright reported that himself and Ward Cllr Baldock are still in
discussions regarding the reduced service on the 326/327 buses and possible
solutions to this. Defibrillator – A resident enquired as to where the
defibrillator has been sited. Cllr Arnold reported that the defibrillator is
fully functional and sited on the Chaffes Lane wall of Snaffles. Initially it
was thought that the machine could not be placed in direct sunlight but
following discussions with the manufacturers it is fine to remain where it is.
If the machine is needed then 999 should be dialled and the caller will be
given a code to open the casing and access the machine. The machine then
dictates how to proceed whilst a first responder will be despatched to the
site. Bus shelter – A resident asked whether the Council had considered
purchasing the bus shelter from a local joinery firm. Cllr Lewin reported that
the governing factor when purchasing the bus shelter is ensuring that it
conforms to the conservation order. The Council agreed that when the project
meets the stage of purchase, quotations will be requested from local firms.
Declarations of Interest – Cllr Tucker and Cllr Arnold disclosed
a non-pecuniary interest in the letter from the Fete committee.
Correspondence – Letter regarding parking in
Recreation Ground– The
Clerk had received a letter from a resident concerned about the parking in the
Recreation Ground around the Scout hut and the dangers posed to pedestrians.
The Clerk had liaised with the leaders of the Scouts, Guides and Brownies and
requested that they speak with the parents regarding possible dangers at these
times. KALC Community Awards Scheme – Cllr Tucker reported that Kent
Association of Local Councils are running the community awards scheme again
next year. It was agreed that the Council would put someone forward for this
and any nominations should be forwarded to the Clerk. Fete – The Clerk
reported that she had received a request from the Fete committee for the use of
the Paddock and Recreation Ground on 18th June 2016. Permission was
granted.
Planning –15/502716/FULL – Ridgedale Riding
School, Halstow Lane – The
Council have objected to this application on the basis that there are already a
substantial amount of traveller sites in and around the village. Further
comments are to be submitted with regards to the fact that the proposed site is
a known flood plain and that the applicant has not shown sufficient evidence
that they are of nomadic habit. 15/507923/FULL – 63 Chaffes Lane – The
Council could see no reason to object to this application provided that any
neighbour’s comments were taken into consideration. 15/508572/FULL – 17
Horsham Lane – The Council had only received the full paperwork for this
application on the day of the meeting, therefore any comments will be submitted
to planning once the paperwork has been reviewed. APP/V2255/D/15/3133082 –
61 Horsham Lane – The Clerk has liaised with the applicant regarding
initial concerns the Council had regarding the amount of dormer windows in the
application. Following this discussion it was confirmed that the application
was in keeping with surrounding properties and the Clerk advised Swale Planning
that the Council had no objections. 14/506519/FULL – Kent Terrace – Cllr
Lewin reported that permission was granted for this application at the Swale
planning meeting although the Council had raised concerns regarding the highway
issues and the possible effects of the ground work on the existing Victorian
terrace houses. The application was approved on the basis that a green space
provision towards off-site play facilities be provided to the sum of £11203.40.
The Clerk will contact the developers regarding this. 15/503300/FULL – 2
Horsham Lane – This application was accepted at the Swale Planning meeting
with the agreement that the exterior finish would be facing brick rather than
barge boarding.
Finance – Annual Audit - The Clerk reported that the external
audit had been completed successfully. Finance
meeting update – The Clerk reported the outcome of the recent finance
meeting and it was agreed that the Council should endeavour to work with the
residents to ascertain which projects should take priority over the coming
years. It was agreed that over and above the regular responsibilities, the
Council will make additional provision for the Bus Shelter, a survey of trees
under the Council’s responsibility to assist with future budgeting, funds to
potentially engage contractors to assist with tidying the environment and
regeneration of the old play area – dependent on longer term plans. Potential
projects are the Village Hall and the replacement of the play area. As the
potential projects will impact the precept, it was agreed that next year’s
Parish Meeting would provide a good forum for discussion in order to gauge resident’s
views.
General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting
held on 21st October had been circulated. All agreed that these were
a true record of the meeting.
Casual Vacancy – The Clerk reported that a notice had
been placed in the noticeboards advising that the Council currently have three
casual vacancies. Councillors have begun to distribute leaflets throughout the
village.
Review of Standing Orders and
Financial Regulations – It
was agreed that Cllr Tucker would review these by May 2016.
Paddock – Cllr Arnold had provided the Clerk
with quotations for a replacement gate in the Paddock. These will be reviewed
at the next General Purposes Committee meeting.
Bus Shelter – The Clerk reported that she had
received confirmation from Swale Planning that planning permission is not
required for the Bus Shelter, however the proposed site is owned by KCC and
therefore the Clerk will need to obtain permission form them.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree overhanging the Crown Pub - The Clerk reported
that she has a meeting with the Conservation Officer regarding the tree
overhanging the Crown Pub on 6th November 2015. Ashes Plots in
Churchyard – Cllr Denny reported that she and the Clerk have a meeting on
20th November 2015 with the Churchwardens regarding the proposal for
ashes plots to be placed in the Churchyard.
Highways – Cllr Arnold reported that there are
currently two faulty street lights in the village. Cllr Tucker advised that any
pot holes should be reported directly to the KCC website or to the Clerk who
will report them to KCC.
Other Matters not yet arising – Remembrance Sunday
Service – This
will take place in St Mary’s Church on 8th November at 10.15am. Cllr
Lewin reported that the wreath will be laid by Royal Engineer Robert White.
Please
note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish
Council website.
The
next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 3rd December at
7.30pm in the Village Hall. A private session will take place before the
meeting at 7.15pm which the public are not able to attend.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council.
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Monday 9 November 2015
Friday 6 November 2015
Thursday 5 November 2015
An Upchurch Soldier’s Experiences in World War One 1914 - 1918 by David Wood
Charles Seamer who was born into a big family of six brothers and four sisters in 1893 lived in Shoregate Lane at Ham Green. He left Holywell School with high hopes that he would get a job but after short term seasonal work on local farms he decided that he would have to look farther afield for long term employment so he joined the army in 1909.
After walking to Canterbury Charles enlisted in the Royal East Kent Regiment later known as ‘The Buffs’ and underwent basic training which prepared him for his first posting.
Travelling on the troop ship ‘Plassy’ he travelled to India where he stayed until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. At this point his battalion was recalled from India and sent to Kilbride Camp near Dublin in Ireland. While serving there Charles met his future wife Katherine who moved to England with him.
The Second Battle of Ypres by Richard Jack. |
Although not fully recovered from gassing Charles volunteered to return to duty and was soon back in action. Having been made a machine gunner in the machine gun section of The Buffs and sent back to the Western Front, he got badly wounded in the arm by shrapnel from an exploding shell while in action and was knocked unconscious. When he awoke in a German military hospital he realized that he had been taken prisoner. A German surgeon tried to save his arm but failed so Charles had to remain in the Prisoner of War Camp until he was finally released as a wounded combatant and sent back to England.
Although he suffered the loss of his left arm Charles was luckier than other family members as William and Edward Seamer both lost their lives during the conflict. Edward died when his ship ‘HMS Turbulent’ was rammed and sunk at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 while William died when his tug ‘HM Desire’ was sunk by a German U-boat off the Yorkshire coast in 1918. After getting an artificial arm fitted at the artificial limb centre in Roehampton Charles underwent training as a radio technician for the last part of the war. After this he returned to Upchurch and worked at Chatham Dockyard then became a railway signalman until he finally retired during the 1950s.
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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