Frames and Signage Stolen - Newington

Hartlip, Newington & Upchurch Ward

Crime Number: 46/36110/23

Between 22:00 on Tuesday the 21st of February and 07:00 on Wednesday the 22nd of February, somebody stole frames and signage from a set of traffic lights in High Street, Newington.

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

Kent Community Messaging

Swale Foodbank Collection and Call into the Church for A Cuppa and a Chat

Swale Foodbank Collection

Dear Upchurch,

We will be collecting your Swale Foodbank donations at the bus stop opposite the church again on Wednesday the 1st of March, between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Please bring your items in carrier bags. We will then deliver them to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.

All donations are helpful, providing the food is long life and well within date.

Your generosity always amazes us - Thank you 🙏🏼

A Cuppa and a Chat

While you are there, why not call into the church for A Cuppa and a Chat in the Lady Chapel.

We will have the kettle on from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

Followed by a prayer for our village from 12:00pm until 12:30pm. Pop in and join us or write a prayer in our prayer book and we will pray for your concerns.

A warm welcome awaits you - just call in, and we will be pleased to see you!

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

All Out Music Festival at Upchurch Cricket Club - Supporting Prostate Cancer UK

Early Bird tickets go on sale Wednesday the 1st of March at 9:00am.

Available from >> www.ticketsource.co.uk/upchurchcricketclub

Upchurch Matters

Survey: Share Your Views on Using Digital Technology in GP Primary Care

Text Messaging - Online Consultations - Video Consultations

We wish to hear from patients in Kent and Medway as to their future requirements for using digital technology in primary care services.

Over the last couple of years, NHS Kent and Medway have rolled out several digital healthcare solutions to primary care, some in response to the Covid pandemic. These were put in place to allow GP practices to continue to deliver healthcare to you in very difficult circumstances.

We are starting to review these digital healthcare solutions and are seeking your views on the use of text messaging, online consultations and video consultations in primary care. This is to understand how you currently use these to access care from your GP practice and how the features and functions support you and meet your needs over the next 3 years.

There are 4 sections to this survey focusing on each technology and a free text section for your comments.

The patient survey should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

The survey will close at 9:00am on Wednesday the 1st of March 2023.

Please complete the survey at >> http://bit.ly/3m6oQBT

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

Katie Blissett 

NHS Kent and Medway

Swale Borough Council - Councillors Agree 2023 - 2024 Budget

Councillors have agreed to a savings package of more than £2.8 million in the next financial year through a restructure of services and a review of fees and charges.

The savings proposals were approved at the full council meeting on Wednesday 22nd February where the budget for 2023/24 was set.

The meeting also agreed that the Swale element of the council tax for the next financial year would increase by 2.99% - a rise of less than 11p a week for a typical band D property.

Cllr Mike Baldock, leader of the council, said:

“We’ve seen a significant increase in our costs in the last year, and there has been a rise in demand for our help with things like housing as local people struggle with the cost of living.

“After years of cuts to our funding from central Government, we have been left to make some incredibly difficult decisions.

“Despite this, we have worked to agree a balanced budget that still looks to protect vital services that local people value.

“Our share of the council tax bill will cost a typical band D household just £3.75 a week, though most people in Swale will be paying less as most households are in the lower bands.

“I still think this represents real value given the range of services we provide, and maintains our position as one of the lowest council taxes in Kent.”

The final council tax bill people receive is made up of several charges from local services.

For 2023/24 the council tax bill for a typical band D property will include charges for:

• Kent County Council: £1,534.23 (4.995% increase)
• Kent Police & Crime Commissioner: £243.15 (6.57% increase)
• Swale Borough Council: £194.94 (2.99% increase)
• Kent & Medway Fire and Rescue Authority: £87.30 (6.01% increase)
• Parish or town councils in areas where they exist.

The full budget report can be read on the agenda page for the full council meeting on Wednesday 22nd February.

Swale Borough Council

Memorial Service at St Mary's Church, Upchurch

Do come and join us at 4:00pm on Sunday the 26th of February for our Memorial Service to remember all those who have died recently or in the past.

We have not been able to hold one for three years, 2020 was the last one then the pandemic came. So this service will be especially significant for us all.

During this service, there will be hymns, some time for reflection and prayers.

Any names given to the clergy will be read out and remembered. There will also be an opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of those who are no longer with us.

This is a very special service and everyone will be made most welcome.

Refreshments will be available after the service.

Sue Rossiter