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The Parish Council met on
Thursday 7th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6
Councillors were present and 5 members of the public including Cllr Mike
Baldock.
Public
Time –Bus Shelter – A
resident expressed a need for a bus shelter in the centre of the village. Tree
outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident explained that he had given the Council
correspondence regarding the issues with this tree and had not heard any
update. It was explained that Highways had been consulted who declared that it
was safe. The tree at the rear of the property was a Swale BC planning issue.
Cllr Lewin reported that he was taking up this issue as Borough Councillor. Fly
tipping in Oak Lane – A resident reported that although rubbish continued
to be dumped by the recycling bins, the amount was reducing. He commented that
Swale BC was good in responding but unfortunately the problem had not been
resolved.CXK – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that CXK were running a session
each Tuesday 15:30 – 18:00 for children in Upchurch and was held in Chaffes
Lane. CXK have been commissioned by KCC
to run youth services in rural areas. They provide positive activities &
intervention work for young people. It is hoped that the Council will be able
to meet with them to find out more about the services they offer. Oak
Lane – A resident reported that a section of this road had sunk again.
Highways were aware and continue to repair this but during heavy rainfall, it
sinks again.
Correspondence – Christmas art in the village – A request to display a maximum of seven plaques showing
the Christmas story on lamp posts around the village. All agreed this would be
acceptable for lampposts maintained by the Parish Council. Bus Shelter –
A request from a resident to raise the need for a bus shelter again. Cllr
Tucker reported that after consulting Cllr Baldock, it was felt that this would
not be possible by the bus stop due to lack of space. However, it could be
considered by the Village Sign. It was noted that objections had been raised
previously and it was felt that now a decision was required, taking into
account all views. Cllr New explained that residents objecting were concerned
it would attract vandalism therefore she would like to see a teen shelter. It
was suggested that further investigations be made into types of shelters and
possible grant funding. The Clerk will look into this. Cllr Baldock commented
that he would support a grant for a shelter by the telephone box. Also, he
would like to support the idea for a teen shelter too. Free micro chipping
for dogs in the community – An email from Dogs Trust looking to book in
events. The Clerk will notify local Dog Trainers and also Gabriel and Upchurch
Matters. UPC
expenditure – A resident questioning some of the small but seemingly
regular expenses. Items of expense identified included Burial Ground refuse
collection, Burial Ground gardening, repairs to Burial Ground gate and
churchyard fence, stopcocks at allotments and Speed watch equipment. Members
noted this. It was explained that the Speed watch equipment was 100% grant
funded. The Clerk will request reimbursement from the Village Hall for half the
cost of the repair to the Burial Ground Gate.
Planning - The following applications were
considered:
SW/13/1119
Tranquility, Otterham Quay Lane –
Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration and
internal alterations. No objections.
SW/13/1039
Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and
workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses
and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages,
parking spaces and access driveway – This
application has now been withdrawn.
Permissions and refusals – permission granted:
SW/13/0964
Field rear of 32-62 Hartlip Hill –
Proposed four loose boxes, tack room, manège, muck heap and one horse trailer
Other planning matters - Gypsy & Traveller Consultation – Swale BC are
undertaking a consultation on Part 2 of the Local Plan. Part 2 will relate to
Gypsy and Traveller site allocations only. Comments need to be submitted by 5th
December 2013.
Finance
–
Donation to Wisdom Hospice – It
was agreed to forward a donation to the sum of £50 in memory of the late Brian
Kennard. Budget/Precept 2014/15 –
This is being discussed. The
grounds maintenance costs are yet to be finalised.
Administration - General
Purposes Committee –Mr Sheppard of First
Highways had offered to assist the Council with sourcing additional salt bins
at no extra charge to the Council. Resignation of Councillor – Cllr Steward has resigned. There are
now two vacancies on the Council. Please do contact the Clerk or any member of
the Council if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor. Request
for copies of Correspondence to be directed to the Clerk – Residents can contact the Clerk for
copies of the Councils correspondence. Any items for the agenda should be
forwarded to the Clerk at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Allotment Rent review – It
was agreed to increase the rent due 1st April 2014 by £2.00 per full
plot. Poplar trees – It was agreed to discuss a quote to pollard/reduce
canopy on 12 poplar trees in the Recreation Ground during confidential session.
Paddock
– Village fete – St
Mary’s PCC have indicated an interest in participating in this. Members are
keen to find out if Holywell Primary School would like to take part too.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard –Review
of fees– It was agreed to increase the
fees charged.
Environment – Grounds Maintenance Contract 2014-17 – Grass verges have been removed from the grass cutting
schedule. Quotes received were
discussed during confidential session. KALC
Community Awards Scheme – Information on this scheme had been circulated. Nominations
had been made but it was explained that a justification would need to be
submitted. It is hoped that a decision will be made at the meeting in January
2014. If any resident would like to nominate someone for this award, please
contact the Clerk. The aim of the scheme
is to acknowledge & give recognition to those that have made a significant
contribution to their local community. Japanese Knotweed in Co-op garden
– The residents at 1 Horsham Lane had asked the Council for their support on
dealing with this issue. Following a letter to the Co-Op Manager, a
representative from Co-Op Headquarters contacted the Council. The Co-Op agreed
to follow up with the contractor the Councils concern regarding the maintenance
of the garden.
Highways -Traffic calming – The Council has been trying to
arrange a meeting with Highways to discuss traffic calming ideas suggested at
the Drop-In. However, Highways are not able to do this as they only visit
locations where funds have been allocated to carry out improvements. Proposal
for zigzag lines outside school – A consultation had been carried out with
properties close to the school located in either Church Farm Road or Forge
Lane. The response was overwhelmingly “for” an extension of the zigzag lines
outside the school. Highways will be informed.
Next
meetings – 3rd December 2013 and 9th
January 2014. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell
School and start at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
This is message 812 from Neighbourhood Watch.
Free anti-burglary packs on offer at Police Contact Points in Swale.
Kent Police is urging residents in Swale to safeguard their homes and their belongings with the help of free anti-burglary packs.
Officers will be available in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheppey for the remainder of this month, handing out infra-red battery operated alarms, UV pens to mark property, timer switches to help make empty homes appear occupied and personal attack alarms.
The packs are free as part of Kent Police's Stay Safe This Autumn campaign.
Police Community Support Officers will be handing them out, offering crime prevention advice and listening to residents' concerns at a number of Police Contact Points across Swale.
In addition to being able to contact Kent Police via phone, Email, social media and traditional Police stations, members of the public can also engage with officers at Police Contact Points. They are held each day from Wednesday through to Sunday when Police vans will stop at a prominent location for an hour and mainly visit rural locations.
Officers will be available this month on:
Thursday 14 November
- 12pm-1pm at St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Road in Tunstall.
- 2pm-3pm at Mountview in Borden.
- 5pm-6pm at Bredgar Village Hall, Bexon Lane in Sittingbourne.
Friday 15 November
- 12pm - 1pm Newington Village Hall, High Street, Sittingbourne ME9 7JJ
- 2pm - 3pm Upchurch Village Hall, The Street, Sittingbourne ME9 7EU
- 5pm - 6pm Lower Halstow Village Hall, School Lane, Lower Halstow ME9 7ET
Saturday 16 November
- 12pm-1pm at Sheerstone in Iwade.
- 2pm-3pm at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road in Eastchurch.
- 5pm-6pm at Swale Council car park, Imperial Drive in Warden.
Sunday 17 November
- 12pm-1pm outside Teynham Village Hall, Belle Friday Close in Teynham.
- 2pm-3pm at St Laurence Church, The Street in Bapchild.
- 5pm-6pm at Bobbing Village Hall, Sheppey Way in Bobbing.
Wednesday 27 November
- 12pm-1pm at Selling Railway Station, Selling Road in Selling.
- 2pm-3pm at Boughton Village Hall, Bull Lane in Boughton-under-Blean.
- 5pm-6pm at Northdown, off The Street in Doddington.
Thursday 28 November
- 12pm-1pm at St John the Baptist Church, Tunstall Road in Tunstall.
- 2pm-3pm at Mountview, Borden.
- 5pm-6pm at Bredgar Village Hall, Bexon Lane in Sittingbourne.
Friday 29 November
- 12pm-1pm at Newington Village Hall, High Street in Sittingbourne.
- 2pm-3pm at Upchurch Village Hall, The Street in Sittingbourne.
- 5pm-6pm at Lower Halstow Village Hall, School Lane in Lower Halstow.
Saturday 30 November
- 12pm-1pm at Sheerstone in Iwade.
- 2pm-3pm at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road in Eastchurch.
- 5pm-6pm at Swale Cou mcil car park, Imperial Drive in Warden.
For times and routes of the Police Contact Points, and to find out other ways of contacting Kent Police in your area, please go to: www.kent.police.uk/yourarea
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch.
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Reference: Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch Ward
This is message 801 from Neighbourhood Watch
XY/036179/13: A brown and cream Lord Musterland 1987 Caravan was stolen from a field in Breach Lane Upchurch overnight between 7th and 8th of November.
If you have any information that could help investigators please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and quote the relevant Crime Number.
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Reference: Hartlip, Newington, Upchurch Ward
This is message 794 from Neighbourhood Watch
Three vehicles were vandalised between the 1st and 2nd of November, in XY/035426/13: Newington XY/035304/13: Oak Lane Upchurch and XY/035456/13: 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.
Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Upchurch Darby and Joan are holding their Christmas Bazaar on Wednesday the 20th of November at Upchurch Village Hall.
Open to all ages with free entry it starts at 10:00am until 12:00pm. There will be the usual raffle and other attractions with homemade cakes, tea and bric a brac.
Funds raised will go towards the 55 members Christmas lunch.
All welcome!
Janet Gilbert
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The Freegard Singers. |
I sing with a small chamber choir known as The Freegard Singers, we really do need some Sopranos, 1st. and 2nd. I know that Peggy Moseley is your conductor and we are lucky enough to have her as the accompanist for our concerts. Therefore our concert dates would obviously never clash.
We meet on a Thursday evening in term time at 7:45 pm at Bapchild School. If you would like to sing on another evening each week, we would be delighted to see you.
Jenny Osborn
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We receive Emails from all over the world here at Upchurch Matters from people with family connections to the village. Recently Jenni Gibson from New Zealand Emailed us telling her families fascinating story. Jenni has kindly agreed to us sharing it with you.
Hi from New Zealand,
My great great grandfather William Denness married Mary Ward at St. Mary the Virgin Church on 5th July 1856. They had six children including Mary Denness born 1 July 1860. She was my great grandmother and married Stephen James Gilbert at Lower Halstow. I visited Kent in 1984, 100 years after they had arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand on the ship Trevelyan (from Glasgow) with two little daughters. She gave birth to my grandfather a week after they arrived (having spent 100 days on the ship). She had three more children and passed away aged 32. Stephen James lived a long time and my mother knew him as a child in the 1930s. I have a photo of him, and a medal as he was in the fire brigade for 13 years in the days of horse and water cart! His son Harry was in WW1 at Gallipoli and had a gun shot wound to the head so lost an eye. He was also in WW2. He had two sons and one of them was my dad whose first name was Denness because of the family connection with the surname.
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Stephen James Gilbert. |
The first photo attached is from about 1892, Stephen James Gilbert is centre and children around him. Laura on the left and Emily at the top were the two children who came to New Zealand on the ship with him. Nellie is on the right, Harry in the centre is 7 years old, Rose is on the floor and Bill (William) on the left. Bill and Harry are both my grandfathers as my parents are cousins, so that is why I am doubly interested in Kent. Stephens wife Mary could not read and write but the children all did well at school according to Papers Past website Otago Daily Times and received prizes. I live in Wellington (North Island) but went to Dunedin (south Island) twice this year - for some odd reason the Otago official death record has Mary as Elizabeth, but I was able to produce her birth, marriage and passenger list name, so they have put "known as Mary" on her official record. "Elizabeth" died the same day as "Mary" so is has to be the same person! Their grave is in the southern cemetery Dunedin and I paid to have the gravestone re-done, it is just one word "Gilbert" - the r and t had fallen off.
There are two ship diaries of the trip published too and the captains log. There was a storm off Ireland, and they had to put the anchor down to avoid going onto the rocks, so very frightening. They were good with ropes of course, and made a swing of ropes for the children. When they were stopped in the doldrums they rode across to ships going the other way with mail for "home". When they got to New Zealand they had to stay on the ship for quarantine, but locals rowed out with bread and vegetables. Emily was 3 years and Laura was 1 year in the Assisted passenger list; Stephen was 26 years and a brickmaker, Mary was 23 years. I was 21 when I went to UK and 23 when I came back to New Zealand - travelling by plane was much easier! I came to the UK again in 1986 and took my mother so visited Kent a second time.
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Stephen James. |
The second photo is approximately early 1914 at Dunedin. Stephen James is in the centre. Nellie is on the right, and Emily on the far right. Rose is on his left and Laura in the far left with glasses on. Bill/William is standing behind Laura and Rose, Harry is behind Stephen next to Bill/William. The other adults are spouses and the children all off-spring. Bill Brown in the top left was a step son, unfortunately killed by a shark as he was a surf life guard. Their descendants are spread back to England, Japan, all over New Zealand and Australia.
I was fortunately to be contacted in 2000 by a Mrs Denness living in Gillingham who gave me info on the family, as I had advertised in a genealogy book. John Dennis (married Elizabeth Bishop on 12th Oct 1769 in Gillingham Parish Church. The second generation married in Gillingham. The third generation married in Rainham. The fourth generation is William Denness and Mary Ward. So I have a lot of info. I was just trying to find out which relatives were in Milton Union and currently am corresponding with a researcher as I am not sure if it was Mary, or her siblings - the father had 13 children as he remarried when his first wife died, so perhaps it was the children from the second marriage. One relative Mary's brother Fred (born Upchurch 1 March 1859) designed a brick kiln, so I have to email a contact about that; some were built around Kent; he travelled all around America. He didn't have any children, but it would be good to remember him because he was bright, he is buried at All Saints Church Findsbury, Kent. She kindly sent me lots of certificates.
They used the name Dennis because Denness sounded a bit foreign.
I have more info as my mother had written a book which I am expanding on, so the link is not lost forever. My niece came to the UK last year, but unfortunately has not got the ancestor bug yet! But she will be back. Other family came from the north of England near where Alice in Wonderland was written - apparently there are lots of sink holes there, and a carved rabbit in Ripon Cathedral, so it is all very interesting as my grandmother was called Alice, and my sister's second name too.
My 14 year son loves cricket and I see from the book I have on Lower Halstow that it used to be a very important part of village life!
Hopefully one day I will visit Kent again with our teenage boys.
Jenni Gibson
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The Macmillan Coffee morning hosted by Laura Grigg and Sarah Fielder last month at Upchurch Village Hall raised a staggering £1,090!
It was a great success and they will be hosting another one next year.
Well done to all who took part. A great achievement for a very worthy cause.
Upchurch Matters
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Dear Parents,
We would like to welcome you along to our Annual General Meeting and Party on the 21st of October starting at 6:00pm in the scout hut.
Why should you come?
Firstly and most importantly because you can find out about all of the amazing adventurous activities your child has taken part in this year. Whether it’s memories of a special camp or dancing like a dragon for the Chinese New Year.
The Cubs and Scouts will be making presentations to some of our members so please come along to make it special for them. Every presentation is special to a child but if there are lots of adults there it makes it a memory to treasure.
(All adults welcome not just parents so the more the merrier)
Our leaders work extremely hard throughout the year for your child and attending our AGM is a simple way of showing your support for these valuable volunteers
(no-one in the scout group is paid they are all volunteers!)
Have you ever had any questions about the group or how it is run? The AGM gives parents the opportunity to come along, meet the executive committee and ask questions or make comments about the group. Don’t worry you won’t be expected to suddenly become a leader by attending!
Please come along and join in with the celebrations and the party!
Rozz Dyett Group Scout Leader
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The Parish Council met on Thursday 3rd October
2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present
and 6 members of the public including Cllr Mike Baldock.
Public
Time
– Kent County Councillor Swale West – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that
KCC had refused his proposal for a 20mph speed limit outside schools. Vegetation growing along the corner
of Chaffes Lane/Oak Lane – a resident reported that vegetation on the
orchards opposite the Golf Course required cutting back. Holywell Lane – He
also reported that this lane was full of litter. The Clerk will ask Swale BC to
carry out a litter pick. Application pending for Brick earth extraction – The
resident queried whether members were aware of this and raised concerns should
this application be granted permission. Allotments – An allotment holder
asked why there was a delay in allocating him an additional plot. Planning
Application SW/13/1039 – A resident apologised to the Council and explained
that his complaints regarding the handling of this application were directed at
Swale BC. He had challenged a Councillor’s involvement in this.
Correspondence – Swale BC Draft Economic Development Strategy 2013-2016 “Open
for Business” – this strategy aims to set
out a course for Swale BC and partners to help stimulate economic growth &
that the benefits are felt by local people, local businesses & local
communities. The full document could be found at: www.swale.gov.uk/open-for-business
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1039 Upchurch Garage, 2
Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and
workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses
and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages,
parking spaces and access driveway – The Planning Review Team commented that it
had no objections in principle to the change of use
from garage to residential.
However, it had the following observations to make:
- • It does not conform to conditions in policies
E14 and E15 of Swale B.C. local plan - planning
- • It is too intensively developed for the size
of the plot
- • The site of plot No. 5 should be the subject
of a separate planning application as it does not form part of the garage
site
- • The development as shown requires building on
a substantial part of property No. 4 Horsham Lane which would require
change of use from garden to access road
- • The access road has no turning circle and,
although no measurements are given in the plans, seems too narrow to
accommodate two vehicles passing.
This could result in one having to reverse onto Horsham Lane, as
would any delivery Lorries.
- • It is unsympathetic to the street scene
- • It will impinge on the well-loved view of the
church when approaching from Horsham Lane
- • It will impact on the adjacent conservation
area, particularly the Grade 1 listed building of St. Mary the Virgin
church
- • Plans for plots 2 – 4 do not appear to conform
with the layout plans in that plots 3 and 4 seem to have the same garage
- • There is some concern that the boundary at the
rear of plots 1 – 4 would be shared with the churchyard wall which at
present has no retaining wall on its western boundary other than the short
section back to the existing garage showroom. The churchyard here is
in the conservation area and so must be protected.
- • The Council would like to see measurements on
the plans
The Planning Review Team had noted all correspondence received from
residents commenting on this application. The Chair explained that a letter had
been received from the applicant, Mr Davies.
ii) 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) –The
Planning Review Team made the following
objections:
- • One of the
conditions for permission for the site to be used as a pig farm was that,
should the business be discontinued, the site be restored to its original
state.
- • It is not
believed that the applicant is of gypsy stock as she has lived in a house
in the village for some years.
- • The plans still
show some permanent structures
- • There is a
proliferation of gypsy/traveller sites in the village and there is no wish
to grant more
Permissions
and Refusals – Notification of grant
of permission to develop land
SW/13/0913 5 Woodruff Close – Conversion of one of two garages to study
Finance
– KCC Members Grants Scheme 2013/14 – It was reported
that the two grant applications for the Paddock and Recreation Ground had been
verbally approved. Budget/Precept Planning 2014-15 – It was suggested
that any future grant applications be accounted for when calculating the
budget. Cllr New advised members that the Council was allowed to include an
amount for “maintenance/improvement costs” in the precept. She commented that
the “Trustees” of the Village Hall carry out a service in the village which
would fall on the Parish Council if they were not prepared to do this. Cllr New
concluded that she would like to see the Council include this in the precept so
that the Village Hall had regular income. Audit Commission - Annual return
for the year ended 31 March 2013 – The Clerk reported that this had been
completed and certified. The Commission had highlighted that the Responsible
Financial Officer had not dated the return in Section 1. Clerk’s salary – It was agreed that the Clerk’s salary be
paid by standing order.
Administration – Annual
Parish Meeting 2014 – This will be
held on the evening of Thursday 24th April at
the Village Hall.
Allotments and Recreation
Ground - Lease Renewal – The Clerk reported that she had confirmed the Council’s
agreement to the renewal of the lease under the existing terms and conditions
and that the new rent to commence from 11th October 2013. The new
rent would be in the region of £1,065 per annum.
Paddock
– Paddock project – It was reported that the planning
application for the tree work had been submitted to Swale BC. The Clerk had
contacted St Marys PCC to investigate their interest in supporting a “joint
summer fete”. This event could be held to celebrate the project work undertaken
and also to mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Rules
and regulations – A copy had been circulated and amendments agreed. The
Council no longer accepts reservations for plots and only the burial of
deceased parishioners will be allowed. Overgrown graves – It was
suggested to explore further the idea of “adopt a grave”. Please do let the
Clerk know if you are interested in taking part in this. Further details to
follow.
Highways – Salt
bag – Kent Highways will be delivering a one tonne bag of salt shortly. The
Council is considering where to locate the bag, possibly the Paddock or Recreation Ground.
Next
meetings – 7th November and 5th
December. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School
and start at 7.30pm. The Public are
welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions and/or make comments to
members. It is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the
meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
The Parish Council are seeking to co-opt someone to fill this vacancy.
Anyone interested in coming on to the Council should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible. The qualifications are that you should be a European national, at least 18 years old, an elector and living within three miles of the parish for 12 months or someone with land or a primary place of business in the parish.
Please include the following in your written application:
• Contact details
• Length of residence in Upchurch
• Profession or trade
• Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations
• Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council
If you would like to find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Chairman or the Clerk.
Mrs Sara Tucker Chairman. 1 Jubilee Fields.
Tel: 01634 388971 Email: chair@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Upchurch Parish Council
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NOTICE is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred
in the membership of the above Parish Council.
Under the
Local Government Act 1972, ten electors can petition for an election by writing
to the Proper Officer at Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street,
Sittingbourne, ME10 3HT within 14 working days of the date of this Notice, ie.
by 29th October 2013.
If no petition is received within that time period,
the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-opting a person onto the Parish
Council.
Persons wishing to be considered for this
appointment should apply in writing to the Clerk to the Parish Council as soon
as possible but no later than 30th
November 2013.
Written applications should be made to the Clerk at the following address: -
33 Church Farm Road
Upchurch
Kent ME9 7AG
Please include the following in your written application:
• Contact details
• Length of residence in Upchurch
• Profession or trade
• Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations
• Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council
Dated: 8th October 2013
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
The month began with a wave of vandalism which hit the village and this had to be dealt with by the parish council who reported smashed street lights in Forge Lane caused by vandals thought to be from outside the village.
At their monthly meeting the parish council announced the approval of street lighting for The Poles estate and reported that responsibility for field and fence management at the recreation ground had been given to the football club in return for free use of the ground. Both the football club and the parish council appealed to the public to stop dumping litter on the recreation ground explaining that it hampered the mowing of the grass. Meanwhile, at the same meeting Edith Colven and Cliff Wanstall were re-elected school managers of the Infant’s School.
The parish council continued to search for a suitable location to be converted into a children’s recreation area while parish clerk Aubrey Smith reported that progress had been made for a new burial ground to adjoin the old one which had become full, a problem that has recently re-emerged in the village.
The biggest event of the month took place on the last Saturday of October with celebrations in the village hall for the building’s second birthday. A variety concert raised money and many village organisations participated. These included the Women’s Volunteer Service, Young Wives, the church choir, the Brownies and The Upstarts theatrical group. Entertainment consisted of musical melodies, comical sketches and village rock star George Chaney gyrating with his guitar in front of large numbers of screaming teenage girls in the audience.
A popular sketch that caused great amusement involved Aubrey Smith as a school headmaster trying to keep order with naughty children. As a school teacher in real life he played the part very well. This was followed by The Upstarts who performed a one act play called ‘Orange Blossom’ with actors Dee Eastwood, Christine Wright, Jayne Batchelor, Louie Parker and Mike Brady while at the end of the evening The Women’s Institute choir sang ‘Birthday Candles.’
The Women’s Institute had an interesting monthly meeting with a talk by Mrs. Griffiths about Staffordshire China. She showed examples of the items and told a series of fascinating stories from legends and fairy tales that the china represented. After the talk Mrs. Thompson won the monthly competition.
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David Wood. |
In sporting affairs the football club became involved in some high scoring and exciting games with a 4-4 draw against Walderslade, a 4-3 defeat against Hoo and an 8-5 defeat against Elliotts Reserves in the Kent Junior Cup. In a remarkable match in which Upchurch led 3-1 at half time, Elliotts staged a remarkable second half comeback to win the game. The matches involved well- known Upchurch players like Ken Wildish, ‘Nippy’ Edmonds, Basil Barden, ‘Trotter’ Horsnell, Wilf Busbridge and Brian Stephens.
The scout group suffered a blow when Peter Bowden and his wife from Oak Lane announced that they were going to leave Upchurch and would not be able to continue running the scout and cub troops. Cyril Robinson from Drakes Close took over the scouts while Reverend Bradshaw and Kay Donald re-started the cubs. Mrs. Slight and Mrs. Cooling took over the guides and Mrs. Bradshaw took control of the brownies with the assistance of her daughter Jenny.
Finally, baptisms for October included Joanne Liston from Kent Terrace, Stephen and Lorraine Clark from Otterham Quay and Carl Bowden from Oak Lane in a month of varied activities in the village.
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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Dated: 25th September 2013.
NOTICE is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred in the membership of the above Parish Council.
Under the Local Government Act 1972, ten electors can petition for an election by writing to the Proper Officer at Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 3HT within 14 working days of the date of this Notice, ie. by 15th October 2013.
If no petition is received within that time period, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-opting a person onto the Parish Council.
Persons wishing to be considered for this appointment should apply in writing to the Clerk to the Parish Council as soon as possible but no later than 31st October 2013.
Written applications should be made to the Clerk at the following address: -
33 Church Farm Road
Upchurch
Kent ME9 7AG
Please include the following in your written application:
• Contact details
• Length of residence in Upchurch
• Profession or trade
• Other relevant interests outside work including other Upchurch organisations
• Brief statement as to how you feel you can contribute to the work of the Parish Council
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
Holywell Primary School - PFHS Golf Society Day Monday 21st of October 2013. Gillingham Golf Course.
Full English Breakfast with tea or coffee
18 holes Stableford competition
Cash prizes and trophies for 5 competitions
Dinner
Price £30
Breakfast will be served at 9:00am, followed by a Stableford golf competition.
The first T off will be 10:00am therefore dinner will be served at 4:00pm.
There will be many competitions on the day including individual winner, team winners, longest drive and nearest the pins. All of which will have cash prizes and trophies, which will be presented after dinner along with a raffle.
There is only 40 places available.
To book your place, simply contact me with your names and handicaps (you will get a confirmation reply).
Richard Divers
Mobile: 07905 507338
Temporary Off - Peak Road Closures - Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch 7th - 11th October 2013
It will be necessary to close Wallbridge Lane, Upchurch from Monday 7th October 2013 for up to 5 days, between 9:30am and 3:30pm each day.
Wallbridge Lane will be closed between the junctions with Otterham Quay Lane and Oak Lane.
The alternative route is via Otterham Quay Lane, Canterbury Lane and Oak Lane.
The closures are to allow Openreach access to phone cables in the carriageway to carry out repairs.
Customer Information Bulletin SW267P
Regards
Phil Lightman
Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division
Roadworks Team
KCC Highways & Transportation
Ashford Highway Depot
Ashford
TN24 8AD
0300 333 5539 (Local Rate 24 - hour Contact Centre)
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