Search for News


---------------------------------------


---------------------------------------


Receive our latest Notice Board Page posts delivered daily to your Email inbox ▼


---------------------------------------

News Archive

We want to hear about your village news and events

The best way to tell us is through the contact form here

Thursday 29 November 2012

Car Window Smashed - Bishop Lane

A glass bottle was thrown though the window of a car parked in Bishop Lane overnight, Wednesday the 28th into Thursday morning the 29th (today).

Police have been notified and will be attending. If you know anything about this act of Vandalism, then please contact the Police on phone number: 101.


Upchurch Matters

space

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Village Groups & Charities Awarded Market Cash


Mrs Marjorie Lacy (centre) with some of the
recipients at Sundays Grand Christmas M
arket.
At Sunday's Grand Christmas Farmer's Market much of the proceeds from previous Markets were awarded to various village groups & charities.

Dave Candy, Secretary of the Farmers Market Committee, made 11 awards totalling more than £1800.


The cheques were presented by Mrs Marjorie Lacy who is a senior resident of Upchurch and who has supported every market so far.

Well done to Dave and Andrea Candy, the Farmers Market Committee, the Stall Holders and all the members of the public who helped raise such a great amount for various village groups & charities.

Upchurch Matters
space

Monday 26 November 2012

Attempted Burglary - Chaffes Lane


This is a joint message from Swale Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Police.

Message: 1334 

A Builders workshop in Chaffes Lane, Upchurch was the scene of an attempted burglary overnight between 24th and 25th of November. A metal door was damaged by unknown persons who used a crowbar.


If you have any information about this crime please contact Kent Police on telephone number: 1 0 1, give Crime Number: XY/035953/12 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
space

Upchurch Twinning Group - Quiz Night


*****************************************************************

UPCHURCH TWINNING GROUP wishes everyone

 a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 *****************************************************************

Upchurch Twinning Group Quiz Night on Saturday the 2nd of February 2013 at Holywell School.

 Eyes down at 7:30 pm with Tables of up to 8, £4.00 per person, children under 8 free.

Bring your own drink and nibbles, glasses etc. Raffle !

Book a table by contacting Sue Rossiter on: 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com


Sue Rossiter
space

Upchurch Badminton


Sessions - Nov 30th, Dec 14th, Dec 19th (7pm - 11pm)
Upchurch Badminton has been set up to get Badminton played in Upchurch again! The first sessions of 2012 have been booked - November 30th, December 14th & 19th. 2013 we'll be hoping to play every Monday from the 7th January. Sessions are (unless otherwise stated) from 7pm - 11:00pm (or until we get too tired to play so don't arrive too late!).

Price is £3.50 per person, per session no matter how long you stay (price suggested is a minimum and may have to change depending on numbers and Village Hall charges). 

PLEASE NOTE - on nights when there are fewer people a more generous fee would be appreciated - I am not doing this for profit and cannot afford to pay for the hall myself! 

Proper foot-wear must be worn, but rackets can be borrowed on the night.

Depending on numbers doubles games will be played using the (still relatively) new scoring system. This is meant to be a fun, mixed ability evening so we won't be taking things too seriously!

To register an interest or ask a question. please contact Alison Lewin on: 01634 366 113 
or
Email:  kynai@hotmail.com

Alison Lewin
space

Rotary Club Santa Fun Run




On Saturday the 24th of November, 8 Scouts and 3 Adults took part in the annual Rotary Clubs Santa Fun Run in Rochester. It rained, but this didn't dampen the spirits of all the Santa's that took part.

It was a fantastic afternoon and all Scouts that took part will eventually get a badge and two of our oldest Scouts managed to reach the highest goal in Scouts. They gained their Chief Scouts Gold Award and not only that, they had the honour of it being presented by the Mayor dressed up in a santa outfit carrying skis on his back. 

Certainly up for a laugh. What a cool guy he is.

Upchurch Scout Group
space

Saturday 24 November 2012

Christmas at The Three Tuns


Celebrate this Christmas at The Three Tuns.
Saturday the 1st of December to 11pm on Monday the 31st of December, Lunchtimes and Evenings ~ Festive Season Menu

1 Course £12.95
2 Course £16.95
3 Course £20.95

***

Cauliflower, Turmeric & Stilton Soup

Chicken & Sage Terrine Wrapped in Parma Ham
Onion Jam & Toasted Brioche

Goats Cheese Millefuille
Sundried Tomato & Red Onion Salad

Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pate
Grilled Ciabatta Slices

***

Roasted Local Turkey
Traditional Accompaniments

Slow Roasted Pork Belly
Wholegrain Mustard Mash, Braised Red Cabbage & Port Wine Jus

Herb Crusted Fillet of Salmon
Dill Veloute, New Potatoes & Fine Beans

Shallot & Cherry Tomato Tart Tatin
Stilton & Chestnut Salad

***

Christmas Pudding
Brandy Sauce

White Chocolate Panna Cotta
Orange & Cranberry Compote

Pears Poached in Mulled Wine
Cinnamon Ice Cream

Kentish Cheese Plate
Celery, Grapes and Walnut Bread

***

Coffee and Mince Pies

Winter Warmer Mulled Wine £3.00

For further info and to book Tel: 01795 842840

Click here for The Three Tuns advert on Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Matters
space

Christmas at The Crown


Celebrate this Christmas at The Crown.
Monday the 10th of December to Sunday the 23rd of December ~ Christmas Dinners
Lunchtimes and Evenings, 3 Courses Traditional Turkey or Beef. Choice of Starter and Pudding £14.95

Christmas Eve ~ Party, all welcome

New Years Eve ~ Disco, no tickets required. FREE Buffet

New Years Day ~ Breakfast 10:00am - 12:00pm. £5 bookings only

For further info and to book Tel: 01634 233896


Upchurch Matters
space

Christmas at The Three Sisters


Celebrate this Christmas at The Three Sisters.
Thursday the 13th of December ~ Race night

Friday the 14th of December ~ Disco & Karaoke

Saturday the 15th of December ~ Christmas Party with Singer

Christmas Eve ~ Disco & Karaoke

New Years Eve  ~ Disco

For further info Tel: 01634 231991 or 07980 80525

Click here for The Three Sisters advert on Upchurch Matters

Upchurch Matters
space

Friday 23 November 2012

Holywell Primary School Christmas Fayre



Please join us for the Holywell Primary School Christmas Fayre to be held in the School Hall on Sunday the 9th of December 2012 between 11:00 am and 2:00pm. 

Admission is free. Attractions include Games, Stalls and Crafts. You can also do some Christmas shopping in the Market Place and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto. Tickets to see him are £2.50 to include a gift and pre-booking is essential.

For further details and to book your tickets to visit Father Christmas please telephone: 07806 431175 (Emily) or 07799 641 906 (Clare) or Email us at:  pfhs@holywell.kent.sch.uk

Many thanks

Emily Divers and Clare Evans
space

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Nursery Days Christmas Fayre


Click poster to enlarge.
Nursery Days
space

Handy Van from Age UK

If you are a victim of crime and are over 60 years of age there is a service available called Handy Van.

It is sponsored by Age UK and offers an opportunity to have your home security inspected and updated without charge in many cases. All of their workers are CRB checked.

Appointments can be made to suit and lots of little jobs can be done if necessary. Such as curtains hung up again and hand rails erected should they be needed.

If interested phone NHW on: 01795419212 or use freephone on: 0808 100 3308 and speak to George who will help you to get this helpful service.

For more info visit the age UK Website  Here

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
space

Sarah Oakham To Run The London Marathon 2013


Please help Sarah raise money for Cancer Research UK.

On the 21st of April 2013, Upchurch's Sarah Oakham will be running in the 2013 London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Heres why....

“I am running the London Marathon in 2013. I was a spectator for this year's marathon and it really inspired me to apply..... so here I am!! This will be my first ever marathon so please support me and dig deep, anything you can donate will be a massive help!

I have decided to raise money for a great cause...Cancer Research UK, the UK's leading cancer charity. Cancer research is a charity close to my heart due to my personal experience as a child and I want to raise money to support my friends and family whom have suffered from cancer.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.”

Sarah's giving page is:  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahOakham

Sarah will be holding a Bake Sale on Sunday the 24th of March at The Crown. Money raised will go towards Sarah's fundraising. More details to follow soon.

Upchurch Matters
space

St. Mary the Virgin Upchurch - A Brief History & Guide


The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Upchurch - A Brief History and Guide.
Our Parish church is over 700 years old during which time much has happened. The guide has been updated this year and reprinted to include photographic illustrations. It will be of interest to all in the Parish and elsewhere.

The guide priced at £2.50 will make an excellent and inexpensive Christmas gift or stocking filler. All money raised from its sale will benefit the charity ‘Friends of St. Mary’s’ whose purpose is to ensure the building exists in 700 years time for the benefit of future generations.

Copies can be obtained from the church or myself. If you would like me to post a copy second class within the UK then please add 50p for p&p.

Gerry Lewin - Chairman of ‘The Friends’
135 Oak Lane, Upchurch ME9 7AY.
Tel: 01634 366113 or Email: lewing135@btinternet.com
space

Saturday 17 November 2012

News from St. Mary The Virgin, Upchurch


St. Mary's Church Upchurch.
Sunday 2nd December 9:00 am Our ‘Welcome Communion Service’....slightly less formal than usual, following on from our Back to Church Sunday. Led by our choir, come and enjoy with us, and stay for refreshments after – we’d love to chat with you.

Also on the 2nd at 10:30 am our Uplift All age service in the Village Hall.

Sunday 9th December 9:00 am Our normal Sung Communion Service... refreshments after.

Sunday 16th December No 9:00 am service – but there is our Uplift all age service in the Village Hall.

Also on the 16th at 4:00 pm WE ARE HOLDING OUR INFORMAL CAROL SERVICE! We would love to welcome you, a mixture of carols, stories, Christmas facts, and crackers! Mince pies and punch after! 


Also on the 16th we start our Christmas Tree festival, you are invited to supply a Christmas Tree – real, artificial or hand made – any size and it can have lights on if you like! Bring it to the church to help build up our festival of trees! Entirely a fund rasing event for E.L.F. Eliminate Leukemia Fund – a cause close to the hearts of us all. The Church will be open for a time everyday until Christmas to enable everyone to enjoy seeing the display......seasonal refreshments will be served and it will be warm! Come and enjoy, just watch out for poster on opening hours. Also would you like to offer an hour on our rota? Queries ? Our Church Wardens Jill Rothery on: 01634 389530 or Elizabeth Shorthouse on: 01634 364676.

Wednesday 19th December Come Carol Singing! Meet at Upchurch Church for a 6:00 pm. start ....if you’re late, we’ll leave details on the church door. This is also on behalf of E.L.F. - Eliminate Leukemia Fund. Hot Coffee and mince pies in the church after for whoever would like to join us.

Thursday 20th December 9:30 am Holywell School will be holding their Christingle service in the church.

Sunday 23rd December 9:00 am Sung Communion Service with our choir.....we would love you to join us...Christmas refreshments after.

Monday 24th December  CHRISTMAS EVE! 5:30 pm Our popular Crib service...come and hear the Christmas story, help us build up the Nativity Scene and sing the carols with us. Surprises for the children.......and the clock will be ticking away!

Then at 7:30 pm our traditional 9 lessons and carols service. Choir led, this centuries old service still attracts so many people to take part.

Tuesday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY! We will be holding our Christmas Sung Communion Service at 9a.m. and hope to welcome you all! It’s a great way to start Christmas Day and you’ll be home just after 10:00 am!

Sunday 30th December There will not be a service as we are all going to Iwade to share our 6 church benefice service with Revd. Ron Partridge who is retiring the next day! It starts at 10:30am

2013

Sunday 6th January 9:00 am Our ‘Welcome Communion Service’ again, it is slightly less formal, and suitable for everyone!

At 10:30 am in the Village Hall, there will be our Uplift all age service.

Sunday 13th January 9:00 am Sung Communion service with refreshments after.

Sunday 20th January No 9:00 am Service but there will be Uplift all age service in the Village Hall.

Also on the 20th of January at 6:30 pm we will be holding our ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE in the church. For all those who have been bereaved, particularly within the last two years, we invite you all to join us for a candle lit service, in which your loved one’s names are read out and you are invited to light a candle and to receive a candle as well. As the candle lights mount up, we enjoy a huge area of burning candles, a symbol of our love for all those who have gone ahead of us. It is not a mournful service - on the contrary it is full of hope and precious memories. All are invited, just come! Queries? Revd. Jacky on: 01795 842557.

Sunday 27th January 9:00 am Sung Communion service with refreshments after.


Visit the Church website. The Six:  www.thesix.org.uk

Revd. Jacky Davis
space

Upchurch Poppy Appeal - 2012

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM” 
The total collection in Upchurch in 2012 is above £2,280. Of this amount £709 was collected in business or retail outlets and the pupils and staff of Holywell School donated £53 The house-to-house Poppy Appeal collection in Upchurch was undertaken in all areas of the Parish by thirteen collectors.

St. Mary the Virgin had a large congregation of all ages for the Remembrance Sunday service conducted by Reverend Jacky Davis. Five wreaths were laid below the memorial tablet in the Lady Chapel. Also village school children sang ‘Remember’.

After the service Reverend Davis led the choir, the uniformed youth organisations and the congregation in the autumnal sunshine to the burial ground were wooden crosses were laid at the five war commission graves. We were mindful of current losses and injuries in Afghanistan suffered by our Armed Forces.

The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Royal British Legion to help Armed Forces families with £1.7 million each week in direct welfare support – that is £90 million each year, answering more than 165,000 calls for help. This year the Royal British Legion secured a commitment to have the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant written into law - an historic first.

On behalf of the Royal British Legion thank you for your generosity.


For more information visit: The Royal British Legion website  Here

Cllr Gerry Lewin - Upchurch Poppy Day Appeal Organiser

space

Thursday 15 November 2012

Upchurch Darby and Joan - Christmas Bazaar


On Wednesday the 28th of November, Upchurch Darby and Joan Club host their annual Christmas Bazaar from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Upchurch Village Hall.

All welcome!

Janet Gilbert
space

Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2012


The Parish Council met on Thursday 8th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.
Public Time Four Gun Field Action Group – Two representatives of this group expressed their support for the Planning Application reference SW/12/1243. He summarised the issues faced by residents near to the site and the efforts by the group to find a mutually satisfactory use for the land. They requested the Councils support for this planning application. Highways – A resident reported that Kent Highways had still not cleared a gully in The Poles. Allotments – A resident reported that allotment holders were pleased with the new vehicular gate that had been relocated further back from the road. Windmill Hill – A resident expressed concerns over a gully overflowing on Windmill Hill. Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Tree– A resident offered an Oak Tree to the Council. Members thanked him. Vacancy for one Councillor – A resident explained that he had applied for this vacancy and had come along tonight to observe the meeting. 
CorrespondenceClimate South East Parish and Town Council Survey An organisation aiming to carry out research on the impacts of climate change by conducting telephone interviews with local parish council representatives. Cllr Apps offered to take part in this. 
Planning - The following applications were considered:
 SW/12/1245 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (1) of SW/11/0867 to extend the time period in which the hardstanding, wheel spinner, CCTV cameras and stanchion may be retained on site to a period of 36 months without the commencement of a B2 use.  No objections but queried why the applicant had asked for a period of 3 years.
SW/12/1244 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (1) of SW/11/0866 to extend the time period in which the portable office/restroom may be retained on site to a period of 36 months without the commencement of a B2 use. No objections but queried why the applicant had asked for a period of 3 years.
SW/12/1243 Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane – Outline application for residential development (about 36 dwellings), residential care home (about 80 beds) and public open space with wildlife area. The Council had no objections to the proposal however, they commented that they would like to see homes of varied sizes within the application i.e. not just 3 and 4 bedroom homes and that there will be pressure for affordable homes in the village.
SW/12/1331 13 Horsham Lane – Erection of single-storey side extension to provide double garage; first floor infill rear extension; demolition of existing conservatory and erection of new conservatory to side. No objections and commented that neighbours views should be taken into consideration.
FPS/W2275/4/37 Footpath ZR32 (Part) Upchurch – Public Path Diversion Order, 2010 – The Planning Inspectorate – The Order is confirmed.
Local Needs Housing - Draft notes from ‘drop-in’ event – A copy had been circulated and was agreed. Public Count – This had taken place on Friday 26th September 2012 at 6.30pm in the back hall of the Village Hall. The result had been published on the Parish Council website and Notice boards, and also Upchurch Matters website - Do you support the proposal to build Local Needs Housing on a Rural Exception Site? Result -570 Votes No and 101 Votes Yes therefore majority vote is NO. The Council will not be investigating this scheme further.
Finance Swale West Parishes Group – KCC Community Engagement Grants Scheme 2012-13 – An email from Bill Ronan (KCC) explaining that he is waiting on the cabinet decision for a grant to the sum of £6,120 towards the Paddock project and the re-pointing of the Church yard wall. 
Administration - General purposes committeeIt is hoped to set this up shortly, and will be discussed at the next meeting.
Allotments and Recreation GroundWater meter at Allotments – Cllr Apps reported that a new water meter had been installed by Southern Water. Review allotment rents – It was agreed to keep the rent payable by allotment holders at the same rate as this year - residents £14 for a full plot and £23 for non-residents. Risk Assessment –Members raised concerns with a pot hole at the entrance to the car park at the Recreation Ground. It was suggested that this issue could be discussed by the general purposes committee, when formed. 
Paddock Lease – A copy of the draft form Lease had been circulated, along with a letter from our solicitors. Members agreed to accept the Lease. The Clerk will ask for clarification on whether the Paddock can be used for car parking, and in particular, for the annual plant sale by Upchurch Horticultural Society. Play equipment – An email from a resident was circulated regarding lack of toddler equipment in play area. Members noted this and commented that they were still trying to negotiate the Lease renewal and once this had been finalised, they would investigate installing new play equipment in the Paddock. Risk Assessment – Cllr Apps reported that he had removed the damaged bin and filled in the hole. Cllr Kennard reported that he was meeting Paul Hegley, Tree Officer at Swale BC the next day to discuss the trees against the fence in 2 and 3 Bradshaw Close. 
Burial Ground and ChurchyardChurch yard WallCllr Lewin and Cllr Rossiter will arrange a site meeting to discuss weed spraying the wall. Cllr Rossiter reminded members that the re-pointing of the wall still needed to be done. A concern was raised about the live wires running along the outside of the garage wall that had been exposed when the trees were removed. Cllr Rossiter will investigate. Church yard PathCllr New reported that St Marys PCC were looking into obtaining a faculty for this and were consulting Lower Halstow for advice.
EnvironmentFundraising event in aid of a charity fighting against Leukaemia – A request from Jill Rothery to place a Christmas tree in St Mary’s Church for the Christmas Tree Festival. The Clerk will arrange this and Cllr Apps offered to help too.
Highways - Parking problems around school pick up/drop off times – It was suggested that a working group be set up to investigate this further and will be discussed at the next meeting. Lay-by opposite Granny’s GreenMembers discussed the ownership of a section of road in Oak Lane, south of the allotments, on the boundary of Ian Daniels land. They queried whether it was a lay-by. The Clerk will consult Cllr Arnold, and then contact Kent Highways. 
Next meetings – Thursday 6th December 2012 and 3rd January 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School starting at 7.30pm and the Public are welcome to attend this meeting. The Public may put questions and/or make comments to members and 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, Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon – Thurs 9am – midday)
Upchurch Parish Council
space

Wednesday 14 November 2012

PFHS Golf Day - Amount Raised and Pictures











On Monday the 12th of November Linwoods proudly sponsored The Parents & Friends of Holywell School, Upchurch, Kent, Charity Golf day at Gillingham Golf Club.

The day was well supported by many of the Dads from the school plus several school governors. Linwoods provided the green fees and some raffle prizes, and with all other prizes being donated, the great sum of just under £600 was raised for the school!

Adam Webber, a product trainer from Panasonic, came down to show off the new Panasonic GH3 Lumix camera. He took many pictures of the players on the 1st tee. If you would like a high res copy of them, please send us an email at:  
Panasonic@linwoodhe.com

Thank you to everyone who helped this day be the huge success which it was.

All the pictures should be available for all to see via:  www.linwoodhe.com  by the end of today (Wednesday the 14th of November).


Next PFHS Golf Day will be Monday the 25th of March 2013 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Club. Details to follow.

Richard Divers
space

Monday 12 November 2012

Christmas Craft Fair at St. Margaret's


St. Margaret's Church.
St. Margaret's Church, Lower Halstow Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Saturday the 1st of December between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

Please join us for a wide range of local crafts and home made produce, including fountain pens, cards, calendars, needlework, wood turning, preserves and more, Refreshments available.

A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Come along and visit arguably the prettiest church around and the handsome 'Edith May' Thames Sailing Barge in the neighbouring dock.

See you there !

Elizabeth Mouland
space

Friday 9 November 2012

Church News


St. Mary's Church Upchurch.
This Sunday 11th November at 10:15 am in St. Mary the Virgin Church,..... Remembrance Day service...to include 2 minutes silence and laying of wreaths. Uniformed organisations will leave the Scout Hut at 9:45 am to march down to the church with the band of Church Lads and Girls Brigade. Laying of crosses on war graves in the churchyard will be after the service accompanied by the uniformed groups. Refreshments in the church after. There will not be a 9:00am service.

Sunday 16th December at 4:00 pm Come to our Carol Service in St. Mary’s, seasonal refreshments after and a cracker for everyone! Bring the family!

Also on 16th December we are holding a Christmas Tree Festival in the church. We invite any organisations or individuals to supply and decorate a Christmas Tree (with lights if you like), and display it in the church. It can be real, artificial or hand made – use your imagination! It is in aid of Elimination of Leukaemia Fund run from Kings College Hospital and is near to our hearts. Trees can be put in place the day before (15th Saturday) More information from our Church Warden Jill Rothery on: 01634 389530.

Wednesday 19th December Come Carol Singing! Meet at the church at 6:00pm and we will go round the village singing all your favourite carols. Bring a torch or lantern, children very welcome but must be with a responsible adult. Again, it is in aid of Elimination of Leukemia Fund.

Christmas Eve 24th December 5:30 pm in the Church, our popular CRIB SERVICE! Come and join the excitement of sharing the Christmas story and building up the Crib Scene together with singing the carols....as the clock ticks away!

Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm in the Church also, our equally popular 9 lessons and carols – a centuries old service exactly as it says, 9 lessons and 9 carols. All readers are chosen from the village.
Christmas Day..... Come and celebrate at 9:00 am with a Sung Communion Christmas Service. It lasts approx 1 hour.

Forward notice...... Sunday 30th December will be Revd. Ron Partridge’s last service before retirement the next day! It will be held in Iwade Church at 10:30 am and is the only service that morning in our six churches. No service in Upchurch that day.


Visit the Church website. The Six:  www.thesix.org.uk

Revd. Jacky Davis

space

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Upchurch Family Fireworks - Press Release



The Bonfire Team spent a full 2 days building this years Fire !
Upchurch Family Fireworks celebrated its 17th year this weekend (3rd November) with a superb sound and light show, an impressive bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.

Turnout for the event at Westmoor Farm (off the A2 in Rainham) by residents from Medway, Swale and beyond was excellent and with the weather on our side helped make the evening a resounding success - generating much needed revenue for the Upchurch Scout Group which provides funding for a range of activities and facilities for the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers throughout the year.  


Visitors this year saw one of the best displays around !
Stall holders reported fantastic sales of everything from burgers, hotdogs and doughnuts, to candy floss, hot and cold drinks and ‘Glow’ toys.

It is estimated that 500 vehicles made use of free on-site parking but with careful pre-planning the event team managed to minimise any disruption.

The Upchurch Family Fireworks Committee would like to thank everyone who attended the event as well as all the hardworking volunteers who gave up their precious time to help organise, set-up and run the event.

We would especially like to say a huge, ‘Thank you’, to those who turned up in the pouring rain on Sunday morning to help pack things away!

We look forward to an even bigger and better Upchurch Family Fireworks 2013 – see you there !


Upchurch Family Fireworks
space

PFHS - Next Meeting

Dear Parents /Carers,

The next PFHS meeting will be on Wednesday the 14th of November, 7:30pm at The Crown pub, Upchurch.


We hope you can join us.


PFHS
space

Sunday 4 November 2012

The Great Hurricane of October 1987


According to the Met Office the last hurricane to hit England occurred in 1703 with serious damage and loss of life. Perhaps that’s why BBC weather forecaster Michael Fish seemed so confident when he said there wouldn’t be a hurricane on October 16th 1987 but how wrong his prediction turned out to be. At least 13 people were known to have died across the country as roofs and chimneys were blown off houses and fallen trees caused havoc with electricity cables, railway lines and roads.

Michael Fish.

In Upchurch chimney pots and roofs were hit hard as powerful winds swept right across South-East England during the night of October 16th. The most surprised Upchurch residents were Tony Witherden and his mother Dolly at Hilda’s Cottage in Poot Lane. Tony said,

‘I was awoken in the early hours by the movement of the house and howling of the wind. To my surprise when I awoke all I could see was the orchard. The front wall of the house had completely disappeared.

The two shocked inhabitants and their dog were fortunate to escape uninjured. Their house which had been partly destroyed had to be demolished at a later date but they were not the only surprised residents. Charles Barling of Colts Field Farm in Poot Lane had a close shave while rounding up his cattle when a sheet of sharp edged corrugated tin tumbled across his field at high speed and narrowly missed him. A little earlier his garage had been blown away by a powerful gust just seconds after he had removed his car. At Beckenham Park caravan site in Otterham Quay several caravans were overturned but nobody suffered injury, a boat was blown on to the seawall at Ham Green while Mike and Mary Laity from Wetham Green discovered that their shed of ducks had been blown away. However, many people slept through the worst of the storm and only realized what had happened when they looked outside the following morning and saw the damage.

David Wood.
Compared to some areas Upchurch suffered less devastation but there were damaged chimney stacks, fallen roof slates, uprooted trees and severed electricity cables. The chimney stack on the co-op building fell through the roof and caused short term inconvenience and large trees fell on to the road at Windmill Hill causing some traffic problems.

Local fruit farmers were hit hard and lost hundreds of fruit trees totally uprooted by the wind. Other trees were badly damaged and had to be grubbed and replaced during later years while storage sheds were blown away and strewn across the landscape. Farmers later received some compensation from the government. Overall, 1987 wasn’t a good year for weather conditions as heavy snow had cut the village off from Medway for several days in early January and the summer had been very wet.

The Swale council, overwhelmed by problems left in the wake of the hurricane, employed local Upchurch residents armed with chainsaws to clear up the mess left by fallen trees on roads and property and very soon everything returned to normal. The first hurricane for 300 years had left its mark but most residents hoped it would be the last in their lifetime.

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
space

Orange-Losenge-Notice-Board

Notice Board

Notice Board

The Village Post EXTRA
+ Click here to join our new local newsgroup

Please-Support-Our-Advertisers-Orange-Losenge

Click the Adverts

Support-BG
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS BY TRYING
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS BY TRYING

Classified Advertisements

Classified Advertisements