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Monday 30 July 2012

Post Box Stolen - Drakes Close


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

STOLEN: A red cast-iron Post Box about 4-foot high pointed crown shaped top back missing with the word LETTERS in gold writing. On the front is a picture of a man on a horse. It was stolen from the front garden of a property in Drakes Close, between 25th and 26th of July.


If you have any information please contact Kent Police on telephone number 101 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. 


Thank you that was message: 970



Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Friday 27 July 2012

Upchurch 50 Years Ago in August 1962

Memories of Upchurch.
The carnival had become the biggest village event of the year since 1952 and dominated August as eleven floats lined up at the recreation ground.

Before the carnival procession started a two mile route around the village, Swale council chairman Mr. D W Morgan-Kirby and farmer William Wakeley and his wife from Hartlip judged the competitions. The Youth Club won the best float competition with a nautical scene in which Miss Youth Club Pauline Ward posed with a lighthouse, rocks, sea and sailors. The Fremlin’s Brewery vehicle won the best decorated vehicle competition and Laurel Clegg from Horsham Lane dressed as Eliza Doolittle with baskets of flowers won the best decorated bicycle competition. Meanwhile, the annual fancy dress competition had a variety of entrants. Mandy Dawson won the ‘Up to Five’ competition, Steve Parker the Up to Seven competition and Janice Todd the ‘Up to Eleven’ competition.

The carnival procession led by the St John’s Ambulance Brigade Band took off from the recreation ground with Carnival Queen Barbara Webb from Drakes Close and her attendants on the first float. Miss Upchurch Muriel Clemons followed on the second float and the Youth Club Queen Pauline Ward on the third. Other floats depicting different scenes followed including the Women’s Institute entry ‘Brewers and Boozers’ which showed a raucous scene from a medieval tavern. On a two mile route the procession moved along Oak Lane, Horsham Lane, Windmill Hill then up Wallbridge Lane and into Chaffes Lane.

After the procession a fete and dog show took place in The Paddock. The Dog show, organised by Bert Millen from Jasmil Kennels, proved particularly successful with entries from all over Kent. With a punch and judy show, a variety of games such as throwing the sponge, a coconut shy, handicrafts and darts, a lot of activities kept people amused and interested. Overall, the event raised £220 for the Village Hall Fund while Revd Bradshaw writing in the village magazine several weeks later praised the effort and also urged parishioners to send in envelopes with contributions to help maintain the church.

The cricket club had several good victories with the highlight being a surprising crushing defeat of Torry Hill which contained Gore Court First XI players. Alan Auger took 6-8 off only eight overs as Torry Hill were dismissed for 18 allowing Upchurch to cruise to a nine wicket victory. Meanwhile, the scouts led by Scoutmaster Peter Bowden suffered rain on their one week summer camp at Lyndhurst in the New Forest but managed to last the distance.

During August birthdays were celebrated by Tina Harris aged three from Twinney Cottages, Carol Button aged 10 from Drakes Close, Adrian Wood aged 13 from Wallbridge Lane and Keith Vole aged 12 from Breach Lane. Marriages included Jean Elizabeth Bodley Scott from Wallbridge Lane with Brian Lindsey and Anna Diddams from Oak Lane with Mr G Foster from Rainham. The only recorded burial was that of Jessie Bissell of Alfred Cottages aged 70 but as in previous years the carnival stood out as the main highlight of the month.



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  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood
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Friday 20 July 2012

Diamond Jubilee Mugs


The Parish Council still has a few special commemorative Diamond Jubilee Mugs left for general sale.

The Mugs are good quality bone china and make a wonderful souvenir of our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and of our celebrations here in Upchurch.

Price £2.70 from Sue Rossiter. Do contact her if you would like one on: 01634 234780 or Email:  suerossiter@waitrose.com  114 Chaffes Lane.

Will your child be starting primary School in September ? Either at Holywell School, or another local primary School ? They would be eligible for a Jubilee mug as a gift from the Parish Council. Just contact Sue Rossiter.


Sue Rossiter
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Thursday 19 July 2012

Joy Calver 1945 - 2012

Joy Calver - 9/12/45 - 19/7/12

A much loved Wife of almost 50 years, a very special Mum and Grandmother Joy spent most of her life living in Upchurch.

Sadly Joy lost her battle with cancer in the early hours of this morning ( the 19th of July 2012 ).

She will be sadly missed by all her 
friends and family.

Joy's family would welcome any of her friends at The Garden Of England Crematorium, Bobbing, at 10:00am on Friday the 27th July.

( Map )

Wayne Calver
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Tuesday 17 July 2012

Upchurch Twinning Group News


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


Try the Holywell School website:  www.holywell.kent.sch.uk  for our news as well. In addition, visit:  www.ferques.fr  for interesting stuff !


Saturday 14th July – Bastille Day in Ferques – This was cancelled due to torrential rain. Their weather was as bad as ours !  So no go this year. C’est la vie !


Saturday 25th August. 2012 – Sports Day  CANCELLED – Due to circumstances beyond our control this event has been cancelled for this year. Sorry if you were looking forward to a good day out, as we were, but an alternative date could not be found that would be sensible.


Sunday 7th October – Anniversary Event – An outing to Chatham Historic Dockyard is planned to include a meal at their restaurant.  A coach load of Ferques residents will be coming over the water to join us.  Watch this space !  More details next month, but we think the cost of entry + a 2-course lunch in the Wheelwrights’ restaurant will be about £23-£25.  Do contact us for more details or to book a place. Numbers may be limited, so ring us now !


Jim Harman (Chairman) 01634 235420 & Sue Rossiter (Secretary) 01634 234780


Sue Rossiter
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Monday 16 July 2012

Burglary in Crosier Court


[Reference: CB22]

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

A property in Crosier Court, Upchurch was burgled between 8:55 am and 4:00pm on Friday the 13th of July.

A Gentlemen's Titanium and Ladies Titanium watch was stolen with other items and access was gained by breaking a back window.

If you have any information please contact Kent Police on telephone number 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. 

Thank you that was Message: 911


Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Friday 13 July 2012

Upchurch Film Star and Extrovert of the 1940s

James Robertson Justice.

David Wood.
Although more than half a century has passed since he lived in the area, actor James Robertson Justice is still remembered by older parishioners as an out of the ordinary resident of Upchurch. Well known as Doctor Sir Lancelot Spratt in the classic 1950s and 1960s ‘Doctor at Large’ films, Justice starred in over eighty British films after being spotted by an Ealing Studios writer at the Players Theatre Club in London during the 1940s. He appeared in box office hits like ‘The Guns of Navarone’, ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ and ‘Moby Dick’. He also starred alongside 1960s sex symbols Diana Dors and Bridget Bardot.

Educated at Marlborough College and a science student at University College London, Justice held two doctorates and was a big man of six feet two inches with a beard and a booming well spoken accent. Amongst his early experiences he worked as a lumberjack and English teacher in Canada, a policeman in Germany, a journalist for Reuters, he managed the British ice hockey team, he fought in the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and he got wounded while serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1943. After getting discharged from the navy he arrived at Ham Green in Upchurch and resided in a farm worker’s cottage known today as ‘Greylag.’

A larger than life character who loved nature, Justice was also an expert falconer, a keen ornithologist and spent time bird watching on the sea wall and saltings, sometimes accompanied by well known contemporary TV wildlife presenter Sir Peter Scott. He later became a member of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and invented the rocket propelled net for catching wildfowl. He was also a keen naturalist and often swam naked in the river with lady friends visiting him from London. Marj Davies from Horsham Lane informed me that her father, Charles Barling from Bayford Farm, warned her to keep away from the river when Justice was there with his female companions, although the actor sometimes joined the Barling family for a meal and a chat in Bayford farmhouse when not otherwise engaged. Several times he was spotted walking the Ham Green peninsular in a kilt playing a set of bagpipes and became a regular in ‘The Crown’ where he joined locals for a drink and a yarn.

Known as ‘Crackerbarrel’ to the village children because of his appearance in cheese adverts, Justice caused controversy in 1944 when a flashing light was spotted coming from his bedroom window during the wartime blackout. This led to rumours that he was a German spy and after several police warnings about breaking the blackout law he was cautioned at Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.

At the end of the Second World War Justice left the area and became a well known film actor. He also taught Prince Charles falconry while living in Scotland and became a personal friend of Prince Philip. He served as rector of Edinburgh University and also contested the Scottish constituency of North Angus and Mearns for the Labour Party in 1950. He died penniless after a series of strokes in 1975 but is still remembered in Upchurch as a great character of the parish.

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  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Upchurch Parish Council Report for August

The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th July in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 7 members of the public.


Public Time –  Local Needs Housing - A resident commented that English Rural Housing Association would let any homes built under this proposed scheme to whoever they wished. It was commented that the Council did not support this view. Voting form -  It was commented that the voting form should have been addressed individually to residents to avoid the opportunity of people filling it in on behalf of each other. It was explained that the Council was not allowed to access the Electoral Register for this purpose. ‘Drop-in’ - A resident commented that it was far too hasty to have the rescheduled ‘drop-in’ in September. 
Allotments - A resident asked if there were plans to tidy up the allotments. Members noted this. Trimming of Hedge in Oak Lane – It was requested that this hedge next to the Vicarage be cut back. Members will follow this up. Windmill Hill - A resident reported that his car had been damaged by bushes on Windmill Hill. The Clerk will inform Highways of this issue.
Correspondence – Southern Water – A letter providing an update on the water resources situation and water restrictions. Southern Water had removed the temporary use ban, currently in place in Kent and Sussex supply areas on Thursday 14th June.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/12/0841 11 Marston Close – Single storey rear extension. Demolition of conservatory – There were no objections to the proposals but members requested that serious considerations be given to neighbours views.
Permissions and Refusals – the following decisions had been received:
Permissions granted
SW/12/0393 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – Demolition and replacement of existing, agricultural building only for use as a tractor and implement store
SW/12/0418 Land at Breach Lane – Change of use of land for the mixed use of agriculture and keeping of horses with the provision of three new stables, tack rooms, haystore and sand school
SW/12/0330 Tanzor Riding School, Poot Lane – Retention of existing timber building in support of livery use of land
SW/12/697 Holywell Primary School, Forge Lane – Erect new palisade fencing 1.8 metre high powdered green (58 metres long) to east side of school’s main entrance
SW/12/0439 Bedfont House, Holywell Lane – Change of use from commercial offices to private dwelling (5 in total), extend length of north fencing dormers to accommodate Juliette balconies and additional windows in flank elevation
SW/12/0510 35 Forge Lane – Two storey side extension and single storey garage
Permission Refused:
SW/12/0399 Co-Op, 3 The Street – One internally illuminated wall mounted display unit
SW/12/0464 The Oast, Holywell Lane – Single storey rear extension with room in loft area
Local Needs Housing - It was hoped that four residents would come forward to join the four members of the Parish Council and the Clerk as part of the sub-group. It was confirmed that any meetings of this sub-group would be held in public. The objectives for inviting representatives to join were two-fold. Firstly, to remove any misunderstanding of the procedures followed to date. Secondly, to look at the detail of the voting form and consider any suggestions put forward by the representatives. 
‘Drop-in’ event rescheduled for 21st September 2012 and ‘public count’ on 5th October 2012 – It is planned to hold these two events in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome.
English Rural Housing Association – possible outcomes from the ballot – A copy of an email from Alison Thompson had been circulated. Cllr Catford had requested information on the process that would be followed if the Council wished to go ahead with the proposed scheme. It was felt that the information provided did not answer this question and would be followed up again. Nomination for Opposition Representative – It was agreed to accept the nomination for Mr B Sketchley to be a representative.
Allotments and Recreation GroundWater Meter – A request was made to Southern Water to replace this. Some minor repair was undertaken by Southern Water. 
Paddock Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – Members discussed issues being experienced by a resident in Oak Lane. PCSO Cork was following up these issues and was in contact with the resident. Members will meet to discuss possible ways of making the area unattractive to footballers. Some ideas are to plant trees or install fence posts in the end of the Paddock where footballers play.
Burial Ground and ChurchyardTree Related subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane – Members considered three quotes submitted for the removal of 16 x leylandi, 1 x ash and 1 x sycamore from the churchyard boundary wall with the garage. It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co. Other tree works required - It was agreed to accept the quote from Lindsay & Co to trim the Yew Tree 3 metres from the Church. Rules and Regulations – Cllr Rossiter had circulated a discussion paper. The Chairman thanked Cllr Rossiter. The Clerk and Cllr Rossiter will update the rules and regulations to include the ideas in the discussion paper and present a draft at the next meeting. 
EnvironmentInternet speeds – Cllr Catford reported that Mr A Collier, Mr A Waterhouse and Cllr Arnold had offered to meet to discuss this further. Cllr Lewin also offered. Queens Diamond Jubilee – Members discussed the planting of the commemorative tree. Further investigations were needed, to see if a tree was available for the Council to use.
Highways  - Request to use Recreation Ground Car Park – Members considered this which a resident raised during public time. It was agreed to allow this request.
Opposition Representatives for the Local Needs Housing Sub-Group -  Mr A Waterhouse, Mr O’Neill and Mr R Higgs approached the Clerk after the meeting to put their name forward as representatives of opposition to local needs housing in Upchurch.
Next meetings – 6th September 2012 and 11th October 2012. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7:30pm.


Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk  Website:  www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906
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Tuesday 10 July 2012

Lead Stolen From The Roof Of St. Mary's Church, Upchurch



[Reference: CB22]

A 10 x 4 foot strip of Lead was stolen from the roof of St. Mary's Church, Upchurch between the 6th and the 8th of July.



It had been removed from the gully between two pitched roofs. This had previously been security marked with smart water.

If you have any information, please contact Kent police, on telephone number: 1 O 1, and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch. 


Thank you, that was Message: 8 7 7.



Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Monday 9 July 2012

Theft Prevented - Oak Lane



[Reference: CB22]

A householder prevented the theft of a wooden Porters Trolley from his garden in Oak Lane, Upchurch,  just after 5:00 pm on Friday the 6th of July.


If you have any information please contact Kent police on telephone number 1O1 and state you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch.


Thank you that was Message: 867.



Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch
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Saturday 7 July 2012

Upchurch Farmers Market

 Our next market is on SUNDAY 22nd JULY
UPCHURCH VILLAGE HALL - 10:00 am until 1:00 pm

WE EXPECT over 20 stalls providing a wide range of local produce, services and crafts

  • • We now have a BUTCHER [Just Cutts from Rainham] and are working hard to obtain the services of a BAKER

  • • The KNITTING stall, which proved so popular last month, will also be back

  • • KENT CIDER will be returning after missing last month

  • • Hopefully, Steve from THE SEAFOOD CENTRE will once again have his full range of goods available.

  • • We are introducing a RAFFLE, the proceeds of which will be evenly split between the Market’s “Community Project” Fund and prizes of £5.00 vouchers, redeemable at the stall(s) of your choice.

ALTHOUGH THE ATTENDANCE AT THE JUNE MARKET WAS MORE ENCOURAGING, WE STILL URGENTLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT. SO, IF YOU CAN COME, BRING AS MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS POSSIBLE WITH YOU. IF YOU CAN’T, TELL THEM ABOUT IT !

FARMERS MARKET COMMUNITY PROJECTS FUND



Calling all Village Organisations



Upchurch Farmers Market was established in June 2011 as a non-commercial community project with the express intention that all monies accruing from Stall fees (after deduction of essential expenses) would be offered in the form of modest grants to village organisations/good causes.


After one year, the Market Management Committee has agreed that a sufficient reserve has been accumulated to allow such grants to be awarded.

Accordingly, applications are invited from bona fide Village Organisations who wish to be considered for such an award. Each application should be forwarded in writing (by hand or e-mail) to The Market Secretary, David Candy, at 6 Bradshaw Close, Upchurch or:  dave_candy@sky.com  and must include:

o   Name of Organisation
o   Representative’s Name and Contact Details
o   Purpose for which grant required
o   Amount Required (Maximum gifted likely to be no more than £200)

Applications to reach The Secretary no later than midnight on Sunday 30th September 2012.


Dave Candy
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The Children’s Society


Collection boxes for the Church of England Children’s Society are due to be emptied soon. This year we shall be doing this at the Church Porch Sale in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 14th July.

If you have a box would you please bring it along in the morning for counting anytime between 9:30 and 11:30am. Alternatively, boxes can be passed to any wives group member or left at 18 Crosier Court.

If you would like someone to collect your box, please contact me on: 01634 375109 and I will arrange this on your behalf and return the box to you when it has been emptied.

Thank you

Jan Bunting
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Friday 6 July 2012

Upchurch 50 years ago in July 1962

Memories of Upchurch.
Few could complain about a boring village as expanding clubs and popular events like the village fete and marathon dominated a busy month in July 1962.

Holywell farmer Frank Stevens opened the fete in The Paddock on Saturday July 8th and the event raised £160 for the Church Fabric Fund. With The Paddock packed to capacity stalls offered a variety of products like flowers and cakes. Highlights included country dancing by pupils from Holywell School and a fancy dress competition in which Laurel Clegg from Horsham Lane won the ‘Up to Eleven’ group and Roy Hogbin from Drakes Close won the ‘Up to Seven’ group. Miss Upchurch Muriel Clemons from Chaffes Lane presided over the fete while Revd Bradshaw described the overall effort as ‘a splendid piece of community teamwork.’

Early in the month Barbara Webb from Drakes Close was chosen as Carnival Queen from eight candidates while Angela Hodgkin from Poot Lane and Patricia Allen from Highsted were selected as her attendants for the big annual village event due to be held in August.

The village marathon which had been revived for the first time in six years by Aubrey Smith from Oak Lane and assisted by Bryan Veale from Horsham Lane, took place on the last Friday of the month as a preliminary for the village carnival. The women were first away from The Paddock and after racing a relatively short distance Christine Cripps from Poot Lane won the event. Six boys next lined up with Robert Gregory from Drakes Close winning and Ian Daniel from Oak Lane second. The men’s competition, a three mile race to Breach Lane and back was dominated by Maidstone Harriers runner D. Norman who coasted to victory on a very successful marathon evening.

Early in July the parish council met to discuss better facilities for the village clubs as Chairman Mr Colven described present facilities as ‘few and far between.’ Improvements were needed for several organisations including the rapidly expanding horticultural society. In their summer show entries exceeded 300 with a high level of exhibits. Winners included Mrs E Chaplin with roses, George Friend with vegetables, A Hinge & Son with cherries, Ernie Waters with potatoes and Charlie Stokes with onions.

The cricket club also thrived and recorded several good victories in July with the highlight being the match against Riverside in which Peter Smith scored an aggressive 57 in only 26 minutes. In partnership with Don Diffey who scored 80, Upchurch totalled 201-4. Frank Cook then bowled out Riverside for 50 taking four wickets for only 14 runs. Frank continued his good form with 6-22 against Minster later in July. Meanwhile, the Women’s Institute attracted new members with the July meeting being dominated by a report read out by Mrs Porter from Ham Green about the recent national meeting at the Royal Albert Hall followed by a talk about heraldry by guest speaker Mrs Skinner. After this members were asked to design a coat of arms for Upchurch. Mrs Nelson won the competition with Queenie South second. This ended a busy and varied month in the village calendar.

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  price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood

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Thursday 5 July 2012

Upchurch Matters Gets Government Nod

We're thrilled with this article which appeared in yesterdays edition of the KM Sittingbourne NEWS Extra and online on their website kentonline.co.uk.


Upchurch Matters
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Holywell School Summer Fete - Total Raised

The grand total raised from Sunday's PFHS Holywell School Summer Fete has been announced.


A total of £2088 has been raised for the School.


A big well done to all  involved !


Upchurch Matters
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Wednesday 4 July 2012

Martin Sheppard - Off to Tanzania

Martin Sheppard (top left) along with his fellow travellers.
Hello my name is Martin Sheppard and I'm 15 years old. I live in Wallbridge Lane Upchurch. In the summer of 2013 I will be going on an aid project to Tanzania in Africa with a few pupils from my school 'The Westlands School' In this time I will be helping the communities by building the Children a small school etc.


My trip is for one month and it's costing around £4,500 all of which I have to raise BY MYSELF !


I'm very much hoping people around the village will be able to sponsor me ! If there are any jobs around the village that you would like done then please give me a call on: 07860 520387 or Email me on: martinsheppard@live.co.uk


Some of the main projects are based outside Tanga, one of  Tanzania’s oldest coastal towns and in the Moshi area of northern Tanzania, in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.


Some other things I will be doing when out there are:


Volunteer work on important projects to improve the standard of living for rural Tanzanian communities.
Participate in ongoing conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and the environment.
Safari in some of Tanzania’s premier National Parks.
Marine conservation programme.
Indian Ocean and rural location.
Mountain trekking opportunities.



Thank you


Martin Sheppard
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Hugh Nelson - Leaving

Hugh Nelson.
Curate, Rev Hugh Nelson, is leaving after 3 happy years in The Six. Hugh has been appointed Vicar of Goudhurst & Kilndown, two lovely villages in the Weald of Kent.

Hugh's last Sunday will be the 29th of July. Everyone is welcome to Hugh's Last Hurrah ! Service at 10:30am at St. Mary the Virgin Church Newington.

There will be no services in other 'The Six' Churches that Sunday.

Good Luck to Hugh and his family from all of us in Upchurch.

Upchurch Matters
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