CHADRA

At the beginning of the year I invited you to make free of the pages of the CHARFIELD NEWSLETTER. I cannot say the response has been overwhelming but at least some took up the challenge – and that is a start.

New features have been introduced and I hope that you will find them interesting – perhaps even informative.

Mr Will Harris has contributed an article on his thoughts and fears for the future of the area's bus services. He raises many points that provide food for thought. Perhaps you too have an opinion you would like to express?

On other pages you will find advice on how to avoid the “seven minute peril.” What is that? Well, it has nothing to do with nuclear war but read inside to discover the secret – and it does affect us all.

I am pleased the children have come forward to launch their own part of the NEWSLETTER and I hope that this section will continue to flourish. While Mrs Rosa Gunning has taken time to write a reader's letter and at the same time make a suggestion for a village project which, if followed up could add to the quality of life.

As we emerge dripping from the March deluge, two of the village's amateur gardeners have their say on what they would like to see come about in the gardening world while also offering some timely advice to those of us who don't know a dibber from a trowel.

It is all here in your NEWSLETTER – including, for the more athletic reader a step-by-step direction for a healthy four mile walk guaranteed to give you a glow of satisfaction as you complete the final few yards in time for Sunday lunch.

And of course there are all the usual contributions on the many and varied facets of village life – to the writers of which I am so grateful.

But why don't you add to these contributions – and to the success of the NEWSLETTER – by giving us your views on topics of local interest. All you have to do is drop a note through my letterbox (you don't even need a stamp).

Finally a special word of thanks to the students who make the NEWSLETTER a reality by typing the contributions so that we can print them. They do a grand job.

Copy deadline for the next edition … Friday, June 19 – but earlier if you can.

Geoff Thornton
xx Underhill Road

2

Since the closure of Charfield Railway Station in January 1965 the Bristol Omnibus Co has provided the only public transport service through the village, currently 28 buses a day (14 each way on a Bristol–Gloucester service). Because Avon and Gloucestershire County Councils have decided to reduce their support in real terms to the Company this service is to be substantially reduced. Under revised proposals there will be NO Sunday service. There will be 13 buses to and from Bristol … 6 to Gloucester (Mon to Fri) with 4 on Saturday. There will only be 3 buses from Gloucester (Mon to Sat) and passengers on the Gloucester service will change at Dursley. There will be a limited service via Yate to Bristol. The last bus from Gloucester will be at 4.20 pm and from Bristol (change at Yate) at 9.40 pm. What is currently no more than a basic minimum service would be reduced to a rump and the 50 per cent of villagers who do not have direct access to a car would find themselves more isolated.

The County of Avon, with the conspicuous exception of Woodspring District Council, has currently some of the highest bus fares in the country. Why is this? Bus services have not been commercially viable since the mid-1950's. Before then, especially between the Wars when employment was high and wage levels low, they made substantial profits, especially in large urban areas. The economics of rural transport – like other rural services such as postal deliveries – have always been more difficult because there are fewer consumers but greater distances. Bus services are a labour intensive service and there are therefore strict limits to how far economies can be made, eg one-man bus operation. Hence since the mid-50's it has become necessary for central and local government to support the bus service, as they do all other forms of transportation – British Leyland, airports, rail services, docks, roads etc. A kilometre of main road costs in the order of £2,000 per annum to maintain. It is calculated that the real economic costs to the economy of road accidents each year is about £1,800 million. The £650,000 which the County of Avon currently spends on public transport in Northavon each year is very modest by comparison. The bus service is being cut by two-thirds because even this limited level of support is being reduced by 50 per cent.

Because of this meagre level of support, which pre-dates Avon County, the bus company have been forced back upon the disastrous cycle of rising costs, fare increases, leading to falling traffic ie passengers, which reduces revenue, services are cut to reduce costs, traffic falls further as the network contracts, leading to falling revenue, rising fares … traffic has continued to shrink as a consequence of high fares and shrinking services.

In some places however, like Lothian, bus traffic has been rising for some time because fares have been held steady and services improved. This requires however a conscious decision by local government to support public transport. In every major conurbation, eg the West Midlands, Senior Citizens travel free, as do the disabled in many cases. South Yorkshire's low fare policies has been widely featured in the media recently.

An example of what could be done is that of Woodspring District Council: Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead. In January 1979 the Council introduced a concessionary fares scheme and bus traffic rose by 18 per cent in the first year when elsewhere in Avon it was falling. It has probably continued to rise. In 1980 the scheme cost the council £346,000, an approximate cost to the average ratepayer of £2.46 per annum. From January 1981, the flat-rate return fare is 50p and 35p for Senior Citizens, disabled people and children under 14. The current cost of a return fare from Charfield to Bristol is £1.74. I would suggest that if Northavon District Council, which is broadly similar to Woodspring, were to hold a referendum within the district as to whether people would be prepared to pay for such a scheme there would be an overwhelming vote in favour.

3The priority is to get people back on the buses and this can only be done by cutting fares, not services. There are far too many buses travelling through Charfield with two or three passengers at most because fares are too expensive … 84p return to Wotton. However fares can only be cut if Northavon are prepared to help.

Who would benefit from lower fares? People who do not possess cars, for whatever reason – Senior Citizens – children – the disabled – the unemployed. Secondly there are families who possess a car but it cannot be available all the time. For example, if the car is in Norwich on business, as far as the rest of the family in Charfield are concerned it might as well be on the other side of the moon. Thirdly, there are those like myself who rarely, if ever, use the bus but would be prepared to have the service there as a fall-back. I suspect that it was probably easier for my great grandfather to get from Wotton-under-Edge to Bristol at the age of 15 in 1860 than it would be for a 15 year old to do it today and this is the last quarter of the 20th century.

Will Harris

4

Your Parish Church is having a special anniversary this year. Built in 1881, it celebrates its centenary during this current year. We would like ALL THE PEOPLE OF CHARFIELD to be aware of this and join in our celebrations. You may not be a regular Church-goer; you may never go; you may go somewhere else to Church – whatever category you fall into we hope that if you live in the village, you will feel that this is not a private celebration for the Church-goers but a village event in which we can all share. We certainly hope to be providing a series of events which we believe you will find interesting.

Life has certainly changed dramatically in the village since 1881 (I am not, in case you are wondering, speaking from personal memory). It has greatly changed even during the last 25 years. We have only to look at the population figures over this period. Another indicator, more personal to the Church, can be seen by some figures I know.

The old Rectory – that gorgeous house and grounds at the top of Charfield Hill (on the left as you go up) was sold in the mid-1950's for … £2,003 12s 1d. In case you think I have been making a mistake with this figure, let me expand on the statement. The net proceeds from the sale was ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS. The costs of the sale were £203 12s 1d. (I like the penny!)

The new Rectory – next to the Church – cost £5,920 to build, the site £50, architect's fees £374 14s 9d: the total cost was £6,623 15s 1d. Times have changed. I can remember how, in 1958, when the Rectory was completed and first occupied, the authorities were getting a little nervous because the price was moving rather nearer to £7,000 than the originally estimated £6,000. I think some of you will find these facts interesting – even incredible – since it shows how much times have changed.

What the Church is FOR, apart from Baptisms, weddings and funerals, is a bit of a mystery to some people. We hope to try and make this increasingly clear. We believe it has an important and unique function for human welfare and happiness. What it has meant here in the past, and what we hope it will mean here in the future, is too large a subject for this present article.

Meanwhile listen, watch and share in what will be going on.

Dates to remember

A centenary plant sale will be held at the Church on Saturday, June 6th (10 am until stock runs out, probably about lunchtime). Reasonable prices for bedding plants, cuttings etc.

CENTENARY FLOWER FESTIVAL: This will be from Friday June 19th to Sunday June 21st. It will include a concert by Dursley Male Voice Choir held in Church on Saturday evening, June 20th.

On Thursday June 18th, there will be a special preview of the Festival at 8 pm followed by a wine and cheese party in an adjoining marquee (kindly loaned by the Scouts). Tickets for this preview and wine and cheese party – £1.50 each.

Displays will include a history of Charfield.

There will also be a Grand Centenary Raffle, details of which as with the other items above, will be announced later.

5

Why not come and join us? Any enquiries to:

Miss M Turner
xx The Green
Falfield: 26xxxx

TRAILS THAT LEAD TO TRIUMPHS

Thou hast tried us as silver is tried; but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Psalm 66 – verses 10–12.

When God tests us He has more sympathetic care and thought in His wise designs than we have faith to see. The Lord knows we cannot do without the refining furnace if the dross of our carnality is to be burned away. He may send us through the fire but if we accept the adversity with spiritual discernment we have the joyous promise that the experience will lead to the wealthy place of a more abundant life.

An unknown poet has written: “I am thankful for the bitter things they've been a friend to grace, they've driven me from paths of ease to storm the secret place. I thank Him for the friends who failed to fill my heart's deep need, they've led me to the Savior's feet, upon His love to feed. I'm grateful too through all lifes way no one could satisfy, and so I've found in Christ alone my rich my full supply.”

A friend relates this story. When I was a child we had a neighbour who was fond of canaries. I recall seeing him train the birds while their cages were almost covered. Experience had taught him that they would learn best when they were secluded. Likewise when God trains His Saints to raise the sweetest notes of praise He often darkens their lives by sickness and hardships. Many a soul shut out from the glitter and glare of the world, with its luring pleasures, has thus been taught to sing more sweetly and to render more acceptable service.

If the distressing circumstances of life bring to your heart new Holiness and obedience, thank God. Your trails are leading to glorious triumphs.

Afflictions may test me
They cannot destroy
One glimpse of Thy love
Turns them all into joy.

6

Yet another busy term when many things were tackled besides the normal work of school.

As we have been doing for several years now, the teachers arranged appointments in March with parents in the hour or so after school each evening for a fortnight, plus one later evening.

This was to allow a private discussion of each child's progress and an exchange of information. Other discussion can take place during the year if a parent requires it.

In February, Mr and Mrs Bradley put on a remarkably well staged production of “The Rum of Ali Baba.” It was a great success – a reward for all the time and effort put into it. Noteworthy was the imaginative use of the Hall and special lighting.

Charfield School has also competed in the series of cross-country races organised by Dursley Athletic Club which ended on March 21st.

THE FOURTH YEAR BOYS TEAM AND THE FOURTH YEAR GIRLS TEAM WERE EACH OVERALL WINNERS OF THEIR RACES.

Boys individual awards:- Mark Swallow (1st), Stephen Hillier (6th), Adrian Wood (7th), Keith Dand (8th)

Girls individual awards:- Julie Brown (4th), Marianne Baker (6th), Jo-Anne Burfield (7th), Melanie Capener (8th), Julie Clarke (10th)

THE YOUNGER BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS WERE BOTH OVERALL SECOND IN THEIR RACES

Boys individual awards:- Timothy Swallow (2nd), Nicholas Jeanes (3rd), Duncan Thomas (6th), Andrew Douglas (8th).

Girls individual awards:- Claire Mitchem (5th), Claudine Hannigan (6th), Suzanne Brown (8th), Katie Pitts (11th).

The Inter-Primary School Challenge Shield – for the best performances in all races – was awarded to Charfield School.

D.A. Malpass (Headmaster)

Why not come and join us at the Mother and Toddler Group. We meet at the Village Hall on the 1st and 3rd Thursday, and the occasional 5th Thursday from 10.15 am to 11.45 am. The cost is 25p a session with a yearly membership of 50p. This includes refreshment for both mum and child.

There are plenty of toys to entertain the children and lots of room so that they can use up some of their energy.

If you do not know anyone don't let that put you off. You will soon make friends as we're a friendly lot!!

Any age from 0 to 3+ very welcome … Hope to see you at our next meeting.

Secretary
Denise Jarvis

7

FOR CHILDREN – BY CHILDREN

Untangle these letters to find the names of cities.

1. LROIBTS
2. OLNODN
3. RLGSUOETC
4. TCMNSFHEAR
5. DSELE
6. LEWESNATC
7. HWCIISP

Answers: elsewhere in this Newsletter

Can you name these famous bears?

a. A bear who always wears a cloth cap.
b. A stout bear who likes honey.
c. A bear who lives in a zoo in Switzerland.
d. A bear who always wears a red jumper and a yellow scarf.
e. A friendly bear that belongs to Deborah.
f. A bear from Peru who likes marmalade.
g. A bear who lives with Fred and a spotty dog called Fred.
h. A very large friendly bear who lives near a town full of rabbits.
i. A magic Panda who lives in a tree-house.

Answers: next Newsletter.

Now children … your little piece of Newsletter is off the ground.

What about all those funny stories you know. Share them with us. Write down your favourite joke well in time for the next edition of Newsletter and drop it through my letter box at xx Underhill Road.

The tennis season begins again this April, when subscriptions will be due – payable to treasurer or secretary.

Over the winter only a few members have made use of the facilities of the court but as the weather improves more and more members will be coming out of hibernation and moving their winter-lazy bones about the court.

The season will start with the usual American Tournament followed through the season by the Singles tournaments (seniors and juniors) and various matches against other clubs for those who are keen to play.

On the social front a skittles evening is to be organised shortly.

There will also be fund raising projects to boost the “new surface and second court” scheme. Any ideas on this would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone interested in joining the tennis club should contact the secretary, Mrs Jacky Swallow, xx Station Road, Charfield. Tel Wotton-under-Edge xxxx

8

PEOPLE ARE MUGS. These are not my words – I, by the way, am Sgt Pat (Patrick) Cousins, the Crime Prevention Officer for “D” Division Avon and Somerset Police of which, you may not know, Charfield is a part.

I propose from time to time to pass on to you – via the NEWSLETTER – some hints on how to improve your home security … protect your personal property when out and about, and generally get you all to become security minded. Because it is usually forgetfulness, or complacency, that provides the loophole for the OPPORTUNIST thief.

Before I cause offence with the opening words of this first article, I hasten to explain that the phrase is that of a burglar who goes on to say “people don't care until it's too late – for us opportunist, pot-luck burglars it's easy to find a way in … a door or window left open. The rest is simple … watch and wait. They go out, I go in and “do” the whole place in seven minutes flat.”

Well, there you are, straight from the horse's mouth. Seven minutes is all he needs. And doubtless many of you harassed housewives take twice, or three times as long (excluding the chat) when “just nipping along to the shop” or “just popping over to so-and-so's.” Recognise the phrase or thought? I am sure you do, but how many of you don't bother to lock up because you think you won't be long?

Now, it would be all very well for me to say “Buy this, that, and the other.” because before you know it you've totted up a sizeable bill, and you drop the whole idea. So I'm back to square one with you as vulnerable as before. My aim is to indicate the best methods, with a few alternatives, so that when you do think about increasing security you spend cash in the right direction.

All physical security devices – ie window locks, door locks, grilles etc – are only as secure as the material on which they attach. So we must examine our homes for badly fitting windows and door frames … is wood rot present? Are the hinges and stays properly screwed in? If they are not, then don't put off the repair too long. After all, it is easy to prise a catch or hinge from rotten timber. Not so easy if it is sound. And don't forget other easy entry points like pre-fabricated panels, skylights, cellar flaps etc.

While I mentioned earlier about cost, there is one area where cost should not deter – and that is the final exit door. Now this is probably an unusual expression to the uninitiated, but I refer to the door one leaves by when leaving the house. You see we don't all use the front door as the way out, particularly if it is more convenient to get to the car another way.

That door should carry a good quality deadlock – and good quality means AT LEAST 5 LEVER (or 6 PIN) or CONFORMING WITH BS 3621/80. These specifications should be quoted when ordering a lock. DON'T BE PUT OFF WITH ANYTHING LESS.

Having made sure of that final exit – which now cannot be opened from outside or inside without a key – we can turn to the other exit door(s).

I am sure that a considerable number of outside doors carry bolts that are adjacent to glass panels. So it must follow that if the glass is broken then one can draw a bolt from outside or likewise turn a key if it is left in the lock. So the remedy here is, first, DON'T LEAVE THE KEY IN THE LOCK. Then consider fitting good mortice security bolts top and bottom as an addition to, or replacement for, those ordinary barrel bolts.

9By now some of you are thinking “If they want to get in they will” and/or “I've got nothing to steal.” But if you consider that the contents of your home are, generally speaking, similar to those in homes around you … TV, stereo, binoculars, transistor radios, etc etc … why should the thief pick on your home as opposed to theirs.

The answer is – if you make it easy, or give him the clues (newspapers, circulars etc left in the letterbox all day) he will. So:-

• Don't leave the window open for the cat.
• Don't leave the spare key under the flower pot.
• Don't leave the spare key on a piece of string inside the letterbox or some “equally clever hiding place.”

DO THINK SECURITY and remember “with too many keys, security flees.” DON'T MAKE IT EASY for the thief. Don't help him to help himself.

Cheerio for now – will chat again in the next issue.

Sergeant Pat Cousins

I believe the village of Charfield has been given the opportunity on more than one occasion to enter the Best Kept Village competition.

Taking a look around at the litter and mutilation of trees planted to improve our environment makes one think that Charfield will NEVER be able to claim the distinction of Best Kept Village. But even if this cannot be achieved, surely for the benefit of everyone we should all make a special effort to protect, not cut down, or lop severely, our few remaining trees and avoid, perhaps most important, dumping garden rubbish on any open space wherever it may be.

Apart from the fact that this is breaking the law, how unsightly it all becomes and it is detrimental to the whole village. Tidying up one's own garden and “dumping” on somebody else's land is no doubt due more to thoughtlessness than un-neighbourliness. If we don't want to look at it, neither do our neighbours.

How appreciative we should be of the privilege we have in living in such a lovely part of England and we must do all we can to preserve it, be it in our own gardens or the countryside around us.

If the Best Kept Village Prize is expecting too much, as this is the Centenary Year of St John's Church and the Flower Festival, which it is hoped will attract many visitors, let us campaign to clean up the village.

THIS MIGHT BE SUGGESTED AS A PROJECT FOR THE YOUTH, COMBINED WITH A BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION.

How many share my views?

Rosa Gunning (Mrs)

10

I am sure that you all at one time or another have felt the thrill of the circus rolling into town … children and adults flocking to the arena to watch the daring artistes do their level best to defy gravity.

Well, now on SATURDAY JULY 11th you will have the chance to relive that experience once again as your Sports and Gala Day Committee brings to YOU from the farthest flung corners of Avon, Gloucestershire – and indeed the world – the incomparable … the death-defying – but wait, what is that high above the arena? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a careless hang-glider pilot? No! It's the super Medinis!!

The two brothers come from a family which has been involved with the circus for some 250 years and they themselves have toured the world. Their repertoire forms the centrepiece of a show which will undoubtedly be truly Five-Star entertainment for Charfield to celebrate its 21st – Coming of Age – Sports and Gala Day.

* The Medinis' Burning Rope escape
* The Medinis' present the world's only human spider
* Badminton Parachute Club (dropping in for a visit)
* Gymnastic display by the Army Apprentice College (Chepstow)
* Official opening by Richard Wyatt, star of HTV

All this plus stalls, sideshows, vintage cars and engines … in short LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

See you there come rain, hail, snow … or sun!

Tom Magner (PRO)
x, Katherine Close

As winter slips away leaving behind a rather wet and soggy trail we are all looking forward to better and warmer weather.

Our busy month of April began on the 2nd with the annual WI Birthday Party – 53rd to be exact … sit-down meal with entertainment in the Village hall with members all helping to make it a success.

On April 7th – this being the Year of the Handicapped Person – we are entertaining children from the Sheiling School, Thornbury to a party in the hall when we hope they will have a few hours of fun. Besides our usual WI meeting, also in April, we are hoping to raise funds towards St John's Centenary Year where they are planning a festival of Flowers in June to mark the occasion. Rather a busy month don't you agree?

We are compiling a scrapbook on the village called “Into the Eighties” and wonder if anyone took a photograph of the brickwork chimneys being demolished. We would, of course, reimburse any expense. Also, is there anything interesting you feel should be included in this book?

We are hoping to complete it by June when it will be displayed in the Church during Festival Week.

May Day will soon be here and you will no doubt be coming along to the Playing Field to join in the Festivities. We hope to see you (and, of course, old friends of the WI).

Jumble mania seems to have got hold once more. We have been asked, with Young Wives help, to raise money for Sports Day expenses, so do come along. The date has not yet been fixed but it will probably be sometime in May.

Pat White
President

11

We thought that it might be useful to re-state the role that we try to fulfil within the community, and also to give names and addresses of people who can be contacted if you require information.

The purpose of the scheme is to draw to the attention of the Senior Citizens and the disabled the services which are available – home helps, social security entitlements, aids for mobility etc. These are services which are not necessarily well known, but which for some people in certain situations can be of considerable help.

We will also do our best to advise and help but there will be a strict limit as to what can be offered.

As everyone knows we can only help if problems are drawn to our attention THIS IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.

Many Senior Citizens and disabled people are admirably cared for by their family, friends and neighbours. Our role is to help these friends when we can.

Recently we have been able to divide responsibility for the various facets of work between several members of our Group.

IF YOU SHOULD WANT INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THEM

It is with regret that we are having to reconsider the prices for use of the hospital car scheme. As soon as this has been discussed by the committee – who will consider the recent rise in petrol prices and usage of the scheme – we will publish our new policy.

CHEAP WOOL: There is available good quality wool, in a wide range of textures and colours, from Age Concern. The price is approximately 75 per cent of normal shop price. If you would like to see the catalogue contact Lynne Harris (W-u-E xxxx).

It is with great pleasure that I take over as chairman of Charfield Young Wives for yet another year. The group is now in its 11th year and is flourishing with a membership of approximately 80.

We look forward to another entertaining and eventful year – including a coach trip to Keynsham Garden Centre on May 21st. Our year also incorporates two coffee mornings and our annual coach trip to London on November 14th.

Talks include: skin care, microwave cookery, and the collection of inexpensive antiques.

We are always pleased to welcome new members – our annual subscription is 75p with 20p fee charged at the door each month. Anyone interested in joining and wishes to find out more please contact:

[** Text missing]

12

Calling all gardeners in the Charfield area.

In order to widen the interest in the Newsletter, and to foster a feeling of belonging, it has been suggested that a gardening forum – through the medium of its pages – should be started.

Over recent decades gardening has become one of the country's largest industries … contribution in many ways to the economy, and in particular saving the country approximately £300 million on its import bill.

Garden centres have sprouted like mushrooms and its ancillary products must engage thousands of workers producing tools, grass-cutters and greenhouses etc.

To start this column off we must admit that we are far from expert, so we will expect some difference of opinion, and at times possible some controversy. But what is most essential about this idea is that you put your point of view and air your ideas to make it the success we sincerely hope it will be.

Today the cost of buying plants or cuttings is quite prohibitive so this column can become an avenue for an exchange of plants or cuttings. This can only be done if you are prepared to participate.

You see, what we are keen to start is a service to the gardeners of Charfield – a service that is constructive, friendly and cheap to run. Apart from administrative costs, which should be quite minimal, any funds left over could be used to support local groups and perhaps in particular the extension fund to the village hall.

PERHAPS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE WE COULD START A GROUP OF LEISURE GARDENERS, AFFILIATED TO THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF ALLOTMENTS AND LEISURE GARDENERS LTD – which is another item for discussion.

We suppose it is true to say that there are more vegetables being grown today than ever before. Remember during the war the Government's “Grow for Victory”? so 1981 is very reminiscent of those days but for entirely different reasons – i.e. the prohibitive price of vegetables.

If as a result of this column we get good support, the possibility of organising two flower and vegetable shows each year – the first to coincide with Charfield's Sports Day in July (maybe we are a little late to think about it this year) and a second show which could be arranged for November is quite a possibility.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Your letters, ideas and suggestions will be most welcome so please don't be slow in coming forward. We appeal for anything and everything you have to say.

Now here are a few suggestions for the next three months:-

April: Most flowers and vegetables grown for summer use can now be sown in the open. Plant main crop potatoes, reducing the number of sprouts on each tuber to two or three strong ones.
Watch for signs of Big Bud on blackcurrants. A spray with lime sulphur is a certain cure.
Sow under glass … runner beans, marrows and ridge cucumbers.
Prick out tomato and celery seedlings.
Harden off brussels sprouts and plant out celery and other seedlings as soon as possible.
Sow beetroot at the end of month. Sow broccoli between now and mid-May on firm ground.
Sow maincrop carrots and cauliflower. Sow marrows on a hot-bed.
Keep the Dutch hoe moving to free ground of weeds and open to allow air, sunshine and rain to penetrate the ground.

13MAY: Where deficiencies have occurred in the seed bed, fresh sowings may be made immediately.
Thin out seedlings.
Dwarf French beans and runner beans should be sown for maincrop.
Sow broccoli for spring and autumn cutting.
Plant out brussels sprouts and cabbages sown in March.
Plant out celery in prepared trenches.
Tomatoes may be set out if weather is genial.
Cauliflowers and lettuce should be planted out at every opportunity.

JUNE: Crops will grow rapidly now, but not as quick as weeds. So keep the hoe handy.
If you decide to water, this should be done thoroughly or not at all.
Continue to plant out brussels sprouts.
Cabbage for autumn cutting should be sown.
First early peas should be sown now for harvesting in September. This sowing can be quite profitable.
Plant spring-sown brassicas, sprouts, broccoli, kale and savoys at every opportunity.
Tomatoes, vegetable marrows and ridge cucumbers should be finished as early in month as weather will permit.
Plant out lettuce, cauliflower and early broccoli as the opportunity occurs

Looking forward to hearing from you

Just two amateur gardeners

Bert Oldland, xx Cotswold View
Bill Goff, xx Underhill Road

Letters please to the editor at xx Underhill Road.

With fewer children of playgroup age in the village we are now in a position to offer three sessions per week for children attending morning playgroup.

I think this will be of a great advantage to the children and to the Playgroup as a whole. We will have a more regular group of children and will be able to attempt more long-term activity with craft etc.

In order to plan our playgroup we need to have children's names on the waiting list as young as possible. So please let your new neighbours and friends in the village know about this.

Playgroup is a wonderful way of making friends for the family as a whole, so I as sure any newcomers will be grateful to know about it.

We are holding a nearly-new sale of summer clothes and toys on Tuesday, April 7th – which will also include Strings and Things exhibition and sale.

Our annual Balloon Race is planned for Saturday May 16th – in the morning. Everyone has a chance of winning and it is great fun to watch the balloons sail away. There will be market stalls, bran tub for the children … something for everyone.

A Wood
Playgroup leader

14

During the months since Christmas the Group has not been idle and several worthwhile activities have been carried out.

Over the weekend of February 7/8 a team of Scouts competed in the Unicorn Trophy Hike. Organised by Bristol University Scout and Guide Association it embraced troops from all over Avon. OUR TEAM CAME FIFTH.

The Tiger Pack organised a Blue Peter bring and buy sale which was a great success. They then went on to organise a Wide Game on February 28th to which they invited the Lion Pack. The game was arranged with the help of the Scouts and Venture Scouts. The theme was Romans and Britons and concluded with games and banquet.

On March 21st we held our annual Spring Fayre at Cromhall Village Hall. We would like to thank everyone who helped make it a success.

The annual general meeting of the Group will take place at Scout HQ beside Cromhall Village Hall on April 8th. Will all people with an interest in the Group please try and attend. Your support is welcomed and greatly needed.

Our major event of the year – the CLAY PIGEON SHOOT on Reg Baker's farm – will be held on May 10th. Once again any offers of help will be most welcome. Even if you cannot help do come along for the fun and have a good day out with the family.

MARKSMEN GET OUT YOUR GUNS – COME AND KEEP US BUSY …

Scouting is a voluntary movement and we are always looking for offers of help, both uniformed and lay help with other activities.

Here is a short questionnaire. If you think you can, or would like to, help in any way please tick the item/s and return to:-

Alan Smith
Group Scout Leader
xxx Manor Lane
Charfield
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

1. As a Warranted leader
2. As an instructor.
3. As a committee member.
4. Occasional help at meetings.
5. Occasional help with activities.
6. Training and testing of boys in specific subjects.
7. Fund raising activities.
8. Repairs and maintenance of HQ and equipment.
9. Transport.
10. Secretarial work.
11. Assistance at Social functions.
12. Special skills, qualifications etc that may be of use to the Group.
13. Help in any other way than above.

Name	…
Address	…
Tel:	…

15

THIS IS AN INVITATION to all the over-60's in our village to come and join what I consider to be the HAPPIEST CLUB in the area. On meeting days it is like the gathering of the clans, everyone happy and contented (It's the tea that does it) from the moment they enter the hall up to the time we say our farewells at about 4 pm.

IF YOU LIVE ALONE you may say “Oh, if only I had someone to go along with I'd be pleased to join them.” Well, you can. At the end of this report there are names and addresses of people you can contact and who will be pleased to assist you. Quite a number of members live in the Charfield Green and Little Bristol areas who I am sure you will know.

WHAT DO THEY DO AT THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB? From the moment you enter you will be met by one of the Committee – or, no doubt, it will be myself. You will be introduced to members close at hand. BUT, I have found that from this very moment someone will say “Why, there's Mrs (Mr) So & So” … from then on you are one of us.

Our secretary, Mrs Bennett works very hard arranging for entertainers etc to come along and brighten our “miserable” lives. Then there is our treasurer, Mr Sidney Smith, who is also our Secretary and the one who arranges all our coach outings during May up to October generally, as well as our theatre trips to the Bristol Hippodrome.

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS our membership has increased considerably and I hope it will continue to do so. I am hoping for your support … help us make 100 members on our Membership Roll.

THERE IS ONE great advantage enjoyed by the Club. We have, I am pleased to say, Mrs McGonnigill of the Wotton-under-Edge Citizens' Advice Bureau as an Hon Member and if you have any problems she is there to help you at our meetings. And, with today's high bus fares to Wotton, this is an item our members appreciate.

NOW, THAT IS OUR INVITATION to join us. We will be pleased to welcome you at any of our meetings.

These are held in the Memorial Hall every Wednesday fortnight – April 8th, April 22nd, May 6th etc – starting at 2.30 pm.

Cheerio for the present. R Isherwood, x Severn Close, Falfield 26xxxx

Secretary: Mrs A Bennett, xx Thames Close, Falfield 26xxxx

Treasurer: Mr S Smith, xx Manor lane, Falfield 26xxxx

Please do not stop saving all those postage stamps. They are always needed and I will be very grateful for any (however few) you are able to let me have.

Just drop them through my letterbox at xxx Manor Lane, Charfield.

Mrs Marion Smith

TEASER ANSWERS

1. Bristol: 2. London: 3. Gloucester: 4. Manchester: 5. Leeds: 6. Newcastle: 7. Ipswich.

16

The annual parish meeting was held in the Memorial Hall on Thursday March 26th. As was pointed out by the Parish Council Chairman, Mrs S C Barrance, this was different to ordinary meetings, or the annual general meeting of the council, in that it provided an open forum for participation by the residents.

Although necessarily much time was taken by the presentation of various statutory reports, time was allocated for general discussions, comments, questions etc. District councillor, Mrs J Bennett, and County councillor, Mr A J Honeybourne, were present and contributed much to the discussions.

The accounts and reports of the village trusts, the Memorial Hall Management Committee and the National School Foundation were presented and the accounts of the Parish Council were approved subject to audit.

A number of reports were submitted by various organisations and clubs within the village and it was hoped that any new residents at the meeting would benefit from the knowledge of the activities and aims of some of the clubs.

Parish Council meetings are held in the Church Room at Charfield School at 7.30 pm every second Tuesday in the month. It is quite in order for anyone at attend these meetings and “public participation” appears on every agenda so that points can be raised or comments made.

However if you would like the Parish Council to act on your behalf please contact any of the councillors, or the clerk (as listed). Names and addresses of councillors and clerk are permanently displayed on the village notice boards.

Mrs S C Barrance, xxxx House, Wotton Road … Falfield 26xxxx
Mr R K Baker, xxxx Farm, Churchend … Falfield 26xxxx
Mrs A F Beer … W-U-E. xxxx
Mrs M C Burden, xx Avon Road … Falfield 26xxxx
Mr C H T Goscombe, xxx Merlin Haven, Wotton-U-Edge … W-U-E. xxxx
Mr S C Gunning, xx Manor Lane … Falfield 26xxxx
Mr J G Hatt, xxxx, Charfield Hill … Falfield 26xxxx
Mr D W Parker, xx Durham Road … Falfield 26xxxx
Mr J G Poskett, xx Charfield Green … Falfield 26xxxx
Clerk: Mrs J K Hughes, x Berkeley Close … Falfield 26xxxx

17

Once again the Hall Management Committee have organised a fun-day for the people of Charfield – especially the children – with two objectives:

A local village day of fun and games.

To help raise some money towards the new bar/skittle alley extensions of the village hall.

EVENTS

Hockey's the Name – But Not the Game

FANCY DRESS HOCKEY of mixed teams – any age – any club, pub, organisation, street, road, close

IN FACT ANYONE CAN ENTER A TEAM

Entrance fee is £1 per team with prizes for Best Fancy Dress and winning team

Hockey sticks and largish soft ball provided

Refreshments on sale

Contact: Mrs Jane Hall, x Berkeley Close, Falfield 26xxxx

MAYPOLE DANCING

Maypole dancing by the very young who (we hope) will also be judged for their Bonny Bonnets.

By kind sufferance of your Playgroup

CHILDREN's VARIETY SHOW

15p admission: 4 pm start

Live entertainment with games, fun, music etc by the Leyhill Lads entertainments group. On stage in your own Village Hall.

followed by:

CHILDREN'S DANCE to a real music group – all included in the above 15p.

Refreshments on sale.

18OTHER MAYDAY ATTRACTIONS

Swingboats … bouncing air mattress … wellie whanging … Candyfloss … popcorn … hot dogs … playbus … and

‘Take it home to tea’ stall – not to be missed.

Silver collection

SPECIAL STAR RAFFLE

Large hand-made DOLL'S HOUSE with hand-carved furniture – craftsman built and painted.

Would cost a fortune to buy

PINK TICKETS FOR THIS GIRL'S PRIZE

and

Large hand-made garage with carved fittings Craftsman built and painted

Would cost fortune to buy

BLUE TICKETS FOR THIS BOY'S PRIZE

COST: 10p only

Both these prizes have been built in the craftshop by Leyhill prisoners and have been donated to the Hall Management Committee for this event.

Refreshments on sale

CHILDREN'S POSTER COMPETITION

A prize of £1 for the winner of each age group – plus prizes for runners up and merit awards.

AGE GROUPS – age as of April 1st 1981

Up to six years
Seven and eight years
Nine to eleven years

THEME

PAINT or CRAYON a poster for MAYDAY to advertise our MAYDAY MADNESS.

Use any of the information in these yellow pages – any shape, size or paper

Entries to: x Berkeley Close
or
xxx Manor Lane

by April 24th 1981

19MAYDAY MADNESS Programme

All other attractions will start at 2.00 pm and run continuously.

Refreshments will be on sale throughout the afternoon

PLEASE COME AND ENJOY YOURSELF BY SUPPORTING YOUR VILLAGE HALL

20

Dear Parents

The PTA recently held a Folk Dance in the school hall, which was very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We have also had a very interesting open meeting with a talk and film given by Mrs Storey, our local Health Visitor.

Our next fund raising event will be our Annual Spring Fayre, to be held in the school on Saturday, May 16th. Anyone willing to make items for the handicraft stall and needing help in the provision of materials etc., please contact any Committee member or myself.

The school would like the PTA to provide two table tennis tables and if anyone knows where we can purchase either a good secondhand one or a new one at a reasonable cost please contact either myself or Mr Malpass.

The PTA has offered to decorate some of the classrooms during the early part of the summer holidays, if any mum or dad, or any interested person would like to help, would they contact either myself or Roger Smith W-U-E xxxx.

Margaret Clarke
xx Underhill Road
Falfield 26xxxx
PTA Secretary

A Committee of the Parish Council is once more meeting to consider what arrangements can be made for this coming August when, as on previous occasions the venue will be the building in the school playground, now known as the “Foundation Room”.

The Committee will unfortunately not have the services this year of two of our experienced “stalwarts”, Mrs M Smith and Mrs S Lapham, though we thank them warmly for their past services.

Whatever form the 1981 Playscheme takes, we will as usual be functioning on a voluntary basis and assistance from any adult will be much appreciated. Basically, we shall be concentrating on the Primary School age range but we would be interested in sponsoring any allied project for the KLB age group if there was a core of volunteers available, and such a project could possibly be entitled something on the lines of: “Charfield Youth Activities”. However it could be borne in mind for the future even if we make no headway in 1981.

With regard to the Playscheme itself, we may find ourselves needing to contend with restrictions on Public Expenditure and so in addition to needing to make a charge, as hitherto, for coach trips and/or admission to places such as Leisure Centres, it may be necessary for us to levy a small charge for daily attendance, if only to offset the cost of squash and biscuits! However we will cross that bridge when we come to it, later in the summer.

Our programme will depend upon what help we can count upon, so do let Mrs Barrance or myself know of anyone willing to help.

David W Parker
Vice-Chairman
Charfield Parish Council

21

A four mile round trip, this walk is based on footpaths shown on Ordnance Survey map sheet ST79, 1 in 25,000 series. As the local climate endows all footpaths with perpetual mud, boots or heavy shoes are recommended.

Starting at the Station Yard, strike purposefully along Station Road, up the track at the end, past Hillside Farm and through the gate into the fields. Follow the track alongside the railway line until you reach the far field boundary (under the power line). At this point the footpath crosses the next field diagonally, heading towards the far left-hand corner of the field, and a footbridge over the Little Avon river. At this time of year the most striking sounds on the sloping fields is the chattering of skylarks hovering over the field proclaiming their territory.

Near the footbridge the river meanders sharply. In years to come an oxbow lake will no doubt form here. Cross the river – which was still swollen from recent rain when I did this walk – and strike out up the field, keeping to its right-hand boundary, towards Dayhouse Farm. After about 200 yards turn right at a gap in the hedge and a crossing over the stream. The fence – possibly once a gate – should be scaled with caution as it is topped with barbed wire.

Bear right past the solitary oak in the middle of the field and the sheep and lambs which graze the rich pasture, heading towards a gate at the bottom of the field and, in the distance, the dark archway of a tunnel under the railway embankment. At the gate bear left past what was once an orchard, and make for the footbridge over the Little Avon. This bridge bears evidence of recent flooding. A bundle of sticks clinging precariously to part of the handrail was reminiscent of a badly-sited moorhen's nest, and sticks and grasses perched high on the banks and nearby trees point the way the torrent had flowed.

Over the bridge, up the field to the top left-hand corner and with extreme care cross the railway line via the stiles. Continue up the left-hand side of this along the sad line of recently felled elms, to emerge through the hedge on to the road. As I paused for breath on the hillside I looked back to see a sparrowhawk winging easily along the valley.

On the road turn right towards Charfield and continue past the turning to Church Farm to the top of the lane and the highest point of the walk. A gate on the right, with a water-trough in the field just beyond the gate, marks the route of the next footpath. As you walk straight through is water-trough, [sic] pause to admire the magnificent views of Gloucestershire – from the Somerset Monument near Hawkesbury, crowning the Cotswold Edge to the East, northwards through Wotton and the Tyndale Monument at Nibley to Stinchcombe Hill near Dursley. Further north May Hill and the Forest of Dean mark the horizon across the river Severn.

Continue directly towards the railway, past the water-trough, until the crossing comes into view at Charfield Hall Farm, then bear left and head straight for it, crossing the line with all caution advised by the notices. These notices vary in age, from one describing penalties of trespassing on Midland Railway Co., property dated 1899, to modern notices describing procedures for crossing with animals or slow vehicles. Perhaps the most useful is the one which simply says “Beware of Trains”.

22Safely over the line, turn left to enter the next field and then bear right, heading across the field towards the lone dead elm (that is if it has not been felled). Halfway to this tree you will join the footpath originally followed from the top corner of the field, to the first footbridge over the Little Avon. At this point either turn left and follow the footpath to the corner and then the track back to Station Road, or turn right and go around again!

As you set off on this walk, please remember to FOLLOW THE COUNTRY CODE, KEEP YOUR DOGS ON THE LEAD AND CHECK ON PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE SPREAD OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. Foot and mouth precautions are not in force at the time of writing but may be when you go out walking.

Dave Beer

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE DISABLED PERSON

Friends of Yercombe are still needed and a special effort is urged for 1981 – the Year of the Disabled. The Friends provide extra services and comforts at Yercombe Lodge and Mr P Ellis will be glad to give further information about the Friends – or receive donations. His telephone number is Falfield 26xxxx.

Events:

Friday, May 1st at 7.30 pm Stinchcombe Village Hall. Fashion Show by Liz Eldridge (Wotton-under-Edge). Tickets £1.25 each – including coffee and gateaux. Tickets LIMITED from Mr Ellis at xx Berkeley Close, Charfield.

Sunday June 28th (afternoon). Grounds of Yercombe Lodge and four other gardens in Stinchcombe village open. Teas available at Yercombe. Plant Stall, crafts sale, band in the Garden.

The Red Cross, which so often appeals for help on behalf of others is now appealing for helpers to make RED CROSS WEEK 1981 the most successful ever.

If you can spare an hour sometime between May 3rd and May 9th please contact our local Red Cross organiser, Mrs Pat Morris, who is searching for dozens of people willing to help with House-to-House and street collections.

She says: “The amount of money we can raise to support our local work among the sick and handicapped depends to a great extent on how many collectors we can find.”

If you can help telephone Falfield 26xxxx – as soon as possible.

CHARFIELD NEWSLETTER is produced by the Charfield and District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

23

Other Useful Information

If any of the above information is incorrect, please contact Mrs M Smith, xxx Manor Lane, or Mr G Thornton, xx Underhill Road.

24

GUARD AGAINST ALL RISK OF FIRE.
FASTEN ALL GATES.
KEEP DOGS UNDER PROPER CONTROL.
KEEP TO PATHS ACROSS FARM LAND.
AVOID DAMAGING FENCES, HEDGES AND WALLS.
LEAVE NO LITTER.
SAFEGUARD WATER SUPPLIES.
PROTECT WILD LIFE, WILD PLANTS AND TREES.
GO CAREFULLY ON COUNTRY ROADS.
RESPECT THE LIFE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

Farmers are legally obliged to allow the public to use all footpaths but this does not give you the right to use them as you would your own garden or even a park.
The footpaths are strictly for walking along or resting, if necessary.

PICNICKING is not allowed. You should remember that a farmer can shoot you dog if it is harassing his livestock.

SO KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 24 sides of A4 paper.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

Minor typographical corrections and presentational changes have been made without comment.

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2016-12-02.