CHADRA

This Newsletter is a very important part of the Residents Association work on behalf of the Village. This is confirmed by the fact that 475 copies have been sold out of a total of 600 houses. This gives an average readership of about 1,500, or approximately 90% of the population.

Although an appeal was made in October last for a volunteer to take Mr. Thornton's place as Editor there was no response, so here I am sitting in the hot seat with my wife undertaking the typing for the next 4 issues. With the help of Mr. & Mrs. Butler doing the duplicating and Mrs. Marion Smith continuing to organise the distribution through our good band of helpers who knock on your door and sell you a copy, the publication is assured for this year, and by next October hopefully someone will take some of the work from us.

We must echo the message of past Editors that this is your Newsletter and it is essential to receive reports and news of local activities so that we can tell you all what is happening in the Village. We also want to publish letters or articles from individuals with views on any subject that has aroused your interest or concern.

Another Christmas has passed and the New Year almost a month old. We hope you enjoyed your Christmas festivities and were able to relax and feel refreshed to face the rest of the winter.

Although the heavy snowfall has made journeys very difficult it has to be admitted that it transformed the Cotswold scenery into glittering beauty. Now we must look forward, and hope all our readers will have a very happy, healthful 1982.

How fortunate we have been during the exceptional inclement weather to have milk on our doorstops, delivered by our local dairy. When we hear of some firms delivering only to a distribution point for collection it makes one realise how extremely lucky we are to have such thoughtful, helpful people serving us here in Charfield. Many, many thanks to D.M. & N.W. Bell for their splendid service to the community.

Please note the next deadline for articles etc., for the April Newsletter is Friday 19th March.

S. Clifford Gunning.

2

The coming of Christmas has again been well and truly celebrated this year. We began with two performances of the older juniors play “C.H.A.O.S” which was anything but! In fact, it was an imaginative, well organised production in which many of the characters were robots, cleverly constructed out of cardboard boxes but human inside!

The two performances of the younger juniors play lent itself to production in the Church, by kind permission of the Rector. It was built around the legend of the three kings, but took a look at the four seasons of the year. A cast of over ninety children was employed in most parts of the Church again with imagination and careful preparation.

The infants concert was twice postponed, finally taking place the day before the end of term, at 9.15 a.m.! Even the very youngest responded well in performing for their parents.

The collections taken at these performances are to be donated to the Intensive Care Unit of the Bristol Children's Hospital. The amount cannot yet be announced because certain expenses in connection with the concerts have to be met.

The parties were much enjoyed and our thanks are due to the teaching and non-teaching staff, the P.T.A. committee and all the mothers who all contributed to their success.

The term ended with a Carol Service for the children (no room for parents unfortunately) entertainment films and the appearance of father Christmas. A good time was had by all, I think.

A very Happy New Year to all!

Mr. D.A. Malpass.
Headmaster.

Many of you will already know that a project has recently been started to provide a Sports Pavilion for the School. We hope to make enough money (about £1,500) to purchase a suitable wooden building by running a variety of fund raising functions over the next two years. Already a successful Wine Tasting Evening has put £70 in the kitty, and we are hoping for a big response from our current “Sponsored Christmas Card Collection”. Two main events will take place during the next term, A Folk Dance (tickets £1.75 from school or committee members) and our Annual Spring Fayre on March 27th.

During the Summer term we intend to revive a past regular P.T.A. event, which I gather expired during the hot Summer of 76, a Midsummer Barbecue. We will be looking to parents and children to provide side shows and entertainment, or more important at the moment, just ideas.

Hope to see you at the Folk Dance – no previous experience required. Note the date Friday 5th Feb.

Norman Haines.
Chairman P.T.A.

3

This article is addressed to those who are parents or teenagers, and in particular to those whose sons or daughters are members of The Outside Inn.

The Outside Inn is an under 18's Bar which opened in Sept. and operates from the basement of The Railway Tavern. The bar was made functional through a lot of hard work by two teenage lads, Billy Gill, and John Lee, John's father Peter, and myself. A jukebox, pool table, and a video machine have been installed, and a soft drinks and sweets bar set up. It has been furnished with surplus furniture from the Pub, also the garden furniture. Whilst it is not always the warmest of places to be on a winters' night, despite the calor gas fire, it is at least warmer and more inviting than the Village Hall porch, the toilets, the 'bus shelters, or even roaming the Streets. The place has atmosphere.

The bar has been operated entirely by four of the older teenagers on a rota basis on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 6.30 to 10.00 p.m. In conjunction with the Youth Club, there was something for the youngsters to do, and a place to go every night of the week with the exception of Sundays.

Membership has been entirely free, but monitored by myself noting ages and addresses. It has been limited to children of comprehensive school age, and membership cards issued. Membership has approached one hundred and for the benefit of those courting someone over the age 18, admission over 18 has been permitted but strictly no alcohol has been allowed on to the premises. The responsibility of looking after the place has been placed entirely with the members. I have, therefore, tried to keep a fairly low profile, and in doing so provided the youngsters with something that they can identify with. One could perhaps be forgiven for thinking that apart from warmer weather what more could they wish for in a Village situated such as Charfield.

However, it seems that a minority, and I emphasise minority of youngsters have chosen to “bite the hand that feeds them”, and it is with some regret that due to the actions of an unknown handful of hooligans, I have decided to close down The Outside Inn.

Vandalism, albeit in my case on a comparatively minor scale, is something I can not abide, least of all at my own expense. It seems that some of the members found the facilities offered to be inadequate, and derived greater pleasure from deliberately scraping the plastic coating from one of the garden chair legs and throwing it into the calor gas fire, which judging from the large dent in the base panel, must have upset someone at sometime. Also three lacerations in one of the bench seats appeared to be more than could be attributed to fair wear and tear. Idle picking of the slightest hint of loose paint on the arms of some of the garden chairs has ensured that these will have to be repainted before the Summer. It also appears that more enjoyment has been obtained from pushing neat little holes with the pool cues through the ceiling above the pool table, than actually playing the game itself. A bag of unopened cement stored in a corner for the completion of the structural work must have proved so offensive to somebody that they chose to break it open and spill some of the contents over part of the floor. And whilst on the subject of the floor, judging by the amount of foot prints up the side of a bar fixture, it was apparently of insufficient area for some of them to walk around in.

4For those youngsters who enjoyed and respected the facilities and amenities offered, I deeply regret that you must be deprived of your enjoyment through the thoughtless actions of others. However, you have been your own watchdogs, and if you recall my comments to you on the opening night, I stated quite clearly that at the first sign of damage, apart from fair wear and tear, I would not hesitate in closing the bar down.

This is now unfortunately the case. My wife and I, along with the Parish Council, and many others thought that the under 18's Bar was a positive step in the right direction towards helping the youngsters of the Village. All I will say in conclusion is let me hear no one say that there has never been anything in the Village for the youngsters, and express my appreciation to John Lee, Billy gill, Sarah Pearce, and Sarah Moss, who have worked hard in helping to get this project off the ground.

John Archer,
Landlord, Railway Tavern, Charfield.

What a pity 98 Club members have been deprived of a meeting place! Send us your comments and we will publish them!
Editor.

Hiliary and Bill would like to say “hallo” and Happy New Year to all the youth of Charfield and surrounding areas. We are your new Youth Leaders and would like to extend a warm welcome to all to come along any Tuesday at 8.00–10.30, or Wednesday evening at 7.30–10.30 in the Village hall. We would like especially to see new members in the 11/13 age group – do come along and join us and the gang that already support us.

We are trying to introduce many new activities and sports within the Club and against other Clubs. We have formed dart teams, both girls and boys, using our new dart board which is one of the new items now in use at the Club.

We would also welcome any suggestions for fund raising events, for our own mini 'Bus. We need this 'Bus very much to enable us to take part in the many competitions and outside events which are now open to us. Our appeal to parents to come forward and offer transport was virtually nil. If the young people want to take part in competitions we must provide transport.

We look forward to your support throughout the New Year. Thank you!

Hiliary Pring.
Leader. Further information 'Phone 26xxxx.

Are you interested in Girl Guides? There is a unit at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday evenings at 6.15 p.m.–7.45 p.m. or Wotton Guide Hut Mon. & Thurs.

Girls of ten-and-a-half are made welcome by me – Ruth Coates, the Guide Guider. Activities include – Pre-promise challenge, various badges, service badges, games and camping. At fourteen the girls can join an active Ranger Unit working for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Further details – 'Phone 045 xxx, xxxx or xxxx.

5

For some considerable time the parish Council has been mindful of the progressive increase of young people in the Village and their desire to have a focal point for social contact with one another.

At the Annual Parish Meeting held in 1979 the then current Private Member's Bill – “Youth and Community” was reflected upon. The Bill intended to make further provision with respect to youth services in the community and participation by youth in community development. The meeting noted that the sponsors of the Bill did not wish to add any immediate further financial burden on Local Education Authorities. Yet, it is of interest to note, although the Bill received both a first and second reading in the House of Commons, it got no further.

As a consequence of the Annual Parish Meeting, an informal Committee of local youth organisations representatives did support the idea of a local part-time or full-time venue, if such facilities could be found. The Parish Council accepted their views, and at the same time acknowledged the good work already undertaken by the Youth Club, the Church and the Chapel, the Scout and Guide Movement, the Sports Clubs and so on.

In consultation with the District Youth Officer, three main points were high-lighted as the basic criteria –

(a) location   (b) accessibility   (c) cost.

A feasibility committee of the Parish Council together with some co-opted parishioners investigated various possibilities and regretfully came to the conclusion that unless a hitherto unavailable building was forthcoming, then cash would be needed to either erect a specially built unit on the perimeter of the playing field, or to develop a further wing of the Charfield Memorial Hall. As far as the latter recommendation was concerned it was noted that the Memorial Hall Committee was already heavily involved in money raising – not only in connection with existing redevelopment plans, but also to support the revenue budget. It seemed, therefore, an inappropriate time to consider the Village Hall, but it did stimulate an idea within the Parish Council that since Charfield was geographically unable to participate fully in facilities available to other parts of the County, why not try and get our own direct grant for the Village Hall from the County of Avon Leisure Committee. At the time of writing this is still “sub judice”, but if the application is successful, it is just a thought for the future unless public expenditure is further curtailed, as seems likely.

Meanwhile, the Parish Council reached an impasse – no location and no money! Even a room would have been of some help and so it was with much appreciation that the Parish Council learned of the initiative from the landlord of the Tavern. By clearing out the basement at the Railway Tavern he provided facilities for a Club Room for young people – but it seems ironic that due to vandalism this very amenity which we had all hoped for should have to close in such a way.

Let us hope that if the Club Room is re-opened that history will not repeat itself!

David Parker.
Chairman, Charfield Parish Council.

6

Due to an increase in numbers because of children reaching their third birthday we have re-opened Playgroup on Wednesday afternoon. A slight increase in fees has been made for 1982.

Morning Session	55p
Afternoon	40p

The sale of nearly new items and wicker-ware products held in October raised £56.29 for Play-Group funds. Another successful fund raising event took place around the Village on a beautiful snowy evening, creating the perfect atmosphere for our Annual Carol Singing. Thank you to all who took part and to those people who gave so generously, enabling us to raise £110, for Play-Group funds and the disabled. Results of the Christmas Draw:-

1st. prize	Christmas Hamper	– Mrs. K. Owen-Thomas (Charfield)
2nd	Tin of Shortbread	– Mr. J. Crew (Bristol)
3rd	Bottle of Sherry	– Mr. J. Fry (Cromhall)
4th	Chocolates	– Mr. K. Large (Churchstoke Powys)

A date for your Calendar – 6th Feb. 2.00 p.m. Jumble Sale. Collectors will be calling during the previous week for jumble, tombola items, books, toys, white elephant, etc. Donations of home-made cakes biscuits, and other produce will be greatly appreciated on the morning of the Sale, please. Thank you!

Babs. Pearn.
Secretary.

The Poppy Day collections for 1981 amounted to £110.56p Mrs. B. Mussell would like to once again thank her “band of helpers” and all who contributed. A special mention for Mrs. E. Marklove, as it was her 25th years as a collector. Individual collections –

Mrs. B. Britton	£12.69.
Mrs. M. Burden	4.75.
Charfield Primary School	14.25.
Mrs. D. Fry	10.86.
Mrs. P. Hawkins	7.03.
Mrs. E. Marklove	6.60.
Miss. D. Mussel	4.89.
Mrs. S. Nixon	13.64.
Mrs. J. Rees	4.38.
Mrs. K. Smith	6.83.
Mrs. M. Smith	12.58.
The Post Office	12.06.

B. Mussell

Thought for January   Resolution!

Another year, another day, More precious hours of living. So let us make best use we can of all this life is giving.
F.V.B.

7

There have been no major issues requiring the attention of your Committee since Dave Beer's Report in the October Newsletter.

The Parish Council has assumed responsibility for taking any initial action required in connection with the proposal to dump waste materials in the old clay workings in Tortworth Copse. Because of disagreements between the parties concerned as to the extent and scope of the undertaking the County Planning Department has twice postponed consideration of the planning application pending the receipt of amended plans. If there should be an unfavourable outcome the Association would wish to support the Parish Council in any way it can, but in the meantime we can only await developments.

The Film Show by the Dursley Camera Club on October 1st. was much enjoyed by the few folks who attended. However, as a fund raising operation it was not a success and resulted in a net loss for the Association. It seems clear that there is no support for this type of event in the Village, and it is unlikely to be undertaken again unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on Nov. 26th, and the presence of the Chairman of the Parish Council David Parker was much appreciated. Officers and Committee for the coming year were elected but three members David Beer, Percy Ellis and Michael Burfield, found themselves unable to continue, and we thank them for services rendered. The appeal in the Oct. Newsletter for a volunteer Editor produced no result, but we are indeed fortunate as Clifford Gunning has agreed to undertake this task for the next 12 months. Also we were pleased to welcome a new member of the Committee Mr. Keith Smith of Newtown.

With regard to the financial situation created by the purchase of a replacement duplicator I am happy to report that we have received a grant in aid from the Avon Community Council and it is hoped that the Parish Council will also be able to help. A Jumble Sale will be held on 6th March, the proceeds of which should further reduce our indebtedness, so please continue to support the Association by buying the Newsletter. Any volunteers for the Committee (which is under strength) or suggestions to improve the publication would be much appreciated.

Geoff Blower
Chairman.

Seen in the porch of All Saints Church, Evesham.

Try this Church for a month.
If you don't like the good news
your sins will gladly be refunded.

Seen in the porch of the Marble Church, Bodelwyddan. N. Wales.

Everytime I pass a Church
I pay a little visit
So when at last I am carried in,
The Lord won't say – “who is it”

8

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Members and friends a Very Happy New Year.

Our Annual Bazaar in November wasn't as successful as 1980, but thanks are due to all those who contributed and supported us – we hope they will do so again this year!

The Group Carol Service at Cromhall in December was well attended and it was particularly gratifying to see 24 attended from Charfield.

We look forward to a very full and varied programme in 1982, and we hope to make many new Members. A friendly welcome awaits at any of our meetings held the second Thursday in each month in the Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. So if you have not yet joined to please come along and bring a friend.

J. Hutley.
President.

Hello again! I hope by now that the snow has melted. We still haven't seen any at all here. In fact over the Christmas period, Penzance was the warmest place in the U.K. Everyone down here says how cold it has been for Penzance, but we still haven't even seen any ground frost yet! There are still geraniums flowering in some gardens.

By the end of Sept. the holiday crowds had gone home and the town of Penzance had settled back into it's winter routine. It is certainly a very active town; there are numerous concerts and amateur dramatic groups giving superb performances. Also dozens of Jumble Sales each month! It is certainly a very friendly town. Perhaps that is why we have all been so affected by the terrible Penlee Lifeboat Disaster. The first we knew of it was when we were woken up early Sunday morning by the Sea-King helicopter landing in the cricket field behind our house, the nearest open space to the hospital, to bring the bodies in. They continued to come in all day. We went down to the sea-front, but I can't really describe the empty feeling we felt. We saw the broken remains of the lifeboat being towed into Newlyn that evening. People were just standing around, not morbid curiosity – disbelief more like. You can see the Penlee Lifeboat Station from Penzance Promenade. Everything seemed so unreal. I've never experienced a feeling like it before. We had intended to go to Mousehole to see the lights, but we just couldn't intrude. The response to the disaster fund is amazing – so you know all the shops in town gave their Staff Christmas boxes to it. We had thought of visiting Mousehole on the eve of the 23rd Dec, known here as Tom Bawcocks Eve. That is the night they serve Star Gazey pie in the Pubs there. The story goes that many many years ago, there was a great shortage of fish, and the Villagers were starving. Then Tom Bawcock, one of the fisherman made a final attempt and went out and returned with nets full of seven different kinds of fish. To celebrate every year they bake Star Gazey pie, containing the seven different fish, cooked with a pastry crust, but with the fishes heads and tails sticking up through the crust.

9I enjoy having the newsletter forwarded to me here, I don't feel so out of touch with the village. I do hope that you succeed in keeping the Old Clay Pit as it is – it is such a beautiful place, and so full of wildlife. We used to go there on many a Summer evening and just sit and watch the rabbits, kingfishers, and moorhens. There are so few secluded corners left in this country let this one remain as it is!

Cheers!

Sue Lapham

Since Mid-November 1981 there have been changes in Old Age Pension Rates, Widows Pensions, Supplementary Benefits, Family Income Supplement, and other benefits drawn from the Department of Health and Social Security resulting in confusion and worry for many people. At C.A.B. we have all the latest information in our files and so we have been able to explain and give help to the many clients who have asked for our assistance to clarify their problems.

It is not generally known that we can help with legal inquiries and, if necessary, provide a free legal service for those who need a trained Solicitor's advice. Appointments can be made through the Bureau.

The Organiser will continue to attend the Friendship Club meetings in the Village Hall to assist Senior Citizens with any problems they may have, so saving them the hassle and expense of travelling to the bureau at Wotton-under-Edge.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is, of course, a service for ALL age groups and we feel that both parents and teenagers should know that we will be happy to counsel and advise on any aspect which may be worrying them. Sometimes it just helps to discuss a problem with an informed and sympathetic “outsider” who can bring an unbiased look to the situation. We offer free and confidential advice on all matters. C.A.B. is completely independent and so can take up any issue, and if further help from a Specialist or other Agency is called for we will know exactly who to contact. We offer a service to every member of the community – young or old. So try us – we are here to help.

Your nearest C.A.B. is at Berkeley House, Long street, Wotton-under-Edge, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (Tele. Wotton-under-Edge 3210.)

At other times telephone Stroud 2084 where C.A.B. is open Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Dursley C.A.B. is open each Friday 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. The Tabernacle, Parsonage Street, Dursley. (Tele. Dursley 47370)

We extend our best wishes for 1982 to all citizens.

Jean McGonnigill.
Organiser.

10

The Management Committee is increasingly concerned about the damage being done to the Memorial Hall and would like all parents to please note that in future we intend to press charges.

Is anyone interested in taking over the running of the “200 Club” as from the beginning of March. Without the “200 Club” the Hall funds will lose £1,000 a year, which would mean a very heavy increase in the hire rates.

Also we are looking for someone who is willing to become the licencee for the proposed bar in the Hall.

If anyone is interested in either of these jobs please contact me as soon as possible. Finally, the Management Committee would like to thank Mrs. Jonas and her band of willing helpers (all ladies!) for their magnificent work in painting the inside of the Hall.

Mrs. M. Clark.
Secretary. Falfield 26xxxx.

In the last issue of the Newsletter the Charfield Memorial Hall and Playing Field Committee appealed for plants and shrubs to plant in the borders around the Car Park. Result – Nothing! If the committee are prepared to try and make the frontage of the Hall attractive surely some of us have some plants or shrubs. Please contact Mrs. Clark – telephone above. The Editor.

What is in store for us in 1982. We hope something better than last year – right now drier weather. We would like to welcome new members to our meetings, so make an effort to see many old friends and maybe new acquaintances.

Since the last “Newsletter” our members have visited the South Coast and the Savernake Forest. Unfortunately, high winds brought down many boughs that blocked the roads, and Mother Nature was slow turning the trees from Summer green to Autumn tints, but the trip and the company were good.

One of our annual events is our Christmas Dinner Party, nothing lavish, but very enjoyable. There were entertainers from Bristol with Carols on the piano with community singing. It was a very pleasant afternoon with the Young Wives waiting at table for us.

The hall itself was decorated by Friendship members, although yours truly is a Management Committee Member, a fact the Committee hasn't overlooked.

On Jan. 21st we shall be going to Bristol Hippodrome to the Musical “Annie”, so it's another get-to-gether afternoon.

On Jan. 13th or Jan. 27th we shall be hoping to welcome new members or visitors at our meetings.

Ernest H. Orton.
Chairman. Falfield 26xxxx.

11

Mr. David Parker fulfilled a life-long ambition when he was ordained a Priest in the Church of England Ministry on 20th December, 1981.

A one time choir boy and later altar server he was accepted by the then Bishop of Gloucester in 1941 as a candidate for the Ministry. However, the war intervened and he served in the Royal Navy. After the war he experienced difficulties in pursuing his Theological training and so resumed his original career in local government administration. For the past 25 years he has been a trained Social Worker in the Gloucester and Avon Social Services, specialising in mental health and child care. During the last four years he has undertaken part-time studies through the Gloucester Theological Course culminating in a full term Course at the Salisbury and Wells Theological College. During this period he has served as a lay reader. On the completion of his studies he was ordained in Gloucester Cathedral as a Deacon on Oct. 4th 1981 Revd. Parker says he is sure his experiences during the past 40 years will stand him in good stead in his new calling. He will maintain contact with social work by representing the Deanery in the newly formed Diocesan Council for social responsibility. The Revd. Parker will continue to live in Charfield while serving the Cromhall and Tortworth Parishes as Curate on an honorary basis and give part-time help to the Chaplain of Leyhill prison and the Eastwood Park Detention Centre.

He will continue to serve the Parish in a secular capacity through the Charfield Parish Council, and the Primary School Governors.

All good wishes Revd. Parker. We all wish you well.

Congratulations to Mrs. Ethel Dodd, of Berkeley Close, Charfield, on gaining your B.A. Degree through the Open University. Well done! What a shining example to us all.

Once again thanks to all the ladies who took part in the sponsored jog on October 27th, also to the many kind people who sponsored them. We were able to raise £34.26 for the Village Hall, and are hoping to purchase some new curtains in the near future.

Keep fit is held every Tuesday at 10.30 a.m. in the Village Hall under the supervision of Mrs. Lesley Holland, xx Bearlands, Wotton under Edge. Telephone W.u.E. xxxx.

Mrs. A.M. Poskett.

Advanced Notice – Sat. 22nd May – SPRING FAYRE.
Further details in April Newsletter.

12

Why not come and join us. Any enquiries to – Miss. M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Tel. Falfield 26xxxx

Songs at Midnight.
And at Midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God.

Believers often receive precious nighttime melodies. The psalmist said, I call to remembrance my song in the night and at midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous ordinances. Ps. 77–6, 119–62

Songs of gladness may come to us when we perform a Christlike deed.

Once the hymnwriter George Herbert went to join some companions who had gathered to play their musical instruments and have a time of delightful relaxation. Along the way, however, he stopped to help a stranger whose cart was stuck in the mud. His clothes became soiled, but he hurried on his way without changing them because he was late. Arriving at the home of his friend he was greeted with the words, “Come in but you've missed all the music”. The poet smiled and said, “Yes, but I'll have songs at midnight”.

Some people are given joyful hearts as a reward for faithful service and patient endurance of persecution. This was true of Paul and Silas. Sitting cramped on a stone floor with their feet fastened in crude stocks and their backs smarting from the Roman lash, they reflected in the quiet of the midnight hour upon their high calling and glorious destiny. The words of hymns they had memorized came to their minds, and they lifted their voices in praise to God.

Even while experiencing pain or grief, we too can sing in the darkest night. Whether gladness comes to us as a reward for a sacrificial deed or for steadfastness in adversity, its wonderful to have songs at midnight.

If you trust God in the dark He will change your midnight into music.

13

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Rector's letter is now not available for this Newsletter, and the following has been written in his absence.

The Christmas Services were very well attended, and we were able to send a total of £83. to the Royal Commonwealth Society for the blind for use in Eye Camps in India.

The family Services held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month are proving very popular. During the Service the small children are taken into the Vestry for a story and a short activity time. The Sunday School is run on a rota basis and if anyone is interested in helping please come along and introduce yourself.

Twelve candidates for Confirmation will be starting classes on 27th January. The Confirmation Service will be held on 28th March at Kingswood. If anyone is interested in joining these classes please contact the Rector or one of the Church Wardens.

Dates and times of Services

14

We should like to thank Mrs. Sue Hamor who opened her home on Nov. 17th for an all day fund-raising Wicker & Wood Party. The profit for us was £23.

The Christmas Lunch was held on Dec. 9th, in the Village Hall. Thanks must go to our Cook Mrs. Amer, and her hard-working helpers, to Mr. Malpass and the Primary School children who entertained us delightfully, and to the many friends who contributed in their various ways to make the occasion such a success.

Mrs. Blower (Falfield 26xxxx) would be very pleased to hear from anyone willing to join the Hospital Transport Scheme. Clearly, the more volunteers we have on the list, the less frequent the calls upon each driver. If you are in difficulty yourself or know of anyone struggling to reach a Surgery or Hospital, please contact Mrs. Blower.

Please note:-

Increased charge from 50p to 65p for return journey to Wotton.
Cost for Frenchay remains at £1.50.
Cost for central Bristol Hospitals £2.00.

Although only one meal is delivered at present in Charfield under the Street Warden scheme, this is taken out twice a week and Lynn Harris (045385 xxxx) would be grateful for additional offers to help on this Rota.

Marjorie Grantham.
Chairman.

Plans and preparations are now well ahead for this year's Sports & Gala Day, and with many new members on the Committee a great deal of energy is being directed towards making 10th July a day to remember! 1982 will see a new format for Sports and Gala Day which will include a mixture of new ideas plus the old favourites. One new idea is the introduction of a theme for the day. This year the theme will be an Olde English Fayre with Stalls and attractions that help contribute to the atmosphere of the day. With this idea in mind may we ask for your help and suggestions in contributing to making the day a success.

1. Ideas and suggestions for Sideshows and Stalls.
2. Volunteers to organise or run Stalls on the day.
3. Your support and enthusiasm both on the day and during the Preparations.

Within the next few weeks you will receive a bulletin detailing information about this year's Gala Day and a reply slip for your ideas and suggestions – note also the £50 REWARD!

We hope to hear from you soon!

Tina Carter.
Jane Jan Hall ('Phone 26xxxx)

15

First let me wish everyone reading this Newsletter a very Happy New Year. Despite an extremely cold night on the 17th Dec. everyone who attended our Christmas Party had a very good time, and I extend many thanks to all my committee members for providing an excellent meal.

Whilst we are suffering this very cold weather let me remind you all of a few meeting dates hoping that when you attend them it will be considerably warmer.

Jan. 21st	– Collecting Inexpensive Antiques.
Feb. 18th	– Lepra – A talk and Film.
Mar. 18th	– A.G.M. and Anniversary Supper.

Any new members will be warmly welcomed. Please just come along to any meeting and enjoy an interesting evening. Refreshments and Raffle are always available.

S.J. Nixon.
Chairman. 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. M. Smith

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If you have not seen the notices in the Post Office or the form in your new Child Benefit Allowance book the Council would like to draw your attention to the fact that this allowance will shortly be paid monthly unless you inform the Authority that you wish to remain on weekly payment. It will not be possible to change back to weekly payment.

Following an accident in Manor Lane which involved a young child on a bicycle, the Parish Council asked both the Northavon District Council Road Safety Officer and the County Engineer & Surveyor's Department for assistance and possible provision of barriers at the entrance to footpaths leading to the central play area. Unfortunately, nothing has been forthcoming. The Parish Council hopes that parents will instruct young children with bikes etc., of the dangers of playing where the paths meet the road, as there is no further official action they can take.

As the District Council had recently changed their policy regarding the availability of full plans relating to planning applications on which the Parish Councils are invited to comment, Charfield Parish Council agreed that the plans to every planning application for Charfield should be obtained for meetings and that expense incurred should be reimbursed.

To date the Parish Council has not received any further information relating to the proposal to tip to fill Tortworth Copse. The latest information from the County Planning Dept. is that the amended proposals have not been submitted by the applicant.

The subject of pedestrian safety on the railway bridge was raised recently by a resident. This is now being followed up by the Council, and approaches have been made to British Rail regarding the general safety of the bridge structure in the light of heavier and heavier lorries using the roads and to the County Council with the suggestion that a separate pedestrian footbridge be provided. The Council will keep residents informed of the progress of this investigation.

Just a reminder that all Parish Council meetings are open to the public and that a public participation item appears on every Agenda. All Parish Councillors names and addresses on notice boards, are only too pleased to assist residents.

The Annual Parish meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall on Thursday 25th March.

Clerk to the Council.

Congratulations and grateful thanks to all our Village Shops for their splendid effort supplying us as far as possible with all our every day needs during the exceptional weather conditions.

Editor.

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If any of the above information is incorrect please contact: Mrs. M. Smith, xxx Manor Lane, or Mr. S. C. Gunning, xx Manor Lane.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 17 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: 2016-12-04.