CHADRA

Well – do you like it! It certainly gives our title page character and links our past history with the present. We all know that Charfield is divided into four parts by the road and railway with the bridge providing means of physical communication. The new heading symbolizes this, and indicates the function of the Newsletter which also provides a means of communication by the written word.

Reading through the variety of items sent in for inclusion in this Newsletter it seems Charfield is an alive, caring, friendly place in which to live. If you are a “new-comer” I am quite sure you will quickly find this to be so, and one or other of the Clubs which you may wish to join will be happy to give you a welcome.

Some of the residents on “Avon Grange Estate” felt they would like to form an Association of their own, but as this Estate is really part of the Village as a whole, and the Newsletter is intended for Charfield & District (CHADRA) we hope to receive articles and comments from new residents as well as others to include in future Newsletters. The more variety of articles we can print the more interesting the Newsletter will become.

A reminder to you to vote on 5th May for Parish Councillors to fill the 9 seats Vacant. Now the District Councils since 1974 cover large areas the work of the Parish Councils is more important.

So the Management Committee of the Village Hall has a new Chairman – Keith Smith. It is difficult to know whether to congratulate him or commiserate. Anyway, we thank him and wish him well. This is a very important job and together with the Committee it is hoped to see the affairs of the Village progress. However, their job is almost impossible without the whole-hearted support of the Village. The Village Hall is important to the life of the whole Community.

Thank you Ernie Orton for stepping into the breach to fill the position of Chairman after last year's A.G.M. fiasco.

S. Clifford Gunning.

PLEASE NOTE LAST DATE FOR RECEIVING ARTICLES FOR JULY NEWSLETTER – MONDAY 21ST JUNE.

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

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Sundays	11.00 a.m.	Family Service
	6.00 p.m.	Evening Worship
Tuesdays	3.00 p.m.	Bright Hour (fortnightly)

Open to all who would like to join us.

Any enquiries to – Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Fal. 26xxxx.

The Power of Prayer

Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Luke 18-1

Is it not a significant thing that we read of Peter sleeping when in the prison and chained to his guards.

Surely this was one part of God's answer to the prayer's of the believers gathered in the house of Mary. Doubtless they prayed that he might be kept in peace in view of what had happened to James.

The second part of the answer to the prayers of the Saints was the loud rat-tat on the door, for there in the person of Peter himself was tangible evidence of the power of prayer. They who prayed then were as surprised at the fact that their prayers had been heard and answered as we are today. Why!

M. Turner.

Most of our readers will remember that we celebrated the centenary of St. John's Church in 1981 – the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone and the commencement of the building work. It was officially opened for worship in 1882.

The centenary was a notable time for us and many within and beyond the Parish will remember it with pleasure. One of the things – THE thing – that we would have liked to do most was to celebrate the event by the purchase of an Organ with more scope and a much greater ability to LEAD singing. The present Organ though good of it's kind, is what is known as a chamber Organ, that is one that was built for a music room in a large private house rather than in a Church. Some people who are, or have been, in Charfield, have gone to Church elsewhere “because of the music”. That is a somewhat vague phrase but I know what lies behind it. With an adequate Organ the congregation are ‘pulled’ along in their singing: there can be none of that “dragging” which is the death of congregational singing. I have heard, as I expect some of you have, examples in various places of good and, let us be polite and say, “not so good” efforts in this respect. Singing is good for you (did you know) and having been a boy Chorister (a few years ago!) in the Church of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, in the City of London (the Church where the Samaritan's Organisation started), I try to make things go with a swing. (Sometimes it comes a little close to ‘swing’ in the narrower sense!).

Now the 3point is that we did not achieve our objective and get a new Organ. It cost £6,000 and many of you heard what we should have got for that as we had a demonstration in Church. It was not an impossible project. 600 people in what is now a large Village willing to donate (or even loan) £10, would have made it possible – a worthy centenary memento for the future. Of course people did give – some gave very generously – £50, I believe. But the total came, I understand, to something in the £700 region – too far from the target to proceed with the plan. One cannot wait indefinitely and it is now nearly two years since we celebrated the centenary. With very heavy expenses for other necessary items to run the Church, and ever rising costs of these items, we could not mortgage the future of our Village Church by getting the Organ and hoping we should have been able to pay for it. Most of us don't run our own personal affairs like that and I would not like the Church to adopt what I would regard as an irresponsible method of housekeeping.

For some time we have been consulting experts in various fields to solve the problem that made us attempt the purchase of a new Organ. I cannot go into all the details! One of the ideas that came to me may well be implemented. It is to provide a sound reinforcement system; a strategically placed microphone, and amplifier, to pick up the sound of the existing Organ and to ‘throw’ the sound down the Church by means of an elevated pedestal loudspeaker. This would increase the volume and solve that problem; but it could not, of course, give the impression that we had a big Organ there with rows of stops because it would be the same Organ. It is thought that this is the best way of solving the problem with the money available and letters have been sent to all those who are known to have contributed. (Some, I understand, did not return the slips providing us with their names and addresses so we are advertising the matter in this way and in the Press). We are asking that they will let us know if they object to their donation being used in this way.

Of course, this letter may result in a sudden rush of donations which will make our original scheme possible! Then we shall think again. But it does seem necessary to inform the interested and the not-so-interested what has happened, is happening and why. Thank you to all who have helped – and to those who may want to!

I cannot close without saying that the Church Family is here to GIVE something primarily – something we believe to be of greater value than anything else in life: the experience of God's love, forgiveness, friendship and deep human fellowship with one another that results from that. If you do not want to give, we hope you will want to receive and share this with us.

Kenneth G. Grant. Rector.

Members please note that we are again running The Toddlers and Teenagers Tombola on Gala Day – July 16.

Any contributions to this Stall will be most welcome.

Ex-Service men and women are cordially invited to join our Branch. Entrance forms from –

Mr. J. Poskett, xx Charfield Green, Fal. 26xxxx
Mr. S. Mussell, x Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx

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ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
CELEBRATION SILVER JUBILEE CHEESE & WINE PARTY
ON FRIDAY JULY 1st 1983 AT 8.00 p.m.
AT ST. JOHN'S IN MARQUEE.

TICKETS – £2.00 each – available from Church Wardens.

Dr. Christine Temme – Fal. 26xxxx – xx Durham Rd.
Mr. Des Wallace – Fal. 26xxxx – xx Manor Lane.

Dear Friends,
July 1983 is an important landmark in our Church and also in the life of this Village. It marks the 25th anniversary of our Rector, the Reverend Kenneth Grant's induction to his Ministry, here in St. John's Church, Charfield.

The Parochial Church Council very much want to mark this occasion by holding a celebration party at St. John's – the details of which are to be found at the beginning of this letter.

Reverend Grant and his late wife Thelma, have both worked very hard for this Parish and those of you, particularly those who have had personal problems, will know how quietly helpful he can be, in an unobtrusive and caring Christian way.

We feel sure that there are many friends both past and present who will be interested to be reminded of this anniversary and who will want to come and celebrate this very occasion with us. Tickets are available from the Church Wardens and may we suggest please, that you should obtain yours soon, to avoid disappointment. Do please come along and help to make this a truly memorable occasion for the Rector and his family. With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,
Christine Temme.
Des. Wallace.

I must start by apologising for failing to contribute to the last issue of the Newsletter. My only excuse is that a School is such a hectic place at Christmas time.

The Christmas Concerts were, in my perhaps biased opinion, again excellent and they did result in us being able to make a donation of £120 to C.L.I.C. The children once again gave a large collection of their toys to children less fortunate than themselves.

When is a School not a hectic place! On the first day of term I was informed that the School had been randomly selected by computer as one of the Schools to be inspected as part of a National Primary School Survey, covering one hundred Schools per year for four years. A little like winning the pools in reverse! Anyway, that is behind us now.

We have unfortunately lost and will shortly be losing some long serving members of the non-teaching Staff. Mrs. Mussell left in October last after 20 years in the School, and Mrs. Fry, more recently after 14 years. 5Now Mrs. Hatherell intends leaving us at the end of this term, after making such an excellent job of cooking the juniors meals for 14 years. We shall find it very difficult to replace her adequately. Just as difficult will be the replacement of Mrs. Palfrey, the School Secretary for 14 years. Having relied on her so much over the years, the School administration will be a muddle when she retires at the end of April, or thereabouts.

If you have not yet registered your child with me to start School, please do so as soon as possible. Children may commence if they have had their fourth birthday on or before 31st August, 1983, either in September or at the beginning of one of the other terms. If in doubt, please enquire.

D.A. Malpass. Headmaster.

Our February Barn Dance proved to be an enormous success and once again was over subscribed. As a result we are now planning an “Open Air Barn Dance and Barbecue” scheduled for June, when, with the help of good weather, we hope! we will be able to cater for everyone who wishes to attend.

With assistance from the local Constabulary and with safety in mind we are helping to organise a Cycling Proficiency Scheme, which is due to commence soon after the Easter break. Further details including dates will be issued by Mr. Malpass shortly.

We still await the arrival of the B.B.C. Micro Computer which has been delayed due to excessive demand outstripping supply. Whilst on the subject of delays, the County of Avon's attitude against self-help Schemes has further delayed progress of our Pavilion Project. A firm decision is currently being sought before a decision on it's future will be made.

Our Vice-Chairman, Peter Jarvis is shortly to take up a new appointment in Portland, Dorset. Peter has been a major contributor to the P.T.A. activities since joining at the beginning of this School year, and Charfield's loss will surely be Portland's gain.

I take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts and wish him success in his new job, and the whole family every happiness in their new home.

Ray Johnson has kindly agreed to be co-opted on to the Committee in Peter's place.

We now turn our immediate attention to THE SPRING FAYRE which is to be held at the SCHOOL on SATURDAY 16th April, at 2.30 p.m.

J.M. Spencer, Chairman.

… to all the Charfield boys who took part in the K.L.B. Marathon 5 A-Side Football Match.

The boys played in relays from 10.15 p.m.–+0.15 [sic] non-stop and raised several hundred pounds for Cancer and Leukaemia.

WELL DONE BOYS!

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On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank all those people who contributed in anyway to the success of our Annual Jumble Sale. We were able to make a profit of £200+

Dates for your Diary:-

Thursday 21st April. 2.00 p.m. at Playgroup.
“Nearly New Sale” – If you have any Summer clothes, toys, books, games, unwanted gifts, etc. you wish to sell, please take them to x Katherine Close, before the day. Educational and creative materials will also be on sale.

Wednesday 18th May. 8.00 p.m. at Playgroup (Congregational Chapel Schoolroom, Wotton Rd.) “Seconds clothes Party” including “Mothercare” and “Marks and Spencers” articles.

Come along and discover whether you have won the ladies/gents watch in our “Guess what time the watch stops” Competition – only 10p a guess.

Babs Pearn. Secretary. Fal. 26xxxx.

Hallo Mums! Gosh doesn't time fly. It's the same every time – I never write my little notes until the deadline. I'd be no good in Fleet Street!

Anyway, several mums have since left the Circle. They are Liz. Wood, Margaret Clark and Carol Wright. Julie Hillier is back on the list, but her number will shortly be changing – so look out on the new list.

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome a new mum to the Circle – Kath Bealing of Charfield Hill. 26xxxx.

We have decided the time has come to type out an up-to-date list, so I shall get that under-way. If any further mums want to drop out please do let me know.

Many thanks and best wishes for a lovely Spring.

Marilyn. 26xxxx.

Many thanks to all who do save their used postage stamps and let me have them to pass to Cancer & Leukaemia in children fund. Mrs. Griffin informs me that she is organising a Sponsored Slim which will run for 4 weeks from 3rd May–31st May. She did one last year which brought in £1,050 for the fund. She has asked me to publish this idea so that if anyone is interested perhaps they could contact her – Mrs. Judy Griffin, xxxx Farm, Wheathill, Somerton Som. TA11 7HG. The stamps that you have sent have raised the grand total of £851.46, so please keep up the good work. I look forward to receiving your stamps.

Marion Smith. 112 Manor Lane.

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Spring is here again with masses of golden flowers inviting us to start afresh. We have mostly forgotten our New Year's resolutions; something always seems to crop up to banish those good intentions. But if we dwell on the Editorial of the Newsletter No. 30 the Friendship Club is one that invites new members. It is one way to meet people of your own age and get to know your “villagers” not just someone to nod to.

What does happen at our Club. Over the last few fortnights there were talks illustrated with slides of India and the far East, by people who spent many years of their lives as doctor or Civil Administrator – there was a local one from Minchinhampton. We had choirs from Thornbury, Coalpit Heath and Wotton, and musical entertainers from Bristol on many occasions. We even had a ladies vaudeville group – and very good they were too! Weaving of cloth was another interesting talk, another on cigarette cards – the Collector displaying many varied series. So you see our entertainment was varied. And so are our members who live at Heathend, Cromhall, Tortworth and Kingswood who come for a pleasant afternoon. Why not you! Come and spend a happy hour with us – it is only once a fortnight – you could make it your “Spring Resolution”.

Mrs. McGonnigill of the Citizens Advice Bureau attends most of our meetings to advise members on their different problems.

E. Orton. (Chairman)

Our first 1983 Meeting started with a very interesting talk and slides on household pets, given by Mr. Rowe our local Vet. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all members as well as visitors.

Unfortunately due to bad weather our February meeting was cancelled.

In March we welcomed Mrs. Hayley from The Sheiling School for the handicapped at Thornbury. In the past we have had fund raising events for the School so members were really interested to hear all about the School.

As well as monthly meetings we have had a Coffee Evening at Pat White's to raise money for Cancer & Leukaemia in children. This was very well attended and voted a super evening. Thank you Pat for arranging it.

Four members attended the County Drama Festival at Thornbury and had a most enjoyable evening, and we have attended the Spring County Meeting at Weston-s-Mare to hear all the County news.

At the end of March we had our Birthday Party when we were pleased to have as guests members from the other W.I's in our Little Avon Group. After Dinner, cooked by the Committee members a presentation of engraved Dartington glass was made to Mrs. E. North, one of our members, who is moving to Manchester to live with her daughter, where we hope she will be very happy. The evening ended with entertainment by the Wotton Drama Group and this proved to be a great success.

In 8April we have both our Group Rally at Rangeworthy, and a coach trip to Denman College, a College Nr. Oxford run by the W.I. and gives tuition in various Courses throughout the year to W.I. members.

Our April meeting will be a talk by Mr. Heaton a Cotswold Warden on the Cotswold Way, so all who like to walk in our beautiful Countryside please come along and learn more about it.

Joyce Hutley.

All the members of the Club would like to wish a fond farewell and good wishes for the future to our Secretary for the past Season – Mrs. Jenny Gander, and her family as they leave the Village to set up their new home in North Wales. They will be greatly missed by all, and to follow in her very competent footsteps will not be an easy task.

A very successful “Families Disco” and Buffet Supper was held at Leyhill Social Club on Saturday 29th January. This was enjoyed immensely by all the boys, their families and friends, and even the late night did not stop the under 12 team being at the playing field bright and early the next morning for their game against North Nibley.

The under 14 team are continuing their very successful Season with only two defeats, both against Cam. They have dropped a total of 5 points, the same as their two main rivals Cam and Olveston, so they are still in with a very good chance for the League title. Two of the boys, Jason Gardiner and Steven Lowe, represented the Stroud League under 14 team in a recent Match against Cheltenham.

Now the warmer Spring days are coming along, you couldn't do better than to get your fresh air supporting our young lads! They have played so hard throughout the cold months with just a handful of loyal supporters that it would really see them on their way to the climax of the Season with a few more supporters on the touch line. I can promise you there is no rowdyism and bad language, just good hard football played in the very best spirit. Bring the little ones along, after all they are our teams of the future. The under 12's generally kick-off at 11.00 a.m. and the under 14's at 3.00 p.m.

Mrs. Jenny Harvey. 26xxxx.

Hallo! For those of you who came along to the A.G.M. I'm sure you will all agree what a good evening it was! The food was excellent – Heaven knows what you'll all be eating next March with me in charge! Still, I've some super cooks on my Committee so I'm sure the same high standard will be reached.

On April 21st we shall be entertained by a Company from Gloucester who are going to perform a miracle and reduce a few of someone's lumps and bumps. I'm sure for once all the men in the Village would wish to belong to Charfield Young Husbands!

Our 9Coffee Morning is on May 4th and then on May 19th we shall welcome the Fire Brigade.

June 16th is a trip to Tintern – a super Pub. where they pack just about anything you fancy into a jacket potato. I think we should have arranged this trip before the Instant Slim.

Just look out for our posters to keep you informed of future events. On the subject of posters I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Vicki and Judy in the Tavern Shop and Elaine in the Hairdressers, for adorning their windows with our posters. I hope they have noticed that we have kept them as small as possible.

To close now, if there are any new wives in the Village please do come along. Hope to see you all on the 21st!

Best wishes.

Marilyn Smith. (Chairman) Fal. 26xxxx.

Our recent Spring Fair at Cromhall was a success and raised approximately £200 for our funds. Our thanks to all parents and friends who made this possible.

By the time you read this Newsletter one of the Scouts, Andrew Clarke, will have returned from a ten day adventure training Course in Scotland, and another Scout David Hardwick, will be busy preparing for his trip to the world Jamboree in Canada in July.

The newly formed mixed Venture Unit is now getting into it's stride and organising a varied programme. They recently completed a 15 mile night hike, finishing up by sleeping on the floor of the Scout Hall, Cromhall. They are still looking for young people, male or female, aged between 16 and 20 to join them and anyone interested should contact me.

Both Cub Packs are just starting their Spring programmes and looking forward to spending more time out of doors now the lighter evenings are here. The Tigers are due to have a weekend Camp at Avening Green during April, and the Lions have recently said goodbye to three of their members who have gone on to the Scouts.

We are having our A.G.M. on 19th April at 7.30 p.m. in Charfield Village Hall, followed by a Cheese & Wine Party, and everyone is welcome to come along and find out all about the Scout Movement.

At this year's A.G.M. several of the long serving members of the Committee, including the Treasurer, are retiring and we are looking for replacements. Anyone who is interested in helping in this way should contact either myself or any of the Leaders. Finally listed below are some dates for your diary:-

As you 10see from the above we are holding a Dance at Kingswood Village Hall on 22nd April, and tickets are available from any of the Leaders or Mrs. Margaret Clarke, 43 Underhill Rd.

A.J. Smith. Group Scout Leader.

Once again Charfield Sports & Gala Day is rescued at the last minute by volunteers willing to give some of their time and a little effort into what always proves to be a successful and enjoyable day. Although the Sports & Gala Day A.G.M. was poorly attended and only two people volunteered to serve on the 1983 Committee, a last ditch attempt was made early in the New Year to form a viable Committee.

So here we are, into April and preparations are going ahead for this year's Gala Day – now renamed Charfield Sports & Country Fair. This is thought to be in keeping with the “theme” idea originated last year which was so successfully followed through that it was suggested by many that it be maintained.

The standard attractions of sports events, static displays, children's entertainments and sideshows will be continued – with an emphasis on crafts and country matters. Several favourites from last year have already been approached – The Cotswold Morris Men and the Marching Band. If there are any suggestions for sideshows or attractions please contact one of the Committee members. Remember, Charfield in your Village, and so this is your day, it can be as successful as you make it.

Tina Carter. (Sec.)

Gardiner's Question Time – Stinchcombe Village Hall Friday 22nd April – 8.00 p.m. Local celebrity Panel of people to answer your questions. Do come – all are welcome. Tickets £1.25 (including Coffee & Biscuits) from Percy Ellis.

The Lodge which was closed for Easter is now open and will be welcoming our short-stay residents.

A new shower system is being installed to help the handicapped, and it is hoped to commence a new pathway to enable easy access to the gardens.

On Sunday evenings an informal Service at 7.50 p.m. is held when we try to capture the spirit of the Family Service. Do come and swell our small numbers, tenors, basses, contralto, or whatever voice you can muster!

Make a note of Sat. 1st October – Male Voice Choir from Maesteg (South Wales) 80–100 voices plus artistes. Should be good – proceeds to assist the Lodge in it's work for the disabled.

P. Ellis. xx Berkeley Close.

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The Competition announced in the January Newsletter with the object of selecting a new design for the front page resulted in the first prize of £10 being awarded to Mr. G. Green, of xx Underhill Rd., for a format which your Committee considers to be highly appropriate and imaginative. It is hoped that it Will meet with the approval of our readers.

A second prize of £ was awarded to Sarah Barrance, for an excellent effort incorporating several typical Village scenes. It's character can best be conveyed by the comment “Have we a budding L.S. Lowry in the Village”! In addition a number of consolation prizes were awarded and these are listed elsewhere in this issue.

Your Committee has reviewed the charges made for the duplicating service, which it wishes to provide as cheaply as possible, while recovering costs and a small contribution towards the wear and tear of the duplicator. It would be cumbersome and perhaps confusing to try to set out a full “tariff” covering all possible circumstances, but the following examples should provide some guidance to interested parties:-

Per 100 sheets printed on one side only:-
(a) Stencil supplied and typed by the customer £1.47
(b) Stencil supplied by Chadra and typed by customer £1.62
(c) Stencil supplied and typed by Chadra £2.12
In the case of (a) the charge for larger and smaller quantities would be in exact proportion to the charge for 100 sheets but for (b) (C) (d) the charge for larger quantities would be below the proportional figure and the charge for smaller quantities above, because the cost of supplying and/or typing a stencil is the same irrespective of the number of copies run off.

During the next month or so it is hoped to mount an operation to clear the Village of litter, but this will be a waste of time and money if within a short time it is as dirty as ever.

An attempt has been made to keep the path from the play area to the shops tidy but the result has not been encouraging. MAY I ASK ALL RESIDENTS TO HELP IN THIS INITIATIVE and that Parents and others involved with children and young persons should attempt to get their co-operation. After all it is Beautiful Britain Year! It is perhaps also appropriate to point out that the dropping of litter is an offence for which one can be PROSECUTED.

G.R. Blower. Hon. Sec.

I feel an explanation is due to all contributors to the Newsletter regarding question marks in their articles. Unfortunately it is not possible for me to type a question mark when required as the CHADRA typewriter has no question mark key! Sorry!

R. Gunning.

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This month new legislation will come into effect on very different schemes and it is important that the public should know about them. The new Housing Benefit Scheme – Help with rents – means that anyone who at the moment has some or all of their housing costs met by supplementary benefit will find that this money is now paid by the Local Authority. If you live in Council housing then the Local Authority will credit your rent account directly and will not send you the money. Some people, particularly pensioners, will be better off under the new scheme. If there is any problem then C.A.B. can explain and probably help resolve the matter.

Also this month an entirely new Sick Pay Scheme will operate, when the responsibility for sick pay will be switched from the State to the Employer, who will pay the first eight weeks you take off and then claim this money from the State. It is advisable to check the details with your Employer and in case of difficulty apply to C.A.B.

Are you prepared for the change in your mortgage repayments and your PAYE code when the new “Mortgage Interest Relief at Source” (MIRAS) comes into effect. Any borrower who gets tax relief now on mortgage interest payments comes under the new scheme. Instead of getting tax relief when you get your wages, you will pay less to your Building Society or Bank, but then get less in your wage packet or salary cheque. Don't rush into changing your type of mortgage, make sure you understand all the options open to you first.

New and tighter rules for the issue of the orange badge which gives disabled people parking concessions are now in force. If you have any questions about the new rules, application form, or how to appeal if your badge is withdrawn, C.A.B. has all the information.

C.A.B. has a vast Library of information which is continually being up-dated as legislation is changed. Our service is free, confidential and impartial. We are trained to listen and advise. We offer a service to every member of the Community, young or old – do try us – we are here to help. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved!

We are now happily installed in our new premises at the Chippings, Wotton-under-Edge, and we will be very happy to see you any Tuesday between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The telephone number is still Wotton-u-Edge 3210, but this will probably be changed to DURSLEY 84xxxx at the end of April.

The Organiser will continue to attend the Friendship Club meetings in the Village Hall to help with any problems which the senior citizens may have.

The C.A.B. at Stroud is open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Tele. Stroud 2084, so do contact them if you need advice at times other than Tuesday when the Wotton branch is open.

Jean McGonnigill. Organiser.

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Nominations for Parish and District Elections will already be lodged with the District Council by the time the Newsletter is distributed – don't forget to go and vote on 5th May. Decisions over the next four years affecting your home and Village will be made by the people you elect.

The Council has recently organised the planting of a variety of trees on the embankment to Charfield Hill. The planting was carried out by the District Council Parks Department and a grant will also be available for the project.

So far the attempts to persuade the County Council that a pedestrian footbridge across the railway line adjacent to the present road bridge, have met with no success. The County state that the project is too costly – perhaps £60,000 and that there are other more urgent problems within the County. This reply has not been accepted and the support of the County Councillor will be enlisted to ensure that the project is included in the programme of work within the next three years.

Work to signpost and way-marking the public paths within the Village has been continuing with a considerable amount of paper-work completed before the willing volunteers go out armed with pots of yellow paint. The first path No. 3 to Huntingford Mill, has been way-marked and the County Council has been asked to provide a number of signposts for paths which commence or finish at a road.

Over the years a number of residents have reported inconvenience caused by the overnight parking of heavy vehicles on the housing estates. The possibility of a weight restriction for all but delivery vehicles, is being investigated by the Parish Council.

Following a telephone call to the Waste Disposal Section at the County Planning Dept. the Clerk ascertained that the proposals to develop Tortworth Copse as a rubbish dump had been deferred for the time being. The County Officer stated that all the requirements for the licence to tip had been met and that in his opinion the site would be developed within the near future.

The Council recently gave a grant of £500 to the Memorial Hall Committee for the urgent repairs which were necessary to the flat roof. In addition enquiries are being made with both the District Auditor and the VAT office whether or not the Parish Council as Trustees to the Committee, can pay the account for the repairs and then reclaim the VAT (a sum of approx. £200).

The County Council had recently been asked to move the 30 mph. speed limit sign in New Street. It was suggested that ideally it should be moved to near the junction at Huntingford Kennels as the numerous hazards along that particular stretch of road would be included in the speed restriction. However, it is certainly necessary for the sign to be moved to incorporate the Avon Grange Estate and this is being considered by County Highways Dept.

Mrs. J.K. Hughes. Clerk to the Council.

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Hi Kids,

Here's hoping you all had a very happy Easter.

The Youth Club here in the Village is still just about open. We have had 6 to 10 kids coming in every Wednesday evening as we have now closed on Tuesdays. For the time being Youth Club will be running for just one night.

Why don't some more of you come along to support us and keep the Club from closing down!

We have quite a few things for you to do; table tennis, table-top football, Uni-hockey to name but a few.

Sometime this month we are hoping that one of the lads in the Village will start bringing his CB apparatus on a regular basis for those who would like to participate in CB.

Please support us – we need everyone to help us get back on our feet. Thank you.

Hillary & Bill.

The A.G.M. in respect of the above was held on Tuesday 29th March. The Committee elected was as follows:-

Chairman: Mr. K. Smith.
Vice-Chairman: Mrs. J. Hall.
Elected Members:-
Mr. C.H. Goscombe. Mrs. S. Jones. Mr. P. Ellis. Mr. E. Orton.
Co-opted
Mr. G. Swallow. Mr. J. Poskett.

There are vacancies for two more members.

Further to Mrs. Clark's letter in the January '83 edition of the Newsletter I would advise you that the repairs have been carried out to the flat roof over the kitchen and toilets.

While on the subject of repairs, Mr. Reg Baker has looked into various options regarding the repair or replacement of the Playing Field tractor. It has now been decided by the Committee to repair our own.

The Cricket Club have expressed their wishes to move their concrete practise strips and this matter has been given the Committee's approval.

By the time you receive this copy of the Newsletter a meeting will have been held to discuss the future of the Village Hall, and extension. You will no doubt hear about this in the June Newsletter.

Keith Smith. Chairman.

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Seventeen entries were received for this Competition, mostly from young people of all ages. Two entries were outstanding, one of which was chosen and the other placed second.

The Association's Committee decided unanimously to award additional prizes to the one prize of £10 mentioned in the last Newsletter.

1st. Prize	£10	Mr. G. Green, xx Underhill Rd.
2nd.	£5	Sarah Barrance, xxxx House.

The rest of the entries each received a consolation prize of £1.

Stephanie Bohin, Rachel Brown, Lisa Collinson, Renate Coln, G.A. Garbott, Karen Garbott, D. Green, Amy Hatt, Bethan Hatt, Cye Hatt, Rachel Long, Allison Moore, Carolyn Moore, Christopher Moore, Angela Smith, Suzanne Smith, Raynor Terrett, Ruben Terrett & Simon Terrett.

Our grateful thanks to all the entrants.

Following the A.G.M. the 1983 Committee is as follows:-

Chairlady: Isabel Davies, xx Farm Lees, Charfield. Dursley 84xxxx
Secretary: Jill Daniell, xx Durham Rd. Fal. 26xxxx
Treasurer: Norma Edwards, xx Berkeley Close.
Committee: Jill Alden, Jane Green, Judy Reeves, Adelina Slowley, Lynda Watson, Alison Whitton.

An idea has been put forward by Mrs. Wallace of Charfield Green, regarding a Market in Charfield. She has suggested that perhaps various Clubs would like to have a Stall – say once a fortnight – on which they could sell their own wares in aid of funds. Of course the Village Hall would have to be hired and the cost shared. Mrs. Wallace is prepared to under-take all preliminary organisation, and if any Club Secretaries are interested please contact Mrs. Wallace, xx Charfield Green, Fal. 26xxxx for further information.

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Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 16 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: 2016-12-06.