CHADRA

The Parish Council are still pursuing the possibility of a separate pedestrian footbridge (or any other feasible alternative) to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the bridge. The Avon County Engineer and Surveyor was informed of the recent fatal motor accident and the Parish Council hopes it will not be necessary to catalogue disasters before action is taken. An additional worry for road safety in the Village is the movement of abnormal vehicles. Information on the requirements for police escorts and on weight and width laws have been requested. It was also agreed to write to the local Haulier (Messrs. Goldings of Kingswood) to enquire the reasons for moving the vehicles to, and then from, their depot.

The County Divisional Surveyor recently confirmed that reductions in the grass banks at two points in New St. would be made to improve visibility. This alteration in the road was a condition placed on W.R. Peak & Sons, when approval was given for their new factory. Recently concern has been shown over the non-completion of this final part of the project. However, the Council are pleased to learn that the work will be done within the next 2/3 months.

Avon County bridges section have been extremely slow in responding to requests for information on the replacement of the footbridge across the sluice gate at Huntingford on footpath No. 3. This was the first of the Parish footpaths to be waymarked, and it is unfortunate that the path is now temporarily closed. On the subject of footpaths R.M.C. Ltd., who own Cromhall Quarry have put forward a block of diversions and closures of paths which will be affected by their quarrying activities on the opposite side of the road to the present quarry. The paths affected are 24, 30, 31 and 33 and following a discussion at the next Parish Council meeting it is expected that meetings between R.M.C. Ltd. Northavon footpaths Officer and the County footpaths Officer will take place to ensure a satisfactory solution.

British Rail have agreed to replace the 5 bar gate and provide a stile where footpath No. 8 leaves New St. It is hoped that this will deter the young motor-cyclists who are causing annoyance to residents in Farm Lees, not just by using the open space, but riding over the embankment and into the Avon Grange Estate.

At their recent Budget meeting the Parish Council agreed a precept for 1984/5 of £2,200 (an increase of £300 on 1983/4). They also agreed to make the following grants to Village Organisations –

Congregational Church (Maintenance of Churchyard) £25.00
St. James Church (Maintenance of Churchyard) £35.00
Youth Football Club £25.00
Charfield Guides £25.00
Citizens Advice Bureau £25.00
Playgroup £50.00
Mother & Toddlers Club £20.00
1st Woodend Scout Group £25.00

The Council also agreed to provide the chute for the new slide to be constructed by the Hall Management Committee. In order to be able to reclaim the VAT content it will be necessary for the Parish Council to “loan” the chute to the Committee! It is hoped that the Committee will agree to this action and to be responsible for all future maintenance, and therefore, save approximately £100.00.

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

3

Another year. Man-made divisions have a certain artificiality about them. There is no real reason why the year should start on the 1st January. When it should begin and what it should be called does not really matter. The reality behind dates is that time passes and we can do nothing about its coming and going. We can use time or waste it but we cannot do a thing about preventing its insistent flow. As time comes and goes it brings it inevitable changes into our lives – some of them happy, welcome changes; others the reverse: a mingling of joys, sorrows and many just ordinary routine days. Of course we all prefer the former to the latter, but I sometimes think that the most important thing is not what happens to us in life but how we face what happens to us. Sometimes, for example, the starkest tragedies have provoked reactions in people that have resulted in the most astonishing achievements in their lives. Life is wonderfully strange and deeply mysterious. Having and grabbing to have, seem such features of life, judging by most conversation and most observable action. Yet as long as we think it is this, or behave as if it were, we are like blind gropers in a world we try to manipulate and do not even truly see.

True life is not about getting but giving; not about grasping but about offering ourselves to others and for others in the spirit of love. Some of us would want to go further than that and say that what the world needs is something more than our ordinary natural human love. Certainly, I think if we have the courage to examine ourselves (perhaps we don't because we are scared to) we may find that our love doesn't extend to more than a few people we happen to like and possibly even with them it is rather fragile. (Judging by the unhappy divorce rate, what was thought once to be “love” turned out to be nothing of the sort. Please do not interpret this as a criticism of those unfortunate enough to be divorced. It is nothing of the sort. It is meant to show that love, even the deepest human love, is a tender plant and needs supplies of reinforcement from … from where?) Those who know even a little about the love of God in a human heart are aware how powerful and transforming a motive this can become in life. The New Testament speaks about the love of God being shed abroad in our hearts. When that happens there is no mistaking it. This is what we seek in our Church friendship with God and one another. We invite you to make 1984 the year when you try the love of God, which has a depth and a consistency far surpassing our natural human loves. If we possess the love of God and allow it to possess us, we shall have far more to give one another: we shall be passing on to one another the love of God Himself which will be flowing through us. If this seems strange, incredible let us know and we will try and share it with you. Or come along and sample our attempts to make life fuller and richer. No one can say they don't know when there are notices all over the place outside the Church!

May the New Year be kind to you; and if it is less kind than you would like, ponder on what is written above, and if you wish, talk it over with me. Sincerely,

Kenneth G. Grant.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
James M. Barrie.

Happy New Year! Pram Service starts again on Wed. 11th Jan. at 2.45 p.m. in Church. We meet every Wednesday during term-time and are always pleased to welcome new parents and children. Why not come along?

Patricia Martin.

4

On two occasions within the past year the media has pursued the topic whereby Charfield might well opt to follow the example of some southern parishes, including Weston-super-Mare, to apply to leave the County of Avon.

Charfield residents will know that no formal consensus of opinion has yet been undertaken by the Parish Council, although reports of the media have elicited comments from local people that they would prefer to return to Gloucestershire. The Parish Council is alert to this and will want to peruse all the aspects. Perhaps a few words of explanation are needed before coming right up-to-date.

Until the establishment of elected County Councils by the Local Government Act of 1888, the administration of the Shire Counties was undertaken by Justices of the Peace at Quarter Sessions. Then the Local Government Act of 1894 completed the change by creating elected Urban District, Rural District and Parish Councils, the District Councils replacing the then “sanitary districts” established by previous Public Health legislation.

Since that time there developed not only more and more functions for these local Councils, but also great population changes and technological changes. In 1966 the then Labour Government established two Royal Commissions – one in England (outside Greater London) and one in Scotland, to consider the up-dating of the Local Government structure. The Chairman of the Royal Commission on Local Government in England was Lord Redcliffe-Maud and his report presented to Parliament in 1969 (command 4040) recommended the working out of possible new boundaries in socio-economic terms:-

(i) The pattern of living – namely the distribution of population and industry, and the pattern of travel for employment, shopping, entertainment and other purposes, together with prospective development likely to change these facts and modify the social and economic future of the area.

(ii) Democracy and efficiency – The best practicable balance between the needs of efficiency (in terms of population, geography and resources of money, manpower and technical equipment) and the requirements of effective representation.

The Maud Report envisaged Region 37 (what we now call the County of Avon) to also include Chippenham and much of West Wiltshire to give an overall population of 1,120,000.

In Feb. 1970, the Labour Government issued a white paper (command 4276) and West Wiltshire was excluded from Region 37, but the white Paper proposed that Region 37 should be a single Authority, (i.e. having no District Councils). Since the population would still be over the million mark and likely to increase, the hope expressed by some Local Government staff in submitting views on the White Paper was that the northern boundary of Region 37 should be the M4 motorway.

However, in a subsequent General Election there was a political swing in Government and the new Tory Secretary of state for the Environment presented a further White Paper (command 4584) which proposed a retention of Parish Councils and District Councils and invited comments on new boundaries. Part of Somerset was taken out of Region 37. Six Parishes in the northern part of the old Thornbury Rural District Council were allowed to remain in Gloucestershire, as also was the hamlet of Alderly, but other Parishes which one could possibly describe as within the socio-economic catchment of Wotton-under-Edge, were retained for the proposed new County, and this became substantiated by the Local Government Act of 1972.

5These nationwide changes came into operation in 1974 and now we come to the source of the mystery whereby the media in speculating whether or not Charfield, and other neighbouring Parishes are satisfied with their lot or would like to seek the opportunity to return to the fold of Gloucestershire when a Boundary Commission is invoked. The answer lies in Sections 47–52 of the 1972 Local Government Act. For instance Section 48 (i) states:-

“it shall be the duty of the English Commission not less than 10 or more than 15 years after 1st April 1974 and thereafter at intervals of not less than 10 or more than 15 years … to review all Counties in England …”

Whilst the Parish Council is impartia1 at present, it is aware that if the Boundary Commission does decide to investigate after 10 years – i.e. in 1984, then we need to come up with some facts relating to advantages and disadvantages of change, to present to the Electorates rather than be caught unawares, and that is why the matter has occasionally been referred to at Parish Council meetings on different occasions hitherto.

At the time of writing this, we are awaiting a reply from the Department of Environment over whether or not the Boundary Commission will be operative in 1984 before proceeding prematurely.

Rev. David Parker (Immediate past Chairman, Charfield Parish Council)

Your views to the Editor will be welcome!

I would like to extend a big thank you to all who supported our Keep Fit Class over the past year.

We meet on Tuesdays at 10.30 a.m. and shall be very pleased to see all our present members as well as anyone else wishing to join us in 1984 commencing Tuesday 10th Jan.

A.P. Poskett. Secretary.

Do you realise there is a 9 hole par 3 GOLF COURSE within 2 miles of Charfield?

It is situated at Cotswold Gate Caravan Park, and if you wish to join a friendly little Club where the inexperienced are welcome this is for you.

For further information please contact

Paul Lane Dursley 84xxxx
Bill Campbell 26xxxx

6

Open to anyone who would like to join us.

Enquiries – Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Falfield 26xxxx.

Mystery Tour. “He went out not knowing whither he went.” (verse 8)
This sounds like blind faith, and maybe we are right so to describe it. But what is important for us to remember is that though Abraham may have gone out in blind faith his guide was not blind. If you are walking by faith you are in excellent company, and you are in the safest way.

The heart that plans for, and the hand that guides the believer is the same today as ever and the maze of complexities and problems do not in the least baffle our guide. He knoweth the end from the beginning and all the way between is crystal clear to Him. He led them, we read, by a right way that He might bring them to a city of habitation. That was and still is His purpose and nothing can prevent His fulfilling it.

Miss M. Turner.

Here we are another year just beginning, but first let us look back to the latter part of 1983.

In October we held a successful Bring and Buy Sale, we also had a Choir to entertain us. In November we had a talk on Senior Citizens Rights and some Slides of Greece, which were most interesting. We also had the pleasure of welcoming three new members.

On December 1st. some of our members went by coach to Swindon – Christmas shopping – this outing was enjoyed by all who went.

Our year of meetings ended on December 14th with our Christmas Lunch, and after an excellent hot meal we had a Sing Song and games, ending with Carols and Auld Lang Syne. I would like to thank on behalf of all our members, Mrs. Amer who was responsible for our Christmas Meal and to Mr. Amer who worked quietly behind the scenes, also to Mr. Isherwood and Mrs. Dodd who organised the entertainment.

So on we go into 1984 and New Year resolutions – here is one suggestion for the older residents – (over 60's) to keep – “I will join the Friendship Club in 1984”.

Our first meeting of the year is on Wed. January 11th at 2.30 p.m. in the Memorial Hall, and every other Wed. from then on.

The first outing of the year will be to the Pantomine at Bristol Hippodrome on Feb. 9th.

All best wishes for 1984 to all readers of the Newsletter.

C.M. Woodlands, Chair-lady.

7

The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held at the National School Foundation Hall on November 29th, and in the absence of a quorum it was necessary to suspend standing orders to allow business to proceed.

The Chair-person Mrs. J. Clothier in reviewing the events of the past year remarked that it had been somewhat uneventful and speculated as to whether this could be because most village problems had been solved or were like the Tortworth Copse Refuse Tip temporarily in abeyance. In general the matters dealt with have been reported in previous Newsletters and so will not be referred to herein, but it should perhaps be recorded that as has been the custom in previous years a wreath was laid on the War Memorial on Remembrance Day on behalf of the Association.

The Treasurer reported (see account of income and expenditure reproduced overleaf) that expenditure for the year had exceeded income by £100.25. However, the accounts include a number of non-recurring payments, i.e. a grant of £70.00 to the Village Hall, prizes for our competition £30.00, the purchase of a secondhand typewriter and two staplers £56.00, and in addition stocks of front pages and ink are held which are valued at £120.00 In the circumstances there would appear to be no cause for concern regarding the financial position of CHADRA at the moment.

No nominations for officers or committee members had been received prior to the meeting and as the number of persons nominated at the meeting was less than the number of vacancies to be filled no elections were necessary, and all nominees were appointed. The officers and committee members for the forthcoming year are:-

Chair-person: Mrs. J. Clothier.
Vice-Chairman and Newsletter distribution: Mr M. Cheskin.
Hon. Secretary: Mr. G. Blower.
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. J. Barrance.
Press Officer: Mrs. J. Crowfoot.

Committee: Mr. F. Denslow. Mr. S.C. Gunning. Mrs. M. Jones. Mr. K. Smith. Mrs. M. Talbot. Mr. S. Talbot.

Editor & Typist Newsletter: Mrs. R. Gunning.
Duplicating Services: Mr. J. Butler.

We welcome the three new committee members recruited since the last A.G.M. i.e. Mr. Denslow, Mr. & Mrs. Talbot, and accepts with regret the resignation of Mrs. Marion Smith, with special thanks for her long period of service to the Association.

The Rev. D. Parker informed the meeting that he represents the North Avon Local Councillors Association on the Police/Community liaison committee, as recommended by the Scarman Report for closer police liaison with the public. To date he has raised three complaints, i.e. cycling on footpaths, illegal parking on pavements and double yellow lines, and the harassment of people such as post-persons by dogs. He also mentioned that the question of the return of Charfield to Gloucestershire for local Government purposes is still under consideration but no doubt we shall hear more of this matter in the next few months if rumours concerning the size of this year's rate demands prove to be correct.

G.R. Blower. Hon. Secretary.

8Charfield Residents Association – Accounts for Year 9th Nov. 1982 to 8th Nov. 1983.

Balance at 8th Nov. 1983

Jon. Barrance – Treasurer   Audited – B. Mussell.

9

Since the last newsletter when Keith Smith described the financial plight surrounding our Village Hall, I think it is true to say that things may be looking up!

Several Clubs and Organisations have been most generous in making donations to help overcome the immediate problem of too many out-goings and not enough in-comings. We are most grateful for their help and support.

One of the problems surrounding the hall is inadequate bookings from outside Organisations. This may not be altogether surprising when one considers the poor state of repair of much of the hall. It is for this reason that the committee has undertaken such extensive fund-raising in order to make such needed improvements that may encourage more bookings.

The first stage includes extra storage space in the extension so that the hall will look tidier. New kitchen units will be fitted early in the New Year, these will include a double sink unit, large larder type cupboards and lots of ground units and working surfaces.

Future projects will include painting the hall and artexing the ceiling, improving the toilets, painting the outside of the hall and clearing up the car park area. The list seems never-ending, but we are sure with your continued help and support our hall will become a more attractive place.

The fund-raising efforts have been well supported. The Christmas draw made over £150 profit. We would like to thank everyone who sold tickets and everyone who donated a prize. Prizes were donated by:-

The Women's Institute. Young Wives. Luncheon Club. Friendship Club. Scouts Group. Brownies & Guide Groups. Cricket Club. British Legion. Tennis Club. Mrs. M. Ealey. Mrs. M. Clarke. Mr. O. Roberts. and Mr & Mrs. Goscombe.

If anyone would like a winner's list please contact Keith Smith. All Clubs will receive one and a list will also be pinned on the hall notice-boards.

The Craft Fayre made just over £180. I think it was enjoyed by most people who attended. The stall-holders were pleased with the turn-out, and several expressed an interest in any future Craft Fayre we might hold. We have provisionally booked Sat. 17th Nov. so all prospective stall-holders get knitting, sewing, or whatever!

Fund-raising for 1984 will probably be more low key (thank goodness are you saying?) We are planning some Car-boot sales, another Family Night and a few other events, as yet undecided upon.

As well as working on the hall we are also trying to make improvements to the Children's Play area. Several grants have been applied for. The Parish Council has generously agreed to finance a new slide. In March or April we will be looking for helpers to build a mound for the slide to rest upon! We are also hoping to replace the toddlers' swings and generally repair and tidy up the rest of the area. If you have access to hard-core, soil, large drainage pipes, or transport capable of shifting and carrying large items please let us know. Obviously the play-area improvements will need a lot of voluntary help, but the end product should be a very valuable facility for all of our children.

If you would like to help us in any way (there are unfilled places on the Management Committee) we would be very happy to hear from you. Things are looking up so let's make sure they continue.

Mrs. L. Stares. Fund Raising Cttee.

10Since I wrote to you in the last Newsletter, the financial situation regarding the Hall has greatly improved. Thanks go to a very hard working fund raising committee and to all of you who have joined in and helped support us.

I must mention how indebted I am to those who have come up to me during the functions saying how hard the committee are working, how much they are enjoying the occasion and that we must hold more of these events in the future. I must mention at this point, the Halloween Dance – the response was incredible. Some of the costumes were so brilliant in disguise, and some so horrific, you couldn't begin to imagine who was underneath!

Please continue with your enthusiasm – it's a tremendous boost, and I'd like to wish you all a Happy 1984.

Keith Smith. Chairman. Fal. 26xxxx.

Hello everyone! I do hope you all arrived safely into the New Year.

A lot of events have happened since I last wrote in the Newsletter and due to the arrival of our son Lawrence, I've managed to miss most of them! He's been a good excuse for getting out of the hard work!

I gather everyone had a good time sampling the sherries of Harveys of Bristol when their representative came in October. Our talk on genetics which I managed to attend, certainly made you think. Just one small side-step of nature could lead to tragic and sometimes fatal results. It made you realize how incredible life is.

The London trip went off marvellously again. I've yet to go on this particular venture as I'm sure the pull from tearing round Covent Garden, drinking champers in the Churchill Hotel, and then “cavorting” with “Cats” would be too great, and I'd end up in Balham chatting to my mum!

Next came the famous Christmas dinner. Well, I certainly got off light this year. I absolutely refused to peel one single sprout (I always get that job). Due to family demands I just about managed to help Jane do her table decorations. I'm a dab hand with the holly! Well, I thought I'd make up for things by doing an impersonation of a Christmas tree. The rest you know about.

January's meeting welcomes back Capt. Plunkett and February we can all have a go at bell-ringing. It's just dawned on me that this is the last time I shall have to put pen to paper, in the Newsletter, where Young Wives are concerned. In March I shall be handing my “crown” over to Estelle. I love writing in the Newsletter and chairing the meetings but if it wasn't for the committee behind me nothing would get done. So thanks to them from me and Happy New Year to all Young Wives.

Thank you for your support and every good health and happiness in 1984!

Marilyn Smith. Chair-lady. Fal. 26xxxx.

Thank you Marilyn for all your contributions to the Newsletter which I know are read, sometimes amused by, and certainly appreciated. So please continue and find yourself another “crown” if necessary – you deserve one.

Rosa G.

11

The report on the school by Her Majesty's Inspectors was published in October last and you may have seen references to it in the local press. I am pleased that the Inspectors were able to confirm the good work that is going on in the school.

“The standard of reading throughout the school is high”.

“Handwriting skills are effectively taught and standards of presentation and neatness are high”.

“Throughout the school the work in mathematics is systematically and carefully taught resulting in a good level of achievement”.

These quotations from the report concern what we would all consider the vital areas of the curriculum, but other important aspects receive praise.

“An implicit approach to religion and moral education is evident in the good personal relationships in the school and the careful insistence on moral values”.

You may be interested in the conclusion to the report which I quote in full.

“This is a good school in which all the teaching and non-teaching staff bring professional attitudes to their work and the children, encouraged by supportive families, tackle assignments with willingness and enthusiasm.

“In educational terms, the school continues to grow, developing the curriculum in the light of advice received from teacher's courses and LEA documents but there is a need for more emphasis on continuity through schemes of work which recognise the importance of individual development and progression.

“Language reaches a good standard throughout the school: the children read well and they are encouraged to write in various styles about their observations and learning experiences. Mathematics is systematically taught with suitable attention given to practical work.

“The achievement level reached by the children is good and this reflects both the hard work of teachers and pupils and the happy relationship between them”.

Mr. D. Malpass, Headmaster.

With the new term just started now is the time to let you know about some of our forthcoming events. On February 3rd we will be holding our Barn Dance in the school hall. Tickets now on sale! On February 8th we have invited a guest Speaker to attend an Open Evening on computer use within schools, and we hope to be able to display several computers with soft-ware so that parents can try out the programmes used within the school.

Another date for the calendar is April 7th, when we will be holding our Annual Spring Sale. Also planned, but dates not established as yet, is a cycling proficiency course for children age 9 and over – details will be issued from school at a later date.

Margaret Lane, Chair-person.
Secretary – J. Peaster. 'Phone 26xxxx.

12

This year the school celebrates its 600th anniversary, and will naturally be making a considerable effort to present itself in a proper light. The outside of the school is to be painted and the P.T.A. would welcome any help with work inside the school as Gloucestershire do not provide internal decorating.

The programme of special events will be from Sept. to December 1984, beginning with a Thanksgiving Service and Prize Day, and ending with a Carol Service in December.

The school hopes that someone of national statue will attend an Open Day about the 19th October, and the school will be open to parents either the following or preceding days.

During the first half of the year other events are being organised, including a St. Valentines Dance on Feb. 11th, a visit from “Any Questions” on March 9th, A Jazz Evening on April 6th. A Keep Fit Rally to be arranged in June, Medieval Fayre on July 7th, and a Grand Anniversary Ball in Berkeley Castle on Nov. 23rd.

We hope that everyone especially parents and past pupils of any age will support us in our special year.

In Dec. 1983 we held a very successful Barn Dance when the first draw of the “500 Club” was made. The prize winners were as follows:-

On behalf of the P.T.A. I would like to wish you all a Very Happy 1984.

Mrs. M. Clarke, Vice-Chair-lady.

It is regretted that Mrs. Marion Smith after so many years has given up the important job of Distributor of the Charfield Newsletter. Fortunately, Mr. M. Cheskin, xx Farm Lees, Charfield has kindly agreed to help, and once he gets into stride we hope you will be receiving your copy in time for the dates included in the Newsletter to be relevant, but please bear with us for this issue.

It really is important to get copy in on the date specified in order to achieve this.

Mr. Cheskin will be contacting, if he has not already done so, all our “sales staff” and explaining any new arrangements to be made regarding the depositing of cash. His 'phone No. is Dursley 0453 84xxxx.

Many thanks to all our “sellers” – your help is invaluable and without it we could not guarantee getting the Newsletter to our readers, the number of which continues to grow.

Editor.

13

Hello there – my name is Mavis Campbell and I would like to tell you about my new Dancing School.

At present I have about 40 pupils, mostly in the 6 to 8 age group – where are all the 4–5 year old budding “Pavlovas” and the 10 year old “Fame” enthusiasts?

The classes are on Thursday in Charfield Memorial Hall at the following times:-

4.00 – 4.45 p.m.	Primary ballet	3½ – 5 year olds.
4.45 – 5.30 p.m.	Grade 1 Ballet	6 – 8 year olds.
5.30 – 6.15 p.m.	Modern & Disco	6 – 8 year olds.
6.15 – 7.00 p.m.	Modern & Disco	9 years and over.

In time I hope to introduce Tap Dancing and more varied age groups if I can get the facilities and the numbers to do so.

Let me tell you about myself. I am a member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance, and for many years taught Ballet, Tap, Modern and Highland Dance in Scotland.

As I have children of my own I appreciate the pressures on them with school work, employment etc. I, therefore, try to make the hard work of learning to dance fun, and instead of Exam. work I hope to produce a Show from time to time which gives the children the confidence to appear in public as well as great excitement!

I am sure you agree that Charfield should have its own activities within the community, and if your children would like to join this venture, you are welcome to come and see us at work on any Thursday evening.

Are any mum's interested in Adult Dance Classes? – if so, give me a ring any evening.

Mavis Campbell. Fal. 26xxxx.

First of all we would like to take this opportunity to wish members and villagers alike a very Happy and Healthy 1984.

1983 was a very busy year for the Club in terms of fund-raising and playing. A great deal of effort was put into such ventures as Knit-In, Jumble Sale and Fashion Show, and the support given by members and friends was tremendous, and many thanks for this.

1984 will start with our first meeting on Feb. 8th, and this will be followed by a Skittles Evening some time in Feb/early March. The A.G.M. will be in March and the playing and paying season begins in April (Subscriptions due). Members play all through the Spring and Summer and a few hardy souls do venture out even in mid-winter. The ladies have a regular session on Wednesdays when they meet on the court at 10.00 and play and picnic till about 3.00. Young children are also taken and can play by the court with plenty of mums to supervise. The number of men playing last year was very small and we would very much like to see an increase for 1984. The juniors also have a thriving group and the court provides plenty of holiday entertainment to wile away the days!

If you are interested in joining the Club or would like more information, please contact:-

Secretary – Jacky Swallow. Tel. Dursley 84xxxx.
Chairwoman – Sue Cole, Dursley 84xxxx.
Vice Chairwoman – Joy Jones Fal. 26xxxx.
Treasurer – Ann Stoakes, Fal. 26xxxx.

14

The above Club has been in existence for about 15 years: it was started on recommendation from the old Thornbury Rural District Council. The inaugural meeting was held at Sister Wheeler's – The xxxx, Charfield Hill, those present being Lady Ducie, Mrs. R. Diment, Sister Wheeler, Mrs. North, Mrs. G. Smith, Dr. R. Hansen (Medical Officer of Health, T.R.D.C.), Rev. W.F. Burlton, Mrs. S. Benson, a representative from the W.R.V.S. and myself. A Committee was formed and it was agreed to have a Luncheon Club in the Village Hall for pensioners to be held once a fortnight. At that time some members were elected as Street Wardens to help any pensioners in need of help. Of course over the years members have retired or moved away, and there are several new faces on the Committee carrying on the good work.

We were very fortunate at the beginning having Mrs. North and Mrs. G. Smith, who kindly cooked the meals until they retired. Mrs. B. Amer then took over, and I must thank the cooks and all the ladies for the excellent meals provided.

We always endeavour to give a Christmas Dinner to the pensioners who attend the Luncheon Club, and the helpers and special guests. The dinner this year was held on 7th Dec, and the tables were well decorated by committee members and all the pensioners received a small present. The Rev. K. Grant said Grace before the meal and we had the pleasure of welcoming the Rev. C. & Mrs. Lee, the new Vicar for Cromhall, Tortworth & Tytherington. In the afternoon Mr. D. Malpass Headmaster of Charfield Primary School with some of the pupils provided us with entertainment, for which we say a big thank you.

Any pensioner who would like to come to the Club would be welcome – only a nominal charge is made for the meal.

I would like to say that all the work done by the Committee and their helpers is voluntary, and I must thank them all, for without them the Luncheon Club would not exist. I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous 1984.

C.H.T. Goscombe (Chairman)

The Poppy Day Collections for 1983 amounted to £162.54 with £54 collections from the two services at St. John's Church and £10 donation from the Congregational Church. Mrs. E. Marklove has reluctantly decided to retire after 26 years service, also Mrs. D. Fry (16 years) but I am pleased to welcome both Mrs. C. Kingscote and Mrs. D. Smith, as “replacements”. Mrs. B. Britton has received a certificate and poppy brooch which is given by the Royal British Legion for 15 years service. Individual collections were –

Mr. S. Mussell	£13.66½	Mrs. S. Nixon	£17.67
Mrs. D. Smith	£13.26	Mrs. J. Rees	£6.19
Mrs. K. Smith	£8.47	Mrs. B. Britton	£26.13
Mrs. P. Hawkins	£11.66½	Mrs. E. Kingscote	£5.47
Mrs. M. Smith	£12.87	Mrs. M. Burden	£11.93

Charfield Primary School	£17.49.
The Post Office	£6.16.
Huntingford Mill Hotel	£11.57.

Many thanks to my “band of helpers”.

B.L. Mussell.

15

1st. XI Results during December –

2nd XI Results during December –

The first XI are out of the County Cup after taking a hammering in the Forest of Dean against Viney in the replay. We were up against it from the word go as we went into the game without a recognised goal-keeper as Roger Stares had broken a finger in the exciting first match. In the league we have won at Chalford thanks to Rob. Scanlan goal, and lost at home to Bymacks by 3–2 with Rob. Scanlan again scoring both our goals. The second XI have collected three points from their lost games with a 5–2 win at Reeves with Rob. Scanlan scoring a hat-trick and other goals from Rob. Derham and Simon Bamford and a 3 – 3 draw at home to Chalford Reserves with goals from Paul Halford, Nicky Bennett and Geoff Swallow. It is great to see that Geoff is playing again after breaking his leg over a year ago.

We have some exciting football coming in January with the first XI hoping to qualify for the semi-finals of the Berkeley Hospital Cup in their match against Winterbourne on Sunday 22nd Jan. k.o. 2.00 p.m. at the Playing Fields.

The second XI will also be hoping to reach the semi-finals of the same competition when they take on North Nibley on Sunday 12th February at Nibley k. o. 2.30 p.m.

Finally, the Club would like to thank Mr. Graham Archer for his work during the last few Seasons as Secretary to the Club and we all wish him every success for the future.

COME ALONG AND SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE FOOTBALL CLUB.

Future Home Matches.

Martyn Munden. Secretary.

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Our thanks to all Parents & Friends who supported our Christmas Draw both by donating prizes and buying the tickets. A list of prize winners is available from the Secretary. Our next fund raising event is a Parents & Friends Skittle evening to be held on Saturday 4th February at Leyhill Social Club at 8.30 p.m. A charge of £1.00 per person will be made to cover the cost of a “Ploughman's Supper”, we will need to know numbers of people wishing to come by 30th January, so come on now that the Christmas Festivities are over come and have a fun evening out and support our young footballers at the same time.

Both teams are continuing to play well, and are in the middle of their respective leagues, the Under 12's while losing in the ¼ finals of the Alec Buckland Cup to Stratton are still in the Tetbury Recreation Cup.

Congratulations to the 6 boys from the under 12 team and the 2 from the Under 14's who were selected for District Trials recently.

We are still signing on new members of the Club, and in recent weeks have welcomed three new boys to the teams, so boys if any of you would like to sign on it is not too late in the Season, just contact either of the Managers or myself for details.

On behalf of all members of the Club we would like to wish a happy and prosperous New Year to the local businesses who have generously sponsored us for the 1983/84 Season – Messrs. Jotcham & Kendall, Lapham & Mann, and Mr. Peter Pritchard.

Secretary – Mrs. J. Harvey 26xxxx.
Under 12's Manager – Mr. B. Lovegrove 26xxxx.
Under 14's Manager – Mr. M. Davis. Dursley 84xxxx.

Recently we have said goodbye to our Group Scout Leader, Mr. Alan Smith, who resigned after six years with the Group. He was presented with a tankard at a Social Evening held to enable all members in the Group and their parents to view the slides and mementoes taken at the World Jamboree in Calgary, Canada, by one of our senior Scouts, David Hardwick.

In December the group held a Carol Service in St. Andrews Church, Cromhall, when the collection of £65 was donated to Cystic Fibrosis Appeal at Bristol Children's Hospital.

With the loss of our Group Scout Leader we are looking for someone to replace him. If you are interested or know of anyone who would be, please contact me or any Scouter.

Our Tiger Cub Park which runs on Wednesday Evening in Scout H.Q. at Cromhall, is also looking for Leaders or helpers. Again do please let me know if you are interested.

On behalf of the Group I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Mrs. M. Clarke, Group Secretary. Falfield 26xxxx.

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May I take this opportunity to introduce you to the newly formed Yate & District Athletic Club which is catering for athletes of all ages in the Yate, Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury, Charfield, Frampton Cotterell and surrounding areas.

Yate Town Council called meetings of interested parties and the Club was formed in February based at the athletic ground, Broad Lane, Yate. The Club meets regularly on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, while indoor winter training takes place at the Sports Centre on Mondays. Facilities available include a floodlit 100 by 40 metre all weather training area, a 100 m. jogging circuit and the use of a 400m grass track at the adjacent Brimsham Green School. In addition £15,000 has been spent to provide a long jump/triple jump pit together with a shot putt and discus/Hammer throwing areas as well as all change facilities.

The Club already has a membership of 150 ranging from ten year olds to veteran marathon runners, but unlike many other sports athletics caters for all age groups and is not restricted by the number of people who can participate. Yate & District Athletic Club caters for track and field, cross country, and has a thriving road running section.

The first year of any new Club is a difficult time trying to become established, but Yate seemed to be established very quickly, and is competing with the rest on equal terms with appreciable success, i.e.:-

1. Success in all age groups winning the girls, youths, senior ladies relays as well as the overall trophy in the Avalon League, beating 12 other Clubs. The last Track/Field Season included such Clubs as Yeovil, Westbury Harriers and Dorchester in the first season.

2. A large number of Club athletes represented Avon County.

3. Staging our own very successful and highly commended road races without any sponsorship.

4. Entering the 1984 track and field season in many leagues, more than most other Clubs in the County. Yate will compete in Avon League National Young Athletes League, Midland League for men and Midland League for women.

5. Large number of coaches attend training sessions.

6. Establishing indoor circuit and weight training on a regular winter routine.

7. Meeting with success and competing in three cross-country leagues this present season.

The Club has applied to Yate Town Council for a track and other facilities and an approach has been made to Thornbury Town Council with a view to offering athletes in Thornbury area coaching facilities.

The Club has recently had nine coaches qualify and now hope to cover all the athletic disciplines.

The road running programme in Avon is very full and the Club hopes to stage age group races as well – Yate 10 (men) and Yate 5 (women) next October.

The Club recognises that a good social structure is essential to bring people together and has arranged already skittle evenings for young and not so young, discos, dinner dances, get-togethers at different venues, as well as publishing a regular newsletter.

If you want to know more about the club or to receive any literature why not contact me? There are several athletes from the Village already training on a regular basis so transport should not be too hard to arrange.

Michael K. Smith. Chairman.
xx Durham Rd. Charfield.
Tel. Fal. 26xxxx.

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With the start of 1984 we begin a whole new programme of events and activities, but first we should like to thank everybody for their support and bring to your attention some of the events of 1983.

At the beginning of the Summer holidays, 2nd Charfield Brownies set off to Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury for a very enjoyable weekend. The weather was beautiful and we were able to carry out a lot of outdoor activities. The brownies all enjoyed themselves tremendously and now look forward to our pack holiday in 1984.

Unfortunately in September we had to say goodbye to Mrs. Golding who had been with us for a year and is greatly missed by us all. We have since welcomed Mrs. Marion Smith into our pack, who is now our Tawny Owl, and a great asset to us all.

On Nov. 30th, as you all know, Charfield Brownies, Guides and Rangers joined together for a Blue Peter “Weatherbeater” Bring and Buy Sale. This was an enormous success, with a profit of £205. We should like to say a big thank you to all “bringers and buyers” who turned out on such a cold evening, and also to all the helpers who put so much time and effort into organising and running the stalls for this such worthwhile cause. A copy of the thank you letter from Blue Peter is at the foot of this letter.

On the 21st Dec. we had our pack Christmas Party. All the brownies came in fancy dress and everyone was so good it was a very difficult job picking a winner. Fun and games were enjoyed by us all.

There is just one major event in January and that is the District Party on the 28th. We shall be pleased to be joined by all the other brownies of the district for the afternoon, and there will be games, entertainment and food. This is always a very enjoyable occasion.

Lastly anyone wishing to place their daughters name on the waiting list, please do so as soon as possible after her sixth birthday. Please contact:-

Mrs. Lowe (Wed. 5.45 – 7.00) Fal. 26xxxx or
Mrs. Green (Tues. 4.30 – 5.45) Dursley 84xxxx.

A happy and prosperous New Year to you all.

Diane Lowe.

Copy letter received from B.B.C. T.V.

Thank you very much for your donation towards our Great Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale. It has made a valuable contribution to our Weatherbeater Appeal, and thanks to you and other Blue Peter viewers, vital supplies are being provided to help thousands of families in poor countries devastated by floods and droughts.

With best wishes from all of us on the programme.

(Signed Biddy Baxter – Editor Blue Peter)

The Guide Company is progressing well, gaining three new members during the last 3 months, and 5 more girls due to start in January. In October during half-term, we organised a patrol cook-out at Conygres which everyone enjoyed. In Nov. we took part in the Remembrance Day Service, and Dec. saw us helping at the Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale, and going to the Gang Show in Bristol. Also in Nov. Mrs Storey came along and gave a talk on child-care, so we will be looking forward to some of the girls gaining the child-care badge. The New Year starts for us with a Party on Jan. 11th and a Coming Up Ceremony on the 18th for the new girls who are joining us from Brownies.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Rosemary Meek. Fal. 26xxxx.

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With post Christmas sales in full swing, it is important for shoppers to know what they can do if their “bargan” turns out to be less than they bargained for!

Many people think they can't return faulty or damaged goods bought in a sale. Not true! Unless the shop pointed out the defect to you beforehand or the goods were obviously defective and you still bought them, you can take them back to the shop and ask for a refund or replacement. Remember if you accept a credit-note then you must buy something to that value in the shop and cannot have your money refunded, so always check that they have a suitable replacement or ask for a refund. Know your rights as a shopper and if you have any problems try to sort it out with the shop first, and if you are unhappy with the result call in at the Citizens Advice Bureau, who will advise you the next step to take.

It now goes without saying that sensible people will not risk their own and other's lives by drinking and driving. If you are found guilty of drunken driving you will lose your licence for a minimum of one year. On top of this there will be a fine and possibly a prison sentence – maximum is £1,000 and 6 months in prison.

And, don't forget to “belt up”. Statistics show that seat belts are saving lives. All drivers and front seat passengers in most vehicles must wear seat belts by law. Maximum penalty for not wearing a seat belt is £50, an amount few people can afford to treat lightly.

Holidays are an expensive item and it's worth checking everything beforehand to make sure all goes well. Have you booked with an ATOL Tour Operator/ABTA Agent? This means that if the Tour Operator goes bust you will get your money back, or if in mid-holiday, you will be flown home. If you buy your ticket with a credit-card and pay £30 or more, the credit card company has “equal liability” to compensate you if the Company goes bust. Do check also that travel Insurance is adequate and that you have enough medical cover. Get the D.H.S.S. leaflet “Medical treatment during visits abroad” and read it through, and check too that you are happy with your Insurance cover for lost property. A happy holiday will result!

We have had a few recent enquiries from Old Age Pensioners about earnings. The latest regulations are that £65 may be earned without the weekly pension being affected and after 70 years of age any amount may be earned without the pension being affected. O.A. Pensions are still liable to Income Tax, however.

The Organiser will attend the Friendship Club meetings to help with any problems. Your nearest C.A.B. is in The Chippings, Wotton-under-Edge, and we are open every Tuesday from 10.00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. Dursley 84 xxxx and we will be happy to help with any questions or problems you may have.

The C.A.B. at Stroud is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Saturdays Tel. Stroud 2xxx.

Remember C.A.B. is a free, confidential and impartial Service open to all ages, and we are there to help.

Our best wishes to all for a Happy and Prosperous 1984.

Jean McGonnigill, Organiser.

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A Happy New Year to all members and friends of Charfield W.I.

Since the last newsletter we have had our A.G.M. and I will take this opportunity to thank the retiring committee members for their hard work over the past year and welcome the new committee – some of them have only been to the W.I. for a few months, and may feel they have been “pitched in at the deep end” – it's not as bad as it seems!!

In December we had our members' night which was thoroughly enjoyed by all – a big thank you from the retiring committee. On this evening we were pleased to give a special welcome to Mrs. North, who was visiting her daughter. It was lovely to see her again and I have since heard from her thanking us for a most enjoyable evening. She wishes to be remembered to all her friends in Charfield.

Bushes and Trees Quiz – Thanks to everyone who entered our Quiz we were able to raise £33.25 in aid of the Village Hall, and the winner was Miss T.K. Poole, xxxx Farm, Mays Hill, Frampton Cotterell. If anyone would like a copy of the correct answers to the Quiz if they contact Mrs. Dodd, Fal. 26x xxx, who organised it she will be pleased to let you see a copy.

Our Speakers for 1984 are –

Jan. W.P.C. Whiting – Chipping Sodbury Police.
Feb. M. Wilcox – Berkeley Power Station.
Mar. Mr. Everett – Plants for Flower Arranging.
Apr. Mrs. McLaren – Stuffed Toys.

All are most welcome at any of these meetings.

Frogmore Gardens, Windsor. – H.M. The Queen is allowing her gardens to be opened on Wednesday/Thurs. 2nd/3rd May, in aid of the National Garden Scheme, and we have provisionally booked a 29 seater coach for Wed. 2nd May. Posters will be on display in the Village at a later date, and if enough interest is shown we could book a larger coach. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mrs. J. Hutley. President.

Hello Mums! Happy New Year!

I do hope you all had a great Christmas. Jane Higgins had a smashing idea. Those of us with crammed social calendars turned up at Jane's at the start of Dec. with our diaries, to all swop sitters. Everyone got “fixed up” with a sitter and it certainly saved on the 'phone bills! I'd like to welcome two new mums to the list – Anne Stoakes of xx Manor Lane, Tel. 26xxxx and Heather Crowley of xx Underhill Road, Tel. 26xxxx. Sadly, two mums have left the Circle – Carol Tarry and Pat Martin. So don't think you can twist their arms to sit anymore – I've got their washers back!!

If there are any new mums to the Village who would like to join 'phone and let me know. In fact, I'm sure someone mentioned that they'd like to join before Christmas, but since Lawrence has turned up my brain's gone blank, so please whoever you are – 'phone me. Anyway, must sign off now to whizz this round to Rosa. Happy New Year once again and don't forget the “hot list” is still in operation.

Marilyn Smith 26xxxx.

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Police:

P.C. Carrow, Police House, xx Wotton Road. Dur. 84xxxx

Electricity:

M.E.B Severn Vale District Office, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury. C.S. 21xxxx

Water:

Bristol Waterworks Co. Head Office. Bristol 66xxxx (Faults outside normal working hours) Freefone 9xx

Avon Oils:

Unit 1, Avonbridge Estate. Boiler maintenance & Emergency. Avonmouth 982xxxx. Account Queries Wells (0749) 7xxxx.

Northavon District Council:

Emergency Services Thornbury 41xxxx

Citizen's Advice Bureau:

Organiser: Mrs. J. McGonnigill, Town Council Offices, The Chippings, W.u.E. Dur. 84xxxx

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 21 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: 2016-12-07.