CHADRA

Litter and the Environment

We read that Britain is fast becoming one of the dirtiest countries in Europe. If this is true perhaps Charfield can do its bit to clear up its small corner of the Universe.

Could we possibly have letter box style bins around the village to prevent litter blowing out, as it does in the existing ones and defeating the object of having the bins for litter disposal.

Can Charfield do something for the National Litter Clearance Campaign. Perhaps this is an issue that could be taken up by the Parish Council or whom-ever is responsible for the provision of litter bins.

This is not a criticism of the Parish Council, just food for thought.

M.H.
J.P.
Joint Editors

* * * * * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – JULY 12TH 1989 * * * * * * * *

Joint Editors Jenny Peaster xxx Manor Lane Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Distribution Mike Cheskin xx Farm Lees Charfield Tel: Dursley 84xxxx
Mary Hall xx Durham Road Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Duplicating John Butler x Thames Close Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

Neil, a small boy, wrote, “Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in Church. Is that O.K. Neil.”

There is no evidence that God answered the letter (which raises the question, Is He a bad correspondent?!).

But the point on Neil's mind: what about kissing in Church (with or without weddings!)? Clearly Neil was doubtful about the whole business. I wonder why. He had picked up somewhere that Church and kissing are mutually exclusive. So as God (as far as I know) has not answered the enquiry, what does a mere office-boy for the department of spiritual affairs think? (me!).

Somehow I don't think God frowns on kissing (given mutual affection between the kissers!). It is, after all, a universally recognised physical expression of love, friendship, good relationship. Of course we all know that there are kisses and ‘kisses’ but there is no need to go into this analytical depth here! Sometimes a kiss is – what shall we say? – wedding quality; sometimes it is less in content but nevertheless a real sign of inner care for the other person. Incidentally, five times in the New Testament letters Paul (four times) and Peter (once) write to Christians and conclude, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” So, it goes back a long way! And the type of kiss intended is neatly summarises.

There is the opportunity in our service in Church of ‘Eucharist’ (literally ‘Thanksgiving’) or Holy Communion, to greet each other; to recognise each others presence there; to express our Christian love to each other. We shake hands with those around us. When this was first introduced some years ago, it seemed strange to some; some were distinctly uneasy about it: like Neil they wondered, “… in Church. Is that O.K.”. For myself, I am sure that it breaks any formality that may still be lingering in our heart and creates a warm atmosphere. So we do it. In some Churches people do actually kiss if they know one another well and if that is how they both feel.

So Neil, if you happen to read this, I reckon it is O.K. – kissing in Church, that is. In fact these days in Church we do things that would have horrified people at one time. For example, have coffee; and talk to one another! Why don't you come and see, Neil? Oh, and you too!

WALK UP! WALK UP! WALK UP! (or come by car if you prefer).

22nd April. Mini-Jumble sale at Charfield School (Foundation Room: green roof). 10 a.m.

20th May. PLANT sale in Church grounds. 10 a.m. for your seedlings, plants etc for a beautiful garden.

24th June. June FLING. In Church grounds from 7 p.m. If you came last year you'll come this. If you didn't, come and see what you missed!

For more, watch this space – and St. John's Notice Board.

2

If you do not already attend a place of worship please be assured of a very warm welcome at any of our meetings or services.

Coach Outing The Ladies Bright Hour are hoping to arrange a coach trip to Minehead on Tuesday 30th, leaving Charfield at 10.30 am and returning home at approx 8 pm. If you are interested please contact Mrs E Looker. (Phone Falfield 26xxxx)

“Where time stood still.”
The year was 1947, and whilst England shivered in what is now regarded as one of the coldest winters in living memory, I found myself enjoying the comparative luxury of a prolonged National Service posting to the warmer climes of the Middle East. I was actually stationed at a large R.A.F. Unit at Ismailia, in the Canal Zone of Egypt, and had travelled one day about 100 miles across country on a motor coach excursion especially to see one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.

My first glimpse of the Pyramids came as we were leaving the highly modernized city suburbs of Cairo. The topmost pinnacle of the Great Pyramid at Giza appearing suddenly above the distant skyline, it's silhouette in stark and striking contrast with the twentieth century surrounding landscape of high-rise flats and apartment buildings, and only a few moments later I eventually found myself standing at it's base.

Because of it's immense proportions (the pyramid at Giza is not called ‘Great’ for nothing) it is only possible to fully appreciate the shape of the pyramid by viewing it from a distance. Standing at it's base one could only marvel at it's actual size. Four hundred and fifty feet high, seven hundred and fifty feet across at the base, all constructed from solid rock, and without the aid of modern machinery, five thousand years ago, this was indeed an ancient wonder greater than anything I had ever seen, or perhaps was likely to see again.

Although the pyramids of Egypt have long since yielded up their secrets to various robber bands, it is still a memorable and exciting experience to go inside one. Paying therefore a modest entrance fee, and bending almost double, our coach party followed the guide through the low narrow entrance, eventually finding ourselves ascending a dimly lit escalator type of passageway into the main central chamber, where an empty stone sarcophagus was all that remained of the earthly possessions which had been entombed with a famous Pharaoh so many years ago.

The voice of the guide seemed suddenly to echo and re-echo around the vault-like room as he explained in broken English, the meaning of the strange hieroglyphic symbols scratched upon the walls. Here, it seemed that time stood still, and thousands of years of history were spanned in the space of seconds.

Scarcely a word was spoken as we carefully retraced our steps – surrounded still by an atmosphere so heavily charged with mystery that no one seemed dare utter a sound for fear of breaking the spell.

Then suddenly we were outside again, and emerging into the brilliant sunshine, I stood alone for the space of a few moments looking down upon the beauty of the Nile Valley, where all was peaceful and still. I was thinking of all that had happened in the space of five thousand years; of the splendour of Greece and Rome. Then also came the thought of an even mightier Kingdom, and of a much less conspicuous tomb, where only three days after it was sealed, the large stone at it's entrance was found rolled away.

3All this, and so much more had been witnessed during the lifetime of a Pyramid. Yet looking down now, and away to the distant hills at our extreme left, I could see in my mind's eye, the pale opalescent curve of an even more ancient monument. For across the desert I knew there moved the glimmering, snake-like path of the great River Nile – never once faltering upon it's ageless journey – comparable, as is suggested by the verse of a famous hymn, only to time itself. Yes, indeed, how true, that:-

“Time, like en ever rolling stream
Bears all its sons away,
They fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the opening day.”

A text to ponder: – Matthew chapter 28 verse 20 (New English Bible) Jesus said “Be assured, I am with you always, to the end of time.”

The recent House to House Collection raised £304.78. I should like to thank everyone who so generously donated money towards this very worthwhile cause.

Also grateful thanks to the collectors for the time and energy which they additionally give.

The Children's Society does very valuable work helping the underprivileged in our society, through Family Centres and Community Projects etc., and desperately needs more money to continue the existing work.

If you would like to have a collecting box within your home, for the year, do please contact me.

Finally, your prayers are asked please, for the work of the Society.

C. P. Temme
xx Durham Road
Fal. 26xxxx

Hello Mums,
Firstly we would like to say a big thank you to last year's committee members and hope we can run things as smoothly and successfully this year! The new committee is as follows:-

Any new Mums with babies and/or Toddlers up to the age of 3 years who don't know about us; we use the village hall every Thursday morning from 10 am–11.15 am. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month is a clinic session run by our local Health Visitor, Mrs Storey, also with a doctor in attendance.

The Annual Membership is now due for renewal, the fee being 75p for 6 months and £1.25 for the annual fee. We will shortly be arranging our annual summer day out, a trip to Weston-Super-Mare. So please all you Mums come along and support our little Group – we enjoy it as much as the kids!!

4

At the last ordinary meeting of the Parish Council a new resident to the village was welcomed to the meeting and was interested in the wide variety of subjects covered by the Council. She was however the only member of the public present and it may be appropriate to point out to old and new residents that Council meetings are held at Charfield School, in the Foundation Room, on the second Tuesday every month. Anyone attending will be welcomed and given an opportunity to raise points or make comments during the course of the meeting. Agendas are published on the notice boards.

A major project at the present time is the proposed Skate Board Ramp which it is planned to provide on the playing field. Younger residents of the village approached the Council with the request, backed by a large petition as well as sketch drawings and other information. With the very welcome assistance offered by R.M.C. (Wickwar Quarry) it is hoped that construction will be under way soon. However it is a condition that the children raise some of the money themselves. With the assistance of the Council an Obstacle Course will be set up in the School Playground on 1st May and this will be open for Skate Boards, Roller Boots and Bikes (not all at the same time)! Anyone can take part – there is no age limit and sponsor forms are available. We hope to be able to serve you hot dogs and drinks to keep up your strength! Posters will soon be erected so watch for further details and please support the youngsters who are making an effort to achieve something themselves.

Thornbury Town Council Office also doubles as the local Tourist Information Office and they recently compiled a list of bed and breakfast accommodation available in the area. There is nothing listed for this area, therefore anyone offering accommodation might like to contact the Town Council to be included on the list.

It was recently pointed out that prior to charity door-to-door collections being carried out i.e. carol singers, permission from the Police must be obtained. It is also illegal for anyone under 16 to take part in such a collection.

The Council is concerned about the condition of the fence separating Little Bristol Lane from the railway adjacent to the playing field. British Rail have stated that they are under no obligation to provide anything other than a post and wire fence but bearing in mind how close the railway is to both the road and the playing field, the Council would like to see a more substantial fence at this point. A joint meeting has been arranged for the near future as the first step to achieve this improvement.

We started 1989 with a District Party and were entertained by Simon O'Sullivan's Magic Show which was enjoyed by all. We have also had a District Handicraft Show which was well supported.

We are now looking forward to Pack Holiday at the end of April and a District Day Out to Somerwest world in May.

If you are six years old and would like to join the Brownies when you are seven, please put your name on the waiting list.

Mrs. Green
Dursley 84xxxx

5

A volunteer is required to distribute the Newsletter in Old Manor Close. Copies involved maximum sixteen, probably less. Please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx if you are willing to help.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held at the National School Foundation Room at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st. The Officers and Committee for the year 1989/90 are listed below.

Geoff Blower
Hon. Secretary

It would be fair to say that the Club has had a good year for our members and, just to re-cap on last year's activities, we organised day and half day excursions. We visited the market at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, the beauty of the Autumn leaves in the Forest of Dean, and the sea at Weston, Teignmouth, etc.

However, as the Committee are aware, it all costs money, but with two “Bring and Buy” Sales, and a couple of “Draws” we were able to offset some of the costs. We held a Christmas Tea in the Memorial Hall, and rounded off the Yuletide pleasantries with a visit to the Bristol Pantomime of “Aladdin”.

Shortly we shall be electing a new Committee for the 1989/90 year to maintain our interest in the elderly. We still extend an invitation to the “Over Fifty-Fives” to join us.

E.H. Orton
Chairman

I'm sure most of you are aware that 1989 is a very special year for Brownies, as it marks our 75th Anniversary. A lot has changed over the years and not all of it for the better.

2nd Charfield Pack made a good start in this our anniversary year by winning the District Handicraft Competition against some very stiff opposition, and are even now preparing for the West Division Handicraft Competition in May.

Plans are also under way for a Brownie party and a day outing in the summer. We are also planning some swimming nights over the next few months. So if your daughter is 7 and would like to be a Brownie, please contact Mrs. Smith (Fal. 26xxxx) or Mrs. MacLellan (26xxxx).

6

Browsing around villages and small towns, wandering their roads, lanes and back alleyways, visiting their churches, studying the architecture and generally absorbing the local atmosphere, not forgetting a visit to the local hostelry to sample what it has to offer in the way of food and drink, these are the sorts of things my wife and I enjoy doing on our days off or when on holiday. I suppose it could be said of us that we have a ‘taste’ and ‘feel’ for history and relish links which take us back through past generations. Museums are a source of considerable delight and interest as we examine fast fading photographs taken over the past hundred and fifty years, or inspect the many incredible pieces of equipment, tools and machinery used by our predecessors in the home, the workshop, farm or field. These things help us to re-capture, though inadequately I'm sure, the way people lived and the conditions in which they lived in times past.

As I travel about the villages within the Ward I represent, Charfield, Falfield and Tortworth, I sometimes indulge in a similar mental exercise and try to imagine what life must have been like in these places a few generations ago, and what sorts of issues and problems would the local Councillor then have to have dealt with. They would certainly have been different from many of those I have to frequently deal with, those, for example, dealing with planning matters, large scale development and some of the problems which people encounter in relation to it, street lighting and mud etc. deposited on local roads. These are largely modern issues connected with changed conditions and our improved living standards. However, some issues, such as the provision of satisfactory housing for the less well-off, the homeless and the elderly, are still very much with us and they would have been as of much concern to my predecessors as they are to me. Being on the Housing Committee, I am frequently faced with the reality of these problems, not only in my Ward, but in Northavon as a whole. It distresses me that, as an example, we still have to resort to provide Bed and Breakfast accommodation for families over many months because our housing stock within the District is inadequate to meet the needs of the homeless. Unfortunately, the District is not able to build in order to provide.

Since becoming your District Councillor, I have considered the idea of holding periodic ‘surgeries’. I would be grateful for any comments on whether you think these might be useful to you. However, you can always 'phone, write, or call on me at my home, or contact me at the monthly Parish Council Meeting, which I normally attend. Don't forget also that you have a good Parish Council and they are there to be used. We work in close collaboration with each other, and I with your County Councillor, Pat Hockey, so the lines of communication from Parish through District to County are open and intact. If you need help or advice then please use us.

Eddie Gadsby
District Councillor

If you have a child who will be four years old on or before the 31st August, and you wish him/her to start school this September, will you please register him/her with the school immediately, if you have not already done so.

Telephone No: Falfield 26xxxx.

7

The annual census held by the Scout Association showed the group having 20 Beavers aged 6–8 years, 48 Cub Scouts aged 8–10½ years approximately, 41 Scouts aged 11–15½ years approximately, and 18 Venture Scouts, this being the only section to have male and female members. By now all will have paid their membership fees hopefully – these were due on April 1st.

To look after all these young people we have eleven leaders in uniform and various like minded people willing to give a hand, but we can always do with more to provide a better and more interesting programme. The emphasis is on fun both for the young folk and the leaders, so if you have any interest in the young and you are young at heart yourself, give it a try … it's not all Knots and tracking! Ring Falfield 26xxxx.

Future fund raising events include:-

Margaret K. Coomber
G.S.L.
Falfield 26xxxx

Many thanks to all the villagers who either gave or turned out to support our recent Jumble Sale in the Memorial Hall.

Our next event, which may have taken place by the time you read this Newsletter is a “Quiz Evening” on Friday, 28th April at the school, when teams of 2 adults and 2 children will pit their wits against each other.

For those interested in the game of tennis, an American Tournament has been organised for Sunday, 11th June on the courts at the school.

The following Saturday, June 18th, we will be having a stall at Wotton's Hey Day with the theme this year “Cavaliers and Roundheads”. Are we going to be suitably attired? You will have to come along and find out.

This year it looks as if there will be no gymkhana and Horse Show, unless we can find someone who knows about organising such an event. We have a lot of people who are willing to help but no one to take charge. If there is anyone out there who can help please, please, contact me as soon as possible. It would be a Great pity to lose what has become a really well established event.

If anyone has any requests for fund raising events, open evenings, etc., please let me know and the Committee will try its best to accommodate them.

Margaret Clarke
Vice Chairman K.L.B.S., P.T.A.
Falfield 26xxxx

8

The month of April sees W.I. members as busy as ever. Some of us took part in a Miser Mile competition to raise funds for both Avon Federation of Women's Institutes and the Save the Children Fund. We had to drive a Vauxhall Nova car around a course near the Eastville/M32 area using as little petrol as possible. I had been marked off as having completed my course when in fact I was still waiting to do it, so 1½ hours later I was in no mood to go easy on the gas pedal and notched up a pathetic 41.5 m.p.g! Our other entrants had more skill and patience and achieved a much higher mileage.

I hope everyone has noticed our garden in the Hall car park – it compliments the daffodils planted by the Parish Council all round the village, and looks very pretty.

We are having an Open Meeting in June – so make a date to come and find out about Fromehill Mill and their (infamous) gateaux. Details nearer the date on our usual posters.

Claire Haines
President

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Jumble Sale in January. The hall was packed full, despite the attempts by the weather to stop people coming!

Playgroup celebrated Easter this year with an Easter Bonnet Competition. A great deal of time and effort went into making them all. A special thank you to Miss Turner who had the very difficult job of judging the competition.

Our Playgroup summer outing will be on Wednesday, 21st June. If anyone has any suggestions of interesting places to visit, we'd like to hear from you.

If you wish your child to start Playgroup this year, would you please let me know. We are nearly full at present, but will have more places in September.

Sue Blay
Secretary Falfield 26xxxx

I start on a sad note – our last P.R.O. went mad due to overwork! But never mind, this is the price you must pay with life in the fast lane. NO, just kidding. With our A.G.M. in March, a new person has been elected … ME!

The new year was spent in an old tumble down, poor excuse for a cottage (some of us spent many hours perched precariously on a wooden platform hoisted over a river!) supplied with only a few tonnes of food. 1989 was seen in on the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain armed with our usual hoard of minor explosives, namely party poppers.

9During the three and a half months between then and now many things have taken place including silk screen printing; dry slope skiing; numerous skittles competitions; speakers on V.S.O. and R.S.P.B. badminton etc., and all of this intersperses with regular trips to go windsurfing and canoeing.

After reading this, ask yourself a few questions:

1) Am I either male or female? (Think carefully!)
2) Am I between 15 and 20?
3) Does this sort of action appeal to me?

If your answer to all these Questions is YES, then call me on Dursley 84xxxx.

Ian Haines
New Public Relations Officer

The season will be just starting as you read these words, but if you are interested in cricket and would like the thought of playing locally, then it's not too late to join our Club. We will be running 3 Saturday XI's and 2 Sunday XI's, so there will be opportunities for everyone. In addition Monday nights will see an U.19 XI taking part in the John Macey Youth League (based at Rockhampton C.C.) and in midweek there will be U.15 fixtures in the Bristol and District Youth League.

Here are some dates for your diary and a list of telephone numbers, so you can make contact with the Selection Committee.

The Committee of Charfield Cricket Club look forward to seeing players and spectators at the Memorial Hall Playing Field any weekend this summer.

David S. Bradley
Chairman
Charfield Cricket Club

10

On May 10th, 1989, the Governors will formally present their Annual Report to a meeting for parents and governors. This became a legal requirement under the Education (No 2) Act 1986 and a copy of the report will be circulated to parents beforehand.

This will be the third occasion on which we have been required to hold such a meeting and sadly, it will be the last one when our Headmaster, Mr. D.A. Malpass will be present. He has been with us for 20 years and though I know that he is pleased that at last the long promised improvements will be implemented later this year, I am sure that he will be relieved to be spared the physical upheaval!

It will, of course, also be the last occasion when we shall use the present building as a school hall, for it will be converted into two classrooms when the new hall is built.

By the time the next issue of the ‘Charfield Newsletter’ is due, a new Head (Master or Mistress) will have been appointed. Under the 1986 legislation, the Governing Body was required to nominate three School Governors to serve on a Selection Panel with three nominees from the Local Education Authority. At the time of writing five candidates have been short-listed and will make a formal visit to the school and have an opportunity to also meet the teaching staff and the remaining School Governors, before the interviews take place.

In the meantime, the Education Reform Act 1988 has provided much material for the Governors' Agendas, not the least being the policy of Local School Management.

Parents will be more fully appraised when they receive the Annual Report.

Rev. David W. Parker
Chairman
School Governors

What are your volunteers actually doing?

We are often asked this question by people who have heard of the new Volunteer Link in Thornbury. The Answer is “all sorts of things”.

Some are helping to play with handicapped toddlers in a special play-group, and others are assisting with the Sheiling School's very diverse activities. A lot are offering friendship and practical help to the many elderly people in the area, and one or two have expressed an interest in various youth groups. One lady is weighing babies in a clinic, and another writing a paper for Avon Wildlife Trust.

All this is very much appreciated, but many more volunteers are still needed. With the summer holidays not too far away, hostesses are needed for the Children's Holiday Scheme, and at least six organisations who cater for our young people are longing for more helpers. A number of well established charities need people to help with fund raising activities, and minibus drivers are in a very short supply. Every week more requests come in.

If you would like to help someone, but don't know where to start why not give us a ring on Thornbury 41xxxx, or just drop in at the Methodist Hall, Thornbury. We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10.30 to 3.00 and we look forward to seeing you.

11

Another year and another A.G.M. has now passed us by. I don't know what we did to deserve the atrocious weather which occurred that day but the Committee still managed to arrive at the village hall laden with all sorts of “goodies” to eat and delightful flower arrangements to brighten up the hall for those who attended in the evening. In fact, I would say at this point that we seem to spend a lot of our time surrounded by the most spectacular food. Whether hot or cold, sweet or savoury, it is always delicious and at the A.G.M. in particular the sweets were “out of this world” – many thanks to those who created them.

Personally, I am looking forward to the year ahead very much and I know that I will not have to worry too much as there is an excellent Committee behind me, no doubt giving a “gentle shove” whenever necessary!

Anyone who is new to the village may like to know that we meet at the Village Hall on the third Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. Anyone can come along as a visitor or to join for the year for only £1.50 which usually entitles members to reductions at various events later in the year.

On 10th May we shall be holding another Ploughman's Lunch as the last one was so successful. We hope that you will be able to join us again this time and notices will be delivered nearer the date with further information. On 18th May the Speaker will be telling us how to trace our family history (or is this when we find those skeletons in the cupboard!). June 15th is the date currently allocated for our Coach Trip and although the destination has still to be decided keep your eyes open for details as they are usually very popular and seats will have to be booked. On 20th July we shall be hosts to a Speaker from the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

As well as this, Young Wives have entered a team in the local Quiz on 7th April – an event which I hope will have had successful results by the time you read this article. But, win or lose, I am sure a lot of fun will be had by all! We have also accepted a challenge from W.I. to a Skittles Match in the not-too-distant future. So no one need say that “life is dull” any more!

Don't forget now, come along and join us sometime – we would love to see you.

Laurene Tubb
Chairlady

During the last year, we have made 56 journeys to hospitals, doctors, dentists and clinics.

It is very difficult at times to find a driver available, as none of our drivers are free every day. They are either working part-time or have other regular commitments. It would be a great help to have more volunteers and if anybody has any free time, please 'phone me for details of this scheme.

Muriel Blower
Falfield 26xxxx

12

Under 12's
A better second half of the season has allowed Charfield to climb away from the bottom of the league and this form has allowed them to progress to the semi-final of the Chris Powell Cup with a good chance of reaching the final.

Under 14's
After losing nearly the whole of last year's successful winning championship side Charfield have done well in finishing in a mid table position and but for an injury to Stephen Spill and the availability of top goal scorer Stephen Lovegrove, they could have done even better. However they are still involved in the Dipper Cup quarter finals against Rodborough.

Under 16's
A fairly successful season for the U16's with their league title hopes being carried right through to the last game of the season. However their hopes were dashed with a last minute goal by North Nibley to end Charfield's chance of a first ever U16's championship.

All three sides will be hoping for success in the British Telecom Stroud league six-a-side competition at Stonehouse on Sunday 30th April.

The end of Season Disco and Presentation evening will be held on Saturday 6th May starting at 7.30 pm at Charfield Memorial Hall.

Pre-season training will re-commence on Thursday 27th July 1989 at Charfield Memorial Hall playing fields at 6.30 pm. Anyone interested in playing for the club next season should either turn up on the night or contact myself on Falfield 26xxxx.

On behalf of the committee, I should like to thank all the players for their efforts and good sportsmanship shown during this season and wish you all the very best of luck for next year.

Claire Bullock
Honorary Secretary

Our fortnightly meetings are proving a great success. We've enjoyed a slide show of the Lake District and early days of Concorde, our own mini Antiques Road Show and an interesting demonstration on planting a hanging basket, popular Scrabble afternoons, quizzes, card games etc, with more ideas for future leisure afternoons of your choice.

On Sports and Gala Day, July 15th, we are hoping to stage a Pot Plant competition – details later. So if you are over 40, male or female and enjoy meeting people do come along, you will be made most welcome.

Pat White

13

Do you know – writing this article is like Christmas shopping. Every time I say that I'll be early but by my calculations if I compare my tardiness like Christmas – it's New Year's Eve – got it?

I had a great panic last week – what can I write about? What have I done? When it's writing up time I get gripped by this blankness of the old brain cells. Well I feel I've got a bit of a duty to the nation, well the readers of Charfield. I do wish I had a typewriter, my brain is about four words ahead of my hands so consequently when I read back it never makes sense. Anyway getting back to writing to you all. To be honest I have been compared with Janet Street-Porter. Yes, she got long orange hair, speaks with a Cockney accent, wears rather large glasses and has big front teeth. She is, quite frankly, one of the most charming, wittiest, oozing-with-everything, people I know.

I suppose I ought to write about the baby sitting circle – well that's why I'm here really. I've phoned through half the Mums to see if they need to be on the list and when I've paid this quarter's bill I'll phone the other half.

If anyone regarding this, decides they no longer wish to be a member of the circle (sounds like one of those secret hand shake jobs) would you kindly phone me.

Why is it that when you've got guests your Yorkshires never rise. Mum and Dad came down for a few days after Easter along with loads of goodies to eat. We had the remainder of the Easter (not Christmas) turkey, one of Mums lovely savoury pies and other such yummies. Well on the third day I thought I'd excel myself with a fine roast beef. Well the poor birds couldn't get their beaks into my flapjacks (or flatjacks), my excuse for Yorkshire Pudding. When it's just the four of us I just shove it all in the oven and they almost burst through the ceiling. As for the beef – even made into a stew the following day didn't tenderize it.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Well if you can't do your Mum and Dad a decent meal. Mum handed me the wine bottle.

Did any of you go and see Salad Days at Wotton? It was ever so good. One of the lead parts was played by my postman, Anthony Young.

I wished him all the best on the Monday and told him to “break a leg”. Well you have to, don't you. I went on the Tuesday. It was so good. A real professional show. So well portrayed and the dancing and singing was absolutely lovely. Anyway on the Wednesday morning I told Sophie to keep her eye out for the postman. I asked if he'd sign my programme. Well he's already received an award on HTV, so he's almost there.

Saturday night I saw Jonny Mathis LIVE at the Hammersmith Odeon. He was great and the orchestration was brilliant. He started singing ‘Brazil’ and everyone got their maracas out (have I spelt that right?). At the end his fans went up to the stage throwing flowers and giving him bottles of Champagne. Gary – my brother-in-law, said was I going to throw my knickers – well I soon told him that that only happened at Tom Jones concerts in Vegas.

I went with my Mum and Elaine, my sister. Well she happened to mention she was going, at work, and they couldn't get over it, especially after last year's main event, which I shall not actually mention in case you all say “Oh, not that again!” Anyway Elaine's office mates had been humming Mary's Boy Child for weeks and Gary said to mind the Zimmers as you get to your seat. Isn't he dreadful. Still I couldn't be too rude to him as he was acting taxi-driver. Dad was baby sitting and Keith, well he was somewhere between the two. Oh well, I'd better sign off now. The sun's come out today – it's lovely. I do so quite like writing this for the Newsletter – it's sort of like writing to a mate I suppose.

This years really going fast isn't it? Well the next time I write will be July-ish. All shorts and sun-kissed faces.

14Actually I had my shorts on, on Easter Monday and then we had snow sort of the other week. I obviously frightened the elements.

I'm sitting in the conservatory writing this and every now and then a funny smell wafts up my nose. I've shifted the geraniums – it's not them, perhaps it's the cat. Anyway have a lovely summer.

If anyone would like to take over the running of the Circle which is keeping the list up together and adding new people to it, do let me know.

Also, if any new Mums in the Village wish to join, just let me know, too. Tel. no. below.

All the best for now,
Marilyn
Falfield 26xxxx.

P.S, I've just read through this lot of old waffle. I do hope Mary (Ed) can read it?

P.P.S. If anyone is throwing some bits of shrubs or cuttings out can I have them. The passing public and surrounding neighbours will be thrilled skinny that Keith and I are at long last trying to win the best kept building site/Kew Gardens look-a-like.

Ye olde Tip is changing! – M.

Local appeals plus an article in the Gazette have been unsuccessful in finding a new Youth Leader or additional helpers to run the Youth Club. The Club has therefore had to hopefully only temporarily close.

15

In theory, working from home is a good idea for lots of people who for whatever reason can't go out to work. But the pay can be very low and can often lead to working long and unsociable hours to earn some reasonable money. Most homeworking schemes are available through advertisements in newspapers and in shop windows, but some of these ads can be misleading, especially when they refer to the potential earnings, so it is best to know what to look out for.

Many homeworking schemes are advertised in newspapers and magazines. The Advertising Standards Authority code of practice is very clear on what the ads should contain, but you should look out for the various points to ensure that the advertiser and the job offered is genuine.

Advertisements or firms which ask for money before the work starts, or for a payment for a ‘starter kit’ should be avoided at all costs. Schemes where homeworkers have to buy or rent equipment or raw materials and then sell the finished product should also be avoided.

Check that the advertisement contains full details of the work involved and the conditions on the homeworker. Be wary of the advertisements which are vague about the sort of work, for example, ‘mailing envelopes’.

Some of the advertisements for homeworking schemes are placed in the ‘Situations Vacant’ or recruitment columns of local newspapers, and might not conform to the Advertising Standards Code of Practice, so be careful of these.

Some advertisements may appear to offer work from home, but in fact amount to setting up a mail order business and recruiting others. This is known as ‘Pyramid Selling’. Genuine schemes like this must include the starting date of the scheme, the name and address of the person running the scheme and the description of goods or services to be sold.

There are some homeworking schemes which need to be registered by law and you also need to know whether or not your tenancy agreement or mortgage terms lay down certain conditions regarding working from home. Insurance is another important area to be checked, as is planning permission, and you also need to consider your neighbours if you will be working with noisy machinery. There are organisations which can advise on working from home. You can get their details from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

You will find us in the Council Offices, Chipping Car Park, in Wotton on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Telephone Dursley 84xxxx. Otherwise at High Street, Stroud, telephone Stroud 2xxx.

Several complaints have been received from the Horsford Road/Cotswold View area regarding dogs fouling peoples gardens.

The police are aware of this matter, and although it is not necessary for a well behaved and obedient dog to be always kept on the lead, they state that dogs should be kept under control at all times.

Please have consideration for your neighbours.

16

Our Summer Fayre will include Jumble and White Elephant. The week leading up to the 10th, you will find yet another slip popped through your letterboxes. Committee members will call to collect your “not needed any more” bits. We will take anything of any size, trailers and transit vans are at the ready even as I write!

To those of you who cannot wait to show off your culinary arts we are also having a Cake and Sweet stall and other favourites such as Plants, Books, Toys, Coconut Shy, Skittles and a Treasure Hunt are on the list of “must haves”.
Guess who's doing the Raffle?

Some of you may have noticed the lovely benches in the playgrounds. Six have been made by the resettlement unit at Leyhill Prison. Asking only for a donation towards the unit, we obviously sent enough as they have offered their assistance in the future.

Thank you to those who came along to our “Richard and Steve” Entertainment Evening on February 11th. Raising money for our school children and enjoying yourselves at the same time is not a bad combination and a profit of £180 went into the kitty that evening.

Obviously, when the weather is really awful, our little darlings have to stay in during break-times. Well they do need entertaining. I wonder if any of you can help? If your children have outgrown some of their toys or games i.e. chess, snakes and ladders, ludo, construction games and puzzles the school would be pleased to take them off your hands. Please phone me on Falfield 26xxxx and I will collect.

Although the committee are aiming to purchase a new computer system we decided at our last meeting to spend some money on “bad weather” entertainment. Wouldn't it be great if the children didn't need to use any of it!!

Best Wishes for now, thank you for your help when needed and I look forward to seeing you on 10th June.

Marilyn Smith
Chairman, PTA

Junior Members: Thursday evenings on the court are all yours from 4–8.30 pm !!!!

Coaching has also been arranged for junior members. This will take place on Wednesday evenings between 6–7 pm. Ideally 6–8 people are needed to attend at a cost of £1.50 for each session. Sessions commence 3rd May for 4 weeks, and 7th June for 4 weeks. Those wishing to take part should put their name on the list in the Hut – first come, first served.

Subscriptions are now due payable to the Treasurer, Anne Stoakes, at xx Horsford Road.

Family membership – £25. Seniors – £11. Juniors £4.50.
Visitors: Adults – £1.00, juniors 50p.

17

Try as we will, we cannot escape the fact that we are creatures of time, and when that sense of time happens to be lost, then one begins to feel awkward and out of touch with reality.

We refer to time throughout the day. We speak of what we did last week, or of what time it was when certain events took place. We date our documents. We wind our clocks and watches and then check carefully to see if everything is on schedule. Those in employment leave for work and arrive at a certain time (and maybe even occasionally complain that ‘time drags’), close up shop and then return home at a certain time.

Time just passes and at certain junctures of the year there comes the opportunity for many to experience a change of tempo and a change of environment – a period on which later to reminisce.

Time certainly passes quickly and in my own personal reminisce, it scarcely seems 43 years since, as a qualified male nurse, I was demobilised from the Royal Naval Medical Service, to resume my former employment with the Gloucestershire County Council Public Health Department and to then study for the Diploma of Municipal Administration.

In those early post-war years medical science was beginning to overcome such problems as diphtheria, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and so on and in my studies I used to read of men like Edwin Chadwick who strove hard against the then cholera epidemic. The outcome was the Sanitary Acts of 1848 which required the appointment of Medical officers of Health and the establishing of Sanitary Districts – later to evolve as District Councils.

During my era as a co-ordinator with the School Medical Service, pupils received regular medical check-ups and where appropriate referrals were made to the local doctor and/or the Local Authority clinic.

Time moved events along however. With the further re-organisation of the Health Service taking place at the same time as the re-organisation under the Local Government Act 1972, the local authorities were required to surrender most of their public health responsibilities to the new Health Councils and Medical officers of Health were re-designed as Community Physicians.

The School Dental Service, previously under Local Authority control also became a Health Service responsibility and one of the current concerns of the Charfield School Governors is a curtailment of the inspection service for our area, on the grounds of economy. This is being taken up with the Principal Dental officers.

For me, time had already moved on for early in the 1950's I was seconded for training in the community mental health service and in 1959 was appointed as Area Mental Welfare officer to the pre-reorganisation area of South Gloucestershire. In my early days, I encountered the problems of the overcrowded wards in both the hospitals for the mentally ill and the hospitals for the mentally handicapped, together with the concept of locked doors. But, with the introduction of new lines of medication, it gradually became possible to not only let up on excessive door locking, but the new treatments also effected earlier discharges and a reduction in the overcrowding.

New legislation with the Mental Health Act 1959 (and later of 1983) placed greater emphasis on medical justification for compulsory care and dispensed with the former requirement of a signature from a Justice of the Peace which previously implied that a patient was “certified”.

Then in 1970 – only 19 years ago, children who were mentally handicapped were at last accepted within the Education system! Hitherto, the provision of Occupation Centres, for day care had been the responsibility of the Medical officer of Health who, in 1967 had responded to my having established a need for a Centre in Thornbury.

18The passing of time has produced even more changes.

During the 1970's, various Government white papers, National Conferences and Regional Working Parties all focussed on a need to re-appraise the role of the Psychiatric Hospitals and the provision of more care in the community. To a limited extent the Health Service has endeavoured to fund appropriate accommodation although the onus has also fallen upon the Local Authorities. We therefore have the paradox of the DHSS on the one hand wanting in-patient care reduced even further, whilst the Local Authorities run the gauntlet of “rate-capping” if they overspend.

At a recent meeting of the Bristol Group of the National Schizophrenia Association, a mother sought my consolation over her Oxford Graduate son, discharged from in-patient care and last heard of sleeping in a shelter on the front at Weston-Super-Mare.

In a similar vein parents of mentally handicapped school children have sought my support to lobby Councillors for Adult Day Care.

Finally I would conclude my reference to time on a lighter note!

When, not so long ago I drove to a village church to take an early service, I encountered the church warden exercising his dog. At first the churchwarden looked at me with surprise, and then with a smile as he remarked:- “Who forgot to put his clock on one hour?”

Yes, we all get forgetful yet we all have a lot to be thankful for, if we only realised.

(Reverend) David W Parker

In the beginning God made man
and in time came technology
and war was accelerated
into the age of The Laser War
No trust, too much strength
No weakness to be found
No time, gonna start soon
No way it's gonna stop
'Cos you've gotta fight, fight,
Fight, fight till you drop
Laser lights, satellites
Never-ending war
Man-made stars in a deadlock
No chance at all
No place to go
Put those weapons down.

Anon.

19

We have just had our Annual General Meeting and the Committee has been reformed very much as before.

We have representatives from clubs, co-opted and elected members from the general public. I have been elected as Chairman (lady, person) again, although if anyone aspires to the job please let me know – I would be only too glad to let you have a go. Mr. John Poskett is our Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Joyce Hacker our Secretary, and Mr. Gillette our new Treasurer. Our thanks go to Isabel Davis for all her hard work as Treasurer over the last years.

The Committee still has co-opted positions available on it, so if anyone wishes to join us, or feels that they can contribute to our work in any way, please let me know.

We have had a very busy year. The Hall has been re-decorated both inside and outside. The floor has been sanded down and varnished and we are in the process of doing up the serving area, looking into better ventilation for the main hall. Replacement curtains are being purchased for the hall, using the monies raised by last year's Sports and Gala Day.

To pay for all these continuing jobs and regular maintenance we have to continually fund raise. These are some of the events we have lined up for the next year.

Car Boot Sales:-
Sunday June 11th.
Sunday September 24th.
Sunday October 29th.

Craft Fair:-
Sunday November 26th.

Sports and Gala Day:-
Saturday 9 July 15th.

Jane Hall
Chairperson.

Falfield 26xxxx

REMINDER! ! !
NEXT COPY DATE – JULY 12th.

20

Mr. Dennis Malpass is retiring at the end of this term.

We are holding a presentation evening in school on Tuesday, 25th July at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available (price £1.50) for parents of present or past pupils who would like to come. They can be obtained from Mrs. M. Smith, xx Newtown, Charfield, but as numbers are limited, will be sold strictly on a first come basis.

If you would like to make a donation towards the farewell gifts these can also be left with Mrs. Smith (any cheques made payable to “Retirement Collection (D.A.M.)”).

A collection will be made from the children later in the term. We are also hoping to hold a short children's presentation ceremony at the end of term and, if we can find sufficient space, parents will be invited to this.

C.A. Copping
Deputy Head

21

Please Note: If any of the above information is incorrect or requires amendment please contact the Editors

Telephone Numbers commencing 84… use code 0453, Numbers commencing 26… or 29… use code 0454.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 20 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: 2017-01-14.