CHADRA

At their meeting in July the Residents Association decided that it has become necessary to increase the price of the Newsletter to 20p per copy. The last increase was from 12p to 15p in 1981. Even the Newsletter cannot avoid the cost of inflation! – The new price will be effective from the next issue in January 1990.

Reading through the copy for this edition, it seems that the many pleas from various organisations for help are still going unanswered. Come on, Charfield! The village is growing but support for local activities seems to be falling apart at the seams!
Perhaps 1990 could show an improvement.

Typing ‘1990’ reminds us that this is the last issue of the Newsletter before Christmas and the New Year, so may we wish all readers a premature “Season's Greetings”.

Thank you to all contributors over the past year.

M.H.
J.P.
Joint Editors

* * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – JANUARY 12TH 1990 * * * * *

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

To look ahead, some date-reminders: what do we remember; turn over in our minds from time to time? Things good and bad; things that gladden our hearts but also, sometimes, things that may sadden us but which may also make us wiser. The remembrance of faults, frailties, sins, weaknesses are not the stuff to make us jolly. But if we are to get a wise estimate of ourselves, if we are to improve ourselves in any sphere, then we must remember these aspects of ourselves. There are those who think that the remembrance of all such things is a waste of good time. ‘Life is for looking forward not for looking back’. Well, why not for both? And so with Remembrance Sunday. Some may argue that such remembrance is best forgotten! Today only a minority commit themselves to involvement in a personal act of remembrance with others. No doubt many watch the TV Festival of Remembrance or service at the London cenotaph. But that is watching the TV. It is not committing oneself to involvement in a personal act of remembrance with others (the underlined words are the key words. Well, we cannot measure what we owe to others who gave the most precious gift that any can offer: their own life. If this strikes a chord of conscience in anyone, we have a brief and not gloomy act of remembrance on Sunday the 12th of November. Youth organisations will be present with us and all are welcome to a village event at 11 a.m.

Then on to the Christmas month again! The second Sunday in the month is our Family service day. We have already had one of these (8th October) and it met with approval. As promised (and hoped!) it was bright, breezy and brief. There is something for all ages and the presentation featured audio-visual aids as helps to interest and remembering; also something to come away with. The 10th of December (second Sunday in the month) will be a Christingle service. We have had one of these services for some years now so if you do not know what they are, do come and see. This service will be at 10.15 a.m.

Our Carol service will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday the 17th of December at 3 p.m. The midnight Christmas celebration begins at 11.30 p.m. on SUNDAY the 24th December. This is a very special occasion and a lovely beginning to Christmas day and the Christmas celebration as a whole.

Please make a note of the above dates in your diary or calendar and then see how rewarding a thing it is to meet with others, to consider for a while what this season is really about. I am quite often surprised what inadequate ideas many have about the meaning of Christian festivals and beliefs. It ‘feels’ as if what they have in their mind is what they were told as small children (often long ago!). Often such teaching as is necessary when children are small is grown out of because it is never revised and given an adult framework of understanding. No wonder that people are half-hearted in their faith or, understandably, reject it altogether if it is held in such a childish form, not seeing its relationship to the rest of life and is not seen as a reasonable interpretation of life, found credible by some of the greatest minds that have lived. These days I am very aware that all of us need to understand these things better, not just the children! I wonder why it is that we look for happiness and hope for it while at the same time we reject the things which make for our peace and our joy.

It feels a bit silly to say at the beginning of October but “a happy Christmas” – when it comes.

Kenneth G. Grant.

2

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

Autumn

The 23rd September, the date on which I happen to be typing these notes, is officially regarded as the first day of Autumn, that “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, to quote the poet Keats, which is for many people the loveliest season of the year. Americans, we know, have a special word for it – “The Fall”, and this is undoubtedly one American tradition which we would do well to emulate. For those two words so simply but perfectly express all that is happening in the God given life of the natural world about us Falling leaves and fading beauty. The stripping away of the old in preparation for the revitalising essence of the new.

It is, however, a season tinged with sadness, for it is also a time of “endings”. The ending of holidays 'til next year. The ending of Summer (this year one of the most wonderful in living memory), and unfortunately it is also a season which speaks to many about the ending of our own physical life. Falling poppies at the Service of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in November, speak to many bereaved families about “the Fallen” in two World Wars – one poppy for each life freely given in the cause of freedom. The British Legion's annual tribute perhaps being especially poignant this year because we have recently been remembering the 50th Anniversary of the outbreak of the second World War in the Autumn of 1939.

It was in this context that I felt led to pen the following verses about the falling leaves of Autumn – the outbreak of War, and what it meant to me as a mere lad of ten years of age, as I sat with my parents in Chapel on that particularly fateful day.

3rd September 1939

Fifty years have passed away
Since that awesome, grey September day,
When we prayed in church “God save us all”,
As the Autumn leaves began to fall.

We listened as one family,
To those words “at war with Germany”
I was only then a boy aged ten,
But I shared the fears of older men.

Our minister read the words and sighed,
A sob was heard as someone cried.
What lay before us no one knew,
As we sat there in our Chapel pew.

The “Munich crisis” had set the scene,
With gas mask fittings in between,
How we all laughed then and forgot our pride,
But now we could see the other side.

3The Enemy seemed immensely strong,
Hitler – a man insanely wrong.
We felt so vulnerable and weak
For Winston Churchill had yet to speak.

I remember walking home that day,
How the sky had turned a deeper grey.
As a boy I prayed “God save us all”,
As the Autumn leaves began to fall.

To ponder

“In war there are no winners, only losers”.

“This is the Victory which overcometh the world, even our faith”.
(First Epistle of John. Ch.5, v.4)

Forthcoming Events

Thanksgiving

Our most grateful thanks to all who gave gifts of flowers and garden produce for the Harvest Thanksgiving Services, and especial thanks for the monetary gifts towards our Gift Day which to date total £120. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

E.L.

There will be NO Sports and Gala Day in 1990. This is due in the main to the apathy shown by the people of this village.

Sports and Gala Day 1989 showed a very small profit. It did not show a loss!! We did not expect to make much this year as the intention was to make sure everybody enjoyed themselves and became involved in the day again. Anybody that came to the FREE evening event will, I am sure, agree that it finished the day off well.

However, once we had announced to the Hall Management Committee that we had not made much money, the Sports and Gala Day Committee started to come under some unfortunate criticism. All associations and clubs in the village were asked to attend the AGM for Sports Day. Only one person attended. There were two other people from the Hall Committee. People feel free to criticise all the time but when they are asked to attend a meeting to air this criticism, they cannot be bothered! Therefore, unless a new committee can be formed there will be no further Sports and Gala Days.

This village is growing, for better or worse, and the Sports Day was the one event that got everybody together. My committee worked very hard this year and was prepared to give it a go again next year. However, we were not prepared for the attack by some members of the Hall Committee. I am sorry that the event has to finish. I have been involved for 8 years and looked forward each year to the event. This village needs the event, but other people will have to come forward to take it on. I am sure that if anyone is interested then Jane Hall would be the person to contact. However, I do not believe, judging by the attendance at the AGM, that there will be enough people in the village prepared to become involved.

B. Lovegrove

4

The last edition of CHADRA included a “Goodbye and Thank You” from Mr. Malpass on his retirement, so it seems appropriate that I should include a “Hello and Thank You” in my first contribution!

A change of Head after 20 years takes some getting used to, particularly on the part of the staff and parents, but the welcome I have received has already made me realise how lucky I am to have been appointed as Head at Charfield. Meeting parents at the gate, attending P.T.A. and Governors Meetings have helped in getting to know people during this settling-in period.

Quite naturally, everyone wants to know what the new person will be like! Charfield School is entering an exciting part in its history – the introduction of the National Curriculum, the forthcoming building of a school hall, the implementing of Local Management of Schools, all culminating in the Centenary of the school's opening – plenty to keep us all busy for a few years! My hope is that I can steer the school successfully through this time of change by being approachable and by maintaining the unrivalled team spirit which exists at present. If we can achieve all this, it will be the children in our care who, quite deservedly, will benefit.

As far as the current term is concerned, we have already experienced some differences to our routines. During the summer holidays, Mr. Bradley's classroom (but thankfully not Mr. Bradley) was demolished to make space for the hall project and a new classroom erected in a different position, together with a newly laid playground for the infant children. Also a new pedestrian gate has been created in the hope that vehicles and children will no longer have to share the same access to the school.

Mrs. Hake, our “Lollipop Lady” had to give up her job, but we are relieved to have found a replacement in Mr. Richings. We thank Mrs. Hake for her services and wish Mr. Richings well in his unenviable responsibility of seeing our children safely across the hazardous Wotton Road.

Despite the challenges (some exciting, some no doubt frustrating) which lay ahead, the School is in good heart and I am still smiling!

C.F. Sreeves
Headteacher

The Playgroup Annual General Meeting was held in the Chapel Schoolroom on 12th September, and the following people were elected to serve on the Committee for the forthcoming year:-

Cathie Phipps, Denise Mitchell, Pat Loveridge, Ilze Hicks, Sue Somerton, Helen Brown.

As always, there are many fund raising events taking place. A bazaar will be held on 15th November in the Chapel Schoolroom, starting at 1.30 p.m. There will be lots to do and to buy, so please come along! We shall also be carol singing around the village on Wednesday, 20th December. It is always a very enjoyable evening so why not come and sing along with us.

If you have a son or daughter who will be 3 soon and wish them to attend playgroup, would you please contact me as soon as possible.

Sue Blay (Secretary) Falfield 26xxxx

5

A new school year has started once again and with it K.L.B. has had a lot of refurbishment. The new pupils have certainly got a better environment to work in than ten years ago. The P.T.A. have been able to provide funds to help with certain areas in the school, like the library. It has also spent well over £2,000 on equipment for various departments including Science, English, Religious Education and Outdoor Pursuits.

The P.T.A. is also called upon to provide refreshments for parents' evenings, open evenings, and recently Prize Giving, to which for the first time for many years parents of prize winners were invited along. A very enjoyable and successful evening all round.

A new Committee was elected on October 5th and I am pleased to see a number of new faces including Pam Stevens from Wotton Road – thanks Pam, it is nice to see someone else from Charfield at P.T.A. Meetings. We do supply a large number of pupils to the school but never see many parents at functions – it is only a couple of miles away.

Our future events include a Traditional Christmas Family Party on 15th December when we will have musical entertainment, games and we are trying to find some jugglers, magicians and a fire-eater! Could be interesting. Tickets £1.50 adults and £1 for children.

Prior to that we will be out in the cold at Wotton Dickensian Evening selling a variety of home-made sweets, etc.

On March 9th 1990, we will again stage a Family Quiz Evening and on April 1st, a Sponsored Walk. On May 20th, Treasure Hunt by car and walking finishing with a Barbecue in the school grounds. Plans are also in hand to organise a Promises Auction, the suggested date at the moment is July 6th, but more news of that in the future.

If anyone has any other ideas, or would like tickets, or volunteer help with any of the above functions, please contact me.

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

Once again the Youth Club has closed. Mrs. Coomber has found it impossible to run with-out adult support, mainly male. It will remain closed until such time as the apathy of the village residents changes towards its youth. For it to function it requires a commitment from Youth Leaders and Assistants, both male and female, and an active committee.

Should people wish to make their support known, I am more than willing at any time to call a meeting of interested parties, providing the numbers and commitment are there.

I apologise to the youngsters of the village that this has happened and that we cannot give then the support they deserve.

P. Peaster
Chairman

Falfield 26xxxx

6

Charfield Cricket Club completed its 1989 fixture list as late as 23rd September and the highlights and averages for the season were pored over at our A.G.M. held on October 11th 1989. The Captains of the teams made their reports and there seems to be a growing consistency and depth of playing ability amongst the club members. The last statement is obviously tempting fate.

The First XI, in the Premier Division of the C & G League, finished a well deserved 3rd. James Rawle for his batting (six 50's) and Simon Hutley for his bowling (36 wickets) deserving of special praise. Skipper Ray Johnson won the Peter Dand Award for his bowling at Newent. At the end of the season Alan Pearn, Paul Bath, James Rawle, David Bradley and Simon Hutley were all chosen to represent the Gloucester Club Cricket Federation in a series of matches.

The Second XI, in the First Division of the C & G League, finished in its best position to date, 4th. Martin Munden, Kevin Morgan, Shaun Dix and Alan Vaughan took the eye amongst the batsmen, whilst Shaun Dix, showing his all round ability, John Nixon, Cliff Davies, Mike Colborn and David Terrett shared the wickets.

The Third XI, in the Third Division of the C & G League for the first time, were led by Alan Foxwell and finished 8th out of 12. Martin Scott scored an unbeaten 115, whilst his father, David Scott completed a hat-trick of dismissals. Many of our younger players got their first taste of League Cricket in this team, and Neil Lovegrove was judged to be the Most Improved Player of the year.

When it can be shown that 58 different people played for the Sunday XIs then the club can be proud of its record in fostering an interest in cricket. Many are under 20 years of age, some under 15 even. Michael Colborn (Jnr) led an Under 15 XI in the Bristol and Youth League with assurance and responsibility. Of that team Darren Wesson, Simon Gardiner, Steven Spill and Jonathan Davies, as well as the captain, deserve a mention.

Thanks are also due at the season's close to all wives, mothers and girlfriends who have made and served teas. Again something like 50 home matches are involved, and Diane Bradley (Secretary) in organising the rota, was grateful to all who helped.

The A.G.M. saw changes and the club members gave special thanks to Committee members not standing for re-election, some who have seen the Club through the expansion it has made over the last few years. Treasurer Alan Pearn, Fixtures Secretary John Cliff and Captain, Ray Johnson, have worked tirelessly to bring the Club up to its present level of achievement and organisation. Any report of the season 1989, however, should pay tribute to Del Gannon and Dennis Gladding, both in their time stalwart and energetic members of Charfield Cricket Club. Both made unique contributions to our club and neither will ever be forgotten.

Before signing off, I would like to mention, for any interested party, that the Club Presentation Evening will take place on Saturday, 25th November at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club from 8.30 p.m. Tickets for a meal, disco and coach cost £12.00. Please contact either Rod Alexander (0453-84xxxx) or David Bradley (0453-84xxxx) if you would like to attend. For those wishing to go further as it were and join our Cricket Club, indoor cricket nets will be available at Thornbury Leisure Centre and Wotton Sports Centre in the New Year (1990). I look forward to hearing from any prospective cricketers.

Yours sincerely,
David Bradley.
Chairman, Charfield Cricket Club. 0453-84xxxx

7

As we start another year of our activities in support of the school, it seems appropriate to wish Mr. Malpass well in his retirement and to welcome Mr. Sreeves. I would also like to thank retiring Chair Marilyn Smith – on second thoughts, the term “retiring” does perhaps, not apply to Marilyn! – and past chair Steve Bennett who are both leaving the Committee, and welcome Margaret Clarke and Tricia Davies to our ranks.

Some of you may wonder what the purpose of a P.T.A. is. We have two main aims. One is to support the school in areas which funding from Avon County will not stretch to – last year this included science equipment, benches for the playground and a projection screen. The “Big Item”, a computer, is on order and expected soon. Our spending plans for this year are still fairly fluid but are likely to include overhaul and upgrading of the Adventure Playground, equipment for the new infant playground, and some additional equipment for the new hall which we hope will be started very soon.

Our other aim is to arrange informal contact amongst parents, teachers and the community in which the school operates. We try to do this through our various social and educational events.

Forthcoming Events

Friday, 17th November we will be holding a Cake and Handicraft Sale in the school hall between 2.45 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. Come along with bulging purses to buy your Christmas presents.

We hope to have a couple of evenings to enlighten you all the much vaunted National Curriculum, in the New Year:-

Monday, 22nd January "The National Curriculum" 7.30 p.m. a talk by Mr. Keith Sadler (Adviser)

Thursday, 22nd March Science Workshop (evening)

Also, Saturday 10th February "St. Valentine Cheese and Wine Evening"

and Saturday, 9th June Summer Fayre.

All these dates are to ensure that you have no excuse for double booking! More details of all these events will follow.

John MacLellan
Chairman

It was just a year ago that the idea to start an Over 40 Leisure afternoon in the village hall was thought of.

We are steadily increasing in members. I say members but you don't have to join, just come along when you please; we meet alternate Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. charging 50 pence, and there is a free raffle, tea and cake. I know you will find a warm welcome and if you enjoy a game of cards, scrabble or dominoes then all the better. Maybe come just for the company, especially new-comers to the village. We would like to see a few more gentlemen (where are you hiding?), you are most welcome.

We have enjoyed various talks, demonstrations, T. dances, quizzes and the occasional outings and our ages range from middle 40's to nearly 80 years young.

8Hats off to our Chairman Fred and his good lady Dorothy for their support in getting the Club off the ground, so to speak. To Win, our treasurer, not forgetting Wendy, and to Mary for making the nice goodies we enjoy at tea time. Finally to all of you who come along to enjoy a friendly afternoon, I say THANKS.

See you,
Regards,
Pat (General Dogsbody)

It seems a long time ago now that I sat writing my last ‘piece’ for the Village Newsletter. I hope that everyone had a good summer and made the most of the glorious weather.

Wasn't it wonderful that the weather on Sports and Gala Day was so splendid? It made our task on the stalls much easier and instead of diving for cover out of the rain some of us were forced into the shade as the sun took its toll. (Many thanks to Mr. Ron Blacker for the loan of the Bristol and West Building Society canopy – it was just the job!). At the end of the day Young Wives was able to hand over £160 and we thank each and everyone in the village who donated items for the tombola and, of course, everyone who took part on the day trying to win them.

Our monthly meetings re-started in September and Mr. Philip Taubenheim from Sandoe Luce Panes came to join us. Many ladies brought their ‘little treasures’ along and he was able to give them a very professional idea as to their origin and current value. Although there were a few disappointments there were many pleasant surprises. It just goes to show, everything is worth hanging on to and the standard joke for the evening became “Hang on to your Tupperware”. If anyone had thought ‘Antiques’ to be a boring, stuffy subject prior to the evening I think that Mr. Taubenheim's light-hearted, friendly manner soon changed that.

I am writing this, of necessity, before our October Open Evening, although this will have taken place by the time the Newsletters start arriving. I hope that everyone who comes along will enjoy the performance of Mrs. Sheila Hanman. I am looking forward to seeing her again very much and hope that the evening will be well supported.

Dates for your Diary include a Coffee Morning on 8th November from 10 a.m. to 12.00 in the Village Hall. Do come along as there will be various stalls and activities. Also Thursday, 16th November at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall when the topic will be “Christmas Dishes” and Mrs. Bronwyn Sleigh will join us once again as our speaker. A delight to be seen, I'm sure. Our annual trip to London is on Saturday, 18th November. The booking has gone well, which is always encouraging, and we are all busy arranging our itinerary – in other words, how best to spend the money!

Christmas may seem like a long way off but Thursday, 21st December will soon be with us when we shall all get together at the Hall and disappear in a cloud of steam preparing the annual Christmas Dinner. It's great fun and we all enjoy it, even looking at a sack of sprouts in need of peeling does not seem so bad when doing it together. Tickets for this event will be available shortly.

I hope that any people new to the village, or indeed others who have not yet ventured forth to a Young Wives evening, may feel they could come and join us sometime. We try to cover various topics throughout the year, go on outings, play skittles, occasional quizzes or games, coffee mornings or lunches and generally spend the time having a ‘good old 9natter’ – not too difficult for a room full of women! I like to think of us as a friendly group always pleased to welcome a new face. Our numbers may not be as high as they were a few years ago but one day perhaps they will creep up again. Anyway, don't be shy, come along and see for yourself – you may enjoy it! (3rd Thursday each month in the Village Hall at 8 p.m.). Anyone with any questions might like to telephone me at home – Dursley 84xxxx. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for our posters with all current details on them.

Laurene Tubb
Chairlady

I am a member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service which is a part time unpaid volunteer organisation which exists to support the Royal Navy in times of tension. The RNXS is equipped with small ships called Fleet Tenders and these undertake week and weekend cruises to train its members in their duties afloat. This is the story of our summer training cruise which took us from Holyhead in Anglesey to the Isle of Arran, St. Kilda, the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Man and finished at Pembroke Dock.

It was tea time on Friday when, kit packed, I drove to the motorway junction to meet the coach coming from Bristol. The wife and kids came along to see me off and take the car back. The coach took us up to Holyhead after picking up the rest of the crew in Gloucester, and it was as we passed through Llangollen that I discovered I still had the car keys in my pocket! Arrived at Holyhead at midnight and after unloading our kit and a mountain of victuals we were ferried out to the ship by the local Sea Cadets.

Early on Saturday morning we set sail for the Isle of Arran, the highlight of the passage being when we passed close to Ailsa Craig, the island from which they get the granite to make curling stones. It's a big lump of rock sticking out of the sea complete with its own semi-permanent cap of cloud – very impressive. At Arran we moored to a buoy off Lamlash and the following day went for a trip around the Isle of Bute via the Kyles of Bute, very narrow for our ship and with wonderful scenery. On Monday after visiting Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre for fuel we sailed for St. Kilda. The Islands lie 110 miles out into the Atlantic beyond the Outer Hebrides.

On Tuesday morning we arrived at Hirta the main island of the St. Kilda group, nice to see it come out of the mist, and moored to a buoy. The weather did not allow us to see the Island at its best, with gusting winds low cloud and drizzle but, undaunted, the gemini was launched and the first batch of crew were given a “wet” ferry ashore. The island is owned by the National Trust and has a small army base on it, the CO of which made us welcome and provided us with a cup of tea and a chat about their role on the island. We set off to explore in particular the village, deserted since 1930 when the islanders were evacuated as they could no longer support themselves. One of the houses has been turned into a museum which tells the story of life on Hirta. I'm not surprised they gave up – a diet of dried sea birds, occasional fish, stringy Soay sheep and potatoes would put anyone off! All the village houses are single storey stone built with a living room/kitchen, communal bedroom and small store. The island has 900 “Cleits” on it. These are a sort of igloo type structure constructed of dry stone with a turf roof. They were used for storage, to dry and store sea bird carcasses (the gaps in the stone let the wind blow through) and as livestock shelters, a function which they still fulfil. Lunch was taken with the CO after which we adjourned to the “Puff Inn”, the furthest pub west, for a drink. At 70p a pint it was a pity it was only open for an hour. We were told that the bar has taken 10as much as £2,000 in a week, which is not so much a testament to the drinking prowess of the small group of soldiers on the island, as proof of the extraordinary number of visitors to this out of the way place. The St. Kilda club shop was opened for us so that souvenirs and postcards could be purchased; the post gets specially franked before being air lifted to Benbecula where it enters the Post Office system. Feeling refreshed, the Church, Schoolroom and 1918 vintage 4″ gun and magazine were visited and the warden was persuaded to let me have a gannet's beak as a memento of the place. We made the acquaintance of some students from Cambridge University who were conducting a survey of sheep parasites and met some baby gannets nestling under a wall. Some more gemini ferrying gave the last batch of the crew who wanted to go ashore the chance of a look around and then it was off for the Isle of Mull, a reasonable passage in poor visibility but a little lumpy around Barra.

Most of the next day was spent at Tobermorray, Isle of Mull. We anchored in the bay and the crew took shore leave so that presents for their nearest and dearest could be obtained. The Royal Yacht Britannia, escorted by HMS Amazon, sailed by carrying the Queen and Royal Family on their annual cruise of the Western Isles. – She did not stop for a chat! A quick visit to the famous “Mishnish” pub preceded our departure for the Isle of Man. The day ended with a magnificent sunset and a night passage through the sound of Islay. Dawn brought gale warnings and a change of plan, not to stop at the Isle of Man but to put into Peel to make some 'phone calls and have an ice cream before pressing on down the Irish Sea. After a rough trip through the gale we arrived at Milford Haven, the rest of our time being spent in teaching the seamen the art of ship handling. Lunch was taken moored alongside two old “Dee” and “Ley” class mine sweepers, which are now used as target vessels. A lecture on the evils of drink preceded shore leave which consisted of a rousing sing-song in the Royal Navy Association Club and an entertaining exotic dancer called Helen whose interpretation of “Nights in White Satin” was a sight to behold! Some of the crew ventured to a night club but soon returned as the cloakroom could not accommodate their zimmers!

On Sunday morning we boarded the coach for home. I was dropped off at Michaelwood services from where my daughter took me home to explain why I still had the car keys in my pocket!

M.J. Thomas

We will have been open exactly a year at the end of October and celebrate our first birthday with some pride. During the year we have made contact with hundreds of people, and we have been very impressed by the tremendous amount of kindness and goodwill which exists, and how willing people are to undertake all kinds of tasks.

A lady who recently moved to Thornbury has pointed out to us that it is not easy for older people who are newcomers to discover what is on offer for them, and who you contact about joining any suitable club or group. We are sure that many older residents of the area are in a similar situation. Therefore, we are about to compile a list, or perhaps a booklet, giving information likely to interest older people which we shall make available at suitable places throughout the area.

We are Thornbury and District Volunteer Link. It is not always easy to learn about groups which operate outside Thornbury and we would be very glad indeed to hear of any others which you think we should know about.

Methodist Church Hall,
Castle Court, Thornbury. Tel: Thornbury 41xxxx

11

I knew I would be sorry when retirement actually came and the marvellous send-off I was given made sure of that! How can I thank all those who worked so long and so hard preparing for it? I am assured it was a team effort, which is all the more gratifying.

This, my final contribution to the Chadra Newsletter, will be the longest I have written but I must express my great appreciation by giving a resume of my last few days at Charfield School.

I was kept in ignorance throughout. On the Saturday before the end of term I was told I would be picked up in the evening and taken somewhere. When my wife and I arrived at Kingswood Village Hall, we were greeted by almost all the teachers and ancillary staff with whom I had worked during the twenty years at Charfield. Some had travelled many miles to be there. The high-spot of the evening was when the present staff donned French costumes and, led by David Bradley, sang a nostalgic version of “Those Canaan Days”, only “Canaan” became “Cane 'em”, although the only canes I have ever used have been to support my runner beans! David also gave an excellent speech in a superbly maintained French accent. Should anything happen to Rene, “'Allo, 'Allo” need look no further!

Tuesday brought two events. The normal end of term assembly in the afternoon was taken out of my hands and became a concert, with special adaptations of songs to fit the occasion. One song, of necessity a very long one, was a detailed account of my life! In the evening, before a large audience, I was confronted by an Education Officer who had dusted off my Avon House career file and proceeded to read it out. Fortunately, he only included the best bits but, unfortunately for him, referred to me as Derek and was unmercifully ribbed for it. It was a wonderful day amongst friends, one I shall long remember. By Thursday, I had an excellent photographic record of it, taken by Edwin Nuttall, who skilfully even managed to make me look quite presentable.

That Thursday evening we were supposed to be going out for a quiet drink with Lyn and Barry Spindler but ended up at school to be entertained by the P.T.A. Committee. Clive Felton, who has surely missed his vocation and should have been a stand-up comedian, introduced an original and topical pantomime, “Cinderella”, written and produced by Vi MacLellan. Who was the sweet, gentle, kind, put-upon Cinderella? Who else could it have been but Marilyn? Such a talented cast should not be wasted in the future, even if one of the bearded ugly sisters did lose half her bust during the second act. It must have been difficult for a musician like Alison Boone to play so many wrong notes in her impersonation of me playing the piano. How you must have all suffered during the many concerts in which I have played! It was a grand evening and thoroughly enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to be there.

These are some of my memories of my last few days at Charfield School although I have many happy ones going back over the years. I shall have tangible reminders too, ones for which I am most grateful – a watch, hi-fi equipment, a patio set, a book of written contributions by the children and photographs, a framed picture of the school as it was many years ago, shrubs for the garden and other personal gifts. I was quite overwhelmed by them all and I shall treasure them.

I did not realise at the time how fortunate I was in being appointed to Charfield School. I have done over the years and even more so just recently. May I wish my successor, Mr. Sreeves, equally good fortune and I am sure he can count on your support.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the school for their dedication and loyalty. They have made my job much easier than it might have been and it has been a real pleasure to work with them. I shall miss them all very much.

[** Text missing at end of page.]

12AND ONE FROM HIS “OTHER HALF”

Although I had intended and would have liked to say a few words of appreciation on the evening of the P.T.A. Pantomime to all those people concerned with the three lovely evenings arranged during the last week of term to mark Dennis' retirement, when the opportunity arrived, I was too overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of everyone involved and quite incapable (not inebriated I hasten to add) of saying anything at all.

We thoroughly enjoyed all three parties but they were nevertheless tinged with sadness for us as the school has figured quite largely in our lives for such a long time.

I know that to have had three such successful evenings, where even the smallest detail was not overlooked, meant a great deal of hard work and planning over the last few months for many people. Whilst it is impossible to mention them all, I would like to thank very sincerely, the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school, the P.T.A. Committee and all the other people concerned who did so much towards making Dennis' last week such a memorable one – a week we shall not forget.

No retiring head could have had a better send-off (or was it celebrations!) as Charfield could not have done more to wish us well. Once again, my sincere thanks to everyone concerned.

Coral Malpass

I came home to Charfield on Wednesday, 20th September after seven weeks in Southmead Hospital.

It is lovely being home again and I hope I'll soon be seen about the village and able to go to all the village functions, jumble sales and clubs I love so much.

Whilst in hospital I received so many visits, dozens of get well cards, verbal wishes, gifts, beautiful bunches of flowers – my bed was surrounded by them. My husband had numerous telephone calls from well-wishers and offers of help, even had pies and cakes made for him.

I wish all those concerned to know how much we appreciated the kindness and concern the villagers of Charfield have shown us.

Thank you all, very much.

Brenda Gillett

I am a footpath warden and I tramp the countryside
To ensure the way is clear, for those who stay inside!
The job isn't arduous nor does it take much time
To check the path's still open and reorient the sign.
So if you need mild exercise to keep your muscles flowing,
Just walk around our footpaths – it makes it worth my going.

M J Thomas

13

As we failed miserably to place an article in the last edition of the Newsletter, I would like to bring you up to date with the activities, etc. of the group.

Our Clay Pigeon Shoot in May was again very successful and plans are in hand for next years event which will be the last one at Manor Farm. The Group are extremely grateful for all the help and co-operation given to us by Mr. Reg Baker whose land we have used for the last 13 years. As a result of the profits made on that day, the major part going into funds for the benefit of the boys and girls in our care and to help with the cost of the recently extended H.Q., we were able to present a cheque for £350 to the Cotswold Care Project. The presentation of this cheque took place at our Group Barbecue on July 8th which was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with 5-a-side football, a Tug-of-War, and the usual stalls.

The sections were busy during the summer with the Scout Troop accompanied by some members of the Venture Unit, going to the Isle of Wight for what was a most enjoyable camp. The Lions Cub Pack went to camp at Clevedon and the Tiger Cub Pack camped at Avening Green.

We started off the new season with the Woodend Route when 150 walkers left Scout H.Q. on a 25k route (a 10k route for the younger members), which took them through Tortworth to North Nibley and back through Charfield. Well done to everyone.

Our next event was the annual Autumn Fayre, held in Cromhall, and many thanks to all who contributed jumble, etc., all who turned out to help, and to all who came to buy.

Now to the future. We are again organising a Race Nite which will be held at Leyhill Prison Officers Club on Saturday, 25th November, so if you are interested in having an enjoyable evening and a good laugh give me a ring for a ticket.

On December 3rd in St. John's Church, Charfield, there will be a Group Advent Service, and looking ahead to 1990 our Spring Fayre in Charfield Memorial Hall is on March 17th, and the Clay Pigeon Shoot at Manor Farm on May 13th.

Finally, the Group would like to extend its most heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Margaret Coomber, who has recently resigned, for all the hard work and effort she put in, firstly as Akela of the Tiger Pack and then as our Group Scout Leader. We all wish her well in her new venture as Youth Club Leader.

In her place as Group Scout Leader, we welcome Mr. Maurice Marklove who, as most of you know, has been with the Group for 25 years, an occasion which was marked in June by a “This is Your Life” when friends turned out to give him an evening to remember – his words, not mine!

Remember the dates for your diary:-

Many thanks to all who have supported the Group in the past, and we hope that you will continue to do so.

Margaret Clarke
Group Secretary.
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

14

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control (namely I forgot!) I failed to write a piece for the last Chadra newsletter. “Hooray” I hear you all say, well tough, I am back!

Since the end of May we have done and will be doing many things including visits to:-

A Fish Farm
Swindon Leisure Centre
A Golf Course
The Cinema
Wotton Motor Centre.

Activities done and will be doing:-

Cycle Ride
Sun Run (BIG Hike)
Windsurfing and canoeing
Craft Evening
Community Work
A Debate
A Barbeque
A Halloween party.

Plus many other things which the individual may do. Also this years summer camp was spent in the Isle of Wight, where the activities done were endless. So if this sort of thing appeals to you and you are between 15 and 20 (male or female) contact me on Dursley (0453) 84xxxx.

Ian Haines
P.R.O.

Thank you to Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Leach who came to show the girls how to make Friendship Bracelets. Also thank you to everyone who gave their help and support to the Jumble Sale on 21st October. Our apologies that our sale was very close to the Scouts sale but at the time of our booking we were not aware that the Scouts also intended holding one.

The Guides will be marching on Remembrance Sunday, 12th November, this year with the Cubs and Scouts.

Mrs. Downing has been a great help to the unit and it is with regret that she is moving, so we wish her and her family all the best in their new home.

So I am asking for help once again. I did mention in the last Newsletter a new Guide rule that states two Guiders must be in uniform from next year. So far no one has come forward, and therefore if your daughter is in 1st or 2nd Charfield Brownies or in the Guides then she may have to go to Wotton. I myself do not want to see this happen; our unit is small with only 16 young girls.

So – if you would like to help out, contact me on Falfield 26xxxx. If you would like to go into uniform you can also contact Mrs. Meek, District Commissioner, on Falfield 26xxxx.

M. Westlake
Guider

15

Since our last item in the Newsletter the Brownies have been extremely busy. At the end of May they won the Division Handicraft Competition; not only did they win the Brownie Cup but also the Division Cup for the best overall entry – Well done!

At the start of the new term we held a District Campfire at Conygres Field in Wotton. The theme for the night was the 1960's. For the Guiders it was a trip down memory lane with mini skirts, hot pants and flower power! Unfortunately it was the wettest night for months, but the Brownies didn't seem to mind the soggy hot-dogs and sang themselves hoarse. To my knowledge, none of the Brownies shrunk, although by the end of the night a few of the flower people looked more like water lilies.

Now that the dark evenings are with us again we are concentrating on our Badge and Craft work and, dare I say it, looking forward to our Christmas party.

A lot has been achieved in this our 75th Anniversary year and the Brownies have once again proved themselves to be a happy, considerate and sometimes noisy pack of girls all trying to do their best.

If you have a daughter who would like to join us, please contact Mrs. Smith (26xxxx) or Mrs. MacLellan (26xxxx) to have her name added to the waiting list.

V. MacLellan

Come on girls, we meet on Tuesday mornings 10.00 till 11.00 in the Village Hall. We are a small, friendly group (hoping to become bigger) and we work to keep fit tapes, e.g. Lizzie Webb, Lulu and Felicity Kendall. You don't need to work very hard unless you want to, it's all done at your own pace.

We only pay 60p per session, so come along and join us and give it a try. Should you want any more information, 'phone Sue on 26xxxx.

Many thanks for your very generous donations received a couple of weeks ago in the Childrens envelopes.

This year although we didn't reach last years total the amount was still very good. The total was £228.45, which as there are so many collections coming through our doors was very satisfying.

Marion Smith
Local District Secretary.

May I take this opportunity of saying that I have in my possession, Christmas Cards, pens, badges and key fobs, T-shirts and sweatshirts in aid of the Meningitis Trust. To those of you who came to my Open House day, thank you. If anyone would like to see the Christmas cards in particular they are £1 for 10 and are very good value and quality, please call round. Best wishes to you all and the best of health and happiness in 1990!

MARILYN SMITH

16

Soon we were back on dry land and Fungie had swam out to sea, chasing another “friend”. We decided to continue playing “tourist” and scoured the shops and small cafes. It was all so new and fascinating.

When Keith had been to Dublin he bought me some perfume called “Innisfree” which is made by Fragrances of Ireland, Ltd. So many people comment when I wear it I had to buy some more. They don't ever sell it in their chemists only in selective “gift” shops so I had to have a good browse around. The pottery was beautiful, I could have bought complete dinner services and we visited a shop with girls working on looms and there before us were shawls and rugs of such wonderful shades. We drove on and around the peninsula to Slea Head where parts of Ryans Daughter was filmed and amongst the calm waters lay the Great Blasket Islands, the western-most point of Ireland.

I mentioned before about the houses. Set in acres of land were buildings of the most incredible designs, so unbelievable as you turned another corner and there appeared a property which commanded such respect for the designer and builder and this continued all over the country as we travelled. I cannot do them justice on paper. When suddenly you think you are at the end of an old track road you turn a corner to find a spectacular first-class hotel overlooking yet another breathtaking bay. I absolutely loved all of it. We drove back to our hotel.

Sophie and Lawrence were now the proud owners of tin whistles. After dinner that evening, Sophie played. David Hartnell (you remember that nice, but something about him, chap) arranged to meet Sophie, and us, of course in the lounge bar, with instruments. He later appeared with a selection of harmonicas, ukulele and use of hotel piano.

A very nice gentleman from Holland, an artist, who spent 6 weeks every year travelling the counties of Ireland, painting, stoked up the log fire and the music began. They ranged (Sophie's repertoire) from London's Burning to Danny Boy. It was marvellous. It was when David held Sophie's fingers she told him she suffered from eczema. He held her hands and said that in a while it would heal.
“Oh yes” I thought. He could tell I looked a bit “iffy”. “I have this special gift” he said.
He held his hands over and under mine and I felt this incredible warmth passing into my skin. When I stood up he moved his hands, not touching me, but around my body from my shoulder to hip level.
“You have terrible stress coursing through you” he said.
“Well I'm up to my eyes in preparing for the School Fayre so I'm not surprised,” I said.
Anyway Sophie's still got her eczema, but he definitely “different” and he divulged more of his talents as the Guinness flowed through him.

On the Thursday we called in to Kerry's Eye, Tralee. No-one was about except the girl in the shop. They had not gone to bed until 6.30 am printing their “Gazette”. We visited Killarney, the National Park and Muckcross Abbey. Sophie forced us to have a ride on a pony and trap and then acting on a mad impulse decided to tour the Ring of Kerry. Now speaking quickly and cutting a long story short this trip takes you round the coastal road of the County of Kerry in ring like fashion from one point and back again. We rushed round because Keith had to get back to Tralee to sort out another printing problem. We stopped at a place called Ladies View which was quite strange really because Keith, too, thought it was absolutely fantastic. We travelled on and came through a wooded area and tucked away in an old barn was a van, a really old van but in immaculate condition with all the wooden strutting on. “Go and ask if it's for sale” I said. Well we sat there and worked out the cost, should it be for sale, of getting it back to England, etc, etc, etc “Don't we dream, eh?”. The economics of the idea were crazy so we drove on.

17Slowly climbing upwards along the coastal road we spied hundreds of gull-type birds swooping down into the water. We had to get out of the car and watch. A man came poodling up the hill on his motorised bike and explained that they were shoals of mackerel. Lifting the cover of his backpack we could see that he had caught some too.

It was soon Friday and Keith was up and off to work at 8.00 am. Sophie, Lawrence and I had a leisurely breakfast and chatted to Tadgh (pronounced Tige). He'd been to Australia, returned home and then on June 10th was due to sail again. He was a chef by trade but could not get sufficient financial backing to do his own thing, in Ireland, so he was going back to Oz to open a restaurant. I've got to say it, he was gorgeous. Tall with a beard and moustache, twinkling eyes and with a gentle Irish voice that just melted to your ears. He was so nice he charmed male and female alike. So lucky Australia!

The day was a bit blustery. David and Frannie invited the three of us to play cricket at the sheltered Castle Gregory sand dunes. Thinking he might cure my stressful shoulders we went along. Keith came back for us about 4 pm so we all went off for supper with the Kennelly family. Whilst the food was cooking, Padraig Snr. felt that I needed a drink and introduced me to Harty's Bar where I met Eddie the barman. He was delighted to educate my taste-buds and the Guinness flowed. Keith had to stay the night to fix on some late arriving parts to their machine so I drove back to the hotel very carefully.

Saturday was a day of cramming everything in. Padraig Snr. was covering WRITERS WEEK and invited the three of us to go along. We travelled to a place called Listowel and met 74 year old Maureen Beesley. Her publisher had gone into liquidation that very week. Much sadness for the old lady whose poetry would not be in print for a while and more drinking of the Guinness. We then called into an Art and Photography Exhibition. There before my very eyes were four large photographs of Michael Jackson. Well you can imagine how I was, can't you? Padraig couldn't believe that I actually liked him. “Remind me when we get home” he said. The rest of the day was spent reviewing new books, taking photos of ex-actors who had turned to the bottle when life had failed on the stage. Padraig always had his camera round his neck. Every opportunity and new happening was recorded.

We arrived back at Kerry's Eye. I must explain that Kerry's Eye is the name of the shop, their printing business and also their weekly paper. Firstly you entered their shop (a small W.H. Smith type) then out at the back were offices and printing works then up through a winding stairway and off through various rooms and corridors were the computer rooms and then their home. We sat at the table and I was presented with an album containing some eighty photos of M. Jackson taken at his concert in Ireland. I was gobsmacked. Padraig Snr. had been in touching distance of him. The photos were fantastic and I'll tell you what – on some of the close-ups of his face where he is taut with expression you can see the pull of his skin where he obviously had changes made. It was quite eerie. They were revealing, exciting and relived everything I felt that Saturday in July '88. I was in such a state I had to be guided to see Eddie again for another dose of medicine. I slept well that night.

It soon became Sunday. We said good-bye to Ron and Tadgh, travelled to Tralee and said our farewells to the Kennellys. We then travelled across several counties to Rosslare. We boarded the ferry and stood on deck. The sea was still. I know how lucky we had been with the weather. I'd heard tales of stormy crossings. Suddenly a disturbance disrupted the calmness of the sea. Six dolphins started jumping up and down. Was this all part of our farewell? their timing and appearance was amazing. The sunset was beautiful and we slowly chugged out of Rosslare harbour, the dolphins still leaping.

I must go back some day as I feel I have left a pert of me there.

Marilyn

18

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 19 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: 2017-01-15.