CHADRA

May we wish you all a happy and prosperous 1990.

We have been asked during the last few months whether it would be possible to provide advertising space in the Newsletters. We would therefore be interested to hear from anyone, whether it is a local business or trader, or even an individual who may wish to use the Newsletter to promote a product or idea. If there is a good response, we will publish rates for space in the next issue. Remember, in excess of 600 Newsletters are printed, so the potential is interesting for anyone wishing to expand their promotional material.

Thank you to our supporters. The Residents Association A.G.M will have taken place before this Newsletter is published, but any copy· for the next issue will be most welcome – make a note of the copy date below.

J.P.
M.H.
Joint Editors.

* * * * * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – 12th APRIL 1990 * * * * * * * *

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

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

The Christmas services are always a happy experience. The midnight service has a magic or its own. The Christmas morning service with the children who have brought some of their presents to show me – well, apart from the joy of their sparkling faces, it keeps me in touch with what is being produced in the toy world! This will remind those who came, inform those who didn't; but it cannot convey the atmosphere of the experience. Like every reality in life it can only be ‘known’ (fully made one's own) by personal participation and open-ness. That's too late for this Christmas. But there is something on every Sunday morning at St. John's, at 10.15: sometimes a Eucharist; sometimes a more informal session; on the 2nd Sunday of the month there is a Family Service (bright, breezy, brief) for all ages. No lack of variety here!

Well, there's an invitation, to which, as with all invitations, it is possible to answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Is our reply just a matter of taste? Does it make no difference in the end whether we say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’? Or is there in this something of great importance for all of us? To put it at its lowest, I think we should approach something that has lasted already nearly two thousand years with an honest and open mind. We owe it to ourselves to approach the subject without the prejudices which so often cloud and distort our minds and thinking, and as a result, our lives. Distort our lives – is it as serious as that? Sometimes people tell me they don't believe anything (not often but sometimes). Now, you don't have to listen to anyone for long to know that we all believe certain things. We all have certain working assumptions about life, even these may be in the background of our minds and not immediately accessible to our examination. Clearly it is more dangerous to have assumptions about life that we don't know about than to realise we have these assumptions, and to be constantly testing the reliability of them. Those who deny believing anything have a brain-full of beliefs, some of which, because being unconscious, may be as pernicious as those, for example, of Hitler (even though in our case they may not do as much damage!).

As to belief and the Church: may I point to the fact of Eastern Europe and recent dramatic events there. If there has been a focus of freedom all these years in that immense area it has been the Church. In Russia, even during the long era of persecution, the Churches have been strong and often full; in recent years with young people (who are quick to recognise and respond to idealism and the challenge to respond to the ‘good’). ‘Solidarity’ in Poland is almost synonymous with the church; while to jump to the latest candidate for freedom, Romania, the final crisis arose from a resisted attempt to eject a pastor from his Church and home.

It's odd (though perhaps it's not) that the Church finds and defines its true message more clearly under pressure and persecution. Perhaps that is because all of us discover, under the pressure of adversity, bereavement, loss, what is really important in life. It is because these things (adversity, bereavement, loss) come to all of us that we should sort out,in advance, the real, priorities of life: what is vital and what is dispensable ‘padding’. May your New Year bring you happiness and an increase in insight and priority awareness.

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.

Charity Concert

In spite of many difficulties, it was good to hold yet another ‘Charity’ Musical Evening at Christmastime, which undoubtedly was one of the most enjoyable so far. As one person remarked ‘This has certainly made my Christmas!’ Moreover, it was also especially pleasing that, despite the clash of dates with the Wotton Dickensian Evening and other competing attractions, the Chapel was comfortably full for the occasion.

The Church Secretary, Miss M. Turner, warmly thanked the Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir for freely giving of their talents and time to entertain us all so splendidly, and she also thanked Jenny and Linda from the ‘Pip and Jay’ Church in Old Market Bristol, who although suffering from the after effects of the widespread ‘influenza bug’ again provided the ideal contrast with their own specialised guitar accompanied ‘duet style’ singing.

Our ladies kindly served refreshments afterwards, and as a result of holding this event we were able to send a cheque for £70 to the Dr Barnardo's Homes. Since the concert admission tickets were priced at only 50p each, we would also like to take this opportunity of thanking once again all who made special financial donations towards the final proceeds.

A Sadder Note

Especially prominent in our thoughts and prayers during the Festive Season were those who knew the sudden passing of loved ones. Families of the schoolgirls massacred in Montreal. Thousands butchered by political upheaval in Rumania. Many in our country who fell foul of the ‘Flu’ epidemic, and naturally we were especially mindful of those upon our own doorstep who also experienced the sadness of sudden bereavement.

Whilst we cannot attempt to fully comprehend why so many catastrophies always seem to happen just at Christmastime, it is perhaps not without significance that it was into such an apparently unjust and mixed up world of “Glad Tidings” and widespread suffering that Jesus Christ was born. A world where children were being massacred by Herod, and where our Lord Himself had no place whereon to lay His head. So it is that the wonder of the Incarnation is poetically expressed in some words of an old Christmas carol:-

“Thou didst leave Thy throne and Kingly crown,
When thou camest to Earth for me,
In Bethlehem's home there was found no room
For Thy Holy Nativity,
Oh come to my heart Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.”

As we move into a new year and new decade, these words could make a most suitable prayer for each one of us – and the testimony of countless numbers of people down through the ages, is that this is one prayer which never goes unanswered.

E.L.

3

A Happy New Year to all

This year we shall be losing three of our valued members – Josie Downing, Janet Green, and Claire Haines. We take this opportunity to wish them every happiness with their families in new surroundings and also to thank them for all their willing help. Our loss will be another W.I.'s gain!

This year too, the N.F.W.I. celebrates its 75th Anniversary from its very beginnings in this country at Anglesey, Wales in 1915, and to quote from the W.I. literature:-

“The W.I. movement was started in Canada in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless, a farmer's wife from Ontario. When one of her babies died, she believed this tragedy was the result of her own ignorance of hygiene and childcare and she resolved to make the education of women her life's work.”

Little could she have visualized that this movement would become worldwide. The W.I. is the largest women's organization in this country, and over 338,000 members belong to it throughout the British Isles.

What an opportunity and challenge we women of Charfield have, to belong to such an organization, right on our doorstep! We are able to use our influence through a National vote at resolution time, which is fed through the channels of the Avon Federation to the N.F.W.I. in London, then the N.F.W.I. works continuously on these resolutions passed at the AGM by negotiating with various Government departments.

Through the 1980's significant resolutions were made for:-
    1) Better maternity and health care.
    2) Positive help for drug addicts and their families.
    3) Tighter control to prevent acid rain.
You are aware of being a small cog in the wheel – yet the votes of every W.I. count.

Beside the serious side of our meetings – we enjoy the helpful demonstrations and talks on a wide variety of subjects, and most of all we enjoy our fellowship together during social time.

Social events too are held within the ‘Little Avon Group’ of which we are a part, joining with Cromhall, Hawkesbury, Rangeworthy and Wickwar; and on April 26th we look forward to a Group Rally at Charfield, when our guest speaker will be Mollie Harris – the authoress, and possibly better known as one of the characters in the BBC serial “The Archers”.

This year too, all W.I. members in the UK have an opportunity to compete for the grand title “W.I. Driver of the Year”. The Children in Need Appeal benefits from each entry fee – and the winner of the National finals to be held next July will be presented with the wonderful prize of a Nova G.T.E. from Vauxhall Motors. It could be YOU!

Opportunities in Sport and Leisure challenge us in competing within the Avon Federation. Scrabble (in which one of our own members – Mrs Dodd was the outright winner one year), Bowls, skittles, badminton, tennis,croquet, and drama. Then again our own Mrs Susan Green is Chairman of the Home Economics and Craft sub-committee of Avon Federation. Courses in these subjects can be taken too, to obtain the relevant certificates.

It may not be generally known, that the NFWI has its own college of education, near Oxford, known as Denman College. Not many organisations can boast of their own college! Every WI member is eligible to apply to this college, and in some cases a bursary opened.

4So, “Girls” of Charfield, do come along and sample the local W.I. and make it YOUR W.I. – one that you can be proud of. One visit is not enough to pass a judgement, because each meeting is different, and besides, we need to get to know each other.

We meet at The Village Hall, the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. We shall look forward to welcoming you.

Any W.I. member would be willing to help should you wish to know more – or ring Falfield 26xxxx.

Daphne Looker.
President.

The Children's Society has been in existence for over 100 years. During that time there has been enormous changes in the political, social and economic conditions in England and Wales, but each year The Children's Society has responded to the injustices suffered by the most deprived children and their families.

It is sad, and perhaps ironic, that over one hundred years after the Society was founded to provide for homeless children on the streets of London, one of the areas of greatest urgency is to provide refuge for young runaways on the streets of London and other major cities. These children do not run away for fun: they flee from neglect, violence and abuse. The society provides a safe house, where the children can stay and sort out their problems.

The Society also provides Family Centres often in urban city areas or bleak isolated housing estates. The Children's Society helps local volunteers run playgroups and after school clubs young mums, several of them single parents, are given help and advice in bringing up their children and learn how to budget for food and housing on low incomes or social security. Volunteers are trained to visit families with children in particular need in their own homes. Some volunteers visit families with children with severe learning difficulties to train them in the very simplest movements such as eating with a spoon or going to the toilet.

Many of the young parents themselves come from unhappy families. The Children's Society teaches them how to play and have fun with their children. Often parents and children laugh together for the first time.

Space does not permit a full catalogue of all the work of The Children's Society – work to keep juvenile offenders out of prison has been highly successful and is now being adopted by many local authorities, work to place emotionally damaged children with adoptive families, residential units to prepare young people leaving care for independent living and much more.

The Bible tells us time and again we must care for those suffering from injustice and deprivation. Isiah said “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow”. Jesus says in Matthew 28 “I tell you the truth. whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”. James says, “What good is it, if a man claims to have faith, but has no deeds? … faith by itself if not accompanied by action is dead”. (James 2: 14–17).

Many of us want to help but do not have the time or the opportunity or the experience to do so. But you can help, by giving two to three hours of time during Children's Society Week, April 1–7, 1990. (House-to-house collection). PLEASE CONTACT Christine Temme Falfield 26xxxx to help!

5

As I sat back at Christmas and reflected upon my first term at Charfield (where did it go?) – the overriding impression was that it had been a term of ups and downs, with its fair share of sadness.

As a newly appointed Head I think I have already experienced many of the unexpected and unprepared for aspects of the job! Little did I know back in August that I would be spending so much time trying to sort out leaking roofs, faulty heating, blocked drains, etc. Never have I learned so much in so short a time and will doubtless continue to do so. Somewhere, in between it all, there is Education!

The five year olds in all schools began to follow the requirements of the National Curriculum during the Autumn Term. Even if they do not realise it, the teachers certainly do! The National Curriculum in its entirety will take seven years or so to implement fully – however much of the teaching and learning content already exists as good practice in many of our schools. Charfield will be preparing for each area of the National Curriculum as it is introduced, bearing in mind what we consider to be the needs of your children. I am very mindful of the added workload coming our way, both via the National Curriculum and Local Management of Schools, therefore part of my job must be to protect the teaching staff, as far as possible, from even greater pressures than they have to cope with at present.

Christmas activities passed off successfully on the whole. The many who attended thoroughly enjoyed the Infants' performances of “The Little Angel” with singing, dancing, story reading and superb costumes.

Class parties included the usual combination of food, drink, games and competitions, not forgetting excitement and noise!

We were pleased to be able to provide a group of Junior children to entertain at the Luncheon Club's Christmas Lunch at the Memorial Hall – a very worthwhile contact with a different sector of the community.

The weather, however, played its customary part, preventing the “Junior Celebration” from taking place outdoors. This was a great shame following all the hard work which went into prepared model tableaux, plus the sounds of the Wotton Silver Band and Sodbury Handbell Ringers. The restricted audience who crammed into the “hall”, following the last minute change of plan, enjoyed the evening however – especially the warm punch and mince pies afterwards!

A sizeable contribution has been forwarded to C.L.I.C. as a result of collections taken at the Christmas events.

The new term has begun smoothly with most people seemingly recovered from the nasty flu bug. We look forward optimistically to a new year full of good things – not least of which will be taking possession of our new hall.

On January 19th, Mrs. Gwen Williams retired after more than 20 years service in the school kitchen. We shall miss her cheerful disposition and hard work on behalf of the school, but in thanking her, we wish her a happy and healthy retirement, full of good memories of her time at Charfield School.

C.F. Sreeves
Headteacher

6

This will be the last time I shall be writing for the Newsletter as Chairlady of Young Wives. It has been a lovely year ‘In the Chair’ and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I have had the backing of a wonderful group of ladies, committee and members, who are always cheerful and happy and most determined to enjoy themselves!

Looking back through the year we have managed a variety of things: Cookery demonstrations, skittles evenings, coach trips, coffee mornings, bingo, quizzes, lunches, suppers and various speakers and/or entertainers (an illustrated talk from Avon Wildlife Trust is scheduled for 15th February). We have also been able to make donations to The Imperial Cancer Research Fund, The Cotswold Care Project and to the Village Hall.

The number of members has increased through the year and hopefully we will continue to grow as Jenny Bell settles down in the Chair for her year of office.

Jenny takes over at our Annual General Meeting in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. on Thursday, 15th March. Do come along and see what happens – there will be a lovely supper for you once the formal part of the evening is over. As things stand at the moment, some of the present committee are prepared to put themselves forward to stand for another year of office but, as always, it would be ideal to have a few new people join us on the committee. This is a very good committee to be involved with as, after all, we do spend most of the time thinking of ways of enjoying ourselves! Because there are usually between, say, 10–14 on the committee at any time, it does mean that the jobs get shared out between us all, hopefully giving everyone a fair share. This is also a big help if there is any illness or other problem preventing anyone from attending as there is always back up from the others.

The year ahead is well planned already for you with talks on:- B.U.P.A. Nursing, Owls, Embroidery, Gutermann Patterns, Flower Arranging, “The Well Woman” etc. There will also be coach trips to the Body Shop in Cheltenham and to London, plus more skittles, coffee mornings/lunches, suppers and Christmas dinner (if we dare think about that again so soon after this Christmas!) We try to keep the programme lively with as much variety as possible – we hope you agree. Do come and join us and see for yourself, we would love to see you and I feel sure you would find it enjoyable.

Once again, many thanks to you all for giving me the chance to have such a lovely year.

Laurene Tubb
Chairlady

As usual, please may I ask for voluntary drivers for this worthwhile scheme. We are managing to cover most journeys required, but it is often difficult to find anybody who does not have another commitment. Everybody seems to be so busy these days!

Another plea from me – unless there is a real emergency, I prefer not to call drivers on a Saturday or Sunday. In these circumstances I would rather not be phoned at weekends. I am not an early riser, but any time after 9 a.m. Monday to Friday inclusive I should be available. Also please give me 2 or 3 days notice if at all possible as it takes quite a time to contact a driver who is able to help.

I wish all Charfield residents a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Muriel Blower, Falfield 26xxxx

7

All the guides wish Mrs. Downing and her family all the best in their new home. As you know, Mrs. Downing has been helping me out since last September. Roy, her son, has been coming as well taking part in whatever the girls did, with many a laugh from him!

Mrs. Julie Terrett is to become my assistant, which means the unit will not be closing. The girls have taken to Julie very well, but I had better not say what her nickname is for fear she may leave!

On January 10th, the girls started back after their Christmas break. The numbers are creeping back up and we now have 19 guides.

On January 17th we had a late Christmas Party. As the girls were so busy before Christmas the time just ran out on us.

On January 12th we took the girls to Wotton to see the panto. It was enjoyed by all, some more than others – no names mentioned!

An early reminder for your diary. Jumble Sale at the Village Hall on Saturday 5th May. The last Jumble Sale we had was the best ever. Please sort out your jumble for us and give us your support.

If your daughter is 10 and would like to join us, please contact me so that I can put her name on the list.

M. Westlake
Guide Captain

We can look back on the Club's achievements during the last few months now that the Christmas arrangements are well behind us. A Christmas tea was held in the Memorial Hall with visitors from Wickwar W.R.V.S. Club and W.R.V.S. officials from the area. Thanks to Mrs. Amer and her helpers a very enjoyable afternoon for our members and guests finished the 1980's era.

We visited the seaside on two occasions, and country scenery and towns. A shopping trip was made to Swindon for Christmas presents etc. The sunshine summer was wonderful for us all, but a visit to a country cheese making factory was a slight disappointment as the hot weather reduced the milk supply, cutting the factory production to two days per week. Their restaurant provided a very enjoyable lunch at a reasonable price. Still on the subject of outings – it seems it rained when we went to the market at Morton-on-the-Marsh, as it did on our previous visit, but there were still bargains to be had.

To help us with funds for these excursions we held two ‘Bring and Buy’ Sales, a Spring Draw and a Christmas Draw. The Committee appreciate, and thank everyone who helped to make it worthwhile. With rising costs the problem, as for everyone else, is how to keep solvent, so that is why we have the Draws and Bring and Buy sales.

We still invite new residents to our meetings. We bring you and take you home, so all you do is just come along, or contact Mrs. Amer, Falfield 26xxxx, or any member. We shall be pleased to see you.

Ernest H. Orton
Chairman.
Falfield 26xxxx

8

I knew that I was going to be poorly once I'd thrown that cheque for £250 on the wood-burning stove. Well it was obvious wasn't it? All my defences were low.

Keith's sister had sent him a cheque because he was going to get her some bits and pieces (quite legit – nothing off a lorry!). Anyway she'd paid for one of those special Royal Mail envelopes that ensured that your post definitely did arrive next day rather than you hoped that it did.

I had a quick blitz over the dining table so that we could have tea, peeped in the envelope and without more ado flung it on the wood-burning stove. Just like that!

Later that evening Keith asked me to bank the cheque. “Where is it?” I asked. “In the envelope” he replied.

Have you ever come out in one of those cold panicky sweats, where you can't think straight, else you'd remember it wasn't the end of the world and you start to flap your arms, running round the room like a squawking panicking chicken. Well that's how I looked. Keith sat there with his mouth open.

When we sat down to draw breath, Keith calmly decided to phone his sister. She in turn called the building Society to tell of the demise of the cheque and promptly sent us a replacement. All was well then, well except for me that is.

The next morning I was shivery and shaky, then in turn I had sore throats which lasted for weeks. I had been telling my body not to get poorly, what with all this flu about, and I had kept every bug at bay.

Take yourselves back to a lovely warm summer's eve. There we were, limbs outstretched, soaking up the evening sun, our bare toes poking about in the grass. We were not, of course, in our garden. Due to the fact the landscaping of xx Newtown is not yet complete, I cannot satisfy my ambition of hanging out the washing in bare feet. At the moment I go out in combat gear should a wild bramble grab hold of me. Anyway I digress.

We were in a garden where the quality of lawn far exceeded ours. “I'm going to paint my toes bright red” I exclaimed and promptly did so. When I had finished, the sight of Keith's tootsies enticed me to decorate further. He didn't complain – he was asleep!

A week later we decided to go swimming. Now I feel I should point out that Keith had taken baths and showers during the week but gave no thought to his painted feet. Have you ever been to Dursley Pool? To those who haven't the changing lockers are all in together and also have family changing rooms. The four of us were there stripping off when we all happened to look down at these 10 red blobs on the end of Keith's legs. “Oh no” he cried, “I can't go in like this”. “Oh go on, no one will take any notice” I said absolutely struggling not to vibrate the changing room walls with laughter. “I'll go and get my money back and have a stroll round Dursley” said Keith madly pulling on his socks. After the three of us had a good splash about, got changed and ready to leave, we handed our bands back to the girl on the desk. “Fancy you leaving your husband's trunks at home” she said reproachfully. For once I was speechless!

Happy New Year
Marilyn Smith

9

Poem by Emma Smith, aged 12
xx Berkeley Close
Charfield.

In trying to cater for different interests, we are starting a Gardening Club within the Leisure afternoons – in the Village Hall on a monthly basis. We are fortunate in having George and his team who are very experienced to run this section, and it should prove very interesting. The first meeting will be on Thursday, 15th February, so if you are over 40 and enjoy gardening do come along you will be most welcome.

The next Leisure afternoon will be 1st February when a representative from M.E.B. will talk on Energy Conservation.

Pat White
Secretary

10

Calling all young people, are you aware that YOUR Youth Club is open again. After a ‘hiccup’ in the autumn it reopened on Tuesday Jan 30th.

We have been busy trying to refurbish some of the equipment and add some new items. Avon County Council has resources for youth clubs that have not been taken up recently. If the membership is enthusiastic, we are keen to participate as a club in what they have to offer. We look forward to seeing you at Charfield Memorial Hall on Tuesday nights at 8.00 p.m.

To keep a successful youth club running we do rely on parental support. If events and outings are organised please help to to ensure their success by assisting with transport etc. If you have skills or hobbies that would be appropriate to share with members, or would like to be involved in youth club activities please discuss it with one of the leaders.

We would like to thank Peter and Jenny Peaster for their past work for the youth club and their continuing support for the new leadership.

Our fund-raising year got off to a good start with the Bazaar we held in November. We managed to raise more money than ever before at this event, and were pleased to see so many people there. Thanks to all the Mums who came armed with delicious cakes and things to sell.

On December 18th Playgroup held their Christmas Party, with plenty of games, party food and a visit from Father Christmas – it was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children.

Thanks once again to all the Mums who contributed by bringing party food.

Just before Christmas we paddled (and sang) our way around the village on our carol singing evening. The weather was really unkind to us that night but with the help of Father Christmas we managed to keep singing and smiling.

The next event on the playgroup calendar will be the Jumble Sale. This will be held on Saturday 27th January 1990 in the Memorial Hall at 2pm. Someone will call on you a few days beforehand to collect any jumble or bric-a-brac you may have, or it can be brought to the hall any time after 10am on the day. Please come along and give us your support.

Sue Blay, Secretary   Falfield 26xxxx

Hello and happy new year to you all. Surprise surprise! I have finally got my report in to the ed in time, some of you may have noticed a new tee-shirt I've got, it says on the front ‘Tomorrow I will get organized’. Well I just might, you never know.

Right, back to my report. My thanks go to you all for supporting our Christmas events. The Bring and Buy Sale raised £15.00 and our carol singing raised £31.00 the same as last year, with these sums in mind does this mean you 11prefer our singing. (Joke). Many thanks again for your support.

Future Events will be a First Aid Competition Run by our district last year we did our best and came last, this year we shall try our best, well who knows I'll let you know.

The pack now stands at full with 30 odd boys, (well not odd but you know odd). Ashley Chappell, Richard Hake, Paul Golding, Kevin Watson have all completed their Gold Arrows, Kevin making history by being the youngest to my knowledge cub to receive his award, Bronze, Silver, Gold all before his 1st Year stars. Well done Kevin.

As I said the pack is full and overflowing but I have a great team working at the moment and it sure makes life easy (well almost).

If any boys are interested please put your name down on my waiting list. I can't promise but I like to know you're there.

Falfield 26xxxx

Once again many thanks, I look forward to seeing you all again.

Yours in Scouting.
Audrey Chappell.
Akela.

12

Please Note: If any of the above information is incorrect or requires amendment please contact the Editors as soon as possible so that it can be rectified before the next issue.

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

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 13 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.