CHADRA

We would like to make an appeal through the editorial for some new members for the CHADRA committee. After many years loyal service, our treasurer, Cliff Gunning has decided to retire – any offers for this important role? We also need additional distributors who could spare some time once every 3 months, in particular from the new houses in Charfield, to assist in delivering the Newsletter to people's homes and to collect payment. Some of our distributors have been with us for a long time, and some of our more elderly people are finding it very tiring. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, especially if you have experience of artwork, publishing or printing, we would welcome you with open arms!!

We have typed this Newsletter, or at least half of it, on an electronic typewriter provided to date on appro by Neil MacKay of Cotswold Workstations Ltd. Thanks Neil.

*************NEXT COPY DATE – 12TH JULY 1991*************

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)

2

It is with regret that the Over 40's Club has now closed due to lack of support.

Instead, for a while it has been replaced with a ladies afternoon, meeting on the third Thursday of the month in the Village Hall at 2 p.m. Here a cup of tea and cake is enjoyed with some lively company – maybe a game of Scrabble etc – so why not come along one afternoon you ladies who are free. You will be most welcome.

Hope to see you,

Pat White

We are now open for business for the new season and subscriptions are due, payable to the Treasurer, Mrs. Stoakes at xx Horsford Road. Subs have increased very slightly this year, with visitors fees remaining unchanged. A few players are using the court without having paid their subscriptions; please could you pay up and let your conscience rest easy!

The exact times when members may play, together with the Rules of the Game are displayed in the Hut.

We are having the first of the season's American Tournaments on Sunday 28th April at 2.00 p.m. prompt. Just turn up to enter – new chairs are provided for spectators – just bring your own afternoon tea of cucumber sandwiches!

Claire Haines
Secretary.
Tel: 0453 84xxxx

Hello, I'm Margaret, your new chairlady of Young Wives.

I am not much of a letter writer, so this is coming very hard! I look forward to my year as Chairlady and would like to invite old and new members along. You are never too old! – Even though my husband thinks it funny me being a member of Young Wives after 26 years of marriage!

Will end now with some dates for your diary:-

Margaret Shipton
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

3

Calling all 7–10 year old girls – come and join us at Brownies! Tuesday evenings 4.15 to 5.30 p.m.

We have lots of fun things planned for spring and summer. On April 27th 1st and 2nd Charfield Brownies are having a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale in the School Foundation Room 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (All welcome). And on 22nd June a Fun Day at Avening Green.

If there are any girls who would like to join contact me on Dursley 84xxxx or just come along on a Tuesday evening.

Mums – We desperately need a Tawny Owl – someone to help with the Brownies and learn Guiding skills as well. If you are interested, please give me a call.

Joy Buxton

On 6th March 1991, 2nd Charfield Brownies celebrated their 10th Anniversary with a small concert for parents and ex-Guiders. The night was a huge success and once again the girls showed what a happy, well-behaved Pack they are. Thanks go to Mrs. Diane Marshall and Mrs. Marilyn Smith for all their help.

On 27th April we are holding a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale in the Foundation Room. This is a joint venture with 1st Charfield Brownies, so please come along and give us your support. Look out for the posters giving times, etc.

As the lighter nights are now with us we will be organising rambles in and around the village, and hopeful a few swimming nights, both of which should help to blow away the winter cobwebs.

Another joint venture will be a Fun Day at Avening Green on 22nd June. This will take the form of learning new crafts, a treasure hunt, games and a barbecue. The theme for the day will be spiders. Anyone with eight legs and eyes in the back of their head is welcome to come and give us a hand!

If you have a skill or hobby you think our Brownies would like to learn, and you would he willing to demonstrate, please contact me. I can assure you the pleasure our Brownies get from learning new skills makes giving an hour of your time so worthwhile.

It now only remains for me to ask if anyone has a daughter who wishes to join Brownies to contact me on 26xxxx to have her name added to our list.

Vi MacLellan

Hi! It's Katie Goulding here and as one of the Patrol Leaders I have been challenged to write an article for my green trefoil badge. At the end of last year we performed our pantomime which everyone enjoyed. For this some of us gained our Entertainers Badge, while others gained their Speakers Badge. Then later at Easter we had great fun creating chocolate Easter eggs. The final result was quite hysterical – but you should have seen the mess everywhere!

4As the summer approaches we will be going out in the fresh air more often (Yeah!) so hopefully we will be going to Avening Green to do a bit of cooking (That should be fun).

Well, I had better end now and get back to my homework (groan!).

See you,

Kate

MORE FROM 1ST CHARFIELD GUIDES

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter break. It was nice to have a couple of weeks away from Guides – with a grand total of 43 girls the rest was needed by myself and my assistants!

All the girls managed to make something for their Mums for Mothering Sunday and chocolate pigs were made for Easter.

Forthcoming events

May 8th We have booked K.L.B. Gym for a game of uni-hock for 2 hours.

July 13th We will be having a stall at Kingswood Summer Fair. All money raised will go to Girl Guides and Brownies District Funds.

Now, a cry of help again! If there is anyone who could spare 1½ hours to help we would be very grateful. You would not have to come every week and you would not have to go into uniform. If anyone can help please give me a ring or drop in any Wednesday night.

I have had to make a list of girls who would like to join Guides, but I am afraid priority has to go to those who are coming up from Brownies. I will contact any others as soon as there is room for them.

Mary Westlake
Guide Guider

The visit to Bristol Pantomime was the last of our outdoor outings of 1990. We are now planning our meetings for this year but the A.G.M. has to be held first as a new Committee may have some newer ideas.

The problems of running our club are at times worrying. The mini-bus driver must be over twenty five and under seventy years – it is a question of insurance for drivers between these age groups.

We have had some new members join, but we still invite more over Sixties to join us – one of our problems is a member who is a pianist is Mrs. Marklove has great difficulty in climbing the steps to the stage.

Shortly the Committee will be fixing different places to visit during 1991 amongst other activities for members enjoyment, and for club funds.

Ernest H. Orton
Chairman

5

Dear Mums

Well here we are – the arrival of Spring and a new committee. The A.G.M. was held on the 13th March at my house again (apparently it was the biggest – if there is anyone who would like to swap for a smaller 4 bedroomed house with less house work involved please let me know!!!). I would like to thank the old committee on behalf of the new committee who are as follows:-

Helpers: Michelle Brassington, Kathryn Keely, Mhairi Morgan and Tracy Knight.

Unfortunately we have had some sad news from Claire the Health Visitor that she is changing her clinic weeks as from 13th May 1991, to a Monday afternoon 1.30pm–3.00pm every second and fourth Monday of the month. This may very well mean that some mums will not come to us on a Thursday any more – PLEASE, PLEASE mums still come along every Thursday morning between 10.15am to 11.30am and keep us going, we really need you now more than ever, (this is fact not fiction) so do come along for coffee, cake and a gossip – also the kids enjoy it too!!

We will be holding a car boot sale sometime in the near future and lots of other activities including the annual Teddy Bears picnic and Our Day Out to the Seaside, all of which will be advertised around so keep your eyes peeled.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Elaine if there is anything you would like to know about the group.

JUST REMEMBER – “SUPPORT OUR TODDLER GROUP” PLEASE!

See all you mums on Thursday

Sue Richings
Secretary

6

By the time you receive this issue of Chadra, the fate of the Village 1st XII, will I am sure be known. At the moment they are fighting to stay in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, a position they have held for many years, relegation would mean the Stroud League next season.

Whatever the outcome, this season although a difficult one on the playing field, has yielded many good things; the introduction of young players into the club in numbers is a real boost, together with an excellent club spirit brought about by a good atmosphere throughout the two sides, and the purchase of a mini-bus enabling the teams to travel together on some of the longer trips has helped also.

We have also enjoyed the use of the Village Hall and Bar after our home fixtures, and I would like to thank John Poskett, Geoff Hall and Ollie Roberts for their time and hospitality.

The Reserve side as mentioned above, has benefited from some younger players and I am confident they will finish in a mid-table position.

A quick thank you to Craig Halliday and Adrian Smith, the two team managers, for their time and commitment throughout the season, and the members of the committee.

Finally, as the season draws to a close, we are looking forward to our Dinner/Dance and Presentation Evening, on Friday 24th May at Leyhill Officers Club. I trust that all who attend enjoy their evening.

Dean Saunders
Chairman

P.S. Anyone who is interested in playing football next season or just joining us on our training nights please contact Pete Kirby, our Secretary, Telephone 0454 31xxxx

This is our first entry into the Newsletter. We meet at Cromhall and take the majority of our lads from Wickwar, Tytherington and North Nibley areas, and two from Charfield. At present our membership is only 15, in comparison with the Lions who have approximately 30.

Our activities are varied and involve the full participation of all leaders, one of which is Steve Hake of Charfield.

Meetings take place on Wednesday's at 7.00 pm at the Scout HQ.

Mike Cheskin
Akela

7

We opened our March meeting respecting the memory of our dear friend and member Mrs Elsie Alderman, in one minutes silence. Having moved from Oxford in '84 she had been in membership with us for about 5 years and during that time had made an impact on all, with her kindness and outgoing friendliness. We shall miss her.

The Parish Council has again given financial support to the Institute, and the Committee and Members very much appreciate this kind gesture. We shall use this money to its best effect during the following year.

The Birthday Party was well supported – the Committee this time, waiting upon the members (who waited upon the Committee for the Christmas Party) at a ‘sit down’ meal which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, finalised by the cutting of a birthday cake celebrating our 63rd Anniversary. Games were joined with a very brief sketch of “Cinderella” enacted by the Committee under the able direction of Mrs Joan Crowfoot. It could have been termed as a “let your hair down” evening!!

It was good to welcome some visitors to our 1st ‘Open’ meeting of the year, on April 11th. Mr Moule of Radio Gloucester was a very entertaining speaker, and as he is the Gardening expert and adviser on this wave length – he naturally ended his talk with this very interesting topic.

In our next report we should be able to tell you how we fared in the Little Avon Group competition at the Rally to be held on April 25th. Our fingers and toes are crossed!! We also hope to have some prize winners in the individual competition – showing their expertise skills in biscuit making!

There are so many diversities of interest, activities and education within the W.I. – so why not come along and join with us. Elsie joined us for the sake of companionship in the friendships she made. Why don't you do the same! Our ladies are willing to provide transport if needed – and always a welcome awaits you. See you at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm!

Daphne Looker
President

Date for your diary – Jumble Sale May 18th Village Hall 2.30pm

held recently in the Village achieved the sum of £348.74

My very grateful thanks to the hard working collectors and to the generosity of the village as a whole.

C.P. Temme
17.4.91

8

“Down Devil's Lane”

Returning from an afternoon ramble just recently and explaining to the wife, who is Charfield born and bred, exactly where I had been, she said, “Oh, so you went down Devil's Lane”, and for the benefit of the uninitiated, the operative word in this statement is the word down, – because whichever way you choose to approach this curiously named stretch of road you most certainly go down into a dip in order to negotiate it, from whence it most likely got its name. Devil's Lane is therefore a dark and sinister sort of a place even on the brightest of days.

Have you been down Devil's Lane? In a purely spiritual sense it may be said that all of us go down there occasionally. We all know those days of gloom when we may feel knocked down for the count, or else in the grip of evil forces from which there seems to be no escape. At Easter time we are reminded that even our Lord as He hung upon the Cross seemed to experience a feeling of being overwhelmed by the power of evil when He cried “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”, and then again in the Apostles Creed we speak of Him as “descending into Hell”.

But the most intriguing thing about Devil's Lane is that as you go down into the dip so you also rise up again to finally emerge on the higher level of the place with such beautiful views known by the name of “Church End”. “Pilgrim's Progress” by John Bunyan tells of a man's journey from the Slough of Despond to the Eternal City, and the Apostles Creed continues in similar fashion, – “that on the third day our Lord Jesus Christ rose again from the dead”. Such is the experience of countless numbers of people down through the ages who have also been raised to newness of life in Him, that they know that in contrast to the gloom of Devil's Lane their view of life is completely different therefore from “Church End”. So why not try it?

Playgroup Our grateful thanks to Mums and Dads of the Playgroup who have made such an excellent job of painting and decorating the Schoolroom premises. It was also good to welcome some of you with your children to our Easter services.

“Coach Outing” The Bright Hour has arranged an outing to Lynton and Lynmouth on May 28, leaving the Chapel at 10.00am. Fare £4.

Preachers

Please note: With the lighter evenings we revert to 6pm Sunday Services from the 1st Sunday in April, if you do not attend a place of worship already you can be assured of a very warm welcome at any of our meetings or services.

WE ARE OPEN EVERY SUNDAY!

E.L.

9

Over the past months the club has had a regular attendance of around 40 members each Tuesday evening with a great attraction being the attendance of the Boys Club activity van providing many activities ranging from computer games to inflatables on some nights.

The big project that the members and leaders are hoping to undertake is to provide their own premises where they can be free of the necessary restraints when meeting in the Memorial Hall and to give members a place of their own enabling them to meet (eventually) on more occasions than once a week.

Sadly this was reported in the local papers linked with the article about vandalism and drug abuse which caused concern because the leaders felt that parents might feel the Youth Club itself was linked to these activities. However, the newspapers did print a further article by the leaders which I trust has allayed any fears that parents might have had.

We are still, with the co-operation of parents and kind offers promised from various sources forging ahead with our plans, co-ordinated by Chris Slowley so please be on the lookout for opportunities to offer any support that you can give. The members themselves are very keen to get to work and only request that people will support their efforts. I believe that a club house that the youngsters of the village can go to, to be with their friends, sit and talk, play games, music and other organised activities can only add to the facilities within the village something that has been required for a long time.

At our A.G.M. our chairman, Rev David Parker was kind enough to agree to another term for which we thank him. At that meeting we decided to form a very small committee or group of interested people who would co-ordinate the building of the new premises under the leadership of Chris Slowley and volunteers (the dreaded word) would be most welcome.

At the end of the Summer term Margaret Coomber at present Youth Leader will be leaving and Chris Slowley, at present Assistant Youth Leader will become Youth Leader. We must also thank Steve Hake who was Assistant Youth Leader up till last Christmas when Chris took over. Steve left due to the demands of studies at the Polytechnic and teaching practise on his time. Shortly we hope he will be able to return on a part time basis, probably about once a month.

Thanks also to Audrey Chappell and Elaine Bennett who come along regularly and without whom it would be almost impossible to keep the Club open, due to its present popularity.

Margaret K. Coomber
Youth Leader
Tel Falfieid 26xxxx

My husband and I keep aside a collection certain coins which we use for the numerous charity envelopes delivered to the door. We are happy to contribute, but now we also have a collection of envelopes containing money as well as the coins. PLEASE – if you are delivering the envelopes can you make a point of collecting them – or putting on the date and time of collection so they can be left out.

Margaret Coomber

10

Do you remember what you said? Sometimes other people remember what we have said better than we can remember ourselves. After all, we do say so much every day and so much of that is of little importance: inconsequential chatter – how could we possibly remember it all? But there are special occasions. On a special occasion, imprinted on the mind, we are more likely to remember at least some of the things we say then. When, for example, we say for the very first time, “My husband and I …”. Or when with trembling knees he says for the very first time, “My wife and I …” (at the wedding reception.) Oh yes, we remember it well!

But what about what we said when we brought our precious little child to baptism? or that occasion when we so pleased to have been asked to be a godparent? Do we remember what we said then? Perhaps it all got swept away in the excitement of the event and in the worry as to whether there was going to be enough at the reception for everyone!

In today's world we have all the facilities for the care of our children, from pre-natal times to adulthood – one could say for life! Much of that care is, of course, medical. We are keenly aware of needs in this area. We can call in a doctor; go to a specialist.

There is another area that is called ‘educational.’ Here again parents are alert to the importance of this aspect of their children's development. Teachers can be seen at regular ‘parents' evenings’. They can also be approached at other times by appointment should problems arise, such as anxieties about educational problems or if specific difficulties are being found by the children.

But what about that other aspect of development that is vaguely labelled ‘spiritual’? ‘Vaguely’ is perhaps a key word here! We are vaguely aware that there must be such a thing because we have heard so. But what it is we are not too sure. We are vague about it; mildly uncomfortable into the bargain, perhaps; perhaps a little conscience-troubled but we don't quite know what to do. I can understand that it is all a bit puzzling. And you can see that it all seems rather vague and uncertain. And what we do with vague, uncertain and puzzling things is … well, we postpone them; there are so many positive things to claim and engage our attention that no one can blame us if we forget, overlook, delay doing anything; or just not knowing what to do. This is not intended as even the mildest criticism. I see it as a real problem because this has been my experience with people.

If you feel this is about you we intend to provide an opportunity to talk about this and see how we can help one another. If you are just curious, or even sceptical, it also includes you!

Some forthcoming events. 20th April (Saturday) – 10 to midday, a Sale in Foundation Room at the School: cakes; books, jumble, White elephant, raffle etc etc. 22nd June: Fete in grounds of St. John's Church – entertainments, games, swing boat, strawberry teas etc. 29th September: after Sunday morning Harvest service (10.15) – a Harvest Lunch (a new venture): adults £3; children up to 12 £1. (to include drink suitable to different ages!). ALL WELCOME.

A DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY CONFUSED. Two ladies called on me to know if there would be any demand for this in this, or a neighbouring village. Please let them know. Brochure in Church Porch.

P.S. Plant Sale: Saturday 18th May from 10 a.m. in Church Porch.

11

Just a note from the Post Office at Charfield.
I am sure I do not need to point out how important it is to have a Post Office in a village, especially for those who are elderly or sick and those without the benefit of their own transport, but saying that, do any of us know what is round the corner.

I must thank those of you who regularly use the Post Office and warn those who do not what happens if an amenity is ignored and not used – hence the very true slogan “Use it or Lose it”, which is more than ever true given the present financial climate. There does not appear to be any room any more for a social conscience. If a business does not make money, it is deemed unnecessary.

The closure of a few local Post Offices, Hillesley, Stone, Buckover, Rudgeway, to name but a few, and even the recent closure of the Midland Bank branch in Wotton prove that nothing is safe.

The banks have caused the largest decline in Counters Business nationally, with the increase of “Direct Debit” and, more lately, the increased use of Cash Dispensers (no doubt the cause of the Midlands closure in Wotton).

The D.H.S.S. has also had a recent campaign by letter to woo pension and child benefit allowance payments away from the Post Office to be paid direct into Bank or Building Society accounts with inevitable success, albeit small.

The Post Office network is a unique institution of over 20,000 outlets throughout the country, serving cities, towns and villages alike, offering Banking, Savings, Bill Paying, Licensing, Letter and Parcel posting and paying Pensions, Allowances and D.H.S.S. Cheques for unemployment and sickness benefits etc. Surely, something with a National coverage such as this warrants all our support and protection.

I am sure many of you do not realise that you can pay your telephone bill free of charge by cheque or cash, this also applies to T.V. Licences. We also sell telephone and T.V. Savers Stamps to ease the burden of large bills.

Going abroad? We can issue and approve E.111's which covers emergency health cover for visitors to E.C. countries – one form to protect the whole family.

Giro Bank, one of the largest banks in the country, use the Post Office as their only High Street outlet, offering cheque book, cheque guarantee cards, loan and overdraft facilities, and even an interest bearing account called Keyway for those who have their salary paid direct into the Bank. I would be grateful if those who already hold a Giro Bank Account would continue to use the Post Office for their withdrawals, rather than the cash dispenser, as this can generate considerably extra Counter work. Any mums-to-be or new pensioners, I would remind you that you can draw your benefits or pensions over the Post Office counter when the time arises, with cash in hand, with no expensive travelling to collect it.

It is a great shame that Northavon will not allow the free payment of Poll Tax through the Post Office like many other local Councils, thus allowing easier, simpler access to pay this unpopular tax; perhaps they will soften their hard attitude and use a little compassion for those people who do not have a Bank Account.

I am sure many of you consider the Post Office to be an essential service here in Charfield. I would point out that the office is at present quite healthy, and I would like to keep it so. I hope you will support and help keep the Post Office network healthy and viable well into the future despite Right wing politicians threatening privatisation and all that brings, which may not be far away, depending on the results of the next General Election.

12I hope that I have not bored you and look forward to seeing all our customers, old and new, in the near future.

Mike Pemberton
SubPostmaster, Charfield.

More members, more opportunities, more activities, but still a long way to go before we meet the needs of the young people of Charfield.

We have decided to build our own premises and have asked an architect to draw up plans and seek planning permission. This will allow us to open more often and offer a wider range of activities, but we need more helpers and more older members, who can take responsibility for the various tasks that need doing. Our small group of seniors is working well – they need the support of parents and friends to organise more & different events.

We leaders often hear the moan that there is nothing to do in Charfield but there is no limit to what we can do. Come along and give us your ideas and together we will try to get things moving. The Youth Club is grateful in particular to Elaine Bennett, Audrey Chappell, Steve Hake and Jane Higgins who come on a voluntary basis and help out. As numbers increase we will need more like them. Could you take a party swimming or come along and tell us about your work or hobby, or organise a 5-a-side football match?

The Youth Club is on Tuesdays from 8.00 to 10.30 p.m. in the Memorial Hall.

Chris Slowley.

Autumn Show – Saturday, 14th September 1991

Plans are now under way for this year's Flower and Vegetable Show which will be bigger and better than last year with an added Home Made Wine Section, which we hope will attract more interest.

Schedules for the Show will be available during August from Charfield Post Office – many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton for allowing this facility.

So, let's have lots of entries and make this year a really good show!

Happy gardening,

Pat White

The Foundation Room at Charfield School is available for hire.

For further details please contact Christine Temme – Falfield 26xxxx.

13

Charfield Cricket Club completed the 1990 season in good shape. A very young First XI held its own in the Premier Division of the C & G League, under a young captain, Matthew Hutley, and, with more experience and determination, should do even better this year. Pride of place, however, must go to the Second XI who were Champions of Division 1 of the C & G League.

Winning a division would, in most sports, usually mean promotion and Charfield C.C. would then have had 2 teams in the highest division of the League. With a mixture of disappointment and common sense the Club accepted the League's decision that this could not be and so the teams will play in adjacent divisions again. The Third XI which, as you know, plays at K.L.B. School, found life quite tough in Division 3, pitting themselves against ambitious first teams of clubs just joining the League.

We were honoured by the presence of the Captain of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Tony Wright, at our Presentation Evening and Dinner. As a club we make awards to all three League sides and mark such things as 100's and hat tricks by presenting shields. Outstanding batting performances came from Alan Pearn (1st XI), Barry Morgan (2nd XI) and Martin Scott (3rd XI), whilst in bowling Nicky Bennett (Gladding Cup), Dave Terrett (2nd XI) and Michael Colborn Jnr (3rd XI) led the way. John Nixon had a typically rugged season with bat and ball and Kevin Morgan (100) and Paul Bath (98 n.o.) showed us all how to make a big score. The Most Improved Player and the Youth Player of the Year made it a hat trick for Michael Colborn Jnr, with Darren Wesson, Simon Gardiner, John Davies and Neil Lovegrove challenging for these awards also. The Del Gannon Trophy (a bronze cricketer) was awarded for the first time this year to Paul Bath, for his performance when Charfield C.C. played a representative team from the Bristol and District Youth League.

I think it is interesting to mention that not only do club members play in League cricket, but two club members have become qualified umpires and take their positions every Saturday in League matches not featuring Charfield C.C. The same two, John Cliff and Ivor Morgan, represented Gloucester and District Umpires Association in the regional umpires Quiz League, on the Rules of Cricket.

14The future plans, for most clubs, I am sure involve a good deal of fund raising in order to cope with rising costs. A regular Christmas Draw and weekly Bat raffles help to buy new kit and pay for petrol, diesel, soil and fertiliser. A membership fee of £21.00 and a fee of £15.50 for those between 18 and 21 are an attempt to secure the club's financial position. Junior players pay only match fees. It is our objective to try and create a surplus on our budget to fund other projects. With this in mind we turned our attention to storage facilities. Because of the increase in our stock of equipment (a roller, 4 mowers, nets, and a supply of top dressing) and, because the previous ‘Batley’ Hut as it was known, was disintegrating around us, it was decided to embark on the building of a new storage facility adjacent to the tractor shed. This represents our immediate priority and we propose to finance it via our Club funds, fund raising and by asking the Parish Council to act as guarantors for a small loan. We have held a Race Night on 26th April as joint venture with Charfield Football C1ub in order to raise money specifically for this project. We hope that the summer will see our plans come to fruition.

Not everyone likes sport or becomes involved with a sports club, but Charfield Cricket Club hopes to provide a recreational and social facility within the village, primarily for village people but also to anyone who wants to join us. We are grateful to all those ‘hidden’ people who enable us to put on games of cricket, tea ladies, umpires and scorers, but also to Charfield Village Hall Management Committee and to local sponsors (Railway Tavern, Manor Hair Fashions and Manor Fruiterers) who support all our activities and allow us to produce an attractive fixture card. Then there are local farmers and business men who service our machinery, store it in the winter and help us to get rid of grass cuttings.

For a complete list of contact names and addresses could you please turn to inside the back page for full details

David Bradley, Chairman, Charfield Cricket Club

When you come to read this article the local elections will be over, Charfield will have a new Parish Council, Northavon a new District Council of one political persuasion or another in control, and you may have a new District Councillor depending, of course, on the choice of the electorate.

On both counts, some familiar faces will no longer be present, some having resigned, others having been voted off. To replace them there will be a number of new-comers, who will mix with a fair percentage of ‘old timers’. These newly elected councillors, especially on District will, I am sure, feel as bewildered by the whole procedure of Local Government, Council Meetings and Ward activities as I did four years ago when I became a councillor. There is so much to learn about and adapt to and it takes some time to get to know the routine. It is very much like being a new boy at school. Fortunately there are 15 those familiar with the system who are prepared to ‘take you under their wing’ and guide you through the first tentative months.

Having represented Charfield and the villages of Falfield and Tortworth – all in my District Ward – for the past four years, not only have I considered it a privilege to have done so, but I have also found it a fascinating and rewarding experience. Also very time consuming, I may add. Nevertheless, working closely with your Parish Council, and dealing with other issues and problems that have come my way, I trust that the work I have done has been useful both to individuals and to Charfield Parish.

The three villages I represent are spread over quite a large area, with houses sprinkled quite thinly over the more rural parts. Each community has its different number of inhabitants with Charfield very much larger and more compact than Tortworth and Falfield. They each have their own different characteristics which makes for interesting visiting. In such a large area and with so many people, it is impossible to get to know everyone, except perhaps in Falfield where I am involved in other activities and, of course, where I live. However, through attending Parish Council meetings in the three villages, I have been able to keep in touch with local issues and the needs of each village.

Should next month see me re-elected, then the opportunity will be there to get to know more people over the next four years.

Eddie Gadsby

The oilfields of Kuwait are burning fiercely, millions of tonnes of pollutants rain down on the surrounding region and as I write the spectre of a B52 breaks through low cloud over Charfield on its way back to America; what better proof that we now live in a shrinking world which we all can choose to wound or heal? There is usually moral and spiritual guidance elsewhere in the Newsletter, so how about practical help for our planet? If I suggest nuclear fusion as the cleanest source of energy to end our addiction to oil, I will get the interest of some residents employed locally; but the best place for the power plant is a more distant, safer location than Oldbury, about ninety-three million miles away. Solar energy provides unlimited power that could drive our machines without pollution, just as it now drives our climate. All that is needed is the will to accept new ways of caring for the environment. My favoured option is clean electricity without nuclear waste, without power stations, without atmospheric pollution, without taking land from agriculture, using mass produced machines that any nation in the world can but and operate – machines like the MS-3 Wind Turbine that British Aerospace have helped to develop.

I urge you to think about tolerating these machines in your local landscape. Black rain is falling on Turkey and Iran. The Persian Gulf has been poisoned. Even so, we can still help the planet to recover, retain the ozone layer, defeat the greenhouse effect; keep the oceans alive. We can still keep the wild flowers, the skylarks and the fresh clean breezes. But we need Wind-farms in Britain and all over the world to play their part.

Edward Courtenay.

16

Hello, Mums and Dads

Firstly sorry I missed the last Newsletter but with Christmas and the Jumble Sale I completely forgot.

The Jumble Sale went very well, we raised over £280 and the Carol Singing also went very well, raising over £230; I don't think people can complain that they didn't hear us this year!

I'd like to say a special thank you to the parents who helped redecorate Playgroup during the Easter Holidays. We haven't quite finished but it looks 100% better already.

Events coming up include the Annual Playgroup Outing in June and we are hoping to have a 50/50 Sale in the Village Hall on Saturday 6th July 1991. I'll be sending details nearer the date.

If you have a child who will be 3 years old in the coming year or if you are new to the village and your child is already 3 and would like to join our happy group please let me know as soon as possible.

Looking forward to seeing you at future events.

Linda Newman
Playgroup Secretary

Having been on the Committee of CHADRA for eight years and holding the Chairman, sorry Chairperson's Office for three years it really is about time I wrote an article.

As I arrive home to Charfield and drive down the hill I always thank God for the blessings of living in such a beautiful part of England.

It's been nearly nine years since the family moved here from Yate and in that time I have been greatly impressed with the people of Charfield and as my children have progressed through toddlers, playgroup, school with their recreation covered by Cubs and soon Brownies, the devotion and sacrifice of the helpers and leaders has been an inspiration to Evie and I. Thank you.

The Newsletter is undergoing a complete rethink at present, with the idea of having the contents professionally put together. To finance this adverts would be required. Would you like to advertise once every three months any service you have to offer. If you are interested and would like further details please contact myself,

	Mike Cheskin Tel: Dursley 84xxxx
or	Mary Hall Tel: Falfield 26xxxx
or	Jenny Peaster Tel: Falfield 25xxxx

17

In recent years the word ‘CARER’ has come to be used to describe a person other than a paid worker who is looking after someone who is ill, disabled or old, at home. Carers are ordinary people – husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents or friends, who simply get on with what needs to be done when someone close to them gradually or suddenly begins to need help. That person may be frail or elderly, someone with a physical disability or learning difficulty (used to called a mental handicap). The disabled person might be a child or young person with special needs resulting from their disability.

In the UK there are more than six million carers, many of them have found that contact with a Carer's Support Group has helped them to carry on caring and sometimes to campaign for better services for themselves and the people they care for. Often just to know that there are others who feel the same way is a tremendous help. Other carers can offer advice and their experience which no professional helpers can provide – unless of course we too have been carers.

Lesley Musson who is a District Enrolled Nurse at Wotton Clinic in Symn Lane, and myself, a Social Worker in Dursley, would like to start a group for carer's so that they can have the opportunity to enjoy this support. We are happy to arrange meetings to enable carers to come together to talk and share their thoughts, ideas and experiences and then to decide what kind of people they want, what it should do and how it should be organized in the future. For example, some groups have run campaigns to change services offered by agencies such as Health and Social Services, some groups invite speakers to provide information on topics of interest such as lifting, incontinence etc. Some have concentrated on less formal meetings giving people the space to talk together.

Carers often find it difficult to attend meetings because they have no transport or cannot find someone to sit in with the person they care for. We would try to arrange to cover both these difficulties.

If you would be interested in either attending a meeting to discuss setting up a Wotton Under Edge Carer' s Support Group or would like to receive further information, please complete the attached questionnaire.

18PROPOSED WOTTON CARERS GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE

Please tick if applicable

1. I would be interested in attending a meeting to discuss setting up a carers group in Wotton Under Edge …
   I would not be interested in attending such a meeting …
2. What time of day would suit you best for a meeting
   Morning …
   Early Afternoon …
   Later Afternoon …
   Evening …
3. I would need transport to a meeting …
4. I would need someone to sit with the person I care for while I attended a meeting …
5. I would not attend a meeting but would like to be kept in touch …
6. I would like someone to call to discuss carers groups …
7. If a Carer's Support Group starts in Wotton Under Edge I would like it held in the
   Morning …
   Afternoon …
   Evening …
8. Name …
   Address …
   Phone no …

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO:

LESLEY MUSSON
THE CLINIC
SYMN LANE
WOTTON UNDER EDGE
GLOS

TEL: Dursley (0453) 84xxxx

19

At the last ordinary meeting of the Parish Council, two long serving members of the Council confirmed their intention not to seek re-election. Both have served as previous Chairmen, Mr Norman Haines and Mr Cliff Gunning were sincerely thanked by the present Chairman Mr Paul Birt for their work on behalf of the community and he stated that their contributions to discussions at Parish Council meetings would be missed.

The local elections on 2nd May will include the Parish Council. Following which an inaugural meeting will be held, when election of officers and representatives to various bodies will take place. The meeting is scheduled for 7th May.

All Parish Council meetings are open to the public. They are held in the Foundation Room at Charfield School on the 2nd Tuesday in every month except August when, like the Government they have a recess. The names of the new Parish Council will be published on the notice boards and they welcome contact by anyone in the village where they can help with a problem.

The Council hopes to sponsor and run a Summer Holiday Play Scheme at Charfield School for the week beginning 5th August. This will be open to all junior school children and will include an outing (yet to be agreed) to which younger brothers and sisters and parents will be invited. Further details will be circulated via the School but is not restricted to Charfield School children, anyone attending any other school can also take part. Assistance with supervision will be essential if the scheme is to go ahead.

I have recently been notified that work to provide a new water main will necessitate the closure of New Street for approximately 6 weeks. The road will be closed for a 115 metre stretch at Charfield Mills and a diversion via Tortworth, Damery and Huntingford will be necessary.

The Parish Council was informed by County Councillor, Pat Hockey that work to provide a separate pedestrian footbridge over the railway is still progressing, albeit slowly. The next step is the production of detailed engineering drawings which will then be submitted to British Rail.

On the subject of British Rail, much newspaper coverage has been given to the possible re-opening of Charfield Station, however the Parish Council has been kept very much in the dark. After considerable pressure was exerted the Chairman attended a meeting between Avon and Glos Councillors. Charfield certainly appears to be the ‘preferred option’ but the Parish Council would like to be assured that money will also be spent to provide adequate parking, traffic management schemes and road improvements as they are concerned that some of the traffic problems of Bristol would be brought to Charfield with no thought to these aspects nor to that of road safety. Pat Hockey asked for the feelings of the village with regard to a re-opened station, stating that there is no point in progressing the proposal if it is neither wanted nor needed. Comments to me or to any Parish Councillor please.

A subject which the Council has dealt with and will continue to do so – is the overnight parking of heavy goods vehicles within the residential area. In requesting a licence to operate a heavy goods vehicle, adequate garaging or overnight parking must be included. All heavy vehicles therefore have somewhere other than residential roads on which to park and the Council can and does take action against irresponsible drivers.

Mrs Jenny Hughes
Clerk to the Council

20

Advertising

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Treetops Carpets]

[Advert for Dave Rumbold Carpentry Service]

[Advert for Travel Plan Taxis]

[Advert for Manor Fruiterers]

21

Please contact any of the following if it is your inclination to play cricket or just to make new friends. (See main article on page 13)

22

Telephone numbers commencing 84… use code 0453
Those commencing 26… 29… 41… use code 0454

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 22 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: 2017-01-17.