CHADRA

The sudden death of Maurice Marklove (Fury) caused a great deal of sadness in Charfield in Late June.

Maurice was a man who had laboured since he was 8 to promote the Scout Movement in and around the area of Charfield. Many young men remember Maurice as a man who gave them all a taste of adventure, taught them discipline and made life fun.

He was above all a humble man, never quick to condemn, criticise or in any way be negative. Quite an achievement.

Thanks Maurice. Thanks Shirley (his wife) and be assured that the God of this World will have prepared a place fitting for the work and sacrifice of such a GREAT MAN.

NEXT COPY DATE – 12TH OCTOBER 1992

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

Unfortunately, we just missed the last issue of Chadra's Newsletter and so, by the time you read this, there will have been some pretty weird rumours circulating about the play area! I hope that I can set the record straight in this letter. First of all, the play area is part of the playing field and like the village hall, new sports pavilion and tennis court, is under the administration of the hall management committee. Newcomers to the village may not realise that this area is held in trust for the village and villagers of Charfield. It is not council land and the council (district or county) are not legally required to maintain or finance it. This is why it is so important that the people of Charfield support the hall management committee and any fund raising they do for the upkeep of the hall and playing field.

For some time, concerns have been voiced by numerous parents about the state of the play area and in April, the hall management committee decided to set up a sub-committee to look at what equipment and safety surfacing was available, get quotes from contractors and of course, do some fund-raising to finance it all! We decided that as well as these long term issues, there was a need to make the play area safer in the short term and so we had the work party on the 31st May. Many thanks to all those who turned up on the day – your efforts were much appreciated and if any of you are missing a crowbar, it's in the boot of my car! I would like to stress however, that the work party was only a very temporary measure to make the area a bit safer and a bit tidier until further improvements can be made next year.

Some people have asked why the play area needs to be updated at all. Well, about 8 or 9 years ago a group of people put in a lot of very hard work building the mound and the present play area and many, many children have had many hours of fun there but equipment becomes worn and even dangerous and it is now generally accepted that turf is not an ideal safety surface – it gets like a mud bath in the winter and bakes as hard as rock in the summer-time! The newer alternatives are bark chippings and the spongy safety surfacing which can be laid in tiles or poured on. In 1990 new British Standards were introduced to cover all new play areas and at the end of this year there will be new European standards too (actually based on British and German standards). These new standards are very detailed and very strict and so we must have the work done by a reputable contractor. Also, insurance requirements mean that the installation of new equipment and safety surfaces cannot be done by volunteers as it was before, though we may be able to save some money by cleaning the site ourselves. All this means of course, is that a lot of money is required if we are to have safety surfaces laid for existing equipment and buy some new pieces of equipment. This stuff is not cheap! We would also like a fenced area for toddlers, fencing to keep children out of the car park and away from the busy main road, and more comfortable seating for Mums, Dads and Grandparents.

By now, a lot of you will have had our letter to clubs and groups in which we explained what we planned to do and asked if each club would hold at least one event to help raise money for the play area. We are still looking forward to hearing from most of you, though a few groups have already come up with some good ideas. Remember, it doesn't have to be a large event – every penny counts! A very enjoyable quiz evening run by Julia O'Connor-Beach started the ball rolling and raised £112 and other events being run by this sub-committee are a family disco – Thursday 20th August – hope to see you all there!, a family beetle drive in September and possibly a treasure hunt and another quiz night (please Julia!)

2We also hope to run stalls at various fetes and open days. Conservatively we are seeking to raise £10,000 and of course most of this amount will be raised by the hall management committee and in particular by Mr Gillett, who is an excellent treasurer and a past master of fund-raising. He is already securing any grants we may be entitled to and getting promises and pledges of cash; however, the more we can help with fund-raising, the better the play area will be.

We already have what many other villages covet – a well run Village Hall a lovely new sports pavilion and a well maintained playing field, and I'd like to publicly pay tribute to all those who work so hard to achieve this, often in their own time and without pay. It would be wonderful to also have a pleasant and safer play area for our children and grandchildren too. The extent to which this can be achieved depends largely on the support and help we receive from you, the people of Charfield.

We would of course be grateful for any comments and constructive input and suggestions about what you would like to see at the play area; so feel free to contact any of the sub-committee:-

Advertising

[Advert for Mobile Fish and Chip Van]

3

We opened the Old Tavern Shop in March of this year, but sadly, have had to close it until the end of August.

Trade was very good until the half term, then it got progressively worse, until we decided we could no longer keep it open and provide fresh fruit and veg, to local customers. Unless the turnover of fresh produce is quick there is too much wastage, and during the very hot spell of weather it meant we were selling second rate produce, which is not what I want to do. We will be reopening at the end of August, hopefully, and will be selling a more varied selection of goods. If anyone can think of something that Charfield needs, besides a Cafe and Fish & Chip shop, either drop your ideas into the mobile Fish & Chip Van or put a note through the door of 150 Manor Lane. I would like to thank the regular customers we did have for their support, and hope to see them again soon.

1st Charfield Brownies need more girls to join them on Tuesday evenings 4.30–5.45 in the Village Hall. The number of Brownies have halved in the First Charfield Pack, due to them reaching the age of eleven and starting Guides. So we need lots of new Brownies to join us when we start again in September after the holidays. We need to keep two Brownie packs in the Village to enable us to have two new Rainbow Packs starting this year. So if you have a daughter aged between 7 and eleven years old ask her if she would like to come and join us. We have lots of interesting and fun things planned for the Autumn and Winter months, including our Environmental Challenge.

Have you noticed our pretty Brownie Garden in the Village Hall car park. All the seeds used were sown on teabags then transplanted in the garden (a good tip for Keen-Green gardeners). We have lots of new challenges waiting to be started, and lots of new games to play and things to make. ‘Brownies’ is great fun, but we can't have fun without any Brownies. Come along and join us and see for yourself.

Joy Buxton Tel: 84xxxx
Wendy Holmes Tel: 84xxxx

To all the people still speaking to me after our Quiz, I hope you have now stopped kicking yourselves and that you enjoyed the challenge. We raised £237 and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part. I would also like to say a special thank you to:- Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Wilson, Manor Fruiterers, Manor Hair Fashions, Steve at the Happy Shopper and Julie Terrett. Without the help and support of the local community we would not be able to maintain the high standard of activities our Brownies deserve. Thanks once again to all concerned.

Now to bring you up to date with what the Brownies have been up to.

The first obvious sign that the Brownies have been about is the Village Hall Garden. I'm sure you'll agree with me that a lot of hard work has paid off and once all the new plants have established themselves we will all have a garden to be proud of.

4Badge work has been carrying on a pace, with the whole pack gaining their Agility Badges. Individual badges have also been earned throughout the term.

A lot of craft has been undertaken this term using various materials ranging from walnut shells to modelling clay. I think the Brownies enjoyed making the clay pigs for Fathers Day best, so far the Dads have not taken their revenge but I have a feeling some of them will.

We have also been out and about over the summer on a treasure hunt, a farm visit, climbing up a waterfall at Waterley Bottoms and collecting and pressing wild flowers.

There is a lot to look forward to after the holidays such as our annual Revels at Conygres in September, learning sign language and first aid to name but a few.

I am also pleased to tell you that Mrs. Julie Terrett will be joining us in September as a Brownie Guider.

It only remains for me to wish you a good holiday and to remind you that if you have a daughter who would like to join Brownies please contact me on 26xxxx to have her name added to my list.

Vi MacLellan

Hello Mums and Dads,
Our outing in June was a great success and all the children thoroughly enjoyed it. The sun shone, eventually, and a lot of fun was had digging in the sand and running races. Even the mums had a race to themselves!

The children's end of term party was held on July 17th, when we said goodbye to all the children going to school in September, and we all wish them well in their new school. We also had a social evening at the Bull Pen on Monday 20th July. Both events were enjoyed by all. Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Playgroup on Monday 14th September at 7.30p.m. All parents will be invited to attend when the new committee will be elected. If you are new to the village or have a child nearing 3 and wish to place them on the waiting list, please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx.

Alison Pidoux.

5

At the time of writing, arrangements are in hand for a joint meeting (i.e. July 28th) of representatives of each Parish Council and Town Council, this in response to an invitation from the Northavon District Council, to consider the feasibility of functioning as a Unitary Authority.

The Local Government Commission for England is required by Section 13 of the Local Government Act 1992 to conduct a review of such areas as are specified by the Secretary of State.

It must recommend to the Secretary of State how such areas (and the County of Avon is one such designated area) justify structural, electoral and boundary changes (if any) as it thinks desirable having regard to the need to reflect the identities and interests of local communities, and to secure effective and convenient local government.

If the Commission does not consider such changes to be desirable, it must recommend to the Secretary of State that none be made.

One is aware that the City of Bristol is anxious to regain the local government powers that it had before it was denuded of its County Borough status under the Local Government Act 1972 – and as a Unitary Authority it will thus be able to achieve this. The burning question is though will the Local Government Commission want to then create a Greater Bristol by extending the city boundaries and thereby rob the Northavon District of such valuable rateable income areas as Filton, Patchway and Bradley Stoke?

Bristol's view is that its current Local Government boundary is all that it needs. One can only wait and see, bearing in mind that one suggestion from the Bristol and Birmingham Universities Urban Study report was that the County of Avon could be dismembered into 3 Unitary Authorities, namely:-

a) Bristol and Northavon
b) Bath and Wansdyke
c) Woodspring (including Weston-Super-Mare)

Gloucestershire County Council is also scheduled to be screened by the Local Government Commission and the City of Gloucester is, like the City of Bristol, anxious to redeem its former County Borough powers.

Yet there are some in Gloucestershire who are not only “keeping their fingers crossed” over any drastic changes, but would also like to revert to the pre-L.G.A. 1972 boundaries and re-absorb the whole of what was then South Gloucestershire with its former areas of what is now Northavon (and also Kingswood District council).

However, under Section 16 of the L.G.A. 1992 the Local Government Commission may require the Audit Commission to provide it with a written opinion on the likely impact of any proposed structural changes on the economy, efficiency of effectiveness with which local authority services are provided

The initiative of the Northavon District Council to consult with Parish and Town Councils and the Northavon Area Group of the Local Councils Association is primarily for assessing representatives views before the District Council prepares its brief to stand its ground as a potential Unitary Authority. Parish and Town Councils already have specific powers and responsibilities under the 1972 L.G.A. and it may well be that when further Local Government reorganisation takes place, that these responsibilities may be added to.

6How then will the Local Government Commission proceed, as far as the general public is concerned? It has a requirement under Section 15 (1) of the 1992 Act to:-

a)	Write to all principal local authorities and appropriate Members of Parliament.
b)	Provide suitable publicity including encouraging and participating in local press, radio and television coverage of the review.
c)	Publish advertisements in local newspapers.

Your point of view is then important! Then, the Local Government Commission is required to make its own direct contact with the Local Councils Association and specific individual parish or town councils.

The Commission will deliberate too with the County Council and the District Councils and a host of other representative organisations.

Whatever the outcome, one hopes for an efficient local government service with all its attendant responsibilities, to name but a few:-

Land Use Planning
Transport
Environmental Issues
Personal Social Services
Housing
Education
Public Library Services
Police, Fire
Magistrates' Courts Service and Probation.

The Health Service (Including the Ambulance Service) is a separate issue yet it is important that a good liaison with Local Government is seen to exist, particularly over Community Care.

(Rev) David Parker
Vice-President
Avon Local Councils Association

A Keep Fit class held in the Memorial Hall each Tuesday from 10–11 a.m. will re-commence on September 8th. We are hoping to see a few more new faces to keep this class going. Just come along and join us and give it a try.

In conjunction with St. John's Church Summer Fete a competition entitled ‘Name Game Quiz’ was run solely for the Play Area Refurbishment Fund which raised the sum of £135. Thanks to all who helped by either selling or buying quizzes. The prize of £25 was split between three winners, who were:

K. Gargety – Charfield: Mrs. M. Moore – Wotton: Mr. M. Allen – Winterbourne.

J. Butler (P.C.C. Sec.)

7

If summer reminds you of sun and Sangria, Young Wives enjoyed early exposure to both as our programme got under way. Although Spain was not the destination, a coach trip to Bristol (not Barcelona) provided an evening of enlightenment at Harveys Wine Museum. Some were enlightened more than others as we ‘rounded off’ the evening with supper at The Wheatsheaf in Winterbourne.

To continue the theme, June brought us ‘Summer Dishes’ – an evening of mouthwatering cuisine courtesy of Bronwyn Sleigh. The aromatic qualities were truly memorable.

And so, on to the Gala Day – Summer Fair. Summer! you must be joking. July 11th brought more rain than we had seen for two months, however the Tombola team kept their spirits up. Thanks to everyone who made such an excellent contribution. In fact it was just as well it rained so heavily, as there were a number of members who were clearly getting heated up at the sight of the men in the ‘Tug of War’. The Chippendales have a lot to answer for!

Which leads us to ‘Hair Removal by Sugaring’ an interesting July event. My husband still believes this adds a new dimension to fairy cakes!

Looking ahead, and on a serious note, in September we welcome representatives from Headway House, Frenchay Hospital in order to gain a better understanding of their work with those who suffer head and associated injuries.

Finally, an event certainly not to be missed – our Open Evening – posters giving details will be displayed around the village. Keep October 15th free.

I hope you all enjoy the summer break.

Jasmine Messer
Young Wives

Sunday School Outings (Past and Present)
Unlike last summer when we all needed to shelter from the rain, the sun shone brilliantly for our Sunday School Outing to Weston-Super-Mare on June 13th which was really enjoyable. Sunday School Outings are of course no longer ‘Red Letter Days’, and children in the habit of hopping down to the seaside every weekend in the family motor car tend to be outnumbered today by older relatives and friends taking up the otherwise empty seats on the coach upon such occasions.

How very different from village life fifty or so years ago when our own Chapel, for instance, could boast so many Sunday School Scholars that a special train would run from Charfield station for the event, and in some other larger places a band would lead a parade of children through the town.

The conclusion is surely inevitable, and it is that there must be a statistical connection between the falling away of such large numbers from our Sunday Schools and the appalling increase in crime and drug abuse 8amongst young people today. “Give me a child until he is seven years of age” the R.C. Priest would say, “and afterwards you can do what you like with him – he will remain true to the Faith”, confirming that the early years are the most vitally important in all our lives, and that it is then that our minds are receptive to receive the great truths of the Bible. “Suffer the children to come unto me” said our Lord, “and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”.

To Ponder
“Evil flourishes when good people do nothing” Edmund Burke.

Forthcoming Events
Weston Male Voice Choir Sunday Sept. 13th
Harvest Thanksgiving and Gift Day October 3rd & 4th

Eric Looker.

We understand that Eric and Daphne Looker are leaving the village to live in Bournemouth. Our good wishes go with them, and our thanks for Eric's contributions to the Newsletter which were always received before copy date. Eds.

1st January – 31 December 1991

Figures supplied by Gloucestershire Police Force Intelligence Bureau Tel: 0242-52xxxx

9

The Parish Council is investigating the possibility of instituting a Byelaw preventing golf being played and cycles from being ridden in the central play area of the Old Manor Estate. Both have caused a nuisance to local residents recently but the Parish Council would like those who play golf on either the children's play area with houses in close proximity or on the village playing field, to stop immediately as it is quite dangerous.

In the last Newsletter the possibility of starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme for individual small sections of the village was voiced. Some interested response was forthcoming and the Parish Council will be holding a public meeting in September in order to investigate more fully and possibly to put in hand Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Anyone interested in participating or being the key contact for an area would be welcome at the meeting (date to be published) or should contact the Chairman, Mrs Jane Hall on 0454 26xxxx.

A Summer Holiday Playscheme is being organised again this year from the 3rd to 7th August by Parish Councillors Mrs Marilyn Burden and Mrs Anna Hart. The scheme this year will concentrate on activities and entertainment at the school and a wide variety have been arranged.

The Parish Council has participated recently in the Public Planning Enquiry into proposed development on land adjacent to Old Hall Farm. The Parish Council feels very strongly that the agreed development boundary should not be broken particularly when there is so much available property already with planning permission at Charfield Mills. There is one further day arranged to complete the Enquiry and then it will be some months before the Inspector's decision is known.

Jenny Hughes
Clerk to the Council

PUBLIC ENQUIRY ON LARGE RURAL OFFICE AND WORKSHOP DEVELOPMENT BY MRS. MILLER AND MR. DOUGLAS AT OLD HALL FARM, CHARFIELD.

Did you manage to find time to come to the public enquiry on Thursday and Friday the 16th and 17th of July? Because we did not see you there and neither did the inspector.

On several occasions he asked that if the village was against the development why haven't they written or put in an appearance?

You have one more chance to show your objection. The enquiry is not yet complete and on Friday August 14th you have your final chance to come along to the North Avon Council Offices in Thornbury at 9.30a.m. to sign on and make your interest in the appeal known.

Jane Hall (Parish Council Chairman)

10

The School has enjoyed a very busy and enjoyable summer – have I really completed my third year here?!

Class visits are always a feature of the final term. This year classes visited The Cotswold Farm Park, Bath, Newent Falconry Centre and Shambles Museum, New Road Farm (Highbridge), Sharpness Docks and London. Groups of children represented the School at the area Primary School Sports held at K.L.B. School, the Area Rounders Tournament which we hosted and a 6-a-side Football Tournament organised as part of the Leyhill Community Festival.

As part of a fund-raising effort nationally, some 70 Junior children took part in the Olympic Challenge, the object being to carry out four timed exercises under the scrutiny of Todd Bennett, one of the Great Britain Olympic team. Children were sponsored for each exercise – money raised contributing to the teams expenses in Barcelona.

The traditional Infant and Junior Sports were held during the final week of term.

We hope that many readers will have enjoyed the Painting Competition Display at the Charfield Summer Fair. A large number of our Children submitted entries which livened up the Memorial Hall on a dull day! The Parent Teacher Association also enjoyed a busy Summer – a Family Treasure Hunt, Family Barn Dance and the annual Summer Fair being the main events. The committee also carried out extensive refurbishment and additions to our Adventure Playground which was well used by classes during the fine weather! We are grateful to the P.T.A. Committee and all parents for their continuing support in difficult times.

At the end of the Summer Term we said goodbye to Mrs Beryl Keay who took “Early” Retirement after some eleven years service at Charfield. We wish her well and, at the same time, welcome Miss Joanna Fletcher to the staff.

1993 sees the Centenary of Charfield School! We shall obviously be thinking of all sorts of special events, including invitations to former pupils and staff which we hope will involve many people in Charfield who no longer have close contact with the School. If any readers have old School Photographs or other memorabilia, start looking them out!

C.F. Sreeves.
Headteacher.

Charfield Summer Fayre

It is particularly galling to sit and type this with blue skies and bright sunshine outside the window, when we had such a deluge yesterday. Never, in the fields of Charfield Memorial Hall, has so much water been endured by so many for so long. Nonetheless, we all made the best of it and we would like to thank everybody who braved the cloudbursts and carried on regardless.

The final accounts will not be ready for a while yet, but Mr Gillett (our Treasurer) estimates that we raised approximately £1000 on the day. This is no mean achievement, considering the unrelenting downpour. This money is used to subsidise the running of the Hall and Playing Field and is much needed.

11The Management Committee would like to thank all those who were involved and gave their time and energy to make the day a success. The list is too long to print here, and it would be unfair to mention some names and omit others (not to mention hazardous to my health). Village organisations, individual volunteers, local companies, and, of course, those who attended, all played their part. Give yourselves a well deserved pat on the back!

The Fancy Dress Competition started the proceedings and the standard of entries was very high indeed. The judges found it very difficult to select the prizewinners, but after much discussions, Miss Sew-and-Sew (Anna Halliday) gained first place, the Clown (Ian Gargett) gained second place, and Red Riding Hood and the Wolf (Marcus and Lisa Smith) came third. The Pirate Crew (Michael and Eleanor Popham, Niall and Alexander Bird, David Ash, and Danny and Richard Price) received a special prize, and a very special mention must be made of the two beautiful Little Mermaids, Mary Mitchell and Danielle Field. Well done to everyone who entered.

The sports programme was organised by Mr Mike Smith and his team of helpers. The weather conditions reduced the number of competitors, but all the races were held. The trophies were won by the following people:

220 yards Charfield Youth Trophy, Girls (under 16) Zoe Vale
220 yards Charfield Youth Trophy, Boys (under 16) Mark Pearn
Half Mile Open, Gazette Trophy Steven Hillier

A new trophy bas been donated which this year was awarded to Emma Jane Parker of Wotton-Under-Edge, the winner of the Half Mile Race, Primary School Children.

A special vote of thanks to all the Tug of War teams who gave us such great entertainment – heroes, one and all! The winning team this year was Dursley Rugby Club, who were given a great battle by the ‘Railway’, Cam, in the Final, winning by 2 pulls to one. Sitaclean gained third place and the ‘Railway Tavern’ 4th.

Indoors, the Children's Painting Exhibition entries on the theme of ‘The Village Fair’ brightened up the proceedings enormously. Brilliant colours and imaginative compositions filled every wall of the hall and more than compensated for the dreary skies outside. All the children of Charfield Primary School are to be congratulated – very well done indeed.

The prizes were allocated as follows:

The Flower, Vegetable and Domestic Show, organised by Mrs Pat White, provided a lovely display in the Hall. The number of entries was down on the previous year but, as Mr Stinchcombe (W-U-E) remarked, it was a little early in the year for lots of vegetables.

Mr J George (W-U-E) won the shield for Best Exhibit in Show for his entry of a lovely vase of sweet peas. The trophy for the Highest Points in Show was won by Mr P Leach.

12Very many thanks to all who entered the Show and to Mrs White and her helpers who made it all possible.

Draw Winners:
Programme number 677 was the winning programme – it was definitely sold – so check to to see if you have it. If you are the lucky one, contact Julia (0454 26xxxx) to claim the prize. If not claimed, the prize will be returned to funds.

The winning tickets on the Grand Draw were:

The Family Disco held in the evening was huge fun for all who came along – it rounded off the day nicely. Watch out for the next one (20 August) – no babysitting problems, value for money, and within walking distance of home. What more could you ask for?

Thanks again to all of you who helped make the day a success: both as a day out for the village, and as a fund-raiser – and who said the Dunkerque spirit was dead?

Your Management Committee

If you use and enjoy the rights of way in Charfield parish and are prepared to help take care of them, you can do so by either ‘adopting’ one of the 29 paths (undertake to walk it at least once every three months and report any problems), or by being prepared to wield a pair of secateurs, a pair of shears, a spade, or a sledgehammer, when required.

If you are ready, willing and able to do any of the above, please contact the undersigned on 0454-26xxxx.

Don't just sit there – phone me.

Julia O'Connor-Beach
Parish Footpath Warden – UNPAID.

13

Very sadly, Charfield is losing one of the faithful editors of this excellent publication. Mary Hall, and the family, are leaving the village, which I believe they are really reluctant to do and we are very sorry they have to do so after so many years residence among us. I, on behalf of the above Church, would like to thank her for all the work she has put into producing this local means of contact which is such a valuable asset to all of us. One must also thank Jenny Peaster as she and Mary have worked together in this and so should share the thanks! Jenny, thank goodness, isn't leaving!

There is one thing that has pleasantly impressed me as I have visited in the parish. I have met quite a number of people who have told me how grateful they are for the presence of a Church building in this village. There are a number of people who are grateful for being able to use it for a time of peace and quiet prayerfulness. I actually met two people on one day who said that they had never been to a Sunday Service in St. John's but that they often went into the Church for just this purpose. Now, that is what a Church is for – to be used as a focus of joint worship in the variety of services we have (not the same every Sunday); and also that it may be available for quiet thought, reflection, prayer, at times when people feel the need to do so. There have been times in my life when, for example, I have heard of the death of a friend, I have been in town and have felt I needed to be quiet to give thanks for that friend and to hold them in a prayer. I have looked in vain to find a Church that was open. That is very sad. Of course, I do not blame those who find it necessary to keep Churches locked. Some dreadful things have happened at the hands of vandals. We have been warned by our insurers of arson and of churches being seriously damaged or even destroyed for no reason other than wanton destruction. And, of course, theft is very common from churches – not that there is ever much in the way of money, if any, in churches. But anything that can be removed seems to have been removed from them. Once upon a time theft from churches or vandalism in them would not have been thought of; it was not considered. There was some reverence and respect for the building and its contents. We seem to have passed into an era when, for some, a church is no more than a building and in no way different from any other building. For the majority of people I think there is still something special about a church. At the least its antiquity commands respect. It is an ancient item in most villages; in some it is the oldest building. Most people have some sense of feeling for such a building just because of its historical associations, because of the aura it has due to the many events of local history connected with it. It enshrines the past in a particular way and distils an air of reverence which calls forth respect, a sense of sacredness on a purely human, historical level.

For others it has additional associations and meanings. It is a place where God is to be found. This is not because God is ‘locked’ in, limited to, a building. It is because for many years, sometimes for many centuries, people have met as the Family of God, to worship, to open their hearts and minds towards Him, to learn about Him, to receive His help and strength to express their love for Him in their relationships with others day by day. Some people believe, and feel, that this leaves spiritual ‘traces’ in the place where all this has happened – an atmosphere for good which encourages prayer, quiet thought, a meeting with some-thing/One beyond themselves. This adds to shared worship and makes for a receptive atmosphere for those who come singly at other times.

14 DO please use St. John's in this way, and if you need any help with prayers, or any other matters, please let me know. I am so glad we are able to offer an ‘open Church’. Please be vigilant for suspicious ‘occurrences’ as this helps to keep it safe.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving is on Sunday the 27th September – our morning service, suitable for all ages, is at 10.15 a.m. and is followed, after a social break, with Harvest Lunch at 12.00 at the School. This was greatly enjoyed last year, so make a point of being with us then.

Greetings to all,
Ken Grant (Rector)

The A.G.M. for the season 1991–2 of the Junior Football Club took place at the Pear Tree in June with the following officers being elected:

CHAIRMAN:	Tony Bullock
SECRETARY:	Gill Lovegrove
TREASURER:	Jim Kelly
SOCIAL SECRETARY:	Naomi Newns
MANAGERS:	UNDER 16's Chris Buckley UNDER 14's Ray Johnson UNDER 12's Brian Lovegrove
MANAGEMENT HALL REP:	John Barnett
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:	Sam Shaw, J. McQuiliton, Doug Cresswell, Bill Dagger, Mike Wilson, Ian Rae, Mrs. Helen Clifton, Jan Morris, Jenny Jater

As incoming Chairman I should like to thank my predecessor Ray Johnson for his efforts and enthusiasm during the past two seasons and wish him well as be takes on the responsibilities of Under 14's Manager.

The Club starts the forthcoming season in a sound financial position compared with previous seasons due to a hard-working Committee and a very tight fisted Treasurer in the form of John Scoble, and it is with much regret that we lose John after eight years with the Club. John took on the role when his son James started playing for the Club and even when James progressed to the Senior Club he continued to ‘cook the books’ for us for another two years. We would all like to thank John and his wife Sue, who was also an active Committee Member and touch line supporter, for all the hard work which they have put into the Club and wish them all the very best in the future. John hands over the Treasurer's position to Jim Kelly whom I am reliably informed (apart from being Scottish) suffers from the same affliction as John, very deep pockets and short arms, so it would seem that the Club's financial affairs will continue to be in safe hands.

Brian Lovegrove continues to manage the Under 12's insisting that this will be his season for the League title (he's been saying that for the last eight years), and Chris Buckley steps up from the Under 14's to take over the Under 16's which is being reformed this season after having to drop out of the League last year due to a shortage of players.

15 Chris appears to have no such problem this season and is looking seriously to challenge for the League title.

Last season Norman Forde joined the Club to coach the Under 14's in basic skills and with great success. After losing their opening seven games the Under 14's progressed to losing only five of their remaining nineteen games and could have challenged for the League title had they not made such a poor start. This season Norman takes on the responsibility of Club Coach for the Under 14's and 16's.

I would like to welcome the new members of the Committee and also thank the existing ones for continuing the good work. Let's look forward to a happy and hopefully successful season!

AND FINALLY
Training for the Under 12's will commence on Tuesday 21st July at 6.00p.m. The Under 14's and 16's training will be on Thursday evenings at 6.30 p.m. Training sessions take place on the Playing Fields by the Village Hall until the end of September when all three teams will train under floodlights at K.L.B. School on Thursday nights.

If there is anyone between the ages of 9 and 16 years of age who is interested in playing for the Club, or any adult who would like to become involved with the Club, please contact any of the managers or myself.

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Mr. Maurice Marklove, (‘Fury’) as so many people knew him.

‘Fury’ was a man who gave so much to the Scout movement over a great number of years. Many lads in Charfield and the surrounding areas owe so much to his example, teaching and experience that he was so willing to share and pass on to anyone who wanted to partake of the skills and activities he was always organising for them.

Many lads, now married men with families of their own, will remember with pride all that ‘Fury’ meant to them and will always remember the great commitment he had and showed for the Movement.

‘Fury’ was certainly a character to everyone who knew and had anything to do with him. He will be sadly missed but greatly remembered for a long time to come with great affection. He certainly epitomised the Founder's words and passed on ‘Scouting for Boys’ to a great number of people.

Marion Smith
District Commissioner for Guiding in Wotton-under-Edge District.

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Recently I have circulated to the parents of 5–7 year old girls via schools and playgroups to gauge what the need would be for a Rainbow Unit in the area. Rainbows are girls wishing to enter the Guide Association before they are old enough to become Brownies.

The interest has been encouraging and, if all goes well, in the not too distant future we could well see Rainbows in the area.

The Brownies and Guides in the district have been making full use of the long summer days and light evenings to get the girls out of doors for a wide variety of activities.

Although the Charfield units are well equipped with leaders we would never turn anyone away if they feel that they could give Guiding and the girls some time in what ever area they feel able. Perhaps there are some women out there who may even have had a warrant in the area they used to live. Please give the above some thought and if you feel you can help in any way please give me a ring on Falfield 26xxxx and I will be only too pleased to give you more information.

Mrs. Marion Smith
District Commissioner for Wotton-under-Edge.

Before the next Newsletter is out, when it may be too late to ask, the Royal British Legion House to House Collection will be starting to take shape.

As there are now a lot more houses in Charfield – i.e. Woodlands Road, Hawthorne Close etc. – and that area is not covered on the House to House Collections, I would be very interested to hear from anyone who feels able to help out during the fortnight 26th October–7th November with this collection.

In fact I don't mind which area in the village you live and if anyone else wishes to offer some time for the collection then some of the areas can be cut down so that everyone does less houses. I share the load is what life is all about.

Marion Smith
Legion House to House Organiser.

As I write my piece for the Newsletter I am thinking of Helen Edwards who is due to leave for Mexico next week (July 19th) Helen will be away for a month with a very full programme on her stay, however I am sure she will enjoy herself and will have a lot to say on her return. She says she will put something in the Newsletter when she comes back.

The girls have enjoyed three evenings at Avening Green. On two occasions they were cooking, something they love doing. On August Bank Holiday about twenty girls are going to Lower Withywood Farm at Kingswood and for many this will be their first Camp, so let's hope the weather stays fine. We hope to be able to take a small group of girls gliding, also to the Ice Rink – a place we intended to visit last year, but were unable to due to its closure.

17I would like to say thank you to all who supported our Balloon Race on Gala Day; also to Mrs. Jones for the loan of her tent, without which we would have been very wet. The winner will be informed by September 13th and their name also published in the Newsletter.

Guides will re-commence on September 19th at 7.15 p.m. If your daughter is 10 years or more and would like to join then please give me a ring. When we re-start Julie will not be with us any more as she is moving over to 2nd Charfield Brownies. Good luck Julie – you will be missed in the Unit.

I hope you all enjoy your holidays and the weather stays fine.

Mary Westlake
Guide Guider

Since I last wrote we have recovered from our Jumble Sale which was very successful. Some of the clothes left over at the end of the day, which seemed more than when we started, went to the Salvation Army, some to the Clothes Bank and the rest to yet another Jumble Sale run by someone else, so we hope nothing was wasted.

I am sorry you didn't join us in June when Mrs. Christine Counsell spoke on ‘Sheep Breeds and Spinning’. She was a most entertaining character and never stopped talking and at the same time she was passing items around the room for us to handle and have a good look at. They included pictures of sheep and their wool in different states, some already spun, some woven and some raw! ‘Hubby’ as she called him, came along as her driver but he had also been involved in helping her make spinning gadgets from obsolete kitchen machinery etc. She did bring a conventional spinning wheel which she used as well as talk! She also paints and does talks on other subjects; one is entitled ‘The Funny Side of My Life’, so we will be having her again. So if you want some entertainment keep your eyes on the notice boards.

We finished this season with Mr. Allan Burbury from Avon Wildlife Trust. Did you know there was a ‘reserve’ in Charfield?

Our ‘Gateaux Decoration’ demonstrator postponed his September visit, but we are planning something else in its place.

Someone said to me today that they were not old enough to come to the W.I! I am not sure how old the lady was, but our youngest is a young mum and our oldest is a grandmother – so come and join us.

Our craft afternoon group have recently completed a play rug which was a complete garden. Lawns, trees, hedges, flowers, cold frame, vegetables and people, all beautifully knitted. It was presented to Bristol Children's Hospital who were thrilled with it. In June we took a candlelit tour of Penhow Castle, the oldest ‘lived In’ castle in Wales. When we arrived we were all given ‘walkmans’ and so were able to go around at our own pace. Most of us took the Grand Tour, one of our members took the Cook's Tour; there were several from which to choose and it was a very interesting visit. We followed it with a trip to a local inn for supper.

We are now all looking forward to a month off to enjoy the summer but if the Sports Day was anything to go by we had better keep a raincoat and boats handy!!

If you are new to the village do feel free to come and meet us and find out how Charfield W.I. works.

Guilda Ludwell. (President)

18

How many Groups out there always go to a campsite in the U.K. for their Summer Camp? Have you ever thought about travelling abroad instead?

That's exactly what Scouts, Venture Scouts and Leaders from the 1st Woodend Scout Group achieved during Easter of this year; a two-week adventure camp in the sun – Malta!

After a year of hard fund-raising, telephone calls to Malta and back, flight arrangements, camp forms, then last-minute packing, our 28 strong Group found itself boarding the coach to Gatwick Airport, late one Friday night.

Many people hadn't ever flown, so three hours in an aircraft, 33,000 feet above ground was an adventure in itself.

Once in Malta, and through customs, we were met by Leaders and Venture Scouts from Fgura Scout Group, our hosts for the two weeks we stayed. For five days, we camped in the grounds of the island's Scout Headquarters, in Floriana, near Malta's capital, Valetta, before moving on to a hostel situated in a secluded valley, near the town of Rabat.

The island HQ is an old fortress, built on the side of a hill. Have you ever had to use an ammunition bunker for a kitchen, or to sleep in?!

Malta is a contrast of views, buildings and lifestyles. Old fortresses, built and used by the British, are dotted all round the island, and are widely used for other purposes – Mellieha Scout Group have one for their Headquarters. Old stone buildings and flat roofs are everywhere, due to Malta receiving little rain. In fact, when we were there, it only rained for ten minutes, while we were pitching the tents on the first day!

Interlaced with this is the modern way of life – machines, buses, cars, factories, ships …

We were impressed with the local transport – have you visited a country where the most expensive bus fare is the equivalent of 25p?!

Food is cheap in Malta – to cite an example, when we visited a restaurant in Bugibba, a large cheeseburger with chips cost 80 cents. with 55 cents to the pound, this works out at about £1.45. So instead of cooking at home, we could afford to eat out. It was not just restaurants which were cheap – all food out in Malta is cheap. In fact, if you ever travel there, the most expensive part is the air fare and accommodation; the rest is cheap!

Staying in Floriana, situated not far from the central bus station was a big bonus; we had to walk just down the street, and we could then travel anywhere on the island!

While at the island HQ, a group of Venture Scouts completed their Queen's Scout Award; a hike of over 50 miles!

On Wednesday 16th April, the Scouts were proud to attend the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the island of Malta. Television crews and journalists were present, and when photographed by a journalist, we were asked why we visited Malta. We told him that we had flown out specially for the event, and were, in fact, British Scouts paving the way for the Queen's later visit!

One afternoon, we constructed fishing lines, using corks as floats, and did a spot of fishing from the harbour. Between us, we caught one fish and a crab! Not enough for tea, so we had fish fingers instead!

The second part of our holiday was spent in a remote part of the island, in a valley, so if we wanted to go anywhere, we had to climb a steep hill. Buskett, where the hostel is, is near the president's Summer retreat, Verdala Palace, where various Maltese Scout Troops were camping in the grounds.

19The Day after we moved to Buskett, Good Friday, we attended a three hour long procession in Rabat, where they went round all the Churches, carrying relics and floats depicting the story of Christ, not just the crucifixion.

While at Buskett, Scouts completed badge-work, finding out about Scouts of another country, people of a different culture, exploring previously unvisited country, and had fun doing that. An older group of Scouts completed their Chief Scout's Challenge, with a hike of 36 miles. Younger Scouts completed a hike with Leaders; one night witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean.

We visited the famous Blue Grotto, where a chemical in the rock turns the sea water blue. You dip your hands into the water and they turn blue. Bring them back out again, and they turn pink!

We attended 3 campfires at Verdala – led by Sliema Group, Tarxien Group and St Aloysius. It was funny to hear perfect English being sung, but Maltese used for the sketches. Fortunately, we had someone to translate.

After two weeks of, as a Maltese Scout so rightly put it, “so much fun on such a small island”, our Summer Camp was drawing to an end. The Maltese people had been so friendly to us; not just our hosts, everyone! Can you imagine walking down a street, and have complete strangers walk up and say hello, or cars hoot at you as they drive past? Or going into a shop and be given discount just because you are British?

On the night before we were due to leave, Parents from our host Group arranged a proper Maltese banquet for us – Maltese bread, with local meats, home-made wine, music …

At the end of the evening, our thanks went to our hosts, when we presented them with a Wedgwood China Plate commemorating the Queen's 40th anniversary reign, and a Group scarf signed by everyone who attended.

As our GSL said, evenings like that make it all worthwhile – Maltese Scouts presented us with cakes, farewell cards, and we gave each other badges. Address swapping then ensued. International memorabilia is fun to collect, and you make a lot of friends in the process.

Party over, the following morning we rose early and cleaned the hostel before departing to Luqa Airport. Scouts, Venture Scouts and Leaders turned out to wish us farewell; it was hard to say goodbye after two weeks of fun, excitement and friendship. But we did treat the departure lounge and check-in area to a rather loud and meaningful “Oggy Oggy Oggy”!

Fun was had by all, but the trip could not have taken place without the hard work and dedication of certain Leaders, who were determined we were going to Malta, so we would like to thank all those who took part in planning, organising and executing the best Summer Camp 1st Woodend has seen! Not to mention our Maltese hosts, Fgura Scout Group. Thank You. International relations? TRY IT!

Rob Moore
Senior Patrol Leader
1st Woodend Scout Troop

20

The weekly activities came thick and fast. Hot Air Balloons, Periscopes, Hikes, Football, Nature Trails, etc. etc. One Cub was lost momentarily at the bathers, Wickwar, when he went under water after falling in, but to the rescue came Ikki (what a silly name) alias our own Lisa Smith who dive in fully clothes (well, not quite, she held out her hand) and saved James Reeves of North Nibley (who shall remain nameless) minus a wellington boot.

Our camp was brilliant and included the Cubs sailing single handed round Bristol Docks. On Fathers' Day we had a Dads v Boys Cricket Match and guess who won? (Ask the boys). It was back home later that Sunday afternoon that the news of Fury's death was broken to the Leaders. I cried.

The five-a-side tournaments were fixed! We lost to the Lions twice! Archery was tried a few weeks ago – using the less well behaved boys as target practise – only ten in the pack now!

The summer holiday sees a well deserved break. Goodbye to Bagheera (Diane Wraith of North Nibley) who has been with the Pack for 4 years. She will be missed. Thanks to Chill (Steve Hake) and Ikki for all their contributions and thanks to Baden-Powell for his inspiration.

Mike Cheskin

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End of the school term sees the generation change which comes to all children and parents – the approach of school life for the young and the change to senior school for the 11 year olds, with the progression to higher education or work for the late teens. We adults seem to change very little after the age of 25 but these youngsters are developing weekly. I was taught some years ago that “No success can compensate failure in the home”. With this in mind and development of children the message is clear – STAY CLOSE.

What about Charfield? Well the development at the east end is still to be resolved. The shop came and went. A new aroma was added to the primrose and garlic plants – CHIPS, not forgetting the fish.

The weather did not help Sports Day (sorry, old habits die hard) but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the few. Thanks to those who did all the work.

Tradition is a dying art, that's why it is important to keep village traditions going. Sports Day is one. Can you help with any old or new village traditions? We will list them next Newsletter and, who knows, we may revive one or two.

You will notice a change in the Newsletter team. Jenny Peaster has decided to call it a day after over 4 years. Thank you for all you have done. It's not easy. However, as Mary has moved to Yate, Jenny is willing to remain as a contact and to pass on any copy received for future issues. In her place we welcome Mrs. C. Knibbs as our new joint editor.

Mike Cheskin
Chairman

21

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22

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

Telephone numbers commencing 26… 29… 31… use code 0454

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 23 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: 2017-01-18.