CHADRA

Charfield and District Residents Association

Newsletter 72 – Summer 1993 – 25p

Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of CHADRA.

Copyright © Charfield and District Residents Association 1993.


Contents

Editorial
1st Charfield Guides
Charfield Childminders Group
Charfield Ladies Club
Charfield Mother and Toddler Group
Charfield W.I.
Playground Appeal Fund
Charfield The Village?
Sorties
St. John's Church
Charfield Congregational Church
Summer 1993
Charfield Memorial Hall and Playing Field Management Committee
Planning Application
Motorists
Poem
1st Woodend Tigers
Footnote to the Summer Fayre
Marilyn's Bit
The Local Government Commission Report
Tug of War
Village Organisations and Contact Names


0

Editorial

However does Alistair Cooke do it every week? I find once every three months a challenge.

October 13 1993 is the 65th Anniversary of the Charfield Rail Crash in which 15 persons lost their lives. We shall be publishing the full account of this most tragic accident in our next edition. Is there anyone who could add a personal recollection of this event? If so, please contact myself so we can run your account alongside the main story.

The development of the new Farm Lees estate has still to be resolved, however, whatever the outcome, many of the village organisations are benefiting from the increased ‘Pool of Helpers’ available from the recent development, so there is always a silver lining. A big thank you to all the organisers and helpers at the recent Summer Fayre. The financial result is included inside.

I recently ‘broke down’ in my wife's car!!! and within the first five minutes two helpful individuals (who I had not seen before) offered assistance. These acts of kindness always increase my faith in the true nature of Man. Perhaps you have a tale to tell of being assisted by your fellow man, let's have it, to spread the message of good will. Happy Holiday.

Mike Cheskin
Chairman


NEXT COPY DATE – 12TH OCTOBER 1993


Joint Editors
Mary Hall
xx Templar Road
North Yate
Tel: 0454 88xxxx
Distribution
Marion & Angela Smith
xxx Manor Lane
Charfield
Tel: 0454 26xxxx
 
Carolyne Knibbs
xx Woodlands Road
Charfield
Tel: 0454 26xxxx  
Duplicating
John Butler
xx Underhill Road
Tel: 0454 26xxxx

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

0

Advertising

[Advert for Alan Hamer Driving]

[Advert for Harlequin Home Call]

[Advert for Dave Rumbold Tradesman]

[Advert for Joe Taylor Plumbing]

1

1st Charfield Guides

All the Guides have been on at least one camp this year. Unfortunately at the first camp the girls had rain.

The money raised at our jumble Sale during the early part of this year was put towards three loos for the camp.

We will be having our meetings at Avening Green for the last few weeks of the Summer term. The first night the girls did cooking and the second meeting we had a Crystal Maze game. The third evening the girls were tested on cooking out of doors.

Last night was my last night as Guider-in-Charge. After careful thinking I have handed the unit over to Tonia. I shall still stay on as Assistant Guider.

If you daughter is 10 and would like to join contact Tonia or myself.

Assistant Guider
Mary Westlake.


Well we've had three big camps and a couple of small ones, including my Permit Camp in May, which as Mary told you I passed and have now received my Licence to take the girls away to camp.

We followed that with a Standing Camp where we invited Brownies from Charfield and Wotton for the day, the Guides stayed overnight and did patrol cooking, which they all enjoyed, and of which we plan to do more.

Then came the Big Top Camp, which was our County Camp, held every four years. Everyone had their faces painted and the girls learnt all kinds of Circus skills and tricks. Much fun and hard work for all involved.

The first weekend in July we took the girls to join in the Malvern Challenge, the weather was wonderful and all the girls did very well to complete the walk and the challenges, followed by a fair on Sunday.

We've still got some practice Permit Camps and a Summer Camp to go, so a Happy Summer of Camping to look forward to.

I'd like to take this opportunity to give all Parents and Guiders who have helped to load and unload camp equipment a big Thank You for your hard work and energy.

Tonia Williams
Guider-in-Charge
1st Charfield Guides.

2

Charfield Childminders Group

Hello,

My name is Pat and I am the co-ordinator for the Charfield Childminders Group. We are a group of 13 from Charfield and Tortworth who meet one evening a month to discuss the many aspects of childminding and also one morning a month in the Village Hall with our minded children. This gives them the opportunity to meet other children to play, do craft work and music and movement. We have a toy library we exchange on this morning, which we have built up through our fund-raising.

Our fund raiser this year was a Children's Fun Fete during half term which was well supported. We had badge-making, hook-a-duck, face painting, tombola, colouring competition, Duplo and Lego competition and much more.

Competition winners were:-

Duplo models1stEleanor Popham
 2nd  Becky Loveridge
 3rdJoint Niall Bird and James Sparks
Lego models1stDavid Luff
 2ndMichael Popham
 3rdAdam Salter
Colouring under 5's1stAmy Saunders
 2ndAdam Wilman
Colouring 5–9 years1stRebecca Preston
 2ndJoanne Loveridge
Colouring over 10 yrs1stSean Wildman
 2ndAnna Honey

We hope to see lots of children in the Fancy Dress Competition at the Village Summer Fayre which the Childminders are helping to organise. Postman Pat will be making a guest appearance.

We are also holding another fun day just for the minded children in the summer holidays at the Village Hall with a picnic.

Any new mums who intend returning to work and need a registered childminder please contact me for an up-to-date vacancy list or with any queries.

Pat Loveridge
Secretary Co-Ordinator

Lesley Frankham
Chairlady

3

Charfield Ladies Club

Hello,

Since the last Newsletter, we have held a most successful Coffee Morning, the money raised from this went to Muscular Dystrophy, the total sum was £100. So thanks go to everyone who came along and supported us.

Next was our annual trip, this year we went to the Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent. I think all who came along had a ‘merry’ time.

By the time this is printed we will have had the Summer Fayre; again a big thank you to the people of Charfield (and Cromhall, Mandy) who gave produce and various Items for our Tombola.

Well, that's about all for this time, keep a look out for our posters around the Village, for notice of future events.

Elaine
26xxxx (Falfield)

Charfield Mother and Toddler Group

It has been very encouraging to see a lot of new faces at Toddlers, particularly at the ‘younger end’ of the population. We need to recruit them young in order to replace the 3-year olds as they progress to Playgroup!

The group has had a busy few months, highlights of which were the Teddy Bears Picnic and Weston-Super-Mare trip. Many thanks to Gill Brown for the use of her garden, which had to accommodate all of us with our picnics as well as toys and a Bouncy Castle. It was one of the many beautiful days we had in June, and much enjoyed by all – despite having to chase toddlers reluctant to keep their sunhats on, and persuade them to take turns on the Bouncy Castle to avoid babies getting bounced upon! The winner of the Fancy Dress Teddy competition was David Griffiths.

The Weston-Super-Mare trip was also very successful, with a full coach of adults and toddlers enjoying several hours of seaside fun. The weather stayed dry, contrary to all the forecasts, and most of us managed donkey rides, a pier visit, as well as lunch and shopping. A thoroughly enjoyable trip!

We are now looking forward to returning to normal after the summer break – we meet again on Thursday 9th September at 10:15 in the village hall.

Anne Barnett
Secretary

P.S. Can anyone recommend a method as reliable as a Toddler Group for getting your child to sleep afterwards?

4

Charfield W.I.

As I write we are all getting ready for the Summer Fayre; let's hope the weather is better than last year; only time will tell!

We are off to see the Picasso Etching Exhibition at Leyhill this evening, then out for supper, before we take our summer break. There is no meeting of the W.I. in August.

September 9th We shall be having a flower arranging demonstration.

October 14th Now come and bring your treasures to our Antiques evening when Mr P. Taubenheim is our guest speaker. You are all welcome, it is an open meeting; so look in the attic and see what you can find to bring along.

November 11th is our A.G.M; that means that next year someone else will be writing the W.I. article.

Keep your eye on the notice board and don't forget the antiques in October.

See you there,

Guilda Ludwell
President

Playground Appeal Fund

Looking back on the last report, I see that we were expecting the playground (Stage 1) to be installed by late April/early May, which disappointingly has not been the case. Work has now finally started and we are hoping that Stage 1 will be installed by the time school finishes in time for the summer holidays. Meanwhile, a local carpenter has been commissioned to make benches for the play area as part of Stage 2 and we hope to be able to order the ‘Trim Trail’, which is the main feature of Stage 2, fairly soon. As the ‘Trim Trail’ and the multi activity unit (Stage 3) were originally to have been made by Barrellplay, who went into liquidation, we now have to look for other manufacturers who will provide what we require at a similar price.

There seems to be some confusion about the amount of money which has actually been raised. After paying ‘En Tout Cas’ for the installation of Stage 1 and paying for the bark chippings (it is cheaper to order directly from the supplier) there will be approx £2,500 left in the Parish Council account.

Northavon District Council have promised an additional £4,800 which is (as last year) one third of the amount we have to raise for Stages 2 & 3. So we have to try and raise £9,600 by April next year to qualify for the grant. The Parish Council have granted the amount of £2,500 which will be available from October 1993 but that still leaves approx £7,000 to be raised if we are to complete the project as we would like. A pretty tall order but it can be done, if the village rallies round as it has done before!

5Fundraising events since the last Newsletter have been:-

Youth Club Disco £40.00
Fashion Show £350.00
Many thanks to Christine for arranging everything and everyone who helped with the supper and especially Dave Wood for providing the carpet at very short notice!

Treasure Hunt £103.00
Thanks to Michelle, Sue and Elaine for doing the catering – the reason the burgers were ever-so-slightly well done was that people took much longer than the estimated hour getting round the course! We'll know better next time. Thanks also to the ‘Buthay’ at Wickwar for providing a bottle of wine for a prize.

Quiz Sheets £75.00
Many thanks to Julie Terrett for compiling the quiz, won by Mr Popham of Cotswold View.

The regulars of the Plough Inn, Charfield continue to fund raise and their running total now stands at £370. Many thanks to Len and Margaret, and everyone at the Plough for their sterling efforts!

In addition we have received an environmental grant from Avon County Council of £1,250. This is for landscaping, benches and the dog proof fencing of the toddler area. Charfield School P.T.A. have made a donation of £50 for the pieces of equipment they intend to refurbish for use in the school playground and the Pear Tree Quiz team have donated £10.

As we have said before, every little helps and with £7,000 still to raise we need all the help we can get! The next event will be another Neptune/Bindon Treasure hunt on Sunday 19th September at 5pm – these look like becoming regular events by popular demand and a Race Night (with a difference!) is planned for October. Watch out for all the posters. As usual, any ideas for fund-raising would be welcomed.

Finally, could I make yet another plea for people to help on the sub-committee and especially for someone (anyone!!) with a typewriter as we are yet again without a secretary. With three of us on ‘maternity leave’, it has fallen on Cath Bindon to be chairwoman, treasurer and secretary. Not easy when she is also working full-time, running a business and dealing with two children. She is doing a great job in difficult circumstances but she could do with a bit of help. Please contact any of the committee below.

Have a happy, healthy summer!

Cath Bindon (Chairwoman, Treasurer and Secretary)26xxxx
Beverly Hill (Minutes Secretary)26xxxx
Christine Steele26xxxx
Chris Siowley26xxxx
Mark Knighton26xxxx
Tracy Francksen84xxxx
Elaine Popham26xxxx
Belinda Stanton26xxxx

6

Charfield The Village?

I belong to country folk.
I couldn't live in town
The hustle and the bustle
Would tire and get me down
I'm glad I don't live in the wild
I'd be rather scared
You don't know who's about these days
Yes I'd be rather scared
Charfield is a village
But it's growing to a town
The builders built big new estates
Knocked some old houses down
And some of the green fields
That just grew grass and daisies
They turned them into building sites
To build yet more houses
There used to be a brickworks
Not far down the road
And when they blew the chimneys up
People came from miles around
They built more houses yet again
Upon the old brickworks site
And now the traffic rushes by
Through the village day and night
They want to build more houses
In the field over the road
The field behind the bungalows
All their cars will use our road.
There's too much traffic now already
It's hard to cross the roads
Sometimes the police set speed traps
To catch speedsters on the road
If anyone who's been away
For many, many years
Could come back and see today
How Charfield's changed, I fear
They would go away again
They wouldn't want to stay
They would go away again
They wouldn't want to stay.

Mrs E. Williams
x New Street
Charfield

7

Sorties

We have been given a series of articles which we intend to publish over the next few issues of the Newsletter from Steve Masters of xx Underhill Road, Charfield. He joined the RAF in October 1941 and trained as Air Navigator in the UK and South Africa. He returned to UK and eventually became operational on 622 Squadron, Mildenhall in November 1943 on Stirlings and Lancaster Bomber Aircraft.

In April 1944 he was posted to 7 Squadron Pathfinders, Oakington, and on June 15/16 was shot down over France and captured on 19th June 1944. He returned to the UK May 1945. He left the RAF for a few months and then rejoined, and eventually retired in June 1965.

Date:26-11-43
Sortie:Minelaying Frisian Islands A/C Stirling 111 EF 145
Crew:Sgt. A Grant (Pilot) Sgt S C Masters (Nav) Sgt R Martin (BA)
Sgt S Nathanson (Wop) Sgt R A Neills (Eng) Sgt W Newton (Ag)
Sgt T Barret (Ag)

I am unlikely to forget our first operational sortie with 622 Sqdn. which was a minelaying trip. Briefing had gone reasonably well until I discovered that I still had not completed my Radar charts and Gee charts and the transport was waiting to take us to the aircraft. Fortunately the Navigation Leader came to my aid and I was able to leave on time. This made me promise myself that on the next trip I would make sure I was ready, providing there was a next trip.

At last settled in the aircraft I considered what lay ahead, a mine laying flight along the Frisian Islands. The load was six 1500lb sea mines which were to be dropped from 1500 ft about ten miles from the coast. This may not have been considered a very risky sortie by the experienced crews, but this was our very first and we didn't know what to expect.

With my charts and instruments laid out on the navigation table I began to feel a bit more relaxed until with a good luck wish the ground crew slammed the door shut. That was it, we were now committed as that door was not going to be opened again until our return, unless of course we were in trouble and that didn't bear thinking about.

Brakes off we taxied to the runway and as we lined up, well wishers waved us goodbye and then we were roiling. Gradually the aircraft gathered speed and with a slight lurch we became airborne, so now this really was it.

Nothing startling happened, German fighters didn't attack us neither did we see searchlights or bursting shells. Not that we really expected to see anything as we were still over England but somehow the darkness around us seemed much more menacing than when were on training flights. Eventually we crossed the coast and headed for the Dutch coast, our friendly England was left behind and we were on our own, but still no violent attacks. This wasn't quite the sort of activity to be expected but after all this was only a ‘Nursery Trip’ maybe there would be more excitement on later trips.

Tension mounted a little as I announced that we were nearing the coast and were to prepare for the run in. We descended to mining height and settled on to the required heading then approaching the starting point I called for mines to be released.

8The aircraft jolted as the first mine dropped followed by the second but no third, or fourth either, in fact we had four hang ups. This was an unpleasant experience, close to the enemy coast and 6,000lb of sea mines still strapped to the aircraft. We came to the end of the run and turned out to sea as briefed. We knew that we had to try again so I was told to re-position for a second run. The crew were now very alert for fighters as we reckoned that radar must have picked us up as we flew round the North Sea.

Again we made our run but this was no better as those four mines refused to go and an inspection of the bomb bay proved they were still there. Hopefully we turned for home and still no sign of enemy action but this didn't mean our troubles were over as we still had that load underneath us. Mines are not quite like bombs as they must only be dropped in the designated area and cannot be jettisoned, which meant we were stuck with them. Approaching Mildenhall we informed the control tower of our situation and were astounded to hear the controller give us clearance to land. This was unbelievable as obviously they hadn't fully appreciated the situation so it was stressed that we had four sea mines still on board totalling 6,000lb and were just below our maximum landing weight, back came the answer “clear to land”.

We hoped they knew what they were doing and prepared to make our final approach. Naturally we discussed the likely reasons for the hang up and one suggestion was the possibility that the release mechanism was iced up. This being the case, what would happen if it thawed out. It was a disturbing thought that there was only a thin sheet of metal between ourselves and four chunks of explosive, any of which was capable of sinking a ship, The skipper confirmed with the bomb aimer that mines were set to ‘Safe’ and when told that they were we felt a little better until he added “It doesn't make too much difference anyway as they are rather touchy things”.

Having digested that cheering piece of news we again tried to settle down only to be disturbed once more by the bomb aimer just as we were about a mile on the approach. In his slow quiet Canadian drawl he said “This happened about two months ago not far from here and when the aircraft landed it blew up half the station”. We got closer to the ground and the moment of truth was arriving, would the skipper be able to grease it on we wondered, if so it would be the first time. It was not to be as when the throttles were closed we sank like a stone from about fifteen feet and hit the runway with a tremendous crash. This was followed by the sound of something breaking quite near me, were we still alive, we seemed to be and we were still rolling, but what had been the sound of breaking, was it something sinister happening in the bomb bay?

Quite by chance I looked down and there beside me was my smashed coffee flask, it had jumped clean out of the bulkhead pocket.

It was rather a shaken crew that climbed out of the aircraft in dispersal and we wondered if this was a ‘Nursery’ Trip what would the real thing be like.

9

St. John's Church

It is the end of June as I begin to write this – I always like to start early to avoid being late! One cannot predict sundry emergencies that arise. The end of June – half way through another year already! Wasn't it only just now that we began it? That being so, perhaps you will see the point of the next paragraph.

The other evening at a Parochial Church Council meeting, we began planning for our village “Christmas Sing”! This is a very, very, v… v… advance notice. It is on Friday 10th December at 7 pm. Don't worry you will get another notification. The point is that organisations do get booked so far in advance. We have managed to secure the services of the Stinchcombe Silver band to lead the singing, and to do a few items. It won't be long now before your ‘group’ receives an invitation, and a request to think whether you are able to contribute an item. Last time was a great occasion, although we feel a few alterations would be helpful. One of these is that items should be restricted to five minutes. We have to keep the younger ones in mind, and the aim from the beginning has been that it should last ‘about an hour’. And while it is lovely to have so many come, we also have to keep in mind the emergency element. But as I say, you will hear more about this later. But individuals and organisations can book the date now!

It was an ideal June evening for our Cheese and Wine Party at St. James' (the old) Church. The evening was greatly enjoyed by those who were there. It is a lovely old Church, which I was told by an inspecting architect soon after I came here was fifteenth century with some parts fourteenth. So it is old, and also acoustically perfect. I once stood in the choir area and spoke a sentence in an almost whispered voice, “Can you hear what I am saying?” And even at the back of the Church they could hear. Yes, it was an enjoyable evening; but with 25 or 26 there, there was room for far more and it was, shall I say, mildly disappointing that there were not more to share such a happy evening with us. And thank you to those who did all the work. The selection of cheeses was wonderful, the salad items fine for a summer evening and the wine … was good wine!

Once again if I say (or write!) the word ‘Harvest’, it sounds as long way off: ‘All is safely gathered in’, and so on. But I suspect that by the time I deposit this effort, a week of July will have passed (and not every depositor of articles is as punctual as that!), so that it may well be August before a copy is in your hands. If so, our Harvest is only next month! Well, ‘Come you thankful people, come!’, we all have so much to be grateful for in this land. Many elsewhere live under the shadow of tragic need while we do not. But we should be grateful because food is not made in Tesco's! We depend on a vast network of growers and suppliers throughout the world for the things that we take from the shelves so easily – some of those in the chain no doubt working under great difficulties and in some cases poverty too. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Well, our Harvest Thanksgiving service, suitable for all ages, is on Sunday 26th September at 10.15 am, the time of all our Sunday services. It is being followed, after a break, by a HARVEST LUNCH at mid-day to which you are invited and about which you will hear more later.

Greetings to you all,
Ken Grant (Rector)

10

Charfield Congregational Church

SUNDAYS:SUNDAY SCHOOL 11.00 AM
 FAMILY CHURCH ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 11.00 AM COMMUNION IS OBSERVED
 EVENING WORSHIP 6.00 PM
TUESDAYS:LADIES BRIGHT HOUR 2.30 PM FORTNIGHTLY

R. W. is spouting again, and in very serious tones. It appears to me that since I have been writing this article less and less have attended our Church. Have I done something wrong? As you all know I only became a regular attendant when my Auntie Clare died. Since then I have tried to do my little best towards supporting every function and encouraging others to do the same. However there seems to be little response. If I can persuade a friend of mine from Berkeley to attend every Sunday, (she has only missed two services in the past year) why can't others? Oh! people turn out for a special event but surely an hour spent in church on a Sunday hurts no-one, in fact it may do some good!!

Having got the lecture over let me continue in my normal humorous vein. As probably most of Charfield knows (news travels fast) I am now settled into a new home. Apart from occasional interruptions (sorry Mr Pretty!!) everything seems to be going smoothly. One person however did not settle too well. Podgie, my cat had misgivings about the move. On the Sunday morning after the upheaval of the previous Wednesday's move, he had gone missing. I thought no more about it until his suppertime. Where is Podgie? I searched everywhere, called on all the neighbours and eventually walked back up to our old home. Nothing. What did I do? Thinking he was lost and gone forever I went over to the pub to drown my sorrows. My friends said, ‘Well when you come to work in the morning try the old home again. I took their advice and lo and behold who should appear? Podgie!! I am happy to report that he is safe and well in his new home now!

‘I stand alone a stranger at a city gate’ Colwyn Phillipps

PREACHERS

July 4Mr E Stuart 11 am Family Service, Mr J Fraser Evening
July 11Mr H S Spill
July 18Mr Ray Hollister
July 25Mr David Crew
 
August 1Mr Roy Pick 11 am Family Service, Mr K Thomas Evening
August 8Mr Parry
August 15Mrs Tidwell
August 22Rev P Hopes
August 29Mr Brian Smith
 
September 5Mr J Emerson 11 am Family Service, Dr G Philpot Evening
September 12Philip Street Music Group
September 19Mr K Howe
September 26Mr G Tanner
 
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
October 2Gift Day
October 3Rev P Hopes 11 am Family Service
Envoy Mr & Mrs J Price, Salvation Army, Evening Worship

11

Puzzle Page

12

Puzzle Page Answers

13

Summer 1993

As many of you who read the Newsletter regularly know, I am imminently expecting our 2nd child. In order to “rest” as much as possible, I have taken a back seat in the publication of this edition of CHADRA.

However, whilst in a moment of ‘relaxation’, it occurred to me that perhaps I could put pen to paper for a change. I then remembered that at a recent Chadra meeting we had discussed the merits of introducing a regular feature to include recipes and other household/gardening tips. The idea would be for you, The Readers, to send them in!

Well, having recently had a ‘Family Buffet’ to celebrate my own and my husband's birthdays, and our daughter's 1st birthday in June, I thought I could kick off by sharing with you a very tasty, easy (and cheap) chicken dish that is perfect for such an occasion.

Here goes …

For 6 people
6 × Chicken Breasts
1lb Broccoli
1 small jar mayonnaise
2 tins condensed chicken soup
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 heaped teaspoon mild curry powder
1 tablespoon juice
20z grated cheese
30z brown bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

  1. Cook chicken breasts (in microwave for speed) and chop into bite size pieces.
  2. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 1 minute.
  3. Put broccoli in bottom of 2 pint casserole/ovenproof dish.
  4. Place chicken pieces on top.
  5. Mix in separate bowl: soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, sherry, salt and pepper.
  6. Pour this mixture over broccoli and chicken.
  7. Mix cheese and breadcrumbs – sprinkle over top of casserole.
  8. Cook in moderate oven – electric 160 deg C, gas mark 4 for about 1 hour.

I served this dish with a crispy green salad, savoury rice and garlic bread – it would have been equally at home with a selection of fresh vegetables and boiled new potatoes! It certainly made a change from the usual bar-b-qued burnt sausage or beefburger, and saved my husband the job of cooking it – allowing him to concentrate on ensuring that the drinks kept flowing well!!

As the next copy of the Newsletter should be published sometime in October, it would be nice to print any quick and easy Christmas treat suggestions. My Mother bakes an excellent ‘Guinness Cake’ which is a rich and moist fruit cake, making a delicious alternative to the more traditional Christmas Cake – Watch This Space and perhaps I will share that recipe with you next time!

I am sure that there are many children in the village who have a particular treat they could share with us all, or perhaps some ideas for home made Christmas presents. Get your thinking caps on and your ink flowing, and you never know the best ideas may receive a prize! I await your ideas eagerly and in the meantime trust that those of you who try out my recipe will be as impressed with it as I was when it was handed down to me.

Carolyne Knibbs Co-Editor (resting)

14

Charfield Memorial Hall and Playing Field Management Committee

33RD ANNUAL SUMMER FAYRE

17 JULY 1993

The sun shone on Charfield on Saturday and the Summer Fayre was well attended. The Fayre serves two purposes: providing a day out for the whole village and raising funds for the upkeep of the Village Hall and Playing Field. Thanks to the efforts and support of many individuals, local organisations and local businesses the day was a resounding success on both counts.

The afternoon commenced with the Fancy Dress competition and the judges were delighted with the high standard of the entrants – full marks for effort and originality to all who entered. The Royal Mail's Postman Pat presented the first prize to Joanne and Becky Loveridge (Upstairs and Downstairs), second prize to Laura Gargett (Crocodile Rock), and third prize to Jamie Halliday (Incey Wincey Spider).

There was a full sports programme, and the main events were won by Wayne Sealey (Youth Trophy Boys), Katie Lane (Youth Trophy Girls), Jenny Kowalczyk (Primary School Half Mile), and Ian Jones (Open Half Mile, the Gazette Shield). Revenge was sweet in the Tug of War competition – sponsored by Wickwar Brewery and Second City Homes – for last year's runners-up, Sita GB, who this year won the first prize of a polypin of beer and the perpetual trophy. The Charfield Shunters, the football club, came second and also received a polypin of Wickwar Beer.

In the Hall the entries to the Flower and Homecraft Show were down this year but a colourful display greeted those who walked around the exhibits. Mrs Jean Acton won the shield for Best Entry in the Show with her New Guinea Busy Lizzie and Mr R Curtis won the trophy for the highest points gained.

There was a bright display of paintings on the subject of ‘Our School’ from Charfield Primary School. The exhibition of work from local artists generated a great deal of interest and some pictures were sold. Due to its success the exhibition will now be a regular item at the Fayre.

The children were entertained during the afternoon by Uncle Pete Ashby in the Punch and Judy tent. Judging by the laughter and squeals of delight, this was an extremely popular item! For kids of all ages, the Honda Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain gave pillion rides on their gleaming machines. A touch of tradition was provided by the Stroud Morris Dancers, sponsored by Jotcham and Kendall. There were displays of classic motorbikes and cars, model aircraft, fairground rides, a car boot sale – in fact something to suit all tastes.

The afternoon was rounded off by a display by the Gloucester Model Helicopter Club followed by the Grand Draw. The first prize of 2 Champagne Hot Air Balloon Flights was won by Mrs Williams. This very generous prize was donated by Oldbury Power Station, Nuclear Electric. The lucky programme number was 2811 – this was not claimed. If you have this programme phone 0454 26xxxx.

The Red Arrows graced us with a fly-past – at no extra charge!!

15The final account will not be ready for a while yet, but Mr Gillett (Treasurer) estimates that we raised in excess of £1600 on the day.

If you have any CONSTRUCTIVE comments about next year's fayre, please let us know. We will start work on 1994's fayre in September and would welcome new blood on the sub-committee. Please ring Fal 26xxxx if you have any ideas.

The Committee would like to thank all those who helped make the day a success – it is a big undertaking and needs a lot of willing hands – but it can be good fun and very enjoyable even if only a small part is played.

RESULTS

Flower Show:

Six Pansies: R Curtis. Specimen Tea Rose: R Curtis, E George, M Shipton.
Vase of Annuals: E George. Mixed Annuals: M Shipton.
Hardy Perennials: R Curtis, E George, P White. Vase Sweet Peas: E George, R Curtis, D Davis.
Ladies Spray: D Fry, R Williams. Arranged Bowl of Flowers 18″: D Fry, D Witts, M George. Arranged Bowl of Flowers 10″: D Witts, D Fry, M George.
Flowering Pot Plant: J Acton, P White, M Shipton. Foliage Pot Plant: M George, P White. Fuchsia in Pot: P Davies, C Davies. Cactus: P White, P White. Succulent: K Shipton, P White.

Homecraft Show:

6 Jam Tarts: M Ealey. Fruit Tart: M Ealey. Jam Sponge: C Hanratty, K Shipton.
6 Scones: M Newman, L Newman, J Westlake.

Children's Section 5–7 Years:

Garden on Plate: B Loveridge, L Smith, M Smith.
Vegetable Animal: B Loveridge. Pulse Face on Plate: E Popham, M Popham.

8–11 Years:

Garden on Plate: J Loveridge, L Buxton, V Buxton. Vegetable Animal: J Loveridge, A Salter. 4 Jam Tarts: C Hanratty

Children's Painting Competition
4–6 Years 1st Holly Bullock, 2nd Claudia Rigg, 3rd Sarah Frankland
7–9 Years 1st Rebecca Preston, 2nd Philip Slowley, 3rd Luke Harding
10–11 Years 1st Peter Tiley, 2nd Kerry Whitton, 3rd Jenny Kowalczyk

Pet Show

7–9 Years 1st Laura Skinner and Peter the Cat, 2nd Rebecca Salter and Tortoise
10–11 Years 1st Rebecca Ley and Titch the Guinea Pig, 2nd Krystyna Slowley and Tommy the Tortoise, 3rd Elizabeth Waite and Kelsey the Dog

16

Planning Application

PLANNING APPLICATION P93/1460 – PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF 47 NEW HOUSES OFF LONG'S VIEW, CHARFIELD, BY MESSRS. BRYANT HOMES.

The above application went before the planning committee on Wednesday 14th July. The application has been deferred until a site visit can be made by representatives of the planning committee. This deferral was granted due to local pressure by residents, the parish council and some district councillors, which centred on objections to the inadequate vehicular access (via Long's View only), and lack of safety provisions for pedestrians crossing the main Wotton Road, particularly of children going to school. According to the planners report to the committee, 19 letters of objection had been received as at July 9 1993. These have obviously been noted, so it certainly is worth letting Northavon know, how we the ‘locals’ feel. The site visit will take place on Wednesday 25 August, and this application will come up for consideration again at the planning committee meeting to be held on Wednesday 15 September. As I understand it, a decision is almost certain to be made at this meeting.

Grace Vincent
West Ridge, x New Street
Charfield.

Motorists

WOTTON ROAD/LITTLE BRISTOL LANE JUNCTION

HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR NEAR MISS?

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY AT THIS JUNCTION?

IN THE VICINITY OF THE JUNCTION THERE IS NEED TO INCREASE THE FORWARD VISIBILITY FOR MOTORISTS WISHING TO TURN RIGHT INTO LITTLE BRISTOL LANE FROM WOTTON ROAD.
PRESSURE NEED TO BE MAINTAINED ON THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, AVON COUNTY COUNCIL IF IMPROVEMENTS ARE TO BE IMPLEMENTED.

PLEASE WRITE TO ME OF YOUR CONCERNS OR VIEWS

ALF REYNOLDS, xxx WOODLANDS ROAD, CHARFIELD.

Poem

Trying to forget the past
But memories still linger
Helpless times, I stood and cried
Frustration makes you stronger.

You battle on and fight disease
Like the end was out of sight
Pain, never seems to fade
But needles ease the flight.

Leave behind family ties,
The widowed mother cries
Dare not sleep, death may take hold
Feeling lost, alone and cold.

Sympathy of those who care
Means nothing when you leave
Remembered in a personal prayer
Left in eternal peace.

Lyrics: Nik Russell, Rob Hall 1993

17

1st Woodend Tigers

I promise not to mention that we beat the Lions in the recent Group 6-a-side Tournament. (Not bad for Accrington Stanley Res.)

The Summer has seen many varied activities including the well publicised visit to a sewage works.

Our camp was blessed with really good weather which allowed the boys to make rafts and travel down the Little Avon. (Well, what did you expect? the Nile!!)

On the Saturday we visited the railway at Toddington, travelling behind a steam locomotive. The strains of ‘Not while the train is in the station’ often ringing around the carriage. The evening was spent playing cricket against a local Cub Pack from Badsey, near Evesham, with whom we now have a good relationship for further activities.

Mention must be made of the Cub who changed sleeping bags with his mate, then proceeded to wet the bed. He shall remain nameless, but he lives in Charfield.

We now have a full complement of Cubs – 24 – with a new helper, Steve Dibden who has proved an instant success with the boys with the possible exception of his two sons.

The theme continues to be, Fun with Discipline.

Oh! and by the way. WE BEAT THE LIONS WE BEAT THE LIONS WE BEAT THE LIONS.

Mike Cheskin
Akela

P.S. from the Ed – Akela was too modest about the score 1–0 (a score some teams would be proud to achieve!!)

Footnote to the Summer Fayre

As I am now a non-resident of Charfield I looked forward to coming to the 33rd Fayre, and it lived up to all my expectations. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. It would have been somewhat more pleasurable if the Chanc. of Excheq. i.e. me had remembered my purse! I think I owe a donation. I was saved from thirst after taking the bottom half of Sophie Smith's can.

A little story has come to my ears which does have a moral. Apparently at the end of the day when all that had been erected, displayed and laid out had to be dismantled the field became void of people! Some youth's who were still enjoying one of the displays were approached; they offered their services, but on condition they would be reimbursed. Of course, they were told that this work would have to be done out of kindness, so they walked away. Later in the evening separately, two of them approached a committee member to say they were wrong and should have offered to help for no reward and apologized.

Mary Hall, Ed


STOP PRESS

Is there anyone out there who would like to act as ‘Roving Reporter’ for the Newsletter?

For more information contact the Editors.

18

Marilyn's Bit

I bumped into Mary (our Editor) last Saturday at the Village Fayre. After 3 lager shandies (pints of course) I was most certainly going to rush home and write my piece for the Newsletter. Well Saturday evening, I bopped all night at the Charfield Disco, on Sunday Sophie and I had a luxurious ‘free’ day as our chaps were on Cub Camp. Monday evening I was at KLB School being extremely well entertained by the Junior scholars at the Umbrella Festival.

Tuesday evening I was yelling at my son – it was his Sports Day. Wednesday was my final tap dance class of the the Summer. Thursday I was on the ballet run to Wotton for Sophie and here I am (Friday) just having finished a ‘chase-up’ chat with Mary. She's brill! – I'm full of excuses. I put down the phone and scrabbled for paper. I certainly know what to write about – as the company I was with (will tell all shortly) said I could write about this for the Newsletter.

Two Thursdays ago I attended the ‘End-of-Season’ Darts Dinner at Huntingford Mill. It was a marvellous evening – thirteen of us all females, dining, slurping various delightful tastes. I had chicken stuffed with Leek and Stilton, it was lovely but what I have to confess to you all is – I HAD THREE PUDDINGS! – I had Lush Lemon Dessert – gorgeous – Judy didn't really fancy a pud but it was all-in (we had an all-in night that night). Well we didn't want her to waste it, did we (or did I?). So I had Blackcurrant Cheesecake and then Nettle who was totally gobsmacked by her delightful choice – slid over the table, Praline Cheesecake – it was wonderful – all fudge and nuts. I rounded off the evening with two creme de menthe frappes!!

As I'm the Captain of the Team, of which I am greatly proud, I have to coax and cajole my team to play – with cries of (them to me) “What now, I haven't had enough to drink” – or “Oh, I don't like the look of him, let someone else play”. But I give them one of my blinding looks and they hopefully thrash the opposition.

I have been presented with the most beautiful bouquets in the past (though one year I had a giant jar of pickled onions and a giant bar of chocolate!) and this year was no exception. The flowers are absolutely beautiful – thank you all – you're great.


On the subject of yummy, scrummy food, I had my cholesterol level checked – it all started when I got refused for blood doning. I had to go to the Doc's for blood checks and was told that I was quite anaemic. So I'm now on 200 iron pills! What I didn't know is that when you tear up and down stairs you get all breathless – I thought my tubes must be all furry so (as I'm a bit of a butter freak) had a cholesterol level done, too. Well, I had my results this week – the doctors decided that they would eat the Lardy cake I had just purchased! Hope they never hear about the Meal at the Mill!!


To those who paid attention earlier (is that a bit cheeky?) I mentioned my tap dancing class on a Wednesday evening with Ruth Osborne at Wotton Town Hall. It's great, I love it, the music is wonderful. Do you know, the Town Hall floor had to be reinforced last year? Why did I tell you that?

19Well, I have just taken my fourth exam. How do Fred and Ginger make it look so easy? The four of us, as we were waiting to go in decided that what we'd paid to do the exam might have been better spent on a new M & S bra!! Still we all did alright. And we'll still get nervous the next time.


A final snippet

I was waiting for my parents to arrive at Parkway station. Myself and many others were sitting in the waiting room. An elderly gentleman came in and studied the photography machine. A little while later he sat in the booth, put in the cash and waited. The flash went off and out he stepped. Suddenly the whole room erupted, everyone shouting – “You've got three more photo's – get back in”. Poor old chap. I guess technology can fool anyone of us.

Well, I'll sign off now.
Take care, and have an enjoyable summer. Hoping the sun shines for you.

Marilyn.

The Local Government Commission Report

On Monday 14 June 1993 representatives of the local authorities of Gloucestershire, Somerset and Avon gathered together at the Crest Hotel, Hambrook to await the verdict of the Local Government Commission on recommended changes for their respective localities.

As a representative of the Avon Local Councils Association I was present to hear the opening speech from the Chairman of the Local Government Commission for England, Sir John Banham, and as he developed his theme, one could sense the air of expectancy as he approached the crux of the matter. Would Bristol be allowed to extend its boundaries? Would Avon be allowed to continue?

Then it all happened – the future of Avon County was to be sealed and a return to historic Somerset and Gloucestershire was revealed. The boundary of the City of Bristol was to remain unchanged. All those months of meetings, interviews, debates – together with the submissions to the Local Government Commissioners from the County Councils, the District Councils, the Parish and Town Councils, from voluntary organisations and from private individuals, had all been evaluated and the evidence sifted to provide the recommendations which the Report outlined. Not everyone had the news they had hoped for.

Although Bristol City was to regain the County Borough status that it lost with the Local Government Act 1972, Gloucester City was not to regain its former independence. Instead Gloucester City was to blend with Stroud and associated parishes to form a new Mid-Gloucestershire Unitary Authority.

We, in Charfield find our own Northavon area to be (as many of us had anticipated) linked with the Kingswood (Bristol) District and to be designated as a South Gloucestershire Unitary Authority.

20Whilst we shall now be Gloucestershire again, there will though be no Gloucestershire County Council any more than there will be an Avon County Council or a Somerset County Council. Since the main purpose of this article is to portray the local government reorganisation recommendation for our particular locality, I will not expound on the impact for reorganisation as it affects other parts of Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset. I should though stress that whilst all the recommendations are the preferred recommendations of the local Government Commissioners, they have included an Appendix A to their report setting out possible alternatives. What then are the alternatives for historic Gloucestershire?

1] 2 Unitary Authorities
a. the whole of the current Gloucestershire County
b. the combined Northavon/Kingswood
2] 5 Unitary Authorities
a. Northavon/Kingswood
b. Stroud/Gloucester
c. Cheltenham/Tewkesbury
d. Forest of Dean
e. Cotswold
3] 8 Unitary Authorities
Covering the whole of historic Gloucestershire (ie including Northavon District and Kingswood District) and for each existing District to be a unitary authority.
4] Retaining the existing 2 tier system
For the whole of historic Gloucestershire with the Gloucestershire County Council to continue and, as before the local Government Act 1972, to also embrace Northavon and Kingswood Districts.

Sir John wants your views!!

The Chairman, Sir John Banham indicated in his presentation of the Commissions Recommendations that he now wants the general public to be the jury. Some may want to know how much will it all cost? On the Districts' estimates the transitional investment of £50m overall (for the three counties) would pay for itself fairly quickly – bringing in the benefit of effectiveness and efficiency. By contrast the County Councils' estimate a cost of over £70m. Thus there is a significant difference between what the counties assess and what the districts assess for the same structural alternatives. I take neither side but would urge that local government will not survive unless it delivers effectively and efficiently the full range of the very large numbers of different services for which it is now responsible.

With the main report running into 92 pages, I would find it impossible to refer to every facet, but I should comment that there will be a need for some unitary authorities to share expertise, including say transport and planning whilst emergency planning needs to be co-ordinated at a strategic level as disasters do not respect local government boundaries. Community Care is of course most important.

Public meetings have been arranged for the general public to meet the Local Government Commissioners, Mary Leigh and Ken Ennals and the date allocated for Northavon was Tuesday 29 June 1993 in the Armstrong Hall, Thornbury. Yet whilst the idea was for members of the general public to present their points of view there was inevitably some harping from past and present 21District Councillors who protested at a ‘shot-gun’ marriage with Kingswood, commenting among other things upon seeming inaccessibility across proposed South Gloucestershire unless one had ones own transport! There was the usual quota of ‘wind-bags’ as so often occurs at public meetings who spoke a lot, yet in effect said nothing of any consequence whilst there were others who, in the limited time available, spoke much sense.

Your views then are still required and should anyone want a full copy of the Report it is available free of charge by sending a 93p stamped addressed A4 envelope to:-

Gloucestershire and Somerset Review Team
Local Government Commission
Dolphyn Court
10/11 Great Turnstile
Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC1V 7JU

or alternatively postage prepaid tear off pocket size brochures are available at Council Offices and public libraries, with boxes to indicate your preference.

Views are needed by September 5 1993 so that they can be taken into account before the final report is submitted to the Secretary of State for the Environment by January 23 1994.

(Reverend) David W Parker
xx Durham Road
Charfield
Vice-President
Avon Local Councils Association

N.B. To parody an old saying: ‘There is many a slip between cup and lip’ may not be considered inappropriate when one ponders upon what may be the fruition of the Commissioner's final report.

The Cabinet change in the summer has introduced a new Secretary of State for the Environment, a man who has views which vary from those anticipated from his predecessor! Time will tell.

Tug of War

In the second year of the Tug of War Challenge, we were delighted that 4 learns were ‘home grown’ The Plough Inn + the Railway Tavern produced a side each, the Football Club masqueraded as the “Shunters”, and Woodlands Road residents entered as the “Charfield Pullers”. The whole point of the Tug of War Challenge is to have old fashioned fun, with local teams + bloodthirsty partisan support for each team.

The gauntlet has been cast to the ground. Will 1994 see the Farm lees Fanatics? The Manor Lane Maniacs? The Horsford Road Haulers? Thames Close Tigers? And all those women who have said they wanted a women's Tug of War – if you were serious, let a member of the Hall Committee know. and we'll see what can be arranged for 1994!

As Charlie Drake was told by the kangaroo, “If you want your boomerang to come back, first you've got to throw it”, If you don't come forward in good time the organisers can't help you.

Best Wishes Julia O'Connor-Beach (26xxxx)

22[Line drawing of an old car.]

Here is a picture that younger members of the family might like to colour

23

Advertising

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Treetops Carpets]

[Advert for Video Sound Services]

[Advert for Patrick McNally Builder]

24

Village Organisations and Contact Names

BABY SITTING CIRCLE (NEW)SECRETARYLISA TUCKER26xxxx
BRITISH LEGIONSPOKESMANMR J POSKETT, xx CHARFIELD GN26xxxx
2ND CHARFIELD BROWNIES MRS V MACLELLAN, xx THAMES CL26xxxx
3RD WOTTON RAINBOW UNITLEADERSANGELA NIXON, xx MANOR LANE
JEANETTE HALLIDAY, OAK COURT
LYNN NEWMAN, xx UNDERHILL ROAD
26xxxx
26xxxx
CHADRAHON SECMR G BLOWER, xx MANOR LANE26xxxx
CHARFIELD CHILDMINDERSSECRETARYMRS P LOVERIDGE, xx DURHAM ROAD26xxxx
CHARFIELD LADIES CLUBSECRETARYMRS E POPHAM, x MORTON HOUSES TORTWORTH26xxxx
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH RUTH WILLIAMS 
CRICKET CLUBSECRETARYMRS D BRADLEY, xx NEW STREET84xxxx
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MR E GADSBY, xxxx FARM, BRINKMARSH LANE, FALFIELD26xxxx
FOOTBALL CLUB – SENIORSSECRETARYC SOMERTON, xx STATION ROAD84xxxx
FOUNDATION ROOMBOOKINGSMARILYN SMITH, xx NEWTOWN26xxxx
FRIENDSHIP CLUBCHAIRMANMR E ORTON, xx WOTTON ROAD26xxxx
GUIDESGUIDER IN CHARGE
ASSISTANT
TONIA WILLIAMS, x LONGS VIEW
MRS M WESTLAKE
26xxxx
KEEP FIT CLUBENQUIRIESMRS S COLLA, x AVON ROAD26xxxx
LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLYSECRETARYMRS J HIGGINS, THE xxxx, CHARFIELD HILL26xxxx
HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEECHAIRMAN
BOOKINGS
MR J POSKETT, xx CHARFIELD GREEN
MRS POSKETT
26xxxx
MOTHERS & TODDLERSSECRETARYANNE BARNETT, xxx WOODLANDS RD26xxxx
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHCO-ORD.REV D PARKER, xx DURHAM ROAD26xxxx
NEWSLETTEREDITORSMRS M HALL, xx TEMPLAR ROAD, YATE
MRS C KNIBBS, xx WOODLANDS RD
88xxxx
26xxxx
PTA – PRIMARY SCHOOLSECRETARYMRS M CLARKE, xx UNDERHILL ROAD26xxxx
PTA – KLB SCHOOLSECRETARYMRS M CLARKE, xx UNDERHILL RD26xxxx
PARISH COUNCILCLERKCATHERINE HOLMES, KINGSWOOD84xxxx
PLAY GROUPSECRETARYPENNY KELLY, xx WOODLANDS ROAD26xxxx
POLICE CHIPPING SODBURY POLICE STAT.27xxxx
ST JOHN'S CHURCHRECTORREV K GRANT, THE RECTORY26xxxx
TENNIS CLUBSECRETARYMRS C HAINES, W-U-E84xxxx
TRANSPORT SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUNDMRS M BLOWER, xx MANOR LANE26xxxx
WOMEN'S INSTITUTEPRESIDENTMRS G LUDWELL, HORSFORD RD84xxxx
WOODEND SCOUT GROUPSCOUT LEADERMR B WRIGHT, xx UNDERHILL ROAD26xxxx
BEAVERSREDWOODMRS T DAVIES, xx DURHAM ROAD26xxxx
1ST WOODEND LIONSAKELAMRS A CHAPPELL, CHARFIELD 
1ST WOODEND TIGERSAKELAMR M CHESKIN, CROMHALL84xxxx
VENTURE SCOUTSP.R.O.MR B SAVAGE, KINGSWOOD84xxxx
YOUTH CLUBLEADERSMR C SLOWLEY, xxx MANOR LANE
JACKIE RAYFIELD, KINGSWOOD
26xxxx

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. REMEMBER THAT WHEN THE COMMITTEE CHANGES WE NEED TO KNOW!!

TELEPHONE NUMBERS COMMENCING 84… USE CODE 0453

TELEPHONE NUMBERS COMMENCING 26… 29… 31… 88… USE CODE 0454


Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 26 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: 2017-01-20.