CHADRA

charfield

35th. annual summer fayre
16th. july 1994

events – competitions – displays
sports – refreshments – stalls

celebrating
the centenary of charfield primary school
and 100 years of parish councils

Published by Charfield & district Residents' Association (CHADRA)

2Thanks to all contributors and thanks to everyone for getting their articles to us in excellent time. Hopefully, this will result in the Newsletter reaching you sooner and bring that much more up to date. Don't forget, if you've got something to say, say it in CHADRA!

NEXT COPY DATE – 22nd JULY 1994

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[Graphic: Book]

The diary has been in existence for just over six months. Very few people have contacted me with information. However, I still believe it is of use to someone.

The listing here is not the full diary. The full diary is on permanent display in the window of the Open All Hours shop in Manor Lane and on the notice board in the Memorial Hall. An abbreviated version is given here of the dates of meetings of the village organisations.

The objectives of the diary are 1) To inform villagers of what is happening in their village and 2) To help village organisations find dates for their events that do not clash with others.

Anyone involved in organising anything in the village may contact me with details of their event. I will make a note of the details. Anyone else who asks me about the same date will be told the existing information.

If you have information on events for inclusion in the list, or suggestions for this scheme, please contact Brendan O'Connor on 0454-26xxxx, or drop a note to xx Manor Lane.

Key

MH = Memorial Hall
SL = Sportsmans Lounge

4

The Brownie leaders held a parents evening during February and although not many parents turned up I felt quite hopeful that some new leaders could be found. There are many families with girls on the Brownie waiting list.

Any of the Brownie units can only accommodate between 24–30 girls at any one time. Those girls are in the unit until they are 10 and choose either to move onto Guides or leave the movement altogether. This means that when a pack is up to quota new girls can only be admitted when a space becomes available. At the last count there were 31 girls on the list.

As you can see we have a dilemma. It seems a great pity that only a few girls can enjoy all the opportunities that the movement offers and those who want to join may not get the opportunity. Yes, I am back to the same plea that I always have to make. We need more Leaders and the requirement is very urgent.

Around the village there must be people who have either moved into Charfield and been in Guiding before, and others perhaps who a few years ago may have been a Guide, enjoyed it and feel that they can now give back some of the fun and skills that they learnt by passing them on to the young girls of today.

Nearly two years ago we had two Brownie units and although they both ran waiting lists the congestion was not nearly so bad. If people do come forward for leadership this would mean we would be able to re-open the second unit. Come on Ladies – if you are interested and want to know more contact me on 0454 26xxxx or call at xxx Manor Lane.
Marion Smith, District Commissioner.

In March, the Brownies had an outing to a Bouncy Castle complex in Bristol, called ‘Castaways’, a desert island so soft they bounced all over it for an hour and didn't hurt themselves! All the girls enjoyed themselves and the video is great fun to watch. Anyone wishing to borrow the tape is most welcome. As the weather gets warmer, we hope to have lots of outdoor activities including a ‘Fun Day’, walks, rounders, etc. and, weather permitting, a barbecue.

Unfortunately, not all the young girls in and around Charfield will be able to join in all these activities because of the lack of Guiders. The 2nd. Charfield Brownie Pack at the moment has 28 girls between the ages of 7 and 10 years and a waiting list of 31! Some of the girls on the list are already 7 or nearly 8 years old and desperately want to become Brownies. Without another Brownie Pack in the village, some of these girls will not become Brownies! Julie, Pat and myself will try our utmost to create the right atmosphere, environment and opportunities for these girls to have fun, but we cannot work miracles. If you have a sense of humour and would like to help in the village, please contact us. We meet in the village hall, Wednesdays, 5:30–7:00pm.
Trish Cole, Brownie Guider.

The Guides started off the new term in January with their Christmas Party. They all dressed up in different costumes from the '60s & '70s, pyjamas, horror and others. All costumes were very good and a lot of effort had gone into them. Sophie, Leeanne and Sonja were the best and won a small prize.

We followed this in February with a Jumble Sale which went well. The proceeds are going to the Camp Fund which is in desperate need of a mess tent.

Leeanne started fund-raising for her trip to Ireland in July, so we wish her luck with that.

Finally, we finished this term with Ten-Pin Bowling and Quazar in Bristol. The girls thoroughly enjoyed this and we hope to do it again, maybe next year sometime.

Thanks to all who have helped and supported us at these events.
Tonia Williams, Leader.

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5[Advert for The Pear Tree Inn]

Hello everyone. To help you keep up to date with what the boys have been doing, here is the latest news:

No, we have not been sleeping over the winter months – we have been quite busy!

In February, we spent a pleasant weekend at a youth hostel in a small village called Duntisbourne Abbots, which is just outside Cirencester. The party consisted of Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts and their leaders. The weekend was spent trying out different challenges set by the leaders. We had a visit from Cathy, who came with her owl and falcons, who were better behaved than the boys. The cubs had a visit to the Toy Museum at Bourton-on-the-Water. Apart from being very cold, the weekend was successful.

A more recent event was the cross-country race at Woodhouse Park. Well done to the over-9-year-olds who won the trophy for the team event. Simon Clarke can have a big pat on the back, as he came home in first place. The under-9-year-olds did well, showing a lot of promise for the coming years. A pleasing result. Well done to everyone who took part.

Some future events: 8th. May: Clay Pigeon shoot; 13th.–15th. May: District camp (sixers & seconders only); 18th. May: Group AGM; 1st.–3rd. July: Group Camp; 9th. July: District Go-Kart race & Group BBQ.
Yours in Scouting, Audrey Chappell, Akela.

Winter Camp was spent at HQ Cromhall. Friday night we met with the Scouts and, after that unforgettable experience, we went for a night hike which didn't go to plan as we only lost two Cubs. When it was time for bed, we only had two disturbances to deal with – one for 2 hours and the other for 1½ hours! How can a boy of 10 go to sleep at 3:00am and wake again at 5:30am?

Saturday morning it rained, but we were at the Wotton Town Cinema (asleep) watching cartoons and seeing how a cinema worked. After the lunch we inflicted on the Cubs, the final punishment, the ultimate weapon – yes, we went to watch Bristol Rovers. When we asked what time the match kicked off, they said, “What time can you get here?” Two of our boys were caught climbing over the wall by the Police, who said, “Get back in. If we have to watch, so do you.” It was not the best of games, being a 0–0 draw, but all thanks to Rovers for allowing us free entry. We returned via Bristol and went down a sewer, which was as interesting as watching paint dry, however the boys enjoyed it. Bingo was played in the evening – shame on the boy who had 73 – it was missing at the end!

Sunday was a lovely day with sunshine all day. We went to both Severn Bridges and walked across one of them. One of the Cubs asked, “Which one shall we walk across?” It is a fact that 24 boys plus 3 leaders jumping up and down in the centre, can make the bridge move – not many people know that. Sunday afternoon was spent for me in the time honoured custom for all Cub leaders known as ‘Visit To The Hospital’. One of the boys walked into a post at the second bridge works and cut his head.

As camp ended, all the leaders agreed we must do it again – in the year 2006!

Other activities include karate, visit to the Mormon church in Yate, CB radio and much More.
Mike Cheskin, Akela.

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This is a story submitted by Stephen C. Masters, member of 7 Squadron April–June 1944 and September 1949–July 1951

Crew involved in this story:
P/O Grant RAAF Pilot
F/Sgt Masters RAF Navigator
F/Sgt Martin RCAF Bomb Aimer
F/Sgt Nathanson RAF Wireless Operator
Sgt Neills RAF Flight Engineer
Sgt Barratt RAF Mid Upper Gunner
Sgt Newton RAF Rear Gunner

On the 26th April 1944 within a day or so of our arrival at Oakington we were still finding our way around the squadron and not at all surprised to be sent on a training flight. This we realised was all part of the learning procedure. However, I was taken aback when I was told that our crew would be on a practice trip that night. I pointed out that we had only just landed from a day cross country trip. My informant didn't seem very impressed and simply repeated his instruction.

Shortly after this I met my Pilot and told him about the extra training flight. He agreed that two training flights in one day was a bit much. If we had been an absolutely inexperienced crew it may have been a little more acceptable but we had already flown on operations as a crew, prior to our posting to Oakington. Naturally we had to accept the situation although I was told to find out more about this proposed trip.

Spotting the person who had given me the news in the first place, I asked him what route I would be flying and what time were we expected to take off. The Officer concerned looked at me in amazement. He brusquely informed me that he had no idea of the route and wouldn't tell me even if he did. I gathered from conversation that we were to report to the briefing room in the afternoon when all would be revealed. I rather got the feeling that he considered me a lunatic and the sooner I left his company the better.

When I told the crew what had happened, they all thought that a little more consideration could be shown to newcomers. After all, nobody would be contravening the Official Secrets Act by telling where we would be going on a simple practice trip.

At the appointed time, the Pilot, Bomb Aimer and myself reported to the briefing room, loaded down with the normal paraphernalia. Just as we were about to enter the door, a Corporal policeman barred our way and requested our names. We thought this to be a rather strange procedure. While the Pilot was giving the necessary information, I looked into the briefing room out of idle curiosity. This one quick look stopped me in my tracks.

“Just a minute” I said, “We have no right to be here, this is an operational briefing, we are on a practice trip.” We turned to leave, only to be stopped once by the Corporal.

“Sorry but you can't leave now, you have to stay, as you are on my list as being one of the crews”. We knew this was a big mistake and we were quite determined to get it put right.

Approaching the Briefing Officer, the Pilot apologised for barging in as we had done. He explained that we were on a practice trip and had come to the wrong briefing room. Then the first big shock, this was to be our training trip, but on a major target. As we had not qualified as Path Finders we had to get some practice in.

I think we were all shaken by this piece of news, particularly by the way we had received it. If we had seen our names posted on the ‘Battle Order’ earlier in the day, we would have psychologically prepared for it, but this was most disturbing. A good thing we were early as it gave us time to become more mentally adjusted to enable us to receive the facts and figures during briefing.

Following normal procedure, we were given details of the target, route to plot, winds and any other information deemed necessary to aid navigation. This being completed, the other crew members were allowed in for the main briefing. We watched for our crew to enter to see what their reaction would be. The look on their faces was a repeat of how we must have looked when we first walked in. Momentarily they hesitated when they saw the many crews assembled, that is until they spotted us at one of the tables.

“What is going on?” queried the Rear Gunner, “This is an Operational Briefing, we shouldn't be here”.

“I am afraid we should” said our Pilot, “It is a practice trip for us but on a major target”.

Their faces registered the same shocked disbelief we had experienced and sat down hardly believing it to be true. Recovering his composure, the Gunner then asked the all important question;

“Which target are we on?”

“Essen” came the reply. The relief was instantaneous.

“Essen” they chorused “It could have been much worse, what a relief”.

Had any one been listening they would have thought our crew a bunch of real lunatics. Being pleased at the thought of going to the Ruhr Valley could only really be appreciated by madmen. There was a very good reason for this attitude, known only to ourselves.

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8Exactly one month before, to the day, we had sat in the briefing room at Mildenhall and as now, we had been briefed for Essen, but unlike the present, we were horrified. We had been on major German targets before, it is true, but we had never visited the Ruhr. Senior crews had delighted in telling us of the horrors of these targets and the risks faced by the crews who went there.

We had set off with some apprehension and waited to meet the onslaught, but nothing happened. We got closer to the target and still very little happened. There were some shells bursting quite a way below us, but none at our level.

There were no searchlights, no fighter flares, nothing. Our arrival back at Mildenhall had been almost an anticlimax. Now we were to face that same target again, no wonder we were not so worried.

In due course we were airborne and on our way to the target. To say we were relaxed would be completely untrue, although we were not nearly so keyed up as on the previous occasion when we approached Essen.

Being extremely anxious to do well on our new squadron, I was concentrating on the calculations to ensure that we arrived over the target at the precise briefed time. I was jolted from my thoughts by the Pilot asking me what the activity was, out on our port side. Reluctant to leave my work I told him that is was most likely a diversionary raid which we knew was to take place.

The Pilot could not dismiss the activity from his mind and made several comments on the punishment these diversionary raiders were getting. As it was most unlike him to make any comments about anything going on outside, I thought it worth stopping my work an instant to look out. I agreed with him, it looked rather frightening, then settled back to my calculations, feeling that many of those crews would not survive. My own problems were pressing and I had to keep the navigation running smoothly.

Five, maybe ten minutes after viewing the violent activity, I had satisfied myself that we would be over the target right on time. I gave the Pilot the new course to fly to reach the target, then settled down to await the start of our bombing run.

We had just completed the turn, when a slightly strained voice from up front asked me if I knew what I was doing. This was a standard question the Pilot invariably asked me, but this time it was a more serious tone. I was then informed that on our present heading, we would be flying through the middle of the diversionary raid. I shot out of my seat to see what he meant, my heart nearly stopped. That was no diversionary raid ahead, that was our target, Essen, a very different situation from the last time we had been here. I had seen several major targets before, but this was the most frightening. The searchlights were massed either side of track to form solid walls of light which converged on the target. The space in between was a dark funnel into which we were flying. There was no apparent activity in the funnel, at least none that I could see, simply that dark threatening space. To believe there was nothing there would have been foolhardy, the night fighters would most certainly be patrolling that area.

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9If there was deception in the dark space, there was certainly no pretence in the stopper at the end of the funnel. That was to me the real frightener. A solid wall of searchlights across the end of the funnel was backed up by hundreds of shells bursting at all heights in an apparently impenetrable barrage.

My job was now quite simple, all I had to do was record the time of bomb release, the speed, the heading and the height and I would take over the navigation again, once we arrived at the target. I regained my seat and stared at the instruments from which I was to make my recordings. I wondered was it worth it, as nobody would ever read them, I was almost convinced of that. We would never be able to get through that wall of bursting shells, even if the night fighters let us get that far.

I must admit that I felt alone, this was my problem, a very personal one. I thought it strange that in two or three minutes I might not longer exist. To stop my mind from thinking such thoughts, I concentrate don the instruments, ready to record those things I was supposed to record. It was going to be a wasted effort, I knew that, but I had to do something while waiting.

The time seemed interminable as now the aircraft was under the control of the Bomb Aimer who had the target in sight. I had little to occupy my mind except the thought of what I had witnessed outside a few minutes earlier.

At last, the bomb doors were opened, minor adjustments made to the heading, then we were on our final run-in. This was what I had been waiting for as I knew that any minute we would be blasted from the sky – nothing happened and we flew on. I felt the jolt as the Bomb Aimer released the bombs, followed by the reassuring sound of the bomb doors closing again – still nothing happened. I couldn't understand why as I knew that all those guns had been firing at the bomb release point.

I made my recordings in the navigation log still waiting for the shock of the shells hitting us, but still nothing. I could contain my anxiety no longer and went back to the astrodome to view the scene outside. When I looked forward where I expected to see activity, there was nothing but darkness, then I turned to look behind. It was with amazement that I saw the massed searchlights and bursting shells behind us, we were through. We had come through unscathed.

It was with great relief that I settled down to the navigation again as at least I had something positive to do. We still had a long way to go of course before we were safe, but I felt we had faced the worst we could expect for that night As it happened, the return trip was uneventful, and thankfully we landed back at base, a place I had not expected to see again. Strangely enough I had never felt so sure we were going to be shot down on any previous raid, and I never felt so strongly on any of our subsequent raids.
Stephen C Masters

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Firstly, a big hello to everyone who has not heard of our newly formed support group within Charfield to help raise needed funds for a new Children's Hospice to be built in beautiful North Devon.

This hospice will provide a small home with a friendly atmosphere where special needs can be catered to by qualified people and where the sick children themselves can enjoy the best quality of life, while, at the same time, giving other family members a break away, should they need one.

The name or the hospice is, very suitably, ‘Little Bridge House’ – Bridge being the supportive name for many families.

For all of you who came to the coffee morning back in December, we managed to raise a very pleasing £90.00. We also raised in excess of £140.00 at our ‘Easter Fayre’, back in March. We would like to say a big thank you for all your support on both these occasions.

We are hoping to organise a Sponsored Fun Walk in Charfield for 25th. June and to have a stall at the St. Nicholas Youth Centre in Yate on 11th. June at 2:00pm. We hope to see you there if you can make it, Also, later this year, we are hoping to organise a Charity Dance, but all our events will be advertised by our posters beforehand.

If anyone is interested in joining the group, or has any helpful ideas, then please contact our Co-ordinator, Hazel Stone (0454-26xxxx). Once again, we look forward to meeting you at our various organised events.
Sylvia Rundle, Secretary.

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The Gloucestershire Diocesan Records show that although Samuel Long of Charfield House was a member of the Church of England himself, he did allow the non-conformists to hold meetings in a room of his Mill buildings. The Records show a long history of non-conformity in the Parish of Charfield and from the late 18th Century various private houses were licensed as Meeting Places. Paul Long of Charfield House laid the foundation stone of the first Chapel in July 1846 and the £290 required was met by voluntary subscription.

The land and the stone had been granted by Earl Ducie. The building had to be registered again in 1857 after alteration and enlargement made necessary by the Sunday School and the Evening Writing School. The intense rivalry between Chapel and Church, to be found all over the country at that time, at least prevented Charfield from remaining an educational backwater. From being one of the largest villages in Gloucestershire without a school of any kind in the early decades of the Century, both the British (Chapel) and the National (Church of England) Schools were built in the 1850s.

The Reverend Prankerd Jones, whose railed memorial is most prominent by the old Church of St. James, left in his will the interest on £2000 to pay a school teacher. He also arranged for the first National school premises: “It was my intention to have left the house, blacksmith's shop and premises for the purpose of being converted into a school room. I therefore bequeath the premises to Mr. Joseph Neeld of Grittleton who is now patron of the living in the hope that he will convert it into a daily school. It is some distance from the church but it is tolerably central and convenient for the population.” This school, just below the ‘Pear Tree’, remained in use until the new school premises were built in 1893, opposite the new church of St. John's, begun a decade earlier.
Extract from “Charfield – The Past, The Present, & The Future?”, The CHADRA Study, 1976. Suggested by Rev. David Parker.

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To my reckoning it has been 8 months since we last made ourselves heard. Although we may appear to be a ‘quiet’ group of 12 members, all registered childminders, we have been working!!

The Christmas Party, for the minded children, went down a treat, smiles all round except from the ‘little ones’ who were sleeping!

Now we have entered a new year our minds are focused on events and fund-raising for 1994, your support will be greatly appreciated.

Liz Orton has already got us off to a flying start by doing a sponsored bike ride. The money raised was used to extend our toy library and purchase some craft materials; all of these the children make use of at our once a month, Monday morning Get Togethers.

Forthcoming events: Dates for your diary

Saturday July 16th: Charfield Summer Fayre, Fancy Dress Competition.

Although the theme for the Fayre will be Victorian, the fancy dress will be kept open enabling those inclined to express professionalism, originality and effort. We hope to have again a Celebrity Guest who will be judging this competition. We had a very good turn out last year, don't miss out this year!

Wednesday August 10th: National Playday organised by Northavon Play Association. This was one of our better fund raisers. You will find us in the tent by Yate Library between 10 am–4 pm along with many other groups from Avon.

Saturday April 23rd: Avon Childminding Association AGM to be held at the Grange School, Warmley. A group of us will be there supplying necessary liquid refreshment i.e. tea and coffee! We will also be keeping up to date with any changes being introduced by Government and Social Service. These changes are quite frequent so we need to keep abreast with events.

A big thank you to Mrs Pat Loveridge, our now ex-coordinator, for being on the end of the phone for the past 4 years. In future the name appearing as co-ordinator and secretary will be Theresa Wildman of Woodlands Road Tel: 0454 26xxxx

As a group we are at present doing a First Aid course, some to gain, others to renew the Public First Aider Certificate, therefore I had better go and do some revision!

Hope to see you all at future events
Lesley Frankham

Apparently, Tesco is once again issuing Computers For Schools vouchers to shoppers.

If you collect any of these, Charfield Primary School would be grateful for them. Contact the Headteacher or the PTA for details of who to give them to.

Hello again! Well, playgroup is now nearly full. We only have a few places left and the waiting list is getting bigger. So far, we have not had to disappoint anybody – everybody has been given at least one session a week.

On Saturday, 26th. March, we held a Family Disco at Leyhill Social Club. Over one hundred big and little people had a really good time and it was nice to fit mums and dads to children. We hope to arrange another social evening and attract even more new faces. Thanks to those who came and made the evening a success.

Our Noddy trip is only a couple of weeks away and we are all getting very excited. We are now arranging a trip to see Postman Pat's Adventures in July. Talking of trips; it will soon be Summer and we are off to Weston-super-Mare in June. So, as you can see, the 3–5 year-olds and some bigger ones have a very busy social life to look forward to!

As mentioned in one of the earlier CHADRAs, we have three main projects for this year.

1: Lobby – This has now been painted and straightened up with new coat hooks and name tags. We would like to thank those who gave up their time to help – it was much appreciated.

2: Shed – The she is in the process of being renovated. Thanks to the Dad who volunteered for this job.

3: Tarmac – The outside needs a coat of tarmac and we hope Bryant Homes will assist us with this.

Before I go, has anybody seen a blue folder with Christmas carol sheets and a tape in it? We seem to have mislaid it after the carol trailer last December. If you know where it is, please phone Sally (0453-84xxxx) or myself (0454-26xxxx).

That's all for now. If you would like to put your child's name down for a place at playgroup, phone Liz (0453-84xxxx).
Michelle Brassington, Secretary.

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Sitting down to write an article for the Newsletter, I realise how PTA tend to repeat themselves with the events they put on. After a gap of five years, KLB PTA are having another go at a ‘Promises Auction’. This will be held on Friday, May 20th. in the drama hall at the school, starting with viewing at 6:30pm. The first item goes under the hammer at 7:30pm and the auctioneer will be Mark Bowman from Sandoes.

Letters have gone out to various companies and places of interest. Last time, we received entrance tickets to Bristol Zoo & Slimbridge Wild Fowl Trust, stand tickets for Bristol Rovers & Bristol City, a season ticket from Gloucester County Cricket Club and meals at various restaurants in the area. Parents and friends of the school came up with anything and everything from hairdos to gardening, baby-sitting, bottles of booze and baking to taxi services and many, many more.

Do come along. It is quite a fun evening as well as giving you the chance to pick up a bargain or two!

On into June. We are having a flower-arranging demonstration by Val Jones of Kingswood. This will be a very relaxed evening and you are all welcome to attend to see what you can do with your Summer flowers. The date is Wednesday, June 29th. at 7:30pm in the Trust Building at the school.

At a date and venue still to be arranged, we will once again be holding a Mountain Bike Challenge, courtesy of Chris Slowley at Tangent in Wotton. More details will follow in the next Newsletter, but we are possibly looking at the third week in September.

We look forward to seeing some of you at these events, so please keep your eyes open for posters around the village.
Margaret Clarke, Chairman.

Hi everyone! This is the PTA Chairman speaking, just to let you know what's been going on with the school and to give you some dates for forthcoming events.

As you can see, the front of the school is looking more attractive with the construction of the new wall and landscaped area and with more trees planted in other areas of the school grounds. The PTA have worked very hard in this centenary year and, with the help of local business people, we have been able to purchase some garden furniture that will be situated in the playground.

On Friday 8th April we held a fun casino night at Leyhill Social Club which was not very well supported in numbers, but those who attended had a very enjoyable evening.

On Saturday 21st May, starting at 2 pm, will be our Spring Fayre where there will be many stalls plus a plant and pot sale. Grand draw tickets are available from PTA Committee members and the draw will be made on the above date. First prize £100 cash! Second prize is a compact colour TV, third prize is a stereo radio cassette recorder, plus many other prizes – so please come along.

On Saturday 25th June we are holding a barn dance at the school starting at 7pm. Everyone is welcome, including children. There will be an adult bar and facilities for children's soft drinks, plus a barbecue, Tickets (£3 per family) will be available from the PTA Committee members.

On behalf of the PTA, I would like to thank parents who have contributed in this centenary year and would very much hope that we can count on your continuing and additional support in the future.
Keith Loveridge, Chairman

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13

After living in Charfield for 3½ years, my little boy decided he wanted a pet. Being six years old, I thought he was old enough to look after one. We all decided that a rabbit was the best choice. We got a rabbit hutch, went to the pet shop to get some food and drinking bottle, etc. The next thing was the rabbit! The lady in the pet shop said “Have you tried Wotton Animal Rescue?” “No, where is it?”, said I. After the reply “Near Charfield”, I felt a bit silly, because I didn't know it was there.

We telephoned Veronica Bruce, who runs the Rescue, and she told us that she didn't have any rabbits at present, but two were coming in soon. A few days later, my little boy, Anthony, went and chose ‘Thumper’, a big, fat, white & grey rabbit. At the time, I knew nothing of the rescue, so I started asking Veronica about it and I would like to share what I learned with you.

Veronica started Wotton Animal Rescue about 18 years ago. She also worked for the RSPCA on a voluntary basis for 15 years, until last Summer when she resigned because she no longer agreed with their policies.

Unlike a few Animal Rescues, the animals don't get put down after 7 days (not long, is it?). Veronica looks after them, feeds them and pays for all the vets bills until homes are found for them. The thing that shocked me most, was that a lot of animals are dumped at junction 14 of the M5 (the Falfield junction). People travel from different areas of the country on the way to their holiday destinations and, on the way, throw their unwanted pets out of the car on the slip road, then just drive down the other slip road, back on their way again! At the time of writing this, a Blue Merle Border Collie has just been rescued from the motorway. How can people do this?

Today Veronica had to pick up 8 cats from the vets, Six were neutered, one was spayed and the other cat had an eye operation. The total bill was nearly £500. Veronica has to rely on gifts and donations to pay all these costs. This is the worst time of the year for rescues and it costs £35 a time for cats to be spayed.

Recent unusual pets which arrived in February were 72 pet rats. Two months later, only three are left. So, if any little boys are looking for a pet to scare Mum, these are the ones for you!

Veronica enjoys children from Charfield and Wotton coming to help with the animals in their spare time, because all the pets need a lot of tender loving care. Any children wishing to help with the animals are very welcome, especially as Veronica works 18 hours most days. Please remember, Mums and Dads need to give their permission, but the help will be most appreciated. If you would like to call in to see the good work Veronica does, you are also most welcome. Please telephone first on 0453-84xxxx to arrange a suitable time.

There is also a donation tub at Kiosks in Charfield, it would like to make a donation, it would help a lot towards caring for the animals that Veronica rescues.

Yours With Thanks, Christine Steele.

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14

Easter has come and gone and the Mother & Toddler Group is beginning the Summer term with a new committee and some new ideas for keeping everyone amused. We would like to express many thanks to the committee who ran things last year – in particular to chairperson Tracy Francksen whose hard work was greatly appreciated by all fellow committee members. Chairing Toddlers this year is Michelle Dimes with a committee of 11 – ranging from new mums and newcomers to Charfield to ‘veterans’ (or gluttons for punishment?) returning with a second child. We would still welcome help from anyone who would like to join us – you don't have to wait until the next AGM.

On the subject of help, we are in need of a volunteer to serve drinks at Toddlers following the recent retirement of Mrs. Papani, who helped us for longer than anyone can remember. We were sorry to see her go and she will be sorely missed on Thursday mornings. She is, however, an ‘honorary life member’ and is always welcome to join us for a coffee – served, we hope, by her replacement! Anyone who can spare an hour or so from about 10:15 to 11:15 on Thursday mornings in term-time would be very much appreciated. Please call Michelle (0454-26xxxx).

So, what treats are in store for the Summer term? There will be the customary Summer picnic and coach trip, book, clothes and houseware parties and a coffee morning especially for those with new babies (Thursday, 2nd. June, 10:00 to 12:00am at xxx Woodlands Road). All this as well as our regular Thursday mornings in the village hall, where all under-3's and their mums / carers are very welcome. See you there!
Anne Mosley, Vice-Chairperson.

I am sorry to report that someone left gates open on the footpaths on Reg Baker's farm – cattle and horses went walkabout, and it is only due to good luck that no dreadful accidents were caused. Understandably, Reg Baker has secured his livestock by padlocking the gates. We hope that the installation of extra stiles might prove to be the best long-term antidote to idiots who cannot lock gates.

I ventured out with Hazel and James Stone and Jenny Honey yesterday to help plan out a route for the sponsored walk in aid of the Children's Hospice (June 25th) and covered most of the paths in the north of the parish. It was just about OK underfoot, although there were some sticky moments worthy of Julian Clary near Lower Barnes Farm. Mud notwithstanding, it was a walk to lift the spirit and blow away the cobwebs. If anyone else isn't happy with reading the footpath maps and would like a guided tour of some of the paths, give me a ring – I'd be happy to oblige.

Can all adoptive parents of footpaths please let me have their path status reports? I haven't heard from you for AGES.
Julia O'Connor-Beach, Footpath Warden.

[Advert for Patrick McNally Builder]

At a recent meeting in another local village, conversation turned to the forthcoming arrival of a group of French families as part of the village's twinning programme. It was evident that a very high proportion of the village community was involved in the forthcoming events – hosting the visitors, arranging tours, parties and other functions. In addition to planning the UK week, they were equally looking forward to a return visit later in the year.

It would be interesting to discover if the Charfield village members would be interested in being involved with a Twinning Association. If enough interest is expressed, we could then look at the idea in more detail.

If you are interested, please call Ed or Celia (0454-26xxxx).
Ed Zapata.

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First of all I would like to thank Elaine (my predecessor) for a good year – it must have been hard work! I would also like to thank the Ladies Club for their support in trying to get 12 members on the committee, but so far we have only managed to get 9 – so come on, don't be bashful! Contact me if you are interested on 26xxxx. Remember this Club is for us ladies but we need your support to help run it.

I am looking forward very much to the coming year. Our Booking Secretary last year organised some very good speakers, so we hope to continue in that vein. By the time you read this, we will have been on a trip to Cadbury World at Birmingham and no doubt we will have sampled some naughty but nice chocolate.

We meet once a month in the Memorial Hall on the 3rd Thursday of every month, except August, so come along and join us.
Julie Ash, Chairwoman

I am pleased to say we have gained some more members this year and it is also good to see more visitors joining in from time to time. Somebody must be reading our posters placed around the village each month!

April – this is the month for our group rally, held this year at Wickwar, who are the host WI. Some of our members have been busy preparing competition material: the sponges and flower arrangements will have to wait until the day. The speaker is Pat Parker; her subject: ‘Pat's Hats’. The grapevine tells me she is a very good speaker.

May – Our Annual Jumble Sale. AFWI (Avon Federation of Women's Institutes) is holding a ‘Dabble Day’ on Friday, 13th. at Thornbury Methodist Hall. You can see or try a sonar detector, learn how to bind a book, try bead decoration or china painting, use a computer or try some reflexology and have a go at many other activities. Why don't you go along? It is open to all to try something new.

June – Our speaker at this month's meeting is Mrs. Bell, her subject: ‘Harrod's Edwardian Shopping’. National event this month is the Triennial General Meeting being held in Birmingham NEC for 2 days. Mary Blundell is Charfield WI's representative at this big occasion.

July – ‘Homeopathy’: speaker is Dr. Molly Rowlands. AFWI is holding an environmental evening at Chipping Sodbury entitled ‘A Forest for Bristol’. Also this month, a class on salt dough modelling is on offer.

If you look back over the events listed, you will find something for everyone. So, if you are looking for a new interest, sport, craft or friendship, WI is the place for you.
Guilda Ludwell, President.

Northavon Resource Savers (part of Avon Friends of the Earth and funded by Northavon District Council) will be making regular collections from Charfield on the 4TH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH from April 26. They will collect from streets which have received advance notice by leaflet drop. If you have not received a leaflet and would like to have the benefit of a collection from your street, please phone 0454 22xxxx.

Resource Savers will accept: Newspapers and magazines – NOT glued catalogues and directories – there is no need to parcel these up; Aluminium foil – trays, milk bottle tops, etc.; used engine oil – in secure gallon containers; Textiles – in labelled bags; Drinks cans – NOT food tins – in sealed bags; Car batteries – NOT domestic batteries.

Items should be placed so that they can easily be seen from the road, and should be available for collection no later than 8am. Please ensure that the items cannot be blown around and cause a litter problem!

Remember to take your glass to the bottle bank at the Railway Tavern.

Please support this new service – it is for our benefit and convenience.

The work day was held as planned on 13 March (thanks to Mr. Courtenay for his help!) and the fencing and gate were duly installed and will be used to keep the sheep in the Reserve in the Autumn. In the meantime, there is no restriction on people visiting the Reserve if they wish to, as the gate is not locked at present!

For further information, please contact Allan Burberry, 0454 41xxxx.

Every Tuesday 10–11am at the Memorial Hall. Come and join us for gentle keep fit with a small group of friendly ladies.

Bored with Anne & Nick? Richard & Judy make you sick? Join us for a bit of keep fit!

17

It is time to write this – just after Easter. Of course, Easter means different things to different people. To some it means a long weekend holiday. In these days of flexible hours, some are able to add to it a few more saved up holiday days and, in that way, they are able to make it a week-long holiday, or even longer. Never in the long history of mankind have people enjoyed so many days of freedom from work as they do today. If one delves back into past time, the only holidays were the Holy Days; a Saint's day was an occasion for rejoicing and, some time off, celebration, as were Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. Things as they were and things as they are. It is easy to see that holiday is a slight corruption of ‘Holy Day’.

If we did one of the frequently occurring ‘polls’ and people were asked what was the most important religious festival in the year, I suspect that most would answer “Christmas”. Certainly, there is little doubt about it being the children's favourite. If you look at the facts of the Christian faith – the landmarks in the life of Jesus – there really is no doubt about the most important event. There is one event and one event only that is basic to Christian belief. If Jesus had been born (at Christmas) and lived an ordinary life – if He were a good man living an ordinary human life – He would have been forgotten long ago: we wouldn't even remember His birth and would not therefore celebrate Christmas. You don't celebrate the birthday of someone who doesn't afterwards grow up to be historically famous.

It is therefore not Christmas which is the most important religious festival (though it may be the most popular); what Jesus is remembered for is what happened at Easter. We celebrate His birth at Christmas because of what happened at Easter or, more accurately, at Good Friday and Easter.

Of course, some people ‘shrug off’ the Easter event – when Jesus ‘rose again’ – as if it were a made-up story, or with the vague opinion that such things just can't happen which is not a good starting point for any enquiry about anything! If you are going to assume (another assumption) that God doesn't exist, the perhaps you can also reasonably assume that such a thing as happened to Jesus cannot happen. I think that those who make such assumptions are well on the way to assuming their own conclusion by the assumptions they have already made! Not a very good way to arrive at the truth!

The New Testament – or rather the people in the New Testament – treat the whole matter in a much more realistic way than abstract arguments in the head. They simply stated what they saw happen. They saw Jesus killed. They saw him ‘finished off’ with a stroke to the heart by a spear, even giving details of what happened when this last event took place. Some of them, at least, saw where he was buried. Their hopes were blighted, their lives ruined. They were ‘traumatised’ (as we should call it today) and they suffered the limp dejection of those who had lost all heart for living. They knew it was the end, not only of their dreams for the future, it was the end of Jesus too.

If you read the next bit of the story carefully, it is quite clear that they were shocked, even horrified by what happened then. They did not believe it when it was first reported to them by the women – “hysterical women” you can hear them saying! They did not believe it until they had actually seen for themselves and then they could not help but believe it: ‘seeing is believing’. That is how down to earth their experience of Easter was: no airy-fairy fancy arguments in the head.

Soon after, when the Church was at the beginning of her life, they were to say, “It was as simple as that.” Although there is neither time nor space to go further with this now, let me end by reminding you that many of the finest minds throughout history have been convinced by the obvious simple honesty of those first followers – women and men – and have followed the always-living Christ as Friend, Saviour and Lord.

May I invite you to save this little summary and to ponder it in your minds. I am always delighted to discuss these things with anyone, at any time. If you do believe this and try to practice it, why not also come and join us in the Church sometimes? It was in the Christian fellowship then and we pray it may be now, that Christ shares in our worship and speaks to our hearts.

My love to all of you.
Ken Grant, Rector.

Services

All of our services are at 10:15 (after a number of experimental times!). You are welcome at any or all of them. Please check with the Church Notice Board (outside the Church) for details.

Plant Sale

The justly popular Plant Sale will be held in
[text truncated!]

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Once again it's time to get out those tennis rackets and blow the dust off! The season is all set for a good start on 1st April when subscriptions are due. If you wish to join here are the various rates that apply:- Adults: £13, Juniors: £5.50, Family: £30.

Visitors are very welcome. The charges are £1 for adults and 50p for juniors. In the hut is a book which we would like all visitors to sign – this will then enable us to keep a check on how many people are using the court and maybe arrange some more tournaments, or invite regular visitors to our social events.

We plan to hold barbecues, skittles evenings and American tournaments throughout the summer season – so call on Anne Stoakes at xx Horsford Road to pay your subscriptions. Her telephone number is 84xxxx. A set of rules for the Club are pinned up in the Shed.

We are planning to build a second tennis court ready for next season so hopefully we shall be able to affiliate the Club to larger clubs in the area and arrange matches.

Please do treat the court with care and attention, and do not vandalise the netting, shed or any other part of the court. Committee members spend a great deal of time making sure the court is usable and we would like as many people as possible to use the facility.

We hope to start our usual Ladies Evening on every Monday – just turn up any time from 6:30pm onwards and have a friendly game of tennis (at all levels)
Claire Haines, Secretary

There appears to be some confusion about membership of the Tennis Club. The Tennis Court is owned by the Village Hall and run by the Tennis Club. It is not a public court. Members are given a key and membership disc when they join. This is the way to get into the court, not with wire cutters or by climbing over the fence – It is not a football pitch, nor a roller-skating rink – facilities already exist, in and around the field, for these activities.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a considerable amount of damage and theft. The shed is constantly being repaired and first-aid items being replaced. Chairs are smashed and the wire netting has several large holes in it. This damage has become such a nuisance that the Police have been informed and anyone caught inside the court, who is not a member, will be dealt with by them.

The membership cost is so reasonable, there is no need for people to break in when they can buy a key. Perhaps parents will keep a check on children when they go out with their tennis racquets and make sure they have paid their annual subscription.
Anne Stoakes, Treasurer.

At the time of going to press, the current football season is reaching its conclusion. A season that has been a success for both our local sides. For the first time in several years, the Senior Side has not struggled to survive in their league, but are at the other end or the spectrum, striving for promotion to the First Division. Under the managership of Martin Raphael, the team has been in the top portion of the league all season. With three teams being promoted, Charfield are currently one of the top four teams who have been contesting the promotion places for most of the season.

The Reserve Side, under the managership of Peter Walker, have also tasted success, winning through to the final of the Stroud Charity Cup, with the final taking place at Stonehouse on Tuesday, 3rd. May, kick-off 6:30pm, against Nuclear Electric Reserves. At present, the team is in striking distance of the leaders in the Stroud League, Division 3.

The Annual Dinner & Presentation Evening will again be taking place at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club on Saturday, 14th. May. The usual rousing evening is expected, especially should any trophies be forthcoming. If previous years are anything to go by, there will be numerous sore heads for days to follow!

Before the next Newsletter is produced, thoughts will be concentrating on next season, with training starting on the field in early July. With an eye on all the new development taking place in the village, it is hoped that perhaps some new talent (with regard to football!) will be coming along to make their presence felt for the new season. Regardless of standard, anyone will be made welcome – both on the field and in the lounge bar on completion!
Clive Starkey

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The Club is looking forward to the new cricket season. Members have been practising in the indoor nets at KLB school since January, although imagine the grass pitches, which we will have to play on to begin with, will still be recovering from the rain that has fallen this year. We have a full fixture list, catering for young and old, and we look forward to meeting anyone recently moved to Charfield who wants to play.

At the beginning of last season, with great regret, the committee withdrew the Third XI from the Cheltenham & Gloucester League as we had barely enough players for two teams.

The Second XI, without key experienced players, struggled through the season, winning 4 of its 18 matches. After 6 seasons in the next to highest Division (called Division 1), the team suffered relegation. From this team however, came probably the highlight of the season i.e. the trophy for the top wicketkeeper in the Cheltenham & Gloucester League – won by Tim Carter. He also scored most of the runs for the Second XI but, together with the bowling trio of Alan Turner, Dave Terrett and Roy Bakehouse, they were unable to prevent relegation.

The First XI, under Tony Gannon, were more solid and held on to their mid-table position in the Premier Division. Alan Pearn scored nearly 450 runs. Darren Wesson's batting began to fulfil its promise, allowing him to score 100 versus Coalpit Heath and 97 not out versus Redmarley, Michael Colborn (junior) had a successful season in the First XI and, versus Cheltenham St. Stephens, bowled 10 overs, 10 maidens – he did not concede a single run! David Bradley took most wickets to earn the bowling award. On Sundays, under the Captaincy of Simon Hutley, results were mixed. The captain had a fine all-round season, supported by Terry Webb, Ashley Hannigan and Tim Carter through the long programme of matches.

The Youth XIs (under-13 & under-15) play in the Bristol & District Youth League. The Under-13 XI recorded a win against Coalpit Heath, but generally found scoring runs difficult. There were sound batting performances by Owen Lloyd, David Sellick and Stuart Graham, while Mark Spill and James Edwards proved the best of the bowlers. The Youth Player of the Year came from the Under-15 XI, in the shape of the captain, Simon Walker. Philip Pickford kept wicket well and Neil Vickers produced good spells of bowling, Thanks go to umpires John Cliff, Ray Johnson and numerous helpful parents.

We were pleased to see the work on the storage shed and covered standing area completed. The structure is of the highest quality. Whilst the Charfield Village Hall Management Committee Treasurer, Mr. J. Gillett, organised the grant aid, it left Charfield CC paying about £1,000 in a £6,500 project. We hope it will serve us for many years, as the old ‘Batley Hut’ did.

Once again, sadness has touched our club, with the deaths of Martin Murden and Roly Gabb. Martin Murden grew up in Charfield and played for our club as a teenager, Not only was he a more than useful player (top wicket keeper in the C&G League for 1982), but he held nearly every office during his lifetime with us. He never shirked work or responsibility and reminds us all what is required of a good club member. Roly Gabb, umpire and organiser, was a man of strong opinions and many, many friends, whom it was always pleasant to meet. Roly was the guest at our Presentation Evenings on numerous occasions and was still helping to run the C&G League at the age of 82. Sport, with its mixture of physical activity and social comradeship, encourages and stimulates us all and gives pleasure for most of our lives, either playing or watching. It certainly did for both Martin and Roly.

The 1992 AGM saw the resignation of our President, Ivor Morgan. A voice of experience and good advice during the life of Charfield's Second XI and the inception of Charfield's Third XI, Ivor was also the brains behind our smart, stylish features card and is a fully qualified cricket umpire, representing Charfield CC on Saturdays. He is replaced by John Cliff, a former all-rounder and Fixtures Secretary, who has already enjoyed being once more involved in the running of our club.

Club fees are noted below and a list of club officials is included in the list of village organisations at the back of the Newsletter. Please call any of us if you wish to play, score, umpire, make teas, roll the wicket or just talk about cricket. There are games every Saturday, most Sundays and evenings during the week. The new Sportsmans Lounge at the Village Hall is an ideal place from which to watch cricket and the licensee, Mr. J. Poskett, will be most pleased to see you. Please do come and make new friends.
David Bradley

Players Membership Fees – Senior Member: £21.00, Under-21 Member £10.00

Match Fees – Members: £3.50, Members not in work: £2.50, Under-15 & Under-13: 50p.

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It's only March 30th and I'm typing – Yippee!! Mary, our dear encouraging editor phoned to gee me up a bit, so here we go.

I do apologize to my fans at the risk of sounding like Mr Wogan, that did not contribute to the last edition, I seem to shut down in winter, brains and all. Anyway, we (as in the Smith household) have had a bit of domestic fun.

After 3 years of trench digging and soil watching, the Insurance Company decided to give the go ahead for my porch to be rebuilt. It had subsided due to relatively dry (don't start screaming) summers and winters, and my rampant Virginia Creeper.

So, for a while, I had my porch innards in my lounge – you know the sort of thing. Hat stand, chipped clay pot, tennis racquets etc. The porch is now rebuilt, Terry did a wonderful job. It is now crack-less and no creeper peeping through. It now houses a few artistically placed pieces and my garden gnome. I cannot trust leaving him outside as some cruel body stole my Michelin man from my front raised flower bed. He didn't have feet but was still nicked. So even though Sophie said, “Mum don't fill it up (the porch that is) with a load of old junk,” the gnome stays.

Now sometimes certain things happen that make you think some strong force has helped something on its way.

1. November 1993. The boiler of my dear woodburning stove decided that it had had enough and leaked all over the kitchen floor.

2. A letter arrived from the Gas Board stating that they were maintaining the price of supplying gas mains to your house. Was I interested? Oh, to be in control!!

and 3. An insurance policy that I had been paying into for 15 years paid out. ALL IN THE SAME WEEK. Well, I had the go ahead, didn't I? Before long, after chatting to Steve about BTU's and Cast Iron Boilers I could be found running around the house screaming, “I'm having the gas, I'm having the gas.”

On the day of installation, a young lad called. Well I knew instantly I was old enough to be his mother. After six cups of tea and one of those yummy coffee and apple doughnuts from the Post Office, I asked him. He was 22 and qualified to rip up my floorboards, blow torch all the pipes and install wonderful efficient gas central heating.

I threatened, on completion, to run naked through the house (after the young lad had gone, of course) but my family decided that we lived far too close to the playing field for that. But the delight of having heating upstairs and down and on cold mornings to put your arm out of bed and know that the rest of your body can follow 'cos it's so cosy.

Now a tale of re-uniting: Christmas Eve, 7 o'clockish and yes, I'm still delivering my Charfield Christmas cards, we call into Jones' Garage for diesel. Lawrence wanted something from the back of the car, we opened up, sorted him out and set off for London.

We visited London, dined, wined, enjoyed family festivities and then on to Kent for more family gatherings. It was at Kent, and the car a bit clearer of gifts, that I spied my black boot, all alone. “Where's my other boot, Keith?” I asked. “Well I don't know, do I?” He replied in an unfestive manner. “Well you packed.”

Process of deduction. It was either on our drive, or in the gutter outside my Mums. Neither place was fruitful.

I thought about Jones' Garage and asked Keith. He said that if he'd found my old boot he'd chuck it in the wheely bin. So I phoned. Kevin answered. “Now Kevin,” I started, “I'm going to ask you a funny sort of question. On the night of Christmas Eve, at your garage, I opened the boot and on the subject of boots, I've lost one.”

“Oh,” he said, “Do you mean this old wrinkly black thing that was found by the diesel pump and is now sitting here on the oil cans?” Now does that restore your faith, or what?

Two weeks after all the gas business was done, two insurance bods arrived on my doorstep, unplanned, no previous phone call, 7.15 pm-ish. I'm standing there in one of Keith old dressing gowns, hair in heated rollers, about to go out boogieing. “Oh, come in,” I invited. “I suppose you think you're going to talk me into taking out another policy?” “Well, yes,” they replied, looking quite gleeful. “Well,” I said, “I've spent it and your leaning against it.” They slid away from one of my new gleaming, steaming radiators and left.

And finally … This will get all the parents of the little angels at Charfield Primary thinking. Most of you know I supervise there at lunchtime. Whilst pouring out a glass of water to someone's little love, the child looked up at me and asked, “Has you hair seen a brush this week, Miss?”

On the 5th. of April this year, under the cover of broad daylight, the Police Station opened its doors to the people of Charfield!

For many years and numerous episodes of the TV series ‘Heartbeat’, I have waited patiently for a rural area station to become available. Nowadays, rural area Police Stations are declining as fast as red telephone boxes. Some people call it progress, but I've got other ideas …

I have arrived and I am here to stay.

You may be unaware of my presence, but I want you to feel safe in the knowledge that the Police Station is there if you need to call on me. Policing isn't only about solving crimes and catching criminals. It's about creating and maintaining a close relationship with the community – a partnership of mutual understanding and respect, if you like. So do stop me if you see me and have a chat – I won't bite you!

On a more serious note, I have to say, being a ‘one man band’, I am unable to police the village 24 hours a day. “An outrage!”, I hear you cry. Crime doesn't clock on or off, so here is what you do …

Get in touch with the Police at once if you see anything that strikes you as suspicious, such as someone lurking about your neighbour's home, or trying car doors. My colleagues at Chipping Sodbury Police Station are on call day and night and won't mind if it turns out to be a false alarm: they would much rather take no chances.

Ring at once – seconds count.

What to do …

Dial 999. Ask for Police. Tell them as much as you can:

• Where the incident happened.
• The number of people involved.
• Description of the suspects.
• Details of the incident.
• Registration numbers of any vehicles involved and direction of travel.
• Your name and address will help, but they are not essential.

If the incident is not an emergency, you should ring 0272-62xxxx (Staple Hill Police Station, listed on the back, page) to keep the 999 lines clear.

May I wish you ‘All The Best’ for '94. Also my deepest thanks to ex-Charfield Constable, Simon Bee, for his help and advice.
PC James Stewart, Charfield Police.

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It is now just over a year since we started our Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Charfield and time to hold our first AGM. We had a very good turnout – 70–80 people. Our guest speaker was Inspector Palfreman and we were also able to meet our new Community Beat Officer, PC James Stewart. For those who were unable to attend the meeting, I shall try to give a quick summary here.

Our Co-ordinator, the Rev David Parker, opened the meeting and thanked all those who had helped to start the scheme. He then introduced Inspector Palfreman who told us the following:

We are part of Filton District, a large area covering both North & South of the M4. Inspector Palfreman is in charge of the area North of the M4. This area stretches East to the Wiltshire border and North to Gloucestershire and includes the towns of Thornbury, Yate and Chipping Sodbury. There are approximately 50 police officers to cover this area, of these, 9 are Community Beat Officers. They will have fixed areas in which the work, in the main, and will get to know those communities. We are very fortunate to have one of these Officers in Charfield and should “Enjoy him while he's with us”.

In 1993, there were 17,000 crimes in Filton District: c.5,000 in Yate/Sodbury and c.200 in Charfield beat, including surrounding, smaller villages. Whilst not being complacent, we should consider ourselves lucky that crime levels here are so low, although this is no consolation to victims.

The Inspector said it is hard to get below a certain base level of crime with the difficulties in addressing opportunist crime. Whilst we may know a car will be broken into in Charfield beat every 2–3 days, being a rural area, we don't know where, unlike in Bristol, where large car parks will be the focus for this sort of crime and are more easily patrolled.

He was very encouraged by the turnout for the meeting and considered this evidence of a viable Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Inspector Palfreman said he would like to encourage people to volunteer as Special Constables as this is a very worthwhile way of serving the community. There used to be 3 Specials in a much smaller Charfield, at present we don't have any. So, how about it?

Next we welcomed PC Stewart. It is going to take a little time for him to get to know the area and he is very keen that people should get in touch with him to let him know what is going on. A knock on his door, or note through his letterbox – preferably in daylight hours, but at any time if urgent. He hopes to have more time to talk more informally at the next contacts meeting.

The next contacts meeting will be on July 7th. at 7:30pm in the Sportsmans Lounge, Village Hall.

Now the usual reminder about phone numbers. In an emergency, dial 999. For all other matters, call Staple Hill (0272-62xxxx). Sodbury & Thornbury don't always have someone to answer the phone, though I'm told there may be Officers working out of these stations.
Ilze Hicks, Administrator.

The cars speed through the village
Like they're on a racing track
And us poor pedestrians
We have to mind our backs
We have to be extra careful
To stay alive, and not be dead
To live to see another day
We need eyes all round our heads
One day when I was near the Tavern
An impatient driver couldn't wait
He overtook on the nearside
Came towards me on the pavement
It gave me quite a fright
I was but a yard away
He just gave me a sickly grin
And carried on his way
It amazes me some times
The silly things that drivers do
I think that some want locking up
Down in Bristol Zoo.
I wonder very often
How did they pass their tests
It must be much too easy
But on on the day they did their best
They think they know it all
When they can do as they like
They think they are the best
They ignore the speed limits
Forget the highway code
I don't feel at all safe
When I try to cross the road.
Pedestrians take life in their hands
The traffic won't slow down
And it just keeps on coming
It's much worse than in town
We need pedestrian crossing
And traffic lights and such.
But I suppose I'm asking just
A little bit too much.

Ethel Williams

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The AGM was held on 7th April and the Chairman and Treasurer gave their reports on the year's activities. The new committee was elected and there are very few changes in the line-up as compared with last year. There remain 5 slots open – one elective; 4 co-optive – and not all clubs have managed to find someone to represent them. All these slots can be filled in the course of the year, subject to committee approval. A Secretary is also being sought as Julia O'Connor-Beach has stepped down.

As this is the last time that this particular Secretary will write the Committee's report to the Newsletter, I'll come out from behind the voluminous skirts of the Committee, and speak a little more freely than I have in the past. Whenever hard facts are spelt out, someone always takes umbrage, so I'll carry the can this time, if necessary. (It is a far, far better thing I do …)

The installation of a path from Catherine Close to the car park has often been requested over the years. It would save a lot of people a large detour when conditions underfoot are just too wet and muddy to risk crossing the field. It is therefore gobsmackingly bewildering that the Committee's plea in the last CHADRA issue for helpers on this project was answered with a thundering silence. Not ONE of over 3000 Charfield villagers declared themselves ready to help.

I feel compelled, therefore, to reiterate the FACT that the Hall and Playing Field are owned and run by Charfield villagers; the FACT that the income to pay for the day-to-day running costs is generated by the bar, the hire fees, the Summer Fayre, the 200 club, and other fund-raising activities, such as, the bingo evenings, 6-a-side competition, treasure hunts, et al; the FACT that major projects are funded by grants AND further fund-raising events; the FACT that no funds are received from Northavon or Avon for the day-to-day overheads.

It is a FACT that the running of the facility currently rests on the sagging shoulders of a dwindling few stalwarts who are often disheartened at the lack of support shown by the silent majority of villagers. For example, it certainly is wonderful to see how many families are enjoying the new play area – how is it that the various fund-raising events (the beetle drives, family discos, treasure hunts, etc.) organised by the play area sub-committee were not supported by the same numbers, or that the tons of play bark were shifted by a lonely few?

It is a hard FACT that, in a semi-rural location, we do not have the benefit of as many state- or council-provided facilities and resources as, say, an inner-city area. You could say that the semi-rural life is more ‘DIY’. We have to work harder at creating community spirit and improving our shared quality of life – it all depends on everybody contributing a little. In the end, we get the community we deserve.

So, to return to the Catherine Close path project. We are pleased to report that funding has been received for the landscaping, and funding is expected for the path itself. BOTH grants are made for COMMUNITY projects and depend on a large percentage of the work being done BY the community itself. Bearing this in mind, would all of you, especially those who will use the path and those who have asked for it over the years, please give the matter some serious thought and see if you can't spare an hour or two on the project? The heavy work will be done by contractors, but the planting needs to be done, and the topsoil and turf taken from the path's route should be used to finish off the play area mound. Please pick up the phone, dial 0454-26xxxx, and let us know that you wish the project to go ahead and are willing to do something to help!

The same goes for the Summer Fayre – the request for offers of help fell on deaf ears, The Summer Fayre cannot be a success, either as a village event or as a fund-raiser, without the wholehearted commitment of the village. Specifically, we are looking for help in selling programmes before the day, and on the morning (setting-up, raising tents, etc.), during the event (running stalls, e.g., guess the weight of a sheep, apple-bobbing, hoopla, horseshoe throwing, tossing the hay bale, stocks, etc.), and after the event (clearing up). We also look forward to enthusiastic support of the sports events …

If you are willing to donate a jar of home-made jam or a cake, or run a stall with a neighbour, or put forward a tug of war team – anything at all – give us a call (0453 84xxxx – Ken / 0454 26xxxx – Julia) and let us know if you are willing to join in. As the Chinese laundryman said, “no tickee, no shirtee”. Without your help, the Fayre will be a wash-out, rain or no rain.

As Mandy Bird said in her last play area 25 report in the last issue, those who pull their weight know who they are and need not feel addressed by any of the above – the Committee is grateful for their continuing support. BUT, if you haven't yet put a toe into the water, please take up the challenge now – you might even find you like it!

With best wishes,
Julia O'Connor-Beach, Secretary (Retired!)

It seems like only yesterday that I sat down to write the last episode of the continuing Parish Council saga. I had better start with an update of projects mentioned in the last Newsletter.

The Highways Department have now discovered that we are unable to put up a bus shelter at the corner of Wotton Road and New Street because of a clause in the original purchase agreement which specifically precludes the use of the land for a bus stop. Sorry to those bus passengers who had hoped to stay dry.

The footbridge over the railway and the footpath to Little Bristol are still in hand, and we have been told that the footbridge is due to be completed by October.

The tidying of the site office area at the entrance to Manor Lane is providing much aggravation. Having contacted one owner who did not feel that the area belonged to him, we wrote to the land registration office only to be told that it in fact belonged to two different liquidators. We have sought legal advice and now await replies from various bodies. I only hope we get to the bottom of it all before the building falls down of its own accord. It would be nice to have this area looking tidy again.

Talking about tidying up the village, Mr. M. Burfield has offered to sponsor a project which hopefully will do just this. He has generously offered to provide money for a major up clean of the village. He is also hoping that the Parish will be able to employ someone to clean the village on a regular basis once an initial purge has been completed. We will be contacting other companies locally to see if they are also willing to support this idea. We will keep you all posted about the major clean up and hope that young and old will feel motivated enough to join in.

One item of concern which has raised its head over the last month is the lack of care taken by a minority of the footpath walkers in the area regarding closing of gates. On one occasion three gates were left open along one path which allowed various livestock to wander along lanes and roads where they were a definite danger to cars, pedestrians, and themselves. Please remember the country code and shut gates behind you.

It was encouraging to see such a large attendance at our last meeting. Was it my invitation or the fact that the change of use of one of the shops was on the agenda? Oh well, whatever the reason, the Parish Council appreciated hearing parishioners' views and it is your views that we need to help us make important decisions affecting all the village.

Please remember that anyone can come to the Parish Council meetings and there is a public participation slot which allows you to have a say.
Jane Hall, Chair, Charfield Parish Council

Spring is here! It's time to dust off the barbecues and enjoy the warm sunny weather, when it arrives. Here's a recipe for Barbecue Beef Burgers for you to try:

Ingredients:
1lb minced beef
2oz dried onions
1oz dried stuffing mix
3tbsp tomato ketchup
1tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 beef Oxo cube – crumbled
3 heaped tsp dried mixed herbs
4oz fresh breadcrumbs
1 egg to bind

Mix together all the above ingredients thoroughly and divide into 8. Shape into round burger shapes (this is much easier with a burger press, which makes a firmer burger which will not collapse during cooking). Cook on a hot barbecue until well browned on both sides and cooked through. For special occasions substitute minced rump steak for the minced beef. Why not try chilli burgers or curry burgers? Simply use 1 tsp of chilli/curry powder instead of the dried herbs.

Here's a tip for delicious garlic bread to go with your burgers. Use the part baked white baguettes available from supermarkets. Before baking, cut each loaf into thick slices but take care not to slice all the way through. Spread each slice on both sides with garlic butter and wrap the loaf in tin foil. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions and open the foil 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time to allow the bread to brown.

This method will allow the garlic butter to seep into the bread whilst cooking. Yum!
Diane Julian, xx Manor Lane

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This year's league commences on 13 May. Last year's winners, North Nibley, had to wait until the last kick of the very last game to know if they had won the league.

Games are played on the Memorial Hall Playing Field every Friday starting at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00 pm. The Sportsmen's Lounge Bar is open during and after the matches. Why not come along and watch and bring the children too, as they can amuse themselves on the new play equipment, and round off the day in the Lounge Bar where you can watch the world Cup matches.

The standard of football is very good with teams from Charfield, Wotton, Wickwar, Winterbourne, and Hillesley trying to take Nibley's title from them.

Please come along and support the teams and have an enjoyable evening yourself!

[Advert for Happy Shopper, Open all Hours]

I haven't written about this scheme for some time, so this is just to let you know that it is still operating. Charfield must be a healthy place to live in nowadays, as there aren't many calls for help to drive people to and from the doctors, dentists or hospitals. Our doctors do try to arrange transport to hospitals for the elderly and the disabled and I think that the white buses are a help for visits to the doctors and dentists in Wotton. If, however, anybody has difficulty in keeping an appointment, please let me know.

Should this scheme become busier, it might be difficult to provide a driver, as our last appeal in the Newsletter and the Gazette brought no response. Is there a volunteer with free time during the day willing to help occasionally? If so, please contact me.
Muriel Blower

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

Well, is our winter finally over? I do hope so! Not that we hereabouts have suffered such severe weather as some people in this country. Although, on a couple of occasions when walking to work in the sprinkling of snow we did have, it was a case of one step forwards and two back. Next Winter, I think I will wear my rubber boots as they may grip better. On the other hand, I don't quite know what the boss would say about me hoovering and dusting in wellingtons!

Some people have said I can be a generous person. Right, this week's free offer – a bad back! Even two cats were fed up with me the other night, with my twisting and turning, and they have their own bed!

Thank you to all who attended the concert on Good Friday. Special thanks must go to our staunch friends who always serve the tea and buns afterwards (oh, and my coffee!), May I also thank Miss M. Turner and the Rev. P. Hopes for introducing me into the Kingswoood Choir, which leads me to a final note from Psalm 33:

‘Sing unto him a new song, Play skilfully with a loud noise.’
Ruth.

27

The AGM was held at the last meeting. Only regular attenders were present, although we did have two new volunteers to help with the Newsletter – thanks to them. Minutes were read and approved and officers were appointed in the normal way. The post of Chairman has been left vacant following the departure of Mike Cheskin. Thanks to Mike for all his efforts over the years.

The regular meeting followed during which an important item of discussion was the Newsletter front page. We run out of the existing pre-printed cover pages within the next issue or so. It is agreed that a new cover format is now needed – but what? Ideas have been asked for (and a few received) in the past, but none has ‘jumped off the page’, To avoid an embarrassingly blank cover, we must resolve this at our next meeting at the end of June. It would be great to know what you, the readers, would like to see.

We've made quite a few changes recently and the feedback has been generally favourable – even the criticisms have been mostly constructive! We're delighted at the advertising support by local businesses and that so many village organisations contribute (thanks to all of you). The big question is, where to go from here? For the front page – newspaper style; magazine style; or what? For the body – more ‘newsy’ reporting; more graphics; or what? We need your thoughts & suggestions.

Please contact me with your criticisms (or praise!), sketches, page layouts, examples and other ideas as soon as possible and not later than early June. Phone me, knock on the door or post something through the letterbox – I'll be glad to hear from you. This is your opportunity to have a say in the appearance and content of your village Newsletter – don't waste it!

Thanks.
Mark Julian

[Advert for The Plough Inn]

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Tel Nos commencing 84 use STD code 0453, all others use STD code 0454. If any information shown is incorrect, please contact the Editors as soon as possible so that amendments can be made before the next issue.

Baby Sitting Circle
Lisa Tucker (Secretary) 26xxxx

British Legion
Mr J Poskett (Spokesman) 26xxxx

Brownies – 2nd Charfield
Mrs T Cole 84xxxx

CHADRA
Mr G Blower (Hon. Sec.) 26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
C F Sreeves (Headteacher) 26xxxx

Childminders
Theresa Wildman (Secretary) 26xxxx

Congregational Church
Miss M Turner (Sec) xx Charfield Green

Council – Charfield Parish
Catherine Holmes (Clerk) 84xxxx

Council – Northavon District
Mr E Gadsby (Councillor) 26xxxx

Cricket Club
Mrs D Bradley (Secretary) 84xxxx

Cubs – 1st Woodend Lions
Mrs A Chappell (Akela)

Cubs – 1st Woodend Tigers
Mr M Cheskin (Akela) 84xxxx

Football Club
Chris Somerton (Secretary) 84xxxx

Friendship Club
Mr E Orton (Chairman) 26xxxx

Guides – 1st Charfield
Tonia Williams (Leader) 84xxxx

Guides – Rainbows
Mrs A Nixon 26xxxx

Guides – Wotton & District Association
Marion Smith (District Commissioner)

Hall Management Committee
Mr J Poskett (Chairman) 26xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Mrs C Parfit 26xxxx

Ladies Club
Mrs J Ash 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Mrs J Higgins 26xxxx

Mothers & Toddlers
Gill Brown (Secretary) 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
Rev D Parker (Co-ordinator) 26xxxx
Ilze Hicks (Administrator)