CHADRA

THAT PC Stewart now has the assistance of a Special Constable – Stephen Davies from Cromhall

THAT streams within Charfield Parish tested by the NRA show low water quality? So no paddling!

THAT not many availed themselves of the Open Day at Charfield Sewage Treatment Works? A pity, because free samples were on offer, including packets of dried sewage sludge and a ‘Gordon Pooh’ cookbook …

THAT someone is pinching the aluminium we are putting out for recycling before the official collectors arrive? If caught, could they end up in the can? Who could it be?

THAT 18 youths have been booked on public order offences in Manor Lane, where trouble has been so often reported in the past?

ABOUT Charfield's railway station? – neither have we!

THAT a 24hr darts marathon held in the village as a fundraiser for the Children's Hospice SW brought in £1000?

THAT the shelter erected on the playing field cost in excess of £5000 – paid for from Parish Council funds?

THAT the ‘pinch point’ bollard outside the Congregational Church was demolished by a careless driver and comments were heard in the village to the effect of: ‘That shows how dangerous it is!’ What is? The pinch point, careless driving, or both!

THAT recently replaced young trees along Little Bristol Lane have been deliberately broken again? More expense for the public purse – if we are lucky enough to have them replaced again.

THAT the Northavon Local Plan is at the Deposit Draft stage? It lays down the strategy and general policy for development until the year 2001. Speak now, or hold your peace for 6 years …

THAT the Christmas Tree recycling scheme will be in operation again this year at the Memorial Hall car park?

THAT the Parochial Church Council has applied to have St James' Church burial ground closed?

THAT a lady from Woodlands Road won £500 worth of Tesco vouchers in a recent ‘Gazette’ competition? No begging letters, please.

Merry Xmas
and a
Happy New Year
to all our
Fellow Villagers

Fetch a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and read on …

2

Dear Charfield Residents,

This newsletter has been a real team effort – Mark handed over responsibility for stencil production to me, but kindly continued with the adverts, and Jo Pearson answered his plea in the last issue for helpers, and has typed the bulk of the articles ready for the layout stage. John does the printing, Angela and Marion the collating, and umpteen helpers deliver to the village. What with Jo, David Woodhouse, and Dan Lane all joining the CHADRA committee meetings, we are really delighted with the response.

We must thank all the advertisers for their support, and all contributors for their articles. We are missing some regular items (Marilyn's Bit, various sports clubs, Notes from the Potting Shed) – they won't escape so easily next time! Do remember that this is your newsletter and your articles would be very welcome indeed. There are various items in this issue which I am sure will provoke a response from you – pick up a pen and let us know your opinion!

For those of you who are computer literate, unlike myself, this file is now 2.547 megs in size. Quite enough, I think, so I'll sign off before my system requires another shovel of coal.

Julia O'Connor-Beach

Next Copy Date – 12th January 1996

Geoffrey Blower, xx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Copy – Geoff, our Secretary, co-ordinates all copy for the Newsletter.

Typesetting – is done by Jo Pearson and Julia O'Connor-Beach.

John Butler, xx Underhill Road
01454-26xxxx
Duplication – John handles physical production of the Newsletter.

Marion & Angela Smith, xxx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Distribution – Marion & Angela collate the Newsletter and organise distribution through a team of volunteers.

Julia O'Connor-Beach, xx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Payments – Julia is Treasurer and deals with subscriptions & advertising payments.

3[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Design]

Were you in and around the village at the end of July/beginning of August? If so, did you happen to see groups of youths with good suntans out walking in all the glorious weather? You did – well they could have been some of the Maltese Scouts who were over here for a 2 week camp. But let me start at the beginning …

Back at Easter, 32 of our Scouts, Venture Scouts, and leaders went to Malta as part of our ongoing connection with the Fgura Scout Group on the island. This association, started by Bryan Wright our Scout leader when he was in charge of a campsite near London, has developed over the years and our recent trip was the second that the group has made to Malta. We received a very warm welcome from our hosts, who could not do enough for us. The trip was a great success and will be remembered by all who took part, not only for the experience of visiting a different country and the activities undertaken but also for the hospitality we received and friendships made.

We camped in the island scout HQ – an old fort – which was outside Valetta, very convenient for transport to all parts of the island. The Scouts and Ventures ran separate programmes, the Scouts organised by Bryan, Dave, Lynn and Gillian, while Keith and I tried to look after the Ventures – or did they look after us? Much of the programme consisted of joint activities with members of the Fgura group which helped to bring the two groups together.

Apart from seeing as much of the island as possible, we undertook activities such as scuba diving, discovering the Maltese history, abseiling, 2 and 3 day expeditions, Easter parades, caving, trips to the blue lagoon, Popeye Island, etc etc. The highlights of the trip for me were: Scuba diving – I wish I had done it years ago. To swim in amongst the fish, handle living sponges and even an octopus was very different from our training session in a swimming pool. The Easter parade, when the Ventures joined the Fgura group in their parade when the statues from the church are taken around the village. We were divided into teams of 4 and assigned to a statue which we had to support during the carrying teams' rest periods. We made history by getting Polly to participate – the first female ever to do so.

The 3 day Expedition where the Ventures went off on their own across both Malta and Gozo. Their first aid training – most holding a Red Cross certificate – came in useful to treat one of the Maltese who came down a cliff rather faster than he went up – thankfully, after being patched up in hospital, he was OK so continued with the group. The busses – after each journey it is obvious why they all have small shrines next to the drivers!! As Keith and I are old vehicle fanatics we were in seventh heaven. Last not least, a day of fun and games on the beach with the entire Fgura group and the farewell party both memorable for the fun and friendship enjoyed by all of us. All too soon our two weeks were up and it was a much quieter group which staggered back on to the plane for our return – could it have been the home-made wine quaffed at the farewell party?

Now to bring the story up to date. The 4Fgura group had accepted our invitation for a return visit and they were to stay at two locations – our own campsite at Avening Green and the County Campsite at Woodhouse Park near Tockington. Avening Green needed a great deal of work, so a major refurbishment programme was started to rewire and fit electric showers, water heating, lights etc., as well as a repaint and major hedge trim. Doesn't time fly when there is a lot to do! Rumours that some of us were living there were not true – it just seemed that way. Before we knew it, the Maltese were at Gatwick and a packed fortnight had begun.

The weather was hotter than in Malta, much to the visitors' surprise, as they had come equipped for a typical British Summer! Activities included much walking, trips to Alton Towers, London, Bristol, the balloon festival, Wales (to climb Sugar Loaf), Cheddar Gorge, and caving in the Mendips, etc. Many activities were done jointly with our scouts, many of whom camped with the Maltese. On the last day, we arranged a day of fun and games for the whole group, parents, guests from our district. Most games consisted of getting wet – some more than others – followed by a BBQ, camp fire, and finishing off with a disco. My apologies to the residents of Avening Green for all the noise. I hope we did not keep you awake too late! It was a greet day and rounded off their trip in style. All too soon it was time to goodbye at Gatwick, where a few tears were shed as our friends disappeared through the departure gate. It's amazing how quickly young love can blossom …!

This whole exchange could not have taken place without a great deal of hard work by the committee members and leaders for all the planning, arranging, fund raising and work that was involved. It also cost the group a large amount both in subsidies for our trip and our hosting expenses. A major blow was our group minibus which died just before the Maltese arrived. We managed to borrow replacements from Falfield Scouts and the Scout Enterprises – many thanks to both these organisations and also to Barry and Keith who acted as drivers. If anyone knows of a replacement Mercedes engine, I know of a good home for it!

Looking back over the whole experience, the question has to be asked: was it worth it? YES, definitely. I am sure that the memories, experiences, and friendships will be with us for a very long time. Now we start planning for our next trip in 3 years' time …

My thanks to all who made it possible.

Duncan Lamont (GSL)

Another summer has come and gone without anything being done about the unsightly piece of land, corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road. Visitors and prospective buyers are met with this shocking mess! After many enquiries as to why this is left in this disgusting way year after year, I have been informed that ‘we don't know who owns this piece of land, without their permission we cannot do anything about it’.

It is time this decrepit shed was pulled down and the site tidied up. It seems peculiar to me. Who gave permission for the Dog Litter box and the boarding up of the derelict shed? Not only is this a blot on the landscape. The weeds etc are a health hazard to asthma sufferers etc. The beautiful willow tree should be trimmed to allow pedestrians access to the footpath.

Charfield could be a pretty village. It is time action was taken and the residents took a little interest in their surroundings. As long as we all walk by and turn a blind eye, we have no chance of seeing any improvement.

At this point, I would like to thank PC Stewart for his endeavours in trying to make Charfield a better place!

Olive Holloway

I would like to introduce myself and the new committee duly elected at the Playgroup's recent AGM. I am pleased to say that several of the previous committee and helpers have agreed to give their support for another year.

The new committee is as follows: Gary Britton, Chairperson, 01453 52xxxx; Lynn Clarke, Vice Chairperson, 01453 84xxxx; Anne Mosley, Treasurer, 01454 26xxxx; Tracey Knowles, Secretary, 01454 26xxxx; Lesley Frankham, Admissions Secretary, 01453 84xxxx.

Your support and contributions will be much appreciated in the Playgroup's forthcoming events – for details, please refer to the Village Diary page.

On a final note, Sally and Liz would like to say a big Thank You for the flowers and vouchers they received from the mums and children of the Playgroup last term.

Tracy Knowles, Secretary

5[Advert for The Pear Tree Inn]

As a member of what is so often referred to as a group of “noisy youths”, namely those which congregate on Manor Lane, I would like to convey our anger at the unfair and unjust way in which the residents of this village have treated us over the previous 12 months.

In the latest edition of CHADRA's Newsletter, dated Summer 1995, PC James Stewart describes Operation Foster. He claimed that there has been “cause for complaint due to damage, abuse of alcohol, drugs, excessive noise and antisocial behaviour”. I would like to point out to the majority of the village that it is statements such as these that have fuelled a false and unclear view of us, and that such complaints are often unjustified.

I use the term “often unjustified” as I cannot deny that sometimes we do drink, that some nights we do make noise (although rarely excessive) and that on occasions we have been treated in such a manner that our provoked response may have been viewed as antisocial.

It is a minority of residents that do complain about our behaviour. Usually, if residents are upset or offended by our actions or the level of noise we make, more often than not they will personally ask us to kindly tone it down. However, the aforementioned minority seem determined to give us a hard time and find it necessary to call the police. This has proved to be a complete waste of police time and resources. On average, over the last year we have been visited by the police, whether it is PC Stewart himself or a Chipping Sodbury riot van, about one a week. Despite this continuous harassment no major action has ever been taken, simply because we have done nothing wrong. We are merely asked to comply with their requests. If the residents who called them had done likewise, in a reasonable manner, we would have listened. As it is, when they do confront us it is in a hostile manner, which can sometimes lead to hostility in return, which causes them to complain further.

We have had a large number of residents approach us, many from Manor Lane, and say that they have never found any reason to complain and that they also feel that the majority of complaints are uncalled for.

I hope, although regretfully doubt, that this letter, should it be printed uncensored, will cause people to rethink their opinions of us and realise that we are not a group of drunken hooligans out to cause trouble. All we ask is that residents accept that if they see us as a problem they will have to come to terms with it and realise that that there is nowhere else to go. We all live in a close proximity to the area, which over the years has become a natural meeting place.

Should you have any response to this letter, please do come and discuss it with us, in a civilised manner, and hopefully this situation, which has long since got out of hand, can be resolved.

On behalf of the Youth of Charfield.

(Name and address of writer withheld by request.)

The above has neither been ‘censored’ nor edited for any reason. CHADRA would welcome your response to the above

6

What appears in this county in Autumn and is the direct result of the efforts of a Canadian, an American, and a Frenchwoman? The answer is the Royal British Legion Poppy, sold annually in early November to raise money for the care of ex-Servicemen and women.

In May 1915, during a lull in the Battle of Second Ypres (in which, incidentally, Alex and Harry Hughes of Charfield died), a distinguished Canadian Medical officer, Lt Col John McCrae wrote the following poignant poem, after witnessing the death of a fellow officer:

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' fields.

These verses were published anonymously in ‘Punch’ in December 1915 and moved many people, amongst them an American lady, Miss Moina Michael, who was employed by the YMCA as a secretary. On 9 November 1918, two days before the Armistice, Miss Michael received a small gift of money, which she used to purchase twenty five poppies. One she wore herself, the rest she sold to her colleagues, in exchange for a charitable donation. Madame Guerin, a Frenchwoman and colleague of Miss Michael, then arranged for artificial poppies to be manufactured in the devastated areas of Northern France, by women, for the benefit of children. She then had the idea that poppies might be sold for the benefit of ex-servicemen and their dependants and actively promoted the idea in several countries, including Britain.

In 1921 Madame Guerin contacted Colonel Crosfield of the newly founded British Legion to interest him in this method of fund raising. An initial order for one and a half million poppies was placed, for sale on Armistice Day, 11 November 1921.

The public response was overwhelming. Poppy sellers were eagerly sought out by people anxious to acquire what was for many a symbol or the battlefield and to contribute to a cause with which they readily identified. In some places, Norwich was one, city centre stocks quickly sold out and outlying areas had to be scoured for surplus supplies; in others groups set about making their own poppies to sell. This first Poppy Appeal raised £106,000 – a sizeable sum for those days.

The success of the 1921 Appeal led to the British Legion setting up its own poppy manufacturing facility, in London's Bermondsey, where five disabled veterans were employed. Their numbers grew steadily and in the 1930's, when they reached fifty, new premises were established at Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, near to the present site where over a hundred disabled persons now work.

By 1928 Poppy Day receipts had reached £500,000 and the practice of wearing one on Armistice Day was almost universal. Poppy wreaths were now manufactured – half a million in 1929 – and laid at War Memorials throughout the country and, of course, by the Royal Family at the national Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.

Following the Second World War the poppy, though identified particularly with the main battlefields of the First, was retained as a symbol of remembrance, Armistice Day was however no longer observed on 1 November, having been superseded by Remembrance Sunday. The Poppy Appeal continues to be one of the most readily supported Charities and in 1992, the now Royal British Legion Factory produced 34 million poppies, 4 million remembrance petals, 80,000 wreaths and 400,000 crosses. Proceeds of collections exceeded £9 million.

Sadly, John McCrae was not to witness the adoption of the poppy as the symbol of remembrance. Having spent over 3 long years attending to the sick and wounded he contracted pneumonia, followed by meningitis. He died on 28 January 1918 and was buried in the beautiful cemetery at Wimereux, Near Boulogne, which overlooks the English Channel. The poppies, about which he wrote so movingly, still grow abundantly on the former battlefield, a memorial to those John McCrae wished not to be forgotten.

Graham Adams

7

The WFA is a national organisation formed in 1980 with several thousand members. Its principal aims are to further interest in the 1914–18 war and to perpetuate the memory of all who served in it. It has a large number of branches and the Avon Branch, which serves this area, meets monthly in Kingswood (Bristol) and has a full programme of speakers lined up for 1996. Anyone wishing to know more about the WFA is welcome to telephone Graham Adams on 01454 26xxxx.

This is a brief recap of Youth Club events; for those of you that know Charfield has a Youth Club. If you didn't you do now! So why not pack your kids along to the memorial hall, 8.00–10.30, Tuesday evenings.

Now looking back through the diary we arrive at the 14th May. This was when members, friends and family united to take part in the “Lloyds Bank Forest Challenge”, in aid of Meningitis. The challenge was held at Old Down Country Park, Near Thornbury. The teams consisted of six people and a bucketful of water. Between the team they had to carry the bucket around the assault course without spilling any. This proved messy, but a fun day was had by all.

The junior team ranging from 10–12 years, gained a first place for their age group, well done to them. The winning team were presented with a trophy from the Manager of Wotton's Lloyds Bank. The adult team pulled in at third place in their section, so well done to them as well.

Being an energetic bunch members then took part in a sponsored sleep-out in aid of the homeless. At the sleep-out members enjoyed a barbecue and games. All who attended slept outside under the stars, with one exception who crawled off to a tent. Mentioning no names but he did it quite ‘Slowley’, sorry Chris!

All this doesn't mean we have not been active inside the Youth Club. The Youth Club offers many facilities for the members, such as table tennis, snooker/pool, darts, board games and videos. The members also participate in outdoor games when the weather is good. You can also bring your own tapes for the stereo, as not everyone has the same taste. The Youth Club has its own tuck-shop for all your hunger needs; the shop sells sweets and soft drinks. Last year's indoor activities included making chess sets from moulds. The sets will eventually be sold or raffled to help raise money for the Youth Club funds. So as you can see, we not only raise money for charities but for our Youth Club as well.

D M Lane

In recent months Wotton-under-Edge has acquired a Bridge Club, based at The Swan in Market Street. It meets each Wednesday at 7.30 pm and all are welcome – if you haven't got a partner we will provide one.

The standard of play is pretty random but everyone does have a good time, nothing is taken too seriously. Results too can be fairly scattered with one pair recently coming bottom by a mile one week and top, also by a mile, the following week. Most players do use the UKs Acol bidding system but Culbertson too still has his followers. If you do play bridge but not in a club then you too will be using one of those systems – even if you don't recognise the name – so feel free to join us any week to see if you'd like it.

It is important to the life of the rural community that it should have available a range of activities in which the populace can join as and when possible. This Club has almost completed its first course for absolute beginners, a further session is being planned as are a series of “improvers” lessons where particular topics will be tackled each week.

Further details are available from either (01453) 84xxxx or (01454) 88xxxx.

[Advert for Harlequin Homecall]

8[Advert for Alan Hamer Driving]

In August 1995, I went with the North Nibley Romanian Team to a small village in the Carpathian mountains. One of our aims primarily was to lay on water from the main supply to the village school. This was achieved, and to see the expressions on the faces of the teachers and children when they saw water coming from the tap was very rewarding.

The villagers are very poor – all families keep their own hens, cow or goat and have to be very self sufficient. All transport is by horse and cart. In the main they seem very happy in their simple life, but clothing is very badly needed. Their shoes in particular were very inadequate.

My main work was done at the psychiatric hospital located at the end of the village. Here the patients have a very poor quality of life. They spend their days clothed in nightwear, looked after by a minimum number of staff – sometimes 3 nurses are in charge of 140 patients. There are no incontinence aids and some sleep two to a bed. Everywhere is dark, dingy and smelly. We did play and work therapy with them and had some very enjoyable music sessions.

I am now trying to collect pyjamas, nightgowns, dressing gowns, slippers or soft shoes, as well as soap, flannels, towels and net curtains for windows measuring 7ft wide × 6ft depth. Also unbreakable mugs and deep soup plates. If you have any of these to discard, I would be grateful for any contributions.

We are also raising money for the village by having car boot sales. Again, any unwanted items you may have for this purpose would be gratefully received.

I should also be pleased to answer any questions you may like to ask.

With many thanks,

Wendy Stevens
(01453) 84xxxx

Water-logged pitches are a thing of the past, or at least we hope so, having spent over £5,000 on the drainage scheme and rebuilding the tractor and gang mowers. Ironically it was the hot dry summer that prevented the drainage work from being completed until two weeks into the new football season!

The Sports Hall/Youth Centre had the overwhelming support of the people of the village, both at the public meeting and as a result of returned questionnaires. The delays in applying for funds, forced on the Committee by bodies outside our control, have resulted in our application being pushed to the back of the queues. The positioning of the new amenity, whether adjacent to the far end of the car park or where the toddler play area currently is, is just another red herring obstructing the project. No doubt these matters will be sorted out and we will keep you informed, but do not hold your breath.

Once again there appears to be a rowdy youth problem developing in the car park. These youths congregate during the late evening early morning blasting adjacent houses with their in-car entertainment systems. It goes without saying that the noise is hardly entertaining to the inhabitants of Newtown and other local houses. It is hoped that the Committee and the local police will act together to reduce noise levels.

I will soon be leaving Charfield, moving the family to Thomas Hardy country. We will leave the village with some sadness as we've made some good friends in our three years here. However, this leaves an opportunity, a great opportunity, for a villager to enter into the spirit of the village life, as Secretary to the Management Committee. Please contact me for more details.

Owen Griffiths
Secretary

9

A few words from the Rector:

It sounds a bit like locking up the churchyard and throwing away the key, doesn't it?

Actually, it isn't like that at all. “Closing the Churchyard” is the legal way to hand over its care and upkeep to the Local Authority. You can only do this if the churchyard is full or nearly full.

Our Parochial Church Council (PCC) has requested closure because the churchyard at St James' is nearly full. It will then become the duty of Local Government to provide additional burial ground and to meet all the expenses of maintaining the churchyard once it has been “closed”.

I am grateful to all who have helped with this matter in the past; private individuals, our Parish Council and our PCC.

Some further explanation from Nick Harding, Secretary to the PCC, follows.

The medieval Church of St James has occupied its prominent position overlooking the Charfield area since the 15th Century. With the advent of the railways, the new Church of St John's was built in 1881. For the last 114 years, this has been the Parish Church of the village but the churchyard at St James' has continued to be used for burials. (It also contains a memorial to the victims of the tragic rail accident in 1928). Some years ago, responsibility for the Church of St James was taken over by the Redundant Churches Fund.

However, responsibility for the churchyard remains with the PCC who look after the affairs of St John's.

The graveyard at St James' is now almost full with room for only another six burials approximately. Earlier this year, the PCC notified the Home Office of this fact, requesting a Court Order far the churchyard to be “closed”. This will allow for the remaining plots to be used and also for the interments of ashes in the future. Moreover, it will allow the local Parish Council and District Council to make alternative arrangements for future burials. It should be noted that it is against Home Office policy for burials to take place in ground previously used for burials (which prompted comment in a recent item of Radio 4's Today programme on the consequent rapid growth of cemeteries in urban areas).

The PCC is also conscious that it is not best placed to have responsibility for these matters, since the limited resources available from the small church membership are fully needed to maintain the ministry and general running costs at St John's. Community services are best provided through local government bodies that have the resources to provide them. To quote Benjamin Franklin, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes”.

As yet, no formal response has been received from the Home Office. Before closure is implemented, the matter has to be publicised locally so the local community is informed. Meanwhile the PCC are in touch with the Parish Council who will be aware of any further progress.

[Advert for VideoSound Services]

10

Puzzle Page

11[Advert for Happy Shopper – Open All Hours]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle Beauty]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

This year marks the 27th running of Wotton-under-Edge and District Round Table's Bonfire display and a considerable amount of hard work goes into ensuring each is a well-run and safe event that is enjoyed by all the family.

As Bonfire Chairman, it is my turn to organise one of the most important fund-raising events for Wotton Table, which usually starts being planned just as the summer draws to a close. With the heatwave this year, it has been very difficult to imagine November weather at all! There is a lot to do, so delegation is very important. Fortunately, Wotton Table is thriving due to our excellent and varied programme so I am not short of willing volunteers.

Starting in August, there are sponsorship letters to write, planning meetings at The Star, firework quotes to obtain, pallets to source and other things like making equipment for the stalls. What we want to do this year is offer more interesting stalls for the public to enjoy, for example, roll-a-dice, darts, glows, but above all MORE fireworks and with it a more co-ordinated, enjoyable display. We also have a ‘quieter’ small children's display earlier in the evening with the emphasis on “oohs” and “aahs” rather than loud bangs!

Advertising space in the programme has to be sold ready for it to go to print in September ready for the start of ‘presale’ of programmes by mid-October. Bonfire-building starts in earnest around the same time in Tom Redman's field in Coombe, and we are again very grateful for his generosity. We also receive a great deal of help from Wotton 41 Club, Ladies Circle, and Tangent. who man the gate and provide hot and cold food and refreshments.

The field on the Day, which this year is Saturday November 4th, is a hive of activity as tents and stalls are erected and equipment delivered for the refreshment stands. The all-important Guy Building Competition also takes place in the afternoon and the winning Guy takes his place on top of the bonfire.

We hope you will buy a programme for only £1.50 each when we come knocking on your doer soon! We are spending nearly £2000 on fireworks this year, so we can promise a very memorable evening. Funds raised in previous years have gone to worthy causes such as CLIC, Meningitis Appeal, Cobalt Scanner Appeal, and many other local charities, so please come along and celebrate Guy Fawkes night safely with Wotton Round Table!

John Francksen – Bonfire Chairman 1995

12[Advert for Positive Pressure]

[Advert for JT Domestic Cleaning Service]

[Advert for Medway Designs]

Well, it's here again – which is probably a surprise to all of us: the CHRISTMAS quarter of the year!

We can't complain about our Summer this year, unless that it was a good bit too hot for many. But to think that the next time we shall be asked for ‘copy’ for this publication (The Newsletter) will be January; and that the month after next will be you-know-what (C******** – I will not mention the word again. Well, not till later!).

But to turn back for a moment: we had a good VE/VJ Service for the village on that national day of celebration, 20th August, and it was encouraging to see members of organisations, and of the village generally, present for the solemn and silent laying of wreaths at the village War Memorial, followed by a short, and we hope bright, service in Church. There was rejoicing in many hearts throughout the land (and beyond) that day, at the victory that had cost so much and had ended such wicked tyrannies. August is, of course, the peak holiday month and many were away then, so I will repeat here in print what I said then: that if any Organisation or Group in the Village would like a special service, or group together for one, please let me know.

And now we'll have to face the facts again and a forwards look, with a sketch of events to come.

Remembrance Day this year falls on Sunday 12th November. Family Service is being transferred to 26th November.

I would like to call your attention again to the Family Service, held on the second Sunday of the month. The more that come to it, the better time we can all have. It is largely directed towards the children, which is only right when they are the focus of attention, and we aim at keeping it bright, breezy and brief – with not too long on any one part of the service. We learn to sing bright little pieces that relate to the things we learn about – all original!

There is also the Sunday Club on the other Sunday of the month, during term time. We have two young ladies who teach the children and generally arrange this department: Mrs Lynda Harding (01454) 26xxxx who has been here a few years and Mrs Carol Kitching (01453) 84xxxx who came to Charfield last year. I am very grateful to them; they are doing a fine job.

And now to December (“and the frost was cruuu-el”?}. On Sunday 10th December at 10.15 am we have a Christingle service, 13 which includes interesting things for the children to do; come and see and join in.

On the 17th December at 3.00 pm we have our Carol Service.

And so to that word again (I said I'd mention it later): CHRISTMAS! Midnight Mass begins at 11.30 pm on Christmas Eve, the 24th December.

On Christmas morning at 10.00 am there is a short Family Communion, suitable for children, who are very welcome.

I can't close (can I?) without wishing you all a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and God bless you with His peace and joy, then, and throughout 1996.

With my warm wishes, affection and friendship,

Reverend Ken Grant

Tea and Tinsel
useful Christmassy things
Saturday 18th November 2.30pm
Foundation Room, Charfield School

Do you collect stamps or are you thinking of starting? Then why not come along to meet other crazy people.

The Thornbury Stamp Club was founded in 1981 and currently has over 30 members. The club caters for all age groups and philatelic interests, from juniors to world class exhibitors.

The 1995/96 programme started on Friday, 15 September 1995 with a general philatelic display and social gathering. Old and new friends came together following the summer break to have a natter and enjoy a fine spread kindly supplied by our founder and his wife.

We hold our meetings on alternate Fridays, 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm at the Armstrong Hall Committee Room, Thornbury.

If you would like to find out more and to obtain a free programme then please contact the Club Secretary, Carlton Jones on (01454) 260517 (evenings from 5.00 pm). Or why not visit us, you will be sure of a warm welcome.

Unfortunately, Charfield Ladies Club this year has been struggling with a very small committee which is why several of our usual events have been cancelled. Nevertheless, we have had some very successful meetings such as the sensual evening and the massage demonstration. We have a few events approaching which we are looking forward to as you will see by our entries in the Village Diary.

Our thanks to the girls who organised this year's events. As from the New Year, we have managed to organise a new committee and we will be running it under a new format starting with a fund-raising event which will be a table top sale (Sunday 12 Nov, 2–4pm). Sellers are to arrive not before 1pm and bookings for tables indoors can be made with Margaret on 01454 26xxxx. The cost is £4 in advance, £5 on the day. There win be a cake stall, and so would be grateful if any members could bring cakes, preferably between 12 and 1pm. So clear out your cupboards before Christmas, book your table, make some money, and have some fun!

All new members will be made very welcome. There must be lots of ladies in all our new houses who would welcome a night out every 3rd Thursday in the month.

Mix all the ingredients together, adding liquids last. Divide into basins in the usual way, and boil for 3 hours initially, then a further 2 hours on required day.

14

By the time you read this Newsletter, we will have held our Annual General Meeting on 27th September – it seems only yesterday that the last one was held.

A lot of things have happened over the last 12 months – the Annual Remembrance Service at Charfield and this year some Legion members also attended a very nice service at Cromhall. Then the VE Day celebrations which were a success due to the few people that did the organising. The VJ Day was remembered with a service at Charfield Church and two wreaths were laid at the Memorial. Thank you to all that attended these events. Special thanks to the organisers and a belated thanks to the person or persons who cleaned up the area around the Memorial.

There must have been a good number of Ex-Service personnel at the events, who are not Legion members, we as a branch would like to welcome you to join. This year we are taking in anyone that would like to join as a associated member. So if you are interested, please contact me on (01454) 26xxxx, or any of our present members. We cover, as Charfield & District, not only Charfield, but Cromhall and Tortworth. You do not have to live in any of these places to join our branch, so please think about it.

A reminder of this years Remembrance Day Parade which will be on Sunday 12th November at approx 10.45 am, from the car park of the Memorial Hall. Please try and attend, if only to see the proud and very smart younger elements (Scouts, Guides, Brownies) parading. Personally I feel proud myself to be with them.

Should anyone wish to know any more about the Royal British Legion, do not be afraid to ask.

J G Poskett
Branch President

[Advert for Animal £xtras]

News usually travels fast but just in case you haven't heard yet, our Friends Group is very excited about these past few weeks. Public awareness has certainly caught on. We've had a brilliant September/October. Our coffee morning and collections for children's hospice week with the ‘forget-me-nots’, plus two donations, raised over £500. Many thanks to all those who supported this special week.

As you are probably aware from the HTV News, our hospice, Little Bridge House at Barnstaple, opened for their first families on 25th September. We can hardly believe that the dream has come true. Of course the hard work is not over – in fact more financial help by fund raising is needed now to keep the hospice running.

As a result of a very successful presentation evening with the Thornbury Friends Group and Jo Hearn, our Avon Coordinator, a tremendous effort for sponsors was made for a 24 hour darts marathon on 7th/8th October. This event alone raised £1,000. Well done to all the dart players. Our gratitude also extends to The Pear Tree licensees, Trevor and Rita, the organiser of the event, Maria Sheppard, and all those who supported the event over the weekend. We are counting on you at further fund raisers!

A Christmas Coffee Morning will be held on Wednesday, 6 December at xxx Manor Lane and Carol Singing a little nearer Christmas. We would love you to join us.

More information about our Friends Group will be available during our next “coffee and chat” meeting at xxx Underhill Road on Wednesday, 1 November at 1.30 pm. All are welcome.

Hazel Stone – Coordinator

15

On Saturday, 23 September 1995 we were awoken by the alarm clock at 5.00 in the morning. At 6 am sharp, we boarded the Coach outside Charfield School, then we were on our way to Folkestone to catch the Le Shuttle at 11.15 am. In the event, we arrived early enough to allow us to spend approximately 45 minutes in the duty free shop. We then boarded Le Shuttle and set off for France, only for Le Shuttle to stop after 5 minutes – there was a problem. With great trepidation about going in the first place, I was thinking, ‘this is it, we are going to be stuck for hours’. Half an hour later it was on its way again doing 80 mph.

In 35 minutes we had reached the other side. What had I been worried about?! We drove through France and on through the Belgian checkpoint, to visit a beautiful little place called Ypres. It is now approximately 3.00 in the afternoon. Ypres was completely destroyed in World War I and the historic buildings have been carefully re-built according to the original plans. The Menin Gate is also here, the most famous British war monument of the First World War, built in classical style according to Sir Reginald Blomfield's design. This gate bears the names of 54,896 missing soldiers and the last post is sounded each evening at 8.00 pm in their honour.

At 5.15 in the afternoon we rejoined the coach for the return journey, back via the Belgium/France border, then on to the Hypermarket at Calais for shopping. At 9.00 pm we travelled the short distance to catch Le Shuttle. We were loaded on and 35 minutes later we were back in Folkestone. We eventually got home to Charfield around 2.00 am on Sunday morning. It was a long enjoyable day in which we used three different currencies and were in three different countries. And very nice it was, too. (529 miles).

The Contrast – Drives Around Wotton-Under-Edge

1904 – Badminton (9 miles)

“Starting from the Town Hall In Wotton-under-Edge, we proceed through the town and down the hill to Kingswood. Whilst proceeding along this portion of our journey the driver points out a monument on our left, telling us we shall Presently pass it.

“After Kingswood we pass through Hillesley and commerce the ascent of a long hill. Reaching the top we obtain, on a clear day, a very fine view over the Severn Valley and close to us is the monument erected

To commemorate the distinguished military services of General Lord Robert Edward Henry Somerset, GCB, KMT, KTS, KSW, Anno Dommini MDCCCXLVI.

“At the cottage adjoining the key is obtained and a journey made to the top, for which we are well repaid. Continuing into Hawkesbury Upton we soon obtain a glimpse of the outskirts of Badminton Park and quickly find ourselves inside it, where hundreds of deer are seen.

“Arriving at the hotel, refreshments are partaken and then a look round. Alas, the time comes all too rapidly for the return home. Each one agrees that the drive has been most enjoyable and we are determined to recommend our friends to undertake it at the first possible opportunity.”

1904 – Berkeley (7 miles)

“The same starting point, the Town Hall, but now we make for North Nibley and on the way are given delightful views of the Severn with the Welsh hills beyond. Presently up on our right, towers the grand monument erected to William Tyndale's memory. Then we pass through the village and down the hill under an avenue of trees which, meeting overhead, proves a refreshing change from the sunny road we have been traversing.

“In another two or three miles we cross the main Bristol and Gloucester Road, eventually finding ourselves at the Berkeley Arms Hotel, and then commence our ramble around this well known town, soon finding ourselves in front of the Castle gate. Having previously obtained tickets (the money going to aid the hospital), we are permitted to enter and view the grand historic home. Everyone seems pleased with what they have seen, therefore we make our way back to the coach, surprised and glad to find that we are returning home by a different route, ‘for variety is charming’.

“We pass out of Berkeley by the kennels and winding through the lanes, we find Stone before us. Then on to the Bristol and Gloucester Road, we turn to the right along this and reach Falfield. Then, turning left up past the Earl of Ducie's home, ‘Tortworth Court’, we obtain a good view of the Cotswold Hills, and dipping down into Charfield, we eventually find ourselves back at Wotton-under-Edge.”

The last two journeys were indeed HORSE POWER! I would be interested to hear from anyone whose parents actually took a ride, or did you as a child go with your parents, or could you tell me who ran the coaches?

Betty
01454-26xxxx

16[Advert for New House Farm Turkeys]

[Advert for Tortworth Estate Xmas Trees]

We are lucky enough again this year to have a collection point for our Christmas trees in the Memorial Hall car park, organised by Northavon District Council. From January 6th, there will be a compound of stakes and wire to one side of the car park. Please bring your tree along and stack it inside the compound. During the following week, the trees will be chipped and the resulting mass will be used as a mulch on the playing field landscaped area.

This is the third year that we have had this service – please make good use of it, and do the landscaping a good turn at the same time!

Julia O'Connor-Beach

At the end of the last term we held a new and different kind of venture, a “cow pat competition” with a prize of £250 for the person who bought a square that corresponded with the one the cow dropped a “pat” in. We were very grateful to Derrick Bennett of Watsome Farm for the loan of a cow to perform, and the winner was one of our 6th formers, Kirsty Gould of Wotton.

Now the new school year is under way and we have started off in a more refined manner. We invited all the new Y7 parents to a social evening to enable them to get to know each other, their child's tutor and PTA members. It was a very pleasant evening and I hope useful to new parents. We had numerous offers of help for both the committee and for general help.

The AGM took place on 3rd October when a number of Charfield parents opted to serve on the committee for the coming year. If you need help or information about the PTA they are:

Alan Bartlett (01453) 845415
Ann Thomas (01454) 261103
Jo & Robbie Clark (01453) 521241
Trish Davies(01454) 260440
Gill Hanratty (01454) 261197
Marilyn Smith (01454) 260945
Dave McQuilton (01453) 844806

The new committee will be meeting shortly to plan the year's programme but I can mention our annual Christmas Draw to take place on 8th December at the Y7/Y8 disco:

1st Prize – Portable Colour TV
2nd Prize – Cordless Telephone
3rd Prize – Camera

1st March 1996 will see us host a Fun Casino Night and on dates yet to be fixed, will be a pub style quiz evening and a pupils only quiz.

We are collecting old and new Esso vouchers. These will enable us to obtain audio/visual equipment for the school. So if you have any spare please send them into school with the pupils or drop them through my letter box, 43 Underhill Road.

We also have Webb Ivory catalogues available for all your Christmas cards, 17wrappings, gifts etc. If anyone want one either contact me or any committee member.

We look forward to another enjoyable year and I would like to thank all those who have helped in the past and welcome those who have offered their services for the future.

Margaret Clarke
Chairman

Next Copy Date – 12th January 1996

Bi-monthly meetings for contacts still continue in the Sportsmans' Lounge in the Village Hall. May I remind contacts that the next meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Monday 11 December 1995.

At our last meeting the new Special Constable (who lives at Cromhall) was introduced by PC Jim Stewart and there followed a lively discussion on how the Police service in general and the Filton District resources in particular are able to meet the demands of society today.

As Chairman of the Charfield Neighbourhood Watch Committee I reminded those present of the need to let the Police know of anything suspicious by telephoning the Staple Hill Division HQ (Bristol 62xxxx), from whence the call could be diverted to a more local station such as Chipping Sodbury or Thornbury, or else to our local man. An appropriate response would then be made.

If, however, one feels concerned that this could be time consuming, then one should not hesitate to dial “999”.

Some concern was expressed at the meeting of the recent changes whereby there is no Police Inspector now at either Chipping Sodbury or Thornbury Police Stations, but there is a Police Sergeant at each, whilst Inspection level coverage of Neighbourhood Watches in the whole of the Filton Police District (which includes us) is supplied by a Police Inspector based at Lockleaze!

The Filton District Police Superintendent does though have some Inspectors based in the Filton Station, but having specific roles to play within the Superintendent's District reorganisation of his Police resources. Readers will be aware from the newspapers of his intention to restructure the manpower of the Thornbury Police Station and, with the availability of civilian coverage, to reduce the hours of opening of the Thornbury Police Station. Indeed Chipping Sodbury Police Station opening hours are likewise limited, although in each case there could be Police on the premises, but their time occupied on other Police needs.

Since I am also a member of the Chipping Sodbury/Thornbury Police and Community Coordinating Committees and also the Northavon Crime Prevention Panel, I glean a lot of information on the crime statistics for the Police District – yet finding myself being cautious over how far they do truly reflect the real situation!

I am though aware that Neighbourhood Watches have made am impact and that the Police do appreciate the time and commitment given by the participants.

Our own village is now, as readers were advised in the last edition of the Charfield Newsletter, divided into four sections, although we are retaining just one committee to link everything together. Do become a local “contact” if you are interested and come along to our next meeting on 11 December.

I rather suspect that by then, we will have some decision from the Police over whether the Charfield Police Station will continue as a Police Station or just be the home of our local policeman who will then have to use the Chipping Sodbury Police Station as his working base, but hold a “Police Surgery” at the Village Hall on an agreed weekly or fortnightly time table.

Another innovation which is in hand, but it is for PC Jim Steward to report on, is a new technical concept of “voice mail”, whereby a particular telephone number can be rung to leave messages for him – rather like the answerphone idea.

Rev David Parker
Chairman

18

Puzzle Page Answers

19

I hope everyone had a good summer – we did in WI. Miss Gaston came to us in July and gave us a very informative and amusing talk about home wine making. We had some delicious tasters and some of us have been tempted to have a go. In August we had a chatty and leisurely meal at The Black Horse, North Nibley. Our trip to Oxford was a great success. We visited a number of colleges, shopped and pottered round the town. Lyn Young came to the September meeting and showed us all the interesting lingerie she stocks in her shop in Keynsham – everything from old style lace-up corsets and liberty bodices to the most modern fripperies. Fascinating.

Unfortunately, Mrs Yates, who was supposed to come in October, broke her leg. We hope she will be better soon and will be able to come next year to talk about decorating eggs. Veronica Bruce of the Wotton Animal Rescue bravely stepped into the gap at the last moment and told us all about her work with the hundreds of animals the Rescue looks after and rehouses. The WI Craft Section, organised by Mrs Dodds, have just completed two very beautiful patchwork quilts and one is going to be raffled in aid of the Rescue, so watch out for the tickets.

We didn't manage to win the Avon Area Quiz Night at Portishead but we were within 5 points of the winner. We'll try again next year. Some of us went to the Avon AGM at Weston-super-Mare. Our main guest speaker was Robert Woodward of CLIC so our car was loaded down with clothes donated by members and friends to help raise funds for the good work. Many thanks to all who gave.

Our calendar until the New Year is on the Village Diary Page. We also have a skittles match against Thornbury to be arranged before mid-January.

If you want more information do ring me.

Mary Blundell
President

I will have another bash at a Boxing Day Walk this year, and pray for a clear and frosty morning instead of last years howling gale and driving rain.

Don't ask what route we'll be taking – it will depend on the conditions underfoot. Please remember that in our Parish welly boots are de riguer, and that anyone turning up in sandals will be mercilessly teased.

The walk will be more of a family amble than an SAS route march, and will be a good opportunity to work off the excesses of Christmas day in preparation for the cold turkey and chips to come.

Meet at the Memorial Hall car park at 10.30 on the 26th December.

If anyone has any difficulties on rights of way to report, do let me know. Otherwise, it's been all quiet on the Charfield Front this year.

J M O'Connor-Beach
Voluntary Footpath Warden

[Advert for Taylor Made Services]

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

20[Advert for English ‘A’ Coaching]

Although it seems a long time ago now, the Summer Term proved both successful and enjoyable on several counts.

The dry weather enabled us to fulfil all our sporting commitments. A sizeable group of children represented the school at the Annual District Sports held at KLB School where the hours spent in training and practice were rewarded on the track.

Two 6-a-side football teams represented Charfield School at the annual Leyhill Community Festival – the ‘A’ team managing to retain the trophy which we won for the first time in 1994. The Primary Schools Chess Congress held at KLB School also proved successful for our ‘experts’ who won the overall team trophy together with individual trophies.

As is the custom, Charfield hosted the District Rounders Tournament for local Primary Schools and the sporting calendar concluded with our own School Sports, enjoyed by children and parents alike.

In between the various sporting events, the PTA Family Barn Dance on the school field was enjoyed by many families on what proved to be the coolest evening of the Summer! A notable ‘first’ was a marvellous musical evening when the recorder and violin groups, together with the recently formed Junior Choir, impressed a packed school hall with their playing and singing.

The Summer Holiday came and went. With it unfortunately went a number of our newly planted trees and shrubs – victims of the drought. We hope these will be replaced shortly.

At the beginning of September we welcomed the new reception children and their families to the School. All seems to be going well as they adapt to their new life!

A visit by ‘Welephant’ from the Avon Fire Services informed children about safety in the home and the dangers of fire in particular.

The AGM of the PTA was followed early in October by their first event – a Children's Fashion Show. Over 60 children volunteered as models for children's leisure wear which was then available for parents and others to buy.

Our Harvest Festival resulted in the usual generous donations of produce which formed an impressive display at the Harvest Assembly. The produce was then passed to the Methodist Centre for the Homeless in Bristol, who were delighted to receive it.

The Term will continue with a number of projects and events taking place, in addition to normal classroom activities.

Plans are underway to develop the former Adventure Playground as a Conservation Area. Northavon District Council, parents, and a landscape architect have been working with teachers and children surveying the area and discussing ideas. It is hoped that work can begin soon with the support of grant aid and the PTA.

In the lead-up to the Christmas period, children will be taking part in the nationwide project ‘Love in a Box’. Shoe boxes will be filled with useful ‘present’ items and wrapped in Christmas paper before being sent to children in Bosnia who are unlikely to enjoy Christmas as we will.

Please check the Village Diary page for our forthcoming events – everyone is welcome to join us. As an important part of the community, we do try to welcome visitors. If you don't know the school, why not pay us a visit? I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised!

C F Sreeves
Headteacher

CRAFT FAIR
Sunday, November 26th
10am–4pm
at the Memorial Hall

21

It's a fact, but not everyone is aware of Rotary and the service it provides on a local, national and international basis.

It may be that you may know a Rotarian or that you may have read a report about Rotary in a local newspaper. Perhaps you may have seen a small cog-like lapel badge on someone's jacket and wondered what it stood for.

Rotary was founded over 90 years ago in the USA, by Paul Harris. He wanted to form an organisation, where businessmen and professional people could meet and develop their own particular business interests. In fact, the name Rotary came from the early practice of rotating weekly meetings among members offices. However, it wasn't long before these like-minded individuals decided that Rotary had to become more that just an opportunity to develop business interests, it soon became obvious that the world was waiting for an organisation which could serve society. Now Rotary is an international organisation with well over one million members in 160+ countries.

Rotary operates on some very clear cut principles – it has a set of objectives as follows:

To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
• high ethical standards in business and profession; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
• the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life.
• the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a worldwide fellowship of business and professional persons in the ideal of service.

Two key words feature in these objectives, namely ‘service’ and ‘fellowship’.

Service can be provided in many ways, fund raising, manpower and professional help. The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale carries out most of its major fund raising at the Michaelwood Services. Thanks to the continued support of Welcome Break – Forte, over £30,000 has been raised over the 11 year life of the club. All this money has been donated to charity. Literally hundreds of charities, locally, nationally, and internationally have benefited from these collections.

Locally, organisations such as Meningitis Research. The Cotswold Care Hospice, Yercombe Lodge, the Open Door Club, Gloucester Royal Hospital and Charnwell School for handicapped children have received donations. Internationally, Rotary runs a worldwide immunisation programme, ‘Polio Plus’. The club donates to local Club/Scout and Brownie/Guide packs, local projects, and other organisations, particularly if they help the young, aged, or disadvantaged.

We have forged strong links with, KLB and an important part of the school calendar are ‘mock interviews’, held every year at Renishaw plc, thanks to Rotarian David McMurty (Chairman and Chief Executive of Renishaw). These interviews give pupils their first insight in how to prepare for and how to conduct themselves in an interview situation. The club also sponsors an essay-writing competition and is currently developing a public speaking and music competition.

Rotarians still find time for fellowship! Clubs meet on a weekly basis, and members meet whenever commitments allow. Cotswold Tyndale meet on Monday evenings for dinner. Our meetings combine a meal with, perhaps, a talk from a guest speaker, or a skittles or sports evening, or a visit to a local place of interest.

If you would like to find out more about Rotary, please contact:

Peter Jenner, President – 01453 83xxxx
Rotarian David Woodhouse – 01453 84xxxx

[Advert for Charfield Flowers]

22

The PC had its Summer holiday in August and resumed the monthly meetings in September.

You will, no doubt, have noticed the new shelter in the playground on the playing field. The original plans for the new play area included this item to provide shelter from both sun and inclement weather for parents and grandparents of children using the equipment. Fund-raising did not stretch to this item, and so the PC chose to provide this shelter on behalf of the Village to mark the Centenary Year of Parish Councils. We hope that you all make good use of it!

Everyone has a different opinion on the efficacy of the traffic calming measures. Now that we have had a chance to get used to the new layout, the PC would he pleased to receive your constructive suggestions on how it might be modified to improve safety through the village. We are still waiting for the results of the speed monitoring cable survey. The proof of the pudding …

The PC continues to fund the maintenance of the burial ground at St James' Church. A contractor is paid to keep the area tidy, and the PC has provided the machinery and other consumables. As some of you are already aware, the Parochial Church Council has applied for the closure of the burial ground. The Parish Council will in due course have to decide whether to pass responsibility for the maintenance of the current area and provision of a new burial ground to the District Council or not. We may find ourselves travelling some distance to bury our dead. Do let us know your views.

The footbridge has, at long last, been (almost) installed. Perhaps we will be able to use it by Christmas …

A new and larger notice board has been ordered to replace the one near the shops, which is falling to pieces. Do remember to check it regularly for the PC minutes and agenda – you can let us know your views on village issues either by dropping a line to the clerk, speaking to any of the Councillors, or by coming along to the PC meeting, when you will have the opportunity to speak in the ‘Public Participation’ section of the agenda.

Do avail yourselves of the chance to express your views BEFORE issues are dealt with. So often, the PC is approached when it is all too late to take action.

Finally, do remember to submit your Club or Society's application for financial support in good time for the budget/precept meeting. See the notice board for details, or telephone the clerk.

CHADRA would like to express its sadness on hearing of the passing of Ruth Williams, who regularly contributed articles on behalf of the Congregation Church.

Ruth will be greatly missed.

It was a great shame that the Summer Fair did not take place this year due to lack of villagers willing to organise it.

In an attempt to rescue the one event in the calendar which seeks to provide an opportunity for the whole village to come together, Jane Hall organised a leaflet drop to every household to seek support for next year's fair.

Sadly, the distribution of 1000 leaflets resulted in only two villagers coming along to the meeting to offer their services. Bless them both for that, but two are not enough.

Yes, we are all busy.

Yes, none of us wishes to be ‘lumbered’ with more than we originally volunteer for.

Yes, we are all already committed to our own favourite clubs/societies, interests.

And

YES, most of us, if we were honest, could find a few hours to spare between now and July 96 and a few hours on the day of the fair to make a fun day possible.

‘Many hands make light work’. It is a cliche simply because it is true. If we have a large team of villagers, each willing to take responsibility for one of the tasks for the Summer Fair, the event is a doddle to run.

Jane Hall intends carrying out another leaflet drop to beg for help.

Go ahead. Make her day!

Turn up and say you'll coordinate the gate marshals. Turn up and say you'll organise the children's tent. Turn up and say you'll help Mike Smith with the Sports. Turn up and say you'll run a tombola. Turn up and say you'll take care of the advertising. Turn up and say you will organise the sunshine. Turn up and say, ‘what can I do to help?’ Turn up and enjoy participating in the village's Grand Day Out.

Me? I'll get the beer for the tug of war, if it is wanted …

Julia O'Connor-Beach

23

Please make use of this Diary – updated copies are posted in various places in the Village. Either telephone or drop a note of any additions and modifications to Brendan O'Connor (01454-26xxxx) xx Manor Lane.

KLB = Katharine Lady Berkeley School
MH = Memorial hall
FR = Foundation Room, Primary School
SL = Sportsman's lounge, Memorial hall

Why not put this on your fridge door or notice board?

24

Baby Sitting Circle
Lisa Tucker (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

British Legion
Mr J Poskett (Spokesman) 01454-26xxxx

CHADRA
Mr G Blower (Hon. Sec.) 01454-26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
C F Sreeves (Headteacher) 01454-26xxxx

Childminders
Theresa Wildman (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Miss M Turner (Sec) xx Charfield Green

Church – St. John's C of E
Rev K Grant (Rector) 01454-26xxxx

Council – Charfield Parish
Catherine Holmes (Clerk) 01453-84xxxx

Council – Northavon District
Mr E Gadsby (Councillor) 01454-26xxxx

Cricket Club
DS Bradley 01453-84xxxx

Football Club – Juniors
Tony Bullock 01454-26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Chris Somerton (Secretary) 01453-84xxxx

Friendship Club
Mr E Orton 01454-26xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Mrs C Parfit 01454-26xxxx

Ladies Club
Mrs J Ash 01454-26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Mrs J Higgins 01454-26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Mr J Poskett 01454-26xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Jane Smith (Chairperson) 01454-26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
Rev D Parker (Co-ordinator) 01454-26xxxx