CHADRA

… that residents from Little Bristol have raised a petition to demand that the 30mph limit be extended to include their stretch of road? Some motorists are still speeding in the Village, raising fears of a fatal accident such as happened almost twenty four years ago when two children were killed in Little Bristol Lane.

… that Renishaw's has been nominated as a finalist in three categories of the Manufacturing Industry Achievement Awards?

… that over £4,000 has been raised so far towards the £50,000 needed to enable Rebecca Lock (nee Hutley) of Farm Lees to have a special operation and treatment for her illness?

… that Rev. K Grant is retiring? By the time you read this, he will have taken his last service as Rector. We wish him a happy retirement.

… That Alan Pearn of Katherine Close raised over £5,000 for the Meningitis Trust by running in the London Marathon?

… that the Bailey Newspaper Group are looking for up to eight trainees to learn newspaper journalism?

… that motorists new to the area may have been somewhat confused as to which road to take back in June? The direction sign at the top of Charfield hill was almost totally obscured by a ‘Happy Birthday’ poster. We hope the person concerned had a good day and escaped prosecution for tampering with street signs – and that no drivers got lost.

… that thieves attempted to steal railway lines and a new crossing stored at the sidings, and were only thwarted by a vigilant Neighbourhood Watcher? Did they think they wouldn't be noticed?

… that the public are to be allowed to speak nearer the beginning of Parish Council Meetings, rather than having to wait until near the (bitter) end?

… that the future of St. James' Church burial ground is still under discussion?

… that the brand new shelter on the playing field, bought with your money to provide seating for kids, mums, dads, grans, grandads, et al, has been vandalised? Perhaps the next installation should be stocks or a ducking pond …

Next copy date: Saturday, October 12

2

Dear Charfield Residents:

We have welcomed another volunteer typist to the pool – Garnet Melville is now sharing the responsibility for errors with Jo and Julia. ‘Many hands …’, and all that. Or is it ‘too many cooks …’?

A word about the mechanics of assembling the articles submitted into a newsletter: we are amateurs, and do our best. We try to reproduce the various articles exactly as written by the contributors, but we do correct obvious spelling errors. Sometimes, in order to make an article fit onto a page, a sentence will be juggled or a word taken out. If an article contains information already given in another article, to avoid repetition one of the pieces will be edited. No contributor should take offence at the alterations made – it's just a matter of the practicalities of printing the newsletter.

We are sorry not to have a report on the Summer Fayre – we did ask for it, but it was not forthcoming.

Please submit your articles/letters BY the copy date – it will help us turn the newsletter around quicker.

Best regards
Jo, Garnet, and Julia

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

Typesetting – is done by Jo Pearson-Bond, Garnet Melville, and Julia O'Connor-Beach.

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

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

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

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A letter to the village from Joyce Hutley, Rebecca Lock's mother

This is not the sort of letter I have ever expected to post through your letter box, but you may have seen or heard about my daughter Rebecca who has lived in the village all her life.

She is suffering from a rare brain disorder called Spasmodic Tortocollis, which means the brain is sending out the wrong signals. Consequently her neck is being dragged permanently to one side, and eventually her spine will be injured. She is now registered as disabled, and in a wheelchair once outside the house. Her only hope is an operation in Montreal, Canada, at an estimated cost of £50,000.

Since her illness was brought to the attention of the press and television we have received donations and support from so many people in the village and further afield.

Rebecca has now heard that she has been selected to go to Canada and we would like to raise funds to pay for the operation so that she has a chance to lead a normal life again.

If you feel you can help us in any way to achieve this, or if you have any ideas or suggestions for fund raising, we as a family would be most grateful. Donations may be made to the Wotton Gazette or to Barclays Bank in Wotton, made payable to the Rebecca Lock Fund. Our thanks go to all who have helped us so far.

When we left Charfield seven years ago, I was in no doubt that one day we would return. In fact, I was so convinced that we would come back, that I made a point of keeping my boys at Charfield School and later on at KLB.

Some of you may say that I was mad to want to return here, but I can honestly say that I regard Charfield as home. I loved living here from the moment we moved in twelve years ago, and I really didn't want to move away – Charfield has a good ‘feel’ to it.

So what's it like, coming back? Well, not a lot has changed; some new houses, new faces; that ‘wonderful’ traffic-calming scheme! Sadly, some old faces are no longer with us but nothing takes away the character of Charfield. The grapevine is still in force, working to keep everyone in touch. The clubs that hold the community together are still going strong and the village school is well attended, although has anyone else noticed just how little the little ones are, compared to when mine started?

Coming back is like returning home from a long journey – a comfortable place to recuperate, with friends and family around. Surrounded by lovely countryside, sheltered from the frenetic ‘busy-ness’ of Bristol, yet within easy reach of excitement if we need it.

I'm glad to be back in the fold and I shall no doubt see you around the village some time. Cheers for now.

Rene

4

A couple of years ago, when I was in Year 9 at KLB I attended training sessions for the Mini 10 Tors weekend held on Dartmoor every year. The event itself consisted of a weekend spent on Dartmoor, but wasn't too taxing – we camped at a local campsite, and walked a few miles on the Saturday and Sunday.

Pupils in year 10 can take part in the 10 Tors proper, but the training sessions interfered with the fixture list of my rugby team, so I did not take part.

This year, however, as a result of last minute unavailability of some team members, I found myself invited to complete the silver team, and to take part in the event itself.

We set off from KLB at lunchtime on Friday 12 May, 3 teams in total: one for the “short” 35 mile (bronze) route, one for the 45 mile silver, and one for the gold route, at 55 miles.

On arrival at Okehampton Army camp each team underwent ‘scrutineering’, to avoid teams setting off unprepared or with incorrect equipment. Each team was also issued with an identity marker so that the teams could be located from the air. Having passed scrutineering we returned to our tents, where we ate dinner and prepared for an early night.

SATURDAY

On Saturday morning we were awakened at 5:30 am in the same way as every team to take part since 1978 has been – a medley of music over the loud speakers, including the music from ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Simply the Best’!

Having eaten a large breakfast and made the most of the last civilised sanitary arrangements we would be seeing for a while, we made our way to the start line. It was at this point that I first had an idea of the numbers of people taking part in the event – 2500 in 1996 compared with 203 in the first ever Ten Tors, held in 1960. We listened to a short speech by the Army Officer in charge of the event, and started, on time, at 7:30.

Saturday passed reasonably uneventfully, with blisters not surfacing until the mid afternoon. Despite the number of people taking part, we soon found ourselves alone, as there are 26 routes designed to avoid teams simply Following the team in front.

The weather on Saturday was warm and sunny, with a slight breeze, and enable us to make good ground. In the early evening, however the weather became worse, with heavy rain, thunder and lightning by the time we pitched our tents at around 8:30.

SUNDAY

We awoke on Sunday morning and opened our tent door to an almost surreal sight. It had snowed overnight and, although the lower slopes of the moor were still green, the higher areas, such as our campsite, were covered by an inch of snow.

Having eaten a quick breakfast, we packed up our tents and started walking. Yesterday's blisters reintroduced themselves, and took the best part of the morning to be tramped into submission. Meanwhile we were walking through a part of the moor reasonably close to civilisation, and the snow had abated for the time being.

On arrival at our first checkpoint of the day we discovered that the bronze walkers were being rounded up at the tor at which they had spent the night and herded into army vehicles for transportation back to Okehampton base, as the organisers were worried about the unforeseen weather conditions.

By mid morning the snow had again started in earnest, with the wind also picking up, and the landscape soon took on an arctic, almost lunar, appearance. Despite our seeming isolation we were pleased to note the presence of over-flying helicopters logging (we hoped!) our progress.

The monotony of the scenery was relieved at around lunchtime by the sight of a river. This, however was not good news, as the bridge that I expected to accompany the river did not exist. There were instead two lengths of rope, the idea being to grab one in each hand and wade through the waist high water. This was not a very enjoyable experience, as the water was, as you can imagine, rather chilly (the temperature being around the absolute zero mark).

We arrived at our final checkpoint at 11:58, only to be informed that the checkpoint was to close at 12:00 due to the weather conditions, and that we were to be taken off the moor.

5Having managed to persuade the officers manning the tor that we were able to go on, we set off for Okehampton base, arriving at around 3:30, having crossed another river and climbed a few more hills.

On arrival at the base we were officially signed in and presented with our medals, after which we piled into the minibus and travelled back to KLB.

Graham Creeth

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Although it is the middle of the summer believe it or not, preparations are well underway for the forthcoming football season.

Last season both our teams were relatively successful, the only disappointment being that we just missed out on the rewards for all the effort put in by many people – both on and off the field. The 1st Team, who play in the Northern Senior League Division 2, were in the race for promotion all season and eventually finished in 6th place, only 3 points off a promotion spot. The 2nd Team, who play in the Stroud League Division 3, also finished 6th and reached the semi-final of the Stroud Charity Cup, losing by a late goal to Nuclear Sports.

After getting so close to promotion last season our sights are firmly set on one of those promotion places for next season.

The first competitive game is a pre-season cup match for the 1st Team in the middle of August. The league programme for both teams begins on 31st August.

Pre-season training has now started, we will be on the Memorial Playing Field every Wednesday evening at 7.00 pm until the end of August. We then move to KLB and do our training on the floodlit area.

We are always on the lookout for new talent. If there is anyone out there who plays football and fancies playing for an ambitious, friendly, local club, please come and join us – you will be made most welcome.

Chris Somerton
Secretary

We are three new Guiders who took over Charfield Guides in March when Mary Westlake stepped down from running it after 10 years hard work.

At the moment we have lots of new girls and are looking for any second hand uniforms that people want to sell.

If you have any uniforms hanging in a cupboard unused let us know, along with how much you want for it, and we will endeavour to sell it for you. Please contact me on 26xxxx.

Angela Smith
Assistant Guide Guider

6

The third extract from “The CHADRA Study 1976”

CHAPEL AND CHURCH

Samuel Long (builder of the Mills) was Church of England himself, but allowed the non-conformists to have a room in the mill buildings for their meetings. The Gloucestershire Diocesan records show a long history of non-conformity in the parish and, from the late C18th, 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 Lord Ducie. The building had to be registered again in 1856 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 the country without a school of any kind in the early decades of the century, both the British (Chapel) and the National (C of E) schools were built in the 1850s. The Rev. 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 purposes of being converted into a schoolroom. 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 is it 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 St John's Church, begun a decade earlier. The focus of the village had long moved from Churchend.

THE RAILWAY

It is a popular misconception that the development of the centre of the community at Charfield Green was caused by the coming of the railway in 1844, but it can clearly seen that this pattern was already established by then. However, as the cloth industry declined, so the importance of the railway to the village grew, making possible the replacement of the major source of employment by a variety of smaller scale industries and businesses. The building of the great embankment almost on top of the houses by the Green, obliterating the old lane to Little Bristol and cutting the village in two, must have been an enormous shock to a quiet population.

By the 1850s, however, the railway can already be seen to be a useful source of employment in itself and to be drawing in new influences from outside. Eleven men were directly employed on the railway, of which the station master and the surveyor were outside the district, and seven more worked in the coal trade which was directly dependent on the railway.

Despite the sharp decline of the population in the 1870s, the period to the Great War seems to have been one of generally growing prosperity and the ‘golden age’ of the railway in Charfield.

The war made irrevocable changes and despite the gradual increase in the population and the improvement of amenities in the period between the wars, there was less new enterprise and by the 1950s an ageing population was beginning to decline in numbers.

This population trend was changed with quite extraordinary abruptness by the rapid building of the first part of the new estate. The ‘affluence’ of the 1960s and the growth in ownership of private cars underlay the possibility of Charfield becoming part of Bristol's commuter belt. The building of the motorway made the village even more accessible. These general circumstances coincided with the more fortuitous local opportunities which opened to builders and developers.

Baby Clinic will be on every 2nd and 4th Thursday morning at 10.15–11.30 a.m. in the Memorial Hall with effect from 12 September.

Sue Stanway
Health Visitor

7

A new Round Table year started in April and many activities are planned. Our theme this year is to try and ‘Fix-It’ for individuals or organisations who could use some help because they either lack the manpower or other resources to get their project started or finished.

We want to actively encourage your input and ideas to help others who you know could benefit from our help. Of course, we cannot guarantee success on every occasion but however ridiculous you think your idea or request is, please let us know. We promise to consider every idea positively and to try our very best to help.

We invite applications for help needed in the community, for example gardening, DIY, transport or projects that need practical help rather than monetary, although financial assistance will still be considered. We feel we have a wide range of skills within Wotton Table and why not use these to benefit your community? Any applications to me or Derek, who knows, we may interest you in Table through it!

Our Community Service Chairman, Simon, is planning more events and I will keep you posted, including the annual bonfire display and Dartathon in aid of Meningitis research.

The fellowship programme will have “kicked off” by the time you read this, with a beach party weekend at Dunster finishing on the day of the Euro-96 final – pity no England there.

Later in October we hold a traditional event known as ‘Gadabout’ that takes the form of a progressive supper in the Wotton area with much travelling about between courses!

We have interesting meetings lined up, go-karting, jet-skiing, to name but a few. The venue is usually The Star in Wotton on the second and fourth Tuesdays, but contact me to make sure if you would like to come along.

Lastly, we are hosting Area Summer Rally which is an outdoor fun event for families where many of the local Round tables meet over a weekend in a light-hearted competition.

So much to do, see you around the village!

John Francksen

Arrangements seem to be going well and we are set to re-open Charfield 1st Rainbows on Monday 9th September between 4 and 5 pm at the Memorial Hall. We have 14 enthusiastic young girls starting on the 9th, with a few more on our waiting list who will come of age during the following year.

If you have a daughter aged 5–7 years old who may be interested in joining our weekly session please contact me, Judith Wenman[corrected] on 26xxxx.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those mothers who have offered to help on a rota basis during our weekly sessions. If there is anyone wanting to join our band of helpers please don't hesitate to contact me.

This is a plea going out to everyone within the village. As you may be aware, Charfield hasn't had a Rainbow unit in the village for 3 years and we wish to re-open one in September. This is where we need your help. As we are starting from scratch, we desperately need equipment such as scissors, pencils, crayons, felt tip pens etc. Also we would like some carpet samples which we intend to use as mats for the girls to sit on. If anyone has any of these items in surplus and would like to donate them to our Rainbow unit we would be most grateful.

Judith Wenman[corrected]

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8

Never has there been a summer term such as the one recently ended!

Not only was there the usual timetable of national tests, report writing, class outings and sporting activities but, for the first time under the new framework, a visit from four government inspectors who spent the first week in June exploring almost every aspect of the school's work and management.

Their report highlighted the achievement of our children, the good relationship between adults and children, the support and welfare shown by staff and parents together, with positive attitudes to learning and behaviour displayed by the children.

Like all schools we are not perfect, but it was gratifying to receive acknowledgement of the good things which we are proud of. The staff and children are to be congratulated on the way in which they coped with the pressures of the inspection!

The summer term is traditionally a time for sporting activities – the main event being the District Primary Schools' Sports Evening, held at KLB School. The weather was once again perfect, enabling the large group of spectators to enjoy the event in which 40 or so of our junior children represented the school.

Also hosted by KLB School was the annual Primary Schools' Chess Congress, where our select band of players successfully triumphed over both Wotton schools and others!

Our own “in-school” table tennis and chess tournaments were both successfully completed, whilst the separate infant and junior sports were the best for some time – Merlin winning the junior team trophy for the first time since 1986!

The school's main contribution to the Charfield Village Fair was the painting competition, with entries from children throughout the school enhancing the walls of the Memorial Hall.

We are very fortunate to have such an active and supportive Parent Teacher Association. A great deal of time and effort was again well rewarded by the numbers who attended the Spring Fair in May and Calypso Evening in July when the Castle School Steel Band earned numerous plaudits.

Members of the PTA Committee plus other parents gave up time on Friday evenings to put children through cycle training – a very desirable “life-skill”.

The final week of term included a Teddy Bears Picnic on the school field for playgroup and reception class children and retirement for Mrs Sylvia Enticott, who joined the school in 1984. Our best wishes go with her for a well deserved “rest” and change of scene.

And so the Summer Holiday … at last!

C F Sreeves
Headteacher

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9

Puzzle Page

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Hope you're all enjoying the Summer, even though the weather has been a bit ‘mixed’. Thankfully, it managed to stay dry on the afternoon of Charfield Sports Day, and even got quite hot at times. You might have seen us there, heavily disguised (we hope!) as clowns doing the Human Fruit Machine. We raised nearly £38.00 for the Memorial Hall, so many thanks to all those who supported us.

In June, we had a very enjoyable evening at The Three Choirs Vineyard near Newent. Our next trip is in September to London. This will be an all-day trip, leaving early morning and returning at approximately 10.30 pm. It is on Saturday, 21 September and seats cost £8.00 for an adult and £4.00 for a child. Anyone wanting to book should call Margaret Gargett on 26xxxx as soon as possible.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 19 September, when there will be a cake decorating demonstration by Ice n'Easy, Chipping Sodbury. Please note, this talk has been moved from 17 October, which will now be an Open Evening (details to be arranged). The November meeting, on 21st, will be a flower arranging demonstration by Jackie Swallow of Charfield Flowers. The 19 December meeting will be our Christmas Dinner, with entertainment.

Did anyone spot the deliberate mistake on the Sports Day programme? For anyone who is now confused, we definitely do meet every third Thursday, every month except August, at 8.00 pm in the Memorial Hall, and we would be very happy to see you there. There is always a bar and light refreshments.

If you have any queries or suggestions about the Ladies Club, please call Margaret on 26xxxx. Enjoy the rest of the Summer.

Stop Press!

The Open Evening on Thursday, 17 October will be a Fashion Show by MacKay's of Thornbury, and supper. All proceeds will go to the Rebecca Lock Appeal. If you would like to be a model or would like a ticket, please ring Margaret on 26xxxx.

11

[Graphic: Map of walk]

1. From the bus shelter near the primary school, follow the footpath down the side of the playing field and turn right along the lane, passing Poolfield Farm. Approx 100 yards on right, locate stile and FP sign, climb stile, and follow LH hedge.

Beware of wet area at bottom of field. Through gate/opening, cross diagonally to stile at bottom of railway embankment.

Note: CROSSING OF RAILWAY IS DANGEROUS. Collect all in walking party together and stop – look – listen. When clear, all should cross quickly and together, looking and listening for oncoming trains all the while. Over the stile, follow path down the dyke and between trees to open area. Cross to lower boundary hedge and turn right to gate onto road (New Street). Turn left, pass Charfield House and just before the mills, cross the road and enter footpath on right.

2. Carry on and pass over stile at end into field. Carry on almost in a straight line over several stiles with the Little Avon to your left and you will reach the Wotton Road at Watsome Bridge.

3. Take care crossing the road and turn left, cross the stile to the left of SNFA entrance. Over stile, cross field to next stile, heading for Elbury Hill. Over the stile, bear left round the base of the hill and head towards Grange Farm through the gate on the left.

4. Head up field to farm track. On track, turn round and look for gate to right of old stone barn at bottom of field. Walk down the field through gate and straight across field to footbridge across river. Over foot bridge, follow wire fence on left hand side. At ha1f way point, head across field to right of cottage.

5. Over two stiles by side of cottage, turn right and immediately left under railway. Beware of traffic. Cross Little Bristol Lane to footpath between garages and bungalows and follow the almost straight path which will take you past Greystones and on eventually to a stile into a field. Over stile, head up field to left hand boundary hedge at double stile over ditch. Over stiles, head for gate 30 yards along RH hedge, pass through and then diagonally up field towards Manor Farm, where a stile leads to Churchend Lane.

6. Turn right onto lane. Follow lane past Pound House on right (village pound is a stone enclosure in garden of Marklove Cottage on left) and locate stile between cottage and woodland on right. Over stile, follow LH hedge down field to opening and walk diagonally across lower field towards bungalow. Pass through the dip and over stile.

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All the sections have been busy over the last few “summer” months running a full programme of activities ranging from the Beavers picnic at Nibley Monument to hikes, caving, abseiling, camping, district competitions and canoeing in the Scouts and Venture sections. Our two Cub packs have also been fully occupied with district events, badge work, basic climbing at KLB sports hall, a trip to Cadbury's World and many other activities.

The summer will be rounded off this August with separate camps for the Scout and Venture sections. The Scouts are off to the heart of Wales for a week of walking, caving, climbing and general camping and outdoor skills. The Ventures are returning to the Poole area for wind surfing, walking, mountain biking etc, as well as a working day on Brownsea Island (the site of the first ever Scout camp run by BP) where they will be undertaking any maintenance tasks that are needed. Last year saw us clearing a large area of undergrowth and 20 ft bushes.

Since the last edition of CHADRA we have held another successful Clay Pigeon Shoot which again this year had good weather. We had a fairly good entry covering all skill levels ranging from some members of national teams, to those who shoot just for fun, but all agreed that it was a safe, enjoyable and extremely well run event. My thanks to Reg Baker for the use of his land and equipment, to all the helpers who worked so hard to design, build and run the event. With the recent tragic events and bad publicity surrounding firearms it is good to remember that the overwhelming majority of gun owners undertake the sport in a safe and responsible way.

The last two Saturdays have been very busy. First with our own BBQ and fun evening and then running the BBQ at the Charfield Summer Fair. On both occasions the weather was good – except for the downpour while we were putting up the marquee – so we must have done something good!!!

After the summer camps we will be recovering until the autumn term starts in September when there will be some changes in our leadership.

13Both Lynn Watson (Lions) and Barry Spindler (Ventures) are standing down and we will be rearranging the leadership as follows:-

I will be taking over as Venture Scout Leader, Carl Williams becomes Scout Leader and Bryan Wright takes over the group as Group Scout Leader, assisted by Phil Lane. Although this may seem a large change, I can assure everyone that the high scouting standards that we aim for will continue and all the leaders are looking forward to the challenge. Also, I am pleased to say that Rose will be back leading the Tigers in September. My thanks to Elaine Popham for helping me run the pack while she has been away and to both Lynn and Barry for everything that they have done for the group over the years.

Now for future events:-

Saturday, 21st September – our next jumble sale and car boot sale at the Memorial Hall – so start collecting now and have a clear out!!!

Sunday, 6th October – The Woodend Walk. This is our yearly walk that is open to everyone, and for yet another year is over a completely new route starting from the Scout Hut in Cromhall and heading westward under the M5 and into the Severn Valley.

As usual there will be two routes – the short one for those who want a couple of hours' stroll, and the long one for those who need a bit of a challenge. So make a date in your calendar and come out and enjoy the great countryside that is on our doorstep. Both routes are mainly on footpaths and a full set of route instructions are provided. No map reading skills are needed but younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Who knows, if our luck holds we may have good weather yet again!!!

If anyone would like to join us as a helper or warranted leader we would be pleased to hear from you, or if you have any skills that you could pass on to any of the sections we are always looking for new ideas for the programmes.

My thanks again to all our Leaders and to everyone who has helped me over the past few years as Group Scout Leader. I am sure that under Bryan's leadership we will continue to go from strength to strength.

I hope you all have a good summer.

Duncan Lamont
Group Scout Leader

A kneeler with the RBL logo was accepted by Mrs Kate Ramsey for placement in St John's Church. It joined the numerous others which add a delightful touch of colour to the rows of pews. Our thanks to Mrs Poskett for the excellent handicraft she put into the production of the kneeler.

On Friday, 7 June, representatives of the Branch attended the funeral of the late Jack Williams at the chapel. Mr Williams was the only Life Member of the Charfield Branch and members wish to express their condolences to the family.

On Sunday, 16 June, our standard bearer, David Millman, paraded the Branch standard at a Drumhead Ceremony and March Past at Frampton Cotterell. The parade was part of their branch's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Charfield Branch was formed in 1951, so we will not be 50 years old until 2001.

We are still looking to increase our membership, so why not give the idea some thought. Ex-service personnel may apply for Ordinary membership and those of you who have not been in the services may apply for Associate membership.

When the Poppy Appeal comes round this year, our Appeal Organiser, Marion Smith and I will have a limited number of Car Poppies and Road Tax Disc holders available. The car poppies have a removable button with the year number on it so that, in subsequent years, you can ‘up-date’ yourself by changing the button.

Finally, the Branch officers and members would like to wish Reverend Kenneth Grant a long and happy retirement.

Dennis Booth
Branch Chairman

Mark Julian has recently moved to Bristol to be nearer his place of work. Those of us involved with the production of the newsletter are grateful to him for dragging at least part of the process into the 1990s.

Missing you already, Mark!

Julia O'Connor-Beach

14

Hello!

Well, I might as well make this total public knowledge. Melanie Shine and me are going onto the programme Supermarket Sweep.

It all started last Spring. Mel sent off for forms, we returned them with happy snaps of ourselves. The invitation arrived to attend an audition in Bristol.

We were told that if we were required, we would be notified by the end of June. With two days until the 1st July, the phone went. “Hello Cathy here, from Supermarket Sweep”. Well my whole insides turned upside down.

We are to be in Nottingham (Carlton TV), by 11.00 am on Sunday, 28th July, but as there are no trains early enough that day we are travelling up on Saturday, staying overnight in Stakis Hotel, all expenses paid, just to say “Hello Dale” lots of time.

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST!!!

On the subject of showbiz, I'm treading the boards again at Wotton Town Hall and have just peeled out of my fishnet tights. “Wow”, you might cry. Mind you, I nearly had second thoughts last week.

I was collecting for the ‘Save a Life Boat Man’ (RNLI), when a lady opened her door to me and said “Haven't you put on some weight”. Well I didn't hit her on the head with the lifeboat, however, whilst up on the stage tonight, tap dancing like crazy, I was breathing real hard!

It's been a strange week. Last Monday, Miss Turner asked me to take her shopping to Yate.

She purchased 3 tabard pinnies, a vegetable rack, an enamel saucepan, a pack or floral tissues and we visited every shoe shop to try to supply her with a delicate pair of size 3 shoes. We did have a laugh and it was like the parting of the Red Sea, with everyone stepping out of the way of Meg and her trolley.

The following Friday she had died.

She had an amazing wit and such a dry sense of humour.

One particular occasion comes to mind. At a Family Service, in the Chapel, I was in the vestry making the congregation a pot of tea. The preacher was giving a rather long sermon and it seemed never to end. Meg followed me out.

Straight faced she said to me, “Marilyn, go out there, stand in front of him and look up at the clock, because if he doesn't shut up soon, no-one will ever come here again.”

I looked down at her little frame, shrouded in large red hat and matching shoes and I roared with laughter. I share this story with you because so many people have been touched by so many sides of her personality. This is one memory of her I shall treasure.

Take care, happy summer!

Marilyn

[Advert for Animal £xtras]

First question as usual, John. How did you come to be in Charfield?
That's a bit ironic really, looking back. A job move brought me over from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk to work for a company in Cam, but now I work for a Danish company. It's also the first time that I've so close to my sister!

15So what do you do now for ‘gainful employment’?
As I said, I work for a Danish food ingredients company and I'm primarily involved in supplying colouring and flavouring to food manufacturers. My background as a food technologist has helped a lot.

What's the point of putting additives into food?
Well, there are many forms of additives – E numbers fill many people's minds with dread but realistically we couldn't do without them. Food just wouldn't be fit to eat unless this sort of technology existed.

I'm sure that would raise many side issues. Let's move on! I know from your column in the Newsletter that you are connected with Round table. What's your involvement there?
I transferred into Wotton and District Round Table from Haverhill in 1991 and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I ever did. You see, it's not just about guys having a good time – we do loads of things in and around the area. This year, for instance, our Chairman is spearheading a type of ‘Fix-it’ which will make practical help available to anyone in the district. We literally don't know what's going to happen in terms of the request we get but it should be interesting to say the least. I'd recommend Round Table to anyone in the 18–40 age group – just ring me for details! One point in the rumour dispelling department is that it doesn't cost much to be a Tabler.

You have an interesting hobby in collecting Matchbox models. Tell us about that.
Like many people I started collecting as a youngster but I suppose in a way I was different in that I kept all the models I acquired in their original boxes. I started in 1975 and now specialise in the Model A and Model T vans made by Matchbox.

How many are there in existence?
There must be about 300 in all, taking into account the different castings and colours and so one, but that number is increasing all the time with promotional models. I reckon I must have about 200 now.

Is there any specific model would love to get hold of?
Yes – there are two! One is called Ben Franklin, made for a string of hardware stores in the States and the other one I'd like to get is the 2nd Convention model from 1987. There were only 400 issued so if anybody out there's got one … !

Away from hobbies – what about family?
Tracy and I have been married for 11 years and have two lovely children (on a good day!). Elizabeth is 4 and Andrew 10 months.

We asked Mike in the last issue what he liked most about Charfield. What about you?
It's still peaceful and quiet. I was brought up in London and what I like most is to look out of the window and be able to see a field of cows. I couldn't live in the city again. People are so much more friendly here and have more time for you. I was a house-husband for a while and that taught me a lot about village life.

What about the downside to Charfield?
I'd love it if we didn't have heavy lorries thundering through and I'm sure there must have been a better way of slowing the traffic down than ‘that traffic calming’. What about a by-pass!! Perhaps a few more facilities for children would be useful.

What would you take to your desert island? You can have 3 items and a book.
First would be pens and paper. I've always wanted to try and write a book. I might become the next Harold Robbins. Then I'd have to take music – rock mainly but maybe some classical and other stuff. I'm not terribly practical but I'm a demon with a Rawlplug! Tracy's Dad is a former international archer and says I have an archer's stance, whatever that might be, so I'd better take a bow and arrow. Humour has always played an important part in my life so I'll take the complete scripts of Fawlty Towers to read when I felt low and lonely. Who could fail to be inspired by John Cleese?

Interviewer:
Dave Woodhouse

16

Puzzle Page Answers

17

Some time ago Charfield Parish Council decided that it would like the village to commemorate the beginning of the new Millennium. A small steering committee of Parish Councillors was elected to begin the process of organising the commemoration.

This Steering Committee has now met, and because it was felt that the whole of the village should be involved, has arranged an open meeting for Thursday, 12 September at Charfield Primary School Main Hall, beginning at 7.30pm.

It is not the Parish Council's wish to be the sole organiser but rather a focal point for all the various clubs, groups, etc., in the village. A Millennium account has already been started by the Parish Council to help fund activities.

Whether you are an interested individual or represent a club or other organisation, please come along and make your contribution to what should be a momentous year in our history.

Reminders of the meeting will be circulated nearer the date.

P J Birt

Since the trip to Newent and the Wye Valley to see the daffodils, members have enjoyed a days outing to Weston with the Wickwar people and also one to Cheddar, despite the rain on both occasions. The tide was in however.

Unfortunately the one to Ilfracombe fell through, but another was quickly arranged to visit Evesham and Stratford.

Some members were joining Wickwar on trips to Seaton and Sidmouth.

The summer ‘Bring and Buy’ was arranged for the 24th July.

For entertainment we have had bingo, a general knowledge quiz, old sayings and an exhibition of shell craft.

M Ealey
Secretary

Back in June the Charfield Childminders played host to all of South Gloucestershire when we organised a Teddy Bears Picnic to celebrate National Childminding Week.

This month at the village fair our fancy dress competition went down well, with 16 children entering ranging in age from 10 months to 9 years. In first place was Humpty Dumpty and the Soldier – James and Sammy Sparkes, in second place was the Baker – Lisa Stone, and the Hula Hula Girl, Jessica Lawther, came third.

We have much planned for the coming months, including Yate Superbounce booked for August, and the photographer visit on 5th October. This was a big fundraiser for the group last year and your support was appreciated. Anyone interested in a Family portrait can contact our vacancies coordinator Pat Loveridge on 26xxxx nearer the time.

Sheri Bryce
Secretary

[Advert for Barbara Ealey Dressmaking]

18

At the risk of appearing cynical, I find myself reflecting upon the choppings and changings of our world today as I read and re-read this quote written in AD66 by Petronius Arbitor:-

“We trained hard but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up as a team, we would be reorganised.

“I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganising – and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress …”

Thus it seems even our Neighbourhood watch liaison with the senior echelons of the Police Service.

A good working relationship had in the past been established with the Police Inspector at Chipping Sodbury and was further underlined when he was required to add the Thornbury Police Station to his range of duties.

We continued to have effective area wide coordination group meetings both with him and with Police Superintendent Warren, based at Filton.

Then came further changes.

Supt warren was transferred back to the Trinity Road Police Station and his successor decided to “shuffle the pack” with his Inspector's personnel! The new Superintendent, Supt Walsh decided that he would leave supervision at Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury to experienced Police Sergeants, whilst Neighbourhood Watch coordination at an Inspector level was to come under an Inspector based at Lockleaze. One has to appreciate that the Filton Police District spilt over into Bristol City – hence the next phase of further change.

Since the new South Gloucestershire District Council is an “all purpose” authority it has expressed a desire to be more “au-fait” with what catchment area it will be providing a grant for.

The outcome? A streamlining of the Avon & Somerset Police Districts to coordinate with the new Local Authority areas.

Hitherto, the eastern point of South Gloucestershire has been covered by a Police District based upon Staple Hill and Kingswood, with an overlap into Keynsham. Now there is likely to be just one Police District for the whole of South Gloucestershire and when one views this across the Avon & Somerset Force, it could well mean a reduction in the number of senior officer. It could also mean that Filton will no longer be designated as a District Control Centre.

And Charfield Neighbourhood Watch?

We shall carry on regardless and continue to hold our bi-monthly meetings in the Sportmans' Lounge and liaise with our own Community Constable, Jim Stewart, and his Special Constable. One can only assume that the Police Community Affairs Department will be able to continue to give further effective backup to all the Neighbourhood Watch Groups across the district.

Rev David W Parker
Chairman

[Advert for Taylor Made Services]

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

19

Since writing in the Newsletter, the Brownies have been very busy. In March, six Brownies went with me on a District Pack Holiday to Macaroni Woods in Cirencester. We had a great week and made lots of new friends. Because of this adventure, I have decided to do my own Pack Holiday Licence. This will, I hope, enable me to take the whole pack on Pack Holiday next year.

We have also been fund-raising. Lots of you will have bought the Numbers and Initials Quiz which we were selling in the Spring. The winners of that quiz were Sue Nash and Denise Beale, who will have to share the £20.00 prize. Well done to them and thank you to everyone else who sold or bought a copy.

Fun was had by everyone at the Summer Fayre, many thanks to everyone who supported us to raise money for the Hall Committee and the Brownies.

A Brownie trip is being organised for September and also a Family Disco for October (Halloween). Some of us can remember the last disco we held – it was great fun!

Last but not least, Julie and I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Summer break. We will see you all again in September, when Brownies re-starts.

Thank you all again for your continuing support!

If any little girls would like their name on our waiting list, just give me a call.

Trish Cole
Brown Owl

[Advert for Charfield Flowers]

The past few months were topped for us personally, when we were privileged to be part of ‘The Event’ on 12 May – the sponsored walk over the Second Severn Crossing. With the help of the very many generous people who supported us on this walk, we raised over £1,200.00. We all enjoyed what turned out to be a brilliant day.

We also held a Bring and Buy Sale at the Baptist School Room in Wotton – a worth-while morning, raising £126.00.

It's not just ‘The Group’ who've been raising money. Pupils at KLB School have raised over £100.00 from baking cakes to sell at break time. Also, we were very grateful to share the proceeds of a Bridge Tournament at Leyhill – a total of £500.00 plus for the Hospice.

Thanks to CHADRA, we have four new members and we are looking forward to Children's Hospice Week in September. Look out for our now familiar, blue forget-me-nots. We are also holding a Coffee Morning on Wednesday, 18 September at xx Long's View.

We'll be holding a dance in the Memorial Hall on Friday night, 6 December. Those of you who joined us in 1995 will remember the excellent evening we had, dancing the night away.

Again thanks to the CHADRA newsletter, we have secured the services of a local band for the night. why not join us?

Hazel Stone, Co-ordinator
Charfeld Friends Group

[Advert for Sue Trowell Chiropodist]

20!COPY DATE 12 OCTOBER!

A Trick of The Light …

Gardening inspiration comes from many sources, not least ideas gathered on hot summer holidays. Sometimes even more than ideas come home in the form of cuttings and plants from exotic climates.

Why does that vivid magenta geranium that filled the balcony of the holiday apartment look so vulgar now it lives in a hanging basket?

The answer probably lies in the quality of light in England – misty and diffuse even on a hot August day. Bright clear sunlight has the effect of washing out colour, to make strong colours both desirable and acceptable. Pastel shades always look insipid in intense sunlight, but are tailor made for the softer English climate.

If holiday memories motivate you to copy Mediterranean or seaside colour schemes at home try a limited application of colour for maximum effect. Group the bright colours together, possibly in a single large pot and set them against a neutral backdrop of simple green foliage. The less exciting parts of the garden, such as Leylandii and privet hedges are just waiting for this sort of approach.

Bright colours tipped straight into the border will probably cause clashes in even the best planned colour schemes. Why not try to mimic the effect of bright sunlight and surround the offending plant with a generous splash of white flowers?

Right to Light …

If lurid pink geraniums are grouped on one side of the Leylandii hedge, what's happening on the other side?

Not a lot probably!

The base of an established conifer hedge is a difficult place to grow, being both dry and either shady or searingly hot.

There are very few locations in Charfield which need to use Leylandii hedging. Most gardeners do not fully understand the impact of planting a group of such large trees in their garden.

I suspect that impatience is the main reason for so much planting in the village. Cupressocyparis Leylandii is undoubtedly quick growing, it is easy to make a passable six foot hedge in only three years, but this quick growth continues. It is very common to find hedges nearly twenty feet high and still less than ten years old.

A six foot hedge is easy to maintain, using shears and a step ladder, if trimmed twice a year it will not be more than a weekend's work and the clippings will fit in the boot of a car in maybe a couple of trips to the council dump.

A twenty foot hedge is a different matter. Few amateur gardeners would safely want to trim a hedge so tall and how do you rid the garden of so much conifer clippings?

It must also be said that many small local landscapers make a living carrying out this sort of work and I would not want to stop a thriving local economy!

The spread of a Leylandii hedge is just as big a problem, with many people loosing six feet or more from their garden in this way. Trimming back an established hedge to re-claim your garden will leave brown stalks and stems which will not re-grow.

Two points are worth considering, firstly how tall a hedge do you need? Few people can see over a six toot hedge and a screen to sit behind need only be five or even four feet high.

If a neighbour's window overlooks the garden a carefully sited small tree or large shrub will make a much better screen than allowing the whole hedge to grow to hide the window.

Secondly consider planting slower growing alternatives, with a correspondingly smaller maintenance requirement.

A much slower growing conifer is the Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) which also has the advantage of being widely available in blue and yellow leaved forms.

21If security is important then the native form of holly, Ilex aquifolium, will keep out all but the most thick skinned. It will grow happily in both sun and shade and its glossy green leaves and red berries make the perfect backdrop to the garden.

On heavy soils Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) will make a better choice than beech, again retaining russet leaves through the winter months.

Those gardening on the edges of the village may even like to consider a hedge made of a mixture of native tree and shrub species. Such a “tapestry” hedge will make both an attractive boundary to the garden, with an ever-changing display of flower, fruit and foliage colour and an unbeatable haven for wildlife of all types.

See The Light …

For those readers with a wish to consider the pleasures of re-designing their own garden why not come along to my Design Course, which will be running from 25th September for ten weeks at Wotton Library?

For more details telephone (01453) 84xxxx, but hurry as numbers are strictly limited.

Martin Farrell is a Garden Designer & Lecturer who lives and gardens in Charfield

Hello everyone! If you don't know already we meet every Thursday morning (school term time only) 10.15–11.30 am. Although we are called ‘Mother and Toddlers’ we are very pleased to welcome dads, grandparents, childminders, aunties etc. With price set at just £1 per session, it is a cheap morning's entertainment for the kids! If you are a new mum or new to Charfield, why not come along and meet some new friends. If you do not wish to come along, please ring one of the committee members and we promise to make you very welcome.

Firstly, I would like to thank all who supported our recent ‘Sponsored Bounce’. Both the children who took part, plus all the family and friends who sponsored them. We continually update and replace toys and equipment. We also subsidise annual events arranged for the group. By the time you read this we will have already enjoyed our Teddybear's Picnic (thank you to Laura who lent us her garden), with lunch provided for all, plus entertainment in the form of a balloon man and bouncy castle. Also our Weston trip was very well supported this year, and the weather was kind once again.

We are already arranging some forthcoming events such as a night out for the mums and a Christmas shopping evening in November at the Memorial Hall. Details for these will follow later.

If the kids are bored during' those long summer hols why not come along to the Family Disco on Friday, 23rd August. Price will be £5 per family and it will be held at the Memorial Hall. We are hoping to donate the profits to the Rebecca Lock Fund. We will be pleased to reserve tickets nearer the time and anyone interested in joining us for this evening can contact any of the committee.

Please! Please! Please! Can anyone spare some time to serve refreshments at our Thursday sessions? Rose Woodward helps us out year after year and we are extremely grateful to her but we would like one or two more people to help Rose. Any offers would be much appreciated.

The only thing remaining is to wish everyone a very relaxing summer and we will look forward to seeing faces, both new and old when Toddlers returns in September.

Bye for now!

Jennie

[Advert for Kiosks]

22

Did you know that the Mobile Library stops in Charfield on alternate Wednesdays?

The Library vehicle, which is part of the South Gloucestershire Library Service and is run by Yate Library, carries about 2,000 books to suit all ages. You will also find talking books, jigsaws, leaflets and local information. There are special sections for Large Print books, mysteries, romances and westerns – so there is entertainment for all tastes. The Library also has a good choice of non-fiction, including biographies, travel, sports and gardening.

The children's section has board books, story tapes, picture books and information books, as well as reading books for younger children and for teenagers.

We can also order books for you. If you have any queries, why not telephone me on 01454 31xxxx.

It's free to join. All you have to do is come along and fill in an application form. The Mobile Library has a lift to help people onto the vehicle, and a special service for the housebound, if you live near the stop but cannot get out.

The stopping times, together with the dates for the rest of this year, are shown below. Why not come along and have a look round. We look forward to seeing you on the Mobile Library.

Robina Price
Yate Library 01454 31xxxx

With the formation of the new South Gloucestershire Council, the decision was made to merge the Northavon Local Councils Association (the Parish and Town Councils) with the Kingswood LCA.

Formed subsequent to the 1974 Local Government re-organisation, the Northavon group's first Chairman was Councillor Joe Honeybourne. Those early meetings involved much discussion on such items as the Avon Structure and Northavon Local Plans and other topics of mutual interest.

When Joe stood down as Chairman in 1976, due to ill-health, he was succeeded by Cllr John Glover, JP (Alveston), who was succeeded in turn by Cllr John Nash, JP (Wick). I was elected Vice-Chairman and Northavon LCA delegate to the County of Avon LCA Executive Committee.

In 1982, I became Chairman of the Northavon LCA and, over successive years, was able to lead discussion on quite a cross-section of local affairs, with such matters as District, County and South West Region Planning, to name just three.

The ultimate demise of the County of Avon also posed a question for the County LCA. By the time I had also become Chairman of the ALCA's Executive Committee and delegate to the National Association (NALC).

My personal view was for each Unitary Authority to have its own, direct affiliation to NALC and, although I felt that ALCA should in due course cease to exist, there was some merit in the existing structure of ALCA continuing until, as it were, the ‘sands’ settled after re-organisation.

With our own District Councillor, Eddie Gadsby, serving as South Gloucestershire Council's first Chairman, may I say that Charfield has been well represented in Local Government circles.

However, with the formation of the new, South Gloucestershire LCA, I declined the invitation to be nominated as Chairman. After fourteen years as the Northavon group Chairman and three years as the County group Chairman, I decided that I had had a good run and that I would now like to become a back-bencher once more.

Rev D W Parker
Retiring Vice-President, Avon LCA

23

Burial Ground

Following the application by the Parochial Church Council to close St James's Churchyard, residents were asked in the last edition of CHADRA for their views about future management and the possible provision of alternative burial space in Charfield Parish, once it has been officially closed.

The Parish Council is rather disappointed that not one resident has contacted the Council to voice an opinion. It is not too late yet, but please be quick. If, for instance, you feel that the South Gloucestershire Council should be providing an additional burial ground, the Parish Council will need to present a very strong case, and be in a position to prove that there is a need.

Grants

Village organisations who applied for grants from the Parish council, will, we hope, be receiving the money within the next fortnight. I am advised by the Local Councils Association that, in future, organisations applying for grants will need to specify exactly what they require the grant for. Please ensure that all grant applications are submitted to me by the end of November 1996 and do include this vital information.

Planning

The Parish Council receives copies of all planning applications and plans relating to Charfield Parish from the Gloucestershire Council. If any resident would like to inspect such an application, you are welcome to do so. Please give me a call, rather than making a special journey to either Thornbury or Yate. Keep an eye on both public notice boards, too, for details of meetings, and make your views known to Councillors.

Site Hut

Progress is extremely slow regarding the former site hut in Manor Lane. I have asked South Gloucestershire Council for a site meeting with the owners, in order that a satisfactory conclusion can be reached.

Fencing – Wotton Road

After persistent requests, Bryant Homes recently erected a chain-link fence at the boundary of Tyndale Meadow with Wotton Road. They have promised to cut back the boundary hedge in the near future.

Footway – Little Bristol

As you may be aware, the provision of a pedestrian pavement in Little Bristol Lane, from Woodlands Road to Little Bristol, has been the subject of a mountain of correspondence. I am now assured by South Gloucestershire Council that this scheme, “Was put forward for funding in the current financial year.”

Cycling Danger

At a recent meeting, members of the Parish Council expressed concern about the number of children cycling at speed along the public footways (pavements). Please alert your children to the fact that a car (or pedestrian) may be emerging from a driveway – there have been a number of ‘near misses’ reported.

Finally, we look forward to seeing you at Parish Council meetings (second Tuesday in each month except August). They can be quite interesting and sometimes entertaining! Public Participation time is now item 3 on the Agenda, so you can have your say and leave in the unlikely event that you become bored.

Cath Holmes
Clerk

Remember:
A Village Meeting to get the planning for the Millennium Celebrations underway – Thursday 12 September in the Main Hall, Charfield Primary School, at 7.30pm

24

I had been given a chance to run in the London Marathon, to raise money for The National Meningitis Trust. Confirmation came through at the start of the year, so my training started during the festive season. By the time Marathon Day arrived, I had run nearly 600 miles in 100 hours over 17 weeks, averaging 35 miles per week, but I was still very apprehensive about covering the 26 miles 385 yards.

In the Marathon weekend, I had to report to Olympia on the Saturday, to collect my number and kit-bag. Luckily we have some holiday friends who live at Catford (two miles from the Marathon start), so we spent a restful Saturday afternoon and evening with them.

Marathon Day arrived clear, bright and sunny. I had to report to the start in Greenwich Park by 8.30 am, and then it was the final preparation for 9.30 am.

Before the beginning of the race, we were put into ten pens, depending on our expected times. Being my first marathon, my pen was near the back. 9.30 came and the race started, but nothing happened! Slowly we started to walk, then to jog and, after nine minutes, I made it to the official start line.

The first mile took me ten minutes to complete and I managed to run at this steady pace for the rest of the distance, finishing the 26 miles 385 yards in 4 hours, 34 minutes, 32 seconds.

The route took us from Greenwich Park past Cutty Sark (6 miles), Tower Bridge (12 miles), Canary wharf (17 miles) and the Tower of London (22 miles) to finish in the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. The crowds were marvellous, encouraging us all the way. The runners also had a great sense of comradeship, keeping everybody in good spirits, even when the going got tough.

There were water stops every three miles and isostar (energy) drinks every five miles – very essential because of the hot conditions. Also, the crowds were offering us fresh orange segments and sweets, and even the Fire Brigade were out spraying the runners with cool water.

30,000 runners took part in the race and my finishing position was 17,446 – not bad for the first attempt!

Looking back, it was one of the most enjoyable days of my life. Yes, the training and the race were demanding, but the fun, enjoyment and sense of achievement made it all worth while.

Many thanks to all the clubs, firms and individuals who supported my effort, making donations towards The National Meningitis Trust in memory of Douglas Stump (KLB and Berkeley), for which I was able to raise £5,000.

Alan Pearson

Soon after my grandson, Ian, qualified as a glider pilot, I was thrilled to be invited for a glider flight at Hullavington.

On a cold, grey morning, my daughter drove me to the airfield. After proving our identity to the security guard's satisfaction, we were given a pass. We proceeded to a hangar, where the air cadets offered us tea and cakes while we waited for our flight. Jo was uncertain whether eating before a flight was a good idea.

Then Ian helped us into a Land Rover and drove us to the glider take-off site, where several other people were waiting for their flights. The gliders looked small and fragile, with disproportionately long wings. The winch vehicle was parked some distance away. A chill wind was blowing but the air was clear as we watched the preparations. A cadet helped me put on my parachute. Other cadets fixed the cable to the winch vehicle and two more steadied the wings while the roof over the cockpit was raised.

A teen-aged girl cadet helped me into the 'plane – a difficult manœuvre for an elderly lady with her arm in plaster. I had broken my right wrist a few days earlier. I was soon tightly wedged into the front seat, wondering how I might get out and open the parachute should an emergency arise. The pilot (not my grandson) pointed out the controls in front of me – and the sick-bag – before leaping nimbly into the back seat. The cadets closed the top down and we were enclosed as in a cocoon. when all was ready, the signal was relayed to the winch vehicle and we started to move. The line tightened as we taxied across the field. We gathered speed and the glider left the ground.

25Suddenly, I was lying on my back with my feet in the air, but we levelled out as the 'plane rose higher. There was a sudden, violent jerk as the cable broke away. The pilot assured me that everything was alright. We were tree as a bird. There was no noisy engine as we quietly glided over fields, trees and hedges, intersected by the grey ribbon of the motorway. The tiny cars looked like children's toys. The smooth, gentle motion was like floating on a cloud. All too soon we lost the thermal and began drifting down. There were a few slight bumps as we landed on the grass and my flight was over – a most exhilarating experience.

E N D

(We are not sure whether END indicates the termination of the article, or the name of the writer … please do give your full name!)

It's a strange feeling – sitting at this (old-fashioned) typewriter, poised to write my final words to the people of Charfield; a mix of emotions spanning over 38 years. First it was through a church magazine shared by many parishes in this Deanery (an ecclesiastical area). Then through this helpful and interesting medium the Chadra Newsletter.

Most recently of all, it has been through a ‘Hand-out’ from St John's Church, one of which was delivered to every home in the village. It is a publication which, it is hoped, will be published three or four times a year. If you wish to know more or, better, if you would like to help with its production or distribution, please contact the Editor, Lynda Harding, x Hawthorne Close, Charfield (01454 26xxxx).

How many words this amounts to, and how many more words it would be if to this we added sermons, talks, etc, etc, there is no means of ‘computing’, as we would say today.

As you can imagine, I have now a long and wide knowledge of this village over the years. How much, I am surprised myself to discover, as the result of someone asking me such a question! I start, go on, and abruptly halt with a blink of surprise, “I never knew there was so much in it!” My head, I mean.

When I came here in June 1958, there was no mains sewerage (a cess pit even in the new Rectory to which we came). Not everyone had tap water. There was little traffic on the main road through the village. The school population was virtually static in the 80s. Bricks were made in a factory in the present Farm Lees area and, of course, there was no development at all, and no M.5 – a very different picture! And many people since then have come and gone, some through job-promotion, some through the events in which the Church, many still think, has a specialised function – births, marriages and deaths; so many changes.

I have found many friends here throughout the years and, as for my function here as Rector, I have shared the joys of many people. I have also shared the deep sorrows of many people. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” We all know a bit about that.

I hope I have helped some. I am sure I have not pleased everybody all the time; that's not humanly possible. I sometimes quip that my ‘back problems’ – hence the walking stick – are the result of bending over backwards for so many years to please other people; but that's a joke – it's not really the reason.

I am sorry to leave. I shall be glad to lay down some of the substantial burdens of responsibility. People are great, but we all have our funny ways (except ‘me’, of course). I shall often think of you in the village where I have spent by far the greater part of my life, where our boys largely grew up, where Thelma lived – and died. We all have a mixed bag of memories.

My love, thoughts, prayers, and thanks, sincerely, your Rector and friend.

Rev Ken Grant

The Woodend Walk
Sunday 6th October
Start – Scout Hut, Cromhall (behind the Parish Hall)
A Short and a Long Route, Mainly on Footpaths

26

On Saturday, 22 June at 7.30, Bishop David (Gloucester) came to St John's to dedicate an organ and to say a few words at the close of my ministry here, together with the fact that it is fifty years this Summer since I left College and started in the Ministry. Then everyone went over to Charfield School Hall, which had been kindly lent by Mr Sreeves for this occasion, for a wonderful reception prepared by the ladies. Thank you!

All of this was a warm and happy occasion. It would be better if someone else gave an account of it. Everyone tells me they greatly enjoyed it. I was so moved that I had a great job taking it all in, and can still not say all that happened.

Apparently, a collection had been made and a cheque was presented to me that evening which, including some other amounts that have been coming in since, now totals £615.00. I am very grateful to all those who contributed to this kind and generous gesture.

At the moment, I think I shall use this towards purchasing an Electric Chair – not of the electrocuting type, but Parker-Knoll, which gently tilts at different angles at the touch of a hand-held control.

Thank you so much; “I'll see you in my dreams”!

Ken

First a word of thanks to the Thomas family, who went out en masse, looking very determined, to put right the vandalised stiles on the footpath leading from the bottom of Charfield Hill to intersect with OCH 16. Well done, chaps.

Those of you with a long memory will recall that British Rail wished to divert the footpaths (OCH 22 and OCH 26) which currently cross the railway line on the stretch between Hill House Farm and Southend Farm, for reasons of safety. It seems that the idea is being resurrected. I will try and find out what is being proposed this time and let you know.

All for now –

Julia O'Connor-Beach

Loyal readers will recall that the subject of Profile 1, Mike Morris, commented that an input from the farming community would be welcome, to reflect the rural setting of Charfield. A local farmer has kindly obliged.

It would be understandable with the current merry-go-round of food scares for anyone involved with agriculture to want to keep a low profile. However, it is probably more important than ever for us to explain what we do and how we do it.

The failures are on the front pages of the national press, while the far more numerous success stories are confined to the back pages of the farming press. I'm sure the media do a similar job on most industries and activities – it's just that it hurts when they do it to you.

Recently, a front page picture showed “Compassion in World Farming” lobbying at a local school about intensive farming. It wasn't reported whether a balanced picture was presented, for example: that there are no veal crates in the UK (they were banned some years ago); that progress is being made to improve sow housing; that pesticide regulation and testing has also improved and the amounts actually used have fallen. The list is extensive and the work is continuing.

The big supermarkets play an influential role in all our lives. I won't criticise as I too shop at supermarkets. However, I do wonder whether their influence on consumer tastes and convenience and demands of uniformity on produce is altogether for the best.

What I'm leading up to is that I think consumers should take the trouble to look behind the headlines, and learn more about agriculture. Farmers are rightly proud of what they do and most are willing to take some time to explain just how complex a business farming is and now many other businesses rely on agriculture to make a living.

Finally, it's harvest time again, and I apologise if you get stuck behind a large combine. Most do pull over when they can, but please remember they have a job to do as well. When the machine possibly costs twice the value of your house but only works for six to eight weeks of the year, when the sun is shining you can't stop …
From a local tenant farmer.

27

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?

28

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Julia on 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
Pat Loveridge (vacancy coord.) 01454-26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Rev Philip Hopes 01453 84xxxx

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

Council – South Gloucestershire
Mr E Gadsby (Councillor) 01454-26xxxx

Cricket Club
David S Bradley 01453-84xxxx

Football Club – Juniors
Mike Higgins 01454-26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Chris Somerton (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

Friendship Club
Ernie Orton 01454-26xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Mrs C Parfit 01454-26xxxx

Ladies Club
Margaret Gargett 01454-26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454-26xxxx

Memorial Hall
John Poskett 01454-26xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Laura Cabry 01454-26xxxx

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