CHADRA

… that Mr and Mrs John Poskett have decided to retire from their duties for the Memorial Hall, after many, many years of dedicated hard work? It must have been a labour of love, because John was on call every day, ensuring that all was in good order. See inside for a word from the management committee.

… that we are still waiting to see if Crest Homes appeal against the Council's decision not to allow the proposed outline development in Charfield? The six months window of opportunity is not yet closed … or perhaps they intend fighting to have the proposal included in the next long term plan, instead? We'll have to keep our eyes on that.

… that Charfield isn't the only place to be hit with new housing proposals – 1000 are planned for Cam and a large number also for Berkeley. Who's next, we wonder?

… that a white transit van with blacked-out windows has been seen in the area and is believed to be being used by thieves to steal horse boxes. Keep a look out! Also, there were two attempted break-ins to houses at Damery in mid July. Be on your guard, and report anything that raises your suspicions.

… that a resident of Underhill Road, having parked his car quite legally outside his own house, later found a notice under the windscreen wiper saying, “This is a bus stop – for the bus”? On contacting both the police and the Stroud Valleys and Fosseway Bus Companies, it was discovered that there is NO bus stop in Underhill Road at all. They operate a ‘hail and ride’ service and the bus driver must pull in where he can.

… that another Community Beat Officer has introduced himself – Ian Cousins – and you can reach him by leaving a message on 01275 81xxxx, voice mail number 71612.

… that a resident who was convinced, in error, that he or she (no names, no pack drill) had already paid the annual subscription for the newsletter, muttered to the distributor that they would need to have a receipt next time?! Please try not to upset our volunteer distributors – they are doing a grand job!

… that the various sporting organisations in the village are looking for fresh playing fields? The existing field just can't cope with the number of games which need to be played. We wish them well in their search.

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Dear Reader:

I must admit that, although it is a grinding chore to produce the stencils (over 10,000 words in this edition), there is a good by-product. Even an old cynic like myself has to be heartened when faced with the bare facts: over 30 people have submitted articles, 7 CHADRA committee members produce the newsletter, nearly 30 people distribute the newsletter, and about 750 people purchase it. So it must be that all those people care about the village and what is happening within it. Bless you all, and thanks for all your support.

We're sorry not to be able to include a report of the Summer Fayre – we had gone to press before the 19th. We are always happy to receive articles on different subjects – so don't be shy, put pen to paper.

Avid readers of ‘Notes from the Cowshed’ will be pleased to know that the calf's mother, still languishing on the floor at the end of the article, was on her feet by lunchtime. Mother and calf are doing well. I love a happy ending.

Best regards,
Julia O'C-B

Next Copy Date – 12th October 1997

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

Joan Crowfoot, xx Wotton Road 01453 84xxxx
Advertising – Joan co-ordinates adverts.

John Butler, xx Underhill Road 01454 26xxxx
Duplication – John duplicates the Newsletter.

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

Barbara Adams, Warners Court, Wotton Rd 01454 26xxxx
Payments – Barbara is Treasurer and deals with subscriptions and advertising payments.

Julia O'Connor-Beach, xx Manor Lane 01454 26xxxx – types and cuts stencils.

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Spotlight Education!

Seldom a day or a week passes without schools and education being mentioned by the government and the media – usually in connection with schools being responsible for many of society's ills or low standards in children's achievement.

You will be pleased therefore to know that, based on children's achievements in English, Maths and Science, Charfield School performs well above both local and national averages.

We are obviously proud of these achievements which reflect the efforts of both staff and pupils – but we shall certainly not be lulled into complacency and will continue to strive for the best possible standards.

It may well be that our achievements are one reason for numbers having increased steadily throughout the past school year. Although this can be viewed as a positive trend, we could be faced with a situation where class sizes become larger than desirable! Government intentions to reduce class sizes are very laudable, but accommodation for additional classes remains an issue.

At Easter, we said goodbye to Mrs Janet Davies – a long-serving and greatly valued member of the teaching staff. I am sure there are many families of former pupils who would wish to join us in thanking Mrs Davies for her services to the school and expressing the hope that she enjoys a long and stimulating retirement.

In September, we shall welcome Mrs Deborah Marklove, who will join the staff in place of Mrs Davies.

Since Easter, we have also been pleased to welcome our Rector, Robert Pestell, and Philip Hopes from the Congregational Church to lead assemblies on a regular basis. We see this as a strengthening of the spiritual and moral aspects of the curriculum.

The Summer Term is traditionally a very busy time of year. For children in the final infant and junior years, the undertaking of nationally prescribed tests during April and May involves added pressures, both for the children themselves and for the staff involved.

Participation in events such as the District Sports and Music Festival demands a great deal of time and effort, but we are anxious that these important activities continue to flourish.

Together with ‘in-house’ opportunities for children by way of Chess and Table Tennis tournaments, sports days, etc., the spirit of school and local communities is maintained.

It never ceases to amaze me how much the parents of our children are prepared to work in support of the school. We are so lucky to have a thriving Parent Teacher Association which contributes so much – again maintaining the spirit of the school.

During the Summer Term alone, a quiz night, plant sale, annual fair, and line dance evening have brought families together and raised funds which provide resources for the benefit of the children.

In addition, the PTA provides cycle training over a period of weeks for children aged 9 and above.

I think we're all in need of a well-deserved summer break!

Frank Sreeves
Headteacher

I am pleased to report that the branch has increased its membership throughout this year and hopefully we will keep growing. Membership is open to all as associate membership is available for those who are not ex-service. Also on a good note, the branch received two donations to its benevolent fund, one from the Parish Council and one from the landlord and regulars of the Huntingford Mill as part of their annual charity awards. We thank both parties for their help.

The branch has through its benevolent fund assisted members of the parish and if we can be of any assistance to you please contact us through any of our members. The British Legion have expert advice available – let's use it.

On Sunday, November 9, the annual remembrance day parade will take place in Charfield with the branch being supported by the local youth organisations and we would welcome your attendance at the service in the Parish Church.

Clive Thompson
Branch Secretary

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One of the suggestions put forward as a possible project for the Millennium celebrations was to tidy up the coal wharf area alongside the railway line in Station Road. Mr Will Harris of The Avon Industrial Buildings Trust and former resident of 7/8 Station Road has written an essay in support of the idea, from which the following is taken, with his kind permission.

The act authorising construction of the Bristol and Gloucester Railway received the Royal Assent on July 1st, 1839. The line was engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, construction began in 1841 and when completed on 6th July 1844 it formed part of the through rail route between Exeter and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Charfield Station is therefore one of the oldest railway stations in the world and one of very few small stations to survive. It is the only surviving station of the B & G Railway Company.

The line was designed to standard gauge (four feet eight and a half inches) but, before the track came to be laid, Brunel persuaded the directors of the Company to switch to broad gauge. It is likely that structures such as the coal wharf that were not part of the main line itself would, for reasons of economy, have been built last. Therefore, although the line was designed for standard gauge, it is perfectly possible, and the evidence of the wharf itself suggests, that it was built to handle broad gauge track.

The opening for traffic of the coal wharf probably cut the price of coal within a seven mile radius of the wharf by up to 50%. Of clear benefit to the local economy and especially to the poorest sections of the community.

Charfield was a hamlet created by the coming of the B & G, or, more precisely, transferred by the coming of the B & G from the area around the medieval church of St James at Churchend to its present position adjacent to the railway.

This is clearly reflected in the former commercial activities of Station Road, formerly known until the 1950s as “Wharf Road”.

Apart from the coal wharf, there was the cattle market, Bibbys Animal 5Feeds, the National Provincial Bank housed in the brick office on the corner, Lloyds Bank in a now demolished tin shed in what is now the Sidings, and finally Hignells Iron Mongers at 10 Station Road.

10 Station Road still demonstrates the building's function very clearly: the large doorway into the warehouse and the display window above. There is not a conventional room behind the window but rather a passage of sufficient width to enable the window to be “dressed”.

There was also Joe Hull's Bakery at number 9 with the bakehouse clearly evident. Mr Freeman's Drapery business was at number 11 whilst at 4 Station Road in the shed there exists all the equipment (for example a slate lined brine bath) for the killing and salting of pigs.

Finally, all these activities were serviced by the three pubs on the road – “The Railway Hotel and Tavern” on the corner, “The Railway Inn” from 1840 to 1954 at 7/8 Station Road (in wet weather “Railway Inn” can still be seen on the front of the building), and finally “The Falcon Arms” at 11 Station Road.

Remarkably, almost all of these buildings survive with the exception of Lloyds Bank, the Miss Witts coal office in the front garden of 9 Station Road and the wooden shed from which Mr Freeman conducted his drapery business.

Turning to the coal wharf itself, the arches were partly for structural reasons (to carry the railway wagons on the line above) but also to provide separate storage for different qualities of coal. It was served by its own siding with the standard gauge track being carried by two girders, which are still in place, across the top of the arches, or hives. A pathway ran along the top of the wall over the front of the arches, presumably to allow railway staff to open the hatches, or hoppers, of the wagons so that their contents could be discharged by gravity.

Coal wharfs of this kind, or coal drops, were relatively rare. They were only possible where the geography of the site permitted and those built have often since been demolished. The Charfield wharf has survived because it is an integral part of the supporting structure of the running lines.

The evidence for the fact that the wharf was built to broad gauge dimensions has been obscured by subsequent infilling for safety reasons. The most obvious evidence is the distance from the front girder to the rear wall of the wharf, which is just over seven feet. Before the infilling took place in a number of the hives, on each arch against the back wall a large block of carefully dressed ashlar limestone could be seen, which was clearly designed to carry a very substantial load. Presumably the second girder was originally carried on this line of ashlar blocks.

It would be interesting to excavate completely a couple of hives to demonstrate the significance of these ashlar blocks as well as revealing the size and shape of the hives. The infilling of the hives for safety reasons in ca 1985 has also obscured the front of the hives.

The masonry of the wharf, like that of the retaining wall, is generally in an excellent state of repair with only minor remedial works required.

If you are interested in the idea of exposing and repairing part of the area and making a feature of it, do please contact the Millennium Committee.

We can't believe our first year is nearly over. We have thoroughly enjoyed the year and hope the girls have too. We are sad to say goodbye to 5 of our Rainbows who move up to Brownies, but we are welcoming new Rainbows all the time.

Unfortunately we still have a long waiting list and some will be disappointed.

This term we had a very interesting session at St John's Church. Many thanks to Rev. Robert Pestell who gave us a very rewarding tour of the church. For our trip we are going to Cotswold Wildlife Park. We have made money boxes to collect money to sponsor an animal at the Wildlife Park. Our last session this term will be a picnic at Watsome Farm.

We would like to thank all the mothers and other people of the village who have helped to make this year successful. We hope we will have many great years in the future.

Judith Wenman
Jane Smith

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By the time this newsletter reaches your doorstep, the final event of the PTA year will have passed and with it my tenure as Chairman.

Once again events through the year have been well supported and we are on target to raise over £4,000 to help the school.

Current projects under consideration are the restocking of the School library, software purchase, ongoing development of the conservation area, plus other minor but necessary items.

When we hold our AGM in September, we hope to be able to provide more detail. I am stepping down in favour of Nigel Smith who, I am sure, will enjoy the support of parents old and new. To the latter I would point out that the committee for next school year will be chosen at the AGM and “new blood” will be welcomed, together with ideas for future events.

To the existing committee, I extend my thanks for their efforts and support over the last 12 months. It has been much appreciated. Finally, keep watching the newsletter and for posters around the village for future PTA events to support – whether or not you have a child at the school, you'll be welcome to attend.

Have a great Summer holiday!

Best wishes.

Roger Bird
Chairman

As this edition of CHADRA is going “to press” (to John Butlers garage, actually) the Wotton and District Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has just completed its fourth Annual Flag Week with house-to-house collections throughout Charfield and other neighbouring villages. In each of the three previous collections, we have increased the sum collected year by year. The initial boxes counted to date show promise that we may again do so.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who donated – particularly those who also donated their time by collecting.

For those who are interested, the RNLI's HQ at Poole, Dorset, will be holding Open Days on Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd August. All are welcome – I would recommend it as a day out.

As well as collecting house-to-house and in Wotton High Street on an annual basis, the Wotton and District Branch raised funds and promotes the work of the RNLI in other ways. A souvenir stall is run at a number of local events (including the Charfield Summer Fayre) and talks/film shows are put on for local groups.

Volunteers to help with these activities or suggestions for other means of raising funds would be gratefully received.

For further details, please call John Barnett on 01453 84xxxx.

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Times are difficult for the Memorial Hall – with finances lower than they have been for many years and the need to pay for the ongoing cost of vandalism to the hall and the field.

In the last two months, the flat roof has had to be completely replaced – at a cost of almost £4,000. While this repair is guaranteed for 10 years, this does not cover damage caused by vandalism or other misuse.

We would ask the cooperation of all villagers in trying to prevent and/or reporting any such incidents or other vandalism to the hall.

On a brighter note, there are a number of new members on the management committee, including some much younger faces – which is a positive step for the longer term future of the Hall. We also welcome the Rev Robert Pestell, who has agreed to be the new vice chairman, following the resignation of John Poskett from that office.

Also, as reported in the previous issue of CHADRA, Mrs Anne Thomas (xx Berkeley Close, 01454 26xxxx) has now taken over as bookings secretary from Mrs Poskett. All future enquiries re booking the hall facilities should be addressed to Anne, from whom the keys may also be collected.

Finally, on behalf of the management committee and indeed the whole village, I would like to thank both John and Dolly Poskett for all that they have done for the Memorial Hall over many, many years. The management committee is well aware of the time and effort put in by John day in, day out, not only with routine tasks, but also making good and repairing much of the damage and wear and tear that occurs at the Hall.

Without John's unfailing efforts, the cost of damages over recent years would have been much higher than it has been; without the time that he has devoted many events would not have been held.

Simple thanks seem lame in the circumstances, but we are very grateful to John and Dolly for all that they have done and hope they enjoy their new found and well earned spare time.

Jane Hall
Chairman

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As we come to the end of another school year, the PTA committee would like to wish all those who are leaving the school all the very best, either in the workplace or further education.

The final weeks of the term are always busy and the PTA will be helping out when needed. Refreshments for parents evenings and for the umbrella evenings.

The final social event for parents will have taken place by the time the newsletter is delivered. A good selection of bottled ales will, no doubt, have been consumed at the “Ale Evening”, courtesy of Martin Coleman of Amphora wines of Wotton, prior to enjoying a barbecue.

The final event for pupils will be the Year 7/8 disco, then everyone can put their feet up and have a good break until September.

The new Year 7 parents will be invited to a social evening to get to know each other, their children's tutor, and the PTA committee and what we are about. So if you are a new Year 7 parent, keep 18 September free in your diary.

The following week (25 September) the AGM will take place – another date for the diary.

Looking further ahead, we will be holding a fun casino night at Leyhill Officers Club on 28 November.

Other ideas in the melting pot are a murder mystery evening, another wine tasting, a quiz evening, and of course our annual Christmas draw.

Well, I hope everyone has a good summer, lots of nice sunshine and if possible a jolly good rest!

See you in September.

Margaret Clarke
Chairman

It's that time again to write an article of our “goings-on”. Firstly, can we say thank you for all the unwanted things you gave for our annual jumble sale – we really are very grateful. As a gesture we are donating a sum of money to the village hall funds. Unfortunately with all the vandalism, it will not go far. At one of our recent meetings, lads were on the flat roof and we had to call the police to move them off. A few weeks later with water pouring in a bill of over £3,000 resulted. Still, let's hope the village fayre on 19 July will be a nice sunny day and the much wanted money will roll in.

You will see us at the refreshments in the hall, so come along ladies – introduce yourselves! You will be welcome at our next meeting in September when ICE EASY from Chipping Sodbury will be demonstrating the art of icing for those special occasion cakes.

One of our most valued members, our treasurer Barbara Curtis, has now moved from the village and she will be very greatly missed. After our last jumble sale day in May she composed a poem which we thought was worth an airing in CHADRA …

We had a special evening at the President's home to say goodbye to Barbara. Strawberries and cream and cakes were readily consumed and a good old fashioned sing-along round the piano ended a very enjoyable get together.

Pat White
President

(We are delighted to ‘air’ the poem!)

Sunday Club is held every Sunday (in term time) at St John's Church and the Foundation Room (except the 2nd Sunday when there is a family service in church). The club is for the benefit of the village children aged between 3 and 11 years. It is run by volunteers and there are a variety of activities such as bible stories, singing, games, and art work.

The session starts in the church at 10.15 when the Rev Pestell talks to the children and we sing some songs. Then we go over to the Foundation Room for our activities and finally we come back to church for the final hymn at about 11.30. Parents can collect children from the church at about that time.

If you are interested in joining Sunday Club, please contact Rev R Pestell or Tracy Francksen (01453 84xxxx).

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First, a date for your diary:

10 September 1997, 7.30 pm at Charfield School.

This is the AGM of the Charfield Millennium Project. Come and join in the preparations for celebrating the Millennium. Coffee and biscuits will be available for those who join us.

We expect the calendar for the year 2000 to include:

[Graphic: “2000”]

• Church Meeting organised by the Parish and Congregational Churches;
• bonfire organised by the Committee;
• street parties organised by neighbourhoods on a particular day.

We are looking at a number of projects:

• footpath/cycleway to Wotton via KLB School;
• demolishing the site hut at the corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road, landscaping the area, burying a time capsule and erecting a plaque;
• Compiling a Domesday Book (more about this below).

We have recently been in touch with Railtrack to see what might be done to refurbish the old station buildings, restore the coal wharf and landscape the area at the corner of Little Bristol Lane and Wotton Road. Happily, and purely by coincidence, we understand that the refurbishing of the listed buildings is already being considered as a project.

Now a bit of detail about the Domesday Book. These are the aims:

• to compile a collection of personal views of life in the Parish of Charfield at the Millennium;
• to cover as many aspects of life as possible;
• to put the material into a form in which it can be published, or at least copied;
• to complete the work by the middle of the year 2000.

The Women's Institute are going to do a section on Home Life. what would you or your group like to cover?

Remember that this is to be a collection of personal and local views.

Now is your chance not only to be part of history but to write it!

If you would like to contribute, contact our secretary, Hazel Watson, at “Westholme”, xx New Street (Tel 01453-84xxxx).

John Acton
Millennium Committee Chairman

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The annual parish meeting was held on 13 May. The Chairman gave a brief report and the organisations which had received grants from the PC during the year reported on their activities.

Dennis Booth was elected to serve a further year as Chairman, and John Acton was elected Vice Chairman, For the coming 12 months, Clive Thompson will be the PC representative to the National Schools Foundation, John Acton to the South Glos Parish Councils Association, and Fred Carling to the Environmental Link Group. Paul Birt continues for a further year as a Primary School Governor.

Planning

Planning applications exercise the PC greatly and usually result in the most lively discussion of the monthly meeting. Remember that the PC is merely consulted on planning applications by South Glos Council – it has no power, as such.

That said we hope and trust that the view of the PC, with its local knowledge, is considered by the officers of SGC and the members of its planning committees.

The PC has, over the last year or two, run the gamut of responses to various proposals. It has seen fit to actively support some applications, to raise no objections to others, to ask for conditions to be added to some consents, and to strongly object to two or three.

Notices of all meetings to do with planning (indeed all meetings of every kind) are posted on the notice boards. If there is a proposal which you feel strongly about, either for or against, speak to one of the Councillors, write a note, or come along to the meeting.

Plans are available at the meetings – you could save yourself a trip to the Council Offices at Thornbury by coming to the Sportsman's Lounge!

If you receive a notice from SGC regarding a neighbour's planning application, do take the opportunity to inform yourself of the details and to reply to SGC, if you so wish. A copy to the PC of any letter you write regarding the application would be much appreciated.

The clerk to the PC, Kath Holmes, is always pleased to advise residents, if you find the workings of the council planning procedure a mystery.

Other Snippets

It is understood that St James' Churchyard has now been officially closed for further burials. However, please note that ashes may still be interred.

The PC is fighting SGC's wish to close the public toilets at the Memorial Hall car park. SGC claims that the cost of repairs (due to vandalism) and daily maintenance is prohibitive.

The PC is looking at ways of replacing the wilfully abused, mauled, and stunted trees along Little Bristol Lane adjacent to the playing field, with a planting scheme that will be more likely to survive the attentions of environmentally unfriendly and decidedly non-green children.

It is sad to note that the grant from the PC (on your behalf) to the Memorial Hall, intended to help with everyday maintenance costs, has been swallowed up by the huge cost of repairing the vandalised flat roof. What should have made life a little easier for the committee and cash available for improvements has been lost in the black hole of the cost of vandalism.

What a waste of your money. So, the next time you pass the Hall, keep an eye out – report any misdeeds to the committee or the Police, making sure to get a good description of those responsible. Let's all include the Hall on our Neighbourhood Watch … it's the village's property, after all.

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Puzzle Page

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Normal Service …

Times have been a little hectic at the potting shed of late, but having found a computer lurking beneath a pile of plans and plant catalogues normal service can be resumed.

Wise Planting …

It is strange how some plants seem to capture the mood of a moment or collect praise and admiration more than others. At present a tall clump of Salvia sclarea turkestanica (Clary Sage) by the front door is attracting much praise.

At over four feet tall, with large wrinkled dark green leaves, topped by candelabra spikes of silvery mauve bracts and humming to the sound of foraging bees, it makes quite a show.

As a stately member of the sage family it too has its herbal uses, most especially as the basis of many perfumes. The scented oil extracted from the plant was often recommended as an aphrodisiac.

The plant comes easily from seed, although it still surprises me that such tiny black seeds can so quickly produce such a large plant – what value for money. Seeds will be starting to ripen by the end of August or early September and can be sown straight away in 4″ pots containing moist seed compost. Aim to just cover the seeds with it little more compost and set aside in a cold frame or sheltered spot for the winter chill to break the seed's dormancy.

The seeds will germinate in the spring and will produce decorative rosettes of puckered green leaves in their first year, the floral fireworks will come in the second year and last from June until August.

Sages form an enormous family of plants and come in a wide range of sizes and flower colours from brazen reds to the subtlest pale pink, with shades of mauve and blue also common.

No garden should be without at least one plant of culinary sage (Salvia officinalis), which in its common form has oval grey-green leaves topped by long lasting mauve flower spikes. This plant has several close relatives with more strongly coloured leaves such as purple or yellow, which makes them even more suitable as additions to the sunnier mixed border. All share a pungent flavour and scent and have many culinary uses.

All sages are happiest in full sun and most dislike having their feet wet especially through the winter. An obvious exception to this is Salvia uliginosa a sage much prettier than its name.

Another tall plant, perhaps four or five feet high by the end of the summer when it bears Cambridge blue flowers until the first frosts. A much more delicate looking sage than my two previous choices, with serrated dark green leaves and much more of a liking for clay soils. Give it a warm spot and it will make a useful companion to the late flowers of Japanese anemones or tall Michaelmas daisies.

Hedge Your Bets …

August is the traditional time for trimming garden hedges to send them tidily into the winter. Formal evergreen hedges of either conifer or shrubs, as well as deciduous hedges such as beech or hawthorn can all be re-shaped now.

Always trim the hedge so that it is narrower at the top than the base as this will help prevent wind damage and encourage light to penetrate into the body of the hedge.

Informal hedges should also be cut back at this time of year to take out misplaced growth and keep the plants within bounds. If possible use secateurs rather than hedge trimmers or shears to maintain an irregular outline by pruning to shape.

This idea can be extended to most other shrubs in the garden, as August is a good month to judge whether a particular plant is starting to take more than its allotted share of the garden. The prunings taken from shrubs such as cotoneaster, elaeagnus, escallonia and pyracantha can all be used to make semi-ripe cuttings to provide new plants to donate to next year's church plant sale.

The handsome culinary sages can also be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings, an idea I shall ponder back at the potting shed over a cup of tea and a modest clary sage sandwich.

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

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It's only the beginning July (at the time of writing) and September and the start of the new season seem an age away. Nevertheless, preparations for the new season are already in full swing.

League registrations and cup entries are complete. The fixtures for both our teams have been arranged and training has already begun. Our training sessions take place on Wednesday evenings on the Playing Field at 7.30 pm.

This is followed by some strenuous ‘socialising’ in the sportsman's lounge bar.

We are always on the look-out for new players so if there is anyone who fancies playing, or who used to play and would like to take it up again, please come along on Wednesday evenings and introduce yourself – you will be made most welcome. Alternatively, give me a call and I can give you any further information you may need.

Chris Somerton
Secretary

We have had another sad event due to the death of Mrs Tilly Marklove. She was a founder member of the club and was well known throughout the district for her singing and her piano playing. She is much missed.

Members have enjoyed several outings already this year with a half day trip into Wales, one to Weston following the scenic route, and joining the Wickwar club on their outing to Wells and Weston.

We have enjoyed quizzes and bingo at the meetings and have been entertained again by Mr Hemmings, who is a wizard on his keyboard.

We would welcome new members to the club – especially if they like running things! You don't have to be retired to join – just over 50, and you will be very welcome.

M Ealey
Secretary

The Mother and Toddler Session will have finished by the time you read this article. We will have closed with our annual Teddy Bear's picnic.

We held a balloon race in June which the children all enjoyed. The weather was kind to us and the wind took the winning ticket to Leamington Spa – quite a journey for a balloon. Thanks to all who supported the event.

On a sad note, Fiona Palmer will be resigning as Chairperson to fulfil her career ambitions but we hope to see her when she can “fit us in” on special occasions. Good luck Fiona!

Toddlers will start again on Thursday, 11 September, and everyone is welcome with children up to 3 years. The times remain 10.15 to 11.30 for £1 inclusive of refreshments. We have a number of things planned once we start back and look forward to seeing old and new faces.

Good luck to all our toddlers who will be leaving to start play school. We hope you have enjoyed your toddler sessions and take away with you some happy memories.

Mel Millichap

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No time to write about the garden – except to say that the rhythm of growing has settled down after one of the oddest Springs I can remember, and that we have had one of the best pea crops ever. It was helped by the rain throughout June, of course, but I'm convinced that the plants benefited enormously from being given proper pea sticks to grow up rather than the string and netting that I usually use. So we've been enjoying the luxury of eating wonderful fresh peas in generous helpings.

Beetroot is doing well. I was amazed the other day when two friends came for lunch to find they had never eaten beetroot in sandwiches – so if there is anyone out there who has also not tried it, this, I think, is the best way:-

Fresh bread – light rye is very good but any good bread will do – spread with butter, a reasonable layer of grated cheese and freshly cooked beetroot which may have had a dash of vinegar on it for a minute or two but no longer. You can add lettuce and/or mayonnaise if you like and eat it as an open sandwich with a knife and fork or put another slice of bread on top and tackle it with hands – although this can sometimes be a risky operation! Creamed horseradish also goes well with beetroot, as do pickled herrings and potato salad – all the ingredients there for a good summer lunch.

This next salad is also good as a simple lunch dish with, perhaps, some cold meat, but quite different in style – being a traditional Middle Eastern recipe. It keeps well in the fridge so can be made in advance. This is Claudia Roden's authentic recipe and she suggests you use your hands to mix the first part so the onions really impart their flavour.

Cracked wheat salad – Tabbouleh.

½ lb cracked wheat (Burghul) from health food shop or supermarket.
3 tablespoons chopped spring onions and/or 1 large onion finely chopped
1½ teacups finely chopped parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and black pepper

Soak the wheat in plenty of tepid water till soft – about an hour – it will expand somewhat. (Burghul is wheat that has been cooked and dried. Taste some to make sure it's soft before you go on with the next bit).

Leave to drain for 15 mins. or so, then in a large bowl mix in the onions and season with salt and pepper. Add the parsley and mint, olive oil and lemon juice and mix well. Taste to see if any more seasoning is required – it should be distinctly lemony. You can add chopped cucumber if you like but salt and drain it first so that you don't dilute the fresh flavour of the salad with excess moisture.

And to follow – Margaret Costa's

Russian raspberry pudding

1 lb (450 g) raspberries
3 tablespoons caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
½ pint soured cream

Put the fruit into a shallow bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake in the middle of a slow oven, 150c, mark 2, until raspberries are hot through – about 15–20 mins. Beat the soured cream with the eggs, flour and remaining sugar, pour over the raspberries and return the dish to the oven, same heat but now near the top. Cook until the topping is pale golden brown and firm – about 45 mins. Sprinkle with a little more sugar before serving hot or cold.

Barbara Adams

[Advert for Charfield Flowers]

15[Advert for Positive Pressure]

Planning permission has now been received for the small extension to the existing burial ground. In order to clarify the position, because of the limited space available (even with the extension) and conditions placed upon its use, the trustees of the burial ground have decided to limit the burials in the Chapel burial ground to “current and previously associated members and worshippers at the Chapel”.

This should ensure its availability for some time to come.

Royston Pick
Chairman of Trustees

Yet again, Summer has caught me on the hop. I find it difficult to be inside when the weather is even half decent! Apologies to those who were expecting or perhaps hoping for a meeting. I shall put my best foot forward sooner rather than later in the Autumn.

As a co-ordinator, I receive from the crime prevention department a newsletter. We have the authors' permission to reproduce the following article from “South Gloucestershire NHW News”.

HOW WE GRADE THOSE CALLS

Each year, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary's 3 switchboards handle 4 million incoming calls.

200,000 of those are 999 calls. 98% of those calls are answered within 20 seconds, which is pretty good going, really.

The sheer volume means that every call has to be graded to ensure the right resources are sent to the right places with the appropriate speed. Non-urgent calls are graded as follows:

“Prompt” – where officers attend as soon as possible.
“Delayed” – where an appointment can be made for a local officer to attend.
“Recorded” – where Police attendance is not required and the caller is steered to a more appropriate agency or information only needs to be recorded and passed on.

When should you dial 999 in preference to the switchboard? Ask yourself the following:

If I don't dial 999, will
– the delay have a disastrous effect on the incident I'm reporting?
– someone's life be at risk?
– more damage be caused?
– an offender escape?
– evidence be lost?

If the answer is “no” to all the above, phone your local switchboard (0117 962 xxxx). All provide a 24 hour service. Otherwise, dial 999.

Many people are frightened of the 999 system. Don't be, trust your instincts.

“Help – my washing machine has flooded the kitchen”, said a recent female caller to the Police emergency line. “Okay caller, find the stop cock and turn the water off. Then get the yellow pages and :find the telephone number for an engineer”, said the operator. The distraught caller was reacting to an emergency in her own mind, and in some respects we can all identify with her predicament. She was most pleased at the service she received.

The operator thought … well, probably the same as you!

Ilze Hicks

16

The phone rang a few weeks ago, please could I look up a record of a marriage that took place in 1952?

I dutifully made my way into church to wade through the various documents and registers that we keep in our ancient chest to try and find the appropriate entry. I wasn't hopeful, as previous experience had taught me that only recent records were kept in Church with older ones long deposited at the Diocesan Records Office.

Imagine my surprise then, when I discovered not only did we have the marriage records for 1952 but also for 1852 as well! In fact, the Marriage Register dates back to 1837 when the old church of St James was still in use and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Charfield and its people.

I am, however, anxious to fill in the remaining spaces of the register as it is too valuable a record to remain in our hands much longer. I also have visions of having to cross out the date ‘1800‘ (which runs through the book) to be replaced with ‘2000’!

So … if you are thinking of getting married in Charfield in the near future, I shall be pleased to see you. There are only 9 spaces left for you to have your little place in history before I send the register off to the records office.

Looking to the Autumn, we are planning our Harvest Thanksgiving for Sunday 28th September at 10.15 am. We hope to make this a really special occasion as James, the new arrival at the Rectory now 16 weeks old, is to be baptised and the Archdeacon of Gloucester will be joining us. We hope you will be able to share in what should be a very happy time.

May I wish you all a very enjoyable Summer and hope you all have the opportunity to have a rest and recharge the batteries before the onset of Winter.

Revd Robert Pestell
Priest-in-Charge

As usual when I bring to your notice that we do provide a transport scheme for residents who are either elderly or disabled, I am asking for volunteers who have any spare time to drive to and from hospitals, doctors, dentists, opticians, and physiotherapists.

Two drivers have had to retire due to age after many years' faithful service.

We have recently had to increase our charges but, as the result of Mr Brown's budget, we most probably will have to make a further increase to help cover the cost of running a car.

My thanks to all the existing drivers who are always so helpful.

Muriel Blower

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

The abiding memory of the first half of the 1997 cricket season has been RAIN, with nearly half the Saturday, most of the weekday, and all the Sunday games cancelled. Indeed the Sunday season, due to start on April 27, did not get under way until July 6!

Nevertheless, all the sides have done well. The U13, U15, and U17 bustle with energy. The Sunday team's debut on July 6 recorded a 10 wicket win over Rockhampton. The two Saturday teams have lost one league game between them and lie very close to the top of their respective divisions in the 3D County League.

New players are most welcome. Just phone Chairman Rod Alexander on 01453 84xxxx.

17

The 1st Woodend Scout Group held its AGM at scout HQ Cromhall on 7 June. There were a number of changes on the committee, with Margaret Clarke taking over as chairman and Rene Williams taking on the responsibility of Hon Treasurer. There were also some new members appointed to the committee – as retiring chairman I wish them every success in supporting the leaders in the running of the Group.

Also at the meeting it was formally announced that our President Reg Baker had tendered his resignation due to his intended move from Charfield, and that the Rt Hon the Earl of Ducie had agreed to become the Group's New President. On behalf of the group I would like to thank Reg Baker for his support over many years, and to welcome Lord Ducie to the Group.

On 13 September, the group will be holding another dance at the Memorial Hall – with the return of the live group “Footloose”, following their successful and much enjoyed appearance earlier this year. Tickets will be available nearer the date.

Also not to be missed – the annual Woodend Challenge walk will be held on Sunday 5 October. For those not in the know, this is a 25 km walk along footpaths around Charfield. This year the walk will start and finish at Charfield School with the kind permission of Mr Sreeves and the school governors.

As in recent years, there will also be a shorter 11 km walk (for the younger, less fit, or simply those with less time to spare) – which will be held in the morning and repeated in the afternoon.

John Barnett

[Advert for Sue Trowell chiropodist]

By the time you read this, the Medieval Pageant in aid of the Ann Bearpacker Appeal Fund will have taken place. Round Table has been involved with responsibility for the field layout and car parking, so hopefully we won't have caused any gridlock! This is an important fund raising event for the restoration of the almshouses in Wotton and takes place on the same day as the Charfield Fayre, which should have its usual good attendance.

Meetings coming up involve pub golf, jet-skiing, clay pigeon shooting, cycle ride and BBQ, and ‘horse racing’. We also held our annual Dartathon with the Plough in Charfield coming second again to the Fox – well done!

The Evesham raft race in July will also be a memory with Tablers and Circlers in our area of Severn Vale racing each other across the river and trying not to get pushed in (as I did one year!).

A major undertaking this year will be a pantomime which will be performed on 13 and 14 February 1998 at Wotton Town Hall, an adult version of “Romeo and Juliet”! A proportion of the proceeds will be going to the Marie Curie Nurses who care for cancer sufferers.

Finally, plans for our annual Bonfire and Firework display will be starting when this magazine comes out and the date this year is Saturday 8 November. I am aware that a lot of Charfield families attend the primary school bonfire, but many buy a programme from Round Table when we go door-to-door selling to support us, and that is very much appreciated.

Have a good Summer from all of us in Wotton Table.

John Francksen
Vice Chairman

[Let us all hope that the Village Hall Committee's main fund raiser is not too badly hit by the competition … it is a very unfortunate clash of dates.]

18

Puzzle Page Answers

19

The day has now come and we unload our cars,
    There's boxes of toys, there's books, tins, and jars.
“Oh! that pile of black bags, what's in them?” we wonder,
    There's coats and skirts, and things to wear under …

When we've sorted it all, we go home for a break.
    The Treasurer wonders. “How much will we make?”
If we all join in, it can be good fun –
    So where were you ladies – why didn't you come?

We needed your help, so what were you doing?
    They were waiting outside, yes, they were queuing.
We needed more help, we called in a neighbour,
    She came, she helped, now we owe her a favour!

When Guilda says “READY!”, they come running in,
    They rush round the room, “How much is that thing?”
    They all do their best to knock the price down.
Our second-hand goods are the cheapest in town!

Doris turned up with her hand in a bandage –
    A dog thought he'd found a tasty meat sandwich.
Mrs Dodd was in charge of the boots and the shoes –
    We tried to make sure that they were in twos.

Dolly and Una, they did the teas.
    A cup for the helpers? Oh, yes please!
So who else was there – two Joans and a Jean,
    Pat, Sybil and Terry, you know who I mean.

Oh yes, I was there and took home the cash,
    And on Monday morning to the bank made a dash.
At the end of the day, we locked the hall door.
    Perhaps it was worth it but we could have made more …

So what of next year, just how will you cope?
    Will more of you help? We can only hope …

Barbara M Curtis

The club has recently had its court resurfaced and the perimeter fencing replaced. We are now seeking new members to join the club. Membership is valid for 12 months and is as follows:   Adult £15;   Junior £3;   Family £35.

Anyone wishing to join or requiring more details about the coaching sessions which are currently being run for juniors on Saturday mornings should contact Nicola Coleman, Club Secretary, on 01454 26xxxx.

20[Advert for DK Family Learning]

• Sunday School: 11am every Sunday, new members welcome.
• Family Service; 11am first Sunday each month – children take part.
• Evening worship 6 pm.
• Ladies' Bright Hour: alternate Tuesdays.
• Prayer Meeting: Fridays at 7 pm with group practice following at 7.45 pm.

On June 5 we had the first Believers Baptismal Service in the church with two Christian Sisters, Tina and Gemma, journeying through the water symbolising their new life in Jesus. My friends, it was a wonderful and most blessed service. The Baptistry came from Essex via Kingswood where we had the first of three Baptismal Services, then on to Ebley for Sunday's 11 am service.

The Crusade entitled “There's more to life” which was held at Ashton Gate on 11–14 June was very well attended. Louis Palau shared the Gospel message and many people from the South West went forward to give their lives to Jesus. A coach was provided on 11 June, taking 33 people to the Crusade.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving Service is on 5 October with Gift Day on the 4th.

A welcome awaits you at all of our services.

Rev Philip Hopes

Unfortunately, we have had to make a decision to close the Ladies Club at the end of the year. We have tried desperately to find some ladies to take over from the present committee, but with no luck.

The same people cannot be expected to run the club year after year so our 1997 Christmas meal will be our last!

I believe the lack of support is due to so many women going back to work (myself included) and not having enough spare time to commit themselves to a group any more.

We will be writing to our members shortly explaining the situation and then the members will get the chance to decide what will happen with the remaining funds. Some suggestions that have already been put forward are for the money to go to various charities or buy a new piece of equipment or seat for the playground.

Talking to other groups in the village our Ladies Club is not the only one to suffer from the lack of commitment. It is a great shame that the village doesn't seem to support local events which are organised.

However, we are having a tombola at the village sports day, so let's hope the sun shines.

We still have some interesting evenings booked for the rest of the year, so it is not too late to come along and make new friends if you have just moved into the village. See the diary or posters around the village nearer to events (we always meet the 3rd Thursday of the month after the summer holidays).

This is a good opportunity to thank the members of the committee for all their hard work and the other members to whom we regularly go for extra help when needed.

I'm only sorry that I will be the last chairlady – it has been an experience which has been quite pleasurable even though I'm not a good speaker!

Anyone wanting any more information about the club, please ring me.

Margaret Gargett
Chairlady

[A similar dire warning about the future of the Ladies Club appeared in CHADRA not so long ago – let us hope that the club can survive this further crisis …]

21

Well, here we are at the end of another Brownie year and what fun it's been! We have had some nice trips and events, and here is a reminder –
→ two swimming parties at Dursley
→ ‘Dick Whittington’ at Leyhill
→ a fancy dress Christmas party
→ Thinking Day events at Kingswood
→ Wotton Cinema to see ‘Fly Away Home’
→ ‘Blue Peter’ bring and buy sale
→ Uncle Colin's Magic Show
→ a visit to Oldbury Power Station

Our last event before we break up for the Summer hols will be a skittles and quiz evening at Leyhill. That night we will also be fund-raising for Bristol Children's Hospital. Our local radio station, GWR, are organising many events for the hospital, the first one being ‘The Wrong Trousers’. The girls can wear silly trousers to the skittles evening for £1. I'll be taking my camera that night!

We had two other small fund-raisers this year. We made colour-in calendars, with the Brownies' own drawings, which they sold to their families for £1 each, and we had a District Sponsored Kim's Game with the money raised going both to District and our own funds.

We have been doing badges together as a pack – First Aid, Craft, Science Investigators, and Agility. In between all this, we have been indulging in cooking, crafts, aerobics, games, and a treasure hunt around the village.

When we return to Brownies in September, we will be going to Bristol Zoo, as their refurbishment should be completed by then. So, have a nice Summer break, girls, and we all look forward to another eventful year when we return on September 11.

If any little girls would like to go on our list to join when they are 7, please contact Brown Owl, Pat, on 01454 26xxxx.

Pat Loveridge
Brown Owl

(OK, I give in. What is a Kim's Game?)

I can hardly believe that ten months have passed since the last AGM when I was appointed (somewhat by default) as secretary of the playgroup committee.

Whilst I had initial reservations about assuming the post, I have found the activities associated with the playgroup very rewarding and have enjoyed the company of my fellow committee members at the regular (but not too frequent) meetings!

Events of the year have flown by, including the Christmas Party and carol singing, the latter raising over £330. The jumble sale raised in excess of £360 and the family disco and grand draw netted a small profit. Thanks again to Leyhill Prison Officers Social Club and contributors to the prizes.

Expenditure over and above the usual included new equipment costing just over £1000 and the costs associated with the summer outing to Weston s.M. The trip was a great success, despite the poor early morning weather and the last minute drop-outs. The sun soon shone in Weston and the children thoroughly enjoyed the sea life centre, the donkey rides, and the fun fair on the pier.

Liaison with the primary school continues to make the children's transition to “big school” as seamless as possible, particular advantage being gained from Mrs Peer's recent visit to playgroup and the activity afternoon organised at the school.

‘Fathers' Morning’ on the 14 June was a great success, many fathers seeing inside playgroup for the first (and probably last!) time.

Many of you will be aware that an extraordinary general meeting was called on 30 June to discuss the playgroup's admission policy and the operation of the rota scheme. Despite notifying parents of all current playgroup children, only three parents took the trouble to attend and express their views, which proved instrumental in forming playgroup policy. Those affected by the changes will be informed by the admissions secretary in due course.

As the summer term draws to a close, the playgroup prepares for an end of term Party for those children going on to school in September.

The next playgroup AGM is scheduled for Monday 15 September at 8 pm at playgroup. Parents of all children due to 22attend in the academic year September 97 to June 98 are invited to attend.

Most, if not all, of the existing committee members will be resigning at the AGM, so if the playgroup is to continue in its present form, parents will need to come forward to volunteer their services. Please show your commitment to your children's future by becoming involved at this early stage of their education.

See you there!

Jo Barry
Secretary

If you haven't already got a compost heap or bin in your garden, why don't you take up the very reasonable offer from South Gloucestershire Council, and purchase one from them?
They are very sturdy plastic bins, green in colour, and seem to be distant relatives of daleks, from the design. They come together with a smart, green, lidded bucket for you to collect your kitchen waste in, so saving you too many trips to the compost bin.
Just give the Council a call and ask for an order form. Write them a modest cheque and hey presto! the bin will be delivered to your door.
Have the satisfaction of producing your own compost and help the Council achieve its waste reduction target, to boot!

– is missing. Marilyn couldn't make it in time for this issue, and the newsletter just isn't complete without it, so we trust that Marilyn will be with us again in the Autumn with all her news.

Next copy date: 12 October 1997

While reading through my Spring ramblings in CHADRA, I was reminded I was being “true to type” and complaining about the weather. Also, predictably, concerns about drought and shortage of grass have brought about plenty of rain and trying to make silage and hay between the showers!

Abundant grass growth also brings its own problems in trying to maintain the quality of the grazing fields. Not enough grass, and the effect is obvious, but the same thing happens eventually if you allow too much grass. It becomes stemmy and coarse and of poorer quality, so the milk yield falls again.

We're regularly juggling fields – some for silage and some for grazing and, if we get it wrong, we mow off all the stems to encourage leafy regrowth.

The cereal harvest is fast approaching, winter planted barley locally needs a few days' sunshine yet, although some on the Cotswolds has been combined already. Most of the wheat is still quite green with probably a month to go.

I've tried to avoid political comments so far, but it is encouraging to hear our new Minister of Agriculture telling our EU partners that differences in procedures for the separation of beef carcasses for import into the UK because of the BSE regulations are not acceptable, and should be raised to the same standards as required here. I hope you'll excuse me if I say I'm not holding my breath waiting for any real action.

I write this at 8 am, having been struggling to aid a calf into this world since four this morning. The mother wasn't helping at all, and the calf was upside-down and back to front, so it required a deal of manoeuvring – well, you've all seen James Herriot at work. When the calf was finally delivered, I draped it over the stall wall to allow fluids to drain from the calf and to encourage it to breathe.

The calf is now well, but the mother awaits a visit from the vet., as she hasn't got to her feet yet. Always an anxious time, waiting for the vet's opinion.

A full day's work now beckons, and I feel like one has just ended … who'd be a farmer?

23

Please make use of this Diary. 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

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Julia on 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
John Poskett (Spokesman) 01454-26xxxx

CHADRA
Geoff 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

Church – St John's
Rev Robert Pestell 01454 26xxxx

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

Council – South Gloucestershire
Eddie 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
Bert Carter 01454 26xxxx

Ladies Club
Margaret Gargett 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Anne Thomas (bookings) 01454 26xxxx

Millennium Committee
John Acton 01453 84xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Mel Millichap 01454 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
David Parker (Co-ordinator) 01454 26xxxx