CHADRA

… that SGC has refused permission for the formation of four fishing lakes off New Street? Sighs of relief from the protesters of New Street!

… that SGC has refused permission for the building of a residence on the site hut plot on Wotton Road / Manor Lane, on the grounds that it would be an over development of a cramped site to the detriment of the neighbours and locality. If only it could become a village asset, instead of an eyesore.

… that when the playbark arrived for the play area, the delivery truck got stuck on the playing field as the ground was so wet. A local farmer came to the rescue, emptying the truck with his tractor bucket and then helping the vehicle back to the road. He modestly would like to remain anonymous. Wouldn't you, RB?

… that that your Village Hall Needs You!

The Committee needs a Secretary to support the monthly meetings (every first Thursday of the month). A secretary is vital to support the work of the volunteer members.

If you have a community spirit, a little spare time, and appropriate skills the Committee will welcome you and pay a small honorarium.

Please contact either of the following:

Chair – Allan Hughes xBerkeley Close 01454-26xxxx
Vice-Chair – Rev. Robert Pestell The Rectory, Wotton Rd. 01454-26xxxx

… that regarding the possible re-opening of the railway station …

Response from Stroud MP David Drew

When the results of the Parish Council's survey re the opening of Charfield Station were published, you may recall that in the ‘Gazette’ of 27 March, Mr Drew expressed his disappointment at the sizeable opposition thus: “I do not understand why people are not in favour of this – and it is not a clever signal to Railtrack … If Charfield are in any way doubtful they ought to consider getting out of the way.”

We wrote inviting Mr Drew to put this quote in context and received the following response:

My remarks … were to express my astonishment at the fact that some residents of Charfield still did not want a station given that it has been planned for the last decade.”

… the re-opening of Charfield is dependent on monies from Gloucestershire County Council when residents of the County will gain little benefit … Unless I am satisfied that the people of Charfield truly want the station I shall have no hesitation in lobbying hard to get the County's money re-allocated to where it is equally needed and will be more welcomed and appreciated.”

Charfield Parish Council asked to be involved in the preparation of the report (commissioned by SGC) currently being written by consultants on the viability of a station. They are still waiting to be contacted …

2

Dear Reader:

Oh ye of little faith!! To those of you who say that pleas for help in the newsletter fall on deaf ears, I have news! CHADRA HAS ANOTHER VOLUNTEER! Oh joy, oh rapture – fresh blood at last. Sue Thorn answered our call in the last issue, joined us at the last committee meeting and has already contributed in word and deed. I can't tell you how delighted we all are. Bless you Sue.

The Youth Club is getting back on its feet … now, let's see if the Friendship Club can find a replacement for Bert Carter, and the Village Hall can find a Secretary … come on, Charfield – you're on a roll!

Bit of a bumper issue this time – some longer articles than usual. I think it will take a full pot of tea to read this baby in comfort.

Many thanks to all our contributors – keep up the good work.

Julia O'C-B

Next Copy Date – 12th October 1998

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
Duplicating/Advertising – Joan co-ordinates adverts and runs the duplicator.

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
Sue Thorn, xxxx Cottage 01454 29xxxx
Production Sue and Julia type and cut stencils.

3

They say it's been a wet Summer – but children have been able to play on the school field more often than not. Admittedly, the annual School Fair was a washout and the Hawaiian Beach party was held indoors, but they were nonetheless enjoyable events!

Although the weather could have been better, there has, as always, been plenty to keep everyone occupied. The World Book day, back in April, was extended into more of a Book Week which included a display of recent children's books by Gimby's Bookshop, a ‘live’ presentation by Rod Burnett of ‘The Tin Soldier’ plus a Dressing Up Day when many children and adults dressed as a character from a favourite book. Classes throughout the school also mounted special activities appropriate to the occasion.

Twenty eight Year 5 and 6 children entered the Annual Chess Tournament organised by Mrs Bradley. David Barnett emerged as the 1998 winner, with Andrew Nash a plucky runner-up.

For the District Sports we were fortunate with the weather, as nine competing Primary Schools enjoyed this annual event, courtesy of KLB School. A large gathering of spectators fully appreciated the efforts of all the children who represented their respective schools.

A frequent visitor during the term was the Rev. Robert Pestell who, in addition to leading monthly Assemblies, spent time with classes engaged in a Local Study. Visits to St John's and St James' churches raised children's awareness of the part churches play in local history.

We were pleased to welcome once again, children from Colstons Primary School in the Cotham area of Bristol. Following a morning exploring Charfield in connection with their ‘Different Locality’ project, they linked up with their pen-partners in Mrs Richardson's and Mr Bradley's classes.

Days out are always a popular feature of the Summer Term. This time, classes visited a variety of places including London, Secret World near Burnham-on-Sea, Big Pit in South Wales, Cotswold Farm Park and Weston-super-Mare.

Two major projects carried out during the term were undertaken by volunteers. Carl Williams and members of the 1st Woodend Scout Group began refurbishment of the ‘Playbark’ area by clearing the ground and laying hardcore ready for final rubberised safety surface, funded by the PTA.

Leyhill Community Link Unit managed to redecorate the two ‘Elliott’ terrapin classrooms during the half-term break – a splendid job they made of it.

I hope that many readers will have admired the ‘gallery’ of pictures adorning the walls of the Memorial Hall during the Annual Gala and Sports Day. Thanks are extended to the teachers and the children for their efforts.

And what of next year? September sees the introduction of the government ‘Literacy Hour’ initiative – also the National Year of Reading when all schools are being urged to organise special events to promote reading and associated activities. This is where we are looking for members of the community to become involved. Maybe you are a budding poet or story writer? Maybe you know someone who is? In either case, we would love to hear from you with a view to spending time in school. Perhaps you would be willing to get involved in reading to children – during lunchtimes, for instance?

Please get in touch – we can then discuss what you may be able to offer in terms of time and talent!

We are all off now to enjoy a warm, sunny holiday!

C F Sreeves
Headteacher

Junior coaching sessions have now commenced on Saturday mornings from 10.00am run by Patrick and Maureen Parfitt, at a cost of £1 per week.

Anyone requiring further information should contact Ilze Hicks on 01454-26xxxx or Patrick and Maureen on 01453-52xxxx.

The booking system will continue for the rest of the season. Roger Newman is our booking officer and can be contacted on 01454-26xxxx although from 4th August until 18th August inclusive this will be taken over by Nicola Coleman on 01454-26xxxx.

Anyone requiring information on membership should contact Nicola or Ilze.

Nicola Coleman
Club Secretary

4[Advert for Martin Farrell gardening]

[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

In England and Wales we produce about 122 million tonnes of waste annually. The Government is developing a strategy for waste management, based on minimisation, ie producing less waste in the first place, followed by management of the disposal of the waste to ensure minimum environmental impact.

Have you heard of the concept ‘the polluter pays’? This concept is not confined to industry – increasingly those who generate unnecessary waste will find they have to pay for their sins, be it connected with excess packaging, energy hungry equipment, or personal travel (note the proposed tax on parking spaces at the place of work).

The Government's consultation document, ‘Less Waste More Value’, is proposing the possibility of charging households according to the amount of waste they produce for disposal, to encourage people to buy better, to compost, and to recycle as much as possible. This reduces the requirement for landfill space.

What can we do to reduce the impact of the ‘polluter pays’ concept? Action at Home can help. This is a six month plan of action for the home which will help move us closer to a sustainable lifestyle, helping the environment and saving you money.

Action at Home is supported by S Glos Council (SGC) and is run by WWF-UK and Global Action Plan. Action packs are available covering waste, energy, transport, shopping and water. Many of the actions take a matter of seconds, others may take a little longer, but by taking Action at Home you can cut energy use by 5%, cut waste by 25%, cut water use by 17%, use 10% less transport fuel.

SGC is supporting the scheme with reduced price compost bins, water butts, and bike servicing. There are other special offers in the packs.

If you are interested in taking part in action at home, ring Andy McCreadie (GAP) on 01934 86xxxx, or the Council environmental coordinators on 01454 86xxxx or myself on 01454 26xxxx.

Lorraine Lewis

5

Puzzle Page

6

Our provisional calendar of events is:

Friday 31 December 1999 – Bonfire/ Village Event
Easter 2000 – Joint Church Service
Saturday 17 June 2000 – Street Parties
Sunday 31 December 2000 – Bonfire

This is where we are with our events and projects:

Opening Bonfire/ Village Event

Malcolm Thomas has agreed to mastermind the bonfire and fireworks. Leading up to the final display at midnight, we think we should have a variety of events at the Memorial Hall. Who would like to put all a party, pageant, Gang Show, disco or whatever, as part of the village celebrations? Come to the AGM at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 9 September at Charfield School and let's get the show on the road.

Joint Church Service

Probably just after Easter 2000; agreed by the two churches.

Street Parties

To be arranged locally, co-ordinated by the Committee.

Closing Bonfire

Let's get the opening bonfire organised first!

Time Capsule/ Millennium Stone/ Plaque

The land at the corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road is not available. Fortunately, the Parochial Church Council have agreed in principle that these could be sited at St John's Church. We will be looking at the details with them. RMC will provide a stone.

Footpath/ Cycleway to KLB

The Parish Council, other councils and Renishaw have had a meeting about this, and we are waiting for some work to be done on the feasibility of the project. However, the initial rough estimate is about £250,000!

Parish Map

The enthusiastic working group will soon reach the stage when helpers can check the accuracy of the base map on the ground.

Domesday Book

The group will meet soon to plan the next stage, which will involve seeking articles for inclusion in the book.

Planting Verges

We would like to plant suitable bulbs and perhaps native plants in some areas, particularly near the entrances to the village on Charfield Hill and Wotton Rd.

See you at the AGM on 9 September.

John Acton
Chairman, Millennium Committee

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

7

On Sunday 12 July we are pleased to welcome Lesley Ormond, who is joining us as a new teaching member of our team. Our theme over the next few weeks is Jewish Festivals. We are having our own Passover meal together and planning our next celebrations.

Our hour together from 11 until 12 is spent doing crafts, playing games and very often sharing a meal, having a party (each child's birthday) or special theme party.

We all enjoyed our outing to Weston-super-Mare on 27 June, although the weather in the morning was extremely wet and windy, the tide was in right up to the sea-wall! Some of us who were brave enough to battle our way through the storm to Anchor Head met up with the Lifeboat Men who were fund raising and giving children rides in the authentically stormy sea in their Lifeboat.

The men were dressed up in their oilskins ready to wade out to launch the boat every time it set off from the shore. Two of our boys were also dressed up and had buckets of cold water thrown over them! Actually we were already so wet we hardly noticed the difference. We are already thinking about another trip in a month or two – we are intrepid explorers, ready to battle with the elements which make our English summers so exciting!

Regards
Lyn Sargent

A big thank you to Linda, Jo, Heather and Karen who have been in the Chapel on Friday mornings armed with filler, paint and rollers, repainting the walls and soon will start on the woodwork. We thank God for their skills and hard work.

Sunday School 11 am; Family Worship 1st Sunday each month, 11 am; Evening Worship 6 pm; every alternate Tuesday, ladies' bright hour 2.30pm; Friday, Bible study and prayer meeting 6.45pm; Group Practice 7.45 pm.

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

The new-style Youth Club will re-open on Tuesday 8th September at 7.00pm with a full programme of activities leading up to Christmas.

From September there will be a ‘Membership only’ scheme in operation, with each member having a personalised card.

We are still looking for more volunteers to help on a rota basis (1 week per month) to run the coffee bar etc … If you are interested, please telephone one of the contact numbers.

Wishing you all a Great Summer. See you in September.

The Team.

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

8[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

Months ago, amid yet another spate of vandalism, mainly at the Village Hall and the adjacent play area, I made a suggestion that we have a village meeting on the subject. The idea being that, like many situations of conflict, be it Northern Ireland, Bosnia, or Charfield, bringing groups together to talk through the problems is essential in order to make progress. However, the feeling amongst the Parish Council now is that the youth in the village would be more receptive to being talked with by youth leaders, club leaders, etc., than being talked at by a few old fogies.

I was more than happy to withdraw my original idea in favour of the new approach, provided a genuine effort is made to reduce the current high level of destruction. So efforts are now under way to approach the youth of the village through the various clubs.

At this month's Parish Council meeting it was suggested that a councillor should write a piece on vandalism for the newsletter. As it was I who raised the topic and more importantly I who was trapped in the corner with Julia blocking my escape, I agreed to write it.

The effect of all the vandalism is that it is increasingly difficult to persuade councillors to agree spending on maintaining the existing play equipment each time it is vandalised and even more difficult to proceed with new ideas the children bring forward such as the additional skateboard ramp.

The destruction, of course, is varied, but I'll give just one example. It became a fad some time back to kick off the vertical posts surrounding the enclosed play area in the playing field. When some posts refused to yield to the boot, some enterprising young lad went home and borrowed his dad's lump hammer to finish off the job. Hardly a spontaneous act of high jinks. The tragedy is that the lad's brother, sister, or friends, will eventually have no equipment to play on, and in not too many years, his children won't, either.

Only this week it has been reported to the PC that the equipment's insurers have slapped a £250 excess on any malicious damage claim, making it virtually impossible to claim for all but the major items.

It is difficult to see how we can get the message through, but we must at least try otherwise there will be no play equipment or, Heaven forbid, no village hall.

On the latter, apparently £8,000 has been spent in the last year alone on repairs resulting from vandalism. Just think what additional facilities could have been provided in the hall and on the field with that amount of money … I sometimes wonder how the small band of people who run the hall find the enthusiasm to carry on, in the face of so much aggravation.

No one wants the children and youth of the village to feel restricted in their activities, but I would plead with them to stop short of malicious damage.

Please don't get involved in vandalism and try and persuade others from starting it. There is so much the Parish Council and the village hall committee want to do to improve facilities, but they are fast running out of patience.

We all know the vast majority of the youth of the village are decent kids. Let's hope the remainder will soon follow suit.

Sorry this sounds a bit of a whinge, but, as I said at the beginning, somebody had to do it and I drew the short straw.

Paul Birt

9

Puzzle Page Answers

10[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

We have been warned about opportunists posing as suppliers of services such as tree felling, tarmacing of driveways, or odd jobs, and even as gas officials or police officers. They may be looking for cash up-front or an opportunity to gain entry in order to assess opportunities for theft. The elderly and trusting are particularly at risk. Be on your guard against this form of approach.

The police would like to be informed of such approaches and would be particularly keen to be given registration numbers of vehicles used by such persons.

Registration numbers provide good leads to solving crimes because markers can be set against these details in the nation-wide police computer database. This has proved to be a very effective means of solving crime.

New legislation in the Crime and Disorder Bill will give local authorities more responsibilities with respect to youth crime. How to improve the situation in Charfield?

The demise of the Youth Club is unfortunate and makes matters worse. Attempts are being made to re-establish the club. There is a great need to enlist the help of volunteers to assist with its running. Ideally the Youth club should be the focal point of all neighbourhood clubs, feeding from the support that these can give. A delicate balance must be sought between not imposing a highly organised structure within the Youth Club and yet giving the youngsters adequate and effective channels to get their views and feelings heard. Does anyone have any ideas as to how this can be promoted?

Speeding is now accepted to be a major cause of road accidents. Speeding cars in the Avon and Somerset area trigger speed cameras three quarters of a million times every year. Police do not receive any part of the fine paid by offenders. Lobbying of politicians to at least give back the administrative cost of enforcing anti-speeding regimes has been suggested. This should be undertaken on an individual basis to achieve maximum effectiveness. To make a contribution towards this, write a letter yourself.

Speeding through Charfield village is still a problem. Charfield residents can lead by example; it only takes one driver to restrict his/her speed to 30 mph to effectively slow down a complete line of traffic to the correct speed. Why not give it a try – you know it makes sense!

The parking of vehicles on the double yellow lines outside the post office is recognised to be dangerous. Are residents or drivers of through traffic the worst offenders? Nevertheless, police will automatically issue parking tickets against offending drivers. So take heed! And use the soon to be provided parking to the rear of the PO.

All libraries have copies of the South Gloucestershire District Policing Plan 1998/99. Suggestions for next year's plan are required by September 1998. Any comments should be passed to Ilze Hicks in time for the next Police Community Consultative Group (PCCG) meeting on 29th September in Charfield. Members of the public are welcome at these meetings. Local groups are also entitled to send a representative.

The current strategy for policing is to be ‘information-led’, so the message is, “if in doubt, inform the police of any abnormal activities or behaviour”.

Non-Emergency Calls

There is a new telephone number, 01275 81xxxx, for non-999 calls to the police. This is to be used instead of the former number (0117 962 xxxx). (See back page for other numbers)

11Are you and your neighbours watched?

Certain areas of the village are not well-represented by contacts. New contacts are sought in the following areas: Woodlands Road, Little Bristol Close, Manor Lane, Station Road, Durham Road, Little Bristol, Newtown, Orchard Close, Underhill Road, willow Close and Wotton Road.

The role of a contact is primarily one of disseminating information to a small group of your neighbours and feeding reported information back to other contacts. As a contact, you have an opportunity to get to know those living in your vicinity and to play a part in helping to maintain a safe and crime-free neighbourhood. Take the time to become involved.

[Advert for Martingales]

What have the committee been doing since the last newsletter and what are our plans for the next few months?

Well, we missed the last newsletter, I'm afraid, because some of us were sunning ourselves in Malta. More news of that trip can be found elsewhere and I don't want to bore you with tales of blue skies, glorious sunshine and blue seas, while you were all having snow, rain and high winds. What's changed? It's still raining.

We held our A.G.M. in May, with a few new members joining us and a new Secretary, Judy Law of Manor Lane, replacing Gillian Carpenter, who did agree to stay on the committee. Thanks, Gillian, for all your hard work over the past few years.

At the end of June we were to be found up on the hill at Wickwar Quarry, manning the barbecue at the open day. Thanks to all the willing volunteers who cooked, served and made gallons of tea and coffee, a very enjoyable day.

We are now looking forward to the return visit of the Maltese, starting on August 9th, when they arrive at Gatwick to be met by some of the members who travelled to Malta at Easter. While they are staying at Avening Green, they will visit Gilwell Park and have a sightseeing trip around London, a trip to Alton Towers, and they will spend a week at Neath District Campsite in South Wales.

We Will also hold our Group's farewell ‘do’ for the Fgura Scouts on Sunday, August 23rd before they fly back to Malta on Wednesday 26th. This will be the day tissue sales go up as I know there will be lots of tears as we say goodbye to our friends from across the sea.

The Group must go on and so, on September 12th, again at Avening Green, we are holding a Duck Race – not real ones, we are not so cruel (or at least I don't think we are) – just little yellow plastic ones. There will be a barbecue, various stalls, a raffle and a bar. So do come along and join us or buy a duck for £1 and you may win £50 if your numbered duck is the fastest across the winning line.

By popular demand, we are going to hold a series of car boot sales, starting at 10am until 2pm in the car park at the Memorial Hall on July 25th, followed by August 8th and 22nd, September 5th and 19th and finishing with October 3rd. If anyone is interested and wishes to book a pitch, please contact me on 01454 26xxxx, £4 in advance or £5 on the day.

On September 19th we will be holding our Autumn Jumble Sale in the Memorial Hall. Slips will be coming through your doors to remind you.

October 4th will be the day of the Woodend Walk and on November 14th we will hold a 50s/60s dance with ‘Footloose’.

Well, I think that's enough from me, just to finish by wishing you all a good summer holiday, and looking forward to seeing you at some of our events.

Margaret Clarke
Group Chairman

Remember there's a footpath route to Avening Green … no need to drive …

12

Charfield's close links with the railway may seem an unlikely starting point to inspire a garden's design, however a recent project for the Potting Shed drew together these historical links and the practicalities of creating a garden on a sloping site.

The answer of course is railway sleepers. Re-claimed sleepers offer a simple way to construct steps and low retaining walls, particularly when used in an informal area of the garden, where the rough timbers make a wonderful foil for tumbling foliage.

The large size of sleepers really calls for an extra pair of hands to make hauling them into place easier, however it is their sheer bulk and stability that makes them so easy to use. A sleeper laid flat and buried on its front face by a third of its thickness and filled behind with well-compressed soil or gravel is an easy way to build a step.

An extension of this idea allows the simple construction of low retaining walls, by sawing the sleepers into four or five feet lengths and building with them like giant bricks. Greater stability comes from staggering vertical joints along the wall, but without foundations and a way of tying the segments together, walls beyond four courses high should be avoided.

Bedding Down …

Late summer borders often look rather tired, lacking the showy blooms of earlier in the year. Why not cheat a little, making good the shortfall by plunging pots of flowers at strategic points? This habit was particularly popular with Victorian gardeners, but like many good ideas seems to have fallen out of favour.

Lilies can work particularly well in this way, adding scent as well as height to the middle of the border. The regal lily (Lilium regale) is probably the simplest to grow and will fill the garden with rich scent from creamy trumpet shaped blooms perhaps 4 or 5 inches long.

Adding potted plants is also an excellent way to display the more tender specimens that cannot be relied upon to survive in the open ground over winter. The blue or white trumpets of Agapanthus are a case in point. They make a splendid companion for the regal lily and will continue flowering into late August. Many gardeners find their profusion of strap-like leaves rather untidy, but as soon as flowering finishes they can be whisked away to a sheltered spot where they will upset no-one until they come into bloom again next year.

A soothing combination near the Potting Shed comes from a pot of mixed Comos that fills the gap left by spring bulbs and a faded Paeony with a mass of feathery foliage. This is topped by floating dish shaped blooms in shades of shell and deepest pink all set against a backdrop of cool silver from an obliging Cotton Lavender (Santolina).

A more sizzling effect would team the bronze leaved Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ with its fiery red stars of flower against the spiked foliage of Montbretia (Crocosmia). The variety ‘Dusky Maiden’ also has bronzed foliage and deep red flowers with yellow stamens – a combination not for the faint hearted.

The above all prefer a sunny spot for their stay in the border, but will tolerate some shade as it is not their permanent home.

It is best to sink these pots to their rim, for maximum stability and minimum visibility, but remember to water as with any other potted plant.

Sleepless Nights …

If you should happen across a stooped figure pushing a pen and paper around the village – a shadow of his former horticultural self – there is a simple explanation. You see propagation in the Potting Shed has not been entirely vegetative of late, with a baby boy safely potted on, who now sleeps peacefully in his own seedtray beneath the potting bench.

I must stop typing before he wakes and wants another liquid feed …

Martin Farrell is a Garden Designer and lecturer who lives and gardens in Charfield.

I was beginning to think that my column this time was going to be somewhat brief. Having spent most of the last three months doing battle with slugs and snails, rabbits and pigeons I was on the point of despair and wondering whether to give up gardening 13for ever when suddenly I seemed to be on the winning side. The second planting of peas started going up the sticks, some of the third planting of winter greens began to cautiously throw out a few leaves that didn't immediately get nibbled, pecked or gnawed and runner beans started to make their way up the wigwams.

I dislike using pesticides but having tried holly leaves, alternative food supplies and nightly slug hunts I finally gave in and put down slug pellets – having also lost all sorts of flower plants as well as vegetables – and was really shocked at the number of corpses I picked up.

Having seen the plants that are left alone by all the aforementioned pests I shall try some companion planting – which I'm already doing in the greenhouse – and see if I can beat the little perishers that way.

But enough of that. I dug up the first of the garlic today. Lovely fat bulbs of fresh garlic – not so pungent as the indispensable dried cloves we use most of the year – just lovely to use for a short time and can be used in any recipe that needs garlic.

Like all the herbs we use today garlic has a long and honourable history. So long that, in fact, its origins are not known. It was first cultivated in this country in the mid C16th but was certainly used, medicinally by the Chinese in 2000 BC as an antidote to poison, a charm against evil spirits and a cure for a whole list of diseases including whooping cough, rheumatism and high blood pressure, and is currently thought to be helpful in preventing heart disease. It also has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac – though possibly only between consenting garlic eaters!

There have been many words written about whether garlic should be crushed or chopped, with or without salt, fried, boiled or baked. I can only say that I usually crush it with a sturdy crusher and tend not to brown it when cooking it – except when I'm doing Indian food, when it is nearly always browned. This first recipe seems to have a great deal of the stuff in it. Don't be afraid. The initial blanching mellows the whole thing.

Chicken with garlic for 4 people

10 large cloves garlic unskinned
2 tablespoons olive oil
knob of butter
8 chicken thighs, skin on
6 fl ozs dry cider
4 fl ozs double cream

Blanch the cloves by putting into boiling water and simmering gently for 5 mins. Drain and rinse in cold water till cool enough to handle then slip the skins off – this should be very easy.
Heat the oil and butter together and fry the chicken pieces on all sides for a few minutes till golden.
Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic and put a lid on the pan. Cook gently until the chicken is cooked through – about 20 mins – then take the chicken out with a draining spoon and put to one side. Turn up the heat, pour in the cider and boil hard until the cider has almost evaporated (it's important to get this bit right so that you get plenty of flavour but not the liquid) crushing the garlic with a fork or potato masher until you have a nice mush. Add the cream, a little salt and pepper then return the chicken to the pan. Simmer gently for 2 or 3 minutes, then serve with potatoes and a green vegetable. Simple, delicious and economical.

For those who enjoy garlic bread here is how to make your own garlic butter.

1 packet of butter, softened
1½ ozs – 50g chopped parsley
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1–2 teaspoons salt
1 oz 30g chopped onion or spring onion (optional)

Beat the butter to a thick cream then mix in all the rest of the ingredients. And to make the garlic bread, slit a French loaf in half, spread thickly with the butter, wrap in tin foil and warm thoroughly in the oven. Eat warm. It's not much trouble to do and will be much better than any you might buy – especially frozen. Garlic does not freeze well – the process subtly alters the taste and not for the better.

Finally, if you are worried about breathing garlic fumes over your friends keep a bunch of parsley handy and nibble a few sprigs or try chewing a whole cardamom pod or two.

Barbara Adams

14[Advert for Charfield Flowers]

Friday 3rd April found an excited group of Queen's Scouts, Venture Scouts, leaders and helpers packing everything into the scout minibus and parents' cars for a two-week trip to Malta to stay with friends from the Fgura scout group. After a few days spent exploring the Calcara area and Valletta, the Queen's Scouts and Venture Scouts split up for different activities.

Venture Scouts

The Venture programme was active, to say the least, including climbing, abseiling, canoeing and scuba diving. We were helped in these by the Maltese, who provided the equipment, and especially by Ramon, one of their instructors, who effectively became one of us for the duration of the stay. He is an expert climber, diver and a great character. Having got the adrenaline levels high with these activities he suggested that we try gorge traversing. Sounded harmless, so we all said yes.

Arriving at the site, which was narrower but about the same depth as the Avon Gorge, I started to have second thoughts!!! If any of you saw the film ‘Cliff Hanger’ when the girl falls off the horizontal wire stretched from the mountain top to a helicopter – well in our case it was a Land Rover. I knew it was safe, but letting go of the cliff face certainly got the adrenaline flowing. We had quite an audience and some great photos to remind us – as if we could forget!

We again took part in the Easter procession when the statues in the churches are processed around the town. The Venture-scouts joined the Fgura scouts and acted as escorts to the statues, holding them while the carrying teams rested. Both Rachel and Anna took part – which was exceptional as these processions are normally all male. Our procession was televised on Malta TV, but it had to be cut short due to a shower of rain.

Easter Monday saw about 20 of the Fgura group and ourselves all on a boat for a trip to Comino, a small island between Malta & Gozo, for a day bathing in the clear blue waters and sunbathing on the beach. On the way home we dropped the Venture scouts off for the start of their 4 day expedition which is one of the requirements for their Queen's Scout award.

All too soon the 2 weeks had passed and, as in previous years, our hosts laid on a farewell party on our last night. Traditional Maltese food – including snails!! – and home-made wine were laid on, together with a disco that went on into the early hours. So Saturday saw a very tired party back at the airport for our return flight. Saying goodbye was difficult as we had made so many good friends, but we will be seeing many of them again in August when they are coming to stay with us here in Charfield and in Wales.

As the Venture scout leader, I would like to say a big thank you to the Ventures who were a credit to themselves and to the movement. Their enthusiasm, high spirits and attitude made my role very easy and added, greatly to what they got out of the experience.

Of course, any activity of this type is very expensive and would not be possible without the support of our group executive who have to raise the monies. A big thanks to them, and all who support our fund-raising activities. Also thanks must go to the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council from whom we have managed to obtain a grant without which this would not have been possible. Was it money well spent? A definite yes. Ask any of those who took part. I am sure that the experience will have made an impact on their characters.

Finally, if you see any of the Maltese in and around the village in August, please 15say hello and make them feel welcome.

Duncan, V S Leader

Queen's Scout Expedition

On Monday 13th April at 4pm we got off the boat from Comino and waved goodbye to our anxious leaders. Our route was to start in Gozo, a small island neighbouring Malta. As we set off towards the ferry port, we saw the ferry that we were meant to be on sailing across the sea, so we settled down to wait for the next one. Fifteen minutes later we were on our way to Gozo harbour. We departed the harbour knowing we were in for a long four days. The purpose of our expedition was to investigate the Neolithic Temples on Malta and Gozo.

The first temple was 10 kilometres away from the harbour – that took us two and a quarter hours. Trying to find the temple was harder than the actual hike there. When we eventually did find it, it was in the middle of an allotment. After having a good laugh about the size of the temple, we proceeded to our campsite, which was 2 kilometres away. Due to a few detours, different pathways and a couple of cuts and bruises we made it to our campsite an hour later.

Our second day started with the knowledge that this was our first full day of walking. We set off at about 9am. After two historical sites and several rounds of ‘spot the lizard’ – our exciting new game – we returned to the ferry to take us to back to Malta. The afternoon turned into evening and then we had our first piece of bad luck. One of our members sustained an ankle injury, so had to retire. This led to the most memorable incident of the hike. While waiting for the car to pick up our injured team member, we sat in a bus stop with our sleeping bags over us, eating fruit cake and listening to the Beatles; surreal!

On Wednesday morning, after half of our team had enjoyed the mystical experience of sleeping under the stars, mainly because they couldn't be bothered to set up their tent, we took a slight detour to find a fresh water spring. The reason for this decision still remains unexplained!

After more rounds of ‘spot the lizard’ and several renditions of ‘Yellow Submarine’, we arrived in the blistering heat at Dingli. Whilst taking a short break in a cafe to recharge our batteries, we met Roderick, who came from Chipping Sodbury (small world). He told us of a friend who had a friend who owned another cafe who would cook us any lunch we wanted. It sounded dodgy and it probably was!

We then pressed on to our final campsite, through the heat of the day. Morale started to sink, ‘spot the lizard’ became less exciting. Then, in the distance, we could see a minibus speeding towards us. There was no doubt by the driving it was our leaders. The sight of the bus installed new levels of confidence and we even invited them to share our evening meal, which they politely refused. After a quick report on the past days' events they left us.

Thursday morning, the last day (hurray). We visited two large temples and started the long-awaited hike back to our campsite at Rinnela Bay. This was at the top of the island, while we were at the bottom. We were unable to walk straight up to the campsite as there were a couple of airport runways in the way.

After being temporally misplaced, we arrived within half an hour of our campsite. However, according to our navigator, some deviously cunning person had moved the roads. Somehow we found our way and met one of the Maltese leaders who had been sent to check the local pubs for us! The fact that we were going to stop in the pub for a victory pint was irrelevant. At 4pm on Thursday we walked through the gates and along the drive. There was only one way to finish our expedition and that was with a very big OGGI. We walked round the corner to big cheers and lots of cameras in our faces; at last it was over!

Having had half an hour to recover, we worked out the exact distance we had walked. The actual distance was not 80 kilometres, but 100.

So what would we advise future teams to do? First, look after your team, drink plenty of water and wear a hat. A word of warning – when your navigator says “only another one and a half kilometres to go” or “it's just up the road and around the corner”, never believe them.

Would we do it again? Yes, if only to play ‘spot the lizard’!!

16

Well come on – confess. Who has been hooked by the football? At the start, I wasn't bothered either way – but soon kept darting in and out of the lounge, checking the score, whichever team was playing. The night England played, I had bitten each nail right down and they weren't that long to start with! But I think the most ghastly thing of the World Cup is the penalty kick-off. The pressure of the whole world watching, and you miss – how awful.

Another thing I wasn't too fussed about visiting, at the start, was “The Mall” or, as I say, “Going down the Cribbs”. “Long live Broadmead”, I kept saying. Now I can't seem to stay away. We all went to a lovely wedding last week (more about that later), so had another excuse to purchase some yummy things to wear. You can't beat eating a Haagen Dazs ice cream, watching that fountain.

I've been well and truly personalised – some might say, about time, too. Keith kept getting correspondence from Northern Ireland marked ‘Private and Confidential’. I kept thinking, “Oh yes, what's going on here?” I soon found out. At Christmas it all came to light. To those who are not aware, I'm also known as MAZ, and I became the proud owner of a new car number plate, MAZ 3788. A month ago, I pulled up into Yate Car Park and in front of me was DAZ. I leapt out of the car, tapped on this chap's window. “Hello, I'm MAZ,” I said. As you do. I love it because people keep waving to me.

Now about the wedding. Sarah Hawkins, from our little road, who travelled to the USA to become a nanny, met a gorgeous Marine and on July 4th (last week), Independence Day, got married at Charfield Church, and we were invited. Oh, it was all so lovely and romantic. Her dress was absolutely beautiful, with a beaded bodice and long, flowing train within the dress design.

At the reception, her Dad, John, and then her husband, John, made lovely speeches. And we were all dabbing our eyes. Sarah kept gazing up at him. At this point, I might mention that my Mum knew I loved Keith, because I'm an inch taller than him. Up until then I had only been interested in six-footers! Ah! Ain't love grand?

Finally, I'm writing this at the eleventh hour again. I've been tap dancing all week at the Town Hall in Wotton (not on my own, I might add). To those I usually inform, it was a sell-out this year in about two minutes. There are so many little ones in it, looking so cute, who completely steal the show (quite naturally, of course) and their parents and grannies are there watching for their ever breathing moment.

Anyway, just like the pressure from the penalty kick-off, my mind went completely blank last evening. As my five colleagues turned to face the audience, I was facing the back of the stage; as they turned back, I – alone – was facing the front. Ooh, showbiz is so tense. Anyway, one thing I've learnt is that the audience do not know what you should be doing – so, if you don't look too much of an eejit, you can recover.

Oh well, I had better sign off. Tiptoe this round to Julia's. I shall be the only one on the streets, as the Final's just started. Happy summer!

Marilyn

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

I wonder if you, like me, have ever thought or even said to someone, ‘What a stupid thing to do!’, and then a few days later have done something equally stupid or even more so. I have to confess 17that I catch myself out when witnessing someone else's misfortune or mistake, because upon reflection I know that I too am guilty of doing some pretty stupid things. Not that I am suggesting that I or anyone else is stupid, it is that we all have our moments when something seems to go wrong or we are not thinking straight!

David Beckham's kicking out at an opponent in the England v Argentina World Cup Match was a moment of complete stupidity and he was, quite rightly, criticised for it. However, it should not be an event that is made to haunt him for the rest of his life. We all do stupid things at times and it would be quite wrong for David Beckham's moment of madness to be singled out for continual comment just because we find it easier to criticise others than recognise our own faults and failings.

None of us are perfect but God calls us to do the best we can both for ourselves and for others. A good example of this is the Summer Playscheme where the support of the Parish Council and a local Charity has enabled us to buy items of equipment that will provide a variety of activities for the children. The items would be useless without the leadership and support of parents and volunteers, this is where team work really comes to the fore.

Details of the Playscheme can be found at the Church and through a letter distributed via the School.

Robert Pestell, Priest-in-Charge.

[Some donning of sackcloth and ashes or similar by young David might help us forgive and forget … – jmo]

Kingswood Badminton Club play at Wotton Sports Centre, KLB school, on Mondays and Thursdays (7.15pm–10.15pm). We already have some members from Charfield, and would like to extend an invitation to anyone else who may be interested.

If you are a player of league standard, or have some experience of the game and are keen to improve, why don't you come along at the start of the new season on Monday 7th September.

For more information please contact Sue Somerton on 01454-26xxxx.

Hello, everyone, are we in summer or have I blinked and missed it! We all hope that the weather is fair for the Sports and Fun day on 18th July, at which, of course, we shall be providing the teas and delicious cakes. By the time you read this, I hope you all came along and enjoyed them!!

We have had a good few months with an increase in membership and some enjoyable speakers. In July we had a change of speaker and Miss Cookesley very kindly came along at short notice and told us of the history of Tortworth. It was a fascinating talk, hearing all about the Ducie family, and quite a few members of our institute remembered their school days at Tortworth School. Also memories of courting ‘Down Damery Way’!!

At the end of July we are set to visit the Winery near Newent, with wine tasting and supper. We hope we can find our way home afterwards, what with wine tasting, wine with the meal, and wine in the trifle for sweet!!

We are always happy to have visitors and new members. We meet the second Thursday in the month with the exception of August, 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

Ruth Joint
President

[Advert for The Railway Tavern]

18

For the benefit of newcomers to Charfield, the Parish Council meets every second Tuesday in the month (with the exception of August), in the Sportsman's Lounge, Charfield Memorial Hall, and members of the public are very welcome to attend. Meetings usually commence at 7.30p.m., but when planning applications are included on the Agenda, they are available for inspection from 7.15p.m. Agendas for meetings are posted on the two public notice boards, one outside the shops in Manor Lane, the other in the car park to the Memorial Hall.

I am sure you are aware that applications relating to Charfield parish can be inspected at South Glos. Council offices in Thornbury, but to save you the journey they can be inspected at any reasonable time at my home address, by appointment.

At the Parish Council's Annual Meeting held in May, Mr. John Acton was elected Chairman, and Mr. Dennis Booth Vice Chairman. I thank Dennis for his help advice during his term of office, and also his wife Audrey for putting up with my constant telephone calls.

Residents who turned up to assist with the recent Litter Pick are thanked for their splendid efforts, South Glos. Council have also asked me to convey their thanks.

A number of complaints have been received about the overgrown condition of St. James's Churchyard. South Gloucestershire Council, who are now responsible for maintenance, have assured that it will shortly be put on a regular fortnightly schedule. the ivy is being cut back on the boundary walls, and several trees will receive attention.

Having stated in the last newsletter that an extension to the skateboard ramp had been installed in the Playing Field, there have been problems with the materials and construction, resulting in the galvanised sheeting being removed. The fabricators have been instructed to remedy the situation. Hopefully it will not be long before this popular piece of equipment is back in working order.

The amount of unacceptable vandalism that occurs around the Village Hall and playing field, and other areas in the Village, (Charfield Green being on the current hit list), is of great concern to the Parish Council. I recently received a list of malicious damage from the Memorial Hall Committee, which details damage to the roof & guttering, woodwork, broken windows & doors, electrical wiring, signs, toilets, play equipment and surrounding fencing.

You are probably unaware that over a short period of time the small hardworking Committee has had to find in excess of £5,000 to repair damage, caused by young people living in the Village. An appeal is made to parents to acquaint themselves with the whereabouts and antics of their offspring, especially during evenings.

Regarding planning applications, it will be of particular interest to residents in the New Street area to learn that the application for the formation of four fishing lakes was recently refused permission for development by South Glos. Council. The application to erect a dwelling in Manor Lane (former site hut) was also turned down. It is comforting to know that the planners do take some notice of the comments sent to them by the Parish Council.

Cath Holmes
Clerk

[Advert for Positive Pressure]

Our Brownies have had busy but fun Spring and Summer terms. We have had three trips: a swimming party at Dursley Pool; we saw the Apollo Players perform ‘Mr Macaroni and his Exploding Pizza’; and a trip to Cattle Country again. The 19girls love it there, and if you haven't been, it's well worth a visit. It is for all ages with indoor and outdoor attractions and not too far away. We will also be going to Wacky Warehouse before we break up for the Summer.

We have completed two badges together, Toymakers and Athlete. In between, we have done craft activities, cooking, quizzes, and we even played rounders outside (once!) which is all the weather has permitted so far.

Although our pack has been full, 28 girls, a few are leaving at the end of the Summer so if any little girls who are 7 would like to join in September, please contact me. Also remember to put younger girls on our lists for the future.

Contact Trish for Wednesdays and Pat for Thursdays.

Pat Loveridge 01454 26xxxx

[Advert for Alder King]

Frequently there is a planning application made which goads residents into making their objections heard – John Acton's series of articles should be required reading for all those taking an interest in planning matters …

This is not about dressmaking! It's about things which are relevant when decisions on planning applications are made. How often have you said “I don't know why the planners allowed that” or “Why wouldn't they let old Fred have his extension”? Maybe I can help.

I'm going to give you a test, based on a list produced by Richard workman at a talk he gave. He is the Assistant Director, Strategic Policy and Development Control, South Gloucestershire Council.

Ask yourself whether the following issues are relevant or not, and tick the corresponding answer:

Now turn over the page for the answers …

20The answer is “yes” for Archaeology, Nature conservation, Design, Impact on the neighbourhood, Crime prevention, Noise, Visual amenity, Overlooking, and Television/radio interference. The answer is “no” for Competition, Devaluation, Precedent, Weight or public opinion, View from property. Moral issues, Applicant's motive, and Private covenants/ agreements.

Did you get all 17 answers right? If so, you're either a planner or should consider a career change. But some planners and planning lawyers (especially planning lawyers) might disagree with some of my answers. They might say “It depends what you mean by ‘Precedent’” or “It depends on the circumstances of the case”. And they could be right. I'll try to explain a few of my answers after a word about the law.

The Law

Planning decisions should be made in the public interest. That means in the interest of the public generally, not the interests of a particular person or pressure group.

Another key point is that planning law should not be used to control matters which are covered by other legislation. For example, water pollution is a matter for the Environmental Protection Act and is therefore not a planning consideration.

Back in 1971 the courts ruled “In principle … any consideration which relates to the use and development of land is capable of being a planning consideration. Whether a particular consideration falling within that broad class is material in any case will depend on the circumstances”. What does that mean? “Anything goes, but only if I say so”? Fortunately it is not as bad as that, but planning is rarely as simple as we would like!

Competition between businesses

Sometimes people object to a proposed shop, for example, because it might take trade from another one. It might even cause the existing shop to close. But an objection on that basis is not relevant, because planning is not about protecting one business from another. So why all the fuss about superstores? The answer is that superstores are often proposed outside towns, or at least outside town centres. They may draw trade away from town centres to such an extent that various facilities, not just food shops, close down. The variety of services which the public enjoyed in the town centre is reduced. The loss may not be balanced by the benefits of the superstore, particularly when you take travel into account.

Devaluation/ View from property/ Visual amenity/ Impact on the neighbourhood/ Overlooking

I've lumped these together because they often concern residential areas. The fact that a proposed development would reduce the value of an existing house, or adversely affect the view from it, is not relevant. That is because planning is not about protecting the interests of an individual person or family. It is often said that “you don't have a right to a view” over someone else's property. However, this simple saying shouldn't be taken too far. If the development would detract from the street scene, or from the setting of a village, or some other “view” enjoyed by the public in general, then the visual amenity or impact on the neighbourhood might be sufficient to justify refusing planning permission.

You probably don't like the idea that the devaluation of your house or the spoiling of your view is not relevant. On the other hand, given that planning is not there to protect private interests, you may be surprised that the overlooking of your house by a proposed development is a material consideration. I suggest that overlooking is an intrusion affecting the enjoyment of your property. You can expect a degree of privacy. But it's always difficult to say what is acceptable and what is not. On the usual type of modern housing estate, a new house with windows overlooking other gardens would normally be considered acceptable. It might well be acceptable for a new house to have windows facing others from a distance. But a window facing yours a few feet away would probably be unacceptable.

21Weight of public opinion

Planners, and particularly Councillors on planning committees, are advised to take note of public opinion. But the weight of opinion is not itself a material consideration. The planners should look at comments from the public and identify what lies behind them (this is not always very clear!). If they are based on relevant planning factors, they should be fully considered. Of course it's not easy for a Councillor to vote contrary to the views of a vociferous group of electors, but he or she has a duty to make a decision on planning grounds alone.

Precedent

In a particular case, the High Court might make a ruling on how some words in the Planning Act should be interpreted. That would establish a precedent if a future case depended on the same words. But a decision on the merits of one planning application does not set a precedent for another. For example, your neighbour's planning permission for a house extension does not mean that you will get permission for yours. Even if the two properties were thought to be identical originally, the granting of permission for one extension would change the circumstances when the second application was considered. It's a matter of “each case on its merits”, to use a hackneyed phrase.

And there's more

There's much more. People write learned letters and papers about material considerations. I just hope I've given you an idea of why some decisions don't go the way you expect. Don't be put off commenting on planning applications which affect you. Although the weight of public opinion is not itself relevant, planners will be encouraged to assess applications thoroughly if they know that lots of people are taking an interest.

John Acton.

The Great British weather has taken it's toll on our last two events, with the Summer Fair, Football and Netball Tournaments being a total “Washout”. However, with everyone in the school sheltering from the rain, we did manage to raise over £800. This was in the refreshment area, selling teas and coffees to those eager parents who were just waiting for the rain to stop.

The good news is that Mr. Sreeves (Headmaster) has agreed to hold the tournaments during school time, on Thursday 23rd July. Weather permitting of course.

Our most recent event was the “Hawaiian Party Night Disco”, held on Saturday 11th July. This was going to be and “Open Air Party Extravaganza”, with a Bar-B-Que and plenty of fun and games for both children and adults. Unfortunately, we were once again victim of the weather and the activities were all moved into the school hall. There were a number of brave souls who entered into the “Party” spirit and dressed in loud flowery shirts, grass skirts, wild coloured sarongs and coconuts. A good party atmosphere was created with spot prize dances and “Limbo” competitions.

During the evening we held the “Petrol Prize Draw”. True to his word in the last CHADRA, the new owner of Charfield Garage, Mike Cheskin, provided the main prize to this draw, with a generous donation of £150 of petrol. This was won by Mrs Jenny Lewis, a local Charfielder. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for his donation, and wishing him every success in his business venture.

Project Update

As I detailed in my previous article for CHADRA, the PTA's main project for this year was to redevelop the “playbark” area in the school, into an all weather play area with a safety surface. This project would have been completed before now, but owing to the recent inclement weather, the final laying of the Safety Surface has been postponed. I would like to thank the local quarry, ARC, for their donation of “hard core”. Also, Carl Williams and our local Scouts for their efforts digging out the old bark and levelling the area. We are hoping that the final phase of this project will be completed before the end or term.

As I have already said in my opening statement, this is my last CHADRA article as PTA Chairman, my reign is coming to an end and I will pass the Chairman responsibilities to Sarah Tyler. 22I wish her every success for the coming year.

Finally, I would like to thank all those who have supported the events organised by the PTA and look forward to seeing you all at the future events.

Nigel Smith
Chairman

As a result of the retirement of the original members of the group the new committee would like to express our thanks to the former committee members for all their work over the past 12 months. We now know how much hard work goes into ensuring the smooth running of the group!

We would also like to thank Renishaw, M J Fews, and SNFA Bearings for their very generous donations. With the money received, the group has been able to purchase a number of new toys including a ride-on tractor and a play tent which have proved to be very popular with the children.

This term the main event was the visit by the photographer who managed to get almost all the children to smile on cue, so we will be inviting him back in the autumn. The summer term is almost over and we will be closing for the summer on 23 July. As usual, we will end with our Teddy Bears' Picnic – the committee are praying for some better weather.

Just in case you don't know where to find us, we meet on Thursday mornings in the Memorial Hall from 10 to 11.30. The group is open to children from. 0 to 3 years and admission is £1.20 per family. New members are always welcome.

The Autumn term starts on 10 September and we look forward to welcoming back old members and meeting some new ones.

Sarah Edwards

It is with great pleasure that I resume my column having missed the last issue – I am finding with my being Chairman this year that time is at a premium!

I represented Wotton at the annual Round Table National Conference in Birmingham in May and witnessed a very powerful presentation by the Round Table Children's wish, which is a charity set up to grant last ‘wishes’ for terminally-ill children. Examples of this have been trips to Disney World, meeting a favourite pop star, etc. I decided, with the backing of Table, to adopt Children's Wish as my cause for the year.

We are running weekly barbecues at The Star on Fridays to raise funds, and I am keen for us to undertake a walk of the 100-mile Cotswold Way from Bath to Chipping Campden specifically for this.

Six of us recently completed the Great Gloucestershire Bike Ride in aid of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal and had an enjoyable day out in fine weather.

A group of us attended the 74 Club Meeting of European Tables, hosted this time by Hanau RT in Germany. It is an excellent opportunity to discuss business and have fun with other Tablers, Circlers, 41 Club and Tangent members from France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Belgium and South Africa. We in Wotton are hosting in 2000!

There has recently been a referendum for the first time in RT's history to canvass opinion on raising the age limit from 40 to 45, so some of us are eagerly awaiting the result so they may not have to leave at the end of the Table Year. With six members leaving this year, we continue to look for new members, although Wotton Table is 25-strong at present. We have a full and varied programme for our 2nd and 4th Tuesday meetings, including rock-climbing, ten-pin bowling, table football and an internet-browsing night, so please contact me if you would like to come along as a guest.

I hope you all have a very enjoyable summer and see you around the village.

John Francksen

By the time you read this newsletter, another school year will have come to an end. Some students will have left to go to university, college, or into the world of work – good luck, whatever you have chosen.

We have also lost some very valuable 23members of staff, not least being the Headmaster, John Law, who has decided to retire after sixteen years at the school, and John Lloyd of the English department, retiring after twenty-three years at the school. To honour them both, a farewell dinner was held in the Great Hall at Berkeley Castle on Friday 3rd July. A great many members of staff, both past and present, joined with the Governing Body and Major and Mrs Berkeley to hear tributes paid to them. It was a most enjoyable, and yet emotional, evening, which had started in lovely sunshine with drinks at the Lily Pond.

In September we will be welcoming our new Head, Andrew Harris who will be joining us from Clevedon School.

On the P.T.A. front, the term finished with the Y7/Y8 disco, enjoyed by over 150 pupils. September 17th will see all new parents of Y7 children invited to a social evening with a chance to get to know each other, their child's tutor, and members of the P.T.A. September 30th will be the A.G.M., when a new committee will be elected to serve. Both these events will include wine and cheese.

Well, I think it's time for me to fly. Have a lovely summer wherever you go and let's hope the weather improves.

Margaret Clarke
P.T.A. Chairman and K.L.B. Governor

Glos Historic Churches Trust
Reg Charity 280879R

This is due to take place on Saturday 12 September next and, if you can cycle, walk, or ride a horse, it is hoped that you will consider participating.

Please contact Margaret Clarke to obtain the necessary sponsorship form. Half of the money which you raise is given to the church or Chapel of your choice and the other half passed to the Local Organiser for onward transmission to the Trust for funding its grant aid scheme.

Participation in the Ride or Walk is an enjoyable way in which to raise money – all of which is used to maintain Gloucestershire's ecclesiastical heritage.

Michael Tombs, County Organiser

Like 1997, the first half of the cricket season has been memorable for the comparative lack of it. The rain has seen to that.

Even so, all the teams have done well. The 1st XI got off to a roaring start in the league but recent defeats probably mean no promotion. The 2nd XI sits high in its division, but with tough games to come. Steven Turner's Sunday XI is cheerful if not always victorious. The U13 and U15 frequently trounce more prestigious sides and may well win league honours.

Members are always welcome. Key contacts are:

Rod Alexander
Chairman

I guess many of you know that I recently succeeded Robert Pestell as Chairman to the Memorial Hall Committee and also agreed to head up the Summer Fayre / Sports Day Team.

For those who don't know me, I have lived in the village for 31 years, have seen my children grow up here and have always tried to take a keen, participative role in village affairs (albeit for many years in the shadow of my wife, Jenny).

I am already pleased to note that all of those with whom I am working are happy and prepared to make a positive contribution to village matters – we are a good mix of young and old and both sexes.

please join with me in wishing the Youth Club well when they re-open in September.

By the time you read these notes, I imagine that Sports Day will have passed but I hope that you all went along and enjoyed yourselves.

Expect a longer missive from me in the next Newsletter.

Allan Hughes – x Berkeley Close

24

For the folk who are followers of what Pele called the beautiful game, this has been a great summer. Our own season had a hectic finish in May – hectic due to the wet winter resulting in a lot of games being crammed into the final weeks of the season. The first team had a pretty good last third of the season which resulted in them remaining in division 1 of the Stroud League. Unfortunately, the reserves could not repeat the escape act and were relegated to division four, a re-organisation of the league structure not helping the cause.

This was followed by the exciting run into the Premier League championship (which turned out better for some than others – but there's always next season!) and the FA cup final (ditto). Then only three weeks of withdrawal symptoms had to be endured before the world cup started.

Before the world cup has ended, our own pre-season training has begun. This is on the memorial playing field on Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm. If anybody is interested in playing, come along and join in the fun, or ring me (26xxxx) if you want any more information about the football club.

We have new people managing the teams for the coming season, Robin Hannigan and Bob Tippins will jointly be running the first team with Chris Buckley running the 2nd team. The new season sees us full of optimism that both of our teams can enjoy a successful season – again, if you would like to play for your village team, come along to training or give me a ring.

Chris Somerton 01454 26xxxx

We are very sorry to have lost our Chairman Mr Bert Carter due to his moving away and also the illness of his friend Sylvia. So we are now looking for a new Chairman – someone to keep us all in order.

We have had a couple of outings lately to Minehead with Wickwar, and a half day trip to Weston and some of us are joining Wickwar on their outing to Poole in July.

We are very pleased with the new ‘Help the Aged’ minibus which gets us all to the club. The bus is based in Thornbury so we are very grateful to the three Charfield gentlemen who give up their time to fetch it and pick us all up. We still have our bingo sessions and exercise our brains doing quizzes, but we could do with a few speakers.

If anyone has some interesting slides or a talk or demonstration, do let us know – it would be nice to have a local speaker.

M Ealey
Secretary

For several years now, we have been improving the appearance of our Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist. I hope you have noticed the differences.

If you have something to be grateful for, a new Baby or a special Anniversary, a Wedding or Baptism or Confirmation or the Life of a Loved one to commemorate, perhaps you would like a permanent memorial in Your Church.

Many people have already done this by donating a kneeler or Church linen and for these we are all grateful.

If you would like to help complete this stage in beautifying your Church, please contact the Rev. Robert Pestell or myself.

It would cost about £20 for a kneeler, which can come in kit form or to a special design. A long kneeler for the choir stalls would cost about £100. You can make your own or have it sewn for you.

Alternatively, you might like to donate some or all of the cost of an Altar frontal. We now have a new white cover and need the coloured frontals to use with it for the various seasons of the Church Year. These need to be in green, red and purple. The white frontal is in the making. The cost of the fabric for the other colours would be in the region of £60 to £120 depending on the materials used.

Whatever you have to commemorate, or if you just want to help anyway, we will all be grateful for your support. The Church will look even better for your special events.

Thank all you who have already contributed.

Kate Ramsay (01454-26xxxx)

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The next session at the village hall is on Friday 14th August from 1.30 till 3.15 and 5.00 till 7.15.

Some of you who are regular donors may have noticed that there is a session for which you have not been called. This is because The Blood Service is changing the system from two two day sessions to four one day sessions per year. The whole service is undergoing reorganisation and although this is likely to be the pattern for the next year or two, it may not be permanent.

Please don't let changes put you off coming – your blood is desperately needed and now the age limits have been extended. You can start at seventeen and, if you are a regular donor, carry on till you are 70.

I recently spent a fascinating day, with other Red Cross volunteers, at the Regional Centre at Southmead hospital seeing what happens to all the blood that is taken and was quite amazed to see the processes that it goes through before being ready for use. We learned that, although they always need rare blood groups the one that are needed most of all are the ‘common’ ones because, of course, those are the ones that are in frequent demand. And what surprised me most was that the majority of the blood is used within one week of donation, so you can see how important it is to keep up the supply.

If you've never given blood before and would like to start just come along to a session when you see it advertised (or if Charfield sessions don't suit your timetable, give me a ring and I can tell you where other sessions are being held in the area). It shouldn't take any longer than an hour and is quite painless, and you might get ten minutes or so in which to read your ‘Gazette’ in peace.

Barbara Adams 01454 26xxxx

Incredibly we are just finishing our second year – this term we have been working towards a badge called ‘Investigate 98’. This has included such experiments as how to make paper shrink, making a parachute, and baking delicious fudge for Fathers' Day.

Our outing was a trip to the Fun Hive, Yate, which was enjoyed thoroughly by all the girls.

Our end of term session will be at Watsome Farm where we will be joined by the two Wotton-under-Edge Rainbow units. They wear purple and green tabards, so with our red tabards we will make a colourful display. The girls will play on the bouncy castle, make masks and go on a treasure hunt followed by a picnic tea.

Thank you to all the parents who help us and we're looking forward to our third year with some new Rainbows.

Judith Wenman and Jane Smith

Another term is over, as we plan our final Monday morning session which is to be a teddy bears picnic (if the present climate persists the teddies will need their wellies and raincoats). Whatever the weather has in store I'm sure a good time will be had by all.

As from September the Childminders Activity Morning held at the village hall on a Monday will have a number of vacancies owing to children going off to playgroup and school. The Activity Morning not only encourages the children to socialize and play but also stimulates their creative skills and development.

If you have a baby or child you think would enjoy our Monday sessions, why not bring them along on Monday 7th September at 10.am. You will always be made to feel welcome.

Are you planning to return to work and don't know where to start looking for child care? Why not give Pat Loveridge a ring on 01454-26xxxx.

That's it for now. I hope you all have a good summer and we look forward to seeing lots of new faces on the 7th September.

Jane Smith
Secretary

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Recently the green light has been received to resume the export of beef from Northern Ireland.

This is somewhat ironic as the computer registration and tracing system that has made this possible was introduced several years ago to combat fraud, involving the movement of cattle across the Eire/Northern Ireland border to claim EC subsidies, possible because of differences in exchange rates.

The rest of the UK is waiting for our government to finish setting up a similar system and then convince the EC ministers that this satisfied their concerns on the safety of British beef.

This doesn't mean that there aren't any existing systems because there are, not only is there a recent national animal passport and tagging system, there are several long established data bases for the pedigree breed societies. These are linked to milk recording systems used by many dairy herds.

The duplication of this information is becoming a real burden, especially when you consider the penalties for late registration and the potential for error in the paper based system that has been adopted.

Why the ministry hasn't been progressive enough to think of the future and go for an electronic system of identification can only be guessed at. I don't know of anyone who is holding their breath for the resumption of our beef exports …

A number of people have commented on the poor maintenance of the churchyard and that it is not as neat and tidy as it has been in previous years. The responsibility for the care and maintenance of the churchyard now lies with South Gloucestershire County Council following the closure order.

I am aware of, and share, the concerns of those who have family graves in the churchyard and I am sorry for those who have been upset by the poor standard of maintenance. We have, of course, been blessed by the careful work of Bill Taylor in the past years (funded by the Parish Council) and I am grateful for all his efforts but now that the new arrangements are in place we are dependent upon outside contractors.

I will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the council to see if it is possible to improve the condition of the churchyard but it may well take a while to find the best possible solution.

In the meantime I hope you recognise my concern to see the churchyard maintained in the best possible way, both to provide a suitable environment to remember loved ones and also preserve what is a beautiful area.

Robert Pestell, Priest-in-Charge

Where has the sun gone? On 18 June, playgroup went on its annual summer trip and yes, you've guessed, it rained. Well equipped with wellingtons and waterproofs, we visited the Animal Farm Country Park near Brean. Despite the wet weather, the children enjoyed feeding the goats and sheep. They were also able to hold rabbits, baby chicks, guinea pigs, even rats! I think this was the highlight of the children's day.

Playgroup will lose many children to school at the end of this term. We all wish them well, and hope they all settle happily in their new surroundings.

On Tuesday 15 September the AGM is being held to elect a new committee. This will take place at playgroup at 8pm. Everyone is welcome, so please come along.

There will be a fun day on Friday 21 August at the Memorial Hall. There will be lots of activities for the children. Keep a look out around the village for further details.

We are also planning an open day at playgroup towards the end of the summer holidays. More details will be advertised nearer the time.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Judith Watkins, Secretary

Next Copy Date 12 October

27

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?

28

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

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Football Club – Juniors
Mike Higgins 01454 26xxxx

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

Friendship Club
Mrs M Ealey 01454 29xxxx

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
Sarah Edwards 01454 26xxxx

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