CHADRA

… that Charfield is in the news due to the vandalism being caused to the Village Hall by a minority of trouble makers – again?

… that two Autumn lambs have been born at the Adams' farm, Warners Court? The seasons do seem to be all to pot now, don't they? Or perhaps the parents are still jet-lagged and on New Zealand rhythms.

… that there have been more burglaries in in Village and one suspect managed to get into the School grounds, causing a degree of consternation to the pupils and staff. It appears he got away despite the efforts of the Police helicopter.

… that Renishaw's expansion plans have met with no objections from Charfield, Kingswood, Wotton or Nibley Councils?

… that Margaret Clarke is to be congratulated on her election to Chairman of the Governors at KLB?

… that the new owner of Charfield Service Station, Mike Cheskin, has been as good as his word and helped village organisations? Beneficiaries are Charfield Reserves, the School PTA, and Charfield Youth Football team. The village is very grateful for all the help it receives from local businesses.

… that a Garden Open Day at Warners Court raised £1900 for Save the Children Fund? Well done!

… that there is a vacancy on the Parish Council? If you are interested in becoming a Councillor until the elections next Spring, Contact the Clerk, Kath Holmes, for further information.

… that the planning application for development of the ex British Rail plot on the junction of Wotton Road and Little Bristol Lane was refused by S Glos Council? That's right, the plot the Parish Council hoped to acquire on your behalf but got the valuation slightly wrong! Well, the applicants appealed against the decision and the Inspector duly dismissed the appeal, but only on the grounds that a pedestrian access could not be provided within the boundary drawn on the plan. A fresh application is underway with the boundary line drawn to include the required access and – Bob's your Uncle – permission will probably be granted. The Inspector apparently saw no potential traffic hazard. None so blind …

… Not have you heard, but have you seen … a gentleman with a large dog, walking the streets of Charfield, unable to get back into his house? Why? No key to let himself in, wife out he knows not where. What a sad state of affairs. What relief when a car pulls up and all are reunited and home is in sight. Guess who!

NEXT COPY DATE
12 JANUARY 1999

2

Dear Reader:

Well, some contributors get laurel wreathes for being on time and others, who will remain nameless to spare their blushes, most definitely do not. It's not fair on those who are prompt. To ensure that we don't get into bad habits and make the newsletter slip every time, we will be absolutely merciless in January – PLEASE get your most welcome articles to us by the 12th of January 1999.

Some of you may recall that Mark Julian used to type the newsletter before he left the village some three years ago. He rang me whilst I was bashing the keyboard working on this edition, and laughed like a drain when I told him what he had interrupted. He may have cause to regret his mirth when he comes for supper this evening …

A word of thanks to all the distributors who bring the newsletter to your doorstep, to all the advertisers who support us, and to all the article contributors, without whom we'd have nothing to print!

A very happy and peaceful Christmas and a kind New Year to us all.

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

When people visit our school for the first time, they are usually surprised – pleasantly, I'm pleased to say!

Firstly they are surprised at the physical size of the school and grounds – perhaps they only usually pass by on the road. They are also surprised by the attractive environment – the shrubberies, borders, hanging baskets etc. Most of all, they are surprised by the purposeful working atmosphere and the attitude of the children, which is certainly a matter of pride to us and, hopefully, to their parents.

Whenever we take classes of children on a visit or whenever we welcome visitors into school, we always receive complimentary comments.

People's perception of children and school can sometimes be influenced by what they see ‘out and about’ or via the media. This often tends to be a negative portrayal which is a shame and is certainly not the case in the majority of schools and among the majority of children.

There now follows an appeal!

We would welcome the involvement of the village community in the following ways –

Volunteer Helpers

Are there folk out there who would like a taste of school as it is today? Anyone with an hour or so to spare once a week could become involved in a number of ways – giving an extra pair of hands to class teachers, reading to small groups of children, supervising lunchtime activities such as Chess, Stamp, Computer Clubs, etc. All that is needed is a clean Criminal Record and an interest in children!

Clerk to the Governors

We are losing our present Clerk some time during the coming six months or so. Clearly, the governing body of the school would find it extremely difficult to carry out its functions without such a person.

The main requirements are an ability to take Minutes at meetings – usually once or twice per term – and typing/word processing skills for producing Minutes and Correspondence.

A small termly fee is payable!

Shelving

If anyone has a quantity of easy-to-assemble shelving – Dexion etc – which is surplus to requirements, please let us know. Condition/decor is not important as it will be used in outdoor sheds.

Please get in touch, either by telephone (26xxxx), letter, or in person, if you might be interested or could help with any of the above. We would love to hear from you!

C F Sreeves
Headteacher

Are you one of those who normally watch BBC1 on Remembrance Sunday morning, being moved by the service at the Cenotaph, listening to Tom Fleming's commentary (or has he retired)?

Do you attempt to observe respectfully the two minute silence along with a good percentage of the population, only to have a member of the household barge in, enquiring where the Sunday newspaper is or offering a cup of tea, thereby completely ruining the moment?

There is another way.

Meet with other villagers in the village hall car park at about a quarter to eleven. Fall in behind the standard bearers and the Brownies and Guides (the Scouts are at Cromhall this year), then process along the Wotton Road to the war memorial outside St John's Church. The traffic will be stopped for the duration.

At the memorial, you will hear a few words from the British Legion, a few words from Rev Robert Pestell, the 2 minute silence will be observed at 11am, and finally the wreaths will be laid on the memorial.

If you wish, you can attend the service in St John's Church afterwards. Or you can go about the rest of the day's business.

If you haven't turned out to observe the silence with the villagers, you have missed a solemn and moving community experience.

Try it this year. Rain or shine.

4[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Design]

[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

Kim Davis, who lives in Wickwar, has taken up the mantle of Chairman of KLB PTA from Margaret Clarke.

The PTA held a promises auction last Friday evening (16 October) in the drama hall and raised in excess of £1,700. Families and friends turned out on an awfully wet evening to support the event and take home everything from a guinea pig to hot air balloon flights! Many thanks for all donations.

The funds raised will go towards the purchase of a computer programme for the special needs department.

The next function will be a casino night to be held at Leyhill social club on Friday November 20 – tickets are available from the school.

Kim Davis

As reported elsewhere in the newsletter, Mrs Blower has passed the reins over to me, Mrs Marion Smith, after many years of running a very efficient service. Many thanks to her for all the lifts she has organised for a good few people over the years. I only hope I can continue the service to the community of Charfield as proficiently as she did.

May I take this opportunity of asking if there is anyone else out there who would be willing to go on the transport register, to help those less fortunate than themselves to attend Doctors' Dentists' and Hospital appointments?

After all, without the scheme these people may not be able to keep vital appointments and anyone of us may have to call on the service for our own use one day.

If you feel you could help but need to know more, don't hesitate to ring me on 01454 26xxxx. I promise I won't call on you too often! The more drivers we have to call on, the less often you will be called. It's about sharing the load.

Thanking you in anticipation of a host of phone calls …

Marion Smith
Hospital Transport Scheme

5

Puzzle Page

6

Next May Charfield Parish Council's term of office comes to an end. What happens then?

Maybe the same as last time: no more than nine people will come forward and they will form the Council without an election. If fewer than nine come forward, they will be able to co-opt other people to fill the vacancies.

Is that what you want? Or would you like to have a Parish Council chosen by the electors from a list or willing candidates? Which do you think is the better democratic process?

Some of the present Councillors will not wish to continue, so, at least, we shall need to replace them. But surely from an electorate of about 2000 there are more than nine people who care about the Parish and could find a bit of time to get involved. We really ought to have an election and choose a Council which is representative of the electorate.

It would be nice to have competition from different sections of the community, including the younger element. (The Mayor in my former parish is about 30). But any competition would be a good thing. How about getting someone to nominate you?

Don't be put off if you haven't lived in Charfield for long, or you don't know much about parish councils. There's plenty of help around. Charfield Parish Council is not party-political. The discussions are orderly and Councillors give their own opinions. The regular meetings are in the evening of the second Tuesday of the month. Quite often we have another evening meeting in a month to deal with additional planning applications or other urgent matters.

Some Councillors represent the Parish Council on other bodies, such as the School Governors, but a new Councillor might want to get acclimatised first.

So what does the Parish Council actually do? One of its main jobs is to make a local input into the planning system, by commenting on planning applications and on the planning policies proposed by South Gloucestershire Council and other bodies. The Council is also consulted on many other matters, including policing, education and health. The Council supports local organisations with grants and can provide facilities. It could do lots more, but only by raising more money from council tax payers. So a crucial job is to decide the budget for next year. We shall be doing that at the beginning of December.

Please do think about putting your name forward for the Parish Council next Spring. There is time to come to a few of our meetings to find out what goes on. Talk to any of the present or past Councillors.

You might like to go to a seminar for potential Councillors: I can put you in touch with the people who are organising a seminar in South Gloucestershire where you could meet hopefuls from other parishes. Don't hide your light under a bushel (or under a 36 litre box!). Your Parish needs you!

John Acton

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

7

There have been a few incidents recently with a few houses falling victim to burglary. Be mindful of anyone “just hanging around” and report it to us. Please remember car registration numbers are very important.

I am particularly interested to know if anyone knows a male person aged about 40 years with long black hair that he ties up in a pony tail. This man has been responsible for an attempted burglary in Cromhall recently. He was also riding a mountain bike.

I was very pleased to hear of some support I had the other day from two young Charfield chaps who dressed up in Bobby's uniforms and held 30mph signs to slow the traffic along the Wotton Road. This had a dramatic effect on drivers' speed and helped raise awareness to outsiders who come through the village. Well done, boys!

My thanks also to Orange who have agreed to sponsor the use of the mobile phone as a service to the community. This has been arranged by a resident from Charfield. It was a significant gesture and has been well received by all users of the service.

Look on the back page for my telephone numbers.

Ian Cousins

The Woodend Scouts are looking for gardens in Charfield! The Scout Group hope to recruit about 20 gardens (and their owners!) to open to the public to raise money for the Scout Group on Sunday 11 July 1999.

Your garden can be a Capability Brown or under development, a manicured lawn or a rough and tumble family garden – it does not matter. Your garden is wanted!

Open Gardens will begin at 12 noon until 6pm with tickets and programmes available before and on the day. A treasure hunt for fun and to keep the youngsters occupied between gardens will be available. Refreshments and plants will be on sale around Charfield.

A prize will be given to the garden voted the best by visitors.

Can you help? Call Carol on 01454 26xxxx for details.

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

This is a big Thank You to all the drivers who have helped me keep this scheme operating.

Lately I've felt that one of these days I wouldn't be able to provide a driver, and that did happen once. It was then I decided that after 17 years it was time for me to retire.

Now this job is in the capable hands of Marion Smith (01454 26xxxx).

I must add that three drivers, including Marion, have been helping ever since I took over in 1981. What about a new driver for Marion to add to her very short list?

Muriel Blower

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

8[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who turned out to support the Save the Children plant sale at Warners Court on October 4th. We had a brilliant result – £1,917 raised – with about 600 people coming to either buy plants or walk round the garden.

The sun didn't shine but the rain kept off and although the wind was a bit keen it certainly didn't stop us enjoying ourselves enormously. We were also very grateful to the misbehaving ewe who produced the lambs that got us front page coverage on the Gazette, though I prefer to think of it as ‘forward planning’!

There were some lovely plants on sale from the specialist nurseries – one of them, Landcare from Old Sodbury, actually rushed back to get further supplies – and the donated plants from good gardeners kept rolling in.

Our helpers did sterling work and the Save the Children committee kept the supplies of tea, coffee and home made soup going to nourish buyers and sellers alike, apart from a few nasty moments when the electricity supply failed. That must have worried them somewhat and I never did quite find out what had gone wrong – just saw some rather worried faces and people rushing around with extension leads, then all smiles again!

The potter, Rod Humphris, was a big success. He was really pleased with his day but said that the nicest bit was how the children responded to seeing pots being made and the questions they asked. The ones who were still with us when we were clearing up were wide-eyed with astonishment when they saw him fold up the wet pots and pop them into a bag in the back of his car.

I was amazed at the speed at which the finishing up took place – it all ended at 3.30 and by 4.45 the place was as tidy as a new pin. THERE WAS NO LITTER ANYWHERE – as far as I could tell there was not so much as a cigarette end dropped – which was just lovely. All we were left with was the memory of a very happy and rewarding day, and an immaculate garden.

By gum, it certainly concentrates the mind when you do this – family and friends said they had never seen the garden look so tidy! For weeks before, as we were weeding and trimming, I kept thinking of plans that I've had over the years for various bits of the garden that have not seen the light of day. So, maybe by the next time …

(Actually, there will almost certainly be a next time so if you'd like to put a note in your diaries now – October 2000 is what I have in mind.)

Again, our thanks to all of you who came.

Barbara and Mike Adams

And now, a once in a thousand years chance to go down in history …

The Millennium Committee ‘Domesday’ group are aiming to publish a book containing a snapshot of Charfield from the middle of the year 1999 to the middle of the year 2000.

Anyone who would be willing to contribute short articles about everyday events, family life, and/ or working life within the village, or help in any other way, should contact either

Tim Sansum (1454 26xxxx),
Jean Acton (01453 84xxxx) or
Jayne Pedley (01454 26xxxx).

9

Puzzle Page Answers

10[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

This is going to be all about apples. We don't have huge crops on our espalier trees – usually just enough to pick and enjoy eating fresh – but this year there are more, which is pleasing since we had no plums and very few pears. Our best crop was Spartan which is delicious to eat and can be cooked very successfully – it is packed with flavour and has a lovely crisp texture.

And I just love knowing they haven't been sprayed once a fortnight to prevent whatever apples can suffer from. I don't want to make light of the problems that commercial people have but when I see what is generally on offer in supermarkets I despair. Can any of you put your hand on your heart and say you have eaten an apple that comes from France and say ‘That was excellent!’ and now the New Zealand ones are going the same way – perfect shape, far too big (a cynical marketing ploy, I think), woolly and flavourless. It's really good to see the revival of interest in our own varieties and comforting to realise there are still a lot of them about.

The biggest problem with recipes for apples is deciding which to offer you – I really think there must be enough to do a different one every day of the year and still have plenty left over, so I think it'll be one for each course though I don't really recommend putting them all together in one meal – I have done this before but usually more by accident than design!

So to start here is Apple and Cabbage Soup which has a unusual, light flavour, is dead easy to make and is from one of my favourite cooks – Michael Smith – who was passionately interested in reviving our English cookery. This sort of dish has apparently been around since the Middle Ages. All the recipes are for 4–6 people, depending on appetite.

½ large white cabbage – not the Dutch variety – finely shredded
3 medium onions – sliced
3 green apples – peeled, cored and
chopped (Bramley type)
2 ozs (60g) butter
1 clove of garlic – crushed
2 pints chicken or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon – or more – sugar
salt and pepper

Melt the butter in a large pan, add the apples, onions and cabbage, stir well and leave over a gentle heat to sweat for about 10 mins, stirring occasionally so that it doesn't stick or go brown – this is a very pale soup. Add the garlic and stock, simmer till the cabbage is tender and then whizz through a blender or processor. Season to taste with salt, pepper and sugar (you may need up to a tablespoon), re-heat and serve with good crusty bread, or dainty croutons, or chopped parsley and chives.

Now for the main course. Piggy in the Orchard – this recipe crops up in all sorts of books, probably because it's very good! It's certainly very easy.

1½ lbs (700g) lean pork cut into cubes of about 1″
2–3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 large onions peeled and sliced thinly
¾ pint (550 ml) dry cider
3 crisp Cox type apples, peeled, cored, and thickly sliced
butter, sage or rosemary or thyme

Put the pork in a bowl and season well with the garlic and plenty of freshly ground black pepper (no salt at this stage). Make sure it is well mixed and leave for several hours or overnight.

Heat some lard or olive oil in a frying pan and fry the pork – a few pieces at a time – to brown a little and seal in the juices. Transfer to a large, heavy casserole (that has a heatproof base and that is big enough for the contents to not be too deep), then fry the onions until 11they begin to soften. Add these to the meat, pour in the cider and simmer gently for 30 mins without a lid, stirring now and then. Add the apples, a good lump of butter and the herb of your choice or a mixture of all three (just take care not to overwhelm the flavour) and cook for another 30 mins, or until the pork and onions are tender and the liquid reduced to a syrupy sauce.

If the meat is cooked and you still have a lot of sauce turn up the heat and boil hard for a few minutes without letting it catch on the bottom of the dish. Add a little salt and serve with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green vegetables, or a watercress salad

And for pudding – Apple Cribbly – takes about 15 mins. and though we prefer it hot is almost as good cold.

4ozs (125g) caster sugar
teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
6 crisp eating apples – floury ones are no good for this
3 slices thick cut, good quality bread – white works best, I think
4ozs (125g) butter
double or clotted cream or creme fraiche to serve

Put the sugar (and cinnamon if used) in a bowl. Peel, core and chop the apples into dice – about ½″ or so – and mix well with the sugar until well coated. Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into similar sized pieces. Melt half of the butter in a heavy frying pan, add the apples – with any of the sugar that is left in the bowl – and cook over a low heat until the apples are cooked through and transparent, the sugar has melted and has produced a golden juice. Stir all the time to prevent burning.

Remove apples with a slotted spoon, add the remaining butter and turn up the heat. Add the bread and cook over a high heat, shaking the pan to prevent burning, till the cubes are golden brown. Mix with the apples, including any juice that may be remaining and serve with double or clotted cream or creme fraiche – a lovely combination.

Finally a recipe for Rosehip and Apple Jelly. This one pleases me no end because I can use fallen apples and pick the hips from the hedge. It has a delicate flavour and is a very pretty pale pink.

1 pint freshly picked rosehips (just fill a measuring jug to a pint level)
2½ lbs (1.1 kg) cooking apples
juice of one large lemon
preserving or granulated sugar

Wash rosehips, cover with water to about 1″ above the fruit, bring to the boil and simmer for about 30 mins until soft, mashing with a potato masher or fork as they cook. They will go very mushy and you may need to add some more water. Roughly chop the apples – no need to peel or core, but cut out damaged bits if using fallers – cover with water and cook gently till soft.

Mix the two fruits together, strain the juice through muslin (which can be bought by the yard from Holloways in Wotton) or a jelly bag and measure. Add the lemon juice and then add 1lb of sugar for every pint of liquid – this quantity of fruit won't produce much more than 1 pint.

Dissolve the sugar over a gentle heat, stirring, bring to the boil and boil hard till setting point is reached. This will depend on the amount of pectin in the fruit and can take from about 10 to 40 mins, so test frequently by putting a drop on an ice cold plate and seeing if it sets when cold – take the pan of the heat whilst you do this. (If you use the special jam sugar, which has added pectin, it will only need a few minutes). Pot into warm jars and cover in the usual way.

Barbara Adams

Next Copy Date 12 January 1999

12

[Advert for Martingales]

Lawrence was going on a school trip to Germany and had to be at KLB at 4.45 am. I had this mad notion that, if I slept on the lounge floor in a sleeping bag with the clock staring straight into my face, I'd have no trouble waking up. One thing I did not reckon on was setting the alarm at PM!

Isn't nature wonderful? At 4.10 I opened my eyes and stared – why didn't the alarm go off? Panic set in.

I couldn't get the zip of the sleeping bag undone – I wriggled out and commenced the scream around the house, disturbing the dog, the do-not-disturb daughter, the husband and, of course, the need-to-be-up, Lawrence.

No time for toast, have a banana, spray armpits, no time to wash. We left the house at 4.30. My system was all a-doodah for hours after.

Linking on, as they say on the radio, I shall continue with travel news.

Sophie was going on holiday with Kate from Northern Ireland and Helen from Yorkshire. We all met up at Gatwick from our various points on the globe and Helen's parents decided that they would stay with the girls until their flight early the next morning. We should then put all the luggage in their boot. Now here is the most amazing thing (well I think so) – in all the car parks, levels and spaces, we had parked next to each other! Are the odds of this happening on a par with winning the lottery?

Now I'm doing an appeal. Next May I shall be holding a Smash-a-Crock stall for the Meningitis Trust and need the stuff to throw the balls at. I approached a pottery not too far from here for seconds, but they could not assist me in case I painted the ‘biscuit’ plates and sold them on – as if I would.

You may recall Margaret Shipton and me in various attire on Sport Days doing Smash-a-Crock stalls and she suggested I ask you through this magazine. What a good idea. So, if you have any chipped or cracked vases, mugs, plates, bowls, pottery or china, would you please let me know and I will collect.

I shall sign off by saying to all drivers, ‘chill out at the traffic lights – they won't be here forever’.

Marilyn 01454 26xxxx

PS I also have Meningitis Trust Christmas Cards at £2.99 for 10.

We now have a new Chairman in the person of Rev. David Parker. He has kindly offered to take on the job for a time to help keep the club alive.

He is already organising future meetings, so things are looking up.

We have had our ‘Harvest Home’ and after a short service David auctioned the goods for us.

We have been rather short of ‘days out’ this year but hopefully after the AGM we shall be able to arrange something before winter is upon us.

M Ealey
Secretary

A local resident set his house alarm and went off with his wife on a day trip. Unfortunately, he had been a bit too quick and had not shut the front door properly. Within a few minutes, the alarm triggered and wailed like a banshee, and a good neighbour went to investigate. Diane the Milklady was at the house when he arrived and waited whilst the neighbour went into the house, hoping not to find an unsavoury character ransacking the contents.

The house was all clear. The neighbour tried to figure out how to secure the front door, and saw a key hanging in the kitchen. He closed the door to test the key. The key did not fit. The door would not open. He was locked IN the house.

Now, the alarm was still howling and deafening the poor soul as he wandered from room to room, trying to find a way out. In the end, he had to break out of the house through a window, having moved furniture, and Diane having moved plants from beneath the window outside.

The moral or the tale? Take your pick: always check that you have locked your front door securely; if you come across a potential break-in, don't go into the house yourself, but call the police; and don't lock yourself in a neighbour's house without earplugs handy.

Who was the good neighbour with the best of intentions? Your secret is safe, PW!

13

The new football season is well under way. Both our teams have several new personnel who are starting to blend nicely with the ‘older hands’ from previous seasons.

The 1st team's opening game was in the Stroud Charity Cup competition, away to Stonehouse Freeway, which we narrowly lost 1–0. This was followed by the first league game which resulted in a good 2–1 win at Tuffley. The first home game against Ebley looked a sure-fire draw until we conceded a goal in rather unfortunate circumstances right at the death.

Then came the first round of the County Cup. This is the most prestigious cup competition of the season and last year we reached the quarter finals. This time around, we got off to another good start – South Cerney from the Cirencester League being the victims of a 1–0 win – which was more comprehensive than it sounds.

Like the 1st team, the reserves opened this season's programme with a Stroud Charity Cup fixture, winning through on a penalty shoot-out. Since then, a few league games have resulted in narrow defeats, the performances gradually improving as the games have gone on. A lot of young players have been introduced to the side this season, and though awaiting the first league win, the signs are encouraging.

All in all, a sound start to the season.

Chris Somerton
Secretary

Just to remind you that the next session is on Friday 13th November in the afternoon between 1.30 and 3.30 and in the evening between 5.00 and 7.15.

New donors are always welcome – you can start at 17 now – just call in and all will be explained. If you are a regular donor, have been called up and can't make it, we now have leaflets giving details of all the other sessions in the area, or you can ring the helpline number on your card where you can get the same information.

Barbara Adams

[Advert for Newhouse Farm turkeys]

Please let me know if you wish to order Christmas Puddings and/or Cakes this year. The cost of puddings will be ½lb £1, 1lb £2, 1½lb £3. It is difficult to obtain larger foil basins, but I can make you a larger pudding at £1 per half pound, in your own basin.

Cakes should be £10 for a six inch square and £20 for an eight inch square.

I do not expect to have Christmas cakes for general sale at Tea and Tinsel, but will make only to order this year.

Please collect your orders at Tea and Tinsel if possible (14th November).

To order, please phone Kate on 01454 26xxxx, or sign the list at the back of the Church (St John's).

[Advert for Tortworth Estate Christmas trees]

14

Jacky Swallow is no longer trading from The Tavern shop on Station Road – the Landlord requires the premises for his own use.

We trust that Jacky will find suitable alternative accommodation in due course, and thank her for her support of the Newsletter

Season of Mists …

With wisps of smoke from the first autumn bonfires creeping across the village I have been watching a much less anti-social bonfire blaze away, in the form of the aptly named Smoke Bush.

Glowing with autumnal scarlet and still topped with the dense haze of smoky grey from fading flowers, that brings it's nickname, it makes a splendid sight in any garden. Adaptable in habit and tolerating all but the wettest and shadiest spot it should be more widely grown.

The Smoke Bush has oval leaves of either mid-green or the more decorative purple types found in forms such as ‘Royal Purple’. All family members bear open, mostly pale pink, flowers in summer which gradually fade with the coming autumn.

Perhaps it is the relatively large size of Cotinus coggygria, as it is more accurately known, that makes it relatively uncommon. By growing into a spreading bush up to 15 feet tall it makes a handsome addition to the structure of larger gardens, but could easily be thought of as a small tree in a smaller plot. Few trees, large or small, offer such vivid colour and adaptable nature.

Pruning out some of the oldest wood each year will encourage both flowers and foliage at its best, remembering that flowers only appear on stems three years old or more.

It is difficult to see how to improve on such a useful shrub, but suitable companion plants may do the trick. A similarly smoky effect from other flowers earlier in the year would hint at things to come.

A ring of Alchemilla mollis, or Lady's mantle, planted around a Cotinus will produce a froth of yellow-green flowers each summer, held above frilled leaves flecked with pearls of collected dew. A long flowering period and attractive foliage have always made this plant popular with flower arrangers.

Alchelnilla is another biddable plant which can hold its own in a wide range of difficult spots. In the dry shade beneath a Smoke Bush for example.

It will spread to form a weed proof mat and self seeds easily, to spread it's charms into otherwise unwelcoming nooks and crannies of the garden, cracks in paving and walls are particular favourites.

Any plant which self-seeds needs reminding just who's garden it is, but a sharp hoe will soon show who is in control.

… and Mellow Fruitfulness …

Adding a little exotic fruit to the garden will round off the Autumnal effect nicely.

One of my favourite small trees will match the Cotinus' display with a flush of crisp orange and ochre leaves around clusters of small russet fruit.

Like many other members of the rose family it naturally grows to produce a tangled head of branches with a slightly drooping habit. Never growing more than 20 feet tall and with a similar spread to its crown, it makes a good choice for the smaller garden when planted in sun or semi-shade.

Spring foliage opens fresh green and is followed by white apple blossom flowers. A delight for both gardener and foraging bees.

The edible fruit is best thought of as an acquired taste as it is eaten when rotten. Pick bullet hard fruit in the Autumn and store away from frosts in trays of dry sand or coir until Christmas and soft enough to eat raw. This process is know as bletting and produces what is always a conversation piece when served with a little cheese at the dinner table.

The faint hearted can always leave 15any surplus of the golfball sized fruit on the bare winter branches. where they are held until the worst of the frosts or hungry gourmet birds take them.

The name of this garden marvel? Mespilus germanica, otherwise known as the Medlar. It has been grown for its fruit since ancient times, but is equally valuable in any modern garden. Fruit lovers should seek out the variety ‘Nottingham’ which has been selected for its large fruit.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes …

As my kind of bonfire does not upset the neighbours and can be safely tended from the warmth of the Potting Shed, it does have a lot going for it. When the fires are lit by a low autumnal sun the resulting blaze never fails to warm the eyes or the soul.

Yes, my kind of bonfire.

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

Hello! Having just realised that the CHADRA copy date is today, I will just basically inform that we now have a new committee and the club is generally doing rather well.

We have raised funds from within and outside the village (many thanks to M J Fews and Tesco PLC of Yate) which allows us to provide better equipment for our boys – the benefits of which can be seen on the field.

The club has grown considerably with the downside being lack of training space. The Primary School is helping but if anyone knows of a spare field within the village, please contact me.

Martyn K Hill
Chairman

We were sorry to lose Tina Griffin who has left for family reasons but we are pleased to welcome Ann Fletcher and Vicky Penhaligan as Youth Leaders.

We also welcome a number of volunteer youth workers including Jane Ball, Sue Creeth, Shirley Conibere and Sarah Tiler.

We have a new pub-type pool table which is already proving very popular and will be available each week along with table tennis, a games computer, loads of board games, and various craft activities.

The new hours of opening are 7.30pm to 10pm on Tuesday evenings (including half term). We hope to be opening on a Thursday evening very soon and will announce the date well in advance.

All attending must become members (annual fee £1) and each session costs 50p. Pool games cost 20p and we have a tuck shop that sells drinks and sweets. As we have rent to pay, the session fee will be rigorously enforced; no pay = no play! The age limits are 11 to 18 and we need more members!

Events in the planning include a trip to Alton Towers and a Christmas Disco. We will need more volunteers, particularly when we open two nights per week, so please ring me on 01453 84xxxx or 0976 20xxxx if you can spare once evening per month (or more!) or if you have any new ideas for special evenings or places we can visit.

Chris Slowley – Leader in charge

[Advert for Connected Consultants]

16

In the absence of Allan Hughes, who is sunning himself down under, it falls to me as vice-chairman to pen the notes on this occasion. Thanks to all of you who turned up for the Summer Fayre in July and especially to those who helped in any way. The £1,200 raised on the day represented a good effort for an event that was planned at short notice.

The go ahead was recently given for the enclosing of the front entrance to the hall which should help both security and storage. Watch out for developments!

The Playing Field and Children's Play Area have been the cause of some concern recently. The Playing Field continues to deteriorate mainly due to excessive usage and lack of appropriate maintenance. Efforts are being made to improve the situation but it would help if all users could take care when making use of the field. The same is true of the play equipment and the gazebo, both of which deserve more respect.

It is a great shame when facilities that are there for the whole community are ruined by a small minority. It beats me why anyone feels the need to damage the play equipment and the surrounding fence when it is small children who are affected and have their safety and pleasure at risk. Come on you lot, we need the facilities for your children of the future!

A Youth Forum is being planned for the Village and all young people and organisations working with children and young people are being invited to take part. The Forum will provide an opportunity for young people to raise and discuss issues that are relevant to them in a relaxed setting. The Forum is planned for Friday 27th November from 7.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hall. Music and – non-alcoholic bar will form the second part of the evening.

Robert Pestell
Vice-Chairman

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

Hello! Here are some details of events the PTA are organising over the Autumn Term.

We start off with a bang on Friday on Friday 6 November with our Bonfire Night Party. Come and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display performed by Kevin Jones, together with hot food and drink, glo-wands and of course an enormous bonfire to keep you warm. It starts at 5.30pm, tickets bought in advance cost £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. Tickets purchased at the door cost £2 (adult) and £1 (children). Free admission for all pre-school children.

The next event is a new one for us – a Chocoholics Evening, for all chocolate lovers and for that extra special gift for Christmas. Come along to the School Hall on Monday 16 November at 7.30 pm and taste and see the goodies on offer – you will be very welcome. Price of admission is £1 per ticket which includes a cup of tea and entry into a raffle. If you cannot attend on the night, you can borrow a brochure from Kim Wintle (01454 26xxxx) and place an order through her.

Also look out for our Christmas Fair to be held on Saturday 28 November. Side stalls, tombolas, cakes, refreshments and of course Santa's Christmas Grotto.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sarah Tyler
Chairperson

17

Recently, I attended a co-ordinators meeting for the whole police district. We were introduced to our NEW District Superintendent, Nigel Arnold. Mr John Kelly has moved to pastures new – more of that later. I have lost count of how many changes we have had over recent years!

At the meeting, there was discussion about communication and how it could be improved. The possibility of using either Ceefax or short radio programme has been investigated but found to be to expensive. A new scheme called “Watch Out” based on phone/fax/mobile will be available soon.

Another issue that was raised was Neighbourhood Watch Associations. This would involve a more formal organisation of NW so the NW could “represent” the communities they cover. Presumably we would then be like everyone else and get to fill in all the surveys and questionnaires that seem to be a part of life these days!

Excuse me for being cynical, but it sometimes seems that nobody can take decisions any more. I get most worried when my opinions are asked about things of which I have no knowledge, but I'm still expected to complete the survey.

Now back to Mr Kelly. He is now the South Glos Community Safety Officer. The new Crime and Disorder Bill gives, for the first time, local authorities responsibility for community safety and, as you may already be aware if you've been asked to fill in a questionnaire, an audit is being undertaken which will lead to a Draft Audit Document which, after consultation, will lead to a three year strategic plan to take effect from April 1999. There will be a multi-agency steering committee. Some 3000 young people will be amongst those surveyed, this at least I find reassuring. A concern that has already been highlighted is youth offending, with a major aim to stop re-offending.

Over recent weeks there have been a number of break-ins and I can only stress that if you see anything suspicious, do call the police – see back page for numbers.

Ilze Hicks

By the time you read this article the house-to-house poppy collection will be all but over, bar the total amount collected being added. Let's hope this year's collection will be as good as -if not even better than – last year's.

The National Royal British Legion has special occasion wrapping paper for sale at £2 for a 6 metre roll – not a bad buy! If anyone is interested in this offer, please contact me on 01454 26xxxx and if I get enough interest I will be only too pleased to order some. Orders to me by 23 November, please.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Marion Smith
Honorary Poppy Appeals Organiser

Calling all Young Actors, Singers, and Musicians!

ACTS puts on two main productions a year, one in June and the other in November, The rehearsals are mainly on Sunday evenings at Rangeworthy village hall for two months before the performance.

If you would like to sing, act, dance, or help back stage, can read confidently and are willing to commit to a production, ring me for more details.

Gerald Bishop – 01453 84xxxx

[Advert for The Railway Tavern]

18

In many jobs and industries there has been disquiet at the short term nature of the decisions taken by politicians and government bodies.

A somewhat longer term view is required when it comes to agriculture. I'll try and make my point by following the life of a dairy cow.

A rough generalisation is that we will need replacement heifers for 20–25% of a milking herd every year. Let's take a herd of, say, 100 cows. That means, assuming an equal number of male and female calves born, we would have to inseminate fifty cows to a dairy (Friesian) bull to produce the twenty five Friesian heifers needed.

The first decision is to select your fifty best cows to produce these calves. The next step is to select the best bull for your cows – milk yield, good feet, etc – from the latest copy of the bovine equivalent of “Playgirl”.

In an ideal world, a cow will produce one calf a year and will produce milk for around ten months before having a rest (dry period) for eight weeks before she calves again. To achieve this timetable, a cow will be inseminated between forty and eighty days past calving with a gestation time of approximately 280 days.

So we are twelve months on and we have our heifer calf. With all the right Tender Loving Care, it will take a minimum fifteen months for her to grow big enough to put in calf, and nine more months before she calves and is ready to join the milking herd for the first time. A total of 2 years 9 months, minimum, to produce the next generation of dairy cows.

Mix in the weather, animal health and the inadequacies of human management and that can easily be three years or more before that initial decision produces an income. The heifers that are joining our herd this month are a result of decisions taken during the winter of 1995.

From a local farmer

[Advert for Positive Pressure]

Welcome back. We hope you all had an enjoyable summer, despite the lack of sunshine.

First, Sally, Cathy, and Sue would like to say a big thank you to everyone who bought them flowers and presents at the end of the summer term. They were all very much appreciated.

On Tuesday 15 September, we held our AGM. We have 35 children who attend the playgroup, and only 4 parents attended. A very disappointing response. Anyone who is interested in helping on the playgroup committee and could not come to the meeting, please contact a committee member or see Sally or Sue at playgroup.

On Thursday 25 November we plan to hold our annual Christmas Bazaar at playgroup. Please come along between 2 and 4 p.m.

Finally, is there anybody out there interested in a career working with children? Here is your big chance:

We are now recruiting a

QUALIFIED PLAYLEADER
and a
TRAINEE PLAYLEADER,

starting salary from £4.75 per hour,
with flexible working hours.

Please apply in writing to Mr P Whittaker, xx Underhill Road, Charfield, or contact one of the committee for further details.

Judith Watkins
Secretary

19

To begin with, thank you to everyone who helped in any way with the Summer Playscheme. It was a very successful two weeks and the children greatly enjoyed themselves particularly on the last day when we probably had the best weather of the summer for our ramble to Avening Green and back.

Thank you also to all those who contributed Harvest Gifts. These are now boxed up and ready to make their long journey to help needy families in Palestine.

As I write, Christmas seems a long way off although the commercial side of the season is already in full swing and plans are in hand for the Christmas services (see the calendar). Before Christmas arrives, however, St. John's is to be visited by ‘The Wall Paper Man’ on the 13th December.

This may seem a mad idea to begin with, after all who in their right mind would attempt to paper over the rough stone interior of St. John's, but Roy Weaver, the man in question, has other things in mind.

Armed with a roll of unwanted wall paper, a box of felt tips and some taped music Roy transforms songs and stories so that they entertain young and old alike. His style is so refreshing and stimulating that I do invite you to come and share with us on this special occasion. The service promises to be ‘something different’ for, apart from Roy, there is also a Baptism and the lighting of our Christingle Candles as we prepare for the coming of Christmas.

Christmas celebrates the coming of God into the world in the form of the child Jesus and Christmas is very much to do with children. The giving and receiving of gifts is a time of Joy and happiness and the childlike pleasure with which presents are received is wonderful to watch. God's gifts to us are, however, not restricted to the Christmas Season, day by day we receive so much of HIS love and goodness and it either goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. As we approach the festive season may we seek to understand both the joy and benefits of giving and receiving, not only in the form of presents but also in the way that we appreciate one another's friendship, help and support throughout our lives.

Robert Pestell, Priest-in-Charge

On October 4th, we celebrated our Harvest Thanksgiving. The family service was very well attended and included friends from Kingswood. Our Sunday School shared a play with us entitled ‘The Book Shelf’. The boys acted as farmers describing the parable of the ‘Mustard Seed’. A poem was read based on Psalm 104 and they also led the congregation in prayer. It was a wonderful service and thanks to our ladies we all enjoyed the refreshments that followed. Our evening worship was led by Tim Stevens.

Decorating is nearing completion. Lyn, Jo, Heather and Karen have been working hard over these last months painting the inside of the Church and have nearly completed the work. We thank God for them.

During the winter months, our services will be at 3pm, except for the first Sunday in the month which will be a family service at 11am. We invite you to join us!

On November 8 a remembrance service will be held at the chapel at 3pm conducted by Pastor Hopes. All Villagers are welcome. On Sunday December 20 a Christmas Nativity Service will be held at 3pm led by Pastor Hopes. It will include a play by the Sunday School children.

Rev Philip Hopes

[Advert for Alder King]

20

Transport axes are not some new-fangled wood chopping machine but one of the latest fashionable phrases which, could have an important part to play in the future development of Charfield. So what is a transport axis, and how does it affect Charfield?

Briefly, a transport axis is a location which has available to it easy access to the motorway network, main roads and rail, and the public transport network. With the opening of a railway station, Charfield would immediately fit this profile with the M5 and A38 a short distance away.

The significance of this must be seen alongside the latest conclusions of the South West Regional Planning Conference. This body of Councillors and experts sets out guidelines on a number of planning matters for the South West Region. They also allocate the new housing targets for the District Councils to achieve for the future. Unfortunately, once again the target for our District Council has gone up.

Part of the Conference's remit is to produce guidelines as to the areas which would be suitable to allow housing development to take place. Clearly indicated in the planning document are transport axis developments along the route of the A38/M5 and Gloucester/Bristol Rail link.

I attended a meeting recently at which Councillor Pat Hockey expressed concern at the number of houses for which South Glos were going to have to find sites and the difficulty the Council would have in identifying these sites.

There is no doubt that there is considerable pressure on potential housing sites in this area and we should be under no illusions that the developers won't be ready to pounce and take full advantage of this.

We should therefore be aware that any improvement to the transport system, either by road or, more importantly, by the opening of a railway station, will give the developers more ammunition in their quest to bring more housing to Charfield and seriously weaken the case against.

Bob Beavis

The group is open to children who will be going to Leyhill Playgroup and to the children of Leyhill prison officers. Children will be able to bring an older brother or sister who is already at Playgroup with them.

The Toddler Group meets every Tuesday during term time from 1 pm to 2.30pm at HMP Leyhill visits room.

Charges are 50p per adult, and 50p per child (babies and children too young to have refreshments or take part in the activities attend free of charge).

For more information, please call Pat Loveridge – 01454 26xxxx.

The annual general meeting was held on 9th September. The meeting was poorly attended despite publicity.

The agenda included reports plans for events celebrating the millennium in Charfield such as street and bonfire parties. Projects to mark the millennium include a “snapshot” of Charfield in the year 2000 incorporated in a time capsule, Millennium Stone, Domesday Book and Parish Map. A competition was suggested for photographers to help illustrate the Domesday Book and place in the time capsule.

The meeting heard that one of the projects undertaken by the committee initially has been overtaken by discussions between the relevant councils and Renishaw on a footpath/ cycleway towards Wotton.

Other ideas put forward included planting in village verges to brighten up dull millennium spring mornings!

Following the resignation of John Acton as Chairman of the Millennium Committee Carol Parton was elected as Chair. Julia O'Connor-Beach valiantly continued her role as Secretary and Graham Parton was elected as Treasurer.

The committee would like to record its appreciation of John Acton's hard work as Chairman and are pleased that he is able to continue as a member of the committee. Our new chair also wishes to thank all members of the committee for their hard work on the Millennium Projects 21and is looking forward to another productive year and invites any person wishing to help Charfield celebrate the Millennium to contact her on 01454 26xxxx.

The next meeting of the Millennium Committee will be on 11th November 1998 at 8.00pm at Charfield Primary School.

Carol Parton

In the last edition of the newsletter, there was a report of our visit to Malta during Easter, being the first leg of our exchange with the Scouts of Malta. Since then, the second leg of the exchange has taken place, this being the visit here of 32 Scouts and Leaders from the Fgura Scout Group. Did you see the photos and report in the ‘Gazette’?

The visit was very successful and we were blessed with some real English summer weather, sunny and warm. The first week was spent camping at our own camp site with visits to the locality, Bristol, London, Alton Towers, and, a new experience for them, shopping at midnight at Asda!

The second week, our guests were off camping in South Wales accompanied by some of our Venture Scouts. Here they were able to hike, rock climb, abseil, swim, and visit many of the places of interest in the area.

Back to Charfield for their last few days with a visit to Bath for final shopping and sightseeing, then a farewell ‘do’ which included a local Cowboy Club demonstrating their skills at gunmanship, line dancing, and a disco.

Once again a very successful exchange with our fellow Scouts from Malta.

All sections of our Group are well into their winter programmes, preparing for their outdoor events next year.

The Group will be on parade for Remembrance Sunday, this year at Cromhall Parish Church in the afternoon. We alternate between Charfield and Cromhall each year.

Our next public event will be a 50s/60s dance with ‘Footloose’ at Charfield Memorial Hall, Saturday 11 November, tickets £3.50 available from 01453 84xxxx. Hope you can come!

Bryan J Wright

Update on Community Transport

At the end of June, a public meeting was held in the S Glos Council Chamber, attended by over thirty people representing the wide interests of groups and individuals living within the area stretching from Charfield and Cromhall in the East, to Aust, Elberton, Littleton-on-Severn, Olveston and Tockington in the West. There was a supporting exhibition in the foyer centred on the analysis of over 250 questionnaires regarding the transport needs of individuals. Over twenty of these came from Charfield.

Ten people joined the steering committee which has the task or providing accessible transport for individuals and groups throughout the northern parishes of South Glos. Inevitably, the task of establishing a legal constitution, including obtaining charitable status, is bound to take time, helped by free legal advice offered by the Avon and Bristol Law Centre. We have also received a Pump Priming Grant from the Rural Initiatives Fund to get our project started.

The next two or three months is bound to be critical in obtaining funds. Substantial amounts of taxpayers' money is available through both the Rural Bus Challenge Competition and the Rural Development Commission. We are fortunate to have the support of SG Council and the advice offered by the Rural Transport Officer of Community Action.

There is much work ahead, not least the talk of ensuring that any system we devise must answer local needs. Our initial questionnaire was important in demonstrating a pressing need for more community transport. Local consultation with parishes, community groups and individuals will be part of the coming assessment process. Look out for us at parish events this autumn and winter where 22we shall be asking for your view and details of your transport needs.

The group has a working title of “Vale Link” (S Glos), emphasising the location of the parishes it will serve within the Vale of Severn. If you have any further ideas, on names for the scheme, or would like to help in any capacity, please contact Keith Holloway on 01454 88xxxx. It is hoped to start a newsletter to keep volunteers up to date, and we will keep everyone informed by articles in future editions of CHADRA.

Charfield Parish Council has donated £50 to this project to help cover the start-up costs. It is understood that existing schemes, such as the Hospital Transport Scheme run now by Marion Smith will be complementary to Vale Link, and not duplicated or swallowed by it.

I would like to begin this article by saying a big Thank You to the people who responded to my appeal for help in the April edition of CHADRA. Many people gave clothes for the village children and we were able to provide 150 youngsters in Mina-1-Mai with warm winter clothing. Several people brought me toys and jigsaws which will be enjoyed by the school children.

Can I say a special thank you to the ladies of the knitting circle who meet at Mary's home for the beautiful blankets, hats, scarves, and mittens. A truly wonderful effort and much appreciated.

The high spot of our visit this year was the establishing of a dental surgery. This has taken three years' effort and must surely be a one-off in a Romanian psychiatric hospital literally in the middle of nowhere. The dentist we are employing suddenly became very popular with the patients – perhaps they weren't quite so keen once he started operating! (This started a week after I came home.) However, some have been suffering severe toothache for years and have had no treatment, so this really is a break-through.

The other major project completed this year was the refurbishment of the kindergarten. It looked so smart when we left – all ready for the three to five year olds when they returned to school in September.

As in other years, we worked with the patients, mainly giving hygiene care. We also had music and games sessions with them. Most never have a visitor and rarely leave the dark, damp, dingy hospital, so it is really rewarding to see the pleasure on their faces at these times.

Four members of our team have just returned from the Charity's final visit this year. They took out the children's clothing, Christmas presents and an ECG machine for the hospital. We shall have our final meeting of the year in November when we shall exchange thoughts and ideas and start planning for 1999. Items on the agenda are the rewiring of the school and the installation of a septic tank and toilets. So now it is back to fund raising and hopefully attracting new members and supporters. If anyone reading this article would like further details, please do give me a call.

(Would the lady who brought me blankets recently and whose photos I still have please give me a ring. I apologise for not being at home and will return the photos to your new address.)

Wendy Stevens 01453 84xxxx
(New Street)

After John Acton had penned his article re the Parish Council elections next year, I resigned my seat on the Council, and hence there is a vacancy to be filled sooner than expected.

The true reason for my resignation was the 4:1 vote to raise no objections to the Renishaw development plans (the only concern to be expressed to Stroud's planners was regarding the lighting of the new roundabout and access road). Remembering what was said by villagers at the public meeting regarding Renishaw's proposals, I do not believe that this vote reflected the legitimate concerns of villagers.

Julia O'Connor-Beach

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
Diane Bradley 01453-84xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Football Club – Juniors
Martyn Hill 01453 84xxxx

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
Carol Parton 01454 26xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Sarah Edwards 01454 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
Ilze Hicks 01454 26xxxx