CHADRA

… that outline planning permission has been granted for commercial units at the railway bridge corner of Wotton Road and Little Bristol Lane, when the Parish and District Councils both felt that it was not desirable? And arguably all because a planning inspector got his sums wrong on daily traffic numbers. Does it make sense to the layperson that such errors cannot be addressed without recourse to expensive legal process? Should planning permissions be granted against the better judgement of Councillors and Planners, purely because they fear the expense of the appeal process? So Charfield will have another traffic hazard to cope with. When the first accident occurs, which it undoubtedly will on such a dreadful corner, let's see who takes responsibility. More inside.

… that there is another vacancy on the Parish Council following Jane Hall's move to Berkeley? Why not dip in your toe for the remaining meetings before the next election? More inside.

… that Charfield Football Club are through to the semi-finals of the County Cup competition, due to be played on 6th March. If it is a home game, they would like some enthusiastic cheering support. They have promised to advertise the venue when it is known. Fingers crossed!

… that Charfield will, from 1 April, come under the wing of Thornbury Police (we are currently catered for by Chipping Sodbury). It seems we suffer changes every couple of years. Some stability would be welcome. More inside.

Wednesday
24 February
in the Memorial Hall

South Gloucestershire Council invites you to an exhibition at the Memorial Hall regarding proposals for the provision of a railway station at Charfield. You can view the exhibition from 4.00 pm.

This will be followed by a Public Meeting at 7.30 pm.

Do not miss this opportunity to inform yourself of the proposals, to consider the issues, to ask questions, and to make your voice heard.

It is probably the planning proposal with the most complex issues and greatest impact on village life that will come before you.

See you there!!

2

Dear reader:

A belated, but nonetheless heartfelt, wish for a Happy New Year to you. Not a brilliant start to the year, with seemingly everyone suffering from the dreaded influenza. If you have escaped it, consider yourself extremely fortunate. If you are still suffering, you have my deepest sympathy.

There are quite a few regular contributors conspicuous by their absence in this edition. We look forward to hearing from them in April … Additional contributions are always welcome, so if you have something of interest to our village readers, drop us a line.

If you don't, to avoid another blank page in CHADRA, I might have to give you a detailed account of my ride on the Stratosphere BigShot – starting at 900+ feet atop a tower, pulling 4G you are shot into the air and then freefall back down … I rode it in September and still get the collywobbles just thinking about it!

A passing thought: I'd be happy if, by the 31st December 1999, everyone could at least spell ‘Millennium’. Ho hum.

Julia O'C-B

Next Copy Date – 12th April 1999

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

Welcome to our new councillor Colin Adams. He was co-opted at the December meeting and took his seat on the Parish Council in January. It's great to have a younger person on the Council. Personally I hope people with a spread of ages and experience will put their names forward for the May election.

As soon as we had filled the vacancy on the Parish Council, another arose. Jane Hall continued as a councillor after she moved to Berkeley, but decided in December that the time had come to resign. She has a very busy life which includes a full-time job and a smallholding. When I first started going to Parish Council meetings as a member of the public, she was Chairman. She seemed to know all about Charfield and how to get things done, and she did a good job controlling other councillors! Through the Council and the Memorial Hall Committee, she put a lot of effort into Charfield. If she does half as much for Berkeley, they will be fortunate. Thanks Jane.

So we have another vacancy and the Council has decided to co-opt someone at the February meeting. The period of office will end in May, when a new Council will be elected. So here is another opportunity for you to get your feet under the table and find out what it is like to be a councillor. If you are interested: send the Clerk a short note, to arrive before 9 February, saying you would like to be co-opted. It would be helpful if you said a bit about yourself.

The Clerk is Mrs C Holmes, xxxx, Nind Lane, Kingswood, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7QU.

Now some late news on the May election. This is organised by the Returning Officer for S Gloucestershire. Nominations have to be in by noon on 8 April. It is advisable to get your nomination in well before the deadline to allow time for mistakes to be rectified.

Our Clerk is not involved: it is not her job to get or deliver nomination papers. Please get in touch with me if you would like information about being a councillor, or speak to a councillor you know. Some meetings for potential councillors are also being organised in South Gloucestershire.

John Acton (PC Chairman)

My name is James Davies and I am an 18 year old member of the 1st Woodend Venture Scout Unit. I joined the Scout movement when I was 7 years old and have progressed through all the sections. I have recently completed the work needed for the Queen's Scout Award (one of the tasks involved a 100km hike in foreign or unknown terrain), this being the highest award in scouting.

My other interests, apart from mountain hiking, include rock climbing, mountain walking, and photography.

As a representative of my Scout Group, I am aiming to take part in April in a 6 day 250km sponsored mountain bike ride through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The bike ride is organised by the Children's Society to raise funds for their organisation.

The Children's Society was founded in 1881 to help deprived children in this country. Their leaflet says, “… we do the concrete things needed: giving runaways a safe refuge from the streets, ensuring children get educated rather than excluded, promoting programmes which provide an alternative to prison custody for young teenagers, and working with children to create communities which are safe to live in.”

In order to take part in the event, I have to raise a minimum of £1500 in sponsorship. So if any CHADRA readers or their companies would like to help me in raising this amount, I would be very grateful for any help.

I can be contacted at xx Durham Road, or on 01454 26xxxx.

You can also contact my Group Scout Leader, Bryan Wright, on 01454 26xxxx.

I would like to thank 1st Woodend Scout Group for all their help in making this brilliant opportunity possible for me. I know this will be an amazing experience for me, and at the same time, I welcome the chance to raise funds for a worthwhile charity.

Yours hopefully,

James Davies

An eloquent submission, James. Good Luck! And we look forward to reading all about your trip upon your return.

4[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Designs]

[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

Thank you to everyone who turned out for the extra session in the ‘Bloodmobile’ in the Hall carpark on New Year's Eve. The team were really pleased with the response they had.

I expect many of you have heard of the shortage problems – even worse now because of the flu' epidemic which has prevented many people from giving – and the session on Jan 31st was an extra one tucked in between our usual ones.

The next one in the hall is on Friday Feb 26th – the usual afternoon and evening times – 1.30–3.15 and 5.00 to 7.15. For those of you who aren't called up for then, these are the dates for the rest of the year.

June 11th: August 20th: September 17th: All are Fridays and the times as above.

It's been really good to see quite a few new, young donors and, as always, more are always welcome.

Barbara Adams

We wish everyone a happy new year.

On 20 December we journeyed back in time to Bethlehem Inn. We imagined ourselves to be with Mary and Joseph when they were visited by an Angel. We were alongside the shepherds and their sheep when they too met angels and we tried to understand just a little of how they must have felt. Can you imagine how awesome it must be to be face to face with the real thing, sent by God?

Then we met the Innkeeper at the Bethlehem Inn who was desperately trying to get to sleep but was disturbed and kept awake continually by knocks at his door. The grumpy landlord was completely won over by the sight of the baby in his stable and invited all his guests to join in and celebrate the birth of our own special friend, Jesus.

To those who came along to our Nativity Carol service, we hope to see you again often 1999 – and to those of you who missed it, we would be pleased to welcome you to our Sunday Service or any children into our group on Sunday mornings.

5

Puzzle Page

6

Hello!

I don't know if it's my age, but some people really get on my nerves. Now I know the Winter can be depressing, especially for some on their own, or need the sun to be jolly, etc., but don't some people say some daft things? Like, – isn't the weather awful? or, – haven't we had a dreadful Winter? Well it's January for Heaven's sakes!! If it was July and we had 3 feet of snow and minus 10 degrees, I could understand it. Just get in some decent chocs, a good book and curl up in bed until Spring!

Anyway, a bloke on Radio 4 said that we are just not getting enough sleep. Never mind ol' Maggie who could manage on ¾ hours [debatable, Marilyn!], we must have at least 8 hours. If not, our bodies complain, hut we do not take notice. Apparently, before the arrival of electricity, people slept for up to 10 or 11 hours – ooh, lush.

Anyway, he recommended that you need a power kip after about 8 hours of being awake – only about 10 minutes, just to get you going again. So after the Archers, just doze off for a bit. Mind you, if you're in a mega busy job – making life-threatening decisions – could be tricky.

Another thought I had was – Rubbish: don't we create it all the time? You put out your wheely bin then blow your nose – rubbish, feed the cat – empty tin – more rubbish (yes, I do recycle) – open a new box of cornflakes – what to do with the old one … Our poor earth must be awash with it.

Christmas seems like a dream away now, but I did have a lovely time but in many different ways. Little events that helped it all along.

We, the family, went to see ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton, in December. It was a wonderful production. Our connection is Anthony Young, ex postman, who has been accepted by the Old Vic Theatre School. [He was the Ghost of Christmas Past.] Well, we all came out in tears, of joy (or course) with old Scrooge all happy, snow falling on the finale, carols being sung, oh – it was lovely.

Then I saw the two marvellous Christmas productions at the Primary School, by the infants and juniors. I won't start mentioning names but certain little darlings stole the shows! Then it was party time at school. One lad said, “You coming to the party tonight Miss?” “No,” I replied, “I'm too old!” “You're only 18, aren't you?” he said. This was one of the things that made my Christmas!

Do all take care and Happy New Year.

Best wishes,

Marilyn

Anthony Young's mum, Anne, delivers the post to a large area of Charfield, so more of us have a tenuous link to theatreland than might have been imagined!

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

7

We are roughly half way through the season and it is very pleasing to be able to report some success.

The first team are currently comfortably placed in mid table of Stroud League Division 1, with games in hand on most of the teams just above us.

The reason we have played so few league games is that we have progressed to the semi-finals of the County Cup competition – knocking out South Cerney, Bibury, Lydney Res and Down Ampney on the way.

At the time of writing, the draw for the semi-final has not yet been made, but is due to be played on 6th March. If we are drawn at home it would be nice to get some support – it is not every season we reach this stage of the competition!

This date gives us a lengthy time slot on which to concentrate on the league again – it's not only the Arsenal and Manchester United who can win doubles …

It is also nice to see steady improvement in the reserves, who are now beginning to pick up league points, though a few more wins in the second half of the season will be welcome.

Lastly, our President, Clive Starkey, is compiling a history of the football club. Believe it or not, there has been a football club in Charfield for over a hundred years. If anyone has any old photos, newspaper cuttings or any other information you think may help and would be willing to let Clive borrow for a short while, I would be grateful if you could contact me.

Chris Somerton
Secretary

Happy New Year to everyone – let's hope it will be a more peaceful one, not only worldwide, but in our own village. We can but hope the vandals will leave the Memorial Hall alone so that the hard earned cash can be spent on the facilities for those that use the hall.

We ended our year with a Christmas meal at the ‘Swan’, Tytherington. It was a splendid meal and a good time was had by all who attended. Mrs Poskett received the cup for the 1998 Flower of the Month competition.

On to next month – February 11 we are to have a visit from the ‘House of Cheese’ in Tetbury. There will be a talk on the cheeses and for a charge of £1.50 you can sample these. This is to be an open meeting with no visitors fee, so come along and sample not only the cheeses, but WI as well!

We also have a good programme for the rest of the year with something to interest everyone. The monthly meetings are held the second Thursday in the month in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm, so come and join our happy crowd – we look forward to seeing you.

Ruth Joint

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

8[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

At the Budget Meeting held in December, members set a precept of £14,000.00, this is the sum of money they estimate will be required for running the services it provides to the electorate of Charfield Parish, between 1999–2000.

Grants to various organisations amounting to £2,595.00 were awarded.

Money has also been set aside for other items for instance, Millennium projects, Public Inquiries, and Election Expenses, to name a few.

I am sometimes asked when organisations can expect to receive grants. They will not be given to the lucky people until May, when the first instalment of the precept is received from South Gloucestershire Council.

Planning Applications

The Parish Council receives a regular supply of planning applications relating to the Parish. A copy of the application and plans are sent by South Gloucestershire Council, to the Parish Council, who are then invited to comment. If you receive notification (which you should), that your neighbour is planning an extension or whatever, you will be invited to inspect the relevant paperwork at the offices of South Gloucestershire Council. As I have stated on several occasions, you are most welcome (don't be shy), to inspect them at my home address if this is more convenient. They can also be inspected before a Council meeting prior to members discussing the subject. Full details are posted on the public notice boards.

Fancy having your winning photograph in a book for the Millennium?

Charfield Millennium Committee are holding a competition with the winning photographs being included in the ‘Domesday Book’ being produced by the Committee for Charfield.

There are 3 age categories – up to 10 years old, 10–18 years of age and 18 years and over, and entries are invited in the following categories;

Charfield at Work
Charfield at Play
Charfield at Home &
Charfield through the Seasons.

As well as inclusion in the ‘Domesday Book’, there will be other prizes.

Photographs for the competition must be taken within the Parish boundary of Charfield between the dates of 1st March 1999 to 1st March 2000.

Enter your colour photograph with its negative and a 50p entry fee. You will also need to tell us your name, address and phone number, your age, and what date where the photo was taken.

Remember the competition starts 1st March and judging will be by a professional photographer (to be announced) in May 2000.

All the photographs taken will be displayed at a major village event in the year 2000.

Entries for the competition must be in by the 30th April 2000 to:

G Parton
x Hawthorn Close
Charfield, Glos, GL12 8TX
(01454 26xxxx)

9

Puzzle Page Answers

10[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

Hands up all those of you who would list communications skills amongst the main requirements for a farmer. Mind you, when you think about all the food scares there have been recently, it's clear that farmers need to communicate their viewpoint effectively, both to the public and to government.

Once I had been sat in Charles Honey's kitchen for a few minutes on a dank December evening, it was clear that there were a number of reasons why he was a good communicator. For one thing, he is one of eight children – seven of them boys. Communicate or perish, I should imagine. For another, his mother wrote a diary for Farmers' Weekly for twenty years, so it's there in nature as well as nurture.

The Honeys have no roots in Charfield, although Charles has been farming here for over twenty years now. His father was a university-educated Cornishman, whose career brought him to Bristol. However, he could not abide living in a town, so he bought a farm near Bath where, with great vision, he allowed each of his sons to gain experience by working on a farm for two years, after which the farm was sold.

When choosing a career, Charles's decision was between farming and the Fleet Air Arm. As you don't need a maths qualification for farming, that won! So, after going to school in Bristol, he went to agricultural college in Bedfordshire. By 1976, he was looking for a suitable farm and the Tortworth Estate was looking for a tenant for Church Farm. The rest, as they say, is history. Charles, Laura and little Georgia are now part of the Charfield scenery.

The farm is about 250 acres and is run as a mixed farm. The Honeyfield dairy herd comprises about 120 pedigree Holstein Friesians. His current arable crops are oilseed rape, wheat, linseed and sometimes barley. His decision as to what to grow is influenced by what has been grown in the past, by the need for rotation and, of course, by the edicts of Europe.

At one point, Charles was local NFU chairman for Wotton and in 1996 he was County chairman for Gloucestershire. What timing! That was BSE year and he was called upon to do numerous interviews. He remembers that as a ‘challenging’ time. He is now regional chairman for six counties, stretching from Gloucestershire to Buckinghamshire. The duties, and the time commitment, vary, but there are days when he spends most of the day on the phone. All this and he still had time to compete for South West Dairy Farmer of the Year, where he won third prize.

Do you remember the halcyon days when the only topic farmers were likely to have to comment on was the wetness of the spring? Well, during one wet spring many years ago, Radio Bristol wanted a farmer to do just that, and a local vet recommended Charles. Since then, has been interviewed on radio a number of times and he now has a regular weekly slot on BBC Radio Gloucestershire (Friday, 6.10 am, for the early risers amongst you).

Charles is not an organic farmer, but he chooses to farm using some organic principles and with a view to encouraging wildlife, both flora and fauna. He believes that it is possible to use modern farming methods and be sympathetic to wildlife at the same time, and that, in a time when there is a surplus of food, as at present, that we can and should look after the environment. He has had quite some success in this area, encouraging plants and birds that were not common before, as anyone will know who has seen buzzards over this part of Charfield. Unfortunately, there is currently no financial incentive to farmers for being ecologically sound.

11If you listen to the ‘Archers’, you'll know it's been a difficult year for farmers. The strength of the pound has affected crop exports, with cereals selling this year at 1973 prices. Despite the efforts of Milk Marque, milk prices to farmers are also low; and I don't need to tell you about the continuing problems caused by BSE. In common with other farmers, Charles has had to cut down on external help with the farm, but there's still the same amount of work to be done, so his workload has increased. Still, he thinks next year will be better – and, apparently, there's no point in being a farmer these days unless you're an optimist.

Going back to communication, Charles feels that the negative public opinion of former years has largely gone and that the farmer and consumer are now in an alliance against the supermarkets and the ‘nanny state’. After all, most of the public want the small-to-medium farm to survive. Would you want to see the demise of local farms and, with them, the farm countryside? The local farms contribute to the community, not just on a business basis, but also to the whole look of the area.

If we want Charfield to survive, as a village surrounded by beautiful countryside, then as Charles says, we need to support local producers.

Interviewer – Sue Thorn

Suggestions for future village profiles would be welcomed …

[Advert for Martingales]

You may remember that there was an item in the newsletter last January about the Tyndale Choral Society, and our Search for new members. I am happy to say that, as a result, one gentleman from New Street joined our ranks and has been very warmly welcomed. So, I thought I would try again year and perhaps we can recruit two new members or even more!

We are a choir of about 65 voices, drawn from the area around Dursley, men and women of all ages and backgrounds, with the common bond that we enjoy singing together. Our programmes are drawn mainly from the classical repertoire and it does help if members can read music, but there are no auditions. We put on two concerts a year, one in July which is usually a light-hearted mixture of sacred and secular music; the other, in November, is a full-scale affair with orchestral accompaniment and professional soloists. Our conductor is Michael Power, who is a teacher and a member of the Gloucester Cathedral Choir.

Rehearsals for the 1999 season will begin on Monday 22 March and will be held in Stinchcombe Village Hall from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. The season runs until the middle of November, with a break for the whole of August. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member can contact me on 01453 84xxxx or simply come along to the first rehearsal in March, when you will be made most welcome.

Wendy Richardson
Secretary

Hello, and a very happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas is beginning to feel like a long time ago now. On the last day of term before the holidays, we held our annual Christmas party for all the playgroup children. A good time was had by all those who attended.

The carol singing float once again proved to be a great success. We raised nearly £400 for playgroup funds. Thank you to all those who helped on the day, and to all of you who donated so generously.

Sally and Sue would like to say thank you for all the Christmas presents they received.

Judith Watkins
Secretary

12

Site at Railway Bridge

The applications which have caused considerable concern to members have been outline applications to erect two retail units on the cramped site in little Bristol Lane, at the junction with Wotton Road. As you have previously read in the CHADRA, the first application was turned down by South Gloucestershire Council Planners. A subsequent appeal against this decision was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate by the applicant.

The inspector dismissed the appeal, but only on the grounds that safety of pedestrians had not been, and could not be, properly accounted for in the application.

Unbelievably, he stated that he had viewed the junction and its approaches, but did not regard it as inherently dangerous, nor did he consider visibility at the junction to be a critical factor in the appeal! We are all mystified. Perhaps he needs an eye test, or maybe he ventured into Charfield at 3 o'clock in the morning, who knows!!!

The Inspector also miscalculated the number of traffic movements at the junction and took no notice of the Parish Council's additional objections, i.e. inadequate parking, turning and servicing facilities, the distraction caused by a sign adjacent to Wotton Road, or to the fact that we had requested a representative to be present when the site was inspected, in order to get across the relevant points.

Since then, predictably, the applicant has submitted a further outline application addressing the issue raised by the Inspector, by providing a pedestrian footway outside the site. A considerable amount of work has been done by our Chairman, John Acton, in putting across the Parish Council's strong objections to the application.

This view was also supported by your South Gloucestershire Council representative, Cllr Eddie Gadsby.

John Acton addressed South Gloucestershire Council's Development Control (West) Sub-Committee on 3 December, when a final decision on the application was deferred until the Committee had inspected the site.

He again addressed the Committee at a site inspection meeting on 18 December, when they apparently listened intently, and appreciated the concern. I decided to attend the last Development Control meeting to hear the verdict, and spent an interesting evening at the Council offices at Thornbury listening to a wide range of applications.

At 9.15p.m. the application was announced and the Committee certainly gave it an airing, and at one stage it was proposed and seconded that the outline application be refused permission for development.

However, after the Committee had been advised of the considerable cost to the Council if a further appeal was lost, they very reluctantly gave consent to the application just before 10.00p.m.

They do however intend to impose stringent conditions regarding parking and manoeuvring on site, which they believe will restrict the nature and size of the development. They will also be considering whether a ‘waiting’ restriction in the location is appropriate.

The Parish Council appreciates that South Gloucestershire Council Planners were put in an extremely difficult position as a result of the appeal decision. A detailed planning application is now anticipated – watch this space.

Renishaw plc

Planning applications have also been received in respect of New Mills (Renishaw plc), just across the Parish boundary in Kingswood. Parish Council Members raised no objection to the outline application for a roundabout and new estate road, or to the provision of a new 47 space car park, and a pedestrian footbridge.

Stroud District Council (who are the planning authority in that area), have not reached a decision as yet on any of the applications.

A Traffic Impact Assessment has recently been received as requested by the Highway Authority in that area, Gloucestershire County Council. Surprisingly, the Assessment does not take any account of traffic movements through Charfield Village, but just in the vicinity of the site.

S Glos Council have submitted a holding objection, and have asked that the assessment includes Charfield Village to Tafarn Bach at the top of Charfield hill. At the time of writing this report, Charfield Parish Council have yet to consider the assessment.

13

HTV West's popular series ‘Garden Calendar’ returns in March, and the team are looking for problems – gardening problems, of course!

Maggie Lomas, series producer, says ‘Unfortunately we can't manage a garden makeover, but if you're seeking a solution to a problem, that can be dealt with in a short space of time, then help could be at hand’.

If anyone would like some practical help from the experts, they should write to Maggie Lomas, Garden Calendar, HTV West, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3HG, any time from now until October.

The annual plant sale will be held in the grounds of St John's Church on 15 May at 10 o'clock.

Seeds and Seedlings

If you are willing to help grow for this year's plant sale, please sign the list at the back of the Church, choosing which seeds and/or seedlings you are willing to grow. No previous experience is necessary, as advice and help are available. I do need to contact you, so please include your name and address or phone number.

The month given is the time to sow the seeds. If there are varieties you would like to grow, but you prefer seedlings, I should be able to start them off for you. Please phone 25xxxx when you need pots or divided trays and labels for pricking out.

Seedlings come direct from the growers, so I need to get them to you as soon as they arrive. Please help to make this year a new record. Enjoy, and know you are making a valuable contribution.

If you are growing other plants yourselves, please ask me for pots or trays. If you are splitting up your own perennials, perhaps you could pot up a few pieces. Do remember to label them accurately.

All plants for sale need to be at the Church by 9 o'clock on the morning of the sale.

Thank you all, growers and customers, for making the event so successful.

Kate Ramsay 01454 26xxxx

(Community Transport)

The most exciting news is that Vale Link has just received a Government Grant of £200,000 (over the next 3 years). As a result, time does not have to be spent in fund raising. It can be used to set up a system of booking and get vehicles on the road in a matter of months.

Apart from community groups, Community Transport is particularly intended for individuals who are elderly, or those frail in health, and wheelchair users. In rural areas, not served by commercial operators, there are likely to be many people, unable to drive themselves, who could benefit from these services.

Fares will be at an equivalent rate to local bus fare rates. Car schemes using volunteers' cars will be mostly self-financing with contributions from passengers covering mileage costs.

There is a pamphlet called ‘Transport for your Local Area’ available from the Charfield Post Office and ‘Open all Hours’ in Manor Lane. Potential users should complete the ‘Do you need us?’ tear-off slip and return it to Keith Holloway, Vale Link, xx Chantry Road, Thornbury, BS35 1ER, as soon as possible.

Helpers are an essential part of a Community Transport Scheme. Whether you would be willing to drive your own car, Vale Link's own people carrier or minibus (training available), to be an escort on journeys, to help in the office or to assist with fund raising, please fill in the ‘Can you help us?’ tear-off slip in the same pamphlet. Those able to assist for only half a day a month would be most welcome.

This is an exciting new project that aims to give people in large areas of rural South Gloucestershire new opportunities to get out and about.

To use one fifth of a million pounds from the Government (your money) wisely, we need to hear from you!

Keith Holloway

14

I'm not sure now whether to rename this column ‘From Lake to Kitchen’ and take a course in fish breeding. I know that I scarcely dare to go outside the door without wellingtons and that the vegetable garden is looking distinctly soggy.

Soups should be the order of the day but I think I've said enough about those in previous issues and this time think about using some of the vegetables that we normally associate with dishes like that in a different way.

Firstly – Roasted Roots. I know it's become fashionable to ‘roast’ almost everything that comes into the kitchen – I saw a recipe for roast apples the other day, they were, of course, baked apples – and although I can get a bit uppity about trendy food, there is a very good case to be made for roasting roots. They are easy to prepare, uncomplicated to cook, look nice and above all taste excellent. Not much more you can want, is there?

First decide on your mixture – or see what is lurking in the vegetable rack (though only vegs. in good condition – no shrivelled carrots or whiskery swede). I used a mixture the other day of potatoes, swede, celeriac, parsnip, carrots and Jerusalem artichoke. The quantity will obviously depend on the number of people who will be round the table.

Peel everything that needs it (sometimes I leave the potatoes in their skins, scrubbed and cut into wedges), remove the cores of the parsnips if they are woody, and cut everything into the same size, smallish (2″ish) pieces. No need for the tape measure – near enough will be fine. If you feel the flavour of the swede might be a bit strong blanch those pieces in boiling water for about 3 mins. drain and allow to dry off but there's no need to do that for anything else – we're not aiming for fluffy roasters in this case.

Have the oven pretty hot – about regulo 8, 250c – and in a large, shallow tray (about 1″ deep is ideal) heat about 4 tablespoons of olive oil – or fat of your choice. A lump of dripping mixed with oil is nice, adding extra flavour, and as we had a goose for Christmas I've had goose fat to use, which was very good indeed. Don't use butter unless it is clarified – with the high temperatures you will get black flecks. They don't really taste but they do look unsightly.

When the oil is good and hot, put in the potatoes and swede and give them a good stir round to get them well coated.

PLEASE TAKE CARE. Use oven gloves or cover your hands with something suitable. Get the tray back into the oven as fast as possible, on the top shelf, and roast for about ten minutes, then add all the others, again turning them well over in the oil. Cook for about another 45–50 mins. Some will be browner than others but you will see for yourself when they are ready. Remove from the tin with a slotted spoon, rest briefly on kitchen paper if you want to remove as much oil as as you can, sprinkle lightly with salt and serve.

We eat them with chops or sausages or cold meat or on their own. If you feel like it add some shallots, peeled and blanched for a couple of minutes or chunks of leek – keep the stem unsplit and just use the white part. Not roots, I know, but they mix well with them.

This next recipe is for Baked Shallots on their own. These are good as a hot dish with roast meat etc. or left to get cold and served with any cold meat.

1½ pints (875 ml) medium sweet cider
2 lbs (900 g) shallots
1 tablespoon soft brown sugar
4 ozs (125 g) raisins
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Put the cider into a large saucepan and boil hard until it is reduced to about one third. This is to concentrate the flavour. Mix in the sugar and put to one side.

Wash the shallots, put them, unpeeled, into a saucepan, cover with water, bring to the boil for 1 minute and drain. Leave to cool and then take off the skins. Put them into a well buttered baking dish – that will take them in a single layer, preferably – cover with the cider mixture, add the raisins, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with foil or a lid and bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes or until the shallots are tender. Slide the point of a sharp knife into the centre of one of them if you're not quite sure – it will slip in easily if they are cooked. If not, just pop them back in the oven for another 5–10 minutes.

Many of you will have made, or eaten, a potato gratin – thinly sliced potatoes baked in a shallow dish with cream – but have you thought of treating other 15vegetables in the same way? Most roots respond well – young turnips, swede, celeriac, parsnips and Jerusalem artichokes or a mixture of any of them (in which you can include potatoes if you like).

Peel and thinly slice your chosen vegs, no thicker than a pound coin, bring to the boil some cream – single or double – include, or use all, milk if you want – add a crushed clove of garlic or two, or not as you please, and some salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the sliced vegs, and simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring carefully all the time. Put into a shallow dish – no more than 2″ deep – dot with butter or cover with a layer of grated cheese and bake for about an hour in a moderate oven. Again, just check if it is cooked with a sharply pointed knife.

I haven't mentioned quantities, but as a rough guide about a pound or so of prepared vegs to 8–10 fl. ozs of liquid will be enough for 4 people as a side dish. If you prefer not to eat cream any gratin can be made using stock – any well flavoured one will do but beef or chicken perhaps give the best results. Whatever you choose to use, a gratin is a well tempered dish that can be cooked shorter or longer depending on the oven temperature and will keep warm for a while without coming to harm.

Finally, a word or three about vegetable purees. Many vegs can be done very successfully like this. I'm talking about roots at the moment but peas, sprouts and spinach all work well. Allow about 4ozs (110 g) unpeeled roots (carrots, swede, celeriac, turnips etc. per person and after peeling and cutting into equal size pieces, boil gently in lightly salted water – or for extra flavour chicken stock. Don't overcook or use old or woody vegs. The point of cutting them into even sized pieces – as with all recipes – is to get even cooking rather than some pieces overcooked and others underdone. Drain them well and then do one of two things.

Purist method: Either put them into a fine tea towel or butter muslin and twist the ends together so that you squeeze out as much water as possible, or return them to the saucepan to dry out over a low heat. If you have a mouli ricer pass them through, and, if not, you can put them through a blender or food processor or sieve. This bit can be done well before you need them, covered and kept cool. Melt a lump of butter with 5fl ozs of single cream (if you started out with about 2 lbs of roots) over a gentle heat, add a good scraping of fresh nutmeg and add the puree, a little at a time, stirring well till all is piping hot. Add a touch of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice if you think it needs it.

The Quick Way: just put it all together in a food processor and reheat carefully.

The quick way and the purist method – depends how you feel. Whichever way, use your judgement about the amount of cream – you are aiming for a soft, not sloppy, mix. If you really want to go to town try serving three contrasting purees – say carrot, peas and celeriac – all on the same serving dish. That'll impress your visitors!

Barbara Adams

CHADRA's super-efficient and long-serving Secretary, Geoff Blower, has suffered a recent spell of ill-health, necessitating a stay in hospital. He is now at home, convalescing.

The CHADRA committee wishes him a speedy and full recovery back to best form.

[Advert for Connected Consultants]

16

As you will see elsewhere in this magazine, pressure is mounting to open a railway station in Charfield. What is interesting is that all this pressure seems to be coming from outside the Village. The latest convert appears to be the MP for the Cotswolds.

Also in this issue, you will find a date for a public meeting to be held in Charfield. This may well be the only chance that the villagers have to make their feelings known. We will have to live with consequences, after all.

Anyone who has read my previous comments on this proposed station will know that I do not believe that this station will bring any real benefits to Charfield. What it will bring is more vehicle movements on what is already an overloaded road system, with longer queues, and more pollution. Provision is already being considered for a car park for 50 cars. Add on the proposed bus movements and already we have a recipe for congestion.

It should also be borne in mind that developers hold options on large tracts of the countryside between Woodlands Road and Devils Lane and will be looking for an opportunity to apply for permission to build.

The opening of this station, together with other road improvements which may come with quarry extension, would go a long way to meeting the objections that put paid to the last major application and, more importantly, fulfil the sustainable development requirements put forward for the region.

This may mean that we are looking at a far larger development than any of us may anticipate. I hope that I am wrong, but South Gloucestershire is desperately short of land to allocate to house building and I really feel that there is a hidden agenda. Why else are they so keen to open Charfield Station? Why not Winterbourne, which would serve a major population centre?

The opportunity is there for you to influence the planners. Grasp it and make your views known, For or Against.

Bob Beavis

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

Toddlers restarted on 7 January and we were pleased to welcome a number of new members to the group.

Christmas seems a long time ago now, but we are happy to report that the children enjoyed their Christmas party and that Father Christmas was able to take time out of his very busy schedule to put in an appearance and deliver a few early presents.

For anyone who doesn't know where to find us, we meet in the Memorial Hall on Thursday mornings from 10 am to 11.30 am. We cater for parents and carers, and children from birth to 3 years and we charge £1.20 for an adult and one child and an extra 20p for each additional child. New members are always welcome.

It is now almost time for our AGM, the year seems to have flown. The AGM will be held at the beginning of March (date and venue to be finalised). Anyone interested in taking a more active role in the group or just helping out occasionally should ask one of the committee members for more details.

Sarah Edwards

17

After a period of relative stability significant changes are taking place in all three of our village pubs.

The Pear Tree and the Plough have recently changed ownership, and the Railway Tavern is to undergo a major re-fit.

It seems like the right time to do a quick review of what's happening. So join me on a pub crawl – in strict alphabetical order …

* The Railway Tavern

Martin Redmond has been the landlord of the Railway for nearly four years. the Tavern is now due for some significant changes. Over an eight week period the pub will be refurbished. For most of that time at least one bar will remain open. However, there will be at least two weeks when the pub will be closed completely. This is currently planned to be around the start of March, but plans can slip. Regulars will be kept up-to-date.

Meals will be available lunch and evening, seven days a week. Booking in advance for Sunday lunch would be appreciated. What was the ‘Charfield Flowers’ shop will be changed into a dining area. The two bars will be redecorated.

Entertainment in the form of singers and karaoke will be on offer as soon as the work is complete.

Martin intends to keep four real ales on the go. IPA will be the session beer and there will be three guest beers which will change with the seasons.

Monday night is darts night, dominoes on Tuesday. A pool table is available all the time, with league games on Sunday.

As the Railway Tavern has been a feature of village life for a long time, Martin would like to see any collections of old photographs of Charfield which show the Tavern

* The Pear Tree

Anne-Marie and Les Marsh, a local couple, moved into the Plough in November. Jacob (aged 5) is making his presence felt!

Regulars will have noticed the excellent work on the decoration of the public bar, which was very welcome indeed.

The lounge bar is gradually acquiring a Shakespearean theme. If there is enough interest, a Theatre Club will be formed with regular trips organised from the Pear Tree.

Anne-Marie is providing meals lunch and evening, seven days a week, with the exception of Monday evening. Bookings are needed for Sunday lunch.

The real ales are currently Old Friend, Dicky Pearce, and Wickwar Bob. There is also a good selection of lager, cider and keg beers.

There will be one themed evening every month, and the regular Folk Club meetings will continue.

Cribbage and darts are on Monday, dominoes on Tuesday. A weekly raffle is held for a pair of tickets for a Bristol Old Vic performance.

* The Plough

In November, Debbie Brown, a Charfielder, took over the Plough. Since then, the kitchen has been completely refitted.

Debbie now does meals, lunch and evening, seven days a week, with the exception of Monday lunch. Booking is advisable for Sunday lunch.

We can look forward to some form of entertainment in the Plough at least once a month. Usually it will be a singer/guitarist.

The real ales are currently Old Friend, Moles and Bass, with a good selection of lagers, beers and cider.

Monday night is darts and cribbage night, with dominoes on Tuesdays. Fun Darts has been introduced as a Wednesday night feature.

On Thursday evenings, gentlemen can have Viv Bateman cut their hair, something that is, I think, unique to the Plough

Cheers!
Brendan O'Connor

When I suggested this article to Brendan, his coat was on before I finished my sentence. It took him TWO evenings of dedicated research, with the requisite liquid intake, and he volunteered to do regular updates. Such enthusiasm …

18[Advert for The Railway Tavern]

The committee had a cracking meeting in January – where did those two hours go? They positively flew by. Good stuff.

So, what should you know about?

The timetable has now to be firmed up, with some meat put on the bones. It would appear that the unveiling of the Millennium Stone (about May 2000) will set the target date for several other projects (obviously the time capsule, and items to be included such as the Domesday Book, and the photographic Competition). We'll give you an update when the mists cleared.

Parish Map

An enthusiastic and talented group are progressing the map and seeking support from geography students at KLB. The target date for completion is December 1999.

Contact: Alan Bailey 01453-84xxxx

Planting of Verges

A VOLUNTEER IS NEEDED to take on the organisation of this project. The proposal is for the Wotton Road through Charfield to be made more attractive by the planting of bulbs along the verges. It would certainly make it more welcoming. A sketch plan needs to be drawn up and approval obtained from SGC, funding should be available for the bulbs, and village hands should be willing to do the planting.

Surely there is a green-fingered soul in the village who could coordinate this?

If noone comes forward, the project will be dropped, and we will all continue to stare at bare or bramble-ridden verges.

Over to you!!

Firework Display/Bonfire

This is well under control – the village's pyromaniac (Malcolm Thomas) is organising a display of fireworks for midnight on 31 December 1999, which will be high enough for villages to see from most areas. The bonfire will be subject to weather conditions. We'll give you more information nearer the time.

Joint Church Event

Heard recently in conversation: “What's the Millennium got to do with the Church, anyway?” The speaker quickly realised her error and blushed accordingly. (No, it was not I.)

In Charfield, we are certainly not forgetting the religious significance. Robert Pestell and Philip Hopes are liaising over a joint Church event to take place probably in May 2000. More about this in the next issue.

Domesday Book

Another enthusiastic group is progressing the DB and villagers are invited to contribute to the book, which aims to take a snapshot of Charfield Life from mid 1999 to mid 2000.

Subjects to be covered are Home Life, the Churches, Education, Agriculture, Commerce, Voluntary Organisations, Transport, Sport and Recreation, Local Government …

A master copy will be produced, and villagers will then be invited to order copies for themselves. Your opportunity to go down in history!

Contact: Tim Sansum 01454-26

Photographic Competition

Graham Parton is organising the competition, and details are elsewhere in the newsletter. Everyone should be able to participate in this …

19Street Parties

If you wish to organise the street party in your neck of the woods, please contact the committee.

The Site Hut

Yes, that vexed question again. For those of you who are not familiar, we mean the builder's old site hut on the corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road. The owners have recently been refused permission to build a house on the plot. It is just possible that the village now has another opportunity to reach some agreement with the owners, short or long term, regarding the plot. Now, wouldn't that be luvverly? The committee is going to invite the owners to its next meeting to explore possibilities.

I know that a lot of you have strong opinions on the site hut plot. NOW is the time to write a letter to the committee, giving your support to its endeavours to improve the area, and beseeching the owners to come to an arrangement. The more letters/evidence of support we have, the more justification we will have when pleading our, or rather your case. PICK UP YOUR PENS and write to the Millennium Committee Chairman, Carol Parton, x Hawthorn Close, Charfield.

Please remember that the Millennium Committee is a co-ordinating committee. All villagers can contribute, if they wish to make the Millennium Year a memorable one. Pick the project which most interests you, and join in!

J O'Connor-Beach, Sec., 01454 26xxxx

[Advert for Positive Pressure]

1998 was a very busy year for us. We went on Pack Holiday to Holly Barn in the Royal Forest of Dean in August, where we all had a go at canoeing. The bravest of the Brownies (and my husband) jumped off Symonds Yat Rock into what can only be called freezing cold water. The saner members of the pack just watched and cheered! The weekend itself was a great success and all the girls and adults had a wonderful time.

I also took several of the older Brownies on a District pack holiday to Lydiard Park near Swindon. Again, we had a wonderful time with plenty of food, activities, and a scary night walk.

Our coach trip to Clearwell Caves to see Father Christmas was an enchanting experience. We wandered through the passageways finding presents at every turn, reading the name tags to see if any were destined for us! Father Christmas was a very nice gentleman who chatted to each child in turn and then asked them to choose a present from his display. The return coach journey turned into quite a concert, when the coach driver put on a selection of music that had us all singing an dancing!

Our last event of 1998 was our end of year concert entitled ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’ (Approximately!). The Brownies all worked extremely hard for several months to make the show possible and those who watched it will agree that if was a great success. A very big thank you to all the people who helped me.

Our activities for 1999 will again include a Pack Holiday and, I hope, a District Pack Holiday for the older Brownies. An outing to the seaside perhaps and other Millennium style projects will also take place this year.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and if there are any girls who would like to join Brownies or have their name put on the waiting list, please give me a call.

Trish Cole
Brown Owl

20

A STATION FOR CHARFIELD?

A number of liaison meetings have taken place between Gloucestershire County Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and other relevant bodies. The Parish Council has been involved at every stage.

A “Charfield Station Study – Executive Summary” has Just been released by S Glos Council, to examine the feasibility of re-opening the station. The study has examined a number of sites in the immediate vicinity of Charfield for their suitability as a site for a new station.

The Study is based on a consideration of available documents, site visits, discussion with local authorities, railway organisations and local interests.

In addition to car parking the site will provide access for buses, bus shelters, storage for cycles, a drop-off point for car passengers. The design will also incorporate landscaping, lighting and CCTV to meet concerns about public safety.

Five locations were originally considered for the proposed station.
1) North of the B4058 bridge
2) the southern part of the site of the former Charfield station
3) the Old Coal Wharf
4) South of the under bridge, and
5) further South, Nr. Charfield Hall Farm.

Three of the five sites considered, namely 1), 4) and 5), have operational difficulties as far as a railway is concerned, as well as problems with highway access.

It is considered that only those sites in the immediate vicinity of the former Charfield station (sites 2 and 3), are suitable in terms of railway operations, accessibility, and land availability.

The study includes an item on the existing road network, car parking and public transport provision. It is suggested that about 50 car parking spaces would be adequate, although provision should be made for future expansion if necessary.

Although a number or local bus services link Wotton and Kingswood with Charfield, a new station will need a dedicated local bus service to connect with trains.

A brief assessment has been undertaken in respect of the Environmental Impact. It is concluded that sites outside the village boundary are likely to have an impact on local fauna and flora, but sites in the Village are more likely to have impact on human activity in terms of noise and visual intrusion.

Funding of the Capital works for the station will mainly come from the public sector. In terms of Local Authority expenditure, the introduction of 5-year Local Transport Plans will allow greater flexibility and long-term planning. It is also expected that new initiatives outlined in the Transport White Paper will encourage and help fund innovative proposals to discourage use of the car and develop rail use.

As previously stated this is a brief summary of the Executive Summary released by S Glos Council. You will be able to learn more about the proposals, and voice an opinion at a

PUBLIC MEETING to held at CHARFIELD MEMORIAL HALL on WEDNESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY,

commencing 7.30p.m, organised by S Glos Council. In the afternoon there will be a display of information in the Village Hall, (from 4.00p.m.) and a representative of S Glos Council will be present to answer any questions or queries residents may have.

You may well have expressed an opinion in the questionnaire that was sent out by the Parish Council in March of last year. The results of this have been taken on board by S Glos Council, but they now seek your views, whether you agree or disagree that the Station should be re-opened.

PLEASE COME ALONG TO THIS MEETING. The result is extremely important to the future of the Village.

Cycleway

The Parish Council is pursuing the possibility of a cycle-way being provided from Charfield to Wotton-under-Edge. Renishaw plc have undertaken and funded the drawing up of a scheme of options and costs. The dearest estimate being approx. £321,000.00, the cheapest £220,000.00. Renishaw are willing to donate land within their ownership for the scheme, but obviously there are 21considerable difficulties, like finding safe crossings, and obtaining land not in the ownership of Renishaw. A large percentage of the route will not be in Charfield Parish, so there are a number of issues and different Authorities involved. A further meeting will take place towards the end of January with Renishaw, representatives of adjoining Parish & Town Councils, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

What interesting and varied subjects are dealt with by a Parish Council! If you too would like to be part of the action, your chance is just around the corner. The elections are in May, all Councillors will be standing down, some will be seeking re-election, others are not. Please put your names forward, I have no desire to be sat on my own!

Members join me in wishing you all a very happy New Year.

Catherine Holmes

A very successful family disco took place at the hall on New year's Eve. The tickets were all sold, thanks to the effort and organisation of Jane Smith and Lesley Frankham, and it was great to see people of all ages enjoying themselves. Something similar is being planned for next New Year's Eve, so watch out for details – demand for tickets is likely to be high!

The children's play equipment on the field has recently been given an overhaul thanks to the help and support of Leyhill Prison. Prisoners and staff are also in the process of constructing two new benches for the field to replace those damaged last year.

The recent spell of wet weather has taken its toll upon the playing surface of the field although efforts are being made to improve the overall quality of the pitches. Contractors from SGC are being asked to carry out work at the end of the football season to reduce the amount of weeds and improve the growth of grass.

A surveyor from the village has come up with an exciting and imaginative scheme to improve the facilities at the hall. Rather than building another extension to provide space for sporting activities and young people, as has been proposed, the suggestion is to make better use of the existing building.

This would involve making the building a more uniform shape by moving out some of the outside walls and creating more space inside. With the outside walls creating a rectangular shape, new roof trusses could be installed and the flat roof would disappear, creating a new room in the roof space above the main hall.

A lottery bid and millennium funding are to be investigated, as the feasibility of the project is considered. If it gets the green light, then it would provide a new resource that the village could be proud of.

The Youth Forum meeting in late November proved to be very worthwhile as new links and relationships were established with young people. Efforts are now being made to respond to some of the issues that were discussed and further contacts are likely to be made in the future.

It is good to welcome Allan and Jenny Hughes back from their travels in Australia and I will happily hand back the leadership responsibilities but, before I finish, could I make a plug for the Charfield Monthly Draw!

Like most voluntary and charitable organisations the Committee struggles to balance the books. It is, however, providing a facility that is for the benefit of all residents of the village, whether you make use of the resources or not.

The monthly draw helps to maintain the level of income but the profit level is dependent upon the number of people who subscribe. The more members for the draw, the higher the level of profit – and also the higher the prizes. It is only £1 per month and, if you do not subscribe at present, then please consider taking part in the draw.

Your support will help to maintain and even improve an important community facility. An application form can be found in the magazine – please return it to the organiser who also be glad to provide more details.

Robert Pestell
Vice Chairman

22

There will be significant changes from March 29 this year when our policing district falls into line with the new provisions of the Criminal Justice Act that came into being last year. Government-led provision calls for greater unity between all possible agencies for the the common good of parish wards.

The idea will be that the local authority must create posts to serve a particular parish ward, as must my senior officers. Therefore, the Charfield area will, from April, come under the control of Thornbury with a local Beat Manager, as they will now be called.

This post has been advertised internally and I hope soon to be able to tell you who the successful candidate is.

I will be moving on to cover the Boyd Valley ward of Marshfield, Wick, and Pucklechurch.

The whole idea should in effect create more accountability and ownership of a particular area, and any problems that exist will be addressed in a multi-agency approach.

A typical example of this is the continued episodes of damage at the hall which occur every now and then. What should happen, is that the local Police Beat Manager should liaise with the local authority to see if they should be coming in to help the young people establish what they want for themselves.

As soon as I know who the new beat manager for Charfield is, I will ask him or her to send in an article.

Ian Cousins

Well, I'm livid. We just get Ian broken in nicely, and off he goes … Anyway, thanks, Ian, for your interest in the village, your articles, your much valued support, and the best of luck in your new patch. The invoice for all the coffee you've slurped is in the post!

Well, we are still in existence with the Rev Parker making a very hard working chairman and a new treasurer in the person of Mrs Hilda Cooper. We are still looking for new members, so please come and join us for an afternoon and try us out.

We have had Mr Ball on the piano playing old time songs with members joining in with the words. Mrs Gould from the WRVS came to the AGM and PC Farrell, one of the two community policemen for the area, gave us a talk and good advice on keeping safe in the home. The December meeting saw us singing again, Carols this time, accompanied by Mr John Butler, after which a Christmas tea was enjoyed by all.

Mr Parker has organised meeting up to the end of February 1999, so things are looking up.

M J Ealey
Secretary

[Advert for Cleaner needed]

Aren't children wonderful! I arrived home the other day to be greeted by James (22 months old) who welcomed me with the very expressive words, ‘Oh, no!’ Charming, I thought, until I realised that he was only copying a regularly used phrase in our household.

Actually, a phrase normally associated with James, because Sue and I frequently say, ‘Oh, no!’, as we discover something else that he has been up to, dear little chap that he is. It's a wonder that there are any mugs (drinking mugs, 23I mean!) left in the house because James has this habit of dropping them on the kitchen floor. Even if the mug doesn't break, the handle falls off!

Hopefully, not too many people think, ‘Oh, no!’, when I call at their house or meet them out in the street. I'd like to think that I can get on well with most people, although, of course, there are always people that we find difficulty in relating to for various reasons and this is true just as much for the Church as for society as a whole.

As I write, the Church is celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and I have been sharing in some of the activities with the Wotton Churches. But isn't it very sad that we should have to have such a week at all? Surely the Christian Church should be united in belief, word, and deed?

Well, in an ideal world, yes, but we do not live in an ideal world and neither are we ideal people. The Church merely reflects society as a whole and tries to put into practice that which God calls us to do. The Church is made up of sinners who are trying to become holy people, although we often make a mess of it.

No matter whether you are rich or poor, young or old, a high flyer or a plodder, we would love YOU to be part of our Church family. We will try not to say, ‘Oh, no!’ when you walk through the door, but if it happens to sneak out, you will forgive us, won't you? After all, we aren't perfect even though, at times, we like to think we are.

Robert Pestell
Priest-in-Charge

As the new year gets underway, the Youth Club is facing its usual trouble – shortage of money. The only funds we have are those generated by members subscriptions and sales of sweets and drinks.

This is usually just enough to cover the rent, but it does not allow us to buy equipment, maintain our existing kit, or subsidise trips and activities, let alone repair any damage caused by our more ‘exuberant’ members.

We have been fortunate in obtaining grants and gifts from various organisations – the Police and Whitbread have both made generous donations this year – but it is harder to attract money for general running costs that will be spent on housekeeping rather than specific products.

We have decided to approach local organisations directly and letters will be sent out shortly. Meanwhile, we would welcome suggestions from the village to help solve our problems.

This term we hope to run an outing to Alton Towers and various trips to more local places. The members want to hold a sponsored swim and we are organising a visit from Avon Youth Association with their bus and hope to undertake various craft activities.

All the staff would like to express their thanks to our team of volunteers who give up their evenings to work on club nights. We are still seeking more people! I would also like to ask people along who are prepared to talk about their hobby or job.

Please note my new address and telephone number –

Chris Slowley
xxx Oak Tree Crescent, Bradley Stoke 01454 61xxxx

Full credit to Chris who has continued to work with the Youth Club in spite of the fact that he has not actually lived in Charfield for some years now. We are very fortunate that he is so generous with his time.

24

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?

25

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