CHADRA

… That the Churches Together in Charfield weekend (20th–21st May) clashes with the FA Cup Final! Please support the local activities.

… That CHADRA are the proud owners of a new printer. Thanks to the generous support of Renishaw, South Gloucestershire Council and our Parish Council.

… That this years plant sale at St John's Church will be the last unless a new organiser can be found.

… That an application is being put forward for a grant to renovate the Foundation Room in the grounds of the school. It is hoped that it will provide a venue for an ‘Out of School Hours Care’ facility.

… That the Baby & Toddler group have got a completely new committee. Many thanks to the outgoing representatives for all their hard work.

… That plans are well underway for this summers Village Fayre and Sports Day on 15th July. There are still opportunities if you want to be involved.

… That after a short reinstatement bus service 603 has been taken off again.

… That a new freephone helpline “What Now On Line” has been set up offering help and advice to young people.

… That there are still a number of shed and garage burglaries taking place in the area. Is yours as secure as it can be?

… That the Ladies Keep Fit Club are after some new exercise tapes – can you help?

… That if we do not keep the village clean then our Council Tax will have to go up to employ a “litter picker upper”.

2

We hope you notice the changes to your Newsletter – we certainly do! No more stencils to cut; no more black hands! Yes, our new printer has arrived, with perfect timing, ready to print this edition of the Newsletter.

For several years we had been saving for a replacement, and last year we decided to do some serious fund raising. Despite being spurned by the Millennium Lottery Grants Office, we carried on and have received generous grants from Renishaw, South Gloucestershire Council, and our own Parish Council, enabling us to realise our aim – many thanks to them.

As well as printing the Newsletter, we will now be able to offer a printing service to village organisations for posters and tickets, at a price just above our materials costs. If you need something printed give Joan a ring on 01453 84xxxx.

Next Copy Date – 12th July 2000

3

My plea in the last Newsletter for new members resulted in two ladies joining us. They seem to be enjoying our mix of easy bending and stretching exercises and are rising to the challenge of moving muscles they had forgotten about. Over the past weeks we have learned another line dance and we are persevering with ballroom dancing, or in my case a kind of ballroom shuffling!

Once again I would like to ask any ladies in Charfield who fancy some gentle, non-aerobic exercise to join us at the Memorial Hall every Tuesday 10am until 11am. Don't worry that you are not fit enough – we are a small group and we enjoy ourselves – we are not training for the Olympics!

Finally, has anyone in the village got any old exercise cassette tapes that we could have or borrow and record so that we could have a change from our own familiar tapes.

Christine Parfitt (01454 26xxxx)

With snow in the air in early April it hardly seems possible that the cricket season will begin at the end of the month. Nevertheless, new kit has been bought, the ground given its spring treatment, and the indoor nets at KLB Sports Centre have been in use since February.

New members are more than welcome. The club runs weekday evening under 13 and 15 sides, a Sunday side and two Saturday league sides. Interested youngsters should phone Roger Newman (01454 26xxxx) and older players phone Jon Davies (01454 26xxxx)

Can you believe it? You go out for a quiet night out socialising with the Toddler Group mums, and you come home as Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary! That's exactly what happened to me and my newfound colleagues at the Toddler Group AGM, held on the 28th March. An existing and dedicated, yet exhausted, committee duly resigned and looked across at the naïve and blank faces of the unsuspecting new committee members to take the successful Toddler Group on.

As if by magic, the new committee was formed, consisting of Lisa Wiles (Chairperson) Nicola Bennett (Vice Chair) Grant Bartrop (Joint Vice Chair) Yvonne Kershaw (Treasurer) Sandy Holmes (Secretary) Caroline Watkins (Joint Secretary) and a supportive and growing list of general members.

As a new committee ‘terrified’ of what lies ahead, we draw great comfort from the fact that we are leading a friendly and well managed Toddler Group. Our very many thanks to Julie James, Sharon Favell, Karen Riley, Sarah Edwards and their band of merry helpers.

Whilst still finding our feet, a few diary dates are coming to the fore: in particular we have the photographer session booked for the 18th May and a little way off the Annual Teddy Bears Picnic towards the end of July.

For now it would be wonderful to meet new faces, and so a reminder that we meet on Thursday mornings in an informal and relaxed atmosphere (apart from the chaos!) during term time from 10am–11.30am in the Memorial Hall, and cater for children from 0–3 years and their carers. New members are the Group's future, so come along and make some new friends – the first visit is free!

Lisa Wiles (Chairperson) 01454 26xxxx

We have had a few lively meetings so far with bingo and word games. There are several speakers lined up for the future, an afternoon with Mr Hopes, a demonstration of icing sugar flowers, shellcraft, and hopefully a few others.

Wickwar have booked two outings, to Weston and Weymouth, and we are hoping to organise a couple ourselves. Our chairman, the Rev Parker is slowly on the mend after his bad attack of the flu. We had a little birthday tea for one of our members who was ninety. If you feel like coming along for a cup of tea and a chat and one of Mrs Smith's delicious scones, you will be very welcome.

M Ealey (Secretary)

4[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

My name is Jean Legood and I have taken over the 1st Woodend Beaver Scouts on Wednesdays, and the boys call me Sycamore. I have taken over from Karen Fisher, whose work commitments have stopped her from running Beavers.

I have been doing Beavers since June last year, and have no regrets – we have a lot of fun, and do different activities. We have games nights, made sweets for Valentines Day, tried different ice creams, and held a millennium party at New Year. For Shrove Tuesday we made paper pancakes, and had a pancake race. For Mothers Day we planted petunia seedlings and made cards. We have made kites, which the boys particularly enjoyed, and we made daffodils for St. David's Day.

We meet at Cromhall Scout Headquarters from 6pm until 7pm on Wednesday evenings, and if you would like your boy's name to be added to the waiting list, please ring either myself (01453 52xxxx) or Elaine Popham (01454 26xxxx). The boys have to be six to start, and when they are eight they move up to the cubs.

If you would like any more information, please give me a call.

Jean Legood

This year the annual plant sale will be held on 13th May and will be opened at 10am by James Bellings of Park Garden Centre, Almondsbury. Mr Bellings will be available to answer gardeners' queries until approximately 11am.

We hope to make this an enjoyable time for all concerned and hope that you will be happy with your purchases.

As always, we will stock all the old favourites plus many more unusual plants. Please bring plants for sale, potted and labelled, to the Church by 9am on the morning of the sale. Phone Kate (26xxxx) if there are any problems.

I have been organising the plant sale for about 15 years now and have always enjoyed doing so. Unfortunately, my health has not been 5good for the last few years and I now feel that I will not be able to continue next year. It would be a great shame if the plant sale this year were the last. Not only does it result in much needed funds to run your Parish Church, but it also gives a valued service to the community.

If there is a keen gardener out there who would be willing to take over the organisation, please ring me to discuss the matter so that I can let you know just what is involved. You would need some basic gardening knowledge, but I would be here to help and advise if needed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support over the years, both workers and buyers. I do hope the plant sale will be able to continue and go from strength to strength.

Kate

We were planning to hold a beetle drive/bingo evening but unfortunately due to lack of support we had to cancel it. This was a shame as we had never held this type of event before.

We will be holding a Plant Sale at the School on Saturday 20th May 2000, starting at 10 am. It will be held in the front playground. Please come along and support us and give your garden a treat.

Our main event for the summer will be the annual Summer Fair. This will be held on Saturday 10th June 2000, commencing at 1.30 pm. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us this year. If there is anyone who could spare a few hours to help on the day, please let me know. The more helpers we have the better. At the moment we are still organising what stalls we will be running, but if anyone has any bright ideas please contact a member of the committee. We are hoping to have pony rides throughout the afternoon, and tournaments of some kind.

The final event of this school year will be a Treasure Hunt on Saturday 22nd July 2000, followed by a barbecue.

Sarah Tyler
Chairman

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

6

At last we have made a start. Parker's Garden Centre at Iron Acton very kindly donated us some miniature Daffodil bulbs late last autumn. These were planted at the top of Charfield Hill, some of which are now in flower, others still to blossom. Once these have established themselves they should spread and look good for years to come. Thank you Mrs Parker.

We still have a monumental task ahead so any help, however little, or offers of plants will be gratefully received. Thank you.

Judy DH2O

By the time you read this training will have finished and, barring accidents, I should have completed the London Marathon on April 16 in aid of the Round Table Children's Wish Appeal which grants last wishes to terminally-ill children.

It has been a long journey of self-discovery from my first 300 metre stagger excuse for a first training run to a 20 mile test which I am recovering from as I type this! I have experienced a close encounter with a deer, a bad fall, blisters, getting lost on a run while away on business, watching “Chariots of Fire” for inspiration and clocking 2 hours 8 minutes in my debut Bath Half Marathon last month.

I have run over 300 miles in training from Christmas and feel that I am as ready as I will ever be! If you have sharp eyesight, you may have spotted me on television on race day as red number 37432 but not in fancy dress!

To all those who have sponsored me a big thank you but I will be seeing you again with my form soon for payment! Many thanks to Charfield Brownies for their contribution. See the next edition for my account of the big day!

John Francksen

The scheme continues to be well used by young and old. In fact in March we arranged 38 lifts for people, varying from trips to Frenchay, Wotton, Thornbury and even Tetbury Hospital.

I can also report that two new drivers have come forward, although I am always on the lookout for more.

With the service being used so much there can never be enough drivers. The more we have the easier it is to spread the load.

For the year 1/4/99 to 31/3/00 we have carried out the following number of trips to the following destinations:-

Many thanks to all the drivers, who are very loyal and do not usually say no.

If you feel you would like to join a very worthwhile scheme, please contact me.

Marion Smith (01454 26xxxx.)

Following extensive building and refurbishment work, the Railway Tavern has re-opened with a host of new and enhanced features. The first thing to catch your eye as you walk in is the amount of space that has now been created for dining – an area that will seat 42 people in comfort. Meals are now served six days a week (not Mondays) and their Sunday lunches are already proving popular – Mothers Day was fully booked at least a week in advance.

As you would expect, the Tavern serves drinks as well as food, and they now feature a selection of ‘guest beers’ on draught.

Outside, the car park has been resurfaced and marked with parking bays, and there is a new outside dining area, ready for when the weather improves. There is a children's play area, featuring a play train and slide, and this is covered by surveillance equipment, for added safety.

7The back room at the Tavern is now available for weekend functions and parties, and includes its own licensed bar.

The message from the renewed Railway Tavern is clear – this is a family pub, ready to extend a warm welcome to all.

Behind every working machine is a competent engineer!

As everyone in (our) world must know by now, my husband, John is currently training to run in the London Marathon in April this year. By the time you read this, he will have (hopefully) achieved his goal and the Francksen family may well be settling back into something approaching normality!

Since John made his decision to run in the Marathon last May, he has set about determinedly to follow his planner and fit in his running around everything else that we like to do. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, this ‘mission’ has started to infiltrate the lives of all of us in the household and beyond!

Bearing in mind that prior to attending a talk on Children's Wish (the charity which inspired John to run) he had only just about run a bath, I was a little indulgent when he came home and shared his decision to train for the Marathon. However, he knows that he has my utmost respect as he carefully researched the best way to train as a complete novice. With my now blossoming skills on the Net, I bought a book from America, which has become a bible on all things training.

Next came the ‘Gear’. The Book said that if you bought nothing else you had to have good running shoes and there was a whole chapter on your running style and which corrective shoes to buy. Anyone who thinks running is merely quickly putting each leg in front of you is severely mistaken!

It soon became very apparent that whilst you can run in a T-shirt and your holiday shorts (as John did) it is much more comfortable to run in the right fabric which “wicks” the sweat away from your skin. John was delighted with his birthday present of running gear but we soon had to buy a second set to accommodate his two-day trips away.

As winter approached, he needed a running jacket and a couple of long sleeved thermal tops, a woolly hat and some gloves …

Since then he has run regularly and the children and I have become accustomed to getting up and breakfasting without him only to have this pink cheeked apparition in fluorescent yellow appear at the back door to be let in.

He now often runs to my Mum's house in Yate and back but this impacts on her routine as she waits in for him so he can use the toilet and refill his drink bottle.

There have also been other small things, which have crept in to our family routine. On a recent holiday to Spain I was over the moon to find that our apartment had a washing machine (which meant not having to wash sweaty kit in the bath!) It's rather sad when that is more exciting than the size of the pool or the location of your apartment!

Slowly, over the weeks strange things have appeared on my shopping list. Plasters (to avoid jogger's nipple!), blister plasters, energy bars, Complan (excellent the night before a long run according to the book!), and we now get through more cereal in a week than the average family does in a month!

But the sponsor money keeps coming in! When I picked up Elizabeth from Brownies, her Brown Owl, Lesley, handed me £18.50 from the Pack, and John never misses an opportunity to ask for sponsorship from anyone! Currently on his form are our postman, our milkman and even our hairdresser! Usually people are happy to sign his form and then turn to me saying “and are you running the Marathon as well?”

Well – the answer is: in a busy household of two adults, two children and two lawns there is only room for one marathon trainer and I am best at washing sweaty kit!!!

Tracy Francksen.

8[Advert for Martingales]

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes reflexology]

We welcome everyone to DAB HANDS, a fun activity morning at Charfield Memorial Hall. We cater for children 0yrs to 5yrs with parent/carer. We open 10am to 12pm every Monday excluding bank holidays. In the school holidays older children are welcome as well.

The dates for this summer holiday will be posted on the notice board nearer the time.

We have paint, glue, playdough, crayons, jigsaws, games, toys, sandpit, ballpond and lots more.

£1.50 per session plus 25p for over 5's

We will have a stall and fancy dress at the summer fair on Saturday 15th July, we hope you will all support this fund raising event.

If you are in need of registered childcare we have some vacancies at present and will do our best to accommodate you.

For further details please contact.
Lin Scanlon (01454 26xxxx)

WOW! 80 years delivering milk in all weathers, what a service.

Diane and Nigel Bell have not been around that long, but took over the business from their father, and have continued the service with loyal determination until March 31st 2000.

That was when they handed the round over to another concern.

Yes we will miss their service and the weekly chats when they came to collect the money. Maybe they will miss it too. Perhaps like a sore head!

No more very early mornings, although for a while I am sure they will still awake in the early hours. Old habits die hard, but I am sure you will appreciate being able to turn over and go back to sleep, dogs etc. permitting

Seriously, speaking for a lot of Charfield villagers, we will miss your loyalty and determination to deliver whatever the weather.

9Thank you both. We wish you well in your “retirement”. Good luck to you both. We will see you around I am sure.

Many thanks to all villagers who contributed in the tub in Steve's shop for the collection to Diane and Nigel.

Please try and continue to support the new dairy roundsman at least for a while. After all if you do not support, you will not know whether they will deliver a good service or not.

28 years delivering our letters

2000 is the year for change. We will also be losing our post lady Anne Young in July as she retires after 28 years doing the same Charfield round.

What a lady! She has informed me that she has thoroughly enjoyed her work, but will be very glad to call it a day.

From June there will be a tub in Steve's shop, and perhaps in the post office in the village for donations to a collection for Anne.

Please look out for them, and maybe make a small donation for the wonderful service she has given us.

Marion Smith

Charfield's Millennium projects are continuing to move forward. Our own version of the Domesday book is being collated at the moment with contributions from all groups and societies within the village. Book your copy now to avoid disappointment as it is a limited edition!

The photographic competition with the best photos being included in the Domesday Book for posterity has been a big disappointment. Very few people have entered. So nearly all entries from villagers will be in the Domesday Book.

The events for the weekend of May 20–21st May centred around the Church and school are being finalised so to make this event a success we need you! It is at this event that the Time Capsule is being buried beneath the Millennium Stone.

June 17th is the date for the village street parties, so go on, jump in with both feet and organise your street for a rave up.

July 15th is the annual Summer Fair at the Memorial Hall and playing fields and providing we can get sufficient volunteers for stewards in the evening we are hoping to hold a firework display late in the evening to culminate the day. Any volunteers?

I would like to thank the committee and helpers on behalf of the village for their continued enthusiasm for the Millennium projects and hope that our future events are well attended and supported by the village.

I would also like to thank our Parish Council for their financial support for the purchase of the Time Capsule and for funding the printing of the Domesday Book.

The success of the above projects and events now rests with you the residents of Charfield Village.

My wishes are for fine weather and for everyone to have fun.

Carol Parton.
Chairperson, Millennium Committee.

‘Birthday Celebration’
Most people, even though they may be reluctant to disclose their age, enjoy celebrating their birthday. It is a special occasion because it is something personal and special to us and as individuals we all matter even at the very least to ourselves. Birthdays are also about sharing, we invite others to share in ours, and join others to share in theirs. One birthday that we are all invited to share in is Jesus'. We do this each Christmas as we exchange gifts with one another as we celebrate the birth of the most influential person ever born. This year marks the 2000 birthday of Jesus and it is quite right that we should try and do something a little extra special and so St. John's and the Congregational Church have joined together for a special birthday party over the week-end of Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May. Yes, we do know that it is not near Christmas but we didn't think that December was the best time for an outdoor event and we want it to be 10an occasion when everyone can join in and have some fun – (although I would have preferred to avoid Cup Final weekend! – I've just found out the clash of dates)

The celebrations will begin on Saturday afternoon when a series of workshops and activities will take place in the school grounds. Each activity will focus upon a 200 year span as we travel along a time line through 2000 years – although a fair amount of imagination and artistic licence will be used! There should be something that will appeal to everyone – if only the refreshment tent and the bouncy castle!

At 5.00 p.m., if all goes to plan, the Charfield Millennium Stone, situated in the church grounds, will be unveiled as a lasting memorial of the millennium for the village. The day will finish with a barbeque and music. On Sunday there will be an open air service on the School Playing Field at 3.00 p.m. based upon the previous days activities and led by local group ‘Sure Foundation’. Mike Hawkins, who does some pastoral visiting in the village, has very kindly agreed to speak at the service and we look forward to sharing together in a joyful celebration. This will be followed by a birthday tea. We hope that many people from the village will join in this special party and we look forward to welcoming you.

Revd. Robert Pestell
Priest-in-Charge

Many of you will know of ‘The Foundation Room’ that is situated in the grounds of Charfield School. The School and the Church make regular use of this building although it is actually owned by a charity, the Charfield National School Foundation. The origins of this charity go back into the mists of time but they are associated with the beginning of the national education system. The charity was set up to support the educational needs of the children of the village and has access to funds which still can be applied for today in the form of grants for particular projects and needs. The Foundation Room was built in 1934 and used primarily as the school kitchen and a meeting room. There are five ‘Foundation Governors’ who have responsibility for administering the charity, three from St. John's Church and one each from the Parish Council and County Council. As Parish Priest I have the task of being Chairman.

The Foundation Room has suffered from many years of neglect, with various disputes over who is responsible for maintaining the building, so that refurbishment and repair work are long over due. A recent survey of families in the village has established that there is a need to provide an ‘Out of School Hours Care’ facility in Charfield and The Foundation Room has been suggested as the venue. The facility would provide an additional resource for working parents in the village, allowing children to be cared for before and after school and during school holidays. It should be stressed that this not intended to take children away from existing child care arrangements but that it will provide a much needed new facility to enable children to stay in the village rather than go to other schools where such provision already exists.

With the help of South Gloucestershire's Children's Play Link the intention is to put forward an application that has widespread community support for a grant from the New Opportunities Fund that is sponsored by the Government through Lottery Funding. The Foundation Room would need to be improved and upgraded to allow the childcare provision to be established and some plans and costings have been prepared to assist with the application. Please see the plans on the next page. The most pressing need is to replace the green metal roof which has been in a poor condition for many years and frequently leaks in wet weather. The replacement roof would use tiles similar to those of the surrounding buildings and the entrance would be enhanced by replacing the existing flat roof with roofing trusses and adding timber work compatible with the school and church. This would present a much more pleasing appearance to add to what we hope will be an attractive interior. We are indebted to Tim Sansum, a surveyor and resident of Charfield, for preparing the plans and the costings.

At a recent meeting a number of people agreed to form a committee to set up the childcare facility whilst others were willing to assist the Foundation Governors in raising the necessary funds. If you would like further information about this exciting project then please contact either Robert Pestell (01454 26xxxx) or Julie MacNamara (01453 52xxxx).

11The hope is that we will have the ‘Out of School Hours Care’ starting in September next year and a revamped Foundation Room that will be available for community use when not needed by the school, childcare or church. Look out for further updates!

Robert Pestell, Chairman,
Charfield National School Foundation.

[Illustration: FOUNDATION 2000 DEC 99 DRAFT PROPOSALS SK/02]

12[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

As we write, the children at the Farm Nursery are preparing for the Easter break with an egg hunt in the garden. Its a busy time of year, the time for baby animals to visit – calves from the farm and Megan's litter of baby rabbits; and the time for planting flowers and vegetables.

The summer term is shorter this year and there is a lot to fit in before our annual Garden Party to mark the start of the summer holidays.

There will be the usual crafts, cookery, computer work and various visitors to entertain the children as well as our summer trip.

We currently run 5 morning and 2 afternoon sessions and are now taking names for September 2000. There are no spare places until then, but visitors are welcome and anyone interested is invited along to the Garden Party on 21st July at 12 noon.

Chris Bennett
01453 84xxxx

The 39th Charfield Village Fayre and Sports day will take place on Saturday 15th July 2000 starting at 1:30pm.

We are hoping to start with a short parade through the village led by a Giant Teddy Bear called Naughty, who is going to join us on the day for a picnic with the younger children, followed by the Yate Majorettes and children taking part in the fancy dress competition. There will be various side stalls, fair ground rides, side-shows and a Tae Kwon Do demonstration. Running alongside will be the Sports Day, which thankfully is being run again by Mike Smith and Kim Wintle. We hope that local schools will take part in the sports day, but the response has not been very good as yet, but we will keep trying as we have some very talented children in the village who we hope will be taking part!

There will be music from the Wotton Silver Band and ‘Sure Foundation’. Pete Ashby, who will be doing four shows, will entertain children with Magic, Punch and Judy, Balloon modeling and judging the Teddy Bears Picnic.

13We have seven teams entering the Tug ‘O’ War Competition trying to win the trophy back from the Railway Tavern. Anyone wishing to enter a team should contact Les Marsh at the Pear Tree.

There will be a BBQ during the day and a Pig Roast for the evening. The whole event will finish off with the Castle School Steel Band followed by Fireworks sponsored by the Charfield Parish Council.

The raffle is being organised by Trish Davies again this year. So many thanks to her and to Charfield Garage for their kind donation and to all other companies that may have contributed to our prize draw.

The Committee and myself feel sure a great day will be had by all. Anyone wishing to offer his or her services or would like to run a stall, please contact myself or any member of the committee.

In the past, people gave their time and energy free and although we still have a lot of people doing this, there are many things that we wish to have for the Village Fayre but need to pay for. We therefore have to somehow raise the money to have such a full program. Renishaw and M. J. Fews have been very generous with their donations as have Inchbrooks printing. We have not heard from other local companies at the time of going to print but we are hoping that small donations will be received!

In March we had a disco for children aged 6–11 years at the Memorial Hall which was a great success, and a second one on 14th April. A third will be on 12th May 2000. We hope these discos will be supported by local children and surrounding villagers as they have been in previous years as although its a way of making money for the Fayre its great for the children of the village.

A big ‘Thank you’ to all the people who have helped so far and those who will be helping out on the day and giving up their time.

Janice Vardon-Smith
Village Fayre Co-ordinator
xx Berkeley Close

A Mug in Every Household!

The Millennium Mugs have arrived and Councillors will be personally delivering one free to each household in the Parish. We aim to complete this by the end of April, but bear with us because it is quite a task. We must get a signature as a receipt, so it will be a slow process.

Some of you may want to order additional mugs. The minimum number we can order is 100. If we get that number, the latest indication is that they will cost £2.95 each. That would drop if the order were substantially greater.

The Case of the Vanishing Bus

In the last edition of the Newsletter I told you about the reinstatement of the 603 peak time express service to Bristol. Now it has been taken off again, because Gloucestershire County Council will not continue contributing their share of the financial support. This is very disappointing. Charfield Parish Council has been pressing for an express service on which people could rely in the longer term, so that use would increase. People are not going to adopt more sustainable travel habits if the bus service is not quick, efficient and permanent.

Village Spring Clean

Our annual Spring Clean on 1 April was not well supported. No surprise there then! Thanks to those who did come. The Guides will be £20 better off: they were nominated by the litter picker who won the prize draw sponsored by the Parish Council.

A sickening amount of rubbish is thrown down in the village. Why do “they” do it? And why do we leave it lying on footways in front of our properties? How about setting an example to the children? Couldn't we all try all of the time to keep the village tidy?

14A particular feature this year was the number of glass bottles I picked up. Some had been thrown or dropped at random. Others had been placed in nests in corners and behind trees. Perhaps that was a more responsible way of behaving, but the biggest collection was less than a hundred yards from the bottle bank!

If there is no improvement, I think that the Parish Council will have to consider employing someone to spend a few hours each week to pick up litter. That could be quite costly – and it would be your money we would be spending. We have not budgeted for it this year, so we will have to wait until December when we decide how much to ask South Gloucestershire to collect for us as part of the council tax.

Skateboard Ramp

We had a helpful meeting about the possibility of replacing the skateboard ramp with some more modern and interesting equipment. Later we had a meeting on the site. One possibility is to take over the surfaced basketball area, extend it towards the old skateboard ramp, and install a “half pipe” ramp and some “grind” and “spine” rails. That would amount to nearly £19,000, excluding VAT. I know that some young people are working on other ideas. Please come along to the Sportsmen's Lounge at the Memorial Hall, 7pm on Tuesday 25 April, when we can pool our ideas and plan our next move.

A final thought: are girls interested in skateboards, in-line skates and BMX bicycles? If so, it would be nice if they got involved. If not, what would they like to see provided for their recreation?

“What Now On Line” is a fairly new service, which offers help and advice to young people, primarily aged 10–25 years old. This service has been set up by South Gloucestershire Council Youth Service Support Unit. It is a freephone number that does not show up on the telephone bill.

Young people can call the freephone number about anything that may concern them, including relationships, family matters, health, training, employment, money etc.

The telephone lines are open from 4pm to 10pm during the week where trained operators will be on hand to give advice and support.

The freephone number is 0800 51 11 11

Although the helpline is predominantly for young people, parent or others working with young people can use this service to gain information.

For more information about the service please contact the Support Unit Manager, Paula Bromley, on 01454 86xxxx.

John Acton
Chairman, Charfield Parish Council

Firstly, on behalf of the Playgroup Committee, I would like to thank everyone for their much needed help and support over the last year. We faced closure due to financial difficulties because of the small number of pre-school children available to attend Playgroup this year. We have overcome our financial difficulties and now have a rising number of children attending Playgroup, and we look forward to a much brighter and certain future.

Secondly, for those new to Charfield, I thought it would be useful to provide a little more information about our Playgroup. Charfield Playgroup is run by a Committee of parents who give up their time freely, and it is mainly for pre-school children living in Charfield. The Playgroup is a Charity and, as a non-profit making organisation, is run solely for the benefit of those pre-school children attending. We endeavour to keep our fees as low as possible by fundraising and requests to local businesses for support. We offer a wide range of play and learning activities aimed at pre-school children, and we also offer parents the opportunity to be directly involved in the activities of the Playgroup and their child's progress. We have a specially tailored curriculum aimed at pre-school children and try to help your child gain more confidence and independence before attending school. Attending Playgroup is an excellent way for your child to have fun and friendship with children and other adults in a safe and happy environment, and we now have places available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

For further information on our admissions policy or for a copy of our prospectus, please contact Karen on 01453 84xxxx.

15Funding for three year olds

The Government has provided funding to allow some three year olds to receive free part-time early years education. In South Gloucestershire this will only be available to children whose parents are in receipt of Family Income Support. If you have a child born between 1 April 1996 and 31 December 1996 and are in receipt of Family Income support you will be able to claim up to five free part-time sessions per week from the beginning of the Summer Term (2/5/00). At Charfield Playgroup we currently have places available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. If you have a three year old and would like further information, please contact Ruth on 01454 26xxxx, or to secure a place contact Karen on 01453 84xxxx.

Marion Sankey, Secretary

[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Designs]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

It would be nice to have nothing to report but, although crime patterns fluctuate, there is always something occurring somewhere.

The most notable trends on my beat recently have been a spate of burglaries in the Tytherington and Cromhall areas, together with distraction burglaries at local post offices / shops by East European itinerants.

We have good information indicating possible suspects for these trends but as yet have insufficient evidence to make any arrests. However, our patrols in the Tytherington and Cromhall areas have been increased and the suspects for the post office burglaries are currently the subject of considerable police attention, as the staff of Cromhall Post Office are well aware.

The burglaries in Tytherington and Cromhall do appear to have stopped over the last week and the latest visit by East European itinerants – to Cromhall Post Office – was abortive.

In respect of these trends we have received some good information from alert members of the public; notably one person informing us of the registration number of a car containing three youths see acting suspiciously in Rectory Lane, Cromhall; and another villager recording the registration number of a car containing eight (!) East Europeans visiting Cromhall Post Office.

The occupants of both these vehicles are of considerable interest to us, and there is little doubt as to their intentions.

Another example of vigilance relates to a youth who, whilst walking from Tortworth to Cromhall, stole a wallet from a car and some cash to the rear of a house. On both occasions vigilant members of the public confronted the culprit. I have since made an arrest and the culprit has been charged with both offences.

Although several burglaries and attempted burglaries have occurred in Charfield recently crime levels remain generally at an unexceptional level.

The Memorial Hall, however, continues to be the focus of unwelcome attention. Recently 16lead flashing has been stolen from the roof and graffiti has appeared in the vicinity.

Moreover, a party in the Memorial Hall recently resulted in two youths being arrested and cautioned for criminal damage and assault.

Please keep information coming in, whether it relates to burglaries or lesser anti-social offences such as fly tipping and graffiti spraying.

Now that the evenings are beginning to lengthen and the weather improves I will be trying to find the time to implement some more speed checks locally – so be warned!

Before I close I would emphasise that if you have any information about an offence that has recently occurred, or suspicious people in the locality, please do not use my voice mail facility nor ask to leave a message specifically for me. Simply telephone our switchboard on 01275 818181 and inform them of the details.

If the incident is still in progress, and requires an urgent response, dial 999.

PC 3799 Jones

20:30 hours on Tuesday 11th April and the newsletter deadline is looming – not to say three weeks in France for which I haven't yet packed the car (its snowing) to meet our scheduled departure of 04:30 tomorrow.

Lots of negative thoughts buzzing round in my mind – not all Memorial Hall related – but so typical of community life in Britain (and Charfield) today.

April 1/2 saw the annual spring clean up to dispose of litter. Why? Most people appear not to give a damn. Why bother for 2 days a year when for the remaining 363 most people at best shrug their shoulders?

Millennium quiz. Thanks Julia and Brendan. Thanks also to the 3 teams who bothered to respond. Presumably apathy struck the rest of the village.

My article in the winter edition gave people the opportunity to respond on a few items but what transpired? Zilch!

To the artist currently daubing the village with his (her?) own brand of artistry, you are obviously not lacking in talent. How about offering some of your time and skill to the elderly and needy in the village?

To the moron(s) who stripped the lead from the roof of the hall, do you realise how valueless lead is these days?

To the idiots who have been creating mayhem with the power supply boxes on street lights, try walking the streets at night in total darkness.

Have Mike Morris's recycling efforts yet produced a better response?

Rest easy in your beds, citizens of Charfield. I am sure someone, somewhere will respond to your needs when they arise. Sometime.

Allan Hughes

[Advert for Harlequin Therapy Equipment]

This is the first in a series of articles covering all aspects of complementary health and to start with, we would like to feature 2 essential oils which should form part of everyone's first aid kit, travel necessities and which can be used in many different ways.

Lavender

Lavender is probably the most versatile oil available and can be used safely by virtually everyone. It has a well-established tradition as 17a folk remedy in keeping homes fresh and sweet smelling, probably mostly being used as a lavender pillow.

It is perfect for skin problems, bites, spots, sunburn, blisters and as an insect repellent. A few drops in the bath or on the pillow aid relaxation for young and old alike. Psychologically it can help with fear, mood swings, restlessness and hyperactivity amongst many other feelings.

As well as this, it is frequently included as an ingredient in soaps, skin creams and room fresheners.

Tea Tree

Again the old folk remedies still have a lot to teach us in this technological world. How long had the Aborigines of Australia been using tea tree before we appreciated its value?

Tea Tree may not have the delightful smell of lavender but it is equally useful.

It is unusual in that it is an active agent against infectious organisms ie. bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as being a powerful stimulant for the immune system.

It is ideal to use for cuts and wounds to aid healing, ulcers, verrucas, athlete's foot, sore throats and the respiratory system generally. It is very powerful to use against head lice and the shampoos and lotions using this are preferable to strong chemicals.

Other uses include toothpaste, disinfectants, aftershave, gargles to name a few.

As with most other things in this world you usually get what you pay for, so do take care that you buy the finest quality from reputable essential oil manufacturers and not from some companies who are jumping on the bandwagon and using greatly diluted oils.

Unlike most oils, it is possible to use lavender and tea tree neat without a carrier oil for some uses.

If you would like further information do call in to see us at the showroom, 10 Avon Road.

Spring must be in the air, it can be the only explanation for 24 lively 7–10 year olds, unless they just enjoy coming on a Thursday 5:30–7pm.

The girls very successfully performed their ‘2000 show’. A show of song and dance in which they had the opportunity to perform in a group or individually. The audience was very generous with their applause although it was well deserved. For this the girls earned their Jester badges. I would like to thank Amanda, Trish and Jacqueline who gave their time to help on the night.

More thank-yous to two recent recruits, Ann Mosley my new treasurer and Tracey Francksen who produces all publications and newsletters.

I am still on my own on a Thursday evening and relying on my daughter Jacqueline and two parents to turn up for a ‘duty’. Any person over 18 wishing to help on a regular basis please ring me. You don't have to go into uniform.

Saturday March 18th saw the launch of our Millennium walk, with a gathering of all units from the Glos. West Division at Coaley. From now until May a baton will be passed between all the units and hopefully money will be raised, along the way, for the Pied Piper appeal. 1st Charfield Brownies are to receive the baton on Thursday April 13th from 2nd Wotton Guides and hand it over to 1st Wotton Brownies.

Also on the 13th the girls will be displaying any collections they might have for the visiting brownies to inspect and ask questions. This will earn them their collectors badge.

After the Easter holidays, Severn Ambulance crew will be teaching and guiding the girls to achieve their First-Aid badge.

Busy, busy, busy but we do have time for fun and games.

Well, happy eating

Lesley (Brown Owl)

18

Minister: Rev. Philip Hopes
A warm welcome awaits you at all of our services.

The new Millennium has started with plenty of activity at Charfield School. Our numbers are gradually increasing as we welcome several new families.

The Y1 and Y2 classes have enjoyed learning about the Victorians and the more recent past as part of their history topic. They invited their grandparents to school one afternoon, showed them their work and provided some wonderful entertainment based upon some of the main events of the last century. This proved to be a most enjoyable experience for all those involved. I appreciate the hard work that the children and the teachers – Mrs Windram, Mrs Farish and Mrs Pickford – put in, in order to make this event such a success.

The Key Stage 2 children have been involved in a number of sporting activities this term including cricket coaching by members of Gloucestershire CCC, a local schools netball tournament and a football tournament. Mr Penn and Mr Bradley, with Bristol Rovers FC, also organised a sponsored penalty shoot out competition which was also successful. Frank Hutchings won the boys competition and Nicola Richings won the girls competition and have since gone through to the next round which took place on 5th April at Brislington. Both did very well, but unfortunately did not qualify for the next round.

Once again we celebrated World Book Week in a variety of ways. The children undertook quizzes based upon well known books and characters. Gimby's Book Shop, of Chipping Sodbury, provided a selection of books for children to purchase, and Mike Rathrett, a local author, visited school and talked to the children about his work and showed them the original paintings used to illustrate his books.

As well as funding this visit, the PTA also funded the visit made by the Welsh Birds of Prey Centre on 6th April. The children found this fascinating and I am sure they learned a lot from seeing the birds at such close range. A 19few children also had the chance to hold the European Eagle Owl!

To end this term, we held our Easter assembly in St. John's Church. Reverend Pestell kindly officiated and the children participated in a variety of ways, including reading some of their work based upon the Easter theme. I thought that publishing these in CHADRA would give parents and the rest of the local community an opportunity to share the childrens' perceptions.

What do I like about Easter?

I like the Easter bunny because he gives good children Easter eggs. I like Easter because we go to church. I like Easter eggs. I like Easter because we remember when Jesus was put on a cross in the Easter story. I like to see yellow chicks. I like new-born lambs because they are cuddly and soft.
(Elanor Clarke, aged 5).

In the garden of Gethsemane
Disciples leant sleeping against a tree,
While Jesus prayed on the grassy floor
While his friends slept lazily on some more
The Romans came to crucify
Jesus the holy man
They nailed him to the cross
And left him there to die
(Rachel Mosley, aged 7)

Easter is for love,
Easter is for hope,
Easter is for you and me
(Daniel Smith, aged 8)

Tulips
Autumn is the time you
Plant the bulbs of life
And watch them grow
Then see them opening
And see their flowers.
In Spring everything wakes up to see
The New year

Winter is a bully and hurts
The bulbs of life.
It sends everything to sleep.
As winter passes the bulbs
They grow and grow trying to show
Their pretty blossomed stalks
When it's time to shine they're really tired
So it takes a bit of time
(Natasha Cook, aged 9)

The belongings of Easter

Plants sprout from the ground
But for us the most beautiful has been found
He died for us on a cross
Now man can think they're boss
The sun beams down to the ground
While baby lambs jump and bound
Easter can be joyous, Easter can be sad
But I hope he is happy with his rightful dad
(Leanne Bleaken, aged 9)

Judas set off
To get the Romans.
The Romans came
At once, they arrested
Jesus and put him
In a prison cell.
The Romans put on
The crown of thorns
And gave Jesus the cross
To carry. Jesus grew weak
As he walked up the hill
So a farmer jumped out
To help him.
The Romans put the cross
In the ground
And turned Jesus's hands to blood,
He was left on the cross to suffer
And die and with all that pain
He didn't cry.
(Ritchie Ball, aged 10)

The real meaning of Easter
Jesus went away to pray
Judas silently crept away
He told the soldiers where to go
The soldiers said “Let's go go go!”
Jesus was put upon the cross
Then the Romans knew that they were boss
Peter watched from a hill
Then they read out Jesus's will
His disciple wrapped him up in a cloth
As silky as a tiny moth
Then they put him in a tomb
And shut the door of death and doom
(Neil Evans, aged 10)

Easter prayers

Dear God, it is so sad that we can't see you but we know you are all around us.
I like Easter because we get Easter Eggs. Thank you God for everything you have done for us. Amen
(Esther Vardon-Smith, aged 7)

20Dear God thank you for Jesus and new life.
Thank you for the days of Easter.
Thank you for the spring flowers and birds.
Amen
(Jamie Ball, aged 8)

Hope for the future.
New buds are opening in the trees.
Now Jesus has risen from the cross.
And sad is happy.
(Russell Baton, aged 8)

That just leaves me to wish all those who belong to the school and the local community a very happy Easter.

Mrs V Richardson
(Acting Headteacher)

I don't think there is much to report. Generally things seem fairly quiet, though the Crime Prevention Department are still concerned about the number of shed and garage burglaries in the whole district. Please make sure sheds and garages are as secure as possible and items clearly postcoded.

At a recent meeting of NW co-ordinators for the Thornbury District, Inspector Taylor described crime as very sporadic, down to the opportunist criminal. He emphasised that we all need to watch and take care not to give criminals any opportunities. Although nationally crime rates are up our area has shown a decrease for the 4th successive year. The inspector said that they were striving to increase the detection rates but that they may be close to rock bottom. Normally when criminals are caught they “tell about all the crimes that they have committed since they were last caught”. This cannot always be recorded as “detected” crime because of the Home Office guidelines. A question was asked about why there was so little information given to the public. Inspector Taylor asked for patience from the public. He said that there were more and more constraints on what information the police were allowed to give because of the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Laws.

The crime prevention department is now promoting some new postcode stickers. These are bright yellow and can be used for equipment that might be difficult to engrave or mark in other ways. They are also quite conspicuous and require significant effort to be removed without trace! The stickers are 10p each and have to be ordered from the crime prevention department. If you would like some please get in touch with me.

As I write this I am looking forward to the talk about the work of the air support unit. I hope most of the village got slips through the door about this meeting. We still have areas with no contacts. I hope there will be people who feel they can come forward for unallocated areas. Little work is involved. Generally delivering notes to some 10 to 20 neighbours a few times a year. We are also in need of a co-ordinator for the Woodlands Road area. Many thanks to Jo Lee for her work over the past few years. If there is no volunteer it may not be possible for the Woodlands Road area to remain a NW area. So please consider whether you could help.

Ilze Hicks

Since the launch of the site in mid January some four months ago it has had in excess of 1200 hits which is very encouraging for a site that has only had a small mention in the last copy of CHADRA. A number of local businesses have also been placed on the site along with useful local contact numbers and organisations.

There is also a link on the front page, which will allow you to take a virtual walk through the village in the early 1900's and if anyone can help with additional pictures or local history please contact us on 01453 84xxxx.

The site is still looking for contributions from anyone connected with the village that they feel would be of benefit to the community and add to the growing catalogue of services and information currently on offer. The posting of information on the site is completely free assuming the information is E-mailed, saved to floppy or burnt to disc, we will even undertake the scanning of images for you.

For further information please contact Mark or Caroline on:
Tel: 01453 84xxxx
Fax: 01453 52xxxx
E-mail: xxxx @ charfieldvillage.co.uk

21

Please make use of this diary. Either telephone or drop a note of any additions or modifications to Geoff or Hilary Wignall (01454 26xxxx, x Berkeley Close, or xxxx @ Breathemail.net)

KLB = Katharine Lady Berkeley School
FR = Foundation Room, Primary School
SH = Charfield School Hall
SL = Sportsman's Lounge, Memorial Hall
MH = Memorial Hall

Why not put this on your fridge door or notice board?

22

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Geoff or Hilary on 01454 26xxxx

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 22 sides of A4 paper.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

Minor typographical corrections and presentational changes have been made without comment.

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2017-01-30.