CHADRA

Hot off the Press … The Village Fayre

Well, again the sun shone for our 40th Annual Village Fayre bringing in many people from the village and surrounding areas. The letting off of 400 balloons opened the event, which started at 2 p.m. The Sports were well represented this year and many thanks to Mike Smith and Kim Wintle for doing such a grand job. Thank you to their partners and rest of the family who helped on the day. We had spectacular entertainment from the King Edmund Gym Club, who showed us their Acrogymnastics with such professionalism and skill, it was breathtaking to watch. Unfortunately, the weather then changed for the worst and the heavens opened. But we had plenty of shower tents, and with the help of the crowd we managed to move them nearer to the Memorial Hall and to the first of the Pig Roast, which went down very well. Due to the weather we lost our other arena events. It was too dangerous for the Tae Kwon Do and too windy for the Kite man Dave Barnby – but many thanks to all participants who turned up just in case. Our bands had people clapping and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite the weather. The dog show was a great success. We’ve already been asked for it to return next year. The evening was slow to pick up but, by 9:30 p.m., we had a nice crowd who had returned to see yet another spectacular Firework display. They were not disappointed. The evening finished by 11:30 p.m. and I think everyone had a great time.

I'd like to say thank you to lots of people, first of all members of the Village Fayre Committee: Kim Wintle, Mark and Caroline Davies, Trish and Laurie Cole, Trish and Cliff Davies, Liz and Brian Wright, for their support and commitment for the last year. Mark White and his family for running the Memorial Hall and bar over the last few weeks and manning the bar on the day. Thank you to Sue Nash who doesn’t belong on any committee but volunteered to help again, and any other people who helped out this time. But most of all to the families of all these members, who have been behind them all the way and have had to sacrifice time and energy for the sake of the Village Fayre. Thank you all very much.

To all stallholders and exhibitors – thank you and we hope to see you again next year. The next Village Fayre day will be Saturday 13th July 2002 – Jubilee year.

I will be standing down as co-ordinator this year, due to my family commitments. I have thoroughly enjoyed organising the day and have met and spoken to some very nice people, but I think it's time to let someone else have a go. Thank you to all who have supported and believed in me and a special thank you to my husband, Garry, and children, Greg, Lydia and Esther, for being there on the good and bad days!

Janice Vardon-Smith

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Welcome to the summer edition, or at least I think it's summer, the weather hasn't quite made it's mind up!

We'd like to say a big thank you to Karen Duligall for her help with typing – she has now moved away from the area.

We shall shortly be losing another key member of the team as, after 15 years in the village, Joyce will be moving to Melksham. This does mean that the important but not too onerous position of secretary becomes vacant. Anyone wishing to help out with an active role in the community should contact Joan (her number is below).

We are continually surprised at the diverse responses we get to items in the newsletter. In one edition the Parish Council had only 13 replies to their questionnaire and in the last issue we had 45 people turn out for litter picking (which was great). Can we have a few more replies to the Parish Council questionnaire in this edition please.

Thanks again to all our contributors, especially Janice for her Village Fayre report before 10 a.m. “the morning after”

Next Copy Date – 12th October 2001

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THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU

… AND MANY MORE BESIDES!!!!!!

To everyone who turned out for the village Spring Clean – and there were 45 (YES! 45!) of you – a thousand thanks. And who says people don't care? Not us in CHADRA. We were DELIGHTED.

And it really made a difference: the village was sparkling – for a while. Lots of people noticed.

You may think ‘What's the point? all the rubbish is back’ (and it certainly is), but YOUR EFFORT WAS NOT WASTED. You have shown how things can be – what we need to think about now is how we can we keep it like that.

We, on the CHADRA Committee, have a few ideas in mind. They need mulling over, plans need formulating, support is needed. We are not asking for it yet but we shall be – you'll read about it here. Not sure when, but hopefully not too long. The Parish council, too, have plans, so between us there WILL be changes. Watch this space.

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU

VERY MUCH

The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre works with carers and their families throughout South Gloucestershire. Penny Snow, The Rural Organiser, has just started working in the Charfield area and is offering support to carers of family members or friends who, because of illness or disability, cannot manage at home on their own. She is particularly looking for volunteers who could give carers a break for two or three hours a week. Carers work very long hours and have little time for themselves. A few hours to shop, see friends or catch up is invaluable. Volunteers usually get to know one or two families very well and find the experience extremely rewarding.

If you are a carer and would like more information about the work of the Carers Centre or if you think you might like to be a volunteer with us, please contact Penny at:

The Carers Centre, The Vassall Centre
Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ
Tel: 0117 939 xxxx

The last edition of CHADRA announced the retirement of John Poskett as Chairman of the Memorial Hall and Playing Field Committee. Tony Gannon was elected as Chairman at the AGM on 7 June, with John Hirchfield as Vice Chairman.

Some 15 village organisations use the Memorial Hall and playing field and all can nominate a representative to serve on the Committee, however, only about half are actually represented. The Committee is very keen for as many organisations as possible to be involved with the Committee and represent their members' interests. Those organisations that do not currently have members on the Committee but would like to nominate a representative please contact me.

In addition, up to four elected members can serve on the Committee; however at the moment that number has reduced to one. If anyone would like to become an elected member, again, please let me know.

Jenny Cobb 01454 26xxxx

I have recently taken over from John Poskett as licensee of Charfield Memorial Hall.

If anyone would like to make use of the bar facilities, please contact me.

I am hoping to start more activities in the hall and would welcome any suggestions from you, the villagers, as to what you would like to see going on in the village.

We now have a bouncy castle for hire, either for use in the hall or to take away for the day. The hire charge is £35. Please contact me if you would like to book it for some bouncy fun.

I hope this will be the start of a long and happy stay at the Memorial Hall and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.

May I also take this opportunity to thank John for all his help and for doing such a good job for so long.

Mark White
Tel 01454 26xxxx, mobile 07810 18xxxx or email xxxx @ supaman.com

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[Advert for Harlequin Therapy Equipment]

More complimentary health tips from Harlequin Therapy (now known nationally as MTS (Massage Table Store))

Whether we like it or not, we all need to adopt some change in our lifestyles to adapt to life's hectic way, in order to maintain our health and wellbeing.

Sadly the body tends to take longer to give its warning signs, unlike a car which soon gives up if things are not right!

If you are still tired after a night's sleep there is usually a reason for this. Overwork, stress and worries often do not produce relaxing sleep. Lavender helps in promoting sleep as does honey. It acts as a sedative to the body, requires no digestion and can be useful in preventing fermentation in the gastro-intestinal tract and can help those suffering from candida and IBS.

There is a lot of common sense in old folklore as there is in Chinese medicine. Try 3 teaspoons of cider vinegar mixed with honey to help insomnia. A cup of cider vinegar in the bath can help with cystitis or itchy skin. This time of year we have lots of strawberries. They contain organic salicylates which are like the active ingredient of aspirin.

Acupressure has its origins in Japan and China and those of you who attended the Village Fayre will have seen us using some of these techniques in our seated chair massage which is totally non invasive and so good for easing aches and pains, relieving stress and leaving you relaxed, yet refreshed. Why not book an appointment?

Self-help acupressure points are also very useful. For headaches and detoxifying the system, try locating the point between the thumb and forefinger in the “valley” close to where the bones meet. Press firmly down for a few seconds whilst breathing deeply. This point should not be used if you are pregnant. It is not called the great eliminator for nothing!

There is so much that we can do to help ourselves without always turning to medication in the first instance. We are here to help and advise you.

For any information regarding these discos, please call Mark White on 01454 26xxxx.

Friday 14th September 6:30–9 p.m.
Friday 12th October 6:30–9 p.m.
Friday 9th November 6:30–9 p.m.
Friday 14th December Xmas Party 5–9 p.m.

5We are always looking for help at these discos; please offer ‘a duty’ for one of these days, especially if your child regularly attends. We realise how important time is and how nice it is to have a few hours to yourself. But once in a while would be great.

The teenagers are still asking for discos. We did a couple and they went very well, but again no volunteers from parents or grandparents. Again volunteers are always needed. If necessary, if you have an older child who doesn't want you present at the disco – volunteer for a duty at the junior disco, and parents of the junior children – do the same. It's a thought.

The disco's raised a lot of money, all of which is going towards the cost of the Village Fayre. Hopefully everything that is taken on the day will be pure profit.

From an organisational point of view the 2000/2001 season proved to be one of the most difficult for many years. First the exceptionally wet winter played havoc with the fixtures causing many games to be called off due to water-logged pitches. When the weather started to improve, the foot and mouth crisis hit the area resulting in a fair number of the teams in the Stroud league to lose the use of their grounds. However, due to a good deal of co-operation between clubs and a sensible approach to a difficult situation by the league, nearly all the teams were able to complete their fixtures.

This season the first team finished fourth in division 1 of the Stroud league. Up to the end of January we had lost only one league game and were looking strong championship contenders, but a run of poor form in the latter part of the season saw our chances slip away. Strangely, we won more games than the season before when we finished as runners-up.

The reserves had a difficult season having been promoted to division 4 the previous season. The first half of the season was particularly disappointing, with the side rarely out of the relegation positions. The second half of the season saw an improvement and a good string of results through March and April ensured our place in division 4 next season.

Although it doesn't seem all that long since last season ended, training for the new season will be underway by the time this CHADRA edition is published. If anyone is interested in playing or getting involved in any way with the village football club, feel free to give me a ring on 01454 26xxxx

Chris Somerton, Secretary

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As a stranger passes over the hill he can be forgiven for not taking any notice of the small Gloucestershire village lying at the foot of the Cotswolds. Although this small village has changed and grown over the years, a lot of the old parts remain the same.

Our stranger has already missed the old vicarage and church end leading to the old church, the old hill and the village school; but as we said he could be forgiven. Yet to those of us who live in the village the same question can be posed – do we also not notice?

We all know about the old brick works and railway station from bygone days but what about the oldest working buildings from Charfield's history that are not only still there but also still in use today. The Gloucester Mill and Bristol Mill or to use more familiar names, the Bone Mill and Pin Mill.

About 200 years ago a man called Samuel Long altered both. Once there were 3 mills. Now, only the Pin Mill is in commercial use, the Bone Mill is derelict and across the bridge the other mill, which used to control the flow of water, has been stripped down by 2 floors and is now used as flats.

The Longs owned and worked the mills until about 1860 and sadly a few years later cloth making ceased in the mill forever. At the high point, the mill had 400 workers, 40 looms and 1500 spindles. About the same time as the cloth making was declining, a small London based firm called Tubs-Lewis was starting to establish itself.

As you walk down New Street (formerly Mill Lane) very little seems to have changed. Yet it is hard to imagine that the 2 cottages opposite the Pin Mill were once a row of 10 or more, or that the yellow bricks on the corner of the Bone Mill have changed colour and worn away near the bottom due to the bricks being rubbed by ropes during the days of horse drawn carts.

Thankfully working conditions have changed, but what would it have been like to work in the mills 100 years ago? The air would be full of the smell of oil carried on steam. Across the yard a small truck is being unloaded. The men are all wearing sacks over their clothes as they carry over their shoulders the smelly hessian bags stuffed with rotting animal bones. As they carry them into the mill, they leave a dirty trail of greasy bits of bone and living creatures that fall from the bags. In the mill the bones are boiled for 24 hours then turned into net making tools, crochet hooks and knitting needles. However this was far from being the worst job at the mill – read on.

From around the 1920's the use of bones was being phased out in favour of a new plastic type material called “erinoid”, although bones continued to be used as late as the 1940s.

I must state that hygiene in the mills was very different from what you would expect today. Following the flight path of flies around to the back of the Pin Mill, you would find a small trench dug into the ground, topped with planks of wood with holes in it and a sign on the wall stating, yes you've guessed it, mens' toilets. I should also add that as these terribly unhygienic holes in the ground became full, they had to be emptied or in other words dug out about once a month by some unfortunate workers. Now that has to be the worst job at the mill. About 20 feet away was the ladies and although they had a more comfortable seat, their way of disposing of the waste was to flush it straight into the river behind them. A few yards away were two unlucky men working a circular saw on the river bank.

About 1890, representatives from Tubbs-Lewis began negotiations with the Long family who owned the mills regarding the possible purchase of the mills. These talks led to T-L taking ownership of all three mills and subsequently leasing them out.

The Pin Mill has had a number of occupants over the years. F Firth being one of them. They left just after the First World War. Shortly afterwards a Woodchester firm of pin makers Perkins and Marmont moved in. At the same time, a printing arm of Chesterwood also moved in and became one of the first printers in the country to use the lithographic method of printing. They soon expanded to Wotton and now trade under the name of Inchbrook.

As the Chesterwood company arrived, so did a small box making firm who commenced business there making it possible for T-L empire to run partially self sufficient other than buying raw materials.

Needless to say a lot of Charfield school leavers started their working life at the mill. Not a lot is known about the mill after this point. Tubbs-Lewis went on making pins at the site for many years.

The most popular moment in the mills history is probably the blowing up of the big chimneys in 1964.

Afterwards a small firm called WR Peak and Co. did light work from the Bone Mill employing 10 men. From 1959–1977, Kennedy Woods Bathroom Furniture operated from the Pin Mill. Cotswold Workstations bought the mill in 1981. Mike Morris and Neville McKay bought it a year later and turned it in to Worktwice.

7Although due to Health and Safety Regulations some things have had to change, like inside toilets and new fire escapes. As a grade 2 listed building, Mike has worked hard to make sure a lot of the old mill features remain with the old stairs, the external fire escapes and even the loft all as they were 200 years ago.

Now here is your chance to help another old building in the village for those of you who don't know, Worktwice is a cartridge recycling company. Since 1994, we have donated over £200,000 to various charities and now with your help we would like to raise money for Charfield Primary School.

Every year thousands of empty cartridges end up on landfills and will take thousands of years to biodegrade. In the not too distant future there will be a big problem yet there is no need. By recycling you can raise money for the local school just by giving us your empty cartridges. Why stop there! Why not get a scheme going at work – the more cartridges you collect, the more money the school gets.

I would like to thank the following people whose help has made this report possible. Pat White from the W.I., Mr P Jotcham, J Taylor, K Parker, C Robertson, Mrs Brown and M Morris.

Thanks again – Steve Picking.

For a free collection, please call 01453 52xxxx, Mon–Thurs 9–5.30, Fr 9–4.30.

[Graphic: Save empty inkjet cartridges]

Having missed the last edition of CHADRA due to my holidays I'll try and give you an idea of what's been happening over the last six months.

On the crime front I can't recollect any purely domestic burglaries but we have had at least five burglaries where business premises have been targeted. One of these involving the offenders entering adjoining living quarters and stealing the occupants' wallets. Three of the other cases involved the same public house being burgled, namely the Pear Tree.

Apart from the theft of a mountain bike I can't recall any other crime of note. However, the damage to the Memorial Hall continues unabated, as a quick glance at the roof to the rear makes evident.

Recently, with the long warm evenings, large numbers of youths have gathered around the hall and, especially at weekends, some of these appear to be the worse for drink. The net result is sustained damage to the fascia boards and roof tiles, deliberate scorching of the upvc window frames and the setting on fire of the emptied contents of the waste bins.

Whilst I give the hall and playing fields regular attention I cannot be there all the time. However, I'm more than happy to act upon any good information I receive and would also urge parents to take responsibility for their children's behaviour.

On the subject of parenthood those of you with children at the Charfield School should have received leaflets urging you to ensure that your children wear seat belts when travelling to school. This was as a result of a council survey in Charfield, which found that a quarter of children being conveyed to Charfield School were not wearing their seat belts.

After the leaflets had been distributed we had some enforcement days, and will have in the future. The leaflets do appear to have had some effect but there were still some appalling examples of parents disregarding their children's safety, such as the father in the front passenger seat with a three-year-old child sat on his lap, neither of them wearing any form of seat belt. It doesn't take much imagination to envisage the results to the child if the father was thrown against the dashboard or windscreen. In another case a lady and her two young children were all seen travelling to school without wearing seat belts.

If you, as an adult, decide not to wear your seat belt you are aware of the possible consequences, both physically and financially. However, your children are not. Needless to say, the adults in the above cases suffered financially.

Staying on the subject of road safety I mentioned in a previous edition that I was aware of at least six people in Charfield, one of them being a sixteen year old, who were persistently driving with no licences nor insurance (let alone tax, MOT etc.!). Since then each of these individuals have been reported on several occasions and, as a consequence, all have now appeared in court and 8been disqualified from driving. Unfortunately, in the case of the sixteen year old this didn't happen until he had been involved in a head on collision with a female motorist on Little Bristol lane, and whilst carrying three passengers even younger than himself in the car. Luckily, despite serious damage to the cars, injuries were light.

Encouragingly I've seen none of these offenders driving since they were disqualified.

PC 3799 Jones

I am writing this after having just shared in an Art and Crafts Day with the staff and pupils at Charfield School. How good it was to spend time being creative and reflective and doing something different from the usual events and activities. With the regular timetable and the academic subjects set aside for a day or two the children had the opportunity of ‘being school’ in a different way, sharing together in creative activities and enjoying the displays and the freedom to be messy and to experiment. With the support of parents and other visitors there was a relaxed and enthusiastic atmosphere around the school and I certainly enjoyed myself as we developed the theme of ‘Nature in Art’.

As I reflect upon that day I am also aware of the need to have the opportunity of exploring ‘being Church’ and ‘being Village’ in different ways and for there to be occasions when we can get to know ourselves and others better. This is surely what holidays or holy-days are all about, when we take ‘time out’ to do or view things differently. There is a phrase that says, ‘you are never closer to God than when you are in a garden’, but, of course, being in a garden demands giving of time to take in what is around you and experiencing the joy and wonder of the natural world. In our day and age this is not easy because the pace of life seems to be so frenetic and I wonder if we are missing out on the very things that we need to help us to be whole and balanced people.

By the time you read this the Summer Fayre and Sports Day will have happened but that is one opportunity of ‘being Village’ in a different way as we share together in a relaxed and enjoyable occasion. At St. John's we are having to explore what ‘being Church’ means because half of me has to be in Kingswood and, therefore, we have to look at things in a different way.

Doing things differently can, and should be, a positive experience and I hope that you will have the opportunity of doing something different over this holiday period and that in doing so you will find out more of what ‘being you’ really means. If you would like to share in ‘being different’ with us then we shall be very pleased to see you!

The Summer Playscheme this year is a short one because of the development of the Foundation Room and will run from Wednesday 1st – Friday 3rd August starting in Church at 10 a.m. Details will be available from the church porch. There is also a similar arrangement over at Kingswood to which Charfield children are very welcome.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving this year will be on Sunday 7th October and we shall be reflecting on the importance of the farming industry to our lives in the light of all the recent difficulties. May you have the space and time to be different over the next month or so and experience the presence of God in your life.

Revd. Robert Pestell, Priest-in-Charge.

I would like to thank those people who kindly gave jumble for the sale in May – what was not sold, a local farmers wife (and husband) collected and in turn passed it on to the PDSA – so it goes to help the animals.

Our June meeting found us admiring the lovely gardens at Hillesley House, kind permission of the owners. Unfortunately cut short by a heavy rainstorm that had us hurrying back to our cars, to meet at the Railway Tavern in Charfield for a much needed ploughman's supper. July 14 will see some of us “doing” teas in the Village Hall for Sports Day refreshments, Charfield's big day, where all money raised goes to help upkeep of the Village Hall and the expenses vandalism creates – when will this endless problem stop?!

Avon Federation of W.I.'s are appealing for all old pre decimal coinage in aid of “Children's Hospice South West”. Charfield Post Office has kindly been a collection point for this good cause. Many thanks. If anyone has some coins maybe they could pass them on to one of our members, which continues until the end of August.

As I write this, I am wondering if we will be meeting next year. With numbers dwindling, members getting older, finding difficulty getting to the meetings. I feel sad to think the W.I. has been meeting in Charfield for 73 years I know many other institutes are experiencing the same problem, but personally I hope this will not happen. Time changes, many women are out to work these days, other commitments and interests. We shall see.

It's nice to meet old friends, enjoy a good speaker, and after a coffee and a chat. See you around.

Pat White

9

Puzzle Page

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This years plant sale was even more successful than before, with takings of over £1750, resulting in a boost to the Church funds of over £1350. This sum is a very useful contribution to the cost of maintaining your Parish Church. Thank you all for your support this and every year. We hope to see some good displays in the local gardens.

I would particularly like to thank all those who so willingly joined me in the organising this year. It meant that I was far more relaxed and enjoyed the experience so much more with far less pressure on me. What is good is that the others tell me they enjoyed it too. I was particularly pleased that two of the team were not from the regular Church membership. They obviously enjoy gardening and wish us well. Strangely, it was an all ladies team! Come on you men. Surely there are some of you who could join us next time! We could do with a few more to join the larger team of people who raise the seeds and seedlings we supply, or who could foster a few perennials or shrubs. Please contact us if you are willing to help in any way for next year.

This year's team consisted: Heather Allen, Tracy Franksen, Mary Hammond, Judy Law, Jackie Swallow and your truly, Kate Ramsay.

We already have a date fixed for “Plant Sale 2002” as Saturday 18th May which, we believe, will be number 20 in this continuous series. We look forward to seeing you then and at out other activities, both in and out of Church.

Thank you all, Kate R 26xxxx

Just a quick note to thank all the people who have helped out with the Baby & Toddler group over the last few months. They've been hectic but fun.

The response from local businesses offering donations has been very successful so, therefore, I would like to thank the following for their support: M.J. Fews, Charfield Post Office, Steve's Shop, Renishaw, Chappell & Dix, Harlequin Therapy Equipment and Eclipse Hair Studio.

We had an arty morning a few weeks back in aid of Fathers Day, that was fun, lots of paint everywhere but the children enjoyed it. A big thank you to Jake for organising that for us. THANK YOU JAKE!

We're at Charfield Memorial Hall every Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and your first visit is free. Put it on the calendar and we hope to see you there.

I'd just like to mention, we are having a Teddy Bears Picnic on the 19th July, the last session before the summer holidays. There will be a raffle with great prizes for adults and children. Please come along. Don't forget your Teddies!

Debbie Williams, Vice Chairperson.

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

11

Right, firstly, does anyone in the village collect used postage stamps for charity? If so, please contact me. I've got some.

I've made quite a few notes over the last three months, but reading back over them, now it's time to write, they seem a bit too distant. Anyway, the first point was when certain persons were not allowed to go to Athens to watch England in the World Cup qualifier. A banning order was placed on them and they were called potential hooligans. I wonder if they list that description on their C.V's.

On the subject of militancy, the recent election made me think about votes for women. Apparently there was quite a low turn-out of voters throughout the country. I do feel strongly that we should exercise our right particularly after the antics the suffragettes went through. We studied this particular group of women when I was at school, in Putney, London, which, incidentally was full with 2000 girls and our Headmistress was made a Dame for her services to the education system. My Dad managed to get me yards and yards of chain and I was to be found in the main Upper Richmond Road, manacled to the school gates, much to the caretakers disgust, shouting, “Votes for Women,” and entertaining all passengers on the 37 bus.

We were in the middle of a bit of change to the garden and ordered a good ton of gravel. This duly arrived, but the only problem was it was in a skip and not those very handy bags with four big handles. “Where do you want it mate?” the driver enquired of Keith. After the realisation that to have it left in the skip until used was a further £85, the driver then deposited it in the corner of Katherine Close, outside our back gate. Now I should explain that my two menfolk, Keith and DJ Lawrence at 26xxxx, were off on a gig AND it was keep Charfield tidy weekend. So what was Maz found to be doing on the Saturday evening? Not watching TV I can tell you.

Now I'm going to get on the subject of cricket. I never watch a live match and only look in on Channel 4 to view some of those gorgeous hunks who make the sport more interesting, but I do listen to the commentary on Radio 4, Long Wave. I'm absolutely hooked. With Blowers and Aggers describing every move and such actions as backward point, mid on, mid off, fine leg to our right, square leg and fine leg, plays down to mid off and finishes with 9 overs and 2 maidens. The best thing of all, though, is when the cream teas are discussed. It's magic.

Now I'm not going to bore you with my BT saga but will just say that to get onto BT Surftime using a 0845 number and not an 0844, or is it the other way around? took five days of phone calls. Eventually as I discussed our difficulties in obtaining this facility with a chap at the Customer Complaints Review Board, he agreed it was a tricky procedure. We had to go through a special helpline charging 50p a minute for advise and when the advisor said, “Key in the default browser,” I was well pleased that Lawrence was sorting it.

Finally, I was listening to a radio discussion program and one of the guests used to be a vet at London Zoo. His name was Oliver Graham-Jones and he had written a paper on the tranquillisation of a pregnant hippopotamus. See, there's so much going on that we know little about.

Have a great summer.

Best Wishes, Marilyn. (Maz at 26xxxx).

The Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to anyone aged 14–23. There will be an open evening at Rock Street behind The Club in Thornbury on Wednesday 19th September from 7:30 p.m. Please come along to find out full details of what is involved in the bronze, silver and gold awards. If you cannot make it on the 19th then come along any Wednesday in term time – same time, same place.

Dog owners are reminded that, for hygiene reasons, dogs are not allowed on the playing fields at the Memorial Hall. Please do not take your dogs there – at any time of day!

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12[Advert for Worktwice Local Computer Repair Centre]

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[Advert for Kingswood Playgroup & Toddlers]

Well, the London Marathon was another wonderful day out for Elizabeth and I. We drove up to London in bright sunshine with our friend, Rob, and were waiting at the 3 mile mark as arranged with about 10 minutes to spare before John came round the corner. I was really thrilled because he looked so fresh (as well he should at only 3 miles) and I knew then that the intense training and thorough preparation was going to pay off.

This year, we were so much more prepared, too, and our rucksacks were full of bananas, Liquid Power sachet drinks (both for John) and plastic bags to sit on. In the event, John ran a much faster time and so there was not much time for us to sit around anywhere as we tried to keep up with him! No sooner had we shouted our encouragement at each spot, then we raced down in to the underground to catch the tube a few stops along to the next point! We were exhausted but we could hardly ask him to slow down, could we? Rob is one of these people who can sense when a back street is going to be a short cut and so Elizabeth and I followed him faithfully down several dark alleyways to avoid the one-way surge of people heading for the underground – he was never wrong! He is also a great “know a man who can” and at least twice that day disappeared for a short while only to reappear just in time to see John and carrying two cups of steaming coffee produced from who knows where!

As I have said before, the crowd are fantastic and although there are loads of people lining the route, all doing the same point to point dash, there is no trouble and everyone moves to let the children get to the front for a better view. There is also a sort of protocol amongst the crowd in that if you are very early arriving at a spot and your runner is not due for, say another 30 minutes, (you can roughly guess this by the human mile markers who run with banners saying “3 hours” or “4.30 hours”) then you stand at the back knowing that as people do spot their runner and they have gone past, they will move away to let you get to the front.

We saw John at the 6 mile mark, (still looking good), the 18 mile (his personal bete noir) 22 miles, when he wasn't looking quite as fresh!, and the end. Our biggest excitement was at the finish when we saw Steve Redgrave come in and then only minutes behind him was John!

We all drove home exhausted and happy with our day – the last Marathon for a while as John has decided not to run next year (although that's what Steve Redgrave said about the Olympics …)

On a completely different note, I recently discovered that I belong to one of the categories 13invented by the media that are really acronyms for a lifestyle. We were never ‘YUPPIES’ and only ‘DINKYS’ (dual income – no kids yet) for a short time. We have never been WHANS (we have a nanny) although we could invent the category of We Have A Fabulous Childminder, but now I have read that I fit in to the bona-fide category of being a WHID!! Apparently this stands for We Have It Delivered!!. The ‘it’ in question is the grocery shopping! I discovered late last year that Tesco will now pick and deliver your shopping to the door after you have spent 10 minutes (or so …) ordering it on your PC. This was a god-send and revolutionized my Christmas food shop! Since then I have used it fairly regularly if I can't get in to Yate to shop myself. My mum calls it (rather disapprovingly) – “buying time” and of course she is right but there are many busy weeks when the saving in petrol and my time is well worth the £5 delivery charge!

However it has been a rude awakening to how little I know about metric measures and how much I buy just on sight without looking at it's volume or weight. This explains why on the night before the school summer fair (when I was committed to baking for the Cake Stall), I ended up with the most uselessly tiny bag of flour imaginable and enough icing sugar to supply Farm Lees!!

I don't think that internet shopping will ever replace my Tesco trolley dash completely, but it is a nice option to fall back on – if I ever get to grips with just how big a 5 litre bottle is!!

Tracy Francksen.

Can you help? Do you have any board games or activities suitable for indoor play by infant or junior age children during wet playtimes? Would you be willing to donate them to Charfield School?

A request for these was made recently in the school newsletter but has yielded little result. (Of course, if you have primary school age children, and therefore receive the newsletter, you probably want to keep the games you have as they are still being enjoyed by your own family!)

If you have any suitable games that have been outgrown by your family, please pass them to any pupil at Charfield School to be brought in after the summer break.

Thank You

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14

Puzzle Page Answers

15

A New Chairman

At the Parish Council meeting on 8th May we elected Gerry Thorn, last year's Vice-Chairman, as Chairman for the forthcoming year. I am very pleased that Gerry has taken on the job and I am happy to support him as Vice-Chairman. At least for this issue, Gerry has kindly agreed to my continuing to write the Parish Council's contribution to the Newsletter!

CHADRA

This gives me the opportunity to thank the Editor for his compliment in the Spring edition. I dare not miss the copy date now! More importantly, I would like to thank all concerned for the excellent way they put the Newsletter together. They do a great job. For example, the big success of the Village Spring Clean was no doubt largely due to the reminders scattered through the Spring edition. It was because of the Newsletter's value, as the main way of communicating with residents, that the Parish Council agreed to make the substantial grant to CHADRA last year to help buy the new printer. If you know of a household in Charfield that does not buy a copy, tell them what fantastic value it is at 25p delivered to your door.

Housing Proposals

I am not yet “connected”, but I am told that on the Charfield Village web site there are comments about proposals for housing in the parish. Again from what I am told, there appears to be some misunderstanding about the status of the proposals. At our meeting on 10th July the Parish Council agreed that I should try to explain what the situation really is. So here goes.

South Gloucestershire Council published their “Local Plan Deposit Draft September 2000” and invited representations from the public. You may have made representations yourself. The Parish Council did, supporting some elements of the Plan and objecting to others. The Plan does not propose a significant change in the village boundary or any significant residential development in the parish. We were happy with that.

Not surprisingly, developers objected to the Plan because it did not allocate potential housing sites over which they have control. We now know that developers have put forward six sites, totalling about 50 hectares (125 acres). All but one of South Gloucestershire's summaries of the objections refer to a proposed railway station in support of the proposals. The exception refers to “good public transport links”. If all the sites were developed, around 1500 new dwellings could be built, making the village 2½ times its present size. That is not going to happen.

These proposals are the developers' first shots in what is, I'm afraid, going to be a long battle. The next key stage is for South Gloucestershire to decide what to do about these objections and the other 2600 representations about the Plan, which covers the whole of South Gloucestershire. Here is their timetable:

2nd August, 18th September and 23rd October – joint meetings of the Council's two Development Control Sub-Committees and Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment Select Committee to form views;
5th November – meeting of the Council's Executive to make recommendations to the Council for approving an amended Plan;
21st November – Council meeting to decide on the amended Plan;
early 2002 – amended Plan (“Second Deposit” or “Revised Deposit”) placed on deposit for 6 weeks.

So what are the options? First, South Gloucestershire might stick to their guns and not accept any of the developments. In that case the sites would not be in the amended Plan. Some or all of the developers would be likely to press their cases at the inevitable public inquiry. It would be for South Gloucestershire to defend their decisions. The second option is that South Gloucestershire might accept one or more of the developers' proposals, or something based on them, and include additional land for housing in the amended Plan. In that event people could support or object to the amendment and objectors could present a case at the public inquiry.

And what can we do now? We can't get involved in the statutory process at this time: we had the opportunity at the first deposit stage and if necessary there will be another opportunity at the second deposit stage. However, there is the usual way of writing to South Gloucestershire Council and/or our local councillor Eddie Gadsby to express a view. If you write, please let the Parish Council have a copy. Anyway, we all need to keep tabs on what is happening at South Gloucestershire Council.

One final point: all except one of the sites are agricultural land outside the village boundary. The exception is the part of the Old Station Yard where the business of MJ Fews is located. According to South Gloucestershire's summary of the objection, Fews intends to relocate and release the site for a new railway station and residential development. This raises the question of whether the land should be safeguarded for continued employment use rather than housing.

16Unauthorised Development

If you want to carry out development for which planning permission is needed, you should apply to South Gloucestershire Council for permission. It is not a criminal offence to proceed without permission, and some people don't bother to apply. They run the risk of enforcement action that could cost them dearly. If a case of apparently unauthorised development comes to the notice of the Parish Council, we ask South Gloucestershire to investigate. I can think of 4 recent cases, including the mobile home in New Street. If you don't know whether permission is needed for your development, ask South Gloucestershire first.

Site Hut

As you can see, the site hut has gone from the end of Manor Lane (30 or so years after it should have gone). The land has still not been transferred to the Parish Council, but we are hopeful that the legal paperchase is at an end. It seems that we have only to pay the bill for the fees and it will be transferred to us. We shall then arrange to get the grass chopped back. We would like your helpful suggestions about what to do with the site in the longer term, for example demolish the brick building that housed the oil distribution system, grass and maintain the site. Remember that it is not just initial cost but the recurring cost of maintenance that has to be taken into account. Or would some organisation or person like to take over the maintenance for the Parish council? Suggestions please, on the tear-off strip.

Litter

A short walk through part of the village on a Monday morning revealed a trail of cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, crisp packets and wrappers from confectionery. We are now considering a scheme of litter picking in the village and paying someone to do it. There are any number of possibilities. For example, should we try to cover the whole village once every six weeks, so that no-one is left out? Or should we cover the through roads and paths more frequently, leaving the culs-de-sac to the relevant residents? Or should we concentrate on the core of the village? Should the play equipment area on the field be picked once a week or more often? Again, let us have your views on the tear-off slip. We will consider them at our meeting on 11th September. There is no scheduled meeting in August, but one will be arranged if there are planning applications or other urgent business.

John E Acton
Vice-Chairman, Charfield Parish Council

Fill in form NOW →

Please post reply to: Charfield Parish Council, “xxxx”, Nind Lane, Kingswood, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7QU

OR take it to one of the following addresses in Charfield:

• The Jays, xx New Street;
• x Farm Lees;
• xx Manor Lane;
• xx Underhill Road;
• xx Charfield Green;
• xxxx, Tafarn Bach;
• xx Charfield Green;
• xxxx Cottage, Little Bristol Lane;
• xx Berkeley Close.

Please cross out the brackets that you do not agree with, and write in any helpful comments.

Site Hut:
The Parish Council should [do the minimum of maintenance to keep the site tidy] [remove the brick building] [landscape the site and plant shrubs] and/or …

I am [not able to help] [willing to help with the initial work] [willing to help with the maintenance] [able to get a local organisation to be responsible for the site]

Litter Picking:
The Parish Council should [not pay for any litter picking] [pay for litter picking the whole village] [pay for litter picking the through roads and main paths] [four times a year] [every 6 weeks] [every … weeks].

The area around the main play equipment should be litter picked [twice a week] [once a week] [every …].

My other comments on litter picking are: …

Name and Address (please print)
…

← DON'T FORGET TO RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRE

17

Minister: Rev. Philip Hopes Tel: 01453 84xxxx
A warm welcome awaits you at all of our services.

Sunday School. Sunday 11am.
Family Service 1st Sunday of each month at 11am.
Fellowship Hour 11am.
Evening Worship 6pm.
Ladies Bright Hour Alternate Tuesday's 2.30pm.
Bible Study and Prayer Friday's 2.30pm.
Group Practice 7.30pm.

Greetings to everyone in Charfield, we now have a Fellowship Hour on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon. We would welcome anyone who wants to join us in our time of singing choruses and prayer. The children still meet at this time in the schoolroom, so your whole family can come along. We have renamed the youngsters group C4J – any guesses what C4J stands for? I'll let you know in the next newsletter … I wonder if you will have the correct answer? You will just have to wait to find out, or come along on Sunday!

Praise the Lord we welcomed two members into the fellowship, Sue and Ian Irwin, on Sunday May 27th. Calling all Christians in Charfield, we have a prayer meeting every Thursday evening starting at 8:30 p.m. Sue, Ian and Nick go prayer walking where the Holy Spirit leads, while the rest of us remain at Chapel lifting them and others in need as the Holy Spirit leads. If you know of people who need prayer please let me know, better still, why not come along and join us and enjoy the fellowship, we usually begin with a ‘cup of tea and biscuit’.

Praise the Lord our Church music and singing group is growing, we now have 7 members, we meet every Friday at 7:30 p.m. for practice. If you would like to come and play an instrument or sing for our Lord, please come and join us and enjoy the fellowship, we usually break for ‘tea and biscuits’.

Praise the Lord 3 more young people have recently joined our C4J. We would love to see many more of our Primary School young people coming along. Please give Linda a ring, 01453 84xxxx

I wish to thank everyone who sent get well cards and flowers etc. during my stay in Hospital and afterwards at home. I'm glad to say I'm now making good progress.

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18

At the start of the cricket season foot and mouth disease threatened disruption. However, local farmers kindly gave the club the go ahead. Most other clubs were also able to play. Warm weather added to the pleasure of starting as did the finding of an under 13 manager. This gives the club no less than six teams: Under 13, 15 and 17, Saturday 1st and 2nd XI's and the Sunday side. The youth teams are probably performing better than their senior counterparts, whom they will no doubt supplant in the near future!

It is on a sad note that I write this article as Sue Bird is leaving Playgroup on the 19th July. She has been with Playgroup for over 3 years and her children attended Playgroup before that and we wish her well in her new job. We are pulling out all the stops to recruit a replacement but if we are unsuccessful, Playgroup will be forced to close. This will be very sad for the Community especially since Playgroup has been running now since 1967 and it plays a valuable role in stimulating local children and preparing them for school.

If you are able to help us in our quest to recruit a new member of staff please contact Nicki Wade Tel. 01454 26xxxx

On a cheerier note, we have had several social events. The Summer Trip to Weston-Super-Mare, on 21st June, was a great success with a full coach of children. The sun even decided to show its face and fun was had by all with donkey rides, sandcastles, picnics on the beach, kite-flying etc. The photographer visited Playgroup on 27th June and over 25 children turned up for the group photograph. Other events due to take place this term are: Teddy Bear's picnic at the village Summer Fayre, Leavers party on 19th July, Annual visit to Canon Court on 20th July and our final event is a Family Disco and BBQ at Leyhill Prison Social Club 27th July.

Provisional bookings for September onwards can be made with Karen Tranter Tel. 01453 84xxxx.

Janice Brett, Secretary

The AGM meeting was held on a lovely warm June evening – thank you to PC Jones and those who attended. Generally Charfield continues to be quiet as far as crime is concerned. A few months back there were 3 commercial burglaries, but the main cause for concern is the number of driving offences that have occurred. Six people have now been disqualified, some for 2 or 3 years and it is hoped that they will stay off the roads.

A survey of traffic speeds has been done on Wotton Road. Generally speeds were less than 41 mph in the 30 mph area. Some higher speeds were recorded late at night.

It is some years since property marking kits were available from contacts – is there a demand? If there is please let me know and we can arrange to buy kits for people to borrow.

Back in April a Neighbourhood Watch Sector Meeting was held at Chipping Sodbury. This is an opportunity for all NW co-ordinators to meet with the police, both the crime prevention department and the inspector in charge of the Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury District. Some areas, particularly Yate, have high levels of garage break ins. The point was made that we are now pretty good at making our houses secure, but that most of us use our garages to store many “easily sellable items”. Please ensure that your garage isn't an easy touch and that property is clearly postcoded. The crime prevention department is keen that all Neighbourhood Watch members display NW stickers on their doors or windows. Please let me know if you would like a new sticker, perhaps over the years you have had new windows or just good tidy up clean!

Finally, the Charfield NW “committee” continues as before. Thank you to Ray Holmes for all the paperwork and contacts who distribute notes and information. Thank you for the support.

Ilze Hicks

You will, I hope, be aware of the plans to refurbish and redevelop the Foundation Room on the site of Charfield School for the benefit of the community. The Governors of the Charity who own the building were dismayed to hear that the costs of the intended work are much higher than expected and that a great deal more money needs to be raised. I remain optimistic that the work will be completed but it will probably now be in two phases as finances permit.

The target figure has risen to £121,575 but in order to allow the Out of School Hours Club to be up and running for the October half-term as planned we need to raise £56,500. So far we have reached £33,500 so we still have some way to go to ‘Raise the Roof’. If you are able to support this project then you will be enabling an important community facility to be available to the people of the village. We are launching a ‘buy a tile’ scheme at £1 per tile and all those who contribute will have their names recorded on a display in the Foundation Room when it is completed. Please help us to ‘Raise the Roof’ and allow this long neglected building to be put to the purpose to which it was intended. Further 19details about the development will be distributed around the village in the future.

If you would like to see a copy of the plans, which include a 5 metre extension with improved facilities and a new meeting room, I shall be pleased to make them available to you. Please ring me on 01454 26xxxx or call at the Rectory. I am convinced that the Foundation Room can play an important role in the life of the community and that the proposed plans would create an attractive and adaptable building that will be used for many years to come.

Robert Pestell

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I had spent the last 12 months preparing for my second London Marathon after the elation of the 2000 race. I ran the 26.2 miles in 5hrs 59mins 33 secs and raised £2500 for Round Table Children's Wish. I had embarked on a more rigorous training programme since the new year and felt better prepared this time.

This time I was running for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust which is another Round Table supported charity. Another Wotton tabler, Tim Colston was also running and we had arranged to meet at the Greenwich start. I was staying at Hammersmith with Weston Running Promotions again – they make you feel like a proper athlete! Saturday was spent travelling on the coach, looking round the marathon exhibition and resting. We had a “pasta party” in the evening watching last year's race on a huge screen and I tried to have an early night.

Race morning dawned bright and clear – and very early! Check microchip is attached to shoe, number is pinned on correctly and down for a bleary-eyed breakfast before getting on the coach to the start. “Chariots of fire” is being played to get us in the mood, the feeling in the coach is quiet and businesslike. I meet Tim just going into the park, so we have our pictures taken and head off to find the other tablers. We have our picture taken with National President Vaughan Harris (who finished in about 7 hours) and do our last minute checks. Our bags go on the luggage lorry and we line up ready for the off. I had taken over as Area Chairman only two days previously so this was my first engagement as Chairman! The gun goes and we are eventually off, taking nearly 11 minutes to cross the start line. Tim and I run together and I find this a huge help to be with someone. Tim said it helped him as well and I could pass on some tips from last year, drink all the water you are offered! Tim had his mobile with him so he could talk to his dad around the course and take calls from wellwishers. I had left mine back in my bag as I would find that too distracting.

We were going well and enjoying the carnival atmosphere. Conditions were just right, cool and clear and we reached Tower bridge (about halfway) in 2hrs 15mins. I was beginning to suffer as I was having a bad patch but Tim saw Della in the crowds and took on some supplies. I saw my support team (Tracy, Elizabeth and Rob) at 6 miles which was a great boost. They also turned up at 12 miles with my rations and then at 18 miles on the Isle of Dogs leg. This was my nemesis from last year where I really suffered, but with Tim it seemed to go very quickly. I let Tim go at this point as he was a little faster than me, and carried on past the Tower of 20London and along the embankment, running my own race.

Looking at my watch I knew it was getting tight to beat 5 hours so I just concentrated and tried to keep going as best I could. The crowds were fantastic, shouting encouragement to those still running (and those who weren't) and I weaved in and out of runners who were walking. It was only when I got to Buckingham Palace and I could see the finish, that I knew I would do it and crossed the line in 4hours 59mins 26 secs, and I was elated. Tim had finished only 2 minutes in front of me and Steve Redgrave plus wife 2 minutes in front of him. Elizabeth got a photo of him earlier so that made her day. I met up with my team and we headed for a reception arranged by the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

I was so pleased to beat 5 hours and gone a full hour quicker than last year. Someone joked “sub 4 hour next year John?” I will miss London next year due to my Round Table Area Chair commitments but may be back again. I would like to thank my support team, all my sponsors (about £1700 raised for Anthony Nolan) – and Tim, who dragged me round the Isle of Dogs when I needed it most. Tired but happy on the coach home I reflected on a wonderful experience and when I could do it again …

John Francksen

Headteacher's report

Well, here I am at the end of my first year of being the Headteacher at Charfield Primary School. So much seems to have happened over this year! Let me take you over some of the events of the year.

Classroom redecorations and improvements
One of the first changes was centred on the infant block. The children are now coming in to their classes through their classroom patio doors. This has considerably eased the congestion that parents, pupils and staff were previously experiencing. As the children come into their classrooms and cloakroom, they are now greeted by yellow rooms and green rooms, freshly painted throughout. There are lovely new tables and chairs in all three classes, replacing the very old and tired looking ones from September. The Friends of the school very generously purchased vertical blinds for these classes, as well as for Mrs. Bradley's classroom. During the summer break each classroom will be carpeted and non-slip vinyl flooring will be placed around the sink areas. This will be funded from the school Governors and the Friends. The cloakroom area will also be carpeted. The boys and girls toilets will have non-slip vinyl on the floors. This will give an enormous boost to our desire to make Charfield Primary School a ‘Quality Learning Environment.’

The Friends added further to the ethos of the school when three of them decorated the Year 3 classroom that was in desperate need of updating. The Friends also purchased new flooring and it now looks like a new classroom!

Trusted prisoners from Leyhill Prison undertook further work when they repainted the library and put up new pine-stained cladding around the walls. The Friends bought vertical blinds and I bought new yellow chairs to finish off our new-look library.

A school vision
At a Governors meeting in November, I was asked to give my vision for Charfield Primary School. I then talked to my staff about this vision for the school in one of our staff meetings. By having a vision of what we wish Charfield Primary School to become, we will be able to focus more clearly on the work that we need to undertake in order to realise this vision.

As part of the consultation process, I wished for all governors, staff, parents and carers and pupils to be able to have their say in what they wished for the school, so that all contributions could be considered. Pupils would also be involved in this through talking with their teachers.

I wanted parents and carers to be involved in shaping this vision through consultation. I wanted to hear their views on how we could make Charfield Primary School a much better and improved school. I held a meeting in the school hall on Thursday 11 January 2001 at 7.00pm. where I talked to parents and carers who were interested in my vision for developing the school. I asked them to let me know of up to three things that they believed this school does well and up to three things that the school could importantly improve on.

From this work, a very thorough and comprehensive School Improvement Plan was drawn up, and the Governors, staff and helpers drew up a set of revised aims for the school. Work on the strategic plan to develop a long term view for the school is currently being worked on.

BOW WOW SOW
In the autumn term, I introduced the strangely named ‘BOW WOW SOW’ assembly to school. Every Friday, the last thing that we now do in school is to have a celebratory assembly. We normally start with celebrating birthdays that have taken place during the week. Children come up to the front for a birthday sticker, a dip in the sweetie bag and we all sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to them. We then have the BOW WOW SOW section where BOW means Behaviour Of the Week, WOW means Worker Of the Week and SOW means Star Of the 21Week. Each teacher nominates one child from their class as their Behaviour, Worker or Star Of the Week. Sometimes, although rarely, as you have to do something really special, we do have a Star Of the Week which is for extra-special work, consideration, or effort. The Star Of the Week can have a dip in the sweetie bag as a special treat! Each child comes out to the front and is given a certificate by their teacher and then receives a big round of applause from everyone. We have a file called the BOW WOW SOW File, which is kept by the school office for all to see and it has all our BOW WOW SOW pupils logged down for everyone to read.

The opening page says ‘We are very proud of these children’ … and we are!!

Dinner times and class assemblies
Dinner times have certainly improved now that all the children are eating in the dining hall, whether they are having a school dinner or their own sandwiches. One tradition that I have already been very impressed with has been the times when pupils and parents and relatives have a school meal together at dinnertime. It's such a nice occasion for parents and grandparents who quite obviously enjoy not only being with their child or grandchild but they also enjoy the fantastic school dinners that Mrs Ealey and her staff so carefully prepare for everyone on a daily basis. I certainly hope that this tradition carries on!

Each class takes its turn to invite parents and family in to watch them perform their class assembly. This happens each term and always proves popular with our audience and the class and teachers work so hard to prepare for their big day.

Theatres, productions and charities
The school has been very busy with Theatre Companies visiting us, classes putting on productions and children raising money for various charities. We held a very successful Harvest Festival in St John's Church. The collection of money raised went to help our appeal for Mubarek and his family in Pakistan. At Christmas the Infants put on a wonderful play in the school hall called ‘Gold Frankincense and Myrrh’ to two packed out audiences. The Juniors put on their lovely Christmas Carol Service in Church, which was inspired by Mr Bradley. We also had the Bristol Old Vic presenting their Nativity play, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The Seagull theatre company performed the moving story of ‘Samson and Delilah’ to the school. This was a story about two workhorses from Victorian times who had two very different lives. Recently, the children had a wonderful recital from a woodwind group.

Our Christmas charity collection focused appropriately on the local charity ‘Homeless at Christmas.’ Mrs Marklove had a very successful coffee morning, raising £315 for MacMillan Cancer Research and this event was covered by The Gazette. We took part in Red Nose Day and raised over £220 and have just raised a similar amount for the Wrong Trousers Day, which will go to support Bristol Children's Hospital. Also we have raised over £550 for the NSPCC.

Our parents have been fantastic at sending in Tesco computer vouchers. We collected 16,500!! This has allowed us to by two electronic keyboards that can be used away from a PC but then linked back up to the PC to download any information typed in, a scanner and some software.

So all in all, a tremendous effort from everyone.

Extra curricular activities
We have had range of extra curricular activities running this year, covering a range of areas such as line dancing, newspaper club, football, netball club, cycling proficiency, cross country and origami. I am extremely grateful to all those adults, both staff and parents, who give up their time to help to run these clubs for our pupils. It really does give the children that bit extra.

Books
We had great fun around the time of World Book Day, when we had lots of different literary events such as a book fair, the Storybox Theatre production of ‘Jack’, (a fantastic version of Jack and the Beanstalk, which was a real highlight for many of our children and staff too). We also had a Bedtime Story Slumber Party after school on Friday evening in the Mrs Peer's and Mrs Windram's classes, following the idea by Mrs. Peer, the school Literacy co-ordinator, who arranged this. Although the staff were all very tired from an extremely busy week's work, everyone turned up to read their favourite stories, first to our infants and then a little later on in the evening to our juniors. Hot chocolate and biscuits were served during the evening and all who came, even the parents, had a wonderful time!!

Remodelling plans
Towards the end of the autumn term, the school was invited by the LEA to bid for money for re-modelling the school. Eight schools deemed to be in most need of rebuilding or remodelling, were asked to submit a plan to support their bid. A plan was carefully put together and presented to the LEA before the end of the term, but unfortunately we were not one of the two lucky schools to be chosen. However it has not stopped our desire to campaign for the remodelling of the school. The two ‘temporary’ classrooms, which have been on site for over the last 20 years, are in real need of renewal. The Governors, staff and myself are determined to carry on campaigning for the remodelling that we believe our children and school community really deserve. It was encouraging that Steve Webb, the local Member of Parliament, came 22to visit the school on 22 March 2001, to put his weight behind our campaign.

Staffing changes
This year we have seen the departure of some long serving members of staff. Two of our dinner ladies left, Mrs Fisher and Mrs Bath. Mrs Bath has been at this school for over 27 years! Mrs Booth will be saying goodbye after quite a few years of service, so we are currently looking for a replacement to start in September. Soon we will be saying goodbye to Mr Penn, as he will be taking up a permanent post in another primary school in the LEA. We wish him well.

But the most notable departure was Mr Bradley, who after nearly 30 years of service, took a well-earned break. One of the leaving presents the school bought him was a scanner, and I understand that Mr Bradley is fast becoming something of a computer whiz kid!

Mrs Boyles was appointed to teach the Year 3 class until the end of the summer term, 2002 and Mrs Tylee will be coming back to share a Year1/Year 2 class with Mrs Holmes starting this September.

As I am writing this we are near the end of our two ‘Days of Art’ in school. Local artists have given us their time and skills to lead work in pencil line drawing, pastels, collage, pottery and concrete, landscape painting, computer art, making slide projectors, clay and tiling work. This has all resulted in two very busy, but very enjoyable days of art where our pupils have so clearly enjoyed these various elements of art. I would also like to thank the small army of mums who came in to help in the classes and support the children.

When I look back on this report, I am amazed at how much goes on in our school, and I haven't even said anything about the day-to-day teaching and learning and how our SATs results have improved! What I do know is that the school is so very fortunate to have such a hard working, dedicated and professional set of teachers and support staff combined with a helpful Governing Body.

It has been a very hard year's work, but one where a lot of work has been done that will show its impact in this next year, and hopefully the years that follow.

Stefan Frontczak, Headteacher

Due to lack of time and space I have to re-home some of my rescued animals. It is not a decision I have come to lightly, and I will only let them go to good, caring pet homes. If you can offer any of these super animals a home, please contact me.

I have for re-homing:

• 7 chipmunks – 5 brown and 2 white. Must stay together.
• A male umbrella cockatoo – must go to someone with experience of cockatoos.
• 4 green iguanas – 3 female, 1 male. I will split them up, but to go to experienced homes only.
• 3 White Tree Frogs – to go together, to experienced home.

If you can help please speak to me on 01454 26xxxx or 07811 89xxxx or email me at xxxx @ supalife.com

Tracey White

In the fourth Charfield Newsletter published in June 1976 there was much excitement about the forthcoming Annual Sports Day. The proceedings were opened by the Rev. Awdry and attractions that were booked included All Star Women's Wrestling, and displays by the Army and RAF.

Elsewhere in the Newsletter were profiles of the recently elected Parish Councillors, and articles from the Sodbury and District Cribbage League, The Tavern Social Club, and Kingswood Badminton Club. A youth club had also recently been started, and was well attended.

There was a letter to the editor complaining about vandalism in the village, and a reminder from the editor about contributors getting their copy in on time. We've come a long way in 25 years!

Forthcoming events:
All events will be held in the school unless stated otherwise. Further details will be published nearer the time

New Parents PTA Social Evening with Year 7 Tutors
25 September
Those starting at the school next September and their parents have an opportunity to meet the PTA and the Year 7 Tutors on an informal basis

PTA Annual General Meeting
1 October
A chance for you to be more involved in the life of the school

23Murder Mystery Evening
19 October
A great success when it was last held. Some members of the school Drama Society act out a short murder mystery play and it is your job to try and work out ‘who dun it’.

Quiz Night (TBA)
We still need to fix a date for sometime in the autumn for this popular event. Chemistry teacher Mr Benham once again has offered to organise another of his quiz nights which is guaranteed to get those little grey cells working.

Craft Fair
9 December
A new venture for the school and a chance to buy some interesting Christmas presents for those difficult-to-buy-for friends and relatives. Maybe you know of a stall holder who might be interested in having some space.

Casino Night
25 January 2002
Very popular with those who like a little nil-risk flutter where no real money changes hands (during the games that is – after all this is a fund raising event!). Once again the Thornbury Lions been booked for an evening of gambling and hilarity. It is all in good fun as your ticket price covers you for ‘several hundreds of pounds worth’ of chips and there is a prize for the person who ends up with the greatest winnings. There will also be a bar available. Why not come along and see if Lady Luck is with you.

Promises Auction
TBA October 2002
This is always a major fund raiser for the school. It is time to start thinking now of that unusual item or activity that you might be able to donate or maybe you might be on the lookout for an unusual gift for someone with a ‘milestone’ birthday coming up.

And finally:

The PTA owns a large Marquee, which is available for hire. Measuring 25ft × 14ft, it costs £60 (inc. supply and erection) for the first day and £10 a day thereafter. Bookings can be taken by Margaret Clarke on 01454 26xxxx.

For further details on any of the above please feel free to contact Trevor Mason, PTA Chairman, on 01453 84xxxx

Trevor Mason, Chair of the PTA

Following questions and answers were collated from British GCSE exams (16 year olds)!

Geography

Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: What is a planet?
A: A body of earth surrounded by sky.

Sociology

Q: What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?
A: If you are buying a house, they will insist you are well endowed.

Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Biology

Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.

Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What is the Fibula?
A: A small lie.

Q: Give the meaning of the term ‘Caesarean Section’.
A: The caesarean section is a district in Rome.

Q: What is a seizure?
A: A Roman emperor.

24Q: What is a terminal illness?
A: When you are sick at the airport

Q: Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A: Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and so they look like umbrellas.

English

Q: Use the word ‘judicious’ in a sentence to show you understand its meaning.
A: Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.

Technology

Q: What is a turbine?
A: Something an Arab wears on his head.

Religious Education

Q: What is a Hindu?
A: It lays eggs.

Tommy Cooper one liners …

So I was in my car, and I was driving along, and my boss rang up, and he said ‘You've been promoted.’ And I swerved.
And then he rang up a second time and said “You've been promoted again.’ And I swerved again.
He rang up a third time and said ‘You're managing director.’ And I went into a tree. And a policeman came up and said ‘What happened to you?’ And I said ‘I careered off the road.’

Two cannibals eating a clown. One says to the other “Does this taste funny to you?”

Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks.
They charged one and let the other one off.

A blind bloke walks into a shop with a guide dog. He picks the dog up and starts swinging it around his head. Alarmed, a shop assistant calls out:
‘Can I help, sir?’ ‘No thanks,’ says the blind bloke. ‘Just looking.’

Cos it's strange, isn't it. You stand in the middle of a library and go ‘Aaaaaaagghhhh!’ and everyone just stares at you. But you do the same thing on an aeroplane, and everyone joins in.

He said ‘I'm going to chop off the bottom of one of your trouser legs and put it in a library.’
I thought ‘That's a turn-up for the books.’

And the back of his anorak was leaping up and down, and people were chucking money to him.
I said ‘Do you earn a living doing that?’ He said ‘Yes, this is my livelihood.’

So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me “Can you give me a lift?”
I said “Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it.”

You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said ‘Parking Fine.’ So that was nice.

So I went down my local ice-cream shop, and said ‘I want to buy an ice-cream’. He said ‘Hundreds & thousands?’
I said ‘We'll start with one.’

I went to Millets and said ‘I want to buy a tent.’ He said ‘To camp?’,
I said (butchly) ‘Sorry, I want to buy a tent.’ I said ‘I also want to buy a caravan.’
He said ‘Camper?’
I said (campily) ‘Make your mind up.’

So I went to the dentist. He said “Say Aaah.” I said “Why?” He said “My dog's died.”

Now, most dentist's chairs go up and down, don't they? The one I was in went back and forwards. I thought ‘This is unusual’. And the dentist said to me ‘Mr Cooper, get out of the filing cabinet.’

So I got home, and the phone was ringing. I picked it up, and said ‘Who's speaking please?’ And a voice said ‘You are.’

So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said ‘Is that the local swimming baths?’
He said ‘It depends where you're calling from.’

So I rang up a local building firm, I said ‘I want a skip outside my house.’ He said ‘I'm not stopping you.’

Have a Great Summer!

25

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?

26

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

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 26 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: 2017-02-01.