CHADRA

Next Copy Date – 12th July 2004

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What a fantastic response we've had for this issue. The Cubs did us proud with 32 pictures encouraging us to get recycling. Picking one picture to publish proved just too difficult for us and so we have chosen one overall winner, for the front cover, and six runners up.

Congratulations to Andrew Francksen (aged 8) who is our cover artist for this issue. Our runners up are, in no particular order, Connor Palmer (aged 8), James Watkins (aged 8), Ryan Pilkington (aged 8), Alex Ashford (aged 9), Miriam Smith (aged 9) and Dominic James Mosley (aged 8¾). Their pictures can be found inside this edition.

We will be arranging for you to receive your prizes at your pack meeting, just as soon as we can, and there will be a ‘little something’ for all of the Cubs for taking part and giving us some excellent choices.

That is not all, we have another artist in this edition and that is Naomi Jones of Berkeley Close. Her picture is also inside this issue. Thank you for taking the time to draw for us – your prize will be with you soon.

Perhaps this will inspire you to ‘have a go’. Let us have your pictures (16 cm square, black and white only) on the theme of ‘Me and my Village’ and maybe you will be getting a prize too.

Let's Do It!
Let's spruce up
the village.

Saturday and Sunday – April 24th and 25th – 10–12 noon & 2–4 pm

Admit it – it looks pretty grim right now, doesn't it. Oh, yes, the grass will grow and hide some of the bottles, sweet wrappers and cigarette packets but they're all still there. It would be great to think they'll biodegrade and just go away but they won't, will they – and what is our village going to look like soon? Even more neglected, untidy and unloved. Is that the way we want it?

Maybe if you haven't walked through it lately you haven't noticed how bad it is. If you don't believe us just try the footpath bridge, a stroll down by the playing field or a wander through the estate.

We know that some of the rubbish will be coming from those people who seem to think that chucking their waste out of the car window is OK. Not their problem. Someone else will deal with it. But not all of it. Some will be coming from carelessness or accidents. But not all of it. Sadly, most of it is coming from us – here in the village. Not you and us, of course. We never drop bits – do we? But wherever it's coming from (and if you have any ideas on that score are you able to change things?) it has to be dealt with before we disappear under a tide of the stuff. And I'm afraid we are the ones who have to deal with it whatever the rights and wrongs.

So will you spare an hour – yes, if there are enough of us that's all it takes – on either Saturday or Sunday April 24 or 25? Come along to the village hall car park (between 10 and 12 in the morning or 2 and 4 in the afternoon) where you will be given gloves, rubbish bags and a picker and help spruce the place up. We've done it before and no doubt we shall have to do it again but it really does make a difference!

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My weekend started by meeting the others from Ware Joggers at 5am (yawn!) in Ware on Saturday to catch the coach for our trip to Amsterdam. I had left home in Gloucestershire not long after 2am so I was hoping for some sleep! Not the best of preparation for a marathon! A few bleary-eyed “Good mornings” and we were all on board under the watchful eye of Roy and Val. I managed some sleep despite being woken by the odd sing-song on our way to Dover. The crossing was calm and I took the opportunity to stock up on carbohydrate with the others. There were over 40 of us, not all were running the 26.2 mile monster as there was a 10K and half marathon on offer as well.

We continued on our way across Europe and reached the Dutch capital at about 4pm. The ING building there had been fitted with huge orange laces to make it look like a running shoe as ING were sponsoring the event. We headed straight for the Expo to register and do a bit of shopping, picking up nice souvenir technical T-shirts we had pre-ordered. As we were tired from travelling we headed for the Holiday Inn to check-in. Some went into the city for dinner but I decided to stay in the hotel and prepare for tomorrow. A few others had opted for the same and after a good pasta-rice dinner, I headed to the room I was sharing with Craig to sort out things such as attaching my timing chip to my shoe and fixing my race number. My room-mate was in a state of some nerves as it was his first marathon, so I spent some time helping him out which seemed to take my mind off it. When I asked him what was the longest run he had done and he replied “15 miles”, I thought “Oh dear” and wondered if he would struggle as he had youth on his side (he did).

I dropped off to sleep after listening to a Paul McKenna tape, visualising outsprinting Paula Radcliffe (some hope).

The next morning dawned bright and clear and after a hearty breakfast we headed off to the start at a leisure centre close to the Olympic stadium. I got ready and jogged over to the stadium with the others. There was a real buzz about the place as the gun went off to signal us all heading out from the 1928 Olympic games venue. I crossed the start line quickly, none of this 20 minute London nonsense and I was soon into my stride. In fact, I was trying to stay with the faster Ware runners and, realising it was not a good idea to go off quickly, eased off as we headed back into the stadium and out on a loop. I had a wristband on for a 4:30 schedule and kept checking my progress at the KM markers. The race seemed to go more quickly as there were more markers for 42KM than 26.2 miles! Water and isotonic drink was being handed up in paper cups and I perfected a technique of diluting the drink with the water to make it more palatable. The route was largely flat and followed the canals once out of the city and was used for the 1928 Olympic marathon. I was going well and passed the halfway mark in 2:10 which was inside my schedule. I talked to a few people along the way but most seemed absorbed in their own race. I met up with an English guy and we chatted for a few miles.

I had a bad patch at about 32 km and struggled to find my rhythm again. I got a few shouts of encouragement of “Come on Englishman!” as I was wearing Union flag shorts! By luck I was caught by a pacing group and managed to pick things up, staying with them until about two miles to go as we were back in the streets of Amsterdam. At last I saw the stadium looming as we came out of the park. There were large crowds outside and inside the stadium to welcome us as I hit the running track for the last time. It felt so good as I made 5my way round and crossed the finishing line in 4 hours 33 minutes 15 seconds, which was a personal best by 26 minutes so I was very pleased!

I collected my medal and changed back at the leisure centre. Back on the coach there were many stories of PB's so the mood was upbeat for our journey back. We eventually arrived back in Ware around 2am on Monday morning so I was a bit tired in work the next day, but very happy with my marathon. I raised around £250 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation also. My next marathon will be in Edinburgh in June and I would recommend going on a club weekend away. I was made very welcome and got to know people better.

John Francksen

Are you aware of the development of Broadband telecommunication services? Broadband offers a number of advantages over existing connections:

It's 10 times faster than a modem.

You can connect AND have a telephone conversation using the same line.

Uses your current phone line – no aerials, dishes or digging up the drive.

Connect faster for all your internet needs – business, games, audio, communication or just sending those digital family photos to faraway relatives!

And it costs between £15 and £20 per month as a fixed fee to your internet service provider.

You probably know that most of the UK currently has this facility and so does Thornbury, Wotton under Edge and other nearby towns. Which is great if you have a Wotton under Edge phone number in Charfield but not if you don't – because the Falfield exchange does not offer Broadband to the communities it serves – including Charfield on the south side of the railway.

What you might not know is that BT need a minimum of 350 people to merely express interest in getting Broadband. There are over 200 people who have already registered their interest and if you want to contribute to getting Broadband for your community quickly then have a look at the website to promote this facility – www.falfieldbroadband.com and follow the simple instructions on how to register.

Once there are 350 interested and registered households then BT will add the Falfield exchange to the queue to be upgraded with the technology. You don't even have to use BT as your ISP – so you can pick and choose which ISP you want to use.

There's no risk – whichever way you do it you can change your mind once Broadband becomes available.

For more information on how to register, or to offer your services as a volunteer in the campaign to bring broadband to Falfield, visit FalfieldBroadband.Com or contact Simon Troup (xxxx @ digitalmusicart.com) or Graham Parton (xxxx @ madasafish.com).

The Court Players have recently won 2 awards for their One Act Play “Closing Up“ by Ben Cannon, a local Author from Yate.

The play was entered for in the One Act Play Festival in Bristol at the QEH Theatre where the Group won the Les Solomon Decor Award for Set design.

6It was also entered in the Gloucestershire One Act Drama Festival at the Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham where it received the Award for “Best Original Play“

Paul Binding, the Producer said:

“I am delighted that the Court Players have won 2 Awards with this play. As ever, the competition is stiff and for Ben Cannon to win such an Award with his first One Act play is really great. Congratulations to all those involved!”

The Court Players are already in rehearsal for their next Production “On Golden Pond“ which will be performed at the Memorial Hall, Rangeworthy from 20th–22nd May at 7.30. Tickets can be obtained by ringing 01453 81xxxx

Some of your readers may be aware that The Farm Nursery at Watsome Farm run by Chris Bennett unfortunately closed its doors last Summer.

From that closure and with fantastic help and support from Chris Bennett, a new nursery has started in North Nibley namely Nibley House Nursery. The owner Debbie Eley set up this new setting in a wing of the large Georgian manor house last year and opened in time for the new term in September 2003. The links with The Farm Nursery are close, the same staff, Manager Sheila Terrett, Deputy Paula Philpott and Nursery Assistant Corrine Slater. Many of the resources and activities are the same as is the dedication to providing quality childcare in line with Government guidelines.

We have large rooms where the children can participate in all sorts of activities, from painting, junk modelling, cooking, separate reading area and a large outdoor play area surrounded by farm animals.

Some of the activities the children have taken part in since we opened include:

• We saw a cow and newly born calf on the farm and saw the cow being hand milked.
• The newborn lambs (including a lamb actually being born in front of the children).
• A nativity play and Christmas party with a special visit from you know who!
• Took part in World Book Week and Operation Christmas Child.
• We have celebrated many festivals from around the world including Chinese New year – the children made a stir-fry and attempted to use chopsticks!
• Visits from the Road Safety Officer.

And many more topics …

We are in the process of changing our registration from Sessional Day care to Full Day care and are now taking booking for September 2004. If you would like more information about the nursery or would like to pay us a visit, please contact Debbie Eley on (01453) 54xxxx for more information and/or a brochure.

Ofsted Registered Number EY 260968.
Nibley House Nursery, xxxx, North Nibley, Glos. GL11 6DL

We have been a bit thin on the ground lately due to several members being unwell, but hopefully they are on the mend.

We had a lovely meal at the Tavern at the end of January, instead of our usual Christmas one. It was enjoyed by all and made a good start to the year. We meet now in the Sports Lounge which is much cosier for us. We still do quizzes to exercise our brains and play bingo for 7fun. We have lots of laughs so everyone goes home happy.

The community policeman is coming on the 5th May to give us a talk. There is an outing to Weston in May with the Wickwar people, and we are hoping to have a couple of short trips ourselves for the benefit of the ones who can't walk very far.

M J Ealey, Secretary

Hello!

It's Saturday night, (well actually it's now Wednesday, but it was Saturday when I wrote this on paper!!!), absolutely chucking it down with rain, I'm all cosy indoors and am listening to a programme celebrating the life of Alistair Cooke. He wrote every “Letter from America” on a manual typewriter. Are they still being made? I used to be so speedy bashing out stuff on my old Remington.

Technology caught up with me last week. A tap dancing friend of mine loaned me some fab photos she had taken at our last show. All shiny and glitz. I asked Lawrence if he would scan them. Bless him. He didn't, but did put them on a disc!! I've now returned the photos but if you would like to see them, I can't just whip my snaps out of my pocket, but can invite you around to play them on TV via the DVD player. At least I think that's what I've got to do. I know, I know, I'll get there. Furthermore, Lawrence has gone on a long holiday, so I am now at his computer, with four pages of instructions typing this and then will send via whatever to Hilary and Geoff. I wonder if Alistair Cooke rebelled too.

Bob Flowerdew was extolling the wonderful reason for allowing brambles to course their way through your garden, when the phone went and I didn't hear why. Does he know I'm still battling with mine and trying to make me feel better.

School life is still absolutely fantastic. It's so wonderful when a festival is soon to be upon us. My brilliant work colleagues are quite happy for me to be adorned in glitter, glue, crepe paper, cotton wool and sticky shapes for Christmas surprises or Easter baskets. And as for the snow. Why is it that a pupil who should really show you respect and politeness, can throw the hardest of snowballs at you and get away with it? I was a bit disappointed last week. A new photocopier arrived. Smart, efficient, but not the same. I 8liked the old one. You had to lean against it, stroke the top gently, make sure all the drawers were tucked in and convince it to copy all your important documents. Definitely male!

If you happen to be going to London and want to see a show AND you like dancing and lovely songs, I recommend Anything Goes. It certainly “de-lightful, de-licious and de-lovely.”

On the subject of dancing, I've discovered a wonderful new product called Party Feet. They're small inserts of plastic gel shapes that slip into the most festive of footwear and can see you through hours and hours of bopping and no throbbing balls, of feet, of course.

Happy Spring to you.

Best Wishes, Maz.

Right now, (this is an extra bit). My last few lines have gone into double line spacing. Perhaps I pressed something in excitement. Anyway Stroud College are offering a one day course in June – absolutely everything you need to know about computers. Did you see it in the Gazette last week? Next job – phone them. Right Hils & Geoff, get ready.

The other weekend the Group took part in a very successful fund-raiser at the charities Fair in Wotton raising £467 with a tombola and catering. Thanks to the help from the parents and Cubs and Scouts the day went very smoothly – thank you to you all.

As reported in the previous Chadra, the Cubs, as part of their Global Challenge took part in a survey of the village. Each six took a different route around the village armed with cameras for the worst areas and good – we added. There are some really pretty gardens in the village. They were each given tally sheets to record litter, broken glass, dog mess, graffiti and any other undesirable objects. The litter situation wasn't too bad, most blown onto fences, dog mess was sparse, graffiti in the bus shelters and by the park, one Cub was so keen to cover everything leaves were added to his ‘other’ column. One thing we noticed on the route through the village up to the hill, were the notices on the telegraph poles, some out of date and one council notice asking for objections to the plans of the school to be submitted by 2002! A newer planning application had been added underneath, why can't they take the old one away? And around the shops – although bins are provided they are not always being used. Also noted by the Cubs, chewing gum and cigarette ends where the school buses pick up.

Enough of the Cubs, as Chadra goes to print 32 of the Group are visiting our friends in Malta, we hope to have a wonderful time and have lots of pictures to show when we get back.

On 8th May 1st Woodend Scout Group are holding a 30th anniversary reunion do at the Scout HQ, Cromhall. We would like to invite all members past and present to this event. Tickets are £5.00 a head, which includes lunch and first drink. Call me on 01454 26xxxx for more information or to book your tickets.

On 11th May at 7.30pm at the Scout HQ, we will be holding our AGM each section will be presenting badges on this evening so we hope to see all members and their parents there. Also on show will be work from the sections and of course pictures from Malta presentation.

Yours in scouting

Sandra Carnegie
Group Scout Leader

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These are pictures from the Cubs for our front cover that win Runners Up prizes

[Six graphics]

Connor Palmer, age 8
Ryan Pilkington, age 8
Miriam Smith, age 9
James Watkins, age 8
Alex Ashford, age 9
Dominic James Mosley, age 8¾

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Advertising

[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

11[Advert for W.S. Franks vehicle repair]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes reflexology]

[Advert for Claire Saunders hairdresser]

[Advert for Surround Sounds]

[Advert for Skips]

[Advert for Littles Curtains]

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It has been another busy term for Pre School.

Our sponsored brick build proved a great success, all the children got involved, and with the monies raised we are going to replace some of our older toys and extend our range of toys for the older children. To date we have collected just over £500 pounds and we will be able to claim almost another £100 from the Inland Revenue in ‘Gift Aid’. Many thanks go to all of you out there who sponsored the children.

Many of the children also took part in a Safari video shoot, which was great fun; we clearly have some real stars in the making.

We undertook a clean up of the side of the building, which was getting over grown. Thanks to all who turned up to help (especially the Clokes, Riddles, Wignalls and Williams) on a couple of very chilly February weekends and a special mention to Soils of Kingswood for their generous donation of the stone chippings that completed the make over.

Further thanks go to the Parish Committee, their kind donation, enabling us to get much needed diversity toys. We are also very grateful for the generosity of the Greater Bristol Foundation whose grant, from their Bristol & West '97 fund, provided us with a new photocopier. The children love colouring in the outline pictures they have representing different letters each week and the photocopier lets them do more and more! This is especially useful as the first week of term sees us at ‘J’ and there's still along way to go to ‘Z’!

This term has also had its sadder moments, with the departure of Sue, who left us at the end of this term; Sue has been a part of Pre School life for many years. She will be greatly missed by; children, parents, staff and committee (past and present) and we want to extend our thanks to Sue for all her hard work and excellent contribution over the years and wish her the very best for the future.

We are looking forward to a busy and enjoyable Summer term, we continue to run 5 sessions a week, as well as a rising five session for those going up to school in September. From the start of the summer term we will be offering two lunch club sessions on Thursdays and Fridays. If you want to find out more about what Pre School has to offer, please contact Maria Cloke, our admissions secretary, on 01454 26xxxx or myself on 01453 52xxxx.

Kate Scally
Chair of Pre School

The Junior Coaching Programme will again operate on Weekend mornings. We hope that Club Members will take full advantage of the Booking System to play as much as possible at all other times.

This year we are starting a ‘Club Night’ on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. when we hope Senior Members will come and play and meet new members that they haven't played with before, these sessions will be lead by Pat Parfitt, the Club Coach.

Club Annual Subscriptions are not excessive (and are now due!): Student / Junior £3, Single £10, Couple £18, Family £20 and the Court is now in good shape so there's a great opportunity here if you are interested in keeping fit and 13tackling a game that presents challenges on lots of levels and so can be very rewarding for a wide range of people.

We welcome New Members. Please don't hesitate to ring Nicola Coleman Secretary 01453-84xxxx, Ilze Hicks, Treasurer 01454-26xxxx or Pat Parfitt 01453-52xxxx if there is anything at all that you would like to know.

Had I been required to write this article three weeks ago I would have had nothing to report on, however, that is no longer the case.

In a recent edition of CHADRA I mentioned the current trend of burglaring houses in order to steal car keys and thence the car from the driveway. This has now happened in Charfield.

Overnight on the 9th / 10th March access was gained to two houses on Longs View, Charfield by forcing the rear windows.

At one of these addresses not only were mobile ‘phones, a wallet and bank cards stolen but also two mountain bikes and car keys, which were then used to steal a Golf GTI and a BMW motor car from outside.

Strangely the BMW subsequently was abandoned in Willow Close, Charfield and the two mountain bikes were found abandoned in Woodlands Road, Charfield. A stolen Volvo motor car from Bristol was also found abandoned on Longs View.

The stolen bank cards were used in several fraudulent transactions very soon after the burglary.

Similar incidents have occurred locally, including in Hawkesbury Upton, recently.

Our burglary squad are currently working on numerous lines of enquiry and piecing together the jigsaw. However, the impact of such burglaries is greatly reduced by the simple expedient of denying burglars easy access to car keys, wallets etc.

What could be easier than simply leaving such items in the pockets of your clothes when placed in your bedroom overnight? Also consider reviewing your basic home security: locks, alarms etc.

These items are usually only taken when left openly on view on the ground floor of an occupied house. Most burglars certainly would not risk confrontation in order to take such items, so just keep them with you or out of sight and you could save yourself a huge amount of inconvenience. This applies particularly to the owners of high performance or prestige cars.

During the night of 24th March three more vehicle related crimes occurred in Charfield when vans and pick-ups were broken into, or an attempt made, on Longs View, Avon Road and Manor Lane. On this occasion tools, specifically power tools, were stolen.

Again, at the risk of repeating myself, such tools should be removed overnight if practicable and, if not; they should at least not be left open to view. It also helps if serial numbers are recorded and the tools are indelibly marked with postcode / initials.

Hopefully the above incidents represent just a blip after a long quiet spell. However you can often help yourselves from becoming victims by the simplest of precautions.

Obviously, if anybody has information relating to any of the above incidents I would welcome it.

PC 3799 Jones

14

Calling all gardeners … Advance Notice of the Charfield Church Plant Sale!!

The date for this year's Church Plant Sale at St John's Church has been fixed for …

Saturday 15th May 2004. 10 o'clock start

Last year's sale was a great success and this year's is planned to be even better as we have stocked up on your favourites and introduced some unusual plants for you to try!!

The plant sale has built up a well deserved reputation for quality and value and many ‘regular customers’ travel a considerable distance. If you are a gardener, then put the date in your diary now – you can't afford to miss it!

[Graphic: Flower pots]

I have lived in the village for just over eight years, so I acknowledge that I am a relative newcomer. In all the time I have been here, whenever there are plans for further development – building new houses –a shocked cry always goes up of ‘surely not – we can't let it happen!’

To be honest, I really don't understand what the problem is. If there hadn't been development in the past, then I would not be living here. If a further 100 homes were built, it could have a positive effect on the village. Existing villagers who want to move to that larger/ smaller home may not need to leave the village to do so. The people moving into these homes may want to take on the roles of guide leader/ junior football coach that the village needs.

There are, of course potential negative impacts – increased traffic, and pressure on school class sizes, for instance, but these will come anyway, wherever these homes are built (and nobody can deny that they need to be built). Do we have to persist with this ‘Not in My Back Yard’ mentality?

Increasing the size of the village may make other changes economically viable – it may mean that public transport improves, or indeed accelerate the reopening of the railway station (another contentious issue). It could also mean that we get a takeaway in the village, saving the car journey to Wotton-under-Edge. Extra houses would also mean that the council would collect more council tax, giving them more money to spend. I won't pretend that everyone else's would go down!

I appreciate that not everyone would see these changes as beneficial, but if there had not been any development, then most of us would not be living here – why do we have the right to deny others that opportunity. Change usually brings a mix of good and bad. There are always two sides to any story.

New life and new hope. That is the message of Easter that we are about to celebrate as I write this article. I hope that you all enjoyed a blessed and peaceful Easter and that the remaining months of Spring bring you joy and happiness. The media is once again dominated by news of events in Iraq. On the anniversary of the overthrow of 15Saddam Hussein, it seems that one evil has been replaced by another. Other parts of the world also give concern, continued hostility between Israel and the Palestinians, injustice in Zimbabwe, conflict in Afghanistan, the ever present problem of HIV and Aids, the effects of poverty, starvation and violence and the threat of worldwide terrorism. We can and we do go about our everyday lives seeking normality, safety and security. We all, after all, want the best for ourselves and our loved ones and this is also true of God, he wants the very best for all his children. So why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Surely a God who is in control and a God who loves us would not allow so many terrible things to happen within the world that He has created? Well, God certainly created the world for good and there is a great deal of good for us to appreciate and give thanks for.

But God also created the world, and us, in love and love is a vulnerable quality that seeks rather than demands a response in return. Just as God loves us He wants to be loved in return and to do that He has given us freewill to make decisions for ourselves. Yes, He could prevent all the evil and pain and suffering in the world but that would mean Him interfering and becoming a controlling God, something that He has never sought to be. For better or for worse the choice lies with us and we each have our part to play in making the world a better place. For His part God is not just an interested observer, He is present in the world and in our lives and He is there to help if we reach out to Him. God has already demonstrated His love for each one of us by sending Jesus to take away all our sinfulness upon the cross, and His promise of new and everlasting life is revealed in the resurrection of Easter Day. When we experience pain and suffering in our lives and hear of others who face all kinds of difficulties let us remember that God is with us and that His healing presence can bring about new life and new hope even in the moments of greatest despair.

May God bless you all as we live in the light of the resurrection of our Lord.

Revd. Robert Pestell
Rector of Charfield and Kingswood.

From the registers January – March 2004

Funerals
15th January Paul Davis (48) of Longs View
6th February Audrey Parratt (79) of Cabot Close, Yate
9th February John Bevan of Manor Lane
10th March Shirley Cotterell (70) of Pound View, Church End

Baptisms
25th January Amy McCorkell of Hillesley Road, Kingswood
14th March Daniel Oxenham of New Street

Marriage Blessing
27th March John Butler and Lynne Barke

Church Windows at St. John's
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the cost of repairs to the church windows. The first phase of this work has now been completed and I would especially like to thank Allison Trueman and her family and Tony Lewis for arranging special fund raising activities. Allison for organising two jumble sales and Tony for growing and selling marigold plants. These extra efforts have helped to ensure that the repairs have been completed and we now have to raise further funds to replace the rusting guards to the stained glass windows. If you can help in any way then I, or the treasurer, Bryan Grantham, will be pleased to hear from you.

Revd. Robert Pestell.

16

Advertising

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Safeclean]

[Advert for Manor Garden Maintenance]

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Daw]

17[Advert for Evergreen Computing]

[Advert for SM Consultancy]

[Advert for Laura Needham]

[Advert for Massage Table Store / Positive Pressure]

18

Since the last edition of Chadra we have only held one event, a Promises Auction in March which raised a massive £1800 (total figures haven't been finalised yet, so this amount may increase!).

With more than 60 fantastic pledges from both local & national companies, together with individual pledges the auction really did promise to have something for everyone, and the keen bidders who attended the event weren't disappointed. Promises included a weekend break for six at a holiday park in Cornwall, a platinum paintball experience, snowboard, hospitality day at Gatcombe Horse Trials, exclusive tickets to the Premier enclosure at Bath racecourse for two people, a glider flight over the Gloucestershire countryside and a make-over with photographs for two by Olan Mills.

Many thanks to Mandy Champion and Graham Pedley who organised this event, to everyone who pledged a promise and who turned up to bid, and all the Friends who helped-out on the night. A great result.

Our next event is already a sell-out – tickets went on sale at the start of March and sold out within two weeks

Band In A Barn – Saturday May 8th
Well, we've got a barn – Warners Court; we've got a band – Kick The Cat; and we've got a pig roast and licenced bar, what more is there to say really.

This will be a great night out. For anyone who is not familiar with the band, they are an eight-piece rhythm & blues and soul showband performing tributes to the Blues Brothers and the Commitments. The band has been around since 1996 and regularly plays gigs around the Bristol area. Other styles included in their set are Motown, funk and disco. Well known for putting on an energetic show their music is guaranteed to make you want to get up and dance.

This is a ticket-only event and all tickets have now been sold, so we've got great expectations of this event being a fantastic one. It may be something that we will do every year.

Barbecue Evening at Cattle Country – Saturday, 26th June
Following its success last year it was an obvious choice to hold this event again.

The event is a ‘b-y-o’ evening, which means you bring your own food, drinks and barbecue, however there are a limited number of extra gas barbecues available if required.

Entry costs last year were £5.00 per person (and I'm sure it will remain the same price this year), and we get exclusive use of all the facilities Cattle Country has to offer – slide barn, bucking bronco, roller racers, bouncy castle, giant trampolines, zip wire, ball pits, willow maze, mini-golf, splash pool and infant/toddler play equipment.

Tickets will be on sale by the beginning of June, however, if you'd like to pre-book telephone (01454) 26xxxx / 26xxxx.

Village Fete, Sports & Horticultural Show – Saturday 3rd July.
Although primarily a fund-raising activity for us, we decided to run this event for a second year as no-one else had come forward to organise anything and it would obviously be a great shame if the village didn't have a Fete. Our intention is to create a fun day out, something to be enjoyed by the whole village and which will benefit all the village clubs and organisations, as well as Charfield School.

19The Horticultural Show starts off the day with categories for all ages. A brochure containing all categories, rules and entry forms will be available by the end of May but if you would like any further details now, contact Kate on 01454 26xxxx. (We shall be delivering programmes door-to-door during May & June).

The main Fete (2pm–5pm) will include all the usual favourites such as the sports and races, bouncy castles, pony rides, train rides, gymnastics display, tug-o-war competition, BBQ food, ice creams, licensed bar, football final and all the other attractions you'd expect. We're also lucky enough to have The Mall's hot air balloon team with us again offering fantastic tethered rides – quite an experience!

The day will round-off with live music from Rhythm Method – a very entertaining band that proved a big hit last year. BBQ food will continue to be available, as well as the licensed bar.

If you're part of a club/organisation that hasn't been contacted yet and would like to take part please get in touch.

If you have any comments or would like further details of anything outlined here, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jacqui Mitchell
Chairperson

“Good News!” Pearl has decided to stay on for a while so Rainbows will continue for the foreseeable future. However we still need someone to help her. Is there anyone out there who could spare an hour a week on a Monday afternoon? It is good fun and very rewarding.

Last term we worked towards a badge. It was about technology in the home. This term we are looking at the different aspects of the countryside culminating in a walk in North Nibley Woods. There are places on our waiting list so if any of your daughters (aged between 5 and 7 would like to join us please contact Judith Wenman on 01454 26xxxx. We do lots of craftwork and play many games. Everyone has fun!

Late May bank holiday.

If you're looking for an outing (and a nice cup of tea with homemade cake) for the late May bank holiday but hate the thought of the traffic look no further than the village.

Warners Court (opposite the village hall) will be open on Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st of May as part of the National Garden Scheme (known to most of us as the Yellow Book gardens). We can't guarantee the weather but we can assure you that the tea and cakes will be first class. AND there will be plants for sale …

Breakfast sessions increase in popularity – The breakfast sessions have become very popular with members. It enables parents to commute to nearby towns like Bristol and Gloucester to start work on time, whilst allowing children the opportunity to burn off some energy before school starts. A big thank you must go to all the staff but especially Pat and Donna who are there everyday come rain or shine. Amazing dedication and loyalty! All our afternoon sessions are fully booked, all with waiting lists.

New blood – If any members out there are keen to get involved with the running of the club we are looking for new committee members. Many of us have been here for a while and are starting to flag. We need people with enthusiasm 20to keep the momentum going and help with continuing improvements. The AGM will be held in July so if you are interested in keeping the club going, please contact any of the existing committee members (Matthew Fuller, Anne Mosley, Julie Macnamara, Deborah Field, Janice Brett, Sandra Nute). Without a viable committee, the future of the Club is at risk.

Relief Playleader – We are always on the look out for local people who could occasionally help cover sickness and/or provide holiday cover. Minimum qualifications are an NVQ3 or Equivalent. Training might be available for the right person. Interested? For more details contact Pat, our Club Manager (see below), or apply in writing to Matthew Fuller, Charfield out of School Club, The Foundation Room, Wotton Road, Charfield GL12 8TG.

Are you 17 and would like to work with children after school and during the holidays? Well … crazy as it may sound the summer holidays are not too far away. It is generally a time when we recruit students to work as play assistants over the summer and from September when we tend to lose our existing students as they move on to higher education or full-time employment. The children particularly enjoy outside activities during the holidays. No qualifications are required. For more details contact Pat.

Toys – a big thank you to the Goslings for all their unwanted games and toys. We are constantly seeking to replenish our stocks. Computer games, videos and construction toys are always in high demand.

Admin – The club opening times are: Breakfast club 7:30 to 8:40am. After school 3:10 to 6:00pm. School holidays and inset days 7:30am to 6:00pm.

If you want to find out more details about the club contact the Club Manager, Pat Loveridge tel. 07816 23xxxx or 01454 26xxxx or call into the Club at The Foundation Room during opening hours.

Janice Brett

The month of April is going to be a busy one for the Parish Council and I have some dates for your diary.

On Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April we are holding the Annual Village Spring Clean. Gloves, litter pickers and sacks will be provided if you come to the Memorial Hall car park between 10am–12noon or 2pm–4pm. The Last time we held this event, we had a very poor response but the year prior to that, we had a great turn out and the village looked so much better for it! Children are also allowed to take part so why not bring the whole family along and spend some time making our village litter free for Spring!

The Annual Parish meeting will be held at Charfield Village Hall on Tuesday 27th April – 7.30pm. At this meeting the Parish Council will receive annual reports from various organisations. Could I remind those groups who have received a grant from the PC, that they are requested to provide a report for this meeting. If no-one from your group is able to attend, a written report can be sent to the clerk. All residents are welcome and there will be a chance to raise other issues.

Old Site Hut Manor Lane – The PC has been looking at ways to improve this area and have consulted residents who live close to this site. Some work has been undertaken, such as the removal of the old site hut building and the removal and pruning of trees. I am pleased to be able to report that we 21have been awarded a small grant (of £1,283) from South Glos. Council, which will help towards the landscaping of this area.

Play equipment – The PC continues to inspect and repair this equipment on a regular basis and we are looking at a long term plan to replace some of it. Some of the equipment has reached the stage where it is beyond repair. This type of equipment, along with the safety surfacing which is needed, does not come cheap, so it will take some time before we can replace it all, but we are working on it!

Jayne Pedley – Vice Chair

Everyone is working really hard at the moment for the forthcoming grading this week. We will see David and Steven Bishop, Alex Carey, Jack Marshall, Callum Sankey and Samuel Woodman all take their first ever grading. They have all worked well, and should have no problem impressing the Grading Examiner enough to earn their Yellow-Tag belts. Also at this grading, Alex and Jeri Holden, Barney Eccleson and Oliver Baker will be taking their last ever colour-belt grading, as the next step for them will be Black belt. The minimum time between now and their Black belt grading will be six months, but it could take longer. It depends on how much work and commitment they all put in.

Ricci Collins will be taking his Black belt later this month, after passing his pre-grading at the TKD Academy a few weeks ago. The next people to follow his footsteps will be Ben and Emily Waldron, Kayleigh Parker, Lisa Parker and Colin Wise. All are putting in 100% to reach the ultimate goal, and hopefully they will reach it in October this year (providing they train hard enough!!).

A huge tournament was held in Whitchurch Leisure Centre on March 14th – The English Championships. Several of the Charfield club members competed, and several brought medals home. Well done to everyone who took part. The next major tournament is next month, and is the Welsh Championships. This is the busiest time of year for competitions, so those who like to compete are working on fitness, speed and stamina.

Not everyone does Tae Kwon Do for the gradings and competitions. A lot just do it as a way to get or keep fit. It is great to have a goal to achieve however, as it gives the extra motivation some need, especially now these lighter evenings are upon us. So, if you don't fancy going to the gym just for the sake of fitness, and you'd rather do something a little closer to home with a more social side as well, why not pop on by?

Enjoy the summer!

Rebecca Pring

Minister – Rev. Philip Hopes
Tel: 01453 84xxxx

Sunday – Kings Kids – 11am.
1st Sunday of each month Family Service.

Please note all services will begin at 11am.

Friday 2.30pm. Bible Study and Prayer.

Roadblocks

They keep us from getting from one place to another be it on the highway, in the office or at home. They take many forms from physical barriers, to the boss who shows up with something very urgent, to that stack of bills that needs to be done. And yet so many of the things 22that restrict us are things that are only in our minds. Take this puzzle for example:

There are eight glasses in a row. The four on the left are full of water and the four on the right are empty. The goal is to have every other glass full and do so by only touching four glasses. This is pretty obvious to most folks. If the glasses are numbered one to eight, left to right, then you exchange two and five, and four and seven. Now all the odd glasses are filled and the even ones are empty.

Then comes the second challenge. Return the glasses to their original position and once again make every other glass full. The difference is that you may now only touch two glasses. Most folks, including myself have a much tougher time with this task. The solution is this. Take the second glass and pour the water from it into the fifth glass and return the second glass to its place. Then take the fourth glass and pour the contents into the seventh glass and return the fourth glass to its place. Now all the glasses are odd/even and you have only touched two glasses. Try this with your friends.

The point is this. The roadblock most folks run into in the second puzzle is a restriction they place upon themselves. No one said that you could not pour the water from one glass to another. But, since we are instructed to only move two glasses we restrict ourselves to that mode of thinking needlessly.

A far more important roadblock to deal with is why you won't accept Jesus or walk more closely with Him. I ask people why they won't come to Jesus. The answers are things like “I have some things in my life to get right first.” or “He could never accept me after what I did.” Nothing could be further from the truth. These restrictions are only in our minds and not in the mind of God.

The very best efforts we can muster are filthy rags. We are incapable of meeting the standard of perfection that is required by the Law. The Law had to be satisfied and we could not do it, but God had a plan. Jesus would come and live a perfect life and give it to us. Roadblock removed. And what about that thing in our past that God could never forgive?

7 Cor 6:9 – Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revealers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [ Keep Reading ] And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

Simply put. God can forgive anyone. And the only thing He can not forgive is not accepting the solution He has made for us. There is simply no other way to get to Heaven.

John 3:14 – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; [15] that whosoever believes may in Him have eternal life.

John 3:17 – For God did not send His son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

That ‘whosoever’ includes everyone from you, to me, to the prime minister, to the poorest and hungriest soul on this earth. No restrictions, no preconditions. All He asks is that we come to Him and accept the free gift of eternal life He offers. Does it sound too easy? It is only easy because God knew that we needed all the help we can get. He is not some huge “Thou shalt not” in the sky who doesn't care. His caring knows no limits.

Isaiah 53:4 – Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of 23God, afflicted. [5] But He was pierced through for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.

1 John 4:9 – By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. [10] And this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

All the work has been done by God on our behalf. Does this sound different than what you have heard about God? Do you want to know this love? It is easy too. All you have to do is admit to God that you have sinned, and are not perfect. And you want to accept His gift of eternal life. Along with that gift comes peace with God and membership into His family. We'd love to meet you. If you need a little help getting started, try something like this prayer.

Lord Jesus, I now know that I can not make it on my own. I am not perfect. But You are and want to share that with me. I accept Your offered work of salvation and eternal life that You have for me. I want to be a member of Your family and live with You forever in Heaven. Thank You for dying for me and caring for me. In Jesus Christ's Name I Pray. Amen.

Not too hard. If you have prayed this prayer, or something like it from your heart, we would like to know about it. Please give me a call.

Issue 15 of the CHADRA Newsletter was published in April 1979, and was the first issue to feature the diary of events at the back. In the editorial, there was reference to the recent fall of the brickworks chimney, which had been quite a spectator event by all accounts.

The village had fielded three teams for the Northavon Adult Road Safety Quiz – one from CHADRA one from the WI and one from the Young Wives group. All did well, but were not in the prize-winners.

Plans for the coming Mayday included a 7-a-side football tournament, with the teams made up from the roads in the village.

From the letters section, it is apparent that the hot issues of the time were: The quality of the water supply; Electricity, and the fact that there was a power cut every time there was a high wind; Mains gas not being available to the whole village; and the lack of/ too many allotments.

Geoff Wignall

In the October issue of CHADRA I wrote about the terrible state of the bedding in the hospital we support in Romania, I asked for your help in donating sheets, duvet covers, blankets, etc. and your response was amazing.

Allan Hughes is organising transport of these gifts and to say that his garage is bursting at the seams is no exaggeration!

The sheets at the hospital presently in rags, I also have four churches in Cam who collect for us and this together with Charfield folk's contributions will refit all the wards in the Hospital.

If anyone would like a copy of the report on the work done last summer please let me know. Meanwhile-very many thanks to all of you who contributed.

Wendy Stevens
01453 84xxxx

A quick post-script to Wendy's report above follows:

24I have just returned from our annual survey trip to Romania where we determine what work will be required for the various teams to undertake later this year. Regrettably, neither the hospital nor ourselves have identified significant projects. Rather the emphasis is on financial funding to provide food and fuel as it would appear that central funding from the Romanian authorities has all but dried up. For a small charity this is a difficult issue to address so if anyone out there could make a monetary donation we will ensure that it gets to where it is most needed. Thanks.

If anyone wishes to know more about the charity Wendy or I are always available or why not visit our website at www.nnrt.co.uk

Allan Hughes
01454 26xxxx

Here is our final runner up for ‘Front Cover Artist’ for this issue. Naomi Jones has drawn us this picture of a fair. We thought it would help you into that ‘summery feeling’ – although the weather at the moment seems to be doing that pretty well.

[Graphic]

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
SB = Sportsman's Bar, 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: 2017-02-04.