CHADRA

Here we are with the last newsletter for 2004, the year certainly does seem to have flown by. You now have less than nine weeks to get your Christmas shopping done, along with everything else you need to fit in before then and you really should have those sprouts on a low simmer by now!

As always, we would like to thank our contributors for their continued support – without the articles there would, of course, be no newsletter. We welcome articles both regular and ad hoc, so if there's something you want to say to the whole village why not use us and write an article for the next (or any future) issue.

Our thanks also to the rest of the team: Joan, who diligently churns off some 800 copies of each and every page we produce; Marion and Angela for courageously assembling in excess of 11,000 pieces of paper into the individual copy you now hold in your hand; the many people across the village who collect your money and deliver your copy to your door and last, but not least, you for buying and reading the copy that falls on your floor four times each year.

May we be the first to wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Hilary and Geoff Wignall

Next Copy Date – 12th January 2005

3

Once again, our thanks to Derek Leahy, fast becoming the CHADRA Newsletter resident artist, for the picture on our cover.

This time Derek has drawn us the war memorial on Wotton Road with St John's Church in the background. This is particularly apt for this, the October issue, which should be with all our readers in time for Remembrance Day.

Why let Derek win all the prizes? Go on why don't you ‘have a go’ – let us have your picture and you could be in print across the village in 2005.

To remind you, as always, the subject is “Me and My Village” – drawings should be in black and white and no bigger than 16cm square. A prize is given to the published artist. Derek – your prize will be with you soon.

Reading the article in the last edition of the newsletter about the village show, and particularly about the tug of war competition, reminded me of the time in the late 1940s when Charfield had a tug of war team of some repute.

To most villages in those times, the village flower show and sports day was the great day of the year, and the highlight of those shows was the tug of war competition. The heats would take place during the afternoon and the two finalists would pull the best of three pulls for the trophy as the climax of the festivities.

The Charfield team trained twice a week in the orchard of Warners Court, where an oil drum was filled with concrete and hoisted by a pulley slung over the branch of an old apple tree. Each training session was thirsty work and it was usually completed in the bar of the Tavern.

The team consisted of the biggest men of the village with none bigger than the anchor man at the end of the rope, Ernie Nash, with fellow team members Freddie Mann, Griff Smith, Art Thornhill, Harry Brown, Peter Cone, Jim Raynor and number one on the rope, who was the smallest man, but what he lacked in stature he made up in strength as he was the local coal man, Hayden Rees. Coach was Bill Starkey.

On the Saturday morning the old White Lion coach would pull up outside the Tavern and the team and their families, plus lots of supporters, would pile in to head off to such venues as Hawkesbury, Sherston, Dursley or wherever the show was being held that day.

Most tug of war teams met up before the competition started in the beer tent to have a welcome taster before the war really began, and when each team strode out to do battle the atmosphere was really electric. The umpire ordered “pick up the rope” and then he had the task of levelling up the ribbon over the middle line. When all was ready, it was “take the strain, heave”. Immediately a terrific cry from the various supporters of each team rang out, as if to assist their straining combatants. The cries of the coaches then rang out “hold 'em, hold 'em, now all together, heave” and eight right hob-nailed boots would crash into the ground in unison, as inch by inch they hauled the opposing ribbon over the line.

The winning team celebrated in the beer tent, the losing teams commiserated in the beer tent, so in actual fact everyone went home happy after having had a great day.

Clive Starkey

4

… time to secure your PC, for free!

On the 8th of December, Charfield is finally getting broadband internet access, with always on, fast connections.

Broadband not only gives you faster internet access, 5 or 10 times faster depending on the package you select, it also frees up your telephone line whilst you are on-line. No new cables are required into your home as broadband simply just makes much better use of the telephone cable that is already there.

However, the ‘always on’ nature of broadband opens up an increased risk to your computer from viruses and hackers.

As an example, a recent PC I had to deal with because it ‘wasn't working’ any more had in excess of 160 virus-infected files, and over 300 instances of ‘spyware’. This was simply because it didn't have any anti-virus software, firewall or anti-spyware software running on it.

You do not need to spend ANY money on securing your PC as there are excellent software packages available for free that can do the job.

Anti-Virus

Anti-virus software is the front line defence in protecting your PC. It will stop and remove viruses attacking your PC and will check any floppy disks, CDs or E-Mails to prevent your PC from becoming infected. It will also stop dialer software from getting on your PC and then dialing back out on premium rate numbers, often abroad, leaving you with a large telephone bill.

There are many different packages to choose from, such as Norton Anti-virus, McAfee, Panda Anti-virus or Sophos and these are all available from PC outlets such as PC World. These are all quite expensive and need to be renewed each year.

However, in industry benchmark tests AVG anti-virus consistently does as well as or beats the expensive software above and is available for free from www.grisoft.com.

It is easy to set up and allows you to schedule automatic update of new virus patterns so that new viruses will also be detected. This works with all versions of Windows, from Windows98 through to WindowsXP.

Remember though, it is VERY important to regularly update your virus patterns to ensure new viruses are detected.

Firewall

Hackers are people who try to get programs on your PC to either harm them or to harvest details such as passwords or banking details etc., so they can use this information to raid your bank account. This is in itself VERY difficult to do and it is not something to be overly afraid of.

A good firewall will stop the hackers even knowing your PC exists on the internet and will prevent any software that does get on your machine e.g. from an e-mail attachment, from transmitting those details.

Again there are plenty of firewall options available, from hardware boxes that plug between your PC and the internet connection as well as software firewalls from various software companies that need to be paid for.

If you have WindowsXP then you already have a very good firewall built 5in, but you do need to make sure that it is enabled (right click on the network connections and click on the security tab to check if it is enabled.

If you use Windows98, WindowsME or Windows2000 then you can download a free software firewall from www.zonelabs.com. This is an excellent firewall, easy to setup and easy to use.

Spyware/Adware

Whilst you are browsing the internet some advertising companies are logging which sites you visit and will target advertising software at your browsing pattern. Other individuals are trying to log your key strokes to obtain passwords etc, such as credit card numbers.

You can download an excellent tool for removing and preventing this software from www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

This is again easy to setup and use.

Summary

These three pieces of software will help to keep your PC safe and secure and do not cost a penny.

This information is provided by Stuart Pentland, an IT specialist for 22 years. If you have any questions about this article or require help in implementing the steps above or have questions about broadband coming to Charfield then please feel free to email him at xxxx @ charfield.com or drop a letter to xx Manor Lane, Charfield.

Hello and welcome to Rainbows.

Firstly, I would like to thank Judith Wenman for her years as leader, she will be missed (especially by me!), and I would like to welcome Andrea Barnes as the new co-leader.

This term we are starting on a brand new Rainbow programme. We will be introducing new songs, activities and a brand new way of celebrating becoming a rainbow. This will include the children planning parties, working together as a unit, playing games and of course having lots and lots of fun.

Rainbows meet on Mondays during term time at the Memorial Hall from 4–5 pm. If you would like to become involved with Rainbows or would like your daughter to join us please call.

Kathryn Schofield (01453 52xxxx)

Nibley House Nursery in North Nibley is back in operation following the summer break.

We bade a fond farewell to many of our children in July including many from Charfield and the surrounding area and we hope that they are all settling in well in their new schools.

For those readers who are not aware of our existence, the new nursery opened a year ago following the closure of The Farm Nursery at Watsome Farm in Charfield. The staff from the old nursery were all keen to start a new venture to continue to provide quality childcare for the local children and hence Nibley House Nursery was born. 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. The atmosphere is friendly and homely and children and their parents or carers are made to feel involved and welcome.

6We are able to arrange government funding for the sessions available. Many people are not aware that every child is entitled to five funded 2½ hour sessions of childcare per week in the first term after their third birthday. Why not make good use of what is available whilst developing your child's skills in preparation for school?

We are able to take children from the age of two and places are available for immediate start. 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 or the Nursery direct on (01453) 51xxxx where the staff would be only to happy to help you …

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

We are all being increasingly encouraged to eat sensibly, take exercise and generally take care of our health.

Did you know that there is a thriving Keep Fit Club at the Village Hall? It's been running for 25 years and is led by Christine Parfitt. We use a variety of exercise tapes, which can be challenging or more low key to suit individual needs. The session runs on a Tuesday morning from 10–11 and as the Club runs on a non-profit basis, only costs £2.

Come and join us to stay fit, increase energy levels and meet some friendly people.

Ring Christine on 01454 26xxxx, leave a message and she will call you back with answers to your questions.

My name is Karen Williams and I am the new Chairperson after the AGM on 6 October. I only hope I can do as good a job as my predecessor, Jacqui, who is now taking a well deserved break from committee work. Many thanks must go to her and the other long serving members who have also decided to have a rest. Thanks must also go to Karen Tranter for staying on as Treasurer, Rob Seaman who is now Vice-Chair and also Allison Hopes, the new secretary.

I have lived in the village just over 2½ years now and found that having three children at the school and one at pre-school this was the best way to make new friends – and it has worked. I now find myself surrounded by a large circle of friends and hopefully, as there are many new members this year, lots more friends to be made. Welcome to all of the new committee members and a big thank you to all those who have stayed on.

The Quiz Night held on 24 September was an amazing night. All the tickets were sold and it was great fun. Huge thanks must go to Jo and Pete Tymms who arranged and hosted the evening, Pete was at his funniest. Thanks also to Phil Barnes for a wonderful curry and Jake for her help too. We raised over £350 and the quiz was eventually won by a team from Cromhall.

The Shopping Evening held in the school hall went extremely well and, whilst we are still awaiting a figure for monies raised, a good time shopping was had by all.

Firework Night, Friday 5 November

The gates will open at 6:00 and again this year we will be having two displays. The first at 6:45 will be a quieter one for 7younger children and then we will have the noisier display at 7:30. Panache, the Steel Band from Castle School, will also be there again to keep up our spirits on a cold night. There will be a Guy Competition for anyone who wants to challenge my children (as they won last year!!!) and also a great range of refreshments – beefburgers, hotdogs, tea and coffee, mulled wine, toffee apples, doughnuts and much more. A quiet room will be available for the younger children not so appreciative of the noise and this will be in the Foundation Room run by Pre-School.

Tickets will be sold in a few weeks door-to-door in the village but will also be available from the Post Office, Garage and School Office. Adults £3.00 and children £2.00. You will be able to pay on the gate but the charge will be 50p more per person.

Christmas Fair, Saturday 4 December

This is always a lovely afternoon – 1pm to 3pm. Father Christmas will be there and a large array of stalls and refreshments. A great time to be had by all.

I hope to see lots of people at all of the above events. We also hope to hold a Christmas Disco at the school for families but details of this are still to be confirmed.

If there are questions on any of the above items or about becoming involved in the work we do then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Karen Williams, Chairperson

People have been spotted walking dogs on the Memorial Hall Playing Field. Please could these people be considerate of others and refrain from doing so.

It was about 5 o'clock one Monday evening. I'd spent a good half hour chatting in the Post Office and proceeded to walk home. A few steps along I realised that I'd travelled by car. I'll break off by saying that I hadn't been right since the resurfacing of Charfield Road and I had to get home from Wotton, via Kingswood AND Wickwar!!! Anyway back to the story. I got back to the shop only to find that a Post Office van had parked outside, fencing me in, so to speak. “Can you move forward, please?” I asked. No,” came the reply, “I've dropped the van keys down the drain.” “Well can you just roll the van forward a bit?” I enquired. “No,” came the response, “The door's locked.” By this time Reverend Pestell had arrived. John came out to see what all the shrieking, (from me), was about and we all proceeded to peer down the drain, the keys glistening in the murky water. Then John, in his Blue Peter mode, went to get a metal ‘how-to-retrieve-keys-from-a-drain’ coat hanger, started his “here's one I made earlier” routine. The postman retrieved the keys, unlocked the van, John went in, I drove home and everything got back to normal.

The latest on the nervous novice computer saga is that I'm fiddling about in the privacy of my own home, surfing this, that and the other and, hopefully, will have no need for said classes!!

Now, I know that most of you, my adoring fans, are well travelled people and despite me not having gone further North yet, than York, here in Britain, but have been to the fabulous Dungeness Beach, are you still with me? I have not ventured far overseas. Well that all changed this summer. Keith and I went to visit Lawrence and spent three weeks in the Dominican Republic. We had a fantastic time. No I am not going to bore you with descriptions of lazy days 8on beautiful beaches, warm sea swims at Midnight, the problem of which cocktail to have next but, will tell you of a few exciting little adventures.

We hired a jeep. One evening after spending a good old time conversing in my best Spanish, we made to leave. The battery was flat. HELP! No AA out there. As luck would have it, we'd offered to give a lift to a local chap Lawrence had got to know. With very little street lighting and me having a minor panic, this chap was flagging down passing vehicles. The bonnet was up, banging and clanging commenced, I'm thinking about the Hire Car Rules, so what, we're on holiday. Now the amazing thing is apparently the batteries are not too securely tightened down, in Dominican vehicles, so these chaps, all six of them by now, took out our battery, put in one of theirs, charged up our engine, then removed their battery and our vehicle was still running from the power from the alternator and put our battery back in. How clever is that? As you can imagine pesos were being handed around after that, in gratitude.

On the subject of money, whilst we were there, a new President had been elected. Rumour was that he wanted to stabilize the currency so we decided to change up all our Dollars to the Dominican Peso as the exchange rate was going to fall. It was about 11 o'clock one evening and we went to one of the Money bureaus. Because we wanted to change up quite a bit, the chap involved had to ‘go off’ somewhere to get more cash. Of course I explained that I was very pleased for the new president and had celebrated by drinking lots of rum and coke to help the economy, but I still only got the going rate. A young lady assistant was sitting on a high bar stall in the office and she laughed about my request. Lawrence went off to a bar across the street and came back with two plastic cups of ‘Cuba Libre’. I was sitting at a desk in the room. The money chap came back and by me he opened a drawer. It was full of US Dollars and a shot gun. Protection, of course. In fact, you could change up money absolutely any time of night or day. If the money bureaus were closed, there was always the chap on the corner.

With pot holes all over the roads, vehicles with dents in and bashed bumpers, young Dominican chaps riding scooters and motor bikes, with their beautiful ladies on the back, cuddling their young babies, (now that couldn't happen in this country), the glorious heat, apartments to rent, with swimming pools, for as little as £75 per week, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, I shall definitely try and visit again.

Best Wishes, Maz.

The new term has got off to a great start for Pre-School. Welcoming back the staff and children from the summer break and settling in the children who've started with us. We hope that the children that left us in the summer and have started at school have settled in well.

It's a new start for the committee as well. We want to say thank you to our outgoing members; Kate, Debbie, Maria and Denise for all their hard work and a big thank you to those of you that have agreed to help out this year. To introduce the new team, I am chair this year, Kay Ford & Sarah Coleman our line managers and Nicky Bartrop – Admissions. Staying on the committee for a second year are Hilary Wignall – Treasurer and Nicky Lanyi – Secretary. We have Karen Williams, Yvonne Kershaw and Debbie Wilson to help out too.

We would like to give our thanks to the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and 9Wales, Greater Bristol Foundation, Charfield Parish Council and Mike Cheskin of Charfield Service Station for their generous support over the past year.

Before you know it Christmas will be on us, and we have some great ideas for the new term, fun activities for the children and parents. We will be organising our Christmas float round the village again this year, and we appreciate the brilliant support this gets. Your generosity makes a real difference to making Pre-School a really special experience for the children.

We offer five morning sessions a week and lunch club sessions on Thursdays and Fridays. If you'd like more information about taking up a place or increasing you sessions please contact Nic Bartrop on 01453 52xxxx.

Lisa Burner
Chair of Pre-School

[Advert for St John's Sunday Club]

We would like to thank so may people for their tribute of cards and flowers we received from people we know and those we don't. You have all been very kind. A big thank you also to Rev. Robert Pestell who has been a true friend.

Natalie was born in Charfield on 13th May 1987 after we moved here from Southampton. She was christened in St John's Church by the Rev. Kenneth Grant.

Natalie attended the toddler group then playgroup, which was then run by Sally, Roz and Cherry. She moved on to Charfield Primary School and then The Castle School in Thornbury.

Natalie was a lively bubbly girl and enjoyed a variety of activities, but she was shy and quiet, never the one to be in the limelight. She always enjoyed the company of her friends, especially to see bands play and going to pictures. Anyone who knew Natalie will know that she was a true “Buffy” fan.

Natalie was with her work friends the night she died in a club where she had too much to drink. This was not a regular occurrence for her, but we do know that unfortunately youngsters do over indulge in alcohol in this society in which we live today, so we hope just by remembering how highly spirited these fruity, sweet drinks are that perhaps people would think twice about how much they drink.

This is not however how our daughter Natalie died. She was on her way to hospital in the care of the Ambulance Service because they thought her drinks had been spiked and this is where she met her untimely death. I know I can't turn back the clock but I can only say that, if anyone finds themselves with an unpredictable teenager under the 10influence of drink never let them travel alone in anything.

We do feel greatly let down by the recent verdict as to where we go now and we have to consider all the relevant points.

As it approaches Natalie's first anniversary, which has come around so very quickly, although it has been a long and difficult year a very dear friend Becky Vale would like to say that she will always remember Natalie for being “so bubbly and having a great sense of humour and special energy. There was never a dull moment when you were with her, just constant giggling. She was a sharing and caring person who never let anyone down. She was a very special friend that will never be forgotten. Nobody could ask for a better mate”.

We would like to add that Natalie was, and will always be, the most precious daughter and sister anyone could have wished for.

Sarah and Steve Dibden.

Our survey of the footpaths was completed in May, accepted by the Parish Council at the July meeting, and remedial works are now underway.

The more energetic and observant of you may have spotted some improvements to the Parish paths of late, for example, some heavy duty trimming around stiles and signposts, some new stiles and a Bristol gate installed. Other stile kits have been delivered for installation by landowners/tenants when fencing works are undertaken over the Winter.

I am very grateful for the help of my lovely (happy now, Vi?) assistant, Vi MacLellan, and we much appreciate the support we have already received from some of our local farmers, S. Glos. County Rights of Way Field Officer Anita Walker (yes, that's really her name), and the County Footpath Wardens who make all the stile kits, John and Terry.

Some of you may recall that back in 1992 I asked for volunteers to ‘adopt’ a path. This involves walking the path every 3 months or so, snipping back offending branches/brambles from around stiles, and reporting any major difficulties (obstructions, broken stiles, etc). Over the years, some of the volunteers have moved away, so I thought we might start again. If you have continued to care for your adopted footpath since 1992, thank you, and please volunteer again!

So, if you wish to adopt a path, please ring me. It will be first come, first served, so if you have a particular favourite, be quick!

I am often asked for maps of the parish paths. With the kind permission of SGC and the help of CHADRA, you will find a parish footpath map at the back of this newsletter. Please detach it and keep it safe for future reference, as it will be another 12 years before it gets printed again.

When you set off into the wide green yonder, map in hand, please bear in mind that some footpath problems have still to be resolved, but we hope to make steady progress. You may find it best, for example, not to tackle No. OCH 25 unless you can pole vault a 3 metre ditch.

I look forward to hearing from you volunteers!

Julia O'Connor-Beach
Parish Footpath Warden (voluntary)
01454 26xxxx

11

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]

12[Advert for W.S. Franks]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes Reflexology]

[Advert for Claire Saunders]

[Advert for Surround Sounds]

[Advert for Skips]

[Advert for Littles Curtains]

13

This season five teams are playing for the village, three adults and two boys teams. The former are playing on a Saturday at the Village Hall, while the latter on a Sunday at the Moreton Ground, next to Tortworth School.

The first team compete in the North Gloucestershire Senior League Division Two, while the Reserve and Third team play in the Stroud and District Football League in Division Four and Seven respectively. Matches kick off at 2:30 at present and at 2:00 in December and January. After the match the Sportsman Bar opens for a friendly drink and a chance to reflect on the result.

The Junior club have teams at both under 12's and 13's in the Stroud and District Youth League, and are always on the lookout for additional teams from under 8's upwards, but need managers to come forward. All fixtures are arranged and kit/equipment made available. A second pitch will be ready for next season (at Moreton Ground) and also have plans to play a number of fixtures back in the village after a two-year absence.

Finally, Forest Green Rovers under 18's are playing their home matches on the playing field, kicking off at 2:30 on a Sunday.

If anybody would like any further information about either club, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01454 26xxxx.

Jeremy Lewis, Secretary.

Grants
Early in December we shall have a meeting to decide on our budget for 2005/06. One of the items on the agenda will be grants to local organisations. If your organisation wishes to be considered for a grant, it must get an application to the Clerk no later than 30th November. The application should include:

• a copy of recent accounts;
• what the grant would be spent on and why (not just “running costs”);
• supporting information (for example the aims of the organisation and the number of people in the parish who benefit).

You may not get all you want, or any of it, but it could well be worth asking. We've paid out around £3,400 in total this year.

Manor Lane Land
I'm referring to the land on the corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road. For many years this land and the site hut, which dated from the 60s, was a problem. Recently the Parish Council has:

• acquired the land at no cost except legal fees;
• had the site hut removed;
• paid South Gloucestershire Council to keep the grass under control;
• had the canopy of the willow tree professionally reduced in size;
• had the more tatty evergreen trees removed;
• had the old tank house demolished (with the help of a grant from South Gloucestershire Council).

We are continuing to tackle the improvement of the site in stages. One of the items to be discussed at the next meeting (tonight, as I write) is the possibility of getting the footpath continued across the site from Manor Lane to Wotton Road. If and when that is done, we could look at further improvements. We had some suggestions from residents about 18 months ago. Please let us have any new or updated ideas as soon as possible, whether or not you live near the site.

14Electoral Review
It's only a few years since we had an electoral review of South Gloucestershire. Well, now we're having another one. It's being carried out by the new Boundary Committee for England. The reason is that the rapid population growth in some parts of South Gloucestershire has resulted in an imbalance in the number of electors per councillor. The aim is to get nearer a balance, so that each elector's vote carries the same weight. It's possible that the number of South Gloucestershire Councillors could be increased from 70 to 71 or 72. The Charfield Ward, comprising the parishes of Charfield, Cromhall and Tortworth, has close to the average number of electors per councillor and may be unchanged. But there is a chance that putting things right in other wards could have a knock on effect here. Although the review could look at the Parish Council too, even considering whether the number of parish councillors should be adjusted or whether the parish should be warded, I'm not aware of any pressure to do so.

John Acton
Chairman, Charfield Parish Council

We have 16 members at present with a mixture of ages.

We have had a visit from PC Roger Jones, the community policeman. He gave us good advice on safety in our homes.

Mr Tony Bryant gave a wonderful talk about his birds of prey and gave a demonstration of his training methods. He brought several birds including a beautiful owl. A very enjoyable afternoon indeed.

We are having a visit from Rev. Hopes in November. He is very amusing and makes us laugh.

We have had several outings. One to Weston with Wickwar people, one to Bibury for lunch and a tour, and another to Pengethley Garden Centre for lunch and a look round finishing the day with a tour through the Wye Valley with a stop at Tintern for a welcome “cuppa”. Several members are going to Moreton-in-the-Marsh with Westward Travel and we are hoping to have a Christmas shopping trip somewhere (we thought Weston) at the end of November.

Our Christmas meal has been discussed and what with bingo and easy competitions we have a busy few months. Do come and join us and swell our numbers.

Muriel Ealey, Secretary.

Are you constantly replacing light bulbs in your house, do electrical appliances not last as long as you think they should? Then read on …

To harmonise the electricity supply with Europe, several years ago, the British supply was dropped from 240 Volts to 230 Volts and all new electrical appliances are designed to run on the new 230 Volt supply.

However, this appears to have bypassed Charfield as our electric is still being supplied at over 240 volts.

Having got fed up with bulbs blowing too quickly, power supplies burning out on my PC and an Uninterruptible Power Supply constantly tripping in, I took the matter up with Central Networks who sent a test meter which records details of your power supply over a period of time 15and you then send it back to them for analysis.

This showed that the average voltage of the supply is close to 243 volts with peaks of 251 volts. They stated this was satisfactory as it was “within the tolerance allowed of up to 253 volts”.

So on average the supply has a voltage 5.65% higher than the stated national supply.

Because electricity bills are calculated by the Kilowatt Hour and a Kilowatt is voltage*ampage*1000, a 5.65% higher voltage means a 5.65% higher bill. A £400 annual bill should in fact be £378.61, an additional annual cost of £21.39.

I believe that Central Networks should regulate the Charfield voltage to closer to the national stated voltage of 230 volts.

If you would like to register an interest in this then please email power@charfield.com and I will take this up with Central Networks.

If you want to borrow a meter that plugs into any electrical socket to show you what your voltage supply is then please contact meter@charfield.com or contact Stuart at 26 Manor Lane, Charfield.

Minister Rev. Philip Hopes
Tel: 01453 84xxxx

Sunday – Kings Kids – 11 am
1st Sunday of each month – Family Service 11am
*Please note all services will begin at 11am
Friday 2:30pm Bible Study and Prayer

December 19th 11am Nativity Service – K. L. Bullock

Our Greatest Need

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour.

History Shaped in Cradles

Take the year 1809. The international scene was tumultuous. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria; blood was flowing freely. Nobody then cared about babies. But the world was overlooking some terribly significant births.

For example, William Gladstone was born that year. He was destined to become one of England's finest statesmen. That same year, Alfred Tennyson was born to an obscure minister and his wife. The child would one day greatly affect the literary world in a marked manner.

On the American continent, Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And not far away in Boston, Edgar Allan Poe began his eventful, albeit tragic, life. It was also in that same year that a physician named Darwin and his wife named their child Charles Robert. And that same year produced the cries of a newborn infant in a rugged log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. The baby's name? Abraham Lincoln.

If there had been news broadcasts at that time, I'm certain these words would have been heard: “The destiny of the world is being shaped on an Austrian battlefield today.” But history was actually being shaped in the cradles of 16England and America. Similarly, everyone thought taxation was the big news when Jesus was born. But a young Jewish woman cradled the biggest news of all: the birth of the Saviour. May God bless you all with a wonderful Christmas. From all at Charfield Congregational Church.

The past three months have witnessed a number of domestic burglaries in Charfield, three of which occurred during one day in August and appear to have been committed by distraction burglars, although entry was forced where the occupants were found not to be at home.

As is normal for this type of burglary the victims were elderly and the offenders purported to be tradesmen.

I can't overemphasise how important it is, especially for the elderly, to keep the door on the chain until absolutely satisfied as to the caller's identity, and always to insist on examining tradesmen's identification cards before allowing entry. If in the slightest doubt as to their identity a telephone call should be made to the alleged employer in order to confirm the visit.

The other three burglaries which have occurred during the last three months have involved the offenders entering the premises via insecure doors and removing wallets, keys, handbags, mobile 'phones etc. left on view.

Doors should obviously be secured overnight and also during the daytime if you're in the back garden or elsewhere in the near vicinity. Furthermore, items such as those mentioned should not be left on work surfaces or anywhere else on view.

There have been numerous incidents of criminal damage in the village over the last three months. As well as the moronic damage to the Memorial Hall several cars have been scratched, at least one by a group of children, all but one of which was under 10 years old. Do you know what your children are up to when they're out?

Finally, although Charfield has not yet been hit by it, there has been a spate of thefts of old stone troughs and similar from the gardens of houses in nearby villages. These now command high prices at architectural salvage yards and are well worth safeguarding by painting your postcode in bold characters on an unobtrusive surface.

PC 3799 Jones

By the time you read this I may have run in the New York Marathon on November 7th as the third “leg” in running a marathon for every letter of my surname. I have trained hard for this one, only lapsing during our holiday in Cornwall. I have tried new training methods, namely “Yasso 800s” which are 800 metre repetitions on the track with 400 metre recoveries in between. You start at three and add an extra one each week to develop your speed. Believe me they are hard and this is usually done on a deserted Yate track! I have run as much as possible with Thornbury Running Club as I have improved with them and it is a lot better than running on your own! Joining a club has been the best thing I ever did. You discover it is not so strange to openly discuss your toilet habits, apply vaseline liberally to parts of your body and basically learn a whole new jargon.

I finally broke two hours for the half marathon in May at Tewkesbury with 1:57:09 which meant a great deal to me. I just turned up and ran; everything seemed to fall into place with me and another runner encouraging each other most of the way round. I suffered at the 17Bristol half marathon in September as I had been to a rock concert the night before, been on my feet for three hours and got to bed at 2am! Not the best of preparation really. My long runs of up to twenty miles have been the backbone of my training to build stamina and I try to get three or four of them in before a marathon.

It has been fun looking for places beginning with my surname letters. The Scilly Isles Marathon is a possibility for next year which in reality is seven-and-a-half laps round Tresco. This would be a complete contrast to New York, which is about the world's largest marathon while the Scilly Isles accept a maximum of 125. I am looking to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at the Scilly Isles event next April and for Round Table Children's Wish in New York. Please contact me if you would like to sponsor me.

I am entering a competition to win a place in the North Pole Marathon (yes, there is another “n” in my name!) Other destinations discussed with Tracy are Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Kingston (London!) to join Amsterdam and Edinburgh already completed. Please give me a wave when you see me out in the village, it really is a great sport. Anyone out there want to join me on some long runs?

John Francksen

Summer Holiday Club

The summer holiday club was a roaring success with many of the days full and lots of entertainers visiting the club. Events included a karate party, circus skills, visiting magician, pottery workshop and a trip to a skittles alley, and many more events

Many exciting activities have also been planned for the October half term. Halloween is, of course, to be the main theme.

New staff

This summer we have seen a few changes to our hardworking and enthusiastic team of staff. I would like to welcome three new members of staff Felix Frith, Gemma Brown and Jean Nash. We also have said a sad goodbye to Donna Allen who had been with the club for nearly 3 years, Hannah Morris and Nicola Denning. We wish you all good luck with your future careers and studies and thank you for your help in the club. The children will particularly miss you.

Valentine Ball

Following the tremendous success of the May Ball in 2003, the Pre-school and we are planning another Ball. It will take place on February 11th 2005 at the Bristol Inn, Falfield (formerly “The Gables”). For more details, see the poster overleaf. Further information will be available shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!

Admin

The club opening times are: Breakfast club – 7:30am to 8:40am. After school 3:10pm to 6:00pm. School holidays and inset days 7:30am to 6:00pm. Many term times sessions are currently operating waiting lists while holiday clubs are getting ever more popular. So early contact is recommended.

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

Janice Brett

18[Graphic: Valentine Ball]

19

Advertising

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Safeclean]

[Advert for Manor Garden Maintenance]

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Daw]

20[Advert for Evergreen Computing]

[Advert for Frocks & Tails at Home]

[Advert for Laura Needham]

[Advert for Massage Table Store / Positive Pressure]

21

[Graphic: Photo of Charfield Mills from the air]

Five facts about Worktwice Marketing Limited:

• Owned by a husband and wife resident in Charfield
• For nearly 10 years has been an active player in the world of recycling
• Has raised over £250,000 for UK based charities in that time
• Supports hospices and charities from its activities
• Has introduced a new waste stream initiative that is generating great interest from companies and organisations nation-wide called:

RABBITT
No I haven't spelt it wrongly.

RABBITT is an acronym for
Recycle
All
Bulbs
Batteries
Inkjets
Toners
Telephones (mobiles)

Impending new European legislation will make it unlawful for many such items to be sent to landfill, so all large users will have an even bigger disposal problem than currently and predictably face an increase in disposal costs. By talking to Rabbitt Recycling Limited, these increases could be decreases.

Whilst this scheme is not currently aimed at the domestic or small user marketplace, the senior management at Rabbitt is in constant liaison with organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce and local councils. The redefining of current activities to meet identified customer needs and the aim for continuous improvement to the services offered is of paramount importance to everyone at Rabbitt.

More information on this scheme is available by calling freefone number 0800 138 xxxx or by e-mail to xxxx@rabbittrecycling.co.uk.

In the meantime, there is a collection box for your empty laser printer and inkjet cartridges in the foyer of the Pinmill. Please feel free to drop in your used cartridges or unwanted mobile phones whenever you're passing. The building is open from 0830 to 1730 Mondays to Fridays. For large volumes of cartridges a free collection service is available by calling 01453 52xxxx.

[Graphic: IanInkjet – “Once is not enough make it work twice”.]

Frank Gendall
Administration & IT Director
Worktwice Marketing Limited

22

Over the summer I had a bit of a go at a well-known car company advertising on a local radio station. “Badges are for boy scouts, badges don't make you a better person” they claimed, well I couldn't let it lie. I emailed their complaints department and our District Press Officer for the Scout Association after hearing the advert for the umpteenth time in one day. I pointed out that their research team had failed them, we no longer have “boy scouts”, we have Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorers, boys and girls and that badges do make a better person. Each member of Scouting makes a promise to do their best, to do their duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout law. Each year, on St George's Day the Scout Promise is renewed by all members, young and old.

The badges the young people work for, we hope, helps them to become independent, confident, caring and trustworthy. The highest award in Scouting is the Queen's Scout Award and as a parent of a Queen's Scout I am very proud of my son's achievement from a Beaver all the way through to Ventures. Certainly employers seeing this award or the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award on a C.V. recognise the commitment from these young people in completing the work required. The company in question replied saying they thought it was a bit of fun and was sorry if they offended anyone, but isn't it a form of bullying, taking a pick at something you don't understand, mocking and teasing. Scouting does not accept bullies, but we do accept their apologies. The campaign ended or was ended shortly after.

So off my soap box and onto the real stuff. Recently I was asked at work, (that's the one I get paid for!) “Scouts, do they still camp and do they still do the outdoors things?” “Absolutely” I replied reeling off the past Cub and Scout camps and those yet to come. Since the beginning of September the Scouts kayaked at South Cerney. The Cubs took part in archery, abseiling, radios and shooting at Woodhouse Park. The Scouts, this weekend, took part in a Patrol camp and cooking weekend at Woodhouse Park and our finale is a joint Cub and Scout weekend at St Briavel's Castle Youth Hostel at the end of October. And the Scouts are continuing to meet up at our Avening Green HQ until the end of term, they are really brave, it's getting dark really early now. The sales of duracell and ever ready batteries for all those torches must have risen over the past few weeks.

Yes, we still do the outdoors stuff, and lots of it! The older Beavers have been to @Bristol and gained their Scientist badge then beavered off to Cattle Country for a lovely evening out. We're looking forward to our yearly Carol Service, all parent's welcome and look out for us with our infamous tombola at the Wotton Charities Fair on 20th November.

Oh! If you do meet a Scout that went on the South Cerney camp, ask them about the huge crayfish I “caught” for tea!

Yours in scouting

Sandra Carnegie (Raksha)
Group Scout Leader

Casino Night, 26th November
Evening starts 7.30pm KLB School Drama Hall
Ticket price: £7.50 (includes £1000 gaming chips, Ploughmans & dessert)

Telephone for tickets: 01453 52xxxx, 01453 84xxxx or 01454 31xxxx

23

Are you ready for the journey? The season of Advent begins on the 28th November and is a reminder that there are only 4 weeks until Christmas – yes, it's nearly that time of the year again! Advent is a period of preparation leading up to Jesus' birth and it is symbolised in many churches with the lighting of the candles on the Advent Ring. Four candles (usually red) surround the central white candle and the decoration is completed with ribbons and sprigs of holly and ivy. The journey is to enter into the mystery and wonder of God on high coming down to earth in the form of a human child. Each Sunday in Advent we light one of the candles until all are lit and then the central candle is lit at the Mid-night Communion Service to show that the light of the world has been born. The other candles symbolise the Patriarchs – the early followers of God, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, then the Prophets – Elijah, Amos, Micah, Jonah to name just a few, the third candle is for John the Baptist and the final one for Mary, Jesus' Mother. Each candle helps us to focus on God's wonderful plan to find a way to restore humanity to the relationship that God intended. There is a magic and wonder about Christmas that seems to capture everyone's imagination and the simple reason for this is that God is right at the heart of our celebrations whether we realise it or not – ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’.

Before entering Advent we have the important and very meaningful season of Remembrance as we remember those who have died over the past year and other loved ones who are no longer with us. This is often a deeply personal time, charged with emotion and tinged with sadness, but also an opportunity to give thanks for loved ones and to remember them with a sense of peace and hope. This has been a particularly painful year for some families and I hope that the All Soul's Service will bring both comfort and encouragement. The Remembrance Sunday service with members of the Royal British Legion will remember all those who have died in various conflicts and I am pleased that members of the Congregational Church will be sharing in this community and village occasion. May I warmly invite you to share in our services at St. John's, details are listed below.

As you journey on through life may the mystery and wonder of Advent and Christmas bring peace and happiness to your lives and homes.

Revd, Robert Pestell
Rector of Charfield and Kingswood

Sunday Services at 9.30 a.m.
1st Parish Eucharist (Communion) with Sunday Club
2nd Family Service
3rd Parish Eucharist with Sunday Club
4th Morning Praise! With Sunday Club
5th Usually a United Service at 10.30 a.m. sometimes at Kingswood
Details of all events and services are on the weekly notice sheet available from the church.

Special Services
Tuesday 2nd November 7.30 p.m. All Souls Service
Sunday 14th November 10.55 a.m. Service of Remembrance
Sunday 12th December 9.30 a.m. Annual Christingle Service
Friday 17th December 7 p.m. for 7.15 p.m. Carols by Candlelight at St. James, Church End.
Sunday 19th December 3 p.m. Annual Carol Service
Friday 24th December 4 p.m. Crib Service for Children and Families – 11.30 p.m. Mid-night Mass
Saturday 25th December 9.30 a.m. Christmas Family Communion

24

A Jumble Sale to support continued works at St. John's is planned for next March under the leadership of Alison Truman and her family. Two very successful sales have so far been held but I am sure that there are many other clothes and other items that are no longer wanted so please save them up for next March and we will do our best to collect them.

Once again, thank you to Alison and all her helpers for all the hard work, we really do appreciate your efforts.

Robert Pestell

In January next year I will be taking part in a training course based at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. The course is designed to consider a variety issues affecting people at the moment and I have to complete a 10,000 word study on a particular topic. I am intending to do some research into the break up of relationships and marriages and would greatly value contributions from anyone in the village who is willing to share their experiences with me. I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have entered into what they thought was a lifetime relationship or marriage only to find that some years or many years later the relationship has come to an end.

I realise that this can be and often is a very painful subject but I believe that it is worth giving time and consideration to a subject that affects so many people, including children in some cases. If you feel that you could share something of your situation with me then please get in contact as soon as possible as I hope to complete the research by mid-November. Each contact would be in the strictest confidence and no names would be mentioned in my written study. The title of the study has yet to be decided but could be, ‘For better or worse, till death do us part!’

Any views or experiences of this important topic will be welcome, and no church or faith links are required. I look forward to hearing from you.

Robert Pestell, The Rectory, xx, Wotton Road, Charfield. Tel 01454 26xxxx. E-mail xxxx @ surefish.co.uk

Come and join us!

The Tyndale Chorus will celebrate its 45th year in 2005. We perform twice a year – a concert in July at Wotton Parish Church, usually a lighter programme suited to a warm summer evening, and a concert in November at Dursley Parish Church, usually a more formal piece performed with the Tyndale Sinfonia.

For example, on November 13th, we will be singing Samuel Coleridge Taylor's setting of Longfellow's ‘Hiawatha's Wedding Feast’ and ‘Hiawatha's Departure’. One mention of this to anyone over 40 years of age and they launch into a rendition of:

“By the shore of Gitche Gumee,
By the shining Big-Sea-Water,
At the doorway of his wigwam,
In the pleasant Summer morning,
Hiawatha stood and waited.”

It's amazing, how we can recall what was beaten into us at school … by the way, did you know that Gitche Gumee is, in fact, American Indian for Lake Superior?

In 2005, we have a lovely programme planned, ranging from Richard Rodgers to Haydn's Nelson Mass.

25We practice from April to the November concert, with time off for good behaviour in August, on Monday evenings in Dursley Methodist Church. We are currently 65 voices strong, hail from all parts of Gloucestershire, and would like to increase the ranks still further – sopranos, altos, tenors and basses all welcome. Particularly the men … Why are they in such short supply, I wonder?

You will need at least a working knowledge of sight reading, but I find that diligent swotting at home can make up for shortcomings in this area.

So, please do come and hear us on November 13th in Dursley for what promises to be a fabulous evening of music making – and at only £6.50 a ticket it's a snip – and see if you wouldn't like to join in the fun next year!

For tickets, or any other information, call 01454 26xxxx.

Julia O'Connor-Beach
Hon Secretary, Tyndale Choral Society, Second Alto and Dodgy Sight Reader …

July
£25 131 Mrs J Leach
£10 273 Mrs D Smith
£10 272 Mrs M Gannon
£10 279 Mrs G Bateman

August
£25 135 Mrs M Kowalczyk
£10 175 Ms C Moneta
£10 193 Mrs N Edwards
£10 117 Mrs J Presland

September
£25 272 Mrs M Gannon
£10 168 Mr R Radford
£10 173 Mr N Fisher
£10 152 Mr D Bradley

The year 2004 has brought a number of changes to our group. Several childminders have left to pursue other careers and we have a couple of recently registered childminders in the village. We hope that all these ladies will be happy in their new ventures and we also send our best wishes to Sally for her continued recovery.

The year has been another busy one – it keeps us out of mischief. Dab Hands has opened every Monday morning, except for Bank holidays, and the children have had a chance to meet up with their friends, enjoy handicraft activities and to raise the roof with their singing sessions. Some of us attend local Toddler groups and again this is a good opportunity for the children in our care to socialize with other children from the area. Some of us are also members of a childminding Toddlers group in Alveston.

The summer weather may not have been great but we still managed to dodge the rain and fit in visits to Slimbridge, Old-down, Avon Valley Country Park, Kingsgate Park, Cattle Country, Mundy playing fields and Leyhill. We do miss the visitors centre at Leyhill and hope that it will soon re-open.

The rain managed to hold off on the day of the village summer fayre but we had visions of our gazebo taking off in the wind. It was good to raise some funds and to meet up with so many people. We are grateful to the parents of our children for their donations for the stall.

Talking of money – we recently received a generous, anonymous donation for our group. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking the donor/s who can be sure that the money will be put to good use.

26David Elam has recently taken the family photographs and we eagerly await the results.

Angela Smith has kindly offered to do the Early Learning Centre shopping for us again this year so if you would like your shopping done for you do get in touch and we'll provide you with a catalogue and an order form. Angela can be contacted on 26xxxx or speak to any childminder.

In November we are planning to hold a sponsored ‘assault course’ for the children who attend Dab Hands – nothing too strenuous or the adults won't be able to keep up with the children. A fortnight later a dental hygienist is coming along to our session and earlier this year we borrowed a machine that demonstrated how well we do or don't wash our hands – fun activities with a serious purpose. We will be continuing this healthy living theme in the New Year when we are hoping to have some training sessions with the children. Some of the suggested ideas are healthy fun snacks to prepare with children (where they can eat their efforts), dance and music workshops and sensory crafts. Hopefully the children will enjoy the activities and the adults will pick up some new ideas.

We'll be holding our Christmas party in December with sandwiches, sausages, cakes, biscuits and fruit etc. to suit all tastes. We're also hoping that Father Christmas will think that we've been good enough to deserve a visit.

If you're looking for something to do on a Monday morning do come and join us at Dab Hands. We meet at the Village Hall from 10.00–12.00 and we provide chocolate biscuits for the adults!!

Teresa Wildman can be contacted on 01454 26xxxx for details of registered childminding vacancies.

The 17th edition of the newsletter was published in October 1979. The country was in the grip of an oil crisis, and the government were cutting back on public spending.

The impact of these events were reflected in the newsletter, as the village did not have mains gas, and oil deliveries for heating were being rationed. The government cutbacks meant that Avon district were denying rising fives the opportunity to start school.

On the positive side, the village was planning for, and looking forward to the extension to the Memorial Hall. This would add, amongst other things, the Sportsman's Bar and the Committee Room. The search was now on for licensees to be responsible for alcohol in the bar.

The 17th newsletter marked the demise of the Charfield Drama Group. As membership had dwindled to three, it was decided to call it a day, and the remaining funds were passed on to the Memorial Hall Extension Fund.

For the first time, a diary of village events was published in the newsletter.

27

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?

28

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

29/30[Map: Charfield Footpaths]

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 30 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: 2017-02-05.