CHADRA

I'll admit I was a little worried last issue when we changed the copy date for this, and all future editions, to the 6th January, April, July & October. I am very pleased to say that my concerns were misplaced and you all stepped up to the mark and sent me your articles with no need for chasing – thanks very much.

I would just like to say one thing about anonymous articles. Whilst we are prepared to withhold names from articles, if requested, contact details must be provided with all submissions. Without them we are unlikely to publish your article.

Next Copy Date – 6th January 2007

3

Well, summer went rather too quickly (as usual) and Andrea and I are planning the autumn's Rainbow Activities.

Throughout this term and the whole of next year we will be celebrating 20 years of Rainbows.

All our activities this term are linked to celebration. We will be finding out about annual celebrations and what we like to do on these occasions. Other activities will be making musical instruments and singing songs. In the run up to Christmas we will be celebrating Bonfire night and Remembrance Sunday. We will also be Country Dancing with the Rainbows. We have a busy term planned as you can see and we hope all the girls will enjoy the celebrations. Next year we will continue the theme by celebrating at the end of each term with a birthday related activity.

Finally, Andrea and I would like to say thank you to all the girls past, present and future for ensuring Rainbows continues to go from strength to strength.

Kathryn Schofield (01453 52xxxx)

This is an update on how our walking group is getting on.

We still have a regular group of walkers. We meet the third Tuesday of the month, whatever the weather, at 10.00a.m. in the Charfield Memorial Hall car park.

Some walkers volunteer to lead a walk and this ensures we do not get lost.

It is a very informal group, with walkers turning up when they can. Throughout the summer we have taken picnics on our travels, but now the colder days are setting in, we will stop for a pub lunch generally at the end of the walk. Again this is not for everyone and some walkers, after the walk, head straight for home and a well earned cup of tea!

The routes we have walked have included; around Oldbury on Severn, Ham (ending through the deer park) Hawkesbury Upton, Charfield, and Saul. We have some beautiful countryside surrounding our village and whilst walking you can admire the stunning views, something you cannot do when driving.

We are busy arranging a Christmas meal for December which will be at The Rose and Crown at Nympsfield.

Any ladies out there who would like to join us please just turn up, or ring me on 01454 26xxxx. You will be made most welcome.

Heather Joyner

[Graphic: Friends of Charfield Primary School]

This is my final Chadra article on behalf of The Friends of Charfield School, as my year as Chair will end on Wednesday 4th October.

We have had a fabulous year of fund raising, all of which would not have been possible without the brilliant Committee 4and all of you who have assisted, attended and supported all the events held at the School. Thank you so much for all your support, it has been so appreciated and beneficial to the school and all our children.

The Friends make so much possible in terms of providing resources and treats to the school. We are particularly delighted to have funded the play equipment which stands so proudly on the school field. I attended my son's parent lunch recently and was so delighted to witness the children having so much fun on the play equipment, it made it all worthwhile!

We are now preparing for our Annual General Meeting on the 4th October, which hopefully will result in parents coming forward to support the continued efforts of The Friends.

Looking ahead on Wednesday 18th October, The Friends will be holding their annual shopping evening in the school hall from 7.30pm. This is a lovely evening, a chance to catch up with friends, and the opportunity to formulate Christmas ideas! We hope to see you there, all welcome!

As always The Friends will be hosting a fabulous Firework Night on Friday 3rd November, gates will open at 6.30pm, there will be a quiet display for our younger supporters followed by the main display. This is always a great evening, with so many of the village supporting the event! Keep an eye on your letter boxes for further details!

Well that seems to be everything, thank you again for all your support. I look forward to seeing you at the forthcoming events.

Regards

Lisa Wiles, Chair

On the weekend of the 5th August a special camp was arranged at Avening Green by our Assistant Beaver Leader, Tina (Hedgehog). Just for Leaders and their families we had a relaxing evening recapping past events and planning for the next term. With all of the different tents it looked like a Millets show ground. Summer is soon over and we're back to autumn activities, the beavers had a late night at Westonbirt Arboretum to look for bats, it sounded really good. Recently we received news there are yet more activity badges for the sections, the Beavers getting the most, this will keep them busier than ever. Following the success of the last Beaver sleepover in July where 10 of the older Beavers learned about being a Cub Scout, a second sleepover is being arranged in November for the next set of Beavers ready to move up, we're really looking forward to it.

The Scouts are very active outdoors this term. A couple of warm dry weekends ago they held a Patrol competition camp at Avening Green. Each patrol had to put up their own tent, make their own fire, and cook their own meals, a real back to basics camp. Their entertainment of sketches and homemade camp songs on the Saturday night was really interesting. Over the next few weeks they are working on knotting, first aid and map reading returning to the HQ during November – the brave lot.

The Cubs have just ended their stint at Avening Green, now the nights are drawing in its time for a roof over our heads during meetings. The other weekend a number of Cubs attended the District Activity Badge weekend at Woodhouse Park where they had the opportunity of gaining up to four activity badges. Only the leaders camped over this weekend, right through thunder and lightening as well, still it was good 5weather during the daytime, which was all that mattered. In a couple of weeks the Cubs are taking part in a county celebration of the Cubs 90th birthday at Bristol Zoo followed by a District birthday party in December at Thornbury Leisure centre.

Soon all of the sections will be receiving their centenary packs ready for Scouting's 100th birthday celebrations which start on 1st January. We have been told there will be special stamps issued and a specially minted 50p piece. It seems the more demand for 50ps the more will be produced so instead of saving the copper start saving the 50ps!

Already planned for next year is of course the Malta trip in April, “Ton of Fun” County Centenary Camp in May and a Centenary Group Camp in July which we hope will include all sections.

During our last year we were very grateful to MJ Fews for their donation of high viz jackets enabling our members to take part in night hikes safely. We would also like to thank Green Line tanks for two wonderful BBQs which have been used quite a few times since their arrival in July. Unfortunately we are still no nearer with the heating, out of four plumbers contacted only one has produced a quote, doesn't any one want the work? Please if any of you are reading this send them in.

Back to this term, we have our Remembrance Day Parade at Cromhall this year; we hope as in past years we have good attendance. Remembrance Day is a part of Scouting and it is as important to attend this event, as it is to attend weekly meetings, we will be back in Charfield next year. At the end of November, we will be running a tombola stall and hot off the press we have been asked to provide the lunches at the Christmas Charity Fair in the Civic Centre, Wotton-under-Edge. Although Peter (GSL) has said he won't be cooking his famous corned beef pie anyone who has tasted this delicacy can be assured that whatever he decides to cook will be absolutely delicious and I'm not just saying that because I'm married to him!

Our Group carol service this year has been booked for the evening of the 11th December at St Andrew's Church in Cromhall, and we will be inviting all members of the Group and their families to attend.

I haven't said anything about our numbers or waiting list! Well the numbers are still high and the waiting list still big. Allison Trueman our Assistant Group Scout Leader has taken on the group waiting list so we do ask anyone who has a child that is interested in joining a section to contact her on 01454 26xxxx. Could we also ask that anyone with a child on the list contact Allison to reconfirm that the place is still required. Thank you.

Yours in Scouting

Sandra Carnegie, Cub Scout Leader

Things continue to be very busy at the Memorial Hall. Our efforts to improve both the look and security of the hall are ongoing, both through direct fundraising, such as the recent Jumble Sale, and through grant applications. We have just received a significant sum from South Gloucestershire Council and this money will be put towards the redecorating of the main hall. All this work, however, continues to be blighted by vandalism and anti-social behaviour around the hall.

Very sadly, as a direct result of these problems, the National Blood Donor service have removed the hall from their “approved list” and have relocated the sessions to Kingswood. We are 6currently trying to reverse this decision but it is symptomatic of the issues we face. We are currently discussing possible security improvements with the local police, hall users and, where appropriate, the local planning authorities.

On a more positive note, we have recently started to run a Youth “drop in centre”. This runs on a Wednesday evening in the Sportsman's Lounge from about 6.30pm until 9pm. Mike and Karen are the enthusiastic leaders and we are currently discussing with the South Gloucestershire Council Youth Project how we can, with their support, expand and improve the services offered to the youngsters who attend. If you are a parent whose child uses the “club” please make sure that they abide by the rules and primarily respect the leaders, each other and the hall AND enjoy themselves. Better still, why not pop in on a Wednesday and see what help you could give to Mike & Karen – I'm sure they would appreciate it!

Tickets are now on sale for Kick the Cat (who have twice played the Band in the Barn event for the school). The date for this is Saturday 11th November and tickets cost £7.50 – a bargain for a great night out. Hot pork rolls will be on sale courtesy of top chef, Phil Barnes. Tickets can be bought from Steve's Shop or via Lisa Wiles at Charfield School. They are selling fast, so if you haven't already done so, grab yours soon.

Finally, without wishing to sound like a broken record, please continue to use the hall and support its activities. This is vital as, despite the efforts of the committee, the hall could still close in the longer term if we can't improve our revenue stream and reduce our needless expenditure.

Tim Hill, Chairman

[Advert for Memorial Hall: Kick the Cat]

7

Striving for excellence
Learning for Life

Here are some of the extracts from some of our newsletters, so far this term:

Mrs Tylee
I am delighted to tell you that Mrs. Tylee has had a baby girl. She has called her Edith and all is well in the Tylee household. I am sure you will join me in sending our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Tylee and her family.

New Pupils
We have welcomed our 30 new Year R (Reception) pupils into our school with Mrs. Evans as their teacher and Mrs. Tyler as their Teaching Assistant. We hope they are very happy at our school and enjoy learning with us throughout the next 7 years.

New Appointments
I am delighted to welcome the following new members of staff – Rachel Meaton, Louise Hobbs and Cathy Jowett, who will be working with us this year as teaching assistants and Helen England who is our new Lunchtime Supervisor. I hope they are happy here and enjoy their work with us and the children.

Clubs
We have lots of clubs running in our school this year, thanks to our parents and teachers!! Here they all are:

Mrs. Bennett – Athletics Club on Tuesday
Mr. Cope and Mrs. Aston Year – 3 and 4 Tag Rugby on Wednesday
Mr. Barnes – Girls Football on Tuesday
Mrs. Watkins and Mr. Pedley – Football Club on Wednesday
Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Gainer Lane – Aerobogym on Tuesday
Ms. Harper – Relaxation on Tuesday
Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Tyler – Cookery Club on Thursday
Mrs. Peer – Knitting on Thursday
Miss Carroll – Netball Club on Monday
Mrs. Windram and Mrs. Bradley – Board Games on Thursday
Mr. Frontczak – School Council

Individual Photos
The School Photographer was with us on Thursday, 28 September and took individual photographs of the children. Family groupings will be catered for when the pre-school children have their photos taken.

Going for Gold
We started our ‘Going For Gold’ scheme on Monday 2 October. This initiative involves pupils walking to school and getting stars which, when added up can end up with a free swim at one of our local swimming pools. ☺ The focus is on walking, keeping healthy and also trying to cut traffic congestion and pollution by using cars less to get to school.

Pelican Crossing
As you will be aware, work is well on with the installation of the new Pelican Crossing, which I have been told should be operational soon! There will be a two week period of transition as Mr De Claire will instruct pupils and parents about using the crossing safely. After the two weeks, Mr De Claire's role as Road Crossing Patrol Person will cease, and I would like to thank him for having done such a brilliant job. The street lighting will also be upgraded later and a new road surface will complete the whole programme of work.

New Chair of Governors
We have a new Chair of Governors. Mr. Peter Beresford has been our Chair of Governors for some years and has provided the school with terrific dedication and work to help lead and develop the school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all that 8he has tirelessly done for the school. I am delighted to say that he will be staying on the Governors. Meanwhile, Mr. Chris Trueman is now our new Chair of Governors, and I am sure you will all join with me to wish him every success in this new position.

Stefan Frontczak, Headteacher

The group meets in the Memorial Hall every Thursday morning during term time from 10am until 11.30 am. We are open to children up to 3 years old with their parents or carers.

The children enjoy a variety of activities, including crafts, bikes, jigsaws and books, and we have a special baby area with baby toys. The children enjoy playing with other children, and the adults enjoy chatting to other adults.

If you are new to the village and would like to make some new friends then come along. My phone number is on the back of the magazine if you want to make contact first, it can be daunting walking into a room full of strangers! Your first session is free and then it is £1.10 per adult and 50p per child.

Since we advertised for a helper to make the drinks and snacks in the last edition of CHADRA, Jill Hawkins has joined us. We all agree she is a fantastic asset and now we couldn't manage without her. Thank you, Jill!

Yvonne Kershaw, Treasurer

Many of you may not be aware that there is an active branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution within the GL12 postal area (including Charfield). No, we do not have a lifeboat – even if we were all in the prime of our youth, then the best response time that we could achieve to put to sea would be far from adequate! Instead, our role is three-fold: to raise funds; to promote the work of the RNLI; to promote the RNLI safety messages – particularly the promotion of safety at the sea-side to schools and youth organisations.

The RNLI is proud of its tradition of being funded through public donation; which has been the case since 1869. (Previously there was a 15 year period when the RNLI received some funding from the Government – but with it came restrictions and the “involvement” of Board of Trade representatives in the day-to-day running of the RNLI!

Your local branch was formed in 1993 and has raised over £60,000 towards the cost of running the RNLI. This is commendable given that there are no major supermarkets, etc within the GL12 postal area. However, the overall cost of running the RNLI is now around £330,000 per day. Our largest annual fund-raiser is the house-to-house collections (and I would like to thank those of you who have collected in Charfield over the years). We have also arranged occasional specific events (including a very successful dinner at Berkeley Castle a few years ago – this jointly with three other branches). We also raise funds by selling RNLI souvenirs and Christmas cards at local events (e.g. the Kingswood Car Show; the Berkeley Show; the Cromhall Flower Show) and if any of you can put me in touch we the organisers of similar events that would welcome us, please do so.

In our promotion roles, we are able to provide speakers for talks to local organisations about the work of the RNLI, but perhaps more importantly we can provide speakers and support to schools and youth organisations both in 9promoting safety at the seaside and in teaching Citizenship. You may be unaware that RNLI lifeboats & lifeguards rescue more than 1500 young people each year and save on average three lives a day. That's nearly a class of children every week and the RNLI is committed to raising the awareness in young people of the dangers and safe practices to be followed.

Earlier this year I made a presentation to the pupils at Charfield Primary School on the work of the RNLI; this was in support of their involvement in our Save Our Soles Day appeal. This was an appeal whereby children at schools and employees at work donated £1 towards the cost of training RNLI crew for being able to wear trainers to school / work on that day. I would like to thank Stefan Frontczak, his staff and all the pupils at the school for making me very welcome and for the monies they raised. The campaign is to be repeated in the New Year; I do not yet know the date, but if any of you are interested in promoting this at your school or workplace, please contact me and I will arrange that you receive details.

If any of you would like to know more about your local branch, are willing to help (even if only occasionally), or would like a talk on the work of the RNLI or safety at the seaside – please contact me.

John Barnett (Chairman) – 01453 84xxxx (Charfield)

Parish Council Grants
In December the Parish Council meet to set the budget for the coming year, as well as allocating monies to the various projects and the Parish Council can award grants to various groups and organisations within the village and surrounding areas that would help to ensure there continued support of the community. As I write the date for the budget meeting has not yet been set, this will be agreed at our October meeting, however, village groups and organisations that would like to apply for a Parish Council grant are advised to write to the Clerk in good time.

A written application should be addressed to; Charfield Parish Clerk, Xxxx, Bevington, Berkeley, Glos, GL13 9RB.

For a grant award to be considered please ensure your application arrives No later than 30th November 2006.

In addition;
• State what you require a grant for.
• Who will benefit from the proposed grant.
• Forward a copy of the previous years audited accounts

I have also been asked by the Clerk to mention from time to time that details about funding and grant availability are received from all sorts of different organisations throughout the year. If any community or voluntary group would like to receive details of these ‘as and when they appear’ could they please forward, by e-mail, details to the Clerk who is compiling a spreadsheet of ‘fund needy groups’. Her e-mail address is; Clerk @ charfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Manor Lane, Wotton Rd corner – landscaping proposals
Following the piece in the last edition of CHADRA the Parish Council has received some feed back to our proposals. The responses received have been mixed but the majority opinion is supportive. Those of you who have been resident in the village for a number of years will undoubtedly remember the site hut and oil storage tanks that were in this area. The Parish Council have gradually over the years sought to improve the visual effect of this area and the landscaping is the last stage of this process. We will be 10considering the comments received at a future monthly meeting and it is hoped to go ahead with the final plan ready for the spring next year.

Children's Play Equipment
I am sure that there are many who enjoy taking their children or even grandchildren to make use of the play equipment on Charfield playing field. This equipment that has been provided by public donation, grants from various bodies and local groups, is inspected and maintained by the Parish Council. We allocate an annual budget to go towards general upkeep and repairs that ultimately is taken from the precept we set and is seen as part of your Council Tax bill. This year, probably more than any previous, the equipment has been subject to acts of vandalism that has set back work we have undertaken to keep this equipment in proper working order and looking good. Some mindless individuals have taken to throwing paint over the shelter, hacking at the wooden parts of the multiplay equipment, ripping the fence posts out around the mound slide and knocking down the protective fence around the toddler area. The list does not end there, we still haven't been able to replace the steel bench that was unbolted from its concrete stand and eventually found its way to in front of the Memorial Hall.

My point in this is that these acts cannot go on without some one seeing or hearing something. Why is it that the acts of a minority are permitted to stop the enjoyment of the majority? I am aware the Memorial Hall has had its share of vandalism which has been reported in the local press and I understand there are plans try and improve matters. However, could I ask that if you do see anything or have information that may be of use please contact the Police either at Thornbury or on the local Crime Stoppers telephone numbers, these are printed on the back cover of CHADRA. Remember it's your money that is being spent.

Paul Ashford
Chairman, Charfield Parish Council.

A senior citizen is one who was here before the pill, television, frozen foods, credit cards, ball point pens, jet engines and supersonic flight – and the moon was for doing your courting under, not for walking on.

For us, time-sharing meant togetherness and chips were something that you ate with fish, and bought in penn'orths. Hardware meant hard ware and there was no such a word as software. We were before pantyhose and drip-dry clothes, and dishwashers were husbands and not electrical appliance, and we had hot water bottles not electric blankets.

We got married first then lived together – how quaint! Girls wore liberty bodices and Peter Pan collars and cleavages were something to do with the butchers.

We were before Batman, vitamin pills, disposable nappies, pizzas, instant coffee, Chinese takeaways and supermarkets.

Soaps were for washing with. In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable, grass was for mowing and pot was for stew and dumplings. To be gay was to be the life and soul of the party whilst Aids meant beauty creams, trusses and wigs.

Today's senior citizens are a hardy bunch when you think how much the world has changed and the adjustments they have had to make.

Anon – taken from a Church Magazine (near Dorchester)

11

During the last three months crime generally has remained very low in the Charfield Area, although the Memorial Hall suffered from a spate of damage and graffiti during August.

In relation to this one local youth was arrested for these and separate offences of criminal damage to fencing around the children's play area, inscribing graffiti on the hall and assaulting another youth on the playing fields. Two of these offences were proven and he was dealt with accordingly.

A further youth was also arrested in connection with the damage to the fencing.

Persistent complaints in relation to another youth's manner of driving also resulted in his being reported for the offence of careless driving in the car park of the Memorial Hall and having his car temporarily seized.

On a more general note the introduction of the new neighbourhood policing is slowly progressing and is provisionally set to be introduced locally in December.

Upon its inception the Charfield beat will be amalgamated with the Ladden Brook beat to encompass Charfield, Cromhall, Engine Common, Iron Acton, Wickwar, Rangeworthy and Latteridge.

The area will be covered by one dedicated beat officer and two dedicated police community support officers.

The new beat will be covered by the current beat officer for Ladden Brook, PC Bainbridge, whilst I will take on responsibility for the Thornbury, Tytherington and Falfield areas.

PC 3799 Jones

Editors note: We would like to thank PC Jones for his regular contributions to our newsletter and we hope that PC Bainbridge will write for us once she takes over the Charfield area.

On Saturday, 11 November, in St James' Church, Dursley, at 7.30pm, the Tyndale Choral Society will be performing a concert for Armistice Day:

Mozart's Requiem, Elgar's ‘For the Fallen’, and Handel's ‘The Ways of Zion do Mourn’.

The TCS will be accompanied by professional orchestra and soloists.

This concert is supported by ‘Awards for All’. Do come and hear this beautiful music! For further information or tickets, please visit our website (www.tyndale-choral-society.org) or ring Julia on 01454 26xxxx.

Advertising

[Advert for At Home Curtains & Blinds]

12[Advert for Add Plant]

[Advert for D.R. Vizard]

[Advert for French for Fun]

[Advert for Charfield Wet Trades]

[Advert for Phoenix Trading]

13[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Falcon B&B]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

14[Advert for W.S. Franks]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes Reflexology]

[Advert for Claire Saunders]

[Advert for Colin Lane Carpet & Flooring]

[Advert for Littles Curtains]

[Advert for Learn Baby Massage]

15[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Daw]

[Advert for Avon-Tech]

16[Advert for Terrys]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Safeclean]

[Advert for RK Aerials]

[Advert for PC Repairs & Maintenance]

[Advert for Manor Garden Maintenance]

17[Advert for Charfield Taxis]

[Advert for R.C. Autos]

[Advert for Relax-ology]

18[Advert for Acucare]

[Advert for Plumtec]

19[Advert for Evergreen Computing]

[Advert for Frocks & Tails at Home]

[Advert for Laura Needham]

[Advert for Massage Table Store / Positive Pressure]

[Advert for Party From A Box]

20[Advert for MB Property Maintainance & Landscaping]

[Advert for Indian Head Massage and Reflexology]

[Advert for DB Refrigeration]

[Advert for Charfield memorial Hall]

21

In the previous newsletter I mentioned Churchend Farm, that was of course the old original name, its new name is Manor Farm. However I must, before continuing with the little bit of knowledge I have on hydraulic rams, explain where the original Manor Farm was situated. Many years ago, long before I was born, and that was eighty years ago, situated approximately a hundred yards south of where the Manor Lane shops are now, was an old derelict farmhouse with a walled garden containing some lovely old apple trees. This old farmhouse was, as old maps will confirm, the original Manor Farm, and what a wonderful place this was for us school children to play in. One or two of the apple trees had fruit on that could be eaten, though the majority were probably cider apples, very sour they were too. Close to the old farmhouse was a stone walled sheep dip situated just a few yards away from a large pond, this was probably very handy if, or when, the sheep dip needed topping up. There were plenty of moorhens nesting on this pond during the summer, and some of us were very fond of their eggs. If we found a nest that had eggs in it that wasn't within reach and no one had their egging spoon with them, the boy living nearest his home would run and get his mothers largest tablespoon, we would then tie the spoon to the end of a long stick, and so armed with this formidable weapon, we were able to retrieve the eggs with no danger of falling in. To see if the eggs were any good for eating, they would be placed in some shallow water, if they sank immediately they were good, if they floated they were addled, and if they floated with one end just above the water, they were dodgy and probably had young ones developing inside, these eggs were placed back in the nest to be hatched out. We never took all the eggs from any one nest, always leaving one or two, the female moorhen would then either lay more eggs, or hatch those that were left. This routine applied to any moorhen's eggs we found, not just those on the old Manor Farm pond. Normally, if we were out deliberately looking for eggs, we always took an egging spoon with us. Two moorhen's eggs were the equivalent of one hens egg, and much, much tastier. Sorry about the nostalgia, but when you get on in years thinking of the past gives a lot of pleasure.

Now back to hydraulic rams, these were a technological innovation of the eighteenth century; some are probably still around, and though not in serious use, could still be working as exhibition models.

One of the hydraulic rams, used in Charfield in the eighteen hundreds, was cited on the eastern side of St James Church in Churchend, on the bank that slopes down to, as mentioned in the previous newsletter, the Withy bed.

Why this hydraulic ram was built there, or who used the water provided by it I do not know, but it was situated in a very handy position close to, not only the farms in Churchend, all four of them, New House farm, Church farm, Manor farm / Churchend Farm, and Pound House farm, but also the cottages in Churchend. The water supplied by rams must have been extremely welcome during the severe drought of 1864, but having said that, even these masterpieces of engineering would have been of little use if the streams they worked from had dried up. 1864 was an awful year, not only for farmers who had a very worrying time with livestock and 22crops to look after, but every living thing suffered during that sustained period of drought. During the summer of that year, ponds and streams dried up, wells that had never been known to dry up did so, cattle wandered aimlessly around fields very distressed, as were foxes, so desperate for water were they, that many were seen chewing the tops of wilting vegetables growing in the fields, and although precious little moisture would have been obtained from them, it probably kept these unhappy creatures alive. The occasional heron was also found dead, and those that were seen alive appeared very emaciated as they vainly searched for sustenance in the dried up rivers, ponds and lakes. Apparently the cause of the death of the herons was not starvation, it appeared to be food poisoning, at least that was the verdict announced by officials at the time. It seemed that the herons had eaten frogs and fish that had been dead for a number of days, and this caused their demise, under the circumstances this was understandable of course. During the drought most waterfowl, including herons, had moved to large rivers, such as the river Severn and other deep water areas, so mortality amongst them was not that great.

This grave water shortage not only affected farmers, it also affected production in many mills that relied on water as a source of power. In 1864 when steam power was probably being used in some mills, most of them depended on power derived from the water wheel, either completely, or as an assist to steam, even as late as 1939/40, when I started work at the Bone Mill in Charfield, the water wheel played a vital roll working in tandem with steam, thus helping to maintain a constant working speed which was necessary to enable the machinery to function correctly in the mill. I must say however, that extremely dry weather was not the only thing that stopped the water wheel in the Bone Mill, but that is yet another story. By the way, was 1864 the year global warming started!

Having been side tracked once more, this time by the drought of 1864, I will return to the real reason for submitting this article, namely, hydraulic rams.

Basically, hydraulic rams are water driven pumps that use the power supplied by the movement of water in a river or stream to force water into a pipe, or pipes of graduated sizes, this water is then controlled by pulse valves that open and close at regular intervals. This system could, if applied correctly, move water vertically, up to 1,000 feet, and horizontally several miles. These distances were claimed by the makers in this country, a company called Green & Carter, this firm made many of these hydraulic rams around the turn of the century, there may have been others, but there is very little evidence of this. A gentleman named Josiah Easton obtained the patent, presumably from the Montgolfier Bros, who were I believe, the French inventors of the hydraulic ram. King George the Third was somehow mixed up with the signing of the patent, in fact it was suggested he actually signed it, this would tie up with the stories that the King and the two bros were known to each other long before the patent was signed over.

Getting back to the reason for the hydraulic rams in the Withy bed, according to maps, as briefly suggested earlier, they seemed to point in the general direction of Churchend, so obviously there must have been a need for more water in that area, but who used it, and for what purpose, I am 23afraid I have no idea. The council minutes recorded at that time, could possibly explain the reason for this need of extra water in that part of the village. As already mentioned, Hydraulic rams were, in all probability, the brainchild of two Frenchmen, Joseph Michael, and Jacques Etienne Montgolfier; these two bros must have been very clever people, because they were not only credited with having invented the hydraulic ram, but also with having invented the hot air balloon, but that side of their inventiveness would be of very little interest to readers of the newsletter.

Although I am not on the Internet, I would think that anyone who required more detailed information on hydraulic rams, could find all they wanted on that media.

Ken Parker.

Editors Note: Ken – thank you once again for an interesting article – we did not even consider using the shredder!

Anyone wishing to join and support the village hall, please contact Mr J Russell on 01453 52xxxx or 07711 55xxxx.

Welcome to our first piece as the new Chair and Vice-Chair for Charfield Pre-School. Let us introduce ourselves,

Chair: Joanne Loveridge
My son Brandon has been at Charfield Pre-School for the last six months.
Vice-Chair: Becki Bishop
My daughter Ashleigh started at Charfield Pre-School in June.

We took over the role from Krissy in September and with our new committee have been busy planning ahead for another successful year for Charfield Pre-School. We are always looking for ideas and support to improve our Pre-School and raise vital funds.

We have a few fundraising ideas for the coming year, including a Poker Night planned for February, more details will be available after Christmas so look out for those. The Christmas float is full steam ahead for Saturday December 10th, listen out for the float in your street, it is our main annual fundraiser and is always very well supported by the village. Last year we raised £603.58 and we are hoping to beat that this year. Thank you to everyone who supported the Ladies Night and the Teddy Tombola at the village fair.

Our lunch club is on Monday and Wednesday and is now available to all children that attend the morning sessions on those days. If you are interested in your child attending lunch club on either or both days please speak to Lisa Hancock our new Admissions committee member. Her contact details can be found on the back page.

Our rising fives sessions for children starting primary school in September 2007 will start in January and will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Again, speak to Lisa if you wish your child to attend.

24The Pre-School is currently collecting the Tesco sport vouchers. If you have any spare vouchers please will you collect them with us in mind and hand them to any committee member or staff. They will help us to get some much needed sports equipment.

From ourselves and the rest of the committee we would like to express our thanks to all the members of the previous committee for their help and advice while the current members settled into their roles, and a warm welcome to the new children and parents who have started or are about to start at our Pre-School.

From Monday November 6th to Sunday December 3rd, our local community radio station will be broadcasting from Thornbury for the surrounding district. The previous two broadcasts were heard by listeners from Chepstow to Chipping Sodbury, and from Filton to Berkeley, and, with over fifty different presenters, the latest broadcast should be even more popular. If you would like Thornbury FM to promote any local charitable or community events occurring during the broadcast period, then please phone the studio (01454 41xxxx) or email xxxx @ xxxx.org with the relevant information and contact details. Our presenters can then give out this information when they have the opportunity, usually on the day of the event and the previous day. The latest details of the programming schedule are available on the website, www.xxxx.org.

You may have noticed that the Village Tennis Court has been somewhat busy this year and hasn't it been wonderful to see so many people playing this sport in our Village? Charfield Tennis Club rent the court from the Memorial Hall and charge a very modest amount to join (usually just enough to cover maintenance and running costs.) We have had a first-class summer season with an exciting Family Tournament, the Finals of which were played at the Fete; a highly competitive & enjoyable Mixed Doubles Tournament held in June; an amazing Youth Tournament and Junior Leagues (our youngsters have so much talent!). The Ladies Doubles & Singles matches have been great fun. The matches are always entertaining but we are improving too!

The commitment we show to developing our Juniors and Youths has meant that many children join our club from other local areas who do not have the same range of coaching / competitions etc. We are now actively pursuing the possibility of providing a second court which will mean that twice as many people can join in this fantastic sport.

The Club as a whole is doing well attracting many new members to the Club but there is room for many more. Membership fees are now half price until the start of next season, eg Family membership now costs just £10. The standard in the Club ranges from complete novices or those who haven't played since school with wooden rackets through to first rate players. All are very, very welcome. We are very lucky to have a fantastic club coach in Pat Parfitt, who is always on hand to offer coaching sessions for all ages & abilities. We have introduced a new online booking system this year, one of the first in the area, where members can check the availability of the court and book it themselves.

‘Tennis For All’ is our aim as we move towards next season. For any information please visit the web site at http://charfieldtennisclub.ibooka.com and ‘Contact Us’.

Jake Barnes (Ladies Captain)

25

Once again, I am appealing to anyone who feels that they have some free time, that they could join my band of voluntary drivers to help transport people living in Charfield, to doctors, dentist, opticians, hospital appointments, who otherwise would have no other means of getting to their appointments.

The scheme is very successful and sometimes I do have a problem finding drivers. Just remember that one day you may need the help of the transport scheme.

Please do think carefully as to whether you could spend a little time to help someone less fortunate than maybe you are.

Contact Mrs. Marion Smith on 01454 26xxxx or email xxxx @ xxxx.freeserve.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.

It's not an arduous or difficult job – but I've done it for a long time and I think the time has come to let someone else have a go. I shall be staying on the committee and will be very happy to see anyone through the early stages if you haven't done anything like this before – so don't let inexperience stop you coming forward. We are a good team but without any one of us the newsletter just won't happen. The meetings – four a year – are short and cheerful, and keep you in touch with what's going on in the village.

Persuaded? Give me a ring on 01454 26xxxx or contact any one of the committee whose numbers you will find inside the front cover. We look forward to hearing from you.

Barbara Adams

Rev. Philip Hopes. Tel: 01453 84xxxx

Sunday – 11am. Worship and Kings Club
1st Sunday of each month Family Service 11 am.
Tuesday's 8 pm. Prayer and Bible Study

Are You Ready for Christmas?

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” Luke 2:8–10

Are you ready for Christmas? How many times are we asked that question by friends and strangers this time of year? What do they mean when they ask and how do you answer? Chances are they are inquiring if you have all the shopping done or if preparations are complete for a holiday party or family gathering. So how do you respond?

Perhaps you are like the innkeeper who was busy waiting on customers, preparing rooms and meals for his guests. Perhaps you are more like the townspeople who were celebrating a census, had friends and family to see, parties to attend. Or like so many others including religious leaders who had their own version of the Messiah and it didn't include a child born in a stable.

It is often difficult to remember Christmas is more than just another celebration. We should be more like the shepherds who were ready and willing to respond. For when the angel had left they said, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” And after 26they had found Mary and Joseph and the baby, they went and rejoiced and told others what they had seen.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for this Christmas season. As we celebrate the coming of the Christ child, help us to be more like the shepherds by believing, worshiping and sharing the message of the Lord with everyone. Amen

Well, of course, if I'd put a ring around 6th October, I would have been prepared. Dear Mr Drinkwater telephoned to remind me of the revised moved forward date so; here I am on the 5th writing to you-hoo.

Right then what's new? Well you'll see in a bit how my first bit of news will depend on whether this piece of literary excitement will get to Hils and Geoff. In a nutshell, Lawrence has gone – to New York. And, if his throbbing heart continues, he'll be staying there. I shall have to sharpen up my skills on the old computer!!!

I've always had my little darling, (the younger one, not Keith) by my side when I'm pressing certain knobs. What baffles me is that my stuff I write for Chadra is filed under Marilyn's Bit. Being the vain sort I am I keep some of my past jottings. So how does it know which Marilyn's Bit to actually send to Hils and Geoff. I asked Lawrence this and, of course, he said, “Oh, it just does.” Typical, I thought.

Now before you raise your eyes to heaven and think get a grip on the old technicals, Maz, I just want to say that I can do Pitman Shorthand, speak Spanish and tap dance. What am I trying to prove? Oh I don't know. I just didn't want you to think I was a right old eejit. So before Lawrence left I asked him to set me out instructions. He told me he has. But where? I really would have liked legible scrawl on the back of an old envelope. But I have a feeling it's tucked away under some exotic title. What's Bluetooth? Must stop now, I'm going out with Mel and Trace and will continue later. I must have pressed something, it's gone into bold. Bye.

Hello, it's now Friday. I'm still in bold print, so will have to live with that. Had a fab night out, last night with Mel and Trace. Being employees of South Glos, Tracy and I had a booklet giving us money off stuff. We had 20% of Bella Pasta down at the Cribbs. So off we went. It was shut. Workmen in and do not enter stickers all over the place. So we went into Tom and Jerry's or what ever it's called, 2 doors up. No discount.

I was chatting to the girls about my computer skills dilemma and Mel was offering advice of how to make it easier and Tracey, bless her, just groaned along with me. So just now, my Sophie gets on the phone. Do you think I could find it? This article, I mean. Of course, my dear daughter, in her infinite wisdom, just says, “Mum, save it under another title.” Wow, how brill. So this piece is now called Chadra Oct 06. Actually, you are all at liberty to absolutely think that I AM A RIGHT OLD EEJIT.

I cannot believe that I have written so much about my inadequacies.

I had better sign off, but before I go just want to say A) I do so hope this arrives, B) why on earth did Alan Titchmarsh do the Proms and just stick to gardening and C) aren't blueberries expensive?

Take care, keep cosy when it gets nippy and best wishes.

Maz.

Editors note: as you can see we got it fine – well done!!

27

Change in Status!
Charfield Out of School Club is now a Company Limited by Guarantee as is very common now for not-for-profit organisations. This was approved by members at the last AGM in July and changes very little in practical terms.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the leaving committee members for the enormous amount of energy and time they put into running the club. Thanks to Sarah McNally, Katie Ling, Lea Watson, and Nicky McNamara. We would particularly like to thank Deborah Field and Julie Macnamara who both had been with the club for many years. Julie was one of the original driving forces behind setting up the Club and it would not be here today without her tireless efforts.

Who's Who
Directors: Penny Thorne (Chair), Nicola Derrick (Secretary), James Kane (Treasurer), Matthew Fuller, Janice Brett and Jess Gainer-Lane
Staff Manager and Leaders: Pat Loveridge (Club Manager), Joanne Loveridge and Georgina Parker
Accounts: Karen Messer

Recent OFSTED Report
In August the club was visited by OFSTED to carry out their annual spot inspection. OFSTED's comments will be taken on board for future reference. The report contained many positive comments and overall the committee was pleased with it.

Vacancies
Are you considering going back to work or would fancy putting your child / children into the club for a break from time to time? If so, I am delighted to tell you that we now have a few vacancies (but only a few) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Spaces are also available on most mornings

For more details – pick up a leaflet from the club. For those who don't know – the club runs in the Foundation room next to the Playground on the school premises. (Phone details at the end of this article)

£1 Annual Subscription Fee
Any parent using the club needs to be a member and the usual £1 annual subscription fee is to be paid from October. What this does is simply allows us to check the status of our current members. Those who no longer wish to be a member need not pay the nominal fee and we can then remove them from the register. For members who receive a monthly bill this nominal charge will be simply added onto the bill. Infrequent users who do not get a bill we ask you to pop into the foundation room and give your £1 to Pat, Georgina or Joanne.

Date For Your Diaries …
Finally an important date for your diaries …
FAMILY DISCO – SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY, Charfield Village Hall.
Be prepared to have some fun …

Admin
Club opening times:-
Breakfast club: 7:30am to 8:40am
After School club: 3:10pm to 6:00pm
School Holidays / Inset days – 7:30am to 6:00pm

The Holiday clubs remain popular, particularly on inset days so early booking is essential.

If you want to find out more about the Club contact the Club Manager, Pat Loveridge on 07816 23xxxx or 01454 26xxxx or call into the Club at the Foundation Room in the School grounds during opening hours

Janice Brett

28

As I write we are without a Rector, or any ordained clergy, to lead in the many aspects of the church's work, which might normally be considered as part of the duties of a parish priest. We have said our farewells to Robert Pestell and his family and they have moved to Cheltenham to take up new duties there. Of course that doesn't mean that the life of the church here in Charfield has come to a halt. It is the duty of the churchwardens and the parochial church council to ensure that the work and life of the church continues; God hasn't abandoned the village.

At present (in early October) the future plans for the parish have not been finalised, though I can say that it is unlikely that we shall see a new incumbent moving into the rectory. There will not, in the future, be a parish priest in either Charfield or Kingswood, the other member of our combined benefice. There is a shortage of clergy in the Church of England generally and our benefice cannot support a full time incumbent financially.

While we wait for the new, long term arrangements to be put in place we move into a period of interregnum, for perhaps six months, or maybe longer. During this time we shall be welcoming visiting clergy to lead our services, particularly those requiring the presence of an ordained minister, while other services will be led by our own parishioners. For the present there will be services every Sunday, generally at 9.30am, but note that some special services will be in the afternoon at 3pm.

This promises to be a challenging time for the churchwardens and the church council, who hope for the continued support of the village in carrying on the church's work. We'd all love to see you in church. And don't forget that after every service you are invited to linger for a chat over a coffee and a biscuit.

It's quite suddenly become autumnal after a hot summer, which seemed inclined to stretch on to beyond what we would normally expect, perhaps it's an indication of global warming. But as autumn sets in my thoughts turn towards Christmas. Not that I'm pleased to see the shops already putting on their Christmas displays, I'm not ready for that yet. But this is the last newsletter before Christmas and you'll want to know what the service arrangements for the Christmas period will be. Well I can't be specific because things are yet to be settled. What I can say is that, as in the past, a leaflet will be distributed round the village with the details of service dates and times. Please keep an eye out for these.

One or two dates and times are fixed. First, we shall be holding a Christingle Service, in aid of the Children's Society, on Sunday the 3rd December at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. (If any children, or adults, would like to receive a “candle” in which to collect cash for presentation at the Christingle service simply ring 01454 26xxxx). Our annual service of Lessons and Carols is to be on Sunday the 17th December, also at 3pm. We are currently trying to make arrangements for the usual Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve but this has yet to be confirmed. Please see the leaflet of Christmas Services when it is distributed closer to the date.

A summary of special service dates and times:
Sunday the 5th November at 9.30am – All Souls, a commemoration of the departed with Holy Communion.
Sunday the 12th November at 10.45am – An act of Remembrance at the war memorial followed by a short service in church.
29Sunday the 10th December at 3pm – Christingle Service in aid of the Children's Society.
Sunday the 17th December at 3pm – Service of seven Lessons and Carols.

Finally, although it seems much too early in the year, we at St. John's wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We hope to see you at one of our services!

Bryan Grantham – on behalf of: the PCC and churchwardens of St. John's.

Yes, it is that time of year again.

Once again I am looking for one or two people to help with house to house collecting between October 28th and November 11th.

Each year the collections are more than the year before, but this will only happen if we can guarantee covering all the areas in the district that we cover.

Please contact me on 01454 26xxxx or email xxxx @ xxxx.freeserve.co.uk if you think you could spare a few hours for the less fortunate.

Marion Smith, HPOA

“Nine/Eleven” and “Seven/Seven” are invoked, and we all know what they signify. These dates are referred to with respect and sadness, and their political importance and impact on our lives are discussed frequently.

But what of Remembrance Sunday? The first ceremony was held in 1921, to remember the losses of the Great War. Since then, the losses of subsequent military actions have been added to the roll – World War II, the Falklands, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Iraq (to name but a few). The fatalities, bereaved, and injured count in the millions, not tens or thousands.

So, what about making “Eleven/Eleven” and Remembrance Sunday (on the 12th this year) a day to remember … to remember the cost of conflict and the price paid by those of this village and our own families.

Please do come (in rain or shine) to the memorial on Wotton Road opposite the school at ten to eleven on Sunday, 12th November, to join in the two minute silence. Those who wish to can then attend the service which follows in the Church.

It's only 10 minutes out of your year, and an important event in the village's calendar. Please support it.

Thank you.

30

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

Baby and Toddler Group
Yvonne Kershaw 01454 26xxxx

Bingo Club
Sue Scoble 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
David Millman (Hon Sec) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Pre-School
Joanne Loveridge (Chair) 07849 48xxxx
Becki Bishop (Vice Chair) 01454 26xxxx
Lisa Hancock (Admissions) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
Stefan Frontczak 01454 26xxxx

Childminders
Teresa Wildman 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Rev Philip Hopes 01453 84xxxx

Church – St. John's
Rev Robert Pestell 01454 26xxxx
Email xxxx @ surefish.co.uk

Council – Charfield Parish
Sue Bailey (Clerk) 01453 51xxxx
Email clerk @ charfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Council – South Gloucestershire
Sandra O'Neill 01454 26xxxx
Email xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk

Cricket Club
Diane Bradley 01453 84xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Football Club – Juniors
Jeremy Lewis 01454 26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Jeremy Lewis 01454 26xxxx

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Karen Williams 01454 26xxxx
Lisa Wiles 01454 26xxxx

Foundation Room
Bryan Grantham 01454 26xxxx

Friendship Club
Mrs. M Ealey 01454 29xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Christine Parfitt 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Bookings 0870 774 xxxx
Email xxxx @ virgin.net
Tim Hill (Chair) 01454 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
To be confirmed