CHADRA

Since the last newsletter Northavon Planning Committee have agreed that Charfield should not develop beyond its existing boundaries within the next few years. Consequently most of us should feel pleased that in taking an interest in the future of our village we have been able to convey these feelings to the District Council. We, therefore, must thank the Parish Council, Mr. John Tully – our District Councillor, and the Northavon District Planning Committee for considering the views of the residents and for making provision for a public participation exercise.

At the same time, we must not forget that this may not be the end of the matter as there are two appeals outstanding, and, in any case, the Avon Structure Plan, when it comes out, may alter everything.

We are pleased to see that our Lollipop Lady, Mrs. Graham, is fully recovered and back on duty again.

We should like to thank Mrs. Daphne Williams for all the work she did as secretary for CHADRA and wish her well in the future in her new home.

Don Smith

In spite of all the economic gloom we have managed to celebrate Christmas in much the same way as usual, although we have had to ask parents to make a contribution towards the Christmas parties for the children. We are grateful to the staff of both kitchens who have helped even more this year with the preparation of the food.

The Rector and Churchwardens kindly allowed us to use the Church for our Carol Services which re-inforced the true meaning of Christmas. I wish it were possible for more interested people to come but, even in Church, space is limited.

The differing holiday dates between this school and K.L.B has caused inconvenience to parents with children at both schools. Representations have been, and are still being, made to try to rectify this.

2Next year will undoubtedly be difficult for us all. The education service seems to be under attack from many directions. People's main concern is for the school their own children attend. We have always valued the support of parents and friends of the school in the past and will need it even more in the future. The village has representatives on the Managing Body through the Parish Councillors and parents are served also by the Parent Teacher Association. I hope parents will continue to take an active interest in the P.T.A. as it has been a valuable source of assistance, not only financial but also in the exchange of ideas. We have benefited considerably, in a number of ways, from the voluntary help given in the school by parents.

On behalf of all at Charfield School, may I wish you all a happy New Year.

D.A. Malpass.
Headmaster.

Before another ‘Newsletter’ comes out we shall be very close to Easter. That seems a long way away at the time of writing this (early December) but time passes quickly and we move through life rather like this – our eyes on the horizon and then that horizon is under our feet and we are already looking at our next objective. We can't help being like this but if life is no more than this – a series of objectives at which we aim – we may well be missing much in life: the quiet look back and the quiet savouring of what we already have, which is part of what religion has meant by ‘meditation’, a largely unlearnt or forgotten art. We try and learn something of this attitude in Christian worship … in Church.

Church – the word means PEOPLE, not a building originally; but the name got transferred to the place where the people met for worship. So today when the word ‘Church’ is used, it is often the building which is thought of, which can be misleading. We have a very pleasant little village Church, which was built for us and left to us by the action of an earlier generation. Every parish has the duty to maintain what has been left to it and we, no exception, have this duty at an extraordinarily difficult time. We mentioned in the last copy of the Newsletter that the Church chimney has to be partially removed and repaired. The lowest tender for this is over £200 and we have about £20 at present towards it. We hope that our efforts and prayers will be answered by your help. For some years we have worked to put the parish finances on a sound basis – which should be easy. It would mean a little response from more people. You should have received a letter about this last year, but if you have forgotten or want to know more, let me know. I should be pleased to talk to you about it.

Some people release themselves from any responsibility by saying, “The Church has got millions”. YES, the Church (or rather the Church Commissioners) has got millions BUT the interest on this goes almost entirely to paying the clergy; and to give an extra £1 a week to the clergy an extra three quarters of a million pounds have to be found. Realising this, puts the matter into perspective. So the maintenance of the Church and its various running expenses have to be found within the parish. If they are not, it is usually the parson who has to pay some of the bills! I mention this, not to grumble but to try and put right some wrong ideas that people have, because wrong ideas rob people of being involved and being involved in the life of God and God's people can be the source of great satisfaction and joy.

Remember, please, our Jumble Sale on Saturday, 15th January at 2.15 p.m. A Happy New Year to you.

Sincerely,
Kenneth G. Grant (Rector).

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The new Citizens' Advice Bureau which opened early in October at Wotton-under-Edge has justified the Wotton Town Council's decision to ask for a local C.A.B. to deal with the many problems which arise in the daily life of a community.

The response in the area has been exceptionally encouraging. With C.A.B. there are no boundaries, so any citizen from any village can come and have free, impartial and wholly confidential help from a trained worker. The problems and requests for information cover every known subject and no appointment is necessary.

Wotton C.A.B. is open at present, each Thursday from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. in Berkeley House, Long Street, tel. no. Wotton-under-Edge 3xxx. At other times clients should phone C.A.B. – Stroud 2xxx.

So don't hesitate to call if you think that C.A.B. can help you in any way.

The Balloon Race

Playgroup's balloon race which was held at the beginning of October was a great success and we, in playgroup, would like to thank all the people who supported us – from those who bought to those who helped, thank you from the Committee.

The wind rapidly took our balloons up into the mist in a North West direction and we all thought, HA! cards from mid-Wales, North Wales, even Ireland. “NO CHANCE!” As soon as they were out of sight of us, they turned sharp right and headed off North East, up the Stroud Valley, over Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stratford-on-Avon, Leamington, Banbury and on towards the Wash. We had 77 replies within the time limit of 31st October, the bulk of them from Stroud, Cheltenham and Banbury but a few went further.

The winner landed at Peterborough – about 150 miles, 2nd at Corby, and 3rd at Kettering. The prize winners were as follows:

Thank you again to everybody for their support and – who knows? – we might take off again next year.

M.J. Morris.
Treasurer.

Charfield Playgroup meets every morning and on Monday and Wednesday afternoons in the Chapel Schoolroom. Children of 3 years and over are admitted for 2 sessions per week. As places are allocated partly on the basis of a waiting list, mothers with young children who wish them to attend Playgroup on their 3rd birthday should register their names with the Secretary:

Mrs. Clare Haines, xx Horsford Road, Charfield.
Tel. Wotton-under-Edge 2xxx.

Wanted

The Charfield Playgroup is in need of a Typewriter. Has anyone got one they don't want that we can accept or buy? Please, not a portable as stencils have to be cut.

Anybody who has one we can have please contact – Mike Morris, xxx Manor Lane, Tel, Falfield 6xx.

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The response for Mum was most encouraging and our first meeting was enjoyed by all. Anyone wishing to join us please ring me, Judy Golding, at Falfield 5xx for details of our next meetings.

We have organised future meetings as follows:

20th January	Music and Movement with Mrs. Collin
17th February	Talk by Citizens' Advice Bureau
17th March	Annual General Meeting.

E.E. Graham
Chairman.

Dear sirs,

I should like to congratulate you on the publication of your Study of the village, “Charfield, the Past, the Present, and the Future”.

I was particularly interested by the historical narrative, outlining some of the main features of Charfield's past. It will, of course, provide a most useful basis for anyone wishing to discover more about the subject. However, I am sure that there are many residents, particularly those who have lived here for some time, who would be able to recall stories about the village. For example, many people are aware of the famous railway accident, but there must be numerous other incidents whose recall would be of general interest.

Perhaps, if you were to set aside a section of the Newsletter for such contributions, this might encourage villagers to search their memories and put pen to paper.

Yours sincerely,
John Hatt.

Following the meeting on September 28th, it was decided to consider plans for the creation of a street Warden Scheme in Charfield. At our original meeting, Bernard Brooks, who organises a similar network within the Bristol area, outlined techniques and pitfalls that should be considered when planning such a scheme. Acting upon one of his suggestions, a small co-ordinating group was established whose function is to publicise the venture and ask for support from interested people.

We now have reached the stage of planning our work around five areas within Charfield; (1) Little Bristol (2) Station Road, Cotswold View (3) Wotton Road, New Street and New Town (4) Underhill Road, Charfield Green (5) Manor Lane. We do realise that anyone can be in need of help at any time because of unforeseen illness or accident, so that when someone asks for assistance we try to supply the help needed with reasonable speed. So far our work has involved mainly the elderly, but we would welcome information if you think that you can either help, or need some temporary assistance. The one area to which we would like to expand our activities is that of compiling an index of people who feel that they can offer specific skills for assisting others, e.g. decorating, gardening, plumbing.

If you feel that you can help in any way, please contact Wotton-under-Edge xxxx (x Station Road, Charfield).

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Ladies! If you would like the opportunity to shed those extra pounds put on over Christmas and tone up neglected muscles, now is your chance. If enough people are interested and prepared to support a ‘Keep Fit’ class, held possibly on Tuesday mornings between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Village Hall, then Pat Light is prepared to help you ‘Keep Fit’.

Initial cost will probably be about 25p. per session. A rota can be arranged to supervise young children in the hall extension, so it could be an enjoyable morning for all.

Since it is important to know the number of people likely to come, please let Pat Light know at xxx Manor Lane or phone Falfield 8xxx if you are interested. If you cannot come on Tuesday mornings then please state preferred day.

Lastly, an old record player and records are needed for the class, so if you can lend either this would be a great help.

Please look out for further details at the Post Office.

A new venture for the above club was tried out on November 11th in the Village Hall, this being in the form of a Quiz, Film show and Sale of racing pigeons.

The Hall was packed with fanciers from many parts of the County and a coach load of very good sportsmen came all the way from the Rhonda Valley. All proceeds from the sale of the birds was given to research into chest diseases and a grand total of £179 was raised for this cause.

Thanks must go out to all concerned in this venture not least the lady members of the Club who made sandwiches, sausage rolls and mince pies, filling a need for the fanciers who travelled many miles to partake in this social evening.

The Club's annual dinner and prize presentation took place at Stokes Restaurant, Wotton-under-Edge, where everyone enjoyed a Roast Beef dinner. The top Prize winner this year is Mr. R. Organ and the winner of the longest race (500 miles) is Mr. L. Woodward.

The A.G.M. is on 24th January, 1977 at the Plough Inn, Charfield.

S. & K. Parker
Secretaries.

Our Annual General Meeting was held in our headquarters, Railway Hotel, on November 30th.

We propose to hold a Jumble Sale in April and a dance later on in the year to raise funds to obtain an up-to-date standard, and subsequently lay up the old one.

New members are always welcome. Application forms may be obtained from any of the officers mentioned, plus Mr. Bill Clothier, xx Charfield Green.

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Our next production will be on April 1st and 2nd. This time we are doing a III Act Comedy entitled “Cock-a-Doodle Doo”, and we hope to have your support then.

P. Simkiss
Secretary.

The club is now well established and, we think, successful. Our activities have widened to include Netball and Football and in both these activities we have done well – the 5-a-side Football Teams have played 7, won 4, lost 3, and the Netball Team played 2 – won 2.

This widening of our activities (in the spring we start skittles!!) has been made possible by the growing support of both individuals and village Organisations – particular thanks are due to the “Young Wives” Netball Team, who regularly beat us but at the same time give us invaluable practice.

In an effort to show our appreciation to the various organisations who have helped us we are doing what we can to play a constructive role in the community. We have offered our services to the Street Warden Scheme and have helped out in a small way with other local functions. We look forward to widening this aspect of the club, as well as the other aspects, in the New Year.

Alan Husher.

A number of people have expressed an interest in holding a Street Party for the children to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee this year.

The idea is to have games, tug-of-war, dancing and tea for the children, followed by a dance for everyone in the evening.

A small committee is being set up for this and if anyone is interested or has any ideas please contact – Mike Morris, Falfield xxx.

How nice it is to see the wooden seats that were vandalised back in the Manor Lane area once again. The repairs have been carried out more than adequately and we now have three new seats once more. Needless to say, the repairs have been done at great expense and we must now look after them and hope that they will be returned to their rightful positions before very much longer; they are serving no useful purpose where they are at all!! Lets trust that those responsible will see their way clear to putting the matter to rights for the good of the whole village.

A Resident.

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The Luncheon Club is glad to report that the new cooker and eye-level grill were installed in the Village Hall in time to be used both by the Luncheon Club and Young Wives for their Christmas dinners.

The Committee for the Elderly and Housebound, who are responsible for organising the Luncheon Club, are also very pleased to announce that they are now able to pay for the cooker. We would like to thank all the people who have taken part in the various fund raising activities and the organisations that have made donations.

About £285 will be spent on the cooker and its installation

Young Wives £20
(who have very generously helped us with other events)
Cromhall Parish Council £10
Charfield Parish Council £40

The Village Hall Committee has also offered to contribute £40. The balance of the money required will be drawn from our own fundraising which has also to cover other club expenditure such as the hire of the Hall.

Coffee mornings approx £60
(our thanks to Mrs. Newman and Mrs. King for their hospitality)
Jumble Sale £80
Victorian Evening £150

The cooker is now the property of the Village Hall Management Committee and we hope it will be enjoyed by all the other village clubs.

Sue Barrance.
Secretary.

The Victorian Evening held in the Village Hall on December 4th raised £150 towards the new cooker. The Committee for the Elderly and Housebound are also very glad that their guests so obviously enjoyed the occasion and a good precedent has perhaps been established.

A large proportion of the tickets were sold through Kingswood W.I. and our neighbours certainly brought the party spirit with them. Many of the guests came in very authentic costumes which greatly enhanced the traditional music hall atmosphere.

Many people in the village contributed their culinary skills in making game pies, patés, brawns, trifles and other festive dishes. A second year art class at Katherine Lady Berkeley School made decorative silhouettes which suited the occasion very well. Mr. Drew very kindly arranged for a screen of plants and shrubs for the front of the stage to be provided by Leyhill prison.

An auction, held at the end of the interval, raised about £24 and we should like to thank the Sewing Circle and other contributors who helped to make it such a success. We should also like to thank the members of the Youth Club who organised a cloakroom and made themselves generally useful and those who gave such generous prizes for the ‘best dressed’ competitions and the Grand Draw.

Sue Barrance.
Secretary.

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Dear Sirs,
It appears that my last letter pointing out the views of the village caused no little comment.

Apart from the council it was greeted as a voice of truth by many people. At least it stirred those souls to re-think and reflect on our future (and theirs). A third council meeting was called and a positive vote of restricted growth put forward to the planners at Northavon.

Thank you Council, Charfield as a village is saved.

Since then, the council have been much more alive to the voice of the people and several public requests approved and supported by the councillors.

To finish, I would like to quote one villager who said, ‘They have finally become the representative ELECTED voice of the people of Charfield.’

Thank you.
The Resident.

No item has been received from the Parish Council for inclusion in the newsletter but some of the residents who attended the last Council Meeting as observers thought that the following items might be of general interest.

1. A shelter is to be erected by the bus stop next to the phone box on Wotton Road.
2. The Council has not yet been able to obtain any land for the allotments which have been requested by a number of villagers.
3. The Council intends to call a public meeting during January to discuss possible Silver Jubilee Celebrations (since confirmed for 18th Jan.)
4. £700 of the total amount of rates paid by the village ratepayers to the District Council, is returned to the Parish Council to be spent as they see fit within the Parish.

We held our A.G.M. in November and although there wasn't a large attendance the meeting was an enjoyable one. The Chairman, Don Smith, outlined the achievements of the last year – the re-establishment of the Charfield Youth Club, Jumble Sale, the quarterly newsletter and an introductory meeting to discuss the possibility of a Street Warden Scheme; also, the questionnaire obtaining residents feelings regarding the future development of the village, and the “Village Study” and separate information sheet both of which have been receiving great praise from villagers and people living elsewhere.

The new committee was elected as follows: Chairman – Don Smith, Assistant Chairman – Bill Clothier, Secretary – Anne Taylor, Admin. Secretary – Marion Smith, Treasurer – Peter Peaster, Press Officer – Pat Light. Committee – Jon Barrance, Percy Ellis, Mrs. MacGonnigall, Mrs. Hutchings, Mike Morris and Mr. Isherwood.

The second part of the meeting was given over to the guest speaker, District Councillor – John Tully, who talked about the future of Charfield within Northavon, from which an interesting discussion followed.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions (polite ones, please!) for the newsletter, please let us know so that we may include them – your letters are all very welcome. Items for the next newsletter by 13th March, please.

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 8 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: 2016-11-20.