CHADRA

Now that the festive season of goodwill has passed and we prepare to enter another year, many people may have made New Year resolutions and are hoping for better fortunes ahead. In fact as a nation, we have been told by a Committee report from Paris that 1978 will be a more prosperous year for the country – we hope so.

But, how about 1978 in Charfield, what will the year bring for us? Maybe the one resolution that we should be making is that we all sink our differences as organisations or individuals and come together to build one village community. After all, with the high cost of petrol fewer people can afford to go out of the village so frequently as in the past and so a thriving community must be created for all of us and our children.

There is talk about the forming of a community association – maybe this could well be the thing the village needs.

Yet again the ugly head of vandalism has appeared in the village. It now becomes the responsibility of the whole village to stamp out this outrage.

We were very sorry to hear of the Rev. Kenneth Grant's car accident and wish him Godspeed to a speedy recovery.

For the last two years we have been able to keep the price of the Newsletter to 5p., but like everything else inflation has caught us up. Unfortunately our next newsletter will have to be increased to 7p. – sorry about that.

Don Smith

The Parish Council was disappointed and concerned recently that it was forced to put to one side two incomplete projects.

The first being one of safety in the vicinity of the Sub Post Office at the bottom of Charfield Hill. The Council has had extensive communications with the County Engineer & Surveyor's Department regarding some form of 2parking restriction to prevent irresponsible parking which causes a traffic hazard on the bend.

Councillors have noted several near accidents in this vicinity particularly when a vehicle is parked on the same side as the Post Office giving poor visibility for vehicles to overtake in the face of traffic exceeding the speed limit coming down the hill.

Mr. Gillett has been helpful in promising to encourage delivery vehicles to park off the road but the County officials state that the problem is not serious enough nor would the problem be entirely solved by imposing parking restrictions.

The Parish Council has no doubt that following an accident the requested parking restrictions would be provided but they don't wish to be proved right. There is a large lay-by, please use it – don't be the cause of an accident.

The second subject on which the council has a large file is that of the provision of allotments for the parish. Basically the Council has discovered there is no suitable land either for sale or rent which could be used for allotments.

Before the publication of the next Newsletter the Annual Parish Meeting will be held – on a date yet to be fixed at the end of March. This is the meeting at which you can participate, ask questions and meet your Parish, District and County Councillors. The date of the meeting will be posted on the public notice boards.

Clerk to the Council

Dear Friends,

It was with much regret that for the first time in 20 years the Rev. Kenneth Grant was unable to conduct our Christmas Services in the Parish Church of St. John's.

As most of you will be aware by now the Rev. Grant was involved in a car accident 2 weeks before Christmas and as a result was badly shaken, but fortunately no serious injuries, but extensive damage to the car.

With the grateful help of visiting Clergy and our own very loyal Lay Readers and church members, our services at least until the end of February will remain at the normal times each Sunday.

Please come and support us on these occasions and indeed on any other occasion and so help us to keep a sense of togetherness through difficult times.

If anyone should require the more personal services of the Church, i.e. Baptisms, Banns or Burials etc., please contact either Mrs. Hatherell (Wotton 3xxx) or Mr. North (Wotton 3xxx) when you request will be dealt with as promptly as possible.

A deanery Lenten Course will commence on Ash Wednesday February 8th. The full programme and details can be found on the notice board in the church porch.

3You will we know like to join us in wishing the Rector a speedy recovery in the early days of 1978.

Yours sincerely,
S. Hatherell, C.F. North
Church Wardens

Service Times

Any enquiries to Church Secretary: Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Tel. Falfield 8xxx.

What manner of man is this

Jesus Christ was born in the meanest of circumstances, but the air above was filled with the hallelujahs of the heavenly host. His lodging was a cattle pen, but a star drew distinguished visitants from afar to do Him homage. His birth was contrary to the laws of life. His death was contrary to the laws of death. No miracle is so inexplicable as His life and teaching.

He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for 5,000 and have bread and fish to spare. He walked on the waters and they supported Him.

His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, but, on God's side, no lower price than His infinite agony could have made possible our redemption. When He died few men mourned, but a black crepe was hung over the sun. Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath shook under the load. All nature honoured Him, sinners alone rejected Him.

Sin never touched Him. Corruption could not get hold of His body. The soil that had been reddened with his blood could not claim His dust.

Three years He preached His Gospel. He wrote no book, built no Church, had no money back of Him. After 1900 years He is the one central character of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the events of the age revolve, the only Regenerator of the human race.

4Was it merely the son of Joseph and Mary who crossed the world's horizon 1900 years ago? Was it merely human blood that was spilled on Calvary's Hill for the redemption of sinners and which has worked such wonders in men and nations through the centuries?

What thinking man, and woman, can keep from exclaiming My Lord and My God.

I hope these contributions, usually recalling achievements in sport or the more recreational activities, do not give the wrong impression. Most of the children's time in school is spent working hard at becoming literate and numerate and trying to understand the world around them. To tell you that in each issue would make dull reading.

In sport we have made a very successful start to the year. The Dursley series of cross-country races have just begun and we are leading in the boys and lying second in the girls events. We reversed this in competition with Avon schools by winning the girls event and being awarded the “Sooner” Cup and taking second place in the boys road race, both against very strong opposition. The girls netball team has difficulty finding opponents but are playing well. The boys do not lack football fixtures and are unbeaten so far. Thanks to the P.T.A. the teams are very smartly turned out these days.

At Christmas time especially we regret not having an assembly hall. We are grateful to the Rector and Churchwardens for allowing us to have the Infants Carol Service in the Church. At last year's Junior Carol Service we had so many standing at the back of the Church that we decided, madly, to have an open-air service in the playground. We were lucky. It only drizzled! the Wotton Silver Band gave a distinctive flavour to the occasion and there was a delightful interlude by Handbell Ringers from Winterbourne. The Nativity story was played out on staging, kindly loaned by Katherine Lady Berkeley's School and transported by Mr. Goscombe, and was illuminated by Mr. Hall. Not least, there was a wonderful response by parents to our request for mince pies and all who came must have been grateful for the hot coffee supplied by the P.T.A. Committee.

The children had their parties as usual but every year it becomes more expensive obviously and again we had to ask for donations from parents, and a subsidy from the P.T.A. to make up the difference. All the food for the parties is made in the school kitchens, and we are most grateful to the ladies who work in them, and the meals supervisors for the extra time they devote to this. We hope the children enjoyed, and appreciated, the efforts of all the staff to make Christmas at school a pleasant time, and we all join you in wishing you a happy new year.

Mr. D.A. Malpass

V A N D A L I S M

To the Village Hall – broken windows and paint on the front entrance doors.

5

The number of clients has steadily increased over the past few months and a good proportion of these cane from the Charfield area. We have been able to help with all kinds of queries and by writing letters and telephoning various bodies have been successful in clearing up diverse problems. A great part of our job is to act as a listening post and many people find help by just telling their worries to a trained worker who can advise them – and remember C.A.B.X. are free, confidential, and impartial, and have access to every kind of information from our up-to-date filing system. The workers at C.A.B.X. are highly trained, sympathetic and helpful – their training is continuous to keep up with ever-changing legislation and their services are given voluntarily. The Royal Commission on Legal Services has just issued their report in which they state that 40,000 queries with a legal component was received by 532 C.A.B. in only two weeks at the beginning of 1977. They affirm that C.A.B. is the most experienced agency outside the legal profession, and they believe it is important that everyone regardless of means should be able to obtain some initial legal help free or for only a small charge on vital matters such as security of income, job and home. C.A.B. can advise you whether or not you are entitled to free legal aid.

There have been several increases in allowance which the public should be aware of –
1. If your bill is over £20 and you are in receipt of Supplementary Allowance, Supplementary Pension, or Family Income Supplement, then you may be eligible for help with your Electricity Bill this winter.
2. Family Income Supplement has been increased since November.
3. In certain circumstances – Cash help from Supplementary Benefit.
4. You can earn up to £40 and still claim retirement pension. Details of these and other benefits and advice on how to make application can be given at C.A.B. – your nearest one is at Berkeley House, Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge and you can call or ring (Tel. No. W/U/E 3xxx) any Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. At other times 'phone STROUD 2xxx.

The organiser will continue to attend the Friendship Club meetings in the village hall to give help and advice – thus saving O.A.P.s the fatigue and expense of travelling to Wotton-under-Edge.

Remember C.A.B. is a free, Confidential, impartial service to the Community – so use it, we are here to help!

J.K. McGonnigill
Organiser.

This scheme is available to assist anyone who would like help with shopping, collection of prescriptions, decorating etc. We did hold a small, but successful coffee morning in December from which we were able to donate the modest profit to the Luncheon Club. One new venture is a home hairdressing service, which is co-ordinated by Madelaine Jones. If you are housebound, or for some other reason would like to take advantage of this service, please contact Madelaine Jones or Lynne Harris. The addresses of people who are willing to help or suggest possible sources of assistance or information are:-

Dear Parent,

On behalf of the P.T.A. Committee, I should, first of all, like to wish all parents and fellow members of the Parent Teacher Association a very happy and prosperous New Year, and trust we can look forward to your continuing support in 1978.

On Wednesday, 16th November a debate was held in the school which was quite well attended. The subject being “The decline in oral standards is caused by the decreasing discipline in Schools”. The speakers for the motion were Mr. Nutall and Mr. Wilson and against Mr. Malpass and Mr. Hatt. Although the motion was defeated a very entertaining and enjoyable evening was had by all.

The School Library project is now getting under-way and the P.T.A. will soon be asking for donations of Books from the village so perhaps some of you could start sorting!

Also, on the 20th January a New Year Dance is to be held at Leyhill Social Club. Tickets will shortly be available at £1.25 which will include refreshments. We hope you will give us your support and make this an enjoyable function.

Once again, thank you for your help over the past 12 months.

Jan Hannigan
Secretary

Play Leader – Anna Wood
Supervisors – Carol Booker, Carol Tarry, Rita Jones, Beryl Julian

Our balloon race held on 12th November was a great success, even though it was a very cold windy day. The wind certainly made the balloons travel.

The winners were:-

Thank you to everybody who helped to make it a success.

On Wednesday 21st December we went Carol Singing through the village. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoyed the singing. The draw for the ‘Christmas Hamper’ was taken after the carol singing and was won by Mrs. P. Waring, xx Underhill Road – Congratulations.

7On February 4th we will be holding a ‘Jumble Sale’, so please make a note of this in your diaries.

Anyone who wants to find out about Playgroup, or to put their child's name on a waiting list should either contact Mrs. Claire Haines, xx Horsford Road, phone W.U.E 2xxx, or visit the Chapel schoolroom whilst we are in ‘session’ – mornings 9.30–12 noon; or Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1.30–3.00 p.m.

May we take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year.

V A N D A L I S M

To the public Telephone Kiosk.

This scheme is aiming to teach English to the hundreds of thousands of Asians in this country who speak little or no English. Volunteers go to the students' homes and try to teach them on an individual basis according to their needs. The Community Relations Council in Bristol, which is running this scheme, have a few students in the Northavon and north Bristol area – in particular a man in Alveston who talks very little English and needs a man to teach him. So far, however, there has been little response from individuals prepared to tutor in this area. If anyone is interested in this scheme and feels they could spare a few hours a week to help, I can give them some further details.

Sue Hatt,
xxxx
Charfield Hill.
Phone: Falfield xxx.

The Poppy Day collections for 1977 amounted to £56.25.

Mrs. B. Mussell would like to thank all who contributed and her collectors who went out in very inclement weather (plus power cuts). Individual collections were:-

V A N D A L I S M

To the Bus Stop timetable and Bus Shelters.

8

You local branch is at Dursley with Headquarters at The Cam British Legion Hut; our meetings are held every third Tuesday in the month.

During the year there are several functions held, our last one of 1977 was the Annual Xmas Dinner & Dance which was held at Stokes Restaurant, Wotton-under-Edge. This was a big success and enjoyed by everyone attending. Our first function for 1978 is the Annual Buffet Dance which is being held at The Newport Towers Motel, Friday February 24th. There is also a Skittles Match being held in April of this year.

We in the Dursley Branch are very pleased with ourselves, for we have been awarded The Silver Cup for 1977 as the winners for the highest collection per club member in the Annual Battle of Britain Week (“B” Division) (of The Midlands Area). The cup will be presented to our Branch Secretary at The Annual Conference which is held on April 1st 1978.

There are several Branch Members residing in Charfield. New members are always needed and warmly welcomed at our Monthly Meetings. If you are Ex R.A.F. and would like to join us why not contact any of the following members:-

R. Isherwood	Fal. xxxx
L. Green	W.U.E. xxxx
B.W. Goscombe	Fal. xxx

To all the little friends from the PLAYGROUP who I met on a wet Monday in December, in the Memorial Hall.

I am glad that you were all good on that day, and I hope other days too; most of you told me your names, and said you lived in CHARFIELD, but forgot to tell me where you lived.

I hope with the aid of PAUL the postman, who knows where you live, that the presents that were promised on Christmas Day were in time.

I hope you didn't wake your mums and dads too early. Ta Ta for now, I shall be back again next year to see how much you have grown.

Thanks for your present, it was very kind of you. I shall be putting up my feet, after watering the reindeer. The cigars were grand.

Love, FATHER CHRISTMAS

The Jubilee year has now passed and Charfield can look back on a time of extra events that brightened the village and brought many people into contact with others. The village has gained from this past year. It is becoming a place with a definite identity of its own. This was helped by the many activities that we all worked for; the common aim that the village celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and I hope that next year, we as a village, continue to work towards greater harmony.

An idea put forward at a recent meeting was that the village form a Community Association based on the village hall combining the work of many groups under one organised unit, all working for the future and life of the village with the full backing of the Council. I feel that this idea would continue 9for Charfield the spirit engendered during this past year when we as a village united to celebrate Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee.

In my past report I said we would be planting a row of trees. These trees will be Scarlet Oak, Ash and Alder (not to be confused with elder) mixed in a row along the field from the children's play area to the tennis court. Unfortunately due to delays arising during hall management committee meetings I cannot say at this time of writing when these trees will be planted. As you will know, we hoped for early December before the frosts set in, but we will be guided by the Northavon Parks Officer on this point.

Regarding the children's play area, we had hoped that with a little help from the Parish Council and the Hall Management Committee to buy a worthwhile play set, but the help does not seem likely at the moment, so we are submitting our ideas guided by our limited budget to the Hall Management Committee who will in time approve or disapprove our suggestions.

On behalf of all members of the Silver Jubilee committee may I wish all the villagers of Charfield a happy and prosperous New Year.

M.J. Morris
Chairman

V A N D A L I S M

To the Site Hut at the end of Manor Lane.

Following their very successful Victorian Evening last year, the Penny Farthings will be back on March 18th, the Saturday before Easter weekend. Profit from the evening will go to Charfield, Cromhall & Tortworth Committee for the Elderly & Housebound. Tickets will be well advertised in the village.

Sue Barrance.

This home – and I mean home in the widest sense, situated between Wotton-under-Edge and Dursley, does excellent work for the handicapped, and covers every age and is NOT for old people only. As the wording of the deed of the original Trust set up by the late Mr. H.M. WORKMAN, the Founder, inadvertently prevented the use of any capital of the TRUST – which was Not in accordance with his declared intentions. Therefore the Short Stay Home and Day centre must be maintained and developed entirely from income. Clearly all forms of financial aid or other kinds of gifts from whatever source are of immense help in continuing and increasing the work.

WHY NOT become a friend of YERCOMBE – minimum 50p. per annum. You will receive news letters from time to time.

Ring me on FALFIELD xxx – I shall be pleased to answer your queries – and I trust accept your money too.

P. Ellis,
xx Berkeley Close.

10

Activities

Darts – Our team (Dave Spill, Garry, Kevin, and Andy Young) after a disastrous start (or should I say non-start!) made a fighting comeback in the Yate/Sodbury Tournament. In the second game they were 299 behind but still won! However, the excitement proved too much for them and they were knocked out in their third game.

5-A-Side Football under 16 –Despite a fine fight back from 2–0 down to a 3–2 win in one game (all three goals from Dave Spill) the team went out of the Northavon Tournament in its early stages.

under 21 – A very enjoyable and successful evening in which we were very unlucky not to reach the finals. In goal Alan Husher saved three penalties and on the field some good goals by Kevin Bath and Andy Young brought us very close to yet another trophy.

Girls team – Once again the girls did well – three points out of four was enough to take them through to the Northavon Finals later this month.

Superstars – The competition is reaching its final stages and the leaders at present are:- Alan Husher 24 pts., Dave Spill 23 pts., Nicky B. 22 pts., Chris Beresford 19 pts., Gary Coomber 18 pts.

And Finally Our sincere thanks to the Young Wives and others who helped with our very successful Christmas Sale – We hope to buy new equipment with the money raised.

Alan Husher,
Leader.

A Male Voice Choir and artistes from the GARW VALLEY in South Wales will be coming to YOUR Memorial Hall to entertain you early SPRING 78. Keep your eyes open for further announcements.

P. Ellis,
xx Berkeley Close.
Tel. Fal. xxx.

Would not it be more correct and proper, for the person who professes to know the cure for all our troubles, at least, to pen, his or her name and address to the letter recently sent to me.

P. Ellis,
xx Berkeley Close.

Somehow, the dull, grey wet days of winter do not encourage quite the amount of tramping about the countryside as the summer does. Your feet get wet, your ears get cold and there is less to see. So the ideal solution is instead of pottering about looking for things of interest – let them come to you. The obvious animals in this category are the birds. Winter is 11a hard time for them – the days of plenty of summer and autumn are past and food is scarce. Consequently they are more than willing to travel for their breakfast if suitable fare is on the menu.

Putting out food for the birds in the garden works to the well-known principle of ‘you gets what you pays for’. If the birds are offered only bread and kitchen scraps, I am afraid sparrows and starlings will always be all to dominant amongst the clientele. Hang up a plastic mesh bag of peanut kernels and the list automatically expands to include blue tits, great tits and quite possibly coal tits. A cheaper but more fiddly way to attract these is by stringing monkey nuts on a wire. Finches – especially greenfinches – are always drawn by a seed mixture. Swoop is ideal but even wheat is quite popular and considerably cheaper. There are of course many other foods that can be tried – for example anything fatty hung from a tree acts as a magnet, for tits and woodpeckers. So if in doubt; throw it on the lawn and see what eats it.

If none of the birds mentioned have ever been seen in your garden, do not despair. I have no idea how they do it, but put out the right food regularly and within a week (two weeks at the most) they appear. Of course if this sounds unlikely, there is only one way to find out if it really does work! Obviously, the more food, the greater the number of birds and buying in larger quantities (say 7 lbs.) works out much cheaper than buying a series of small packets – if you want the address, let me know. So find the bird book, put on your slippers and sit back comfortably for the winter bird-watching!

Peter Burns,
Countryside officer,
Avon Community Council.
Tel. Bristol 2xxxx.

The following letter was received from a resident, and if anyone else agrees with the points made and wishes CHADRA to take the matter up please let us know.

To the Editor

Since we moved here 18 months ago, we have noticed that the water frequently has a terrible taste to it; it badly stains cups, and always forms an oily skin on top of hot drinks. The Water Board came, at my request, to test my supply, and whilst admitting that the water had a “T.C.P.” type of taste, said it was nothing to worry about. They tested for chlorine, which was within the permitted level, but advised me not to use my electric kettle as something in the water could be reacting on the rubber washers to cause the taste. Apparently the water my side of the railway bridge only circulates round the village and Manor Lane Estate, with lots of dead ends, so it doesn't get flushed out properly. They also said that no one else in the village had ever complained (although nearly everyone I have mentioned it to agrees that it is frequently foul tasting), and that if enough people did complain, they might be able to do something about it.

Could CHADRA follow this up – I dread to think what we might be drinking!

Susan J. Lapham,
“xxxx”, xx Wotton Road.

12To the Editor

The general public may not be aware of the fact that there has been, over the last few months, a great deal of concern regarding the parking of cars, lorries, etc. outside the Sub Post Office at the foot of Charfield Hill. There have been several letters written by the Parish Council on the safety aspect which is almost non-existent as things are at the moment. The points have all been noted by the powers that be and hopefully something may be done! Has an accident got to occur due to the poor visibility both up and down the hill before anything is done? It could be one of your children or even one of you when trying to cross the road or even driving up or down the road.

Please may I urge each and every one of you to be sensible, use your heads and your feet and do your part in keeping the area free of parked transport. After all there is a very adequate lay-by and anyway what's wrong with people's legs these days? Hoping for everybody's careful consideration during 1978 and then the powers that be will not have to go ahead with any drastic measures. After all in the long run you will be the losers.

Mrs. M.R. Smith

V A N D A L I S M

Is this what the village wants? No of course it isn't, – so let us all be more vigilant and help stamp out these outrages.

Scouts

On Friday 18th November, 17 Scouts, 10 Fathers and ‘Fury’, the Scout leader, set off for Avening Green for a ‘Father and Son’ weekend camp.

On Saturday they did some pioneering and built a rope monkey bridge, estimated heights and distances and they also played rugby and football; to round off the day everyone took part in a night hike, those poor Dads!!

Well Sunday dawned, yes, everyone managed to crawl out of bed and after breakfast they all took part in “It's a Knockout” games, this was followed by fire lighting, using only two matches – ha, ha!! Many matches later the fires were lit and everyone cooked their own lunch, sausages, carrots, onions and potatoes, without using any utensils. Lunch finished it was time to clear up and break camp, which had been very successful, the weather, though previously inclement, was very kind with plenty of sun during the day but turning very cold at night. Oh how those Dads missed their central heating.

On Saturday, 7th January, the Scouts had their Christmas party, which was a huge success, with a superb supper kindly provided by the parents.

Tiger Pack

On Thursday, 8th December, the pack had a party to say farewell to one of the cubs, Simon Pimms, who has left the area to live in Holland. The parents really turned up trumps, our grateful thanks to them, and provided 13a magnificent buffet. Simon was presented with a trophy, to remind him of the pack, a pen, in the hope that he will keep in touch with us and a book about knots. The Group Scout Leader, Mr. Alan Smith, and our District Commissioner, Mr. Alan Cross, also looked in to wish Simon luck in his future home and to express the hope that he would carry on Scouting in Holland.

We have come to the end of our first year – a most successful one. Do join us – 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 10.15–11.45 a.m. in the Village Hall. Further details from Wendy Taylor, Fal. xxxx.

During 1977 there have been many interesting meetings. I hope 1978 will prove to be the same. The November trip to London was most successful again this year, over 40 people having attended. The Christmas Party was enjoyed by everyone and many thanks go to the outsiders who gave us their help. Thanks to the Youth Club for waiting on us during the evening, and to Mrs. Joyce Hutley and Mrs. Lynn Dagger for their help before.

Mrs. S.J. Nixon
Chairman

The draft village plan for Charfield, which was prepared by Northavon District Council provided for housing on the old brickworks site. Subsequently Bryant Homes Ltd. applied for planning permission to develop the old brickworks for housing. This application was turned down by Northavon District Council and Bryant homes then wrote to CHADRA to offer to explain to us their proposals for the site, and also to ask if we were prepared to support them at their forthcoming appeal against the District Council.

This request was discussed by the committee and it was decided to invite Bryant Homes to explain to the village their proposals. The reason for allowing this request was that the area in question was part of the Restricted Growth option which was the request of the majority of the village.

Bryant Homes presented their case, with the aid of plans, and drawings of the types of houses which they were planning for the site. There was quite a mixed gathering from the village, with a strong representation from New Street, and a number of Parish Councillors. Yet there was an air of apathy shown by the majority of the village who were not present – this was also borne out in the lack of response to the purchase of the draft Village Plan. Are we to gather from this that the majority of the village have lost interest in their own future? Yet in September 1976 at the public meeting the hall was packed and there was a great response to the house-to-house questionnaire – far in excess of any other village in 14Northavon. Why then now the lack of interest?

During the recent meeting many questions were asked of Bryant Homes ranging from access, to: has the site been considered for industrial development? There were members of the audience who were for the development and also those against, but both sides of the case were amply represented.

At our November meeting, which was the A.G.M., the report of the year was presented, financial statement agreed, and a new committee elected. Again as with most A.G.M.s only the “few” turned up, plus a number of Parish Councillors, and so the committee remains the same except for one new member, John Hillman.

The highlights of the year's work were: purchasing an electric duplicator, the success of the Newsletter with sales now of over 400 copies for each edition, Bryant Homes meeting, and keeping a general watching brief on activities in the village, and acting if required for the benefit of the residents.

Thanks were then expressed to the work done by the committee over the last year, and special thanks were given to Mrs. Marion Smith for all the work she has done for the association, and the Newsletter.

During this meeting, a number of people expressed an interest in the formation of a Community Association, and the meeting instructed the committee to look into the possibility of the formation of such an organisation.

On the outside front, the Association has agreed to renew its membership of the Council for Preservation of Rural England. This provides the Association with a link on planning matters and also provides help if required. It was further agreed that the Association should join the Avon Community Council. This would put us in contact with many organisations in Avon, and keep us up-to-date with activities taking place in the county.

Our next meeting will be on 26th January when we hope to have a speaker on “Community Associations”, when the facts will be presented. If you feel you would like to come it starts at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall, and we look forward to meeting you then.

Don Smith,
Chairman.

Stop Press

Items for the next Newsletter must be in by 12th March please.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 14 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: 2016-11-24.