CHADRA

Saturday 14th July, 1979
Don't miss this great attraction
A FREE FALL PARACHUTE DISPLAY BY THE HEREFORD SKY DIVERS

* TOMBOLA * ATHLETICS * COCONUT SHY * LICENSED BAR * BINGO * BALLOON RACE * PETS CORNER * FANCY DRESS * SKITTLES * TRAMPOLINE

EQUITATION DISPLAY BY THE ROCKHAMPTON SCHOOL OF EQUITATION.

CHILDREN'S MAGIC AND PUPPET SHOWS.

KARATE EXHIBITION.

CRAFTS COMPETITION … SWINGBOATS & FAIRGROUND GAMES … PRAM RACE

GRAND DRAW – 1st PRIZE MINI HOLIDAY FOR 2, TICKETS ONLY 5p EACH

DISPLAYS OF SCRAMBLE BIKES, RALLY CARS, BANGER CARS & VINTAGE VEHICLES

ADMISSION 25P – CHILDREN UNDER 14 FREE

2Yet another Sports Day and Gala is upon us and the Gala Committee are busy putting the last minute touches to the day. There is no need to tell you what is in store on the day as no doubt you have already seen the front page of this Newsletter. But for those of you who wish to enter in any of the Competitions to be held here are some details.

FANCY DRESS. 3 Classes, Under 7's, Over 7's and a Group. There is no entrance fee and Competitors should be assembled on the field by 1.15 pm.

OBSTACLE PRAM RACE This will start off from the Memorial Playing Field at approximately 1.45 pm. and venture around the Village finishing on the field through an Obstacle course. Details of Rules and entrance fees can be obtained through Dave Colla, x Avon Road, Tel: Falfield xxxx.

CRAFTS COMPETITION. This is the first time that the present Committee have undertaken a Crafts Competition and if successful it is hoped to continue this Competition in future years. The sections within this year's competition are as follows:

ADULT.

FLOWER ARRANGING – Not more than 1′ square.
POTTERY.
KNITTING OR CROCHET – not more than 4 ply wool.
MACRAME.
PAINTING – any medium.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLANT.
WOODWORK – any medium.
GARDEN IN MINIATURE.
PHOTOGRAPHY – Black & White & Colour.

CHILDREN. – 2 Classes, Under 7's and Over 7's.

GARDEN IN MINIATURE.
HANDWRITING.
6 FAIRY CAKES.
PAINTING.
A HAND MADE TOY.

All entries should be presented to the Memorial Hall for judging between 10.00 am and 11.30 am on the Saturday morning of the Competition. Anyone requiring more information should contact Mrs. P. White, “xxxx”, Charfield Hill, Tel: Falfield xxxx.

SPORTS. As in previous years races will be run during the afternoon for all the family starting with the under 5's at 2.15 pm. If your children wish to run in any of the races then you are advised to come early so that they don't miss any of the races.

If anyone requires any other information regarding Sports Day or is able to help in any way, then you should contact Jenny Hughes, the Sports Day Secretary, x Berkeley Close, Tel: xxx.

3

A building site must appear to any child to be the ideal playground. It has all the ingredients for fun, games and adventure. So it is not surprising that children are irresistibly attracted to the new houses going up on the estate. But if they were aware of the potential for accident, injury and tragedy they would perhaps not be quite as adventurous as they are. Parents who wish their children to survive unharmed can make sure that their children are aware of the dangers and be prepared to limit their activities accordingly.

Our price this time goes up to a round ten pence – a relief I expect, to all our collectors. It has been 7p for over a year now, but unless inflation really gets going, we should be able to keep it at 10p for longer than that. I hope so. The price covers only the direct costs of paper, stencils and ink, plus a small working surplus. Typing, duplicating and selling are all undertaken voluntarily, while the duplicator was paid for and is maintained by Residents' Association funds. The writing, of course, is done by you. Thank you all.

Copy date for the next Newsletter is 21st September.

Jon Barrance,
School House, xx Wotton Road.
Tel: Falfield xxx.

In schools, as elsewhere in the public services, we are bracing ourselves for another round of cuts in expenditure. I remember Mr. Norman Reece, Chairman of the Education Committee, remarking about 2 years ago that the next cuts would be into the bone. That is certainly true in primary schools where there is little to pare away except teaching. I believe that this is a good school because of the quality of the teachers and the others who work in it and the support we receive from those most concerned with its welfare.

From September, we shall be admitting “rising fives” part time, i.e. morning or afternoon. This is voluntary and children are not obliged to attend school until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.

The Summer term is always hectic because we foolishly expect nice weather. We have recently added swimming to athletics, rounders and cricket competitions at district level. We hope all the children who take part will do so with the determination of the children who made up our cross-country teams and, in competition with about twenty Avon schools, won both the boys and girls cups. It is even more important that they apply the same determination to their studies which has not always the same attraction for some of them!

D.A. Malpass,
Headmaster,
Charfield Primary.

4

Following the recent Parish Council elections, your new Council members are:

All Councillors will be pleased to hear from you if you have any problems which you think the Parish Council could help to resolve.

At the inaugural meeting, Mr. C.H.T. Goscombe declined nomination as Chairman; he had decided to take a back seat in order that a younger person could take the Chair. Mrs. S.C. Barrance was elected Chairman and Mr. D.W. Parker Vice-Chairman. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Goscombe for all his work over the past years both at Parish and District level. It was agreed that the community as a whole owed him a great debt. It was also agreed to thank members of the previous council, who had served the village for a total of 28 years: Mr. S.A. Mussell, Mr. D.G. Pratley, Mr. J.W. Clothier and Mr. P. Peaster.

At the first ordinary meeting the Council were informed of the present position regarding a number of projects which were in hand:- Of particular concern was the proposal to provide allotments for the Parish. The Clerk informed the Council that all the original applicants had recently been asked to re-affirm their interest in an allotment, but only five positive replies had been received. It was agreed that notices should be erected and publicity given to the project, asking anyone interested in an allotment to contact the Clerk.

The Council were also informed of the possibility of re-siting the recently damaged seat from the central play area on the Old Manor Estate, and a request for a seat at the bus stop near the garage. The Council requests suggestions for additional public seating throughout the Parish.

The Council was pleased to note that the plans for the Holiday Playtime Scheme to be run during the school summer holiday were proceeding satisfactorily. This is a wholly volunteer run scheme and anyone with a few hours to spare during the two weeks Monday 6th August and Monday 13th August would be welcome. The District Council has offered a grant of £45 towards the scheme, this figure being approximately 50% of the total cost. The Parish Council makes up the difference between the grant and the actual cost.

Mrs. J.K. Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
x Berkeley Close.

We are again undertaking a review of all footpaths within the Parish. This involves walking the footpaths, noting the condition, and any necessary improvements. Any volunteers to walk footpaths would be most welcome. If you would like to help, please contact: Alison Beer, xx Cotswold View, Charfield. Tel: Wotton xxxx.

We would be grateful if replies could be made before 16th July.

5

It is some time since I had the pleasurable opportunity of writing in this comprehensive expression of village life: the Newsletter. Most of you will know the problems which have made it impossible for me to be as fully engaged as I would like to be. However, at the time of writing this, I have been able for several months to take a little part in some of our services, as well as doing some visiting and dealing with a steady stream of correspondence that seems, inevitably, to come the way of those who hold a position in an organisation these days.

We have been very fortunate, as a Church, to have two services every Sunday, thanks to the kindness of those willing to help and serve us. We are especially grateful to our local David Parker who has been so ready to help when he is able to do so. We are also grateful to the Churchwardens and Church Council who have helped, in their different ways, by dealing with problems that arise and by their faithful attendance and support. You can imagine that a great deal if frustration tends to build up within myself because I feel, inwardly, so ready and willing to give and to share, but am not able to do so to the extent that I would like.

As I have said a number of times, our present difficulties need not be a negative experience for any of us. Some good can come from most things, however unwelcome and unpleasant these things may be. This present difficulty may lead us to fuller personal commitment and more active participation in the work of the Church. Often “The Ministry” is spoken of, usually meaning the work of the parson. But the Ministry is really that of the whole Church of which the parson is part, and of course an important and leading part. But God sometimes has to teach us lessons the hard way (we are, most of us, so slow to learn); perhaps for a while He stands a leader on one side so that the rest can learn to realise the part they should always be playing in the life of the Church; the Church in the past has been so parson-oriented!

A word especially to those who don't come to Church (for any reason); if you would like to know more of what Christianity is really about perhaps I could help. I would be glad to come to you and try to answer your questions, or to do so if you would like to invite a few friends and neighbours to your house. I can sometimes manage to speak in a small space, as it were, whereas projecting my voice in a big building is much more difficult, sometimes impossible. I find there is so much misunderstanding. I would be happy to shed a little light on the subject!

Kenneth G. Grant.

(It is good to have the Rector's contributions back, even though he is unable yet to fully take up the reins again – Ed).

Harvest Thanksgiving Gift Day, Saturday October 6th.

Gifts of fruit, flowers and vegetables gratefully accepted, which afterwards will be sent to the Salvation Army, also gifts of money for Church Funds.

6Sunday October 7th.

Any inquiries to Church Secretary: Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Tel: Falfield xxxx.

Our Need and God's Riches.

But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:19.

God has not promised to give us all that we want, but He has assured us that He will supply everything we need.

The experience of a Christian widow underscores this truth. Her husband's death had left her destitute, yet she had to provide for several children. She had few friends to whom she could go for help. It was winter time, and her problem was intensified one day when her little boy came in shivering from the cold. “Mummy” he asked, “why can't I have a warm cap like the other boys at school?” The woman had no money, but she felt she had to give him a hopeful answer. “We'll see what we can do”, she replied as she tried to smile. Happily the child went out to play while the mother knelt in her bedroom and wept in sheer desolation before God. She pleaded with the Lord to provide what was so desperately needed. As she prayed a great peace flooded her soul, and she knew that somehow her petition would be answered. Later that day a neighbour came to see her, and after a brief stay she said: “You know, my son died last fall; just before he went to Heaven I bought him a cap, which he wore only two or three times. After his death I put it away among his things and thought I could never part with it. But this morning when I opened that drawer, the Lord impressed upon me that I should give it to your son. Would you feel free to take it?” With tears the Christian widow told her neighbour of her earnest prayer, and both their hearts were filled with gratitude for God's gracious care.

Our real needs will always be supplied from God's riches, let us fully trust Him and do His will.

If God sees the sparrow fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure blue,
Will He not then care for you?

We have spent the last few months pursuing our normal activities. The weather has been against much outdoor activity but we have some walks planned to take place soon and hopefully some caving, rock climbing and fishing.

The football teams competed valiantly in the May Day Competition cheered on by many members. The Hot Dog Stand, nobly manned by Tracy and Sarah with some helpers, seemed to be popular. Some of our members were also able to help out at the Wotton Hey Day, manning the skittles whilst the rains descended. One of the most popular “helps” for a long time, however, was the “polishing trip”, organised to help clean up a rebuilt, record-breaking Miles Gemini Aeroplane due to fly at Egham Common. The members of the team thoroughly enjoyed it.

7The “Champs” contest proceeds and fun is had by all. Last week the competitors played at the Wickwar Skittle Alley, thanks to Paul Birt, and had a good evening.

Finally, a look forward to Sports Day when we are arranging a Slave Auction. We will be offering “Slaves” who will undertake a job for you and are hoping that you will bid for them to swell the village funds. We are also organizing the pram race around the village, with an obstacle course through the field. You need one in your 4 wheeled vehicle and one to push. Will we see YOU joining in the fun?

Dave Colla, Falfield xxxx
Sarah Burnett, Wotton xxxx.

The Committee would like to thank all the villagers who supported our May Day celebrations.

Although the weather was rather cold, a large number of people braved the wind and chill to play in and watch the football matches, won in the end by a very professional Football Club team. Well done to all teams who took part and gave us all a very entertaining afternoon.

Everyone was very pleased to see the tiny tots with their May Pole dancing whose colourful display and boundless energy added to the May Day spirit.

Thanks also go to those who helped to organise the afternoon including the refreshments, amusements, pets corner etc., without whose help the afternoon would have been a dismal failure.

As most people know, the whole event was organised in order to raise money for the new Hall extension. This extension is hoped to include a skittle alley, bar, lounge and storage room. The final plans will be published in the newsletter when they have been completed.

In all the afternoon and evening events on May Day raised £103 which is a very good start to this project.

Thank you again for your support and I hope to see you all there again next year!

Jane Hall,
Secretary.

Our Annual “Balloon Race” held on May 19th was very successful, although the wind did not carry them so far this year.

The First Prize of £10 goes to:-

Ticket No. 546 Mr. D. Beer, Cotswold View. His balloon travelled to Boston, Lincolnshire.

The Second Prize of £7 goes to:-

Ticket No. 939 Richard Taylor, xx Manor Lane. His balloon travelled to Cambridge.

The Third Prize of £5 goes to:-

Ticket No. 862 Miss A. Dixon, of Filton Avenue, Filton; her balloon travelled to Peterborough.

8Congratulations to the lucky winners, and thank you to everybody who supported us.

A list of other balloon tickets returned to us, will be put in the Post Office in the near future.

Our outing to Blaise Castle in Bristol on Wednesday 13th June was very enjoyable. The weather could have been better, but at least the rain stayed away while we were there.

Anybody wishing to place their child's name on the waiting list, please contact: Claire Haines, xx Horsford Road, Tel: Wotton xxxx.

Lyn Spindler.

The 1979 Holiday Playscheme Committee established by the Parish Council earlier in the year has been meeting together with six co-opted members. Mrs. J. Hadleigh will be available to help this year for only part of the Playscheme fortnight, but all being well, I should be “in harness” for the full two weeks and I am very pleased that this year, Mr. & Mrs. D. Bradley are once more prepared to be co-leaders.

On behalf of the Committee, Mrs. Bradley will arrange for letters regarding the Playscheme to go to parents of children in the 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year and the 4th year. We regret that with limited time, limited space and possibly limited help, we are unable to include the infants, but I would say that if any parents, willing to assist have children in the “infant” category, do feel free to bring them along. If so, it would be helpful if you could then let Mr. or Mrs. Bradley or myself know the name of the child accompanying you.

The dates will be the weeks commencing:- Monday 6th August, 1979, and Monday 13th August, 1979.

During the first week, the morning sessions well be geared towards the 3rd and 4th year children, while the 1st and 2nd year children will attend in the afternoons.

During the second week, this will be reversed.

There will in addition be two days of each week when we shall be out for the day, either on a walking tour, or on a coach trip and information will be available in due course regarding the cost of the coach trip(s).

1979 is the International Year of the Child and National Play Week 1979 is from the 11tth to 18th August. This covers the second week of our Charfield Project and any resident who would like to make some practical contribution to the National Play week, would be welcome to assist us in one or more of the sessions, during the holiday fortnight.

The venue will be the Church Room in the Charfield Primary School, but if wet, we will be in the Village Hall.

9May I in particular appeal to any motoring volunteer who can assist with car transport for our proposed walks in the Tyndale Monument and / or Hawkesbury Monument vicinities on Tuesday 7.8.79 and Tuesday 14.8.79.

David Parker,
Chairman,
Playscheme Committee.
xx Durham Road. Tel: Falfield xxx.

We held a parade with the help of 14 Standards including the Union Flag and other branches to a laying up of the old Standard and a dedication of a new Standard in our Church on Sunday the 24th June.

We will be holding a Club Night in the near future and have a dance organised for January 24th, music by Laurie Slade Sound.

We always welcome new members and application forms can be obtained from either: Stan Mussell, x Manor Lane, or John Poskett, xx Charfield Green.

May I take the opportunity to thank those who supported the Jumble Sale in June. Proceeds were in aid of Sports and Gala Day on 14th July.

Also on that day a new attraction in the Hall will be a Craft Competition open to all. There are prizes in each Class with a special Section for Children. So lets see the skills and talents of the village. We shall be looking forward to staging this event, and also providing the tea and refreshments, our usual contribution to the day.

Our own W.I. Fund Raising Event this year, a coffee morning held at Watsome Farm (by kind permission of Mrs. Bennett) was most enjoyable. Money was raised for the Year of the Child, the Crippled Children's Society benefiting from this.

We are off strawberry picking in July and later in the month have a Mystery Tour. We hope to take the children on the Bristol Packet boat in August as a treat – hoping to make it up to them for borrowing their mums so often.

I again invite anyone who would like to come along to any of our meetings in the Village Hall, at 7.15 pm. 2nd Thursday in the month (not August). There is a Speaker or demonstration, then time for coffee and a chat, a change from T.V.

Hoping to see you.   Regards.   Pat White.

The Brownies have so far this year enjoyed a party in January attended by Wotton, Kingswood and Cromhall, and were entertained by Uncle Pete. In February we went to Wotton for Thinking Day and each Pack and Company learnt and sang a song from another country. In March was the Wotton District Handicraft Show at Kingswood, the standard was quite high and we won the individual age group 7–8 years A. Nash, and 9–10 years M. Dand, plus the overall shield. April saw some taking part in the St. George's Day Parade at Dursley. In June six Brownies took part at the District Swimming Gala and 103 will go in July to the Division gala to try for a place at the County Gala in November. July will see us helping at the Sports Day. Anyone wishing to join Brownies should put their names on the waiting list from the age of six.

Mrs. Smith,
xxx Manor Lane.

All too quickly the Old Bird Racing Programme is reaching its climax, this being the combined open race from “Thurso” 500 miles.

The racing so far has been dominated by our Thornbury members, this however was changed from the first of the longer races, Perth 300 miles. With Yours Truly taking first prize, closely followed by L. Woodward. This race (Perth) was quite a hard one, Vels of the first, and second birds being 986.90 and 986.40 respectively. Most fanciers seem to be breeding quite a lot of youngsters judging by the amount of rings sold, all 400 Club rings being claimed and some members still wanting more, this augurs well for young bird racing and we should have some very keen competition. The “Derby” Race, 16th June, was won by one of the Club's oldest members, Gerald Pearce (70 years old) from Wotton-Under-Edge. Gerald has not been too well lately, but this win should cheer him up no end.

Let us hope the remainder of the summer will give us some sunshine to enable not only pigeon fanciers, but cricketers, tennis players, golfers, in fact everyone to relax and enjoy participating in their favourite pursuits.

S. & K. Parker,
Joint Secretaries,
Charfield Pigeon Club.
x Newtown, Falfield xxxx.

Charfield residents might be interested to know that a local group of Amnesty International has recently been formed. For those who know little about its work, it is an organisation which was founded in Great Britain in 1961 to work for the release of men and women imprisoned anywhere for their beliefs, ethnic origins or religion – any prisoners of conscience. Amnesty does not support any prisoners who have used or advocated violence in pursuit of their ideas. It is an organisation which crossed all political and religious barriers and is not affiliated to any particular political party or religious movement.

At this moment there are over half a million prisoners of conscience throughout the world, imprisoned, often without trial, for the non-violent expression of their beliefs. Many are victims of torture.

The work of Amnesty is internationally recognised and supported and in 1977 Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Anyone who would like to join our group or find out more about Amnesty's work can either contact me or our Secretary Steve Randolph, xxxx Farm, Swinhay, Wotton-Under-Edge. Tel: xxxx.

May I once more reiterate that Amnesty International is independent politically, ideologically, and financially and is recognised by the United Nations. It exists to see that certain basic rules as contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are observed.

Jean McGlinn,
xx Underhill Road.

11

The Bureau has been very busy over the last few months and has been able to help and advise on subjects ranging from rent and rates to matrimonial difficulties and divorce. Sometimes it helps merely to have a sympathetic listener and this can clarify a problem which seemed insurmountable. On the other hand the Bureau has up-to-date files on every subject and the most involved and complicated questions can usually be answered satisfactorily.

This month the Dursley C.A.B. moved from the Royal British Legion H.Q. to premises in the Tabernacle, Parsonage Street, which are more convenient and central and should improve the service offered to the community. Dursley C.A.B. is now open every Friday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.

In Wotton-Under-Edge the number of enquiries has so increased that we will be opening on Tuesday as well as Thursday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. to provide a further opportunity for clients to consult us. These new times will commence in July.

The Organiser will attend the Friendship Club meetings in the village hall to assist with any problems the senior citizens may have so that they will not have the expense or the inconvenience of travelling to Wotton. This service has proved very popular and the Friendship Club officials have been most grateful for C.A.B. assistance.

Remember, C.A.B. is free, confidential and provides a listening post whether the problem is little or large. We are here to help you – and a problem shared is a problem halved.

Your nearest C.A.B. is at Berkeley House, Long Street, Wotton-Under-Edge, and from the middle of July we will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Telephone No. Wotton-U-Edge 3210. At other times 'phone Stroud 2084 where the C.A.B. is open every day Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. and Saturday 9.30 am to 11.30 am.

Jean K. McGonnigill,
Organiser.

As consumers, we have little influence over the matching of supply and demand in the world supply of oil but we are affected when supplies are reduced and costs escalate. No doubt many of us knew that it would happen one day, but many – including planners of housing estates incorporating oil fired central heating, hoped that it would not be a problem in our life time.

In 1974 the Parish Council sought the view of South Western Gas regarding a branch pipe to the village and inevitably the reply was a negative one on the grounds of economy. Rather a short sighted point of view for a Public Corporation, though an alternative could be a main reservoir of “bottled gas ” fed to consumers like the oil distribution for many homes, though even this will involve a capital outlay which will fall upon the consumer.

Then we have the paradox of public transport.

Firstly we are geographically situated on a main railway route and even boasted our own railway station until the “experts” deemed that such trimmings were surplus to requirements. Now the station has gone, and the station yard has gone.

In 1968 I raised the matter at the Annual Parish Meeting since I felt that a rail car service could prove a boon not only to Charfield, but to the 12surrounding area. There was little local support for my enthusiasm and correspondence between the Parish Council intermittently over the past few years has elicited similar B.R. apathy.

One may well ask where the service could be provided in the village, should British Rail relent? My aspiration had been to use the Brickworks site where a loop line would have been just the job to provide us with a “Halt”. Car parking could have been available on a planned site and rail passengers could have paid a fare on the train travelling to Parkway, Temple Meads, or Gloucester. The main problem would have been to ensure a stopping point on the up-line, yet now, with international acknowledgement of diminishing oil resources, we ought to be making both short term and long term plans for a comprehensive public transport system.

Now, we have even lost the Brickworks site!

Cynics once said that our Inland Waterways were redundant and now, our sophisticated society is suddenly realising what an investment they were. I only hope that the generations to come will not judge our planners too harshly!

Secondly, need one say more about the bus service? It is both expensive and inadequate and one would hope that the Northavon District Council could take “a leaf out of the Woodsprings book” in also providing a subsidised and effective service out of the rush hour. What value is there for us as Ratepayers to have a Leisure Centre at Yate and at Thornbury if there is no bus service at all to get there? This matter has been brought to the attention of the local Councils Association, though whilst one bus service tends to hold a monopoly it is difficult to know how or when there will be a helpful situation.

Conversely, should a private company be granted a licence to operate such a shuttle service, then there would need to be an economic return for its outlay. Either way then, whether it is the big company, or a smaller concern, there would need to be a guarantee of use. If petrol really does get reduced in supply, and prices soar higher, we may have no alternative.

David Parker.

Dear Sir,

We feel that we should bring to the notice of your Residents Association, the dangers to children playing on our building site in Manor Lane.

Injuries in the building industry run at a high rate and the risk to children who are not aware of the dangers is higher.

Apart from the fact that children are trespassing anyway we are sure it would be in the interests of the parents at Charfield to inform their children of the dangers. No one wants to be involved in a tragedy.

Yours sincerely,

B. Walker & Co. (Gloucester) Ltd.
Builders.

13Dear Sir,

I should like to express many thanks to the Voters who supported me in Charfield Parish Election on 24th May, 1979.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Anne Jones,
Somerdale, xx Wotton Road.

There is no truth in the rumour that the Residents' Association Committee drank the reservoir dry the week before their meeting on the 28th July, in order to ensure a good turn-out, but certainly this was a well attended, lively and informative meeting. Rarely do ratepayers get such an opportunity to hold their public servants so directly to account, and the meeting took that opportunity, firmly, but on the whole politely, to make their points and to listen to the explanations very ably made by Mr. J.M. Thomson, Divisional Engineer, Bristol Waterworks Co. In addition, an interesting talk and film show was presented, explaining the function of many familiar and normally unnoticed features of the landscape.

To summarise the main points arising from the meeting:-

Distribution.

Charfield gets its water from two sources, the Alderly Spring and the Purton Works (i.e. the River Severn, via the Sharpness Canal). The water is pumped from a common main at Cromhall to the reservoir at the top of the hill. From here the water is distributed by gravity to the whole of the village. The houses at the top of the hill which are above the reservoir are served by the pressure of the Cromhall Pumping Station. The system is largely as it was when first installed in the early 1950's.

Recent interruptions to the supply have been due to a variety of mechanical failures including in one case a main burst in two places. The most recent appeared simply to be a case of demand exceeding supply, the reservoir having a capacity of only 60,000 gallons, less than one day's supply for the village. In the event of a loss of pressure the first area to be affected is Charfield Hill. Those on the Wotton side of the Village are the last to be affected.

Improvements are planned in two respects: the control and monitoring of the supply in the reservoir; and the installation of a completely new main and reservoir to work alongside the old. The control and monitoring improvements may be complete by the end of this year, but the new system is only in the Company's Capital Forecast, (your Editor deduces at least a two year wait).

In the meantime, one outcome of the meeting was that the Company will endeavour to improve communications back to residents to inform them of the likely duration of interruption when they do occur. Just how this might be done remains to be worked out, possibly a grapevine system might be appropriate.

Quality – Taste.

The water from Alderly Spring is of good quality and requires little treatment before distribution, whereas the Purton water requires not only chlorination, but also the addition of ammonia to “lock-in” the chlorine.

14It is suspected that the mixing of these two types of water causes the chlorine to be released. This might be especially so where the water remains stagnant in pipes overnight so that the morning cup of tea becomes particularly distasteful. There will be no immediate answer to this problem, although research is being carried out.

Quality – Scum.

It is suggested that the oily scum visible on cups of tea is caused by the precipitation of the hardness in the water. The tannin in the tea may cause some of this but probably the majority is caused again by the mixing of the two different types of water. The one water reacts on the scale deposited on the pipes by the other releasing it into suspension in the water. The cloudiness forming at the top of drinks of squash can also be due to this suspended hardness. The Waterworks Company do ensure that all the water supplied in their area is of consistent degree of hardness but the hardness is of different types.

Mr. Thomson, while stating that he believed that Bristol Waterworks Co. were doing their best to alleviate the distribution and quality problems, did acknowledge that in this case the best was not good enough.

This article is your Editor's own interpretation of the proceedings of the meeting and will be sent, together with the minutes of the meeting to Bristol Waterworks Co. for their comment. The minutes give a fuller account of the individual points made, such as the plight of farmers who find their livestock or plants without water, and will, we hope, strengthen Mr. Thomson's case when he reports back to the Company.

Charfield Newsletter is produced by the Charfield & District Residents Association (CHADRA).

15

[Graphic: Signpost]

GUARD AGAINST ALL RISK OF FIRE.
FASTEN ALL GATES.
KEEP DOGS UNDER PROPER CONTROL.
KEEP TO PATHS ACROSS FARM LAND.
AVOID DAMAGING FENCES, HEDGES AND WALLS.
LEAVE NO LITTER.
SAFEGUARD WATER SUPPLIES.
PROTECT WILD LIFE, WILD PLANTS AND TREES.
GO CAREFULLY ON COUNTRY ROADS.
RESPECT THE LIFE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

Farmers are legally obliged to allow the public to use all footpaths but this does not give you the right to use them as you would your own garden or even a park.
The footpaths are strictly for walking along or resting, if necessary.

PICNICKING is not allowed. You should remember that a farmer can shoot you dog if it is harassing his livestock.
SO KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD.

16

Other Useful Information

If any of the above information is incorrect, please contact Mrs. Marion Smith, xxx Manor Lane, Fal: xxx, and we will rectify it for the next issue.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 16 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: 2016-11-29.