CHADRA

Did you notice the minute the children went back to school the weather improved? However, despite a pretty bad summer, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we only had a couple of wet sessions for the Holiday Playscheme.

As you will see, we have increased the cost of this issue to 12p. We are sorry that we have had to do this, but with the rising cost of paper etc. we have obviously got to cover ourselves. However, we hope you will continue to support us. We do try to keep everyone in touch with what goes on in the village. The next issue will be printed after Christmas which seems a long way off but isn't; the shops in Wotton have cards and gifts on display already. So, prematurely, we wish you all Seasons Greetings!

As I am sure you are all aware, we have now lost our village policeman P.C. Radburn, who has been posted to Weston-Super-Mare. During the time he has been here we have all come to know him and see the vigilant job he has done for us in the village. We are all sorry to see him go and wish him all the best in his new posting. We have written to him on behalf of the village thanking him for all he has done for us.

Don't forget, our A.G.M. will be held on November 21st at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall. We will be having a talk of some kind, but that has still to be finalised. It will be advertised in the village at a later date.

Copy date for next issue is January 9th.

Sue Lapham,
xx Wotton Road.
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx.

The chief development since the last edition of the Newsletter has, of course, been the erection of a hall. It should be completed and in use by the beginning of October and the teachers are very much looking forward to providing the children with some of the activities that were out of the question before. It will also ease the pressure on the accommodation in 2other parts of the school. While we are grateful to the County of Avon for finding a substantial amount of the money involved in this project, we acknowledge that it probably would not have happened but for the continuous pressure by Governors and Parent Teacher Association over a number of years.

I am also very pleased to report that the junior boys lavatories are being renovated, something else that has needed attention for a long time.

These two items make an encouraging start to the new school year. The general economic situation would seem to preclude much else that is encouraging in the near future.

D.A. Malpass,
Headmaster.

As on previous occasions, the activity programme on the school premises was divided into morning and afternoon sessions so that the upper age group and the lower age group had at least one session a day. I say at least one session because in many instances where there were siblings, some had “two bites of the cherry”, yet, with a pre-registration total of 146 children of primary school age, no individual session ever exceeded 50–60 children, which kept attendances in manageable proportions.

This is the first occasion on which the Playscheme Committee has lowered the age range to the 5 year olds but the success of the experiment was not only due to the voluntary help given by many “mums”, but also to the voluntary help offered by some of the young teenagers in the village, and I would particularly like to thank Nicola Pratley and Beverley Smith for their consistent, yet unobtrusive help.

The weather for the first week of our programme was unsettled, yet, despite the offer from the Village Hall Committee to use the Hall in the event of wet weather, we managed to “get by” in between the showers, though tuition for the older children by members of the Tennis Club obviously had to wait until a dry day.

Each Tuesday was programmed for a ramble and in the first week there were over 100 of us rendezvousing at the Tyndale Monument, North Nibley. The older children were split into two parties and made their way to North Nibley by different routes, but thanks to many volunteer car drivers, the younger children were conveyed a good part of the way. It is an interesting reflection how children can, when need be, call up hidden reserves of energy. There were so many who, prior to reaching our destination had been saying that they couldn't walk another step, magically found enthusiasm for climbing the Tyndale Monument, chase through the woods and/or play “rounders”!

On a day when the weather was most adverse, we were fortunate to be under cover, when we took two coach loads to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

During our second week, there were two separate picnic rambles with the younger children walking to Avening Green by cross-country routes, and the older children walking along a footpath route to Alderley, where we ate our lunch on the sports field of the Rose Hill School there.

3Then on the Thursday morning, 108 of us travelled in two coaches to the Gloucester Leisure Centre where we used the Barton Pool and also had private use of the Adventure Pool there. Yet, despite this, once our picnic lunch in the spacious grounds of Stratford Park, Stroud was over, 40 of the older youngsters were still game enough for further swimming in the Open Air Pool there, whilst the younger children played other outdoor games.

So much could be said of the Playscheme as a whole, and amongst the many miscellaneous activities we should include the cooking sessions for some of the children under the watchful guidance of Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Barrance. We thank too, our local policeman Mr. Radburn, who came along to many sessions in his own free time and included in his contribution some cycling proficiency for the younger children. Maurice Goulding fulfilled a similar role with the older children, despite sometimes having been on a night shift with the Gloucestershire Police.

I should like to thank too, three other Committee Members: Mrs. M. Smith, Mrs. S. Lapham and Mrs. Papani, each of whom played an invaluable role right from the planning stage to the end of the fortnight, to ensure the reasonably smooth running of each day's activity. I have already thanked two particular teenagers who participated throughout the whole programme, but I am sure that the children too would like me to thank John Quick who proved to be an invaluable “Pied Piper of Hamelin” for us in being the vanguard on the rambles, organising rounders and so on, and in being able to return fresh for the fray to each subsequent session.

I would like to record a formal “thank you” to the Headmaster, the School Governors and the School cleaners, for their co-operation over our using the school outdoor facilities, and also a “thank you” to the National School Foundation Governors for the Church Room.

David W. Parker,
Parish Councillor,
Chairman: Holiday Playscheme Committee.

Footnote: Two beakers, two anoraks and a sweater were left behind after the Playscheme finished. If you are missing them, they are at Mrs. Marion Smith's house, xxx Manor Lane.

First, some appointments with God, hoping that you will keep some of them.

The latest information about services, etc. is always on the Church notice board.

The Bazaar is on Saturday 4th October at 2.30 pm. at the Village Hall.

On Monday the 1st December there will be, in our Church, the showing of what I understand is a very good missionary film. This is at 7.30pm and is a Deanery Event (Churches in this area) but ALL are most welcome to come.

On Friday the 5th December, at 7.30 pm. we are having a visit from the Dursley Male Voice Choir to which all are welcome. I am sure those who know anything of the choir will want to be present. Fuller details later.

1981 is the centenary of St. John's Church and we are planning what will be an interesting programme of events to mark this occasion and hope that the village as a whole will regard it as a special landmark in our local history. Of course, the Church has been present here for many hundreds of years more than that, but not in St. John's Church. But it is not just as history that the Church is here but as having a relevant and important emphasis for our lives today. An open and understanding fellowship is what the world needs and what the Church is about. The more that help to make it so, the more it can be just that.

In some parts of the world many are blind who could see. A simple operation costing £3 an eye could restore their sight or give sight to those who have never seen before. A moving story came my way the other day of a blind man and his blind nephew, for whom he was responsible, being taken from the side of the road by a passing eye surgeon and given an operation that enabled the boy to see for the first time in his life, and the man to resume his job as a village tailor and so support the boy. It is just incredible that such a small sum of money can work such a miracle in the lives of people. Our Christmas collections this year are being given to this very worthy cause – that should give you a little time to save up and make this a worthy village offering from Charfield to relieve burdens such as we do not know in this country. £6 to heal total blindness! “Let there be light”.

Kenneth G. Grant.

The Governors of Charfield National School Foundation are meeting regularly and are at present negotiating a lease with Avon County Council which will enable them to let the Church Room. A further notice will be placed in this Newsletter when this matter has been resolved.

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Open to men and women or anyone who would like to join us.

Harvest Thanksgiving weekend (d.v) October 4th and 5th.

Saturday 4th October. Gift Day. Gifts of fruit, flowers and vegetables gratefully accepted which will be sent to the Salvation Army. Also gifts of money for Church funds.

Why not come and join us. Any enquiries to: Church Secretary, Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Tel: Falfield 26xxxx.

HERE'S TO THE “CHIGGER”.

The little foxes … spoil the vines. Song of Solomon 2:15.

Many a man can face great and mighty problems and overcome them, but fails when confronted by some detail of little or no consequence. It is more difficult to be faithful in the small and insignificant tasks than it is to tackle large projects. The same is true in the spiritual realm. A christian who can slay lions of temptation will sometimes go down before a few “little foxes”.

A famous explorer in South America was once driven back and forced to abandon his journey by an almost invisible foe. He was equipped to meet leopards and serpents and crocodiles. They proved to be no threat but he had failed to reckon with the Little Fellows – the millions of “Chigoes” better known as “Chiggers”. They are so tiny that in South America we call them the “no see ums”.

Someone has composed the following ditty about these little invaders.

Here's to the Chigger, the bug that's no bigger
Than the end of a very small pin,
But the itch that he raises simply amazes,
And that's where the nub comes in!

Today, watch the tiny things which may spoil your testimony. Remember, “he that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much”. Be on guard against the little foxes – that evil thought, that hasty word, that burst of temper, that snap judgement which may bring defeat. Put on the whole armour of God by prayer, Bible study and spiritual exercise, and you will be able to ward off enemies both large and small.

Little Sins like “leaven” work their even through,
Soon pervade the “whole loaf” touching all we do!

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The winners since last printed in the Newsletter are as follows:

Any queries regarding the “200 Club”, please contact Mrs. Sue Lapham, xx Wotton Road. Fal: 26xxxx.

The Wotton-Under-Edge & District Branch of Save the Children Fund held a very successful Coffee Morning recently a “The Court”, Wotton, the home of Mr. & Mrs. R. Dewdney, and a total of £178. 35p.was raised. Committee members are once again very grateful to those who came along and supported the Fund.

On Saturday the 29th November a Cheese and Wine Evening, 8.30pm–10.30pm is being held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. John Eley, at “Nibley House”, North Nibley. The number of tickets is limited to 150 so anyone wishing to go should contact Mrs. Janet Moore, xxx Manor Lane, Charfield, Tickets are £1.50p.

An open public meeting, when all will be welcome, has been arranged for Thursday 23rd October, at 8.00 pm in the Memorial Hall.

The final account for 1980 will be presented and comments and criticisms on this years Sports Day will be noted. What did you think of the main attraction? Did you enjoy the side shows? Could you help to improve the organisation? Do you have any comments? Please come along and air your views.

The second part of the meeting will be the forming of the Committee to organise Sports Day 1981. New ideas and new enthusiasm are always welcome, do come along.

Jenny Hughes,
Sports Day Secretary

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Once again the Racing Pigeon Season draws to its close and although more races are organised every year, each season seems to be shorter than the previous one.

Over the last few years, the name of R. Organ seems to have dominated the racing results of Charfield Pigeon Club, but not so this year, most members have won prizes including our latest member Mr. Stan Drummond from Horton.

Stan has won several prize cards with old birds, and young birds and really enjoys his hobby, he gets great pleasure in seeing his birds come home safely from each race, so winning a prize or two is a little bonus that adds to his enjoyment.

Vels this year have been about average, that is 1,200 y.p.m. (approx 40 m.p.h), so it seems the rather inclement summer weather failed to upset our birds too much.

One member who hasn't raced with us for some years, Mr. Bob Harrison, came back to race a few young birds this season, but like the writer, has had a lean time so far, and with only two races left, it seems rather late to try and regain some of our lost prestige.

Our Annual Prize Giving and Dinner has not been arranged yet, but a meeting will be called shortly to deal with this, and, as in previous years, no problems are anticipated.

Charfield Pigeon Club is to revive a plaque from the Racing Pigeon Publishing Co. (London) for our efforts in raising money for medical research. This is just reward for our members who worked so hard for this cause, let us hope we can continue to do so in the years ahead.

K.A.W. Parker,
Chairman & P.O.
Charfield NR. Pigeon Club.

STAMPS are still needed. I would be very grateful if you could continue to save them and forward to me as before. To date, since the last Newsletter, they have now raised £120 for leukaemia research. So as you can see, every little helps. Many thanks.

Marion Smith,
xxx Manor Lane.

Please remember that cycling on the Playing Field is not allowed. Several instances of cycling on the field have been reported and parents are asked to remind their children not to do this. The rule about cycling was introduced for the safety of people using the field for games and other leisure activities – please respect it.

Carol Magner,
Secretary,
Hall Management Committee.

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As I write, I realise the year is swiftly passing and but for a few brief spells has eluded us once more. But friendship is the same all year round. Those of us who belong to W.I. know this. How about you? Still wondering if you dare peep in on one of our meetings, you will be warmly welcomed anytime.

Many thanks to all who helped at Sports Day. All that work really paid off.

We were disappointed at the response to the Craft Show this year. Can't think why it was so poor, but to those who entered – many thanks.

We look forward to the next few meetings and then it's our own Bazaar in November. I do hope it will be well supported again this year. We are trying to think up some new ideas for your enjoyment, so do come along and bring the children.

Pat White,
President.

Hello everybody! I hope you have all had a good holiday, despite the weather we have had this year. Some of our members came back from their holidays last week, they had a wonderful time. Whatever the weather, when I've been with them, they always enjoy themselves. We are a happy band wherever we go.

While we are on this happy note, we in the Friendship Club have had some very happy and enjoyable coach outings this year, thanks to our Outings' Secretary. We have visited such places as Stratford-upon-Avon, toured the Cotswolds, and some very pretty villages in Somerset. We have also toured the beautiful city of Bath and we have a visit to the Wye Valley on October 21st as an Autumn Leaves trip. This is one of our favourite spots, along with Weston, where we have been twice this year. All I pray for is a fine day to enjoy our last trip of 1980.

We have also enjoyed some very good entertaining groups, mostly from the Bristol area, thanks to our Secretary keeping her nose to the ground for ideas etc. As it happens there are quite a few of these groups around, but it is not so easy to obtain their services for an afternoon, so it is no easy task trying to book good groups.

Whilst on this happy note, may I say how pleased I am with my appeal for more of our villagers to come and join our Over 60 Club. They came to find out for themselves, and have become fully paid up members; there are still a few more of you to join, please come along and see for yourself how we enjoy our meetings every alternate Wednesday in the Memorial Hall at 2.30pm. Looking forward to meeting you. Our next meeting is a BRING AND BUY afternoon on the 8th October and the next one after that will be October 22nd when we will have a return visit of Mr. Pearce of Wotton-Under-Edge, who will talk to us on Gardening. If his talk is like his musical entertainment, we had on a previous visit, it will be First Class. So don't forget, October 8th and October 22nd.

9Now that is the happy side of our Club; we also have a sad part, we had more than our share of sickness during the last few months, at the moment we have two of our oldest and regular members ill. Mr. North confined to his bed and Mr. Marklove in Frenchay, we miss them both and pray that it will not be too long before they will come back to us fully fit and well once more.

Well, I think that's all for the Over 60s, this time, but don't forget if you are over 60 and you have not been to one of our meetings, come along and I'll be pleased to welcome you to a Happy Little Club you'll be pleased to be a member of. Cheerio for now.

R. Isherwood.

We now have two packs meeting in Charfield.

Tuesdays 4.30pm – 5.45pm. Mrs. Green, x Horsford Road. Wotton-U-Edge xxxx.

Wednesdays 5.45pm – 7.00pm. Mrs. Lowe, xx Avon Road. Falfield 26xxxx.

Any child wishing to come to Brownies please put their name on the list after their sixth birthday. This avoids disappointment.

You may know that plans for an extension to the existing Memorial Hall include provision for a bar. The Management Committee would like to hear from anyone interested in helping with this project and in particular from anyone who would like to act as a Licensee.

Carol Magner,
Secretary,
Hall Management Committee.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who supported and/or attended our auction in September. For a first attempt it was an outstanding success and I know a lot of people will be glad to hear we intend to repeat it in the new year. So keep us in mind when you have something to get rid of (anything from a jigsaw to a dining room suite.)

We have several interesting events coming around shortly including a Fashion Show in the Village Hall on October 16th at 8.00 pm. and our famous London Trip on November 15th. We also have a Coffee Morning in November to help finance our Christmas Dinner, so it's the start of the busy season for us. Hope to see as many members as possible at all these events.

Lyn Dagger,
Chairwoman.

10

After the A.G.M on Monday 22nd September, we have a new Committee consisting of:

I would like to thank the retiring committee – Mrs. Spindler, Mrs. Hillier, Mrs. Haines and Mrs. Devall very much for their kind and generous support over the year, and wish the new committee a successful year in office.

We also had an Open Evening for new Playgroup parents recently, where they could see the Playgroup premises and meet the Committee and Supervisors.

Our Playgroup now has a new Supervisor to replace Mrs. Booker, Mrs. Jackie Swallow who will be at Playgroup every Monday and Thursday Morning.

We are always grateful for paper card etc. for the children to use, we also use a lot of wood and we would be very appreciative of any off-cuts which we would use on the woodwork bench. the children like to take their models home so we consequently have quite a rapid turn-over of wood.

Future events include carol singing near Christmas and the Children's Christmas Party on Monday 15th December.

A. Wood,
Playgroup Leader.

A child's watch, found on Sports Day, has still not been claimed. Would the owner's parents please contact me.

Carol Magner,
Secretary,
Hall Management Committee.

Continuing our series on interesting professions, we print below an article submitted by a local Health Visitor.

THE HEALTH VISITOR.

The Health Visitor is a State Registered Nurse with training in Midwifery or Obstetrics after which a further year is spent studying at either University or Polytechnic to gain a Health Visitors Certificate. These courses include a wide range of subjects including the development of personal relationships, the physical and emotional development of the individual at all ages, preparation for parenthood and a study of factors which may put the family or any person at risk of physical, social or emotional breakdown.

11The Health Visitor is a nurse in preventive medicine. Unlike her colleagues the Midwife and the District Nursing Sister, she does not carry out any practical procedures but has an advisory and counselling role.

Her primary concern is to watch for any deviations in the normal pattern of either physical, mental or social health and try to put them right before they become more serious. This means she needs to have a close liaison with other specialist agencies such as Social Workers, Teachers, Voluntary Workers etc. as team work is necessary to give an efficient service.

Most Health Visitors are attached to a General Practice although some still work in a defined geographical area liaising with several General Practitioners. The Health Visitor is as her name suggests, a visitor to families in their own homes. She does this on her own initiative as well as when requested to do so by the family if a problem has arisen. A large part of her work is concerned with pre-school children, their physical and emotional development and the care of the family, but her work does extend through all ages to the elderly person and includes mental illness and handicapping conditions.

The Health Visitor begins her work in the antenatal period sharing the care of the expectant mother with the Midwife by teaching Health Education in the Parentcraft and Relaxation Classes. Fathers are encouraged to attend when possible as this is a very important time for both parents. Many questions can be answered and any apparent problems can be sorted out before the baby's birth.

The immediate care of the mother and baby is the responsibility of the Midwife and the Health Visitor begins her care when the baby is 2 weeks old. The primary visit is important as this is her base line for the child's development in the future and usually includes an examination of the baby. If this is not convenient that day, it is carried out later, usually before feeding time so that the baby is not disturbed. Visiting from then onwards is frequent in the first few weeks of life and is then made to coincide with developmental milestones. Every mother is given a telephone number and encouraged to ring if any problems arise. This means that the reassurance and advice can be given quickly at the time when it is needed. Developmental assessments are carried out in the home when the baby/child is 9 months and 2 years old. This means they are in familiar surroundings and are more relaxed.

The other part of the Child Health Services are the Child Health Clinics and these offer extra advisory sessions as well as some developmental assessments. Every baby has hearing tests at 7 months old and an immunisation programme is offered. The clinics also have an important social function for mothers who can chat and have a cup of tea. Where there are many problems or difficulties it is the Health Visitor's job to discuss these with the family and put them in touch with agencies which will give them the help they need.

Although regular home visiting ceases when the child enters school, the Health Visitor may still be involved in the School Health Services which make sure the child remains healthy and gets the maximum benefit from his schooling. She also may be involved in Health Education 12talks on such topics as Healthy Eating, Dangers of Smoking and in some schools she is involved in C.S.E. Child Care Courses.

Case of the elderly and handicapped person is an increasing part of a Health Visitors work. Their needs are assessed carefully and help from various sources is mobilised to help them to maintain their independence and improve the quality of their lives. Many people are lonely and isolated and at risk because of this, and the Health Visitor will put them in touch with others or clubs or day centres where they will have some social contact, as well as visiting them at home. In some areas, there are Specialist Health Visitors who are totally involved in visiting the elderly. Other specialist work includes that with premature babies, after care in Tuberculosis, care of the handicapped child and liaison work with various hospital departments and some are involved in teaching Student Health Visitors.

Health Visiting work varies with each area or locality depending on the number in the population, whether it is rural or urban, but the aims are the same – to promote good physical, mental and social health and prevent ill health.

The Bureau workers are often asked what kind of problems people bring to us. We can truthfully answer – all kinds – and we are in a position to find the answer to almost every question from our up-to-date files. We must keep abreast of the latest government legislation in order to help our clients, thus this month we have special information on television licences, enforcing money judgements in the County Court, Guide to Student Grants, 1980, Periods of Interruption of Employment, Invalid and Handicapped travellers, N.H.S. Dental treatment, among other subjects.

At the beginning of November there will be changes in the rates for Old Age Pensions, Supplementary Benefit, Unemployment rates, Widows Benefits etc., and we will be available to give information and advice if there are any queries.

The Organiser will attend the Friendship Club meeting to assist the senior citizens with any problem and we feel we have established a good relationship with them in view of the confidentiality of our service.

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

Your nearest C.A.B. is at Berkeley House, Long Street, Wotton-U-Edge, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Tel. No. W-U-E 3210. At other times, 'phone Stroud 2xxx where C.A.B. is open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. and Saturday 9.30 am. to 11.30 am.

Jean McGonnigill,
Organiser.

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Although we are temporarily without a resident Policeman in the village, we have been assured by Divisional Headquarters that the whole of Charfield is being regularly “policed” by their officers.

If you need to contact the Police for any reason, then up to midnight, please ring Chipping Sodbury 31xxxx. After midnight please ring Divisional Headquarters at Staple Hill, telephone No. Bristol 56xxxx.

The footpaths included in this circular route are clearly shown on the Ordnance Survey sheet ST79 (Dursley) 1:25,000 First Series, recommended in Mrs. Beer's first article in this series. One word of warning – not all footpaths marked on ordnance maps are public rights of way and if you buy a 2½″ scale map to use for walking you could check and mark which paths are public against the “definitive” map held by the Clerk at x Berkeley Close. Copies of the definitive maps for the whole of North Avon are kept at Stokefield House, the Northavon Council Offices in Thornbury and the County also have a set at Avon House North. Charfield Parish reference is OCH so all 32 of our paths have that prefix.

Approximate distance – 1½ miles: time – 35 minutes if you're keeping fit and as long as you like if you browse in the churchyard.

You can start either from Wotton Road or from the centre of the Manor Court Estate. The route from Wotton Road is signposted above the Pear Tree where the field gate is usually invitingly open. The official line of the path is actually on the east side of the hedge, passing through a little dell and over a stile which has recently been cleaned. As can be seen from the map, footpaths 15 and 14 soon divide, 14 continuing along the bottom hedge. 15 passes diagonally across the field through the gateway into the next field, continuing along the upper hedge of the second field to come out in Churchend Lane where there is another signpost. Footpath 15 is known as Vexley, and may have been a proper road at least in the late eighteenth century. The name, like those of the adjacent fields comes from the growing of flax. If you continue along Churchend Lane you will come to the signpost where the other route joins the lane.

Returning to footpath 14 following the hedgeline at the bottom of the hill – the official line is marked on the map but as there is no proper way through back into Great Flexley it is advisable to stay in that field on the west side of the hedge. Where the footpath passes from Great Flexley to Smith's Hill there is a stile fence without steps and a low branch – so mind your head! The path continues straight across this narrow field to a stile in the opposite rather sparse hedge and there is a small bridge across the gully. The ground onto which you will emerge is rather rough and is where the most westerly strip on common land, a spur running from the original Central Green past Manor Farm has been incorporated into the field known as “Packers” The site of Manor Farm has been lost under the new estate.

14The other route (FP16) joins up with footpath 14 here. Footpath 16 starts in Little Bristol Lane by Little Bristol Close, passes the shop and in front of the flats, follows a narrow alleyway through to Greystones and continues up the narrow spur of common land already mentioned. Where the common meets “Packers” there is a good stile, but the ground can be very wet.

The route continues slightly diagonally up across Packers and out by a stile in the corner. The footpath cuts the corner of Great Gaston to a gate through into Upper Garden but it is usually easier to walk round the edge. Again it is easier to walk around the edge of Upper Garden then diagonally across to the lane. You will then be at Churchend and can go to look at the Church and churchyard, about which there will be an article in the next issue of this Newsletter.

Pointing into the field before the Church there is another footpath sign and the start of the return route by OCH 20 to Little Bristol Lane. The footpath crosses a rough field full of stone which is the site of one of the former Church farms. About 1870 the farms immediately on either side of the church were pulled down and the present Church and Churchend farms built by Lord Ducie for his tenants. Further along Churchend Lane, on the left just beyond the churchyard is an agricultural building which was presumably part of the other farm.

A very obvious track passes down the left hand side of Little Gaston but the correct line of the footpath passes down to the lower right-hand corner where there is a way through into Green Park. Continue along the righthand hedge of Green Park to a gate in Ox Park. The gate out onto Little Bristol Lane can be seen on the far side of the field. The full circuit can then be made by turning left along the lane.

The Parish Council report mentions the intention of the Footpath Committee to start waymarking the paths. The paths mentioned above and those included in Chunter No. 1 will be the first waymarked and it is hoped to start this Autumn and at least be ready by late Spring. Anyone interested in helping should contact any members of the Committee or the Clerk:

Mrs. A. Beer, xx Cotswold View.
Mrs. S. Barrance, xxxx House, Wotton Road.
Mr. C. Gunning, xx Manor Lane.
Mr. J. Hatt, “xxxx”, Wotton Road.

Sue Barrance.

Mrs. Jean Simmons would be pleased to hear from anyone willing to help with the Guide Company. They meet every Monday at Kingswood Village Hall between 6.15pm and 7.45pm. Any interested persons, please contact above on Wotton-Under-Edge xxxx after 9.00 pm.

15[Map for Charfield Chunter]

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The Parish Council has found it necessary to appoint Committees to consider various subjects in greater depth than would be possible at ordinary meetings. The three active committees at the present time are dealing with the subjects of the Holiday Playscheme, Transport and Footpaths. These meetings are open to the public and in fact interested residents are co-opted at the Committees.

At the last meeting of the Parish Council a vote of thanks was extended to Cllr. Mr. D.W. Parker, members of the Committee and other helpers for organising such a successful Holiday Playscheme, appreciated by both children and parents.

The Footpath Committee is continuing to review the village footpaths and to organise the way marking of walks and trails around the village with the aim of publishing sketch maps. Any comments or criticisms on the present footpaths will be welcomed and investigated. It is hoped to arrange in the near future a meeting with the district Council Footpaths Officer and the Thornbury Ramblers Association to organise official and practical help for the project.

The Transport Committee has again been investigating the possibility of a rail service for the village. The first step being to ask British Rail for estimates for the work involved in building a new halt for the present Gloucester to Bristol rail car service. At the same time it is essential that possible use of such a service is ascertained and to this end a questionnaire is attached to this Newsletter which the Parish Council should be grateful if you would complete and forward to the Clerk or to any members of the Committee. There will be reply boxes at the Post Office and the greengrocers/hardware shop on the estate. The members of the Committee are most willing to answer any queries you may have,

Mrs. S. Barrance, xxxx House, Wotton Road. Fal: 26xxxx.
Mrs. A. Beer, xx Cotswold View. WUE: xxxx.
Mr. W. Harris, x Station Road. WUE: xxxx.
Mr. D.W. Parker, xx Durham Road. Fal: 26xxxx.

Also under consideration is a Community Bus.

The Council has recently been asked to publicise the Women's Royal Voluntary Service Northavon Social Car Scheme. For further details and bookings contact Josephine Mayo on Chipping Sodbury 31xxxx. A charge for the service is made based on mileage. However, we do have an excellent service in the village provided by Luncheon Club and the Street Warden Scheme, as publicised in the last Newsletter. To visit someone in Hospital, you don't have to be elderly or housebound. There is a charge of 50P per visit. If you wish to use this service, please contact any of the following:-

Marjorie Grantham, xx Berkeley Close. Fal: 26xxxx.
Lynne Harris, x Station Road. WUE xxxx.
Julie Hillier, xx Manor Lane. Fal: 26xxxx.
Mary Hall, xx Durham Road. Fal: 26xxxx.
Val Harris, x Cotswold View. WUE xxxx.
Ann Pitts, xx Manor Lane.
Jacky Swallow, xx Station Road. WUE xxxx.

You may have noticed the state of the remaining public seat in the central play area on the Old Manor Estate. The seat is beyond economic repair. The two seats were a gift by the estate developers but were 17obviously not appreciated by the small minority in the village who felt they had to be pulled to pieces.

An early reminder to Village clubs and organisations – the Parish Council has its budget meeting in december and any applications for a Parish Council grant for the next financial year should be forwarded to the Clerk by 30th November, 1980.

On Wednesday October 1st, the Annual General Meeting was held in the school. A successful year was reported by the retiring Chairman Mr. Mike Julian. Mr. Malpass spoke on the new Hall which is now nearing completion and for which we have waited 11 years.

The new Committee was elected as follows.

Mr. Roger Smith	– Chairman.
Mr. Bernard Mitcham	– Vice Chairman.
Mrs. Margaret Clarke	– Secretary.
Mrs. Pat Morris	– Treasurer.
Mr. Haines, Mr. B. Harris, Mr. W. Harris, Mrs. J. Golding, Mrs. P. Hawkins, Mrs. P. Waring.

The business over, wine and cheese was served followed by a film “Toys in Perspective”.

If any parents have any suggestions as to future activities or speakers they would like the P.T.A. Committee to arrange, would they please contact either myself or any committee member.

Margaret Clarke,
P.T.A. Secretary,
xx Underhill Road,
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx.

The new BOOKING SECRETARY for the Hall Management Committee, as from 8th October, 1980 is Mrs. Lynne Dagger, x Old Manor Close, Telephone No. FALFIELD 26xxxx who will be very pleased to accept any bookings for 21st's, parties, receptions etc. on Fridays and Saturdays in particular, as these days are less likely to be booked by Village organisations.

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

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Other Useful Information

If any of the above information is incorrect, please contact Mrs. M. Smith, xxx Manor Lane, or Mrs. S. Lapham xx Wotton Road.

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1. Where do you work? (To be completed for each employed member of the household).

2. What mode of transport is used?

3. Do you consider the length of journey from your house to place of employment to be excessive?

4. Do you have any specific complaints or suggestions regarding the existing public transport service?

5. Would you welcome an opportunity to use a local rail service again? YES/NO

6. If so, would you support a petition to Bristol Rail for this, and also a petition to the County of Avon to provide station/halt facilities? YES/NO

207. Indicate when you and/or members of your family would be most likely to use such a service (including leisure use).

8. Are there any further comments regarding such use?

9. Would you welcome the introduction of more job opportunities into Charfield? YES/NO

10. Where do you purchase “daily” shopping requirements?

11. Where do you shop on a weekly basis?

12. What, in your opinion, are the major problems in Charfield which a local plan for the community should seek to resolve?

Would you kindly return your completed form to any members of the Parish Council Transport Committee:

Mrs. S. Barrance, xxxx House, Wotton Road.
Mrs. A. Beer, xx Cotswold View.
Mr. D.W. Parker, xx Durham Road.
Mr. W. Harris, x Station Road (Co-opted).

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 20 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: 2016-12-02.