CHADRA

Charfield and District Residents Association

Newsletter 27 – March 1982 – 15p

Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of CHADRA.

Copyright © Charfield and District Residents Association 1982.


Contents

Editorial
Charfield Resident's Association, Chairman's Report
Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Field Management Committee
Charfield Primary School
St. John's Church
Congregational Church
Wildlife & Countryside Act
The Severn Vale Flower Club
An Apology
Stamps
Good Neighbours
An Appeal!
Charfield Parent/Teacher Association
Charfield Young Wives
Charfield W.I.
Friendship Club
Charfield Playgroup
The 2nd Charfield Brownie Pack
Charfield, Cromhall & Tortworth Committee for the Elderly and Housebound
The Acrobats
Yercombe Lodge
Useful Information
Charfield Parish Council
Citizens Advice Bureau
Thought for March – Misunderstandings
Dates for Your Diary
Charfield Olde English Fair (alias Sports & Gala Day 1982)
Village Organisations – March 1982
Public Meeting – Tortworth Copse – held 23rd March, 1982


1

Editorial

At last, as I write this, the sun has been shining for two whole days! Now perhaps we can enjoy the Spring and undertake those tasks that have been waiting for the better weather!

The time between the publication of the last Newsletter quickly passed. Some contributors have to be cajoled into sending their items in time for the deadline date set. There are a few, not many, organisations who seem to think that we would not be interested in their activities. I am quite sure they are wrong, so next time we 'phone, please respond so that we can publish your articles. Last time I suggested we would like to hear from individuals on any topic. Can it be you have no pet hate, grumble, or even something nice to say. Please let us hear from you!

NEXT DATE FOR COPY JUNE 18th (Friday)

The publishing of a Village Newsletter is being encouraged in Villages throughout the Country, and 6½ years ago we were probably among the first Village to have one. Their importance is now recognised by Community Assocs., and Assocs., of Local Councils.

Please let the Parish Clerk or myself know, as mentioned in the Report on page 12, about your views on 'Bus Services. We have one enthusiastic objector to the Service – Mrs. Mary Jones. Will anyone support her in her Campaign for an improved evening 'bus service.

The Residents Assoc., are very grateful to the Parish Council for a grant towards the cost of replacing the worn-out duplicator, without which we could not have reached the necessary target, in spite of our own efforts to do so!

I am sure all those readers who attended the Public Meeting on March 23rd regarding the proposed dumping of household and industrial waste in Tortworth Copse Pit, would like thanks expressed to Mrs. Sue Barrance, for the splendid way in which she Chaired the Meeting, and put the Parish Council and Villagers views to the meeting. If you are concerned about this application before the County Council please make sure you put your signature on the petition which will be coming to you very soon, if you have not already done so, before this Newsletter reaches you. (See Report on page 16). A decision will be made by the County Planning Meeting at County Hall, Bristol, on the 20th April. Anyone wishing to attend is invited to do so.

Happy Easter to all our Readers!

S. Clifford Gunning.   Editor.

2

Charfield Resident's Association, Chairman's Report

As a result of the recent Public Meeting many residents will be aware that the proposal to dump waste material in the old clay workings in Tortworth Copse has again become a live issue. A revised planning application has been lodged and will be considered by the County Planning Dept. This month the Parish Council has organised opposition to these proposals and your committee is assisting in any way that it can.

The Jumble Sale held on the 6th March was quite successful in spite of the terrible weather, and raised approximately £125 which goes a good way towards the cost of paying for the reconditioned duplicator which had to be purchased recently in order to produce the Charfield Newsletter. Our grateful thanks to all who helped us in any way to achieve this by supplying articles for sale etc.

Unfortunately, our Secretary Mrs. Jackie Barnett has found it necessary to resign the office for family reasons, but we have been fortunate in quickly obtaining a volunteer – Mrs. Beverley Saunderson, of x Katherine Close, to replace her. Mrs. Barnett will continue to serve on the committee and we have a bonus in that the two ladies' husbands, Philip Barnett, and Bob Saunderson, have agreed to be co-opted to give us a hand when they can.

At our recent meeting your committee was addressed by a Mr. Barbery (introduced by Mr. Will Harris) on behalf of the Severnside Branch of the Railway Development Association, which as its name implies is seeking support for its objectives of opening disused stations and restoring services. In view of the cost of rebuilding platforms and the problems of access there would appear to be little prospect of any movement in this direction in the near future as far as Charfield is concerned, but in view of the poor 'bus services, and increasing petrol prices it is something to be kept in mind for the longer term.

Geoff Blower.
Chairman.

Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Field Management Committee

The Management Committee are still looking for someone to take on the running of the “200 Club”, and for someone to become the Licensee for the proposed bar. We are amazed that in the Village there are not two willing volunteers! Come on show us we are wrong.

We would like to thank the people who have supplied plants and shrubs for the borders around the car park. Work will commence as soon as the weather improves.

Mr. & Mrs. White of Charfield Hill, have already planted a tree which we all hope will grow and flourished. Many thanks!

Mrs. M. Clarke.
Secretary.

3

Charfield Primary School

The whimsically entitled Spring Term, from January to Easter, is the least exciting for children, compared with the previous one culminating in Christmas, and the succeeding one with its more frequent outdoor pursuits. This term has the added disadvantage for the children of being the time when appointments are made for teachers and parents to exchange notes about their children. The vast majority of children, I am glad to say, have survived unscathed! This may, therefore, be an appropriate time to refer to a topic that has had some publicity nationally but not locally.

The use of corporal punishment in Schools was ruled upon by the European Court but Parliament itself has reached no decision as yet. Local Authorities still exercise great control over the education they provide and the Avon Education Committee decided on 2nd February, 1982 that all corporal punishment in Avon Schools should be abolished with effect from the beginning of the Summer term on 19th April, 1982.

The cane has not been used in this school from the time of my appointment in 1969, at the very least. Occasionally, I may have smacked a child on a strategic and resilient part of the body, when that seemed an appropriate punishment. Now, that has been forbidden.

This does not bother me greatly because children of primary school age, in an area such as this, are generally well-behaved. Any disciplinary problems are comparatively minor and can be dealt with quite easily by the class teacher. If a more serious breach of discipline occurs, we shall have to consult with parents and rely on their co-operation in dealing with the matter. The School has a duty to set standards of acceptable behaviour and enforce them.

In a booklet “Information for Parents”, I have included amongst the aims of the School:-

“To provide an environment conducive to learning and showing concern and respect for the welfare of others”

“To help the children acquire a set of moral values on which to base their own behaviour, e.g. honesty, sincerity, personal responsibility, etc.”

But these aims cannot be realised without parental co-operation. Parents should not automatically leap to the child's defence when he or she is in trouble. Instead they should try to understand and accept our interpretation of events and support us in our attempts at correction. I am pleased to say that almost invariably this is the response we receive in this School.

I have often said to parents that if they do not exercise proper control and insist on a good standard of behaviour at primary school age, they will regret it when their children are at the adolescent stage and are pushing for greater freedom and independence. I have realised for a good many years now, what a difficult job being a parent is, even for a headmaster!

Mr. D.A. Malpass.
Headmaster.

4

St. John's Church

I am sorry that my last contribution to our excellent Village publication failed to appear in these pages. With all the other pre-Christmas pressures, I nevertheless managed to complete it before Christmas and had it ready to be delivered. It was popped for me through what should have been the appropriate letter-box, but a typing error of one figure in the address (my fault) caused it to be put through the wrong letter-box where it was taken to be a circular letter and put in the dustbin! Now that may well have been the best place for it; but I wanted to explain what had happened and not let it be thought that I had forgotten or couldn't be bothered to write as I regard this publication as an excellent focus of Village activities.

What a relief it is to know that we have left behind that awful January weather and are moving towards warmer days. The pageant of nature's year has already begun and life, the life of nature, is already unfolding itself before us. The magic and mystery of this unfortunately so often escapes us – not that we don't see what is happening but that we tend to take it for granted. The mystery of life lies hidden in the most un-promising looking seed and we assume its presence (without thinking about it) every time we plant one in the garden. Not every seed, of course, realises its potential. The story of Jesus about the seed-sower makes that clear; some seeds the birds instantly ate which others fell among thorn bushes and their growth was choked.

It is not so different with human life (and that was the point of the story just referred to). Not every one reaches their full potential, becoming what they might become. It would take a long psychological analysis to discuss this and I am sure you are glad that I have no intention of doing that! But, there is one point I would like to ‘sow’ in your minds and hope you may think about it. I, and Christians generally, do not believe that any of us can realise our full potential without some space for God in our lives. We cannot be all that we were meant to be if we cut ourselves off from the source and origin of all life. The family of St. John's Church exists to experience this friendship with God and to try to make it real for others too. None of us is terribly good at it but we are disciples, that means people who are trying to learn, are at least making some effort. We do not claim more for ourselves than this. I say this because I sometimes meet people who think that because you go to Church you are trying to tell the world that you are extra ‘good’ or think you are spiritually and morally better than others. That is not true. We are simply people who spare some time in our lives to look towards God and to experience His love, forgiveness and help in our lives. We experience an increasingly warm friendship for one another as we do this and we invite YOU to come and share our adventure with us.

Service times are clearly displayed on the Church notice board.

COFFEE MORNING, bring and buy, cakes, raffle on Sat. 17th APRIL, at 10.30–12.30, at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Jeanes, xxxx, Charfield (near the beginning of Manor Lane, the Railway end).

PLANT SALE, on Sat. 22nd May from 10.00–12.00 (if stocks last that long) to be held in the Church Porch Gifts of plants, etc., would be gratefully received for sale.

Kenneth G. Grant   Rector.

5

Congregational Church

Sundays11.00 a.m.Family Service.
 6.00 p.m.Evening Worship.
Tuesdays3.00 p.m.Bright Hour (fortnightly) Open to men and women or anyone who would like to join us.
Good FridayApril 9th.Service (DV)   2.30 p.m.
Easter DayApril 11thFamily Service   11.00 a.m.
  Evening Worship (DV)   6.00 p.m.

Why not come and join us.

Any enquiries to – Miss M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Tel. Falfield 26xxxx.


Ambassador on Duty. We are ambassadors for Christ. 2.Cor.5.20.

Late one night a salesman drove into a strange City and tried to get a room in a Hotel. The Clerk informed him that there was no vacancy. Disappointed he started to leave the lobby when a dignified gentleman offered to share his room with him. Gratefully the traveller accepted his kindness.

Just before retiring, the man who had shown such hospitality knelt and prayed aloud, in his petition he referred to the stranger by name and asked the Lord to bless him. Upon awakening the next morning he told his guest it was his habit to read the Bible and commune with God at the beginning of each day, and he asked if he would like to join him. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to the heart of this salesman, and when his host tactfully confronted him with the claims of Christ, he gladly received the Saviour. As the two were ready to part they exchanged business cards. The new believer was amazed to read “William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State”. This high Government official was an ambassador of Heaven who had not failed to represent his King, the Lord Jesus.

Almost every situation in life afford an opportunity to witness, Mr. Bryan used a stranger's need for lodging as his divine appointment for sharing Christ. This sense of being in the service of his Master made his spiritually alert. Today you and I are on call, and no one else can fill the specific place assigned to us. What an awsome responsibility! Yet, what a glorious privilege it is to represent the Lord. Are you available for duty.


I am a stranger here, within a foreign land.
My home is far away, upon a golden strand;
Ambassador am I, of realms beyond the sky,
I'm here on business for my King.

6

Wildlife & Countryside Act

From time to time this Newsletter prints the Country Code to remind footpath users of their obligations. Mr. Baker has asked if we would print the following extract from the new Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which came into force on 16th February, 1982 –

“It is already an offence for a dog to worry livestock on agricultural land. Worrying includes attacking, and chasing livestock in such a way that the animals are likely to be injured. Under the new provisions worrying also includes being at large in a field or enclosure where there are sheep. If a dog is not on a lead or otherwise under close control, it is “at large”. A dog can be “at large” in a field where there is a public footpath, and owners of dogs should therefore make sure that their animals are on a lead or otherwise under close control when taking them along public paths through fields with sheep in them.”

The Severn Vale Flower Club

Ladies of Charfield Parish would be most welcome either as visitors or members, to afternoon meetings of the Flower Club, at Armstrong Hall, Thornbury (See Diary dates). These are monthly meetings and offer an enjoyable afternoon.

The welcome also extends to any gentlemen interested in Flower Arranging.

Please contact – Mrs. A. Atherton. Thornbury 41xxxx. Chairman.

An Apology

In the last Newsletter reference was made to the splendid service given to the Village during the hazardous conditions of Dec/Jan, by the Village shops and the Bell family Milk Round. I regret no mention was made of Mrs. Ealey who also maintained deliveries of milk in such inclement weather. Please accept sincere apologies Mrs. Ealey. I am sure your splendid efforts did not go unrecognised by all your customers. Thank you Mrs. H.P. Griffiths for drawing attention to the omission!

Editor.

Stamps

Mrs. M. Smith, xxx Manor Lane, will still be very grateful for used postage stamps. So please don't forget to save your stamps when you receive letters, and pop them through Mrs. Smith's door.

Good Neighbours

Somebody once said you cannot do without your neighbours, for on them so much depends. You do not have to 'phone or write if troubles come along. A good and kindly neighbour is on hand when things go wrong. She's there right on the spot next door or just across the way, a cup of tea to offer or a cheering word to say.

Let's make sure this is so in Charfield.

7

An Appeal!

An Appeal! on behalf of children who are in need of a holiday through sad circumstances in their home.

Every year I organise holidays to introduce children to a normal happy lovingly organised home, who come from a sad or stressful background or who may never have had a holiday. We are looking for hostess's who will take into their home and heart a child who for one reason or another needs a break away from sad or stressful circumstances. If anyone thinks they could offer such a holiday to a child in AUGUST could they contact me.

Mrs. Audrey Atherton. Thornbury 41xxxx.
W.R.V.S.

Charfield Parent/Teacher Association

The Barn Dance held in early February proved to be our most successful ever. So popular was it, that we eventually had to stop selling tickets, because the School Hall can only comfortably accommodate 100 people.

My apologies to any disappointed potential Barn Dancers. We hope to see you next year.

The Wine tasting, sponsored Christmas card collection, and Barn Dance, have jointly raised nearly £400 towards our target of £1,500 for the Sports Pavilion.

Our Spring Fayre will have also been held by the time this Newsletter is published.

Next term all our efforts will be on the SUMMER BARBECUE, to be held on SATURDAY JUNE 12th. We expect the Barbecue to have events including both children and parents, Side Shows, and of course, plenty of food and drink! So make a note of the date now. Hope to see you there.

N Haines. Chairman.

Charfield Young Wives

Following the A.G.M. and Supper in March we start Young Wives New Year with an outing to Hourmont Travel, Bristol, on April 15th. We also have another trip planned for Sept., to a Cider Farm to see how it is made, and, no doubt, sample it! Other talks arranged for this Summer are:-

May 20th– Pucklechurch Remand Home.
June 17th– Soft Toys and Leather.
July 15th– Talk on Buttons.

Another date to remember is May 5th Coffee Morning and prize Bingo.

New members are always welcome, but if you don't want to join you are very welcome to come along to any talks that might be of interest.

Jenny Peaster.
Chairman.

8

Charfield W.I.

After having our January Meeting cancelled because of “that awful weather” Members are now finding there is little time to spare as we have a full and varied programme between now and the Summer.

Our February meeting was well attended and immensely enjoyed, first we had a talk and demonstration on ‘Nutrimetic’ makeup and afterwards sampled Member's favourite recipes. A charge of 2p was made for each recipe that anyone felt they would like to cook for themselves. We also had a visit from Mrs. Sue Barrance who outlined the Avon Village Venture Scheme, and with this in mind we hope to organise a Village Ramble in the Summer months.

At our March meeting Mr. Cawsey came from Weston-super-Mare to give a talk and demonstration on Pottery. This was most enjoyable and at times humorous. Afterwards Members were able to see a selection of pottery and buy if they wished; prices were most reasonable.

Since January we have formed a small Drama Group as we have our Group Rally in April at Hawkesbury, and it is our turn to entertain the other five Institutes in our Group. This is proving to be great fun, but I don't think we shall make the West End.

Last year being the Year of the Disabled we gave a Party in the Village Hall for several children from the Sheiling School, at Thornbury, and had hoped to do the same this year but because of the nature of their disabilities this year we are unable to have them; instead, Judy Golding had a Coffee Morning which raised approximately £17 and we shall be taking the children presents of Easter eggs.

During the year we are hoping to organise day trips with Members providing transport to places of interest. The first will be on March 30th when 15 Members will visit Peter Saunders Boutique at Easton Grey, and Malmesbury. In May we propose to visit Bowood House, Nr. Calne to see the display of rhododendrons.

Finally thanks to all our Skittle Players. Unfortunately we only made it as far as the third round, but congratulations to Mrs. Dodd who is the new Avon W.I. Scrabble Champion.

A friendly welcome awaits at any of our Meetings held the second Thursday in each month in the Village Hall at 7.30. So if you have not yet joined do please come along and bring a friend.

J. Hutley.
President.

9

Friendship Club

Hopefully the bitter cold weather has passed by, and thankfully our Members did not suffer too much from those perilous winds and frosts. Probably they heeded the advice of Mrs. McGonnigill who warned them of the perils of winter weather.

Indeed, we are most fortunate to have such an Advisor who attends all our Meetings, advising Members of their rights to pensions and allowances.

Inflation has hit us like everyone-else – the new hire charges for the Village Hall, and the use of the mini-bus make us more aware of the Club funds, so we must do more for ourselves in the way of entertaining.

What we need is someone to play the piano for us, when we have Singers, who like our Members to join in the chorus. We have a “resident pianist” for our Meetings, but would appreciate another person to help out with our Social activities. If you can help please contact Falfield 26xxxx or 26xxxx.

On Saturday February 27th, our Members had a fabulous evening given by the Wotton Round Table Members for which we are most grateful.

Our Bring and Buy Bazaar will be held on April 21st, when we hope to attract the Villagers to our endeavours.

E. H. Orton.
Chairman.

Charfield Playgroup

On behalf of the Playgroup Committee I would like to thank all those people who contributed items and to those who helped in any way at our recent Jumble Sale. All your hard work enabled Play-Group to raise approximately £180 for its funds. Results of the Raffle:-

1st Prize.Sunday Dinner (No. 20 orange) – Mrs. L. Harris, Station Rd.
2ndHoldall (No. 57 white) – Miss. J. Walker, xx Lt. Bristol.
3rdChocolates (No. 56 orange) – Mrs. C. Thompson, Didmarton.

A date for your calendar – Thurs. 22nd April, at 2.00 p.m. SUMMER NEARLY NEW SALE, to be held in The Congregational Chapel Hall (Play-Group). We are also hoping to have an added attraction organised by “Caesarcraft” a family cottage industry specialising in beautifully made wooden toys, jig-saw puzzles, games, Wendy House furniture, desks etc. Please come along and support us.

Would you enjoy a Social Evening at “Cadbury Country Club”, where you may wine, dine, dance, swim and relax in a sauna, not to mention other activities available. More details soon, watch your letter-box!!

Babs. Pearn.
Secretary.

10

The 2nd Charfield Brownie Pack

This Pack has now been running for 18 months, and at the moment has 19 members.

Last year we held a Handicraft Show jointly with the 1st Charfield Pack, and in October we successfully put on a production of “The Brownie Story”, which was enjoyed by parents and friends of the Brownies. We also had a Christmas Party.

This year we are going on Pack holiday to Macaroni Wood, Lechlade for a weekend. Our Brownies also enjoy rounders and swimming during the Summer months.

If anyone is interested in joining one of our packs please contact me or Mrs. Green, after your daughter's sixth birthday so that her name can be put on our waiting list.

Mrs. Diane Lowe. Falfield 26xxxx. (Mrs. J. Green. W.u.E. xxxx.)

Charfield, Cromhall & Tortworth Committee for the Elderly and Housebound

DRIVERS PLEASE!

Mrs. Blower, Falfield 26xxxx would be very pleased to hear from drivers willing to take people to hospital. Frenchay is an easy run and there are many requests for this hospital. Please do volunteer – this in no way commits you to any regular driving. When called upon, drivers may claim a nominal petrol allowance from Mrs. P. Waring xxx Manor Lane.

We would like to repeat once again our appeal to anyone who could take out one meal to Charfield Green, once every six weeks on a Monday or Wednesday, between 12.00 and 1.00 p.m. Offers of help please to Mrs. Lynne Harris, 'Phone W.u.E. xxxx.

Finally, a date for your diary, Friday MAY 14th A Coffee Morning, from 10.30 will be held at the home of Mrs. Bieboer, The xxxx, Cromhall, near the Royal Oak. There will be a raffle and cake stall and any contributions towards these will be most gratefully received. This Coffee Morning is mainly a fund-raising effort which enables us to continue with the service we try to provide for the Elderly & Housebound, but it is also an enjoyable morning, so please support us by coming along and bringing a friend.

Marjorie Grantham. Chairman.

The Acrobats

I love to watch the bluetit with his primrose tinted front
Turning crazy somersaults. It's like a circus Stunt.
Upside down he hangs and pecks a juicy bit of fat.
No mistake about it, he's a first class acrobat.

11

Yercombe Lodge

You are invited to
Enjoy yourself at our SPRING FAYRE
Refreshments.
Cup final! No need to stay at Home, you can still come. We have a large television!
On Saturday 22nd May. 2.30–5.30 p.m.
Morris Dancers.
Brass Band – from Stinchcombe
Entrance – free.

Plenty of stalls – Candy Floss, Bran Tub. Donkey Rides for the children. Vintage Motor Cycles. Plant Stall. Handicrafts.

Do please come and bring your friends and enjoy yourself. Yercombe Lodge is situated in a lovely spot. (On the road to Dursley.)

P. Ellis.
(Friends of Yercombe)

Useful Information

  'Phone
PoliceP.C. Carrow, Police House, 58 Wotton Rd.W.u.E 2219
ElectricityMEB Severn Vale District Office, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury318380
WaterBristol Waterworks Co. (Head Office) Bedminster Down, Bristol (Faults outside normal working hours: ask operator for Freefone 981)Bristol 665881
Avon OilsUnit 1, Avonbridge Estate, Avonbridge. Boiler Maintenance & Emergency Service. Accounts Queries 9827281 Other Queries 9827737Avonmouth 9827671
Northavon District CouncilEmergency ServicesThornbury 416262
Citizens Advice BureauOrganiser Jean McGonnigill, Berkeley House.W.u.E. 3210
Yercombe LodgeShort-stay Home and Day Centre for the physically handicapped. Information Mr. P. Ellis, xx Berkeley Close, Charfield.Falfield 26xxxx.

Don't bother to meet trouble halfway it is quite capable of making the entire journey without any help from us!


Just when a man discovers that his parents were right his children start telling him he is wrong!

12

Charfield Parish Council

Firstly the Parish Council hopes that the recent door-to-door circular brought to your attention two important Meetings and that you took an active interest. The second Public Meeting on the subject of tipping household and commercial waste in Tortworth Copse (the clay pits) was called as the amended plans were to hand. The Parish Council invited the main interested parties together with County Officers in order that all the views and technical problems would be properly discussed before the Parish Council formulated its comments for the attention of the County Planning Dept.

The Annual Parish Meeting held on 25th March, is the opportunity for residents to comment and question the work of the Parish Council over the last year – if you missed this year's meeting, the provisional date for next year, is 24th March.

The Parish Council is the first tier of Local Government and the one which most directly affects the area in which you live.

Following the recent changes in the 'bus service the Parish Council would be pleased to hear of any comments, criticisms and suggestions for improvement which could benefit local residents. Rather than make individual comments to the 'bus company the Parish Council intends to draw up a report for Bristol Omnibus Co., having been informed that any comments will be taken into consideration when the Review of the services 325 and 326 takes place. Please make every effort to forward your comments either to the Clerk of the Parish Council, or the Editor of the Newsletter.

With the help of volunteers the Parish Council is undertaking a Review of all footpaths, leading to the signposting and waymarking of the paths. The whole project will then be entered into the Village Venture Competition. The first stage of the project to walk and report on the condition of the paths has been completed, each volunteer being given one or two paths to walk. A muddy proposition at this time of year, but the band of volunteers enjoyed their walks, particularly those who had not walked the path before. This is of course the main aim of the project, to ensure the paths are easily definable and in good repair – walkers will enjoy the walk and the landowners happy that people stay on the path and do not wander haphazardly over the fields. A point worth mentioning here is that it is an offence now for dogs to be on farmland unless they are on a lead or under strict control.

The Parish Council would like to point out that they welcome attendance by the Public at Parish Council Meetings and that “Public Participation” appears on every Agenda.

Further Meetings of the Council will be held at the MEMORIAL HALL at 7.30 p.m. The next Meeting will be 29th APRIL, and thereafter on the third Thursday in the month.

Mrs. J.K. Hughes.
Clerk to the Parish Council.   (x Berkeley Close)

13

Citizens Advice Bureau

We have again had a very busy year – the number of enquiries to the Wotton under Edge Bureau has increased and at least 200 clients came from the Charfield area.

The problems covered a wide range, among them family and personal, educations, pensions, unemployment, redundancy, legal, marital, divorce and rent and rate rebates.

Concern about the number of homeless single people has been expressed informally to the Housing Dept. In the Stroud area a new Organisation concerned with the homeless has been set up under the heading of “Roofem” and we are hoping this will be a help to those in need.

In spite of the inclement weather in January the Bureau was closed on only one occasion, and quite a number of O.A.P's were helped with gas and electricity problems due to the intense cold. Special advice has been taken regarding easy payments for gas and electricity bills for the high Winter quarter, and this information passed to several clients who are concerned about high bills!

The Organiser has visited the Friendship Club in the Village regularly to help with any problems, and to save O.A.P's the expense and trouble of travelling to Wotton-under-Edge. The number of satisfied clients make the effort very worthwhile, and a very trusting relationship exists between the Bureau and the Club.

The Bureau will continue to open each TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 10.00 a.m.–1.00 p.m. in Berkeley House, Wotton-under-Edge. (Tele. W.u.E. 3210) and we hope the Villagers will take advantage of the free and confidential service we offer to each member of the Community. We are there to help and remember, a problem shared a problem halved.

Mrs. Jean McGonnigill.
Organiser.

Thought for March – Misunderstandings

When we are misunderstood in what we say or do, lets not be embittered or disgruntled. Let it rest. If things done or said were done or said with good intent, leave it for the moment things get worse with argument, oftentimes misunderstandings have a happy end, and one we thought an enemy is turned into a friend.

P.S.


This Newsletter is published and produced by Charfield Residents Association.
Editor – S.C. Gunning

14

Dates for Your Diary

THURSDAYAPRIL15thYoung Wives – Hourmont Travel, Bristol.
SATURDAY 17thSt. John's Church COFFEE MORNING.
WEDNESDAY 21stFriendship Club. BAZAAR & BRING & BUY.
   Severn Vale Flower Club. 2.00 p.m. Armstrong Hall, Thornbury.
THURSDAY 22ndPlay-Group – NEARLY NEW SALE.
FRIDAYMAY14thCharfield Cttee. for Housebound COFFEE MORNING.
WEDNESDAY 19thSevern Vale Flower Club.
THURSDAY 20thYoung Wives – Pucklechurch Remand Home Visit.
SATURDAY 22ndSt. John's PLANT SALE, Church Porch a.m.
   Yercombe Lodge SPRING FAYRE. p.m.
SATURDAYJUNE12thCharfield Parent/Teachers – SUMMER BARBEQUE.
WEDNESDAY 16thSevern Vale Flower Club.
THURSDAY 17thYoung Wives – Soft Toys & Leather.
SATURDAYJULY10th“OLDE ENGLISH FAIR” alias CHARFIELD SPORTS AND GALA DAY.

For further information regarding times etc., of any of the above functions please refer to each Club's contribution to be found on other pages of this Newsletter.

Charfield Olde English Fair (alias Sports & Gala Day 1982)

This year's Sports Day is now finally taking shape and preparations for the day are hotting up as particular attractions are being booked. With the introduction of a “new look” Sports Day, many of the attractions will provide an exciting departure from previous years. Events and attractions that are already booked include a children's Big Dipper, The Red Arrow Drum Majorettes, Tug O War Tournament, The Berkeley Hunt Hounds, Bath Street Theatre Morris Men, and many other events which are still in the pipeline.

The new format of the day will still include the old favourites such as the Fancy Dress Competition, The Playbus, Pony Rides, Sideshows (with an old English flavour!) Sparrows Crane and of course the sports themselves!

We hope you all received and appreciated the first edition of the bulletin and don't forget that anymore ideas for Stalls and attractions are still very welcome – it's not too late! We expect you are all waiting with baited breath for the next scintillating edition – it'll be coming hot from the press any day now so you don't be disappointed.

Committee Members:- Allan Brown, Tina Carter, Margaret Clark, Mike Gander, Jane Hall, Mary Hall, Rob. Hannigan, Allan Hughes, Estelle Johnson, John Poskett, Geoff Swallow, Lin. Stares.

15

Village Organisations – March 1982

Charfield Res Assoc (CHADRA)
    Chairman:Mr G Blower, xx Manor LaneFal. 26xxxx
    Secretary:Mrs Saunderson, x Catherine Close W.u.E. 56xxxx
Angling ClubMr Toomey, x Wotton Road26xxxx
Royal British LegionMr S Mussell, x Manor Lane26xxxx
BrowniesMrs J Green, x Horsford RoadW.u.E. xxxx
 Mrs D Lowe, xx Avon RoadFal. 26xxxx
Baby Sitting CircleMrs M Hall, xx Durham RoadFal. 26xxxx
Congregational ChurchMiss Turner, xx Charfield Green26xxxx
Cricket ClubMr Nicholas Bennett, xxxx Farm26xxxx
District CouncillorMrs Bennett, xxxx Farm26xxxx
Group Scout LeaderMr A Smith, xxx Manor Lane26xxxx
Football ClubSecretary: Mr G Archer, xx Manor Lane26xxxx
Friendship ClubChairman: Mr E Orton, xx Wotton Road26xxxx
Health Visitor & Welfare ClinicMrs F Storey, Thornbury Health Centre
(2nd & 4th Thurs. at the Hall)
Thornbury 41xxxx
Keep FitMrs L Holland, xx Bearlands, Wortley RdW.u.E. xxxx
Luncheon Club
    Chairman:Mrs M Grantham, xx Berkeley Cl26xxxx
    Sec:Mrs F Young, x The Green, CromhallWickwar 2xxxx
Mothers & Toddlers Club (1st & 3rd Thurs)
    Chairman:Mrs M Morgan, xx Durham Rd.26xxxx
    Sec:Mrs D Jarvis, xx Berkeley Close26xxxx
Hall Management Committee
    Sec:Mrs M Clarke, xx Underhill Rd26xxxx
    Booking Sec:Mrs Poskett, xx Charfield Green26xxxx
Netball ClubMrs J Swallow, xx Station RoadW.u.E. xxxx
St John's Church
    Rector:Rev K Grant, Charfield RectoryFal. 26xxxx
    Sec:Mrs C E Wallace, xx Manor Lane26xxxx
PlaygroupSec: Mrs B Pearn, x Katherine Close26xxxx
County Primary School
    Headmaster:Mr D Malpass26xxxx
    Charfield Parent Teacher Assoc
      ChairmanMr N Haines, xx Horsford RdW.u.E. xxxx
      Sec:Mrs M Lane, xx Cotswold ViewW.u.E. 26xxxx
Parish Council
    Clerk:Mrs J Hughes, x Berkeley CloseFal. 26xxxx
Tennis ClubMrs J Swallow, xx Station RoadWUE xxxx
Street Warden SchemeMrs L Harris, x Station RoadWUE xxxx
Women's InstitutePres. Mrs J Hutley, x, Old Manor CloseFal. 26xxxx
Young WivesMrs J Peaster, xxx Manor Lane26xxxx
Youth ClubMrs H Pring, xx Thames Close26xxxx
Yoga ClubMrs Bartlett, xxxx Cottage, Horsford RdWUE xxxx

If any of the above information is incorrect please contact: The Editor – Mr S C Gunning, xx Manor Lane.

16

Public Meeting – Tortworth Copse – held 23rd March, 1982

Those of you who did not attend this Meeting may wish to know the outcome. Mr. Terry Adams of Exeter, explained his proposed operation to fill the Pit with household and industrial waste, and the precautions he proposed to take. The County officials explained the control and licencing procedures. Views were also expressed by a Representative of the Wildlife Conservation Society, on the considerable disturbance of wild-life in this very important area; the Meeting decided to accept the Parish Council's objections to the scheme, and these will be sent to the County Council. They are:-

1. The Land profile on completion of tipping.
The tipping operations not only fill the existing Quarry, but will be built up into a huge mound which will be visible from parts of the Village and from across the valley on the North Nibley Road. Any existing trees left to screen the view will not do so, because the mound will be way above the height of the trees left, some of which are well over 100 years old. It is proposed to return the land to afforestation, but this cannot happen for many years, because the ground will not be sufficiently stable to support new trees.

2. Pollution.
It is thought that however good the operation is controlled it is impossible to ensure that no pollution will not take place or to prevent waste paper blowing about from the site against fences and hedges. Or, to prevent smells from putrefying materials and flies being wafted across the Village. This site with its steep slope into the Valley with its springs and constant flow of surface water is not a suitable site for extensive waste tipping of approx. 650,000 tonnes.

3. Traffic Generation.
It is roughly estimated that about 40–50 twenty ton lorries will be tipping each day, gaining access to the site from Tortworth Rd. Many of them having to climb Tortworth Hill and will add to the already numerous heavy lorries crawling slowly up the hill. It will also increase lorry traffic through Cromhall and Wickwar. The Operator could not give any indication where the waste would come from, and the representative for the County Council stated that there were no plans so far as they could see for the Pit to be used for waste from Avon. The lorries on the new access road from Tortworth Rd. to the Pit will be seen and heard by the residents on the north-west side of the Village.

4. Avon Structure Plan/Conservation Interests.
This operation would be contrary to the provision in the County Structure Plan, as this area is specifically mentioned as “an area of geological interest and primary woodland and associated fauna and flora”.

In addition to these items the planning application covers a far larger area than the proposed operation, and there is a fear if permission is granted there is no guarantee that the whole area will not be affected in the future. From knowledge gained from other waste disposal sites it appears impossible to give adequate supervision to ensure that all the controls are conditions are observed. Finally, the County Council have not yet produced a waste proposal plan for the County, and it is, therefore, difficult to see how they can say the site is necessary.

S.C. Gunning.


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: 2016-12-04.