CHADRA

The main event of the Village year is once again drawing near. The Sports & Gala Day has taken place every year in July for the past 22 years, and I am told it has never been “rained off”.

As you approach the Village Hall and Playing Fields give a thought to how it all happens. The Village is blessed with a very active and hard-working Sports Day Committee who plan and work throughout the year to produce this event, and then a band of volunteers lay out the ground, assemble and erect all the paraphernalia that is required. On the morning along come the various Organisations in the Village who have been persuaded by the Committee to set up their own Stalls and Sideshows.

Let us show our appreciation by attending on SATURDAY 10th JULY, and give them our whole-hearted support.

In the absence of any report from the Village Hall Management Committee this time, I feel as Editor of this Newsletter, I should make some comment about their plight. At their Annual General Meeting recently I understand that no member of the Village other than the Committee attended. This is a very serious reflection on the residents who should show interest in the Village Hall, which from time to time most of us use. Surely it cannot be that no one cares whether the Village Hall functions properly or not.

After a great many years of service as Chairman of the Management Committee Mr. John Poskett, felt obliged to resign from the Chair and also the Committee. It is only right that his services should be recognised by all of us. The Charfield Newsletter, therefore, says a big “thank you” to you John. If no one has yet come forward to take his place, I hope that an appeal to do so will not go unheeded. Is everyone suffering from shyness. To any who feel they can contribute in anyway to the well-being of the Village Hall do please offer your services NOW. The Secretary Mrs. M. Clarke, Fal. 26xxxx will be glad to hear from you.

To the Management Committee: I hope you will continue to use the Newsletter to give information of your activities and any appeals for help.

Tortworth Copse. You may have already heard that Avon County Council have approved the use of the old clay quarry in the Copse for disposal of household and industrial waste. This despite the very cogent objections made by the Parish Council and the partition signed by over 700 residents.

Notwithstanding the assurances given by the County Council and the conditions to be imposed by them to minimise nuisance and pollution, there are going to be problems. All we can do now is to monitor the operations and report to the County Council so that they can take any action necessary until the operation is completed.

S. Clifford Gunning.

2

C H A R F I E L D   S P O R T S   &   G A L A   D A Y   C O M M I T T E E
P R E S E N T S

Y E   OLDE   E N G L I S H   C O U N T R Y   F A I R

at
T H E   V I L L A G E   H A L L   &   P L A Y I N G   F I E L D

on
S A T U R D A Y   J U L Y   10th 1982.
at
1.45 p.m.
ADMISSION BY PROGRAMME. 40 pence.

THE SOMERSET RED ARROWS DRUM MAJORETTES.
SPARROW CRANE WITH BUCKET RIDES
BATH NATURAL THEATRE
COTSWOLD MORRIS MEN
CRAFT DISPLAY
PUNCH & JUDY SHOW
AND OF COURSE
THE VILLAGE SPORTS EVENTS FOR CHILDREN.
5 yrs – 15 yrs & ONE FOR MEN OVER 40.
ALSO VERY IMPORTANT
SIDE-SHOWS & STALLS
SEE YOUR PROGRAMME FOR FULL DETAILS

3

What a beautiful afternoon it had been in Charfield, the warm sun was an added bonus after the chilly morning. An hour sitting in the garden was a real pleasure in the quiet afternoon sun. Then came the usual busy traffic, as workers and school children returned home. But it was more of a rush than usual, as the skies blackened and the first drops of rain began to fall. The spots soon turned to torrents as children who earlier had enjoyed the showers, ran for cover. The climax came with a clap of thunder, so loud, it seemed to shake the whole Village, and the few who had braved the storm ran for shelter to their homes.

Then, as quickly as it came, the storm passed, the skies brightened and the air seemed fresh and clean. The birds sang and the gardens were refreshed again. The traffic, which was so heavy before, slowly ceased and not a soul disturbed the peace. The whole Village seemed to settle into a hush.

“The lull after the storm” you might say, yes, but not just that, they were all settling down to watch the re-play of the F.A. Cup Final on television.

P. Waring.

It was with many regrets that the Play-Group Committee accepted the resignation of Mrs. Anna Wood, the Play-Group Leader, who has been connected with the Play-Group for approximately 10 years. We all wish Anna and her family good luck and happiness in their new home. We welcome Mrs. Carol Tarry as our new Play-Group Leader, and hope she will continue to enjoy many fun-filled hours working/playing with the children.

We are extremely grateful to Charfield Parish Council for being so generous with this year's grant. Their kindness has enabled us to purchase new books for the book corner, musical instruments and space lego. These were much needed items and the children have already had hours of enjoyment playing and listening to new stories.

Once again thank you to all those people who helped to organise and to those who bought goods at our Summer Nearly New Sale which raised £62.06 for Play-Group funds.

National Play-Group Week:- 23rd–29th May, was celebrated by Charfield Play-Group on the Tuesday with a “Teddy Bear's Picnic” on the Playing Field. Teddy Bears of all ages (including some 30 years +), sizes and colours brought along their owners for a picnic lunch followed by Teddy Bear Races. We even had a few penguins, dolls, dogs, and other treasured toys joining in a very successful “Teddy Bear's Picnic”.

Anyone who has not registered their child for Play-Group and wishes to do so, or if anyone knows of any new mums moving into the area please contact me with the child's name, address and date of birth.

4Dates for your diary.

Wednesday 7th July. Our Summer outing to Bristol Zoo, leaving the Village Hall car Park at 9.30 a.m. and returning by 3.15 p.m. Adults £2.35. Children £1.05 Under threes – free. We still have spaces on the coaches, please 'phone Falfield 26xxxx if you would like to join us.

Saturday 10th July – Sports Day. Play-Group mums will be supervising the Play-'bus and Play Area from 2.00–5.30 for the under 6 year olds. Admission 10p – do come along and play for ½ an hr. At the same time some Play-Group dads will be challenging you to win two brand new Ford Fiestas – are you going to be one of the lucky ones.

Thursday 22nd July. 2–3 p.m. Open Afternoon. An invitation is extended to all parents and their pre-Play-Group children, who will be 3 years old between August 1982 – July 1983, where refreshments will be available. Please come along and visit us at Play-Group. This will enable you to see the facilities available and meet the supervisors.

Monday 20th Dec. – 12.00–2.0 p.m. Book this date to see Father Christmas at the Play-Group Christmas Party.

Babs Pearn. Secretary.

Mrs. M. Burden, of Manor Fruiterers, who instigated a Raffle on behalf of the Falklands Relief Fund, deserves all the support we can give to her, so make sure you buy your raffle tickets for this worthy cause before the Raffle is drawn on Sports Day. Tickets are also available from other shops on the Parade, so don't forget when you are doing your shopping, spend the change on raffle tickets.

R.G.

What a beautiful afternoon it was on the 22nd May. The Spring Fayre got into full swing by early afternoon, and with the weather being so kind teas and refreshments were soon in demand. It was such a clear day the views across the Severn from the lovely garden were superb, and it was a great pleasure for so many to listen to the Wotton Band and watch the Morris Dancing in such attractive surroundings. If you have never been to Yercombe and enjoyed the view I suggest you to not miss the next opportunity to do so.

I am sure all those who visited Yercombe on the 22nd May, had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, and thanks are certainly due to the Friends of Yercombe who organised the event. Of course this was intended as a money-raising effort for the funds, and let's hope it was financially a great success as well as such a pleasant occasion. No doubt Mr. P. Ellis, who we all know works enthusiastically for Yercombe, will let us know the result in time perhaps for the next Newsletter.

R.G.

5

The group have had a very good year so far both on the fund-raising and activity sides.

On the fund-raising side we had a successful Spring Fair, and Clay Pigeon Shoot, and by the time you read this we will hopefully have had a good Barn Dance and Grand Draw. Our fund-raising events will continue for the rest of the year to raise some extra money to help send one of the Scouts to the world Jamboree in Canada next year. This is a great honour for the boy concerned as he is one of 3 selected from the Severnvale District.

On the activity side the two Cub packs have done several activities together; the athletes badge was taken by nearly 40 of the Cubs, and our thanks to Mr. Malpass for the use of the School field and athletics equipment and to the parents who helped with this, and special thanks to Mr. Mike Smith who did all the testing, worked out all the results and then signed all the certificates. The packs also took boys to the Avon Jamboree and had a very good time among the 3,500 people in Camp from all over the County of Avon. Their latest joint activity was a trip to R.A.F. Kemble the home of the Red Arrows.

The Scouts have also been active with three patrols entering the District Camping Competition, coming 3rd, 4th and 6th. They have also had a successful weeks Camp which was held at Youlbury near Oxford, with a large proportion of the boys attending.

The Ventures too have been active helping with other sections of the group, and also went to Avon Jamboree as part of the security team. They also held a successful fund-raising Disco, which has helped to boost their funds.

Once again we are looking for leaders and helpers in all sections of the Group, both uniformed and lay help.

The Lions Pack which meets in Charfield on Tuesday evenings between 6.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. has vacancies for boys over 8 years old and anyone interested in joining should contact the Leader – Mrs. J. Clothier. Tele. Fal. 26xxxx.

Anyone interested in helping in anyway should contact the Group Scout Leader as detailed below.

We look forward to the continuation of our good year and also look forward to seeing all parents and friends at our forthcoming activities.

Group Scout Leader
A. J. Smith. xxx Manor Lane,
'Phone Fal. 26xxxx.

Congratulations Scout and Cub Leaders – now then local residents give them all the support you can, and encourage them in all their efforts.

The Editor.

6

Once again it is Newsletter time and a busy time for everyone with all the Summer events coming along.

We have had two very enjoyable day trips in April and May – one to Peter Saunders Boutique, Nr. Malmesbury, and another to Bowood House, Nr. Calne, and thanks go to Mrs. Judy Golding for arranging both trips.

At the moment W.I. members and friends are looking forward to an Evening Mystery Tour of the Cotswolds on the 23rd June, something to refresh us before we start planning food for the Sports Day, and like so many in the Village we are putting on our “thinking caps” as to how we can decorate our Stall and help make the day a success.

Our July meeting on the 8th is on “Skin Care and Make-up” with a demonstration. This will be an Open Meeting when a warm welcome is extended to every-one. Our meetings start at 7.30 p.m. but if you cannot make it for that time the demonstration will start at approx. 8.00 p.m.

Our future plans also include an evening walk around the Village and supper afterwards – Thursday August 12th.

Looking forward to seeing any of you at our monthly meetings.

J. Hutley. President.

This is a fortnightly gathering in the Village Hall of Pensioners, ladies and gentlemen, who sit down together for a meal, a chat and game of Bingo on Wednesday between 12.00 and 1.30 p.m. Transport can be arranged for anyone unable to walk to the Hall, and a meal is taken out to members prevented by illness from attending. You are warmly invited to join us, the two course meal costs 30p – if you can come do have a word with me, M. Grantham, xx Berkeley Close, or with our cook, Mrs. Amer, xx Wotton Rd. so that we peel enough potatoes.

In the past year I have become more aware of the valuable function of Luncheon Club. It is easy to look at our more active members and wonder whether the Club is needed – that would be to see it as serving a merely nutritional purpose, and to do that, we should have to provide lunch far more often. No, one realises that the fortnightly meetings are for many a welcome social occasion, appreciated and missed when circumstances keep members away. Two cancellations were forced upon us, the first occasioned by a power cut, the second by severe weather conditions. During the extreme bad weather the old and disabled especially were subject to great discomfort but the caring atmosphere in Charfield and sense of community responsibility prevented grave hardship.

The Street Warden Scheme grew out of Luncheon Club from that desire to help and over the year has found itself increasingly used, for home visiting, for filling in days when W.V.S. do not deliver meals, and for the hospital transport scheme. A thank you to Mrs. Blower, xx Manor Lane, Fal. 26xxxx who patiently receives the calls and contacts the driver. Approximately 150 journeys have been made this year to Wotton, Winford Orthopaedic and to all the Bristol hospitals. Some passengers 7once a year, others once a week for several weeks. This is clearly a needed and appreciated service but a costly one which we subsidise somewhat from funds. We have been helped financially by the Parish Council in the past and have applied for financial assistance again this year. We are grateful to hostesses Mrs. King, Mrs. Nieboer, Mrs. Hamor for their fund-raising activities. We have tried to raise money but to give modestly too; Thanks to Mr. Ellis for his work with the disabled and to the Thornbury Occupational Therapy Tuesday Club, which incidentally does take Charfield physically handicapped people. Our link with Cromhall was strengthened in April when Charfield members were invited to the Primary School for a performance of plays. Thank you to the Cromhall drivers for transport on this occasion, and for smoothly running their lunch collection rota.

In conclusion I should like to thank my Vice-Chairman Mrs. L. Harris, Mrs. Amer and her assistant cooks, the committee, the drivers and Mrs. Blower for arranging drivers for hospital visits.

Marjorie Grantham. Chairman.

Open to anyone who would like to join us.

Any enquiries to – Miss M. Turner, xx The Green. Fal. 26xxxx.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psm. 119 verse 105.

The nightingale sings in the dark,
The storm-cock in the rain,
The sky-lark serenades the sun,
The blackbird charms the lane.

And what are books but paper birds,
Eager to fly and sing.
Each with a message bold and clear,
Born on a paper wing.

These paper birds fly every-where,
In blue skies and in grey,
They enter through the open doors,
Of human hearts each day.
Then fly away my paper bird,
Spread thy frail wings and fly,
I know not where the winds of heaven
Will hear thy song – Goodbye.

God's messenger, the Bible.

M. Turner

PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES ETC. FOR THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER is FRIDAY SEPT. 17th. IF POSSIBLE SEND BEFORE THIS DATE TO – R. & C. GUNNING, xx MANOR LANE.

8

At the recent meeting of the Parish Council Revd. D. W. Parker was elected Chairman for the forthcoming year. Mrs. S. C. Barrance declined nomination as Vice-Chairman, preferring that the responsibilities be shared by Councillors and Mr. S. C. Gunning was elected Vice-Chairman.

The Parish Council was most disappointed at the decision of the Avon Planning & Highways Transport Committee in approving the application to tip household and commercial waste into Tortworth Copse. They felt there were many very valid points raised against the proposals by the Conservation Organisation and the Parish Council. Those Councillors who attended the Planning Committee meeting were most unimpressed and disillusioned with the way the Committee reached its decision. However, it was decided by the Council that in spite of all the work carried out to properly investigate the planning proposals, the consultation process was merely a formality and the result a foregone conclusion. It was left for the Parish Council to make its points at site licence stage, and to be a watch-dog once the operations get under-way.

Another subject on which it is hoped a more favourable reply will eventually be forthcoming is that of a safer pedestrian crossing over Charfield Railway Bridge. The Parish Council has asked for a pedestrian footbridge to be provided but the initial response from the County of Avon is that this would be too costly. This reply has not been accepted by the Parish Council and further pressure will be put on the County.

The last two meetings of the Council have been held in The Memorial Hall, but a new Drama Club hopes to commence shortly, and the Village Hall is obviously the best base. The Parish Council meetings will again be held on the second Tuesday in the month at Charfield School.

The Parish Council is again organising a Holiday Scheme for 5–11 age children (older ones will be welcome as helpers). Revd. David Parker will be the Play Leader and the information sheets and application forms will be available from Revd. Parker and will be distributed by the School.

Mrs. J. Hughes.
Clerk to the Council.

It is hoped that when the footpaths in the Parish have been way-marked (which should take place in the next few weeks) that residents and friends will do their best to keep to the allocated paths and not stray over the farmer's fields.

Sometimes it is not fully realised that the public have no legal right on to any field without permission of the owner, and that the rights are on the footpaths only. After all none of us would be pleased if our own gardens were intruded upon. Once again it must be stressed that dogs MUST be kept under control and not allowed to run where they like. We are fortunate to live in a country area, and have the facility of foot-paths, so let's try our best to preserve these rights.

S.C.G.

9

One of the most encouraging features in the life of our Church Family over recent months has been the Youth and Family Service. Those who have not been to it should pay it a visit – if only out of curiosity! We try to make it a bright and happy occasion and its duration is about 45 minutes. It is also a “shared” Service. This is something that I think is of great importance. In the past the Rector ruled the roost as far as Services were concerned; it was very much a one man show; perhaps with someone reading the lessons at some of the Services. But just as the “Church” is not primarily a building but a family, so the “Ministry” of the Church is not the man with an odd sort of collar (or rebelliously without it!) Of course there must be some sort of local leader, although increasingly many Villages now are without a resident Minister due to inflationary pressures.

It may be of interest to know that the actual living of Charfield is worth £376.44 a year or £7.24 per week! A hundred years ago that was a tidy sum. I need not comment on its present value. This sum comes from past endowments; in other words from the dead. It has to be subsidised by the living to a more currently realistic figure. When people talk glibly about the Church Commissioners “millions”, it is this £376.44 that they are speaking of and all the other similar roughly identical sums left to other Parishes to keep a Rector there. The difference between what was adequate to live on years ago and what is necessary today has to be found now by the living people in our Parishes. This is one of the reasons, but certainly not the only one, why our expenses have soared. There is also the problem of maintaining a large building (and you know how much ordinary house repairs cost and heating, lighting, and insuring it etc.) Enough of this: although I think most people do not realise these facts and think that everything is somehow laid on and paid for by the State. None of it is. This little financial interlude (which I did not intend) seemed to be demanded as an explanation for the fact that many Villages have no resident Rector now. Some of us have seen this happen to Tortworth a few years ago and before the end of this year we shall see Tytherington without a resident Priest.

Now one of the results of this is that lay people, the ordinary Christian in the pews, have had to take on increasing responsibility for the life of the Church. The good thing about this is that it has made clear what I have believed and spoken about for many years; namely, that the Church is the whole of the Christian Family and that every member has a ministry to perform within the Church life and also in the outside World. Our Family Service in particular makes this clear (I hope) in Church by a number of people participating in the Service itself: someone to lead the Service; someone to say the prayers, someone to read a lesson. This, to me, demonstrates the Ministry of the Church and not of just one “ordained” person within the Church, who, however, is there and participating too. But we are all sharing in the Worship and this is made clear by sharing the Service. Please don't stay away and say “Oh, I could never do that”. It is not that you HAVE to do it. It is that you may if you are willing to. Some who initially say, “Never”, after a while ask if they can!

As many of you know, those who are about 6 and under have a large part of their time in the Vestry with two teachers. 10This has been an excellent development and I am grateful for the number of people who have volunteered to teach in this way on a rota basis. I know the children enjoy this because when the time comes they dash (many of them) to the Vestry and it's a job to get them out of there for the final prayer together. That speaks for itself.

We have some older people without children who also come to this Service so you see it is open for all. Do, my dear people of Charfield, try and join us for this Service.

On Sunday the 25th July (St. James Day) there will be a Service at 3.00 p.m. in St. James Church (the old Church). The Wotton Christian Singers will accompany the hymns and give items during the Service. The Village Hall Committee are kindly lending chairs for this occasion which we hope will be well supported.

Put this in your diary or on your wall calendar NOW.

You will find a rough growing area in the old Churchyard. Please don't tidy it. It is a conservation area as there are many important wild flowers growing there which are being officially listed by Mr. Peter Brain, of Avon Wild Life Trust for Conservation.

Kenneth G. Grant. Rector.

Having recently returned to Charfield after ten years absence, my husband and I were sad to find that the Drama Group which had been so active when we ran it, had become non-existent.

We are sure there must be a lot of local talent lying dormant. If there are any budding stars waiting to be found both my husband and I are very willing to start another Group.

We have worked with professional directors from Toronto and been to seminars on stage direction and makeup. Anyone interested please contact us on 26xxxx. Everyone from 14 to 90 welcome!

Olive & Ray Holloway.

Through running a raffle at home matches it has enabled us to raise enough money to give the boys a presentation evening. I hope that everyone had an enjoyable time at the most successful dinner at Huntingford Mill Hotel.

We had John McCake from the Stroud Youth League as our guest of honour and present our trophies; this was followed by a video film for the boys (while the rest of us resorted to a cold beverage.

Our thanks to Mr. Miller for all his help at Huntingford Mill.

Janet Wakefield.

11

Dear Mums,
I hope that you have read my note sent to you recently, together with the up-to-date list.

Now, don't forget the new system. If you are desperately short of washers just 'phone me – 26xxxx and I will add your name to the “hot list” – Mums can then 'phone me, if they wish, to see who to contact first!

As you are all aware, I am now “in charge” of the Circle, releasing Mary Hall from her duties. As a final note, I would like to thank Mary on behalf of sitters present and past for actually getting this marvellous system going, some ten years ago.

If there are any new mums in the Village wishing to belong just 'phone me and I'll explain all!!

Best wishes – Marilyn Smith. xx Newtown. Fal. 26xxxx.

Our latest venture was a Summer Barbecue and Balloon race. Dancing and musical entertainment was provided by the children, with Stalls and Sideshows run by parents. The weather was kind apart from a short shower in mid-afternoon, but this did little [to] dampen the enthusiasm of children and spectators.

The afternoon raised £350 for the Sports Pavilion funds which now stands at a little over £1,000 towards the target of £1,500. At the present rate it would seem possible that by this time next year we may have a Pavilion for use both as a changing room and sports store.

Although our calendar of activities is now complete for the current school year, the committee are already thinking of events for the term starting in September. Perhaps another “Wine tasting” or “Barn Dance”. If we do run these we hope to see you there.

N. Haines. Chairman.

Did you know – that the Youth Club have recently opened their doors to the 12–14 year olds exclusively on the first Thursday of each month from 7.30 p.m.–9.30 p.m. Bill & Hilliary welcome all the youths of this age group. We have recently bought some new equipment, which includes a superb table-tennis table and snooker table. For use indoors or outdoors we have some hockey sets and footballs, which are ideal for use on the field these Summer evenings. So come along, bring your friends and make some new ones!

Pat Waring has been running the “coffee/tuck shop” for the past year (most Tues. and Wed. evenings from 8.00–9.00 p.m.) and would like someone to take over this task. If you feel you could help please ring her on Falfield 26xxxx.

P. Waring. Secretary.

12

The Cricket Season of 1982 has been blessed with considerably better weather than at the start of the 1981 Season. Charfield Cricket Club has now basically four teams: two Sat. teams play in the Gloucester League, a Sunday team, and a Youth team, which plays in the Bristol & District Youth League. In addition there are occasional mid-week fixtures. The Club is well supported throughout the Village, both in the number of playing members (around 50), but also by Vice-Presidents and friends. If you enjoy playing, watching or just talking about Cricket, we would be most pleased to hear from you. You will find a team playing every Sat. on the Memorial Playing Field, and alternate Sundays. As far as the season has gone so far, I am pleased to report that not only are the League sides having success, but that also the Sunday XI is proving difficult to beat, and that a successful Devon tour, visiting Torquay, Babbacombe and Exeter has been completed. The highlights so far has probably centred mainly around our Treasurer, Alan Pearn, with two undefeated innings. The first enabled us to beat the current league champions R.A.F. Innsworth; the second at Witcombe of 105 not out would be difficult to improve upon. Rod Alexander's second XI has a mixture of real experience and exciting young potential and is among the leading sides in Division 4. Paul Halford, Captain of the Sunday XI has the most difficult job, perhaps, trying to keep high standards and also bring as many players into the game as possible. This brings us to the Youth XI, Captained by Philip Train, with players between the ages of 13 and 17, who are benefiting from playing on good pitches and against better players, and who have shown considerable promise already.

If you take the Wotton-u-Edge Gazette you will find reports of all our matches and lists of players selected. Charfield Cricket Club would, however, not be so successful, were it not for the hard work of the players and officers, and the support of wives, parents and friends. I know that if you are interested in joining us you will be most welcome, and I'm sure you will enjoy your Cricket.

David S. Bradley. Chairman.

This Newsletter is published and produced by Charfield Residents Association – Editor S.C. Gunning. Fal. 26xxxx

13

By the time you read this hopefully the “200 Club” will be functioning again. For readers who do not know what this is, I will attempt a simple explanation.

200 members pay 20p a week to a collector (members pay weekly, monthly, twice yearly or yearly). The draw takes place on the first Tuesday of each month in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. before the start of the Management Committee meeting.

The prizes are as follows:-
a single prize of £250 drawn on Week 52,
another of £100 drawn on week 24,
11 prizes of £20 and 39 prizes of £10 drawn for the remaining weeks.

These prizes are dependent upon there being 200 members. At present there are some vacancies, so if you would like to know more or to join the “200 Club”, please contact me. Alternatively, if you are a Village Organisation which is willing to provide a collector on behalf of a group of members, then I shall be pleased to hear from you.

The profit raised from the “200 Club”, is used to finance the running of the Village Hall and Playing Fields, and for future improvements, additions and modifications.

Linda Stares (Promoter)
x Severn Close. Fal. 26xxxx.

Mrs. Marion Smith, xxx Manor Lane will still be very pleased to receive all used postage stamps. The person they are sent on to is even more determined to make as much money as possible as her 8 years old daughter who had leukaemia died in January. Obviously this has created a great gap in their lives which cannot be filled, and has given them even more incentive to raise money, thus trying to conquer this dreadful disease.

Please don't just discard stamps when you throw the envelopes away. Your few soon mount up when put with others, so just drop them through my letter-box and I will do the rest, with grateful thanks.

M. Smith.

On Wednesday the 26th May the 1st and 2nd Charfield Brownies held a successful handicraft show. The winners were:-

7–8½ age S. Bohin, R. Cain and P. Higgins.
Joint first S. Waller and A. Davis.
Also 8½–10 age E. Hewish and R. Brown.

Four Brownies from 1st and 2nd Charfield went to Wotton Hey Day to escort the Town Cryers. The Summer term continues with a Camp Fire and open evening at Conygres on 18th June. District rounders on 1st July, plus swimming and cook-outs in their own packs.

Mrs. J. Green W.u.E xxxx.   Mrs. Lowe Fal. 26xxxx.

14

Mr. B. Honour, xx Wyndham Crescent, Broomhill, Bristol, is trying to complete a set of old Bristol double headed speedway badges of pre-war days. He now has 1,175 and is still a very keen collector. Can any-one reading the Charfield Newsletter help? Many thanks!

My name is Trevor Thornbury, a dedicated fan of Elvis Presley. As well as his musical attributes, which are so well-known, he was a very generous person, sharing his wealth with those less fortunate, and he would have appreciated the efforts of those among us who enjoy his talents, and wish to carry on his good deeds, if only in a small way, by helping a selected Charity as well as appreciating his music at the same time through a Fan Club.

For the past few months I have been asking some of the young folk in Charfield if they are interested in Elvis, and surprised to find how many answered “yes”. So I thought with the help of my wife it would be a good idea to start an Elvis Presley Club in Charfield. Some of us are already meeting on Sunday afternoons from 2.30–6.00 p.m. when we play records and discuss ideas.

One idea is to start with a Disco, also to organise a Treasure Hunt, and a Sponsored Walk in aid of a charity. In addition to enjoying ourselves I feel this Club could give another interest to the young people of Charfield.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Elvis Presley Fan Club, and would like to know more about it please contact me.

Trevor Thornbury, x Charfield Green, Falfield 26xxxx.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith of 63 Manor Lane, would like to thank all the people of Charfield who have been so kind to them during Mrs. Smith's illness and for their prayers.

Those who have enquired after her well being, all who visited us both before she went into hospital, during her stay there and since her return home.

The many who drove Mr. Smith in their cars to visit her in Southmead Hospital. Those who have fetched prescriptions, helped with shopping and laundry. The many who have said “if you need any help you know where to find us”. All those who sent get-well cards.

Your support over a long period has been an immense help and comfort to us both. God Bless you all!

Olive and Sidney Smith.

Dear Parents & children of Play-Group, past and present, I will have moved from Charfield when you read this letter and will not have been able to thank everyone individually for their kind gifts and wishes to me when I left Play-Group.

The beautiful autograph book is really my most treasured gift, in which all the children who have been at Play-Group with me during the last six years, signed their names.

I thank Mrs. Babs. Pearn for organising it so well, without my knowing anything about it – as well as my surprise party – now I know how people feel on “This is your Life”.

To say that I have enjoyed running Play-Group would be an under-statement. The joys and happy memories which the children gave me could fill a book.

Your kind gifts of the beautiful clock and silver bracelet overwhelmed me, and I thank you all very much indeed, and wish Mrs. Tarry and her supervisors a very happy future with Play-Group.

Anna Wood.

15

We still continue to meet on the first and third Thursday morning and occasionally the fifth of each month from 10.15–11.45 a.m.

May we extend a welcome to anyone with children from 0–3+ who has not yet come and tried us out! We are a friendly lot, do come and join us.

We are having a coach trip to Weston on July 20th. The cost will be £1.50 per adult and children under school age free.

Hope to see you at the next “Toddlers”.

Dates
July 1st and 15th. Sept. 2nd, 16th, 30th. Oct. 7th & 21st.
NO TODDLERS DURING AUGUST.

Denise Jarvis. Secretary.

In the last Newsletter we were wondering when the bitterly cold weather would end, but mother nature has now swung the other way – “but we could do with some rain” – is an oft heard remark!

Our members on our afternoon tour of the Cotswolds will recall at Evesham how it did rain. Next July we are arranging a trip to “sunny” Weston, where the “air is so bracing”, so we are informed.

During one of our meetings in May a singer from the “Black and White” Minstrel Show entertained us with songs ending with a sing-a-long, mainly tunes of the war years and early talkies. Our own entertainers gave us a happy half-an-hour too with a sketch, “The Last Laugh”, where a cafe owner and his wife during a slump in their business had a visitor who gave them the last laugh after all.

We will be losing our regular mini-'bus driver, so members who live at Tortworth and Cromhall will be experiencing some difficulty in attending our meetings, unless we can find other drivers, perhaps on a rota basis. If anyone can help please contact Mr. S. Smith 26xxxx or myself 26xxxx.

We invite anyone in the over 60 age bracket to join us on Wednesday afternoons.

E.H. Orton. Chairman.

If you have friends to love and care
Then you are surely blessed
For then whatever life may hold You've one thing that is best.

E.V.B.

16

The Parish Council is once again arranging for an informal Play-Scheme for youngsters up to the age of 12 years.

I say “informal” because the project is organised on a voluntary basis and any mother, father, in fact any adult able to spare what time they can, will be welcome. Help in the past has also been forthcoming from older youngsters prepared to act as “monitors”, but such requests to act as monitors must reach me before the Play-Scheme commences, not only so that we can screen the numbers, but also so that those accepted can have their names duly recorded to be included in our Play-Scheme Insurance cover.

Only one day out is “on the cards” at present, and in view of the changes of weather in our unpredictable Summers, the concept of a hike will be considered only after the Play-Scheme has got under way.

Although the venue is at the Charfield Primary School, the Play-Scheme is open to any youngster who lives in the radius of the Village irrespective of what School is attended.

The dates will be:- AUGUST 2nd to 13th (excluding Wednesdays and weekends.)

Application forms will be available at the end of June and/or early July.

David Parker, Organiser. xx Durham Road.

O grant me, heaven a middle state
Neither too humble or great
Enough for natures needs.
With something left to treat my friends.

Horace

17

The purpose of this article is to set out some of the issues and identify what has to be done to restore the railway passenger service.

1. What needs to be done.
Charfield Station, with a hinterland of approx. 10,000 people lies alongside a major railway trunk route; the original trunk routes were usually the most important, and therefore, those most likely to survive. The Bristol–Newcastle line is a prime candidate for electrification. The service already exists, unlike lines which have been reduced to freight only, or worse, closed. The trains which could call at Charfield are not the locomotive hauled expresses or the HST's, but the diesel multiple units, the DMU's which act as feeders for the expresses. In Charfield's case at either Bristol, Bristol Parkway, Gloucester or Cheltenham. A journey time of approximately forty minutes. The problem at Charfield is the DMU's are unable to stop because the platforms have been demolished. What, therefore, needs to be done is the once and only cost of re-building the two platforms, a 'bus shelter for each platform, lighting and whatever trackwork and signaling maybe necessary. British Rail estimate a £100,000 for this work, other estimates suggest less e.g. re-erecting concrete platforms from closed lines. The station would be an un-staffed halt.

2. Costs.
The costs of administering the station once it was built would be minimal. There would be no question of acquiring all or even part of the former station yard from its present owners. B.R. still have sufficient land in Charfield to re-erect two platforms. Any passenger who boarded a train at Charfield would be a net gain to B.R's cash flow.

3. Who would pay!
Responsibility for meeting the cost of re-building the platforms etc., is that of Avon County Council, given its obligations under the 1978 Transport Act, it is not that of B.R. who could only afford such a project if the volume of traffic was on the scale of Bristol Parkway. Building two platforms may not pay in the short term, on narrow commercial criteria, but it certainly will in the long term, particularly if current levels of inflation persist. Chippenham station celebrates this year the 104th year of continuous operations, whilst the buildings, still serving the same purpose, look as distinguished as on the day they were completed by I.K. Brunel.

4. Fares.
The number of passengers who use Charfield station will depend ultimately upon two factors, the frequency of the service, and the price of the fares. Charfield used to have about eight trains a day in each direction. In Holland, a similar station would have an hourly service each way from 6.00 a.m. to mid-night.

At Nov. 1980 prices, an “awayday” return fare from Charfield to Bristol would have been £1.75, and Gloucester £2.10, half-price for children under 14, students, the disabled and senior citizens. Children under five travel free. The solution to fares would be to include local rail journeys within a scheme like the Woodspring 'bus scheme. In 1981 when the return 'bus fare between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol, a journey of 23 miles was £2 residents of Woodspring could 18purchase a 'bus pass for £2.00 which would entitle them to a flat rate return fare of 50p, 35p for children, the disabled and senior citizens. In 1980 the scheme cost Woodspring District Council £346,000, the equivalent of a rate of £1.28p in the £, a cost to the average householder in Woodspring of £2.35p. When this scheme was in operation, 'bus traffic rose by over 20% when in most places it was falling as fares rose.

5. Usage.
At current fare prices B.R. in correspondence with the Parish Council estimated a likely daily use of 200 people, arrivals and departures, a figure with which they are quite satisfied. 66 stations have been successfully re-opened post Beeching.

6. The County's other transport costs.
£100,000 is a substantial sum of money but it needs to be set against the County's other transport obligations. It costs the County £1,500 p.a. to maintain one mile of main road, £30,000 p.a. for the main road from Charfield through Rangeworthy to Bristol, and that is for only one road. What must the M5 cost! The County also has to meet cost of policing the roads and that of other emergency services such as fire and ambulance. £100,000 might contribute 3% of the cost of Wickwar by-pass, a very necessary road improvement. The County also makes grants of some millions of pounds to support the 'bus service. All very necessary expenditure but British Rail receives nothing to support local rail services. Long haul expresses run at a profit.

Avon County Council are not the only organisation to subsidise personal transportation. Industry and Commerce spend substantial sums on transport subsidises. An X registration Cortina 1.6 saloon, taxed insured, maintained and eventually replaced at Company expense is probably worth about £3,000 p.a. About £5,000 p.a. before tax and stoppages to purchase and maintain such a vehicle privately. 50% of new car registrations are Company cars. This is not an argument against private or public subsidises, it merely places the cost of two platforms etc., at Charfield in perspective.

7. The 'Bus Service.
The 'bus service was badly mauled in the cuts of last Summer. Assuming that it survives in it's present form, the 'buses should be integrated with the trains, as they always were, to act as feeders for each other, with common 'bus/rail tickets.

8. A pedestrian foot-bridge over the railway.
Brunel's railway bridge is amongst other things, a very large and immensely successful “sleeping policeman” for which we all have cause to be grateful. However, because it was designed for horses and carts rather than Juggernauts, for pedestrians, especially with small children, crossing the bridge can be less than pleasant. The solution (also by far the cheapest solution) is a pedestrian footbridge to the south of the bridge, the station side. A footbridge that could be used by both pedestrians on the road and user of the station. Such a bridge could be an additional bonus from re-opening the station.

9. This is the age of the train.
Jimmy Saville has been vigorously plugging this line on behalf of B.R. He can point to almost every country in the world in support of his case; railways are a growth industry. 19Ironically, the U.K. the cradle of the railway, is one of the few exceptions. B.R. has been starved of funds for investment since the late 50's, hence the problem over the platforms. Despite these difficulties B.R. carried more passengers in 1979 than for any year since 1961, which is effectively a pre-Beeching year.

10. Some history.
The act for the construction of the Bristol and Gloucester railway was passed on July 1st 1839, construction commencing in 1841. The line, engineered by I.K. Brunel, was completed on July 6th 1844, opening the through rail route from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Exeter. Designed for standard gauge track it was converted before completion to broad gauge. In 1844 the Bristol and Gloucester merged with the Gloucester and Birmingham railway. This in turn lead to a proposal to merge the Birmingham and Bristol with the Great Western Railway, a promoter of the Bristol and Gloucester. However, in a major strategic error the Great Western allowed itself to be outbid by the Midland Railway Co., and control passed to the latter. The mile posts in Charfield still record the distance from Derby 113 miles. The extension of the Midland Railway from Birmingham to Bristol had important implications for the development of the rail net-work in the South West. For example the role of the Somerset and Dorset as a “private” line between the Midland and the London & South Western Junction railway across GWR territory.

The passenger service was withdrawn in January 1965 just as development in Charfield, Wotton under Edge and Yate was starting to accelerate.

11. The site today.
What remains are the main station block, an adjacent lavatory block, the station master's house, a water tower on a brick plinth, fed originally by gravity from Wickwar Tunnel, the goods shed and the road bridge repaired rather insensitively after the accident in 1928. The station approach, a particularly pleasing feature with it's trees, grass bank and wrought iron railings survive. South of the station lies the former coal wharf, which of it's opening cut the price of fuel in the Village by 50%, probably of greater impact than North Sea oil. A cattle market was opened in 1879, closing in 1964.

What has been lost is the signal box, re-erected at Parkend by the Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society, the shelter on the up line and the two platforms.

Charfield is the most complete survivor of the Bristol and Gloucester's original stations. It is also one of the oldest surviving railway stations in the world.

Will Harris.

Mr. Harris has produced a very thoughtful article on the question of re-opening Charfield Station, and we have given a great deal of our space to it; please give it your careful thought too.

We look forward to your comments in time for the next Newsletter.

The Editor.

20

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT PLEASE CONTACT: The Editor – S.C. GUNNING, xx Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx.

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: 2016-12-04.