CHADRA

Congratulations to all concerned – Sports Day was again a great success and well supported. The weather was fine, keeping up its amazing record. We look forward to next year's event.

Each time we compile this Newsletter we never cease to be amazed at the many and varied activities that are available in our Village – catering for so many tastes.

It has been said that life in a Village is dull, uninteresting and sometimes boring (a favourite expression, especially with the younger generation), but it does not require much effort to find something to do, to amuse, instruct or keep active! It is an attitude of mind and the urge to participate in the activities offered that must come from within us, and all the efforts made by the various Clubs in the Village deserve our support.

In the last issue there was an appeal to reform the Drama Group. We have not received an article for this Newsletter and wonder what has happened. It is certainly hoped that the revival of this Group has not fallen by the wayside.

To keep our Newsletter lively and interesting we need individual contributions to supplement the very necessary and important societies news. Any subject will do – that memorable holiday or outing. Perhaps something has especially pleased you or made you cross. Let us hear from you!

Yet another reminder of the problem of dogs who are allowed to mess up our footpaths and especially the play areas. Please do think of the inconvenience to others.

We hope that the new residents in Avon Grange are happily settled in their new homes, and received a copy of the last Newsletter in July.

Attached to this issue is the official notice of the A.G.M. to be held on 10th Nov, at The National Foundation School Room at 8.00 p.m. All will be welcome, especially new residents, so do please come along and take part in the discussion on Village matters. Look forward to seeing you.

S. Clifford Gunning.

PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES. ETC. FOR JANUARY NEWSLETTER is FRIDAY 7th JANUARY 1983. IF POSSIBLE SEND BEFORE THIS DATE TO – R. GUNNING. 88 MANOR LANE.

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The Governors of this Foundation would like it to be known that the Foundation Room, previously known as the Junior Dining Room in the Primary School, is available for hire in the evenings after school hours during the holidays and at weekends. The rates of hire are very reasonable. For details please contact the Booking's Secretary – Dr. C.P. Temme, xx Durham Rd. Fal. 26xxxx.

By the time this is in print, shadows of Autumn will have made their presence felt. The changing scene of Nature will be evident in Autumnal tints or bare trees and once more we shall be thinking in terms of how to keep ourselves warm rather than how to keep cool. Not many thank God for the passing of Summer, but there are, I suspect, more than a few who emit a sign of relief that the grass won't need cutting again for some time.

Like the Passing Seasons of the year, we are, all of us, at our different seasons in life. I wrote last time in this Newsletter of what we were trying to do for some of those in the very early Springtide of life: the younger children, the sixes and under who, during part of our Services, go off to the Vestry to have a learning and activity time of their own under the direction of our dedicated teachers. How immensely important this period of their lives is. When we are parents and have children of this age, or thereabouts, sometimes we fail to realise how very important this time of their lives is. This is not because we don't know or are neglectful. It is often because the pressure of all the other things that we have to do makes us forget – the pressures of having to do so many physical things that must be done for these same children: these pressures make us often so tired that we fail to think of the importance of every opportunity to know and to learn to live that is open to our young people. I say this not because it is my “job” to say it. I believe it to be true and that is why I do my job, which, in the broadest sense I believe to be one of initiating, establishing right relations between people and in keeping relationships right. I also believe that one cannot reach one's maximum potential as a human being unless one includes having, establishing and keeping, a right relationship with God. It is important, I think, that we should do this when we are at this young, formative stage in life. This is not merely a duty, it is a joy to know the forgiving love and friendship of God in our lives and how this can work out in better human relationships. You have been invited before to join us in this quest, this adventure into life. May I go a step further and remind those of you who in this Church, or anywhere else, brought your children to baptism, you actually promised at that time that you would see that your children were brought to be part of the Family of the Church as they began to “come alive” to the world around them. If this touches your conscience – GOOD. But conscience can be rather a cold word and I want to add quickly that joining in, whatever our age, can be great FUN too.

A few dates for you to remember: Our ANNUAL BAZAAR will be held at the VILLAGE HALL on Saturday the 9th of OCTOBER at 2.30. Dr. Temme is kindly the focus of organisation for this, and help on the Stalls and with gifts and produce to sell will be most welcome. Her
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3Sunday the 14th NOVEMBER is REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY with a short act of remembrance at the WAR MEMORIAL and a short Service in the Church. Proceedings start at 10.55 a.m.

A UNITED SERVICE will be held, and this year it will be at the CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Charfield at 3.00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS! Our Annual CAROL SERVICE will take place at 3.00 p.m. on SUNDAY 19th December. Our Christmas MIDNIGHT MASS will begin at 11.30 p.m. on 24th December.

A short FAMILY CHRISTMAS EUCHARIST will be held on Christmas Day. This is suitable for the children, is brief, and as last year, I ask the children to bring one or two of their new Christmas presents to show me and one another. This was a very popular feature of the Service last year, Please don't bring ALL your presents, children, or it might be a long Service!

Kenneth G. Grant. Rector.

A raffle sponsored by MANOR ESTATE SHOPS at Charfield in aid of the Falkland Fund raised £68.60 and our thanks go to all who supported the raffle and congratulations to our four winners.

The winning tickets were drawn by Radio West D.J. Brian Chalker, who opened the Charfield Sports & Gala Day on Saturday 10th July.

An earlier request during the afternoon had been made to the Charfield Sports & Gala Day committee to promote and draw the winning tickets for the Falkland Fund along with prize winners of other raffles which were also to be drawn that afternoon – some of these prizes had been donated by Manor Estate Shops. However, as the raffle was not considered a Sports Day Event, they were not very obliging, but we managed to “save the day” when we found Brian Chalker amongst the crowd. Not a very sporting gesture on behalf of the Committee though!

Signed on behalf of Manor Estate Shops. Marilyn Burden. G. Venables. E. Carpenter. R.C. Carter.

This Newsletter is published and produced by Charfield Residents Association – Co-Editors C. & R. Gunning. Typed by Rosa Gunning. Duplicated by Mr. Butler. Distribution organised by Mrs. M. Smith.

We are already thinking of Christmas and we are planning a Nativity Play in the Church just before Christmas. This will involve drawing, modelling, frieze work, and related stores. So please, all you artistic children in Charfield, and we know there are many, do come along with your friends and help. You will enjoy yourselves and at the same time help in the creation of a really splendid Nativity Play. We meet during the Morning Church Service, so now mum's and dads encourage the children to come along. Further information:- W.u.E. xxxx. – Sue Laing & Glen. Ellis.

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After many months of coping with the necessary ‘red tape’ and help from a number of volunteers who walked and checked the public footpaths, a number of new footpath sign-posts have been ordered from the County Council and the proposed way-marking of the footpath routes is being put in hand. The Council is sure the residents and visitors will benefit from this project by enjoying walks in the surrounding countryside without trespassing or damaging farm crops.

The children in the Village certainly approved of this year's Holiday Play Scheme run during the Summer holidays. Approximately 90 children attended each day. Particular thanks have been passed to the seven teenagers who helped the Play Leader, Rev. David Parker, to run the scheme and through the Newsletter a general “thank you” is passed to all the parents who helped in supervising the scheme. The District Council does make a grant towards such schemes which covered basic costs and with the 10p attendance fee introduced last year and the volunteered supervision, this year's scheme was almost self supporting.

During the Summer months congratulations were passed to the Committee who organised the very successful Sports and Gala Day. Also a formal letter of appreciation was sent to Mr. John Poskett on his retirement from the Memorial Hall Management Committee. Mr. Poskett represented the Parish Council on the Hall Committee for many years, but his total service to the community covered 28 years.

The Council has arranged a site meeting with County Officers regarding the safety of the railway bridge. Although the recent reply from the County stated that money was not available to finance such a project the Council intends to do everything possible to alter this decision.

The application by Terry Adams Ltd., for a licence to tip household and commercial waste in Tortworth Copse has yet to go before the appropriate committee, although planning permission has already been granted. The Parish Council noted with interest the County of Avon's recent decision to transport 50% of Avon rubbish by rail to Bedfordshire. Whether this decision has any impact on small privately operated tips has yet to be determined.

The overnight parking of heavy vehicles in residential areas is being investigated by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council recently accepted a quotation from the District Council to plant and maintain a mixed variety of trees to be planted on the embankment at Charfield Hill. Once the project is complete a grant will be available from the Planning Department.

It has been noted that roads and footpaths in particular in the Village are in urgent need of repair. A meeting to point out the various complaints to the County Divisional Surveyor had been arranged and it is hoped that repairs will be instigated before an accident occurs.

A reminder that Parish Council meetings are held in the “Foundation Room”, at Charfield School, on the second Tuesday in every month.

Mrs. J.K. Hughes. Clerk to the Council.

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I am pleased to confirm (see July issue of the Newsletter) that the SPRING FAYRE resulted in a profit of £210.

Our Autumn project is “MAGICAL MOMENTS”, presented by D.O.D.s. (Dursley) at Stinchcombe Village Hall, on Friday 15th OCTOBER, at 7.30 p.m. Tickets which are limited can be obtained from me at £1.50. Refreshments will be available. The proceeds are towards the installation of a new Shower System at the Lodge.

Sunday 5th Sept., last saw a Thanksgiving Service for Max Workman whose “Home” we now use so extensively helping disabled people in many ways.

You can come and see us in action on Wednesdays at the Day Centre – why not do just that – but please 'phone me on Fal. 26xxxx first!

Percy Ellis.

For the benefit of any newcomers to the Village Yercombe Lodge is a short-stay Home and Day Centre for the physically handicapped, situated in a delightful spot on the road from Charfield to Dursley. Mr. Ellis xx Berkeley Close, will be pleased to give you further information. Why not become one of the Friends!

R.G.

Any enquiries Miss. M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. 'Phone Fal. 26xxxx.

Planning the Programme – Whatever He saith unto you do it. John 2 verse 5

It is possible that you have drawn up your plans for today. You may even have a definite plan for your future life; there is of course, considerable wisdom in seeking to live an ordered life, but it must always be in line with the will of God. The prayer and desire of Christ's followers should ever be “Thy will be done”.

God may indicate the necessity for a change in your life. Be prepared therefore, and ready to alter, or even discard your plans, and accept God's programme! None need fear that this plan will be less suitable than their own. God works on the basis of infinite love and wisdom. This means that He always knows best and acts in the best way for all who will trust Him.

M. Turner.

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Questions relating to dogs on footpaths have been brought to Parish Councillors a number of times since the Annual Parish Meeting, when there was rather a heated discussion on the subject. It is clearly a matter of concern to landowners, dog owners and unaccompanied users of Footpaths

The law appears to regard a dog as a “natural accompaniment” of a pedestrian on a footpath. However, Ian Campbell in his booklet, “Law of footpaths and Bridleways”, advises that “the dog owner should be extremely careful since the quietest dog can be a danger to livestock.” Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971 empowers a Farmer to shoot any dog worrying his livestock if that is the only way to stop the worrying. Few Farmers would wish to resort to this, but the best advice to anyone who takes a dog on a public path crossing farmland is to keep him on a lead.

Fortunately, the serious problem of worrying has not arisen in the immediate locality recently, but the advice to keep the dog on a lead is still sound. If you permit your animal to run freely over farmland, you are trespassing and the Farmer could bring a private prosecution against you. Obviously it is very unlikely that any landowner would incur the trouble and expense of legal action, but, if you wish to exercise your dog in a field it would be courteous to seek the permission of the landowner first. Not all landowners will accept the fouling of their ground.

A public footpath is a highway and the Highways Act 1959 a.140(4) makes it an offence (rendering the offender liable to a fine) to permit without lawful authority any filth, dirt, lime or other offensive matter to flow onto the highway. Again prosecution of a dog owner permitting his dog to foul the highway is unlikely, but he might do well to consider that the existence of the path is not for the relief of dogs, and that other pedestrians have every right to object to “offensive matter” on the highway.

The owner of a dog fouling the highway could be prosecuted by the landowner as a private trespass or by the County Council under the Highways Act. There is greater likelihood of prosecution under a District Council Byelaw. Not all Parishes are covered by relevant Byelaws, but Charfield is, and they are relatively easily enforced on footways (pavements) footpaths and any other part of the highway.

Some dog owners who make reasonable use of the footpaths inform me that their dogs are trained to relieve themselves at home before setting out, like the rest of us. As a member of the Parish Council footpath Committee regularly in receipt of complaints concerning fouling by dogs, I very much wish that all dogs were so trained. If you own a dog, please think about it!

Sue Barrance.

Now you know why the Country Code says “keep your dog on a lead”.

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The period since my last report in the March Newsletter has not produced any major issues for the attention of your committee so I am taking this opportunity of mentioning a few facts about CHADRA and its objectives.

The Association receives no membership subscriptions nor issues any formal evidence of membership, but the occupiers of all domestic premises within the Parish boundary and their families if over eighteen years of age are regarded as members. Income arises from the sale of the Newsletter and any fund raising activities which may be undertaken from time to time. Village activities are organised by various associations and committees and we are indeed fortunate in having a very active Parish Council so apart from keeping a watching brief on the amenities of the Village and giving help (i.e. with the petition against the Tortworth “dump”) or applying pressure to the appropriate authorities where required. Your committee sees its main function as that of communication i.e. the publication and distribution of the Newsletter every quarter which with a circulation of about five hundred copies is no mean task. Contributions to and new ideas for the Newsletter are always welcome so please contact the Editor with any suggestions or better still articles or other features.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD AT CHARFIELD SCHOOL ON NOV. 10th at 8.00 p.m.

Notice and nomination form for election to the committee is attached to this issue. Any offers of help or service will be much appreciated.

Thanks almost entirely to the imagination, initiative and hard work of Keith Smith, with a few helpers on the day our contribution to Sports Day (Throwing the bale) was very successful and we shared a prize for the best stall. Many thanks to all concerned not forgetting Mr. Baker who supplied the straw for the bales.

The matter of the rubbish tip in Tortworth Copse is being delayed at the licensing stage while Avon Council sort out their policy on waste disposal. However, the Parish Council have examined the proposed conditions and are of the opinion that they are fairly stringent and if adhered to should keep the nuisance to a minimum.

There was recently a bad accident to a child on the Railway Bridge. I do not know the facts of this particular accident but it serves to draw attention to the general question of the safety of children on the roads. The Parish Council is exercising continuous pressure on the Authorities concerned to improve safety at the bridge, but there are other danger spots in the Village where footpaths join roads from the play area. May I suggest to parents of young children, particularly those with cycles, that it is impossible to place too much stress on the dangers of our roads today, and to motorists and motor-cyclists that the time lost by doing the last or first few hundred yards of a journey at 20 mph. instead of 30–35 is not very significant.

Geoff Blower. Chairman.

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This year's Sports & Gala Day had an especially festive flavour. The theme of an Olde English Fayre seemed to catch the imagination of many, and Stall-holders and participants made an extra special effort to contribute to the atmosphere of the day. The straw bale throwing and greasy pole events were just some of the very successful events that took place throughout the afternoon in keeping with the theme.

It was a particularly musical afternoon this year, and the Red Arrows Drum Majorettes provided quite a spectacular display for such a young group of ladies.

Another group of young people put on an extremely professional display of gymnastics – the Wotton Gym. Club certainly have some gifted members.

An unusual departure for Sports Day was the participation of the Bath Natural Theatre Group whose unconventional and hilarious performances were certainly a surprise to us all. If for any reason you missed the strange old couple or the charlady, or even the ostriches then you missed a treat.

Another departure for this year was to do without a “major attraction”, and to concentrate on lesser but continuous activities. In this respect the Committee feel that we were correct to try this approach and subsequent comments seem to confirm that a major attraction was not unduly missed.

Yet again the weather was kind to us and was no doubt part of the reason for the very good attendance. There have been many complimentary comments about this year's day and we, the committee, extend our grateful thanks to all who attended – be they pressed volunteer or simply as spectator.

All our efforts produced a healthy balance sheet and, to date, some £1,250 has been handed to our parent body – the Hall Management Committee.

Once again our thanks for coming along this year. Here's to 1983 and more sunshine and festivities.

A. Hughes.

Falklands Raffle!

At last the job of clearing the weeds from around the Car Park area has started – not by any willing volunteers from the Village, but by the Resettlement Group from Leyhill Prison. Once the work is completed the Management Committee hope that the villagers, young and old alike, will help keep both the Car Park area and the Playing Field tidy and free from litter. There are dust-bins outside the Hall and litter bins in the area – Please use them.

Once again we are having trouble with vandalism. Both the walls between the play area and the Hall, and around the changing room door have been knocked down. These will have to be rebuilt again causing unnecessary expense.

If anyone sees damage of any kind taking place around the Hall would you please report it to any member of the Committee, or myself.

Margaret Clarke. Secretary. Falfield 26xxxx.

For further details please contact The Secretary at Thornbury 18 Plus Group, Tuesday evenings at 8.30 p.m. The Swan Hotel, Thornbury.

We meet on Tuesday from 7.15–8.15 p.m. at the Sports Hall K.L.B. The netball we play is friendly and not too strict. We are desperate for new members as at present only about 10 turn up regularly and we don't want to see the Club close.

It is a good way to meet people and to have a bit of exercise – WHY NOT COME AND JOIN US.

If you would like to come along and would like more information contact one of the following:-

Mary Hall. Fal. 26xxxx (evenings)
Miriam Eley. Fal. 26xxxx.
Jacky Swallow. W-u-E. xxxx.

Please don't just discard your postage stamps when you throw away the envelopes. A few soon make many when put together with others! Remember, therefore, to pop them through the letter-box of Mrs. Marion Smith, xxx Manor Lane, who will be very pleased to receive them towards her collection for the leukaemia fund.

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The Cricket Season is all but finished and stocktaking is in hand. Not only is kit to be checked and replaced, but the groundsman and his helpers can do much valuable work before the frosts appear. We are indebted to many folk, such as umpires and scorers. Charfield Memorial Hall Management Committee and groundsmen, tea ladies and players with cars, for without them, there would be no time to relax at all on Saturday afternoons.

It is fair to say that Charfield Cricket Club can be satisfied with the season completed, and also optimistic for the future. Not only have the two Gloucester League sides maintained their status respectively, but the Sunday XI under Paul Halford's captaincy has played well consistently. In discussing performances it will be hard to ignore the fact that three of our players have scored centuries:- Alan Pearn, (v Witcombe) Peter Harris (v Kingswood) and Nicky Bennett (v Pucklechurch). It also looks as if our wicket keeper Martin Munden has won the leagues highest honour for his skill behind the stumps, and we must not forget the contributions of John Nixon and John Cliff which have been admirable for their sheer consistency. The Club is blessed with a rare crop of keen younger players, who despite a hard youth League programme under Philip Train's captaincy, have begun to take their place alongside the seniors on Saturday and Sunday. Names such as Kevin Morgan, Mark Nixon, Simon Bamford and Simon Hutley were all nominated for the most improved player, before the committee finally decided that Tim Carter's five hundred runs represented real progress and concentrated effort.

The player's contributions through match fees to Club finances have put the Club on a secure basis, but with the caring and shrewd eyes of Social Secretary Rod. Alexander and Treasurer, Alan Pearn, the Club can continue to provide the best equipment and facilities. They will surely be needed if the demand for Cricket is as great during the 1983 season. Once again the home Match brought out spectators on the benches, which incidentally do give a fine view of the game, and these Vice-Presidents are an integral part of the Cricket scene in Charfield.

The Club will be relaxing at a Dinner/Dance in October, (tickets – Wotton xxxx) and our Christmas Social Evening, at The Tavern, we hope will continue, even though sadly the Hosts will not be John and Pam Archer. The Cricket Club wish them and their family every success in the future and we thank them for their support.

You will undoubtedly be asked to buy tickets for our Christmas Draw, and if last year's prizes were anything to go by, then it will be worth a flutter! By the time the numbers are drawn arrangements will have been made to start indoor nets at Wotton Sports Centre in January, and there we are again back to thinking of a new Season.

Please do not hesitate to enquire of the officers if Cricket is your game.

Chairman – D.S. Bradley, xx New St. Charfield. W.u.E. xxxx
Secretary – N. Bennett, x Wotton Rd. Charfield.

Ability is useless
Unless it is used!

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Once again the boys of Charfield & District are showing how keen they are playing football for their Village.

This Season the under 14's are being managed by Mr. Wally Harvey, and the under 12's, by Mr. Mike Davis. Already several matches have been played, some won, some lost.

The Committee under the watchful eye of Chairman Mr. John Tarry is planning to run a Christmas Draw again this year. It is hoped that everyone will buy as many tickets as possible to help raise some much needed funds for the Club. It is surprising how much money is spent during the year, paying referees expenses, affiliation fees, the hiring of the Sports Hall for Winter training, buying kit and footballs, etc., not forgetting the half-time oranges!

If there are any boys who are interested in football and would like more information please contact Mr. Harvey, 'phone Fal. 26xxxx or Mr. Davis, W.u.E. xxxx. Even if you don't think you are ready for the first team, reserve matches are arranged from time to time and it could be fun simply attending the training sessions.

To all those interested in watching exciting football (not as usually shown on T.V.!) why not come along to the Playing Field on Sundays and give your local teams much appreciated support.

Jenny Gander. Hon. Secretary.

Keep Fit has once again started off well with eleven attending the first week and sixteen the second!

A record of weight can be kept, and has proved a great success.

Under the supervision of Mrs. Lesley Holland we have raised £77 for the Village Hall during the last year (32 weeks) plus £34.36p raised on our last sponsored Jog last October.

Well done ladies! New faces always welcome! Charge 30p per session. Tuesdays 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.

Mrs M. Poskett.

Congratulations to Mrs. M. Burden of Manor Fruiterers, on successfully completing the first part of the City & Guilds Floristry Course at Bath Technical College.

Some of Mrs. Burden's flower arrangements can already be seen in her shop, and maybe in due course we shall be able to order our Interflora displays locally, bringing another facility to the Village.

R.G.

Show the world a smiling face
And most times you will find
Those smiles will be returned to you
Making life more kind.

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The new Autumn term is already in full swing, albeit with fewer children. More than thirty children left Playgroup at the end of the Summer term to start at the Village Primary School.

Playgroup sessions are now held on:-

Each session is charged at 55p (per morning) and 40p (per afternoon).

If you have a child and wish to register him/her for Playgroup, please contact me with your child's name, address and date of birth.

The Playgroup Christmas Party is to be held on Monday 20th December 12.00–2.00 p.m. in the Playgroup premises (Congregational Chapel School Rooms).

By the time you read this a new Playgroup Committee will have been elected for 1982/83 at the Annual General Meeting. We hope you will continue to support the various fund raising activities during the next academic year.

Bab Pearn (Secretary) Fal. 26xxxx.

From November 1982, there will be changes in Old Age Pension Rates, Widow's Pensions, Supplementary Benefits etc., and other benefits from the D.H.S.S. Recent legislation includes Education Rights for Students between the ages of sixteen and nineteen. School leavers and part-time students may be eligible for supplementary benefit. An unemployed person can now earn up to £2 per day without his benefit being affected. At C.A.B. we have all the latest information in our files and so we are able to explain and give help to the many clients who have asked for our assistance to clarify their problems.

It is not generally known that we can help with legal enquiries and if necessary, provide a free legal service for those who need a trained Solicitor's advice.

C.A.B. is, of course, a service for all age groups and we will be happy to counsel both parents and teenagers on any aspect that may be worrying them. Sometimes it helps to discuss a problem with an informed and sympathetic listener who can bring an unbiased viewpoint to the situation. We offer free and confidential advice on all matters. C.A.B. is completely independent and so can take up any issue. We offer a service to any member of the Community – young or old. So try us – we are here to help.

Your nearest C.A.B. is at Berkeley House, Long St., Wotton-under-Edge, every Tuesday from 10.00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. (Tel. Wotton-u-Edge. xxxx)

At other times 'phone Stroud xxxx where C.A.B. is open Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. and on Saturdays 9.30 a.m. until 11.30 a.m.

Jean McGonnigill. Organiser.

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Chairman – Lance Jeane
Treasurer – Ann Stoakes
Secretary – Jacky Swallow

Membership fees from April–April Seniors £60 Juniors £2.

This year the Club has a thriving membership of ladies who meet on Wednesdays from 10.00 until 3.00 every week, bringing racquet, picnic, knitting, children, etc., and have a very sociable day. It is a very good way of making friends and the tennis is a good way to keep fit (winter and summer).

There are Annual Singles Tournaments to participate in for the men and the ladies. We also organise a mixed American Tournament at the beginning of the year to help everybody get to know one another.

The male membership of the Club went into decline this year and anybody keen to join would be very welcome.

The Juniors have a thriving Section and play quite regularly especially during the School holidays. This year we also welcomed the French visitors into the Club during their stays in Charfield. Also for the Juniors it would be possible to organise coaching sessions if enough were interested – they could be our tennis stars of the future!

It is hoped to improve the Club facilities in the future, and at present we are looking into grants etc., in order to achieve this. The court itself needs rebuilding and resurfacing, and ideally it would be nice to have two courts. If anybody has any ideas on how to achieve this please let us know.

If you would like to join the club or would like more information please telephone –

Jacky Swallow. W.u.E. xxxx.

If you don't belong to our Group why don't you come along and join us, especially with the following “delights” to look forward to:-

Dec. 2nd. Mum's night out (without your toddlers.) Venue the “Stagecoach” on the A.38, where they have a reasonably priced menu.

A coach pick up at the Estate Office at 8.00 p.m. Cost £1. and dropped home to your door. What more could you ask for! Save your pennies you deserve a night out!

Dec. 13th. Toddlers Christmas Party. 3.00–4.30 p.m. with a Children's Entertainer and of course Father Christmas.

Please keep an eye on the Village Notice Boards as we will be having a fund raising evening to help pay for the Christmas Party. Do please support us.

Dates for Diary Toddler Meetings. 30.9.82 7.10.82 21.10.82 4.11.82. 18.11.82. 2.12.82 16.12.82.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Denis Jarvis. Falfield 26xxxx.

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Oct. 21 – Make-up Demonstration and Wine & Cheese Supper. This will be an open evening to members and non-members alike.
Nov. 17 – Coffee Morning & prize Bingo.
Nov. 18 – At the time of writing the November Speaker has yet to be arranged – due to a cancellation. Hopefully, we shall have something arranged by the October meeting and will give details then.

We are planning to run our Annual London trip on Nov. 13th. This is also open to any non-members who would like to use the coach for a door to door return trip for a day in London. The cost will depend on the number of people interested, but hopefully, should not be more than approximately £5 per head. If we are able to fill the coach the cost will be considerably less.

The coach will leave the Hall at 7.00 a.m. and this year we are arranging for the coach to be in Houseguards Ave., at 11.00 p.m. leaving London not later than 11.30 p.m. which will give those who wish to go to a late show ample time. Anyone interested please contact Joy Jones or Sue Scoble.

Date for the Christmas Dinner – Dec. 16.

Jenny Peaster. Chairman.

There will be the usual Parade at the War Memorial on Sunday 14th Nov. at 11.00 for a short Service and laying of wreaths, followed by a Service in St. John's Church.

At 3.00 p.m. there will be a combined Church and Chapel service in the Congregational Church.

We would welcome any ex-service person, Home Guard, Mercantile Marine who have Served afloat during hostilities. Application forms may be obtained from –

Mr. S.A. Mussell, x Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx.

Yet again we have been asked to draw attention to the fouling of foot-paths and the open plan gardens of Charfield.

The latest complaint is regarding the Playing Fields! It is particularly distressing for parents of children who have to deal with the state of shoes and clothing caused by careless dog owners. All parents, particularly mothers, will appreciate that children romp and roll on the grass in their play and take little heed of the state of the ground. In one case brought to our attention a mother had to wash her child's hair! So, dog owners do please think of the whole community when exercising your pet. What about a “poop scoop”! How often we hear “oh, but it wasn't my dog”. To quote Mrs. M. Woodhouse – “It is not the dogs but the owners who are at fault”.

This is a nation-wide problem, so let's set a good example in Charfield.

R.G.

15

For those who have not had all previous issues of the Newsletter, it may be useful to repeat that there are 32 public paths on the definitive map of this Parish, and the Parish Council holds an official copy. The footpath Committee of the Parish Council (Mrs. A. Beer, Mr. S.C. Gunning, Mr. J. Hatt, and myself, and ex-officio the Parish Council Chairman Rev. D. Parker.) had hoped to have had erected by this Summer a new Notice-Board on which to display a Map of the footpaths, and to have had these paths way-marked by the volunteers who checked them. However, all sorts of small problems have arisen and we continue to hope that our target will be achieved before next Summer!

We had hoped that the Workshop for the handicapped in Thornbury, would be able to make the Case to display the Map but unfortunately they cannot use hardwood. If any local handy person would like to offer to make the Case, we should be most grateful and would supply the specification and the cost of the materials.

Many of the footpaths are not yet marked from the Highway. It is the County Council's responsibility to do so, but it takes rather more than a “penny in the slot” to start the machinery working. The County Engineers will erect the sign-posts with a single direction plate for £17 and will add a second plate for £6. The Parish Council has agreed to a budget of £114 this year for the erection of 4 single and 2 double flagged posts. The rest will have to wait for next year's budget.

The County Council will not erect the sign until the rest of the footpath is in order. They are also the Authority responsible for keeping the footpaths in order, but they rely on the Parish Council or other local Groups to supply them with all the necessary information. If there is no local interest and information there is no action.

The information has to be supplied in the most clear and unambiguous form so there is a vast amount of paper work to be done, and the task at present seems never ending. We are very grateful to volunteers who have checked and are now beginning to way-mark the paths. We are even more grateful for their patience, as the project has become so long drawn out.

S. Barrance for F.P. Cttee.

September is with us again! A month telling us to take advantage of the warmer days before the clocks go back, and the cold frosts and rain of Winter! Most of us have had our holidays and Christmas will be occupying our thoughts, presents to give or cards to send, who to visit. Our Club would like to see you every fortnight, so all you over 60s come along. You could meet someone who would give you an idea or two, and tell you how they solve their Christmas greetings.

We have been rather unsuccessful with our outings this Summer. What holds you back from joining our Coach outings. I know it is not because you are too old, or haven't the energy, as I found out on a holiday with some of our members. So come along on the alternate Wednesday to Luncheon Club. You could be in our Concert Party – we can't have too many singers or people who recite, or give a talk. It would surprise you what you can do – ask those that do entertain us. Some and enjoy a happy hour. I hope to be seeing you!

Ernest H. Orten.

16

Most people are probably aware of the proposal to use the former Clay Pit at the brickworks in Tortworth Copse as a Tip. There have been various pieces in the local papers, albeit of varying accuracy, and both Public Meeting held by the Parish Council to inform and ascertain the views of local people were well attended. Meetings are, unfortunately, rather an effort for all concerned, so I am very grateful we have a Newsletter in which to pass on new information and to explain the present position.

The Parish Council has received the following letter from Mr. Wyth, The County Divisional Planning Officer:-

“I write to confirm that the County Planning, Highways and Transport Committee at their meeting on 20th April, resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, for the landfill at Tortworth Copse”.

The Committee recommended “that the County Planning Officer be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following condition:-

Once the applicant and the land-owner have entered into a S52 agreement to secure the necessary Highway safeguards.”

The S.52 Agreement has not yet been drawn up so while the Committee has authorised the Chief Planning Officer to make the grant, the grant has not been made!

The Contractor Mr. Terry Adams also requires from the Public Protection Committee of the County Council a site licence. This cannot be granted until planning permission has been obtained for the site. Both the Parish Council and Northavon District Council have objected to the licence application. Earlier in the Summer the Parish Council were sent copies of the licence application and informed that the matter would be dealt with at the Sept. Meeting of the Public Protection Committee, but it is now unlikely to be ready in time for the October Meeting. The reasons for the delay seem to be:-

1. No. S52 Agreement – planning stage incomplete.
2. The Water Authorities are Statutory Consultees and have not yet replied.
3. A toughening of policy relating to waste disposal by the majority Party on the County Council.
4. Avon waste is to be exported by train to holes in other Counties while the incineration capacity is stepped up and other long term measures devised.

The consequences of this delay for the Copse Site are difficult to guess. Mr. Adams has maintained that Avon County Council will be the chief contributor of waste and on the licence application forms estimates that only 20% of the waste will come from outside the County. It is possible that the additional transport costs will mean that the site will no longer be an economic proposition, and although a licence may finally be granted, it won't be used. The alternative possibility, that a larger proportion of difficult (and therefore higher return) wastes will be imported, is very unattractive.

The use of Tortworth Copse would not solve the County's waste disposal problem even if they changed their present policy. More public pressure, not a relatively small hole 17in the ground, is what is needed to help the County formulate a long term policy on dealing with waste. It's disposal is really a National not a County matter, and although we may be pleased that Avon is sending our waste away on the “Jimmy Saville” line, he will “Have to fix it” for the folk in Bedfordshire next!

The Parish Councillors could not do other than attempt to avoid the problems of a tip for the local people to whom they are responsible. Their brief does not extend beyond the Parish, but whether the Copse becomes a tip or not, the problem has given us all cause to think of wider issues.

Besides wanting to know what material is to be tipped if and when the planning permission and licence is agreed, local people would like to know what will be done about the kind of nuisances generally associated with such sites. Nuisances are dealt with by the Environmental Health Dept., of Northavon District Council, and Mr. Marsland has been very helpful in discussing the possibilities, i.e.:-

• A regular programme of laying bait for vermin and spraying for flies will be required from the operator.
• Vermin will be attracted to the site, but the population should be controlled and they are unlikely to move from the abundant good source to private houses.
• If the tip is properly operated the fly larvae should be largely buried before the adult can emerge.
• Similarly light materials, paper and plastic, should be covered.
• Noise nuisance will be from the lorry traffic rather than the site machinery and should affect only the scattered houses closest to the site.
• Similarly it is thought that most of the Village will be out of range of the smell. Smell is unlikely to be a major nuisance unless leachate builds up in the peripheral ditches and collection ponds, and the leachate would then have to be pumped out.
• Should the water courses become polluted we are assured that the Water Authority normally acts very promptly.

Are you reassured!

Sue Barrance.

Mrs. Sue Barrance was asked by the Parish Council to undertake the preparation of the case against the tipping of waste in Tortworth Copse and later to raise objections to the site licencing application.

The residents as well as the Parish Council are deeply indebted to Mrs. Barrance for all the detailed work and energy she has put into both Tortworth Copse Pit and the Parish Footpaths. Many thanks Sue!

S.C.G

18

I was extremely delighted to read Mr. Will Harris's article on Charfield Railway in the July Newsletter, and to see the tremendous interest that he, along with myself and many others in the community have in the Charfield Railway.

However, he is obviously an expert on the subject and very competent with regard to it's history, in fact, I have learned many facts from his article about the railway unknown to me before, and I am sure many others have also.

“This is the age of the train”, and as Mr. Harris stated British Rail carried more passengers in 1979 than in 1961 before the notorious Beeching Plan.

We have in our village a historic monument which could become a well-known tourist attraction – the railway engineered by I.K. Brunel over 100 years ago, and completed in 1844. Charfield railway helped promote the development of the railway network in the south west.

The railway site is almost intact, the main station block, station master's house, goods shed, and it could perhaps become a freight line again.

How important could be the old coal wharf, which when opened previously cut the price of coal by 50%. How important to the people of Charfield would such a wharf be in this day of rising electricity prices, for which neither the Electricity Board or the Government can account.

We have in our Village an antiquity of over 100 years, and as Mr. Harris says “Charfield Railway is the most complete survivor of the Bristol and Gloucester original Stations. It is also one of the oldest surviving Railway Stations in the World”. This is something of which we should all be proud – a piece of England's heritage!

The passenger service was withdrawn in January 1965 although Charfield, Wotton, Yate, Kingswood and other Villages at this time were mushrooming in development. How illogical it was to close the passenger service at this stage. So why not re-open Charfield Station, thus allowing those of us without cars, O.A.Ps, those of us who cannot drive, and those who cannot afford cars, or an extra car for the wife, as well as those who even with cars cannot afford to venture far due to the rising cost of petrol, a chance to see the countryside and what lies outside our own back door. Let it be used as a passenger service as well as a freight service to cut the cost of coal and also for other types of freight.

We have a precious piece of Britain's heritage, why keep it to ourselves, let us exploit it's potential in every possible way.

I would, therefore, like to suggest that we put the wheels in motion to get the Charfield Railway reopened for all our benefits.

Mary Anne Jones. (O.A.P)

It is regretted that it was not possible to print Mrs. Jones letter in full, but we hope she will understand, and appreciate that her main points have been included.

R. & C. Gunning.

19

Charfield is a Parish of about 400 acres. By the time of the Domesday survey in 1086, which is the earliest written record of Charfield, the Village was already well established. The oldest settlement was probably at Churchend, high on the south-western side of the Valley where the valley clays meet the lighter and more easily worked soils of the hill top and there is a spring line.

The walls of the nave and chancel of the Church of St. James at Churchend have been ascribed to the twelfth century and the Church House opposite is probably the oldest building in the Village.

In medieval times the “Manor” of Charfield probably never had a Manor House with a resident Lord of the Manor, although Manor Farm may have been the home farm of the bailiff. Here the site of the “demesne” farm can still be distinguished on the Tithe Map surveyed and drawn between 1839 and 1842. Some of the surrounding field names, such as Long Park, Daisy Park, Ox Park, Green Park, Castle Leaze and Old House Grounds, suggest that they were part of the demesne.

By the 1340's when Peter de Veel died (the said Lord of the Manor) there were 17 free tenants. Many of the sites of their farmsteads may be those of the farm-houses existing today, and it is probable that even at this early date the present pattern of scattered farmsteads was established. Very possibly the reason for this in Charfield was the predominance of land better suited to grazing, rather than as a result of the profound economic changes brought about by the decimation of the population in the severe plagues of the later 14th Century. Much later, in 1779 Samuel Rudder wrote “the greater part of the Parish is pasture” and the standard entry in Kelly's directories, which begun almost a Century after the publication of Rudders History, is that the Charfield area was “chiefly pasture”.

The intersection of the busy B4058 and the main Gloucester to Bristol railway line so dominates the physical layout of the Village today that it is easy to forget that the origin and shape of the Village has very little to do with these communication routes. From quite early in the middle ages, it was probably not entirely dependant on farming however. Outside the most famous rearing and cloth weaving areas, the woollen industry became important in the economy of the Little Avon Valley. While weavers would also have been small-holders, there seems to have been more substantial Clothiers, whose income would have been derived from the wool trade rather than farming. At the beginning of the seventeenth Century when John Smith, the Steward of the Berkeleys, drew up the militia lists only 4 but of 31 men did not work in the wool trade.

Late eighteenth Century maps of the Village show a quite separate and well developed settlement north of Little Bristol Lane, on the west side of the Wotton Road. It was called Charfield Green, but was where Cotswold View, May Grove, Station Road, and Horsford Road are today, not on the site of the present flats. As many of the farms either required little labour or housed their own workers many of the Charfield Green residents were probably spinners or weavers. The Tithe Map shows that the houses were built on the edge of the common land and the settlement may well have begun in the sixteenth or seventeenth Centuries.

20The 1851 census shows that even as late as the mid-nineteenth Century, when there had been a severe decline in the West Country cloth making, approximately 1 in 4 workers were still employed in the woollen trade compared with 1 in 3 engaged in agriculture.

Samuel Long and his brother William, whose family continued to live for a time at Charfield House, in Mill St. (now New St.) built a complex of new Mills between 1812 and 1829 on the much older Mill site and they survived the years of depression by specialising in “doeskins”. The following extract from the report of handloom weavers, published in 1839 states “there is a species of fabric recently made in the County of Gloucester called ‘doeskins’. It is a treadle work and different in some degrees to plain felt work. It requires a greater skill but less labour; and the weavers who are jealous of any alterations and unwilling to be put out of their way have a dislike to undertake the work; in fact a weaver in the woollen trade has not aptitude and he thinks that work must be found him of that work which he had been accustomed”. Another interesting point which arises from the Report is that the Longs had no power looms at that time and employed only 16 men and 7 children as hand-loom weavers at the Mill premises. Most weavers must have been out-workers long after water-driven machinery had brought the spinners into the factory, and the introduction of gig Mills had brought in those engaged in the finishing processes.

Although Church of England himself, Samuel Long allowed the non-conformists to have a room in the Mill buildings for their meetings. The Glos. Diocesan Records show a long history of non-conformity in the Parish and from the late eighteenth Century, various private houses were licensed as meeting places. Paul Long of Charfield House, laid the foundation stone of the first Chapel in July 1846 and the £290 required was met by voluntary subscription. The land and the stone had been granted by Lord Ducie. The building had to be registered again in 1857 after alteration and enlargement made necessary by the Sunday School and the evening writing school. The intense rivalry between Chapel and Church, to be found all over the country at that time, at least prevented Charfield from remaining an educational backwater. From being one of the largest Villages in the County without a school of any kind in the early decades of the Century both the British (Chapel) and the National Church of England schools were built in the 1850s. The Revd. Frankherd Jones, whose railed memorial is most prominent by the old Church of St. James, left in his Will the interest on £2,000 to pay a school teacher. He also arranged for the first National School premises. The school just below the “Pear Tree” remained in use until the new school premises were built in 1893 opposite the new Church of St. John begun a decade earlier. The focus of the Village had long moved from Churchend.

The above is an extract taken from The Chadra Study 1976, entitled Charfield the Past, The Present & The Future, much of which is the work of Mr. & Mrs. Barrance. Perhaps the past history of Charfield may prove of interest to those who have recently come to live in the area, and it is hoped another extract from the Study will be included in the January Newsletter.

Rosa Gunning.

21

Following on from the July Newsletter the Barn Dance and Grand Draw were both very successful and the money raised was very useful.

We are still looking for help with running all sections of the Group, both as warranted Leaders and lay-helpers and anyone interested in helping should contact me at the address below.

We are also looking for parents, particularly of the new Cubs and Scouts who are willing to serve on the Executive Committee, which runs all the non-Scouting side of the Group. Again anyone interested should contact me.

Both Packs have just returned from a Pack holiday in Clevedon, which was enjoyed by all, although the Leaders will need time to recover!

Our forthcoming events are a Group Fun Day on 16th October, at Conygoes, on the Old London Road, in Wotton, and are finishing with a Camp fire to which all parents and friends are invited. The other date to remember is Sat. October 30th, which is our Autumn Fayre to be held in Charfield Memorial Hall.

We look forward to seeing as many as possible at our functions.

A.J. Smith. (Group Leader) xxx Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx

We do need urgently more drivers for our hospital/surgery transport scheme in order to ease the pressure on the drivers we already have, so DRIVERS PLEASE for information about this Scheme please contact – Mrs. Blower, xx Manor Lane, Fal. 26xxxx. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Fancy a Whist Drive! Come along and try your hand! In Tortworth School, on Thursday evening Oct. 28th. See forthcoming posters for time etc. Everyone welcome!

M. Grantham.

Many thanks to all who provided cakes etc., all those who decorated the Stall and helped throughout the afternoon on Sports Day.

Recently we had an evening walk around Tortworth Lake. 20 members enjoyed the walk and came back to my house for Supper which made a very enjoyable evening.

On Monday 11th Oct. is the date of our Group Social Evening when Charfield W.I. will be providing the entertainment. This event is to be held at Wickwar Parish Hall.

Our Annual General Meeting is on Thurs. 11th Nov. when all are welcome to come and hear in detail what we have accomplished in the past year, and our plans for the future.

Members Nights will be on Thursday 9th December, and the Group Carol Service, at Wickwar Congregational Church on Wed. 15th December.

To all newcomers to Charfield (ladies of course) it would be a great pleasure to welcome you to our meetings – 2nd Thursday in each month at the Village Hall.

J. Hutley. President.

22

For further details of the above please refer to each Organisations reports in this Newsletter.

23

I would like to remind parents of young children of Avon's policy for the admission of children to School. To allow a full three year course of infant education, children may start School in the September after their fourth birthday.

So that I can keep the School properly Staffed, I must have advanced knowledge of the number of children to expect in September each year.

I have already been asked to estimate the number of children for each term of the School Year 1983–84!

It would be a great help if you would notify me of children whose fourth birthday is on or before 31st August, 1983.

I list below the main Christmas activities at School this year. This may seem rather premature but it will, I hope, prevent awkward clashes with other events in the Village.

Christmas Dates.

Mr. D. A. Malpass, Headmaster.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible to include the above School events in “Dates for your Diary”, on previous page of this Newsletter, as they were not received until some time after the “Diary” Page was completed. Sorry Mr. Malpass!

24

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

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 24 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: 2016-12-05.