CHADRA

Time for another Newsletter! How quickly the time comes around for us all to put on our thinking caps again!

May I just say how grateful I am as Editor/Typist to all those contributors who take a note of the last date for copy, and avoid my 'phone call to remind them.

I am sure you will enjoy especially this time an article written for us by Mr. J. Grimes, and maybe somewhere amongst our readers there are others who can add to our information about Charfield. If so, please don't be shy.

You will also notice that a gardening hint has been received, also a favourite recipe. It would be nice if we could make a special page for such items, don't you agree?

With reference in the Jan. Newsletter regarding caravans one or two enquiries have been made, but more are needed before anything worthwhile can be explored to solve this problem of caravan storage in Charfield.

Now come on you younger members of the community – take note of the Hall Management appeal for volunteers to build a mound for the new slide. It could be good fun and at the same time a helpful way to occupy spare time.

Finally don't forget the appeal for a new team Manager for the Charfield Under 14's football team. Also a Group Scout Leader.

Happy Easter to all our readers.

Rosa Gunning (Editor)

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE NOW – the LAST DAY FOR RECEIVING ARTICLES FOR THE JULY NEWSLETTER IS:-

WED. 4th JULY.

As many as possible received at xx Manor Lane, before this date would be most helpful.

2

Residents will of course have noted the improvements made to the road at Charfield Bridge. The kerb to the footpath has been replaced and better warning signs have been ordered. The Parish Council has expressed the hope to the County that this work will not alter the priority position of the project to provide a separate pedestrian foot-bridge, which they were informed had been included in the 3 year pool of projects for consideration.

P.C. Williams investigated the accident records relating to Charfield bridge and found that there was very little recorded. He has suggested that to support the case for a separate pedestrian foot-bridge without waiting for a catalogue of disasters, a ‘mini report file’ should be kept. The Council asks for your support in reporting to P.C. Williams any incident which causes concern on or near the bridge. Of course such details as licence plate numbers would be helpful, but are not necessary.

The Annual Parish Meeting has been arranged and will be held this year on WEDNESDAY 2nd MAY at 8.00 p.m. in Charfield School Hall. County Councillor Mr. Honeybourne, and District Councillor Mr. Pearson, will be attending the meeting; however the meeting is more a venue for individual and club reports and comments.

The one different item on the Agenda this year is the subject of the Boundary Review. The Parish Council agreed that a full-scale investigation into the pros and cons of Avon or Gloucestershire would only be carried out if considerable support from the Parish is shown. The Boundary Commission has informed the Council that any proposals for change must be “desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government”. Therefore, any points put forward must be argued along these lines.

The Review of footpaths in the Parish is a continuing project. Access problems and small differences between the official map and the written description are being checked and corrected before progressing with the publication of a footpath map. A number of new stiles and footpath signposts have appeared in the last six months and the Council hopes that sensible use will be made of these public rights of way across private land. Remember the countryside code, especially the control of dogs. The County Council has promised the provision, albeit temporary, of a new bridge across the sluice gates near Huntingford Mill on path No. 3, early in the new financial year. This was the only path to have been way-marked with yellow arrows last year, but others should follow as this project progresses.

The Council has agreed to purchase a new chute for the re-designed children's slide at present being planned by the Memorial Hall Committee.

Meetings between members of the Memorial Hall Management Committee and the Parish Council are taking place on a regular basis. The Council is pleased with the friendly co-operation which exists on both sides at present and they applaud and support the efforts being made by the Committee to improve and extend the facilities offered at the Hall.

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

3

Walking down the hill out of Wotton with the wind right you could hear the brass bell at Charfield's fortnightly Wednesday market announcing the imminent sale of one or other of the various commodities of live and dead stocks traded there.

Given reasonable weather it was a pleasant enough walk of about 40 minutes and the return journey could be made by the local Wotton 'bus which went round Kingswood way and served that village as well and punctually meeting the frequent trains stopping at Charfield Station. This service was preceded by a horse 'bus, but before my time, carrying passengers parcels and merchandise to and fro and often giving “same day as order” delivery from Bristol to customer. The other regular means of transport was horse and crank axle cart. This vehicle as the name implies had a low loading level and was loaded with pigs, calves, sheep etc., and a net secured over the top, or perhaps in the case of produce a sheet under which the driver also would get partial protection when the weather was bad. The journey home would carry all kinds of purchases often including feeding stuffs from the Bibby depot which was set up alongside the line in the Goods areas. I well remember how immensely proud I was to have achieved this first round trip at the age of 14 – 50 odd years ago!

Walking those couple of miles didn't seem such a hardship half a century ago as it does today despite the fact there were no “wellies” then and clothing was not as weather-proof as it is now. On the credit side there was so much to be seen when walking, the state of the fields and fruit trees, crops and livestock you passed and people you met. You went in almost a straight line from Wotton to “Charvill”, my ancestors had called it this from earliest times (I had thought this to be a dialect corruption until I recently saw it spelt this way on a very old map). It was a straight piece of road of one mile to the Round House, “New Road”, constructed early 19th century, prior to which one went to Kingswood or Bradley Green. At the shop, formerly a Pub, “The Blue Boys”, near the Round House, you could buy refreshments, a glass of “pop”, chocolates, biscuits, sweets, tobacco and snuff, and from there you cut into the Mill yard “New Mills”, now Renishaws, alongside the Mill over the stile and by the footpath across Lower Barnes Farm out into the lane leading to Eithels Mill, then down across Watsome Farm and out on to the road again at Watsome Bridge.

We boys always went to Market during holidays, not to see the animals, we saw plenty of them at home, but to experience the commercial bustle of this great trading post of South Gloucestershire which seemed the gateway to the outside world! Bristol or Gloucester even London or Lands End, was possible via Charfield. We usually made for the Railway bridge and from this elevated position could be seen the trains approaching from Bristol or Gloucester and by rushing across the road could see it emerge from the other side of the bridge hopefully heeding our parents' warning not to look over too soon lest we suffer the fate of poor children who had accidentally gazed down the engine chimney and been blinded by a belch of sparks and smuts. Also from that position you could see in the space of a very few minutes the train exchanging passengers and mounds of goods and paraphernalia that serviced the needs of town and country. Waiting in the Station yard would be the local 'bus and a smart Midland Railway horse and wagon piloted by Tom Smith to respectively convey these arrivals to their destinations.

In the extension of the Station yard, now the Land Rover complex, were rows and rows of pens containing cattle, sheep and pigs, sometimes a few horses, and overseeing all was a raised box from which the auctioneer yelled his proclamations punctuated by crashing his walking stick up under his little tin roof rather than the fall of a hammer to clinch a sale. Even more commerce took place “by hand” as it was called between the numerous tradesmen from all walks of life, Miller's feedstuff compounders, hay and straw Merchants, Saddlers, Insurance men, Tailors (Ted Powell, the tailor with a permanent staff of a dozen 4or more in Wotton could commission a fitting room at The Tavern every Market day, and the Blacksmith near The Plough was inundated with work on that particular day; much of the transport and conveying being done by horse power. Indeed, it was a five hour Mecca to which the farmer pilgrims paid homage and their bills, and gave orders for the next fortnight, but most of all got to know what everyone else had done and were going to do.

Stuart Stinchcombe was a great character and merchant of the then firm Barkla, Stinchcombe, Cole & Company of Bristol, trading in corn feeding stuffs, fertilisers and coal. He would be in attendance at The Plough at 11.0 a.m. taking orders and 'phoning orders back to base. I have known such orders delivered the same afternoon, before my father returned from market!

Every foot of space around The Tavern was occupied by some itinerant Salesman. The man with the trestle table, loaded with wet fish, Bootlaces and leather straps, buckets and dairy equipment. I was always intrigued by the rather elderly quiet and well-spoken lady who came rain or shine in a large old saloon car and occupied her respected pitch on the corner by spreading a large tarpaulin on the ground on which she arranged all kinds of ironmongery, slashers, billhooks, back bands, belly bands, cruppers and braces, and would faithfully produce anything ordered at her next visit. No-one ever seemed to know from whence she came or whither she went.

There was the little man in the brown boots, leggings and winged breeches, who at the appropriate season of the year would parade up and down the middle of the road leading, and towering above him, a huge sleek black Shire Stallion, bedecked in fine brass ornaments; a most beautiful animal, and offering a cover fee for mares at 2 guineas, plus 5 shillings Groom fee. Mention must be made of the animals medicine man who offered bottles of drench, black, blue, red, green, these resulted in a cure for every known ailment in the animal kingdom. According to whatever ailment so there was a colour which was a guaranteed antidote, providing death didn't intervene.

Charfield market was a popular haunt for Cowmen with cards and dice, Cheap-Jacks with pots, pans and crockery, and I loved to hear the man who sold among other things braces that had so much elastic in them if you fell down they would pick you back up again.

We would go home with enough to talk about to last the next fortnight, and in the meantime would know that there was nothing of any more consequence going on in the little village of Charfield than in others in the area.

Joel Grimes.

Thank you very much Mr. Grimes for this splendid account of “by-gones” in Charfield, which must surely bring back memories to those of our readers who have lived all their lives in Charfield and thereabouts, as well as proving most interesting to all newcomers.

More contributions from your vast knowledge of the area will be very welcome.

R.G.

5

Sitting on a fence in the country can be a very pleasant occupation (providing it isn't pouring with rain). I often regret that I do not have time for it as I did in my earlier days in Charfield when, stepping over my back wire-link fencing, I could make my way across meadows, through the cows, to Churchend, Little Bristol, or the original end of Manor Lane; or detour to other areas. Time has moved on bringing its changes, and housing developments have made that impossible physically. The many more people in the village have made greatly extended demands on one's time and the more leisurely approach, the opportunity to see and know everyone, is much less than it was. There is not much time to sit on the fence, at moments viewing the countryside while turning over problems (other people's!) and sinking oneself in these experiences to discover how to help best.

Sitting on the fence, not in the literal sense but in the metaphorical sense, tends to be a national characteristic. If we HAVE to do something, well we do. But if we don't have to, we tend to leave well alone; presumably with the thought that it will go away or will solve itself if we look the other way – or that someone else will do it if we don't!

BUT when it comes to personal concerns, decisions that MUST be mine because they concern MY OWN LIFE, those decisions must be mine. I must take them or they will not be made. One decision may carry me in a particular direction from the moment I make it (a decision is not a decision unless it is acted upon). A different decision on that occasion would carry my life in a completely different direction. Let me dramatise it with an example: ‘Shall I marry him, or him?’. (That presumes she is lucky (?) enough to have a choice). Life could be radically different according to the choice made. Or, even more seriously, being married ‘Shall I stay with him?’ ‘Shall I leave her?’ Those are questions fraught with an agony of choice which, perhaps, should not be made alone: the repercussions of such choices can blight or delight so many lives. I am sure we can all see that, while we have, I hope, tender sympathy for those who find themselves with such agonising choices to face. Some choices in life have infinite possibilities for good, or may be prescriptions for misery.

There is one SUPREME CHOICE in life which can not only alter the course of our life but can determine in a fundamental way the sort of people we become as we travel through the years. We all change as we move through life. The only question is whether it will be for the better or the worse. There is one decision many sit on the fence about. It is the decision to open our lives to the creative power of God and all He can do IN us and FOR us. Sitting on the fence on this question is saying NO. The reason is that in any decision nothing happens, nothing develops, unless, until we begin to ACT on it.

All the Churches of this Country are at present involved in “Mission England”: the attempt to bring the importance of THE great decision to the people of this Country Billy Graham, the American Evangelist, has been invited to address a series of meetings. In this area they are at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol. They are every evening from the 12th – 19th MAY. Even if you consider yourself ‘not particularly religious’, indeed if you are dead against the whole thing, it would be worth your going to one of these meetings for the experience that may not come your way again. We are running a coach from Charfield on Monday the 14th May (more than one coach if it proves necessary) and you will be hearing more about it.

6Keep your ears and eyes open please – and your hearts too. If you are not keen on this sort of thing, just come to observe – it is a unique sociological phenomenon, even if you found nothing more in it than that! Our hope is that coming with open mind and heart you would find much more than that. If you want to know more – 'phone –

Mrs. Celia Wallace. Falfield 26xxxx (evenings, weekends)
Mrs. Christine Gooch. Falfield 26xxxx

We hope and pray you will not sit on the fence over this one!

Kenneth G. Grant.

Sundays	Family Service 11.0 a.m.
	Evening Worship 6.0 p.m.
Tuesdays	Bright Hour (fortnightly) Open to anyone who would like to join.

Any enquiries:-

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

Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name. Isaiah 43-1 & 7.

He never forgets; and I am not last in the crowd either. He knows my name; it surely declares that He asks for my friendship. To call me by my name speaks volumes. We never call strangers by their names, only our friends.

When Jesus becomes our Saviour He desires to be our friend.

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

M. Turner.

Slide Shows illustrating all facets of the activities at Yercombe Lodge are now available. Details of the Trust, Friends, and the operation of the Day Centre are included. Any groups wishing to sponsor an illustrated talk should contact – P. Ellis Fal. 26xxxx.

1984 is the 9th birthday Year of The Friends of Yercombe Lodge, why not become a friend – Mr. Michael Lewis, c/o Yercombe Lodge, Dursley will be pleased to hear from you. Forthcoming events – all to be held at Yercombe Lodge:-

Coffee Morning 12th APRIL Bring & Buy. 10.0–12.0
A.G.M. May 8th. 7.30 p.m.
Summer Fair – 9th June.

R.G.

7

The following letter was written by Andrea as a challenge towards her green Trefoil. I think you will agree she has made a good effort.

“Charfield Guides have been going for 7 months now.

We are grateful for Mrs. Meek and Mrs. Waller getting together and forming the Charfield Guides, which is fun for girls of my age (10–14).

The Charfield Guides went on a sponsored ramble (max. 7 miles) on Sunday 18th March, which goes towards capitation fees.

We are hoping to do a performance at Easter to the friendship club for half an hour.

Most of the Guides have gained 2 or 3 badges (e.g.) challenge. Cook, hostess, home-maker, entertainer.”

Andrea Lusty Swallows
(Patrol Leader)

Forthcoming events for the Guides are –

15th APRIL	2.30	Wotton – St. George's Day Parade.
18th APRIL		Entertain the Friendship Club.
12th MAY		Jumble Sale.

R.A. Meek.

Rangers are the older group of Guides aged from 14–18 yrs. When invested a Ranger makes a further commitment to be of service to the community so the programme helps to develop the ideas and ideals of the girls so that they can make a useful contribution to the life of the people where they live. There are various challenges to be met and you can find yourself doing things which you never even dreamt about. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and New Queen's Guide Badge are part of our syllabus along with a wide range of Proficiency Certificates from Camp Permits to Aircraft Knowledge and Seamanship. Opportunities to travel abroad sometimes become available after a Ranger has proved she can cope in Britain! Knowledge of how our community works and how to use it are an essential part of getting the most out of life. Speakers from all sorts of services and groups available to all of us are welcomed. Meetings are informal as we tend to be smaller groups than Guides.

Emphasis is on what the Rangers want to discover whilst finding gaps and filling them with our service both in and out of Guiding. We'll try almost anything once. We hope there are some gaps in this community that we can fill. If you are interested in joining us and are between 14–18 yrs. we hope we can put more challenge and satisfaction in your life. We meet about every two weeks unless something comes up! You don't have to be a Guide first, and although we are very much members of the Movement we hope we can show the younger and more exciting image of Guiding to our critics. The only commitment we ask is that you try. Do come and try!

Kate Mullard (Ranger Guider)
Falfield 26xxxx.

8

Once again we are looking forward to the long summer evenings and this is the time of year that our brownies particularly enjoy as we are able to pursue some outdoor activities. Our programme has yet to be arranged for the Summer, but we hope to go on some walks, swimming, and also do some outdoor cooking and games.

We shall be going on pack holiday to Macaroni Wood, Nr. Fairford in July. Our first activity, however, has been arranged and this is a Spring Bar-B-Q combined with a treasure hunt and camp fire. This will be held on Saturday May 12th, at Avening Green (less than 5 mins. drive). Everyone is welcome, but admittance by programme, which will include a hot dog and cake, a cup of tea, coffee or squash, plus entry into the treasure hunt and camp fire. There will also be a lucky number on your programme. The cost is 40p for adults and 25p for children 14 and under. Programmes available from – xx Avon Road. Hope to see you all there.

We do have a few vacancies on our waiting lists for September starters, so if your daughter is seven by then, or if you would like her to be put on the list to join later, please ring Falfield 26xxxx (Wednesday meetings) or Dursley 84xxxx (Tuesday meetings).

D. Lowe.

Since the last newsletter the group has held a very successful “Spring Fayre” and we are most grateful to all those who donated items for this event. A profit of £208 was made which will go towards improving facilities at the Scout headquarters.

The Scout Troop recently took part in the “Avening Green Trophy” competition. This involved 28 teams of five boys in each, from troops within the Severnvale district. Woodend entered six teams. The competition involved a 10 mile hike in the Forest of Dean with numerous incidents to be completed on route. We are very pleased that one of our teams led by David Hardwick came 1st. and two of the other teams came in joint sixth.

Sunday May 13th sees an Annual Clay Pigeon Shoot to be held as usual at Manor Farm, by kind permission of Mr. Reg Baker, to whom we are most grateful. The profits from this year's shoot are to be divided between the group and C.L.I.C. We are very grateful to all the individuals and Companies etc., who have agreed to sponsor this event. Do come along and watch, or have a go on the “practice trap” and be taught by a professional.

On June 16th we are organising a “Tramps' Barbecue” to be held on Jubilee Field, Cromhall, and tickets will be available shortly from committee members or scouters.

By the time you read this newsletter we will have held our A.G.M. and the new committee will look forward to organising future projects and events to help keep the group as successful as it has been in the past.

We are still looking for a Group Scout Leader, so if anyone is interested please contact either myself or Maurice Marklove, x Katherine Close, 'Phone 26xxxx.

Margaret Clarke. (Fal. 26xxxx)
Group Secretary.

9

In the last issue, I gave a brief resume of H.M. Inspectors' Report on their inspection of February 1983, published in October last. Although very favourable, it has given us plenty to think about and we are by no means complacent as a result. In this issue I will concentrate on sporting activities.

The cross-country season has ended on a successful note. Dursley Athletic Club again organised a series of races, involving four teams – younger girls, younger boys, older girls and older boys. Although we had no overall individual winners, we won three out of the four team events and were awarded the shield for the best overall performance, for the fourth year in succession. This is due not only to the keenness and determination of the children taking part, but also to the enthusiasm of Mr. Bradley. They have received splendid support from Mrs. Bradley and many parents. A cold, sometimes soggy field is not the best location on Saturday morning, but everyone seems to enjoy it!

The school football team play in the Primary League organised by the Northavon Primary Schools Football Association. It involves travelling to Winterbourne, Coalpit Heath, Hambrook and Frampton Cotterell to play our matches. After a disappointing start to the season, the team is now beginning to play together a little better, and the defence certainly is more solid than it was. As a result, when the ball is pushed forward in attack, there is more confidence and enthusiasm and the centre forward is collecting quite a useful tally of goals. With two matches to play, their record is:-

P 8   W 2   L 4   D 2

The team is rather lightweight and so competing for the ball can be a problem. Nevertheless, the skill they show is pleasing to see and they are beginning to understand the pattern of the game a little better.

Twenty to thirty girls have been staying regularly for netball practice after school since September and the standard of their play has improved considerably. Several matches have been played against other schools. The school team have won all but one of their games – a narrow defeat by a Winterbourne school – and the reserve team have played well and lost only two matches. Both teams are looking forward to the Wotton and District Sports Association Primary Schools Netball Tournament which is in the last week of this term. We are, as always, indebted to those parents who give freely of their time, and petrol to transport us to away fixtures.

D.A. Malpass.
Headmaster.

Dr. Billy Graham is coming to England and the first stop is BRISTOL.

By now most of you will have received the newspaper “New Angle” telling about this event. This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to hear this great Evangelist so near to home – don't miss it!

Coaches will be going from Charfield and the surrounding villages, but hurry, seats are going fast. For further details please contact –

Mrs. Christine Gooch – xx Thames Close. 26xxxx
Mrs. Celia Wallace – xx Manor Lane. 26xxxx.

C.W.

10

By the time this letter goes into print, hopefully we will have enjoyed once more a successful Spring Fayre.

The money raised will be put towards the purchase of the School's second computer.

Thanks to everyone who helped us by contributing Jumble etc., and special thanks to the ladies who made handicrafts and cakes.

I am sure everyone will agree the posters for the Sale were really super, the top three junior classes took part in a competition to design and make the posters.

Looking ahead a little we are holding our second outdoor Folk Dance on JUNE 15th this proved a very enjoyable evening last year. More details will be available nearer to the day.

Sec. Margaret Lane.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES:-

1st. XI.

2nd XI

The Club has a very important 1st XI fixture on Tues. 10th April, at Berkeley in the semi-final of the Berkeley Hospital Cup – k.o. 6.30 p.m. The team will be very glad of support for this and all remaining Matches this season.

Both our sides are holding mid-table positions as the season draws to a close, since Christmas the 1st XI has had a run of indifferent results, and the 2nd XI having a poor run of results. The Club has been badly hit by injuries to players. No less than 8 players out of action, and we wish those still out a speedy recovery. The Club's Annual Dinner and Dance is to be held at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club on Friday 4th May with guest speaker – Mr. John George, ex headmaster of the local primary school and a member of the G.F.A. Council. Tickets are available for this function from any Club member, Railway Tavern, or myself, price £12.50 to include transport to and from the function. With the season drawing to a conclusion we would like to thank you for your support during the year and also thank the Playing Field Cttee. for the use of the changing facilities and pitch and also our sponsors for our playing strips.

DO NOT FORGET BERKELEY TUES. 10TH APRIL k.o. 6.30 p.m. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Martyn Munden. Secretary.
Falfield 26xxxx.

11

As yet another season draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity of expressing thanks to all those involved with the Club. First and foremost to all the boys, whether you have played for the reserves, the Under 12's or the Under 14's, you have all carried the flag for Charfield in a truly sportsmanlike fashion at all times. The Managers and Parents have been proud to be on the touch-line supporting you.

Thanks to the parents who have used their cars to get the boys to all their matches and for standing and supporting them no matter what the weather! Thanks also to those of you who have supported our fund-raising events, i.e. the Christmas Draw, the Skittles Evening at Leyhill, and the forthcoming end of season Disco, also being held at Leyhill.

Our very special thanks to the members of the committee who have kept the Club running through very difficult times (it's not easy with just 5 on the Committee), and the two Managers, Brian Lovegrove and Mike Davies – without these two very important people there would be no Junior Football Club. We all wish Mike the very best of luck in the future now that he is leaving us after so many years involvement one way and another.

Both teams have finished the season in good positions in the League, and although the Under 12's were beaten in the semi-finals of the Red Cross Cup by Cam they have lived to fight a second time in the semi-finals of the Recreation Cup by holding Yate St. Nicholas to a 0–0 draw.

The 16 boys who went to Bristol Rovers on 27th March enjoyed seeing them win 2–1 against Wigan, even though it was a cold, damp evening. Once again thanks dads for the use of your cars.

The Junior Football Club will be back hopefully training again ready for the next season early in August, so any boys wishing to join next year keep listening and watching the Newsletter for details.

J. Harvey – 26xxxx.

CHARFIELD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB – A MORE SERIOUS NOTE!

As Club Chairman and Under 14s team manager for the past season, also the 1983–84 season nearing its end I think this is an opportunity to voice to the parents of the community of Charfield whose boys would like to become members of the STROUD YOUTH LEAGUE that I am resigning both posts as above at the end of the current season.

I became involved with the Club purely by accident or by “just one of those things” that seem to happen in life. About 6 years ago, being a family man and having a son who then was a member of 1st Woodend Cub Pack, they ran a district Cub football tournament, run by Geoff Thomas with whom I became friends; he took over the Under 12's and I in turn took over the Cubs Football Team. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago Geoff's work took him and his family away from Charfield. I then ran the Under 12's. Brian Lovegrove then came along having two sons who enjoy football, and he has been active most of this season with the Under 14's. Now parents I am pleading with you just this once, Charfield Junior Football Club needs an Under 14's team manager, and also desperately needs more members on the committee. Do get involved; you make friends, your children make friends, and if you want an Under 14's football team in the village next season DON'T WAIT AND HOPE TO SEE IF SOMEONE COMES FORWARD – YOU ACT NOW. Contact Jenny Harvey, Falfield 26xxxx – Our Secretary.

12I would just add this – I have thoroughly enjoyed every Sunday as much as the boys. Maybe more, as most of the parents would tell you. They have stood on the line in all winds and weather throughout the winter months trying to encourage the boys, and I think the sense of humour from week to week seems to keep us all as young as the boys!

Finally, I want to thank all the parents, also Pete Hiller, Paul Bath, Laurence Taylor, Terry Webb, for running the line on several occasions, also parents helping out with transport. With good parents who take an interest in their family you always get good mannered and well behaved boys. So lads I would like to thank you for giving me so much enjoyment – without you we would not be able to enjoy our Sundays. I wish you all the best with your football, and just remember this fine commitment and enjoyment will get the right results.

Mike Davis. Under 14's Team Manager.

Reproduced below is a letter from a resident to the Editor of Wotton under Edge Gazette complaining about the price of heating oil supplied through the “central” system in this village. He has also written to Avon Oils Ltd., making a similar complaint, and we will be inviting them to reply in these pages at some future time. Your committee now believes that the time is ripe for some enquiries to be made of Shell as to the future of the system as there is reason to suppose that the agreement with the Development Company is nearing its expiry date. The end of this agreement if not renewed would mean that supplies would cease unless some other company or body took over and residents would be free of the restrictive covenants prohibiting the installation of oil storage tanks.

COPY LETTER

The Editor, Wotton-under-Edge Gazette. 19th March, 1984.

Dear Sir,

Having received the latest fuel oil bill at £100 for five weeks from Avon Oils Ltd., who supply in bulk to the Manor Lane Estate, I sought alternative prices for individual deliveries with the following results:-

	500 litres	900 litres
BP at Gloucester.	23p/l.	19p/l.
Butler, Gloucester	22p/l.	18.3p/l.
Hignell, Kingswood	18.7p/l.	18.15p/l

Thus Avon Oils who charge 26.02p/l are 43% higher than the best price shown in spite of the fact that Shell deliver direct into the bulk store and they also do not have to arrange deliveries to each house. By the deeds of the houses which preclude using individual supplies, the estate is a captive market and thus the prices being charged require serious justification. I suggest that accounts are settled at the rate of 18.15p/l.

Yours faithfully, etc. …

I recently had the pleasure of meeting our new Constable P.C. Williams, and he made a couple of points which will be of interest to readers:- (1) There is a shortage of Special Constables in the 13area so anyone who fancies becoming one should get in touch with him. (2) He would be glad to hear of any dangerous incidents at the railway bridge as a dossier of such events might if necessary be used to bring pressure on the Authorities. Of course this conversation took place before the improvements to the pavement had been completed but there may still be cause for concern.

I was recently the sole representative of the public at a special meeting of the Parish Council convened to discuss Charfield's destiny in Local Government, the background to which was given in the Revd. David Parker's admirable review in the January Newsletter. No corporate view was established and no vote taken, but I think a fair summary of the opinions expressed is that the posture was neutral or slightly anti any change and that detailed comparisons of similar services provided by the two authorities would be necessary before any decision could be made. The question as to whether such a time consuming exercise should be undertaken to be decided by ascertaining the views of local residents at the forthcoming Annual Parish Meeting.

At a recent meeting of the Residents Assoc. general committee there was similarly no consensus with several members taking the line that at present there is insufficient evidence on which to base a decision, but a majority feeling that the matter should be investigated and that as part of such an investigation spokesmen from the Authorities concerned should be obtained to give their views. It is true that any consideration of the matter by Boundary Commission may be some way off, but enquiries and campaigns of this nature take a long time to prepare and mount.

IT FOLLOWS, THEREFORE, THAT IF YOU THINK THAT A CHANGE OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MIGHT BE DESIRABLE YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR VIEWS AT THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, OR FAILING THIS IN WRITING TO THE PARISH COUNCIL OR OTHERWISE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS PROPOSITION PROPERLY INVESTIGATED MAY WELL GO BY DEFAULT.

Hon. Sec. G.E. Blower.

Pram Service has changed afternoon to avoid clashing with Play Group. We have taken the opportunity to change venue and time as well.

We now meet on TUESDAY afternoons in my home xx MANOR LANE, at 2.30 p.m. simply for practical reasons of heating, comfort etc. Please feel free to join in any Tuesday afternoon during term time.

We are informal and I hope welcoming and I try to provide something thought provoking for the mothers and some singing for the children.

Patricia Martin.

14

Everyone in the village should have received a leaflet with information concerning SPORTS DAY and forthcoming attractions. In case you missed it, here is a reminder of dates to remember:-

Please come along and support these events.

Work is due to start on the playing field. There is a great deal to do and we are relying on volunteers to help us build a mound, turf it and erect the new slide. That is just the start, so if anyone is willing to help, or has access to equipment that will make our job easier, we would be very grateful. Days and times when the work will be done will be put on the notice board outside the Hall.

Linda Stares.

A poem received from one who wishes to remain Anon.

I think the Hall Committee
Must be praised for what they've achieved.
The Halloween Dance was a great success,
No one wanted to leave.

The Hall, it looked terrific
Bob Lusty, as always, was great
With all Charfield's “odd folk” attending
This must be a regular date.

The triumphant Family Disco
Could this set a new trend?
Everyone enjoyed the music and games,
The children kept on till the end.

We “dosi doe'd” at the Barn Dance,
In check shirts and Jeans we looked grand.
We danced and changed partners with everyone there
Good supper, good bar, and great band.

Jumble Sales, Boot Sales, Craft Fair,
Selling things you don't find in shops,
And I haven't yet mentioned the Wriggle-O,
This year must be the tops.

15

The A.G.M. was held on the 25th March 1984, when I inherited the “crown” from Marilyn and the new committee vowed to work breathlessly hard on behalf of all Young Wives.

May I welcome the new committee and thank the “old” committee for preparing the lovely supper that was available for only £1.00 great value! Also a big thank you to the Hall Management Committee for running the bar. It is so much more enjoyable when you haven 't the worry of returning empty glasses early next morning.

Our next meeting to be held on the 19th APRIL is a serious talk on the problems of rape, given by Sgt. Cousins, the Crime Prevention Officer, Staple Hill Police Station. Although this may not appeal to all members I feel sure this talk, and possibly a film, will prove interesting.

MAY 2nd. is our COFFEE MORNING with various Stalls, including cakes, plants, tombola, guest stall, toys etc. Bingo starts 11.0. a.m. sharp. Members' support would be appreciated with either a cake and/or tombola.

Dates also to remember:-

MAY 17th	British Red Cross Society. Talk on First Aid and Accident Prevention.
JUNE 21st.	Potato Cookery demonstration.
JULY 14th	Sports Day & Village Fair.
JULY 19th	Cold Sweets and Gateaux – Demonstration.

As you can see the programme for the year promises to be both varied and interesting. Why not come and join us, bring a friend (or two). Our yearly subscription is £1.00 and our monthly meetings are 30p, visitors 50p. All new members will be made most welcome.

Before closing my first contribution to the Newsletter may I congratulate the Hall Management Committee on the fine job they have made of the kitchen – a delight to work in.

We look forward to an enjoyable year ahead and our meetings being well attended.

Estelle Johnson. Tel. 26xxxx.
Chair-lady.

Our first outing in 1984 to the Pantomime at the Bristol Hippodrome was voted a success and enjoyed by all. It was a lovely spectacular Show.

Entertainment at our meetings so far has again been varied and enjoyable. Singing some of the old songs, bingo, a talk, slides of Egypt (by one of our members). The School children led by Mr. Malpass gave a selection of songs and recorder recitals. Games – again organised by a member. So far we have welcomed two new members.

Our A.G.M. is on Wednesday MAY 2nd. A date for your diaries – Wednesday MAY 16th – “Bring & Buy” commencing at 2.30 p.m. Everyone welcome.

We have various Stalls including – Cakes, Grocery, Nearly New, White Elephant, Jumble, and of course, Refreshments at a reasonable price. Do come along and support us.

A Happy Easter to all readers of the Newsletter.

C.M. Woodlands.
Chair-lady.

16

It seems slightly ridiculous to begin by talking about Christmas, but having missed the January Newsletter we thought we ought to thank everybody who contributed to the “Carol Lorry” collection. Once again it was a magnificent effort raising £105, and the proportion of the takings sent to Blue Peter was gratefully acknowledged.

We said goodbye to Steve Carrow in January and welcome Will Harris as our new Chairperson. The village must be expanding again as we also welcome Sally Griffins to the team to take charge of the two new afternoon sessions until the end of this Summer.

We started the ball rolling this term with our Annual Jumble Sale, where does it all come from?! Many of those who helped to raise the shillings on that occasion enjoyed knocking down skittles at the Berkeley Vale Hotel, on a Saturday evening in March.

Our fund raising events have as always been well attended and successful. As well as many small purchases, this year our main objective is to buy a new bookcase and a cassette player for music, dance and stories. The Summer term promises to be a busy and enjoyable time of year. In addition to our annual Coach Trip and Children's Stalls on Sports & Gala Day, Playgroup is also holding a sponsored knit and joining the Wotton Hey Day traditional Fayre, with its own Cake Stall.

Enquiries are being made into the possibility of running a course to train Playgroup Supervisors in the Village. Anyone interested should contact Pat Martin, Falfield 26xxxx or Carol Tarry, Falfield 26xxxx.

Finally, anyone who wishes to put their child's name on the Play Group waiting list should contact me –

Liz Armstrong, Dursley 84xxxx.

Are you interested in the fundamentals of stage?

ACTING, DIRECTION, STAGE HAND, MAKE-UP, SETS, LIGHTING.

During the last few months I have had several young students attending a Class in my home. They are very enthusiastic, and we have planned to entertain the Friendship Club in Charfield with a sketch and a Musical number.

Ages range from 6 yrs. upwards. If I can get more students interested I will move to the Hall, and bigger and better things, with a view to encouraging a Junior Drama Group.

Anyone interested? Please contact Mrs. O. Holloway, Falfield 26xxxx for further information.

O. Holloway.

Meeting place – Dursley Town Hall

The Committee of the above Circle would be pleased to welcome anyone who is interested in the making of home-made Wine. We have lectures and Demonstrations on both the making of wine and cooking with wine. In addition we hold several Social Evenings each year to which members can invite their friends. Should you be interested please contact –

Mr. S.D. Talbot, “xxxx” x New St.
Charfield tel. 84xxxx.

17

The Government instituted Lovelock Report, which received the working of the National Assoc. of Citizens Advice Bureaus in February of this year, stated that the C.A.B. is an invaluable national asset which, because it relies predominantly on volunteer workers, provides excellent value for money and should be supported by both national and local government.

They also reported that they were particularly impressed by the information service which is completely up-to-date and which is widely admired by bureaus and outside C.A.B. service.

This year the 900 C.A.B.s throughout the country dealt with 5 million queries and in this small area of Wotton Bureau alone, although only opening one day per week, answered around 600 queries, many of these in-depth cases of matrimonial difficulties, rent, rates, Social Services and D.H.S.S. among others – about one quarter of these were from Charfield.

It is not generally known that we can help with simple legal questions and advise on legal aid before referring a client to a solicitor, thus saving time and money.

We hope to erect shortly finger posts at the Rope Walk end of Long Street, Wotton, giving directions to the C.A.B. office in the Chippings, for the benefit of visitors to Wotton who often want local information.

The Citizens Advice Bureau are extremely grateful to the Charfield Parish Council for their continued support in 1984 and we trust the service will be widely used by every member of the community, not only the O.A.P.s and Friendship Club, which is regularly visited, but by the young people in the village who may be in need of help and advice.

The Wotton under Edge Bureau is open every Tuesday from 10.0. a.m. to 1.0 p.m. in the Town Clerk's Office, The Chippings, Telephone Dursley 84xxxx. The Stroud C.A.B. opens each day from 10.0. a.m. to 4.0 p.m. Tele. Stroud 2xxx.

Jean McGonnigill.
(Organiser)

This pack meets on Tues. evenings in Charfield Memorial Hall, and is made up of boys mainly from Charfield, but also includes about half-a-dozen from our neighbouring villages of Kingswood, Cromhall and Wickwar.

This year the pack had a most enjoyable visit to see Cinderella at the Bristol Hippodrome – four of the cubs “joining in” on the stage. In this year's Severn Vale District chess and draughts competition our boys finished in third position overall.

To avoid disappointment please don't wait until your son is eight years old – get his name down early.

Adults! If you would like to help with cubs or scouts just contact any of our leaders.

A.M.T. Booth – AKELA

18

Evergreens can be transplanted in showery weather. Move as big a root and soil-ball as possible to reduce the check to growth, and syringe over regularly with water to reduce moisture loss.

Lawns. Sow grass seed on well prepared soil for new lawns and re-seed bare patches once the surface has been scratched over and a little fresh soil worked into the area.

A general lawn fertilizer should be evenly spread at this time. When weeds are growing rapidly is a good time to apply selective weed-killers. If a fertilizer is used at the same time use a soluble one. Rapid growth demands regular mowing for the best lawn.

Chocolate Marble Cake

8 oz. butter or margarine.
8 oz. caster sugar.
3 eggs.
12 oz. self-raising flour.
pinch of salt.
7 fl. oz. milk.
1 oz. cocoa.

Method

Cream together butter and sugar.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
Fold in the flour and salt, and the milk.
Divide the mixture into two bowls, add the cocoa to one and mix well.
Spoon mixtures alternately into a prepared 8 inch cake tin to get the “marbled” effect.

Bake 160°C (325°F) mark 3 for 1½ hours until well risen. Cool and turn onto a cake rack.

Don't let us forget, especially at this time of year the Country Code.

Most farmers have no real objection to “strays” from the footpaths walking across their fields in the winter, but they do insist on their rights when they are preparing their fields for hay! So let's all remember this with due respect. Perhaps dog owners are the worst culprits!

Our recent sponsored knitting session proved to be successful and I would like to thank everyone who helped to take part in this fund raising effort.

Our meetings seem to be enjoyed by all and the toddlers meeting at Mrs. Storey's baby clinic are very popular indeed!

All new mums and toddlers are welcome so please don't hesitate to come along and join us. Our meetings are held from 10.15 a.m. to 11.45 and a list of dates for toddler and clinic meetings are available upon request. May I take this opportunity to thank all those who have kindly donated toys to our Group.

Secretary – Ann Salter Dursley 84xxxx.

19

Quite recently we celebrated our 56th Birthday with a party prepared and organised by the committee. All who attended expressed thanks and appreciation for a splendid evening with super refreshments. You may have already seen the cake cutting ceremony in the local paper!

Members of our W.I. went earlier in the month to Hawkesbury Upton W.I. to their Edwardian Evening, and two representatives attended the Spring Council Meeting at Thornbury.

Unfortunately, the trip to Frogmore Gardens, Windsor, mentioned in the last Newsletter has been cancelled as a coach pass for the Car Park was not available to us for May 2nd, and as our Group Rally is to be held in Charfield Village Hall the next day (May 3rd) we could not accept that date instead. I hope this hasn't caused disappointment to some.

On the 14th April we shall be selling cakes etc., on our Cake Stall at the Craft Market in the Village Hall in aid of N.S.P.C.C. So please do your best to support us by providing cakes or coming along to buy!

On Saturday May 19th we are having a Jumble Sale at 10.0. a.m. in the Foundation Room at the Primary School. Once again your support will be much appreciated.

We are always glad to welcome new members at our meetings, the second Thursday in each month, when we have an interesting Speaker, friendly chats together with coffee/tea and cake. Why not come and join us?

Joyce Hutley. President.

It has been brought to our notice that “naughty” teenagers are using the Church-Yard at Churchend as a play area! This is consecrated ground and means a great deal to many of the residents of Charfield. It is an offence which MUST be stopped, and if it doesn't serious action must be taken. PARENTS – please note!

The golden Ash kindly donated 2 years ago by a local resident to enhance the appearance of the Village Hall, has recently been “severed” by vandals! Maybe this was a thoughtless act, but serious action could be taken if the culprits of this nature are discovered. A careful watch is being kept on both these areas of the Village mentioned in this Newsletter, so again, PARENTS please take note!

R.G.

The tennis season is about to start and those of you aiming for Wimbledon this year had better get practising. To assist your game the court is being resurfaced and will be ready for use by mid-April.

The club committee would like to extend a welcome to new and old members. Subscriptions should be paid to Mrs. A. Stoakes (tel. 26xxxx) or Mrs. S. Scoble (Tel. 26xxxx) as soon as possible.

Subscriptions – Adult £8. Husband/wife £15. Junior £3. Family £18.

It is hoped to organise an American tournament in May followed by both singles and doubles tournaments later in the Summer. Our next meeting will be held on Wed. 2nd May at 8.00, xx Manor Lane. Please come along. If you wish to know more about the tennis club please contact me –

S. Scoble. Secretary.

20

As many of you are aware this is a very important year for K.L.B. School – our six-centenary year. The target for the year is to raise enough money to purchase a Mini-bus for the School, which we know will prove a tremendous asset for such things as sports matches, educational trips and so on. Raising the sum of money needed will prove quite a challenge and pupils have already taken part in numerous sponsored events. The P.T.A. are themselves organising many events to help swell the funds. Included is a Wine Tasting Evening on Friday May 4th, Keep Fit Rally on Saturday June 16th and a Medieval Fayre on Saturday July 7th.

We are also trying to contact as many old “Berkeleyans” as possible to enable us to organise a reunion. If you know of anyone please let either the school, myself, or any of the Charfield representatives know. Representatives are:-

Mrs. Carol Tarry, xx Wotton Rd. Falfield 26xxxx
Mrs. Jackie Swallow, xx Station Rd. Durs. 84xxxx
Mrs. Sue Jonas, xx Manor Lane. Falfield 26xxxx

A history of the school has been written by a former headmaster Mr. E. Hornsby, and the present head of the history department, Mr. P. Griffin. The book covers the 600 years of the school and a limited edition is planned. Again, anyone interested in purchasing a copy please contact any P.T.A. member or the school.

On behalf of the school and P.T.A. I ask you for your support during this memorable year.

Margaret Clark. (Fal. 26xxxx)
Vice-Chairman.

I am pleased to say that the dancing classes in Charfield Hall are progressing very well. The children seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves and what's more they are improving too!

The number of pupils has kept up well, but there is still room for any other interested children. The classes are in Ballet Modern & Disco at the moment, and cater for an age group from 3½–14. (Thursdays between 4–7 p.m.) For further details please 'phone 26xxxx after 4.0 p.m.

Mavis Campbell.

Ladies Keep Fit/Dance Class in the Foundation Room at the Primary School. 8. p.m. to 9.0 p.m. Wednesdays.

Beginners are welcome – age 16–60 (even with two left feet!) Price 80p per week.

For further details 'phone 26xxxx after 4.0 p.m.

Mavis Campbell.

Buttercups and daisies,
Oh, the pretty flowers;
Coming ere the Springtime
To tell of sunny hours.

M. Howitt.

21

Chairman: D.S. Bradley, xx New St. Charfield. Durs. 84xxxx.
Secretary: A. Roulstone, The Plough, Charfield. Durs. 84xxxx.
Treasurer: A. Pearn, x Katherine Close, Charfield. Fal. 26xxxx.
Fixture Secretary: J. Cliff, xx Jubilee Drive, Thornbury. Thornbury 41xxxx.

First XI. M. Munden, xxxx House, Falfield. 26xxxx.
Second XI. R. Alexander, x Wotton Rd. Kingswood. Durs. 84xxxx.
Sunday XI. N. Bennett, x Wotton Rd. Charfield.
Youth XI. M. Hutley, x Old Manor Close, Fal. 26xxxx.

The fixture list has been completed, the indoor practice is coming to an end and we hope that the weather will continue to be generally mild so that we can get outside and begin preparing our ground. It will be a long season from April 15th to Sept. 22nd, but here are one or two dates that are especially important –

Sun. April 15th – Woodpeckers. First home match for the new Sunday XI Skipper Nicky Bennett.
Sat. April 28th – R.A.F. Innsworth: Barclays ICI. First league fixtures of 1984. A tough start for Martin Munden's team against the league champions of the last 3 years. The Second XI will be seeing lots of new faces in the recently formed Division 5.
Sun. May 6th – Chipping Sodbury. First youth XI game for new Captain Matthew Hutley, with a team of mixed ages, but one now with several years league experience.
Sun. May 27th (28, 29). Devon Tour: Babbacombe, Stoke Gabriel and Exeter. Obviously good weather is essential to complement all the hard work that has gone into organising and funding the project.
Sun. June 3rd & Sun. Aug. 26th Monk's Kirby (Leicestershire)
Sun. July 29th President's XI.
Sun. Aug. 19th Frocester: A new fixture against a village side which has been most successful in village cricket circles and has recently installed an artificial cricket surface.
Sun. Sept. 9th Wotton. The second of two fixtures against our neighbours fixtures which were restored last season.
Sat. Sept. 22nd Beechwood. This fixture despite its lateness in the season has always been blessed with lovely weather. It is a charming setting just north of Usk (Gwent).

If you are considering becoming a playing member the fees are as follows:-

Senior Member £7.50. Junior Member £2.50.
Match fees – Senior Member £1.00. Junior Member 30p.

The selection committee makes every effort to give as many people a game of cricket as is possible. This year also the club practice sessions have been organised, again to allow members to have a thorough workout, by having:-

Tuesday evenings: 6.15 – 8.15 p.m. Seniors only.
Friday evenings: 6.15 – 8.15 p.m. Youths only.

There are two nets available on an artificial carpeting supported by a concrete base. This year the nets will both have a roof so that there is a minimum of inconvenience to those on the field and those walking nearby. In my experience these are net facilities which will allow players to practice seriously on a surface which gives even bounce, although slightly quicker than our grass wickets. In addition each team has a well furnished kit bag and most matches begin with a new (or nearly new) ball. All in all we hope that anyone who joins will consider he gets value for money and that 22he will find a place in one of our teams. Perhaps one thing to say to new (or to old) members is that the Selection Committee, which is made up of Captains and Secretary, do need to know when you are available and when you are not available. This is a delicate business, which probably benefits from a careful look at your diary, and a telephone call to the Captain involved.

All that's left to do is to get down to practice and playing, and by the time this newsletter appears I am sure that the season will be well under-way. I can only wish the Captains the very best of luck and say that we will be pleased to see any new faces in the nets and on the team sheets.

David S. Bradley.
Chairman.

Dear Mums,

Hello, how are you all? At long last the Spring has arrived, and the lovely light nights.

We haven't any mum's names on the hot list at the moment so if any mums are short of washers just let me know.

I'd like to welcome you all to a new mum: Mrs. Ilze Hicks. She lives at xxx Manor Lane and her number is 26xxxx.

Reading back over the last few Newsletters, I feel like a right old parrot! I seem to write the same old lines. Still I suppose it proves that the Circle is holding its own. No one seems to have any complaints. So I'll sign off now – Rosa's hanging on for me again! Best wishes,

Marilyn. 26xxxx.

Police: P.C. Ian Williams, Police House, 58 Wotton Rd. Durs. 84xxxx
Electricity: M.E.B. Severn Vale District Office, C. Sodbury C.S. 21xxxx
Water: Bristol Waterworks Co. head office Bristol 66xxxx (faults outside office hours) freefone 9xx
Avon Oils: Unit 1 Avonbridge Estate Avonmouth 98xxxx. Boiler maintenance & Emergency Wells 0xxx. Account Queries 7xxxx
Citizens Advice Bureau: Mrs. J. McGonnigill, The Chippings, Wotton-u-Edge Dur 84xxxx

This Newsletter is published and produced by Charfield Residents Association.

Editor/Typist – Rosa Gunning.

Duplicated by Mr. Buttler, x Thames Close.

Distribution organised by – Mr. Michael Cheskin, xx Farm Leas. Durs. 84xxxx, who will be pleased to hear from any volunteers.

23

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT PLEASE CONTACT – R. GUNNING, (Editor) xx MANOR LANE, CHARFIELD. Fal. 26xxxx.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 23 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 and Julia O'Connor-Beach.

Last update: 2016-12-08.