CHADRA

Regretfully in this issue attention has had to be drawn to the danger of both cycling and skating in the Village, also it has been brought to our notice on two occasions recently that trees and shrubs which have grown rapidly this year are causing a nuisance by overhanging some of the foot-paths in Charfield.

This is something which probably occurs without the owners of the properties concerned being aware of the hazards caused. So many of us these days use use cars to leave home rather than our feet! Thereby inadvertently forgetting passers-by using the footpaths. If this does apply please take heed for the sake of the children and the elderly who could have an accident due to overhanging trees etc. on our public paths.

Could all parents please note that as from 7th OCTOBER the Mound on the Playing Field will be out of bounds to ALL children and their bikes. This is due to the fact that it will have been seeded ready for the new Chute to be erected shortly after Christmas.

You will read on following pages about the Associations Annual General Meeting, and we hope as many as possible will come along on November 7th, and suggest some new names to join the Committee.

Remember this is your Newsletter in which you are free to express your views or requests, so put on your thinking caps in time for the next issue in January 1985!

Rosa Gunning
Editor.

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE NOW – the LAST DAY FOR ARTICLES FOR THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER IS

WEDNESDAY 9th JANUARY.

Many thanks to all those contributors who get them to me at xx MANOR LANE, (phone 26xxxx) before the last day.

R.G.

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

2

Hello again!

Well, our wonderful Summer has finally come to an end. Dry roads, clear skies and the good driving conditions we have enjoyed over the past few months have sadly gone with it. NOW is the time to CHECK your LIGHTS, TYRES, and the general road-worthiness of your vehicles, and don't forget your anti-freeze!

As you know in August I did cycle-coding in Charfield and 91 people turned up to have their bicycles post-coded at the Police Station. If you were on holiday or missed this for any other reason, don't worry, I will be providing this service again during the Autumn and after Christmas for anyone who wishes to come along.

With the prospect of darker mornings and evenings please don't forget the basics of crime prevention. We are easily accessible to the undesirable elements in Society, as the recent robbery at the Post Office unfortunately proved. If you need any advice please don't hesitate to call me.

Now let's deal with the complaints I have received.

Double yellow lines around the Village have been painted there for a reason, especially those outside the Post Office. You are only allowed to park on these for loading and unloading your vehicles, not for any other reasons. I have cautioned a number of people with reference to this offence, and I will have to take more positive action if it continues. On the subject of parking, we have many families with children in the Village, and the safest place for them to walk is on the pavement. I have again received numerous complaints that due to people parking their vehicles on pavements (which is an offence) people have had to walk into the road to get past. With our busy road this is dangerous and I will be following up this complaint.

Again on the subject of footpaths, it appears that some of the older children (who should know better) think that these footpaths are for them to cycle on, often at the break-neck speeds especially around by the shops. If they want to take a short-cut through the estate, or want to get to the play-area then bikes must be pushed. Parents please speak to your children about this problem as again if this continues I will have to report them.

Christmas is coming. Are you thinking of an air-gun for your child? This is a “lethal-barrelled weapon”, and as recent reports in the papers have proved these weapons can kill. If you are considering or have been asked for one of these weapons I have an excellent FREE pamphlet called “GUN SENSE IS GOOD SENSE” which will give a good insight on how to safely use these weapons and I can advise on aspects of the Law. Again, I am always available if you need me for advice.

All that remains to be said is, take care on the roads, keep the footpaths clear to walk on, and remember, when driving in heavy rain or fog use DIPPED HEADLIGHTS and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT!

Have a safe and secure Autumn, and I look forward to seeing you around the Village.

Ian Williams P.C. 2737,
Charfield Police Station.
Tel. Dursley 84xxxx

3

The 11th Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at the National School Foundation Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday November 7th.

An agenda incorporating a nomination form for membership of the Committee is being distributed with this Newsletter. Completed forms should be returned to the Hon. Secretary by October 31st, but nominations can be made at the Meeting.

ATTENTION IS DRAWN TO THE FACT THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING P.C. IAN WILLIAMS WILL BE GIVING A TALK ON CRIME PREVENTION.

No further information has been received from Shell U.K. about the future of the central oil supply in the Village. No doubt they are having difficulty in contacting the “Lessor” i.e. the original developer to whom they are contracted. They will be reminded from time to time.

As it appears that there has been some misapprehension on the matter may I make clear that apart from small children on children's bikes CYCLING ON FOOTPATHS IS AN OFFENCE. This occurs most frequently on the paths leading from the play area and in front of the shops, and Police Constable has this problem very much in mind so please be warned. In similar vein I would ask parents of children large and small to warn them against riding straight out of footpaths into roads without due care. Several incidents of this kind have been noted during the Summer holidays, which could have resulted in serious injury or death. This to some extent applies to skate boards and even children running. Manor Lane is the most dangerous and will become more so when it becomes a “through road” in the not too distant future.

In the early Summer Keith Smith found it necessary to resign from the Committee in the light of the pressure of his other activities. The Committee thanks him for his service and wishes to record it's appreciation of his achievements on behalf of the Village as Chairman of the Hall Management Committee.

G.R. Blower.
Hon. Sec.

Extract from Radar Bulletin July – p.8.

Mrs. Lynda Chalker M.P. Minister of State for Transport, is supporting a campaign against the thoughtless and dangerous use of pavements by motorists and cyclists.

The National Pavement Campaign is run by the National Federation of the Blind and is intended to draw attention to the hazards that can confront blind and partially sighted people, and physically handicapped as well as able-bodied people, in their daily use of pavements.

P. Ellis.

4

At the last meeting of the Parish Council, the Council accepted with regret the resignation of Councillor Mrs Sue Barrance. Mrs Barrance has been a Councillor for more than 8 years and her contribution will be missed. The relevant notices regarding a ‘Casual Vacancy’ have been erected and the outcome will be publicised in due course.

The Holiday Playscheme held during the summer holidays was very successful. The Council's thanks go to Play Leaders Mrs Anna Hart and Mrs Janet Armstrong-Smith and to other Playscheme Committee Members. It would not be possible to run the scheme without the conscientious help of parents and the teenagers who helped every day. Particular thanks also go to P.C. Williams, Mrs Mullard, Mr Philip Marsh and Mrs Sue Barrance who provided additional interests which captured the children's attention.

Bicycles on footpaths are causing the Parish Council concern. It is a hazard to pedestrians, some of whom may not be very nimble on their feet and it is against the law for bicycles to be ridden on footpaths. P.C. Williams carried out cycle proficiency training earlier in the year but there are a great many children with bicycles not all of whom will have received such training. The Council asks all parents to ensure that they and their children are aware of the Highway Code and ride bicycles with care.

Another hazard to pedestrians is the number of trees which overhang the footpaths – a particular nuisance at this time of year after the summer growth. If you have a tree or bush near the footpath please ensure that it is not causing an obstruction.

Northavon District Council has informed the Parish Council of an extension of their Tree Planing Scheme. At present a 60% grant is available for trees which enhance both public and private areas. In addition 50% grant will be available to promote planting in more ‘open’ areas of countryside. Contact Miss Cooke at Chipping-Sodbury 31xxxx Extension 262 if you are interested.

Clerk to the Council

Despite the official sounding title, you don't have to be a good or even experienced player to join us. We desperately need more players to make our regular booking, 7.15 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the K.L.B. Sports Hall economic. Transport is arranged. If you are interested please contact Julie Hillier at xxxx House – Falfield 26xxxx or Miriam Ealey at x Berkeley Close – Falfield 26xxxx.

5

Having spent my childhood and youth in Charfield I have been given the opportunity to write of those days so here are a few of my memories!

Waking up early in the morning one could hear the pleasant ringing and clanging sounds of the milk churns nearly anywhere in Charfield. These churns full of milk were being delivered by hauliers and farmers from farms around the neighbouring villages to Watsome Bridge Milk Depot in Charfield. It was in the early 1940's, during the war, that Watsome Bridge Factory had quite a different use which was packaging of tea. After the second World War when the tea packaging plant closed down the factory was eventually used for printing. This continued until about 1960, when the process moved to a new factory on the same site as the Cotswold Collotype Co., Britannia Mills, Wotton-under-Edge. According to records about 1985 a famous Victorian photographer, Mr. Francis Frith, started a Company in Charfield Mills to produce post-cards by Collotype. It was in 1907 he decided to close down and then a new Company was formed, The Cotswold Publishing Co., who continued printing post-cards, brochures and prints until 1916, when it moved to Britannia Mills, Wotton-under-Edge. After that date the Mill was used for elastic weaving, then more printing. Later it was used for making pins and hair pins from steel, iron and brass.

Charfield was always a busy place with workers coming in from all the neighbouring Villages by foot, cycle and train.

The Mill next to the Pin Mill, situated over the Little Avon was called the Bone Mill, and here bone knitting needles were made (hence the name). Bones used to come in by the sack-full, were boiled and bleached, cut in strips and turned to the correct size knitting needles. For the 12″ needles these had to be spliced. Bones were also used for making crochet hooks, bodkins and tatting needles. Also in the Bone Mill wooden knitting needles and various other types of needles were made. The power used to drive the machinery in the early days was derived from a huge water wheel supplemented by a steam engine.

I must at this stage mention the railway, the hub of excitement with shunting trucks of coal etc., every morning coming into the sidings to be unloaded. Passenger trains stopped at Charfield and 'buses from Wotton came to meet them.

I can well remember going to collect the Sunday morning papers off the 8.50 Bristol to Gloucester train. Newsagents from Wotton too used to collect their papers from Charfield.

There were hundreds of pigeons to be let loose from their baskets which were unloaded off the train most Sunday mornings, and it was quite a sight to see the porters setting the birds free.

Huge express trains thundered through the Station and what a sight on a dark night – smoke, sparks and steam, rushing from the funnels and the roaring fire inside when the fireman was stoking to keep up the steam. One could always tell the time by these expresses and stopping trains.

Our Annual Sunday School Outing was a big day. We went to Weston by train – a special train calling at Coaley, Charfield and Wickwar. The down platform used to be overflowing into the Station yard with boys, girls, mothers and fathers and Sunday School teachers. We always had three or four carriages reserved for us with the name of the School.

Then cane 6the Brick Works. I cannot remember the exact date, but I do remember the steeple-jacks coming to build huge chimneys and kilns to enable cavity blocks and tiles to be made. The clay for these was dug in the Copse and transferred to the mixers at the Brick Works by overhead buckets to clear the Railway lines.

As I remember the services – the postman used to call about 7.15 a.m. the milkman soon after. A man used to call for grocery orders from Wotton every Tuesday, and the goods were delivered on Thursday. Fresh bread was baked each morning in the Village and then delivered. The weekend joints were delivered on Saturdays from Wotton, about the same time a man came delivering paraffin, pots, pans, crockery and all household utensils. If needed one could buy a bungalow bath!

Those were the days when one could step over the stile by the side of the Church and walk across the field to the Manor. On a Summer Saturday afternoon one could watch a game of Cricket. I believe the Pavilion was just about half way along the road now leading to the houses by the Church. If the wicket was in the right place a good six was over the Church roof!

In the evenings I remember sitting on the fence of The Tavern orchard watching the men playing quoits. Up the Robins! Up the Robins! what thrilling, exciting football games were played on the Horsford Road ground. Also, who can forget the Season 1938–39 when the “Robins” were winners of the G.F.A. Northern Junior Cup, together with other trophies.

An Annual Event was the Charfield Fete and Flower Show, which was held in the field opposite the Gun Pits, down Mill Lane. There were very large marquees filled with vegetables, flowers, honey, cakes etc. As boys we used to watch the Fair come – huge traction engines breathing and snorting smoke and steam, towing 2, 3 or 4 trucks of Roundabouts, Swings, Over Dovers and Side-Shows (no dodgems in those early days).

On the Saturday afternoon the running events took place for boys and girls, also horse jumping and bands playing beneath the shade of the tree in the middle of the field. After everything was won – or lost – came the Fair in the evening. When it was dusk and dark, swings on the swings, rides on the roundabouts, and the steam express trains thundered past with all whistles blowing.

What a nice way to end the day, and also a few of my memories of Charfield in the twenties and thirties.

Lawford Smith.

We are grateful to Mr. Lawford Smith for his contribution to our series on old Charfield.

There must be many more people who have interesting memories to relate of Charfield's past history. Please don't be shy come on let us hear from you.

R.G. Editor.

7

My last few words last time were, “Is any-one interested in running (or helping to run) a Choir?” No one has put up their hand or put a note through my letter-box to say “Yes!” Pity! Is there any-one who would be interested in sometimes playing a very simple organ? If you can play a keyboard instrument you could manage our little Organ. If it were just occasionally it would help: or if you could just be called on in an emergency, it would help. (We have such an emergency at the time of writing this). Many of you know that I have to play myself most of the time. While I enjoy playing, it is very hectic for me sometimes to have to rush around from Organ to Pulpit, arriving in the latter sometimes rather breathless for the very important privilege of having to speak to others of things that need a quiet mind. I am NOT grumbling but there are important occasions when to be able to devote all my energy to my main task would be helpful.

By the time you receive this, we shall have had our Harvest Thanksgiving Services and also for the first time a Harvest Supper. Over 70 people had tickets and it was a fine evening of fun and fellowship. If you missed it (it was well advertised) you will only have about eleven and a half months to wait for the next one!

Remembrance Day this year in on Sunday the 11th of November, which was the fixed date of the original Remembrance Day. There will be an act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 10.55 (in time for the 11.00 a.m. two minutes silence) and this will be followed by a short Service in Church to which all are welcome. The United Service that we have later the same day will be held this year at the Congregational Church at 3.00 p.m.

We are holding this year for the first time a Christingle Service especially for children on Sunday the 2nd December at 3.30 p.m. The ‘props’ for this are oranges and candles and we hope the children of Charfield will support it and bring their mums and dads. The theme will be “Children of the World” – especially the less fortunate ones, and the collection will be for the Church of England Children's Society. The oranges and candles WILL BE PROVIDED.

Our Church Service of lessons and carols will be, as usual, on the Sunday before Christmas, at 3.00 p.m. We invite you all to join us on this very special occasion; an invitation which is also extended to our Midnight Mass which starts at 11.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, or our Christmas Day Eucharist at 10.0 a.m. Christmas again – it's hard to believe! May the spirit of joy and peace be in your hearts at all times.

Kenneth G. Grant.
Rector.

Sundays –	Family Service 11.00 a.m.
	Evening Worship 6.00 p.m. – until November then afternoon Worship 3.00 p.m.
Tuesday –	Bright Hour 3.00 p.m. (fortnightly)

Why not come and join us? any enquiries to Miss. M. Turner, xx The Green, Charfield. Falfield 26xxxx.

I nothing lack – The Lord will provide. He creates life in darkness, bringing the seed out of the soil, the bird out of the egg, the child out of the womb. He cares for all His creatures, and tends them as a shepherd tends his flock. He bestows upon me all that is necessary for health of body and soul. If I pray believing, the Lord will hear my prayer and meet my need for I belong to Him. The good shepherd does not neglect his sheep, ask of him, “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things”.

M. Turner

8

For those of you who managed to come along on Saturday I'm sure you will agree that our Auction was a huge success with an overall profit of about £150. From every article sold, one third went to Hall funds. Here I must thank John Scoble for an excellent performance calculating everyone's financial gains to the last penny!

Rod Jones I'm sure must have had weight training: with the help of John Poskett even the heaviest convector heater was lifted high above our heads. Thank you! I cannot write this article without mentioning the girls who helped. One thing I will not do is mention them individually. I'm sure to leave someone out. They all worked marvellously taking in the items, listing and finally distributing at the end of the day, and of course, provided everyone with delicious tea, coffee and cakes.

Since Saturday, a few people have said that they wished they had come along or entered items in the Auction, well you can be assured that we will hold another.

I expect you have seen the signs posted around the Village regarding the Play Area, well if you can help on either 6th or 7th October, we will be most grateful. The mound will be seeded ready for the new slide and also new swings will be erected. If you are a dab hand with a paint brush and could spare some time, please come.

On the subject of painting thanks must go to Jan. Hall for her efforts putting a “new face” on the Hall.

Keith Smith.
Chairman.

CYCLING ON THE PLAYING FIELD.

Please remember that cycling on the Playing Field is not allowed. Several instances of cycling on the field have been reported recently and parents are asked to remind their children not to no this.

The rule about cycling was introduced for the safety of people using the field for games and other leisure activities – please respect it.

TO ALL DOG OWNERS.

I seek your co-operation with a problem that is causing concern amongst the Management Committee and which is annoying to parents of young children. That is dogs fouling the Playing Field. The rule is no dogs allowed on the field, and I ask please can you exercise your dog elsewhere not on the Playing Field.

Margaret Clarke,
Secretary. Hall Management Cttee.

Dear Mums,

Hello I hope you are all keeping well. We have a new mum in the Circle – she is Janet Williams of xx Underhill Road – her 'phone number is 26xxxx.

Also, Claudette Lusty has left the Village. On behalf of the 9Circle I would like to wish her, Bob and their children every happiness in their new home. Claudette came to see me before they moved to say she would, of course, be leaving the Circle and that they are expecting another baby. So that's lovely news to put in my article.

I shall be distributing individual slips to advise you about Janet and Claudette, just in case anyone misses my Baby Sitting news – the Jean Rook of Charfield!

Last year Jane Higgins had a great idea. We all met with our social calendars to book each other for the forthcoming festivities.

If anyone is desperate to hold this meeting please let me know. We all pay 10p for coffee so it keeps costs down.

Oh yes, I'm running out of washers. No, I don't need to sit! I need washers for the “big” pot. With so many mums joining I'm slowly running out. So if any husbands can acquire any – without dismantling your cold taps I'd be grateful.

Well I think that's all. Keep sitting and have a lovely Winter – UGH! What a thought.

Marilyn Smith.

P.S. Still here. I've just remembered to tell you about Lin stares, she has now moved to xx Manor Lane, but her 'phone number remains the same.

Doesn't time fly? It seems like yesterday that we were talking about Summer holidays, and Sports Day, and now it's winter coats and Christmas!

Sports Day for Young Wives was quite profitable. Our two stalls made a total profit of £220. The committee decided to donate the £22 commission back to the Hall Management Committee to buy paint to decorate the ladies “loos”, they have also said they will devote their “spare” time to actually painting walls, doors etc., to make the ladies loos in the hall presentable.

Our next event is our Open Evening, October 18, when we have a treat in store for you – Rangeworthy Court Players will be providing an evening of light entertainment, followed by a cheese supper. Members £1 non-members £1.50. Don't forget it's an “Open Evening” so husbands, wives, anyone for that matter can come along. Doors open 7.45 p.m. Show to start 8.00 p.m. prompt. Bookings are now being taken for the London trip Nov. 10. Coach approximately £4. See Julie Hillier or Jan Higgins to reserve your seat.

Coffee Morning Nov. 14th Various Stalls. Bingo 11.00 a.m. Members support would be appreciated.
Nov. 15. “Adolescents in the Family” talk by a Probation Officer.
Dec. 20. Christmas Dinner – have you been to 5 meetings!?

There must be quite a few new families in the Village; how about it girls come and join Young Wives, have a coffee and a chat, meet a few new faces, you will be made welcome.

Estelle Johnson.
Chairlady.

10

The Second CRAFT FAIR will be held on Sat. 17th Nov. between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.

After last year's success it is hoped that many craft people will return and that new ones will be encouraged to come. A full range of crafts will be available so come along and buy your Christmas presents.

If you would like to book a Craft Stall please contact

Linda Stares – 26xxxx.

Other dates to remember –

Saturday	27th October	– Hallowe'en Night. Fancy Dress.
	1st Dec.	– Fun afternoon for under elevens.

The Play-area – progress report!

Just to keep everyone up-to-date on the progress of improvements to the play-area, the mound has had to remain in it's rather untidy state as seeding has been impossible during the dry weather.

However, work should be well under way by October. The Avon Community Youth Service are going to undertake the lion's share of the work by erecting the new slide and swings, seeding the mound and building steps. The Scouts have kindly agreed to help out with painting the rest of the equipment.

So please, bear with us, the project is taking a lot longer than we had anticipated, but it has been hard work, not helped by the weather. By Spring 1985 we should have a safe and more interesting play-area.

We would still like help – any volunteers please contact –

Jan. Hall. 26xxxx.

The Play-Group has been closed during the Summer holidays and therefore there is really no news to report. However, the new Committee was formed quite recently, and the new Secretary is Mrs. Patricia Martin, Manor Lane, Charfield, who I am sure will give information about this Group to anyone who cares to communicate with her.

R.G.

I's fun to plan a garden
In beauty all arrayed
But lovely dreams will not come true
Without the fork and spade.

Anon.

11

“The Future of Small Schools” – held at the Long Ashton Village Hall 11/8/84.

There were four concepts reflected upon:-

We were reminded of the value of the forming of a Federation of Village Schools and I quote from one such body in South Oxfordshire where the activities and functions of their Federation in promoting the cause of Village Schools is set out as follows:-

The advantages of having a School within a Village or neighbourhood were grouped under three headings –

The Conference considered options which could be investigated:-

These suggestions could counter the impact of the Government Circular 2/81 which states:-

“Schools with fewer than about 100 pupils have ordinarily been provided, and need to be provided, with more generous levels of staff and other resources than elsewhere.
When numbers fall in these Schools it may be impracticable to reduce their resources pro rata.
Moreover, many will be small rural Schools whose future needs to be considered in the light of the effect of closure on the length and nature of the journey that the children would have to make to alternative Schools.
Authorities will often find, therefore, that they will have to make the most of their savings in larger Schools.”

So much for the Government Circular.

Twelve months ago, in my capacity as Northavon Local Council's Association Chairman, I wrote to the Avon Division of Education in support of the campaign to prevent the closure of Tytherington School and the transfer of the pupils to the Alveston Primary School.

My letter pursued the argument of economics versus local contact and under-lined the effect upon the community where the inter-dependence of the residents could well be the envy of many Urban dwellers.

The letter drew attention to the irony whereby the L.E.A. attitude to small Schools came less than a month after the Avon County Council had presented in it's County Structure Plan, a strategy for rural housing and indicated the presence of a School in a Village which may develop.

In respect of what do we really mean by “education”, the letter urged that since a developing child interacts with the environment one ought to contend that it is the local situation, rather than the economic situation that should take precedence.

This theme was echoed in the one day Conference and Local Authorities must act now to preserve our heritage of Village life. More “low-cost” housing as well as more Council housings for rent would enable young couples to continue to dwell in the vicinity where, in many cases their parents, grand-parents and so on had lived before them.

Rev. David W. Parker.
Charfield Parish Councillor.

Any comments you wish to make on the above please contact Rev. David Parker direct at his address – xx Durham Rd. Charfield.

Editor.

13

The new season has got off to a reasonable start for all three of our teams, although the Under 16's are the only team to remain unbeaten.

Where have all the boys who are eligible to play for the under 14's gone? Would you believe that in a Village the size of Charfield we only have a squad of 31 at this age group? That includes boys from Leyhill and Kingswood who haven't got a football team in their area to join!

The under 12's are very well supported with over 20 in the squad, and the under 16's have 14 signed on, all but one from Charfield. It isn't too late for anybody who still wishes to play to contact either myself or one of the Managers.

We still have no permanent Manager for the under 14's, but Brian Lovegrove is managing to keep both the under 12's and the under 14's going, with the help of committee members. There must be someone somewhere in the Village who would get enjoyment from helping to build up a good under 14's team. Please come forward, don't by shy.

Our Skittles Evening on the 15th Sept, was enjoyed by all parents and friends who came along and our funds were boosted by a reasonable amount, thanks to all of you who supported us.

A FAMILY DISCO has been arranged for SATURDAY DEC. 1st at LEYHILL OFFICERS CLUB, more details later.

Jenny Harvey, Secretary.

23 members of the 1st Woodend Lions attended Camp at Avening Green on the 6th, 7th and 8th July. The weather was great, and the activities enjoyed by adults and cubs alike.

The Camp Fire was well supported by mums, dads, brothers and sisters, even though some had trouble remembering the words to some of the Camp Fire songs!

I was ably supported by my regular team of Audrey Chappell, Derek Pearce, Bill Turner, and Sue Beams, but we were all grateful for the additional help we received from Mac. Stewart, John Beams, and Judith Weaving.

Thank you “Fury” for leading the Camp Fire. Thank you parents for providing the wood for the Camp Fire, and thank you to all who helped.

Audrey M.T. Booth.
1st. Woodend Lions Pack.

We had a break over the Summer holidays but are now meeting again each Tuesday afternoon at 2.45 p.m. at xx Manor Lane.

We would love to welcome some new faces even if you can only join us occasionally. So how about it?

Patricia Martin.

14

As most of you may have heard H.R.H. The Princess Anne, will visit the School at 3.30 p.m. on Monday October 15th. She will tour the School seeing displays and demonstrations by the pupils. A short reception will be held afterwards and H.R.H. will unveil the Campanile kindly donated by the Governors.

The following day the School will be open between 2.30–3.40 p.m. and 6.30–8.30 p.m. and all parents, friends and old pupils are invited to look around.

Many of you will have seen the School new “mini-'bus”, and I know both the School and the P.T.A, would like to thank everyone who helped to raise money for the project.

As another memento of this memorable year we have on sale a Commemorative Cook-Book containing recipes from such notable people as Margaret Thatcher, David Steele, the President of the U.S.A. and also from parents and staff. If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy please contact – Jacky Swallow, xx Station Road, Charfield.

Also the School has on sale a book on the History of K.L.B. starting from 1384 up to the present day.

To round off 1984 a Grand Ball is being held in Berkeley Castle on Friday November 23rd, and we then look forward to the next 600 years!

The P.T.A. Annual General Meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 6th, when we look forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

Margaret Clarke,
Vice-Chairman.
K.L.B. P.T.A.

Unless stated otherwise all the above events will take place in the Village Hall. You will find times etc., under the various reports elsewhere, this is just to remind you!

Church dates – St. John's.
Remembrance Day – Sunday 11th Nov.
Christingle – Sunday 2nd Dec.
Service Lessons & Carols – 23rd Dec.
Midnight Mass – Christmas Eve.
Eucharist – Christmas Day.

15

Due to moving from Charfield this scheme has lost four drivers this Summer, and although we have been fairly quiet recently, I anticipate more calls for help during the Winter months.

Can anybody spare time to take an elderly or housebound person to the doctor or a hospital appointment? A payment is made to cover the expenses incurred.

If you are willing to help kindly contact me – Mrs. Blower, on Falfield 26xxxx.

Last year we made more than 100 journeys and I endeavour not to ask any driver for help more than once a month. Most drivers have other commitments and the majority of them have to be home by 3.40 p.m. in time for the close of School. If there is anybody with a grown-up family or is retired who could help with afternoon appointments I should be very pleased to hear.

I would like to thank our present drivers for their co-operation at all times.

Muriel Blower (Mrs.)

What a lovely Summer we have had, and our afternoons at the Club have been good too; the entertainment has included Singing, Talks, and Bingo.

One afternoon Mrs. Holloway and some Charfield children entertained us with a Comic Sketch, Songs and Recitations and Jokes. They were very good.

We have had the pleasure of welcoming two new members, and we would be very happy to welcome many more.

The weather was nice for our outing to Seaton and Sidmouth on August 23rd, and the outing was voted a success – all spending a very enjoyable day.

A date to remember – WEDNESDAY OCT. 17th our Bring & Buy Sale in the VILLAGE HALL, commencing at 2.30 p.m. There will be various stalls, cakes, nearly new, white elephant, jumble etc., and refreshments will be available at reasonable prices. Do please come and support us. Everyone is welcome.

C.M. Woodlands (Mrs.)
Chairlady.

Do you know we have a local Taxis Service in our area?

TRAVEL PLAN TAXIS – 24hr. SERVICE. Tel: FALFIELD 0454 26xxxx.

There are reduced rates for O.A.Ps.

So when in need of a Taxis don't forget – 'phone FALFIELD 0454 26xxxx.

Editor.

16

Now that the holidays are almost over, we are looking forward to our Winter Programme with interesting Speakers and Social Gatherings.

We are taking part in the Avon W.I. Knock-Out Skittles Championship and have already played against Kingswood. On the 12th October we shall be playing against Cromhall.

We shall have our Group Social Evening in the Village Hall on Friday 5th October, and on Friday 16th November we are arranging a “China Party”, in the Hall. We are unable to advertise the make of china, but it will be bone china and oven-to-table ware. We are extending an invitation to all who would like to come, not just our W.I. members, so we hope as many friends as possible will come along. Make a note now – FRI. 16th November – more information will be circulated nearer the date.

We are always pleased to welcome new members and visitors to our Meetings, the second Thursday in every month at 7.30 p.m. So do come along and have a happy evening with us.

Joyce Hutley.
President.

Hello again! Gosh doesn't the time just fly by! It only seems a few days ago that I was hastily jotting the last entry. Well now, on behalf of our Group I'd like to welcome all of our new members and hope that they will also join us for our “mum's night out”. If any of you have not had our recent slips of paper regarding this please ask at our next Meeting.

Most of you know about our “baby buys” but let me refresh your memories. If you have any baby clothes, toys, equipment etc., that you no longer require bring it along to our meetings with your name and price marked on it, and we will do the rest – we just take 5% towards our Group funds.

Hope to see you all again soon to boost the toddler numbers.

Ann Salter.
Secretary.

As Chairman of the Play-Scheme I would like to add my thanks to all those who helped to make the week a success. In addition to those mentioned in the Parish Council Report, I must also mention the help and support given by our Clerk to the Parish Council, Mrs. Jenny Hughes, and the five teenagers – Susan & Michelle Shipton, Angela Smith, Mark Morris, and Ian King, who helped at every session.

Thank you all!

S. Clifford Gunning.

17

The Association was founded in 1947 as the National Association of Parish Councils. It was an era of change. World War 2 was over and the then Labour Government was busy implementing most of the recommendations of the Beveridge Report which had laid the foundations of the Welfare state.

It was a time of austerity and community co-operation with Parish Councils having a role to play in helping to re-establish a “civilian” outlook, even though National Service continued to involve young men in the defence of the nation.

In 1972 the Association changed it's name from the National Association of Parish Councils to the National Association of Local Councils, thereby keeping in step with the new focus of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Organisation is a federation of over 44 County Associations with the County bodies dealing with local questions and the National body dealing with national questions.

Then, within the county areas there are more localised Associations based upon the District Council boundaries and representatives from these localised Associations serve on the County Executive Committee.

Charfield Parish Council has been for some time represented at the meetings of the Northavon area of the Local Council's Association and has taken it's turn to host the meetings which vary in the venues to equate the travelling distance for those attending.

In 1982, I was elected as the Chairman of the Northavon Local Councils Association and in 1983, I was given the honour of being one of the two Avon Local Council representatives at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Nationally the Association submits views and comments on many topics as diverse as lotteries, the management of the Post Office, national transport policy, Bills being discussed in Parliament and so forth.

Locally, during the past twelve months, the Northavon Assoc., has covered an equally wide range including matters of current interest such as:-

Avon Structure Plan (including further potential housing development at Yate and Patchway Common).
Waste Disposal (with particular reference to the Tortworth Copse and the Barnhill Quarry).
Rural Transport.
Roadside parking and the use of lay-byes.
Unauthorised camping (e.g. Ingleston Common).
Future of Village Schools.
The Boundary Commission.
Parish Rates.
Inadequacy of some domestic letter-boxes.
Harassment by dogs, including dogs hostile to bona fide visitors.
Gas Supply.

Representation on other Organisations such as the C.A.B. Gas Consumer Council, M.E.B. and S.W.E.B. Electricity Consumers Council, Footpaths, Police liaison in the Community.

Earlier this year, as an outcome of the Scarman Report, the Chief Constable 18of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary proposed that a local Community Liaison Group should be established within every Police Sub-Division and the Local Council's Association was included among organised community groups who were invited to nominate a representative.

We have two Police Sub-Divisions in Northavon – one under a Chief Inspector at Filton, and the second under a Chief Inspector at Chipping Sodbury. Initially, until we had had a Group Meeting, I represented the Northavon L.C.S. on both liaison committees, and subsequently I became substantiated for the Sub-Division relating to Charfield, namely Chipping Sodbury.

In conclusion I would comment that the Avon Local Council's Association works very much in conjunction with the Avon Community Council and Rural Voice, and each of the three provide a valuable resource for back-up over matters of public interest, or when as a Parish Council we seek legal and/or administrative guidance.

Parish Councils have a unique role to play in our society and your interest would be welcomed – not just when District Council and Parish Council Elections are due, but in how your elected representatives give of their time during their tenure as Parish Councillors. Observers at Parish Council Meetings are welcome and may pose questions during the allotted Public Participation time.

Rev. David M. Parker.
Chairman Northavon L.C.A.

The Luncheon Club provides at a nominal charge a carefully prepared and well cooked meal once a fortnight for elderly people in the Village. The meal is cooked in the kitchen at the Village Hall, and Mrs. Amer has been responsible for the meals for several years. Although she is still prepared to cook on alternate dates she would appreciate help at other times. We are, therefore, appealing for cooks to help out. If you know anyone who would be prepared to help, or could do so yourself, please contact Mrs. Amer, Falfield 26xxxx who will be pleased to give you further information.

The idea of the Club is not only to provide a meal, but also the company of others in which to enjoy it. There is time after the meal for a friendly chat together and maybe a game of Bingo, so if you know any-one who would benefit from these occasions please let us know.

R. Gunning (Cttee. Member)

A pinch of salt in sweet things, and a pinch of sugar in savoury ones, brings out the flavour of both?

A spoonful of Vinegar over vegetables, such as freshly cooked cabbage or spinach, will really liven up the taste.

A spoonful mixed with the seasonings and the meat for hamburgers helps to tenderise.

A spoonful to the water when boiling eggs; if the shells crack, the whites will not run.

D. Ellis.

19

Unfortunately we missed the last Newsletter but to bring you up-to-date on the Groups activities our Annual Clay Pigeon Shoot held in May was our most successful and many congratulations on our organisation and layout were received. The profit raised was £1,350, and £200 was donated to C.L.I.C. Mr. Bob Woodward came along to Scout H.Q. to receive the cheque.

In June the Group held a very enjoyable “Tramps Barbecue”, in Cromhall. We hope this may become an Annual Event.

We would like to thank all parents and friends who turned out and helped or supported us at these events.

Both Cub Packs and the Scout Troop have held enjoyable Camps during the Summer months, and the whole Group will be holding a “fun Day” at Conygres, Wotton under Edge, on 20th Oct. There will be a camp-fire in the evening to which all parents and friends are invited.

The Group are looking for a new vehicle: if anyone knows of one that may be suitable please let me know or ring M. Marklove 26xxxx.

We have at last been successful in finding a Group Scout Leader, and we welcome back to the Group Mr. Dennis Booth, who has kindly offered to take on this most demanding role.

Also November 10th will see our “Autumn Fayre” being held in Charfield Memorial Hall, and we will be collecting during the previous week.

In the Memorial Hall on Sat. Dec. 1st we will be having a 50's/60's Evening to the music of Bob Lusty. Tickets will be available shortly from all committee members. Do come along and support us.

Margaret Clarke. Group Secretary.

This Newsletter is published and produced by Charfield Resident's Association.

Editor/Typist – Rosa Gunning, xx Manor Lane, Charfield. 26xxxx.
Duplicated by Mr. J. Butler, x Thames Close, Charfield.
Distributed organised by – Mr. M. Cheskin, xx Farm Leas, Dur. 84xxxx. who will be pleased to hear from any volunteers.

20

The Charfield Dance & Fitness Centre starts it's second year of operation.

We are a friendly lot here and add to the Village amenities by providing a place fully equipped to help you become a fitter person. There is something for everyone to enjoy whatever age you are.

One of this year's new classes which we hope you will come and make full use of, is the 50's plus fitness. You know it's not always desirable to jump straight into one of these aerobic classes if you are over 50 and un-used to a lot of jumping around. This class is superbly tailored for easing out stiff joints and saggy muscles. There is a lot we can do for ourselves to prevent arthritis and rheumatism, and this class is so designed. The other classes are as follows:-

KEY:
m = mixed
T/T = teacher training
BEG = beginners
W/T = weight training.

We look forward to helping you to look after yourself!

The Charfield Fitness Centre,
Bone Mill,
New St.
Charfield.
Dursley 84xxxx messages for a return call only DURSLEY 84xxxx

21

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 21 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: 2016-12-09.