CHADRA

Although we sell 600+ copies of this Newsletter 4 times a year and the majority of residents pay 60p annually, I sometimes wonder how well it is read, or in fact at all!

My appeal for help as Editor appears to have failed completely, for not one person has responded yet.

DO YOU ENJOY THE NEWSLETTER?
DO YOU CARE IF IT IS NO LONGER PRODUCED?
WOULD YOU REALLY MISS IT IF IT WAS NOT DELIVERED TO YOU 4 TIMES A YEAR?
HAVE YOU ANY SUGGESTIONS OR CRITICISMS AT ALL TO MAKE?

This could be the last issue, so think about it contact be before the next issue is due in January, or do you consider it no longer worth producing?

I await your answers and offers of help with anticipation.

The Autumn is already with us and Christmas only just over two months away, so I would like to thank all contributors and distributors for their help during the past year, and wish them and all our readers a Happy Christmas.

Rosa Gunning.

This Newsletter is published by Charfield Residents Association (CHADRA) – Editor/Typist Rosa Gunning, xx Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx

Mike Cheskin in charge of Distribution xx Farm Lees. Dur. 84xxxx.

Duplicating John Butler, x Thames Close. 26xxxx.

Circulation – 600+

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

No one who came to the Flower Festival in September will forget it. It was an outstanding display or artistry by the Thornbury Flower Club and we are deeply indebted to them for the dedicated use of their talents. It also entailed a great deal of effort by our local volunteers for months before in the planning, and for endless hours at the time of the Festival, which amounted to the greater part of a week if one includes days of preparation and tidying. Thank you to all who helped in any way.

It looks as if the effort raised just over £600 for which we are very grateful. The amount would not have been anything like this had it not been for a few sponsors (a list of them is in Church) whose sponsorship contributes £90 which initially enabled us to get ‘off the ground’ in the first place; to them many thanks. Nor should we forget our gratitude to a number of our regular Church attenders who declined repayment of bills incurred by the Festival; nor the ladies who provided refreshments throughout the Festival at their own expense. Without those latter two items the final total would have been about £150 less than it was.

I have heard from people both locally and from far afield what a happy and successful evening they considered the Cheese and Wine Party to be. Thank you to those who, by their presence, helped to make it so.

Essential repairs to the parish Church of Charfield have already begun and areas of it already look smarter. However, this is essential work and not just redecoration. It is already known that the cost of this is £5,000, and while the Flower Festival has helped, we still have a lot to find when the builder presents his bill. This has to be found IN the parish (it is THE PARISH Church) and clearly this cannot be found by little efforts. This becomes clearer when one realises that this is a sudden and special expense and that it is already costing about £6,000 a year to sustain the Church in the village in addition to this emergency need.

We have had an annual Bazaar in the village for very many years, usually in September but because of the Flower Festival this year it will be on Saturday the 21st of NOVEMBER at 2.30 at the Village Hall. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated. Do come, as it is a happy occasion.

As in the last few years we are holding a CHRISTINGLE service for young people and all the family on Sunday the 6th of December at 3 p.m.

Our CAROL service will be on Sunday the 20th of December at 3 p.m. and ALL of ALL AGES are welcome to this happy occasion.

We shall be CAROL SINGING in the village on the evening of Monday 21st December (7 p.m. from the Church).

Our Midnight Mass of Christmas will be at 11.30 p.m. on Thursday the 24th December and a Family Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. to which the children are especially welcome.

That's enough for now. Warm greetings to all.

Kenneth G. Grant

2

It took life on earth millions of years to evolve. Yet, in the next 20 years, much of it could be destroyed forever, unless we act now.

Millions enjoy the excellent wildlife programmes on television. Many more enjoy exploring our own countryside and learning about the wealth of animal and plant life that can be found there. Yet at the same time, many species of wildlife are close to extinction.

Life would be bleak indeed if we could not enjoy the beauty of our woodlands, forests and other wild places. But more important still, by destroying wildlife we are threatening our own survival.

Most of the wonder drugs of the past 50 years have come from wild plants. If those plants had not existed, medicine could not have progressed as it has – and many human lives would have been lost.

When the silt-laden River Ganges overflows its bank and wipes out entire villages, people call it a “natural disaster”, yet much of the damage is man-made, because the forests upriver which protect the soil and steep slopes are being cut down. Unless the destruction stops, many more people will perish.

Future generations will condemn us if we allow the destruction to continue unchecked. Have we the right to sit back and do nothing?

If you enjoy and appreciate the world of nature, why not contact the World Wildlife Fund, Panda House, 11–13 Ockford Rd. Godalming, Surrey. GU7 1QU 'phone 04868 2xxxx who will tell you how you can help.

Rosa Gunning.

By special request I am including again this information first given last Oct.

Compost as much garden rubbish as possible. Some local Councils will collect bagged garden rubbish with the household waste; some will take it away for a small charge; others permit garden rubbish to be dumped at the Municipal Depot. Check how the Authority can help you. Do NOT use spare plots for dumping garden rubbish or other household rubbish – these are privately owned and this action can be subject to prosecution.

If you must light a fire, ensure that only dry material is burnt. This will produce the minimum of smoke. NEVER add household rubbish or rubber tyres to the fire, or use sump oil to set it alight!

Do NOT LIGHT a fire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days, and in the evening around sunset. DON'T BURN when the wind will carry smoke over other people's property, or over roads.

BONFIRES CAN BE DANGEROUS, and should never be left unattended. Don't leave a fire to smoulder – douse it with soil or water.

GARDEN BONFIRES – REMEMBER YOUR NEIGHBOURS.

Do you enjoy your garden? Don't stop your neighbours enjoying theirs by lighting a bonfire carelessly. Remember that bonfire smoke can be very irritating and even harmful, particularly to people with chest or heart problems. By lighting a smoky bonfire, you could be breaking the law. Fires started within 50ft. of the centre of the road which inconvenience passers-by or damage the highway are an offence under the Highways Act. 1980. Under the Clean Air Act 1956, it is an offence to cause a nuisance through the creation of smoke. (As published by National Society for Clean Air).

3

Hello again! It has come to my attention that some of our local young people especially those who have transport are starting to make a nuisance of themselves around the Village. Manor Lane, Lt. Bristol Lane, and Wotton Rd. is not a race-track, to see how fast you can get from the Village Hall Car Park around the Estate and back to the Village Hall Car Park. The whole of the Village is subject to a 30 m.p.h. speed limit, and this will be enforced. In addition to this it is an offence to drop litter; the Village Hall Car Park is not a dustbin, remember there are plenty of litter bins around the Village. To carry on from this, the pavements are for walking on, not for riding a bike or parking your car. I have written at length in previous articles on this subject, and I will not bore you again, but they are offences; please don't let me have to call on you to take Official Action.

A common call to the Police these days is in relation to Road Traffic Accidents. I think it would be useful in this article if I set down the duties of drivers when an accident occurs.

Section 25 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1912 states –

Owing to the presence of a motor vehicle on a road an accident occurs whereby –

1. Personal injury is caused to a person other than the driver of that motor vehicle or
2. Damage is caused to a vehicle other than that motor vehicle or a trailer drawn thereby or
3. To an animal other than an animal in or on that motor vehicle or a trailer drawn thereby or
4. To any other property constructed on, fixed to, growing in or otherwise forming part of the land on which the road in question is situated or land adjacent thereto

The driver of the motor vehicle shall stop, and if required so to do by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring give –

(A)

1. His name and address and also
2. The name and address of the owner and
3. The identification marks of the vehicle

Plus – If there is personal injury to another person the certificate of Insurance must be produced and details given at the time.

As can be seen from this direct quote from the Road Traffic Act, if you comply with all these conditions there is NO need to report the accident to the Police.

The common incidence is where there is a collision between two vehicles, there is no injury and the details as at (A) are exchanged. If either Party wishes to make a complaint of reckless, careless, or inconsiderate driving against the other Party then there is NO need to report the accident to the Police.

Please note here the Police do not act on behalf of Insurance Companies. Our only consideration when investigating a Road Traffic Accident is what offences have been declared not who was in the right merely for an Insurance Claim.

4To continue there are occasions when you have a duty to report an accident to the Police.

Section 25 (2) of the Road Traffic Act states –

If in the case of any such accident as aforesaid the driver of the motor vehicle for any reason does not give his name and address to any such person as aforesaid, he shall report the accident at a Police Station or to a Constable as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within twenty-four hours of the occurrence thereof.

An example of this section may be where a Road Traffic Accident occurs and for whatever reason there is no-one to give your details to:-

i.e. Hitting a fence in a Country Lane, late at night. YOU STOP, but you are unable to identify the owner of the fence and there is no-on-else around.

you must report this accident to the Police as soon as reasonably practicable.

You will see this section does NOT give you 24 hrs. to report the accident, it states you must report it as soon as reasonably practicable. The 24 hrs. is an over-riding period during which it must be reported. Taking our example after the accident if you drive past an open Police Station or see a Police Constable on duty, you must report the accident, and if neither of these apply you must make the effort to report the accident as soon as possible.

I hope this information will be of use to you in the event of an accident, but please if you are unsure don't hesitate to contact the Police for advice or assistance.

DRIVE SAFELY!

Ian Williams P.C. 2737. Charfield Police Station. Dur. 84xxxx.

A big thank you, firstly, to everyone who supported the Village Event, especially the hard-working Committee.

Photographs of “old” Charfield displayed in the Village Hall, postcard size, are still available, from me at a cost of £2.50 for 24.

The A.GM. for the next Gala Day Committee will be held at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall on 5th Nov. (no sparklers please) prior to the Hall Management Meeting. Sadly, I will be unavailable to participate on the Committee for the 1988 Gala Day. Likewise, several other members will not be standing.

To anyone in the Village who would be interested in planning the Village's one big day, please come along.

Thank you.

Keith Smith. Chairman.

Every day a new beginning; Yesterday's beyond recall,
Be sure from life the best you're winning
By giving to each day your all.

F.V.B.

5

PROBLEMS BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME?

Why do so many people see the buying or selling of their home as a major ordeal? The emotional upheaval and the sheer physical effort of moving home are partly to blame. But more often it is the seemingly endless legal processes involved which people dread.

One way to cut down this ‘fear factor’ is to learn more about these processes before taking the plunge. Find out exactly what has to be done, in what order, and what it will cost. For example, do you know the difference between a valuation and a survey, between a licensed conveyancer and a solicitor who does conveyancing, or between a sole, joint or multiple agency agreement with an estate agent?

Here are some tips based on the problems people most frequently bring to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

1. Work out at the outset approximately how much the total cost will be to go through all the steps in buying or selling your home.
2. If you are using estate agents, be clear about the services you expect from them and what they will charge.
3. When you have a survey done, find out how much information it will contain. Do you know what comeback you have if you discover a structural fault after you've bought your home?

The problem which every house-buyer fears is gazumping, that is having your offer accepted, then rejected for a higher bid. Can anything be done? Unfortunately, under present legislation, gazumping is perfectly legal.

But not all problems in home buying and selling are without a solution.

Contact your CAB for information and advice.

We are in the Council Offices, The Chippings, Wotton-under-Edge, Every Tuesday morning between 10.00 a.m. & 1.00 p.m. Tel. 0453 84xxxx.

The Stroud Office in High Street, is open every weekday 10.0 a.m.–4.0 p.m. and Saturdays 9.30–11.30. Tele. 04536 xxxx.

As there is some uncertainty at present about the future of the Newsletter, I am not able to give a date for January contributions, but assume all regulars will be notified/reminded when a decision is made.

The Annual General Meeting of the Residents Association will be held in February.

R. Gunning.

6

Mobile Information Service.

The mobile is an ‘R’ registered ambulance that has been converted to carry as many leaflets as possible and to enable confidential one-to-one conversations with the Information Officer.

The range of information carried has been made deliberately broad to cater for the needs of as many people as possible. The service carries leaflets on leisure attractions, brochures for Colston Hall, Bristol Hippodrome, Bath Theatre Royal, among others. It also carries Health, Consumer and DHSS leaflets. All the leaflets and the advice are free. The information is updated constantly to provide the best service possible.

The Mobile will be at:-

CHARFIELD POST OFFICE 2.00–2.45 (fortnightly) on Thursdays.
OCTOBER 15th, 29th. NOVEMBER 12th, 26th.
DECEMBER 3rd, 17th. JANUARY 14th, 28th.

Everything is free – please go along and see.

Sundays	Family Service	11.00 a.m.
	Evening Worship	6.00 p.m.
	November to April Afternoon Worship	3.00 p.m.
Tuesday	Bright Hour (fortnightly)	3.00 p.m.
Friday	December 4th (DV) at	7.30 p.m.

A Christmas Concert led by the Salvation Army Songsters together with the Salvation Army Band of Bristol. Everyone welcome.

Miss M. Turner, Fal. 26xxxx.

My God shall supply all your need. Phil. 4–19

Many Christians are often agitated and concerned about financial matters. Perhaps a lesson can be learned from the incident recorded in Matt. 17.

When the question of taxes was raised, Christ produced the requisite amount from a most unexpected source, a fish's mouth. Let this forcibly remind us that there are countless sources from which our needs may be met. He who knows your need, knows exactly where the provision is coming from.

“The silver is mine. and the gold is mine” He saith.

If God has called you into “the way”, He will see to it that you have sufficient to pay your way.

M. Turner.

Christmas in a happy time,
When spent with those we love
But don't forget those others
The lonely and the old.
Extend the hand of friendship
Include them in your fold.

F.V.B.

7

As the Anniversary of the Charfield Railway Disaster, along with the consequent mystery surrounding the two apparently unknown victims approaches, I will pause for a while in my ramblings regarding Charfield's past, to reflect briefly on this extremely bizarre episode in our Village's past history.

As the actual cause of the crash is well documented and brought to life on every anniversary in the local papers I will give that a miss and tell a little of not so well known, yet still very interesting behind the scene activities concerning this disaster. Around the middle of July 1929 a letter was received by the Station Master at Charfield relating to a lady's obviously much loved son who had mysteriously disappeared around the time of the disaster. Her reason for writing was, that having heard of two unidentified victims of the crash she wondered if it was at all possible that her missing son could have been one of them.

As the crash occurred on the 13th of October 1928 and the lady's enquiry was not made until the middle of July 1929, one would assume that accurate identification would have been almost impossible. However, later in July of the same year a letter was sent to this lady, from the D.P.A. at Gloucester informing her that her son was not concerned in the disaster. This is probably a simple explanation for this,but how could either of these supposedly unidentifiable bodies, that had presumably been buried for many months be definitely established as not being the lady's son!?

The mystery deepens even further when according to eye-witnesses and those actually working at the scene of the crash, apart from other bodies, which were identified fairly quickly, bits and pieces were found of the two so called unknown. For many years after the crash, on each anniversary, a very strange thing happened increasing still further the mystery concerning this tragic event. At first very little notice was taken of a lady visiting the old St. James Church grave yard, until it became apparent that this lady, who always dressed in black, visited there on each anniversary of the Charfield Railway Disaster, always spending time in the vicinity of the graves of the victims. This lady known as the lady in black by the older residents of Charfield was also seen on several occasions looking over the Railway Bridge, but no-one as far as I know, had the temerity to speak to her and try to find out the reasons for her visits, which were always in a chauffeur driven car. Who was the lady in black? Did she know something about the two unknown on whose grave she was said to place flowers? Or, was she related to one of the other victims also buried in the same corner of the grave yard? Maybe she simply placed her flowers anywhere in the marked off area of the grave not knowing the exact resting place of the person or persons she obviously mourned.

These questions will now never be answered – too many years have passed and the people who knew the answers have either passed on, or forgotten all about Charfield's tragic claim to fame.

Bravery is seen at every disaster, the railway crash at Charfield being no exception; the local policeman, many villagers, and the railway staff, working at the scene of the accident, all combined, along with those who tended the injured at the Police Station, in the Railway Hotel, and even on the pavement outside, brought great credit to our Village. Not only because of those who bravely took part in the rescue operations but also because of the compassion and kindness shown to those who were injured and distressed.

The bravery of one man was really exceptional and it only came to light because of a letter written to the Station Master from a very grateful and extremely fortunate lady. In her letter she requested the 8name and address of the fireman on her train, then went on to explain why she needed this information. Apparently, as she lay injured and trapped in the burning wreckage she was spotted by a gentleman helping the rescue attempt, and in her own words, which are far more meaningful than mine, she wrote “although this man was scalded and badly injured, he saved my life”. The lady's request for the name and address was granted – the fireman referred to was of course the gentleman concerned in her rescue.

This then is just a couple of the many incidents, some of which were very harrowing, concerning the disaster. But, as the Newsletter is intended to be a light-hearted and informative bulletin of village activities, to write of the more unpleasant aspects associated with this terrible accident would I feel be quite out of place.

K.A.W. Parker. (Newtown, Charfield).

First thanks to all our new members. In the last Newsletter I said how poor our membership had become, but thanks to them we are increasing our numbers gradually!

Any of our mum's who would like to come to our night out at the Grey Lady and have not yet added their name to the list please do so as soon as possible.

We have a Fashion Show and Sale of catalogue clothes at discount prices on 22nd October 7.45 p.m. in the Village Hall. I hope everyone has bought their tickets as this is our main fund-raising of the year. Everyone is welcome. Anyone who would like a ticket please contact me –

Judy Reeves. Dursley 84xxxx. Secretary.

Once again Guiding in Charfield is in full swing! We returned in September with all the girls back plus four new ones. This year's Camp was enjoyed by all and for once the weather was good. Two of our girls gained their camp permit, which we hope will be used to take a small group away to Camp.

We are grateful to Mrs. Burden, Mrs. Cain, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Scoble and Mr. Smith, who have given up some of their time to help the girls with badges. We are also looking for any-one who has any new skills that can be taught to 10–14 girls.

On the 1st Sept. Mrs. Meek took over from Mrs. McClusky as District Commissioner, who gave her services to us for five years.

Our next Jumble Sale will be on Jan. 23rd, 1988, in the Village Hall. All money raised will be for Guide Funds, so please give us all the support you can.

If your daughter would like to join the Guides please tell Mrs. Meek Fal. 26xxxx, or myself, so that her name can be put onto the waiting list.

Mrs. M. Westlake, Assistant Guider. Fal. 26xxxx.

9

Yet again requests have been received from residents asking for attention to be drawn to the fouling of footpaths in Charfield, in some cases in gardens!

Please dog owners do show more consideration for others using the footpaths and play areas. Fouling is a fineable offence, so please take heed. In a village this size no one wishes to be unfriendly I'm quite sure, but I fear action will be taken one of these days, and that would be a great pity.

It is deeply regretted that this problems has to be constantly brought to the notice of a few offenders.

R. Gunning.

For the successful running of any Club two main essentials are a must – namely Members and Money. To maintain our funds we are running a Christmas Draw, and the prizes will be drawn on the 25th November in the Memorial Hall. We hope for your support as in our previous efforts.

We still extend a hearty welcome to all over 60 to come along on alternate Wednesday afternoon. We hold our Meetings in the Memorial Hall.

Some of our members have left the Village, usually to be cared for by their children. We can, and do, provide transport to and from every Meeting as some of our members live in Tortworth and Cromhall. We would be happy for a relief pianist as our pianist has difficulty of motivation.

This Summer we have had outings to Barry, Swindon and Torquay, and this Autumn will be viewing Autumn colours in the Royal Forest of Dean, with a couple of half-days at Cheddar Gorge and Weston.

It is not generally known that we have a couple of wheel-chairs, that we hold for any Villager who has need of one. Ring me on Fal. 26xxxx or Mrs. Amer 26xxxx who will be happy to oblige.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

E.H. Orton. Chairman.

PEANUT BISCUITS (20–25) TRY THEM ON BON-FIRE NIGHTS!

4 oz. margarine	4 tsp. coffee essence
4 oz. brown sugar	5 oz. S.R. flour
4 oz. salted peanuts	¼ tsp. cinnamon.

Mix all ingredients together to form a soft dough. Roll into pieces the size of walnuts and place on a greased baking sheet about 2″ apart. Press down with the prongs of a folk to flatten them. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Oven temperature 350°F. Gas 4.

10

As this Newsletter had to be written before the first P.T.A. meeting took place it is not possible to give dates of events due to take place between now and Christmas. However, there will be a Wine/Cheese Evening and the Handicrafts and Home Produce Sale to look forward to in November and December respectively.

The Wine & Cheese evening is a social event rather than a fund-raiser and has proved very popular in the past. It is hoped to have vast numbers of different cheeses for you to try and a liberal selection of wines to compliment them. Experts will be present to talk about both these consumables so why not come along. Please remember you do not have to have children attending the Village School to join in the fun – an interest in good cheese and wine is all you require.

The Handicraft and Home Produce Sale is a good opportunity to buy those “special” little Christmas presents either for yourself or a friend. The quality is always good and the cost of items is very reasonable. Remember that any item bought has probably had several hours work gone into it's making and being hand-made is unique. There will be plenty of stocking fillers to help keep your children amused on the long winter evenings.

Both the above events will be publicised with posters around the Village so keep looking and we all look forward to your company.

Steve Bennett. Chairman.

Dear Mums, Hello!

I face this little article in the same manner as someone who owes a letter but can't seem to put pen to paper. Hopefully, words will flow.

Firstly, I would like to welcome a new member, she is Jenny Bell of x Katherine Close, and her 'phone No. is 26xxxx. I think it is high time I typed a new list, so if there are any other new mums in the Village who would like to join, or in fact any mums who would like to come off the list, please 'phone me. Well, that's all the “sitting” news.

Well, my family and I have had quite an eventful year one of which was my parents Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Have you ever planned a surprise party? Well, Elaine, my sister, and I decided to. It's alright as long as you are prepared not to blush, giggle or give one of those grins at the wrong moment and worst of all be prepared to lie to the back teeth. The worst moment was when dad wanted to bring mum to Charfield for a surprise “do”. Only trouble was, we'd all be in London doing the other surprise “do”

I had to pretend we were going to Plymouth. Whilst Elaine very kindly said she'd take mum and dad out for a meal as everyone had “forgotten”. She of course, was flavour of the month, and I had, temporarily, been struck off the favourite daughter list. Still all went well on the night and for anyone interested, I have some good shots of mother with her mouth open, aghast, all evening.

I don't want to frighten anyone, but when you next read my Jean Rook impersonation, it will be 1988! Ah, you cry! Well all I can finish off with is by wishing you all a marvellous Xmas and a healthy, happy New Year. Love & best wishes to all.

Marilyn. Fal. 26xxxx

11

Although the football season is well underway the Club has not played too many League Matches because of the various Cup Competitions.

The under 12's normally the most successful of the three teams, has had a very poor start to the Season having lost all four League games. But as Team Manager Brian Lovegrove points out “They are a very young side improving with every game. Hopefully they will start stringing a few results together soon”.

The under 14's, under the temporary care of John Scoble have made an excellent start to their League programme winning both games, but have been knocked out of two Cup Competitions at the first round stage and to make matters worse have lost defender Steven Benton for a month or so with torn knee ligaments.

The under 16's have only played two League games and although they were well beaten in both it must be stated that the opposition were very strong sides who will be amongst the top 2 or 3 in the League come the end of the Season.

As most of the players are in their first Season at under 16 level if the side can stay together they can only benefit from this Season's experience and with the players coming through from the under 14's, next Season could see Charfield with an under 16's side good enough to contest the League Championship.

Generally the Club seems to have a bright future with an abundance of young talented players in all three teams, although it does seem such a shame that players graduate through the under 12's and 14's only to be enticed away by other teams when they reach under 16 level. Maybe next Season will see a change to this trend.

On a general note as from Thursday 8th October, Training will be under floodlights at the K.L.B. School.

6.15–7.00 p.m. for the under 12's.
7.00–7.45 p.m. for the under 14's and 16's.

PLEASE PARENTS, HELP WITH TRANSPORT TO AND FROM TRAINING WOULD BE APPRECIATED!

Claire L. Bullock. Hon. Secretary.

We went to Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury, on the 25th July. When we arrived we had to put up our tents. On Sunday 26th, we had a barbeque to which our parents came too. We had to cook our own meals, and we did a few badges which was interesting. At night we sang songs.

On Wednesday we did a Treasure Hunt through the Woods. To end our Camp we had a Camp Fire and sang songs, and did stunts in groups.

We would like to thank our Guide Leaders for taking us.

Bye, Jessica Gainer & Vicky Lovegrove.

12

Another New Year has started at Playgroup and the new committee would like to welcome all the new children and their parents. We would also like to wish Julie Hillier all the best for her new role as Playgroup Supervisor and wish Lyn Spindle well in her new job.

The outgoing committee had a hard job on their hands last year because they had to replace the heating system as the old system had been condemned by the Fire Officer! Fund raising to pay for this great expense was difficult but they managed it with help from some of the parents, local firms and organisations. It was hard work but worth it. They even had enough to purchase a new climbing frame.

This Winter should be a little warmer (we hope), but as it is our first full winter we do not know how costly the new heating will be. The fees were raised (never a popular move) to hopefully cover the cost. Just to make sure we have enough money and also to raise money for much needed toys and equipment for the children, the present committee will be holding several fund-raising events in the near future. So here are a few venues to watch out for, An Autumn Bazaar on November 19th in the Chapel Schoolroom, later in December the Traditional Playgroup Carol Singing, and in January a Jumble Sale at the Memorial Hall. Please come and give us your support.

If there are any more children coming up to 3 years of age that would like a place allocated for them at Playgroup, would parents please give me their names as soon as possible. We are filling our places very quickly this year!

Wendy Holmes. Secretary. Dursley 84xxxx.

I can't believe it's Autumn already. I think I blinked and missed our Summer altogether! One thing I did notice though throughout the Summer were the lovely flowers and shrubs in the garden of the Village Hall. The W.I. members who reclaimed it from the wilderness really made their mark and it always looks colourful when I drive past, and hardly a weed in sight. What green fingers some members have!

After the August break the W.I. has started to meet again and it was good to see so many new faces at our Sept. meeting. Members can look forward to special invitation shopping for Xmas at British Home Stores, and a Christmas Concert at Colston Hall. These are just some of the events organised by Avon which Institutes from all over the County are invited to attend.

In our own Institute our Christmas Party in December is in the pipeline and it will certainly be an evening of food, fun and frivolity.

Our Handicraft Group has re-started on a Thursday afternoon at Ethel Dodds and all members are welcome. Blue Peter has got nothing on our creations!

In November we form a new committee and I would like to thank all committee members for their hard work over the past year and their continued support. There are much harder jobs on a committee than being President, but no one ever believes me. Autumn evenings are closing in now so brighten up the second Thursday in the month and come and join us at the W.I. See you there.

Susan Green. President.

13

The drama ran to the end of the season, with the Second XI again clinching promotion, this time in the last game, to go up into Division 1 as runners up. The first XI kept up their good run in the Premier Division of the Cheltenham & Gloucester league, finishing fourth, one place down on last year, though if a couple of close results had gone their way they could have finished higher.

The Youth Team under a new Captain – R. Burner, found it hard in all matches played, with mainly youngsters in the side they managed to only register one win out of six, but it must be said, without these younger players, there may not have been a Youth team at all.

The Club this Season entered a new competition, The John Macey 11–20 League held at Rockhampton. The games were held on Monday evenings with the team comprising eight Club members under the age of twenty, and four other senior members. The Club in it's first year in this competition came runners up in both the League and the Six-a-Side. The League was used to give the younger members of the Club, more games to keep improving their confidence.

The Club's Final Positions were as follows:-

	Played	Won	Lost	A'band	Position
Charfield 1st. XI	16	9	6	1	4th
Charfield 2nd XI	16	10	4	2	2nd

	Played	Won	Lost	A'band	Drew	Tied
Charfield Sunday XI	19	3	5	2	8	1

The Club Awards went to the following people:-

	Batting	Bowling	All Rounder
1st XI	A. Pearn.	S. Bamford	D. Bradley
2nd XI	S. Bushell	I. Downing	I. Morgan.

Peter Dand Award	M. Nixon
Most Improved	S. Bamford.
Youth	A. Hannigan

Thanks go to all the players for making it a marvellous Season – here's hoping next year is better.

I would like to finish by thanking on behalf of all the Club members all the tea ladies who laid on teas throughout the Season and to the Groundsmen A. Pearn and D. Bradley for providing good wickets to play on.

M. Green. Secretary.

Please note New Secretary for the Cricket Club is – R. Alexander, x Wotton Rd. Kingswood. Tel. Dursley 84xxxx.

Foundation Room at the Primary School available for hire. Booking Sec. Dr. C.P. Temme, xx Durham Rd. 26xxxx

Police – P.C. Williams, Police House, Wotton Rd. Dur. 84xxxx

Citizens Advice Bureau, Council Offices, The Chippings, W.u.E. (Mrs. B. Adams). Dur. 84xxxx

14

We have held two notable Events since the last Newsletter. At last we have been able to celebrate the building of the extension to Scout Headquarters at Talbots End, Cromhall with Lord Ducie unveiling a plaque in the foyer and about 185 people joining us with wine and an excellent Buffet made by Sue Jonas and her “band of Scout mums”. It has been a marvellous achievement so far but still quite a bit of work remains to be done before we can say it is complete. Thanks to the hard-working parents who have helped so far.

The new accommodation gives more room for the Troop of about 50 boys and allows the possible expansion of the Tiger Cub Pack, more storage space for equipment and up-to-date facilities, kitchen, loos and committee room.

Members of all sections attended our bi-annual group Camp at Woodhouse Park in September, the Camp catering for 94 over the weekend. Saturday was WET, we entertained around 160 at the Camp Fire on Saturday evening including Venture Scouts from Berwick Lodge. Sunday was FINE. Overall the general feeling was that everyone had a good time.

NEWS OF THE CUB PACKS: Tigers, with 23 Cubs are very active but unable to expand till more Leaders come forward. Lions, meeting at Charfield Memorial Hall with 34 Cubs, two uniformed Leaders and several mums who help out informally are also in desperate need of Leaders. Unhappily this Pack will not be taking any more recruits even though there will be places till more Leaders are found. At the moment this will include any boys who are expecting to join next January. If anyone is able to help in any way on a regular basis – or would like to find out more of what is expected from a helper – PLEASE contact me – Falfield 26xxxx.

We have plenty of boys, we don't have the Leaders, without the Leaders we have no Cub Packs!

FUTURE EVENTS:-

AUTUMN FAYRE & CAR BOOT SALE – Charfield Memorial Hall. SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER. Car Boot Organiser – ring Sue Jonas Fal. 26xxxx.

REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE – Memorial Hall Car Park to ST. JOHNS CHURCH for 11 a.m. 2 minute silence. 8th NOVEMBER (SUNDAY).

CAROL SINGING to entertain various Groups in the Community nearer Christmas.

Margaret K. Coomber, Group Scout Leader. x Orchard Close. Fal. 26xxxx.

Future of the Newsletter.

I feel it is appropriate to comment on the remarks made by the Editor on the front of this issue. She is not “crying wolf” and in the event that no volunteer comes forward to take over the Editorship and the typing of the stencils (functions which do not necessarily have to done by the same person as at present) there will be no Newsletter in the not too distant future. In her editorial Mrs. Gunning poses the question “Do we really want the Newsletter”. I do not know the answer but the number sold seems to indicate that we do. If you are prepared to take the job on please contact Rosa (Fal. 26xxxx) or myself.

Geoff Blower. Hon. Secretary.

15

Firstly a big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Sports Day Tombola; we made a profit of £147.76 which was handed back to the Sports Day Committee.

Now that we are well and truly into Autumn let me update you on future dates:-

October 15th Our Annual “Open Evening”. This year we are to have a “Country & Western” Night – entertainment by Grumbolds Harvest. All ladies turning up in suitable Country & Western gear get a free glass of wine/cider. So come on girls let's see all those checked skirts & jeans!

November 14th Our Annual trip to London. Names are now being taken by Trish Cole (Tele. Dursley 84xxxx). Total cost will be £5.00. We leave the Hall car park at 7.30 a.m. Return trip leaving Horse Guards Parade London at 11.30 p.m. prompt, with drop off points around the Village. Open to all on a first served basis.

November 11th Coffee Morning, starting at 10.00 a.m. We shall have various Stalls including prize Bingo at 11.00 a.m. Cakes, savouries, tombola, etc., will be requested from members that week. Thanks!

November 19th. Flower arrangements for Christmas.

December 17th. Our Christmas Dinner. This is restricted to members only (still plenty of time to join). The price has yet to be fixed.

I hope to see a lot of new and old faces in the forthcoming months.

Margaret Tippins. Chair-lady. Tele. 26xxxx.

The 1987 Holiday Play-Scheme entertained 144 children each day during the first four days and was held on the School premises. Activities included drama, make-up kindly demonstrated by Mrs. Holloway.

On two occasions we had visits from the Police who provided a Range Rover and motor bike for the children to investigate. Manor Hair Fashions provided an afternoon of “hair-dos” Louis & Fay plaited yards of girls hair and used coloured sprays on the boys.

The Outing on Friday was a trip to Bowood Adventure Playground. 97 children and 40 mums, dads and grannies enjoyed themselves on a variety of apparatus. The children could go on as many items as they chose, while the adults could visit the house.

The Holiday Play-Scheme is run and subsidised by the Parish Council. Much thought and preparation goes into making it a success. This could not be possible without the voluntary help from members of the Village. Special thanks to Doreen, Mary, 'Rene and Violet, whose help was greatly appreciated.

This year we were fortunate to have 16 very good monitors who enjoyed the week as much as the children. Thank you all.

If you have any ideas or are willing to give up just a few hours of your time for next year's Play-Scheme please contact either Marilyn – 0454 26xxxx, or Anna – 0454 26xxxx.

Anna Hart. [Name corrected]

16

Charfield's Keep Fit Class held in the Memorial Hall on Tuesdays 10.30–11.30 a.m. is desperately in need of a Keep Fit Teacher to guide us through our exercise routines and teach us some new ones.

The Class has been running for ten years and it would be a great pity to lose it now through the lack of a Teacher.

Our last Teacher, sadly had to leave us before the end of the Summer Term, and for several weeks we struggled on alone. We now have some new tapes, new ideas and bundles of enthusiasm, so if you are not able to teach us why not join us anyway. It's fun, it's friendly, and who knows you could get fitter!

If you know of anyone who could help us, or feel you could help us please contact:-

Mrs. Poskett. 26xxxx

Here we are at the end of another successful Season.

As all members know our large expenditure this year was the re-fencing on two sides of the Court. With regard to fund raising, a Disco was held at the Village Hall, and a Jumble Sale held recently; both proved very successful.

The Season ended with the Annual Tournament finals on Oct. 4th.

Another end of Season Event will be a Social Evening a friendly Skittles Game and Buffet to be held on December 11th.

Although it seems a long way off, perhaps members would like to note the date of the A.G.M. March 2nd 1988, venue the Railway Tavern.

Celia Zapata. Secretary.

Elderly new-comers to Charfield may be interested to know the Luncheon Club for the Elderly is held in the Village Hall every four weeks on a Wednesday. A good lunch is provided for 50p and is enjoyed by all who come along. It's also an opportunity to get-together for a friendly chat.

The Open Day was a great success and it was good to see lots of new faces. We raised £84 on this occasion which will help with the expense of hiring the Village Hall each month.

The Christmas Dinner this year, for regular attenders will be on Wednesday 16th December.

The next Luncheon will be on Wed. 21st Oct.

Any enquiries please contact – Mrs. J. Higgins. Hon. Secretary. 26xxxx.

If you wish to join Charfield Youth Club why not contact Mr. & Mrs. Everett, x Orchard Close, 26xxxx, who will be pleased to give you any information you require.

17It is with great regret that Mr. & Mrs. Colin Everett, the present Youth Club Leaders, have decided to retire from the Youth Club in the near future.

The Youth Club Committee are, therefore, looking for a new Leader(s) to take over the running of the thriving Club. Mr. & Mrs. Everett will be willing to help the new Leader(s) during the transitional period.

Anyone interested in filling this post, please contact the Secretary.

The A.G.M. will be held in the Foundation Room, Charfield County Primary School, on the 29th October, at 8.00 p.m.

I have been attending the Youth Club on a Tuesday evening for sometime now, helping Mr. & Mrs. Everett by looking after the shop. I have always found the young people to be very pleasant and polite, contrary to what some people may think. It's lovely to see these young people enjoying themselves – at times boisterous and noisy! but doing no one any harm. I have got to know most of them during the time I have been helping, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of being with these young people.

With the weekly attendances soaring since the re-opening of the Club after the summer break, there appears to be a growing need for the Youth Club to give these young people of our Village an interest and a place to meet with others of their own age, if only for one evening a week.

The Youth Club is about to go through a change as it is now looking for a new Leader(s). I would appeal to anyone who has an interest in our young people's welfare, and can spare some time for a demanding, but very rewarding position to consider the leadership of the Youth Club.

Mrs. Denise Hobby. Hon. Secretary. Fal. 26xxxx.

Contribution from a Youth Club Member.

On the 11th August, 1987 I went to Exmouth on a Youth Camp holiday, through the Charfield Youth Club. I had a great week and the weather was perfect!

I was able to go canoeing, sailing, water-skimming and wind-surfing.

The Staff and other people of the Camp were great! They were friendly and helpful.

The town of Exmouth and the beach were nice places. I went on a barbecue boat trip over to Dawlish Warren and I also had a barbecue on the beach at Exmouth. One day I walked to Sandy Bay and back. On the last day there was a Disco.

When everybody had arrived on the Tuesday we were introduced to our Group Leaders for the week, who were very nice. Then we were shown to our tents which were big enough to sleep 6. For the rest of the day we got to know one another, but on the 12th the fun and games started.

I would like to go again next year if I can. I would like to say a big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. E!! Youth Club Leaders, who made it possible for me to go. Thank you.

Lisa Hobby.

18

It is just about twelve months since the introduction of the “New School Day”. There will be a review shortly and parents will be asked for their comments. If anyone else and by that I mean anyone without children at the school has any views on the matter would they please let me know.

Our first fund-raising event of the new school year “The Annual Gymkhana” went off extremely well, we had a beautiful day and raised over £320 towards P.T.A. funds. My thanks go to all those who helped with the organisation, to those who took part and those who just came along to watch.

Following our Annual General Meeting on Monday Oct. 5th Charfield now has two new representatives on the committee:-

Mrs. Rachel Bailey, The xxxx, Wotton Rd. Dur. 84xxxx and
Mrs. Elaine Taylor, xxx Manor Lane. Fal. 26xxxx.

If parents have problems of a general nature, please contact your representatives or myself. If, however, your problems concern a particular child then these matters must be discussed privately with the child's tutor or head of house. Any other matters concerning the internal management of the school must be dealt with by the headmaster.

Looking forward to Christmas? It won't be long now and the P.T.A. will have a stall at the Dickensian Evening in Wotton on Friday Dec. 11th. The following evening Sat. Dec. 12th, the P.T.A. will be organising a Christmas Dance at 8.00 p.m. in the Drama Hall. Tickets for this will be available shortly.

Finally, if anyone has any ideas for future fund-raising events or “Open Evenings” please do not hesitate to contact either one of your representatives, the school or myself.

Margaret Clarke, Chairlady K.L.B.S. P.T.A. Fal. 26xxxx.

Once again this Village has come up more than trumps with this year's envelopes. You really amaze me how every year you manage to exceed the previous year. After opening the last envelope I am thrilled to announce that the total is £261.66 which is up by £46 on last year's total. Could I just say a big thank you to all and especially the collectors who sometimes have an arduous job to do. May I also just mention that if anyone who has not yet had their envelope collected and still wish to contribute to please push your offering through my door – it still isn't too late.

M. R. Smith, Local Secretary.

Tuesday 20th Oct. Coffee Morning, Yewcroft, Long St. Wotton-under-Edge. Why not pop in for a coffee if you are in the vicinity on the 20th. Cakes for the Stall would be much appreciated and can be left at xx Manor Lane, on 19th Oct.

R.G.

19

It is now ten months since the Charfield ‘Appeal’ and still we await the result.

Whether, as the saying goes, ‘No news is good news’ will only be proved true or false when the Secretary of State, Nicholas Ridley, eventually announces his decision. In the meantime, the absence of information leaves us all awaiting the outcome either with apprehension or expectation, depending on what we will gain or lose by the result, whichever way it may go.

Falfield is awaiting the decision by Bovis Homes to go ‘to appeal’ and the chances are that their decision and that of the Secretary of State's on Charfield are in some convoluted way linked to the Examination in Public of the Avon Structure Plan which took place earlier in the year, the result of which is expected within the next four to six weeks. A lot will depend on whether it's recommendations will be accepted by the Secretary of State, or drastically modified by him.

Also due for publication shortly is the draft of the Rural Areas Local Plan, whose findings, if eventually accepted, could have a dramatic effect on curbing the demands by developers for large areas of our precious countryside. Both documents will be well worth studying in detail.

Over the past weeks, a number of issues and problems within Charfield have had to be dealt with. Several families, I'm pleased to report, have been suitably and satisfactorily housed or re-housed.

Some planning matters have been considered, though not all resolved as yet.

Complaints of flooding, noise, overgrown hedges, etc., have been reported to me and investigated. These are the more ‘everyday’ matters which are brought to my attention and on which action is required. They haven't all been satisfactorily resolved, but given time, adequate financial resources, and a plentiful supply of goodwill and co-operation, then perhaps we will see these problems removed.

Eddie Gadsby. District Councillor.

The commonly accepted definition is ‘sound’ which is undesired by the recipient. In other words, noise can be any sound which intrudes or disturbs or annoys.

Noise sources which can be the subject of by-laws include:-

Playing musical instruments, radios, cassette recorders etc., in the street near houses, Churches or hospitals.
Noisy animals, such as barking dogs.
Noisy conduct in streets at night.

Extract from booklet which can be obtained from C.A.B. Local Council Office, or Dept. of Environment.

Fortunately, here in Charfield noise is something we do not suffer very much from!

20

Following recent power cuts which put a large number of street lights out of phase, I was reminded of the importance of ensuring all street lights are working correctly as the longer nights arrive. Please don't wait for ‘them’ to fix an out of action light, please let me or a Parish Councillor know and a 'phone call will be made to the right person the next day. On the same subject, we have recently had some additional footway lights installed, and to ensure a continuing improvement, if you are aware of an area which could be improved by a new street light, please contact me.

Continuing the see and be seen theme, please ensure that all children's bicycles have working front and rear lights. The village roads are extremely busy at a time when visibility is at its worse.

For the present financial year the Parish Council restricted spending in all areas including grants to village organisations. This was to compensate for the very high costs incurred last year in being represented at the Planning Public Inquiry. However the Parish Council will be holding its budget meeting to consider financial commitments for the year 1988/9 in early December. Any village clubs or organisations wishing to apply for a Parish Council grant should forward an application together with a statement of account for the previous year, to reach me before 30th November 1987.

A brief report on this years Holiday Play Scheme was presented to the Parish Council and it was apparent that a very successful week had been held. A number of different activities had been arranged and the week culminated in an outing to Bowood House. The Playscheme in Charfield has been running for many years and its success is due to all those who give their time and effort. The Parish Council has already thanked the organisers but would also like to thank all those adults and teenagers who helped with supervision or who contributed in any way towards the success of the Scheme.

Jenny Hughes, Clerk to the Council

21

I'm still here, 3 months and 1st Woodend Venture Scout Unit still has a Public Relations Officer. It's a wonder that I've survived this long! Anyway, I better get on with it.

During the past 3 months we have been very busy as the weather allowed us to take part in many activities. A run, 23 miles overnight was completed by some of our Venturers in a record (?) breaking time of 8 hrs. 7 mins. The winner did it in 4 hrs.

We have been pot-holing (though very small holes) in Cheddar Gorge; canoeing and wind-surfing several times; ski-ing on the dry slope at Gloucester; visited Stroud Fire and Police Stations, and then on each occasion afterwards visited the chip shop!

We invited a number of Speakers to come and tell us about their various hobbies and jobs. These included P.C. Williams, who gave us a very frank and detailed talk on drugs. A Magistrate told us about the laws relating to people of our age group. A Cotswold Warden described his duties in this area. (since when some of our Venturers have joined the Cotswold Wardens to complete the Service Section of their Queen's Scout Award); An enamelling expert showed us how to make jewellery.

In the near future we plan to go on a Survival Camp for 4 days over Christmas, try our hand at Seasonal tunes with hand-bells, and go windsurfing and canoeing most weekends. Anybody who has any suggestions or offers for activities which you think we might enjoy (we try anything once) please contact me – Mark, Fal. 26xxxx.

Our Unit now has an avid interest in Water Sports, with a professional and a beginners sail, (a small one for those who fall in a lot). This has been added to by 3 canoes which we finished building this Spring. We hope to acquire a fleet of canoes this Winter, (by any legal means possible), so unless some kind person wants to give us some canoes, here is our fund-raising date:-

14th November – PROMISES AUCTION. This will be at CROMHALL SCOUT HUT – 2.00 p.m. Viewing between 10.30 and 12.0 p.m. If anyone would like to promise us a Service which we can auction please contact me on Fal. 260621.

Over Christmas we will be selling soft toys at Car Boot Sales. On the subject of Christmas, we will be selling Christmas Trees from Cromhall Scout Hut, on the last two Saturdays, 12th and 19th December. They will be very reasonable so DON'T rush out and buy one from anyone else!

Finally, we are still looking for new members, so if you are between the ages of 15 and 20, male or female, and have an I.Q. less than 10, please contact me and support your local – VENTURE SCOUT GROUP.

Mark Morris. 'Phone Fal. 26xxxx. xxx Manor Lane.

When we read the above report from Mark Morris on behalf of the Venture Scouts, and Mrs. Hobby's on behalf of the Youth Club, doesn't it make us all anxious to encourage and support the young people living in our Village as much as we can? Do let's do our best to respond to their appeals.

R.G.

22

If any of the above information is incorrect please let – R. Gunning, 26xxxx, or G. Blower 26xxxx know – thank you.

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.

Last update: 2016-12-15.