CHADRA

Despite this being the ‘silly season’ we have had a wonderful response to our requests for contributions to the Newsletter – thank you everyone. To those shy and retiring folk who feel they have a talent – why don't you use your holiday time to put pen to paper and liven up the October issue with any item which may be dear to your heart and interesting to the residents of Charfield.

It was very Heartening to see all those brave souls who supported Sports and Gala Day on the 16th July – with their coloured umbrellas and wellies. Now that Charfield has survived it's wettest Sports Day let us take inspiration and make sure there is a Sports Day next year.

Congratulations to the organizing committee.

Urgent – please read Youth Club article – page 9.

MH
JP
Joint Editors.

* * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – DON'T FORGET – 12TH SEPTEMBER * * * *
CORRECTION !!! – 12TH OCTOBER

Joint Editors Jenny Peaster xxx Manor Lane Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Distribution Mike Cheskin xx Farm Leas Charfield Tel: Dursley 84xxxx
Mary Hall xx Durham Road Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Duplicating John Butler x Thames Close Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

The Parish Council was pleased to hear from District Councillor Mr Eddie Gadsby at their recent meeting, a hopeful report that negotiations are at present in progress regarding a separate pedestrian footbridge across the railway bridge to replace the proposed traffic lights and one way operation. A Section 52 agreement is being drawn up and once finalised will become a condition on the developers.

The Parish Council agreed to support Wotton Town Council in their attempts to persuade one of the main banks to provide an all hours automatic cash point.

The perennial problem of bushes and trees overhanging footpaths will be given attention over the next few weeks. The Council asks all householders to check and take the necessary action to trim overhanging bushes and trees which are both a nuisance and a hazard to pedestrians.

Another hazard which has been commented on many times in the past is that of cycles on footpaths and with the long school holiday imminent the Parish Council asks for the co-operation of all parents to ensure that their children do not ride on footpaths. This applies to all footpaths but the central play area on the Old Manor Estate is of particular concern because of the narrow paths and blind corners.

The Holiday Playscheme will be held this year between 1st and 5th August at Charfield School. If you have missed the notification/application form please contact the organisers, Mrs Marilyn Burden or Mrs Anna Hart via Manor Fruiterers.

The Parish Council has received information from the Rural Industry Commission which is the newly re-named organisation specifically set up to aid small industry in rural areas. Please contact me or any Parish Councillor if you would like more information on the help and advice which they offer.

Jenny Hughes,
Clerk to the Council

It is proposed to open a Volunteer Link in Thornbury. The aim of the Link is to promote the use of voluntary initiative and to meet various needs in the community.

The Link will have an office in central Thornbury, which will be open to people to drop in. The office will be open three days per week, between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.

There will be an Open Meeting at 7.30 pm at Thornbury Methodist Church on 22nd September 1988 to launch the new organisation. If you have any ideas or suggestions please come to the meeting and give us your support. At this stage we are anxious to identify people who would serve on the Committee and/or anyone who would act as a volunteer co-ordinator.

If you or anyone you know is interested in either of these jobs please contact:-

Derek Turner, Social Worker
Social Services Department
xx Gloucester Road, Thornbury
Tel: Thornbury 41xxxx

2

Forthcoming Events

“Holding On”

It was Harvest Thanksgiving, and the children had brought their gifts of fruit and garden produce for the special “Gift Service”. As they presented their gifts to the minister on the rostrum before a large size congregation so each child recited an appropriate text, such as “Freely ye have received freely give”, “Every good and perfect gift cometh from above”, “All things were made by Him”, and so on. Finally only one small boy was left, and he held on very firmly to a very large rosy apple. “Well Tom” said the minister, “you have brought your gift, and now what is your text?” The boy looked up, and holding on very tightly to his apple, and with a twinkle in his eye, replied “Hold fast to that which is good!”

Remembering that even the rosiest apple may be rotten on the inside it may have been wiser had the boy quoted the whole verse which begins with such sound advice from the apostle Paul, to “Prove all things”. Nevertheless it is a good text for us to ponder, for there are so many things in life which are worth holding on to.

Its good to hold on to our friends, “to keep our friendships in good repair” as the saying goes. In an age of such widespread loose living and broken marriages, it is good for those of us who are married, with a few possible sad exceptions, to hold on firmly to each other, – through thick and thin and 'til “death us do part”.

Its good to hold on to right values, to decent standards of behaviour and moral discipline. Not to be over anxious about material wealth and the things that money can buy. The apostle Paul put it this way:- “Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely, think on these things.”

Its good to hold on to the Church. Some people look upon the Church as some kind of supernatural institution, convenient for weddings and funerals, which will always be there, whether we regularly support it or not. To those of us who think so complacently, Saint Paul would again say “Stand firm and be steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord, in as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in Him”

So finally we all need to hold on to Jesus Christ. “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?” asks the words of the old Sankey hymn, or are you drifting aimlessly from one daily situation to another? For many would testify as the hymn continues;- “WE HAVE AN ANCHOR that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love”.

E.L.

3

Despite the weather Sports and Gala Day once again was a success. It always amazes me where people come from! In fact, a few weeks ago a lady from Bristol 'phoned to ask the date – her family never misses it. Tewkesbury School has been coming for years and this time Avening School competed in the races. Well done to all the children who kept going through the rain.

Unfortunately the attractions had to be held under cover but I am sure no one could have missed the Jazz Band, even if you did only see their legs! The Wendy Noad Dancers gave a great display and for anyone who has never seen karate performed then the Wotton branch of Se-Bu-Khan Wado Kai were most impressive with their skills and discipline. Mr. Mel Moore kept the youngsters happy with his magic and very clever art of shaping balloons.

A painting competition took place at school and all the pictures were in the Hall on Saturday; the standard was excellent. The Fancy Dress as always proved hard to judge – well done everybody.

Three months ago there was to be no Sports and Gala Day. Thanks to Brian Lovegrove that did not happen. How could we let it die after 28 years? Charfield is growing rapidly, surely there are more than 5 people who can spare the time to keep it going. Many young people were disappointed as there was no entertainment in the evening. In September there will be an A.G.M. Instead of standing in the car park, stand inside and say what you would like to happen next year. A group of you would be a great help on a committee – it's not as terrible as it sounds!

Many thanks to all those people who donated prizes for the Grand Draw and to Mr. Fred Wardle who once again not only judged the Miss Charfield Competition, but also generously provided the prizes.

Many thanks also to everyone who had a stall and to everyone who helped out on the day. Unfortunately this Newsletter was due for printing on Sports Day itself, so no figures are available as yet. Any profits will go towards new curtains for the village hall.

Thank you also Lisa Hutchings, this years Miss Charfield, for opening the afternoon, and many thanks to the Committee for producing another successful day.

Anne Stoakes

St. John's Church are organising a 25 mile sponsored cycle ride on Saturday, September 3rd, starting from the Church at 2.00 p.m.

Money raised is to be divided equally between Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and the St. John's Church repair fund.

Anyone interested in taking part (bring your own bike) please contact me at x Thames Close for a sponsor sheet. Can I make it clear that this is not a race, or a time trial – there are no prizes for winning!

Mr. J. Butler.
(Falfield 26xxxx)

4

Did you come? On the 25th of June we held a June Fling, in the evening, for anyone in the village. It was an event for social contact and quite a good number did avail themselves of the opportunity and it was a very worth-while experience on what was an ideal summer evening. The ‘feast’ element of this was superb! We have come to expect this – excellent food and drink, and plenty – when we ‘put on’ any event; but these things do not happen automatically and I am very grateful to all who organised and carried through these arrangements. Even the weather smiled on us!

As I travel round the village calling on people who ask to see me for various reasons, I get asked quite a variety of questions. Looking back, even on a week,it is surprising how many, and on what a variety of subjects. It has recently struck me that there are readers of this excellent publication might like to make use of such an opportunity to ask such questions which may be answered IN PRINT. I must make it clear that I don't mean to be a Proops-substitute – an agony column. For one thing no one would wish to commit themselves with personal matters within the setting of a village. Even with anonymous questioners, there could appear a sort of ‘spot the writer’ competition! And I think it is hardly necessary to say that at ALL times, confidential information entrusted to me is never disclosed. But that being said, there are many questions I am asked of a non-personal nature which might be of general interest. Nor do I mean only ‘religious’ questions (in the narrow sense). My own interest are as wide as life (try me!) and I often get asked about things that are of more general interest. At any rate, think about it. If you want to have a go all you have to do is to write a question on a piece of paper, making clear that it relates to this article. Whether you add your name and address is optional: although it may be useful it is not essential. I do try and make myself available to people and this may be another way in which I may be of help. Often general questions are of interest to a wide number of people.

Now for a few forthcoming events:

SATURDAY the 3rd SEPTEMBER: An Alcohol and Drugs exhibition in St. John's Church. It will last for several days. A number of Churches in this group (known as a Deanery) are holding simultaneous exhibitions at the same time (see notices at Church for details). OURS, on the above subjects (Alcohol and Drugs), will be open all day so do spare the time to look in and view it. It deals with things that are of vital concern to us all, to our children and to society as a whole.

SATURDAY the 17th SEPTEMBER commencing at 2.30: our annual BAZAAR. This is in the Village Hall as usual and those who are old friends of this event will not need to be told that it is really worth attending. Those who don't know this should come and find out!

SUNDAY the 25th SEPTEMBER. This Sunday is our HARVEST THANKSGIVING. We go to the shops regularly and perhaps return home hot, tired and short-tempered with the queueing. I suspect that rarely do we wander round such stores in a daze of gratitude that we have the money to buy such goods and that the goods are there to buy – some from the far side of the world! Gratitude for the ordinary blessings of life is in short supply. On this day we have a chance of redressing the balance, of putting right the gratitude-deficiency.

At 10.15 a.m. we have a Eucharist (which means ‘Thanksgiving’). At 3 p.m. we have an informal Thanksgiving service for ALL the Family. The preacher is the BISHOP of TEWKESBURY, Right Rev. Jeremy Walsh. DO write it or your calendar NOW! DO come and bring family and friends.

Kenneth Grant.

5

It would appear that, at long last, the improvements to the school buildings may be going to happen. Not as much as we had hoped for but fairly substantial nevertheless.

The main feature will be the construction of an assembly hall/gymnasium with adjoining kitchen where the infants playground now is. The existing hall will be converted into two classrooms allowing for the removal of the two oldest temporary classrooms, presently occupied by Mrs. Enticott's and Mr. Bradley's classes.

The outline plans have been discussed by the teaching staff and Governors and will go before the Education Committee for their approval in October. Tenders will be invited about February of next year, if the expected approval is forthcoming, and work should commence in the summer holiday 1989 lasting nine to ten months.

Typically English summer weather has done its best to interfere with this terms activities but so far only the district primary schools rounders tournament has had to be cancelled.

The boys' cricket team has performed remarkably well and have had a busy and successful season. The team, captained by Philip Davies, includes Gavin Lotinga, Darren Dixon, Mark Pearn, Bryan Jater, Christopher Wills, David Newns, Daniel Colla, Andrew Edwards, Robert Devall and James Lamont. Michael Shaw and Charles Laing also played in the six-a-side competition.

The Wotton-u-Edge & District Primary Schools held a six-a-side tournament at K.L.B. in July and the two Charfield School teams played well and gained valuable confidence and experience. The ‘A’ team defeated the British School (Wotton) and Bluecoat School (Wotton), whilst the ‘B’ team were successful against Tortworth, Cromhall and North Nibley. The highlights were Mark Pearn's 43 n.o. (v. British School) and the opening partnership of 40 between Gavin Lotinga & Philip Davies (v. Bluecoat School). Bryan Jater's all round play held the ‘B’ team together, with help from Christopher Wills (v. Tortworth) and James Lamont (v. North Nibley).

However, the focus of the teams endeavours this season has been the ESSO/Lord's Taverners/E.S.C.A. Primary Schools' Competition. This is an 8-a-side game, with everyone in the team having to bat, whilst each team must use at least four bowlers. This suggests the need for a good all-round team, and the boys have risen to the challenge magnificently. Five rounds of the competition have seen victories against St. Michael's, Winterbourne, St. Saviour's, Bath, West Town Lane Junior School, Brislington, Naunton Park, Cheltenham and Brentry School, Bristol. The side has scored consistently more than the opposition, probably being too aggressive on occasions, when simply to defend and collect singles would have been more astute. The bowlers must take wickets and so put pressure on the opponents, and in the last match versus Brentry, it needed 4 wickets in the last two overs to ensure victory. To their credit, when the chances came the fielders were alert and determined not to let them slip away. The team now heads for the National Finals, involving 12 schools from the regions of England and Wales at the County Cricket Ground, Derby on July 21st, where they have been drawn in the same group as the representatives from Norfolk and Lancashire. Their achievements to date have been splendid, and all that is certain is that they will have a cricketing experience that they will never forget.

Good Luck!

D.A. Malpass, Headmaster.
D. Bradley.

6

Hello!

How are you all? I nearly always start off with “Dear Mums” – so then I thought about all the Dads – I've had a few men phone me – I can tell you, but they've only ever wanted a sitter! Then I thought of starting off with “Dear Parents”, but that was a bit too Claire Rayner-ish – so it's just HELLO.

I've seen lots of nice new faces in Charfield and in my last few ‘write-ups’ I haven't really explained to any new parents what the Circle is all about. Those who know, switch off for a few lines.

The Circle has been running for quite a few years now and is designed so that Mums and Dads can get a sitter in, go out, and NOT PAY ANYTHING! How about that then? Then on another occasion, you sit for some-one else. So if you would like to join and/or find out more, then just phone me.

Frances Wills has been “Kindly” on at me to pop round to up date the list, I think she might even type a new one – I haven't got an “H” at the moment, (on my type-writer that is), so I shall take her up on her offer!

Now, what else to advise you all of. Oh yes! My Dad very cleverly booked a holiday in Scotland for him, Mum and dear Auntie Edie. So it meant that my sister and I just had to have their tickets to go to the Chelsea Flower Show.

I had to buy a new top and skirt in case I was televised. We did go on the opening day, you know! Also, I invested in three new pairs of footwear of various widths and heights of heel for maximum comfort. Well I decided on a dead flat pair of white leather mocassins, or is it moccasins, anyway we arrived along with 40,000 others. We were confronted by two security guys at the gate, bag searching. Well they looked at this large haversack, my sister was carrying, with her duck handled brolly sticking out of the top.
“What's in there?” one asked.
“Do you really want to know?” I asked.
“yes, please” he said.
“Well,” I replied “there's 4 pate and granary rolls, 2 bananas, 4 healthy, fruity yoghurts, 2 oranges and 4 of my favourite Bath buns with sugar on top. Oh, and not forgetting 4 cartons of juice. Do you want to look?”
“Oh, just go in” he said.
Well, this old biddy behind us said “Umph!! So much for Security.”
Actually I think it was my new, short length skirt he was looking at – or else the duck handled brolly! We had a fabulous day, I kept waving to the BBC who were filming 100 feet up in the air and asking everyone intelligent questions, well, I do need tips.

About 5 O'clock and with only 2 fruity yoghurts left we sidled up to a posh looking chap – bow tie and all, with my left foot suffering from my new moccasins.
“Hello Ladies can I help?”
“Ooh, yes” I cried, “Have you got a plaster?”
Well, my sister, being very horticulturalised, wanted to shrink into the nearest 12 foot across hand nurtured, lily leaf and not come out again. He sheepishly grinned and I asked the name of this lovely little green and red spotted specimen behind him. Handing me an alphabetical list of everything on his display he said it was called a “Uphorbia”.

7Well, I couldn't find it under “U's” – there weren't any
“Try the ‘Eu's’ Madam,” he said, full of botanical smugness. So I crawled away full of ‘Euphorbia’ to look for Alan Titchmarsh. My home is now full of every available leaflet, sample and you-name-it. What about my garden you ask, – well, I can't read about it, AND DO IT, CAN I?

Well, short of being charged space – I'd better shut up. But I do want to end by saying that I shall miss doing the smash-a-crock stall this year, on Sports Day, with a designer outfit from Margaret Shipton, but I shall be at Wembley, screaming with a hoard of other mad fans of Michael Jackson! What more can I add? Except that I do hope my ticket of 7 months is not forged and that I can get a glimpse of the fantastic star!

Finally, to all of you involved with the fun ride, Julie Terrett and I organised, on April 1st, this year, a Big Thank You. A total of £715 was raised towards the John Milton Children's ward at Southmead Hospital. Your generosity overwhelmed us.

Have a great Summer.

Best Wishes and if you need a sitter – phone me.

Marilyn – Fal. 26xxxx

The House to House Collection in April realised the sum of £276.59
Also the Annual Box Emptying in June achieved the sum of £235.98.

Together, therefore, the sum of £512.57 has been sent from this parish, to support the very valuable work done by the Children's Society in helping families, young people and children, in need.

Grateful thanks are extended to all who contributed towards this appeal fund, both in money and in their valuable time.

Anyone wishing to have a collecting box within their home for the year, is invited to contact me, as soon as possible please.

C P Temme,
xx Durham Road.

Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

8

The Tennis Season is in full swing and members have had some good games. The potential Steffi's and Stefan's are limbering up for Wimbledon '89 – or should I say lumbering up, I know my knees are fast failing me, and I put that down to my 2nd round match – we went to three sets and at my age that's too much!

Please note that all matches should have been played by now, as the Finals are on 24th July. The times and Barbeque details are to be posted on the notice board.

The rules of the Tennis Club are posted up in the shed, but briefly the playing times are as follows:-

Juniors (those in full-time education)	up until 6 pm
Families	6–7 pm
Seniors only	after 7 pm

See you on the court.

Claire Haines,
Secretary

With the start of the new season just a couple of months away here's a re-cap of how both teams finished last season.

1st XI

Position – 5th place

Top Goal Scorers – P Morgan 18, S Bamford 9, D Holmes 8, B Rigg 8

2nd XI

Position – 3rd place*

Top Goal Scorers – M Dean 20, G Ritchings 10, M Swallow 9, J Robson 8, A Smith 6

* Promoted through restructuring of Leagues.

The Dinner/Dance was once again successfully held at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club where the following awards were made:-

9Training has resumed at the same time and place – Charfield Playing Field – Every Wednesday at 7.15 pm. Any new players within the village are always welcomed.

Mike Green
Secretary

Ladies who want to have some fun and keep fit – then come along to Katherine Lady Berkeley's School Sports Hall.

We meet every Tuesday from 7.15–8.15 pm. The season starts again on Tuesday 6th September 1988.

Juniors are welcome and transport is available – for further details please phone Falfield 26xxxx

Wendy Bath
Secretary

We would like to print in each copy of NEWSLETTER a list or Diary Dates which will be of interest to people in the village and also to help all the organizers to plan their individual events and not to clash with others who may have common interest.

If you, or anyone in your group or organization have confirmed dates you would like published in the September/October issue of the Newsletter please ring:

Jan Hannigan, Falfield 26xxxx

and give her details of date, time, venue etc. and we can all look forward to a hectic social life!

It is now about a year since we put out an appeal for a Youth Leader or all Assistant Leader. If anyone could manage to help on one night a week, or even one Tuesday every month please contact us urgently. This help is still required if the club is to survive. We will at the end of the year be one leader short and two committee members of long standing will be stepping down from office this September.

PLEASE, PLEASE, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IF THE CLUB IS TO CONTINUE

P Peaster
Club Chairman

10

As usual our executive committee have been busy fund-raising. Our Spring Fayre at Cromhall made £130 profit this year and the Bar-B-Q held recently in the Jubilee field raised £150. The annual Clay Shoot held on the first Sunday in May at Reg Baker's farm raised about £2,000. This is a large under-taking with over 60 helpers working hard to bring in this much needed financial support, although the Chairman of the sub-committee was rather disappointed that while the scouts and especially the venture scouts contributed their time and efforts, the numbers of cub scouts were sadly few compared with last year's “spent clay round up”.

After a very bad hitch the much looked forward to Gang Show was finally put on by the venture and scout leader for one evening at Kingswood. It was a good show and a lot of effort had been put in by everyone concerned. A contribution of £60 was given to the group by the Venture scouts as part of the profit.

As a thank you from the Scouters, they challenged the out-going members of the executive committee for the last year and their spouses to a skittles match. I'm not quite sure who won but it was a close thing!

This is the time of year for AGMs and two I will mention – Severn Vale District AGM in May saw the presentation of the Queen's Scout Certificate to Dave Hardwick by the County Commissioner, Alan Cross, and nearer home at our AGM at the end of May Thanks badges were presented to Derek Hardwick and Chris Weston. The out-going Chairman, Ian Williams was thanked for his year “tour of duty” and a new Chairman, Dave Griffiths, was nominated by the Group Scout Leader. Ian Williams has now taken on the task of Chairman of the Clay Shoot sub-committee.

Recently the ventures have undertaken the Sun Run where an (unfortunately) incomplete team returned the fastest time and the scouts entered the Malvern Challenge. Also some older members helped at the Young Farmers Rally at North Nibley.

The two cub packs are going for weekend camps as we are going to press and the scout troop is shortly to have a week's camp in Wales, with 38 scouts attending they should be assured of having a good time. No doubt the leaders will feel in need of a week's rest by the time they return.

The beaver scouts having had a day's outing to Slimbridge, on one of our past sunny days, are expecting to go to Coalpit Heath to join the Lion cub pack for their campfire – this will entitle them all to have their beaver badges on their scarves.

Future events:-
We are inviting you all to see our local area on Sunday 25th September by taking part in the Woodend Route, a 25 km (16½ mile) walk, fully marshalled with 4 or 5 checkpoints to help you on your way. A Signed certificate to say you have completed the course is yours at the final step. Entry forms and full details from N Haines, xx Horsford Road, telephone Durs: 84xxxx

15th October Autumn Fayre and Car Boot Sale – Memorial Hall, Charfield
12th November Craft Fayre at Scout Headquarters, Cromhall.
Date to be arranged – Race Nite.

Of course we are always looking interested people to help with the sections – you'll be given a great welcome. Contact me any time.

Margaret K Coomber
Group Scout Leader.

Tel: Falfield: 26xxxx

11

Since our last item in the Newsletter the Brownies have been extremely busy. Perhaps you have seen them ‘rambling’ around the village or making maps for their Road Safety Badges.

As well as these outdoor activities the Brownies gave a concert for family and friends at the beginning of July. The evening was a great success and five Brownies were awarded their Jesters Badge by Div. Comm. J. Grant and special guest Div. Comm. J. Sheene from Winnipeg, Canada. A lot of hard work went into making the evening a success and thanks are due to Mrs. A. Boone our Musical Director – we trust her hearing gets “Bach” to normal soon!

We ended the term with a splash at our 2nd swimming session organised by Mrs. B. Pearn who should be awarded the “Golden Armband” for her patience and fortitude.

If your daughter would like to join our pack please contact Mrs. Smith (Fal. 26xxxx) or Mrs. MacLellan (Fal. 26xxxx) to have her name added to our waiting list.

Right, here we go again to boldly go where no other idiot has gone before – I've still got the job of telling you all about our efforts so here's this months thrilling (??) instalment.

Since I last wrote, we have gone to lower depths than we previously thought was possible. Over the weekend of the Summer Solstice (the longest day in the year) most of the Ventures went away to the Sun-Run. This was a 27 mile overnight run from Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham to the 3 Counties Show Ground. As most of us had been before we had learnt our lesson and so went along to the non-runners Disco, but 3 of our fitter and less intelligent members took part in the run. They finished in the fastest time for a mixed team, but were disqualified because one of them dropped out along the way. The rest of us had a good nights sleep!

While we haven't been busy going to Discos we have gone ski-ing at Gloucester, visited Purton Water Works, had a Bar-B-Q and Baseball Evening, organised a party for the Beaver Scouts (aged under 8), manned a 40ft tower firing off clay pigeons for a day, and much, much more (if only I could remember what!).

We now have a new wally (oops, sorry!) chairman. Simon Whiteley has taken over the job from Mike Gooch who has resigned as he has gained an H.N.C. (with distinction in one class) and is now looking for a job. Simon will now find out why Mike was never at home when you tried to 'phone him.

If there is anybody left still aged between 15 and 20, male or female, and wants to join us – think about it very carefully, re-read this article, insert left hand into right ear, remove brain (if any) and then 'phone me on Falfield 26xxxx!

Mark Morris
P.R.O.

12

Part 1. “Up the Rope Ladder”

“Take your baggage in there and wait”, snapped our driver. Not another wait I thought. Ever since we had landed in the hot desert it was move over here, stay there, open this suitcase, let me check your passport.

This was the first time I had joined a ship with my husband and I had always imagined that they tied up alongside a jetty and one sedately walked up the gangway as shown on films about cruise liners and yet, here we were, nine hours flight from home, three hours drive in a car without air conditioning across a desert where camels and cars were dumped at the side of the road and left to rot as one, waiting in a hot, airless room at the end of a jetty without a ship in sight. We were both thirsty but cautious of taking a drink from the one filthy tap in case of infection, so sat quietly trying to rid our minds of how hot, sticky and exhausted we were, and think positively about the next five months we would be spending on a vast oil tanker going goodness knows where.

My thoughts, however, returned to how I would get aboard and this kept me anxiously looking out of the dusty window, seaward; there was no harbour and certainly no ship.

“How long will we be here?” I asked, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. My husband was used to this as his working life was spent at sea, and besides it was he who had insisted that joining a ship was easy, only once had he gone up a rope ladder, but not from this port.

“Where is the ship?” I asked as he didn't answer my first question, But before he could answer either an Arab, looking cool in his long white robes – why didn't I look so cool? – directed us towards a launch. “Where are we going? Where's the ship?” Oh so casually came the reply that she was out there somewhere over the horizon.

I had never been very agile when it came to feats of balance and had always envied the way fishermen and sailors stayed on an even keel when their small boats rocked and rolled about them. When at the sea side I would sit on the harbour wall watching with awe their confidence in these small craft and over the years had come to the conclusion that they were born to a life at sea just as I was born to a life on land. Now here I was being turned into a seafarer in my mid-thirties and at this moment wishing to be anywhere else but here.

“Jump, it's easy. Come on, jump” said my husband, already in the launch, holding out his hand. As there was no alternative I did as he requested, But where was the ship?

We headed out to sea, the launch smacking into the waves and sending spray over us until we were soaked, cool, but soaked to the skin. My husband, of course, was standing rock solid whilst I staggered around as a drunk walking on springs.

“There she is”, he yelled above the roar of the diesel engine. And I could see a small black line on the horizon gradually coming nearer and getting bigger and bigger until we both realised that she was in ballast.

“Sorry love, but it's going to be the rope pilot ladder. The gangway isn't long enough” he said. I was already feeling queasy but that was the end, my stomach sank and I turned green, there was no way I could leap off the back of a launch onto a rope ladder on a ship sailing in the middle of the ocean. I wanted to go home and now.

13Some thirty minutes after leaving the safety of the shore we were alongside this black leviathan some ¼ mile long and 75 feet high to the main deck. There was the gangway, stopping half way down the side, and slung vertically from the deck railings was the rope pilot ladder ominously knocking against the empty hull. My mind was a blur but somewhere in the distance I could hear instructions being shouted at me.

“When the launch rises to the top of a swell reach up to the step with a wide handhold and step onto the ladder. Move quickly before the launch drops down and leaves you dangling by the arms. Then quickly go up the ladder before the launch comes up again and traps your legs. When you get to the gangway step carefully but quickly onto it and the rest is easy.”

What does he mean quickly, quickly, easy, can't he see I'm glued to the spot, I thought. “O.K. tell me when to go” I said, trying to sound calm and collected.

“Now!” and I was away like a monkey up a tree. Breathless but jubilant, I scrambled my way up.

“Well done. Not many wives join like that. Welcome aboard.”

C. Gull

Thank you C. Gull for the above interesting and amusing article. We look forward to the next editions.

Eds.

We took advantage of the sunshine recently and visited the birth place of the Immortal Bard – with a tour of some of the Cotswold villages, Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold to add to the delight of the trip. On July 21st, we shall be journeying to the sea to Dawlish and Teignmouth.

As with most village clubs the raising of funds to offset costs is number one priority and we are no exception. To this end we organised a “Spring Draw” and a “Bring and Buy Sale”. Both were a success, a fitting reward for the Committee and helpers.

To persons over 60 years we still extend a welcome to our club. Transport will pick you up and return you to your homes.

We look forward to seeing you.

E.H. Orton
Chairman

From the beginning of April until the end of June our drivers took 23 passengers to various destinations ranging from Wotton doctors to Bristol hospitals. These journeys were arranged with difficulty at times as all of our 15 drivers have other commitments, indeed on one occasion it was not possible to help.

Isn't there anyone else in Charfield who has a little spare time and the use of a car? I had no response to my last plea in the 14Newsletter and running this scheme is becoming increasingly difficult. If anyone is willing to help please get in touch with me on Falfield 26xxxx. Payment is made on the basis of 11p per mile.

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all drivers for the continued co-operation.

Muriel Blower

First, can I thank Anna Hart, Margaret Shipton, Marion Smith, Sally Griffiths and everyone else who helped to set out the jumble on July 2nd. Also thanks to everyone who gave their support. We managed to raise £120, all of which will be put into the Guide funds.

As we are near to the end of term, if your daughter would like to join, please contact Mrs. Meek or myself. Your daughter should be 10½ years old.

Since April all the girls have been enjoying the out-of-doors at Avening Green, where they have been cooking, camp training and going for walks. We also had the pleasure of the company of three girls from 1st Charfield Brownies there to do some cooking.

Camp is at the end of July and there are 3 new girls camping for the first time. Let's hope the weather will be fine and not raining every day!

We have five girls who are now finishing their Baden Powell Badges. They have all found it hard, but have managed it without help.

Guides will re-start at the Village Hall on September 7th at 7.00 p.m.

Mary Westlake
Assistant Guider

Well once again we have had a very busy term with a very successful District Handicraft Show at the end of April.

In June some of our Brownies went on a Pack Holiday to Deer Park, Cowley which was very much enjoyed. Some will be going in July so we are hoping for more good weather.

We have also enjoyed a tea in Mrs. Green's garden. A successful cake stall on 18th June at Mrs. Gooch's raised £70 for the Church of England Children's Society and Mr. Neudegg is coming to collect the cheque and give a talk.

The last event will be Conygres until after the holidays, when we start back with Brownie Revels in September.

Are you 7 years old and would like to be a Brownie? If so, contact Mrs. Green on Dursley 84xxxx. We meet on Tuesdays, 4.30 until 5.45. If you are not yet 7, put your name on the waiting list so as not to be disappointed. Tuesday and Wednesday Brownies each have their own list.

15

Well, another year at Playgroup is nearly over and soon in September there will be a lot of new little faces to get to know. I am allocating sessions for next term now, so if there is anyone out there with a child who win be three years old during the next school year, and wishes to bring them to Playgroup, please let me know.

You may have noticed that we did not hold our Family Disco in the Barn after all. There were so many similar functions happening at the same time in the village we decided to cancel.

The present committee's last attempt to raise funds will be at the Sports and Gala Day, which I'm sure you all will have attended by the time you read this.

The next meeting will be the A G M on Monday September 12th at 8.00 pm in the Chapel schoolroom, when the new committee will be elected. Please come along.

Wendy Holmes
Secretary

Hello Mums

Just a couple of things to say in this newsletter.

Firstly I hope everyone who came to the Teddy Bear's Picnic enjoyed it. Secondly, Toddlers will continue to run throughout the school summer holidays this year on the following Thursday mornings:-

After September 15th, Toddlers will be back to normal, every Thursday morning from 10.15–11.30 am. So come on all you Mums, please come and support us.

Tina Crooks
Secretary

The Tennis club will be holding a Halloween Disco in the Village Hall on Saturday 29th October.

Your presence will be welcome especially if you are in Fancy Dress! Keep your eyes open for posters giving full details which will be displayed around the village nearer the time.

I would particularly like to thank all the lads who helped on the Tennis Club stall at Sports Day, selling coke and crisps.

Miriam Ealey

16

If you are a parent or guardian of a child attending the Charfield Primary School you may well be aware that in the new academic year 1988/89, a new Governing Body will be appointed by the Local Education Authority and Charfield Parents will be invited to vote for three persons to be nominated as parent governors.

The Government Circular 7/87 follows the definition given in the Education Act 1944, that a parent includes a guardian and every person who has the actual custody or the child and young person.

The principle of one person, one vote, per vacancy is the most generally accepted one and this also means that each parent is eligible to vote.

When should the elections be held? Some Education Authorities hold them in the summer term, thus giving new governors plenty of time to prepare for the job – but it disenfranchises new parents and gives a vote to parents whose children are leaving at the end of the school year.

The policy of the County of Avon is to arrange for parent governor elections in the Autumn Term; and the headmaster is often appointed as the returning officer. The ballot is a secret ballot.

By-Elections Except for when the LEA decrees otherwise, governors can be appointed for 4 years, and so a vacancy may well accrue for one reason or another during that span of time. It is not acceptable to give the place to the runner-up in the previous election and so the Governing Body will then ensure an election procedure that is fair and easily understood.

The background of parental involvement No doubt the authors of the 19th Education Act thought they were giving parents a good deal when they said that ‘children were to be educated in accordance with the wishes of the parents’. So often though, this was only as long as parents' wishes did not interfere with efficiency or cost!

It was not until the 1980 Education Act that parents were given more legal rights, including the right to be represented on the Governing Body. Now, subsequent to the Education (No 2) Act 1986 an entirely new constitution comes into force in September 1988 as far as our County Primary School is Concerned.

As well as a guarantee of representation, the 1980 act gave parents other rights that affect their links with the governing body. One of the most important is the right to information about schools and the local education system. Charfield complies with another requirement namely the provision of a school brochure.

This was re-inforced by the 1986 Act by giving Governors and the LEA the duty to make available information about the curriculum and the syllabuses.

The Education Reform Bill It is envisaged that parents will take an interest in how the national curriculum will develop, and this will include religious education which has been a legal requirement since the 1944 Act.

An annual report and annual meeting of governors for all parents become a legal requirement as part of the 1986 Act and at the two meetings held so far at Charfield School, a certain amount of written and verbal information regarding governor's responsibilities has already been promulgated. 17Even so many parents may still have only a hazy idea of what governors do although there may be more understanding of what a parent/teacher association is.

If then you are a parent and wish to know more before offering your name to be nominated in a ballot, advise the Headmaster and an informal group meeting could be considered when one will endeavour to answer your questions.

In conclusion may I add that the Governing Body will continue to have plenty to consider in future agendas particularly when the financial responsibility of day to day management becomes a requirement in September 1989.

David W Parker
Chairman
School Governors

At last the rain has stopped and the sun has come out. Many of you reading the newsletter will have been to Sports Day and as they say the “sun always shines on the righteous”.

The W I this year were responsible for refreshments in the hall and this is my opportunity to thank all members for their hard work, not only in making hundreds of sandwiches and cakes but for serving them as well.

Our summer programme in the W I has been busy, with a trip to Selsey Herb Farm in July. We all learnt the skills of dried flower picture making in June, although not all of us were quite as competent as our speaker from Chipping Sodbury.

Like most groups we have a break in August and resume for our Autumn programme in September. We look forward to hearing speakers and seeing demonstrations on Dolls and Doll Collecting, and Ribbon Ways. So come along and join us for a warm welcome on the 2nd Thursday in the month in the Village Hall. You've always wondered what went on in the W I haven't you – so come and find out.

Susan Green
President
Charfield Women's Institute

18

In recent months there have been so many planning applications submitted to Northavon District Council, that extra regular meetings of the Planning Committee have had to be arranged to cope with the additional workload. At the last planning meeting there were, for example, four applications from Charfield where there are normally not more than two. One of the four was the application by Crest Homes to build its proposed 182 houses on the Manor Lane/Little Bristol site. Consent was given, but with certain conditions imposed, one of which was the entering into a Section 52 agreement with the developer to provide a footbridge alongside the roadbridge over the railway line. Negotiations seem to be proceeding satisfactorily and there would appear to be a very good chance of this scheme going ahead. A footbridge to remove the danger of traffic to pedestrians and to eliminate the need for traffic lights was, after all, a strongly argued recommendation at the Public Inquiry last year and has been pressed for over many past years. Removing the pavement on the bridge should also give more room for traffic to negotiate the bridge with greater safety.

As regards, the proposed housing development, the layout on paper seems to be very satisfactory, but I wonder if 182 three and four bedroomed houses on quite large plots at present day prices, will meet all the housing needs of the village. One thing it will certainly do is attract a lot of people from elsewhere. Like your Parish Council and others in the village, I asked that some cheaper housing be provided on the site and was very disappointed that this provision has not been made. Originally, some were to be built, but according to the developers, there has been a change of policy because of ‘market values’. There is certainly a need for some cheaper housing because there are in Charfield some young and others not so young who would welcome the opportunity to buy a new cheaper property, thus enabling them to remain in the village. If a few cheaper houses are not to be incorporated into this new development, where in Charfield are such houses to be built? There are those who would argue that no cheaper houses should be built on this site. I would ask them to bear in mind the time perhaps ten, twenty, even thirty years ago, when they were looking for their first house and were lucky enough to find a house in Charfield which they could afford to buy. I hope we will not deprive some of our young people of a similar opportunity today in Charfield.

Eddie Gadsby
District Councillor

My wife Dorothy and I have recently moved into this lovely village and received a ‘complimentary’ edition of the April Newsletter which we found both interesting and informative.

I see from the front piece that you are looking for copy and this is intended as a thank you letter not only to those involved with the Newsletter but to the village as a whole for accepting us as it has. We would like to say a personal thank you to some of the local folk who have befriended us in many ways. By no means is it in any alphabetical, chronological or other order, but here goes:-

To Mike Fews and family for vacating and selling to us, and Stuart Young of Lapham & Mann for his quite considerable efforts.

To Mr. & Mrs. Mike Grant and their delivery staff for sending us our papers and magazines and keeping the trading hours they do.

To Diane and Nigel Bell for their quiet delivery of milk & eggs at such an early hour, and the cheerful way Diane collects our money each Friday!

To the local Postmaster, Mike Pemberton and his good lady for the cheerful way they give me money (through the good auspices of H.M. Government!) and for loading bags of sand etc. into my car – the postmaster that is, not his good lady – although I'd have found the strength from somewhere to help her!

19To the many other tradespeople here and in Wotton with whom we have dealt for their patience, civility and efficiency (with particular mention of Anne Parry of Holloways).

To the Rev. Kenneth Grant (I don't know how you got so far down the list but I did warn you there was no order of priority!), church wardens, etc. of St. Johns Church for the way they have made us welcome and the high quality of readings and sermons.

To the licensees of various hostelries who have made me welcome and to those who put up with my meanderings when they imbibe with me.

To our immediate neighbours, either side and across the road, thank you for the flowers that arrived on our first day and the parcels of veg and rhubarb that surreptitiously turn up on our doorstep from time to time.

Finally, I have one complaint. It is about drivers who completely ignore the 30 m.p.h. speed limit in the village. What poor P.C. Williams can do about it I don't know, other than set up some form of modern technology and operate it 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, but certainly not much notice is taken of the signs at either end of the village. Watch it lads and lasses and do your bit for the village. Accidents aren't nice. I know, I had one four years ago and I'm still suffering.

Fred Price
xx Wotton Road

Thank you, Fred, for your very long letter. Sorry we had to ‘condense’ it considerably, but don't let that put you off sending more ‘copy’ in the future!

Eds.

Many, many thanks to all the parents and pupils who braved the weather and turned up on July 9th for our Annual Summer Fayre. In between showers, the stalls did very well and hopefully we will have raised over £600.

Our next event is the Horse Show and Gymkhana to be held in North Nibley on Sunday, 11th September. Schedules for this are now available and if anyone is interested contact Mrs. R. Aspinwall, Falfield 26xxxx or Mrs. J. Hall, Falfield 26xxxx.

The date of our A.G.M. has been provisionally arranged for Monday, 17th October but parents are asked to look out for a P.T.A. Newsletter confirming the date.

Finally, I would like to thank the many parents and friends who have supported the P.T.A. and hope they will continue to do so in the future.

Margaret Clarke
Chairman.
Falfield 26xxxx.

20

Hello everyone!

Jeanette has asked me to help out by writing a piece for the Newsletter this time, so here goes.

We meet once a month on the 3rd Thursday, at about 8.00 p.m. Our talks are as varied as we can make them, to cater for all tastes: we also go on coach trips. We have just had a very successful trip to the 3 Choirs Vineyard. Everyone enjoyed it and the wine tasting went down a treat!

May I thank everyone who contributed to the Tombola Stall on Sports Day. It has become something of a tradition for Young Wives to run this stall and give all profits to the Village Hall. This year we made them well over £100, an excellent amount, despite the rain. Well done everyone.

Now for another tradition. Are you interested in a coach trip to London? This will be on a Saturday in November, open to everyone. We are hoping to organise this again this year, but it will only be viable if we get a reasonable number to go as the coach is expensive to hire – approx. £200. We would leave the village at approx. 7.30 a.m. and leave London at about 11.30 p.m.

We have also had considerable interest shown in a proposed visit to Bath and the theatre there. This will be at the same time of year leaving the village at about 10 a.m. and leaving Bath at approx. 10.30 p.m. If you are interested in either of these trips please contact either

Sue Scoble, Falfield 26xxxx or
Sue Cole, Dursley 84xxxx.

Look out for our notices around the village.

Why not pop along to our meeting one Thursday. It was lovely to see some new members last time. We are a friendly, informal group and if you are between 18 and 80 you qualify as a young wife!

Hope to see you next time.

Sue Cole.

P.S. Don't forget London and Bath. – Come back Jeanette, all is forgiven!

21

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 22 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: 2017-01-12.