CHADRA

We are pleased to be able to tell you that Charfield Sports and Gala Day made approximately £300 profit – this figure will be confirmed by the committee – Well done to everyone involved. We also suspect they would appreciate suggestions for next year's Sports Day.

It is an awful shame to hear that another village shop has had to close, possibly through lack of Support from local people. It takes a lot of courage and enterprise to open a business, and if we want the service that the local shops provide, it is only by supporting them regularly that they are able to survive.

Any suggestions as to what service the village lacks and what, if anything we can do about it?

We both would like to wish Mr Malpass a happy and well deserved retirement – more about that inside – he must have made a significant contribution to the moral welfare of at least two generations of children who have grown up in the village. For my part, I am very glad my children had the opportunity to attend such a happy village school. Good Luck to Mr Malpass' successor.

Thank you to all contributors to the Newsletter – more would be welcomed!

M H
J P
Joint Editors

**** * * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – OCTOBER 12TH 1989 * * * * * * * *

Joint Editors Jenny Peaster xxx Manor Lane Charfield Tel: Falfield 26xxxx	Distribution Mike Cheskin xx Farm Lees 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 Chadra Newsletter gives me the opportunity to say good-bye to the many people I have met in the twenty years I have been at the school, although I am staying in Wotton so I shall undoubtedly meet some of you from time to time in the future.

Working together is a very good way of getting to know people. Obviously as far as I am concerned, this applies particularly to the staff of the school, teaching and non-teaching, and I could not have wished for better people with whom to work. They have made my job a great deal easier than it might have been.

Governors have become far more influential in the running of the school. They are much more representative than in earlier years and therefore more concerned. They will certainly have much more responsibility in the future. A good working relationship between them and the Head and staff is essential. I think that has been so in the past and I have always been able to count on them for their support.

The Parent Teacher Association, which I started within two months of coming to the school, has enabled me to get to know far more people than I would have done without it. We have had an excellent succession of very hard working Chair Persons (I still prefer the old-fashioned Chairman!) and Committees and I thank them for all they have done for the school. I have very much enjoyed working with them.

There would be no school without the children. They are very fortunate, coming from good homes with supportive parents. We have had a few naughty ones but many times we have been complimented by casual observers on the way they have behaved when we have taken them on educational visits. This has given us immense satisfaction.

They grow up so quickly when they leave us for secondary school that I often do not recognise them after a year or two. That will be the only reason I might pass them in the street. I hope they will not let that happen because I have enjoyed working with them too. Like all teachers, I do not lose interest in children when they leave my school. We are always fascinated to learn what has happened to them in later years.

Mr. Sreeves, my successor, is fortunate in being appointed to this school. It will be good for him and I am sure he will be good for it.

My best wishes to you all,

Dennis Malpass

On behalf of all readers, parents and pupils, past and present, we wish Mr. Malpass a long and happy retirement.

Eds.

2

At the end of April, Mrs. Meek and myself took 18 girls to Cowley Deer Park. We slept in the hall and the first night the girls all wanted to go for a walk, whereupon we were making tea and toast at 1.30 in the morning!

The girls learnt a lot during the weekend – e.g. cooking an egg without water and how to build a bridge and shelter out of anything in the wood. The whole weekend went well and was enjoyed by all.

Since April we have been at Avening Green most weeks where the girls have been learning all about camp by pitching tents and making various gadgets. Eight out of twelve girls camped for the first time at the end of June. Both nights they talked until the early hours of the morning and this camp was also a great success.

At the end of July 8 girls are camping at Oxford for the week, so let's hope this fine weather will hold.

Early notification! Our next fund raising event is a Jumble Sale on 21st October at the village hall, so look out your jumble nearer the date and please support us.

Many of you will know that Mrs. Meek is leaving at the end of July. She will still pop in to see us from time to time and will still take the girls on camp. If there is anyone who can help out on a Wednesday night, please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx.

A new rule has come through that from next year there must be two Guiders in uniform. If no one comes forward I am sorry to say that the Guide unit may have to close.

Lastly, if your daughter is aged 10 and would like to join, please contact me. Guides will re-start after the summer holidays on 6th September.

M. Westlake
Guide Leader

Is there anyone in the village who could spare a few hours with either the Girl Guides or Brownies?

After many years, Mrs. Green has decided to leave 1st Charfield Brownies and concentrate on working in the District. This does mean that if no one comes forward to assist by September the unit may close!

Charfield Guides also need help as I cannot continue to attend each week. Mrs. Westlake will be running the unit for the moment but will desperately need help in September.

Don't worry about going into uniform, although it would be terrific if anyone could, just be prepared to help on a regular basis; you would be most welcome.

Give me a ring, or come and see me if you would like more details.

Rosemary Meek,
District Commissioner – Wotton-u-Edge,
xxxx,
The Drive,
Charfield.

3

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4

Hello, I must say, to start off that I haven't finished the list yet due to the fact that I have been up to my eyeballs in PTA business (secret and otherwise) for the past two months to the exclusion of everything else.

Anyone desperate to take over the handing out of the tap washers and up-to-date lists please phone me without hesitation! It's yours. Right that's that bit over with.

Keith had to go to Southern Ireland on business, so we insisted that it be – term week and business also included a holiday. We left home on the Saturday night about 10-ish and arrived at Fishguard about 10 to 1, our ferry was due to sail at 3.00 am which I found excitement itself. I mean 3 in the afternoon would have been so-o-o boring!! Apparently a container couldn't get off the ferry so we were delayed boarding. Sophie couldn't sleep for excitement during any part of the journey to Fishguard, but whilst queuing up decided to nod off! Typical.

Keith warned me to rush up for seats when the car had been secured. He couldn't have said a truer word. How the ferries can take money from people they haven't seats for bodies beats me. There were bodies everywhere. People came on board with quilts, sleeping bags, pillows. They'd obviously done it before. I soon claimed four seats. Then we were off. It was 4.15 am. I was introduced to some Irish wit at 4.45 am when Sophie, Lawrence and I were in the Restaurant sharing a table with a charming Irish chap. Lawrence and I tucked into bacon sarnies and Soph had croissants and chocolate gateau, such taste! He told us that he was going home for his niece's confirmation. We suddenly saw through the windows as the dawn grew. “Enjoy the view” he said, “there's 5 million waves out there.” The sea was as calm as a millpond. As early morning broke we, Soph, Lawrence and me (Keith slept) went up on deck. It was 6.00 am The sun rising, the sea so beautiful, the air so mild, my excitement grew. I was still hungry so had to go down for a big fry-up. It's so great to experience something new and even a big brekkie on a ferry, surrounded by a load of strangers at 6 in the morning was thrilling Do you know, even the casino was open!

About 7-ish Lawrence saw the first of the jelly-fish. Giant Portuguese man-of-war. Well, we counted 84. We arrived at Rosslare, left the ferry at 8.30 am. We were on our way. We had to travel right over to County Kerry, a place called Tralee. A four hour drive. Fortunately our two little darlings slept most of the way. I was not prepared for the sight that met our eyes. I had never seen such spectacular homes. Sweeping drives, white pillars against pale grey walls, verandahs, all within their own acres of land.

Kate, who worked at the printers we visited told me that people left Ireland either for work or holiday, travelled to Europe or the States, saw such homes and came back with ideas. So Ireland is a contrast of small hillside farm houses and Dallas-style homes. Incidentally, the crows are going to have to speed up a bit. We saw hundreds dead on the roads. Most strange. Also, not many public loos!!

About 1-ish we arrived at Kerry's Eye Printers in Tralee. This family business was in the throws of the Irish elections with Fianna Fail going in one door with propaganda to be printed and the Fine Gael going in another, and the boss of the business making sure that the two didn't meet.

5There was Padraig Kennelly Snr, Joan his wife (the Maggie Thatcher of the whole bizz – she was in charge!) Their sons, Padraig Jnr, married to Kate. Gerry Kennelly who ran his own printing business, Brendan who had flown the nest to America and Kerry who at 19, the baby, performed the most amazing feats on the computer. They had equipment that could produce anything from anything, if you see what I mean.

They enveloped us into their home, we were part of the gang. Joan said “I've booked you into Crutchs Hotel, it's a dream.” To be honest it was a bit like the Fawlty Towers of County Kerry. Plugs didn't fit sinks, and why should there be hot water all the time. But she was right, it was great.

We were welcomed by Ron MacDonnell, manager for 5 years who was now just breaking even, so deciding whether to purchase said hotel off Mr Crutchs who now resided in Sydney, Oz! Got it?

He made us tea, showed us our rooms, with no bath plugs and pointed us in the direction of the beach. The hotel was at Castle Gregory in Brandon Bay, in grounds that roamed on and on. The scenery was absolutely breath-taking, but more of that later. Our first meal consisted of wild Irish salmon followed by a wonderful sleep!

I woke on Monday morning to the smell of bacon wafting up from the kitchen. I don't know what made me think of the Chadra Newsletter, but I decided to make notes. Breakfast was superb. Cereals, juices followed by the works. Pots of tea that go on and on. Home-made jams and marmalades and drop scones. Keith had gone to Tralee to work. Staying at Crutchs with his wife, Frannie was a guy called David Hartnell (– everyone calls me Hartnell). A Somerset man, mid 50's, gone to public school, hated it, tried the Navy, now lived in Devon, always wore a red neckchief!, owned stables and travelled to Ireland with springer spaniel in his F-reg Land Rover. He was slightly strange. I didn't dislike him, he made us laugh, but there was something about him. Anyway, he insisted on driving us down to the beach to save time. I didn't mention that we had all the time in the world. The beach was eight miles long and Soph, Lawrence and I were the only ones on it. (Keith being at work). It was fantastic. We ran around leaping in and out of the Atlantic waves making sandcastles. Arms and legs outstretched, so much space and all to ourselves. As we walked back up the road, fields full of wild yellow iris surrounded us and the hedgerows were deep red fuchia. They must be so breath-taking now in full bloom.

Draught Guinness is Delish!

Tuesday took us in to Tralee to the printers. Padraig Kennelly Snr. used to be a chemist. It was the family business. But his interest with cameras grew and he turned to the printing side rather than the medical side. He met and married Joan and he taught her everything she needed to know about taking photographs. As their printing business grew, so her ability to take THE photos grew. By then in the fifties they started producing a paper called Kerry's Eye. Joan was the first female photographer in County Kerry. She told me all about one marvellous scoop. General de Gaulle visited Ireland and photographers were everywhere. Now, de Gaulle was at a special Cathedral service and Joan knew that in a certain part of the Catholic prayer everyone would have to stand up. Of course, when de Gaulle stood up he towered over everyone, she snapped him, got grabbed by the Garda Police, marched down the Cathedral steps.

6She clutched her camera as tight as she could, managed to wriggle away and she said she always had her car pointing in the right direction for a quick get away. Leapt in, keys already in the ignition and she was off. Later that day she phoned one of the big dailies, i.e. the Mirror I think, they weren't interested so she phoned Paris Match, yes they wanted this scoop. Of course, then the big papers in England wanted to know. So Joan said she took great delight in charging them the same fee as for Paris Match even though it was then “old” news. She was so fascinating to listen to. She's 58, suffered a heart attack earlier this year and has 36 hours in her day!

Tuesday afternoon we played at being tourists, we drove all over the Dingle peninsula, snapping all the sights. There were sheep everywhere. We visited an old restored windmill that had been “opened” that morning by Charles Haughey, then travelled over the Connor Pass. This is a long winding road through the mountains, the sheep sitting in the middle of the road, totally unmoved by the approaching traffic. We stopped at the top to take in the view. To our right were mountains and lakes, to our left the hills dipped down to still-watered bays. I cannot find the right words to describe the beauty of it all. We drove to Dingle Bay. For the past five years a dolphin named by the locals as “Fungie”, which in some language means “friendly”, has lived in and around Dingle Bay. It follows the small fishing boats. Local fisherman now turn to taking out passengers in the hope of catching sight of this famous dolphin. We arrived at the quayside. “I'll be going out in about ½ hour” said the skipper. “I'm just going for a pint”.

So we went off for a drink and waited, and still waited. He still hadn't appeared. This young lad came over to us. “Want to come out now?” he asked, “my uncle's got a better boat than him anyway and we'll take the nippers for free”.

Well, it's the survival of the fittest and most determined so off we went and climbed aboard the “Peta Ann”. The young lad's name was Mark Vaughan. he was 17. He came from Liverpool and had been in Dingle since he was 11 years old. An older Irish man came aboard. He was returning “home” for the first time in 40 years, having lived in Cornwall. His wife had surprised him by booking his flight. He was travelling alone visiting old haunts and friends. Then a grand lady who resembled one of Beryl Cook's paintings (all bloomers and floral flowing skirts) wanted to get into the boat. Her husband was staying behind to look after the dog. She couldn't get down the steps so with eyes shut Keith and I grabbed her legs and pulled her down. We set off. We sailed out past the bay edge when a large dinghy whooshed by with six men in wetsuits. Our skipper told us that one particular chap was Ronnie Fitzgibbon, a marine biologist who had written a book about Fungie. He was going out with some divers to take shots if he appeared. As Ronnie had studied Fungie for five years we hoped he would show up. Our skipper turned the engine off and bobbed about the dinghy rushing around trying to “lure” the dolphin. Then suddenly there he was leaping up and out of the sea and over the dinghy. Ronnie knew our skipper and so to “give us our money's worth” steered his dinghy alongside our vessel. One guy in a wetsuit had a fantastic camera. He had been taking shots of us from the dinghy then leapt aboard our boat and started snapping Fungie and his colleagues. Meanwhile we were all clambering from side to side trying to take some decent snaps of the dolphin, I think I've got about 24 of his back fin. Every time you saw his nose appear, cameras clicking he'd already slid back into the water. You can imagine Sophie and Lawrence can't you. Here was a 14 foot long grinning personality playing about us. It was such an amazing experience.

7Here we were being entertained by this creature of the sea. He dived under our boat, we were all crying out “Where is he now? Where is he”. We were so desperate to see as much of him as we could and when you least expected it he'd shoot out of the sea.

When Ronnie prodded him with the oar, he'd bite it and try to pull it under water. Then two of the men slithered into the sea to swim with him. Lawrence was fascinated by the diver in our boat and asked what the knife was for strapped to his leg. “That's in case a shark gets me” he replied. Lawrence was open mouthed. He climbed back into the dinghy. “Want to come for a ride with us little fella?” they asked. The next thing I knew, Lawrence was being hauled into the dinghy and off they sped with Fungie following. Lawrence absolutely loved it. (Sophie felt quite transparent). Then far ahead we spied another fishing boat returning home. Anxious to greet another friend the dolphin sped off and Lawrence was returned to us. We all exchanged our enthusiasms and gratitudes and we all expressed our delights in having shared such a special moment. The divers stayed out for more and we headed back to the quay, our thoughts full of nothing else but fungie.

Marilyn
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx
P.S. Next instalment – next issue!

The Parish Council is very pleased that a project put forward only 6 months ago is now complete and that a large number of youngsters are enjoying the Skate Board Ramp. The self-help sponsored event contributed considerably towards the cost which was also subsidised by R.M.C. (Wickwar Quarry). A number of local people gave their time and effort in the construction but particular thanks must go to Maurice Marklove.

This item of recreation equipment is obviously geared to the older children in the village and should be treated with respect – one reason for keeping it completely separate from the other play equipment on the playing field. It must be pointed out, and notices will shortly be erected, that it is not meant for bicycles. In addition bicycles should not be on the playing field.

A project which has been quietly completed in recent times by Avon Wildlife Trust and British Rail is the establishment of a small nature reserve in Charfield. It is situated near the second railway bridge at Huntingford (road to Damery) and is an area of undisturbed land with a wide variety of plants, insects and butterflies. Avon Wildlife Trust have requested two things: 1) suggestions for a name for the site and 2) sheep and goats to graze the land. Any ideas would be welcome and will be passed on. Animals would be safe from the railway line as the land has a stock proof fence.

The Council asks everyone to have a look at their garden boundaries with footpaths to check that shrubs and trees have not grown so much as to obstruct the footpaths. A few minutes work can alleviate a nuisance or even a hazard to a partially sighted person.

Unfortunately because of proposed building work at the School this summer it was not possible to plan the usual Holiday Play Scheme will not take place. Instead an outing has been organised to Bowood House on 10th August.

8

As I sit here trying to collect my thoughts together the rain is pouring down outside and the lovely weather of the last few weeks is becoming more of a memory. I hope that when Sports and Gala Day arrives the sun is shining once again and just to help it on its way Young Wives are preparing for rain with the ever optimistic view that this is bound to make the sun shine. I well remember the rain of last year and the difficult time we had trying to keep all the tombola tickets dry! Once again, this year, all the proceeds from this stall will go to the Village Hall.

Some of you may well have noticed that we are already advertising our ‘London Trip’. The main reason for this is so that anyone wishing to book for one of the major shows will, hopefully, have time to do this. The date for this will be Saturday, 18th November and the coach leaves the village hall early in the morning and returns very late. Please contact either Jenny Bell (0454 26xxxx) or Sharon Vale (0454 26xxxx) for details and for booking.

While Jenny and Sharon have their names in print, I would like to thank them for their recent hard work in organising a splendid coach trip to Penhow Castle. Everything went like clockwork, the weather was sunny and the supper very good (sorry one or two had to wait longer than most for their food!) For those who were on the trip – I think the driver must save that ‘special’ tape for homeward journeys! Old songs, warped tape and everyone seemed to love it!

As mentioned before, Young Wives meet in the Village Hall, at 8 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month, but not in August. We, therefore, pick up our activities on 21st September when the subject for the evening will be ‘Antiques’. Following this on 19th October is our ‘Open Evening’ and I guarantee that this is something not to be missed. As well as having one of our ‘special’ suppers, the ‘entertainment’ will keep you laughing until your sides split – at least she did last time and I have every reason to think she will this time. I know a lot of you were disappointed when you missed her before as it clashed with something at the Church and at the School – so here is your chance, don't miss her again.

Laurene Tubb
Chairlady.

Mothers who have, or have had, children at Playgroup or Parent and Toddlers, will have heard of the P.P.A., or I hope you have but, you may not be aware that the P.P.A. run courses for people like you!

They are interesting and informative and give you ideas to use with your younger children and give an insight into how the older ones tick. You meet people with a wide range of interests and backgrounds, their children's ages cover different groups and because of this the discussions are lively and informative.

The foundation courses are split into parts A and B, each last 25 weeks, which no doubt seems daunting but, believe me, are so enjoyable that when you come to the end you feel like starting again.

9Part A – The Child, The Family and The Playgroup.
Part B – The Child, The Family and The Community.

The courses stretch your imagination, give you confidence in yourself. It also gives you the opportunity to discuss and exchange views and teaches you ways to stimulate and encourage your children to learn and develop their own confidence.

The courses are conducted by Tutors who have themselves been well trained.

There is no reason why you cannot start on Part B before Part A, and you do not need to do both parts but, if you wish to get your ‘Record of Attendance’ you need to complete both parts.

If you would like to know more about these courses please contact:

Su Steele
Northavon Course Secretary
x Church Cottages
Gloucester Road
Alveston
Bristol.

Tel: Thornbury 41xxxx

How good it is that God above
Has never gone on strike,
Because He was not treated fair
In things He did not like.
If only once He had given up
And said, that's it I'm through
So, this is what I'll do.

I'll give my orders to the Sun
Cut off the heat supply;
And to the Moon, no more light,
And run the oceans dry.
And then to make things really tough
And put the pressure on
Turn off the vital oxygen
Till every breath is done.

You know, He would be justified
If fairness is the game
For no-one has been more abused
Or met with more disdain.
And yet, He carries on the same
Supplying you and me
With the favours of His grace
And everything is free.

Men say they want a better deal
And so on strike they go,
And what a deal we've given God
To whom all things we owe.
We do not care whom we hurt
To gain the things we like,
But what a mess we'd all be in
IF God went on strike!

ANON.

10

IT WAS A DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPIER WITHOUT IT. And yet … how can one know anything without experiencing it?

What had happened was this; I had been visiting, last year, an elderly friend of my mother in London. She is now living in sheltered accommodation. She told me of a mutual acquaintance whom I had known as a boy. She had been a girl some years older than myself and she now lived not far away from the person I was visiting in Chelsea. I knew the (council) flats she lived in but not the number. I went and that was the disturbing experience. I had not been anywhere like it in my life. It was like a haunted area in a dream. There was no one about. The courtyards and the open staircases were dirty and overwhelmingly depressing. Some windows were boarded up; some doors were. Knocks on several doors either evoked no response or, if a door was opened, inner darkness and dreariness competed with the outside; no one knew my one-time friend. But the buildings were desolate: that is perhaps the best word; desolate and haunted as if in another world. I never located my friend.

That was an inner-city slum – in fashionable Chelsea! Some years ago our Church (C. of E.) issued a report on the inner cities in our country. The government resented the report (they do not live there) although later began to accept some of its proposals. No one can object to that! Rather more than a year ago a movement was launched by our Church to enable the Churches which are IN the inner cities to help the people who live there, NOT financially but in providing such things as social centres – the Churches have the accommodation – where they can meet and develop a sense of community, of belonging, which is so important, and so lacking in such areas. That is not the whole story which is too long to detail here. If one asks, ‘Why can't people look after themselves, provide for themselves in these areas?’, the answer is that these are the really poor areas with a high degree of unemployment. That is, the areas that most need the facilities are financially least able to provide them. So the Church, believing that we all belong to one another, are responsible for one another, is acting as a whole to help them. Although many millions of pounds are involved, all our parishes are invited to meet this challenge on behalf of our less fortunate citizens. ‘Millions’ sounds formidable; but our share in this is £1,000. It's based upon the suggestion of raising about 50p per head of population. We've already received gifts of £100, £50 and £2, so we are on the way! More money! Yes. It's good Someone goes on giving to us, isn't it!

There is going to be a special week to do something about giving faith – faith in life (and perhaps in God) – to those in these deprived areas: 17th to 24th September: not just here but throughout the whole country. And for those who would like to help in this great and worthy effort there will be envelopes distributed – it will be an official national collection.

Our Harvest-Thanksgiving – with a difference – will be on the last day of the special week mentioned above: 24th September at 3 p.m. You'll have to COME to see what the difference is! Please DO! For ONE thing we suggest that for this occasion, just for this year, the children could bring the family ENVELOPE for those in the inner cities so that we can ALL be aware how fortunate we are: that can be part of our Thanksgiving for that day. There are also rumours of CANDLES that will be available to use on this occasion: a token symbol of our wish to bring LIGHT to our inner cities.

May I say this: when I had that experience of inner city decay mentioned above, I came home and made a donation to this fund from sheer GRATITUDE that I did not have to live there but could live in this pleasant area. I am sure many will feel like that.

HARVEST SUPPER in the OLD Church: Sat. 7th Oct. – COMING?

K.G.

11

Well, to think I have been here for 6 months already!

Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly and generously into the community. But please bear with me a while longer, as I am still finding my way around – one face looks like another, one road looks like another, and I didn't know there were so many farms dotted around the place (but, I've found the Pubs!)

My job is certainly different now than when I was at Southmead Road Police Station in Bristol – people actually talk to you, and they are not trying to bash your brains out with a crow-bar! However, this does not mean my job is any easier, far from it, in many aspects it is harder – sometimes like starting all over again. It is definitely a new and challenging role.

My philosophy on Policing is that it is you the Community that I serve; it is based on common sense and the fact that I police by your consent. This means that I need your help to Police effectively and efficiently. So, please don't hesitate to contact me if you see anything or anybody suspicious. Remember to lock your house doors and windows, don't leave your doors open during the day when you are out and do not leave any valuables in your car.

If there is anybody unsure with regards to security of the home or business premises contact me and I will make arrangements for you to obtain crime prevention advice from me or the crime prevention officer – if necessary we will survey your home or business giving advice on all security devices available on the market today.

If we all keep our eyes and ears open, together we can fight the ever increasing tide of crime. Remember, together we'll crack it!

Paul Tuckley.

Well, thanks to a very hard working Sports and Gala Day Committee, we have all just had a marvellous day and evening, aided by the wonderful weather. The Management Committee's thanks go to all the organisations and individuals involved. Every year they help us to buy the extras that help to make the hall more pleasant to use and provide facilities for all. The more money raised, the more we can provide. After all without a roof over heads none of our clubs would exist.

Moving on from Sports Day, but still on the subject of roofs. Many will know of the extensive and expensive work we have had to carry out to the flat roofs of the hall. Much of the damage to the roof was caused by vandals and we have had to spend over £4,000 to re-roof the hall. It seems a great shame that we have to waste money because of some ignorant members of our community who feel they have nothing better to do with their lives! £4,000 would have been very useful for many of the projects that we have in hand at the moment; we are buying new units to do up the serving area and new curtains (paid for by last years Sports Day). We have also had contractors in to industrially clean the ladies and gents ‘loos’ and the notorious showers. It seems to have made a world of difference to the showers, giving them a new lease of life. New shower curtains are also ‘in hand’.

12Another project about to be put into motion has been organised by the Football Club. This is to drain the top end of the field. This has needed doing for many years and should make a great deal of difference to the senior pitch. The Management Committee have agreed to match the Football Club £ for £ in this project.

Well, what about the extension, you are all saying?
At the moment we are awaiting building regulations and then we will start the job of raising all the monies needed!

See you all at our next fund raising event.

Don't forget the hall is there for private functions as well as clubs.

Jane Hall
Chairperson.

To many young people, this date would seem, as it were, “a million light years ago” – yet to those of us of a certain vintage, it was a date to have a direct intervention in our lives.

September 3rd, 1989 is 50 years to the day when a reluctant Government formally declared war on Germany. Only twelve months previously, Hitler's expansionist policy had added Czechoslovakia to his earlier annexation of Austria. Consequently in April 1939 an alarmed Britain and France decided to stand firm by giving the people of Poland a guarantee of support should Poland be attacked, and now the guarantee was to be honoured.

One may question therefore a use of the word ‘reluctant’ in reference to the declaration of war, yet in no way does this word imply a shirking of the need to stand up to a militant bully. For those of us who had been born, and grown up, in the inter-war years there had been a kaleidoscope of incidents; the General Strike, the Spanish Civil War, the Italian invasion of Abyssinia (as Ethiopia was then called), the Japanese war in Manchuria and China, to name but a few.

To those though who were our older generation, there was the haunting memory that only 25 years and one month previously there had been a similar declaration of war – a war which optimists thought would be over by Christmas, yet was to drag on for a weary, soul destroying 4 years and 3 months. No one really wanted that all over again. The flower of British youth had been slaughtered then, was it to happen all over again?

In July 1939, my brother and I had participated in a thrilling World Rover Scout Jamboree in Scotland and in the wonderful camaraderie which ensued how could anyone think of wars, or the justification for arms. As I think of the friendship on the faces of those from many nations as we marched ten abreast, to the skirl of bagpipes, down Princess Street in Edinburgh, one can only speculate their destiny in the war years that were soon to follow.

My brother, an army supplementary reservist, was called to the colours very soon after September 3rd, whilst one of my brothers-in-law to be was already conscripted as one of the hastily constructed pre-war Militia. Fortunately, both survived the war, despite the hazard endured by this particular brother-in-law who served with the 8th Army all through North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. And my 13two sisters? One joined the W.R.N.S. and the other trained in London as a Nurse.

What then of the Home Front?

I am sure that readers of my vintage have their own memories of the day “when war broke out”. My father, who had experienced the trenches of World War I, worked long hours in the Post Office, whilst my mother became an Air Raid Warden and began training too as an auxiliary mid-wife.

Until I volunteered for the Royal Navy Medical Service in December 1940, my spare time was almost fully occupied with Red Cross duty, either in hospital wards, or A.R.P. Emergency Casualty Centres, or with local Home Guard units.

In what spare time that remained I was a young Assistant Scoutmaster – in charge, in the absence of older personnel. When the German blitzkrieg started in the Spring of 1940, resulting in the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, I was with the Scouts in camp away up in the Cotswold Hills. No fancy mini-coaches in those days – we took everything we needed on our push bikes, and we returned the same way when the local farmer told us of the news he had received over his, what we then called, “wireless”.

Among my Scouts at that time were two patrols of young Jewish refugees and from them we had been made very much aware of what had been happening with Hitler's “New Order” policy.

One hears today of youngsters complaining that “they are bored”! To me this is a sad comment, for one gets out of life what one is prepared to put into it. Experience in the Scout Movement both pre-war and post-war has shown that, and though the war years were filled with sadness and shortages, there was then also an “esprit de corps” which this country of ours would do well to re-capture.

Fifty years on then we have progressed from outside toilets, zinc baths in front of the fire, stereos instead of wirelesses and a world wide communication through satellite television. Will wonders never cease? Let us hope and pray that world sanity remains stable.

Reverend David W. Parker.

Just a few lines to say “Well Done” and thank you to everyone who took part in the fund raising for our toddler group. The Hey Day cake stall was great with an enormous turn out of beautiful cakes and biscuits, and Charfield Sports and Gala Day's Baby Contest and “Good as New” Stalls both went down exceptionally well this year, again with all mums being very generous with the clothes etc donated. The kids all thoroughly enjoyed the Teddy Bears Picnic which was held in June and last week our annual day trip to Weston was a great success with lovely weather which meant for a change all us mums could have a nice sunbathe while the children got up to their ears in Weston sand!! All well worth it though.

Any new mums wishing to join our Happy Clan please pop in on us at the Village Hall any Thursday (except school Holidays) and we will make you welcome.

Thanks again to everyone who has helped out and supported us so far this year.

Sue Richings
Secretary

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The 30th Sports and Gala Day was opened by Jane Wright, Miss Charfield, who then judged the Fancy Dress Competition.

Once again the sports events were well represented and although we all appreciated the fine weather it proved very warm for the competitors. Many thanks to David Bradley once again for his help in both supervising the events and preparing the field.

Well done all the lads who took part in the 5-a-side football competition.

The afternoons success depends on people participating, and thanks to everyone who took part either by having a stall or serving ice creams and refreshments. No doubt those on the pig roast and bar-b-que were happy to finish cooking! Thanks go to Earl Ducie and Derek Jones respectively for donating the fuel for these stalls. Thanks also to Roger Bennett for the hay bales, and to Fred Wardle who once again donated the prizes for the Miss Charfield competition held last month.

The Saxon Shadows gave an impressive display, while Mel Moore kept younger children entertained with his magic, and Pete Martins Jazz Kings played throughout the afternoon. Once again the paintings, done by the children from Charfield School, made a colourful sight in the hall.

The evening too was lovely and warm – ideal for the bar-b-que and Barn Dance that was held on the field with the Pumpkins Busking Band entertaining so well until 11.30. I hope everyone who came along enjoyed themselves. Well done to the bar staff, who served oath during the afternoon and the evening. That's a long day!

It is too early yet to have a balance ready, but all profits will go to the Village Hall Fund to keep the hall running. Figures will be published when completed.

Thank you again to everyone who supported us, and special thanks to the Sports Day Committee.

Anne Stoakes.

The Youth Club is now open again, thanks to Margaret Coomber coming forward as a leader.

However, the old cry is still there – we still need more helpers! Someone did enquire about the Club some weeks ago, but unfortunately I was unable to get in touch with him when I returned his call. Whoever it was, if you read this and are still willing, we'd be very pleased to hear from you.

With summer holidays upon us, the last Youth Club meeting is Tuesday, 25th July, and we then re-start on September 12th.

P. Peaster
Falfield 26xxxx.

15

Some people say "forget the past",
But I have thoughts that seem to last,
Some say they're gone and leave them so,
But I sigh for days of long ago.

Sigh with thoughts of younger days,
Of quiet roads and country ways,
When hours seemed long but time was quick,
And simple pleasures made life tick.

When Sunday's peace made time stand still,
A day of rest at the local Mill, –
Breaking each week from its daily round,
And Church bells made the only sound.

When schooldays, with their innocent joys
Kept girls as girls, and boys as boys,
When teachers ruled with respectful might,
And Children knew the wrong from right.

When the excitement of a trip by train
Down to the sea and back again,
Saw the sweet fulfilment of a dream
In a puffing miracle of steam.

When the sweetshop had its lucky dip,
And roads were safe for “Top and whip”,
When Hopscotch was a game to like,
And Ice Cream came on a three-wheeled bike.

“Stop me and buy one” said the man,
Was where the mystery began,
Lollies worth a pound a lick,
And wafers that always went too quick.

Memories of a maiden's blush,
Holding hands at the “tuppenny rush”,
Then walking home for the added bliss
Of savouring a Goodnight Kiss.

With life like this we were content,
Ready to wait for Dad's consent,
When the only mention of a pill,
Was made if we were feeling ill.

These thoughts and others seem to last,
'Though some would say “forget the past”,
The winds of change may come and go,
But I sigh for days of long ago.

Eric Looker

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Please Note: If any of the above information is incorrect or requires amendment please contact the Editors

Telephone Numbers commencing 84… use code 0453. Numbers commencing 26… or 29… use code 0454.

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 17 sides of A4 paper. One page missing.

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: 2017-01-15.