CHADRA

Hello everyone,

Contributions to the Newsletter are becoming fewer and later! Having said that – very many thanks to the usual contributors who are always on time – or even early! and never let us down; and to those who take time to submit the occasional article.

In view of the comments received (please refer to the CHADRA article inside this issue) perhaps the time has come to question whether there is a future for the Newsletter. As Editors we can only process the copy we receive – it is not our job to write the articles.

Perhaps readers would like to ponder on this and perhaps, just perhaps the Autumn issue will be better supported.

The Newsletter is issued by CHADRA as a means of keeping residents informed of happenings within the village and district – please let us see better support and contributions for it. Copy date for the next issue is given below, meanwhile, enjoy the summer.

* * * * * * * * NEXT COPY DATE – 12th OCTOBER 1990 * * * * * * * * *

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

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

2

A short time ago I was walking down Wotton Rd. when I was joined by two girls who came out of Manor Lane; actually they were a few paces ahead of me. To my surprise they turned very purposefully up the Church path and into the Church. Inside we spoke. The way in seemed quite familiar to them. I asked them the hoary old question, “Do you come here often?” And they said they did. Did they come because it was quiet? Yes, they did; and also to look round. I agreed there was a let to see and pointed out a few things I like looking at, then I left them to their looking. But before we parted they explained that they didn't come on Sundays, but they did come sometimes on weekdays. Somehow I had already gathered that! And I said they were welcome to come any time – weekdays and Sundays.

We are very fortunate here to be able to leave the Church open for the use of those who feel the need to ‘get away’ but not too far away; to be able to be quiet; for some, to be able to relax into God, to say a prayer; or just to wonder about life and, with some of life's pressures at arm's length, to see if one can make sense of life. We do these sorts of things because we are human beings, because we do not find any lasting satisfaction in ‘things’, because there are important human questions that come to all of us, sooner or later – we work like mad, stress and strain ourselves, but has our life got any lasting significance? is it important to anyone but me, and my small family, and a few friends? Will I fade, vanish, and that's all? It's so easy when young to say a quick, brave ‘Yes’ to that question – that's all there is. But so often the older one gets, the less sure are we that that is the right answer. And it's odd (or is it natural?) that so often small children see more deeply into these things than older people with their experienced (but partly spoiled?) minds. That's why I like listening to children.

Actually when I was talking to those children I wondered how many people in Charfield had never been into this parish Church for any reason. (I have an idea how many come on a Sunday – not a village-ful!) But for any reason – to be quiet, free from other pressures, to wonder, to pray. Well, here it is and there you are and you are welcome to get together at any times. On weekdays (like my children-friends) or Sundays! Sometimes one can play a game of ‘imaginations’ in Church: remembering the many people who, during its one hundred and nine years of existence, have come within its walls for some of the reasons listed below, or for others – sorrows and joys. For me it is often more memory than imagination as my mind recalls the many who have come full of gladness and hope to give thanks for the birth of a child; or to start a new life with a wife or husband; or in a different tone to say a temporary farewell to a departed loved one. The whole of life has been celebrated in this sacred building. Nor must we forget what some do not know about: there have been real saints in Charfield (though not publicly dignified with that name); they have found God in this place and that ‘finding’ has so changed their life that its effect has shined into other lives.

THANK YOU! Although I have said this from time to time, now that we have attained the £5,000 needed for major repairs to the Church building, thanks again to all who helped. THANK YOU!

Please watch, in due course, for dates and details of Bazaar, Harvest Supper, Harvest Thanksgiving etc in coming months.

3

The “Bring and Buy Sale” was another successful venture to our fund raising efforts last June, and a “Spring Draw” was well rewarded in July! – for which we thank everyone who helped us.

It enables us to help our members when we arrange trips to different locations as costs seem to be forever soaring. With half the year already spent, we endeavour to make the most of the remaining season visiting various places before the eventual “fall”. A visit to Bath and Wells recently was enjoyed by the members, the first of the full days outings – We are also arranging half days.

But it is not all outings in the summer – we have some very interesting Speakers when we are “At Home” in the hall, so do come along and partake in our activities, a welcome awaits you.

Ernest H. Orton
Chairman

Advertising

[Advert for Manor Fruiterers]

[Advert for Travel Plan Taxis]

The new amended Schedules for the Flower and Vegetable Show on 8th September are now available from members of the Hall Management Committee, Over 40's Club members, and 2 weeks before the Show date at the Post Office counter by kind permission of Mr. Pemberton.

We hope this new venture will be well supported and a great success – a “must” for future years for the village!

There will be other attractions on the field so come along – and don't miss the date:-

8th September 1990

The Over 40's Club meetings in the Village Hall welcome any new members afternoons on a fortnightly basis. Next dates 2nd August, 16th August and so on.

Various activities, speakers, outings and pleasant afternoons.

Pat White

4

As the holiday season gets under way and the clubs take a short break, may I just give Newsletter readers something to ponder on over the holidays.

Mrs. Janet Green has run the 1st Charfield Brownie Pack since 1973–74 and now has found it necessary to hang up her hat as she is moving out of this area. Our thanks go to her for all the time she has given to the girls – how many girls I would not like to guess.

Mrs. Sharon Barclay has taken over the unit as Brownie Guider but yes, you've guessed it, is going to need a lot of help and support if the unit is to be kept open. She cannot do the job on her own! She has a band of Brownie Mums prepared to help as unit helpers on a rota basis but, while this is very useful, she would also like someone who would be able to have enough commitment to actually go into uniform. If, after all, we get very little response, we may have to temporarily close the unit. This I feel would be a shame and, indeed, a discredit to Janet Green.

In closing, may I just say that since last autumn the Guide District which covers Wotton, Kingswood and Charfield hasn't had a District Commissioner since Mrs. Rosemary Meek resigned. Our thanks go to Mrs. Meek for her guidance as District Commissioner, who due to pressure of work found it necessary to resign.

After much thought, I am taking over as District Commissioner as from September so my thanks go to Mrs. V. MacLellan for stepping into my place as Brownie Guider of 2nd Charfield Brownies and also to Mrs. Tricia Cole who is joining them as Assistant Brownie Guider.

So now come on ladies of Charfield, if any of you feel you can give any time to the girls in the name of guiding and would like to know more brownies or guides, please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx.

Marion Smith

May 23rd saw a visit from a W.P.C. Skorski who came to give the girls a talk on the dangers of drugs, bringing examples of 6 drugs such as heroin and cannabis. Many questions were asked and the girls were told how drugs were smuggled into this country. We were told the story of an 82 year old lady who grew a cannabis plant, not realising what it was!

On June 27th, Nurse Penny came to talk about health care. Unfortunately a video was not available but the girls did ask questions.

Testers are always needed to take Interest Badges, so if you have half an hour to spare, please contact me, and can I just say thank you to all our current testers. Thanks go to Mrs. Pickford for all her hard work with the Musician badge – 7 out of 8 passed!

Numbers have increased over the last few months. On July 4th 4 girls were enrolled and at the end of the month another 3. Money raised at our last Jumble Sale went towards the new uniform. The unit bought the new T-Shirt and sash from the money raised.

The Guides will be marching again later this year with the British Legion and Brownies and Scouts. This will be on November 11th from the Memorial Hall car park.

There is now a waiting list to join the movement, so if your daughter is interested in joining, please contact me as soon as possible.

Mary Westlake
Guider in Charge

5

CHILDREN'S CRAFT SECTION

There is going to be a Children's craft section at this years Charfield Show with prizes donated by Jotcham and Kendall Ltd

Rules

The Competition is only for children who live in Charfield

The entries must be at the Village Hall by 11 am on Saturday 8th September 1990

The work must be all your own.

Entry fee is 10p per item

You may enter all three groups within your age range

Infant Section (4–7 years)

1. Duplo Model
2. Picture of a car
3. A head on a paper bag

Junior Section (8–11 years)

4. A model of a Scarecrow
5. 4 jam tarts
6. A painting on a large paper plate

Senior Section (12–16 years)

7. A design for your bedroom wallpaper (20 cm × 30 cm)
8. A Pizza
9. A photograph of your pet

Bored?   Friends all away?   Nothing to do?

Why don't you make something for the Charfield Autumn Show?

KIDS

– Feeling creative

– Clever

– Artistic

????????????????

Don't just sit there – make something for the Competition and enter
one of the above classes.

Please turn to the back of the Newsletter for details of the Exemption Dog Show

6

Advertising

[Advert for Dave Rumbold Carpentry Service]

It doesn't seem like 9 months since I sat down to write my first CHADRA item as the chair of P.T.A., but just for a change I've started 2 days before the Copy date. Our year ended with above average activity in June.

The summer fair raised over £700 despite what I am told was a showery day – it seemed dry compared to what I was doing! The Grand Draw netted over £550. A wonderful response. I would particularly like to thank those not on the Committee who gave so generously of their time in preparation and manning of stalls – without their support the success would not have been possible.

I would also like to thank the local businesses who, despite current financial pressures, donated prizes to the grand draw, and money.

We followed up, rather more quickly than we had originally intended, with a Barn Dance. Despite less than two weeks notice of the date we had an excellent turn out and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The “facilities” gave rise to many comments and provided a new meaning for “community activities”. Many thanks to Derek for generously allowing us to use the barn.

Spending so far this year has been limited until the needs for equipment for the new hall become clearer. We have, however, bought sports kit, table tennis tables and almost reached our target of one computer per building – perhaps one per classroom soon?

Our A.G.M. will he held as usual early in the September term – details will be circulated via the children nearer the time. If any parent might be interested in joining the Committee, please have a chat with any Committee member.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee members and their spouses who have put in so much work over the year – Vi has certainly had more work from my year in the chair than I have.

John MacLellan
P.T.A. Chair

7

Where did it go? That is the question I am asking as my first year at Charfield School draws to a close. If I didn't know too much about Headship twelve months ago, I certainly know more now! One thing is undoubtedly true – I have never learned so much in so short a time or been so frequently exhausted! As the poster on my office wall declares – “I never make the same mistake twice – I make new ones every day!”

After a year in which the school site has resembled something akin to the Western Front, we are eagerly awaiting completion or the new hall and the demolition of the greatest classroom eyesore in the front playground. Hopefully, from the beginning of the new term in September, visitors will be able to find their way around without resorting to map, compass and umbrella!

The school has seen several changes in personnel during the course of the year, all of which have involved non-teaching staff. By the end of July we will have welcomed a new Crossing Patrol (Mr. Richings), two Dinner Ladies (two Mrs. Smiths!), a Cleaner-in-Charge (Mrs. Burchell), a Cook-in-Charge (Mrs. Ealey), two Kitchen Assistants (Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Owen), and one cleaner (Mrs. Woodward).

Towards the end of term we reluctantly said goodbye to Mrs. Wedlake and Mrs. Burt, Cleaner-in-Charge and Kitchen Manageress respectively. We shall miss them both greatly as they have given over and above what is required for the benefit of the school.

I cannot mention changes in personnel without recording special thanks to Rev. David Parker who decided to stand down from the Governing Body after many years of service. The School owes him a great debt of gratitude, the new hall being perhaps the most obvious testimony to the time and effort he devoted on our behalf. We welcome to the Governing Body, as the new Parish Council representative Mrs. Marilyn Burden.

The children and the teaching staff, needless to say, have been as busy as ever. In addition to the variety of activities and projects undertaken in school, they have enjoyed several worthwhile visits to places and events of interest and have taken part in many district functions including the Music Festival, Soccer, Netball, Cricket and Rounders Tournaments, Athletics and Swimming.

As usual at this time of year we shall be losing our oldest children as they transfer to the next stage of their education. I am sure they will give a good account of themselves and make the most of the many opportunities which will come their way. We wish them well and hope that they will take fond memories of Charfield School with them.

C.F. Sreeves
Headteacher

I gather that there is dissatisfaction as to the content of the Newsletter. Although it may be possible occasionally to publish articles of general interest, the fundamental purpose of the Newsletter is to keep residents informed of what is going on in the village. To this end I urge representatives of all village societies to SUBMIT THEIR REPORTS BY THE LAST DATE FOR COPY which is always shown in a prominent position on the front of the Newsletter. I hope that those who have not been submitting reports will see if they can find time to do so sometimes, even if they cannot manage four per year.

I am sorry to say that once again I have to bring up the question of dogs and their habits. Recently they have been relieving themselves not only on 8the grass immediately adjacent to the play area, but on the play area itself. Surely they can be kept under better control than this!

Geoff. Blower
Hon. Sec.

The League sides have just passed the half way mark for the season, and their positions in the respective divisions are shown above. For both the First & Second XI's the competition for the top places is fierce. The 1st XI can be pleased with their defeat of Redmarley, in which Paul Bath's 98 not out must rank as his best yet. Meanwhile Alan Pearn and James Rawle have continued to amass runs consistently and are mainly responsible for the 1st XI's position. The 2nd XI have adopted a slightly different strategy. Their aim has been to restrict their opponents to low scores. Captain Kevin Morgan, who has had at his disposal a reliable and experienced set of bowlers, namely David Terrett, Barry Morgan, Michael Colborn (Snr) and John Nixon, with Terry Webb as back up. The batsmen have begun to understand their role, with the Captain, Martin Munden, Alan Vaughan and John Nixon ally playing useful innings. The 3rd XI have struggled with determination to hold off more experienced opponents, ranging from Winget III, St. Briavels, Landown (Cheltenham) and Stroud Village. Charfield 3rd XI is a mixture of experience and youth, and while much responsibility falls on skipper Alan Foxwell, Roy Bakehouse and David Scott, increasingly Neil Lovegrove, John Davies, Michael Colborn (Jnr) and Darren Wesson are making important contributions, even if the victories are proving difficult to come by.

In both the Youth XI's fielded, this increasing experience is proving the difference between winning and losing. The U.19 XI have lost only 1 out of 7, whilst the U.15 have beaten Patchway and were just 2 runs short after chasing 130 against Frenchay. Duncan Bell, Darren Wesson and Simon Gardiner have been outstanding.

On the Spring Bank Holiday, Charfield Cricket Club went to Shropshire to play against Much Wenlock, Fenns Bank and Willey, staying at Wellington as their base. Also a coach took the Sunday XI to Riverside (Newton Poppleford, Devon) on what turned out to be a brilliant summer's day and proved highly successful. On July 15th Kingswood and Charfield contested the Del Gannon Challenge Cup for the first time and on Aug. 12th the Bristol Youth League will send their representative XI to Charfield in memory of the same Del Gannon.

David S. Bradley
Chairman, Charfield Cricket Club.

9

If you do not attend a place of worship already, please be assured of a very warm welcome at any of our meetings or services.

What's the Point?

This question has no doubt been asked by countless numbers of people over the years when visiting the Charfield area for the first time. Not, may it be said in any futile sense, whereby a person may question perhaps the wisdom of coming to live here, – but rather concerning the famous stone obelisk which stands serenely high above Nibley Hill like some land looked lighthouse, and which is clearly visible for so many miles around.

Well, what is the Point? Even the least knowledgeable local resident will, I suppose, be able to explain that it is of course a monument erected to the memory of William J Tyndale, – the great scholar and Bible translator. The man believed to have been born in the Slimbridge area approximately 400 years ago, who having been educated at Oxford, came to work for a time as private tutor at Little Sodbury Manor, and who consequently – although he was a man who later travelled widely, and was dubbed at one period “the Scarlet Pimpernel of the 16th century”, because it was in fact so dangerous for him to stay for long in any one particular place, was rightly regarded as a local lad, with special roots in this precise part of the Cotswold.

It is of course quite impossible to summarise the work of this great man in the space of only a few sentences. Suffice to say that at a time when the Bible was almost universally unknown, and the proud possession of comparatively few Latin scholars, William Tyndale made it his life's aim to ensure that the ordinary man behind the plough should have the Holy Scriptures made available to him in the plainest possible language that he could readily understand. So it was that in defiance of King Henry the Eight, the Pope, and almost every person in authority, branded a heretic, and forced to flee to the Continent, William Tyndale finally completed his first objective of translating the New Testament from the original Greek in the year 1526. It was Shortly afterwards when he had partially translated the Old Testament, that he was finally captured and at the tragically early age of only 34 years, was burnt at the stake, after first being strangled.
(Only two copies of Tyndale's New Testament are still in existence today. One is to be found in the British Museum, and the other is the proud possession of the Bristol Baptist College.)

Do we sometimes, I wonder, shrug our shoulders at stories like this and say “Well, what's the point?” What's the point of going to Church? What's the point of reading the Bible? As we daily contemplate this special pinnacle, situated high on Nibley Hill, let us remember the price which was paid by one great Christian martyr, who gave his life so that we should no longer live in ignorance of God's word, but should be able to read it for ourselves and fully understand why it is always described as being “Good News” for each one of us.

Forthcoming Events

Harvest Thanksgiving and Gift Day. Saturday and Sunday October 6th & 7th. Please come along.

E.L.

10

I am sure that by now you will all have heard about the new Brownie and Guide uniform, which will be available from September, but not compulsory until 1993. As with most new things our Brownies desperately want the new uniform, and to this end they will be fund-raising during the summer months. Each Brownie has been given £1.00 to use as she wishes to generate more money. (I must add here that no Brownie is allowed to go door to door selling or asking for money). This scheme will, hopefully, not only make the Brownies realise how hard their parents have to work to buy their clothes, but will ensure the new uniform is phased in without financial strain to any family.

Another change to affect the Pack is that in July Mrs Smith will be leaving to take up the post of District Commissioner. I will be taking over as Unit Guider and Mrs Cole will be joining the pack as Assistant Guider. Whilst the pack will continue to run as usual, I'm sure Mrs Smith's influence will be missed. We wish her well in her new position.

As with most organisations our rules and regulations are constantly updated, and it has been agreed that Unit Helpers will be officially allowed. A Unit Helper is anyone who can spare some time to help the pack, but is unable to give a full time commitment. If you think you would be able to help, please contact me for more information.

I trust that over the coming year our Brownies will continue to flourish and be a credit to the village. If you have a daughter who would like to join Brownies, please contact Mrs MacLellan (26xxxx) to have her name added to the waiting list.

Another Playgroup year is nearly at an end and the children have been busy as usual. The sponsored search we held was a huge success and we sent a large donation to the Romanian Orphanage Trust.

In June Playgroup held a “Teddy Bears Picnic” on the playing field. We raised £10 towards the Pre School Playgroups Association National Play Week. A good time was had by all (children and teddies).

Also in June we had an outing to Bristol Zoo. Unfortunately the weather was typical for the time of year (wet and windy) but wet or not it was a very enjoyable day.

If you have a child who will be 3 this year and would like to join Playgroup and its numerous activities please let me know as soon as possible.

Mrs Sue Blay
Secretary

Hello Mums & Toddlers,
Having arrived back from a wonderful holiday in Yorkshire (apart from the weather), I thought it was about time to put pen to paper and update you on all our news.

Firstly, many thanks for all the donations of baby clothes and cakes received for Wotton Hey Day. The weather wad kind to us, with only a few spots of rain. We managed to raise £63.00 which is great, so thanks to all you mums once again.

Apparently the Teddy Bears picnic at the Railway Tavern went very well on the 7th June. Unfortunately, the weather was not so good and it was decided to have the picnic inside, but a good time was had by all.

10I have seen lots of mums with young children moving into the new houses, so please come along end see us on a Thursday (10.15 until 11.45, children aged 0–3 years), have a chat, a coffee/tea, and meet some new friends.

Our annual trip is on 19th July this year to Weston, but I think it will have come and gone by the time this is printed, (if not come along and put your name down – it's free to members) so I'll tell you all about it next time.

That's about it for now, apart from we shall only open over the 6 week holiday on a clinic day (every 2nd and 4th Thursday).

If you haven't already been have a lovely holiday.

Bye for now,

Elaine
Secretary

‘Wish you were here’ is a caption which often catches the eye when by the seaside, and many of us would have echoed those words on June 2nd at the Armstrong Hall, Thornbury, when we saw Mrs Penny's “Cavalcade of Costume”. Apart from a coffee break we were treated from 7.30 pm–10.00 pm to a fabulous parade of costume and dresses dating from the early 17th century to the 1920's. The meticulous work of the seamstresses, (without the aid of the modern sewing machine) made one gasp in amazement and admiration and with Mrs Penny's descriptive accounts and with her eye to detail – interspersed with her humorous anecdotes we truly had an evening when we would say ‘Wish you were here’. If you ever see her “Cavalcade of Costume” advertised – don't let it pass you by – all monies go towards charities.

It would be appropriate now to mention that we have lost our member Claire Haines to the sublime heights of Wotton-Under-Edge in a beautiful named house called “Lark Rise”!!, although, Claire will continue until the end of the year as our Minute Secretary. We would say a big Thank You to her and her husband Norman, for the ever open door and always kind hospitality offered to the W.I. at all times. One would have thought they would have been fed up with us – but no! – Claire says “If anyone is shopping in Wotton one afternoon, and needs a cup of tea – or a loo! – please come and call”. Many thanks, Claire.

Our activities this month include a Coffee Morning/Bring and Buy – at xx Manor Lane, from 10 am–12 noon, on August 1st in aid of the Cotswold Care Project. This is the fund raising effort for our 1990 charity.

Thursday Aug 30th is our outing to the Welsh Folk Museum at St Fagans, Cardiff – cost £5, or £4.50 for Senior Citizens. Seats are now available to anyone who would like to join with us – please contact Mrs Crowfoot on Dursley 84xxxx for further details. W.I. members are especially interested in the participation of the N.F.W.I. 75th anniversary exhibition being held there – but there is wide interest besides this for everyone. Refreshments are available – but W.I. members – please remember to bring your picnic lunch which will be our way of celebrating 75 years of W.I. A Happy Day is wished to all who join with us.

In September we look forward to Mrs Rowles who will talk to us about W.I. markets, and who will show us ‘selling samples’ and the very high standards required, for which the W.I. is renowned. This should prove to be a very interesting evening. Our October meeting will herald the second Open Evening of the year, when we have Mr West of Wyevale Garden Centre – he will talk on ‘Gardens in the Making’, and he will also probably bring along some bulbs to sell. Remember, Open means anyone can come along that [text unclear] and join with us.

12Something that ladies who maybe are thinking of joining in membership would do well to note is, that:-

New members who wish to join with us in October, November or December, will not have to pay again during the following year! Lucky you – three months free.

We do hope we shall see you at our meetings, and not have to say:-

‘Wish you were Here’.

D. Looker
President

It just goes to show how complacent I've become about the weather. I'd just finished reading a really riveting story to Lawrence last night then nodded off. I woke up at midnight-ish and suddenly thought about the three loads of washing out in the garden. ‘Oh it'll be alright 'till morning’, I thought. This morning (Sunday) it is raining and I'm now doing what I do for at least ⅔rds of the year hanging washing up in my kitchen over the wood-burner. Once again it's like a Chinese Laundry.

Talking of Chinese, have you ever place an order up at the Chinese in Wotton? Well they suggest you phone. Some Saturdays it's so busy they take the phone off the hook. On such occasions I take a book with me whilst the prawn balls are sizzling. The other week I tried to phone but to no avail as the phone was engaged. I took with me that Saturday Daily Express which has a make-you-cross crossword. It only gives you numbers 1 across and down and you have to work out where the remaining words fit. Well I'm in the queue waiting to place my order when these two chaps behind me start shouting out the answers and saying things like I wish I'd bought my knitting, etc., etc. They were wearing Hawkesbury Upton Cricket sweaters and were purchasing for the whole team. Anyway the three of us finished the crossword, collected our bits and as I was leaving one chap said he knew that I came from Charfield. Looking puzzled he went on to explain that he remembered me from about 10 years ago at ante-natal classes! Howzat?

To anyone who gets embarrassed don't read the next bit.

I acted in a totally frivolous manner this week. I opened the door of the wood-burning stove and flung in an only-worn-twice, adorned-with-lace-and-frilly-ribbon, pale-ivory pair of knickers. They were, absolutely, a work of art but so blooming uncomfortable!

Sort of still on the same subject I fear coming downstairs one day and flinging a whole load of dirty washing into the exact above mentioned wood-burning stove instead of the washing machine, as they stand side by side.

Have any of you budding cooks out there ever read Erin Pizzey's The Sluts Guide to Cooking? It's brill. It is my sort of kitchen Bible. She maintains that one should never have to keep popping in and out to the kitchen while every one else is getting down to serious stuff, but to indulge in the sort of yummies that can muddle along while you, the host, can spend the same amount of time as your guests and enjoying yourself instead of looking like a demented chicken. If in doubt cook a demented chicken. Anyway, I can't quote her because of writers rights or whatever it is. Talking of food, I'm sitting here typing away sharing a table with two goldfish that my darlings won at the Stroud Show last week and the water absolutely stinks. Anyway back to this book. I was entertaining guests and serving a couple of pheasants that I'd been 13presented with. Well, armed with my kitchen scissors I tried to cut the birds into sections but without success and am not the owner of meat-cutters. I couldn't cut into these birds for love nor money so I reached for the bible and Erin suggested secateurs. Well I'd just so happened to have purchased a Wilkinson Sword By-Pass Pruner that very week and so hacked away with my guests firmly ensconced in the conservatory with the adjoining door firmly shut. She did go onto say that if rusty, secateurs that is, guests could get lockjaw, but looking at some guests, not mine of course, this is not a bad idea.

I heard some absolutely fantastic exciting news recently which allows my meadow at the back of the cottage to remain the same. Stick insects adore, and need to live on, brambles. Isn't that great? Now if any such soul should enter my territory exclaiming words such as Round-Up or Tumbleweed, I can tell them the news.

Over the months when things happen I make notes and jot them down in little snippets so that I can recall when Newsletter time rears its head. I must tell you that Mary, one of the Eds gave me this most valuable piece of advice. I am now staring at the back of some bloke's business card with ‘knickers in stove’ written on it, well I've used that above and the word ‘wishbone’. I can't for the life of me think what happened whilst grappling with a chicken.

Actually I'm really in a good old literary mood and feel that I could ramble on for ages. I suppose that I had better stop as dear Mary has to blast this lot onto a thingamajig for running off and if I use up all my other little jottings I won't have anything for next time. To be honest I wouldn't mind doing a Libby Purves, she writes for the Express. She seems to turn out a load of vocab and I gather she gets PAID. What a thought.

Well take care. Please pray that we won't have too much rain over the next two nights as my old conservatory roof that cracked in the gales has been removed and, unfortunately, the new one that the chaps brought today to replace it with, doesn't fit.

Bye for now, Marilyn

Advertising

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Treetops Carpets]

14

Thanks to the commitment of Parish Councillor Marilyn Burden a Holiday Outing will be held this year on 8th August. It is unfortunate that the building work at the School has again prevented a full holiday playscheme being held during the school holiday. The destination for this year's outing is Symonds Yat – The Jubilee Maze and Butterfly Park.

Some concern has been expressed about the damage caused by and the indiscriminate use of airguns in the village. Parents if your son/daughter has (or has access to) an airgun, do you know in what circumstances it is being used? Damage has been caused in the vicinity of the village hall and it is hoped that common sense will prevail before someone is injured. It is also likely that the law is being broken and anyone witnessing such use, should report it to the Police at Chipping Sodbury or Staple Hill.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council, the following Councillors were elected to represent the Council:-

Mr Paul Birt	Chairman
Mrs Jane Hall	Vice-Chairman & Memorial Hall Committee Representative
Mrs Marilyn Burden	Charfield School Governor
Rev David Parker	Northavon Group, Local Council's Association
Mr Bill Clothier	Northavon Group, Local Council's Association
Mr Cliff Gunning	National School Foundation Governors

Representatives of the Council recently visited the Tortworth Waste Disposal Site in line with their policy of checking the site on regular intervals and also because of concern expressed by a resident regarding the disposal of types of asbestos. Councillors were impressed by the site organisation, were interested to note that a start would be made shortly on the planting of trees and that the life of the site is continuing to be reduced by the speed at which it is being filled.

Parish Council Meetings are held on 2nd Tuesday of each month (exception August) in the Foundation Room at Charfield School. The meetings always invite participation by any member of the public present, or any Councillor or myself will be happy to deal with problems of a parish nature at any time.

Jenny Hughes
Clerk to the Council

There is an old Cambodian proverb that says, ‘A good friend is to be found when one is poor’ – words which many of you can understand and relate to in one form or another.

Unfortunately, life is very much a case of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’, the ups and downs, the ifs, buts and maybes – yet within each of us exists the desire to help and support fellow human beings in need. We have all helped someone, been helped by someone, know of people who have helped others or have been helped themselves.

OXFAM WEEK (September 29th–October 6th) will provide an opportunity for people in our community to help others, less fortunate, overseas. During that week OXFAM needs people to deliver envelopes and collect money locally, from door to door. If you give just one hour of your time, or the time it takes to cover one street, you would be doing more than enough.

We can all think of a hundred reasons for not helping with a house to house collection (some quite good ones in fact!) but hopefully just one good reason for doing one will be enough to motivate you to do your little bit.

Anyone wishing to help should write to: The Appeals Unit, OXFAM, 62 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6JX or telephone 0272 73xxxx – Thanks for helping!!

15

‘Best Before …’ and ‘Sell By …’ are terms that you will be familiar with if the weekly shopping is your responsibility. But how confident are you that you know what they mean. And exactly what condition should the food be in at different times? What rights, if any, do you have if food cannot be eaten?

Many packaged foods carry some kind of date mark. Up until then you should expect your purchase to have kept its flavour, to still be crisp and to have full nutritional value. The majority of foods that are date stamped have it indicated by ‘best before …’ followed by a particular date. Those foods that are perishable, meaning that they are likely to rot or go off, will have a ‘sell by …’ date instead. There are some foods that are not covered by these rules. Specifically excluded are non-perishable foods, whole fresh fruit and vegetables, most alcoholic drinks and those bread products intended to be eaten within 24 hours.

So what can you do if you find that the food you have bought is not up to scratch? If it has been displayed in the shop after the date mark on it has expired then you have the right to take the food back to the place that you bought it from. If the trader has deliberately misled you then it may be a criminal offence and you may wish to report them.

First, you should decide exactly what you want to do. Will a replacement of refund be enough or do you want to get some form of compensation from the trader. Or is the trader a persistent offender that you think should be forced to improve their conduct. Whatever you decide, if you think that there is a risk to peoples health by the traders action you should report them to the environmental health.

If you decide on a replacement then you should take the food back to the shop that you bought it from and ask for it. The trader is not obliged to give it to you but must give you a refund if you ask for it. If you want to take the matter further then you should go to the trading standards office who will advise what to do next.

If you are unsure about any of these issues or you want to discuss a particular case with someone then go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau who will be happy to help.

We are at the Council Offices in the Chipping car park in Wotton-Under-Edge every Tuesday between 10 am and 1 pm Tel: Dursley 84xxxx, and our Stroud office is open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm (Tuesday till 6 pm) and Saturday 9.30–11.30 am Telephone Stroud 76xxxx

May 1990

16

Please Note: If any of the above information is incorrect or requires amendment please contact the Editors as soon as possible so that it can be rectified before the next issue.

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

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EXEMPTION DOG SHOW
ON SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 1990
AT CHARFIELD VILLAGE HALL
ENTRIES TAKEN FROM 1.00 PM   JUDGING 2.00 PM
ROSETTES FOR BEST IN SHOW, BEST PUPPY AND RESERVE BEST IN SHOW
ALSO 1ST–5TH IN EVERY CLASS

CLASSES 1–4 PEDIGREE ONLY

1. Puppy
2. Sporting
3. Non-Sporting
4. Open

CLASSES 5–14 OPEN TO PEDIGREE AND NON-PEDIGREE

5. Best Handler (6–12 years)
6. Best Handler (13–18 years)
7. Best Crossbred
8. Dog with Waggiest Tail
9. Dog with most Appealing Eyes
10. Best Movement
11. Best Long Coat
12. Best Short Coat
13. Best Brace
14. Best Local Dog from 2 mile radius of Charfield

NO DOGS WITH ANY AWARD TOWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS AND NO PUPPIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Tear off below.

ENTRY FORM

NAME AND ADDRESS   DOG'S NAME   BREED   CLASSES ENTERED

…

Enquiries: Mrs Jane Hall, Tel. (Falfield) 26xxxx

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 16 sides of A4 paper, and also had a flyer for the Charfield Autumn Show.

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: 2017-01-16.