CHADRA

Thanks to two very generous donations from the Parish Council and the Avon Rural Initiative Fund, we have been able to purchase a new duplicator. We are extremely grateful to both the above bodies for this help. Hopefully, now that we have learned to ‘drive’ the new electronic typewriter, that, coupled with the new duplicating facilities, will give the Newsletter a much smarter appearance.

We thought we would take this opportunity to explain the time schedule of the Newsletter. From the Copy Date, presuming all copy is in on time, it takes about a week to type. It then has to be duplicated, collated and passed to the distributors. Bearing in mind that all the above is done by people in their spare time, the very minimum from copy to distribution is 3 weeks.

We do our very best to get the Newsletter out as quickly as possible, but please bear in mind the above when advertising dates for functions. Hopefully with our new equipment and some new distributors most of our problems have now been ironed out!

Enjoy your summer holidays – next copy date shown below.

M.H.
J.P.

*** NEXT COPY DATE – 12TH OCTOBER ***

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the U.S.A. I was in three different areas: Minnesota, near Minneapolis but in a country area. It was actually on a lake which was some 77 steps below (not a journey I took often). It was lovely in its peace and in its views over the lake. The first morning I was there, I drew back my curtains to find two woodpeckers scrambling round a tree about eight feet away. As the bottom of the tree was growing from lake level, these birds were near the top of the tree. In Chicago, with its associations in the mind with gangsters, I stayed in a quiet suburb called Hyde Park. I saw no gangsters (or do they all look like respectable business men?) and witnessed no crime. In Michigan I stayed in a town called Ypsilanti, named, I was told, after a certain Greek general who lived there at one time and clearly must have done some notable deeds to be remembered in this way. In all these places I stayed with friends I had known a long time. In two cases the reasons for the friendship had been the Christian hospitality of my parents during the last (European) war. They used to invite strangers who came to a Church they went to, home to a meal. In one case the friendship lasted but in the other case it was the fiancee of the airman with whom the friendship was forged because, sadly, he was killed in a raid over occupied France in May 1944. So, acts of kindness long ago enabled me to go and stay with them all these years later. I cannot say too much in praise of American generosity and hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble and I learnt that one had to be careful what one said because the unintended expression of likes, in taste, led to its appearance! Of course I did have many tastes, in the literal sense, of foods I had not previously known and unusual combinations of food (e.g. I breakfasted out at 7.30 one morning on eggs, pancakes and maple syrup – together!)

Apart from new sights I was shown, my purpose and interest was to see some of the Churches there, what they were doing, and how they were doing it. I interviewed three bishops in these areas. They were generous with their time and kindness and supplied me with the names of Rectors and different Churches I might find of interest. So I went to these too and spoke to many people in these parishes, visited the homes of some of them, preached in some of the Churches and was warmly welcomed everywhere. I have three books of notes which I have not yet had time to read through again. It was an interesting memorable experience – including the 444 mile coach journey from Minneapolis to Chicago which took 12 hours!

And now it's back to Charfield where there was plenty to do, and still is, and where the dream of an interesting experience got swallowed by pressing realities … some of which I can share with you. There is, for example, our Harvest Thanksgiving. This is on Sunday 29th September. The morning service at 10.15 is suitable for children and will be followed by a Harvest Lunch: 11.30 for lunch at 12, in the Foundation Room at the School. The cost for children of primary school age to twelve years old is £1. for adults it is £3, to include a drink. We have had harvest suppers several times before but not a harvest lunch. We thought it would be a change to try one at lunch time. Do try and come to this if you can. Come to the service stay to lunch or just come to lunch. It would be nice to see you at both – or either! More news next time.

Reverend K. Grant
Rector

2

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.

“Tennis Balls” –
– about two dozen of them to be precise, were used to good effect by our friend John Mott when he conducted our morning Sunday School Anniversary service recently. Very sportingly, Mums and Dads joined in too, bouncing the balls and so rhythmically helping us all to remember in such unforgettable fashion the very first words of the Bible, – “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth” Genesis, chapter one, verse one. It was fitting that at the close of this service, young and old should link hands as the most senior person present, being also our much respected Sunday School Superintendent Miss Turner, pronounced the Benediction. Linda & Anne from the ‘Pip N' Jay’ church in Old Market, Bristol, were with us to conduct the evening service. Linda singing and accompanying herself on the guitar, whilst her friend Anne also played the clarinet. Our warmest thanks once again to all these good friends, and to all who supported these special services, and not least to our ladies who kindly served refreshments at the close of the evening service.

“Bright Hour Outing” Yes, “Didn't we have a luvverly time the day we went to Lynton and Lynmouth?” Skies were overcast as we left Charfield, but these cleared even as we arrived at our destination, providing us all with a lovely sunny afternoon in which to explore the beautiful Lorna Doone countryside. For only £4 per person this was exceptional value for money, and a day to remember.

Sunday School Outing Here we were not quite so fortunate weather-wise, yet in spite of the rain we all spent a very happy time at Weston Super Mare, either on or in some cases actually under the Pier, being less expensive that way! It was especially pleasing that more children than for many years, with some of their parents were able to join with us, and also some friends from Kingswood.

Proceeds from this special Christmas concert will be in aid of Dr Barnardos Homes. Please make a note in your diaries and try to come along.

Wayside Pulpit “Heaven and Earth may pass away, but my words shall not pass away”. Matthew 24 v. 35.

3

The Local Liberal Democrats have recently formed a new branch called Laddenbrook Villages, which includes Charfield, to help support Eddie Gadsby and Gillian Elston, our councillors for North Avon. The area covered stretches from Charfield to Iron Acton and from Falfield to Wickwar.

The officials elected for this year are:-

Mary Blundell is also your contact for the Charfield area.

If you would like to come to any of our activities do please contact us. It is not just pushing FOCUS through peoples letter boxes, though we are always grateful for any help like that. We have had a Coffee Evening and a Wine and Cheese party at members homes; a Dinner Lecture at Cromhall Village Hall – the speaker was Mr J Spittal talking about local road names, all of which have been very successful and well attended. By the time this reaches you, we will have had our Barbecue at xxxx Farm with the Gadsbys but other occasions have already been planned – a Wine Tasting at Gillian Elston's on Friday 13th September (numbers have to be limited), a Victorian Evening with Magic Lantern at Rangeworthy Village Hall on Saturday 19th October and a Barn Dance next year, date and venue to be decided. Tickets from any of the committee.

On the more serious side we have joined other associations and groups in monitoring the recent proposals for open-cast mining and oil exploration in the area. We meet about once a month for a business meeting and a chat. Our next meeting will be on Monday 9th September at 8.15 pm at xxxx Cottage, Wotton Road, Iron Acton. Do contact us if you are interested.

by Colin Bryant Licensed Conveyancer

Traditionally legal conveyancing documents have been virtually unintelligible to the untrained mind, more so in the past, being lengthy, verbose and with a treasure-house of mysterious phrases such as “… fee simple absolute in possession”, “in tail male” or “incorporeal hereditaments”. Of course in days of yore when few people could write, a legal draftsman was employed to write even ordinary letters and was paid “per folio” or for every twenty-two words he wrote. It might not have been in his best interest to be too brief!

The old legal documents were often prepared in duplicate top and bottom of a very large sheet(s) and were then with a sharp knife cut in two in a wavy line (indented – from which is derived the term Indentures). These documents if produced in Court were then authenticated in case of dispute by putting the two parts together to see that the wavy cut on each fitted like a jigsaw and that one was not forged.

Nowadays the modern approach of licensed conveyancers and many solicitors is to reduce the verbiage as far as safely possible so that our clients can understand what they are signing, and the increase in land registration is helping greatly.

4

At our last meeting on July 11th we felt like singing “We're all going on a summer holiday” – when Mrs Dodd of Charfield recounted to us her experiences and joys of her holiday in India, last November. In our imagination we were transported to that land where poverty and hardship prevail, – yet out of it too comes vivid colour, beauty in its buildings and breathtaking landscapes. Crafts too, – one in particular which was mentioned – hand made silken carpets where 600 knots to the square inch are incorporated, and this often worked by children because of their nimble fingers. (Imagine getting our children to sit down and concentrate like that!!) The finale of the holiday was a stay in Nepal and a chartered air trip to see and enjoy the beauty of the mountainous regions there. Photographs were on view for us to see and one was showing Mrs Dodd experiencing her first elephant ride! So you can tell what a venturesome lady we have in our midst, and maybe she has planted the seed and stirrings within us to one day “get up and go”.

Although we could have wished for some of the warmth of that Indian sunshine on a rather dull and cloudy evening in our English summer – we did experience a warmth of fellowship amongst us and were able to raise from a “Bring & Buy” stall £16 for UNESCO through which the NFWI are supporting a project in Brazil to help with the problem of illiteracy amongst the young children.

As an organisation we would like to thank all in the village who gave so generously towards our Jumble Sale, from which we raised over £200. A big THANK YOU!

Our annual outing on July 18th will be to Priston Mill when we look forward to a tour around the bakery, followed by refreshments and always the inevitable “chin-wag”.

August is really a “Rest” month for us but this year, because we wish to keep in contact with one another, we have two evenings planned – one for swimming – the other for skittles to get our hand in for future competitions!

September 4th we look forward to another outing, when Wiltshire Federation is holding a “September Spectacular” at Lackham College. Providing the weather is kind, this should be an eventful day.

Look out for us at Charfield Flower Show on September 14th when we hope to portray what the W.I. means to us, and could also mean to you ladies of the village, if you would only join with us.

Looking forward to meeting you and wishing you “Happy Holidays”

Daphne Looker
President

The Annual Box Collection for the Society achieved the sum of £293.59. My grateful thanks to everyone who helps in this way.

If anyone else would like to have a collecting box for use within their own home, please contact me. Thank you.

C.P. Temme
Falfield 26xxxx

5

Following the Local Council Elections and the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council the Parish Councillors and Officers are as under:-

Chairman
Mrs Jane Hall, x Berkeley Close	0454 26xxxx
Clerk
Mrs Jenny Hughes, x Berkeley Close	0454 26xxxx
Councillors
Mr Paul Birt, xx Underhill Road	0454 26xxxx
Mr Dennis Booth, xx Charfield Grn	0454 26xxxx
Mrs Marilyn Burden, xx Avon Road	0454 26xxxx
Mrs Anna Hart, xx Avon Road	0454 26xxxx
Mr John Hirchfield, xxx Wotton Rd	0453 84xxxx
Rev David Parker, xx Durham Road	0454 26xxxx
Mr John Poskett, xx Charfield Grn	0454 26xxxx
Mrs Marilyn Smith, xx Newtown	0454 26xxxx

Meetings continue to be held on the second Tuesday in the month (exception August) in the Foundation Room at Charfield School.

The Parish Council would like to remind EVERYONE of the Country code:-

Enjoy the countryside & respect its life and work
Guard against all risk of fire
Fasten all gates
Keep your dogs under close control
Keep to public footpaths across farmland
Use gates & stiles cross fences, hedges & walls
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
Take your litter home
Help to keep all water clean
Protect wildlife, plants and trees
Take special care on country roads
Make no unnecessary noise.

You have many opportunities, protected by law, to enjoy the countryside whether by access to areas of land, or by following the line of public rights of way. If you are planning to take your dog for a walk in the countryside, do make sure it does not become a menace to either other people or those who manage the land. You can take a dog along a right of way, but you must never allow any dog to worry livestock on agricultural land. To do so can have very serious consequences; not only are you liable to be prosecuted and fined, but you may be ordered to pay compensation and have the dog destroyed. You must be particularly careful when you are near sheep. A dog that is not a working dog can be regarded as ‘worrying livestock’ simply by not being on a lead or otherwise under close control. A dog on a short lead will be under close control while an unrestrained dog may not be. A landowner can also shoot a dog that is apparently out of control and worrying sheep, and the owner of the dog will not be compensated.

Clerk to the Council

6

My watch packed up last Summer and Lawrence kindly lent me his Thundercats digital. I'm a school dinners supervisor, so all the kids loved it. Anyway it was four minutes fast which, I know, is neither here or there, but at least I arrived on time.

Well when the clocks went back in Autumn 1990, we'd forgotten how to adjust it, so for a whole six months, the watch was ONE HOUR and four minutes fast!!!! It was a bit tricky when people asked the time, because I'd hesitate while I calculated and could tell they thought it a bit odd.

Anyway Spring 1991 arrived and all the clocks went forward again. Thank God for that I thought. We were away this Easter when clock changing had to be carried out, visiting family. However I had arrange to have my hair done on the Saturday, so we arrived home late on the Friday night. Well the next morning I got up, had a leisurely breakfast, painted my nails, fed the children and left the house. I got in the car and stared, disbelievingly at the clock. Then I let out this yell causing everyone to drag themselves away from Saturday morning tele. All the clocks in our house were still one hour slow. I never gave it a thought.

I phoned the hairdresser. ‘It's me’ I cried, ‘I'm at home and I should be there with you but I've been away and haven't put our clocks right.’ I could tell she really couldn't care less. Apparently, they were dead grateful because they'd had a rush on and I ended up going the following Thursday.

I'm sure my Keith won't mind me putting down in print that he was made redundant last August. To anyone who has gone through this one of life's many procedures you will know what I mean when I say that you suddenly call a halt to everything remotely frivolous. On the subject of hair (see last paragraph – what do you mean you haven't read it?) I kept putting off making an appointment, thinking that I could survive with a scarf round my head for a further week. Well I was as school, convincing this little darling that she should eat her peas, when she said, ‘Miss, why is your hair orange and brown?’
I know it was time to go and get my roots done!

I took it upon myself to earn a few bob, so if I wanted to spend half an hour on the phone to my sister I could, so I did a car boot sale. I loved it. I think I've missed my vocation and should be down at Eastville on a Friday. Mind you it's like putting your life on the line with all the world going by, fiddling about with your belongings, that you hope will soon be their belongings.

Anyway I was just convincing this lady that this only just finished hand knitted, by mother-in-law, jumper she was holding would suit her beautifully, when a hankie fell out of the sleeve. I had washed all the bits and bobs so can't think how it survived up the arm. I could have died. She smiled wanly, put down the garment and went. Put it down to experience, I thought. Anyway I sold it later – minus the tissue.

7Have I ever told you about the heal your spots (if you have any that is) trick? Some famous model suggested this in Women's Own or some such mag so I'd better be careful re tipper's rights.

Anyway she said if you've got a spot, blob on some toothpaste. Use the white or spearmint – it sets better than the minty gel type. Then sleep on it. Well not exactly on it. Well I suppose it all depends whereabouts the spots are. I'm assuming the chin.

I tried it. One night I had three whoppers. I am late 30's not 13's, so I thought I'd take action. When Keith put out the light I sneaked into the bathroom and dabbed on.

Sleep came, followed by morning. Keith woke up. ‘What on earth have you got on your face?’ he cried. ‘Oh the toothpaste trick. I wonder if it's worked.’ I dashed into the bathroom and prised off three mountainous peaks and there, before me, were three little smooth fresh pink areas of spotless skin. Looking at the rest of me I should have smoothed it on all over.

Isn't it amazing how, when something that's a right pain happens, something nice comes out of it.

Our front porch subsided. The fact that you could shove a runner bean cane through the gap didn't satisfy the Insurance Company. They sent out a Loss Adjuster who, in turn, sent out a Structural Engineer and he, in turn, called a buildings maintenance chap to dig a metre deep trench. He needed to inspect the secrets of the soil and why was it shifting so? This young lad came from Kingswood and apologized for being a little bit late. His Dad was due to have dealt with things but with about 20 others these two men are going out to Romania, on August 5th, to install a complete water system in one of the orphanages. Apparently there is a standpipe outside that gets turned on for just two hours per day. This young lad of just 20 years, digging this trench, said that he just could not sit back here and not get involved. He also said that they would have to go for counselling to prepare them for what they will encounter on their visit.

The three of us chatted for a while, the Engineer jotted down a few notes, I made tea and the young lad refilled the hole. The Engineer came from Cheltenham but had lived in Wotton. I then told him I tap-danced in the Town Hall, at Wotton, every Wednesday and he told me that he used to go to tap classes. Then the pair of us did a couple of step-ball-changes up the garden path!

To my fans I do apologize for not writing in the last issue. What with one thing and another and then we had a fire in the cottage in February which caused smoke damage throughout the home I'd gone right off the boil. Then my skin erupted. You know that Michael Gambon who played The Singing Detective, well I could have done the remake. Well perhaps just my hands, arms and neck. Sort of selective parts. It was the day the snow came down, Keith stayed home from college and I was off doing something or other. Keith and the children popped up the Post Office to get some bread and when he came back, flames were shooting up and across the ceiling and up the stairs. It's been like living in the black hole of Calcutta!

8Keith and our next-door neighbour put out the fire. This was just as well because the fire engine swung into our little lane at such a fast speed and acute angle, it got wedged between two walls.

Of course as soon as the water hit all the smoke and flame, black rivulets trickled down every wall, inside wardrobes. I couldn't believe so much could happen in such a short space of time. Although certain visitors have said it wasn't as bad as they'd imagined, the next stage would have been the soft furnishings catching alight and then it would have travelled up through the ceilings. Anyway I suppose it has spurted me on with the spring cleaning, although I had not planned it in such an intense manner.

Still I did meet some nice firemen!

Well just to prove that I'm obviously still doing the odd car boot sale, I have been to three theatrical events in nine days. The other Friday we went to the Hippodrome to see grease. It was great. Flashing lights, lots of bopping about and singing along with all the well known hits from the film. When it finished Lawrence insisted we wait for autographs. We all scrambled at the stage door and every member of the cast signed his programme. They were wonderful.

Have any of you been to the Prema Arts Centre, in Uley? I picked up a leaflet in Dursley Swimming Pool and then, in turn, booked up to see Sue Limb to hear her talk about Comedy Writing. I was first introduced to Sue's work at Wotton Library. One of the shelves had been arranged solely to promote comedy fiction. There on the shelf was this book, by Sue Limb, called Up the Garden Path. It's brilliant. So fresh and funny. Every page is a real delight. You may, of course be avid fans of her writings in Good Housekeeping and currently watching the second book re ‘Garden Path’ on Wednesday nights.

She was most entertaining telling of her childhood and how she came to write and then in turn be involved with TV and radio.

At the end we had a chat. The whole evening had been relaxed and really in quite an intimate situation. Sort of wine and front-roomish, if you see what I mean. We could ask questions but as usual my brain dried up. On these occasions I always want to ask something so particular and cute and the other entertainees just seemed to get it right! Perhaps, when I grow up, I'll get it right, too.

Then to round off the entertainment trio, I travelled to Cheltenham to see Stepping Out. The Everyman Theatre is absolutely beautiful with a high curved surround to the stage and carved cherubs everywhere. The show was wonderful and the tap-dance finale was absolutely spectacular with red sequinned jackets, high leather shinytap shoes with Minnie Mouse bows. Top hats, canes and tails. As for the music, it certainly got your feet twitching under your seat.

I shall just have to fling myself about a bit more next Wednesday.

Well I suppose I'd better sign off now. Mary prompted me to start scribing while she suns herself on a Greek Island. After reading through this lot she'll probably feel like another holiday! Have a great summer.

Best Wishes – Marilyn

9

In 1946, after nearly 6 years in the Royal Naval Medical Service, I returned to my former employment in Local Government and became involved in the many aspects of Public Health Administration. Then, as it were, to “earn my spurs”, I studied for the Diploma of Municipal Administration.

The post-war era though was a period of change as more and more “Welfare State” legislation remorselessly increased the duties of Local Government. In due course I moved on from administration to train in Psychiatric Social Work and eventual appointment as Area Mental Welfare Officer for the whole of what was then South Gloucestershire.

By this time, I was also an active member of NALGO (National Association of Local Government Officers) and for many years prior to Local Government Re-organisation, I was Chairman of the South Gloucestershire sub-branch of NALGO which comprised one seventh of the County Branch Membership. This, in addition to being a member of the County Branch Executive Committee, I was one of the half dozen staff representatives on the Gloucestershire Local Joint Staff Committee, and the NALGO South Western District Council.

The spectre of Local Government reform had been looming on the horizon for some time and the Government then initiated a Royal Commission in 1966 under the Chairmanship of the then Sir John Redcliffe-Maud, later to become the Right Honourable Lord Redcliffe-Maud. The Royal Commission Report was presented to Parliament in June 1969. This was duly studied by members of NALGO as was indeed the subsequent Government White Paper presented to Parliament in February 1970 by the then Labour Government.

However, a General Election then brought in a Conservative administration and accordingly a new White Paper was presented to Parliament in February 1971.

It was generally recognised that the then current structure of Local Government in England, was that which was bequeathed by the legislation of 1888 and 1894.

At that time there were no motor cars on the road; there was no electricity in the homes; and the population of England was less than 28 millions. It was thus understandable that for more than a quarter of a century, proposals for re-organisation of Local Government had been under discussion.

All three major political parties were committed to pursue policies of reform and the Conservative Government was pledged to introduce a system of two tier government, whilst not removing the need for parish councils, in rural areas. There was even an acknowledgement that the area of neighbourhood communities could be encouraged in urban areas and that the District Authorities should have powers to assist in this.

The subsequent Local Government Act 1972 gave credence to this as an optional exercise and with re-organisation now becoming a current issue once more, the idea may well now begin to bear fruit. What then of the discussions on the Bill which led to the L.G.A. 1972?

The Lord Redcliffe-Maud proposals affecting what we now call the County of Avon, envisaged a much larger area which would have included part of Wiltshire, and with the North Somerset area of Frome also to be included.

10Subsequent working parties of committees and working parties of NALGO (of which I was a member) together with other Trade Unions such as NUPE eventually achieved a pruning. As far as South Gloucestershire was concerned, there were five District Councils, viz:

Kingswood Urban District, Mangotsfield Urban District, Warmley Rural District, Sodbury Rural District, Thornbury Rural District.

When the L.G.A. 1972 was implemented in 1974, the first three became one District Council, taking the name of Kingswood D.C. Of the latter two, six parishes elected to remain in Gloucestershire, but the remainder then became incorporated into the new District Councils of Northavon.

In 1979, the Boundary Commission reviewed Parish Council boundaries and in 1984 – namely the ten years interval proscribed by the L.G.A. 1972, the Boundary Commission reviewed County boundaries and as a consequence the local villages of Tresham and Hillesley have been re-incorporated with Gloucestershire.

Now, I am “wearing another hat” as far as local government is concerned. After 18 years as a Parish Councillor, I am now Chairman of the Northavon group of local councils – local councils being the term used for parish and town councils in the L.G.A. 1972.

Once more the spectre of re-organisation is occupying our attention. As Vice-Chairman of the Avon Executive for Local Councils, I have recently been involved in a working party reviewing the implications of what might be the demise of some County Councils and the development of what the Dept. of the Environment suggests us Uniting Authorities, and the future role of local councils. Yet public interest in council business is mixed. There is in some areas some difficulty in finding people to stand for election, and Charfield is no exception. In small parishes like ours, party politics fortunately is not an issue since each of us is there in a non party political role, but in larger units such as Yate and Thornbury, it is the party candidate that people vote for irrespective of the qualities of some of the other candidates. Those who defend this type of election contend, with some justification, that this is what brings people along to the ballot box. Whether or not then, people use their vote, electors need to be alert to what might be in store should another White Paper on local government re-organisation be forthcoming.

The Secretary of State for the Environment proposes a Government Commission on local government with the intention of an early repast. My own feeling is that the Redcliffe-Maud Report took 3 years to compile and explain the situation in such depth, and it also included a minority report by Mr Derek Senior.

One hopes therefore that the present concept will not be a “rush job” that will produce as many anomalies as it is intended to resolve. Bearing in mind that I trained late in life for the Church of England Ministry, may I conclude with a quote from the Book of Ecclesiastes 1.9
“What has happened before will happen again. What has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new …”

(Rev) David W Parker
Tel: Falfield 26xxxx

11

Looking back over the Summer Term it is difficult to believe that it began way back on April 8th! Even with such a long term we shall find it difficult to fit everything in. Naturally we try to include all the traditional events, but with reforms in education being introduced at a tremendous rate, there is now even more required of schools than before.

This year saw the introduction of formal assessment for seven year olds when children had to undertake tasks prescribed nationally in English, Maths and Science. The planning, administering and assessing placed quite a burden on the teachers involved and on the school as a whole. Hopefully, in the future, these assessment procedures will be modified to a more realistic level in terms of time taken and content.

School activities continued unabated. Many of the older children took part in the Wotton and District Music Festival which this year took the form of a Music Workshop, schools joining together to make music. On the sporting front the school was represented at District events, namely Swimming Gala, Sports, Rounders and Cricket tournaments. A team also entered the Leyhill Community Festival 6-a-side Football Tournament. Our own Sports Days were held as usual during the final week of term.

The Parent Teacher Association have also enjoyed a busy and successful term. A Fashion Show, the Annual Summer Fair, a children's Disco an a Family Barn Dance (held at a local farm) were all well supported. We are also indebted to the parents for once again running the Cycling Proficiency Course – a very necessary part of children's education these days.

As usual during the Summer months class outings were enjoyed to places such as Willsbridge Mill, Wye Vale Farm Park, Radford Shire Horse Park, the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devises and Corsham Underground Quarry.

All in all a demanding but successful term. The Summer break will have come and gone just as quickly I'm sure and we shall all begin again with new faces and new names to get to know!

Finally, an appeal! If anyone might be interested in taking on the role of Clerk to the Governors, please contact me at school and I will be pleased to tell you more about it!

C.F. Sreeves
Headteacher

12

I am sitting in my garden under the blazing sun trying to muster up enough energy to write about all the things the Brownies have been up to since I last wrote.

I'll start with our Fun Day on 22nd June. This event was to have taken place at Avening Green, but due to circumstances beyond my control (double booking of the site!) I had, at the eleventh hour, to make alternative arrangements and managed to secure Conygres at Wotton. Although the weather was decidedly wet and windy it didn't dampen our spirits and the craft, games, obstacle race and treasure hunt went ahead as planned. Some of our Brownies got very muddy during the treasure hunt, but once they had been washed down they were as good as new! The day ended with the parents joining us for a barbeque and campfire. The whole event was a great success due largely to the help and support so generously given by:- the Guiders' husbands, Ann Salter, Alan Bartlett, Pete Whitton, and Mike and Jill Pemberton. To all of them, on behalf of the Brownies, I'd like to say THANK YOU, and – are you free next year?!!!

Since the last Newsletter the Brownies, with the kind permission of the W.I. and the Village Hall Committee, have taken over the garden at the front of the Village Hall. You may have seen them weeding and pruning on Wednesday nights (weather permitting). At the moment the Brownies are very enthusiastic and rush out trowels in hand only to spend ten minutes picking up litter thrown there by people too lazy to walk across the car park to the bin. My reason for commenting on the litter problem in this newsletter is in the hope that the people who are messing up our village will read this and mend their ways. But, on second thoughts, if these people are incapable of reading the word ‘litter’ printed on the front of the bin there is no hope of them being able to master the whole sentence!

The Brownies are now on the final stage of their Ramblers Badge work. This will be completed during the summer holidays and they will be tested when they re-start in September.

Forthcoming events include a District Skittles Evening on Friday, 13th September at Kingswood Village Hall, price £2.50 per ticket. Money raised will go the District Funds. Anyone wishing tickets please let me know.

Brownie Revels will be at Conygres in Wotton on Saturday, 20th September; this year's theme is “animals”.

It only remains for me to wish you a happy holiday and to remind you that Brownies re-start on 4th September.

If you have a daughter who wishes to join Brownies please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx.

Vi MacLellan

13

There are vacancies for a couple of teams for the next season, starting in October. You don't have to be an Einstein and it would be good to have a team representing the village. Teams consist of 4 people, meeting on the last Wednesday of each month from October to May in the White Lion. There is an annual payment of £6 per team and a monthly subscription of 25p per team member to cover all outings.

The A.G.M. will be held in September (probably the 25th). Please give me a ring for more info.

Dave Woodhouse
Dursley 84xxxx.

The month of MAY has been very enjoyable with our first visit to Avening Green for a couple of years on May 1st. This evening the girls were cooking in patrols and as we had had rain for several days the afternoon was filled with 'phone calls – are you going? The answer was ‘yes’. Luck was with us; the weather was just great and all the girls set about getting their fires going. Food ranged from bacon to lamb chops and jacket potatoes and, of course, marshmallows!

I would like to say thanks to Tricia Cole, Mrs. Chappell and Mrs. Eldridge for all their help. The girls all enjoyed the evening and look forward to July when we shall be cooking there again.

On May 8th we went to K.L.B. for 2 hours of Uni-hock. The girls were put into groups A–E. Overall C won – so well done Hannah's team! Uni-hock is a very fast game, so the girls played 5 mins each way. We had a few problems – one girl hit in the face with the ball and some with hit shins, but after a short rest they were back playing again. Julie, Tonia, Caroline and myself all joined in, and we are now buying our own sticks so that we can play on the field. If any Club is interested, we will hire them out for a small fee, so give me a ring.

On May 15th we were at Avening Green again to play a wide game arranged by Caroline who is our Young Leader.

On May 22nd Caroline and myself took 10 girls on a cycle ride through Churchend, Wickwar, Kingswood and back to the village hall. Once again the weather stayed fine. Our thanks to Mrs Millman who cycled with us, and Mr. Millman who followed in his car in case we needed any repairs along the way. The girls are asking to go again; next time we'll go further!

The rest of the group went on a Treasure Trove with Julie and Tonia along Churchend, Devils Lane and back to the hall. Our thanks to Janet Leach for her help with this. All the girls certainly went home tired that night!

June 12th, another visit to Avening Green and on this occasion we walked back to the village through Damery and 14 Huntinford. Thanks to Jill, Mike, Val and Pat who came with us. With so many girls when we go out it is nice to involve parents and have extra adults on hand. I am pleased to say we have two extras coming in as Adult Unit Helpers. Thanks, Val and Mike.

The girls have also visited K.L.B. again, this time to play Table Tennis, Baseball and Netball, and we are hoping to go Ice Skating one evening in September.

I hope you all have a good holiday and the weather stays fine for you. Guides will re-start on 4th September at 7.15 p.m. at the Village Hall.

Mary Westlake
Guide Guider.

Schedules are now available for Charfield's 2nd Autumn Flower Show at the Post Office counter, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton; also from members of the Hall Management Committee.

This year we hope to improve on the entries and an extra feature will be the Fruit and Home Made Wine. It should be a most colourful show, so here's hoping the weather will be kind and make the day a great success. Even if you are not exhibiting, do try to spare the time to come along to see what the local gardeners have produced. With all those home grown vegetables it may tempt you to have a try next year! And, don't forget the Flower Section – with all the rain so far this year the roses are really blooming!

We are hoping that children will once again compete as they were very good last year. There is just one extra item in this section – the ‘Pulse Picture’ (I hope the pulses are well stuck!)

A thought for next year – perhaps we can make the Children's section bigger. Anyone willing to help???

Look forward to seeing lots of people and entries,
Regards,
Pat White

Young Wives enjoyed a boat trip in June around the Bristol Docks. It was a very interesting evening, even the weather was good for us. On the way back we stopped for supper.

By the time this Newsletter is distributed past members of Young Wives should have received their invitation for the 21st Birthday Party. If, by chance, anyone has been missed, please give me a ring on Falfield 26xxxx.

Hoping everyone has a lovely summer break. See you in September with a demonstration on Water Painting.

Margaret Shipton
Chairlady.

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Having just returned from Group Camp where the enjoyment was as high as the pollen (ugh!), I am amazed at the work which the Group Leaders and helpers put in to ensure that our young men had a fulfilling time. A sincere thank you to them.

We have in the last three months visited Sharpness Docks, competed in a Cross Country Race, entered a Six-a-Side Competition, been on Pack Camp, canoed, and done all the things which are associated with scouting.

The Pack has unfortunately lost Mike Hensman (from Wickwar) after 5 years hard work. Thank you Mike.

Looking forward to the summer holidays and a rest and the challenge which lies ahead in the new term.

Mike Cheskin.

Yes! It really exists and has just finished its 1991 season. The final placings are shown below. Congratulations to Edward for achieving the ‘Double’ in the Cup Final. He defeated Ian Tuckley 3–2 after extra time and sudden death, the match lasting over 70 minutes.

Ian opened the scoring in the 7th minute direct from a corner. In the second half Edward equalised 2 minutes from the end after prolonged pressure. The first half of extra time saw Ian score from a long range shot from the wing and with the final whistle only 25 seconds away Edward powered through to score a second equaliser and send the match to ‘sudden death’. After 22 minutes of pressure from Edward and great defence from Ian the final was decided by an own goal from Ian. Strangely, it was an own goal by Jonathan that saw Edward through to the Final.

A presentation on the last day of term saw Edward collect both the League Shield and the Cup with Darius Cheskin being awarded the Sportsman's Trophy.

The 1991/2 Season starts in September and is open to anyone not older than 14 on 31/12/91. The season finishes in May. If interested, contact me on 0453 84xxxx.

LEAGUE TABLE 1/7/91

Mike Cheskin

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There are a number of ways to fly cheaply these days, including excursion packages, package holidays, advanced charter flights (ABC) and charter services for special groups.

But before you go, for what can seem a once in a lifetime, cheap holiday, check that the organiser you are booking with is fully licensed and therefore able to offer you a certain service as well as full protection. Airlines and Travel Agents, who sell as agents for a particular airline, are both covered by licence. If, on the other hand, a travel agent charters a number of seats from an airline, then resells them to passengers, they have to have a specific licence called the Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL). This will mean that you and the organiser have full protection and that you can claim compensation through the Air Travel Reserve fund if the company collapses.

There are three main types of charter flights: Inclusive Tours commonly known as package holidays, Advance Booking Charter Flights and Charter Service for special groups, often called ‘affinity groups’. These are all quite different types of travel, so the operator you book with needs to be covered by the correct licence. The first two must be covered by ATOL; not affinity groups – so you have less protection for this sort of travel and it may be better to avoid them if possible.

You might on the other hand want to book your ticket directly with the airline or through a travel agent working for the airline. One cheap option is the Advance Purchase Excursion, commonly known as APEX fares. This is usually cheaper then ordinary excursion fares, but you must stick within certain guidelines. Your ticket has to be bought at a certain time before the flight. This can range from 21 days to 4 months. If you booked APEX, it ls quite important to stick to the agreed travel time or you might lose out on quite a lot money.

Other cut price fares offered by different airlines and companies can vary from standby to advance booking. It's best when booking cut price tickets to check that the agency you are using is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Shop around if you are looking for a cheap holiday and if you are not sure of how much protection the cheap option affords you, contact your local CAB. You can find us at the Council Offices, The Chipping, Wotton-u-Edge, Tel: 0453 84xxxx, every Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our Stroud Office is open every day from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. (6 p.m. on Tuesdays), 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Saturdays at High Street, Stroud, Tel: 0453 76xxxx.

The foundation Room at Charfield School is available for hire.

For further details please contact Christine Temme – Fal: 26xxxx.

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Advertising

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS?

Contact the Editors before next copy date (12th October 1991)

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Treetops Carpets]

[Advert for Manor Fruiterers]

[Advert for Travel Plan Taxis]

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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
Those commencing 26… 29… 41… use code 0454

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 19 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: 2017-01-17.