CHADRA

Nothing too controversial they said for my first editorial, so no mention of the following:- Dogs, Bikes, Parking, Station, Development Noise, and lack of helpers.

Anyone interested in starting a Knitting Circle? Well it's not quite that bad. It's good to see private enterprise working with the new shop and once again thanks for the daffodils which make Our Village look so nice.

That's a point – OUR Village. This Newsletter helps to conserve the community spirit which is fundamental to our mutual growth, it fosters interaction and an awareness of what is going on. We need YOU to contribute to this, please send an article in for the next edition.

Mike Cheskin
Chairman

************ NEXT COPY DATE – JULY 12TH 1992 ************

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

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1

The Parish Council recently received a full and detailed reply from the Redundant Churches Fund regarding the maintenance work and rendering of the tower at St James Church. Detailed in the letter and shown in old photos was the remains of old rendering with which the whole church was originally covered. It is apparently built with rubble stone and was never designed to be exposed to the weather. Following a report by English Heritage, rendering with lime mortar was carried out as the best means of ensuring the long term preservation of West Country Church Towers and that the best and tested solution for preserving the ancient fabric in a traditional manner and using traditional materials has been used. The Parish Council is arranging to meet the Architect as it is likely that the masonry of the nave and south aisle walls will also be rendered in the near future. With regard to the colour, samples were prepared based on the colour of limewash found elsewhere on the Church.

Mrs Julia O'Connor-Beach has recently been appointed Footpath Warden for the Parish and has already prepared a detailed report on each individual footpath, having walked them all – more than once. Contact is at present being made with landowners regarding improvements to access and signposting.

The Memorial Hall Extension is almost complete and should in the future prove a most useful extra facility for the village. The Parish Council agreed a £10,000 grant to the Committee this year the majority of which is for the extension.

The possibility of introducing a Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been discussed recently with P.C. Simon Bee, who explained to the Council that the schemes were first introduced in urban areas to mirror the way of life in the countryside. However as the village grows ever larger the Council is interested in ascertaining how much interest there is in Watch Schemes, which have to be set up in small groups. A network of Team Leaders would be required and the support of both the Parish Council and P.C. Bee would be assured. Anyone interested is asked to contact any Councillor or the Clerk.

A Public Planning Appeal Inquiry will be held at the District Council Offices on 16th and 17th July with regard to Mrs Miller and Mr Douglas' application to erect a building complex of 3,500 square metres to provide offices, a doctors' surgery and creche facilities on land at Old Hall Farm, Wotton Road.

The Parish Council has objected to the development which is proposed for land which is not allocated for building in the recently adopted Plan for Charfield (Rural Areas Development Plan). In addition they have confirmation from the two medical practices in Wotton that neither would find it practical to have a satellite surgery in Charfield, having extended and staffed new medical centres in Wotton. At these centres they have Nurses, Health Visitors, Treatment Room, Dispensary and Ancillary Staff as well as computerised records. Both practices feel they can offer the best service to their patients at these medical centres.

The Parish Council will be consulting with the Deputy Planning Officer at Northavon District Council and will participate in the Public Inquiry.

From the above and from previous reports in the Newsletter, you have an insight into the variety and extent of the various aspects of Parish Council work. The Council has wide responsibilities and in an active Council such as Charfield these powers are used for the benefit of the community. The Council draws on the specific interests and knowledge of the Council Members and I have seen many changes to both the Council and to Charfield itself during my involvement. However I would now like to hand over this interesting, busy, always on call, sometimes frustrating role of Clerk to the Council to someone who would also enjoy the community involvement which I have over many years. There will be a notice of the vacancy published but anyone interested should contact the Chairman Mrs Jane Hall on Falfield (0454) 26xxxx.

Mrs Jenny Hughes
Clerk to the Council

2

One of the pleasures of having in the village a high percentage of young, married people, is that there are quite a lot of baptisms that come my way. The birth of a child into a family that, until then, has not had one is a remarkable transformation. It can turn schedules and previous patterns upside down. The degree to which this becomes necessary is very much ‘the luck of the draw’; some babies are ‘good’; some babies are not so ‘good’ – but all of them are lovely! I have been told so many times, ‘I don't know what I did before’ baby arrived. Life had already seemed full; but now life is full of a baby.

Quite apart from the necessary ‘practical’ things that fill the hours of the day (and, perhaps the night) life has a new centre which means new attitudes all round. There is a sense of wonder at this new, tiny person. I am glad that there are still a lot of young people who link this sense of thanksgiving-plus-wonder with God. It is as if being brought face to face with the miracle of a new life, one's eyes are opened to a mystery beyond this one – the Mystery from whom all mystery and wonder ultimately comes.

It is some such mood that most of those who come ask for baptism. And baptism reminds us of God's interest and love of this little family with this new little-one at its centre. It also reminds us of the Family that is larger than each individual little family – that Family that is also called the ‘Church’ – a word that has different associations for different people, according to their experiences or perhaps their prejudices.

There is, sadly, a great deal of ignorance about Christian things in our world today. Adverse comments (by the media) by those who do not know, convey false impressions. I pick up, in my visits in the village, a number of people's ideas about Christianity, and I must say that if I thought that was what it was about, I wouldn't be inclined to believe it. So often people reject not the Faith, but a misunderstanding of the Faith.

Of course, it is only right that as the children grow up, they should have the opportunity to KNOW what this Christian Family is about. From time to time, as the need arises, we have groups in which young people (of any age!) have the chance to hear and to question the main things that Christians believe and things that are important for a full life. If you have any child or children, about 11 years or above, for whom you think this might be an appropriate step, please let me know. There is NO OBLIGATION to go further than this unless it is requested. Children get to know about other religions in schools these days, with the assumption that they know about ‘our’ religion – the one that has moulded and shaped our culture. It is a great mistake to make such an assumption. There are some adults who have asked for this information: it is NEVER too late!

ATTENTION please:
our ever popular annual Garden Plant Sale, in the porch of the Church and beyond, Saturday morning the 16th May from 10.00 am. A Good Opportunity to stock your garden with an excellent selection of plants.

Another date: a Cheese and Wine Party – with a background of live music, in the Old Church, Charfield on Saturday 18th of July from 7.30 pm

K.G.G.
Rector

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Something Different and Exciting!!
Orienteering, Assault Courses, Abseiling and Caving are all available to you if you are a member of a W.I. in Avon! Do you know about the “Festival of Europe” that Avon County is holding? We heard about it at our Spring Council meeting recently held in the Forum at Bath. The W.I. are also holding a “Focus on Europe” at our Denman College in June.

Phil Drabble is our guest speaker this year at the W.I. County lunch so you will see from the fore-going that the Avon Federation of Women's Institutes is a very lively organization and we in Charfield W.I. are just a small part of it.

So far this year we have enjoyed some good meetings, including our annual party when we were very pleased to welcome past members. Next year “we” are 65; well not all of us! – so we are looking forward to an even better party.

Since I last wrote, in addition to our monthly meetings we've been out to supper at a local hostelry, visited the pottery at Wickwar (this was followed by another supper!) and during April we will be at Hawkesbury Upton for the group rally.

Our craft group has been busy preparing ideas and items for the Group competition entitled “Mother's Day”. The speaker on this occasion will be Robin Bush, talking on “Somerset Characters” so it should be quite interesting and entertaining.

Now back to our own forthcoming programme in Charfield:-

May 9th	Jumble Sale
May 14th	Resolutions
June 11th	Spinning and Weaving
July 9th	Avon Wildlife Trust
Sept 10th	Gateaux Decoration

Visitors are welcome at all the meetings; if you require transport or more information please feel free to phone me. You will see our posters on the notice board outside the Village Hall and at various other places each month to remind you of what's on.

Look forward to meeting you all!!

Guilda Ludwell
President

The Foundation Room at Charfield School is available for hire.

For further details please contact Mrs Marilyn Smith,

Tel Falfield 26xxxx

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Easter time has come again,
No pain, no sorrow, just joy
We hope to have some sun and rain,
For every girl and boy.

Spring has come,
The birds are singing.
The tulips come out to please.
The daffodils raise their golden heads of honour, towards the trees.

We celebrate another year
For when Jesus gave his life
For every soul upon this earth
To heal the pain and strife.

But there are some sad and restless souls
Who do not understand
That love is what makes the world go round
No need for harsh demand.

So let your children carry on
Believing what they will.
The Easter Bunny will come again
Bringing chocolate eggs to thrill!!

Another poem by Emma Smith (age 14)
xx Berkeley Close

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5

By the time you read this, the Post Office here should be accepting Poll Tax payments for the Northavon District Council 1992/93, free of charge. All I can say is “Better late than never”. Perhaps Northavon is at last coming to the conclusion that rural Post Offices are worth saving and need a commitment to find extra work to exist. We cannot exist and remain viable if the Post Office is not used and the work flows out of the village to the nearby larger offices.

Post Office remuneration depends on the number of transactions that take place over the counter, so it does matter if you do not draw your pension or family allowance from your local office – it does matter if you deposit or withdraw from Girobank elsewhere – it does matter if you post off your telephone account or T.V. Licence or Pay by Direct Debit rather than over the counter – it does matter if you buy your stamps at supermarkets or other shops.

I have now been at the Post Office for 7 years and this year is the first time that the turnover of the Post Office has taken a marked decline, and at a time when the village is considerably larger, when one would expect an increase in work units.

Up to now the District Council hasn't seemed concerned at the decline in rural Post Offices. The Government certainly isn't; the Post Office Management aren't, so it is really up to the people in villages to save or lose the smaller offices – the choice really is yours!

On a brighter note I have managed, with the help of Wotton Sorting Office, to get the Management at Gloucester to allow undelivered parcels or packets to be left at the Post Office here, rather than make the recipient go into Wotton to collect it from the Sorting Office, during very restricted hours.

I am sorry to have to preach to you in this way but as my wife's retirement is rapidly approaching, I want to make sure that there is a Post Office around so that she can collect her pension!

Mike Pemberton

During the year ended 31st March last, we managed to provide transport for everybody requiring it, although we now have only very few drivers. If anyone has a car sitting idle during the day and is willing to drive to and from the Doctors or Hospitals, kindly let me know.

I do my best not to ask a driver to make a journey more than once a month and expenses are re-imbursed at 13p per mile.

I would point out that this scheme is only for the benefit of the elderly or housebound.

Muriel Blower (organiser)
Falfield 26xxxx

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I can now tell you all that Helen Edwards who was picked for the International Section Camp in July for a month. We hope she enjoys her visit and the Unit wish her well.

On March 8th a Group of girls went on a hike from Thornbury to Oldbury Power station. The walk was led by Tonia and her husband and Mike and Jill. Thanks also to Vi and John for their help. On arrival at Oldbury the girls had their lunch and then were given a guided tour of the Power Station. Many of the girls found themselves very tired at the end of the day. Another hike is being arranged for April to walk from Coombe to Tyndale's Monument.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that there will be a camp in August. Thanks Rosemary for coming back to Guiding as a Camp Adviser.

For Mothers' Day the girls made pot-pourri bags of their own design. Shapes included Letter's, Horseshoes and Hearts.

Hope to see you all at the Sports and Gala Day on July 11th.

Mary Westlake
Guide Guider

You may not hear much from us, but we are still here!

We are continuing to work hard fund-raising for our main project. This is a Toy Library for childminders to help make sure we can provide the right stimulus and fun for the wide range of children in our care. (Ages range from 4 months to 11 years).

Our next fund-raising event will be a Children's Fun Fete in the Memorial Hall on Thursday, 28th May, 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon. We want to provide some fun for all the children in the village during the otherwise empty Whitsun Holiday. We are hoping to do Badge making, Face Painting, Lucky Dip, Hook-a-Duck, Cake Stall, Children's Tombola, Treasure Island and more. We are also arranging Duplo Lego and Colouring Competitions for different age groups with some great prizes.

The last event we organised was a Christmas party for the Childminders, children and parents. It went very well; a Bouncy Castle was a big hit with the children (and their Mums!). Santa of course popped in with some lovely gifts.

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By the time you read this we will also have taken the children to Slimbridge in the Easter holidays – weather permitting!

If you are wondering why there is a childminders group in the village – it was formed to provide support for the fifteen childminders, activities for the thirty five children in our care and to provide funds for crafts, toys and training regrettably not provided by Avon County Council. Many other Councils provide support, training, equipment etc. whereas Avon does not. It looks as though Avon will not even fulfil the basic legal requirements of the Children Act let alone the other things recommended by the Act for childminders. So, of course, like so many schools and hospitals we need to raise funds to replace our Local Authority's deficiencies.

If anyone needs a Childminder, full or part-time, please contact Pat Loveridge our vacancy secretary (tel no. below) and anyone who wants advice on childminding matters or who wants to become one feel free to ring me or Pat.

Lastly, but really most important, a big thank you to everyone who has helped us with our fund raising. Hope to see you all at the Fete.

Philippa Popham
0454 26xxxx

Pat Loveridge
0454 26xxxx

Colin Bryant, Licenced Conveyancer

The present planning control system was designed for the good of the public. To protect us from haphazard and inappropriate development. We all have our own views about designs and materials but can usually benefit from good integrated design, enhancement of visual amenity and environmental control.

If you plan to make alterations to the outside of your property I suggest you check with your Local Planning Officer before you spend your hard earned cash to see if formal permission is required.

Listed buildings require special consent for alterations inside as well! Don't forget your Building Regulation approvals, which (when works are complete) should with the “final completion certificate” and the Planning Permission, be placed with your deeds. You will of course have checked your deeds yourself, or with your Conveyancer, to ensure there are no restrictive covenants preventing the building however small it is, although even these can usually be satisfied without undue cost if the right actions are taken at the outset and not afterwards.

8

Hello
Our A.G.M. was held in March and a new committee was formed so I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elaine Popham and her committee for their hard work and fund raising efforts throughout this last year. It is now up to us, the new committee to continue the good work.

The new committee is as follows:-

I must say that during the last year it has been nice to see so many new faces and I do hope that you will continue to support us throughout the coming year, because without you we won't be able to keep going.

Any New Mums to the area please do come along on Thursday mornings between 10.15 and 11.30 and we hope you will be made to feel welcome. We have tea or coffee and cake for the mums and loads of toys and activities for the children (0–3 years). If you would like any more information please give me a ring (phone no on the back of the Newsletter)

We have arranged a Skittles evening on May 11th, so come on all you mums leave your husbands behind to look after the children and come and have a fun night out – Interested? then please see Jane Holloway at Toddlers on Thursday mornings.

In June we have a Teddy Bears Picnic and in July we have our annual trip to Weston-Super-Mare – Interested? then come down to Toddlers any Thursday to find out more.

That's all for now – hope to see you on Thursday!

Mhairi Morgan
Secretary

It's good to get the pack back out in the sunshine. Over the last three months life seems to have been in suspended animation. I had to think very carefully to remember what we had been up to. (Old age no doubt).

A great Winter camp and pantomime visit, a visit by the Beavers, a group swim. And a miserable failure in the 6 a-side football tournament. Congratulations Lions who were joint first.

The Parents of our boys came along to a Parent/Cub challenge recently, when we placed them all in a six and held a normal pack meeting. It soon became obvious where the lads got their behaviour patterns from.

With the onset of summer I am pleased to report that we now have 18 cubs with one new leader, Lisa Smith of Charfield, thanks Lisa.

Looking forward to a Parent/Cub Football match and much more. I won't mention that Lions beat us again, 4/2, how lucky can they get, wait till next time! Thank you.

Mike Cheskin (Akela)

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All are welcome to attend any of our meetings or services.

“New Venture”
The first Sunday morning in April saw the commencement of our new monthly Family morning services – providing a happy informal time of Christian fellowship and song, with a cup of tea or coffee and the chance of a friendly chat afterwards. We are much indebted to the Rev Philip Hopes of Kingswood, for kindly offering to conduct these special services, and grateful also to the parents of our Sunday school scholars for their active support of this venture.

It was great to see so many new faces at the first of these “Family Get Togethers” and we do sincerely trust that you will come back again next time round, and that you will also if possible? bring a friend. Mark the date on your calenders now so you won't forget – the first Sunday morning of each month at 11.00 am and we look forward to meeting you.

“Indifference”
The greatest sin of the twentieth century, it had been said, is not atheism nor blasphemy, but simply plain indifference. The “I couldn't care less” attitude portrayed so vividly in Studdert Kennedy's famous poem which always springs to mind at Eastertime. You may remember that it goes like this:-

“When Jesus came to Golgotha they hung him on a tree,
They drove great stakes through hands and feet, and made a Calvary
But when Jesus came to Birmingham men simply passed him by,
They would not hurt a hair of Him, but simply let Him lie,
For men had grown more gentle, they would not give Him pain,
But simply passed Him in the street, and left Him in the rain.”

Forth-coming Events
Good Friday Kingswood Choir at 2.30 pm
Sunday Evening April 26th 6.30 pm Bristol Evangel Choir.

Wayside Pulpit Mark 11 v 22 “Have faith in God”

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Mary,
Attached is a letter cut from the Sunday Express (16.2.92) which I read with great enthusiasm. I also enclose a copy of my response which you may like to publish in the next Newsletter,

Beryl.

Letter of the week – Sunday Express 16.2.92

Let's grant her Majesty a green and pleasant land.

Now that the Queen has decided against having the expensive fountain to celebrate her 40th anniversary, I suggest everyone in the land offers her another gift.

Let every industrialist come out of his plush office and walk around the outside of his premises and clean up the eyesores. Let every British Rail regional manager travel in his trains and vow to get rid of all rubbish on his lines and embankments.

Let every farmer walk round his farm and have all the rusty unused equipment removed. Let every councillor tour his district and have every dirty play area and illicit tip cleaned up. Let every shopkeeper, especially the fast fooders, wash outside his shop front.

And let every householder do the same – and make a promise from now on to use litter bins or take any rubbish home.

Then, when all is shining as brightly as any fountain, let us say: “Ma'am, this is our green and pleasant land, an Elizabethan Heritage to pass on to our children.”

MARY SIMPSON
Bottisham, Cambridge

Dear Sir

I read with great enthusiasm the “letter of the week” sent in by Mary Simpson. I applaud its content and truly hope that everyone who reads it will action her views.

I for one have sent a copy to our local newsletter and in this way hope that our small village can reflect the “fountain” image.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Beryl Train
Charfield

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Hello Mums and Dads,

I am sorry I missed the last issue, so I had better bring you up to date.

We have had a very busy time with all our fund raising events. We had our Bazaar in November which was well attended, as was the photo session. These events helped to swell the coffers considerably. Thanks to all who helped and to all those who turned up for the photos. Our annual Carol Singing night was a great success; we managed to complete the village rounds in good time and hopefully we managed to visit most homes. We managed to raise a record amount of almost £300. Again, thanks to all who helped, especially Mike Cheskin and Derek Bennett. Thanks also to those who donated raffle prizes for that night.

More recently we held our annual Jumble Sale which raised £215. Thanks must be given to all those who gave up their Saturday to run the event.

At present the children are taking part in a sponsored search to help raise money for Playgroup with 50% of the money raised going to the Special Care Baby Unit in Bristol.

I would like to thank the Football Club and S.N.F.A. Bearings for their kind donations. As a charitable institution we are very much dependent on donations and fund raising to keep Playgroup financially sound, so if any Mums or Dads have any ideas for fund-raising please let Playgroup know. It is vital that all the parents help where they can (in the form of cutting grass, painting equipment, rotas, etc) as without this help Playgroup would not exist.

Well, we have the summer to look forward to with trips and events up and coming. We will be holding another Photograph session on June 4th at 2.00 p.m. as our last session was so successful. Once again, this will be open to everyone in the village, so even if your child does not attend Playgroup please feel welcome to bring him/her along. It will make a nice change to have a photo of the children in the summer.

If you have a child nearing 3 or are new to the village and wish to put your child on our waiting list, please contact me on Falfield 26xxxx.

Alison Pidoux

My husband, Harry Woodlands, now aged 81, was born and has lived all his life in Charfield. He says that the centre of Charfield was always considered to be Charfield Green, the place being situated in what is the junction of the road opposite Nos 2/4 Manor Lane and Flat 11, Charfield Green.

There used to be a triangle of green grass at this point, known as “The Green”. No doubt this is why Charfield Green is now so called.

Mrs. C.M. Woodlands

Usually in country areas, the Village Green would be the centre of village life. The Green in Charfield would be in the same area as Charfield Green is now. In fact I lodged at “Brook Cottage”, The Green, Charfield and the cottage of the late Mr. Fred Cook was also on the “Green”. There was a pathway to “Greystones” and then a footpath across the fields that came out by Charfield Church rectory 12(the new rectory) and Percy Olpens Cottage.

If you mean for social and business, then the Tavern would be the area. Here was the Cattle Market in the Station yard, and Wotton Bus terminal. The buses met every train and would bring villagers medicine that was left in the Railway Booking Office. In this area were two banks (market days only), three pubs and the Post Office. Mr Harrison's bike repair shop is where the garage is now and Mr. Goscombe's builders yard. The Richardson Hut was the Social Club, where there were two full size billiard tables (open every night) and various games played, dances, children's parties and concerts.

When I came here 56 years ago, the houses were being built at Little Bristol. The Brickworks in New Street was a source of employment, as was Tubbs Lewis at Bristol Mills, and the Bone Mill. People in those times made their own amusement and, like today, work was scarce and some firms were on a three day week.

Ernest H. Orton

Many thanks to Mrs Woodlands and Mr. Orton for the above contributions. Has anyone else any old memories they would like to share with readers in future issues?

Eds.

Tennis time again – although some of us haven't stopped playing through the winter! Subscriptions are now payable to Anne Stoakes, Tel: 0453 84xxxx, which entitles you to a year's entrance to the court at any time subject to the rules which are posted up in the Hut.

Family membership	£30
Adults	£13
Juniors	£5.50

Please note: This is a "Members Only Club" and no visitors are allowed on the court.

The first American Tournament is to be held on Sunday, 3rd May at 2.00 p.m. The theme is a serious one – i.e. tennis playing, but on 12th July we are planning another tournament with a more light-hearted theme to it – very possibly alcoholic!

We would like to cater more for the Junior members this year, so we are arranging a tournament for Sunday, 17th May at 2.00 p.m. More details from our resident coach Malcolm Jones on 0453 84xxxx.

Coaching will take place in the summer for four consecutive Saturdays starting on 27th June. The cost will be £1 per session – again contact Malcolm Jones.

We are arranging a Skittles Evening on Saturday, 16th May at the Mariners pub in Berkeley – details from Jacky Swallow on 0453 84xxxx.

We are always looking to welcome new members to the Tennis Club. If you have any queries please contact me on 0453 84xxxx.

Claire Haines – Secretary

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Director of Property Services
Bristol

From:
Mary Jones
Charfield

To Whom It Concerns
Dear Sir

The matter that I am very, very concerned about is the Railway Bridge Wotton Road, Charfield and I am going to tell you why.

Well, firstly, we the public young and old need a footbridge. I myself walk over the bridge, not once a year, but 2 or 3 or 4 times a day. When I tell you my reason, I hope you will understand. I go shopping over that bridge, I go visiting over that bridge in the day, I have got to go to the Post Office, also over that bridge, and in the evenings I go to our Village Hall, where I am on the Memorial Hall Management Committee. This means I have to go over Charfield Railway Bridge. I am on other organizations in our Village and every time it means I have got to walk over the Railway Bridge. So you must see my very urgent need for a footbridge. This letter I am sending to you is not only for myself, but for all our Walking Pedestrians of Charfield that have to walk over this Railway Bridge.

Local Residents, such as myself are as concerned as me. This Railway Bridge is very narrow and we don't want a bad ACCIDENT to happen, children have to pass over this bridge for School, and you know very well throughout the village we have had a large development of houses built, so we get more residents, more cars (which I am not against). We have double decker buses going over this bridge, big, big lorries, so when myself like other pedestrians meet with a big lorry or a bus, you just have to hope you can get over that bridge in time, or stay still until they have passed each other. Yes, we have a path on that bridge, but it is no good when these big lorries have to pass each other. I would like to make it quite clear that in no way are these drivers of Big Lorries or the Bus Drivers mad drivers, they are very steady drivers over the railway bridge.

Well I think I have explained this matter to you. I am to understand that we are not going to get a footbridge for a few more years, but we need it badly for the safety of our village and the public at large. I asked a few years ago for something to be done, because we do not want lights which stop and start.

Well I might be an O.A.P. but I have got good eyes and hearing and a good pair of legs for walking, so please don't think I don't know what I am talking about. I will come to any meeting and speak my mind plain and clear, I will meet a railway chap and ask him to walk over the railway bridge with me. When you are sitting in an office you just cannot see this death trap bridge.

Yours
Mrs Mary Anne Jones

Director of Highways
County of Avon

Dear Madam

Thank you for your letter of 25th April 1989, I am aware of the problems which exist at this location and regret that to date the County Council have been unable to include a footbridge in their construction programme. However the Developers of Little Bristol have entered a planning agreement which requires them to construct a footbridge as part of their off-site infrastructure.

Yours faithfully
Director of Highways, Transport and Engineering.

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The management committee held its A.G.M. on 2nd April 1992 and the committee now comprises 4 elected members:-

John Poskett	Chairman
Clive Starkey	Vice Chairman
Jim Gillett	Treasurer
Jeff Hall

leaving one empty seat (5 elected members in total), and 15 representatives from village organisations (from the Brownies to the Cricket Club, the W.I. to the Youth Club).

You may have seen in the local press that our current major project is the Children's Play Area. The more funds we can raise, the better the play area will be – safer, and more fun. You can join in by coming along to the Quiz Night in the hall on Friday May 8th – teams of 4 £5 per team (the bar will be open). The sub-committee dealing with the play area would like to hear from interested parties – add your two penn'orth to the wealth of ideas.

Mr Jim Gillett, our Treasurer, has been our major Fund-raiser since joining the committee and has been extremely successful in extracting funds from various sources. He would now like to hand over to a successor – if you feel you have the necessary talents, please come forward.

We are sorry to report that the window frames on the new Sports Pavilion have already been damaged by restless hands and busy knives.

On a happier note, the Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday 11th July. Come along, join in, have fun.

Your management committee

1.30 pm SATURDAY 11TH JULY 1992

The Fayre is the main annual event held in Charfield village, organised by the villagers themselves, providing a fun day out for all ages. It also raises much needed funds for the Hall and Playing Field (a registered charity) and thus benefits the village as a whole.

There will be something for everybody; a Flower and Vegetable Show, Children's Art Exhibition, a full sports programme, a tug o' war, a ‘village fete’ section with stalls and games, pony rides, fairground rides and stalls, and a car boot sale. There will be refreshments – cakes, teas, a barbecue, ice cream, and the bar will be open. The Grand Draw will take place, and some surprises too …

Could you help with the organisation and running of the Fayre? We would welcome any ideas and offers to help make the day a success. If you are new to the village and feel you can make a contribution, don't hesitate to come forward with your enthusiasm and energy. The more, the merrier.

Make a note in your diary – 11th July. Please come along and bring the children and enter them for the events provided for them.

Our programme sellers will be calling on you nearer to the day – entrance is 50p – under 14s get in free.

Volunteer helpers/organisers should contact Bryan Rigg (Fal. 26xxxx), or Julia (Fal. 26xxxx)

15

CHARFIELD 3RD FLOWER & VEGETABLE SHOW – 11TH JULY

Hello, calling all gardeners!

This year's show, being on an earlier date, will, we hope, attract many more entries, July being a better month for most flowers and vegetables.

A list of the classes is printed below, to give you advance notice. Full Schedules will be available from the Notice Board inside the Village Hall, from Sub-Committee members or from Charfield Post Office with the kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton, from the beginning of June. Please help make the day a great success. There's plenty of attractions on the field for all the family too.

Regards,
Pat White (Sec.)

Floral Section
Class
1. 6 Pansies
2. One vase of H.T. roses 3 blooms
3. One only specimen H.T. rose
4. Three sprays Floribunda Roses
5. One vase of annuals 5 blooms of one variety
6. One vase of mixed annuals
7. One vase hardy perennials 3 stems of one variety
8. One vase of sweet peas – not less then 6 stems
9. Gentleman' s button hole
10. A ladies spray
11. A bowl of flowers arranged for all round effect.
12. One flowering pot plant.
13. One foliage pot plant.
14. One Fuschia in pot
15. One Cactus
16. One succulent.

Vegetable Section
Class
17. 5 Potatoes White
18. 5 Potatoes Coloured
19. 6 Broad Beans
20. 6 French Beans
21. 3 Stump root carrots
22. 3 Globe beetroot
23. 2 Cabbage
24. 2 Lettuce
25. 6 Pods of Peas
26. Bunch of 6 Spring Onions
27. 3 Courgettes
28. Any vegetable not included in schedule
29. A collection of salad vegetables Not more than 5.

CHILDRENS SECTION
Ages 5 to 7 years old:
Class
30. A garden on a dinner plate
31. An animal made from vegetables

Ages 8 to 11 years old:
Class
32. A garden on a dinner plate
33. An animal made from vegetables
34. 4 Jam tarts

Domestic Section (Cookery)
Class
35. 6 Jam Tarts
36. One fruit tart
37. One Victoria Sponge
38. Six Scones.

16

CHARFIELD SUMMER FAYRE SPORTS PROGRAMME
SATURDAY 11th JULY 1992. START TIME 2PM

1. 30 yards Flat Girls/Boys Under 5
2. 30 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 5
3. 50 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 6
4. 50 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 7
5. 80 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 8
6. 80 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 9
7. 80 yards Flat Girls/Boys Age 10
8. 100 yards Flat Girls Under 12
9. 100 yards Flat Girls Under 14
10. 100 yards Flat Girls Under 16
11. 100 yards Flat Boys Under 12
12. 100 yards Flat Boys Under 14
13. 100 yards Flat Boys Under 16
14. 100 yards Flat Ladies Open
15. 100 yards Flat Men Open
16. Skipping Race Girls Under 12
17. Skipping Race Girls Under 14
18. Skipping Race Girls Under 16
19. Bean Bag Race Boys Under 12
20. Bean Bag Race Boys Under 14
21. Bean Bag Race Boys Under 16
22. Egg and Spoon Girls Under 12
23. Egg and Spoon Girls Under 14
24. Egg and Spoon Girls Under 16
25. Sack Race Boys Under 12
26. Sack Race Boys Under 14
27. Sack Race Boys Under 16

TUG O' WAR – HEATS AND SEMI FINALS

28. 220 yards Charfield Youth Trophy, Girls Under 16*
29. 220 yards Charfield Youth Trophy, Boys Under 16*
* Residents of Charfield only.

30. Novelty Race Under 5
31. Novelty Race Under 7
32. Novelty Race Under 9
33. Half Mile, Primary School children only – Girls start given
34. Half Mile, Open
35. Husband and Wife Race

TUG O' WAR FINAL

ENTER AT THE START. PROGRAMMES SUBJECT TO ALTERATION

ENTRIES TAKEN AT COMPETITOR'S RISK ONLY.

Small prizes for first 3 in each event. Winners of events 28, 29 and 34 to hold trophy for one year only.

17

Hello everyone,

Well we are at the beginning of a new committee year yet again. Many thanks to Margaret and the outgoing Committee for all their help and support during the past two years.

We are looking forward to a varied and interesting programme for 1992/93. We held our yearly skittles meeting in January which is always good fun.

In February members were invited to bring along their valuables for evaluation in our own “Antiques Road Show” evening. Many members were pleasantly surprised to learn that their treasured items were worth more than they thought.

Our A.G.M. in March was well attended with the Committee serving a hot supper.

Other forthcoming events and meetings are as follows:-

April	– Savante Interior Designs
May	– Trip to Harveys Bristol Wine Museum
June	– Cookery Demonstration
July	– Hair Removal by Sugaring

This year we shall be running the Tombola Stall at Sports Day as usual. Committee members will be collecting in the next couple of months. Please give generously, your support is always needed.

All ladies are welcome to join our club. If you want some time away from the home, please come along. We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall.

Bye for now, and I hope you all had a very Happy Easter.

Jasmine Messer
Chairlady

18

With the outcome of the April 1992 General Election now determined, there will no doubt be an acceleration in the discussions on the future of Local Government in the Avon area.

The Local Government Boundary Commission Report (No 550 HMSO) included this observation:-

Para 39 “We have noted with some concern the extent and intensity of local feeling in some parts of the new counties created in 1974 … we have concluded that such feeling is not, in isolation, evidence that the present local government arrangements have failed …”

This will not though deter the Government's intention to pursue a radical re-appraisal of the local government structure.

Under the local government Act 1972, the City of Bristol lost its County Borough status and so did the City of Bath. Then, based upon the concept of the Lord Redcliffe-Maud report of basing local government around socio-economic units, whose former county boroughs, together with a section of North Somerset and a section of South Gloucestershire became a brand new county which took its name from the River Avon flowing through what was the previous boundary between Gloucestershire and Somerset.

When the L.G.A. 1972 came into operation on April 1st 1974, other re-structuring in parts of England took place viz. the formation of Metropolitan Counties acting as it were as “overlords” to conurbation units to be known as Metropolitan districts. One price example was the Greater London Council – others included Tyneside, West Midlands and so on. Such structures were though doomed to suffer and be changed and one can recall the trauma when the Greater London Council was disbanded. An analogy can also be borne in mind that Area Health Authorities (created under the National Health Service Act 1972) were also quickly deemed as surplus to requirements.

The “theme tune” today of the Government's intentions is the creation of Unitary Authorities, which implies the ultimate decimation of the County Council structure, although the current emphasis is on the dismantling of the L.G.A. 1972 new counties.

In October 1989, the Association of District Councils and the National Association of Local Councils (i.e. Parish and Town Councils) issued a report from their joint working party on the role of Parishes within a single tier system of local government based on the “most-purpose” District Councils. One needs to be aware that subsequent to the L.G.A. 1972, the City of Bristol and the City of Bath is just as much in the category of being a District Council as is Northavon, or Woodspring or Wansdyke or Kingswood (Bristol).

One can understand how those two cities remain nostalgic to the pre-1974 era before many local government responsibilities were stripped from them and allocated to the new County of Avon.

The Government's concepts of creating unitary authorities could thus turn the clock back, but it could present District Councils such as our own Northavon D.C. with a challenge over whether or not it has the resources to meet new responsibilities including such “hot potatoes” as Education, Social Services and so on.

This is why the County of Avon proposed an academic study brief of what future structures are viable and enlisted the professional services of:-
a) the Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham.
19b) the School for Advanced Urban Studies, University of Bristol.

The executive committee of the Avon local Councils Association has been studying Phase One of the report completed so far, and the report submits 17 options on how the future of local government in the County of Avon could be determined – one of which would enable Bristol to function as a Unitary Authority with the existing two tier system for the rest of the area, but with the wider Authority retaining a number of (strategic) functions of the whole area. Space does not allow me to describe the other 16 options or to relate the depth of perception in each of the 38 A1 size paper pages of the report.

Whatever the outcome one must not forget that in the long running debate about the local government structure that the Parish Council level provides a substantial historical tradition of participation in self-government, and a solid foundation of experience on which any wider structure may build. Parishes are extremely old administrative entities. They evolved out of a need for communities to look after themselves as best as they were able within the demands of a wider social, legal, administrative and eventually democratic system.

The needs and the communities varied, as they do now, and the pattern which has emerged over the centuries remains very diverse, even today. For instance under Section 245 (6) L.G. Act 1972 a parish council may pass a resolution that it wishes to be designated as a town council, accordingly the chairman and vice-chairman are then respectively entitled to the style of town mayor and deputy town mayor. Such was the case at Wotton-Under-Edge. What though is important when parish or town council elections fall due is that there ought to be enough electors prepared to be nominated as candidates. Last year there were only 6 candidates proposed for the 9 places on the Charfield Parish Council and so the vacancies were later filled by “co-option”. On the previous occasion there were 9 candidates for the 9 places and so no parish council election was called for – in fact there are only 2 of us on the Parish Council who have even become councillors through the ballot box!

So far in Charfield our Parish Councillors have always stood as “Independents” but one will find in the larger parish and town councils, party politics becomes involved though I hope that the Independent category will stay as long as possible, for this allows for freedom of decision making. Thus one can have the real “give and take” of debate – you win sometimes, you lose sometimes, but one does not have to fall out over it!

The National Local Councils Association will watch with interest what role will be attributed to us as new local government legislation unfolds. Under the current legislation parish councils have certain powers and they also have specific duties.

Can one hope then for a queue of nominations when next parish and district council elections are due? Will any of the county council functions be allocated to the Northavon council and will the Northavon district boundary remain in status quo?

No doubt all will be revealed by the Department of the Environment in due course.

David Parker
Vice-President
Avon Local Councils Association.

20

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

Telephone numbers commencing 26… 29… 31… use code 0454

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 22 sides of A4 paper.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

Minor typographical corrections and presentational changes have been made without comment.

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2017-01-18.