CHADRA

As I passed the War Memorial a few weeks ago on a miserable Saturday morning, I was pleased to see Keith Smith cleaning the stone work. On my return home some six hours later he was just finishing the cross on the top.

Service to our fellow men was the thought which filled my mind for a short time on observing Keith. The names of the men who served and those who lost their lives can with a little imagination be brought to life again in the thoughts of one.

As remembrance Day approaches, may we spend some time in reflective mood. When I lived in Bethnal Green which had Brick Lane and Petticoat Lane within its boundaries, I can remember at 11.00am as a young boy hearing the cannon fire from the Tower and all around me busy shoppers coming to a complete standstill, as I continued to walk there was a pair of restraining arms put on me and a voice which said “only two minutes son, that's all they want”.

I have always remembered that Sunday

NEXT COPY DATE: 12TH JANUARY 1993

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

1

We would very much like to welcome all newcomers to the village and to let you know that this Newsletter is distributed throughout the village quarterly for an annual subscription of £1.00 (usually collected when the first issue of the year is distributed about the end of January). For our regular readers, you may notice that the subscription has increased for 1993 by the paltry sum of 20p – we do trust that this wont break the bank too much!!

If you are not already having your newsletter delivered and would like to do so, please contact Marion or Angela Smith on 0454 26xxxx.

As this is my "1st newsletter", I would like to say how impressed I was with both the volume and content of articles submitted for this issue. I particularly liked Graham Adams' article about the War Memorial as obviously a lot of research had been done in order for us to honour the people involved from our village so near to Remembrance Day. Please keep up the good work – all contributions are greatly appreciated.

Finally a note about advertising.

For 1993, all adverts will be invoiced on an annual basis and you will be offered a choice of format outlined below:

1/4 page	– £20 per annum
1/8 page	– £40 per annum
Full page	– £80 per annum

As we are currently experimenting with the presentation of the Newsletter, your advert may also have the opportunity to be redesigned to have greater impact! – Not bad eh! Please confirm your advertising requirements for 1993 asap, but certainly before the next copy deadline

All that leaves us to say is have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Mary and Carolyne

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Since we last wrote in CHADRA we have had a busy few months during which time we held a family disco raising £200, a Treasure Hunt which raised £100 and a Beetle Drive which raised £55. All these events were much enjoyed by those who attended but it has to be said that from the Committee's point of view the support, or rather lack of it, has been disappointing. We realise that some people have been very negative about our fund raising but we are of the opinion that “every little helps” and are willing to give up our time and energy to organise events. It is therefore very discouraging when people don't support us. Having said that, our sincere thanks to those who always do unfailingly turn up and we have been delighted to receive support from some individuals and organisations; Mrs M Gargett and Mrs P Popham raised £75.50 and £60 at their respective open houses and Alex Rigg raised £20 selling cakes, books and toys which was especially encouraging as Alex attends Charfield Primary School and will be one of the many children directly benefiting from a new improved, safer playground. St John's Church organised a name quiz (special thanks to John Butler) which raised £135 and for those who have still not been put out of their misery, the answers are as follows:

Peter, Rosemary, Lee, Harold, Nicholas, William, Victor, June, May, Mildred, Barry, Bill, Bernadette, Heather, Victoria, Albert, Elgin, Bruno, Karl and Bridget.

As people keep asking how much we have raised so far, we have put up a “Fund's Thermometer” at the Hall and at the “Open all Hours”. Please note the large sums are promises of money and not cash in the fund-raising account eg North Avon's grant is only payable on condition that we raise £10,000 and that the work is completed in a certain time scale.

Future fund raising events are as follows:

Amongst all this activity, we are trying to put together a Grand Xmas Draw, along the lines of the Grand Draw at the Summer Fayre. So we would be very grateful for any donations of prizes for this and please be generous if someone shoves a book of tickets under your nose!

As for the existing playground, you will notice that the chains and seats of the junior swings have been removed. This is because the swing structure was so badly vandalised, it was extremely dangerous to allow children to continue using it. It was pointless spending money trying to repair it when one of the first things we would like to do next year is to install a new swing bay with safety surfacing which will comply with the British Safety Standards. To the kids who are cheesed off at not having any swings, we suggest you give the people responsible a piece of your mind; you know who they are (as indeed we do too) and remember this sort of moronic vandalism does nothing to help our aims of a new playground and meeting place for you. Some people don't see the point of spending so much money as they are convinced it will be ruined and this sort of stupid episode merely serves to convince them they are right, even though only a minority are responsible.

4Hope that this gives some food for thought and as ever, we welcome all positive input and/or suggestions especially for fund raising events we could run. Contact any of us on these numbers:

Mandy Bird	29xxxx	(Chairperson)
Philippa Popham	26xxxx	(Secretary)
Joy Buxton	0453 84xxxx
Christine Steele	26xxxx
Chris Slowley	26xxxx
Cath Bindon	26xxxx	(Treasurer)
Mark Knighton	26xxxx

An open letter “To Whom it May Concern”

It is pretty galling to be in a meeting discussing how to improve things for all age groups in the village, which of course involves spending large amounts of money and then discover that four of us have been relieved of our car name plates during that meeting! Apparently, it is the latest “fun” thing to do. Causing mindless, malicious damage is not very clever – it just gets peoples backs up and what on earth are you going to do with the name plates anyway??!! So, if anyone should happen to discover a FORD name plate around the place, I for one, would very much like mine back!!

Hopefully yours,
MANDY BIRD (29xxxx)

PS … STOP PRESS …

The open day held by Philippa Popham on 9 October raised approximately £190 – so many thanks to those who came along. Also, many thanks to Jim Hollister who is donating the proceeds of a Whist Drive at Leyhill to be held on Thursday December 10th.

Chadra would like to announce that they have donated £50 towards Phase 1 of this appeal, and a further sum will be forthcoming once Phase II is reached.

5Back by Popular Demand …

FUN QUIZ NIGHT 11 – The Revenge

Friday 13th November, 7.30 for 8.00 pm start in the Memorial Hall.

* Cash prizes * Bar open * Teams of 4/5 * £1 entry fee per member *

All profits to Playground Appeal Fund

Book now to avoid disappointment!! (Phone 26xxxx – codeword ‘DIMWIT’)

At the recent Parish Council meeting, Councillors had the details of the result of the public planing inquiry regarding the proposed development of land off Wotton Road by Mrs Miller and Mr Douglas. The Council was very pleased to note that the Inquiry Inspector had not only listened to the Parish Objection and strongly supported the adherence to the Rural Areas Local Plan but also used this information in his appeal refusal.

As the Parish Council has strongly opposed any development which contravened this local plan which was a thoroughly detailed planning policy adopted only a year ago, they are very pleased with this result.

Julia O'Connor-Beach is making excellent progress in ensuring that our public rights of way are walkable and signposted. We are lucky to enjoy the right to walk through the fields and countryside but it is essential that we comply with the country code. We don't have a carte blanche right of access to the countryside and we must keep to the sign posted and waymarked rights of way.

For anyone wishing to attend Parish Council Meetings, the Council now meets in the Sportsman's Lounge at the Memorial Hall, as usual on 2nd Tuesday each month at 7.30 pm.

The Council will be holding its budget meeting during December and any Club or organisation wishing to apply for a grant should send an application with a statement of the previous years accounts to the Clerk by the end of November.

At the recent meeting, I was surprised and pleased to be presented with a beautiful crystal rose bowl and an enormous bouquet of flowers from the Councillors. This was my last official meeting and the new Clerk, Mrs Catherine Holmes has most ably taken over. Catherine brings a lot of experience to 6the role as she has been Clerk to the Kingswood Parish for 18 years.

For my part, I will be pleased to relinquish the quantity of paper work which was often done late at night. However, I will miss the involvement in the community and the various interesting subjects, interspersed necessarily with pot holes, broken street lights and blocked drains. During my employment (where has 20 years gone?), I have had the pleasure of knowing a number of residents who have worked for the community as Councillors as well as the District and County Councillors and I really do feel that the community has benefited from hardworking and enthusiastic volunteers who have worked for the good of the village. Charfield Parish Council has a reputation within Local Government of being conscientious and has a very good rapport with many of the departments of local government and individuals with whom they have contact.

The name and address of the new Clerk is:

Mrs Catherine Holmes
xxxx
Nind Mill Lane
Kingswood
Wotton Under Edge, Glos
Tel: 0453 84xxxx

Jenny Hughes

Good News! Mr Gillett (our Treasurer) has calculated that, in spite of all that dreadful weather, the Summer Fayre contributed the very grand sum of £1277.28 to funds. Well done everyone.

The winners of the balloon race organised by the Guides were Ms MacLellan (sender) and Jason Wilson of Langholn, Dumfriesshire (finder). The balloon travelled 230 miles. Nobody has claimed the prize for the programme number so the prize has been returned to funds.

That brings us nicely to the subject of next year's Summer Fayre. On July 11th, there were plenty of helpful suggestions made and nostalgic reminiscences about how the Summer Fayre used to be. This, and the success of the last Fayre, proves that there is still a lot of interest in the annual Charfield bash. So don't be shy – get your suggestions in NOW for next year's Fayre. The 1992 organisers have been variously shanghaied/press-ganged/blackmailed into serving again (with the honourable addition of Mary Westlake), but they need help. If items are to be booked, it has to be done now – by January it'll be too late. So pick up your phone and contact the Secretary (Julia F. 26xxxx) or speak to any of the main 7committee if you want to lend a hand. (Last time we asked not a solitary soul came forward – surely someone can spare a little time?)

For the information of parents of kids who congregate in the hall car park, Sgt Peacey of Thornbury Police Station gave us the following statement:

“Recently, PC Simon Bee (our beat policeman) was off duty when he received information about drugs in the Memorial Hall car park. He called for support and this resulted in the arrest in the Hall car park of two male juveniles on drug related charges”

The committee makes no further comment on this matter but felt that parents have the right to be informed so that they can talk to their children if they wish.

Do make every effort to join in the various events organised – you not only support the hall and playing fields, but also have fun and get to know the other villagers into the bargain.

Best Wishes

Your Management Committee

First of all a million thanks to those 15 villagers who responded to my pleas for footpath walkers in the last issue. Bless you all for your goodwill and public spirit. (It isn't too late to add your name to the list of helpers – just pick up the phone).

I don't want to bore anyone with endless detail on the footpath project so I'll limit myself to the main points:

• So far, 11 new stiles, 4 bridges and a set of steps have been installed by farmers and the Avon County Council wardens. John and Terry also make the stile kits and bridges from scratch – they brew a mean cup of tea too!
• A further 16 new stiles and 5 footplates should, with any luck, be installed by various farmers in the near future.
• There is a list of jobs to be undertaken by volunteers over the coming months. Please phone me if you can help.
• The volunteers have ‘adopted’ one or two footpaths each. They will walk their paths regularly and keep them free of minor obstructions such as nettles and brambles. Any other problems are reported and dealt with in the appropriate manner (eg working party, a chat with the farmer or landowner, a call to Avon County Council for advice etc).

8I wish to say how grateful I am to all of the landowners, farmers and companies I have had to contact over the last 6–8 months. Without exception, they have been cooperative and extremely tolerant of my requests for remedial work to paths. I freely admit that I was extremely worried about approaching them – I had visions of being chased off the premises at gunpoint! However, all such fears were unfounded and I think I can say that relations are cordial.

All the farmers assure me that they are happy to have the villagers enjoy the right of way, but are not so happy about those people who do not follow the Country Code – I have heard some appalling stories over the last few months. So please note the following:

• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
• Keep to the rights of way
• All of the rights of way in Charfield are FOOTPATHS. We have no bridlepaths or byways. Bicycles/motorbikes etc HAVE NO RIGHT OF WAY on FOOTPATHS. Therefore, no bikes of any description on Charfield's footpaths please.
• Fasten all gates
• Keep dogs under close control, away from farm animals, off cereal crops, silage crops etc.
• A field is not a dog's toilet. There are too many dogs using the same few short stretches of paths in the village – the accumulation of doo-doo is quite horrendous. Take a plastic bag with you to do the necessary.
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
• Take your litter home
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Guard against all risk of fire

The Parish Council has provided you with a copy of a map drawn by Avon CC Rights of Way department. Please keep this map for your information – it is clearer than the Pathfinder map (Ordnance Survey).

Please note that I have amended the map in a few place as, in practice, some paths deviate slightly from the definitive route. These deviations have come about over the years for various reasons – not all of which are clear to me. The definitive route (ie as drawn on the definitive map in the possession of Avon County Council) is/remains the correct one, but the ones shown on the map are the ones currently in use. If you have a problem with this please let me know.

9The amended paths are as follows:

Diary Date – Sunday 27th December

Walk off your Christmas Pud and get to know your Paths

We volunteers intend running a series of guided walks in order to show you the rights of way of Charfield Parish. The first walk will be on the day after Boxing Day – December 27th – Start 10.30 am in the Memorial Hall car park. Estimated length of walk – about 1.5 hours. We might even organise some mulled wine and mince pies – so look out for the posters.

Please come along – everyone is welcome. At your own risk, of course.

Julia O'Connor-Beach (0454 260877)
Parish Footpath Warden – UNPAID

#[Charfield Footpath map included.]

10PS To the brat who has been defacing the new waymarks – may you tread in copious amounts of Rotweiler doo-doo!

Playgroup waved farewell to its four-year-old leavers who will by now be settling down into their new schools. The end of the year party was enjoyed by all and although summer must seem like a memory thank you to all those who helped. Sally and Liz (Playgroup Leader and Deputy Leader) are always sad to see their “big ones” move on but in their energetic style opened the new term with great warmth and friendliness, especially for all the new ones. Many thanks to Sally and Liz for their very hard work and the professional way they look after our children.

Thank you Mums and Dads for coming to the Annual General Meeting held in September when thanks were expressed for the resigning committee's hard work and a new committee appointed:-

The forthcoming calendar is swiftly becoming filled with events which will be of interest to all Charfield residents.

Firstly, the PHOTOGRAPHER will be visiting the Playgroup on Friday 6th November at 2.30pm. We hope all the Mums/Dads will bring their children remembering there is no obligation to purchase but don't forget Christmas is a good time to present relations and friends with a photograph. All babies and children from the village may come to the photo session at the Playgroup, Chapel Rooms (behind the church near the Plough Public House, entrance via a large brown gate).*

All mums will need to note Tuesday 24 November when the Christmas Bazaar will be held from 1.00pm. Please contribute a cake to the cake stall (collections can easily be arranged if you ring me) and come along to savour some delights for Christmas, all welcome.

Christmas is, of course, a very exciting time for all children and we are pleased to inform that by popular demand 11the Carol Singing night will be held on Tuesday 15 December starting from the Memorial Hall at an earlier time of 5.30pm. (check in case of possible alteration nearer date). Father Christmas will be appearing in person and we hope many Playgroup children with Mums and Dads will join the musical float lighting up the cold wintry street of Charfield. Donations for the Christmas raffle in cash or kind would be gratefully received – please contact me.

1993 is not too far around the corner to note that the Playgroup's extravaganza Jumble Sale will fill the Memorial Hall on Saturday 23rd January. Please collect all those things which can be discarded after Xmas when you find the cupboards need a good clear out and save them for our sale.

The Playgroup is a registered charity and as such relies greatly on volunteers to survive. Any help by Mums or Dads is always needed. Mums help by attending Playgroup sessions on a rota system and supporting events. We don't want Dads to feel left out and assistance throughout the year to maintain the play area is needed from grass cutting to other handy skills – just let Sally or Liz know you are available. The Playgroup can only survive with constant volunteer help so please help, it will be greatly appreciated – especially by the children.

Jill Smith has recorded a video of the Playgroup (summer 1992) which many of the parents of past and present children may find of interest to hire or buy. Please ask Sally for details.

I have described where the Playgroup is situated* because I know there are many new families in the village. If your child is three or coming up to their third birthday and would like to join all the fun at the Playgroup let me know on Falfield 26xxxx.

Penny Kelly
Secretary

PS We have a surplus of new plastic grey chairs (adult size!) available for purchase at a reduced price, please contact Lesley Frankham on 0453 84xxxx for details.

Hello everyone, I have recently taken over as secretary from Mhairi Morgan who has moved to Devon and we wish her well in her new home and thank her for all her hard work.

We have arranged a skittle evening for October 12th in aid of 12the play area. Other forthcoming events include a clothes sale, a Tupperware party and a book sale.

The winner of our recent Mickey Mouse name game was Liam Berry.

Don't forget our children's Christmas party in December – there will be plenty to eat and Father Christmas will be there to ensure every child goes home with a present.

We have been very encouraged recently to see so many newcomers, but we welcome many more! So, if you are a new mum, or have a child (0–3 years), why not come along to the memorial hall on Thursday mornings between 10.15am and 11.30am, it's a great way of making new friends for both you and your children. Coffee and cakes are available and lots of toys for the tots to play with so make a date with us on Thursdays.

See you there!
Noreen Berry, (Secretary)

Autumn and time to be thinking of Christmas. That reminds me, Womens Institute must get their item organised for the “Christmas Sing” at the Church in December and we don't have Daphne Looker to help us this year!

Our AGM is in November, time to look back and forward. Over the past year we have enjoyed a variety of speakers on a wide range of subjects. At the moment we are booking speakers for next year and one of the first jobs for the committee will be to sort out the monthly competition to suit each subject – it really makes you put your thinking cap on.

Not all members participate in the competition but there is a cup to be won at the end of the year, we will let you know who wins it in the next issue of the newsletter. We were pleased to have quite a few visitors over the past year, hope you found the Womens Institute friendly and that you'll feel free to come again. Don't forget to watch out for the posters in case it's something you want to see or hear about.

We hope to learn something from Savante on colour and interior design in January – that should brighten up the new year.

See you on the second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

By the time you read this it wont be too early to wish you a Happy Christmas.

Guilda Ludwell
PRESIDENT

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The end of our holiday break culminated in a visit from Mrs Yvonne Mackie of Headway House – Frenchay Hospital. Mrs Mackie spoke about the rehabilitation of those who have suffered serious head injuries.

We have many interesting speakers coming up in the next few months. By the time you read this our Open Evening will have come and gone (hopefully with a bang).

An aromatherapy demonstrator is our subject matter for November. We shall also have our annual trip to London on November 21st. The tickets are £8.50 return (a fantastic price for a day and evening in London). The coach picks up at 8am from the Village Hall and leaves London at 11.30pm. If you want to go on the trip, ring me or Margaret Gargett (0454 26xxxx) asap so that your names can be added to the list. Let's hope that it's a dry day!

In December our Christmas evening starts off with a four course dinner, followed by a creative magic show performed by Tony Griffith – a member of the Inner Magic Circle.

Don't forget we meet once a month in the Village Hall at 8pm so come and join us.

J C Messer

Just to let you all know that the winner of the Balloon Race on Sports Day was Fiona. Her balloon travelled about 230 miles eventually ending up at Dumfriesshire.

Back on August 28th, about 40 guides went camping at Kingswood, 20 from 1st Charfield of which only 3 had camped as guides. Despite the weather being bad with both rain and wind the spirits of the girls did not fail. I think that the girls did extremely well under the circumstances with help from Alan Bartlett who came down most days – so many thanks to Alan – ps how's the monkey?!

On October 3rd, a group of us went to Old Down at Tockington. Once again the weather was wet, but in true guiding spirit, we were all smiling and laughing. Nearly all of us went down the rope slide – It was harder climbing up however than coming down! The ground was extremely muddy and slippery – but I thought I should have a go whilst the girls had gone elsewhere. By the time I had reached the top however, they had all returned and were at the bottom 14shouting for me to “come on down”. I do therefore apologise to all parents for the state that their daughters came home in – some of them were very muddy including my daughter Jo! The day was enjoyed so much by all that we shall return in the Spring. Thanks to Trisha and Margaret for the extra help.

October 23rd will see the hairdressers coming to talk to the girls with advice on hair care – 3 of the girls will be models!

On November 8th we will be marching with the British Legion for Remembrance Sunday, leaving the Village Hall at 10.45am.

Helen's visit to Mexico was very full – She has already spoken about the trip to the unit and we hope that an article may appear in the Newsletter at some stage.

Finally, as this is the last newsletter before Christmas, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and new Year.

Mary Westlake

With the summer over, time must be spent indoors. This is a challenge to the leaders who are required every week to find new experiences for the boys. The strength of the pack is 19, which, with three leaders is all we can work with.

Forthcoming attractions include:

A hike, Pack swim, trip to Tesco, swimming gala, sports evening, naturalist badge, community project (any ideas?), St Andrew's evening, talent evening and a winter camp.

As these notes were written before our 12/1 defeat by the Lions, I am unable to comment further!!!!!!!

Mike Cheskin

There was much joy in Charfield when the guns on the Western Front fell silent on the 11th November 1918. Slowly the village readjusted to peacetime life, welcoming home those who had served, particularly the wounded and repatriated prisoners. In common too, with towns and villages all over the British Isles, there was grief and sadness for those who would never return.

Charfield had responded well to Lord Kitchener's call and was considered one of the most patriotic villages in the area. Many of its young men enlisted at recruiting offices in Wotton or Bristol; to join others from the village already serving as Regular or Territorial soldiers. As the carnage in 15 France and Flanders took its toll, so the demand for men grew and eventually all men of military age, unless exempted, found themselves in the Services. From a village with a population of about 600, over 100 men would eventually serve.

When the euphoria at the end of the fighting subsided, in common with many places throughout the land, thoughts turned to how best to commemorate those who fell, many of whom had no known grave. The suggestion that Charfield had some form of Memorial was voiced in February 1919 and after a series of public meetings, in which various ideas were considered, a stone cross was decided upon, which, funded by public subscription was erected in the Autumn of that year.

A leading voice in the call for a memorial was Joe HUGHES. A serving soldier, he had been devastated by the death of his younger brothers ALEX and HARRY. Aged 19 and 18 respectively, they had been “bowled over” in an attack by the second battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, near Ypres on the 10th May 1915. Two of George and Annie's four sons, they had enlisted, fought, and died together and have no known grave.

The MILLARD family of Mill Lane, also lost two sons. The elder JOE, a 32 year old gunner with the heavy artillery got cramp when swimming in a river behind the lines on 26 May 1917 and drowned. A keen member of the Tytherington Football team, he had worked at the quarry. His 17 year old brother CHARLES was wounded and went missing on 18 November 1916 at the conclusion of the long drawn out and bloody Battle of the Somme, whilst serving as Lewis gunner with the 8th Glosters. He was never seen again and officially presumed dead in March 1917. His name is now one of the 73,000 British soldiers from the Somme battles with no know grave, commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Amongst the early casualties were BERT RICHARDS and WILLIAM COLBORN. Bert, a 19 year old Cavalry trouper with the 9th Lancers was wounded and captured in late October 1914 and died of his wounds in Brussels on 3rd November 1914. The son of the village postmaster and chairman of the Parish Council, his three brothers also served, one surviving being gassed and the other two as prisoners of war. WILLIAM, aged 26, was with the 1st Glosters when captured and died as a prisoner on 23 December 1914.

ARTHUR FOWLER of Wharf Road was 20 and serving with the 10th Worcestershire Regiment when wounded in the stomach at Neuve Chapell on 6 January 1916. It was a serious “Blighty” wound and he spent months in various military hospitals in England. Sadly he was never to recover fully and after discharge from the army in the middle of October 1916 he underwent yet another operation at Bristol General Hospital. This was unsuccessful and on the 25 November 1916 he died, being laid to rest in the village church yard.

On 2nd December 1917, a Territorial battalion of the Glosters was resting by an ammunition dump, on the way to the front line. Without warning, the dump blew up, the blast killing 16Lance Sergeant FRANCIS YOUNG. James and Eliza, his parents received official notification of his death on Christmas Day 1917. The former Tubbs Lewis and Co. employee was buried where he fell and is commemorated on the Memorial to the dead of the Battle of Cambrai, who have no known grave.

A shell falling on a trench at Monchy-le-Preux, near Arras on 30 August 1918 caused the death of ALBERT CLARK (19) of 1st Somerset Light Infantry, a former railway worker. RODNEY (ROY) AYRES was called up from his work at Underwood Farm in the summer of 1918. He landed in France just before the Armistice, contracted diphtheria and died at Le Harve on 16 November 1918.

For Eliza Jane NEAL, the great war had hardly started before tragedy had struck twice. Her husband GEORGE was a leading boatman on the old cruiser HMS Monmouth when it was sunk with all hands by a superior German force at the Battle of Coronal off the coast of Chile on 1st November1914. Three months later, their son Percy aged 4 died of illness.

These are the stories of the Charfield men who fell in the Great War, now probably familiar to most of us as names on a memorial, from a far off time. Each year on Remembrance Sunday their names are read out along with the four who joined them from a second great conflict, 20 years later. All gave their lives in defence of freedom which we, perhaps, take for granted today and it is right that their memory is preserved.

Graham Adams.

Some of the Congregation of St John's have decided that they would like to make some bright new kneelers.

Ideally, we would like the whole village to be represented, so if you would like to sponsor and/or make up a kneeler, your offer would be gratefully received. Choose a design to represent your work, club, or hobby or just one you like the look of.

There are some people willing to do the sewing if you do not feel able to do so, although they are just worked in a simple cross stitch. Do look at the sample in the Church which has been worked by an unskilled me!

Details of some designs available can be found on a board at the back of the Church together with a price list. These kneelers come as kits, complete with canvas with the design printed on it, a block of cushion foam, backing hessian, all the wool needed, a tapestry needle and instructions.

You can design your own kneeler if you wish but we ask you to 17 keep to the standard size ie 14″ × 10″ × 3″. Alternatively, the suppliers will prepare a design to your requirements.

You may, of course, put in an individual order if you wish, or sign the list on the board in the Church, letting me have a cheque to cover the cost. Alternatively, just put a note through my door (xx Orchard Close) or ring 0454 26xxxx.

We hope to have a special day to bring all the new kneelers to the Church, depending on how quickly people can complete them, perhaps for Easter.

Many thanks for your generosity.

Kate Ramsey

We would like to tell all the new people who have moved into the village about our Sunday Club.

It is run by volunteers on Sunday mornings from 10.15–11.15 am in the Foundation room at Charfield School, for children between the ages of 4 and 11. We aim to teach the children about Jesus and the Church in an informal setting using craft, music and games.

Usually on the 2nd Sunday of the month we all join in a family service in Church, in which the Children participate in special ways.

Dates and times can always be found on the Church notice board. For further information you can contact me – Pat Jeanes 0454 26xxxx.

We are of course always looking for anyone wishing to help or for ideas for our activities.

Do come and join us.

During part of July and August, I had what many would call a busman's holiday. I was attached to a Church in Minnesota USA. It was an “Episcopal” Church; that is, a Church having ‘bishops’, and being the equivalent of the Church of England in this country. Of course there is a considerable difference in that there is no “established” church in the USA which amongst other things means that it is not automatically placed at the front of things on important state occasions. I was at this church for just over a month and shared in every aspect of the work of the church there. I received a wonderful welcome from everyone I met, both 18inside the Church and outside. When I have mentioned this experience to some people, many seem to think first of those glass cathedrals with notorious associations. That kind of thing makes national and international news (sadly) just because they are exceptional. (Whoever heard or ordinary things making news?). Of course it was nothing like that, as most Churches in the US are unlike that. But it was unlike my own experience, and those of my fellow-clergy in this country, in one respect. It was this unlikeness that made me interested to go there.

For some years the Church had been having a percentage increase in membership, so that last year they had to start a third ‘Eucharist’ on a Sunday morning to cater for the congregation – one at 7.45am, one at 9am and one at 11.00am, and this is the current pattern. It also has twelve house-groups which meet once a week on various evenings in different neighbourhoods. These groups become like a family in warmth and in mutual support and prayerful interest in one another's lives, as well as being points of outreach to others in need. The warmth and friendship and open heartedness that were shown me were, and are, a source of gratitude and encouragement. I commend the hospitality and generosity I have met in the US warmly. I know that some of you who have sampled it, say many similar things. I am grateful for this opportunity as I am to those who took services and general oversight here – without this I could not have gone.

And now, after our Harvest and Harvest Lunch here – which was greatly appreciated, thanks to those who prepared it. Now to mention some of the forthcoming occasions to which I draw your attention, hoping that you will join us at some of them:

Saturday 14th November 2.30pm in the Foundation Room:

“Tea and Tinsel” – a sale of things suitable for Christmas, from paper wrapping to presents

13th December 10.15am, Christingle Service.

Friday 11th December Village Christmas Sing at 7 pm

Sunday 20th December Carol Service at 3 pm

24th December Midnight Mass at 11.30pm

25th December Christmas Family Eucharist at 10.00am

It's a bit early for “Happy Christmas”, but it is the last chance in this publication so we wish you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas.

Rev. K Grant

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Communion is observed on the 1st Sunday of each month – All are welcome, please come along.

General Gossip:

I am sure we are all going to miss Eric and Daphne Looker, both in the Church and village, myself especially as I have yet to to work out how I volunteered myself to write this article!

However, we do wish them every happiness in their new home.

Well, Keat's “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” is here again. We've certainly had the mists, and judging by the number of apples picked at ‘Melrose’, the season has also been fruitful. Talking of apples, when teetering at the top of a wobbly ladder, do you save the bucket or yourself? – Discretion being the better part of valour, I chose the latter. Hence my apologies for any bruised apples which may have appeared at the Harvest Thanksgiving!

On Sunday September 13th, we had a very enjoyable evening, being entertained by the Weston Male Voice Choir. Our thanks to all who attended, especially those concerned with refreshments and the delicate task of washing up afterwards.

Thought for Autumn:

“Gods gifts so many a pleasure bring that I will make a Thanksgiving” Thomas Gisborne

Preachers:

October 4th:	Mr G Tanner (am) – Envoy + Mrs G Price (pm)
October 11th:	Rev. D Thomas
October 18th:	Mr H S Spill
October 25th:	Mr J Fraser
November 1st:	Rev. P Hopes (am) – Mr K Thomas (pm)
November 8th:	Mr R Pick (Remembrance Sunday)
November 15th	Mr F Witchard
20November 22nd:	Mr G Mills
November 29th:	Rev. G Stevens
December 6th:	Mr M Charles (am) – Mr G A Wicks (pm)
December 13th:	Mr Alder
December 20th:	Rev P Hopes
December 27th:	Mr E Stewart

Forthcoming Events:

Christmas concert with the Frampton Cotterell Choir on Friday December 11th at 7.30 pm

Ruth Williams

Hello, yes I am back! – What do you mean you haven't missed me!

When the last issue was due to be printed, I was right off the boil. I was so poorly, I went to the doctors and he blamed it on the recession. So short of 'phoning up Major or Lamont, I took to my bed. Actually once I had got used to the idea that I could quite legitimately lay in bed all day I quite enjoyed it.

As for the time before, I was in too much of a state of euphoria to sit down and write to you all – so here's all about it now.

My husband, Keith, sometimes helps out at the bar in the Village Hall and John Poskett phoned to ask if he could help at a Young Farmer's do on the 11th April. Keith said yes and that was that – or so I thought.

As the date drew nearer, Keith handed me an invitation to the Young Farmers Dinner and Dance saying that some people had dropped out but as all the catering had been arranged, those people helping behind the bar could bring a guest. I had no reason to think otherwise – we arranged a babysitter.

The evening duly arrived and, as the invitation stated, I had my best frock on. I was walking along our road to get to the Village Hall when I had a thought. “Do you think I ought to take a pinny?”, I asked Keith, “if you are going to be behind the bar, I'd better offer to help wash up”. “You wont need to do any washing up” said Keith. “Well, I bloomin' hope that I know someone to talk to” I muttered. As I only knew a few farmers from the darts teams, I sincerely hoped that they would be there!

As we got nearer the village hall, I saw Richard Duvall and Mr Bradley from school. “Are they in the Young Farmers?” I asked Keith. Before he had time to answer he gently pushed me through the door to be greeted by the most amazing sea of happy, smiling faces all singing “Happy Birthday” – Yes I had reached the BIG 4 0 and had not guessed a thing.

21Naturally, I was in a state of shock for days. Slowly little snippets came to the surface as to why certain things happened. My children ware absolutely wonderful. How they didn't spill the beans, I don't know. They duly came along to the party with, of course, the babysitter. Paul Ryan made a fantastic video so I have a wonderful record of the Whole event. Mr Sreeves our Headmaster at Charfield School did the disco, See these things happen when you are a dinner lady!

One of the most funniest of tales though was this. My friend Chris was the person you had to phone to say if you could or could not attend.

Well, I had been sitting for her two children one evening when the phone rang. Her daughter Kirsty dashed to answer it and came back into the room saying it was her Grandma, well it wasn't really, it was Chris phoning from a call box. Apparently on her way out, she suddenly thought that someone might phone about the party, so dashed to make a call home to ask Kirsty to leave the phone off the hook. All these things that happened to make such a wonderful surprise. I still feel so amazed that everyone was so generous and kind in their thoughts and plans.

So now I have brought you all up to date. Oh yes, on a literary note, I entered a short story competition at the beginning of the year. It was the Ian St James award for new and unpublished writers. (I wasn't sure that Chadra counted). It was quite hair raising waiting for the comments. Would I win first prize – my story in Waterstones front window? Well I didn't, but I did receive an encouraging critique, so perhaps one day – dream on!

All the best, Marilyn

PS If anyone has an “old but still roadworthy” van they wish to sell, please let me know. My old ex-royal-mail, was red but is now a strange bluey colour and has a large hole on the front wheel arch and is therefore slowly approaching the scrapyard in the sky. Many thanks, Marilyn at 26xxxx

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As we approach the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness I thought this article from a previous Newsletter was somehow appropriate.

How to prevent smoke nuisance

Compost as much garden rubbish as possible. Some local Councils will collect bagged garden rubbish with the household waste, especially now with ‘wheely bins’ available. Some councils will permit garden rubbish to be taken to a local authority site – there are several in the Northavon area. Check with the local authority before disposing of any rubbish and establish how they can help you. Don't use spare plots for dumping garden rubbish or other household rubbish – these are privately owned and the action could possibly be subject to prosecution.

If you must light a fire, ensure that only dry material is burnt. This will produce a minimum amount of smoke. Never add household rubbish or rubber tyres to the fire, or use sump oil to set it alight!!

Do not light a fire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days, and in the evening around sunset. Don't burn when the wind will carry smoke over other people's property, or over roads.

Bonfires can be dangerous and should never be left unattended. Don't leave a fire to smoulder – douse it with soil or water.

If you enjoy your garden remember that by careless lighting of bonfires you may prevent your neighbours from enjoying their garden. Bonfire smoke can be very irritating and even harmful, particularly to people with chest or heart problems.

By lighting a smoky bonfire, you could be breaking the law. Fires started within 50 feet of the centre of the road which inconvenience passers-by or damage the highway are an offence under the Highways Act 1980. Under the Clean Air Act 1956 it is an offence to cause a nuisance through the creation of smoke.

If there any articles from previous editions you remember which would be appropriate for publication again – especially if they would be of interest to our new residents – contact Carolyne or Mary – the Eds.

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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… 86… 52… USE CODE 0453

TELEPHONE NUMBERS COMMENCING 26… 29… 31… USE CODE 0454

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Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 27 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.