CHADRA

The conflict in what we used to know as Yugoslavia which seems to put neighbour against neighbour, always brings home to me the blessings of living in a stable society with the added blessing and privilege of being located in a beautiful part of the country.

Charfield is not without its challenges, but they are insignificant compared with the carnage in other parts of the world.

However, these challenges must be faced and resolved, that is why the village organisations function and survive.

We at Chadra play our part to supply you with a Newsletter every three months. We must all help preserve all that is good about rural life.

M.D. Cheskin
Chairman

NEXT COPY DATE – 12TH JULY 1993

Published by Charfield & District Residents' Association (CHADRA)

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First of all, many thanks once again to all those regular contributors to the Newsletter. It certainly makes interesting reading when typing it all up and I am sure the local news is much appreciated throughout the village.

Please feel free to contribute any article on any subject that you may feel relevant to our village and local area – all copy is very welcome.

Now, I really must apologise to Catherine Holmes (Clerk, Charfield Parish Council) and the Rev. David Parker for not printing their articles in full in the last edition of CHADRA. It was primarily a technical hitch on my part and so, as some compensation, both articles are re-printed in full in this edition. As I hope our readers will appreciate there is quite a lot of work involved around the deadline date and inevitably human error can creep in occasionally.

Whilst on the subject of work involved with the Newsletter, as I am expecting our 2nd child in August (with a 10 month old daughter already in tow!) I would like to appeal to help. – If anyone feels that they could assist with the editing of the Newsletter (typing skills essential), would they please contact either myself or Mary as soon as possible.

(In an absolutely ideal world, you will have an IBM/compatible computer sat at home running Wordperfect software and able to print to an FX 1050 Epson Dot Matrix Printer – I can supply the printer, if you would like to exercise your fingers!!).

Hoping to hear from you – and that you enjoy reading this edition of CHADRA.

Carolyne Knibbs
(Co-Editor)

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Hopefully this will not turn out to be as long as the mega epistle of the last newsletter (editor's breath of relief) but as usual quite a lot has happened since the last report and I will try not to leave anything out.

First of all, we heard in early March that planning permission had been granted by the District Council and a work party was organised to clear the site. Many thanks to everyone who turned out that Sunday and got things done so quickly and efficiently, including members of the Charfield School PTA, Chris Slowley (who provided metal cutters, concrete breakers etc), Bob Popham and Chris Loveridge (who took away the unwanted items) members of the youth club (getting some good press for a change lads), members of the HMC, Julia (who provided the refreshments), Mike Cotton (who made us a notice informing people that the playground was officially closed, although unfortunately some people saw fit to demolish it within 24 hours) and anyone else who gave up their time that day. Thanks to you all.

The Charfield School PTA took the small climbing frame, the net climber and the wendy house frame which they intend to refurbish and use in the school's playground so our children will still be able to use them, albeit in a different location. We are also grateful to Andy Tuck who disposed of the rubble and removed the concrete tunnels for us when he put in the drainage system. We hope that the drainage will benefit the playing field as a whole and not just the play area.

As I write this, the site is ready for the installation of the new equipment but unfortunately, we received a major set back in March when our chosen company, Barrelplay of Tetbury went into liquidation. Luckily, no deposit had been paid to them and one of their ex-employees, who was very involved with the design of the playground, now works for “En Tout Cas” and this company have agreed to install the specified Stage I for exactly the same price. The order for Stage I has now been placed by the Parish Council but obviously this unforeseen change in contractors has delayed installation although we expect to have an installation date in late April/early May.

Luckily the District Council have been more flexible regarding time limits on their grants and as long as we submit an invoice by late May, we will not lose our Stage I grant. We are also awaiting to see if they have awarded us anything for Stages II and III.

The response to the form in the last newsletter was regrettably poor and so we sincerely thank those who did bother to offer their time and/or services. In particular, I would like to welcome Belinda Stanton and Valerie Williams to the sub committee and thank Belinda for taking on the post of secretary. Talking of secretaries, congratulations to our ex-secretary Philippa on the birth of Jacob Patrick William, born on St Patrick's Day. It was of course pure coincidence that he was born 2½ weeks early, just after we learned that Barrelplay had gone into 3liquidation!! It was a pretty traumatic time for all of us but thankfully everything has turned out well in the end.

As you may have noticed, we have re-done the “thermometer” at “Open all Hours” and also put one in the Village Hall to show the total amount needed over the 3 stages and I am happy to report that even with an extra £1,700 required for drainage, we have met the required target for Stage I – a really great achievement by the village in quite a short period of time.

Very many thanks to the following for their donations:

We have also been delighted to receive a total of £230 so far from Len and Margaret and the regulars of the Plough Inn. They have raised this by doing raffles, a car boot and holding quiz nights and we are very grateful for their continued support (as well as the money). Please try and go along to their Saturday Night quiz nights which are a really enjoyable evening out (and the beer's not bad either).

A donation of £25 has been received from the Armstrong Trust and North Avon will provide a 60% grant for the tree and shrub planting which we intend to do in November.

In these reports we do try and acknowledge everyone's donations, efforts and contributions but invariably someone or some group may be omitted. For this we humbly apologise, it is not deliberate, it's just that some of us aren't getting any younger and the older brain goes on a “work to rule” sometimes! And so on, I would like to thank Margaret Gargett again for organising the Xmas Bazaar and also Sharon Vale (and most of her family!), Linda Watson, from the Charfield Childminders Group who provided not only man (lady?) power but the badges and leather making machines, treasure hunt and face paints, quite a few members of the the Charfield Young Wives (now Charfield Ladies Club), Debbie Frankland for judging the cake decorating competition, Mike Cheskin for being an excellent Father Christmas, Karen Wright for taking the photos and anyone else I've forgotten (and I hope that's me out of the dog house now).

4Forthcoming Events:

Mark Neptune and Steve Bindon are threatening another Treasure Hunt at the end of May – details to follow. Hopefully this one will be better supported than the last as they are a lot of fun and take a good deal of time and effort to organise.

We could still do with some inspiration for fund raising ideas, so if anyone has a brain wave, please contact any of the Committee listed below.

Finally if anyone thinks that £20–£25,000 is a lot of money to spend on a playground, Easter Compton have just spent £42,000 on theirs! (yes I was stunned into silence too – a rare event)

Have a great Spring/Summer and thank you all again for your continuing support.

Just a brief reminder that the Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday 17th July. This year we have the Sports Programme, a tug of war, an art exhibition, the flower and homecraft show, Punch and Judy show, Morris Men, motorbikes both vintage and new, and … well, you'll just have to come and see for yourselves. Enter the races, bake your scones, cut your floribundas, yell for the tug of war team of your choice, and have an afternoon out with the village. And it WILL be a fine, sunny day this year.

The Grand Draw will be held on the day – 1st prize is a hot air balloon ride for two, courtesy of Oldbury Power Station (value £400) – so please buy plenty of raffle tickets.

A dance is to be held in the evening – there will be music for all tastes and ages – and it should round off the day nicely.

If you are willing to help erect the tents and take them down again, do an hour of gate duty, sell some programmes or raffle tickets, or help in any way at all, PLEASE get in touch with any member of the Hall Committee.

Best regards

Management Committee

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A new Baby Sitting Circle is being organised by Lisa Tucker and any one interested in finding out more about this and the way it will run can contact her on Tel: 26xxxx.

In short, there will be an annual membership fee of £1 and 50p paid each time a sitter is used. Sitters will be contacted via a points system (those with the lowest number of points will be contacted first). Lisa is hoping that some of the money raised through this scheme will be donated to the Playground Appeal, so for those of you, who like myself, have contributed towards the rapidly expanding population of Charfield, it would be well worth your while contacting Lisa – just think, it could help to free your evenings in order to join in one of the many events organised in the village.

We held our AGM in March, and a new committee has been formed. Many thanks to our outgoing committee for all the hard work they put in – if success can be measured in terms of numbers of small children running and crawling around the village hall every Thursday morning, then they have done extremely well!

I would like to remind all parents/nannies/childminders with children in the 0–3 age group of the open invitation to attend Toddlers. We meet from 10:15 to 11:30 each Thursday in term time, and you can become a member for £2.50 per family per year, or just attend on a casual basis. If you would like to make contact or meet a friendly face before coming along, our new Chairperson Tracy Francksen would be very pleased to hear from you. Tracy is at x, Farm Lees on 0453 84xxxx.

When we say “0–3 age group” we really do mean it! My 8 month old daughter has been going to Toddlers since she was only 6 weeks – she would have gone sooner if she hadn't been born in the middle of the summer holidays! As a first-time mother and newcomer to the village, I personally found the Toddler Group invaluable for meeting people and forming the beginnings of a new “daytime social life”.

Events to look forward to include clothes and book parties, and the annual Teddy Bears Picnic and Weston-Super-Mare trip. The new committee look forward to seeing you soon!

Following the Annual General Meeting of the Charfield Mother and Toddler Group, we are pleased to inform you of the 1993/94 Committee as follows:

Anne Barnett
Secretary

What is the National Federation of Women's Institute up to now? The WI is apolitical, but that does not stop us from making our voice heard by the Government. This time it is about VAT on adult education and the Railway Bill.

The WI has its own College called “Denman” situated in Oxfordshire where women from all over the Country can go to gain further knowledge and skills. It is continually running courses on anything from, Wood Carving, Public Speaking, Creative Writing to Personal and Career Development and Learning to Sail Safely to name just a few. So we are very concerned about VAT on Adult Education.

Privatisation of the Railway is another matter which causes concern. We feel this is sure to have an effect upon rural communities and their mobility, as did the privatisation of public transport.

Well, our craft group has been very busy again, making dungarees and tiny dresses for the Bristol Baby Unit as have the four WI's in our group, Cromhall, Wickwar, Rangeworthy and Hawkesbury and Horton. These articles will be on show at our annual Group Rally which is at Rangeworthy this year.

Next month, we go to Wyevale Garden Centre for an evening which will include a demonstration.

In June, Mr Everitt is our guest who will give an illustrated talk on “Plants for a small Garden”.

7In July we are having a Cookery Demonstration entitled “Summer Supper Dishes”.

We hope to see you all at the Charfield Summer Fayre/Sports Day – July 17th. We shall of course be serving teas, then in August we take a break. So when school starts again we hope you Will join us for a new term.

Guilda Ludwell
President

FOOTBALL TEAM 1992/93

My year as ‘coach’ to the lions has been characterised by eager anticipation of the weekly Saturday fixture and immense pleasure in watching the lads play with great skill and determination week in week out against a variety of cub and ‘club’ sides. Success has been a relatively rare occurrence for the Lions in recent years and therefore the extent of their achievements over the past 9 months has been quite remarkable and unlikely to be repeated in the foreseeable future. Just consider their record:-
Played 17   Won 15   Drawn 1   Lost 1
Goals for 132   Goals against 33

Even A.C. Milan would be proud of that strike rate and I am seriously thinking of accepting an offer to join the Italian side as coach for the 1993/4 season. I understand that Mike Cheskin (Woodend Tigers) has received a similar offer … from Accrington Stanley Reserves …

Many of you will have read in the Gazette and Evening Post of how Sharon Vale managed to procure new and larger-sized dark green kit for the team and we must thank Dillon Computers of Thornbury for their kind assistance. Thanks also go out yet again to Renishaws for the use of their small but nevertheless very attractive ground down by the mill.

Finally I'd like to thank all the team members for the excitement they have provided for all the Mums, Dads and other supporters over the winter period. I know one should avoid singling out individual players for praise, but I am sure the others wouldn't mind me mentioning Ben Vale for his 68 goal contribution and major influence on the side and also Simon Clarke, partly for his goals but mainly for his total non-stop commitment which has set a fine example for others.

At the time of writing we've still got cubs v dads to play followed by a finale against the Tigers. The season will be rounded off by the 6 a side tournament at Woodhouse Park in May.

By September, half the side will have left cubs and a new team will have emerged to represent the Lions. Given the level of skill which will remain, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they yet again show a clean pair of heels to other sides in the Severn 8 Vale.

One final thought … if only Ben Vale's second goal against Yate had not been disallowed, or if we hadn't hit the post twice in the second half, … or if I hadn't arranged the fixture … ?

Steve Kowalczyk
Team Manager

Welcome to another newsletter

The boys have just entered the District Cross Country Race at Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury on March 13th. We all had a very pleasant day, the weather was good and the boys ran well. Well done to Adam Pettifer and Simon Clarke who came in 2nd in their races. The boys who ran the over 9¼ race won the team trophy for that race . We also won the overall winners shield. Yes Akela was very proud of her boys, Oh! Well done to all the mums and dads who also ran the race, even if they were beaten by an eight year old girl, (Well done Jenny). What else can I say?

Our football team are doing very well at the moment. Did you notice the football kit sponsored by Dillon Computing? Many thanks to Mr. Douglas who made this possible. The boys have been playing well this season as you will find out when you read the team manager's report.

Indoor Camp
An Indoor Camp held at the Scout HQ in February was very good, but a little on the cold side. The boys completed a number of badges: Communicators, Personal Safety, Home Help and most important their Cook's badge. The boys cooked a 3 course meal for 6 guests. One of the guests was the new G.S.L. By the way, have you met him? Do you know who he is? No? Well he is Mr. Duncan Lamont of x, Farm Lees, Charfield. He came armed with some new games and the boys loved it. (so did the leaders).

Here is a list of future dates
Six-A-Side Football – May 15th
Go-Kart Race – June 19th

Group Events coming up
9th May – Clay Pigeon Shoot
19th May – Group A.G.M. – Scout HQ Cromhall – 7.30 for 8.00 start
10th July – Group Barbecue
20th November – 50's and 60's dance

Yours in scouting, Audrey Chappell, Akela

Not a lot to report. The Easter walk was rained off – I'll try again on May 31st – Spring Bank Holiday Monday. Meet at 10.30 am outside the Pear Tree for a 5.5km walk to the south of the parish and back. It takes me 1 hour and40 minutes to walk the route. so 9allow just over 2 hours for a group.

British Rail are stalling the diversions of OCH 22 and 26 (closure of pedestrian crossings) – watch this space for news.

The volunteers who have ‘adopted’ paths will be doing their Spring check and trimming back intrusive hedges etc., but if any other walkers come across problems, please let me know.

In closing, it seems I have to spell something out. I put ‘unpaid’ at the close of this piece to make it crystal clear that the Footpath Warden is a voluntary position. I understand that some thought I was looking for money. They were very wrong. I volunteered to do the job because (a) I enjoy walking the paths and (b) because no-one else in the village came forward. I hope this clarifies the matter.

Go on out for a walk, get a lungful of fresh air, and above all – show some respect for the countryside by adhering to the Country Code.

J. O'Connor-Beach, Footpath Warden (Volunteer and happy to be so)

It was lovely to see so many ladies at our AGM in March, when I took over the reins from Jasmine. I think all who came had an enjoyable evening.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jasmine and all the retiring committee for their hard work over the last year.

For news of our future events, watch for the posters around the village, they normally go up a week before the event.

For any ladies new to the village, please come along on the 3rd Thursday in the month (excluding August) and join us. If you are a bit shy, give me a ring and we'll meet you as you arrive, so you won't be on your own.

That's about all for now
Elaine, 0454 26xxxx

With the vegetable entries being down in the Flower and Vegetable Show at the Charfield Summer Fairs, it's been decided this year to stage a Flower and Homecraft Show, which will include both fresh and dry flowers, pot plants, a children's garden section and 10cookery for adults and children.

More details will be available in the schedules which will be ready in early June and can be had from the Memorial Hall Notice Board, the Post Office (with kind permission of Mr. & Mrs. Pemberton and the Open All Hours Shop, (thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Bindon). So here's hoping at this year's Show on 17th July for a really colourful flower display with plenty of mouthwatering entries in the Cookery Section.

Pat and Margaret
Show Organisers

It's better late than never – for me a lot of water has flowed under the bridge – that is why there has been no report of club's activities in the Newsletter in the past issues. But to recap on some of the years meetings, we had a variety of speakers who demonstrated their talks on Lacemaking and Origami, the latter of which seemed simple (if you know how). The “Golden Age Choir” from Coalpit Heath were let down by the Piano which had been interfered with but their singing was much appreciated in spite of the mishap.

During the Summer, members went on outings to Weston Super Mare and Evesham, which were half day trips. Full day trips were also arranged, one being to Cheltenham and then onto Stratford Upon Avon. We also visited the seaside at Exmouth, and to the market at Horton in the Marsh. We also went through the Forest of Dean for the Autumn leaves but there were no Autumn colours as the leaves hadn't changed much, and then onto Monmouth for a cup of tea.

The venue for Christmas Shopping was Swindon, as in previous years as our members were more familiar with the Shopping Centre.

A talk with slides was given by Miss Cooksley when on a visit to her brother-in-law. On another afternoon Mr Harris entertained us with slides of “Charfield” and on another occasion with slides of “Local Interest”. Mrs Holloway also came and sang with our members joining in. A very enjoyable Christmas Dinner at Wickwar finished our year.

Also during the year, two “Bring and Buy” sales were organised and a “Harvest Home” sale which were to subsidise our expenses and bank balance.

Our club will be pleased to enrol new members aged 50 or over, and, we pick will you up and return you to your doors, so just pick up your 'phone and dial 26xxxx (Mrs Amer) or 26xxxx (Mr Orton)

Ernest H Orton (Chairman)

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Most people should now be aware that a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is being set up in Charfield. Hopefully by the time you read this many households will have joined.

For those who did not attend the initial meetings, a Neighbourhood Watch is being run along the following lines. Each group of approximately 15 households has a contact person. Contact people report to the village coordinator who in turn will inform the police of any non-urgent but suspicious activity. Obviously in an emergency dial 999. There is also a committee to help organise the scheme.

We are grateful to the Rev. David Parker for agreeing to be our first coordinator. Being a large village Charfield requires approximately 50 contact people. So far we have had about 40 volunteers, so there are still some areas which are not covered. it is up to people from each group of households to volunteer otherwise their area won't be covered.

Currently, (early April) the main areas not covered are Little Bristol, Little Bristol Lane, Manor Lane (odds to 11 and evens to 18), Orchard Close, The Sidings, Thames Close and some parts of Wotton Road.

If you would like to become a contact person for any of the above areas would you please contact any member of the committee. From other areas would you let us know if you think we've left you out (everyone in your street has a sticker in their window except you) so that we can sort out any over sights. As you can imagine dividing Charfield up into groups of 15 households is quite a complicated job!!

As our scheme gets established we hope to achieve the many aims as outlined in the leaflet “A Guide to Community Action Against Crime” which is being handed out when you join Neighbourhood Watch

Ilze Hicks – Administrator

CHARFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COMMITTEE

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… PLANT SALE … SATURDAY 15th MAY at 10.00am in Church Porch and Garden: a wide selection of plants at bargain prices.

Easter is a time of great joy for Christians and although we all love to see the sunshine, even weather that is dull and rainy cannot diminish that joy. That is because what causes that joy, is independent of external circumstances. If we plan a picnic in the country and it pours with rain, then the idea and the occasion is ruined. That is because the success of the occasion depends on external circumstances – the weather. But what makes Easter, Easter is independent of the weather. It is the reminder of what was done for us at this time of the year – the death and resurrection of Jesus with its message of victory over evil and the ultimate victory of good. There are some who think of this as airy-fairy make-believe, without giving it adequate thought. It is not always remembered that some of the most brilliant minds in history, and in our own day, have been Christians. Of course, all of us as human beings are affected by outward circumstances. That is natural. But to be Christian and to be practising our Christianity is to be in possession of something beyond circumstances and that cannot be spoilt by circumstances. Easter is about the deathless life of Jesus who is available to us in friendship and in strength for our lives. If we have that, we have a treasure that no circumstances can obliterate! That's worth a lot!

BAPTISM is the sign and ‘action’ by which we come into the Christian experience. If we are baptised as a child we can't know much about it then, and it is promised (by parents and godparents) that we are told about it so that we can make our personal choice about becoming Christian in full commitment later. If our baptism doesn't take place until a more mature age, then, clearly, we have to learn what Christianity is about and what it means to lead a Christian life, before we are baptised; otherwise the promises in the service are meaningless. Baptism is about coming into the family of God. God invites us into His Family through what Jesus did to make this possible and meaningful.

As I have indicated elsewhere in this publication, it is absurd and damaging to make false statements about baptism and also about what I believe about baptism – for that is what has been done. I am always very aware that baptism and membership is God's gift to us – it is not for me to deny what God has given us. It also gives people an entirely wrong idea of what the Church of Jesus Christ is like. We exist to express, make clear, the love of Christ. To say that I would not baptise a child because it was ‘illegitimate’ is scandalous. I would never think of any child in those terms. I 13 would advise those who voice untrue stories to check my opinions before repeating them. I also invite them to ask any of the many who have had baptisms here what my attitude is about baptism, and to children, who are always a source of great joy to me, as is the occasion of baptism. That's all.

AN ADVANCED NOTICE of an INTERESTING OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO a CHEESE and WINE evening (from 7pm) in the Old Church on Saturday the 19th of June with background music. Details later. DO come.

Sincerely, Ken Grant (rector)

A warm welcome is always extended to all who come to our little Church – Try it!

Amateur Authoress Again!

Since RW has written this article, no doubt you have all noticed that it hasn't been totally serious. I assure you that no disrespect is ever intended to the Church or Fellowship. Now, having got that bit over with, may I tell you a funny story? Thank you.

– My facial skin is rather dry, so I was browsing around the local shop the other morning seeking a remedy. During this process I happened to bump into an old friend of mine and my late Aunt. I chose an item, but was told "No, replace that and buy some Baby Lotion". This was duly bought and applied. Wonder of wonders, it worked. Later on I read the label "For care after nappy changing etc". Now does the power of Jesus work similarly to that lotion? Yes! for me it did. Things take their time but well rubbed in changes can happen!

On Sunday the 28th of March how grateful we were to see Mr Burke with his family and followers. I don't believe that I had met him before, but I am sure he must have known Auntie Clare. Thank you to whoever made the choice of Hymns. I knew them all!! Our gratitude must also go to the Ladies who always do wonderful work in the kitchen, especially as someone remembers that I prefer coffee to tea!

Just a summer thought:

In sunshine bright, when things go right, thank God and smile:- Francis Gay

Forthcoming event which no one should miss

14June 13th Weston Male Voice Choir

List of Preachers:

(article omitted from Winter issue)

It is not practical, in one brief article to present a complete synthesis of the well prepared submission to attain a UNITARY status as composed by the current Northavon District Council in its submission to the Local Government Commission for England.

Suffice it to say that the concluding paragraph (5.4.3) under the document: “The Options for Change”, states:

“The traditional view that large counties, because of the economies of scale, can deliver cost effective services does not appear to be the case within this area. A unitary authority for Northavon will not only be able to provide services more readily accessible to local residents, but also in a more cost effective manner.”

The Local Government Commission has been set up by Parliament to look at all County Councils and District Councils and to consider whether some changes might be necessary. The commission will look at the whole of England in due course, but among the forerunners, the counties of Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire are to be reviewed by the Local Government commissioners, Mary Leigh and Ken Ennals.

I met with them on December 13th 1992 when they came to ascertain the views of the Avon local Councils Association Executive Committee and also later with the Avon Community Council. They made it quite clear that they had come with an open mind whereby the current structure of the County of Avon, with six District Councils (including Bath and Bristol) could remain in status quo if that should be the conclusion from their survey!

15 The Local Government Commission wants to elicit information on strengths and weaknesses by inviting comments by letter and discussion from individuals as well as established organisations.

Their review commenced on September 28 1992 with comments and submissions to be given by December 13 1992. Not later than June 13 1993, the Local Government Commission recommendations will be published and a further two months will then be allowed for further consultation and discussion, with the final report being ready for the Secretary of State's consideration by January 1994.

Along with other Parishes and Town Councils, Charfield Parish Council has submitted its views to the local Government Commission and has also written to the Northavon District Council in support of its desire for unitary status.

What then has “put the cat among the pigeons”?

It was the last minute disclosure by the City of Bristol included in its submission to the Local Government Commission of a claim not only to redeem the unitary status it lost with the Local Government Act 1972, but also to expand its territorial jurisdiction into the southern parishes of Northavon up as far as the M4 motorway! It is also wanting a slice of the current Kingswood (Bristol) District Council and possibly a little of the Woodspring District Council area! All this despite “poker face” denials when the possible fear was expressed in the HTV “Reorganisations Debate” in the presence of the LG Commissioners on October 29 1992.

The Local Councils Association is against any such possible takeover and told the Commissioner this when considering “Options for Change”, on December 15 1992.

The Local Government Commissioners have accepted my request to come and meet also with the Northavon Group of the Local Councils Association and at the time of writing, I am awaiting confirmation of a date for either the end of February or the early part of March. Because of the contentious issue of Bristol's submission, the venue for this meeting will be at Bradley Stoke.

The role of Parish and Town Councils in England is not being studied by the Local Government Commissioners who nevertheless value their participation in community democracy. Indeed, the Government itself recognises this and accordingly the Department of the Environment has issued a Consultation Paper on this future role.

The diversity of Parishes makes it difficult to contemplate imposing additional local government functions on all of them, though there could be some encouragement for the devolution of activity in all appropriate cases – to those Local (ie Parish and Town) Councils able and willing to accept a wider role.

The consultation paper in its paragraphs 57–60 pursues the Government's aim to encourage the creation of Parish Councils in 16 Urban areas and one suggestion is that where a Unitary Authority receives a petition of say 500 people, it would have to consider whether or not to produce a proposal for a Parish in that area.

The Department of the Environment required comments on the paper by November 30 1992 and again, like other Parish and Town Councils, Charfield Parish Council has done just that. Charfield Parish Council has indicated with its limited resources it welcomes the concept of fuller discussions with Principal Councils but does not feel able to take on more statutory duties.

These last few months therefore have been very time consuming in studying and discussing relevant papers on reorganisation whether it be for the Local Government Commission or for the Department of the Environment. There have also been attendances at one meeting or another to gain a fuller prospective.

Other options than a new Northavon Unitary District are possible but I will not dwell on speculation at this stage but hope that what ever happens, Charfield will not “draw the short straw”

David W Parker, Vice President, Avon Local Councils Association.

An Addendum on Local Government Reorganisation

Since my above article was prepared for the previous Charfield Newsletter it would seem appropriate for me to endeavour to up-date the situation:

In reply to Bristol's last minute submission to the Local Government Commission whereby it sought to expand the city boundary as far as the M4 motorway, the Northavon District Council published a supplementary dossier to its original unitary status proposals.

Both Northavon District Council and the Avon Local Council Association (ie Parish and Town Councils) are opposed to Northavon being absorbed as part of a greater Bristol (as included as one of the recommendations of the Bristol University Urban Studies Department Report). Needless to say, even a partial take over has caused considerable consternation, so much so that the local Councils south of the M4 have been having meetings (which included myself) to combine efforts to resist this move. One outcome was to organise a petition.

On March 4th 1993, I chaired a meeting when representatives of the majority of their 30 Local Councils in Northavon met with the Local Government Commission, Mrs Mary Leigh and she listened sympathetically to all the views expressed. We were informed that one intention of the Local Government Commission is to implement a MORI POLL to ascertain the views of the elections and so she was therefore intrigued to receive the bunch of petitions already obtained.

The LG Commission was reminded by us that economic viability is only one angle by which to judge a potential Unitary Authority, 17 since it was also very important that community viability should not be overlooked. Illustrations were outlined of how such areas as Filton, Staple Hill, Kingswood and so on, still retained a local loyalty despite a housing spend.

The LG Commission warned that there could be some disappointments, but we were left with the impression that our points of view could bear weight – Particularly over the suggestion that a new Northavon (with its existing boundaries) could gain economic strength by some form of union with the current Kingswood District Council.

Everyone left the meeting feeling that the verbal contributions from a good cross section of the Local Councils had been fruitful and that the Local Government Commission had been a good listener and that her comments too had been constructive.

Time though caught up on us before we could develop in depth what could happen to the rump of Northavon if Bristol's expansion to the M4 was achieved.

A supplementary report from the University of Bristol School for Urban Studies has suggested the possibility of a new South Gloucestershire taking in much of Stroud and Northavon.

We can now only await the interim Discussion Report from the Local Government Commission (due in June) – meanwhile the Local Councils south of the M4 will continue to co-ordinate their action.

Rev. David Parker 30/03/93
Vice President, Avon Local Councils Associations

Firstly I would like to thank the former Clerk to the Council, Mrs Jenny Hughes for her kind comments in the last Newsletter – she has made taking over the Clerk's task relatively easy by the meticulous way records were kept. I shall have some job to keep up the standard set. Thanks Jenny for all your help.

At the recent Budget Meeting of the Parish Council, the following grants were agreed for Local Organisations and will be paid shortly after the start of the new financial year in April.

The Council also agreed to again support the Playground Sub-Committee by allocating a further £3,500 during 1993/4 towards 18major refurbishment of the children's play area – this will bring the Council's total contribution to £4,500. I am sure the Village would wish me to thank the Sub-Committee for all the hard work they have put into this project.

The War Memorial is looking very smart these days – the Council was lucky to have a local person willing to quote for the job, Mr Keith Smith assisted by Graham Ogborne who re-painted the lettering – the amount of £675 was well spent I feel.

As I am sure you are all aware, from the notices distributed, the Parish Council held two recent and well attended Public Meeting and it seems that a great many of you want to see a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme set up in Charfield – those who attended the meeting will be contacted shortly – we haven't forgotten you.

The Parish Council has been busy collating its views on Local Government Reorganisation, the first part of the Review is now well underway and although your comments should have been forwarded to the Commission by 13th December, the Commissioners are still happy to hear from you – the address to send your views is: The Local Government Commission for England, Dolphin Court, 10–11 Great Turnstile, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC1V 7JU.

Northavon District Council has recently produced a tree planting/landscaping grant aid leaflet – this grant scheme is targeted towards private landowners and schemes which have no community involvement. If anyone is interested, further information and application forms can be obtained from Hilary Templar, Planning Assistant (Conservation) Northavon District Council, Castle Street, Thornbury Tel: 0454 41xxxx. Ext 3227.

Watch the noticeboards for the date of the Annual Parish Meeting to be held sometime during April.

Catherine Holmes
Clerk to the Council.

19

CENTENARY

CENTENARY NEWSLETTER 1 – MARCH 1993

This is the first of what is likely to be a series of such bulletins on our forth-coming Centenary celebrations which promise to be an exciting time for all those who are (and have been) involved with Charfield School.

We are aiming to celebrate the 100-up between this coming July (100 years from the laying of the Foundation Stone) and April 1994 (100 years from the opening of the present school).

A Steering Committee made up of teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and governors have been considering a whole range of suggestions and ideas for celebrating this special time. The following is a summary of what we are hoping to do!

Events

In addition to the above we are also hoping to arrange a “Promises Auction”.

We hope to involve as many former pupils and members of staff as we can throughout the year, together with local residents in an effort to make this time a community celebration.

Mementos

A whole school photograph, probably in place of class photos in April 1994.

School Christmas Cards and Calenders.

A Centenary Booklet (historical, informative, entertaining).

A Centenary Cake – for distributing at the Playground Party – any offers?!

Mugs and tankards for souvenirs.

20Projects

Already the Parent Teacher Association has begun earmarking funds towards a major project, the aim being to provide facilities which could benefit the majority of pupils.

The main project, therefore, is an ambitious one, namely to lay a new Junior Playground next to the Infant Playground, thus hopefully giving the older children access to ball games and other activities at playtimes. Part of the existing “front” playground could the be used as a “quiet” area for those who do not wish to run around!

The main project also includes the creation of raised gardens across the front of the school including shrubs and trees along the fence line, this giving a more attractive look to the school for all to enjoy.

Other projects under consideration are tree-planting in the school grounds, hopefully with grant-aid from Northavon District Council, the making and burying of a Time Capsule and re-siting and using the School Bell – possibly in the raised garden area.

I hope this first Centenary Newsletter has given you a flavour of what we are hoping to achieve. Clearly it will involve a great deal of effort by many people in organising, fund-raising, etc. but I am sure that, with the support of our school population and, hopefully, the wider community, we can make it a truly memorable Centenary!

Yours sincerely

C.F. Sreeves
Headteacher

The Reserve will be open on the afternoon of Sunday 20th June between 2.30 and 5 pm. Members of Avon Wildlife Trust will be available to show people round and to point out the special features of the Reserve.

The Reserve lies between the railway and the road past Huntingford Farm. Parking is a problem in these narrow lanes so please be considerate to others. Why not include a visit to the Reserve in a circular walk taking in Huntingford Mill as well.

Allan Burberry
Warden.

21

With the arrival of lighter evenings and the spring season it is good to get out in the fresh air again. We have twenty four boys now attending. There is not much to report in after the February period, in fact we have been rather stale recently. But with the sunshine comes growth.

A visit to Charfield Sewage Works is planned soon (which definitely beats watching the paint dry).

During our recent winter camp Ilze Hicks came and gave a presentation on her parents home country, Latvia. The cubs really enjoyed it. Do you have any information or knowledge you could present to us? If so please contact me. Would you like a work party of cubs to assist in a community project? We would be only to pleased to assist.

The football team and supporters are still getting over the excitement of a recent corner we won!!

Mike Cheskin
Akela

THE RECTOR OF CHARFIELD HAS NEVER REFUSED BAPTISM TO ANY CHILD FOR ANY REASON. THE RUMOUR THAT HAS BEEN SPREAD TO THE CONTRARY TOTALLY MISREPRESENTS THE RECTOR'S OPINION AND PRACTICE, AND DAMAGES THE IMAGE OF THE CHURCH

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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.

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Advertising

[Advert for Manor Hair Fashions]

[Advert for Treetops Carpets]

[Advert for Manor Fruiterers]

[Advert for Patrick McNally Builder]

24[Advert for Alan Hamer Driving]

[Advert for Harlequin Home Call]

[Advert for Dave Rumbold Tradesman]

[Advert for Joe Taylor Plumber]

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 25 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: 2017-01-19.