CHADRA

… that Avon Wildlife Trust require the loan of a dozen sheep from August to October to graze the Charfield Nature Reserve. Anyone got any pet sheep?

… that the feasibility of reinstating the weir above Huntingford Mill (using grant aid) is being looked at.

… the latest rumour that Crest Homes are proceeding with the railway footbridge installation.

… that the Hall Management Committee have decided to allow the fish and chip van back into the car park – if he wishes to come.

… that we shall be seeing an additional Tennis Court on the playing field – in time for Wimbledon, maybe?!

… that the traffic calming measures are set to be completed within this financial year (the end of March).

… that there is to be a Grand Village Spring Clean on Sunday April 2nd – weather (and enough helpers) permitting, presumably.

… that the Christmas tree recycling scheme was quite well supported and the trees are now mulching away on the newly planted corner of the playing field. Let's hope that next year a bigger compound will be needed – more trees = more mulch!

… that when the traffic calming measures are in place, the Parish Council are to consider the feasibility of Parish Cycleways.

… that most of the parents who have applied for free transport passes from Charfield to KLB school have been granted them. So keep trying!

… that the Parish Council have been unsuccessful in securing a site for a bus shelter opposite the Police house.

… that a smaller, slimmer phone book is on the way. The existing 3 books will be replaced by 7 covering Gloucestershire, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bath, and Swindon. The aim is to give us books which are easier to handle containing numbers that people use more regularly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
To all Our Readers
From
CHADRA & The Newsletter Team

2

[Graphic: PC reading a book]

Dear All,

Welcome to the first edition the CHADRA Newsletter of 1995. Happy New Year to you all.

Thanks to everyone who contributed during 1994 – Please keep the copy coming in '95!

Thanks also to the advertisers who support the Newsletter. They're all local businesses who are well worth calling – please mention the Newsletter if this is where you saw their ad.

The CHADRA team is as slim as ever (in numbers if not in individual waistlines!) and newcomers who would like to join in with the Newsletter team or distributors are always welcome!

Bye For Now
Mark Julian

Next Copy Date 12 April 1995

Geoffrey Blower, xx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Copy – Geoff, our Secretary, co-ordinates all copy for the Newsletter.

John Butler, xx Underhill Road
01454-26xxxx
Duplication – John handles physical production of the Newsletter.

Mark Julian, xx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Typesetting – Mark is Chairman and does the typesetting and advertisements.

Julia O'Connor-Beach, xx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Payments – Julia is Treasurer and deals with subscriptions & advertising payments.

Marion & Angela Smith, xxx Manor Lane
01454-26xxxx
Distribution – Marion & Angela organise distribution through a team of volunteers.

If you have any ideas for the Newsletter, or would like to get involved with its editing, production, etc., please give any one of us a call – we'll be happy to hear from you!

3[Advert for The Pear Tree Inn]

QUIZ NIGHT VI
Memorial Hall – Friday 3rd. March
Doors Open 7:30 for 8:00 start
Bar Open!
Teams of 4/5, £1 per member, please register with Julia 01454-26xxxx
Proceeds to Playground Maintenance Fund

[Advert for Kiosks]

4

The Good, The Bad And The Very Wet …

The turning of the year is an odd time, when the armchair gardeners such as myself, are wont to muse about both the triumphs and failures of the old year and glorious plans for the new.

Under the heading of horticultural triumphs, my own garden came up with a sparkling end to the year, with the help of the red and pink flowers of the Kaffir Lilies. This common name refers to an origin on the banks of mountain streams in South Africa, rather than their membership of the lily family, they are in fact a member of the Iris clan. Considering their background, a sunny patch of Charfield soil suits them remarkably well, probably because they like plenty of moisture through the summer months. Given this they will flower from late August until the first real frosts. Indeed, I cut the last of the 1994 crop on New Year's Day. Look for them under their botanical name of Schizostylis in bulb catalogues, as they will be ready for planting in February and March. Later in the Summer, pot-grown plants can be found in garden centres and nurseries. Schizostylis ‘Sunrise’ with its warm rosy pink flowers generally opens the batting in August and S. ‘Jennifer’ adds its much paler pink flowers the next month. The free flowering S. coccinea cheers the soul with vivid red spikes until winter truly arrives.

Whilst the Kaffir lilies revelled in the wet end to the summer, other areas of the garden didn't enjoy wind and rain quite so much. My roses did not seem to last very long in their autumn showing last year and many plans for tree and shrub planting were postponed as the rain continued. It is probably worth emphasising the point that through the winter months particularly, you should avoid working soil that is either waterlogged or frozen as the result will be long term damage to the soil's structure and drainage. This is a point that won't be lost on those living in the swampier parts of the village, like Woodlands Road, who continue to wait for a dry enough spell to plant this year's rice crop.

Give Foliage A Chance …

Spring planting schemes tend to concentrate solely on early flowers for their effectiveness. This means that many gardens miss out on the possibilities presented by the colourful new foliage of many deciduous shrubs. A good example is the bright yellow of the emerging leaves of the form of Mock Orange, Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’. The maturing leaves fade to a softer yellow-green, on a bushy shrub of 5 or 6 feet tall, with the familiar scented cream flowers in May and June. On a smaller scale try Spiraea x bumalda ‘Goldflame’, which grows to only 4 feet tall. Its new foliage starts out a bright golden orange, fading slightly before turning yellow in the autumn, again with a late summer bonus of a crop of dark pink flowers. Both plants will enjoy life in a Charfield garden, though the Philadelphus would prefer a slightly shaded position, as too much sun can scorch its leaves. The best way to display either shrub would be to use a simple backdrop of evergreen foliage, although the Spiraea works well in combination with red tulips.

Early Vegetables …

The end of the month is a good time to sow seed of many popular vegetables in pots, for an early summer crop. Large seeds of the peas and beans can be planted singly in 3 inch pots, whilst smaller seed should be thinned to one strong plant when they have germinated. A sunny window sill offering a minimum temperature of 70C will allow you to try Broad Beans, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Calabrese, Cauliflower, Leeks, Onions and Peas. Most plants will be ready to harden off or pot on into larger pots in four weeks time. Harden off the young plants by leaving them outside during the day (bringing them back in at night) for two weeks prior to planting out. You should be able to plant out the peas and beans in late March, but the rest will have to wait until late April or even May.

[Graphic: Shed with snow]

5[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Designs]

Both Mrs Ilse Hicks, our Administrator, and I have attended the half yearly meeting of co-ordinators operating in the catchment area of Police Inspector A Palfreman.

His is a wide catchment area covering the whole of Northavon north of the M4 motorway, but does not include the eastern sector such as Pucklechurch, Dyrham, and Hinton and so on, which is covered from Kingswood, Bristol.

At a time when many local communities are bemoaning the loss of their own resident policeman, one has to appreciate the constraints imposed by Police Budget cuts, which make it difficult to demonstrate a high visibility policing. In his wide area, the Inspector has 47 officers for 365 days in the year, a staffing less than some large comprehensive schools! In September 1994, the Home office published yet another booklet, this time one entitled “Partners against Crime”. It again emphasises the value of a local “Neighbourhood Watch” whereby people of a neighbourhood can together look out for one another and protect themselves and their property from crime. The booklet then refers to the possibility of a second partner, “Street Watch”, ie taking eyes and ears out on to the streets, with an emphasis on being sharp and observant when out and about, helping to block the opportunities for the criminal. At our recent Avon Co-ordinators meeting, the general consensus was not very supportive of such a quasi patrol mode, preferring the current basic approach of Neighbourhood Watch.

Then a third partner was that of a “Neighbourhood Constable” to bring visible foot patrols to neighbourhoods. This is seen as a follow-up to a previous brainchild of the Home Secretary for local Parish Councils to appoint and pay for a “Parish Constable”, whose legal authority would have been restricted.

The Avon Co-Ordinators meeting had the same reservation of the “Neighbourhood Constable” as it did over the “Parish Constable” and this view is shared by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary. It was agreed that the way ahead was to encourage instead anyone interested to join the already credited “Special Constabulary” – men or women, and these would be the ideal partners for Neighbourhood Watch. At the time of writing, a further political storm is erupting as Police Forces in the West face cuts in manpower, despite the unrelenting battle against crime. Avon and Somerset must make £2 million cuts to its proposed budget of £128 million, yet law and order is supposed to be a high priority.

50 years ago, with the ending of World War II, one was aware that the Home Guard had already been “stood down” as the threat of a Nazi invasion diminished. We in Neighbourhood Watch cannot yet be “stood down” indeed the time is for more vigilance, more local contacts and, for the Special Constabulary, more volunteers.

This year the AGM of Charfield Neighbourhood Watch is in the evening of March 30 at 7:00pm at the village hall. There will be notices nearer the date – so do come along and join in the debate.
(Rev) David Parker, Co-ordinator

Next Newsletter Copy Date – April 12 1995

6

Puzzle Page

7

Well, we can't say that Charfield doesn't get into the news – even if it's for a reason we don't like. Most people in Charfield will know that, shortly before Christmas, St John's Church received some unpleasant attention from a few young people. Candles from the candle brackets were disturbed, an old hassock was punctured and its contents were spilt and two figures in the Christmas crib display had their heads broken off. This is a sad, and slightly sick, thing to have happened and it seems even more so when we are limbering up with feelings of good-will and the warmth of Christmas is in our hearts. However, it has happened and we must draw from it what conclusions we can.

I prefer to think of it (as the press accurately reported) as a prank that got out of hand, rather than as a deliberate intention of spoiling the church at the festive season. If those responsible for our sadness and anxiety read this, they probably realise now, without being told, that it was a silly and unkind thing to do, as it made all those who heard about it unhappy and hurt, just at a time when we are all feeling especially kind and helpful towards one another.

It is not easy to understand why hurting and harming what belongs to other people can give pleasure to those who do so. What used to be called “the golden rule” seems to be forgotten: the rule that says, “do to others what you would like them to do to you”. That's one thing.

The other thing is the place where it was done – in Church. Not everyone goes to Church these days, but nearly everyone has a lingering respect for what the Church is really about. It is the place where god is honoured, worshipped, spoken about, and loved. It is the place where the presence of Jesus is promised to all those who seek Him. It is the place where any of us can meet others in friendship and helpfulness, as people have done in this parish for at least 500 years and probably a lot longer.

There should be a large degree of respect for a building, and for a movement (the Christian Church) that has been in our village for so long. And of course there is – a large amount of goodwill and moral support have been expressed as a result of this sad incident and I would like to express thanks to those who have done so. But may we use what has happened for us all to ask ourselves a few questions? What if our Church were no longer here in Charfield? Would we like a village without our Church? A serious question! If it depended on my love and support, would it be here? Have I ever looked inside it? Have I ever been to any event in it? There are baptisms and marriages and funerals to which many do come, so it seems to meet a need.

Perhaps more than any other question, one has been asked frequently recently: Will you be able to keep the Church open during the week when people want to be quiet, to pray, to think? I hope so. It is used in this way by quite a number of people and this is a very important part of the ministry of any Church to the community in which it is set.

You will notice that I have used the phrase several times, “our Church”. It isn't my church. Nor is it just the Church of those who come to the services. It is the Church of the whole community – a kind of “spiritual home” for all within the parish.

This leads me to suggest: will those of you who live near, and the many who pass it, please keep your eyes open for suspicious circumstances – who is going in and out, or any unusual events near or around it. If you pray, please say a prayer for it and its safety, and for those who minister there – they are there for you if you need them – don't forget! And If your heart prompts you to come and pray in it, or to come to a service in it – don't resist that prompting – you will be very welcome.

Some Churches may be larger, some may be more ornate, some may have a larger congregation. Some will have a more splendid organ, and so one could go on – but those who meet here are warm-hearted and friendly – that is very important; and we have and hold what makes any Church a true Church and worthy of our support, the upholding and presentation of the Gospel (the “good news”) as applicable to our daily lives, shedding light on life's meaning and the truth consistent with all other branches of modern knowledge (there are some who wrongly think that Christianity has somehow been disproved by modem knowledge). After all this, why not “Come in and see us some time”!

It was encouraging to see so many at our “Family Service” on the 8th of January. It is on the 2nd Sunday of every month (check the Notice Board at the Church) and it is for all the village: it's YOUR Family Service! A happy year to you!
Ken Grant, Rector

8

I was listening to the Round Britain Quiz, impressed by the knowledge of the contestants. Suddenly, I knew an answer. “What is a Shadoof?” asked Robert Robinson. “It's a long pole with a bucket on the end, used for raising water, Egyptian”, I yelled into the radio. I must have been about twelve when I learnt that. Isn't it brill what sticks in the old grey cells.

Our dear cottage has been suffering a leak at the end wall. I called in an ever-friendly builder who decided to replace the lead. Within 20 minutes, he asked for a plaster. He needed more than that. Finger wrapped in a tea towel, arm stuck in the air, blood dripping everywhere, I left the home unlocked, bundled him in the car and drove like an extra in “Casualty” to the doctors. While the bleeding patient was being attended to, I had to give details to the receptionist. “The patient is called Frank Ratcliffe and he cut off the top of his finger with a Stanley knife”, I explained. She proceeded to write “Mr Stanley Ratcliffe”. “Oh no,” I cried, “Stanley is the name of the knife.” She was not amused. Frank's finger was mended. I have told this story several times and end up shrieking at my wit! Not at the misfortune of my builder.

1995 commenced brilliantly with a “bit of a do” in the village hall. Credit where it is due, my Keith had this great idea. From this seed of thought, aided by great friends, good eats, marvellous festive folk, a wonderful party developed.

Now I know this piece is not of such epic proportions as some that have gone before, but nevertheless, I shall end by saying to those of you who feel you have not quite got to grips with a new year, neither have I. It may have been the effect of the G&Ts wearing off, but whilst gazing out at all the beautiful little birdies, I completely filled my damp teapot with teabags and not the caddie, as planned. After having flung the whole lot on the compost heap, I thought I could have salvaged the soaking mass and hung them out individually over the wood burner, to dry. At least the soil will benefit from this strong cuppa.

Have fun! Best wishes,

Marilyn

There is not a great deal to report since the last newsletter, it has been very quiet on the Parish Council front leading up to and during the Christmas period.

The Budget Meeting was held on 6 December when 14 grant applications were received and considered – 11 grants were awarded totalling approximately £1805. Letters have been sent to all applicants and money should be available in May/June.

I expect residents, especially those who attended a special meeting of the Parish Council re. traffic calming measures, are wondering what the current situation is. Avon County Council has just informed that a works order has been placed with Avon Construction for the long-awaited traffic calming scheme through Charfield Village. The Parish council has yet to have sight of the amended plans.

A number of complaints have been received about dog fouling, especially in the playing field around the children's play equipment. There are a number of diseases than can be passed to humans through contact with dog faeces including toxocariasis, which can cause a variety of disorders including stomach pains, liver damage and even blindness. Most dog owners are responsible and caring towards their pets, however, many people seem to be unaware of the nuisance which their pet may cause to other members of the community. So please be thoughtful about where you and your children exercise your dog – dogs are certainly not allowed anywhere on the playing field – and remember to take your poop-scoop bags with you. Two poop-scoop bins will shortly be installed by Northavon DC – one in Little Bristol Lane and the other at the Wotton Road end of Manor Lane. Others will be installed elsewhere if these are a success.

Regarding the site hut on Manor Lane, there is no further news to report except that the owner was given 14 days notice by Northavon District Council to either make the building safe or remove it. Unfortunately, he chose the former.

Please make a note in you diaries of SUNDAY, 2 APRIL. The Parish Council will be organising a major Village Spring Clean to coincide with Spring Clean Week, kindly sponsored by Mr M Burfield, commencing at 10:30. Letters will be sent out to all village organisations requesting their participation, but we hope that as many residents as possible, both young and old, will feel motivated enough to join in.
Cath Holmes, Clerk to the Parish Council

9

Since the last newsletter I am able to give some good and also some bad news.

Firstly, the good news is that at last we can shorten the Brownie waiting list and invite more children to join the movement thanks to our two new leaders. They are going to re-open the 1st Charfield Brownie Pack. Many thanks, Jackie and Pat. The unit will run on a Thursday evening from 5.30–7.00 pm at the village hall from 12 January 1995.

This now means that if anyone has girls between the ages of 7 and 10 years, you will need to contact either Jackie Phillips on 01454 26xxxx for Thursday, or Trish Cole on 01453 84xxxx for Wednesday, so that your daughter may be added to the relevant waiting list. May I remind some parents that some children are still on the original waiting list but didn't send the relevant piece of paper back to me by 10 December, so we don't know which list they need to put on.

Another very exciting thing has happened – a new Senior Section Unit has been formed to incorporate older Guides from Charfield, Wotton, and although as yet none from Kingswood, with two adult leaders. Thank you Rosemary and Angela, these girls are between 14 and 26 years and are finding the new programme very challenging and are working very well together. They even have a weekend in February planned away at Cowley.

Thanks must be formally recorded to the three ladies who ran the Rainbows until the end of October, but had to stop due to both pressure of work and family commitments. Unfortunately although I have tried to find some new leaders, as yet I have not managed to do so. This means that the unit is now suspended until further notice. It is always with great regret that this has to happen. However, if anyone out there feels that they may be interested in knowing a bit more about what it entails, don't hesitate to contact me.

In concluding, may I say how grateful I am to all my leaders who gave up precious time to run the units and give so much time to helping the girls to learn and enjoy themselves with all the challenges that guiding has to offer them.
Marion Smith, District Commissioner

Since our last report to the newsletter, the Brownies have been very busy. We had an end of year party with plenty of food and drinks. The Brownies, Guiders, and helpers were entertained by the “Wrigglers”. We all had our faces painted and played lots of games. All the girls went home with a goodie bag and presents, so I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves!

Hopefully Spring will soon be with us and we look forward to lots of fun outdoors. We hope to organise trips and outings, so any Mums who are willing to help, please don't be shy in volunteering your services …

Last, not least, I would like to say “Good Luck” to Pat and Jackie who have re-started the 1st Charfield Brownie Pack after a 2 year closure.
Trish Cole, 2nd Charfield Brownies

Open Mouth …

Did you hear the one about the Parish Councillor who, whilst helping to put up the Christmas tree outside St John's, asked a gentleman parked nearby if he had perchance a spade in the boot of his car which he could lend for 10 minutes? Yes, the gentleman did have a spade. He was a funeral director!

… Insert Foot

Northavon District Council Environmental Service Department are looking for communities interested in setting up Composting Projects. Information, advice, grants, and equipment will be made available to groups wishing to become involved and the nature of the projects will be flexible, allowing each group to determine how to operate its own project.

Green wastes that would normally be disposed of in the rubbish bin or burnt in the garden would be shredded and composted, saving space at waste sites and providing a valuable source of compost.

If you are interested, please telephone Gary Prestwich (Recycling Officer) at Northavon District Council, on 01454 41xxxx ext 3182.

10[Advert for Hamptons Leisure]

[Advert for Taylor Made Services]

[Advert for Travel Plan Taxis]

11

1994 was another very busy year for the Toddler group. A new committee took over at Easter and a few changes have been made to our Thursday sessions, for example, Play-Doh was introduced so those young modelling skills could be shown off and the morning ends with energetic singing (this wears the mums out, if not the toddlers!).

In the Summer we headed off to Weston-super-Mare for our annual seaside visit, which was enjoyed by all those who attended. In November we held a successful “indoor car boot sale” of children's cloths, toys, and baby equipment. Despite the dreadful weather, lots of people came to spend and went away with pre-Christmas bargains.

Our Christmas party in December was a big success with 53 children aged 0–3 attending with 33 adults. Our special guest was Father Christmas, who came to hand out the presents. With balloons, food, toys, and songs, not to mention the large raffle, it was a happy event.

Charfield seems to be a very fertile village at the moment, with lots of ‘bumps’ and new babies. If you have not been to the Toddler group before, may I take this opportunity to invite all under 3's and their mums/carers along. We meet at the Memorial Hall on Thursday mornings in term-time, from 1015 to 1130. The hall is laid out with a segregated baby area, to keep the very youngest and those taking tentative, wobbly steps slightly separate from those with more confidence. For the older toddlers, there are larger toys, books, a slide, ride-on toys, and the Play-Doh. Drinks and biscuits are served part way through the session for all. Each month we have a sale, e.g., Red House or Usborne books, Mischief children's Clothes, etc., which provides a useful service to parents and raises funds for the group.

We will be holding our AGM in March when a new committee will be formed. All are welcome at this meeting – for further information do please contact me on 01454 26xxxx, or Anne Mosley on 01454 26xxxx.
Michelle Dimes. Chairperson

Happy New Year to all Charfield residents from their WI.

We had a busy Autumn. At our own meetings we had a talk and slides on Gardens in Holland in September, Mr Everite talking about pot plants in October (he sold us some lovely plants for our houses and gardens) and we also had a bring-and-buy. In November we had Mrs Shaffer from Avon WI telling us how to make our WI fruitful and helping us with the AGM. December we had our Christmas party which was a very happy occasion. Members also attended a Carol Service in Bath Abbey, the Village Sing, Home Economics Day in Thornbury, a special open evening at Wyevale, the half yearly meeting at Weston-super-Mare, and played skittles with Kingswood.

This year we have Judith Harty demonstrating lace making; travels of our members in Canada; the Folk Companions who will dance for us; Mr Browning talking about Welsh Love Spoons; Mr Willis on Underground Worlds (perhaps you saw him on TV?); Miss Garston demonstrating home wine making; Lyn Young on Lingerie; and Mrs Yates on the Art and Craft of Decorating Eggs. We host the Group Rally and members hope to attend a number of other Institute meetings, birthday parties and outings, skittles and quiz evenings during the year.

We have just elected a new committee and the officers are: President, Mrs Mary Blundell, Vice-President, Mrs Pat Morris, Secretaries Mrs Guilda Ludwell and Mrs Pam Sowden, Treasurer Miss Barbara Curtis.

We meet on the 2nd Thursday in every month except August in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. We also have craft group on Thursday afternoons at a member's home. We are now 30 strong and hope that more ladies will come and join us. You don't have to join immediately – come and pay us a visit and see whether you like it first. Ring me on 01454 26xxxx for any further information or encouragement.
Mary Blundell, President

Next Copy Date – April 12 1995

12

First of all, a piece of bad news. Due to the rise in cost of living (mainly petrol) over the last few years, we are having to increase the cost of journeys to and from Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists, and Opticians to 15p a mile. We are very sorry about this, but needs must.

Now for the good news. We have received a donation from the Plough Inn as the result of their raffles and this money will be used to help the elderly if they require transport. Many thanks to the Plough and its clientele.

A happy, healthy, and prosperous year to everybody.
Muriel Blower

At the same time as “Little Bridge House” (Barnstaple, Devon) was being completed, our friends group in Charfield was busy fund-raising. December proved to be a great success. Our biggest event to end the year was our live band dance, featuring one of our local teachers – well done! For those of you unable to join us, you missed a great night – ask someone who was there! We raised £350 from the dance and grateful thanks go out to all those who helped and supported us.

Other people in Charfield were also busy raising money for us. Charfield School raised over £270 from Christmas concert collections, also £15.47 from a smaller group in school at their “Sound of Music” assembly production – great enthusiasm – thank you. I would also like to thank staff and customers from the Plough Inn who donated £100, Tortworth School for their Christmas Concert which raised £135, the Ladies Club for £50, and a generous friend for a donation of £50.

We now look forward to your support during 1995. So far, we have organised a Barn Dance on May 20th – details to follow – and we hope to see you in the Summer at Leyhill Harvest Day.

Little Bridge House is now in the hands of interior builders and decorators and will be ready for its first family on July 6th. Sightseeing visits are now being arranged if you are interested in a day out. In the meantime, if you would like to help or would like to know more about our group, please join us for a coffee at our next meeting in February at xxx Underhill Road.

May I take this opportunity of thanking you all once again and wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Hazel Stone, Charfield Co-ordinator

In a Parliamentary Answer on October 25, 1994, the Secretary of State announced that he was accepting the recommendations of the Local Government Commission for England, to abolish the County Council of Avon and establish four Unitary Authorities and that an order to this effect would be laid before Parliament as “The Avon (Structural Change) Order 1994”.

As many will already know, there will be elections next May for the new South Gloucestershire (ie former Northavon and Kingswood) Unitary Authority. It will, for twelve months, be a “shadow authority” but become the substantive Local Authority in May 1996. Also in May 1995, there will be Parish Council elections. As envisaged by the D of E Consultation Document, and also by the Reports of the Local Government Commission, the role of Parish and Town Councils will be even more important under Unitary Councils and delegated powers could be offered to those Parish and Town Councils (ie Local Councils) which feel they are able to accept them.

The Avon Local Councils Association is already in dialogue with the existing District Councils and the ALCA is already preparing a bridgehead of communication for the new “shadow” authorities.

Do therefore take an interest in the Parish Council elections next May by using your vote, or better still, by offering yourself as a candidate.
(Rev) David Parker,
Chairman, Avon Local Councils Association

Next Copy Date
April 12th 1995

13[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Happy Shopper, Open All Hours]

[Advert for Worktwice Ltd]

[Advert for Harlequin Homecall]

[Advert for Alan Hamer Motoring School]

14

The club has had an enjoyable three months with a speaker on road safety, a small harvest service, an auction ably run by the Reverend Parker, Mr Bath with his monologues and party tricks, a "bring and buy" afternoon, Mr Everett with beautiful slides on colour in the garden throughout the year, and a large collection of plants and bulbs for sale.

Jo Dangerfield and friends entertained with a Christmas theme, and outings to the Forest of Dean and Monmouth, Moreton-in-the-Marsh market, and Swindon for Christmas shopping were much enjoyed by all who went. The Christmas lunch was booked at the Rose and Crown, Brokenborough.

Meetings are held on alternate Wednesdays. Do come and join us!
M J Ealey, Secretary

The Autumn term over and have we all been busy! The Autumn Bazaar was a great success, thanks to all those who donated crafts, prizes, cakes, etc. and to those who came and bought. Then we had a stall at the Wotton Medieval Night, which was well attended. Not so well attended was the trip to see “Playdays” at the theatre, but those who went thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Then came the Christmas Carol trailer – thanks to all those who came out to support us, especially Father Christmas who walked the whole of the village, delighting all the children. Thanks to everyone who gave so generously and made the evening a great success. The children then had their Christmas Party, everyone had a lovely time and Father Christmas came to give each child a present.

In February, Playgroup is holding a Family Disco at Leyhill. We will also be holding the Grand Draw, so please support us by buying a raffle ticket (available from anyone with a child at Playgroup). Playgroup sweatshirts are now available in red or blue and if your child is at Playgroup or starting soon and you would like to purchase one, see Sally or Liz. To put your child's name down for Playgroup, please phone Lesley Frankham on 0453 84xxxx.
Michelle Brassington, Secretary

Well, the Christmas Family Amble was attended by one man and his dog. The rest of the faithful walkers stayed at home, in the warm. Due to the dreadful conditions underfoot, we chose to stay on the roads and completed a circuit of the village in a bracing, but not cruel, wind. Not much of a footpath walk, but pleasant for all that. I'll probably try another group walk in August. Watch this space.

I do have a message to our farmers: if you are planting maize in a field which has a right of way on its perimeter, let me know. Northavon District Council are considering the provision of manpower and equipment to clear these specific paths of invasive nettles/thistles/brambles. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!

Could I please ask the adoptive parents of rights of way to carry out their seasonal checks and report back? I worry if I don't hear anything from you.

Even if you haven't ‘adopted’ a path, do give me a bell if you have any problems with paths …

With kind regards
Julia M O'Connor-Beach, Footpath Warden

As yet, there is no committee of organisers for this year's fayre and time is running out. Many of those who have been involved in the past few years have had to step down for one reason or another, and those who are left wish their involvement to be limited.

If any of you would like to take responsibility for any aspect of the day, please, don't be shy, come forward. Every little helps – could you organise the gate marshals? could you organise the layout of the field? could you organise the sale of tickets? could you organise the children's tent? could you help in the information booth? could you organise the car boot sale? could you deal with publicity? could you put out rubbish bags on the day? There are many jobs, some smaller, some larger – there is certainly something that you could cope with! Please telephone Owen Griffiths (01454 26xxxx) or John Poskett (01454 26xxxx) and tell them what you would be willing to do.

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Puzzle Page Answers

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Calling all residents of Charfield, was the message in the Gazette;
On November 26
Many volunteers required –
Many plants to be put in the park …;
Up we go for nine o'clock;
Now, are we all ready then?
Instructions from the nursery-man;
Trowels, forks, and spades at the ready
Young and old turned out to dig.

Such a lot of familiar faces
Planting trees and shrubs and flowers
In the corner by the wall
Right good fun was had by all.
If you chance to wander by
There they are, for all to see.

The Bennett Family.

There is not a lot I can add to the above, other than to say that Charfield has the benefit of the path and landscaping, project cost (including labour) £4384.15, and has not had to spend a penny of its own money. There are funds available to those communities who are wining to put a bit of time and effort in. Thanks are due to the contractors involved, Wotton Tarpaving and Landcare, Avon Footpath Wardens John and Terry for their gate, the Naturally Northavon grant from Northavon District Council, the Rural Action Grant via Avon Community Council, Eddie Gadsby for his two year old manure (finest kind), Steve Bindon for the strimming, Tony Bullock for removing heavy debris, Mrs Hannigan for sorting out the wall rubble and, last but very definitely not least, all who turned out to help on the day of the planting – I am sure that those who use the path are grateful to you all.
Julia O'Connor-Beach

Once again putting up our Christmas tree was an hilarious event. Those lights don't fit there, up a bit, down a bit – now they have all gone out and the angel looks tipsy! By the way, did anyone find any holly with berries? I'm blowed if I could. In the end, I sought help from my good friend Mrs Webb, who kindly decorated some branches with red bows and glitter.

My sister and her husband kindly took me to Wotton Church early in December for a performance of Handel's Messiah, I really enjoyed it, but I don't think Margaret did, with Keith's bad back and my bad leg playing up. A whisper reached me every few minutes – "Will you stop fidgeting!", Pews are hard to bear sometimes.

Remember that Sunday School is at 11am, Family Service is on the first Sunday of each month, also at 11am. Communion is also observed after evening worship on the first Sunday of each month.

Thought from the Messiah – His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
Ruth

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Thanks to a recent donation, I am now the proud owner of a ‘Roneo’ printing machine, just like the one used to produce this newsletter. A kind gift and a valuable tool for the dissemination of information to the people who need it … You!

‘Community use’ were the words used to describe its purpose, so I intend to distribute a monthly update on policing matters which relate directly to you. It will be called ‘The COP Sheet’ (after the title of this article) and the first issue will be available in March, to mark my first year in Charfield. It will include details of opening times as I have been asked about this a number of times recently, as well as some of the ideas outlined below. If it catches on, and providing I get the appropriate permission, I hope to extend the idea to cover the many other villages and parishes under my ‘area of responsibility’.

Q: What will it contain?
A: What you would want to know about the place where you live from a police perspective, e.g. Were there any criminal activities in Manor Lane last Friday? Can you help the Police to identify the offenders? What car were they in? Were you affected? How to prevent crime? What initiatives are bound for Charfield? Some examples:

1. Rural Crime
   How you can help.
2. Speeding Motor Vehicles
   How big a problem is it?
3. Noise, Litter & Public Nuisance
   This is an increasing problem – that's official.
4. Crime Prevention Advice
   This would include things like bike coding and how to find reputable security advisers.
   … The list goes on …

One fact is clear: I need your help. Without it, the future is not bright. Don't look at problems as somebody else's.

Neighbourhood Constables,
Neighbourhood Watch,
Street Watch

In a recent Home Office publication named Partners Against Crime, a concept for the future of policing in rural areas was highlighted, featuring a three-tier system as above. THIS WILL AFFECT YOU ALL!

Copies should be available for wide distribution soon, if you don't already have one.

What does it mean? In my view, it is inevitable that Charfield in the future will need to rely heavily on the three tiers as the Village Policeman in every village is no longer viable – I already have the largest Police beat in area (but also one of the lowest crime rates. Is this a coincidence?) As I understand it, Charfield will be the last remaining village Police Station in Avon after March this year. I intend to continue as a village Constable, but I hope I'm not the last one in the force!
Constable James Stewart
Charfield's Own Police

Perhaps the most visible sign that the management committee continues to function is the erection of the gates at the car park entrance. Their purpose is to prevent lorries, etc. from using the car park for turning. In the past, such large vehicles have caused serious damage to the tarmac. Car access is via gaps to each side of the gates. Heavy vehicles with business in the car park will always be allowed access. A major benefit of the gate is that car drivers can no longer speed through the entrance, reducing the possibility of accidents. The next stage of car park improvement will be to mark lines which will be of great help when the car park gets full!

You may have noticed a fall in the temperature of the beer served over the bar. This is due to the new refrigerated bar store, which also helps cut down on waste. We hope to see its full benefit in the summer of 1995.

A note about the fish & chip van which was given a trial month's operation in the car park last summer. Things appeared to go well, but for one anonymous letter of complaint. However, police concerns about possible problems were raised and the trial was ended.

Fund raising and help is needed all year round to maintain the hall and fields, so please come along to the activities. After all, it's your amenity.

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Please send additions and modifications to Brendan O'Connor (01454-26xxxx) xx Manor Lane.

KLB = Katharine Lady Berkeley School
MH = Memorial hall
PTA = Parent Teacher Association
SL = Sportsman's lounge, Memorial hall

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Baby Sitting Circle
Lisa Tucker (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

British Legion
Mr J Poskett (Spokesman) 01454-26xxxx

Brownies
See under Scouts & Guides

CHADRA
Mr G Blower (Hon. Sec.) 01454-26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
C F Sreeves (Headteacher) 01454-26xxxx

Childminders
Theresa Wildman (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Miss M Turner (Sec) xx Charfield Green

Church – St John's C of E
Rev K Grant (Rector) 01454-26xxxx

Council – Charfield Parish
Catherine Holmes (Clerk) 01453-84xxxx

Council – Northavon District
Mr E Gadsby (Councillor) 01454-26xxxx

Cubs
See under Scouts & Guides

Football Club – Juniors
Tony Bullock 01454-26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Chris Somerton (Secretary) 01453-84xxxx

Guides
See under Scouts & Guides

Keep Fit Club
Mrs C Parfit 01454-26xxxx

Ladies Club
Mrs J Ash 01454-26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Mrs J Higgins 01454-26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Mr J Poskett 01454-26xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Gill Brown (Secretary) 01454-26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
Rev D Parker (Co-ordinator) 01454-26xxxx