CHADRA

… that Cliff and Rosa Gunning of Manor Lane have recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary?
    Such an event cannot be allowed to pass without an acknowledgement of the contributions Cliff and Rosa have made in to the life of the village, which include Cliff's service as Parish Councillor (also as Chairman thereof) and member of the CHADRA committee, and the many hours spent by Rosa cutting stencils for the newsletter without the assistance of any modern technology – just a typewriter.
    On behalf of all residents, we congratulate Cliff and Rosa on reaching their 60th Anniversary, thanking them for their services to the village over many years, and expressing the hope that there will be many more anniversaries to come!

… that several of the bulbs on the Parish Council Christmas tree outside St John's church were nicked? Perhaps Santa needed them for his sleigh.

… that policing in the village has improved with quicker response times and action against vandalism?

… that during heavy downpours there is flooding along Manor Lane near the infamous site hut? Perhaps it will be washed away one of these days. We can but live in hope.

… that the keys to the emergency access gateway between Hawthorn Close and Woodlands Road have now been given to the emergency services? Only four years late.

… that the Memorial Hall Management Committee has a new Chairman – Jane Hall?

… that Rev. David Parker has resigned from the Parish Council after 23 years of stalwart service?

… that the children's charity CLIC has awarded Worktwice of Charfield its Outstanding Business Supporter Award? Worktwice makes a contribution to CLIC for every used toner/inkjet cartridge it recycles.

… that the application made by Crest Homes for 175 new houses may be discussed by South Gloucestershire Planning Committee on March 19th?

… that the Millennium Committee wants to hear from you?

Read on inside …

2

Dear Reader:

A happy, healthy, and prosperous new year to you!

We have had cabinet re-shuffle at CHADRA – Joan Crowfoot now handles advertising as President of the Board of Trade and Barbara Adams is now Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasurer) – see below for contact numbers.

Some contributors get gold stars this time round for getting their copy in on time – others had to be reminded (no names, no pack drill) but delivered eventually, and others just didn't make it. Shame about that.

However, because the copy came in late, the stencils weren't cut within 7 days, and then John had to work a Saturday shift … and the newsletter came out later than planned. Copy arriving just one day late can have a knock-on effect of delaying the newsletter for a week. Remember, we all have to fit this very labour intensive job in our spare time, so have a heart, and PLEASE make a note of copy date. Always the 12th of the month, Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct.

If you can deliver your article on a 3.5″ disk, so much the better, but do label your disk so that it can be returned. Please just type the bare text – no formatting, just plain font and carriage returns allowed!

Best regards

Julia O'C

P.S. Jo – Will ye no come back again?

Next Copy Date – 12th April 1997

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

Joan Crowfoot, xx Wotton Road 01453 84xxxx
Advertising – Joan co-ordinates adverts.

John Butler, xx Underhill Road 01454 26xxxx
Duplication – John duplicates the Newsletter.

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

Barbara Adams, Warners Court, Wotton Rd 01454 26xxxx
Payments – Barbara is Treasurer and deals with subscriptions and advertising payments.

Julia O'Connor-Beach, xx Manor Lane 01454 26xxxx – types and cuts stencils.

3

At the beginning of July, I booked balloon flights for myself and twin daughters. After three cancellations, due to unfavourable weather conditions, the Bristol Balloon Company rang to say prospects were good for that evening's flight.

With my son-in-law and granddaughter as extra ground crew, we proceeded to Ashton Court. It was a brilliantly sunny evening and our excitement rose as the field gradually filled with vans and trailers bringing multi-coloured balloons of all shapes and sizes.

Our balloon was among the first to arrive and we soon met the pilot for our briefing and weight check. We were given blue ribbon armbands to wear. Everyone was expected to help in preparing the balloon, stretching its vast expanse flat on the ground ready to be inflated. As it filled with hot air, the balloon heaved and swelled like some enormous monster.

At this stage, the pilot asked me to crawl into the basket which was lying on its side. It might be undignified, but it would be easier for an octogenarian than climbing over the side when it was upright. There were four separate compartments in the basket to accommodate the nine passengers and a space in the middle for the pilot. I crouched down in the basket feeling like a dog in a kennel and gazing into the vast purple emptiness of the balloon, aptly named “Wookey Hole”.

Then the monster began to rise, dragging the basket upright, and I was on my feet clutching the rope handles whilst the other passengers, using the foot-holes, clambered in. The tethering ropes were released and we rose imperceptibly, unaware that we had left the ground until we realised that the people below us were getting smaller.

As we waved farewell, we saw other balloons, large and small, rising in the air around us. Soon the whole panorama was spread out below us: Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge, Temple Meads, Canon's Marsh, Bristol Cathedral, etc. There was no feeling of movement, just the occasional burst of hot air from the gas burners touching my head and shoulders.

We drifted over miniature townscapes – dolls' houses, toy cars, rowing boats, trains, glimpses of back gardens, swimming pools, a helicopter pad, sports fields with cricket matches and children playing. In the brilliant evening sunshine, visibility was so good that the two Severn Bridges could be seen clearly.

After about an hour of the ever-changing scene, it was time to look for somewhere to land. We were dependent upon where the air current took us: there must be no animals or people, no crops, no power cables, or pylons. Each time we saw a suitable field, we drifted away from it. The pilot was in radio contact with the ground crew following in the recovery vehicle.

Eventually, we started going down, following the pilot's instructions to face backwards with knees bent and holding the rope handles. With just a slight bump we were back on terra firma, only to hear the ground crew say, “You'll have to hop over the hedge. You are in the wrong farmer's field.”

We rose just enough to clear the hedge and then landed for the second time with a few more bumps. We had come down at Wick, where we could see the twin pillars at the entrance to Tracey Court. We remained in the basket until the balloon was tethered before climbing out, assisted by two Sir Galahads.

Then it was all hands to the balloon. Every bit of air must be forced out and the vast expanse of parachute material condensed into the size of a cabin trunk and manhandled on to the trailer. The basket was upended and loaded on to the vehicle. In the gathering dusk, we drank champagne and received signed certificates from the pilot. All agreed what a wonderful time we had had. A minibus took us back to Ashton Court, where a friend was waiting to drive us home. A never-to-be-forgotten experience.

What a pity I cracked my ribs as I got out of the car after such a memorable evening!

Mrs E N Dodd

Whatever next for Mrs Dodd? Hang-gliding in Snowdonia? Watch this space …

4[Advert for Martin Farrell garden design]

[Advert for Harlequin Homecall]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

As I waved goodbye to my mum at the station back in November, I had mixed feelings and, with a tear of sadness in one eye and one for joy in the other, I squeezed Martin's hand and realised I was on my way.

On my first day in hospital, I was told all about the Halo Brace – the monstrosity I was to wear for the next 12 weeks. After the doctors had finished explaining about the various tests, scans, etc., etc., I started to feel like the bionic woman.

When I woke in the intensive care unit, all I can recall is seeing two faces looking down at me and I was asking them to take away the pain. Of course, those two faces were Martin's and Mum's, and what could they do? Everything else was a blur.

When I eventually saw myself for the first time I didn't look anything like I expected. Shocked is not the word.

However, with all the lovely cards and flowers I received on my homecoming, Christmas cards and well wishes, there was enough to keep me going.

I have got used to the way I look now. In fact, I take great pride walking around with my Halo Brace – I like to think people can look at me and see where their money has gone. I may not be entirely cured yet, but I'm well on the way. After four trips to London and nearly £20,000 later, I feel it is only fair to show everyone the result.

To all you kind people I would like to say ‘thank you’, because after all you're the ones who have helped me get this far. I wish you all a very happy new year and hope the next year is going to be as good for you all as it is for me and my family.

Rebecca, Martin, and Rosina Lock

What a lovely surprise I had the other day! It came by way of a phone call from Chalford near Stroud. A gentleman telephoned to say a couple of years ago the Minister at Chalford had officiated at a funeral service in our church and was so impressed by the Church that, when the time came for them to replace their organ, he wanted their existing electric organ to come to Charfield.

5“I will deliver it for you.” he said. “I can get it in my Vehicle.” “No,” said I, “I will come and collect, we're so grateful for your wonderful gift to us.” I was thinking how Fred would love playing it in the group we have recently formed …

So off I went, and imagine my surprise when I found it was a full blown electronic organ with a cockpit like Concorde! “Fantastic,” I said, “what a difference it will make to the group.”

You see, we have been asking for a drummer, now, praise the Lord, with the percussion sound and all the other instruments available on this machine, our Lord has certainly supplied our need. Well, the minister kindly delivered the organ and I cannot wait to hear Fred play it, with Paul on piano and yours truly on guitar. A warm invitation to you all to join with us on Sundays.

Chapel Services: 3pm during winter months.
Family Service: 1st Sunday in month at 11am.
Sunday School: 11am every Sunday.
Bright Hour: alternative Tuesdays.
Good Friday: Choir from Kingswood.

Philip Hopes
Minister, Congregational Church

We had our Christmas dinner in the Village Hall which everyone enjoyed and then we were entertained by Greg Suggitt.

We had hoped for new committee members to join our present committee, but, unfortunately, no one has volunteered as yet and I regret I have to say that, unless we have at least 5 new committee members, this year's Christmas dinner will be our last meeting.

If anyone is interested, please contact me on 01454 26xxxx.

Please refer to the Village Diary for our planned events.

Margaret Gargett

Margaret has sounded the call – now is the time for all good Charfield Ladies to come to the aid of the Club …

Once again I ask for your help to give the patients in our hospital in Romania a better quality of life.

Last year, we were lucky to have a 42′ truck and driver sponsored for us, which was filled with equipment and clothes for the patients and children of Mina I Mai. The bad news was that it was held up for six days on the Romanian border in temperatures of 34°C and our first team only had time to unload the truck at the village before returning to England the next day.

The second team, of which I was a member, managed to achieve a good deal of work, including the laying of a new school floor and setting up a dental surgery in the hospital. Most patients have never received any dental care and suffer a great deal of pain. We are employing a Romanian dentist who will start work as soon as we can get the rest of the necessary equipment out to him (we still need needles and anaesthetic capsules).

It was good to renew our friendships with patients and nursing staff. Romania has some beautiful countryside and on our days off, we enjoyed picnics, barbecues, and walks in the mountains. We also visited one of their many castles.

The children were very enthusiastic when we taught them English games such as rounders and bingo. They have very little in the way of material possessions and were thrilled to win prizes on ‘Sports Day’.

The patients live in very dingy, cramped conditions – many still sleep two to a bed. Gifts of toiletries and nightclothes make their lives more pleasant and, once again, we are collecting pyjamas, nighties, dressing gowns, slippers, or soft shoes. If you can help, these will go out in March.

The village Mums were more than grateful for the warm winter clothes collected last year – not least by our children of Charfield School. If you have any outgrown winter coats, etc., for children 4–11 years, please give a ring.

Thank you again for all your help.

Wendy Stevens
01453 84xxxx

6[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

First Impressions …

I cannot help but think that 1996 has been the year of the Front Garden. The number of design commissions arriving at the Potting Shed relating to Front Gardens is certainly greater than previous years. Whether this will turn into a recognisable trend is difficult to predict, but I would like to think that gardeners are becoming more aware of the potential the Front Garden holds.

It has always puzzled me why we gardeners save the best floral displays for only ourselves to see by hiding our horticultural light in the back garden. The same gardener, this time in the guise of proud householder, would surely die rather than leave the front door unpainted and windows grubby.

The first impression made by the front garden makes an especially important part of the image a visitor brings into the house. First impressions here, as in other walks of life, are always important.

It may be that it is the non-horticultural design problems which cause such a fear of tackling the front garden. After an access to and from the house and garage usually mean that the scene is dominated by swathes of paving and tarmac. Such areas will always benefit from the softening effect of plant foliage to blur the boundaries and make the picture less harsh.

Having said that plants can improve the picture, always have an eye to the practical. A path too overgrown with foliage can convey the opposite effect, reducing the pathway to a mean overshadowed alley, not the open and welcoming picture you planned.

Always allow plenty of room around parking areas and avoid planting thorny plants where you need that extra room to take out the shopping or get granny from the car. If you are planting near a parking space or a narrow path why not choose plants which you may actually want to brush against. In a sunny site Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme will all stand up to occasional knocks, as well as scent your progress to the house.

Another important area to consider in the front garden is the importance of selecting a strong framework of evergreen plants to carry the garden right through the year. Although a mainly evergreen garden will lack the floral fireworks of an herbaceous border in mid-summer, it will still look smart and complete in the depths of winter.

Wrap up Warm for Winter …

Bleak February days do not only call for gardeners to wrap up against the cold, many plants will benefit from a similar kindness.

A generous mulch of bark chippings or garden compost, 3 / 4 inches deep, over the crown of plants such as hardy fuchsias will help deflect the worst of the frost by holding warmer air near the ground. Take care to watch for damage to new shoots if a slug or snail also decides to over winter beneath this bark duvet.

7Plants living all year in pots and containers are especially vulnerable to frost damage. Indeed normally hardy plants may succumb simply by having their roots exposed to penetrating frosts in this way.

Standing potted plants out of the wind and against a house wall will boost the temperature by a few degrees. Similarly ensuring good drainage by lifting the pot onto pieces of tile or some of the specially designed “feet” available in garden centres will reduce the risk of frost damage and of drowning.

The Most effective step is unfortunately the most unsightly as well. Wrapping the pot and base of the plant with either bubble polythene, used to insulate greenhouses and wrap parcels, or roof insulation material will help the plants withstand several degrees of frost.

It's Planting Time …

If your pots and containers are standing empty at present why not plan ahead for a spectacular summer display of flowers and scent by potting up some lily bulbs.

The cream trumpet shaped flowers of Lilium regale can be relied upon to give a good display, with heavily scented multiple blooms standing some three or four feet above their pot.

Lilium martagon has smaller flowers in shades of purple and plum and a much subtler scent. This lily will stand more shade and will self seed once established in a border.

A twelve inch diameter pot will hold up to five bulbs planted six inches deep in a soil based compost mixture such as John Innes number three. The soil base of this compost will add valuable weight to the pot to prevent it tipping up as the lilies gain height. Water well and stand the pot where it will have at least some shade.

When the lilies are about to flower they can be moved to take up a more prominent position in the garden, perhaps alongside a patio or as a pair of pots stationed at each side of the front door?

Martin Farrell is a Garden Designer & Lecturer who lives and gardens in Charfield.

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for JT Domestic Cleaning Service]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle beauty]

8

Puzzle Page

9[Advert for Medway Designs bridal]

With over half the season behind us, the club has enjoyed mixed fortunes, with the current positions of the 4 teams as follows:

	Won	Drew	Lost
Under 12s	1	1	14
Under 14s	5	1	5
Under 16s	1	0	10
Old Boys	11	2	3

All the teams hold weekly training sessions and any boys interested in joining the club should contact the team managers:

U12s	Martyn Hill	01453 84xxxx
U14s	Steve Pound	01454 88xxxx
U16s	Brian Lovegrove	01453 86xxxx
Old Boys	Chris Buckley	01453 84xxxx

Plans are well advanced for the U12s' and U14s' and parents' visit to Esslingen (near Stuttgart) to play football and renew old friendships. We leave Charfield by coach on Friday 23 May and return on 28 May. We have established close ties with the junior section of the Waldenbronn Club with the boys staying with their German hosts.

On Friday, 28 March, we are holding a quiz night at Leyhill Officers' Club. If you want to enter a team, please contact me for details.

Mike Higgins (Chairman)

Gute Reise, Glück beim Fußballspielen, und, vor allem, viel Spaß wünschen wir Euch!

[Advert for Kiosks]

The 1st Charfield Rainbows are going very well – at the end of last term they made some splendid table decorations for their parents and had a lovely party.

This term, we are going around the world! Rainbow Groups are held in many countries but they go under different names, such as, in South Africa they are called ‘Teddies’, in Australia, ‘Gumnuts’, in the Netherlands, ‘Beavers’, and in Eire they are ‘Ladybirds’. We hope to give our Rainbows an insight into how other people live.

By the time you have read this, we will have held a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale on 20 January and hope to have raised some vital funds for their worthwhile cause (to fight leprosy).

‘Thinking Day’ happens in February and Wotton District are holding an event in Kingswood Village Hall. Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides will do craft from different parts of the world.

Finally we were wondering if anyone is interested in starting another unit. Our unit is so popular that a lot of the girls on the long waiting list will not be able to join until their sixth birthday. It would be such a shame for them to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity. It is fun to run a unit and if anyone is keen, please ring me or the District Commissioner, Francis Baker (01453 84xxxx)

Judith Wenman

Does anyone know what a ‘Gumnut’ is?

10[Advert for Barbara Ealey dressmaker]

It may be of interest for you to know that the Newsletter came of age last year! Yes, it was back in 1975 (at least I think it was 1975 as the first Issue wasn't dated!) that it, ‘hit the news-stands’. Did those pioneers secretly hope that it would still be with us in much the same format after 20 odd years?

Luckily, a complete set of Newsletters still survives and a couple of articles which are perhaps worthy of thought and still relative now caught my eye recently. Incidentally, did you know that Captain Mark Phillips lived in the village for a while and was actually christened in St. John's church?

In April 1979, the Editorial ran thus …

“Judging by the cheer that went up as the Brickworks chimneys came down there were few regrets at their passing. Even those who remember with nostalgia the good old days, when most of the inhabitants of Charfield found their work as well as their homes in the village, will admit that those days are past. And in comparison with some of those old days, Charfield is now thriving – unlike some of its near neighbours.

“But those of us who work in Bristol and the other towns and see Charfield as a haven from industrialisation and suburbanisation should respect those aspects of the country scene which attract us. Local industry is part of that scene, although it need not intrude on anyone and agriculture is still the largest single local industry.”

Similarly, in April 1981, the following article appeared …

“Since the closure of Charfield Railway Station in January 1965, the Bristol Omnibus Co. has provided the only public transport service through the village, currently 28 buses a day (14 each way on a Bristol–Gloucester service). Because Avon and Gloucestershire County Councils have decided to reduce their support in real terms to the Company this service is to be substantially reduced. Under revised proposals there will be NO Sunday service. There will be 13 buses to and from Bristol (with) 6 to Gloucester (Mon to Fri) and 4 on Saturday … villagers who do not have direct access to a car would find themselves more isolated.”

In many ways these articles have their parallels today. Many of us ‘new’ villagers never saw the Brickworks – Farm Lees, and more recently Longs View, is simply part of the village. Charfield has grown dramatically and the majority would now say ‘enough’. That debate will be ongoing for some time yet, but if we are to preserve village status we should all be wary of ‘overgrowth.’

Similarly, the bus service has declined even further since 1981. Could there ever have been a stronger case for re-opening the station? How many people travel to the other end of the world (Coaley) to catch a train? Not all that many. But how many people would actually prefer to travel by train to Bristol, Gloucester and beyond if the facilities were available here in the village?

Pipe dreams? Who knows? Time will tell.

David Woodhouse

Let's have a debate: where is the station going to be? Not on the old site – M J Fews Ltd owns the surrounding land. Where is the car park going to be? How will the additional traffic to the station from the surrounding villages be handled? Won't an open station guarantee large scale housing development? Letters, please.

11

DO IT NOW!

• Cut out this page and turn it over
• Fill in the form
• Put it through the letterbox at any of the addresses at the bottom of this page

WHAT NEXT?

• Charfield Millennium Committee will take your views into account
• The Committee will draw up a short list of events and projects to consider in detail
• We will publicise the short list so that you can comment again
• We will home-in on the events and projects which are both practicable and supported

John E Acton
Millennium Committee Chairman.

Post your form to any of these addresses:

xx (not xx) New Street
xx Manor Lane
xx Underhill Road
xx Berkeley Close
xx New Street
xx Manor Lane
xx Underhill Road
xx Charfield Green

12CHARFIELD MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE

Please let us know your preference for the millennium celebrations.

Mark the options below: 1 for first preference, 2 for second preference, and so on, as far as you want to go.

Please write down any other suggestions you have for events or projects:    

Which projects could/would you help with? (quote the letter reference)    

Your name and address:    

Thanks for your help.

13

First, I would like to wish all fellow tennis players a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Nicola Coleman and I have lived in Charfield with my husband Tim for about two and a half years. I am very active and undertake many sporting activities including playing tennis, badminton, and attending aerobics classes. I have recently become secretary for the Tennis Club.

The club has recently spent around £4,400 on the resurfacing of the court and we have applied to both South Gloucestershire Council and the lottery for extra funding to enable work to be undertaken on the fencing surrounding the court.

Membership lasts 12 months and is renewable every April. Current fees are: family £35, adult £15, Junior £6.

New members are welcome and can join the club by contacting me on 01454 26xxxx.

Nicola Coleman

Our last major event to have taken place was the annual Bonfire and Firework display, which was in danger of being rained off! Early morning on Saturday November 2nd brought a downpour, and by late morning it was STILL raining. The field at Coombe resembled a quagmire, making setting-up more difficult.

Our bonfire Chairman David Primrose wore a worried look and kept disappearing to get updated weather reports. By early afternoon a decision had to be made as we sheltered from the deluge, namely should we postpone? In true Wotton Table fashion we soldiered on with the event as planned rather than disappoint.

Many hardy souls still turned up as the rain left off at last and a reduced profit to show for it. This goes into our Charity account to provide assistance for the local community. The Bonfire is usually a team effort, thanks to the assistance of 41 Club, Ladies Circle and Tangent.

Our ‘Fix-it’ campaign is gaining momentum, with a work party clearing weeds at a children's home in Stroud amongst the help needed. We also took a party of pensioners Christmas shopping in Bristol, with a belated pensioners' Christmas party due soon. Please let me know if you have any fix-its for us to consider.

Our 1996–97 Table year will come to a close in April, with the Dartathon due to be held on March 11th after last year's success. The pubs in Charfield will be approached again and thank you for your support.

Christmas brought the sad news of the passing of Freda Redman, wife of Tom, who has allowed Table the use of their field to run our Bonfire event in recent years. The thoughts of Table, 41 Club, Ladies Circle and Tangent are with Tom and his family at this time.

John Francksen

[Advert for Charfield Post Office & Londis Latestore]

14

The recent cold weather has made life harder for everyone. On livestock farms, the biggest problem has been keeping water pipes running for stock still outside or in buildings with poorly laid out pipework. Any pipework above ground has been prone to freezing, and days have been spent in the constant battle to ensure water supply. Cattle and sheep are able to cope with the cold, as long as they have food, water, and some shelter from the wind.

The hard ground has given many farms an opportunity to spread FYM [farmyard manure] and slurry onto grass and fields intended for spring crops.

Maize for silage probably covers the largest area of spring planted crop on livestock farms in this area, and provides more than 50% of the winter forage on many dairy farms. Its use at the expense of grass silage in recent years is due to the availability of new varieties better suited to our climate.

Maize's principal advantages are: single harvest (grass is cut as many as four times); lower fertiliser costs, as FYM can provide most of maize's requirements; it performs better than grass in drier summers; it provides variety for the cows' diet – a change from grass silage. I know I'd get bored with baked beans for breakfast, lunch and tea – why should cows be any different?

Now all the leaf has gone from our hedgerows, it is nice to see some traditional hedge laying being done as well as mechanical trimming. It is a little like ploughing a straight furrow across a field – you can easily see the fruits of your labours and you get a feeling of satisfaction from doing a job well as you stand back and admire your work.

In recent years, codes of good practice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and various wildlife and conservation bodies have put restrictions on when we can start and finish trimming. It is also recommended that trimming should, in some situations, only be done every second or third year to improve the provision of shelter and food for wildlife.

Finally, it is always nice to start the new year as the days draw out and the nights get shorter. Spring, we hope, is not too far away, as the forage barns are starting to empty …

From a local farmer

[Advert for Charfield Flowers]

Of course she did!

It took a while to pluck up the courage to book my day at the Castle Coombe School of Driving – but after listening to endless stories from my two sons about their experience at Castle Coombe and XR2i and Golf GTIs and revs., etc, I decided it was time to put a woman driver in the hot seat!

We set off for Castle Coombe on a dry sunny day but I still wasn't convinced I wanted this ‘present’ they had bought me! But once we had arrived I had booked into the Briefing and listened to all the information and jargon from the Instructor, I was quite keen to get out amongst the ‘boy racers’ (18 of them – and two ladies).

The instructors take pupils two at a time in their XR2is round the circuit to show you how to negotiate the bends and how to handle a car. It was a bit hairy and I clung on for dear life in the back seat! Then it was my turn to drive the XR2i around the circuit, listening to my Instructor and trying to take the bends correctly (not as easy as it looked). He made notes and comments all the way round to make sure I was ready to take the controls of the Formula Ford.

I had to wait to be fitted into the car and even with 3 inches of foam behind me I could just reach the pedals. So in an almost horizontal position and my crash helmet securely fitted, with a few last minute instructions I was ready.

15It took a couple of laps to get used to the tiny gear stick and the gate on the right had side, not at all like an average Ford gearbox. On the third lap I was getting the hang of it and even managed a wave to Dave on the back straight. By now I was beginning to enjoy it – with the wind in your face and only 3″ from the ground you get a real feeling of speed. I got up to 10,000 revs (there was no speedo). Soon the chequered flag was calling me into the pits and after a quick photograph we were back in the classroom for the debriefing.

The Instructors went through the scoring sheets and I was able to hold my head up high amongst the boy racers! I wanted to get back in and do it all over again – I can see how you could get hooked on motor racing – it was a wonderful experience.

I haven't heard my lads say ‘Oh, women drivers!’ recently!

Pat Waring

[Advert for Positive Pressure]

Since the last Newsletter I can report on the following:

Proposed Residential Development – Wotton Road:

The Parish Council was delighted with the response from residents following the publication of the last Newsletter. Just over 300 people attended the Public Meeting, held in the Memorial Hall on 23rd October 1996, and voiced strong opposition to the Outline Planning Application submitted by Crest, to build approximately 175 houses on 17 acres of land, off of Charfield Hill.

At a subsequent meeting, members of the Parish Council supported this view, and a lengthy submission was sent to South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), (a copy of which can be found on the public notice board in the car park of the Village Hall).

Can I take this opportunity to thank you all for the copy letters of objection sent to SGC, sixty in all have been received so far.

The information received from SGC Planning Department today, 12th January 1997, is that this outline application is unlikely to be discussed and decided by the South Gloucestershire Development Control Sub-Committee, until the 19th MARCH 1997.

It is therefore not too late for you to forward your comments, if you have not already done so. The case officer is now a Mr Stephen Cummings, the address is South Gloucestershire Council, Castle Street, Thornbury, BS12 1HF.

Letters can also be sent to the eleven individual members of the Development Council Sub-Committee, again their names and addresses can be found on both public notice boards. Please keep your eye on both boards for any change to the date of Sub-Committee meeting, it may be altered.

Some residents expressed an interest in attending the meeting to put forward their views, please do not forget if you wish to do this you need to give three clear days notice of this intention, to the Committee Secretary, Corina Haskins, at the Thornbury address. There is a time limit of 5 minutes on any presentation! The Parish Council will be sending a representative.

Resignation:

I have recently received the resignation of Rev D Parker as a Parish Councillor. Although full Council will not be aware of this until they meet on January 14th, I am sure they will wish me to thank you David, for your past services to the local community, and for all you have done during your twenty three years on the Council, I thank you 16also for the help given to me personally.

This resignation now leaves a vacancy on the Parish Council. SGC will decide on 27th January 1997 whether an election will be held, in which case you will be notified. If there is no election, the Parish Council will co-opt a replacement – if you are interested in becoming a member, please put you name forward for consideration.

Written applications to be sent to either the Chairman Mr D Booth, xx Charfield Green or the Clerk, Mrs C Holmes, xxxx, Nind Lane, Kingswood, Wotton-Under-Edge, Glos. by 7th February 1997. If you require further information please contact the Clerk on 01453-84xxxx.

Grants to village organisations:

At the Budget meeting held on December 3rd the Parish Council awarded grants to Village Organisations totalling £1,678.18. Grants will be sent out during May 1997. At this meeting the Parish Council also set the annual precept for 1997/1998 at £14,000.00.

Golf on open space land:

A number of people have been regularly practising golf on open space land, especially the area between Woodlands Road and Manor Lane. The Parish Council considers golf practice on open space land to be extremely dangerous. I would like to receive the name of anyone you know and see playing golf on open space land.

Death of former councillor:

It was with sadness that the Council learnt of the death of former Councillor and resident of Charfield Green, Bill Clothier during last week. Bill left Charfield early in 1996 to be closer to his relatives in Portishead. Condolences are sent to his family.

You are invited to attend any Parish Council meetings which are held on the second Tuesday of each month, commencing 7.15pm in the Sportsman's Lounge, Charfield Memorial Hall.

Catherine Holmes
Clerk to the Council

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

(Omitted in error from previous issue)

We are now approaching the end of our second year as 1st Charfield Brownies and a very enjoyable one it has been.

At the beginning of the year, we were busy rehearsing a play called “The Spoilt Princess”, taken from the Brownie Magazine, which we performed for family and friends in April. Each girl had a part to act, sing, dance, or an instrument to play, and so received their Jester Badges at the end of the evening. It was hard work, but very rewarding.

We also went to see the pantomime “Dick Whittington” at Leyhill Theatre, which we all enjoyed so much we have booked again for next year.

Our summer trip was to Oldown where the Brownies went on a nature trail, fed the lambs, milked the cow and learnt folk dances – another very enjoyable day.

At the end of July, we sadly said goodbye to Jackie, our Brown Owl, who has opened a new Brownie pack in another district. We all wish you the best of luck, Jackie. Pat is now Brown Owl and hopes to have a new Tawny Owl to help her soon.

Back in September, Lyn Edwards, ran a 4 week First Aid Course, to teach the girls basic first aid for their badges. Although a serious subject, there was a light-hearted side watching the girls bandage each other up!

17If any little girls would like to join us when they are 7, Thursday nights, 5.30–7.00 pm, please ring Pat to join the list [see back page].

Pat Loveridge
Brown Owl

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! Since our September relaunch, we now have ten members who all work and play together as a good team, we have been Jesus' flock and made sheep masks (mine looked more like a pig) and been chased by all sorts of wild animals, we have learned about creation and Noah and made puppets to walk into the ark, we have been Roman Centurions, we have had a puppet show and Zacheus gave away all his money (which we ate afterwards) then we each made puppets to hide up a tree, we have copied the early church and had our meeting in a tent telling stories, singing, and eating a picnic, and so much more.

At the Christmas Carol service we performed a Nativity Play and the applause brought the house down. The children took their parts brilliantly and I was grateful to Jodie for holding my hand when I was having an attack of stage fright. Our next production is a closely guarded secret!

In the coming weeks, we will be thinking about the world's resources and learn about and appreciate our beautiful world through experiments, games, and crafts. We hope to go on some field trips and expeditions when the weather gets better. Our Church isn't just the red brick building on the Wotton Road – it is wherever two or three of us are together. There is an unlimited wealth of things to discover out there, so much that God has given us, we'll have a brilliant time as we find out as much as we can!

Thank you for all your support and encouragement over the last few months, and special thanks to the parents and children who have shown so much enthusiasm every week – I really look forward to Sunday mornings now – I wouldn't miss them for anything! If you are interested in joining us, please contact me –

Lyn Sargent 01453 84xxxx
(Congregational Church)

[Advert for Sue Trowell chiropodist]

Following the death of our Chairman, Mr Orton, the meetings were run very ably for a few weeks by Mrs Woodlands. Mr Bert Carter has now agreed to take on the job.

Recently, we all enjoyed our meal at ‘Harry Ramsden's’ which was followed by a tour round the Chew Valley Lakes. A coach trip was arranged to visit the market at Moreton in the Marsh, and the weather was fine for a change.

For speakers, we had Mr Hemmings who gave a sparkling performance on his keyboard and Charfield's own local gospel singer Mr Chris Moody entertained members with his country and western style gospel songs. Rev. Parker at the December meeting gave a short service of carols and Bible readings. A Christmas meal was booked for 19 December.

The Friendship Club meets every two weeks (starting 8 January).

M J Ealey (Secretary)

Copy Date 12 April

18

Puzzle Page Answers

19

As we start another new year, I would like to thank all the parents and friends of the school who have given support over the past twelve months.

We celebrated the end of term in December with a packed drama hall for the year 7 and 8 pupils' Christmas disco. During the evening the grand draw took place and the main winners were from Old Sodbury, Hawkesbury Upton, and Uley.

Proceeds from the ticket sales were the highest ever and combined with the profits from the disco fund have been boosted by more than £1,600. This money will be used to support deserving causes and departments within the school.

What have we organised for this year? Well, we are planning to hire Wotton Town Cinema again when a suitable film is on offer. The Pupils Quiz will take place on 7 February – an enjoyable evening for all pupils from years 7–13.

On 18 April, we will have an Adults Only pub style quiz when we can cast our minds back to music and events of the fifties to the eighties.

On 14 May, we have a fashion show provided by Shimdilick of Wotton and New Look of Yate. 14 June will see a return of the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, giving an open air concert, provided the weather is fine. Last year's concert was very enjoyable and much better than sitting inside on a lovely summer's evening. If you have a love of the Big Band sound then come along. The GYJO has a reputation for excellence and always provides a good concert.

If anyone would like any further information about any of the above events, or anything connected with the PTA or school, please give me a ring.

Margaret Clarke (Chairman)

Thank you everyone who attended our Christmas party and to all who have supported Mothers & Toddlers throughout the past year. I hope everyone enjoyed the festive season.

Entering the new year, we start our campaign for new committee members as our AGM is fast approaching on March 4th. Our group is run solely by volunteers and I am sorry to say on occasions in the past it has been difficult to form a full committee of twelve. This year, many of the existing members (including myself) will be leaving as our little ones move on to playgroup.

We meet once a month (usually evenings) to sort out a rota to set up the toys for our weekly sessions, washing-up, etc., and have a chat and a glass of wine. Events are arranged throughout the year for both adults and tots, so it's a nice chance to socialise. If you are new to Charfield, it can be a way of meeting the villagers!

So PLEASE if you can spare some of your time to help out, it will certainly be appreciated and will ensure that the group will prosper in 1997!

A special thank you to Rose Woodward who helps us each week serve the refreshments, and to Mel Bain who kindly stepped in as Chairman in September.

Finally, may I wish everyone in the village a very happy new year!

Jennie Vick, Secretary

A man (let's call him Fred) found a young barn owl in his fields. It couldn't fly so he took it home and placed it on a beam in his barn, where the owl settled itself, fluffed its feathers, and dozed off.

Later the same evening, our hero went to check on the owl and saw with horror that a rat was making its way along the beam towards the bird. He quickly ran back to the house to fetch his .357 Magnum pistol, which he used at his local shooting club. He aimed the weapon at the rat and pulled the trigger. The noise was deafening. He missed.

The bullet left a large hole the size of a dinner plate in the roof. The rat fell off the beam in shock and, looking for safety, ran up Fred's right trouser leg. Fred panicked, and grasped his leg just above the knee with both hands in a desperate attempt to avoid a personal catastrophe. The gun was accidentally fired. The bullet, travelling at over 3000 feet per second, made a neat hole in his new steel tipped boot, removing his big toe cleanly at the first joint.

That's life.

20

A Happy New Year! Happily this may be the last contribution which we, the churchwardens, will write as our new incumbent will be well established before copy of the next issue is due.

You may have noticed that work is well under way at the rectory which is being refurbished ready for the arrival of Robert Pestell and his family in February.

His institution will take place on Thursday February 27th. The service begins at 7.30 pm and he will be licensed by the Bishop of Gloucester and installed by the Archdeacon of Gloucester. After the service, refreshments will be served in Charfield Primary School Hall made available by kind permission of Mr Sreeves.

We hope for, and expect, a full church for this important occasion when we welcome Robert to our church and village. On the following Sunday, he will celebrate his first Eucharist in St John's at the usual time of 10.15 am. He'd no doubt be heartened and delighted to be welcomed by a good sized congregation.

There are two other matters which we must mention. First, Sunday Club for the young children. It has not yet been restarted after the Christmas/New Year break and we're still looking to recruit new helpers. Please keep an eye on the church notice board and, if you're a potential helper, please contact one of the churchwardens.

The second matter regards the plant sale, which we plan to hold on Saturday 17 May. Of course we'll be pleased to see many of you coming along to buy. What we're also hoping is that more people will be prepared to help with the growing of plants for the sale. To that end, a meeting for those interested is planned for Wednesday, 5th February at 7.30 at xx Orchard Close, when Kate Ramsay will explain what is needed – mainly that you don't need to be an expert.

Our Christmas service collections realised a total of £228. This has been sent to the Royal commonwealth Society for the Blind to help fund their Asian eye Camps. At these camps operations to restore sight (and hence the ability to work and earn a living) are carried out. Thank you to everyone who contributed generously to such a worthwhile cause.

The Churchwardens

A Happy and Peaceful New Year to all, especially to members both past and present. Membership is slowly growing, two of our newer members keen to help have joined the committee – so watch out for new ideas.

We have a nice varied programme for the coming year – fire safety officers, town criers, amusing memories, local history, demonstrations of tatting, cake icing, to name but a few. Visits to other institutes, parties, skittles, quiz evenings.

Some members are off on a special WI train outing to Chester in April with a short guided tour of the city.

The sewing circle continues, but now fortnightly. I wonder what interesting items they will produce this year … Nice to know Mrs Dodd is feeling better after her recent illness, what a clever and valued member she is.

As we approach the millennium, question of how to celebrate this very special occasion.

Many ideas are in the pipeline so to speak, but as the WI is one of the oldest organisations in the village we are very interested to make sure this milestone in history will be well recorded. I hope by the time this newsletter is printed this very cold weather will be left behind and spring will not be far away.

Remember we are always pleased to welcome visitors to WI evenings at any time.

Pat White (President)

Of course, one of the main benefits of wearing a two feet in diameter fibre-glass duck's head is that no-one knows it's you.

Yes, it was that time of year, again.

‘Hello Keith, Would you like to be Father Christmas again for a couple of hours? Oh yes, and Marilyn, would you like to be a duck?’

You have your initial reactions, then think why you do what you do and then say ‘Yes’.

So in mid December, Saturday afternoon in Great Mills, Stroud, for the Meningitis Trust, Keith was ensconced in his cosy sleigh, ho-ho-ho-ing, chatting up all the girls, having a whale of a time.

21Me? Well, I'm in the duck's head, extremely large furry yellow duck suit with blue and white striped waistcoat, thickest of thick yellow tights, and webbed feet! And then you're told that the next shift is poorly (probably saw the duck suit) and can you do another shift?

Lawrence came with us and what a good job – I couldn't even get an extra strong mint to my mouth let alone take hot cash from the punters.

The real bonus is people watching and the comments they make. I flapped my wings, waddled up and down, trying to lure the masses to Father Christmas, who didn't have to do much at all.

‘Oh look, what is it?’

‘Oh, is there someone in there?’

I was getting quite offended.

Some little darlings gave me lovely hugs and kept waving from every angle that they could see me in the store.

The grotto was totally surrounded by Christmas merchandise and I would not turn around too quickly for fear that my tail would send boxed baubles crashing. However, when two little Herberts poked me in the bum, I had just about had enough.

I bent over and, through my gritted beak, shouted, ‘B…… off!’ which in the Concise Oxford does mean Go Away. They looked up at me, mouths dropped, then shot off. They obviously thought there was no-one in the ensemble either.

The real pleasure was Lawrence saying things like: ‘Only another two hours, 39 minutes to go, Mum!’

And finally, well folks, fame at last! Yes, Mel, me, and Dale. It was most weird, seeing myself on TV and I felt quite relieved when the half time ads came.

I went in the Co-Op in Wotton the next morning and the supervisor and several of the girls said hello, and the manager sellotaped up all the shelves.

Happy New Year and Good Health to you.

Marilyn

A third of the school year gone already and the events held to date have been well received. From these the money raised has been put towards two long-term projects. First, a rolling programme to restock the school library and the second to develop a conservation area in the school grounds. Both, we hope, will be fully utilised by the children under guidance from the teachers and parents.

Of the events so far, the highlight was the annual fireworks night which seems to draw a larger crowd year by year. For this, we extend our thanks again to Kevin Jones and his colleagues who put on such an excellent show. If you've missed this event before, then make a date for this year, Friday 7 November, when Kevin will once again put on his pyrotechnic extravaganza.

More immediately we have a number of events planned including an ‘Our generation’ adults only disco on 22 February. A chance for us oldies to ‘groove’ to the tunes our parents covered their ears to! None of this modern stuff will be played, just good old 70s and 80s hits – and misses. There will also be prizes for the best period dress, so dig out those flares and tank tops and join us. Tickets will be on sale shortly through PTA committee members.

After Easter there will be a quiz night with rounds specifically aimed at all my fellow non-academics. Other events are also planned and details will be published in CHADRA as well as through normal school channels.

We hope to see you at one or more of these events over the coming months.

Happy New Year.

Roger Bird

Firstly, may I say a big thank you to all who have come forward to offer their support to the Playgroup since the last newsletter.

This Autumn/Winter term passed successfully both in its day to day running and its fund-raising efforts. The children particularly enjoyed the Christmas party on Friday 13th December – thank you to all parents who contributed to the catering. Father Christmas certainly didn't disappoint – the look of magic and awe on the children's faces was something to behold.

My first ‘Christmas trailer’ was a real eye-opener; I never realised how much effort (and shoe leather) went into such an operation. Contrary to popular belief, the taped music was loudly supported by those seated on the trailer. Our efforts 22were rewarded by over £300 collected and some warm soup and cold beer in The Plough – many thanks for their hospitality and for the assistance and support of those involved in the event, especially those not directly connected with the Playgroup – you know who you are!!

Into 1997 and there has been a substantial (80%) increase in the rent of the Playgroup premises; unfortunately therefore we had to increase the fees from next half term though by less than 8% to £2.75 per session – still good value for money I think you will agree. The Playgroup Committee has considered very carefully the option of joining the new nursery voucher scheme which soon comes into effect. For a number of reasons, which will be made clear to parents in a letter from the Chairperson, the committee has decided not to pursue this option, so the Playgroup will operate outside the scheme.

Forthcoming events include the annual Jumble Sale on Saturday 18th January at 2pm in the Memorial Hall, a family disco and raffle at Leyhill Prison function hall on Saturday 10th May and a Summer outing to be arranged.

Best wishes from the Committee for 1997.

Joanna Barry – Secretary

Following the well-attended meeting regarding the proposed development, there were a few comments heard regarding what part CHADRA could or should play in representing the villager's interests.

The existing CHADRA committee sees its raison d'etre as ensuring the production of the newsletter.

For any major campaign, it is up to other residents to come forward and contribute their energies, ideas and time. The committee will certainly assist in any way it can.

Charfield has a great number of clubs and societies and village life is the richer for it. A lot of effort is required to keep them in existence. The newsletter alone has about 30 volunteers involved in the process from production to delivery (not counting the much treasured contributors!).

In every newsletter, there are pleas from one committee or another for willing volunteers to keep the ball rolling.

We all lead busy lives, we all have calls on our time. It is the same for everyone. It just isn't fair of anyone to enjoy the benefit of any of these organisations without taking his or her turn in the barrel, so to speak.

So, make a new year's resolution – instead of “Why should I?”, try “Why on earth should anyone else, if I won't?” It might make all the difference.

If you haven't already heard, you will be saddened to learn that Garnet died on 21 December.

Garnet had a great life force. If you will allow me, I will relate an anecdote to illustrate her spirit.

Last year, on a freezing cold night at around midnight, Brendan and I were driving home after viewing a visiting comet during a full eclipse of the moon. We recognised Garnet making her way home slowly along Manor Lane with the aid of her walking stick, wrapped up in her customary cape, and we stopped to give her a lift.

She explained that she had made her way up Charfield Hill to see the Comet, but had not managed to find it in the sky. After resting on a bench seat on the hill, she had given up the quest and made her way slowly home. We turned the car round and took her back up to the Downs Road where, with the benefit of binoculars, Garnet observed the comet.

Whilst visiting her family, Garnet contributed to village life and worked on fund raising events long before she came to live here and, for the short time she was resident here, continued in the same vein. Garnet helped me with the newsletter and served on the Millennium committee – helping to plan for a celebration which she did not expect to see herself.

Personally, I shall miss her generous spirit, her spontaneity and eccentricity, her conversation, her love of language, her roaring good sense of humour.

God bless you, Garnet.

23

Please make use of this Diary – updated copies are posted in various places in the Village. Either telephone or drop a note of any additions and modifications to Brendan O'Connor (01454-26xxxx) xx Manor Lane.

KLB = Katharine Lady Berkeley School
MH = Memorial hall
FR = Foundation Room, Primary School
SL = Sportsman's lounge, Memorial hall

Why not put this on your fridge door or notice board?

24

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Julia on 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
John Poskett (Spokesman) 01454-26xxxx

CHADRA
Geoff Blower (Hon Sec) 01454-26xxxx

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

Childminders
Pat Loveridge (vacancy coord.) 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Rev Philip Hopes 01453 84xxxx

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

Council – South Gloucestershire
Eddie Gadsby (Councillor) 01454-26xxxx

Cricket Club
David S Bradley 01453-84xxxx

Football Club – Juniors
Mike Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Chris Somerton (Secretary) 01454 26xxxx

Friendship Club
Bert Carter 01454 26xxxx

Ladies Club
Margaret Gargett 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Memorial Hall
John Poskett 01454 26xxxx

Millennium Committee
John Acton 01453 84xxxx

Mother & Toddler Group
Noreen Berry 01454 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
David Parker (Co-ordinator) 01454 26xxxx