CHADRA

… That the Football Club first team is at the top of Stroud League Division 1.

… That after many years of contributions, Barbara Adams will no longer be supplying the ‘From Garden to Kitchen’ column – any volunteers to take her place?

… That there have been a number of distraction burglaries using young children. Please make sure that you know who you are letting in to your house.

… That the future of the 603 bus service to Bristol relies on it being used regularly. So try to remember it as an option.

… That the Millennium Committee have a number of activities planned throughout the year – see their page at the end of this edition.

… That thanks to the generous support of Renishaw and South Gloucestershire Council we nearly have enough money to be able to purchase a new printer and secure the future of this Newsletter (stencils and ink run out at this edition!).

… That Rev. Robert Pestell has kindly offered to let us use his copier as a temporary measure until we can get a new machine of our own.

… That the Railway public house is expanding. New facilities will include a restaurant.

Happy New Year – we hope that you all had a good Christmas and enjoyed your New Year celebrations. Once again many thanks to all the contributors to this edition, we appreciate people meeting the copy date given how close it was to the recent celebrations.

As mentioned on the cover we are looking for someone to take over from Barbara Adams to write a recipe column, or something similar, for future editions. Thanks very much to Barbara for providing culinary inspiration to us all for as long as we can remember!

Millennium activities will continue throughout the year and are linked by the common theme of ‘community’. This newsletter is a community publication so we would be delighted to hear from any residents with articles on any subject.

Next Copy Date – 12th April 2000

3

Happy New Year to everyone! Christmas seems a long time ago already doesn't it? The Christmas Party, held on the last day of term, was great fun for all the children (I think the adults enjoyed it just as much!). This was down to everyone who helped organise it, so many thanks to all those involved, and special thanks to Father Christmas who made a surprise visit at the end of the party.

Sarah Edwards retired as Secretary at the end of last term, thanks again Sarah for all your hard work over the last two years.

We look forward to welcoming parents or carers with their children (0–3 years) to our sessions in the Memorial Hall on Thursday mornings from 10am to 11.30am. Each session costs £1.20, however if it is your first visit, this will be free.

Sharon Favell – Vice Chairperson

Since the last issue, we have held our Bonfire Display, which was very successful. Thank you to Kevin Jones for his wonderful display. Thank you to everyone who supported us.

We have also held a Chocoholics evening and a Christmas Fair, both events went well and monies made from these events went towards the Christmas parties held for the children at the end of term. The Juniors went up to Wotton to the cinema and watched ‘Small Soldiers’, while the Infants had a party with a visit from Father Christmas.

You are all probably aware of the retirement of Mr Sreeves at the end of the term. Mr Sreeves has helped tirelessly at all events put on by the PTA. He has also been our resident DJ at most of the Disco's we have held. The PTA will greatly miss the energy and support that he has contributed over the past years. We wish him well and a very happy retirement.

We have organised a number of events during the first half of the new year. We plan to hold a casino night in March, a Plant Sale in May, and a Summer Fair on the 10th June. More details to follow.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Sarah Tyler
Chairman

We are now roughly midway through the season and the Football Club is enjoying its best season for some time.

The latest set of league tables shows the first team at the top of Stroud league division 1, winning seven and drawing two from eleven starts. Our closest rivals, Minchinhampton, have games in hand and could catch us, but we have the points in the bag and still have to play them at Charfield. This game is scheduled for February 12th, so some extra support would be welcome. There has also been a good deal of action in the cup competitions during the first half of the season. The first team reached the quarter finals of the County cup, but unfortunately lost 4–3 to Uplands from the Cirencester league, and have reached the semi-finals of the Stroud Charity cup.

The reserves have also enjoyed a good start to the season, lying comfortably in the top half of Stroud League Division 5. They have won five, drawn two from eleven starts. Like the first team, they have reached the semi final of their section of the Stroud Charity Cup. Both sides are waiting to find out who their opponents will be in the semi-finals. The reserves reached the last 16 of the County cup but were narrowly beaten 2–1 by F.C. Patriots, league rivals from Gloucester.

Charfield Football Club are celebrating the millennium by holding a re-union of former 4players and supporters of the club. This will be held on 29th of January at Charfield Memorial Hall. We have tried to contact as many people as possible, all are welcome so if you have not already heard from us please ring me (01454 26xxxx) for further details.

Chris Somerton, Secretary, Charfield F.C.

Peak Bus – Use It or Lose It

In recent years the Parish Council has been pressing South Gloucestershire Council to support an express bus service to Bristol. We think that more sustainable travel habits would be encouraged if people could rely on a quick, efficient and permanent service. Unfortunately the two peak services introduced in October 1998 were withdrawn in September 1999. However, public disapproval of the withdrawal resulted in a revised 603 service being commenced on 6 December. It is operated by South Gloucestershire Bus Co and runs from Wotton to central Bristol via Charfield, M5, Aztec West and A38. Timings are: Railway Tavern at 7.37 am and the Haymarket at 8.17 am, returning at 5.23 pm from the Haymarket and getting to the Railway Tavern at 6.03 pm. It does not run at weekends or on Bank Holidays. Full timetables for this service and the 626 to Bristol have been distributed to houses and the Post Office. Long term financial support will only be assured if the service is sufficiently used, so please remember this option and use it when you can. Although the service is limited, remember that from Acorns mighty Oaks grow!

Dial-a-Bus

Reading through the 22 documents on circulation to Parish Councillors last month, I came across the November update on “Vale Link” Community Transport. This was launched in July and it already has a purpose built vehicle for up to 7 passengers, or fewer passengers and one or two wheelchairs. It expects to add a 12/13 seat minibus by the end of 1999.

Vale Link offers a “Dial-a-Bus” service covering each of its zones on one morning a week. You can be picked up at home, taken wherever you wish to go in the Vale Link area (or just outside – eg Cribbs Causeway, Yate, Wotton, Berkeley etc), and brought back home. Dial-a-Bus services in afternoons are intended for visiting friends or relatives in hospitals and nursing homes in Bristol and locally. Vale Link also offers Community Group Hire when vehicles are available.

Whether you are an individual wanting Dial-a-Bus or a Group wanting Group Hire, you first need to fill in a registration form. Get this from Vale Link's brochure, or phone 01454 85xxxx. Then you can follow up with a phone call to book a seat.

Mugs

Some people have been asking about the Millennium Mugs which the Parish Council decided to provide. These are on order. There will be one free for each household in the Parish. We shall be arranging to deliver them to you, and we shall need a signature to confirm receipt. When you have seen the mug, you might want to order more for the family. We are getting a price from the suppliers and I will take orders (cash with order). I guess they will be around £2.50 each. Meanwhile, if you already know that you will want more, please let me know so that we can make a preliminary assessment of demand.

Traffic Calming

Yet more people have been asking what has become of the new scheme for traffic calming along Wotton Road. Last summer we all had the opportunity to see the draft plans and talk to the consultants. They made some modifications in the light of comments, and in August the Parish Council accepted the final proposals in principle. The scheme is needed because of the extra 5traffic which will result from doubling the Renishaw workforce. Renishaw will foot the bill. I assume that there is some delay because of the need for Renishaw to complete legal agreements with South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and Stroud Councils before being formally granted planning permission for the extension of their works at New Mills.

Spending Your Money

At our meeting on 7 December we budgeted to spend over £20,000 in the forthcoming financial year. Nevertheless we are again asking for only £14,000 from Council Tax. The difference will come largely from reserves and a little from bank interest.

We have made substantial allowance for grants/donations, repairs/renewals and equipment. This partly reflects the continuing vandalism by, allegedly, a few youths. Why do they damage play equipment, seats, fencing, and any vulnerable parts of the Memorial Hall? These things are provided and maintained for the whole community. We all have to pay for them, and for the repairs. Please be vigilant and report any incidents to the police. PC Jones is on the case!

Skateboard Ramp To Go?

The skateboard ramp is used by different age groups. Toddlers like to see how far they can run up it. Young men on skates or skateboards do tricks, which are quite frightening. Unfortunately the ramp is not up to modern standards. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has advised the Parish Council that it is a high risk item of equipment. We think we should remove it. However, because it is so much used, we are reluctant to remove it until we have ordered a replacement.

For safety reasons the new ramp would have to be further from the fence along Little Bristol Lane, so the whole area of the basketball nets and the target wall would probably have to be changed. Most important, just what type of ramp should we get? Should it be for skates, skateboards or BMX bicycles? How big should it be? Can we raise the money?

Parish Councillors are not skateboard experts! We want you to take a hand. We are going to arrange a discussion, hopefully at the Memorial Hall on a Youth Club evening. Anyone will be welcome, particularly young people who would use the ramp. As well as talking to the Youth Club leaders, we will be writing to the schools, Scouts, Guides and Go Bananas to let them know about the meeting. But people who don't belong to organisations will be just as welcome. Keep an eye on the notice boards at the petrol station, the Memorial Hall and on the end of Steve's Shop for the poster announcing the meeting. We need a good response, otherwise we might conclude that there is no demand for a replacement.

Meanwhile, if you have any comments or suggestions, contact any councillor or the Clerk. Our names and addresses are on the notice board at Steve's Shop.

John Acton
Chairman, Charfield Parish Council

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Although I've kept the title the same for this issue I've decided I want to do something different. I pondered for a while, thinking about the vegetable garden and whilst I'm picking the usual winter veg – leeks, greens, parsnips, celeriac, Jerusalem artichokes and, this year, some rather peculiar beetroot, which, although it is a strange colour, has stood the wet and cold conditions extremely well and tastes better now than it did in the late summer, I don't feel inspired to write about any of it. I decided that this time I would much rather share some ‘foreign’ recipes with you so here are three of my all time favourites – all authentic but very easy to do.

The first is Indian and uses eggs, but it can easily be adapted for leftover chicken or meat – as long as it is not too well cooked. It is a mild dish and bears no resemblance to a ‘curry’. I know it looks like a long list of ingredients but it probably takes longer to read and assemble than to make. I keep a jar of ready chopped chillies in the fridge but these aren't easy to find. Fresh ones are usually available but do take care when preparing them. They are probably best done under running water and, unless you use gloves, don't for goodness sake rub your eyes afterwards! You can buy ready ground spices but the flavour is always better if you grind your own – either in an electric coffee grinder or by hand with a mortar and pestle. The cumin seeds in the recipe are just ordinary ones that are dry roasted in a frying pan for a few minutes until they just start going brown and the aroma is released. Let them cool before grinding. I make my own garam masala because I do quite a lot of Indian cooking but for this I would suggest that you buy ready made from somewhere that looks as if it has a quick turnover.

Hard boiled eggs in a creamy sauce
Serves 4

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1″ cube fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
½ fresh green or red chilli, finely chopped
275 ml (half pint) single cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground roast cumin seeds (see above)
generous pinch cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garam masala
2 teaspoons tomato paste
150 ml (¼ pint) chicken or vegetable stock – make with a cube if no fresh to hand
8 hardboiled eggs, shelled and halved (or pieces of cooked meat cut into bite size pieces)
Chopped coriander or parsley

Heat the oil in a large frying pan – non-stick if possible – and when hot add the onions. Stir and fry over a highish heat for a few minutes until the onions are going brown at the edges. Add the ginger and chilli and fry for a further minute. Lower the heat and add the cream, lemon juice, ground, roasted cumin, cayenne, salt, garam masala, tomato paste and stock. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer for about 5 mins until nicely amalgamated and slightly thickened. Put the egg halves (or pieces of meat) carefully into the sauce – cut side up – and spoon the sauce over them then simmer for a few minutes until thoroughly heated through. Transfer eggs to a serving dish, pour the sauce over them and sprinkle well with coriander or parsley. Serve with plain or spiced Basmati rice or toast, and you can make the whole thing more substantial by having a vegetable – spinach or green beans perhaps – and some Indian naan bread which is widely available now.

This next recipe is Italian and is, quite simply, one of the best pasta dishes I know and – next to a traditional English roast – 7my husbands' favourite meal. If you can, do use freshly grated Parmesan. It is miles better than ready grated and both the health food shop and Amphora in Wotton sell it. Pancetta – Italian bacon – is not so easy to get but green streaky bacon works very well. Whichever you use have it sliced thickly then cut it yourself into matchsticks. If you want the dish to be vegetarian use asparagus or broccoli cut into small pieces and blanched briefly. Penne is good for this recipe because it holds the sauce well but you can use other pasta, including spaghetti, if you prefer. Not perhaps as the Italians might do it but nevertheless it will taste good. The eggs in this recipe are only slightly cooked so perhaps it is best avoided by vulnerable people – the very young, old, or pregnant women.

Penne alla Carbonara
Serves 3–4 depending on hunger levels

250g (9ozs) penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
200g (7ozs) pancetta or bacon – see above
6 egg yolks – (free range if possible – make meringues with the whites)
120 ml (most of one small carton) double cream
150g (5ozs) freshly grated Parmesan
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Slowly fry the pancetta or bacon matchsticks in the olive oil until nicely crisp. Beat the egg yolks with the cream and stir in half of the Parmesan and some salt and pepper.

Set the penne to cook in plenty of boiling salted water, following the instructions on the packet for timing. Drain well and add the hot bacon and oil from the pan and then the egg/cream/cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly but gently to make sure the pasta is well covered – the heat will cook the sauce slightly. Serve straight away – very important – on heated plates and top with the remaining cheese. Follow it with a crisp green salad. I'm picking lambs lettuce now – along with rocket, young sorrel, mustard green and land cress (tipped to be the new designer salad! If any one wants any plants to keep up with the trends just get in touch)

And finally, pudding. From France.

Rhubarb and lemon cream tart.

Either make a quantity of sweet shortcrust using about 250g (8ozs) of flour or buy one packet of ready made SWEET pastry and line a flan tin (not china – the pastry will not cook well) of about 10″ diameter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and then bake blind.

For the filling you will need:-
500g (1lb) rhubarb – the young pink stems just coming into the shops are ideal
125g (4ozs) sugar
¼ pint water

Chop the rhubarb into neat pieces about 1″ long – skinning if necessary. Bring the water to the boil, dissolve the sugar in it, add the rhubarb, bring to the boil and simmer very gently for 1 min. Strain – discarding the liquid.

For the lemon cream you will need:-
2 egg yolks
50g (2ozs) caster sugar
75ml (3fl ozs) double cream
Finely grated rind of one lemon

Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until at least doubled in volume – probably best done with an electric mixer. Fold in the cream and lemon rind.

Put the rhubarb in the cooked pastry case, spread the lemon cream over and cook in a moderate oven for about 25–30 minutes. Serve slightly warm or cold.

I think my lack of inspiration is telling me something (and I'm sure I'm repeating myself!) so I've decided to sign off with the cookery column for a while. It's been good fun and I may start again in the future but in the meantime is there any one out there who would like to do something similar? If so, please get in touch with any member of the committee.

Barbara Adams

8[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

Minister: Rev. Philip Hopes
A warm welcome awaits you at all of our services.

Sunday School. Sunday 11am.
1st Sunday of each month at 11am. Family Service.
Worship 3pm.
Ladies Bright Hour Alternate Tuesday's 2.30pm
Bible Study and Prayer Friday's 6.45pm.
Group Practice 7.30pm.

‘Churches Together in Charfield’ May 20th and 21st. Please note these dates in your diary. More information to follow.
Easter Sunday 23rd April 6pm.
Palm Sunday 3pm. Reunion Service led by the Berks Family.
14th May 6pm. Musical Worship led by Rev. Stanley Barker.

‘Just passing through’
How many times have you heard what is the world coming to?
How many are asking what is the human race going to do?
Have we forgotten or perhaps not thought of it.
We are just visitors to this place. Waiting to see Jesus Face to face.
So why not pack up our Worries our cares and our woes.
Give them to Jesus He already knows!
Stop asking what is the world coming to,
Start thinking like Jesus ‘cause we're just passing through’.

Welcome to the year 2000, everyone. I trust that neither over-indulgence nor any of the dreaded bugs laid you too low. If they did, I hope you are well on the way to recovery.

To everyone who attended the Millennium Disco, thank you for attending and enjoying yourselves – it was wonderful to have a happy go-lucky event spanning all the generations. My particular thanks to Matthew and Simon for running/organising the disco; to Andy Frankham and Laurie 9Cole for manning the door; to Trish Cole for organising the raffle (and everything else she did); to Sue West for keeping the bar supplied with dirty glasses and for keeping the shelves topped up; to John Barnett and my wife Jenny for keeping all the punters supplied with drink; to Bill Taylor and Mike Heaven for restoring the hall to a pristine state of cleanliness and, above all, to Lesley Frankham for organising the event so successfully. If I have forgotten anyone, my apologies – you were all marvellous.

Turning to the future, please make a note in your diary for Friday 17th March, this will be the date for Julia's return to the Village hall with a special Millennium Quiz. We have all enjoyed Julia's previous efforts and I am sure that March 17th will cap all previous events. Watch out for further publicity on the village notice boards.

A further date for noting is Saturday 15th July – the date for this year's annual sports and gala day. Janice Vardon-Smith has taken on the role of co-ordinating the event this year. She has already formed a committee and made significant progress to what seems a day not to be missed. If anyone has any ideas, thoughts, comments or, indeed, wishes to become actively involved, I am sure she would appreciate a call on 01454 26xxxx.

An issue raised by Janice on behalf of a number of you is “where does the money from sports day go and couldn't there be a split of income between the hall and clubs/organisations undertaking a particular side-show/event?”. My initial comment back to her was that ‘traditionally” all money has gone in its entirety to the hall on the basis that the more money received centrally the more that can be released back out to clubs for particular requests or for ensuring that hall booking fees are kept to a reasonable level.

One discussion then widened onto the general hall finance and your need, as the village, to know where the money goes. Without wishing to bore you with too much detail, may I simply say that over the last three years we have spent in excess of £20,000 on either restoring vandal damage or on introducing security measures to minimise/mitigate against potential vandal problems.

If anyone wishes to have a better feel for the hall finances, please feel free to contact Jim Gillett (the Hall Treasurer) on 01454 26xxxx or contact me and I will attempt to address any specific problems.

For those of you who follow these notes, you will know that “we have been desperate to find a replacement for Anne Thomas as Hall Bookings' Secretary”. Now that Anne's house move has subsided, she has kindly agreed to carry on the role. Thank you Anne.

Finally, may I say that nothing is set in tablets of stone. John Poskett has been ‘Mr Village Hall’ for as long as anyone can remember; Jim Gillett has been Treasurer for 13 years or so. I have been Chairman for two years and was already past my sell-by date when appointed. We need new blood to see us through this new century – give me a call!

Allan Hughes

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Puzzle Page

11[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Martingales]

[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

The pleasure on the children's faces at the sight of Father Christmas when he arrived with his sack of presents made all our hard work organising parties for our under 5's worthwhile. We hope the adults who attended enjoyed themselves as much as the children.

Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising by Christmas shopping with us, choosing items from Early Learning Centre and Woolworth catalogues. Together, with the money raised from our Family Portrait Session we will be able to buy more craft equipment and replace toys that have been broken throughout the year. Any outgrown toys or games are always appreciated and will be put to good use at Dab Hands

Dab Hands meet on Mondays 10am to 12pm at Charfield Village Hall for pre-school children with parent/carer. We are always pleased to see new faces. If you require registered childcare in the village please contact Lin on 01454 26xxxx, we will try to suit your requirements.

Lin Scanlon

I hope everyone celebrated the new millennium well. Having just written my article about Charfield Neighbourhood Watch for the Millennium Book I'm wondering whether I could not just submit that for CHADRA also! No that would be cheating, and reading the Millennium Book would not be so interesting.

Since the last newsletter there was what I thought one particularly unpleasant incident where an elderly couple had items stolen by intruders that included a child of about 9 years. It is so sad that anyone can use children in this way. It must also be a reminder to all of us to be vigilant and not to let anyone that we don't know into our homes. Apart from this and a couple of 12burglaries, which the police thought may be related, the village has been generally quiet.

Nationally Neighbourhood Watch has been relaunched with the main sponsor being Commercial General Union. On a local basis the promoter for NW is Hill House Hammond. Look out for good deals on insurance and let them know you're a member of NW. The relaunch includes a new computer system called Ringmaster which we are told will be able to communicate by voice, fax and e-mail. As yet I'm not sure that I have been contacted by it!

A South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association is currently being formed. I attended the first meeting back in October. It was interesting, though I'm not sure whether for the right reasons. An hour and a half was spent electing a chairman and this was not because of lack of interest. There were four candidates. There was considerable discussion about the voting procedures. I'm hoping that future meetings will be more productive. The aim of the association is to promote good citizenship and greater public participation in prevention and detection of crime throughout South Gloucestershire by developing effective partnerships with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, South Gloucestershire Council, other appropriate groups and the public. When up and running this should give NW a much more effective base. As an example it is hoped that next year the association will apply for a grant to fund a NW co-ordinator to work in the Crime Reduction Department to liaise about individual crimes.

As promised in my last article, the next Neighbourhood Watch meeting will include a presentation about the work of the Western Counties Air Operations Unit. (The police helicopter). The meeting will be held on – Monday 17th of April 2000 7.30pm. Charfield Primary School. All the village is invited – young and old. Please come along and find out what the helicopter is used for and ask all those questions you have when you see it circling above noisily every now and again.

Ilze Hicks

[Advert for Barbara Ealey]

[Advert for Positive Pressure]

13

Training for the London Marathon on April 16 continues in earnest and as I write this, I am completing my second week of my 16 week programme designed to bring me up to marathon standard (hopefully!) by April. This wonderful publication is called “The Non-Runners Marathon Handbook” courtesy of the U.S.A. and has become my Bible! This involves running 4 times per week including a long run at the weekend, which will be 18 miles at the most. The logic is if you can run 18 miles in training then you can run 26.2 miles on race day – we shall see! I am running a half marathon (13.1 miles) on February 13 as part of my training.

I am beginning to collect sponsorship in earnest for Round Table Children's Wish, which is a charity that organises last wishes for terminally ill children. I have received my sponsor kit which includes a very moving video about the charity. If you would like to sponsor me please contact me on 01453 84xxxx or call round to xx Farm Lees. I have made tentative arrangements with Robert Pestell to show the video during the service at St John's church on March 12.

Our Table meetings have been very enjoyable, including talks on exploring Mount Everest, a cinema visit to see the new James Bond film and a quiz night. We have a membership night coming up on 25 January to try go-karting and have a curry afterwards. If you would like to come along and see what we are about please contact me.

We have also had our Christmas “gadabout” which is different dinner courses at different people's houses and was a great success. We also had the children's Christmas party at Dursley pool where Father Christmas made an appearance!

Wotton Table also were involved in the Millennium celebrations as we let off fireworks to welcome in the year 2000. This year Table is also involved in the Music Festival in Wotton scheduled for July. All this together with hosting a European meeting with Tablers and Circlers from France, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and South Africa from 1–4 June suggests a busy but enjoyable time. Our Table covers the Charfield area as well which is why we are called Wotton-Under-Edge & District Round Table, so we are keen to share our club with you. We are planning a leaflet drop sometime in the near future so you may get something through your door inviting you to come to a meeting and talk to our members. We are just normal people – honest! Please give me a call if you want to find out a bit more.

My next piece will be post-marathon so I will let you know how I got on. See you around the village and happy new Millennium!

John Francksen

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

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Happy New Year. Firstly, I would like to introduce myself and the new committee, which was elected at the last AGM held on 15 September 1999:

The Christmas Bazaar was held on 25 November 1999. Thank you to all those who supported this event and made it a success.

The Christmas Carol Bus made its annual tour of the village on 5 December 1999. Many thanks to all those who helped out on the day, and also to all those who contributed so generously on the day and helped us to raise over £400 for the Playgroup.

Our last event for 1999 was the Playgroup Christmas party. Father Christmas made his customary appearance to the delight of all the children attending. Many thanks to all those parents who provided party food and who helped out on the day.

Finally, our special thanks to Charfield Garage for their generous donation and to all those who have supported us throughout the year.

Marion Sankey

Although details are still to be finalised, the following events are in planning

Sports Quiz, Saturday 4 March – Clive Perritt has a hobby of preparing and presenting quizzes that revolve around sporting themes. Following the usual format (including a licensed bar!) teams of four are invited to enter what promises to be a very entertaining evening. The fee per team is £10.

An Evening of Bubbles, Friday 7 April – Martin Coleman, the proprietor of Amphora Wines in Wotton, has a presented a series of tasting evenings over the last few years ranging from wines and beers to Ports and Whiskeys. This time he is to present an evening of Sparkling Wines.

What Martin doesn't know about wines isn't worth knowing and he passes on this knowledge in a very enthusiastic and 15entertaining way. Why not come along and find out more about the subject and have fun at the same time. Tickets (£7.50 each) will be limited and special provision is made for those who come along but who are doing the driving. With entry at only £5 each they can still enjoy themselves!

Watch out for news of the following:

Barn Dance – Plans are at an early stage to hold a Barn Dance in the school Drama Hall on Saturday 1 July.

Treasure Hunt – Those who have been on car Treasure Hunts before will know how much fun they can be. Following a set of clues, teams in cars follow (hopefully) a prescribed route answering questions along the way to end up at a suitably licensed watering hole. It is not a rally and is not against the clock and would be open to all from the inexperienced newly qualified driver in the sixth form with a bunch of friends to adults and their friends and/or families. It is likely that it would be held on a Sunday afternoon in early June to catch the daylight hours and decent weather.

Craft Fair – Preliminary discussions are being proceeding about organising a large Craft Fair at the school on Sunday 19 November. There is a perceived gap in the local area for such events and the aim is to attract the producers of good quality handicrafts from across the country. A must for your diaries, this will be an ideal opportunity to shop early for Christmas.

And finally:

The PTA owns a large Marquee which is available for hire. Measuring 25ft × 14ft it costs £60 (inc. supply and erection) for the first day and £10 a day thereafter. Bookings can be taken by Margaret Clarke on 01454 26xxxx.

For further details please feel free to contact Trevor Mason, PTA Chairman, on 01453 84xxxx.

[Advert for Reflexology]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Martin Farrell Garden Design]

16

[Graphic: Vale Link]

Services for residents in
Charfield
(and Cromhall, Tortworth & Tytherington)
(Zone 2 of Vale Link's Service Areas)

How to use our “Dial-a-Bus” Services

1. Fill in the Registration Form of our Summer Autumn brochure, available from the Post Office & Village shop in Charfield, or the Library and Information Centre in Thornbury, and return it to our office – 34 St Mary Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AT
2. Telephone the booking line 01454 856612 to book a seat on the service you require (see the table below or the brochure). You will be told:
   a) If there is a seat available (bookings are taken on a first come basis)
   b) The time you should be ready to be picked up (at your home)
   c) The fare

For hospital/doctor's appointments please phone the Charfield Elderly & Housebound transport Scheme on 01454 26xxxx or the WRVS on 01454 41xxxx.

Sample fares:

All fares are available on request when phoning 01454 856612

We accept South Gloucestershire concessionary tokens.
Please note these experimental services and, depending upon their popularity, they may be changed in the future.

17

Puzzle Page Answers

18

A very happy and healthy new year and new millennium to you all. So, 2000 has arrived and, along with many others we saw the new year in at a noisy and excited gathering at the Memorial Hall. An enjoyable evening at which the millennium bug failed to make an appearance!

At St. Johns we welcomed the new year with a special service on New Years day, with the ringing of bells, and the continuation of the flower festival. Many people have enjoyed the exhibits put together by the Thornbury and District Flower Club and it was a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and the New Millennium.

It is now a time to look forward and there are two major events coming up, the Parish review Day on the 15th April and the joint church weekend on the 20th and 21st May.

The joint church event will be a family weekend on the theme of ‘Birthday’ and will include the unveiling of the Millennium Stone under which will be buried the Time Capsule. A planning group is working on the details of the weekend and further information will be in the next edition of CHADRA.

The Parish Review Day is the result of much planning and preparation and will consider the way forward for ministry and the church in Charfield. In the past the Parish Priest has been responsible for ministry and much of the church activities but there is now an increasing need to develop shared and all member ministry as the church copes with a shortage of clergy and the recognition that everyone has a part to play.

It is likely that other members of the Charfield community will be invited to share in the Parish Review day as we consider the role of the church in the community. At a time when we remember the 2000-year of the birth of Christ it is exciting to consider a new way forward for the church.

On Saturday 12th February a group of us will be spending a day at St. Peters Grange, Prinknash Abbey for a quiet reflection and meditation. Everyone is welcome to join us for this day as we visit this holy and inspiring place. Please contact me for further details.

I couldn't conclude without giving notice of the Church Millennium Plant Sale, which will be on Saturday 13th May – you have been warned!

Robert Pestell
Priest in Charge

Welcome to the year 2000, I hope it brings everyone ‘health, wealth and happiness’. Well I hope all my Brownies are fit and well as this year promises to be as busy as the last one.

At the end of 1999 we had our annual Christmas trip. We hired a coach and went on a visit to ‘Cadbury World’ near Birmingham. It was a great success. We were all tempted to eat lots of chocolate, but I'm pleased to say that no one was ill on the return journey. (I was prepared with ‘bucket and wet wipes!’).

I hope that the parents were pleased with the craft that their daughters had created last term and I hope you like the ‘Millennium Calendars’.

I have booked our annual Pack Holiday for the weekend June 9th–11th at Lydiard Park near Swindon. It's a lovely park with a large adventure playground.

A District Pack holiday has also been booked for weekend October 6th–8th at Holly Barn in the Forest of Dean. This will hopefully include a canoeing adventure on the River Wye.

19District Pack Holidays are arranged so that some of the older girls from each pack within the district can meet and make new friends.

Our Thinking Day ceremony this year is at Cheltenham Race Course and I am hoping to take several of the older Brownies to this event.

By the time this goes to print we will also have had a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale. This is a joint venture between both Charfield Brownie Packs. I hope we raise lots of money for Special Baby Units around the country.

If any little girls would like their name put on our waiting list, please give me a call. We meet on Wednesday evenings in the Memorial Hall from 5:45pm–7:00pm.

Trish Cole
Brown Owl

The final term of the 20th Century and the old Millennium and a memorable term at that!

To be faced with an Ofsted School Inspection just a couple of weeks in to the September term is not everyone's idea of fun – in fact it isn't anyone's idea of fun as far as I know! However, we survived and were pleased with the Inspection Report, which acknowledged improvements that had been carried out since the first inspection in 1996.

Normal Autumn Term business resumed with our Harvest Festival, led this time by Rev. Phillip Hopes and Lyn Sargent. Gifts of food were boxed and forwarded to Euroaid, a Christian Organisation which was co-ordinating aid for refugees in Kosovo.

Each autumn we aim to support a major charity. 1999 was for NCH Action for Children – formerly National Children's Homes. Following a presentation by their local representative, the children were invited to take part in sponsored games and quizzes. AS a result, a total approaching £750 was raised – a tremendous achievement both by the children and those who supported them in their efforts.

The PTA Bonfire and fireworks Evening – weren't we lucky with the weather?! – was closely followed by the Autumn Book Fair, a week long event which provided the opportunity for children, parents and friends to browse among and purchase from a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction courtesy of West Country Travelling Book fairs. Based on the total revenue of books sold, teachers were able to choose £45 worth of books each in commission for classroom use.

The autumn is not always associated with trips out of school but all eight of our classes undertook visits in connection with work which was ongoing in school. Bristol Zoo, Westonbirt Arboretum, the Roman Baths and Bristol Museum all provided memorable experiences for the children.

Christmas activities began with a visit from the Riding Lights Theatre Group who performed ‘Melchior's Magical Mystery Quest’ to the whole school. The PTA kindly agreed to ‘foot the bill’.

The School Music Club managed to dodge the showers to and from the memorial Hall in order to entertain guests at the Luncheon Club's Christmas Lunch for Senior Citizens. Percussion, Recorders and Singing featured in a varied programme, which the children had been rehearsing for several weeks.

Back in school, The Infant children performed ‘Gifts galore’ – a Christmas Musical – to delighted audiences, whilst the Juniors traced significant events of the 20th Century in ‘The End of The Year’ show.

20Santa kindly agreed to visit the Infants Party and distribute gifts. At the same time, the Town Cinema in Wotton was taken over by all the Junior children and staff for a special showing.

And so ended another busy term which was made even busier by my retirement!

The New Millennium is I feel an appropriate time for a new beginning – both for myself and the school. I have made no secret of the fact that much of what is happening in education disturbs me. I also do not like what the job is doing to me. Meeting current and future demands would require me to change – both as a person and in the way I have approached the job during the last ten plus years. I am not sure that I could, or would wish to do that.

I realise just how lucky I have been to have worked with such a friendly and supportive group of people, both within and outside the school. I shall miss the school and the community greatly but my hope is that under my successor, Charfield School will continue to thrive and go from strength to strength.

With thanks for so many friendships and my best wishes for the future.

Frank Sreeves
Headteacher (Retired!)

Addendum

South Gloucestershire L.E.A. is seeking to fill the two outstanding vacancies on the Governing Body of Charfield Primary School.

If you are interested or willing to become and L.E.A. Governor, please either telephone the school (01454 26xxxx) or call to collect a nomination form which needs to be returned to the L.E.A. by 18th February 2000.

We would particularly welcome nominations from the local business community, men and those who are involved in either the local Playgroups or Secondary Schools since these groups are currently under-represented on the Governing Body.

I look forward to hearing from you

Mrs V Richardson
Acting Headteacher.

We are a small group of mature ladies and we meet every Tuesday from 10–11am at the Memorial Hall, to keep fit. Our exercises are stretching and toning movements, no aerobics. Sometimes we end our hour with a line dance or two. Occasionally we try and revive our memories of ballroom dancing with a few twirls around the hall. We enjoy our exercises and do our best to keep fit and supple, but we don't worry if our knees creak or we have to stop and take a breather every now and again. Laughing is also exercise, we know.

If you have a spare hour and would like to do some gentle exercises come and join us, we would love to see you. Just come along or phone me for more details.

Christine Parfitt
01454 26xxxx

We have had a very interesting talk and slides by Miss Cooksley about her visit to the Holy Land.

Canon Preston came and talked about his life as a priest on the island of Jersey during the German Occupation.

A representative from South Gloucestershire Council came to tell us about the new minibuses bought with a grant from the government to enable the 21elderly and housebound to visit the doctor or the hospital etc.

Members and a few others supported our Autumn Sale, giving a much needed boost to the funds.

A Christmas Meal was enjoyed at the Anchor Inn, Oldbury.

Unfortunately our Chairman the Rev Parker has been quite poorly since his attack of flu. We all hope he will pick up soon and be his old self.

M Ealey (Secretary)

Well, Charfield now knows that it isn't getting an Indian Take-away, fish and chip shop or red light massage parlour in place of the old Manor Fruiterers! But at least for the first time in many years, all the shop units are occupied.

However, what do we do?

Harlequin Therapy Equipment is, we believe, the first of its kind in this country by selling massage tables and chairs from a variety of different manufacturers from both the UK and the USA thus giving the therapist a much wider choice than ever before and doing away with the need to go from one manufacturer to another.

Apart from this, we are stocking a variety of relaxing tapes and CD's, Bach Flower Remedies and a wide range of massage oils, cremes and polar lotions for the relief of aches and pains – all being for both the professional and lay person.

You don't even have to be a therapist to pop in and see us! David and Helen Woodhouse from Positive Pressure (as advertised in this Newsletter) are hands-on therapists themselves and would be delighted to see you!

Dear Residents of Charfield

I trust that the time this newsletter hits the doorsteps of Charfield you will all have recovered from the Christmas and Millennium experience and are settling down to normal life in the 21st Century.

It is estimated from Government statistics from their demographic surveys that a village such as Charfield would have a very high computer installation base. This means there should be some 500 computers and printers in Charfield. I would like to say thank you to the FOUR residents of Charfield who responded to our last environmental charitable appeal for used cartridges to be taken into the newsagents in Manor Lane. Steve tells me that he is more than prepared to accept these empty cartridges to help recycling and charity.

We as a recycling company with our charitable objectives have donated over £170,000 to various children's and cancer charities over the last 5 years, but we can only do it if we get the empties back. So come on the other 496 printer owners in Charfield: –

RETURN YOUR EMPTIES BACK TO STEVE FOR RECYCLING

INKJET AND PRINTER CARTRIDGES DESPERATELY WANTED

Thanking you in anticipation

Yours sincerely

Mike Morris
Worktwice Marketing Ltd

Have you been to the Charfield web site yet? www.charfieldvillage.co.uk has pictures and information about the village, and they want your organisation to be 22involved. To have information added, or to link your web site, ring Mark on 01453 52xxxx

Hello! Well Happy New Year to you. Ah! What to report? I had an overwhelming desire to dress up as a fairy, again, for the last day at school and so took action. I had decided to do this the previous evening and arriving home at ll.30 pm, said, “Quick, Keith, make me a wand”. So in true Blue Peter fashion, silver plastic, star shaped, a runner bean cane and tinsel soon became transformed. So anyone in the vicinity would have seen a shiny black leotard, pink net skirt adorned with baubles, angels, small knitted trees trekking up Wotton Road. Footwear was a problem, so wore my tan coloured walking boots. The children became a bit excitable in the playground, making demands on me like, “Miss, turn me into a frog.” “Miss, make me disappear.” Now there's one I could have done. Anyway I had to resort to saying that I wouldn't be doing spells until after lunch. “Did you walk up the road dressed like that?” asked my colleagues. “No, I flew.” I replied. I had pink net wings, too, you see.

I can't help it, because I know plenty of you out there adore Delia, but ever since she told me weigh an egg, via her cookbook, of course, I've gone off her. I'm a sort of bung it all in sort of person. The Radio Times is full of her virtues and excellence – so I'm just gazing at the Naked Chef.

On the subject of ladies on TV, not satisfied with yoghurt adverts, that Carol Vorderman is doing a garden do-it-up programme now. She's getting right on my nerves. I'd love that job, leaning over the fence, microphone in hand, chatting up the contestants, telling them where to stick their petunias. Still, should she decide to return to maths, I could dream on … earning mega bucks, of course.

You know when you think you've cracked it with a particular Christmas gift and then, well, here's what happened. My brother-in-law, dabbles in the kitchen and is generally up for a laugh. I bought him two wooden fruits with painted faces and little arms and legs. You are supposed to put them on a shelf and their legs dangle down, etc. etc. Well the festive day arrived and the tissue was peeled away. There was Lily Lemon and Sally Strawberry gazing up appealingly, (well you have to give them names, don't you?). These dear little fruits were obviously not being received in the same giggle mode in which I'd bought them. My son Lawrence sidled past me and whispered, “you messed up there, Mum.”

Sophie and I were in Park Street on a jeans and boots purchase. We were just on our way out of this real lush shop, when I spied a gorgeous fuchia pink jumper with a delicate fringe around the neck and a little keyhole at the front. It looked lovely. It was size M/L and I'm L of the M/L bit so went to try it on. The sleeves fitted beautifully, but the keyhole suddenly grew into the Channel Tunnel entrance. Ugh!! I quickly whipped it off and squidged it back into shape. The right skinny Swedish? sales assistant said, “Ees eet no goot?” Oh well, Maz, dream on again.

Now I'm a day behind schedule again doing this. What's new, you cry? Anyway I telephoned Caroline last night and begged an extension for my creative literary works and her husband Mark said something really funny that I feel I cannot type. Anyway, I had a good laugh and wished that I'd bought him Lily Lemon now. Still I shall sign off and press something that may send all this to Hilary and Geoff. Actually, when you think about it, its all so clever. I don't want to go now I'm in full swing – anyway please all take care as best you can and try to have a little laugh if you are able.

Best Wishes, Marilyn.

23

Christmas and the New Year are now behind us and its back to the normal routine for most of us – the anticipated problems of the Millennium having failed to occur!

Avon and Somerset Police, like the other emergency services, had made all necessary provisions for New Year's Eve, with all Police leave cancelled and manning levels at an all time high. I was one of those who drew the short straw and was engaged in working the night shift at Thornbury. However, the evening passed relatively quietly, almost all revellers being good humoured and enjoying themselves. The anticipated demands on the 999 system simply did not materialise in this district.

Christmas also passed quietly but, as is usually the case, there was an increase in local crime during the run up to Christmas. In Charfield this seemed to be concentrated around the weekend of 4/5th December, when we suffered three burglaries and one attempted burglary. One of these was particularly despicable in that the victims were a couple aged about 90 who were relieved of property whilst in their own home; the perpetrators having used a combination of bluff and confusion to gain entry. They are described as a white female of about 40 years with two white boys, one about 10 years old and the other about 17 years old. They spoke with accents described as ‘foreign’. This took place whilst the Charfield Play Group Christmas Carol Float was doing the rounds with their collectors knocking on doors.

Certain features in common with the other burglaries of that weekend suggest that the same offenders might have committed them too.

However, since that weekend it has been mainly quiet. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that the nights are still long, affording the cover of darkness to burglars operating during the evenings. A favourite time at this time of year being early evening prior to householders returning from work. Again, I would emphasise that should you see anything suspicious occurring do telephone us immediately and try to record any registration numbers and descriptions of suspects.

That's all for now other than to wish you a Happy New Year.

R Jones PC 3799

Somewhere to take the kids

It is more difficult to find good places to take children at this time of year, as so many places close for the winter. Here are a couple of options for a good family day out, though I warn you they are not cheap!

Laserquest, The Old Fire Station, Silver Street, Broadmead, Bristol (0117 949 xxxx) This involves running around a futuristic environment shooting other life forms with your laser gun. Unfortunately, your body suit records the number of times you get hit! It's dark, you get totally involved in it, and it's great fun. It's about £6 per person per session, and you will want two sessions. If you go as a big group, you can have the place to yourselves, and have team games – this means you have to resist the temptation to shoot your own team! Ring beforehand to check availability.

If you're not comfortable encouraging your offspring to shoot each other, try ice skating at the Bristol Ice Rink, in Frogmore Street (0117 929 xxxx). Sessions last for three hours, and cost £3.40 per person, plus £1 for skate hire. If your children are used to roller skates (especially blades) they will pick it up very quickly. There is a refreshment shop where you can take a well earned break part way through. Again, it's best to ring first, to ensure there is not a special function on when you want to go.

Web Sites

At the dawn of a new century, it is traditional to make predictions for the future. Here are some sites that are doing just that – some with more confidence than others.

www.wfs.org has the top ten forecasts for the future, including the prediction that 90% of the world's 6000 languages will become extinct in the next 100 years!

NASA's classroom of the future is at www.cotf.edu and they want children to learn alongside their top scientists.

If you think electronic vehicles are the future, join their association at www.evaa.org, and if you want to know about space tourism, visit www.tour2space.com.

To work out how emerging technologies will affect you, there are some serious research sites at www.foresight.org and www.iftf.org. The latter also predicts social trends, including what working patterns will be in the mid-21st century.

If you've had a good day out, or found a good web site, drop me a line, and I'll put it in the next issue.

Geoff Wignall

… Ancient History

In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled the biscuits, and threw the java. The reward to the victor was the oral wreath. The government of Athens was democratic because the people took the law into their own hands. There were no wars in Greece, as the mountains were so high that they couldn't climb over to see what their neighbours were doing. When they fought Parisians, the Greeks were outnumbered because the Parisians had more men.

Eventually, the Romans conquered the Geeks. History calls people Romans because they never stay in one place for very long. At Roman banquets, the guests wore garlic in their hair. Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March killed him because they thought he was going to be made king. Nero was a cruel tyrant who would torture his subjects by playing the fiddle to them.

The government of England was a limited mockery. Henry VIII found walking difficult because he had an abbess on his knee. Queen Elizabeth was the Virgin Queen. As a queen she was a success. When Elizabeth exposed herself before her troops, they all shouted “hurrah”. Then her nave went out and defeated the Spanish Armadillo.

The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespeare. Shakespeare never made much money and is famous only because of what he wrote. He lived in Windsor with his merry wives, writing tragedies, comedies and errors. In one of Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet rations out his situations by relieving himself in a long soliloquy. In another, Lady Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth to kill the king by attacking his manhood. Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couplet. Writing at the same time as Shakespeare was Miguel Cervantes he wote “Donkey Hote”. The next great author was John Milton. Milton wrote “Paradise Lost”. Then his wife died and he wrote “Paradise Regained”.

During the Renaissance America began. Christopher Columbus was a great navigator who discovered America by cursing the Atlantic. His ships were called the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Fe. Later the Pilgrims crossed the ocean and this was called the Pilgrims Progress.

Please make use of this diary. Either telephone or drop a note of any additions or modifications to Geoff or Hilary Wignall (01454 26xxxx, x Berkeley Close, or xxxx @ Breathemail.net)

KLB = Katharine Lady Berkeley School
FR = Foundation Room, Primary School
SH = Charfield School Hall
SL = Sportsman's Lounge, Memorial Hall
MH = Memorial Hall

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

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Geoff or Hilary on 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Millennium Committee

[The following text is taken from a leaflet delivered with the Newsletter.]

How are YOU marking this Millennium?
Well, the Charfield Millennium Committee are looking forward to the Year 2000 with …

The Time Capsule

The pupils of Charfield Junior School are being asked to come up with ideas for the contents of the Time Capsule that will be buried in the Church grounds the weekend of the 20/21st May 2000 during a joint Celebration

The Domesday Book

Charfield's very own Domesday book is being put together right now! Return the form overleaf to reserve a copy of this limited edition! If you would like to contribute to this unique publication contact Tim on 01454 26xxxx or Jean on 01453 84xxxx

During this autumn and next spring the verges into Charfield will be planted to make a colourful and wildlife friendly environment within the village. If you can donate any bulbs or can propagate any wild flowers or offer help in clearing the planting sites then contact Judy on 26xxxx

How would you like one of YOUR photographs to be in the Charfield Domesday Book? You never know, it might be around in another 1000 years! All you have to do is to enter the Photographic Competition! If you would like details of how to enter, complete the form overleaf.

For further information on any of these Millennium Events, complete the form overleaf, ticking the boxes you are interested in and tear off the bottom of this sheet before posting/delivering it to: Charfield Millennium, x Hawthorn Close, Charfield, Glos, GL12 8TX. Or call 01454 26xxxx for additional information.

To get your Millennium off to a good start here is a selection of events that are being planned for the coming year!

January 29th – Charfield Senior Football Club are having a re-union! all former members welcome!

May 13th 10am St John's Church Millennium Plant Sale.

May 20–21st – A weekend of events centered around Charfield's School and Churches including the installation of the Time Capsule.

Saturday 2–4.30pm Various creative activities on the “Birthday” theme at the School.
5pm Unveiling and dedication of the Millennium Stone and the Time Capsule.
7–9.30pm BBQ and Music at the School

Sunday 10.30am Joint Sunday School at the Congregational Church.
3pm United Open Air Service on the School Playing Field

June 17th – Organise a Street Party! Let us celebrate the Millennium AL FRESCO style on the Saturday closest to midsummer's day, so organise family and friends for a village wide celebration. Contact Carol on 01454 26xxxx

July 10th – Pentecost 2000 at Cheltenham Racecourse.

July 15th The annual Summer Fair at the Memorial Hall and Playing Fields.

November 12th The British Legion and other local groups will be marking Remembrance Day.

Your Name:
Tel:
Address:
Post Code:

I am interested in (tick all that apply):

A Copy of the Domesday Book
Domesday Book Photo Competition
Planting Verges
Weekend of Events at St John's
Helping at Your Street Party
Writing for the Domesday Book

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 26 sides of A4 paper.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

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

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2017-01-29.