CHADRA

Thanks, as usual to all our contributors and advertisers – without you, there would be no newsletter. As we have said before, getting your articles electronically makes life much easier for us, though that was nearly not the case with this edition.

About six weeks ago, we had an e-mail from our Internet Service Provider (ISP) to say that we needed to upgrade the software we used to connect to their services. We downloaded the software from the internet, loaded it, and … nothing. The helpline quoted was constantly engaged – presumably others were having the same problem. After a couple of weeks, we reset the service connection details by hand and it worked again. After working fine for two weeks, the new icon on the desktop stopped working. To get round this, we used another ISP connection, and a different e-mail client. This meant we could receive incoming mail, but not send any out. We decided not to tamper with it any more until the newsletter was completed, as we could get articles in, which was the main thing.

So, apologies to those of you who contribute by e-mail, that we did not send our usual prompt acknowledgement. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the problem will have been resolved, and your contributions acknowledged with thanks.

Next Copy Date – 12th October 2003

3

The artwork for this issue comes to us from Derek Leahy. Thank you very much – we will be delivering your prize to you soon.

Derek is clearly a talented artist, but please don't let that put you off if you see yourself an ‘amateur’. We welcome all contributions for the cover of the newsletter – so whilst you are whiling away the sunny hours over the summer why not take paper and pencil with you and get sketching!

We are also considering the option of publishing your photographs, rather than drawings, on the front page. This will, of course, depend on how good they look when reproduced. So, if you have any you would like us to try – still on the theme of ‘Me and My Village’ – drop them in to Geoff and Hilary (x Berkeley Close) and we will see what we can do.

It has been a quiet close season since mid-May when two successful presentation evenings were held for the club's five teams. To see the culmination of nine months coming together was a joy to behold. The under 15's finished third in their league and became winners of Stroud & District League six-a-side, a trophy that was won the previous season by our under 16's. Both under 14's and 13's teams finished in commendable positions in their respective divisions. Whilst the under 11's completed their campaign as runners up to local rivals Wickwar, and finally the under 10's finished third behind Wotton Rovers and Wanswell after leading the table for some months …

At the club AGM, Martyn Hill stood down as Chairman after six tireless years at the helm. His leadership over this period will be missed, however his vision to improve facilities and always offer the boys ‘the best’ equipment available will be his lasting legacy. We welcome Kevin Bath who now takes over the position as Chairman.

Next season three teams will represent the club at under 11's in the Mid Gloucestershire Mini League and under 12's and 14's in the Stroud League. Training will be taking place throughout the summer and new players are always welcome. For further details please contact me – 01454 26xxxx. Matches will be played at the Moreton Ground, Tortworth or in the village, with the season kicking off over the weekend of 6th/7th September.

Jeremy Lewis – Secretary.

We are now fast approaching the end of another Pre-School year. The last week of term is very busy for us, as we say goodbye to our older children with a ‘Leavers Party’ and pray for good weather for our ‘Sports Day and Picnic Event’.

Since our last article we have received a ‘Healthy Pre-School’ award. Cathy, our play leader, has worked very hard introducing physical education and healthy eating into the Pre-School day. Our vegetable and flower garden is now well established, and the children have planted sweet corn, lettuce and radishes, all of which have grown!!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported and indeed organised our various fund raising activities over the past year. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to buy new tables, chairs and toys, all of which have been met with whoops of delight from the children.

4The excitement of the end of term has been dampened slightly; as we have learnt of the sad news that Cathy will be leaving us. Due to family commitments Cathy is due to move house over the summer holidays and will therefore be unable to carry on working at Pre-School. I am sure that I can speak on behalf of everyone, that she will be surely missed. “Where's Cathy?” is a question that I will no doubt be asked many times next term!

We are currently in the process of interviewing for a new deputy leader, as I will be taking over from Cathy in September. I will endeavour to keep up her high standards, and I look forward to seeing all the children in September – enjoy your summer break.

Sue Reynolds

For a few years I have grown vegetables for my own use on plots of land in two gardens that were more than the owners could manage. One of those properties is being sold, so I have to leave. Does anyone else in the village (not Churchend, Huntingford or Little Bristol) have an area of garden that is a nuisance for them to keep tidy? Would you be happy to let me grow vegetables there? If so, please contact John Acton, xx New Street. Tel: 01453 84xxxx.

July is here again and it is the time of year when all the supplies and wreaths have to be ordered for the Remembrance Services and the house to house collections in November.

I really feel that the time has come for me to pass the organising over to someone else. I took over from Mrs Betty Mussel at least 20 years ago, so feel it is time to back down and let someone else do the job.

If anyone out there feels that they can do this job, then please do not hesitate to call me on 01454 26xxxx.

I look forward to hearing from someone, because if there is no response, there may not be any wreaths or house to house in the village in November.

Please give the above some consideration and contact me as soon as possible.

I look forward to hearing from someone in the village.

Marion Smith
Poppy Appeal Organiser

There is an old Scouting song that goes

Every where we go-oo
People often ask us
Who we ar-e
And where we come from

We're from Woodend
Mighty mighty Woodend
And if they can't hear us
We'll shout a bit louder

The verses then get progressively louder and louder. Our members must be shouting loudly as we still have more youngsters wanting to join, our Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Unit of which are all “full to busting”. We have taken on new Leaders, who are through their training next term, but we still need more adults leaders if we are to open new sections to cope with the waiting lists we now have. SHOUT: Any more of you potential leaders out there?

We certainly shouted last weekend at our Group Camp at Woodhouse Park in 5honour of our previous GSL Bryan Wright. 28 Cubs, 18 Scouts camped the weekend and 17 Beavers attended on the Sunday. The youngsters and the adults attending all had a fun weekend. Over 200 people attended the BBQ at the end of the weekend, the food cooked by our fantastic chef, Phil, and of course his assistants. A big THANK YOU for all of you that helped make this a tremendously successful weekend. Let's do another! But not just yet.

1st Woodend Scout Group (Fury's Own) is alive and Scouting

and if you don't believe us
WE'LL SHOUT A BIT LOUDER …

Sandra Carnegie
Group Scout Leader

Minister – Rev. Philip Hopes Tel: 01453 84xxxx

Sunday School – 11am
1st Sunday of each month Family Worship – 11am.
Following Sunday's Evening Worship – 6pm.

Date for your diary:
October 5th ‘Harvest Thanksgiving’ Rev Colin Halstead

A warm welcome awaits you at all of our services.

Please see Notice Board for change of Service times

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six pack of root beer, and he started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realised how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, ‘What did you do today that made you so happy?’ He replied, ‘I had lunch with God.’ But before his mother could respond, he added, ‘You know what She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!’

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and he asked, ‘Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?’ She replied, ‘I ate Twinkies in the park with God.’ But before her son responded, she added, ‘You know, he's much younger than I expected.’

SUGGESTION: No matter how you define God, this story is powerful. Why? Because it reminds us that the little things are really the ones that add joy and fulfilment to our lives. Make this day one to remember.

6

FREE COURSES IN YOU LOCAL COMMUNITY

Welcome
Welcome to CLDP – The Community Learning Development Project.

CLDP is about changing lifelong learning, so that it is community demand lead.

New Ideas from your local community
We want to hear your ideas about how to get people back into lifelong learning, particularly groups who do not usually access learning opportunities.

CLDP is about assisting communities and individuals to let us know the skills that you want to have or just the fun and interesting things you want to do. Already, some groups of people have requested CLDP to organise committee skills, aromatherapy, arts & crafts, first aid, Spanish, relaxation, sports skills, DIY courses … and many, many more.

Hard-to-Reach Groups
CLDP can assist people from all parts of the community but we are particularly targeting Lone parents on low incomes, Homeless young people, Ethnic minorities, Travellers, People with mental health problems, People with learning difficulties and Disadvantaged people and groups generally facing social, economic or other barriers, including rural isolation. CLDP tries to provide free crèche and other facilities to enable people to participate.

Working Together with local communities
The Adult and Community Learning Services, with our colleagues in Community Development and others, are already working together with local communities in South Glos to identify new ways to attract hard-to-reach groups into first steps learning.

Community Learning Fund
CLDP wants to support and establish lifelong learning as an important area of interest in community networks across South Glos. By January 2004 or earlier if possible, we want local communities to have sufficient support and systems to manage and control a Community Learning Fund budget, to allocate this budget to request learning activities based on community demand.

Eligibility
To be eligible, learners need to be between 19 and 65 years and have not been in a college or university setting in the last 3 years.

Free Courses
CLDP courses are free to learners. Most importantly, these courses are intended to provide a good quality, supportive and fun learning experience.

For more information about how to arrange CLDP courses for your communities, to help us identify community demand or to become a Learning Champion,
please contact:
Brian Allen, CLDP
Adult and Community Learning Service,
The Ridgewood Centre, 244 Station Road, Yate BS37 4AF
Telephone: (01454) 86xxxx   Fax (01454) 86xxxx
Email: xxxx @ Southglos.gov.uk

[Graphic: EUROPEAN UNION European Social Fund]

7

Advertising

[Advert for Greenline Tanks]

[Advert for Falcon Cottage B&B]

[Advert for Bradley Garage]

[Advert for Eclipse Hair Studio]

[Advert for Alan Hamer driving]

[Advert for Charfield Post Office]

8[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes reflexology]

[Advert for Claire Saunders]

[Advert for Surround Sounds]

[Advert for Skips]

[Advert for Littles Curtains]

9

Once again I can report that the scheme is being well used by all the usual people, and we are also accommodating new customers.

The volunteer drivers are all very willing to drive the customers, but can I once again make a request that anyone that feels they could join the team of volunteers to contact me on 01454 26xxxx.

The more drivers I have, the less frequently I will have to call on any one person.

Marion Smith
Transport Scheme Organiser

Gerry Thorn

We were extremely sorry to lose Gerry as a friend, colleague and Chairman of the Council. The large attendance at his funeral reflected his many interests and the affection in which he was held. To paraphrase Kipling: he was a man who could talk with crowds and keep his virtue, walk with kings and not lose the common touch; he filled each minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run.

The New Council

After the uncontested election and Gerry's death, the Parish Council was left with only five members. In the new circumstances I accepted the office of Chairman, which I had never intended to do again. We needed to co-opt four more members to complete the Council. It was brilliant that a lot of people put their names forward. I would like to thank them all for their interest and to encourage those who were not successful to remain in touch. Fresh opportunities may arise. Special thanks go to Jayne Pedley. As Vice-Chairman she acted as Chairman during the difficult time from Gerry's accident until the first meeting of the new Council. Although she had not stood for election, she then agreed to be co-opted and continue as Vice-Chairman. Her help is most valuable to me and the Council.

The members of the Council are: John Acton (Chairman), Jayne Pedley (Vice-Chairman), Paul Ashford, Paul Birt, Fred Carling, Naomi Newns, Sandra O'Neill, Carol Parton and John Poskett. Catherine Holmes continues as Clerk to the Council, packing a lot of work into the eleven hours a week for which we employ her.

Skating and Skateboarding

The long-running story of the skateboard ramp looks like reaching a successful conclusion this year. Many thanks to the Working Group who have been instrumental in collecting together a number of grants. With the Parish Council's contribution and donations made to local projects in memory of Gerry, we will be able to pay for a modest facility including a half-pipe. The available space on the playing field is limited and even this small installation will require the removal of the basketball posts and ball wall. The Council appreciates the pressure of competing uses on the playing field and is grateful for the co-operation of the Memorial Hall and Playing Fields Committee.

Safety on the Playing Field

We want the play equipment to be challenging and at the same time safe. Much time and money are spent on repairs and minimising risk. Regulations are becoming ever more demanding. Following the annual inspection and risk assessment, we shall be working on a five year plan to replace some of the equipment. Meanwhile any help to 10dissuade youngsters from abusing the equipment would be welcome.

Riding cycles and motorcycles on the playing field is banned by the Committee. The reasons are obvious: damage to pitches and hazard to children. It was horrifying recently to see a young man riding his motor scooter at speed around the field when children were playing and lying on the grass. Such lunatic behaviour must stop.

Ball Games on other Open Spaces

There are various open areas in the village, including the one in the estate between Underhill Road and Manor Lane. A resident has suggested that a “No Ball Games” notice should be erected on the land at the rear of Old Manor Close. Allegedly children have caused damage entering gardens to retrieve balls. Should ball games be banned there? If there, should they be banned on other open areas adjoining houses? Let us have your views by contacting Cath Holmes or any Councillor.

Manor Lane “Site Hut” Land

I hope you agree that the land in Manor lane at the Wotton Road junction looks much better without the old site hut. We pay South Gloucestershire to cut the grass. We are also having some of the poor quality evergreen trees removed or trimmed and the huge willow professionally reduced in size by 20%. We are investigating the possibility of removing the brick hut and the oil tank that it contains. That is a bigger job than we thought and we will be seeking a grant for environmental improvement. Eventually the area could be laid out on the lines suggested by nearby residents. It's nice to see progress on improving the appearance of a part of the village that is passed by so many people.

Land for a Cemetery

The Council would like to see a small cemetery established for the benefit of all residents of the parish. We have again asked the Chapel about the availability of the paddock adjoining their burial ground and await a reply. All other options have come to nothing. If you have any ideas, especially if you have some land that might be suitable, please contact the Clerk or any Councillor.

John Acton, Chairman

Wotton-Under-Edge has started work on a ‘Healthcheck’ to test the temperature of the town and diagnose any current or potential problems. This is your opportunity to have your say on the future of the town.

If you use Wotton-Under-Edge for shopping, school, visiting the doctors or the library or for any other reason we need to hear from you.

Healthcheck is a tool devised by the Countryside Agency to help market towns assess their strengths, weaknesses, future demands and opportunities. The process involves gathering information and opinions and will provide a detailed picture of where the town is now and where people want to see it going in the future.

The Healthcheck is a study of a whole range of subjects including environmental, economic, social, community and transport issues. There are over 200 questions, which will be answered over the next 3 months with the help of local people and organisations.

The Healthcheck is being sponsored by the town's Regeneration Partnership and Helen Bojaniwska, a business consultant, has volunteered to act as co-ordinator.

11Helen would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in the process. You can either call Helen on 01453 88xxxx or email xxxx @ helenkingconsultancy.co.uk.

Helen would like to talk to a wide cross section of the community in the town and in the surrounding villages. The aim is to involve everyone young and old; men and women; local groups and organisations; schools and local authorities.

The full set of Healthcheck questionnaires can be seen on www.markettowns.org [defunct] where you can read the answers and add your own comments. Wotton-Under-Edge can be found under South West – Gloucestershire. To add comments you will need to complete a simple registration.

Most people have very clear ideas about what they would like to see happen in the town, but without a Healthcheck it is difficult to prove those needs and demonstrate public consensus. Ultimately the Healthcheck is part of a much bigger toolkit which should give access to the funding and advice needed to revitalise the town.

More information about the Healthcheck process can be found at: www.countryside.clov.uk/market-towns/healthcheck_01.htm [defunct]

The Tae Kwon do club is going well, an with the summer grading just out of the way, a lot of fun and mayhem is going to come about!

The grading was held on July 10th at the usual venue – Bristol Tae Kwon Do Academy, which is also the headquarters for the whole of the UK.

The grading saw a great success, with Ricci Collins receiving the grading award for his black-tags. This is the last grading he will have to do before making the huge leap to 1st Dan Black belt in April 2003. At his next grading, he will have to perform in front of the board of the T.A.G.B – five 7th Dan black-belts! This is just what Nick Smith is training for presently, as he will be grading for his black belt in October! Good luck to Nick – I will write all about it in the next issue!

The standard of the senior grades was very high, and saw Emily and Ben Waldron being awarded with A-passes, as well as Matthew Burns. Also, well done to Claire Wenman, who also received an A-pass for her efforts and ability. She has now been promoted to Green belt – one year into her Tae Kwon Do career. Max Vizard took part in his first ever grading, and has been promoted to Yellow-tags.

All in all, everyone did very well, and it's all down to the hard work put in. Now with a 3-month break until the next grading, and with the sun shining, fun and fitness is the motto of the club! Tae Kwon Do is well-reputed for the flashy-kicks opponents use against each other, so a lot of sparring and pad-work is mandatory to improve our ability. This is definitely the most fun part (as well as off-ground tag!) and is a great stress-reliever!!

If you are interested in giving Tae Kwon Do a go, please either turn up to a class, or give Andy a call on 07909 92xxxx.

12

Advertising

[Advert for Hard Pressed For Time]

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Daw]

[Advert for Safeclean]

13[Advert for Evergreen Computing]

[Advert for SM Consultancy]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Massage Table Store]

14

Summer's here again and we are all looking forward to visiting our usual ‘hotspots’, Slimbridge, Westonbirt, Charfield and Mundy playing fields, Old Down and Cattle Country for our picnics. Some of us will soon be having an ‘away day’ on the train to Weston-Super-Mare where we will all enjoy games on the beach and donkey rides, and a very special treat for the children, a McDonalds lunch!!

We have several children starting school this September, so have been taking them to their various schools for story time and generally trying to prepare them for the new experience of big school. We wish them all the very best.

Thank you to everyone who supported our stall at the Summer Fair, it helped raise some funds for the group so we can buy new toys and crafts for the children to use at Dab Hands on Monday mornings at the Memorial Hall.

We will be having our usual Family Portrait session in September/October, with portraits being ready in time for Christmas, so look out for posters nearer the time.

Enjoy the summer break

For information on vacancies, please contact Teresa Wildman on 01454 26xxxx or Julie James on 01453 84xxxx

Our beloveds had treated my chum Chris and me to a Luxury day at Le Spa, Cirencester. When you arrive you are given towelling robe and slippers to lounge about in all day and you can wear these whilst having your lunch! Our first stop was at the gym. I've never been one for asking for help and leapt straight onto the running machine. After pressing several knobs, keying in weight, height, did I want to go up hill and very fast, the machine started moving. Of course I was flung off. “I don't want to go backwards,” I cry. So then some bright energetic, too fit to be true person on a rowing machine tells me that whilst the running board goes backwards, I run forwards. Well I know now. Several hours later, after pedicure, manicure, sun bed, massage, hot tub, sauna and steam room, we had to have treacle sponge and cream to recover. It was wonderful.

Our son Lawrence and several chums booked Bar Med, a club in Bristol for those not familiar with this establishment, and each one took stage DJ-ing. Keith and I went along to support. I popped into the Ladies and was greeted by a young lady. “It's alright, I'm not collecting for Help the Aged,” I explained. “My son's doing a session tonight.” “Oh, so is my brother-in-law,” she said. I was well at home.

Following the absolutely, wonderful success of Leyhill's Gold at Chelsea, I gather the plants to now have flourishing in your own space are Rose Bay Willow Herb AND the Stinging Nettle!!! So if anyone would like cuttings …

Were you in Woollies, at Yate, this morning (Saturday 12th July), about 10 o'clock and heard a terrific crash? Well it was me. They had some terrific bargains in the Pyrex section and as I lifted out from the second shelf, a dish and lid, the whole of the top shelf slid down towards me. I could be found speechless, with the whole world looking at me, feeling a right eejit. Anyway I was rescued by a charming Woollies chap who helped me step out of the mound of TWELVE SMASHED JUGS. All the shoppers looked at me like I actually did it on purpose. Not a smirk amongst them. Anyway it's been an ending to this literary moment.

15Ooh, I've just thought of something brill. My job at school is still so absolutely wonderful. Last week, Hannah, Tiffany and me had to wash five dollies and all their clothes. Tiny frocks, pants and vests were hanging over the wooden fence, drying in the sun. Isn't life great?

Happy Summer to you. Maz.

For many people the months of July and August provide an opportunity for rest and refreshment and a break from the hectic and pressurised lifestyle of the rest of the year. It's a chance to get back in tune with ourselves and our families and to recharge our batteries before the onset of autumn and winter. It's also an opportunity for us to find space for God who is so easily squeezed out because of our busy lifestyles.

With Sue teaching full time for the last half term I have become even more aware of the pressures that affect family life with two working parents and have every admiration for lone parents who run a home and family as well as working full time. Our busy and ever changing world seems to place greater demands upon us all and especially our children and young people but we must all have the opportunity not only for relaxation and refreshment but also for reflection.

Many people seek the sun and beach holidays either here or abroad but increasingly there is a desire to visit so called holy places or places of pilgrimage. Places like Iona, Lindisfarne, Stonehenge, and many others, not forgetting our Cathedrals and other ancient places of worship, become a focus for visitors seeking renewal and an experience that will touch their inner being. There is no doubt in my mind that people visit such places to experience the presence of God even though they may not put it that way. We all have a spiritual part to our lives and it is up to us whether we develop it or not but perhaps you might ask yourself the question when you have a wonderful or amazing experience, ‘Has God touched my life?’ I wish you all a very enjoyable and peaceful Summer.

Revd. Robert Pestell
Rector, Charfield and Kingswood.

There are some changes to our service pattern during the Summer when the normal 9.30 a.m. Sunday service will be replaced on the following dates:-

27th July 10.30 a.m. Morning Praise at St. James, Churchend.
3rd August 10.30 a.m. United Communion at St. Mary's, Kingswood.
17th August 10.30 a.m. United Communion at St. John's
24th August 10.30 a.m. United Communion, St. Mary's, Kingswood.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving will be on Sunday 28th September at 9.30 a.m.

The Churches in Charfield and Kingswood will be sharing in a holiday project for primary school children from Monday 11th–Friday 15th August. The project is called ‘Seaside Rock’ and will be based at the Lower School Room in Rope Walk, Kingswood, please call the Rectory for further details.

From the Registers for April, May and June.

Baptisms:-
13th April Thomas Rummels and Joshua Williams
25th May Dominic Melville
Funerals:-
2nd April Joy Thompson (63) of Durham Road
2nd May Gerry Thorn (65) of Little Bristol Lane
13th June Milly Lindsell of Durham Road

16

The Success of the May Ball

Well what can I say … The place was packed to the brim and a fabulous time was had by all! Everyone dressed for the occasion in their posh frocks and DJs and raised over £2700 for the continued refurbishment of the Foundation room. Well done to the organisers for all their hard work and dedication particularly Julie Macnamara and Sandra Nute.

I look forward to the next one. Next year??

Summer Holiday Club

The holiday club is becoming increasingly popular and as usual a lot of preparation goes into making it a huge success. Pat and Georgina have planned themed weeks with entertainers visiting the club on many of the days – week 1: Zoo, cinema and circus, week 2: sports, week 3: focus on arts and craft, week 4: Italy, week 5: woodwork and week 6: summer holidays.

The club is open to children from 21st July to 1st September from 7:30 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. Half day sessions, school day, working day and full day sessions will all be available. Places are open to ALL children from the ages of 4 to 12 year (inclusive).

If you haven't booked your kids in yet they might miss out … For more details see opposite page.

BBQ and Disco at Leyhill Prison Social Club

This is an annual event the club organises in conjunction with Pre-school and by the time you read this article it will be all over. We expect to be lucky with the weather and I feel confident it will be great fun for all. Mark White and Surround Sounds run a popular disco which entertains children and parents alike.

Summer Fete

Like lots of the village we had a great time at the Summer Fete and our ever popular jar stall sold out in record time. Thank you to everyone who supported the Out of School Club

Students

We have a continual turn over of students as they move on to new pastures. Hannah Morris will be joining the club from August. Some of the children already know her from Rainbows.

If you are interested in joining the staff as a play assistant after school and during the holidays contact Pat our club Manager. No qualifications will be required. Candidates must be at least 17 year old.

Admin

The club term time opening times are: Breakfast club 7:30 to 8:40am, After school 3:10 to 6:00pm, School holidays and inset days 7:30am to 6:00pm

If you want to find out more details about the club contact the Club Manager, Pat Loveridge tel. 07816 23xxxx or 01454 26xxxx or call into the Club at the Foundation room during opening hours.

… and finally hope you all have a great summer. My kids certainly will!

Janice Brett

17[Advert for Charfield Summer School Holiday Club]

Issue 12 of the CHADRA Newsletter was published in June 1978. It was the last one edited by Don Smith, who had been producing the newsletter since its inception, as he was moving to Shrewsbury. His parting wish was that “the newsletter will continue to be a means of communication within the village”. If anybody is still in touch with Don, can they give him the good news?

Plans were coming together for the Sports day in July, and the school library was scheduled to open in September, following fundraising by the PTA.

The village WI had come third in the ‘Group Rally Competition’, with only three points separating the first three places. Unfortunately there are no details of what was involved, but it does conjure up a lovely image of tweed-clad ladies driving rally cars at furious speeds!

18There were some interesting letters published in this edition, including one from local teenagers wanting more facilities in the village, and another appealing for interest in bringing mains gas to the village.

Caroline Davies, who will be well known to those of you who write for the newsletter as the ‘lady who rings you up to remind you it's nearly copy date’, has decided it is time to ‘hang up’ her newsletter telephone.

Caroline has done an excellent job for ringing around for the last four years. It has certainly helped us (Hilary and Geoff) put the newsletter together as copy is received promptly after her friendly reminder. Thank you Caroline.

Have you been to the farmers market in Wotton on the Second Tuesday and fifth Saturday of each month from 9–2?

The market seems to have got off to a good start – they've been very lucky with the weather so far – and is well worth a visit. There's not a huge number of stalls as yet but it's such a pleasure to be able to buy locally produced food and plants – and to talk to the people who've produced them. At the moment it's in the civic centre car park but there is talk of possibly holding it in Market Street, which would be even better. So if you haven't been, see if you can get to Wotton on either the second Tuesday or the fifth Saturday (not quite sure what happens if there isn't one) of the month, armed with a shopping bag if you want to be environmentally correct (though all the traders do supply carriers), to support these enterprising traders and help make a difference.

… to the two people from Woodlands Road who responded to our “need some light exercise?” item in the last newsletter. They have become the newest recruits to our delivery team – welcome!

Do you ever ask yourself why so many of us feel the need to take vitamin and mineral supplements?

Our youngest son, Matthew Adams, is trying to find an answer. Research has been done over the years which shows just how much the mineral content of the soil has been depleted but not a lot has been done to find out why or attempt to remedy it – just adding minerals is not the answer.

He runs the GGA, a very small but growing charity, based in Wotton. Its long term aim is to make people aware of the need to look after our soil (a hugely neglected area) so that food grown in it has maximum nutritional value – which in turn will give maximum benefit to the people who eat it (the food that is!).

Healthy soil gives healthy food, which in turn will give healthy people. We are all very aware of the fact that although 19more people are living to a greater age, many of them – and indeed, a lot of younger people as well – are in very poor health.

He is doing fascinating work almost single-handed and is desperately in need of some voluntary office help. If you are willing to spare a few hours yourself – or know someone who might – and find this field interesting we would love to hear from you.

Barbara Adams 01454 26xxxx or
Matthew Adams 01453 52xxxx.

So, what is a School Travel Plan (STP)?

The main aims are to:

• Promote walking to school, which will develop road safety awareness for our children and help encourage a healthier lifestyle
• Reduce car use, to take traffic off the roads, lessen dependence on the car – for now and for the future – and to generally help to improve the environment
• Help to make travel to school safer

A steering group was set up early this year to work on the STP, comprising two school governors, Paul Macnamara and Peter Tymms, with Mrs Peer, a teacher at the school, under the guidance of the LEA STP coordinator, Lesley Organ. We started by undertaking studies of the current travel patterns, which included an on-line survey, carried out by all the school children and a questionnaire completed by parents/carers.

About this time, the school ran a children's logo and slogan competition. There was an excellent response with many very good ideas. The winning slogan was W.A.L.K. – Walk And Look Kool!! – which has been incorporated into the winning logo.

[Logo]

The survey results were collated to assess the main issues. We discovered that about half of the village lives within a 10 minute walk and most of the remainder live within a 15 to 20 minute walk. Currently, almost 60% of children walk to school. Initially children walk with parents/carers; from about year 4 more children walk by themselves or with friends and by year 6 about half of those walking do so without adults.

Regarding car use, clearly a number of parents drive their children to school or to the Out of School Club on their way to work. However, nearly half of those who come in their cars, drop-off their children and return home.

We held a meeting to report to the parents, at which we considered the issues and the many useful comments arising from the surveys. Ideas include the promotion of car parking at the Memorial Hall to reduce congestion at Manor Lane, and get children to walk some of the way – a healthier life style and increases road safety awareness. The meeting was well attended and it is clear that there is much support for the W.A.L.K. idea. We split the meeting into the main areas of the village to examine the specific issues relating to those areas, such as:

• 20The Manor Lane and Woodlands areas felt that walking could be increased and looked at way to encourage this
• The Farm Lees/Longs View/New Street areas are already fairly good “walkers”; the major concern is to improve the safety for walkers who have, for example, to cross Wotton Road at the petrol station and negotiate the narrow paths on the busy main road

The “WoF”, Walk on Friday campaign, was the first of the initiatives to promote walking; children and parents were invited to make a special effort to walk to school on Fridays. The first trial in May proved popular and we have WoFed each week since.

At the time of writing, we have just tried our first informal Walking Buses. The idea is that children walk in a group, a “bus” driven by adults, picking up more people at prearranged “bus stops”. On Friday, 11 July, over 100 children walked to school on a bus from Woodlands/Manor Lane and a bus from Farm Lees/New Street. This went extremely well, was great fun and attracted interest from The Gazette and HTV! Children were given stickers with “I walked to school on a bus”. I am sure that this will become a regular feature – ultimately everyday.

With regard to road safety, we have been in discussion and have met on site with Highway Engineers from South Gloucestershire Council. We are now considering what options are available and assessing the balance of costs to benefits.

In summary, the School Travel Plan is about healthier children, safer routes to school and improving the environment. We are already seeing things happen with our WoF and Walking Buses, and are hopeful for some appropriate road safety measures will be soon installed to help make the walk to school safer.

I would like to thank all those who have helped us, at school and as walking bus drivers. If you would like to get involved in this, please contact the school or me.

Paul Macnamara
Leader of the W.A.L.K. team.

01453 52xxxx or 07785 30xxxx xxxx @ btinternet.com

… to everyone concerned with putting on the Village Show but especially Jacqui Mitchell and Kate Isaacs and the friends of Charfield Primary School. It was lovely to see it back and members of the CHADRA committee have had lots of feedback from folk who attended and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We know that it's all about raising funds – and we hope you've raised lots – but a day like this makes a tremendous contribution to village life and although it's a great deal of work we hope we shall see it back next year.

ADVANCE NOTICE

October 5th – Autumn Plant Fair for Save the Children 11–3:30

You probably don't want to think about October right now but if you are keen on plants now is the time to make note of the Sale and open garden at Warners Court in Wotton Road. There will be 15 specialist nurseries selling a superb range of interesting and unusual plants and as usual the Save the Children committee will be putting on delicious lunches, home made cakes, tea and coffee. Not to be missed!

Barbara Adams 01454 26xxxx

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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
SB = Sportsman's Bar, Memorial Hall
MH = Memorial Hall

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

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

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 22 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: 2017-02-04.