CHADRA

Welcome to the autumn edition of the CHADRA Newsletter. Thanks to all our contributors, we really value your articles – you're what makes this newsletter such a good read. One of the areas we get criticism about is the back pages. People complain that we still have old committee members recorded as contacts. We're sorry if this happens, but unless you tell us, we don't know. So, if your committee changes and you want the back page information changes, please let us know.

It still seems a long way off now, but the next edition isn't out until January; so can we be among the first to wish you a Happy Christmas!

Next Copy Date – 12th January 2004

3

Kenwyn Parker sent us this drawing of the old Charfield Market.

How many people in the village knew we had such a market and what it looked like?

Thanks to those of you who have contributed drawings for our front cover, we hope you have enjoyed your prizes. We need more pictures for future issues – nothing to stop you having another go! Or perhaps someone new would like their work to adorn our front cover.

Drop your pictures round to Geoff and Hilary, x Berkeley Close – you could be pleasantly surprised when your copy of the newsletter falls through your letterbox in the New Year!

Another summer almost over and I am very happy to report on four fruitful and successful weeks at our adopted village – Mina 1 Mai

Smaller teams this year (6 and 5 respectively) but, wow, what did we pack in!

Team one installed a number of computers and associated equipment both in the hospital and the school. They also did a significant amount of outdoor painting at the hospital – so much so that its impact hit me as soon as I arrived with team two. Patients and staff had also been busy on the gardens and it was a real tonic to see so much colour.

Their major task, however, had been to open up a trench (about 80 metres in length by one metre deep by one metre wide) with the aim of exposing the steam heating pipes plus hot and cold water which ran from the boiler house to various adjacent buildings and which were known to be virtually past their sell by date.

When this task had been determined as our major project for 2003, I had palled at the prospect, knowing full well the distance involved and the nature of the terrain – compacted earth, large amounts of clay and many, many stones (boulders?).

Imagine my surprise, therefore, to arrive and find trench dug, pipes replaced and the local welder putting the finishing touches to the jointing. How had they done it? Easy, they had hired a mechanical digger and achieved in nine hours what would have taken two weeks with pick and shovel. Brilliant!

So, what remained for team two? Not a lot – lag the pipes, drop back into place about 100 granite slabs (that weighed the proverbial ton) and then refill the trench with the spoil – that after two weeks had hardened like concrete. All too simple – we did lag the pipes, we did drop the granite slabs (not that I want to see another one again and then – no we did not shovel the spoil back in, we called the digger back in and it took him 4 hours!

You may be thinking that this all sounds too easy. Well … The hospital has a laundry and among the many archaic items therein is (was) an industrial size (½ ton) spin dryer that many years ago began to sound like Concorde on take off. We had saved enough money (£2000) to replace this monstrosity and I was deputed to travel to Bucharest with vehicle, driver, interpreter and 105,000,000 Romanian Lei to purchase a replacement (105,000,000 in notes is about 5 inches wide – I was sorely tempted to try the casino). The scenario of the purchase demands a chapter to itself but I will simply say that we left Bucharest with ½ ton of machinery simply and safely loaded courtesy of a fork lift truck.

4Now, fork lift trucks do not exist at our hospital so remind me to tell you sometime how five men, one dog, two wooden benches, four six inch nails, one old chair and a log removed from a lorry, ½ a ton of unforgiving spin dryer. Suffice to say that we did and the hospital now possesses a fully operational blue and yellow dryer.

We also did some painting and built another shelter for the patients to admire the view – we are now frantically looking for a bus-stop sign.

Please do not think that this light hearted report means that we have a party in Romania – we do, but it is bloody hard work and we work hard during the year to fund ourselves and to provide finance for raw materials, which we endeavour to buy in Romania itself as a means of boosting their economy. Having said that, the quality of Romanian products (of all sorts) still leaves a lot to be desired. As just one example, we had to use mega quantities of lime last year to improve our mortar because Romanian cement is not cement as we know it.

So, good citizens of Charfield, if anyone feels like two weeks work in the sun next year or has any spare cash as a donation or any old tools no longer required (power tools, hammers, screwdrivers, rawl-plugs – anything) or has any old sheets (the hospital is desperate for them), please contact either me on 01454 26xxxx or Wendy Stevens on 01453 84xxxx.

Finally, you may like to know that I was the one scheduled to drive from Charfield to Heathrow this year, picking up at Dursley and Leonard Stanley en route. Departure from Heathrow was 09:30, so I should have left the house at 04:30. In the event I woke at 06:00 and, yes, we made it! If you want to know how, call me.

Thanks for your patience
Allan Hughes

Since Allan's return I have attended a North Nibley Romania Team meeting. Restrictions have been lifted in Romania and we can now send good second hand adult clothing and shoes to the hospital we support. Also the patients' sheets are in rags, so if any of you can help by donating not needed bed linen or duvet covers they would be most grateful.

Either Allan or myself can receive them or I can collect.

Many thanks

Wendy, x New Street, 01453 84xxxx
Allan, x Berkeley Close, 01454 26xxxx

The Court Players next production is the multi-award winning play “Dancing at Lughnasa”.

Based in a remote part of County Donegal in 1936, it tells of five impoverished spinster sisters. With them are Michael, the seven year old son of the youngest sister and Jack, the sisters elder brother, a missionary priest newly returned after 25 years in Africa.

The events of the summer unfold in a tender, poignant and humorous study which evokes the subtle and complex patterns of these women's lives within their household and the community outside.

This is a difficult play, very difficult to interpret and therefore a lot of work is being done at rehearsals. To attempt this play we need enthusiastic and dedicated people both on stage and backstage.

5The play will be performed from Thursday to Saturday 13–15th November at the Memorial Hall, Rangeworthy. Call the box office on 01453 81xxxx.

Looking to the future

Our next production will be 2 Festival Plays in January 2004 performed at our own venue and taken to a Drama Festival. Rehearsals will start in late November.

Our Spring production will be the musical “The Card” with a large cast and plenty of opportunity for chorus work. Auditions and casting will start before Christmas.

A production will take place in the autumn 2004 (title not yet decided) and the Winter Production will be a Pantomime.

A varied and interesting programme … would you like to be part of it?

We need people of all ages, but particularly young people (teenage and above). No experience needed. We require those who would like to act or work in a backstage capacity. If you are interested in Drama at school and would like to gain further experience, why not come along? We are prepared to base a production around the age group of our members, meaning that everyone can be involved in whatever capacity interests them.

Apart from our drama exploits we have a good social side as well!!

We meet at Rangeworthy Memorial Hall on a Tuesday evening and Wickwar Village Hall on a Friday both from 7.30pm. Pop along and have a chat or ring the present Chairman Allan Clarke on 01454 29xxxx or the Secretary, Richard Lewis on 01454 32xxxx

We are now in our eighth year and still going strong. We have a full unit plus a fairly long waiting list. The girls enjoy craft activities, singing songs and playing games. Next July Sapphire and Pearl (the two leaders) will be leaving to do other things. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time but feel it is time to move on. It is very rewarding and if there is anyone who would like to take over, please contact me as soon as possible so that training can be completed before we finish.

We would like to thank everyone who has been connected with 1st Charfield Rainbows and we hope that the unit will continue in its success.

Judith Wenman, 01454 26xxxx

Did you know that if you take a walk (or drive) down New Street past Farm Lees you will find a little hive of commercial activity?

[Aerial photo of the mills]

One of the most interesting buildings there is the Pinmill, which is grade 2 listed and was the subject of a previous article in “Chadra”. The Pinmill is home to companies like Burfield, Cabot Design and Worktwice Marketing Ltd. Of these the focus is on Worktwice Marketing Limited. Whilst a relatively small player in terms of employment levels and business turnover, Worktwice 6has always been innovative and industrious within the recycling industry.

Five facts about Worktwice Marketing Limited:

• Owned by a local Charfield couple
• For nearly 10 years has been an active player in the world of recycling
• Has raised nearly £250,000 for charities in that time
• Supports over 60 hospices and charities from its activities
• Has just introduced a new waste stream initiative that is generating great interest from companies and organisations nation-wide.

RABBITT
No I haven't spelt it wrongly.

RABBITT is an acronym for
Recycle
All
Bulbs
Batteries
Inkjets
Toners
Telephones (mobiles)

Impending new European legislation will make it unlawful for many such items to be sent to landfill, so all large users will have a even bigger disposal problem than currently and predictably increase in disposal costs unless they talk to Worktwice Marketing.

Worktwice have set up a tripartite agreement with two of the largest British recyclers of bulbs /fluorescent tubes and batteries to create a one stop collection scheme to economically and efficiently deal with this waste problem. In the first four weeks since the scheme was put together companies such as Chrysalis Records, Kingston Communications, BT and the Hilton Hotel Group (to name but a few) are already either signed up or in detailed negotiations with Worktwice. Each organisation has recognised the savings to be made by combining waste collection activities and getting the most favourable terms by being ahead of the legislation.

Whilst this scheme is not currently aimed at the domestic or small user marketplace, the senior management at Worktwice is constantly liaising with the Chambers of Commerce and local councils, redefining their activities to meet identified customer needs and aiming for continuous improvements to the services they offer.

More information on this scheme is available by calling freefone number 0800 138 xxxx.

For general information:
There is now a collection box for your empty laser printer and inkjet cartridges in the foyer of the Pinmill. Please feel free to drop in your used cartridges or unwanted mobile phones whenever you're passing. The building is open from 0830 to 1730 Mondays to Fridays. For large volumes of cartridges a free collection service is available by calling 01453 52xxxx.

[Graphic: “Once is not enough, make it work twice”]

Frank Gendall
Commercial Director
Worktwice Marketing Limited

Pat and Phil, Alan and Valerie would like to thank everybody in Charfield who attended Dorothy Masters funeral.

We were sorry that we were unable to meet everybody who attended, but the Funeral Directors kept us to a strict 7schedule in order to get to Westerleigh Crematorium.

We would also like to thank all those neighbours and friends who assisted her and dropped in for a chat.

Our Mum loved Charfield and the surrounding district, although she was a newcomer of only 36 years. She made many good friends around the village. Her greatest anxiety was that she might have to leave because of her increasing disability. It was thanks to a number of people that she was able to stay and she was extremely grateful for that.

The school holidays seem a distant memory now and everyone has settled back into the school routine.

Village Fete
We unfortunately missed the deadline for the last edition of Chadra but wanted to say a few things about the Village Fete.

It was a big thing to organise, especially as we already hold so many different events to raise funds for the school, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Well, it turned out to be a very good idea indeed! The Fete provided a vehicle by which we could generate money for the school and give the village something too.

There are lots of people I need to thank, but in brief, a big thank you to the Memorial Hall committee and the entire Friends committee who made this event possible. The sports were fantastic and very well supported – thank you to Mike Smith and Kim Wintle, without whom we couldn't have held the races, Kate Isaacs for organising the Horticultural Show and to all the other village clubs who took stalls and helped make the Fete an enjoyable afternoon out.

I have received lots of positive feedback and am happy to say that both the school and the memorial hall raised some much-needed funds. There is talk that we may do it again next year, so watch this space.

Karaoke & Disco
We rounded off last term with a Karaoke & Disco which was a very popular event. In the ‘Dead Ringers’ competition we had appearances from Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers; The Wurzels; Roy Orbison and Rolf Harris (in the adults section), and Olivia Newton-John; S Club Juniors and the Spice Girls (in the children's category).

It was a fun way to end the year – raising over £200 for the school's music budget.

By the time this edition of Chadra is published we will have already held two events:

Quiz Night
The Quiz Night in September was again a great success. Quiz master Pete Tymms challenged the teams for answers on a range of subjects – including theme tunes, name the celebrity, Big Brother, geography and sport.

The winning team won a meal for four at The Black Horse, North Nibley.

All money raised from this event again went towards the music budget. The school currently offers tuition in the flute, violin and recorder, but with the extra funds, hopes to add clarinet, guitar and drum lessons.

Shopping Evening
This was held on Wednesday, October 15th and provided an excellent opportunity to start the Christmas 8shopping early. There were Chocoholics, Virgin Vie, Wotton delicatessen Amphora, hand-made jewellery and a raffle.

We don't yet know how much was raised, but it was a lovely evening and very well attended.

Operation Squirrel
Our recycling scheme is still going well – since February we have raised over £100. If you have any old printer cartridges, photocopier toners or mobile phones* we can turn these into funds for the school.

*We can maximise the amount of money we get if the mobile phones have a battery and recharger, however, just the phone alone generates funds.

If you have anything we can recycle please drop them into school.

Schoolkitty
This is an internet shopping scheme where parents and friends shop through the site with a percentage of the purchase price being passed on to a nominated school. School kitty has more than 160 stores, who pass on an agreed percentage of every sale, these include WH Smith, John Lewis, Amazon, Argos, Tesco and Currys.

To use the scheme you simply log on to www.schoolkitty.co.uk, where you register and select Charfield Primary as the benefiting school. Then you just click on the shop icon of your choice and shop in the normal way. It's very simple, doesn't cost the user a single penny, yet benefits the school greatly. Please bear this site in mind if you shop online.

Diary Dates
Firework Display*
Friday, 7th November Gates open 6pm
Christmas Fair
Saturday, 6th December 1pm–3pm
Christmas Disco
Friday, 19th December 7pm

*Publicity details regarding the display follow this report.

AGM
Following our AGM at the start of October, and the lack of interest from anyone to take over the role as Chairperson, I have taken on this position for another year. Karen Williams has taken over the role of secretary from Kate Isaacs and Karen Tranter has become Treasurer, taking over from Sarah Edwards & Colin Wadsworth.

Kate and Sarah will remain on the committee, together with most of the members from last year. Special thanks go to some long standing members of the committee that have now stepped down; Mandy Champion (who has agreed to organise our Promises Auction in April next year), Phred Russell, Jake Barnes and Colin Wadsworth. Also, I am very relieved that Graham Pedley has decided to reverse his decision of taking a well earned break from the committee after many years support, to remain with us for another year.

New committee members joining us are: Karen Williams, Karen Tranter, Janice Brett, Tracey Trevelyan, Leigh Watson, Jane Wright, Jane Gregory, Liane Cope and Debbie Wilson.

We have a busy year of fund-raising ahead of us and look forward to seeing you at the Firework display in November.

Kind regards

Jacqui Mitchell
Chairperson

9

Charfield School is hosting its annual firework display on Friday, November 7th with over £1,500 worth of fireworks set to illuminate the night sky.

In a change to recent years there will be two firework displays. The first will be a quieter display for younger children, followed later by a more explosive display aimed at older children & adults.

However, for the sensitive among us and following its success in previous years, the ‘Quiet Room’ will again be a big feature of the evening, allowing our younger visitors a safe haven where they can play in a quiet, supervised environment.

Gates open at 6.00pm to the sound of the Caribbean with Castle School's Steel Band. The Best Guy competition will be judged around 6.30pm followed by the children's firework display, At 7pm the Steel Band will again help keep everybody warm until the final spectacular display at 7.30pm.

Refreshments available include hot and cold drinks, mulled wine and barbecue food. The ever popular Omniglow light bands will be on sale together with toffee apples and sweets.

Advance tickets cost £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children (aged 4–15 years) and are available from Charfield Post Office, Charfield Garage and the school office. On the gate admission will be £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Any unaccompanied children/teenagers will be charged £3.50.

Unfortunately, in a repeat of last year, there will not be a bonfire due to the on-going renovation work at the school which is now nearing completion.

Jacqui Mitchell, Chairperson of The Friends of Charfield School said, “The bonfire needs to be situated at least 100m away from any buildings and we don't have the space again this year. We looked into using Wotton's gas-fired beacon but unfortunately it is undergoing repairs and won't be available. However, we have changed the format of the evening with the introduction of a children's display, and the added attraction of live music”.

For the safety conscious, the display is registered under the Bonfire & Fireworks Display Scheme and a fully qualified first aider will be in attendance.

Every year this event is fantastically well supported by the residents of Charfield and surrounding villages, and as all proceeds go directly to the school's funds it is hoped that everyone will again come along and support the school and of course have a great night.

Jacqui Mitchell

This term we have organised many events and activities not just for the babies and toddlers but also for the mums and carers.

At the beginning of October a social evening was organised, some mums got together at the Railway Tavern and had an enjoyable time. It was good to get to know each other a bit better and have a laugh too!

Other events to look forward to include:-
23 October Crafts for Bonfire Night
6 & 13 November Monster Mats
13 November Photographer
4 December Christmas card-making
10 December Christmas Meal for mums/carers (evening)
18 December Christmas Party!

10We meet at the Memorial Hall on Thursday mornings, during term time only, between 10am and 11.30am. We cater for children aged 0 to 3 years with their parents or carers, Each session costs £1 per adult and 20p per child, your first visit is free. Tea/coffee/squash and biscuits are provided for adults and children. Our session ends with an enjoyable time of singing with the children.

Liza Bullock (secretary)

First thoughts when writing this was … it doesn't seem 5 minutes since the last Chadra and we've been off for six weeks summer holiday. what is there to report?

However, a few weeks into term and the Beavers are well into their ‘animal’ themed term, making fishes one week and pet rocks the next!

The Cubs have enjoyed an excellent Sixers and Seconders camp in Somerset where they gained their Aviator's badge and a Pack camp at Avening Green where some of the new Cubs gained their first ‘Nights Away’ badges, they were extremely lucky with the weather! Our apologies to the neighbours on the Saturday night campfire, they were really giving it all with their singing!

The Scouts went on a summer camp to the South Cotswold Water Park, where our new Assistant Scout Leader, Mike, was christened with his troop name “Boomer” – now there's a story that will go down in Woodend's history, you will have to join us to find out what happened! Scouts have also taken part in the District run Post and Press competition, where without the help of their Leaders they demonstrated their Scouting skills by setting up tents, cooking and breaking camp all by themselves, well done Scouts on your first attempt.

At the end of the month the Cubs and Scouts are all off on a 3D activity weekend where they will be abseiling, climbing, tunnelling, quad biking, rifle shooting, fencing and archery – we're all looking forward to it. Next April, some of the Cubs and Scouts are off to Malta to continue our links with the Maltese Fgura Scout Group. Fundraising for this trip is ongoing; so far we have raised money with an open afternoon at Urn Cottage, games at the Cromhall Flower Show in September, and a Pudding tasting competition at the Scout HQ in October. A lot of work goes into the organisation of these events I would like to thank all those involved in running them and those who support them. Thank you.

Yours in Scouting

Sandra Carnegie, Group Scout Leader

The new season started in early September with two teams at under 12's and 14's competing in the Stroud and District Youth League. At this stage only six matches have been played with four wins and two defeats recorded. Whilst the under 11's season in the Mid Gloucestershire Mini League has failed to get started (now starts on 11th October) after a dispute between the League and the Football Association. Only a series of friendlies have been played …

Matches are played on a Saturday morning or a Sunday morning or afternoon at the Moreton Ground at Tortworth – next to the school.

Development at the Moreton Ground is well under way to create another pitch for mini soccer, It is expected this pitch 11will be ready for use from the start of next season. The club is always on the look out for additional teams at any age group, and competitive games start at under 9's. All equipment and kit is provided for the team, and administration dealt with by the Secretary. The club only needs Managers to organise football-loving children. For more details please do not hesitate to contact me on 01454 26xxxx.

Finally, the club would like to thank all parents and sponsors for their continued support throughout the close season and into the new campaign.

Jeremy Lewis, Secretary.

We are now up to 17 members counting the two lively new ones who have recently joined us.

We still meet in the Village Hall once a fortnight on a Wednesday afternoon 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We have had a couple of outings with Wickwar this year to Weston, Moreton in the Marsh and Bourton on the Water.

We have also had a meal out at Clevedon, with a pleasant ride there and back. By the time this is printed we shall have had another one with a short tour afterwards.

We are considering a trip to the Mall before Christmas and our usual Christmas Dinner if funds permit. We could do with a few local speakers for next year. If anyone has anything interesting to talk about or to show us, we would be delighted to hear from you.

M Ealey, Secretary.

Minister – Rev. Philip Hopes Tel: 01453 84xxxx

Sunday School – 11 am
1st Sunday of each month   Family Worship – 11 am.
Following Sunday's Worship – 3pm.

Date for your diary:
December 7th at 11 am.   Family Christmas Service

PILGRIMS IN THE WILDERNESS

Psalms 39:12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.”

In the Scriptures we find that our life through this world is referred to as a wilderness journey. We have no abiding place here; we are not here to stay.

Our life is for one purpose, and that is to reach our desired haven. We must come through the process of refining and preparation to be able to spend eternity in the promised land.

David said that he was “a sojourner, as all my fathers were.” He meant that all of us are only sojourners here, living as in tents, with no abiding place.

So often we try to fill the void in our life with so many things other than what will really satisfy. We forget that we are strangers and pilgrims on a wilderness journey.

We need to continually be reminded that true fulfilment comes from walking with God. Only God can make our wilderness journey wonderfully joyful.

Amen.

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Puzzle Page

13

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]

14[Advert for Tree Top Carpets]

[Advert for Pat Jeanes Reflexology]

[Advert for Claire Saunders Hairdresser]

[Advert for Surround Sounds]

[Advert for Skips]

[Advert for Littles Curtains]

15[Advert for Massage Table Store]

[Advert for Deborah Jayne Pringle]

[Advert for Laura Needham hair Stylist]

As we mentioned in the last newsletter Caroline Davies is leaving the newsletter committee and so will no longer be phoning our contributors to remind them of fast approaching copy dates. We have not yet had any volunteers to take over from her and so it is possible that these phone calls will no longer be made.

To try and compensate for this eventuality we will be setting up a mailing list for those of you who have email addresses. We will send two copy date reminders by email – one about a month before (as a gentle ‘prod’) and one about a week before (as a last minute panic!) copy is due.

Those of you who have submitted your articles for this issue by email will automatically be put on our mailing list. If anyone else would like to be added to the list please let us know by sending an email to xxxx @ breathemail.net.

You can be removed from our list at any time by emailing us to let us know.

Thanks, as always, for your contributions, however they come to us.

Hilary & Geoff Wignall.

Forthcoming events include:

Casino Night on Friday 28th November at Leyhill Social Club. Tickets cost just £7.50, which includes gaming chips and a ploughmans. To get your tickets contact one of the numbers at the foot of this article.

The Grand Draw – this will take place at the Casino Night. Tickets will be on sale from early November. Pupils will bring 16home details and an application form; otherwise contact the numbers below.

Fashion Show and Craft Fair on Friday 5th December at KLB School. This is a joint venture with the school, and has the theme of Recycling and the Environment. Look out for details nearer the time.

For more details or tickets for any of these events contact Suzanne Flye on 01454 31xxxx or contact KLB School on 01453 84xxxx.

Issue 13 was published in September 1978, and the cover price had gone up to 7p.

The village Sports Day was a big success, with the winning balloon in the Balloon Race getting as far as Southampton. Another big hit of the summer was the Holiday Play Scheme. As well as the formal report of activities, there were a number of letters of gratitude from children that participated, including Angela Smith – contributing to the newsletter even then!

Due to sewage works, the road linking Station Road to Little Bristol Lane (under the railway line) was closed. Residents thought this was so good that they petitioned the council to leave it closed to road traffic permanently.

There were two planning appeals that were being closely monitored at the time. One was to build houses on the site of the old brickworks (I think this is now Farm Lees/ Longs View) and the other is just described as Manor Court. I don't know if this ever became anything, as I think it was too late to be Berkeley Close, and too soon to be Woodlands Road. Perhaps if anyone knows they can tell us for the next edition.

Summer may be officially over and our thoughts turning towards Christmas but we have happy memories of a lovely summer. Our train trip to Weston went really well. The trains were on time, the weather was glorious and we all came home with sand between our toes. On the return journey some of the regular commuters were surprised to find ‘their’ seats occupied by hordes of very tired children. Thanks to Karen for arranging the trip.

Dab Hands continued throughout the summer holidays and the toys and craft materials bought with the proceeds of the Summer Fair were put to good use. We held two sessions at Jungle Cats in Yate Leisure Centre while the Memorial Hall was being redecorated. The hall now looks much brighter and cleaner and the nappy changing unit is a welcome addition

Christmas has already been mentioned and this weekend we held our major fund-raising event of the year. David Elam, our regular photographer, came to take family portraits and the results are eagerly awaited. David has been unwell recently and we really appreciate the fact that he came as the commission from the photograph sales funds the children's Christmas party.

Talking about Christmas, would you like us to do your Christmas shopping from the Early Learning Centre for you? If so, contact Angela Smith on 01454 26xxxx or Frances Wills on 01454 26xxxx and they will be pleased to help you

Dab Hands … every Monday except Bank holidays. 10:00–12:00 at the Memorial Hall. All parents and carers welcome.

For information on vacancies, please contact Teresa Wildman on 01454 26xxxx.

17[Advert for Hard Pressed For Time]

[Advert for Cotswold Edge Carpets]

[Advert for Barbara Daw Dressmaker]

[Advert for Safeclean]

18[Advert for Evergreen Computing]

[Advert for SM Consultancy]

[Advert for Worktwice Marketing]

19

Puzzle Page Answers

20

At every meeting of the Parish Council there are planning applications to be considered. If your neighbour applies for planning permission, South Gloucestershire Council will notify you. Hopefully your neighbour will already have discussed the proposal with you. Anyway, you have only a few days to let South Gloucestershire know your views. You might want to support the proposal, or you might think it should be changed in some way to make it more acceptable, or you might want to object to it. You need to get your thoughts clear and then write or e-mail to the case officer whose name is on the letter to you. At the same time, send a copy to the Parish Council.

South Gloucestershire Council consults the Parish Council about all planning applications in the parish. We try to respond to all of them, sometimes calling a special meeting so that we can meet the deadline. It can be useful to have neighbours' views in front of us when we look at the application plans. We may or may not agree with those views, but they can alert us to a benefit or problem. Then we have a stronger basis for our comments to South Gloucestershire Council.

The Parish Council, along with many residents, has long been concerned about traffic speeding through the village. We were consulted when the traffic calming measures were put in place a few years ago. Recently, the Parish Council has been approached by some residents who are interested in setting up a traffic speed monitoring scheme. They are hoping that such an initiative might make a difference to the speed of traffic through the village. A list of volunteers is currently being compiled by Mandy Champion (tel. 01453 52xxxx). If you are interested in helping please call Mandy.

The Parish Council have asked PC Jones to provide us with more information about the scheme. Whilst on the subject of traffic, many of you will be aware of the Travel Plan being devised by Charfield School. This scheme is intended to encourage more parents and children to walk to school. One of the main features of their plans is safety. South Gloucestershire Council have now consulted the Parish Council about the Travel Plan. We will be looking at the proposals at our October meeting.

Skateboard area update:
The ground works for the long-awaited skateboard area will begin shortly. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the work will be well under way. This is an exciting development, especially for the young people in the village. This project has been made possible due to grant awards from a number of bodies, organisations and individuals. I must also acknowledge the hard work put into this project by the Charfield Youth Project, the original steering group from the Parish Council, the late Gerry Thorn and County Councillor, Sandra O'Neill. A full list of acknowledgements will be displayed at the site when the installation of the equipment is completed.

The Parish Council will be considering grant applications at the December budget meeting. All village organisations who wish to apply for a grant need to have sent in their applications by the last day of November. You also need to send us a copy of recent accounts and please remember to state for what purpose you are intending to use the grant award. This information should be sent to the Parish Council Clerk – Cath Holmes, at xxxx, Nind Lane, Kingswood.

Jayne Pedley
Vice Chair

21

Due to my being on annual leave I missed contributing to the last edition of CHADRA but in general the last six months in Charfield have been very quiet as far as crime goes.

The exception to this has once again been the Memorial Hall and its vicinity. After a longish period of relative quiet these were subjected to a period of mindless and moronic attacks during August and September. This included the Memorial Hall being burgled, four double glazed windows being smashed, the keys being stolen whilst left unattended in a door (all separate incidents) and concerted attempts to damage nearby play equipment, which was apparently attacked with an axe or similar instrument.

It beggars belief what enjoyment people gain through such behaviour whilst the community has to suffer and pay for its repair.

If anybody has any information on these incidents I would welcome it and am quite happy to receive it anonymously if needs be, either on my office tel. no. (0117 945 xxxx) or via crime stoppers (tel. no. 0800 555111).

More recently a window of Charfield Filling Station was smashed and goods taken from the ledge within. A local person has been arrested in connection with this and charged with an offence of burglary.

As far as domestic burglaries are concerned it has been exceptionally quiet in Charfield recently, although we have suffered a number nearby in Cromhall and Tortworth.

In my last contribution to this magazine I emphasised the danger of distraction burglaries aimed particularly at the elderly. In July an elderly lady living on Manor Lane was subjected to a serious attempted distraction burglary by two men purporting to be checking water pressure, and who actually gained entry to her home. Luckily, due to the occupant's quick thinking in shouting out to neighbours, the men quickly left empty handed.

I can't emphasise too much the precautions to be taken, especially by the elderly, in respect of unknown callers. I covered this at length in my last article but the key measure is to keep the door closed or on the chain until absolutely 100% certain of the callers true identity and purpose.

Other than the above there has been sporadic vehicle crime in the village involving interference with or theft from a small number of vehicles. Obviously the best means of combating this is by not leaving valuables in vehicles or, if it is unavoidable, to make sure it's marked or serial number recorded.

Having mentioned the Memorial Hall earlier in this article it was good to see large numbers of youths from not only Charfield but Thornbury, Yate and Wotton attending the Urban Beats event recently and having a good time without causing any problems.

Finally I'll just mention that I'll be holding a beat surgery in the Sportsman's Bar of the Memorial Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday 28th October 2003.

PC 3799 Jones

Summer Holiday Club
The summer holiday club was a resounding success this year. Many of the days were full to capacity, forcing us to reluctantly turn a few late bookers away. The themed weeks worked well. Unfortunately the weeks I chose to take off to go on holiday meant we missed 22circus / zoo and sports week! Thank you to all the staff who put in a tremendous amount of effort into the planning and running of the club during the summer.

Even more importantly, the club successfully ran through this summer without the start up funding it received in its first year last year.

Numbers attending the club
All our term time sessions are getting fuller with some actually full to our 24 child capacity. Breakfast sessions have maintained their popularity so much so that on some mornings we have had to bring in an additional member of staff.

New member of staff
Welcome to Jennie Vick who joined the club this term. Many of the children may know her already as she is the mother of Aaron in year 5 and Danielle who now attends KLB.

Grant from South Gloucestershire Council
Recently the Out of School Club was awarded a grant for the continued improvement of the Foundation Room from South Gloucestershire Council of just under £1,900. Details plans are currently being drawn up.

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.

Janice Brett

Yet another three months have gone by since the last newsletter. Yes we are still very busy on transport. The last few weeks have been quite manic, with six of my drivers on holiday all at the same time, and the usual if not even more people to take to appointments etc.

Once again if anyone is thinking that they could give some time to helping with this very worthwhile scheme, then please do not hesitate to contact me, Marion Smith on 01454 26xxxx, or email xxxx @ asmiths.freeserve.co.uk

The more drivers I can call on, the less times I have to ask people to drive

Looking forward to hearing from you

Marion Smith
Transport co-ordinator

As you can see work is still in progress at school and the opening of the infants' section was delayed. Instead of my smart black school bag I could be found walking along Wotton road with my blue bucket, Flash and Mr Sheen. So, donned in my yellow Marigolds, I cleaned 30 tiny chairs.

Needless to say there is gentle banter between us and some of the workmen. It doesn't help that I've played darts against one of them. However, I was not prepared for the comments when I bent over to tie up some young lad's shoes. I didn't think that my skirt was that short.

Sophie and I met up for a cuppa in Park Street. We popped into a fantastic shop called Mapatasi. I certainly could not squeeze into some of their clothes but definitely could into some of their fantastic shoes.

23I bought a fabulous pair of brown suede DESIGNER clogs with baby blue ribbon threaded through. Well the comments I have had!

A) I wore them to school. One little darling, (now at KLB!) said, “… nice trousers, shame about the slippers.
B) Keith and I popped down to the Tavern for an intimate candlelit dinner for two. On leaving the house Keith said “… Maz, you've still got your slippers on.” He is totally unaware how much my credit card vibrated when I bought them!
C) On arrival at said Tavern, Martin said “Oh, she's come out in her slippers.”
D) My work buddy, Zippy, (explanations £5), aka Marie and I were at the Church waiting for the lovely bride Kirsty Shipton to alight from her double decker bus. A small crowd gathered and while we were waiting my footwear came under discussion.

“Oh my clogs are made by Johnnie Loves Rosie,” I said.
“Oh isn't that Tesco's?” asked Zippy.
“No it's not,” I retorted. “… that's Florence and Fred.”
“Another person chipped in, “Oh I thought they were from the television.”
“No” I cried, “… ... that's Rosie and Jim.”

It's so tricky to get some fashionable street cred around here!

Finally, back to school news, I was at the entrance of the “boys room” on Toilet duty. “Hang on chaps,” I said, “I've just got to put some lipstick on.” One lovely little lad said “Maz, would you like me to hold the door for you?” Oh so sweet!

Happy Autumn Days
Best Wishes, Maz

At the local level the past few weeks have been busy ones with Harvest Thanksgiving for both church and school the Annual Sponsored Cycle Ride in support of the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, two September Weddings, and continued work on the restoration of the church windows. I was somewhat caught out, however, when two enquiries from different departments of the BBC alerted me to the fact that this year is the 75th anniversary of the Charfield Railway Disaster of October 1928.

Various interviews and filming took place and a service has recently been held to remember those who lost their lives in that tragic incident. The interest and mystery surrounding the accident still lingers on. For those who know little of the accident a visit to the grave in the bottom corner of St. James' Churchyard may prove to be worthwhile. it is, after all, part of the history of our village.

At Diocesan level the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend David Bentley, retires at the end of the year and he and his wife Clarice will move to Lichfield. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they prepare for their move after 10 years of dedicated ministry in the Diocese. The process of appointing a new Bishop is now in hand although we may have to wait until well into 2004 before we know who the new Bishop will be.

As a church and community we give tribute for the past, we celebrate the present and we look forward to the future. After 6 years of ministry in the parish I have witnessed and been part of many changes and would like to see the vision of our church as identified in a recent parish review come to greater fruition – “To see St. John's as a lively, active, relevant and friendly Christian gathering, ministering to the whole 24village and encouraging many more to the fellowship of worship and mutual support in an atmosphere where everyone feels inspired and valued”.

With having the extra responsibility of Kingswood it is a challenge to stay focused on the task for the future but as we approach the busy seasons of Remembrance, Advent and Christmas I am determined that the Gospel message of God's love and concern for us all should be heard clearly within our community. You will be most welcome at any of our services.

Revd. Robert Pestell Rector.

Forthcoming Special Services

Sunday 2nd November
10.30 a.m. Parish Eucharist and Service of Remembrance for All Souls at St. James, Churchend.

Sunday 9th November
10.55 a.m. Village Service of Remembrance starting at the War Memorial

Saturday 29th November
6 p.m. Deanery Confirmation Service led by the Bishop of Tewkesbury at St. Mary's, Kingswood

Sunday 30th November
10.30 a.m. United Service of Holy Communion for Advent Sunday

Sunday 14th December
9.30 a.m. Annual Christingle Service

Sunday 21st December
3.00 p.m. Annual Village Carol Service

Normal Sunday services are held at 9.30 a.m. There is a weekly service of Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays. ‘Mini Praise’, a short service for pre-school children takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9.45 a.m. and the 4th Thursday of the month at 2 p.m.

From the Registers:

Weddings
13th September Keith Parsons and Kirsty Shipton
20th September Matthew Williams and Sarah Terrett

Baptisms
13th July Rebecca Dormer and Anya Leonard
10th August Benjamin Fallows and Toby Conibear
14th September Lorraine Cromwell, Jessica-Jade Smith, Dean Smith and Kira Smith

Funerals
21st August John Tarry of Wotton Road
3rd September Dorothy Masters of Underhill Road
16th September Rosemary Derham of Manor Lane
25th September Marion Phipps formerly of Charfield

We have had a very busy start to the new school year already!

Our 40 Reception pupils have settled in very quickly and we hope that they are very happy with us. Also this term we extended a very warm welcome to our new teachers, Miss Evans, Mrs. Gainer-Lane, Mrs. Mudie and Miss Roebuck. They have already made an immediate positive impact and we wish them every happiness with us.

One characteristic that helps schools to be successful is the amount of support it receives from its own school-based community. Here at our school, we are always very appreciative of parents and carers who are able to give us their time and commitment to help our pupils.

25We have been delighted that people are willing to help us in a variety of ways in school. This can range from mixing paints in our Reception classes, cutting paper, photocopying resources for teachers, sorting out and tidying the reading shelves, helping with swimming either on the bus or at the pool, sharpening pencils, sewing, using any specialist skills such as ICT or just helping out in a class under instruction from the class teacher. Basically, whatever will help our pupils. If you can offer us your time, please contact me by writing or telephone, at the school. I would like to extend a special invitation to any local grandparents who may wish to come and help us in school. Thank you.

Keith Owen, who has been caretaker for many years, has taken early retirement and we all wish him well with his new found time. His place was taken by Chris Sommerton, who has done an excellent covering job. Chris has secured a full time post and so leaves a vacancy that we soon hope to fill.

We held a very enjoyable Harvest Celebration, led by Reverend Pestell, in St. John's Church on 2 October. I would like to thank all concerned for their very generous donations of produce and money. We had over £45 in money donations and over £73 from the sale of the produce. I would also like to thank those parents who helped to sell the produce for us. The money will go to support our link with Mubarek and Christian Aid.

Clubs have started at our school and I am delighted to say that we can offer a large range of clubs to our pupils, including Board Games, Infant Choir, Recorders, Social Skills, Gymnastics, Y5/6 French, Y3/4 French, Netball, Cross Country and Tag Rugby. I would like to thank those teachers, non-teachers and parents who give up their time to run these enrichment activities for our pupils.

If you have a skill to share or would like to run or be involved with a club in school, please contact me. I will be delighted to hear from you.

Finally, two major items of exciting news.

During this week, (week commencing 13 October,) we will be interviewing for a new Deputy Headteacher, to come and join our school in January. This is a very important position in the school and one we are eagerly waiting to see who will be the successful candidate!

I am sure that many of you are aware that we are having a new junior block extension built. This consists of five classrooms, a library, new toilets and cloakrooms, a disabled access toilet complete with shower, a food technology room and a Special Educational Needs room.

The Friends of Charfield School, who work so brilliantly throughout the year to raise money for the school, have ordered new tables and chairs for every classroom, library furniture for our new library, new attractive waste bins for the newly enlarged outside playground and new outside play equipment.

It will be absolutely brilliant when we see all the work on site finished and we can move in. In the three years since I have been Headteacher here, the school site has changed considerably.

First, Reverend Pestell restored the Foundation Room, with a new roof and fully refurbished the inside, which is now home to the Charfield Pre-School and the Charfield Out of School Club.

Next, the Infant Block was decorated internally, carpets were laid, blinds put up and new desks and chairs were 26bought for each infant class. Not long too after that, the old kitchen was converted into our new ICT suite and the old staff room was converted into a new kitchen. During the summer break, we had further work done to the Infant Block. It was fully rewired, new suspended ceilings and lighting systems were put in, new double glazed windows and patio doors were fitted and the whole roof was renewed.

So now, we are waiting for the two final pieces in our school jigsaw – the new Junior Block and a new Deputy Headteacher. Exciting times in the life of our school!

And finally …

Don't forget the Friends Of Charfield Primary School are holding the annual firework display on Friday 7 November. This year there will be music from The Castle School Steel Band, the Best Guy competition, hot and cold drinks, mulled wine, barbequed food, Omniglow light bands, toffee apples and sweets, a children's firework display and the final firework spectacular. It sounds like quite a night in store for all. Tickets go on sale soon!!

Stefan Frontczak
Headteacher

Do you ever wonder …

… where we are headed …

… why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

… why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

… why you don't ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”?

… why “abbreviated” is such a long word?

… why doctors call what they do “practice”?

… why you have to click on “Start” to stop Windows 98?

… why lemon juice is made with artificial flavour, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?

… why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?

… why there isn't mouse-flavoured cat food?

… who tastes dog food when it has a “new & improved” flavour?

… why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?

… why they sterilise the needle for lethal injections?

…why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible black box?

… why sheep don't shrink when it rains?

… why they are called apartments when they are all stuck together?

… if con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

… why they call the airport “the terminal” if flying is so safe?

27

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?

28

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

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 28 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.