CHADRA

I hope you are all enjoying the fantastic weather we have had lately. I have no idea how much longer it is going to last but let's keep our fingers crossed that it goes on for a while yet (who knows, by the time you read this it may already have passed). With the school summer holidays upon us it would be nice if it stayed.

What fun I had on my plastering course. I can successfully mix my multifinish, load my hawk and apply it with my trowel and, though I say it myself, end up with some pretty good looking plaster! I've learnt about rendering, hardwall, bonding, spot boards, suction, and much more, and it no longer sounds like a foreign language to me! However, logistics meant everything was done on a fairly small scale. Whole walls I have yet to attempt, but will be doing so in my own home just as soon as Matthew has settled in to school in September. I had a great tutor and I really enjoyed learning the skills but what I need is practice and experience, so if you are, or you know of, a plasterer in need of an apprentice maybe I am your girl?

Geoff was so encouraged by my exploits in the plastering world that he is contemplating plumbing. What a practical couple we are turning into!

Enjoy the summer and we'll see you again in the autumn.

Regards, Hilary

Next Copy Date – 12th October 2005

3

Back in April, the Out of School Club passed a number of pictures to us for consideration for the front cover of CHADRA. However, we had already selected the drawings to be used in that issue.

We held on to them though, as always, and we are pleased to be able to use them in this issue. Congratulations go to Andrew White, age 11, who is our cover artist for July with his picture of the skateboard ramp at the playing fields.

As we had so many to choose from we have also selected six runners up whose pictures are to be found within this issue. Well done to Luke Messer, age 4; Charlotte Gregory, age 5; Jack Derrick, age 5; Antonia Parker Smith, age 8; William Fuller, age 8 and Jack Jones, age 9.

We would also like to thank the following children for drawing pictures for us – Oliver Thorn, age 4; Danielle Mawle, age 5; Georgina Thorn, age 6; Ashley Moreton, age 7; Edward Fuller, age 7; Billie Stokes, age 8; Harry Collins, age 8; Iris, age 9; Stephanie Davis, age 10; Luke Moreton, age 10; Joseph Fuller, age 10 and Alice Cline, age 10.

Many thanks to you all for contributing to the village newsletter. You should have all received your prizes by now.

So, are you inspired by the pictures in this issue? Why not have a go yourself. For those of you lucky enough to have several weeks holiday from school why not put a little time aside to draw us a picture for the next issue?

To remind you, as always, the subject is “Me and My Village” – drawings should be in black and white and no bigger than 16cm square.

Sadly, we were all shocked to hear of the death of Mr John Poskett. I am sure we will always miss John and all he has done for the village. He was a man that was devoted, not only to his family, but also to all things pertaining to the village.

Often his car would be seen parked at the village hall, and I know that he did a lot of jobs around the village that nobody even knew about.

He was truly an institution in Charfield, and we, the village, will all be the richer for his influence and support of so many things.

Rest in peace John.

Marion Smith

Rev. Philip Hopes Tel: 01453 84xxxx.

Sunday Worship and Kings Kids 11am. every Sunday.

1st Sunday of each month Family Service. 11am.

Four Important Ships

There have been many great ships through the years recorded in the annals of history. One of the most famous of all the ships is the one we know as the Titanic. It was thought to be unsinkable, but on April 15, 1912 about 2:20 AM, the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner, sank into the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Some fifteen-hundred people that night lost their lives. Lloyd's of London said there was only one in a million possibility that would ever happen. How tragically mistaken they were!

4The Bible speaks of at least four famous ships that would be worthy of and deserving of our attention. Think with me about them!

I. Sonship (Jn. 1:12). The Bible tells us when we put saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, at that moment; we become a child of God. The basis of that son-ship from God's perspective is faith in the finished work of Christ. Many Scriptures affirm our son-ship (Rom. 8:14; Phil. 2:5; I Jn. 3:1,2). Jesus is “the” Son of God by eternal generation; I am “a” son of God by spiritual regeneration (Jn. 3:3). You are safe and secure if you have become a child of God by faith (Rom. 8:38,39).

II. Lordship (Acts 9:6). The Apostle Paul did not make a simple decision on the Damascus Road; he bowed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Before he had considered Christ a blasphemer, but if you listen to what the “new” Paul said while on the Damascus journey, you find a man with an entirely different attitude toward Christ. He said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” His refusal of Christ prior to that time was turned into a submission and recognition of His Divine Lordship.

III. Discipleship (Luke 14:26). According to the Lord Jesus, if one is going to be a “disciple” (follower or learner) of Christ, it is necessary that Jesus be predominate and pre-eminent above all other, human or spiritual. The cost of discipleship is very high, but the benefits and results of being a disciple are very blessed.

IV. Stewardship (1 Pet. 4:10). We are to be, “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” A steward is one who takes care of the household of his master. We are to be good stewards, generous stewards, and glad stewards. Let's not let our Lord down!

Emerald and I have successfully completed a year as co-leader and leader and have had a wonderful time doing activities with the girls.

We have learnt about the exciting new Rainbow programme, held numerous promises and pot of gold parties, been around the world learning about other rainbows and become healthier people.

We would like as many 5–7 year olds to share their ideas and enthusiasm with us. Rainbows have a super time each Monday (4–5 pm), why not come along and find our about the variety of activities we do.

Kathryn Schofield (01453 52xxxx)

The Group is coming to the end of a yet another successful summer term. The Beavers have visited Longleat and Cattle Country and will be saying goodbye to Elaine Popham (Otter) who is retiring from the Leadership team as from July after nearly 10 years service, she has however offered to help on the Committee so we will be seeing her again. From the entire Group we thank you and wish you well, Elaine. From September the new Beaver Leader will be Stuart Pentland, who, due to his expert computer skills, we have called “Mouse”, he will be assisted by Assistant Beaver Leader, Tina Rickwood (Hedgehog).

Since the AGM in May, I have taken over the Cub Scout Leader role, my husband Peter taking on the role of Group Scout Leader. His role within the District was taking him away on Cub meeting nights more and more and we agreed there should be more stability within the Pack. The Cubs have held a weekend camp at Avening Green, a sleepover by the older Cubs, again at 5Avening Green, a District Camp at Woodhouse Park where Dominic Mosley won the badge competition; over 100 Cubs will be wearing his badge for the rest of the year. Our Pack came third in the quiz and first in the Eurocub Grand Prix. Many thanks to those parents who helped set up the camps, cooked, washed up pots and stayed over to enjoy the fun with us. You're welcome on camp anytime!

The Scouts have spent a weekend with the Explorer Unit at the Polish Scout Hut, Wales, taking part in a crystal maze type challenge, they have been on a kayaking weekend in the Forest of Dean and took part in the Malvern Challenge this weekend (July 9/10). Guess who came first? Our very own Scout Troop! The team consisting of Anne Chinnick, Daniel Clarke, Samantha Francombe and Chris Gee galloped around the course beating over 2000 other Scouts in the strenuous and mind-blowing activity hike. Well done Scouts, we're really proud of you!

I heard on a the radio this morning that in one of the papers there was an article suggesting 33 different things youngsters should do before reaching 10. Some of the ideas were pooh sticks, getting dirty, making dens, nature treasure hunts. The presenters were saying the list of activities shouldn't just apply to youngsters, everyone should take a look and have a go at new things or just relive a bit of your past. Our Cubs have covered most of the activities mentioned on our recent camps including water fights, playing with cardboard boxes, things that don't especially cost a lot. And it isn't just the youngsters enjoying themselves, a couple of parents built a gateway into our camp, a few bits of bamboo, string, flags, it was admired by all. The Leaders and adults that help do get a load of fun out of Scouting, ok so we get wet and the water's always freezing and the paint is still coming off my uniform from the cardboard racing cars, but it is all fun!

Give it a go; we do need some more Assistant Cub Scout Leaders, Wednesday nights and occasional weekends, see you there!

Yours in Scouting

Sandra Carnegie
Cub Scout Leader (Raksha)

I have recently taken over as chairperson of the group (I was vice-chair a few years ago) and I'd forgotten how much hard work is involved so a big thank you to everyone who has helped me out, you make it a lot more enjoyable!

A few more thank you's to mention:

• Firstly for the extra cleaning of the hall floor, as you can imagine the children were going home with dirty knees. I was beginning to dread the cleaning bills coming in! Now they're only going home covered in paint, biscuit, play doh etc.
• Secondly, thanks to the Bartrop family for their very kind donation of toys.
• Finally, thank you to Charfield Post Office and M J Fews for their donations in response to our letters.

Just a quick reminder, we are at Charfield Memorial Hall every Thursday in term time from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Your first visit is free so come along and have a look!

I hope to see you there.

Debbie Williams
Chairperson

6

Here are pictures from the Out of School Club for our front cover that win Runners Up prizes

[Graphic: Jack Jones, age 9, The Railway Tavern]

[Graphic: William Fuller, age 8, Play time at Charfield Primary School]

[Graphic: Jack Derrick, age 5, Mrs Peer, Mrs Spindler & my class]

[Graphic: Charlotte Gregory, age 5, The park]

7[Graphic: Antonia Parker Smith, age 8, Charfield Shops]

[Graphic: Luke Messer, age 5, Christmas in Charfield]

The 20th Edition of the CHADRA Newsletter was published in July 1980, which apparently, was not a good summer for weather.

Despite the poor weather, the May Day Madness event held earlier in the year had been a big success, particularly the fancy dress football, which saw the Tennis Club, dressed as flashers, winning. The winning balloon in the launch got as far as Lundy Island.

The Primary School was keen to hire out what was known as the ‘Church Room’ (now the Foundation Room) which the school used as a dining hall, a television room, and for some group activities. However, despite negotiations that had been going on for two years with the National School Foundation Trust, no progress was being made.

During a routine survey of the building, St John's Church was discovered to have a beetle infestation in the timbers – fortunately not death watch beetle. In order to raise the funds to treat this condition, it was decided to hold an anti-beetle drive.

In the police report, residents were warned about a spate of recent thefts from washing lines.

There was an article, following a presentation at the Memorial Hall, extolling the virtues of nuclear power. The speaker was very proud of the industry's safety record. Mind you, Chernobyl would not happen for nearly another six years.

Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society held a walk around Charfield, Damery and Huntingford (in the rain). On their travels they spotted 39 different species of birds.

The village was gearing up for the Sports and Gala Day, to be held later in July, including Racing Camels, Archery and Vintage Cars. Was the weather any better? Perhaps we'll find out in Issue 21.

8

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9[Advert for W.S. Franks]

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10

What an incredibly busy time we have had since the last newsletter!!

I am delighted to be able to tell you that we have been successful in gaining the prestigious Investors In People award. The school was assessed at the end of last term by an Investors In People assessor, who judged that the school should be recognised as an Investor In People with effect from 13 April 2005. Investors In People is the National Standard for organisational excellence in improving performance through people. We have undertaken training over the last 18 months and a lot of hard work has gone in to improving our school and those who work in it, for the ultimate benefit of our pupils. We will also be able to display the Investors In People logo on our stationery and around the school.

We had a fantastic History week in the middle of May going back to the swinging 60's! We covered a wide range of topics from this period of our history, such as The Beatles, the space race, flower power, modelling and sculpting, Juke Box Jury and many other things from the staff, finishing with our own 60's concert for the pupils. A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Gordon for organising the brilliant week we all had. A great time was had by one and all! ☺

Once again, many thanks to our parents, (and the school staff) for making our Parents Evening such a successful event. I would like to say a big ‘Thank you’ for the many very positive remarks made from our parents during the evenings to the staff and myself about the schooling we provide for our children. It is particularly rewarding to know that we have so many contented and supportive parents. If there is anything you feel that we should or could be doing to make these evenings or any school related matters more effective, please let me know. Thank you.

On Tuesday 14 June we had a really enjoyable Sports Day. All our pupils took part in the activities and had fun. I would like to say THANK YOU to Mrs. Evans and Mr. Norman for organising the afternoon for everyone.

Our children have been on some very exciting and enjoyable visits recently, to The Imperial War Museum, Westonbirt, The Forest of Dean, and the Sculpture Trails.

We are constantly grateful to The Friends of Charfield Primary School for all the events they put on during the year for our community and also for the lovely things they regularly buy for our school! Recently, they have been most generous and bought us over £3000 of Mathematical resources as well as £1500 of resources for our Foundation classroom. ☺

I am delighted to tell you that we have been able to extend Mr. Norman's contract for a further year, so he will be with us until July 2006.

Finally, have a lovely, enjoyable summer break!!

Stefan Frontczak
Headteacher

As one campaign closes another quickly comes around, and both clubs are beginning to prepare for season 2005/06 …

The senior club will again run three teams with James Thompson, Mark Young and John Smallwood being the respective managers. Training has already started and takes place on a Monday evenings at 7pm under the 11guidance of Jim Rigg – old and new players will be warmly welcomed. Also, by contacting me on the number below, I can put anybody in touch with the managers.

Before mentioning the coming junior season, I must take this opportunity to update readers of the successes of the junior club at the end of last season. Listed is the roll of honours –

• Under 13's won their league, however lost in a play off final for the outright champions trophy
• Under 13's runners up in the League Cup
• Under 12's runners up (after extra time) in the League Cup
• Under 13's winners of the League's annual six-a-side competition
• Under 12's winners of Wicwkar Football Club's recent six-a-side competition

The club is very proud of the boy's achievements, and this season is aiming to emulate these successes.

Three teams will compete and they include the under 14's, under 13's and a brand new under 9's team in the Mid Gloucestershire Mini Soccer League. Training will take place throughout the summer, and at this stage the under 13's (year eight) need more players. Please contact me for further information …

Both campaigns start at the end of August/early September with the junior club playing its matches at the Moreton Ground, adjacent to Tortworth Primary School.

If anybody wants any details about either club please do hesitate to contact me on 01454 26xxxx.

Jeremy Lewis – Secretary.

Although crime in the village has remained generally low over the past three months, there was a domestic burglary on Station Road back in May and a commercial premises in the village suffered an attempted theft from their yard in May, and a theft from their yard in June. Following the attempted theft, an alert passer-by was forthcoming with a registration number, resulting in an arrest being made (although there was insufficient evidence to charge).

At the end of April, two men were also arrested in connection with the theft of a quantity of cigarettes from Charfield Post Office. Both of these men were charged and appeared in court.

More recently, on 22nd June, an incident occurred in the village whereby a number of local youths and a car belonging to one of them were viciously attacked by a gang of unknown males whilst they were on the playing fields. This appears to have followed on from an altercation between the two groups earlier that day, whilst they were at High Falls swimming. On that occasion some blame can probably be apportioned to both groups, but upon the group of strangers returning to the village in force it would appear that some of those youths attacked had not even been present at the first incident.

Ultimately, however, none of those youths involved made formal complaints to the Police.

The neighbourhood watch in the village currently appears to exist in name only, and has done so since Ilze Hicks resigned after a long spell as the village co-ordinator. If anybody else feels able to take on that role and revitalise the NHW I would be pleased to hear from them.

12On a completely different note there is currently a trend of children buying, or being bought, mini motors or gopeds and then using them on the road or public places.

For the uninitiated, these are replica miniature motorcycles fitted with petrol engines, and scooters which are fitted with either small petrol engines or electrically powered motors.

Both of these forms of transport are no different in law to mopeds and any rider using them on the road has to be or required age, hold a driving licence, insurance, MOT, tax, etc. Even in a public place, such as a public car park, insurance is required.

Basically the only place where these may be used without any documentation is private land. If used on the road without the relevant documentation the rider of one of these could find not only that, under certain circumstances, his machine could be seized, but he could also incur sufficient points to be disqualified from driving.

I would bring to your attention the fact that Avon and Somerset Constabulary has its own website (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk) which contains Charfield beat pages, updated each month.

Finally, I have resumed beat surgeries on a trial basis, to be held on the second Tuesday of each month between 17:30 and 19:30 hours in the Memorial Hall.

PC3799 Jones

The children's holiday project, Up, up, up and Away!, takes place at Kingswood Village Hall from Monday 15th – Friday 19th August. This joint holiday scheme organised by the churches in both villages has proved to be very successful, catering for children in the primary school range and with an additional group for young people. If you have or know of children who would like to join in then please get in contact and I will be pleased to give you more details.

In a society which increasingly provides all sorts of opportunities and choices for our children and young people it is important that their spiritual needs are not sidelined. Children have an endless capacity for knowledge and understanding and I am frequently amazed by the insight shown by our young people and the depth of questions that I am asked.

I value, and I think we as a community should value, the opportunities that we are given both to look outside of ourselves and also to look deeper inside ourselves, for it is in both places that we are able to have spiritual experiences and encounter God.

The services and activities organised for children and young people are intended to give them the opportunity to widen and deepen their spiritual experiences and I regard this as being an essential part of the churches ministry. The varied pattern of services and occasional other events provide opportunities for us all to deepen our knowledge and awareness of God and His love for us and I hope that you can find something that will prove helpful to you. Please watch out for our ‘Sunday Specials’ and remember that we are all God's children no matter what our age!

Have a very enjoyable Summer,

Revd. Robert Pestell
Rector of Charfield and Kingswood.

Services in July, August and September
24th July 8 a.m. Holy Communion and 10.30 a.m. Family Service with Baptism both at St. James, Church End.
1331st July 10.30 a.m. United Service at Holy Trinity, Wickwar
7th August 10.30 a.m. United Service at St. Mary's, Kingswood
14th August 10.30 a.m. Family Service with Holy Baptisms, St. John's
21st August 9.30 a.m. Parish Eucharist at St. John's
28th August 10.30 a.m. United Service at St. John's
the normal pattern is then followed until
25th September 3 p.m. Harvest Thanksgiving for all the family.
Sunday Special
Sunday 9th October 4 p.m. at St. John's Church a Sunday Special Tea Praise – an informal time of worship and praise for everyone followed by tea and cakes.

From the Church Registers
Funerals:-
30th December Gwynneth Williams (79) of Manor Lane
25th January Dorothy Bird (80) of Severn Close
1st February Nora Harding (95) of Little Bristol Close
28th February John (Jack) Richings (81) of Charfield Green
3rd March Christine Gainer (47) of Durham Road
8th March Henry (Harry) Webb (81) of Wotton Road
6th April Horace Gibbs (73) formerly of Little Bristol
31st May John Poskett (85) of Charfield Green
Baptisms:-
6th March Emma Leanne Cope
26th June George William Thompson

Chairman and Vice-Chairman

I am delighted that, after a year as Vice-Chairman, Paul Ashford has been elected Chairman. He will be ably assisted by Naomi Newns who has taken over the Vice-Chair. I have now made a second and welcome return to the back-benches, where I hope to remain active in support of the new leadership. Thanks to Paul and Naomi for taking us into what, in the light of my next item, I describe as a new era.

John Poskett

It was with a sense of sadness and great loss that we heard of the sudden death of John Poskett. Because of his wife's illness, he sent his apologies to the Parish Council meeting when Paul and Naomi were elected to office. Apparently he died that night. John was a Parish Councillor for over 50 years and had a fund of knowledge about the Council and the community. We shall miss his concise and factual comments at meetings. In the 14 years that I knew him, he was more for action than talk. Things got fixed. That was his trademark.

We would like to join with clubs and other organisations in commemorating John's long and productive service to the local community. I have suggested a cup or shield to be awarded annually to someone who has made a notable contribution to the community during the year. In that way we would continually remind ourselves of the example John set us all. We would welcome comments and other ideas, which would need to be discussed with the organisations and John's family.

Co-option of Parish Councillor

The Parish Council is now authorised to co-opt someone to fill the vacancy left by John Poskett. The term of office will run until May 2007, when there will be parish council elections. If you are interested, please contact Cath Holmes, the Clerk, for information. If you decide to put your name forward, it will help councillors if, no later than 5th September, you send her some brief information about yourself and why you would like to be a parish councillor. The co-option will probably 14take place at our meeting on Tuesday 13th September.

South Gloucestershire Council Wards

At the time of writing we are trying to get some information about draft recommendations made by the Boundary Committee for England. Apparently they propose to enlarge the Charfield Ward of South Gloucestershire Council, which currently comprises the parishes of Charfield, Cromhall and Tortworth. From a sketch map it looks as if the new ward of Charfield and Ladden Brook would additionally include all or parts of the parishes of Wickwar, Rangeworthy and Tytherington, and maybe more. We would then elect two councillors instead of one. My own initial thought is that it could be inefficient for the councillors concerned, as there would be duplication if they both tried to cover the larger area. However, the Parish Council will need some detail so that we can consider what the real implications might be.

John Acton

Have you recently moved to Charfield to be close to your family? Are you on your own?

We are a small group and would be very happy to welcome you. The Club meets once every four weeks, on a Wednesday, between 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. The lunch currently costs £2.00. This year we will be meeting on the following dates:
17th August, 14th September, 12th October, 9th November and 7th December.

Ladies and Gentlemen: would you like to try us?

Ring Ros on 01453 52xxxx

We now have a regular group of ladies that meet every month and enjoy a walk of around 4–5 miles.

Our walking day has been changed from Fridays to Tuesdays as this seems a more convenient day.

We meet at the Memorial Hall car park at 10.30a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

Below are dates that we have arranged for the rest of the year.

16th August, 20th Sep, 18th Oct., 15th Nov.

We welcome more walkers, so please ring Heather on 01454 26xxxx if you require more information.

We are still meeting in the Sports Lounge every other Wednesday at 2:30 pm. Do come and join us if you have time for a cup of tea and a natter. We enjoy each others company and would make you very welcome. We play bingo or do a quiz. Sometimes we have a speaker when they don't cost too much.

We enjoyed our outing to Weston with the Wickwar bunch and we have had a day out at Evesham Garden Centre where we had lunch and a look around the other shops as well. We are hoping to have another outing soon when we've decided where to go.

M J Ealey
Secretary

15

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17

Right, come on then – who wrote “how to get a bikini body in 7 DAYS”? I couldn't even be bothered to spend the 79p to find out.

On the subject of hips, I bought some of Mr Kipling's exceedingly good fruit pies. I had a box of 6 Bramley Apple and a box of 6 mixed fruit, (which included two apple). They all had different coloured foil cases. Now when asking who would like what flavour, the Bramley Apple were in silver foil but the ordinary apple from the mixed box we later found out were in green foil. It was like a fruit lucky dip. Anyway it says on the box that if you have any queries to write to Mr Kipling, or at least one of his assistants. He's probably busy rolling out pastry as we speak. Anyway after three glasses of Chilean Merlot, I thought it was an exceedingly good idea to write and question the confusion over the foil cases. I could imagine a year's supply of fruit pies coming to my door. Well I wrote. I haven't heard a thing back. Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned the wine.

I wasn't at all bothered about Chas and Millie's wedding. Then I read the itinerary and thought, “Oh well, I'll just see what she's wearing.” I must say I thought Camilla did the country proud and she seems to be settling into her role brilliantly. However, I scanned the congregation to see all the stars and who should be sitting there but JOAN RIVERS!! Joan Rivers! How did she get invited? She's a good comedienne, I'll admit, but why not invite me? At least I live in the same county.

Right, Suduko. I can't even begin to get started.

On the subject of numbers, how are you getting on with Chip and Pin? It sounds like a comedy duo. Mind you, it is a bit when I get to the checkout. I've got three cards and Sophie suggested that I have all the numbers the same but I'm at the age now that when I get upstairs I don't know why I've gone there, so I thought having three lots of four numbers to concentrate on would do the old brain good. I've sort of done word association, but with numbers. I'm at the checkout thinking right, is it our old door number, my bust size, our Anniversary date, but the other way round. Yes, I know I COULD make it easier!!!!!

Have a mega, brill Summer,
love you all!!!!

Maz.

Summer Term
Scoubidous are all the rage at the Out of School Club this term – I'm told they are compulsive – and they're certainly very pretty. For the uneducated, they are made from multi-coloured pieces of plastic string – and plaited in all sorts of different ways – a bit like corn dollies, which we used to make in the olden days!

The children have also been very busy making shell wind chimes and sun catchers, windmills and butterfly cakes, as well as making the most of the beautiful weather with the usual range of outdoor activities. They have done a beautiful summer display, made creatures out of play dough and done painted pebbles, played fishing games and made holiday books. The list is endless: as ever we say a big thank you and take our hats off to the never-ending creative, fun ideas that Pat and all our staff come up with for the children to enjoy.

Summer Holidays
We will be open from 7.30am to 6pm throughout the summer, thanks to Pat's organisation and planning of the staff. 18We welcome Sue Tapping who will be joining the staff to help cover the holidays and also Amy Saunders, another student from the village who has recently joined us and will be starting a Childcare Course in September, so is an ideal addition to the crew! We hope you both enjoy your time at Charfield Out of School Club.

Lots of fun activities are planned for the summer to keep the children busy. They did a creative and culinary “tour” of Europe at Easter and will conquer the rest of the world throughout the summer!

They start their journey in Asia going on to Africa, Australia and Oceania, then over to North and South America, finishing the holiday in Russia. They will do a range of activities: craft, cooking, group competitions and quizzes, team games and sports. As always a range of visitors is planned from Circus Skills and Magicians to the Bug Man! It sounds like great fun will be had by all – I wish I didn't have to work!

Let's hope the lovely weather continues so that the children can enjoy everything on offer to the full.

AGM – Tuesday 19 July
By the time you read this, we will have had our AGM. Some of the original committee members, including the Chair of five years, Matthew Fuller, are moving on to pastures new, so we are hoping some new parents will join the committee.

Without the help and support of the parents using the club, we cannot operate. With waiting lists at an all time high, the last thing we would want would be to close the club because we haven't got the pre-requisite numbers for the committee, which is essential to enable the club to be run and managed properly.

If you are reading this and you missed the opportunity to come to the meeting and feel you could offer some help or support, please do contact Pat at the club, who will be able to refer you onto a committee member for more information about what we do.

Admin
Club opening times – Breakfast club: 7:30am to 8:40am; After School Club: 3:10pm to 6:00pm; School holidays and Inset days: 7:30am to 6:00pm.

Many term-time sessions are currently operating waiting lists and the Holiday Clubs are getting ever more popular, particularly on in-set days, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

If you want to find out more information about the Club, contact the Club Manager, Pat Loveridge on 07816 23xxxx or 01454 26xxxx or call into the Club at The Foundation Room in the School grounds during opening hours.

Julie Macnamara

Over the past 2 years a team of people have been leading an assembly once a week on a Monday morning at Charfield Primary School and sharing with the children some of the major stories from the Bible.

The team needs some more members and would welcome Christians from any tradition to join in with this important task. It only takes up one hour per week and the bigger the team the better! The Bible Stories are normally retold in dramatic form with the assistance of some of the children present.

If you feel that you might be able to help then Kate Ramsay on 01454 26xxxx will be pleased to hear from you.

19

FOR
SEPTEMBER 1982 STARTERS
17th SEPTEMBER 2005
AT
LEYHILL SOCIAL CLUB
DETAILS & TICKETS (£3.00)
CONTACT
CARRIE JONES (Nee PHILP)
01453 84xxxx / 07967 82xxxx
ANGELA SMITH 07803 10xxxx

20

Advertising

[Advert for Armour Security Systems]

[Advert for Heather Joyner Indian Head Massage]

[Advert for MB Property Maintainance & Landscaping]

[Advert for Homechoice Blinds]

21[Advert for Avon-Tech]

[Advert for Terrys Decorating]

[Advert for Castle School Astroturf]

With the summer holidays upon us, you may be interested to know that Thornbury Library has computer games for hire for most major formats. Prices range from £2.20 to £3.40 for a weeks hire, and parental permission is required.

Householders over 60 on an income related benefit or certain disability benefits may be eligible for grants to help prepare their houses for winter. The Warm Front Grants are available up to £2,500 to help with insulation and, in some circumstances, central heating. For more information call 0800 51xxxx.

22

I hope everyone enjoyed the Band in the Barn back in May. It went very well despite being a very chilly evening. We raised approximately the same as last year and this has helped to purchase new blinds for the infant classrooms. Thanks to everyone for their help setting up and clearing away as well as Mike and Barbara Adams for their continued generosity.

Cattle Country Family Fun Evening was well attended and the children had a great time – even though the weather again wasn't too wonderful! Thanks to Angela Searle for arranging this great evening which unfortunately I had to miss due to us being in France on holiday.

The Village Summer Fete had superb weather (at last) and was a brilliant day. I hope everyone had a lovely time. It looked as if everyone in the village turned up to support it and for that I thank you. Thanks have to go to Graham Pedley who has worked extremely hard to bring this large event together and to his committee of Claire Adams, Jo Tymms, Colette Walker, Allison Hopes and Rob Seaman. The teachers were also out in force to show their support and help on the day – this was very much appreciated. I would like to thank Dean and Sally Edwards for the pot stall they ran with the pots donated from Woodlodge Products Ltd of Tetbury as they raised over £900 for the school, Phil Barnes for the great curry and Dan and Jess Gainer-Lane for the disco. Also my thanks go to Mike Smith and Kim Wintle for doing such a wonderful job of organising the races – we have received a £250 Community Cashback Award from The NatWest Bank for Kim's continued involvement with this event. Thank you to all of the committee, parents and everyone else who helped on a stall or with the setting up and clearing away. Unfortunately I can't mention everyone by name but without everybody pulling together within the village this event would not have been the success it was! In total we raised over £3,000. This will help to purchase resources for maths and the foundation stage. If anyone has any ideas for the Fete next year or wishes to get involved then this would be most welcome. Lost property has been taken to the school office if anybody lost things on the day.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

We get the summer holidays off to spend with the children but in September we will be starting again with the fundraising. The next event is a Quiz Night on Friday 23 September with Pete Tymms as quizmaster and hopefully a ‘Phil Barnes’ curry. Tickets will be available from September 1st from either myself or the school office – £7.50 per person including a glass of wine and a curry. You will need to be quick as they sell out extremely fast.

Our Annual General Meeting is to take place on Wednesday 5 October at 7.30 in the School Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, grandparents, carers and anybody with an interest at the school to become involved. I have had a superb time as Chairperson but with my youngest child starting school I have decided that it is time for me to go back to work! I will however be staying on the committee and will offer assistance to whoever takes on the role as Chair. I hope to see lots of new faces at the meeting as it is a great opportunity to make friends and help provide some really outstanding resources and equipment to aid our children's education.

We hold a Shopping Evening each October and this year is no exception. It will take place on Wednesday 12 October at 7.30. We already have 23confirmed bookings for the following stalls: Chocoholics, Snapdragon (children's clothing), Bamboo Curtain (silk bags etc) The Body Shop, Phoenix Cards, Bodkin Bears & Crafts, Party in a Box and a lady selling some beautiful jewellery. Others are yet to confirm but with these alone it should be a wonderful opportunity to kick-start our Christmas shopping. I will send out a flyer to remind you nearer the time.

Lastly, it will soon be getting colder and that means Fireworks Night. This will take place on Friday 4 November and again a flyer will come out nearer the time giving prices and times. Also tickets will be sold door-to-door a few weeks before. We have a Health & Safety Officer on the committee now who will oversee this year's event and due to a few accidents in South Gloucestershire last year we have made sure that this year's event will be extremely safe, taking extra precautions that we do not have to but would feel happier doing. These include setting the fireworks much further back than the guidelines we are given, putting screens between the crowd and the fireworks and not having Catherine Wheels etc that the public need to be close to see. Hopefully this will make for a great evening with a barbeque, tea and coffee, mulled wine and toffee apples.

This will be my last entry in the CHADRA newsletter and, although always nervous about what to write, I have actually quite enjoyed it. Hopefully it hasn't been too painful to read!!

Karen Williams
Chairperson

Yes I know it is only July/ August, but the house to house poppy appeal is only around the corner. This year is flying again.

This year our totals will be down if we cannot cover the areas that, because of people moving, etc, will not be covered. I am looking for people to fill the gaps. The areas I will definitely be looking to cover are as follows:-

• Parts of Woodlands Road
• Tortworth
• Little Bristol

If you can help please contact me on 01454 26xxxx, or e-mail to xxxx @ asmiths.freeserve.co.uk.

By the way, I have also got packets of poppy seeds if anyone would like to purchase for their gardens, ready for flowering next spring/ summer. All we ask is a donation for each packet purchased.

Contact me at the above telephone number or e-mail address for either the house to house collection or packets of poppy seeds. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Marion Smith
Honorary Poppy Appeal Organiser

Wow, the summer term has flown by. The committee, children and parents have been busy both in sessions and behind the scenes and it is hard to believe that the school year is already over. This term the children have been busy looking at a number of topics including, amongst others, journeys, water, clothing, growth and spring.

At our sports day, blessed with fantastic weather, all the children took part in all the races and had lots of fun doing so. Lots of parents wanted to take part too and so we had two races to fit them all in – thanks for joining in the fun folks. Every child was presented with a medal, a certificate and a lolly – no prizes for guessing which bit they liked best! We finished off with a picnic in the Pre-School garden.

24For the Pre-School trip a coach full of children, parents and carers (thanks for coming) went to the Animal Farm Park at Burnham on Sea. It was a really good day out, the weather was kind, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Our ‘adventure tunnels’ went down well with the children at the Village Summer Fete. Thanks to all the parents who let us use their tents and tunnels for the day and to those who helped man the stall in the intense heat.

Our leavers party was in the last week of term. All the children who are starting school in September joined together to eat party food, play pass the parcel and join the adults in a treasure hunt. Everyone had a great time and the children all received a ‘Starting School’ book and a group photograph to say goodbye. We give all these children our very best wishes for the future and hope they enjoy moving on to ‘big school’ and settle in well. I'm sure their parents would join the committee in thanking the Pre-School staff for everything they have done to make Pre-School such an enjoyable experience for the children, helping them to make the transition to Primary School a, hopefully, stress free event.

We would like to thank the Parish Council for the grant they awarded us. The children have enjoyed playing with the many toys we were able to purchase with the funds.

Thankfully, we are fairly well subscribed for the new term in September, but we do have some spaces. If you would like your child to join our Pre-School during the 2005/2006 school year, please call Nic Bartrop on 01453 52xxxx who will be pleased to help you.

The Pre-School AGM will be held on Thursday 29th September, in the Foundation Room at the Primary School. The Pre-School is managed by a voluntary committee, without whom there can be no Pre-School. The current committee will be standing down at the AGM, as their children have left Pre-School, so please come along and see how you can help. Joining the committee will give you the opportunity to help support the Pre-School staff and have a say in how your Pre-School is run. We hate to have to say it, but – “no committee, no pre-school” – so please come along and do what you can to help.

Finally, the committee (and I am sure the parents would join us) would like to say a very big thank you all our staff, Nicola, Sarah, Lynda and Deb who have tirelessly entertained our children over the past year (and more). They create the fun and stimulating environment our children enjoy day after day. A special mention must go to Nicola, our Play Leader, who left us at the end of term to concentrate on consolidating her teaching degree. Nicola; you were a fantastic asset to the Pre-School and we are grateful you chose to work with us. We wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for your dedication and effort over the last 18 months.

At the time of going to ‘press’ the recruitment of our new Play Leader is not finalised but we wish the successful applicant all the very best in their new role. The committee are looking forward to working with you and the children cannot wait for you to entertain them in September.

Hilary Wignall, Treasurer
On behalf of the Pre-School committee

Butterflies taste with their feet.

A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

A snail can sleep for three years.

25In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all of the world's nuclear weapons combined.

On average, 100 people choke to death on ball-point pens every year.

On average people fear spiders more than they do death.

Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.

Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.

Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.

It's possible to lead a cow upstairs … but not downstairs.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

It's physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.

The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.

No word in the English language rhymes with “MONTH.”

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. SCARY!!!

All polar bears are left-handed.

In ancient Egypt, priests plucked EVERY hair from their bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.

“Go,” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand seven feet, two inches tall.

A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

Almost everyone who reads this will try to lick their elbow. You did, didn't you?

Whilst researching 100 Issues Ago, I came across this poem, author unknown, which was in the Congregational Church article in issue 20. I thought it was worth repeating:

I promised a doll to my dear baby girl, I had pictured a figure most fair
With exquisite features and teeth of pure pearl, moving eyes, walking limbs and real hair.
We entered the shop and the sweet little maid, clasped a cheap tawdry doll to her breast.
To make the exchange I was really afraid, though I wanted to give her the best.
I took it away and the tears filled her eyes, but I gave her the one I had planned
The dear little face glowed in joyous surprise, that a treasure existed so grand.
O Saviour I too am a child in Thy sight, and I choose the first thing that I see.
I struggle to keep them; I do not know quite, why the Father should take them from me.
But when I look back through the wisdom of years, when my faith is age-old and sublime
I know I shall see through a rainbow of tears, that my Father planned best all the time.

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

Baby and Toddler Group
Yvonne Kershaw 01454 26xxxx

Bingo Club
Sue Scoble 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
David Millman (Hon Sec) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Pre School
Nic Bartrop (Admissions) 01453 52xxxx
Lisa Burner (Chairperson) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
Stefan Frontczak 01454 26xxxx

Childminders
Teresa Wildman 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Rev Philip Hopes 01453 84xxxx

Church – St. John's
Rev Robert Pestell 01454 26xxxx
Email xxxx @ fish.co.uk

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

Council – South Gloucestershire
Sandra O'Neill 01454 26xxxx
Email xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk

Cricket Club
Diane Bradley 01453 84xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Football Club – Juniors
Jeremy Lewis 01454 26xxxx

Football Club – Seniors
Jeremy Lewis 01454 26xxxx

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Karen Williams 01454 26xxxx

Foundation Room
Bryan Grantham 01454 26xxxx

Friendship Club
Mrs. M Ealey 01454 29xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Christine Parfitt 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Kate Isaacs (bookings) 01454 26xxxx

Neighbourhood Watch
To be confirmed