CHADRA

Here we are again, another new year upon us, I wish you all the very best for 2009.

As this is the last time I shall have the opportunity to say my little piece here I should like to thank all our contributors past and present over the last ten years for tirelessly providing the content for the village newsletter. As I always say, without you there would not be a newsletter, so thanks very much for keeping us going.

I don't believe that there is ever an edition that does not have someone asking for volunteers for something. Hopefully someone out there answers their pleas. This issue is no exception – the village fair needs you, the parish council need you, other people need you too, but pertinently for us the newsletter needs you. I do hope that this does not end up being the last newsletter – I know a lot of people enjoy reading it. Could you help? I hope you can.

The production of the newsletter has changed significantly, even during my time. Gone are the days of ringing everyone to remind them to send in their contributions, typing all the articles, waiting for the late comers, cutting stencils for duplication. Email has eliminated the first two, we don't have any late comers anymore (perhaps they didn't like it when I said they were too late!) and a new duplicator means we can just print a copy on our own printer. Perhaps you can make it even better? I'm sure there are lots of areas where improvements can be made.

Please call or come to our AGM (details inside back page) if you can help in any way.
Regards, Hilary

Next Copy Date – 6th April 2009

For back issues of the newsletter please visit www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk

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We have received no offers to take over the production of the village newsletter. It's a shame to say it but we were not surprised by this. We will readily admit it was the threat of it stopping that made us take over 10 years ago. Do you feel you could step in now, like we did then? It's only issued 4 times a year and with most contributions coming in by email now the need to type articles is negligible. It doesn't take too long to compile each issue. So that's maybe 6 hours, 4 times a year – Perhaps you could manage that?

Please get in touch if you feel you can help. Hilary & Geoff 01454 26xxxx.

WILL IT BE R.I.P. 1975–2009?

Thanks, again, to Derek Leahy for his picture of the Railway Tavern on the front cover of this issue – your prize will be with you soon.

– if you read this before then

Charfield Village Hall, musical event ‘Graffiti Classics’.

Graffiti Classics have moved the classical string quartet into the 21st Century. Not gypsy, not jazz, not traditional, not classical but 16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices. Scintillatingly slap-stick with brilliant arrangements and mischievous humour. A simply wonderful show, they can sing, dance and do comedy but the basis of their act is that they are all accomplished musicians. The range of music is remarkable from jigs to Mozart, songs from gospel to folk. This is the kind of act an audience wants more than one encore, not to be missed!

One night only – £8 per ticket for adults / £4 concessions available from all Village hall committee members or Margaret Gargett 01454 26xxxx.

Wow! What can say, my first term of chair and I'm amazed. I know we picked Charfield to live in because it looked like the best place to live, but now I know it definitely is …

I would like to thank every single person who has supported us through the last year, gold stars all around. You have raised £2900 on fireworks, £742 at the Christmas fair and £680 from the Christmas tree sale. That's over £4000 on three events – well done all.

I would also like to thank my committee, they all work so hard, I won't mention their names but they all remind me of animals so thank you Duck's, Bull, Monkey's, Ox's and most of all Chicken you're all the best.

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and that Santa brought you what you wanted because you all deserve it, thank you again for your support.

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The new calendar is proving to be very popular and door to door selling has been very heavy and the few remaining ones are at a reduced price from January at the selling outlets.

The school children seem to be very interested in the competition element of the calendar and many seem to want to spend their winnings already! Some, whose school days are well behind them, have also found the competition interesting and so the Hall Committee have agreed to provide a special prize for those as well. Joint entries will also be acceptable, but please make this plain when you send in your entry.

Same arrangements as for the childrens' competition and these are on the last page of the calendar.

Good luck!!

Happy New Year from Charfield Rainbows

Our theme and programme for the Autumn/Winter terms has been “Celebrations”. The activities we organised included bread making for harvest, creating firework pictures for Bon Fire Night, learning about other religious festivals such as Hanukkah and Diwali, making Christmas decorations and going on an enchanted trail at the Westonbirt Arboretum. We are also looking forward to a trip to the Wotton Drama Group Pantomime in the New Year.

I'd like to thank Jo Holloway for joining the Charfield Rainbows as a new Guider, for the help Danny Bindon gives us every week, and for all the parent help and support that really does make all the difference.

1st Charfield Rainbows meet every Monday in term time at 4.15pm in the Charfield Memorial Hall. We have 13 Rainbows (girls aged between 5 to 7 years) in our Unit at present. If you would like your daughter to join Rainbows or you are interested in receiving further information about Rainbows, please contact Andrea Barnes on 01453 84xxxx.

In our last issue we reported on the threat to GP dispensing services from the proposals in the Government's health white paper. This would have meant that the Chipping Surgery in Wotton would have to stop dispensing services for patients living more than a mile form the surgery – Charfield residents included.

You will be pleased to hear that our local MP, Steve Webb was contacted by many local residents about this issue and very much shared the concern that this important service should be allowed to continue. He wrote to the Department of Health about the issue at the time and had been planning to speak out in Parliament about it early in the New Year.

He is therefore pleased to let you know that the Government has recently announced that it will not be going ahead with plans to change the current rules. The story was covered by the BBC at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7786306.stm

Steve is most grateful to all the local residents who contacted him about this issue.

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As I sit here writing this a couple of days before Christmas, it seems a good point to reflect on another good year for the hall. Much work has been completed this year to improve the “look and feel” of the hall – most notably the Gents toilets in the main hall, and general bookings and use of the hall has increased. This has only been possible thanks to the massive efforts of the loyal band of hall committee members and volunteers and I thank them all personally for their time and dedication over the past 12 months.

We have secured a new booking secretary in the last month or so. Samantha Rees has taken over the diary from Steve Yeo and I am sure that she will prove to be a valuable addition to the hall management team. In 2009 we hope to make some improvements to the hall booking process, using the Charfield.org website, so look out for news on these developments in the New Year.

On the fundraising front, we have branched out recently to bring you our first ever theatrical production – the very funny “Funeral Games”. This is through a South Gloucestershire funded arts programme (Razzle) and in January we have another event called “Graffiti Classics” featuring a string quartet and some off the wall humour. My personal thanks to Margaret Gargett, Deb Field and Karen Stainthorpe for organising these evenings. We also plan a Salsa Night, probably in March, and a Promises Auction in the summer – please look out for details of these events nearer the time.

Our next project at the hall is the heating and lighting in the main hall. This will no doubt end up as a 2 or 3 phase project – as and when funding allows. It will however be great, both financially and aesthetically, to see the back of the old wall heaters and the harsh strip lights.

As it will be well into January by the time this gets into print, I'll stop short of wishing everyone a happy Christmas but I trust you all enjoyed a safe and rewarding festive season. It only leaves me to confirm my plans to step down as Chair of the hall at the AGM in May, so if there is a willing volunteer out there … your time is now!

Tim Hill, Chair

Robert Baden-Powell, a famous army general, developed a scheme for training boys. At the Scouts' first rally, in 1909, a small group of girls turned up. In 1910 he formed the Girl Guides, asking his sister Agnes to look after the new organisation. Later his wife Olave became involved and, in 1918, was appointed Chief Guide.

Girls and young women get involved in a huge range of exciting activities from outdoor challenges including climbing, abseiling and canoeing to learning new skills such as first aid, becoming a circus performer, toy making and much more. And then there's the opportunities guiding provides for international travel, getting involved in community action projects, camping and trying out new sports.

As a Leader you can take an active part in some of these fun and exciting activities yourself. You will get a great sense of satisfaction from watching the girls and young women in your unit develop their confidence and skills, as well as have lots of fun. You'll also gain from the experience by making new friends and learning new skills such as leadership and organisational abilities that you can use at work or put on a CV.

6What do Guides say?
“Making my Promise as a Guide was the best – I felt like I was joining a huge new family. It's really nice to have one place to go where you don't have to deal with boys!” Rebecca, 14.

What do Leaders have to say?
“Being a Leader gave me the confidence to get back out to work – I initially signed up to do it every other week. Now I'm thinking of working with children!” Pamela

Guiding is flexible. You don't have to meet weekly or at the same time, or even meet at the same place. Not everyone has to wear a uniform and we always welcome new ideas about how units can be run. Make this project your own.

This should inspire you to become a guide leader!!
If you would like to come and join us please contact me on 01453 52xxxx
Kathryn Schofield,
District Commissioner

Do you have a musical instrument gathering dust in the back of the cupboard?

Now could be the time to dust it off and come and join us.

We are a mixed group of people of varying ages and abilities who meet together fortnightly in Wotton club room from 7.30 – 9.00pm to play classical music for fun.

We welcome all instruments but at present are short of Strings and Brass but will not turn anyone away.

If you would like to join us contact Richard Graham on 01666 89xxxx or email xxxx @ virgin.net

Quite an amazing Christmas … lots of people shared in our Carol singing at the Pubs and we even went back to The Plough … BY REQUEST … for a second ‘go’. We made over £300 for Sight Savers so thank you all for your donations. Our services at St James … by Candlelight and at St John's … by electricity … were enhanced by the Four Seasons Band. These 5 wonderful ‘blowers’ made a massive difference and to hear the instruments alongside the organ was quite special. Our youngsters took part in a new Nativity … The house of Elias … the Baker … bethlehem comes from Beit Lehem … house of Bread. They did a superb job and in spite of my having almost no voice, we managed to make plenty of pleasant noise. The Junior Choir … 16 of them … sang well too and it was a joy to see so many people involved in these seasonal festivities.

The New Year has dawned and the cold weather is upon us. The children are back at school so life seems more normal again. There's nothing normal really about this time of year as we are constantly surprised by the snow or lack of it … the road closures or not … I think we shall have to go via Wickwar soon to get to Wotton … from Feb 10th … so things are constantly changing.

We are hoping to make big changes at St John's this year too. We are planning to re site the font, install both water and toilets and maybe even get a proper kitchen area up and running. We have already raised, with your help, nearly £10,000 and will continue to do so. The Jumble Sale will be our first event in March so as you feel like turning out cupboards and wardrobes do think of this event and let me know of you have items to be stored. It all raises needed funds so that we can get the facilities and make church a community facility for lunches etc. The Crib at The Rectory 7was well visited again this year and maybe at Easter it will become another ‘themed’ viewing spot … I shall get Steve building a hill and some wooden crosses! My thanks to all of you for continuing to support us and to those who have introduced me to new skills, new drinks and new people … you know who you are!

Please let me know of anyone who needs our help, I can be contacted at The Rectory or on 26xxxx. Teas and Choir on Fridays are back on-track as we move towards Lent … yes can't believe we need to start preparing for our Lent Lunches again. If you enjoyed the Soups last year, there is a Booklet available with all the recipes … priced £2.00. Keep a look out for the messages we leave you on the Church notice board … the white one outside … and then you won't miss anything. Best wishes for a Good 2009.

Viv Kerner.

Happy New Year from the Parish Council to all in Charfield parish. I wonder if you've ever considered what the Parish Council does, and I wonder if you've ever considered offering your own energy, inspiration and perspective to the Council? There's a reason I ask, of course: In the New Year we will be advertising for one, possibly two, new Councillors. You may already have seen the notices. I'm hopeful that some of you reading these words will feel able to consider serving in what is an important function within the community.

The Parish Council has a small but significant budget, taken from the Council Tax through the Parish Precept. With this it looks after much of the infrastructure of the parish – such as the play area and play equipment, the bus shelters and some open spaces. It gives support, including financial, to local groups and organisations that benefit the parish, and it comments on issues at County level to South Glos CC including Planning Applications within the parish. The Council meets monthly (or sometimes more often depending upon need), usually the second Tuesday of each month, to debate and take action on many issues which concern the village and Parish of Charfield.

Two of the larger projects currently under way are the design and funding of the playground equipment in the playing field and of the new burial ground at Church End. Both of these projects will have an impact upon the quality of life within Charfield and require planning and financial input to gain maximum benefit to the parish, within the budget available to us. Remember, it's your money, spent in your name, in your parish – wouldn't you like to help us make the best of it? Please do contact the Clerk for more information.

On the subject of the burial ground we are at the position of applying for Planning Approval from South Glos CC. In order to achieve permission we will need to outline the boundaries, vehicular access, egress and roadways, and other ‘hard’ landscaping. We don't need to specify the layout or plot design of the actual ground at that time but will need to finesse that soon. The recent call for burial ground comments from parishioners, posted individually to each door and the open parish meeting on 19th November didn't bring in very many responses, which was disappointing. However, those we did receive were in the main positive and the Council feels able to continue with its work.

We have now also received quotes from three major suppliers of play equipment, for the replacement of the toddler/young play area equipment. Each of these quotes is approximately thirty thousand pounds (which the Council does not have at this time). We are seeking to 8acquire grants and funding with which to build up our set aside play area funds. Of course, this area is only the first stage of the overall plan, and so you can see these improvements do not come easily.

The budget was set at the December Council meeting, and took into account the proposed increase in the precept for 2009–10 of three thousand pounds for the whole Parish, some of which will augment the amount already set aside for the burial ground and play area projects mentioned. I would like to make it very clear that the Council recognises any increase in the precept is questionable, especially in these uncertain times. Nevertheless, we are committed to enhancing the quality of the parish and of the services the Council supplies and we shall spend each pound only after careful consideration.

Another project now well under way is the improvement of the green space at the junction of Manor Lane and Wotton Road. Having installed the seat, bins and notice board, and having planted daffodil bulbs (with the children of Charfield Primary) last autumn, we are seeking ideas for the next stage of landscaping. If you have ideas or help to offer towards this work, please do get in touch via the Clerk.

The aforementioned notice board contains a map of the village Charfield, and was vandalised only days after its installation. The damage has now been repaired, but cost the Parish more than £20 and several hours of voluntary labour. I would remind everyone that damage to the Parish infrastructure costs parishioners money – please be on the lookout for vandals.

As you can see, the work of a Parish Councillor is significant, but it is very rewarding to know you are putting something back into your community. Once again I would ask you to ask yourself if you might be able to offer your time and commitment to the Council. More information can be obtained from the Clerk (01453-51xxxx) or from the web site at http://www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk.

Mark Rosher, Chairman

It is a constant wail from all local choral societies: “Where are the men?”

We tend to have a steady supply of Lesley Garretts and Katherine Jenkins's, thank you. It's the testosterone-fuelled tones we need, to keep a balance.

We in the choral society world tend to tackle larger scale works, rehearse them over a period of three months or so, and perform them in concert just the once; then we move on to learn a new piece. It is musically challenging and rewarding, a very social hobby, and good for your general well-being, both physically and mentally. Why not give it a whirl?

The Tyndale Choral Society is unstuffy, has fun with its music, and there are no scary auditions. Choral singers do have to read the music from the score, but we try to make it as easy as possible for those with a dodgy grasp of notation by providing (where possible) CDs with learning tracks on them. We can also pair you up with a ‘choral buddy’ who will help you along by singing loudly in your ear. You'll pick it up if you work at it (like I have), and the payback is the thrill of singing with a chorus and orchestra – nothing quite like it, believe you me. Leaves you high as a kite. Ask any of the 24 beginners who joined us last year.

So, dear tenors and basses, if you know you can hold a tune without scaring 9those within earshot, and would like to give it a try, don't put it off – pick up the phone … Vaughan Williams, Gershwin, and Bach are waiting!

What else have you to do on a Monday evening?

Julia O'Connor-Beach (01454 26xxxx)
Hon Secretary, Tyndale CS, www.tyndale-choral-society.org

* you don't have to be quite as good as Bryn or Placido!

Happy New Year! By request from the local residents and in the interest of road safety we have been conducting numerous speed watch checks at various points on the Wotton Road. We have been using these positions to cover the speed in the village, this is once the drivers have driven through the flashing thirty miles per hour warning signs on both entrance points of the village. Over the last few weeks we have been out in the village conducting speed watch checks and have found that the majority of drivers exceeding the speed limit are Charfield residents!

These drivers have been using excessive speed around the railway bridge, junction of Manor Road and in front of the primary school. Indeed, we have liaised with the school and intend to work more closely with the local children in an effort to educate the speeding Charfield drivers. To give an example of the danger these drivers pose to people in the village, in one half an hour session three drivers were stopped due to driving at forty five miles per hour in front of the school! All local drivers!

The first part of our speedwatch campaign is to identify who the speeders are, secondly to educate the drivers, and finally enforcement (sixty pound fine and three points on the licence).

Finally, I would like to ask the readers of this magazine if they would like to volunteer to be part of a speedwatch group to work in the local area. This would entail a police traffic officer training the volunteers in the operation of a hand held speed checking laser, safe working in areas of road traffic and recording registrations. This volunteer group would then be free to arrange their own working times and have the backup and support of the local beat team. If you are interested please use the contact numbers at the back of the paper or write to Thornbury police station.

P.C 1269 Lee Bainbridge
P.C.S.O Sean McKinnon

[Graphic: Charfield School]

Striving for excellence …
Learning for life

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas & New Year.

As I near my first full year at Charfield I continue to find the support and involvement that so many of you have with the school amazing. The children really benefit from the close relationship that parents, volunteers and the school have. I am still on my journey of discovery with Charfield Primary School, so much goes on within this school and I learn something new everyday.

Staff News
Since starting in this school I am constantly aware of the incredible 10dedication and hard work adults within this school provide our children. Very often I discover someone has done, made or donated something extra for the school. Our team became even stronger this month when we made teaching appointments. Miss Wiltshire was appointed as our Year 6 teacher; Mrs Pragnell became our full time Year 2 teacher and Mrs Southwell, who some of you might know as Miss Roebuck, is returning to Charfield. She will be partnering Mrs Gordon's Year 4 class. I was delighted to see these three teachers appointed as they are all very conscientious and Charfield Primary is very lucky to have them.

However recently I have become concerned that someone may be contaminating the water in school. Why you ask? Well Charfield Primary has suddenly become a very fertile place to work. We currently have FOUR members of staff who are pregnant! Miss Carroll, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Noall and Mrs Rolfe are all expecting babies! We will be looking to employ a Year 5 teacher to partner Mrs Bradley in her class in the next few weeks and in Term 4 we will be looking for a teacher to take Mrs Gordon's place when she takes her maternity leave. I will provide you Stork news and reports in future Newsletters and CHADRA's.

Pupil Achievements
Our children's amazing achievements continue. Since September I have given out more swimming certificates than I can count; many, many football awards and trophies (one of our pupils has even had trials with a professional club!); musical awards for every type of instrument that is played; gymnastic awards; Cubs, Scouts and Brownies awards; and awards for horse riding.

It is a real privilege to show these awards in our celebration assemblies. Please send them in so we can show all the children in the school.

Within school the number of LEAP (Leadership, Enjoyment, Achievement, Participation) certificates continues to grow. I really like these awards as they focussed on many different aspects and they allow all children to shine. To get these certificates the children work really hard; they need to provide evidence and some have very impressive LEAP folders! I would love to get the amount of certificates we award this year into the triple figures and have a large number of Gold awards amongst them!

The children's Cross Country Club have taken part in three competitions and have produced pleasing results from them. The club couldn't take place if it wasn't for the dedication of Mo, Nicky and Lisa. Thank you ladies for your dedication

The children's involvement and contributions in both Christmas performances was superb. I can honestly say that both the infant and junior performances were the best I have seen. The dedication and hard work shown by both children and staff was amazing and the end results were on par with a professional show. Well Done All!

11 months and counting to the next performances; reserve me a ticket now!

Events at Charfield Primary
The Hard Working Friends (PTA) have continued to enhance the community spirit that is so evident in Charfield. Firstly there was the amazing firework display night. I am sure nearly all the village was there!! The display was amazing and the entertainment from KLB band was equally as good.

Secondly the Christmas extravaganza. The Friends seemed to take over the village on the 6th December. We had a brilliant Christmas fair in the school hall with lots of activities and stalls, and 11whilst that was going on a Christmas Tree sale took place in the Memorial Hall car park.

Both events were very successful; not only in terms of money raised but also in providing us all with a place to meet and have fun. Thank you very much Friends!

Future Plans for Charfield Primary

The schools new ‘Outdoor classroom’ will shortly be constructed. This area will give us more opportunities to use the school's grounds and hold events outside. We hope to make seating areas and tables in the area from natural materials.

Dafydd Lawday,
Head Teacher

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Firstly, Happy New Year. Do you remember that piece of paper with my Chadra notes on it? That I couldn't find last October. Well I found it in November. Now, today, January 11th, where is it? Why do we have to keep so much stuff? When the gas man came to service the boiler, I made Keith have a half day's holiday and I hid in the kitchen. I couldn't bear to look him in the eye, the gas man, not Keith, as he roamed around the house checking the radiators for efficiency. He couldn't even put one foot in our Sophie's bedroom. It's a good job our darlings have left home and they had better not want to return, because they wouldn't fit in.

I needed a tiny screwdriver to tighten up the screws in my glasses. The best sort, are the ones you get in your Christmas cracker. I did have a set once. Of course Keith most definitely hadn't used it. I went into good old Meredith's at Yate. I hope they don't close because of the credit crunch which I do think would make a good name for a bar of chocolate and purchased, made by Am-Tech, a 6 piece Precision Screwdriver set in a sturdy case, ALL FOR 95 PENCE!!!!!

Sophie helps at a Brownie Pack, at Little Stoke, and was aiming to get her Pack Camp Permission Achievements, or whatever it was which means that she can take Brownies off to a camp without having to have any other proper Brownie people present because she'd be one herself. Are you following? I went for the weekend as she needed another adult. She had the theme of a Secret Garden and all the weekend evolved around pretty insects, like butterflies, etc, and not gruesome bugs so as not to frighten the little darlings. I was called Ladybird and wore a badge, Sophie had made, to demonstrate this. It was the Saturday morning, we'd had a fab old breakfast and were in the thick of sticking and gluing, waiting for the Top Notch Brownie, (like Ofsted), people to check Sophie out. They came, said she, of course, was brill and went and left us to get on with our creations. I was having a whale of a time making dragonflies out of sparkling pipe cleaners, tissue paper and glitter when several Brownies shouted, “Maz, we've been calling you.” Apparently, they had been calling, “Ladybird, Ladybird,” and I was completely ignoring them.

Several lovely Mums and their children treated Sue, Mrs Holmes and me to tea at Thornbury Castle. Wow, what a treat. Mrs Holmes returned to Charfield and Sue and I lingered longer. We behaved a bit frivolously, too much information to put in this article but please feel free to ask, but one thing we did wonder, as we lounged in the deepest of lush, squidgy sofas was, is there a school for cushion plumping?

Now I'm not going to apologise for going on about having the most fab job ever, but some of the little darlings do get me laughing. I work mostly with juniors, but of course my lunch time, “dinner lady” job allows me to have a good old chat with the littlies. This is going to be a bit like the outtakes on the TV. One little lad was complaining about his friend lying all across the bench with no room for him. “Perhaps he's tired,” I suggested. “Well he shouldn't be,” came the reply, “he hasn't even been running.” I love looking at all the infants when I oversee the Adventure Playground stint. For the first part of the lunch break, the juniors are still in class and do not come onto this area until they 20have had their eats, so for at least 30 minutes the whole place is moving with these wonderful little people swinging about, climbing all over the place having such complete fun. Last week, with everyone settling back in after the Christmas break, I received two major complaints, one, that no-one wanted to “play orange balls” and two, that this cute little love “couldn't get her leg over”.

Whilst searching for you know what, what I did find was an envelope which had written on it “spare bra and hacksaw”.

I'd better sign off now. I would like to wish Hilary and Geoff all the best as they hand over the reigns of Chadra. Someone asked me whether I would be taking it over? Suffice to say I want to thank them for their infinite patience with me over the years. I know how wonderful technology is and we have the aeroplane and the telephone but am still in awe of the fact that I type this piece of literary bumf, press a few knobs and it magically turns up in their computer. It was only a few copies back that I stopped phoning up a few minutes after to check that it had actually arrived.

On that note, bye for now. Love Maz

Reading through the last issue of Chadra the Cubs and Scouts were about to go on their PGL Tregoyd House weekend over in the Brecon Beacons. The weather was forecast snowy, in fact the nearest mountain did have a covering, but fortunately for us the weather over the weekend was calm and dry. As leaders we were pampered a little by the PGL staff, they kept wanting to take the youngsters off our hands and as we are used to being with them at all times the staff were bemused but grateful for our assistance throughout the weekend. Well we wanted to join in the fun too! The first session for my group was kayaking on a lake, they called it “the puddle”, well it was smaller than a lake but considerably bigger that a puddle and paddling around with 20 inexperienced cubs in freezing water was very worrying (I took my wet suit just in case!) one of the Cubs I nicknamed “mine” as he seemed to be attracted to every kayak in the water, bumping and banging into everyone in sight! We had a couple of games of tag and only three cubs capsized during the session. After a quick shower and a hot lunch, they were off to their next activity, fencing, and they were all very good. Our last activity for that day was the obstacle course, now our Cubs had heard the horror stories of this activity. Yes, the course looked good, easy to climb but there was water involved. Too slow or caught out in tag and you got wet, not just wet though, muddy and wet! Some didn't like that and I'm afraid the activity leader for that session came off worse, I stayed clear of all mud except when daubing camouflage on mine and their faces! Guess what, they needed another shower! Twice in one day unheard of on a scout camp! I did make sure there were plenty of towels included on the kit list and changes of clothes. After another hot meal and time in the tuck shop the PGL leaders gathered us all together for a mega game of hide and seek in the grounds, Cubs against Scouts, Scouts against Cubs and then Cubs and Scouts find the leaders. We managed to hide groups of 20 Cubs and Scouts in bushes – at one point we were laid on the floor without being spotted, they all stayed so still and quiet – another unknown for a Scout camp. Me and 21the 3 Cub leaders found a large conifer to hide in, Cubs and Scouts walked round us discussing where we could be and was that us over there? They and us were so surprised when we saw in the daylight our large conifer was in fact a small bush, how did we all fit into it? The next day's activities were shooting, archery and quad biking – exciting but we were all flagging by now as it was a very active weekend – well worth another trip and the staff were absolutely fantastic.

During November we held another Beaver sleepover, these are becoming quite successful as well as introducing the older Beavers to the activities they will be taking part in during their time in Cubs, it gives them a chance to get to know some of the Cub leaders, experience their sometimes first night away from their parents and experience a trip under the floor! At the HQ there is about a three foot space underneath the floor in the main hall, this we believe was to aid ventilation when the hall was a hospital (Any history on the place would be very welcome!) The Beavers assisted by a Young Leader enters the floor space via a trap door in the hall and exits via the kitchen at the other side of the building. Each Beaver Sleepover contingency leaves a memento of their stay somewhere under the floor, so far there are 3 mugs and the names and dates of the Beavers attending each sleepover. The task is for the next sleepover to find these items and then add their own. No Beaver has ever found the chocolate vending machine although the Young Leader has often returned from his initial reckie with chocolate from it, and the bath has mysteriously disappeared (honest there was, until recently, a bath down there!).

The Charities Fair was again a great success; we provided the catering only as there were so many charities requiring stalls this year. We are very grateful to our parents and youngsters for the support they give to us and the other charities at this event, the rooms seemed to be full with people throughout the whole day. Some wonderful cakes were provided; some were baked by the youngsters themselves. One of our parents is compiling a favourite recipes book to help fundraise for our next Malta trip and it may possibly contain Akela's famous corned beef pie recipe. And for those doubting Thomas's at the fair, Scouts Honour he does make his own pastry, I'll take photos next time to prove it. During Christmas he had a bake off between his and his Mum's corned beef pie and I have to admit his was the tastier and his pastry a lot lighter. Well that's me in his good books for the rest of the year!

The whole group and families were invited along to the Group Carol Service at the end of term where we were entertained by a brilliant puppet group whose name keeps escaping me, I do apologise. Bronze, Silver and Gold Scout awards were presented to a number of the members, these are the highest award in each section and a lot of hard work has gone into achieving them, well done Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

This next year we are looking forward to the Fgura Scouts from Malta visiting us in the summer. The plan is to camp a few days at Avening Green and then move on to WINGS a week long international camp which is held every 4 years at Windsor. This will be a wonderful experience for our Scouts, I hope as many as possible are able to attend.

22The Cubs have planned a Sixer and Seconder sleepover in February when they will be visiting the Gang Show at the hippodrome. A District Cub camp is planned for June and a Woodend Pack camp at Avening Green is scheduled for the end of July which will include a visit to the Berkeley Joust.

The sections in the group are all still full with a very long waiting list for Beavers. If you know of any boys or girls wishing to join the group their parents should really contact Allison Trueman on 01454 26xxxx as early as possible.

Finally, as we start the new year, I would personally like to thank all of the leaders and executive members, especially their very understanding families, for all of the work they have put into the group over the last year and look forward to working with them in 2009.

Happy New Year

Yours in Scouting
Sandra Carnegie

Plans are afoot for a Class of '84 KLB Reunion!

If you, or someone you know, is aged 40/41 and left KLB in 1984 at 16 (or 1986 if you stayed on to 6th form) then we are looking for you!

Our Reunion is booked for Saturday 13th June 2009 and further information can be obtained by contacting:
Karen Harvey (nee Merrefield) on 0779174xxxx or email xxxx @ aol.com
or Tracey Burton (nee Werreitt) on 0796920xxxx email xxxx @ xxxx.wanadoo.co.uk

J Russell

I hung up my boots as Parish Footpath Warden recently – in all honesty I resigned in a fit of temper. I first surveyed the parish paths in 1991 and worked with the Council's Rights of Way Officers (proper employed officials, not volunteers) to get them all walkable.

Back then, and at various times since, the RoW Officers said that they needed local volunteers to support them in their work. They intended building up a network of such volunteers in each parish, and they would use them as their first port of call when problems arose. The local volunteer could then nip out and look at the problem and report back, dealing with it locally if possible, saving the rate payer a deal of money. This has just not materialised, at least not in any recognisably organised fashion that I can perceive. Hence, when for the nth time in 17 years I discovered that the Rights of Way Officers had a log of problems in Charfield about 23which I knew nothing, I threw in the towel.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped over the years to keep our paths walkable; those landowners and farmers who have put in stile kits and agreed to kissing gates and bridges being installed, walkers who have taken secateurs along to keep stiles free of overgrowing hedges, and the Parish Council for its support.

To those of you who have ripped out stile footplates, cut fencewires, defaced waymarks, trampled crops, terrified cattle, damaged bridges and destroyed hedges, I wonder how you'd react if any of your own property were to be similarly treated?

Enjoy your walking,

Julia O'Connor-Beach

A Happy New Year to all and hope that you had a great festive break!

A brief report from me this time, as you would expect, this being the time of year when the weather only allows a little tennis to be played, having said that when it is nice and sunny and the court dry & playable, I do see some hardened members out there, well wrapped up, but enjoying a knock about – good for you!!

Although not our time for outside events involving our beloved racquets, we have still been busy mainly fundraising for the 2nd Court Project. To update on our efforts to raise the challenging funds to begin work on this project and as reported in the last issue, we are off & running as we have been successful in receiving a grant of £2,500 from South Glos Council. Only another £37,500 to go and new fundraising rounds and opportunities are on the horizon. If any local companies are interested in helping with a donation/ contribution then please contact me and I will be happy to meet with you to share the vision. The more organisations that offer support the better as it reassures the others that we are worth the investment.

Other events that took place recently were:

Shopping Evening
Based on the success of last year's event, we hosted a Shopping Evening on Tuesday 11th November from 6–9pm at The Memorial Hall where local businesses and crafts sold their wares. Stalls ranged from our own Christmas Toys & Gift Stall at unbelievably low prices, distinctive greeting cards and stationery, well known health & beauty products, handmade jewellery, mouth-watering local produce, hand crafted and unique Nepalese bags, cookware, candles, soft furnishings and even a taster Reflexology session in between shopping.

It was a great evening well attended and a big thank you to all involved and that helped organise and were there to help out on the night.

Wotton Charities Fair
We also took our Christmas Toys & Gift Stall to the Wotton Charities Fair on Saturday 22nd November at The Civic Centre, which was another fantastic event and was a great way to support the work of a myriad of local charities.

Special mention must be made of Sian & Naomi Jones, Deb & Natasha Pringle, Megan & Kate Isaacs, Jake & Ellie Barnes and Rita Wadsworth for 24their commitment to be involved in some or all of these events, without which they would not have happened nor had the success they had

Xmas Lunch
Again was the TC event of the year!!

The lunch was be prepared by our local celebrity chef “Phil Barnes” ably assisted by his Commis Chefs Colin Adams & myself and was of the usual high standard that we have come to expect from chefs of this reputation.

Thank you to:

• Jake, Sian, Rita, Julie, Rob, Tony, James, Naomi, Ellie and anyone that I have forgotten to mention (sorry!) that mucked in on the day to help both in and out of the kitchen.
• Charfield School for allowing us the use of the great facilities, thanks to Jill Gill in the Kitchen and to Darren Vean the new caretaker who got up at the crack of dawn to let us in on his day off.
• Tim & Angie Hill for another great Quiz
• The Luncheon Club for the loan of the crockery
• Sam & Lisa Wiles, Josh Kane & Ellie Barnes for their excellent job as our Bingo masters of ceremonies

I believe that we raised some £500 in all these events and in these uncertain economic times that is a brilliant achievement for a club of our size.

Looking Ahead
We are also still looking for couples to play in a Mixed Doubles Ladder that will take place throughout the Winter – please contact Rita Wadsworth on 01454 26xxxx if you are interested

Coaching starts again in the spring, details to follow on this as will plans for our annual Open Day.

Please look to The Charfield Community Website for news about our community and click the Tennis Club link for updates. This can be found at www.charfield.org

Finally, a reality check and a call to anyone interested in joining the committee for 2009. We are always in need of help & expertise and this year will see some of our existing members either moving on or having less time to commit due to the other busy lives that we all lead. Let me know if you can lend a hand to the running of the club as without the volunteers it will sadly cease to exist.

See you on court?

Chris Riley, Chairman
07795 66xxxx

YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU!

The first Saturday in July is traditionally the day of the Charfield Village Summer Fair. This is a major fundraiser for the Memorial Hall, the only independent community facility in the village, as well as helping other village clubs and organisations raise funds and profile. It is also a day when everyone in the village can get together to have fun and enjoy being part of the community while supporting lots of local good causes.

Will there be a fair in 2009? Only if more people come forward to help organise it! Can you give a few hours of your time to help? Without this key source of funding, the plans for continuing refurbishment of the Hall facilities will be jeopardised and I'm 25sure none of us wants to see the Hall and its surroundings deteriorate.

If you live in Charfield please, please consider helping!! Just contact me or any other member of the Memorial Hall Committee. We are all volunteers and the more of us there are to help, the easier it is for everyone!

Deborah Field, 01454 26xxxx

Wotton road will be closed, from its junction with Charfield Road to the county boundary at Watsome Farm, from the 9th February 2009 to 3rd April 2009. This is to allow for drainage works by Gloucestershire Highways. The diversion route will be via B4059, B4060 and B4062. More information can be found on the Charfield Parish Council website: www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk

Tony Bray, recruitment and marketing officer at South Gloucestershire Council, says it is his wish to see every child included as part of a loving, caring environment and there are various ways that people can ensure this happens through the family placement services offered by the council. In this article Tony will explore the various options available and hopefully inspire people to come forward and consider a new career.

Foster Care
We always need foster carers, for all age groups but in particular for teenagers and we also need carers for sibling groups. As the ultimate welfare of the child is this authority's responsibility it is in our best interest that the foster carers we attract, assess, approve and, very importantly, retain are people we can trust, call upon and know will provide the best care for the children. In exchange for this we offer generous fees and allowances, structured training, interaction with existing foster carers and continuous, ongoing support.

If you feel you want to take that first step towards becoming a foster carer you can either contact me, Tony Bray, on 01454 86xxxx and I will answer any questions you might have, or you might prefer to read our comprehensive information pack which can be viewed online at www.southglos.gov.uk/fostering.

Adoption
We are always on the look out for adopters for children aged one and over and sibling groups. Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who cannot be brought up by their own parents. It is a legal process, which transfers all the responsibilities held by the child's birth parents to the new adoptive parents. The adopters become the child's legal parents through the granting of an Adoption Order by a court.

In addition to the attraction, assessment and approval of adoptive parents, we deal with step-parent and inter-country adoption. Also, if you are an adult who was adopted as a child and would like to find out more information about your adoption records or trace your birth family then South Gloucestershire Council's Family Placement Team can help you. We offer counselling to all adopted people living in South Gloucestershire or adopted through the council in the past.

If, after reading this, you feel you want to find out more about becoming an 26adopter you can call 01454 86xxxx or read our online information pack at www.southglos.gov.uk/adoption.

Family Link
This scheme is a way of providing regular short breaks for a child or young person with a disability. Family Link caring offers the opportunity for a person to forge a long term relationship with a disabled child or young person and their family. Some of the disabilities the children have range from autism, physical impairments and learning difficulties. This sort of care usually suits people who can offer short breaks and who feel positive about disabled children and young people. Family Link always welcomes more carers and once approved carers are carefully matched with a child or young person through a gradual introduction process.

So what is involved? The level of commitment expected of a carer is at least one weekend a month on a regular basis; however people can give as much or as little time as they wish. Some Family Link carers are linked with one child, others provide short breaks to more than one child. Most of the children would stay overnight in the carer's home but if accommodation is not suitable to meet the child's needs there is still an option for day care.

You can call me on 01454 86xxxx or obtain further details online at www.southglos.gov.uk/familylink.

Private Fostering
Anyone who is already looking after a child or children under the age of 16 (18 if disabled), or anyone planning to do so, for more than 28 days where that child is not a close relative, will be classed as ‘private foster carers’.

This arrangement has to be agreed by the Department for Children and Young People at the council and an assessment will need to be carried out accordingly. If you are already doing this, or expect to take on this role in the future, please contact 01454 86xxxx for more details. Alternatively, you can find out more about this at www.southglos.gov.uk/privatefostering

Tony Bray

Grand Jumble Sale

Sat 7th March at 2pm

Charfield School Hall

Proceeds to St Johns Church

St Johns Church, Charfield is holding its annual Jumble Sale, and all donations of jumble will be gratefully received.

Doorstep collections will be made during Friday 6th March. Please leave any jumble out first thing (clearly marked!). You can also deliver jumble to the Church on that day, or direct to the school on jumble sale day from 10:00 am.

Your continued support is much appreciated.

27

[Graphic: Charfield Junior Football Club]

Cup Semi-Finals and 3RD Annual Beer Festival

As we enter the New Year the Village's Junior Football Club enters a busy but exciting time. We have two out of the three teams in Cup semi-finals and planning is well under way for the annual beer festival.

This year the beer festival will be held on Saturday 7th March between noon and 6pm and 7pm until midnight in the Memorial Hall. Ticket prices are the same as last year and with only 150 available they are sure to go quickly with the last two years having sold out! As ever there will be a wide selection of beers together with a number of ciders, wine and soft drinks. Entry to the afternoon session will be free whilst for the cost of the £7.50 ticket in the evening you will receive the now legendary ploughman's and live music from the popular ‘The Ultimate Echoes’, who have not only extended their range of songs but also the band which now includes a female singer. Tickets will be available from Team Managers and Committee Members, plus look out for posters saying where else they are available.

As mentioned above two of our teams have reached the Stroud and District Youth League Cup semi-finals, which is very exciting not least as one of them is the team I coach! Last year the U13's made it to their cup final which was played on Forest Green Rovers pitch at the New Lawn. That proved a great day out for all the team and parents. For us this is the furthest we have been in the 4 years we have been together and I know we can give Slimbridge a good run for their money. Also the U16s have high hopes against local rivals Wickwar on 1st February.

The New Year also means we have almost reach the half way point of the league season. For the U16s this is their last year of junior football whilst the U12s and U13s are enjoying the experience of 11-a-side football for the first time. All players and coaches will be kept very busy until the season ends in April.

If you would like to join or help the Club in any capacity please, or require information on games or fund-raising activities please contact me on 01454-26xxxx.

Thank You. Nigel Cloke
Club Secretary/Under 12s Manager

The Trustees and Members of Charfield Congregational Church would like to thank Rev. Philip Hopes for his dedication to our church over the last 15 years. Philip has recently retired as Minister and Trustee due to health problems and we pray for his speedy recovery back to full health.

After over 5 years the chapel sanctuary now has a new roof structure, I am sure most of the village noticed the scaffolding erected as you drove passed. Ultimately our praise and thanks goes to our Dear Lord who opened many doors for us along the 28 way, he is so Faithful. The Trustees and Members would also like to thank the UCCC (Unaffiliated Congregational Churches Charities) for their long-standing spiritual and financial support. The next phase of restoration is the complete re-wiring of the sanctuary and the school rooms. If anyone would like to take a look around our lovely chapel then please contact me (contact details below) – I would be delighted to show you around.

We have held a couple of coffee mornings recently and our plan is to have this on a weekly basis (day yet to be fixed), we are also planning to provide a Youth Club for secondary school children one evening a week, and something for the younger children, if anyone would like to help with any children's work then please let me know.

We are working with St. John's Church whereby a team of us go into Charfield Primary School to narrate and act out Bible Stories to the children during assembly every Thursday morning this is known as ‘Open The Book’ which operates throughout the country. This is extremely rewarding as the children really seem to enjoy what we do and are so keen to take part themselves.

We hold our services in the school rooms to the rear of the chapel at 11.00am every Sunday, after the service worship time the children go out into the King's Kidz Sunday School, Family Service is the 1st of each month and Holy Communion every 4th week. Every Monday evening at 8pm we have a Prayer Time and Bible Study, again this is held in the school rooms at the rear of the chapel.

We still have lots of work to do before the sanctuary can be used but the building is now sound which is a huge relief and we shall continue to do all we can so we are able to use the Sanctuary once again all for the Glory of God. We have a small but enthusiastic and very friendly congregation and we reach out with God's Love to the people of Charfield.

Please contact Nicky – Church Secretary/Trustee on tel. no. 01454-26xxxx or xxxx @ virgin.net if you would like to take a look around the chapel or require any further information.

Issue 34 of the Newsletter was published in January 1984, ran to 22 pages (one of which was blank!) and cost 15p.

In its pages were articles from organisations that continue to contribute, and some from others that either no longer exist or have evolved into other village groups.

The Parish Council article expressed frustration at the delays they were experiencing in providing a pedestrian footbridge over the railway line, especially as there had been a fatal accident on the road bridge.

In a separate article by the Parish Council the fate of Charfield's regional boundary was discussed. Apparently the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the County of Avon was imminent, and this was set as a review point and parishes in the mysterious ‘Region 37’ would have the opportunity to be part of Gloucestershire instead.

In the Memorial Hall article it seems their prospects had improved following fundraising and generous contributions from local individuals and businesses. As a result much improvement work 29was in hand, and judging by their article in this issue it seems it is like painting the Forth Bridge. There was also a call for volunteers to help create a mound where a new slide would be located.

Interestingly, Marilyn said goodbye as a contributor on behalf of the Young Wives (something to do with the birth of Lawrence) though she did also provide an article on the babysitting circle. We're glad she didn't disappear from the Newsletter altogether.

In an article by the KLB PTA a number of events were planned through the year to celebrate the school's 600th anniversary.

There was also a page of advice provided by the Wotton-under-Edge Citizens' Advice Bureau, covering goods bought in the sales, wearing seat belts in cars, and booking holidays.

Wouldn't it be good if the Newsletter could continue for another 100 issues, so that someone in 25 years could do a retrospective of this edition? It will only happen if someone volunteers to produce it.

CHARFIELD & DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday 10 February, 2009 – 8 p.m.
xx Wotton Road, Charfield.

Agenda

1. Election of Committee
2. Appointment of Auditor
3. Amendments to the Constitution

We hold four committee meetings a year. If you are interested in joining the committee and becoming involved in the production of the Newsletter in any way, please come along to the meeting or contact any committee member (listed inside the front cover).

HAVE YOU JUST FINISHED READING THE LAST CHADRA NEWSLETTER?

WE HOPE NOT

30

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

Bingo Club
Sue Scoble 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
David Millman (Hon Sec) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Pre-School
Donna Allen (Play Leader) 07866 04xxxx
Lucy Pass (Chair) 01454 26xxxx
Emily Lock (Admissions) 01454 29xxxx

Charfield Primary School
Dafydd Lawday 01454 26xxxx

Childminders
Sarah Gazzard 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Nicky Lanyi 01454 26xxxx

Church – St. John's
Vivienne Kerner 01454 26xxxx

Council – Charfield Parish
Sue Bailey (Clerk) 01453 51xxxx
Email clerk @ charfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

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

Cricket Club
Chris Shearwood 01454 77xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Scott Curtis 01454 26xxxx

Foundation Room
Bryan Grantham 01454 26xxxx

Friendship Club
Mrs. M Ealey 01454 29xxxx

Junior Football Club
Nigel Cloke 01454 26xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Christine Parfitt 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Memorial Hall
Bookings 07774 41xxxx
Email xxxx @ virgin.net
Tim Hill (Chair) 01454 26xxxx