CHADRA

Welcome everyone to the summer edition of the Charfield newsletter.

What a hot start the summer has got off to, the lawns are yellowing and unfortunately my water butts are almost empty. Still one good thing my tomato plants have not developed blight yet.

There are a few dates for your diary St John's Church is holding a Rectory Fete on September 11th 11am–3pm. The Memorial Hall committee are organising an Autumn Ball on Friday 1st October, and on Saturday 2nd October Tyndale Choral Society are hosting a workshop event in Dursley with a performance of Elijah taking place in the evening. More details on all these events are in this newsletter.

Is there anyone who could spare 2–3 hours once a quarter to help with collating the newsletter? If so we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Next Copy Date – 6 October 2010

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Our front cover picture this issue was taken by Adrian Barry. Adrian is a Charfield resident and submitted a choice of 3 photographs. They were all good photos; I wish we could print them in colour so that you could get their full impact. The photograph used is of a field of rape; the sulphur yellow set against the backdrop of the blue sky and the darkness of the trees just intensified the colours.

Adrian, your prize will be with you shortly.

Autumn Ball
Friday 1st October 2010
The Gables Hotel, Falfield
7.30pm till late

Enjoy an evening of sophistication
in excellent company, whilst making a valuable
contribution to the upkeep of
Charfield Memorial Hall.
Tickets £35.00 per head including 3
course dinner and entertainment.
Posh frocks and smart suits.
(Coach £5.00 return from Charfield)

Tickets available from Deb Field (26xxxx), Graham Pedley (26xxxx),
Sandra Nute (01453 52xxxx), Julie Macnamara (01453 52xxxx) and
Angie Hill (26xxxx).

Proceeds from the evening will go to Charfield Memorial Hall
(registered charity 301482)

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This is a shorter than usual report from 1st Woodend as Peter (Akela) and I have just returned (6th July) from a two week motorbike trip to Italy and back with not a Scout or tent in sight, and no rain!

We missed the last issue of CHADRA as we were on our three yearly trip to Malta, so couldn't miss the next issue. The Malta trip was a success with 35 youngsters and 15 leaders taking part this was our biggest contingency yet. All were well behaved and we were complimented many times on their politeness. We visited the capital, Valetta, and learned about the history of the island, had a private tour around the Fort St Elmo courtesy of the Fgura Scouts' Group Scout Leader. We visited Gozo, Mdina, went swimming, scuba dived and visited local historical sites. The best part of the trip was being allowed to march alongside the Fgura Scouts in their country's annual Scout and Guide parade held in Valetta. We saluted the Maltese president and the Chief Scout of Malta. We enjoyed the Fgura Scouts weekend camp with us, and the day trip by their Cubs, there were many tears and email addresses swapped when they left us. Many of our Scouts have asked to be included in the next trip in 2013, which seems a long time away.

Two weeks later the whole group took part in a St George's family fun day at Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury. This was a district event and once again the weather was very kind to us. There were lots of international themed activities and bouncy castles for the youngsters to take part in and we were able to show off our presents and photos from our trip to Malta.

Two weeks later a small number of Cubs attended a medieval fun day at St Katharine's School in Pill. We all had to dress up in costume, good old Ebay provided a dress for me at the very last minute and we had a lovely collection of knights, monks and peasants. Crafts and games were the order of the day as well as a display of birds of prey and jousting using spongy jousting sticks and space hoppers disguised as horses or the other way round. Again the weather was good and we all had a great time.

At the beginning of June the Cubs were transported off to a new PGL Activity Centre just outside of Swindon, again we were lucky with the weather. So much so after our canoeing activity on the last session of the day we all either voluntarily capsized our canoes or a PGL instructor climbed aboard and said, “Does this remind you of the Titanic?” as he upturned mine! He was polite in asking whether either me or my Cub companion was wearing anything that would spoil in water. My watch it seems is after all water proof and my kneckie now has brown stains on it from the leather woggle, and oops! my accompanying Cub lost one of his mother's shoes but it was fun!

I helped out with the Beavers just before I went on holiday, they were doing foot and hand painting, by the time they were finished we had multi-coloured grass up at Avening Green. The Scouts didn't mind as they were further up the field doing good old lighting fires, axe and knife safety and back woods cooking, which is not cooking backwoods but cooking on an open fire – pastry twists and campfire doughnuts were on the menu. Both included sugar and jam which they all loved.

While Peter and I were away 18 Scouts took part in the Malvern Challenge, which is actually just outside Chippenham. This is a 7km timed hike around the area interspersed with 5challenges earning the teams points. Scouts from all over the country take part in this and one of our teams came a respectable 18th out of 400, well done!

So what's next? Peter and I have another weekend off from Scouting and then a Scout camp followed by a Cub Camp and then the school holidays. The group is looking forward to a Group family camp in September down at Woodhouse and then if we can get booked up a joint Cub and Scout PGL weekend in early November. The Beavers of course are booking up their Santa Trip, well it is very popular. Their leaders are looking at booking a day out to a place I can't publicise just yet, but hopefully it'll be exciting for them and it's a place I haven't been to yet so I've bagsed a seat on the coach already.

All of our sections are as usual – full, so we do remind parents to add their children's names as early as possible for Beavers. As I am also acting Group Scout Leader for 1st Falfield I can direct any interested Beavers or Cubs to the relevant leaders at Falfield who meet a few hundred yards behind the Huntsman. All sections have places and would welcome new members.

Yours in Scouting

Sandra Carnegie
Group Scout Leader
1st Woodend / 1st Falfield

[Graphic: Charfield Junior Football Club]

A MEMORY TEST FOR YOU!

Hello again from the Villages Junior Football Club. I would like to start this report by asking for your help. I have been trying to find out when our Junior Football Club formed. As no one currently on the Committee knows the answer to that I would appreciate your help. If you know the answer or if you can point me towards a source that can give me a clue it would be most appreciated. My telephone number is at the end of this report. Many Thanks in advance. Hopefully someone will know!

The Club held its Annual General Meeting last month and it was good to see a few new faces who are happy to come along and join us. It was also sad to see a few who have spent over 10 years with the Club leave as their kids have how grown up. The whole Committee thanked Linda and Colin Bond and Des Bishop for their invaluable support over the years. The Club would not be alive and kicking (so to speak) without their help. A BIG thanks to you all.

Also last month the Club held its Presentation night. It was pleasing to see so many families present from both the U9s and U13 teams. The U13 team had its best season to date coming 5th in the League. Three more points would have got us 4th place and another win above that would have got us close to third place overall. Certainly we have a top three finish to aim for next season and with some new players onboard I believe we have a good chance of achieving this.

Whilst all the players did great this year, and all of them received a trophy (with the U9s receiving a medal), the players and parents voted on a number of special awards. These were:

Top Scorer – Joshua Morris (with 30 goals)
Most Improved Player – Joe Newnes
Players Player – Ed Fuller
Managers Player – Tom Hunter
Club Player of the Year – Toby Champion

6Both the teams have already been entered into League football next season with the U9s player together for the first time in 7-a-side matches. It will be very exciting for all of them. The older boys move up to become next seasons U14s. Both teams will continue to train over the summer months with the U9s (who are still looking for more players) practising on a Friday evening.

As always if you would like to join or help the Club in any capacity please, or require any information, then please contact me on 01454-26xxxx.

Thank You.
Nigel Cloke
Club Secretary/Under 14s Manager

… Another glorious Plant Sale and another record in-take of cash! Thank you all SO MUCH for making this day such a success … we took over £1700 about £1250 of which is ‘profit’ so the much needed funds are there again to keep this village church going. We are ready to award the contract for the Toilet and Tap Work and I have to say about time too … the number of people … older and younger who arrive needing the facilities prior to various events is increasing … and the choir and club on Fridays, well if I charged 10p a p** we'd be wealthy! I popped into the pub last Sunday … to re claim my jacket which had been there since Christmas … Carol Singing … I was obviously so hot (happy!) after that December evening that I didn't miss it … I wondered where it was and Hayley found it for me … I also of course visit Martin and Shirley at their work place and Andy at his … so … all things being equal, I'm doing a slow pub crawl.

We've had a few funerals recently saying our farewells to Peter Berry, Margaret Martin and Mary Bath … these are people who will be missed, here in the community, for differing reasons, … Margaret and Mary could often be found on their respective doorsteps chatting across the drive … and Peter, well, he was a lovely man with numerous connections both Military, Nautical (Narrow boats) and Village. No more please!

There are some weddings too. Ian and Liz have tied the knot, Christopher and Jennifer soon, then of course Claire and Neil. We wish them all well as they make their plans.

After School's double Baptism … of twins … in May we continue to have a good association with them. I shall be in to do their Final Assembly and even to speak to Y2 on the role of a Church Leader … Archbishop Rowan was busy!!

There is usually Marmalade of a variety of flavours for sale in church OR at The Rectory and keep your eyes open for the Vicar's Wife's Produce stall outside when we have an influx of Runner Beans, Cooking Apples etc etc.

The Rectory Fete is coming up on September 11th from 11 until 3 and we will have many and varied stalls, games and fun things as usual … then on October 9th from 4.30 we have CHARFIELD'S GOT (MORE) TALENT … let Viv know if you'd like to enter … no cost … just ticket money!!

Enjoy the summer and make the most of each day … if you're free on a Sunday pop down to church at 9.30 and find out first-hand, which children keep using my toilet!!

Best wishes to you all, Viv K

As a keen cyclist myself, with the final arrival of decent weather and two Englishmen promising to do well in this year's Tour de France I have decided this month's police report will have a 7two-wheeled theme. This theme will be cycling safety and cycle security. For the children in our local primary schools cycling training is available and taught by instructors employed by the council. From experience I know that teaching road craft at an early age is a very good idea as it introduces responsible and safe road use. However you do not have to wait for a course, teaching your own child to ride a bike is an important life lesson. As to the council-run courses – book early as the spaces will be signed up for quickly!

For those cyclists using the roads please ensure that all other road users can see you by wearing bright clothing and use lights at times of dusk, dawn and hours of darkness. Too many cyclists wear dark clothes on the roads: do not be invisible to drivers, they can hurt you!

Enjoy your bike over the summer, but please make sure you keep it by securing it when not in use. If it is expensive and particularly cherished it may already be stored inside your home. If it is kept in an outbuilding use a quality lock and fix the bike to an immovable object. Mark it with your postcode and register it with the national property database www.immobilise.com. This way, if the worst happens we will be able to identify your bike, which could help us convict the thief. Invest in a shed alarm and try not to show the bike off, cover it up. We can provide information on shed and cycle security, and also property marking kits for cycles. Use your neighbours as extra eyes as their vigilance can create a safer neighbourhood.

Enjoy your summer, enjoy your cycling!

P.C.S.O Sean McKinnon

The families and staff of Children's Hospice South West send a sincere thank you to everyone who supported this year's Granny Trek at Charlton Farm, Wraxall, on 25th April. 550 walkers took part on a lovely day, enjoying the newly emerging bluebells and fresh green countryside.

Brisk sales of the Granny Trek book are bringing in valuable funds, almost the entire purchase price of £7.99 going to the hospice due to the generous sponsorship of Bristol Water. Early reactions from readers are positive

“I went to bed to just read the first page or two … Have finished it and just had to write and say how much I enjoyed it. … have only once before written to an author in praise of a book.”

“I did so enjoy it Beryl, you brought the walk to life and it was great to be able to do it vicariously so to speak.”

The book is available through the web site www.####.co.uk (£2 + p&p) or from Granny Trek, xx Lower Road, Woolavington, Bridgwater, TA7 8EF. It would make an excellent Christmas present, so please bear it in mind when writing your lists in September!

Beryl Griffiths

[Graphic: Safer & Stronger Community Groups]

Your local Safer Stronger Community Group needs you!

South Gloucestershire's 20 Safer Stronger Community Groups are all about working together to improve your local community. The groups also 8enable you to have your say about the services that your community needs and receives.

These groups have been set up as part of the South Gloucestershire Council's Community Engagement initiative and the Neighbourhood Policing Model. Their members include people who live and work in the area and representatives from South Gloucestershire Council, the local police, Avon Fire & Rescue, Primary Care Trust, the Town & Parish Council and other local organisations. The aim is to:

• work together to ensure that local communities are safe and pleasant places to live, work and play
• give local people a greater voice and influence over local decisions and the priorities of the service providers
• support actions and initiatives that meet local needs

The next meeting of Charfield, Cromhall and Tortworth Group is:
Thursday 29th July, from 6.30pm (Core Strategy Team Exhibition)
followed on by regular meeting
Charfield Village Hall, Wotton Road, Charfield, GL12 8SR

Exhibition – Planning for Future Development

Want to have your say on the South Gloucestershire Core Strategy, but need to find out more?

The Core Strategy is the main planning document for guiding and managing new development and change in South Gloucestershire up to 2026. Its purpose is to identify where new housing and jobs will go, as well as protecting what is valued about the area. The Strategy will also identify what services, facilities and infrastructure (such as green spaces, roads, public transport, schools, shops and health centres) are needed and when and how this will be achieved. Come and see the exhibition before your meeting.

To find out more about your local Safer Stronger Community Group visit http://####.southglos.gov.uk. Here, you will be able to become a member of your local group, view agendas and minutes from meetings and gain access to more information about the issues and projects in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your Safer Stronger Communities Officer on 01454 86xxxx.

[Graphic: Teddy bear]

Registered Charity Number 1029832

We will shortly come to the end of another successful school year at Charfield Pre-School. The last 12 months has seen a lot of effort put into the support and development of the Charfield Pre-School by way of the environment, the facilities and the team of play leaders. We have invested in further training for the playleaders and purchased more toys and books to enable a greatly enhanced environment for the children to learn by play which supports the delivery of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) themed learning.

Over the summer break, we are introducing a themed outside play area, which is funded by a grant from South Gloucestershire Council. The garden is designed by the Play Leader and her team and will consist of various themes/areas that will provide a unique environment for creative play. The works are expected to start at the end of July and take approximately four weeks. 9We plan to hold an Open Day on 11th September and we cordially invite everyone to come and view and experience the new garden.

All this effort and investment is designed to further enhance the learning experience that the children attending Charfield Pre School will benefit from. As some of you will know, we had an Ofsted inspection last year and received an excellent review with an overall rating of GOOD. The improvements made to date by way of training and better facilities coupled with the work over the summer will hopefully enable the rating to be raised even higher.

As a result of the above, more children will be attending the Pre School from September 2010 resulting in more opening hours. (We are also taking registrations for September 2011).

Please bear in mind that we are a charity and thus need to continually raise funds to support our day-to-day operations and make continuous improvements to the learning environment.

We are truly grateful and give many thanks to all those who support our fund raising.

When was the last time it properly rained? That was the thought in my head as I stood, late into the night, watering the turf on the new junior play area. I'm sure some of you will wonder why we put ourselves into that position, but the constraints of grant timescales and the inevitable occasional delay found us watering turf in midsummer, on one of the hottest, driest years for, well, years! However, as I type we are promised a few days rain, and the clouds are building, and have you seen what the play area looks like?! Gone is the dry old rectangular box full of worn out bark, and in its place are mounds, tunnels, bridges, sand and fun! There are a few more bits to come yet, such as a bespoke play train (next week) and swing seat refurbishments (hopefully soon), new litter bins to replace the vandalised ones (again hopefully soon) and we still aspire to provide a roundabout (once we can accumulate the necessary extra funds). And then we can start to consider the next phase for the older kids … never a dull moment!

On the subject of the new play area, I want to acknowledge the inadvertent opportunity it may present to youths on cycles and even motorcycles. This is a play area for young children. It is also an area that would soon become churned up and muddy if it were used as if it were a BMX track – which it is not. I'm not so old I don't remember the fun of riding over rough ground, but I hope that the youth of Charfield will respect the time and money (your money!) that has gone into creating this child-friendly space, and that no one will abuse it. The full weight of criminal prosecution will be brought to bear if anyone is found to be damaging this facility. There, moan over. Sorry I had to raise it. Onward …

If you've been reading the burial ground web site you'll know we've put all the pre-planning application and post-decision documents online. You'll see that we are well into clearing the conditions that were placed in the planning permission to build the burial ground. The actual transfer of the land from the Tortworth Estate to Charfield Parish Council will take place later this month, and contractors are currently quoting for the initial building works – refurbishing the outer wall, installing pedestrian and vehicle gates and a parking space / turning head, and of course levelling the ground and seeding with grasses and wildflowers. With luck we will be in a position of commencing significant works toward the end of the year.

10Both of these projects require the time and effort of Councillors who freely give their time for the benefit of the community. If you've walked past the land at the corner of Manor Lane and Wotton Road you'll no doubt have noticed the improvements and new planting there. It's only right I should mention that this is an example of giving not just time, effort but also funds by one Councillor (who I won't name, to spare his blushes, but he owns a petrol station …). It certainly brightens up that corner, and highlights an important public space in the village. Thank you Mike (oops).

I want to take a moment to recap on the presentation about Parish Plans, which was given by Jacqui Ward at our parish meeting in April. Parish Plans are used by national and local government when considering the future development of an area. As such they are an extremely useful document, which can guide the way our village and parish moves over the next decade and beyond. Parish Plans are not compiled by the Parish Council, they are parishioner led. However, the Parish and County Councils will provide assistance to any group of residents who wish to explore this issue. Please contact the Clerk for more information, and search the interweb for examples of other Parish Plans such as Hawkesbury's and Pilning and Severn Beach's …

Other items of note as I type are a planning application for the extension to working hours of the coating plant at Wickwar Quarry, a potential composting facility just outside the village at Cromhall, an upcoming (and by now hopefully completed) Wotton Road closure for remarking the road near the extended cycle lane, a planned roundabout at the junction of Wotton Road and Tortworth Road and traffic calming in Little Bristol Lane. As I said above, never a dull moment! And all these issues and more are expanded on at www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk – had to get the plug in! Getting a little technical, it's worth considering, if you are online, connecting to our web site RSS feed. It's not always obvious but it means that web site updates are immediately flagged to your computer. Mine pop up in Outlook, in my unread messages. You may have to explore, as the process is different depending on your operating system and applications, but a web search will set you straight.

Before I sign off, I want to remind you that you are all welcome to attend the monthly Parish Council meetings. There is always an opportunity for parishioners to speak on subjects relevant to the life of the parish, and this is early in the meeting so you don't have to sit through all the boring stuff (ahem). Whether you are interested in a planning application under review – for or against – or have a question or comment about something going on near you, or wish to offer or ask for help with a local project, do come. Meetings are Chaired, and non-confrontational, and the next one is on Tuesday 13th July (and if this is too late the next one is 14th September, there being no meeting in August). Have a great summer!

Mark Rosher – Chairman
Charfield Parish Council

Welcome to Guiding – a very special year as Guiding has been going for 100 years and we hope for many years to come.

I have some good news and some not so good news! Which would you like first? Well the good news is that after nearly three years Wotton district Guiding has managed to re-open a Guide unit in Wotton – hurray! It is going to be run by Sarah Cocker and Tennille Flynn and be held at the Baptist Hall in Wotton on a Thursday. Many thanks to Sarah and Tennille for taking the 11initiative to set up, plan and run a new unit – a big ask but a rewarding one I am sure. If you would like more details on places or would consider being added to a rota to help every week, month or just occasionally please call or e-mail me and lets get this new unit off to a flying start!

The not so good news is that Charfield and Wotton Brownies are looking for new leaders. Helen and her excellent team have run two units for many a year and would like to move Wotton Brownies back to Wotton and Charfield Brownies to continue in the Hall. These units are very successful with many happy girls coming each week and always new girls on the waiting lists. I don't want either of these units to close it would be terrible if we lost such a successful part of the community. So, I would like to hear from anyone who could spare some time to help keep these units open, they don't necessarily have to go into uniform but if a group of people got together it would spread the workload and the commitment will be less with tasks being done by many people. If you can help in any way, every week or just occasionally please contact me or talk to Helen who will be able to tell you more about Brownies.

Lastly please try to help us, your commitment doesn't have to be huge, being part of Girl Guiding UK is fun and rewarding and you will be helping the next generation of girls to continue Guiding for another 100 years

Kathryn Schofield
District Commissioner – Wotton

The Village Hall and the Playing Fields continue to be well used and the bookings for various activities continue to grow.

The Committee is grateful to Ann Hyland for all her work in putting together a Health and Safety document, which is available for all users of the Hall. It means that all users are aware of their responsibilities.

Health and Safety is extremely important and the Committee have given this a high priority and spent much time with Ann in drawing up the schedule.

We have been very fortunate in receiving grants from South Gloucestershire Council to assist in the purchase and making of new curtains for the Hall, also to the Parish Council for a grant of £2000 for the refurbishment of the changing rooms in the Sportsman Lounge area. The work on the changing rooms is scheduled to start in October. This work will bring them up to a standard which we can be proud of. The Football Club has agreed to undertake the redecoration on the completion of the refurbishment. The total cost of the work is £5000 so the Committee has agreed to meet the £3000 deficit.

Fund raising has seen events organised by Margaret Gargett and our thanks go to her for the monies raised – nearly £1000. Everyone who has come to the events have enjoyed them and look forward to future events. It is planned to have one for children in December, so watch out for details.

On the downside the support for this years A.G.M consisted of the Committee alone. To ensure the future of the Hall and Playing Fields we do need people to come forward and help. We meet on the 1st Thursday of every month except August in the Sportsmans Lounge at 7.30pm, so come along to the September meeting and meet us

It was sad that the Summer Fair had to be cancelled due to the fact that there 12was no one prepared to organise it, so we are looking for someone to organise the Fair in 2011 Can You Help?

A plea: Can dog owners please not exercise their dogs on the playing fields. Disease can be spread by dog fouling, so please no dogs.

We are very lucky to have such good facilities and have people who are prepared to give up time to ensure that the facilities can be enjoyed by all

David Small Chairman

Fundraising for the Memorial Hall continues with an Autumn Ball on Friday 1st October at the Gables Hotel, Falfield. A perfect excuse to get out those posh frocks and suits, forget about the budget and have a fabulous night out with friends.

Tickets are £35 and include a 3 course dinner and entertainment. There will also be a coach from Charfield at a cost of £5 per person return. Contact Deb Field (01454 26xxxx), Graham Pedley (01454 26xxxx), Sandra Nute (01453 52xxxx), Julie Macnamara (01453 52xxxx) or Angie Hill (01454 26xxxx) for tickets or more information.

Thank you all for your support of the school summer fair. We tried to make the event bigger this year as the village decided not to hold the normal summer fair – it almost worked:-

Special thanks go out to Steve Yeo for the fantastic entertainment, all the mums and dads who helped us, all the store holders, the scouts, and the friends committee who pulled out all the stops to make this event happen. We raised almost £1000 for the school. You are all stars.

As I am writing this Helen England, Eleanor Sanville and Kirsty Rummels are off on a 62 > mile sponsored bike ride to Gloucester and back. They hope to raise over £600 for the school and as I am sat here in my shorts with a cold drink I feel they most defiantly will deserve their money.

The friends money has had a great impact on the school this year and I hope all the people who came to the fair noticed all of the fun stuff around the field. This year we hope to supply the school 25 laptops. If anyone out there can help us get a good deal please contact the school, thanks.

I would also like to take this opportunity to give notice of my stepping down from the chairs position, the last 2 years have been an honour but I feel new blood is required, it keeps the ideas fresh. The other key members of the committee who will be stepping down in September are Helen England, secretary, and Jennie and Mark Ashby, treasurers, thank you so much for your amazing drive and support to the friends over the last years.

Once again thank you for all you support this year and don't forget fireworks night on the 5th of November …

The Old Chair Hee Hee

13

Get out in the fresh air, make new friends and get fit!
Have you got a health condition eg high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems etc that would benefit from you being a little more active but need some support to get started then we could be for you!!!!!

Who are we?
South Gloucestershire Council's Walking to Health has been running for 7 years and covers the following areas:
Kingschase,
Sodbury, Yate & Dodington
Filton, Patchway & the Stokes,
Thornbury
Frampton Cotterell and other rural areas
Emersons Green – buggy walks only

What do we offer?
A free low risk, low impact activity, available to people of all ages and abilities. Our led health walks range from 0.5 miles to 4 miles including local parks, green and open spaces and are walked at your own pace.

So whether you're new to walking, are returning to it after an injury or illness, or walk regularly but fancy a change, why not come out and join us.

Find out more!
For more info call 01454 86xxxx or email us at foodandhealth @ southglos.gov.uk. The programme and newsletter can be downloaded from www.southglos.gov.uk/walkingtohealth

During my many years of employment on the railway, many strange things happened at Charfield Station that never seemed to reach a satisfactory conclusion, neither was there an explanation given as to how, or why, certain things happened, some of which I have already written about in previous news letters.

Another very odd and unexplained incident that occurred, at a very rough guess around 1956/57, involved a goods train that having been shunted into the up loop to allow a priority train through on the main line, failed to stop before crashing into and through the fixed buffers at the end of the loop. As a result of this several trucks and vans became derailed and rolled down the bank through a hedge and ended up in a field. Neither the driver nor the fireman was seriously hurt, having leapt from the footplate just before the engine demolished the buffers.

Having just returned to Charfield, after a weeks mundane checking at Dursley station, it came as a welcome change from the norm when asked by the Station Master to make a thorough check of the contents of the derailed trucks and vans, and make an inventory of same. I won't bore you with a list of the dozens of items the vans contained, but cartons of sweets, and other various things including household items, were scattered around everywhere. There was also tons of loose wheat that had poured from over turned sheeted trucks, this was being salvaged mechanically.

After several hours searching I had a fairly comprehensive list of the various items found in and around the vans and trucks. Quite an audience had 14appeared by this time, unfortunately one or two of them decided they would nick a few sweets, I thought this rather cheeky, but as they were lying around in the grass, the sweets that is not the watchers, and would have been dumped any way, I pretended not to notice what was going on. That night I was awakened from my slumbers by someone banging on the front door, I opened the bedroom window and, not very politely, asked who was banging on the door, to my alarm the answer came back,“it's the police.” On opening the door, the policemen introduced themselves; one was a railway police man, the other was from the local constabulary. After the introductions, they informed me that several men had been apprehended carrying items believed to have been obtained from the damaged vans, therefore, they wanted the list of goods the vans had contained in order to confirm this. Apparently, the Station Master had told them I had the list with me, but of course I didn't, it was in a drawer in the goods shed office, on hearing this, they said they would collect the list the following morning – this they did.

In spite of all the police activity, including my disturbed nights sleep, no one was charged with any offence, and in no time at all, it was, as the saying goes, “Water under the bridge”.

The mystery concerning this accident was, how on earth did it happen? Firstly, were the driver, fireman, and the guard all asleep and missed the signals as they sped through Charfield, secondly, why did the train driver not apply the brakes as he entered the loop because the train would have swung violently as it left the main line at speed.

It was not a particularly long train, and if the driver had braked on entering the loop, it would have stopped long before reaching the buffers even without the help of the vacuum brakes with which I believe the train was fitted. Another thing is, if the guard had been doing his job properly, he would have realized their speed was too great and applied the brake in the guards van as they approached the loop, this would have alerted the driver to the fact that something was wrong, obviously this was not done. However, none of this answers the question, why was the train going so fast as it entered the loop?

Once again, as in previous strange happenings in and around Charfield Station, after a few weeks' activity and rumour everything was forgotten, the track was realigned, the buffer restored, and no one ever found out how or why this potentially dangerous or even life threatening accident occurred. Fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, the only casualty was an inspector who was supervising the wheat salvage operation. As mentioned previously, a mechanical device was being used to recover the wheat, and the power unit was placed on the side of an upturned truck. The inspector was working close by this unit when it slipped off catching him a glancing blow to the head causing a nasty wound. Never the less, the wheat salvage operation continued and most of it was reclaimed. A Huge steam crane was used to get the engine, trucks and vans back on the rails, but as the crane had to work from the main line, ail trains between Bristol and Gloucester were delayed for quite a few hours, but at least it gave the many watchers a bit of excitement, and left those who cleared up the mess – very confused, as to how, or why, it happened. … Ken Parker.

15

Since the last newsletter the transcription of the Charfield Village Study 1976 has been completed. This gives a fascinating insight into some of the early history of the village, and the issues of the day in 1976.

At the time of writing the total number of newsletters transcribed, and transferred to the web-site, has risen to 15.

All of this is available on www.charfield.org follow the “CHADRA Newsletter” link.

Thanks to all of you who offered copies of past issues, which were missing from my collection.

Brendan O'Connor, xx Manor Lane 01454-26xxxx

Staging kit storage required urgently

Tyndale Choral Society has its own staging kit, which is available for other groups to borrow. The stable in which it is currently housed is needed for fodder storage, so a new home must be found for it, pronto. I won't say we're desperate, but I'm typing from the kneeling position.

Access should be on the flat, with a door which will take a metre-wide trolley. The storage space should cope with two trolleys measuring 2 metres × 1 metre.

We'd be extremely grateful for any solutions!

On Saturday 2 October, Tyndale Choral Society will be hosting a workshop/come and sing event in Dursley, conducted by the illustrious Nigel Perrin (ex King's Singer and renowned choral director and teacher). Choral singers pay for the pleasure of joining in the fun – it is open to all – and the main choruses of Mendelssohn's ‘Elijah’ will be studied in the afternoon.

In the evening, a dramatic performance of Elijah will be presented, with bass Brian Pursey. As part of Tyndale's outreach programme, this performance will be free to the public to come and listen. If you have been intrigued by Gareth Malone's work with people who at first think they won't like singing or choral works, but who end up totally besotted with it, then come and try it on for size!

For further information, ring me, or visit our website on www.tyndale-choral-society.org

Julia O'Connor-Beach

Hon Secretary, Tyndale Choral Society

01454 26xxxx

[Graphic: CHARFIELD SCHOOL]

Welcome to Charfield Primary's update CHADRA. We have had a very busy time since I last wrote to you.

16STAFF NEWS

At the end of this year Mrs Noall will be leaving us at Charfield to spend time with her family. We wish her all the best for the future. We will be appointing a replacement for Mrs Noall in Mid July.

Classes for the Autumn Term will be:

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS.

[Photo: AXA employees]

Since the last CHADRA we have been fortunate enough to have AXA employees donating time to help us develop the bottom area. Some ex-pupils may remember this as the old Adventure Play Area. The Challenge team built a path and cleared areas for the children to explore. Thanks also to Scott Curtis for putting hours of extra work into this area.

Secondly our play pod is now in daily use. The Imaginarium (or Pandemonium as Maz likes to call it!) is full of items that the children use in very imaginative ways during lunch time. Again a huge thank you to all who have donated funds and items. The children are making good use of them!

[Photo: Garden]

Lastly we now have a garden area that the classes will be able to grow plants in. In fact Mrs Peer has already planted the beds! Many Thanks to all who gave their time to help us create the area. It looks Fab!

Events at Charfield Primary

Summer Fair

[Photo: Summer fair]

Thank you to all who attended supported, helped and donated at The Friends Summer Fair. We raised a fantastic £1000 for the school. Special thanks go out to Steve Yeo for the fantastic entertainment. Tracy and Pat for standing in the kitchen at the last minute and all the staff who helped us. Lastly and very importantly the amazing bunch of friends who always pull it out of the bag for every event. Also special thanks to Kirsty who had some wonderful ideas. Once again thank-you for all your support.

Sports Day

[Photo: Sports Day]

Our annual Sports Day was again a great success and was well supported by parents and family. We were also supported this year by the British Lung foundation. As a result of the work we did we were awarded a Lungs For Life certificate. The first school in the whole of the UK!

17Many thanks to all who organised the Day but special thanks to Mrs Windram and Adrienne Quintana for all the preparation work they put into the day

What's next for Charfield School?
Very soon we will be ordering new in laptops that children can use around the school to enhance their learning.

I would also like to repaint the corridors in our Junior block. They have become a little worn and in need of a lick of paint.

If you would like to assist the school in any of these projects we would love to hear from you.

Dafydd Lawday
Headteacher

Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Joe Pearce of Station Road who kindly phoned and donated garden tools, a wheelbarrow AND two garden gnomes after my plea in the previous article. I had a good laugh wheeling them up the road.

I would like to thank Scott our fab, do-it-all fixit person at school. He has certainly turned around our garden space.

April 25th I had a sore throat. Four days later it had gone but I then developed a ghastly chesty cough and other stuff. Two lots of anti-biotics and SIX WEEKS of feeling poorly. Anyway I'm driving home from somewhere when I hear on Radio 4's six o'clock news that Prince Charles has been advised to take time from his commitments because he has been unwell with a poorly chest! Alright for some I thought. My Mum blamed it on the Gloucestershire air. I told our fab Headteacher. He made a comment about poorly chests but obviously thought that I could carry on with MY commitments. Great news, all of a sudden I felt brill again, yippee. Anyone present at school sports day witnessing me slowly cantering up the field in the staff race could see that I was fully recovered.

I was just finishing off one afternoon, at school, when a pupil came back into class. “Maz,” he said, “are you retiring soon?” “Why, would you like me to?” I asked. “No, I like you,” he said. Well that was a good thing, I thought. “Well,” I explained, “you've got two more years at school and as long as Mr Lawday's got enough money, I shall be staying.” “Oh good,” he said, and went off home.

I was shopping over at Yate a few weeks back and walked past Merediths. I love that shop. Outside in a great big pot were reduced fruit trees. Price, not size. Naturally I had to have one. I then went to the Health Shop, Boots and the bank. I bumped into Chris and Duncan and was telling them all about it when I realised I was treeless. I dived back into the bank. “Have you seen my cherry tree?” I asked. It had been put behind the counter. I told the girl who retrieved it that for £2 you couldn't not have it, well unless you lived in a fourth floor flat with no balcony.

I went back to Chris and Dunc and the girl from the bank had finished her shift, walked passed me and she was off to buy one. I then went to the two chaps who sell cheese and eggs, the ones outside the big café in the middle square. “What on earth have you got there?” one of them asked. I explained my great bargain. “Well,” he said, “they only flower for three weeks and then shed all that blossom and 18ruin your lawn!!!” Actually he used a stronger word than shed but I have to think of my younger readers. I then went to see my mate Marion in the burger van by Superdrug, the one with the red hat nearly over her eyes and Don who used to sell fuschias and now only does wooden giraffes. They had a good laugh too.

Oh well, I think I've caught you all up to date. Sophie is expecting her first baby in August and Lawrence is due to visit too, so action packed times are ahead.

Wishing you all a wonderful few months until I write again, love Maz

It seems to me that there are a number of people in the village who are interested in poetry, far more than I would have thought.

I wrote this poem for the “Forward Press”, who were inviting poets to submit works for their 21st anniversary book of poetry. Fortunately, my poem; “Harry's Last Goodbye”, was one of those selected for publication.

“Forward Press” is one of the largest publishers of poetry in Europe and their anniversary edition is brilliant.

I hope poetry lovers enjoy reading – “Harry's Last Goodbye”. It's dedicated to that wonderful old gentleman Harry Patch, sadly no longer with us.

HARRY'S LAST GOOOBYE

So still – so still this day, no breath of air to stir a leaf –
Upon the trees where the battle reached its peak,
No silence then, but silence now that threatens any one –
Who moves – or dares to speak.
Now all is still – so silent all around,
But listen – listen – is it rain that falls,
Or is it tears that drop so softly to the ground.

But then, there were so many sounds,
The air was filled with curse and moan –
With scream of ricocheting steel, like sounds from hell –
Souls with winged angels rose – as shattered bodies fell;
Unblinking they with sightless gaze that searched the sky –
With eyes that could not see – but yet could cry.

Comrades – comrades – bonded through each other's pain,
So close they lay that hand was touching hand –
So together they remain.
Young men once full of hopes and dreams with spirits high –
– yet doomed by unseen judge to die –
“TELL ME WHY – TELL ME WHY – PLEASE – TELL ME WHY!”

The day is closed, the reapers labours cease,
The stars begin their nightly dance, and those who sleep find peace.

A mixed rhythm poem – imagining the thoughts that must have been going through Harry Patch's mind as he said his last goodbye at the graves of his old comrades.

Ken Parker.

19

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26

If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Isabel on 01454 26xxxx

British Legion
David Millman (Hon Sec) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Pre-School
Debra Davidson (Play Leader) 07866 04xxxx
Katherine Edwards (Chair) 01454 26xxxx
Rachel Marlow (Admissions) 01453 54xxxx

Charfield Primary School
Dafydd Lawday 01454 26xxxx

Childminders
Elaine Godfrey 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Nicky Lanyi 01454 26xxxx

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

Council – Charfield Parish
Hannah C Saunders (Clerk) 01454 29xxxx
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 www.charfield.org
(Chair) David Small