CHADRA

… at Charfield

PICNIC IN THE PARK … from 2pm

Monday 4th June 2012

Memorial Hall Playing Fields, Charfield

Fun and games for all the family …

Bring along your picnic and rug – there will be a celebration goodie bag presented on a first come basis to help the celebrations unfold …

5 Aside Footie, Penalty Shoot Out, Tennis and Mini Tennis Tournaments, Croquet, Tug of War … plus more activities to try your hand at (all offered free of charge – with registration on the day)

ALSO … have your photo taken with the Queen! PLUS – Mass Balloon Launch / Race

PARTY IN THE PARK …

From 7pm

Music and Magic in the Memorial Hall & Giant Screen televising the Jubilee Concert Live from London!!!!

Party the night away following the picnic & make it a night to remember!

SPONSORED BY [Graphics: LAND-ROVER, Renishaw & CHARFIELD NEWSLETTER]

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Next Copy Date – 6 July 2012

If you would like to write an article for the next issue, or make comments on articles published, please e-mail these to xxxx @ gmail.com

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Hello and welcome to the April edition of your village newsletter. There is a lot on offer for residents to join in with over the early spring/summer months. One of the main events for many of us will be the celebration taking place in the village for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, running alongside the Charfield Open Garden's Scheme. Your CHADRA committee is proudly sponsoring some of the events taking place at the Memorial Hall on Monday 4 June, so we do hope to see many of you there.

A small Jubilee Committee was formed earlier this year to put in place celebrations that will unite the village and leave memories of a special day for all. Not all the plans are firmly in place yet, but in short on Monday 4 June while the Village Hall is open for teas as part of the Open Garden scheme, a Picnic in the Park event will be taking place outdoors. Families and groups of friends are invited to bring along their picnic and rugs and enjoy a host of entertainment taking place on the playing fields. Entertainment will include football tournaments, tennis tournaments, tug of war and croquet. CHADRA are sponsoring celebration goodie bags which will be distributed to picnickers (while stocks last). Events will kick off at 2pm. Posters and more information on events will be displayed around the village nearer the time.

In the evening the event will take on a theme of Party in the Park, and the Jubilee Concert taking place in London will be shown on a large screen at the Village Hall, again sponsored by CHADRA. With the bar open at the hall it should be quite a good laid back evening, we are hoping to have secured one of the village organisations to organise a barbeque or pig roast for the evening.

We should be having a group photograph taken of all those attending the afternoon event, which will be framed and hung in the Memorial Hall. There are plans for a walking treasure hunt around the village, and many more events are under discussion!!! Intrigued … make sure you have saved the date in your diary.

[Graphic: Triangle]

Cut around the dotted lines to make your template for the Jubilee Bunting.

Make your bunting out of thin card or fabric.

Decorate it as you wish.

Hand it in at Steve's Shop, which is the local collection point, or to any CHADRA or Jubilee Committee member.

[Graphic: Diamond Jubilee]

Completed bunting must be handed in by May 16.

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We are repeating our successful 2010 Village Garden opening with an eclectic mix of six gardens from small plots to grand acres opening their gates on the Sunday & Monday Late Spring Bank Holiday. There is sure to be something for everyone even if you are not green fingered! Enjoy a stroll round the village, take the opportunity to do more than look over the garden fence, have a cup of tea and a sustaining slice of homemade cake in the village hall and meet lots of friends and neighbours while supporting the charities of the National Garden Scheme.

Two families are opening their gardens for the first time and we have old favourites opening too. See what the new ones have to offer and how the others have progressed. There will even be the opportunity to buy some of the plants that you see and admire in the gardens.

For the more energetic, you can visit all the gardens with a long walk but those of you who aren't in training for the Olympics there will be convenient parking down at the village hall where 4 gardens are situated nearby; xx Station Road, Warners Court, The Urn Cottage and The Paddock. Two of the gardens, the Old Rectory and Pemberley Lodge, are next door to each other in Churchend Lane at the top of the village and there will be separate parking for these gardens. The Old Rectory is encouraging visitors to picnic on the lawns.

The gardens are open on 3rd and 4th June (Sunday & Monday) from 1pm to 6 pm and entry is £6.00 an adult with children going free.

Last time we opened it was a tremendous success, and we raised over £4000 for the various charities supported by the National Garden Scheme. The teas and cakes in the village hall raised another £900 for the two charities that organised these refreshments. This year refreshments are being organised by the village hall committee with all proceeds going to the hall itself. So we really hope we can improve on this amazing success. Apologies in advance to anyone who may find the village is busy that weekend but it is for a good cause.

We look forward to seeing you all in June. Any enquiries ring Yvette on 01454 26xxxx.

Yvette Andrewartha

Firstly a massive, massive thank you to the entire 300 plus people that came to support us back in January at our production of Cinderella!! It was a fabulous experience to perform for you, and judging by the wonderful feed back from you lot, you enjoyed it as well!

C.A.D.S is now just over a year old and as I write this has sold over 500 tickets!!!

We are taking a break for the summer but will be back in September with a world premier of Dr Zucker (more details in the next Chadra).

We are holding an open night in the village hall on the 18th May!!
This is your chance to come along have a chat with us find out who we are play some of our farm up games even a free Ploughman's!!

But one thing I can say is it will be a night like nothing you have been to before!!

6Tickets will be available from Steve's shop from the 1ST of May this is a free event but please get your tickets from the shop so we know how much food to prepare!!

And for the more outrageous of you (you know who you are we heard you in the audience) we are having a fully interactive Murder Mystery Night on the 30th June Keep a eye out for a flyer coming through your letter box!!

Oh before I go I would like to thank Charfield Teas for their kind donation of £100 Charfield Teas are in the Sportsman's lounge every Tuesday morning from 9.30 till 11.30 serving tea and coffee, homemade cakes and even bacon rolls!

See you all on the 18th at 7.30

Steve

If that wasn't the BESTEST most THRILLING karaoke session you've ever heard, I'll eat my hat. If I had one.

A BBC orchestra, 85 Charfielders and 25 Thornbury Choral Society members in support, all belting out the Hallelujah Chorus. WHAT a sound! WHAT a buzz!

Don't just take my word for it … some quotes from some happy singers:

“I came to the big sing with my 11yr old son and we loved it”

“For me it was the first time ever in 45 yrs that I have been able to sing with a group and felt relaxed enough to enjoy it.”

“Both my husband and I, and everyone who attended that I spoke to, had a great time on Saturday. We thought that Dr Kings was fantastic, striking a perfect balance between encouraging novices and reminders for more experienced souls and making it great fun into the bargain.”

“… such a wonderful community event. I was very surprised by the huge turnout to support it and the talent we have in our village. Dr Kings and the pianist were outstanding. I was very moved at the end of the session when everyone cheered and felt sad it was at an end.”

“it was a great experience. I found my voice for the very first time (and it wasn't too bad)”

My heartfelt thanks to the CHADRA committee, to the Thornbury Choral Society trustees, to all who helped out, particularly Helen England and Lisa Kicinski, Deborah Field and the ever-wonderful Sandra Lucket at the tea urn, and the 25 Thornbury members who came and sang loudly, and to the school for welcoming us, and to Andrew Cope at charfield.org, but most of all to the Charfielders who came in numbers with such enthusiasm and good spirit. It was an absolute joy to be involved. I didn't come down for a week, and people are still talking to me about it, – even those who didn't attend but who have heard the recording.

So – where were you?! Look at what you missed!

If you'd like to know how we sounded, go to charfield.org and follow the links for the Big Sing mp3. It is really a good effort; not perfect, but impressive for a community non-audition choir and after only one rehearsal session (the first session concentrated on technique). It was certainly in tune and full of energy. The sudden pianissimo and crescendo at the end were fabulously dramatic … I have edited out some demented woman who did an over-excited ‘When Harry met Sally’ impression at the end while brandishing her Messiah score aloft. 7She's banned from the next Big Sing. Dreadful. No self-control. Totally OTT.

What's next?

By popular demand, another Big Sing. October 20 and November 3. Put it in your diary NOW. There will be more information in the next CHADRA issue, so keep your eyes skinned. And yes, Dr Kings is going to whip us into shape again. (I think he actually enjoyed our company!) Thornbury Choral Society has generously agreed to adopt it as an Outreach Project just once more, thus providing us with insurance cover, but thereafter we will have to be independent. We can't hide under the skirts of Thornbury CS for AIR-vah and AIR-vah (choral joke) and we can't expect CHADRA to underwrite us every time. (We covered costs in February, so CHADRA didn't have to cough up anything – thanks for the donations! Small excess donated to Thornbury CS in return for their support.)

I have a cunning plan. We must gauge (by means of attendance at the next Big Sing) if there is sufficient interest long-term to justify setting up a Charfield music club (snazzier title to be discussed) with a standard charitable constitution, and a bank account. Run by volunteers; a not-for-profit organisation. Not-for-loss either, come to that. We would run it with the minimum of fuss and palaver. One meeting a year, other business by email. A skeleton body of trustees (I'm trying to avoid the word ‘committee’!). This would allow us to make the society a member of Making Music (national federation of music societies) which gives us cheap access to very cheap insurance cover, and support and advice. It would also allow us to look at other musical events. But that's way in the future.

In the meantime, anyone for the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Verdi; you'll know it when you hear it) and You'll Never Walk Alone (Rodgers)? And probably a sing-through of the HC for old times' sake?

What larks!!

Yours,
Julia O'Connor-Beach

CHADRA received such wonderful reviews from participants of the Big Sing. I have printed below an extract of one from Mike Blackie. Mike is a member of Dursley Male Voice Choir and has included a plug for them if anyone wishes to join.

‘I'm sure that everyone involved with the Big Sing event found the whole experience enjoyable and very worthwhile. It really was an amazing success to get so many Charfield residents together to sing the Hallelujah Chorus’.

‘I am a member of the Dursley Male Voice Choir, a 75 strong choir that sings a wide range of music including ballads, songs from musicals as well as hymns and other religious music. We perform monthly concerts around the region as well as making occasional visits abroad. I know that we would welcome new members. Ability to read music is not necessary, just enjoyment of singing and contributing to a wonderful sound as we did last Saturday. Anybody interested can contact me for more information’.
Mike Blackie Tel: 01453 84xxxx

There are of course many other organisation in the area you could join, however, if we can get something going in Charfield wouldn't that be fabulous. Roll on October.
CHADRA Editor

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Before they feel my collar and whisk me to languish at Her Majesty's Pleasure, I need to clarify/correct a couple of things in my article in the last issue. I think in trying to cut pages of notes down to size, I over-simplified some statements (or just plain got them wrong!) for which I apologise. In my defence, I did submit the draft article for checking, but because of the Christmas/New Year holidays, the response came after the CHADRA copy date.

I am very grateful to Andy Bees, Head of Offender Management Unit, for his corrections which are italicised.

HMP Leyhill is an open estate prison for Category D prisoners for rehabilitation and resettlement. Prisoners are either ‘lifers’ (serving life sentences) or those on determinate (fixed term) sentences; offenders of all types but including offenders with serious convictions.
…

They have progressed through the system and are now assessed as low risk; low risk that they will attempt to escape, low risk to the public if they are at large.

Your description that they are low risk of absconding is entirely appropriate. However, it is not necessarily true that they are a low risk to the public if they are at large. They may be assessed as posing a sufficiently low risk to the public to house them in Open conditions, but once a man chooses to abscond then clearly something has changed within his circumstances that has led him to take this major decision.

It is therefore possible that a dynamic assessment of that man's risk once he is ‘at large’ is different to that when he was still within custody. If someone does abscond, we and the police assess the potential risks to the public on the merits of each and every case. I'm not sure if I have come even close to doing this justice, but I thought it worth a go.
…

The “lifers” … if released, they are on licence until the day they die.
…

You mentioned that the men would be within 2 years of their Parole Eligibility Date. That is true for those determinate offenders still subject to Parole, but most determinate sentences no longer fall subject to parole. The majority simply have a Conditional Release Date (CRD) at the halfway point of their Sentence, and their release is not dependent upon a parole decision at all. It is effectively automatic at their CRD.

The 2 year guidance that you quoted is still true from this CRD, but it not accurate to imagine that all releases are subject to parole. Lifers and IPP's always are, and a small number of Determinates are subject to parole board consideration. The majority of determinate prisoners are not.
…

Sorry if I misled any of you!

Julia O'Connor-Beach

[Graphic: CHARFIELD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB]

CHARFIELD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB – GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Hello again from the Villages Junior Football Club. It was pleasing to see at the end of March many players of all ages take part in the Clubs bi-annual Sport 9Relief run. The Club raised £800.00 which will be donated to many good causes both at home and overseas. On 30th June we will also be hosting the Charfield Olympics which will not only be a fun time with events for all ages and abilities but also raise money for a number of Under 15 players who in conjunction with KLB School will be taking part in the World Challenge in Nepal in 2013. This will include charity work in a local community. Look out for more information around the village nearer the time.

On the football front the Under 15s are having their best season to date. Not only have they qualified for their League Cup Final on 29th April but at the time of writing they also top the Under 15 Stroud & Dursley Youth League. The Cup Final will be held at Stonehouse Football Club, Oldends Lane, Stonehouse kicking off at 5.00pm. If you would like to come along and cheer the team on it would be great to see you.

The Under 10s who are into their second season of playing together are still progressing well up their division in the Mid Glos Mini Soccer League. The U9s playing their first year in the same league are having a fun time but finding victories hard to come by against teams who have been together a little longer. This does not deter their enthusiasm though and they are always at every training session and eager to play the next game, which is good to see. They are moving in the right direction and the games now are getting closer so it cannot be long before that first victory arrives. The U8s are also well into their first season in the Cotswold Youth League and are still building on their early success. The Under 7s are still training well together and will be taking part in their first tournament in May in preparation to perhaps having 2 teams next season.

So both on and off the pitch the Club and its enthusiastic players are going that extra mile to not only have fun playing football but also to help raise money for worthwhile charities.

As ever none of this would be possible without the support of the players parents in getting the boys and girls to training and the games, the Coaches and volunteers who help and run the teams and the Clubs Committee who hold everything together and ensure that the players have the equipment and a safe environment to enjoy themselves playing football. A big Thank You goes out to one and all.

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. Also look out for us at the Villages Diamond Jubilee event on the Memorial Field on 4th June.
Thank You.

Nigel Cloke
Club Secretary/Under 15s Manager

Welcome Spring! Isn't it lovely out there? Well, it was when I wrote this … by now of course it may be pelting down, or indeed we may be furiously rain-dancing in the streets as the fields go brown and the hosepipes perish in the garden shed … Funny old thing, weather. I may be doing that rain dance myself if we've had none by the time you read this.

The burial ground was recently scarified and is due to be sewn with wildflower seeds across a large expanse. Hopefully by late summer we will start to see the meadow emerge from the soil! Though the journey has been long and the end is not fully in sight, I'm very pleased and proud to be able to tell you on behalf of the Parish Council that Charfield Burial Ground went from inspired concept to operating business at Spring Equinox. It would be slightly odd and potentially disrespectful to hold a big open day with 10ribbon, balloons and brass band, and instead we quietly opened up and met some residents of Charfield … and we sold our first plot reservations! I suspect we will sell reserved plots to a few more folk over the coming months (I'll be getting mine, and even the Parish Council Chairman pays full price!). If you are interested, you know who to contact … From here on in the work takes place in the understanding that there may be interments in place or under way – although frankly I'm hoping none of us need their plots quite yet. As I mentioned, since the majority of the site will not be used for many years to come, we are seeding a goodly part of it with meadow grasses and wildflowers. Over the years this will become a haven for insects, birds and small creatures, creating a beautiful ecosystem where previously there was only monoculture grass. In time, when funds permit, we will erect noticeboards and a small oak shelter, which will stand adjacent to the pedestrian entrance, on the other side of which will soon be the lavender and rose garden. Updates, photographs and all the business side of the project are available as ever, at www.charfieldburialground.org.uk or from the Clerk. And feedback on the burial ground, like anything else about life in Charfield parish, is welcomed.

As I began this article, the government released the National Planning Policy Framework. This dry sounding document describes the way forward for planning across England and replaces a vast amount of guidance and regulation with a handful of pages that aim to promote sustainable development. It's fair to say it is pro-build, and it is therefore vital we understand fully how Charfield will be affected, how Charfield might change, on the basis of this landmark policy shift. Members of the Council have been to more than a few meetings recently about this new way of working, and from it we've a feel for what's coming. The underlying criterion for development is sustainability. In order to understand if a proposal is sustainable the planning authority needs to know as much about the area and those who live in it as possible, so that they can determine if an application is sustainable in terms of such things as transport, green space, facilities and infrastructure … As such, therefore, I'm very interested to see what comes out of the recent Village Plan survey. I'm sure you all took the time to give a considered response to the questionnaire that was delivered – and collected – recently. From the findings of this survey of the parishioners of Charfield will come The Plan for how we would all like Charfield to develop in the future. This can only help make/ keep our village the way we want it to be.

Finally, I want to invite you to the Annual Parish Meeting in May. It will be held in the Memorial Hall on the 16th May at 19h30, and refreshments will be available (as a bribe goes it's not much, but it's the best I can do with the budget!). The meeting is a requirement in law, and is held annually (the clue's in the name), and at the meeting we'll present a report of the year as far as the Parish Council and its work goes, as well as taking questions from parishioners and hosting some hopefully interesting talks. The main talk for this year will tie in with the burial ground, and will be about the burial process and placing monuments on graves. We'll have someone from a local funeral director/monumental mason who will try and help with all the questions you've always wanted to ask but haven't felt comfortable asking – I know, I've had a few myself!

So, enjoy the drift into sunshine as spring dances into summer. Thanks for your support. See you soon!

Councillor Mark Rosher – Chairman Charfield Parish

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World Challenge India Himalaya 2013 – Katie Macnamara

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the expedition being organised at Katherine Lady Berkeley's School for Year 10 and 11 students to go to India and the Himalayas in Summer 2013.

The trip is being organised through World Challenge (www.world-challenge.co.uk), and organisation that provides 4–6 week educational expeditions to the developing world.

Our expedition will include hiking through the Himalayas, experiencing new things and in particular it will include volunteer project work within a local community. These projects vary each year but some past projects have been building a pump for a village, painting classrooms, putting a roof on a school house and building furniture. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and opens many doors in our future and will give extra UCAS points to support applications to Universities.

Each student needs to raise about £4,000 to cover all travel, accommodation, food and all other expenses.

The students on the expedition have been divided into groups of about 12 for the trip, who are also fundraising together too with events like cake sales and planned bag packing in local shops.

From my point of view, I have already begun to raise money by busking in Bath, and doing car washing, babysitting and cleaning jobs. I have also played as a singer/guitarist at The Plough, The Swan in Wotton and several other events in Charfield.

I am looking forward to playing future events starting with The Star in Wotton on 13 May then the Charfield Summer Fair and other events in Wotton, and I will seek every opportunity to do further gigs to support this cause – you can hear my music on www.facebook.com/xxxx

Friends and family are also supporting me through www.easyfundraising.org.uk and I am organising a series of events such as a music evening, a quiz night and a family Halloween party at the Memorial Hall.

I would like to thank the Charfield Football Club, the Pre-School Committee and the Memorial Hall Committee for allowing me to play at their events, and particularly Hayley at The Plough for her great support. I would finally like to thank Dorothy Chilton who is leading our team.

With all this support, my fellow students and I are well on the way with our fundraising and are really looking forward to the trip.

I will write again to tell you more about the preparation for the expedition, and will give a report on our experiences on our return.

Thanks very much
Katie Macnamara

[Graphic: CHARFIELD VILLAGE PLAN – LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR LOCAL ISSUES]

CHARFIELD VILLAGE PLAN

An update on progress
The Charfield Village Plan Steering Group are extremely pleased that so many households took time to fill in the Village Survey when it was delivered to 12all households during February. Almost 60% of households completed and returned the survey, so a BIG thank you to everyone that did. The Steering Group would also like to thank all the extra volunteers that helped deliver and collect many of the surveys and to Steve's Shop and the Post Office for acting as collection points.

A separate survey has also been conducted by a group of KLB students and approximately 86 pupils from Charfield participated. The project team came and delivered the results to the Steering Group on 29th March and gave a very impressive presentation.

Over the next couple of months we will try and contact all businesses in Charfield with a short questionnaire, which will cover a range of business, related topics. If you want to make sure your business is included please email us at xxxx @ gmail.com.

The next stage is to analyse all the results and during the middle of the year the Key Issues arising from the surveys and questionnaires will be published, Action Plans evaluated, and a further period of consultation and involvement of interested residents will be encouraged.

Towards the end of this year it is hoped to produce a publication for every household that will illustrate the results of the survey, explain the whole process, and list the key action points that come from the process. If you have any photographs of Charfield or village life in Charfield we would be interested in considering including them in the Village Plan. Contact xxxx @ gmail.com and attach your photo if possible.

For those who entered the £100 prize draw – the draw will take place at the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday May 16th at the Memorial Hall, which is open to the public, and the winner will be notified by one of the Charfield Village Plan team. The winners name will appear in the next edition of CHADRA newsletter.

There are exciting opportunities for children and young people aged five and over in our Badger and Cadet groups in Thornbury and we currently have vacancies for boys and girls to join in the fun!

In Badgers we follow an exciting programme of activities – recent activities have included Hungry Badger where we found out about lots of different foods, St John Badger was when we found out about our history and we have also found out about lots of different places in Worldwide Badger. We also learn First Aid and about caring for other people too. Next we will be Entertain Badgers when we will be finding out about puppet shows to the pantomime.

In Cadets our programme follows lots of different things – we find out how to make people look injured by using make-up; cookery – finding out about food and having fun cooking; ambulance awareness; radio communications and we go on duty to help provide first aid cover at local events.

Badgers and Cadets have the opportunity to take part in events and activities with others from around the county, including challenges and quizzes, caving and outdoor adventures, summer camps and lots, lots more.

2012 is a very special year for St John Ambulance as the organisation will be 125 years old. The Cadets will be 90 and Badgers 25, so there will be lots of party activities during the year too!

In order to provide these exciting programmes to our young people, we also need adults to join as youth leaders and helpers in the groups. Full training in all the necessary skills is given which includes first aid training, youth work skills and even the chance to undertake BTEC 13and other nationally recognised qualifications. It is also a great opportunity for you to have fun too!

So, whatever your age … come along and be part of the fun

For more information, please come along to one of our meetings on a Tuesday evening during school term-time. We meet in the Buckingham Room at The Chantry, Castle Street, Thornbury. Badgers from 6.15–7.15pm and Cadets from 7.15–8.45pm, or call Sarah Bryant, Tel. 07717 28xxxx or email xxxx @ avon.sja.orq.uk or xxxx @ avon.sja.orq.uk

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

[Graphic: Safer & Stronger Community Groups]

Do you care about your community?
Do you want to be heard and get things done?

Then why not come along to the next Safer Stronger Community Group (SSCG) meeting for your area? SSCGs influence how services are delivered locally, establish longer-term plans to improve areas, help prevent future problems, and deal with current local issues.

There are 20 Safer Stronger Community Groups across South Gloucestershire for residents to attend and raise local issues that concern them. They can give their views on possible improvements to further strengthen their communities and keep these safe places to live and work.

The meetings are also attended by partner agencies, including South Gloucestershire Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, NHS South Gloucestershire, Town and Parish Councils and other local organisations. These organisations work together on the issues raised and often involve the community in implementing solutions.

Some of the issues raised and tackled have included creating positive activities for young people, anti-social behaviour, school crossing concerns, speeding and parking. Community grants through the Safer Stronger Communities Initiative Fund have helped support initiatives raised at the meetings, such as Community Speedwatch groups, community garden work, youth engagement activities, park improvements, activities for older people, and equipment for walking buses to schools.

NEXT MEETING FOR THE CHARFIELD, CROMHALL AND TORTWORTH GROUP:

Thursday 31st May, 7.30pm

Charfield Memorial Hall, Charfield

If you are unable to attend a meeting, or would like to read more about the work of your local group, each group has its own e-group page at http://####.southglos.gov.uk. Here, you will be able to view your group's annual report, minutes and agendas from past meetings, and find other useful information for your area. You can also become a member of the e-group which will ensure you receive the minutes and agendas directly via email. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the Safer Stronger Communities Team on 01454 86xxxx, or email directly to xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk.

14

I am writing this in the hope that it will reach a mystery “Samaritan”, who did an extremely kind deed for a stranger last month, and really restored my faith in human nature. Intrigued? Read on!

On a warm and sunny morning in March, my two young daughters (aged 4 and 1), put on their craft aprons and spent some considerable time painstakingly making birthday cards for their grandad, my dad, who lives 200 miles away, and whose birthday was a few days hence. Having completed the job and being very pleased with their results, we duly popped their cards, made with love, into a white A5 envelope, wrote grandad's details on the envelope, dug out a stamp, and prepared to take it to the post box.

The envelope, with its unique and precious contents, was placed in the crease of my pushchair hood (something I've done hundreds of times before), and we set off on foot. Then, on arrival at the post box, disaster struck … I suddenly realised that the envelope was no longer there. Somehow, somewhere en route between Woodlands Road, across Manor Lane and along the open area behind the parade of shops, it must have fallen off the pushchair, and was now lying on the pavement. My 4-year old Molly was distraught and we raced back to find it but, having re-traced our steps back home, we found absolutely no trace of the envelope – it had vanished into thin air. With no more time to make the postal deadline before his birthday, I had to ring my dad and give him the bad news – that although my girls had made their grandad some very special cards, I'd managed to lose them and he would have to go without. He understood (“… that's life …”); poor Molly was devastated.

THEN … two days later, when I rang to wish him a Happy Birthday, he had a surprise … the envelope HAD arrived with him after all, it had dropped on his doormat that very morning!!!!

We were overjoyed that the situation had been rescued. We can only assume that someone – our Samaritan – found our envelope lying on the path and went to the effort of putting it in the post box on our behalf.

So, whoever you are, if you're reading this then I cannot thank you enough for your act of kindness … it truly meant so much to us. If you have children or grandchildren you will know that their creations are precious and should be treasured forever, especially when they are made with such love for a special occasion. My dad was able to enjoy his special birthday cards after all, and my faith in human nature has been restored.

It's extraordinary how a simple act of thoughtfulness can make such a huge difference to someone's day … even if you never meet each other.

This has just underlined what I already knew – that we live in a great village with brilliant people.

Thank You!

Karen, Martin, Molly & Olivia Stainthorpe
Woodlands Road

What a difference a week makes. As I write this article the temperature outside has dropped to winter proportions, the heating's on and I've had to put an extra jumper on, but at the end of last month the sun shone down on our Easter Bonnet Parade and added a real glow to the happy faces of the children. They were so proud as they walked round our lovely garden area in the sunshine – 15showing off their hand-made creations, which were be-decked with fluffy chicks and cardboard eggs. A lovely moment, and a true sign that Spring has sprung!

Our Rising 5 sessions (for children who are due to transition up to Primary School in September) start in earnest now. As part of our more focussed activities for the older children we have already had visits from the vet and dentist, and this term they start their P.E. lessons. This aims to help them in a number of disciplines – not least of which is undressing/dressing themselves and taking more responsibility for putting their own clothes into their P.E. bags. If last year is anything to go by, chaos will prevail!

This term our Leavers will also be enjoying sessions on the computer, nature walks, sounds (phonics) and learning to recognise their own name in the written form. All these activities are carefully planned to align the children with the rigours of Primary School, and make their transition there in a few months as easy as possible.

We would like to remind parents that we are now officially full for the 2012–13 academic year, and have started a waiting list for places. Our places are much sought-after and cannot be guaranteed, so if you or anyone you know is looking for a Pre-School place then you must contact us without delay in order to register your interest.

Our fundraising efforts continue to gather pace, and last month we were successfully awarded £720 from the South Gloucestershire's Severn Vale Forum Revenue Grant round, which will be spent on both sensory equipment and a contribution to our educational trip to St Augustine's Farm at Arlingham.

A huge thanks to everyone who dug out and donated their old CD albums and DVD films, in support of our winter collection campaign. Thanks to you, we raised an amazing £211! We are absolutely delighted with this, and plan to make this an annual campaign that the whole village can support.

Our Valentines Quiz Night in February was also a huge success, and we raised £335. A great night was had by all, and special thanks must go to Jon and Elaine Godfrey for a superb quiz, and Adam Sydney for single-handedly producing a range of delicious food for 100 people!

We have already been converting some of the hard-earned fundraising money into equipment and toys that the children are enjoying.

Top of the priority list was a safety fence for our outdoor area, which now means our children and staff are protected from any fast-flying objects (usually footballs!) that have a tendency to stray over from the “big” children at the Primary School.

Enjoy the Spring.
Katherine Edwards Chairperson

16

I was going to begin this article with, we live in interesting times, but it was brought to my attention that this is in fact a Chinese curse, so, as we experience the ever changing picture in local government it is useful to see how the Coalition Governments localism Act is beginning to work and affect us

Probably one of the most significant changes is how we will operate as a Council, the previous government advocated a similar system to central government with a leader and cabinet members holding the portfolios, at South Gloucestershire Council we have a leader and six executive members known as the cabinet who will in effect make the decisions and the other 63 elected members really act as backbenchers who will vote for or against those decisions. At the beginning of the year central government gave councils the option to remain with the cabinet system or return to the committee system of decision making which would involve all councillors being involved in the decision making process. As an elected member it is desirable to give as strong a representation as possible to those residents who have elected you and the more transparent committee system appeared the best way to achieve this. At a meeting of the full council on 21 March councillors voted 36 to 34 to return to the committee system and this will take effect from the annual council meeting in May.

Another part of localism is the intention to have more area forums and devolve more funding to those committees, further funding has already been made available for the local transport capital programme and at a meeting of the area forum on 14 March I was able to secure funding to place a footpath at the Churchend section of Charfield hill. This was to enable those who use mobility scooters, pushchairs etc to reach the dropped kerbs on the other side of the road away from the roundabout, this will also be beneficial for the many walkers who circumnavigate the village on a regular basis to avoid the busy junction. It is essential that residents and community groups are aware of the area forums, these meetings give people the opportunity to question South Gloucestershire Councillors on any issue and they also are responsible for small grant funding for community groups in that area.

Another item to take effect in March was the National Planning Policy Framework; this is a 50 page booklet that has been designed to simplify planning and replaces all the previous planning policies which were in excess of 1000 pages. The bottom tier of neighbourhood planning allows Parishes to have their own Neighbourhood Development Plan; this would deal with land only and is separate to the Parish Plan which is being produced at this time. The NDP although complex to set up would give communities a say regarding development in the area. What developments should look like and where they should go, although they can not be used to stop or block development. As I said these are interesting times.

John.

If there is one thing we can guarantee about British weather is that every week can be different! As I sit outside on the decking writing this in my shorts and t-shirt my I-phone is telling me its 20°c!!! Now that's what I'm talking about, but its only March people and Jack Frost might have disappeared for this week anyway but be wary he is only hiding in the shade. Waiting for you to plant out your summer bedding (yes I know the garden centres are stocking them and they all look pretty) but a sharp frost is all it takes to kill them off!!

17So just what should you be doing?!? Well April brings the lovely April showers, the clocks have gone back and the evenings are stretching out ☺ meaning more sunlight and warmer soil!! So I am spending most of my days now spring cleaning boarders, weeding, removing last year's dead growth etc before new growth covers the ground. Although a few naughty people have left their winter digging for me until now tut, tut, tut if you are one of these people this month really is the last month for a proper deep dig (just be wary of bulbs just below the surface).

Now is the time to Deadhead your Hydrangea taking care not to damage the fresh shoots and tie in shoots of climbing plants such as rambling roses and clematis.

Lawns
I love a lush green lawn with stripes running up and down it, but maybe that's just me?!? But love it or loathe it the lawn plays a massive part in brining the garden together. Its one of the most worked plants in the garden and the least thought of!!

By now you should have a least cut the lawn once and be regularly mowing fortnightly. If you only feed your lawn once a year feed it now, a good feed now will almost guarantee a strong green healthy lawn well up to the task of maintaining through the rough and tumble of summer life! What feed to use?!?! Well with every lawn being different in size and problem, it's impossible to say. A good all-rounder is Evergreen complete spring and summer! Packed with Nitrogen it will give your lawn a boost! However if your lawn is heavily infested with moss you might want to consider a Moss and weed killer packed with Ferrous Sulphate! If you don't like the idea of using chemicals on your lawn then a good rake with a wire rake and a knife to remove weeds will also do the trick!

Bulbs and flowers
After the bulb has flowered for another year don't be tempted to cut it back as this is the time the bulb begins to harvest up for next year so if you can give it about 4 weeks (6 ideally) bringing us nicely into May and the garden really starts to kick in now.

Keep an eye out for the last frost warning on the weather forecast and then begin filling those boards and posts with your favourite summer bedding, but watch out for slugs and snails!

Lastly
Just enjoy working out in the warm weather!! Gardening is not only a great way to exercise, but the sun also causes our body to generate vitamin D!! So it's a double boost!

Steve Picking

Hello from The Friends! It only seems like yesterday that I was writing my first article as the new chair – how time flies!

As I write this I am sitting at my computer dressed in my pyjamas and dressing gown, a blue painted face and a Smurf hat – don't worry, it's not some peculiar hobby of mine, but I have just returned from another really successful school cinema evening run by The Friends. The film choice seemed to be a really popular one, especially with those members of The Friends who fancied dressing up as Smurfs (although I was concerned that some of us seemed to enjoy wearing the costumes a little too much!?). The event was a real success and raised over £300.00, which was fantastic.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of those committee members and helpers for getting everything organised for the event as well as helping on the day and would also like to thank Mr Lawday, Mrs Garside and Miss Wiltshire 18for all of their help, as well as Scott Curtis for running his ever popular Creche!

The next event The Friends will be organising is the May Fair, which is going to be held on Saturday 19th May. There will be lots going on so we hope to see as many of you there as possible. As with every event, we are reliant on the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers and we are also pleased to hear from anyone who might be able to help set up, or run a stall on the day. If you are reading this and are able to lend some help to The Friends it really would be greatly appreciated – we really would love to hear from you!

Whilst The Friends have been busy raising money we have also been spending some of it as well supporting various activities and initiatives which have included Waterproof trousers and jackets.

As well as helping to fund the various requests received from the school, The Friends are looking to support the funding of a major project in the form of replacing and improving the school's adventure playground. We are now at the stage where we have received quotes from various specialist equipment designers and installers and will shortly be hoping to appoint one of these companies to start work on the first phase of this project which will be the full replacement of all the outer ring of play equipment to provide the children with an exciting new playground to play on!

In addition to the funds raised at the various events run by The Friends we have also been fortunate to receive some community grants. Previously I wrote to advise you of the generosity of Magnox but I am delighted that we have also received a grant of £500.00 from RWE Npower and a further £250.00 from National Grid. On behalf of The Friends I would like to pass on our thanks to these companies. These grants will help immensely in enabling The Friends to fund larger projects such as the adventure playground.

Whilst I appreciate we are experiencing tough times, if you work for a company that runs such a scheme and are stuck for a worthwhile cause to support then please do get in touch!

If you are reading this and want to get involved in The Friends then it could not be easier! Come along to the next committee meeting on Thursday 19th April at 7.30pm in the Parents Room at the school, you will be made most welcome, new committee members are always needed, but it doesn't matter if you can't help on a regular basis, there are always little jobs that can be done from home – it may even be a money raising idea you have, if so we would love to hear from you!

I look forward to keeping you informed of our future events, until then, once again, a very big thank you to everyone who has worked with and supported the Friends.

Tim Skuse
Chair – The Friends of Charfield Primary School
01454 26xxxx

Tiny Vole, brown, timid, shy,
Gleaming Damsels, Hovering fly.
Sleepy Newt, wide eyed Frog,
Swaying rushes, mossy log.
Big fat Badger comes to drink,
Bubbles rise, dead leaves sink.
Moorhens nesting. Blackbirds sing,
Gnats that bite. Wasps that sting.
Tiny brown Wren, darting dashing,
Wagtail bobbing. Mallard splashing.
Water beetles shining black,
Herons leaving muddy track.
Pheasants, running, Robin hops,
Tail of Tadpole wags, then stops.
All these live around – within,
Some that walk and some that swim.
Beneath its surface, on its banks,
Living creatures give their thanks.
Allowed to live, or just to rest,
The living pond says – “Be my guest”.

Ken Parker

19

The group had a slight increase on its January census figures, 139 young people and leaders, which makes us the third largest in the District. Our successful programmes and activities are becoming known outside of our normal catchment area leading to a further increase of names going on to our waiting lists. We do find that when those young people who attend Scouts start secondary school they find they know more people than they thought they would, now it seems to be working the other way, our Scouts are talking to their new friends and now they want to join us. As well as taking members in from Cromhall and Charfield, we have members in 12 other villages/towns.

Since September we have been working on our buildings which are leased to us by Tortworth Estates. Thanks to the fundraising by our members we have treated the woodworm in the loft stores and the main hall at Cromhall, which meant the whole of the stores had to be transported into the lower hall and back up again, thanks to Chris Trueman our quartermaster and help from parents this went very smoothly. There is a large space underneath the main hall where since the hall was built items have been stored/lost. The smallest volunteers, including me, had to go under the floor and empty the space of crisp packets and coke cans from around the 70s, we took out a full sized bath (for bathing in baked beans or jelly of course), a stacker hi-fi system, at least 10 doors in various states of decay and loads of wood and other random objects which were discussed at length and took off to the tip, no treasure was found unfortunately, not even lost tuck shop money.

The biggest project we have completed again financed by fundraising was the installation of new windows at Avening Green, we now has lovely wood framed double glazing, our previous windows were rotten and the glass was beginning to fall out. The latest project has come sooner than planned, as I write this article, Akela is spending his evenings at the Cromhall HQ installing new electrics and plumbing ready for the installation of our nearly new kitchen donated by one of our Scout's grandparents; we're even going to have a dishwasher!

On to the sections, Beavers went on their Santa train trip before Christmas which was great, we did some Carol service practise on the platform before boarding the train which really got us into the Christmas spirit. They had a visit from the ‘guide dog’ lady and her lovely new dog. The Beavers were able to use her various pieces of equipment to help her pour water, check what colours she was wearing, and how to tell what denomination notes she was holding. I learnt something new, if a blind person is say stood at a roadside with their guide dog beside them and the guide rein to the dog is not being held, it means that both of them need assistance.

The Beaver Easter crafts was fun, they all made and took home a rabbit with a crème egg in his tummy made out of a flannel, two elastic bands and some stickers for its face.

Cubs have worked through their Personal Safety, Astronomer, IT, Animal Carer badges, held a Chinese night, had a visit from the Hedgehog Rescue (Wed) and a PGL night (Thu). Next term they'll be aiming to complete their Outdoor Challenge and Naturalist badges. Their first camp will be at Woodhouse Park in April where they will be go-karting, climbing and working on their Communication badge. We're staying in indoor accommodation on this one so should be nice and warm.

The Scouts have been hiking, climbing at Gloucester climbing centre, making perfume, pancakes, shooting and ended the term with an Easter Egg hunt at 20Avening Green. They really do have a varied programme. They will be attending the Malvern Challenge again this year and as they are determined to win are swatting up on their 6 figure grid references, good luck to them. They are also hoping to slot in a couple of Avening Green camps as we do have a few new Scouts who haven't camped before.

Both myself and Mike Rickwood (Scout Leader) are attending the Charfield and Cromhall Diamond Jubilee planning meetings, on the Charfield side we will be producing a village quiz and bunting to decorate the Memorial Hall and on the Cromhall side the Scouts will be building and manning the beacon on Butcher's Hill and will be running a BBQ.

Our plans for our next visit to Malta at Easter 2013 is coming along nicely we have 47 young people and 16 adults attending this next trip and we are hoping we can go from Bristol airport using Ryanair. I'd appreciate any tips on group bookings as it seems to be pot luck on prices when booking online? We are doing multiple fundraising to keep the cost down for all and are looking to buy a candyfloss machine, so if anyone has any events planned that we can tag along to we'd be very grateful!

Although I mentioned at the beginning of the article how successful the group is at the moment we do have a need for an Assistant Cub Leader for the Thursday pack. We would love someone, to join Jean Legood and myself on a Thursday evening 6.30–8.00pm, who has a good sense of humour, enjoys crafts, likes to try new things and must enjoy camping! By the way, voluntary work does looks good on a C.V! My contact details are on the back page of Chadra or why not complete the contact form on our group website: www.1stwoodend.####.co.uk

Yours in Scouting
Sandra Carnegie Group Scout Leader

We've had some excellent services in the last quarter, some from David Russell and some from other clergy helping out. In particular, Sue Phillipson-Masters, a retired priest, has been developing a regular ministry in Charfield and her services have proved very popular. At the time of writing, we had a lovely Palm Sunday service last weekend and are about to enter on Easter weekend, moving from the service of the last hour on Good Friday to the Easter celebration on Sunday morning.

Our services are usually held at 9.30 on Sunday mornings, but keep an eye on the notice board outside the church for the latest information, including services aimed specially at children. St John's Charfield is acting as host for the congregations of Wickwar, Rangeworthy, Hillesley & Kingswood in a special joint benefice service on Sun 29th April at 9.30am. You are most welcome to join us for that. The service will be taken by David and members of our Benefice Ministry Team.

We held the regular annual Jumble Sale on 10 March and raised a record amount – over £900. Huge thanks to everyone who arranged this. The next big event is the Plant Sale on the morning of 12 May. I hope you are getting your gardens ready to take lots of lovely plants that are currently being nurtured in the village – and beyond.

We have a number of weddings and baptisms coming up and these are always happy occasions in the life of the church. One or two of the families approaching David Russell about these have been a little bit shy about it if they are not regular churchgoers. The message is – please don't hesitate to talk to us about having a wedding or baptism service at St John's. You'll be made very welcome. Baptism services are always really joyful and moving – especially as 21we ask the little ones to ‘shine as a light in the world’. And your children don't have to be baptised as babies. If they are toddlers or older, they are still most welcome to be baptised here.

We are hoping to recruit a new part-time priest to work with David Russell. This post will take over from Viv, but working through all five parishes that David's responsible for, rather than just Charfield and Kingswood.

Many of you will know that we recently raised the money to put a loo in the church. We are now working on adding a kitchen at the other end and hope this will be done by the end of the year.

Baptism and wedding requests can be lodged with Julia, the benefice administrator, on Mondays and Thursdays between 12noon and 4pm or sent to xxxx @ gmail.com. The telephone number for Wickwar Rectory is 01454 29xxxx.

Sue Thorn, Churchwarden and PCC member

It certainly doesn't seem like three months have passed since the last edition of Chadra was being written in the dark days of January! The children are at last beginning to enjoy playing outside in the sunshine at the Club, and spring is on its way! As usual there have been lots to keep us busy at the Club.

The club has continued to be open every morning and afternoon during term time, and during the February half term holiday, the children had lots of fun making valentines gifts, pizzas, painting pots and making hama bead puzzles. The children also organised and played outdoor games and board games.

Bookings will soon be taken for the half term holidays, if you need holiday childcare or even if your children would simply like to play in a structured and caring environment, please contact the club for a booking form.

Funding the club continues to be a challenge in these difficult economic times and fundraising continues to be a priority. The committee have been busy researching and applying for grants and the staff held a sponsored search for the children that, as we write has already raised over £300, which is fantastic. A big thank-you to everyone who supported this event. The children have had great fun searching for lots of elusive items!

We have a number of further fundraising activities planned. The staff organised an Easter Grand Draw, which involved a large Easter egg with spaces for parents to fill in their details and hopefully win the Easter hamper. On Saturday April 28th we will be holding a Jumble Sale in the School Hall between 12noon and 2pm. Please bring any jumble to the school between 9am and 12 noon on the day or to the Foundation Rooms the week before. It's a great opportunity for a clear out. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Club will also be running a stall at the May Fair on Saturday 19th May and we are doing our traditional and very popular jars stall.

We would also like to thank all our parents who have donated items such as computer paper, washing up liquid and fruit to the club. This has really helped our monthly budget.

On Fridays after school the club continues to offer an ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB until 4.30pm (alongside our usual session). This allows children to come and enjoy all the arts and crafts that our regular children enjoy. Last term the children made letter holders, play dough, fridge cake, clay pots, wooden door 22hangers and lots more! It costs £3.00 for the session, which will include a drink and a biscuit. We still run the session until 6pm, so don't worry if you wish to use us until then, we are still open.

The club is considering seeking charitable status in order to assist its financial position and we are eager to seek advice from anyone in the village who has expertise in this matter. If anyone in the village has experience of this and feels that they can help the club follow this route, please contact the club. We would be glad to hear from you!

Similarly, the club is still keen to recruit volunteers from the local area who would like to help in holiday times, either by showing the children a specific skill or hobby they enjoy or even if they just want to get involved with the activities already offered at the out of School club. We would love to hear from you. All volunteers would need to be aged 18+ and prepared to undergo an enhanced CRB check as is required for all individuals who work closely with children.

Don't forget our club is open to all children attending school up to the age of 13. During term time we are open from 07:30 until the start of school and after school until 18:00. During holidays and In Service Training days we are open from 07:30 to 18:00. Please give it a go, we are sure your children will enjoy it and you will be impressed. Check out the school website for more details www.charfieldschool.org.uk and follow the links.

Thank you once again to everyone who continues to use the club, or who has supported us with fundraising activities, and especially to our staff for continuing to make the club a happy place for our children to play. We are also extremely grateful to Wotton Accountancy Associates Ltd for their help with our year-end accounts; they have provided us with this valuable service for a number of years.

The Out of School Club Committee

CHARFIELD OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB

Jumble Sale
Saturday 28th April 2012
Charfield Primary School Hall
12–2 pm

Drop off Jumble between 9am and 12
Contact Out of School Club 7.30–8.30am 3.00–6.00 pm on 0781623xxxx
Cake and Refreshments 50p entry incl raffle ticket (children free)

[Graphic: Want a clear out after Easter]

[Graphic: Come and seek out a bargain: clothes, toys, books etc]

[Graphic: Charfield School]

Working together …
Learning for life

Greetings from us all at Charfield Primary School. What a busy term this has been! We have included some examples of the children's achievements since Christmas.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

HIGH 5 NETBALLERS
23[Photo: Children]
A group of our Year 5 & 6's travelled to Castle High School for the area Netball Tournament. The children competed against many other schools and really improved through the day.

TAG RUGBY TEAM
[Photo: Child]
Charfield Primary entered Dursley Rugby Club's Tag Rugby Tournament for the second year running. The team managed a win, a draw and two narrow losses. A highlight for us was the special mention that our players received for their sportsmanship and conduct on and around the field.

WHOLE SCHOOL EVENTS

YEAR 6 CAKE SALE
This week Year 6 held a cake sale in support of Cancer Research UK. They organised the entire event themselves and raised £46.09! Well done Year 6!

WORLD BOOK DAY
[Photo: Children]
The children really threw themselves into the Challenges and worked collaboratively over two days. On Friday the school was invaded by characters from many different books. The costumes were amazing (thank you parents!)

SCOOTER TRAINING
A small number of children took part in the first ‘Scooter Safety Training Course’. The children really enjoyed the sessions so we hope to run further courses in the year.
[Photo: Children on scooters]

IN CLASS ACHIEVEMENTS

SHIVER ME TIMBERS. ITS RECEPTION!
[Photo: Class]
Our Reception class converted their classroom into a Pirates Den complete with treasure chest! In the afternoon the pirates went in search of more treasure. After following a treasure map and working out some clues, they found some booty! X marked the spot!
[Photo: Children with map]

YEAR 1 SQUELCH OVER THE FIELDS AND BACK AGAIN

Our visit to St James' church

[Child's letter]

JOSH H

24YEAR 2 GO MEDIEVAL
[Photo]
During Year 2's medieval topic the children had a Medieval Day. All the children dressed in medieval clothes, ate medieval food and met a falconer. He had a range of birds of prey.

MARVELLOUS MEDIEVAL FOOD! – GINNY F
[Photo]
Medieval food is sloppy but you may like it.

In medieval times they ate something like pizzas but on them they had mushrooms because they grow in the ground. They ate fruit because they are simple to pick. In those days they had lots of spices like cinnamon and clove and saffron. Also they had ginger. They had gold plates if they were rich and people that were poor used bread as plates!

YEAR 3 & 4 – BONE DETECTIVES.
[Photo]
Year 3\4 have been working with bones and investigating them. We made a paper skeleton with moving parts and did a test to see what bones we could remember. We have measured the bones in our body. We learnt a lot in that lesson. We knew this because we could add a lot more bone names on to our sheet!
By Rebecca D and Alesha S

YEAR 5 – FUTURE AUTHORS GALORE!

EMILY DD – THE NEXT JK ROWLING?
I was taken to the foundling hospital just as a baby. The last I ever smelt of my mother was her sweet lavender perfume, the last I ever heard of my mother was her bitter crying as she gave me away and the last I ever saw of her … well I didn't.

It is now the year 1972, our Prime Minister is Edward Heath and I am still stuck in this dump. We have this woman with big chubby finger and a big sweaty forehead, her name is Matron or Matron Pigface as I like to call her. She calls me Charlotte
“But my name is Lottie”

Want to read more? Check out Year 5's class work area on our school website

BOOK WEEK REPORT – HARRY P
Following our Book Week Event Harry P wrote an amazing report. Are we seeing the first reports from a future journalist? Have a read, it can be found at http://####.org.uk/####/OurWork.aspx

YEAR 6 – EMPATHETIC WRITING
6GS were recently set the challenge of creating a piece of writing that sparked the reader to have empathy with the a theme. Many of the children produced AMAZING pieces. We have selected Ross W's as an example.

[Letter: Make a difference]

25If you want to read all of Ross' works go to http://####.org.uk/####/Ross%20W%20-%20Empathy_jpg.jpg

HOW CAN YOU HELP US?

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
Do you have any spare time that you would like to put to good use? Would you like to help our future Charfieldians become all they can be? If you would like to help us please contact the school office.

CAREERS DAY
We will be holding our second Careers Day for our children. The aim is to show our children what different jobs involve and what they may need to do to achieve a career in that area.

During our last Careers Day we found the most successful sessions were those that lasted about 30 minutes which included a short ‘what I do’ talk followed by a practical example to the job. We would like to get as wide a range of careers as possible.

If you think you could help us on the day please let us know by telephoning or emailing us at the school.

TESCO AND SAINSBURYS VOUCHERS
We are busy collecting this years Tesco and Sainsburys vouchers. The vouchers help us buy much needed resources for our school. If you have any spare to donate to us we would really appreciate it!

Do you have any time spare to help us administer the voucher scheme? We are always on the look out for voucher counters! Please call into the school office if you can help.

The hall continues to struggle along. It is a fact that we are in a very difficult position financially at the moment. The building is old and tired and requires increasingly complex and costly maintenance just to make the structure and internals safe and secure. We have had to increase our hire charges this year – never an easy thing to do – but still our revenues are decreasing whilst our running costs continue to spiral upwards.

Just as an example, we have plans, right now, to replace the leaking flat roof at the rear of the hall with a new pitched roof. This is the right thing to do, for a whole host of reasons, but it is expensive and quite simply, as I write this, we do not have the funds to complete the project. Despite the hard work of the trustees, and significant grant funding, we are some way short of the costs of doing the job “properly”. So how can you help?

Quite simply, pick up your mobile and please donate to the hall via our Vodafone Just Giving initiative. Details are elsewhere in this edition of CHADRA but basically you just text CHAR12 and the amount to 70070 and the hall gets the full amount – it could not be simpler!

On another “how can I help” note, we have the hall AGM coming up at the beginning of May – Thursday 3rd May at 7.30pm to be exact. Please come along, meet the current committee and hear how you can get involved in YOUR village hall. In particular we need a new treasurer and, in addition, I would really like some more trustees to join the management committee, bringing with them fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Please support us if you can.

26We would also really appreciate it if any individual or group (friends, neighbours etc) would want to stage a “one off” fundraising event for the hall – however big or small. This could be done without any ongoing commitment to join the committee or worries about being a trustee. Just come forward and discuss your ideas with us.

On a lighter, brighter note – did you see our Rural Arts show, “Bowjangles”, at the beginning of March? What a show! Such talent, energy and humour. These are the sorts of shows we should be staging regularly at the hall but we need your ongoing help to secure the future security & success of the venue. Thanks go to Margaret Gargett and all those who helped her run this event.

Going forward the hall will be fully supporting the Jubilee celebrations and the Open Gardens event in the village over the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend at the beginning of June. We are also starting to plan another fundraising ball for the hall – on Friday 5th October at Eastwood Park – tickets will be about £40, so please put the date in your diaries & look out for more details of this event around the village soon.

I look forward to seeing you at the hall, either at the AGM or at one of our forthcoming events. Thank you.

Tim Hill
Chair

The 200 Club is a monthly lottery in aid of Charfield Village Hall. For £12 per year (that's only £1 per month!) you get the chance to win 1 of several cash prizes (from £10–£25) every month, with a bonus prize of £50 every few months, while also contributing to the upkeep of the village hall.

For your chance to win while helping boost the coffers of your local community facility, please contact John Russell on 0771155xxxx or Deb Field on 01454 26xxxx

Winners last quarter:
Mar
No 195 Mr Blackie
No 101 Mrs V Kerner
No 234 Mrs Popham
No 143 Jan Bath
No 293 Mrs Michelle Dimes

Feb
Mrs A Hill (246)
Mrs J Crowfoot (127)
Kathy (231)
Mr M Rosher (108)

Jan
Mr W Scott (145)
Miss S Leach (107)
Mr J Acton (228)
Mrs E Sanville (219)

Charfield Memorial Hall
Registered Charity 301482
JustTextGiving

As part of our efforts to raise funds for vital health and safety improvements and general repairs and refurbishment to the Memorial Hall facilities, we have registered for JustTextGiving.

All you have to do is text CHAR12 £2/£5/£10 (enter your chosen amount) to 70070 and the Memorial Hall will receive the full amount (all administrative costs are borne by Vodaphone)

27

[Graphic: SharetheCare short breaks for disabled children]

To coincide with this year's National Share The Care Week, South Gloucestershire Council launched its new short break scheme, of the same name, under the umbrella of the Short Breaks Network organisation. The Scheme, formerly known as ‘Family Link’ (the other main change being an improved financial package), provides short breaks for disabled children & young people and we are currently in need of more carers to provide these services, whereby a family or individual provides the disabled child or young person with regular, short-term breaks (usually in the carer's home). Commitment can be as little as one weekend per month.

At the moment we are particularly in need of carers who can look after children on the autistic spectrum

[Photo]

Share the Care allows its carers to forge long term relationships with not only the child but his or her family and it suits people who can offer short breaks and who feel positive about children and young people whose disabilities can range from learning difficulties and autism to physical impairments.

Evidence shows that disabled children and young people enjoy experiences away from their primary carers, as it contributes to their personal and social development and reduces social isolation.

Evidence also shows that parents and families benefit from this as it gives them necessary and valuable breaks from caring responsibilities.

Some Share the Care short break carers are linked with one child, others provide short breaks to more than one child. In most cases, where space provides, it is preferable if the child or young person stays overnight in the child or young person stays overnight in the carer's home, but if accommodation is not suitable to meet their needs there is still a necessity for day care, for those with more complex needs.

[Photo]

If you think you might be interested in becoming a Share the Care short break carer then please contact me on 01454 86xxxx and I will answer any questions you might have, or if you prefer to find out more information before making contact you can visit www.southglos.gov.uk/sharethecare. To find out more about the umbrella organisation you can visit www.####.org.uk.

Tony Bray
Recruitment & Marketing Officer
Family Placement Team
South Gloucestershire Council

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Can you have fun and save money? Can you make something useful from stuff that would be thrown away? Put on your thinking caps and get creative. Sustainable Thornbury's creative recycling competition is open to all with age-appropriate prizes for everyone from under 5s to adults. What about a storage or bug box, a toy, a garment, a garden creation – the choice is only limited by your imagination and ingenuity. Entry forms can be collected from Thornbury library or Town Hall or downloaded from www.sustainablethornbury.org or www.mythornbury.com. Please take your entries to the Chantry Office, Castle St, Thornbury between Monday 14th May–Thursday 17th May between 9–12 am or 7–8 pm (Or ring 01454 41xxxx for alternative arrangements). Prizes will be awarded at the Thornbury Ecofair which will take place at the Chantry on Saturday 19th May. See next month's magazine for details or go to

www.sustainablethornbury.org

Creative Recycling Competition is open to all not just Thornbury residents.

I had already written my piece for this Chadra when I came across this wonderful story that I want to share with you!

Why am I the luckiest person in the world?!?
I had a very difficult childhood. But I don't want to tell you about that though. You just need to know at the age of 2 I was quite anxious, depressed person, a lot of that was as a result of my background!

But I survived all the things that had been difficult and things were starting to level out. But still I was not truly happy.

What changed things for me was one day when I was in Dublin. I had gone there to visit a friend and I was out walking. There was this old guy lying on the ground, he was obviously drunk and by the look of him could well have been homeless. I thought he might be hurt so I offered him a hand and helped him to a bench.

He said thanks and then gave me this lovely crooked smile and said “see I'm the luckiest man in the world” I laughed and said why? “Because even after everything I have been through, I'm laying here a disgrace to everyone, and someone like you comes along and offers me a hand!!! How can that not be lucky?”

I just smiled gave him some cigarettes that he asked for and said goodbye. But what he had said stuck in my mind. That a person in the most miserable circumstances could see him self as the luckiest person in the world really stayed with me.

When I got back home to Canada, I went on thinking about this and then one rainy Sunday afternoon I got out my note pad and began to write 2 list's of all the things that were good and bad in my life.

There were a lot of bad things I can tell you but a lot of them were in the past and had already improved a bit I just hadn't noticed. But what struck me the most was that there were more good things then bad!!! And they were all in the present and the future! I got a new piece of paper and across the top wrote …

WHY I AM THE LUCKEIST PERSON IN THE WORLD!!!

I wrote down everything I could think of and I felt great for doing it. I was still aware of the negative stuff in my life (lets be honest who doesn't) but by focusing on the positive I found I am happy 99% of the time and that is the complete opposite to how I used to feel!

Steve Picking

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Charfield Memorial Hall Regular Events (SL = Sportsmans Lounge)

April

19 New Zumba class starts @ Memorial Hall 6.30–7.15

28 Out of School Club Jumble Sale, 12:00–2pm School Hall

May

3 Memorial Hall AGM 7.30

12 St John's Church Annual Plant Sale

16 Parish Council – Annual Parish Meeting 7.30

18 CADS open night details to follow

19 Friends of Charfield School – May Fair

31 Safer Stronger Community Groups meeting 7.39pm @ Memorial Hall

June

2–3 Charfield Open Gardens

3 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

14 New driver training contact Alan Hamer

30 Murder Mystery Night organised by CADS

DIARY DATES
CUT OUT THIS PAGE AND PIN IT TO YOUR NOTICEBOARD

Alan Hamer has new driver courses starting on 14 June and 6 September

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If you wish to alter the entries below, please telephone Isabel on 01454 26xxxx
or email xxxx @ gmail.com

British Legion
David Millman (Hon Sec) 01454 26xxxx

CADS (Charfield Amateur Dramatics Group)
Steve Picking 07583 56xxxx

Charfield Pre-School
Debra Davidson (Manager/Admissions) 07966 61xxxx
Email:- xxxx @ gmail.com
Katherine Edwards (Chair) 01454 26xxxx

Charfield Primary School
Dafydd Lawday 01454 26xxxx

Childminders
Hazel Stone 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Nicky Lanyi 01454 26xxxx

Church – St. John's

Council – Charfield Parish
Hannah C Saunders (Clerk) 01454 29xxxx
Email clerk @ charfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

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

Cricket Club
Chris Shearwood 01454 77xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Tim Skuse (Chair) 01454 26xxxx

Foundation Room
Bryan Grantham 01454 26xxxx

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
Chairman Tim Hill 01454 26xxxx