CHADRA

Wow what a year 2012 was, how can we follow that?

Leaving aside the country's economics, flood, drought and deluge of course. 2012 will always be remembered as the year we held the Olympics, and celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

If the notion of a “lasting legacy” is not to be lost, then we all should build on it. So much was achieved within our village last year, and the feel good factor at the Charfield Picnic/Party in the Park was palpable.

Charfield's volunteers who organise and run our groups and clubs, amongst other things, are a very hard working and committed band of people. However, we may not all have the time or skills to be a secretary or chair a group. What we can do though is support their work by joining in with their events. So go on buy a ticket for the Panto, or sort out your old C.D's for Pre-School, that sort of volunteer is essential too. We can all do our bit to create a full and varied tapestry of life within our village.

On behalf of CHADRA may I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

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Next Copy Date – 6 April 2013

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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Remembrance Sunday the 4th annual bacon butty session

Dear Charfielders

There must be something about Remembrance Sunday. Even in the wettest year on record, we were again blessed with good weather for our annual gathering.

The CHADRA team turned out and worked like a well-oiled machine (must be the bacon grease), this year serving 140 portions of bacon/snorker butties. With butty money and donations, less the cost of the food, we were able to send £317.71 to Help for Heroes, and received a standard letter of appreciation from them, which had the addition of “many thanks to everybody in the village!” added in pen. Thank you indeed, all who attended, or who donated to the cause.

We have now raised a total of £2,143 for Help for Heroes – of which you all should be very proud. The real reason for the bacon butty session was to encourage villagers to join in the parade and mark the two minute silence as a community – nothing lures people out into the cold like the whiff of frying bacon! CHADRA is delighted that the event has now become a regular fixture in the village's calendar, and that there is such a buzz of conversation in the village hall as people eat and drink and await the parade up Wotton Road.

With the very welcome addition of a PA system, and a change to the ‘choreography’ of the service, we were all able to follow the ceremony at the memorial, and it was a very fitting and moving occasion.

See you on November 10th?
The butty-meisters

Saturday 13th April 2013 10am–2pm

Refuse sacks, gloves, litter pickers all provided Come along and help keep the village tidy – even a half hour helps!

Please Meet in the Car Park of the Memorial Hall.

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From 1st April 2013 there will be no funding available for the youth of Charfield to meet every week. South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) are removing the direct control and funding.

If the village is going to have a youth group, it will have to provide it. After careful consideration the Parish Council have decided that they may be able to help support the youth group financially, but not the week to week running.

As I feel that this is very important to the village, the possibility of assisting the funding and operation of this group is being considered.

Costings of approx. £11,000 and meeting facilities are at present being studied.

The proposal is to run two groups 12–15 and 15–18. A structured regular meeting schedule with the aims of the groups are very important and will be made public when a decision is made.

The priorities are:
FUNDING
Grants are available from SGC, (we are led to believe). Grants from Parish Council. A small charge on night. Private contributions.
VENUE
The Village Hall or the refurbished Congregational Church are at present being considered.
STAFFING
The present youth workers who will be redundant after 31st March are being considered.

This is for your information. Please contact me on 0781318xxxx for more information or if you can be of assistance.

Thank you
Mike Cheskin

A flashing sign on the Wotton Road currently announces the arrival of a new business to Charfield.

Briant Tyre and Exhaust Services, established for 7 years with now 6 depots in the Bristol area and Taunton, opened for business as of 1 December in Station Road on the corner of the M J Fews site.

Co-owner Tony Elliott explained that there are currently 4 technicians on site. In time, more will be recruited. The company also takes on apprentices to learn the job. The depot can cope with 10–15 vehicles – cars and light commercial vehicles. Services offered are tyres, brakes, exhausts, batteries, MOTs, repairs, servicing, and diagnostic repairs. (By ‘diagnostic’, Tony told me you can bring your car in and ask for a rattle to be investigated!)

The company is proud of its experienced staff, competitive pricing, quality of work and efficiency of service.

We wish them, as well as the other motor vehicle businesses in Charfield, well.

Oh yes we are!

As the CHADRA copy date falls infelicitously for the CADS production of “Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood“, we got access to a rehearsal so that we could give you a little preview. You may read this in time to get tickets, if so, do so!

Our village thesps earned our goodwill and loyalty with last year's production of Cinderella – a cracking night out for all the family; they do all the hard work, we just have to buy a ticket and turn up, ready to 5boo, hiss, cheer, laugh, sing, applaud … whatever an enthusiastic audience can contribute. Oh, the joy of panto … licence to misbehave!

The truly malevolent, avaricious, tax-levying and hiss/boo-evoking Sheriff of Nottingham has designs on the Babes' fortune. Will Robin, man in tights, slap his thigh and save Babes Pip and Penny from his evil plan? Will Robin's merry men save the day? Will Nurse Mollycoddle lose her charges? Will Dangerous Dave get to join Robin's gang? And what is the pink feather duster for, exactly?

Go to the village hall and find out!

CHADRA's roving reporter.

On two Saturdays in late October/early November, 47 villagers got together with about 15 Thornbury Choral Society [TCS] members to learn Verdi's “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco, and Richard Rodgers' “You'll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel.

It was again surprising how well we Charfielders sound when singing together, and the racket we made when chatting over coffee had to be heard to be believed! It was great fun, and I hope those who attended learned something about singing under the expert instruction of Dr Steven Kings, TCS's conductor.

It was pleasing to notice that some of the Big Singers came to hear the TCS concert performance of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius, a magnificent work and a challenge for soloists, chorus, and orchestra alike. Two have told me they had never heard the work before, and were blown away by it. It is even more pleasing that one Big Singer is coming along to the new season of TCS to see if he fancies joining the basses.

It is my dearest wish that others will now seek out opportunities to sing regularly, in whatever style they prefer. Doesn't matter what – as long as you sing!

A third Big Sing? The jury's out at the moment, as we only just broke even last time and numbers were greatly reduced on the first sing. If I can figure out why, I might have another go at it. Barbershop, anyone?

With heartfelt gratitude to all who came along and had a go,

Julia O'Connor-Beach

[Graphic: 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)

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The British Red Cross is currently offering FREE Healthy Homes Assessments with the aim of improving the safety and well-being of people in their homes. The short, one hour, friendly visits provide information on areas including fire and fall safety, warmth, grants, isolation issues and other available services. The visits are available to residents of, South Gloucestershire. Each home visited will receive a free Healthy Homes pack containing essentials for coping with the cold weather, power cuts and other household issues.

As well as yourself, please also consider people you know (e.g. relatives, friends and neighbours) who could benefit from a non-invasive visit, and encourage and help them to contact us on the details below.

For more information or to arrange a Healthy Homes Assessment visit please telephone us on: 0117 301xxxx OR email us at:

xxxx @ redcross.org.uk

As you read this the festive season is behind us and we are well into the New Year, however may I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and healthy 2013?

In the last issue I mentioned that I would keep you up to date on the superfast broadband project and you will recall that they were about to announce the name of the preferred bidder for the delivery of the project, the preferred bidder is in fact BT.

Contract finalisation work and a review of the project model are under way at this time and it is anticipated that the contracts will be signed in late January. In February South Gloucestershire Council should be able to provide details about the overall percentage coverage of superfast broadband, the technologies to be used and high level information about the rollout plans.

Once the contract has been awarded BT will begin their detailed surveying of the infrastructure across South Glos. Surveying will occur in phases across South Glos, with the rollout following afterwards in that area. The timescales and number of surveys will be available at that time. Although we do not have any specific details for the Charfield area at this time, I will keep you updated with information as I get it. I did receive queries from some residents asking if there would be variations to speeds with those being served by different exchanges 01453 Wotton or 01454 Falfield, the answer was that regardless of which exchange you are connected to the broadband speed will be the same throughout Charfield.

Over the last two years we have seen major changes to the planning regulations as the Coalition Government seeks to simplify the process. There are to be further changes this year with local communities having a greater say on developments in their area. Whilst village and Parish plans and housing needs surveys are unlikely to prevent developments they will be essential in the aspirations, requirements and how local people shape their communities. This is particularly important at a time when we are seeing developers probing and looking at sites all over South Glos including Charfield. There is no doubt that the green shoots of house building are sprouting.

Another new item this year will be the New Homes Bonus. This is a funding stream from Central government where they grant to Councils the equivalent of the band D council tax over five years for 7each new home delivered. Those who have done the sums will have worked out that the Council will receive around £9000 for each new home built. Most Councils have used this funding for special projects or to protect frontline services, here in South Glos we have devolved 30% of this funding to the five Area Forums pro rata depending on developments in that area, which is intended for use in the areas seeing the developments. This money will be decided by the elected members at one of the Severn Vale Area Forums in the form of grants, if you have a substantial project that you are trying to fund which is beneficial to the community and is compatible with the Village Plan then watch the South Gloucestershire Council website for details

John O'Neill

Lee Hanman, site manager for the main contractor Markey Construction, is pleased with progress, in spite of the challenges of poor weather.

As of today, 10 January, what we see is three of the five units at the superstructure stage – with roofs on – and the remaining two about to have their timber frames erected. All is on target for completion at the end of March.

Lee said every effort has been made to reduce the impact of the construction phase on the Little Bristol Road traffic, and the arrangement with the village hall to use the car park has been an enormous help.

This past year, we have been threatened with both drought and flooding, so it was interesting to hear that the development has rainwater harvesting to provide flushing water for the loos, and also an attenuation system for storm water management. Ie, in heavy downpours the run-off goes into a tank before a controlled release into the stormwater drainage system, providing a hydro-break to prevent a surge in heavy downpours.

Apart from being designed to a high standard of sustainability, energy efficiency and safety/security, the homes are designed to be ‘lifetime’ homes. For example, should a resident at some stage have mobility problems, then it is possible to install a lift in any of the properties with minimal disruption, thus enabling the resident to remain in their own home.

CHADRA reporter.

The Minister for Housing has recently announced that he wants to see a revolution in self-build housing and in particular wants it to be more helpful for less affluent families in the country. He points out that in the past it has been the better off who could afford to buy a plot of land, employ a good architect, provide the necessary funding and build for themselves some very nice homes.

There have been some very fine houses built by individual self-builders here in Charfield, but to the best of my knowledge there has never been a group of local people who got themselves together and combined their skills to help build themselves their new homes.

This may now be changing and there is a move afoot to form what may possibly be the first self-build group scheme in Charfield. In order to help with the acute housing shortages in rural villages like ours, the Housing Minister has now allocated £30 million to help fund these schemes. He has also asked planning committees to be more relaxed about granting planning permission for very 8small developments, recognising the particular problems which exist in villages where house prices have escalated beyond the means of many families.

I have been approached by a few local families to see if I could help put together a small self-build scheme on their behalf. I have been to a Parish Council meeting to discuss the plan and have written to the Planning Committee of South Gloucestershire Council for an appointment to discuss this with them.

What I do not know of course is just what the demand is and whether there are sufficient families in Charfield who would welcome membership of such a group.

I intend to call a meeting as soon as I have had discussions with South Gloucestershire Council, in order to determine what sort of demand there is, and if you would like an invitation to this meeting please send me an e-mail at xxxx @ gmail.com

Colin Wadsworth

Doorstep Crime
There are unlicensed door to door sellers visiting homes in South Gloucestershire. Officers have noticed burglaries being reported in areas the doorstep salesmen have visited, but are keeping an open mind about any connection.

If someone calls at your home and you do not think that they are genuine, call us straight away on 101. You may be happy to turn them away but you may have more vulnerable neighbours who could be taken in. Here are some tactics to avoid doorstep crime.

• Always put the chain on before opening the door.
• Make sure other doors and windows are secure so no one can sneak in.
• Ask for identification.
• Call 999 if you think a crime is imminent.

Christmas is a time of year when we love to give gifts to our family and friends. The people of Charfield certainly started early this year.

Charfield is often seen as a “drive through village“ and not much more to our fellow passers-by, but we villagers know that it is the people that make up the community.

This has never been more proven than earlier this year when I was discovered to have breast cancer. So many friends in the village rallied round helping by looking after my children getting them to school and clubs, transport to hospital, bringing meals to my house and lovely encouraging messages when the going got tough.

You my friends have been amazing and my family and I are so grateful to you for this wonderful support that has kept us going. A big thank you to you all!

Thank you so much,
Liane

Trefoil Guild is guiding for adults – fun, friendship and making a difference! Have you ever thought of joining?

If you hold a role in Guiding or Scouting you will find that joining the Trefoil Guild is for you!

• If you were in Guiding or Scouting and enjoyed the camaraderie of 9friends with a similar outlook, you will find that in the Trefoil Guild!
• If you are having a break from Guiding or Scouting you will find Trefoil Guild is the place to be!
• Even if you have never been involved in either Guiding or Scouting, there is always a warm welcome for anyone who likes the idea of learning something new, travelling, meeting new people or getting involved in local Guiding and Scouting projects.

Gloucestershire West Division Trefoil Guild meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Scout and Guide Hut, Sharpness, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. We have a balanced and varied monthly programme (e.g. making Oldbury Tarts; a Beetle Drive; talks on the Wotton Electric Picture House, Teapots, and the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust) and we join in many activities beyond our meetings. Last year we had a trip to Brownsea Island, in 2013 we are planning to go to the National Memorial Arboretum, and in 2014 we are hoping to visit Our Chalet, the Guide World Centre in Switzerland.

If you would like to join please contact me. I live in the village, as do a number of other Guild members, and we would happily share transport.

Sarah Norton
(contact available through CHADRA)

A good start to this term for the Group, the Scout Leaders have agreed to raise their numbers a little so that we can take some youngsters off our waiting list. Some lucky young people of Scout age will be receiving a call from us before mid-January. At the moment we have enough Beavers from 0–6 on our list for the next two years, so the usual message is “get their names down early!”

Our Remembrance Parade in November was very well attended, a good 83% of our membership turned up smartly dressed and on their best behaviour. Likewise for the Group Carol Service at St John's Church, the Beavers sang a calypso Christmas carol, the Cubs were a group of trainee angels and the Scouts moved us with details about their heroes and their Christmas wishes.

We had a wonderful round of fundraising before Christmas, we attended the Wotton Charities Fair, the Art Centre, held our own very successful Christmas Fair, and attended the Charfield School Christmas Fair which we thank them for as it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

We are very much on target for our trip to Malta, with a Fancy dress disco and BBQ at the end of this month, a family quiz and a bag pack in February, hot cross buns in March and Town Hall Teas in May. This year's calendar is already looking busy. Did I tell you, we now have a candy floss machine? So if you have an event that needs candy floss let us know.

Outings – The Beaver Leader would like an older Beavers' sleepover before the end of the summer, the Cubs have a day out to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, sleepover at the HQ, a PGL Camp and a weekend camp at Avening Green all in the next six months.

Sorry can't tell you about what the Scouts have planned as their reveal date is next week!

The planning of our Malta trip is going well, our final numbers are 55 young people and 17 adults. Need to know about group booking on EasyJet and I'm your person, low cost car hire, me again, coach hire is the Beaver Leader's though, Tina managed to get us a coach company to take us to and from Gatwick for less than the cost 3 years ago! Brilliant. We're holding a sleepover at the HQ at the end of the month for all of the 10participants which will be fun, so everyone can get to know each other and partake in a few team building exercises.

We have managed to acquire additional help on Thursday Scouts, Catherine Marsden (Baloo), has agreed to help us until she leaves the area in the summer, many thanks for your help Catherine! But we do need to fill her shoes when she goes; likewise we are desperate for a Treasurer. Neither job takes up too much time; you will be helping many and certainly will make a difference to a lot of young people in the area. If there is anyone out there who would like to help us, and make new friends in the process please contact me on the number below.

Want to know more about us? take a look at our website and if you need any information about our group or would like to volunteer, email us on xxxx @ gmail.com.

Yours in Scouting
Sandra Carnegie
Group Scout Leader (01454 26xxxx) www.xxxx.ukscouts.co.uk

Vale Community Hospital
☎ 0345 659 xxxx
MIIU – Minor Injuries/Illness Unit

It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good … after a recent misfortune, I found out about a wonderful facility which opened last year in Dursley. I didn't know of its existence till now and, although it is entirely possible that I'm the only person not to have heard of it, I thought it had better be mentioned in the newsletter. Just in case.

In Lister Road, Dursley, it is a spanking new NHS Gloucestershire building with good parking facilities. The Minor Injuries/Illness Unit treats a variety of injuries and illness to adults and children.

They deal with sprains, simple fractures needing x-rays and plasters, simple wounds that may need stitches, minor burns, minor head injuries with no loss of consciousness, minor illness, earache, sore throat etc, skin problems such as rashes, bites, stings and infections, eye conditions including foreign bodies and conjunctivitis.

They do NOT deal with head injuries that involve loss of consciousness, alcohol related problems, overdoses, complicated or serious injuries, major or long standing illnesses. These are generally dealt with at the local General Hospital, but you can telephone the MIIU for advice.

Firstly we would like to say a “huge” thank you to the late Joe Hardwick, known as Jona to his friends and family. His donation to the children of Charfield has given our Toddlers Group the opportunity to provide more activities for our children and special refreshments for the children and adults at the Christmas Party. The children loved to chat to Jona and watch his grass cutting skills at the Memorial Hall field. He is sadly missed but fondly remembered.

If you are new to Charfield, we are a Toddler Group running for all ages. We open Mondays 9:30–11:30, including the school holidays, when older siblings are most welcome. Come join us for friendly play, chat, activities, healthy snacks, and finishing our sessions with singing time.

Contact Hazel Stone (01454 26xxxx)

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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 Liam Balloch on 07947 43xxxx or Deb Field on 01454 26xxxx.

Winners last quarter:

We had a wonderful Christmas season in Charfield, with highlights including the traditional candlelit carol service at the old St James's church in Churchend, which had a fantastic attendance despite truly awful weather. I had to walk through floods on Devil's Lane in my wellies to get there – but it was worth it. It was amusing to walk past a few days later and see all the glow sticks still hanging in the trees!

At the time of writing our Rector, David Russell, is suffering from a nasty bout of shingles, so we all wish him well for a speedy recovery and we are grateful that we have others, especially Chris Mason, to look after the Charfield ‘flock’ during this time.

We are now moving along the journey from Christmas to Easter, following Jesus's life from childhood, through his baptism by John the Baptist and his ministry, towards his crucifixion and resurrection. We are currently finalising details of the services around Easter. Keep an eye on the notice boards for full details.

We have a PCC (Parochial Church Council) meeting coming up at which we hope to finalise plans for installing a kitchen in St John's church. We are also looking at improvements to the children's play area and taking a fresh look at our pattern of monthly services so watch this space and noticeboards for further news!

Charfield is part of a larger group of churches in Wotton Deanery, which stretches from Slimbridge to Chipping Sodbury and from Badminton to the Severn. Rev'd Rob Axford, Vicar of Wotton, has been Area Dean for several years, but Rev'd Canon Jane Kenchington, Rector of Sodbury Vale, recently took over, and there was a very uplifting commissioning service in Wotton on 9 January, led by Bishop Michael. At Deanery Synod we discuss a lot of the important broader issues and have recently covered women bishops and gay relationships, about both of which most comments reflected an inclusiveness and tolerance that Jesus would have been proud of.

Regarding children, we have two special children's services each month, at which there are usually activities as part of the service in which the children themselves take part, and they love it. We usually have lots of laughter and giggles during these services. Children are also very welcome at the other services too, and 12we have a range of games and toys at the back for those who are too young to pay attention for a whole hour – and don't worry if they make a bit of noise.

We also welcome the older members of the community, whether with their family or alone. We have recently received details of a service for those aged 75 and over that provides tea, cake and companionship on a Sunday afternoon. There are two local Contact the Elderly groups. Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, men and women meet in these groups for tea, cake, and most importantly chat and laughter. Most of the guests are unable to get out and about easily on their own. There are volunteer drivers who collect the older guests and together go to that month's host's home to join the other guests and volunteers for a couple of hours. The volunteer drivers then make sure you get home safely again. It's a great way to brighten up an afternoon. There are no charges involved. Please get in touch with Helen on 0117 960 xxxx or Sarah on 07773 71xxxx. The web address is. Email for Helen is xxxx @ contact-the-elderly.org.uk.

As mentioned before, we are a very welcoming church community and we are always pleased to see new people – please do make yourself known. Babies and children are welcome for baptism at any age and couples of all ages are warmly encouraged to talk to David or Chris about marriage at St John's. Enquiries should be directed to the benefice office. Baptism and wedding requests and other enquiries can be lodged with Antonia, the benefice administrator, on Tuesdays (9.30 to 1.30pm) and Thursdays (9.30–12 noon) or sent to xxxx @ gmail.com.

Don't forget the church is open every day for personal reflection and that there are books and the world's best jams and marmalades available in church all the time.

Sue Thorn, Churchwarden and PCC member

Have you ever wanted to:

• Be more involved with Charfield village life but didn't know how?
• Get the latest gossip before everyone else?
• Have a say in projects to benefit the village?
• Be part of the CHADRA newsletter team?
• Get paid to eat unlimited amounts of chocolate whilst losing weight with no effort?

Well, form an orderly queue because the coveted post of CHADRA secretary is about to become available.

I've lived in Charfield for about 23 years and have been secretary for some time, in fact I can't remember exactly when I started. I do know it was a time when all telephones were plugged into a wall socket and the web was something to do with spiders. Anyway, I have decided it is time to move on and let someone else have a go.

The job mainly involves going to just 4 friendly meetings a year and taking and distributing the minutes. A good sense of humour is essential. If you are interested in the job, or just being part of the team, come along to the AGM on Tuesday 26th March 2013 at xx Wotton Road, Charfield at 7:30pm. Don't miss this opportunity; it could be some time before it comes up again!

Oh, and the last bit about the chocolate was just a fantasy, sorry, but the rest is all true.

Steve Drinkwater,
CHADRA secretary

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A Happy New Year to everyone in the village from the staff and committee of the Out of School Club. We hope that 2013 proves to be a successful year for all our village organisations that work so hard to make Charfield such a great place to live.

The Christmas holidays were certainly a busy and successful time for the club. It was fully booked most days. The children had great fun doing lots of crafts games and competitions.

In October the club held its AGM. Unfortunately the turnout was rather disappointing, but the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary have all agreed to remain in post. We do however really need some more general members, so please do come along. As a committee we are positive about working together and have many ideas about how to build on the success of previous years.

We would also like to take this opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to Paul, who has left the club to further his career. He worked at the club for 6 years and I know everyone, especially the children, will really miss him. Good luck with your new job Paul. The committee would like to say a big thank you to him for all his hard work over the time he has been involved with the club. We have taken on 3 new young people to replace Paul but the club is still looking for a level 3 qualified member of staff. Please contact the club for further information.

Fundraising continues to be a priority for the club. The committee organised a jam jar sale at the school Christmas fair that raised £100. At the same time the staff organised a grand draw for a fantastic Christmas hamper. This was won by a ticket sold by Millie Wakefield and raised £110 which will go towards a photo printer for the club.

The drive for fundraising is set to continue throughout the year. We are holding a jumble sale on Saturday 26th January at Charfield Primary School between 12 noon and 2pm. Jumble can be dropped off at the school hall between 10 and 12 or at the Out of School Club the week before. It's a great opportunity for a clear out after Christmas!

We would like to repeat our offer to any 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. We are even open if the school is closed due to snow. Check out the school website for more details www.charfieldschool.org.uk and follow the links. Please give it a go, we are sure your children will enjoy it and you will be impressed!

Thank you once again to everyone who has used the club in 2012 or who has supported us with fundraising activities. Also a huge thanks to Pat, Georgina, Jo, and Anne our dedicated staff, who work so hard for the children at all times. We look forward to a successful 2013.

The Out of School Committee

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As we start 2013, things remain as busy as ever at the Memorial Hall. I thought therefore that I would just highlight some of the key costs associated with running such an important facility – remembering that we receive no funding from anywhere and the trustees must work hard for every penny. So, to the facts & figures:

The hall running costs are £2000+ every month (just to stand still). Hire charges bring in £1500 a month (at best). So we are losing money every month. We can't increase hire charges realistically without penalising hirers & losing bookings.

The bar helps to close the funding gap, but the rest has to come from grants and fundraising. In 2012–13, so far, this has brought in £25,000! (through a lot of hard work).

But we've spent £27,000 on improvements and repairs this financial year.

So you see the issues then … when at the end of last year we had some windows broken at the rear of the Sportsman's Lounge. Not only is this frustrating and annoying but it diverts much needed resources (both manpower and CASH!) away from improving the hall. We are a small band of volunteers who manage the hall and field, and I really do not need to have to use that resource to sort out damage caused by small minded idiots. If you do see any acts of wilful damage or anti-social behaviour at the hall, please phone the police and report it. Only by bringing the full force of the law down upon this will anything change.

Moving on to more upbeat things, the end of 2012 saw a number of very successful events either at the hall or to raise funds for the hall. The Rural Arts Event, the Art Show & Sale and the Remembrance Sunday “butties” were all very well supported and between them raised about £1000 for our on-going improvement plans. My thanks to all who organised, ran or attended these events. The Masquerade Ball, held at Eastwood Park in October, was a tremendous success. I couldn't attend myself but all those who were there speak very highly of the night and how much fun they had and how well it was organised. Again, my thanks to Margaret Gargett and her team for the effort and imagination shown to plan such a great night. Over £1700 was raised – again much needed as we work hard to modernise all the hall facilities.

Back in October I wrote that the hall needed a new caretaker and a bar manager. Well I'm very pleased to say that we have them in place now. Welcome to Chris and Sandy – I hope that you enjoy working with the trustees and all those who use the hall and field.

On a sad note, towards the end of the year, our Vice Chair and Buildings Champion, Jo Davis, had to resign from the management committee. Her work and family commitments meaning that she has stepped aside (for now at least). Jo has been key to our short, medium and long term plans for the hall and I would personally like to thank her for all her efforts. This has left a sizable hole in the hall management team. The really frustrating thing with this is that we actually have money to spend now on new security lighting, fascias & soffits, windows & doors and other improvements but have no-one to drive these work packages. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in becoming our Buildings Champion, I would love to hear from you. You don't need to become a trustee or even attend meetings – just a knowledge of building regs, some common sense and enthusiasm and a bit of time to spare will do! Please let me know if you would like to work with, and improve, your community's only independent facility.

15Best wishes for 2013 and I look forward to seeing you at the hall at one of our forthcoming events in the near future. Thank you.

Tim Hill
Chair

Local people are sick and tired of being pestered by claims firms encouraging them to make a claim for mis-sold PPI. Stroud & District CAB have seen a lot of people who have ended up out of pocket because of the excessive fees they've had to pay to the claims firm and in some cases they never got a penny of a payout.

Nick Lee, Manager of the Stroud & District CAB offers the following TOP TIPS TO GIVE COLD CALLERS THE COLD SHOULDER:

• Ignore spam text messages.
• Put the phone down on marketing telephone calls.
• Be careful how you share your personal contact details.
• Forward spam texts to your mobile provider to them to take action: 7726 for Everything Everywhere or O2, 37726 for 3, 87726 for Vodafone.
• Report any scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Make a claim for mis-sold PPI yourself by contacting your bank directly.
• Get advice about claims management companies from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506, online at www.adviceguide.org.uk or from your local CAB www.strouddistrictcab.org.uk
• Complain to the Information Commissions Office about spam text on 030 3123 1113

Continuing Babs Pearn's story

Day 1 (Sunday 19th August):
[Graphic: London Paralympic Games] It was approx a 15 minute walk from Stratford Station, near where I was staying, to where the first security guards were waiting. By the time I had gained access in to the Village, I had my accreditation checked manually 3 times, a thorough bag & person search as in an airport and a computer check to see that I looked like the photo on the accreditation. I then had to go to the Workforce Operations Area to be “clocked in”, pick up drinks, collect relevant information and receive my daily meal vouchers

Then it was a daily routine to go to the NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Services Centre to see what new information was relevant to you and your delegation – remember I was with Samoa. I was given an Oyster card which enabled me to travel free on all public transport. I was also issued with a mobile phone – my son Mark said I must have a very important job to be given a phone! Now those of you who know me well, will realise that even though I do own a mobile, I only use it for emergencies and it is never switched on. Therefore, for me to be constantly contacted via the phone and even to be seen walking around with it “glued” to my ear was surreal. Whenever a group of us were together and a phone rang we would all check our phones to see who the call was for!

The size of the delegation would determine how many NPC Assistants each country was allocated. Every country had a Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) in the Welcome Centre. The Head of each Paralympic Committee 16(Chef de Mission) had to check & verify all the relevant information, requirements, personnel, equipment, etc. which was agreed before arrival and took at least an hour and up to 6hrs where the delegation is larger. Each individual is photographed and issued with their relevant accreditation before being allowed entry in to the Village. The Pacific Islanders were among the first to get checked and the Chef de Mission had to be met after the DRM by one of their assistants, in this case myself.

I met the Chefs de Mission from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu who, with Samoa, shared an apartment to be used for administration, I.T., a medical area, meetings, etc. They were all lovely, friendly people who spoke fluent English. It was their first visit to London and their first Paralympics. Bizarrely the Solomon Islands Chef de Mission, Casper, “bumped“ in to his cousin who was working in the Village. He didn't know he would be there and hasn't seen him for months! I was invited to have an evening meal with them before they left.

Every country stayed/trained at a transition/holding camp somewhere in GB and the Pacific Islanders were based in Cardiff using the sports facilities there. They had decided to stay in Wales until later in the week before they all moved in to the Village on Friday 24th.

On my way home (I would walk back to the house via Eton Manor gate at the opposite end of the Olympic Park to the Stadium and then along the main road) I went over the blue bridge from the Village in to the Park – really strange without members of the public around and only the security people in there. I decided to find a way via the Media Centre Area to the road gate which was only a 5 minute walk from my accommodation. I got through the first section of the media centre but when I reached a point where I was checked (I could see the roof of the house where I was staying!), I had to blag my way to be let out on to the road and was escorted off the premises! So that wasn't going to happen again – even “important people“ weren't allowed there without an upgrade pass.

It was far too hot to sleep that night especially with so much information going round in my mind!

It seems Charfield sent a few volunteers to the Olympics; Mary Hall who was a volunteer driver had very similar experiences to Babs, and below is an extract from an article from John Francksen on his experiences.

I was selected as an Olympic Volunteer in the road cycling team. Like Babs I went through extensive training.

I was required at the cycling road races and time trials early on in the Games. For my first official experience I was positioned on a traffic island behind a bollard on a residential street just outside Walton-on-Thames. When the bunch of riders approached, I had to wave a flag and blow a whistle so they knew to go round me! It was quite un-nerving to have all these riders head straight for me, go around me and then disappear up the road behind me. The roadside support was amazing with an estimated 1.5 million people lining the entire 180km route, including the very popular Box hill circuit. It was the same for the women's race the following day, but much wetter!

The time trials (my final shift) a few days later were exciting too, with time to watch large screens on Esher common watching Bradley Wiggins ride to gold and the crowd go crazy. The noise when the GB athletes in particular went past was amazing. Marshalling the crossing points needed more concentration, as the riders were coming through singly about 17every ninety seconds with a cavalcade of cars so we had to make sure no-one crossed the road in front of them! It all passed off without incident and I could finally (and reluctantly) be released from my duties. Each volunteer was given a beautiful commemorative baton and gold, silver and bronze pin badges as a thank-you from the 2012 organisers. I have a 2012 tin full of souvenirs of the event which I shall treasure always.

I also had the opportunity to sit on the throne where Bradley Wiggins sat after his time trial victory! This was the following morning as I finished up at Hampton Court during a run and saw that they were still there. I had a photo taken which is now my screen-saver!

[Photo]

2012 was a summer I will never forget, being part of a 70,000-strong team in our trademark purple, red and beige outfits that got so much praise for the smooth running of the games. Tracy and I also attended the Victory parade a few weeks later to continue the experience, and I even attended the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in London in December, again in my uniform!

I will always be very proud that I had the chance to ‘help inspire a generation’.

John Francksen

Phew! Having just about recovered from a hectic Christmas term, we've hit 2013 head-on, and are looking forward to an amazing year, full of activities.

Our Christmas term flew by, stuffed full of festive events. As well as our own Nativity we took a trip to the beautiful woodlands at Redwood Education Centre, near Slimbridge, for an outdoor nativity. This was a very special and memorable morning (if not a bit chilly!) with the children acting their parts and singing enthusiastically, followed by a session toasting marshmallows on a camp fire. What a way to kick-off Christmas!

We now have a number of places available in our 2013 sessions, including spaces for younger children aged 2 years on a Friday morning (9.00–11.30am), so please call us on 07966 61xxxx or e-mail Debra at xxxx @ gmail.com for more information.

This year our fundraising focus will be as much on the fabric of our home (The Foundation Room, in the Primary School grounds) as on toys and equipment. This lovely old building is in dire need of some TLC. We are looking to make a number of improvements to the interior and exterior, so if you know of anyone that is handy with tools or a paintbrush, please get in touch!

And so for an update on our latest fundraising activities. We were delighted that our Santa Sleigh tour around the village on Sunday 16th December took a fantastic £380 on the day. Thank you to everyone who supported us on our way around the village, and who met us at their door with a smile and some spare change. We were also more pleased to support the Primary School's Christmas Fair with our Hook-A-Duck stall, and finally huge thanks must go to everyone who supported our “Lucky Squares” 18board, which had its home at the Railway Tavern throughout November and raised an astonishing £156. Special thanks to Martin at the Railway Tavern for letting us display our board behind the bar, and to sell our squares to his customers! The winner of the £100 cash prize was Simon Howard – congratulations!

Finally, on Friday 8th February we will be holding a Quiz Night with a ‘Wild West’ theme at the Memorial Hall. Teams of 4+ people are welcome, and the quiz starts at 8pm. Tickets are £5 per person, which includes a “Wild West supper”, and entertainment during the interval …!! There will be prizes and a raffle, so get your thinking caps on and join us for a really light-hearted, fun evening. Tickets are on sale now in Steve's Shop, or from Elaine Godfrey on 07891 73xxxx.

As always, all monies raised from these activities will be used to improve our facilities, toys and equipment for the benefit of our village Pre-School children to enjoy, so we ask that you try to support as many of these activities as you can.

A very Happy New Year
Karen Stainthorpe
Chair

Clear out your old CDs/ DVDS and help our Pre-School!

During February, Charfield Pre-School is collecting your unwanted CDs & DVDs, to turn them into CASH!

Why not de-clutter your shelves, create some space, & donate any of the following:

• CD albums
• DVD films
• Computer games
• Mobile phones

to help our fundraising? Every penny raised will be used to buy new toys & equipment for the young children of the village.

Collection Points
Steve's Shop
Charfield Post Office
Charfield Pre-School (term-time only)

Just a couple of your old CDs will make a big difference, so please tell your friends. Campaign ends 28th February!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Charfield Pre-School
Registered Charity No. 1029832

British Antarctic Survey – Talk

We have arranged another guest speaker fund-raising evening for Thursday 28th February when Captain John Harper (master of the research ship RS Ernest Shackleton) will give an illustrated talk about the work of the British Antarctic Survey and his experiences as the captain of one of the two support research vessels based in the South Atlantic / Antarctica.

The talk will take place at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club starting at 7:30pm; numbers are limited to 100 – so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets will be available shortly at a cost of £10. Please contact me to obtain tickets / further details.

House-to House Collection
Our annual house-to-house collection is our biggest fund-raiser; we collect throughout Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding villages. Last year, we raised over £400 in Charfield (and approximately £2400 overall).

I would like to record my thanks to the three people who again helped with the collection in Charfield.

We will be collecting again in early July. Offers to help with the collection, particularly in Charfield, but also 19anywhere else, will be most welcome! Even if you can only offer a couple of hours, this could fill a piece of the jigsaw.

Out of the Mist
Out of the Mist is a docu-drama about the history of the RNLI, written by Alan Tyson (who lives in Gloucestershire). It tells the story of the RNLI over nearly two centuries in an entertaining and educating production that embraces many theatrical forms and human emotions including sadness, humour, triumph and disaster.

To-date, the play has been staged three times: twice by small village drama societies (in Cranham and May Hill – both in Gloucestershire) and once (in 2012) at the Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham (a production staged in association with Jenny Wren Productions).

The RNLI is very interested in using the drama for promotion of its activities – both through amateur dramatic groups that might be interested in staging something different and in schools (where we believe it is a project offering the opportunity to develop a wide range of dramatic skills in young people).

If anyone is interested in learning more or would like a copy of the script, please contact me.

John Barnett – 01453 84xxxx (Charfield)

I cannot believe that I am already writing my first CHADRA article of 2013 and would like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year from all of The Friends.

2012 has been a busy year for us, especially in the autumn/winter months. November wouldn't be November without the Charfield School Fireworks Night – for the first time in years I am delighted to report that we were blessed with proper bonfire night weather – nice and chilly with a beautiful clear starlit sky!! Yet again all of the hardworking committee members and helpers were on hand to help make it a really enjoyable evening and yet again all of those attending got to see a fantastic professional fireworks display provided by CTS. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in helping to make it such an enjoyable evening. As a result of everyone's support the event raised just over £900.00 which was a fantastic result!

I also wanted to say a huge thank you on behalf of The Friends to everyone that came and supported our Christmas Fair this year, helping make it such an enjoyable event.

Thank you to everyone that helped out, especially in the organisation in the run up to the day, from all the hard working committee members to the merry band of volunteers who helped on the day and to everyone who donated raffle prizes – your generosity was greatly appreciated. Well done to all of those who successfully managed to find all of the elves in the Great Charfield School Elf Hunt, it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves on the day, made even more special with the arrival of Father Christmas! The event was another great success with just over £1,000.00 being raised.

Last but by no means least I would like to say a big thank you to all of the hardy souls who braved the cold to help set up and run the Christmas tree sale – our most successful yet raising £975.00!

Whilst The Friends have been busy raising money we have also been spending it through the various requests raised by various members of the school staff.

As well as helping to fund the various requests received from the school, The Friends are looking to support the funding 20of a major project and, following on from the massive achievement of raising the money needed to replace all of the outside ring of adventure playground equipment last year, our focus for this year will be to raise sufficient funds to replace the centre section of play equipment. The remaining playground equipment is in desperate need of replacement, however, as well as replacing what is there, the intention would be to improve the current equipment – not a small challenge, but one that, as has already been proved in 2012, The Friends are more than up to!!

With the above in mind we are also waiting on applications for a number of community grants and charity matched giving initiatives – 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!

In the meantime, another way that you can help The Friends is through a new initiative we have recently signed up to – Easy Fund Raising. The way that it works is that when doing your online shopping, rather than going to that company's own website, you access it through the easyfundraising.co.uk link and by doing this that company commits to donate a percentage of what you spend to The Friends. It couldn't be simpler to get involved – the way it works is that you will need to register using the following link; www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/friendsofcharfieldschool. There are 2000 retailers listed including Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, Ebay and Argos, so the next time you are online please try using this link, we have already managed in a short time to raise £250.00 through this scheme!

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, 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 (01454 26xxxx)
Chair

1st Charfield Rainbows
Monday 4.15–5.15pm at the Village Hall, for girls 5–7 years old.

Sadly Dani (Ruby) and Laura (Amber) have started new jobs and had to step down from Rainbows. Dani started as a young leader and progressed to run the unit, we wish them both well in their new jobs.

Hoorah! Emma Taylor (Diamond) who has been helping has stepped up to the Leader position.

The unit is now full, but if another adult (over 18) helper can be found, there will be more spaces. If you can spare an hour on a Monday, please contact Emma Taylor on Mobile: 0789192xxxx or xxxx @ hotmail.co.uk

2nd Charfield Brownies
Tuesday at Charfield Village Hall, for girls 7–10 years old.
Leader Nicki Brain: mobile 0774311xxxx or xxxx @ msn.com

2nd Wotton Guides
Thursday 7.30pm–9pm at Wotton Baptist Hall and Charfield Memorial Hall (Summer Term) for girls 10 years–14 years old.

21This term we are doing our Performing Arts badge, culminating with a performance at the end of March. If you have any spare material or old sheets we can use for making costumes or scenery, please contact Cathy Bindon (Steve's Shop) on xxxx @ btconnect.com.

Sadly we have not had anyone come forward to start a second unit, but if you can spare a couple of hours on a Thursday night, please contact: Sarah Cocker on xxxx @ hotmail.com

If you would like your daughter to join Girlguiding UK please contact the relevant leader, or visit our website to get involved: http://www.girlguiding.org.uk

Sat 9th March At 2pm Charfield School Hall

Proceeds To St Johns Church

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

Doorstep collections will be made during Friday 8th March. Please leave any jumble out first thing (clearly marked!). You can also deliver jumble to the Church on that day, or direct to the school on jumble sale day from 10:00 am.

Your continued support is much appreciated.

[Graphic: Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Fields Reg Charity No 301482]

Your Village Needs YOU!

The Memorial Hall Committee urgently needs to fill the following positions:

*VICE CHAIR*
*BUILDINGS CHAMPION*

Vice Chair needed to provide help & support to the Chair

Buildings Champion to develop and implement a modernisation plan for the hall to continue the refurbishment work which has already begun.

These are vital roles if the hall is to remain an integral part of the village and the local community.

For more information please contact Tim Hill on 01454 26xxxx

22

[Graphic: Charfield School]

Working together …
Learning for life

OFSTED UPDATE
We are expecting our second HMI visit during the Spring Term. However in December the Local Authority performed a review of the school. The officers reported that the school is making good progress towards its Key Issues with better standards of teaching and learning observed since their last visit.

STAFF NEWS
I am pleased to inform you that during the Christmas break Miss Dennis became Mrs Miller. I am sure you will join me in congratulating the happy couple.

Within school Mrs Hill and Mr Crocker became permanent members of Charfield at the end of the term. We are very fortunate to secure the employment of these two dedicated teachers.

SPORT AT CHARFIELD
Netball – 22nd November 2012
Charfied's remarkable netball matches began. The team of 8 girls from year 6 were Lauren, Laura, Abigail, Emily H, Emily D-D, Maddie, Rhiannon and Charlie. The team from Tyndale school, Yate, came to play an outstanding netball match. Despite our determination and how well we played as a team, the score was 2–0 to Tyndale. Mrs Hill was very proud of us all.

By Laura and Lauren.

Football
Tuesday 20th November 2012 Charfield primary school entered the Filton college 6-a-side football tournament! Although the school didn't succeed, they all had fun and that's all that counts. In some games they were very close to victory and in some they were the better side. Unfortunately, we were not used to playing in the style of the pro five pitches but we now know how to play for next time. Watch this space!

By Jake and Harry ☺

CROSS COUNTRY
[Photo]
On 10th November 2012, some of the cross country members took part in a race at K.L.B.S. We all did fantastically well. In junior girls there was Emily C, Isabelle C, Megan W and Morgan N. In senior girls there were Alesha S, Louise H and Laura P.

We had brilliant supporters which were mums, dads and most of all Miss Wiltshire. Thank you Miss Wiltshire!

By Alesha S and Louise H

YEAR 6 CONWAY TRIP
Our intrepid explorers from Year 6 visit Conway Outdoor centre in North Wales in November.

The group had a week filled with adventures and challenges! Their group leaders were full of praise and said the children were a real credit to the school by tackling everything positively and maturely

Butterfly Class (Y1)
The class have created math snowflakes. Joseph has found as many ways as he can to total 20. He found 24 different 23ways using addition, subtraction and multiplying.

[Graphic: Snowflake]

Grasshopper Class (Y2)
After deciding on their class name the children researched their class insect and produced information leaflets using videos, books and the internet to find information.

Ladybird Class (Y4).
The children finished off their Victorians topic by experiencing a Victorian School Day in their classroom. The children dressed in costume and experienced the delights of wearing the dunce's hat, writing lines and copying writing with a fountain pen to name but a few activities. After discussion, the children decided that school nowadays wasn't actually so bad after all!

[Graphic: Crockery]
If you are having a bit of a clear out and have some spare, matching crockery, you might think of donating it for use in the Sportsman's Lounge at Charfield Memorial Hall. We need large and small plates, mugs, a teapot, etc etc

Please contact Sue on 07530 31xxxx if you can help

We are a self motivated group of like minded people who try to lose a bit of weight without a lot of pressure from organised slimming groups.

We meet each Tuesday morning at 9 am in St John's Church (opposite the school) to weigh in and have a chat over a cuppa, encouraging each other, exchanging ideas, recipes etc.

Most of us know what we need to do to lose or maintain our weight but need each other's support to keep motivated. We have a couple of males also in the group. We each pay £2.50 (this money goes towards church funds) and we are usually finished about 9.30. A good excuse for that 1st coffee/tea with company in the morning.

We look forward to you joining us, if you need any more information call

GILL 01454 26xxxx or ROSEMARIE 01454 26xxxx MOB 0771714xxxx

Must we accept the carnage to our hedgerows every year,
When men with mobile rippers suddenly appear.
They smash and tear the branches in frenzied trashing spree,
And leave the hedgerows shattered an awful sight to see.
Why can't someone end this game of smash and rip and tear,
Or does no one in authority think or really care.
Is there anyone around these days with any common sense,
Or would they rather see our hedgerows replaced by a barbwire fence.

Ken Parker

24

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
We don't see things the way THEY are we see things the way WE are
Those who don't believe in the magic will never find it

As went enter the 3rd week of 2013, Christmas and New Year seem like a distant memory. Now is a great time to take 5 minutes and look at what we want to achieve this new year.

We all make rushed New Year's resolutions (myself included) and at the time we really mean them. But as the hangover clears and the back to work/school routine kicks in, we slowly lose sight of our goals. So now is a perfect time to begin making small changes that will make a big difference to the year ahead.

We all live in a world perfectly mirrored to our own reflection, what we see depends mainly on what we look for. If you don't like your view make a discussion now to begin to notice the little things that make you smile. Find yourself a big jar and everyday jot on a scrap piece of paper something that you're glad happened today. This is a great little exercise as it not only gets you to become aware of positive things in your life but also how many you have.

We don't see things the way THEY are we see things the way WE are, our own self worth is the most important life tool we can have. It influences everything in our everyday life. From how we feel to how others see and treat us, so start today raising your own self-worth level to give you indestructible self-worth.

What's important to remember here is you MUST believe in the affirmation you are saying. There is no point affirming to the universe that you are rich, successful, and attractive if you believe the opposite. So begin small; try “I am going to have a great day today!” Combine this with the jar technique above and in no time you will be creating real change in your life.

Those who don't believe in the magic will never find it. This one speaks for Itself ☺! Print it off stick it to your fridge, your dressing table, computer monitor!!! and read it as often as you can.

This is such a powerful affirmation let it sink deep into your sub-conscious and bring the magic into your life every day and every-way, and let's make 2013 the best year we can ☺!

Steve Picking

In aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance

Sat 16th February At Tortworth Court

3 course meal, live band Raffle & Charity Auction

Tickets £45 Tables of 8 or 10
Black Tie Event Arrive at 7pm
For Tickets Contact Steph 01454 26xxxx or Sheri 01453 84xxxx

This year our AGM will be held on

Tuesday 26th March At xx Wotton Road Charfield Starting at 7.30pm

All are welcome to attend.

25

[Graphic: Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Fields]

Run by the Community-For the Community

Hire your local village hall for your special events!

• Main Hall with large stage for bands, plays etc. (Capacity 200 standing) = £12/hour
• Sportsman's Lounge (small separate room) = £6/hour
• 2 Fully Licensed bars for hire and 2 kitchens available

For more information and to make a booking visit www.charfield.org/hall or call 07774 41xxxx

To make a donation text: CHAR12 £2/£5/£10 TO 70070 Reg. Charity no. 301482

WILD WEST QUIZ

Come along to the Memorial Hall for a fun night out on Friday 8th February

Quizzing starts at 8pm, bar opens 7.30
Get there early.

A Wild West Supper Will Be Provided

Tickets £5 from Steve's Shop or call 0789173xxxx

Would you like to make your area a better place to live, work and play?
Then why not get involved with your local
Safer Stronger Community Group?

Next Meeting for Charfield, Cromhall and Tortworth Group is:
Thursday 21st February 7.30pm
Charfield Memorial Hall

26

The Charfield Factor!

Charfield Village Hall is looking for individuals or groups to enter our talent competition.

All ages and talents welcome from Charfield and surrounding villages.

There will be a massive 1st place prize of £150 for the winner, plus prize money for the 2 runner's up! (prize money thanks to local business')

Auditions will be held on 1st June 2013. The grand final will be on the 29th June.

To apply please contact Liam at xxxx @ gmail.com or call 0794743xxxx

St Patrick's Night Ceilidh!
Friday 15th March 7.30–11.30pm Charfield Village Hall

Tickets £8 (available from Steve's Shop & Charfield Texaco Petrol Filling Station)

Irish Dancing, Limerick competition, Best dressed Irish person, raffle and much more! World Challenge fund raising event please support us. Come along for some Irish Stew, a dance and a laugh!

Advertising

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#

January
25th and 26th Panto, Memorial Hall
26th Saturday Out of School Club Jumble Sale 12–2pm @ Primary School

February
8th Friday Pre School Quiz Night, Memorial Hall 7.30pm
12th Full Council meeting
16th Saturday Great Western Air Ambulance Charity Ball, Tortworth Court 7:00pm
21st Thursday Safer Stronger Comm Groups Meeting, Memorial Hall 7.30pm
28th RNLI British Antarctic Survey – Talk, Cotswold Edge Golf Club 7:30pm

March
12th Full Council meeting
26th CHADRA AGM 7.30pm, xx Wotton Road

April
9th Full Council meeting
13th Saturday Parish Council organised SPRING CLEAN 10–2pm

#

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
Rev Chris Mason

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