CHADRA

Next Edition Copy Date – 6th April 2015

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
For a copy of CHADRA's editorial guidelines, please contact and CHADRA team member or download PDF from The Charfield Community Website at http://charfield.org/chadra/

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR COPY OF CHADRA DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR PLEASE CONTACT MARION SMITH FROM THE ABOVE CONTACT PHONE NUMBER LIST

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[Graphic: Charfield Newsletter]

It was 1975. The year when British Leyland released their new family saloon, (the Morris 18-22), the first episode of the popular sitcom Fawlty Towers was broadcast, West Ham United won the FA Cup final at Wembley and The National Railway Museum was opened in York, becoming the first national museum outside London. Closer to home, CHADRA (The Charfield And District Residents Association) was born and in September 1975, its first newsletter was published. The first fund-raising event held by CHADRA was the May Fayre on May 17th, at which a profit of £40 was made and a duplicator was purchased, which gave excellent service but has since been replaced.

Back in issue 1 (which was only 8 sides of foolscap in length), the Young Wives Club announced one of their forthcoming events was to be an enthralling ‘Talk on the history of Green Shield trading stamps’. (Remember those?) More importantly, CHADRA announced its involvement in preparing a village study. The study's aim was to take a critical but constructive look at how the village looked in the past, how it was in the present and how it might develop in the future. The study's intention was, on behalf of the residents, to communicate with the planners at the then North Avon Council, to help them get to know and understand the village a little better, whilst a full village plan was being prepared.

At the time of the study, some people asked CHADRA “What is there of interest in Charfield?” We have endeavoured over the past 40 years and 158 issues (including this one), to illustrate what there is of interest in our community. We hope that you have enjoyed being kept up-to-date and entertained by the many organisations and individuals who have taken the trouble to submit articles and we thank all those of you who have contributed over the years.

I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of the CHADRA committee to thank all those who have taken the time to become involved with CHADRA over the past 40 years and to thank you, the readers for your continued support. Special thanks are extended to Marion Smith, who since the very first issue 40 years ago, along with her dedicated team of distributors, has ensured that CHADRA has been delivered to your doorstep every quarter come rain or shine!

Want to know more about Charfield in bygone years? You can read archived copies of CHADRA on the Charfield Community website, (kindly sponsored by Andrew Cope of Evergreen) at http://charfield.org/chadra/

Thanks for reading. Here's to the next 40 years!

Alison White
Editor, CHADRA

Charfield & District Residents Association (CHADRA)

Our AGM will take place on 24th March 2015

7:30pm xx Wotton Road, Charfield

The CHADRA team would like to invite Charfield residents to come along to the meeting, find out how the association works, how to get involved, make suggestions for future work, or simply meet the team

All are welcome!

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As we look forward in to 2015, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy (and prosperous) New Year.

For the Council, it looks to be much of the same as in recent years. The Council budget for the coming year is out to public consultation and it looks very likely that there will be a further freeze to the Council Tax. There has been much in the press of the further reduction in the central Government grant to local authorities, as the coalition government continues to make improvements on the deficit reduction, and this will have a continued impact on the Council as they seek to make further savings and cost efficiencies. We are all seeing the effects of the savings, with the charge for green bins and a reduction to grass cutting on highway verges etc. The continued reduction in revenue has prompted South Gloucestershire Council and other local authorities to examine how they deliver services, with many now seeking to set up partnerships and independent ‘arm's-length’ companies to deliver those services more effectively.

Housing Planning Application Appeals
Last time I wrote, I touched on the two major site appeals that the Council were defending. Both site developments – Day House Leaze by the school and the land south of Wotton Road near Watsome Bridge, were refused planning permission by the Council. I attended the appeal hearing for the Day House Leaze site in November and those of us who were there and spoke were somewhat surprised by the decision of the inspector to allow the appeal and the reasoning for that decision. The Council has now entered into legal proceedings to challenge that decision and it will now be decided in the High Court.

I have spoken before about the Core Strategy and how it is required to place developments in close proximity to employment areas, transport links and shopping centres and there are plans for developments in Thornbury, Yate, Cribbs and Filton. With speculative developers probing to try and locate developments on the edge of villages in the open countryside, this has become a country-wide problem. There are no plans for major development in the rural area of South Gloucestershire and the Council has a policy to restrict development in the open countryside. With the Core Strategy in place to define where major development should be, it is easy to see why these appeal decisions are important to all of us. The latest appeal was an inquiry re the second site which commenced on the 6th January and I will bring you news of that in the next issue of CHADRA.

Superfast Broadband
Most people should now be enjoying the benefits of superfast broadband with the increased speeds that fibre has brought to improve the educational and business needs for many. The aim of the programme was to bring 95% coverage to the county of South Gloucestershire which will be achieved by the spring. This is no consolation for the 5% that were missed out, which tended to be the least populated rural areas such as Tortworth. The Council has made £500,000 available which will be match-funded by BDUK to release £1 million for a phase two intervention later this year. This will ensure that Tortworth and similar areas enjoy the same benefits as the rest of South Gloucestershire.

Councillor John O'Neill
xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk
01454 86xxxx / 01454 26xxxx

The Charfield Parish Council term comes to an end this year, and the election of councillors for the next term will be on the same day as the General Election in May. We encourage you to consider whether you would like to serve as a Parish Councillor. If you feel you have local knowledge, an interest in the Parish, any skills that you might bring to the task, and the time and energy, then do attend some Parish Council meetings to get a feel for what is involved.

In due course, nomination papers will be available – at the time of writing, it is a little early and we can't give you a link at the moment. No doubt the Parish Council website will have the information when it becomes available … CHADRA

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Let me start then by wishing you all a Happy New Year from your Parish Council, and I hope you had a good Yule / Christmas / Mid Winter, however you celebrated it. 2015 brings a further challenge in the form of additional and massive financial cutbacks at South Gloucestershire, and whatever may come out of a new government after the May elections. I'll take this opportunity to remind you that we each have a small input into what government we get on May 7th.

[Photo: POLLING STATION] Please, whatever your political affiliation, do ensure you use your hard won vote. Of course I'm up for election too, as are all the members of the Parish Council. I very much hope you think we're worth keeping on, but the community is best served by the best people and if you think you can do better here's your chance. A week later, on May 14th, we hold our Annual Parish Meeting. This is a meeting for everyone – not a Parish Council Meeting – and we plan to have speakers and hold discussions on subjects relevant to Charfield, to you and me. Every year we try and entice more and more residents in and the full agenda for the AGM will appear shortly on the Parish Council website www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk. We hope to see you there.

The issue of the moment is, of course, the planning appeals for land on the edge of the Charfield development boundary. One of these appeals has been completed but is now on its way to the High Court, and the other one is only halfway through a Public Inquiry. CHADRA deadlines do not always fall at convenient times!

So it's Friday. Close of play for week one of the Public Inquiry and the day on which the Parish Council and other local parties and residents were able to present their own point of view to the Inspector. For reasons of paid employment I wasn't able to be there, but I am told that Charfield did itself proud today. My personal thanks go to Ian Kershaw as Vice-Chairman for presenting the Parish Council view and Hannah for clerking beyond the call of duty! As I write, there's another four days of the Inquiry to run and we'll not find the outcome for a while longer. I'm not a planning expert and I have no legal training or experience, but it really felt to me on the sessions I attended that Charfield was side-lined in an argument between two parties concerned mostly about whether the county housing supply was robust; the development proposals for Charfield Green got barely a mention. Local news and radio have been in touch asking for opinion over whether this is a test case for planning across the whole county, and I have to say I believe it probably is. I hope the real-world issues of another hundred plus houses at the far end of the village do get a look-in at this inquiry – which is supposed to be about them after all – but I'm not feeling it right now.

If both the Day House Leaze (which has now gone to the High Court) and Charfield Green developments go ahead, we face considerable upheaval in the next few years! Change is inevitable, and growth expected, but it has to be managed and manageable. I hope we have shown the decision makers that we are proactive and prepared for small scale expansion, but that both of these proposals are counter to our needs, our aspirations and our capacity. Time will tell. See you on the flip side!

Mark Rosher – Chairman, Charfield Parish Council

I'd like to thank those villagers who spoke in defence of Charfield at the recent planning appeal hearing regarding the proposed development of 106 houses at the Wotton end of the village. Your cases were well reasoned, well presented and fair with not a hint of NIMBYism in sight and I felt proud to be part of our community.

Barbara Adams

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Notes From The Third Row …

There are many better ways of spending a bright blue-sky Winter's day, but a large number of villagers made the trip to Eastwood Park for 10am on 6th January to attend the first day of the appeal against the refusal of permission for the building of 106 homes south of Wotton Road at the east end of the village. Quite a jolly throng – lots of smiles and Happy New Years and fancy-seeing-you-heres.

There may have been some who were in support of the application (I spotted some local landowners), but it was clear the majority were not. They had come to make a statement to the lady Inspector chairing the appeal. A mainly silent one, as contributions from the public are strictly controlled. A spontaneous round of applause in appreciation of the Council's Counsel's contribution at one point was quickly suppressed with the admonition that such outbursts were inappropriate. Nonetheless, our attendance was indeed an eloquent statement; we are interested, this is important to us, we're watching and listening. Well, for the first session at any rate.

There was a detailed timetable. Start – 10am. First evidence – 11 am. Ah, the best laid plans … Due to the turnout, a new room had to be found (still rather cramped). Delay. By lunchtime, we were still hearing a request from the Council for an adjournment to allow them to understand and respond fully to an ‘opaque’ document submitted just before Christmas by the appellants. The answer came after lunch … adjournment request denied.

If patience is one's short suit, and one hasn't attended one of these gigs before, it can be a trying watch. It can still be trying if you HAVE attended one before and know what to expect! Quite properly, there is a procedure to be followed and it is a legal process, with all the characteristics of such. Perry Mason it is not. Evidence is read. Cross examination follows. It is deliberate and grinding, so one must find one's amusement where one may.

A gentleman giving evidence for the Council appeared incapable of either speaking up or mastering the art of using his lapel microphone. That took about 3 hours to sort out. I wanted to take him aside and give him a quick five minutes on the art of voice projection. Or a slap with a wet lettuce. Why can't people SPEAK UP?

[Graphic] The appellant's Counsel, who holds the record for slow delivery of sentences, in his opening submission talked about the necessity for building new homes, and quoted some buffoon in Westminster who compared the UK rate of new build to that of Canada. Apparently we fall short and Canada is the paradigm. CANADA? Do I open my windows and stare out on a Canadian land mass? Do grizzlies wander the open spaces on Woodlands Road? Does a glacier move gently down the slope from Wotton?

And how, pray, if the appeal is allowed and Charfield gets the new houses, does money for junior football sports facilities over the boundary in KINGSWOOD benefit our community?

Observing the game-playing between professionals is fun. A bit of sarcasm here, a patronising slap-down there, a smirk from someone who thinks he's won a point only to fall flat on his face at the next delivery. The sheer wonder at the thick skin which Counsels must have; arguing strongly for a point and then taking it absolutely in stride when they lose, without a glimmer of annoyance or embarrassment.

There were fewer in attendance in the afternoon session, but still around 30 villagers. I intend going again, but certainly not for the whole process. Nope. Leave that to those who are paid to do so!

So what will be the deciding factor? Sustainability, probably. We'll see, won't we? Were I a betting woman, I think my money would be on the appeal being allowed. Purely because I'm a pessimist.

Julia O'Connor-Beach

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[Graphic: AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY]

In December last year, the constabulary launched a Rural Crime Team which covers the entire Avon and Somerset force area. It was put together with the rural communities at its heart, with the aim of deterring criminals from attacking our rural communities and the traditionally softer target that they have offered the criminal fraternity. This would be for reasons including isolated locations, very expensive machinery in situ and the large amounts of fuel they require. This scheme will encompass the parts of our communities that derive an income or leisure from the rural environment and can include farms, angling groups, horse owners and livery yards.

What can we offer CHADRA readers?

We have two schemes – horse watch and farm watch. Both of which operate in a similar fashion as a neighbourhood watch scheme, in that a person or business will complete a form containing their contact details and location of property. Once completed, a scheme member will be alerted to any crime or suspicious activity of relevance which has happened in the nearby area of the watch member. This will be via a text message or e-mail giving the scheme members up-to date information and the opportunity to practise extra vigilance.

We can also provide a demonstration of some of the security products that are on the market. This includes hardened steel products including chains, locks and marking kit and several alarm systems.

We can arrange to come and mark your equipment such as chainsaws, quads and trailers, and offer crime prevention advice to protect your property. We will also be holding a tack marking/watch promotion event at Countrywide in Thornbury, The Knapp, Old Gloucester Road on Sunday 1st February between 1000-1300 hours. Feel free to bring your tack along to have it postcode marked.

If a reader would like to enquire about one of the watch schemes, property marking, or would like a security product demonstration, please contact the beat team on the 101 number, or check out the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Finally, I would also urge people to report any suspicious activity accurately and promptly, as good fresh information will assist us. If the event is not an emergency or urgent, please use the 101 number. Use the 999 number for emergencies only.

Wishing a Happy and safe New Year to all CHADRA readers from your beat team.

Lee, Haley and Sean McKinnon
xxxx @ avonandsomerset.police.uk

Dates for 2015 (alternate Weds)

11th & 25th February

11th & 25th March

8th & 22nd April

Neil Weston, Librarian
Yate, Chipping Sodbury & Mobile Libraries

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[Graphic: Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Fields]

The hall management committee would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope you had an enjoyable festive period. It has been another busy quarter.

We had our Family Halloween Disco which was really well supported. Thank you to everyone who came out and we hope you all had fun! We launched our monthly coffee mornings which take place on the 1st Friday of every month 9-11am (perfect time for mums/dads dropping kids off at schools). We are gathering numbers but the more the merrier – everyone is welcome!

Our plans for re-decorating the Sportsman's Lounge end of the hall are swiftly coming together which is exciting. To top it all off we have been awarded a massive £15,000 grant from a trust called Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust which is going to fund new car park gates, windows and doors and hopefully some much needed roof fixes. We are grateful to Tim Hill and Deb Field for their hard work in securing this grant. What a great way to end the year – well done!

After the fantastic success of last year's Charfield Community Fete, we have already started planning this year's, which will take place on Monday 4th May. If you are interested in running a stall please email xxxx @ gmail.com or call Ruth on 01453 84xxxx.

We have many more ideas for future months. In May we will be holding our yearly AGM at which all officers and trustees will be selected. This coming year we will be looking for a new Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary which are all vital roles for the hall to function and stay open. If you have ideas or you want to just get to know new people, or if you are passionate about the Memorial Hall in any way please come and join our ranks. If you are interested you can email me at xxxx @ gmail.com. If you don't feel up to joining the committee but you are able to help out at events every so often, please email xxxx @ gmail.com. Any help you can give would also be much appreciated.

We hope over the next few months you will all see a lot of movement around the Memorial Hall whilst the workmen get on with their jobs and focus on the much needed investment in the building itself. We hope that what we create will add to our community here in Charfield.

Liam Balloch – Chair of Trustees
Charfield Memorial Hall and Playing Fields

Charfield Memorial Hall 200 Club

The 200 Club is a lottery which raises money for the Memorial Hall.

All members pay a yearly subscription of £12 (only £1 per month) of which, all proceeds go towards the maintenance and daily management of the Memorial Hall. Once subscribed, they get to choose a number which is theirs for the year. Every month it is entered into a draw with cash prizes of £25 and 3, £10 prizes. Once a quarter we have an extra special prize of £50 (whooo I hear you all shout).

If you are interested in joining, then please contact Ruth at Charfield Petrol Station or email her on xxxx @ gmail.com

Here are the winners for the last quarter:

Thank you!

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A Silver Pennant Award!
Whoopee!

I am absolutely thrilled to report that CUGUC was awarded ‘Silver’ in the ‘Village to Small Town’ category of the RHS Britain In Bloom 2014 campaign. This is quite an achievement – even more so for our first year in existence. It was a quite a surprise to do so well but with such a fantastic team and with help from so many groups and individuals in Charfield we have really achieved a lot. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in this. I have been amazed by the effort, energy, creativity and sheer doggedness everyone has demonstrated to get this enterprise going. It has been fun but hard work.

The poppies on the corner of Little Bristol Lane were very successful and continued to flower for many weeks. They were beautiful in themselves but also served as an opportunity to remember that 2014 was the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the 1st World War. Hopefully they will self-seed and return year after year. We will be undertaking more of the permanent planting on that site in the Spring.

The school site looked very colourful late into November with the glorious cosmos dazzling by the gate and the planters have continued to flower throughout the summer. A large water butt has been installed to help make managing and maintaining this site easier and more sustainable over the years. We would now really like to see some parents, grandparents and guardians help us manage this site. If you are interested please contact one of the team – details below. Prior horticultural knowledge not required – just enthusiasm and a sense of fun!

The work around the roundabout at Tafern Bach continues apace. I have even seen mown stripes at the site! What a difference here. When the Tour of Britain came through Charfield, lots of people ended up picnicking on the verge – not something they could have done last year!

We have just started work on the viewpoint. This is near the top of Charfield Hill where you might (now) see a rather dilapidated bench with a prominent bin next to it. A group were out last Sunday clearing away years of debris, moss and overgrown weeds and brambles. For the first time in ages there is now … a view!

The village hall car park site is still being worked on. It is a huge site – bigger than a lot of gardens and will take a while. The preparation stage is the hardest and most unrewarding but if it is not done properly it will be a difficult site forever more. So ‘if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well’.

We had our AGM in November where we awarded two Special Contribution Recognition Awards. The first was to Roger Goscombe for keeping much of Little Bristol Lane tidy by removing endless crisp packets, chocolate wrappers, drinks bottles and unmentionable ‘nasties’ over many years. The second award went to local business, Renishaw. This company has a large site at the northern edge of the village, which it keeps clean, tidy, cared for and looking attractive. Their site in Charfield is always pristine and well-manicured. It makes a tremendous difference to the village particularly as the site forms an entrance to the village.

[Graphic: HELP WANTED] We are looking for more volunteers for the CUGUC Team – if you are green fingered that is great but we also need help from people with other skills – in particular using social media to manage CUGUC's profile, website management, producing a simple newsletter and managing our volunteer database. We meet once a month, meetings are very informal and we are very friendly and sociable (coffee, cake & biscuits tends to be involved!). If being part of the core team doesn't appeal but helping does, do contact us and we will be able to find a role that suits.

Find us on Facebook – just search for CUGUC. Let us know what you think of what we are doing. It would be great if you could ‘like’ us and post your comments there too.

Details of how to contact us are detailed below and on the contact page at the back.

Yvette Andrewartha – Chair, CUGUC
www.charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk/####
email: xxxx @ gmail.com

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[Graphic: Drama masks]

ALADDIN FAMILY PANTOMIME
20TH–22ND FEBRUARY

Something strange is happening in our village hall, men are dressed as ladies, girls are dressed as boys. Bright colours, funny costumes and music fill the air as Mums and Dads, Grandmas and Grandads walk through the door and become children again, shouting out ‘he's behind you’ and ‘oh no we won't!’ Yes, it is Pantomime time again (oh no it isn't) oh yes it is!

This is our fourth family panto in the village hall but we wouldn't be anything without the amazing audiences we get year after year coming to watch us. There is something truly magical about walking out on the stage and seeing you all there and when I shout out ‘hello boys and girls’ and you shout back ‘hello (Buttons, Dangerous Dave, Simple Simon or Wishy Washy)’ – the energy just blows the roof away, and it's incredible.

Last year due to popular demand we performed an extra show and sold out, making Jack and the Beanstalk our most successful show ever, with over 400 of you packing the hall out over the weekend. So this year we are offering 4 performances again:

Friday 20th 7.30pm
Saturday 21st 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 22nd 2.30pm

(Doors open 30 minutes before the show)

We hear so many wonderful, positive comments about our shows. But the most common are …

• ‘You are more traditional unlike the larger professional shows.’
• ‘All the cast always seem to be having as much fun as us watching.’
• ‘We took the family to the Bristol show, but actually preferred yours.’

Aladdin is no exception. From the first read-through that had us laughing out loud, to bringing the characters to life, we are having such a blast with this one and can't wait to perform it to you.

Tickets are on sale now from Steve's Shop priced at £6 each.

Fancy winning 4 tickets for a performance of your choice? Then simply register your interest in receiving our newsletter by emailing us at xxxx @ gmail.com

Steve, on behalf of the C.A.D.S. family.

[Graphic: World Challenge] My name is Joe Field, and In July I am going on a World Challenge expedition to Ecuador for a month. Whilst I am there, I will be working with my team to help local communities by carrying out various types of charity work which could include helping to build/improve facilities for the community.

In order to go on this expedition I need to raise almost £4000! As part of my fundraising, I am holding an event at the Village Hall. On Friday 27th March, one of the UK's top Frankie Valli sound-a-likes will be performing a set, including songs from across the decades.

Please look out for posters and flyers around the village from next month with more information. I would be very grateful if you would come and support this highly entertaining and enjoyable event.

Thanks for reading; I hope to see you on 27th March.

Joe

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Happy New Year to you all! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break.

As a pre-school, we have had so much to celebrate during the past year, and are now eagerly looking forward to what 2015 has in store for us. The last 3 months have been incredibly busy for our fundraising team, with our two biggest events taking place in November and December.

Our annual shopping night in November was hugely supported and along with our now well established stalls and crafters, a flurry of new and equally talented sellers made the night a fantastic success. We have received some excellent feedback and are already planning the next event for the end of this year! We still have one or two raffle prizes left, belonging to people we have been unable to contact. If you think it might be you, then please call Amanda on 07814 69xxxx.

The pre-school Santa float continues to be our biggest fundraiser of the year as our door-to-door walkers collected over £500 this year. Again, the Santa float would not be possible without the hard work and dedication from the fundraising team and the support of the village, so THANK YOU to you everybody.

As always, as a registered charity, the Pre-School relies heavily on fundraising and marketing of the Pre-School both in and out of the village … So why not join our Lottery Club? Enter our monthly prize draw for the chance to win a cash prize! This is a great way for grandparents, aunties/uncles and family friends to support Pre-School every month … as they say, “you've got to be in it, to win it”!

If you would like to chat about registering your child as a new starter, or about extending your existing hours please call Debra on 07966 61xxxx. We are currently planning for the September intake, so it's never too late to start thinking about registering your child. We now open up some of our sessions to welcome children from 2 years old (no potty training required!). So again, for more information please call or e-mail us on xxxx @ gmail.com

Equally, our wonderfully hardworking committee is made up entirely of volunteers – parents, carers, grandparents, aunties and uncles – and not even necessarily with children currently in pre-school. The fundraising team meet once a term and work together on new ways to build the necessary funds which enhance our facilities and provide a better learning experience for our children. Everyone is welcome, with as much or as little input as you are able to give. If you or anyone you know would like to be involved, then please let us know either at pre-school itself, or by contacting the above numbers.

We thank you once again for your continued support. It makes us incredibly proud to be a part of such a wonderful village.

Best wishes for 2015

Amanda Pearson – Chair

[Graphic: Frog Race Night Sat 7th Feb 2015]

Charfield Memorial Hall

Barn Opens 7:30pm. First Race 8:00pm

‘Ride’ your frog to victory at our fast, fun and furious evening!

£5.00 per ticket, to include a light supper.

Sorry, over 18's only (gambling laws)!
All proceeds to: Charfield Pre-School Registered Charity Number 1029832

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[Graphic: Lifeboats]

Once again we are organising a fund-raising guest-speaker evening at the Cotswold View Golf Club. This year our speaker is Andrew Wyatt formerly a pilot with the Red Arrows. Andrew spent 19 years in the RAF, which included 3 years with the Red Arrows, during which time he flew as one of the synchronised pair. He remains a pilot – now flying long-haul routes for British Airways and also flying with an aerobatic display team.

The talk will take place on March 26th at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available shortly from the Cotswold Book Room and Westward Travel (both in Long Street, Wotton) or from me or other committee members.

Look out for the posters that will be going out shortly, or monitor the branch website http://wuernli.btck.co.uk/ or contact me directly (on telephone number below)

Branch AGM

The Branch Annual General Meeting will be held at the Star (in Wotton) on Tuesday 24th February starting at 8:00pm. Anyone wanting to know more about the RNLI or the activities of your local branch is most welcome to attend.

Annual Flag Day and House-to-House Collections

As in previous years, we will be collecting in Long Street, Wotton in July (on Saturday 11th July and this will be preceded by house-to-house collections throughout the GL12 postal area. This is the branch's biggest fund-raising activity. Last year the house-to-house collections raised £2,286. The amount collected in Charfield was £398.

I would like to thank all those who contributed, but most of all I would like to thank the 3 stalwart volunteers who again collected in Charfield. Additional volunteers would be most welcome. If you can spare a few hours in July and are willing to go round talking to your near neighbours (or to total strangers if you prefer), your help would be most welcome – please contact me.

John Barnett – 01453 84xxxx (Charfield)
Chairman
RNLI Wotton and District Branch

[Graphic: YOU'RE WELCOME A safe and friendly community]

A very Happy New Year to you all! We hope you had an enjoyable festive break. For those of you who are not familiar with the group, we offer friendship and support to people living in Charfield and the surrounding villages, particularly those who are living with, or caring for someone with memory problems.

We welcome people of all ages, and as well as offering support to one another, we also welcome visitors who may have information on local services and support, or even a skill or hobby that might be of interest to the group.

We are also able to arrange information sessions on dementia awareness for any size groups. Our group is friendly, and informal, and currently free to attend.

[Graphic: Teapot and cups] Our monthly coffee mornings will continue to take place this year, with a new, more regular slot of the 3rd Wednesday of every month at The Plough Inn, Charfield, between 10 and 11am.

For further information please contact Amanda on 07814 69xxxx or email xxxx @ hotmail.co.uk

“Working together to build a dementia friendly community”

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[Graphic: Charfield School]

‘Working together, learning for life.’

CHARFIELD ACHIEVES

We are delighted to inform you that the National Primary School League tables demonstrate yet again how well Charfield Primary School has performed against other schools in the country. Our value added score (101.5) placed us in:
• The top 5% of 21,441 schools in the country
• The top 2.5% of 2,382 South West Schools.

[Graphic: Friends of Charfield Primary School]

Happy New Year, Charfield!

September through to December is always a very busy time for the Friends. We had our AGM to navigate and I am pleased to announce that the committee was re-elected for another 12 months. We even gained a few committee members which is always great news, as the support of our parents really helps with organising our fundraising events.

November wouldn't be November without the Charfield School Fireworks Night. This year the heavens opened on us and gave us a downpour, gladly though this didn't dampen the occasion and we had one of the largest turnouts we've had for a long time. We hope you enjoyed seeing a fantastic professional fireworks display provided by CTS and enjoyed the BBQ and drinks available on the night. As a result of everyone's support the event raised an amazing £2,500 which was a fantastic result. Thanks also go to CM Group in Tortworth for a donation of £250 to help toward food expenses.

As a result of such great support by our amazing community we were able to fund the purchase of a new stage for the school which has been much needed with the old stage becoming more difficult to use. The new design is a lightweight construction and allows the school to build a stage suitable for the purpose. Hopefully you saw it during the various Christmas shows.

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. You helped make it such an enjoyable event with a lovely atmosphere and lots of happy children (and adults). The wine and water stall had a slight re-design which we hope you enjoyed. Thank you to everyone who helped out and to everyone who donated raffle prizes – your generosity was greatly appreciated. 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 £700 being raised. Last, but by no means least, I would like to say a big thank you to the team led by Adrian Fallows who braved the cold conditions to help set up and run the Christmas tree sale – raising over £1,000 during the day, which is another fantastic success. Thank you for buying a tree from us this year. Next year we are hoping to include a pre-order and delivery service to make it easier for you to get your tree home.

With the above funds in mind we are 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! There are a few projects in mind, which include an extension to the allotment area to increase the number of raised beds to 7. This will allow our school to grow vegetables in line with the healthier eating initiatives recently introduced by the government. We are also looking at renewing the reception class play area and also increasing the scale of the outside classroom in the wooded area of the field. We are hoping to fund these projects by holding another film night for the children in the school one evening and will be looking at potential movies suitable for the age ranges within the school. This year we are likely to split into KS1 and KS2 to enable a broader variety of movies on the night.

Following the success of last year's Bristol 10K, we are looking at arranging a larger challenge for the team, still based around running but it is likely to involve a much larger target over a longer period of time. Look out for announcements! If you would like to run with us to get a little fitter please feel free to get in touch.

We will be looking at the possibility of running Charfest again this year which will follow the May Fair towards the end of June, if anyone has any ideas about the schedule of events on the day or has some thoughts on ways to entertain the audience with side shows etc. please feel free to let me know, as your feedback/input would be very welcome. If you feel you have some ideas about potential future events please get in touch as we would be delighted to hear about events you feel would help support our local school and also bring the community together.

16In the meantime, another way that you can help The Friends is through Easy Fund Raising. It couldn't be simpler to get involved you just need to register using the following link: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/friendsofcharfieldschool. There are over 2,000 retailers listed including Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, Ebay and Argos etc. so the next time you are online please try it out, we have already managed to raise over £1,700 to date through this scheme! Already registered? Spread the word to family and friends to let them know just how easy it is!

If you are reading this and want to get involved in The Friends, come along to the next committee meeting (text me for dates) and get stuck in (you don't have to become a member of the committee, just your help during events would be gratefully received!).

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.

Dave Ashby – Chair,
The Friends of Charfield Primary School 07904 02xxxx

I'm writing this on Epiphany (6th January), the day when we traditionally mark the visit of the three Magi or Wise Men to Joseph, Mary and Jesus in Bethlehem. The season of Epiphany now continues until Sunday 1st February when there will be a special celebration – Candlemas – at the 9.30am service.

Shrove Tuesday will be on 17th February, so start planning your Mardi Gras pancake parties now! We then go into Lent, a period of reflection and abstinence that marks the forty days Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and being tempted by Satan. People traditionally abstained from meat, fats and sugar during this time (helped by the fact that supplies of these had pretty much run out by then until the new season), hence the pancakes to use them up before it started.

We mark the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, 18th February, with a special Benefice event, a service of ‘Ashing’ at St Giles, Hillesley, at 7.30pm, which will be led by Tricia Broadfoot, Lay Reader to the Benefice. If anyone would like to go along but has transport problems, please do get in touch with Chris Mason who will arrange a lift.

We will, as usual, be holding Lent lunches in church every Wednesday in Lent: 25th February, 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March between midday and 2.00pm. Please do join us for homemade soup, cheese & biscuits and enjoy the company of others.

Of course, Lent leads us towards the Easter period. This begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem and the people showed their adoration by laying palm leaves before him (prior to changing their minds and calling for him to be crucified just a few days later – public opinion was always fickle). We then move on to Maundy Thursday, when there will be a service at 10.30am in Gloucester Cathedral and evening worship in St John's at 7.30pm. On Good Friday, ‘Churches Together in Charfield’ have planned a walk of witness leaving St John's at 9.30am and arriving at St James' Churchend for a short act of worship followed by hot cross buns and coffee. Later in the day at 2.00pm in St John's, there will be a short but reflective and moving service to mark the last hour of Jesus' life.

Then the mood lightens on Easter Sunday 5th April, when we celebrate His resurrection with a special Easter Day service at 9.30am, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the children. This is a service of celebration, light and joy, so do join us.

Charfield Change 4 Good

The first Charfield Change4Good project – an appeal for the people of Syria – has been hard work, but has generated good results. We are thrilled to have raised £1,086.55 so far for the Disasters Emergency Committee Syria Fund plus £360 for Human Concern UK – a total of £1,446.55. There's still time to contribute via www.justgiving.com/charfield-change4good

The charity that Charfield Change4Good will sponsor during the spring of 2015 is the James Hopkins Trust, a charity which provides practical help for severely disabled, life-threatened and life-limited young children with nursing needs, aged 5 years and under, living in Gloucestershire.

17Since 1989, the James Hopkins Trust has helped over 350 children and families in every corner of Gloucestershire, to the staggering amount of over 150,000 hours of nursing – free to those that desperately need it. Charfield Change4Good is a village initiative of St John's, the Congregational Chapel and Charfield Primary School.

It's intended that events will include a coffee morning and an art/poetry competition, so look for posters round the village for more detail of this.

And finally …
Don't forget we also have Traidcraft produce available and books and jams for sale in church. The Reading Group also takes place monthly (contact Chris Mason on 01454 26xxxx for more details).

For details of regular services, see our ad in this issue. To contact the clergy, call Rev'd David Russell on 01454 29xxxx or Rev'd Chris Mason on 01454 26xxxx or email xxxx @ gmail.com.

Sue Thorn – PCC member
xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk

You are warmly invited to our services and events, please read on for further details.

[Graphic: Coffee cup] Firstly, we wanted to thank everyone that contributed to our Christmas Shoe Box Appeal in 2014. With all your help, we were able to send 231 wrapped and filled shoeboxes to children and the elderly in Romania. The Christmas Shoe Box Appeal is always an ongoing project. If anyone would like to help, or donate any small items, please do get in touch.

Senior Citizen Lunches

Both lunches will start at 12 noon, and will be followed by musical entertainment – God's Grampies. There will be a vegetarian option available. Numbers would be appreciated beforehand please, for catering purposes. Please note this is a free lunch, however, donations can be made to one of our chosen charities. Please note that lifts can be provided for those who cannot make their own way. Saturday 28th February – Sausage and mash, onion gravy and vegetables, followed by a delicious dessert. Saturday 6th June – Afternoon lunch, sandwiches, cakes, scones, jam and cream.

Special services

Sunday 15th March, at 11am, is our Mothering Sunday service, which will be led by Ben Huddlestone. There will be a special gift for all the ladies.
Sunday 29th March, at 11 am, is our Palm Sunday service, which will be led by Robin Burke.
Good Friday, 3rd April, we will be joining a Village Walk of Witness, starting at St John's Church at 9.30am, and walking to St James', at Churchend for a short time of reflection.
On Easter Sunday, 5th April, at 11am, we have Peter Webley taking our family service. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service.

Bacon rolls coffee mornings.

Saturday 9th May, 10am–12 noon. All proceeds will go to Blythswood Care, our Christmas Shoe Box charity. We also have a representative from Blythswood Care attending. The charity provides practical help, love and support for those in need.

Saturday 11th July, 10am–12 noon. All proceeds will go to CRY (Care and Relief for the Young). Ray Avent from CRY will be visiting, to keep us up to date with the charity. CRY is a Christian charity dedicated to caring for disadvantaged, destitute and suffering children, young people and their families.

Saturday 26th September, 10am–12 noon. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer. Macmillan is a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need. They help cancer patients and also support carers, families and communities.

Saturday 31st October, 10am–12 noon. All proceeds will go to Water Aid. We also have a Water Aid representative attending. Every minute, every day, people suffer and lives are lost needlessly because of a lack of safe water and sanitation.

Bible study and services

We hold a Bible study with short prayer time every Tuesday evening from 8.00pm. We 18discuss interesting topics, and are currently studying the Gospel of John. Throughout Lent there will be no Bible study on a Tuesday as we switch to out Lent group, see below. Our services are held every Sunday at 11am with tea/ coffee and biscuits afterwards, where a friendly welcome awaits. We also have our very own Sunday School ‘King's Kidz’, where all primary school-age children are most welcome. We now also have a Teen Class (aged 13–17) which meets fortnightly on a Sunday Morning at the same time as Sunday School.

Our Youth Café is open every Thursday evening, at Chapel, from 7pm–9pm. Please pass this message on to any young person that may like to come along. We have a dedicated Facebook page. Please ‘like’ us to receive our latest updates. www.facebook.com/CharfieldChapelYouthCafe We would love to know your ideas too, so please get in touch.

For more information on any of the above, or to book your place on one of the Senior Citizen's lunches, please feel free to contact April Palmer on 01453 84xxxx, email xxxx @ hotmail.co.uk or call Nicola Lanyi on 01454 26xxxx.

Sat 7th March at 2pm

Charfield School Hall

All proceeds to St John's Church

St John's Church, Charfield is holding its annual Jumble Sale.
All donations of jumble will be gratefully received.

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

Your continued support is much appreciated.

[Graphic: Poppy] 6th Annual Brunch Session

Dear Charfielders,

Sunshine AGAIN this past November – just miraculous – and an excellent turnout by villagers.

On this quiet year (sans scouts) we were able to send £300 to Help for Heroes, which has been acknowledged by the charity, and they have asked us to pass on our thanks to you villagers for your generosity.

Better still, someone has offered to practise frying bacon on their gas barbecue between now and November, and we may, therefore, be able to offer the usual bill of fayre. It wasn't a huge hardship to stick to snorkers (the most popular) or boiled ham this year, even a few egg butties were sold, but we think bacon is the traditional choice!

Many thanks to all those who supported us in word, deed, or donation, and well done to all the various august village bodies involved in making Remembrance Morning a firm fixture in our calendars.

CHADRA Committee

Charfield Chapel and St John's Church have joined together to host a 5 week Lent Course called ‘Soul Spark’, which explores prayer and spiritual growth through prayer, reflection and sharing. The course will be held at Charfield Chapel from 7.30pm until 9pm, every Wednesday through Lent from 25th February to 25th March.

If anyone requires transport or needs any further information, please contact
Revd. Chris Mason on 01454 26xxxx (St John's Church) or
April Palmer 01453 84xxxx (Charfield Chapel).

19

[Graphic: THORNBURY ARTS FESTIVAL]

Award-winning comedian Jo Caulfield will be among the headline acts at the 2015 Thornbury Arts Festival. The star of many TV, radio and live shows will feature in a packed programme of music, literature, performance and visual art that the festival team is currently finalising.

Organisers hope to attract even more people to the town next spring, having expanded the schedule to add afternoon sessions to the traditional format of evening and lunchtime events. They were especially keen to introduce more children to the festival, offering masterclasses and workshops that range from circus skills and theatrical drawing to the playing of miniature harps.

The ten-day festival will run from April 17th–26th, with events to be held at a variety of venues.

Jo Caulfield is among the early acts to be announced. She has appeared in BBC Radio 4's It's That Jo Caulfield Again and Jo Caulfield's Speakeasy, as well as being a regular guest on TV shows such as Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week.

Among other confirmed appearances at the festival are Theatre Temoin (with their production of Nobody's Home) and the five-piece gypsy jazz band, Moscow Drug Club, whose infectious music will help bring the festival to a close.

The programme will also feature film, storytelling, talks and a concert by performers from the annual Thornbury Children's Eisteddfod that will be held from March 7th–15th under the umbrella of the festival. Just days after the main festival ends, the Severn Vale Art Trail will open, giving visitors the chance to visit artists' studios and exhibitions in and around Thornbury from April 30th–May 10th.

Festival artistic director Shirley Sharp said:

“At first it seemed slightly daunting to give a new image and appeal to the festival, while still retaining its amazing formula that has worked for 45 years. But it is proving to be very exciting. We have a new logo and will launch our new-look website in January. The full programme will follow soon after and a new online booking facility will be up and running to allow people to book earlier. We are listening to what people want from the festival and aiming to give them just that – a lively and energetic festival that has something for everyone.”

Lynne Hutchinson – 01454 41xxxx or 07739 92xxxx. Shirley Sharp can be contacted by emailing xxxx @ blueyonder.co.uk

Free Concert …

If you'd like to hear a workshop performance of Verdi's Requiem, then please come to Thornbury Baptist Church on Saturday 21st February at 4pm. No tickets – but we will take a collection for ‘Hammer Out’ (a charity based in Thornbury working for those with brain tumours).

[Graphic: Choir] It's a great chance to have a listen to a large choir singing a humdinger of a piece. It's full of corking melodies and drama – Verdi's operatic style is to the fore. Why not give it a listen?

Visit www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk for more info.

20

2nd Charfield Brownies
Brownie Leaders Urgently Needed

At Christmas we said goodbye and thank you to Nicki Brain who had been the leader of 2nd Charfield Brownies for a number of years. Sadly the pack has had to close, hopefully just on a temporary basis. We have a volunteer who would be willing to become a Brownie leader but she needs someone to work with her. Could that be you? Are you female and aged 18 or over? Willing to make the Guide promise? Able to spare a few hours per week to help the girls of Charfield learn and develop together in a safe and secure environment? Anyone interested in finding out more please contact the District Commissioners Sarah Norton 01453 52xxxx or Jackie Woodall 01453 84xxxx.

Please help us to re-open 2nd Charfield Brownies – a village the size of Charfield needs a Brownie Pack!

1st Charfield Rainbows

[Graphic: Hedgehog] We had a fun term looking at the seasons, and had a visit from the Hedgehog Hospital. The hedgehogs were so cute and it was hard for the girls as they had to be very quiet so they didn't frighten them.

Rainbows is a part of the Girl Guide Association and is for girls aged 5 to 7 years. If you have a little girl or know of one who might be interested in joining 1st Charfield Rainbows in the future, please send an email to xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk so that their names can be added to the waiting list.

Ruby, Topaz, Sapphire and Moonstone

2nd Wotton (Charfield) Guides

Thursday 7.30pm–9pm at Charfield Memorial Hall (Summer Term) for girls 10–14 years old.

The beginning of the term saw the girls busily fundraising for their trip to London at half term. Over half of the girls in the unit went on the trip and they had a fabulous time at all the tourist spots including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the gondola across the Thames.

[Graphic: Ice skates] We had a trip to the Wotton Panto (oh no you didn't!), with our very own Young Leader in the lead role. We finished term with a Pizza Hut meal and skating at the mall in the rain!

During Spring Term we are off around the world and eating chocolate – well I think that's what the term plan said, I just saw chocolate!

Summer Term sees us return to Charfield, and hopefully we can try out the Multi-games area on the field.

We are always looking for leaders to help plan and supervise our fun and games. Please contact xxxx @ hotmail.com if you think you would like to get involved!

Senior Section

The First Wotton Senior Section opened in September 2014. We are a group of around 11 girls aged 14–25 years old who meet every other week. We make crafts, eat food, drink hot chocolate and watch movies. We are hoping to complete our Silver Duke Of Edinburgh Award in 2015. We have lots of exciting trips and camps planned. Most of all we enjoy a giggle!

Want to join us? Contact Lynsey at xxxx @ yahoo.com

If you would like your daughter to join Girlguiding UK please contact the relevant leader (see back page of this issue of CHADRA) or visit:

http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get_involved/volunteer/register_your_interest.aspx

[Graphic: Girlguiding UK girls in the lead]

21

by Barbara Adams.

A conversation with Sue Simmons.

[Photo: Sue Simmons]

Sue has lived longer in Charfield than anywhere else in her adult life. Her home town is Bedford where both her family and husband Mick's family still live. Originally she didn't really envisage staying here any longer than she had stayed in Staffordshire, Northamptonshire or on the South Coast. Now, after nine years, she doesn't see herself moving in a hurry. She loves the village. All through our conversation her enthusiasm for Charfield shone through.

In the best tradition of romantic stories, Mick and Sue met when they were teenagers, attracted to each other but, feeling too young to make commitments, went their separate ways. They met again in their early forties, married and Sue now has two adult step children and the first step-grandchild due in March. ‘But the really wonderful thing’, said Sue very happily, ‘is that they want me to be “Granny”.’

The first four years of living here were taken up with the demands of her very busy life and demanding job. Employed from the 80s by Reed International (one of the UK's largest industrial information providers) in a senior management role, she was working 70 hours a week and driving 70,000 miles a year. ‘There were trips to exotic places, a satisfying career spanning 23 years and a job I loved – working with people. Not what I started out doing! My first 10 years of working life were in scientific research, wind tunnels to be exact. I decided it was time for a change, knew I really enjoyed working with people and was offered a chance to become a trainee in sales account management with Reed and was with them until 2010.’

‘But in 2009 my whole life changed’. She was serious for a moment. ‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer.’ She had a routine check and even when she was recalled she didn't take it too seriously. But then she had the diagnosis. Mick was away and she drove home alone wondering how she was going to tell the family. ‘It was a huge shock, but I've always had a positive outlook. It certainly makes you evaluate what is important in your life’. Throughout her treatment – surgery, chemo, reconstruction – she had brilliant support from her family and employers and although she knew she was a valued member of staff there came a point when she realised she needed change and in 2010 left the company.

Sue wanted to work but she wanted to live a different sort of life. She also felt a need to get involved with the village. And so, (in her own words), began the ‘best bit of her life’. Not being one to let the grass grow under her feet she set up her own business doing freelance management support but also left herself time to do other things, the first of which was to become part of the team working on the Village Plan. It opened the door to a whole new way of life, including joining the Memorial Hall committee and taking on the job of Booking Secretary. ‘I absolutely love what I do now. I know my neighbours and I have a wonderful network of friends in the village. I know what is going on. I feel part of the community. Just walking round the village I constantly meet people to talk to and it is utterly satisfying.’ And it clearly is. Her enthusiasm is infectious. ‘I just wish more people could realise what a huge bonus it is to live in a village like ours. There is so much going on, so many friends to be made, so much fun to be had. You just have to be willing to be part of it.’

But Sue has other strings to her bow. Cars – or more exactly – Porsches. Both she and Mick have a great love of these, owning a classic 944 Convertible which they take to rallies both in the UK and abroad. Her eyes lit 22up. ‘We went to Flanders on a WW1 anniversary rally and later this year our club is off to the Isle of Man.’ I doubt you will be surprised when I say that Sue is the one who organises these jollies in her role as Communications Director and Regional Organiser of The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club. Or TIPEC for short. ‘It's brought so much into my life and I'm really proud of the fact that ours is now the biggest TIPEC region in the country. Five years ago I wouldn't have had time for any of this’.

I wonder if she has any space at all left for other pursuits? ‘Not a great deal but I like to see sports on TV. I'm very competitive so I enjoy watching any of them but especially motor racing and football. In the car I love to listen to Katherine Jenkins’ – her latest CD was her birthday present from Mick.

But clearly Sue's greatest pleasure, apart from home, comes from village life. ‘It's a shame,’ she says in another brief serious moment, ‘that it takes something so major to make us realise what is important’. Maybe this is the way it has to happen but after an hour and half of chat, coffee, many, many laughs and our total agreement in the value of village life, she looked at her watch, grabbed her coat and was off to her next village engagement.

I was like a child waiting for Christmas. Only the date wasn't 25th December. Every day I'd come home from my school job and look for the post. Then, six weeks later, it had arrived. MY BUS PASS! Yippee.

Despite having a camper van and two old “we need attention” Landrovers, Keith and I car share. He only works up the road and with me as you know at school, it's convenient. Right, you are all up to date, so, my plan for a bus ride. The first opportunity came in the Summer holidays when I was booked for a haircut with Nicki, in Wotton. I walked to the bus stop opposite The Tavern. Despite my appointment at 1.45 the earliest bus to get there on time was 12.45. My Soph, bless her, couldn't get over it. “Mum,” she said, “just take Dad to work and get to Wotton with a few minutes to spare, NOT 50.” However, I was desperate for an adventure. The bus came along. I got on. “Hello,” I excitedly exclaimed, then went on to explain that I was christening my bus pass. The driver wasn't very giggly and just told me to put it on the appropriate place. I smiled at my fellow passengers.

Now I know that before Keith and I moved to Charfield and I had passed my driving test, buses and previously London Underground and trains were my mode of transport. However, to be given a present by the country to use something for FREE had to be embraced. Needless to say it was the talk of my hairdressing appointment. Then came the fun of returning home. I was at the corner of the main street looking at the timetable. A kind lady asked if she could help me as she thought “I was looking quite perturbed.” I explained about my situation and when I said that I thought that the bus I was aiming for had gone she said that they were sometimes delayed. I headed up the street. Now this sounds a bit daft but there was a young chap at the stop AND YES I did ask if he was waiting for the bus. Next thing there it was. The driver was lovely, he was pleased I was so excited about my journey and within 10 minutes I was back home getting the kettle on.

Keith and I went to Ilfracombe at October half term. “Right,” I said, “We're going to get on every bus available.” So off we went. One thing to note is that different buses have different gadgets for reading your pass. We were going to Barnstaple and I got on first, hovering my hand over the ticket bit. Next thing the driver said, “Just slap it on and leave it alone.” Off we went. Later that day we were waiting at Barnstaple Bus Station to return. A bus approached, not the one we needed mind, when the doors opened and a voice said, “Oy, you, what did I say this morning?” Laughing, and remembering, I said, “Just slap it on and leave it alone.”

[Graphic: Have a Nice Day] So there you go, latest excitements.

Best wishes to you,
love Maz xx

#

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Cut out this page and pin it to your notice board.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT CHARFIELD MEMORIAL HALL (CMH)

There are 2 sections to CMH – the Main Hall (M) & the Sportsman's Lounge (S) plus the Playing Field (F)

For any contact information please contact xxxx @ charfield.org

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …

February
1st – Police tack marking and horse/farm watch event (CST) 10am–1pm
7th – Frog Race (MH) – 8pm (Bar opens 7.30)
18th – St John's Church ‘Ashing’ Service, St Giles, Hillesley 7.30pm
20th–22nd – C.A.D.S Aladdin Pantomime (MH) – 7.30pm Fri & Sat, 2.30pm Sat & Sun
24th – R.N.L.I – AGM (SPW), 8pm

March
6th – Memorial Hall coffee morning (9–11 am) (MH)
26th – R.N.L.I Guest speaker (CVGC), 7.30pm
27th – Joe Field – World Challenge music evening (MH)

April
3rd – Churches Together in Charfield ‘Walk of witness’ 9.30am & St John's Church Service, 2pm
5th – Easter Service and children's Easter Egg Hunt. St John's 9.30am/Congregational Church 11am
17th–26th – Thornbury Arts Festival
21st – Thornbury Choral Society free concert 4pm (BCT)

May
4th – Charfield Community Fete
7th – General and local council elections
14th – Parish Council AGM
Memorial Hall AGM – date TBC

BCT = Baptist Church, Thornbury, MH = Memorial Hall, CST = Countrywide Stores, Thornbury, CVGC = Cotswold View Golf Club, SPW = Star Pub, Wotton

#

If you wish to alter the entries below 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
Louise Sydney xxxx @ gmail.com

Charfield Primary School
Dafydd Lawday 01454 26xxxx

Church – Congregational
Nicky Lanyi 01454 26xxxx

Church – St. John's
Rev Chris Mason 01454 261971
Rev David Russell 01454 294267
Email xxxx @ gmail.com

Clean Up Green Up Charfield
Vanessa Cole
Email xxxx @ gmail.com

Community Dementia Link
Amanda Pearson 07814 69xxxx
https://www.facebook.com/charfieldanddistrictcommunitydementialinks

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

Council – South Gloucestershire
John O'Neill 01454 86xxxx 01454 26xxxx
Email xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk

Cricket Club
Jeremy Hull 01453 52xxxx
Tony Field 01454 26xxxx

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Dave Ashby (Chair) 0790402xxxx
Email xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk

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 xxxx @ gmail.com
Chairman Liam Balloch 07947 43xxxx