CHADRA

Next Edition Copy Deadline – 6th January 2017

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

Some dates for your diary, and yes some of them are a long way off, but how time flies! Check the relevant organiser's article for full details.

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I really do hope that the front page has grabbed your attention and that you take the time to read the pleas from the many groups in the newsletter who are asking for volunteers.

The ‘highlight’ of these pleas are from the Memorial Hall, Friends of Charfield School, and Parish Council.

The Memorial Hall was set up in memory of a son lost to war to provide a facility for all villagers to use, inside and out. Whatever you feel about the new housing developments (and their funding for village amenities – see John O'Neill's article), it would be a shame to see the hall disappear and future generations wonder why those living in the village in 2016 didn't do something more positive to support it.

So if you use the village facilities to play sport, take your child to a party or ballet, go to a club, enjoy a night out, see the fireworks or buy handmade gifts, take a few moments to think about the people who make all of these things possible. They are unpaid volunteers who give up their time to make things happen for others.

You may feel that you don't have the right skills, or that you are new to the village and don't know anyone, or that you are ‘too busy’, or you have done your “stint” or “duty” on one or more committees. All of these may be true, but unless more people step forward and give what is probably the equivalent of a couple of hours a month – some of these facilities and clubs will be forced to close.

Angie Hill – Editor

Time for change

Since its inception in September 1975, the Charfield and District Residents Association (CHADRA for short), has supported the village, taking up campaigns on behalf of the village as well as producing this newsletter.

However, in recent times the main activity of the committee has been to produce and distribute this newsletter every quarter, with groups like the Neighbourhood Plan and the Parish Council taking up the baton in representing the village.

At our recent committee meeting, the committee voted to dissolve the Residents Association but will continue instead as a newsletter group.

As a subscriber to this newsletter, you are a member of the Residents Association and are therefore invited to an EGM in the Sportsman's Lounge on Tuesday 15th November 2016 at 8pm.

At this meeting we will discuss the dissolution of the existing constitution and the setting up of a new committee with a revised constitution to continue to produce the newsletter under a much simpler remit.

There are many villagers who have been a part of the CHADRA team over the past 41 years, from committee members to distributors, who have worked as a team to represent the village and produce this newsletter. A big THANK YOU to you all!

The CHADRA committee

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*** IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE HALL – MUST READ ***

Autumn is upon us which, for me, has always been an incredible time of change. The days get shorter and the nights longer, the temperature starts to drop, meaning that for some of you, the heating usage starts to increase (not for me, my wife doesn't have it on till December or below 12 degrees!!), but, the most incredible change, in my opinion is the leaves on the trees change from fresh green to a fiery red, brown or gold colour.

WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE VILLAGE HALL?? GOOD QUESTION, CONTINUE READING AND YOU WILL FIND OUT …

Village Halls are no longer used the way they used to be, it's a simple, but sad fact.

In a 2004 survey that focused on the state of village halls up in Cumbria, they found out a number of interesting facts that are still the case today, especially for our village hall, these included “almost two thirds of village halls felt that their hall was currently underused” and that “1 in 5 halls reported that their income did not cover their expenditure”, this survey also found a consistency in response to the question around future problems, these included recruiting management committee members, generating sufficient income, raising funds to effect major repairs to their hall, financial impacts of new regulatory requirements, limited numbers of potential users in small, scattered rural communities, too many halls chasing too few users. All of these points and concerns exist for Charfield Village Hall, and have done for a while. (link to the survey for interested people – http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/ eLibrary/ Content/ Internet/ 535/ 2362/ 38601133211.pdf)

Linked into this, as some of you may know, Sue Simmons (our booking secretary) recently stepped down, I want to publicly thank her for her work over the last 4-5 years. Recently, our Treasurer, Sam Kelly, has also given notice to step down. Due to his increased work load at his job, he is just unable to continue in that role. We have, since the resignation of Sue and the notice from Sam, tried to recruit. We have sent out flyers, posted adverts on Facebook and directly spoken to a few people about filling these roles but, unfortunately, people are just unable to commit, which is completely understandable. Our lives are busy, that fact will not change.

So, linking us back to the beginning and to the change that happens in the season of Autumn, for our village hall to stay open and remain relevant we have to change the way we run the hall. It is unrealistic to think that in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 years' time that volunteers are going to come forward to run the village hall as is the case currently, so, what can we do?

After much thought and discussion with the hall management committee, we have come up with a proposal which, at the most recent Parish Council meeting, was presented to the Parish Council. Our proposal was that we recruit a part time, paid member of staff in an Administrative/Hall Manager role who would manage the day to day running of the hall. This person would be responsible for bookings, managing money and for marketing the hall in a way that draws the community in. This person would be responsible to and would report to the management committee. Having someone in this position would mean that we (as a committee) could meet less frequently, hopefully making volunteering as a Trustee or Committee Member more appealing to you. It would mean that we as a committee could more readily focus on fundraising and planning for the future development of the hall rather than, as we are right now, focusing on day to day running issues.

So why not do it? It seems simple enough, I agree, however, we do not have any consistent pots of money to fund this role other than the £6k we are given by the Parish Council on behalf of you as villagers. When we presented this proposal to the Parish Council, they felt it was important to explain our situation, offer a possible solution and then ask you for feedback. If you have any feedback to give, please email me – xxxx @ gmail.com, thank you.

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[Logo: Charfield Neighbourhood Plan]

By the time you read this, or thereabouts plus or minus, you should have a copy of the Charfield Neighbourhood Plan Survey (I'm imagining some applause here). This survey has been built using the information you gave us on hundreds and hundreds of post-it pads at the Wine and Cheese Evening, as well as data from conversations, emails and other group discussions. I want to ask you now, please, to take the time to read through it, have a conversation in your household, fill it in and send it back! It is really important. We have provided a pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope for you to use.

It'll take perhaps half an hour or an hour to do the whole survey. We must have them back by Wednesday 16th November, so they can be processed for analysis, and here's why your survey and everyone's survey return is vital: The Neighbourhood Plan that gets written on the back of your survey responses will be examined by planning experts, and in part they will be checking to see if the Plan expresses the view of the community of Charfield. A high return rate will be a clear indicator that everyone in Charfield cares about the future of their environment, and will go a long way to proving the robustness of the Neighbourhood Plan.

I and others will be meeting with the leaders of the Joint Spatial Strategy to hear their plans for house-building in the west of England. Charfield, as you know, is high on the list of places for new homes and it is crucial that we progress our Neighbourhood Plan to make it a successfully adopted planning document, so that it can instruct the local authority and ensure building in Charfield is controlled rather than, well, uncontrolled. Controlled means we have a say in the type of housing, in the provision of linking footways and cycle routes, in the way traffic flows, in encouraging infrastructure enhancements. Uncontrolled development is simply more houses, built in the most profitable (cheapest) way possible with no thought to connecting between each other and the original village. Controlled means a joined-up aspirational plan for Charfield. Uncontrolled means you get what they see fit to drop onto you.

We will be holding a “surgery” in the Sportsman's Lounge on Wednesday 2nd November between 7 and 9 pm. We will be at the Costcutter (Steve's Shop, as was) on the morning of Saturday 5th November, and we will be outside the Primary School on Monday 7th November in the afternoon as the kids are collected. We won't tell you what to write, of course, but we will be happy to explain, and to answer whatever questions we can. Do come and say “Hi”, and ask us if you need help with the survey.

Afterward, of course, there is the analysis – which is being done for us by machine, which is why the form is predominantly tick-box format (you can still write free text comments) – and then the writing of the Plan itself. We are mostly on schedule and we will be keeping you all informed about the progress of the draft Plan as we go forward. When it comes out, we think it will be in three basic sections – an initial conversational introduction to Charfield and how the Plan came about, a smaller but far more important middle section containing Planning Policies which align with the Local Plan but in Charfield specific terms, and a large appendix section which validates the whole document with evidence of its localism.

Ultimately, this Charfield Neighbourhood Plan in inspected by a Planning Inspector, and put to a Referendum where you all get to vote as to whether or not this is your Plan. Successfully passing that vote would mean the Plan gets adopted by the Local Authority and it would, it will, become part of the Local Plan supplementary documentation – it will hold legal status. This is why it is so important. Good though the Village Plan was – and it was good – it doesn't and can't hold this legal status. So please, when the survey comes to your home, do give it your attention, do fill it in and do, please, return it in the pre-paid envelope. Thank you.

Charfield Neighbourhood Plan Team

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[Logo: Friends of Charfield Primary School]

Following another great year of fundraising we have been fortunate enough to have raised over £5,000 to help the school with much needed equipment to enrich the children's experiences within the school. This could not have been achieved without the help and support of our amazing community and I know the school and committee would like to say a massive thank you for attending and making the events what they are. The committee love organising the events but it is your participation and support that makes the organisation really worthwhile.

We have also secured various other funds from local and community grants which have also helped us increase the outside play equipment for the school and community to use. Thanks go to the Parish Council (for supporting the increase to the garden area) and to South Glos Council (and particularly John O'Neill) for supporting us to design and build the log climber in the playground.

We are now heading into a busy fund raising period for The Friends and by the time you read this we would have held our AGM where I am sorry to say that we were unable to elect a new committee. This meant an EGM (Emergency General Meeting) was held on the 5th October. Hopefully by the time you read this, a new committee has come forward to take the Friends to the next level with exciting new ideas to add to the amazing fund raising events we already organise. The continuance of the committee is of vital importance to the school and local community as without the committee events like Fireworks night and the Christmas fair will not go ahead.

Talking if which, Fireworks night is nearly upon us and we are busy arranging the evening to make sure everyone has a lovely time, fingers crossed that the weather holds for us again this year. This event will go ahead regardless of the EGM decision as we have committed to the purchase of the Fireworks. This year we have a similar night organised with a professional display by Chinnick Theatre Services as well as hot food on the night and a bar for the adults. By the time you read this you will have already seen various signs and posters around the village. We look forward to welcoming you.

As with every event, we are reliant on the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers and we are always pleased to hear from anyone who would like to get involved and lend some help. 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!

The dates for our upcoming events are confirmed as follows:

Fireworks Night – Friday 4th November
Christmas Fair – Saturday 3rd December
Christmas Tree sale – Saturday 10th December

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
xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk / 07904 02xxxx

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Luckily I love something about every season and while it is sad to say goodbye to the summer, autumn has been lovely and there is the promise of long nights in front of the fire to come.

In July our treasurer, Isabel Davies decided to stand down from that role and from the CUGUC team. We are very sad to see her go. Isabel has been a stalwart of the team from day 1 and not only has kept our finances organised but her experience in dealing with the complex world of grant applications has been invaluable. Many thanks to her from all of us for her contribution over the years.

This left a vacancy for a new treasurer. A chance conversation at St John's over tea and cake means I am glad to welcome Elaine Thurtles to the team and into the role of treasurer. Great to have you on board, Elaine!

All the sites still look great. The memorial hall and school sites continue to show lots of colour and have done so all year – a very difficult feat to achieve. The poppies at the Little Bristol Lane site have stopped flowering but there are hundreds of seedlings for next year. They really like it in that corner. Poppies are quite difficult to grow so it is fabulous that they seem well established there. The permanent planting is slowly developing but the site is very poor and stony.

We have extended the area that we are looking after around Tafern Bach and we are hoping to make a safer path to the bus stop. The large leafed plant, which is growing like wild fire along that verge is horseradish and it really is a thug. I hope you'll agree that two strimmings have already improved the area. We are hoping that SGC will install a more permanent path as getting to the bus stop at the moment is dangerous. The verge is still very uneven so please take care if you venture onto it. We have had lots of plans for this roundabout area but they have been impossible to realise because of the extent of underground utilities.

We have encountered many interesting challenges as part of running our little group! Lots more involved than merely planting a few plants so we can always do with help from people who like to resolve problems!

Bulb bonanza!!! – 16th October
Please make a note for your diaries on 16th October when we will need lots of help planting bulbs. We have 5000 crocus, 500 daffodils and 500 bluebells. Please meet at Warners Court at 10.00 am with suitable clothing and footwear, gloves, trowels, spades and enthusiasm. It sounds a lot of bulbs (and it is) but they are actually quick and easy to plant so if we have lots of help it should only take us an hour or so.

Tea Party – 6th November
6th November at Warners Court (just opposite the Memorial Hall) to raise funds for CUGUC and as an opportunity for the village to enjoy an autumn get-together. If the weather is suitable, visitors will be able to wander round the garden too. Look out for the posters.

AGM – 17th November
We will be holding our AGM at the Sportsmans Lounge on 17th November starting at 20.00hrs. After a short session dealing with the formal business, there will be refreshments and a quiz – with a different quizmaster this year. [The team have complained I set too difficult questions!!!!] I am looking forward to being on the other side of the table answering the questions this year. It should be a fun evening.

WANTED
Someone to lead the team maintaining the front bed at the school. The site is already in good shape and is in a wonderful position to display your green-fingered prowess! Only a few hours each month needed.
Contact us – details below.

We are always keen to welcome new helpers. Gardening skills aren't essential, enthusiasm, energy and humour is more important. We are a friendly bunch and helping us can be included in your Get Fit campaign with the added bonus of regular get-togethers with nice people, biscuits and coffee.

Find us on Facebook – just search for CUGUC. Don't forget to let us have your ideas, comments and donations.

Yvette Andrewartha. Chair CUGUC
http://charfield.org/cuguc.
email: xxxx @ gmail.com

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[Logo: South Gloucestershire Council]

Latest news on developments is that the emerging Joint Spatial Strategy published on the 29 September for the four West of England local authorities is predicting further growth in Charfield of 1000 houses over the next twenty years. This is an emerging document that will go out to consultation on the 7th November – please watch the Council website and the press for ways to respond. As this is news that has only just been published, we will bring you further details when we get them. I can say at this time no developers have made an approach despite speculation in the village.

So what about the developments that we do have and how are they going to affect us? As we can see work has commenced on the old Newton Oils site to construct 106 houses and the obvious impact for residents will be on the highway as a new T-junction is constructed and the pedestrian crossing which will be sited between Elbury View and King's Meadow. This was the location that was decided by highways as being the safest crossing point and will be in place before the first house on the site is occupied

The development adjacent to the school on land known as Day House Leaze requires a further application to deal with the site content and it is anticipated work will commence here next summer. As both sites will take around two years to complete this will mean that they will be operational at the same time. The immediate impact will be on the highway once again as the access is constructed to include a footpath to the school with a layby for seven vehicles.

In an attempt to reduce disruption and inconvenience to residents, conditions are in place which include working hours, emission of dust and dirt from sites to include wheel washing of vehicles leaving the sites, parking of vehicles and unloading etc. Liaison groups have been set up with the developers Crest Nicholson and Bellway Homes which includes the Parish Council and myself. Feel free to contact members of the group if needed.

Will there be any benefits for Charfield? At the end of the construction period we will have two further estates of 106 and 64 houses increasing the village population by around 400. Both estates will have green spaces with play areas and allotments. Management of allotments is yet to be finalised but it is envisaged they would be for the use of all residents in Charfield who apply.

The bottom site will deliver £80,000 for improvements to the memorial hall and the school site will deliver a similar amount to improve sports facilities in Charfield.

Other news from the Council is the new position on libraries. This service was facing major cuts in expenditure as part of the Council savings programme. Chipping Sodbury library which was to be closed will now be staffed by volunteers and the reduced hours and the cuts to opening times for other libraries will be replaced by an “open plus” system where access and use of the library will be with an electronic library card. The mobile library will still be scrapped to make savings, although the Council will support up to ten small libraries in community centres throughout the authority.

John O'Neill
xxxx @ southglos.gov.uk

[Graphic: VOLUNTEERS]

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I hope you've had a fantastic summer, and now that autumn is upon us you're ready for earlier twilight and later dawn! Time to enjoy dark clear skies and see the stars come out! There's a lot going on in the village, and as usual there's a shortage of volunteers for much of it. I'm going to ask you, please, if you're not already helping out in your community to consider how you could do so. The Parish Council is still operating three Councillors down, and was close to having to abandon its last meeting for lack of Quorum, and I know the Hall Committee are desperately seeking new blood too. It's a serious thing, where the things we all take for granted are in threat of closing, and as the song goes “you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone” …

But on to other matters. You'll have noticed of course the commencement of work at the Wotton end of the village, where 106 houses will be built. I am hoping to instigate a liaison group with the builders, so that we can ensure we get as good a job as possible and that interference to the day to day life in Charfield is minimised. We already have the first stirrings of a liaison group with the other builder, at Day House Leaze, and some initial problems with immediate neighbours are hopefully being sorted out through this mechanism. It may be that other applications are forthcoming in the next six months, and we will have to consider how we deal with these as they arrive.

The Neighbourhood Plan is at the survey stage, please see elsewhere in the newsletter for details. I encourage you to take a half hour and Fill It In. Community engagement is key to the success of any Neighbourhood Plan, and we want to get the best outcome for Charfield.

I'd like to thank newsletter volunteers for helping with the distribution and for the excellent job they do with the newsletter itself.

As I walk around the village I take heart from the wonderful gardens and gardening that goes on. We do live in a lovely spot! Recently though, the onset of autumn has brought with it flailing brambles and hedges that encroach onto the footway. If you have hedges, please do have a look to see if you need to trim them back. I don't want to see anyone take a thorn in the eye or get their faces scratched, nor have to walk their pushchair in the road because the footway is obstructed. Thanks.

We've recently, finally, had notification that the public right of way OCH8 which crosses the railway line just behind Farm Lees has been officially diverted. The old muddy track which was closed for reasons of poor visibility on the rail line has ceased. It's a good route for keeping fit, and if it's not accessible to all, well neither was the old one.

There's been some minor damage in the play area recently, although some of it is simple wear and tear. We make regular inspections and take whatever action is deemed best, but if you see anything amiss, or think something needs looking at, please do contact the Clerk.

We've also had to remove sand and dog mess from the sand pit on many occasions. Dogs are not permitted in the play area, and if we have evidence of poor dog management here or indeed on the streets we will take action through the local authority and if required through courts. The sand pit is much loved by the children of the village, and we do not wish to close it because of lazy dog owners. But we will, if that's the most practical solution.

Remembrance Day is almost upon us; our Parish Clerk Paula is finalising the road closure and all the paraphernalia needed for a respectful and safe parade from the Hall to the Memorial. Houses along the route have already been notified of the road closure. Do come along, on Sunday 13th November. A Procession and Civil Remembrance takes place at the Memorial from 10:30 and a church service follows for those who choose.

And speaking of remembrance, the Parish Council is engaged in discussions with Network Rail about renovating the Railway Disaster Memorial in St. James's churchyard. This Memorial is owned by Network Rail and is on land managed by the local authority. It is a valuable Memorial and an integral part of the history of our village. Network Rail has quoted £4,700 to do the cleaning and clearing by their Grounds Maintenance people! This cost does not 8include the re-leading of the names of the people who perished! The Parish Council has offered to organise a community working party, with Network Rail contributing to the cost of the materials, but sadly this has been declined. One way or another we will ensure the Memorial is soon brought up to spec, and it's worth remembering as October 13th approaches, how this disaster affected the villagers of that time. We are only a couple of years short of the 90th anniversary, so I wonder if the village is moved to mark that date in any way? Let us know.
Mark Rosher – Chairman
charfieldparishcouncil.org.uk

RNLI

Last House-to-House Collection

This year was the last house-to-house collection; this following a decision by the RNLI to only contact individuals – by post, email or phone – that have given their express permission for us to so do. As part of this decision, it has been decided to end house-to-house collections (since it is not practical to operate these on an opt-in basis).

The Branch has collected house-to-house throughout the GL12 postal district and North Nibley for 23 years, and more recently also in Hawkesbury Upton. During this time, we have raised over £45,000 from these collections, with over 10% coming from the people of Charfield.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have contributed, but with a special thanks to those who volunteered to help collect – particularly to Mike and Maz, who have each collected almost every year since we started back in 1993.

Local Opt-in

From January, we will only be permitted to directly contact those who have “opted in” to receive information from the Branch. If you wish to be kept posted of Branch news and activities (including our Guest speaker evenings) see below. Please contact me with details of how you would wish to be contacted (e-mail, post, telephone).

Your contact details will be held locally – on a separate, securely encrypted memory device. Information provided to us as a branch will not be passed onto others without your express agreement, and will be used only as agreed.

2017 Guest Speaker Evening

As some of you will know, we have held a Guest Speaker evening at Cotswold Edge Golf Club for a number of years, previous speakers having included Miranda Krestovnikoff and a past Red Arrows pilot.

Subject to final confirmation, our next speaker will be a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot (who lives locally), who previously served in the RAF based in Anglesey (Prince William was his co-pilot) and who now flies for the commercial company that has taken over the SAR role from the services. The date has yet to be fixed (and is subject to his availability), but should be sometime before Easter. We believe this will be a very interesting and well-supported evening.

If anyone is interested in receiving further details of this event, please let me know.

Talks on RNLI

As a volunteer speaker, I give illustrated talks on the RNLI to adult groups. This year, this has included the Wotton Mothers' Union and the Thornbury Women's Institute, and my next talk is to the Llanblethian and Cowbridge Women's Fellowship.

I do not charge for these talks – although a donation to, or collection for the RNLI is always welcome.

Should you be a member of a group that would welcome such a talk, please contact me.

John Barnett – Chairman
01453 84xxxx
xxxx @ gmail.com

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Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th February 2017 Robinson Crusoe – The Truth

Hello friends of Charfield Amateur Dramatic Society or CADS. After the massive success of Puss in Boots last winter we took a much needed summer break. Can you believe it will be five years next June since a group of villagers with no cash, experience, and absolutely no idea what they were doing sat around a table and made a decision to perform on the village hall stage! I still have no idea how it worked, but it has and next year will be no exception.

Well that's not 100% true. For the first time, I will not be taking a part on the stage (hold the tears or applause). I have been very fortunate over the years to bring some fabulous characters to life. But it has always been a goal of mine to direct and watch the magic of panto from the seats with everyone else. We have chosen for your viewing pleasure a not so traditional story for 2017 but as always it will be filled with gags, music and a few old faces returning.

I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at a village council meeting earlier this year. I was totally overwhelmed by the amazing people in this village that give up their time to make Charfield a better place. From the out of school club to the gardeners planting shrubs and clearing litter to the memory group and everyone in between.

We are truly lucky to be living in a community like this so please support not only CADS but also everyone else. As without your support and kindness today there will be no tomorrow.

[Graphic: Robinson Crusoe]

Steve Pickin

Sunday 13 November at the village hall

Place your orders!

Once again we would love to see you at the Memorial Hall any time from 9.45am on Remembrance Sunday to have a bite to eat and a drink and chat with your neighbours and friends and family.

At about 10.35 we will then join the parade and walk up the Wotton Road to the memorial to observe the 2 minute silence and laying of poppy wreaths, organised by the Parish Council.

The Scouts will be at Cromhall this year.

Booking your butty in advance is required as we unfortunately cannot can't cater for ‘walk-ups’.

Order one of the following:
Bacon bap, sausage bap; fried egg bap, (Tea, coffee or squash included.)

Pay on the day:
£2.50 each (or more if you like) for roll & drink. Refills if you reuse the same cup ☺

To order:
drop an email to xxxx @ gmail.com)
or sign up on the list at Costcutter (from mid October)
or phone Julia O'Connor-Beach on 01454 26xxxx

Giving your name, address, and phone number, and your bap choices. You will then be catered for, rain or shine, frost or snow, and we will require your payment whether you turn up or not! (Yes, we will chase it!)

All profits will go to Help for Heroes, which still does magnificent work in supporting, either directly or through other established charities, those servicemen and women who need help.

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Have you recently retired or reduced your commitments leading up to retirement? Are you new to the area and looking to make new friends?

Thornbury U3A promotes keeping us mentally and physically engaged and active in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere. “Learn, Laugh and Live” is the U3A motto and aims to provide opportunities for members to do so without having to travel too far or enrol on expensive courses. We already have over 1,600 members and around 80 different groups meeting at various venues throughout the area but there is always room for more!

The groups mainly meet during the day and range from Archaeology to Walking; some meet weekly, other less often and they include physical activities, crafts, board and card games, organised visits to gardens, concerts and theatre as well as purely “educational” topics.

Our next Welcome Meeting will be held on Monday 17 October at 3p.m. in St Mary's Church Hall. Please come along; we would love to meet you.

For further information visit our website www.thornburyu3a.org.uk or for membership enquiries xxxx @ thornburyu3a.org.uk Alternatively phone our Membership Secretary, Rosie Bailey on (01454) 41xxxx or Chairman, Alison Makepeace on (01454) 41xxxx

[Graphic: BINGO]
Bingo has returned to the Memorial Hall!
Every MONDAY NIGHT
7.30pm for 8.00pm start
Bar available
For information contact Terry White on 01454 26xxxx

I have a runner since 1999 and have run around Charfield (and other places), and in numerous marathons in aid of various charities. Many local people have been kind enough to sponsor me in these events, and I would like to thank those people through CHADRA.

I still run of course and do triathlons, but last year I decided to retire from road marathons, after the inaugural Bristol to Bath, as I felt I had done enough. In 2010 I had completed my marathon surname challenge, where, over seven years, I ran a 26.2 mile marathon for every letter of my surname for charity, as below.

F : Frankfurt, Germany
R : Riga, Latvia
A : Amsterdam, Holland
N : New York, USA
C : Cardiff, Wales
K : Kent Coastal, England
S : Snowdonia, Wales
E : Edinburgh, Scotland
N : Neolithic, Avebury to Stonehenge

I am a Co-Event Director at Chipping Sodbury parkrun and I wanted to let you know of a parkrun planned to take place in Wotton-Under-Edge just up the road. For those who don't know, parkrun is a 5km free, timed run that takes place at many different venues around the UK and globally every Saturday.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are! Many 2km events for juniors also take place on a Sunday. They usually start at 9am and the one thing you must remember to bring is your printed barcode, to get your time. You can register at www.parkrun.org.uk.

So before the end of the year, I expect Charfield will have access to a more local event, that is meant to take place on the Foundation park by KLB school. If the test event goes well, I will be able to run to parkrun and help there too. Further details through CHADRA soon!

11

The ‘conversations’ phase of the Visions 2016 strategic review is now complete and a draft Visions document has been produced with some really clear and simple concepts to guide us for the next five years. These will be discussed further and refined over the coming weeks and the final Visions 2016 will be launched at Advent (the end of November).

Several of us from the village have just completed a training course on supporting people who have been bereaved or have suffered some other loss, such as divorce, illness or redundancy. People often bottle up their emotional responses to crises and feel they can't burden their family members. Talking to someone outside your immediate circle can be easier. If you would like to talk to someone, please contact the parish office (see below) in the first instance.

The cream teas on 10 August raised over £270 for church funds. We are currently selling the Dogs of Charfield calendar for £4.99. They are available in church and at various points around the village.

On 25 September we hosted Rachel Bee from the Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN), who talked about their admirable work for asylum seekers who find themselves caught for quite long periods of time in a limbo state where they can't be repatriated, but nor can they receive any state help. These people have nowhere to live, no food and cannot work. BHN provides accommodation, often with Christian families, and other forms of support. During the service we raised over £250 to add to the Lent lunches money we sent them. This is a really good cause to support if you feel moved to do so. You can leave donations of dried and tinned food, household cleaning stuff, towels, toiletries or quality used men's clothes in smaller sizes at the back of the church in labelled carrier bags. There are BHN leaflets in church and https://####.wordpress.com/ through which you can also donate.

Between me writing this and you reading it, we will have had our Harvest ‘tea and cakes’ service with produce collected for the Julian Trust in Bristol. I hope you were all generous!

Our next big secular event is the Christmas Fair on Friday 18 November between 6 and 9.30 pm, where you will be able to buy Christmas gifts of all kinds from local craftspeople.

Going on to special services, the All Souls Service, where we remember all those we have loved and lost and hear their names read out, will take place on Sunday 30 October at 7pm. The Remembrance Sunday service will take place at the War Memorial at 10.55 on Sunday 13 November.

Special Christmas services this year are:

Advent Sunday, 27 November, Christingle service at 4pm with Christingles for all the children.

Saturday 17 December at 7pm, the annual Candlelit Carol Service at St James at Churchend, with mince pies and mulled wine afterwards. Come early as it's almost always a full house.

Christmas Eve, 24 December, Crib Service especially for children at 4pm and Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

Christmas Day, Christmas morning service with communion at 9.30am.

Services at Charfield are taken by Rev'd David Russell, our Curate Rev'd Peter Fewings and our reader Prof Patricia Broadfoot, and plans are in place to recruit a new Assistant Associate Priest to the benefice to replace Chris Mason.

For details of regular services, see our ad in this issue. Sue Thorn, PCC member, xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk

12

STAFF NEWS

A new year brings new staff and new structures to Charfield. Firstly I would like to welcome Mrs Buckley, Mr Higgins and Miss Phillips to the staff team.

We are also very proud to be supporting a new Primary School within South Gloucestershire. This exciting opportunity for our school means that I will be working at both sites and our fantastic teachers will be providing advice and knowledge as the new school grows. Mrs Westwood will be Charfield's Associate Head teacher at Charfield to ensure that standards remain outstanding!

The classes have all made a great start to the new school year. They have all come into school eager and enthusiastic to learn!

Beetle class has made a great start to the year by using paintings by Kandinsky to help them learn about different types of lines and more complicated shapes such as different types of triangles.

Year 1 have been learning all about living and learning in Charfield and the surrounding area.

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

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2016
We have been busy filling wrapped shoe boxes for all ages over the last few months. This year, all our shoe boxes will be sent to Romania. Our target will be around 400 shoe boxes.

We fill our shoe boxes with items, such as, toothpaste, toothbrush, sponge, comb, soap, scarf, gloves, hat, sweets, colouring / writing book, pens / pencils, toys for a child, deodorant/hair gel for men, sewing kits / make-up for ladies. Christian literature is also put into each individual box. This shoe box will be the only gift many of them will receive all year.

If you would like to contribute in any way please get in touch. The shoe box deadline is the end of October, when they will be collected from Chapel.

Senior's Club
Every Wednesday afternoon, 2pm–4.30pm.

Sunshine Club
Thursday evenings through term time, 6–7pm, for 4–11 year olds.
Activities include crafts, games, Bible stories, refreshments and more.

Youth Café
Thursday evenings, 7.30pm–9pm through term time.
The Youth Café is for young people of secondary school age.

Coffee Mornings with bacon rolls 10am – 12 noon
Saturday 22nd October – All proceeds will go to C.R.Y (Care and Relief for the Young). CRY is a Christian charity dedicated to caring for disadvantaged, destitute and suffering children, young people and their families. Ray Avent our CRY representative will also be attending.

Saturday 5th November – All proceeds will go to Blythswood Care, our Christmas Shoe Box charity.

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
13Every Tuesday evening – Prayer meeting 7.30pm-8pm.
Bible study 8pm onwards, we are currently studying 1 Corinthians.

Christmas services
Carols by candlelight service, Sunday 18th December, 4pm, led by Ray Avent, followed by seasonal refreshments. There will be no morning service. Christmas Eve midnight service, 11.30pm, with favourite carols and mince pies.

Sunday Services
Our services are held every Sunday at 11am with refreshments served afterwards – a friendly welcome awaits.
We also have Sunday School where all children are welcome.

Please note we will not have a Sunday service on Remembrance Sunday at Chapel – Sunday 13th November, as we will join with St John's Church.

Charfield Memorial Hall & Playing Fields

Birthday Parties – Charity events
Wedding Receptions – Meetings
Family Events – etc.

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) – £13/hour
• Sportsman's Lounge (small separate room) – £7/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
Reg Charity no 301482

GENERAL UPDATE
As a general update, we are continuing with our improvement plans. Special thanks must go to CUGUC who have worked so hard on beautifying the outside space of the hall. We have, as I am sure you have noticed by now, improved the rear of the building with a new patio and picnic benches for everyone to enjoy.

The next big improvement comes thanks to our friends at Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust who have awarded us a cash grant to replace windows and doors around the building, and to render the front and side of the building which, we hope, will give the building its first face lift in forever! This important and much needed work will be happening over the next couple of months (October and November) so we apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the benefit for the village and our hall users will, we hope, be substantial.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT THE HALL

15th October – ** Live Music Event ** – Whalebone, 7.30pm

‘England's Whalebone are quite simply … a joy!
Instrumental music from every genre that will touch every part of your soul.’
– THE CELTIC SHOW, CKUA RADIO
Andy Donnelly

[Graphic: VOLUNTEERS]

14

Leavers
Our Rising 5 children had a Pirate themed Leavers Party which was enjoyed by the children and staff. They have all started Primary School and we wish them all the best.

New Starters
Our new children have started Pre-School over the last few weeks on a staggered basis in order that time can be devoted to helping them settle into a new environment. They are all settling in well and we are very proud of them.

Grandparents Day
The children have made cards and lavender bags to celebrate Grandparents Day on 2 October.

Outside Play
We have been lucky to have some sunshine since the start of term and the children have made the most of playing outside on the Pirate Ship, in the mud kitchen and using all the outside toys such as cars, scooters and pushchairs.

Cooking
Our young chefs have made pizzas which were delicious! Well done everyone.

Harvest Festival
The donated food for Harvest Festival will be given to a local Food Bank.

Christmas
We haves a large number of Christmas art and craft activities for the children to undertake in the lead-up to Christmas.

Rising 5s
We have been getting to know each other and learning all about how to be independent. We held a “Sensory Day” which allowed the children to explore all things squidgy, squashy, smelly and sparkly. During Autumn, the children will be learning about and exploring the changes from one season to another.

Pre-School Kitchen
We are extremely grateful to have been awarded funding for the refurbishment of the kitchen. Peter Elliott, our Treasurer, has worked tirelessly over the past few months to refurbish our enlarged kitchen. We are indebted to him for his continued support of the Pre-School both as Treasurer and as our maintenance man. Thanks Pete!

Annual General Meeting
Our AGM was held at the beginning of September and we were successful in appointing to our three Officer roles:

Chair – Louise Sydney
Treasurer – Peter Elliott
Secretary – Carly Lines

Emily Lock
It is with sadness that Emily will be leaving us after 7 years to pursue another career as a Beauty and Nail Technician. Emily will be missed by the staff and children. We wish Emily all the best in her new venture!

Regards
Debra, Pre-School Manager

Fundraising

Concept Photography attended the Pre-School on the 1 October and every photography time slot was booked. Thank you for your support!

Future Fundraising Events

Our Annual Shopping Evening will be held on Friday, 11 November, when you will be able to start your Christmas shopping! If you would like a stall at this event, please email xxxx @ hotmail.com as soon as possible, with “Shopping Evening Stall” as the subject and Sam Brown will reply to you.

Don't forget to put Sunday, 11 December in your diary as that is the date Santa and his helpers will be visiting the village. Make sure you look out for him and remember to be good!

Kind regards
Louise, Pre-School Chair

15

A Conversation with Terry Gardiner

‘I didn't want to write this book but the story had to be told’. These were the first words Terry said to me when I met him recently, looking very businesslike in his neat blue shirt and tie on a perfectly ordinary Monday afternoon for a chat about his soon to be published book. I left three hours later, reeling, not at all sure I would be able to write anything as the subject is just too huge. But here goes.

Terry, now retired, and his wife Pauline have lived in Charfield for many years, but for 35 years he has worked primarily in the Middle East. He started his working life here in the UK labouring for a bricklayer, learned to be a bricklayer and soon was running his own business. He went to Honduras as a manager for a construction company for a couple of years then to Sudan working on a power plant funded by the British Government. By then he'd caught the bug to work abroad, saw an advert by a Saudi national looking for a joint venture and despite having no money to invest went ahead and met him in London. He must have made a good impression because he was offered a job to turn around a failing company. I wasn't at all surprised to hear that he ended up working for a Saudi prince, starting company offices throughout the Middle East region.

By 1998 he was in partnership supplying food and medicines into Baghdad, making many contacts in the process – and was is Bahrain running a similar business when the Iraq war started on March 20, 2003. He left 8 days later and drove through Saudi into Kuwait, blagging his way through American and British troops helped by his Bahrani friends.

In between stories of his adventures, Terry was explaining some of the politics of the Middle East, the extraordinary events that he was witness to, some truly dreadful, and showing me photographs and documents backing his stories. He met Osama bin Laden twice; he talked about places and people most of us have only heard about in news programmes; about his knowledge of events that certainly doesn't match official versions. I don't intend to relate any of them here but you will be able to read for yourself when his book is published in early November.

And then he said, almost in a matter of fact way ‘When I was kidnapped …’ What? I needed to know more.

“It was in June 2004, I was being driven and we stopped for fuel. We had seen a black Mercedes behind us and it sped past us and blocked our way a bit further down the road. I was ordered out at gunpoint, blindfolded, told to get in the Mercedes and driven off. My captors locked me in a little room with bars at the window where they filmed me with my passport which I assumed would be shown on TV. After a while, I managed to gain their trust and, when they realised that I only employed Iraqis, they took my blindfold off and allowed me to spend part of the day out of the room. I was released a week later. When they checked my credentials they found out that I was widely known as ‘The Guy With The Tie’. I was even wearing one when I had been taken captive. Throughout my time in the Middle East I always wore a tie regardless of the climate which could reach in the high 40's in the summer. I suppose the tie became a kind of trademark, it certainly got me noticed.”

Writing his book has taken over his life, not to mention the dining room table. ‘I just had to tell the truth – there has been so much misinformation. I write for a few months but then the nightmares start and I have to stop 16for a while.’ By now my brain is struggling to process all this information and I was extremely grateful when a very cheerful Pauline came in with tea and tempting cake. ‘He's very brave and determined’, she said, ‘he's written the whole book with one finger.’ Amazing! I wondered if he has written anything before? ‘No, nothing. Not even any love letters to Pauline!’ Although he is already planning to do a follow-up book about the first Gulf war which will be equally revealing about the terrible consequences of war.

He and Pauline have a very pretty garden and I assumed he must garden for relaxation but no. ‘I just admire the garden that Pauline has done.’ He smiles, but Pauline says that's not true and that he does help with the major jobs. ‘The grandchildren keep me grounded. They spend a lot of time with us and are a great source of pleasure.’ Their importance is obvious from the photographs on display.

I feel very strongly that Terry is being driven by an absolute need for his story to be heard. ‘Do you feel better now that the book is finished?’ was my last question. ‘I will be once it's published and out there,’ he said. He won't have long to wait. It will be for sale locally in the bookshop in Wotton and from Amazon from early November.

The book is titled, ‘Iraq – The Rape of a Country’ and will also be available for online purchase from www.blairsiraqwar.co.uk with a share of any profits going to Iraqi orphans, who number in their millions – a figure that is almost incomprehensible and brings home the horrors of war in the starkest way possible.

Many of these orphans live on the streets of Iraq leaving themselves open to unimaginable daily danger and abuse.

And so I left, astonished that three hours had passed in a flash, sobered by such a serious and complicated subject and intrigued, as I always am, by the extraordinary folk who live in Charfield.

Barbara Adams

It seems a long time since the children were enjoying their activities during their long and sunny summer holiday. The holiday club was a great success! The theme was ‘The Olympics and Brazil’. We also had a visit from Zoolab with their bugs and reptiles, Thornbury Golf Club, Adam Sydney who showed the children some Taekwondo, and Natasha Lewinski who ran a Zumba session. Many thanks to all our visitors.

We would like to welcome all the new children who joined the club in September. The club is very busy this year, our afternoon sessions are full with just a few spaces available on a Friday. We currently have a waiting list but we do have spaces available for our breakfast club sessions between 7.30 and 8.40am. We are now taking bookings for the October half term holiday, so please contact us if your children would like to come along to join in the fun. The theme will be Halloween so lots of fun and spooky activities to enjoy!

The club will be holding its AGM on Wednesday 2nd November in the Foundation Room at 7.30pm. We're looking for volunteers so, if you already use the club, we would love to see you and if you could offer a couple of hours a year to attend committee meetings, offer ideas and help with fundraising we would be very grateful.

If you know of any new families who would like to use our service, both before and/or after school or during the school holidays, or, if you yourself would like to find out more, please contact us at the club. You can check us out on www.charfield.org/coosc. The club is open to children up to the age of 13, so even if your children are moving onto secondary school they are still welcome after school and in the holidays.

May we take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who continues to use the club and a big thank you to the staff – Pat, Georgina, Ann, Philippa and Lydia for continuing to make the club an outstanding facility for our village.

The Out of School Club Committee

17

Those that know me will have no doubt seen me plodding round the roads and lanes around the village over the last 10 years or so. For the ‘fat kid’ who was always last in cross country at school to have managed a half marathon in less than 2 hours aged 40 was quite an achievement. One of the attractions of living here (been here 20 years now, am I ‘local’ yet?) is the surrounding countryside and it is always good to get out and enjoy it.

However I feel I must share with you a little word of warning based on a recent unfortunate experience I had.

I can't say too much at this stage but would briefly state that during the summer, whilst out enjoying our surrounding lanes on foot, I was in collision with a motor vehicle which then failed to stop. The result was a trip to Gloucester Hospital in a large white vehicle with flashing lights.

Despite the fact that we live in such a wonderful rural location, be warned, there are some muppets out there. If you are someone who regularly pounds or pedals the local lanes then please be careful. I also would strongly recommend you invest in some sort of small mobile camera you can carry with you and have recording all the time just in case.

For me, well it's the gym at KLB for the time being for my exercise. £15 unlimited for a month is well recommended.

Ian Kershaw

[Graphic: VOLUNTEERS]

Here is report of meeting held on Thursday 6th October 2017 at Cromhall Chapel.

The Community Engagement Forum meets three times a year to listen and respond to local people's issues and provide feedback and updates.

PRIORITIES FROM LAST MEETING IN JUNE. (In no order of importance)

Speeding through Cromhall.

Speed count taken in September on the 50mph section north of the village showed that 85% of vehicles average speed was 55mph. This is an ongoing challenge with the speed of vehicles in the 30mph section being constantly monitored.

Old sleepers left in Station Road. Charfield.

Network rail have refused to remove sleepers as they state it is protection to their fence.

New Footpath in Frith Lane. Wickwar.

This is an item on the Local Transport Priority list and is to be considered by the relevant planning committee when the new residential development in that area comes up for a decision.

Parking in Station Road. Charfield.

Awaiting update from police who were to report at Octobers meeting. Officer had to leave to attend a road traffic accident.

Vandalism at Wickwar Hall.

Same as above.

Chase Lane Wickwar (Junc with Station Road) safety concerns with regard visibility.

The hedge has been cut by the owners of property to an acceptable level.

Devils Lane Charfield water on road.

18Cllr O'Neill reported that SGC drainage team have been notified, however no action at present. Matter to be referred back to SGC as danger of ice over the winter period.

Speed of one particular vehicle in Charfield/Tortworth area.

Same as update from police above.

Grass cutting of verge on Sodbury Road Wickwar to Frith Lane.

Wickwar parish council have taken over the cost of an extra four cuts a year at a cost of £264.00

Drains at Avening Green Tortworth.

No record found of original report of blockage. New report formally made. Awaiting work done.

Speed of vehicles from Chipping Sodbury to Wickwar.

Speed camera team now operating on road. Extension of 30mph limit from north of the playing fields in Chipping Sodbury under consideration.

Parking of vehicles by Cromhall shop.

Cromhall PC agreed no further action as local residents now are parking more responsibly.

Country Style Wood Supplies, Wickwar. Unsafe stacking of timber.

Planning enforcement visited. Stacking has been reduced in height. New application received to allow height to be 3 meters. Declined by Wickwar PC. Now with SGC planning. Enforcement suspended until the application is decided on.

NEW ITEMS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FORUM.

Parking in Wickwar High Street by bend outside youth club going North.

To be investigated.

Position of Pedestrian crossing in vicinity of Charfield Service Station.

Cllr O'Neill showed position which is north of site across from Elbury View.

Hawthorn Close gate. Charfield.

This matter is under consideration by SGC and we await the outcome.

Racial abuse in Charfield Area.

In the short time police were in attendance this matter was explained using no names in full.
No action required by forum.

Bus stop in Tafern Bach area.

Concerns raised about safety of persons walking to this stop. Will be reported to SGC.

Footpath across railway in Charfield.

Concerns were expressed about this permissive way and the question asked about provision of tunnel. Matter will not be progressed by forum as it has been made very clear by Rail track that no tunnel will be built.

30mph limit ending before first railway bridge going from Wickwar to Kingswood.

The idea of extending this to the other side of bridge or until exit from second bridge will be brought to the attention of Highways.

Vehicle parked in Sidings, Charfield.

Concerns were raised with regard vehicle parked in what has been regarded as a turn round section of cul-de-sac.
Matter referred to SGC to assess the situation.

It was noted at meeting that a recent traffic count in Wickwar showed 1000 vehicle movements an hour in High Street between 07.30–09.00.

Next meeting Thursday Feb 16th at Cromhall Chapel.

Mike Cheskin (Chair) to which any items can be reported on 01453 84xxxx

19

What with all the programmes on family history, from the celebs in ‘Who do you think you are’ to the tear-jerking ‘Long lost family’ and all points between, it is tempting to start researching your own family. It should come with a government health warning … it is addictive and can lead to lost hours in on-line searching. You start looking for one particular person, and end up three generations away with some far-flung cousins, led astray by intriguing facts and the thrill of the chase.

It's precisely the stories you stumble over which make it so fascinating. Stories of triumph and disaster, loss and survival, resilience and adventure. Some families stick to their home turf for centuries, others scatter to all points of the country and indeed the world. Genealogy is a way of linking into world and British history, social history, and learning about trades (rope makers, Yeoman Signallers, mining methods and diseases, for example), deciphering wills and testaments (written in the reign of Henry VIII, no less!) and so much more. No famous names in my tree, but I was thrilled to find that someone had 2 flitches of bacon in his inventory. And some pewter to serve it on. I bet he'd approve of our Remembrance Sunday bacon butties! I'd recommend everyone should have a bash at some stage – it's an education in more ways than one.

It is however sobering to find I have no shortage of people among my ancestors to pay respect to on Remembrance Sunday. I knew about my great grandfather, Walter Henry Simmons, a miner who signed up in 1915 at the age of 35 leaving a wife and brood of children, answering the call of Kitchener. He spent 18 months digging tunnels under no-man's land in France. He was invalided out, but survived. Others were not so lucky.

Great uncle Joseph Atkinson signed up 6 September 1914 and had his jaw shot away in 1917, and died of infection problems in 1918. Great great uncle Edwin Baker signed up in 1915, was posted in June to the Eastern Mediterranean, and was dead by the middle of August at Gallipoli. In 1939, just before the outbreak of WW2, Harry Horsman (first cousin, twice removed) was a civilian technician on submarine HMS Thetis for her first dive trial off Liverpool. She sank. A handful were able to escape, but the remaining 99 Navy and civilian personnel died of carbon monoxide poisoning (the Thetis story was a catalogue of errors and botched attempts to rescue, and the real facts of the story were suppressed for 30 years).. And there are, I'm sorry to say, so many more. And that's just my side of the family. And just the first World War.

I may have to have a list of names with me on 13 November at the Charfield Memorial. I wouldn't want to miss anyone out of my thoughts.

Julia O'Connor-Beach

Hopefully you have found the newsletter informative and interesting, and feedback is welcome.

Don't forget our EGM on 15th November at which we will be discussing the future of CHADRA, all are welcome.

And to labour the point, most groups in the village need volunteers to help with running their group or committee, please don't assume that someone else will do it, they will not, so please think about giving something back to our wonderful village.

[Graphic: VOLUNTEERS]

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British Legion – Chris Summers 01454 26xxxx

BINGO – Tony White 01454 26xxxx

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

Charfield Pre-School
Debra Davidson (Manager/Admissions) 07966 61xxxx
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
Revd. Chris Mason 01454 26xxxx
Revd. David Russell 01454 29xxxx
xxxx @ gmail.com

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

Council – Charfield Parish
Parish Council, PO Box 1947, Bristol. BS37 0BU
clerk @ charfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

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

Cricket Club
Dan Newman 07805 18xxxx
Roger Newman 07764 49xxxx
xxxx @ gmail.com

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Friends of Charfield Primary School
Dave Ashby (Chair) 07904 02xxxx
xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk

Foundation Room
Bryan Grantham 01454 26xxxx

Junior Football Club
Andy Leeds 0758015xxxx

Keep Fit Club
Christine Parfitt 01454 26xxxx

Luncheon Club for the Elderly
Jane Higgins 01454 26xxxx

Dementia Connections (Memory Groups and Support Services)
Amanda Pearson 0781469xxxx xxxx @ outlook.com

Out of School Club 01454 26xxxx
Pat Loveridge or 07816 23xxxx

Memorial Hall Bookings 07774 41xxxx
Chairman – Liam Balloch xxxx @ gmail.com
0794743xxxx

KLB School Friends
Glenny Greenaway –
Chair xxxx @ klbschool.org.uk

Police (if not a 999 call)
Call Handling Centre 101
Reporting crimes in person now at Chipping Sodbury Police Station
Following are strictly non urgent and not reporting crime
PC Lee Bainbridge voicemail 0117 945 xxxx
PC Lee Bainbridge mobile 07919 62xxxx
PCSO Hayley Harrison mobile 07825 38xxxx
PCSO Sean McKinnon 07825 38xxxx

Round Table – Wotton and District
John Francksen (Hon Sec) 01453 84xxxx

GIRLGUIDING:
Rainbows – 1st Charfield – Mon 4.30–5.30pm
Email: xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk
Brownies – 2nd Charfield – Tues 5.30–7pm. – Contact District Commissioners
Guides – 2nd Wotton Thurs 7.30–9pm
Sarah Cocker
email: xxxx @ hotmail.com
Senior Section every other Thursday
Lynsey email: xxxx @ yahoo.co.uk
Girlguiding – Wotton District Commissioners
Sarah Norton 01453 52xxxx
xxxx @ tesco.net /
Jackie Woodall 01453 84xxxx
xxxx @ talk21.com

Tae Kwon Do
Andy Reynolds 07909 92xxxx

Tennis Club
Lucy Culpepper xxxx @ gmail.com

Transport Scheme
Marion Smith 01454 26xxxx

1st Woodend Scout Group
xxxx @ gmail.com
Beavers Tues 6.00–7.15pm
Tina Rickwood 01454 29xxxx
Cubs Wed 6.30–8.00pm
Alison Moore 07712 47xxxx.
Thurs 6.30–8.00pm
Sandra Carnegie 0789998xxxx
Scouts Mon 6.30–8.30pm / Tues 7.00–9.00 pm
Mike Rickwood 01454 29xxxx
Explorers Thurs 7.30–9.30pm – Kevin Watson 0798027xxxx
Group Scout Leader Sandra Carnegie 01454 26xxxx 0789998xxxx
Assistant Group Scout Leader (waitlists) Allison Trueman 01454 26xxxx
www.####.uksites.org.uk

If you wish to alter the entries above email xxxx @ gmail.com

Transcriber Notes

This issue was produced on 31 sides of A4 paper.

Personal phone numbers and addresses have been redacted.

Minor typographical corrections and presentational changes have been made without comment.

Digitization by Brendan O'Connor.

Last update: 2017-03-22.