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Community Plan Update
Pucklechurch Twinning Association
Parish Council Chairman's Notes
Girlguiding UK
St. Thomas a Becket
Women's Institute
Pucklechurch Community Association
New Pucklechurch Sustainability and Environmental Group
Pucklechurch Produce Show
Revel 2007 - Chairman's Report
Revel Donations to Village Groups
Revel AGM
News & Features
Letters to the Editor
 Community Plan Update
A small but dedicated band of volunteers have been working feverishly over their keyboards entering the data from the Community Plan questionnaires. We would like to have been a lot further forward by this edition of the Pucklechurch News, but the superb response from the people of the parish has meant that we have close to 2000 household and individual questionnaires to enter. The team are about a third of the way through, so if you can offer some time (a rare commodity these days), have a PC, and would like to help, please see the box at the bottom of this page for details.
We didn't have to wait to enter data to take some actions though. Many of you filled in the last page of the questionnaire expressing interest in getting involved in some way. Here is a quick update on where we are:
Sustainability and the Environment
Eighty-four people expressed interest in this topic, and there have been two meetings attended by around 20 people each. The initial meetings were facilitated by Rosie Parsons and a committee was formed at the last meeting. This group has lots of ideas and enthusiasm and you can read more in their article in this issue of the Pucklechurch News.
Good Neighbour Scheme
Over 100 people expressed interest on their questionnaires, and this group has had two meetings so far. Andrea Ryland facilitated, and three volunteers have agreed to run the group. The next meeting will be held on December 5th.
Gardens
There were exactly 12 people needing help and 12 offering help. Sue Thomas from the committee is working on how to match people up.
Pucklechurch Revel
We had 44 people express an interest, and the Revel committee will be contacting people to attend a planning meeting on 30th January in the Village Hall meeting room at 8.00pm to sign people up. (There were also 11 people from Shortwood who put their name down, so the Shortwood Fete may also have a bumper crop of new volunteers.)
Car Sharing
Although 25 people put their names down for car sharing, only two people had the same destination. One of the committee is making arrangements for these people to get in touch.
Traffic and Transportation
Many people mentioned to the volunteer on their doorstep that they felt that more needed to be done about traffic in the area. The traffic working group of the Community Plan have been looking into this. They have been trying to get help from South Gloucestershire Council to conduct a traffic survey or provide help and guidance so that we can do this ourselves. So far SGC have not been able to help, but the traffic working group are optimistic that they will be able to organise something in the new year.
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Pucklechurch Twinning Association
Pringy, October 2007 -- Paris in springtime! Sunshine, blue skies, tourists, Bateaux Mouche on the Seine and wonderful sights... not quite but almost. It was springtime in October, with wonderful weather for our annual visit to Pringy.
New and old members never fail to be impressed by the hospitality shown to us by our French friends. We are indeed fortunate to be twinned with a village in such a beautiful and historic part of France (about 25 miles southeast of Paris on the N7).
The Forest of Fontainebleau was stunning with blazing colours on the trees, and members spent time exploring the Seine-et-Marne region -- many visiting some of the chateaux in the area. (There are 27! Imagine 27 castles in Gloucestershire.)
Sunday was spent visiting the Chateau des Pecheurs at La Bussiere in the Montargis area and taking lunch with our hosts, where many tasted Boudin -- a French version of black pudding -- for the first time. Monday involved a visit to Chantilly, famous for its lace, cream and horse racing, and where we spent several hours in the Chateau Conde and its gardens. Tuesday we went to Paris and free time allowed members to visit places of their own choosing. For some it was an irresistible opportunity to shop on the Champs Elysees or in Gallery LaFayette. Others did the cultural thing -- the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Musee Rodin. Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur. Whether it was Inspector Clousseau or The DaVinci Code, there was always something to bring films to life.
Oh! And by the way, some of us were even entertained by the French on Saturday night, when they provided a venue and a big screen for us to watch the Rugby World Cup Final. Talk about something sticking in the throat!
Wednesday and the return home came all too soon, as it always does. Now we are planning for the French visit to Pucklechurch in April -- the 20th anniversary of the first signing of the Twinning Charter.
Twinning always encourages new members, and we have a full programme of social events throughout the year. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Val Broom (937 2025) or Ann Smith (937 2030).
Lyn Smith, Chair
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Parish Council Chairman's Notes
The Parish Council have completed the installation of the new fencing on the Castle Road side of the Rec, which we hope will both enhance the visual aspect and improve safety. It is a major part of our role to ensure that any areas of land owned by the Council are properly maintained and where possible improved.
The Council are pleased that a new bus shelter has been installed at the top of Kestrel Drive. We hope that this will help keep those waiting for buses a little less cold and wet during our long drab winter days!
Many of you will share my disappointment that the planning inspector upheld the appeal by the residents of Meadow View on Shortwood Road at the hearing held in August. However, representations were made by both Parish and South Glos Councillors against the appeal but without success. The Parish Council are strongly opposed to anyone buying land in the green belt and establishing a residence without the necessary planning permission. We are NOT against anyone buying land, obtaining proper planning permission, and then building their property in the usual way, no matter who they are.
It is always pleasing to mark achievement and I should like to congratulate Sue and Pete James of Fern Cottage in Pucklechurch on their gold award for Sustainable Tourism. The award was made at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards held recently. They will now go on to represent the region in national finals to be held next April.
In the next few months, the Council will be discussing the level of 'Parish Precept' we will receive from South Glos for the new financial year beginning in April 2008. Diane Bailey (our clerk) and Councillors Alan Holder and Bob Symons monitor the budget on a regular basis to ensure that we neither overcommit ourselves nor underspend and build up vast reserves. If any groups are thinking about asking the Parish Council for financial help with a project they will be undertaking after April 2008, please let us know before our January 16th meeting.
Finally may I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2008.
Omar Beg
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Girlguiding
Pucklechurch
Every group has been busy with all sorts of activities since the start of term in September.
 1st Pucklechurch Rainbows Ruth, Rainbow Leader, says seven new girls have brought numbers up to twelve and asked for a specific mention for her helpful parents. An autumn theme has been running through the meetings with sponge painting and a collage in autumn colours. The Rainbows tried to guess the weight of a pumpkin and the number of sunflower seeds on a head. They are planning an autumn fruit tasting.
2nd Pucklechurch Rainbows have been making memory boxes. They also decided to learn about the postal system, making their own cards and posting them in the post box, expecting them back in a couple of days. Unfortunately this didn't happen due to the postal strike! Still… something else to learn! They visited Longleat along with thousands of Rainbows, all celebrating 20 years of Rainbows in 2007.
Girlguiding looks beyond its own programme and ideals and is currently incorporating the Rights of the Child from the UN Convention. Six rights have been identified, and all girls can participate in activities which explore these Rights. Completion culminates in a badge.
 1st Pucklechurch Brownies are currently working on the 'Right to be Happy' badge. They are making 'Happy Books', which will be donated when completed. They also went to 'Jump' soft play. Due to our inclement summer, the end-of-term barbecue was postponed and held at start of term.
2nd Pucklechurch Brownies are delighted to welcome Omie as a prospective Assistant Brownie Guider. She will work towards her Adult Leadership Qualification to ensure she is fully trained in all aspects of running a unit before gaining her warrant. Emily is our Young Leader and Caroline has volunteered to be a unit helper. With Lori Anne as Brownie Guider, this pack of 14 girls is well prepared to offer a full range of activities. Currently the Brownies are working on their International Badge and have enjoyed a craft evening.
 1st Pucklechurch Guides Two girls working on their Baden-Powell Challenge made their own tent and slept in the garden. They are working towards the highest award in the Guide Section. All Guides took part in tent pitching practice and thoroughly enjoyed the Malvern Challenge. They regularly visit and cultivate their successful allotment, where they grow flowers and vegetables and recently held a quiz whilst there. The girls enjoyed a barbecue and archery at our County Camp and Activity Centre, Briarlands. At present 24 Guides are working in patrols on "Go For Its".
Pucklechurch Senior Section Welcome to our new adult leader Eilidh (pronounced Aley). This small unit of five girls meets on the first Tuesday of month in the Scout Hut and is looking for more members, aged between 14 and 26. They have made a website, tried line dancing and are planning to visit London. If you would like to join, please phone Lynn (937 3381) for more details.
Ros Abbott, District Secretary
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St.Thomas-a-Becket
Pucklechurch
Christmas Services
Sunday, 2nd Dec6.30pm, Advent Carol Service, Handbells from 6.00pm
Sunday, 23rd Dec 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight, Handbells from 6.00pm
Christmas Eve 4pm, Christingle and Nativity Play (please bring a bell: paper, toy, or real)
Christmas Eve 11.30pm, Midnight Communion, Carols beginning at 11.15pm
Christmas Day 10am, Festival Family Communion (toy service)
St James the Great, Abson
Sunday, 16th Dec 3pm, Carol Service, Handbells from 2.30pm
Christmas Day 8.30am, Holy Communion
All Souls Service
On Sunday, October 28th, we held an All Souls Service at St Thomas à Becket where we remembered all those people who have died recently or in the past. During the service, candles were lit and put on the altar. After the service, refreshments were served and the retiring collection of £151 was sent to St Peter's Hospice. Thank you to all who supported this.
Messy Church
On the afternoon of Sunday, 9th December, at 3pm we shall be having a short act of informal worship. This will include a time for crafts, painting, and other activities. This is open to everyone, but especially parents with young people. Please keep an eye out for posters.
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 Pucklechurch W.I.
Pucklechurch WI, who celebrated their 70th anniversary this year, would like to extend a warm welcome to Shortwood WI, who had their inaugural meeting early in November.
New Shortwood Village W.I.
A new local chapter of the Women's Institute has been established to help meet the pent-up demand for WI membership. The Shortwood Village WI will meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in the Shortwood Methodist Chapel vestry. The next meeting, however, will be held on 13th December in the Bridge Inn. Come along if you are interested in a WI group who are committed to community involvement and organising a diverse range of activities. Contact the newly elected chair Catherine Stapleton on 937 3312 for more information.
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Pucklechurch Community Association - Job Opening
The PCA require a facilities manager. This job entails organising the hiring of contractors to conduct maintenance and repairs and giving them entry to the building to carry out any such work. For further details of this job, salary & hours, etc., please telephone Les Bence on 937 3140.
 New Pucklechurch Sustainability and Environmental Group
Following the recent Community Plan consultation (you may remember the questionnaires that went around earlier this year), a new group has been formed, “The Pucklechurch Sustainability and Environmental Group". The group had its second meeting in the Village Hall on 6th November. About 20 people attended both the first and second meetings.
The group hopes to attract people who are concerned about their environment and who want to make a difference. We hope to have a guest speaker at each meeting, allowing time for discussion at the end. Exchanging energy-saving ideas, recycling items within Pucklechurch using the web site (rather than putting items into the landfill), and local food are just some ideas that have already been discussed.
The next meeting is at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 29th January, in the Village Hall. The guest speaker will be Hamish Wills, who has helped to set up and advise other local environmental groups. He helps groups focus on what is important to them locally and how to reflect the community's wishes. He will be helping the group do this at the January meeting, and we would urge anybody with an interest in the environment -- either locally or the wider issues -- should come to the meeting and help form the direction they would like to see the group go. Come and have your say!
The committee members are:
Chairman:Richard Dunning
Secretary:Sue James
Treasurer:Ken Jaques
If you have any queries or suggestions regarding the Sustainability and Environmental Group, committee members can be contacted by clicking here...
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 Pucklechurch Produce Show
This year the Produce Show was restricted to Pucklechurch Women's Institute and Gardeners' Club members only. The show took place on Saturday, 8th September, at the Scout Hut. The Committee are pleased to say that we had 135 entries on the day, a good, friendly atmosphere, and because we had downsized from previous years, there were more new exhibitors taking part.
Trophies
Gardeners' Club Shield, Stan Willmott and Roger Payne; President's Salver, Stan Willmott, Women's Institute Rose Bowl, Norma Pratt; Women's Institute Salver, Jean Wilcock and Frieda Hopkins; George Alway Shield, Roger Payne; Rose and Crown Shield, Mike Abbott; Lloyd's Bank Trophy, Norma Pratt; Willmott Trophy, Sherian Rendell; Whittock Trophy, Sherian Rendell; Community Association Shield, Stan Willmott.
The first prize winners received £5 (sponsored). The prizes were presented by Mr Terry Walker. Next year's show takes place on Saturday, 13th September. Please put this date in your diary.
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 Revel 2007 - Chairman's Report
This was my first year as chair, and it was both demanding and rewarding. I took over from Cindy Hill who had done such a magnificent job that I knew it would be a hard act to follow. Cindy retired last year and now it is George Hill's turn to step down from the role of treasurer and to hand over the baton to someone else. The committee will be sorry to lose the active participation of both of them.
Cyndi and George have been involved with Revel since 1998. Back then Revel had fallen on hard times. In that year there was a parade, some local groups set up in the hall, and a raffle. You can get some idea of how bad things had become from the fact that the first prize was a collection of tinned food, all of which had passed its expiry date. It looked like Revel was passing its expiry date too. An extraordinary general meeting was called and a few brave folks stepped forward to get Revel back on course. Cindy and George were amongst them and in 1999 George and Cyndi were on the field during the early hours of Saturday morning setting up… as they have been ever since.
I think it is fair to say that every year since 1999 has seen Revel growing in one way or another. In gross terms the surplus (after expenses) from Revel was just short of £9,000, made up from £6,000 from the Beer Festival and £3,000 from other Revel activities. This has allowed us to return £8,100 back to community groups. The Revel Committee, the Beer Festival Committee, and the village groups and individuals who supported Revel deserve hearty thanks for that magnificent effort.
During the past year the committee, both formally and informally, stepped back to consider and reflect on what Revel was all about. Why are we doing this?
Historically -- and Revel an be traced back over 700 years -- it was all about giving the local people a break from the hard work in the fields, the quarries, and the mines. It was a day of revelry, a day for giving the children a treat, and a time when the whole community came together.
We feel that community is what Revel is about. It is about bringing our community together, and that also means providing a focus for children. Fundraising is an important by-product of that, but not an end in itself.
Let's face it, today "community" is under threat more than ever. Many village people work in Bristol, Bath or further afield, most shop in megastores amongst strangers, and most find entertainment in front of a screen of one sort or another or outside the village. So the 2007 committee wanted to put more emphasis on community… on bringing people together and on increasing activities for children. This year we had:
A ceremony for turning on the Christmas tree lights
"Pocket money" stalls for children on Revel Day
We hope the 2008 Revel Committee will expand on this next year.
After this year's Revel, the committee met to review the week and decide what worked, what could be improved and what needed changing. Among the many ideas that will be passed to the 2008 committee is to have an event for newcomers to our community. This could be extended to people not currently involved or active in the community. For example, this could be a barbecue or some other event where a couple of members from each of our many community groups would host a party for people new to the village or who may, for whatever reason, not have become involved. They would find out how much this village has to offer.
New ideas are not restricted to the committee however, so please put forward your ideas to the committee… or, better still, join the committee. I have to mention at this point the fantastic response we got from the Community Plan questionnaire. Over 40 people said they wanted to help with Revel. So 2008 looks set to be an exciting year!
Martin Smith, 2007 Chair
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 AGM
The Revel Committee distributed over £8,000 to community organisations. (See the accompanying list for details.) Also read the Chairman's Report on Revel 2007 in the related article.
The Bob Stone memorial shield is awarded each year for the most outstanding contribution to Revel. The award can be given to an individual, a group, an organisation, or a business. Village groups and organisations nominated ten candidates for this year's award. The Revel Committee reduced this to a short list of three before the village organisations voted. The three candidates were Les Whittock, Mike Hanks and George Hill -- all very deserving people. Voting was close and it went right down to the last votes before there was a winner. This year Mike Hanks was presented with the shield by Elaine Stone. To make Revel a success takes effort from many individuals and organisations. Some are well known and some work in the background. Mike is one of the "backroom staff" working tirelessly for Revel each year. He supports the village by helping whenever he is asked. He always helps with setting up the PA and electrics for Revel, and this year saw him coping with the PA system in the rain on Revel Day.
At this year's Revel Annual General Meeting, the following people were elected as officers for Revel 2008:
Chair -- Martin Smith (revel@pucklechurch.org) 937 4437
Vice Chair -- Mandi Smith
Treasurer -- John Sexton
Secretary -- Angela Hallett
We had an outstanding response to the Community Plan questionnaire. Forty-four people put their names forward as willing to help Revel, and we will be having a planning meeting on 30th January in the Village Hall meeting room at 8.00pm to sign people up for helping with activities.
Dates for your diary
Revel week 2008: 14th - 21st June
Revel Day: Saturday, 21st June
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Revel Donations to Village Groups - information may be found here...
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