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WINTERBOURNE
and DISTRICT
COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION
A Brief history of the 30 years of the
Community Association 1964 - 1994
How it was formed and how it grew.
Compiled from the Association's records and from the
recollections some of those who were involved
With grateful acknowledgements to Kathleen Marsh, Sheila Berry and Stella Bambridge
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Foreword
In 1967, when I became Chairman in succession to Peter Berry, "new" Winterbourne was still being built, and most of the new families were young, not too well off and not nearly as mobile as most of us are today. Recreation was thus largely sought within the village.
The Association comprised a small active Executive, with many Sections meeting all over the Village. Many of our activities were centred on the old St Michael's School in the High Street, much encouraged by the Headmaster, Alf Dunn.
We badly needed a Home to call our own, and in contrast to more recent Associations elsewhere, we did not expect to have it handed to us on a plate. While sites were being sought, we were busily raising money through all sorts of events. The fourth Motor Gymkhana sticks vividly in my mind. We had an incomplete extension at the near of our house. Sunday night and Monday morning of the Bank Holiday it tipped with rain, and water was running down the inside walls of our bedroom and bathroom. In addition we had a hundred Goldfish (to be used as prizes) busy plopping up and down in a small tank in the kitchen. A restful night! About ten on the Monday morning the sun suddenly came out and just after lunch the whole of Winterbourne seemed to be walking down Flaxpits Lane towards the Gymkhana - a very successful and enjoyable day was had by all and several more hundred pounds went into the Building Fund.
My wife and I look back on that period with pleasure, and are glad that what we, and other Village stalwarts, did, laid the foundations for our successors to Provide the splendid centre the Association now possesses.
Derek Hinton
July 1994
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History of Community Association - Winterbourne.
1963
November 18th: letter of agreement from Co-op (re empty shop in High Street) addressed to N Dunn from agents Howes Luce, Payne. Dot Portlock and N Dunn followed up for Youth facilities. Joe Scarrott (Gloucestershire County Council Community Officer) advised Dot to pursue Youth Club (finalised as Fromeside Club many years after). Also, to form a Standing Committee for a Village Hall/Community Association. Ray Sharland (National Federation of Community Associations) was also of tremendous help in those embryo days setting up a steering group.
1964
Inaugural meeting March 9th held at The Ridings chaired by Councillor Harry Rogers. First Chairman elected was Peter Birkett. He resigned in June. Nancy Dunn (Secretary).
1964-65
(June) Peter Berry (Chairman) Nancy Dunn (Secretary)
Every household received notices/newsletters by courtesy of Mrs Cox (newsagent in the High Street). Membership started at 370, drummed up by N Dunn, P Gradwell and others.
The first Motor Gymkhana was held.
1965-66
P Berry (Chairman) Nancy Dunn (Secretary) J Woodcock (Treasurer)
Membership rose to 404. Newsheets were circulated. Many more Sections were started as the old ones continued their activities all around the parish in various venues, eg Dauber's Club /Dog Training / Winterbourne Players Drama all in St Michael's School. Childrens Dancing Class in St Michael's Rooms; Olde Tyme Dancing at Hambrook. The Thrift Shop in High Street in a Terrapin building was home for Pan's Pantry for a wonderful selection of cakes made by Pam Gradwell and co. Funds were rising too.
1966-67
Peter Berry (Chairman) S Bambridge (Secretary) E Caines (Treasurer)
The various groups were seeking help with rent and running costs and the funds were growing steadily with all the Coffee Mornings, Bring and Buy stalls, etc.
August 30th Bank Holiday - the third Motor Gymkhana was held successfully at Hicks Common and boosted funds .
1967-68
Derek Hinton (Chairman) Mrs J Gore (Secretary) A Tearle (Treasurer)
June 23rd. Eric Caines (Fundraising) - Building Fund was launched with a Wine and Cheese Party at St Michael's Rooms. The Newsletter was revamped and the first magazine called "New Look" began a monthly circulation to all members (now at 700) by way of the 46 street Links.
A Barbecue was held at Northwoods on June 17th.
The fourth August Bank Holiday Motor Gymkhana was an even bigger success.
In October a very important meeting was held with Gloucestershire County Council Education Officers re proposals for Hoopers Farm. This was to be the site of the new area Comprehensive School. It was envisaged a useful complex of School/Youth Club/Community Centre facilities to benefit the area. The Ridings complex was withdrawn from the scheme, and built later in the High Street.
In November, an Extraordinary General Meeting of the CA decided the Association needed a focal point. Joe Scarrott advised officers to press on for a permanent building.
1968-69
Derek Hinton (Chairman) Mrs H Marsh (Secretary) A Tearle (Treasurer)
In January came Mrs P Smith's plea to start a Scrap Book. Does anyone remember Mrs Smith of Friary Grange?
February saw the Building Fund at £1,650. Muriel Letts was urging friends and neighbours to hold coffee mornings etc to raise £125 per year. Shirley Rollins responded and raised £3-1-9d at her abode (a big sum in those days!) Mr and Mrs Westwood held a Wine and Cheese/Fashion Show at Crossley House and raised £27. Tremendous!
Another Barbecue at Northwoods on June 12th and a Donkey Derby on June 29th at Hoopers Farm, followed by the fifth Motor Gymkhana at Hicks Common on Sept 2nd. Entrants came from far and wide with their magnificent machines competing for the Stella Bambridge Cup among others. It was all go for the few! Maud Strong and Maureen Hinton made endless sandwiches (with crusts removed, of course) which ended up as Bread Pudding which sold like hot cakes as well - nothing was wasted.
December saw Father Christmas touring the Village with the help of the Keep Fit ladies.
Another possible site for The Centre had been lost to the Library in Flaxpits Lane.
1969-70
Roy McIntyre (Chairman) Mrs N Dunn (Secretary) A Tearle (Treasurer)
October 27th-November 1st. House-to-house collection for building fund. £105 6s. 4d! Wonderful effort by N Dunn and S Bambridge.
The frantic search for the site for the Centre was taking much time and resource by the officers.
Winterbourne Lodge in Nicholls Lane was becoming a distinct possibility and outline planning permission was obtained from Northavon District Council for the change of use. Downside Farm and its Barn at the top of High Street had also been considered for the Centre.
Willing hands were emerging in the Sections:
Winterbourne Players - Colin Pontin.
St Michael's Playgroup - Olive Allen.
Wine Circle - June Hamblin (Chairman) Rachel Hicks (Secretary)
Keep Fit Section - Dod Phillips (Elm Park School)
Children's Dancing - Maureen Watson/Margaret Biven
Netball - Sue Weaver.
Winterbourne Down Playgroup - Jackie Spooncer.
Table Tennis - Norma Whittaker (Bethesda Hall)
Old Tyme Dancing- Colin Wilson (Hambrook Pavilion)
Foto Group - Jack Lees Don Strong, Ron Rogers.
Music Circle- Mr Brown (Branksome Drive)
Meanwhile December magazine saw the first part of Ludwell's "History of Winterbourne" (later to become a booklet).
June 14th. Anita Dyer and Co produced a Carnival Day and £120!
September 1st The sixth Motor Gymkhana at Hicks Common.
December. Father Christmas toured the village.again
The Thrift shop moved to Mrs Combellack's home in St Michael's Close.
The Building Fund grew to £3,225 by July.
October 25th. Petticoat Lane came to St Michael's School £69. Thelma Serjent and band started those dances! Great fun.
1970-71
R McIntyre (Chairman) Mrs N Dunn (Secretary) I Broome (Treasurer)
The purchase of Winterbourne Lodge now became urgent. The Chairman sent to all members a pledge form in order to raise money quickly. Although quite successful showing members enthusiasm for the project, it was not to be. The consultant Surveyor's report was very critical of the building including the underground spring and lack of mains drainage. The advice was the cost would be far too much to restore the building for public use. After much heartache the project was abandoned in September. Fund raising continued as did the Sections' activities.
The Thrift Shop was now at Sheila White's house.
June 13th became Carnival Day.
August 31st Motor Gymkhana was organised by Seb Miller
Keep Fit ran a Fashion Show and again in December invited Father Christmas to tour the village. He loved it!
Thelma Serjent and band had a New Year Party and Dance
New starts included Badminton Club - P Cann
Ballroom Dancing - Pat Lee.
St Michael's Playgroup - Olive Allen.
Children's Dancing - Maureen Watson.
Plans for a new St Michael's school in Linden Close were revealed by Avon County Council.
The magazine printed Chapter 3 of Ludwell's History.
From Oxfam in Freetown, Paul and Jackie Sherlock wrote a letter to the village about their working visit there.
1971-72
A Dunn (Chairman) R Mclntyre (Secretary ) B Ward (Treasurer)
This year saw membership top 900 at 5/- annual subscription!
A Ladies' Skittle Team was started at the George and Dragon. In all there were now 25 different weekly sessions catering for the very wide spectrum of interests in the by now huge village (due to all the new housing). This purely voluntary effort was indeed something of a record.
Thelma Serjent's Dance in July raised £14. The Old Tyme Dance Chairman, Mr Dando, presented £30 for the Building Fund.
By August, there were no fewer than 17 Sections with new additions such as French Circle, Cookery, Art, Bridge Club.
The Winmor Club lottery was formed by Mr and Mrs M Potter.
Father Christmas was said by two little boys to look just like their next door neighbour with a beard! So 'twas!
An application for a Centre at Hooper's Farm was granted outline permission. Mr R Kingscott (Architect) was drawing detailed plans and Mr Floyd was appointed as Quantity Surveyor)
1972-73
Alex Powell (Chairman) Roy Mclntyre (Secretary) B Ward (Treasurer)
Ludwell's "History of Winterbourne" enlarged and printed in booklet form was selling well at 25p. Mr Ludwell had died and it was seen as a tribute to one of the CA's greatest supporters.
"New Look"s new editor Keith Jones brought a fresh style to the editorials, especially about the way the village was developing (May 1st 1972 Bristol Parkway Station opened adding extra traffic problems to the High Street rush hour).
Children's Dance Section - Maureen Watson retired and Anne Edwards took over.
Fromeside Youth Centre changed leaders - Mr Haslin had left to take up a post near London. Brian Fussell came and became a good neighbour indeed in the years to come.
The 23 activities now in being were waiting for a Centre.
In July, Winterbourne Lodge was finally demolished, the lovely staircase, panelling and windows being rebuilt into an antique shop in Hereford (Markbury House).
The first Links Party was held in November at Bethesda.
Boxing Day saw the first Pram Race organised by Jack Lees ably assisted by The Lions' Club, raised £34 for charity.
The year ended on a rather sour note. The Government had proposed reducing the grants from central funds. The South Gloucestershire Federation's message to all CAs was to lobby Their MPs! Alex Powell visited Sir Fred Corfield our MP, who was aware of our project and the fact that the Rural District Council had allocated £1,200 and Parish Council £2,500. The problem was not as bad as was first thought. Central funds for Community projects had been increased but redistributed to more needy areas! With Local Government changes and the creation of Avon County, larger grants would be available .
Meanwhile another of Thelma's dances raised £29.50p.
1973-74
A Powell (Chairman ) Linda Aldridge (Secretary ) lan Broome (Treasurer)
The Young Talent Show at The Ridings gave birth to many budding stars.
The Thrift Shop was opened again by the Cooks and Aldridges.
The Beetle Drive organised by the Keep Fit ladies raised in excess of £8 for the Building Fund.
The Second Boxing Day Pram Race again raised money for charity showing the undoubted generosity of Winterbourne to others in need.
The AGM May 1st produced a provocative proposal to disband the Community Association with a rallying call from Vice-Chairman Jack Lees not to let this happen! Jack won! A Centre Building was never far from people's mind. Much research was carried out by members of the Executive Committee visiting other CA Centres. To capitalise on our Funds, Alex learned of the prefabricated building produced by Prattens of Midsomer Norton. Estimates were formulated and grant schemes investigated by the Building Committee.
An Extraordinary General Meeting was held on February 26th 1974 at Linden Close School. Members gave approval to full steam ahead for a Centre within twelve months at Watley's End.
Another Young Talent Show was held at The Ridings in March.
1974-75
A Powell (Chairman) Linda Gwinnell(Secretary) John Lewis (Treasurer)
A Childrens' sponsored run organised by Helen Elliott raised £187.79!
Keith Jones resigned as Editor of New Look.
Helen Elliott led the Keep Fit team in many displays around the area.
Stella Bambridge held another Beetle Drive.
The Playgroups had waiting lists, they were so popular.
The Table Tennis teams were winning matches organised by Norma Whittaker, at home and away.
Alex Powell and J Lees attended a Conference of Community Associations in Torquay, gaining advice and winning support for our building project. The vexed question of whether to aim for a Bar with a Bar Steward was discussed, and in view of the troubles some CAs had had, and despite some making huge profits, all in all the meeting was not in favour of Community Centres which had to rely on bar takings. A meeting was held with the Parish Council to explain the proposals for the Centre.
The CA found a friendly ally in Holland. Tony Soeters had visited Winterbourne for a 100-mile local walking marathon and hearing of our struggles sent his first donation in 1975 to repay a kindness when Mr Soeter's village had been helped by Stroud to build their community Centre. He was to become a very valuable friend indeed!
In December, the Planning Authority gave permission for a building - Phase 1 (Centre without Hall) at Hoopers Farm.
1975-76
A Powell (Chairman) Linda Gwinnell (Secretary) J Lewis (Treasurer)
Trustees had been appointed for the new building project. The terms agreed with Gloucestershire were being overturned by the new County of Avon. There were serious delays with grants and new County Councillor Susan Marshfield came to the rescue. Meanwhile the money still came in
Keep Fit - Christmas Fayre - £84.40 to building fund.
Beetle Drive - S Bambridge- £13.50 to building fund.
Dance - Thelma Serjent - £30.14 to building fund.
Winmor 200 Club - J Lees. The best money spinner. The annual subscription was raised from 25p to 40p after six years at the old rate.
There were now 12 Sections and 27 affiliated Groups.
In February the Trustees (Mrs McWhinnie, Cyril Lowe, Alan Higgs and Peter Berry) signed the lease on the County land. The Plans drawn up by Alex and an architect went to the Northavon District Council for approval. Alex and the Building Committee led the project through the lengthy legal necessities to get started. Sponsorship was sought from commercial sources as well as further grants from Local Authorities. The Parish Council allocated £500 toward furnishings, having already allocated £2,500 for the Building.
Joe Scarrott retired as Field Officer for the Federation.
Ian Harvey became the New Look Editor, bringing a more professional touch to a team of workers. It came as a terrible shock when Ian had an accident whilst on holiday and died so tragically. Peter Parker and Kathleen Marsh promised to maintain the magazine to lan's high standard, the format of which has remained to this very day. Pat Buckle designed the front page every month.
1976
In January, Mr J Shears organised an under-12 football match between St Michael's Cub Scouts and Holy Cross (Bedminster). £55 was raised for the Building Fund.
A Film Club was started.
In March, the village's original nursery school, run by Dod Phillips closed after 15 years. Dod was then able to give more time to her other love, the CA! Dod has always remained a very tireless worker for us.
1976-77
Cliff Williams (Chairman) Anne Jones (Secretary) D Forsey (Treasurer)
Morale was extremely low and Cliff was to be the one to take firm control and lead the Centre plans. His wife Ruby was to prove herself to be the good woman behind the man. Their lives were not to be their own for a long time to come, giving the project everything they had. The CA was truly indebted to them. Practical help came from all quarters and Tony Soeters in Holland increased his amazing generosity to us.
We lost another valuable friend in Rev Roger Clifton, who married and moved to Brislington.
The chase after grants from the various authorities started in earnest, with good result
Central Government (DES) 50%
Avon County Council 12.5%
Northavon District Council 6.25%
Winterbourne Parish council 6.25% plus additional sum Totalled £12,688.75 On an estimated building cost £21,882.00 this left the Community Association finding £ 9,193.25. Building costs were escalating, and it became even more urgent to press on with the project.
The Fund at £9,251 was under pressure to supply furnishings and fittings. An appeal in the magazine asked for donations, gifts from holidays (preferably not sticks of rock). Ashtrays and teacloths appeared before the ink was dry. Andrew Marsh made a tiled-top coffee table in his school holidays (still there!)
The revised estimates for the Centre showed a shortfall of £2,695 from the £25,135 needed . "It's A Knockout" raised £110 . The Bridge Club handed in £50 to the Fund. The will was there. We only had to find a way!
An urgent appeal went out for even more volunteers to help with specialist skills such as drain laying, plasterers, electricians, etc. "Pat the Theodolite" surveyed the site to make sure everything was on course! Harry Bambridge became the "brickie". Fred Smith and Roger Prior showed Cliff a thing or two about digging drains.
We were loaned two prisoners from Leyhill Prison to help (Pete came back to see the finished Centre when he was released). Never in the history of this village were the majority indebted to so few, who after a full time job, gave of their best to literally get the Centre off the ground. On August 3rd the Executive Committee met within the bare shell to budget for the rest. The meeting was lit by a camping Gaz light suspended from a hanging electric cable. When someone wanted to speak, Chairman couldn't see until a torch was shone on the face. When the Gaz lamp faded our resourceful Secretary produced a candle from her bag! These were pioneering days indeed. A red letter day and poignant moment to realise the awesome responsibility of it all mixed with the pride of how far we had come in the last year, our efforts were gaining recognition at last. On September 9th the first Council meeting was held in the Centre, a case of bring your own chairs, please! It was decided to name the official opening day April 23rd 1977 (St George's Day).
Meanwhile, the Sections were growing apace, outstripping the available premises in the village. A community spirit coming alive in Winterbourne (marrying the old and new) led to a village organisations' contact-names INFORMATION SHEET being attached to the magazine (suggested by Parish Councillor Derek Day).
From the Play Group, arose a Play Areas petition led by young mum Sue Humphreys. Sue later became very involved with the CA, despite her vain efforts for extra Play Areas!
1977-78
Cliff Williams (Chairman) Ann Francis (Secretary) D Forsey (Treasurer)
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR ! The Centre opened on APRIL 23rd! A team of young offenders on Community Service gave a hand to the decorating. The chairs, crockery, curtains, carpets, pictures, ash trays, tables! You name it, we bought, begged or scrounged it! The Parish Council gave a further £1250. Harry Lane gave us an illustrated map of historical Winterbourne.
Her Majesty the Queen regretted she was too busy with her Silver Jubilee celebrations to perform the Opening. Our generous benefactor, Tony Soeters, was tied up with his business in Holland and so, Michael St John from HTV was booked. After midnight, as we ladies were scrubbing floors, who should walk in but the VIP himself. Never had we been so ashamed of our appearance! It was to tell us he could NOT come next day. And so it was that the Centre had an unforgettable ceremony using 20th century technology of a recorded message (at least we had Michael's very attractive lady, Jan, to take the presentations). A great day was had by all. What a Party!
The Sections had moved in. We had almost paid for the Centre. The headaches of running such a venture were now upon us. Other CA Centres were marvellous with advice. An application for a Warden was made to the County Council. It was turned down.
The WASTE PAPER collection negotiated by K Marsh with Thames Waste was started on March 5th with 3/4 tonnes and has continued without a break on the first Saturday every month despite ups and downs in the market. Where there's muck, there's brass! Valuable funds were still being raised by the WIN-MOR Club and Keep Fit ladies were chosen to represent Avon County at the Gloucester Festival. How proud we were of them!
The Swing and Jazz Society was started by S Vant and B Croft.
Membership subs. were raised to 50p. April 26th. the first of many AGM was held at Watley's End. The Centre Squares (Square Dancing) Group was popular with Mike Nash calling all the shots! Olive Allen retired from St Michael's Play Group after a 12 year span of service to young mums. In September Mr and Mrs Vant started a Ballroom Dancing Section. On October 29th "Fingers and Frets" band entertained members at the Centre, free of charge. Such was the measure of Support from places as far away as Longwell Green CA
Sadly due to lack of support, the money spinning Winmor Club which gave nearly £1000 since March 1973) was closed.
A Social Club was running the Bar, with sponsorship from brewers Wadworths of Devizes. Father Christmas visited the Centre on December 3rd. He was impressed.
The Winterbourne Players presented "The Pied Piper" at The Ridings in January after hours of rehearsing at the Centre.
In February, Ware Court opened to cater for the increasing numbers of elders in the village, the Friday Club for over 55s started at the Centre. Mrs Prior who had lived in the house next door to the Centre for many years, became the leader of this successful venture.
1978-79
C Williams (Chairman) Mollie Harris (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
AGM. April 10th 1978 reported membership was up 23% and Sue Humphreys (now no longer such a Young Mum!) took over as Membership Secretary from Kathleen Marsh. The Centre was accommodating 10 Sections per week approx. 250 persons attending.
At the suggestion of Dr R Brown, a plaque in honour of our Dutch benefactor was to be installed on the first anniversary of the Centre being opened on April 23rd.
Treasurer reported Sections were contributing £1000 and the Centre had run at a profit of £700 over 12 months since opening. Extensions were discussed due to cramped space. The Social Club (Bar) hoped a grant could become available to install extra form of central heating system to fans. The Building was assessed for insurance purposes at £45,000 plus Fittings and Furnishings at £2000 value. Altogether a very satisfactory first year's running.
In May, the affiliated Winterbourne Society invited S W Gas to a meeting to bring gas into the village. The Gas Board declined considering it an uneconomical venture for them!
The fund-raising continued apace - The Players raised £25.76p from an open evening; Stella Bambridge's Coffee morning £16.20p.
There were discos, dances, barn dances, old time dances, Halloween and Bierkeller Evenings and all! And yet .... there was still enough left for the children to have a Sponsored Silence for Help the Aged. We did not forget others in need.
1979-80
Ruby Williams (Chairman) C Williams (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
This year was to herald the departure from the village a number of influential people.
The May issue of the magazine saw a tribute by Rev Bailey to Alfred Dunn on his retirement as Headmaster after 30 years at St Michael's School. The CA owed so much for his generous help over so many years.
The retirement of Mr Ware (Head of Elm Park School for 18 years) in November marked the end of an era for the C A and all the help we had in the use of both schools' facilities.
Cap'n S Higginbotham and Pirates helped Father Christmas distribute 300 presents to the children in December
The Pantomime at the Centre "Simple Simon" was a hit.
1980
February 15th. St Valentine's Dance witnessed a presentation to Cliff and Ruby of a cut-glass decanter and glasses. A sad occasion as they departed from the village for which they (and Sue and Martin).had done so much. Muriel Lett and helpers kept up the social events very well indeed, working tirelessly for funds.
On Tuesday mornings, Sheila White's "Nearly New" Shop went so well it opened again on Waste Paper "first-Sats." and 20% of the price went to CA Funds.
Our Dutch Friend, Tony Soeters, continued his generosity contributing £5 per month to Indoor Leisure Facilities.
1980-81
E Fowles (Chairman) Margaret Spring (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
The quality of the Magazine attracted much interest, becoming a major publication for announcing events in the village. Editor Peter Parker worked hard to achieve this, generating a community link with many house-bound as well as active residents. As well as regular news items from the successful Sections, there was news, appeals, thank-you notes, get wells, adverts. produced every month by a very dedicated back-room team, bringing a lot of new people to the Centre.
Muriel Lett organised a successful family Village Concert after her return from hospital. She also raised £305 toward special beds for the Homoeopathic Hospital. It showed yet again the extreme generosity of Winterbourne, despite being labelled "filthy' village (reference to litter only).
On March 1st Rev Dr Bailey organised an Educational Festival with exhibitions, crafts, arts, and a concert supplied from the wealth of talent in Winterbourne's Schools.
The Waste Paper collection raised £310 for the CA in the last year, proving its worth as a money spinner. Stuart Higginbotham was appointed Sections Liaison Officer to stimulate team effort and prevent polarization.
The poor old Stamp Club were still trying to move into the Centre from Stanley Vant's kind home! The Foto Group obliged by moving over.
Two stalwart members died this year - Mrs Churchman and Jill Brown, sadly missed by many friends in the CA.
As with all good homes, the wear and tear forced some redecoration in the Hall by the valiant few.
The Chess Club brought more honour to the Association winning the 6th Division Championship of the Bristol and District Chess League.
The Players presented Priestley's" The Mystery at Greenfingers" in the Autumn.
Ludwell's History of Winterbourne had sold out and so the CA invested in a reprint. Kathleen Marsh's update with an Appendix caused a bit of bother with the printer, extra pages having to be filled by local artists. It still sold well to students at 70p a copy, justifying the risked capital.
Keep Fit ran a successful Toy Fair in October (296 toys sold) raising £93.
November brought the shock of bringing Bristol even closer with the proposals for the Green Belt addition and what is now Bradley Stoke. A massive petition by residents (3,819 signatures) from Stapleton all the way up to Winterbourne failed.
Due to all the high activity in the village (three jumble sales on the same day) the Winterbourne Society presented a Village Diary to the Library for Hon Secretaries to refer and use!
1981-82
E Fowles (Chairman) Margaret Spring (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
Community Policeman P C Cobb made himself known to us and explained his role in the village.
April spring cleaning brought a record 4 tonnes of waste paper to the collection.
The Planning Authority reminded us of the obligation to a landscape scheme. The vandals made short work of the beech hedging and various trees. Disheartening!
Peter Parker stepped down from being Editor, after a job very well done for a number of years. In his place a team was set up. Jenny Roberts became the Village Correspondent adding a new dimension to press/media coverage through Radio Bristol. "Greenfingers" (who was that?) continued the Garden Tips month by month in the Magazine.
The Catering Corps (Thelma, Dod, Stella and Co) gave us a right Royal Wedding breakfast on July 29th evening. Len Colbourne found himself an unusual part to play as the Auctioneer raising £80 for funds - great fun. The "Nearly New Shop" yielded a profit of £490 in a year. The Travel Club were having fun out-and-about.
July 1982 brought the new extension of Club Room and Skittle Alley into focus. With substantial £10,500 grants from the local authorities, the £20,000 project was put out to tender, funds now being enough in the kitty.
Keep Fit ladies on their annual trip to the Albert Hall, got decidedly wet in a storm and had to dash into a nearby launderette and strip off to put their wet clothes in the driers followed by a blow-dry at the hairdressers! No one was arrested!
1982-83
E Fowles (Chairman) M Bartlett (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
The Players presented "The Killing of Sister George". The Stamp Club did a grand job educating the Juniors not only in collecting but the history, manufacture, etc. The Nearly New Shop, Sheila White reported, made £490 profit for the CA last year.
A successful Wine and Cheese party was entertained by the Wheel Chair Dancers, led by Derek and Maureen Hinton.
The fifth anniversary of the opening was celebrated with a fancy-dress dance.
Dod Phillips (Membership Secretary) reminded us of our £1 subs.
The CHESS CLUB now fielding three teams in the Bristol and District League, saw the "A" team end up at top of Division 4.
The PLAYERS were winning awards in Bridgwater, Kingswood and Somerset Festivals, putting Winterbourne on the map!
With planning permission granted, plans for the new club extension, with grants from Avon County Council (£7,000) Northavon District Council and the Parish Council (£3,500) and CA funds of £20,000 started to forge ahead.
October 20th.A sponsored Fun-Run in aid of CLIC (11 miles)
Elizabeth Roberts started the Recycling Group in earnest, reflecting the growing awareness of the public to greenness.
Meanwhile, Frank Smith and Co. continued the excellent Monks Pool project started some three years hence.
1983-84
B Matthews (Chairman) M Bartlett (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
Due to an embarrassingly vacant Chairmanship, Bryan volunteered to oblige to be both Treasurer and Chairman June 10th 1983 - official opening of the Skittle Alley.
Another Auction was held in November to start funds for the next project, a Stage (£145 profit).
Chief Inspector Hicks(Chipping Sodbury) visited the Centre to address the Winterbourne Society and congratulated the C A on the running of an "orderly" establishment. He was impressed.
A skittles team joined the league, playing matches at the Centre, but also charity matches were held, Frenchay Hospital benefitting by £45 from one in November.
The Winterbourne Orchestra held their first concert with the Cystic Fibrosis Charity benefitting by £40.
The Winterbourne Society formed the Recycling Group and collecting boxes were placed around the village not for money but silver foil, used stamps, old greeting cards, etc. Mrs Elizabeth Roberts was to see these boxes often overflow which lead to the recycling of goods raising funds for many charities, including £120 in a year for Cystic Fibrosis Research from aluminium foil.
Pam Gradwell held yet another charity event- a Fashion Show which raised £219 for Southmead's Kidney Unit.
1984-85
P Berry (Chairman) Gill Parker (Secretary) B Matthews (Treasurer)
Pat Buckle who for many years had each month produced a different theme for the magazine cover changed to a standard masterpiece still used today depicting Winterbourne.
In June Fred Carslake organised "Its a Knockout "at Elm Park. CA Trustee Councillor
Allan Higgs became Chairman of Northavon District Council.
Membership was raised to £1.50 per family (Affiliateds £5).
The Tony Soeter's Cup became the aim of the Skittles' team challenges.
The Rifle and Pistol Club were improving form on Thursdays. The car-park was becoming a popular venue for Car-Boot sales.
An original "Link " (and regular Old Time and Square Dancer) member Mrs D Matthews died in September.
In October 1984 the first Auction was well supported.
The Chairman's Charity was named as the Neuro-Surgical Unit at Frenchay in which Mr Berry's own life was saved in 1968 and 1975 by removal of tumours.
March 9th. Chairman recalled was our 21st anniversary. Only three original members were still there. Stella Bambridge, Pam Gradwell and himself, Peter Berry. The CHAMPIONS!
April 1st 1985 heralded a visit from twin German village 'Winterburn' near Cologne and ex-Chairman Derek Hinton told the visitors all about the Association and Centre in perfect English!
1985-86
Peter Berry (Chairman) Gill Parker (Secretary) E Fowles (Treasurer)
May 16th 1985 saw the next extension at the Centre, more storage rooms and new toilet for the disabled (about time!) The Waste Paper earned us £440 last year, 50% going to the Scouts. Not bad from a pile of rubbish.
Keep Fit ladies presented £450, The Players £100. The Centre Squares presented £100.
Other charities were benefitting remarkably all the time, hundreds of pounds being raised annually one way or another. Winterbourne has a reputation for thinking of others. The power of the Centre plus Magazine knew no bounds.
The Soeters Cup was won by the Countrymen in the Skittle's Knockout , beating the cup-holders, the Executive Team.
August, during the closed season, the kitchen was enlarged. The local Army Cadets lost funding and so The Friends used the Centre's facilities to great effect, encouraging lads to join something really worthwhile. Some made the Army their career.
The shock of Bristol Rovers' proposal for a stadium between the village and Stoke Gifford together with housing proposals for Hicks Common united residents into a wartime spirit of defending our community against the speculators
The Winterbourne Orchestra meetings were getting crowded
"Community Bobby" PC Cobb used magazine to warn us of the alarming increase in burglaries here and advised us to check out Security locks.
For the umpteenth time, Cyril Lowe kindly obliged Father Christmas with his transport. Such loyalty!
Muriel Lett and the Catering Corps not only furnished the new kitchen with new wares, but also presented a £1000 cheque to the Treasurer from the profits. An amazing feat. If you have it , flaunt it! So we had an Open Day after a massive publicity drop all over the village. People were surprised by all the new additions.
The Handicraft Group was growing apace exhibiting talent in many ways.
Georgina Moore's parents were given a boost by generous members to enable them to buy a much-needed wheel-chair for her.
1986-87.
P Berry (Chairman) Wendy Wiltshire (Secretary) E Fowles (Treasurer)
The planning application for the large Gymnasium next door caused a few headaches in negotiating extra car-parking. Meanwhile, the Hicks Common proposal for housing development was coming to a head with a Public Inquiry. The funding of legal representation appointed by the Parish Council was aided by a car-boot sale and plant sales at the Centre, together with other donations from villagers which included £158 from a Coffee morning /Cream tea session (enjoyment even in the face of adversity!) Members Bill Alden and his son rode their bicycles from John o'Groat to Lands End raising £750 for the fighting fund. A war-time spirit of team work showed a united front to save the Frome Valley. July was also the time of the "Flood"! A man walking his dog noticed water flowing from on high at the back of the Centre. One can imagine the damage done. A small team worked so hard to get the Drama Open Evening on time - the Show must go on AND DID! It took six weeks more to get everything back to normal. Due to the hospitalisation of Chairman, Peter Berry, it became Thelma Serjent's role as leader being Vice-Chairman. Thelma's energy knew no bounds, since she was also running another New Year's Eve Dance and selling tickets for the Barbara Sasin and Company's Old Tyme Music Hall. It was a very busy couple of months for her. All this and being Membership Secretary too! Little did she realise how this was to stand her in good stead for her future.
1987
In March, Peter Berry resigned through ill-health and Thelma together with Brian Stanley, who as Vice-Chairman had taken the reins, were asked to continue until the AGM. In recognition of his outstanding service to the Association since its beginnings, Peter was elected as the first President.
A Barn Dance, to celebrate 10 successful years since opening the Centre ended a very busy year.
1987-88
Mrs M Lloyd (Chairman) Mrs W Wiltshire (Secretary) C Fowles (Treasurer)
A fresh look at further expansions became a major item of discussion early in the year. The new neighbours had "arrived" on May 23rd with the opening of Fromeside Gymnastics Club after early planning hiccups had been resolved and the Centre's interests were protected.
1987
October. Mrs Thelma Serjent (Chairman) W Wiltshire (Secretary) C Fowles (Treasurer) Changes at the top due to Mrs Lloyd's moving away brought in Thelma again, and Frances Bartlett took over as Membership Secretary. Jean Drew had been Catering Organiser for 18 months and retired in November on a high note, handing in £2,100 for the Association funds. Ideas for extending the Centre were taking shape and funds again became a priority. The Handicraft Group made a quilt and raffled it, raising £86. Barbara Sasin's Company from their Music Hall gave £133.50 after a most enjoyable time. After 20 years of annual visiting to Winterbourne, Father Christmas regretted he had no helpers this year. How sad. With so much going on, there was bound to be a casualty. There were few vacancies at the Centre for ANY evening, with daytime bookings on the increase, too, and the.ever popular Keep Fit opened a new class on Monday afternoons. Estimates for the Centre extension stood at £120,000 plus and the grant applications began yet again.
1988-89
Brian Fisher (Chairman) Mrs J Rowles (Secretary) M Bartlett (Treasurer)
Mini-markets and car-boot sales became new additions to the regular donations flooding in from the Sections toward the extension fund. The Chairman was pleased with progress After many years of writing the "Green Fingers" page of gardening tips, member Don Strong (who for such a long time had kept his identity a secret) handed over to ????! Dave Coggins organised a redecoration for the skittle alley whilst looking at material changes for the lounge. The volunteer Bar Rota Officer, Roger Pook, handed over to Allyson Jones. The job was becoming an arduous one with so much to do. The Keep Fit's annual Toy Fair (Number 8) produced £175.50 The Players' presented "Born in the Gardens". They had been earning great respect regionally, having twice won the HTV Premier Award and becoming increasingly more professional with their experience/dedication to drama, new blood was sought to keep it all going.
1989
January 30th heralded an Extraordinary General Meeting. There were serious differences of opinion as to which way funds could best be spent, the Chairman, Secretary and Bar Rota Officer all having resigned. After some frank discussion, Brian Stanley (Chairman, Social Club) also resigned. Dod came to the rescue of the bar rota. The other Officers agreed to continue until the AGM. With all the upsets, 1989 looked set to become a bad year for the CA. The Centre Squares' sad loss of Mike Nash (Leader since the beginning) shook us all. A "super guy" to be sadly missed by all those privileged to have known him. With the newspapers reporting the closure of the Centre, hotly denied despite our troubles, life went on and the subscription was raised to £2 for a family.
1989-90
Brian Fisher (Chairman) Richard Cooke (Secretary) M Bartlett (Treasurer)
Millie Taylor became Bar Rota Officer helping us over a difficult patch , a decision having been taken to pay bar staff on Fridays and Saturdays, the busiest times. In October, a well attended Short Mat Bowls demonstration gave birth to the latest activity for the Association. Stella Bambridge was the enthusiastic bowler, ably assisted by Mike Bartlett's expertise in grants for mats, etc. and play commenced in earnest on February 16th 1990 at Taunton for a "friendly". This year saw the retirement of Keep Fit Leader Helen Elliott after 22 years outstanding service. Marion Whitlow stepped into her shoes.
1990-91
Brian Fisher (Chairman) R Cooke (Secretary) M Bartlett (Treasurer).
Waste Paper Collections had been going on-and-on bringing in valuable funds but as the market dipped, and there was no longer a wish to collect from the CA, Elizabeth Roberts battled on to find an alternative contractor. These things were sent to try us! The Centre provided a founder team for the Bristol and District Short Mat Bowls League. A waiting list had been started for aspiring members until the Centre extension was built. September saw all the hard work of the building committee coming to fruition with contracts signed for the new extension (Sports Hall, stage in Main Hall, new committee room together with rebuilding two original walls in brick). Building started soon afterwards. With all the new capacity, a survey was conducted to gauge interest in other new activities. The "Scrabble" started! Life Membership was launched at £15 per family (£10 single) receiving good support from loyal members.
1991
In January, our old friends "Fingers and Frets" returned by popular request, raising £84 for the Building Fund. In February, they returned for the Barn Dance, and ably assisted by Thelma Serjent and Dod Phillips, added £136.50. The Scrabble Club was formed on February 1st with Bill Lerpinier as Chairman. Faced with the bills to pay for the new building, plans to resurrect the highly successful Auctions of the early '80s were laid for April 13th and Derek and Rosemary Harris sought sponsorship for their mammoth coast-to-coast walk from Cumbria to Yorkshire (190 miles!) billed for May.
The Centre was indeed needed, the following meeting there once or twice each week:
Keep Fit
Scrabble Club
Rifle and Pistol Clubs
Chess Club
Short Mat Bowls
Handicraft Group.
Centre Squares Dancers
The Winterbourne Players
The Youth Drama Group
Swing and Jazz Club
Winterbourne Orchestra
Badminton Club
The affiliated bodies and the fund-raising activities plus all the social gatherings have landed the Association in the "Big Time" league! Who could have imagined all this in the early days of dreams for this village?
1991-92
Brian Fisher (Chairman) R Harris (Secretary) M Bartlett (Treasurer)
The full report of the finances was set out for the members in the June issue of the magazine by the Treasurer. The extension had cost £123,000 of which only 29% had been met by way of grants from
Northavon District Council £29,000
Winterbourne Parish Council £1,500
Sports Council £5,000
With Association funds of £62,500 and loans from members amounting to a further £15,000 together with an interest free loan of £10,000 from the Sports Council (repayable over 5 years), Mike Bartlett reported that the current financial viability of the Centre gave no cause for concern, needing a period of stability only to recover a financial equilibrium. The statement was clear and applauded by members that we had come through a very difficult period apparently unscathed. The Officers were to be congratulated. Life Membership continued to rise every month. The Youth Drama Group presented West Side Story for their sixth major musical. A patchwork quilt from the Handicraft Group raised £180 from the raffle for Building Funds. The Badminton started in the new Sports Hall in June 1991. The marathon coast-to-coast walk by Derek and Rosemary Harris in May netted £666 in sponsorship for the Building Fund. Fantastic effort! This was followed up with a slide show of their travels in November at the Centre to add £35.20 more and a second showing in February £35 Family subscriptions were raised to £3. During all the long years, the magazine was still being produced and distributed by a loyal team (many of whom have been there since forming the CA).The magazine is the lifeline of members, distributed by 7 Master Links to 45 Street Links, printed for 10 monthly issues per year. A Darts Club had been doubled up. The Skittles and Bowling continued apace! The Operatic Society gave their first production at the Centre, from which they were operating also. The Playgroup took up four mornings per week at the Centre.
1992
In February our President, Peter Berry, died. Peter and his wife, Sheila, had been such stalwarts of the CA, it seemed as if an era of history had passed away. Memories live on and Peter will always be there, never to be forgotten for all his hard work and enthusiasm. It was because of people like Peter we have our Centre today. Dr Richard Brown was to replace him as President.
1992-93
Brian Fisher (Chairman) R Harris (Secretary) M Bartlett (Treasurer).
An Entertainments Committee was formed to arrange functions on a regular basis and in May the fruit machines were removed because of break-ins. A sad world. Contrary to the title of the Players' "Not with a Bang" production in May, the Grand Opening of the Sports Hall and Stage extension together with an Open Day was scheduled for August 15th 1992. It was a glorious day in every sense and a triumph for Rosemary Harris who organised it. A clock was installed in the Main Hall as a memorial to our late President, Peter Berry. Our brewery was changed to Whitbreads and the cellar was enlarged and new cooling installed. £118 was raised at a Chinese Dinner Party organised by Dod Phillips. After 5 years sterling work as Membership Secretary, Frances Bartlett had to retire from that and other duties through ill-health. In addition to new bits, the old bits were looking tired at The Centre, and a renovation programme started. The car park was resurfaced, the Skittle Alley repainted, the entrance hall redecorated. There is no end to the generosity of many members both in time and effort. The next target was the refurbishment of the Lounge, after the extended Bar Cellar and installing the new bar in the Hall. Meanwhile, the awful heating in the new Sports Hall was creating a major headache in more ways than one £277.60 was raised by a Tournament among Short Mat Bowlers. Teams from Whitchurch, Pucklechurch, Bristol, Kewstoke, Banwell, Evercreech, Ilminster and Cullompton attended. Our Centre was getting a name nationwide ! A landscaping plan was drawn up to enhance the new car park "Greenfingers" (WHO was that?) retired to be replaced by B Green (WHO?)! The guessing starts here. Pat Buckle, illustrator for the magazine, after 18 years of quite brilliant artistry, retired from service. Golf lessons were started in the Sports Hall. A Theatre Club was formed and the Chinese Dinner Parties continued to attract customers. Mike Bartlett, Treasurer, retired after a major voluntary contribution keeping the CA solvent and viable through a tremendous time of expansion at the Centre. Without his expertise so freely given to us, things could have been very difficult indeed. He was indeed the right man at the right time as has always been the case throughout the history of the CA.
1993-94
Brian Fisher (Chairman) R Harris (Secretary) M Ford (Treasurer)
Another pillar of the CA in recent times, Brian as Chairman was forced to take action to defend our Waste Paper Collection against a possible take-over by the District Council's agents. He won our case! Tom King and gang finished the garden between the car-parks, instigated by Elizabeth Roberts and others and so far safe from vandalism unlike all previous attempts at enhancement. After many years, Thelma Serjent retired as Catering Organiser. The thousands of pounds donated to the CA bore witness to her efficiency and leadership setting such high standards. With the final touches to the refurbished hall floor, the Centre now could offer perfect facilities for any party and Thelma Serjent arranged for old friends "Slim and Brian" who had helped raise CA funds from dances at St Michael's Rooms 25 years before, to return to the building they had helped to pay for. Now as "Chantilly Lace" they made a come-back. Chairman Brian attended the Parish Meeting of Winterbourne Parish Council with the Treasurer and Secretary to ask pertinent questions about the proposed purchase and letting of the old Adult Education Centre in Park Avenue. Once more we are indebted to him for protecting CA interests.
In March, Dave Lloyd installed a partition in the lounge to form a new passageway. New tables were bought for the lounge.
The Social Club provides an excellent service for members and their guests providing fully equipped bars, and pleasant activities such as skittles, darts, pool table, cards. In addition they are ably contributing to other items of expenditure incurred in running the Centre. We are truly indebted to Peter James (Chairman) and his merry band including Brian Pillinger as cellar manager.
In his report to the AGM the Chairman started to guide us toward the final transfer from over-stretched voluntary help to the employment of a full-time Steward. With such a big 'business' on our hands is It becoming imperative? People with the ability to give so much of their own time so selflessly are a dying breed ... or are we in for further surprises from the grand Winterbourne people whose generosity over the years has known no limit? We shall see during the next 30 years.
Kethleen March
July 1994.
The research team apologise most sincerely to anyone whose name or efforts have been omitted.
K M
