Spring has sprung at The Royal Oak, and we're thrilled to share all the exciting events we have lined up for our wonderful community. Come and join the fun!
First Car Club of the Season! Friday, April 3rd | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Our popular Car Club is back! Cruise on down for a fantastic evening of classic cars, great company, and delicious food, Tuck shop and Pimp My Fish.
Easter Monday Fun Monday, April 6th | Food 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Drinks until 6:00 PM
Join us this Easter Monday! We’re hoping for beautiful sunshine so you can enjoy a lovely meal and a drink in the garden. Let's celebrate the holiday together.
Eyes Down for Bingo Night! Monday, April 13th | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Get ready for our brand-new Bingo Night! Every second Monday of the month with our professional caller, Stella. Entry: £5 per person. Charity: Alzheimer's Research.
Quiz Night for a Cause Sunday, April 26th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gather your team and join our quiz master, Ben, for a fun-filled night of brain-teasing questions. Entry: £2 per person. Charity: All proceeds to the 'Forget-Me-Not' charity.
Afternoon Tea is Served Starting Thursday, May 7th | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Our Afternoon Tea is a hit! With a menu that changes every eight weeks, there's always something new to try. It's the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Prices range from £22 to £27. Private parties are also available upon request!
We can’t wait to see you all soon!
Amelie & The Royal Oak Team 01223 870791
Tuck shop pizzeria opening May 1st
royaloak@cambscuisine.com ROakBarrington
What’s On in Meldreth
Bowls Club Quiz Night 9
Church Service & Easter Egg Hunt 7
History Group AGM & Talk 9
TIMT: Jane Eyre 8 & back cover
People
Russell Davey 4-5
Jill Price 3
Village Groups
Friends of Holy Trinity 8
History Group 9
Women’s Group 19
Village News & Issues
Easter Market 3
Letter to the Editor 28
Meldreth Village Hub 12
Mick Taylor: Litter Picker 11
Parish Charities 10
Village Hall 25-28
Church News
From Rev. Andrew Birks 7
Gardening and Nature
A Meldreth Garden 30-31
Children & Education
Activities for Families 15
Church Service & Easter Egg Hunt 7
Miscellaneous
Dr Bike Session 12
Melbourn Hub 18-19
Melbourn WI 10
MM Advertising Offer 11
Neighbourhood Watch 32-33
Things to Do in April 16-17
Local Government
Local Councillors 36-39
Parish Council Election 21
Parish Council 34-35
Planning 33
Advice/Information
Advertisers’ Index 44
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity 19
Fire & Rescue Service 40
Home-Start 40
Mobile Warden Scheme 13
Refuse Collections 23
Village Directory 42-43
This month’s cover picture: North End in Spring
Photograph by Kathryn Betts
The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
Thelastdateforcopyisthe12thofeachmonth
Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT.
The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.
Editorial
Welcome to the April issue of Meldreth Matters.
I am writing this on a beautifully sunny spring day. What a pleasure it is to walk around the village on days like this and enjoy people’s gardens and the daffodils along the verges. The many discarded dog poo bags are a less pleasant aspect of my walks around the village, however. These do not look good; even when hung from tree branches! Spare a thought too, for our village litter picker, Mick. The article on page 11 will give you an idea of some of the unpleasant things he has to deal with on a daily basis.
On a more positive note, the wonderfully talented “This is My Theatre” group is returning to the village in April, this time to perform their take on Jane Eyre. If you haven’t been to any of their previous productions, I can highly recommend them. See the article on page 8 or the poster on the back cover for how to book tickets.
Among the other events taking place this month are a Quiz Night run by the Bowls Club (see page 9) and an Easter Egg Hunt (see page 7).
Finally, there will be a Parish Council election next month. If you have ever considered becoming a Councillor or would like to know more about what is involved, please see the article on page 21. Nominations close on 9th April.
Kathryn
Jill Price
Jill’s funeral took place at Cam Valley crematorium on 19th March and there will be a celebration of her life, probably in June, at Holy Trinity Church. Our tribute to Jill will be in the May issue of Meldreth Matters.
In the meantime, we would like to thank everyone for their kindness towards Jill over the years and in particular more recently for the many letter, cards and emails we have received with many memories.
John Price and family
Easter Market
Many thanks to all of you who came and supported the Easter Market on 15th March. We had some great stalls including some new ones and as usual, there was a lovely atmosphere and some delicious food. Although we are unable to provide a final figure yet, Meldreth Matters will benefit from the day. We hope to be able to have another market in early summer. Watch this space.
Lesley Farbridge
Russell Davey
As many of our readers will know, Russell Davey is retiring this month. He has kindly written the article below about his time as a butcher over the last fifty years and the changes he has witnessed. Everyone on the MM team would like to wish Russell well for his retirement and to thank him for his support of MM over many years.
Editor
The past 50+ Years Man and Boy I’ve seen many changes and challenges in my days of butchery, mostly spent in Meldreth. My parents bought the village grocery store in Whitecroft Road formerly called Warren Stores, in 1978. I rented space to prepare meat ready for my mobile butchers which traded at Royston market and in local villages as Russell’s Meat.
In 1981 I bought the property from my parents, eventually closing the grocery store and revamping the shop, turning it into a butchers along with a wholesale business. A few years later I met my wife Linda and we opened a hairdressers next to the butchers.
One early story I can remember is during the heavy snowstorms in the early 80s when the village was cut off by road and rail. Pubs had to offer overnight accommodation. No supplies could reach the villages shops. I had a Range Rover which enabled me to get to vans full of stock which were stuck on the A10 near Royston. With me being a little enterprising, I could fill up with bread, milk and much more to restock my shop. I put a large sign outside saying “Panic Buyers Welcome”. I think I made three journeys across the fields to restock; everyone was happy and cash was certainly king that day!
My Christmas trade, foot and mouth and the bovine scandal would often find me being interviewed on local TV and national radio to give advice and relate my stories. In the early 1990s I had a weekly spot on BBC Cambridgeshire with a local celebrity chef, talking about the best buys at your local butchers.
I remember foot and mouth made things a little difficult. I was very lucky that my abattoir in the north east (Yew) was located in a town as the countryside had limited movement. I traded throughout foot and mouth. The lorries full of beef and lamb would arrive every Sunday night (next stop Smithfield market). The articulated lorry would block half of Whitecroft road off whilst I would
carry 24-30 heavy sides of beef ready to bone into cuts and wholesale to local butchers. I did that for many years.
In 2002 I sold Russell’s Meat to concentrate on my outside catering business, specialising in BBQs and hog roasts for private hire, adding a large bouncy castle and marquee hire.
A few years later, fire devastated the butcher’s shop which forced Russell’s Meat to move to Fieldgate nurseries in 2007. I was asked to take over the Butchers in 2012 after Russell’s Meat folded in 2011. Hence I changed the name to Davey’s Butchers “the new boys on the block”. I have never looked back. With the support of David Ward at Fieldgate, I built up a business using as much local produce as possible and which is now sold across Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire to major brand name shops and most local village shops. Our furthest customer is in Stilton. We more than trebled trade in Covid as butchers were key workers. We worked 24/7, having to draft in family to meet the demand for our extensive range of homemade fare which is still very much in high demand today.
I have some fantastic customers that have supported me for many years and we often reminisce about the market days (1971-1997 man and boy at Royston Market).
I’m very confident that my fantastic staff who have been running the shop whilst the tolls of seven-day weeks caught up with me, Theo, Max, Louis, Jordan along with new owner Matt and son Jesse, will look forward to seeing as many old, present and new customers with a smile and advice: something you cannot get off a shelf. Your continued support will be much appreciated to move the business to the next level.
I thank you for your all your custom over the many years. The Big Butcher is leaving the building!!
Russell Davey
From Rev Andrew Birks
As we journey towards Easter, a season that speaks so deeply of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness, I want to share with you an important update about my own ministry. After much prayer and reflection, I will be concluding my time in the Benefice, with my final service taking place on Easter Day, 5th April. It feels fitting that my last Sunday with you will be a day centred on resurrection and new beginnings.
Serving the communities of Melbourn and Meldreth has been a profound privilege. I have been continually encouraged by your warmth, your generosity and your commitment to the life of our churches. Together we have navigated moments of joy and challenge and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me throughout these years. As I prepare to take up a new role as Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Peterborough, I carry with me many treasured memories of our shared ministry.
Alongside this transition, the ongoing care of our church buildings continues to be an important part of our common life. On 10th March, an engineer visited Holy Trinity to assess the condition of the roof. This inspection will help us understand the extent of the repairs required, the likely timescale, and the anticipated cost of the project. Once we receive the report, the PCC will be able to consider the next steps and begin planning how best to ensure the building remains safe, secure and welcoming for years to come.
As we look ahead, I am confident that the Benefice will continue to flourish. The strength of our community lies not in any one individual but in the shared faith, dedication and kindness that so many of you bring to the life of our churches. I will hold you in my prayers as you enter this next chapter and I look forward to celebrating Easter with you as we give thanks for all that has been and all that is yet to come.
Rev. Andrew Birks
Good Friday Service and Easter Egg Hunt
We will be having a short non-communion service in Holy Trinity Church at 10.00am on Friday 3rd April where we will re-enact some of the events of Easter Week. This will be followed by drinks, refreshments and craft activities. We will end at midday with an East Egg Hunt. The service is suitable for all; children please bring a responsible adult with you.
If you can let us know in advance that you are coming, that would be great. Please email reader.asmhtm@gmail.com.
Patricia Smith Reader/Licensed Lay Minister
Friends of Holy Trinity
After an entertaining talk by a local artist in February and a talk on Regenerative Farming by a local Caxton farmer and doctor in March, we now look forward to the next events organised by FOHT.
Friday 10th April
The “This is My Theatre” company will be returning with Jane Eyre at 7.00pm on Friday 10th April. Tickets are now available online at www.thisismytheatre.com/ jane-eyre. There will be a licensed bar available before the performance starts and during the interval. We ask you to order your interval drinks beforehand if possible, to avoid a scrum at half time!
Saturday 5th September
The “This is My Theatre” company will be returning later this year with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at 7.00pm on Saturday 5th September. To purchase tickets, visit www.thisismytheatre.com and follow the links or book at www.tickettailor.com/events/cuemarketing/2043483.
Sunday 13th September
The 21st Anniversary Classic Car Show will be on Sunday 13th September to coincide with the Duxford Air Show, in the hope of getting a flypast by some historic aircraft.
Thank you all for your continued support for the Friends through attending our events and through your regular donations and subscriptions. We are always keen to receive ideas for further events, so please get in touch if you have any ideas or would like to get involved in running some of them. More hands are always welcome!
Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com
07726 936635
Moor, Melbourn
Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com
Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
Meldreth Local History Group
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
We held two research meetings in March. Members are now actively researching several topics including the Covid years in Meldreth, World War Two, the Holy Trinity church bells and the changing face of farming in Meldreth. If you have any information or photographs that may be relevant, please email us.
AGM & Talk, Monday 13th April
On Monday 13th April from 10.00am to midday we will be holding a brief AGM in the Elin Way community room. This will be followed by an update on some of our current projects. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
We would love to welcome new members who are interested in helping us research and record the history of our village. After our AGM, the next meetings will be on Tuesday 19th May from 7.00-9.00pm and Monday 1st June from 10.00am to midday. All meetings take place in the community room in Elin Way. Please see our website for more dates or email us at info@meldrethhistory.org.uk for more information.
Kathryn Betts MLHG Webmaster
Melbourn WI
There are very few people who haven't heard of the WI. For those who haven't, WI is the Women’s Institute and for 100 years Meldreth had their own very popular branch. Unfortunately, due to falling membership and eventually Covid, we very sadly decided to close it down.
However, some of us missed our monthly evening out and decided to join the Melbourn WI. We were made very welcome and now enjoy meeting up once a month in the All Saints Community Room behind the church.
Some months there is a speaker and in February we all had a go at line dancing. Throughout the year there are meetings and outings arranged by our head office at Girton and we also meet up monthly for a coffee morning and a good old 'chin wag'.
Our college unfortunately had to close some years ago but we can now keep up with interesting talks and handiwork online, so you see ladies, it isn't all “Jam and Jerusalem”.
Why not come along to one of our meetings? They take place at 8.00pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month and you can enjoy meeting new ladies and have a cup of tea or coffee or sometimes something stronger!
If you would prefer to find a member living close to you and would like to attend with her, please get in touch with our president Gail at melbournwi@gmail.com or on 07884 161321 or find us on Facebook, @Melbourn WI.
We will look forward to seeing you.
Kathleen Thompson
Meldreth Parish Charities
(Charity No 233979) comprising bequests from Robert Halfhead (1658) ~ Lettice Martin (1562) ~ James Addlestone (1723)
The charity was set up ‘to provide financial assistance to residents of Meldreth who do not have the resources to provide themselves with the normal things of life which most people take for granted.’ The bequests listed above still generate a small amount of interest each year and if you wish to apply for assistance, please ask for a form to complete and then return it to hilaryjcrawforth@btopenworld.com (01763 262848)
The trustees will consider all applications carefully. We are here to help!
Hilary Crawforth, Clerk to the Trustees
Mick Taylor – A Plea
You may have seen Mick in his high viz jacket, carrying a black bin bag, litter pick stick in hand, beating paths around our village, gathering various bits that people have dropped either accidentally, or on purpose(!). Seeing the piece in the March edition of MM about the dog poo bags that people leave in the grounds of the British Queen, he was moved to ask if he could make a plea in respect of similar behaviour, and not just dog poo, on the Recreation Ground.
There are five bins for dog poo bags provided in this area, one at each entrance/ exit but people still either leave bags strewn on the grass or put them in the rubbish and recycling bins, often without tying them. He must deal with these, in part, because he has found that if they are thrown in the recycling bin, it is considered contamination and the waste disposal operatives cannot take the contents for recycling so they are put in general waste destined for landfill. Anyone entering and leaving the area passes next to a dog bin so please put used securely tied dog poo bags in the dog bins provided and not in the other bins. And please do not leave them on the grass or play equipment.
On another somewhat perplexing note, he sometimes finds food items being left in litter bins, often in ‘One Stop‘ bags. Recently these have included a cooked whole chicken (minus one leg), a pack of sausages, sliced corned beef, mushrooms, cucumber and sliced onions. These items can more easily be disposed of in domestic bins. In warmer weather flies lay eggs on exposed food waste and maggots hatch, causing a health hazard not to say an extremely unpleasant job for Mick. He has also found used disposable nappies in the recycling bins. Please put them in the general waste bins as they also contaminate recyclable items. Mick does an excellent job in our village and he should not, and must not, be expected to deal with the more thoughtless discarding of items that can so easily be disposed of properly. He will be grateful if everyone would be more thoughtful.
Written on behalf of Mick Taylor
Meldreth Matters Advertising Offer
STOP PRESS: Just three 1/4 page spaces le on this offer!
Reach 900 houses and businesses in Meldreth every month by advertising in Meldreth Matters. Pay £118 for a quarter page advertisement for one year and receive an additional three months free of charge. This offer is open to companies or individuals who do not currently advertise with us. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
The Meldreth Matters Team
Meldreth Village Hub
Community room, Elin Way
Every Tuesday and Thursday 12 – 3pm
Freshly cooked lunches every Tuesday (FREE and no need to book)
Coffee, tea, some sweet treats and a warm welcome every Thursday
Well, I’m hopeful that Spring is finally on the way! It’s so lovely to see some blue sky and sunshine … let’s hope it’s a signs of things to come.
We are a friendly and welcoming Hub. Many of our visitors choose to sit quietly and enjoy the company of others (there’s always lots to talk about).
Some weeks we play table football or table tennis, air hockey or carpet kurling (great fun!!) and the jigsaws and board games are always popular. Every activity is suitable for everyone.
If you have any questions, for example about PIP, Attendance Allowance, blue badges or rogue trading/scamming, please let us know and we will do our best to help. Our brilliant Digital Champion can support you with anything IT (all chats are in complete confidence).
We are planning more of our popular quizzes, as well as outings to play Crazy Golf and to Shepreth Wildlife Park.
Once again, a BIG thank you to our amazing volunteers, none of this would be possible without you.
We look forward to meeting you.
Helen Meridew – Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com
07787 734973 (Donations gratefully received)
Dr Bike Session
There will be a free Dr Bike session in Melbourn on Wednesday 15th April.
Take your bike along and receive a free bicycle health check. To book a time slot, visit https://ow.ly/xpKA50WkfRI. A limited number of drop-in bike checks may be available on the day.
Isaac Lord Active Travel Officer
Cambridgeshire County Council
Melbourn & District Warden Scheme
Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth, Whaddon, Barrington, Harston, Hauxton, Orwell, Grantchester, Haslingfield & Foxton
Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?
What is the service?
We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls (Monday to Friday) to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.
Who provides the services?
Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their friendliness and caring nature and are DBS checked.
What will it cost?
We do make a small charge for the services. Please contact us for more information.
How can I join?
For more information and an informal chat, telephone 07426 847229 or email headwarden@mmws.org.uk.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
Design & Layout Plans
Hard Landscaping & Lighting
Planting & Water Features
Specialists in made to measure window coverings:
Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds
Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings
Experts in home automated motorised solutions
FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY
Tel: 01763 263399
Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts
www.sageblinds.co.uk
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm
Things for Children and Families to do in April
Wednesday 1st April, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Becoming Roman
Museum of Classical Archaeology, Sidgwick Avenue CB3 9DA
Hands-on family fun exploring and making Roman portraits, decorating Roman armour and following a Roman trail through the museum. For under 12s. Drop-in (booking recommended). Free. www.festival.cam.ac.uk.
Wednesday 1st to Sunday 12th April
Royston Easter Trail
Find twelve hidden bunny characters in shop windows in the town centre and win a prize. Entry forms available at local businesses. Free. For 11 year olds and under. Return forms to Royston library or email to info@roystonfirst.com.
Wednesday 1st to Saturday 18th April
Lion King Exhibition, Grand Arcade, Cambridge
Free, pop-up exhibition showcasing some of the masks, puppets and costumes from the musical. Some of the well known characters such as Simba, Nala, Rafiki and Mufasa will be on display.
Wednesday 1st to Monday 20th April, 10.00am to 5.00pm
Easter Plant Puzzle, Cambridge Botanic Garden
Solve the six puzzles hidden around the garden and claim your prize. Trail booklets cost £1. For ages 3+. Normal admission for adults. Go on 4th April and combine the trail with a cherry blossom event (10.00am - 1.00pm). Book free tickets for this on www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th and 9th to 12th April, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Come and Create, Royston Museum, 5 Lower King Street SG8 5AL
Hands on crafts and creative activities from collages to quirky inventions. £3.50 per child. Book a slot on www.roystonmuseum.org.uk.
Sunday 5th April, 9.00am
Wimpole Estate Junior Parkrun, Arrington SG8 0BW
A free, fun and friendly 2 km event for 4 to 14 year olds. Register before your first run and take the scannable barcode along. www.parkrun.org.uk.
Thursday 9th April, 2.00pm
Tales from the Circus, West Road Concert Hall Cambridge CB3 9DP
An enchanting family concert for ages 4 to 11 with a circus performer, orchestra and animations. Tickets £6.00 - £14.00. www.ticketsource.co.uk.
Saturday 25th April, 10.00am to 12 noon
Outdoor Art, Trumpington Nature Reserve, Byron’s Pool CB2 9LJ
Meet by the Ranger’s Office and create using the resources provided. For ages 11 and under with an adult. £8.24. Book on www.wildlifebcn.org.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
Things to do in April
Here are some things happening in the local area this month. If you want to let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Monday 6th April, 9.00am to 3.00pm (also 4th & 25th May & 31st August)
Open Gardens
Waresley Park Estate, Gamlingay Road, Waresley SG19 3DD
Set in 120 acres of peaceful Cambridgeshire countryside, you can enjoy access to areas of the Estate usually closed to the public including the lovely walled and water gardens. Range of food and drink options, activities, garden games and Easter Egg Hunt. Visit www.waresleyparkestate.co.uk.
Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th April, 7.30 pm
Spitfire Girls
Arts Theatre, 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ
Inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during World War Two and the bonds between them. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss - but above all else, hope. Tickets from £22.50. To book: www.tickets.artstheatre.co.uk.
Wednesday 8th April, 5.00pm to 6.00pm
Hyewon Yoon Piano Recital
The Chapel, Trinity College, Cambridge CB2 1TQ
The winner of the 2025 Cambridge Piano Festival Competition performs a selection of works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and others in Trinity College’s striking chapel. Tickets £15 from www.cambridgepianofestival.com.
Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April, 10.30am to 4.00pm
Woodland and Craft Weekend
Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE
A celebration of traditional crafts. Cambridge Bodgers and friends will be demonstrating them in the Stable Rooms. Free event, donations to Wandlebury’s conservation work welcome. No need to book.
Sunday 12th April, 11.00am to 4.00pm
Cambridge Bead Fair
Harston Village Hall, 20 High Street, Harston CB22 7PX
Beads and pearls for the home jewellery maker. Many new and semi-precious ones imported by leading traders. A lively and fun event showcasing this increasingly popular craft. Free parking and entry. Refreshments available.
Monday 13th April, 9.30am to 12 noon (approximate finishing time)
Monthly Meander - Signs of Spring
Meet at Byron’s Pool Car Park, Grantchester Road CB2 9LJ
Regular themed, guided walk, 2-3 miles, mainly on gravel or grass paths. Listen out for beautiful birdsong, look for cowslips covering the meadows and perhaps
spot some spring butterflies. Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair. £10 non-members. Booking essential on www.wildlifebcn.org.
Mondays 13th and 20th April, 10.00am to 12.00pm
FREE Wellbeing Checks (18+)
The Old Schoolhouse, 4 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL
Just the thing if you want to know more about your health and how to improve it. Have your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse measured along with a lifestyle discussion about smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and diet. Book at www.ticketsource.co.uk/north-herts-healthyhub.
Friday 17th April, 11.00am to 3.00pm
Antiques Event with TV Expert David Harper
Strawberry Fields, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BX
Curious about the value of something or considering selling? David Harper (from Bargain Hunt and Flog It!) will offer expert advice and a valuation with a £5 donation for each item going to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Refreshments, wood-fired pizzas and BBQ. For more details: www.arhc.org.uk.
Saturday 18th April, 10.00am to 4.30pm
The Really Useful Family History Show
Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St. Ives PE27 6WU
Who do you think you are? Come along and find out! DNA talk; research panel with local experts; old postcards, genealogical supplies and more. Fourteen family history societies will be attending. Free. Free parking available and light refreshments will be sold.
Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cambridge Drawing Society’s Spring Exhibition 2026
The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1RP
This much-loved annual exhibition offers an exciting opportunity for emerging and professional artists to present their work in one of Cambridge’s most beautiful venues. Admission is free. Visit www.cambridgedrawingsociety.org.
Sunday 26th April (and last Sunday of every month), 10.00am to 1.00pm
Haslingfield Village Market
Haslingfield Village Hall, High Street, Haslingfield CB23 1JP
Selection of food, drink, beauty and craft stalls, all showcasing the best of local talent. Then relax with refreshments from popular food trucks. Indoor and outdoor seating with play area for children. Wheelchair access.
Monday 27th April (and every last Monday in month) 12.00pm to 2.30pm
The Rockin Chair Jazz Band
The Old Bull Hotel, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
Hot jazz, cool beer, excellent lunches available from hotel. Admission £10.
Diary note: December’s event is on Sunday 14th.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
It’s a new season and a fresh start as we ‘spring into a new Hub!’ We’re having a big refresh of Melbourn Hub in April, with new seating, new menus and a few other changes. The refresh will happen on Monday 13th April – pop in and see us to see what’s changed, we are very excited!
Our artist for April is Bex Iles, who will be showing some pictures from her Sound in Colour series, which combines two of her passions: music and art. Bex lives with a rare neurological condition called synaesthesia, which results in a blending of the senses. Bex experiences chromesthesia, or sound-to-colour synaesthesia, in which sounds involuntarily generate an experience of colour, shape and movement. In 2020 she started experimenting with this artistically, by painting what she sees when listening to music she likes. The result is her vibrant Sound in Colour series, which has been produced using a variety of media.
Regular Services and Events
Cambridge Building Society – Mondays (12 noon-3.00pm), Tuesdays (9.00am-12 noon) and Thursdays (9.00am-12 noon)
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course, subsidised, meal. We have spaces available now so please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk if you are interested in coming along!
Every Tuesday – Cervical Screening – 1.00-8.00pm – for people registered with local GP practices. Email cpicb.meridiancare@nhs.net to book your appointment and one of their friendly Care Coordinators will get back to you.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice – 9.30am-11.30am - this is a drop-in session, so no need to book. Citizens Advice also offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon. Please contact Citizens Advice direct on 07469 517912.
Every Wednesday and Friday – Podiatrist – Lewis Slater provides podiatry services out of the Hub on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please contact Lewis to find out more and to book – (01763) 263260.
Every Thursday – Osteopath – Tim Moynihan provides osteopathy out of the Hub on Thursdays. Check out our website for more details and contact Tim to book on: tim@boneclinic.co.uk.
Every Thursday - Natural Reflections Therapy - Supporting people with a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties, including grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm and neurodivergence. Contact Caroline to book at caroline@naturalreflectionstherapy.co.uk
Every Friday – Children's Storytime for under 5s – 10.00am-10.30am - Come along for stories and singing. No need to book.
Special for April
Monday 6th April (Easter Monday) Family Easter Event, 10.00am-2.00pm We’re holding a family Easter event, with an Easter egg hunt, a craft stall, a tombola and a special appearance from none other than the Easter bunny
Monday 13th April Tea & Sign, 10.00am-12 noon
Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. For more information, contact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com.
For more details on all our events and services check out our website on www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey Craike
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
Our meeting on 28th April will take place in the Holy Trinity Church meeting room at 7.45pm. We are looking forward to welcoming Will Parsons, who will be giving us a talk on his work as a cruise ship host.
If you require a lift or would like further information about the group, please telephone me on (01763) 262793.
Angela Leach
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Fill a Bag Shopping Event
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is holding its first "Fill a Bag" shopping event in April. Shoppers will have the opportunity to fill a provided recyclable bag with pre-loved women's, men’s and children's clothes for just £5.
The shopping event will take place at the Hospice in Shelford Bottom, CB22 3FB and will be open on the following dates in April: Friday 24th from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, Saturday 25th from 10.00am to 2.00pm and Sunday 26th from 10.00am to 2.00pm or until stocks last. Shoppers are advised to keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on stock levels.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of -life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services support over 3,800 patients and their families annually, helping people to make every moment count.
For more information about the event, please visit our website, www.arhc.org.uk/ retail-sale.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Meldreth Parish Council Elections
www.meldreth-pc.gov.uk
Are you interested in becoming a Parish Councillor?
An election will be held on Thursday 7th May 2026.
If you have thought about becoming a Parish Councillor and would like to find out what goes on at a council meeting, just come along to the Community Room in Elin Way on Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm or contact the Clerk for further information. Call (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.
About Meldreth Parish Council
The Parish Council is made up of nine councillors who make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. They meet on the first Thursday of every month (except August). In between meetings, Councillors work with the Clerk and contractors to deliver the projects that have been agreed on as well as to develop new ideas and projects.
How long do I serve for as a Parish Councillor?
Once elected, councillors sit on the council for four years. This does not mean that you have to stay for four years. If you find it is not for you, or you can no longer meet the commitment, you may stand down.
It is important that the council is made up of a diverse mix of individuals, young and old, that reflect and represent the community they live in. Their aim is to make Meldreth a better place to live and work in. These improvements often start with an idea, i.e. speedwatch, installing defibrillators, bulb planting or installing a new multi-use games area.
While special qualifications are not necessary the following attributes will help:
Good communication skills
An ability to problem solve
Being able to work as part of a team
Possessing good organisational skills
Being willing to engaging with the local community
For further information, including eligibility, see: https://www.meldreth-pc.gov.uk/uploads/election-notice-1.pdf?v=1770916032.
Important Dates
9th April - nominations close at 4.00pm All nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the Elections department at South Cambridgeshire District Council. Nominations cannot be accepted by post.
7th May - Polling Day, 7.00am to 10.00pm
Meldreth Parish Council
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
EasterMonday
10.00am-11.00 F Fitness
10.00-12.00noon MLHG AGM & Talk (page 9)
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
Please check if attending classes over Easter: we have not been informed of any changes
For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
10.00am Holy Week Communion
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates
10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play
10.45-11.30am M. Library
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm T Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
12.30-1.30pm Toneography
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Table
7.30pm Parish
10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
12.30-1.30pm Toneography
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Table
10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
12.30-1.30pm Toneography
4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Table
10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
12.30-1.30pm Toneography
4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Table
10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
12.30-1.30pm Toneography
6.30-8.00pm Guides
7.45pm Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
4.00-5.00 Acro
1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Table
Church services, Women’s Group, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Bank & Village Hub are in the Community Room in Elin Way. Wise Local Crafters meet at Eternit Sports
Diary - April 2026
sday Friday Saturday Sunday
pm Crafters
Village Hub
TP Pilates
Table Tennis
h Council
pm Crafters
m Village Hub
m TP Pilates
9.30am Slimming World
10.00am-12 noon Noncommunion service and Easter Egg Hunt
Holy Trinity Church (see page 7)
9.30am Slimming World
12.15-1.45pm Dementia Sing-Along
EasterWeekend
9.45am Sung Eucharist
2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12
Table Tennis
pm Crafters
Village Hub
o TP Pilates
Table Tennis
pm Crafters
Village Hub
7.00pm Jane Eyre, Holy Trinity Church (see page 8 & back cover)
9.30am Slimming World
7.00pm Quiz Night, Meldreth Bowls Club (see page 9)
Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. History Group & Parish Council meetings, Hope Active, Food rts & Social Club. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Meldreth Village Hall Trust has been exceptionally busy over the past month. Alongside our ever-popular Quiz Night and another successful Table Top Sale, we’ve been hard at work preparing a range of fundraising activities that will help maintain, improve and future-proof our much-loved Village Hall. The past few events have once again shown how supportive and spirited our village truly is. Every quiz answer, every bargain found, every cup of tea poured, every raffle ticket bought - all of it contributes to keeping the hall welcoming, warm and ready for the many clubs, groups and celebrations that rely on it.
We were very excited to introduce our first ever Race Night this Spring. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have made the decision to postpone the event until the autumn. But don’t worry - we fully intend to bring you a fantastic night of fun, laughter and community excitement later in the year. Keep an eye out for the new date! We have plenty of other great fundraising events planned too. Some familiar favourites will be returning and we’ll be introducing some exciting new activities too.
The Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club – Launched 1st April!
One fundraiser that is kicking off right away is our brand new Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club. This simple monthly draw will offer three cash prizes every month, with the remainder of the funds going directly towards improving the hall. It’s an easy, year-round way to support our community facilities. You’ll find an application form on the reverse of this page, followed by a separate article explaining the scheme in full. Please take a look!
To keep up to date with what’s happening at the hall, see Meldreth Matters, our Facebook page, @MeldrethHall or our website: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we keep our hall at the heart of the village.
Andrew Young Chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club Membership Form
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Email:
Telephone:
Number of Shares Requested (Each share = £60 per annum):
Payment Method: $ Annual Standing Order
I agree to:
Pay the required subscription for each share I hold.
Abide by the Terms & Conditions of the Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club.
Allow my contact details to be used solely for administration of the Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club.
Signature:
Date:
Please return this form to: The Chair, MVH Trust. c/o 87 High Street, Meldreth, SG8 6LB Or email it to chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Standing Order Details
Account Name: Meldreth Village Hall Trust Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account Number: 00025472
Reference: 100CLUB-[Your Surname] (Please set up your standing order directly with your bank.)
A New Way to Support Our Village Hall: Introducing the Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club
If you’ve ever used Meldreth Village Hall - for a birthday party, fitness class, committee meeting, polling day, or simply to shelter from a surprise British downpour, you’ll know it’s one of the beating hearts of village life.
What you may not know is that keeping a hall warm, watertight, functional and future-proof isn’t cheap. Roof tiles get tired. Heating systems develop “quirks.” Paint ages faster than the committee. And improvements that make the hall more accessible and welcoming all cost money. Securing grants for projects is becoming increasingly difficult, with intense competition, many demands on limited funds, complex criteria and lengthy applications making the process time-consuming and often unsuccessful.
To help safeguard the hall for future generations, the Village Hall Committee is launching a brand-new fundraising initiative: The Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club! Think of it as a fun, low-effort way to support the hall and have the chance to win a monthly cash prize. Not bad for something that costs less than a coffee shop habit.
What Exactly Is a 100 Club?
The idea is delightfully simple. You buy one or more numbered shares, each at £60 per year (via standing order) and every month a draw is held. Money from subscriptions gets split between cash prizes and vital hall funds, with a typical 50/50 split going to winners and the hall respectively. One ticket is the equivalent of just £5 a month. The 100 Club is a tried-and-tested method used by community groups across the country. And it’s legal, too - properly registered as a Small Society Lottery under the Gambling Act 2005.
How the Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club Will Work
Membership: anyone aged 16+ can join, and you’re welcome to hold more than one share.
Payment: you pay annually by setting up a standing order.
The Draw: held monthly by at least two committee members.
Prizes: a percentage (up to 50%) of the monthly income will be paid out in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
Notifications: winners will be notified by telephone or email and the winning numbers will be posted on the Village Hall noticeboard, website and/or social media.
Simple. Transparent. Fun. And every penny left after the prizes goes straight back into keeping our hall alive and well.
Why Join?
Because it’s one of the easiest, most cheerful ways you can support your
community. Funds raised will help cover essential costs including repairs and maintenance, energy bills, new equipment and upgrades and refurbishment. If the club reaches 100 members paying £60 a year that could generate £3,000 a year for the hall; money that could make a real difference to what the hall can offer. Plus, you get the monthly thrill of finding out whether Lady Luck has decided you deserve a treat.
Sounds Good. How Do I Join?
Just complete the membership form on page 26. If you prefer, you can download the form from www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk, copy it or request it via email. Completed forms should be returned to chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or delivered to MVH Trust, 87 High Street, Meldreth SG8 6LB.
You will then need to set up a standing order using the bank account details on the form and that’s it - you’re in the draw!
Your details will be stored securely and used only to administer the 100 Club, in line with GDPR.
A Final Word
The Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club is a small idea with a big impact. It strengthens community spirit, keeps a cherished asset running smoothly and adds a sprinkle of monthly excitement.
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, quiz-night devotee, toddler-group wrangler, or occasional tea-and-cake visitor, the hall is here for all of us - and the 100 Club is your chance to help keep it thriving.
Andrew Young Chairman, Meldreth Village Hall Trust
Letter to the Editor
The letter below was also sent to Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove of the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership.
Shepreth Level Crossing
I note that in the March Meldreth Matters there is a report on the new full barrier level crossing at Shepreth which states that, “it was encouraging to learn that the long downtimes … have eased.”
This is not my experience: yesterday, Wednesday 4th March, I waited from approximately 9.25 to 9.40am for six trains to pass. By any standards this is excessive.
Peter Grice
A Meldreth Garden
The garden is developing fast, changing day by day, and the greens of spring are more magnificent than at any other time of year. April gardening is a time of promise and productivity; a busy and rewarding month. As winter's grip finally loosens and the soil begins to warm, gardeners can roll up their sleeves and get properly stuck in.
On the windowsill and in the greenhouse, I am in prime sowing, growing and potting-on mode. Hardy vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beetroot, celeriac and lettuce have been sown directly into the ground or into modules to transplant out for an early crop. Tender crops such as courgettes, squash and French climbing beans (I prefer the flavour over scarlet runner beans and they freeze much better), will be sown indoors in pots to give them a head start. I have a gem squash Cucurbita pepo var. pepo, a variety of small summer squash that stores well. It is widely grown in South Africa. A fruit was given to me by friends in the village; it was delicious so I saved the seeds to plant.
In the flower garden, it’s the perfect time to sow hardy annuals directly where we want them to bloom. Cornflowers, nigella, calendula, poppies, etc., all thrive from April sowings and will return a colourful summer display. Existing herbaceous perennials are shooting up rapidly; there is still time to divide overcrowded clumps and share with friends or replant them elsewhere in the garden. I have divided my Hosta sieboldiana ‘elegans’. Take care with the soft tender stems. This is also an ideal month to plant summer-flowering bulbs like gladioli and lilies.
Lawn is a priority. I give my grass its first short cut of the season, having slowly reduced the mower blade from an initial high setting. April's combination of warmth and moist soil makes it an excellent time for reseeding bare patches or creating a new lawn.
Don't forget about pests. As plants burst into life, so do slugs, snails and aphids. I have caught loads of slugs in fermentation traps. Check plants regularly and take action before infestations take hold. For many years I have avoided chemical pesticides and herbicides in the garden or allotment, relying on natural methods of control.
Plant of the Moment
Euphorbia, common name spurge, are among the most useful of garden plants. Some make imposing domes of foliage while others create more modest but good ground cover. In addition to the hardworking, often strong bright green foliage, their flowers, often a zingy acid yellow, are usually long-lasting. The actual flowers, small and insignificant, are surrounded by colourful, showy bracts. Botanically related are the tender, succulent euphorbias and houseplants that hail from arid or tropical areas of the world. For longevity of the perennial herbaceous types, they should be grown hard. Plant into unimproved soil without
fertiliser. I have Euphorbia characias Wulfenii which has long flowering stems. In contrast, cushion spurge Euphorbia polychrome has a massed, low mound of acid yellow flowers in the spring. Marsh spurge Euphorbia palustris, is happy in damp soil. I have shade preferring spurges, the woodland spurge Euphorbia amagloides, a purple prostrate cultivar with yellow flowers and Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow' with red-tinged leaves and stems and showy orange-red flowers in early summer. Caper spurge Euphorbia lathyris a biennial, self-sows readily in the garden.
Sun-loving euphorbias suit a variety of garden styles. Some fit well with Mediterranean planting in gravel gardens, others look great in exuberant jungle plantings or even in traditional English country and cottage gardens.
All euphorbias contain an irritant milky sap, to be avoided. Good Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
Wanted: Volunteer Drivers
Royston & District Community Transport
Visit www.roytrans.co.uk or call (01763) 245228
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
This month we continue our series on cybercrime with a look at scareware.
If you own a personal computer, tablet or smartphone, you may at some point have seen a message pop up on your screen, claiming that your device has been infected with malware or viruses. The message may flash, make loud noises, contain bright colours and/or wording to make you think that you must act imminently to avert disaster. It may also impersonate a genuine antivirus company like Norton or McAfee. It’s all designed to instil panic into you, hence the term ‘scareware’.
What does scareware do?
Scareware is put onto your device by scammers who want to trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious website that will attempt to steal your personal and financial details or into downloading rogue software onto your device to ‘clean up’ the harm that has allegedly been detected. In fact, no harm has yet been done, but that could all change if you follow the instructions on the pop-up.
Where does scareware come from?
Malicious notifications like these may have infiltrated your device if, in the past, you have clicked on a dubious link in a text message, email or online advert, for example an ad on a free news site. When you follow a link of that sort, your browser may ask you to allow notifications. By pressing ‘allow’, you’re allowing pop-up messages like this to appear. Some scareware also emanates from hacked Facebook accounts, where a post appears to come from a trusted ‘friend’ who invites you to click on a link.
What should I do if I see scareware appear?
Don’t panic and don’t click on the link or call any telephone number shown on the pop-up. Completely close down your browser. When you re-open it, do not agree to restore tabs. Clear the browsing data on the browser you were using when the pop-up appeared. Find the settings for your browser and adjust them to block pop-ups in future. NB: the precise details of all these steps will vary according to the type of computer or telephone you are using.
If you have lost money as a result of scareware, contact your bank as soon as possible using the number on your bank card. Scams should be reported to Report Fraud.
How do I prevent scareware?
Make sure that you have good antivirus software installed and that your devices are kept updated with the latest software available. Above all, think twice before clicking on links, especially those which then ask you to allow notifications, popups or other similar processes.
This article was largely based on information on the website of consumer organisation Which? You can keep informed of the latest scams by signing up to Which?’s Scam Alert email newsletter, free of charge, at https:// signup.which.co.uk/wlp-scamalert-newsletter.
Laura Elvin (01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The information below has been taken from the minutes of the planning meeting on 19th February. The minutes of the meeting on 5th March were not available at the time of going to press. Any recently added minutes can be found on the Parish Council website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Applications
26/00460/HFUL
The Old Congregational Chapel
Installation of external access lift shaft and replacement of obscured glass panels in the ground floor windows with clear glass. It was agreed to recommend “Support” with the following comment: ‘The description on the application should not state external access as the plans show access on both floors as internal. Have been unable to comment on the change of glazing as no details have been provided.’
Planning Authority
There were no Planning Authority decisions recorded for Meldreth in the past month.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 5th March 2026
The Parish Council meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.
Discussions and Decisions
Mettle Hill
The Council has now written to the SCDC planners to arrange exploratory discussions with them with regard to potential options for this five-acre site, in which the Community has both a considerable financial investment and a longterm strategic interest. This site is likely to form an important part of our Neighbourhood Plan; this is now in the early stages of preparation but will be part of an important blueprint for the future development of village facilities. These ideas are at an early stage and our community will of course be fully informed throughout.
Village Traffic
For the 2026 Local Highways Initiative (LHI) a request for a further Speed Indicator Device has been submitted and the County’s decision on this is awaited. Discussions continue about the issues relating to a Private LHI relating to the junction at Fenny Lane/Whitecroft Road. Several possibilities for improving safety are under review by our Traffic Working Group and will be discussed further at our April Council meeting.
District and County Reports
The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for the information they have provided us regarding budgets, highways and transport issues, planning and reorganisation and other matters of local interest.
Village Maintenance
The programme for repairing village infrastructure is underway and is now expected to accelerate once better weather hopefully arrives. This will include repairs to signs and notice boards and the repainting of the telephone box in North End which houses a defibrillator.
Defibrillator
More details are being investigated regarding the possible installation of a third village defibrillator in the vicinity of the Fenny Lane crossroads.
Recreation Ground
Most of the work has been performed to establish a hard surface multi-use games area to accommodate five aside football and basketball/netball. The zip wire has
been moved to a new location nearby to accommodate the new pitch. There are, however, some issues relating to both these facilities that will require further discussions with the contractors before final sign-off can be agreed. Essential repairs and maintenance to the play equipment already installed have now largely been carried out.
Next Parish Council Meeting
Thursday 2nd April 2026 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.
Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other mes
Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) goddin@btinternet.com
Cllr Jenni Bone jenni.bone@hotmail.co.uk
Cllr Adam Bostanci adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com
Cllr Glenn Foulger glenn.foulger51@gmail.com
Cllr Nick Garner nickphgarner@gmail.com
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
Swift solutions for all your minor jobs or repairs
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District and County Councillor Report
Special items in this month’s report include:
£300,000 for a footway maintenance project in Meldreth.
Council Tax following recent budgets.
Consultation: do we need a Greater Cambridge Development Corporation
Recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, don’t cause a bin lorry fire!
Budget
The County Council recently approved its nearly £1.3 billion business plan and budget, including the following investments:
Highways: an additional £20 million for highway maintenance.
£14.7 million of additional funding for adult social care providers to help them manage rising costs and ensure care workers are paid the Real Living Wage, improving stability and quality for those who depend on care workers for their support.
Continuing holiday meal vouchers until the end of summer 2026 for those children most in need, following the withdrawal of the Government Household Support Fund. The Council will also use the new £5 million Crisis and Resilience Fund to provide a wider range of anti-poverty measures, offering practical support to households facing financial challenges.
3,500 new primary school places and £72 million over five years to increase secondary school places.
£780,000 a year to run a children’s residential home in South Cambridgeshire, along with continued funding for the Families First early intervention programme that helps keep more families together.
Rising costs in social care and special educational needs are putting enormous pressure on council finances and these statutory services for our most vulnerable residents now account for by far the largest part of our budget.
The plans include an increase of council tax by 4.99%, equating to £84.78 for a Band D property, or £1.63 a week. This is the maximum permitted and assumed by Government in setting its grant allocations.
Highways
A £58 million highways maintenance and improvement programme for 2026/27 was recently approved by the Highways and Transport Committee, which includes £36.5 million for carriageway maintenance, including resurfacing and preventative treatments.
In Meldreth, this includes:
Recent carriageway repairs along Station Road, with surface treatment scheduled for May 2026.
£300,000 for maintenance of the footways along the length of the High Street. This, combined with a successful community Local Highways Initiative supported by Meldreth Manor, will see works to correct the camber and surface maintenance to make the footways suitable once again for the wheelchairs of the young people with severe disabilities living at Meldreth Manor. We are still looking for volunteers to join a local advisory group for this project.
Further funding for surface dressing along Kneesworth Road.
As the weather improves, the additional crews corralled to deal with the overwhelming number of potholes that have appeared over the winter are finally catching up and we have seen recent repairs locally. However, long-term lack of investment is still leaving us with an estimated £800 million repair bill across the county, and your Councillors together with Pippa Heylings MP continue to call for more long-term government funding.
Please continue to report issues: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/ travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults.
Buses
A well-attended meeting of the Bus User Group was held in Bassingbourn in March. While the services – which are a real lifeline for many residents – have improved, the group welcomed that, following our feedback, the Mayoral Combined Authority responsible for bus services is now holding the operator to account.
The group also welcomed that later this year the Combined Authority plans to hold a consultation to feed into a review of the destination needs of local bus users, including across the border to Royston. We will follow up on the timetable and other suggestions made by the group. Please let us know if you want to be added to our email list, or if you wish to know how you can provide feedback about the bus services.
Cambridge South Railway Station
Cambridge South is due to open this summer. Together with the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership, we are campaigning for better onward public transport from Cambridge South, to enable residents, including those with limited mobility, to take the train to appointments on the Biomedical Campus. Please watch out for further announcements and get in touch if you have any comments.
Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access a funded place at a HAF holiday scheme for up to 16 hours. Families experiencing financial hardship may also qualify. This year, the programme will operate between 30th March and 10th April.
Further details are available via the following link: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ council/communities/support-with-the-cost-of-living/holiday-activities-and-foodprogramme.
Do we need a Greater Cambridge Development Corporation?
Yet another consultation and another very important one, will be closing within days of Meldreth Matters reaching you. As part of its plans for growth and development in Greater Cambridge, the government is proposing to establish a centrally led urban development corporation (DevCo).
In our opinion and that of most our councillor colleagues, a DevCo should concentrate on addressing the strategic infrastructure problems (i.e., water supply, waste-water treatment, transport networks) that limit growth in our area. No doubt the DevCo will be tasked with doing this but, as you will see on the website, the government also lists “powers related to planning” as part of the DevCo’s potential remit, for 25 years or more. It is therefore possible that the responsibility for strategic aspects of planning in Greater Cambridge will be removed from the local authority and its elected members.
We urge you to read the government’s plans and engage with the consultation. The closing date to respond is 11.59pm on 1st April 2026.
See www.gov.uk/government/consultations/establishing-a-developmentcorporation-in-greater-cambridge/establishing-a-development-corporation-ingreater-cambridge.
South Cambridgeshire District Council Budget
SCDC’s council met on 24th February and approved its business plan and budget for the coming financial year. SCDC is one of the best run councils in the country and is often held up as an exemplar. It continues to deliver high quality services in the face of sustained cuts by central government, including recent reductions to the amount of business rates that local authorities can retain. A £5.24 per year, just over 10p a week, increase in Council Tax for the average Band D home was agreed, which is a below inflation rise. It means the average Band D charge for South Cambridgeshire District Council will be £180.64 per year from 1st April. Even with this increase, the Council will remain one of the lowest charging District Councils in the country (and lower than the precept of some Parish Councils).
We will cover the Council’s business plan in our annual report to the parish.
Safe Disposal of Electrical Items Containing Lithium Batteries
Residents are urged to recycle batteries and in particular items powered by lithium -ion batteries safely, following fires caused by incorrectly disposed items. Recent incidents include a fire at a waste transfer station as well as thirteen bin lorry fires in Cambridgeshire in the last twelve months.
Lithium-ion batteries are hidden in over 1.1 billion everyday household items thrown away every year, including telephones, tablets, e-cigarettes, toothbrushes and power tools. When these items end up in general waste or mixed recycling, batteries can ignite or explode during collection, transport or sorting.
All types of batteries can be recycled free of charge at Household Recycling Centres, supermarkets and DIY stores. This includes loose household batteries,
lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries and batteries found inside small electrical items.
South Cambridgeshire District Council also accepts batteries if put in clear plastic bags and placed on top of bin lids: www.greatercambridgewaste.org/what-areyour-bins-for.
Mobile Warden Schemes
SCDC has pledged ongoing funding for Community/Mobile Warden Schemes, which provide crucial support for older, disabled and vulnerable residentsensuring they can live safely and independently in their own homes. The schemes form part of the Council’s work to promote healthy and supported communities.
Zoom Cuppa
We hold regular “Zoom cuppa” sessions. Please drop us a line if you have any questions or concerns.
County Councillor Adam Bostanci, adam.bostanci.mmbw@gmail.com, 07400 236329
District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303
District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Stay fire safe in your kitchen
More than half the fires crews attend in the home start in the kitchen. This can be down to a number of things.
Below are some simple safety tips to help you stay fire safe in the kitchen:
Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
Don't store items on top of hobs.
Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking; take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
Keep electric leads and appliances away from water.
Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
Email:
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Village Directory
Litter Picker
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Laura Elvin—(01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Village Hall Chairman Andrew Young—07572 553647
Cycling Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809
Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk; info@meldrethhistory.org.uk
Lunch Club
Nikki & Julie—07599 292327
Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
U3A
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
John Richards—07938 907609
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roadsand-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults In an emergency telephone 0345 045 5212
Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 805000 or (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Meldreth Food Bank Jo—07572 443522
Meldreth Village Hub Helen Meridew—07787 734973
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112
Gas 0800 111 999
Electricity 0800 783 8838
Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk
Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org
Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk
S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Report Fraud 0300 123 2040 reportfraud.police.uk
Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Royston Taxis (01763) 250811
For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.
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