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.
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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 February issue of Meldreth Matters.
In our October 2025 issue we published a letter from David Smith in which he calculated that if he had paid 50p for every issue of MM he had received since moving to the village, it would have cost him a total of £120 and so he kindly donated that amount to MM. We are very grateful to David for this donation and indeed, since his letter was published some of our other readers have followed his example and have also donated, resulting in us receiving almost £1,000 since then. On behalf of the MM team, I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation or who supported our stall at the Christmas Market. Should you still wish to make a donation, our bank details are on the back page of every issue. We recognise that not everyone is able or willing to make a donation to the magazine. However, you may be able to help us in other (free to you!) ways. If you contact one of our advertisers, please mention that you saw the advertisement in Meldreth Matters. Secondly, if you use the services of a local business that does not advertise with us, please recommend that they place an advertisement in the magazine. By doing so they will reach over 900 households and businesses every month. New advertisers can also take advantage of our offer, below.
Kathryn
Meldreth Matters Advertising Offer
Reach 900 houses and businesses in Meldreth every month by advertising in Meldreth Matters. The first four companies or individuals who pay £118 for a quarter page advertisement for one year will 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.
Carols at the British Queen
It was fun at The British Queen on Wednesday 17th December with our annual joyous singing of carols: Dave Chappell on sound, Tim Elbourn serving mulled cider, Daisy serving mulled wine and Clare and the Lift Off Choir and everyone singing! We missed not having Sue and Alan with us but grateful thanks to them for allowing the use of their marquee and suggesting the collection proceeds be given to Holy Trinity Church here in Meldreth. As you are aware we have serious problems in church with death watch beetle affecting most of the pews and possibly the main roof (the latter has yet to be confirmed). One of the beams in the south aisle is badly infected with beetle infestation causing the organ to be taken out of service.
The grand total raised was £428 towards the repair fund which we are all working hard to achieve (present estimated cost is approximately £150,000 but this could increase). Thank you all for coming and the fantastic singing. It was a great evening!
From all the singers
National Fancy Rat Society Show
The National Fancy Rat Society will be holding a rat show in Meldreth Village Hall on Valentines Day, Saturday 14th February. Visitors are very welcome to drop in between 11.00am and 4.00pm. There is no entrance fee. Refreshments will be available and there will be stalls selling food and toys for small animals. Maybe you'll fall in love with pet rats! Further details can be found on NFRS.org, or feel free to email me if you have any questions .
Mary Giles
cyber_ratty@yahoo.co.uk
Melwood Conservation Group www.melwood.org.uk
Notice of AGM
Wednesday 25th February 2026, 8.00pm
The Queen Elizabeth II Meeting Room, Meldreth Village Hall
If you have any issues you would like to raise, please email them to me at brucehuett@compuserve.com and they will be included on the agenda or a separate meeting can be arranged with the committee.
Bruce Huett
Specialists in made to measure window coverings:
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Friends of Holy Trinity
Events for 2026
We have several ideas for events in 2026 which are gradually developing, so please look out for further announcements in future issues of Meldreth Matters.
February
Our first scheduled event is an illustrated talk by local artist Naomi Tomkys OBE, 7.30pm Thursday 26th February in the meeting room at Holy Trinity. Please reserve your seats by contacting Chrissie Prove on 07890 042134 or me, contact details below. Tickets will be £10 each, payable at the door by cash or card and will include a complimentary refreshment.
March
On Thursday 19th March we will have an illustrated talk on Regenerative Farming which aims to make farming financially viable and environmentally sustainable. This is a fascinating topic presented by enthusiastic local Caxton farmer Tom Pearson and may include excerpts from the documentary film, Six Inches of Soil. Please reserve your seats by contacting Julie Draper on 07976 879350 or me, contact details below. Tickets will be £10 each payable at the door by cash or card and will include a complimentary refreshment.
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: www.thisismytheatre.com/ jane-eyre.
September
The 21st Anniversary Classic Car Show will be 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 or 07726 936635
Meldreth Local History Group
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Members of Meldreth Local History Group (MLHG) have continued with their work to research and record the history of our village. In 2025 we added a further eighteen pages to our website on subjects ranging from farming to family history; from the railway to Meldreth Village Hall; from Oakrits to the village pump. The website now has a total of 737 pages, so we’re confident that there is something of interest for everyone!
New for 2026: Evening Meetings
We will be celebrating our twentieth anniversary next year and are keen to secure the future of the group. Our previous meetings have been held during the day but in order to widen our appeal and attract new members we are introducing some evening meetings this year. These meetings will be for those who are interested in taking an active role in the group; perhaps researching or helping to research a particular topic; making a photographic record of the village, or helping with our website or our Facebook page.
Alongside the evening meetings, we will continue to have some meetings on Monday mornings (the next one will be on Monday 2nd February from 10.00am to midday) and the occasional coffee morning or evening talk.
The first evening meeting will take place on 17th March from 7.00-9.00pm in the community room in Elin Way. If you are at all interested in helping us to research and record the history of the village, then please come along. If you are unable to attend this meeting, then we are planning to hold other evening meetings in June, September and October.
2026 AGM
On Monday 13th April from 10.00am to midday we will be holding a brief AGM, followed by an update on some of our current projects. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
Further Information
In addition to our website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, we have uploaded over 1,000 images of Meldreth to the Cambridgeshire Community Archive Network, meldreth.ccan.co.uk. We also have a Facebook page which has over 1,000 followers, www.facebook.com/meldrethhistory.
As a group, we are very proud of what we have achieved over the last nineteen years. Unfortunately, we now have very few active members and to ensure the continuation of the group we need to attract new members. If you are interested in helping us, please come along to the meeting on 17th March or email us on info@meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Kathryn Betts MLHG Webmaster
Meldreth Village Hall
meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Polished Floors, Shiny Paint, and a Quiz Full of Bright Sparks
If walls could talk, Meldreth Village Hall would say it’s feeling rather pleased with itself. Over the winter, while many of us were hibernating, the hall has been quietly undergoing its own glow-up — ready to welcome everyone back looking fresher, cleaner and just a little bit smug.
The biggest pampering was reserved for the main hall floor. It has been washed, scrubbed and lovingly re-waxed; emerging shinier than a quiz team’s trophy dreams. Not only does it look smarter, but it’s also better protected for the many feet that pass over it week in, week out. Elsewhere, paintwork has been touched up, scuffs and knocks from last year’s enthusiastic use have been repaired and signs of general wear and tear have been attended to. A busy hall is a happy hall — it just occasionally needs a spa day.
We’re also pleased to report that an alarm has been installed in the disabled toilet, improving accessibility and offering extra reassurance for users. It’s a small but important upgrade as part of our ongoing efforts to keep the hall safe and welcoming for everyone.
And what happens on those newly polished floors? Quite a lot, actually. Each week the hall hosts a lively mix of fitness and exercise classes, dance groups, clubs, meetings and social gatherings. From daytime activities to evening events, there’s rarely a quiet moment — or an unused kettle.
Quiz Night, Friday 27th February.
Dust off those brain cells and assemble your cleverest (or loudest) friends — Quiz Night is back!
Doors open: 7.00pm
Quiz starts: 7.30pm
Teams: Up to 6 people
Cost: £8 per person
Expect a lively mix of General Knowledge, Sport, TV & Films, with questions spanning generations from Boomers to Gen Z. There’ll be a licensed bar, a raffle, prizes and plenty of friendly rivalry — all in aid of the hall. To book your table: Contact Andrew at chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or call 07572 553647. Book early — bragging rights are limited!
The hall is also available to hire for parties, classes, meetings, and celebrations. Full details and booking information can be found at www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk - floor still shiny, we promise.
Finally, a gentle and cheerful call for volunteers. We’re always looking for people to help organise and run fundraising events such as table-top sales, bingo nights,
concerts, talks and film nights. No special skills required - enthusiasm, ideas, or simply turning up with a smile all count. You don’t have to volunteer every week or wear a high-viz vest (unless you really want to). If you fancy helping keep the hall lively, solvent and stocked with biscuits, we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to a refreshed hall, fuller calendars and another lively year at Meldreth Village Hall!
Andrew Young Chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn
A 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
Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small friendly group who meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month except December, at either ASCH Melbourn or the meeting room at Holy Trinity Meldreth. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and last approximately one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment, followed by refreshments. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and we also have the opportunity to donate to the charity pot. Last year we supported Addenbrookes Charitable Trust.
Our last meeting was our AGM where we enjoyed a Bring and Share Supper and we voted which charity we would support in 2026.
Our next meeting is at ASCH Melbourn on 24th February and is entitled “Lent Reflection”. This will be led by our vicar the Rev. Andrew Birks.
If you require any information about our group or a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of our committee members. They are Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793 and Janet Backer (01763) 221492.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Melbourn & District Warden Scheme
Angela Leach
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 (01763) 221058 or email secretary@mmws.org.uk.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
Melbourn and District Photographic Club
www.melbournphotoclub.com
Our meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, with roughly equal numbers of men and women, has a friendly, supportive atmosphere and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability.
The programme for February includes three talks and two competitions, as follows:
3rd 3rd Open PDI competition, Thomas Peck
10th Wild Britain, Colin Westgate
17th POV/New LR Features, Ian Tulloch
24th PDI of the Year, Penny Reeves
26th Friendly competition with Royston
For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to come along for up to two meetings for free before deciding. To do this, please email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com
Peter North, Secretary
Ian Tulloch: Catch of the Day
Caring for Our Churchyard
A churchyard is far more than a patch of ground. It is a place of memory, prayer, and story - a space where generations of our community rest in peace, and where those who visit can find comfort, beauty, and a sense of continuity. To help us care for this sacred space with dignity and fairness, every parish in the Diocese of Ely follows a shared set of Churchyard Regulations.
These guidelines aren’t about bureaucracy. They exist to ensure that our churchyards remain safe, beautiful, and consistent - places where every family can feel that their loved one is honoured and where the whole community can enjoy a well kept, peaceful environment.
Memorials are deeply personal, and choosing one can be an emotional process. The regulations help families by setting clear expectations about size, materials, and design.
A memorial can only be placed where the person is buried, and only after six months have passed since the burial. This allows the ground to settle and ensures the stone can be safely installed. Slate, stone, and other traditional materials are welcome; however, certain modern materials or highly polished finishes are not permitted. Ledger stones (flat stones laid over the grave) are allowed as an alternative to an upright memorial, provided they sit below the turf level. If a family wishes for something outside these guidelines, they can still apply - but it must go through the Chancellor of the Diocese via a faculty process.
Fresh flowers are always welcome as a sign of love and remembrance. However, to keep the churchyard safe and uncluttered, certain items are not permitted:
Artificial flowers (except seasonal wreaths). Seasonal flowers/wreaths will be removed on 31st January each year.
Ornaments, toys, lanterns, windmills or lights
Fences, kerbs, or edging around graves
These rules help ensure that the churchyard remains easy to maintain and that no items become hazards in high winds or during mowing. While families wait for a permanent memorial, a simple wooden cross may be used with the minister’s approval. This provides a dignified marker without compromising safety or long term maintenance.
So, why These Rules Matter?
Churchyards are shared spaces. They belong not to individuals but to the whole community, and they are entrusted to us as places of Christian hope. The regulations help us:
Maintain a peaceful, uncluttered environment
Ensure safety for visitors and volunteers
Preserve the character of our historic churchyards
Treat every grave with equal dignity
Most importantly, they help us honour the memory of those who have gone before us while caring for the generations who will come after. If you or someone you know is considering a memorial, please do speak with the parish priest early in the process. They can guide you through what is permitted, help with the application form and support you in choosing something fitting and beautiful.
I hope the above helps to remind us of what is and what is not allowed in the churchyard, but if you have any concerns about this, please do speak with me or the Churchwardens.
Rev. Andrew Birks
www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
A belated Happy New Year from all of us at Meldreth Primary! It was wonderful to throw our school gates open once again for a brand new year of fun, friendship and learning and to see the rows of excited faces ready for what 2026 has in store for them! After trading holiday tales and comparing Christmas gifts, our students got straight to work on their new topics and the school was full of the wonderful chatter of children happy to be back with their classmates and teachers.
To everyone’s delight, we even managed to enjoy the snow! Play and lunch times were held on the snow-blanketed field, where targets were set up for snowballs and snowmen competed for space. The January sunshine reflected dazzlingly off every surface, bathing the school in a cosy glow, despite the freezing temperatures! Our enrichment activities picked up steam as teams of Year 5 and 6 students competed in the Friendship Games and Swavesey Village College football tournament, representing us proudly and proficiently. We welcomed the Life Bus into school to provide the children with some crucial PSHE learning, and students visited Sedgewick Museum to consolidate their topic learning. A speaker from Generation To Generation visited our Year 6 cohort to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and explain how her family were able to escape Nazi persecution and to flourish as refugees in the UK. February promises a whole new month of learning and development opportunities and a welcome leap towards springtime.
Daniel Chapman Assistant Headteacher
Things for Children and Families To Do in February
Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th February, various times
Space by Luxmuralis, Ely Cathedral, Ely CB7 4DL
Son-et-Lumiere experience with music taking you through time and space. Explore the creation story and Big Bang and see an image of Earth from space. Tickets £12 for ages 16+, £6 for ages 3 - 15. www.elycathedral.org.
Saturday 7th February, 10.00am - 1.00pm
Potted Garden, Cambridge Botanic Garden
Create a tiny garden in a pot. Add leaves, stones and seeds and watch it grow at home. For accompanied children aged 3+. Book free tickets on www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Adults pay normal garden admission.
Awe-inspiring Lego creations, activities and Lego and Duplo play areas. Tickets £5 (under 3s free). www.elybrickshow.co.uk.
Friday 13th February, 10.30 am and 11.30am
Animal Tails: Woof, Squeak, Roar.
Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Discover animal sounds through play and stories. Ages 2 to 5. Free. Book on www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk.
Monday 16th to Saturday 21st February
Twilight at the Museums, Cambridge Museums across the city turn the lights low for an evening of torchlit trails, hands on activities, crafts and storytelling. For details see www.museums.cam.ac.uk.
Make little books, ladybird headbands and pop-up ladybirds. For ages 3+ (plus one adult) £4 per child. Book on www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.
Thursday 19th February, 2.00pm
Zoolabs, Royston Library, Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JN
Explore different enclosures and the animals within. Handle animals, guided by rangers. Ages 1 to 5. Tickets (£7.70) from www.herts.spydus.co.uk.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
Things to do in February
Here are some things happening in the local area this month. To let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30am to 4.00pm (throughout the year)
Cambridge Museum of Technology
Old Pumping Station, Cheddar’s Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD
Explore the city’s little-known industrial heritage. Good refreshments. Tickets: Adults £6, children £4. Book on www.museumoftechnology.com.
Sunday 1st to Saturday 28th February, 9.30am to 4.00pm Wassail!
Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW
Help wake up nature, discover the ancient custom of wassailing and learn about sustainable food and farming as you follow a trail through the Hall’s orchards and walled garden. Free but normal National Trust admission applies.
Sunday 1st February to Wednesday 1st April, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Chippenham Park Gardens, near Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT
Brighten a winter’s day with a woodland and lakeside walk to view their amazing snowdrop display - aconites and hellebores too. Winter doesn’t have to be grey!
Entry £10 adults, £3 children 5-16. RHS members free on weekdays. NB Cash only on the gate and in the Potting Shed tea room.
Thursday 5th February, 10.00am to 11.00am (and weekly)
Healthy Walking at Wandlebury
Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog, Cambridge CB22 3AE
Looking to boost your fitness, spend more time outdoors or meet some new people? Free walking group with two start times: 10.00am for an hour walk for experienced walkers; 10.30am for a half hour slower walk. Meet at Stables entrance. New members always welcome. No need to book, just turn up.
Thursday 5th February, 10.00am to 11.30am
North Herts Craft Workshop - Felting
The Old Schoolhouse, 4 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL
Learn the techniques of this popular craft using a variety of fibres to create both 2D and 3D pieces. £5 per session. Call (01462) 474111 or book online at www.communitywellbeingnorthherts.co.uk/events.
Sunday 8th February, 3.00pm
Afternoon of Film Music with Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH
The orchestra will take you on a tour of music from some of your favourite movies and by some of the finest composers ever to write for the silver screen. Early booking recommended at www.saffronhall.com. Tickets from £18.
Saturday 14th February, 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
Unit B3 Button End Industrial Estate, Harston CB22 7GX
Brewboard is a microbrewery based in Harston. This tour will take you round their very shiny brewing plant, explain the brewing process, let you enjoy the aroma of the malt and hops they use and introduce you to four of their beers. Tickets £22.38 from www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Sunday 15th February, 9.00am to 4.00pm
Shuttleworth Scale Model Exhibition
Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9DT
Explore hundreds of beautifully-crafted models in the aerodrome’s engineering hangars. Wide range of traders and exhibitors. Admission £19.50 (members £10), children free. Book at www.shuttleworth.digitickets.co.uk.
Sunday 15th February, 2.30pm to 5.00pm
Celebration of Love and Remembrance
The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
Enjoy an afternoon of romantic classics, performed by singer Steven Yallop. Fully licensed bar. All proceeds go to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Tickets £12 from www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Sunday 22nd February, 10.00am to 1.00pm (and last Sunday each month)
Haslingfield Village Market
Village Hall, High Street, Haslingfield CB23 1JN
New village market with excellent selection of food, drink and craft stalls, showcasing the best of local talent. Tasty refreshments from food trucks with outdoor play area for younger visitors.
Tuesday 24th February to 23rd August, Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays 12.00pm to 5.00pm
Remarkable display of artworks, mementoes and objects crafted by soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war during times of conflict, reflecting their own experiences of war. Free event.
Wednesday 25th February, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
French Conversation Club
The Old Bull Inn Hotel, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
A friendly group of French learners and native speakers who get together to speak French in a relaxed environment on last Wednesday of every month. Every level of French welcome. No under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.
Free but register on www.eventbrite.com/cc/royston-french-conversation.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Meldreth Village Hub
Community Room, Elin Way
Every Tuesday and Thursday 12.00 – 3.00pm When I wrote this we were in the middle of a very cold and icy January. Hopefully now February has arrived, the days are a little longer and Spring is on the horizon!
The Hub offers freshly cooked lunches every Tuesday (FREE and no need to book). Hot and cold drinks and lots of sweet treats are available every Thursday.
We are a very friendly and welcoming Hub. Many of our visitors choose to sit quietly and enjoy the company of others as there’s always lots to talk about. Some people choose to play table football or table tennis, air hockey, and carpet kurling. The jigsaws and board games are always popular, very competitive and great fun! These activities are suitable for all abilities. We are planning more of our popular quizzes, as well as a visit to the Crazy Golf and Shepreth Wildlife Park.
If you have any questions, for example about PIP, Attendance Allowance, Blue Badges, Rogue Trading/scamming, please let us know and we will do our best to help. Our brilliant Digital Champion can support you with any IT problems (all chats are in complete confidence).
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)
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!
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
For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
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.
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
We were dismayed to learn of a spate of incidents that took place overnight in early January, involving a car theft and multiple car break-ins around the southern end of the village. However, it was reassuring to see the community rallying to share information and perhaps, by the time this article goes to print, there may be some positive news from the police in tracking down the perpetrators. If you’d like to play a greater role in keeping our village safe, please consider joining the Neighbourhood Watch team. Our next meeting is at 8.00pm on Wednesday 18th February, in the QEII Meeting Room at Meldreth Village Hall. Please drop me a line if you’re planning to come along.
In the meantime, the next topic in our mini-series on cybercrime is spoofing. Many people nowadays have a telephone (whether landline or mobile) that displays caller ID when a call or text comes in. Unfortunately, some criminals have the ability to fake the name and/or number that appears on the caller ID to mimic that of an organisation you know and trust, like your bank or a government body. Even worse, they may use artificial intelligence to ‘deepfake’ a real person’s voice, in order to add credibility to the scam. Their aim is then to get you to part with personal information or even transfer money.
Remember that your real bank will NEVER ask you to share your full PIN, password or a one-time passcode with them. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a call from a so-called bank, hang up, wait around 10-15 minutes to ensure the line is clear (or use a different telephone, if possible), then contact your real bank via the number printed on your bank card or simply by calling 159. This is a number run by Stop Scams UK and is used to connect customers safely and directly to the fraud team in almost all of the UK’s banks.
You can report cybercrime or fraud to Report Fraud (formerly known as Action Fraud) online at www.reportfraud.police.uk/reporting-a-fraud. You can also make a report and/or get advice by calling 0300 123 2040.
Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com (01763) 261084
A Meldreth Garden
February, a time for anticipation of future glories to come; waiting, a necessary attribute of the gardener, pleasures have their season. I have some of the early flowering plants including aconites, Cyclamen coum, mahonia, snowdrops, the stems of Cornus ‘midwinter fire’, but for the glories we wait a little longer. Winter plums from the USA never taste good, maybe grown under artificial conditions using energy and resources, picked green and transported half the way around the world. I look forward to fruits and vegetables in their season. First the asparagus, followed by opening the first pod of peas eaten straight from the vine, first early potatoes boiled and served with butter and sweet sun-ripened peaches. That is before my peach tree succumbed to peach leaf curl. I should get another, Prunus persica 'Avalon Pride' is probably the best resistant variety with good flavour. Flowering plants too have their season. Memorable last year were the flowering racemes of the yellow laburnum Laburnum anagyroides, grown from a seedling provided by a village friend and flowering for the first time in late April. The perimeter of my parent’s garden was circled by a mature stand of Japanese cherry Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan', which in their flowering season were absolutely magnificent. Before the keen Cumberland spring winds provided a carpet of pink petals, a short-lived delight.
Preparing the Ground
February may be cold and dreary, but for gardeners willing to brave the elements, it is a time to lay the groundwork for a productive year ahead. While the weather remains unpredictable, with frost still a probability, there's plenty to do preparing for the coming months. March will be full-on without the time for maintenance tasks. On good days I will be tidying away plant debris and preparing beds in the garden and allotment. Removing weeds to the compost heap and incorporating garden compost as a mulch. This improves soil structure and fertility, giving plants the best start. Avoid working the soil when it's waterlogged.
Early Sowing
February offers the chance for some early sowings under cover. Broad beans, early peas and onion sets can all be planted if you have a greenhouse or cold frame. It is also the time to start chitting early season potatoes. Last year I tried the variety ‘Swift’ but it was fairly tasteless, this year I will try red ‘Duke of York’ (may this variety be out of favour?). I have sown my peppers and tomatoes, germinating them in a propagator before pricking out and putting them on a south facing windowsill. These early sowings should provide crops weeks ahead of those planted later, as long as they don’t get a check to growth. I have sown out the seeds of hardy and half hardy annuals and perennials, including cardinal flower Lobelia speciosa, snapdragon Antirrhinum, delphinium, Maltese cross Silene chalcedonica and cornflower ‘black ball’, and wild chicory Cichorium intybus both a weed and useful garden plant, it also has a white flowered form. These pots of seeds are kept in the unprotected greenhouse for germination later in the season.
Protecting Tender Plants
I will check on plants I have overwintered in the carport and greenhouse, ensuring they're not too wet or dry; better on the dry side. I may have lost my Agave americana, it was too big and heavy to lift in the autumn. I do have some pups (offsets growing from the base) that I am growing-on as replacements. Good Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
A10 TIMBER CO.
For Timber & Sheet Material
Graded
Decking
Cutting
Constructing Nest Boxes for Small Birds
This is a cheap and easy way to make a nesting box. This guide makes use of fencing weather boards, as they are an appropriate size and thickness and already treated with preservative to prevent rotting. The boards are approximately two meters long, 450 millimetres wide and 20mm thick. Two boards will make three boxes with very little waste.
Melwood Conservation Group would welcome some of these boxes if people wish to donate them to the group.
The following construction steps accompany the diagram above.
Cutting the Pieces
1. Ensure the end of the plank is cut clean and accurately square.
2. Cut diagonally from 250mm on one side to 180mm on the other side.
3. Make a square cut across the plank at 180mm down the short side from the previous cut. This provides the two sides of the box. (Fig 1)
4. Cut 180mm from the edge of the remaining plank. This will make the front of the box. (Fig 2)
5. Make a further square cut on the plank at 260mm. This gives the back of the box. (Fig 3) The extra 10mm over the length of the side enables the exposed edge to be shaved to about 45 degrees, so that the lid can overlap it smoothly.
6. Cut a length of 105mm from the plank. This makes the base, which is inserted between the sides during construction. (Fig 4)
7. Cut 230mm from the plank to make the roof. This gives a small overhang on the front of the box so that water running off the roof does not drip into the bird’s exit hole. (Fig5)
Construction
1. The box can be nailed together but it is much more sturdy if secured with rust-proof screws. Use at least one screw at the front and one at the back on each side.
2. Now secure the sides to the base in a perpendicular position by fixing them on the outside edges of the base. (Fig 6)
3. Screw on the back of the box using 2 or 3 screws per side. Ensure the top edge is smooth with the sides by fixing with the 45 degree shaved edge inwards. (Fig 7)
4. The front of the box requires an entrance hole for the birds and this is probably best drilled before the front is fitted. For bluetits, a hole of diameter about 35mm, equidistant from the sides and centred about 50mm from the top should be suitable. The hole will be enlarged over time but can be protected by a metal plate with suitable sized hole, either cut from thin aluminium or purpose-made by RSPB.
5. Shave the top edge of the front at 45 degrees
6. Screw on the front of the box, flush to the exposed edges and with the 45 degrees angle outwards giving a smooth top line for the lid to sit on. He box should now feel of solid construction. (Fig 7)
7. The lid is the access for getting into the box if it needs to be cleaned between breeding seasons. It can be attached by any suitable means, ensuring that it is firm enough to withstand the weather and depending on it’s intended position, the possible interest of cats or squirrels. A hinge on the back edge with screw rings on the sides, held together with fine garden wire works well.
8. The box will last longer if the roof is covered with a waterproof material such as shed roofing felt. This can be extended down the sides to cover the top edge joints for added waterproofing.
Jim
Reid on behalf of Melwood Conservation Group
Melwood Conservation Group AGM will be held on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 8.00pm in The Queen Elizabeth II Meeting Room, Meldreth Village Hall See page 4 for further details.
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
In February we will be hosting a quiz night – the first time we’ve done this in a long while, and an event we hope will be popular! Our artist of the month in February will be Beth Hardwicke.
Regular Services and Events
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 – From 9.30-11.30am there is a drop-in session - 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 Friday - Relationship Counselling East Anglia - 9.00am-12.00pm - Offering relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings so to book a session, please contact Relate on (01302) 347886 or counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk.
Every Friday – Children's Storytime for under 5s – 10-10.30am Come along for stories and singing. No need to book.
Other Services
Monday 9th February – Tea & Sign – 10.00am-12.00pm - Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. For more information, contact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com.
Cambridge Building Society – Mondays 12.00-3.00pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.00am-12.00pm.
Special for February
Quiz night – Saturday 28th February. Come and join us for a fun-filled quiz! Check back on our website for more details at www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
District and County Councillor Report
With growth across Cambridgeshire, and local government reorganisation, our area is going through unprecedented changes, even if this report is shorter than usual!
Level Crossing at Meldreth Road, Shepreth
The new double barriers and the associated CCTV equipment at the level crossing on Meldreth Road are now in full operation. Network Rail has now written to stakeholders to say that they will continue to be available to discuss issues that may arise and that they will work with the local authority and community representatives to monitor the performance of the crossing and any associated impacts. Please let us know if there are any concerns.
In addition, the Community Rail Partnership has organised a visit for Meldreth and Shepreth Parish Councils to the Foxton and Cambridge Signal Boxes for a closer examination of the barrier management system.
Community Local Highways Initiative for Footway Improvements Along High Street
An informal meeting was held at the British Queen with the team of county council officers charged with delivering this unique project as well as parents from Aurora Meldreth Manor. The project will see a greatly improved footway along the western side of Meldreth High Street, with corrections to camber and width and of course the surface; it will be completed in 2027. As the next step, designs for the project will now be developed. Please contact us if you want to know more or if you are interested in getting involved in this project.
Buses
We have continued to receive much feedback about how the 17 (and 26) bus services in Meldreth (and Melbourn) may be improved. We have forwarded this to the Mayoral Combined Authority as responsible Transport Authority. As a result, they have now called a meeting with the current operator A2B to discuss the feedback.
Thanks to an increase in the Transport Levy that the Mayoral Combined Authority receives from the County Council and Peterborough, the popular Tiger Pass will now continue to be available until March 2027. It offers bus fares for just £1 for those under 25.
A meeting of the Cam Valley Bus User Group will be organised soon. Please contact us if you want to be invited or would like to join the mailing list.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Consultation
The government has now confirmed that the public consultation on LGR for our area will start in early February, and last for seven weeks. There will be statutory consultees (yet to be confirmed) and the general public will be invited to respond. Please keep an eye out on social media. Note that recent 2026 consultations were
those of individual District and County Councils on their respective proposals; now government is conducting its own consultation.
Local Authority Elections May 2026 (South Cambridgeshire District Council)
As a consequence of the Local Government Reorganisation, just before Christmas the government wrote to all local authorities about next May’s elections. Because of the short time between the 2026 elections and those for shadow Unitary Councils planned for 2027, government has invited local authorities in England to request the cancellation of their May 2026 elections if they deem themselves to lack the capacity to hold them.
South Cambridgeshire District Council along with Cambridge City Council plan for 2026 local elections to go ahead and will not be asking the Secretary of State to postpone.
Congratulations to Meldreth Parish Council
The Parish Council has taken the initiative to propose the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan (see the January issue of Meldreth Matters). Such a Plan will be a valuable asset in realising and protecting the vision Meldreth as a community has for itself. But it can only come into existence with buy-in and a little bit of help from the community. For further information, please visit the Meldreth Neighbourhood Plan website, meldrethplan.org.uk or contact the Meldreth Councillor Roger James.
Winter Gritting
The winter service has been in operation since 1st November 2025 and will continue until 15th April 2026. Several days of continuous low temperatures triggered treatment of secondary gritting routes on Friday 2nd January.
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
Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 8th January 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; they will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.
Discussions and Decisions
District and County Reports
The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 30-31. There continues to be a great deal of uncertainty at present about the future structure of local government and other issues, including as planning.
Village Traffic
The Village Traffic Group has completed its enquiries about the possibility of a zebra crossing between the School and the Village Hall. It has concluded that the agreed work in other areas of the High Street, including the essential repairs to the footway on the western side of the street, will include better facilities for crossing the road, notably close to the village shop and in the vicinity of the railway station. It therefore recommended that we do not pursue the possibility of an expensive crossing at the Village Hall. For the 2026 LHI, a request for a further Speed Indicator Device will be submitted and the location of this will require further consideration.
Village Maintenance
It is expected that repairs to the defibrillator telephone box in North End, the notice board opposite the shop and the finger post at the Stocks, will be carried out in the next month.
Finance
The Council is obtaining revised figures from the Public Works Loan Board for the early repayment of our facility (which was used to purchase Mettle Hill). This will be reported on more fully at the next Council meeting.
Precept
It was agreed to increase the Precept (village council tax) for the financial year April 2026 to March 2027 from £72,000 to £76,000. Following the preparation of the budget for the period, this would be consistent with the Council’s policy that the precept should be adjusted to match regular day to day costs such as employment, office facilities, grass cutting, insurance and regular maintenance.
Recreation Ground
Essential repairs and maintenance to the play equipment already installed will shortly be started and the Council continues to be on course to proceed with the
additional projects already reported. It was noted with concern that some dog owners are continuing to allow their dogs to foul public areas. This is unacceptable and owners must clear up after their dogs in all public areas, including the recreation ground and the footpath across the Meads.
Neighbourhood Plan
A launch meeting was held at the Elin Way Community Room on Thursday 15th January.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The February meeting of the Council will take place on Thursday 5th February 2026 at 7.30pm.
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
Cyclists and pedestrians:
Please wear bright, light or reflec"ve clothing
Pedestrians, please carry a torch
Cyclists, use front and rear lights
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Meldreth Parish Council
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the planning meetings held on 6th November and 18th December were available at the time of going to press. Details of applications for tree work have not been included because of space constraints; such details and any recently added minutes can be found on the Parish Council website: www.meldrethpc.org.uk.
Planning Applications
112 High Street 25/04508/FUL
Erection of one self-build dwelling. No Recommendation with no comments.
Land adj to Sewage Treatment Works Melbourn bypass 25/04021/PRIOR
Proposal is change of use of an agricultural building to a flexible commercial office use. Proposed development site is within the parish boundary. Category: Schedule 2 Part 3 Class R of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). Recommend approval with the comment: “There needs to be particular attention to the access onto the A10 including the splay.”
Other Items
Land East of 94 High Street
SCDC have provided a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the following trees situated on land east of 94 High Street. Map attached and shows it for the following: T1 mature Sycamore (see item 5.3), T2 mature Sycamore, T3 mature Maple, G1 group of three mature Sycamores.
Planning Authority Decisions
Meldreth Manor School Fenny Lane 25/03852/FUL
Change of use of nine dwellings from Class C2 (Residential Institutions) to Class C3 (Dwelling houses) together with associated works and infrastructure. Granted permission.
94 High Street 25/02236/LBC
Single storey rear extension to existing commercial building and conversion/ extension of existing barn to Air BnB. Granted permission.
94 High Street 25/02235/FUL
Single storey rear extension to existing commercial building and conversion/ extension of existing barn to Air BnB. Granted permission.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
Humanitarian Mapping
“Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Mapping can help change this. Organisations use Tasking Manager to create mapping projects for areas around the world where data is needed to help save or improve lives.” - hotosm.org website.
I came across this by pure chance some years ago and got hooked. Why? It is something one can do in one’s own time, any time, at home on your laptop or other device, in any part of the world. By engaging, one is helping NGOs and charities like Médecins Sans Frontières, British Red Cross and many others who work on projects which give help and assistance in natural and man-made disasters. Recently, the website showed an astonishing 13,775 active projects in various stages of work. Projects may be set up by any trusted humanitarian or environmental organisation in any part of the world. Most are written in English but there are always some in other tongues. People worldwide volunteer to work on these projects. Work is graded, easy, moderate or challenging. So when signing up for the first time, one looks for the easy projects to try. For example, a project assisting in a remote part of Africa without proper maps might need an area with small villages properly mapped for buildings, roads or even waterways. Humanitarian Mapping uses a number of satellite images which we can adjust to identify the features required. Once saved to the database OpenStreetMap, one’s efforts are checked for quality by ‘Validators’ (volunteers who have progressed to advanced skills) before the results are issued to the project owners. Projects usually have dozens of small areas of land which volunteers can choose to work on and these are shown on project maps which indicate their various stages of work. Once an area is chosen it becomes your Task, available just for you to work on until you decide to close your work. It is not even necessary to complete a Task; just sign out.
Once a Task is released, anyone can continue working it. However, your work is recorded and can always be reactivated to continue at your convenience, providing no one else is working on it. Every Task has specific instructions to help volunteers. Workers can leave comments or questions regarding any problems and these are often answered by experienced moderators. As your skills mature the system automatically upgrades you: with enough practice Advanced Mapper can be reached and that allows a volunteer to think about becoming a Validator.
Humanitarian Mapping is an online interest which anyone can do; no qualifications needed, no age limit, though patience is certainly required to improve skill levels. One joins a worldwide group of people all helping to make contributions to a vast number of humanitarian projects.
The website explains everything very clearly; https://tasks.hotosm.org Happy Mapping!
Did You Know?
NightLite
Cambridge Street Pastors run 'NightLite' a drop-in, safe space in the centre of Cambridge which is open most Saturday nights from 10.00pm to 3.00am.
It is a safe space that offers a place to have drinks and snacks, wait for a taxi or lift home, meet friends, use the toilet, charge your phone, use the wifi, talk without judgement or action, or to lie down and sleep it off.
On the night you can contact them on 07729 839912.
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
Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistants: Robin Farbridge; David Marsh Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 07773 592838; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Distribution: Sharon Dunford 07415 171295
Founder: Ann Barnes
Meldreth Matters is available in colour online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters
We’re thrilled to share our upcoming events and offers to make this season extra special.
Valentine’s Day Special - Saturday, 14th February – All Day
Treat your loved one to a romantic dining experience with our Valentine’s Menu. Enjoy three delicious courses for £60 per person. Book your table now to avoid missing out!
Half-Term Fun for Kids - Monday, 16th – Friday, 20th February
Half-term just got tastier! Bring the kids along for a special treat – Kids eat free! (Terms apply: max 2 children, age <=11 per adult ordering a main course. Not valid with other offers.)
Quiz Night-Sunday, 22nd February - 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champ? Gather your team and join us for a funfilled evening of brain-teasing questions! Entry: £2 per person (proceeds to ‘Forget-Me-Not’)
New Spring Menu Launch - Tuesday, 24th February
Come and explore our -new Spring Menu – fresh, seasonal flavours, a feast for the senses. Coming Up In March!
Afternoon Tea is back! - Thursday, 12th March | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy a delightful spread of treats, from £22 to £27. Spend quality time with friends or family.
Mother’s Day Magic - Sunday, 15th March | 12 PM – 4 PM
Make Mother’s Day unforgettable! Treat your special loved one to a delicious meal while our talented magician adds a touch of wonder to the day. Book early to secure your spot!
We can’t wait to welcome you to these wonderful events. Warmest wishes Amelie & The Royal Oak Team 01223 870791
