This month’s cover picture: The Meads Footpath (Footpath 9)
Photograph by Ralph 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.
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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 July issue of Meldreth Matters.
I enjoyed reading the contribution from the Primary School this month. What an action-packed end of term the school has had, with so many different events and activities for the children to participate in. I’m sure all the staff and students will be looking forward to a well-earned rest over the summer!
With the holidays approaching, we have included some extra events for families this month, including some that are free of charge. See pages 12-13. Many of the events in our general listing are also suitable for children, so please see pages 30-31 for even more ideas.
Finally, we now have just one space left on our special advertising offer. Please pass details of the offer on to anyone who might like to receive three months’ of advertising in Meldreth Matters free of charge. See below for further details.
Kathryn
Meldreth Matters Advertising Offer
Just ONE 1/4 page space left 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.
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) Trek 24 Cambridgeshire
https://www.eaaa.org.uk
EAAA has launched Trek 24 Cambridgeshire. Taking place on Sunday 6th September, the event offers participants the chance to walk 24 miles, 24 kilometres or 2.4 miles across the Cambridgeshire countryside. Places must be booked in advance and tickets start from as little as £6. Funds raised will go towards the £8.2 million needed to build a new air base for the service in Fulbourn. For more information, visit https://www.eaaa.org.uk/support-us/events/ trek-24/cambridgeshire.
East Anglian Air Ambulance
The Meldreth Matters Team
Caroline Fallon (1968-2026)
I was friends with Caroline for as long as I can remember. Our early lives were intertwined. We grew up together and attended Meldreth Primary School at the same time. Our mums ran the Playgroup, the first to do so in the then new Village Hall. From 1977 we both lived in Howard Road when the Fallon family moved from West Way. We were both Brownies and both went on to attend the 3rd Meldreth Guides. Very often it was Caroline’s dad, John, who would come for us at the end of the meetings, usually with Caroline’s younger brother, David, in tow together with their black Labrador, Rover.
Caroline’s family and friends were very proud when Caroline received a well-deserved scholarship to the Perse, but it was during her time in Meldreth Guides that she decided on her career path. A new Girl Guide group had been set up at Meldreth Manor School and volunteers were sought from 3rd Meldreth Guides to help. Caroline and I volunteered and we really enjoyed it. Whilst there we learnt some sign language and each earned a Friend To Deaf badge. A write up, together with a photograph of us, appeared in the Royston Crow as we were the first Guides in the region to get the badge. Coincidentally, my mum, Marian and later, Caroline’s mum, Joan, worked at Meldreth Manor School. Caroline and I each became a Queen’s Guide, the highest accolade in the Girl Guide movement.
receiving her Queen’s Guide Award in 1984
Caroline graduated from Northampton University with a teaching degree and her ambition of becoming a teacher of disabled children came to fruition. Near the end of her teaching career, Caroline found places in education for disabled children. At her funeral, her colleagues couldn’t speak highly enough of her, saying how passionate she was about teaching, how she had helped those just coming into teaching, how they could go to her or contact her at any time for advice and how, even when she was ill, she thought up ideas that would help and benefit not just pupils, but their families too. Caroline had always realised how important it was to always include the families.
Caroline was very close to her own family. They said she was a daddy’s girl. Even after she had moved to Cambourne, she would often come to Meldreth to visit her mum and gran. If her niece, Aofie, wanted advice, it would often be
Caroline
Caroline that she turned to. Caroline loved to explore the English countryside and a trip with her mum to Weymouth was particularly memorable as they visited Brownsea Island where the Scout and Guide movements had started. Girl Guiding had certainly played an important part in Caroline’s life. During her career she had even found the time to run two Brownie Groups.
Appropriately, campfire songs were chosen as the entrance music at her funeral. I saw Caroline in September last year at her mum’s 80th birthday party, which was enjoyed by everyone who was there. At the time, Caroline was between treatments for her cancer and was very positive about the future, saying how she was about to start on some new treatment. She said how nice it was to have a catch up and I agreed. It was to be the last time I saw her.
I will remember Caroline as being caring, helpful, brave, positive, studious, hardworking and strong-minded. She was also a fellow cat lover and a fellow Strictly Come Dancing fan (something else which we had both done in our younger days was to learn Ballroom and Latin American dancing). Caroline was someone I was so very proud to call my friend.
Lynn Oakman
Rob Searles (1942–2026)
Rob Searles, who passed away in March aged 84, was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, friend and longstanding resident of Meldreth. He lived a full life, with determination and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Rob was born in Upminster and attended Upminster County Primary School before moving to Palmer’s Grammar School in Grays. He went on to read Chemistry at UMIST in Manchester, becoming one of the first members of his family to attend university.
His university years sparked two lifelong passions: travel and adventure. Camping trips around Britain and further afield, including journeys to Greece in tiny cars with even tinier tents, laid the foundations for many future family holidays and adventures.
Following university, Rob returned to Essex and became involved in rugby, first through his company team, May and Baker, and later as one of the founding members of Datchworth Rugby Club after moving to Hertford. Rugby brought him lifelong friendships and remained an important part of his life. Although he stopped playing when family life became busier, he remained an enthusiastic supporter of the game throughout his life.
In 1968, Rob married Sandra in Anstruther, Fife – her home town. Together they built a very happy life centred around family, friendship and community. In January 1978, they settled in Meldreth at Orchard Dene in the High Street, where they raised their three daughters, Kirsty, Heather and Lucy.
Family life in Meldreth was full of activity. Rob’s practical skills were constantly in demand as he built extensions, converted rooms, landscaped gardens and tackled an endless list of DIY projects. The household also included a succession of dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and other pets, all cared for with patience and good humour.
Rob worked for Johnson Matthey for nearly thirty years, joining the company in 1967 at a pivotal moment in its history. As a chemist, he played an important role in the early development and commercialisation of catalytic converters, technology that would go on to have a major global impact in reducing vehicle emissions and air pollution. His career took him all over the world and he remained deeply proud of the work he had contributed to throughout his life.
Even after retirement, Rob continued to devote his energy to public service and local life. Throughout his nearly fifty years in Meldreth, he was involved in
numerous community organisations and activities, including as a Governor of the Primary School for many years, a member of the Parish Council, Planning Committee, Village Association, Friends of Holy Trinity and the Village Hall Committee and part of many local fundraising efforts. He also volunteered for Royston Community Transport for more than twenty years and gave his time at both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
In 2006, Rob and Sandra embarked on an ambitious project together: building their home at Broids on the edge of the village. Surrounded by woodland and nature, it became a place where family gathered, grandchildren explored and Rob could continue creating, repairing and planning new projects well into later life.
In 2017 Rob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and in 2018 he suffered the devastating loss of Sandra, following her illness with cancer. Characteristically, he faced both challenges with dignity, courage and determination, and with fantastic support from his many friends in the village. In later years he found companionship and happiness again in his marriage to Jan, with whom he continued travelling, attending concerts and enjoying life to the fullest extent possible for as long as he could.
He leaves behind a loving family and many close friends. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.
Kirsty Hackshall, Heather Stone and Lucy Hargreave
Summer is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to share all the fantas c events.
The Old Tuck Shop! Whether you collect a takeaway or prefer to enjoy a piping hot pizza at the pub.
Special Offer: On Thursdays: Buy One Pizza, Get the Second Half Price! Thurs 5.30, F+S 4.00, - 8.00
Car Club Friday, July 7th | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Our popular Car Club is back for two evenings of classic cars, great company, and delicious food. The Old Tuck Shop: fresh pizzas, and Pimp My Fish.
A#ernoon Tea on the Green: Thursday, July 2nd | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Our A0ernoon Tea has been a huge success! Have a deligh3ul treat outside on the green. Prices range from £22 to £27.
The Royal Oak Beer Fes,val: Friday, July 17th – Sunday, July 19th
It’s back and bigger than ever! Join us for a weekend of good cheer, featuring over 16 local ales and ciders and an exci ng lineup of food, music, and fun. Friday, July 17th: Fes val starts at 4.30 pm with Morris dancers. Live music at 7 pm with The Number. Food from Pizza from The Old Tuck Shop, Meat up Cambs Saturday, July 18th: Music kicks off at 2 pm, followed by Get Ready at 7 pm All-day fun with pizza from The Old Tuck Shop & Meat Up Cambs. Sunday, July 19th: Relax with Sunday roasts & Pizzas in the garden.
Entertainment includes the Soul Inten on Jazz Band at 1.30 pm, 12-4pm: face painter & cra0 market. Improv comedians and even more! Good vibes, great drinks, and unforgeDable memories.
Gather your brainiest friends and join quiz masters Ben or Gary for a fun evening of trivia. All proceeds will go to the wonderful Forget-Me-Not charity. Keep an eye out for our alfresco board game hosted by The Old Tuck Shop. Entry is free!
Warm wishes
Amelie & The Royal Oak Team 01223 870791
royaloak@cambscuisine.com ROakBarrington
The River Mel Footpath (Footpath 6)
The River Mel footpath (officially Meldreth Path 6) is a pretty and rural path which runs from North End, opposite the church, past Topcliffe Mill, across a pasture field, and then alongside the River Mel (approximately parallel to the High Street). It can be accessed along its length by a “permitted” path and bridge through the grounds of the British Queen pub, and via a public footpath over a bridge at the end of Flambards Close. If you follow it beyond Flambards you will cross the railway, either very carefully using the stiles over the railway line, or by ducking under the very low bridge. Beyond the railway the path follows the river, meandering along the edge of arable fields, until it passes under the A10 by-pass, where it joins the Melbourn path network with options of walking via The Moor, Vicarage Close or Station Road.
In recent years, minor maintenance and applying wood chippings to the surface to keep the path usable in winter, have been undertaken by the voluntary Meldreth Footpaths Team under the leadership of Martin Berry, on behalf of the Parish Council. However, in June last year it was reported the erosion into the river of a 25 metre stretch of the path by Topcliffe Mill was making the path unsafe and the correction of this problem was too big a task for the limited and ageing resources of the voluntary team. In theory reporting such an issue to the Cambridgeshire County Council (via the interactive “Highways Map”), should result in corrective action. However, with budget constraints and other priorities such problems tend to fall well below potholes in priority!
Above: the path before work started Below: the completed path
This is where Kathryn Betts entered the picture and offered to contact and liaise with the council and their contractor to expedite action. The council staff are very helpful but are part of a bureaucracy which is very budget constrained. After telephone calls and a site meeting with Ollie Ayto, the Public Rights of Way Officer and John Allen, a contractor, Kath was informed that the work had been approved and it was hoped would be completed by Christmas 2025. It later transpired that the work had been cancelled. Kath again spoke to Olly and fortunately the job was re-instated.
If you have walked along the path by Topcliffe Mill since late May, you will have seen that a very smart job has been completed to reinforce the path edge and plant stabilising shrubs to maintain the integrity of the river bank. We should all thank Kath, Olly and John for their work in getting this section of the path made safer for all of us who like to use this attractive and popular path.
If you would like to know more about the Meldreth Footpaths team please contact Martin Berry either by telephoning (01763) 260079 or by emailing webmaster@roystonrotary.com.
Stephen Marshall Meldreth Footpaths Team
Editor’s Note: for a map and description of all of the footpaths in the village, see www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/meldreth-today/meldreth-and-you/footpaths
The owlet pictured on the left was seen to be struggling in the recent heatwave.
After consulting wildlife experts, some residents in Chiswick End were fortunately able to rescue the owlet. After darkness fell, the owlet and its mum were thankfully reunited.
Photograph by Hilary Crawforth
A Meldreth Garden
July marks a pivotal moment in the gardening calendar. Reflecting on the gardening year reveals a process of continual transformation, moving from one phase to another. Even a skilled gardener cannot ensure their plot remains floriferous during the transitional gaps between seasons. Many gardens have differentiated areas where plants flowering simultaneously are grown to best effect, the dahlia walk and winter garden at Anglesey Abbey for example. The early flowering plants have finished their display and the late-season bloomers begin to take centre stage. Bridging the transition, I've cultivated an array of annuals that fill the gaps and carry the garden through to late autumn along with the late flowering perennials. The choice of late flowering annual plants is extensive and the seeds I have sown and grown include annual hibiscus Hibiscus trionum, cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Petticote White', Mexican sunflower Tithonia rotundifolia, scabeous Scabiosa Kudo White, love-lies-bleeding Amaranthus caudatus 'Viridis', sunflower Helianthus annuus 'Moulin Rouge', 'Floren' and 'Green heart' and false sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides.
A Spring Without Rain
Typically, we'd be moving into the drier half of the year, but this season’s weather was exceptional or is this our new climate? There was a lack of appreciable rainfall throughout April and May and a deluge in early June. The 4,500 litres of water stored in my water butts was completely depleted and then replenished. Fortunately, the late-flowering plants will prove more drought-tolerant than their spring predecessors, offering some relief during challenging conditions.
The Rhythm of Seasonal Change
As summer arrives the perennial performers in my garden include salvias, dianthus, fuchsias, penstemons, dahlias, lilies, heleniums, asters, fennel and ornamental grasses. Many of these provide structural interest over winter with their skeletal forms. Binding this ever-changing tapestry together are the various shapes and shades of green; strapped and stellated, lobed and platelike foliage that form the garden's backdrop.
The Garden's Fragrant Soul
Fragrance is a critical yet often overlooked sense in the garden. Many plants possess a particular smell, either in their flowers or foliage, which adds an extra dimension to garden enjoyment. Fritillaria, particularly the crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis, has a unique fragrance. Some plants are named for their smell, which may be released when their leaves are bruised, including Helleborus foetidus and Iris foetidissima (the native hellebore and iris).
In the cuttings garden, many plants are chosen specifically for their perfume, daffodils narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' and 'Bridal Crown', oriental and Japanese lilies, sweet peas lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana', sweet William Dianthus barbatus 'Alba' and border alliums Allium Hollandicum 'Purple sensation'.
Currently in the garden with the repeat flowering roses, scented plants include dianthus and sweet William that add their spicy notes to the mix, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and Lonicera Japonica 'Halliana', lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba' and Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'. There are also Sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima, woodland tobacco plant Nicotiana sylvestris, common evening primrose Oenothera biennis and the butterfly bush Buddleja davidii, producing honey fragranced flowers that attract bees and butterflies in abundance.
Happy Gardening.
Iain McPhee
mcpheia1@gmail.com
River Mel Restoration Group
Following on from Terry Lynch’s article in last month’s Meldreth Matters, we are pleased to be able to report that we have just received confirmation from the Wild Trout Trust that a further thirteen fish were added to those reported by Terry, bringing the total number of fish translocated to Melbourn this year to 25.
This fantastic result concludes what was a three year project between the Wild Trout Trust, the Environment Agency, local riparian owners and the Parish Councils.
We are very grateful to Rob Mungovan of the Wild Trout Trust for coordinating the project and driving it forward. We look forward to seeing a thriving population of brown trout in the upper reaches of the River Mel!
Sandra Webb River Mel Restoration Group
Meldreth Stay & Play
We are pleased to announce that Meldreth Stay and Play group will be continuing under the new leadership of Chloe, at the Village Hall on Wednesdays with the new time of 9.30am to 11.00am.
For the group to continue and thrive we really need a team of helpers - either providing regular support to Chloe or lending a hand ad hoc. Please contact Chloe direct on 07493 393529 if you can help. Check our Facebook page for updates on the group, Francesca Harris
Things for Children and Families to do in July
Various dates in July and August
Nature Nell and Dr Dell - Wildlife Explorers
Royston Priory Gardens
A gentle wildlife walk for adults and children to discover nature together. Spot birds and bugs. From £5 for adults, children under 5 free. Look at the website also for walks such as ‘Wonders of the Therfield Heath’. www.naturenell.com.
Friday 3rd July, 9.30am - 11.30am
STEMTots - Under the Sea
Cambridge Science Centre, Science Park, Milton Rd CB4 0FN
Dive beneath the waves to explore the creatures of the sea. Investigate fresh and sea water and have fun in our water play area. Tickets £5. Sign up for a newsletter and be first to book school holiday events. www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.
Saturday 4th July, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Zoology Live! Family Day
Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
All about insects - from mini beast hunts and behind the scenes tours to short talks for all the family. Free.
Wednesdays 8th and 22nd July, 10.30am - 12.00 noon
Clay with Polly Arthur’s Shed, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
A creative space to “make” with as much or as little guidance as you like. Free of charge, but a suggested donation of £5 is welcomed. Sessions must be booked in advance by calling (01223) 675777 or email arthurs.shed@arhc.org.uk.
Thursday 16th July, 10.30 - 11.30am
Welly Walk
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
A walk for pre-school children enabling them to engage with the garden, plants and wildlife. Enter the garden via the Brookside Gate. Free child tickets must be booked in advance online. Adults do not need to book but will need to pay for garden entry. Ticket sales open one week before the event: botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Friday 17th July, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
The Jungle Book - A Family Musical
Wimpole Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW
A wild, exciting, funny, brand new adaptation with original musical and audience interaction. Ages 4+. Adults £21, children £14.
Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Great British Summer at Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Fairground activities, circus skills station, puppet shows. Deck chairs and ice creams too! Free for English Heritage members. Adult £25.40, child £12.70.
Tuesday 21st, Thursday 23rd, Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th July
See www.staplefordgranary.org.uk/whats-on/events for details or to book.
Wednesday 22nd July, 11.00am - 4.00pm
Picnic in the Park
Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn SG8 6HB
Live singer, face painting, crazy golf and garden games. Refreshments available. Raising funds for guide dogs. Free entry and parking.
Wednesdays 22nd , 29th and through August, 10.00am - 1.00pm
Summer School of Rock: Drop in and Rock Out
Sedgwick Museum, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EQ
Geological fun with hands-on activities. Meet the scientists. Drop in, free. For details of each day’s programme see www.sedgwickmuseum.cam.ac.uk.
Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July, 10.30am - 1.30pm
Cool Carnivorous Family Activity
Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
Free event but normal admission applies for accompanying adults. All ages welcome. Discover the garden’s carnivorous plants and try associated crafts.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
MELDRETH LANDSCAPES
Design & Layout Plans
Hard Landscaping & Lighting
Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc
Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts
Meldreth Primary School
www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
After this rollercoaster of a school year, we approach the summer holidays with the usual heady mix of excitement, pride and a tinge of sadness as we know that goodbyes are inevitable. We look back at the progress made from the start of September to now and wonder how our students have grown so much, both physically and mentally, embracing fresh challenges and learning more and more every day.
This last month has been particularly action-packed. Our Year 6 students have thrown off the shackles of SATS tests and revision and thrown themselves into their new tasks with relish, rehearsing for their starring roles in their end of year plays and putting on an amazing Enterprise Project Fayre, raising hundreds of pounds towards their end-of-year treat. Amongst the multitude of stalls they established, slime was particularly popular, as were the home-baked treats!
Our calendar has been full of the usual end-of-year trips, celebrations and activities. Our Year 4 cohort enjoyed a thrilling few days at Grafham Water Centre - cycling, stand up paddle-boarding and climbing Jacob’s Ladder, to name but a few of the activities they took part in. Staff at the centre and at school were hugely impressed with their attitude, hard work and maturity. A small team of elite Year 5 mathematicians have secured a spot in the final of the Primary Maths Challenge where they will compete with the top-seeded schools from the entirety of Cambridgeshire. We wish them the best of luck!
Our sports teams have been busy with athletics and cricket competitions, although the unpredictable weather we’ve had recently has put a dampener on some, leading to mid-game cancellations. Despite these setbacks, our sports stars demonstrated exceptional resilience and positivity, vowing to return stronger next year! Sports Day was similarly a resounding success as parents, children and staff came together to watch and celebrate the athletic ability of our students.
Finally, we congratulate Holly Jackson on passing her ECT qualification with flying colours and welcome her to a full-time teaching position at school. She is a hugely dedicated, highly-skilled practitioner and we look forward to her continued development at Meldreth Primary.
Daniel Chapman Assistant Headteacher
Friends of Holy Trinity Church
The 40th Annual General Meeting of the Friends was held on Thursday 11th June in the church meeting room. The meeting reviewed activities over the past year, looked ahead to what is coming up, and attended to formalities including the election of committee members. The meeting also approved a budget for further donations to help pay for roof repairs to the church. A copy of the financial report and minutes of the AGM are available from me on request.
“This is My Theatre” Productions
The “This is My Theatre” company will be returning to Holy Trinity later this year with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland which will take place at 7.00pm on Saturday 5th September. Join Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and encounters a whirlwind of curious characters - the grinning Cheshire Cat, the frantic White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter and the fearsome Queen of Hearts. This timeless tale of imagination, riddles, and wonder comes to life on stage in a dazzling production full of humour, music, and a touch of madness. Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to lose yourself in the magic of one of literature’s most beloved journeys! Tickets are now on sale at: www.thisismytheatre.com/alice-in-wonderland.
You might also like to see their productions at All Saints Melbourn of The Great Gatsby on Tuesday 14th July and A Christmas Carol on Wednesday 16th December. Tickets for all productions are available from the “This is My Theatre” website.
Holy Trinity Car Show
The 21st Anniversary Classic Car Show will be held 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 of 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 suggestions or would like to get involved in running some of them. More hands are always welcome!
Ian Mitchell Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
Wise Local Crafters
It has been a very busy year for our community club! We have supported many charities by making items. We were fortunate to have a wonderful lady come along to our group from Arthur Rank Hospice to say thanks for the support we gave them by making over 50 Easter chicks filled with Easter eggs! Lisa, from Arthur Rank gave an informative talk about the wonderful work they do.
Wise Local Crafters made over 210 teddy worry worms for every child at Meldreth Primary School, along with donating arts and crafts supplies for the children to use! Lots of our talented members have been busy with knitting and crocheting baby blankets and baby items for Broomfield’s Maternity hospital. We also had a lovely ‘hands on session’ decorating wooden bowls with fabrics. Lots of enjoyment and mess was had by all! This is something we wish to continue with new projects!
Please feel free to join us on Thursday mornings from 10.30am onwards. We meet at Eternit Sports and Social Club for a social morning whilst being looked after by Lucy, serving us lovely hot drinks. Please feel free to contact me for further details. Email julawil@hotmail.com or telephone 07772 738913. We would love you to join us!
Julie A Wilson
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
Meldreth Bowls Club
www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk
What a dramatic start to the season! Our intrepid bowlers have braved everything from scorching sunshine to torrential downpours. Despite the unpredictable weather, the games have been thoroughly enjoyable, with a great mix of friendly and competitive results. You can find all our latest match fixtures and scores on our website at www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.
Come and Have a Go!
Our casual, open roll-up sessions run all summer. There’s no pressure - just turn up, try your hand and enjoy a chat at the following times:
Tuesday Mornings from10.00am (includes a coffee and biscuit break!)
Saturday Afternoons from 2.00pm (includes a coffee and biscuit break!)
Please just wear flat shoes (like trainers) to protect the green; we provide the bowls and coaching.
Dates for Your Diary
Join us for our upcoming social events at the clubhouse.
Club Open Day & BBQ – Saturday 4th July at noon
Come down, grab a bite from the BBQ or a drink from the bar, and have a go on the green.
Enjoy refreshing Pimms and a delicious array of puddings. We are delighted to announce that our guest speaker this year will be local legend, John Drayton MBE, who will be sharing some fascinating and entertaining tales with us. Tickets are £10 and strictly limited. Book yours via secretary@meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.
We look forward to seeing you on the green soon!
Chris Adams Meldreth Bowls Club
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
Would you like to join our friendly group? We are keen to attract some new members, particularly from Meldreth.
We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month except December, at either All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn or Holy Trinity Church meeting room. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. At the end of each meeting we have a chance to socialise while enjoying some refreshments.
At each meeting we have a speaker or some in-house entertainment. In recent months we have had talks by a representative of the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and a cruise ship host. We’ve also enjoyed a Summer Supper and welcomed the Lift Off Choir. In August we will be going out to a local restaurant.
Why not join us on Tuesday 28th July, when we will be having what promises to be a fascinating talk about Medical Detection Dogs? The meeting will be held in the meeting room at Holy Trinity Church in Meldreth, commencing at 7.45pm. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and there will be an opportunity to donate to the charity pot; this year the charity we are supporting is Maggies.
If you require any information about the group or dates of forthcoming meetings, please telephone one of the committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Janet Backer (01763) 221492, Lyn Damant 07568 643598 or Pat Ames (01763) 261130. We look forward to welcoming you.
Angela Leach
Members are continuing their research into the men from the village who served during World War Two and the first of a series of pages on this topic has been uploaded to our website. Visit our home page at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk and click on the “latest pages” tab and then “view more latest pages” to read about Gordon Handscombe.
Our next meetings will be held on Tuesday 21st July from 7.00-9.00pm and on Monday 7th September from 10.00am to midday. Both meetings will be held at the Community Room in Elin Way and are open to anyone who wishes to help us research and record the history of our village.
For more information on the group, please visit our website or email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Black bins: 14th & 28th July. Blue and green bins: 7th & 21st July. Food bins: Every Tuesday Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app
Other ParishCouncil 1stThursday 7.30pm ElinWay Pages 33-35
For info on Village Hall classes & events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Meldreth Village Hall – Investing in Our Community
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
There is plenty happening at Meldreth Village Hall this summer and July marks an important milestone as the freshly refurbished men’s and disabled toilets are completed. These much-needed improvements will help ensure the hall remains welcoming, accessible and fit for the future for everyone who uses it.
The project has only been possible thanks to generous support from the HyperCharged Foundation, South Cambridgeshire District Council Community Chest funding and support from Meldreth Parish Council. Their contributions, alongside the hard work of volunteers behind the scenes, show what can be achieved when the community works together.
Meldreth Village Hall sits at the heart of village life. It is home to clubs, fitness groups, children’s activities, meetings, celebrations, private parties and community events throughout the year. Whether it is a birthday celebration, exercise class, coffee morning, community gathering or local society meeting, the hall provides an affordable and flexible space that benefits residents of all ages.
As with many community buildings, however, the ongoing running costs are significant. Heating, maintenance, repairs, insurance and future improvements all rely on regular support from hall users and the wider village community. That is why the Meldreth Village Hall 100 Club is vital for the future of the hall.
The first 100 Club draw will take place at the beginning of July and we are encouraging as many people as possible to join.
For those unfamiliar with the idea, a 100 Club is a simple monthly prize draw that helps raise money for local organisations. Just purchase a share for £60 per year and you are entered into a monthly draw for cash prizes, with 50% of all the income going directly towards supporting the Village Hall and the remaining 50% forming the prize fund.
If 100 people each purchase an annual membership, the scheme will create a £3,000 prize fund while also raising a further £3,000 every year for the Village Hall itself. For a community facility such as ours, this level of regular income would make a significant difference, helping the committee continue to modernise the building, maintain the facilities and keep the hall welcoming, affordable and available for the whole community.
The 100 Club is open to everyone who wants to support the hall — you do not even have to live in Meldreth to take part. It is an easy and enjoyable way for people to contribute to the future of an important village asset while also having the opportunity to win prizes each month.
The hall committee is therefore asking everyone in the village to consider supporting the scheme. Whether you regularly use the hall or simply value having a thriving community space in Meldreth, joining the 100 Club is one of the easiest ways to help safeguard its future.
Membership forms are available by scanning the QR code on the right, which is also shown in our advertisement in this issue of Meldreth Matters and on the green posters around the village. Alternatively, visit the Village Hall website at www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk/page/support-us, call 07572 553647 or email chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk.
Alongside the refurbishment works, the committee continues to look at ways to improve facilities, encourage new activities and ensure the hall remains a vibrant hub for the whole village. Community buildings like Meldreth Village Hall only survive because local people value them and are willing to support them.
We would like to thank everyone who organised and attended the recent South Holland RC truck day. It was a fantastic event and was great fun for all involved. Thanks to the generosity of those attending, just under £200 was raised for the Village Hall. We hope to host the South Holland RC club again!
The committee is keen to continue building on that community spirit and we are already planning another quiz night and a tabletop sale for the autumn. We hope residents will come along, support these and other events and enjoy spending time together as a community.
If you are looking for a venue for your club, class, meeting, party or special event, Meldreth Village Hall offers an affordable and flexible space in the heart of the village. Details of facilities, availability and booking information can all be found on the Village Hall website, www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk and the committee is always happy to discuss how the hall can support local groups and events.
Andrew Young Chairman, Meldreth Village Hall
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Neighbourhood Watch
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
We were dismayed to learn that number plate thieves have again been operating in Meldreth. Unfortunately this type of crime is on the rise in many areas.
Why are number plates stolen?
Criminals frequently use stolen number plates on other vehicles in order to avoid identification (for example by automatic number plate recognition cameras) in the course of their activities. This includes everything from avoiding speeding fines, to making off from petrol stations without paying, to facilitating serious crimes like burglaries, robberies and drug trafficking. Often, the thieves will target a vehicle of the same model and colour as one to which they already have access, so that the switchover will be less noticeable.
What steps should you take if you discover your number plates have been stolen?
Notify the police either by calling 101 or via the ‘report a crime’ link on Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website. You should be given a crime number.
Notify the DVLA and your vehicle insurers, to protect yourself from potential fines or offences linked to cloned plates.
Replace the plates as soon as possible through a registered supplier (https:// www.gov.uk/number-plate-supplier). You will need to show identification and proof of ownership of the vehicle.
How can you protect yourself from number plate theft?
Use anti-theft screws for your number plates, available from car accessory shops.
Park your car up close to a wall, fence, garage door or other obstacle so that thieves do not have access room.
Report any suspicious behaviour to the police. Community vigilance plays a key role in reducing crime.
Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com (01763) 261084
Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival
We are delighted to share that the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival will take place on Saturday 28th November and Sunday 29th November 2026. Please save the dates in your diary and join us for this wonderful community event. The festival will be open from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday and from 11.00am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
There will be about 30 lit, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and exhibits displayed throughout the festively decorated, candle-lit church, sponsored by local clubs, organisations and residents. Visitors can find the perfect Christmas present at our craft stall, which offers unique handcrafted gifts, or at the produce stall, which offers delicious homemade baked goods and preserves. There will also be children’s activities throughout the weekend. You might be the lucky winner of the annual Christmas hamper, filled with wonderful seasonal produce. We are also planning a special children’s hamper this year. To add to the festivities, we hope Noah the donkey will be able to join us again over the weekend.
We would be grateful for donations of cakes, traybakes and produce for our allday cafe and produce stall. If you are making preserves this summer, perhaps you could make a few extra jars for the event. It would be helpful if preserves could be brought to the church, preferably on Thursday or Friday before the event, which gives us time to set up the stall, but Saturday morning will be fine if that isn’t possible. Cakes and traybakes for the café would be appreciated on the Saturday morning, please. We can collect them if that is more convenient.
We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers. If you have recently moved to the village and would like to get involved in local activities, this is a fantastic opportunity. If you can spare a few hours over the weekend to help with the event, we would love to hear from you. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, support the local community and contribute to a much-loved village tradition.
We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the festive season together at this year's Christmas Tree Festival.
Margaret Goddin (01763) 260061 Sharon Dunford (01763) 263021 on behalf of the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival Committee
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
Summer is here and it’s great to see lots of you at the Hub enjoying our outside space and parasols! We added lots of new options to our menu recently so our menu is lovely and summery for those warm days. The library will be open right through the holidays, so it’s a great place to come to keep your children reading through the summer break. Our artist of the month for July will be Regan Hall.
Looking further ahead, we are delighted to announce Autumn Nights at Melbourn Hub! We have three very special musical guests throughout the autumn, and will run a bar and raffle at each night too. Find out more on our website!
July Events and Services
Cambridge Building Society – Mondays (12 noon-3.00pm), Tuesdays (9.00am-12 noon) and Thursdays (9.00am-12 noon) - now downstairs.
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. Lunch club is currently full but we run a waiting list so please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk if you are interested in coming along!
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 directly to find out more and to book – (01763) 263260.
Every Thursday – Osteopath – Tim Moynihan provides osteopathy out of the Hub on Thursdays. Check our website for more details and contact Tim directly to book on tim@boneclinic.co.uk.
Every Friday – Children's Storytime for under 5s – 10.00am-10.30am Come along for stories and singing! No need to book!
Weekly sessions – Natural Reflections Therapy Supporting people with a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties, including grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm and neurodivergence. To book, contact caroline@naturalreflectionstherapy.co.uk or call 07345 535925.
Monday 13th July – 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 visit www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey Craike, Melbourn Hub
Things to Do in July
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.
Until Sunday 12th July, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Richard Croft: Life and Designs
Royston Museum, 8 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL
New exhibition celebrates the work of an outstanding costume designer who helped shape British television in the 1980s, designing costumes for BBC programmes such as Doctor Who and Blackadder. Free.
Wednesdays in July, starting on 1st July, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Annual open air festival celebrating music and summer in lovely garden setting. Picnics welcome, food and drink available in the garden café and food trucks. Book at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Normal garden admission applies.
Saturday 4th July, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Summer Craft Fair
The Hay Barn, Sandon Road, Therfield SG8 9RE
10% of profits to Home-Start, supporting local families with children 9 and under through tough times.
Saturdays and Sundays 4th/5th, 11th/12th, 18th/19th and 25th/26th July
Cambridge Open Studios (various locations around Cambridgeshire)
Cambridge Open Studios returns this July with artists and makers opening their studios, homes and workspaces. This free annual arts event lets you meet them and discover their original work. Timings and further details from www.camopenstudios.org/july-open-studios-2026/.
Saturday 11th July, 7.30pm
Myths and Legends - an evening of music and stories
Orwell Village Hall, 36 High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN
The Orwell Singers present an evening of songs to appeal to all tastes - from Purcell to The Lion King. Tickets £10 from katie.reid@talk21.com or Orwell village shop. Guest appearance from The Wombles!
Saturday 11th July, 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Whaddon Village Fête, Whaddon village Craft stalls, beer tent, tea and cake, village show, BBQ, children’s games, raffle and tombola. Free admission.
Saturdays 11th and 25th July and dates in August
Hidden Heights Tours
Ely Cathedral , Chapter House, The College CB7 4DL
Unique chance to visit the cathedral’s upper levels rarely open to the public.
Book at www.elycathedral.org. Tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes. Tickets £35. Minimum age 16. Some steep, uneven stairs.
Sunday 19th July, 9.00am to 6.00pm
Octa Ride Bikefest, Coach House Hotel, Flint Cross SG8 7PL
Bringing the biking community together - motor bike exhibitors, dealerships, stalls and acts, live music, refreshments. Tickets www.octaride.co.uk. Adults £7.50, ages 13 to 17 £5, under 13s free.
Sunday 12th July, 10.00am to 4.00pm
1940s Day - Evacuate to Burwell
Burwell Museum and Windmill, Mill Close, Burwell CB25 0HL
Step back in time to the 1940s to dance, dine, swing and sing. World War 2 military-enactors, vehicles, stalls, refreshments and bar. Dressing in 40s clothes encouraged. Tickets - adults £6.47, children 3 - 16 £3.23. Under 3s free from www.ticketsource.com.
Sunday 12th July, 7.30pm
Music for a Summer’s Evening Queen’s College Chapel, Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9ET
Choral music by Byrd, Sullivan, Elgar and Britten in the stunning chapel of the college. Strawberries and sparkling wine included in ticket price on Erasmus lawn in the interval. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk. Adults £24, students £12, under 18s free.
Saturday 25th July, from 12 noon
Secret Garden Party
The Pheasant, 24 Heydon Road, Great Chishill, SG8 8SR
Back for another year. Bouncy castle, face painting, BBQ food served until 7.30pm. Drinks, tuck shop and live music all day from local artists. Free entry.
Saturday 25th July, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves’ Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW
Enter the whimsical world of Bertie Wooster, a young gentleman with a penchant for getting himself into outlandish predicaments. Outdoor event. Suitable for children age 10+. Tickets from www.national trust-tickets.org.uk. Adults £21, children under 16 £14.
Friday 31st July, 12 noon to 1.15pm
Seasonal Stroll: Butterflies
Meet at Trumpington Meadows Primary School, Kestrel Rise CB2 9AY
Leisurely walk on flat paths with a Communities and Education Officer from the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants. £6 plus booking fee for non members. Book at www.wildlifebcn.org.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Summary of Latest Speed Monitoring Data
Whitecroft Road, 10th April to 9th June 2026
Speed limit: 30mph
Traffic Entering the Village
Traffic Leaving the Village
The Stocks, 31st March to 5th June 2026
Speed limit: 20mph
Entering the Village
Traffic Leaving the Village
Meldreth Parish Council Traffic Working Group
Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.gov.uk
Meetings of the Parish Council held on Thursday 14th May 2026 and Thursday 4th June 2026
The Parish Council meetings were held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. This is a summary of the most recent two Parish Council meetings. The May meeting could not be reported in Meldreth Matters until now as it took place after the latest date for copy for the June magazine. 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
Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Councillor Richard Goddin and Councillor Roger James were respectively elected to serve in these posts for a further year.
Other Council Posts
Memberships of Committees and Working Groups were reviewed and the summary of responsibilities is posted on the Council’s website.
Co-option Procedure
No Meldreth Parish Council election was needed this year as there were eight candidates, one fewer than the nine Council seats to be filled. The Council will invite candidates for the remaining seat to apply for co-option.
Village Maintenance
Repair work is needed to the barrier fence in the car park adjacent to the tennis courts. This barrier fence is intended to protect the Tennis Club’s wire fence on that side of the courts. Quotations are being obtained for the repairs. The programme for repairing village infrastructure is underway. This will include necessary repairs to signs and notice boards and the repainting of the telephone box in North End which houses a defibrillator.
Finances
With the recent adverse changes in the general economic and financial outlook, the Council’s policy is to continue to question rigorously all items of future expenditure in terms of necessity and value.
Mettle Hill
The Council is awaiting a response from SCDC planners regarding a meeting with them to discuss the planning options for this site. The site offers possibilities for limited housing, recreational facilities, allotments, burial ground capacity, off road parking and other community facilities. As previously noted, these are important issues for the community and the Council will keep the village informed throughout.
Defibrillator
Quotations are being obtained for installing a solar powered defibrillator in the vicinity of the Fenny Lane crossroads. Steps will be taken to ensure that any such installation is protected by the Council’s insurance arrangements.
General Volunteer Issues
This subject was briefly discussed at our open Village Meeting at the Village Hall on 21st May 2026. There are several areas of village life that would be improved by increased volunteering. More help is needed with our Speedwatch activities; these form an important part of our village traffic safety agenda. We urge residents to offer their volunteer assistance to these activities. Please contact our Clerk.
Recreation Ground
We have received very encouraging feedback from local residents about the new multi-use games area at the recreation ground. We are awaiting a discussion with the contractors to resolve outstanding installation issues before final sign-off can be agreed. The full-size football pitch remains in place and we will ensure that any further additions to the recreation facilities or activities on the grass areas will not impede its use. Essential repairs and maintenance to the play equipment already installed have now largely been carried out. Future inspections will be carried out by the Council on a more frequent basis to ensure that any issues are identified as soon as possible.
Access to the Station and Underpass
Motor vehicles need to be restricted from being driven along this path and bollards are being considered for this. This is an important safety issue and is under discussion with our County Councillor and with Melbourn Parish Council.
Burial Ground
Our Fenny Lane graveyard has limited remaining capacity and the Council is researching the possibilities for additional graveyard facilities in the village. We have started this exercise by conducting a more detailed view of existing capacity possibilities in our existing graveyard in Fenny Lane and we will be investigating what additional capacity might be secured elsewhere in the village. Our land at Mettle Hill is on our list of promising sites for an extension of our facilities.
Parish Council Email Arrangements
The Council has moved to a system in which a dedicated formal/official address (gov.uk) has been assigned to each Councillor and to our officers. This is an essential regulatory measure to separate council business from the other email services which might be used by Councillors for their non-council business. Full details were published in the June edition of Meldreth Matters and all email addresses can be found on the following page.
Next Parish Council Meeting
Thursday 2nd July at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.
Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.gov.uk ParishOffice,MeldrethShelteredScheme,ElinWay,RoystonSG86LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Telephone: (01763) 269928
It was a pleasure to attend Meldreth’s Annual Parish Meeting at the end of May to report on the past year and to hear directly from residents. Please get in touch if you couldn’t make it and have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
In this month’s report, we highlight the recent government decision to create a centrally led Development Corporation (“Devco”) for Greater Cambridge and how to report non-emergency criminal activity to help the relevant services to respond.
Announcement of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation
You may have heard the recent news that, following a public consultation earlier this year, the Government has decided to establish a government-led Development Corporation to accelerate development and growth in "Greater Cambridgeshire”. As the largest development corporation by land area ever, the Devco will cover all of South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City. Its Board will be mostly appointed by and report to the Secretary of State. Under the government plans, planning applications from upwards of 250 houses would be henceforth decided by the Devco’s planning committee, not the existing planning service under local democratic control. The emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan does give a high level of protection to villages and Devco leaders have said that they initially want to support development as set out in the Local Plan, but the aspiration for more extensive development over the next 25 years (the Devco’s duration) is clear. The decision follows and builds on previous government announcements of £800 million to be spent on developing the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. Ahead of the expected establishment of the Devco during the month of July, local councils, together with local MPs, are pressing the government to ensure that development and growth will involve and benefit local people. We are also asking for assurances that the Devco will concentrate its resources to address the gaps that are holding back our area, including better healthcare and education facilities, new transport links, funding for highways maintenance, but also funding to secure the water supply as well as sewage and energy capacity to support future growth. Please let us know if you have any views or questions about this.
Reporting Non-emergency Criminal Activity
If you see any non-emergency criminal activity in our area, please report it to the Police – see www.cambs.police.uk/ro/report for details on how to make a report, including via the online forms. If the activity involves the railway, you may also report it to the British Transport Police, for example by text message to 61016.
In cases of anti-social behaviour, fly tipping or licensing, please also consider notifying South Cambridgeshire District Council online. https://www.scambs.gov.uk/reportanenvironmentalissue/launch https://forms.scambs.gov.uk/reportaflytip/launch
Reporting issues in our community is crucial so that the relevant services are aware, can act on any incidents and patterns of incidents and involve local services including those run by your councils.
Local Government Reorganisation: Where Are We Now?
The process of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is moving forward. A decision announcement from the Government is expected in July 2026. If confirmed, a Structural Changes Order would follow in late 2026, with the legislation needing to pass through Parliament. This will formally establish the new unitary authority, setting out names, boundaries, electoral arrangements, and the vesting day for new councils as well as the abolition date for existing ones, which would cut current councillors' terms short by two years. Elections to a “shadow” authority are anticipated for 6th May 2027, with the shadow authority meeting and appointing its executive and interim statutory officers by 20th May 2027. The expected vesting day, when the new authority becomes fully operational and South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridgeshire County councils are wound up, is 1st April 2028.
Quality of Life Survey to Gather Resident Views Across Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire County Council’s annual Quality of Life survey is an online and telephone survey that will capture the views of around 5,500 residents. The 20-minute telephone survey is being carried out by independent market research company Thinks Insight, which aims to speak to a representative sample of approximately 1,100 residents aged 18 and over in each of Cambridgeshire’s five districts, ensuring a broad and balanced range of perspectives. Alongside the random sample, all residents are encouraged to take part in an online survey via the council’s website.
Residents will be asked about a range of topics to inform the priorities of the council, including life and community, transport, health and wellbeing, children and young people, and perceptions of the council and its services. The survey closes on 5th August 2026 and is available at: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ quality-of-life-survey.
Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
Children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access 64 funded hours at a HAF holiday scheme where a daily meal, physical exercise and enriching experiences are offered. Families experiencing financial hardship also qualify.
The scheme will operate from 21st July to 28th August and further details are available at: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/communities/supportwith-the-cost-of-living/holiday-activities-and-food-programme.
Zero Carbon Communities Grant
As mentioned previously, a reminder that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Zero Carbon Communities Grant is open, with Parish Councils or local community groups invited to apply. Feel free to contact us with questions or visit.
https://www.scambs.gov.uk/climate-and-environment/zero-carbon-communities/ zero-carbon-communities-grant. The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 24th July 2026.
Unauthorised Encampments
We are aware of concerns relating to potential unauthorised encampment sites in recent weeks. South Cambridgeshire District Council has been granted a High Court injunction under Section 187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against persons unknown in relation to land west of Moor Drove, Histon/ Cottenham. The illegal activity took place over the late May Bank Holiday weekend and was noticed by observant residents who then reported to local councillors.
Highways
Please continue to report any highway issues and potholes via the Highway Faults website: https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/en-gb.
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
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the planning meetings on 16th April, 21st May and 4th June were not available at the time of going to press.
When available, minutes can be found on the Parish Council website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Authority Decisions
Equestrian Land at Malton Lane, 26/01184/FUL
Permission granted for the extension to existing manege.
80a High Street, 25/03377/CONDA
Discharge of condition 5 (traffic management plan) of planning permission 25/03377/HFUL.
Details of applications for tree work have not been included because of space restraints.
For details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions, see https:// applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
You’re Not Alone: Friendly Support
for Parents
www.hsrsc.org.uk
Parenting can be wonderful, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Whether it’s sleepless nights, busy routines, children’s behaviour or simply feeling a bit isolated, needing extra support is completely normal.
At Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire, we offer friendly, non-judgemental support to parents with young children. We’re not a statutory service, just here to lend a helping hand when things feel a little harder. We work alongside parents and here for any parent who feels they could use a bit of extra support.
What Support Can Look Like
Support is tailored to each family and may include:
A friendly volunteer for regular visits and a listening ear
Help building confidence as a parent
Practical support with routines or getting out and about
Connecting you with your local community
Support during challenging times
When
to Get in Touch
You don’t need to be in crisis to contact us. We’re here for any parent who feels they could use a bit of extra support, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, new to the area, or just need someone to talk to.
How to Get in Touch
You can contact us directly — no referral needed (unless you’d prefer one).
Telephone: (01763) 262262
Email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk
Website: www.hsrsc.org.uk
Sometimes, knowing someone is there for you can make all the difference.
Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire
Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)
https://applyforleap.org.uk
The LEAP Appliance Scheme Is Back!
The scheme provides support to fuel-poor and vulnerable households through the replacement of old, inefficient fridges, freezers, and fridge-freezers with modern, efficient alternatives. This a replacement scheme and the appliances must be at least eight years old AND inefficient, with the exception of air fryers. LEAP cannot replace cookers or washing machines. Last year, we replaced over 400 appliances for local residents completely free of charge.
To be eligible for this scheme, one of more of the following must be applicable.
Be in receipt of a Means Tested Benefit:
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income Support
Pension Guarantee Credit
Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
OR total annual household income does not exceed £31,000.
A resident can be referred to us by local community groups, charities, etc. You can also apply directly for a free home visit. A Home Energy Visit will be made, during which one of our energy advisors will check your eligibility and confirm whether an appliance replacement is possible.
For further details of the scheme and to check eligibility visit the LEAP website, applyforleap.or.uk or telephone 0800 060 7567.
Energy Advice Partnership
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
