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, June 5th | 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. Bingo Night – Last One Before Autumn! Monday, June 8th | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Entry: £5
Our Bingo Nights have been a huge hit, raising funds for incredible chari es each month. June will be our last session un l September, so don’t miss out! This month’s proceeds will go to EACH.
Family Fun Dog Show Saturday, June 20th | Registra on: 10:30 AM | Show: 11:00 AM | Entry: £3
Bring your four-legged friends to our Family Fun Dog Show! With 12 categories to enter, amazing prizes. All funds are going to ‘’Hearing Dogs for the Deaf’’, it’s a paw-some day out for a great cause.
Father’s Day Fun Sunday, June 21st | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Celebrate Dad with a pint, a roast, and magical entertainment from our magician, Andy! Make Father’s Day extra special.
Taco & Tequila Night Friday, June 26th | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM Spice up your summer with a night of tasty tacos and refreshing tequila (or margaritas!). It’s a fiesta you won’t want to miss!
Quiz Night Sunday, June 28th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Entry: £2 Gather your brainiest friends and join quiz masters Ben or Gary for a fun evening of trivia. All proceeds to Forget-Me-Not charity.
The Royal Oak Beer Fes;val Friday, July 17th – Sunday, July 19th
Our annual Beer Fes val is back and bigger than ever! With over 20 real ales & ciders, live music all weekend and delicious street food, it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss.
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
What’s On in Meldreth
Annual Parish Meeting 22
Festival du Piano 13
Motorcycle Club 40
Summer Fete 8&cover
Vintage Tractor Run 5
Village Groups
Friends of Holy Trinity 12
Local Crafters 38
Village Hub 6
Women’s Group 13
Village News & Issues
A10 Corridor Cycling 14
Games Area Vandalism 33
Parish Charities 9
Village Hall 8-9
Gardening and Nature
A Meldreth Garden 18-19
Cambridge Nature Festival 30
Melwood 16-17
River Mel News 4
Children & Education Activities for Families 27
Dusford Music Workshop 35
Primary School 10
Miscellaneous Melbourn Hub 31
MM Advertising Offer 3
Neighbourhood Watch 24
Things to Do in June 28-29
Local Government Council Contact details 33
Local Councillors 36-38
Local MP Update 26
Neighbourhood Plan 7 Planning 34
Advice/Information
Advertisers’ Index 44
Cambridge South Station 39
Garden Fire Risk 30
Home-Start 11
Mobile Warden Scheme 25
Refuse Collections 23
Village Directory 42-43
This month’s cover picture: Station Garden, Meldreth
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.
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Editorial
Welcome to the June issue of Meldreth Matters. We hope that the new centre page format is accurate and up to date and does make it easier for you to find an activity. Because of the May elections, the Parish Council meeting was delayed and the meeting report therefore will appear in the July issue of MM.
We must again advise that our advertising revenue is no longer meeting our printing costs and increasing revenue is now essential. If you know of a business that would benefit from advertising in the magazine or a company that might sponsor Meldreth Matters, please email us on meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Should you wish to make a donation towards the magazine’s production costs, our bank details are on page 44. Also see below for our special advertising offer.
This month, the magazine gives details of how to support MVH through the 100 Club and details of the Summer fete at HTM, including a request for bottle and cake donations. Also in June at HTM, there is a ‘Festival du Piano’.
We report some good news about the River Mel fish while Jim Reid reports a rare bird visitor. Neighbourhood Watch Week takes place from 1st-7th June and the village will receive many wheels as the Royston Motorcycle Club will meet at Eternit and the Cambridge Vintage Tractor Club will pass through Meldreth.
Robin Farbridge
Meldreth Matters Advertising Offer
Reach 900 houses and businesses in Meldreth every month by advertising in Meldreth Matters. Pay £118 for a quarter page advertisement for one year and receive an additional three months free of charge. This offer is open to companies or individuals who do not currently advertise with us. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
The Meldreth Matters Team
News from the River Bank
On 11th May, the Wild Trout Trust and the Environment Agency continued a programme of relocating Brown Trout from the River Mel upstream to the upper reaches of the River. Previously, fish from below Topcliffe Mill were caught by ‘electro-fishing’, which does no harm to the fish at all, but merely stuns them briefly. This year’s operation followed the same pattern with a dozen fish being selected for release. Our chalk streams, of which the Mel is one, are important wildlife habitats. There are many fish in the lower reaches, but not in the upper area. So relocation is a way of boosting the population up stream. Previous releases have been seen spawning and has proved that the system works. We should be proud to have wild brown trout in the village and give them every protection we can. The River Mel Restoration Group works to keep the river healthy. Incidentally our MP Pippa Heylings, has tried to introduce legislation to give additional, much needed, protection to the rare phenomenon of chalk streams of which there are said to be only 250 or so world wide, most of which are in southern England.
Terry Lynch
Cambridge Vintage Tractor Club
Tractor Run Sunday 28th June Supporting Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust
Start: 10.15am from Childerley Hall Farm, CB23 8BA
Note the route in Meldreth is: North End, High Street, Whitecroft Road, Fenny Lane and North End.
All the above times are approximate and subject to change. Donations via a QR code on collection buckets. For further information contact 07786 582210. Ramon Parcell
Meldreth Village Hub
Community Room, Elin Way Every Tuesday and Thursday 12.00 – 3.00pm Freshly cooked lunches every Tuesday (FREE and no need to book). Coffee, tea, some sweet treats and a warm welcome every Thursday Our friendly and welcoming Hub continues to thrive. Many of our visitors choose to sit quietly and enjoy the company of others (there’s always lots to talk about). Some weeks we play table football or table tennis, air hockey or carpet kurling (great fun!!) and the jigsaws and board games are always popular. Every activity is suitable for everyone. If you have any questions 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 is a whizz with technology. If you’re having problems with a laptop or phone he can help (all chats are in complete confidence). There will be more popular quizzes as well as a visit to the Crazy Golf, Shepreth Wildlife Park. Also line dancing, a picnic and talks about birds and badgers! Once again, a BIG thank you to our volunteers, you’re all amazing! If you would like to find out about volunteering, please get in touch. We look forward to meeting you.
Helen Meridew – Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com 07787 734973
Meldreth Neighbourhood Plan
Visit meldrethplan.org.uk for the latest news and project materials. You can access the documents mentioned here by adding the shortcut code to our web address (for example, https://meldrethplan.org.uk/b1 will take you directly to the Core Team materials shown here as /b1).
Following the earlier launch of the Neighbourhood Plan (see MM March issue), the future of Meldreth is being decided now, and we need your voice.
While the Parish Council is facilitating the Neighbourhood Plan, the majority of the content - the ideas, the research, and the vision - must come from the community itself.
We are looking for a diverse range of perspectives to ensure our village remains a great place to live, work, and study for everyone.
Who are we looking for?
We’ve streamlined the process to ensure you can contribute with a minimum of effort. No ‘interminable meetings’ required. We are seeking:
The Core Team: Individuals with specialist skills (planning, digital engagement) and generalists to help shape the consultation with Meldreth. /b1
Students & Young People: Help us understand the needs of those in education. /b2
The ‘Busy Middle’: We need your high-impact input on how the village works for busy residents and families. /b3
The Third Age: Help us build a legacy using your experience and perspective on retirement in Meldreth. /b4
Local Businesses & Home Workers: Your insight is vital for our local economy. /b5
The Dreamers: We want big thinkers to help us imagine facilities and assets for Meldreth 2045 that don’t yet exist. /b6
Profiles of what we require, and who we are looking for, are available on the website.
Why now? This month is a critical turning point. If we can secure the necessary volunteers, the plan moves into its next phase. If you care about the future of our village, please consider lending your voice.
Please Get Involved. Website: meldrethplan.org.uk or Contact: Roger James at info@meldrethplan.org.uk
Roger James,Vice Chairman, MPC
Summer Fête, Saturday 27th June 2026
Can you help with donations of bottles, books and cakes. We are collecting bottles (any kind - from wine to shampoo, whisky to ketchup) for our everpopular bottle stall at the fête. Please save a bottle for us. Details of collection points are given in the attached poster.
We hope you will come along to the fête and enjoy some of the games, refreshments and stalls. There will be something for all ages.
If you would like to join the team organising the event, you would be very welcome. Contact Hilary Crawforth on 07740 465868.
Meldreth Fete Team
Meldreth Village Hall Needs Your Support
Many of us enjoy the activities, events and groups that take place at Meldreth Village Hall, but what is less visible are the ongoing and rising costs involved in keeping the building open, safe and welcoming. One of the most effective ways residents and friends can help is by supporting the MVH 100 Club which is a monthly prize draw open to supporters of Meldreth Village Hall (You don’t even have to live in Meldreth!). Members buy an annual share and are entered into a monthly draw, with cash prizes paid directly to the winners. Crucially, 50% of all income goes straight to the Village Hall, helping to fund the essential costs of running and maintaining the building. The remaining 50% forms the prize fund.
Running a community hall comes with substantial fixed costs that must be paid regardless of how busy the hall is. Last year’s figures highlight just how significant these are: Insurance costs around £4,500 per year, energy bills total approximately £2,600 and general maintenance and upkeep came to around £9,000. As costs continue to rise, it is important that MVH has a dependable stream of income. We review hall hire charges carefully and aim to maximise income from bookings, but we also work hard to keep charges affordable and user friendly for village groups and regular users. Increasing hire fees alone is not a sustainable or fair solution. The 100 Club helps bridge that gap, providing steady income without pricing people out of using the hall.
Grants are always applied for where possible, and MVH has had success with funding for specific projects. However, grants are always for specific items or
projects and cannot be used for everyday running costs. They also place heavy demands on funding bodies and are highly competitive, particularly for older buildings. In short, grants help improve the hall, but they do not keep it running day to day.
Joining the 100 Club is straightforward: Buy a £60 share (annual subscription). You are then entered into the monthly draw where you have a chance to win cash prizes. At the same time, you are directly supporting Meldreth Village Hall. Application forms are available from the hall, online, or by email. Please see our 100 Club advertisement in this issue of Meldreth Matters and the bright green posters around the village where you will find all the joining details and a QR code linking directly to the application page. For the 100 Club to succeed, we need villagers and friends of Meldreth Village Hall to sign up as soon as possible. If you value the Village Hall, use it, enjoy its events, or simply want to see it continue to thrive, please join the 100 Club today and encourage others to do the same. A modest contribution, shared across the community, would make an enormous difference.
Andrew Young Chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
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 Primary School
www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
After enjoying a dry and sunny Spring, the Summer term has arrived at Meldreth Primary and we start the final countdown to the end of the school year. Our phenomenal Year 6 students completed their SATS tests, expertly applying many years’ worth of learning, and making us all extremely proud of their fantastic attitude and work ethic. They are now eagerly anticipating starring roles in the end-of-year school play and their upcoming, well-deserved school journey. Well done to each and every one of them and their families who supported them too.
Our Year 4 students also enjoyed an incredible few days away from home at Grafham Water Centre, learning new skills and trying a whole host of enjoyable activities, such as including sailing, cycling and climbing! For many of our pupils, this was the first time that they had been away from home for a significant period of time and they relished the challenge, demonstrating excellent independence, maturity and resilience. They are now more than ready for the new challenges awaiting them in upper Key Stage 2!
Indeed, our current Year 5 and 6 students have been enjoying weekly trips to Melbourn Village College for swimming lessons, fulfilling a major part of the PE curriculum. They love walking through the underpass and seeing the beautiful community artwork as part of the journey. We are incredibly lucky to have our own swimming pool on school site and this has been lovingly reopened for the Summer term, giving our younger students the chance to either learn for the first time or improve the skills they already possess.
We enjoy strong links with our community partners in this wonderful village and, as such, our Year 5 pupils are also receiving weekly music instruction from a celebrated local musician, Antoinette Cann, who is preparing them for a performance at the Holy Trinity Church Fete on Saturday 27th June. Please come along to see them in action!
Daniel Chapman, Assistant Headteacher
Home-Start
Part-time Co-ordinator
Home-Start is looking for a warm, organised and compassionate person to support local families with young children. This part-time role (20 hours per week) involves supporting families and working alongside trained volunteers. Salary from £26,760 FTE (pro rata). You will need your own car. Please contact Jackie to find out more. Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026
Upcoming Events
Literary Lunch with Hannah Beckerman
We are thrilled to be welcoming Hannah Beckerman, bestselling author of five novels and one of the UK’s most engaging literary voices. Lunch details: Tuesday 9th June 2026 12.15pm – 2.30pm at The Old Bull Inn, Royston Tickets: £18 per person, including buffet lunch.
We are still in urgent need of additional support and need another 10 people to help us, both helpers on the day and cake bakers to contribute to our cake stall. For volunteer shifts, we need 4 people per 2 hour slot, running from: 11:00am –1.00pm, 1.00pm – 3.00pm and 3.00pm – 5.00pm. Please do get in touch if you can help, or if you would be willing to bake something for the stall.
Bingo Night
We will be holding a Bingo Night on: Friday 19th June 2026 at 7.00pm at Meldreth Village Hall. £15 per ticket. Book your tickets here: https:// buytickets.at/homestartroystonbuntingfordandsouthcambridgeshire/2213643
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
of Care in Every Clean.”
Friends of Holy Trinity
The 40th Annual General Meeting of the Friends will be held at 7.00pm on Thursday 11th June in the church meeting room. All members of the Friends are invited to attend the meeting which will review activities over the past year, look ahead to what is coming up, and attend to formalities such as the election of officers. It will end with complimentary refreshments for all who attend.
At the Festival du Piano at 7.00pm on Friday 19th June at HTM, the Friends will be assisting by serving the refreshments with a licensed bar. Please see separate article on page 13 for ticket details.
The ‘This is My Theatre’ (TIMT) company will be returning to HTM later this year with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 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.
Tickets are now on sale at: https://www.thisismytheatre.com/alice-in-wonderland. There will be a licensed bar available before the performance starts and during the interval; we ask you to order your interval drinks beforehand if possible, to avoid a scrum at half time!
You might also like to see the TIMT productions at All Saints Melbourn of The Great Gatsby on 14th July and A Christmas Carol on 16th December. Tickets available from the TIMT website.
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
07726 936635
Festival du Piano
The 3rd Annual Festival du Piano is on Friday 19th June at 7.00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth. We will have dazzling performances for you by these award-winning pianists. Watch Eric (9) scamper around the keyboard in Grieg’s depiction of Puck whilst Mohan (15) and Penny (14) touch your heart in Schubert’s Impromptu in A flat and Chopin’s exquisite Nocturne in D flat major. Philip (12) and Lili (17) will then dazzle with virtuosic Chopin Etudes, Copland and Rachmaninoff. After refreshments served by FOHT, Aymeric (17) will bring his deep musicianship and virtuosic pianism to Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise. The Cann Twins finish the programme with the evocative tone colours and brilliant Feria of Ravel’s Spanish Rhapsody. Tickets £15, £5 under 19s are available from Toni 07584 195956 or www.canntwins.com click on performance tab to take you to ticket tailor.com.
Toni Cann
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small friendly group who meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month except December, at ASCH Melbourn or in the HTM meeting room. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and we also have the opportunity to donate to the charity pot; this year the charity we support is Maggies. We then have the chance to socialise while enjoying some refreshments. In March we had a talk from an Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust member; we supported this charity in 2025. In April, Will Parsons spoke of his work as a cruise ship host. At our May meeting we had our summer supper when we enjoyed nice food and a chat; at this meeting our partners were able to join us. At our next meeting on Tuesday 23rd June at ASCH Melbourn, we will be entertained by the Lift Off Choir. If you require any information about the group, do 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 and Pat Ames (01763) 261130. We would love to see you.
Angela Leach
A10 Corridor Cycling
14th June Annual A10 Awareness Ride
Looking forward to all who are able to join the annual A10 cycle ride from Trumpington Park and Ride to Phillimore's, departing 10.00am from Trumpington; the walking contingent will depart from the Melbourn Hub at 9.30am.
We’ll be following the usual route – over Trumpington Meadows, down the A10 path, over the A10 at Shepreth and on to the Melbourn Greenway path into Phillimore Garden Centre for refreshments on the front lawn.
We’re really grateful to those who have agreed to be marshals at crossing points along the route and to Cycling UK for supporting the ride with insurance cover. Please note that you’ll need to get to the ride start and then home from the finish independently without the support of marshals.
Any offers of edibles for the refreshment stand will be gratefully received! Please contact Susan: Susanvandeven5@gmail.com Any questions, please let us know and contact: A10cycle@gmail.com.
Susan van de Ven and Adam Bostanci, and the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign
Melwood, Late Spring, 2026
As I write this, April has given way to May and the weather sometimes seems to have jumped directly into summer. Memories of the carpets of snowdrops and clumps of daffodils have faded but the conservation team, following good garden advice, have split and re-distributed some of the more exposed and over-crowded clumps of snowdrops, aiming to increase the area of the show in future years.
Owing to injury, I have not been able to wander around the wood as usual, so there may be more reference below to garden wildlife but living close to the wood, much of this will be equally relevant to the wood. It was pleasing to see that the cowslips planted in March had survived to flower in April but they will not have appreciated the very dry April weather. New trees planted this year are also at risk, but the conservation team are including some watering as part of the work rota and this should fend off disaster. The Lady’s Smock, which appeared in the meadow for the first time 2025, was stronger and slightly more spread in 2026. This is very pleasing, not only because it is an attractive bit of colour but also because it is a favoured food for the larvae of the Orange Tip butterfly, one of the wood’s most attractive spring residents.
There has been quite a lot in the news about the decline of almost half of Britain’s butterfly species and this is very noticeable even in our gardens, where oncecommon species such as the Peacock and Comma are far less common and the Small Tortoiseshell seems to have almost completely vanished. It is not all bad news, though. The bright yellow of the male Brimstone is still frequent in our gardens and there are regular visits by white butterflies, even if it is not possible to always tell which of our five species may be present when they are in flight. (Small white, Green-veined white, female orange-tip, female brimstone or Large white) With a bit of experience, only the former two will need a close look and probably a moment at rest on a flower for certain separation. Another butterfly species that has adapted to take advantage of our gardens is the Holly Blue. It may be seen commonly around bushes at this time of year and historically, the female would have searched out holly flower buds on which to lay its eggs but more recently it has started using other garden species. Pyracantha seems to be a new favourite. A second generation emerges in late summer and commonly uses Ivy flower buds.
Ash die-back disease is tightening its grip on the mature Ash trees and soon many will be dead, significantly altering the appearance and ecology of the wood. Planting replacements needs to start as soon as possible, using species that are resilient and fairly rapid in growth, whilst retaining consistency with the local environment.
The conservation team are learning, with experience, what may thrive and what is likely to fail in the dry shade of the wood but enhancement will be a slow process
with the small size of the team; help from locals who could grow plug plants of
species selected by the team would be very helpful.
The migratory birds started returning to the wood in March, the first making its presence heard being the Chiff Chaff, as usual. The Black Cap has been especially vocal around my garden this year and also around Melwood and seems more abundant than the regular songsters such as the Robin and the Blackbird. Perhaps it has been a particularly good migration for this species this year. There were some strong southerly air flows about the crucial flight period.
One exciting and unexpected bird song was recorded on the way to a work party in the wood on May 9th. From the river path by the new bridge, a Cetti’s Warbler was recorded by the Merlin bird app and almost certainly represents the first record of this species in Meldreth. Identity was confirmed by comparison with an official recording. Cetti’s Warbler has previously been seen and netted in a more natural habitat at RSPB Fowlmere, just two miles away. This is a species most probably spreading north with global warming.
Work in the wood starts to scale back in late spring and summer, but it remains important to maintain control of those species that could become overdominant. Therefore, those keen to help should watch out for emails if already on the group’s lists, or contact the group if willing to join the volunteers. Support for work parties has been so low recently that it is possible some parts of the path may become overgrown and spring flowers may be smothered. It only involves about two hours each month if sufficient people are involved. Details are below or on the group website.
To find out more or express interest in helping maintain the wood, contact: Peter Seal (01763) 261153, Jim Reid (01763) 260231, email melwood.lnr@btinternet.com or see our website, www.melwood.org.uk.
Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group
Female Holly Blue butterfly Celastrina argiolus in Melwood
A Meldreth Garden
June is a golden month for gardeners, flower beds have the brilliant sparkle of new flowers and fresh green foliage in every shape and hue, critical to an interesting and effective garden. The gardening year is in full swing, long days, warming soil, and the promise of summer ahead, making it the most rewarding month to be outdoors with your hands in the earth. The list of plants flowering is extensive in my garden and they include, Turkish Sage Phlomis russeliana, lambs ears Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet', campanula Campanula portenschlagiana a mat former for shade and Campanula persicifolia old fashioned cottage garden plant in pale blue and white forms. Also Purple clematis Clematis viticella, sweet William, lupins Lupinus × regalis, roses, annual poppies Papaver somniferum in red and purple, mock orange Philadelphus and the common gum cistus Cistus × cyprius and also perennial cornflower Centaurea montana blue, greater knapweed Centaurea montana 'Alba' white and Centaurea scabiosa pink, African daisy
The list goes on. Dead heading and cutting back flowered stems encourages further flowering or a flush of new flowers later in the season.
I have created a new herb bed, not in the most appropriate location, dry and semi shaded, but close to the kitchen door for access. Collecting herbs for a bouquet garni from all quarters of the front and back garden was a bore. There are perennial thymes, sages, rosemaries and oregano, curry plant, angelica and some annual herbs too, parsley, etc. It is a work in progress.
June is a busy month and the to-do list is long. Planting out tender bedding plants by mid-June, sowing biennials, foxglove, wallflower, sweet William, and so on. Keeping on top of weeding is essential. Warm, moist soil in June means weeds grow almost as fast as my crops, so a regular hoe through borders and vegetable beds saves considerable effort later. Mulching around plants with garden compost or leaf mould helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water wisely, early morning is best, directing water to the roots rather than the leaves. New plantings need consistent watering until established, particularly during dry spells. I collect grey water from the kitchen to use in the garden for established plants. The vegetable garden is filling out, with lots of small plants growing, cabbage, cauliflower, calabrese, alliums (onion, garlic and shallots), etc. I will plant out leeks at the beginning of June. Broad beans and peas, grown early to avoid pea weevil, have been productive. Once cleared I will direct sow Florence fennel, after the longest day the 21st has passed, in an attempt to stop them bolting later in the season. Tender vegetables, squash, cucumber, courgettes, French beans, sweetcorn and tomatoes, grown on in the greenhouse, are then all transplanted to their final positions in the allotment or garden, and as appropriate are making swift progress up their canes. Due to the now seasonal dry spring, watering has
been necessary, especially when planting out in the garden or allotment. Tomatoes, all vine varieties grown up canes were planted outside in May and burnt with a ground frost within days. The tomatoes need weekly feeding, watering and damping down on hot days. I make my own comfrey tomato feed. Placing comfrey leaves and stems into an old onion bag which is then placed inside an open-ended plastic sac for support and to stop drying out, this sits on top of a bucket to catch the liquid as the plants break down. By this method the comfrey breaks down aerobically and drips, thick and black into the bucket; without that awful smell produced by anaerobic extraction in a closed bucket of water, as described by Monty Don, et al.
We hope, this year, any spraying of herbicide on the cereal crops around the allotments is done in dead calm weather. Tomatoes are particularly sensitive to herbicidal spray drift.
Enjoy your gardens
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
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Vintage Tractor Run Sunday 28th eta 1.50pm Several roads - see article Page 5
Regular Classes and Events
Children ’s Activities
Acro* Thursdays 4.00 -5.00pm Village Hall
Brownies* Wednesdays 6.00 -7.30pm
Guides* Mondays 6.30 -8.00pm
Rainbows* Mondays 5.00 -6.15pm
Stay & Play* Wednesdays 9.15 -11.15am Village Hall
Street Dance* Mondays 4.00 -6.30pm Village Hall
Church Services
Morning Prayer 2nd Sunday 8.00am Holy Trinity Church
Sung Eucharist 1st and 3rd & 5th Sundays 9.45am Holy Trinity Church
Community/Support
Dementia Memory Café Saturday 20th 2.00 -4.00pm Village Hall
Dementia Sing-Along Friday 12th 12.15 -1.45pm Village Hall
Food Bank Tuesdays 9.00am -12 noon Elin Way
Mobile Library 4th Tuesday 10.45 -11.30am Bell Close
Village Hub Tues & Thurs 12.00 -3.00pm Elin Way
Meldreth Village Diary - June 2026
Adult Activities/Classes
Bell Ringing Wednesdays (except 1 st week of the month) 7.45 -9.00pm Bell Ringing
History Group First Monday 10.00am -midday Elin Way
Lift -Off Choir* Wednesdays 1.30 -2.45pm Village Hall
Melb. & Meldreth
Women’s Group
Royston & District
Motorcycle Club First and third Wednesdays 8.00pm Eternit Sports & Social Club
Slimming World Fridays 9.30am Village Hall
Wise Local Crafters Thursdays 10.30am -3.30pm Eternit Sports & Social Club
Adult Exercise/Sport
50+ Aerobics Tuesdays 1.30 -2.30pm Village Hall
Fitness Pilates Tuesdays 7.00 -8.00pm Village Hall
Functional Fitness Mondays 10.00 -11.00am Village Hall
Jazzercise Wednesdays 6.15 -7.15pm Village Hall
Table Tennis Thursdays 7.00 -9.00pm Village Hall
Tennis Various days See https:// clubspark.lta.org.uk/ meldrethtennisclub
Tennis Courts
Toneography Thursdays 12.30 -1.30pm Village Hall Wednesdays 6.15 -7.15pm Village Hall
Trigger Point Pilates Wednesdays 7.30 -8.20pm Village Hall Thursdays 6.00 -6.45pm Village Hall
Other Parish Council 1st Thursday 7.30pm Elin Way
* term time only
For info on Village Hall classes & events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Refuse Collections
Black bins: 2nd, 16th & 30th June . Blue and green bins: 9th & 23rd June
Food bins: Every Tuesday. G et reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app
Page 13
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
Neighbourhood Watch Week takes place from 1st-7th June and forms part of the Month of Community, a nationwide initiative designed to celebrate everything that makes communities great. In Meldreth we will be out and about during Neighbourhood Watch Week, handing out information leaflets and free window stickers. We are also in the process of applying to have new Neighbourhood Watch signs put up in various locations. Stickers and signs may seem like trivialities but they send the message to would-be criminals that Meldreth is a community where people look out for each other, which could just make them think twice. If you’d like a window sticker and don’t receive one, please get in touch, or come along to our next meeting (details below). We have a growing number of members registered on our scheme. It’s completely free to join and gives access to incident alerts, crime prevention advice and other information, plus discounts on certain security products. Being a member may even reduce your home insurance premium! The easiest way to join is online by visiting https://www.ourwatch.org.uk. You first need to sign up as a member of the national scheme. Once you have done that, the website should direct you to find your local scheme. Please select the one simply called ‘Meldreth’ which covers the whole village. If you’re not able to join online, get in touch and we’ll find another way. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 17th June at 8.00pm in the QEII Room of the Village Hall. Why not come along and find out more about what we do, or share your ideas with us? Attending won’t commit you to anything, even though we are always keen to find more volunteers to help us run the group.
Laura Elvin
meldrethnhw@gmail.com, (01763) 261084
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Melbourn & District Warden Scheme
Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth, Whaddon, Barrington, Harston, Hauxton, Orwell, Grantchester, Haslingfield & Foxton
Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?
What is the service?
We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls (Monday to Friday) to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.
Who provides the services?
Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their friendliness and caring nature and are DBS checked.
What will it cost?
We do make a small charge for the services. Please contact us for more information.
How can I join?
For more information and an informal chat, telephone 07426 847229 or email headwarden@mmws.org.uk.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
An Update from Your Local MP, Pippa Heylings
Following May's local elections, I am looking forward to working closely with the newly elected councillors to serve our community. Below are a few of the things I’ve been working on recently.
Charity Skydive for Arthur Rank Hospice: Arthur Rank Hospice, which provides truly amazing palliative and end-of-life care, has had its NHS funding cut. It is therefore imperative for the hospice to urgently raise funds to close this funding gap. In April, along with an extraordinary team of campaigners devoted to raising money for the hospice, I did a tandem skydive to raise vital funds.
It was the scariest thing I’ve done and yet so exhilarating to jump out of a plane over Cambridgeshire at 15,000 feet!. I am delighted that together we raised over £26,000. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.
Championing our Chalk Streams: I have continued to champion one of South Cambridgeshire's most precious natural assets. Our chalk streams are globally rare, with only 260 in the world and 85% of them in England. They are essential to biodiversity and provide unique habitats for wildlife. They are being damaged by the twin threats of over-abstraction of water and pollution by sewage. I introduced a Bill in Parliament calling on the Government to nominate the UK's chalk streams, including those flowing through our own constituency, such as the Rivers Cam, Granta, Mel, Rhee and Shep, as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. UNESCO designation will help galvanise public engagement and investment in their recovery.
Fighting for SEND Reform: Since becoming your MP, I have heard from countless families struggling to access the support their children need. The delays in obtaining diagnoses, developing Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and securing funding are causing real distress — and too many parents are being forced into costly complaints and tribunal processes just to get what their children are entitled to. The SEND system is broken. It is failing children every day and pushing councils to the brink of bankruptcy. That is why I welcome the Government's recognition of this crisis and the steps they have set out to address it — though I know many parents have serious concerns about what the reforms will mean in practice. I have written to the Minister to convey those concerns, and I am grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation and shared their experiences with me. I will continue to campaign in Parliament for greater special needs funding for our area, and to raise individual cases with the local authority. If you are struggling to navigate the SEND system, please do get in touch.
If you would like to keep up to date with my work, you can register for my enewsletter, available at https://www.pippaheylings.org.uk/newsletter
Pippa Heylings MP
Things for Children and Families to do in June
Monday 1st June - Sunday 6th September, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail
Wimpole Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW
Team up as a family to collect your trail sheet and search the estate for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete challenges. Free but normal admission applies for non-members (National Trust).
Monday 1st June and throughout the summer
Fitz List, Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington St Cambridge CB2 1RB
If you are aged 18 - 25 (or students of any age), join the Fitz List and get free or discounted exhibition tickets and exclusive digital content. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.
Thursday 18th June and monthly, 10.30am - 11.30am
Welly Walks, Botanic Garden, Cambridge CB2 1JE
Walk, activity and story for pre-school children. Free but accompanying adults pay normal admission (unless members). www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Saturday 20th June, 11.00am - 12 noon
The Gruffalo and Stick Man Outdoor Cinema Experience King’s College, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST
Bring a blanket or camping chair and a picnic and watch the films on a giant screen in this lovely setting. Gates open at 10.00am with special music to enjoy. £9.80 for under 12s, £12.89 for over 12s.
Saturday 20th June, 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Climate at the Museum
Whipple Museum, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH
Hands on activities, talks and discussions about creating a cleaner, greener future. Free, drop in. Suitable for all ages.
Sunday 21st June, 12.00 - 4.00pm
Trumpington Meadows Community and Nature Day
Meet at Trumpington Meadows Primary School CB2 9AY
Food vans, stalls, talks, performances, nature activities, a photography exhibition. Free, drop in session. Use the Park and Ride, Trumpington.
Tuesday 23rd June, 7.30pm
Myth, Legend and Folklore, Ely Cathedral, Ely CB7 4DL
An evening of music inspired by myth, legend and folklore with live orchestra, dancers and local school children. Music includes pieces from Robin Hood, Moana, The Firebird, Peer Gynt. Tickets £12.50. Children 16 and under free. www.elycathedral.org.
CompiledbyHilaryCrawforth
Things to do in June
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.
Thursday 4th June, 9.00am to 10.00am
Run Talk Run Royston
The Heath Café Bar, Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG
Free weekly gentle 5k run; everyone welcome and no pace too slow. Make running fun and be part of a friendly, sociable group. Meet every Thursday for a 9.15 start. For more information and to sign up: bit.ly/RunTalkRunRoyston.
Tuesday 9th June, 12.15 pm to 2.30pm
Home-Start Literary Lunch with Hannah Beckerman
The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
Critic, broadcaster and the author of five best-selling novels, Hannah Beckerman also writes for the Guardian, Observer and FT Magazine. She will be in conversation about her recent book ‘Three Mothers’. Tickets £18 to include buffet lunch from admin@hsrsc.org.uk or (01763) 262262.
Thursday 11th June to Tuesday 25th August, normal opening times
Striking exhibition by distinguished photographer Shirley Baker documenting children at play in the streets of Manchester and Salford during the 1960s and 1970s. For more details and to attend preview: www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.
Saturday 20th June, 7.00pm to 10.30pm
Star Shine Night Walk
Shelford Rugby Club, The Davey Field, Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5JJ
Walk 5 or 10 miles at sunset through Cambridge raising money for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Entry online until 19th June. To find out more and to register: www.arhc.org.uk/ssnw or call (01223) 675 888.
Saturday 13th June, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Walk and Talk with Ivor Warne, Nuthampstead Museum
Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead, Royston SG8 8NB
Discover the fascinating history of American bomber base, Station 131, with knowledgeable local guide. Delve into the secrets of the historic airfield and uncover the stories of the servicemen who served there and their invaluable contributions to the war effort. Limited numbers so booking highly recommended: events@nutwoodpubs.com.
Saturday 13th June, 3.30pm to 10.00pm
Party in the Park in aid of Garden House Hospice
Steeple Morden Recreation Ground, SG8 0PE
BBQ, live music, bar, pizza, charity football match and lots more to entertain you.
Saturday 13th June, 7.30pm
Royston Choral Society Concert
St John the Baptist Church, Royston SG8 9LG
Selection of British choral classics including Sea Pictures by Edward Elgar and works by Britten, Parry, Ireland and Howells. Tickets £20, students £5, under 18s £1. Available from www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk, by phone on (019290) 822723, from a choir member or on the door.
Gentle guided walk to learn about the summer flowers on the Reserve, including the spectacular orchids. A knowledgeable guide will help you identify them. Meet at the car park noticeboard. Free event with suggested donation £3. No need to book - just turn up.
Friday 19th and Saturday 20th June, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Home and Garden Show
Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
Flower festival, gardening talks/demonstrations, homeware/interiors, street food and live entertainment. Advance tickets £14, children 3-15 £7. To book: www.elycathedral.org. Also open Friday 19th, 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
Saturday 27th June, 12.00pm to 5.00pm
Benington Floral Festival and Open Gardens
Benington, Stevenage SG2 7BS
Local residents decorate the church with fabulous floral displays on a chosen theme. Village gardens open to visitors. Teas, home-made cakes and light lunches sold in the village hall. Proceeds to St. Peter’s Church and local charities. Adults £10, children under 16 £4, Under 3s free.
Sunday 28th June, 1.00pm to 5.00pm, locations around Stapleford
Stapleford Village Gardens - Open for NGS
Cambridgeshire CB22 5BH
So much of interest in these contrasting gardens with lots of colour, unusual plants, lively design, a pond and mixed woodland. Combined admission £6, children free. Cash only please.
Monday 29th June, 12.00pm to 2.30pm
The Rockin Chair Jazz Band
The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
Hot jazz, cool beer - a great way to start the week. Admission £10
Compiled by John Crawforth
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Garden Fire Risk
Don’t let a garden spring clean lead to fire. Staying safe outside is just as important as keeping your family safe from fire in your home. As the Spring time weather (hopefully) begins to arrive, many will take the opportunity to get out in the garden and give it a tidy. There are a few simple things to do which will help reduce the risk of having a fire:
-Dispose of garden waste using either a local waste pick up service, or take it to a local recycling centre. Do not light a bonfire!
-Ensure cigarettes are completely out
-Do not leave glass bottles lying on the ground – the sun’s rays reflect through the glass and can start a fire
If you are planning to have a BBQ, use barbeques on a hard, flat surface away from grass, shrubs or fencing. Also put disposable barbeques on bricks, do not place directly on grass
For an Online Safety Check to help keep your home and family fire safe, visit: https://bit.ly/Home_Safety_Check
Cambridge Nature Festival
The Festival, now in its fifth year, is running until Tuesday 30th June 2026. This year's festival features more than 180 events which span the breadth of the region's distinctive landscapes, from the chalk streams of Ditton Meadows to the rare orchids of Haslingfield Quarry, the ancient fens of Wicken to the open meadows of Wandlebury Country Park. The programme includes outdoor adventures, family and children's activities, talks and science, arts, culture, and well-being and community and volunteer events. Many events are free and some ticketed events are low cost.
For a full programme and booking see: cambridgenaturenetwork.org/ naturefestival. Event listings and enquiries: nature@cambridgeppf.org
As we head into the summer we’ve got a busy June in store, with various new services alongside all our regular events. We’ll also be at Melbourn Fete on Saturday 13th June selling some yummy treats to take away and providing information on the Hub. So if you’ve ever wanted to find out more about the Hub, pop over and see us there!
Our artist of the month for June will be Sylvia Jordan, a well-known local artist who has exhibited with us before; we are delighted to welcome her back!
Regular Services and Events
Building Society – Mondays (12 noon-3.00pm), Tuesdays (9.00am-12 noon) and Thursdays (9.00am-12 noon)
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course subsidised meal. Lunch club is currently full but we do 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 – Between 9.30am and 11.30am there is a drop-in session - no need to book; Citizens Advice also offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings for you; please contact Citizens Advice directly.
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 Thursday. Check out our website for more details and contact Tim directly to book on (tim@boneclinic.co.uk)
Every Thursday – 5.00pm-6.00pm - Healthy You Weight Management Group; Helping to guide you towards your weight-related goals. Offering group sessions for twelve weeks online, face-to-face or self-directed. Eligibility criteria apply and referral from your GP necessary. Find out more at: https:// healthyyou.org.uk/self-referral/
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. Call 07345 535925 to book or contact caroline@naturalreflectionstherapy.co.uk
Special for June
Tuesday 2nd June – Doctor Bike – 10.00am-4.00pm - Come along for a free bicycle health check session! To book your time slot for any of these sessions, visit: https://ow.ly/xpKA50WkfRI
Monday 8th June – Tea & Sign – 10.00am-12noon - Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. Ccontact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com
Saturday 13th June – we'll have a stall at Melbourn Fete; pop along and say hello! The Hub will also be open for business, as usual.
Sunday 14th June – 9.00am-3.00pm - children's vaccinations session - walk-ins welcome! Offering the following vaccinations: pre-school, missed infants, missed children, missed teenage.
Saturday 20th June – Father's Day Pop-up cake sale come in and buy some yummy treats for Dad!
For more details on all our events and services check out our website on www.melbournhub.co.uk
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Telephone: (01763) 269928 All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Cllr Alan Land
Cllr James Mossey
Cllr Nigel Pellatt
RFO: Mrs Sally Walmesley rfo@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.r.goddin@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.j.bone@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.g.foulger@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.n.garner@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.r.james@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.c.a.land@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.j.mossey@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
cllr.n.pellatt@meldreth-pc.gov.uk
Vandalism in the Multi Use Games Area
The Parish Council hopes that the young people of the village are enjoying the new Multi Use Games Area on the recreation field. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks since its installation, there has already been some vandalism. The Parish Council would kindly ask everyone to respect the facility and help look after it so that it can continue to be enjoyed by all members of the community. Thank you.
Judy Damant Parish Clerk Meldreth Parish Council
Have You Got Our Number?
08000320845
This is the number for a confidential drink and drug drive 24/7 hotline, which allows you to anonymously report anyone you suspect of drink or drug driving. One call could save a life. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Cambridgeshire Police
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the planning meeting on 16th April were not available at the time of going to press. Minutes can be found on: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Authority
25 Elin Way, 26/00986/HFUL
Single storey front and rear extension, two storey side extension. Granted permission.
114 High Street, 26/00677/HFUL
Removal of existing carport and roof to existing garage, extension of garage and addition of new pitched roof, new carport. Granted permission.
Land To West Of 7 Brewery Lane, 26/00586/OUT
Outline application for one self-build dwelling with all matters reserved apart from access. Refused permission.
70 High Street, 26/00486/HFUL
Single storey rear extension. Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of a double garage. Erection of outbuilding in rear garden. Granted permissions.
70 High Street, 26/00487/LBC
Single storey rear extension with internal alterations. Granted permission.
The Old Congregational Chapel High Street, 26/00460/HFUL
Installation of external access lift shaft and replace obscured glass panels in the ground floor windows with clear glass. Granted permission.
Land Rear Of 30 Chiswick End, 20/03400/CONDB
Submission of details required by conditions 4 (Hard and Soft Landscaping), 5 (Boundary Treatment) and 6 (Flood plan) of reserved matters application 20/03400/REM. Withdrawn.
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
Duxford Saturday Workshop: Saturday 20th June
Would you (or your child) like to play a musical instrument and would you like to try out one or more instruments before making up your mind? If so, Duxford Saturday Workshop Taster Morning is for you! At this event, experienced tutors and players will help you to have practical experience of one or more instruments and will help you to decide which instrument is for you. This is completely free. There is no need to book in advance, and you do not have to be a current member of the Music Workshop to attend - so just come along and have a go! Of course, if you decide to join us for the next Workshop year (beginning in September) you will be most welcome. If you need an instrument, items can often be borrowed for the year at low cost from our hire stock. Now in its 52nd year of existence, the Workshop happens at Duxford School on Saturday mornings during termtime. It is about enjoying music-making in a supportive environment. All ages, abilities and experience levels are welcome, and we offer both tuition and ensembles, to cater for a wide range of musical tastes. Instruments included in the Taster Morning are: violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, cornet, French horn, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar and ukulele. When? Saturday morning 20th June from 11.00am - 12.30pm at Duxford Primary School, St John’s Street, Duxford CB22 4RA. For further information, see: www.duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk
Peter Howarth, Duxford Workshop Management Team
District and County Councillor Report
Transport
East West Rail Consultation
East West Rail will connect communities between Cambridge and Oxford, with the ambition of promoting sustainable economic growth. A new consultation has been launched on updated proposals that take account of further design work, ongoing engagement, environmental assessments, traffic and transport analysis, and feedback from the consultation in 2025.
This consultation is probably the final one before East West Rail submits a Development Consent Order (DCO) application, giving residents near the line a last opportunity to influence designs and help the project to address local needs and priorities. The new consultation runs to Tuesday 9th June.
More details: https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation/consultation2026
Cambridge South Station
Cambridge South station is due to open on Sunday 28th June, providing easier access to some of the sixth form colleges and jobs on Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Did you know that it is only a short walk from Cambridge South station to Addenbrooke’s Outpatients?
Your local councillors are working together with the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership and others to provide more detailed information and improve connections from and to Cambridge South, including for people with limited mobility.
You’ll find a more detailed update from the Community Rail Partnership on page 39. Please also keep an eye out on Facebook and elsewhere for further information.
Buses
Later this summer, the Combined Authority plans to hold a consultation on future services in our area, including across the border into Hertfordshire. Please let us know if you want to be added to the Cam Vale Bus User Group mailing list.
Community Local Highways Improvement Project
The community LHI project, to improve and repair the footways between Aurora Meldreth Manor and the Railway station, is progressing well. Initial designs drawn up by Highways have been reviewed by the community advisory group, which includes the parents of a young person currently resident at Meldreth Manor, a representative of Meldreth Manor, three other Meldreth households with extensive experience negotiating High Street footways with people in wheelchairs, and two councillors from Meldreth Parish Council.
An updated design is expected around July. Implementation is currently expected in 2027, together with the ‘Melbourn Greenway’ improvements along Station Road and at the intersection with Whitecroft Road.
Environment
A quick reminder that applications for the Zero Carbon Communities (ZCC) grant close (mentioned in the previous issue of Meldreth Matters) on Friday 24th July 2026.
If you are interested in creating a Community Nature Recovery Plan, a Community Flood Plan, or in applying for Zero Carbon Community grant, please get in touch with one of your local councillors.
Waste Food caddies
A new weekly food waste collection has commenced, and by now you will have received your food caddies for the kitchen and for outdoor collection; you will have had your first collections.
We ask everyone in the community to support this. The offer of food waste recycling is a requirement under national legislation, but it also helps to combat climate change. This is because ‘wet’ food waste decays to release a lot of methane gas, a very potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. If the food waste is recycled in a special facility, the resulting gas can be captured and burned to produce electricity and carbon dioxide, which has a much lower global warming potential, with fertiliser produced as a byproduct. ‘Dry’ garden waste, in contrast, produces much less methane and can be put in the green bin as usual. Apparently, food waste recycling also motivates a reduction in food waste. See the link: https://www.greatercambridgewaste.org/food-waste/weekly-food-waste-collections
Launching a Best Start in Life Delivery Plan
At the end of March, Cambridgeshire County Council published its Best Start in Life Delivery Plan, setting out a county-wide commitment and plan to ensure every child grows up healthy, safe, and ready to learn, regardless of background or circumstances.
The plan also outlines improvements to home learning support, evidence-based parenting programmes, speech and language services, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pathways, perinatal mental health, and infant feeding. A new website will ensure families can access trusted advice easily and at a time that suits them.
Highway Condition and Potholes
As the weather improves, the potholes that opened up due to the cold and wet, are
being filled more quickly. While the County Council continues to invest in our highways, as recently recognised by the government, significant long-term funding is required to deal with the estimated £800 million repair bill across the county and £18 billion nationally, the result of many years of underinvestment in our highways. Please continue to report issues in order to get as many as possible addressed while the weather is favourable. See: https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-andpathways/roadworks-and-faults. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
County Councillor Adam Bostanci, District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, District Councillor Jose Hales,
Wise Local Crafters
Since March 2026 Wise Local Crafters have been remarkably busy with a huge project! ‘The Longest Yarn’ a thread through history, is a display at Peterborough Cathedral commemorating past and present forces.
Wise Local Crafters with help from the ladies at U3A from Melbourn took on the huge task of creating a beautiful panel sized 1 metre x 5 metres long. The panel consisted of hand crocheted and knitted commemorative flowers and flags all sewn together to then displayed at Peterborough Cathedral from June 2026. It will then travel around the country. All panels created came from many other groups from different areas across the country, so we were very privileged to contribute. There will be a total of 25 panels hung in the cathedral and we are number 23!
In commemoration of this mammoth task, Wise Local Crafters hosted a ‘thank you’ coffee morning at Eternit Sports and social club to all the wonderful ladies that contributed. We had the finished panel on display in all its splendour!
Thank you very much to everyone that kindly made flowers flags and lots of sewing! Special thanks to Phillipa who coordinated and organised this spectacular project!
Best Regards
Julie A Wilson
Try the Train! Cambridge South Station
The new Cambridge South railway station, a stop or two away from our village stations, opens June 28th. It will bring an easy link to Addenbrooke’s, Royal Papworth and the Rosie Maternity Hospitals; Long Road Sixth Form College and CAST and many employees on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It is an attractive new travel option. Cambridge South also connects to other locations in Cambridge and beyond by bus and cycle networks. At the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership, we have been working with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Greater Anglia train operating company, which will manage the new station, to support helpful public information and travel planning.
Cambridge South is located on the southwestern edge of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, directly across the road from Royal Papworth Hospital and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre. From the station, it’s about a ten-minute walk to Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Maternity Hospitals.
Maps and wayfinding: Download a campus map: https://Cambridgebiomedical.com/campus.map/ At the station, QR codes will be displayed for map downloads to specific locations. Wayfinding information is posted around the Cambridge Biomedical Campus – look for the distinctive blue background displays.
Walking: Due to the compact nature of the campus, for those able to do so, walking can be the quickest way of getting to hospitals and colleges.
Bus connections: Staff at Cambridge South Station will assist customers and there will be multiple digital screens providing bus times and other local information. Bus stops are located close to the station entrance. A bus station is located on the northern edge of the campus, adjacent to the vehicle entrance off the Hills Road roundabout. A courtesy bus circulates the site.
Cycle networks: The station sits alongside the Guided Busway multi-use path, leading to Cambridge Station and city centre, Trumpington Park and Ride, Great Shelford, and beyond.
Student rail discount: 50% off the adult fare for 16/17-year-olds traveling within Cambridgeshire to education and training, on both Greater Anglia and Great Northern trains. Please contact the train operating company (see below).
Train timetables: For Whittlesford Parkway and Shelford stations: greateranglia.co.uk. For Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton stations: greatnorthernrail.com. All at National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk
Bus timetables: see https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove, Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership camvalleycrp.org.uk, camvalleycrp@gmail.com, Facebook: camvalleycrp
Royston & District Motorcycle Club Annual Show
On Wednesday 17th June Royston and District Motorcycle Club (RDMCC) will hold its 41st annual show at the Eternit Social Club on the Whaddon Road, Meldreth. This year we expect to attract over 3,000 visitors, most of whom will arrive by motorcycle and last year, over two thousand bikes attended. A good number of these motorcyclists will arrive through Meldreth so there will be a good opportunity to do some bike spotting as they pass through the village from about 5.30pm onwards. Doors open at 6.00pm. However, we are very conscious of the potential noise impact and implore our visitors to ride with consideration both to and from the event. Sadly a very few of our visitors used our event as an opportunity to try out their noisy exhausts and for this we can only apologise and will endeavour to deal with this issue. We also do not include live music acts and restrict the use of a public address system to try to keep inconvenience to a minimum for our immediate neighbours.
The show is traditionally held on the third Wednesday of June and the proceeds from the event are divided between East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), and the SERV Bloodrunners in the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire/ Bedfordshire areas. Last year the show raised just over twenty thousand pounds which was donated to our chosen charities. RDMCC also support other charities on an ad hoc basis including a Mental Health provider, Prostate Cancer Research and the Easter Egg / Christmas Toy runs to Addenbrookes Hospital or the Lister in Stevenage.
Who are the exhibitors at the show? Foremost are our motorcyclist visitors who enjoy looking at other people’s motorbikes. We also have a smaller area containing bikes that we think will be of particular interest; veteran and vintage models, classics from the 50’s through to the 90’s, custom bikes and anything that our ‘spotter’ thinks worthy of inclusion. There are also a good number of exhibitors including the Police, our chosen charities, while others have a strong emphasis on road safety and motorcyclist training. There are trade stands, not all
motorcycle related, and club stands. The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club always put on a good show of machines that remind many of us of our ill spent youth. Numerous catering outlets offer lots of choice for hungry or thirsty visitors. RDMCC has about 60 members and could not put on the show without the help of others, including the local branch of the air cadets who do a very good job of keeping the site litter free. If you want to join our club, or get involved in some way, please take a look at our website (roystonmotorcycleclub.co.uk) or come along to a club night. We meet from 8.00pm on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the Eternit Social Club on Whaddon Road.
Guy Moody, Secretary of the Royston and District Motorcycle Club
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
Cycling Group
Andrew Young—07572 553647
John Rogger—(01763) 260809
Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk; info@meldrethhistory.org.uk
Lunch Club
Nikki & Julie—07599 292327
Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
U3A
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
John Richards—07938 907609
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roadsand-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults In an emergency telephone 0345 045 5212
Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 805000 or (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Meldreth Food Bank Jo—07572 443522
Meldreth Village Hub Helen Meridew—07787 734973
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112
Gas 0800 111 999
Electricity 0800 783 8838
Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk
Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org
Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk
S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Report Fraud 0300 123 2040 reportfraud.police.uk
Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Royston Taxis (01763) 250811
For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.
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