This month’s cover picture: the green, stocks and whipping post at the junction of Fenny Lane, High Street and North End
Photograph by Kathryn Betts
The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
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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 May issue of Meldreth Matters.
It feels like the end of an era: Susan van de Ven, who has done an enormous amount for Meldreth and the surrounding villages over the past twenty years or so, is standing down as our County Councillor (see her Letter to the Editor on page 6). Voting will take place for her replacement and for the Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in the Village Hall on Thursday 1st May.
This month, we are including a reminder of the Mobile Library Service, which visits Meldreth on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The library van stops in Bell Close and offers a range of services. Please see the article on page 7 for more information.
Meldreth Village Hub
Every Tuesday and Thursday 12.00 – 3.00pm Community Room, Elin Way (not the Village Hall) Freshly cooked lunches every Tuesday and refreshments on Thursdays. FREE for everyone!
Your friendly Village Hub continues to open every week. It’s a warm and comfortable environment and the food is pretty good too! Come and join in with the chit chat or one of the board games. We also have table tennis, table football and darts, or feel free to simply sit and enjoy the company.
If you have any questions, for example about PIP, Attendance Allowance, blue badges, rogue trading/scamming, or anything that you are unsure about, please get in touch (all chats are in complete confidence).
Thursdays tend to be quieter so if you would like to pop in, maybe with a friend, we would love to see you.
We couldn’t provide the lunches and fun activities if it wasn’t for our amazing volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to join our friendly team. We can be very flexible around your availability; we all have other commitments and family always come first!
I look forward to meeting you, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Have you ever thought of playing bowls? If so, we are holding an Open Day at our Club on North End (almost opposite the church) on Saturday 3rd May from 2.00pm. We will be serving refreshments and the bar will be open later on, so please come along at any time during the afternoon. Please wear flat shoes and we will provide the rest.
For further information on the Bowls Club, please see our website or call our Chairman Julian Leigh on 07894 455847 or our Club Secretary, David Rich on 07985 438642.
Bowls Club
Melwood Bird Walk: 10th May
Melwood Conservation Group invites you to our 2025 Bird Walk in Melwood, your Local Nature Reserve, on Saturday 10th May. Meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church at 8.00am.
The walk will be led by Mike Foley, a British Trust for Ornithology volunteer and we will be looking for birds and bird activity in the wood and along footpath no. 6. Please remember to bring your binoculars.
There is no charge for this walk, although donations would be welcome.
Bruce Huett
Melwood Conservation Group (01763) 260358
Craft and Community Event
There will be a Craft and Community Event in Meldreth Village Hall on Sunday 11th May from 10.00am to 2.30pm. Entry is free and there will be craft stalls and a café serving home made sweet and savoury items.
Future events will be held on 13th July, 5th October, 16th November and 14th December. For more information or to book a stall, please email me on cbevents@mail.com or call 07717 120850.
Carrie CB Events Craft Fairs
Meldreth
Meldreth Local History Group
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Our Next Event
“AWalkThroughMeldrethin1941-42”
Monday 12th May 7.00-9.00pm
Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way
Where and what was the “lamentable ruin”?
Where was Barnes Yard?
What was “Pitch a Knicker”?
Please join us for a cup of tea or coffee, or if you prefer, a glass of wine, as we travel back in time, through the eyes of Beatrice Clay, to see what Meldreth was like in 1941-42.
Future Event
Family History Afternoon, 2.00-5.00pm Saturday 4th October 2025
We are planning a family history afternoon in conjunction with Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Family History Society to be held in Meldreth Village Hall on Saturday 4th October. If you have an interest in Meldreth’s history or in family history (wherever your ancestors hail from) then we would be delighted to see you at our event.
More information on this event will be provided in due course in Meldreth Matters, on our website and on our Facebook page. Alternatively, to receive our newsletters, sign up on our website or email us at info@meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Kathryn Betts Meldreth Local History Group
Letter to the Editor
A New Chapter – thanks from Susan
It has been such a privilege to represent our community since 2004, first on the District and then the County Council, which has taught me a lot about this diverse part of the world. I’m moving on now, as I’ve got small grandchildren and want to keep up with them!
While much of the work of councillors is familiar and reported to monthly parish meetings, there is another layer of contact with residents that involves personal matters, for which navigating ‘the system’ can be bewildering to say the least –whether layers of local government, links to central government agencies, or connections to health services. This can involve Special Educational Needs, mental health crises, social care for older age or due to illness, homelessness and housing need, or lifeline transport, for example. Working with people facing difficult circumstances has been an enormous privilege and responsibility and has always provided the most valuable insights into the way services work – or need to improve.
The job has become more challenging over time, mainly since the 2008 financial crash and diminishing central government financial support to councils; plus, new and often underfunded responsibilities and successive boundary changes that have resulted in a reduction in the number of councillors representing one of the fastest growing areas in the country. But on both councils, we work with officers who are passionate about public service, so there is a collective energy to do the best in difficult circumstances.
When I first stood for election, I had been a ‘local’ for sixteen years, having moved here with my husband for his work. He was Dutch and I was American. Now we are both British. Being a local councillor has been the most wonderful way of getting to know my adopted home and country. So many of my friends are people I have met in this role. Through all the ups and downs in the world, being part of a beautiful, peaceful and active community is as much as anyone could ask!
Susan van de Ven
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small and friendly group who meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and are held at either ASCH, Melbourn or the Holy Trinity Meeting Room, Meldreth. Meetings 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 are able to donate to the charity pot. This year we are supporting The Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. We then have refreshments and the opportunity to chat with one another.
In March our speaker was one of our members, Pat Rivers Latham, who spoke about her work in hospitals where she was involved with people suffering with sexually transmitted diseases. This was such an interesting an informative talk. At the end, Sue Toule thanked her and presented her with some flowers to show our appreciation.
In April we will have had a talk about CPR Defibrillation. Our next meeting is on 27th May at All Saints Church Hall in Melbourn when we will have our annual Summer Supper, for which members provide items of food. This is always an enjoyable and sociable evening.
If you require any information about our group, or a lift to a meeting, telephone one of our Committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Janet Backer (01763) 221492.
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Over 730 pages on Meldreth, past and present
Mobile Library
We visit Bell Close on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10.45am to 11.30am.
We stock a full range of books for everyone, and customers can also reserve books to be collected from us. In addition, we issue free NHS hearing aid batteries and walking stick ferrules.
You can use your Cambridgeshire Libraries card on board or we can sign you up if you are not a member yet. Please come along and see what we have to offer.
Rachel Levitt
Mobile Library Driver/Supervisor, Cambridge and South Cambs
Angela Leach
Moorlands Court
Local Community Services
Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.
Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.
Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.
Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.
Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Easter Market
Thank you to everyone who came to the Easter Market held in support of HomeStart and Meldreth PTA. Thank you also to the talented stall holders who made, grew, or supplied a range of lovely things to buy, Easter-related and otherwise and to Home-Start who provided some great refreshments which raised £444.76 for them. The net profit from the Market which amounted to £268.10, went to Meldreth Primary School PTA.
Lesley
Farbridge
Blessing the Kneelers in Holy Trinity Church
Thank you all of you who were able to be with us for Andrew’s blessing of the kneelers on Sunday 16th March.
It was a very happy occasion and we were especially blessed to have Lizanne van Essen who designed most of the kneelers and some of those who stitched the kneelers, as well as a near full church for the Sung Eucharist service.
Our current kneeler project began thirteen years ago and we have now completed 60 kneelers. Three designs are taken from artefacts from the church and churchyard and many of the well known buildings in the village. A recently stitched kneeler commemorates the Meldreth War Memorial bell, which is hung in the bell tower at Holy Trinity. Our next project, now under discussion is to make cushions for the chancel.
Please join our group; we’d love to have anybody who like to join us. No stitching experience needed!
Julie
Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk (01763) 260323
Development of Holy Trinity, Meldreth
At Holy Trinity, you will recall that we had some extensive drainage work carried out during 2024, to try and stop the damp in the church. This work will allow the water to drain away from the building rather than settle around the building and then seep through the stonework. You may have noticed sometimes when walking into Holy Trinity that the smell of damp can be rather strong, especially in the summer months. Hopefully, this will improve in 2025.
We were expecting our architect to visit in April to help plan for the development of the church. At a recent PCC meeting we agreed to look at the lighting in the church as the current lighting is poor, especially for evening events, and is coming towards the end of its life. The plan would be to remove the lighting fixtures hanging down from the roof, along with the spaceship like heaters, and install new, discreet LED lighting. The PCC have also agreed to look at the removal of the pews from the main body of the church (not the chancel!). This would allow us to use the space for more community events and to improve the comfort and access for wheelchair users etc. As ever, everything comes with a price.
I must stress that these ‘projects’ at Holy Trinity are in their infancy and were born out of a meeting we held last year. We will of course keep you posted with any plans that arise out of the discussions as and when we can, but as ever, if you wish to let me know of any suggestions, comments or concerns about our plans, please do get in touch.
Revd Andrew Birks BA (Hons), LLM. Vicar of All Saints, Melbourn & Holy Trinity, Meldreth
Friends of Holy Trinity AGM
The AGM of the Friends of Holy Trinity will be held in the Holy Trinity Church meeting room on Friday 30th May at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.
Ian Mitchell
Tel: 01279 842016
Transport can be arranged.
Why not give us a call?
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Meldreth Village Hall Trustees’ Update
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
The Village Hall has been busy over the past couple of months and our calendar is looking pretty full for the next month or so, which is good news.
Events
We have had a number of fundraisers, including the Table Top Sale and the Quiz Night. Both were very well attended and helped us to raise over £1,500 for the Hall. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us. We are planning another Quiz and Table Top sale in October/November so keep an eye out for details.
We are also going to be having two musical events as part of our fundraising campaign later in the year, and are very pleased to be hosting a folk duo from America called Hungrytown on Saturday 20th September, as part of their UK tour. They are highly regarded as musicians and singers, and their details can be found at www.Hungrytown.net. Tickets are just £10 and are available online from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/meldreth-village-hall-trustees/t-moxelmr or by contacting us using any of the telephone numbers or email addresses shown below. Look out for posters and ads in the coming weeks.
Our second musical event is a choral concert by the Royston Priory Singers. They have sung in many of the UK’s cathedrals including Canterbury, Winchester, Ripon and Gloucester. They sing music from the sixteenth century to modern times. The date is yet to be finalised but will be in the autumn. Again, watch out for posters and advertisements!
Equipment
We are getting new chairs and more tables. As some regular users of the Hall will have undoubtedly spotted over the past few months the number of chairs is steadily decreasing. The current ones were purchased about 25 years ago and have given good service. However, age and wear and tear are catching up with them so we decided to replace them. Unsurprisingly, the price of 180 new chairs is not cheap, and after discussion and looking at our finances we decided to apply for a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for the full cost; to our amazement and pleasure we were successful. The Trustees are now making the final decisions with regards to colours and style but hopefully by the time you come to our musical fundraising events we will have brand new chairs.
Fundraising
If you have been reading any of the articles from the Village Hall over the past months, we’re sure that you will have picked up on the recurring financial theme.
Running the hall and keeping it open are very costly, both in time and money. The repair and maintenance bill for general wear and tear is forever increasing and the Hall has the same utility bills as we all do, but on a much bigger scale; providing heating and lighting is very expensive! With good management and careful budgeting we keep the Hall accounts in the black but rely on all users to provide income for us. The Hall makes a major contribution to the local community by providing space for activities and events that support and nurture it. Yet without the support of the whole community the Hall may well be forced to reduce its contribution. This would be a dramatic change so we need the whole community to support events, come to shows, hold their own parties or celebrations here, donate time or money and help the Trustees to protect the Hall for the future. When we have any large expense on the infrastructure or replacement of facilities we currently have to look outside our own funds. Access to grants and donations from organisations and charities is becoming harder as criteria for eligibility are changing, and the donating organisations have their own expenses and agendas. These have reduced our ‘pool of grants’ quite substantially.
We currently have three urgent projects needing completion, we hope by the end of 2025 or mid 2026, but the combined cost for these projects is in excess of £30,000. This is why we have a big focus on fundraising. If you can help with ideas, time, money or in any other way please do get in touch. In the meantime, please support your Village Hall by hiring it, attending events or in any other way you can.
Find out More
For further details on events at the Village Hall please check the calendar in Meldreth Matters, check our village noticeboards or look at our website www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or Facebook page @MeldrethVillageHall.
To book the Hall for your event or organisation please use the website, which details everything you need to know.
Meldreth Village Hall is a registered charity. For further information, or if you don’t have internet access, then please contact the following:
Andrew Young, chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk, 07572 553647
Thomas Bennet, secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk, 07817 727429
Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th May in the Village Hall from 7.00pm onwards. Please come along if you would like to find out more about the operation of the Village Hall or if you have ideas for future fundraising events. Thank you and hope to see you at the AGM or at a fundraiser soon.
Meldreth Village Hall Trustees
Things for Children and Families To Do in May
Monday 5th May, 12.00noon - 4.30pm
Royston May Fayre, Priory Memorial Gardens, SG8 7BZ
Family fun with Mr Crump, circus skills, Punch and Judy, face painting, fairground rides, bouncy castles, dog and vehicle shows. The town band will play and there will be refreshments.
Saturday 10th May, 3.00 - 4.40pm
‘After the Rain’, Sawston Library, New Road, Sawston CB22 3BP
A magical, musical puppet show about a forest adventure followed by a workshop where you can try being a puppeteer. For ages 3 -7. Tickets £4. Book online at www.sabotage theatre.com.
Sunday 18th May, 2.00pm
A Noise Annoys, Orwell Village Hall, High Street SG8 5QN
A family show of poems, songs and silliness by Women of Orwell. Buy tickets (£5 ) from Orwell shop or at pannier markets. For ages 6+.
Saturday 24th - Monday 26th May
Otter Weekend, Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Rd SG8 6PZ
An event to raise awareness about otter conservation. Stalls, games, activities, crafts. Otter-themed goods for sale. Bid for a chance to train the otters at an auction. Normal admission charges apply.
Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Swords and Sceptres, Royston Museum, Lower King St SG8 5AL
Family fun with hands-on activities and crafts inspired by knights, kings and castles. Drop in - no need to book. £3 per child. Quiet hour Friday 30th from 9.00am to 10.00am.
Using a real bow and arrows learn how to shoot safely and improve your accuracy. End with a fun shoot at crazy targets. £25 for participant and accompanier. Suitable for ages 8+. For further details see www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Wednesday 28th May, 10.00am - 12 noon
Family pond dip and adventure walk
Cambourne Nature Reserve, CB23 5DZ
Walk with Becca Badger to Redgrave Water lake doing silly challenges along the way then enjoy guided pond dipping. Ideal for ages 7 - 11 but unsuitable for under 5s. Tickets from www.wildlifebcn.org. £7.50 per child, accompanying adults and siblings (must be in pushchair or sling) free.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
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Tel: 01763 263399
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Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
May at Melbourn Hub
We hope all our customers enjoyed a peaceful Easter.
With May here, it feels as if we are properly heading into summer. Our patio umbrellas are out and what better place to enjoy delicious food and drinks than Melbourn Hub, whether inside or out!
Did you know we also have several rooms available for hire? With a range of options available, we could be a great option for your next meeting or event, or even if you just need a bit of peace and quiet for an important meeting if you’re working from home. You can see all our rooms and book online here - https:// melbournhub.co.uk/room-hire.
Our artist for the month of May will be Angela Esi Cox.
What’s on This Month
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 if you would like to join our waiting list, please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice – 9.30am -11.30am
No need to book, just drop-in! Citizens Advice offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings for you so please contact Citizens Advice directly on 07469 517912.
Every Friday - Relate Counselling – 9.00am-12.00pm
Offering relationship, autism and personal counselling. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings. To book a session, please telephone Relate on (01302) 347886 or email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings.
Every Friday – Storytime – 10.00am - 10.30am
Offering stories and songs for the under 5’s. No need to book.
Monthly Events
Wednesday 7th May - Women in Business Network - 10.00am-12 noon
The WIBN is pleased to announce the launch of a new group for South West Cambridgeshire. Our aim is to bring together women from a wide variety of different professions who are keen to meet likeminded women and support the development of each others businesses in a safe and supportive environment. You can register for the next meeting here https://wibn.co.uk/page/South-WestCambridgeshire-Networking-Group.
For further details on WIBN membership please contact Amy Wilkes on 07516 092698 or email Amy.wilkes@wibn.co.uk.
Monday 12th May - 10.00am-12 noon
Tea and Sign
Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. For more information, contact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com.
Date for your diary
On 1st June we will be running a Covid vaccination walk-in clinic for those who are eligible. Don’t forget you can always see the full range of events and services we offer by visiting our website: www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
Things to do in May
Here are some things happening in May in the local area. To let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Saturday 3rd May, 10.30am to 4.00pm
Ely Eel Day and Festival weekend
Jubilee Gardens, Jubilee Terrace, Ely CB7 4BJ
Iconic Ely event beginning with decorated eel parade departing Cross Green at 10.30am. With stalls, singing, dancing, competitions, folk music, re-enactments, plus ever-popular ‘eel’ throwing competition (not real eels!). Free entry. Celebrations continue on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th, 10.00am to 4.00pm with food, drink and craft fair at Palace and Cross Green.
Sunday 4th May to Saturday 10th May, 70th Ashwell Musical Festival
Various times and locations
From choral harmonies to swinging jazz, epic party anthems to steelpan rhythms, this annual festival promises an unforgettable week of live music. Fun for all ages with drinks and dancing. Tickets are available online and from Rhubarb & Mustard café in Ashwell High Street. For the full line up and to book. visit www.ashwellmusicfestival.org.uk.
Tuesday 6th May, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Priory Quilters, Market Hill Rooms, Fish Hill, Royston SG8 9LB
Chance to catch up with your sewing UFOs (un-finished objects) and an opportunity to enjoy the company of other quilters. Group meets first Tuesday of each month. Refreshments available. All welcome. For more information: priory.quilters@yahoo.com. NB new venue.
Thursday 8th May, 10.30am to 10.00pm
VE Day Celebration
All Saints Church, Vicarage Close, Melbourn, SG8 6DY
All day programme of events starting with coffee morning, Union Jack flag planting by local school children, civic service of remembrance, church bell ringing, lighting of beacon and peace candle Plus live music from the Sounds of Swing, BBQ and licensed bar. Come dressed in 1940s clothing - prize for best outfit! Tickets £5 in advance for BBQ food from 07976 228377. [See page 17.]
Friday 9th May, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Alpaca Walking Experience (with Cream Tea and Cakes)
Yew Tree Alpacas, Yew Tree Cottage, Buntingford SG9 0DA
Unforgettable alpaca walking experience in the beautiful east Hertfordshire countryside - perfect as a gift for an animal lover or special treat for yourself. For different length walk options/other experiences and to book (01763) 848257 or visit www.yewtreealpacas.co.uk.
Sunday 11th May , 2.30pm to 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Hinxton Watermill Open Day, Mill Lane, Hinxton CB10 1RD
Experience this wonderful working watermill set in picturesque surroundings on the River Cam. A volunteer guide will show you round the 17th century mill. Cambridge PPF members free, non-members £3, £1 per child. Just turn up.
Thursday 15th May, 7.30am to 8.45am
Birds and Birdsong - a Seasonal Stroll, organised by Wildlife Trust BCN
One of a series of short monthly walks led by Communities and Education Officer, Rebecca Neal. Around 1- 2 miles at a leisurely pace stopping to discuss whatever wildlife comes along. NB Early start! Book on 07894 599020 or email rebecca.neal@wildlifebcn.org. £4 for WT BCN members, otherwise £5.
Thursday 15th May, 6.00pm
‘Learning Lates Fizzick Night’ Physick Garden
Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
Physick gardens were hugely popular during medieval times when monks created them for medicinal purposes, general wellbeing and as places of sanctuary. Come and find out more about Ely Cathedral’s garden in a fun, creative way over a glass of wine. Tickets £17.50, including refreshments and materials to make a herbal face mask. To book visit www.elycathedral.org.
Monday 26th May, 12.00noon to 2.30pm
The Rockin’ Chair Band
Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 9AW
Hot jazz, cool beer, delicious lunches available. £10 admission - pay on the door. Last Monday of every month (except December when it’s on Sunday 14th).
Saturday 31st May, 10.00am to 12noon
Walk and Talk with Ivor Warne, Nuthampstead Museum
The Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead, near Royston SG8 8NB
Discover the fascinating history of American bombing base, Station 131. Join knowledgeable volunteer guides to learn the secrets of this World War II airfield and hear about the brave GIs who served at Nuthampstead and made an invaluable contribution to the war effort. Limited to 20 people so book early; emailevents@nutwoodpubs.com. Breakfast available to purchase from 9.00am. £7.50 donation to the museum, please.
Saturday 31st May to Saturday 7th June, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cambridge Drawing Society’s Spring Exhibition
The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RP
Believed to be one of the country’s oldest art societies, the CDS holds its annual spring exhibition showcasing the work of its talented members, existing and new. Paintings, drawings, mixed media, prints, sculptures - all for sale. Admission free. See www.cambridgedrawingsociety.org for further details.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
We all have an idea of what crime is and some of us will have experienced it as victims. Fortunately our area has a good low crime record, and we all hope it stays that way.
Some of us, sadly, will have had items stolen; perhaps a bicycle, or household and personal possessions via a property break-in. Anyone involved in the retail business will certainly be aware of shoplifters. These are what might be called ‘traditional’ crimes which have been going on for generations.
However, one could almost guarantee that everyone nowadays has been targeted by criminals attempting to attack them via telephone or, more likely, via email or through the incredible variations of social media. These criminals have become extraordinarily successful and know that the chances of being caught are minimal.
Governments, law enforcement agencies and banks across the world are invariably playing catch-up, with perpetrators always being a step or two ahead. The world of big tech survives by gathering and selling our personal data so appears to be quite happy with the status quo.
Just lately some agencies seem to be waking up to the sheer growth of industrialised scamming, which may have first begun in Asia, with attacks on the English-speaking world. Now it has become endemic everywhere, with large office-like scam centres that sometimes use forced labour. It was even reported recently that a scam centre is known to exist in the Isle of Man!
What can we take from all of this? Nearly all of us have to use the internet and we must now assume that it is infected by scammers. Being alert to the dangers is therefore of paramount importance.
To their credit, the BBC has of late been running various programmes on online scamming, with some harrowing tales from people who have become victims. Programmes like this help to raise awareness. It is also possible to sign up, free of charge, to a scam alert service run by the consumer organisation Which? and to receive regular email updates on the latest scams doing the rounds.
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch has produced a handy A4 ‘scam sheet’, outlining how to report telephone and online scams along with some handy tips on protecting yourselves. Please contact Laura Elvin (details below) if you would like a copy.
Graham Borgonon
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch can be contacted via Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com, (01763) 261084
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw Become a Neighbourhood Watch member: ourwatch.org.uk
Speed Indicator Device
Data for Fenny Lane and Whitecroft Road
Speed Distribution
Speed range, % of vehicles
Key:
FLD Fenny Lane, The Stocks to Donkey Hall crossroads
FLA Fenny Lane, Donkey Hall crossroads to The Stocks
WRD Whitecroft Road, Meldreth to Donkey Hall crossroads
WRA Whitecroft Road, Donkey Hall crossroads to Meldreth
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
… Asparagus
This month I am showcasing Asparagus. The asparagus season runs from as early as May until the end of June. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy and seasonal vegetable, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E. The arrival of asparagus marks a change in the year; yes, it's luxury, but the homegrown stuff will only be with us for a short while. When buying asparagus, first look for freshness since stale asparagus is bitter. Look for spears of an even size and try to cook them as soon as you purchase them as it gives a better flavour.
Here are two recipes to celebrate asparagus in all its glory. Enjoy.
Spring Asparagus and Poached Egg
Preparation time, less than 30 minutes; cook 10 to 30 minutes. Serves 4
Ingredients
12 large asparagus spears, woody parts removed
1 tsp white wine vinegar
4 free-range eggs
1 tbsp olive oil
100ml chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Knob of butter
Dash of sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
Method
Place the asparagus in a large bowl of iced water to freshen and bring out the colour.
Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the white wine vinegar. To poach the eggs, stir the boiling water to form a whirlpool and crack the eggs into the water, one or two at a time. Poach for three minutes, or until the white is cooked and the yolk is runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a little olive oil in a non-stick frying pan with a lid. Take ten of the asparagus spears and roll them in the hot oil. Add a little chicken stock and a knob of butter and season with salt and pepper before covering with a lid. Cook gently for 3-4 minutes, adding a little of the remaining chicken stock if needed.
Once the asparagus is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. Simmer the cooking liquid until the volume of the liquid has halved, adding a little butter to thicken and a dash of sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to taste.
Finely slice the reserved raw asparagus spears lengthways. Serve the cooked asparagus and poached eggs in shallow bowls with a little of the sauce and garnish with the slices of raw asparagus.
Asparagus Pasta
Preparation time less than 30 minutes; cook 10 to 30 minutes. Serves 4
Ingredients
350g asparagus, woody ends removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
350g short pasta, such as fusilli or penne
100g peas, fresh or frozen and defrosted
1 lemon, zested, plus juice of half
50g Parmesan (or similar vegetarian hard cheese), grated, plus extra to serve
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Remove the tips of the asparagus and set aside. Finely chop the remaining stems. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion, garlic, thyme and chopped asparagus stems for ten minutes, or until tender.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a saucepan of boiling water for 8–10 minutes, adding the asparagus tips and peas for the final three minutes of cooking. Drain and reserve 150ml of cooking water.
Transfer the asparagus stems mixture to a blender. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of the pasta water and blend until smooth.
Return to the frying pan and gently fold in the pasta, asparagus tips and peas. Pour in enough of the reserved cooking water to make a rich sauce.
Divide between four plates and serve with extra Parmesan.
Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Ch Food Bank & Village Hub are in the Community Room in Elin Way. Wise Local Crafters meet at Et
Diary - May 2025
day Friday Saturday Sunday
pm Local ng Station,
pm Wise
Village Hub
Council
Hartbeeps
pm Wise
Village Hub
Toneography
Trigger Point
Table Tennis
ommunion
Hartbeeps
pm Wise
Village Hub
Toneography
TP Pilates
9.30am Slimming World
7.00-9.00pm Table Tennis
9.30am Slimming World
12.15-1.45pm Dementia Sing-Along
2.00pm Open Day, Meldreth Bowls Club (see page 4)
9.30am Slimming World
8.00am Bird Walk - meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church (See page 4 & back cover)
Hartbeeps
pm Crafters
Village Hub
Toneography
o Trigger Point
1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 5 16 17 18 2 23 24 25
Table Tennis
pm Crafters
Village Hub
Toneography
Trigger Point
9 30 31 9.45am Sung Eucharist
Table Tennis 9.45am Said Eucharist 8.00am Said Eucharist 10.00-2.30pm Craft & Community Event (see page 4)
9.30am Slimming World
9.30am Slimming World
7.00 for 7.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity AGM
Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room
2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café
Half Term is the week beginning Monday 26th May
Table Tennis
urch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. MLHG & Parish Council meetings, Hope Active, ernit Sports & Social Club. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Meldreth Veg Club Plus
We call ourselves the Veg Club. A group of keen gardeners got together about ten years ago to grow vegetables and fruit and talk about gardening and to share produce, seeds and know how. The Club has grown and evolved to include all gardening - hence the “Plus”. Our main focus is a monthly meeting in members’ gardens to enjoy the outdoors, meet gardening friends and have a natter over a cup of coffee.
The Club has also taken on a couple of gardening projects in Meldreth.
Daffodils
You may have noticed the new daffodils along the verges in Meldreth. They are a collaboration between the Parish Council who provided the bulbs, and Veg Club members who planted them last Autumn. They have provided quite a show along the Church wall, North End, the Stocks, Bell Close and by the War Memorial. It was a lot of hard work!
We may be planting some more in the centre of Meldreth next Autumn.
Station Garden
Veg Club members have also been out with their spades and hoes at Meldreth Station. There was an area next to and behind the parcel lockers in the car park which had become overgrown and full of rubbish. It was quite a job to clear the rubbish and dig it over. The Community Rail Partnership provided money for shrubs and bulbs. We planted them and Shire Trees provided bark chippings to keep down the weeds. Two years on everything is flourishing. We had a working party to tidy the garden in March and it is looking lovely. Take a look next time you are travelling by train.
If you would like to know more about Veg Club Plus, please contact me.
Margaret Lynch margaret.buryfarm@gmail.com
Community Rail Partnership: Meldreth Link Path Seeding
Thank you so much to everyone who turned out to help prepare the soil and sow wildflower seeds along the new path between Meldreth Station and Melbourn. Purchase of the seed was made possible by a grant from South Cambridgeshire District Council Community Chest. Together with the Guides and various volunteers aged four and up, we covered the area up to the Wonderpass. Someone appeared at 11.00am with lemon drizzle cake, and no one lost their rake in the jumble. Now all we need is a good amount of rain.
We have another plan for the section toward Station Road next autumn, when the plan is to plant bulbs. Please look out for a notice nearer the time.
Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth, Whaddon, Barrington, Harston, Hauxton, Orwell, Grantchester, Haslingfield & Foxton
Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?
What is the service?
We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls (Monday to Friday) to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.
Who provides the services?
Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their friendliness and caring nature and are DBS checked.
What will it cost?
We do make a small charge for the services. Please contact us for more information.
How can I join?
For more information and an informal chat, telephone (01763) 221058 or email secretary@mmws.org.uk.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
What’s Not to Love About an Orchard?
Why we should embrace our fruit growing heritage
Encouraging biodiversity and creating community green spaces whilst celebrating our local heritage – what’s not to love about orchards? With a rich history of fruit growing across Cambridgeshire, traditional orchards have been integral to our way of life.
With the rise of convenience lifestyles, a ‘grab and go’ attitude towards popular fruits, and a decline in traditional orchards since WWII, perhaps it’s ripe to ask, ‘is it time for a local orchard revival?’
Isn’t an orchard just an orchard?
Traditional orchards have been in place for a long time, often attached to farms or large houses and country estates. Often managed without pesticides and artificial fertilisers, they are a haven for wildlife, particularly invertebrates and the very important pollinators.
Whilst traditional orchards have declined in number and size, one way to revive their value is to develop community orchards. A community orchard is made up of at least five fruit trees - and can include over 100 trees - and is located on either publicly owned land or privately owned land with public access. Community orchards are an increasingly popular way to bring communities together to share food, to celebrate the local heritage and to take action for nature.
Local fruit varieties you should really care about
Thanks to the pioneering endeavours of orchard owners and managers, both past and present, there are twenty local apple varieties still grown in Cambridgeshire with names such as Red Crockett, Jolly Miller, Barnack Beauty, Lord Burghley, Lord Peckover and Lady Hollendale.
I want more orchards! What can I do to help?
There are many organisations in Cambridgeshire who are keen to offer their skills and knowledge to inspire and support local people to establish orchards. PECT, Peterborough Environment City Trust, is an organisation that works with communities, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations to deliver projects that make a real difference to the environment and people’s lives. Their team runs workshops to teach the traditional ways of managing orchards in a non-intensive, chemical-free way. For more information on PECT, visit www.pect.org.uk
You have an important role to play - learn more
With a view to kick-starting a local orchards revival project across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we’d love to hear from anyone who would like to be part of an active community of interest to establish a local orchards network in our area. If you are involved with a community orchard and wish to help to strengthen a local network through information sharing and visit hosting, if you
are a private landowner with a collection of fruit trees who would like to know more about how to manage your tree stock better, if you are an individual or group who would like to know more about how to set up and manage a community orchard or if you are simply an interested individual with a curiosity for learning more about this fascinating subject, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing communities@naturalcambridgeshire.org.uk.
Pamela Abbott, Director of Natural Cambridgeshire says, “As well as conserving existing orchards, we hope to encourage and support people to create new community orchards, planting them with rare and unique local fruit varieties with an understory of species rich grassland. Community orchards can provide locally produced fruit as well as wildlife oases for people to enjoy nature on their doorstep.”
Natural Cambridgeshire is the Local Nature Partnership for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and brings together all organisations who share in interest in the developing and delivering ‘doubling nature’ ambitions across our county. The orchards project is supported by Community Fund.
Helen Dye Natural Cambridgeshire communities@naturalcambridgeshire.org.uk www.naturalcambridgeshire.org.uk
A Meldreth Garden
It is a difficult time of the year in the flower garden; spring bulbs tulips, fritillaries, hyacinths, etc. are at the tail end of their season looking terrible in their dying throws. I deadhead flowers; not because it is good for the plant, likely an old wives’ tale, we do not pluck heads of bluebells and they survive happily, but dying flower heads draw the eye. Leaving bulb foliage to the point of dying down is necessary for the health of the bulb, but ungainly in decay, particularly daffodils. Late Spring flowers haven't yet come into their own, though there are wonderful plants flowering in the garden. Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica that covers the legs of fading bulbs. Avens in red, Geum 'Mrs J. Bradshaw' and yellow, Geum rivale possibly 'Cream Drop', perennial poppy Papaver orientale, white laceflower Orla grandiflora; a white umbel is a garden must, there are many to choose from, I like Orla grandifolia, the best for form and it is not a spreading thug like cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. We will see columbine or granny's bonnets including Aquilegia vulgaris 'Magpie' and early roses including Rosa 'Cardinal de Richelieu'. What a friend the white honesty Lunaria annua var. albiflora is, early in flower this month, reliably returning year on year at its own desire and pace, it shows up much better than the mauve and magenta types.
The greenhouse is overflowing and I need more space for my tomatoes and peppers. When purchasing a greenhouse, always get one much bigger than you think you will need. How to get more room in the garden which is always at a premium? However big a garden or allotment, it is never spacious enough for all we would love to grow. By now that browned off shrub is likely dead and could be pulled up. Time to pull out or reduce plants and shrubs which are overstaying their welcome like the runners from cornus and willow, clumps of spreading perennials, asters, crocosmia, solomon’s seal and larkspur, etc. Care is needed in pulling up the likes of bears breeches Acanthus spinosa where any bit of root left will grow into a new plant. There are always opportunists awaiting their chance to set up in the garden; these need to be vigorously kept under control, like the perennial cornflower Centaurea montana, lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum and stinking iris Iris foetidissima.
I have planted a number of Siberian bugloss to lighten up shady corners at the back of the garden, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack frost’, ‘Mr Morse’ and 'Betty Bowring'. I look forward to see how they grow.
It has been a busy time in the allotment. In the last month I have planted or sown carrots, beetroot, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, peas, broad beans, etc. with varying success due to the long, hot, dry April weather. Additional brassicas including Brussel sprouts and leeks are growing-on in the greenhouse. Now is the time to ensure protection against flea beetle, aphids, allium leaf miner and cabbage white butterflies, etc. Continue earthing-up first early potatoes to protect from late frosts.
The cutting garden has provided daffodils, tulips and Dutch garlic Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'. The perennial plants have bulked up well and will provide lots of blooms for the vase. Cutting the flowers when young, provides more energy to the plant for future growth. I have fed the flowers with fish, blood and bone fertiliser. The sweet peas grown from collected seed, are growing well supported by a framework of bamboo canes.
After saying that I had difficulty with New Zealand flax Phormium tenax and wouldn't try it again, I have been donated a plant from a green fingered villager who grows it with ease. It is possibly Phormium Tenax 'Rainbow Queen'. I have planted it out in the front garden in full sun as advised by the RHS.
Good Gardening.
Volunteer Drivers
Wise Local Crafters
Exciting News!!
Our local craft group, Wise Local Crafters is growing in numbers. It has become a hub of creativity and new friendships! We have a diverse community covering many different crafts and different age groups. Many of our members are volunteering to help with community projects including making poppies for the display later in the year at Meldreth War Memorial, local care home Easter treats and keepsakes for Shepreth Spitfires Football Club.
We also had our first monthly lunch club at The Hoops in Bassingbourn, which was a huge success. We are now planning a Craft Fair in conjunction with Eternit Sports and Social Club and Shepreth Spitfires Football Club. This will be held on Sunday 6th July from 10.00am onwards. If you would like to book a stall then please contact me using the details below.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Lucy at Eternit Sports and Social Club for allowing us to meet at their fantastic club. We meet on Thursdays from 10.30am onwards at the Club on Whaddon Road in Meldreth. Our Facebook page is ‘Wise Local Crafters’, www.facebook.com/groups/1104997237613485. If you would like to join us, please contact me; everyone is welcome! We are a friendly community of like-minded people and we would love to meet you.
Julie Wilson 07772 738913 julawil66@gmail.com
Poppy Project
Hi to all poppy knitters and crocheters!
I would like to say a great big 'Thank you' to all who are taking part knitting and crocheting poppies for the Memorial display on Remembrance Sunday on 9th November.
I would like to have a count-up to see how close we are to the target of 2,000 poppies so would be grateful if you could all let me have what has been done so far. Please deliver your poppies to the Community Room in Elin Way, Meldreth on Tuesdays between the hours of 12.00 and 3.00pm. Alternatively, please call or text me on 07792 578786 to arrange a time to deliver them to me. If you are unable to deliver to I am happy to collect, provided you live in Meldreth.
I have just had another delivery of wool, so if anyone has run out and would like to continue making poppies please let me know.
Jenni
Bone
Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 6th March 2025
The Parish Council meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council noticeboard; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.
Discussions and Decisions
District and County Reports
The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 38-41. Questions arising and requests for further information on local issues can be raised directly with our District and County representatives.
Councillor Susan van de Ven is retiring from the County Council at the May election and the Council expressed their warm thanks and appreciation to her for all that she has done over a long period of service to Meldreth and to our neighbouring communities that she represented.
Village Traffic
A discussion has taken place with County Highways about extending the footway along Kneesworth Road between Five Acres and The Boulevard. The Council will also raise the question of sweeping the roads in the village more effectively, to deal with the straw that falls from farm vehicles passing through and cutting back overhanging foliage. We understand that road markings at the Fenny Lane crossroads will shortly be repainted.
Village Maintenance
The bus shelter at the Stocks has been very effectively repaired. Other outstanding repairs in the village will be tackled in order of priority. Further representations will be made to the County about the need to repair the surface to Footpath 9A which passes from the High Street opposite One Stop to the Recreation Ground. The bridge over a ditch in Melwood has recently been replaced by the County Council in a very rapid and effective response to the damage that needed rectifying.
Village Infrastructure
Consideration is being given to installing benches for public use in the area of the Elin Way Community Centre, possibly on the opposite side of the road. This will need further discussion with those involved.
Finance Issues
Our plans for projects at the recreation ground are making good progress with regard to the use of S106 funds and the possible use of grants. There will be a fuller report at the May meeting of the Council.
Recreation Ground Issues
The Recreation Ground equipment remains largely in good order but some repair and maintenance work is needed and this will be approached with a focus on reported safety issues and priorities. The Council is considering applying for a grant to install a “Monkey Challenge Climbing Wall” and a “Target Trainer” feature as in the photograph on the right. Examples can be seen at Steeple Morden and Litlington and have proven very popular. To help us gain a grant we need to show public support for this so please share this with your contacts; more information can be found at www.findingfitness.co.uk. Let us have your comments via our Parish Clerk at parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Parish Burial Ground
The graveyard has now been extensively tidied with overgrown graves and other areas being trimmed back. The result is that the overall vista has been greatly improved but now needs to be maintained in that condition. The Council is likely to install a composting facility to supplement, or take the place of, the green bin in the burial ground so that better use can be made of green waste.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting will be on Thursday 1st May 2025 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room.
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The following items have been taken from the minutes of the planning meeting on 20th March. Planning meeting minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Land to the South of North End 25/00566/OUT
Outline application with all matters reserved, except for access, for the demolition of the existing turkey farm and the redevelopment for up to 38 dwellings and associated landscaping.
31 members of the public attended the planning meeting; all of whom were interested in this application. To read the objections raised by members of the public attending the meeting, please see the minutes of the meeting which are available on the Parish Council’s website.
Meldreth Parish Council
After listening to public comments and discussing the item themselves, the Parish Council recommended refusal with the following comments:
1. It was noted that Highways have concerns regarding all the access points with this development. Meldreth Planning Committee also have these concerns.
2. There is no GP provision.
3. The consequences of not adopting the road in regards to waste disposal (bins) and collection.
4. There is expressed concern regarding sewage capacities which do not appear to have been addressed.
It was also noted that there is a high level of public concern in Meldreth regarding this development. In 2024 Cambridgeshire ACRE carried out a housing needs survey which does not appear to have been consulted. Meldreth Planning committee would look more favourably on a more modified scheme that would address this gap of housing provision especially with regards to social housing. We would like this to go to Planning Committee.
Meadow View, Malton Lane 25/00573/PIP
Erection of two self-build units. Recommended ‘Refusal’ with comments: there is insufficient information on the proposed development including insufficient and missing drawings.
Planning
Authority
Decisions
55 High Street, 25/0182/TTCA
No objection to the reduction in height (14m to 9.75m) and spread (13.8m to 9.1m) of a yew tree.
Meadow View, Malton Lane 25/00573/PIP
Permission refused for the erection of two self-build units.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
Please continue putting donations in our collection boxes, talk to the Food Bank team every Tuesday from 9.00am - 12 noon at Elin Way Community Centre, contact the Treasurer Roger James at roger@rogerjames.net or donate to MCCS. Sort code 30-99-50. Account No. 25558260.
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
District and County Councillor Report
Whitecroft Road and Station Road Repairs
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch about the awful state of the junction of these roads, as well as stretches along both. While a few potholes have been repaired, much more is needed. Susan has been assured by County Highways that attention will be given to the junction area for patching this year. Next year, Station Road will be resurfaced.
Bus Services
It has been good to hear from bus users that the 17 bus, which connects to Melbourn, Royston and Bassingbourn {see page 44] is working well, with strong passenger confidence and much praise heaped on the operator, Myalls. Thanks also to bus users for getting in touch about the 26 – with both compliments and concerns, but generally appreciation that we have a bus service going to Cambridge after a hiatus of many years.
Susan wrote to the Combined Authority to ask about any increases in ridership for the 17 as it relies on public subsidy; the opportunity to join up timetables with the 26 at Royston; and better communication around timetables.
In 2022/23 there were an estimated 6,840 journeys, whereas in 2024/25 it is estimated that there will be 19,462 journeys. Caution should be exercised in attributing this to one specific reason, as there has been a gradual increase in patronage nationally since Covid and measures introduced to assist with increasing bus patronage, such as the £2 fare cap in England in January 2023, and the Tiger bus passes for Under-25’s in our region in May 2024.
As part of the Road to Better Buses strategy, the Combined Authority is in the process of surveying and identifying ownership of almost 3000 bus shelters and stops around the region so that we can start improving the ones that need it. We are also hoping to improve the information available at bus stops. Progress on these improvements will be shaped by the funding available.
We shall investigate whether the timetable can be amended to enable improved integration with bus service 26. The 26 [see page 44] currently operates on a commercial basis, so the bus operator, in this case A2B Travel Group, decides when the bus will operate. Under a franchised network, the Combined Authority will contract bus operators to run services on its behalf and with more control over the routes it could provide further scope to better integrate the two timetables.
Meanwhile, the 17 contract is up for renewal so this could mean a change in operator. The Combined Authority will announce any updates after the May election. We will also know more after the elections about what is next for bus franchising, depending on the new mayor’s priorities.
Civil Parking Enforcement Update
Two officers continue to maintain frequent patrols in various areas of South Cambridgeshire. A total of 818 town patrols covering 2,334 street visits in South Cambridgeshire have been completed by the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) for the period from October to the end of December 2024. Patrols have predominantly focussed on areas where parking is in the greatest demand, such as commuting and shopping areas, or where requests have been made. Meldreth High Street is noted.
A high proportion of Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) continue to be issued to vehicles parked on single or double yellow lines for quarter three, with 80% of cases issued for this offence. This is a higher rate contravention at £70.00. A discount of 50% is applied if payment is made within fourteen days of a PCN being issued.
There is an on-going trend of the volume of PCNs being issued decreasing over time, indicating compliance is being achieved across the district.
Greater Cambridge Housing Trajectory - Five-year Land Supply
The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning team have published the latest housing land supply calculations; this follows resetting of goal posts by central government which put South Cambridgeshire just under the five-year land supply under new calculations. An updated assessment shows that in the five years from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2030, a total of 13,383 homes are expected to be built in Greater Cambridge, giving a housing land supply of 5.5 years. As a result of this supply being restored to above five years, planning applications will again be assessed against all the councils’ local policies – which include a clear plan for where homes should be built - as well as those set nationally. This means that Greater Cambridge will once again enjoy the full protection from unplanned and inappropriate development provided by its Local Plans.
Council Tax Fraud
Fraud officers have clawed back £360,000 in false claims for council tax discounts, with the money set to be invested back into public services across South Cambridgeshire. The money has been returned to District Council budgets after staff uncovered hundreds of false claims by comparing data records. Called the Cambridgeshire County Council Fraud Initiative, the project continues to identify single person discount fraud and error, since launching in July 2023. It works by comparing data held by the local authority with other information such as the electoral register or credit reference data. Where there is a debt identified, it is recovered through the normal Council Tax billing process, with the income used to fund public services. Data gathered as part of the initiative indicates that around two in ten claims reviewed by the authority, were being claimed incorrectly.
Warmer Council Homes
More than £8 million in Government funding has been awarded to the District Council to improve the energy efficiency of Council homes. The idea is to
upgrade thousands of social homes across the country which are currently below the standard of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Improvements to South Cambridgeshire’s Council homes could include insulation, ventilation, heating controls, double glazing, solar panels and heat pumps, thereby cutting bills and tackling fuel poverty.
SCDC will now work to allocate funding to properties, with priority given to those most in need of energy efficiency improvements. Council tenants will be contacted direct if their home is able to benefit, with the aim for the Council to have as many of its 5,500 properties above an EPC rating of C in the next four years.
The funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is part of the national Warm Homes Plan. A total of £8,280,376is being provided for South Cambridgeshire under the latest wave of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund scheme. South Cambridgeshire District Council will contribute £10 million from its Housing Revenue Account – consisting of Council house rents – to the improvements too.
Healthy Start Vouchers
Parents of children under the age of four years old are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for free Healthy Start vouchers to help buy food and milk. The Healthy Start vouchers are offered by the NHS to parents receiving certain benefits but are estimated to go unclaimed by 38% of eligible parents in South Cambridgeshire. This results in almost £88,000 of unclaimed funds each year in the district, largely due to a lack of awareness of the scheme.
In SCDC’s latest campaign to support residents with the cost of living, we have used our new and innovative IT package, called the Low-Income Family Tracker, to identify 377 households which are likely to be eligible for Healthy Start vouchers. All of these households have been contacted by letter and text where possible to encourage them to apply for Healthy Start vouchers, if they have not done so already.
Parents are eligible for Healthy Start vouchers if they have a child under the age of four and are on certain benefits. If eligible, parents will receive a Healthy Start card that can be used in most UK supermarkets, like a debit card. The card will be pre-loaded with £8.50 a week for children aged under one, and £4.25 a week for children aged between one and four years old.
Local Government Reorganisation
A Q & A has been published on the SCDC website. Please visit www.scambs.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation. If there is a particular question or subject that you think should be included, please let us know.
New SCDC Website Launches
This new website is designed for residents to get personalised, local information at a glance. Residents who have been trying out the new website during the past few weeks will already have seen how they can receive personalised local information
in real-time including bin collection dates for their street, local street cleansing schedules, planning applications nearby, District Councillor details and local events of interest – all by entering their postcode on the new homepage.
If you have questions about these or other matters – please get in touch!
Outgoing County Councillor Susan van de Ven, District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303
District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649
To advertise in this space, call Beverley Cottrell on (01763)262176 or email
meldrethmatters@hotmail.com
See our rates on page 48
Home-Start
www.hsrsc.org.uk
Calling All Local Legends – Join Our Volunteer Fundraising Crew! Home-Start is building something exciting – and we want you to be a part of it!
We’re setting up a brilliant new volunteering team to work alongside our Fundraising Manager and wonderful supporters to help dream up, design, and deliver amazing fundraising events across Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire.
Whether you’ve got a knack for planning, a flair for fun, or just a big heart and a bit of time – this is your chance to make a real impact in your community. We’re talking quiz nights, fun runs, coffee mornings, cake sales, maybe even something wild and wacky – the more creative, the better!
By volunteering with us, you’ll be:
Helping to raise vital funds for families who need our help
Gaining hands-on experience in event planning and fundraising
Meeting like-minded people who care as much as you do
And, let’s be honest, having a pretty good time along the way!
Let’s make some magic happen – together.
If you’re interested, curious, or just want a friendly chat about getting involved, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at events@hsrsc.og.uk.
Let’s make Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire the beating heart of Home-Start’s fundraising fun!
To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
www.arhc.org.uk
Star Shine Night Walk, Saturday 21st June
Participate in a five or ten mile walk to raise funds for ARHC. Sign up now to be a part of this incredible event at arhc.org.uk/ssnw or telephone (01223) 675888.
Bridge the Gap, Sunday 14th September
Bridge the Gap, a Cambridge community walk is returning for its special 25th year and registrations are now open. Join supporters for a walk on a brand new route featuring a selection of Cambridge colleges, all whilst raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. Sign up at arhc.org.uk/btg.
Three under 16’s go free with every paying adult.
Summer Super Draw – Win up to £2,000!
For just £1, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s Summer Super Draw on 7th August gives you a chance to win a dazzling £2,000 grand prize and other cash rewards, while helping provide comfort and dignity when families need it most. This year we are excited to launch an online ticketless raffle alongside our usual raffle tickets. To find out more, visit arhc.org.uk/raffles. Open to those 18 and over only. We support responsible gambling. Terms and conditions apply.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Meldreth Bus Services
17 Bus Service
This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston. The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.
26 Bus Service
Operated by A2B, the core service runs Mondays to Saturdays via Melbourn, Foxton/Fowlmere, Harston and Trumpington Park and Ride en route to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. All fares are £2 per journey. The 10.53am service from Royston Tesco will now stop at the Stocks in Meldreth at 11.18am and then in Shepreth High Street at 11.22am, arriving in Cambridge at 12.05pm. The return service leaves Drummer Street Bus Station at 2.40pm, arriving at the stocks in Meldreth at 3.26pm. The bus will stop on request at other Meldreth bus stops in addition to the one at the Stocks. For more information on this service visit a2bbusandcoach.com or call the A2B free telephone number 0800 001 6255.
Susan van de Ven
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 (01763) 260129; www.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
U3A
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
John Richards—07938 907609
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk
Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7.00-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm
Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline www.thetrainline.com
Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge
Potholes, problems,Highways etc.
Streetlights (faulty)
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212
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
Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Royston Taxis (01763) 0250811
For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Advertising Rates
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers
Meldreth Matters
on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.
Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistants: Robin Farbridge, David Marsh; Distribution: Sharon Dunford 07415 171295
Founder: Ann Barnes
Meldreth Matters is available in colour online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters
�� Updated Monday Hours: Now open Mondays (not BH) for food service 12 PM to 2.30 PM & 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM.
Monday Special Offer: Pie & a Pint special for just £20 every Monday (not BH) to May 19th!
NEW THIS MAY: Outdoor Pizzeria & Bar!: We’re transforming our shed under the oak tree into a cozy pizzeria, perfect for dining in or takeaways! It’s the spot for al fresco dining with our new outdoor bar. More updates soon!
Friday, May 2nd - The Classic Car Club Returns!: The Classic Car Club will be on the Green from 4.30 PM . Whether you’re a car enthusiast or admirer enjoy delicious bites from Pimp My Fish or Goofy, & drinks from our outdoor bar.
Saturday, May 10th 6.30 PM- Murder Mystery Night: An evening of mystery, drama, & dining: "Singapore Sling" Murder Mystery Night.: Detective Achille Poirot must solve the mystery of the fate of a beloved waitress. £80 pp, incl. entertainment & 6 course tasting menu.
Thursday, May 15th - Mussels Night: Discover the delicate flavours of mussels paired with sauces & a selection of fine French wines. This is a perfect mid-May treat for seafood lovers!
Sunday, May 25th - Legendary Quiz Night: Put your brainpower to the test with Quiz Master Gary at our lively Quiz Night! Entry £2 pp. All proceeds will go to Forget Me Not in Barrington Bank Holiday Hours: Monday, May 5th & 26th: We’ll be open extended hours on Bank Holidays to enjoy the spring sunshine! Food from 12 PM–5 PM, & Drinks until 6 PM.
