This month’s cover picture: Meldreth Post Box Topper
Photograph by Kathryn Betts
The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
Thelastdateforcopyisthe12thofeachmonth
Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT.
The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.
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Editorial
Welcome to the November issue of Meldreth Matters which contains lots of information on forthcoming events and village group activities.
The Rev Birks gives an update on the refurbishment of Holy Trinity which will require the church to be closed for 3 weeks from November 3rd. Trustees are needed both for the Village Hall and for Meldreth Charities.
The local surgery provides details of a new Total Triage system which means that all appointment requests are assessed by a clinician before any appointments are made. Neighbour Watch hosts a Crime Prevention lecture by the Bobby Scheme on 25th November, and Meldreth Stay & Play asks for donations of toys for little ones, an ideal opportunity for all of us to de-clutter!
Our grateful thanks to those of you who have donated to MM since David Smith’s letter appeared in the October issue; these donations are very much appreciated. Please note that our advertising offer continues. Finally, this month, there have been some constraints on space available for text and some contributions have necessarily been cut, we believe without any loss of important information.
Robin Farbridge Assistant Editor
Meldreth Matters Advertising Offer
Receive Three Months of Advertising Free of Charge
Would you like to receive fifteen months of advertising in Meldreth Matters for the price of twelve? Due to the generosity of one of our readers, we are able to offer four new advertisers the chance to receive fifteen months of advertising for the price of twelve. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. The first four companies or individuals who pay £118 for a quarter page advertisement for one year will receive an additional three months free of charge. This offer is open to companies or individuals who do not currently advertise with us. The Meldreth Matters Team
Letter to the Editor
Thank You
Thank you everyone who came to my recent birthday party and for all your kind words and gifts. It made for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Joan Fallon
Macmillan Coffee Morning at Holy Trinity
The Meeting Room was almost at capacity for the Charity Coffee Morning on Friday 26th September; a grand sum of £602.20 was raised! Thank you to those who supported the event. Coffee Mornings like this are vital in helping to make sure more people with cancer get the best care the UK has to offer, whoever they are and wherever they are in their cancer journey.
Pauline & Peter Penfold
Remembrance Sunday 9th November
Act of Remembrance
The annual Act of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial at the corner of Station Road/Whitecroft Road at 9.30am on Sunday 9th November Refreshments
After the service, all are welcome at the Village Hall for refreshments. Donations of cakes would be gratefully received. Please contact Maggie on 07929 969613 or Lindsey on 07884 432345 if you can help in any way.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Meldreth Bowls Club
Maggie Smith and Lindsey McCaig
Meldreth Bowls Club will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 14th November starting at 7.00pm at their clubhouse opposite Meldreth church. Teams of six maximum can take part. Please book your place by telephoning 07985 438642 or (01763) 262116 and let me know if you would like to bring a team or whether you would like to attend as an individual or a couple; this enables us to estimate numbers. Participation will be charged at £10/head and supper will be included. Our licensed bar will also be at your disposal. Please come along and join us.
David Rich Club Secretary
Meldreth Craft and Community Fair
Our remaining fair of the year will be held on Sunday 14th December from 10.00am to 2.30pm in Meldreth Village Hall. Entry is free and there will be a café offering a range of refreshments. For further information please contact us at cbevents@mail.com or telephone 07717 120850.
Carrie Carter
Melbourn and District Photographic Club
melbournphotoclub.com
Our programme for November is as follows:
4th My Camera – Wet Pants, Drunk Mothers & Tidy Shed - Chris Shepherd
11th An Appreciation of Notable Club Images - Pete, Keith & Andre
18th 2nd Open PDI competition - Naomi Saul
25th From Athletics to Tennis - Steve Williams
Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to come along to two meetings free of charge before deciding; please email me at melbournphotoclub.com if you wish to do so.
Peter North, Secretary
Development Work: Holy Trinity, Meldreth.
It is currently planned that the works for the lighting and the pews will take place in November when the church closes for 3 weeks to allow for the works to be carried out safely. You will see some changes taking place before November as we treat the pews that we will be keeping, and the floor on which they pews currently sit. The church will close after the service on the Sunday 2nd November and re-open with a special ‘Songs of Praise’ service at 6.00pm on the Sunday 23rd November. Obviously after all the hard work we will need to deep clean the church. This is currently planned for the Friday 21st November at 10.00am. Please come along and help us to get the church looking lovely and ready to shine under the new lights! Coffee and Cake will be provided! Best Wishes.
Reverend Andrew Birks rev.andrew.birks@hotmail.com
Friends of Holy Trinity Church www.foht.org.uk
After the two very successful events in September, we now have no more events planned for the remainder of this year apart from supporting the Christmas Tree Festival. Next year we have several ideas including talks by local people. My Theatre company will be returning with Jane Eyre on April 10th, and we hope to run an Open Spring Gardens event later that month. There are ideas too for more music events and social events. The 21st anniversary Classic Car Show will be on Sunday 13th September to coincide with the Duxford Air Show. Thank you all for your continued support for the FOHT. We are always keen to receive ideas for further events so please get in touch.
Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT
Meldreth Tennis Club
On Saturday 20th September Meldreth Tennis Club held their annual Autumn Tournament. We had twelve players involved in a round robin format. The weather behaved itself and we had a lovely dry morning. The winners were Ralph Betts and Sheila Guitard with Della and Pat runners up. Congratulations to the winners and everyone that helped make this a successful event. As from Nov 1st 2025 until April 1st 2026, we will be offering half price membership at our club; anyone that’s interested please look at: clubspark.lta.org.uk-meldreth
Susan Evans
Film: Measures for a Funeral
This Canadian film, based on the life of the world-famous violinist Kathleen Parlow, who lived in Meldreth from 1912 to 1925, has now been released. It is called Measures for a Funeral and as many of you may remember, some scenes were filmed in Meldreth in 2023. The Director, Sofia Bohdanowicz, contacted me to say that it will shown at the Arts Picturehouse in Cambridge on Saturday 1st November at 3.10pm. You can book tickets on the Arts Picturehouse website.
I have seen the film and will be attending another screening in Cambridge on 25th October. It is a beautifully made film and includes some moving violin performances.
Joan Gane
Community Bulb Garden, Station path
Please save any extra garden bulbs!
Following the stunning display of wildflowers along the new Meldreth Station Link path last summer, our Community Rail Partnership has been inspired to plan for a spring display of flowering bulbs along other stretches of the path. One of these will be a Community Bulb Garden. If you have spare bulbs from your own garden to share, please let us know, or bring them along on the day. Weather permitting, planting will take place on Friday December 12th 10.30am. Please find us near the Wonderpass, just up the path from the Station Road entrance.
Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove, Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership
Christmas Market at Village Hall Sunday 7th December
Between 10.00am and 3.00pm, the Christmas Market will provide a variety of stalls selling mainly hand-crafted and unique items including cards, decorations, hand-poured candles, jewellery, hand-knitted and personalised goods and stocking fillers. Home Start will provide refreshments and are holding a raffle. We also hope that there will be Christmas Crafting activities for the youngsters. We are supporting Meldreth Matters by having a bottle stall so bottle donations are welcome; please pass any donations to MM team members or myself at 9 High Street. The net proceeds of the stall fees this year are being donated to Meldreth Matters. Please come and support our talented stall-holders and some good causes. Admission is FREE!. Enquiries please to Lesley Farbridge at lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or 07917 065465
Holy Trinity Church Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November
We are looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Festival which takes place on the above dates from 11.00am to 4.30pm on both days. Entry is free. There will be around 40 individual lit and themed Christmas trees and exhibits placed around the beautifully festively decorated candle-lit church; also craft and produce stalls and a café which will be serving delicious homemade soups, filled rolls. homemade cakes, coffees and teas. There will be a children’s area with craft activities, a children’s trail and we are hoping that Noah the donkey will be joining us. For the produce stall, donations of cakes welcome; please bring them to the church on Saturday, 29th, and please bring any donations of jams/chutney to the church on Thursday 27th.
Sharon Dunford (01763) 263021 Margaret Goddin (01763) 260061
Lesley Farbridge
Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival
Speed Indicator Device Data
Data for Fenny Lane, Whitcroft Road and High Street
1. Direction: Fenny Lane from The Stocks to Donkey Hall crossroads
Evaluation period 20th July to 24th September 2025
1. Direction: Fenny Lane from Donkey Hall crossroads to The Stocks
Evaluation period 20th July to 24th September 2025
20mph
592
2. Direction: The Stocks, High Street from Shepreth to Meldreth
Evaluation period 24th September to 3rd October
2. Direction: The Stocks, High Street from Meldreth to Shepreth
period 24th September to 3rd October
3. Direction: Whitecroft Road from Donkey Hall crossroads towards Meldreth
Evaluation period 20th August to 3rd October 2025
3. Direction: Whitecroft Road from Meldreth towards Donkey Hall crossroads
Evaluation period 20th August to 3rd October 2025
Vd - average speed; Vmax - maximum speed; V85 - the speed at or below which 85% of the vehicles are travelling.
The V85mph is key to a comparison between the 20 and 30mph zones and shows combined the average speeds have reduced in the 20mph zones.
Meldreth PC Traffic Working Group.
Things for Children and Families To Do in November
Saturday 1st November to Thursday 1st January 2026, 10.00am - 8.00pm
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience, Cambridge Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure, solving puzzles and evading the Witch’s dark magic. All quests within a half mile radius. Up to 8 players in a group, starting any day of the week. £21 per group. See: www.visitcambridge.org.
Saturday 8th November to Saturday 4th January 2026, 9.30am - 4.00pm
Snowman Sculpture Trail, Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode CB25 9EJ
Spot the decorated sculptures; the snowmen have been painted on the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Free but normal admission except for NT members.
With sounds of jazz, soul, and blues, explore sound using fire, test the periodic table’s explosive predictions, see how bowling balls affect a trumpet’s pitch. For ages 7+. £18.50. Book on: www.junction.co.uk.
Friday 28th November, 3.00pm - 7.00pm
Christmas Fair, The Manor House, Cambourne CB23 6DH
Crafts and gifts on sale, fun activities for children, mulled wine and mince pies. Free but donations welcome. See: www.wildlifebcn.org.
Saturday 29th November, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Winter Wildlife Family Day
Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Crafts, real specimens to handle and wintry fun. Free. Pop in. All welcome.
Weekends from Saturday 29th November to Sunday 21st December Festive
Fun and Father Christmas at Audley End, off London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Explore the house and grounds and enjoy festive activities. Soak up the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas past and present. Extra charge for visit to Santa with stories, present and photos. Members free. Adults £22.70. Book on: www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Saturday 29th November, 3.00pm
Cambridge Concert Orchestra - Scary and Fun Bottisham Village College, Lode Road, Bottisham CB25 9DL
Raising money for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Music from Psycho, Tom and Jerry and more. Adults £12, children free. To book: www.cco.org.uk.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
A10 TIMBER CO.
For Timber & Sheet Material
Graded Timber
Mouldings & Flooring
Decking & Fencing Insulation
Cutting & delivery service
All enquiries welcome.
LEARN TO CROCHET
6 week crochet workshop. Perfect for total beginners or those that need to refresh their memories!
Laura from Childs Play Crochet will take you through all the basics needed to get you started. We'll work together to build up your skills to create your own fabulous and colourful Boho bag.
Running weekly from Thursday 8th January to Thursday 12th February 2026. 7pm to 9pm at Meldreth Village Hall in the meeting room.
£150 for 6 weeks to include all the materials needed to make your Boho bag.
Tea, coffee & cake provided. Full payment required on booking. Limited spaces available.
Contact Laura on 07717794822 for further booking details.
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at either All Saints Church Hall in Melbourn or the meeting room at Holy Trinity, Meldreth. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment and we then have refreshments and a chance to socialise. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses. This year we are supporting the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. At our September meeting we had Simon Chambers from the YMCA who gave us a most interesting talk. Our next meeting is on November 25th in Melbourn and is entitled ‘Advent Reflection’. If you require any information about the group or a lift, please telephone one of the committee members. They are Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 and Janet Backer (01763) 221492. We hope to see you soon!
Angela Leach
Meldreth Parish Charities
You are invited to join us at our AGM on Monday 10th November 7.30pm, at 1, Chiswick End. Please come along if you want to know more about this charity which has been helping Meldreth residents since the sixteenth century.
We are now looking to appoint a new trustee to help make decisions about how we allocate charity funds. This is often agreed by email and there is usually just one meeting a year. Do come and join us! We look forward to seeing you.
Hilary Crawforth, Clerk to the Trustees
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 Village Hub
Community Room, Elin Way
Every Tuesday and Thursday 1200am – 15.00pm
Your friendly Village Hub continues to meet every week. Our amazing volunteers cook a freshly prepared lunch every Tuesday (no need to book), and hot and cold drinks and a selection of sweet treats are served on Thursdays when it tends to be quieter.
So if you would like to pop in, maybe with a friend, we would love to see you; there is always plenty of chat and laughter. What’s on in November
Tuesday 18th November 1.00pm - 5.00pm - Film music quiz
Tuesday 25th November 1.45pm-3.00pm -Talk on the Bobby Scheme; ‘How to keep ourselves and property safe’. Organised by Neighbourhood Watch
Each week we have table football, table tennis, air hockey, jigsaws, board games, music, quizzes and our new carpet Kurling which is very popular.
Date For Your Diary
Christmas at the Hub - Tuesday 16th December 12.00am to 3.00pm - Free buffet lunch, music, raffle and lots of festive fun, and a prize for the best Christmas hat!
If you have any questions, for example about PIP, Attendance Allowance, Blue Badges or Rogue Trading/scamming, let us know and we will do our best to help. All chats are in complete confidence. Our new Digital Champion can support you with IT problems.
We look forward to meeting you.
Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com
07787 734973 (Donations gratefully received)
Meldreth Stay & Play
Bring your little ones along for fun, friendly mornings at Meldreth Village Hall every Wednesday during term time from 9.15am–11.15am.
Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome
Snack and song time at 10.00am; self-serve tea and coffee for grown-ups
Community-minded everyone pitches in to make it a welcoming space
Suggested donation: £2.00 per family. Come for the toys, stay for the chats and leave with happy, tired little ones! We’d love to see you there.
Donations Needed
If you have any of the following items gathering dust at home, we’d be so grateful for donations: toot toot tracks and cars, toy pushchairs and dolls, wipeable playmats / foam mats, dressing up clothes, toy appliances (microwave, toaster etc.), dinosaurs with a playmat, farm animals, play pop-up tent, sensory toys, baby bouncer chair, magnet tiles.
All items will be well-loved and put to great use by the little ones. If you have something to donate, please drop us a message. And thank you for helping us create a lovely play space for families in our community .
Francesca Harris francescarees@hotmail.com
Unit 1, Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, SG8 8NE
Wise Local Crafters
Wise Local Crafters have been running since January 2025. We run a weekly group for all who enjoy a variety of crafts. Many of our members share experience and teach others the art of trying a new craft. It is a warm, welcoming community of likeminded individuals. Since starting, many of our members have helped local charities with their creative skills such as knitting and crocheting poppies for the remembrance service at the war memorial, knitting premature baby items for maternity hospitals, making blankets for rehoming cats and dogs' charities and hand-making keychains for the Shepreth Spitfires France 2025 tournaments. We are now contributing to Arthur Rank Hospice by making stockings to help fundraise for a worthy charity.
We also have a monthly lunch club at The Hoops in Bassingbourn which has been an overwhelming success and is very enjoyable, with tasty food and good company. We are now busy planning our Christmas lunch celebrations! We would like to invite you to join us for a chat, a craft and a cuppa. We are a nonprofit, friendly community group that meets on Thursday mornings from 10.30am onwards at Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road, Meldreth SG8 5RL a fully accessible venue with free parking. Please contact me on 07772 738913 or email julawil@hotmail.com for further details.
Julie Wilson
Meldreth Primary School
The long, heady days of Summer and sunshine are firmly behind us and Meldreth Primary is currently embracing the beautiful tree colours whilst trying not to annoy the cleaners with trails of leaves carpeting the school! Our students are now established within their new classes and year groups, and our newest and youngest members, our Puffins, have settled in brilliantly.
We have officially relinquished creative control of our school processes to our numerous pupil leaders, many of whom have been through a rigorous training programme over the past month or so to equip them for the demands of the role! There is our School Council who directly liaise with Mrs Howard; an Eco Council in charge of our school environment and sustainability; Peer Mediators, who are trained to settle disputes between students; Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and Play Leaders, who supervise playtimes for our younger children and Junior Travel Ambassadors, who promote road safety and awareness.
We are constantly looking to enrich our children’s learning and enhance their experience. As an example, Year 6 enjoyed an amazing trip to The Museum of Classical Archaeology where they looked at Ancient Greek artefacts and primary sources to supplement what they are learning at school. Additionally, our sports teams have started the season off well with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Melbourn on the football pitch with our year 5 students representing the school for the first time, and brilliant performances in the cluster schools’ netball tournament. We now look forward to Harvest Assembly where we can show our gratitude and recognition of the amazing things we enjoy as part of this wonderful Meldreth community.
Daniel Chapman (Assistant Headteacher)
A Meldreth Garden
Autumn's Glory
As the year slips by, running through our fingers, before we know we're into autumn. What a magnificent autumn garden, I cannot remember it being more floriferous. Seasonality is one of the great joys of the British garden with a whole new set of vibrant pleasures, new views and fresh challenges. There's a distinctive smell to autumn, the sweet and sour tang that assails the nostrils in late September and lingers into winter. With lowering temperatures, leaves turn red, yellow and orange, before tumbling to the ground and once more it's welly weather.
Fragrance too appears intense this year. My neighbour has a thorny olive Elaeagnus pungens overhanging their fence that had the most appealing scent. Other fragrant autumn bloomers in my garden include; autumn-flowering Mahonia, autumn crocus Crocus speciosus, Clematis tangutica 'Bill Mackenzie', Salvia 'Amistad', Gaura, sedum, sweet alyssum, tobacco plant Nicotiana sylvestris and white bush chrysanthemums.
Learning Through Experience
No matter how much I learn or how long I spend sowing and growing, things will go wrong. The basic techniques can be learned, of course: it's important to understand how deeply a particular seed should be planted, or surface sown to aid their germination, and so on. What we cannot know until we have experimented is how plants will grow in our particular gardens. Some plants won't take; they shake their heads and gradually lose the will to live. Others may take time, even years, to settle in. It is all part of the gardening process. What to plant and where may be a worry, but plants in the wrong place can easily be moved, and this is a good time to do it. Also, perennials can be divided now, especially those that show growth early in the season. These include chives, grape hyacinth, Dutch iris, peonies, aconites and border phlox.
Autumn Tasks
Another task is to get overwintering clay pots off the ground. If waterlogged, they may crack and crumble in winter frosts. My large, ornate terracotta pots are stored away over winter. The blue salvias and white geraniums from these summer pots will be overwintered in the greenhouse. From the point of the coming frosts, it is important to know how our gardens work. My front garden forms a frost pocket which puts semi-hardy plants at risk, such as Hebe salicifolia 'Adel White', New Zeland flax Phormium tenax and the white Fuchsia 'Hawkshead'. I do not trim these back until spring. I have taken semi-hardwood cuttings of the Hebe salicifolia, given to me by my sister-in-law, and have taken basal cuttings of the variegated New Zealand flax given by a friend. This is necessary following previous years in which these plants froze and died. Like softwood cuttings taken from salvias, dahlias and penstemons, I will keep these cuttings in the greenhouse or under a cold frame until spring.
Reader Question
Q: We have a small raised bed in which we grow (or attempt to grow!) vegetables. We had a poor year and I wondered what sort of feed would you dig into the soil to help next year's crop?
A: Include any organic matter: garden compost, rotted manure, leaf mould, mushroom compost etc. This will help with texture, nutrition, and water retention. Water-holding capacity is particularly important in raised beds as they readily dry out. At this time of year, you may have grass clippings which will rot down over winter when lightly forked into the surface soil.
I add a handful per square metre of an equal mix of chicken pellets and fish, blood and bone fertilisers, raked into the surface before sowing or planting-out. Ensure soil is moist before sowing seed and water plants in well when planting-out.
Note: do not use grass clippings if lawn weed-and-feed, moss treatments, or certain lawn dressings have been applied that contain herbicides, as the residues will affect your vegetables.
Good Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
Meldreth is generally a very safe place to live but unfortunately there have been a few reports of crimes, or attempted crimes, in the village in recent months and we must all be on our guard. We will be hosting a FREE crime prevention talk delivered by a representative of The Bobby Scheme, a fantastic Cambridgeshire-based charitable organisation. This will be held on Tuesday 25th November from 1.45pm to 3.00 p.m. in the Community Room, Elin Way and is OPEN TO ALL. The talk has been scheduled to coincide with a session of Meldreth Village Hub. Residents are welcome to come along to the Hub session (from 12.00am onwards – free lunch provided!), or simply to join us after lunch, at 1.45pm, for the talk itself. Everyone is welcome, so do come along and get some tips on keeping your home safe. And don’t forget to look out for our NHW tree at the Christmas Tree Festival!
Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com (01763) 261084
Christmas at
A Taste of Christmas Friday 5th December, 12 noon - 5pm
Christmas Shop Now Open
Win a Luxury Bury Lane Hamper
Order your turkey by Sunday 7th December to be entered into our free draw
Bury Lane Gi Hampers bespoke & ready made
Fresh Christmas Trees from late November
Christmas Menu & Extended Hours on selected dates
See our website and social media for further details www.burylane.co.uk Tel: 01763 260418 A10 Bypass, Melbourn, Royston, SG8 6GT
What3Words: months.wells.tanks
For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
10.00am-11.00 F. Fitness
10.00-12.00 Local Hist Gp
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
1.00-3.00pm Hope Active
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides Start of school term
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
Meldreth Village Diary
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play Group
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play Group
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm T Point Pilates
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub including the Bobby Scheme in conjunction with NHW (see page 13)
Church services, Women’s Group, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Bank & Village Hub are in the Community Room in Elin Way. Wise Local Crafters meet at Eternit Sports Refuse Collections Black bins: Blue & green Getreminders download
ary - November 2025
ections
ns: 4th, 18th
green bins: 11th & 25th
indersonyourmobile: adtheBinCollectionsapp
5pm Hartbeeps
0pm Crafters
m Village Hub
Toneography
ro TP Pilates
sday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 6 7 8 9
Table Tennis
h Council
pm Hartbeeps
0pm Crafters
m Village Hub
Toneography
o TP Pilates
Table Tennis
pm Hartbeeps
pm Crafters
Village Hub
Toneography
9.30am Slimming World
12.15-1.45pm Dementia Sing a Long
9.30am Slimming World
9.30am School Open
Morning (see page 17)
7.00pm Quiz Night, Bowls Club (see page 4)
7.00pm for 7.30pm Village Hall Quiz (see page 40)
9.30am Slimming World
3 14 15 16 0 21 22 23
o TP Pilates
Table Tennis
0pm Crafters
m Village Hub
Toneography
Trigger Point
7 28 29 30 9.45am Sung Eucharist
Table Tennis
9.30am Slimming World
9.30am Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial (see page 4)
2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café 10.00am-2.30pm Craft and Community Fair (see page 5)
6.00pm Songs of Praise, Holy Trinity Church
11.30-4.30pm Christmas Tree Festival (See page 7)
11.30-4.30pm Christmas Tree Festival (See page 7)
Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. History Group & Parish Council meetings, Hope Active, Food rts & Social Club. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
A Special Thank You: As a token of our appreciation, we’re offering 25% off your meal bill throughout November (M-F) when you present this newsletter. *See below for terms.
Game Night – Friday, 7th November 5:30 PM–9:00 PM: A unique evening when our talented commis chefs take over the kitchen! Head Chef Gemma and Group Executive Head Chef Chris will be serving a 3-course meal, fizz glass on arrival for just £55 per person.
Wreath Making Workshop – Tuesday, 25th November: Get into the festive spirit for £65 per person: Crafting your own stunning wreath, A glass of mulled wine & a mince pie, A delicious 2-course lunch. The workshop runs 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, with lunch served afterwards. Spaces are limited to 20, so book early to secure your spot!
Quiz Night – Sunday, 30th November | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM: Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champ? Gather your team and join us for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions! Entry: £2 per person (all proceeds go to the ‘Forget-Me-Not’ charity). Bragging rights and good vibes guaranteed!
Celebrate the Festive Season with Us!: There’s still time to book your Christmas Party at The Royal Oak! Big or small, we’ve got you covered, or why not join us for our Boxing Day Brunch? £28 per person Make it bottomless for just £43 per person!
We can’t wait to see you at The Royal Oak this November and throughout the festive season!
On 1st September 2025 Orchard Surgery introduced a Total Triage System for all appointment requests. This change means that every request for an appointment will be reviewed by a doctor before it is booked. Our aim is to make sure each patient is seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional, in the most suitable way and at the right time.
What is Total Triage?
Total Triage means that all appointment requests are assessed by a clinician before any appointments are made. This helps us ensure that your medical care is tailored to your needs. Depending on your issue, the outcome may be a face-toface appointment, a telephone consultation, booking with an alternative healthcare practitioner such as our nurses, physiotherapist or pharmacist, or advising an appropriate alternative service such as the local pharmacy.
Why We Are Making This Change
We know that the previous system could be frustrating, especially with long waits on the telephone and the difficulty of securing appointments at busy times. This new way of working has a number of benefits for both patients and staff. It allows us to:
Prioritise patients based on clinical urgency, not on who calls first
Ensure that appointments are used appropriately
Offer more flexible ways to receive care
Reduce pressure on our reception and clinical teams.
This change also supports the guidance from NHS England, which asks all GP practices to improve access and reduce the need for patients to queue for appointments at 8.00am each morning.
How to Request an Appointment
There are several ways to get in touch with us. However you choose to contact us we will need some information from you to help us direct your request to the right person and ensure you get the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. When describing your symptoms it’s really important to be as clear and detailed as you can. This allows the doctor to triage your request more efficiently and safely often without needing to contact you for further clarification. For example, instead of saying ‘I have a cough’, a more detailed message would be: ‘I’ve had a cough for ten days. I’ve already tried over-the-counter medicine, but it hasn’t helped. Over the last couple of days, it’s been getting worse and feels more chesty. I also have a high temperature’.
This kind of information helps us understand your situation better and decide the right course of action more quickly.
Below are the ways in which you can request an appointment at the surgery:
1. Online: the easiest and most efficient way to request an appointment is by using our Accurx online triage form. You can access this via our website during working hours. Once submitted, your request will be reviewed by a GP.
2. By Telephone: if you're unable to complete the online form, you can call the surgery on (01763) 260220 and using option 1. Our reception team will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your request on your behalf. The reception team will not make any clinical decisions; they are recording what you tell them so that the GP can assess and triage your request.
3. In Person: if you come into the surgery we will encourage you to complete the Accurx form on your telephone. If you can’t do this our team can help you complete the process. You can fill out a written form that will then be added to the triage system or if you are unable to do this then you can provide the information to the receptionist who will enter this for you. The same triage process will apply so there will be no priority given to patients that come in person.
What Happens Next?
Once your request has been reviewed by a GP they will decide on the most appropriate course of action based on the information you’ve provided.
For GP appointments, we have introduced a new system with three types of appointments to help make sure everyone is seen according to their clinical need:
1. Same-day appointments: these are for urgent problems that need to be dealt with on the day. If the doctor feels you need to be seen or spoken to urgently a member of staff will contact you directly to book the appointment.
2. Appointments within two days: if your issue needs attention soon, but is not urgent, you will be sent a booking link by text message. This will allow you to choose a convenient time within the next two days.
3. Routine appointments (within seven days): for non-urgent matters you will be sent a link to book an appointment within the next week at a time that suits you.
You may also receive advice or support without the need for an appointment, if the GP feels your request can be safely managed that way. This triage system helps us make the best use of appointments and ensures that patients are seen in a timely and clinically appropriate way.
Need Support?
We understand that this is a change and we are here to help. If you are unsure how to use the new system or need assistance please speak to a member of our reception team who will be happy to help.
To access the Accurx online triage form please visit our website
www.orchardsurgerymelbourn.co.uk and follow the “book appointments” link or scan the QR code.
We appreciate your support as we work to improve the way we care for all of our patients.
Katrina Skarsten Practice Manager, Orchard Surgery
Make Sure You’re Protected This Winter
NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is urging anyone eligible for their COVID-19, flu, RSV or pneumococcal vaccines to make sure they’ve had them this winter. Each vaccine has a slightly different eligibility criteria:
RSV vaccine – for anyone who is pregnant, aged 75-79, or anyone who turned 80 years old from 1st September 2024.
Pneumococcal vaccine – for anyone 65 or over (only one dose is needed).
Flu vaccine – for anyone aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025); have certain long-term health conditions; are pregnant; live in a care home; are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance; or live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
COVID-19 vaccine – for anyone aged 75+; those aged between six months and 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment; and people who live in a care home for older adults.
For some people who have got used to having their COVID-19 and flu vaccine together in winter, this might mean a change for them as the COVID-19 vaccine age criteria has changed from people over 65 to people over 75.
To find out more about these vaccines, and how to book them, or find a walk-in clinic, please visit The Vaccinators website: https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators.
Communications Team
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICS) Swift solutions for all your minor jobs or repairs
Plumbing, Household, Pain ng & decora ng, Fixture replacement, Deck & Pa o work, Tiling, Furniture assembly, Jet washing, Garden clearance, or any other household minor works.
Happy to provide quota ons.
Call Paul on 07813 808737 paulswi solu on@gmail.com
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
We’re delighted to be expanding our range of healthcare offerings. We now host osteopath Tim Moynihan and are also offering weekly cervical screening sessions (details below). Our artist of the month will be Sylvia Jordan, featuring work from people she teaches at U3A!
Regular services and events
Every other Monday (10th and 24th November) - SEN chat 9.00am11.00am Contact: senchat@sendjo.org Phone 07572 590119
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club; a weekly social for older people, contact us on: (01763) 263303 or email: hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk
Every Tuesday - Cervical screening 1.00pm-8.00pm For people registered with a local GP; to book appointment email: cpicb.meridiancare@nhs.net
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice 09.30am - 11.30am A drop-in session.
Every Thursday – Osteopath – Check out our website and contact Tim to book on: tim@boneclinic.co.uk
Every Friday - Relate counselling - 9.00am-12.00pm To book, contact Relate on: (01302) 347886 or counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk
November events
Saturday 8th November – Music from 7.00pm - we’ll be welcoming singer Tom Huttlestone to the Hub for a musical evening! You can buy tickets at the Hub or call us on (01763) 263303.
Sunday 9th November – Christmas Craft Fair 11.15am-2.00pm – It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping so come along to the Hub after the Remembrance service at the memorial, for our Christmas Craft Fair!
Monday 10th November – Tea & Sign – 10.00am-12.00pm - Practise your sign language skills. For information, contact Sally at: bainessally@hotmail.com
Wednesday 12th November and Monday 24th November – Melbourn Superloop
– 10.00am-1.45pm - Drop in to find out more about the project
Dates for your diary
Saturday 6th December – Turn onto Christmas Our popular Christmas event, with stalls, a bar, entertainment and turning on the Christmas lights!
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
Things to do in November
Here are some things happening in November in the local area. To let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Outdoor display of photographs shortlisted for this year’s Earth Photo prize set in gardens at Anglesey Abbey. Head to the Heritage Orchard where you can pick up a hot drink and a bite to eat. Free event though normal NT admission applies.
Wednesdays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th November, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Public Open Evenings, Cambridge University Institute of Astronomy
Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0HA
30 minute talk about astronomy followed by refreshments and then (depending on the weather) a chance to do some stargazing using the Institute’s famous Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes. Warm clothing advised. Visit www.ast.cam.ac.uk for further details and talk topics. Free event; no need to book. Doors open 6.00pm. Continues every Wednesday through till March.
Friday 7th, November 5.00pm to 9.00pm and Saturday 8th November, 10.30am to 4.30pm
LOOKOUT Art Fair
St Barnabus Church, Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2BD
Celebrating art and illustration, including painting, drawing, ceramics, collage and much more. Admission £2.50. Book at www.lookoutillustrationfair.co.uk
Monday 10th November, 9.30am to 12 noon (approximate finish)
The nature reserve’s latest themed, guided walk. You should see migratory birds, particularly redwings and fieldfares. Around 2-3 miles on mainly on gravel paths/ grass. Bring binoculars. £10 non-Wildlife Trust member; £8 member. To book email TrumpingtonMeadows@wildlifebcn.org.
Thursday 13th November, 6.30pm for 7.00pm to 9.00pm Charity Quiz in aid of Home-Start Melbourn Springs Care Home, Melbourn SG8 6FY
Evening of brain-teasing questions, laughter and friendly competition. Gather a team of six or come solo and you’ll be allocated to one. Raffle. £10 per person to include food and refreshments. Book on (01763) 262262 or email events@hsrsc.org.uk
Saturday 15th November, 11.00am
Martin Bond: A Cambridge Diary - Artist Talk and Book Signing
A professional photographer who has lived in Cambridge all his life, Martin photographed his home city daily between 2010 and 2013, publishing three acclaimed books, most recently ‘Light and Shade’. He will talk about his work and sign his latest book. Free admission - no need to reserve a place.
Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd November 2025 Christmas Gift and Food Fair Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
Over 90 boutique stalls and designers located in the Cathedral’s magnificent nave and interior plus Festive Marquee in the grounds, packed with artisan producers, crafters and seasonal treasures. Adults £8, accompanied children 3 - 15 years £4. Book on www.elycathedral.org.
Friday 21st November to Sunday 4th January 2026, 9.30am to 4.00pm
Christmas Memories at Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW
Discover the magic of Christmases past at Wimpole Hall. Wander through grand rooms dressed in timeless tradition and re-live childhood memories to the sound of seasonal music. Free but normal National Trust admission applies.
Saturday 22nd November, 10am to 2.30pm
Orwell Art Exhibition and Sale Village Hall, High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN
Talented local artists will be exhibiting and selling their work, several demonstrating and taking commissions. Tea room serving drinks, homemade cakes bacon butties and jacket potatoes. Free entry. Wheelchair-friendly.
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November, various times
Venues across central Cambridge, Cambridge Winter Literary Festival
The Winter Festival returns hosting authors, debut writers, academics, scientists, artists, politicians, comedians and historians who discuss their recent work, debate and entertain in some of Cambridge’s most beautiful venues. For programme and booking visit www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com. Note: Tickets in high demandbook early.
Grotto open 10.00am-11.00am & 1.00pm-2.00pm; Christmas Crafts 11.00am1.00pm. Seller tables £10 and you get to keep 100% of what you make on the day. Entrance £1, includes hot drink and cake. Cash only.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the planning meetings on 18th September and 2nd October were available; minutes of planning meetings on 21st August and 4th September were not available at the time of going to press. The minutes of the Planning Committee may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldrethpc.org.uk.
61a High Street 25/1026/TTCA
T1 Sycamore – the tree is very large for its location. Would like to remove the limbs that grow over the roof and reduce the remaining tree by up to 3m.
T2 Ash – would like to remove the lowest limb that comes out over the parking area, and the limb growing into the Maple. Will then reduce the remaining crown in height by up to 2m and bring the sides in to match. No more than 2m coming off the sides.
No comments were made; the Tree Warden had also agreed to the works.
Parking Bay outside 1 Elin Way
This is for an extra bay; two bays (3 & 5 Elin Way) have already been agreed at last meeting so this is for an extra one. Comments to be sent before 17th October. There was no concern raised regarding an extra disabled parking bay.
80A High Street, 25/03377/HFUL
Single-storey side and rear extension with front carport, internal reconfiguration, refurbishment of existing single-storey elements within existing footprint, alterations to fenestration, addition of solar panels to front roof elevation and air source heat pump, and associated landscaping and access works.
No Recommendation, with comments; ‘Concern was raised about the safe access to the shop for pedestrians, which will necessitate a careful traffic management plan during construction’.
Planning Authority Decisions
57 High Street, 24/00948/NMA1
Non material amendment on application 24/00948/HFUL to replace the slate roof with galvanised steel box profile metal roof sheets, similar to adjoining garage. Material is Cladco 32/1000 Box Profile Sheeting 0.7mm in Goosewing Grey. Permission Granted.
59 High Street, 25/0784/TTCA
T1 - Robinia (False Acacia) - Cut back the approximately 4-5m overhanging the car parking and garage area to the line of the beech hedge. No objection.
Land Adjacent To Sewage Treatment Works Melbourn Bypass, 25/03048/PRIOR Change of use of an agricultural building to a flexible commercial office use. Withdrawn.
Land To the Rear Of 30 Chiswick End, 25/03021/S73
S73 to vary conditions 2 (drawings), 4 (hard and soft landscaping), 5 (boundary treatment) and 6 (flood plan) of ref: 20/03400/REM (Approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/4058/17/OL for the erection of two dwellings with demolition of lean-to of existing building and alterations to existing highway access) - to comply with drawing 1582-01A and Flood Warning and Evacuation Plan dated July 2025. Granted permission.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
Meldreth Food Bank
The Food Bank currently supports up to 24 families in Meldreth
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.
Thank You
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Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
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 36 to 37.
Village Traffic
The Village Traffic Group will be meeting shortly to discuss the agenda for Local Highway Initiatives 2025-26 and other traffic measures.
Finance
The Council is considering the early repayment of the balance of the Public Works Loan Board facility used to buy the Mettle Hill Site. With interest rates having risen, the repayment of this loan would generate a discount on repayment, and funds which are allocated each year from the Council’s budget to meet repayments and interest would become available for other purposes. Overall, there would therefore be a financial advantage to early repayment.
Recreation Ground
Following the vacation of the recreation ground by organised football teams, the decision taken earlier this year to encourage casual football on the pitch area has been well received by young people and by nearby residents. Leaving the goals in usable positions has played a major part in this. The plans to install a hard surface this winter for basketball/netball/five-a-side football on the Bell Close side will not interfere with the grass space where the main football pitch is situated. Tenders have now largely been received for these improvements and will be under detailed review.
The CCTV arrangements at the pavilion are being reviewed to include the possibility of wider coverage and more effective operation.
Two further seats have now been installed on the Bell Close side of the recreation ground.
Defibrillator
The siting of a defibrillator near the Fenny Lane crossroads is under consideration as this part of the village does not have a nearby facility. These play an important role in saving lives and this would be the third such service in the village.
Neighbourhood Plan
A scoping plan has been drawn up to develop the next stages of the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. The first six months of the work on this will be to collect and examine data and consider the various options for such a Plan. This will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting, online and in future issues of Meldreth Matters.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The next scheduled meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Thursday 6th November 2025 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.
Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Meldreth Matters: Would You Like to Make a Donation?
Meldreth Matters has been published since November 1988 and has been delivered free of charge ever since to all households and businesses in the village. Unfortunately, the revenue from advertising is no longer covering our printing costs. If you enjoy receiving the magazine and would like to make a donation we would be very grateful. Our bank details are as follows: Account Name: Meldreth Matters; Sort code: 60-11-11; Account No: 18493122
District and County Councillor Report
Highways
At its meeting in October, the County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee has approved an unusually large number of ‘Local Highways Improvement’ projects put forward by parishes and community groups. One of them is a Meldreth community project to very significantly improve the footways on the west side of High Street in order to improve access and safety for the young people residing at Aurora Meldreth Manor.
The LHI initiative enables local groups, parish and town councils to put forward proposals for small-scale highway improvements that would not usually qualify for County Council funding. These projects focus on local priorities such as road safety, active travel routes, and access to schools and services. Sincerest thanks to Denise Grayston, Principal at Meldreth Manor, who supported this project.
New Adults, Health and Commissioning Strategy, shaped by local voices
At its meeting in October, the County Council’s Adults and Health Committee approved a three-year plan to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and support residents to live healthy, safe and independent lives. The strategy was shaped through engagement with residents, carers, providers, partners and staff, through surveys and workshops, with over 300 people taking part.
We attended a meeting about Network Rail’s proposed replacement of the single barriers at the Meldreth Road level crossing with double barriers as part of the C3R Cambridge re-signalling project. This was part of a public consultation a few years ago, with significant input from Meldreth. Network Rail is now proposing to go ahead with the replacement because single barriers are being phased out but this will, very regrettably, mean longer down times when the barriers are closed. We are liaising with parish and county councillors to determine what can be done to influence the outcome. When the work goes ahead, there will be a period of closure of the level crossing, as well as a period without train services between Christmas and New Year. More about the barriers in the next issue of Meldreth Matters.
Greater Cambridge Local Plan update
The emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan has been in development since 2020, when the First Conversation consultation took place, followed by a major consultation on the First Proposals in 2021, and the results from this were published in 2022. Progress since then has been slowed by uncertainty in the planning of water supply and transport funding. A draft Local Plan has been in preparation during 2025 and a public consultation on the draft is expected to run from 1 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. More detail on the timetable and the many considerations involved in preparing the Local Plan is available here:
South Cambridgeshire residents invited to help shape Council priorities for year ahead
South Cambridgeshire residents and businesses are being asked to outline their priorities for the District Council for the year ahead. The consultation is based on the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025-2030 which was agreed earlier this year (2025) and sets out a long-term vision for a fairer, kinder, and greener South Cambridgeshire. The Council is now asking for comments on how its priorities should be delivered in the year ahead, through its annual Corporate Action Plan. See: https://scambs.gov.uk/news/south-cambridgeshire-residents-invited-to-helpshape-council-priorities-for-year-ahead
The consultation will run until the end of the day on Sunday 16th November and responses will help inform the final action plan for 2026/27. To find out more and take part, visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/consultations
Volunteers needed for school place appeal panels
Cambridgeshire County Council are looking for people to join the independent School Appeal Panels, as volunteers are urgently needed to hear appeals when children are not offered a place at their preferred school. As a panel member you will hear cases where parents or carers wish to appeal a decision made by Cambridgeshire County Council or a school. The appeal panel is independent of the local authority, and its decisions are binding on all parties, unless overturned by the courts. Anyone interested in applying or who would like an informal chat about the role should contact: Clare.cronk@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or visit: https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/schools-learning/applyfor-a-school-place/admission-appeals/school-admission-appeals-panel-volunteering
Could you be a foster carer?
Cambridgeshire Fostering Service is looking for compassionate individuals and families across Cambridgeshire to become foster carers. By offering a stable, loving home, you can make a life-changing difference for children and young people who are unable to live with their families. Fostering doesn't have to be a long-term commitment; the council also needs carers for short-term fostering and respite care. Find out more: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/fostering-andadoption
County Councillor Adam Bostanci, adam.bostanci.mmbw@gmail.com, 07400 236329
District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303
District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649
An Update from Pippa Heylings MP
Over parliamentary recess I took the opportunity to meet and hear from residents and organisations in South Cambridgeshire. One issue has dominated, the funding cut facing the Arthur Rank Hospice. This wonderful organisation, which provides vital end of life care for the terminally ill, is being forced to plan for the closure of nine of its 23 beds, a reduction of 40% of its inpatient capacity. At the time of writing, the hospice is facing a funding deficit of £829,000.
I have visited the hospice and heard from their CEO Sharon Allen, their staff and the patients and families who treasure this resource. Together with Cambridgeshire’s LibDem MPs Charlotte Cane and Ian Sollom, I have set up a petition to call on the government to save these vital palliative care beds; over 14,000 people have signed our petition with 4,500 signatures in just the first 24 hours! I have been so heartened by the extraordinary response, a resounding call to action that has been well reported in the media. Given the level of response and the concern shown, our petition is now addressed directly to the Prime Minister as well as to the Secretary of State for Health. If we can get more signatures, we plan to hand in the petition to Number 10 Downing Street, so please do sign it here www.pippaheylings.org.uk/campaigns/save-arh-beds and share as widely as you can. If you would like to help the hospice further, you can find details to donate to their Protect our Care campaign at: www.arhc.org.uk/ donate.
Alongside campaigning to save the hospice, I’ve also been out at my ‘meet your MP’ events. If you would like to keep up to date with my work, you can register for my e-newsletter, available at www.pippaheylings.org.uk/newsletter.
Pippa Heylings MP
Meldreth Food Bank
We are very grateful to Lindsey who has looked after the donations box on the High Street since the Food Bank opened. Lindsey and family are now moving away (we shall miss them) and we have a new home for the box - at 17 High Street. Further collection boxes are at the church and One Stop. Our ‘customers’ have enjoyed excellent produce from Meldreth gardens this summer. Donations are also received from Tesco, MCCS (Meldreth Cares Community Support). Meldreth food bank helps 24 families and 46 children; on average each person takes just 12 items. Christmas is suddenly feeling near and we are planning some extra treats for the families who attend the Food Bank. If you would like to buy a small gift for a child (ages 2 to 10) please drop it off at the Elin Way Community room any Tuesday morning (9am - 12 noon) or contact Jo on 07572 443522. Small toys, felt tips or stationery would be very welcome.
Hilary Crawforth
The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025
The Big Give Christmas Challenge Tuesday 2nd December. Save the date and help Us Double the Support for Local Families! We're excited to announce that Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire is taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025! From midday Tuesday 2nd December to midday Tuesday 9th December, every donation made will be doubled , helping us reach our goal of £10,000 to support local families facing hardship.
The Christmas Challenge is the perfect time to maximise your impact and make twice the difference to those who need it most. Whether it’s isolation, financial crisis, or mental health struggles, your donation will go twice as far in helping local families. Save the date, spread the word, and join us in doubling the support for families this Christmas. Every donation made during the challenge week will help transform lives in our local community. For more information, visit: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006GQUYYA4.
Angie Ward
Fundraising Manager, Home-Start
iPLASTER
Little Hands Nursery School
The Moor, Melbourn
A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery
of free
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
Meldreth Village Hall
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Good news, trivia fans! If you were prepping for the Meldreth Village Hall Quiz Night on 3rd October, you’ve now got extra time to revise as the event has been rescheduled to Friday 14th November. Event Details: Doors Open: 7:00pm Quiz Starts: 7:30pm. Tickets: £8 per person (pre-booking required). Teams: Up to 6 per table, Fully licensed bar. Booking: Contact Andrew at 07572 553647 or email chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Expect a night of laughter, friendly competition, and possibly a heated debate about Pluto’s planetary status. There’ll be prizes, a raffle, and plenty of snacks, so even if your team thinks Shakespeare invented cheese, you’ll still have a great time. Book Early! Tables fill up fast, and we wouldn’t want you left outside with your encyclopaedia and a sad face. Booking early helps us plan - and stock enough crisps.
Andrew Young chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Older Driver Workshops
We are hosting Older Driver Workshops in November in Sawston, Sawtry, St. Neots and Wisbech. We also have an online Older Driver Workshop on Thursday 4th December from 1.00-3.00pm.
These free sessions are designed for those over 65 and currently driving, to help them keep driving safely for longer. We discuss how driving can become more challenging as we get older and what simple checks we can do at home to keep ourselves fit to drive.
The sessions cover the following topics: Age-related changes when driving, eyesight and driving, conducting a vehicle check, license renewal, signs to be aware of and alternatives to driving.
Visit our website, https://bit.ly/4n4hBoG to find out more and book your place.
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
Join the Team: Trustees Wanted for Meldreth Village Hall
No Experience Needed - Just a Sense of Humour!
Do you enjoy tea, biscuits, and the occasional debate over the thermostat? Do you have a soft spot for community spirit and a couple of spare hours every other month? Meldreth Village Hall is looking for two or more volunteer trustees to join our friendly (and slightly quirky) team.
We meet just six times a year, usually for no more than two hours; that’s just twelve hours a year, less time than it takes to reset your email password.
What’s Involved?
Trustees help keep the hall running smoothly - making sure it’s warm, welcoming, and squirrel-free. No special qualifications needed, just a willingness to chip in, share ideas and nod wisely during meetings. Have you got skills like DIY, fundraising or decoding electricity bills? Brilliant! But if not, your enthusiasm and common sense are more than enough.
What’s Not Involved?
No daily duties
No heavy lifting (unless you volunteer to move chairs)
No pressure to do more than you’re comfortable with
Whether you want to help with events, spruce up the garden, or just attend meetings and offer your wisdom, we’d love to have you.
Interested or even mildly curious?
Email or call Andy at chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or 07572 553647. Or flag us down in the village, we’re usually the ones putting up posters and looking hopeful. Being a trustee: like a superhero, but with fewer capes and more agendas.
Andrew Young chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Visit your local history website www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present
See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups
Village Directory
Litter Picker
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Laura Elvin—(01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Village Hall Chairman Andrew Young—07572 553647
Cycling Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809
Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk; info@meldrethhistory.org.uk
Lunch Club
Nikki & Julie—07599 292327
Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
U3A
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
John Richards—07938 907609
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk
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
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 07773 592838.
