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.
Melbourn & District Warden Scheme
Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth, Whaddon, Barrington, Harston, Hauxton, Orwell, Grantchester, Haslingfield & Foxton
Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?
What is the service?
We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls (Monday to Friday) to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.
Who provides the services?
Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their friendliness and caring nature and are DBS checked.
What will it cost?
We do make a small charge for the services. Please contact us for more information.
How can I join?
For more information and an informal chat, telephone (01763) 221058 or email secretary@mmws.org.uk.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
Independent living for older people Moorlands Court
Independent living with 24/7 access to support
Welcome friends and family for an overnight stay
Have a home for life with an assured tenancy
Learn more about Moorlands Court: www.chsgroup.org.uk/moorlands-court
We take care of those difficult household tasks
Feel at home with your own furniture
Continue to receive benefits and manage your finances
Contact us:
Moorlands Court, Melbourn, SG8 6FH on 01763 260564
Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters.
We have a varied issue for you this month, with plenty of information from village groups and details of forthcoming events.
We would like to thank David Smith for his recent donation to Meldreth Matters. Please see David’s letter on page 11 explaining why he decided to donate.
Unfortunately, we have had no response to the advertising offer in last month’s magazine If you know of a company that would benefit from advertising in Meldreth Matters, please pass on news of our offer (see below).
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.
Our thanks go again to the generous donor.
Kathryn www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
The Meldreth Matters Team
Over 730 pages on Meldreth, past and present
Richard Burns
ELECTRICIAN
For installation, repair or advice please call
Tel: 01763 263 121
Mob: 07958 028 729
sockets@richardburnselectrician.co.uk
Part P approved Compliant to BS7671
Certified installer Based in Meldreth
Advice & Installation of Home Networks
Help with Selecting a computer
Fault Finding PC Repairs
Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk
We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.
A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding
Small print runs on A6 to A3 media
Family History Afternoon
Saturday 4th October, 2.00-5.00pm
On Saturday 4th October, Meldreth Local History Group (MLHG) will be holding a family history afternoon in Meldreth Village Hall in conjunction with Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Family History Society (CHFHS).
This is a free event and is open to everyone. If you would like to know some of the interesting things we’ve uncovered about Meldreth families, you are tracing your family history (wherever your ancestors hail from) or are curious about how to get started on your genealogical journey, please come along.
Members of MLHG and CHFHS will be on hand to chat to you about the resources available and how to start or progress in your family history research. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon and we will have MLHG merchandise for sale, including walk leaflets and Christmas cards. We look forward to welcoming you on 4th October.
Kathryn Betts Meldreth Local History Group info@meldrethhistory.org.uk
Meldreth Craft and Community Fairs
On Sunday 5th October we will be holding a Craft and Community Fair in Meldreth Village Hall from 10.00am to 2.30pm.
Entry is free and there will be a café offering a range of refreshments.
Our remaining two fairs of the year will be held on Sunday 16th November and Sunday 14th December from 10.00am to 2.30pm in Meldreth Village Hall.
For further information please contact us at cbevents@mail.com or telephone 07717 120850.
Carrie Carter
Meldreth Village Hall
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
From Craft Fairs to Community Care: Meldreth Village Hall Keeps Buzzing
If your idea of a good time involves shouting obscure facts across a table, arguing over whether Pluto is still a planet, and eating snacks while pretending to know the capital of Burkina Faso, then Meldreth Village Hall has just the event for you. On Friday 14th November at 7.30pm, the hall will host its famously fun and slightly chaotic Quiz Night and you’re invited. Entry is just £8 per person, and teams of up to six per table are welcome. That’s six brains, one table, and a whole lot of “I swear I saw this on a documentary once” energy.
The Quiz: Where Genius Meets Guesswork
Expect a night of trivia that will test your memory, your friendships, and your ability to spell “acquiesce” under pressure. Questions will span everything from history and geography to pop culture and local lore. There may even be a round dedicated to identifying obscure vegetables - because why not?
There will be prizes for the winners, a licenced bar and possibly a heated debate over whether a “quokka” is a real animal. (It is. And it’s adorable.) To book your table or make a donation contact chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or telephone 07572 553647.
A Hall That’s Had a Cracking Few Months
Meldreth Village Hall has been buzzing lately. From yoga classes that stretch both body and dignity, to craft fairs where you can buy a handmade owl-shaped teapot cosy, the hall has seen a delightful uptick in activity. Locals have embraced it as the go-to venue for everything from coffee mornings to birthday parties and the energy has been nothing short of inspiring.
It’s been a good few months - full of laughter, community spirit and only a few incidents involving spilled tea and rogue glitter.
A Slight Change of Plans …
Now, before you get too excited about rummaging through vintage lamps and novelty egg cups, we do have one small announcement: the Table Top Sale has been postponed until next year. Yes, we know. We’re sad too. But fear not - it’ll be back, bigger and better, with even more opportunities to buy things you absolutely don’t need but will definitely treasure.
In the meantime, the Quiz Night is here to fill the void with trivia and the occasional wrong answer shouted with absolute confidence.
Want to Host Your Own Event? Hire the Hall!
Feeling inspired? Want to host your own quiz night, knitting club, interpretive
dance workshop, or competitive pancake flipping contest? You can hire Meldreth Village Hall! It’s easier than remembering the names of all the Spice Girls. Just visit the hall’s website or contact the bookings team via email or telephone. The hall offers:
A fully equipped kitchen (for tea, coffee, and emergency cake)
Tables and chairs (for sitting and pretending you know the answer)
Parking (so you don’t have to arrive by tractor)
A warm, welcoming atmosphere (unless you’re trying to book it for a midnight kazoo recital)
Rates are reasonable, and the team is lovely - unless you ask them to host a ferret fashion show. That’s still under discussion. To book the hall visit the Meldreth Village Hall website, www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk.
Feeling Generous? Donate to the Hall!
If you can’t make the quiz night but still want to support the hall, donations are always welcome. Every penny goes towards keeping the lights on, the roof leak-free and the hall warm.
You can donate online or drop off a contribution during any event. Regular donations help with maintenance, upgrades and ensuring the hall remains a place where the community can gather, laugh and occasionally argue about whether “quinoa” is a grain or a lifestyle. To make a donation of any size please contact chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or telephone 07572 553647.
Why It Matters
Village halls like Meldreth’s are more than just buildings. They’re the heart of the community - the place where friendships are formed, ideas are shared and someone inevitably spills tea on the raffle tickets. They’re where life happens, in all its quirky, wonderful glory.
The recent success of Meldreth Village Hall is proof that when people come together, great things happen. And sometimes, those great things involve answering trivia questions about obscure Olympic sports.
Final Call: Assemble Your Team!
So, grab your cleverest friends (or just the ones who bring snacks) and head to Meldreth Village Hall on Friday 14th November at 7.30pm. For just £8 per person, you’ll get an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and the chance to finally use that random fact you learned about the inventor of the lava lamp.
And remember: it’s not about winning; it’s about proving you know more than your neighbour.
See you there. And may your guesses be lucky and your snacks plentiful.
Andrew Young chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival
Holy Trinity Church
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November, 11.00am-4.30pm
Free entry
We are looking forward to seeing you all at this year’s event. We hope that you will all be able to join us with friends and family to enjoy the festivities. Whether you have recently moved to Meldreth or you are a regular, we very much look forward to welcoming you all. For many the Festival has become a family tradition. There will be around 40 individual lit and themed Christmas trees and exhibits placed around the beautifully festively decorated candle-lit church. Our popular café will be serving delicious homemade soups, filled rolls and a variety of homemade cakes plus coffees and teas.
If you are a baker of cakes, either individual, tray bakes or round and would like to donate to the café or produce stall please bring them to the church on Saturday, 29th November. If you have been making marmalade, chutney or jams from the abundance of fruit this year and would like to donate items for the produce stall please bring your produce donations to the church on Thursday 27th November, or if you would like them to be collected please contact one of us. All your contributions make a real difference and are much appreciated.
Our craft makers have been busy all year making unusual festive gifts for the ever popular craft stall. It is always exciting to see what ideas they have come up with each year. Perhaps the perfect Christmas gift that won’t be found anywhere else.
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 in the churchyard. Please note that Noah usually goes back to his living quarters at around 3.30pm.
What can be better than spreading joy and cheer this festive season by sharing your time and sweet treats at this year’s event.
Sharon Dunford (01763) 263021
Margaret Goddin (01763) 260061
There were two popular and well attended FOHT events in September. The “This is My Theatre” company returned to Meldreth for their third visit with a lively and entertaining production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The almost capacity audience gave the performers an enthusiastic welcome back and, judging by the feedback I have received, everybody thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Looking ahead, we have booked the same company to return here on 10th April next year with their production of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
Our second event was the 20th Churchyard Classic Car Show, curated as always by the ever-enthusiastic John Price, who persuaded over 40 car, motorbike and bicycle owners to exhibit their pride and joy for visitors to enjoy. Fortunately, the weather was much better than had been forecast and a good crowd visited the show. The cars were gleaming, the band played all afternoon and the refreshments team worked hard to keep up with demand. John is already looking ahead to the 21st anniversary show next year!
Thanks to your support of these events, we raised about £2,000 which will be put towards essential maintenance and improvement projects of the church. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Monday 13th October, so if you have any suggestions for activities for next year please let me know. Thank you all for your continued interest and support.
Ian Mitchell Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com
07726 936635
Meldreth Local History Group
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Update on the Canadian Film about Kathleen Parlow
Many of you will remember, or remember reading about, the visit of a Canadian film crew to Meldreth two years ago.
The completed 2½ hour film, titled ”Measures for a Funeral”, premiered in Toronto last year and Tim and I were delighted to be invited to attend the London premiere at the Institute of Contemporary Arts on the Mall on 22nd August. We met with the Director, Sofia Bohdanowictz; who has kept in touch with me over the last two years. British actress Eileen Davies (who played me as the Meldreth history tour guide in the film) was also present.
Some of the film refers to the famous violinist Kathleen Parlow (pictured in the Homestead in 1914). Kathleen lived in Meldreth from 1912 to 1925 and there are several Meldreth scenes in the finished film. Sadly, the footage from the Church had to be cut as the film was too long. This is disappointing but understandable. We are hoping to receive some footage from the uncut film in due course.
The film was well received, with good reviews and may be screened in Cambridge soon.
By searching online for “Measures for a Funeral”, you will find more information including a trailer. More information on Kathleen Parlow’s time in Meldreth is available on our website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk (search for Parlow).
Joan Gane Chairman, Meldreth Local History Group
page 44 for
Letter to the Editor
I was concerned to read that Meldreth Matters has financial concerns and I wonder whether too many of us have taken this excellent (free) magazine for granted over the years.
I have lived in the village for a little over 20 years. During that time I have received 240 issues of Meldreth Matters, every one of which has been read from cover to cover, given me pleasure and providing valuable information about local affairs. If I had paid just 50p for each issue it would have cost me £120 and, in order to make sure that I continue to get my favourite magazine, I have donated that sum to help ease those financial concerns.
May I suggest that everyone thinks about the value of Meldreth Matters to them and to village life as a whole and then makes their own calculation and donates to keep this valuable village institution alive and well!
David Smith
Editor’s Note
We would like to thank David for his generosity. If any other readers would like to make a donation to the magazine, our bank account details are as follows:
We are a small friendly group who 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, followed by some refreshments, when we are able to chat with one another. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and there is also the opportunity to donate to the charity pot. This year we are supporting the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.
Our next meeting will be on 28th October at All Saints Church Hall in Melbourn. This is a talk entitled “A Southern African Safari” and the speaker will be Ray Munden.
If you require any information about the group or a lift to a meeting, 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 Food Bank
Meldreth Food Bank needs a volunteer to join the team once or twice a month. We meet at the Community Rooms in Elin Way every Tuesday from 8.30am to 12 noon.
If you’d like to help please contact Jo on 07572 443522 or pop in to see what we do.
Hilary Crawforth
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 12 – 3pm
Your friendly Village Hub continues to meet every week.
Freshly cooked lunches are served every Tuesday (no need to book) and hot and cold drinks and a selection of sweet treats are served on Thursdays.
Our amazing volunteers cook a freshly prepared lunch every Tuesday and there is always plenty of chat and laughter.
Thursdays tend to be quieter so if you would like to pop in, maybe with a friend, we would love to see you.
New for Autumn 2025
Indoor curling! Suitable for all abilities and great fun.
Autumn/firework buffet lunch – Tuesday 4th November 1.00–3.00pm. Each week we have table football, table tennis, air hockey, jigsaws, board games, music, quizzes and good food.
Date For Your Diary
Tuesday 16th December, 12 noon to 3.00pm, Christmas at the Hub Free buffet lunch, music, raffle and lots of festive fun!
If you have any questions, for example about PIP, Attendance Allowance, Blue Badges, Rogue Trading/scamming please let us know and we will do our best to help. Our new Digital Champion can support you with any IT problems. All chats are in complete confidence.
We couldn’t provide the lunches and activities if it wasn’t for our wonderful volunteers … thanks everyone!
We look forward to meeting you, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Helen
Meridew
Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com 07787 734973 (Donations gratefully received)
Things for Children and Families To Do in October
Wednesday 1st October - Wednesday 12th November, 10.00am - 4.00pm
The Magpies’ Magic Forest and Autumn Art Adventure
Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE
Free trails to learn stories about trees. Magpies trail for ages 8+ , the art adventure for younger children. Drop in. Normal garden admission for adults.
Wednesday 1st October - Wednesday 17th December, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Talk to the Animals
Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Chat to thirteen of the animals (from a dodo to a cockroach) in this Artificial Intelligence experiment by scanning a QR code on your phone. Free.
Thursday 2nd - Monday 6th October, various times
Circus Cortex, Village Green, High St, Cottenham CB24 8UW
Acrobats, motorbike acts, jaw-dropping stunts and theatrical flair. Immersive sound, lights. Tickets (from £9) see www.circuscortex.com.
Saturday 18th October & every 3rd Saturday of the month, 10.00am-4.00pm
Whipple Museum, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH
Explore scientific instruments, tools used in astronomy, navigation, etc. including sundials, electrical apparatus and a microscope bought by Darwin. Free.
Saturday 18th October, 11.00am - 2.00pm
Pumpkin Patch, Bassingbourn Primary School SG8 5NP
Pick a pumpkin, carve it, play games, enjoy refreshments including hot dogs. £6 a picker. Email friends_BCPS@outlook.com for tickets.
Sunday 19th October, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Apple Day, Cambridge Botanic Garden, Brookside CB2 1JE
Live entertainment, apple activities, food trucks, craft stalls. Book on www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Sunday 26th October, 11.00am - 12.30pm
A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night
Wicken Fen, 34 Lode lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP
Listen to the author as he talks about his book and night creatures, murmurations, biofluorescence, echolocation etc. For ages 7+ with an adult. £7. Book on (01353) 720274 or wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Thursday 30th October, 9.30am - 12 noon or 1.00 -3.00pm
Learn about traditional African masks and Venetian masks. For ages 3+ (with adult). £4 per child. No booking required.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
Meldreth Primary School
How wonderful it was to fling open the gates again for the start of another amazing year at school. It is always remarkable to see how our students have grown and blossomed over the summer break and the smiles on their faces as they came pouring through was more than enough to dispel any lingering post-holiday blues!
Our new Reception cohort have taken no time at all to makes themselves at home and have settled in fantastically. Our teaching staff are rested and keen to kickstart another successful year of enrichment and learning. We also welcome a new Chair of Governors in Chris McCorquodale, who will be bringing fresh ideas and a new strategic vision for how to continue developing and improving the offer we provide to our students and wider school community.
A dazzling range of clubs and activities have already been established, including some new ones, such as First Aid Club, Computing Club and Lego Club, amongst our traditional sports, art and drama options. Additionally, our student leadership roles in the School Council, Eco Council, Anti-Bullying Council and Junior Travel Ambassadors have been filled by teams of highly committed and inspirational pupils, assisting staff with the day-to-day running of the school!
The beginning of our new school year has also seen a welcome return to our broader curriculum offer. Already our students are keenly anticipating a brilliant variety of school trips and enrichment activities in the Autumn Term. A number of sporting events and competitions have similarly been pencilled in too.
2025/2026 is already shaping up to be an amazing year!
Mr Chapman Assistant Headteacher
Jim and Jane Eggleton
“To Plant a Tree is to Believe in Tomorrow”
Jim and Jane lived at 1 Bell Close for many years. Jim was an expert vegetable gardener and had worked at several big houses in East Anglia. He was one of the founder members of the village Veg Club and shared with us much expertise over the years. He was also a good fruit gardener and had several peach and apricot trees in his small garden.
His wife Jane, was a great baker and produced fantastic cakes for every occasion including the Church Fete. They were both very supportive members of Holy Trinity Church and their ashes are buried in the churchyard.
Many years ago Jim persuaded me to start a gardening column with him for Meldreth Matters. Jim’s contributions on his vegetable patch were invaluable; whereas mine were more about successes and failures. In the end he said he had done enough so I soldiered on alone but after ten years I handed over to Iain McPhee who now produces his excellent copy each month.
Jim’s father was the first to raise a seedling of the early red apple ‘Discovery’, so popular in gardens today. The fruit is best eaten straight off the tree, or it loses its crispness and goes mushy.
We planted this tree opposite their bungalow in Bell Close a couple of months ago. The inscription on the label reads: In Loving memory of Jim and Jane Eggleton. To Plant a Tree is to Believe in Tomorrow.
Despite the hot and dry summer, it is thriving and hopefully over the years villagers will pick the apples and eat them straight off the tree!
Julie Draper
Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds
Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings
Experts in home automated motorised solutions
Tel: 01763 263399
A Meldreth Garden
October's Rich Display
October brings the garden's richness of berries into full view. A dog rose Rosa canina arch awash with red hips, while yellow Asian firethorn Pyracantha rodgeriana, blazes with brilliant yellow berries. The distinctive fruits of the apple of Peru Nicandra physalodes and the papery orange lanterns of Physalis alkekengi all contribute to the season's spectacular beauty.
Managing Bright Colours
While I appreciate bright colours in the garden, they require careful consideration. Large sweeps of intense colour can be jarring; imagine vast swathes of bright red Crocosmia 'Lucifer' dominating a border. Pastel shades, in the style of Gertrude Jekyll, allow for a more generous indulgence. With bright colours, the key is finding the middle ground: more than a single dot of colour, but less than an overwhelming display. Though I must admit, spotty planting, which rarely looks elegant, does feature in my own garden.
Dealing with Honey Fungus
This time of year reveals honey fungus through its characteristic honey-coloured toadstools. While edible though not particularly tasty, these mushrooms signal a more serious problem. Many of my trees and shrubs have succumbed over the years to this fungal disease, including a smoke bush Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', snake bark maple Acer laxiflorum, lilac Syringa vulgaris, and several Japanese maples Acer species. Unfortunately, there is no cure, though some trees, like yew, show resistance. The RHS website provides comprehensive information on resistant species.
Questioning Garden Choices
I sometimes wonder whether we should tolerate short-blooming plants like irises. They look superb for three weeks, requiring diligent deadheading to maintain their appearance, but afterward offer little visual interest. Some self-seeding plants can also disappoint: Astrantia, annual poppies Papaver somniferum, hollyhocks, and columbine Aquilegia don't always live up to expectations of flower colour. When hollyhock flowers resemble a washing day accident, I remove them immediately to the compost heap, keeping only the best selections for their season.
Autumn Garden Tasks
October brings renewed vigour to the grass with autumn rains, necessitating regular mowing. I focus on edging the lawn to maintain clean sight lines and trimming hedges and topiary to preserve their structure through winter's chill, all essential autumnal preparations.
Later in the month, I collect leaves from lawns and drive for leaf mould, though I leave leaves on flower beds for the worms to process. I remove bedraggled dead foliage and stems from annuals and herbaceous perennials while leaving the more architecturally interesting dead material in place for winter structure.
Taking Cuttings
It's still not too late for propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings work well at this time, place them in free-draining compost, cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and position in bright light away from direct sunlight. Leave them until spring when they'll be rooted and ready for potting on. This technique ensures continuity for moderately hardy plants like dahlias, hebes, salvias, and penstemons that will not survive extreme winter cold.
Apple Harvest Reflections
This year has brought a good apple crop. Along the drive, Lord Lambourne and Egremont Russet serve as a pollinating pair, while step-over trees in the back garden, Grenadier and Discovery perform less well due to increased shade. Unfortunately, tent caterpillars ermine, brown-tail, or lackey moths severely affected these two trees this year. By the time I noticed the damage in June, intervention was too late. These Group B early varieties are best eaten fresh from the tree. In the allotment, my third-year step over Braeburn and Royal Gala pairing tells an interesting story. The Braeburn is loaded with excellent-sized fruit, while the Gala produced not a single apple.
The codling moth traps deployed in May through June may have reduced infestation in the trees by the drive, they certainly did not eliminate the problem. Good Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
Allotments in Meldreth
Your Council would like to identify land in or near the village that could be used for community allotments. This follows the closure of the allotments in Fenny Lane and the enquiries that some residents have made about the future provision of allotment space.
The Council has no suitable land within its ownership but is prepared to consider acquiring a plot, with or without a water supply, that could be used for this purpose. If there is no direct supply, the usual approach is for allotment holders to install their own water butts adjacent to an allotment shed.
If you have or know of any land that could perhaps be assigned for this purpose please contact our Parish Clerk. We think that the size of the plot needs to be at least half an acre, with reasonable nearby street or other parking.
All suggestions will be welcomed as we think this is an important community activity and the Council will consider buying or leasing a suitable plot.
Please contact our Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or send an email to parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Meldreth Parish Council
Unit 1, Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, SG8 8NE
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw
We have two events coming up, at which everyone is most welcome.
Wednesday 29th October, 8.00 – 9.30pm in the QEII Room of the Village Hall
General meeting of your local Neighbourhood Watch Group. Come along and find out what Neighbourhood Watch is all about, what it can do for you and what you can do to help keep your community safe.
We welcome all ideas on how to develop the group and suggestions for future activities.
Tuesday 25th November, 1.45 – 3.00pm in the Community Room, Elin Way
In partnership with Meldreth Village Hub, we will be hosting a talk by The Bobby Scheme about their work and about how we can keep ourselves and our property safe. More details will follow in November’s issue of Meldreth Matters.
For more information on our group, see our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ meldrethnhw. Information on the Neighbourhood Watch network is available at www.ourwatch.org.uk.
Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com (01763) 261084
Melbourn
and District Photographic Club
melbournphotoclub.com
We have a full and varied programme for the late autumn months including three lectures, thee competitions and two club evenings. October dates are as follows: 7th, 1st Open Print Competition - Ken Payne; 14th, Dan’s Top Ten Tips - Daniel Bridge; 21st, Critique Evening - Keith, Ian and Nigel; 28th, 1st Open PDI competition - Jonathan Vaines.
Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7.30 - 9.30pm at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The club has a diverse membership, with roughly equal numbers of men and women, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability.
For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to come along to two meetings free of charge before deciding. - please email me at melbournphotoclub.com if you wish to do so.
Peter North, Secretary
For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
1.00-3.00pm Hope Active
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
10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness
11.00am-12.00 Trigger 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
9.15-11.15am Stay & Play Group
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point 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
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
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 T Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
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 S & P Grp
10.45-11.30am Mobile Library
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps
10.30am-3.30
12.00-3.00pm
2.30-3.30pm T
6.00-6.45pm T
7.00-9.00pm T
7.30pm Parish
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps
10.30am-3.30
12.00-3.00pm
2.30-3.30pm T 4.00-5.00 Acr
6.00-6.45pm T 7.00-9.00pm T
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps
10.30am-3.30
12.00-3.00pm
2.30-3.30pm T 4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm T 7.00-9.00pm T
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps
10.30am-3.30
12.00-3.00pm
2.30-3.30pm T
4.00-5.00 Acr
6.00-6.45pm T
7.00-9.00pm T
10.30am-3.30
12.00-3.00pm
2.30-3.30pm T
Halftermstarts
8.00-9.30pm Neighbourhood Watch Meeting, VH QEII Room (see page 21)
Church services, Women’s Group, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Church. The M Bank & Village Hub are in the Community Room in Elin Way. Wise Local Crafters meet at Eternit Spor
ary - October 2025
sday Friday Saturday Sunday
5pm
0pm Crafters
m Village Hub
Toneography
TP Pilates
Table Tennis
h Council
pm
pm Crafters
Village Hub
Toneography
9.30am Slimming World
9.30am Slimming World
12.15-1.45pm Dementia Sing a Long
2.00-5.00pm Family History Afternoon (see page 5 and back cover)
9.45am Sung Eucharist
10.00am-2.30pm Craft and Community Fair (see page 5)
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.
Meldreth Bowls Club
www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk
Once again, huge congratulations must go to Linda Clarke, Joseph Ng, Stephen Cooke and Elaine Cooke for winning the Castle Camps Invitation Cup Competition on Saturday 23rd August 2025.
With three games to play, with seven ends for each game, a good start was essential and with some excellent bowling from each member of the team, the first game was won easily 9-1. The two remaining games were a lot closer in score but after the three games were played, Linda’s was the only team on that side of the draw to have won all three games.
Linda’s team went through to the semi final, which was over eight ends. With some superb bowling by all team members, they triumphed with an emphatic victory over the opposition, with only seven ends needing to be played.
The final was a close affair with Linda making some excellent shots to help win the match and the tournament.
To win the Castle Camps Competition for the second time in three years was a wonderful achievement, especially after winning the Trumpington triples only three weeks earlier. Well done and congratulations to all.
Elaine Cooke
Meldreth Bowls Club Committee member
Captain
of the Foxton Midweek League
Little Hands Nursery School
The Moor, Melbourn
A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two
We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds
For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com
Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
Meldreth Croquet Club
Meldreth Croquet club has spent more than 20 happy years on the court behind the British Queen with the kind permission of Alan and Sue Tobin. However, as our time at the British Queen is coming to an end, I thought I would report on our successes in the East Anglian Croquet Federation Leagues.
We have entered the B-Level League playing competitions against other teams from the North and East areaChelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Newport and Bury. Meldreth have won this league and are playing the final against Watford, the winners from the Central and West area at Newport, near Saffron Walden, on 21st. September. This is a fine achievement whatever the outcome of the final. A photograph of the team relaxing after the game at Chelmsford which was posted on the Croquet England Facebook page is shown above.
In the Handicap League, some newer club members were included in the team and Meldreth acquitted themselves well, narrowly missing out on first place. The team played against sides from Finchley, Barnet, Enfield and Newport in some blisteringly hot conditions at times. In addition, the usual club competitions have been run and the winners will be presented with their trophies at the end of season get-together at the British Queen in October.
Our thanks also go to club member, Sue Barnes Bishop, who organises and runs the popular Royston and Melbourn U3A golf croquet sessions.
We are still actively seeking a new home but, sadly, it probably won’t be in Meldreth.
Lin Wallbridge Meldreth Croquet Club Committee Member
Meldreth Tennis Club
clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub
Were you inspired by the amazing tennis at the US Open?
Maybe you used to play tennis and are considering taking it up again?
Perhaps you are a keen tennis player who has recently moved to the area?
If any of these apply to you, please consider joining our friendly and welcoming club.
Half Price Membership Offer
From 1st October, Meldreth Tennis Club membership will be half price for the remaining membership year to the end of March 2026. This means that you can become an adult member for only £25. All other membership categories are also half price. If you would like to "try before you buy" you can attend up to three club social sessions before deciding whether or not to join.
Facilities
The Club has two hard courts in great condition located next to Meldreth Village Hall. Membership allows online private booking of courts as well as participation in club social sessions where tennis balls are provided. We also offer social tournaments and competitive team play against other local clubs if you are so inclined (see below). Coaching can be arranged with our fully qualified coach. Members can also join LTA Advantage for free and enter the LTA Advantage ballot for Wimbledon tickets.
Playing Times
Currently, we have adult social sessions on Mondays from 10.00am to noon, Wednesdays from 9.30am to noon, Thursdays from 10.00am to noon and Saturdays from 10.00am to noon. If you come to one of these you will be made very welcome. For more detailed information and to join our Club, please visit our website, clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub.
Team Tennis
We have entered a ladies’ team into the Cambridgeshire League for some years now and in September we completed our matches in the Super Seniors League. The results were varied, with a few successes.
We have great fun meeting other like-minded players and love to play against other clubs in the area. The Winter League matches will be starting soon. We would love new players to join us, so if there are any other ladies out there who would be keen to play, please email jo.kitteridge5@gmail.com.
Ralph Betts & Jo Kitteridge Meldreth Tennis Club
As the leaves turn & the cosy season rolls in, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for all your support & smiles, you’ve made this little corner of the world feel extra special.
Last Chance for Pizza! Our beloved Old Tuck Shop pizzas are taking a break until next year, so don’t miss out! Join us for one last slice of deliciousness before 5th October.
LAST Classic Car Club – Friday, 3rd October | 4:30 PM: Vintage car lovers! If your pride & joy was registered before 01-1985, book your free ticket to a spot in the classic car section. We’re thrilled to welcome Green Zebra Music, playing classic & contemporary country, pop, & rock. Pimp My Fish and Pizza from the Old Tuck Shop also serving.
Coffee & Paint – Tuesday, 14th October | 10:30 AM–1 PM: £30, Enjoy a creative morning with all painting materials included. Book your spot via email at pennydullam7@gmail.com or on Facebook at Cork & Canvas Cambridge. Bonus Treat: After the class, why not stay for lunch? Enjoy 2 courses for £20. Limited spaces, so book early!
Quiz Night – Sunday, 26th October | 6–8 PM: Think you’ve got the smarts? Gather your team & join us for a fun-filled evening of trivia! Entry: £2 per person (all proceeds go to the ‘Forget -Me-Not’ charity). Bragging rights & good vibes guaranteed!
Halloween Pudding Night – Thursday, 30th October: Get ready for a frightfully delicious evening! For £40 per person, enjoy a choice of main course Followed by five spooktacular Halloween-themed puddings It’s a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! Doors open at 6 PM, & we’ll be seated by 6:30 PM.
Cheers
We can’t wait to see you this October!
Amelie & The Royal Oak Team 01223 870791
royaloak@cambscuisine.com
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
October at Melbourn Hub
As we head into autumn, we are excited about upcoming events at the Hub. On Friday 3rd October we host local folk duo, Megson, again, for what we are sure will be a brilliant evening of entertainment and look out for our Halloween event! Some of our Regular Services and Events
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club
A social gathering for older people over a two course, subsidised, meal. Spaces are now available in our Lunch Club so please contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice –9.30am-11.30am
No need to book. Citizens Advice also offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon; to book please contact Citizens Advice direct on 07469 517912.
Every Friday - Relationship Counselling East Anglia - 9.00am-12.00pm
Offering relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings. To book a session, please contact Relate direct on (01302) 347886 or email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk.
October Events
Wednesday 1st October – 9.30am - Coffee with a Cop. No need to book, just drop in!
Friday 3rd October - 7.00pm - Megson
The popular folk duo will be performing at the Hub. You can buy tickets online by visiting our website www.melbournhub.co.uk/events.
Monday 13th October – Tea & Sign – 10.00am-12.00pm
Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. For more information, contact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com.
Friday 31st October – Halloween event for families –
Keep an eye on our website for more details at www.melbournhub.co.uk/events.
Dates for your Diary
Saturday 8th November – 7.00pm - we’ll be welcoming singer Tom Huttlestone to the Hub for a musical evening! You can buy tickets by popping into the Hub or by giving us a call on 01763263303.
Sunday 9th November – 11.15am-2.00pm – Christmas Craft Fair
It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping so come along to the Hub after the memorial service for our Christmas Craft Fair!
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
Things to do in October
Here are some things happening in October in the local area. To let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Wednesday 1st October to Friday 31st October, normal opening times
Greenhouse Chilli Tours
Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW
Spice up your walk around the Walled Garden and learn about the amazing variety of sweet and hot chillies grown by the Wimpole resident chilli experts. Free event, no need to book though normal National Trust admission applies.
Thursday 2nd October and weekly, 9.15am (for a 9.30am start) to 11.15am Run Talk Run
The Heath Café Bar, Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG
Designed to make running a sociable way to get active, reduce stress and feel part of a welcoming community. 5km loop and no need to worry about pace - nobody is ever left behind. People of all levels of experience welcome. Free.
Friday 3rd October, arrive 6.30pm; eyes down 7.00pm
Bingo Night - Seth Ward Community Centre, Buntingford SG9 9SG
In aid of Home-Start, Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire. Bring your friends for a night out of fun, laughter and a little friendly competition. Entry £15 per person (includes two bingo sheets and food - drink purchased separately). For tickets call (01763) 262262 or email events@hsrsc.org.uk.
Friday 3rd October to 12th April 2026, normal museum opening times
From elaborately decorated coffins to Books of the Dead, ancient Egyptians produced objects which remain iconic today. But who actually made them and how? This exhibition reveals their untold stories. Tickets from £14.50. Members free. Concessions available. Visit www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.
Saturday 4th, 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday 5th October, 1.30pm to 4.30pm 25th Ashwell Book Weekend
St Mary’s Church, Mill Street, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5LY
A great selection of second hand books for you to browse through and buy. Tea, coffee, homemade cakes available. Entrance £1, children under 16 free. Proceeds to Friends of St Mary’s for the upkeep of this historic church.
Saturday 4th October, 12.00pm to 6.00pm
Foxton Scarecrow Festival, Village Hall, Foxton CB22 6RN
Join in the scarecrow fun! The theme this year is “In Perfect Harmony”. There will be a children’s quiz, refreshments and musical entertainment. Programmes will be available on the day from the Village Hall and the Village Shop, Foxton. For further information, email foxtonscarecrow@gmail.com or visit www.foxtonscarecrow.org.
Saturday 4th October, 7.00 pm (doors open 6.30pm)Evening Concert
Sidney Sussex College Chapel, Sydney Street, Cambridge CB23HU
Listen to a wide range world music - Renaissance, folk, pop and choral performed by ‘Mnatobi’ and the Local Singers Choir. In aid of Rowan arts centre and charity for adults with learning difficulties.
Sunday 12th October, 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Living with Jane Austen
Central Library, Cambridge CB2 3QD
Novelist and internationally renowned scholar Janet Todd will talk about her recent book ‘Living with Jane Austen’ which shows why she has been inspired and challenged by Austen’s work through the different phases of her life. Free event but booking essential on www.eventbrite.co.uk. High demand expected.
Wednesday 15th October until Sunday 19th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Autumn at Chippenham (last entry 3.00pm)
Chippenham Park Gardens, Nr. Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT
35 acres of beautiful formal and informal gardens with borders, lakes, woodland walks and lovely autumn foliage. Tickets on the gate: adults £10, children 5-16 £3. RHS members free. NB Entry and café are cash only.
Saturday 18th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm
The Cambridge Photography Show
Graduate By Hilton Hotel, Granta Place, Cambridge CB2 1RT
Leading photographic experts, engaging workshops, latest camera and video equipment from top brands, photographic walking tours. See www.visitcambridge.org for further details and booking arrangements.
Saturday 18th October, 7.30pm
Chamber Concert in support of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
St John’s the Evangelist Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8RN
Help raise vital funds to support people across Cambridgeshire living with lifelimiting illness. Featuring the Mizuki String Quartet and guitarist Tom Gamble. Tickets £20 and £15 from https://charitychamberconcert.eventbrite.co.uk.
Saturday 18th October, 7.45pm doors open, bar from 6.00pm
Mishra at Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP
Acclaimed folk band Mishra perform in their distinctive and high energy style. No interval; concert ends 9.00pm. Pre-concert food available to order. Tickets £24, under 25s £12 from www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.
Wednesday 29th October 2025, 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Woodlands and Wildlife
Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge CB22 3AE
Gentle, guided, warden-led walk to explore the country park’s wildlife and habitat and learn about the conservation work going on at Wandlebury. Free event, no need to book. Donations welcome. Meet at noticeboard in car park.
Compiled by John Crawforth
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the planning meetings on 21st August and 4th September were not available at the time of going to press. When made available, they may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Authority Decisions
94 High Street, 24/03389/FUL
Permission refused for the erection of eight custom build dwellings on land to the rear.
Former Veterinary Surgery, Stone Lane, 25/01540/FUL
Permission granted for change of use to form a dwelling with a single storey extension to front to form a porch and dormers to front and rear.
110 High Street, 25/0892/TTPO
Permission refused for: 5 Day Notice - Fagus sylvatica beech tree that is damaging the neighbouring property to remove all branches that are hitting this building by 1800mm.
Land at 110-112 Whitecroft Road, 25/03018/PIP
Permission refused for a residential development of eight self-build/custom dwellings.
2 Stone Lane, 25/02492/HFUL
Permission granted for a single storey side extension, part single storey, part two storey side/rear extension including rear balcony, window seat to side elevation and installation of indoor swimming pool
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
Meldreth Matters Team
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 notice board; 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 37-40.
Village Traffic
The outstanding signage issues relating to the installation of the 20mph speed limit have now been completed by County Highways. There will be further discussions to determine whether steps can be taken to improve safety at the Fenny Lane/Whitecroft Road crossroads. The Council has concern about traffic speeding issues and non-compliance with the new 20mph speed limits and enquiries will be made to see whether the Police can take enforcement action.
Village Maintenance and Infrastructure
Other required works previously noted are listed for repair. The community is reminded that Highways issues, including problems on pavements, need to be directly reported to the authority using the link in the village directory on page 43.
The Council would like to provide work for local contractors able to deal with repairs and smaller installations including our signs and benches. Please contact the Parish Clerk if you feel able to assist in this respect or have any recommendations. Holding the relevant insurance will be a key requirement.
Recreation Ground
Tenders are now being obtained for the major improvements that are planned for the Recreation Ground. These include a hard space for five-a side football and netball/basketball and relocation of the zip wire.
Neighbourhood Plan
The Council is at an early stage of considering whether it would be feasible and potentially helpful to have a Neighbourhood Plan. This would need endorsement and support by the residents of Meldreth as it makes statements on how and where we would like Meldreth to be developed and there will be further announcements in due course.
Allotments
Following the closure of the allotments in Fenny Lane the Council has received several enquiries about future availability. The Council itself has no suitable space
for public allotments and is asking the community if any such land can be identified. Please see page 19 of this issue of Meldreth Matters.
Parish Burial Ground
Work continues to bring our records up to date. This is a significant task as the records in handwritten form are over 100 years old. Latest analysis shows that, as previously suspected, available grave space is very limited. The Council will be actively researching the availability of additional land for the burial ground and is revising the policies relating to its future management.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The next scheduled meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Thursday 2nd October 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
District and County Councillor Report
Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC)
Highways, Footways, Transport
As reported last month, the reorganisation of Highways has now taken effect and a new highways asset management system is being introduced. We hope that this will improve highways management and maintenance as well as communication with those who report highway faults. Please continue to use it to report issues: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-andpathways/roadworks-and-faults.
Buses
The Cam Vale Bus User Group met in Bassingbourn in September. We were very grateful to have Andrew Highfield in attendance, who is Assistant Director for Public Transport Services at the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Combined Authority – our local Transport Authority. We shared with him our experience with the no. 17 and no. 26 buses and learned about his plans to strengthen the management of local services. We look forward to continuing the conversation about improvements. Please contact us if you would like to join the Cam Vale Bus User Group mailing list.
Trains
Behind the scenes, excitement is building as Cambridge South station is due to open in the early part of 2026. This will transform sustainable public transport connections from Meldreth to Addenbrooke’s and neighbouring new hospitals, to sixth form colleges, and to nearby employers on the biomedical campus. The new station will connect to over 60 other stations and will be included in the December 2025 timetable change, albeit trains will not stop until the station opens. An online public information session is being organised by Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership in December.
Nature
As mentioned last month, there’s an initiative to establish a “swift corridor” in South Cambridgeshire, with Bassingbourn having had particular success with the installation of swift boxes to boost the local population. Environmental groups in Whaddon and Shepreth, and some initial homes in Meldreth, have expressed an interest. Are you interested in taking part?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
What is LGR?
The government wants to reorganise local government and has set out rules for the process, such as the desired size of the new unitary authorities that will replace District and County Councils. One element of the rules is that the new unitary authorities should follow the boundaries of existing districts.
Why Are There Three Options?
That creates a few options of “reshuffling” the existing District and City Councils
into new unitary authorities. Different administrations within Cambridgeshire have different views of what will work best and therefore several business cases are being prepared to be put forward to the government.
From the perspective of someone living in South Cambridgeshire, the options are:
Option A: Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire form the new unitary authority.
Option B: Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.
Option C: Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire.
The County Council is working on Option A, while South Cambridgeshire District Council is working on Option B.
What is Happening Now?
A new engagement survey focused on Option A has now been launched for residents and Parish Councils.
Why Should I Take Part?
Importantly, the different options have different strengths and weaknesses, and in the end it will be for government to decide which option will be implemented. However, for a chance of a good decision, it is important that all business cases are as well-founded as possible. For that reason, it is important that residents consider sharing their views with those who are preparing the business cases via this link to the survey: https://yourvoice.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/your-futurecouncils.
On 15th August the Government announced that funding previously promised to relocate Anglian Water’s Waste Water Treatment Plant from Cowley Road in Cambridge will no longer be made available. A major consequence of this is that the substantial Hartree development in northeast Cambridge can no longer be built as planned. Hartree has been planned over seven years and would have provided 8,500 homes for the emerging Local Plan. This is an unexpected move from the Government that may require significant revisions to the Local Plan, which was due for consultation by the end of this year. The detailed consequences are still being explored and we will provide more information soon.
South Cambridgeshire District Council
PlanAI Tool Tested in Planning Consultations
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool called PlanAI, designed to analyse public consultations more efficiently, has been tested by the planning service on three live planning consultations. The AI tool managed to summarise consultation responses around 60 times as quickly as the human team in the trial. The
AI-generated reports were assessed and found to provide a high-quality substitute for the human-generated reports. The tool was developed at the University of Liverpool, working in partnership with the Planning Policy and Strategy team at Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. This is one of several initiatives being pursued by the council to use AI and data analytics techniques in innovative ways to improve value for money for taxpayers. Consultation on Supplementary Planning Document A second consultation has been launched on the draft Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This follows updates made since the previous consultation in November last year. The SPD provides detailed guidance on how Section 106 contributions will be used. The consultation is open for comments and I would encourage all Parish Councils and interested residents to respond. The consultation period closes at 5.00pm on Friday 17th October. See https://greatercambridgeplanning.org/spd.
Improving
the High Street Grant
Funding of £90k is available for business and community projects to revitalise High Streets across South Cambridgeshire. The grant is aimed at projects that revitalise local shopping areas, increase footfall, encourage residents to shop locally and stimulate economic growth. Grants of between £5k and £20k per project will be available to local businesses, charities, community groups and Parish Councils. The grant money comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) acting as lead authority delivering the fund. South Cambridgeshire District Council is responsible for grant scheme delivery and allocation. See www.scambs.gov.uk/ business/grants-and-funding-for-businesses/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/improvingthe-high-street-grant-open.
£300,000 Available to Support Community Services in South Cambridgeshire
A £300,000 annual funding programme launched on 8th September, aimed at empowering local groups that deliver vital services to South Cambridgeshire residents. The Service Support Grants funding has significantly increased from the previous £167,400 a year budget - underscoring South Cambridgeshire District Council’s commitment to community wellbeing, tackling inequality and reducing social isolation.
The enhanced funding acknowledges a growing pressure faced by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector - particularly in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis. From mental health support for young people to advice services for vulnerable residents, and from neighbourhood schemes to community transport, the funding aims to reach those most in need and to help build inclusive, resilient communities.
Service Support Grants have supported local organisations for several years. For the next round of funding, £300,000 a year for three years will be distributed among eligible recipients. The boost aims to alleviate financial pressures on community groups while expanding the scheme to benefit a greater number of organisations.
The grants will be delivered in six key areas to be shared among groups which support a wide range of activities including the following, with example allocations:
Mental health and wellbeing - £50,000 a year
Advice services - £120,000 a year
Independent living - £50,000 a year
Support for the voluntary and community sector - £20,000 a year
Cost-of-living support - £30,000 a year
PLACE-based Initiatives - £30,000 a year
Applications will remain open until 5.00pm on Friday 31st October. Funding runs from April 2026 to March 2029.
Any voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation delivering services for South Cambridgeshire residents can apply. Applications from consortia are also welcome, provided one lead agency is identified.
The final funding allocations and how it will be split between themes, will be decided once bids have been submitted and considered by councillors.
Apply online at www.scambs.gov.uk/grans-and-funding. For assistance, contact the Partnerships Team at partnerships@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713070.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
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
www.pippaheylings.org.uk
I’ve made it my mission during the parliamentary recess to get out and about across South Cambridgeshire. I’ve listened to residents at surgeries, ‘meet your MP’ events, on doorsteps and at fantastic local community fetes. It has been a pleasure to connect with our vibrant communities.
During this period, I brought together GPs from across our communities to discuss the issues they and their patients are facing. GPs raised concerns about the unfair funding formula that sees Cambridgeshire’s practices receive less government funding per head than any other part of England. They want to see decision making brought closer to our communities with patients put first. Now I am challenging ministers to listen.
Without urgent reform to social care, the NHS will remain in crisis. I hear regularly that the NHS and social care access are among the top concerns for residents, so I will continue to fight for better provision and to ensure something is done to address the crisis.
I’ve also used the opportunity to check on the health of our rivers and chalk streams. I joined the Wildlife Trust, local campaigners and stakeholders for a tour along the Granta - one of South Cambridgeshire’s many precious chalk streams. It was a pleasure to hear from Parish Councillors, Friends of the River Granta, Anglian Water and County Councillor Laurence Damary-Homan, about how we can work together to achieve clean and sustainable waterways. I know from my many conversations with residents and years of campaigning on this issue that protecting our precious local environment is vital to our way of life here in South Cambridgeshire, so I will continue working hard as your MP to bring people together and drive meaningful action on this urgent issue.
These are just a few of the things I’ve been working on over the last few months that I wanted to share with you. If you would like to sign up to my weekly newsletter to find out more about what I am doing in parliament, you can do so by going to pippaheylings.org.uk/newsletter.
Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk
3rd October, 6.30pm for 7.00pm Bingo Night Fundraiser
Seth Ward Community Centre, Luynes Rise, Newtown, Buntingford SG9 9SG
£15 per person including food and two bingo sheets.
Tuesday 14th October, 12.15-2.15pm Literary Lunch
The Old Bull Inn, Royston SG8 9AW
Freya North in conversation with Jude Simpson. £15 per person.
To purchase tickets for the above and other Home-Start events, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ homestartroystonbuntingfordandsouthcambridgeshire.
Wednesday 15th October, 6.00 for 6.30pm Annual General Meeting
Icknield Walk School, Royston SG8 7EZ
Join us for an inspiring evening where we’ll hear directly from a family who received support from Home-Start; an incredibly powerful way to understand the real impact of our work in the community. We’d love for you to be part of this special event as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.
Angie Ward HSRSC Fundraising Manager
Pippa Heylings MP
Village Directory
Litter Picker
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor (01763) 261118
Laura Elvin (01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Village Hall Chairman
Cycling Group
Andrew Young 07572 553647
John Rogger (01763) 260809
Local History Group (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 Miriam Skuce (01763) 262440
U3A Nicole Searle (01763) 269561
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
David Rich (01763) 262116
Janet Pope (01763) 248239
John Richards 07938 907609
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Bells
Rev Andrew Birks (01763) 230178
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.
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