Meldreth Matters, September 2025

September 2025

In this issue …

Advertising Offer Bowls Club Success Melwood Neighbourhood Watch Things to Do in September

Events include ...

Car Show Hungrytown Pride and Prejudice Quiz Night Topcliffe Mill Open

An Academy of

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Contents What’s On in Meldreth Car Show 5 Home-Start Quiz Night 9 Hungrytown 8-9, back cover Pride and Prejudice 5 Topcliffe Mill Open 6

Miscellaneous Foxton Scarecrow Festival 36 Foxton Singers 36 Melbourn Hub 18 MM Advertising Offer 3 Things to Do in September 14-15

Village Groups Bowls Club 13 Friends of Holy Trinity 5 Local History Group 6, 19 Women’s Group 10

Children & Education Activities for Families 16 Local Government Local Councillors 29-32 Parish Council 26, 27 Planning 26-27

Village News & Issues Craft and Community Fairs 10 Family History Afternoon 19 Food Bank 10 Holy Trinity Church 11 Parish Charities 25 Village Hall 8-9

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 40 Arthur Rank Hospice Charity 37 Free Home Safety Checks 35 Mobile Warden Scheme 32 Neighbourhood Watch 34 Refuse Collections 21 Village Directory 38-39

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 24-25 Melwood 22-23

This month’s cover picture: “Summer Sunset”, Station Road near Fieldgate Nurseries Photograph by Lesley Farbridge

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.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month 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 September issue of Meldreth Matters.

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and the This is My Theatre group will return to the village this month for what promises to be a fun evening as they perform Pride and Prejudice in the Church. More details are on page 5.

This is just one of several events taking place in Meldreth in September. Please see pages 5, 6, 8 and 9 and the centre pages diary for further information.

As regular readers will know, we rely on the income from advertising to fund Meldreth Matters. The magazine is delivered free of charge to approximately 900 households and businesses in the village every month and is available in colour online at issuu.com. If you think your business could benefit from a regular advertisement in the magazine, please see our unique advertising offer below.

Kathryn

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?

As reported in last month’s issue of Meldreth Matters, one of our readers has very generously offered to finance a quarter page advertisement in the magazine for one year. We have decided to use this 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.

The Meldreth Matters Team

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Friends of Holy Trinity Church www.foht.org.uk We look forward to welcoming you to the following events this month.

Pride and Prejudice, Thursday 4th September The This is My Theatre group will be returning to Holy Trinity Church on 4th September. The performance will start at 7.30pm. There will be a licensed bar serving refreshments before the performance and during the interval. Tickets are available from www.tickettailor.com/events/cuemarketing/1523192.

Churchyard Classic Car Show, Sunday 7th September This will be the 20th edition of the Churchyard Classic Car Show. It will be open from 1.30pm and will feature a good selection of interesting classic cars, a live jazz band, auto jumble stall and refreshments. All being well there will also be a triple flypast of a Lancaster bomber, diverted from the Duxford air show. Have your cameras at the ready!

Ian Mitchell Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com 07726 936635

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Topcliffe Mill Open Afternoon Sunday 28th September We will be welcoming visitors to Topcliffe Mill from 2.00-5.00pm on Sunday 28th September.

The mill, which is located next to 36 North End, Meldreth SG8 6NT, will be open to the public for the first time in over two years.

Entry is £5 per adult (in cash please), with accompanied children under 16 free. Unfortunately, no unaccompanied children can be admitted. There is limited parking available in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church.

mill).

There will be a display of old photographs and information on the history of the mill on the ground floor. Children will be able to have a go at grinding corn using a quern (hand

Further information on the history of the mill is available on Meldreth Local History Group’s website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk (search for Topcliffe).

All proceeds from the open afternoon will be donated to Meldreth Local History Group.

Kathryn & Ralph Betts

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).

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.

Information on some Meldreth families will be on display and refreshments will be available. Entry will be free of charge.

If you have an interest in Meldreth’s history or in family history (wherever your ancestors hail from) then we would be delighted to see you at our event.

Kathryn Betts Meldreth Local History Group info@meldrethhistory.org.uk 6

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Meldreth Village Hall www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk Where Community Meets Charm (and Folk Music!)

If you’ve ever wandered down Meldreth High Street and thought, “What this village needs is a place where Pilates, quiz nights and American folk music collide” then congratulations - you’ve found it. Meldreth Village Hall is not just a building with a roof and a suspiciously well-stocked kitchen; it’s the beating heart of our community, the stage for our stories and occasionally, the venue for a toetapping gig that makes you forget you’re in Cambridgeshire and not a Nashville barn dance.

A Hall with History (and Wi-Fi) Built in 1973 and lovingly refurbished in the 1990s, and again in 2022 because even buildings deserve a glow-up, Meldreth Village Hall has evolved into a versatile venue that caters to everything from toddlers to table tennis players.

It boasts a main hall licensed for up to 200 seated guests (or 150 if you’re planning to dance like nobody’s watching), the smaller Queen Elizabeth II Meeting Room and a kitchen that’s so well-equipped it could probably host its own Bake-Off spin-off!

There’s also a stage with lighting and curtains, perfect for performances, dramatic monologues or just pretending you’re accepting an Oscar for “Best Use of a Village Hall”. And let’s not forget the King Charles III Coronation Garden, created in 2023 with Astroturf, seating and wheelchair-friendly paths. It’s the ideal spot for a quiet cuppa or a not-so-quiet game of tag.

What’s On? Everything.

The hall’s calendar is busier than a squirrel in autumn. Weekly activities include yoga, dance classes, choir rehearsals and even Slimming World meetings. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, birthday parties and community events that range from quiz nights to comedy shows.

But if you’re looking for something truly special, mark your calendars for Saturday 20th September at 7.30pm, when the hall will host a live performance by none other than Hungrytown, the acclaimed American folk duo.

Hungrytown: Folk Music with Flavour Hungrytown, aka Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, are known for their beautifully crafted songs, rich harmonies and the kind of storytelling that makes you want to buy a banjo and move to Vermont. They’ve toured extensively across the US and UK, bringing their unique blend of folk, Americana and gentle humour to village halls, theatres and anywhere with decent acoustics and a bar (or kettle)!

Their gig at Meldreth Village Hall promises to be an intimate evening of live music, warmth and possibly a few jokes about British weather. Tickets are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/meldreth-village-hall-trustees (you can 8

scan the QR code on the back cover of this issue) and seating is limited, so don’t wait until the last minute unless you enjoy standing awkwardly near the fire exit.

Why You Should Come (Even If You Think Folk Music Is Just Banjos and Beards) Let’s be honest: we all need a break from doomscrolling and watching reruns of Antiques Roadshow. Hungrytown’s performance is a chance to reconnect - with music, with neighbours and with the joy of live entertainment in a space that’s as welcoming as your nan’s living room (but with better acoustics).

Plus, attending events like this helps support the Village Hall, which is run as a charitable trust and relies on community engagement to keep the lights on and the tea flowing. So whether you’re a die-hard folk fan or just curious about what happens when Americans invade Meldreth with guitars, this is your moment.

Final Thoughts (and a Mildly Persuasive Nudge) Meldreth Village Hall is more than bricks and mortar. It’s where memories are made, friendships are forged and occasionally, where someone tries to do the Macarena at a wedding reception. It’s a place that reflects the spirit of our village: inclusive, lively and just a little bit quirky.

So come along on 20th September. Bring your friends, your family and your best listening ears. Hungrytown is ready to serenade you and Meldreth Village Hall is ready to welcome you - possibly with biscuits.

And if you’re lucky, you might even leave humming a tune and wondering if it’s too late to start your own folk duo. (Spoiler: it’s never too late.)

Andrew Young chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk

Home-Start Quiz Night www.hsrsc.org.uk Friday 26th September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Meldreth Village Hall Please join us for a quiz night with a fish and chip supper.

Teams of up to six people are welcome. Don’t forget to give your team a quirky name! If you can’t get a team together but still want to join in the fun, please contact us and we’ll include you in a team.

Tickets cost £15 per person including a supper (fish, chicken, sausage or veggie option plus chips).

To purchase, scan the QR code or visit www.tickettailor.com/ eventshomestartroystonbuntingfordandsouthcambridgeshire/1825042.

Angie Ward Fundraising Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire 9

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group 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.

At our July meeting we had a quiz compiled by Janet Backer and Angela Leach.

In August, we went out for a meal at the Thai Rack Glass House in Royston. Our next meeting is on 23rd September in Meldreth when Simon Chambers from the YMCA will be giving a talk.

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 The Food Bank continues to help individuals and families from the village - including over 40 children. We recently did a survey and discovered that families take, on average, just twelve items each week. All are truly grateful.

So, thanks to all who donate cash or tins and packets and a special thank you to all the kind people who have provided fresh produce from their gardens over the summer - a welcome addition to our usual supplies.

Hilary Crawforth

Meldreth Craft and Community Fairs Just a reminder that we have three fairs planned for the remainder of this year: Sunday 5th October, Sunday 16th November and Sunday 14th December. All fairs will be held in Meldreth Village Hall from 10.00am to 2.30pm. Entry to all fairs is free and there will be a café at each one offering a range of refreshments.

For further information please contact us at cbevents@mail.com or telephone 07717 120850.

Carrie Carter 10

Holy Trinity Church melbournmeldrethcofe.com Since my previous update, efforts have continued to progress the lighting scheme and pew removal through the faculty system, which operates in a similar way to a planning application via the local council. In the next edition, further details will be provided regarding the planned changes to the lighting, pews, and chairs. The church is expected to close for approximately three weeks in early November to facilitate these updates. It is scheduled to reopen in the last week of November, with a service on 23rd November, followed by the Christmas Tree Festival on 29th and 30th November. Please do put these dates in your diary now!

We would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming ‘Songs of Praise’ event on 23rd November at 6.00pm. I would appreciate it if you could share your favourite hymn with me and the reasons for your choice, as we aim to incorporate as many suggestions as possible into the service. During the evening, we will present the new church lighting scheme, followed by refreshments and a celebratory cake to conclude the event. We look forward to your attendance and will provide further details in due course.

Do also keep an eye out for the launch of our new fundraising scheme from 7th September. More details will be in the next issue and look out for information about it coming through your letterbox.

Also, there a lot of events coming your way thanks to the wonderful team at Friends of Holy Trinity – please keep an eye out for the latest events. You can keep up to date with events and service on our page on A Church Near You which you can find here: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13862.

In December I am leading an eight day Pilgrimage to Poland, visiting the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow, a visit to one of Europe's best Christmas Markets in St Mary's Square and a tour of the WW2 concentration camp, Auschwitz. This is an escorted pilgrimage with English tour guides, return flights from Stansted with Ryanair and seven nights in a 3* hotel in St Mary's Square.

The cost is £1,297 per person. Please contact me for more information.

As ever, if you would like to discuss the plans we have for Holy Trinity, have fundraising ideas, or would like to donate to us, please contact me.

Revd. Andrew Birks rev.andrew.birks@hotmail.com (01763) 230178

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Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk Trumpington Open Triples Competition Huge congratulations must go to Linda Clarke, Joseph Ng and Stephen Cooke for winning the Trumpington Open Triples Competition on Sunday 3rd August.

With only four games to play with six ends for each game it was imperative that they had a good start and thanks to some wonderful bowling from each member of the team they ran away with the opening game 12–3. A superb effort with only six ends played.

The second game was played against much stronger opposition and the Meldreth team narrowly lost by one point. It was a very low scoring game with “Linda’s Trio” losing by four shots to three.

The third game saw the team storm away from Duxford with another impressive 12–3 win with each player homing in on the jack time after time, giving Duxford very little opportunity to score any points. This was very well deserved following a magnificent performance by all three bowlers.

The final game was against the Cambridge team “Abbey” and this was a close game with Linda making some game-saving woods to win the match.

This win was a wonderful achievement by Linda, Joseph and Stephen who put in a superb display of bowling to take the title from some very good and experienced teams.

Well done and congratulations!!

Elaine Cooke Meldreth Bowls Club Committee member Captain of the Foxton Midweek League

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Things to do in September Here are some things happening in September in the local area. To let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Thursday 4th September, 11.00am to 12.20pm Banksy - Fraud or Genius? Lecture by Pepe Martinez Broadway Cinema, Letchworth, Eastcheap, Letchworth SG6 3DD Tracing Banksy’s incredible rise from humble beginnings as a 1980s street artist to become one of the best-known names in the art world. No need to book.

Admission £7 on the door. www.theartssocietynorthherts.org.uk.

Thursday, 4th September, 4.00pm to 9.00pm Ashwell EAT Festival Ashwell Recreation Ground, 17 Lucas Lane, Ashwell SG7 5LN Brighten up your midweek with Foodtruck Thursday - a collection of food trucks gather together to create a delicious range of food choices.

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September, gates open 8.00am Battle of Britain Airshow (flying from 12.00pm onwards) Imperial War Museum, Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR Step back into the summer of 1940 and see historic Duxford come to life.

Discover the sights and sounds of Spitfires, Hurricanes and a host of other aircraft from the Second World War and beyond as they take to the skies over Duxford.

Find out more and book tickets at www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/duxford-battle-ofbritain-airshow.

Saturday 6th September, 12.00pm to 4.30pm Stourbridge Medieval Fair Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ Re-enactment of the famous fair at Cambridge’s second oldest building. Costumed dancing, singing, storytelling, stalls, crafts and fascinating history talks. Plus access to the chapel (normally closed). Free - donations welcome.

Sunday 7th September, 2.00pm to 5.00pm Open Garden for NGS The Manor, Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire PE28 9BN Garden designed by Lucy Boston surrounds 12th century manor house on which the Green Knowe books are based. Three acre cottage garden, old roses, herbaceous borders, late flowering annuals. Lovely riverside setting.

Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas. www.greenknowe.co.uk.

Thursday 11th September, 10.00am to 12.00pm Open Air Painting and Sketching Group Great Chishill Windmill, 57-67 Barley Road, Great Chishill SG8 8SD Spend a morning with like-minded artists exploring locations in and around Royston. This month’s event will take place at the beautifully restored Great Chishill windmill. New members of all abilities always welcome. Plenty of support 14

and encouragement provided. Bring your own materials and refreshments. In support of the Friends of Therfield Heath. Suggested donation of £2 for Friends of Therfield Heath members or £3 for non-members .

Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th September, various times and locations Jazz and Blues Festival The Old Riverport, St Ives, Cambridgeshire The festival returns for its 11th year with many of the popular acts from previous years returning and twelve new bands. See www.stivescambridgeshire.co.uk for detailed programme, timings and venues. Just 30 minutes from Cambridge on the Guided Bus. Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th; 20th/21st and 27th/28th September, 10.00am to 4.00pm Harv’Fest 2025 Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW Talks, tours, music and demonstrations across a different part of the estate each weekend, celebrating the produce grown at Wimpole. Free event and no need to book, though normal National Trust admission charges apply.

Sunday, 14th September, 12.00pm to 3.00pm Heritage Open Day Ely Cathedral, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Explore this amazing building and its rich history free of charge.

Sunday 21st September, 10.00am to 1.00pm Run-Bike-Run! Recreation Ground, Steeple Morden, Royston SG8 0PE Steeple Chasers Running and Cycling Group hold their friendly local duathlon: run 3km, cycle 10km then a final 1km run. Perfect if you’re new to multi-sports or for the more experienced looking for a local challenge. Registration opens 8.45am with briefing between 9.00am and 10.00am. Entry £20.

Sunday 28th September, 11.00am to 4.00pm Plough Day and Country Fair 2025 Ramsey Rural Museum, Wood Lane, Ramsey, Cambs PE26 2XD Ploughing competitions, country fair, classic vehicles, food, drink and craft stalls, birds of prey. Museum café open. Adult admission £10, concessions £8, children aged 5-16 £5. www.ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk.

Tuesday 30th September, 7.30pm to 8.30pm British Wildlife - Hedgehogs and Beyond Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall, Royston SG8 7BS Local wildlife expert, Bob Steed, will talk in depth about hedgehogs, their habitats and behaviour, illustrating with some superb photos. Admission £5, free for under 18s; Royston Wildlife Group members £4. No need to book.

Compiled by John Crawforth 15

Things for Children and Families To Do in September Thursday 4th September, 9.45am - 10.45am Museum Tots, Royston Museum, 5 Lower King Street, SG8 5AL Explore Countryside and Farms through stories, songs, crafts and activities. For children from walking to preschool. Book on www.tickettailor.com. £4.

Saturday 6th September, 10.00am - 1.00pm Pinecone Bats, Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE Create your own spooky bats from pinecones and learn amazing bat facts. For ages 3+ (accompanied). Book free tickets a week before the event on www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Adults pay garden admission.

Saturday 13th September, from 10.00am Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST Up to ten people paddle 40 boats along the River Cam with a drummer beating time. Bankside entertainment, food stalls and activities. Raising money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital). www.dragonboatevents.co.uk. Free parking.

Saturday 13th September, 10.00am - 4.00pm Cambridge Model Railway Show Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road CB4 2QT Working layouts, demonstrations, refreshments. Free parking. £7 adults, £3 children. www.visitcambridge.org.

Saturday 13th September, 12 noon - 5.00pm Family Fun Day, Priory Memorial Park, Melbourn St, Royston SG8 9DX Inflatables, face paint, food stalls, music, entertainment and lots more. Raising money for The James Foundation, a baby loss charity. Free entry.

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, 10.00am - 5.00pm The Wonder of Wood Fair Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridgeshire CB23 7EY Watch local craftsmen, try crafts, climb trees, build a den, listen to stories, attempt the assault course, listen to folk music, learn circus skills. £15 per adult (£20 the full weekend), under 16s £3, under 5s free. Food and drink stalls.

Saturday 27th September, 12 noon - 3.00pm St John’s Eco Festival, St John’s Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8RN Environmental organisations will share information about climate change. Craft activities, quiz. Eco-friendly goods on sale. Refreshments.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

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Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk September at Melbourn Hub It was a fabulous summer here at the Hub and we loved seeing families joining our Hubby Bear event in August, to hunt round the village for bears and then enjoy a teddy bear’s picnic and story time! Providing a range of services for children and their parents/carers is something we feel passionately about at the Hub and our regular Friday children’s story time will be back in September after a well-earned month off for our wonderful volunteer, Mandy!

We’re looking forward to autumn here at the Hub with lots of events coming up before the end of the year, plus all our regular services.

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.

September Event Monday 8th September - 10.00am-12.00pm - Tea and Sign Practise your sign language skills with a cuppa. For more information, contact Sally at bainessally@hotmail.com.

Dates for your Diary On Friday 3rd October, Megson the popular local folk group, will be performing at the Hub. Tickets are available online at www.melbournhub.co.uk/events.

On Saturday 8th November we’ll be welcoming singer Tom Huttlestone to the Hub for a musical evening! You can buy tickets by popping into the Hub. Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 730 pages on Meldreth, past and present 18

Meldreth Local History Group

Family History Afternoon Saturday 4th October 2.00-5.00pm Meldreth Village Hall Members of Meldreth Local History Group and Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Family History Society will be on hand to help you get started or to make progress with your family history Displays on Meldreth families * merchandise * refreshments

Free entry - we look forward to welcoming you www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 19

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

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 7.30pm Pride Prejudice, HT page 5)

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler 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

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

9.30-11.30am Baby & 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise 7.30-8.20pm T Point 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 4.00-5.00 Acro 6.00-6.45pm T 7.00-9.00pm T

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 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

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

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

1.00-3.00pm Hope Active

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

2

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates Start of school term

10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

8

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides 10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness

5

11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides 10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness

Thurs

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler 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

10.00am-12.00pm Local History Group

1

Wednesday

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

9

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

3

4

10 1

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

16 17 1

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

22 23 24 2

11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides

10.00am-11.00 Functional Fitness

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 7.45pm Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

29 30

11.00am-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

For more information on Village H classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk

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

20

ry - September 2025

sday

Friday

Saturday

0pm Crafters 9.30am Slimming World m Village Hub Toneography TP Pilates Table Tennis h Council and T Church (see

4 pm

Sunday 9.45am Sung Eucharist

5

6

1.30-4.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity Car Show, Holy Trinity Churchyard (see page 5)

7

8.00am Said Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World

12.15-1.45pm Dementia pm Crafters Sing a Long m Village Hub Toneography o TP Pilates Table Tennis

1 12 13 14

pm

9.30am Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

9.45am Sung Eucharist

8 19 20 21

pm Crafters Village Hub Toneography o TP Pilates Table Tennis

5pm

7.30pm Hungrytown Folk Duo. Doors open 6.45pm (see pages 8-9 & back cover)

9.30am Slimming World

7.00 for 7.30pm Home0pm Crafters Start Quiz Night m Village Hub (see page 9) Toneography ro TP Pilates Table Tennis

9.30am Melwood Working Party, meet at bench in Melwood See pages 22-23

2.00-5.00pm Topcliffe Mill Open 36 North End (See page 6)

5 26 27 28

Hall

Refuse Collections Black bins: 9th, 23rd Blue & green bins: 2nd, 16th, 30th

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

See page 3 for our unique advertising offer

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.

21

Melwood Local Nature Reserve www.melwood.org.uk Baking in Summer 2025 The regular heatwaves of summer 2025 have taken their toll on both Melwood and its workers. The last working party was on 26th June, when just three hardy souls spent a couple of hours brush-cutting the meadow to encourage a shorter turf overall. Specific areas with wild flower interest were carefully avoided.

Narrow-leaved Birds-foot Trefoil, Lotus tenuis, was identified as a new species for the site and a good one, as nationally it is fairly local. Where did the seed come from?

Common Knapweed, Centaurea nigra, is becoming established in two areas and was flowering in early August but at this time, the Narrow-leaved Birdsfoot Trefoil had disappeared. The thatch of grass stalks remains rather too dense and the autumn cut may need to be raked first to lift any flattened material, making it easier to cut off. Some members of the team have potted wild flowers, such as cowslip, to be planted in the meadow as soon as conditions are suitable.

Marjoram is another species to be introduced, if possible, as it is a great favourite with many butterflies, bees and other insects seeking a good source of nectar.

The wood in general is rather overgrown and it was noted that many of the flowers that are often seen in mid-summer could not be found. Considering how dry the ground is, it is surprising that so much has grown so vigorously, although nettles always seem to thrive. Shallow-rooted species such as foxglove find such dry soil more than they can cope with.

Butterflies have had a mixed summer so far. Many have commented on what a great summer it has been for butterflies and this is certainly true for the “whites”, three species that have been common in gardens and countryside alike. The “browns” have also done well in meadows that have remained uncut over the summer. The Meadow Brown Maniola juritina and the Gatekeeper , Maniola tithonous, have been abundant in suitable flower-rich fields and verges, wandering into adjacent gardens where there are flowers to attract them. These are only seen as occasional visitors to Mel Meadow and may struggle to establish there even when the condition of the meadow improves, as its small size and enclosed environment are less than ideal but a good mix of grasses and flowers will certainly help.

Working Parties: Can You Help?

Working parties in the wood start again on 27th September and it is hoped that many will attend, as there will be a lot to do. There will then be one session per month for the rest of autumn and winter. Anyone interested in helping maintain this very popular local wild space can contact the group via the website or by telephone or simply turn up on the day at about 9.45am by the seat in the wood.

Those on the group’s list of volunteers get a notification of time, place, the 22

planned program and tools or clothing that may be helpful. The group has a supply of tools and equipment needed at all sessions and new members are made very welcome, with time to chat over a cup of coffee and a biscuit at the end of the session, usually about midday.

If you are interested in joining us for the conservation work in Melwood, please contact Jim Reid on (01763) 260231 or Bruce Huett on (01763) 232855.

Jim Reid

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A Meldreth Garden September finds us not quite in autumn yet, the garden is gently thinning and fading in the falling light as we move towards the first frosts. As the sun steadily gets lower in the sky, there is still plenty to admire, many bright and brilliant colours illuminate the late summer garden. These vibrant displays include sunflowers, dahlias, tithonia, heleniums, late-flowering clematis, penstemons, asters, sedums, Cyclamen hederifolium and white gladioli. Many early summer flowerers are staging a comeback for a second flush of flower after being cut back.

Ground cover geraniums and salvias, alstroemeria, white and red dianthus, campanula, lamb's ear Stachys byzantina, musk mallow Malva moschata alba, geum, knapweed, both perennial cornflower Centaurea montana and Centaurea pulcherrima, roses (of course), and Welsh poppies.

Asters, now split into several genera, come in a whole range of cultivars. The taller varieties tend to have smaller flowers and flop easily, especially when not grown in full sun. Asters can be prone to mildew, though my favourite, Aster × frikartii 'Mönch', shows good resistance. This medium-height variety (0.5m) produces large blue flowers with golden eyes. To prevent mildew, deadhead after flowering, feed plants during their flowering season, keep soil consistently moist and clean up around the plant. Split and divide the plant every few years in autumn or spring to reduce disease buildup and invigorate the plants.

My Plant for September My plant for September is stonecrop, ice plant or sedum, now botanically called Hylotelephium. These herbaceous perennials die back to the ground each autumn and are prized for their late-summer flowering and nectar rich blooms that prove irresistible to insects. I grow three cultivars:  Pink Variety, Hylotelephium × mottramianum 'Herbstfreude' flowers start pink turning to deep rose-red and finally to a coppery-rust in autumn.  A purple leaved variety, Hylotelephium telephium (Atropurpureum group) 'Purple Emperor' features dark purple, fleshy foliage crowned by clusters of tiny, star-like pink flowers in autumn.  Finally, a white variety, Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust' produces white flowers. These are excellent, low-maintenance, drought tolerant plants. The red variety benefits from a good Chelsea chop in May, without this, it grows too tall and flops ungracefully.

Sedums can bulk up rapidly, this is easy to control by pulling out excess growth.

They propagate readily from softwood cuttings or root cuttings in late autumn or spring. The flowerheads provide winter interest and look spectacular frosted.

September Garden Tasks  Sow hardy annuals including, calendula, sweet alyssum, cornflowers, nigella, Orlaya grandiflora and salvias.

24

 Trim back hedges and tidying up any topiary not already clipped.  Plan ahead for the purchase of early and late flowering spring bulbs, snowdrops, tulips, daffodils, muscari, fritillaria, and hyacinths, etc.

The Vegetable Garden This is producing superb crops; no, not more runner beans and courgettes!! In areas not designated for autumn planting, I grow cover crops (green manure). I've sown fiddleneck Phacelia tanacetifolia, which helps protect soil, suppress weeds, and improve fertility.

Challenge at the allotment: the brassicas are now growing through a phenomenal infestation of flea beetles, the result of a yellow mustard cover crop laid down in surrounding fields. When this crop was chopped down before setting seed, the displaced flea beetle population arrived in biblical plague proportions, seeking the nearest food source, our allotments, turning brassica leaves into lace doilies. This situation again raises questions about the ecological sustainability of modern farming practice.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com 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

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25

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk There was no regular meeting of the Parish Council in August. The next meeting will be on Thursday 4th September at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The following items have been taken from the minutes of the planning meeting held on 17th July. The minutes of the planning meeting of 3rd July were not available at time of going to press. The planning minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

94 High Street (The British Queen) 25/02236/LBC Single storey rear extension to existing commercial building and conversion/ extension of existing barn to an Airbnb. Recommend refusal.

The Parish Council website gives detailed comments and reasons for objections to this application together with a letter that MPC has written to SCDC Planning on the concerns of local residents, in particular with the spate of planning applications and possible confusion.

In summary the objections are: encroachment on the River Mel and damage to the natural environment (all applications), inadequate response to the criticisms of the Biodiversity assessment and plan (all applications), outside the village envelope and local plan policy (for the new build schemes), no contribution to local housing needs (for the new build schemes), concerns over flood risk, waste water disposal and drainage (for all applications but particularly the new build), traffic issues during the build phase (for all applications), technical issues with the barn conversion applications caused by an incorrect interpretation of the regulations and the combination of the shop extensions and barn work.

2 Stone Lane 25/02492/HFUL Single storey side extension, part single storey, part two storey side/rear extension including rear Juliet balcony, two dormer windows to front and window seat to side elevation and installation of indoor swimming pool. Recommend Support.

Veterinary Surgery, Stone Lane (Amendment) 25/01540/FUL Change of use to form a dwelling with a single storey extension to front to form a porch and dormers to front and rear (Bat survey received, change of description of proposal to include dormers to roof, change to site address). No Comment.

Other items: The committee notes that a decision has now been made by SCDC Planning Committee on planning application S/00566/OUT for the outline application with 26

all matters reserved, except for access, for the demolition of the existing turkey farm and the redevelopment for up to 38 dwellings and associated landscaping.

The clerk will contact the Planning Office and enquire why the Parish Council was not informed of the decision.

Planning Authority Decisions Land adjacent to 27 Howard Road 23/04781/NMA1 Amendment on application 23/04781/FUL; revise the rear single storey extension design, to match permitted development extension it abuts. Granted permission.

126 High Street 25/0624/TTCA Thuja (Thuja Spp) x 8; Remove. No objection.

126 High Street 25/0812/TTCA Five day notice; remove dead limb of London Plane. No objection.

11 Mary’s Way (Amendment) 25/02084/HFUL Permission granted for a single storey front extension.

Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Cllr R Goddin (Chairman)

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Jenni Bone

jenni.bone@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Adam Bostanci

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Glenn Foulger

glenn.foulger51@gmail.com

Cllr Nick Garner

nickphgarner@gmail.com

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

27

All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance

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28

District and County Councillor Report Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) Local Government Reorganisation Work by councils on the Government’s reorganisation of local government continues apace. Business cases are being developed for the three options formally on the table, with a fourth option being promoted by two MPs representing areas of Peterborough. Focus groups have been taking place in all Cambridgeshire districts and responses to the recent survey are being analysed. It has now also been announced by Government that the committee system of local government, under which Cambridgeshire County Council formally operates, will be scrapped.

The new unitary authorities will be run on the ‘leader and cabinet’ model.

Councils set to undergo reorganisation have also been advised against taking decisions that could ‘fetter the future decisions of new councils’, including major organisational restructures, establishing companies, and the spending of reserves, among other things. See below on reorganisational restructures.

Highways, Footways, Transport During the summer, more maintenance is being undertaken and we are continuing to liaise with officers to expedite where we can. The highways weed spraying programme has also been spotted in action on local roads, following a consultation and decision last year.

More fundamentally, the reorganisation of the County Council Highways Department is now in swing – we won’t say “full swing” because it has seemed several times before that this was about to get underway. Under the new structure, there won’t be any more Local Highways Officers. Instead, there will be a maintenance-focused structure, with Highway Maintenance Managers and Officers as likely contact points. We will share more information as it becomes available. A new highways asset management system will also be introduced later in the year. We hope that this will improve highways management and maintenance as well as communication with those who report highway faults. In the meantime, the Highways Faults reporting portal has had a minor upgrade.

Please continue to use it to report issues. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/ travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults.

Looking to the future, traffic on the A10 is increasing as more people, families in particular, move to our area; right turns onto the A10 are becoming more difficult. We are considering a push for a strategic study of traffic on the A10 to look at safety and options as traffic volumes grow.

Schools and Buses It is always a pleasure to support our schools. We have worked with Melbourn Village College following the discontinuation of the college’s bus service from Royston. Students now have the option of using the public/commercial no. 26 bus from and to Royston, or they can travel by train and use the new shared use 29

Meldreth Link path, part of the Melbourn Greenway, to walk from and to the railway station. The popular Tiger Bus Pass for young people costs £1 per journey, while the cost of a return ticket by train is currently £1.85. Members of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) board recently agreed to revise the local bus fare cap scheme and extend it to the end of October 2025; and to extend the temporary Tiger Pass scheme for young people to the end of March 2026. A wider set of options for a permanent Tiger Pass will be developed over the summer. Local families are also affected by the withdrawal of the bus to Bassingbourn Village College by Central Connect. Parents have organised the previous operator Cozy’s to step into the breach and offer this service next year.

These changes highlight the importance of public bus services, including for rural village colleges. Looking to the future, we are therefore liaising with the Combined Authority about the needs of the village colleges as bus franchising is taken forward by the Authority over the coming years. This follows a public consultation and decision to introduce bus franchising by the previous mayor. We look forward to many initiatives for the students by the new leadership at Melbourn Village College.

South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) Four-Day Week A few people have written to us about the four-day week at SCDC, which has been voted to be made permanent in July. One of the reasons SCDC decided to adopt a four-day working week is that it actually saves the taxpayer money £400,000 net per year on agency staff and recruitment costs alone.

More important even than this, when staff have a work/life balance and therefore good mental and physical health, they are motivated and committed to working for SCDC. This has not only allowed SCDC to maintain the quality of services but has also actually improved them in many areas.

In July, Cambridge City Council also voted to make the change permanent for its shared workers. If you are interested in understanding more about this trailblazing initiative in local government, results and data from the trial are available on the SCDC website.

Consultations Local authorities regularly consult residents about many aspects of their services.

We hear that local nature and conservation groups are taking a keen interest in the consultation for the Combined Authority’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which was mentioned in the previous edition of Meldreth Matters and closes on 11th September 2025.

Related to this, there’s now an initiative to establish a “swift corridor” in South Cambridgeshire, with Bassingbourn having had particular success with the 30

installation of swift boxes to boost the local population. There may be an opportunity to continue this initiative in Meldreth and other villages.

Pharmacy Services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Health and Wellbeing Board would like to hear from pharmacy users about the services they receive in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The answers will help to define areas where communities are well served and where there may be gaps. Every Health and Wellbeing Board in England has a statutory duty to publish an up-to-date statement that assesses the need for services in its area, otherwise referred to as a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). The consultation is running from today until Saturday 20th September for people to have their say on the quality and accessibility of pharmacies in the local area. Visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/pna to read the PNA and give your feedback. It should only take 10-15 minutes to complete and is fully confidential.

Funding Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants Funding of £350,376 is available for business and community projects in South Cambridgeshire thanks to a grant scheme launched on 24th July, 2025. The Rural England Prosperity Fund is into its second year and can provide grants for capital projects. Funds will be split between business and community schemes.

For businesses it can provide support with funding for small scale micro and small enterprises for diversification, entrepreneurs looking to start up or scale up, and growing the local social economy by supporting innovation. For communities, it will support projects related to digital infrastructure, green spaces, heritage, active travel, rural circular economy, volunteering and capacity building.

Applicants can apply for £10,000-£50,000 each for local businesses to diversify or create jobs. Funds can also support a range of community initiatives such as rural travel, volunteering opportunities, digital projects or schemes that create a sense of local pride. For more information, see www.scambs.gov.uk/business/grants-andfunding-for-businesses/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/rural-england-prosperity-fundopen.

Grants Available for Active Lifestyle Initiatives A new grant scheme from South Cambridgeshire District Council offers grants of up to £500 to create or expand physical activity sessions, sports clubs or fitness classes in rural settings with limited existing provision. The scheme builds on last year’s similar scheme. The scheme will close once the funding is spent or by 31st March 2026. See www.scambs.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/lets-get-southcambridgeshire-active-grant.

New Digital Hubs Scheme A new scheme is being launched across Cambridgeshire to help more people get online by enabling trusted local venues such as village halls, community centres, and church halls, to become ‘Digital Hubs’. This initiative aims to tackle digital 31

exclusion by offering access to free public wifi, digital devices and support with building essential digital skills and confidence to residents, right on their doorstep.

Led by Connecting Cambridgeshire, of the Combined Authority, the scheme will provide small grants to community organisations to enhance their spaces with digital infrastructure and become local access points for digital inclusion support.

For more information visit www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/2025/07/10/new -digital-hubs-scheme-launched-to-boost-local-access-to-online-services-and-skills.

Finally ...

We hope you have had a good summer and wish families a successful term ahead.

If you’ve been swimming during the summer, or especially if you haven’t, here is a reminder that the swimming pool at Melbourn Sports Centre has reopened after refurbishment. Why not give it a try?

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

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

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33

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch www.facebook.com/meldrethnhw It is a sad fact that we need to be increasingly on the alert for scammers who attempt to prey on the unwary by email, text or WhatsApp message.

One of the most prevalent scam messages doing the rounds at the moment concerns the winter fuel payment. It purports to come from HMRC, DWP or another Government body and advises the recipient that they are eligible for a winter heating allowance and must take prompt action to avoid missing out, by clicking on a link. However, clicking on the link will take the potential victim to a phishing site posing as an official Gov.uk webpage, asking for personal information and bank details. If you receive a message like this, it is a scam. You do not need to apply for the winter fuel payment. If you qualify for the payment, it will be sent to you automatically.

If you receive a suspicious text message, you can forward it to the number 7726 – this will allow your provider to track the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender. Suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk or phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

If you think you may have already fallen victim to a scam, it is important you contact your bank as soon as possible. You can also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Please share this warning with friends, family, and neighbours, especially those who might be more at risk. The more people are aware of these scams, the harder it will be for fraudsters to succeed.

For genuine information about the winter fuel payment, you can visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.

Laura Elvin meldrethnhw@gmail.com (01763) 261084

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Free Home Safety Checks Did you know that you can perform a home fire safety check by visiting our website? It is a simple way to help reduce risks and keep your home safe from fire. You can fill it in for yourself or a member of your family that might need help. Visit https:// www.cambsfire.gov.uk/home-safety/home-fire-safety.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service also offer free home safety checks to vulnerable residents. Five key elements will be assessed during the visit: 1. Fire safety in the home 2. Smoking 3. Keeping warm in your home 4. Falls prevention 5. Crime prevention and scams.

To find out if you or a family member or friend are eligible for a free home fire safety check, call the automated message line on 0800 917 9994 and leave a message including the person’s name, address and daytime telephone number to receive a call back.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

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Contact:

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk Fully DBS Checked

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

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Foxton Singers www.chimemusic.co.uk Open Evening Please come along to our Open Evening on Thursday 18th September. We are a very friendly group of about twenty singers and we meet on Thursday evenings during term time from 7.30pm–9.30pm in Foxton Pavilion.

For further information email Philip, our Musical Director, on philip@chimemusic.co.uk, contact me on 07758 753792 or have a look at our website www.chimemusic.co.uk.

Singing is uplifting, rewarding and officially good for your health. forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you soon!

We look Jill Buggey

Foxton Scarecrow Festival, 4th October 2025 Buy a programme on the day from the shop or village hall and find all the musicthemed scarecrows around the village. Enjoy children's and adult's quizzes, tombola, raffle and games. Stop at various venues for refreshments (bacon butties, home-made soup or tea and cakes) and enjoy live music at various venues around the village. Vote for your favourite scarecrow! This fun event for all ages will finish with prize giving and the raffle draw. We are raising funds for St Laurence Church, Foxton School and Pre-School.

If you would like to perform at our music venue (individuals or groups), or have any questions, please contact us at foxtonscarecrow@gmail.com.

Kimberly Tongish

iPLASTER

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

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

01763 260 526 07837 645173

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

Email - iplaster@outlook.com CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTE IAN NORTH END MELDRETH

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

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Artur Rank Hospice Charity www.arhc.org.uk Visit Cambridge Colleges at Bridge the Gap Bridge the Gap, a Cambridge community walk is returning for its special 25th year on Sunday 14th September! Join supporters for a walk on a brand new route featuring a selection of Cambridge colleges with access to many college gardens which are usually closed to the general public, all whilst raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. Sign up at: arhc.org.uk/BTG; don’t forget three under 16’s go free with every paying adult.

Lead On Dog Walking Challenge?

Join us for the return of ‘Lead On’ - a dog walking challenge this September.

Commit to walking your dog for 3km a day, or aim to complete 90km over the entire month. Every step you take helps provide crucial hospice services and care for those who need it most. As a thank you for your efforts, any participant who raises £30 or more will receive a special ‘Team Arthur’ dog bandana for their furry friend. Not only will your dog look adorable in it, but you’ll also help raise awareness of the Charity. So, grab your lead and sign up. For more information visit arhc.org.uk/leadon or telephone (01223) 675888.

Virginia Goode Communications and Engagement Officer Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Is Your Wooden Floor In Need Of Sanding ?

Art of Clean Offer A Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Finishing “Very professional and friendly service. Throughout the process, I felt like the end result would be of a high quality, and it was. Very happy with my refurbished parquet floor!”

Chris Smith

Call today on: 01223

790020

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

Or scan QR code, fill out contact form & we’ll get back to you:

Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

ADVERTISE HERE Banner ad just £8.75 per issue or £65 per annum See page 40 for more rates For more information email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com 37

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Village Directory Neighbourhood Watch

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Laura Elvin—(01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com

One Stop Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk

Village Hall Chairman

Andrew Young—07572 553647

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Bowls Club Croquet Club Table Tennis Tennis Club

David Rich—(01763) 262116 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 John Richards—07938 907609 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Bells

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178 Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Councils & Govt.

Children

Church

Sport

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Litter Picker

Ian Mitchell (Friends) Churches Together

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178

Baby & Toddler Group Julia Moore—07403 462198 Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com Guides (1st Meldreth) Kelly@hartbeeps.com Hartbeeps 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649; Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

(01954) 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Adam Bostanci adam.bostanci.mmbw@gmail.com

County Council Offices

0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Pippa Heylings; Pippa.heylings.mp@parliament.uk

MP

07400 236329 https://adambostanci.mycouncillor.org.uk

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Hours: Mon - Fri 7.00-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Streetlights (faulty)

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954)

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220 (01223) 805000 or (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number) 0800 1111 (24 hours) 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Support Services

Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Community Support for Dementia Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank Meldreth Food Bank Meldreth Village Hub Mind (mental health) Samaritans

Emergencies

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers Police

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 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

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Transport

Station Ticket Office

http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roadsand-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworkd-and-faults In an emergency telephone 0345 045 5212 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299 (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn Jo—07572 443522 Helen Meridew—07787 734973 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page/banner £8.75 Business listing per line

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

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.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.

A10 Timber ........................................7 AngliEAR Hearing .............................4 Art of Clean ....................................34 Art of Clean Wood ...........................37 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job)...........17 Bury Lane Farm Shop ........................4 CHS Day Centre ................................7 CHS Group .......................................2 The Country Store ...........................25 Davey’s Butchers ...............................7 Eve Construction .............................17 iPlaster .............................................36 Lawn Partners ..................................37 Little Hands Nursery School ............36 Melbourn Auto Services ...................28 Melbourn Flooring ............................12

Melbourn Village College .............Cover Meldreth Landscapes ......................35 Meldreth Maths Tutor .....................35 Meldreth Motor Company ..........Cover Meldreth Plant Hire ...........................2 Moncraft Computers ........................34 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 12 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................28 Queen Bee ........................................33 Richard Burns Electrician ..................23 Rod’s PC Support .............................33 The Royal Oak, Barrington ........Cover Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................12 Specialist Dental Partners ................23 Swift Solutions .................................25 Trademark Kitchens ...................Cover

* Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers * The Meldreth Matters Team Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistants: Robin Farbridge, David Marsh; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 07773 592838; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Distribution: Sharon Dunford 07415 171295 Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available in colour online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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What a fantastic Summer! We’ve got a sizzling lineup of events to bring our community together this summer. Mouthwatering food & exciting entertainment, there’s something for everyone at The Royal Oak. Here’s what’s coming up!

We’re open every Monday for lunch 12–2:30 pm & dinner 5:30–8:30 pm Classic Car Club Friday 5th September. Starts 4:30 pm Book your free ticket to join the classic car parking section, pre Jan 1985; bring a printed or digital ticket on the day. No ticket needed to park outside the classic section. Need help booking? Call 01223 776601.

Comedy Night Sunday 7th September 7:00–10:00 pm Ticket £15 Book Now. After the success of our first Comedy Night, join our headline act Matt Price, plus two special guests, for yet another fantastic night of comedy at the Royal Oak. With his warm, engaging style and razor-sharp wit, Matt Price, a master storyteller and stand-up comic, guarantees a night of laughs and an unforgettable comedy experience.

Afternoon Tea Thursday 11th September 2:30–4:30 pm. Treat yourself to a quintessentially British afternoon of tea, cakes, & good company.

Macmillan Coffee Morning Thursday 25th September 9–11 am. Join us for coffee & cake, & come together for Macmillan Cancer Support. Every slice & sip makes a difference.

Quiz Night Sunday 28th September 6–8 pm Think you’ve got what it takes to be a trivia champ? Gather your crew & put your knowledge to the test at our Quiz Night!

Entry: £2 per person (all proceeds go to ‘Forget-Me-Not’ charity).

Fuel your brain with delicious pizzas from The Old Tuck Shop serving 4–8 pm.

Cheers to a fantastic Summer!

Amelie & The Royal Oak Team

01223 870791

royaloak@cambscuisine.com ROakBarrington

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