Meldreth Matters, April 2018

April 2018

In this issue ... Melwood Primary School’s Building Work Events include … Bowls Club Open Day Cruise Ship Variety Show Soup & Puddings Swing Band Trail Orienteering Walk for Kambiti

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Contents People David Piggott 8-9 Sandra Searles 4-6

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 32-33 Photographic Club 60 Prayer Group 27 Tennis Club 57 WI 53 Women’s Group 55

What’s On Summary of Meldreth Events 3 Big Band Concert 29 Bowls Club Event 56 Cruise Ship Variety Show 28 Football Club Fixtures 57 Forthcoming Events 69 Link Murang’a Events 13 Local Events 24-25 Meldreth Church Fete 30 Meldreth Trail Orienteering 27

Local/National Government County Councillor 62-64 District Councillor 66-67 Heidi Allen, MP 45 Parish Council 39-45 PC Elections 46-47 Planning Applications 58-59 Transport Issues A10 Cycling Group 11 Bus User Group 11 Rail User Group 9-10

Local Facilities/Issues Litter Pick 14-15 Maycroft 30 Shape Your Village 23

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 72 Mobile Warden Scheme 60 Neighbourhood Watch 48-49 Pet Matters 51 Refuse Collections 37 Village Directory 70-71 Volunteering 35

Children & Education Baby & Toddler Group 18 Events for Children 22 Pre-School 18-19 Primary School 20-21 Gardens & Nature Gardening 52-53 Melwood 16-17

Cover: Meldreth Bowls Club. Photograph by Kathryn Betts. The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 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 Happy Easter and welcome to the April issue of Meldreth Matters. We have a bumper issue for you this month, with plenty of news from village groups. In addition to the usual group meetings, there are lots of events taking place in April, with something for everyone, so please support as many as you can. I took part in the village litter pick in early March (see pages 14-15). Some twenty volunteers concentrated on the parts of the village that Mick, our fantastic litter picker, isn't able to cover. Spending several hours on Mettle Hill picking up shoes, carpets, car parts, bottles, cans and various unidentified objects turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding activity. Perhaps there is something to be said for the Swedish fitness craze of plogging (jogging and picking up litter) that has been in the news lately! Kathryn

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April Events in Meldreth For details on all of April’s events please see the centre pages diary.

Saturday 7th

Saturday 14th

12.00 - 2.30pm

7.30pm

Link Murang’a

FOHT Blue Skies Swing Band

Soup & Puddings

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church

See pages 29 & 32

See page 13

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st, 7.30pm

Saturday 28th 2.00-4.00pm

MADS

Trail Orienteering

Cruise Ship Variety Show

Village Hall

Village Hall

See page 27

See page 28 and back cover

Sunday 29th, 11.30am

Sunday 29th

Link Murang’a

2.00pm

Walk for Kambiti

Bowls Club Open Day

Holy Trinity Church

Meldreth Bowls Club

See page 13

See page 56

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Sandra Searles (1943-2018) Sandra was born in Glasgow in 1943. Her father secured a role as a partner in firm of solicitors in Anstruther, a picturesque fishing village in Fife where Sandra and her younger brothers, Norman and Richard, spent their childhood. It was a lovely rural upbringing which saw Sandra cultivating a vegetable patch at the family home from an early age – a passion which she retained throughout her life. After local schools, four years of boarding school in St Andrews followed. Sandra did well at school and was lined up to stay on for a seventh term to apply to Oxford. However, when her father was taken ill during her last year at school she decided to stay closer to home and study for her Chemistry degree at Edinburgh, where she was the only woman in her year to graduate with first class honours. While a student she had various interesting summer jobs including working in a psychiatric hospital, delivering the Christmas post and working as a chamber maid. These jobs were interspersed with plenty of travel. A very memorable trip was her three week visit in the mid 60s to Poland where Sandra and her friend Zosia, travelled independently around Poland at the height of the Cold War to visit a number of Zosia’s relatives. After Edinburgh, Sandra got a job down south in Dagenham with the pharmaceutical company May & Baker, working as a Chemist in their research department. The May & Baker rugby team were a particularly sociable crowd and so an invitation from a young Rob Searles to the rugby club ‘Dinner and Dance’ was our parents’ first date and the start of over 50 happy years together. Sandra and Rob were married on a glorious day in August 1968 back in Anstruther in Sandra’s old church with a reception in the Craw’s Nest Hotel. On their honeymoon they drove around the North of Scotland in glorious weather, steps the family have retraced in subsequent holidays. 4

Sandra joined Unilever and worked on research into how to make chilled desserts, while Rob joined Johnson Matthey and they moved to their first house together in Bengeo, Hertford. They had some wonderful times, including two years owning a 16ft two-berth boat which was moored on the canals in Braunston. In 1969 they drove all the way to Greece in their Morris 1300 with a small tent, which was quite an adventure. The 1970s were a time of great change as they moved to a larger house in Hertford and in 1972 Kirsty was born. Heather came along after 18 months and Lucy was born two and a half years later. Rob was keen to utilise his ever-increasing DIY skills, doing a lot of work on the house, including building a small extension and a garage. They made many friends in Hertford and enjoyed their garden with beautiful views over the Lea Valley with great soil in which Sandra grew lots of vegetables. They bought a frame tent, which was replaced a few years later by a trailer tent. The family spent many happy holidays camping throughout the UK and Europe, including one three-week holiday in which they managed to visit no fewer than seven countries. In 1978, the family moved to Orchard Dene in Meldreth, starting a new phase in the life of the Searles family. Over the years, Sandra and Rob spent a great deal of time renovating and extending Orchard Dene. The garden was Sandra’s domain and she created a beautiful open garden for the children to grow up in. The top part of the garden was converted in later years to a paddock for a horse. During this time, Rob was very busy with his worldwide travels for Johnson Matthey and Sandra started her 20-year role as a molecular biologist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge, the home of a large number of Nobel Laureates. Sandra said that she always regarded it as a privilege to watch exciting science at such close hand. Sandra and Rob bought a cottage in the Scottish Borders in 1993 which they renovated and used as a base in Scotland which enabled her to keep in touch with her family. We all made regular visits there and have memories of lots of happy holidays. With the girls away at University or in jobs, Rob changed jobs and weekly commuted to Brussels for six years whilst Sandra continued to work at the LMB and looked after the house and garden. 5

In late 2001 Sandra was diagnosed with breast cancer which was treated but was to come back after fifteen years. Three weddings followed with lovely memories. Sandra found lots to keep herself busy after the girls had all flown the nest. Both Sandra and Rob had a love for travel in their retirement. They bought a share in a canal boat on which they enjoyed many holidays along various canals with family and friends and they enjoyed travel to every continent (except Antarctica!) during this time. Sandra looked for opportunities to get the family together for holidays and they were lucky to have many lovely trips together with the increasing number of grandchildren. After she retired from the LMB, Sandra trained as a volunteer for Citizens Advice. She dealt with a lot of colourful characters with patience and humour, giving her time readily. Then, twelve years ago, Sandra and Rob bought a dilapidated cottage on a plot of overgrown woodland in Stone Lane. Some thought they were a bit mad at the time but together, over several years, they have lovingly created a beautiful home, garden and wood. Sandra had a clear vision for the plot and the result was a garden that is stunning throughout the year, particularly in winter when vast beds of snowdrops appear in the wood. Sandra had an active role in the local community. She was a member of the Village Hall committee and the Church Kneeler Group. She was a driver for community transport, a member of the Veg Club which helped decorate the church porch for her thanksgiving service, and was for six years a committee member, then chairman, of Hills Road 6th Form College PTA. She was also a committee member of the Friends of Holy Trinity Church. Sandra also had a huge amount of time for her growing family. She was an extremely proud grandmother to nine grandchildren – all boys bar one - and she greeted each arrival with as much enthusiasm as the first. The children hold different memories of their grandma but photographs of her with the children show a loving, soft, calm, interested and thoughtful grandma - often with a book close by to read with them. Sandra was a wonderful wife, sister, mum, aunt, grandma and friend and her death has left a huge gap in our lives. We will all miss her so much. Kirsty, Heather and Lucy 6

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David Piggott (1947-2018) David Robert Piggott was born in Royston in 1947, son of Kathleen and Robert Piggott, older brother of Ann. The family lived in Buntingford where David attended Buntingford (now Layston) Primary School. He passed his eleven plus and went to Hertford Grammar School (now Richard Hale) then on to Queen's College Oxford, where he read French and Spanish. After working for NatWest for a year David decided on a change in career when someone came in to make a withdrawal with a sawn off shotgun. He loved his time in London and became a regular theatre goer. He went back to Richard Hale, this time to teach languages. He was involved in exchange trips and youth hostelling trips; in fact he taught the sons of boys he had been at school with. Once the boys made a bet with him about taking an A level of their choice. He did it; it was Commerce and Law. He was highly regarded by both pupils and staff and he kept in touch with many of them. Some of them were able to attend his funeral, bringing with them school photographs. David loved amateur dramatics and jointed the amateur dramatics club in Hertford, where he held the post of Treasurer. He also loved quizzes and was on University Challenge, Mastermind and Brain of Britain. After a bout of ill health David retired from teaching and went to live in Melbourn. He got a job at Walnut Medical with Bob and Kimmie, who became lifelong friends. Bob said that David took on different persona depending on which language he was speaking. Together they took the local quiz circuit by storm. Finally, David went to work at Meldreth Station. Bob said it was his stage. He was the epitome of customer service: hot drinks, cold drinks, telephone calls when the train was late, and endless tickets to get his customers from A to B via the cheapest 8

route. He continued with theatre visits and also museum trips; it didn't matter what it was, he was interested. He attended church regularly and at his funeral the choir sang their own tributes to him. He retired from the station due to ill health. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy took its relentless toll on him, but he was wonderfully cared for at Margaret House, Barley where his friends continued to visit him and send him letters. He had been a prolific letter and postcard writer, and needless to say, up to the end, he was still winning the quizzes they put on !!! Ann Mardell, David’s sister

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group All are welcome on Wednesday 4th April, at 7.00pm for 7.30-9.00pm, at Foxton Village Hall Pavilion for the Rail User Group’s AGM and next meeting. This is always a great opportunity to put any questions you may have about our local rail service to the train operating company, Govia Thameslink Railways, and Network Rail. And the group does depend on local input! Trains and Station Improvements y You may already have boarded an 8-car train serving our village stations – these are being gradually phased in. They have various advantages in terms of space and accessibility and much improved verbal and illuminated stop announcements. y Some long-awaited station improvements have finally made it onto the list, including a weather-proof shelter at Meldreth Station, to be installed this spring. This will be along the lines of the new shelter at Royston and will sit in the garden area directly behind the platform wall on the Cambridge-bound side. The garden area is more extensive than we can manage to look after, so this works well. y At Shepreth, you may have noticed a new water butt on the Cambridge-bound platform, which will make it much easier to keep platform tubs watered. y We’ve been told that a platform shelter at Foxton’s Cambridge platform is back on the list. Watch this space! continued ... 9

Helping Out y Shepreth Station has a new tub on the elongated platform that needs a sponsor – meaning someone to plant it up twice a year. If you’d be prepared to do this, either as a local resident or business, please get in touch. y Duke of Edinburgh volunteers are sponsored by the Community Rail Partnership every spring and summer, helping to keep platform tubs watered – so please get in touch if you’d like to sign up or learn more. The Rail User Group deals with train service issues, while the Community Rail Partnership (CRP), our umbrella organisation, coordinates community activities such as station gardening and develops projects with local schools and businesses that benefit in a variety of ways from the sustainable transport network on our doorstep. The CRP also provides input on strategic transport priorities in the area – helping to make our stations accessible to the local community but aiming to protect neighbourhoods around stations from becoming informal car parks. For example, we are working with Network Rail to reinstate the ‘unofficial’ car park on its land behind the Cambridge-bound platform at Shepreth Station and encouraging the Greater Cambridge Partnership Greenways Project to consider a pedestrian/cycle link connecting Barrington and Shepreth Station along Barrington Road. Our Community Rail Partnership is now supported by a Project Officer, which will enable us to expand our range of activities in the wider community – including the other villages that directly rely on rail services from our village stations. Our Project Officer will be at the meeting on 4th April and I look forward to introducing her. Our thanks to Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton and Melbourn Parish Councils, Govia Thameslink Railway and South Cambridgeshire District Council for together funding this new post. For a full report of the February Rail User Group meeting, please see the minutes posted on our website: meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. And if you would be interested to get involved in any small way in the rail campaign, please do come along to the AGM and meeting on 4th April. Susan van de Ven Chair, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Susanvandeven5@gmail.com or 07905 325574 10

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign: Meeting in Harston, 11th April All welcome to the next meeting of the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign, which takes place on Wednesday 11th April, 7.30-9.00pm, at the Harston Recreation Ground Pavilion. Thanks to Harston Parish Council for providing the venue. The pedestrian/cycle path through Harston village is complete, so the A10 scheme now includes a continuous stretch from Melbourn Science Park to Cambridge with just the Royston-Melbourn stretch outstanding. We’ll be taking stock of what’s working well and where improvements are needed. We’ll also be updated on the Community Sweeper volunteer programme, in which members of the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign have been trained up to drive the South Cambridgeshire District Council street sweeping machine along the cycle path to help keep it maintained. An update on fundraising for the Melbourn-Royston link will also be on the agenda – and any other issues that people wish to discuss. Hope to see you on 11th April. Susan van de Ven A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign a10cycle@gmail.com

Cam Vale Bus Users Group The next meeting of the Cam Vale Bus Users Group will take place at the Elin Way Community Room on Wednesday 18th April, from 7.30-9.00pm - everyone welcome. Please get in touch if you have difficulty walking to the venue but would like to attend. Susan van de Ven 07905 325574 susanvandenven5@gmail.com 11

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Link Murang’a Events Saturday 7th April 12.00 – 2.30pm ‘Soups and Puddings’ and more ...

Holy Trinity Meeting Room, Meldreth Plus books, crafts, cakes and produce, gifts for sale, raffle, tombola, tea, coffee and various other items for sale - all welcome

Sunday 29th April, 11.30am Walk for Kambiti, Kenya meet at Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth for a circular walk Donations of £7.50 adults - £3.50 for children for goody bag containing map, walk instructions, a drink, crisps and an energy bar. Bring a packed lunch. The full walk is around 6.5 miles but there will be a support driver on route – available for those who wish to take a shorter walk. For further details of the guided walk, contact Bernice on 07507 863232 or (01763) 261950 or Karen on (01763) 261885.

Monies raised from both events will support the community building a Health Centre and Dispensary in Kambiti, Kenya 13

Litter Picking People are so thoughtless throwing plastic, paper and glass. Littering our countryside the ruin of hedge and grass. We organised a litter pick, They do it every year. I love my Meldreth village. So thought I’d volunteer. The snow had gone, the morn was bright, We met in Fenny Lane. There was about sixteen of us, So glad it didn’t rain. We each were given tools to pick, high-viz and lots of bags. Then the teams went down the roads Collecting trash and rags. There is one nameless hooligan Keeps dumping the vodka bottle, Over fifteen we picked up His throat I’d gladly throttle. We toiled away all morning, Busy as little bees. Stretching into ditches, Climbing into trees. All the stuff we gathered Is piled by the stocks. Dozens of bulging dustbin bags Looking like big black rocks So when you go out walking, or driving, where’re you roam. Don’t drop or throw your rubbish. Please TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME! by Pat Gilmore 14

Community Litter Pick - 4th March 2018 As in previous years, this litter pick covered areas of Whaddon, Whitecroft and Kneesworth Roads within the parish boundary, but which are beyond the remit for our Parish Litter Picker. These roads feed in vast amounts of traffic through and to the village. A significant minority of drivers apparently think it perfectly public spirited to discard rubbish from their vehicles to our roadside verges. In a morning's work some 20 volunteer villagers created the pile of detritus which you see on the facing page, stacked up for local authority collection. With three kilometres of roadway to cover, the sheer volume of discarded refuse meant that some stretches had to be left untouched. There was so much garbage we simply ran out of time as well as collection bags! In addition, Kneesworth Road in particular, seems to be a favourite for local fly-tippers.* A lovely sight indeed for folk travelling from the A1198 into Meldreth! Sadly, a tiny minority of uncaring people manage to punch above their weight by discarding beer cans, drink bottles, junk food wrappers, plastic bags, old beds, mattresses, car tyres, syringes, even children's toys and a whole lot more than can be listed here. There is a similar problem in our village's only Local Nature Reserve along the popular River Mel footpath, with the added delight of hanging bags of dog poo. Melwood would be ankle deep in this mess without the Melwood Group's regular monthly clearing rota. One may wonder how on earth we can expect to deal with the urgent task of cleaning up the wider environment for the benefit of ourselves and future generations whilst we fail to manage to educate a tiny minority of our community to take better care of the environs of a small community like Meldreth ... *Envirocrime, like fly tipping is a costly and dangerous scourge - there are fines of course but how often does one see successful convictions? We can all help by reporting on: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/services/ envirocrime and where requested, using images. Use your smart phone for something useful! Graham Borgonon 15

Spring Cleaning Time in Melwood Despite the piles of twigs and small branches from last autumn’s coppicing, which are still remaining in some parts of the wood, most areas have now been prepared for spring. The last of the long grass has been cut, giving light to bluebells and providing a green mulch for some bare areas at the back of the wood. Piles of ivy-covered debris have been cleared and open ground revealed; two new trees, a Hornbeam and a Crab Apple, will be planted there. Periodically it is necessary to clean and sometimes repair the nest boxes. They were not disturbed in 2017, so the February check was important. Most boxes showed evidence of use over the two year period and even as early as mid-February, one box had to be left as it was already being attended by a pair of Great Tits. Most boxes are of the traditional structure with a round hole for Blue Tits or Great Tits, but there are also a few with a more open front preferred by species such as Robins. One of these had been taken over by a wood mouse which was using the previous occupant’s nest material to keep warm in winter. Spring cleaning naturally involves getting rid of rubbish but the Conservation Group has a rota for this, so there is generally little for working parties to pick up. We have heard a lot in the media about the problem of litter, and especially plastic, in the environment but very occasionally an enterprising member of the wild fauna will put a piece of rubbish to good use. After clearing the debris of previously fallen trees from an area at the back of the wood, I discovered an old beer bottle surrounded by a pile of broken snail shells (pictured). This was a thrush’s anvil, used to break shells and get at the meal inside. The thrush holds the shell in its beak and usually bangs it on a rock to break it but Melwood has few if any rocks and wood is too soft and springy. The beer bottle was just what was needed. I hope that the bottle being more exposed will not deter its user. The main trees of Melwood and much of the other woodland along the River Mel are Ash and Sycamore. Both these species are notorious for 16

producing carpets of seedlings, which need regular control. The Conservation Group’s policy for the long-term regeneration of the wood has therefore been to permit good quality seedlings to grow on towards maturity. Alongside these, Ash trees are recovering from previous coppicing with new growth that has now reached over ten feet in height. In the margins of the wood, mature Ash will be seen with three or four trunks growing from one base. These are trees that have grown from coppiced trunks many decades ago, so the group’s policy is nothing new. Recently and quite suddenly, a major threat to the regenerating Ash has appeared in the form of Ash die-back disease. This is a fungal disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (previously known as Chalara fraxinea). It seems to affect young new growth in the lower Brown, levels of the wood much more showing than the upper canopy and in signs of Melwood, most new coppice and disease growing saplings are affected. The photograph on the right shows a tree that has been Green affected by the disease. The group now faces a challenge over long term planning. Affected wood and leaves need to be removed and burned as soon as possible to limit sources for further spread and that will be a task for the next working party, along with the plantings mentioned previously. As with Dutch Elm disease, the hunt is now on for resistant strains of Ash and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are already announcing some early success. Time will tell if this can be converted to commercial stocks but the ability to identify genetic markers for resistance may make success easier than it was in the early days of Dutch Elm Disease. In the meantime, the group must consider alternative trees to form the future standards if mature Ash is lost on a large scale. Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group 17

Baby and Toddler Group

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Ours is an ideal group for children aged 0-4 years and their parents and carers. We will resume our meetings in the Village Hall on Wednesday 18th April. We offer a fun and nurturing environment where parents can have a chat and make friends and children can enjoy socialising and trying different crafts and activities. We will be open on Wednesdays throughout the summer term from 9.15am until 11.15am. The cost is £2 per family and includes a snack for the children and a hot drink and biscuits for the grown ups. We hope to see many of you there with your little ones. For further information, please contact Claire Thunder on 07908 902017. Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group

Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschool.com The children at the preschool enjoy access to the garden all year round, but the warmer weather has seen them engaging in more outdoor projects and spending more time enjoying the fresh air. Our focus this half term is being safe and this includes safety at preschool where we will introduce a health and safety mascot as well as doing regular ‘safety spy’ checks around the preschool. We will be learning about safety at home and about road safety and how to be safe out and about. Towards the end of term we will be learning about personal safety and will introduce the PANTS campaign with gentle talks and activities about keeping ourselves safe. The children enjoyed celebrating Chinese New Year and had lots of fun making special gifts 18

for their mummies and are looking forward to lots of Easter fun at the end of term. The committee recently asked members to vote on the idea of incorporating the charity to enable the preschool to run in a more sustainable manner. It was encouraging to see so many parents engaging in the process and we are pleased that the motion was carried. The next steps will be continuing in the background, but we welcome any questions about what it means for the preschool and we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be involved in the committee. As most people will have noticed, the work going on at the school has meant that the school car park is out of action, meaning that the Village Hall car park is increasingly busy. We are asking parents to take extra care in the area at the moment as there are a lot of vehicles manoeuvring and visibility isn’t always at its best. We would like to thank everyone who came to our table sale in March, We really appreciate the support and the event raised some muchneeded funds which will be put to good use when we move across to the school. The preschool will also be hosting an Easter-themed play day for children from 10.00am until midday on Tuesday 10th April in the Village Hall. We will be welcoming children aged 0-7 to join in some craft activities on the theme of Easter and there will also be a baby area where the little ones can play in safety. Please come along for some spring-time fun! Our sessions are filling up fast, so if you have a child who will qualify for funding next term and you are considering Meldreth Preschool, then please get in touch as soon as possible. If you want to make an appointment to come and look around, meet the staff and see what the preschoolers get up to then please get in touch on 07518 173653 or email manager@meldrethpreschool.com to speak to our team and learn more. Meldreth Preschool

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk There cannot be many in the village who have failed to spot the large white hoardings that have been erected around the school. The builders have arrived!! For the next seven months, contractors will be banging, digging, drilling, excavating, screeding, bricklaying, plumbing and much else besides as the most significant structural changes are made to the school in years! Beyond the screens, life continues with as much normality as we can muster. At the time of writing, noise has been minimal – though admittedly, a week or so was lost when the ‘Beast from the East’ froze up the site rendering construction work impossible. The initial stages of work seem to be all about earth moving, trench digging and laying of concrete – exciting times for our young devotees of diggers, trucks, cranes and machines in general, who queue up behind the sporadic screw holes that they can find in the hoardings, in order to claim a treasured glimpse of a digger-in-action! The adventure playground and the willow area have been removed, playing field space has been temporarily reduced and our beloved vegetable garden ploughed up, to be relocated beside our existing ‘wild area’. With a considerably smaller playground space for the time being, we have altered the school timetable to allow for staggered morning and lunchtime breaks. This has actually enabled more space for play for the smaller groups, with children embracing the changes very well indeed. We look forward to drier and sunnier times ahead, when we can make use of the field once more, increasing our play area significantly. 20

Members of the Keir construction team came into assembly to introduce themselves to the children. They brought along their ‘Bob the Builder’ lookalike – Kieran (get it?) who caused something of a sensation with the children; some even claimed that it was Mr Jones in disguise!! In the meantime we will continue to queue up behind the screw holes in the hoardings and watch with eager intent as three new classrooms, toilets and a new pre-school setting are erected. I shall update readers with further developments in due course! Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher

Meldreth Primary PTA The Meldreth Primary PTA would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making our recent Quiz Night such a success, in particular our brilliant Quiz Masters Jane and Richard who kept us entertained throughout the evening. A big thank you to the local businesses responsible for donating many wonderful prizes for the raffle, which proved very popular on the night. Thank you to the parents, carers and families who braved the snow to take part in our evening event, and for becoming fully immersed in the competitive yet friendly spirit, enjoying a delicious fish and chip supper courtesy of Fish N Chickn, washed down with a glass of prosecco or alike from our well-stocked bar. The impressive estimated money raised from the event is in excess of £600 which will go towards a new, enriching garden area for all pupils to enjoy once the school building work is complete. Becky Bennett PTA Member 21

What’s On for Children and Families in April Sundays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th April, 12.00 noon - 4.00pm Studio Sunday, Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ A free, artist-led workshop for families with children aged 3 to 11years. Drop in and have fun. Cafe for drinks, cakes and light lunches. For more details, see: www.kettlesyard.co.uk. Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, Thursdays 5th, 12th April, 11.00am - 3.30pm The Bombe: Family activities, Bletchley Park, Bletchley MK3 6EB Free workshops with drop-in activities and puzzles for accompanied children aged 5 to 14. Find out about the skills used to create the Bombe. Admission £18.50 adults, under 12s free, ages 12 - 17 £10.75. For more information see: www.bletchleypark.org.uk. Saturday 7th April, 11.00am - 3.00pm Superworm Science, Cambridge Botanic Garden CB2 1JE Find out more about the 40 million worms in the garden and see tiger worms in action. Drop-in, free event. Adults pay normal admission price of £6. For details see www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Sunday 8th April, 12.30pm - 5.30pm Cambridge Model Engineering Society Open Days Fulbrooke Road, Cambridge CB3 9EE Steam, electric and occasionally gas turbine trains run on the second Sunday of the month from April to October inclusive. Rides for children (under 5s must be with an adult) £1.50, £5 for 4 tickets. See www.cambridgemes.co.uk. Friday 13th April, 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2.00 - 4.00pm Go Wild: Agent W - Nature Detective, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP The key to the Tower Hide has been stolen. Unravel the clues to solve the mystery. Suitable for children aged 8 - 12. £5.50 per child. Wear old clothes and wellies. To book ring 0344 249 1895 Sunday 15th April, 11.00am or 2.00pm Science on Sundays, Potent Chemicals on the Move Cambridge Botanic Garden CB2 1JE 30 minute talk suitable for children aged 12+ about hormones in plants. Talk free but normal garden admission applies. £6 adults, 0-16 years free. Talks each month March - August. No need to book. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 22

Your Village How would you like Meldreth to develop? What would you like to focus on? What does it lack now? What concerns you?

Your Opinion Matters We need Meldreth residents to tell us how they wish to see their community develop and evolve. The Parish Plan of 2005 does not now reflect the village of today. Meldreth is a very different place with new challenges, opportunities and visions. A Meldreth Community-Led Plan will provide the framework to shape any service requirements, recreational activities and investment decisions, for everyone. It is not a policy document but a Plan to allow us to focus on the future of Meldreth. Your ideas and practical help are needed to start this process. Please contact Clare on 07548247755 or (01763) 262892 or visit www.meldrethfutures.org.uk 23

Local Events in April Here is a selection of events happening nearby in April To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Until Friday 6th April, normal opening times Art Exhibition - the Long House Group Upstairs at The Plough, High Street, Shepreth SG8 6PP Work by Virginia Neild, Margaret DeVaux, Olga Holbeck, Harriet Lintott, Kathryn Lewis, Anthony Dansie, Rachel Wood and Bill Kohler. Sunday 1st April to Sunday 28th October ‘Bawden at Home’ The Fry Art Gallery, Castle Street, Saffron Walden CB10 1BD An exhibition of works by the celebrated Essex-born painter Edward Bawden, one of the Great Bardfield artists. See: www.frygallery.org for more information and detailed opening times. Sunday 8th April, 1.00pm to 4.00pm Trinity College Fellows Garden, Cambridge CB3 9AQ Open for you to wander around: 8 acre garden with specimen trees, mixed borders, drifts of spring bulbs, informal lawns. Admission £3.50, children free. Home made teas. For more details: (01223) 338530. Friday 13th to Sunday 15th April, varying times and venues Cambridge Spring Literary Festival From poetry to politics, fiction to finance, history to hip-hop and much more - a mix of today’s best writers, thinkers and speakers. For full programme details: www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com. Box Office (01223) 357851. NB Early booking advised - many events do sell out. Saturday 21st April, 8.30am, Men’s Breakfast Meeting Village Hall, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RN This month’s guest speaker will be Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason David Ablewhite. Contact Tony Garrick (01763) 221658; garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377; markhoward@uwclub.net to reserve your place. All are welcome. Sunday 22nd April, 9.30am to 5.00pm ‘Classics at Bletchley’, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB Many classic vehicles from different eras on display in Bletchley’s beautiful grounds. Plus jazz singer and refreshments in Good Times Cafe. Entry included in normal admission price. For more details: www.events@bletchleypark.org.uk or call (01908) 640404. 24

Sunday 22nd April, 11.00am to 4.00pm Annual Plant Fair Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridgeshire CB23 7EY From unusual cottage garden plants, perennials and roses, to shrubs and ferns, sold by the growers themselves. Free admission and car parking. Wednesday 25th April, 10.30am to 12.00 noon Iron Age Walk Wandlebury Country Park, Babraham Cambs CB22 3AE Enjoy a gentle, warden-led walk around Wandlebury and discover some of its fascinating Iron Age history. Free event with no need to book. Donations welcome. Meet at car park noticeboard. Parking charge. Thursday 26th April, 7.30pm ‘That’s Life’ - Royston Methodist Church, SG8 7AU A warm, friendly evening with music, poetry and anecdotes. Special guest is well-known folk singer and song writer, Jancis Harvey. Free but retiring collection in aid of Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire. For more information see: www.jancis-harvey.co.uk. Saturday 28th April, 10.30am to 12.30pm Birds for Beginners RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG12 2DL Want to know your chiffchaff from your chaffinch? Join this popular walk to learn how to identify birds you see in the countryside and your garden. Cost: adults £6, RSPB members £4, children £3. Further information from (01767) 69333 or visit: www.rspb.org.uk. Sunday 29th April, 11.00am and 2.00pm Family Jam - Sing! Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Everybody can sing! Song-packed workshop for the whole family (age 7 plus; no unaccompanied children). Led by Jessie Maryon Davies. Tickets £7 from: www.saffronhall.com or call 0845 548 7650. Sunday 29th April, 7.00pm ‘Twisting the Night Away’ with Vintage King Si Cranston & Band Broadway Theatre, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD Entertaining night of Doo Wop, Rock n Roll and R&B. Tickets £18 from: Box Office: (01462) 681088 or www.broadway-letchworth.com. Compiled by John Crawforth 25

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Meldreth Trail Orienteering: Saturday 28th April What is TrailO? TrailO is a form of Orienteering where participants have to determine which of several flags is at the centre of a circle on the map. It does not involve running, and is designed to allow those with reduced mobility – including wheelchair users – to compete on equal terms with ablebodied participants. At the highest level, TrailO has its own European and World championships. What is happening in Meldreth? We are planning a public activity for the afternoon of 28th April. Starting at the Village Hall any time between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Cost will be £3 Adult, children under 16 free. The course is suitable for beginners, if you enjoy it a slightly harder course is also available (no extra charge, but subject to map availability). Bring a compass if you have one, and suitable clothing for an hour or so outdoors. Members of the West Anglia Orienteering Club will also be participating; they will be doing activities elsewhere in the village but sharing one course. Whether you try the course or not, please do not disturb the orange and white flags and other markers that will be around Flambards, the Recreation Ground and along the High Street. Planner and Organiser: David Coton. Controller: Anne Braggins. Mapper: Dick Keighley (Wimborne Orienteers) Anyone prepared to help with marshalling, and for any other enquiries please contact david@coton.me.uk. The emergency contact during the event is 07749 850026. David Coton

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 17th April at 8.00pm at 85 North End Meldreth. The group welcomes you if you feel the need of prayer and quiet meditation. Marion Long 27

All Aboard as Drama Society Supports Local Mental Health Charity Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society (pictured) are to stage a Cruise Ship Variety Show in aid of local charity, the MindEd Trust. The Showboat of the Seas performances will feature a variety of lighthearted sketches, songs and dances and will be staged at Meldreth Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, 20th and 21st April at 7.30pm. Guests are invited to walk down the red carpet, come on board and dress for the Captain’s Table for two hours of fun and frivolity. The MindEd Trust, based in Meldreth, was created in 2015 following the tragic death of gifted local teenager, Edward Mallen. The Trust supports local mental health services in schools and communities and has also successfully lobbied the national government for health service reforms and increased investment. Donna Sleight of MADS comments: ‘Following many years of successful and enjoyable performances, we felt compelled to support the excellent work of The MindEd Trust, raising funds which will help young people locally. With a smart evening full of comedy and fun, we are seeking to raise awareness of the very serious issue of adolescent mental health.’ Steve Mallen, Edward Mallen’s father and Chairman of The MindEd Trust added: ‘It is excellent that MADS have offered to support our Trust. Edward’s death had deep resonance within Meldreth and Melbourn and it is wonderful to see local people come together in this enjoyable way. All funds raised will go directly to helping local schools and youngsters as we seek to improve the wellbeing of young people across North Herts and South Cambs.’ The Showboat evening will feature a licensed bar and a charity auction with guests invited to dress to impress! Tickets are £20 per person, including wine and canapés with a maximum of six people per table. To book tickets, please call 07513 457845. Donna Sleight MADS 28

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Maycroft Care Home Greetings friends, midst sunshine and showers. March wind doth blow and possibly we’ll have April showers as you read this! There are many sayings connected with the weather and possibly the best known is “red sky at night, shepherds’ delight, red sky at morning, shepherds’ warning”. One of our residents, while talking about washing day, recalled her mother’s anxious looks at the weather as she washed and scrubbed: “I turned the mangle, helped hang it out and bring it in between showers”. Quite a contrast to the all singing, all dancing washing machines and easy wash cottons! Maycroft welcomes Jane who is already well known to many. She is organising chair-based exercise sessions called Full of Beans with Michael, Sally, Val, Carol and John, the regular participants. The group is fast growing and is having great fun together whilst toning up muscles and joints. Jane also leads a weekly discussion and reminiscence group with tea, coffee and newspapers, which is much enjoyed. We had a visit from a lovely dog called Iola who was fed more than several biscuits. Our gardens, like yours, are blooming with snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils; the beauty of the world is around us. Finally, many will already have seen the entertainment programme for 2018. From now until the Christmas party, we will have over 30 sessions by our regular entertainers; Sing along Jim, jukebox legends and Frank on the trumpet. Do come and see us, we have a lot of fun. Best wishes to you all. Carol and Ray

Save the Date of Meldreth Church Fete! Saturday 16th June in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Meldreth. Please come and support the church and the local community. We welcome willing volunteers beforehand and on the day – please do get in touch! Contact: Lindsey McCaig 0788 443 2345 or dearmlp@gmail.com. Lindsey McCaig 30

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk February’s Event was a talk by Eva Clark on behalf of the Holocaust Education Trust - please see the report on the facing page.

This Month’s Event: Saturday 14th April - Blue Skies Swing Band Concert, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church Playing music from the “Great American Songbook” consisting of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, many of which were played by Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and many more bands. The evening will include some vocals. Tickets £10 (including a glass of wine or juice) are available from: Robert Long - (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 John Price - (01763) 260048 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742

Future Events: Friday 11th May, 8.00pm AGM in the Church Meeting Room The architects Quinquennial Inspection report has recently been received, covering the condition of the fabric of the church, and an item on the agenda will be to review contributions to support future fabric projects. Sunday 3rd June Open Gardens A chance to visit a selection of gardens in the village plus a plant stall, other attractions in the church and teas in the Meeting Room. Sunday 2nd September 14th annual Churchyard Car Show John Price 32

Friends of Holy Trinity A Talk by Eva Clark on behalf of the Holocaust Education Trust In a calm soft voice, audible to everyone in the considerable audience, Eva Clark explained that the talk she was about to give on behalf of the Holocaust Education Trust was one that she usually gives to secondary school pupils to explain from her own point of view what the Holocaust was and what effect it had had on her family. This was an intensely personal talk, starting with a group photograph of her father's family in the 1920s showing about fifteen people of several generations. She was able to name them and said she would explain during the talk how they had fared during the war. She talked about how her grandfather was a decorated war hero from the First World War and how her parents had met in Prague after her father had moved out of Germany to Prague to avoid the rising influence of Hitler and his anti-Semitic policies. She continued with how her family members were not hauled off in the night, but notified by post to report on a set date and time, with a single suitcase and warm clothes, to a warehouse near the railway. They were moved into a ghetto, where her mother had a small job which enabled her to find food of barely starvation levels for fifteen people of her family. Several of the people in the family photograph did not survive the three years her mother and father spent in the ghetto. By the end of the talk we learned that none of the people in the family photograph survived the war. We heard of the courage and tenacity her mother had shown, especially when weighing only about 5 stone, she gave birth to Eva in the back of a cart after the last journey to a death camp called Mauthausen. Eva had a birth weight of only about three pounds! They survived because the camp had run out of Zyklon gas just before they arrived, and it was then liberated by the Americans a few days later. Eva gave us all a very thought provoking talk, and encouraged hope, whilst acknowledging world events show people still have a capacity to act inhumanely towards each other. If you would like to read more of Eva's story, it can be found at https://www.het.org.uk/survivors-eva-clarke. Stephen Marshall 33

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Volunteering Opportunities Your Local Scout Group Needs You! Barrington Scout Group urgently needs volunteers. Within the Beaver and Cub sections of the Scout Group, we have a number of vacancies that we need to fill, as follows: Assistant Beaver Leaders: uniformed role, 1 hour per week plus planning, quarterly planning meetings, trips and nights away Assistant Cub Leaders: uniformed role, 1.5 hours per week plus planning, quarterly planning meetings, trips and camps Occasional Beaver Helpers: non-uniformed role, helping every few weeks by agreement Occasional Cub Helpers: non-uniformed role, helping every few weeks by agreement Secretary: non-uniformed role, 2 hours, 4 times a year Committee Members: non-uniformed role, 2 hours, 4 times a year In the near future, Barrington Scout Group also hopes to provide a Scout section (age range 10½ to 14) for the older children of the area. In order to provide such a valuable facility, we need more help in general throughout the group, so that some of the current leaders can start the Scout section. It is a sad thought that we may have to consider closing Barrington Scout Group if we do not attract any further volunteers. Closure would be of great detriment to all the current and potential future children who attend the group. The children thoroughly enjoy their time within the scout group (as do the leaders), which teaches them a great number of valuable life skills and lessons. The Leaders find it very rewarding work, with free training and uniforms provided; it is also a CV booster, and a great way to get to know new people. If you are interested in offering your time to Barrington Scout Group, in any capacity, please get in touch with Carol Alderton at: scouts.barrington@gmail.com or contact either Alex Coxall (Beaver Leader) or Darren Coxall (Cub Leader), from 5.00pm on a Monday night at Barrington Village Hall. I look forward to hearing from you. Alex Coxall Beaver Leader, Barrington Scout Group 35

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thur

The copy deadline for the May issue of Meldreth Matters is Thursday 12th April To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

2.00pm G. Co

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 1 16 17 18 1 23 24 25 2 30 8.00-9.00pm Strutology

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis 7.30pm Paris

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing First day of school term

7.3010.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.3010.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.00am-midday Preschool Play Day (see page 19) 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.30pm RMRG AGM 8.00-9.00pm Strutology

7.45 for 8.00pm Meldreth 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates Tennis Club AGM, Holy Trinity Church (see page 7.30pm WI 57)

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30am Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00pm Prayer Group 8.00-9.00pm Strutology

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group 6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.30-9.00pm Cam Vale Bus User Group Meeting, Elin Way 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group 8.00-9.00pm Strutology

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

Copy deadl issue o

12.00-2.00pm British Queen 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm 6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing Tennis

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies, Messy Churc Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite Holy Tri 36

Diary - April 2018

sday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 9.30am* Family Communion for Easter Day (* please note change of time) 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

1 5 6 7 8 2 13 14 16 9 20 21 22 6 27 28 29 Refuse Collections Black bins: 5th*, 17th Blue & Green bins: 11th*, 24th * late collections due to public holidays

ompanions

10.00am - 4.00pm Mouse 8.00am Holy Communion Show 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen 12.00-2.30pm Link Murang’a Soup & Puddings, Holy Trinity Church (see page 13)

m Fitness

m Table

h Council

10.00am Veg Club Plus, Court Spinney, High Street

m Fitness

7.30pm Blue Skies Swing Band, Holy Trinity Church (see pages 29 & 32)

ine for May of MM

m Pub Club, n m Fitness

7.30pm MADS Cruise Ship Variety Show (see page 28 and back cover)

9.45am Family Communion 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

7.30pm MADS Cruise Ship Variety Show (see page 28 and back cover)

8.00am Holy Communion

2.00-4.00pm Trail Orienteering (see page 27)

8.00am Holy Communion

5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

m Table

m Fitness

m Table

11.30am Link Murang’a Walk for Kambiti, Holy Trinity Church (page 13) 2.00pm Bowls Club Open Day (see page 56) 5.30pm Meat Raffle, BQ

North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions and Meldreth Local History Group ch & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The nity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 37

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved Minutes of the Parish Council held on Thursday 1st March 2017 in Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Councillor R Goddin, Chairman; Councillor N Pellatt, Vice Chairman; Councillor J Fallon, Councillor R James, Councillor C A Land, Councillor D Lee, Councillor R A Searles, Councillor A Young In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Councillor P Hart (SCDC) Apologies for absence: Councillor A Keena (work commitments) and Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) Guest: Due to the severe weather, Mr Mark Deas from Cambridgeshire Acre was unable to attend. Public Participation There were three members of the public in attendance. Concern was raised regarding the verges along Malton Lane, near the junction with North End. The verges are being destroyed by vehicles, especially the large farm vehicles and one area is now looking like a layby, which it is not. Can anything be done to help restore the verges? The other concern in this area is flooding. Residents clear the ditches and some have been piped. However, they are now being filled with subsoil from the verges and there is concern that this add to any flooding risks. There is soon to be a meeting with regards to Riparian Ownership. Councillor van de Ven, Councillor Searles and Highways officers will be looking at the ditches in the village and it was suggested that the residents contact Councillor van de Ven to ask that they be included in this site meeting. The verges belong to CCC and they may be able to assist in getting a solution to the problem. A resident from Melbourn attended the meeting to enquire about the planning development in Melbourn, which has been refused by SCDC. Councillor Hart will give the resident Councillor Hales details who is the District Councillor for Melbourn. Meldreth were affected by this development but only in relation to the Primary School, so is unable to give any information on planning development regarding Melbourn.

39

District Councillor Report See pages 66-67. The report was circulated; there were no questions raised by Parish Councillors. Additional items: The Local Development Framework (LDF) is nearing agreement. The housing development of 160 homes in Melbourn has been refused by delegated powers at SCDC, however this may still go to appeal. Councillor Hart suggested that although nothing needs to be done with the S106, Meldreth Parish Council should still keep something on the table so it can be ready to go, if needed. Councillor Hart reported that there is every indication that the housing development at Marley Eternit will now be going to appeal. County Councillor Report See pages 62-64. The report was circulated; there were no questions raised by Parish Councillors. Office IT Computer System The new computer system has now been installed. The email system is still to be done. The old computer is still running as a backup for a couple of weeks; a new power pack had to be installed as the old one stopped working. It was proposed by Councillor Searles to pay Mr Girling £20.00 for the power pack and that the computer (hardware) should be donated to Mr Borgonon who then would recycle the equipment for a charity; seconded by Councillor Land, all agreed. The Clerk will notify Mr Borgonon. Working Group Updates/Reports Meldreth Futures Working Group Minutes of the recent meeting have been circulated to councillors. One of the applications discussed was a request from a member of the Girl Guides. However, the Parish Council have no power to donate to an individual. Councillor Fallon reported that the Village Charities had also looked at the request and they are not allowed to donate to another charity. Some members of the Futures Group will set up a ‘Steering Group’ to look into redoing the Community Led Plan, formally known as the ‘Parish Plan’. It is hoped that there will also be new members from the community involved as this needs to be a community-led initiative. Steering Groups run differently from Working Parties. [See page 23 for further information.] 40

Village Traffic Working Group Councillor Young reported that due to work commitments he will need to step down from this group. It was suggested that Mrs Gilmore may be happy to head this group. A Parish Councillor should be on the group but not necessarily head it. The Clerk will enquire. Mettle Hill Working Group Councillor Goddin reported that he and Councillor James have met with some Park Home companies and are presently awaiting further information. The possibilities being looked into are: Park Homes; possible affordable housing; leaving for the time being. The recent survey conducted by Cambridgeshire Acre indicates a need for 45 affordable homes. At the moment only, half of the site is being considered. The remaining section at the back of the site is agricultural and will remain so for the moment. Councillor Goddin has had no luck in having a concrete bollard installed to help reinforce the bund. It was suggested that the Clerk approach other building companies who are presently working in the village to see if they may be able to help. Major Projects Pavilion Construction Decorating of pavilion is now completed. Councillors Goddin and Pellatt have inspected the work and are in agreement that it looks very good and payment can be made. Security for Pavilion The CCTV policy is to be signed off by the Parish Council at the next meeting. Equipment is to be installed soon and notices to be purchased and installed. Church Wall The working group will now consist of Councillor Goddin, who will replace the Clerk, and Councillor James along with two representatives from the church, Mr Price and Mr Coton. The question of whether a wall is suitable at the front of the church or if there is another solution will be one item they will be looking into. Ongoing Projects Playground The monthly report was submitted by Councillor Fallon. All equipment appears to be in good working order. Just waiting for items 41

already agreed to be investigated - split in stepping stone (weather still too wet to make repairs) and the swing matting, see below. At the previous meetings the matting under the swings was discussed and the Clerk has been getting some tenders to replace the matting, which is splitting. Councillor Fallon reported that the matting under the slide may also need some maintenance. The slide passes the Rospa inspections but they have always commented that the treads are too far apart. It has been mentioned at village meetings that a play tower would be nice in the play area and as this also has a slide the clerk has obtained some prices for these. It may be more cost effective to replace the equipment and the matting. Matting is a health and safety matter but the replacement of equipment could be handed over to the Meldreth Futures Working Group to look into. The Clerk reported that the Rospa inspection is due in April/May and it may be worth waiting to hear what gets reported. Councillor Young proposed that the MFWG and the RGWG meet to discuss the future of the recreation ground with the objective of having a management plan for its future. This was seconded by Councillor Land. There are monies due from S106 for specific projects at the recreation ground, and a plan will be needed. Street Light Survey The survey investigated replacing the lights along North End (SC1-SC9) and Chiswick End (SC10-SC13. The cost of this survey was ÂŁ399.85 and already agreed. The Clerk is awaiting a response from Balfour Beatty with regards to a site meeting, whereby a Parish Council representative can be in attendance so that a priority list can be arranged. Parish Council will not be able to replace all the lights at once; this will need to be an ongoing project but a priority list needs to be set up. Proposed Closure of the Railway Crossing on Footpath 10 Councillor James reported that there has been no news. Defibrillators Simulator has been received and training is currently being looked into. A date from Community Heartbeat Trust is being sought and an article will appear in Meldreth Matters [see page 49] for residents who are interested in training to contact the Clerk. Magnets are in the process of being delivered to all households. 42

Administrative/Other Correspondence and Clerk's Report Stocks area – finger posts and bollards. Councillor Land to contact Mr Chappell. Information regarding the Parish Council elections on 3rd May was included in the March issue of Meldreth Matters [and on pages 46-47 of this issue]. Nomination packs can be obtained from the Clerk or SCDC direct and need to be with SCDC by 4.00pm on 6th April 2018. It was proposed by Councillor Land that the Parish Council employ the help of Mrs van Poortvliet to assist the clerk with book keeping duties for an initial period of three to four hours a month for six months. This was seconded by Councillor Young, all agreed. Clerk to notify Mrs van Poortvliet. Housing Survey Carried out by Cambridgeshire Acre A discussion was had regarding the recent survey carried out by Cambridgeshire Acre. One of the findings was the need for another 45 affordable houses within the village. It was felt that the survey is a useful tool in establishing the needs of the village. MAYD A proposal has been received from MAYD requesting a contribution from Meldreth Parish Council for £2089.00 for the next financial year. It was reported by Councillor Goddin that the application was discussed at the Meldreth Futures recent meeting but that it was felt there were some discrepancies in the data received. Councillor Goddin agreed to contact MAYD to get clarification on the request. To be discussed again. After the election in May it is hoped that a representative from Meldreth will attend the meetings. Other Items South Cambridgeshire Boundary Changes Councillor Searles reported that the final proposal will be in September. It was agreed to take this item off the agenda until further news has been received. Burial Ground There has been a resident request for CCTV to be installed at the Burial Ground as it appears some damage has been done to a grave. 43

Councillor Goddin inspected the grave and could not say if the damage had been done by animals or persons. The matter was discussed but it was felt by all that installing CCTV was not a viable proposition. Rules and Regulations: this was discussed. Rules and regulations have been drafted in the past but was never agreed. The Clerk will circulate. Data Protection Officer It has already been agreed that this will be outsourced. The Clerk is to still attend training sessions and report back to the Council as to who the best company will be to outsource this to. Councillors' Reports Councillor Searles: Can the Clerk again contact Highways to inform them that the safety barrier at North End has still not be repaired along with the damaged street sign. Councillor Land: Has been approached by residents at West Way enquiring if they could have a defibrillator installed at that end of the village. This was discussed but at the moment there would be no place to install it as it needs electricity. Councillor Lee: The excavation works being carried out near the train station have been reported to Highways by residents and Councillor van de Ven. Councillor Goddin: In response to the possibility that Marley/Eternit will go to appeal it was suggested by Councillor Goddin that the Parish Council should submit a report. It was also proposed by Councillor Young that the assistance of Mr Philip Kratz (Birketts) be employed to put together a report; this was seconded by Councillor Goddin. Mr Kratz is familiar with the application and has already been assisting the Parish Council in this matter. The Parish Council will have an ‘Extraordinary Meeting’ on 15th March prior to the planning meeting to discuss the report prior to it being submitted. The deadline for submission of the report is 25th March. Annual Village Meeting & Annual Parish Meeting: If there is a contested election then the Parish Council will not be meeting on the 3rd May. It was suggested that the first meeting of the new Parish Council be held on Thursday 10th May. This is known as the ‘Annual Meeting of the Parish Council’ and the first matter of business is the election of a Chairman. It was agreed that The Annual Parish Meeting known by many as ‘The Village Meeting’ will take place on Thursday 24th May. The Clerk has been approached by some 44

organisations to see if there was going to be a similar event as was held a few years ago where organisations could present themselves and put up a display. It was proposed by Councillor Young that as the Clerk is very busy, organisations could do this as long as they were happy to arrange it themselves. Seconded by Councillor Land, agreed by all. The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.40pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 5th April 2018 at 7.30pm. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice boards, opposite the One Stop Shop and at the corner of Elin Way and Whitecroft Road.

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 (01763) 269928 Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger@rogerjames.net

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

(01763) 261571

david@oakrits.plus.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

News From Heidi Allen Due to space restrictions, I have been unable to include Heidi’s update this month. Her latest newsletter is available on her website: https:// www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/newsletter-27. Kathryn Betts Editor 45

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

ELECTION 3 r d M ay 2 0 1 8 Meldreth Needs You! Are you interested in becoming a Parish Councillor? Would you like to find out more about what is involved? Perhaps you have been on a Council elsewhere.

If you would like to find out what goes on at a Council meeting, just come along to the Village Hall on Thursday 5th April at 7.30pm or contact the Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk for more information.

Stand For What You Believe In The next election is on 3rd May 2018 The best way to find out what it’s like to be a Parish Councillor it to talk to someone who is a current Councillor. The Parish Council website www.meldreth-pc.org.uk has information on Meldreth Parish Council, including the names and contact details of the current Clerk and Councillors, plus the dates, agendas and minutes of the meetings. Getting Elected: To stand for election you must: 1. Be a UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or be a citizen of another Member state of the European Union. 2. Be at least 18 years old. 46

3. Be an elector of the Parish or in the past twelve months have occupied land or other premises in the Parish (as owner or tenant) or worked in the Parish (as your principal or only place of work) or live within three miles of the Parish boundary. What do Parish Councils do? A Parish Council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the Parish. It is the level of local government closest to the community, with the district authority and the county authority further up the hierarchy. Parish Councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that Parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention and roads and highways. Parish councils have a number of powers they can use and have the ability to negotiate with other decision-making organisations such as the district, county or unitary council, health authorities, police etc. In this respect Parish councils are extremely powerful. These organisations know that a Parish Council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something and that its views should be taken seriously. How much time does it take up? Councils usually meet once a month for the council meeting to which members of the public are also invited. Meetings may last two or three hours, depending on what’s on the list of items to discuss. The Council also has committees to deal with specific subjects, such as planning matters. How long do I serve for as a Parish Councillor? Once elected, councillors sit on the council for four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election. This does not mean that you have to stay for four years. If you find it’s not for you, or you can no longer meet the commitment, you can stand down. For more information or for a nomination packs please contact the Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldrethpc.org.uk. Nomination packs may also be obtained from South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC). Completed nomination forms must be taken to the SCDC offices in Cambourne by 4.00pm on Friday 6th April 2018. Meldreth Parish Council 47

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Courier Fraud or Police Impersonator Scam An incident of Courier Fraud has been reported in a neighbouring police area, so there is every chance that it could also occur in Meldreth. The scam involves fraudsters telephoning victims pretending to be a Police Officer. Often, the caller claims a criminal has been arrested with a substantial sum of money on them and a list of names and addresses, including that of the victim. Other cases involve claims of fraud on the victim’s bank account. Fraudsters usually then suggest the victim calls their bank or the police to confirm their details. Although the victim hangs up the telephone, the caller stays on the line to prevent the call from being terminated. As a result, the victim then starts talking to the fraudsters again (although to a different person, to avoid suspicion), thinking they have called their bank or the police. During the conversation, the fraudster may say that they will need to examine the victim’s bank card, and take their PIN number in case it has been compromised, and that a courier will come to collect the card. Alternatively, they may suggest that the victim withdraws a large amount of money for the police to examine for evidence, and the courier will collect the money. A smartly dressed individual then arrives at the victim’s home and the card is taken and the PIN number used to withdraw cash, or the withdrawn cash is taken. If you have any doubts about an unsolicited call, hang up immediately. Ensure the line has been terminated, or use another telephone, and ring back on an official number. Never give out your PIN number; banks will never ask for it over the phone. Never give bank cards to anyone at your door even if they say they’re from the bank. For simple, straightforward advice to avoid getting tricked by scammers, go to https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/. Anyone can report a scam to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. 48

If you're not sure whether a phone call, email or text message is genuine, talk to someone else for advice; there are a number of trusted contacts in Meldreth who you can talk to about a possible scam: Graham (01763) 260358 Peter (01763) 260323 Linda (01763) 261405 Tim (01763) 262801 For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on 01763 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Monthly Drop-in Councillor Advice Surgery Our drop-in advice surgery will take place on Monday 16th April, from 3.00-4.00pm at The Limes Community Room, Bassingbourn. Then back to the Melbourn Hub at the same time, on 7th May. Philippa Hart, District Councillor philippajhart@btinternet.com, (01763) 261255 Susan van de Ven, County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574

Defibrillator and CPR Training in Meldreth Meldreth Parish Council will be providing defibrillator and CPR training for Meldreth residents. Training will initially be held on one Saturday in June. Other sessions may then be made available, subject to demand. If you are interested in attending a session, please telephone the Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk. Judy Damant Parish Clerk Meldreth Parish Council 49

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Pet Matters This month I want to write about dogs that need space. Of course we all walk and enjoy our dogs and are aware that some dogs need more space than others. When your dog is one that needs a little room and is happily minding its own business on a lead or staying close to you when out for a walk, there is nothing worse than having a big bounding bouncy dog jump all over them - sometimes with owners jauntily shouting after them "he just wants to play!" - while your dog is being knocked flying or a quivering mess! Perhaps your dog is elderly and going a bit blind and as a result is far less confident in the company of others; or maybe you have an old, arthritic dog; one that has health issues or is in heat; or a dog that is undergoing training. The only way to increase confidence or introduce a dog to new things is to get out and about, so any responsible owner will try to do this. However, a scary experience can put back the training by weeks and result in a lot of stress. With this in mind a fantastic charity was set up called the Yellow Dog Project, www.yellowdoguk.co.uk. This scheme is brilliant! It encourages owners of dogs who require space to flag this by wearing a yellow ribbon on their lead, or a yellow bandana, collar or coat. This warns any people they may come across on a walk not to approach or let their dog approach the “yellow dog” and it really works! I used this with my rescue dog which was terribly fearful of everyone and everything. It made it possible for me to walk him in areas where we could expose him to some of the "scary" things in a much more controlled way, because members of the public stayed out of our way and respected his space. Four years later, he doesn't need quite so much space and so we are not wearing yellow any more but I wouldn't have been able to sort it out without getting him out there in the first place. Look out for “yellow dogs”, respect the fact that they need you to leave them alone, pop your dog on a lead and chat to their owners and find out their stories if you can. If you have a dog that might benefit then dig out a small piece of yellow ribbon for their lead or harness. The little jackets and bandanas can be purchased from the website. Hopefully this short article will help you to have a lovely stress-free time with your dogs in our beautiful countryside! Jo Brown Veterinary Nurse 51

Notes from a Small Garden I am writing this on a dull wet day, following the amazing freeze and snowfall a fortnight ago. We happened to be in Vienna where it was -10 degrees outside in the morning. We had a lovely visit to the beautiful Schonbrunn palace and briefly walked into the large formal gardens, all under snow of course. But then we spied the palm house where it was wonderfully warm, and there found a splendid collection of azaleas in full bloom and the smell was a nice reminder of summer. Apparently they have the best collection of azaleas in the world. But back to Meldreth. The roses are pruned and Sherida has planted the dahlias tubers in pots of compost. Some of the tubers had become very big, but it was easy to divide them in the same way you would a herbaceous plant, e.g. a phlox, by putting two forks back to back and gently pulling them apart. Yesterday Peter and I visited Wisley, the RHS garden in Surrey. We hadn’t been there for 30 years, and it really was a great delight. All the plants were in tip top order. We asked a woman to help us find two plants, and she immediately came to our aid showing us all the large viburnam plicatum Mariesii the centre had, and helped us to pick the best example. We then went in search of a cornus mass (the cornelian cherry which is flowering now with clusters of tiny yellow flowers) which `I thought might be useful “filler” at the back of the barn but she suggested cercis Canadensis or the Forest Pansy. One of the growers, if you google it, says “The glorious heart-shaped leaves emerge a glossy, vibrant ruby red and darken to a rich purple-plum shade for the summer. In autumn they turn striking shades of orange, red, yellow and purple.” We were converted, particularly as one of our veg club members had recommended it! Our lady then wrapped the tree, took it to the car, and expertly put both plants into the well of the passenger seat. We must have spent half an hour with her. What service! April is a busy month particularly for vegetable gardeners, getting seeds sown, watching the potatoes chitting and planting them out once the soil gets warm.

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Some other jobs for April: Try to keep weeds under control, its really worth it! Tie in climbing roses and feed them, and your other roses too. Well-fed plants tend to get fewer diseases. Sow lawn seed where you have got bare patches. And enjoy every moment you can outside when the weather warms up. This month’s Veg Club Plus will take place at Ann Barnes’ house, Court Spinney, High Street at 10.00am on Saturday 14th April. Good Gardening from Jim and me. Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

Meldreth WI Mrs Bates welcomed members to our AGM. Although we have a small membership, we are able to carry on for another year. Officers and committee members were all re-elected. Our next year’s programme of events is ready to go to the printers so ... watch this space for an update. Walking continues at an nice steady pace each Monday (weather permitting) also keep fit. Last evening we had a rummage sale with a percentage of the takings to be donated to Cancer Research UK. This was followed by a ‘pudding taster’ and what a lovely selection there was to taste … calorie count out of the window!! Next month we have Kathleen Doggett talking about “Flowers and Fun”. We all know what flowers are but what is the fun? Come along and find out at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th April in the Village Hall. Kathleen Thompson

New to the village? Information on village facilities and over 30 local groups is available at

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 53

PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding 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

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group In February we met at Meldreth Meeting Room where the Rev. Caroline Brownlie spoke of her own history and then reflected on Lent. She told us that she started her Anglican life late, not being baptised until she was seven years old, but was confirmed at twelve. She attended a Roman Catholic School and went on to join a Methodist drama group. She was a social worker for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in South Yorkshire and then went on to study theology at St. John's College. As she was not allowed to be ordained at that time, she became a parish worker at a church on Wythenshawe Estate, Manchester and then tested her vocation with the Anglican Order of The Sisters of the Church in London. Eventually she was ordained and was appointed hospital chaplain at Letchworth and after one or two other moves, she came to Cambridge. She then spoke about Lent. It was a time of turning to God and bringing His story actively to mind in gratitude and honesty; it soon became a time of preparation of new converts for baptism at Easter and later, through written accounts of Jesus' time in the desert, to extended time of 40 day Lent and Holy Week. The Cross then meant two things. Christians individually and corporately believed that Jesus' suffering revealed that he suffers with us in all that we experience, and that sin was forgiven and taken away. So Lent was also an opportunity in some personal way to respond to Jesus, through fasting, study, prayer and worship. Pat Smith then read from St. Marks Gospel Chapter 15, verses 21-37. (‘Jesus is Crucified’). Our next meeting is at 7.45pm on Tuesday 24th April at Meldreth Meeting Room when Kate Armstrong will be speaking about her mother’s unexpected journey. If you require a lift or wish to know more about the Group, please contact one of the following Committee members: Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775 or Angela Leach on (01763) 262793 Anne Harrison

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Meldreth Tennis Club clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub Firstly let me say a very warm welcome to all our new members who have joined us during the past year. We hope that you have enjoyed playing and we look forward to seeing you this season. Another tennis season is fast approaching and we would like to update you all on some forthcoming events. Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 11th April in the Meeting Room, Holy Trinity Church. Refreshments will be served at 7.45pm, with the meeting beginning at 8.00pm. Coaching Matt Fellingham will be running Easter Camps for juniors of all ages on Monday 9th April and Tuesday 10th April on our super new courts. Age range from three to sixteen years. Please look on our website for all details: clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub. Social We will be having our annual croquet afternoon and barbecue evening later on in the year and will publish the dates in the Club newsletter. Keep your eyes peeled! Tournament We will be holding our Marion Oliver in-club tournament on Saturday 12th May at 1.30pm. This is always a lot of fun and we hope as many of you as possible will come and take part. We look forward to seeing you all. Jo Kitteridge (01223) 874430 or 07771 823064

Meldreth Football Club Fixtures Saturday team home fixtures 28th April. In addition, there may be some evening games if the team wins their away Cup games. Sunday team home fixtures 8th April, 29th April Joan Fallon 57

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Plane Tree (T50) requires pruning of lower 114 High limbs. Tree has not had any attention for a Street S/0476/18/TP number of years and there is considerable overhang and dead wood requiring attention. Remove the lowest lateral to the west. Undertake a reduction on the lower crown to the east to clear the adjacent building (no 116) by approximately 4 metres. Crown lift over the drive and front garden to approximately 5 metres and remove dead wood. Shorten the limb to the south by the drop crotch method to reduce the load

Planning Committee agreed to ‘support’ with no comments.

70 Whitecroft Proposed demolition of 70 Whitecroft Road Road, and associated outbuildings and the erection S/0241/18/FL of nine new dwellings, including new access.

See comments below.

The Planning Committee are concerned with the riparian ownership of the ditch at the back boundary of the development; this ditch joins up with the recreation ditch. A response has been received from the Planning Department. ‘The plans currently show a public footpath along the boundary adjacent to the ditch that runs to the recreation ground rather than a fence at the bottom the of the gardens to dwellings. This appears to maintain access to the ditch. It is likely that any surface water management scheme that discharges to the ditch would require it to be maintained through a section 106 agreement or condition by the management company’. Concern was also expressed regarding the lack of affordable housing being allocated to the development. There is also concern about the junction onto Whitecroft Road. Parish Council recommend ‘refusal’ with comments. ‘If permission is agreed that a condition be enforced regarding the riparian ownership and their responsibility for the ditches be applied. There is also concern regarding the village envelope, affordable housing and the entrance onto Whitecroft Road.’

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Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

64 Whitecroft Erection of an ancillary granny Road annexe S/0510/18/FL

See comments below.

Planning committee recommend ‘Support’ with comments, proposed by Councillor Goddin, seconded by Councillor Land. Vote taken: four in agreement; one refusal as it is believed that the extension is too large for the plot of land. Comments ‘The annex must remain as part of the main dwelling and not be sold as a separate dwelling or sublet or used for non-residential purposes. It was also requested that SCDC apply their formula for overflow parking to this application regarding off road parking. The full minutes of Meldreth Parish Council planning meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address

Decision

Bury Lane S/3544/17/VC

Permission has been refused for variation of condition 1 (approved plans) of planning permission S/2655/16/FL

Scrapyard, Chiswick End Permission has been granted for erection of six S/3529/16/OL dwellings with associated access and car parking 24 Fenny Lane (Adjacent Permission has been granted for a new farm access to Fenny Lane Farm) S/2890/17/FL 22 Flambards Close S/4449/17/FL

Permission has been granted for rear single storey lean to extension and side flat roof extension.

27 High Street (Temple House) S3890/17/FL & S3891/17/LB

Permission granted for remodelling of part of a listed building and the demolition and renovation of an adjoining barn within the curtilage. Meldreth Parish Council

Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 59

Melbourn and District Photographic Club http://melbournphotoclub.com In our final month of the season, we have three competitions and the annual AGM: 3rd April Print of The Year. Judge: Naomi Saul 10th April Projected Image of The Year. Judge: Jane Goodall 17th April AGM 19th April Inter-Club battle with Royston Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 7.30 - 9.30pm at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. Anyone wishing to know more details or to see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 60

MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

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Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 61

County Councillor’s Report Flood Avoidance Subcommittee – April Walk The local highways officer post is still vacant, but the senior Highways officer is very happy to step in for a Flood Avoidance tour in April. Malton Lane Verges The verge on the west side of Malton Lane immediately close to the junction with North End is badly eroding, due to vehicles overrunning. The new gap has created the impression of a lay-by and not infrequently is used for parking for telephone calls, although this is very dangerous for all concerned due to the blind corner. Part of the erosion has created draining issues too. I’ve suggested to the owners of the adjoining property that the problem should be lodged with the Parish Council. Defibrillators The East of England Ambulance Service recently attended the County Council Health Committee and applauded the rollout of defibrillators in many parishes. They advise that it would also be very good to appoint more ‘Community First Responders’ – professionally trained people in the community. I’ve asked for more information which I will circulate as soon as I have it. Meanwhile, please let me know if there’s anything more needing doing for the Meldreth Station defibrillator. Oil Club This year’s Oil Club rebate from the supplier has amounted to £140, higher than previous years on account of the additional new participating households from Whaddon and Bassingbourn. The rebate has been donated to the North Herts and District Citizens Advice Bureau, specifically to support the CAB outreach work which takes place in Bassingbourn and at the Melbourn Hub, where the drop-in service takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 9.30am to midday. Community Rail Partnership Project Officer in Post The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has appointed its first Project Officer, Sarah Grove. Parish Councils will be invited to a launch meeting of the CRP under its new Terms of Reference, including oversight by the new Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth and Foxton Community Interest Company. Sarah will be visiting all of the Parish Councils in due course. 62

Melbourn-Royston Off-Road Link As I’ve reported previously, the Melbourn Greenways proposal includes a link to Royston. An off-road path and bridge over the A505 is also the subject of a business case study by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, and will be considered in July. Council Tax The council was in agreement on supporting the government’s permitted 2.99% general council tax rise, alongside the 2% social care precept. As I have been reporting, council tax has been frozen for several years, which has compounded the crippling effect of government cuts. The council was split on how to deploy this extra funding. The Conservative group voted to put it into reserves; I supported the Labour and Lib Dem amendments to deploy it to services but this was lost. Children’s Centre Update I continue to check with the County Council on a regular basis to learn whether any progress is being made on the future of the Melbourn Children’s Centre. There is still nothing to report. Ironically, it seems that the plans to cut back expenditure from 1st April is not going to be possible because alternative plans for delivering ‘the same or better children’s services as before’ have not been worked out. Therefore, funding children’s centres will need to draw from reserves to make the numbers add up. Community Sweeper Pilot Project Four volunteers have now been fully trained the drive the SCDC sweeping machine. One is from Melbourn, one from Foxton and two from Royston; three of these have come forward via the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign. Wyevale Garden Centre has kindly agreed to store the sweeper and skip for holding the debris collected. A test run was scheduled to take place on 2nd March on the Melbourn-Shepreth path along Cambridge Road but was postponed until later in the month due to bad weather. I’d not appreciated how complicated the project would be, but so far so good. Visit to Waterbeach Recycling Centre A public visit was organised for 27th March. Completing the Kneesworth Footway to Five Acres Many of the women and children at Five Acres have told me they would like to be walking more, in large part for health reasons. A number of women living at The Boulevard have built up an impressive walking range and the footway that leads from their site helps to 63

facilitate and encourage this. Residents at Five Acres have been anxious to see the footway extended up to their site. In spite of the new speed restrictions, it is too dangerous to walk along the road, especially for unaccompanied children who might want to walk to and from school. I’ve already reported that we’ve had a lower estimate on the cost of doing this (£7K – quote obtained by Highways); other quotes could be pursued. For now, several of the women and their children and I have planned to meet during the spring school holidays to set up a sponsored walk fundraiser to help get things started. We’ll report back. Meldreth Station, Cambridge-Bound Platform Shelter After years of Rail User Group campaigning, a shelter at Meldreth Station’s Cambridge-bound platform is due for installation this spring. In consultation with the Station Gardening Group, the plan is to use the patch of land behind the platform adjacent to the steps down from the Gents toilet, for an enclosed shelter of the type recently installed at Royston Station – all due to take place in the next few months. A10 Resurfacing It’s good to report that the A10, largely around the Melbourn Bypass, will be resurfaced in June. It will be tricky to manage necessary traffic alternations without disruption. The plan is to carry out works over a period of five days using a traffic light control system on the A10. Highways have asked Melbourn Village if they would be content to allow a one-day diversion through the village which would allow intensive work on the A10 to be completed in the space of 24 hours. At the Melbourn Parish Council meeting earlier this week, a number of concerns were raised including the narrow width of the High Street south of the Cross where two vehicles have difficulty passing one another, and lorry deliveries to High Street shops. For Meldreth residents under this scenario, access onto the A10 at Melbourn would be blocked and Bury Lane Shop would face difficulties. I’ve fed these concerns back to Highways. It has now been decided, in agreement with Melbourn Parish Council, to consolidate the resurfacing work over one weekend, with a managed diversion through Melbourn Village. I will share the date when we know it. Highways will liaise with local businesses. Susan van de Ven County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 64

MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Cherry Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Fax: 01763 262450 Vast Range of Carpets, Vinyls, Real Wood, Laminates, Karndean, Amtico and Project Floors Free Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff Dulux Paint stocked in a wide range of colours Over 6000 Wallpaper samples Colour co-ordination service by experienced staff Designer Fabrics, most with next day delivery - Curtain making service Match flooring to walls and fabric for a designer finish New Tile showroom at 26 Royston Road, Foxton, CB22 6SE, 01223 870011. Covering all your tiling needs. www.melbournflooring.co.uk j.shepherd@melbournflooring.co.uk VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF. AMPLE FREE PARKING.

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District Councillor’s Report Sponsored Swim for Home-Start Royston and South Cambs I have finished! I swam the 22nd and final mile, with my kids and partner providing support, at Royston pool as part of the Home-Start Aquathon. I am overjoyed to announce that I reached the £2,000 donation target just before the last swim and donations have continued since so that the total at the time of writing is £2,227! My web page is staying open for a while so if anyone would still like to donate: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ philippahart1. Thank you to all those of you who have already given so generously. The Tide is Turning Members at South Cambs District Council have been told of early indications that the Local Plan will soon be settled. On this basis, large scale applications where adverse cumulative impacts can be reasonably anticipated if they are passed, can now be refused on the basis of what is called prematurity, despite the Council still not having a five year housing land supply. As a result, an application in Melbourn for 160 dwellings has been refused and although this decision could be appealed, time is running out for five year housing land supply appeals. Marley Appeal The Marley appeal is lodged and will be determined on the basis of written representations which must be submitted by Thursday 29th March 2018. Representations must be restricted to the reasons given for the refusal decision which were the following: ‘Members agreed the reasons for refusal as being the proposed development’s lack of sustainability (its isolation from the village of Meldreth, its distance from village facilities, and the absence of public transport) and encroachment into the countryside’. This means we may not necessarily benefit from the prematurity argument explained above, although it seems to me that this application, if it was submitted today, would be able to be successfully refused by SCDC. 66

Meldreth Primary School Works have commenced to the long-awaited expansion of the Primary School [see pages 20-21]. Some ten years ago, the governor team of which I was a member, worked on a plan for expanding the school and I am delighted to see that it is finally happening. Burglary Less good news. Another house in Fenny Lane has been burgled, this time while the owners were away on holiday. It does look as if houses are being watched, so can I recommend that homeowners take whatever measures they can to secure their property, especially while they are away. Apologies for the lack of optimism, but I shall be recommending to residents that they photograph their rooms and possessions regularly so that, should the worse happen, they are able to provide evidence to insurers of what has been taken. SCDC Magazine Mine has arrived. I have not heard from anyone other than the three residents, one from Stone Lane (Councillor Searles), one from North End and one from the Court development off the High Street that they do not receive their magazine, but I suspect that coverage in North End is pretty non-existent. If people do not contact me, I cannot inform Smart Distribution where the black spots are. Please could the Parish Council give some thought as to how best to obtain such feedback. Local Elections Looming There will be elections at both parish and district level on Thursday 3rd May. In order to vote, residents have to be registered. Registration can be done online by visiting: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Please note that European Union nationals are eligible to vote in District elections, maybe for the last time. Litter Pick Thank you, first to the thaw which melted the snow, to Graham Borgonon our benign overseer(!) and last but not least, to our large number of merry volunteers who turned out to litter pick the outskirts of the village. The pile of collected rubbish was on display at the Stocks for a couple of days and a depressing site it was. [See pages 14-15.] Councillor Philippa Hart Meldreth and Shepreth Ward philippajhart@brinternet.com 07811 323571 67

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Forthcoming Events Meldreth Ceilidh: Save the Date Revision Revision to Save the Date noted in the March issue. Due to another village charity event on 12th May a revised Ceilidh date will be issued very soon. Sharon Dunford

Literary Lunch, Thursday 3rd May Local entertainer and Home-Start’s Poet in Residence, Jude Simpson, hosts a chat with Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE, Master of Emmanuel College and former Director-General of The National Trust on Thursday 3rd May at The Old Bull Inn, High Street, Royston SG8 9AW. There will be a buffet lunch from 12.15pm, then a chat from 1.00-2.15pm with time for questions. Tickets: £15 from (01763) 262262, admin@hsrsc.org.uk or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ hsrsc. All proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Charity No. 1105385. Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

Make a Will and Help Transform Patient Care Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s annual Make a Will Week takes place this year from 23rd to 27th April. A group of local solicitors and will-writers have kindly agreed to waive their usual fees and write or update a simple will, in return for you making a donation to change patients’ lives at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. To find out more, call (01223) 254841, email hello@act4addenbrookes.org.uk or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/makeawill. Alice Macek Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust 69

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

Cycling Group Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Marian Oakman—(01763) 261481 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

Claire Thunder—07908 902017 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—(01763) 261255 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm

Rail User Group

(01763) 261833; www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

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

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £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 (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber .......................................2 Abode Town & Country ................34 Affordable Plumbing ......................12 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................38 Art of Clean ...................................50 Art of Clean Wood .........................68 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........31 B2B Automotive .............................26 Benjamin and Fredericks ............Cover Cambourne Self Storage .................12 Cambridge Roofers ..........................2 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................31 CHS Day Centre ............................68 CHS Group ................................Cover Coton Electrical ..............................26 The Country Store ..........................34 Driver Needed (temporary job) ........7 Ely Design Group ..........................50 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........26 Four Counties Tree Services ............65 Gilhooly ..........................................61 iPlaster ............................................38 Lawn Partners ...........................Cover The Letting Centre .....................Cover

Little Hands Nursery School ...........50 Meadowsweet Gardens ...................12 Melbourn Flooring .........................65 Melbourn Village College (1) ......Cover Melbourn Village College (2) ...........68 Meldreth Landscapes ......................61 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................19 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ....38 Moncraft Computers ......................54 Nancy Foster Footcare ....................65 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service54 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .....34 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................50 Reflections Hair Studio ...................38 Richard Burns Electrician ..................7 Rod’s PC Support ...........................12 Royston Fencing .............................50 Shelford Energy ..............................34 Slimming World ................................2 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............61 Summit Landscapes ...........................2 Village Garden Services ...................54 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ..........54 Wedding Stationery .........................68 72

The Letting Centre Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area. Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack. The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court Homecare: our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Sitting service: a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers time for themselves. Day Centre: based at Moorlands Court with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service: nutritious, hot lunchtime meal delivered to you. Housekeeping: we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping. To find out more, call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564 or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407