Meldreth Matters, April 2019

April 2019

Events include … Bowls Club Open Days Good Friday Craft Workshop and Easter Egg Hunt Litter Pick

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New Yoga Class for Meldreth Meldreth Village Hall Mondays 9.00 – 10.30 am Starts 14th January 2019 and runs weekly during term time Friendly, supportive classes in a non-competitive environment helping you to develop strength, flexibility and well-being. Suitable for all abilities. £10 drop-in or £90 for a 10 class pass.

More details at www.yoga2.co.uk or email Chris and Shelagh: yoga2@btinternet.com

Contents What’s On in April Bowls Club Open Days 45 Holy Week Church Services 12 Litter Pick 25, back page Local Events 22-23 Summary of Meldreth Events 3

Gardens & Nature Gardening 4-5

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 13 Photographic Club 8 WI 7 Women’s Group 6-7

Sport Bowls Club 10 Cycling Group 11

Forthcoming Events Meldreth Bird Walk 9 Meldreth Church Fete 9

Local/National Government Local Councillors 35-37 News from Heidi Allen 47-49 Parish Council 31-32 Planning 44

Children & Education Baby and Toddler Group 17 Events for Children 15 Easter Egg Hunt 14 Futures Group 3 Hartbeeps 16 Messy Church 13 Preschool 18 Primary School 20-21

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 56 Charity & Advice Pages 50-52 Mobile Warden Scheme 43 Neighbourhood Watch 39 Refuse Collections 29 Village Directory 54-55 Volunteering Opportunities 25-26

Miscellaneous Holy Trinity Lead Theft 40-41 Melbourn & District U3A 42-43

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 Welcome to the April issue of Meldreth Matters.

The Great British Spring Clean is taking place this year from 22nd March to 23rd April and volunteers all over the country will be turning out to help Keep Britain Tidy.

Meldreth’s own litter pick will take place from 9.00am on Sunday 7th April. On the right is a photograph of Philippa Hart, Graham Borgonon and me with just some of the rubbish that volunteers collected last time. If more volunteers come forward, then I’m sure even more bags can be filled this year!

See the poster on the back cover for details of how to get involved.

Kathryn

This Month’s Cover Picture: Meldreth Manor School in Full Bloom Faiza Derraz and Devon Hart took this month’s cover photograph in the grounds of Meldreth Manor School in April 2018. Many thanks to them both for allowing me to use the photograph.

Kathryn Betts Editor

meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 600 pages on Meldreth past and present Historic information includes:

Meldreth Today section includes: i 28 local clubs and groups

i Building Materials

i Meldreth’s footpaths

i Commerce

i Village facilities

i Education

i Picture quizzes

i Manorial History i The River Mel 2

April Events in Meldreth

Sunday 7th, 9.00am

Friday 19th 10.00am to midday

Community Litter Pick Meet at Fenny Lane Cambridge Water Company Station

Good Friday Craft Workshop and Easter Egg Hunt

See back page

See page 14

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th 2.00pm onwards

Sunday 14th to Sunday 21st

Holy Trinity Church

Meldreth Bowls Club Open Days

For Holy Week and Easter Church Services see the poster on page 12

See pages 10 & 45

Meldreth Futures Group There is money available from solar funds for projects that will be beneficial to our community.

Visit www.meldrethfutures.org.uk for details of how to apply.

For further information, email admin@meldrethfutures.org.uk or contact the Parish Clerk, Judy Damant, on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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Notes From a Small Garden What extraordinary weather we are having as I write this. There were those wonderful ten days in February, but we did have to watch out for frost.

My apricot tree, now four years old, is the earliest to blossom and, like the almond and the blackthorn, has been truly magnificent this year. I should have covered it with fleece at night to protect it, but I didn’t have a large enough sheet. I also remembered seeing apricot trees in bloom in the Himalayas (they dry the fruit on the flat roofs of the houses) so surely the blossoms must survive and fruit? I contemplated taking a soft brush to pollinate them myself when I suddenly saw a bee doing it for me. It must have spent ten minutes flying from flower to flower! So let’s see if we have any apricots: I will report later!

By the time you read this, April will be upon us: the busiest month in the garden, I think. Everything springs up at such a rate! This year I have put in stakes with the name of the dahlia I intend to plant there.

However, my youngest granddaughter swapped all the names around!

Now is a good time to do some last minute planting and moving, especially after the rains.

Some years ago, one of the members of the Veg Club gave me one of the snowdrops with wide leaves, Galanthus plicatus and also from Sissinghurst garden, a beautiful pink Viola ‘Coeur d’Alsace’. These plants have grown so well that I have divided them into two and now I have them on both sides of the door to the barn.

Some of my December planting of broad beans (a bit late) have been eaten by mice so I must get on and sow some seeds in pots to fill the gaps. My sweet peas are up and various lettuces too, so now there is a bit more room in the poly tunnel for more seed planting.

Help! I get a bit overcome by trying to keep up with it all at this time of year. But I have set Salvia sclarea (clary sage), a lovely herb variety (pink and blue) of the Salvia family and must get some cornflower and cosmos seeds for the potager. The Salvia family has become very popular in the last few years. They are not all hardy, but Salvia microphylla, 'Hot Lips', will last several years and likes being cut back.

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Jobs for April Cut down hard Verbena bonarien, penstemons & gaura Divide and move snowdops if you haven’t already Prune all winter flowering shrubs including winter box, winter

flowering honeysuckle, winter sweet, fatsia and mahonia.

Good gardening from Jim and me!

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small friendly group and we meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month except December. We vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. We either have a guest speaker or in house entertainment followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. There is a fee of £1 on the evening and a chance to make a donation to this year’s charity which is Acorn House, part of The Sick Children’s Trust based at Addenbrookes Hospital.

Our February meeting was at ASCH Melbourn when Audrey Drage spoke to us about Macular Degeneration (MD). Audrey stressed that she is not a professional and was speaking to us as someone who has had MD for ten years. She became a volunteer speaker after finding out about the Macular Society online and attending one of their courses.

Audrey had experienced what she thought were problems with the newspaper crossword printing, her computer and the television and it was only when she commented to her husband about the faces on the screen being blacked out that he said she needed to see the optician.

Macular Degeneration can be wet or dry and affects over 600,000 people, a figure which is expected to double in the next twenty years.

The macular, an oval-shaped pigmented area near the center of the retina, is the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision, colour and the finer points of vision. Wet MD is treatable with injections into the macular if found early enough, while dry MD, although less aggressive than wet MD, is untreatable at present. Speed of diagnosis is of the essence with wet MD and when Audrey went to the optician thinking it might be in her second eye, the optician told her to go to the hospital: “better paranoid, than blind”.

The Macular Society produce many leaflets and a handy Amsler Grid which can help you to monitor your vision and detect changes. Many of us thought we knew about MD but were surprised to hear about ‘Charles Bonnet hallucinations’ where images are clearly seen and yet aren’t real. Indeed, many people will keep such things to themselves as they are not aware of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome and this can cause yet more stress.

Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks for a really interesting and informative evening and a donation was made to the Macular Society; their contact details are: www.macularsociety.org; volunteer team (01264) 326622.

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Our next meeting is on Tuesday 23rd April and will be at Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. We will have a change from our advertised programme as Wood Green have been unable to confirm a speaker. All our meetings begin at 7.45pm.

Do come along if you’d like to, or if you want to know more, please contact one of the committee members. Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 and Kimmi Crosby.

Pat Smith

Meldreth WI Our President, Secretary, Treasurer and committee were all re-elected at our March meeting which was also the AGM. The minutes of last year’s AGM were read and signed and Mrs Bates thanked everyone for their support throughout this last year. There is no doubt our membership is now getting smaller and it would be so nice to welcome some younger ladies to join us and bring in some new ideas. We have plenty to offer in the way of outings, weekend breaks, day schools and even our own WI college, where new crafts may be learned.

There then followed a beetle drive, where I think the portraits were more Picasso than Rembrandt. However, all have been carefully packed ready to send to Sothebys for their fine art sale!! This was followed by a game where we had to guess where a selection of cheeses were made and their ingredients; all very nice and washed down with a glass or two of wine.

Next month, Catherine Armstrong will be telling us of a woman’s role on an unexpected journey. Sound intriguing? Come and find out more at 7.30pm in the Village Hall on 11th April.

Kathleen Thompson

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 7

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

In our final month of the season, we have two competitions and the annual AGM. The Club does not meet regularly during May to August but does hold summer photography events that are publicised on our website.

This month’s events are as follows: 2nd: Print of the Year. Judge: Vic Hainsworth 9th: Projected Image of The Year. Judge: Naomi Saul 16th: AGM – End of Season

“End of the Day” by Keith Truman

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays 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, the club Secretary, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Club Secretary 8

Dates for Your Dairy

Saturday 18th May Melwood Conservation Group Bird Walk Mike Foley will be leading another bird walk along the Mel on 18th May 2019. We will be meeting at 8.00am in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church.

On previous walks we have identified 40 species along the River.

Mike is leader of the Stapleford Bird Club, an RSPB member and a BTO volunteer surveyor as well as being a key member of the Cam Valley Forum.

Bruce Huett Melwood Conservation Group

Saturday 15th June Meldreth Church Fete The Church’s annual summer fundraising event will again host a collection of attractions including games, stalls and refreshments.

We are keen to involve as many people from the village as possible. Therefore, if you represent a local group or society and would like to run a stall or you are someone that wants to help with the organisation or contribute to the fete, please get in touch.

For more information please contact me by sending an email to churchfete2019@gmail.com or telephone (01763) 260183.

Duncan Hopper 9

Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk Meldreth Bowls Club was established in 1932, and we have experienced members who are happy to help you to learn how to play lawn bowls.

There are many opportunities to play the game, whether it is at the weekly practice sessions on Tuesday mornings or in one of the leagues (including County) we belong to. We either play at home on our own green in Meldreth or away to opposing teams, most of which are very local. There are also Friendlies, which are just that – a chance to have a match with another Club and then enjoy a meal afterwards.

This year, we are introducing a social night on Monday evenings, where you can have a game of bowls, play cards, etc. or just sit and chat. We are lucky to have a well-stocked bar that is very popular, so you can have a pint or a glass of wine, etc. whenever the Club is open.

We have several social activities throughout the year including a Quiz Night, a Race Night, Pimms & Puds, etc.

To start the season off, we have Open Days on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April from 2.00pm, so please come and join us: you can try out lawn bowls and meet our Club members. Our licensed bar will also be open. All you need is a pair of flat shoes – we can supply the rest.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a “lapsed” bowler, people on their own, families, friends – everyone is welcome!

For full information about our Club and its activities please go to our website: www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk, ring Peter Constable on (01223) 207557 or email secretary@meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.

Ann Handscombe

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Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

Above are some members of the Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group, enjoying a café stop at Graystones, Duxford on one of our better winter rides.

You are always welcome to join us on the second and last Tuesdays of every month. We meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church at 9.15am.

John Rogger

Village Garden Services

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk A Circumnavigation of the World by Container Ship This talk was scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st March. At the time of going to press, numbers were looking good.

Forthcoming Events: Friday 10th May - AGM This will be held in the Church meeting room with a social afterwards.

Sunday 2nd June - Open Gardens Initial enquires are starting; if you would like to open your garden please call (01763) 260048.

Sunday 22nd September - 15th Churchyard Car Show John Price

Messy Church In case you missed the March Messy Church event for families, here are some future dates for your diary.

Messy Church will be held from 3.30-5.30pm on the following dates: Sunday May 12th Sunday 14th July Sunday 13th October Come and join us at Holy Trinity Church in Meldreth for activities, a story, songs and a meal.

It’s free, it’s fun and everyone is welcome.

Hilary Crawforth 13

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What’s On for Children and Families in April Friday 5th April, 10.30am - 11.15am and 11.30am - 12.15pm Animal Tails: Creepy Crawlies Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ Discover and create mini beasts with stories and play. For children aged 2 -5. Free. Booking recommended. www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 6th April, 11.00am - 12.00pm or 2.00 - 3.00pm Paradise Planet, Scott Polar Museum, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER Ocean stories for families - an interactive opera with song, musicians and sound-design wizardry. Adults £8, children £5 (for ages 7-11).

Book www.experiencetickets.co.uk.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 9th - 18th April, 11.00am - 3.30pm Easter family activities - D-Day: People Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley MK3 6EB Find out what life was like for a soldier, commander, codebreaker and evacuee on 6th June, 1944, completing activities and challenges. For accompanied children aged 5 - 14. Normal admission charges - adults £18.50, children £10.75.

Thursday 11th April, 10.30am - 12.30pm Easter Eggstravaganza, Trumpington Meadows, Cambridge CB2 9LH Join the rangers to discover the different types of eggs to be found on the reserve and solve clues to get them all. Fun crafts. £5 per child.

Book on (01223) 665742. Details at www.wildlifebcn.org.

Sunday 14th April, 2.00pm and 7.30pm WiFi Wars, Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX A live comedy game show. Take your tablet or smartphone, log in and compete in live games and challenges. Tickets £11.50, £8 concessions.

See www.junction.co.uk.

Tuesday 16th&Wednesday 17th April, 10.30 - 11.30am or 1.30 - 3.30pm Spring into Spring: Baby Paws and Claws, Wicken Fen CB7 5XP Outdoor fun and crafts for children aged 4+. Book on 0344 249 1895. £5.75. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

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Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Hartbeeps Hi! We are Kelly and Becca, and we are very excited to announce that we will be bringing the magical world of Hartbeeps to Meldreth later this month! Hartbeeps is a magical, musical and immersive sensory experience with a quirky twist! With classes for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years, we take you and your little one on a sound journey through our Hartbeeps Wonderland, brought to life with bubbles, costumes, twinkles, lighting effects, exciting props, wacky puppet characters and sparkly scapes, alongside an original soundtrack of remixed lullabies and toe tapping tunes. Every session is packed full of fun with a focus on bonding, imaginative play and stimulating those senses.

To ensure your little ones get the most from their experience, our classes are arranged by developmental stage rather than age. They are: Baby Bells: A beautifully soothing and twinkly class for our youngest babies. Using elements of baby yoga, baby massage and tummy time alongside calming holds and relaxing music, our Baby Bells take a gentle journey through Babyland as we help them to uncurl and begin to experience the world around them. Babies under six weeks old are free. Thursdays at 10.00am.

Baby Beeps: For babbling babies who can sit confidently and without support, our Baby Beeps take a journey through Babyland where we focus on physical development and language acquisition with help from our class mascots and lots of other special guests. Thursdays at 11.15am.

Happy House: Aimed at confident walkers up to the age of five, a journey through the Hartbeeps Happy House is fast paced and packed full of attention grabbing activity. Younger siblings are also welcome in Happy House and are half price or free if under six months old.

Thursdays at 12.15pm.

Sessions will begin in Meldreth Village Hall on Thursday 25th April.

Classes are held during term time only and cost ÂŁ7 per class, booked termly in advance. Email kelly@hartbeeps.com to book your place.

To stay up to date, see our Facebook page at HartbeepsRoystonBaldockBuntingford.

Magic Sprinkles!

Kelly & Becca 16

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group meets on Wednesday mornings during term time from 9.30 to 11.30am in Meldreth Village Hall. The cost is ÂŁ2 per family and includes a snack for the children and a hot drink and biscuits for the adults. It is the ideal group for children aged 0-4 years and their parents and carers.

We provide 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.

For further information come along to one of our meetings or contact Thea on 07930 893201.

Thea Peacock

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Meldreth Preschool As always, we are very busy at the preschool, but with the weather warming up the children are enjoying spending more and more time outside.

Thanks to those of you who have donated items for our mud kitchen – the children love ‘cooking’ outside and creating a range of delicious dishes to share with their friends and, of course, the staff!

With spring on the horizon, we are enjoying spotting signs of the change of seasons and we are hoping to do some planting in due course.

The children love the idea of being able to eat something that they have grown themselves, so if anyone can offer any advice on what best to plant and when, we would love to have a knowledgeable visitor come and give us some pointers.

We will have a lot of children moving up to ‘big school’ after the summer, so we will soon be starting to learn more about what that will mean, which is much easier now that we are in the same building. The children already get to see what the reception children are up to when they are in the garden so they will soon learn what to expect when they are on the other side of the fence.

We are also focussing on technology and teaching the children how to make the most of a range of different items, but of course we are aware that little hands aren’t always the most careful and as such we would appreciate any donations of unwanted items that they can practice on!

Phones, cameras, remote controls, calculators and torches or anything else with switches or buttons would be much appreciated and a great way to recycle your unused technology!

We are currently accepting applications for September and are already experiencing high demand for some of our sessions, so please get in touch if you would like a place at Meldreth Preschool. We are hoping to hold an open day at some point in the coming months, so please like our Facebook page for details of our plans if you would like to come along and speak to our staff about the preschool.

For any enquiries, please contact Manager@MeldrethPreschool.com and we will get back to you with any details you require.

Meldreth Preschool 18

delicious! be with Slimming World MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall High Street, Tel: Alison 07812 825 389 slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk What does a scientist look like?

Children across the school were asked to complete a questionnaire about science in school and draw what they believed a scientist looked like. All children had a different point of view, showing a range of opinions. Two of their drawings are shown below. The one on the left was drawn by a child in Swift Class (Year 1) and the one on the right, by a child in Kite Class (Year 4).

From doing this, we saw that a handful of children believed that to be a scientist you had to take part in experiments.

What is science? ‘Science is a subject where you make experiments and blow up things’.

(Quote from a Year 3 pupil) To show the children that scientists can be observers and researchers, the children were reintroduced to the different types of scientific enquiry, which include, testing, researching, observing, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying. The children were shown that when using these skills, you are working as a scientist. To make this more visible in 20

school, the children in KS2 took part in a competition to create a poster showing these different types of enquiry. The winning poster (below)

by Chloe P in Year 3 is exhibited around the school.

What do you like about science?

‘In science, there is always something new to discover.’ (Quote from a Year 6 pupil.)

Each class in school is given the opportunity to take part in different scientific experiences including visitors, trips and class lessons. This allows the children to develop an enthusiasm to learn more.

What has been your favourite part of science this year?

‘So far, astronaut training has been my favourite.’ (Year 6 pupil) ‘Testing the eggs in fizzy drinks.’ (Year 4 pupil) ‘Making shadow puppets.’ (Year 3 pupil) ‘When we went to the observatory to see real telescopes and see some real pictures of the universe.’ (Year 5 pupil) ‘When we got to use the resources like the circuits.’ (Year 4 pupil) Miss Whitton 21

Local Events in April To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Until Friday 12th April, at normal opening times Vibrant Nature - an art exhibition The Plough, High Street, Shepreth, Cambridgeshire SG8 6PP Work by Cambridgeshire artist, Naina Babbar, who combines textiles, colours & flowers, in soft pencils and acrylics: www.nainababbar.co.uk.

Wednesday 3rd April, 10.00am to 4.45pm and every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday until 18th May Royston Photographic Society Exhibition Royston and District Museum and Art Gallery 5 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL An exhibition of beautiful photographs taken by Society members.

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April, at various times Cambridge Spring Literary Festival, venues across Cambridge From poetry to politics, history to hip-hop and comedy to current affairs. Many of today’s best writers, thinkers and speakers. Full programme details at www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com. Call Box Office (01223) 357851 or email: tickets@cambridgelivetrust.co.uk.

Saturday 6th April, 7.30pm Royston Choral Society: J S Bach’s St John Passion Ashwell Parish Church, Mill Street, Ashwell SG7 5LY With guests soloists, Haileybury Choral Society and East Herts Sinfonia.

Musical director: Andrew O’Brien. Tickets £15 (concessions £12, school students £1) from: www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk; phone Caroline Franks (01920) 822723 or from a choir member.

Sunday 7th April, 2.00pm to 5.00pm National Garden Scheme Open Garden Netherhall Manor, Tanners Lane, Soham, Cambs CB7 5AB As featured on BBC Gardeners’ World; specialises in unusual and historic plant varieties including tulips and hellebores. Admission £3, children free. Home-made teas in aid of Fordham Church roof restoration.

Sunday 7th April until Sunday 27th October 2019, varying times Mr and Mrs Ravilious Fry Art Gallery, 19a Castle Street, Saffron Walden CB10 1BD Exhibition of the work of Eric and Tirzah Ravilious. Over 150 items on 22

display - watercolours, oils, ceramics and wood engravings, some previously unseen. Go to: www.frygallery.org for details/opening times.

Tuesday 9th April, 12.15pm to 2.15pm Home-Start Literary Lunch Old Bull Inn, High Street, Royston, Herts SG8 9AW Featuring Vitali Vitaliev, award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster. Tickets (with lunch) £15 from (01763) 262262, by email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc.

Saturday 13th April, 8.30am, Men’s Breakfast Meeting Village Hall, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RN Rev. Charity Nzegwu, Methodist Minister, gives her Easter message.

Contact Tony Garrick (01763) 221658; garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377; mark-howard@uwclub.net to reserve your place. £7 donation requested towards running costs. All welcome.

Monday 15th to Friday 19th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm Easter Gardens at Chippenham Park, near Ely, Cambs CB7 5PT Over 40 acres of formal gardens, wilderness, canals and walkways.

Food and refreshments at the Potting Shed café. Entry, adults £5, children free. Dogs on leads welcome. Visit: www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Sunday 28th April 10.00am to 5.00pm Artisan Fair Village Hall, 29 Hay Street, Steeple Morden SG8 0NQ Artisan crafts and produce, including handmade jewellery, paintings, textiles, knitwear and more. Admission free. Refreshments available.

Sunday 28th April, 3.00pm BBC Symphony Orchestra and Alexander McCall Smith Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency author brings to life much-loved characters from his books and introduces some of his favourite music.

Tickets £25-£40: www.saffronhall.com or box office on 0845 548 7650.

Tuesday 30th April, 10.00am to 12noon Wildflower Identification in Spring Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills Cambridge CB22 3AE Warden-led walk to learn how to identify wild flowers in spring. Meet at noticeboard in car park. Free but donations to their work welcomed.

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Compiled by John Crawforth

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

Day Centre Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays.

Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.

Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages.

From £8.40 per hour.

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

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We offer a FREE ini al appointment to discuss your circumstances, offering advice on Wills including ring-fencing your home from care and guidance regarding Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Bands.

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SATURDAY MORNING appointments available on the following date:* 6TH APRIL 2019 FREE WILL SERVICE for the over 55s through the Cancer Research Free Will Scheme.

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Volunteering Opportunities Village Highways Team This is a call for volunteers for the Village Highways Team. The team undertakes responsibilities such as cleaning road signs, ensuring signage is not overgrown and cutting back foliage and sidings when necessary.

This makes a major difference to our village and improves traffic safety.

Examples include the work undertaken on the footways by the Business Park and on North End after the Stocks. To volunteer, contact Pat Gilmore at gilmorepat@aol.com or telephone (01763) 263138.

Meldreth Traffic Working Group

Meldreth Community Litter Pick As in previous years, we have once again organised a Litter Pick in the extremities of the village not covered by our Parish Council's Litter Picker. Our throw-away society continues to ensure that there is a need to clear the same areas as last year!

Yellow jackets, pickers and gloves are all available ‌ we just need boots on the ground! Our Pick will be on Sunday 7th April 2019.

If you would like to participate, please email gvborgo@borgognon.net as soon as you can, to sign up and get further details.

Graham Borgonon

Do you have a passion to help local families overcome times of special difficulty?

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire needs more Trustees, and this passion, coupled with common sense, is what links everyone who works to achieve the remarkable successes of this local charity.

Our professional approach enables us to respond to referrals from many other agencies in the local community including health care, education, local authority and to requests from parents. The range of issues includes: y An isolated single parent with two young children, fleeing domestic abuse Continued ..

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y A family with five children, mother unable to leave the house due to anxiety and panic attacks y A child with Autistic Spectrum Condition; mum feeling very isolated and judged unable to leave the house.

Our statistics show that the weekly support from our well-trained volunteers helps restore confidence and control, leading to improved health and family relationships.

As an early intervention service, we help families ‘get back on track’, thus often preventing or reducing the need for statutory services or for a child to go into care. We estimate it costs £1500 a year to provide a volunteer, whereas it costs around £3,000 a week, or £156,000 year, to fund a child in residential care.

Good governance is key to providing this essential service and we provide a comprehensive induction programme for new trustees. We particularly need people with Finance, IT, HR, Social Media and Fundraising expertise. However, whatever your background, if you are keen to help us continue to make a real difference to the lives of local families, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal chat, please contact Maureen Brierley, our Chair of Trustees, on (01763) 262262.

Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.co.uk

Cambridgeshire Police Support Volunteers Police Support Volunteer (PSV) roles are unpaid positions, undertaken by those willing to give up their free, valuable, time. Volunteers assist us with improving the connection between the police and our communities and aim to improve the quality of life for all.

We welcome people who are committed to joining our police family to support and enhance the work we do to help us create a safer Cambridgeshire.

If you are genuinely interested in this role please register your interest please contactpsv@cambs.pnn.police.uk quoting reference PSVECOPS. Cambridgeshire Constabulary 26

Coton Electrical for all Domestic wiring Full rewiring Consumer units Lights and switches New sockets Gardens Kitchens & bathrooms

NEW! Inspections PAT Tests NEW!

• • • • • • •

Free estimates www.cotonelectrical.co.uk david@cotonelectrical.co.uk

Call David on 07749 850026 17 Flambards Close, Meldreth

Garden design & build Planting plans Landscaping Patios Decking Fencing Fully qualified

Mobile: 07957 256320 Phone: 01763 260400 www.yourgreenlounge.com

27

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

2

9.00-10.30am Yoga

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

1 8

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

Wednesday

Thurs 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

8.00-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.30-11.30am B&T Grp 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

7.30pm Slimming World

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

3

4

7.30pm Parish

10 1 7.30pm WI

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Compline, Holy Trinity Church 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-2.00pm British Queen 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

9.30-11.30am B&T Grp 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am onwa Hartbeeps (see

15 16 17 1 10.40-11.30 Mob. Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

8.00-10.00pm OT Dancing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

22 23 24 2 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.45pm Women’s Group

9.00-10.30am Yoga

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

9.15am Cycling Group

29 30

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

School Easter Holidays Last day of Spring term: Friday 5th April First day of Summer term: Tuesday 23rd April

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meldreth L Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

28

Diary - April 2019

sday Fitness

4

Table Council

Friday

Saturday

5

6

Sunday 9.00am Village Litter Pick, Fenny Lane (see back cover)

7

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club 5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ

Copy Deadline for the May Issue

8.00am Palm Sunday Holy Communion 5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

10.00am Children’s Easter Workshop and Easter Egg Hunt, Holy Trinity Church (See page 14)

9.45am Easter Sunday Family Communion 5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

Fitness

1 12 13 14 Pub Club,

8 19 20 21 Fitness Table

rds page 16)

2.00pm onwards Meldreth Bowls Club Open Day

8.00am Holy Communion

5 26 27 28

Fitness

2.00pm onwards Meldreth Bowls Club Open Day

Table

5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

The copy deadline for the May issue of Meldreth Matters is Friday 12th April

Refuse Collections Black bins: 2nd April, 16th April, 1st May* Blue/Green bins: 9th April, 25th April* * late collections due to Bank Holidays

ocal History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite 29

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Top branded designer Wallpapers and soft furnishings Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings Experts in home automated motorised solutions FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 www.sageblinds.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-4pm

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda design and construction

• General home repairs • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming • Professional service

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR

PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATIONS FOR

EXTENSIONS ALTERATIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS CONTACT US now to arrange a FREE on-site meeting at your convenience to discuss your project

01353 649649 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk www.elydesigngroup.co.uk

30

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk The main points of the meeting held on Thursday 7th March 2019 are set out below. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the web site at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice boards; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting.

Decisions taken: y Following discussion on the proposed routes by the East West rail consultation, it was agreed that the Parish Council would submit a response supporting the northerly routes proposed with a request that the CamBedRailRoad proposed route be evaluated further. y It was agreed that the Chairman and members of the Futures Working Group should meet with the Bowls Club to discuss their requests for funding support in more detail. y The Parish Council is concerned about a three-year agreement to support the Melbourn Area Youth Club. Attendance from Meldreth youth is very limited and it was agreed that Meldreth Parish Council representatives will meet with Melbourn Parish Council representatives to gain a better understanding and clarification of our concerns. y Quotations have been received for clearing the ditch at the back of the recreation ground but the work cannot be done until we have established if a better access can be agreed with SCDC using the track from Howard Road. y Problems have emerged on siting a new litter bin adjacent to the bench outside the school as there are roots and electrical installations that prevent its installation. It was agreed to monitor the situation to see if littering becomes a problem prior to finding a solution to its installation. y Three quotations have been received for the village grass cutting contract and it was agreed that the best quotation was from DP Gardens and that they should be awarded the three-year contract. y It has been agreed to appoint Mrs Sally Walmsley as assistant to the clerk for six hours per week. Mrs Walmsley is a qualified clerk.

31

y Councillor Searles agreed to make contact with Balfour Beatty to expedite the upgrading of footway lights in North End and Chiswick End. y The proposal from the Mettle Hill working group will be considered at the April meeting of the Parish Council.

Next meeting: Thursday, 4th of April, 7.30 pm, Village Hall.

Meldreth Parish Council

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 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Dog Walker & Animal Sitter Plus Holiday House Checks

The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

Please quote “Meldreth Mag”

My name is Kim, I am a caring and experienced dog walker with Kennel Club gold certificate. I can also cater for other pets in your own home.

I know your Pets are Family.

References available. Insured.

I also do house checks for those on holiday with or without pets. References available.

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Please call or text Kim on 07737 155554

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning Call today on 01223 863 632

32

G I L H O O LY

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MOTS Cars and vans Service and repairs to all COMMERCIALS HORSE BOXES MINI BUSES

VANS

Flexible working hours to suit you Monday — Saturday

Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 33

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

Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Personal care and a en on 24 hours a day by local caring, qualified staff

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

Memorials Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

01763 260431

Free Professional Bereavement Counselling available to all our clients

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth

Kingfisher House Fish Hill ROYSTON

Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Tel: 01763 242375 www.newlingsofroyston.co.uk 34

District and County Councillors’ Reports District Council Budget This is the first budget of the new Liberal Democrat administration. A summary from the Finance Portfolio Holder is included below.

Oil Club Rebate Donation Every year our household heating Oil Club gets a small rebate from our supplier. This year the sum of £75 will go toward support for the Young Carers Group at Melbourn Village College.

There are currently 39 Young Carers, including some from Meldreth. These are 11-16-year-olds, upon whom a family member or loved one depends for care.

Jeremy Cole of Agricole Oil Mental Health presenting a cheque to MVC A Mental Health support information Young Carers group evening took place at the Melbourn Hub on 13th March, focusing on Mind and Citizens Advice services offered from the Hub, plus Allyance School counselling.

All of these services benefit in some way from Cambridgeshire County Council or South Cambridgeshire District Council funding. The event was part of ‘Mindful March’ events at the Hub, which started with a new Dementia Friends group which Jose Hales has been helping to set up.

Drainage Tour We have asked the new Highways Officer if he’d like to tour Meldreth this spring, as we’ve done every year. We would like to liaise with the Flood Avoidance sub-committee on a suitable date.

Footpath 9 Upgrade It looks like the two developer contributions from Melbourn will merge timing-wise, allowing the project to begin to take shape in the coming months.

Community Rail Partnership Sarah Grove, Community Rail Partnership Officer, and Susan met Govia Thameslink in London last month, to lobby for restoration of semi-fast services. We think there could be an opening in December 2019.

We also raised strong concerns about Meldreth’s short 35

platforms. The Community Rail Partnership and the Rail User Group were both due to meet on 26th March.

Bassingbourn Barracks Susan attended a meeting at the Barracks last week to hear about the development plans now underway for the Barracks as a key MOD centre for the training of UK troops headed to overseas deployment.

South Cambridgeshire District Council Budget; contributed by Councillor John Williams, Finance Portfolio Holder South Cambridgeshire District Council’s is embarking upon its first ever Liberal Democrat Business Plan and has adopted a five-year budget to deliver it, increasing expenditure on general services to £20 million by 2023/24.

The Council is changing course to bring more opportunities for income generation and partnerships, delivering a bigger programme than that proposed by the previous administration. It also delivers a new organisation that is more responsive and productive to tackle the known and unknown challenges that we will face over the coming five years and beyond.

We will increase the General Fund reserve to be prepared for the Government’s Fair Funding Review and BRETIX in 2020. And we have avoided the need to borrow to lend to Ermine Street (the Council’s trading company that lets homes in the private market) and the Ice Rink, thereby increasing the income from these loans.

As the Council grows and transforms over the coming five years, we will see more of our income coming from commercialisation, to offset the loss of Government funding and the expected diversion of some business rates away from District Councils. This will give us a more diverse investment portfolio of up to £100 million.

So for the coming year, in return for a ten pence a week increase in South Cambridgeshire’s Council Tax for households in an average D band property, we will: y Have more resources to handle Universal Credit claims. y Introduce more online choices to make the Council more responsive. y Increase resources to tackle recycling.

36

y Spend more to build more homes that are affordable. y Spend more on green initiatives to achieve our zero-carbon goal. y Support wellbeing and healthy living which includes the mobile warden scheme. y Provide capital funds to diversify our income and have an investment strategy. y Bring our staff pay up to competitive levels. y Introduce a new system to handle planning applications.

The adoption of an investment strategy will ensure that in future all our investments are aligned with the Council’s Business Plan, deliver value for money and ensure that there is robust governance in place to ensure transparency and best practice. We will be introducing a new management structure to bring the Council in line with best practice in local government but this will be cost neutral and not adversely affect front lines services which will benefit from a more responsive organisation. South Cambridgeshire is embarking upon an exciting journey to deliver to its dynamic communities a dynamic plan to put the heart back into our District.

Councillor Drop-in Surgery: a change We’ve noticed over the past few months that demand for our monthly drop-in surgery is quite low. In fact, we usually have no takers.

Meanwhile, we’re finding that people regularly get in touch by telephone or in writing , usually by email. Therefore it seems to make sense to change things around: we are always contactable and can meet people any time at a time and date to suit. So, going forward, we will no longer hold the drop-in surgery, but are always available to talk by telephone or in person to discuss your questions and concerns. We hope this move sounds practical to you, as it does to us!

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574 Jose Hales, District Councillor jose@josehales.me.uk, 07703 262649 Philippa Hart, District Councillor philippajoyhart@gmail.com 07811 323571

37

MELDRETH

Home Extension Plans

LANDSCAPES

Thinking of extending your home?

Design & Layout Plans

I have helped many local people with ideas, practical solutions and preparing drawings for approval.

Hard Landscaping & Lighting

I offer competitive fees and my initial visit is free

Planting & Water Features

ring John Clements on

Pergolas, Decking, etc

01763 - 263275

Tel: 01763 261463

to arrange an appointment.

ADDS

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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & DRAWING SERVICE

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

adds.clements@btinternet.com

38

Neighbourhood Watch Keep Your Keyless Car Safe Following a rise across the eastern region in thieves using more sophisticated techniques to gain access to keyless entry/start button cars, Cambridgeshire Police are issuing advice to help you keep your vehicle secure and protect you from becoming a victim of crime.

Keyless entry works as follows: when the correct key fob is near the car, the fob recognises the signal and transmits its own code, instructing the vehicle to unlock the doors and to allow the ignition to work on the car. Thieves use wireless transmitters to capture its radio transmission, which allows the thief to open and start your car in the same way.

To prevent this from happening, use car key signal blocker cases/sleeves (they cost less than £10), or put your keys in an aluminium tin at home.

Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range, i.e. well away from your car.

Following some of these other steps will also help to protect your vehicle: y Use a good quality crook lock or full cover steering wheel security lock to immobilise your vehicle. y Consider fitting an ‘OBD safe’ device, a secure lockable device that fits over the vehicle’s on board diagnostic port, in the vehicle cabin. This prevents criminals using software to code an electronic key for the vehicle. y If your vehicle is fitted with on board wi-fi consider switching this facility off if you do not need it, which will reduce the chance of criminals hacking into the vehicle’s system and reading your banking details or personal data from linked devices. y Criminals can also employ remote/keyless entry jamming equipment, so make sure your car is locked physically by trying the door handle and viewing the indicators flash, before leaving it.

If you would like to be involved in crime prevention with Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 39

Holy Trinity Church: Lead Theft, July 2016 Readers may have heard or read about the recent trial of Petra Cazan at Cambridge Crown Court. Having been involved in replacing the south aisle roof with stainless steel and dealing with the associated internal damage caused, I attended the morning of the second day of the trial.

Cazan was charged on eighteen counts of Theft and Damaging Property, appearing in Peterborough Crown Court on 5th July 2017 submitting a plea of not guilty. The trial was scheduled for January 2018 but did not take place until 11th and 12th February 2019 at Cambridge Crown Court.

Petra Cazan had four or five accomplices who were arrested but subsequently disappeared, as did he, after the Peterborough hearing. Of the eighteen counts, ten were heard on the morning of 12th February.

The thefts stretched from Eastleigh in Hampshire through Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Two areas of evidence were crucial: mobile phone records combined with vehicle movements from Automatic Number Place Recognition (ANPR) cameras. A police officer gave evidence on this subject based on intelligence analysis amalgamating phone reports, call data records and ANPR data sourced during the investigation which suggested a particular mobile telephone number was being used by an individual.

One slight confusion was that a second SIM card belonging to the defendant’s girlfriend was found loose in the back of his mobile phone, posing the question of whether all usage from that mobile be attributed to the defendant. This challenge was dismissed, as each SIM card has a unique serial number. The sending postcodes of churches on the mobile phone was also found to be incriminating.

Further evidence was given online by a DNA expert and the defendant’s Counsel questioned her, testing her knowledge and asking if she was aware of the difference between light and heavy DNA. It appears that DNA could have be passed on by a handshake and then deposited on a item. His counsel were presumably trying to suggest the DNA evidence was not conclusive, but were unsuccessful in this.

No witnesses were called from any of the affected churches involved.

The prosecuting counsel went through each charge in detail referring to losses, costs and some witness statements. The worst of these was at Foxton where the total cost of three thefts between July and October 40

2016 for damage, temporary repairs and replacement of the lead is estimated over at £120,000. The Crown Prosecution Service said that Churchwarden Alan Fosbeary’s witness statement was in more than enough detail for the prosecuting counsel to refer to without the need for him to appear in court. Clearly Foxton is more than fortunate to have a retired surveyor as Churchwarden. They have yet to raise all the funds for the repairs. Alan mentioned the abandoned red van stuck in the soggy churchyard loaded with lead: the thieves removed the number plates but forgot that the DVLA could identify the owner from the engine number!

It was interesting to see and hear the proceeding but it did seem a bit hollow without a defendant present and giving evidence. The evidence heard was pretty compelling and the defendant’s counsel did not have many grounds on which to challenge it.

The final outcome was that Petra Cazan was convicted in his absence on 8th March of seven counts of theft and seven counts of criminal damage and he was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment.

John Price

A garage for the village, run by people from the village MOTs|Servicing|Tyres|Repairs|Diagnostics|Exhausts|Clutches|Cambelts Cars|Light Commercials|Free Collection and Delivery

Book Today Tel: 01223 491005 Email: Info@b2bauto.co.uk Web: www.b2bauto.co.uk

*Unit 2 * Whitecroft Road * Meldreth * Herts * SG8 6NE * 41

Melbourn & District U3A Melbourn and District U3A was formed in 1994 and today has an annual membership of about 500 mainly drawn from South Cambridgeshire and North Hertfordshire.

There are about 33 subject or activity groups, everything from languages, history, art, music, discussions and excursions together with sports and leisure activities. These are generally informal, with mutual self-help rather than a lecturer and student format. Most groups meet in the group leader's house in the morning or afternoon.

In some, the leader brings professional experience from practice or teaching and in others, the group consists of members of limited experience who help and encourage each other to a deeper understanding of, or greater skill in, their subject. There are no exams, just expansion of knowledge. The leader of one group is often a member of other groups. There is a range of capabilities amongst the members of each group and newcomers are welcomed regardless of experience or knowledge. We are all learning.

We hold a monthly general meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.45pm (but not in December) when there is opportunity for social exchange over tea, coffee and biscuits. At about 3.00pm there is usually a talk by a guest speaker. These monthly meetings are normally held in the hall of Melbourn Village College at which there is ample parking space.

Occasionally we cannot use the College Hall and we then meet at Foxton Village Hall, so it is best to check before your first visit. At the monthly meeting there are ‘greeters’ to welcome you and introduce you to others. You are welcome to visit, the first time as a guest; further details of what is on offer will be available from members there.

Melbourn & District U3A (the term U3A is notionally used as an acronym for ‘university of the third age’ is affiliated to the Third Age Trust. The Trust is a national organisation and a registered charity which provides benefits to all U3As by being a conduit for interchange of ideas, resources and in many other ways. Our subscription includes an amount due to the Trust. ‘Third Age’ arises from considering childhood and dependence as the first age; adulthood, marriage and family responsibility as the second; followed by retirement, the third age 42

giving time to indulge previously neglected interests or to expand horizons. Everyone who is no longer in full time employment is welcome to join. For further information and an application form for membership please contact our membership Secretary Chris Davison (01763) 264189 or visit the website www.u3asites.org,uk/melbourn.

Tony Garrick

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 £6 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

iPLASTER

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers:

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions”

01763 260 526 07837 645173

All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

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

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

43

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

18 West Way S/4387/18/FL

First floor rear extension and 3-bedroom annex to side.

24 Flambards Close S/0419/19/FL

Demolition of rear conservatory. Single storey rear extension and front lobby.

Single storey front extension

Recommend ‘No Recommendation’. There were no added comments.

Recommend ‘No Recommendation’. There were no added comments.

15 Bell Close S/0669/19/FL

134 High Street Remove sycamore tree due to S/0676/19/TP subsidence.

56 Whitecroft Road S/4837/18/NM

Non-material amendment of planning permission S/4085/18/FL

Recommend ‘Support’. There were no added comments.

It is reported that this tree does not have a TPO but is within a conservation area. There were no comments made by the Planning Committee.

Information Only. Noted by the Planning Committee.

There were no SCDC decisions.

The full minutes of Meldreth Parish Council planning meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the SCDC website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/ wphappcriteria.display PC Repairs

Cambourne Self Storage

Advice & Installation of Home Networks

Outdoor Storage

Help with Selecting a computer

24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year 24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV

Fault Finding

Sensor Flood Lighting

Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

Keypad Entry and High Security Locks,

E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk

Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors

01767 676189

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

www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk

44

MELDRETH BOWLS CLUB! North End, Meldreth, Royston, Herts SG8 6NR

OPEN DAYS Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April from 2.00pm Come and join us on one of our Open Days where you can try out lawn bowls and meet our Club members. Our licensed bar will also be open. All you need is a pair of flat shoes – we can supply the rest!

Whether you are a complete beginner or a “lapsed” bowler, people on their own, families, friends - everyone is welcome If you decide you would like to join our Club, we have an Introductory Offer of only £25.00 for the first year

For more information, please ring Peter Constable on 01223 207557 or check our website www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk 45

MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Vast Range of:

 Carpets and Vinyls  Real/Engineered Wood– Woodpecker, Xylo and many more  Balterio & Quickstep Laminates  Karndean, Amtico, Moduleo and Project Floors– Luxury Vinyl Tiles  Safety Flooring  Brand leading manufacturer samples available to take away Free survey and Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOMS 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.

www.melbournflooring.co.uk

@melbournflooring

46

News From Heidi Allen, MP www.heidiallen.co.uk As you probably now know, on Wednesday 20th February I announced my resignation from the Conservative Party and joined The Independent Group of MPs. This was an incredibly difficult decision. I have joined The Independent Group alongside ten other MPs of both Conservative and Labour backgrounds, because I believe our country deserves better: more competence, more collaboration, more expert analysis, more transparency, more care, more fairness and less entrenched political ideology. So in time, our intention is to form a new political party, positioned in the centre ground of British politics. More information, including my resignation letter and statement can be found on my website https://www.heidiallen.co.uk.

I know that not everyone will be happy, but I can honestly say I have been bowled over by the overwhelming support that literally thousands of my constituents have shown for my decision. It means so much to me to know that, hard though it was, my decision has been received so well locally.

I became an MP in 2015 as I wanted to serve my country and give a voice to those who did not have one; that has not changed. It remains a great honour to be your Member of Parliament and although I may have lost my party label, I have not lost my determination to serve you with everything that I have. I’ll continue to fight for the very best for South Cambridgeshire: providing excellent local services, ensuring fairer funding for those services, delivering on the vital infrastructure projects we need and continuing to be a voice for the vulnerable in our community.

I’m still ‘Heidi’ and ‘nothing has changed’ so whenever you need my help or are concerned about a local or national issue, you can still contact me as you always have. I’ll be organising some public meetings and get-togethers in the coming weeks and months so you can talk to me about my decision and learn more about my ambitions for this new political party. However, for now, back to the day job!

There have been some important developments on transport infrastructure in recent weeks. These vital announcements will shape our local infrastructure and transport for many years to come.

47

East West Rail For the last year, East West Rail (EWR) has been developing route options for the Bedford to Cambridge section of the new railway; the six week consultation period on the five options available ended on Monday 11th March. The final alignment of this rail line and new stations will be located within the broad area shown on this map. For further information see: eastwestrail.co.uk.

I am pleased to see that Cambourne features as a location for a possible new station. As we have good railway connections in the south of the constituency already, I really do feel we should be concentrating our priorities in the north. These are very early scoping corridors and we all have a role to play in feeding in our views!

Buses & Cycleways The Greater Cambridge Partnership has published its consultation on phase 2 of the Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Project. The consultation seeks views on the link west of Madingley Mulch roundabout to Bourn Airfield and on to Cambourne, and a new Park & Ride facility. The consultation closed on 31st March.

Full details are available here: https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/ transport/transport-projects/cambourne-to-cambridge/cambourne-tocambridge-phase-2/.

The A 428 Finally, it’s the turn of the A428! Highways England has published their long-awaited proposals for the A428 between Black Cat and Caxton Gibbet. Full details are available here: https:// highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/a428-black-cat-to-caxton-gibbet/.

The ‘orange route’ (shown on the map below as the darker line labelled J) has been chosen by Highways England; it runs north of the current A428 in contrast to the two southern options considered. Having supported this route with local residents and parish councils for the last two years, I am relieved! The plans also outline how improvements will be made to the Black Cat roundabout. The consultation on the A428 48

will take place later this year. I have made it clear to Highways England that it is important they complete these final stages of consultation and get on and deliver this major improvement urgently. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure construction starts as soon as possible.

As I said at the beginning, it’s business as usual and if there is anything you would like to talk to me about, I will be holding two surgeries this month. No appointment is necessary for either of the following: Friday 5th April: Bar Hill Tesco, CB23 8EL from 3.30pm to 5.00pm.

Saturday 6th April: Drop in surgery at Abbeyfield, Girton Green, Wellbrook Way, Girton CB3 0GQ from 10.30am to 12.30pm. No appointment necessary!

If you would like an appointment to see me, my next by appointment surgery will be on Thursday 2nd May between 3.00pm and 5.00pm at my office in Hardwick. If you would like an appointment, please call my office on (01223) 830037. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, please email: heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office. See you next month!

Heidi Allen MP 49

Grant Funding for Small and Medium Businesses Small and medium businesses in Cambridgeshire can access grant funding and free energy efficiency reviews, thanks to European Union Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding.

The Business Energy Efficiency programme can potentially provide grant funding up to a maximum of ÂŁ20,000, or 25% of project costs, to eligible businesses for energy efficiency improvement measures such as LED lighting, heating, insulation and solar PV. The pot of grant funding is limited and businesses are urged to register their interest by 30th June 2019 at www.beecp.org/sign-up or telephone (01733) 882549 or email info@beecp.co.uk.

Cath Boughton Marketing Officer Business Energy Efficiency Programme Peterborough Environment City Trust

Camsight Events Camsight is a Cambridgeshire based charity that supports local people with low vision and blindness. Please help us by supporting our events this month.

Dining in the Dark, Friday 5th April Guests are invited to eat blindfolded at The Red Lion in Hinxton.

See: www.camsight.org.uk/Event/dining-in-the-dark-2019.

Concert with the Easter Concert Orchestra, Sunday 14th April West Road Concert Hall. All ticket proceeds will be going to Camsight.

See www.camsight.org.uk/Event/concert-for-cam-sight.

Future events include a charity golf day on 12th July and a London to Cambridge bike ride on 21st July.

For further details see www.camsight.org.uk/Event/golf-day-2019 and www.camsight.org.uk/ appeal/london-to-cambridge-bike-ride-2019.

Nick Burr Fundraising and Promotions Officer Camsight 50

What would you do to Improve Health Services in Cambridgeshire?

The NHS is developing a local plan and needs your help How would you make it easier for people to look after their own health and wellbeing?

Participate in this survey from Healthwatch and have your say on local services. In particular, Healthwatch wants to hear your ideas about y Making it easier for people to access support closer to home and via technology. y Doing more to help people stay well. y Providing better support for people with cancer, mental health conditions, heart and lung diseases, and other long-term conditions. y Providing better support for people as they get older and experience conditions such as dementia.

Share your ideas Your local NHS needs to hear from you about what it should do to make care better for your community.

Feedback online at https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/what-would-you-do Call your local Healthwatch on 0330 355 1285, text 0752 0635 176.

Or visit www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire

Did You Know?

Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) has launched a new Twitter account in order to better engage with rural communities in the county. The social network will be used to promote the brilliant work the team does to keep rural areas of Cambridgeshire safe and enable officers to engage directly with those interested in rural crime.

You can find the account on Twitter by following @CambsRuralCops and also searching the hashtag #RCAT. 51

Free Business Seminars Do you own or run a business locally?

Have you taken the steps you need to in order to protect the

business from fire?

Would you like to come along and hear from a Fire Protection Officer to find out more about keeping your business in business?

Would you like the help you need to build a free risk assessment

for your business?

Sign up today for a FREE business seminar with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

On average there are 165 fires in business premises in Cambridgeshire each year with many of those businesses not going on to trade again.

Attending a free Business Seminar with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service can help you to get the support you need to keep your business safe from fire and to ensure those working there are protected.

We are determined to support and inform business owners across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on fire safety legislation and to help you put together a free Fire Risk Assessment to help you to protect your business from fire.

Whether your business runs out of a small industrial unit, is a sidestreet coffee shop or a licensed premise, our free workshops will help you to understand important legislation and build a comprehensive risk assessment to protect you and your business.

Our seminars run across the county in various locations and can additionally be arranged ad-hoc to requirements wherever possible.

Contact us today – for more information on upcoming seminars or to book a place contact us on: 01480 444 500 or book online at www.cambsfire.gov.uk.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

52

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

Licensed bar Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates) Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on) Snooker room, Pool table Large children's outdoor ac vity area Bowls green, Petanque pistes Football pitches, changing rooms

1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es Club Charity - LUPUS

ROYSTON FENCING TEL 01763 261150 FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

Now treating paddocks & large areas

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

53

BESPOKE LAWNCARE SERVICES SINCE 2005 Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

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) 248239 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

Childn.

Baby & Toddler Group Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidiallen.co.uk

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Councils & Govt.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

54

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

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

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)

55

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6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

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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.

Abode Town & Country………....…17 ADDS……………………….......……38 Affordable Plumbing .........................5 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................33 Art of Clean ....................................32 Art of Clean Wood .........................11 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........38 B2B Automotive .............................41 Cambourne Self Storage .................44 Cambridge Solar ........................Cover Cambridge Sunblinds .......................19 CHS Day Centre .............................24 CHS Group .....................................34 Coton Electrical ..............................27 The Country Store .............................5 Dog Walker/Animal Sitter ..............32 Ely Design Group ...........................30 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........53 Gilhooly ..........................................33 The Green Lounge ..........................27 iPlaster ............................................43 Lawn Partners .................................53 The Letting Centre .....................Cover

Little Hands Nursery School ...........43 Melbourn Flooring ..........................46 Melbourn Village College (1) ...........46 Melbourn Village College (2) ...........27 Meldreth Landscapes ......................38 Meldreth Plant Hire ...........................7 Moncraft Computers .......................44 Nancy Foster Footcare ....................30 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service34 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .....30 Penn Farm Physiotherapy…...........…46 Polished Nails & Beauty .................24 Reflections Hair Studio ...................34 Richard Burns Electrician ..................10 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Royston Fencing ..............................53 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................30 Shelford Energy ................................10 Slimming World ...............................19 Summit Landscapes .............................5 Village Garden Services ....................11 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ........24 Yoga2 Classes……………………Cover 56

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

RML

IT CONSULTANTS LTD

RML IT Consultants Ltd Newton Hall, Town Street, Newton, Cambridge CB22 7ZE Tel: +44 (0) 1223 873747, Mobile 07946 216268 Email: info@rmlconsultants.co.uk

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whatever the size of your company we can help‌ Internet connection and security Firewall/VPN solutions provider Installations and upgrades Network and computer support Wireless networking and security

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