Meldreth Matters, August 2015

August 2015

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Meldreth Matters, August 2015 Contents include …

Valerie Hatfield (1941-2015) Dennis Pepper (1922-2015) August Event in Meldreth Music and Verse in Melwood Letters to the Editor Photographic Club Gardening District Councillor’s Report Mettle Hill - Current Options County Councillor’s Report Station Ramp Campaign News from Heidi Allen For Conscience Sake Local History Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council Good Companions & WI Women’s Group British Legion Women’s Section Friends of Holy Trinity Church News Cambridge Women’s Aid Pre-School Primary School Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival Melbourn Sports Centre Local Events Planning Matters Information and Advice Pages Local Links Index to Advertisers Local Telephone Numbers

Page 2-4 5-7 9 10-11 12-13 15 16-17 17 18-20 22-23 23-25 26 29 30-31 33 37-41 42 43 44 46 46-48 51 53 54-55 56 57 58-59 60-61 62-64 66 67 68

Welcome to the August issue of Meldreth Matters.

On 16th July, Ann Barnes and I represented Meldreth Matters at the Community Magazine Awards Evening. The awards are now in their seventeenth year and are run by The Cambridge Building Society in conjunction with the Cambridge News.

Forty-five magazines were entered into the competition and were judged on their 2014 issues. I’m pleased to announce that Meldreth Matters picked up an award for the second year running, receiving the Bronze Award in the High Frequency category. This is for magazines that have ten to twelve issues each year.

I’d like to thank the rest of the MM team, the deliverers and all of our contributors for their part in achieving this success.

Kathryn

Cover: Meldreth Motor Co. in High Street, Meldreth c. 2000 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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Valerie Hatfield (1941-2015) Val grew up in Hull, where she was born in 1941. Having met Pete in her first place of work, they married in 1966. When their sons, Mark and Paul, were old enough, Val started a new career working for Hull Social Services. Following the sudden death of Pete's uncle, Mac, landlord of the British Queen in 1978, the Hatfield family moved from Hull to Meldreth to help Madge continue running the pub until she decided to retire and move away, leaving Pete and Val to take over the pub full-time.

Val and I soon became friends - a friendship that was always full of laughter and hilarious escapades on our 'Wander Wegging' (days out in my car). Val couldn't drive and I couldn't navigate, but we found some lovely garden centres and places to visit - few of which we could re-visit because we never knew how we got there in the first place, though we always found our way home! We enjoyed many trips abroad, starting with a coach trip to Paris, organised by Val and Geoff Robinson, ensuring the bar was wellstocked before setting off from the British Queen early on a Friday morning. Val and I palled up with Jan Halson on this trip, and we became the 'Interpreter' (Jan), the 'Banker' (Val) and the 'Gofer' (me)!

At the first tollgate in France we thought we'd lost Jan when she spent two hours in the office with the driver and police explaining why the passenger list and our passports didn't tally, but they eventually allowed us to continue our journey. At our hotel I discovered that half a glass of duty-free Blue Smirnoff would have Val laughing her head off all night and bring out her caring nature. After dinner, the three of us decided to walk back to our hotel, but Val became concerned about all the homeless and dossers sleeping on air vents and shop corners and tried to take them back to the hotel. We did manage to get back to the hotel without any 'extras'. In our room I had Gofer duties of getting the radiator to work. When Val was getting into bed, she looked like a 2

Sumo wrestler getting into a size 12 leotard, yanking out all her neatlymade bedding which led to the bed collapsing. When we could speak from laughing, I - as the Gofer - had to fix it, but she wasn't getting out because she'd made it 'comfy'. In between laughter, I eventually succeeded. Val was efficient at her banking duties until we were coming back down the Eiffel Tower to return to the coach, when I stopped to use the toilets. On my way out, I was confronted by a very large Madame sitting behind a table and a sign, pointing to a bowl in front of her. I tried to explain that my friend had my money and that she was outside, but she obviously didn't speak English and became even more irate and loud, so I squeezed past her and legged it down the stairs, calling to Val and Jan, with the French lady screaming in hot pursuit. Thankfully, we got safely back onto the coach in record time.

The Paris trip was the first of our hilarious escapades where we found something to laugh about from the time we met up to the time we got home.

After being at the British Queen for a few years and in addition to her home, mother and pub duties, Val went back to her job as a carer - this time three nights a week at Moorlands in Melbourn. She continued this until they left the pub and moved into Elin Way in 1987, when she went full-time doing shift duties, which left plenty of time to keep up our 'Wander Wegging'. Abiding memories of our breaks away include being dumped in the sand off the back of a camel in Gran Canaria and doing a good impression of the Two Fat Ladies dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy in Portugal, when we went for a long walk along the beach at the water's edge to the next village, only to find the pavement there was as hot as burning coals, but the tide had come in so we had to hop and jump down cobbled streets for a mile back to where we left our money, shoes - and Peter!

In 1999, I became a grandmother, and Val was promoted to deputy head at Moorlands working weekdays, so our 'Wander Wegging' was put on hold, but we still met up and it was never too long before something reminded us of some scrape and we'd go off in screeches of laughter. Val was always going to retire next birthday, next Christmas, next something, but she loved her job so much that retirement never came. Unfortunately, ill health did and last October Val had to have an enormous operation from which no-one else would have recovered; but she did and tried to return to work. However, a further decline in health earlier this year forced her to give it up. Chris Dunning and I started taking her out 'Wander Wegging' again whenever she felt up to 3

it and we usually chose to do this on a Tuesday so that Pete could go off fishing. We managed to have many laughs though not so many scrapes, despite getting her walking aid trapped in the back door. In May, Val went into the Arthur Rank Hospice, where Chris and I visited regularly, taking sweets, grapes or my home-grown strawberries, at which Val would make some quip about me always bringing in goodies that I might also nibble. During her last conversation with me, she requested a dish of strawberries and thick cream next time, which I took, but sadly she was too ill to be aware and passed away two days later.

I can't think of Val as an angel, knowing the scrapes we got into, and I've never thought about afterlife but the next time I went to gather strawberries from my raised bed, I found a blackbird jumping up to peck a few hanging very low, and it did make me wonder, … so just in case, there are still some ripe ones left for you, Val ... but you'll have to bring your own cream!

Heather Knight

Community Benefit from Solar Farms Meldreth Parish Council will be receiving a one-off payment of £50,000 from SunEdison and approximately £12,000 per year (index linked) for the next 20 years from Lightsource.

The Parish Council would like to spend this money on a project or projects that will benefit the whole community.

If you have any ideas or would like to join a working party to determine how the money should be spent, please contact Judy Damant, Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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Dennis Pepper (1922-2015) Memories of Dad Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, farmer, bowler, bell ringer, choir singer and amateur photographer.

Other interests included game shooting and sea fishing.

All of these showed Dad’s zest for life and his interest in everything around him.

The day before he died he still managed to get to the British Queen on his mobility scooter for a pint of beer. He had made good use of the scooter since he finally stopped driving.

Dad was ever the optimist, always glass half full rather than glass half empty, and brushed off setbacks. He was also unfailing in his generosity and willingness to help others. It was practically a village saying that “Den Pepper will do it” if anything needed sorting.

He was a raconteur, with a wicked sense of humour. He was an intrepid traveller even in his later years, visiting his eldest sister Iris in Canada and driving across the US as far as Alaska in his eighties.

With mother’s support he was a generous entertainer, never happier than when sitting down to a meal with family and friends at the cottage in Brewery Lane, particularly at Christmas and New Year when we would visit for a few days. My four boys would consume vast amounts of food and Nicholas, when asked by his grandmother when we were going, said “when the food ran out”. The fact that it lasted several days speaks volumes I think.

A farmer and countryman to the core, when Sarah and I were children our bedtime stories were about the legendary antics of the farm’s horses 5

– leaping Lena and Samson, which he took charge of at a very young age.

After leaving school at 14, he cycled to Cambridge for evening classes at the Technical College in mechanical engineering. This enabled him to repair all the farm machinery, from the combine harvester, tractors, Land Rover and family cars to lorries in later years. The latter were for the haulage business he started up with Bill Oliver, who farmed in Melbourn.

Bill, too, was a raconteur with a dry sense of humour which cemented their firm lifelong friendship, widely admired. Their longstanding partnership forming a machinery syndicate so they jointly owned key machinery, enabled them to keep ahead at a time when farming was changing very rapidly with advances made practically every day.

Together they made maximum use of all the new techniques and technology that came available but not before asking, “is it worth it?”

Woe betide any travelling salesman who happened to come onto the farm when they were both there with some time to spare.

Dad loved pheasant shooting and going ducking on the Wash, and was never happier than when he brought home a tasty rabbit or hare for the evening meal. He adored his gundogs, Sheila and her daughter Sue; Welsh springer spaniels which he had trained from scratch and they in turn adored him.

He had many hobbies throughout his life. One of the first was amateur photography, which involved the kitchen regularly being turned into a darkroom to develop his photographs, often of us children for Christmas cards to be sent to friends and family. The biggest problem he had was getting us both to smile at the same time.

Bell ringing and Meldreth church were also central to his life, even though he had been brought up a Methodist. His father had been the organist at Meldreth Methodist chapel for decades. Dennis was great friends with John Gipson and a member of the ancient society of college youths. As well as bell ringing practice nights and services in Meldreth, he regularly rang at Great St. Mary’s in Cambridge and often went to Trumpington for Tuesday practise night, which the team usually followed with a trip to a curry house, and he rang many peals.

Arthur Harcourt, headmaster at Bassingbourn school where mother taught, talked him into joining his choir because there was always a shortage of basses. He enormously enjoyed taking part in the annual 6

Cambridgeshire combined choirs Christmas concert, singing Handel’s Messiah or Haydn’s Creation at the Guildhall or Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius in Ely. But his biggest passion, the one that took over, was bowling both indoors and outdoors.

He was a founder member of the Club in Meldreth, one of the youngest. As a child I can remember Fred Farnham cycling up the field to Meldreth Bowls Club in 1972 persuade Dad to Dennis is seated in the centre, behind the trophy, stop combining with Dorothy stood behind him early so he had enough people for a bowls match. He went on to be its captain for many years, leading winning teams in county championships – but he still found time to mow the green on Saturday mornings. He was a parttime farmer and full time bowls player! He was one of the members who put heart and soul into the Club and saw the new club house built and the green extended with another rink added.

So, a man of many parts who enjoyed life to the full in the village he was born in and whose wit, good humour and generosity was appreciated by all who knew him.

I am sure by now he would be saying “that’s enough going on boy, you’re wasting valuable drinking time”.

David Pepper Editor’s Note: You can read and listen to several of Dennis’ memories on Meldreth Local History Group’s website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Once on the home page, search for “Dennis Pepper”.

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August Event in Meldreth To see your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Saturday 22nd August 3.00 – 5.00pm The Betty Greasley Education Charity will be holding a Fundraising Tea Party at Jackie & John Rogger’s home ‘The Rushes’, 81 North End, Meldreth Please join us for a delicious tea!

The Betty Greasley Education Charity was set up in memory of Betty, the wife of our former vicar Jim and a very popular and much loved teacher at Meldreth Primary School, who died in 2006.

The charity supports the Jersey School in Katete, Zambia. It has to date helped to provide textbooks, the refurbishing of old buildings, the setting up of a specialist classroom for computers and for the pre school, toys and outdoor play equipment, the building of a three– classroom block (opened in 2013), along with equipping a staff room and an extension of an existing teaching block (during 2014). We are helping to provide, a large new block of four classrooms plus offices for the completion of the Secondary part of the school. At present there are just under 1000 pupils and in January next year the school will provide the full 12 grades of Zambian schooling. We are hoping to provide some £10,000 of the £35,000 needed for this final project. Much of that money has been raised and £3,500 already sent. Whatever we are able to give will help the school complete the project earlier than their funding would allow them to do. It brings to a conclusion our fund raising for Jersey School, Katete, having enabled rapid development over the last nine years.

If you would like to know more about this charity or donate to the fund, please contact either myself, Jackie Rogger on (01763) 260809 or Jill Price on (01763) 260048.

Pauline Penfold (01763) 260163 penfold001@btinternet.com 9

Music and Verse in Melwood On Saturday 27th June, Melwood Conservation Group organised a summer evening of music and verse in the meadow beside the Melwood Nature Reserve. The event was free and open to the public, who were invited to come along and listen to verse from local poets and music from the local rock/folk group, CarnaC. About 50 people attended, most bringing chairs and a picnic to enjoy on what proved to be a very pleasant summer evening.

A covered stage was very kindly donated for the evening by Tony Phillips, Director of the charity, Real Life. He used the Greenstage construction that he had produced under commission from the National Trust. The basis of the commission was that the frame should be constructed from wood available on the site – typically coppice in the case of the National Trust. With Melwood being only a small area with insufficient long poles for the purpose, Tony brought in the required timber but the construction was no less impressive and used remarkably little wood for the size of area covered.

The event started with some poems, written and read by Clare Crossman, who, with Bruce Huett, organised the event on behalf of the Melwood Conservation Group. Further original poems were read by Yvonne Chamberlain, who many will know from her previous role in the local Post Office. Both Clare and Yvonne are members of Meldreth Gallery Writers. The general theme of their work related to the natural world and climate change, which was appropriate for an event in a 10

nature reserve. Tony Phillips then showed that he was not only talented in construction using natural timbers, but was also a gifted musician, singer and song-writer. Tony’s solo session was followed by further readings by J. S. Watts, a poet and novelist who lives in Bassingbourn.

The evening then turned to the music of CarnaC, a folk/rock band whose six members are Steve Collins, Penni McLaren Walker, John Campbell Armer, Bryan Causton, Kevin Neaves and Guido M. Rincon.

Individually and as a group, the band have many years experience and this became immediately obvious by the standard of their performance.

Members of the group had previously been in bands including “Shave the Monkey”, “Kings of Langley” and “Albion Morris”, in some cases being founder members. Their programme contained English and Spanish folk songs and some spectacular instrumental pieces in which members of the group showed skill on more than one instrument.

Bryan Causton’s mandolin provided a real taste of summer holidays in warmer climates. CarnaC also made good use of the talents of awardwinning singer/songwriter, Penni McLaren Walker, who performed some new pieces alongside well-known popular works.

The evening ended at about 9.30pm with a few words from acting chairman Bruce Huett about the Conservation Group and the management of the meadow. Some areas had to be cut to make room for the stage and for the audience but areas in full bloom were left to provide seeds for future years. The cut areas will also help smaller species that might otherwise have been swamped by taller plants. Their progress will be monitored, to guide future cutting policy.

Melwood Conservation Group wishes to thank all contributors and visitors, in particular those who managed to clear the stage and equipment from the wood in less than half an hour, as darkness descended. The group also thank Margaret Hunter, on whose land the event was held and Melbourn Parish Council, for the use of the generator that gave CarnaC light and power for their instruments.

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Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group

Letters to the Editor Response to Miss Hunter’s Letter in July Issue I am answering on a personal basis the criticism of the Parish Council in Miss Hunter's letter in the July issue of Meldreth Matters as the Council does not meet again until September and Councillors had not all seen the letter at our 2nd July meeting.

I am one of the three councillors who were elected at the ballot box in the 2003 elections. Since then, in spite of efforts to attract candidates, Meldreth has not had enough candidates for an election. We currently have a vacancy for a new Councillor and would welcome new blood.

In the twelve years I have had the honour to serve Meldreth, much has been achieved with the first Parish Plan and the subsequent implementation team (details at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk), which addressed many of the things that residents did not like about Meldreth.

The topics from the Parish Plan that we addressed and then delivered on included: Supporting and negotiating two affordable housing estates for local people Defending the closed travellers site against reoccupation and subsequently purchasing it Providing the research on how the British Queen should be to meet resident's desires, which led to its sale to a local family Upgrading the play area at the recreation ground Setting up Speedwatch Lowering the speed limits on Whitecroft, Kneesworth and Whaddon Roads and Fenny Lane.

We certainly don't have time to stand around talking!

To answer Miss Hunter's concerns on the Mettle Hill site we accept that there has been a delay in finding a use for the five-acre site. We decided to allow the interest in the site to die down while making sure it was protected against illegal occupation. We then invited volunteers from residents to join us in a working party to research possible new uses for the site that would benefit and gain approval from residents.

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We had a very poor take up from the village until nine months ago when District Councillor Philippa Hart volunteered to lead a group to come up with well researched ideas. The group reported back to the Annual Village meeting in May but in spite of three large banners in the village announcing that the future of Mettle Hill was the hot topic of the meeting village attendance was poor and Miss Hunter seems to be unaware of the actions we are taking.

The extract of the latest Parish Council meeting in this issue will update the position and the next steps.

Rob Searles Event in Melwood I would like to thank the Melwood committee, and others who took part on Saturday 27th June in Melwood, for a lovely evening of excellent poetry and prose readings. The music was amazing from guest performers, folk musicians band, CarnaC. They performed in a stage setting made of natural materials. Over 40 people came with their chairs and picnics to listen and support the work of Melwood volunteers. A brilliant evening and we hope it returns next year and even more people come.

Joan Gane

Views Wanted on Future of District Elections A ten-week consultation has been launched to ask how often elections should be held to appoint Councillors to South Cambridgeshire District Council. Local residents, businesses and other organisations are being asked whether there should be a move to ‘all-out’ elections of the whole Council once every four years, or preservation of the current ‘by thirds’ system of electing one-third of Council seats each year for three successive years out of four.

The consultation closes on 18th September. Background information and an online survey form can be found at www.scambs.gov.uk/localelections-consultation.

Paper surveys are also available from richard.may@scambs.gov.uk or by telephoning (01954) 713366.

South Cambridgeshire District Council 13

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club The new Club season is now just weeks away and will begin on Tuesday 15th September. The programme for the new season is still being finalised but will comprise an exciting mixture of photographic talks, competitions and Club evenings. Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall through to April 2016.

At this time of year, the Club particularly welcomes new members, whatever their ability and will provide support to beginners to help them to take better photographs and to improve their post-processing skills. If you are looking to take your photography more seriously, please come along.

Forgotten Croft by Keith Truman

The full program for last year and other useful information about the Club, including a selection of our work, can be found on the Club's website: http://melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk. Our new programme will be posted to the website in mid August.

Anyone wishing to know more details about the Club should email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Keith Truman 15

Notes From a Small Garden Jim has thinned out the Victoria plums and supported the branches. This is an essential job to get good sized fruit and avoid broken branches. He and Jane have planted a fig in their front garden. Figs are best planted with the roots contained so they have sunk a large tub in a hot spot. The peaches have been infected with leaf curl. This is a fungal disease; to gain control, pick off all affected leaves and spray with Bordeaux mixture. Julie has eight peaches on her tree, hopefully not too close together! Jim has bought a new variety of peach called Avalon Pride which he hopes is immune to leaf curl disease. They are keeping it in a pot and will plant it out in the autumn. Regular watering has been the key for small stoned fruit trees. Jim and Julie have worked hard at this and Jim is hoping for a reasonable crop on his apricot tree.

The melons, cucumbers and tomatoes are growing well in Jim's greenhouse and he was planning to put some more outside in the cold frame in early July. He and Jane are planting more Verbascums in the front garden as when in flower these attract bees and a mass of hover flies, the larvae of which feed on green fly. Verbascums are easy to grow from seed and if sown early will flower in the first year.

Julie has had some serendipitous things happen in the garden this year: plants which fit beautifully together, either in form or colour, by luck rather than design! She has a very good book by Anna Pavord of the Independent called Plant Partners, a most useful book. Julie's top three this year are a dark pink dahlia with dark leaves, with purple blue phlox, rosa Brother Cadfael (David Austin) and an apricot physique, and clematis Gravetye Beauty, a lovely red tulip shaped flower, winding in and out of a scarlet old fashioned penstemon.

Things to do Take cuttings of carnations and pinks. Towards the end of the month sow poppies, cornflowers, larkspur and Iceland poppies. These will flower in spring and early summer. Sow Winter Density lettuce to overwinter in a cold frame. As the summer fruiting raspberries finish, cut out the old canes and tie in the new growth.

Cut down border geraniums and alchemilla, marjoram and lemon scented verbena if you haven’t already. They will produce lovely, new fresh leaves very quickly. Delphiniums will flower again if you are 16

lucky. Cut them down to twelve inches and give them a good mulch with compost. This really works. Jim gave me this tip some years ago.

Also cut down philadelphus after flowering. It's not too late to cut down clematis Montana if yours is like Julie's this year - mostly like a bird's nest!

Good gardening Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

District Councillor’s Report Fillcup Field It is anticipated that this application will now be heard by the Planning Committee at SCDC on 5th August. Members of the public are permitted to attend; if you wish to speak in support of or against the application you MUST notify the Council prior to the committee meeting, otherwise you will not be permitted to appear. Each speaker is limited to a three minute period.

A survey to obtain data on pedestrian and bicycle journeys between Meldreth and Shepreth has been carried out by local volunteers and this will be fed back to the Highways and Planning departments.

Surgeries Since being elected in May 2014 I have been holding surgeries on the first Monday afternoon in the month, alternating between Elin Way Community Room in Meldreth and The Plough in Shepreth.

Attendance is very poor, if not to say non-existent, and as a result I have decided to discontinue this service. However, please do not hesitate to contact me using the details given below should you have any matters you wish to discuss with me.

Philippa Hart District Councillor, Meldreth and Shepreth philippajhart@btinternet.com 07811 323571 or (01763) 261255 17

Mettle Hill - Summary of the Current Options In last month's magazine, we set out in summary the background for setting up the Mettle Hill Working Group and what the Group felt to be important in making decisions about the future of the site. We summarise below the uses we feel are currently worthy of consideration. Both summaries will be reproduced in a leaflet which will be delivered to every Meldreth household in late August/early September. The leaflet will include a questionnaire so that we can canvass your views and details of how to submit your answer will be included in the leaflet.

1. Self Build These are houses built either by the future owner themselves, or their agents. A group of individuals can co-operate to build their homes, sometimes with a developer. The owners influence the design. Most self-builders would want freehold of their site. Leasehold is possible, but would require a Community Trust to manage the developments, and administer the lease.

Advantages More affordable housing with individualistic designs.

Profit from sale of the land or income from rents.

Disadvantages Difficult planning consent, as it is outside the village envelope and each house would require separate consents.

Without planning consent land has low value.

If freehold, the village would lose control of the site; leasehold would require considerable administration and maintenance costs

2. Live/Work These are permanent dwellings which include a home and a workplace.

The workplace and home can be in the same building or alongside one another. They can be any size or design, but require individual planning consent.

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Advantages Cash from sale of land or income from rents.

Artisan businesses would be encouraged in the village.

Disadvantages Planning consents difficult and required separately for each unit.

If leasehold, cost to Meldreth of clearing and making the site safe (see below).

Administration costs of leasing.

Few live/work projects have been established nationwide. New ventures have often become purely residential with no business established.

3. Park Homes These are detached bungalow-style homes set in a private estate, built to a British Standard. Although moveable, they are permanent homes connected to main utilities, built of timber and plastics. The flexible design has, typically, three bedrooms, a sitting room, dining area, fitted kitchen and bathroom. They are usually sold furnished, with a small garden area. The estate is laid out to roads, footpaths and landscaped with trees, shrubs and open spaces. The cost of a small basic unit is about ÂŁ140,000 with larger units costing more.

Advantages Inexpensive housing for Meldreth.

Income from rents is potentially high or cash from sale of land to a developer.

Planning consent is easier for this mobile home development.

If Meldreth works with a Park Home developer, there will be no clearance or set up cost to the village.

The village controls the land if done on a leasing basis.

Disadvantages Park Homes are mobile homes, not permanent dwellings.

Developer involvement introduces middle man and inflates unit prices over what a DIY mobile home would cost. continued ...

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4. Other Uses/Mixed Use Other uses were considered by the group, such as allotments or an area for wildlife. The village is currently experiencing a slightly increased demand for allotments, which until now has been satisfied by the Fenny Lane allotments. Both/either of these uses could be included in a mixed use site alongside any of the above uses and the group is strongly supportive of this.

We also considered suggestions that the site could be used for a woodland burial ground. Again demand is an issue; there have been four burials in the village cemetery (which, contrary to reports, has plenty of space) so far this year and trends suggest that cremation is becoming more common. In our estimation, taking into account the cost of clearing the front of the site, we could neither recommend this use for the whole site, nor, given its sensitive aspect, support it as part of a mixed use scheme.

5. Sale There have been a number of enquiries to purchase/lease the site as it is.

A Park Homes developer has offered to buy it at considerably more than our purchase price and we have received offers from both the Showman's Guild and other showmen to buy the site for the purposes of providing more plots for showmen.

Advantages Cash from the sale.

Disadvantages Loss of control of the site and its future use.

6. Do nothing Make the site safe and secure by demolishing dangerous buildings, and infrastructure.

Advantages Time to consider new options.

Disadvantages Cost to Meldreth, approximately ÂŁ28,000.

Mettle Hill Working Group 20

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21

County Councillor’s Report The following report was provided for the Parish Council meeting on 2nd July.

1. Through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) award to the A10 Corridor, which the A10 Corridor Cycle Campaign helped to bring about, Melbourn Area Youth Development Youth Club has been awarded another round of Bike Bank funding – that’s the bicycle maintenance course for young people providing employable skills.

2. The LSTF work also involves working with local employers on Travel Planning and Travel to Work schemes. The Parish Council, as an employer, is eligible to sign up for the latter which does involve financial benefits around discounts on cycles and rail fares.

3. Unitary Authorities and Combined Authorities Central Government has signalled a bold move in the direction of devolution though it is not clear how this would translate at a local level. If the City Deal governance is anything to go by then there are concerns, because ‘local’ means decisions being taken by a triumvirate of three council leaders (City, County and South Cambridgeshire) none of whom have any interest in this part of South Cambridgeshire. It is concerning to know that detailed high level discussions are taking place in Cambridgeshire without local member involvement.

4. Fillcup Survey Thanks to Meldreth Speedwatch and Shepreth Parish Council for helping to provide the necessary number of people to carry out a survey of cyclists and pedestrians on Meldreth Road near the Fillcup Field entrance.

5. Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group met on 29th June.

Govia was unaware of the demolition of the transhipment warehouse and the notion of leased car park spaces was news to them - an unfounded rumour.

The matter of station access comes up at every meeting and the User Group is well supported by Meldreth residents who have mobility difficulties. In addition to the field access to the London-bound platform, the question of access to the pedestrian path with buggies and wheelchairs up the side of Allerton Terrace continues to come 22

up. I would suggest that this should be revisited, particularly now that the bungalows in Station Yard are on the market and new traffic can be expected.

Govia, the train company, is working with the MAYD Youth Club to create a mural in Foxton Station waiting room, which has recently been repainted. They are meeting with MAYD to look at other station projects too.

6. The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign’s next meeting is scheduled for early July. Among other things, we will be scoping out a strategy for funding the pedestrian/cyclist bridge over the A505, which has already been designed.

7. There will be no councillor surgery in August, but things will return to normal in September – the first Monday of the month, from 2.30-3.30pm at the Melbourn Hub. Susan van de VenCounty Councillor susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk (01763) 261833

Station Ramp Campaign Everything you ever wanted to know about Meldreth Station ramp campaigning and were afraid to ask Imagine that life has suddenly changed due to illness or injury and you can’t get around so easily, or you are newly in charge of a baby’s pram, or simply realise that you are not as agile as you used to be – and you want to travel by train from Meldreth Station.

Able-bodied people might not fully appreciate that Meldreth is an exceptionally inaccessible station, not only due to the absence of lifts to get from one platform to the other, but also on account of the marooned status of anyone arriving on the London-bound platform who is unable to use stairs. In addition, the station vehicle entrance at the nerve-wracking Whitecroft Road junction is a free-for-all, serving multiple sites in the station yard – not an appealing route for those who are vulnerable. Wheelchairs and pushchairs can’t get past the kissing gate that blocks the path alongside Allerton Terrace. For people approaching from the Melbourn side, access is even more challenging.

23

continued ...

Added to the fact that we have a rapidly aging population, a school for severely disabled children, and almost no bus service, one can understand the frustrations of people who find the station difficult to access. A train that could take them to Paris for lunch, or even Royston to see a friend, is just tantalizingly out of reach!

There are other reasons too why improving access makes sense: the Rail User Group knows from its own surveys that the car park is now bursting at the seams and that parking overflow into residential areas presents new headaches. So it also takes the view, let’s make access to the station as attractive as possible for people who might walk or cycle, rather than drive. There will be no majestic single overhaul of the station by the rail industry, and if we don’t nudge we’re less likely to get. The components the Rail User Group is working on include dedicated non-motorised vehicle access, lifts, and a ramp to the field path.

The easiest task should be improving the Allerton Terrace path off Meldreth High Street. The Rail User Group has approached the Parish Council in the past but it was felt that for a variety of reasons, including the historic nature of the kissing gate and the need to guard against people tumbling into road traffic, this should remain as is. Perhaps this can be revisited to find a workable solution?

The most expensive and difficult component is lifts to ferry people between platforms. Stations like Letchworth with higher footfalls have recently been fitted with new lifts. We’re lucky to have the support of Railfuture East Anglia, whose chairman comes to every one of our meetings and helps make the case to the rail industry every time that lifts must be on the radar. Footfall at Meldreth is increasing every year, and with population rise and rapidly worsening road congestion, Meldreth Station will become ever more important.

A ramp to the field footpath toward Melbourn should be achievable and even if this is accomplished long before lifts, overall station access would be significantly improved. The very people who have mobility difficulties and can’t get over the pedestrian bridge understand that we must play the long game and regularly offer support on efforts for a ramp as an important step in the overall process.

A ramp would sit almost entirely on Network Rail owned land abutting the platform, though part of the structure would need to rest on privately owned land. It would run parallel to the platform, starting roughly from the waiting shelter and ending up at the bottom of the 24

steps. Govia, the Train Operating Company, leases the station from Network Rail and within the complicated world of Department for Transport (DfT) funding exist various pots of money to which Govia could apply, at various points in various cycles. Now is a good time because Govia is in the first year of its contract with the DfT. Govia would need to be the initiator but there would be a degree of cooperation with Network Rail. Our Community Rail Partnership was created last year to facilitate this kind of strategic liaison work.

The basic rules are that old structures are not required to be adapted, but any new structures must be Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant, adhering to standards set out in ‘Design Standards for Accessible Stations’ – available on the internet. There is some degree of flexibility, but the principle is that a new ramp would need to join up with an appropriately accessible path leading to the main road, which should include a pavement, etc. So, while we already have a path across the field (protected as a public right of way and maintained by County Highways) currently it does not meet DDA standards.

Adaptations would include adequate width for two wheelchairs to pass each other, a level surface all the way and some type of lighting – possibly even ground-level solar stud lighting. But without a DDA compliant path, Govia won’t have much chance in applying for DfT funds for a ramp, so in the chicken and egg world the path needs to come first.

The rail industry wouldn’t be permitted to spend DfT funds on a path upgrade, because it is not on Network Rail owned land. So the Rail User Group and our Parish, District and County Councils have a role to play by being on the look-out for local funding sources - opportunities will no doubt arise and we must be prepared to meet them.

The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group is a small group of people dedicated to universal access to our best form of public transport. It has produced a comprehensive assessment of station accessibility which you can view at: http://melbourn.org.uk/ railusergroup/. The next meeting will be on Thursday 17th September, 7.00pm for 7.30-9.00pm at Shepreth Village Hall and new people are always especially welcome.

Susan van de Ven Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group railusergroup@gmail.com (01763) 261833 25

News from Heidi Allen The first few months of any Parliament are always busy for MPs, but for South Cambridgeshire’s new MP Heidi Allen, they have been particularly busy and eventful! On 4th June , Heidi was successful in a Private Members ballot, which has given her the opportunity to put forward new legislation. Her chosen bill, requesting transparency of University fees, is particularly apt for Cambridgeshire as one of the leading academic centres of the world. In the autumn, Heidi’s "Higher Education Information" Bill, will have its second reading and will be debated by MPs – watch this space.

In addition Heidi was recently elected to serve on the House of Commons’ Work and Pensions Select Committee which will enable her to scrutinise and influence areas such as welfare, employment and pensions. As one of six new Conservative MPs elected on to the committee Heidi said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to serve on the Work and Pensions Committee which plays a very important role in influencing policy. I want to use my position to ensure our social safety net is there to support the people who need it and that government policy does not inadvertently allow the vulnerable to fall through the cracks. I'm acutely aware that there are real people, not statistics behind every policy decision.”

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Summer Budget, Heidi was contacted by many constituents with queries as to what it might contain. Key features included a continued freeze on fuel duty which is especially important to so many living in a rural constituency. There was also the introduction of a new National Living Wage and increases in the Personal Tax Allowance thresholds; good news for hundreds of thousands of families. Heidi said, “As a new back bencher, I was as in the dark as many of my constituents as to what would be in the budget.

So I was absolutely delighted by these unexpected features, which in my opinion will continue helping people on low incomes.”

If you would like to contact Heidi about an issue, book a surgery appointment or find out what else she has been up to, visit her website www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk, email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or telephone (01954) 212707.

Paula Wade Senior Parliamentary Assistant 26

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28

For Conscience Sake For Conscience Sake, a new play by Plain Quakers, explores the choices faced by conscientious objectors in World War One against the backdrop of militarisation today.

When Morris, would-be thespian and unrepentant curmudgeon, tries to unravel the story of his grandfather’s heroic exploits in the Great War, he is faced with an unexpected surprise. His unlikely buddy, Albert, unsuccessful author and Quaker enthusiast, attempts to ease the pain by arguing that we should remember the courageous conscientious objectors who resisted conscription in 1916. If more had done the same perhaps millions of lives could have been saved. Unconvinced, Morris stubbornly defends what his grandfather did for King and Country, until Albert unearths documents in Huddersfield that reveal a disturbing truth . . .

This play will be staged in the Melbourn Church Community Room on Friday 25th September. It has been written by, and will be performed by, the Plain Quakers – a theatrical partnership formed in 2007 by Arthur Pritchard and Mike Casey. The Plain Quakers use simple storytelling theatre and minimal resources to raise awareness of issues of social concern.

Tickets are priced at £10, and all the money raised from this performance will be split between Meldreth Local History Group and Cecily’s Fund – a small charity that supports orphaned children in Zambia by assisting them with education. The charity was formed in 1998, and now enables over 8,000 children to go to school each year.

Further information about Cecily’s Fund can be found on its website – www.cecilysfund.org.

For more information please get in touch with me by emailing courtspinney@hotmail.com or telephoning (01763) 261073. Do make a note of the date in your diaries and join us if you can to support these two very worthwhile organisations.

Ann Barnes 29

Local History: Holy Trinity Churchyard www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Have you ever walked through Holy Trinity churchyard or visited the fetes, concerts and car shows that are held there, and wondered about those buried there and the lives they led?

The monumental inscriptions (MIs) on the gravestones tell many stories, including that of Lydia and Thomas Woods who died in 1826 and 1838 respectively and are buried with twelve of their children.

South of the Church, where some of the gravestones have been removed

I have recently had plenty of time to reflect on some of those lives, having spent several hours in the churchyard, photographing, checking and recording the MIs. However, I have merely been building on the work of others: Meldreth WI transcribed the MIs Some of the broken stones that in 1981, recording the location of have been removed from each headstone; Jan Butchers their original locations kindly created an Excel spreadsheet of this data a few years ago; last year Malcolm Woods photographed the headstones for us, matching each one with the plans of the churchyard created in 1981. The culmination of all of this work can be seen on a new page on Meldreth Local History Group’s website which includes photographs of all of the headstones, the MIs and information from the death and burial records.

Unfortunately, time and the elements have not been kind to the gravestones. Many of the stones are worn or broken, some inscriptions are unreadable, some are half hidden by ivy and moss. In addition, a significant number of headstones have been moved from their original locations and now lie around the perimeter of the churchyard. I’m sure that our work will prove invaluable as time goes by and the stones deteriorate still further.

30

Although the burial records for the churchyard begin in 1599, the earliest readable MI is for William Surples (sometimes spelt Surplice) who died in 1691. There is more information on him, plus extracts from his will, on our website. The churchyard was officially closed for burials in 1907, although the last burial took place in 1950.

If you have ever wondered about the people buried in the churchyard, please visit www.meldrethhistory.org.uk and search for MIs. I leave you with my two favourite MIs in the churchyard: The grass withered and the flower thereof faded away—Mary Jane Mortlock, who died in 1863 and The finger of God touched her and she slept—Sarah Hall, who died in 1892.

Kathryn Betts Meldreth Local History Group

From the Archives This month’s dip into the archives has revealed a report of a fire in 1890 to the rear of the Railway Tavern. The following report appeared in the Royston Crow: On Friday afternoon last, May 29th, a fire was discovered raging in some out-buildings and pig styes at the rear of the Railway Tavern (pictured). Fortunately it was discovered in time, and the pigs were speedily removed, whilst the men who are engaged enlarging the platform of the Melbourn and Meldreth Station, under the able supervision of Mr Middleton, the station master, rendered invaluable assistance and prevented the fire from spreading to the adjoining property. Had it not been for the prompt and energetic action displayed, no doubt Meldreth would again have been the scene of another large and disastrous fire. No one appears to know in what manner the fire originated, or by what means these out-buildings became ignited. Damage to the amount of £17 was done, but which is covered by insurance.

For details of other fires in Meldreth visit www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

31

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32

Volunteering Opportunities The following organisations are looking for volunteers. If you need volunteers for your group or organisation, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Opportunities in Meldreth Alzheimer’s Society A volunteer is required to help support an activity group for people living with dementia on the first Tuesday of every month from 10.00am to 12 noon at the Community Room, Elin Way, Meldreth. If you are interested and would like more details about the volunteering opportunity then please contact Joshua Pearce on 07766 058767 or email joshua.pearce@alzheimers.org.uk.

Pre-School We are looking for a new treasurer as well as general committee members. You don’t have to be a parent to help; anyone from the village would be welcomed. If you are interested please contact us for more details by emailing preschool@meldrethpreschool.com.

Parish Paths Partnership If you would like to join the volunteers who maintain Meldreth’s footpaths, please contact the Parish Council Clerk on (01763) 269928.

Opportunities in Royston and the local area Royston Day Centre, The Old Barn, Upper King Street, Royston We are looking for volunteers at our luncheon club in Royston. Would you be willing to help in our kitchen, preparing/cooking a meal for the elderly people who attend our club? We are open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 1.00pm. For more information and a friendly chat, please call Sharon on (01763) 244229.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire More home visiting volunteers are needed. Please see page 52 for further details.

33

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

DID YOU KNOW?

Wednesday

The copy deadline for Meldreth Matters is T

Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com 10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Thur

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Companions Party) 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30 pm WI

Copy deadline for August issue of Meldreth Matters

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

9.30-11.30am Meldreth 10.00am-12.00 Handbells Local History Group 10.45-11.30am Mobile 7.30-10.00pm Library Old Time 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Dancing Arts Classes for Children 7.30-10.00pm 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics Old Time Dancing

5.30pm Slimming World

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

24 31

7.30pm Slimming World

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 N Councillors’ Surgeries, Meldreth Local History Group and the ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Clo 34

iary - August 2015

rsday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion

the September issue of Thursday 12th August

m Good (Garden

8.00am Holy Communion

m Fitness

pm Table 9.45am Family Communion

m Fitness

m Fitness

pm Table

3.00-5.00pm Fundraising tea party, 81 North End (see page 9)

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

9.45am Family Communion

pm Table

North End. Good Companions, A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Meetings, District & County the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies & Melbourn and Meldreth ose. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

35

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www.cambourneselfstorage.co.uk 36

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 2nd July 2015 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

Present: Mr C A Land - Chairman, Mr R A Searles - Vice Chairman, Mrs C J Fallon, Mr A Keena, Mr D Lee and Mr D Stewart In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Councillor S van de Ven (CCC)

Councillor P Hart (SCDC) and

Public Participation: (For up to 15 minutes members of the public may contribute their views and comments to the Parish Council - 3 minutes per item) There were seven members of the public in attendance.

It was requested that priority be given to disabled access to the station.

Councillor van de Ven stated that Network Rail/Govia would finance the ramp which would be needed to gain access to the southbound platform but they would not finance the footpaths to the ramp which would also need to be updated to meet DDA regulations. The present footpath which leads from the station to Melbourn is not DDA approved so it would need widening and lights installed; this would need to be financed by the Parish Council and possible grants.

Councillor van de Ven stated that Network Rail needed a definitive statement from the Parish Council in support of this project with a commitment to finance before anything else can be done (see item below). The matter of installing a lift was raised, however this is a matter for Network Rail and not the Parish Council as this would be on railway land. Councillor van de Ven stated that this had been discussed by the Rail Users Group and Network Rail is not in support of a lift but would support a ramp.

Editor’s Note: For further information on the station ramp and station access issues, please see pages 23-25.

District Councillor’s Report: see page 17 County Councillor’s Report: see pages 22-23 37

Joint Partnership with other Parish Councils A meeting is being arranged between Meldreth, Shepreth, Whaddon and Bassingbourn Parish Councils. The matter of Eternit and turning vehicles is to be raised at that meeting.

Solar Farms No update has been received from either SunEdison (Bury Lane) on the one-off Community Benefit payment of ÂŁ50,000 or Lightsource (Substation) regarding the contract for the yearly Community Benefit.

Ramp at Meldreth Station The matter of funding a ramp was discussed following the public debate.

Footpath leading from the railway station to Melbourn: the footpath will need to be updated to meet DDA requirements, is this a matter for the Parish Council or CCC as the footpath is on private property? Mr Searles reported that CCC is responsible for the footpath and has made repairs in the recent past behind Valley Farm. It was also suggested that a formal request be received from Network Rail stating that they will upgrade the station disabled access (ramp) if the Parish Council undertake to upgrade the footpath.

Questions were also raised regarding access to the ramp for Meldreth residents. At the moment access would be via the footpath across the Meads then exiting opposite Fieldgate (FP9A). If residents were walking with pushchairs or wheelchairs they would also need to negotiate the station bridge footway which is very narrow and then crossing Station Road opposite Fieldgate Nursery, residents however could be dropped off by vehicle at the nearby lay-by on Station Road.

The steps at the station would be upgraded to a ramp by Network Rail/ Govia as this is their property, but confirmation from Network Rail is needed.

It was suggested that before any decision can be made regarding the ramp and all that it entails, Councillor van de Ven and the Clerk work together to get some clear guidance on what is needed with some costings. It would be irresponsible of the Parish Council to undertake to fund projects which are not viable.

Editor’s Note: please also see pages 23-25 for an explanation of the station access issues.

A notice was published in the June issue of Meldreth Matters asking for residents to suggest ways in which they would like the monies spent.

38

The ramp was one of the suggestions that was put forward. The Village Hall Committee has put forward a request to have solar panels installed on the roof of the Village Hall. A working group will be set up to look at all requests. At the moment there are two members; Joan Gane and Deborah Lane, but it is hoped that there will be five or six members in total so more people are needed.

Eternit Routing Meldreth agreed to the proposal put to them by Whaddon Parish Council of having one way routing whereby vehicles entering Eternit come via Meldreth and vehicles exiting Eternit leave via Whaddon. Mr Keena stated that he was not certain that this information is correct as sending vehicles in a certain direction is not practised by Marley Eternit as they do not presently inform drivers which way to leave or enter the site as Marley Eternit would then have to take responsibility for any accidents. It was suggested that this matter be discussed at the Joint Partnership meeting.

Village Maintenance Hedge and trees along Whitecroft Road/Fenny Lane: Mr Land will contact landowners.

CCC has enquired if the Parish Council can add the area around the Fenny Lane Crossroads to the grass cutting schedule.

Grass cutting along station bridge: according to a CCC map this is the responsibility of the Parish Council. The grass cutter has never cut these areas in the past, so they need to be added to the schedule. The contract has one more year to run so these areas will need to be cut at an additional cost. It was agreed to have both areas cut on a monthly basis until the new contract comes into play, when they can then be included.

The Clerk will arrange this.

Playground The footrest on the rocking horse and the kicking board need some attention. The Clerk will contact Dave Chappell.

Quotations have now been received from Wickstead, Hags and Sovereign.

The Recreation Working Party will report on their recommendations for a zip wire and a witch’s hat. It was agreed to accept Sovereign’s quotation.

Other items such as a toddlers’ climbing tower and adult gym equipment will be looked at next. A site meeting has been arranged for 13th July.

39

Mettle Hill There was a report from Philippa Hart.

Following the working group presentation to the annual village meeting, a summary of the first half of the presentation was published in the July issue of Meldreth Matters. A summary of the second half of the presentation, describing in brief the options perceived to be currently available to the village, appear in this issue (see pages 18-20).

A questionnaire will be sent to each household for feedback. It was agreed that ÂŁ500 would be made available for the printing expenses of the questionnaire. Councillor Hart will first forward the proposed questionnaire to the Parish Council for comments and approval.

Highway Items Shepreth Parish Council is willing to support Meldreth Parish Council in trying to get the speed limit along North End/Meldreth Road reduced to 40mph. Mr Searles reported that he has been unable to contact Michael Anker (CCC), who may have left and it is proving difficult to speak with anyone in the Highways Department.

Flooding It was agreed that a letter would be sent to the Flood and Water Team (CCC) regarding the recent consultation on flooding issues.

Boundaries Commission It was agreed that a letter would be sent to the Boundaries Commission (CCC) regarding the proposed restructuring of the boundaries for CCC Councillors.

Footway at Biddall's Blvd The Clerk has contacted Mr Jon Finney and Mr Paul Sexton. A response has been received from Mr Gavin Wiseman (CCC) suggesting that the Parish Council use the Minor Highway Improvement (MHI) scheme to fund this. Mr Searles reported that this is not what was agreed and that the footway was part of the planning agreement and therefore it should not be an expense put back onto the Parish Council.

The Clerk will send Mr Wiseman the emails which relate to this decision.

Gravestone Inspection at Churchyard Mr Land reported that the gravestones appear to be in good order, however the front wall needs further investigation. Mr Searles will speak with Mr Price and the name of the contractor will be sent to the Clerk.

40

Website Mr Borgonon stated that a Parish Councillor along with the Clerk need to monitor and update the website. New software has been installed which is more user friendly, making updates easier to manage. Mr Borgonon will undertake training so that there will be three people trained including himself. The site is secure so different grades/access can be obtained. Mr Land volunteered and the Clerk suggested that training take place at the end of August.

Meldreth Manor School A meeting will be arranged in August. Councillor Hart would like to be included along with Mrs Fallon and Mr Land. The Clerk will arrange this.

There will be no Parish Council meeting in August. The next meeting will be on Thursday 3rd September at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

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 board opposite the One Stop shop.

Meldreth Parish Council contact details: Web: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk; Email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Telephone: (01763) 269928. For contact details of Parish Councillors, see page 68.

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Meldreth SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon.

By appointment at other times.

Reporting Faults and Problems Please report faulty streetlights by using freephone number 0800 7838 247, giving the SC or CCC identification number, street name, village and fault description.

Problems on the roads, including potholes and poor pavement surfaces should be reported on the Cambridgeshire County Council website: http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/Highways/ ReportProblem1.aspx.

Meldreth Parish Council 41

Good Companions On 15th June we had a lovely trip to Ely for the day. There was time for shopping, lunch in the town and a visit to the Cathedral. We then travelled on the bus to the river where we had ice-creams and spent a pleasant hour. With sunshine and blue sky, a lovely day was enjoyed by all.

On Thursday 2nd July we had our usual meeting in Elin Way Community Centre and we had a great time with a delightful lady from Royston Museum who brought some more boxes of ‘Bygones’ for us to look through. This made for some lively discussions about memories of childhood, amid much laughter.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 6th August. This will be our Annual Garden Party which will be held at Marion’s house at 2.00pm.

All welcome.

L. G. Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432

Meldreth WI There was not much room for many more customers when 32 of our members arrived for an evening meal at The Green Man at Shepreth. It was very nice just sitting and enjoying a lovely meal out. I hasten to say there was much talking! It wasn't really convenient to have business discussed. However, it was mentioned that we will be having an afternoon visit to Waresley Garden Centre on 27th August. Please meet in the Village Hall car park at 1.30pm. On 14th October we will be visiting Emmaus, time to be arranged.

When keep fit restarts it will be held in the community room at All Saints, Melbourn from 2.00-3.00pm. Next month our speaker will be Paula Dolan who will be talking about a 50s and 60s childhood. Ah, the 'swingin’ sixties'. We hope to see you there; you will be very welcome.

Kathleen Thompson 42

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Our meeting in June was a member’s music evening which was held at Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room. Various CDs were brought and selected tracks were played, with each person giving a brief introduction to the track and/or the reason they chose it.

We listened to thirteen tracks and they were all very different, from well known singers like Katherine Jenkins to older ones such as Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. The genres ranged from jazz to choral and from classical to our local pianists, The Cann Twins. We also had excerpts from opera, film soundtracks and advertisements when we were invited to kick off our shoes and relax! We did just that and had a relaxing time followed by a cuppa and a chance to have a natter.

Our next meeting will be an outing in August – this is likely to involve going out for a meal locally.

My thanks go to Sally Simmonds and Jane Stevens for their help with the games stall which we ran, despite the rain, at the Holy Trinity Fete in June.

We are a small friendly group and hold our meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month (except December). We vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Meeting Room in Meldreth. If you would like to know more feel free to contact Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955 or Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775.

Pat Smith

Melbourn Village College Open Evening You are invited to join us for our Open Evening Monday 28th September, 6.30pm to 8.30pm For further information, visit www.mvc.org.uk

43

Royal British Legion Women’s Section Melbourn and Meldreth Branch Our tea dance to celebrate VE Day was well attended and enjoyed by all, as was the group meeting of local branches, held at Barrington.

Group meetings enable us to exchange information, receive reports of other branch initiatives and cement comradeship, which is such an important part of the principle of fellowship of the Women’s Section.

At the meeting, two members of Jimmy’s Night Shelter in Cambridge gave a talk on their activities. It gave us much thought about those who are homeless, sometimes through no fault of their own. This is a particular problem with some ex-service boys and girls, who find it very hard to acclimatise to civilian life. The Legion’s charitable principles enable help to be given in this area, including assistance with job finding. Future events include a lunch at a garden centre.

Una Cleminson, our Vice Chairman, was awarded the Legion’s highest honour for her work over many years for the service and ex-service community; the National Certificate of Appreciation and Red Badge. This was presented by the National President, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, at the Annual Conference at Southport and as the photograph shows, Una was standing in front of The Legion’s 2015 slogan, “Live On”: the message to all our beneficiaries to enjoy life after service to Her Majesty.

The Women’s Section is open to all women over 18 who support the Legion’s objectives and we aim to make our meetings and activities entertaining, interesting, stimulating and most of all “good fun”. We meet at Vicarage Close Community Centre on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 7.00pm in the summer and in the afternoon in the winter.

Please come and join us, you will be assured of a good welcome. For more information, contact our President, Molly Chamberlain on 07746 823072; the Chairman, Ann Neaves on (01763) 260110; or our Secretary, Elizabeth Murphy on (01763) 220841.

44

Una Cleminson

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45

Friends of Holy Trinity Events www.foht.org.uk Sunday 6th September: 11th Car Show We will have a mix of vintage, classic and sports cars plus a few motor bikes and pedal bikes. We hope to have a 1920s Fiat saloon with one of the earliest types of engine with an overhead camshaft.

Friday 23rd October: Talk on China A talk by Hans van de Ven based on his passion for Chinese history Friday 13th November: Quiz

by Colin Limming with a Ploughman’s Supper January 2016: Annual Supper Date to be confirmed John Price

Church Services Sunday 2nd August 9.45am Family Communion Sunday 9th August 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 16th August 9.45am Family Communion Sunday 23rd August 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 30th August 9.45am Family Communion

Joint Parish Prayer Group There will be no Prayer Group meeting in August.

September’s Prayer Group will be held in Melbourn. Details will be provided in September’s Matters.

Marion Long

Holy Trinity Church Heating All external excavation and patio upheaval has been restored and the system is now awaiting final installation of additional heaters and the control system. This will take place before the autumn.

John Price 46

Holy Trinity Church Bells The project to renovate the ring of eight bells at Meldreth is now well underway. The old bells and frame were removed in April and the bells taken to Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. There the bells have been cleaned, tuned (apart from the tenor) and fully equipped with new fittings.

The new steel frame, which will hold all the bells on the same level, has also been assembled and tested.

A small group of people involved with the project were able to visit Whitechapel to view the bells and the new frame. The bells are now a pale bronze colour, with the decades of old grease cleaned off them. In places they are also shiny, where a lathe has been used to trim metal off to tune them.

Meanwhile, in the church tower, a new floor has been installed and twelve new pockets have been made in the walls, where the new frame will be positioned. The four lower pockets Photographs taken at needed concrete pads cast in the Whitechapel Bell Foundry by bottom of them, to lay the beams on; it Lorraine Jackson was vital that these were all in the same horizontal plane, as well as being the correct distances apart. The pockets for the old beams have now been filled in, using some of the material from the new ones, and another pre -existing hole in the stonework has also been similarly repaired.

The provisional timetable is for the frame to be installed at the end of July. This then has to be concreted into position before the installation of the bells can start towards the end of August. That work will take about a fortnight, so hopefully the bells will be ready to ring again in September.

Peter Hinton 47

Holy Trinity’s Farewell to Andrew O’Brien Andrew’s last 9.45am service at Holy Trinity was on 21st June when a presentation was made after the service, followed by a buffet lunch.

In appreciation of his ministry and support at Holy Trinity over the last 18 years the PCC gave Andrew a silk stole embroidered with the symbol of the Holy Trinity (see photograph) and in his thanks Andrew commented that his original stole is over 25 years old and rather worn; the PCC also presented him with a colour photograph of the Church. From very generous donations made by members of the congregation, Andrew and Joanne were presented with John Lewis vouchers. Most people in a public role need to have someone to act as sounding board and keep them on track and Joanne has fulfilled that role very well, joking that at times it was tricky. She has also made a major contribution to the Christmas Tree Festival with her team making craft items to sell which have greatly added to the receipts. For her support to Andrew and Holy Trinity Joanne was thanked and presented with some flowers.

After the formalities were completed Peter Chilvers read one of his ‘famous’ odes highlighting Andrew’s past activities and a small choir sang a mock psalm putting these into 'song' which included Noah the stubborn donkey. To help Joanne and Andrew to find their way to Sandbanks a cake was presented with a map of England with the route from Meldreth to Sandbanks depicted and including a blue people carrier. Finally the Sunday School came in singing 'I do like to be bedside the seaside' and then presented Andrew with their framed hand print picture.

After all of this activity Andrew and Joanne joined members of the congregation for a buffet lunch.

John Price 48

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50

Cambridge Women’s Aid A staggering one in four women suffer at the hands of an abusive relationship. Fewer for men, but they too form part of the statistics of violence in the home.

At our Gift Service at Holy Trinity on 5th July, Rachel Scott, one of the Trustees of the Cambridge Women’s Aid Centre gave us a very interesting insight into the work of the Centre. It seems that women from all over the country, together with their child or children, leave their homes with very little – few possessions, the clothes they stand up in and meagre funds. In extreme cases children are taken into care for their own safety. The Centre responds to the needs of these women by providing them with clean accommodation, toiletries and where needed, toys for their children. All this enables them to feel welcomed and above all, safe.

The Centre’s Outreach programme enables women to receive counselling, legal and benefit support and the opportunity to be re-housed, mainly in the Cambridge area. They will never be able to return to the area where the abuse took place so this also means that they will often lose contact with friends and family.

I was astounded at the response to our appeal for women and children’s nightwear, slippers and new electrical goods such as hairdryers and straighteners. I would like to thank you for giving so generously. The church also provided a cash donation to help with the Centre’s funds.

Rachel has left a supply of informative leaflets in the church for those seeking further information about this worrying trend in our society.

Please feel free to drop in and pick up a leaflet or two. Thank you again.

Marion Long

Coffee Break There will be no Coffee Break morning in August. The next coffee morning will be held in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way on Saturday 5th September from 10.30 until 12 noon.

Marion Long 51

52

Meldreth Pre-School www.meldrethpreschool.com Another great year is over; the little ones are preparing to start school and the babies are preparing to start pre-school! We are super proud of our ‘rising fives’, they have learned and grown so much in the short time that they have spent with us and we wish them all the very best for their futures. We are looking into providing afternoon sessions for our current ‘rising fives’ in the first few weeks of the school term. Please let us know if you are interested.

Our Pre-School is currently struggling financially due to government cuts in our funding. We are doing all we can to ensure we can stay open by applying for grants and planning lots of fundraising.

Over the summer we plan to have a several community fundraising activities, including our summer camp which is being held on 4th, 6th and 7th August. Please support these events wherever possible to help us keep this wonderful setting going.

We are also looking for a new treasurer as well as general committee members. It doesn't have to be a parent, anyone from the village would be welcomed. If you are interested please contact us for more details: email preschool@meldrethpreschool.com or pop into the setting and speak to the staff.

We are a friendly Pre-School offering a quality term time service at competitive rates in line with NEF funding. We take children from the age of two and are happy to welcome children in nappies. You can find out about our Pre-School by visiting our website www.meldrethpreschool.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

We are filling our places fast, so anyone looking for new or increased hours needs to contact us as soon as possible. Either telephone the Pre-School on 07518 173653 or email Sarah Isle at preschool@meldrethpreschool.com. If you are keen to join us in September it’s not too early to come for a visit and get your name down!

Meldreth Pre-School 53

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk This month’s contribution shows some of the entries we received for the Mary Course Challenge. This year the challenge was to “Map Meldreth” which the children did in a variety of creative ways. The prize winners were Phillippa Finlayson (whose work is shown below), Megan Huff (aged 10), Tia Waldman Barley (age 5) and Amelia Turner (age 5).

Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher My map shows my favourite walk through Meldreth. I walk from my house, through the horse field, past Meldreth Church, past the mill, through the cow field, through the wood, over the bridge, through the British Queen and to school.

It is my favourite walk because I see many beautiful things. We leave my house and walk beside the road until we cross the road to the horse field. I like to walk through the field and see the beautiful horses eating and sometimes we see them trotting.

We then walk past the Church. During autumn is a good time as lots of conkers have fallen and I can collect them. We climb over a stile which I like and cross the road and walk to the old mill. I like to see the water where the waterwheel used to be. I have visited inside the mill with my class and Mr Jones. My daddy and I went to the open day when we could climb right to the top.

We then go through a gate to the cow field. It sometimes has cows grazing in it but at the moment there are no cows but it is full of beautiful wild flowers. Through the gate at the end of the cow field is 54

the wood. The woods are great fun. I climb magnificent trees and run around. Sometimes the wood is very overgrown, sometimes it’s very muddy. I like to go very close to the river.

There is a bridge leading from the woods to the British Queen pub. We like to play Pooh sticks on the bridge. We walk towards the pub, past the sheep and their lambs and sit at the table and have lemonade.

If it is a school day we don’t stop for lemonade but walk past the Boudicca sign of the British Queen and along the road to my school.

We walk past the school and turn left into Flambards and then walk to the very end where you go through a gate back into the woods.

by Phillippa Finlayson (age 8)

Right: maps from Aliya Lees (age 7) and (below) from Will Arthur (age 11)

55

Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival The annual Dragon Boat Festival returns to Fen Ditton on Saturday 12th September and local companies, clubs and groups of friends are invited to get a team together and be part of it! Now in its 11th year, the festival has become one of the biggest corporate team events in the regional calendar and up to 48 teams are expected to battle it out on the Cam in aid of new festival charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.

Over 30 companies have already signed up. The teams represent a mix of new and returning companies of all sizes from all corners of the region and the beauty of dragon boat racing is that everyone has an equal chance of winning! As well as the standard entries, eight Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits as well as a significant donation to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). To join the other teams on the start line this September, all you need to do is raise a team of up to eleven people (squads can be larger) and you will be ready to ‘race the dragon’! All the dragon boats, qualified helms and racing equipment are provided, each team gets a minimum of three races and no previous experience is necessary, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The top fundraising crew for ACT will also receive a delicious prize meal courtesy of The Red Lion Whittlesford Bridge.

The Festival offers a full day of fun on land as well as water with plenty of activities on the bankside to entertain teams and spectators between races.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the dedicated charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising said, “We are especially delighted to be the Festival charity this year as we are celebrating our 10th anniversary.”

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust call 01223 217757 or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk.

Gable Events 56

Melbourn Sports Centre www.melbournsports.com Summer Pentathlon Sports Camps, 17th - 21st August:

5 days, 8 sports and bags of fun!

This five-day sports camp is an ideal way to introduce your child to sport. With eight different activities on offer there is something for everyone whatever your child’s ability. Monday to Thursday are 'experience' days, where time is spent coaching the sports and practising the different skills involved with each one. The sports covered will be football, cricket, gymnastics, trampolining and tennis. That leaves Friday, which is a fun day that will include a pool party, party games and a disco.

Once again, thanks to our sponsor, The Technology Partnership, each participant will receive a baseball cap and certificate, as a souvenir to remember the week by.

Age groups: Children in Reception year - 13 years Course times: 9.30am - 3.15pm (see early bird & night owl scheme for additional childcare hours) Cost for the week: Bronze Members £70.00pp, non-members £85.00pp Early Bird and Night Owl Schemes: if work commitments make it difficult to drop off or collect your child on time, then why not try our new early morning or late afternoon schemes? Please visit our website for more details at www.melbournsports.com or telephone (01763) 263313.

Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Sports Centre

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

57

Local Events in August Below is a selection of events happening nearby this month.

To see your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Until 29th August Cambridge Shakespeare Festival For details and bookings, please visit www.cambridgeshakespeare.com Until 2019 The Road to Bletchley Park This celebrates the pioneering achievements of those who waged a secret war and how they paved the way for the Codebreakers of World War Two. For further information visit www.bletchleypark.org.uk Friday August 28th 6.30pm for 7.30pm start The Three Musketeers, Open Air Theatre For the fifth successive year the Fowlmere Village Hall fundraisers (Charity Number 284524) are proud to present another performance by the Illyria Theatre Company: The Three Musketeers All for One; One for All! Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis in the King’s Musketeers and plunges headlong into a thrilling adventure. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of excitement, broad comedy and ingenious story-telling.

Romance!

Swashbuckling!

Intrigue! Murder! Betrayal! Revenge!... It’s got the lot! Suitable for all ages from 8+. For further information visit www.illyria.uk.com.

Tickets £12 adult, £6 child, available from Thriplow and Foxton shops, by telephone from (01763) 208516, 208364 or 208408, or online (£1.95 booking fee applies) from www.illyria.uk.com.

Make the most of Illyria’s open air-performances: bag the best positions by arriving really early, bring something to sit on, a picnic, a torch, insect repellent. Latecomers will be admitted but may be insulted by the actors.

Dress for the weather.

Tickets are non-refundable – cancellation in the event of a hurricane only, when the performance will be rescheduled. Please leave umbrellas at home; they make it harder for you to hear the performance and for others behind you to see it. Wear a hat, a poncho and a smile instead.

58

August Children’s Summer Holiday Activities at Wandlebury Country Park This August we have a range of interesting and exciting summer holiday activities for children – including an unaccompanied session on Friday 14th August where our team will look after your children for the day.

Advance booking is essential and age restrictions and charges apply.

For further information or to make a booking, please email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on or telephone (01223) 243830.

Tuesday 4th August, 10.00am - 12 noon Watery Wonders - exploring life in Wandlebury’s pond.

Wednesday 5th August, 11.00am - 2.00pm Butterflies - identification plus butterfly-related art and craft activities Wednesday 5th August, 11.00am, 12 noon and 1.00pm Archery Taster Sessions (40 minutes) Tuesday 11th August, 10.00am to 12 noon Animal Homes - help your child hunt out cosy retreats used by the animals in Wandlebury and use woodworking tools to build your own animal shelters from natural materials.

Tuesday 11th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Woodland Skills and Activities - building dens, tying knots and problem solving games.

Wednesday 12th August, 10.00am to 12 noon Nature Safari - set out on your own nature adventure!

Wednesday 12th August, 2.00 to 4.00pm Muddy Fingers - let the little ones’ imaginations run riot as they help to build dens and stick towers, make tree faces, and learn to track through Wandlebury’s woods.

Friday 14th August, 10.00am to 4.00pm Drop off your children for the day and they can learn skills including knot typing, den building, fire making, cooking bread and whittling.

Directions: Wandlebury Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout. CB22 3AE. Parking is available on site and costs £3 per vehicle, free to members all year round.

59

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Former Scrapyard, Chiswick End S/1233/15/FL

Change of use of land from scrapyard to commercial storage with ancillary storage building

The concern of increased traffic movements was not seen to be of a concern as the business is already running and the level of traffic movements should be no different. This is a new application which addresses the reasons for its original refusal (which was due to being overlooked from a neighbouring property). The application is for a more secure storage unit to protect equipment.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Approval' with no comments.

13 Chiswick End, S/1285/15/DC

Discharge of conditions 3 Application was noted with no (materials), 4 (brickwork further comments. and bond), 5 (external joinery), 6 (foul water), 8 (boundary treatment), 9 (hard and soft landscaping) and 11 (traffic management plan) of S/2154/14 INFORMATION ONLY

17 North End, Variation of Condition 4 S/1503/15/VC (Cill height of roof light) of planning reference S/0115/14 for side and rear extensions with detached garage.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'No Objection' with no comments.

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

60

Planning Matters SCDC Decisions Reference and Address Decision

105 North End, S/1005/15/FL

Permission has been granted for a rear single storey extension.

Land to the South West of Whaddon Road, Adj to Burtons, S/0643/15/FL

Permission has been granted for temporary consent (3 years) for the siting of three storage containers (B8 Use class (retrospective application).

31 High Street, S/0820/15/FL

Permission has been granted for a proposed front porch and hall extension.

Other Items: 87 North End, S/1038/15/PH. Conservatory at rear of property. It has been determined that the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is not required for the extension as proposed.

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

PC Repairs

Refuse Collections

Advice & Installation of Home Networks

Collections in August will be on the following dates:

Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

Black bins: 7th & 21st August

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

Blue and Green bins: 14th & 28th August 61

Cambridge Re-Use Cambridge Re-Use, formerly Cambridge Sofa, collects furniture and working electrical goods donated by the general public and sells them on solely to people on low incomes.

We offer customers a warm friendly environment to shop in, a wide choice and variety of low cost furniture, electrical goods and household items with the stock constantly changing and new items out for sale each day.

If you are on a low income earning under £18,000 for an individual household or under £23,000 for a couple you are eligible to shop with us. If you are working please bring with you proof of your household income, i.e. wage slips or benefit letters.

We are located at Unit H, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 8DH. Come along and have a look! If you need any further information give us a ring on (01223) 576535 or visit www.cambridgereuse.org.uk.

If you would like to donate furniture, electrical items or household goods contact us by telephone or email us at donate@cambridgereuse.org.uk.

Cara Moorey Manager, Cambridge Re-Use

BBQ and Ceilidh in aid of Save the Children Saturday 12th September, 7.00pm Barkway Village Hall with 'Tam Lin' and caller Tickets £14 adults, £7 children two-course BBQ ; welcome drink included; cash bar For tickets please contact Liz on (01763) 838172 62

Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all Aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We use only the best quality products by Matrix and have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

Please call for any enquiries.

01763 260431 Reflections Hair Studio 45 Whitecroft Road Meldreth SG8 6LS

James

A10 TIMBER CO.

For all gardening / handyman jobs give me a call… For grass cutting / weeding / fence painting / hedge cutting and handyman jobs as well.

Phone: 01763 249004 01763 241744 Email: klf2011@hotmail.co.uk

For Timber & Sheet Material

Graded Timber Mouldings & Flooring Decking & Fencing Insulation Cutting & delivery service All enquiries welcome.

iPLASTER

www.a10timber.co.uk

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

Barwick Ford Ware, Herts. SG11 1AL Tel: 01279 842016 0808 155 3631 sales@a10timber.co.uk

01763 260 526 07837 645173

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

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Caravan Thefts Police are alerting residents to a significant rise in the theft of caravans across South Cambridgeshire villages.

Crime Reduction Officer for South Cambridgeshire, Rachel Carr, said that there has been “an unusually high number of caravan thefts in a short space of time and we are asking members of the public to be vigilant. There are a number of simple measures caravan owners can take to reduce the risk of theft such as installing a tracking device and a caravan alarm. In addition, hitch locks, plus wheel and axle locking devices, can deter opportunist attacks.”

Anyone with information regarding the thefts should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

More crime prevention advice on can be found SouthCambsCops blog via www.southcambscops.org.

on

the

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Help to Stay Independent, Safe and Well Many of us don’t think about care and support until we or someone we know needs it, then find we are unsure where to find information and how to access the support we need.

A new online resource is providing information about care and support and wellbeing, including information about continuing to live independently and safely at home, making life easier, getting support after a stay in hospital, or finding out about care home and housing options and paying for care and support. You can find out more by visiting www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/careandsupport.

If you do not have access to the internet, can’t find what you need online, or want more information, you can telephone 0345 045 5202 or visit any Cambridgeshire Library (also known as community hubs).

Cambridgeshire County Council 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.

MAYCROFT CARE HOME — Specialist residential care for people with dementia — • Warm, safe, homely atmosphere • Expert, specialist care tailored to meet the needs of each resident • Daily activities & regular outings – games, quizzes, bingo; garden centres, country drives, pub lunches and lots more • Bi-monthly meetings and support for residents' family and friends We understand that moving to residential care is a big step for our residents and their families. Let our management team of 40 years' experience make the transition easier. Please drop in and visit us at your convenience!

Manager: Lynn Ward 01763 260 217 manager.maycroft@advinia.co.uk 73 High Street, Meldreth, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6LB 65

Local Links Cambridgeshire County Council County Councillor: Susan van de Ven Fix My Street

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk Email: susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk www.fixmystreet.com (Report, view, or discuss local problems)

Govia/Great Northern

http://www.thameslinkrailway.com

Holy Trinity Church

Main website: www.meldrethchurch.org.uk Friends’ website: www.foht.org.uk

Melbourn & District Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.com

Melbourn Sports Centre

www.melbournsports.com

Meldreth History & Meldreth Today Meldreth Manor School

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk atschool.eduweb.co.uk/Meldreth/textandinfo/index.html

Meldreth Matters

free.yudu.com [search for Meldreth]

Melwood Conservation Group

www.melwood.btck.co.uk

MP: Heidi Allen

www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk

Parish Council

Email: heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Pre School

www.meldrethpreschool.com

Primary School

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Rail User Group

www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup/

Royston CAB

www.adviceguide.org.uk

Royston & District Community Transport Shape Your Place South Cambs DC Stagecoach Train times/tickets

http://www.roytrans.co.uk/ http://southcambridgeshire.shapeyourplace.org/ www.scambs.gov.uk www.stagecoachbus.com/cambridge/ www.qjump.co.uk/index.html 66

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 .................................... 63 Abrey Agricultural .......................... 14 Art of Clean ...................................... 8 Art of Clean Wood ......................... 21 Boiler Juice ............................... Cover Bracey’s Accountants ..................... 21 Cam Valley Orchards ..................... 50 Cambourne Self Storage ................. 36 Cambridge Roofers ........................ 49 CHS Day Centre ............................ 32 CHS Group .................................... 28 College Farm B & B ....................... 28 Coton Electrical ............................. 28 The Country Store ......................... 45 Ely Design Group............................ 45 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........ 14 Fen Feeds Limited .......................... 36 Gilhooly ......................................... 45 Granta Montessori Shepreth .......... 36 Home Footcare .............................. 36 iPlaster ........................................... 63 James, Handyman ........................... 63 JPK Plumbing and Heating ............. 49 Keyholes Driving School ................. 27 The Letting Centre ................... Cover Little Hands Nursery School ........... 36

Lynn Driscoll Footcare ..................... 32 Maycroft Care Home ....................... 65 MCT Construction .......................... 50 MDA Plumbing & Heating .............. 27 Melbourn Flooring .......................... 65 Melbourn Village College ................... 8 Meldreth Landscapes ........................ 49 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 57 Meridian Lawncare .......................... 32 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ..... 21 Moncraft Computers ....................... 61 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 14 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ...... 32 On the Leash .................................... 36 Penn Farm Physiotherapy.................. 27 The Picture Framers .......................... 50 Reflections Hair Studio .................... 63 Richard Burns Electrician.................... 8 Rod’s PC Support ....................... Cover Royston Fencing ............................... 50 Royston Golf Club ............................. 8 Shelford Energy ................................ 45 Slimming World ......................... Cover Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 49 Summit Landscapes........................... 21 67

Local Telephone Numbers Tennis Club: Tracy Aggett 243376 WI: Maureen Moody 260938 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036 Holy Trinity Church: Rev. Mary Price 261569 Adult Choir: Pauline Penfold 260163 Bells: Peter Hinton 262045 Friends: John Price 260048 Sunday School: Karen Lillie 261885 Melbourn: Doctors Surgery: appointments 260220 Dispensary 261246 Baby Clinic 262861 Library 269956 Village College 223400 Melbourn & District U3A 260399 District Council 03450 450500 Housing Services 03450 450051 Waste, Recycling and Environmental Health 03450 450063 Councillor Philippa Hart 261255

Meldreth: Community Access Point 262199 Litter Picker: Mick Taylor 261118 Neighbourhood Watch: Police Co-ordinator Graham Borgonon 260358 Pre-School 07518 173653 Primary School 260432 Lunch Club - Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 Village Association (MVA) 07961 128323 Village Hall: Chairman: Paul Ray 260304 Hiring: Sherida Richards 262512 Meldreth Clubs and Societies: Babies & Toddlers Club: Lynda Heard 260545 Bowls Club: S. Lambert (01223) 207888 Croquet Club: Janet Pope 248342 Local History Group: Joan Gane 260129 Melbourn Mushroom Club 260258 Melwood Cons. Group: B Huett 232855 Revelation: Miriam Skuce 262440 Table Tennis: Christine Knight 261676

MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL - CONTACT DETAILS http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Mr D Lee Mrs C J Fallon Mr J Fenner Mr S Hawkins Mr A Keena Mr C A Land (Chairman) Mr Nigel Pellatt Mr R A Searles Mr D Stewart

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk david@oakrits.plus.com joan.fallon@btinternet.com julian.fenner@tomblackwell.co.uk s.hawkins@dsl.pipex.com alankeena@aol.com

269928 261571 262822 268523 261451 260267 261004 262444 260435 261562

nppellatt@btconnect.com robert.searles@btinternet.com derekstewart67@hotmail.com

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS Emergencies Crimestoppers Police (non emergency) S Cambs Fire & Rescue Cambridge CAB Royston CAB Childline Samaritans NHS Direct (24-hr service) Addenbrooke’s Hospital Report potholes (Highways) Royston Health Centre

Miscarriage Support Community Transport Anglian Water Cambridge Water Co. Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency National Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus Cambs County Council Councillor: S. van de Ven S Cambs MP: Heidi Allen Home-Start R. & S. Cambs

999 or 112 0800 555 111 101 01223 376283 08448 487979 08444 111 444 0800 1111 08457 909090 0845 4647 01223 245151 0345 045 5212 242981

Village shop opens 7 am - 10 pm 7 days Tel. 01763 262158

07906 559756 245228 08457 145145 01223 706050 0800 111 999 08007 838838 08457 484950 01223 433250 0345 045 5200 261833 01954 212707 262262

Station tkt office opens Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm Tel. 01223 453702

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; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes

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The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management •

Established 20 years and based in Melbourn, we manage around 100 properties in Cambridge and the surrounding area • We offer discounted management fees for multiple properties and free, no obligation visit to value for the purpose of rental • We have no ‘hidden’ fees and do not take commission on maintenance charges Call us for a Landlord Pack and Letting Centre leaflets providing information about fire, furniture, gas, electrical regulations or tax

The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039

Fax 01763 263458 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

The Betty Greasley Education Charity

Jackie and John Rogger’s home, The Rushes, 81 North End, Meldreth

For more information on the Betty Greasley Education Charity, see page 9

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