Meldreth Matters, August 2018

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Contents Local Facilities/Issues

What’s On Alzheimer’s Walk 38-39

Defibrillators 21

Family Fun Day 14, cover

Maycroft 38

Local Events 40-41

Recreation Ground Closure 49

Summary of Meldreth Events 3

Gardens & Nature

Village Groups

Gardening 6-7 Well Spotted! 4-5

Bowls Club 25 Friends of Holy Trinity 27

Local/National Government

Good Companions 7

County Councillor 44-45

Prayer Group 45

District Councillor 46

Tennis Club 24

New from Heidi Allen 50-51

WI 21

Parish Council 31-35

Women’s Group 22

Planning Applications 48-49

Children & Education

Advice/Information

1st Melbourn Guides 8-9

Advertisers’ Index 56

Events for Children 11

Fire & Rescue Service 53

Preschool 14

Mobile Warden Scheme 17

Primary School 12-13

Neighbourhood Watch 43 Refuse Collections 29

Transport Build us a Bridge Competition 15

Reporting a Highway Problem 37

Bus Services 17

Village Directory 54-55

Train Chaos 18-19

Volunteering Opportunities 8

Cover: Spotted Flycatcher in Meldreth (see pages 4-5). Photograph by Lee Barber (BTO). The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Editorial Welcome to the August issue of Meldreth Matters. I have shortened my Editorial to make way for the important Stop Press item below, which arrived just as I had completed the magazine. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition. Kathryn

STOP PRESS Marley Eternit Appeal Dismissed The Planning Inspector has today announced the dismissal of the Marley Eternit Appeal relating to the proposal to build 150 new homes on the site at Whaddon Road. This is a great result for the community and for all those who have taken an active part in opposing the development. These include your Parish Council, your District and County Councillors, local residents and our advisers. Meldreth Parish Council 18th July 2018

August Events in Meldreth

Friday 3rd

Sunday 19th

2.00-6.00pm

10.30am

Meldreth Preschool Fun Day

Maycroft Sponsored Walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Trust

The British Queen

Maycroft Care Home

See page 14 & the back cover for details

See pages 38-39 3

Well Spotted! As readers will be aware, many people in Meldreth have been keeping an eye out for spotted flycatchers in the village again this year. They were first seen in the churchyard on 22nd May, identified by their characteristic behaviour. On 20th June, these small migrants were seen again, this time in a garden close to the church. Meldreth resident, Ken McLean contacted Lee Barber from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Lee has an ongoing project looking into the population, distribution and migration of this endangered species.

The tagged Spotted Flycatcher in Meldreth © Lee Barber (BTO)

Within five minutes of arriving in the village, Lee had located their nest, which contained four well-grown fledglings. The young birds were left undisturbed. The same day, Lee and Chris, his colleague from the BTO were joined by Ken and myself. We erected some nets in an attempt to catch the adult birds. Then we all retreated to the lay-by opposite the Church and waited … and waited. Suddenly one bird ... then another … flew down from the dead tree in the churchyard and did not come back up. Both the male and the female birds had been caught at the same time! Lee carefully extracted them from the net and brought them across the road to be processed. This means that after being tagged and ringed, they were weighed and their wing measurements and fat scores were taken, to be added to the BTO database. Firstly, the female bird had a red metal ring fitted on her left leg and then a tag was fitted. The tag can be seen in the photograph above, but is clearer on this month’s colour cover. It is a tiny geolocator device which fits the bird as if it is carrying a backpack! The tag contains a light-sensor, a clock, a battery and digital storage. It records light levels - and particularly the time of dawn and dusk - continuously for over a 4

year; this provides a global location to about 100 miles accuracy. Being so small, the tag cannot transmit or receive. The bird therefore needs to be recaptured the following year, assuming it survives and returns, in order for the tag to be retrieved and the data - detailing where it was every day - analysed. Upon retrieval, the data will allow Lee to monitor the migration pattern of this small bird. I was asked if I would like to process the male bird. I was more than happy to do so and put a blue metal ring put on its leg. He was slightly smaller than the female. After photographs had been taken, the birds were released. The four spotted flycatcher chicks fledged on 25th June. One was found a week later suffering from dehydration. After catching it, Ken gave it some water and returned it to where it was found. After ruffling its feathers it flew away! We hope that all the birds make it to Africa on their migration, and that we will see them again next year. Jan Butchers Stop Press: On 17th July, it was noticed that the female was sitting on the nest again. Will she and her mate raise another brood?

Watch this space‌ Mid-November 2018 ‘Welcome to our new school’ event at Meldreth Primary School, to view the changes and enjoy a slice of homemade cake. Family treasure hunt and much more...

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Notes from a Small Garden In July, just before going to press we had a very happy Veg Plus Cub meeting at Rob Searles house. It was a lovely evening and as ever, everybody wanted their gardening questions answered. The first was what do with rapidly growing pumpkins. Should they be in contact with the ground, even when it is as dry as it has turned out to be? The answer from our expert Jim was “no, put something underneath them such as a piece of wood or straw. You never know when the slugs will raise their ugly heads!” We had the usual discussion on when to lift which potatoes. Also, should we be watering our potatoes when it is so dry? I certainly dug up some of my Belle de Fontenay, second earlies, before the plants had finished flowering recently. There were lots of them but they were very small. We were advised to leave the main crops for a bit longer, i.e. until the flowers have died down. So I think the answer is, as usual, it depends on the weather, which variety of potato and what the soil conditions are like. And what about the question of watering? Certainly daily when it is so hot and dry, particularly hanging baskets, pots and precious plants which you have purchased this year. Jim’s important tip on growing melons, is to put a yoghurt pot upside down round the stem as this prevents the stem from rotting. Two melons are sufficient for each plant. Any more will prevent the melons from reaching optimum size. For the first time my big border has some colour; sometimes difficult to achieve in July and August. Dahlias, recurrent flowering roses, Moses in the Bulrushes, pink and blue, (Tradescantia spathacea) and phloxes, which are now widely available in good strong colours. At one time they were virtually unavailable because of their susceptibility to leaf diseases, particularly powdery mildew. I have two very sturdy pink plants which came from my mother’s garden, so the original plant must be at least 70 years old. Jobs for August  Pick any fruit including late redcurrants, blackberries, autumn raspberries and early apples and plum, both of which look as if we will have good crops this year 6

 Prune back any flowering shrubs which have been “missed” out  Continue to water and feed pots and hanging baskets  Enjoy all your produce from the vegetable garden, and freeze the surplus, for example French and runner beans  Sow lettuces and winter salad seeds, for example perpetual spinach, rocket, American land cress; plus salad seeds from the Far East, for example mitzuni and other peppery leaves  Prune wisteria  Collect seed from garden plants. I put them in old cellophane card envelopes and then keep them in a tin in a cool place This month’s Veg Club Plus meeting will take place on 11th August at 10.00am at Sherida and John Richards’ home, 39 Whitecroft Road.

Good gardening, and if you are going away, hopefully you will find someone to water your garden! Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

(Over 60s) We meet on the first Thursday of the month 2.00-4.00pm Community Room, Elin Way All welcome Meetings  Regular Speakers  Trips Out Telephone Lorraine on (01763) 261432 7

Volunteering Opportunities: Meldreth Village Hall The roles of Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer have been fulfilled by the same people for five years. They are looking to move on and this presents opportunities for new people to manage the running of this valued Meldreth facility. Chairman The Chairman chairs the AGM and three or four Trustees’ meetings a year. He/she acts as the Chief Executive Officer of a £15,000-a-year charity, which owns the Hall and leases the land it stands on. Honorary Secretary The Honorary Secretary prepares the agendas and takes notes at all meetings and is the manager of the weekday and weekend housekeepers. He/she purchases housekeepers’ supplies and arranges routine maintenance and repairs. Honorary Treasurer The Honorary Treasurer needs to use simple spreadsheets rather than have accountancy qualifications. He/she makes payments, reconciles the bank statements, keeps trustees informed and liaises annually with the Independent Examiner of the accounts. If you are or know someone who may be interested in fulfilling one of these roles, please contact me on (01763) 260304 or email p_ray@btopenworld.com. Paul Ray Chairman of Meldreth Village Hall Trust

1st Melbourn Guides A Guide faces challenges, including a roller coaster and a haunted house! Our summer outing to Chessington World of Adventures saw the girls braving rides of varying degrees of scream and splash factor; for many, it was their first experience of such a theme park. We’ve been blessed with a summer term of warm, dry evenings in which to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. In early May the girls did a treasure hunt around the village, being challenged by cryptic clues, 8

observational questions, and even a bit of maths. A few weeks later we went to Stockbridge Meadows for a wide game themed on Guides Resistance in the War. The girls had to complete tasks of survival, reconnaissance, stealth and deception whilst avoiding interrogation by the German patrol. We combined the Royal Wedding with a Guide Promise evening, as both involve making a meaningful commitment to others. Each girl decorated a cupcake with icing and Haribo shapes, and made a gift basket, which she then gave to a girl in another group. They also used photos and royal titles to build four generations of the Royal Family tree, and played trust games. Seven new girls joined us for a taster session after half term, when we collected buckets of water from the River Mel, before doing a world water issues challenge. The girls chose netball for a sports evening, which was held at MVC and run by parents Tracey and Kathryn, who are members of Royston Netball club. There was a chance for more outdoor fun on the district hike (pictured) and picnic, walking from Melbourn to Barrington school, joining up with Brownies in Meldreth, and learning map reading along the way. With summer camp on the horizon, at the end of term the girls learnt to bash in wooden tent pegs and pitch a patrol tent, whilst others managed to light a small fire and cook mini beef burgers from squashed meatballs. If you would like to know more about joining our waiting list or becoming a leader, or if you have any skills or hobbies which you would like to share with us, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com. Hilary Marsh 9

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What’s On for Children and Families in August Wednesdays and Thursdays in August are Discovery Days, 10.00am 12.00pm and 1.00 - 3.00pm British Schools Museum, Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS History, Art, Science, Geography and Music activities for children aged 4 - 11 years. Booking recommended on (01462) 420144 or online at: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk. £5 per child, accompanying adults free. See website for details. Sunday 5th August, 10.30am - 4.30pm Royston Kite Festival, Therfield Heath, Royston Watch kites, fly your own, see historic vehicles, entertainment and enjoy a fun fair. Take part in the Home-Start art competition for children up to age 11 - design a kite picture on A4 paper or card. Write your name, age, phone number on the back and deliver to Home-Start, Meldreth, by 3rd August, take along to the Festival or do there. Mondays 6th and 13th August, 11am - 3.00pm Summer at the Museums (see: museums.cam.ac.uk for all events) Events at Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ Tall Towers (6th) - try construction activities, design and build a spire for the church, find out about the world’s tallest towers. Flying High (13th) - discover flying creatures in the church, try craft activities and try the egg drop challenge. £2.50 for children aged 3+. Wednesday 8th August Minibeast Yoga for ages 4-7 from 10.15 - 11.00am and Nature Yoga for ages 8-11 from 11.30am - 12.15pm Botanic Gardens, Cambridge CB2 1JE Yoga, games and craft. £5 per child. Normal admission for adults. Book on (01223) 331875. Sunday 12th August, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Summer Family Fun at Trumpington (Byron’s Pool car park) Drop-in family event with reserve Rangers. Lots of fun wildlife activities in the meadows. Children £3, adults free. Book on (01223) 665742 or by email: TrumpingtonMeadows@wildlifebcn.org. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 11

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Junior Travel Ambassadors at Meldreth Primary School

by Yunus (one of our JTAs) What actually is a JTA? This year a group of six of us have been chosen to be Junior Travel Ambassadors in school. That means every half term, we meet with the Regional head of all the JTAs in Cambridgeshire. Her name is Maree Richards and she gives us loads of ideas and resources for encouraging people to walk or cycle to school (or scoot) and we have to tell everyone about it and make things happen. We have done assemblies about being safe and healthy by walking or cycling and we set up a competition every term with really good prizes. Our first competition was called Be Bright and Be Seen. The idea was to design a poster or write a poem about being safe and you could include anything you want. The second competition was easily the best, because the task was to design a poster to encourage drivers to slow down when they are driving around Meldreth and especially round the school. The main theme was ’20 (mph) is PLENTY’ and the winner got to have their design made in to a large plastic poster which you might have seen hanging outside the school. Annabel Helme was victorious and her design you would have to agree was brilliant (if you’ve seen it). In the summer term we organised a Walk to School Week. Everyone in school (including all the adults) were encouraged to come to school by walking or cycling or scooting. They had a card to collect stickers for 12

everyday they walked and even Mr Jones started to cycle in every day from Shelford … and he’s still doing it now! In Walk to School week we collected money for a charity called The Road Victims Trust. Mrs Plumb gave us a huge cheque for all the money we’d raised and we handed it to a woman called Lyn who was the Director of the Trust (see photograph above). Personally, I feel quite passionate about the whole road safety ideas and about getting people out of their cars. Me and my sister Iris attended a special bike ride trying to persuade more people to use the new cycle path from Melbourn to Cambridge and we met Susan Van de Ven who is leading a campaign to get the Royston to Meldreth part of the cycle path sorted out. When I told her about the JTAs, she got very excited immediately and asked me to contact Mr Jones and Maree about her plans. She came and met us in school, along with a woman from the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail Users group to see if we can do more things together to improve travel in our area. Next term she is planning to bring some of the JTAs (hopefully myself included) to meet with the local council in Cambourne to push for success in getting the cycle path from Melbourn to Royston sorted out. Being a JTA has been a fun and rewarding experience, especially judging the competitions. It has made me feel more confident and proud of introducing Susan to the JTAs group and starting more and different projects. 13

Preschool Term is over for the preschool, but not before we had a hugely successful sports day which saw all the children joining in with a range of races including hurdles, a selection of hats and the classic, egg-andspoon. The parents even joined in, although the times they achieved fell somewhat short of those that the children managed. We were very glad to have lovely weather for the occasion. Thanks very much to Joan Fallon for organising the track. We also held an end-of-term concert which saw our leavers prepare for the next stage in their educational journey, and the younger ones bid goodbye to some of their friends and prepare for the year to come. The parents and carers got the chance to see their little ones in action and the picnic lunch was a lovely way to end the term. Family Fun Day: Friday 3rd August Although preschool will not be back until September, the committee and staff don’t just put their feet up for the summer. As most of you will know, the preschool relies on fundraising to continue to run and this summer, the British Queen have kindly agreed to host a Fun Day in the garden on Friday 3rd August 2018 between 2.00 and 6.00pm. There will be bouncy castles, a raffle, tombola, treasure hunt, cake stall, and food and drink for children and parents. We would love to see a good turn out for this event, so please tell your friends and come along for an afternoon of fun for all the family. [See poster on back page for further details.] We will be accepting applications for places over the summer, so please get in touch for details on how to apply. As we are moving over to our new site at Meldreth Primary School in January 2019, we may have additional capacity in some sessions, but we are filling up fast so to avoid disappointment, please get in touch on 07518 173653 or email manager@meldrethpreschool.com. Meldreth Preschool

Did You Know? Meldreth Matters is also available online. To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters. 14

Build us a Bridge: Summer Competition The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign is running this competition to raise awareness of our campaign for a safe route for walking and cycling between Melbourn and Royston. The current proposals include a new foot and cycle path alongside the A10 south of Melbourn, and a new bridge over the A505 into the Fieldfare Way area of Royston. We want you to build us a bridge! Big or small, realistic or fantastical – be creative! How about making a truss bridge from twigs or a suspension bridge from string? We are awarding prizes for the best bridge in each age category:  under 8  under 11  under 16  open category To enter please send us: your name, which category you are entering and a picture of your bridge. You can submit your entries by email to: contact10cycle@gmail.com or on Twitter to @a10cycle using the hashtag #buildusabridge. Please send us your entries by midnight on Monday 3rd September 2018. If you are under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to send us your entry on your behalf. By submitting your pictures, you agree to us using them as part of our campaign, with credit to you, of course. You may enter as an individual, or as a group. Prize winners will be notified by email and invited to a presentation ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Mike or Susan at the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign: contact10cycle@gmail.com. Susan van de Ven A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign

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Changes to Local Bus Services Service 26: Royston – Cambridge With effect from 29th July, Service 26 will be replaced by an extension to Busway A, operating hourly between Royston and Trumpington Park & Ride before continuing to St Ives. Barrington and Haslingfield will no longer be served in the morning or evening by the replacement service. The replacement service will operate between Trumpington P&R and Cambridge city centre via the busway so will not serve Trumpington High Street or Trumpington Road during the morning and evening peak hours. Alternative provided by the Park & Ride bus at limited bus stops. Full details and copies of the timetable can be obtained by contacting Stagecoach directly on (01223) 433250, emailing cambridge.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com or visiting our website at www.stagecoachbus.com. Passenger Transport Team Cambridgeshire County Council

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 17

Train Chaos Things have become worse not better in the weeks since the May timetable change. Our service is significantly below what it was before the new timetable, which was meant to double capacity. Govia Thameslink published a ‘pre-interim timetable’ on 25th June to try and stabilise things ahead of an ‘interim timetable’ due in mid-July; this was meant to give some clarity and certainty for the purposes of planning a journey. However, the ‘pre-interim’ included a number of peak-time gaps. Trains on the edges of those gaps are also being cancelled literally at the last minute. The apps all give different information and the rail replacement buses are unpredictable. Trains from London to Royston are packed to the gills, prompting questions on health and safety. Ditto the hazardous cycle commute to Royston Station for those who have no other option. There’s an obvious widespread financial impact on businesses local to our area which have lost staff and clientele, and businesses of people living here who travel for work along the Cambridge-London corridor: meetings missed, perennial late arrival to work, extended childcare costs, contracts lost, etc. Student exams have taken place throughout this period so parents have been scrambling to arrange alternative transport. There’s also an obvious impact on people’s general health with greatly extended amounts of time spent commuting in stressful conditions. Some people have expressed concern that experienced, hardworking and public-facing rail industry staff will at some point become fed up and consider their options. One couldn’t help notice that the GTR and Network Rail attendees at the Rail User Group on 27th June, the ones who fielded the difficult questions, were not those in positions of authority. Where we receive factual responses to our questions, we don’t get the answers of the sort that might lead to progress and resolution. For example: Q: Why is the peak time train back from London only 4 carriages to Royston? A: we’ve split the 12-car into three lots so it can be deployed in different areas. Never mind the dangerous overcrowding (with lack of air conditioning) that results. 18

Q: Why were the key morning peak trains cancelled this morning? A: Because of ‘stock displacement’ on Sunday. The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group can’t fix things but can and must help ensure our voice is heard: it’s imperative that no one considers our small stations expendable in any way shape or form. If you can stand it, please do keep writing to us at railusergroup@gmail.com, and copying us to your emails. We are forwarding everything on to our MP Heidi Allen, Govia Thameslink Railway, Network Rail and the Transport Secretary, also known as Where’s Wally! You can find our collated feedback and other reports at www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. On the most local level, we must thank Bern Parsons, the Meldreth Station Master, who’s doing a phenomenal job issuing the most up-todate information available (and known lack of information, which now counts as information) via the Meldreth Shepreth Foxton Rail Facebook page. It’s the best first place to look every morning if you want to know what’s happening. Meldreth station is manned until 11.15am on weekdays and until 1.15pm on Saturdays and Bern also arranges taxis for stranded passengers. Parking is £1.50 per day and apparently only checked by the contractor one day a week, so says someone in the know! While the Meldreth Station car park is now nearly empty, a small army of dedicated volunteers is working through the 2018 summer drought to keep the garden tidy, platform tubs watered, water butts full, litter collected, and so on: our thanks to the three teenage volunteers, our year-round gardening team, and Allerton Terrace residents and the Spice Hut who’ve provided watering backup. The same situation is replicated at Shepreth and Foxton Stations, where the tubs have never looked better and volunteers, including Duke of Edinburgh students, are hoisting watering cans up and down elongated platforms and ensuring the water butts are magically replenished. If the Department for Transport can’t oversee a proper train service, at least we can show without a doubt that our local stations can look after themselves. Finally, when will things get better? Answer: wish we knew. Susan van de Ven Chair, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group railusergroup@gmail.com meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk 19

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Meldreth’s New Defibrillators Meldreth Parish Council have worked with ‘The Community HeartBeat Trust’ to provide two defibrillators in the village. If someone’s heart stops their chance of survival increases if someone can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use a defibrillator. These defibrillators are designed to be used by members of the public whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive. However, this can be daunting if you have never seen or used a defibrillator before. I am offering the opportunity for people living and working in Meldreth to familiarise themselves with the defibrillators in our village. If you are part of a village business or organisation, or even if you and a few friends or neighbours would like to know more, please contact me. I can arrange short sessions simply so you can see the defibrillator up close or longer sessions where you can practice CPR and using the defibrillator. All sessions are free of charge thanks to support from the Parish Council. Please contact me on ju@waltnet.co.uk. Juliette Walter

Meldreth WI There was a change of venue this month as 21 of our members enjoyed an evening meal, and good conversation (well! what else could you expect when a lot of WI members get together) at the Green Man in Shepreth. It was a very pleasant evening. In August our speaker will be Chris Knowles, who will tell us about tropical forests and other wild places. We will also be inviting members of nearby WI groups to join us. Why not come along at 7.30pm on 9th August in Meldreth Village Hall. You will be very welcome. Kathleen Thompson 21

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group In June Marie Carden spoke to us about the work of the charity “Dogs for Good”. She told us that surgery left her unable to bear weight and with the possibility that she may never walk again. She took us through the highs and lows it brought with it and the frustrations of no longer being able to do what was once normal. She sang the praises of carers who do their best often in time pressured circumstances and their wisdom in pointing out to her and her GP that she was struggling. This set her on the path to getting her first dog, Venny, but this was only after assessments and medical reports five years after her operation. She attended a two week course at Wokingham. It was not an easy time but after a few days she and Venny came to an understanding that together they could do things. Perhaps the best thing was that at the end of the first week her night carer was dismissed and she took her first shower by herself with Venny ready to pull the emergency cord if needed. Later there was the freedom of going out in the park with her dog and realising that yes, she could do it. Six months of domiciliary training followed where she and Venny were taught to do those things that radically improved Marie’s quality of life rebuilding her confidence and enabling her to do more things. Eleven months after getting Venny they went to Champions Day at Newmarket Racecourse and she realised that her “I can’t” had changed to “I can”! Marie had Venny for 9½ years, then Blue and now Smithy whom she brought with her. Smithy gets time off from duties as every day he goes out with friends and their dogs and so both Marie and Smithy benefit from the relationship. Our thanks go to John for bringing Marie and Smithy. thanked Marie and gave her a thank you gift. If you would like to lydia.martin@dogsforgood.org.

know

more

please

Sue Toule contact

Our August meeting will be a meal out. If you would like to know more about the group please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793 or Pat Ames (01763) 261130. Pat Smith 22

Little Hands Nursery School

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for all Domestic wiring

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

Full rewiring Consumer units Lights and switches New sockets Gardens Kitchens & bathrooms

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

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

NEW! Inspections PAT Tests NEW!

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

Village Garden Services

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Meldreth Tennis Club www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub

Participants in the Marion Oliver Tournament

On Saturday 30th June Meldreth Tennis Club had a second try at running their summer tournament and in a total reverse of the last attempt, which was abandoned due to heavy rain, the sun shone throughout and temperatures soared. Fourteen players braved the heat to play six rounds of very close tennis. The outright winners with 22 points were Karin Lambert and Hilary Marsh and they were awarded the prestigious Marion Oliver trophies and a bottle of wine each. There was a tie for second place with Nigel Matthews & partner Christine Knight and David Freeman & Jan Butchers who finished with seventeen points each. In an exciting one-game decider it went literally to the wire as Jan & David won on a sudden death deuce point with a ball that hit the net top and dribbled over. They won a box of biscuits each. Please see the club website for full details of club times event etc. www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub. Christine Knight

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Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk On 4th July Meldreth Bowls Club hosted over 30 employees of Volac International in Orwell, to introduce them to an evening game of bowls. In a lovely setting on an ideal summer evening, members of the Bowls Club organised a team competition for the visitors and a Spider, Visitors preparing to bowl for the bowling for a prize item in the centre of the prize in the centre of the rink green. Refreshments were available and most importantly, the bar was open! Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the evening and found the bowls experience most enjoyable. The Bowls Club members welcome anyone, whatever age, wishing to try lawn bowls. Practice sessions take place on Tuesday mornings from 10.00am to 12 noon. On Monday afternoons, visitors are welcome to watch club members play in the Oak League, from 2.30-4.30pm. For more information visit our website, www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk. Ann Handscombe

Ride and Stride for Churches 8th September, 10.00am to 6.00pm "Ride, Drive + Stride" - Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust Cycle, drive or walk around Cambridgeshire churches or chapels to raise money for the church or chapel of your choice. For more information see www.camhct.uk/ride2018 or email tim.1206@gmail.com. Tim Hoole 25

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk We said farewell to Robert and Marion Long at a supper in July as they prepare to move to Yorkshire. Robert has been a Friend’s committee member for 21 years and Treasurer for seventeen of those. In that time the Friends have funded over £90,000 of repairs for the fabric of the Church. Marion, in support of Robert, has provide many meals for our annual supper and made countless nibbles for our others social events. We wish Robert and Marion happiness in their new home. Future Events: Sunday 2nd September 14th annual Churchyard Car Show Recruitment is continuing and we hope to have yet another interesting mix of cars and motorbikes including this 1937 Railton LST Special. Additional attractions include a model railway set up in the church, a bell ringing opportunity and music by the Memphis Jazz Band. Saturday 20th October “TEU World Tour” by Peter Hesketh A circumnavigation of the world by container ships - positively not a cruise. Early in 2019 A talk by Andy Malcom from the Fisherman’s Mission. John Price 27

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

The copy deadline for the September issue of Meldreth Matters is Sunday 12th August

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Thur

2.00pm Good Companions

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm WI

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 12.00-2.00pm British Queen

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

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

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

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

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Co Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Gro The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in 28

iary - August 2018

sday

d

m Table

m Fitness

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion

2.00-6.00pm Meldreth Preschool Fun Day, British Queen (see p.14 & back cover)

10.00am Veg Club Plus, 39 Whitecroft Road

8.00am Holy Communion

Copy deadline for September issue

m Pub Club, n

9.45am Family Communion

m Fitness

10.30am Maycroft Alzheimer’s Walk, departs from Maycroft Care Home (see pages 38-39)

m Table

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

m Table

m Fitness

m Table

Refuse Collections Black bins: 7th, 21st Blue & Green bins: 14th, 29th* * day late due to public holiday

ompanions and Meldreth Local History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing oup meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 29

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extract from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5th July 2018 in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Councillors R Goddin, Chairman, R A Searles, Vice Chairman, C J Fallon, N Garner, P Gilmore, R James, C A Land, A Young. In attendance: J Damant, Clerk, Councillor S van de Ven (CCC), Apologies for absence: Councillors N Pellatt (personal reasons); P Hart (SCDC) & J Hales (SCDC) Public Participation There were two members of the public in attendance. District Councillor Report (see page 46) The Parish Council were keen to support Councillor Hart in her scheme to get the footways in the village made safer. (See item under Meldreth Traffic Working Group on the following page). County Councillor Report (see pages 44-45) Councillor Van de Ven circulated a report. The Parish Council asked if the police vehicles mentioned include the police presence that goes through the village twice a week. Meldreth Futures Working Group 1. Funding for Relate (relationship counselling); agreed by all. 2. Bike rack/planters to be placed opposite the shop on the land owned by SCDC; all in favour but clarification will also be needed as to who will be maintaining the planting. There was further discussion regarding Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD). Meldreth councillors attended a youth club session and submitted a report to other councillors. We are still looking at the benefits of the scheme and its funding with a future recommendation to come to the council. 31

Meldreth Traffic Working Group Meetings were being arranged with Meldreth Manor, Orchard Manor, the Primary School and Maycroft. There is also to be a site meeting with Evan Lockland (CCC Highways) to walk around the village to see where the concerns are regarding the footways. Marley/Eternit Appeal Update A hearing before the Planning Inspectorate had taken place. The developer and landowner were requested to come to an agreement; however, this is not a concern for the Parish Council. The final decision can take up to ten weeks from the hearing. Major Projects: Church Wall A meeting has now taken place and it would appear that the repair works are divided into three areas:  front wall  side wall, which has been repaired but is still being damaged by trees.  inside wall by the gate. The architect, Mr Llewellyn, will be asked back to look at the options available, what should take precedence and what can be done. Ongoing Projects: Playground The monthly report from Councillor Fallon was circulated. Remedial works are required. The swings need to be adjusted as they are not at the correct height, the matting needs to be repaired for both sets of swings and slide and signage need to be added in the play area gate to remind people to close the gate. The Parish Council also need to order new shackles and chains for the large swings, to repair the grips for the ‘horse’ and fit a new rubber sleeve to the zip wire. It has also been reported that dogs are fouling on the recreation ground and are not being exercised on leads. We are investigating the merits of hiring a Dog Warden for Meldreth along with neighbouring parishes, as has been suggested in the past. Streetlight Survey The Clerk has emailed Balfour Beatty again but has still not received an answer regarding the replacement of all thirteen lights along North End and Chiswick End. 32

Defibrillators A defibrillator has been installed in the red telephone box in North End. The telephone box has been refurbished, and we are now waiting for the Ambulance Service to give the Clerk permission to remove the ‘not in service’ notice. The Clerk will continue to do the weekly checks. [See page 21 for details of how to book a defibrillator training session.] Administrative /Other: Correspondence and Clerk's Report Footpaths The Clerk has received correspondence regarding footpaths 9 and 9a behind the turkey farm. Although the footpath team cut these footpaths a couple of weeks ago, the paths in the area between the flyover and Station Road are again getting overgrown. The Parish Council are not responsible for maintaining the footpaths or byways. Dog Bin Near War Memorial The Clerk has been in contact with SCDC to look at placing a dog bin in the area of Whitecroft Road and Station Road. Bus Shelter A quote to repair the bus shelter came in at £250-£300: this was accepted by all. Recreation Ditch The ditch will be cleared of vegetation and some of the bank reinforced where it can be. However, the area near the footpath leading from Howard Road to the High Street will not be included with this work and now appears to have deteriorated further. SP Landscapes are not sure if they can do this kind of work. They will give the Clerk a contact who may be able to help. One possibility is to look again at the option of piping this area. Grass Cutting Meldreth has already taken on CCC grass cutting for the verges throughout the village, including those areas no longer cut by SCDC, but apart from the areas around the sheltered housing and the garages along Howard Road. Meldreth receive a grant of £652.37 for grass cutting. It was hoped that when Meldreth took on the SCDC verges that this would be increased but that has not happened. The extra verges cost £75 per month extra (£900 per annum).

33

Burial Ground: Rules and Regulations The Clerk has sent a copy to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils (CAPALC) for their feedback but no response has yet been provided. WW1 Memorial Figures: The decision to install a figure near the war memorial was taken at an earlier meeting but the figure has not yet been purchased. This decision may need to be reconsidered and perhaps changed, once we have established if the Council has the necessary legal powers to make the purchase. Rail User Group The situation is increasingly unmanageable for commuters and other train users. Many trains are no longer stopping at Meldreth and this is disrupting journeys to work. Govia have stated that an interim timetable will bring about some stability to the service from Sunday 15th July 2018. Meldreth were promised a twice hourly service but this has not been delivered. The Parish Council will develop a report to express our concerns and remedial actions for Meldreth which we hope will be followed up by a letter from all the neighbouring parishes. Bollard at Stocks The Parish Council are looking to place bollards around the stocks area to prevent vehicle damage. A decision is needed on whether wooden, plastic or metal bollards are to be used. Proposed Change to the Junction Layout of Whitecroft and Station Road Meldreth Traffic Working Group are now looking into this. Article for Meldreth Matters A resident has kindly put together an explanation regarding how to report items for Highways (CCC), which is very clear and concise. It was agreed that this is suitable for publication in Meldreth Matters [see page 37]. Councillors' Reports The Affordable Rural Housing Mythbuster Tour by ACRE looked at six exception sites where affordable housing for local people might be built. Meldreth have two sites, at Burtons and Melrose. The government now allows sites to contain 40% of market housing as it is felt that by mixing it in this way makes it more attractive to land owners to release land. SCDC have also developed an affordable site in 34

Sawston and they are the housing association. circulated to Councillors.

Documents to be

August Meeting It was agreed by all that there will be no meeting in August apart from Planning. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice boards, opposite the One Stop Shop and at the corner of Elin Way and Whitecroft Road.

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk richardgoddin@gmail.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

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

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 35

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36

Reporting a Highway Problem to Cambridgeshire County Council If you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding, or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online. 1. Go to the Cambridgeshire County Council website. https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ 2. Navigate to ‘Report a highway problem’ using the following thread: Residents > Travel, roads & parking > Roads and pathways > Report a highways fault

3. The link takes you to a map of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. On the right is an example near the Village Hall in Meldreth. 4. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a ‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole, as this measurement affects the response time from the council. 5. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can track progress on a fault already reported. Meldreth Parish Council

37

Maycroft Care Home Greetings to you all; oh summertime, the warmth surrounding us, blue skies, wispy clouds, bosky trees, basking days, sound of bees, dreamy deep buzz of bumble bees a bumbling along or the higher buzz of honey bees or other pollinating insects hurrying scurrying time a drifting precious time harvest time. So in these halcyon days we sit a-basking in the flower basket bedecked courtyard, digesting lunch, a little dreamy perhaps now retired, having done our bit for the world around us though aware of the pace of change in that very world! So to our fete … What a day! Thanks to the goodness of our families and friends and supporting businesses thronging in to support this most traditional of events in the summer calendar, our stalls a picture; whether the tombola, raffle, cake, bric-a-brac, refreshments, plants, etc. We thank you all for bringing and buying. A most useful sum was raised. At this point note our event on 19th August, the walk in support of Alzheimer’s Research U.K. Look out for us as we make our way through the village; whether walking or in wheelchairs! As ever we look forward to seeing you. Carol and Ray

Alzheimer's Research Trust Walk: 19th August When you receive this magazine, the walk will be only a few weeks away. Why are we organising this walk for the second time? Unfortunately, it is not rare these days, to know someone who suffers from dementia. It can also be the result of many other health problems. Particularly relevant to me at present are close friends who are suffering from Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Why support Alzheimer's Research when there are many other charities associated with the different types of dementia? The Alzheimer's Research Trust’s ultimate goal is to find a treatment that will cure or prevent Alzheimer's and many related diseases. Significant research is also needed to develop extra ways of diagnosing dementia in the early stages. Their scientists are looking for genes and 38

other factors which could increase a person’s chances of developing dementia. New dementia drugs are only possible now because of this type of research. Hopefully a walk like this will help some of us get out into the fresh air and countryside raising some money in an enjoyable companionable way, with others young and old, those who are frail and dependent on family, and even those walking with frames or in wheelchairs, relying on carers to help them. The walk, which was outlined in the June and July issues of Meldreth Matters, should take no longer than an hour and for many much less. Refreshments will be provided at the end of your efforts in Maycroft Care Home, where the sponsor forms will be verified and the money collected in the buckets, totted up. Participants will be given bright orange T-shirts, provided by the Alzheimer's Research Trust, before they set off. If you would like a sponsorship form, please ring Maycroft Care Home on (01763) 260217 leaving your name and address and we will attempt to get one to your post box as soon as possible. In the meantime I would like to thank all those who took part last year and helped to raise the £1,600. I hope you will feel able to join us in some way this year, maybe surpassing last years magnificent grand total. The Route At 10.30am on Sunday 19th August, the main group of walkers will leave Maycroft and progress down the High Street, past the shop to Flambards Close. Crossing over the bridge, they will walk along the River Mel to Topcliffe Mill and then to North End opposite the Church. Afterwards they will make their way back to Maycroft. Some of the later groups may only reach Flambards Close and then leisurely return to the home. Others may choose to go up to the Stocks or even to the church to meet the returning walkers. The idea is to get as many folk out as possible, to achieve whatever distance they can comfortably manage. We welcome donations from any who cannot take part that day but who see the walkers approaching and feel they would like to put some money in one of the buckets. It would be wonderful to raise even a few more pounds than last year. Rosemary Childerley Friend of Maycroft 39

Local Events in August Here is a selection of events happening nearby in August. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Wednesdays, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 1.30pm to 2.30pm Health Walk at Royston Heath Join a leisurely and social walk with refreshments afterwards. For more information: www.healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.go.uk. Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th August Cambridge Folk Festival Cherry Hinton Park, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge One of the longest-running and best-known folk festivals in the country. For full details of events, timings and tickets visit: www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk. NB early booking strongly advised. Saturday 4th August, 7.30pm to 9.15pm Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Shostakovich’s 9th Symphony from Memory The Aurora Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Collon will play this piece without sheet music, plus 2nd Piano Concerto by same composer and Mozart ballet music. Tickets £14 -£35 from: www.saffronhall.com or box office: 0845 548 7650. Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August 2018, 10am to 7.00pm Cambridge Thai Festival, Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CB2 1AA Experience the taste, music, dancing and traditions of Thailand in this two day event. Tickets: adults £4 per day, children under 12 free. More details at: www.magicofthailand.co.uk. Sunday 5th August, 9.00am to 6.00pm Shuttleworth Family Airshow Old Warden Aerodrome, SG18 9EP Packed full of activities for all ages. Thrilling aerobatics, live music, free rides on vintage buses, fairground and more. Admission: adults £24 with up to four children free. Book online: www.shuttleworth.org. Sunday 5th August, 10am to 4.00pm Great Chishill Antiques and Vintage Fair Village Hall, Hall Lane, Great Chishill, Cambs SG8 8SH Set in this picturesque South Cambridgeshire village, over 20 stalls packed with antiques, collectables and vintage items. Plus refreshments and home-made food. Entry £1, under 18s free. 40

Friday 10th August, 7.30pm to 10.00pm (gates open at 6.30pm) Summer Outdoor Theatre: Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Cambridgeshire SG8 0BW Bring a picnic, something to sit on and enjoy this timeless comedy from the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons. Booking essential on 0344 2491895. Tickets: adults £16, children £10. Dogs on leads welcome. Sunday 19th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Bourn Windmill Open Day, Bourn CB23 2SU Visit one of the country’s oldest windmills, see how it works and learn the history of this fascinating building. No need to book. Tea and cakes available. More information from: www.cambridgeppf.org. Thursday 23rd August, 10.00am to 4.00pm Summer Scavenger Hunt, Royston Go into Abode Town and Country, 10 Church Lane, Royston to collect your clue sheet for this fun event with a social media twist. Learn more about the historic old town of Royston, take a selfie at each point and upload them on Facebook. All entries go into draw with great prizes. Entry fee - a donation of your choice. Proceeds to Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire. More information: www.hsrsc.org.uk. Friday 24th to Monday 27th August, 8.00pm to 10.30pm Movies on the Meadows, Grantchester CB3 9ND 12 films, 4 nights, 1 river, millions of stars! Sunset screenings on the August Bank Holiday Weekend in a beautiful setting: www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk. Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August, 9.00am to 5.30pm Fenland Country Fair, Stow Cum Quy (off J35 of the A14) A celebration of the British countryside with vintage cars and tractors, heavy horses, falconry display, casting competition, sheepdog displays, trials driving and rural crafts. Wide variety of locally-grown produce and refreshments available. Tickets: adults £12.50, children under 11 free. Thursday 30th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Family Fun Afternoon Foxton Village Hall, 2 Hardman Road, Foxton CB22 6RN Come along and join in lots of fun things to do for adults and children, plus refreshments and delicious home-made cakes. In aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire. See: www.hsrc.org.uk. 41

Compiled by John Crawforth

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Neighbourhood Watch Lost and stolen passports Many of us are quick to report a lost or stolen bank card to get it cancelled but we are a lot slower to react if we have lost or had our passport stolen – and this is opening the door to fraudsters, according to a warning from Action Fraud. The Home Office says 400,000 UK passports are reported lost or stolen each year, but despite the risks of this important document getting into the wrong hands, people wait on average 73 days before reporting it. The urgency to report it should match how fast we would act if it were a credit or debit card or driving licence. That’s because passports, like driving licences and debit or credit cards, contain sensitive information that could be used by criminals to steal your identity and commit fraud. Your passport contains your full name, date of birth and where you were born, which go a long way to helping someone fraudulently open an account in your name. Lost or stolen passports can also be used by people who are trying to enter the country illegally. Director of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, said: “Passports have all the information that fraudsters need to steal your identity and start setting accounts up in your name. Fraud and cyber crime is increasing and therefore there hasn’t been a more important time than now, to protect your identity from criminals.” All lost and stolen passports can be reported online at www.gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport, making the process quick and simple. You can also report a lost or stolen passport for someone else if they can't do it for themselves. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, whether through a lost or stolen passport or otherwise, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Every report matters. There are also a number of trusted contacts in Meldreth who you can talk to about a possible scam: Graham (01763) 260358 Peter (01763) 260323 Linda (01763) 261405 Tim (01763) 262801 For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on 01763 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 43

County Councillor’s Report Accident on College Farm Bend A local resident reported to me a collision between himself in his own car, and what he thinks was a rail replacement bus. We have the details and I’m following this up with Govia. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the bus was empty, but plainly the bend is not wide enough to accommodate passing vehicles of any extraordinary size. Grass Cutting – Public Rights of Way In response to Mitch’s public question in June, and similar questions from neighbouring parishes where the same problem of overgrown paths have been reported, I’ve queried with the County Council on alternative ways of doing things. In the same way that village grass cutting payments are made, it is possible to seek lump sum payments from the County Council for the maintenance of parish rights of way. Question to County Council I’ve submitted this formal question to the July full council meeting, following a local resident’s complaint about the County Council’s rejection of his compensation claim: 'Given the state of 'managed decline' of the County Highway network, which is reflected in the dramatic jump in numbers of pot holes reported and compensation claims made thus far in 2018, should the County Council be reviewing and increasing its network inspection schedules?' NHS Funding Boost and Us I reported to you last month on the responsibility of the Council’s Health Committee to scrutinise various aspects of NHS funding. Shortly thereafter there was a national announcement of an NHS funding boost. I’ve queried whether this would offer some relief to the County Council’s Public Health budget – Public Health responsibilities now sitting with local authorities. It would appear that the NHS funding boost excludes Public Health, so our task will be to find about £700K in ‘savings,’ also called ‘disinvestments,’ for 2019-20. This affects the delivery of public health contracts in our community. Of course we try to identify waste and save money that way, but after so many years the reality now is increased ‘targeting’ – deploying funds to the most extreme need first. Police Community Support, in Response to Local Rise in Crime The Neighbourhood Police Panel meetings no longer exist and policing is clearly being done in a ‘new way.’ South Cambridgeshire now has 44

one police station, which is located in Cambourne and is closed from Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours are Monday 10.00am to 3.00pm. The telephone number is 101. Anyone on the Ecops mailing list will have noticed the rise in reported incidents of crime in South Cambridgeshire villages over the months. I’ve been personally contacted by the victims of two local violent assaults this past spring, both concerned about lack of visible police presence in the villages. Other councillors in other South Cambridgeshire villages have also raised concerns. I’ve asked for a briefing to answer residents’ concerns and have been offered a meeting in early August. I will report back. Trains The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group meeting on 27th June was attended by about 70 people. Thanks to Parish Councillor Nick Garner for attending. While it provided none of the answers we wanted (when will things get better; how will compensation be properly addressed), it was important in keeping our three stations on the radar of all those in positions of responsibility. A detailed update has been included on pages 18-19 of this issue of Meldreth Matters and will also be posted on the Rail User Group’s website and Facebook page. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Joint Parish Prayer Group As we prepare to leave Meldreth, it is important that I leave you the new arrangements for the Joint Parish Prayer Group. The group will now be meeting at the home of Anne Harding, 52 The Moor, Melbourn. Anne has very kindly agreed to host the monthly meetings and the first will be on Monday 1st October from 7.45 until 8.45pm. From then on, the meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month. Prayer requests are still welcomed and as in the past, will be treated in strict confidence. If you would like to join the group or have a request for prayer, then please do get in touch with Anne on (01763) 260759. Marion Long 45

District Councillor’s Report South Cambridgeshire Local Plan An enquiry to the Housing and Communities minister soon after the Liberal Democrat group took over the administration in early May, recently resulted in a letter saying that the Inspector’s report would be sent to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) for “fact-checking”. Marley Appeal [see Stop Press item on page 2] Jose, Philippa and Susan attended the appeal. As before, local representatives found themselves at odds with the Marley team. Several of the local management team attended, including those from the Sports and Social Club. In faithfully representing the village’s opposition to the scheme, we should not wish to send the message that local councillors do not support the Marley Eternit business in Meldreth. TTP Expansion Plans Jose, Susan and Philippa also attended a meeting with senior management at TTP in Melbourn to learn more about their ambitious expansion aspirations. They presented their plans at an EGM of Melbourn Parish Council, and held a public presentation at the Melbourn Hub. The company hopes to expand to the rear of the Melbourn Science Park and increase its workforce by a third by building and occupying cutting edge premises designed to impact very little on the countryside and to create a fertile working environment. Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD) Jose and Philippa went to the recent meeting of the MAYD committee, also attended by Councillors Gilmore and Garner. The groundworks team running the Youth Club gave us some idea how the club is organised and run. We encouraged the youth group leader to meet Year 6 pupils at Meldreth Primary to tell them more about the Youth Club and he has written to the school requesting an audience. Orchard Manor Together with Susan we have scheduled a meeting with staff and students of Orchard Manor to take forward their campaign to improve pavements and accessibility for wheelchair users and those with physical disabilities around the village. Please feel free to contact us any time with your questions and concerns. Councillor Philippa Hart and Councillor Jose Hales, Melbourn Ward Philippa: 07811 323571 Jose: 07703 262649 philippajoyhart@gmail.com jose@josehales.me.uk 46

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Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Bury Lane Fruit Farm, S/2164/18/FL

Erection of entrance porch, and erection of building to cover existing external retail area and mezzanine floor for office use To remove 7 Leylandii-type fir trees to allow the Hornbeams to grow.

The Planning Committee recommend ‘support’ with no comments.

126 High Street, S/2277/18/TC

The Coppice, Remodel existing first floor 25 North End, and roof and retain ground S/2268/18/FL floor. Extend first floor, change roof, alter front elevation, internal alterations and rear and side ground floor extension and new orangery. Land to the Reserved matters application rear of 19-21 for appearance, landscaping, Whitecroft layout and scale following Road, approved outline consent S/0914/18/RM S/2553/17/OL for the erection of two dwellings and change of use of part field/paddock to ecological amenity land.

The Planning Committee had no comment on this application and referred it back to the Tree Officer at SCDC It would appear that previous concerns have now been addressed; apart from materials such as roof tiles and the colour of the rendering. The Parish Council would like colours and finishes consistent with neighbouring properties. Parish Council recommend ‘Support’ but would like their comments of the 19th April to still stand. ‘Meldreth Planning Committee recommend ‘support’ with comments ‘that the landscaping is carried out and maintained’

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

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address Decision

Land adjacent to 27 Howard Road S/0757/18/FL

Permission has been granted for a proposed new dwelling.

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Other Items: 64 Whitecroft Road, Erection of an Ancillary Granny Annexe, APP/W0530/ D/18/3201602 will be going to appeal at SCDC and will be determined on the basis of written representations. Appeal start date 7th June 2018 and runs for four weeks. 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

Recreation Ground Closure On Saturday 7th July a main sewer pipe failed under one of the rear gardens in Elin Way. This led to a major discharge of sewage onto our recreation ground (see photograph) and, via the surface water drainage system, into the ditch running behind the houses in Howard Road.

Photograph by Malcolm Woods

The breakage has been repaired by Anglian Water and we are now concerned with the environmental and health issues arising from the discharge. We are therefore discussing the way forward with Anglian Water, facilitated by the Environmental Health department at South Cambs District Council. It is possible that this problem may be resolved before Meldreth Matters is published but until we are satisfied that there is no danger to public health the recreation ground must remain closed to the public and we ask residents to do all they can to ensure that this is observed. Richard Goddin Chairman, Meldreth Parish Council 49

News From Heidi Allen As I write, the sun seems to have been shining for weeks and the England football team have made it through to the World Cup semifinals. Summer has arrived – come on England! I have been taking action in response to the appalling train service being provided to constituents by GTR trains. I have continued to keep the pressure on GTR and the Department for Transport and I have raised further questions in the House, including raising the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions and just last week questioning the Rail Minister again about the chaos. There is a dedicated page on the GTR issues on my website which is updated regularly with new information: www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/gtr. Details of the compensation being offered to passengers are now being announced. The compensation will be designed to refund season ticket holders up to one month where they have suffered severe disruption. This is what I called for in my question in the House in early June as soon the problems became apparent. However, as the chaos has continued for far longer than we could have anticipated, I have been asking for more than that. I believe it must also compensate non season ticket holders and factor in the consequential loss suffered by commuters, such as increased parking charges, taxi fares etc. Along with other MPs, I have written to GTR and I am in touch with the Office of Road and Rail about this too. As GTR try to get to grips with the dismal service they have been providing, their new emergency timetable will go live on 15th July. If GTR cannot deliver their assurances that their services will improve then they must lose their franchise – Government agrees. I am very sorry that GTR’s failures have resulted in so much inconvenience and upset to so many. I continue to be very grateful to the constituents who have contacted me and to the Rail User Group which has been such a strong advocate for rail users. Last month, I was pleased to meet with local farmers and the National Farmers Union to talk through a number of issues. Agriculture is such a vital part of our local economy, so when Government launches the new Agriculture Bill shortly to shape farming outside of the EU – it must listen to the needs of our famers. They play a critical role in producing our food, looking after the environment and supporting our rural economy. 50

I’m also working hard to find a way to amend the law to strengthen police powers to deal with hare coursing. This crime is abhorrent and devastating for those affected and the current legislation is out of date and no longer fit for purpose. My reward will be accepting three offers to help with harvest! So many combines, so little time … Thriplow, Eltisley and Boxworth; I’ve got my wellies and secateurs ready! Last month, it was lovely to be able to join the Cambourne Eid Fair and the Meldreth fete. Although much of my week is spent in Westminster, I am always pleased to get back home for some light relief and to support local communities. Things got a bit competitive at the Meldreth fete! I joined the ladies team for the tug of war (see photograph) and I am delighted to report that for the second year running, we won! (It was never really in doubt…) You can’t beat a bit of friendly rivalry and I’m already in training for next year! Looking ahead, I’ll be meeting with Royal Papworth Hospital to discuss the future use of the site after they move to Addenbrooke’s. I know this remains an important issue for people in the village and I’m keen to discuss all the options for the future use of the site with them. I’ll provide an update on this in my next newsletter. If there is anything you would like to talk to me about, my next “drop in” surgery will be on Saturday 4th August from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Steeple Morden Village Hall, 29 Hay Street, Steeple Morden SG8 0NQ where no appointment will be necessary. The following surgery will be by appointment and will be in Barrington (venue will be confirmed on my website) on 7th September between 3.00 and 5.00pm. If you would like an appointment, please give my office a call on (01223) 830037. More details can be found here: https://www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/ residents-drop-surgeries. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office. See you next month! Heidi Allen MP 51

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

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Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service Public Urged to Stay Fire Safe in Hot Weather Cambridgeshire residents have been urged to stay fire safe when outdoors this summer. With temperatures hitting significant highs, fires in open areas of land can easily spread and become out of control. The significant moorland fires at Saddleworth Moor and Winter Hill, have shown how these fires quickly spread and take hold of open areas of land. There are seven simple steps we urge residents to take to help prevent an outdoor fire:

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service 53

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

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

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

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

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

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillors

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

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

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

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

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber ......................................2 Abode Town & Country ...........Cover Affordable Plumbing .......................10 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................23 Art of Clean ...................................47 Art of Clean Wood ..........................20 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........26 B2B Automotive ..............................52 Cam Valley Orchards ......................16 Cambourne Self Storage ..................26 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................42 CHS Day Centre .............................30 CHS Group ...............................Cover Coton Electrical ..............................23 The Country Store ...........................47 Ely Design Group ............................26 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........10 Gilhooly .........................................47 iDNET internet ...............................30 iPlaster ............................................20 Jewellery & Sewing Tutor ...............47 Lawn Partners .................................30 The Letting Centre ..........................52

Little Hands Nursery School ............23 Meadowsweet Gardens ....................26 Melbourn Flooring ...........................16 Melbourn Village College (1) ............36 Melbourn Village College (2) ............20 Meldreth Landscapes .......................20 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................15 Moncraft Computers .......................47 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................42 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service36 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......42 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ..................2 Reflections Hair Studio ....................36 Richard Burns Electrician ..................10 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Royston Fencing ...............................36 Slimming World .........................Cover Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ..............16 Summit Landscapes ...........................10 Village Garden Services ....................23 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ............2 Wedding Stationery ...........................10

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

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