Meldreth Matters, August 2020

August 2020

In this issue ‌ Letters to the Editor Melbourn Greenway Scheme

Events ‌ Meldreth Village Trail

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Contents Events Things to Do in August 36-37 Village Trail Challenge 35

Gardens & Nature Gardening 32-33 Transport Bus Journeys 16 Melbourn Greenway Scheme 14-15

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 11 Meldreth Local History Group 13 Women’s Group 13

Local/National Government Local Councillors 24-27 Parish Council 18-21 Planning 20

Miscellaneous Holy Trinity Church 10-11 Letters to the Editor 8-9 Scarecrow Festival 4-5 Study Courses 56, 57 Visit by the Mayor of Royston 6-7 Volunteering 56

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 60 Community Transport 31 Coronavirus Community Support 29-30 Home-Start 55 Mobile Warden Scheme 52 Neighbourhood Watch 23 Refuse Collections 55 Reporting to the Police 21 Village Directory 58-59 Water Safety 53

Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 50-51 Activities for Children and Families 43 Kids’ Kitchen 48 Meldreth Manor 46-47 Primary School 39-41 Shepreth Spitfires 44-45

Centre pages: Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Residents’ Survey

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.

Meldreth’s first Scarecrow Festival was a great success, so congratulations to Roger Faires and the organising team. I had a lot of fun making my first ever scarecrow and then walking around the village to see everyone else’s creations. Congratulations to those who made the winning scarecrows and to the winners and runners up of the colouring competition. Please see the reports on pages 4-5 for further information. The winning entries in the colouring competition are shown on the back cover.

The Meldreth Village Trail Challenge continues until the end of August. Please see page 35 for details. Church Services have resumed; details can be found on page 11.

In the centre pages this month you will find a survey from the Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Group. Your responses will help the Group to plan for the future. Completed surveys can be photographed and emailed to meldrethccs@gmail.com, put in the box marked ‘MCCS Survey' outside the Meldreth Foodbank at 69 High Street, Meldreth or handed to your MCCS volunteer.

Kathryn Front Cover: The Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club Charity Road Run which took place on Sunday 12th July as it came along North End. The run raised over £3000 for NHS Charities Together.

Photograph by Kathryn Betts

August Village Diary Church Services For details of Holy Trinity Church Services please see page 11.

Meldreth Village Trail Challenge This continues throughout August. See page 35 for details.

Parish Council Meeting Thursday 6th August. Please see page 20 for further information.

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Meldreth Scarecrow Festival Thank you, Meldreth, for a fantastic first Scarecrow Festival on the theme of children’s entertainment. My fellow organisers and judges were blown away with the response from the village, with a wide selection of excellently crafted scarecrows, some true ingenuity and a lot of answers to the question “How are we going to do the face?”.

I’ll get down to it: the winner of the people’s vote was Humpty Dumpty, who you could find perilously perched on a wall along the High Street. I hope he got down without a problem … The judges then awarded prizes to Lego Batman, Fido, Gru and his Minions and Harry Potter; all of whom displayed excellent scarecrow skills.

You can view all of the scarecrows in our YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BTcdlM8AXw. A big thank you to the sponsors this year, TTP, One Stop, Tesco, Fieldgate Nurseries and the Parish Humpty Dumpty won the People’s Choice vote Council for providing the prizes. Thank you also for the Photograph by Kathryn Betts community support, including from the British Queen and of course Meldreth Matters, which provided the prize money for the colouring competition. Finally, the most important thanks are due to Rai and Jake, who were roped in to organise this and have been fantastic.

Some people have suggested a return next year. If you are interested in helping out, then please email meldrethscarecrow@gmail.com.

Thank you again to all who participated!

Roger Faires 4

Meldreth Scarecrow Festival: Colouring Competition Thank you to everyone who entered the colouring competition which was held in conjunction with the Scarecrow Festival.

The entries were judged by Meldreth Matters Chairman, Lesley Farbridge, who was impressed with the quality of the entries and the imaginative use of colour by some of the entrants.

No entries were received in the 11-14 age group. Therefore, we decided to award winners and runners-up prizes in the 4-6 and 7-10 years categories.

The winner in each category will receive £10 and the runners up will each receive £5.

The winners are …

4-6 Years Winner: Katie Norton, aged 6 Runner up: Adee, aged 5 7-10 Years Winner: Olivia Hardwick, age 7 Runner Up: Max, age 9 Clockwise from top left: Millie, age 3; Oliver, age 4; Macie, age 6; Connie, age 6; Sophie, age 6; Bethany age 4.

Congratulations to the winners!

Photographs of the winning entries are on our back cover.

On this page are some of the other entries that impressed our judge. To see these in colour, view the magazine online at https://issuu.com/ meldrethmatters.

Kathryn Betts Editor 5

Visit by the Mayor of Royston On Saturday 11th July we were delighted to welcome to Meldreth the Mayor of Royston, Councillor Robert Inwood, accompanied by his son. The Mayor is making a series of visits to villages in the Royston area to thank local businesses for the support they are giving to the residents of Royston during the coronavirus crisis. On this visit, he called to thank our friends at Fieldgate Nurseries and Daveys butchers.

A small reception group was formed by members of Meldreth Parish Council.

Social distancing measures naturally restricted our movements but we were able to go around both businesses, talk to customers and staff and thank the businesses for all they are doing to help our local communities. The coronavirus pandemic has brought out the very best of community spirit, with local businesses coming to the fore in supporting our residents and we believe that shopping habits will change after these experiences and bring even greater support for local businesses in future.

For Meldreth, we stressed the great sense of community that has always strengthened us in good times and bad. Meldreth is a wonderful village in which to live and our response to the pandemic and the volunteer groups that have been established have very much emphasised how communities can come together in a strong spirit of mutual help in difficult times. We therefore thank the volunteers and all our local shops and other businesses for helping us to deal with these very testing circumstances.

We will also welcome the opportunity to see what other areas of common interest can be identified between our communities. The Mayor is keen to look at this in times ahead – areas such as youth 6

development for example – and we will be very happy to maintain the friendly dialogue started by this visit. Even the darkest times such as those imposed by the coronavirus crisis will offer opportunities and we will welcome close co-operation with our friends in Royston and other local communities.

Richard Goddin Meldreth Parish Council

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Letters to the Editor Standing Down as District Councillor I have decided, after six enjoyable and fulfilling years, to stand down as your District Councillor. It has been a huge privilege to serve the Melbourn Ward and lovely to meet so many residents in the course of my duties.

I leave the ward in the capable hands of my ward colleague on the District Council, Councillor Jose Hales, and of course the inimitable Susan van de Ven will carry on in her County Councillor role.

With very best wishes.

Philippa Hart County Broadband – Last Chance for Fast Internet in Meldreth?

The trends of working from home and increasingly higher bandwidth streaming services will continue long after COVID has passed, so having a fast and stable network infrastructure in the village is of high importance to residents and businesses. I myself work from home and often find that the internet connection is not as good as it needs to be, especially when many devices are connected.

County Broadband is the only company which is currently offering to update the village network infrastructure to give us hyperfast broadband. As such, we are faced with something of a Hobson’s choice on the issue, which is, do we want hyperfast internet in the village or not?

County Broadband is also offering a free connection to a community building, the Village Hall for example, if 227 households sign up, which gives a good idea of what County Broadband’s threshold is for a worthwhile investment. As of the week ending 10th July, the current take-up stands at only 78 households. They are extending their review period but it seems the new deadline has not yet been established.

The low demand for County Broadband’s offer means we will not be able to connect a community building and at worst means we could miss the required threshold altogether and be stuck with our current infrastructure for many years. The County Broadband representative I spoke to by telephone did mention that other villages who had taken up their offer quickly started to receive attention from BT as they became aware they were losing customers. It’s unlikely BT will prioritise rolling 8

out infrastructure upgrades to us anytime soon having seen that the demand simply isn’t there and there is no competition to spur them into action.

Paul Inman High Speed Fibre Broadband in Meldreth I am sure I am not the only resident of Meldreth to welcome the decision by County Broadband to extend their decision-making deadline in view of the disruption caused by the pandemic lockdown.

I very much look forward to their campaign restarting. Having discussed this proposal for high speed fibre broadband with several others, I recognise that many people are keen to understand the plans better, and possibly missed the presentations earlier this year, pre lockdown.

As a local resident my enthusiasm for this project is based on a wish for better reliability of service as much as a higher speed connection. Our broadband connection in North End is frustratingly unreliable as the router frequently simply drops its connection and sits blinking orange, while we wait, blinking irritated! My wife works from home as a writer of educational books and uses the internet regularly for research, for emails, and increasingly, for video conferencing with fellow writers and publishers. Her workflow is frequently frustrated with these regular dropouts of the service. I use the internet lightly, but too find the frequent loss of service irritating. We do not make much use of services such as Netflix, despite our son setting us up as a user on his account, but when we have tried that has suffered from excessive buffering and extended programme pauses. We do, however, try to make frequent use of “catch up� facilities, such as BBC iPlayer and its equivalents, to watch programmes at our convenience. These are superb services but marred again by our current poor broadband service.

Living in a South Cambridgeshire village in the 21st century we really should have high speed fibre internet connections.

As private individuals this would be a very welcome proposition to Libby and me.

If I were attempting to run a business here, I imagine it would be absolutely essential. I look forward to the next presentation by County Broadband and would encourage anyone who is not yet convinced to attend and discuss their interests and concerns.

Ian Mitchell 9

Holy Trinity Church We can meet again!

We are delighted to announce that Holy Trinity Meldreth is able to host public worship once more. Though we are all used to certain regulations as we go about our daily business there are a number of specific regulations which we have to follow when we meet in church.  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or are self-

isolating because of known or suspected exposure to COVID-19, you MUST NOT come to church.  If you are ill in any other way, especially including colds, coughs,

or flu, please do not come to church because if others, especially the more vulnerable amongst us, caught a germ, this may reduce their ability to fight COVID-19.  If you are regarded as clinically vulnerable, or shielding, it is your

choice as to whether you attend church, but you need to be aware that, like any other public place, we cannot guarantee a 100% risk-free and safe environment for you.  Please sanitise your hands immediately upon arrival. There will

be a specific sanitation station; queue markers will have been placed to facilitate this.  Your attendance will be recorded in order for us to comply with

the Government’s ‘Track and Trace’ programme.  During the service, hymns and other types of singing are not

permitted. The 9.45am service will be accompanied by an organ.

After the service, please remain in your pew until directed to leave by a sidesperson; this is to ensure we follow a socially-distanced exit, and avoid bunching. You will be directed to sanitise your hands again before leaving. The church building will then be locked before being cleaned by our cleaning team so that we can re-open for private prayer.

These regulations may seem daunting, but please be reassured that the sidesperson on duty will be more than happy to guide you through them. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to Holy Trinity.

We aim to continue live-streaming the 9.45am service for those who are unable to be with us. The camera will be placed in the chancel, pointing towards the altar. Please note that the ability to live-stream 10

will depend on the availability of the relevant equipment and personnel.

We are looking at more long-term solutions.

Please be aware that we may need to cancel services at short notice, in which case we will try our best to let you know.

Holy Trinity will remain open for private prayer at the following times: Monday – Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm; Sunday 11.00am – 3.00pm.

Please note that the church will remain closed on Saturday for cleaning.

Please bear with us if we need to close the church at short notice.

Church Services in August 2nd August 9.45am Family Communion 9th August

8.00am Holy Communion

16th August

9.45am Family Communion

23rd August

8.00am Holy Communion

30th August

8.00am Holy Communion Lesley Hollamby

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Unfortunately, our planned activities continue to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

AGM Our AGM has been postponed until further notice. It is planned to circulate the Vice Chairman’s and Treasurer’s reports to the Friends. At the rearranged AGM, the appointment of three new committee members will be considered while one will be standing down.

Jane Eyre by ‘This is My Theatre’ Group This was due to have been held in the church in May. Due to the pandemic, This is My Theatre have postponed this tour until 2021.

Open Gardens and the Car Show These will be run if restrictions are reduced at a suitable time of year.

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Due to the coronavirus, the Women's Group have missed so many of its regular monthly meetings with speakers. We are a very friendly group and apart from the talks, we have also missed out on our Summer Supper which is organised by the members of the committee and is usually held in May. The evening normally affords us the opportunity to enjoy some tasty food and socialise together. Also, we regularly go out for a meal to a local restaurant in August, which will not be happening this year, and this again is a much-anticipated social occasion.

Hopefully it will not be too long before we will be able to meet up, enjoy each other’s company and hear the speakers who had to be cancelled. In the meantime we are endeavouring to keep in contact with one another and our committee members continue to be available at the other end of a telephone: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377 and Mary Bailey (01763) 220171.

Pat Smith

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Although the Group has been unable to meet since March, some of us have been working from home throughout the pandemic.

In the last few months, members have been researching the origin of street and place names in Meldreth and Vaughan Williams’ connection with Meldreth as well as working on family and house histories.

We continue to share aspects of the village’s history each week on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meldrethhistory.

Please follow us on Facebook and help us reach 500 followers!

Work on our new website is almost complete and we will be launching the site in the autumn. More information will be included in a future issue of Meldreth Matters.

Kathryn Betts Webmaster 13

Melbourn Greenway Scheme We are delighted to report that the Melbourn Greenway scheme was approved by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) Board meeting on 25th June. This is a big step forward in providing improvements right along our route, which we’ll explain in more detail below.

Importantly, it means that the local authorities will start the detailed design and land acquisition process for these improvements, including a new path and bridge between Royston and Melbourn. Pleasingly, all three of the decision-makers spoke in favour of the Royston connection.

There is real political support to make this happen, and it is a real vindication of our long campaign to get it built! You can find the reports and YouTube video of the decision meeting on the Greater Cambridge Partnership website.

The scheme is currently specified only in outline, but includes the following improvements, starting at the Royston end:  A bridge from Royston over the A505, in cooperation with Hertfordshire County Council.  A new path along the east side of the A10 (the opposite side to the existing path) linking the new bridge with Melbourn village.  Changes to Melbourn village centre including a 20mph speed limit, on-road cycle lanes and improvements to junctions.  Improvements in Foxton and Shepreth, linking both villages to the existing A10 path, and reducing the speed limit in Foxton to 20mph.  Improvements at Foxton Level Crossing, with a new 30mph speed limit (reduced from the present 50mph), narrowing the road and providing a cycle lane over the main crossing as well as retaining the existing wicket gates.  A new path through the fields around Harston, allowing cyclists to avoid the village centre. This will start from Church End and rejoin the existing path at Rectory Farm in Hauxton. A connection to Haslingfield is also planned as part of a later scheme.  The existing narrow path north of Harston will be widened to three metres.

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 The route through the Trumpington Meadows Country park will be revised and straightened as part of plans to build a park-andride site, known as “Hauxton Travel Hub”, between the A10 and M11. This will include a new foot/cycle bridge over the M11 adjacent to the existing concrete farm bridge.

What happens now?

Council officers will begin the process of settling on a detailed design, which will include appointing consultants to do the design work and briefing them on what is wanted. The design process is forecast to take about two years. There will then need to be a further authorisation by the Board to construct the scheme and planning permission will be needed for several aspects. There is still campaign work for us to do to ensure that the scheme gets built in a way that gives maximum benefit to the local community. The scheme is due for completion in 2025, but is due to be completed in segments up to that date.

The importance of the A505 bridge was highlighted by each member of the Board and support and financial contributions from Royston and Melbourn businesses towards the bridge were specifically cited as evidence of the strong demand for cycle-to-work in a cross-county border setting.

As County Councillors, Fiona Hill and Steve Jarvis in Hertfordshire and Susan van de Ven in Cambridgeshire, together with their respective officers, are working closely together on vital cross-county collaboration for next steps.

Foxton Travel Hub At the same meeting, the Board also approved plans to construct a station car park for Foxton station, branded as “Foxton Travel Hub”.

We will be liaising directly with GCP officers to try and get the best possible design, especially where the A10 cycle path meets access points for Foxton and Hauxton Travel Hubs.

Timescales may seem slow but we believe this to be a milestone decision for very significant improvements to the Royston-Cambridge cycle link.

Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Contacta10cycle@gmail.com

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Bus Journeys: Please Remember to Wear Your Face Covering Since the Government’s announcement that face coverings must be worn on public transport, the Cam Vale Bus User Group has teamed up with local bus operator A2B to encourage passengers to be sure to come prepared.

A2B owner Brian Clifford has set the bus destination display with the heading, ‘Please keep us safe. Wear a face covering’.

He said, “A2b would like to thank passengers for following Government rules on wearing face coverings. This helps not only you but everyone else aboard stay safe. Please follow the social distancing signage onboard, and if you are travelling without a facemask because you are exempt, please try and sit at the rear of the vehicle. Please don't worry if your driver isn’t wearing a face covering, as drivers are exempt from the ruling.”

Cam Vale Bus User Group Chair Councillor Susan van de Ven said, “The 127 bus has been running all through lockdown. This really is a critical link for many people who don’t have access to private transport.

Passengers are now required to wear a face covering for the safety of everyone on board. A scarf or bandana is acceptable. The bus itself is equipped with hand sanitiser and seats have been rearranged to enable social distancing.”

Susan van de Ven

Above: the 127 bus in Bassingbourn High Street. Local resident Rob Stanford boards the bus with Cam Vale Bus User Group Chair Councillor Susan van de Ven, District Councillor Nigel Cathcart and Parish Council Chair Elaine Douglass.

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 2nd July 2020 This meeting was held through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 2020. The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format.

The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting.

Discussions and decisions  District and County Councillors’ Report: South Cambridgeshire parishes, Cambridge Residents Associations and Friends of Groups have been invited to help identify opportunities to improve green infrastructure in the area, as one way of helping to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. The Parish Council will be considering the strengths and weaknesses of green infrastructure and to inform the planners of any ongoing projects in which the Council is involved or has knowledge of. It was also noted that greater emphasis will be given to walking and cycling, including to and from park and ride sites. It was noted that there is concern about the broadband services available in the village and how these might be improved by the involvement of other suppliers. The Council agreed that the choice of broadband provider lies with members of the community and should reflect their needs as businesses or private individuals.  COVID-19: Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support continues

to provide valuable services to those directly affected by the virus.

With shops reopening, schools restarting and fewer restrictions on travel, there are signs that the impact of the virus is lessening but caution needs to be exercised to avoid the virus reasserting itself.

The Council noted the steps being taken to recycle computer equipment for use by students and others.  Planning: earlier, on Thursday 2nd July, the Planning Committee

considered a proposal for tree work in a rear garden along the High Street and this was considered acceptable.  Mettle Hill Site Security: a site visit by two Councillors took place

on Tuesday 9th June. It was concluded that there had been no 18

further motorised quad-bike incursions although some evidence remained of pedestrian trespass. The site will be kept under review and will be regularly visited to check the situation.  Traffic Measures: the Council will apply for a Local Highways

Initiative grant to install speed-reducing measures in Whitecroft Road by installing a chicane. The Council will also purchase some enhanced 30 mph limit signs for installation at the village entrance on Whaddon Road. Further research will be undertaken on measures that might restrict the passage of heavy goods vehicles in certain parts of the village.  Pavilion

Anti-social Behaviour: there have been frequent complaints by local residents about youths climbing onto the roof of the pavilion. Anti-vandalism paint will be applied to the structure with suitable warning notices.

 Reopening of Playgrounds: some advice is available from the

government on the steps needed to reopen playgrounds but the measures need to reflect the individual playgrounds, the equipment installed and the risks to users. The National Association of Local Councils is also advising its member organisations on the appropriate steps and the Council agreed that it needs to await that specific guidance before our play area at the recreation ground can safely be reopened.  Village Infrastructure Repairs: progress on outstanding items was

noted but it is considered that more work needs to be performed on the repairs to the kissing gate near the railway station.  Development and Building Works, Times of Operation: on a case

by case basis, working hours will be considered by the Council against a background of a government-driven desire to accelerate building projects by adopting longer hours of work on sites. The Council will consider each of these as they arise and will take full account of all the local circumstances.  Finance Working Group: the Group recommendations in respect

of cemetery charges for cremated remains, and pavilion charges for costs incurred, were agreed. The purchase of a plot for burying cremated remains will increase to £100 with a burial charge of £80. These charges had not been reviewed for over ten years and the increases this year reflect the increases last year for 19

interment grave purchases and burials. The new charges are still considerably lower than many other local Councils.

The pavilion charges reflect the costs of supplies used such as electricity, water and occasional redecoration. The Football Club will continue to be charged ÂŁ300 p.a. and the Tennis Club will be asked to pay ÂŁ100 p.a. for normal patterns of use. It was agreed that during periods of non-use or lower use there will be a fair assessment of charges. Fixed costs such as standing charges, insurance and rates, will not be recovered from the users because they would be incurred regardless of use.

Audit 2019/2020: the process is now in its final stages and the papers will be signed in the next few days.

Next meeting: It was agreed to hold a meeting in early August even though this is a month in which a Council Meeting is not usually held.

The Council believes that in current crisis conditions such a meeting is required in order to service the requirements of the village, so the next Council meeting will take place on Thursday 6th August 2020. It was noted that virtual meetings should be expected for some months to come.

Meldreth Parish Council

Planning Links Meldreth Council Planning meetings are usually held bi-monthly on Thursdays providing there is business to discuss. The unapproved minutes are available for download as soon as possible afterwards and will be available on a rolling twelve-month basis.

See https:// www.meldreth-pc.org.uk/planning1.html for further details.

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the SCDC website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wchvarylogin.display.

Kathryn Betts Editor 20

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 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Reporting to the Police From time to time it is unfortunately necessary to report incidents to the Police on issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, hare coursing etc. Sometimes this is done through the Parish Council receiving a message from a member of the community or by our residents directly contacting the Police.

The Police have indicated that it is generally more effective for such reports to them to be made directly by residents rather than through the Parish Clerk or Council members; a process that necessarily introduces delays and potentially less accurate information. A direct report enables the Police both to get the facts more accurately and to take swifter action.

The Parish Council favours any measures that will improve the effectiveness of this process and therefore encourages residents to report directly to the Police in future.

The telephone number for reporting such issues is 101.

Meldreth Parish Council 21

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Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk 9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB Free parking outside world-class dentistry, on your doorstep 22

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Have you received a suspicious email?

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a Suspicious Email Reporting Service. If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, simply forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service on the email address report@phishing.gov.uk.

The email might be from a company you don’t normally receive communications from, or someone you do not know. If you are suspicious, report it. Your report of a phishing email will help the NCSC to act quickly, protecting many more people.

When an email is reported, the NCSC will analyse the suspect email and any websites it links to. They use any additional information that you have provided to look for and monitor suspicious activity. If the NCSC discovers activity that they believe is malicious, they may seek to block the address the email came from so it can no longer send emails, work with hosting companies to remove links to malicious websites, and raise awareness of commonly reported suspicious emails and methods used, via partners such as Action Fraud. The NCSC is unable to inform individuals of the outcome of its review, but they do act upon every message received. At the end of June, the number of reports received stood at more than 1,173,000 with the removal of 4,590 scams and 11,543 website addresses. The Suspicious Email Reporting Service is: report@phishing.gov.uk.

This information has been adapted from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website at www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/reportsuspicious-emails.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, do not report it to the NCSC bit instead, always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether a telephone call, email or text is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 23

District and County Councillors’ Reports COVID-19: Local Outbreak Control Plan All local public authorities via Directors of Public Health have been directed by government to submit a Local Outbreak Control Plan, which includes a responsibility for managing the Test and Trace system at local level for ‘settings’ such as workplaces, schools, care homes, etc.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Plan was submitted on 30th June.

The key message from our own Director of Public Health was that Test and Trace will not work without continuing the same social distancing measures that have been in place until now. There was a clear message too that any changes or seeming inconsistencies in government messaging should not predominate and that the public health message on key measures to prevent another outbreak must lead the way.

Multi-use Community Buildings and COVID-19 Community centres, village halls, and other multi-use community facilities support a wide range of local activity. Of course, their communal nature also makes them places that are vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance for those managing multi-use community facilities to prepare for re-opening when restrictions have lifted. It signposts to relevant guidance on a range of different activities that can take place in these spaces.

Currently, community centres are closed except where they are used to provide permitted activities as set out in the premises closure guidance.

Many community facilities are also workplaces and those responsible for the premises should therefore be aware of their responsibilities as employers. This guidance will be updated as we move into the next step for easing restrictions and when other guidance relevant to multiuse facilities are produced.

Devolution White Paper In a recent response to a written question, the Local Government Minister Simon Clarke confirmed that the Devolution White Paper will be published in the Autumn and indicated that it will include plans for the restructuring of local institutions: the establishment of more mayors and more unitary councils, with populations “substantially in excess of 300,000-400,000”.

There are currently 56 Unitary Authorities in England, of these, only five have a population greater than 400,000. The previous round of 24

devolution deals saw the Government express a clear preference for Mayoral Combined Authorities. As we already have one of these in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough it is not clear what will happen to its constituent thirteen authorities.

Foxton Travel Hub Southern Option Approved by the Greater Cambridge Partnership There were very strong local objections to both options, on the basis that the scheme is mainly a large car park, disproportionate to the size of the station, inherently difficult access to the station with the often gridlocked A10 to cross, propensity to exacerbate A10 problems on this stretch, likely to attract commuters seeking to save the high parking charges at Royston, and lacking much detail on the other ‘travel hub’ features one would expect to see. There was also a challenge on the basis of diminished take-up of public transport post-COVID. The decision-makers concurred that the delivery of the car park could be broken down into a phased approach.

Melbourn Greenway approved by GCP. Please see the report on pages 14-15 from the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign.

Whitecroft Road Broken Drain and Failure to Respond In late June at least two local residents, one by website logging and one by direct telephone call to Highways, reported a broken drain in Whitecroft Road approaching the Fenny Lane junction. Half the drain cover was missing and had left a gaping hole, presenting a clear danger, especially to cyclists. There was no response from Highways on the basis of either of these reports. Susan then reported it and was assured of a temporary repair that evening. The result was traffic cones, which then disappeared a couple of days later leaving the dangerous hole explosed again. A repair has now taken place on the back of another urgent request. Thankfully no accidents occurred on this site. The Highways team says that it should have been obvious from the start that this was an emergency and will be reporting back on what went wrong. Apologies to all.

Village Internet Infrastructure We delayed reporting on the offer from County Broadband as initially it seemed to be a matter of individual household choice. However, the additional pressures of the lockdown with many residents working or studying from home have very clearly exposed the patchiness and weakness in speed of the broadband service in the village, with many 25

people reporting its inadequacy relative to the service which larger settlements and their workplaces receive. In light of this, and given the drive to more sustainable living, property market experts now believe that it is the broadband service available in any settlement which should be at least as, if not more, important than all other metrics assessing a community’s sustainability. As one resident remarked: “This is access to services. As someone who has always worked from home on a regular basis, and is now doing so everyday, access to a much improved broadband service is an absolute essential. Indeed we even thought twice about moving to Meldreth due to the lack of such services.”

We now believe our residents deserve to have at least a choice between infrastructure providers. The only way that choice can currently be achieved is if enough households sign up to merit the investment County Broadband is offering to make. This is the only offer we’re aware of that presents a chance for such a significant infrastructure improvement. County Broadband is now relaunching engagement in Meldreth following the long pause during lockdown.

What it offers: the County Broadband offer guarantees speeds of between 300-900 megabits per second (Mbps) depending upon which tariff the customer chooses. This compares with the typical BT offering for this area of 32-55 Mbps, so an order of magnitude faster. The cost of the basic package is initially cheaper than BT prices but rises above the BT price if the very fastest speeds are sought. Probably the most attractive residential tariff from County Broadband is the middle one, the Hyper 600, offering an average 600 Mbps download and upload speed at a standard monthly charge of £55 after an initial six months at £29.50. They also offer a very cost effective telephone service which can retain your existing landline number.

Future-proofing properties/premises: even if residents are satisfied with their broadband speed now it seems likely that devices using broadband will proliferate in our homes and workplaces and place additional demand on the system. Currently broadband speed reduces the further a property is located from a green box and also depending upon how many neighbours are using the broadband at any given time before it reaches a property. We are already aware of a village-based business, Teknis, which will vote with its feet and move elsewhere if the broadband does not improve.

Marketability of homes/attractiveness of business premises: estate agents now routinely publish broadband speeds when marketing 26

property and it is frequently one of the most important factors in a decision by a prospective buyer about whether or not to proceed with the purchase. Good broadband has become even more essential as so many of us have been working from home during the lockdown and there is every indication that working from home will become commonplace. Working from home has the consequential advantages of reducing work-related journeys and increasing consumer spending in local businesses.

BT’s Open Reach is a volume supplier, so they concentrate on investing the majority of their activity in cities and large settlements. By contrast rural communities are not a big enough market to merit equivalent investment from Openreach, whereas serving small rural communities is County Broadband’s specialism.

County Broadband has offered to connect one of our public buildings with free wi-fi as part of their offer. Even with the possibility of the wonderful Screenbank project supplying reconditioned devices, we know that the cost of wi-fi can be a barrier to internet access.

Therefore we feel that County Broadband is an important opportunity for free public connection that should be given serious consideration.

For more information, please see the County Broadband website http://www.countybroadbandfibre.co.uk.

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Jose Hales and Philippa Hart, District Councillors

PC Repairs

Little Hands Nursery School

Advice & Installation of Home Networks

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

Help with Selecting a computer

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”

The Moor, Melbourn

Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

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

E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk

Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

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

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

27

Unit 1, Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, SG8 8NE

Huw Shortle

Moorlands Court

Pure Water Window Cleaning

Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely?

Why not try our Day Centre?

07915 378397

 Meet up for a chat and lunch?  Our Day Centre is comfortable, friendly and easily accessed.  Open Tuesday to Friday every week.  Transport can be arranged.

Why not give us a call?

info@huwclean.co.uk

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk 28

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Update It’s very good to report that Meldreth and South Cambridgeshire seem to be faring well in terms of COVID-19 infection control. It seems clear that the effects of the pandemic will be with us for some time, and that continuing social distancing and other protective public health measures are absolutely vital in complementing testing measures for the best possible outcome.

Many of our volunteers are returning to their jobs and their former lives and basic support services such as shopping and prescription collections are winding down; local pharmacies have indicated that they are preparing for a return to normal from 1st August.

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support (MCCS) will be trying to ensure that no one is left high and dry and will suggest, for example, that affected residents move to a home delivery pharmacy arrangement where possible. Our volunteers have generally indicated that they are happy to pick up these services again should the need arise in a future lockdown, for which many thanks.

The Screenbank is well on the way to completing its 100th computer for community use, thanks to Andy Thomas and his team. This has been a very busy activity for MCCS. The Screenbank will shortly have met Melbourn Village College’s basic requirement and also provided a small pool of computers for use by members of the Meldreth community. Thanks to very generous donations from residents and businesses in Meldreth and the wider area, the Screenbank has enough surplus systems to make a significant contribution to neighbouring Bassingbourn Village College, which welcomes many students from Meldreth.

There is a bit more time now to devote to our mental health support component and we are now looking at various options with Mind CPSL, which runs the ‘Good Mood Café’ at the Melbourn Hub as well as a telephone support service, Lifeline Plus.

The Food Bank and Community Meals will continue into the coming weeks at least. Uptake has gradually increased. Thanks to our neighbours in Melbourn for doing all the organising for Community Meals, and to local residents for their continuing generous donations to the Meldreth Food Bank.

29

The Food bank is open on Tuesdays from 10.00am to 12 noon and on Thursdays from 2.00 to 4.00pm at 69 High Street, opposite the British Queen. Or just contact Anne Bobeckyj by telephone on 07592 355279.

Donations to the foodbank are especially welcome during the summer holiday weeks.

Fabric face masks, home-made here in Meldreth, are available via the Food Bank – please just pop over during Food Bank opening times.

Whatever you feel able to contribute will go into our Food Bank funding pot.

Following this article is a pull-out survey asking which services you most valued during the lockdown period, what you would like to see retained for the coming months and beyond, and what new ideas might be explored; for example gentle exercise activities on the recreation ground, take-a-walk companionship, tutoring possibilities for students, to name but a few of the ideas which we’ve heard. Please do respond even if you have not been a recipient of any MCCS services - to help us form a picture of what our village network might consider doing to support the community in the coming months.

Susan van de Ven and Philippa Hart Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support

COVID Symptom Study Join over four million members of the public supporting the NHS and scientists in the UK. Download the COVID Symptom Study app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play and help us to get out of lockdown safely and to beat the disease. The more people who contribute, the greater the understanding into COVID will be gained by scientists.

Thanks to the responses of those who have downloaded the app, scientists are detecting new COVID hotspots, and identifying new symptoms. As a result, the latest research from the COVID Symptom Study has highlighted six distinct clusters of coronavirus symptoms and allows users to check the incidence of coronavirus in their area.

All it takes is one minute to report your health daily, even if you are well.

30

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Residents’ Survey We hope that you and your family and friends are doing well. As we now ease into a new kind of normal, we’d be grateful to hear from you on the following ques ons so that we can learn for the future. Please put a cross against all those that apply.

1. What MCCS services and ini a ves have made a posi ve difference to you during COVID-19 lockdown?



Contact with other residents



Prescrip on collec ons



Help with shopping



Children’s games: teddy bear hunts, etc. Please specify.



Something else? (please specify)

2. What things have you found most difficult during lockdown?



Isola on from family and friends



Feeling anxious



Home-schooling



Home-working



Internet quality



Something else? (please specify)

3. What could be done be er or differently to support the community, should we face another lockdown in future?



More frequent social contact



Be er broadband



More ac vi es for children



Something else? (please specify)

4. Do you feel adequately supported now that lockdown is easing?



Yes



No, because:

5. What concerns, if any, do you have about the coming months?



Home schooling and access for on-site educa on



Employment



Financial



Health generally



Contrac ng the virus



Winter lockdown



Contact with distant family



Something else? (please specify)

6. What new ideas might MCCS consider for the coming months?

  

New exercise and ac vi es on the recrea on ground for young (e.g. Five-aside football?) and old (e.g. Tai Chi?). Please list any ideas on the next page.

Take-a-walk companionship Facilitate teaching computer skills, for Zoom chats with family and friends & on-line shopping



Reading groups



Something else? (please specify)

7. Any other comments:

8. If you’d like to leave us your name and contact details, please do.

Name Address Email Address Telephone Number

Please return this survey to the box marked ‘MCCS Survey' at the Meldreth Foodbank, 69 High Street, Meldreth, or hand to your regular volunteer.

Alterna vely, please take a photograph of your completed survey and send to meldrethccs@gmail.com. Thank you. Closing date: 31st August 2020.

The team at Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support

Royston & District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk With the recent changes in government advice, Community Transport is starting to get back to a normal service – but we’re not quite there yet!

All medical appointments still take priority but we are now able to offer social visits, hairdresser and shopping trips, provided we have drivers available. Current Government advice is still restricting the number of volunteer drivers, so we may ask you to be flexible in your timing.

Upon advice, journeys for reasons other than medical appointments will be limited to the local area; a fifteen-minute maximum journey each way. If you have alternative transport available please continue to use this. We are monitoring the situation on a day-by-day basis and so by the time you read this the situation may have changed again. If you need Community Transport please ring the office as usual and we will advise you what we can offer.

Telephone (01763) 245228, from 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Our wheelchair accessible vehicle is available and we can now offer some bus outings for social groups, but will need to keep within the “one-metre plus” guide for seating, limiting the number we can carry.

Buses are cleaned between use, hand sanitisers are fitted and passengers and drivers are required to wear masks.

Even with the new relaxing of guidance, for everyone’s safety we still require clients to observe the following guidelines:  Not to travel if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.  To wash your hands before travelling.  To sit in the back behind the passenger seat and wear a mask.

We can provide one if necessary.  To travel unaccompanied unless absolutely necessary.

For your safety:  Our drivers will also wear a mask  Car surfaces will be cleaned between journeys  Drivers will offer physical help only if necessary, and will try to maintain social distance whenever possible.

For further information, please see our website: www.roytrans.co.uk.

Pru Burton RDCT 31

Notes From a Small Garden I received this interesting email from a Veg Club Plus member this week and thought you all might enjoy it: “Hi, I thought you might like this. Several leaves on our cannas have lines of holes across them. I believe these are caused by normally blood-sucking midges which, lacking their normal meal, will suck fluid from the rolled up buds of plants, causing a small amount of damage.

As the leaf grows and unfurls, the damage is magnified and a line of holes across the leaf is seen.”

Of course we have so many pests in the garden but remembering advice from the organic gardening brigade, I looked at my pretty yellow nasturtiums in a pot. They were covered with black fly as usual, but this time I thought I would be patient and the next day, I noticed that the plant was covered with ladybirds feasting on the black fly.

This leads me to companion planting, in which I am a great believer. For instance marigolds are excellent at keeping white fly off the tomatoes in the green house. Likewise nasturtiums are excellent at keeping black fly off broad beans. But you do need to think about when to plant them. I have been a bit late with my marigolds this year, also the nasturtiums as they haven’t flowered yet and I have already cut down the broad beans!

This year I have made the potager into a mixed flower and vegetable garden and it’s prettier than it has ever been, but I can’t say that of all the vegetables to date, which have not always been a success; the annual spinach went to seed immediately, despite copious watering.

But dill has seeded itself from last year, also the odd cosmos and the 32

white Californian poppy (Eschscholzia). I sowed more of the latter but they didn’t come up. I have heard from my friends that they have had to sow seeds several times due to poor germination. The weather has been odd though; all that wonderful hot weather in April and May with no rain.

My roses and phlox are still stunning, and each morning I take a sharp pair of secateurs with a basket and wander round the garden deadheading and noticing what needs doing in the garden that day. It has given a perfect structure to the day for me in the difficult time with COVID-19 that we are having to go through. As my grandchildren say; “We can’t go under it; we can’t go over it so we have to go through it” - taken from We’re All Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

Jobs for August:  Collect seeds from annuals as they ripen, e.g. sweet peas,

aquilegias, love-in-the-mist  Keep hanging baskets watered. They really need watering every

day, especially cherry tomatoes.  Prune rambling roses, up to a third from the main stem  Trim lavender once flowering is over, but don’t cut into wood.

This stops the plant getting leggy.

Happy gardening from myself and from Jim, who tells me he is out in his garden every morning!

Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

New to the village?

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today section for information on

footpaths * village facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 33

Reflections Hair Studio

Nigel Wigg

Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Home Improvement Specialist

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

design and construction

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

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

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

34

Meldreth Village Trail Challenge! 

Do you love a challenge and enjoy a quiz?



Do you like being outside in the fresh air?



Fancy a wander around this lovely South Cambridgeshire village?



Are you happy to donate a minimum of £5 to The Arthur Rank Hospice?



Would you like to win a bottle of champagne and chocolates?

Suitable for all ages You can take part any time between 1st July and 31st August 2020, For more information and a copy of the quiz please contact Helen: hmeridew@btinternet.com www.justgiving.com/fundraising/meridewfamily

In memory of David

35

Things To Do in August All details are subject to change; please check before travelling.

Outdoor Visits National Trust Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP Hides, visitor centre, cycle hire and boat trips are closed but you can walk around some of the main routes. Pre-book for Sedge Fen visit.

Takeaway snacks & drinks; toilets in car park. ww.nationltrust.org.uk.

Wimpole Estate SG8 0BW and Ickworth IP29 5QE Book in advance. Grounds are open and light snacks available. Some toilets open. Dogs must be on leads. Both now have multi-use trails.

Ickworth’s trail is 6 miles long, a 3 hour walk.

See the map of Wimpole’s trail on the Wimpole website.

Anglesey Abbey CB25 9EJ Book in advance. Bikes and scooters for under 5s only. Woodland play area closed. Snacks and drinks. Toilets available. Shop and plant centre open 11.00am - 4.00pm.

English Heritage Audley End CB11 4JF Grounds (designed by Capability Brown), service wing and stable block open. Book in advance. Live interpretations in the open air - meet the servants (weekends only). Download a Summer Quest trail map for the children to follow - certificates awarded to the successful. Light refreshments. Toilets. www.english-heritage.org.uk RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Essex CM3 8RA Beautiful, varied gardens with lovely views from the hilltop. Shop and plant centre. Take away refreshments. Toilets. Book in advance. www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall Wandlebury Country Park Parking charges (£3) can be paid online or by text or by coins at the machine. Walks, den building, games field. Toilets. www.cambridgeppf.org Magog Down, Stapleford CB22 5FX Car park £3 (coins only). Walks through woods and meadows with beautiful flowers and birds. Skylarks nest here. Good views. www.magogtrust.org.uk 36

Cambridge Botanic Gardens CB2 1JE Book online or enjoy a virtual visit (Wellness Wander) updated weekly.

Get advice from the online Gardening Club. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

Oliver Cromwell’s House, St. Mary’s Street Ely CB7 4HF House Detectives outdoor event: join an Architectural Historian and unlock the story of this important building. Tuesdays until 25th August from 2.00-4.00pm. £12 per person. Advanced booking only: www.visitely.org.uk/whats-on.

Indoor Activities Ely Cathedral Book online for services or watch them live streamed on YouTube. Take a virtual tour of the cathedral online. www.elycathedral.org.

Bletchley Park Pre-book a timed entry slot. £21 adults, concessions £18.50, children over 12 £12.50. Under 12s free. www.bletchleypark.org.uk.

Virtual MUSE workshops Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Try the Virtual MUSE workshops to access films, helping you get creative with a variety of self-led activities. www. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Eating Out The British Queen, Meldreth Good to have the BQ open again - new menus available online including pizzas. (01763) 260252. www.thebritishqueen.com.

Hot Numbers, Shepreth Garden open until 4.00pm but pizzas available until 9.00pm. No need to book. (01223) 612207 www.hotnumberscoffee.co.uk.

The Hub, Melbourn Open 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Saturday. Eat in or take away, no need to book. www.melbournhub.co.uk.

Teacake, Shepreth Open Friday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm, Saturday 11.00am to 4.00pm. Book 07740 264446. www.teacakeatshepreth.co.uk.

The Plough, Shepreth at the time of going to press has no plans to re-open but offers take aways on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5.30 to 7.30pm. See www.the ploughshepreth.co.uk for menus & how to book.

37

Hilary Crawforth

Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.  Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.  Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.  Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.  Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk Village Garden Services Contact : Campbell Weir Mobile : 07798 924022 Home : 01223 207583 Email : campbell.weir@outlook.com Reliable and friendly service for all your general garden maintenance needs and much more ...… !

38

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk With almost all the customary trappings and treats that go with being a ‘leaver’ being cancelled or prohibited as a result of COVID restrictions this year, it has been challenging indeed to provide our Year 6 ‘graduates’ of Meldreth with the full fanfare of productions, trips and festivities that would customarily unfold at this time of year. However, for those who returned to school in their somewhat isolated ‘bubbles’ we have done our best to salute and celebrate up to seven of their eleven years at Meldreth.

Some of the children wrote and produced a short melodrama: ‘Murder at Crackenthorpe Manor’ - performed and filmed in one of the bubbles; a continental breakfast was organised for the final days of term and a responsibly distanced pizza party held for the last afternoon. We attempted a leavers’ song too: A Million Dreams, after much debate among the children. Children were also all given a Class of 2020 leavers’ hoodie and a copy of the annual Year 6 Leavers’ Book.

Despite being an unusual year, it is with great pride, tinged with no small degree of sadness, that we say goodbye to another wonderful group of Year 6s from our school. We wish you all the luck in the world with your future endeavours.

Please enjoy the parting reflections that follow from just a few of our amazing pupils.

Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher 39

Meldreth Education Eating lunch.

Learning in classrooms.

Doing English.

Running the daily mile.

Extension of the school.

Teachers teaching.

Having fun.

Matthew We are the Meldreth family, a family who fall out, a family who make up, a family who help each other.

I'm proud to be a part of it.

Eva Roden I felt like it's my third home because all the teachers are so kind and helpful, especially Mr Jones and Miss Hill. Effie Bone My time at Meldreth is one that I will never forget. I may have only been here for two years, but they are the two best years of my life so far. I have learnt so much and made so many friendships. I wish I could've been here longer. Alfie Einchcomb Meldreth Primary school has been a huge part of my life so far. In Robin class when I first arrived, I knew that this place would be special.

For 7 years, I have learnt so much and had so many friends. Some have left, but some people have joined and become a part of our class. It is like a second family. Annabel Walder Being in Meldreth Primary School for seven years has made me a better and stronger person. I am devastated to leave as Meldreth has helped me on my journey to becoming the human I am today. This school has picked me up when I was down and made me laugh when I was sad.

Meldreth has meant so much to me and you will always be in my heart Meldreth. Tilly Walter 40

I haven't been at Meldreth for that long (one year) but it has been an amazing experience. I met a handful of epic friends that I love so much.

The teachers have been super helpful and fun to work with. I would like to say a thank you to the teachers who have taught me these awesome things for the last year! Joseph Jackson My time at Meldreth I will treasure forever. Meldreth School was another family for me. They picked me up when I was hurt and encouraged me to be the best that I can be. I will miss the kind atmosphere and the friendly buzz. Thank you Meldreth. Chris Ladds This is SRE (Sex and Relationships Education) by Eva It's that time of the year For some a nightmare For others not so much Pits and Bits Puberty Periods Babies Some snigger into their water bottles Others hide in their jumpers Others just sit and listen Not phased by what others find horrific Slightly strange videos Others less so Huge unlifelike pictures engulf the board Some giggle Some hide Some just sit This is SRE. Meldreth Primary School

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 41

ROYSTON FENCING

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TEL 01763 261150

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FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

Design & Layout Plans Hard Landscaping & Lighting

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES

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SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE

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since 2009 Winner: British Renewable Energy Installer of the Year, 2018

Call us anytime on 01223 863 885.

cambridge-solar.co.uk 42

Activities For Children and Families in August Due to COVID-19, the situation is changing weekly so the information below is subject to change.

Fun Science Activities Try DNA origami, making yummy gummy DNA, mindfulness colouring, extracting DNA from fruit or create a sneeze zone or balloon bug. www.frontlinegenomics.com then link to www.yourgenome.org.

Build a strong dome, explore how we see the world, make brilliant bubbles, find out where the sun goes at night - films from the Science Museum - for all Key Stages. www.learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk.

Download an activity pack on the theme of ‘Our diverse planet’ for Early Years, Primary or Secondary children. Investigate camouflage, taste, ships, rust and lots more. www.britishscienceweek.org.

Art Activities Look at a flower painting and listen to a story about it, make dinosaur feet, make an origami frog, design a mini garden, make fantastic flowers, try a music challenge, play wildflower bingo and lots more. www.museums.cam.ac.uk then click on Home Activities.

For 11 - 18 year olds, Virtual Resource and MAKE! activities are available online with artist-led films, online workshops and ideas. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Places To Go You can walk the woodland trails at Thetford Forest. There are four trails for cyclists from the easy Shepherd Trail to the exciting mountain bike Beater Trail. Bike hire is available. Play areas are closed but there is a takeaway service from the cafe and toilets are open at High Lodge.

Shepreth Wildlife Park is open. Book online or call (01763) 262226 to book for up to six people from the same household. Timed entry slots. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

43

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk Wow, it has been an exciting time for the Spitfires over the last few weeks! We have seen almost all of our children return to training, which is lovely, and we have had some lovely doorstep visits with those who are nearly ready to return. We have been training for some time now and socially distanced training is really working. It is great seeing everyone from last season and the club has also welcomed lots of new players recently too.

The Spitfires have also been lucky enough to get two local sponsors; the first is GS landscaping, Meldreth and the second is Hot Numbers Roastery, Shepreth. These companies really help to keep our signing on fee at ÂŁ50 per season and allow us to support families who need a little extra help too. Many, many thanks to Garry and Simon!

The best news and the most exciting for all of the children, however, has been the Shepreth Spitfires end of year presentation. With the help of The Eternit Sports and Social Club, lots of one way arrows and buckets of hand sanitiser, we got the day organised for the children. It was amazing and so lovely to reward all of the players for their hard work last season.

All of the children were excited to receive their, 'keep forever' trophies and for lots of our younger ones it was fantastic that we could present to them their first ever trophies.

44

Once again we would like to say an huge thanks to Toz, Irene, Colin, Sarah and all of the team at The Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road Meldreth! Without them the little Spitfires would not have got their special day.

Lucy Smith

MM is now Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 45

Meldreth Manor School Summer is here! We are continuing to enhance and improve our grounds. Some projects are on a large scale and some are small but they are all important and making a difference. It is great to see everyone’s contributions. We currently have diggers on site gardening on a grand scale, creating a wildflower meadow ready for next spring.

Our outdoor musical instruments have been installed are being enjoyed by everyone. They really have made a significant difference to the lives of our children and young people. We will, in time, be able to officially open the sensory garden and celebrate the contribution made by the Friends of Meldreth Manor. In the meantime we are having lots of fun exploring.

Residents from Orchard Manor used their enterprise skills and presented a proposal to Shay, the Interim Chairman of Aurora, to seek funding for a polytunnel for the residents of Orchard manor to enjoy.

They successfully secured funding from Shay. Groundworks are already underway, and they are keenly project managing each stage of the construction and documenting it on their ipads. By this time next year they hope to be selling the produce that they have grown.

Due to the pandemic restrictions we were not able to have our whole school sports day, so we had mini sports days within our ‘bubbles’.

Great fun was had by all.

Whilst school staff are heading off for the school holidays, the support for the residential children and young adults continues 24/7 52 weeks of the year. They have a fun filled programme of activities and therapy sessions planned for the summer. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us all.

Many staff are continuing to take on extra hours, extra work and extra responsibilities in order to maintain our high standards and full provision. We are so grateful to and proud of everyone for making such an extraordinary effort, showing commitment, professionalism and selflessness in such challenging times.

Keep happy, healthy and safe.

Nadine McFadden Head of Education Meldreth Manor School 46

47

Kids’ Kitchen Have fun in the kitchen this summer by making some of these yummy snacks.

Peach and Strawberry Ice Lollies

Makes 8 2 ripe peaches 10 mint leaves 150g strawberries 3 tbsp sugar syrup

First make the syrup by heating equal quantities of sugar and water in a pan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside until cold.

Blend the strawberries, 1 tbsp syrup and 110ml water until smooth. Pour into lolly moulds, filling 1/3 of each mould. Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes.

Rinse out the blender. Halve the peaches and take out the stones. Slice into wedges and blend with 2 tablespoons of syrup and 230 ml of water.

When smooth, add to the lolly moulds and return to the freezer.

Chocolate Kiwi Lollies Peel and cut a kiwi into thick slices. Push a lolly stick into one side then dip in melted chocolate.

Hold the lolly upside down until the excess chocolate has dripped off then lie the lolly on top of a cup to solidify.

Racing Cars

Cut an apple, peach, nectarine or plum into wedges and place, skin side up on a plate. Use 4 grapes for wheels (attach them with melted chocolate if you wish or use a cocktail stick). Make black and white checked flags to stick in the fruit.

Flowers Use flower or star cutters of different sizes to cut shapes out of slices of cucumber and carrot. Thread the largest slice onto a lolly stick or skewer then the smaller slice then add a blueberry for the centre of the flower.

Make a bouquet!

Hilary Crawforth 48

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Contact Mark 07889 669138 | 01223 264909

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-4pm

49

1st Melbourn Guides When life gives you lemons, make … lemon cake in a mug in a microwave!

Melbourn Guides have fully embraced the ‘new normal’ and have been meeting online every week on Zoom, and getting quite ambitious as the weeks roll on.

Each week has had a different theme, and follows a loose formula of ‘show something, learn something and play something’.

During Hedgehog Awareness Week we had a live talk from Terri of Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital, who showed us one of her homecare hogs and answered our questions; another week we learnt some sign language words and played Pictionary and on another evening we had a guess the baby photo competition. On the hottest day of the year we had a beach party; after showing off our ‘mocktails’ (nonalcoholic cocktails) we did a seaside safety quiz, then played a surfing game using roll mats on the floor. Our performing arts themed evening started off with a joke-telling session, then we learnt a simple card trick and finished with a charades competition.

Our two new Young Leaders Mhairi and Abi made their Promise during a meeting, after which we did a Guiding quiz created by Mhairi and ended with the aforementioned microwave mug cake, made from start to finish in fifteen minutes.

We have also managed to work on a Guiding programme theme called Take Action, learning how to campaign through art and peaceful protest and we 50

pledged to make small changes in our daily lives to further our chosen cause.

The term will end with a party, playing games including a scavenger hunt, a quiz and the presentation of badges.

Several of the girls have completed their Confectionery Badge, learning how to bake sweets and cakes to celebrate different occasions and cultures.

We aren’t sure if we can return to normal meetings in September, but we do know that we have so many new girls joining us that we will need to run two separate meetings. We would therefore love to hear from you if you’d like to join us as a leader or helper.

If you would like to know more, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com. You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more.

Hilary Marsh

Refuse Collections in August Black bins: Blue bins: Green bins:

4th, 18th 11th, 25th 25th*

* SCDC guarantee to empty green bins on the date shown but you may put out your green bin every fortnight and they will empty it if they can. For full details see https://www.scambs.gov.uk/greatercambridge-phased-return-to-green-bin-collections-from-4-may 51

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as ÂŁ7.50 per week.

How can I join?

For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976.

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

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, 107 High St, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6AP Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

52

Water Safety During summer it might be tempting to cool down with a dip in rivers, canals, quarries or lakes. But think twice before you do. Every year firefighters are called to incidents where people, both adults and children, get into difficulty when taking a dip in open water.

The water may look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents, especially near locks, that could pull even the strongest swimmer under. There can also be rubbish and rubble hidden beneath the murky water that you could become trapped in. There is often broken glass on river beds and cuts from this can sometimes lead to deadly infections.

The water may feel relatively warm on the surface, but just a few inches below can be icy cold, even on hot days. This can cause panic and ‘cold water shock’, meaning the water can be so cold it takes your breath away and makes swimming extremely difficult. If you find yourself in cold water do not panic, float on your back. If you float on your back and don’t struggle, your clothes will have some air in them that will help you float more easily. After 60 to 90 seconds the cold water shock will pass and you will be able to breath normally again so that you can swim to safety.

We are urging people to be aware of these dangers when around open water and for parents to have this conversation with their children.

If you see someone in trouble in water:  Do not hesitate: call 999 immediately with clear details of your location. Request Fire Service if inland.  Try to reach out to them with a stick or belt, keeping low so you do not get pulled into the water yourself.  Send someone to the nearest road to flag down the emergency services when they arrive and direct them to the incident.  Find the nearest life ring and throw it to the person. If a life ring is not available, throw in anything that could help them float.  If someone goes under the water, mark on the water’s edge the place they were last seen with something like a piece of clothing.

Don’t forget to download the free what3words app so that emergency services can help pin point your location in hard to find areas.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 53

Cambourne Self Storage Outdoor Storage 24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year 24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting Keypad Entry and High Security Locks,

Now treating paddocks & large areas

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The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

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

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

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

54

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start EasyFundraising Ahhh! The summer! How many of us start planning our summer holiday in the winter, when the days are long and dark and sunshine seems a long way away? Actually, I’ll be honest with you, I generally leave arranging my summer break until the middle of June and then panic, but that’s another story.

This year, holiday plans are all up in the air owing to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of us have suffered disappointment over cancelled plans or are worried about making decisions too far in advance in case something goes wrong. Instead of booking a holiday, you may be thinking of some home improvements. Or are you already preparing for the return to school? Or perhaps you’re trying to get your office environment sufficiently organised to allow a return to the workplace.

Whatever you’re up to, why not consider supporting Home-Start while you’re ordering those next-size-up pairs of school trousers, sorting out an extra laptop or looking at a new table?

Home-Start is registered with EasyFundraising, a web-based charity giving platform which is easy to use. Simply register to use the service and whenever you shop online with one of the retailers that support it, EasyFundraising gives a donation to your chosen charity with no extra cost to you. What could be simpler? Even holidays are included!

EasyFundraising works with more than 3,500 retailers, including travel companies, hotels, furniture shops, fashion shops and even office supplies so no matter what you’re shopping for, there’s a good chance you can support a charity. To sign up right now and start supporting Home-start, follow this link: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ causes/hsrsc/ and click on the 'support this cause' button.

Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (01763) 262262, admin@hsrsc.org.uk

55

Volunteering Opportunity: Historical Research Volunteers Wanted The British Horse Society would like to recruit Historical Research Volunteers in the Eastern Region. Do you hack out? Do you know whether the routes you ride on are legally recorded?

On 1st January 2026, historical routes in England that aren’t properly recorded will be lost to the public forever. We are looking for people to volunteer their time to help us identify and register these routes before it’s too late.

The research can be really flexible and done as and when you have time and energy. We are keen to hear from volunteers with a range of skills and abilities, which may include: solving puzzles, map reading or an interest in local history. Support, training and expenses will be provided for all 2026 volunteers.

If you would like to register to support the BHS 2026 project in your area, please contact our Volunteer Support Team at volunteer@bhs.org.uk.

Charlotte Ditchburn Access Field Officer East, The British Horse Society

Royston WEA Royston WEA is offering a new course for the autumn term, ‘King Arthur: the History and the Legend’ which will be delivered online via Zoom by Jane Williams. You do not have to be a member of the WEA to join and new students are welcome.

The course starts on Tuesday 22nd September 2020, 9.00-10.30am and the ten-week course will cost £48.

Booking is now open: www.wea.org.uk or telephone 033 303 3464. Places are limited so early booking is advisable.

For more information email Royston.branch@wea.ac.uk or telephone (01763) 294029.

Janice Clarke Secretary, Royston WEA 56

Creative Courses Being creative is good for you; it will improve your mental wellbeing and your confidence.

Cambridge Community Arts have year -long accredited creative courses in Visual, Digital & Performing Arts starting in September 2020.

Improving Mental Health with Creativity

YEAR-LONG

CREATIVE COURSES FROM SEPTEMBER 2020

CAMBRIDGE

WISBECH

CCA’s classes offer a nonjudgemental, stimulating, and friendly environment.

They are run by experienced professional artists in local community centres and have a maximum of ten people per www.camcommarts.org.uk class. Our one-year, part07763 280029 time courses in partnership admin@camcommarts.org.uk with Cambridge Regional College, allow you to explore your chosen art form in depth and gain an AIM Awards Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Working in the Creative & Design Industries.

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN

PRINTMAKING

DRAMA

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

MUSIC FOR PERFORMANCE VISUAL ARTS

MUSIC PRODUCTION

Adults 19+

Courses are open to adults 19+. Priority is given to people with health conditions. There is a reduced cost for those on low income or meanstested benefit.

Please visit our website, www.camcommarts.org.uk, to download our 2020-21 programme and find more information about each course, fees and how to apply.

Hanna Warne Admin & Marketing Assistant Cambridge Community Arts Improving Mental Health with Creativity

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Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

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

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 Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Photographic Group

Sport

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

Church

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

Childn.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

58

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 Melbourn Time Bank 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 (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 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

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Bill Peters 260983; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

59

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

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Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

AngliEAR Hearing ............................2 Art of Clean ....................................54 Art of Clean Wood .........................17 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........12 Cam Valley Orchards .....................17 Cambourne Self Storage .................54 Cambridge Solar .............................42 CHS Day Centre .............................28 CHS Group .....................................38 The Country Store ..........................28 Ely Design Group ...........................17 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........54 Eve Construction ............................49 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ......28 iPlaster ............................................17 Lawn Partners .................................54 The Letting Centre ..........................52 Little Hands Nursery School ...........27 Meadowsweet Gardens ...................38 Melbourn Flooring ....................Cover Melbourn Village College ...........Cover Meldreth Landscapes ......................42

Meldreth Motor Company ..............28 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................41 Moncraft Computers .......................27 Nancy Foster Footcare ....................17 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service12 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .....34 Office to Let ......................................7 P D Property Services ........................7 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................38 Reflections Hair Studio ...................34 Richard Burns Electrician ...................7 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Royston Fencing ..............................42 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................48 Slimming World ..............................34 Specialist Dental Partners ................22 Trademark Kitchens .........................22 Tudor Access Scaffolding .................12 Village Garden Services ...................38 Yoga2 Classes .............................Cover Z Web Hosting ...............................49

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The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org

EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum.

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed: ‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’ ‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’ ‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’ Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

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@melbournflooring

Meldreth Scarecrow Festival Colouring Competition Winners

Winner: Katie Norton, Age 6 Runner-up: Adee, age 5 Age 4-6 Category

Winner: Olivia Hardwick, age 7 Runner-up: Max, age 9 Age 7-10 Category Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407