August 2021
In this issue … Doreen Oakman (1934-2021) Letters to the Editor Ride & Stride 2021
Events … Experience and Training Day at Meldreth Bowls Club
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
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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
Contents What’s On in August Bowls Club Experience Day 18 Centre Pages Diary 30-31 Things to Do in August 14-15 Walking Market/Christmas Fair 9
Gardens & Nature Gardening 32-33
Future Events A10 Cycle Awareness Ride 13 Jazz & Gin Evening 11 Ride & Stride 12
Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 24-25 Activities for Families 28 Baby & Toddler Group 20 Primary School 21-23 Shepreth Spitfires 26-27
Cookery In Praise of … 34-37
People Doreen Oakman 4-5
Local/National Government Local Councillors 49-53 Parish Council 40-43 Planning 46-47
Village Groups Bowls Club 18 Friends of Holy Trinity 16 Women’s Group 17 Village News Speed Monitor Data 45 Walking Market 8-9 Miscellaneous Fruit Farming in the Cam Valley 19 Letters to the Editor 6-7 Tractor Road Run 10
Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 60 Coronavirus Support 56-57 Home-Start 54-55 Mobile Warden Scheme 2 Neighbourhood Watch 38 Refuse Collections 31 Village Directory 58-59
MM is available in colour online To view this or past issues online, visit issuu.com/meldrethmatters 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. Alternatively, it may be 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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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 £7.50 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
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Editorial Welcome to the August issue of Meldreth Matters. The Experience and Training Day at Meldreth Bowls Club is the only village event that I’ve been notified of this month (see back cover or page 18 for details). However, there are already a number of events planned for September including an Open Gardens event, Car Show, Jazz and Gin evening and possibly another walking market. See pages 11-16 for further details of these and other September events. Most legal coronavirus restrictions have now been lifted but with cases still high and rising, the Government is advising caution. Should you need it, help remains available from Meldreth Community Coronavirus Support. Please see pages 56-57 for details. Kathryn
Cover Photograph Front cover: Topcliffe Meadow. Photograph by Kathryn Betts.
STOP PRESS: Laptops Stolen Forty laptops were stolen from Bassingbourn Village College between 9th and 12th July. Anyone with information is urged to contact police via their web chat service and quoting reference 41/52889/21. Anyone without internet access should call 101.
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Doreen Oakman (May 1934 - May 2021) Doreen Alice May Bullard was born on 5th May 1934 at home in Therfield, to Frank and Eva Bullard. She was their third child behind David and Sheila and followed by Jean, who is the only remaining sibling. Many readers will remember Sheila from working in Meldreth shop alongside Anne. Doreen started school in Therfield just before her fifth birthday; by then she knew the alphabet, early times tables and could write her name. She loved school, but she was often poorly. She'd hide it from her Mum and drag herself there rather than miss a day of school. She was proud that she rarely missed a day throughout her whole school life. At eleven years old, she attended Queens Road School in Royston where they quickly realised Doreen was one of their brightest pupils. As her daughter-in-law Sue said, "I often wonder where she would have ended up academically if she'd been born a few generations later ...". As children growing up in Therfield, Doreen, her brother and sisters had freedom to enjoy their childhood. Jean shared a memory of them spending all day in Hawkins Woods, picking wild strawberries and primroses for their Mum. Jean was seven and Doreen around ten. Doreen married my Dad's brother Dennis in March 1955 and they lived in a cottage in Chiswick End, before moving to Whitecroft Road. They lived next door to Iris and John Howell and their family and Doreen and Iris remained friends until Doreen's death. John was Best Man at Doreen and Dennis's wedding. Doreen and Dennis had always wanted children and their son, Neil, was born in 1962. When Dennis became a light haulier, Doreen worked with him as his Office Manager. She couldn't go to a meeting without coming home on the committee , so she ended up as Chairman of the local branch of the Cactus and Succulent Society and Meldreth WI and book stall organiser for Royston and District Family History Society. Doreen was a good cook and baked many cakes for WI sales. Family was important to Doreen, she had a keen interest in family history and her legacy to us is a thoroughly researched family tree (17 of her and Dennis's lines!) with detailed biographies on each family member. Other interests were growing, showing and judging cacti, 4
stamp collecting, collecting teapots and bird watching. She enjoyed travelling both in this country and abroad and some holidays were also spent with Jean and Don. Her 'other son' was a King Charles spaniel crossed with a Welsh border collie, named Tolly who arrived when Neil was at University in Aberystwyth. He became a key part of the family and Doreen would write to Neil, updating him on family news, which always included Tolly. Doreen could often be seen around the village, walking Tolly. In 2005 Doreen became a proud grandmother to Nathan. They both loved teddy bears and would play 'shops' when she visited; the two of them would play for hours. She enjoyed watching him at sports days and in his theatre productions. For the last eight years Doreen had battled ill health and went to live with her son, daughter-in-law and grandson in Lincolnshire. She progressively became more dependent on carers as she lost most of her sight and mobility. In the later years Neil gave up his job to also care for her. Doreen passed away peacefully on 28th May aged 87. I will remember my Aunty Doreen as a clever, strong and kind person who loved her family. I am grateful to Doreen's daughter-in-law Sue, as much of the above content was taken from the eulogy written by Sue for Doreen's funeral. Lynn Oakman
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Letters To the Editor Walking the Dog (courtesy of Rufus Thomas, 1963) When lockdown first started in March 2020 I was determined to keep up my daily walks to help maintain my fitness levels and to meet people, rather than being stuck in the house. At the beginning I was on my own but then I teamed up with the two Lindas, Clarke and Winter, plus Mabel the dog. As each day passed we began to meet other dog walkers. Stories were told, gossip prevailed, and sometimes an hour’s walk would turn into an hour and half. Word soon spread around the village about us and we became known as “Last of The Summer Wine” or more appropriately “The Dream Team”. I found in the early months of lockdown, that people were only too pleased to stop and have a chinwag because sometimes we were the only people they had seen since the previous day. Some of the dogs we encountered were Rosie, Donna, Timmy (Mabel’s boyfriend), Mush, Gertie, Jess, Sid, Maggie, Otto and Charlie. There were others whose names I did not catch. It has been a pleasure to meet these dogs and their owners on our many wonderful walks around Meldreth. Terry Dash
Dog Wanted The much-loved dog belonging to my elderly step-mother recently died. My step-mother lives alone and is bereft at the loss of her companion. If anyone has, or knows of, a small/medium sized short-coated dog, not in the first-first flush of youth, which may be looking for a new home, I would be most grateful if they would get in touch. My step-mother would care well for the dog and it would have the run of a large garden. Many thanks. David Smith vintage.smith.bean@gmail.com (01763) 662983 6
Meldreth Walking Market I would like to thank everyone who supported our stall outside the school on the day of the village walking market. We raised £369.45 to go towards a reclining chair for the ICU at Addenbrookes Hospital. The reason I wanted to raise money for this ward is because in April 2019 I was very poorly and spent six weeks in the ICU. When I was on the mend, they would hoist me out of bed and put me in a reclining chair and as soon as they hoisted me out again, the chair was whisked from under me, off to the next patient. I decided when I was able to, I would try and raise enough money to purchase another reclining chair for the ICU. I would also like to thank Alan and Sue Tobin at the British Queen for the cheque of £280 from the May weekend raffle, Lesley Farbridge for £65 from the walking market raffle and Mrs Curtis for her kind donation. And a special thank you to my crafting group, The Cam Valley Crafters, for all the sewing, knitting and crocheting they have done to help raise funds for a really worthy cause. Many, many thanks to everyone. Yvonne Smith
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Meldreth Walking Market Many, many thanks to all the people who participated in any way, whether by having a stall, buying goods, refreshments or raffle tickets, or by just being there. You all ensured our Walking Market’s success and everyone I spoke to said they enjoyed it. People visited parts of the village they hadn’t seen before and got to know people that they might not otherwise have met so perhaps new friends were made too. It was lovely to see those who had moved away from the village who returned for this event. The weather made a rather half Above and below: -hearted attempt early on to alarm us but hedgehogs and plants from gave up and it made for pleasant walking. Hilary Marsh’s stall at the From the information I have been given, I Walking Market believe that approximately £3000 was raised for various charities and good causes. At the risk of sounding like a speech delivered by an Oscar-winner, special thanks to The British Queen, Melbourn Garage, Esse, La Pergola Italian Restaurant, WordPlay Clay, Tesco, Yvonne Smith, Jan Scott, Libby and Ian Mitchell, Katherine Horstmann Nutrition, and Frances Spalding all of whom generously donated prizes for the raffle and in some cases funds for Holy Trinity and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust as well. Thanks also to Holy Trinity for providing refreshments, Kath Betts for producing online and paper maps and the QR code for people to use (I don’t know what I would have done without her!) and to Lindsey and Ian McCaig who very kindly offered space at their home for stallholders. I’m very grateful to you all. 8
Another Walking Market? Another Walking Market has been requested so if there is enough interest, I am happy to arrange one on Sunday 19th September. Please let me know if you have more cupboards or sheds to clear out, things you grow or make to sell and would like a repeat! Any comments and ideas will be welcomed. Christmas Fair One more thing. I had booked the Village Hall as part of the Walking Market for fee-paying stall holders, mainly arts and crafts people who make and sell their products. When the restrictions failed to be lifted, the idea became unworkable so instead, and subject to there being no restrictions in place, I have booked it for a Christmas Fair on Sunday 21st November. Make a note; there is already a variety of stalls booked so you should be able to do at least some of your Christmas shopping under one roof while supporting Home Start and Meldreth School Swimming Pool Fund. More information to follow Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com
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Tractor Road Run On behalf of the members and committee of the Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club, I would like to thank you for the support your village gave to our road run. In line with all with all the villages we had gone through, dozens of you turned out to support us and very generous donations were received as we trundled by. I hope you enjoyed the parade.
Photograph by Kathryn Betts
The event has been a record breaking success and with donations still coming in we are up to nearly £6000! I am very humbled by this; it has gone beyond my wildest dreams. Ray Parcell Chairman Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club
Moorlands Court Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely? Why not try our Day Centre? 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? To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
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JAZZ AND GIN The brilliant
Miss Jones Jazz Band and Gin bar!
Saturday 18th September 19:30 – 22:00 Meldreth Village Hall Come along and join us for an evening of nostalgia and escapism with jazz and swing from the 1930s – 1960s
Lindy hop dancing and a glass or two of gin (other drinks available)! Tickets £12 available from hmeridew@btinternet.com Includes light nibbles and ticket for the raffle (All proceeds to the Arthur Rank Hospice)
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Ride & Stride 2021 for Holy Trinity Meldreth Cyclists and walkers are wanted to take part in Ride and Stride 2021 for Holy Trinity Meldreth. This event is planned to take place on Saturday 11th September between the hours of 10.00am and 6.00pm. Unfortunately I am unable to either take part in or organise this year’s event on behalf of Holy Trinity. I desperately need people of any age, either as individuals or in groups, to take part in this year’s event to raise sponsorship money which would be equally shared between Cambridgeshire Historic Churches and Holy Trinity Church Meldreth. I realise there are quite a few keen cyclists and walkers in Meldreth who might like to rise to the challenge of creating a route to visit churches in the area and outside the area if they wished to. I have visited the city of Cambridge, including College chapels, on more than one occasion. There is no set route to follow; the only limit is to complete it between 10.00am and 6.00pm on 11th September. Apart from one year, I have ridden every year for the last 25 years or so and it has been a lot of fun, come rain or shine. This year should be no different. Last year (see the photograph below) my daughter and grandson joined me for our 30 mile ride. Although large numbers of churches were not open at the time, Ride & Stride 2020 turned out to be a great success despite the challenges and uncertainties of the year. Income was up by over 20% and refunds to parishes increased to £9,524. Ride and Stride will take place again this year, with whatever adaptations are needed to keep people safe whilst exploring our fabulous churches and raising funds. I am also looking for someone to take over the organisation for this year’s event. Therefore if you would like to know more about this role, would you please contact me either by email on meldrethpctreasurer@btinternet.com or call me on 07732106828 and I will happily offer assistance. Information on taking part, including sponsorship forms and participating churches, may be found on https://camhct.uk/ride-and-stride. David Hollamby Holy Trinity Meldreth PCC Treasurer 12
Family Friendly A10 Cycle Awareness Ride Save the Date: Sunday 3rd October Please save the date – the A10 Awareness Ride will make a comeback on Sunday 3rd October, leaving Trumpington Park and Ride at 10.30am bound for Melbourn. The ride will stick to the A10 cycle path and help familiarise cyclists of all ages with the current route and Melbourn Greenway plans to improve it. Road and Foxton level crossing junctions will be supervised by marshalls, and we hope to conclude at Phillimore Garden Centre’s front lawn with refreshments. If you can help volunteer as a marshall or in any other way, please get in touch. There will be more information to come, and the ride will be subject to any Covid restrictions in place at the time of course. If you have any questions, please email contacta10cycle@gmail.com. Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones
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Things to Do in August Here are some things happening in August in the local area. Some local Coronavirus restrictions and conditions may still apply - please check before you book. If you want to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Sunday 1st August, 10.00am to 4.00pm (first Sunday each month) Great Chishill Aniques and Vintage Fair Village Hall, Hall Lane, Great Chishill, Cambridgeshire SG8 8SH Around 20 stalls full of good quality antiques, collectables and vintage items - glass, ceramics, jewellery. Tearoom serves home-made snacks, cakes and sandwiches. Free parking and outdoor children’s play area. Admission fee £1, children free. Sunday 1st August, 10.00am to 7.00pm (also Saturday 31st July) Cambridge Magic of Thailand Festival Parkers Piece, Cambridge CB1 1NA Enjoy a taste of Thailand with food, music, traditional dancing, and entertainment, boxing, Thai massage and a children’s play area. Tickets £4 on the day, under 12s free. Visit www.magicofthailand.co.uk for further details and to check event is happening as planned. Sunday 1st August, 2.00pm to 5.00pm (plus Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout August) Summer Open Season Elton Hall, Elton, nr. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE8 6SH Romantic, part-Gothic historic house nestled in beautiful countryside on Cambridgeshire/Northamptonshire border. State rooms full of outstanding works of art, delightful landscaped gardens. Pre-booking essential at www.eltonhall.com. Tickets: Adult £12.50 (garden only £9) Child under 16 free if accompanied by an adult. From Sunday 8th August, 2.30pm Science on Sundays, Botanic Garden, Cambridge Raising a brood - the trials and tribulations of blue and great tits In the next in this series of 30 minute informal talks about plants and nature, Dr Julia Mackenzie will talk about the efforts of these favourite birds to breed successfully in the Botanic Gardens - not always as straightforward as it might seem. An online event, pre-recorded. See www.botanic.cam.uk for further details. 14
Sunday 8th August, 3.00pm to 5.30pm Jazz in the Park Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog, Cambridge CB22 3AE An afternoon of jazz with Duxford Saturday Workshop Jazz Band. Hosted in the paddock at Wandlebury. Bring your own picnic or visit the pop-up café. Tickets £10 (Cambridge PPF members £7.50), Child under 16 £5 (under 5, free). See www.cambridgeppf.org. Saturday 21st August, 10.00am to 4.00pm Record Fayre at The Maltings Ship Lane, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4BB Whether you are a collector or browser, there’s music here for all tastes in all formats with dealers selling vinyl, CDs as well as DVDs, memorabilia and books. Pick up a rarity or catch a bargain. Admission free. www.visitely.org.uk. Sunday 22nd August, 6.30pm Shakespeare’s Macbeth National Trust Ickworth, The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5QE Bring a chair and watch Shakespeare’s play as he first saw it performed - in the open air by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Tickets in advance: Adult £17 Child £10 (or £20/£12 on the night). Call box office on 0333 666 3366. www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk. Early booking recommended. Wednesday 25th to Tuesday 31st August, at varying times Faraway Festival Cambridge Shelford Rugby Club, The Davey Field, Cambridge Rd. CB22 5JJ A mix of music, stand-up comedy, drive-in outdoor cinema. Artisan food, licensed bars. See www.duskduchyevents.com for further details and tickets prices. Sunday 29th August, 2.00pm Little Gransden Car and Air Show Fuller’s Hill, near Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 3BP A great day out with superb air displays and on the ground, everything from classic cars, trade stands and funfair to craft stalls. Set in lovely open countryside. Proceeds to Children in Need and local charities. Admission: adult £20, child under 16 £8, senior £16.50. To book and for further details, visit www.littlegransdenairshow.co.uk. 15
Compiled by John Crawforth
Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk The Friends committee met on Zoom recently to look forward to future events in the anticipation that restrictions will be significantly eased soon. We welcomed Robert Skeen as Treasurer, Julie Draper as PCC representative and Ian Mitchell as a committee member. Our thanks have already been expressed to Steve Marshall and Tim Hoole who retired as Secretary and Treasurer respectively in 2020. The last AGM was in 2019 and as soon as circumstances permit one will be arranged to bring formalities and members up to date. The following events have been planned or are under discussion: AGM - hopefully in the next few weeks Sunday 5th September: Open Gardens Some additional attractions are being considered at the church to interest families and a wider cross section than just garden enthusiasts. See the next issue and posters for details. Sunday 26th September: Car Show A chance for enthusiasts to exhibit their cars or motorbikes which have been little used in the recent years. Unfortunately we will be without a Lancaster fly past that had been promised in 2019, but due to booking arrangements could not be transferred to this year. Autumn: “The Price of Fish and Chips” A talk by Andy Malcolm from The Fishermen’s Mission, a UK charity caring for the men and women who earn a living at sea entitled. This was cancelled just before covid restrictions were introduced last year. January: Annual Supper Feasibility and details yet to be discussed. It is sincerely hoped that we can return to fundraising for the fabric of the church as event income dropped £3,200 between 2020 and 2021. More recent support has been given to the PCC for the restoration of one of the notice boards containing the list of Vicars at £650 and a survey of drains in relation to damp in the church at £1529 net of vat. John Price 16
Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Tuesday 22nd June saw us meeting on Zoom again and Peter Draper gave us a talk on Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth. Peter had put together a well illustrated PowerPoint presentation about some of the overlooked aspects of the history of this church. The slides more than made up for not being there in person, and those of us who saw the presentation will certainly be looking with fresh eyes when we are next there. We saw sketches, watercolours and photographs from earlier times and had explained the mystery of the door which is half way up the North wall in front of the screen; I always wondered why it was there! There was a photograph of John Gipson on the occasion of his presentation of two bells to Holy Trinity Church and a much earlier photo showing the local postman and a young girl; how the style of dress has changed. We looked at both internal and external changes and heard that the maintenance of the church was often a cause for concern as at one point, the archdeacon’s report spoke of the leaking roof, etc. This may explain why the Pyke chapel was built as it would have afforded the family cover from the elements. This chapel no longer exists, although the memorial can still be found in the church. Photographs of the windows allowed us to get a closer look at the older glass which had been reinstated in the top parts of the windows. It was interesting that when the church was cleared of its statues, vessels and windows in the time of Oliver Cromwell, the coats of arms of the local families were left intact! There was so much more that Peter shared with us that we cannot cover in this short article. Our heartfelt thanks were given to Peter for all the work in putting together the presentation and for sharing with us some real nuggets. A donation will be made to Holy Trinity, Meldreth in lieu of a speaker’s fee. Our next meeting is due to be a meal out in August but this depends on Covid restrictions and we will contact members nearer the time. If you wish to know anything more about the group please feel free to contact: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Diane Blundell (01763) 221415. Pat Smith 17
Meldreth Bowls Club A break in the otherwise wet weather allowed us to run our Open Day on 3rd July in the sunshine. As well as our existing members, who enjoyed a training session, we also entertained a number of prospective members from the village, the majority of whom have since joined our club. Such was the success of this event that we are arranging something similar in August, so that those that were not able to attend in July will have the opportunity to experience the game of lawn bowls. So, on Saturday 7th August at 2.30pm we are inviting bowlers, new or experienced, to our Experience and Training Day. As well as trying out bowls there will be some training too. To round it all off, we are planning to serve a cream tea for which there will be a nominal charge of £3.00. There is no need to book in advance; just pay on the day. Please address all enquiries to (01223) 207557 or 07776 390436.
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Fruit Farming in the Cam Valley Fruit Farming in the Cam Valley An horticultural, social and economic history by Jonathan Spain I would like to let local residents know of my book, recently self-published. Fruitgrowing has a long tradition in the Cam valley going back to medieval times. From the 1880s to the 1980s there developed a significant commercial fruit industry, which transformed the local landscape in and around the villages, most notably in Meldreth. The book is divided into three parts: the origins and commercial development of the fruits grown locally, the Cambridge gage, other plums, apples, cherries, pears and soft fruits, connecting the Cam valley to the European and global history of the domestication of fruits; secondly, the local geography and social history of fruit growing, including detailed surveys of the spatial development of orchards in South Cambridgeshire villages, including Meldreth; finally, the economic history of fruit farming, its rise and fall, set within the wider regional and national context. This includes the vital role of the local railway network and the extraordinary rise of the Chivers jam-making business at Histon. Price £25, 489 pages, including bibliography, index, maps and illustrations. For more information see my blogsite: jonathanspain.wordpress.com. To order a copy, please email me at jrspain1@hotmail.com. Jonathan Spain
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today Section for information on local clubs and groups 19
Baby and Toddler Group Meldreth Baby and Toddler group is taking a break for the summer holidays. Remember to join our Facebook group if you haven't already as this is a great way to keep in touch with each other for support and plans for informal meetups over the summer. We will return on Wednesday 8th September. If you love coming to the group and would like to become more involved we need additional volunteers to share the load of setting up/ clearing up, story time, drink preparation etc. Ideally we could set up a small informal committee of those who are happy to share the responsibility. Contact me if you'd like more information or have any ideas for how we can keep the group running smoothly. Julia Moore 07403 462198
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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Well it is time to say goodbye to another cohort of pupils from Meldreth Primary School – and what a year they’ve had! They have faced challenge after challenge this year, yet tackled it all head on with smiles on their faces and nonstop resilience. They have worked hard at every moment, whether at home or in the school building, and have made themselves proud every step of the way. It has been a delight watching them in recent weeks develop their independence ready for secondary school, from climbing the ropes at Grafham Water to raising money for their leavers’ hoodies: day by day they show themselves to be strong, independent and incredible young people who are ready to tackle the world ahead. We will truly miss you all Hawk Class of 2021, but we know it’s time for you to move on to bigger and brighter things. Below, some of the pupils reflect on their time at Meldreth Primary. Florence: I can remember the days we went out to play with the year sixes and thinking ‘I can’t wait till I’m that old, and when I can go to secondary school’. The past years have gone so fast, it felt like only yesterday that I was running around the playground four years ago. I used to say to myself, ‘In one year I can say that I’ll be in secondary school’ but now I realise it’s in about one week and I’m getting really nervous but I feel like I’m ready to move on. Meldreth has had so many changes over the years, the adventure playground, the running track, the new building, getting rid of the willow, the octagon, the pirate ship, I could go on for ages. Some trips we’ve all been on are: the Mandir, the Science Museum, the Botanical Gardens, trips to MVC and many more. One of the best things we have on every year is Widdershins, a man who comes with all his homemade puppets (they’re amazing!) and puts on a show for about one to one and a half hours and to me it’s one of the best parts of the school year. I’ll miss Meldreth so much but I’m really excited to move on. Charlotte: My time at Meldreth was a good one and I enjoyed every minute of it, from the point that I walked in through the door and to the point that I 21
stepped past the school gate for the last time. I am looking forward to going to secondary school and meeting new people and hoping that my possible swimming career will start coming into place next year. Meldreth has helped me in so many different ways, helping me build confidence and pushing me to do the best I possibly can. I can’t thank every one of the staff here enough for all of the support that they have given me. So truly thank you and goodbye. Leo: At the end of Year 6 at Meldreth Primary School, I feel mixed emotions leaving primary school. I feel sad that I’m leaving some of my friends, but then I feel excited about finding new friends. I think it is a big transition from a small school with 200 people and going away to Bassingbourn with 650 people there. I have been at Meldreth all the way through the school and the school has evolved and the whole village has developed. The school has had a new adventure playground, three new classrooms, a running track and combined with the pre-school. The village has developed with new houses everywhere, and has turned from an old village to a new village. I look forward to seeing everything develop more! William: My time at Meldreth Primary has been the best because I have had the best teachers ever who have helped me through my struggles from fractions to algebra, but I couldn't have mastered them without the help of them and the TAs. In the time I have been here I have gone to many clubs like Chess Club, Cricket Club, Football Club, Performing Arts Club and, last but not least, Singing Club. They were amazing and run by teachers and teaching assistants. I have also done many trips like the Science Museum, Shepreth Wildlife Park, the Botanical Gardens and my favourite, Grafham. I will miss Widdershins with the funny puppets and Mr Jones, who was the best. He helped cheer people up and would make us all sing at the end of the day. Going to MVC will be nice, just a little change in my life, and all in all my Meldreth experience was amazing. Scarlett: I’ve been here since reception and my Meldreth experience has been truly amazing. I’m so nervous, yet so excited, to be moving on but I really don’t want to leave. Meldreth Primary has become my second
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family, my safe place that I will always remember. When I started, there was no running track around the field, no chalk course across the playground and even the adventure playground was different. I’m going to Bassingbourn Village College and I’m so happy to be growing up, but I still will miss Meldreth, because it’s all I’ve ever known. I plan to come back and visit so I can check up on how things are going and how it’s developed. Lottie: Since reception I have loved Meldreth and that won’t change. If I could, I would stay at this school forever but it’s time to move on. Meldreth has helped throughout the time that I have been here. Over the years here many things have changed like new classes, new teachers and new play equipment. I am going to Melbourn Village College. I will be missing old friends and make new ones. It will be hard to move on. I loved all the teachers here as they have been really kind to me. I have gone on many school trips like the London Science Museum, an aquarium and Shepreth Wildlife Park. Many different people have come, like Widdershins (a man who makes an amazing play to perform), people from MVC and Genr8. I have really enjoyed it here and I will miss all of my friends. Miss Hill Year 6 Teacher Meldreth Primary School
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1st Melbourn Guides Together at last! This summer term we have been meeting face-to-face again, but only outdoors, and with a requirement to maintain social distancing. A further challenge to our planning has been the cold wet May weather; on two inclement evenings we took refuge behind our computer screens again, playing games and making stencil pictures. With 30 girls on the books, including five new girls, we have split into two groups for the outdoor activities. A scavenger hunt hike took one group to Melwood and back, whilst the other group learnt fire lighting, with the reward of toasted marshmallows when the embers were hot enough. The following week, the groups swapped around. A Five Senses themed evening in the churchyard included identifying household products by smell and passing messages by writing letters on each other’s backs. Meanwhile, on The Moor, the girls tried a version of archery by throwing Velcro balls onto a Velcro target, and taking part in a photo orienteering hunt around the Orchard. As we entered June, the weather improved somewhat, and we have had access to the Community Hall again, with restrictions. So far we have enjoyed ball games on the recreation ground and ‘Taskmaster’ style challenges beside the community hall. The girls have tried to transport water whilst walking on wooden planks, hooking pieces of puzzle out of a bucket with a magnet and doing an ‘A – Z of Kindness’. Thanks to a generous donation from GlaxoSmithKline via a parent employee, we were able to treat the girls to a very enjoyable session at Jurassic Golf on one evening. The last two evenings have included a Penny Hike, where you flip a coin at every junction to determine which way to go, and an ice-cream 24
sundae making session. The girls made the ice cream by shaking full fat milk in a bag, super-cooled by a mix of ice and salt. They then had to add flavourings and toppings, and give their sundae a brand name. By the time you read this we should be packing our bags for summer camp; fingers crossed for a cloud-free sky, and Covid-free girls! Our Guide unit is full and has a waiting list. If you would like to know more about helping with Guides, 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
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Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk More beautiful weather and at last, the children get to the most exciting part of the year which involves football tournaments and presentations. Added to this celebration, we are feeling slight sadness but great pride that two of our players are leaving us to join professional academies; this month has been just amazing! The presentation was fabulous, with lots of laughing and cheering and some happy tears from parents plus lots of celebration and outside fun in the wonderful grounds at the Eternit Sports and Social Club, Meldreth. The children enjoyed reading their write-ups which the coaches compose for every player and the excitement, even amongst our older children, over their trophies was so lovely to see. We would like to say a huge thank you to our ‘Super Chefs’, Nana, Chris and Shane (pictured on the next page) for their hard work keeping everyone full up throughout presentation day. The children have already been away to Waltham Abbey and Haverhill for some tournaments and have also played in a home RTY tournament at Eternit. Some teams have played just for fun as they are still little and they have loved getting their medals. And one of the under 11s teams came runners up in the final of a tournament, which was lovely to celebrate! Shepreth’s own competitive tournaments will be held in the next few weeks and we are really excited about hosting these. We wish the best of luck to two of our younger boys, one of whom already has a place secured in Cambridge FC Academy, and the other 26
who is choosing between two Premier League Clubs. These boys join the others who left us last season to join Norwich City FC Academy and who are still there and doing fantastically well. All of the Spitfires, as always, wish them all the luck in the world on their footballing journey. We never know but maybe there will be a England player in the 2032 Euro Championship who started his or her football at Shepreth Spitfires FC. Wouldn’t that be amazing! If anyone would like to join Shepreth Spitfires Football Club, please use see our website: www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk or contact Lucy on 07510175370. Thank you. Lucy Smith Shepreth Spitfires Football Club
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Things for Children and Families To Do To 5th September, 10.00am - 6.00pm Mystery History Family Trail Cambridge Botanic Gardens, Brookside CB2 1JE Pick up a free trail map and try to fill in the missing garden history. Adults pay £6.30, children free. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. To 5th September, 10.00am - 5.00pm Butterfly Trail, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Lode CB7 5XP Can you spot some of the 20 species found here? www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Wednesday 4th August, 3.00pm - 4.00pm or 5.00pm - 6.00pm Tom’s Midnight Garden, A midsummer ballet Milton Country Park, Cambridge Road, Milton CB24 6AZ A new production of this great story outdoors, tickets from £9.21. www.eventbrite.co.uk. Friday 6th August, 9.30am - 11.10am Magnets and Movement, Cambridge Science Centre, Clifton Road, Cambridge CB1 7ED Hands-on, fun science for 2-5 year olds. www.cambridgesciencecentre.org. Wednesday 11th August, 10.00am - 6.00pm Flying Days: Showtime, IWM Duxford CB22 4QR A day of drama, stories and crafts celebrating famous aircraft such as the Spitfire and Tiger Moth. www.iwm.org.uk. Adults £28.50, children half price, under 4s free. Sunday 15th August, 2.00pm - 3.15pm Treasure Island, Challis Garden, High Street, Sawston CB22 3GT Half Cut Theatre’s take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. Take your own seat and waterproofs if necessary. Reserve places free and pay what you decide after the performance. Saturday 28th - Monday 30th August Horses of Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF Watch hawks, owls and falcons as falconers demonstrate the art of training, exercising and hunting on horseback, meet the groom and visit the horses. Booking essential. www.english-heritage.org.uk. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 28
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Meldreth Village Di Monday
Tuesday
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
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7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
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11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
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Thurs
5.30pm Slimming World
10.00am Hartb
7.30pm Slimming World
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7.00-9.00pm T
5.30pm Slimming World
10.00am Hartb
7.30pm Slimming World
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7.00-9.00pm T
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
MM Copy
9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
5.30pm Slimming World
10.00am Hartb
7.30pm Slimming World
6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T
5.30pm Slimming World
10.00am Hartb
7.30pm Slimming World
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8.00-9.00pm Zumba
10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
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8.00-9.00pm Zumba
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
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9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
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8.00-9.00pm Zumba
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
The copy deadline for September issue o Meldreth Matters i Thursday 12th Augu
Church services are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Cl All other events are held in the Villa
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iary - August 2021
sday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1 5 6 7 8 2 13 14 15
beeps
9.30am Slimming World
Pilates
Table Tennis
beeps
2.30pm Experience & Training Day at Meldreth Bowls Club See page 18 & back cover
9.45am Said Eucharist with organ
9.30am Slimming World
8.00am Said Eucharist
9.30am Slimming World
9.45am Said Eucharist with organ
Pilates
Table Tennis
Deadline
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Pilates Table Tennis
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Table Tennis
r the f is ust
Refuse Collections Black bins: 3rd, 17th Blue & green bins: 10th, 24th
lose. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. ge Hall unless otherwise indicated.
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Notes from a Small Garden The bird life in our garden, much to our delight, has become increasingly diverse over this last year. Is this due to re-wilding, by not mowing in May? In March we noticed a male Greater Spotted Woodpecker taking the peanuts from our bird feeders. Within a month he was visiting for coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and then a pre-roosting nibble. We wondered if he would entice a mate to visit us and indeed in May, a female arrived. She is smaller than the male and without the scarlet patch on her head. We wondered where they were building a nest. In early June they both disappeared for about a fortnight, but then they were back, usually separately, but less often than in May. A week later we spied a juvenile on the feeders and even spotted one feeding on ants on the lawn, something I thought only Green Woodpeckers did! We also found evidence of new holes in one of our old greengage trees. Were these made by young woodpeckers practising their skills? We get a digital (free) weekly copy of news from BirdGuides. It contains an article on Jays contributing to re-wilding areas next to Monks Wood north west of Huntingdon. The article tells us: ‘The tree and shrub growth here has been monitored by researchers over several decades. Importantly, the study found the developing woodland was not hindered by herbivores such as deer and rabbits, so did not require fencing. Young trees were protected by the initial growth of bramble and thorny shrubs, giving truth to the old saying: 'The thorn is the mother of the oak'. Interestingly the young woodland was also resilient to periods of drought in dry summers, which will be important for future woodlands coping with climate change’. As I write, the roses in our garden have done wonderfully well this year, as I’m sure you have found too. In fact most of the herbaceous plants are looking bigger and better. This is likely to be due to the increased rainfall in the winter and rain at regular intervals this summer. I found a beautiful rambling rose which flowers all summer, coloured apricot fading to pale pink and called Ghislaine de Feligonde in one of our local garden centres. By chance my sister had shown me her plant when I was visiting her in early June, and of course I was hooked. But where to put it? It’s so pretty that I want to be able to see 32
it from the table where we sit so often outside the kitchen. So I will plant it up an old Malus floribunda. This morning is a little dark but I noticed Rosa Wedding Day also a rambler planted up a hedge of May, which I had completely forgotten about, under the shade of a Parottia but flowering profusely! Jobs for August:
Arrange watering for your garden if going away
Keep on top of weeds
Sow yellow rattle if you are planning a wild flower meadow next year
Sow miners lettuce, lettuces all the year round, Winter density and Lambs lettuce, as well as spinach at the end of the month for the winter
Keep deadheading the repeat flowering roses and dahlias.
A big thank you to all those who bought plants from the plant stall in Whitecroft Road at the recent walking market. They had been so beautifully potted and labelled over the last year by several members of our Veg Plus Club. Jim would have loved visiting it! Good gardening and good holidaying for those planning trips away. Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk
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In Praise Of … … Gooseberries and Elderflower This month we showcase gooseberries and elderflowers. Gooseberries are native to the UK. Varieties vary when ripe, from green through to white and red. They are eaten in a range of desserts, but can also be served with mackerel. They can be made into fools, jam, jelly, wine or even vinegar. The best things in life are free and elderflower is no exception; not just for the quintessential summer cordial, but for pickles and ices too and it goes beautifully with gooseberries. Here are four recipes to celebrate gooseberries and elderflowers in all their glory. Enjoy. Gooseberry and Elderflower Fool Cook time : 20 min serves 6 Ingredients 500g gooseberries 3 tbsp caster sugar 4 tbsp elderflower cordial juice ½ lemon 350ml double cream Method Wash the gooseberries thoroughly, top and tail them, then place in a wide heavy-bottomed pan with the sugar, cordial and lemon juice. Simmer over a gentle heat until all the gooseberries have burst. Lightly crush with a fork, tip into a bowl to cool and chill for at least 2 hours. This can be done up to 2 days ahead. Lightly whip the cream to a soft dropping consistency, then swirl in the cooked gooseberries to give a rippled effect. Spoon the fool into glasses and chill until you are ready to serve. Goes well with: shortbread 34
Elderflower Ice Cream Prep time 30 mins plus freezing serves 8 Ingredients 50g caster sugar 2 tablespoons sugar syrup 250 ml milk 2 egg yolks 1 tablespoon of cornflour 200ml double cream 50 ml elderflower cordial Juice ½ lime Method Heat the sugar, milk and sugar syrup in a pan set over a low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Beat the egg yolks and cornflour with an electric whisk until pale and creamy, then slowly pour the warm milk mix over the yolks, whisking continuously. Pour into a clean, heavybottomed saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard has thickened. Be careful not to let it boil. To check it’s ready, dip a wooden spoon into the custard and run your finger over the back of the spoon – if it leaves a channel, it’s done. Pour into a clean heatproof bowl and leave to cool. Whip the cream until it holds its shape but isn’t stiff. Fold into the cooled custard along with the cordial and lime juice. Chill for 30 mins. Churn the mixture in an ice cream machine following manufacturer’s instructions, or put in a shallow container and freeze. After a couple of hours, remove the ice cream from the freezer and blitz in a food processor or beat with an electric whisk. Repeat twice more as it freezes – about 6 hours in total. Goes well with: Elderflower Fritters Gooseberry Bakewell Tarts Prep time : 20 mins Cook time: 35 min serves 8 Ingredients For the pastry: 1 large egg, separated 225g unsalted butter, softened 50g white caster sugar, plus extra 25g for sprinkling 350g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 35
For the filling: 50g unsalted butter, softened 50g caster sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp almond extract 50g ground almond 1 tbsp plain flour 300g gooseberries (medium-sized are best, 6 per pie), topped and tailed Method For the pastry, put the egg yolk, butter, sugar and ½ tsp salt in a processor and pulse until creamy and soft. Add the flour and pulse until the mixture comes together in clumps, but don’t overwork it. Tip onto the work surface and squish the dough together to make a smooth disc. Wrap and chill for 30 mins. For the filling, beat the butter, sugar, egg, extract and almonds together until creamy, then fold in the flour and a pinch of salt. Line 8 tart cases with the pastry, chill for 15 mins. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Fill the tart cases with the almond paste and then place gooseberries end side up in the paste, filling the tarts. Bake the pies for 35 mins or until golden. Goes well with : Elderflower Ice Cream Grilled Mackerel with Gooseberry Sauce Cook time: 30 min serves 2 Ingredients For the gooseberry sauce: 25g/1oz butter 250g/9oz gooseberries, topped and tailed 75ml/3oz double cream 1 tsp caster sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper For the mackerel 2 mackerel, filleted, skin on 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper 36
Method For the gooseberry sauce, heat the butter in a small saucepan, place the gooseberries into the pan, cover and cook over a medium heat for 2025 minutes until tender. Remove the lid and mash the gooseberries lightly. Add the cream and sugar to the pan, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and continue to cook for a few minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and set aside to keep warm. Meanwhile, for the mackerel, preheat the grill or bbq to high. Brush the flesh side of the mackerel fillets with the wholegrain mustard, brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the mackerel skin-side up on a baking sheet and place under the grill for 4-5 minutes, or until just cooked through. Set aside to keep warm. Goes well with: Crushed new potatoes Jane O’Hagan
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Online Marketplace Scam A report has been received by Action Fraud from a Cambridgeshire resident who was scammed when selling a item on Facebook Marketplace (but it could have been any online market place). "I was selling my [item] on Facebook Market Place. Someone messaged me to arrange to have a look, I gave them my address and later two males arrived. They looked at it and said they wanted it and asked me for my bank details. I gave them the details and I watched as they appeared to put the details into a mobile phone; they then they sent me a screenshot of the payment having being successful. I checked my bank and it wasn’t there. They told me it could take up to two hours to clear. I rang my bank and they said the same. They left with the high value object and I never received any payment." When selling on an online market place, never give your bank details to strangers and always confirm that payment has been received before handing over any goods. Use a recognised online payment service such as PayPal. A genuine buyer should be understanding if you refuse to give out your bank details or say that you want to keep the goods until you are sure you have received payment. If the ‘buyer’ becomes pushy or aggressive, then that is a warning sign and you should refuse to give in to their pressure. If possible, have a trusted friend with you when meeting potential buyers in person, to help prevent you being intimidated. When buying goods, use a credit card (a credit card gives more protection against fraud than a debit card) or a recognised trusted online payment service such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something 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 phoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 38
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DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org
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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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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of MPC held on Thursday 1st July 2021 This meeting was held in the main room of the Village Hall. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting. Discussions and Decisions Melbourn Conservation Area The Council had questioned the proposal being considered by Greater Cambridge Planning to include various properties in Station Road Meldreth in the Melbourn Conservation Area. We have been recently informed that, following representations by Meldreth residents who would be affected and by our Council on behalf of the community, the Planning Officer is recommending in his Report that these properties should not be included in the Melbourn Conservation Area. Proposal for Major Town Development in South Cambridgeshire It was noted that aerial surveys by helicopter appear to have taken place over a wide area. Apart from that, there continues to be no further specific news about Thakeham but Parish Councillors remain fully engaged with this subject and are maintaining a careful watch. To date it continues to be the case that no proposals have been put forward by the developers to the Local Planning Authority under the Call for Sites scheme. Community Projects Working Group It was intended to bring forward proposals to this Council meeting for the renaming and relaunching of the former Futures Group with revised objectives and terms of reference. This subject has, however, since been deferred to the next Council meeting and this additional time will enable further discussion to take place. Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD) It was reported by the Council’s representative on MAYD that due to ongoing uncertainty on restrictions, but more fundamentally through a lack of clear demand, there will not be a summer camp. There is a need for greater clarity of needs and requirements and MAYD has asked the service provider to provide a quote for carrying out an 40
extensive survey of opinions of children, parents and local schools. In the meantime MAYD does not require further funding. Recreation Ground The erection of the children’s tower in the playground is underway and it is hoped that this will be finished by the end of July. The Council is awaiting confirmation of a start date for installation of the adult gym equipment, outside but close to the playground area. In addition, the Council agreed to purchase several items of play equipment designed primarily for the use of disabled children but also able to be used by those without disabilities. These three projects are expected to be beneficial to various sectors of our community and the Council will continue to look for ways to enhance community benefits for our residents. The condition of all the equipment at the recreation ground remains under regular scrutiny to ensure safety and proper maintenance. The Council’s contractor has been instructed to install two further litter bins at the recreation ground. When these have been put in place the Council will consider the purchase of further litter bins to be placed elsewhere in the village. Highways and Traffic The traffic survey arranged with Highways Department is booked for early September, when more normal traffic conditions are expected. Preparations for a Local Highways Initiative application continue to be under review along with other safety measures including speed limits. Our County Councillor has been asked to review the area of the Whitecroft Road/Station Road junction and other local roads with Highways department for their opinion on what steps could be taken to improve the safety of this area of our village road network. It was reported that the hedge at the Fenny Lane crossroads has recently been trimmed and that further work will be undertaken once the bird-nesting season has concluded. With regard to other foliage encroaching on village footways and roads, the Council has reviewed its processes for notifying residents of (a) the need to keep their boundary vegetation under proper control and (b) the steps that might need to be taken if there is a lack of voluntary or timely compliance. There have been complaints about vehicles parking next to the Stocks and the Council will be posting ‘no parking’ notices on this area. 41
Blocked drains in the village continue to be an issue and discussions are taking place with Highways to enable us to identify with greater clarity the precise locations of those drains needing attention so that they can be efficiently reported for remedial action. Village Infrastructure The Council is discussing with SCDC and Highways where two further bench seats might be positioned, probable locations being one in Whitecroft Road and the other in the vicinity of the Fenny Lane crossroads. As previously noted, residents are tending to undertake more walking around the village and these benches are considered important additional seating for those doing so. Future Meetings It had been intended that the Annual Village Meeting would take place on 15th July 2021. However, Covid compliance measures changed and as foreshadowed in last month’s Meldreth Matters, this provisional date came under increased scrutiny. This led to the conclusion that, with infection rates continuing to increase in our area, the meeting should be cancelled. The Council will publish all the relevant reports to the meeting on its website and will of course follow up any enquiries arising. Churchyard Under the closed churchyards provisions, the Council is responsible for maintaining Holy Trinity churchyard. Following concerns about the possible dangers to visitors to the churchyard from the unprotected sharp spikes on top of the main pedestrian and vehicle gates, the Council has taken preventative measures to enclose the spikes. This is a temporary solution pending more permanent arrangements. With regard to the churchyard wall in particular, there has been a meeting between Councillors and the churchwardens to review the present position relating to general maintenance and safety issues and further discussions on this subject will take place during the coming months. Next Meeting In accordance with our usual practice there will be no meeting of the Parish Council in August. The next scheduled Parish Council meeting will therefore take place on Thursday 2nd September 2021 at 7.30pm. 42
Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 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
gilmorepat@aol.com
Dr R James
(01763) 261085
roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Mr C A Land
(01763) 261004
conradland@btinternet.com
Mr Nigel Pellatt
(01763) 260909
nppellatt@btconnect.com
Mr A Young
(01763) 263484
andrewmpc@gmail.com
Village Footway Access Now is the time of year to cut back those hedges that are encroaching on the village footways. The threat to nesting birds is mostly over, but check first before cutting. Cutting back encroaching hedges is greatly appreciated by footway users, including those more vulnerable user groups in our community and mothers with children in prams, etc., who need unimpaired access. The Parish Council monitors the situation throughout the year, taking appropriate action where needed for the benefit of footway users. *A footway is the council term for a footpath along the highway. It includes pavements and footpaths. Pat Gilmore Meldreth Parish Council 43
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Speed Monitor Data The monitor is placed approximately 200 metres up from the crossroads on Whitecroft Road during Covid restrictions. May and June 2021 Arriving into Meldreth
Departing from Meldreth
Speed violations: % > 30mph
30
48
% of vehicles within the speed limit
70
52
21, 898
26, 901
Maximum speed (mph)
65
69
Average speed (mph)
28
30
Total no. of vehicles
When leaving Meldreth in the 30 mph speed limited zone, almost half of all vehicles were speeding. It is concerning to see that some drivers were travelling in the high 60’s mph in a 30 mph zone. There were 405 drivers traveling out of the village and 162 drivers traveling into the village at over 50mph during the two month monitoring period. Iain McPhee For Meldreth Transport Working Group
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Planning Matters Parish Council The information below has been taken from the minutes of the Parish Council Planning meetings on 3rd and 17th June. The minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. Ref. and Address Land to the rear of 19 to 21 Whitecroft Road S/2553/17/ NMA1
Decision
Non material amendment of outline planning permission S/2553/17/OL. (Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved apart from access for the erection of two dwellings and change of use of part field/ paddock to ecological amenity land) Horizontal cladding to be added in further locations, and proposed windows/ doors and cladding material amended. INFORMATION ONLY 69 High Submission of details required by Street conditions 4 (kerb and lamppost) and 5 20/04861/ (gate) of permission 20/04861/FUL CONDA INFORMATION ONLY Fenny Lane Submission of details required by Farm condition 2 (contaminated land 20/03484/ verification report) of planning permission CONDB 20/03484/FUL. Councillor Searles advised that he had found a technical report associated with the application which stated that asbestos had been found on the site and therefore 120 lorries full of topsoil were removed and replaced with soil from BSC. Councillors were aware that in the past asbestos had been used all around the village. 67 Single storey rear extension, roof ridge Whitecroft height raised with dormers for bedrooms Road within roof space. It was noted that this 21/02185/ extension was in keeping with the design HFUL of neighbouring properties. 46
Application was noted by the Planning Committee and no comments were made.
Application was noted by the Planning Committee and no comments were made. Councillors agreed that as this was a technical report, and they did not have the knowledge to comment on whether the action met the planning condition, they would leave the decision up to the planning experts., No recommendation with no comments
SCDC Decisions There were no SCDC decision notices received. Other Items South Cambridgeshire District Council made (adopted) both the Cottenham Neighbourhood Plan and the Histon & Impington Neighbourhood Plan on 20th May 2021, and therefore these Neighbourhood Plans now form part of the development plan for South Cambridgeshire. The Chairman stated that it was interesting to see how other villages had achieved a Neighbourhood Plan. He referred to the Futures Group which had been set up in Meldreth. Part of the remit of the group was to update the Parish Plan. He added that the group were not interested in doing this. The Clerk reported that she had received a telephone call regarding the overgrown verges around the village causing visibility issues for drivers. The complaint would be reported on the County Council website as it has the responsibility for cutting these areas. Councillor Gilmore asked that a request also be made for the refreshing of the white lines around the village. Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications. The Meldreth Matters Team
Huw Shortle
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48
District and County Councillors’ Report School Meal Vouchers The Council has agreed to provide supermarket vouchers over the summer holidays for families entitled to free school meals. Up to £537,000 of council funds will be needed to make up the difference between Government funding and the cost of ensuring all eligible families have their needs met. Vaccination Drive Please help support the current Covid vaccination drive, as well as rapid flow home testing, at a time when Covid cases have risen sharply in South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge, especially among younger people. Addenbrooke’s and our GP surgeries are working very hard with long waiting lists and there is little if any extra capacity to deal with further pressures. Vaccination data can be seen here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-vaccinations. Thank You to GP surgeries GP surgeries are under unprecedented pressure with an enormous backlog of patient need, in many cases with medical conditions having worsened through time and Covid-inflicted delay. We’d like to say thank you to everyone supporting our GP practices, from nurses and GPs and dispensary staff to receptionists answering incoming calls. Apprenticeships Funding Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to transfer £273,000 of its apprenticeship levy fund to K-10, an organisation set up to support apprenticeships in the construction industry. K-10 will work with award winning housebuilder Hill to find placements for the 21 apprentices in the county, allowing them to gain skills and qualifications in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, groundworks, drylining, bricklaying and painting. As a levy paying employer, the council is able to transfer 25% of unused, annual levy funds to other employers that wish to utilise apprenticeships to train their staff. As the transfer of funds would support employment for Cambridgeshire residents on major construction projects with Hill, the funding transfer was approved. 49
All of the apprenticeship positions are full time with the first year pay rate being £8.36 per hour. Apprentices will all be studying at colleges or training providers within the county for the duration of their apprenticeships. K10 is recruiting now, so if you know of anyone aged 18 or above who may be interested in one of these fantastic opportunities, please encourage them to apply at www.k-10.co.uk/vacancies or send their CV directly to K10 at mahbub-uddin@k-10.co.uk. Learning Disability Partnership – Employment Opportunities The Cambridgeshire Learning Disability Partnership (LDP) brings together specialist health and social care services for people with a learning disability. The LDP is responsible for commissioning and providing these services on behalf of Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust and Cambridgeshire County Council. Some staff are employed by the County Council and some by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust, but they are all part of the LDP. The roles we currently have available are: Nurses Lead Nurse for Adults with Learning Disabilities Senior Community Nurse Psychologists Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist- Huntingdon & March Occupational Therapists Specialist Occupational Therapist Physiotherapists Lead Physiotherapist Please click here to go to our vacancy home page for further information and to apply. https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/latest-vacancies. Community Chest Grant Update The South Cambridgeshire District Council Community Chest is available to voluntary and community sector groups, charities and public sector bodies wishing to further improve quality of life in South Cambridgeshire. There are small grants available of up to £1,000 for one-off costs relating to a project or activity. The application page and criteria can be found here: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/communitydevelopment/grants/community-chest-grants. 50
SCDC Growth Fund Open for Applications The South Cambridgeshire Growth fund is opening for applications on 1st July 2021. This is for micro and small businesses operating in/from South Cambridgeshire. Priority applicants will include those who have not previously received government backed (Covid related) funding. A one-off grant of between £1,000 to a maximum of £50,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants. The Growth Fund scheme is designed to support businesses’ growth and expansion plans in the district. Eligible applicants for the scheme must be South Cambridgeshire based start-ups which are looking to scale and grow quickly, or they can be established South Cambridgeshire based companies which can clearly demonstrate ambitious growth plans in the District. Businesses in any sectors can apply, including sole traders and partnerships. One- off grants of between £1,000 and £50,000 may be awarded to successful applicants. The scheme will end when all funds have been allocated. Ditch Maintenance At Susan’s invitation, a County Council officer came to Meldreth in mid-July to advise on volunteer action to improve the condition of the privately owned ditch in Chiswick End. In years past, neighbourhood working parties have formed to keep on top of maintenance and this is something that we hope to encourage again. Drains Reported Following the heavy rainfall in June, Highways have been alerted to the still problematic drains in North End and the High Street. Please don’t hesitate to go on County Highways reporting page to log problems you’re aware of: https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk. Visibility at Junctions Thank you for messages we’ve received about poor visibility at road junctions – we are responding to these via County Highways grass cutting team. Of particular concern, as every year, is the Kneesworth Road/Whitecroft Road junction and the Melbourn by-pass junction. A1198 Safety Improvements We’re delighted to share Whaddon Parish Council’s news of a successful Local Highways Improvement grant for a lower speed limit, supported by infrastructure adjustments, along the A1198 between 51
Whaddon Gap and Kneesworth – an important stretch of road that includes the entrance to Bassingbourn Barracks, the key turn to Whaddon village, several residential neighbourhoods and the entry way to Kneesworth. Fowlmere Aerodrome Traffic Jose and Sally Ann report: Following a conversation with an Environment Enforcement Officer at SCDC we have been advised that any complaints relating to air traffic into and out of Fowlmere Aerodrome would fall under the remit of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and not South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC). Any complaints about this activity would therefore need to be reported to them using this link: https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel -problems/How-the-CAA-can-help/How-the-CAA-can-help. South Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership The South Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership which Sally Ann has joined, has launched a free toolkit to help local people keep caring for their community as the pressures of the pandemic ease. Areas included are: Preventing anti-social behaviour Crime prevention in your community Reaching your community Combating loneliness and social isolation Tackling road related concerns Making the environment feel safer and greener More information can be found at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/ community-development/crime-anti-social-behaviour-and-communitysafety/community-safety-toolkit. Please contact Sally Ann with any questions. Settled status for EU citizens The deadline for EU citizens to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme has now passed. However, the process is difficult, many long-term residents have not realised they need to apply (they were promised in 2016 that their right to remain would be automatic) and there is a large number of residents who have therefore not completed or even begun their applications and who are therefore at risk of losing homes, jobs, 52
and basic rights such as healthcare. Efforts are being made to ensure the County Council continues to support these residents. Thakeham and South West Cambridge New Town There is still no news from Thakeham on a submission to the Local Plan. Zoom Cuppa Surgeries If you’d like to meet with us by Zoom, to bring any concerns or ask any questions, please come along to our weekly Wednesday Zoom Cuppa Surgery, 5.00-6.00pm. Please email Sally Ann for a link. We’re always available by telephone or email, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574
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53
Home-Start www.hsrsc.org.uk Community Engagement in a Time of Covid In the face of lockdowns, restrictions and the uncertainty of future events, Home-Start has been busy with a series of community activities around the area. While we’re gearing up for the next few months of fundraising activities, here’s a quick review of what we’ve been up recently … Royston Community Garden The community garden at Royston Tesco was suffering from a year’s worth of neglect, having been closed for the last 12 months. HomeStart volunteers helped to restore the garden, making it once again a fabulous resource for local groups and families. Walking Markets in Melbourn, Buntingford and Meldreth Did you spot our stall at the walking markets in Meldreth, Melbourn and Buntingford? It felt great to be out and about again – meeting lots of different people and being able to tell them about the work of Home -Start and how we are supporting families in their villages. WomenSing Choir Home-Start supporter Linda Bance, and her wonderful community Choir “WomenSing,” have continued to meet on Zoom all through the lockdowns and the members have generously donated their choir fees to Home-Start. Linda has also organised two raffles – one at Christmas and one at Easter – with all proceeds coming to Home-Start. Thank you so much! Kelly’s Cake Kitchen Over the Easter holidays, we teamed up with Kelly of Kelly’s Cake Kitchen (https://kellyscakekitchen.co.uk) to run a family-friendly bakealong. Kelly hosted a live Facebook event to go along with our cookie ingredients packs, for families to create some yummy Easter cookies with her help and guidance. So tasty!
54
RBN and MBN We are delighted to be part of both the Royston and Melbourn Business Network meetings. Through these excellent local business networks we have signed up a new trustee; received donations “in kind”, received offers of support for future fundraising events and been made aware of funding opportunities. All RBN and MBN meetings have been via Zoom since March 2020. These virtual meetings have offered such practical and emotional support during these difficult times, and we can’t wait until we can all get back to seeing each other face-to-face. Finally, we would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Tesco Extra Royston, Co-op Melbourn, One Stop Shop Meldreth, Fieldgate Nurseries Meldreth, Bury Lane Farm Shop, Meldreth and Leech’s Butchers in Melbourn. These local stores have been extremely generous, kindly donating items for our fundraising activities. We are so delighted with the help we receive from our local businesses. Their support is invaluable to us, and we really cannot express how grateful we are. What’s Happening Next? We have an action-packed autumn lined up, starting with the Buntingford Car Show on the 4th September, then a Literary Lunch on the 30th. In October we’re launching our team marathon, (get together with a group of friends a run a collective 26 miles for charity) and in November we’ve got the Esse Fashion Show. In the meantime, why not take part in our online escape game experience “Escape St Margaret’s Island”? Play together with friends and family, search the island for clues, solve the puzzles and escape – before the tide comes in! All our events are on our website (www.hsrsc.org.uk) and we’re looking forward to seeing you at an event soon! Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, SG8 6JP Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Telephone: (01763 788071) Charity Number: 1105385 55
Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Once again, we’d like to thank Meldreth residents for contributing to the community effort to help curtail the spread of Covid-19. We continue to try and support those adversely affected by the pandemic where possible, provide basic information and bring friendship and social contact too, knowing that many people have experienced minimal contact for a long time. Assistance from MCCS If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, shielding or have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace and your usual support is unavailable, please contact Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support using the contact details below and we will do our best to assist. Vaccinations Thank you to people who’ve contacted us with questions about vaccinations; we can help point you in the right direction. Transport to Vaccination Appointments Help is available via the County Council for anyone who is stuck without transport to their vaccination appointment – please ring the Countywide Hub on 0345 045 5219. Royston and District Community Transport is also offering lifts to vaccination appointments. Pharmacy Deliveries If you are unable to travel to a pharmacy, medication can be delivered directly to you by a number of methods. Please ask your local pharmacist - WELL Melbourn (01763 260221) or Bassingbourn Pharmacy (01763 250660) - about the services offered. Our coordinator for pharmacy assistance is Nick Garner on 07968 568599. Local Shops Taking Telephone Orders and Making Deliveries Home delivery is available from Fieldgate (01763 260737) and Bury Lane (01763 260418). For Leech & Sons butchers ring (01763) 260255 to collect outside in the car park at the rear of the shop. Meldreth Walking Friends We hope you will contact us if the idea of a Meldreth walk in company would be something you’d enjoy. Please contact Paul Inman to find out more on 07976 256121. 56
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support We are supported by the very useful resources available to all at CPSL Mind – that’s Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Suffolk and Lincolnshire Mind - including common-sense helpful reminders and also telephone numbers and links if you’re worried or anxious and need to talk to someone who can help: https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/top-tips-self-helpresources. Or, for general queries please call 0300 303 4363 (9.30am – 5.30pm). Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders Please remember that our team is always on hand for a friendly chat by phone – our zone leaders’ telephone numbers are below. Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard & Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 Any other questions, please let us know! Thank you. County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team
MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 57
One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman
(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—07403 462198 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304
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.org.uk
Photographic Group
www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation U3A WI
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638
Sport
Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club
Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Church
Litter Picker
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 Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School
Julia Moore—07403 462198 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
Parish Council
Please see details at end of Parish Council report
District Councillor
Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303
District Council Offices
03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/
County Councillor
Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/
County Council Offices MP
0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/
Councils & Govt.
Clubs & Societies
Facilities
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358
Children
Village Directory
58
Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm
Rail User Group
07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Transport
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.
Health
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
Misc.
Non-Emerg.
Emergencies
Support Services
Station Ticket Office
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: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and David & Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)
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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line
6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00
12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. AngliEAR Hearing ...........................27 Art of Clean .....................................23 Art of Clean Wood ............................5 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........29 Cam Valley Orchards ........................2 Cambourne Self Storage ....................7 CHS Day Centre ..............................10 CHS Group ..............................Cover Coach House Health Care ...............53 The Country Store ............................3 Ely Design Group ............................37 Eternit Sports and Social Club ...Cover Eve Construction ...............................9 Home Tutor ....................................45 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........47 Jackson Cox Opticians ....................48 JN Garden Services ..........................10 Lawn Partners .................................33 The Letting Centre ...........................20 Little Hands Nursery School ............47 Melbourn Flooring ..........................29 Melbourn Village College .................39
Meldreth Landscapes .......................48 Meldreth Motor Company .............44 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................39 Moncraft Computers ......................23 N J Chapman, gardening ..................7 Nancy Foster Footcare ....................44 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service18 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......48 P D Property Services ......................44 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...............37 Pet Sitter .........................................33 Reflections Hair Studio ...................53 Richard Burns Electrician ..................3 Rod’s PC Support ......................Cover Sage Blinds and Interiors ................18 Slimming World .........................Cover Sparky’s ..........................................48 Specialist Dental Partners ................25 Trademark Kitchens ........................13 Tudor Access Scaffolding ....................2 Village Garden Services ...................45 60
MELDRETH WEDNESDAY PM Alison 07812 825 389 FRIDAY AM Angela 07708 444 991 Meldreth Village Hall High Street Booking Essential
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Meldreth Bowls Club
North End (Opposite the Church) Meldreth SG8 6NR www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING DAY WITH CREAM TEAS SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2021, 2.30pm Come and join us for this special event! A chance to try out lawn bowls if you are a beginner, or refresher training if you are already a bowler. At the end of the session we will be providing a cream tea where you will have a chance to meet our members. All the above for only £3.00! No need to book in advance, just pay on the day. Enquiries: Peter/Vivien Constable 01223 207557 / 07776 390436 Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407