Meldreth Matters, August 2023

August 2023

Inthisissue …

Appointment of Vicar

Auction of Lots and Promises

Meldreth Village Hall

Events include …

Village Hall Film: Family Matinée

What’s On in August

This month’s cover picture: Field on the corner of Fenny Lane & Whitecroft Road

Photograph by Malcolm Woods

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.

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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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Welcome to the August Issue of Meldreth Matters.

Our online Auction of Lots and Promises has been underway for several weeks now. We are very grateful to all the companies and individuals who have donated items, thereby enabling us to raise money to keep Meldreth Matters going. If you have already bid on an item or items, thank you. If you haven’t yet had a look at the auction, please do so. Visit www.jumblebee.co.uk/ meldrethmatters or scan the QR code.

Most lots so far have finished well below market value so there are bargains to be had! New items are being added every few days, so please keep checking the site for the latest lots available. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Further details are given on page 9 of this issue.

The auction is open to everyone, so please spread the word amongst friends and family.

Finally, we are delighted to have some new advertisers this month. Please see page 48 and remember to mention Meldreth Matters when contacting advertisers.

Kathryn

Recycle Textiles and Ink Cartridges

Help Support Meldreth Primary and Preschool

The blue textile recycling bin has been relocated to the car park at the back of the Village Hall. Please continue to donate your unwanted clothes, shoes and bags as this raises much-needed funds for Meldreth Primary and Preschool.

What can be recycled?

 Adults’ and children’s clothing

 Shoes and trainers

 Handbags and belts

 Sheets, curtains and towels

All items must be clean, dry, wearable clothing and shoes paired. For more information please see www.uktextilerecycling.co.uk.

Did you know you can also recycle your old printer cartridges to help raise funds for school resources and activities? Please drop off your empty home-use ink cartridges (unfortunately we can’t accept toner cartridges) to the recycling bin in the school reception. Outside school hours please email meldrethpta@gmail.com to arrange a collection.

Julia Moore

Farewell Message from Mary Price

At the end of August, I shall be retiring from Holy Trinity, Meldreth after eighteen years as part of the ministry team in this parish as well as All Saints’, Melbourn. I was here first as a curate, serving my title post, and then as associate priest. During that time, I have been very grateful for the warm welcome and friendship I found in the church congregation and in the wider community. Thank you all very much.

It has been a privilege to be part of the worship and work of the church in Meldreth and to share the particular family moments of joy and sorrow that come with baptisms, weddings, and funerals. It has been good over the years to be invited to the Primary School, Maycroft, Meldreth Manor and Good Companions and to be at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday and at the Fêtes and Christmas Tree Festivals. One of many special memories is of the younger children from the school visiting the church to see the Christmas trees. It has been a joy to hear those young, excited voices in the beautiful, ancient building that is their parish church.

I wish you well and pray that God will bless you now and in the future.

Mary

Appointment of Vicar

The new vicar of our two parishes of Melbourn and Meldreth is to be the Reverend Andrew Graham James Birks. His appointment was officially announced by the Bishop of Ely on 16th June and he will be installed on 1st November.

Andrew is presently Priest in Charge at Chidham, Funtington and West Stoke, in the Diocese of Chichester. He is single, was formerly a constable with the Metropolitan Police, and was ordained in 2017.

Julie Draper

He writes: “With the announcement now being made, I thought I would write and let you know a little bit more about me.

I was born and raised in Northumberland. After leaving sixth form, I had a career in retail management. In 2001 I joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which included response work and being a staff officer for the Soham murder investigation, which gave me my first real experience and exposure to legal

preparation and court processes. I moved to The City of London Police in 2004, working again as a staff officer for the command team at Bishopsgate Police Station, with responsibility for complaints, policy and performance and court warrants. I transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service in 2008, working in Brixton and Croydon boroughs, as well as a period working on CID investigating serious crime, including probate fraud, kidnapping, and managing the London riots investigation teams. In relation to fraud, I conducted enquiries in the Caribbean (Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago) and represented the service in courts in Jamaica.

Although most of my working time has been focused on criminal law, my love of ‘the law’ and legal issues would continue beyond the police! I became more aware of ecclesiastical law shortly after being selected for training for the priesthood in 2011. I was licensed as a lay worker in 2014; ordained deacon in December 2016 and priest in June 2017. I completed a BA in Theology: Mission and Ministry (Common Awards) with Durham University in 2017 and I will graduate in July having studied a master’s degree (LLM) in Canon Law at Cardiff University. In October, I will begin studying for my PhD in Law at Northumbria University.

I live with my partner, John, who is a paramedic. John will be taking up a management post with the East of England Ambulance Service in September. We also have a 14-year-old Scottie dog called Dixie, who rules the house as most dogs do!

We are very much looking forward to coming to Melbourn and Meldreth and being part of the community of both villages. It is an exciting opportunity, and we look forward to meeting you all later in the year.”

For installation, repair or advice please call Tel: 01763 263 121

Meldreth Village Hall – The Next Stage!

As local residents and our numerous regular visitors know, Meldreth Village Hall has recently undergone a major refurbishment internally with new wainscoting in the main hall, a complete repaint throughout, refurbished toilets, new carpets, new noticeboards and, of course, a lovely new kitchen. The refurbishment looks so good and has been received so well that we have decided to bring forward our plans for the exterior.

It’s now time for the outside of the hall!

After many, many months of hard work, research, letter writing and form filling the Trustees have now raised enough funds from various sources and charities to enable us to redesign and build a replacement garden as well as painting the outside of the Hall.

We have raised in excess of £17,000 from organisations including the National Lottery, South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Meldreth Solar Fund via the Parish Council. This large sum of money has allowed us to commission a local landscaper to start work and create our dream garden. We have designed the garden so that it can provide a facility for all Village Hall users and village residents throughout the year.

To achieve our modern and elegant design we removed all the grass, self-seeded shrubs and fencing within the old and tired chain linked fence area and replaced it with a combination of attractive slabs, brand-new picket style fencing and new gates. There are two raised beds, an Astroturf play area and a seating area which is designed to allow all our users equal access. The paved areas are flat to allow pushchairs and wheelchairs to access the seating areas. The Astroturf area, although relatively small, is ideal for our younger users to play on safely and cleanly. The raised beds and all the plant containers on the Village Hall grounds are being replanted with interesting and insect friendly plants and we will be planting a tree within the garden to either commemorate the Coronation or to show the history of the village.

We will also purchase a new larger shed for storing the many new and existing outdoor items and toys, a new playhouse to replace the old one which sadly rotted away, a diamond rail extension to the existing rail in the car park to protect the new fence from “over-enthusiastic” parking and brand new disabled-friendly picnic benches to provide seating for everyone.

We hope that the new look garden will allow our users including groups like Toddlers, Memory Café, Home-Start, and the myriad of other groups, events and functions that use the Hall to access and enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the outside space.

As part of the new look garden the Meldreth Primary School clothes recycling bin is being permanently moved. It has been moved behind the Village Hall at the farleft hand side of the car park against the hedge. The recyclers are also looking at

the possibility of installing a second bin in the same place as the current bin is often completely full. We ask that anyone using the recycling bin respects our neighbours and keeps any noise to a minimum.

We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project and we look forward to seeing the finished result.

Meldreth Village Hall Trustees

Urgent: Volunteers Required

Meldreth Village Hall is on the Lookout for Volunteers

We need volunteers please. Meldreth Village Hall is a registered charity and as such we must have Trustees. It is important to stress that without Trustees the Village Hall would have to close. Currently the Trust is composed of eight volunteers. Our existing Trustees have put in some sterling work over many years to maintain, expand and make the Village Hall an asset for Meldreth to be proud of but unfortunately none of us are getting any younger and we really need some new volunteers.

The Trustees meet, on average, six times a year to discuss the welfare and future management of the Hall. In the past 18 months we have been very busy with the refurbishment but the large works are now either completed or about to be completed. Our future projects for the hall are on a much smaller scale but are exciting. They will certainly help to improve the hall but we do need you to come and help us.

For those of you who are looking for a more comprehensive role we do have a vacancy on the management side of the trustees. The Secretary role is in need of filling. This role is not massively time consuming but there is some work outside of the meetings involved. It will involve sending the agendas, dealing with the minutes and helping the Chair to manage the overall governance of the trust.

We are really very keen to have some new people on the Trustees. There is not a strict criterion to be a Trustee, you certainly don’t need to have been in the village for very long and if you are working or have a family then we can always accommodate your schedules.

Please, please, please if you are even vaguely curious as to how you can play a role on the trustees contact any Trustee or speak to David on 07749 850026 or Andrew on 07572 553647 in strictest confidence.

The Village Hall also has a vacancy for a paid Housekeeper. See page 27 for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you!!!

Meldreth Village Hall Trustees

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Meldreth Matters Auction of Lots and Promises

Our online auction is now well underway and bidding on the first lots has finished. Due to the generosity of local residents and businesses, at the time of going to press we have raised over £1100 for the magazine. We still have a lot more items to auction, so we will continue to add lots on a regular basis over the summer. Keep checking the auction site and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (search for Meldreth Matters) for updates. If you would like to donate an item, please email us at meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Visit our auction site at www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

or scan the QR code

Lots start and finish at different times, so please check each individual lot for the start/end times.

In addition to the individuals and companies mentioned in last month’s Meldreth Matters, we would like to thank the following for their kind donations to the auction: Scudamores, Pat Gilmour, Andrew Young, Pierrette Borgonon, Spice Hut, Meldreth Village Hall Committee, Richard Evans, Cam Valley Orchards, From The Walled Garden, Esse, Marlene Wittkopp, Lorraine and Allan Brown, Black Barn Turkeys.

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Meldreth Village Hub – Elin Way

We continue to welcome visitors to our Hub every Tuesday and Thursday between 12.00 – 3.00pm. Everybody enjoys our relaxed and friendly atmosphere with the added benefit of lunches every Tuesday and refreshments on Thursdays. There is always plenty of chatter!

Some people choose to get involved with board games, darts, jigsaw puzzles and of course our resident DJ plays a variety of music, and we are planning another quiz in August.

Come along and join us for FREE refreshments and meet our brilliant team. Why not bring a friend?

I would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, who help to make these sessions so much fun! If you would like to get involved with the Hub as a volunteer, please let me know; we are very flexible.

We look forward to meeting you all.

Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.co.uk

The summer holidays are here and it’s been lovely seeing lots of children in the Hub! If you’re looking for something to do with children then do pop in and see us - we have a kids menu and our very special “Hubby Bear Bag”. Plus, don’t forget our weekly story time for under 5s every Friday.

All our events can be seen on our website, www.melbournhub.co.uk.

Weekly Events

Every Thursday - Primary Care Network 10.00-11.30am

Drop-in session providing advice & support on health & wellbeing

Every Friday - Children's Story Time 10.00-10.30am

For under 5s. No need to book!

Special for August

Wednesday 16th August - NHS App drop-in session 10.00am-1.00pm

Learn how to register for and set up the NHS App. Drop-in session, no need to book!

Saturday 26th August - Co-op Charity Quiz Night! Co-op will be celebrating their 100th anniversary of being in Melbourn by hosting a charity quiz night at the Hub. Raising money for Barnados (Co-op charity of the year), tickets cost £5 per person and there will be a bar, raffle and snacks as well as the quiz itself! Teams of up to six people; doors open from 7.00pm. Booking essential - get in touch on (01763) 263303 or email us at hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 2nd December 11.00am to 5.00pm

Sunday 3rd December 11.00am to 4.00pm

Please note in your diaries the weekend of the Christmas Tree Festival. We look forward to seeing you all again at this year’s festive event taking place in our special Holy Trinity Church in Meldreth. Free parking will be available and there is free admittance to the event. Come along and enjoy the wonderfully lit and individually decorated tree displays which are quite inspirational and pick up an unusual Christmas gift or two from the craft and produce stalls. Homemade soups and a delicious variety of homemade cakes will be available.

If you run a club and have not been involved in the event before but would like to take part, then please contact me. Our regular exhibitors will receive the usual registration form from the Committee in early September.

If you are making jams, marmalades, chutneys this autumn we would very much appreciate it if you could make a little extra to donate to the produce stall. These can be delivered to the church on the Thursday or Friday before the event.

Visitors are always complimentary about our homemade soups and cakes sold in the café area. If you are a cake baker it would be lovely if you could bake a cake for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you all in advance.

Margaret Goddin

(01763) 260061

on behalf of the Christmas Tree Festival Committee

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

Things to Do in August

Here are some things happening in August in the local area. To let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Throughout August (and to end of year), 11.00am to 3.00pm

The Magic of Books

Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ

Get up close to beautiful and unusual books from one of the National Trust’s top collections. Exhibition highlights the Trust’s book conservation work with specialist talks and displays. Last entry 2.30pm. Normal NT admission applies.

Thursday 3rd August until Sunday 1st October, daily 10.00am to 4.00pm

Fields of Gold

Royston Museum, 5 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL

New exhibition focusing on the importance of agriculture to Royston through the ages. Learn how farming has shaped the town’s history, from medieval monks at the priory to its famous corn market in the 16th century. Free.

Saturday 5th August, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Ely Cathedral Green Fair

Chapter House, The College, Ely, Cambs CB7 4DL

A fun family event for everyone to enjoy with stalls selling home-made, locallyproduced artisan products and crafts plus vegan specialities, local beers and ciders. Live entertainment and demonstrations. Free entry.

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August, 10.00am to 7.00pm

Magic of Thailand Festival

Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CB1 1NA

Experience the sights, sounds and taste of Thailand this summer without getting on a plane. Traditional Thai massage and boxing, Thai beer garden, food and produce stalls, live music and performances plus children’s play area. Dogs on leads welcome. Adults £5 per day entry, under 15s free.

5th, 12th, 19th and 26th August, 12.00pm to 12.45pm & 1.30pm to 2.15pm

Bletchley Saturday Summer Concerts

Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

Relax in the Park’s beautiful grounds whilst listening to vintage live music from the World War 2 period. Included with normal admission. For further details and to learn more about the artists visit www.bletchleypark.org.uk.

Saturday 12th August, 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Cambridge Yarn Festival

Cherry Hinton Hall Park, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DW

For all knitting and crochet fans a chance to pick up new ideas/materials and talk to fellow enthusiasts. Free. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-big-free-knitcrochetmeet-up-tickets-556688549437.

Thursday 17th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Family Fun Day at Foxton Village Hall and Recreation Ground, Hardman Rd, Foxton CB22 6RN

Raffle, lucky dip, tea and cakes, children’s crafts, games. Entry fee £2 per family (all children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult). Proceeds in aid of HomeStart Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire.

Saturday 19th August, 7.00pm to 9.30pm

Sense and Sensibility

Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston, SG8 0BW

Heartbreak Productions present their open-air adaptation of Jane Austen’s muchloved, romantic satire. Pack a picnic, grab your chaise longue (or blanket!) and settle in for this literary classic with a twist. Adult admission £16, children £11. To book call (01223) 206000. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday 20th August, 2.00-4.00pm

Fowlmere Airfield Museum Open Day

Manor Farm, Fowlmere, SG8 7SHSunday 20th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Marvel at the memorabilia, stories, and pictures from the past 100 years of Fowlmere Airfield's history. See www.fowlmere-airfield-museum.uk.

Sunday 20th August, 2.00-4.00pm

Bourn Windmill Open Day

Bourn Windmill, Caxton Road, Bourn Cambridgeshire CB23 2SU

One of the oldest in the country, the mill will be open for guides to show you how it works and tell you its fascinating history. You can even have a go at turning the whole mill on its post! Tea and cakes available to buy. Members of CambridgePPF free, non-members £3 adult, £1 per child. www.cambridgeppf.org.

Saturday 26th August, 8.15pm to 10.00pm (ish)

Night Walk: Cambourne Nature Reserve

School Lane car park, Cambourne CB23 3PP

Join nature enthusiast Rebecca Neal for an evening walk on the Reserve. There will be bat detectors to hear these fascinating night-time hunters and the chance to hear hooting owls and barking deer. Aimed at adults but interested older children welcome. £12.50 for non-Wildlife Trust BCN members; members £10. Booking essential on 07894 599020 or email rebecca.neal@wildlifebcn.org.

Sunday 27th August, gates open 10.00am, flying begins 1.30pm

Little Gransden Air and Car Show

Little Gransden Airfield, Bedfordshire SG19 3BP

A great family day out with over three hours of superb air displays and on the ground everything from classic cars to a funfair, live music and craft show. Licensed bar, BBQ and hog roast. Early bird ticket prices: adult £26, junior (5-14) £16, under 5s free. For full details and concessions visit www.littlegransdenairshow.co.uk. Fund-raising for Children in Need.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Garden Maintenance Garden Design Plants & Planting

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Helen Page +44 7735 442612

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Meldreth Local History Group

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

We have now resumed our monthly meetings and will meet next on Monday 7th August at 10.00am in the Community Room in Elin Way. We are looking forward to having another coffee morning and local history presentation in early October (details to be confirmed next month).

We have recently had a committee meeting to plan for the future. We have over 870 followers on Facebook, who enjoy our weekly posts on an aspect of Meldreth’s history. Our website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, now has over 700 pages now but we would dearly love more people to write something for us. This could be your memories or impressions of Meldreth, however recent. What brought you here? Did the village meet your expectations? Any historic documents for your house would be very much appreciated too. To submit your contribution, you may use the contribution form on our website or email us at info@meldrethhistory.org.uk. Alternatively, give me a ring on (01763) 260129 to talk it over or even dictate something to me!

If you feel that you can help us by 'working from home', transferring information we hold onto our website, that would be great as well.

Our website is a very important archive for everyone and has brought joy to many people worldwide when researching the history of their own families.

Joan Gane Chairman

info@meldrethhistory.org.uk

(01763) 260129

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

We are a small friendly group which meets every month except December at either ASCH Melbourn or Holy Trinity meeting room in Meldreth. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and usually last about one and a half hours.

At our July meeting we had a talk on archery by Pat Ames who is one of our members. This was very informative. In August we will enjoy our usual meal out. New members are very welcome. If you would like any information about the group, to receive a programme, or would like a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of the committee. They are: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Mary Purdy (01763) 260864 and Angela Leach (01763) 262793.

Angela Leach

Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

In June some of our members, together with other riders of all ages from Cambridge, Royston and the surrounding villages, enjoyed the A10 Awareness Ride arranged by Susan Van de Ven and colleagues.

There was an opportunity to try the latest assisted E-bikes, kindly provided by Steve of Royston Cycles and an opportunity to meet Leigh, of Penleigh Bicycle Repairs, who will not only carry out maintenance tasks but also convert your conventional bike to electric.

Incidentally, should you have any bicycles or accessories for sale, maybe a paid advertisement in Meldreth Matters would be a good way to sell them. Our Tuesday rides are extremely popular throughout the year and we often have to split into three groups. We always include a café stop and sometimes we also contribute towards a charity.

John Rogger

Devil’s Dyke Morris Men

www.devilsdykemm.org.uk

The photograph shows our ‘side’ dancing at the British Queen on Thursday 6th July. We were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators who generously donated to our collection. This year, we will be making a donation to the Rooprai Spinal Trust – a national charity which helps paralysed individuals and which has its origins in Cambridgeshire.

Morris Dance is a great way to keep fit, meet others and helps to keep an ancient tradition alive. It is also free to join us! We would like to hear from any dancers or musicians who would like join us at our practice sessions in Bottisham. For more information, contact Gordon Heald on (01223) 833983 or bagman@devilsdykemm.org.uk or visit www.devilsdykemm.org.uk.

Keith Farrow Devils Dyke Morris Men

Royston Lady Mayoress, Lisa trying out an electric bike

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Letters to the Editor

Proposed 20mph Scheme in Meldreth

The following letters were received following Roger Wallbridge’s letter in the July issue of Meldreth Matters. Please refer also to the Parish Council summary on pages 21-22.

I attended the meeting on 13th April and am in complete agreement with the points made by Roger Wallbridge in the July issue of MM. A village referendum should certainly be held on this matter as, one way or another, it affects everyone in Meldreth. If a 20mph limit were to come into being I believe that there are those who would then press for other measures, such as carriageway restrictions, speed bumps and more signage. Speed bumps are unnecessary, uncomfortable and, thanks to the extra braking and acceleration involved, also add to pollution. Extra signage and bollards would lead to Meldreth looking like a suburb, rather than a pleasant village: do we really want that?

I am a member of Community Speedwatch and would no longer take part if a 20mph limit were to be introduced; I believe that other members of the Group would take a similar view.

David Smith

I was intrigued by Roger Wallbridge’s letter “20 mph Limit in Meldreth” (MM July 2023). Having lived in Meldreth some years ago and still given to driving through the village, I share a keen interest in whether the residents there will adopt a lower speed limit for the roads that pass through the parish. I now live in Bassingbourn, where a 20 mph limit is in effect, and motorists are managing it, for better or worse.

Assessing the effectiveness of a recent regulation change is challenging. However, I have observed that during certain times, such as the school run, there seems to be a tendency for traffic to move more slowly. When a few drivers adhere to the statutory speed, their fellow motorists, whether they like it or not, tend to follow suit. Over time, this leads to a change in overall behaviour, and more drivers adjust their speeds. Some argue that this “knock-on effect” has also reduced speeds in the designated 30 mph zones. Slowing down traffic may result in some regular users altering their journey times, which extends the peak usage period but allows for smoother travel, as most motorists dislike constant stops and starts.

I deliberately refrain from commenting on Mr. Wallbridge’s six points, as collectively they raise valid concerns that might justify retaining the current limits. If we acknowledge that excessive speed can be fatal, we must implement measures that encourage behavioural change. That cannot happen if we do nothing.

Given the exponential increase in car ownership over the years, the paramount need is to enhance the well-being of residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road

users, both on and off the road, while ensuring motorists’ safety in the future. A lower speed limit can promote active alternatives such as walking or cycling, as people feel safer on and around the roads.

Meldreth, with its charming village atmosphere, splendid rural properties, and a community that supports and appears to integrate with one another, can benefit from safer roads that foster healthier lifestyles. This will enable residents to feel more at ease in public spaces, allowing the village to continue its tradition of strong belonging and exemplary community spirit.

John Bell

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Station Ticket Office Closures

Meldreth Station and Train Operators’ Announcement on Nationwide Station Ticket Office Closures

We were very disappointed that the rail industry announcement on closure of ticket offices came in early July and closes late July – a short period that has not allowed us to share the information in village newsletters.

Please note that the proposal is NOT to close station premises - waiting rooms, toilets, etc – at Meldreth or any other station, but rather to deploy staff currently selling tickets behind a counter to a different set of responsibilities on site, and at the same hours that ticket offices are currently open. So, staff would be present to assist passengers with any manner of help needed, including buying tickets from the machine, and future trip planning. One of the reasons for the proposal is that generally more tickets are sold from machines and the call on behind the counter ticket sales is dropping.

What we are concerned about is any diminishing of confidence in using the railway, especially for anyone who doesn’t use automated machines, or doesn’t have access to a smart phone or the internet for travel planning. We will be asking for a clear convincing picture as to how those people will be genuinely served and supported, especially given that station staff will not have access to computers for journey planning.

We know that Meldreth Station is special – offering such a personal and warm welcome – and that human presence is cherished.

Please let us know your views because we have an ongoing conversation with our rail colleagues and will be pushing to get and keep the best for Meldreth Station, our only staffed station between Royston and Cambridge.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership

sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 6th July 2023

This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting 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

District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 28 to 29. Questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives. An additional point about the possible closure of rail station booking offices was discussed. It was noted with concern that a road traffic accident had occurred earlier in the day at the junction of Whitecroft Road and Station Road; more information is awaited.

MCCS

The Meldreth Hub arrangements continue to work well and are regarded by the users as a valuable social asset. The Food Bank continues to be well used but will require additional financial and supply support and steps are being considered to underpin the current arrangements.

Co-option

Following a request for applications to fill a vacancy, the Council voted to approve the co-option of Mrs. Jenni Bone to the Council. Councillor Bone was duly welcomed to the Council and took her place.

Recreation Ground and Village Infrastructure

The ditch at the end of the recreation ground has now been cleared. As previously reported, progress with other projects continues to be made. The regular report from ROSPA on our playground equipment was reviewed; a number of minor defects are apparent and these will be investigated as soon as possible so that repairs or replacements can be organised.

Village Traffic

A recent meeting of the village traffic group has considered a number of topical issues. These are summarised as follows:

 Installing more robust bollards at the Stocks triangle to deter parking and corners being cut by large turning commercial vehicles. The possibilities will now be explored and it is likely that concrete bollards will be chosen.

 The recent application for funding for a possible 20mph speed limit in the village. It was confirmed that this was only a first step in a potentially long

process and if funding is approved there would then be public consultations before any proposal could be taken forward. The Council is not thereby committed to carrying out such a scheme. Further local highways Initiatives could be considered to help with speed management problems.

 There continues to be concern about hedge trimming and impeded footways and pavements but the need to protect birds in the nesting season remains an important issue. The general state of our footways remains very poor especially with regard to their use by disabled residents.

 It is hoped that action will shortly be taken by Highways to renew roads and junction markings and to deal with road signs that are obscured by foliage and other vegetation.

Residents are again reminded to report all issues on the road surface and signage on the County Council website, for which the link is as follows: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-andpathways/roadworks-and-faults.

CCTV Issues

The Council is concerned about growing vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Recreation Ground in the vicinity of the pavilion and the play areas. The police have recently needed to be involved in an incident there and the Council has decided to improve the performance of our existing cameras and the reporting system. This may lead to further cameras being installed as a next stage. The police have been very helpful in identifying certain culprits and raising these issues with the school they attend.

Meldreth Village Hall

A recent review of legal documents has shown that the land immediately to the rear of the Village Hall (most of the car park) is actually in the ownership of the Village Hall rather than the Parish Council. The evidence presented by this report was duly confirmed by a Council vote, along with clarifying the maintenance and liability issues arising.

Village Burial Ground

Please look out for an article in Meldreth Matters asking for voluntary community help. We need help to tidy up the burial ground and the shed; the latter will in due course be used to house the restored funeral bier.

Next Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 7th September 2023 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Raising funds for Meldreth Matters:

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

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 Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061 goddin@btinternet.com

Mrs Jenni Bone

Cllr Adam Bostanci 07400 236329 adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon (01763) 262822 c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner (01763) 268328 nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085 roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land (01763) 261004 conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey 07496 324701 j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt (01763) 260909 nppellatt56@gmail.com

Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Ch Holy Trinity Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank &

Hub are in the C

ary - August 2023

beeps Baby ooked)

Village Hub ilates able Tennis

beeps ooked)

Village Hub ilates

able Tennis

9.30am Slimming World

9.30am Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

Copy Deadline for the September Issue

9.45am Sung Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World beeps (must

Village Hub ilates able Tennis

Village Hub ilates able Tennis

9.30am Slimming World

2.00 for 2.30pm Family Matinée Film Afternoon Tickets must be purchased in advance. See page 33 or scan the QR code.

9.45am Sung Eucharist

Village Hub ilates

able Tennis

Refuse Collections

Black bins: 1st, 15th, 30th*

Blue & Green bins: 8th, 22nd

* Changed day due to public holiday

Getremindersonyourmobile:downloadtheBin Collectionsapp

8.00am Said Eucharist

Remember our online auc on (see page 9)

day Friday Saturday Sunday 3 4 5 6 0 11 12 13 7 18 19 20 4 25 26 27 1

hurch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet opposite Community Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

Planning Matters

Meldreth Parish Council

The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 2nd February, 6th April and 6th July were not available at the time of going to press. The following item was taken from the minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings on 15th June. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

64 North End, 23/01926/HFU

Single storey front porch, single storey rear extension with balcony above and alterations within the existing roof including rooflights.

It was proposed by Councillor Land to recommend ‘Support’; seconded by Councillor James and agreed by all. Councillor Goddin abstained.

Planning Authority Decisions

Recent decisions include the following:

Meldreth Road Level Crossing, Meldreth Road, Shepreth 22/05204/FUL

Permission granted for change of use to operational railway land, plus installation of new level crossing barriers, smart IO housing, operational signal equipment, road traffic lighting signals, new access and associated lighting, landscaping and fencing.

Land to the south west of 31 Whitecroft Road 23/01911/S73

S73 to vary condition 1 (approved plans) of planning ref: 22/03920/S73 to vary condition 1 (drawings) of ref: 21/01443/REM (approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission

S/0971/18/OL for residential development (9 dwellings) (resubmission of 20/01323/REM) to seek house type alterations, the introduction of front entrance pillars and amending access to the badger sett, for maintenance purposes) for the addition of PV solar panels to all plots. Granted permission.

Room 18 Fenny Hall Hostel and Flat 3 Orchard House, Manor Road, 22/1195/ TTPO

Permission granted for felling of tree and removal of dead wood (see application online for details).

Meldreth Bowls Club, 23/0292/TTPO

Remove 4-6 metres from 5 x leylandii tree and cutting back branches from overhanging next door neighbour’s garden. Remove 1-2 metres from one sycamore tree, which is overhanging next door garden. Split decision (see online for details, plus see item below).

26 North End, 23/0291/TTPO

Permission refused for removal of overhanging branches from one Sycamore removing 1-2 metres.

Former Gocold Building Station Yard High Street, S/1502/17/CONDM

Submission of details required by condition 3 (Contamination) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL. Discharge condition in full.

Details of all applications and all Planning Authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Meldreth Village Hall: Housekeeper Vacancy

The Meldreth Village Hall Trustees are looking for one or two people to take on the paid role of Housekeeper, from September. This involves a total of about 10-12 hours a week, daily during the week and when the hall is used at weekends. Times may vary but will be while the hall is not in use. Rates (currently £10.70 per hour) and working patterns are open to discussion.

Please contact the Chairman of the Trustees, David Coton at david@coton.me.uk or on 07749 850026 for an informal discussion.

Meldreth Village Hall Trustees

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

District and County Councillors’ Report

Royston Recycling Centre

As previously reported, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire County Councils are working hard to formalise an arrangement for South Cambridgeshire residents to continue using the Royston Recycling Centre, which is owned and operated by HCC. A CCC meeting on 13th July approved ‘the principle of exploring and implementing a reciprocal access and cost sharing arrangements with Hertfordshire County Council … to not disadvantage Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire residents from using the nearest recycling centre to their homes in the Thriplow and Royston areas.” A long way of saying we hope the Royston tip will remain available to Cambridgeshire residents in the long term.

Fenny Lane Surface Treatment Work

Good to see this done at last. Road markings will come! We’ve requested a comprehensive road marking refresh at the Kneesworth/Whitecroft Road junction, hopefully to be done at the same time.

Faded Road Markings, Whitecroft/Station Road Junction

We’ve asked for faded road markings to be refreshed as a matter of urgency following the recent two-car collision at this junction – fortunately with no injuries but still an awful reminder that this is an unsafe junction. Police on site noted impeded visibility owing to the bus shelter, and impeded clarity owing to faded road markings. We’ve requested the police report for a more informed consideration of any future remedial work to the junction and this will be forthcoming.

Anglian Water Remedial Work, Meldreth Homes

Thank you to residents who’ve kept us updated on any issues affecting domestic properties. Some remedial work is due to take place in July at properties we have been bringing to attention. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any further concerns.

Cambridgeshire NHS survey for the Royston Area

Royston is within the Cambridgeshire NHS footprint. See Let’s talk Royston: https://www.cpics.org.uk/lets-talk-royston

Please have a look and complete the survey by 11th August if you can. The NHS is looking at its estate in Royston, and considering best ways of delivering various levels of health care in the local area.

Community Chest Grants

This is an excellent, versatile funding source for community groups. Applications are easy to fill out and considered monthly. https://www.scambs.gov.uk/ community-safety-and-health/grants/community-chest-grants/ or just search South Cambridgeshire District Council Community Chest.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The County Council’s summer HAF programme, funded by the Department for

Education, is open for bookings. Children in receipt of income-related free school meals can book a holiday scheme place for 64 hours, subject to availability. Each scheme offers enriching experiences, a meal and snacks.

The HAF Team can arrange transport for families unable to access the programme otherwise. Ukrainian and other refugee families are also eligible for places as well as families ‘just about managing’ financially. There is a video on YouTube, youtu.be/WSOEpJIXY5c, showing what’s involved. And look out for the HAF Programme on Facebook and Twitter too. Please search ‘Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and food Programme’.

Zoom Cuppa Surgery

We hold a weekly Zoom Cuppa surgery on Mondays from 5.00-6.00pm. Get in touch if you’d like to come or contact us at any time with questions or concerns. Please note that Susan’s email address has changed and is now susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

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

The Moor Melbourn

SG8 6EF 07163 223400

office@melbournvc.org

www.melbournvc.org

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

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

Things for Children and Families To Do

Tuesday 1st - Friday 4th August and through the holidays, 10.00am - 5.00pm (11.00am - 5.00pm Sundays)

Science at the Grand Arcade, Cambridge CB2 3BJ

Free science activities for families. Drop in and explore different themes such as the atom, gravity, DNA. See www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.

STEMtots for ages 2 to 5 with themes of dinosaurs, minibeasts, colour, space.

Wednesday 2nd - Saturday 5th August, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Arty Fen activities - dance, drama or film-making

Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP

Free three-day creative workshops for 12 to 16 year olds. Shoot a nature documentary, prepare a contemporary dance performance or a historical drama. Light lunch provided. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th August and every following Thursday and Friday to 1st September, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Summer Activities, Royston Museum, Lower King Street SG8 5AL

Five weeks of cosmic experiments and crafts. Attend all five, collect a badge each week and then claim your prize.

Sunday 6th August, 10.30am - 4.30pm

Royston Charity Kite Festival, Therfield Heath

See professional kite-flying and fly your own kite. View historic vehicles, enjoy fairground rides, bouncy castles, food stalls, ice cream. Over 14s £4, children free. Free parking. (Get your kite competition entries to Home-Start by 2nd August!)

Sunday 6th August, 11.00am - 3.00pm

Dinosaur Day, Minstrel Court, Whaddon, Cambridgeshire SG8 0AB

13th August, 12.00pm - 3.00pm

Fairy Fair, Minstrel Court, Whaddon, Cambridgeshire SG8 0AB

For children aged 3 to 11. Soft play, bouncy castle, activities, games, and, of course, dinosaurs or fairies. £15 per child including picnic lunch. Hot drinks for parents. Book at www.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday 8th August, 11.30am - 5.00pm

Funtopia, Central Park, Peterborough PE1 4DX

Festival for under 10s. Inflatables, role play, shows, games, water fights. Under 5s area with bouncy castle, soft play, ride-ons etc. Autism-friendly session 10.30am11.30am. Children under 90cm free. Over 90cm £10, adults £2.50.

Thursdays 10th and 24th August, 9.00am -12.00pm

Crafty Thursdays, Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP

Try paper folding (10th) or collage (24th). Drop in. £4 per child. See also Musical Instrument Discovery Days on 17th and 18th August. £6 per child (3+).

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Shepreth Spitfires

www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk

We’d like to share our latest Shepreth Spitfires’ news with you. The photographs below include some from our last training sessions for the 2022/2023 season, which were held at the Eternit Sports & Social Club and Shepreth Recreation Ground.

Great News! Shepreth Spitfires won all qualifiers at a local tournament and made it through to the final in June, where they lost 1-0. A fabulous effort by all the team!!

We would like to give a huge heartfelt thanks to Shepreth School Fund and Shepreth Parish Council for supporting the children and giving us funds towards new metal goalposts. These will be used regularly and will last for many years.

Thank you also to Sweetheart Designs Limited, a Meldreth company, for the fabulous work producing the football shirts for the Spitfires. And thank you to Hot Numbers for sponsoring these shirts.

For any current and new players that may be interested, our training sessions resume in August 2023. Please contact Shepreth Spitfires Football Club if your child may be interested in joining our friendly local football club. Our website is www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk or call us on 07510 175370.

Julie A Wilson

Meldreth Primary School

https://www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk/web

Summer officially announced itself at Meldreth Primary School and with that came a flurry of outdoor activities, events and educational visits! Our younger students enjoyed the reopening of our newly refurbished school swimming pool and our Year 5 and 6 classes looked forward to their weekly jaunt across the tracks to Melbourn Village College for their swimming lessons.

Indeed, the walk was more entertaining than ever as our route took us through the newly christened ‘Wonderpass’, which is an absolute feast for the eyes and a brilliant showcase of our local, inter-generational talent. A selection of our students’ brilliant artwork is proudly on display: Ronnie in Year 3 designed the Melbourn Dynamos emblem and Verity in Year 1 created our school’s contribution.

Our children enjoyed the recent Church Summer Fete, a whole community event that some were involved in. Under the baking hot sun, Isla and Emily in Year 5 opened the proceedings by performing a stunning dance routine in front of a packed crowd and our school choir raised the roof with their rendition of a number of popular classics. I am proud to say that our children’s contributions weren’t restricted to performances either, with a number of them turning up early to volunteer their time and help set up stalls and activities.

As their primary school years came to an end, our Year 6 pupils were also extremely busy. Their Enterprise Project achieved a positive result from the £5 loan from our PTA and was thoroughly enjoyed by the rest of the children and their families. In June the children enjoyed a fantastic residential week on the Isle of Wight; body-boarding and kayaking around the coast and climbing the infamous ‘Leap of Faith’ in preparation for their next leap to secondary school.

Sasha Howard Headteacher

Nigel

Wigg

Nigel Wigg

Nigel Wigg

Home Improvement Specialist Home Improvement Specialist Specialist

•• • Exterior and interior home Exterior and interior home Exterior and interior home decorating decorating decorating

•• • Tiling Tiling Tiling

•• • Carpentry Carpentry

•• • Refurbishment Refurbishment Refurbishment

•• • Timber carport and veranda Timber carport and veranda Timber carport and veranda design and construction design and construction design and construction

•• • General home repairs General home repairs General home repairs

•• • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming Pruning / hedge and tree trimming Pruning / hedge and tree trimming

•• • Professional service Professional service Professional service

nigelwigg@gmail.com nigelwigg@gmail.com nigelwigg@gmail.com

T 01480 700266 T 01480 700266 T 01480 700266

M 07801 057514 M 07801 057514 M 07801 057514

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

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

Entertainments

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

Moorlands Court

 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.

Local Community Services EVE CONSTRUCTION LTD

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

Cable Thefts

Cambridgeshire Police are urging people to report anything suspicious concerning cable thefts. Underground cables, which connect homes and businesses to the telephone and broadband network, have been targeted by criminals in locations including the A10 in Waterbeach, the A1198 in Cambourne and Linton.

The damage caused often leaves hundreds of people without a working telephone or broadband for long periods of time. The loss of a telephone line can affect important services, including healthcare, as well as the ability to contact emergency services. Repairing the damage can take Openreach (who maintain the telephone and broadband network) days, if not weeks, at a cost of thousands of pounds.

With the rising prices of scrap metal including copper and aluminium, cables are becoming a popular target amongst thieves. The thieves, often masquerading as legitimate contractors, will lift up manhole covers by grass verges or carriageways to access the underground cables. The plastic sheathing on the cables will then be burnt in fields and the metal inside sold on.

Cambridgeshire Police are working with Openreach to target suspects and areas they believe are at increased risk. However, everyone can look out for some telltale signs that something is not quite right.

 Look out for open manhole covers and be aware of bogus roadworks or suspicious activity around the covers. Bogus roadworks may have an unmarked white van parked. Genuine roadworks should have vans with company names parked.

 Look out for thick acrid black smoke and fires in rural locations; this could be thieves burning the plastic sheathing from the cables before selling the metal.

 Look out for crop damage caused by cables being pulled from the ground and dragged along farmer’s fields in order to cut them up.

Concerns or information can be reported online on the Cambridgeshire Police website at cambs.police.uk, or by calling 101, in both cases quoting Op Akita. If a crime is in progress call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so.

You can contact Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on (01763) 260358, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Please have a look at our online auction

Bid for flights, restaurant vouchers, craft items and much more!

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

A Meldreth Garden

Late flowering perennials and annuals, e.g. dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, helenium, crocosmia, rudbeckia, gladiolus, sedums, etc. are in their glory at this time of year. Some of the summer perennials cut back earlier in the year are coming back, like the hardy geraniums. To keep it looking good well into the autumn, the late summer garden requires attention, including deadheading, the removal of dead and fading foliage and filling in gaps with annuals or perennials.

It is difficult to beat the flowering capacity of dahlias for the late summer garden. These plants come in a great range of colours and shapes. In my garden there are two white cultivars, Eternal Snow and White Onesta, a species type, and Bishop of Llandaff. I invested in seeds of Bishop's Children, dark stems and leaves with different coloured flowers. It is important to deadhead when the flowers fade to keep them flowering. The new flower bud has a button shape while the faded flower head has a pointy triangular shaped seed capsule.

I have been taking cuttings of tender perennials as backups in case of a severe winter. These will be kept in a frost free greenhouse or other location until next year; not that it saved them last winter. Penstemon, pelargoniums, lemon verbena and half hardy salvias should also be given this treatment.

In the fruit cage I have been pruning gooseberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and summer fruiting raspberries now that cropping is over; what a bumper year for soft fruit!. Note that redcurrants fruit on old wood, blackcurrants fruit on new wood and pruning is therefore different. For redcurrants, take out about a third of the oldest stems and cut back new leaders by about a third. The fruited wood of blackcurrants can be cut down near the base to allow growth of the new stems that will fruit next year.

There is a wide range of garden-worthy hydrangeas. I have two cultivars of the white flowered Hydrangea paniculata in pots, one of which is a rescue from 25 years ago, a rooted cutting surplus to requirements on the compost heap at Winderwath Gardens in Cumbria! Oh so worth the donation of a fiver, this Hydrangea paniculata siebold, a lacecap type, is more delicate than the robust cultivar from the garden centre. I had the climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, but that succumbed to the cold of last winter; the skeleton is retained to grow something through. Hydrangea are easy to propagate from softwood or semi hardwood cuttings at this time.

This year has seen far fewer slugs and snails in the garden.

Flower Garden Activities

 Start sowing hardy annuals for next year to get well developed plants for the border.

 Summer prune wisteria, taking whippy growth back to about six leaves.

 Remove weeds before they set seed.

 If your lawn is important apply a high potash low nitrogen fertilizer.

 August can be a very dry month where watering is necessary; try to use grey recycled water.

 Continue to collect seeds as they become available.

 Pot-on self-seeded perennials if required in other areas of the garden.

 A range of hardy annual flowers can be sown outside in August, preferably after a period of rain, plants include pot marigolds Calendula officinalis, larkspur, poppies Papaver somniferum, cornflowers, Bishop's Flower Ammi majus, love-in-a-mist Nigella damascene, quaking grass Briza media, etc.

 Clip back topiary and pyracantha, trim lavender to old wood after flowering and trim hedges after checking that birds have fledged.

Vegetable Garden Activates

 Strawberries can be grown from new runners. Strawberries have peak fruiting after about three years and then go into decline. Plant up runner replacements to keep the stock vigorous and fruitful.

 Plant Japanese onions; these will over winter.

 Sow oriental salad leaves, winter lettuce, radishes, kohlrabi, turnips and winter cabbage.

 Sow green manure on areas of the veg. garden if not to be used.

 I harvested garlic early this year due to severe rust infection they are now thoroughly drying out.

Good Gardening.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

Village Footway Access

Now is the time of year to cut back hedges that are encroaching on the village footways. The threat to nesting birds is mostly over, but check first before cutting. The cutting back of encroaching hedges is greatly appreciated by footway users, including those more vulnerable groups in our community and parents with children in prams, etc. who need unimpaired access.

The Parish Council monitors the situation through the year, taking appropriate action where needed for the benefit of footway users.

Please note that a footway is the council term for a footpath along the highway. It includes pavements and footpaths.

Transport Working Group

Meldreth

The Letting Centre is a dedicated letting agency established for 29 years, operating from High Street premises in Melbourn. We offer an expert, tailored service to suit each clients’ individual needs. Covering Cambridge, Royston, Melbourn and surrounding villages.

Friendly, no obligation advice on how to achieve the best possible return on your rental investment with clear and simple guidance on your legal obligations.

The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6AP. Tel: 01763 263039. Email: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk. www.letting-centre.co.uk

Spotted Flycatchers in Meldreth

You may recall from our article in the July issue, that we did not see the Spotted Flycatchers in their usual haunt after 17th May. However, shortly afterwards a pair (possibly the same pair) was seen nearby and a watch was established to see how they got on.

By June, the female was sitting on eggs and on 20th June she was seen feeding her chicks. This was great news, as it is a rare privilege to see Spotted Flycatchers breeding in the village.

Close observations continued and on 30th June a quick photograph confirmed at least four chicks were present. They were well feathered and therefore too large to ring safely. On 2nd July two adults were seen feeding the chicks. The following day the chicks were seen exercising their wings, in preparation for leaving the nest, and fledging began on 4th July. The nest was empty the following day.

Usually the parent birds will continue to feed the chicks once they have left the nest. Sure enough, about a week later, a lone flycatcher was spotted nearby feeding three fledglings, who were all perched on a branch of the same tree.

If the weather is fine, and insects are abundant, there is always a chance that the adult birds will try for a second brood …

Jan Butchers

MM is Available in Colour Online

To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters

N J Chapman

Garden Services

Handyman

Mobile: 07592 725 169

Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com

Little Hands Nursery School

The Moor, Melbourn

A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two

We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds

For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

In Praise Of …

Raspberries

Raspberries are lovely in cakes, ice creams and fruit desserts. They are a popular berry with a rich colour and sweet juicy taste. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and there are many ways to include them in your diet. They’re so delicious it's hard to choose a recipe! Fill a Victoria sponge with fresh raspberries, or use them in a classic summer pudding. If you're lucky enough to have a glut, then make raspberry jam. Here are two recipes to inspire you this month.

White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

Preparation time less than 30 mins Cooking time 10 to 30 mins, Serves 6–8

Ingredients

For the Base

150g digestive biscuits

75g butter, plus extra for greasing

For the Coulis

400g fresh raspberries

Method

For the Filling

250g mascarpone cheese

300ml double cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

200g white chocolate, broken into chunks

Grease the base of a 20cm/8in springform cake tin with butter, then line with a circle of baking parchment.

To make the cheesecake base, put the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs but still have texture. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a low heat. Add the crushed biscuits and stir. Spoon into the base of the tin and press using the back of a spoon until level, then cover and chill in the refrigerator.

To make the filling, put the mascarpone and double cream into a bowl and whisk with an electric hand whisk until it is smooth and has very soft peaks. Stir in the vanilla.

Put the chocolate into a small heatproof bowl, and place on top of a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted but not hot. Set aside for 5–10 minutes, until cool but still liquid. Pour into the mascarpone and stir, but be careful not to over mix.

To make the coulis, put half the raspberries in a small blender. Blitz until runny, then pour through a sieve into a bowl to remove the seeds.

Spoon half of the white chocolate mixture over the base. Use the handle of a teaspoon to make a few narrow holes in the mixture right down to the base. Pour or pipe the coulis into the holes, reserve some for decorating. Spoon the remaining white chocolate mixture on top, then smooth and level it. Cover with cling film and chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight.

Run a palette knife around the edges of the tin. Remove the sides and base and sit on a plate. It may be easier to serve on the base or carefully run a knife under the biscuit base to release. Arrange the remaining raspberries on top of the cheesecake and drizzle over the remaining coulis.

Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Cream

Preparation time less than 30 mins Cooking time 20 mins

Serves 6

Ingredients

115g plus extra for greasing

300g caster sugar

225g dark chocolate, around 70% cocoa solids

75g plain flour

Method

75g cocoa powder

5 free-range eggs

750g raspberries

150g icing sugar

500g mascarpone

Preheat the oven to 180C/375F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 25cm x 30cm baking tin. Place the butter and sugar into a bowl and beat together until light and fluffy.

Place the chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water) and stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture and beat to combine. Add the flour, cocoa powder and eggs and mix well, then fold in 250g of the raspberries. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin, then bake for 20 minutes, or until set but still moist in the middle.

Meanwhile, place the remainder of the raspberries and the icing sugar into a food processor and blend to a purée. Pass through a sieve into a clean bowl. Place the mascarpone in a bowl and mix in half of the raspberry purée.

To serve, cut the brownie into pieces and place onto serving plates with a dollop of raspberry cream. Drizzle over the remaining raspberry purée.

Jane O’Hagan

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub.

Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

17 Bus Service

This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

Susan van de Ven

Facilities

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

One Stop

Village Hall Bookings

Village Hall Chairman

Cycling Group

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

David Coton—07749 850026

John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Clubs & Societies

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Nicola Searle—(01763) 852738

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Sport

Meldreth United FC 07930 650036

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

Tennis Club

(01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Rev Andrew Birks (from 1/11/23)

Church

Rev. Mary Price

(01763) 261569

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451

John Price (Friends)

(01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com

Hartbeeps

Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Guides (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com Children

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

Jose Hales—07703 262649;

Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574

https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm

User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

Potholes, problems,Highways etc. http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212

Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299

706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis (01763) 0250811

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section 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 Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

Advertising Rates

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.

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MM

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