King Charles III Coronation Garden, Meldreth Village Hall
Photograph by Kathryn Betts
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.
Welcome to the August issue of Meldreth Matters.
As it’s the school holidays, there are fewer events and classes taking place in the village this month. However, there is no shortage of things to do in the local area. See what’s on at Melbourn Hub on pages 15 and our summary of local events on pages 29-31, many of which are suitable for children. You’ll also find information about the Summer Holiday Scheme Places on page 28.
Many people in the village are finding the support of the Food Bank and the Village Hub invaluable. There is information about these on pages 10-11 and on page 12 there’s a letter from someone who has been attending the Hub, proving just what a valuable asset this is.
On our back cover this month, we are highlighting Home-Start. Based in Meldreth, this charity does an incredible job of supporting young families in the local area. Home-Start has to raise about £200,000 a year so please support their events when you can. Visit their website for more information and ways in which you can help.
Kathryn
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
Meldreth Church Fete, June 2024
This year’s church fete morning happily dawned bright and fair. The team were up early to get stalls out, tables arranged and gazebos up. The bottle stall, cake stall, BBQ and drink, refreshments, dog show, children’s games, chocolate tombola and raffle and not least the ever popular plant stall, were all set up by 10.30am, an hour before opening time, giving us all time to have a cup of coffee before the punters arrived! A big thank you to Andrew, our vicar, for opening the fete and for helping to keep the show on the road.
A new feature was the token system, a really good innovation for children and parents, enabling visitors to pay by card at the gate and to receive tokens so that they could pay for stalls, games and refreshments. The church now has two card machines and wi-fi, both so helpful; a big thank you to Peter Foulger for this innovation. The bier is now in its permanent place in the south aisle; thank you to Meldreth Local History Group for providing a great display on its history.
The punters rolled in and the sun shone throughout the afternoon on stall holders, the superb dancing by Emily and Isla, the Lift Off Choir, the church choir and our two wonderful talented pianists, Aymeric and Ruihan. In a wonderfully cheerful atmosphere, all enjoyed the dog show, stalls, BBQ and the children’s games.
So this is a big thank you to all the punters for being so generous in their support, and not least to all who helped set up the fete and cleared up afterwards, to all the cake makers, stall holders and performers. We made over £5,500 with donations still coming in, with our big earners, the BBQ, the raffle and the plant stall netting significant amounts. The ‘fun’ stalls - the chocolate tombola, the dog show, and the children’s stalls - also added to the total and were enjoyed so much . We ended with an energetic tug of war; so much fun with Andrew in control!
We welcome suggestions from you all about any ideas and improvements we can make for next year.
Thank you so much again.
Pauline Penfold, Toni Cann, Karen Lillie and Julie Draper
Holy Trinity Church: Planning for the Future
melbournmeldrethcofe.com
As I write this, I am in the process of planning the drainage works at Meldreth and how we will soon see the churchyard being dug up to help provide new and improved drainage to take the water that gathers around the church away from the building. We are suffering from some immense damp issues in the church because the water around the church simply sits there and in turn creates the damp issues so sadly evident inside the building. You cannot have helped notice the rather pungent damp smell in the church when the weather is hot; that is effectively the moisture in the air because of the damp.
We are actively working to solve the damp issue in the church, but there is no quick fix. The project to restore and repair the building is a project for a couple of years at least, because after we do one part, we need to allow a period of time before starting the next part. We are being guided by our architect and our church buildings team from the Diocese, but our aim is to make sure that the church is repaired and restored and fit for the future for us, and those who will come after us. The building is a wonderful space and recognised with its listed building grading – Grade One – the highest grade, but the work will come with a cost of at least £250,000, and prices are always rising! We have recently employed a fundraiser to help us apply for grants and funding, but of course we need everyone’s help to secure our building.
I recognise that many people in our community will not share the Christian faith, but Holy Trinity is much more than a place of worship – it is a community building and a building which many people are associated with. In addition, the history and fabric of the building hold some unique features. I hope, that in time, the building can be used for more things in the community with a space for displays such as local history, arts and crafts, work from our local schools, a venue for people to meet etc. Since I arrived in the parish in November of last year, I have carried the ‘strap line’ of “putting the church at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the church.” We need to know what it is you want from your local church. What would you like to see the church used for? Please do let us know. You may have noticed that we have taken ownership of the funeral bier from the Parish Council which gifted it to us. This is a huge privilege for us and the bier is now on proud display for the community in our community church. It is also, I believe, a recognition of the hard work of those who restored the bier to its glory and for those who have cared for it both before and since its restoration.
As I said, the repair and restoration of our church will be costly and we do need to raise money to support these projects, which is never an easy task. On 19th July, we held our first community meeting (which I will report back on in the next issue), where I hope I will have heard lots of ways in which we can work together and what it is you have told us you want from the church in our community.
If you would like to look around the church with me and talk about the plans, or you have suggestions for the development of the church, please do contact me. With prayers and best wishes.
Revd Andrew Birks
Vicar of All Saints, Melbourn & Holy Trinity, Meldreth rev.andrew.birks@hotmail.com (01763) 230178
Friends of Holy Trinity Church
www.foht.org.uk
Past Events
Annual General Meeting held on 26th June
Fifteen people attended the rescheduled AGM. The past year had been disrupted with banking problems, but these have now been resolved and the Friends raised nearly £5,000 over the period. The Friends organised several events over the past year including the annual Classic Car Show, talks by guest speakers, a Burns Night supper and our first theatrical performance with Persuasion by Jane Austen. Copies of the accounts and minutes of the AGM are available on request.
Festival du Piano held on 5th July at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn
Over 80 people attended the evening to hear award- winning pianists playing a dazzling programme of Chopin, Liszt and Debussy. The first half featured four talented young pianists Nam Nguyen, Penny McMurray, Philip Xiao and Aymeric Tsyganov. The second half started with four pieces stunningly played by the tenyear-old Ruihan Wu and the evening was completed with a number of captivating duets by the Cann twins, Claire and Antoinette, playing side by side at the same piano.
Future Events
Sunday 15th September
Churchyard Classic Car Show at Holy Trinity Church
This will be the 19th time we have staged this popular event.
Thursday 14th November
Autumn Theatre at Holy Trinity
We have booked This is My Theatre Group again. The selection of the play is yet to be decided, but please put this date in your calendar!
Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch.
Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com
07726 936635
Churches Together in Melbourn and Meldreth
Recently the ministers from the Baptist, URC and Church of England came together to restart ‘Churches Together’ in Melbourn and Meldreth and the first thing we have organised is a Songs of Praise. This will be on Sunday 29th of September at the URC in Melbourn at 5.00pm. A chance for us ALL to come together and share the joy of music in worship. Keep an eye out for more details in the weeks to come!
If you were involved in ‘Churches Together’ previously, then please contact me on (01763) 230178 as we’d like to hear more about what previously happened with ‘Churches Together’. All the ministers now involved are relatively new, so we’d like to have your help and advice!
Revd Andrew Birks Vicar of All Saints, Melbourn & Holy Trinity, Meldreth rev.andrew.birks@hotmail.com
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small, friendly group who meet at either ASCH Melbourn or Holy Trinity Church meeting room in Meldreth. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment. We then have the chance to chat with one another while we are enjoying our refreshments. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and there is also the opportunity to donate to the charity pot. The charity which we are supporting this year is Home-Start.
At our meeting in June our speakers were David and Lesley Hollamby who talked about their visits to Kenya. Their visits started in 1998 when they met Bishop Julius Gachuche of Mt. Kenya Central, who spoke about training young girls as motor mechanics. This inspired the members of both parishes to raise funds and to see the girls in training. In all, David has visited Kenya six times and Lesley four. It was such an interesting and inspiring talk, illustrated with some wonderful photographs. Mary Bailey thanked them and presented them with a small donation.
At our July meeting we had a music evening when members brought along their favourite pieces to play. At our August meeting, on 24th, we will be going for a meal to a local restaurant. The venue has yet to be finalised.
If you require any information regarding the group or a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of our committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Janet Backer (01763) 221492 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.
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Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm
Meldreth Village Hub
Everyone welcome: bring a friend or two!
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 noon – 3.00pm
Community Room, Elin Way (not the Village Hall)
Pop in and join us for a delicious FREE freshly cooked lunch every Tuesday (served at 1.00pm) and refreshments on Thursdays.
Tuesday 20th August: Chair Yoga
Suitable for all ages and abilities – should be fun!
We are still planning another trip to the crazy golf at Melbourn (when it stops raining!) as well as more quiz fun, air hockey, table football, games and lots of chit-chat and smiles.
Would you like to join our friendly team as a volunteer? There’s lots of flexibility around your availability. We all have other commitments and family always come first.
We look forward to meeting you and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Helen
Meridew,
Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com
07787 734973 (Donations gratefully received)
Meldreth Food Bank
Open to Meldreth residents who would benefit from a supplement to their weekly food and toiletries.
Please feel free to drop in at the Food Bank, situated at the Sheltered Housing Communal Room in Elin Way, Tuesdays any time between 9.00am and midday.
Alternatively, ring Jo on 07572 443522.
Any donations of food can be brought to the Food Bank on Tuesday mornings or left in the collection box outside 62 High Street. Cash donations can be made to Jo or to Roger, MCCS Treasurer, at roger@rogerjames.net.
Thank you!
Meldreth Cares – Community Support (MCCS)
Village Agents at Cambridgeshire ACRE
www.cambsacre.org.uk
Did you know that Cambridgeshire ACRE has Village Agents working in Meldreth?
Cambridgeshire ACRE supports local residents through a team of Village Agents who provide help, support and solutions for people’s health and social care by connecting them with wider support available in their community and beyond.
Our Village Agents are based in Community Hubs that operate across Cambridgeshire and regularly attend Meldreth Community Hub which is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.00pm to 3.00pm in the Community Room, Elin Way. Our Agents are independent and provide a free service that is completely confidential.
Our Village Agents can support residents with a number of things such as bringing health services to your community, supporting you to book health-related appointments, providing cost-of-living information, supporting you to access services specific to your individual needs or linking you with your local foodbank and helping you to apply for vouchers. The list is not exhaustive!
If you are a Meldreth resident and are interested in learning more about Village Agents and Cambridgeshire ACRE’s community wellbeing work, you can contact Angela Stibbs on 07484 053089 or email angela.stibbs@cambsacre.org.uk or Rachel Mason on (01353) 865025 or email rachel.mason@cambsacre.org.uk.
Why not come along to the Meldreth Hub for free refreshments and a chance to socialise? If you’re new to the hub, let us know and Angela will be happy to accompany you on your initial visit, as we know it can be daunting first time!
About Cambridgeshire ACRE
Cambridgeshire ACRE is a charity dedicated to supporting and strengthening rural communities, working alongside residents and groups to help improve the places, services and assets that are important to them. It drives positive change to improve people’s lives and tackle rural disadvantage for those living and working in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Further information on the work of Cambridgeshire ACRE can be found at: www.cambsacre.org.uk.
Cambridgeshire ACRE welcomes self-referrals from people who would like the support of a Village Agent. Professionals working with individuals who would benefit from locally based, lower-level support are also welcome to make referrals via our Village Agent Referral Form at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ village_agent_referral.
Angela Stibbs
Village Agent
Cambridgeshire ACRE
Letter to the Editor
Meldreth Village Hub
Dear Reader
This is a short piece in appreciation of and with gratitude for Meldreth Village Hub. It has revealed humanitarian kind values which have given me much enjoyment and a sense of proportion in my life as an OAP for which I am very grateful.
It also offers free lunches on Tuesdays.
Here are the main reasons why it is so special:
It is not just a meal once a week but, for me, it is the sociability which is positive during this cost of living crisis. It has made me realise that :
1. I am not alone.
2. Listening to others’ stories gives me understanding of others’ problems, whatever they may be.
3. Most importantly, there’s a positive vibe in the Hub helped by music, humour (I haven’t laughed so much for a long time), patience and a variety of games and activities on offer.
4. The latter include a wonderful array of activities and games you can engage with, for example, snakes and ladders, dominoes, table tennis, table football, darts, art and craft work and the quiet corner for jigsaw lovers.
5. Lastly, the armchairs are the most comfortable I have ever used. It’s also possible for some of us to get up and dance to the music or do yoga if you are mobile enough.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for your kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, support and patience and also for the hard work of the staff as the basis of this special community.
Thank you, Hub. It’s so valuable.
As an extra P.S., while you’re there you don’t have to worry about housework, washing up or heating!
Many cheers, and here’s to the future with hope Eleanor
To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters
Introducing ‘How Are You South Cambs’ haysouthcambs.co.uk
Connecting with others, getting active, learning a new skill, being creative, seeking professional support, exploring the outdoors, volunteering – all these things (and more) can improve wellbeing…but it isn’t always easy to know what is on your doorstep or to feel comfortable trying something new.
The How Are You South Cambs website: https://haysouthcambs.co.uk brings together everything local in the district (including Royston) that boosts mental wellbeing. Just like our physical health, we all have mental health and we all need to look after it – what that looks like for each of us is unique. The website gives you the factual information you need to find a wellbeing boost, alongside videos, photographs, quotes and a description of what to expect when you go for the first time. If you are on Facebook, give the HAY South Cambs Facebook page a follow too @HowAreYouSouthCambs
‘How are you South Cambs’ is a constituent of How Are You (HAY) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, itself sponsored by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. The objectives of the several ‘How are You’ entities include connecting with others, getting active, learning a new skill, being creative, seeking professional support, exploring the outdoors, volunteering.
We’re also keen to discover, share and support what is good for wellbeing in South Cambridgeshire and Royston: what it is you value for your health and wellbeing. If you know about something that we should know about, please contact me, Charity Green, on HowAreYou@cpft.nhs.uk. I would love to hear from you.
Charity Green
Digital & Community Engagement Coordinator (South Cambridgeshire) How Are You Project
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Moorlands Court
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
August at Melbourn Hub
Summer finally arrived in Melbourn and it’s been lovely to see people enjoying our terrace and our beautiful newly planted borders.
We’re open all through the summer holidays (with the exception of the August Bank Holiday!) so if you’re looking for something to do with your kids this summer, why not come in and say hello! We offer a great selection of kids meals, including our popular ‘Hubby Bear’ picnic plate, which comes with a Hubby Bear sticker! The library is open from 2.00-4.00pm every weekday and from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays. Over the summer, the library will also be running a children’s summer art competition - see below for more details!
Our artist of the month in August will be Helen Vallis.
Weekly Events
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course, subsidised, meal. There are a few places available for Lunch Club. If you are interested please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice - 9.30-11.30am
No need to book, just drop in!
Every Friday, Relate Counselling - 9.00am-12.00pm
Relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. To book a session, please contact Relate on (01302) 347886 or email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk. Melbourn Hub is unable to take bookings for this service.
Last Wednesday of the month - Breakfast Club - 9.30-11.00am
Come and socialise, make new friends and enjoy breakfast or just a coffee! No need to book – just come along.
Special for August
Until 31st August: Children’s Summer Art Competition
Melbourn Hub Library will be running a “My Favourite Story Character” art competition over the summer holidays! Do pop in to pick up an instruction form!
Don’t forget you can always see the full range of events and services we offer by visiting our website, www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
Hemlock in our Midst
Have you seen the white flowers, and frilly leaves of a very tall plant like cow parsley along the road sides?
It is Hemlock, Latin name, Conium maculatum. This is the plant which poisoned Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher. It is deadly poisonous, either fresh or dried, and just a few leaves are sufficient to kill animals or us. Hemlock has spread widely along the roadside verges in East Anglia. You will see it all along the A505 between Duxford and Royston, for instance.
Hemlock is a biennial. That is to say, it grows from seed in year 1, and flowers and dies in year 2. Control is to cut down the six foot high stems and burn them so it cannot shed seed. It is thought that the plant has flourished because we no longer cut down our roadside verges in order to encourage wild flowers. Animals eat the grasses around it but not Hemlock, so it has free run.
What is the danger? Most people would not choose to pick and eat it, though a small child might. Dried in cut hay, it could poison stock.
There is some Hemlock growing in Meldreth, on the railway bridge verge near Meldreth Motor Company (Gilhooly) and some in Flambards. A large group along a Meldreth road has been cut down by a community minded neighbour. So this message is to be aware and destroy any seedling which might appear in your garden, or nearby.
Margaret Lynch
A
ameldrethgarden.co.uk
Occasional Garden Review
This Meldreth garden has an unassuming but elegant entrance, black iron railings, granite setts recycled from Hyde Park Gate, a row of pleached hornbeam Carpinus Betulus framed to advantage. The hornbeam is underplanted with Mexican orange blossom Choisya primulas and some annuals. After years fighting box moth caterpillar and box blight, the by then inelegant underplanted box hedges were removed. Perhaps Choisya was not the best choice for replacement.
Moving on through the garage or house takes you into a delightfully mature formal English garden, calm, almost monastic in the feeling of enclosure. The back garden measures about 12 x 9m. The garden perimeter is bordered by a number of screening shrubs and trees including climbing Rosa ‘rambling rector’, mock orange Philadelphus, Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun', group 2 clematis ‘white arabella’ and the ubiquitous spotted laurel Aucuba. A flower border circles the perimeter with an inner flagged pathway enclosing a central lawn area, spotted with a few select fruit trees. The borders are sparingly planted with choice plants including a prostate rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis 'Blue Lagoon', hellebore Helleborus × hybridus, bronze coral bells Heuchera 'Caramel'. Just coming into flower, leopard plant Ligularia przewalskii ‘golden ray’ growing in light dry shade beneath the tree canopy was an unusual find. Early spring interest is provided from a newly planted witch hazel Hamamelis. Under planting with snowdrops Galanthus, winter aconites Eranthis hyemalis and ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium would make a spectacular spring display.
Facing southwest between house and garden a well-furnished flagged patio area reflects the flags of the pathway and is bordered next to the house by established plants. These are Jasminum officinale and roses, including climbing, repeat flowering, Rosa ‘compassion’ diffusing a sweet perfume. Patio plants in leaded and terracotta planters include Hydrangea macrophylla in red, white and blue, African lily Agapanthus 'Jack's Blue', red hot pokers Kniphofia northiae and dogwood Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'.
In all, it is a most charming and restful garden.
As the late summer sun slips lower in the sky richer colours dominate our borders, bronzes, golds and orange caste in the low evening light. There is still a sense of opulence in the flower borders. To keep the garden looking good I will attend to containers they can easily dry out, as well as water I will give plants a feed. Continue deadheading roses, annual bedding such as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity',
sunflowers Helianthus annuus and white musk mallow Malva moschata alba. Cut back perennial shrubs after flowering to remove shaggy old growth for a new flush of fresh leaves and perhaps even a late flush of flower. I do this to hardy geraniums, lavender, daisy Leucanthemum 'Western Star Taurus' and Mediterranean herbs among others. I will fill gaps created with e.g., autumn flowering bulbs, sneezeweed Helenium, short-lived herbaceous perennial coneflower Rudbeckia and tobacco plant Nicotiana sylvestris.
I will prune my group 1 clematis Clematis montana 'Prosperity' and honeysuckle early in August, it's also time to prune grape vines, ivy, ornamental vines, summer Jasmine and Virginia creeper. Finally I will be sowing hardy annuals for flowering next year.
From the cuttings garden the gladioli have provided a spectacular vase display. I am cutting everlasting flowers Xerochrysum bracteatum, common teasels Dipsacus fullonum and Chinese lantern Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii, drying them thoroughly to provide a winter display.
Throughout June and July I have cut posies of sweet peas, providing a delicious scent, feeding every two weeks to keep them going. I grow Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana', an old fashioned annual climbing sweet pea producing a strong scent, violet with deep crimson flowers. This variety comes well from retained seed, I will let some flowers run to seed for next year.
I am harvesting tender vegetables French beans, cucumber, tomatoes and courgettes; lots more to come.
Happy Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
Meldreth Village Notelets
Showing four seasons in Meldreth, our notelets are available now and feature photographs taken by Meldreth Local History Group members. The notelets are blank inside and cost £5 for a pack of ten cards, including envelopes.
To purchase some notelets, please email us on info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on (01763) 260129.
Joan Gane, Chairman Meldreth Local History Group
In Praise Of … Raspberries
This month our recipes are based on raspberries, which are available from now until the end of September. They are lovely in cakes, ice creams and desserts. Here are two recipes to inspire you.
Peach Melba
This classic French dessert can be prepped ahead of time, perfect for entertaining. You can also top with crushed meringue and whipped cream for an easy Eton mess-style pudding.
Prep 10 minutes, cooking time 15 min 180°C/Gas 4
Ingredients
500g caster sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1 vanilla pod, split
6 large peaches (not too ripe)
300g raspberries
2 tbsp icing sugar
Vanilla ice cream to serve
Method
Put the sugar, half the lemon juice and the vanilla pod in a large pan. Pour in 600ml of water, then put over a medium-high heat and allow to bubble away for 6-8 minutes or until it starts to look syrupy. Swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar, then heat gently for 5 mins until syrupy.
Meanwhile, halve the peaches and remove the stones. Put them in the syrup and poach for 4-5 mins, carefully flipping halfway, until soft when pierced with a knife. Transfer to a plate, reserving the poaching liquid, and allow to cool so you can remove the skins.
Put the raspberries, icing sugar and remaining lemon juice in a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve so you have a smooth sauce.
To serve, spoon the peaches onto a plate along with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle over the raspberry sauce as well as some of the poaching juices from the pan.
Raspberries and Chocolate Brownie Cakes
Gooey and indulgent, chocolate brownies don’t need to be so square – you can use the mixture to make these fabulous individual cakes with added raspberries. These are quite delicate, so use a flexible 8–hole muffin tin (a rubbery one) or line a rigid tin with paper cases.
Prep 10 minutes, cooking time 20 minutes
Ingredients
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
100g butter
2 eggs, beaten
230g golden caster sugar
100g self-raising flour
150g raspberries
Icing sugar for dusting
Method
Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over a low heat and mix together. Remove from the heat and beat in the eggs, sugar and flour. Add the raspberries and mix gently.
Pour into the muffin cases and bake for 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then gently take the cakes out of the tin. Lightly dust the tops with icing sugar.
Jane O’Hagan
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
Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton
Community Rail Partnership
Rail Service Advocacy and Meldreth Station Path Upgrade
Thank you to the British Queen Meldreth for hosting the recent AGMs of our Rail User Group and Community Rail Partnership, which were attended by residents from Foxton, Barrington, Shepreth, Meldreth, Melbourn and even Cambridge and Waterbeach, as well as Govia Thameslink Railway and the Community Rail Network.
We have now consolidated the essential work of these two groups into the Community Rail Partnership (CRP) which, going forward, is the single rail advocacy organisation for our community. We will continue to use the email ‘railusergroup@gmail.com’ so please feel free to write to us via that channel.
A ‘station partnership’ for Meldreth is in the process of being organised. In addition to a one-off £500 small pot for station projects, the partnership will be eligible to apply for other grant funding. The CRP will provide support. Thank you to Meldreth Parish Council for its willingness to host this partnership. This follows the establishment of a station partnership at Shepreth which is hosted by Sustainable Shepreth. We hope to establish a station partnership in Foxton too.
Path Upgrade, Meldreth Station to Melbourn
We will be sharing all news about this significant piece of work, hopefully due to commence by the time you read this. Anything to do with land transfer and legalities seems to take a very long time!
The pedestrian diversion during the path upgrade will need to follow Station Road, as there is no better alternative available. This is not ideal, but the route will be supported by bespoke crossing points. Works are expected to take about eleven weeks. The new path will be lit and wide enough to safely accommodate all forms of active travel.
Official communications say:
How the Works will be Carried Out
Our contractors, Milestone Infrastructure, will be working on the path for approximately eleven weeks aiming to start at the end of July and finish in October.
Works will take place during daytime hours 7.30am-5.00pm Monday-Friday and the path will be closed at all times, seven days a week. Unfortunately, there is no space to provide safe, temporary access outside working hours alongside our contractor’s machinery, equipment and materials.
We know the works will affect people who rely on the path – particularly when the school year restarts in September – and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that might be caused. As mentioned, a diversionary route will be put in place to allow access between platforms.
We hope to get as much of the works completed as possible during the school summer holidays. We will work with our contractors to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Contacts and Keeping Up to Date
There are three ways for the public to stay up to date:
2. Contact our contractor. Email Greenways@milestoneinfra.co.uk or use their 24-hour telephone line, 0800 028 1363.
3. Receive monthly email updates. Register at www.greatercambridge.org.uk/ email-updates.
If you’d like to be on our mailing list for more detailed and timely updates, please contact us.
Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com or railusergroup@gmail.com or Susan on 07905 325574
Royston & District Community Transport roytrans.co.uk
Royston & District Community Transport provides transport for people who are unable to use conventional public transport.
We are always looking for drivers
If you like helping people, have a few regular hours to spare each week and hold a full driving licence, then you could be just who we are looking for!
You would use your own car and receive 50p per mile. Personal accident and public liability insurance is provided through the scheme.
We also need volunteer drivers to drive our minibuses and MPVs, for which you will receive 45p per mile for using your car to get to and from the vehicle.
Volunteer Admin Support Required
We are looking for a volunteer to work in our office in Royston for a few hours in the morning each week to help our small team of co-ordinators who manage all the journey bookings for our passengers. The role includes answering the telephone and entering bookings onto our system. Full training will be provided and expenses paid.
For further information please call (01763) 245228 or email info@roytrans.co.uk.
Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Chu Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Village Hub are in the Commu
iary - August 2024
Village Hub Trigger Point
Table Tennis
Village Hub rigger Point
able Tennis
Village Hub Trigger Point
Table Tennis
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise
Village Hub
Trigger Point
Table Tennis
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Village Hub rigger Point
able Tennis
9.30am Slimming World 8.00am Said Communion 9.45am Sung Communion 9.45am Sung Communion
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise
1.00-5.00pm Dementia Memory Café
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise
9.30am Slimming World
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8.30-9.30am Jazzercise Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ meldrethmatters
rch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Cycling Group meet opposite Holy Trinity unity Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Meldreth Primary and Preschool PTA
Back to the 90s Quiz & Party! Meldreth Village Hall, Friday 27th September
Doors open 7.00pm, quiz starts 7.30pm
£10pp tickets for 90s quiz and party (must be pre-booked)
£5pp on the door from 9.00pm for 90s party only
Join us as we go back to the 90s and celebrate everything that made the decade iconic! Starting the night off with a quiz featuring rounds on music, film and TV, toys and technology, celebrities, news and politics and sport. Teams of 6-8. Cash prize for the highest scoring team!
After the quiz finishes we'll be cranking up the music to dance the night away reliving all the classics including indie, Britpop, rock, house, R&B, pop, girl bands, boy bands and everything in between!
Retro drinks, treats and party accessories will all be available to buy on the night. 90s wear is optional but party spirit is essential!
To book tickets for 90s Quiz & Party email meldrethpta@gmail.com. Tickets for just the 90s party can be bought on the door from 9.00pm for £5pp. All money raised goes towards supporting projects, resources and activities for pupils at Meldreth Primary and Preschool.
Meldreth PTA
SINCLAIR ELECTRICAL
Meldreth Primary School
ww.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
As always, we were sad to see our Year 6 cohort spend their final weeks and days at Meldreth Primary but they leave an amazing legacy behind, having been exemplary role models for our younger students. They performed fantastically well in their SATS tests as a result of years of hard work, dedication and aspiration, in addition to having their individual talents and ability recognised and carefully nurtured by our wonderful teaching and support staff. Year 6, in conjunction with our Year 5 pupils, also raised the roof with their rousing rendition of our summer production, ‘What a Knight!’.
Having enjoyed a spectacular week away on the Isle of Wight where they were given an amazing programme of activities to experience, including exploring the beach and coastline, kayaking, Jacob’s Ladder and the infamous ‘Leap of Faith’, our Year 6 students returned brimming with confidence, newfound independence and entrepreneurial spirit. They channelled this energy into their Enterprise Project by setting up numerous stalls at our school fayre and raising a huge amount of money, which was reinvested into their leaving day celebrations.
Meanwhile, our younger students have enjoyed a summer full of swimming lessons in our lovely little pool and they embarked on a fantastic trip to Stanwick Lakes. They were cheered on by crowds of delighted parents on Sports Day and similarly ended the school year with a smile on their face.
Excitingly, our school and church are forging ever stronger links and deepening the wonderful community cohesion we enjoy in this village. Returning for another year, our hugely talented Year 6 dancers, Isla and Emily, opened the Church Fete by performing a stunning dance routine in front of a packed crowd. Following this, our school choir sang a beautiful medley of popular classics with a summertime twist! We look forward to extending our collaboration with Holy Trinity through a combination of ‘Messy Church’ opportunities and musical partnerships in the new school year.
The end of the school year always heralds a period of reflection for the leadership of our school. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved and how our students are developing but are always looking to the future and how we can keep improving on our offer to pupils, parents and staff alike. We wish to extend our thanks and gratitude to our school community, for all the love and support that makes our school such a wonderful place to work in and in which to be a student. Roll on September!
Daniel Chapman Assistant Headteacher
Things for Children and Families To Do in August
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1st August, 9.00am - 12.00pm
Drop-in activities for ages 3+. No need to book. £4 per child. See www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.
Thursday to Sunday from 1st August to Sunday 1st September, Time Explorers at Royston Museum, 5 Lower King St SG8 5AL Explore history through real objects and try crafts. £3 per child or £6 for all 6 weeks. No need to book. www.roystonmuseum.org.uk. Also Workshops for ages 8+ led by a talented facilitator. £10 per child. Book.
Tuesday 6th August and other dates, 9.00am - 3.00pm
Girls Only Football and KJAR Football Camp
King James Academy, Garden Walk, Royston SG8 7JH For ages 5 - 14. £24 a day. www.royastontownfc.ktckts.com.
Tuesday 6th August and weekly, 3.00pm
Cookery Class, All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn SG8 6DX Make unicorn bars, try crafts and listen to a story. For ages 2 - 12 (drop off for 6+) £15. Book on www.dodays.co.uk. On 13th August - ladybird cookies.
Saturday 17th August, 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Beauty and the Beast, Wimpole Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW
A rollicking adaptation of the story with original music and sparkling humour. £20 adults, under 16s £10.20, £55 a family. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Sunday 18th August, 12.30pm - 2.00pm
The Fairytale Ball, Minstrel Court, Ermine Way SG8 0AB
Join the Ice Queen, Snow Princess, Tower Princess and Mermaid Princess for a party in fairytale surroundings. Singalongs, games, dancing, glitter tattoos, soft play. Soft drinks. £22 for 1 adult + 1 child. www.tickettailor.com.
Survival skills for ages 5 - 12 including shelter building, knots, whittling, fire lighting. £45 per child per day. www.cambridgeppf.org.
Saturday 24th August, 8.15pm - 10.15pm
Night Walk, Nature Reserve, School Lane, Cambourne CB23 5AD
Celebrate International Bat Night with a guided walk. £17.48 (discounts for members) www.wildlifebcn.org.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
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.
Thursday 1st August to Saturday 24th August, daily 7.30pm
The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, various venues central Cambridge Enjoy a Shakespeare play in the magical setting of a Cambridge college garden. For full programme and to book, visit www.cambridgeshakespeare.com. Adults £19, concessions £15.
Saturday 3rd August, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cambridge and District Classic Car Show
Old Palace Green, Minster Place, Ely CB7 4EW
Up to 100 classic cars on show on the green outside the cathedral. See the cars you remember from your own family history or would love to have owned! For further details see www.visitely.com.
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August, 10.00am to 7.00pm
Magic of Thailand Festival
Parker’s Piece Cambridge CB1 1NA
Traditional Thai food and produce stalls, music and dancing plus Thai boxing, massage and children’s play area. Adult entrance £5; under 15s free.
Sundays 4th and 18th August, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Great Chishill Windmill Open Days
57-67 Barley Road, Great Chishill, SG8 8SD
One of only seven open trestle postmills left in the UK, Great Chishill’s mill is being restored to preserve it for future generations - so why not go along to check out how they’re getting on? Take a picnic and enjoy the stunning countryside views. See www.greatchishillwindmill.com.
Tuesday 6th August (and first Tuesday each month), 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Drawing Group at Royston Museum
5 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL
Using the museum as an inspiration, learn new techniques and create your own art work. Tea, coffee and materials provided. £5 per person.
Saturday 10th August, 11.00am
‘Sailors and Dogs’, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley MK3 6EB
This talk by GCHQ historian Dr David Abrutat explores the fascinating story of Y Stations, a secret network of wireless listening outposts intercepting enemy communications in both world wars. £15 for talk only. For further details and to book visit www.bletchleypark.org.uk.
Wednesday 21st August, 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Evening Walk with a Warden at Wandlebury Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE
Gentle guided walk to explore the wildlife and atmosphere of the country park in the evening. A torch/headtorch would be useful. Meet at large noticeboard in the car park. Free event but donations welcome. Book places online or just turn up. For further information visit www.cambridgeppf.org.
Saturday 24th August to Monday 26th August, 9.30am to 7.30pm
Summer Evenings in the Garden, Anglesey Abbey, Lode CB25 9EJ
Take a picnic or go for an evening stroll in the Abbey’s beautiful gardens. National Trust shop and plant centre open until 7.00pm, Redwoods Restaurant serving until 5.30pm, the Trailer to 7.00pm. Normal NT admission applies.
Sunday 25th August, gates open 10.00am (flying starts 1.45pm)
Little Gransden Air and Car Show
Fuller’s Hill, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 3BP
A great family day out with something for everyone. Superb air displays and, on the ground, everything from classic cars to craft shows, live music and entertainment. Wide selection of food and drink available. All set in lovely open countryside. For full programme timings, ticket prices and to book see www.littlegransdenairshow.co.uk.
Monday 26th August, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Ashwell Show
Elbrook Meadow, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5NE
Popular annual Bank Holiday event with horse and dog show, motorcycle display team, falconry, circus skills, Red Arrows simulator, vintage cars and tractors, bake-off competition, kids craft tent. Excellent catering and refreshments See www.ashwellshow.co.uk. Tickets available on the day; adults £10, children £5 (under 5s free), family ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children) £25.
Monday 26th August (and last Monday each month), 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Dave Rance and his Rockin’ Chair Band
The Old Bull, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
The entertaining band plays traditional, New Orleans and Dixieland-style jazz starting at 12 noon in the old ballroom. Food is served at 1.00pm with the music resuming at 1.30pm. Entry £10 per person (jazz only). No need to book.
Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September, varying time slots
BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair
Audley End House and Gardens, London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Plants, showcase gardens, expert advice, exhibition stands, BBC Good Food market, entertainment and access to the House and Gardens. Adult tickets from £15.30, children £9.20. Visit www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com to book.
Compiled by John Crawforth
MELDRETH MATHS TUTOR
Contact:
Fully DBS Checked
FARM SHOP NOW OPEN FOR SEASON Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm
FARM SHOP OPENING FOR NEW SEASON THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm 25
• Our own Farm pressed Apple Juice & Cider: preservative free
• Our own Farm Pressed Apple Juice & Cider - preservative free.
We grow a huge range of plums, apples and pears which you wonÕt Þnd in the supermarkets! All produce is freshly picked from our local orchards. Following government guidelines, we will have social distancing measures in place and hand sanitiser available to keep our customers as safe as possible during their visit to the shop. & Cider - preservative free.
We grow a huge range of plums, apples and pears which you wonÕt Þnd in the supermarkets! All produce is freshly picked from our local orchards.
We grow a huge range of Orchard Fruit which you won’t find in the Supermarket! All produce is freshly picked from our local orchards.
Mark your calendars for these exci ng updates and upcoming events in August at The Royal Oak in Barrington that you won't want to miss out on!
Friday August 2nd: The Cambridge Fish Bar will be parked outside the pub star ng from 4 pm, offering delicious treats throughout Car club, TBC.
Saturday, August 10th: Indulge in our popular Breakfast Club from 9:30 to 11:30 am, now with a refreshing smoothie op on added!
Friday August 16th: Join us for the last Summer Tapas Night from 5 pm to 9 pm. New menu, new flavours - be sure to reserve your spot!
Sunday, August 25th: It's Quiz Night! Only £2 to enter, with all proceeds suppor ng Friends of Barrington School. 6 pm - 8 pm. Food un l 7.30 pm, drinks un l 9 pm.
Monday, August 26th: Open on Bank Holiday Monday from 12 pm to 4 pm for food and un l 7 pm for drinks.
Come down and join us for a fun filled month at the Royal Oak!
Amelie & the Team
01223 870791
Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 4th July 2024
The Parish Council 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 noticeboard; 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 38-41. Questions arising from this report and requests for further information on local issues can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.
Requests for Community Funding
Two requests were supported. The first was to purchase daffodils for planting on the village verges and other community areas at a cost of £300. The second was to donate £1,850 to the River Mel Restoration Group so that they can add further gravel to the bed of this important chalk stream and to restock the river with suitable fish such as brown trout.
Village Traffic
The village Traffic Group met recently and the Council considered its report. A new solar powered speed indicator has been installed on Whitecroft Road and the group suggests that the Council should acquire a further such speed indicator device, perhaps to be installed in Fenny Lane near the entrance to Aurora. The Group will also investigate other flashing devices such as those to indicate upcoming crossroads. We await the decision from the County about the 20mph speed limit proposal; the general election has caused this to be delayed. Other areas of concern are the vegetation growing next to the footway over the railway bridge as this is severely impeding pedestrians with pushchairs, walking frames or wheelchairs. The County has accepted responsibility for dealing with this and we hope it will be remedied soon. We continue to be concerned about potholes and the Group recommends that these should continue to be reported. Strenuous requests have also been made to Highways about the need to restore road markings as a matter of priority.
Village Maintenance
The Council continues to await the decision of Melbourn Parish Council as regards the possibility of sharing infrastructure maintenance team with Meldreth.
Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD)
It was noted that after a major interruption through Covid and the aftermath, a youth club has been up and running again since the autumn term 2023. There are now six months of attendance figures and it's time to consider the future.
Pre-Covid, MAYD was running with mixed success in Melbourn Pavilion. Meldreth supported these activities with an annual financial contribution. Through Covid and immediately afterwards, various attempts were made to run a youth club, but with limited success and these have been financed from reserves and by Melbourn Parish Council.
During this time the opportunity was taken to review the youth club and ultimately the decision was taken to stop using the previous service provider and seek lower cost, more relevant activities. Since September 2023 the youth club has been provided through two main activities; the Connection Bus, a well-established youth club provider in South Cambridgeshire which visits a large number of villages, and also Mix Music, providing Mixing and DJ, which has proved extremely popular, particularly with Meldreth attendees.
Statistics for the six months September 2023 to March 2024 suggest that numbers attending these activities will be higher in future, resulting in lower costs per head. The Council supports in principle the provision of youth facilities and is encouraged by the latest developments to revive MAYD.
Hemlock
Many examples of this extremely dangerous wild plant have been observed in our area. Our tree warden and local horticulturist Margaret Lynch kindly agreed to write an article for Meldreth Matters to give more information about identifying this poisonous weed and how it should be dealt with. [See page 17 for Margaret’s article.]
Recreation Ground
The general state of our play equipment is satisfactory. Some repairs are needed to the football goal nets and this will be investigated. The proposal to install a multi-use games area, funded by Section 106 money already provided by local developments, will be considered by the Council together with possible improvements to the kickwall.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The Council does not usually hold a meeting in August so the next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 5th September 2024 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the Parish Council planning meetings on 4th January and 23rd May were not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Authority Decisions
18 North End, 24/01401/HFUL
Dormer window to the rear and increase in ridge height, solar PV panels to side elevation of the roof. Single storey rear extension, ramp to the front of the property. Replacement of roof materials, external cladding and render to dwelling and house and garage. Extension to existing dropped kerb. Permission refused.
64 Gables Close, 24/00879/HFUL
Extension of existing wheelchair ramp to include the side and rear and the addition of a handrail, alterations of windows to front, side and rear elevations and removal of chimney. Permission granted.
Station Yard, S/1502/17/CONDL
Submission of details required by condition 5 (Surface Water Drainage Scheme) and 7 (Surface and Foul Water Drainage) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL. Withdrawn.
Agricultural Barn at rear of Brewery Farm, 7 Brewery Lane, S/2346/17/CONDA
Discharge of condition 4 (surface water and foul water drainage) of planning permission S/2346/17/FL. Condition discharged.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
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
N J Chapman
Garden Services Handyman Mobile: 07592 725 169
Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com
District and County Councillors’ Report
Our most recent Parish Council reports have been brief due to the general election purdah period. Things are now busy again!
On the ground, local:
1. A decision on Meldreth’s 20mph application was delayed due to the general election. At the time of writing, we’re not sure how quickly this will be attended to, due to the amount of business that has been delayed.
2. Things in the pipeline/being chased:
Preparations for commencement of ‘Greenway’ path upgrade across the field from Meldreth Station toward Melbourn: fingers crossed this will have started by the time you read this. A multitude of legal agreements have now been signed. Please note that the path will be closed for a number of weeks, with a diversion along Station Road as the only alternative. We have discussed in detail with the road closure team the importance of safe crossings and safe passage along Station Road, but please as always do contact us if any concerns. [See pages 22-23 for more information.]
Vegetation cutback on Station Road bridge is due to be carried out prior to commencement of the Greenway works. Network Rail permission must be given for any works close to the railway. Thanks to Parish Councillor Bostanci for having made an application for this work many weeks ago. It is disappointing that things have taken so long.
‘Wonderpass’ (A10 underpass along the path): remedial paint work should happen during the Greenway construction. Thank you to SDC contractors (who built TTP’s new premises in Melbourn) for their fantastic support in dealing with this. We spotted a cheery Meldreth resident walking with secateurs through the Wonderpass and removing a bramble or two! Thank you!
Kneesworth Road crossroads damage from recent accidents has been reported.
While Meldreth High Street footway (pavement) on the west side is on the list for ‘slurry seal’, Susan is chasing an estimate for the addition of new kerbstones which would serve, with the slurry seal, to correct the camber of the footway and make it safe for wheelchair users.
3. Thank you so much to all who go to the trouble of reporting any Highway faults on the ‘Report it’ website. Please make note of reference numbers –and contact Susan with the reference number if you’re concerned in any way. It is best not to ‘over-report’ (duplicate the same item with an additional report) as this doesn’t speed things up, just augments the time needed to process reports! The reporting system is due to be replaced, but not for several months yet.
A variety of initiatives from District and County Councils and beyond:
South Cambs Business Support: Youth Engagement Programme
An SCDC Youth Enterprise Support Programme will support young people who want to start their own business, to get started. The programme will work with young individuals aged 16-25 to develop essential skills and knowledge and will include opportunities to gain real market experience. Candidates will also be able to apply for £1,000 grants to transform their business ideas into local market ventures.
Young people who are interested in the Youth Enterprise Support Programme can register to start their journey from conception to commerce at https://nxgconnect.co.uk/youth-enterprise-programme. If you have any queries please contact Business Support Key Projects Team Leader, Katherine.Southwood@scambs.gov.uk.
Cambridgeshire District Council Four-Day Week Trial
An independent report by two universities into South Cambridgeshire District Council’s performance during its four-day week trial has been published. An independently run health and wellbeing survey has also been published. This comprises a comprehensive pool of information for anyone interested, positively or otherwise, in a scheme which has had a lot of media interest and can all be found here: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/your-council-and-democracy/four-dayworking-week-trial.
How Are You South Cambs?
This website offers a brilliant set of resources on activities and support available in South Cambridgeshire – a combination of community, health and care, work and employment and more. Please take a look! See https://haysouthcambs.co.uk. [More information on HAY South Cambs is available on page 13.]
Community Vegetable Gardens
SCDC is awarding small grants of up to £500 to community groups to grow vegetables. Details of the simple application process are on the website. The Community Growing grants will enable local groups to buy equipment and tools to help start a Community Growing Project. It is envisaged that funding will be spent on items such as raised beds, seeds, soil and gardening equipment. Anyone can apply for this grant, as long as they are able to demonstrate they have brought a group together to look after the project!
Tiger Bus Scheme
Anyone under the age of 25 can now apply for a discount card which entitles them to travel by bus anywhere within Cambridgeshire for £1. Obviously, you need to be able to get on a bus to do this, but the Mayoral Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is developing the business case for ‘bus franchising’ which will mean control for the bus service rests with the Combined Authority rather than with the bus operators.
Had a congestion charge for Cambridge been approved last year, there would have been an additional £50 million per year to subsidise rural services but since that is not the case, we are unlikely to see all of our villages connected by bus. It is hoped that some key services will run more often and at more suitable times.
Children’s Services
Children’s Services at Cambridgeshire have recently been inspected by Ofsted who say that CCC has created strong foundations to drive improvement in Children’s Services, but the service overall requires improvement; acknowledging that “This improvement was initiated by a new chief executive and assisted by the appropriate decision to decouple shared leadership and service arrangements from Peterborough” and that “there has been significant political and corporate investment and commitment to the improvement of outcomes for children in Cambridgeshire.” There is still a considerable amount of work to be done.
Coffee Pod Recycling
Over one billion coffee pods are sold each year in the UK alone. Waste from these ‘single-use’ pods will lead to a huge environmental impact if not recycled properly. CCC is partnering with Podback to provide coffee pod recycling services at all household recycling centres. Podback is supported by numerous coffee brands and recycles coffee pods in the UK, to reduce waste and save on new materials. Collected pods are shredded and cleaned of coffee. The shredded pods can be made into new products, while the coffee grounds are used to help create renewable energy and soil improver.
Cambridgeshire Police: Next Community Meeting on 28th August
Cambridgeshire Police is undertaking community engagement events with the next on Wednesday 28 August at 7.00pm. You can register now to receive the meeting link and more details at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-cambridgeshire-community -engagement-meeting-august-2024-tickets-772922380647?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Have you Considered Being a Special Constable?
Cambridgeshire Police have just launched a recruitment drive for Special Constables. Specials have all the powers of a police officer and work alongside their regular colleagues. It only requires a minimum commitment of four hours a week and is a great opportunity to give something back to your community, while receiving professional training, skills and experience that can be used in everyday life and career progression.
Over the past twelve months, Specials have racked up more than 23,000 hours on the job, launched an impressive 400 investigations and stopped 1300 vehicles. If you, or someone you know, would like to find out more about becoming a Special, and maybe even apply, please visit the Police website, www.cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/careers/ careers/volunteering-and-other-opportunities/police-support-volunteers.
Future of Local Government for the Cambridge Area
Cambridge City Council has opened a public consultation on the future of local government arrangements for the Cambridge Area. If you are concerned about a burdensome and confusing layer of local government tiers, please take a look.
There is information and a survey available online: https://engage.cambridge.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/cambridge-local-government.
There will also be a public event at The Guildhall in Cambridge on Saturday 31st August from 10.30am to 12 noon. Free tickets can be booked on the above link or at www.cambridgelive.org.uk. The survey can be completed until 3rd September 2024.
Zoom Cuppa Weekly Surgery
We hold a Zoom Cuppa surgery every Monday from 4.00-5.00pm. Please contact any of us for a link. Alternatively we’re always happy to meet or chat to discuss any concerns or ideas you may have, at a time that’s convenient for you.
District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303
District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649
County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 07905 325574
RML
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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
www.arhc.org.uk
The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC) supports people in Cambridgeshire who are living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care. Here are some ways in which you can support the charity and they can support you.
Calling All Furry Friends and Their Owners
ARHC is inviting you to grab your lead and walk 90km this September for Hospice Care. Lead On - The Ultimate Dog Walking Challenge - is back! You have from 1st–30th September to see how far you can walk and how much you can raise to support patients and their loved ones in Cambridgeshire. It is free to register and once you raise £30, your dog will receive an Arthur Rank Hospice Charity bandana, which can be worn on their sponsored walks. Sign up now at arhc.org.uk/leadon or telephone (01223) 675888
Your VIP Invitation to Cambridge Colleges!
The Bridge of Sighs and Darwin Garden are just a couple of the places to be seen on this year’s Bridge the Gap Charity Walk, raising funds for people supported by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. Taking place on Sunday 15th September this family friendly walk is one not to be missed, with six Cambridges Colleges on route. Visit arhc.org.uk/btg or telephone (01223) 675888 to sign up now.
Free Bereavement Counselling
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is now able to offer free online bereavement counselling via GriefChat. GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the online box, directly from the Charity’s website, www.arhc.org.uk/ griefchat, you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved adults and will listen to your story, explore how your grief may be affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need, including referral into other specialist bereavement services.
People can remain anonymous or provide their name, whichever they prefer. It is a completely free service to those who are aged 18 years old and over and is available, Monday to Friday, 9.00am-9.00pm. GriefChat can be found on the Bereavement Resources page at www.arhc.org.uk/bereavement-support.
For more information and for volunteering and career opportunities, visit our website, www.arhc.org.uk.
Virginia Goode Communications Officer, ARHC
Meldreth Bus Services
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.
26 Bus Service
Operated by A2B, the core service runs Mondays to Saturdays via Melbourn, Foxton/Fowlmere, Harston and Trumpington Park & Ride en route to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. All fares are just £2 per journey. The 10.53am service from Royston Tesco will now stop at the Stocks in Meldreth at 11.18am and then in Shepreth High Street at 11.22am, arriving in Cambridge at 12.05pm.
The return service leaves Drummer Street Bus Station at 2.40pm, arriving at the stocks in Meldreth at 3.26pm.
The bus will stop on request at other Meldreth bus stops in addition to the one at the Stocks.
For more information on this service visit a2bbusandcoach.com or call the A2B free telephone number 0800 001 6255
Susan van de Ven, County Councillor
Village Directory
Litter Picker
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings
Julia Moore: email meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com
Village Hall Chairman Andrew Young—07572 553647
Cycling Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809
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 Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk
Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm
Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline www.thetrainline.com
Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge
Potholes, problems,Highways etc.
Streetlights (faulty)
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212
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.
Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112
Gas 0800 111 999
Electricity 0800 783 8838
Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk
Cambridge Water (01223) 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 07798 586875, Graham Borgonon & Dawn Browning; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters
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