Meldreth Matters, December 2020

December 2020

In this issue …

History Group Website Letters to the Editor Meldreth Bowls Club Melwood in Lockdown

Events …

Advent Trail

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Contents Miscellaneous Carols at the British Queen 43 Letters to the Editor 12-15 MM Advertisers 2 MM Deliverers 3 Rail News 46 Walking Market 11 Waterlight Film Project 42

What’s On in December Advent Trail back cover Local Events 34-35 Village Groups Bowls Club 40-41 Friends of Holy Trinity 30 Local History Group 8-9 Photographic Club 44 WI 43 Women’s Group 42

Local/National Government Local Councillors 54-57 Parish Council 49-51 Planning 52

Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 22-23 Events for Families 26 Meldreth Brownies 20-21 Primary School 17-19 Shepreth Spitfires 24-25

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 64 Community Transport 47 Coronavirus Support 4-6 Home-Start 60-61 Mobile Warden Scheme 57 Neighbourhood Watch 59 Refuse Collections 3, 33 Village Directory 62-63

Church News Christmas Services 28-29 Holy Trinity Church Appeal 29 Gardens & Nature Gardening 38-39 Melwood in Lockdown 36-37

The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Editorial Welcome to the December issue of Meldreth Matters.

What a strange year it’s been; one in which we’ve all had to come to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has, however, been heartening to see the determination and creativity of some groups who have continued their activities throughout the year. See pages 20-25 of this issue for just a few examples. It has also been reassuring to see how quickly and efficiently the village pulled together to provide a comprehensive support network. Please see pages 4-6 for the latest news from Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support.

I’m proud that we were able to keep producing and delivering Meldreth Matters throughout the year. As more and more local magazines temporarily ceased production or moved online, it was not an easy decision to make. Our Chairman, Lesley Farbridge, telephoned all of our deliverers - several times - to find out whether they were happy to continue/resume delivering. Thank you to Lesley and to all of our deliverers, listed on the next page, including those who stepped in to help during the first lockdown.

Finally, thanks to the MM team. We haven’t met this year - either in person or via Zoom - but we have still worked together as a team to produce the magazine on time every month!

Kathryn

Cover Photograph “A Bouquet of Flowers For All Our Readers”.

A detail from the Meldreth Matters Christmas Tree at Holy Trinity Church, December 2019. The tree was designed by Judy Mclean, who made all of the decorations and decorated the tree.

Photograph by Kathryn Betts

Meldreth Matters: Advertisers Thank you to all of the advertisers who have supported the magazine this year. Meldreth Matters is funded solely by advertising revenue, so please support them and mention MM when responding to any ads.

We have some space available from January 2021. Our rates are shown on page 64 of this issue. Please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176 for more information.

The Meldreth Matters Team 2

Meldreth Matters: Deliverers We would like to say a huge “thank you� to the following people who delivered MM during 2020: Ann & Nick Askham, Ann Barnes, Kathryn & Ralph Betts, Emma Birch, Sue Broadhurst, Roger Brown, Ged Burns, Jan Butchers, Linda Clarke, Ron Comben, Beverley Cottrell, Terry Dash, Sharon Dunford, Tina Evenden, Lesley Farbridge, Chris Hill, David Hollamby, Pamela Hoskins, Daphne Jones-Barrie, Peter Knight, Jean Lawrence, Hilary Marsh, Judy & Ken McLean, Libby & Ian Mitchell, Helen Munday, Lynn Perkins, Bill Peters, Darcy & Fletcher Savage, Rosie Smith, Ann Thomson, Claire Thunder, Lin & Roger Wallbridge, the Walter family, Bonny Ward, Nola Willers and Linda Winter together with any family members who may have helped them out!

The Meldreth Matters Team

December/January Refuse Collections The following collection dates have been taken from the SCDC website and were correct at the time of going to press.

Tuesday 1st December

blue & green bins

Tuesday 8th December

black bins

Tuesday 15th December

blue & green bins

Tuesday 22nd December

black bins

Thursday 31st December*

blue bins only; no green bin collection

Thursday 7th January*

black bins

Wednesday 13th January*

blue & green bins

Tuesday 19th January

black bins

Tuesday 26th January

blue bins only; no green bin collection

* late collections due to public holidays To receive reminders, download the SCAMBS Bin Collections app for your smartphone from the App or Google Play stores.

Editor 3

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support ‘MCCS’ Friendship and Support Christmas Cheer Box Fundraising Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support is aiming to raise £1000, to provide boxes of basics and Christmas cheer to those in need, both young and old.

Please contact Roger James on 07808235873 or use this link: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/meldrethcheerbox Thank you to all who’ve already donated.

At the time of writing we are in a new national lockdown. Whether or not the restrictions change on 2nd December, and while there is no requirement this time to shield, MCCS is geared up to help anyone who is self-isolating or stuck at home and without a support network.

Meldreth Calling Friends If you need help with essential shopping or prescriptions, or just like a friendly chat, please feel free to pick up the phone your neighbourhood coordinator – either they or one neighbourhood team will be able to help. And please get in you’d like to join the team.

if you’d and call of the touch if

 Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons and Fenny Lane:

Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838  Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: John Crawforth, 07595 627684  Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose:

John Crawforth, 07595 627684  High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard

and Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598  Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380  North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm:

Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 4

Meldreth Walking Friends Under current lockdown rules we are permitted to run this group with paired walks, which meets the government guidelines allowing people to meet outside with one other person. If the lockdown continues, we will need a pool of people who would be keen to join others for short walks around the village on Tuesday or Saturday mornings. If you would like to participate for a walk and a chat, please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121 for Saturday walks or Joan Gane on 07711 803861 for Tuesday walks, or email meldrethccs@gmail.com.

Along with this, we would encourage you to use the outdoor public spaces in Meldreth to keep in regular contact with your friends and relatives as permitted under the current regulations. If the weather looks patchy, remember there are covered spaces with windbreaks at the pavilion, the bus stops and the war memorial. We are also looking to see if these facilities can be extended.

As and when restrictions are eased, Meldreth Walking Friends will adapt. We hope to keep walking through the winter months and into spring.

Meldreth Community Food Bank If you are experiencing food or essential items shortages and are unable to fund their purchase, then we encourage you in all confidence to visit the Food Bank at the Annex, The Gables, 69 High Street, opposite the British Queen on Tuesdays from 10.00am to 12 noon or Thursdays from 2.00-4.00pm. Or simply contact Food Bank Organiser Anne Bobeckyj on 07592 355279 at any time and we’ll work out an arrangement to suit.

Any donations of food and supplies basics, or Christmas treats, would be gratefully received – please drop off in the box outside 69 High Street, or contact Anne as above.

A Big Thank You from Screenbank Screenbank has surpassed all expectations, having now provided around 200 refurbished second-hand computers, laptops and tablets to Melbourn and Bassingbourn Village Colleges to ensure that no student is lacking IT set-up for home study and for community use. This would not have been possible without the many locally donated computers and the months of total dedication by our volunteer team led by Andy Thomas and supported here in Meldreth by Ian Mitchell, David Coton and Ian and Oliver Sharp, and in Bassingbourn by Rob Stanford. There 5

is much experience to be shared, with other communities looking to launch a similar endeavour.

An enormous thank you to all as we wind up this project and celebrate an incredible collaboration.

We do still have a number of computing devices which have been earmarked for use in the community, in particular for anyone who is isolated and taking extra care to avoid the shops and is ready to embark on the quest to take-up internet shopping and family contact via the screen. Please contact Ian Mitchell (details above) if you think you’d like to give this a try.

Thank you to all our volunteers and for all friendship and support in the community.

Contact Us Any questions?

Please see our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/MeldrethCoronavirusCommunitySupport, email meldrethccs@gmail.com or contact us on the numbers below.

County Councillor Susan van de Ven 07905 325574 District Councillor Jose Hales 07703 262649

The current national restrictions, in place until at least 2nd December, are available here: www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from5-november Remember - ‘Hands. Face. Space’  Hands – wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds  Face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet  Space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (e.g. wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors) 6

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Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk New Website Launched The COVID-19 pandemic may have curtailed our usual activities and our planned fundraising events this year, but members of Meldreth Local History Group have not been idle!

In September we launched our new-look website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Over the summer months the previous site, dating from 2011, underwent a complete re-design to give it a fresher, more up-to-date appearance and to make it easier to navigate. It is now compatible with all devices, recognising the increasing use of smartphones and tablets. We would again like to thank Meldreth Parish Council for awarding us a grant towards the costs of the upgrade.

The site is divided into two main parts: Meldreth Today is the place to look for information on the village as it is now, while the section on Meldreth’s History has more than 600 pages on the story of our village.

You can browse the site using the categories on the home page: the Village, Buildings, People, Topics. The site is also fully searchable, making it easy to find the information you are interested in. At the bottom of the home screen, you can switch between the tabs which display the latest pages, comments and news.

New visitors to our website might like to take our First Time Visitor’s Tour which gives a flavour of the different kinds of information that we have on the site.

We welcome contributions to the website. Comments may be added to every page and it is easy to contribute a page using our contribution form.

We are a small group of volunteers, keen to record and preserve the history of our beautiful South Cambridgeshire village. We hope you enjoy browsing our site.

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Newsletter Our latest newsletter is now available on our website and has just been sent out to all those on our mailing list. To sign up for future issues, please see the link on our home page.

Merchandise The Group has a range of merchandise available for sale, including notelets, walk booklets and CDs, all of which would make great Christmas presents! Search our site for “merchandise” or follow this link: https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/about/how-to-help/ merchandise.

Please Join Us We hope we’ll be able to resume our meetings at some point next year.

In the meantime, we have plenty of work that can be done from the comfort of your own home, so if you’d like to get involved, please email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Kathryn Betts Webmaster

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Walking Market: 14th March 2021 I took part in the Walking Market held in Melbourn and Meldreth on 1st November. It was an enjoyable event and I thought that this idea could be repeated, in Meldreth only, to benefit good causes as well as provide people like myself, who make hand-crafted products, the opportunity to sell what they produce; perhaps making up for the cancellation of craft fairs this year.

Unless we have another lockdown, this sort of event is unlikely to be cancelled as stalls can be outdoors. My original plan was to have a gazebo on the drive. In the event, the wind determined otherwise so our ancient 2CV was summarily removed from the garage and parked on our neighbour’s drive and I used the garage.

I am proposing a Walking Market for Meldreth on Sunday 14th March next year. Stalls could be set up in summerhouses, sheds, garages, gazebos and, weather permitting, gardens and with any required permissions, communal green areas.

People would be able to sell their own products but would be encouraged to have items (perhaps on a separate table) to be sold solely for the benefit of a good cause that they choose. These could be items resulting from clear outs in lockdown (or ‘let-down’ as one rather elderly lady appositely termed it).

The idea is for detailed maps to be available of all the stalls providing addresses, an indication of what each one will be selling and the good cause each is supporting.

This idea is very much in its earliest stages and I am trying to gauge possible interest so would appreciate input from anyone who thinks they might like to take part and/or help in any way. Registering interest does not hold anyone to anything at this stage. If you did not take part, either by ‘walking’ or having a stall this year, do think about doing so next year: it is enjoyable, you get to meet some nice people and help your chosen cause at the same time.

Please contact me lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or telephone me on (01763) 261578.

Lesley Farbridge

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Letters to the Editor Car Accident One peaceful, sunny Sunday afternoon in August, I had a car accident in North End, Meldreth. Minor injuries heal and regrets have now faded, but I do not forget the efficiency and kindness shown by the many people who came to my rescue and who looked after me.

Everyone who helped showed compassion and good sense and was a credit to the community.

I cannot thank you enough for all that you did.

With best wishes Hilary Sage

Village Traffic I would be surprised if I were the only person in the village to be dismayed by the number of very large trucks travelling through the village. It’s not clear where they are coming from but I suspect some may be getting sent this way by satnavs and, of course, they are slowly destroying our roads. Much more alarming is the way in which tractors with trailers are driving around the village. We expect tractors in the countryside but as I was driving home from Shepreth I almost came to grief. As I reached the College Farm right hand bend this huge tractor, travelling too fast, with its offside wheels on my side of the road, forced me to jam on my brakes or end up in a ditch. Of course the driver didn’t slow down, stop or apologise. Can I ask any of our local farmers who read Meldreth Matters to try to persuade their workers to drive more carefully?

Dr Harry Baker High Street, Meldreth

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Improving the Environment I read with interest the two letters which touched on the environment and ecology in November’s Meldreth Matters.

There should be a group that aims to “work together to improve the environment in which we live and to play our part, however small, in facing the challenges of climate change”.

I have wanted to write for some time to enquire why the trees which were slowing growing into a lovely wood at the back of the house behind the chestnut trees and the stocks have all been felled and was wondering if it was ecological, ash dieback or for some other reason? I understand they were planted on private land but even though there is no direct access to this bit of land it can be indirectly seen and experienced from the right of way which crosses to Eternit and to the High Street. As a regular walker, it really saddened me. The new woodland area was becoming a place of solace and more importantly making a small contribution to climate change as woodland always does.

My final point, which is one of information, is that there is an organisation called Save the Oaks - https://savetheoaks.org - through which, for a donation, however large or small, organisations and individuals can buy oak trees to plant on their own land and in villages.

The trees were rescued at the beginning of COVID from an oak nursery which was about to burn them all because of lack of a regular client base.

It’s well worth looking into; they are distributing them nationwide.

Perhaps someone would like some for Christmas? room on Mettle Hill? These might be initiatives.

Would there be

Clare Mcphee nee Crossman,

Meldreth Does Matter: Update Since we wrote to you last month, we have heard from various people interested in reducing our carbon footprint and rewilding the village, which is heartening. We have contacted a number of knowledgeable people on the subject locally as well as the Deputy Head of our Primary School. They all had various suggestions and points which need to be made and acted upon!

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Reducing waste must be the number one priority. We can reduce what we put in the black bin! Could we all pledge to ourselves to reduce waste, particularly food. One third of food in the this country is thrown away.

We need younger folk to lead this initiative. forward?

Will anyone come

Julie and Peter Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, peter.draper@mac.com

Elin Way: Contractor’s Site Further to my letter about the contractors site that has been permitted

by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) on Elin Way, I have discovered that the contractors in question are not working in the vicinity.

I have spoken the contractor's Regional Operations Manager and he confirmed that they are keen to get away from the site and that they have found another site. He was very apologetic. I asked him if they were working in this area of Meldreth and he visibly squirmed and admitted that the amount of work they have done in Elin Way has been minimal - and not recent. They have been working across the area.

As I was speaking to the gentleman, the contractors were blocking the pavement and school children were being forced to walk in the road.

Earlier in the week a skip deliverer for the contractors complained to me that he could not get access to the skip because residents were parking on the street - outside their own houses! I was woken up this morning by the clang clang clanging associated with use of the skip and lock up.

It is my impression that the contractors themselves had a greater sense of urgency about resolving the matter than SCDC. Marian Mair

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Lloyd Jukes When staying with my son and his family in Coulston, Wiltshire recently, I was interested to meet, quite by chance, a gentleman with ties to Meldreth from whom we bought poppies at the local village hall.

His name was Ted Lloyd Jukes, who had left Royston (where he was born) at the age of 8. He was a former Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod at the House of Lords from 2004 until 2013 and his father was once the reverend at both All Saints in Melbourn and Holy Trinity here in Meldreth!

Does anyone have any more information?

Bonny Ward

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In 2021 five winning plays will be produced by a professional cast and crew for a one-week run of performances in London. Moreover, this opportunity will also see the winning works filmed in performance, given full written assessments by theatre professionals and considered for publication by our partnered publishers!

With over 50 of our previous winning plays having received offers of publication don’t miss the chance to see your work in motion!

Furthermore, we have been working hard over the last few months to future proof the Challenge against COVID-19 related disruption. If COVID-19 restricts live audience at the time of performance, plays will be live-streamed, with live editing by Mini Mammoth Films.

To learn more about the competition including important dates, rules, etc. please visit our website www.skybluetheatre.com.

We would be delighted to offer this opportunity to your community and look forward immensely to seeing their submissions.

John Mitton Sky Blue Theatre Company 15

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Meldreth Primary School Merry Christmas everyone, from all of us here at the Primary School!

I asked the children three questions ahead of the Christmas season in this most peculiar of years.

Please read on, to see the questions and a selection of the children’s responses.

What would you like for Christmas?

I would really like to receive a kitten for Christmas, but I know it’s a bit unrealistic because I’ve already got two dogs! Imogen For Christmas, I would like some books because I love reading; a VR (virtual reality) headset, because the VR world is so magical and I could use it with all my friends. I’d also like a 30cm tall bubble gum machine, because I really like bubble gum! Maya This is what I would like for Christmas; Dog (never going to happen); Phone (probably not) Turtle (No); Skink (Never) .......... (a skink is a snake with legs); Horse (Never ever ever ever) Florence I would like a guitar because my dad has a guitar, so then we could play together. Alicia I would like a Nimbus 2000 (or maybe a Firebolt) to fly around on and play Quidditch with. I want it to be a long pine-cone broom, which is smooth and not rough. I would like it to have light brown, even bristles, with a gold ribbon around it. I would also love to have a wand with spruce-green vines hanging off it. I would give all my friends a Nimbus 2000 too, so they can play Quidditch with me!

I’d like an electric train set and trees with little figures and things like trees….basically a small model of Meldreth that I could play with. Iris The present I would like to receive is a litter picker. I’d like to be a litter picker for my job because I really want to help the environment. Harry And what would YOU like to give to someone else?

I would like to give my brother a new X Box because I know he really wants one. Toby C 17

I would like to give my brother a pet dinosaur (but ONLY a baby herbivore)! Isla I would like to give money to people who protect the ocean, because I love it and I want to protect it. Evelyn I would like to give a present to my cousin. She has always been there for me when I need someone. She loves art so I’m going to give her something creative. Ruby I want to give my granny and grandad a clay heart that I made because I know they would like it. Millie I would like to give my mum a dressing gown because she doesn’t have one, so she wears dad’s VERY fluffy one and then he gets very annoyed because HE doesn’t have one to wear! Sunny I would get underpants for my dad because I’m pretty sure he’s running out of them. Sam I would like to give my nan a charm for her bracelet, because she has done so much for me, and I know she’ll love it! Maya I would give my neighbour John a little concert where I play something on my guitar. Iris I would really like to give my parents a day off from work and looking after me and my siblings, but I barely know how to make a cup of coffee! Chloe P I would like to give my guinea pigs the best Christmas ever. They’re called Superman and Basil. There was another one, called Batman, but he died , so my Christmas wish would be to see him once more and talk to him. Chloe V And finally, what would be your Christmas wish?

My Christmas wish is to hug my grandparents again, because I really miss them. Toby C My Christmas wish is for it to snow, so I can go on the heath and try out my snowboard I got last year! Sunny I wish that all the rescue dogs in the world would be treated nicely.

Evelyn My Christmas wish would be to be able to talk to animals. Isla 18

I wish Coronavirus would be over so I could see my grandma again.

Sam I wish my dog hadn’t died so we could still walk him and stroke him.

Tom I wish for my dad’s daddy to be alive for a year because he died the year I was born. I only got to see him once, when I was at least one or two months old and I wish he could be here for my dad’s sister’s wedding. My dad cried at my dad’s sister’s wedding because he wished that his dad was here to see my aunty’s wedding. My aunty is my dad’s daddy’s daughter. Emily My wish is that you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas and that we all continue to work so well together.

Merry Christmas one and all.

Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

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19

Meldreth Brownies Remember First Meldreth Brownies have been meeting via Zoom for much of 2020. While this has meant adapting our approach, we have still been able to enjoy time together learning, crafting, playing games and working towards our badges.

On 11th November we discussed what Remembrance means to us, wrote a poem (see following page) and created Remembrance decorations. You may have seen the decorated pebbles or bottles around the village. We left a copy of our poem, along with our Brownie poppy wreath at the war memorial.

In upcoming Brownie online meetings we are going to learn how to sign the Brownie Promise, have a performance evening and a Christmas party. If any local girls are interested in joining or returning to Brownies please contact us at 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com.

Caroline Halsey 20

What Remembrance Means To Us 11th November 2020

On the 11th of November we remember We remember people who have died fighting They were fighting in the fields They were scared They gave their lives We remember On the 11th of November we are grateful We are grateful for the people of the First World War and the Second We are grateful today for Nurses, for Doctors, for Care Workers For Police protecting us For supermarket workers helping feed us We are grateful On the 11th of November we are thankful Thankful for the animals of war Dogs, horses and carrier pigeons Searching, carrying, flying to support the cause Seeking out the enemy Carrying aid to the wounded Carrying messages We are thankful On the 11th of November we wear poppies Poppies grew on the battlefield after the war Poppies honour the memories Different poppies for different communities Black poppies for Black, African and Caribbean Purple poppies for the animals White poppies for peace, to end conflict, to make the world a better place Red poppies for all Bright red poppies can make us feel happy We can be happy in remembering We remember 1st Meldreth Brownies

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1st Melbourn Guides ‘A Guide faces challenge, and learns from her experiences.’ During September we embraced (obviously not literally) the challenge of meeting outdoors and then moved back onto Zoom with the benefit of experience for October’s meetings.

In socially distanced groups of fifteen, the girls enjoyed an outdoor treasure hunt around the village one September evening; in pairs, the girls had to answer observational questions around the streets and suggest improvements for vacant buildings and plots of land. Ideas included a dog grooming parlour beside the vet’s surgery, a children’s play area and sweet shop at South Cambs Motors and wildlife-friendly plants in front of the Primary School. On the other evening they played modified footgolf on the Moor and did a tree hunt in the Millennium Copse.

By October it was too dark to meet outdoors, and as we have no venue for indoor meetings, it was back to Zoom sessions. We started with a game of personality bingo where the girls had to find others who shared their interests, appearance and family background. After a fun quiz on the Guide laws, we finished with a Guiding themed scavenger hunt of items around the house.

Over the following two weeks we finished the Skills Builder ‘Take Action’ by suggesting ideas for a global issues campaigning magazine.

Popular themes included reducing plastic pollution, climate change awareness, Black Lives matter, and the dangers of social media. As a fun way to cover the threat of animal extinction, the girls learnt to draw cartoons of a penguin, a tiger and an elephant and then used them in a simple guessing game.

We finished the half term with a campfire themed evening; the girls were challenged to make up actions to a classic campfire song; we had a Alexandra with her cake 22

music quiz, four new girls made their Guide Promise. At the end, they all made s’mores by melting a marshmallow over a candle or in the microwave, and sandwiching it between two chocolate biscuits.

Izzy and her cake

Bea’s bonfire cake

The Bake-Off competition is always popular with our Guides, so we had a Halloween themed cake Showstopper challenge over the half term holiday, followed by a live technical challenge in our Zoom meeting on Thursday 5th November. The standard and creativity of the showstopper cakes was incredible, and the girls’ attempts at the (unrehearsed) challenge of making brandy snaps were very impressive too. The judges, Guiders from Barrington who didn’t know the girls, chose Alexandra and Izzy (pictured) to be joint winners with their beautiful cakes and perfectly curled brandy snaps.

We would love to return to some normal meetings in January and we would welcome some more adult leaders/helpers as we’ll have to split into two groups. If you would like to know more, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com.

You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more.

Hilary Marsh

Emma Dow’s graveyard cake 23

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club The first part of the season has been fantastic all round with some amazing individual, team and club achievements. The large number of friendlies that most teams got to play before the season started, and the tournaments that our younger teams have entered, really meant that the children got back into their footie with all the drive and energy that they had built up during the first lockdown. Three older siblings and one of our older players have entered into refereeing as well this season, so everyone has been very active.

The youngest of the Spitfires teams entered both the Cambridge FC and the Norwich FC tournaments which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

All of the children received medals and two of the children were lucky enough to be scouted for Pre-Academy football while another was selected for Norwich Player Development Centre. This of course required another round of post match sweets for everyone, so that all of the children could celebrate!

The under 7s also join our under 9s and under 11s 66 squadron team in a great achievement, that of not being beaten in a league or friendly match in the first part of the season. They are all very proud of themselves for this achievement about which they chat at the beginning and end of each game; this is lovely and some times funny to hear.

Other great team news is that the second U7s team (66 Sqn) now have a kit sponsor from sustainability and impact consultancy company, Beta Good. Their Chief Executive, Mr Gadsby, has also contributed further funds to support the families who find it tricky to buy the extra kit needed for football.

In addition to this lovely news, Shepreth Spitfires U8s 66 Sqn have also received sponsorship from AJM Health Care who provide wheelchair 24

services across the country. We therefore now join the community of sports teams, both able-bodied and wheelchair sports, that this company invest in.

A big thank you to Beta Good and AJM for keeping the cost of local children’s football affordable!

Shepreth Spitfires Football club as a whole has also taken a great leap forward by purchasing static lights for winter training. These lights have been a fundraising target for the club for over a year and a half and it is great to see the children and coaches enjoying training on a fantastic facility. The club would like to thank Toz, Adam, Colin and all of the team at the Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road, Meldreth who always support sport and health care charities in the local community and who have made this possible.

One of the younger lads said that he feels like he is playing at a football stadium in the floodlights.

So, a few dreams have come true for individuals, teams and the whole club at Shepreth Spitfires FC and we look forward to starting training again after Lockdown 2, and hope that everyone in the club and the wider communities returns happy and healthy in December.

If any children would like to join the Shepreth Spitfires Football team, please contact Sean or Lucy on 07510 175370. The teams are especially recruiting children in school years 3 and 4 at the moment but do have some spaces in other age groups. Thank you.

Lucy Smith 25

Things for Children and Families To Do From Tuesday 1st December until Christmas Eve Advent Trail through Meldreth - see poster on back cover Spot the new picture each day in windows, starting on the High Street.

Tuesday 8th December - Tuesday 5th January Bookworms’ Bonanza at www.lavenhamliteraryfestival.co.uk Listen to stories read by authors like Michael Morpurgo, do puzzles, activities, cookery, a quiz about dinosaurs. Links to Colchester Zoo’s wildlife activities.

Monday 21st December, 9.00am onwards The Selfish Giant at Home at www.thespring.co.uk Story, puppets, music and a touch of magic for ages 3 - 10 years.

Watch at home for just £4 per view. Book on 023 9247 2700.

Wildlife, History, Science www.kids.nationalgeographic.com www.nhm.ac.uk Find out what it is like to go on a dino dig, visit Antarctica, see the best wildlife photos of the year, let David Attenborough guide you through Hintze Hall.

Harry Potter at www.earth.google.com Explore some of the locations used in Harry Potter films, from the real Diagon Alley to the café where the stories were first imagined.

StrongWomen Science at www.fantasticforfamilies.com Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their circus tricks.

Ages 5 - 16.

Art Tate kids at www.tate.org.uk Games, quizzes, art activities and information about art and artists.

Music at www.fantasticforfamilies.com Chamber Tots at Home Music workshops for ages 1 - 5 and parents/carers. £8 per household.

Saturday Story Singing, movement and live music for ages 3 - 6 years.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 26

MELDRETH WEDNESDAY PM Alison 07812 825 389 FRIDAY AM Angela 07708 444 991 Meldreth Village Hall High Street Booking Essential

ROYSTON FENCING TEL 01763 261150 FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

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Christmas Services at Holy Trinity, Meldreth, and All Saints’, Melbourn https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk At the time of writing, public worship is due to resume at our churches after 2nd December. This may, of course, change – but in the hope that we can meet together in church, in person, for worship, special arrangements need to be in place to help us maintain as safe an environment as possible for all who choose to worship with us. Both our churches have COVID-secure protocols in place which everyone is required to follow.

Please note that if you wish to attend any of our main Christmas services this year, you will need to book a place in advance. This is to ensure that we don’t have to turn anyone away at the door. Both of our churches have a limited capacity which we cannot exceed due to COVID-19 law. Once you have been told you have a place, please tell us if you cannot then attend, as we can then free up the place for someone else.

Sunday 20th December 4.00pm Holy Trinity, Meldreth Service of Music and Readings for Christmas 6.00pm All Saints’, Melbourn Service of Music and Readings for Christmas Thursday 24th December – Christmas Eve 11.00pm All Saints’, Melbourn Midnight Eucharist Friday 25th December – Christmas Day 8.00am All Saints’, Melbourn Said Eucharist 10.00am Holy Trinity, Meldreth Sung Eucharist Whether or not public worship is allowed at Christmas, we try and broadcast our main services on our parish Facebook page (www.facebook.com/asmhtm) so everyone can join in. Our Facebook page will also have the most up to date information about services, so please keep a close eye on that.

If you would like to attend a service at Holy Trinity, Meldreth, please contact David Coton on david@coton.me.uk or (01763) 260085 (email preferred).

28

If you would like to attend a service at All Saints’, Melbourn, please contact Ian Henderson on ian.melbournas@gmail.com.

Lizzie Shipp Note: For details of all church services scheduled to take place in December, please see the diary on pages 32-33.

For the latest information, see www.facebook.com/asmhtm or our website https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk.

Holy Trinity Church Appeal Thank you to all who have donated to Holy Trinity! This month we have two corrections about our bank account, and a new giving page on our website.

The bank account should be: “Meldreth Parochial Church Council” Number: 70633100 Sort Code: 20-73-26.

The abbreviated name doesn't work with some banks, and the wrong account number was given last month. Don't worry, it's still our account, just the wrong one!

You can now get to the online giving via our website at: https:// allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk/supporting-your-church.

David Coton Churchwarden

Be Seen, Be Safe!

Cyclists and pedestrians:  Please wear bright, light or reflec ve clothing  Pedestrians, please carry a torch  Cyclists, use front and rear lights 29

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Current restrictions are still preventing The Friends from holding fund raising events. To remind us of past activities, here are examples of events and projects we have funded in part or fully. Records of these can be seen on The Friends website at http://www.foht.org.uk under ‘Past Events’ and ‘Fund Uses’.

John Price 2003: Antarctica Revisited a talk by George Kistruck

2016: Re-roofing the south aisle after the theft of lead

2012: Stained glass window stone work & refurbish glazing

2005: the first Car Show in Holy Trinity Churchyard

2017: Cambridge Past and Present - a talk by Dr Brian Cox

2008: Roof repairs and masonry apex stone

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Advertising Feature Revealed: Final push for Meldreth to receive 18x faster broadband as village earmarked for full-fibre connectivity Meldreth is on the cusp of reaching the required threshold to kickstart construction of a new full-fibre broadband network to receive some of the fastest and most reliable speeds anywhere in the UK. County Broadband, a specialist rural fullfibre network and broadband provider, has announced that 24 villages in South Cambridgeshire are earmarked to receive the new Hyperfast infrastructure in 2021, totalling around 9,400 premises. Speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps will be available – nearly 20 times faster than the UK average. Of those, eight have already met the required sign-up target with work expected to begin imminently.

Full-fibre broadband could be coming to Meldreth.

But the East Anglia-based provider, backed by a £46 million private investment by Aviva Investors, has confirmed that Meldreth has yet to reach the required sign-up target required to give the green light to start construction. County Broadband is calling on residents and businesses to rally support in the rural community to help reach the sign-up target.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is relying on local providers like County Broadband to achieve his flagship target of UK-wide gigabit-speed connectivity by 2025. It forms part of his “infrastructure revolution” to catch up with the rest of the world and support the Covid-19 economic recovery.

The news also follows his fresh advice to work from home during winter.

Lloyd Felton, Chief Executive of County Broadband, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of our creaking copper infrastructure that is stifling productivity and holding back innovation at such a critical time. Boris Johnson has told the nation to remote work but some of us can’t even have a Zoom call. We need future-ready networks now more than ever.

“That’s why we’re driving our plans to build Hyperfast full-fibre networks in Meldreth with great gusto. We want to help restart the economic engine and give Cambridgeshire a huge investment in its infrastructure to support residents and businesses. We urge residents and businesses to rally support in the rural community to help reach the sign-up target.”

Full-fibre broadband uses fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure in which fibre optic cables are installed directly into the premises, offering download and uploads speeds of 1,000Mbps.

It replaces fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) Victorian copper-based infrastructure on which ‘superfast’ is based.

The deployment of full-fibre broadband could be worth £5.38bn to the East of England economy over the next five years, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

The UK fell 13 places in global rankings for internet speeds and is now among the slowest in Europe in 47th place, new research by Cable.co.uk found last month. The nation’s 54.2 Mbps average speeds are due to only 12% of premises having access to full-fibre infrastructure – meaning 88% residents and businesses currently rely on Victorian ‘superfast’ copper-based infrastructure.

Visit www.countybroadband.co.uk for more details.

31

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs 10.00am Hart

The copy deadline for the January issue of Meldreth Matters is Saturday 12th December

Lockdown in England is due to end today (subject to change so please check)

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 5)

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.30pm Parish (online meetin

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

10.40-11.30am Mobile Library, Bell Close

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 5)

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Church Services are held in Holy Trinity Church. Football matches take place on the rec

32

ry - December 2020

sday

tbeeps

Friday

Saturday

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO

Sunday

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 5)

9:45am Sung Eucharist

3.00pm Football Match

8.00am Said Eucharist 3.30pm Christingle via Zoom (Contact Rev Mary Price on (01763) 261569 for details)

10.30am Football Match

Fitness

h Council ng)

tbeeps

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO

Fitness

tbeeps

Copy deadline for the January 2021 issue 9.30am Slimming World

ACRO

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 5)

Fitness

tbeeps

ACRO

Fitness

beeps

ACRO

Fitness

10.30am Football Match 4.00pm Service of Music & Readings for Christmas (advance booking required: see pages 28-29)

End of School Term

8.00am Said Eucharist

10.00am Sung Eucharist (advance booking required: see pages 28-29)

All events/mee ngs are subject to change or cancella on: if in any doubt, please check before a ending.

Refuse Collections Black bins: Blue bins:

9.45am Sung Eucharist

8th, 22nd 1st, 15th, 31st*

Even if lockdown has been li ed, please check before a ending any ac vi es over the Christmas period, as holiday arrangements had not been advised at the me of going to press.

Green bins: 1st, 15th * changed collection date See page 3 for all Dec/Jan dates

creation ground. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

33

Things to Do in December Here is a selection of events and activities happening nearby. To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

NB Events are subject to change, so please check before travelling.

Find the Dinky Door at Wandlebury!

Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills CB22 3AE Shrouded in history and steeped in legend, discover the newest addition to the Dinky Doors collection. See www.cambridgeppf.org for more information. It’s only 30cm high and Wandlebury is 60 hectares so you could be in for a challenge! And if you don’t know about Dinky Doors in Cambridge find out all about them at www.varsity.co.uk/arts/19709.

Welney Wetland Centre Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Near Wisbech PE14 9TN 1300 acres of wide open space, fantastic Fenland skies, constantly changing light, thousands of waders and wildfowl, spectacular swan flights at dusk, hare-spotting on Lady Fen - and may be even a crane or two! NB Booking in advance essential. Go to: www.wwt.org.uk.

Museums and Galleries - virtual tours online Tired of being confined indoors? Wondering what to do as the daylight shortens? A reminder that you can widen your horizons by visiting some of the world’s leading art galleries and museums and taking an online tour. Google Arts and Culture has teamed up with over 2,500 of them. See: www.artsandculture.google.com.

Friday 4th December LUSH Party - at home with Home-Start & Lush UK, Cambridge Join live or give as a Christmas gift. Every pack contains a selection of lovely Lush items with instructions on how to get the best from your pack. Tickets £12 per pack in aid of Royston & South Cambridgeshire Home-Start. Visit: www.tinyurl.com/y5k6ytxr.

Until Thursday 10th December Christmas Online Book Fair Over 10,000 books on offer - a selection of second-hand, rare and antiquarian books, maps, prints and posters. Prices to suit all pockets.

Find something special to give at Christmas. Fair opens 29th November (and on 29th of each month). See: www.wherecanwego.com/item/ e1420122/xmas-online-book-fair; or call (01763) 248400.

34

Friday 11th December, 7.30pm - 8.30pm Down Old Memory Lane - virtual event by AMA Theatre Co. A fun-packed variety show reminiscent of the music halls of the Victorian era but with a modern flavour. Sing along with well-known, traditional songs, laugh at the sketches and be wowed by magic and illusion! A Zoom-based event. Tickets £6 per household. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk or call (01462) 481969.

Sunday 13th December, 6.00pm Star of Bethlehem - virtual event Hosted by Aylesbury Town Council with amateur experts from UK Astronomy. A talk about the astrological reasons that may have inspired the story of the Star of Bethlehem and what could have been seen in the sky then. Then - if it’s clear - a tour of the night sky with a guide to the constellations. No expensive equipment needed - just binoculars if you have them. Free online via Zoom but please register in advance at www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk/StarOfBethlehem.

Tuesday 15th to Sunday 20th December 2020 Ely Cathedral Virtual Christmas Gift and Food Fair Instead of attending in person go to www.elycathedral.org and browse over 200 favourite festive exhibitors from the comfort of your own home - jewellery, handmade arts and craft, gifts, seasonal food, clothes and accessories. Plus virtual activities and performances: carols from the Cathedral choristers, baking and gift wrapping demonstrations.

Christmas from King’s, Thursday 24th December King’s College, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST The world-famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve isn’t open to members of the public but you can tune in to BBC Radio 4 at 3.00pm on 24th December when it goes out live. There’s a separate pre-recorded Carols from King’s on BBC 2 television, also on Christmas Eve. For further information visit: www.kings.cam.ac.uk.

Looking for somewhere to walk off those Christmas calories? all.trails.com has 14 great hiking trails in and around Cambridge. Try, for example, the 6.4km Cambridge City Circular Walk; the Fen Drayton Nature Reserve at 5.1km or - for something a little longer - the Harlton Circular at 7.9km. The website has detailed directions, trail maps, reviews and photos to help you choose.

Compiled by John Crawforth 35

Melwood in Lockdown Whilst many of the local clubs and societies are managing to conduct virtual meetings, Zoom cannot be used to cut back brush or coppice bushes! We have managed three work parties since the first lockdown but clearly we will have to have to prioritise what work gets done and what gets left until next year.

In June, we raked up cut grass off the meadow and cut areas where spring flowers such as Hedge Parsley and Garlic Mustard had gone to seed. Cleavers was raked or pulled clear of protected young trees to ensure it did not smother their new growth, which has progressed well this year. We never normally work in the wood during July and August, as plants need to put on growth in this period and workers need their holidays. For most, the latter did not happen in 2020 but the trees were still left in peace. September saw the start of our autumn round of brush cutting and this continued into October, ensuring that the spring flowers have room to emerge and grow.

Spring is always the most colourful time in the wood, starting with the snowdrops from as early as January and progressing to Bluebells and Daffodils by the end of April. Some coppicing is still needed and it is likely that the nest boxes will have to remain uncleaned. It will be a case of ‘wait and see’ to determine how much we will be able to achieve in December, January and February, although February is a bit too late for disturbance of nest boxes. Perhaps the Blue tits and Great tits can learn a lesson from the Great Spotted Woodpeckers, that have used the same nesting hole for the past three years. I assume they have done any cleaning needed themselves. I tend to forget about them until I hear the young calling for food in the spring.

The meadow is getting seriously overrun by Stinging Nettles and White Dead-nettle, to the detriment of the grasses and all other smaller flowers; a cut before the cowslips and primroses emerge would be ideal.

In the summer months the stinging nettles might have been of use to the Red Admiral butterfly that I saw sunning itself on their foliage about midday on 5th November but at this time of year, it is difficult to know what will be the fate of such a late specimen. There is increasing evidence that this traditionally migrant species may now be managing to over-winter further north than previously. One sighted in the same 36

area in March 2020 supports this idea. Over-wintering along the south coast has been recorded for many years.

The push north by some southern species continued at a pace this year and five new species of moths were recorded in my back garden. The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a potential pest that has hit the news quite a bit in the London Area due to the irritant hairs on its larvae. The Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar), which is a forestry pest in many parts of the world, was resident in the UK until the early 1900’s. Fortunately the specimens recorded were all male. The females are fairly sedentary, limiting the potential for spread, which is often by wandering or accidentally transported larvae.

Important though these species may be, they were nowhere near as exciting as the massive Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini), known to the Victorians as The Blue Underwing. It has a chequered history of temporary establishments and extinctions in the UK. With broad wings extending to almost 10cm it is really spectacular.

Also huge, the Convulvulus Convulvulus Hawkmoth Hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli) is an uncommon but fairly regular migrant from North Africa, considered unlikely to be able to survive a UK winter. This also has a wingspan of 10cm or more but narrower in profile.

We managed a little autumn planting in Melwood to eventually bulk up a hedge line to the east of the wood and a few woodland flowers were planted in areas of lighter shade. Building up numbers of the native British Bluebell is proving quite difficult. It seems to be much less robust than its Spanish cousin.

One of the effects of the COVID lockdowns has been a huge increase in the number of visitors to the wood and along the river footpath. This is evident in the wear and tear of the main paths and the proliferation of new paths through the wood. The latter can result in damage to bulbs and other flowers as they start to appear above ground and we would ask visitors to please keep to the main paths.

Jim Reid 37

Note from a Small Garden First of all, some updates. I know you will all be pleased to hear that we have not had leek moth or beetle this year due, I’m sure, to covering them with micro fleece since planting out in June. But I’m not sure if it was necessary to keep them covered till the end of October, so I removed the fleece covering half of the leeks then, and await my “randomised control trial”!

At the time of writing this in mid-November, when we have had some beautiful calm and sunny days, my morning glory is still climbing up the thatch but ceased flowering about a fortnight ago, so despite good growth, Jim and I have not had good blooms this year. Was the second half of the summer too hot? This afternoon I will give up and pull this annual climber down.

The autumn colouring has been especially good this year with wonderful yellows, oranges and red leaves on our parottia, medlar, acer griseum, red spindle and the red and Swedish birches. All the Christmas trees have been cut down in the building plot next to our garden and we now have beautiful morning sunshine glowing through the turning leaves. Some of the roses are into their third flowering season now and the salvias thrive; they like water and have appreciated the recent rains.

I visited Jim last week and he rightly says that now is the beginning of the gardening year, when we must all plan improvement of the soil, and any planting that we intend to do. So this is the time to plant tulips; planting in November helps to prevent fire-blight later. It’s a good time to collect any seeds if you have forgotten to do so already.

My initial sowing of collected seed from the beautiful Himalayan flowering shrub indigo heteracantha which is such a joy in spring with its pink flowers and delicate leaves, were eaten by mice/snails(?) but I have just resowed them and they have come up nicely. But I am waiting for tropeolum speciosum seed to show their heads. I would love to have this beautiful scarlet perennial member of the nasturtium family growing up our yew hedges again. Alas, it likes acid soil, as does the heteracantha (in a pot with ericaceous compost) so I may not be successful.

38

A word or two about the beech mast. Has anyone noticed how beech trees have produced millions of beech nuts this year? The same has gone for chestnuts, horse and sweet, and oak trees as well as trees and shrubs with winged nuts. Below I am quoting from the Woodland Trust (an excellent charity which protects ancient forests and promotes woodland throughout the UK).

“This abundance causes a boom in populations of small mammals like mice. More importantly, it guarantees some will be left over to survive and grow into new trees. Mast years have a major evolutionary advantage for the tree. Producing nuts is costly work and slightly stunts the tree’s growth, but as it tends to happen every 5-10 years, it’s worth the payoff for some of the crop to germinate into new saplings.”

I remember as a small child loving to peel beech nuts as well as eating them!

Jobs for December  Keep mulching the vegetable patch and borders  Clean and wash pots and add new compost to pots where needed  Start collecting seed-heads and hazel twigs for Christmas

decorations. Hollies have plentiful berries this year, so do cotoneasters, so pick them before the birds take them all!

Do come and visit the crib scene in the church porch the week before Christmas. We will be decorating the trees in the churchyard too, so it should be a good show.

Good gardening and a very happy Christmas. Keep safe and go well, from Jim and me.

Julie Draper Juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

39

Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk September would have seen the end of our 2020 Lawn Bowls season but for one thing: COVID-19!!

We had so looked forward to getting outside; many of our members bowl indoors during the winter and yearned to be back out into the fresh air again.

Preparation of the green was well advanced when news of the first ‘lockdown’ was announced.

There then followed weeks of uncertainty as to what we were actually going to be able to do when the twelveweek period came to an end. On our behalf, Bowls England negotiated with government the guidelines that needed to be adhered to if any play were to be allowed. Those guidelines effectively ruled out competitive bowls, visiting teams and club house opening and imposed the hygiene and cleanliness regime that we have all become all too familiar with.

Not to be put off, we managed to achieve compliance and a small number of our membership enjoyed two or three months of bowling, but without the social aspect of the games which is part and parcel of its attraction.

So, bowls itself was restricted but the social and fundraising activities planned for the year were lost altogether. Gone were the ever-popular quiz and race nights, the craft markets and the eagerly anticipated ‘Cliff as if’ Cliff Richards tribute night. As well as being enjoyed by our members, we also open these events up to the wider community of Meldreth.

Meldreth bowlers are a resilient bunch and although 2020 has turned out to be a write-off, we are looking forward to the 2021 season in the hope that we will allowed to get back to something approaching normal. As well as playing in three local leagues, there are internal club competitions and the popular Tuesday morning ‘roll ups’.

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We will be holding open days in the spring (watch this space) at which we hope we will see some new faces from the village. A full social programme will also be arranged and again this will be widely advertised within the village.

Could we take this opportunity to wish you all Season’s Greetings and the hope for a healthy and safe New Year.

Jim Hatch Chairman

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

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Extensions, alterations, structural work, carpentry, block drives, landscaping and all types of general building work

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41

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We have recently held a committee meeting and have discussed plans to try and hold future meetings online using Zoom. Members are in the process of being contacted to see if they would like to do this and Kimmi has agreed to set up and host Zoom meetings. We appreciate that not all members will be comfortable with using Zoom. We will continue to try and keep in contact and support those who feel unable to join if it is decided that we go ahead and use Zoom.

Our secretary, Anne Harrison, will be leaving the village soon and will step down at the AGM on 26th January 2021. We anticipate that the AGM will also be held on Zoom. We would ask members to consider if they would like to join the committee and help us to keep Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group running.

Please contact any of the committee members below if you would like more information or would like to let us know what you think: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377 and Mary Bailey (01763) 220171.

Pat Smith

Waterlight Film Project www.waterlightproject.org.uk Waterlight: portrait of a chalk stream A great Christmas gift!

Our film of the River Mel, which has been shown successfully locally, is still available as a DVD (£7 including postage) or high definition download (£4).

More details about the film can be found on our website: https:// waterlightproject.org.uk, where there is a paypoint there for purchasing the film.

Waterlight Film Project 42

Meldreth WI We should be starting the preparations for our Christmas party now but along with so many other people, many events have had to be cancelled. However, do keep up the tradition and on the evening of Thursday 10th December around 9.00pm, raise a glass and sing ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, as only the Meldreth WI can sing it!

Jane and the committee would like to wish all members and friends a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and HEALTHY 2021.

Kathleen Thompson

Carols at The British Queen 2020 Regrettably this year we shall be unable to meet inside Sue and Alan’s marquee, to drink Nicky and Tim’s mulled wine and to use Dave’s keyboard and paraphernalia, and just being together. However, not wishing the time away of course, we very much look forward to the Lift Off Choir joining with us for ‘Carols at The British Queen’ in December 2021.

For this year let us make use and enjoy the offerings of online streaming: concerts, talks and TV channels as well as singing the familiar Christmas carols.

Keep safe everyone!

Pauline Penfold

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com As one year ends and another begins, we have a full and varied programme for mid-winter including two lectures, three competitions and one club evening.

Please note that the club will not meet on Tuesday 22nd or Tuesday 29th December or Tuesday 5th January due to the Club Christmas recess and meal. December’s programme is as follows: 1st: Club Evening. First half – Points of View Judging. Second half – Critique of members images for Mono Only competition 8th: 2nd Open Print Competition Judge: Sarah Kelman 15th: Open PDI Competition – Mono only (submit by 5th Dec) Judge: Gareth Martin 22nd/29th Dec: Christmas Recess Meetings are usually held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall from September to April.

However, because of the COVID-19 situation, all meetings for the 2020-21 season will need be held virtually via Zoom until further notice.

The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability and despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

The Grey

by Stephen de-Havilland

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two of our Zoom meetings free of charge before deciding.

To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club 44

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45

Community Rail Partnership News New and Restored Artwork in Meldreth Station Waiting Room We’d like to thank Tim Gane for all his work and patience in preparing the historic Meldreth photographs and artwork for the station waiting room.

Amazon Locker at Meldreth Station Amazon lockers are being rolled out at a number of railway stations, and one has been offered for Meldreth. This would serve as a secure collection point for Amazon packages.

The Community Rail Partnership had only 24 hours’ notice to respond to the offer and felt on balance that it would be a useful additional public amenity to the station environment. It will be installed on the hard standing where currently there are four poorly positioned cycle racks; we’ve asked for the racks to be re-sited elsewhere in the station car park area – details to be worked out. We’re very glad to have the new 16-unit covered cycle park facility, installed in the car park just before lockdown, but reckon that when rail travel eventually returns to pre-COVID levels it would be good to maximise the availability of cycle parking.

Thanks to all who signed up for our virtual Rail User Group meeting.

We are pressing for a return to the half-hourly timetable at the earliest opportunity, which our train operating company knows is key!

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership railusergroup@gmail.com

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Royston & District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk We would like to assure people who need our service that we are still operating and are available for trips during this second lockdown. We would remind passengers that the COVID-19 safety rules must still apply.

We will help with prescription deliveries and food deliveries where possible, including collection of ‘Click and Collect’ orders; as usual please ring (01763) 245228; lines are open 9.00am-3.00pm Monday to Friday.

More Good News We are delighted that we have been selected to take part in the Co-op Local Community Fund from now until October 2021. If you are a Co-op customer, please consider getting Co-op membership; it will cost you £1 but you and your chosen charity will earn rewards.

The Co-op will give you 2p for every £1 you spend on selected Co-op products or services, and give the same to us, so the more you shop, the more funds we receive. You can join online at coop.co.uk/membership or by downloading the Co-op app. Remember to select us as your cause!

Please join and share with your family and friends.

Ron Comben Royston & District Community Transport Registered in England & Wales, No. 6744379 and limited by guarantee Registered charity No. 1127052

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 47

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info@sparkys.online 48

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 5th November 2020 This meeting was held through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 2020. The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format.

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

Discussions and Decisions District and County Councillors’ Report [see pages 54-57] An Amazon locker is to be installed at the railway station to facilitate the collection and delivery of parcels from Amazon.

COVID-19 MCCS is standing by to respond to the challenges that will arise from the latest government measures. A new funding initiative has been launched to generate funding for additional supplies of food and Christmas items for residents using the food bank and others in need. An idea to create an outdoor space where residents could safely meet is also being researched.

It has been necessary to curtail football and tennis at the recreation ground in compliance with the latest COVID restrictions. The children’s playground can however remain open during this period.

Village Infrastructure Repairs to the bus shelters will be undertaken as soon as possible.

Recreation Ground Kickwall: the Council has decided to increase the length of the new kickwall and this will be reviewed with the contractor. The need for protective surface matting will also be considered.

Other equipment: it was noted that the witch’s hat is now fully functional. All the other equipment is in good order. Advice has been received that the slide matting does not need to be replaced in the near future but its condition will be kept under careful scrutiny.

A concrete block with a board games top is to be installed in the play area.

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Five-a-Side: the five-a-side goal nearest to the pavilion has not yet been removed and this will be completed as soon as possible. The goal will be retained by the Council for possible future use but will be stored away from the recreation ground.

Recreation Ground Plan A revised plan drawn to scale is being produced along with a wishlist of projects for future installation at the recreation ground. It was noted that the limited free space currently available could have a major impact on how and where additional facilities could be installed and the need to use funds granted under s106 is an important issue in the timing and nature of future projects.

Traffic Working Group The remaining 30mph speed limit signs have been installed by village volunteers. The Council has agreed to commission traffic surveys of HGV and other traffic in the main village thoroughfares. These will provide useful background information for a number of projects, including steps to prevent further accidents at several main junctions in the village. The issue of overhanging footway foliage was discussed and all Councillors were asked to report cases of this to the Parish Clerk.

Drainage Good progress has recently been made on getting our street drains cleared.

Archiving of Council Records This remains under review in order to maximize the use of digital storage and archiving in local centres.

Street Name for New Development to the rear of 79 High Street Several suggestions were put forward by residents and the Local History Group. The Council voted to suggest the name “Marvell Close� in commemoration of the 17th century metaphysical poet Andrew Marvell, whose family lived at the Court in the High Street.

Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouses These are managed by an independent trust. The Council is asked to nominate a trustee to join the trustee board and will ask the community, through Meldreth Matters, for a volunteer for this role.

The Council will obtain the full trust deed for the guidance of anyone wishing to take on this role.

50

Cemetery The Council has accepted a quote for repairing the very uneven state of the hard surface inside the gate and this will now be undertaken by the chosen contractor. A further report on the fencing issues continues to be awaited. The Council is in touch with SCDC officers for advice about the ongoing management of graves and memorials that do not appear to conform to the Council’s cemetery rules.

Women’s Institute To commemorate 100 years of the WI, the present WI will donate a tree in commemoration. It was agreed that the views of the WI should be sought and taken into account as regards a suitable location for planting such a tree.

Next meeting: Thursday 3rd December 2020.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

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Planning Matters Parish Council The following item was discussed at the Parish Council Planning meeting on 1st October. The minutes of the meeting held on 5th November were not available at the time of going to press. For further information, please check the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Reference and Detail Address 23 North End Demolish existing precast concrete 20/03903/HFUL garage and replace with new garage and swim aqua spa.

Parish Council Recommend Support with no comments,

SCDC Decisions The following decisions have been made recently.

Reference and Address Fenny Lane Farm 20/03484/FUL

Decision Permission granted for the conversion of existing chitting shed and barn into three dwellings

Land To Rear Of 19-21 Whitecroft Road Meldreth Royston Cambridgeshire SG8 6ND 20/01044/S73

Permission granted for Variation of condition 2 (Approved plans) pursuant to reserved matters approval S/0914/18/RM

23 North End 20/03903/HFUL

Permission granted for existing garage to be demolished and replaced with a new garage and swim aqua spa.

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team 52

Little Hands Nursery School

PC Repairs

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

Advice & Installation of Home Networks

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

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We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

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

Visit the new local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 600 pages on Meldreth, past and present See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 53

District and County Councillors’ Report What a year it has been. We are privileged to be part of a community working so actively together.

We’re Here to Help Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to contact us about anything at all – if you are facing difficulties with social care, benefits, getting an appointment you need, or find yourself in a brand-new situation and are struggling in some way. Our job is to find the people who can help.

COVID-19 and Recalibration of District and County Hubs The District and County Councils are supporting community COVID support groups once again and virtual meetings with community groups are continuing to take place. Meanwhile everyone is being asked to help disseminate public health advice on hand hygiene, social distancing and staying home as much as possible, plus guarding against complacency. MCCS is reporting to the Parish Council and has arranged for a flyer to be put through every letter box to let everyone know what we’re up to.

Again, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Public Health Intelligence detailed updates on COVID-19 cases and settings are here: https:// cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/coronavirus_cambridgeshire/ cambridgeshire-and-peterborough-public-health-covid-19-reports/ District and County Council finances We will have more to report in the near future on the impact of COVID on District and County Council finances, ahead of the 2021-22 budget setting.

Road Surfaces, Fenny Lane and High Street We’ve received complaints from local cyclists that many stretches of through roads are dangerous to ride on, due to proliferation of ruts.

An urgent request has been made to Highways for an inspection of Fenny Lane and the High Street, with a view to remedial work. With government encouragement to get around locally as much as possible by bike and on foot, there’s a new angle of concern in the mix.

However (see next item) the Highways department responsible for the maintenance of roads, paths, drains etc is severely stretched, so there’s a bit of a mismatch here.

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Drains A tour of the Meldreth drainage network with Jose, Susan, Parish Councillor Pat Gilmore, and our Local Highways Officer took place as planned on 5th November. This was one of the most difficult we’ve had in many years, due to frustrations over shortcomings in Highways responding positively when drainage problems are logged on the County website.

We’ve already lamented the fact that the County Council is no longer doing ‘routine gulley maintenance’ – i.e. not clearing drains on a regular scheduled basis. That this is the case is a matter of deep concern: our drains, roads, pavements and other elements of highways infrastructure are in a state of ‘managed decline’ with nowhere near the funds needed to bring them up to an acceptable standard.

This year an already stretched workforce has been further depleted by the secondment of a number of staff to COVID response. They are now still catching up – and hopefully won’t be seconded away again.

All that said, it’s Susan’s job to follow up things that should have been done and haven’t, so please do get in touch if you’re concerned.

Additionally, we’d like to thank everyone who’s been reporting faults on the County website, and encourage you to keep doing so. This is an invaluable record and allows follow-up and holding to account. You can log a fault here: https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Ramp to London Platform, Meldreth Station While our Community Rail Partnership (CRP) submitted its priority list for the £80K Passenger Benefit Fund, based on consultation with rail users and the local community, the Department for Transport held the final decision on projects to go forward. The CRP put in a strong request to part-fund the ramp from the Melbourn path to the London platform, for which a generous Melbourn Section 106 agreement is in place from Melbourn Science Park. This was strongly supported by Govia Thameslink. We said we didn’t feel that improving the existing toilets was a priority, as these seem to be in good condition and had not come up on our public consultation radar. But, the Department for Transport seems to have over-ruled. Susan and Jose have been in discussion with GTR about other sources to match fund the S106 sum (fingers crossed, this now seems to be in hand) and are now actively working with the District and County officers to make a start on this 55

long-awaited project, which of course is only one piece of the puzzle of accessibility at Meldreth Station.

Update from Connecting Cambridgeshire Connecting Cambridgeshire, www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk, is the Cambridgeshire County Council project to improve the county’s digital connectivity. They monitor, commission and try to address anomalies within communities and are watching what’s happening at the moment in Meldreth.

We reported the following to Meldreth Parish Council in November.

This was the situation then and we’ve had no new information since: Following recent activity by BT Openreach in the village, we asked Connecting Cambridgeshire for an update. They report that the neighbourhood between The Maltings North End, Stone Lane and Meldreth Road, Shepreth, consisting of 25 Meldreth properties, where speeds were falling below a certain level, was earmarked by Connecting Cambridgeshire for FTTP, provided by BT Openreach. It’s estimated that completion will take place by early December. If there’s any further information before the Parish Council meeting, we’ll forward that to you – we’ve asked a number of follow-up questions.

Urgent Appeal for Foster Carers The County Council writes: “The number of people who enquired about fostering in September and October has dipped, with the immediate need being for teenagers and brothers and sisters.

The myths surrounding the care of teenagers can often discourage people from fostering when in reality what they need are families who are empathetic, caring, resilient and open minded.

Around 154, 13-18-year-olds across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are in need of caring and supportive families.

During COVID-19, we are taking all the necessary steps during the fostering process to follow the government advice, for example, we can conduct initial visits virtually and have made arrangements to do so. If your application progresses then we will discuss the next stages with you which will include a face to face visit as part of the assessment process, this will adhere to the social distancing rules at all times.

56

People who believe they can make a positive difference are encouraged to contact both councils today. All carers receive training, 24-hour access to support, along with allowances and the assessment process normally takes between 4-6 months. You will need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom in your home.

Cambridgeshire County Council encourage you to find out more about fostering, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering email fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 0800 052 0078 or text FOSTERING to 60777.”

Please get in touch with us any time – no problem is too big or small.

We’re always glad to hear from you, and will do our best to help.

Thank you.

Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales, County and District Councillor

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

57

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58

Fake PayPal emails Between January 2020 and September 2020, over 21,000 crime reports were made to Action Fraud about fake PayPal emails. Victims reported losing a total of almost £7.9 million during this period. Reports of fake PayPal emails to Action Fraud made up a third of all reports of online shopping and auction fraud during this period.

How the Scam Works Criminals target people selling items online by sending them emails purporting to be from PayPal. The emails trick victims into believing they have received payment for the items they’re selling on the platform. Typically, after receiving these emails, victims will ship the item to the criminal. This leaves them at a further disadvantage having not received any payment for the item and also no longer being in possession of it.

Sellers Beware If you’re selling items on an online marketplace, be aware of the warning signs that your buyer is a scammer. Scammers may have negative feedback history, or may have recently set up a new account to avoid getting poor feedback. Don’t be persuaded into sending anything until you can verify you’ve received the payment.

Scam Messages Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details. A genuine PayPal email will address you by your first and last name, or your business name, and will never ask you for your full password, bank account, or credit card details in a message. If you receive a suspicious email, don’t act on the message or click on any links.

Instead, log into PayPal using the correct address and check for any new activity. If you think that you’ve received a suspicious email, you can forward it to spoof@paypal.com, without changing the subject line.

PayPal will let you know whether it is fraudulent.

Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on (01763) 260358, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 59

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Giving Tuesdays If you’ve been keeping tabs on our social media activity in the last few months, you’ll know that we’ve been running a campaign called ‘Giving Tuesday’. Every Tuesday since 7th April, we’ve posted ideas for activities, hobbies, skills and opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Our favourite weeks have included Week 19 (Mindfulness), Week 27 (Poetry) and Week 17 (Music Quiz). What was your favourite week?

Take a look at the full set here: https:// www.hsrsc.org.uk/giving-Tuesday.

Our campaign forms part of a ‘global movement of generosity’ also called ‘Giving Tuesday’. This falls on 1st December every year and encourages people all over the world to be generous. It’s not just about donating money to charity either. ‘Giving Tuesday’ encourages people to donate time and skills where they are needed, to help neighbours or to stand up for something you believe in. Being generous with everything, you can to build a better world. If you want to know more, take a look at https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk for details.

Living Advent Calendars Our ‘Giving Tuesday’ campaign ends on Giving Tuesday with the launch of our Living Advent Calendars. If you haven’t come across this idea yet, let me tell you more. In Royston, we’ve put together an interactive calendar all over the town; 24 locations around the town will be revealing a fabulous window display over the lead up to Christmas.

Download our map at: https:// www.hsrsc.org.uk/2020/10/home-startliving-advent-calendar and find the windows.

In Buntingford we’re working with the Chamber of Commerce to create an 60

advent calendar around the town centre. Twenty-four images will be going up in the shops during Advent, with a new one available to find every day. A calendar trail is available from the Buntingford Co-op.

Follow the trail, find the windows and explore the town. There’s also a Christmas drawing competition for the children!

These are community projects from Home-Start, in partnership with businesses and residents in our local towns. We want to create 24 days of amazement around our towns and bring you all a bit of Christmas cheer.

If you’d like to know more about our campaigns, please take a look at our website: www.hsrsc.org.uk, send an email to admin@hsrsc.org.uk or give us a call on (01763) 262262) Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntinford & South Cambridgeshire Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

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One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

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

Church

Litter Picker

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

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

Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

Children

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Bill Peters 260983; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

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

AngliEAR Hearing .............................7 Art of Clean .....................................45 Art of Clean Wood ............................7 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........53 Black Barn Turkeys .........................20 Cam Valley Orchards ......................45 Cambourne Self Storage ..................58 CHS Day Centre ..............................48 CHS Group ...............................Cover The Country Store ...........................58 County Broadband .......................... 31 Ely Design Group ............................45 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........19 Eve Construction .............................41 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......45 iPlaster .............................................58 Lawn Partners .................................45 The Letting Centre ...........................10 Little Hands Nursery School ............53 Melbourn Flooring ..........................16 Melbourn Village College ...........Cover

Meldreth Landscapes .......................41 Meldreth Motor Company ...............58 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................47 Moncraft Computers .......................53 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................16 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service27 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......10 P D Property Services .........................9 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...................7 Reflections Hair Studio ....................10 Richard Burns Electrician....................7 Rod’s PC Support ............................48 Royston Fencing ..............................27 Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................16 Slimming World ...............................27 Sparky’s ...........................................48 Specialist Dental Partners ...........Cover Trademark Kitchens ....................Cover Tudor Access Scaffolding ....................9 Village Garden Services ....................58

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Friendly, Professional, Expert

Visit our lovely private clinic on Melbourn Science Park for all your dental needs including general maintenance, fillings and restorations, braces, implants, tooth-whitening and much more. New patients are most welcome.

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

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 Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407