December 2016
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Meldreth Matters, December 2016
Contents include … December Events in Meldreth Club Log: Football Club Women’s Group WI & Good Companions Preschool Primary School Melbourn Village College What’s On for Families Kneesworth/Whitecroft Junction Transport Matters Traffic Survey Results Photographic Club Local History Minimising Stress at the Vets Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council Friends of Holy Trinity Poetry Matters County Councillor’s Report District Councillor’s Report News from Heidi Allen Neighbourhood Watch Local Events Snowflake Tea Parties Planning Matters Fire Service Village Directory Index to Advertisers
Page 2-3 4-5 5 6 9 10-11 11 13 14-15 16-17 19-23 24 26-27 28-29 30 35-39 41 42-43 44-45 46-47 49-50 52-53 54-55 57 58-59 60 62-63 64
As we approach the end of another year I would like to thank all those who have delivered Meldreth Matters in 2016. Thank you to Ann Askham, Ann Barnes, Ralph Betts, Emma Birch, Sue Broadhurst, Roger Brown, Ged Burns, Jan Butchers, Linda Clarke, Barbara Chalkley, Ron Comben, Tina Evenden, Lucy Hardiman, Philippa Hart, Chris Hill, David Hollamby, Pamela Hoskins, Ann Jaques, Daphne Jones-Barrie, Jean Lawrence, Judy McLean, Lynn Perkins, Joe Remblance, Hayley Savage, Rosie Smith, Violet Taylor, Ann Thompson, Lin and Roger Wallbridge, Emily Walter and Ingrid & Herbert Woitschik. A big thank you should also go to all the contributors and to our advertisers, without whom there would be no magazine. Please remember to mention Meldreth Matters when responding to any adverts. Kathryn
Cover: Bus Shelter and War Memorial. Photograph by Francesca Churchill. The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.
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December Events in Meldreth Friday 2nd December, 7.30pm
Meldreth Local History Group invite you to Richard III: The King Under the Car Park A talk by Mathew Morris Meldreth Village Hall Tickets cost £5. Telephone Joan Gane on (01763) 260129. Saturday 3rd December, 10.30am to 12 noon Community Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way The Melbourn Branch of the Women’s British Legion will be holding their annual Tombola/Raffle stalls and we would like you to come along to support their cause, at the same time enjoying coffee, tea and biscuits at very reasonable prices. We look forward to seeing you. Friday 9th December, 7.30pm Saturday 10th December, 2.00pm and 7.30pm Sunday 11th December, 2.00pm Meldreth Village Hall Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Presents Jack and the Beanstalk See back page for details Sunday 11th December, 9.30am onwards Family Photo Shoots Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Visit https://www.facebook.com/MeldrethPreschool to sign up for a 15-minute slot for just £5 Prints can be ordered on the day Please see page 9 for further details 2
Monday 12th December, 7.00 for 7.30pm Carol Singing The British Queen Please join us - instrumentalists welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
Saturday 31st December, 11.45pm Holy Trinity Church Join us in church from 11.45pm as the bells ring in 2017.
Village Christmas Cards 2 each of 4 colour designs
£4 per pack
Inside: ‘Season’s Greetings’ To order, telephone: Joan & Tim Gane 01763 260129 3
Club Log: Meldreth United Sunday Football Club Meldreth United Football Club is a friendly group of 25 players aged from 18 to 42. They play league and cup matches every Sunday morning, with training sessions on Thursday evenings on the recreation ground. After playing as Melbourn and Meldreth Football Club in the late 1800s, Meldreth Football Club was formed in 1921, using a meadow near the railway station owned by George Palmer of Sheen Farm. In that first year they had a very impressive win, beating Reed 11-0. The following year they moved to Charles Harrup’s meadow near Bury Lane, where George Farnham unfortunately broke his leg playing in a charity match on Christmas morning.
Meldreth Football Club, 1940s. Supplied by John Sims.
In the 1950’s the Recreation ground was created, and the pavilion was built to be used by all sports clubs in the village. Club manager and coach Ben Fox has always lived in Howard Road and used to watch the football from his bedroom window before he became old enough to play. “It’s fun and sociable, but we like to win” he said, as players from all walks of life arrived at the Rec on a cold, 4
bright morning to play a cup match against Coldham Dons. After matches the team gather at the Black Horse in Melbourn where many players stay on to watch televised sports during the afternoon. The long-awaited refurbishment of the pavilion is due to start in January, after which time the Saturday and Sunday league clubs will become more closely linked and there is the possibility of starting a Ladies football team. The club is keen to encourage the next generation of players; contact Ben on 07930 650036 or go along on Sunday 4th, 11th or 18th December and see them in action. If you would like to help on the committee, please email joan.fallon@btinternet.com. Hilary Marsh Editor’s Note: Members of Meldreth Local History Group are currently researching the history of Meldreth Football Club and have already uploaded a number of reports and photographs to the Group’s website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. If you have more information on or photographs of the Football Club, please email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group At our October meeting we gathered in Melbourn Community Hall to make decorations for our tree for the Meldreth Christmas tree Festival. The theme is “I had a little Nutmeg”. We began the meeting by remembering our dear friend Mary Jeal who sadly died recently. She was a member of the group and the committee for a number of years. We do not meet in December. Our next meeting is the AGM on 24th January at 7.45pm in Melbourn Community Hall. Please come with suggestions for the charity nomination and consider joining us on the committee. Anne Harrison 5
Meldreth WI At our November meeting, the yearly resolutions were discussed and voted on. Every resolution passed throughout the WI’s 101-year history has stemmed from concerns put forward by its 220,000 members. This year there were six final resolutions ranging from alleviating loneliness, specialised mental infant and mother welfare to supporting women's refuges. They cover a wide spectrum and we will know the final result of all the voting at the next AGM. Christmas must definitely be around the corner as we started our preparations by making Christmas crackers ready for our forthcoming Christmas party. Maureen was a very good tutor: they all looked very festive when finished. Don’t forget your cutlery for the party, ladies and a festive hat. My apologies once again about the mix up with the quiz. Maureen and the committee would like to wish all members and friends a very Merry Christmas and good wishes for 2017. Where has 2016 gone? Kathleen Thompson
Good Companions Our anniversary meal took place at the British Queen again this year. It’s a yearly celebration to mark the start of the Club which is well over 50 years old now. As usual the British Queen did us proud; lovely food enjoyed by all who were able to come and lots of laughs which we have at all our meetings. Many thanks to our lovely waitress (you know who you are) for being so patient and helpful. I know we can be quite noisy and a bit boisterous. Our best wishes go to Vera who was unable to come due to ill health; we all hope you are feeling better. Our next get together is on 15th December when we will all enjoy our Christmas Party. We look forward to seeing you there. Don’t forget your secret Santa gift and food contribution! Thank you. Laraine Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432 6
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Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschoool.com This half term has been an exciting one for the children at preschool. November started with a visit from the local Fire Brigade who prepared the children for a fun and safe bonfire night, dressed up the staff and let the children have a go with their hose. Our woodland walks are continuing, with the children wrapping up warm to enjoy spotting evidence of the changing seasons and make the most of the fresh air and the chance to put their wellies to good use! With Christmas approaching, the preschool is now in full festive swing with Christmas cards being delivered and the children working hard on their songs for their end of term performance. Fundraising Family Photo Shoot: Sunday 11th December We are planning a fund-raiser which is designed to help everyone give their friends and families amazing Christmas gifts – a family photo shoot which will take place on the 11th December in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way. Our amazing photographer will capture a range of shots of you and your family and you can choose and order your prints on the day to be delivered by Christmas. You can book a 15 minute slot for just £5 – go to the preschool’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MeldrethPreschool to use our online booking system and guarantee great gifts this Christmas. We would like to thank Hill View Farm Shop for their continuing generosity in providing the children with a healthy and nutritious snack. Getting your five a day is easy when you have such lovely fruit and veg to choose from. There are still spaces available at the preschool for children aged 2 and above who want the chance to socialise, play and learn. You can make an appointment to visit the preschool to meet the staff, see what happens in a typical day and talk about your requirements. Simply telephone our manager Cassie on 07518 173653 or email manager@meldrethpreschool.com. Meldreth Preschool
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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk At Meldreth Primary School we often talk about making friends, but not so often about keeping them. As part of their Personal, Health and Social Education, Kingfisher Class (Year 2, 6 and 7 year olds) have been thinking about how you can keep those precious friendships going. In times of turmoil and uncertainly around the world, it is good to know that tomorrow’s generation are aware of the importance of thinking of others. Mrs Thomas Kingfisher Class Teacher
Drawing by Miley C
You can invite them round for a play date. Be kind and helpful to your friends to keep the, to be friends forever. Give a big smile. You can do funny faces to make them smile. If they hurt themselves help get them to first aid. Hold hands with each other. By Miley C If you upset your friend you can give them a bit of space. Don’t be mean to your friends so you can get more friends. Like your friend. You can mix games up. Don’t ditch your friend. Look after your 10
friend. Chat with your friend. You can play one game one playtime and the other game on another play. Stay together. Don’t fight. Play different versions to try different games. Invite them round to your houses. By Leo H Things I can do with my friends. Play games they want to play as well as you. Hug them to make them feel better. Build stuff they want to. Treat your friends how they would like to be treated. By Lottie H Meldreth Primary School
Melbourn Village College Progress 8 Progress 8 is designed to encourage schools to offer a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. It is based on students’ progress in eight subjects – English, Maths, three English Baccalaureate subjects and three other subjects that can be EBaccs or any other high-value arts, academic or vocational qualifications. A school’s score is calculated by comparing the achievement of all of its pupils against the Attainment 8 score, or the average achievement of all its pupils, with all pupils nationally with similar prior attainment. Prior attainment is based on assessment results from the end of primary school so the greater the score, the greater the progress made over the course of secondary school. A Progress 8 score will be published as a numerical figure where each GCSE grade is equal to one. For example, 0.5 means pupils made half a grade more progress across their subjects than expected. A score of 0 would mean pupils made expected progress. Melbourn Village College’s provisional Progress 8 score is 0.45. This means Melbourn Village College students achieved, on average, almost half a grade higher in each GCSE than similar students of the same ability nationally. The school has stated that the focus on the progress of each student is at the heart of the school’s philosophy, ‘Everybody is Somebody’. Kerry Puttock Publicity Melbourn Village College 11
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What’s On for Children and Families in December Saturday 3rd December, 10.00am – 4.00pm Crafts in the Barn, Lynchets Farm, New Road, Great Chishill SG8 8ST Crafts and gifts, tea and cakes, hot dogs and Christmas trees. For information, call (01763) 838897. Friday 9th December, 10.30 – 4.00pm Family Christmas Sparkle, Ickworth, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5QE Make decorations and crackers, listen to stories by the tree with Father Christmas, follow the Christmas trail and watch the 30s cooks at work. For children 18 months to 6 years. £12 per child. Accompanying adults £6, National Trust members free. Booking (children) essential on live.advancedticketing.co.uk. Saturday 10th December, 1.00 – 5.00pm Royston Christmas Fair, High Street, Royston Stalls, food and drink, Santa’s grotto (£5 admission), entertainment. Sunday 11th December, 1.30pm or 4.30pm Michael Morpurgo – The Best of Times, Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Morpurgo narrates his uplifting Christmas story, accompanied by music and dance. For ages 5+. Book tickets (£8 - £20) 0845 5487650. Saturday 17th December, 3.00 or 5.00pm Prime Brass Family Christmas Cushion Concert, Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP A festive concert for all the family, children very welcome and all encouraged to come in festive dress. Children bring a cushion to sit on.
Tickets £15 adults, £8 for under 16s from: staplefordgranary.org.uk.
Monday 19th to Friday 23rd December, 9.30am – 4.00pm Father Christmas at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB Visit Father Christmas (£6 per child), take part in fun activities, have a festive afternoon tea. Adults £16 entry to the Park (lasts a year – online price). Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 13
Kneewsworth Road/Whitecroft Road Junction: What’s happening and why? This junction is one of the most dangerous around, with an accident record that has put it on the County Council’s accident cluster list. Even when traffic accident fatalities or serious injuries occur, there is no instant trigger for funding to improve road safety. Everything depends on patterns over time. There is a threshold however, and this triggers inclusion on an accident cluster list, with access to consideration for ‘Road Safety’ funding – though even so funding is not automatic. There are lots of junctions, roads, bridges, etc, on the cluster list, but the Road Safety budget is so small that many schemes are not progressed. When the Road Safety budget is deployed, people are often shocked at the very minor nature of remedial measures that the Council puts in place. For example, at the Frog End/A10 junction at Shepreth, where there has been a pattern of very serious injury accidents for a long time, a scheme was implemented last year that simplified the junction by removing a bit of slip road. Traffic lights might have been a much better solution, but there wasn’t anywhere near enough money available. Not only could the Council not afford the astronomical cost of traffic lights on a staggered junction, but traffic lights carry maintenance costs that bring an extra burden. Before the Kneesworth Road/Whitecroft Road junction ended up on the cluster list, Meldreth Parish Council made an application for the County Council’s ‘Local Highways Improvement’ fund, hoping to improve clarity and visibility at the junction. Unfortunately the fund was very competitive and the Meldreth application was unsuccessful. However, by that time the accident record had tipped the junction onto the cluster list and it was decided that the scheme qualified for the Road Safety budget. Again, the scale of what the Council can afford to do is very limited. Funding on the order of £10K has now been approved and the scheme will be implemented before the end of the financial year, so that the funding doesn’t slip away. There will be more budget cuts next year. What changes will be made at the junction? Signage will be updated and consolidated in a smarter arrangement to warn drivers of the give-way requirement ahead; line painting and road markings will be enhanced and bollards will be installed that highlight the junction features. What the Parish Council can do is encourage 14
local landowners to cut back hedges and trees that inevitably grow and encroach on visibility. I hope this helps explain what the County Council’s dire financial situation means for all the ordinary things that should be tended to without such fuss. As I have explained at Parish Council meetings, central government policy is to turn off the tap for revenue funding to all councils. Central government also decides how much councils are permitted to raise Council Tax by (1.99%). It isn’t anywhere near enough to make up the funding gap. Last year a majority of councillors decided to freeze Council Tax, which saves the average Band D property about £22 per year. That rise would have generated about £10 million for basic services including road safety. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Susan van de Ven susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574
Changes to Park & Ride Services A number of changes came into effect on 20th November, including the following: Madingley Road P&R to Newmarket Road P&R via City Centre Route now split into two separate services. New PR1 Madingley Road P&R to Cambridge City Centre Change of bus stop in city centre, now departs from St Andrew’s Street, Stop S3 (was Drummer Street, Stop D2). No longer calls at Grafton Centre – take either PR2 or PR5 from city centre interchange or use nearby Jesus Lane bus stop added to route. Blue P&R Trumpington P&R – Cambridge City Centre This service is now known as the PR3. Minor change to timetable but no route change. Stop at United Reform Church will move to stop outside Fitzwilliam Museum. Full details and timetables for Stagecoach services are available from Stagecoach at www.stagecoachbus.com or telephone (01223) 433250 or email Cambridge.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com. Passenger Transport Team Cambridgeshire County Council 15
Transport Matters A10 Cycle Update The Harston pedestrian/cycle scheme has been given final approval and funding is in place. Work will probably take place in autumn 2017. There will be a three-metre wide path along the High Street, providing an outstanding off-road cycle track and making all forms of transport through the village safer. The City Deal is strongly supporting efforts to find funding for the Melbourn-Royston cycle link, which would complete the A10 corridor spine route. Bids are in the pipeline and all avenues are being pursued. Work around Foxton Level Crossing is about finished but there is a clear need for signage to direct cyclists either through the Barrington Road pedestrian gate (if they are passing through Foxton only) or across the A10 (if they are going to/from the station or main part of the village). Temporary signage should be up by the time you read this and permanent signage is on the way. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with concerns about confusion as to what to do with a bike at Foxton level crossing. It is very difficult to make a good job of getting around the level crossing environment, whether on foot, in a car, mobility scooter, on a bike, or anything except perhaps a train. Many good questions have come in about all sorts of things: the milestone (it’s being restored and will soon be back); brambles and overgrowth (everything will be cut well back early in the New Year and then our maintenance grant from AstraZeneca will kick in the whole length of the A10 path); junctions (County Cycling Team is figuring them out one by one – come to our next meeting to learn more!). Many thanks to our officers for answering question so promptly. Work is progressing well on the Melbourn-Shepreth path. Dates for your Diary Saturday 10th December Santa Cycle Ride around Royston to highlight the excellent routes around the town but also to raise awareness of the need for funding the Royston-Melbourn Path. Meet at Royston Station at 10.30am (timed with arriving trains), wear a Santa hat and decorate your bicycle. This is a family friendly ride and we hope you will join us. Last year several families with very young children came along for the ride. 16
Thursday 26th January A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign AGM and meeting at 7.00 for 7.30pm, upstairs at The Plough, Shepreth. Come along if you’d like to learn more about the campaign’s work.
Rail Issues Level crossing gate closures: we are awaiting Network Rail’s response on proposals to close gates in Meldreth and Foxton – the latter affecting everyone who lives in Foxton or passes through on a regular basis. Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group: next meeting will be on Wednesday 14th December at 7.00 for 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room, Meldreth. All welcome – new people especially welcome. There is much work in the pipeline now to plan for the future of all three stations. Many thanks to all village volunteers for their continuing support in keeping the flower tubs looking great. Susan van de Ven Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574
Letter to the Editor It disappoints me and several others that at the Remembrance Service at the war memorial in Foxton people insisted on driving past and wouldn’t stop and wait. That is almost certainly so at services held at the war memorials in other villages. In the past all traffic movement was stopped for the duration of the short service and waited until the short service is was over. I think we should be allowed to hold the traffic up. Mark Howard
Joint Parish Prayer Group The Joint Parish Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 20th December at 8.00pm at 85 North End Meldreth. Please join us if you would like a time of prayer and quietness. We are more than pleased to take prayer requests which will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Marion Long (01763) 261365 17
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Speeding in the Village: Survey Results Following the traffic survey that was conducted from 19th to 25th May this year, we have finally managed to produce a synopsis of the 30mph and over speed figures for the five check points in the village. To remind you, the points were Kneesworth Road, North End, Whitecroft Road, High Street and Station Road, with traffic being measured in both directions at each point, meaning that there were ten sets of figures for each day. Summaries of the results are given below. Whitecroft Road The results (see table below) showed us that the worst check point for total number of vehicles travelling in excess of 30mph was Whitecroft Road (northbound) with a staggering 89% of vehicles or 9,453 of the 10,664 vehicles that passed this point were travelling over the 30mph speed limit. Sadly the southbound figures aren't much better with 85% of the vehicles that drove past this point being driven in excess of 30mph. Perhaps slightly more alarming is the fact that of the 20,791 vehicles that were driven up or down Whitecroft Road between 19th May and 25th May, 25% (5,229) of them were exceeding 40 mph. Whitecroft Road—traffic travelling north Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
25/5
Total
31-39
1093
1066
675
514
971
1049
1047
6415
474
468
400
309
426
480
481
3038
1786
1730
1192
942
1574
1727
1713 10664
88%
89%
90%
87%
89%
89%
89%
89%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
Whitecroft Road—traffic travelling South 31-39 40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
1071
1039
663
525
1033
1005
1047
6383
360
347
291
210
333
346
304
2191
1720
1626
1136
854
1613
1577
1601 10127
83%
85%
84%
86%
85%
86%
84%
19
85%
Continued ….
North End North End is also a fast road with 58% of vehicles on average exceeding the 30mph limit. Fortunately the majority of drivers were more considerate than on Whitecroft Road as "only" 518 vehicles chose to exceed 40mph. Details are summarised in the table below. North End—traffic travelling south Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
25/5
Total
31-39
763
664
524
350
689
607
663
4260
52
37
21
19
32
33
41
235
1251
1199
945
734
1231
1128
1216
7704
65%
58%
58%
50%
59%
57%
58%
58%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
North End—traffic travelling north 31-39 40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
720
684
491
424
677
657
686
4339
51
38
48
28
27
56
35
283
1267
1190
995
775
1181
1194
1228
7830
61%
61%
54%
58%
60%
60%
59%
59%
Kneesworth Road Kneesworth Road northbound was also a bit of a racecourse with 2676 (35%) of the total 7546 vehicles exceeding 30mph. Southbound was worse with 3381 (41%) of the 8179 being driven faster than 30mph. Kneesworth Road—traffic travelling north Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
25/5
Total
31-39
406
407
307
246
377
410
350
2503
17
29
29
15
26
34
23
173
1173
1188
921
710
1230
1189
1135
7546
36%
37%
36%
37%
33%
37%
33%
35%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
20
Kneesworth Road—traffic travelling south Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
25/5
Total
31-39
520
493
346
301
558
547
493
3258
21
21
20
11
15
20
15
123
1337
1256
893
719
1359
1335
1280
8179
40%
41%
41%
43%
42%
42%
40%
41%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
High Street High Street is quieter. However, the 14% or 967 vehicles heading north still exceeded 30mph, as did the 1045 or 14% heading south. These average lower speeds are due in part to the speed controls in place between the school and station as well as between the pub and shop. See the table below for details. High Street—traffic travelling north Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
25/5
Total
31-39
148
137
123
108
157
151
120
944
1
1
6
4
6
4
1
23
1067
1094
871
706
1109
1137
1135
7119
14%
13%
15%
16%
15%
14%
11%
14%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
High Street—traffic travelling north 31-39 40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
141
139
135
101
159
172
161
1008
9
5
4
5
5
2
7
37
1070
1112
882
716
1121
1168
1171
7240
14%
13%
16%
15%
15%
15%
14%
14%
Continued …. 21
Station Road The survey showed that although it's the busiest, Station Road has proportionally the slowest traffic with 1164 or 6% of westbound travellers and 1289 or 7% of eastbound travellers exceeding the speed limit. These slightly more respectable figures are mainly due to the blind summit on the bridge. Detailed figures are shown in the table below. Station Road—traffic travelling west Date
19/5
20/5
21/5
22/5
23/5
24/5
31-39
197
190
132
113
184
148
174
1138
15
3
8
0
0
0
0
26
3206
3136
2388
1830
2962
3015
7%
6%
6%
6%
6%
5%
5%
6%
40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
25/5 Total
3203 19740
Station Road—traffic travelling east 31-39 40+ Total no. of vehicles % in excess of 30 mph
217
189
174
158
194
166
188
1286
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
3
3133
3012
2282
1767
2773
2892
7%
6%
8%
9%
7%
6%
3060 18919 6%
7%
The above tables are summaries of the raw data. To view the complete set of figures please visit www.meldreth-pc.org.uk, where there is a link at the bottom of the home page to download a spreadsheet of the raw data. Please remember: The speed limits on the roads in and around the village are a limit and not a target! The law states that you must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum and it doesn’t mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all conditions. 22
There is a difference of 13 metres or 43 feet in stopping distance between 30mph and 40mph. According to the DoT at a collision speed of 40mph a pedestrian has just 20% chance of survival but at 30mph the pedestrian has an 80% chance of survival. Fatal accidents are four times as likely on rural A-roads as on urban A-roads. As part of the campaign to reduce speed in our village Speedwatch, the volunteer organisation which monitors and records speeding vehicles, have bought some new hi tech equipment and is now actively holding Speedwatch sessions in Meldreth and some of the surrounding villages. To volunteer your time or for further information please contact the Parish Clerk on parishcouncilclerk@dsl.pipex.com or (01763) 269928. Andrew Young Meldreth Parish Council
To advertise in this space, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
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23
Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com With the end of year fast approaching, there is a varied programme over the Dec – Jan period including two club competitions, four inter-club competitions and one lecture. Please note the Club will not be meeting on 20th or 27th December and our annual meal is on 3rd January. December: 6th: Melbourn Trophy 1st round at Foxton (Melbourn vs Shillington), Judge: Barrie Hatten 13th: 2nd Open Print Competition, Judge: John Law 20th & 27th: Christmas Recess
Circle of Life by Jenny Collier
Club meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. Anyone wishing to know more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or e-mail the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary/Webmaster
Meldreth’s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you. Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 24
Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all Aspects of Unisex Hairdressing. Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We have a wide range of home hair care retail.
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25
Meldreth Then and Now This is the last pair of images in the present series. The photographs show the village shop in the High Street and were taken about 100 years apart.
26
Meldreth Local History Group The Meldreth Local History Group held another very well attended coffee morning on Monday 7th November when the guest speaker was George Joyce from Melbourn. This was George’s second talk, as previously he had spoken about his working life at the Atlas or Marley Eternit factory. This time, George spoke about his passion for metal detecting and his finds in the fields of Meldreth and Melbourn. George emphasised he only went on fields with the landowners’ permission and if he finds anything of special value he is required to alert the relevant authorities. He illustrated his talk with a PowerPoint presentation and spoke about his various finds ranging from musket balls, brooches, straps, jetons, coins, thimbles and other interesting items. He brought a wide selection of objects with him which were eagerly looked at the end of his talk. George also regaled us with the fascinating tale of Brighton Billy who took part in a prize fight at the end of Noon’s Folly where the borders of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex meet. Sadly Billy died at the Barkway Tavern after the fight. George brought with him a metal detector to demonstrate but it issued Dalek-like sounds in the Sheltered Housing room so it had to be switched off. Chairman Joan Gane thanked George at the end of his enthralling talk and reminded everyone about our next talk on Friday 2nd December in the Village Hall when the subject will be Richard III: The King Under The Car Park. Terry Dash
Dog Bins There have been reports of an increase in dog fouling occurring at the recreation ground including the children's play area where dogs are not allowed. Can dog owners please use the dog bins provided, of which there are three within the recreation ground, where dogs should be kept on a lead. Judy Damant Parish Clerk 27
Minimising Stress at the Vets Working in the veterinary surgery we often see cats, dogs and rabbits which are experiencing stress. They may be frightened of the vets, struggling with a car journey or unwilling to be handled. I have compiled a short guide to a few simple things that can be done to make the vet’s visit more pleasant for everyone involved. Cats Anyone who owns a cat will confirm that they can be the most peculiar animals as far as behaviour goes! Anything out of the ordinary can be stressful for them. If you know in advance that you are going to the vet’s it is worth getting the cat basket out a few days beforehand. The basket should be lined, ideally with some newspaper plus a towel or blanket that the cat uses at home. Please don't put the cat in a plastic or wire basket with nothing on the bottom; they end up sliding around all over the place or catching their claws and if they urinate they get covered. Drape the entire basket with a towel over the top and place on the front seat of the car, secured by a seatbelt. Some cats are sick when they travel so its probably best if they eat after the visit to the vet. Feliway spray is a stress reducing pheromone spray that can be used in the basket, car and on the bedding. Once at the surgery place the basket on a chair rather than on the floor and try to avoid them coming nose to nose with another cat or dog. Even if they like other cats or dogs at home they will feel terrified if they see one they do not know while confined in a cage and unable to run away. Don’t open the basket until the vet is ready for you and accept that a nurse may be better experienced to handle your cat for something tricky or potentially painful. When he is being restrained for bloods or examination it’s best to ignore your instinct and to not touch your cat. It’s also a good idea to get your cat used to being handled all over at home. Look in his ears and mouth and pick him up and pop him on a table occasionally, so that it is not completely alien to him when he's at the practice. Dogs With dogs there is a lot you can do at home to make a visit to the vet easier. Basic training is an absolute must. A dog that doesn't jump up and who understands the basics will have a much better time at the vet’s when he knows what is expected of him. The sooner a dog 28
realises the vet’s is a safe place to be the better. Five minutes a day holding them still at home, on a table if you can, will help your dog to realise this is OK. You can also get them used to being handled by looking in their ears, lifting up their tail, touching their feet and claws, lifting their lips and opening their mouths. Lifting up a bit of scruff very gently will also get them prepared for injections. If they are going in for the day, take a blanket and toy from home Muzzle training is a useful thing to do. Placing a muzzle on with food at the end of it, or being given a treat immediately after it is removed, will make it less stressful when they first have to wear one at the vet’s. If your dog is not good with other dogs then most practices will offer you an appointment at the end of surgery when there are fewer people around. There is also a lot that can be done for dogs who travel badly: certain drugs and synthetic pheromones are available from surgeries to make car trips easier for them. Dogs who have come from rescue centres can often struggle when being asked to go into a kennel or cage. This would need to be worked on at home, but let your surgery know and most will try to find a way around this for you. Finally, popping into the vet’s to pick up the odd treat or be fussed over when your dog is well can reduce any negative associations. Rabbits As a prey species, rabbits find a visit to the vets very difficult indeed. Where possible we would advise bringing in the rabbit's bonded friend with them for the trip. They feel much more secure with another rabbit, and provided the carrier is big enough this can do an awful lot towards reducing stress for them. A large cat carrier with some of the litter from the rabbits’ home which is covered by a large towel is the best and safest way to transport them and unlike cats they will feel happier on the ground. Try to make an appointment for a time that there will be no dogs in the waiting room if possible. When handling rabbits the veterinary nurse will often cover their eyes and gently hold them against him/her so this is something that could be practised carefully at home, although it’s probably best not to do this on a table unless you are experienced! When in the surgery, keep handling to an absolute minimum and speak in a quiet voice. Hopefully these few tips will give you some ideas about how to help your pets at the vets, and your vets with your pets! Joanna Brown, RVN 29
Volunteering Opportunities Cambridgeshire Collection Due to severe cuts in staffing, opportunities exist for volunteers to work in the Cambridgeshire Collection in the Central Library in Cambridge from January 2017. There are two categories of volunteers: those who volunteer for regular work alongside the Collection staff, and who submit a formal application; and those who volunteer to help at particular times or on particular projects and who do not need to be formally registered. Such volunteers do not require a DBS check. Tasks include filing, photocopying, helping with local history events and cataloguing and do not require specialised knowledge. If the scheme is to work efficiently, it is important that potential volunteers are able to commit to a definite spell of work and to be directed to where they can most immediately be of use. Thirty hours during the whole year has been suggested as a minimum. If you would like to become involved or require further information, please email Caroline.Clifford@cambridgeshire.gov.uk by the end of December. Arthur Rank Hospice: Christmas Tree Collection Team members are needed for Arthur Rank’s annual Christmas tree collection. The project will involve everything from promoting the collection by leafleting between 27th December and 5th January, to driving across Cambridgeshire collecting old Christmas trees in a ‘treasure hunt for trees’ on 6th and 7th January. We hope to find generous supporters who will donate their vehicles (preferably with drivers!) for the collection, but if you don’t have a van, that’s no problem either as we can organise for you to join another team. The Christmas tree recycling scheme is a very simple idea. Anyone who lives in postcode areas CB1, CB2, CB22, CB3, CB4 and CB5 and doesn’t want the hassle of getting rid of their tree, can register online at www.arhc.org.uk/treerecycling to have it collected by us. For a small donation, we will collect the trees for composting. Last January we managed to raise nearly £3000 for our new hospice like this! If you would like to volunteer or would be interested in offering sponsorship in some way please contact the Fundraising Team on (012230 675 888 or email fundraising@ahrc.org.uk. 30
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Slimming World MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Hig h Street, Meldreth Tel: Karen 01763 243604 slimmingworld.co.uk
0344 897 8000
31
Meldreth Village Dia Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thurs
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis 7.30pm Parish
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 1 19 20 21 2 26 27 28 2 The copy deadline for the January issue of Meldreth Matters is Monday 12th December
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
Meetings of clubs and groups are subject to change over the holiday period - it is advisable to check details before attending
10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI
6.00-7.00 Brownies
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group
7.00 for 7.30pm Carol Singing, British Queen 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World
2.00-4.30pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates
6.00-7.00 Brownies
8.00pm Prayer Group
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis
10.00am-12.00 Handbells
5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 8.00pm Joint Parish Prayer Group
9.15am Cycling Group
10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis
School holidays begin
5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis
Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Browni Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite Holy Tri 32
ry - December 2016
sday
m Fitness
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7.30pm Richard III Talk (see page 2)
10.30am-12 noon Coffee Break
9.45am Family Communion & New Seekers Sunday School 11.00am-4.00pm Tea Dance 5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ 8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen
7.30pm Pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk (see back page)
2.00pm & 7.30pm Pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk (see back page)
8.00am Holy Communion 2.00pm Pantomime: Jack & the Beanstalk 4.30pm Carol Service 5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ 8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen
1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 5 16 17 18 2 23 24 25 9 30 31
m Table
h Council
m Fitness
9.45am Family Communion
Good
5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ 8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen
m Fitness
m Table
10.00am Family Communion for Christmas Day
m Fitness
m Table
m Fitness
m Table
11.45pm Bell Ringers ring in the New Year, Holy Trinity Church
Did You Know? Every copy of Meldreth Matters from January 2009 onwards is available online at free.yudu.com
North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History Group and the es & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The inity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 33
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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Below are extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 3rd November 2016 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present Councillor C A Land - Chairman, , Councillor CJ Fallon, Councillor R Goddin, Councillor A Keena, Councillor D Lee, Councillor R Searles, Councillor D Stewart, Councillor A Young Apologies: Councillor N P Pellatt - Vice Chairman; Councillor Hart (SCDC). In attendance: Mrs J Damant (Clerk) and Cllr S van de Ven (CCC) Public Participation There were two members of the public in attendance. Could the footway along Whitecroft Road be included in the Local Highways Initiative Scheme as it is deteriorating, especially between the War Memorial and the stables? The footway across the railway bridge is also dangerous; it is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Have traffic lights been considered? Councillor Searles replied that the Local Highways Initiative will provide only up to £10,000 with the Parish Council contributing a percentage and this would not be enough for the amount of work required at Whitecroft Road. However it may be considered within S106 payments from developers. The Parish Council is also looking into extending the footway to Fieldgate. Councillor Searles clarified that the works intended to improve the Fenny Lane crossroads (see pages 14-15 and 45) are under a different road safety scheme. Councillor van de Ven reported that the Highways budget is being focused on roads and not footways. If residents have a concern about a footway then they should report it on the Cambridgeshire County Council website. Report from County Councillor The County Councillor’s report is on pages 44-45. There was discussion on the recent Boundary Commission proposal to change some of the parliamentary constituencies. Under the proposals, Meldreth will remain in the South Cambridgeshire parliamentary 35
constituency but Melbourn, Bassingbourn and The Mordens will join a North East Hertfordshire constituency. The Parish Council will respond with their concerns on these changes. The Parish Council will also respond to the new train timetable which will be an improvement for Meldreth. However, it will also mean extra cars gaining access to the car park and surrounding streets. Report from District Councillor The District Councillor’s report is on pages 46-47. Solar Working Group Report The Solar Working Group reported with their recommendations on the applications they had received. The Solar Working Group will cease on 31st December and all members of the Group have agreed to join the Meldreth Futures Working Group which will officially start on 2nd January 2017. The following applications were considered: Cycle racks opposite One Stop: further information is needed. Church: due to recent advice from the National Association of Local Councils, the Parish Council is unable to donate funds to the church roof project. Basket/Kick Ball: further research is needed. Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival: it was agreed to donate £200 to the event. Tennis Club: it was proposed that the request for £25,000 from the Solar Fund for a Club which has only 40 members, some of which are not Meldreth residents, was not justified. It was agreed to donate £5000. If the Club requires further funding they should complete a separate application for a grant from the annual precept. The Parish Council would like confirmation that a junior tennis club will be set up. Royston and District Community Transport: it was agreed to donate £1500. Highways Volunteering Team Four volunteers are meeting to agree a work programme.
36
Marley Eternit: Proposed development of 150 dwellings Meetings to develop a list of projects for S106 contributions from the developer are scheduled and the working group is using the list from the Parish Council as a starting point. Councillor Searles enquired if the application will be withdrawn because of the number of recommendations of refusal and then resubmitted to address reasons for objections. Councillor Young reported that Councillor Hart does not know but is making enquiries with the planning department to find out. NB At the time of writing this extract we have just heard that a revised application is being submitted. Affordable housing is not included in the application due to the costs involved in cleaning the site. Winter Gritting Routes Cambridgeshire County Council have reported that the roads being covered this year are North End, Whitecroft Road, Station Road, Fenny Lane and High Street. Mettle Hill Councillor Goddin reported that a meeting of the working group had taken place and they are presently waiting to see what happens with the Marley/Eternit planning application. There has been interest in a light industrial storage site and a proposal is expected. Park homes are still being investigated. Playground Most of the equipment appears to be in good working order. A new hand protector for the zip wire will be installed following a report of a child catching their ear and the wire will be tightened again. The wood needs replacing on the rocking horse. Recreation Ground The Clerk has met with Mr Pat Matthews (SCDC) who says that the far side of the ditch is the responsibility of the householders, as they have a riparian duty to maintain half of the ditch. In the case of the ditch at the recreation ground this would mean that the Parish Council are responsible for the bank and the part of the ditch which abuts the recreation ground and the householders on Howard Road are responsible for the other side of the ditch. The Clerk has met with another contractor and is awaiting a further quote to have the internal hedges removed and areas reseeded. 37
The Clerk has written to both Football Clubs informing them that the pavilion needs to be vacated and cleared by 1st January 2017 in order for the building works to commence. Guidelines on how to manage the pavilion in the future once it has been refurbished should be established between representatives from those organisations who would use the pavilion (football teams and Tennis Club) and the Parish Council; it may need to include a caretaker. To be discussed further. Tennis Court Agreement An Agreement between the Tennis Club and the Parish Council was signed by the chairman and a Tesco Landowner/Leaseholder Permission Form has been signed by the Clerk. This is needed as the Parish Council is the landowner and therefore need to give permission so that the Tennis Club can approach Tesco and others for grants. Highways: “20’s plenty” Signs Suitable places for the signs will be reported to CCC Highways for their response. Telephone Box on North End The Clerk has notified SCDC that Meldreth wish to adopt the telephone box to be used to house one of the defibrillators. Councillors' Reports Councillor Goddin attended the recent Parish Liaison Meeting and planning training dates have been circulated. Councillor Searles reported that at the recent Speedwatch session there was a high level of increased speeding infringements along Fenny Lane. It indicated that 36% (30 out of 84) vehicles were speeding in excess of 35mph with some being recorded at travelling in excess of 48mph. Councillor Young reported that Whaddon Speedwatch team had also reported a major increase in vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit. It was reported that there will be a greater police presence within the village as a result and that more volunteers are desperately needed. Councillor Stewart reported that MAYD held a meeting in October and Jose Hales is the new Chairman. There are presently 44 children 11/13 years and 31 children 15/18 years attending. It has been agreed to hold separate sessions for the age groups.
38
Meeting Room It has been suggested by a resident that the Parish Council meetings would be better held in the Community Room on Elin Way but it was agreed to continue to meet in the Village Hall for the time being and to review this in a year’s time. There being no further business to conduct, the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.20pm. The next meeting will be Thursday 1st December at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.
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 10.00 am to 12 noon. By appointment at other times. Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Councillors: Mrs C J Fallon
(01763) 262822
joan.fallon@btinternet.com
Mr R Goddin
(01763) 260061
goddin@btinternet.com
Mr A Keena
(01763) 260267
alankeena@aol.com
Mr C A Land (Chairman) (01763) 261004
c.land963@btinternet.com
Mr D Lee
david@oakrits.plus.com
(01763) 261571
Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444
nppellatt@btconnect.com
Mr R A Searles
(01763) 260435
robert.searles@btinternet.com
Mr D Stewart
(01763) 261562
derekstewart67@hotmail.com
Mr A Young
(01763) 263484
andrewmpc@gmaail.com
MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 39
Little Hands Nursery School
Handyman • • • • • • • • • •
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Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers: 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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All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted
For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
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01763 249254
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WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON
40
Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk The East India Company Gregor Davey gave a fascinating talk about the rise of the East India Company which was formed to pursue trade with the East Indies but ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and Qing China. The company rose to account for half of the world's trade, particularly in basic commodities including cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpetre, tea and opium. The first company was formed by Royal Charter in 1600 and in 1698; a new "parallel" East India Company was formed. The stock holders from the original company invested in the new company and dominated it. In 1709 the United Company of Merchants Trading to the East Indies was formed and it was eventually dissolved in 1874, almost 300 years after its original foundation. There was much opposition from the Dutch East India Company and even other East Indies companies including Austrian, French, Portuguese and Swedish. Future Events: Saturday 14th January 2017 Annual Supper. Tickets will be on sale in the New Year. January - date to be decided The Experiences of a Mini Racer and Performance Tuning - talk by Peter Baldwin. Friday 17th March Mountaineering: locations, techniques and experiences - talk by Peter Finklaire Friday 12th May AGM Open Gardens We plan to hold an event in early summer, date to be decided. South Aisle and Porch Roofs Re-roofing in stainless steel has started and should be finished by the end of November. From their fundraising events The Friends have donated ÂŁ10,000 toward this work and they are very grateful for all the support they receive for the preservation of this Grade I listed building. John Price 41
Poetry Matters Hello Meldreth! It's that time of year again. I still miss you all, and it is good when we met up in Melbourn … usually the Co-op, or The Hub. But I do not miss the Christmas Post Office rush! I would like to thank Kathryn for allowing me still to contribute to this worthy magazine, and especially, Ken McLean ,who so very very kindly goes out of his way to deliver copies to me. I send a small poem, a holiday picture from Saariselka in Finland and huge good wishes to you all for a joyful and peaceful Christmas time. Yvonne xx
Winter’s Ways Winter moved on in, With a weather front from North East Clouding and dampening Autumn’s feast. Winter’s colour closed on in With a grey November sky, Flat wet drizzle wafting by. Winter blew on in With a mighty rushing roar: Waves crashed cringing on the shore. 42
Winter stole on in Thieving the warmth of sun, Storing it fast away: coldness had begun. Winter inched on in After a golden fall, And Virginia creeper climbed red on the wall. Winter floated on in With a snowflake feather fall And made a blanket over that wall. Winter slid on in With sledges on the heath; Laughing children caught tumbling underneath. Winter snapped on in Frosty stems brittle hard With frozen sap and growth now marred. Winter sparkled on in, Snow crystals glinting in the sun, With hoar frost’s pristine fun. Winter cracked on in With ice upon the grass Pavements and lakes now mirror glass. Winter tumbled on in With the pensioner falling hard, Sliding uncertain on an icy shard. Winter sang on in In church, carols rendered clear Voiced loud at this time of year. Winter chimed on in With a peal of clarion bells That each year the Christmas story tells. Winter prayed one day As religion held its sway, And man rejoiced on Christmas Day. Yvonne Chamberlain 8th October 2016 43
County Councillor’s Report The following report was presented at the Parish Council meeting on 3rd November. Parliamentary Constituency Boundary Changes Please respond to the Boundary Commission consultation before 5th December. As you know, the proposal is to move all other villages in the new Melbourn/Bassingbourn County Council division, except for Meldreth, to a new North East Hertfordshire Parliamentary constituency. Some representations to the consultation are suggesting the Meldreth also be moved to North East Hertfordshire. Whatever the outcome, the county border itself doesn’t change, but the MP for the new constituency would be tasked with representing two different county areas. See the Boundary Commission website for more details. Govia Thameslink Railway 2018 Thameslink Timetable Consultation There is a proposal for a half-hourly off-peak service. This would be Monday-Saturday, with an hourly service as at present on Sundays. All trains would be 8-cars in length. It is vital that people respond positively to the consultation due to issues further down the line that could impact the successful delivery of this new timetable. Please could the Parish Council submit a positive representation before the closing date of 8th December: http://www.thameslinkrailway.com/yourjourney/timetable-consultation. Government Revenue Support Grant to Councils Post-EU Referendum and new government, we had hoped that the new chancellor would rethink the policy of ending Revenue Support Grant to councils, as there was talk about easing the severity of local government austerity and adverse impacts on public services. Instead, we now know that the policy will continue, but to a more extreme version than before. Cambridgeshire County Council is being asked to consider a ‘negative settlement’ whereby it contributes substantially to the revenue accounts of other local authorities. The Conservative group at County Council last week supported this but were outvoted by the minority groups. Doubtless the issue will return. Mayor Plus Combined Authority The County Council will vote on 15th November on the new combined authority package which would include Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and an elected paid mayor with accompanying new 44
bureaucracy and decision-making taken upward away from councils. Kneesworth Road Junction The Road Safety Team has confirmed that it is placing an order for the proposed works. It was first checked, as required, as to whether or not the Marley Eternit developer could reasonably contribute to the scheme, but this would have involved an unreasonable delay. Therefore the scheme will be delivered and fully funded (about £10K) by the County Council but will not involve any land acquisition or modifications on private land. The Parish Council will not be asked for a financial contribution, but could make a valuable contribution by liaising with the landowner regarding the trimming back of trees and vegetation. The Council will inform us as soon as they know the start date of works. [For further details of the work to be done, see pages 14-15.] Community Rail Partnership Thank you for the cheque received through the post to the Rail User Group for the Community Rail Partnership post. The cheque needs to be made out to ‘Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group’ so I will return the first cheque to the Clerk. Identical bids have been made to the Melbourn Parish Solar Fund (to be considered after the closing date later this month) and Shepreth and Foxton Parish Councils who wish to pose further questions to me in person (I was absent for both previous meetings). Meanwhile, following on from the publication of the Railfuture Audit of Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Stations, commissioned by our Community Rail Partnership, I am approaching the City Deal Assembly and Board for their support in bringing all three stations up to a standard fit for the 2018 timetable. County Councillor’s Surgeries I hold a surgery on the first Monday of every month, at Melbourn Hub from 2.30-3.30pm. Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574
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District Councillor’s Report Marley Eternit Working Group The developer has apparently responded to objections from various statutory consultees and their further submission is expected. When it is, the revised papers will be available on the SCDC planning website and will be posted on the Meldreth Futures website. There will be a further period of consultation and residents will be able to submit their comments to SCDC Planning Department again. It looks as though the earliest this application will come before SCDC planning committee is January. The working group and other village representatives have met with council and highways officers and are busy working out what the impacts on the village might be if this development gets the go ahead and at the same time getting the message out that we will not accept this development without due recognition of those adverse impacts. Meldreth Futures Working Group Meldreth Futures is a title shared by a working group which will identify, evaluate and recommend village projects on a prioritised basis. Set up initially to assess projects to be allocated Solar Fund monies, MFWG are now working hard in tandem with the Marley group. Devolution I reported last month that this proposal will come forward at District level to a full council meeting scheduled to take place on 17th November. A report in The Times newspaper this week claimed that powers invested in the new mayoral post created under a devolution model will allow a mayor to decide that building can go ahead on green belt land which, if true, would be an alarming development and would ride roughshod over planning regulations. It appears that the annual cost of the Mayoral Authority is estimated to be £900k, with £70k for the Mayor, although apparently for every £1 spent in the Mayor's office there will be £45 of investment in the Mayoral Cambs/Peterborough authority. Scrutiny The performances respectively of the contact centre (to you and me that means the reception desk and the frontline telephone exchange at SCDC at Cambourne), the planning department and the overarching shared services provision came before the Scrutiny Committee early in November. All are under performing, although improvements have been made to the contact centre and planning. The last - shared services 46
in the ICT, Legal and Building Control departments - has been beset by staffing shortages and technical difficulties whose teething problems are looking more and more like serious dental cavities. The main driving force behind the drive to share services between partner councils was as a cost-cutting exercise, but the jury is very much out so far on whether this will be the case. Even if it is, it looks like it will be at the cost of customer service. Enforcement Last month I reported a couple of possible cases requiring the input of the planning enforcement team at SCDC, and I have again been contacted this month by Shepreth residents alerting me to another possible planning infringement. Residents should not hesitate to contact me if they have any concerns of this nature and I shall be happy to refer the matter on to the relevant planning officer. Councillor Philippa Hart Meldreth and Shepreth Ward (01763) 261255 or 07811 323571
Refuse Collections Collections in December & January will be on the following dates: Black bins: 9th & 23rd December; 7th* & 20th January Blue bins: 16th & 31st* December; 13th & 27th January Green bins: 16th December; 13th January day late due to public holidays Changes to Collection Days From 27th February 2017 the majority of residents will be affected by a change to their bin collection day and/or the sequence of collections. Information will be delivered through your door before the changes take place. We will also include them in the spring edition of South Cambs Magazine that will be delivered between 28th February and 19th March. You will also be able to find out details on: www.scambs.gov.uk. South Cambridgeshire District Council 47
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News From Heidi Allen www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk This month, we’re once again in unchartered waters, both nationally with regards to Brexit and also locally in terms of the City Deal. Whilst it’s frustrating to ask people to be patient, in this fast paced, modern, Twitter dominated world it’s easy to underestimate the value of scrutiny and consultation. We shouldn’t. Taking time to consult, probe and examine what is being put forwards is the starting point for any successful negotiation and I remain confident that we have some sound navigators at the helm, being held to account by democracy in action. I have been vocal about my opposition to the City Deal plan for Busway 3 and 3A (Cambourne to Cambridge route via the Westfields). I sense the City Deal board are rushing because of spending deadlines imposed at deal inception, so I am working with the board and central Government to see whether we might be able to link the City Deal with the impending Cambridgeshire devolution deal. I believe a more creative and workable solution is possible which offers better value for money than the £140million partial route currently on the table. I’ll make sure my voice is in the mix as these discussions move forwards. The City Deal is just one of the ways I’m working with local and central government to improve things locally. My other big focus continues to be education. I’m not letting up on the fairer funding issue for our schools and met with Minister Nick Gibb recently to push for further action. I’m also championing a campaign to recruit more teachers into Cambridgeshire and have worked with the County Council and Anglia Ruskin University to host a Teacher Training Information Event in November. Watch out for a follow up Teacher Recruitment Fair in the Spring too. I’m also speaking to our planning department to see how we can provide key worker housing to attract the best and most talented teachers to our constituency. I met more of our extraordinary talent this month when I visited the Technology Partnership in Melbourn, with the Prime Minister’s new advisor on Industrial Policy. TTP flagged up a need to support British companies through sustained local growth that builds on R&D work, rather than outsourcing innovation to foreign suppliers. I’m proud of the work our local research is producing and will do everything I can to keep South Cambridgeshire as one of the brightest stars in the research, technology and science cluster. 49
The new Papworth Hospital found a unique way to celebrate their next phase of development as they invited me to ‘Top Out’ their new building on the Addenbrooke’s campus (see the photograph on the right). Having helped to level out a slab of concrete, a fir tree was swung over the building to ward away bad luck. Apparently it’s a tradition of the Norwegian contractor Skansa! The new site is extremely impressive with state of the art theatres, en suite bedrooms and world class research facilities. Another great local NHS success story. I highlighted the importance of your contributions to the Boundary Review in my last newsletter but if you live in Bassingbourn, the Mordens, Melbourn or Queen Edith’s and want to stay part of the South Cambridgeshire constituency, please make your voice heard on the consultation website - www.bce2018.org.uk. Every submission really matters, I don’t want to lose you! I was thrilled and humbled to be awarded ‘Conservative Newcomer MP of the Year’ by the Patchwork foundation. The award looked at the work my team and I have been doing to give a voice to under represented people, such as the disabled community. I only learn about those without a voice because you tell me – so please keep your emails, thoughts and feedback coming - I’m listening. As always, you’re welcome to come to my “no appointment needed” drop in surgeries. The next one will be held on Saturday 10th December from 10.30am to 12.30pm at a venue to be decided. You can find full details on my website www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residentsdrop-surgeries or drop me an email at heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on (01954) 212707. Heidi Allen MP 50
Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration
Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding? Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering
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Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch We've received details of a distraction burglary that occurred in Sawston in early November; read on to see details of how to avoid being tricked and how to find reliable tradespeople. The householder was cold-called by a male offering to do some gardening work. The price quoted was £90 which was then reduced to £50 when the householder declined the service. The victim gave the male £50, and directed the male to the back garden, locking the front door as they went. A second and third male then appeared. While the victim was looking for tools in the garden shed, the third large build male then blocked the victim's view of the rear of the house and any exit route. A short time later a relative asleep inside the house woke to see a person leaving the kitchen. The victim later noticed a laptop and £250 cash had been stolen. Criminals use a number of methods to trick their way into people's homes. They may pretend to be from a utility company such as water/ gas/electricity, offer building or gardening work, door to door sales, or pose as council staff or police officers. If you want to get work done on your home, get some quotes from local reliable tradespeople so you can compare the price and service offered. Not Sure? Don't open the door. If you feel threatened or suspicious, close the door and contact the police on 999. Please be alert to any callers you suspect are bogus. Always check their I.D. Keep your door shut until you are satisfied they are genuine. Don't call a number the caller has given you; check your utility bill for the correct number. Consider the Buy With Confidence Scheme, a Trading Standards approved scheme which is designed to promote and support good reliable tradespeople and retailers within Cambridgeshire. Within the scheme all traders have thorough background and financial checks and have been independently checked by staff from the County Council’s Trading Standards Service for compliance with the letter and spirit of the law. To obtain details of reliable traders in your area enter your postcode into the Buy With Confidence website: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk; telephone: 08454 040506. Don't forget the trusted contacts who you can talk to about a possible scam, which may include being asked to buy by a cold caller: 52
Graham (01763) 260358 Peter
(01763) 260323
Linda
(01763) 261405
Tim
(01763) 262801
Anyone can report a scam to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. The Cambridge Police website for reporting a variety of issues is: www.contactcambspolice.uk. If you are the sort of person who likes to watch out for neighbours and notices things out of the ordinary, joining Neighbourhood Watch in Meldreth will allow you to contribute to keeping crime low across South Cambridgeshire. Please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
Local Burglaries There have been a number of burglaries recently in South Cambridgeshire villages, including Meldreth. They usually occur during the day when properties appear to be empty, with cash and jewellery being the most common things stolen. If you would like to check how secure your house is, Cambridgeshire Police have developed the “bad-wolf test� which takes just two minutes to complete: http:// tinyurl.com/bad-wolf-test. Criminal damage to cars has also been reported in the area. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Cambridgeshire Police on 101. For emergencies, or if a crime is in progress, call 999. To receive email updates from the local policing team, sign up to eCops. eCops is a free service that gives you direct and easy access to your local policing team at a time convenient to you. It is a good way of
staying in touch with community issues, which can also be shared with family, friends and colleagues. 53
Local Events in December Here is a selection of events happening nearby this month. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Until Sunday 11th December, during normal opening hours ‘Sacred Objects’ by Eleanor Havsteen and Jane Waterhouse Upper Galleries, The Plough, High Street, Shepreth SG8 6PP Showcasing the work of two established young print makers who have exhibited at the Royal Academy and internationally. For further details: www.theploughshepreth.co.uk or call (01763) 290348. Thursday 1st December (and 11 other dates to 18th December), 11.00am to 4.00pm 1960s Christmas at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ Step back in time to the 1960s and enjoy the sight, smell and sounds of Christmas recreated in Lord Fairhaven’s luxurious country house. Booking not needed. Free event but normal National Trust admission applies. Further details: www.nationaltrust.org or call (01223) 810086. Thursday 1st December, 7.00pm to 10.00pm Make your own Christmas Door Decoration Queen’s Road Methodist Church, Royston SG8 7AP Workshop tickets £20 to include framework, foliage and ribbons. Please bring gloves, secateurs and any special foliage/baubles you want to include. Call Tracy (01763) 262262 or email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk. Proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire. Saturday 3rd December, 10.00am to 4.30pm Mill Road Winter Fair, Cambridge CB1 2BD Celebrated and lively annual event - with dance, music, local artists, entertainers, parade, huge variety of food and stalls and lots of Christmas shopping opportunities. Easy access from Cambridge railway station. Programme and more details: www.visitcambridge.org. Saturday 3rd December, 1.00pm to 4.00pm Winter Tree Identification Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, CB22 3AE Join the Cambridge Past, Present and Future team and learn how to identify trees in winter. Informative session with guided stroll around the park to put what you’ve learned into practice. Adults only – warm 54
clothing and sturdy shoes. Tickets £8 (members £6). Booking essential: www.cambridgeppf.orgor call (01223) 243830. Friday 9th December, 10.30am to 1.00pm Christmas Crafts, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1 RB Make a range of cards, gift tags and decorations based on motifs and details from the Museum collection, ‘with seasonal cheer and a sprinkle of museum magic’! Booking essential. Tickets £15 (£12 concessions/ Friends). To register your interest phone (01223) 332904 or email education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Thursday 15th December, 8.00pm John Etheridge and Vimala Rowe ‘Out of the Sky’ Basement Premises, 7a Jesus Lane Cambridge CB5 8BA Modern Jazz duo with music from India to Africa, the Middle East and USA. Tickets £15 (students £12). Booking: www.cambridge.jazz.org. Saturday 17th December, 7.30pm ‘Born in a Stable’ at Royston Parish Church, SG8 9LG A candlelit evening of family carols and choral favourites performed by Royston and District Choral Society, with mulled wine, mince pies and audience participation. Tickets £12 (concessions £9, school students £1) from choir members, Saffron Walden Tourist Information, Caroline Franks on (01920) 822723 or http://bit.ly/RCSDec2016. Monday 19th December, 9.30am to 11.30am Monthly Meander, Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve, Grantchester Road, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire CB2 9LJ A regular walk on the third Monday of the month. Meander around the nature reserve with the rangers to help you identify what wildlife is around. Meet at Byron’s Pool, off Grantchester Road, Trumpington. No booking needed. For location map see: www.wildlifebcn.org. Monday 26th December, 12 noon onwards Grantchester Barrel Rolling, Grantchester CBN3 9NF The tradition of rolling large wooden barrels in a relay race up and down Coton Road was revived recently and has become very popular. All welcome to enjoy ‘an hour of eccentric, charity-funding mayhem followed by liquid refreshment in one of the local pubs’. Details: www.grantchester.org.uk. Compiled by John Crawforth 55
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Snowflake Tea Parties Could you help raise funds for Home-Start by hosting a tea party with your family and friends from your office, playgroup, school, book club etc? We will supply you with a “tea bag” fundraising pack with ideas for all you need to host an event - the pack includes invitations for your use, a snowflake cutter and recipes for any cakes or biscuits you may want to make for your event. The event runs from 1st November to 31st January each year. If you would like to host a tea party, please call our office on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk. The money raised will help support vulnerable children through HomeStart’s unique, tailor-made support, delivered with parents in the family’s home. Kirstie Allsopp, TV presenter, mum, stepmum and Home-Start ambassador, says, “Please join me raising money for The Snowflake Appeal so Home-Start can keep supporting unique and fragile children. Home-Start is in there, making a difference each and every day. It is changing all our communities for the future. It prevents parents’ difficulties from becoming their children’s problems”. Tracy Aggett Home-Start, Royston & South Cambridgeshire
Police and Crime Commissioner Surgery Jason Ablewhite will be holding a public surgery from 10.00am to midday on 13th January 2017 at South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambourne CB23 6EA. If you have an issue you would like to discuss with him, you may book a 15-minute appointment. Please email cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk or telephone 0300 333 3456 to speak to a member of his team. Sarah Morgan Engagement Officer Office of the Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner 57
Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address
Detail
Parish Council Recommend
4 Howard Road, Single storey side extension involving S/2551/16/FL. the replacement of an existing out building.
Parish Council recommend 'Support' with no comments, all agreed
126 High Street, S/2731/16/TC
Two dark-plum trees, fell because one is falling down with ground heave; the other entwined with it leans over the neighbours garage and ground floor annexe and is knocking against the house. Tree surgeons advise removal
It was proposed by Councillor Searles that the trees should be removed, seconded by Councillor Stewart, agreed by all
1,3,7,9 and 13-31 Melrose, S/2685/16/DC Information Only
Discharge of conditions for S/0985/04/L; S/1911/11 and S/2055/02/F
Councillor Lee reported that a tree was proposed to have been planted on the corner of the development, at the entrance, this was not done and the shrubs that were planted in this location were later taken out. This has resulted in leaving the entrance into Melrose fairly barren and the hedges were also never reinstated. The Parish Council have asked numerous times to see the landscape plans but so far have not seen anything. The Parish Council do not agree that the conditions on S/1911/11 on Landscape Scheme and Landscape Implementation can be discharged
The full minutes of Meldreth Parish Council planning meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. 58
SCDC Decisions Reference and Address Decision
Malton Park Farm, S/1502/16/VC
27 High Street, Temple House S/1620/16/FL & S/1621/16/LB
Approval has been granted for variation of condition 2 (approved plans) and removal of conditions 3 (surface water drainage system) and 4 (pollution control) of planning application S/0213/16/FL Approval has been granted for proposed alterations and conversion of storage barn into habitable accommodation and alterations to listed building
Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Details of recent SCDC decisions can be found on the following page. Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme
Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 59
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service www.cambsfire.gov.uk It is the time of year when we’re enjoying a tipple with friends, cooking heaps of delicious food and decking the halls. The Fire Service has these messages to make sure your festive cheer doesn’t go up in smoke. Festive Safety Kitchens are a fire hotspot, so take care while cooking festive fancies. Never leave cooking unattended and turn off appliances when not in use. Switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure they conform to the British Standard and never overload plug sockets. Be careful when drinking alcohol while smoking or cooking. Finally, make sure you have a working smoke alarm which is correctly fitted and works. And NEVER take the batteries out to power presents! Open Fire Safety • Sweep your chimney at least once a year and have brickwork inspected, especially the chimney breast and roof space.
• Do not bank fires too high or overload the grate and remember to let them burn down well and check the hearth before going to bed.
• Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires. • Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them.
• Burn only suitable fuels and avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly.
• Above all, ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor or your home and a carbon monoxide alarm installed. For the latest news, incidents and safety advice, or to contact us, log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk. Sign up to email alerts and find us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service 60
We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court
Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages.
Personal care for your feet in the comfort of your own home • Nail Trimming • Hard Skin & Cracked Heels • Corns & Verrucas • Fungal Nails
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Day Centre Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.
on 01763 261250 or 0791 3913955
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Nancy Foster MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals
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Cycling Group Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group
John Rogger (01763) 260809 L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation U3A WI
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Maureen Moody—(01763) 260938
Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club
Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)
(01763) 220626; www.meldrethchurch.org.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk
Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School
Rosalind Wing - 07432 150721 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 Philippa Hart—(01763) 261255 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/
Councils & Govt.
Photographic Group
Sport
(01763) 262199 Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304
Church
Community Access Point Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman
Childn.
Clubs & Societies
Facilities
Village Directory
County Councillor County Council Offices MP
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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.
Station Ticket Office
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm
Rail User Group
(01763) 261833; www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup
Govia/Great Northern
www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)
www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS
(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline
Community Transport Home-Start 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 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
Citizens Advice Bureau
Police
Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk or on the PC website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com (search for Meldreth)
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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line
6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00
12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber .....................................18 Affordable Plumbing .....................12 Armstrong Window Cleaners ..........34 Art of Clean .....................................23 Art of Clean Wood .........................51 B2B Automotive ........................Cover Black Barn Turkeys ........................18 Bracey’s Accountants .....................48 Cam Valley Orchards ...................51 Cambourne Self Storage .................34 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................51 CHS Day Centre .............................61 CHS Group ................................Cover Coton Electrical ..............................34 The Country Store .........................51 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........12 Gilhooly ..........................................34 Handyman ......................................40 Home Foot Care .............................40 iPlaster ...........................................48 Keyholes Driving School ..................12 Lawn Partners ................................18 The Letting Centre ............................8 Little Hands Nursery School ...........40 Mandy Thornton Counselling ........48 Melbourn Flooring ....................Cover
Melbourn Village College ................61 Meldreth Landscapes ........................56 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................39 Meridian Lawncare ..........................23 Michael Easton Personal Trainer .....40 Moncraft Computers .......................48 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................61 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service .7 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......56 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................51 Prime Bookkeeping Services ............31 Quicksilver Yoga ...............................8 Reed Autos ................................Cover Reflections Hair Studio .....................25 Richard Burns Electrician ..................8 Rod’s PC Support .............................56 Royston Fencing ..............................40 Shelford Energy ..................................8 Slimming World ..............................31 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ...............7 Summit Landscapes .........................25 Village Cycles .................................25 Village Garden Services .....................8 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ............7 Weight Loss & Nutritional Advice ..25 Yoga Class ......................................31 64
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