Meldreth Matters, December 2022

December 2022

In this issue …

Cost of Living Support Traffic Group Report Warm Hub

Events …

Advent Trail Pantomime: Dick Whittington

Contact me, your Meldreth-based travel expert, for holidays, river and ocean cruises, honeymoons, UK breaks, bucket-list trips and more!

Five great reasons to book your next trip with me:

emma.fitzgibbon@travelcounsellors.com travelcounsellors.com/emma.fitzgibbon

1. Expert travel guidance 2. Personal caring service 3. ATOL & 100% Financial protection 4. Always available to take your call 5. Covid-19 guidance

Contents What’s On in November Advent Trail back cover Carol Services 4, 5 Events at Melbourn Hub 11 MADS Pantomime 11 Things to Do in December 18-19

Cookery In Praise of … 32-33

Village Groups Cycling Group 7 Friends of Holy Trinity 9 Lift Off Choir 8 Local History Group 7 Melbourn u3a 23 Photographic Club 9 Women’s Group 8

Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 15 1at Meldreth Brownies 16 Activities for Families 17 Primary School 14-15 Shepreth Spitfires 12

Village News & Issues Closure of High Street 3 Hedges & Trees 23 Reporting a Highway Problem Resignation of Vicar 5 Traffic Group Report 20-21 Warm Hub 3

Transport Buses/Public Transport 24 Rail Travel 25

Local/National Government Local Councillors 41-43 Parish Council 34-35, 36 PC Vacancy 36 Planning 38-39 23 Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 52 Charity News 46-47 Cost of Living Support 48 Food Bank 49 MCCS 49 Mobile Warden Scheme 21 Neighbourhood Watch 45 Refuse Collections 18, 37 Village Directory 50-51

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 30-31 Melwood 29 Station Gardening 31 Miscellaneous Cop27 37 MM Deliverers 4

This month’s cover picture: Holy Trinity Church. Photograph by Malcolm Woods The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

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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Saturday 19th November - Strictly Come Dancing Theme Saturday 10th December - Upwood Ukulele Band Christmas Show

Additional support services available If you would like further information or support please contact:

Davina Biswell 07961 574104 - davinabiswell@gmail.com Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299 - Stephanie@traykyps.com

Phil Clarke and Associates

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Editorial The MM team was delighted and humbled to receive a generous donation towards our printing costs recently. To the donor: thank you so much. We were really thrilled to receive this and to know how much our work is appreciated!

Don’t forget that Meldreth’s Warm Hub is now open (see below). Also in this issue, we have information on the support available during what is a very difficult time for many families. I have grouped this information onto pages 48-49.

I’d like to say a special thank you to all our deliverers (see page 4), our advertisers (list on page 52) and last but not least, the other members of the MM team for their support over the past year.

On behalf of the MM Team, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Kathryn

Meldreth Warm Hub Helen Meridew and her team are running a Warm Hub at the Elin Way Community Room every Tuesday and Thursday (except Tuesday 27th December) from 12.00-3.00pm, when hot drinks, cakes and biscuits will be on offer in a warm and friendly space. Please keep your eye on the village noticeboards and social media for any updates. For further information, to organise a lift, or to arrange for someone to accompany you, please contact Helen on 07787 734973 or email hmeridew@btinternet.com.

Susan van de Ven

Closure of Meldreth High Street Meldreth High Street will be closed between Elin Way and Fenny Lane from 5th to 9th December for “two large patch repairs”.

Judy Damant, Meldreth Parish Council Clerk

Richard Burns

Daniel Anderson, Friendly Gardening Service

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Meldreth Matters: Deliverers We would like to say a huge “thank you” to the following people who delivered MM during 2022: Ann & Nick Askham, Kathryn & Ralph Betts, Roger Brown, Jan Butchers, Richard Charter, Linda Clarke, Ron Comben, Beverley Cottrell, Lawrence & Sharon Dunford, Tina Evenden, Lesley Farbridge, Chris Hill, David Hollamby, Daphne Jones-Barrie, Peter Knight, Jean Lawrence, Hilary Marsh, Judy & Ken McLean, Helen Munday, Lesley Pemberton, Maggie & David Smith, Rosie Smith, Ann Thomson, Claire Thunder, Lin & Roger Wallbridge, the Walter family, Bonny Ward and Nola Willers together with any family members who may have helped them out!

The Meldreth Matters Team

Carols at the British Queen Monday 19th December Join us at 7.00 pm at The British Queen for our annual village get together.

Pauline Penfold

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Notice of Resignation of our Vicar Lizzie Murgatroyd-Shipp The Revd. Dr Lizzie Murgatroyd-Shipp has announced her resignation as Vicar of Holy Trinity, Meldreth and All Saints, Melbourn as of 31st October 2022.

It is with great regret that, upon returning from Maternity Leave, Lizzie has not found it possible to combine parenthood and ministry at this stage of her family’s life, and so whilst she remains a priest, she has decided to take some time out from full-time stipendiary ministry. We send Lizzie and her family our good wishes and prayers as they begin a new stage in their lives.

We are now in a 'vacancy'. Our Archdeacon, Alex Hughes, has assured us that he will begin the procedure for engaging a new priest as soon as possible.

Our thanks go to Revd. Mary Price and Pat Smith for all they continue to do in our two parishes.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Churchwardens.

David Coton, 07749 850026, david@coton.me.uk Julie Draper, (01763) 260323, juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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Meldreth Marvells Cycling Group We all enjoy our social snack break on our Tuesday rides, including our recent stop at Madingley Hall (pictured). The rather grand building has a simple café offering moderate priced refreshments and pleasant seating, near the main hall. In mild weather, we sit outside; the vistas of the beautiful gardens and grounds, giving us special pleasure.

From time to time we discover new locations, such as the bakery in Photograph by David Marsh Eddington, where they serve delicious cakes and coffee. As we explore more of South Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, so we find more new bridleways and refreshment stops. Do join us: we now have cyclists on a mixture of electric and conventional cycles, catering for all abilities, as long as you can manage up to 25 miles or so.

John Rogger

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Coffee Morning Our November Coffee Morning was attended by about 40 people, who gathered to hear what Meldreth was like in the 1950s. MLHG member Alan Williams gave the presentation, weaving Meldreth’s story into what was happening at the time nationally.

MLHG Merchandise Christmas cards and tea towels (pictured) may be purchased by emailing info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or contacting me on (01763) 260129.

Christmas cards cost £5 for a pack of ten or 60p per card and the tea towels, which make perfect stocking fillers, are just £5 each.

For our other merchandise, which includes notelets and walk booklets, please see our website: https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/about/how-to-help/merchandise.

Joan Gane, Chairman 7

Lift Off Choir This time of year always brings excitement at choir as we head towards the festive season. It's lovely to visit well known carols and Christmas songs and sing with joy.

We are taking part in several performances and community singsongs in the coming weeks. If you would like to join us, we will be singing on 18th December at Meldreth Church Carol Service and on 19th December for Carols at the British Queen in Meldreth.

If you would like to come along and give choir ago we would love to see you. We are a friendly bunch and meet every Wednesday during term time at Meldreth Village Hall from 1.30pm-2.45pm. For more information, please contact me on 07548 247755.

Clare Silver

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We met in October to make our decorations for our Christmas tree ready for the Advent Christmas Tree Festival in Meldreth; we adapted our theme from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to a royal theme with colours of red, white and blue. As usual we were heard to cry ‘I can’t do this’ but various crown-shaped decorations were made amongst others. We hope you got a chance to see them at the Christmas Tree Festival. We were pleased to welcome a new member and it was a chance for us to chat among ourselves amid the laughs and groans!

In November we met in Melbourn and Pat Smith led us on an Advent reflection.

We do not meet in December and our next meeting will be on Tuesday 24th January 2023, when we will have our AGM in Melbourn. We will receive reports and accounts and hopefully elect some new members to the committee as several are standing down this year. We will also choose our charity to support for the year so please come with some suggestions and we will vote if there is more than one suggestion. We will receive the programme for the following year which has been finalised and the formal business will be concluded quickly.

Afterwards we will have a bring and share supper.

If you would like to know more about the group, need a lift to meetings or would like a copy of our programme please contact any of the following committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (10763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Diane Blundell (01763) 4221415.

Pat Smith 8

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com The December programme is as follows: 6th 2nd Open PDI Competition. Judge: Jonathan Vaines 13th POV Judging IR Photography – Lecture by Peter North Please note that the club will not meet on 20th or 27th December or 3rd January due to the Club Christmas recess and meal.

Meetings are held weekly at 7.30 pm to 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from Sept to April.

The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability. 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 meetings for free before deciding.

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

Peter North Secretary

Friends of Holy Trinity Notes for December A request has been made by the PCC to fund additional electrical safety measures to reduce fire risk and to support funding major drainage improvements.

Future Talks Meredith Bowles will give his talk early next year entitled “Modern Houses in East Anglia”. See https://www.molearchitects.co.uk.

Tom Heap is currently busy presenting The Daily Climate Show on Sky News and will give his talk early next year.

John Price PC Repairs

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Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning

Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

Call today on 01223 863 632

E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk 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

Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

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 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 10

December Events at Melbourn Hub 1st Carer's cafe, 2.00-3.30pm (run by Meridian PCN) 8th Menopause cafe, 10.00am-12.00pm (run by Meridian PCN) 11th Covid vaccinations walk-in session 10.00am-3.00pm 19th Healthy You Free Health Checks For more information on the above, please call the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

MADS Pantomime Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) are celebrating their 10th Anniversary, with a pantomime production of ‘Dick Whittington’ written by Tom Whalley, full of colourful characters, music and fun for all the family at a time when we all need some cheer!

Formed by Melbourn resident Donna Sleight, MADS provides affordable and locally accessible entertainment for the community and in the last ten years MADS have performed a number of pantomimes, variety shows and murder mysteries to multiple audiences.

The group produce their own scenery, props and costumes and each performance relies on a variety of people to either act, direct, operate sound and lights or carry out props and scenery changes etc. MADS always welcomes new people who would like to help either with performing on the stage or with the very important work needed behind the scenes!

‘Dick Whittington’ will be at Meldreth village hall for four shows in early December as follows, Friday 2nd at 7.30pm, Saturday 3rd at 2.00pm and 7.30pm and Sunday 4th at 2.00pm.

Tickets are available online via melbournamdram.co.uk and cost £10 for adults and £8 for under 16s. There will also be a licensed bar and a Christmas raffle. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay booking yours to join in with the interactive pantomime fun. You’ll have a great time – oh yes you will!

Donna Sleight Please Support Meldreth Matters To advertise in the magazine, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176. Our rates are on page 52 of this issue.

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Shepreth Spitfires www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk Shepreth Spitfires are having a fantastic season across all teams, and have had some fantastic results of late. The u9s who played on the dug outs pitch in Meldreth for the first time had a superb 6-1 win last week; and, on the pitch opposite them, 19 Squadron got a 3-2 win with one lad scoring all three goals. The under 13s 66 Squadron are also doing superbly well. 66 sqn went through in the Cambridgeshire Cup beating a team two divisions above them in an epic 3-1 thriller.

The Spitfires now have another two older brothers doing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards with us and another new youth referee. This is great for the community, using football to also support and develop life skills among the boys and girls of this age. As a club, we have further been supporting one of our players who is a bit poorly at the moment; and a lovely thing happened last week when, in true Premier League style, one of the lads, who had written a thoughtful message on his undershirt for his team mate, showed it to all of the parents when he scored a goal in his cup match. This went 'viral' on the secure club messaging site, proving what a beautiful game football is.

The Spitfires are very much looking forward to the England v Wales match on the new big sports screen at the Eternit Sports and Social Club, which will mean pizza and fizzy pop all round. The Football Club’s Christmas Fundraiser, which this year is a multi sports and design competition, is also eagerly anticipated by all of the children.

If anyone would like to join the Spitfires please use our web page www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk. A wonderful Christmas to you all from the Shepreth Spitfires Football teams.

Lucy Smith

N J Chapman

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

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

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

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1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es Club Charity - LUPUS

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk/web Back in time in Meldreth Our topics in Key Stage 2 this term have transported our children back in time, with our 7 – 9 year olds learning about what life would have been like for people in Victorian times just before our school was built in 1910. The children have explored what changes have taken place in life in Meldreth since the introduction of Meldreth’s railway station in 1851; and have studied the jobs people had, what clothes they wore and what the lives of children were like, designing their own Victorian outfits and using our sewing skills to create them.

To get a better understanding of Victorian life, the children dressed in Victorian style clothing and encountered a classroom full of strict Victorian teachers. Boys and girls were separated, with a different curriculum reflecting the needs of the time. Children learnt hymns, times tables, dictation and etiquette.

Here is what the children said about their day: ‘Victorian Mrs Elwood was scary, I much prefer teachers and school nowadays.’ (Evie, Kite Class) ‘I really enjoyed sewing, I wish we could sew all day at school.’ (Alice, Osprey Class) ‘I really enjoyed the manual labour, I liked getting all dirty and muddy.’ (Declan, Kite Class) ‘Mr Hargreaves made a great Victorian teacher, but I like him better when he is not a Victorian teacher.’ (Bobby, Kite Class).

This term our 9 - 11 year olds have been learning about life during World War II. The children can confidently discuss rationing, air raids, the evacuation of children, the role of women and Extract from the school log book, 6th June 1940 the causes and consequences of the war. They have been pouring over the school logbook from the 1940s and found reference to the twelve evacuees who came to Meldreth School in November 1939 and of an unplanned air raid in 1940 where all schoolchildren were sent to local houses to take shelter.

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The children celebrated Remembrance Day at IWM Duxford, with a two-minute silence to mark the end of the First World War and to provide time to contemplate lives lost in all wars and conflicts.

Sasha Howard Headteacher

1st Melbourn Guides As we reach the end of a Covid-restriction-free year, it’s nice to look back on the fun and adventures the girls have enjoyed in 2022.

During the summer term we had a day trip to Thorpe Park and a taster camp in Steeple Morden.

The long hot summer weather kindly held out for our summer camp, a special week-long event at Hautbois in Norfolk with Guides from across Cambridgeshire. As well as the classic activities such as kayaking and abseiling, there was belly dancing and drumming, and we also had a wealth of unusual crafts to try out, such as pyrography and glass etching, with some time to sketch, colour-in and relax with pens and paint.

We started the autumn term with a full unit of 30 girls, including eleven new starters from three Brownie packs. We have been working on the ‘Express Myself’ Skills Builder badge. The girls have experimented with different materials to make a zipwire for a teddy, and made a large collage to tell a story. Using tissue paper, pipe cleaners, lolly sticks, felt and paint, they created some fabulous artwork.

Cooking is a favourite Guide activity, and this term we challenged the girls to make a vegetarian Korma curry and rice, with apple crumble tarts for dessert.

After much chopping of vegetables, stirring of sauces, and rolling of pastry, they produced some delicious meals, together with a lot of washing up!

We have shown our commitment to serving the community by running a children’s toy tombola at the All Saints Autumn Fayre and joining the Remembrance parade in Melbourn. Our outing this term is to Clip n Climb indoor climbing centre in Cambridge and we will finish the term with Christmas crafts.

Our Guide unit is full and has a waiting list, but if you would like to know more about become a Guide or a leader, 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 15

First Meldreth Brownies This term has been busy as ever for First Meldreth Brownies. Some joined a county event staying overnight at Duxford and working on their Aviation badge.

We have enjoyed making armpit fudge and campfire biscuits to commemorate Bonfire Night.

We are preparing Christmas decorations for the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival and composed the following poem for Remembrance. Two Brownies read it beautifully at the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial. We also had Brownies lay a wreath and parade with our flag.

At this memorial today we are grateful for the strong, brave, people from the past.

People that were loved, Family that have died.

At this memorial today we consider the heart-breaking sadness of their death.

Even if it is sad we still need to be happy, Think of happy times we had with them, Not just news that they are dead.

At this memorial today we thank the fierce soldiers that died for our country.

Even if they are dead you still love them.

We are proud War is scary and confusing, Full of death and sorrow.

The horrible things they faced, they faced for us.

They strived for our country.

Caring for others Peace for us.

At this memorial today, And everywhere every day, We are grateful The Owls and Marigold

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Things for Children and Families To Do Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, 10.00am-10.30am Melbourn Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn SG8 6DZ Children’s story time. Also, throughout December children can post their letter to Santa and take part in a colouring competition.

Saturdays and Sundays 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th plus Friday 23rd December, 10.00am - 5.00pm Christmas and Winter Activities, The Grand Arcade, Cambridge, Floor 1 Cambridge Science Centre will be helping with hands-on activities such as DNA paper chains and melting snowmen. Play the EvoLOOTion Game. Free, drop in.

Thursday 8th December, 7.00pm - 8.00pm Christmas Corals and Santa Claws: Winter Wildlife Livestream Join the Museum of Zoology live via YouTube to explore underwater worlds. Be creative - make a paper puppet and choose a new Santa Claws then ask a scientist questions. Register for a free place on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Friday 9th December, 7.00pm - 10.00pm Festive Fire and Magic, The Willow Tree, 29, High St, Bourn CB23 2SQ Sit in fairy-lit gardens with fire pit or in teepees, both with show-stopping magic acts and entertainment while you dine. Hot chocolate or mulled wine and show included; £10 adults, £5 children. Meals extra. See eventbrite.co.uk.

Saturday 10th December, 10.00am - 4.00pm Dickensian Christmas, Royston Museum, Lower King St, SG8 5AL Play festive Victorian games, make decorations, listen to carols, drink mulled wine (adults!) and meet Father Christmas in the grotto.

See www.roystonmuseum.org.uk.

Sunday 11th December, 1.00pm - 4.00pm Studio Sunday Special, Kettle’s Yard, Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Renowned carnival artists will be there to help you create artworks inspired by the current exhibition. Suitable for ages 3 - 11(with parents). Free, drop in.

Thursday 15th December, 4.00pm - 6.00pm Family Natural Craft, Cambourne Library, Sackville Way CB23 6HL Make rustic seasonal decorations with natural and recycled materials as gifts or to hang on your tree. For ages 5+. Drop-in, free. Donations welcome. www.wildlifebcn.org.

Saturday 17th December Farmers on Christmas Light Tour Over 100 decorated tractors and farm vehicles will drive through Baldock, Hitchin and Letchworth supporting Garden House Hospice. For the route and times see www.ghhospicecare.org.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 17

Things to Do in December Here are some things happening in December in the local area. If you would like to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Throughout December, 9.30am to 4.00pm Christmas at Anglesey Abbey Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ The ground floor of the house will be full of magical Christmas decorations and don’t miss the show-stopping tree in the hallway. NB During December entry to the house needs to be pre-booked at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/angleseyabbey-gardens-and-lode-mill/whats-on. Local schools, community choirs and bands will provide festive music at weekends. Then try the Winter Gardens walk for dazzling colours and the scent of winter-flowering honeysuckle. Free to National Trust members but otherwise please check website for admission charges.

Saturday 3rd December, 11.00am to 3.30pm Haslingfield Outdoor Christmas Market Methodist Church, 25 High Street, Haslingfield CB23 1JW Popular and well attended event held in the church grounds with crafts, cards, gifts, seasonal decorations and food. Home-Start needs volunteers to run their stall - if you can help at all please contact Tracy on 01763 26222 or email: events@hsrc.org.uk. Thank you!

Saturday 3rd December, 7.30 pm Orwell Singers Christmas Concert Village Hall, 36 High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN The varied programme will include English, Irish, French and Spanish songs and ballads, followed by some traditional Christmas carols for the audience to join in.

Tickets at the door, £10, to include a small buffet. Drinks also available, plus a raffle. An early Christmas treat!

Monday 5th December, 5.00pm and 6.45pm Carols for Ukraine (Yellow and Blue concerts, 90 minutes each) Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ This year these annual Rotary concerts will raise funds for the Rotary Club of Kharkiv International to buy a much-needed ambulance. The two concerts follow one another to maximise the number of schools taking part. Tickets (unreserved) £10, children under 18 £5, available on the door or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

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Tuesday 6th December, 10.00am to 12.00pm Winter Tree Walk Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, CB22 3AE Learn how to identify our native trees using bark, buds, shape and form. Guided walk around Wandlebury led by one of the park wardens. Meet at the noticeboard in the car park. Free but donations to their conservation work welcome. See www.cambridgeppf.org.

Wednesday 7th December, 10.00am to 12noon Guided Walk at The Lodge Sandy RSPB Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL A walk led by Betty Cooke who is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of natural history at the RSPB’s flagship reserve. No charge, just turn up - suggested donations of around £2 would be appreciated. Wear good walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Park in the Gatehouse car park (free to RSPB members). www.bcn.org.

Thursday 8th December, 12noon to 6.00pm A Taste of Christmas Bury Lane Farm Shop, A10, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6DF Local farm shop offers an opportunity to meet some of their favourite suppliers and try their delicious products.

Saturday 10th December, 11.00am to 4.00pm The Granary’s Christmas Market Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP Supporting local makers and creators, craftspeople and collectors, this festive market takes place in the Granary’s sheltered courtyard. Live seasonal music, popup food, mulled wine, Christmas trees and extended opening hours in the café.

Free and no need to book.

Friday 16th December, 6.30pm - doors open at 6.00pm Maggie’s Cambridge Christmas Carol Service St John’s College Chapel, St John’s Street, Cambridge CB2 1TW The cancer charity’s annual Christmas Carol Service takes place in the beautiful St John’s College Chapel. The Serenata Choir will be performing traditional and modern carols with a chance for you to join in. Tickets £15 available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maggies-cambridge-christmas-carol-service-tickets.

Sunday 18th December, 7.30pm Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Enjoy a magical Christmas concert in the spectacular setting of Ely Cathedral. The renowned Piccadilly Sinfonietta will perform pieces by Chopin, Corelli and Vivaldi including the epic Four Seasons. Wrap up warmly - those stone floors can be cold! Tickets from £19. Book at www.elycathedral.org.

Compiled by John Crawforth 19

Meldreth Traffic Group Report The Meldreth Traffic Group meets regularly to continue its work on traffic-related issues, which affect all of us, in the village. We have developed new Terms of Reference for the Group, which have been forwarded to the Parish Council for approval.

One new volunteer has joined the Group, but we remain keen to enlist additional volunteers to contribute to our work – the more of us there are, the more changes and traffic improvements we can achieve. We cannot take road safety for granted; please help us make Meldreth a safer place to live.

Meldreth Speedwatch In the period from 26th August to 19th October 2022, our speed monitor was sited on Whitecroft Road, where the speed limit is 30mph. Nearly half the vehicles leaving the village and nearly a third of those arriving, were exceeding 30mph, which is disappointing.

Traffic arriving into Meldreth from the crossroads.

Evaluation time 26 August 2022 to 19 October 2022 Speed Limit 30 mph

Speed Violations 28%

Average Daily Vehicles

Vehicles Number 22,587

Average Speed (mph) 26

Maximum Speed (mph) 63

418

Traffic leaving Meldreth towards the crossroads.

Evaluation time 26 August 2022 to 19 October 2022 Speed Vehicles Average Maximum Speed Limit Violations Number Speed (mph) Speed (mph) 30 mph 43% 27,972 24 71 Average Daily Vehicles 518 The Parish Council has supported a recommendation by this group to purchase a second Speed Indicator Device (SID). We will soon be able to have two devices “on duty” to monitor speeds.

20mph Schemes in Cambridgeshire This is a new priority area for Cambridgeshire County Council and a funding scheme to support this will open in 2023.

Since our last report, we have actively discussed the idea of a village-wide 20mph scheme for Meldreth. To take this forward, we will need to define the scope of scheme, work out costs and plan consultation within the village. Please join us and help make this initiative a reality.

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Our neighbouring village of Melbourn has recently completed a statutory public consultation on a 20mph scheme. Elements of support for 20mph were also included in the plans for the “Melbourn Greenway” – an active travel route that will make it easier for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to travel between Royston and Cambridge.

The Melbourn Greenway Scheme also proposes a number of road, footway and cycle initiatives to improve safety to and around Meldreth Station. We are making enquiries, as to whether we can reduce the risk of accidents on the bridge by asking for double white “no passing” lines to be included on Station Road railway bridge and delivered for Meldreth as part of the Greenway improvements.

Road and Footway Condition Problems We continue to urge residents to report these and other highway issues such as disappearing road markings by using the online reporting system [see page 23].

We hope that this is a useful summary of our current work.

Report Highway Faults: highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk Contact Meldreth Parish Clerk: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Any questions about the Meldreth Traffic Group please contact Councillor Adam Bostanci.

Meldreth Traffic Group

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family.

We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week.

How can I join?

For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976.

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

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Reporting a Highway Problem If you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding, or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online.

1. Go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

2. Click Report > Report a highways fault. Then click on the blue box, “Report a highways fault online”.

3. The link takes you to a map of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a ‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole, as this measurement affects the response time from the council.

4. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can track progress on a fault already reported.

Meldreth Parish Council

Hedges and Trees Would all residents please look at their trees and hedges and make sure that they are not overgrowing public footways or blocking street lights.

Winter is now fast approaching and overhanging vegetation will soon be wet or full of snow. It is not acceptable that pedestrians, along with wheelchair and pushchair users, have to go onto the roads to avoid overhanging vegetation.

Meldreth Parish Council

Melbourn and District U3A melbu3a.org The new Chair of Melbourn and District u3a, Andrea Burton, is planning an exciting new year for a flourishing local group. She writes: "Despite the name, the u3a is not a traditional university. Members meet in groups to share knowledge and expertise in a wide range of subjects and activities. Meeting regularly in private homes or small halls, they pursue their subject in whichever way they choose.

There are about 30 local groups on subjects ranging from Art to Yoga, short walks to aviation history. Once a month we have a speaker’s meeting for everyone.

These are held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Eternit Social Club in Meldreth. Membership is only £13 per year. We will be happy to see you.

You can visit our website, melbu3a.org. or email chair@melbu3a.org.

David Blundell 23

Brainstorming on Buses and other ways of getting around – how might our travel habits change?

The 915 bus is gone and the 26 is in place, but running only two hourly instead of hourly, and funded with public subsidy only until March 31. The 17 too is funded until March 31. What next for those who rely on buses, now or in the future?

This month, there are several opportunities to shape the future of transport in our area.

Cam Vale Bus User Group Meetings Three meetings to gauge what people would like future bus services to look like, will be held in December – all welcome: 6th December, 10.00-11.00am Bassingbourn, Old School Community Centre 9th December, 12.00-1.00pm Meldreth, Elin Way Sheltered Housing Room 9th December, 2.00-3.00pm Melbourn Hub

Making Connections 2022 Consultation The Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) 'Making Connections’ 2022 consultation closes at midday on 23rd December 2022.

Transforming the Bus Network From mid-2023, GCP is proposing to transform the bus network through new routes, additional services, cheaper fares and longer operating hours.

Investing in Other Sustainable Travel Schemes Alongside the bus network, GCP is proposing to invest in new sustainable travel schemes, such as better walking and cycling links.

Creating a Sustainable Travel Zone GCP is proposing the introduction of a Sustainable Travel Zone which includes a road user charge or congestion charge. Vehicles would be charged for driving within the zone between 7.00am and 7.00pm on weekdays and money raised would fund improvements to the bus network and other sustainable travel schemes. The Zone would be fully operational in 2027/28, but only after the bus improvements are introduced.

The idea is that attractive alternatives to driving must exist prior to the introduction of a congestion charge – which, once in place, would provide the revenue to run the scheme long-term. The initial set-up outlay would be funded by the GCP, itself funded by central government on a time-limited basis.

However, points of local detail are vital and in their best form these can only be provided by local residents based on their everyday travel needs. All information and the consultation can be found online: http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/mc-2022.

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor and Adam Bostanci, Meldreth Parish Councillor 24

Community Rail Partnership meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk Meldreth Station Ticket Office The refurbishment of the Meldreth ticket office is progressing and at the same time GTR will be moving to online ticketing for the car park.

Melbourn-Meldreth Underpass This project is progressing well, with grants secured from GTR, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Community Rail Development Fund. The first phase to go ahead is likely to be a lighting pillar so that the underpass lights can come on earlier and stay on later.

Cleaning and repainting the underpass to maximise reflected light will take place in the spring.

Melbourn Greenway The public consultation on the Melbourn Greenway, which includes the Meldreth Station link, has now closed, and we await the result.

Train Timetable It looks as if there will be no change to the timetable on 11th December, so keeping half-hourly peak and hourly off-peak trains. GTR are keeping a very close eye on ridership, so increasing that will be the only way to get additional services back. Current usage is at about 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with Tuesdays to Thursdays being the most popular days to travel.

Shepreth Level Crossing We are awaiting a decision on whether the application for a Transport and Works Act Order for the Meldreth Road Shepreth Level Crossing will go to a public enquiry. We should hear by 2nd December.

Station Gardening Many thanks to the Meldreth Station gardening team for replanting the tubs on the platforms. It has been lovely to receive compliments on the new winter planting. And thanks also to the Meldreth Veg Club team for a planting session at the station on 10th November, which included planting shrubs in the cleared area behind the bike stand. [See page 31.]

Other News The DfT have approved our Community Rail Partnership’s re-Accreditation, which means we continue to have access to the Community Rail Development Fund for projects next year.

We will be setting a date in the spring for a cycle repair cafe at the station.

Our annual report is on our website: https://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk/wp -content/uploads/2022/05/MSFCRP-Annual-Report-2021-22.pdf Sarah Grove and Susan van de Ven Sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com 25

Meldreth Village Dia Monday Village Advent Trail See back cover for details

Tuesday Please check classes/ groups before attending over the Christmas period as full information was not available at the time of going to press

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes)

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8.00-9.00pm Zumba 9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Wednesday

See page 37 Refuse Collections for all Black bins: 6th, 20th holiday Blue bins: 13th, 29th* collections Green bins: 13th * changed date due to public holidays

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

Thurs

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm (see page 3) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish

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9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub (see page 3) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

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9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm (see page 3) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub (see page 3) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 12.00-3.00pm (see page 3) 6.00-6.45pm P

9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows

10.45-11.30 Mob Library 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-3.00pm (see page 3) 6.00-6.45pm P

8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-3.00pm (see page 3) 7.00-9.00pm T

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12 13 14 1 Deadline for January Issue

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 7.00pm Carols at the BQ 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

7.00-9.00pm T

19 20 21 2

7.00-9.00pm T

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates Last day of term

9.15am Cycling Group

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Church services, Women’s Group meetings and FOHT talks are held in Holy Trinity Church. The M Holy Trinity Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings & Warm Hub are in the Com

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ry - December 2022

sday

pm ulti classes) m Warm Hub

1

Acro Pilates Table Tennis h Council

pm ulti classes) m Warm Hub

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Acro Pilates Table Tennis

pm ultiple

Friday 9.30am Slimming World 7.30pm Panto: Dick Whittington (see page 11)

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9.30am Slimming World

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Saturday

Sunday

2.00pm & 7.30pm Panto: Dick Whittington (see page 11)

9.45am Sung Eucharist

2.00-4.00pm Memory Café: Upwood Ukulele Band Christmas Show

8.00am Said Eucharist

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2.00pm Panto: Dick Whittington (see page 11)

4

10 11 9.45am Sung Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World

4.00pm Carol Service

5 16 17 18

m Warm Hub

Pilates

Table Tennis

m Warm Hub

9.30am Slimming World

10.00am Sung Eucharist

2 23 24 25

Pilates

Table Tennis

m Warm Hub

9.30am Slimming World

9 30 31

Table Tennis

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

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

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Work Resumes in Melwood www.melwood.org.uk There have been two working parties in Melwood since summer gave way to autumn. Both concentrated on cutting and clearing the dead remains of summer growth and opening up the soil for new seedlings and new plantings. Most of the western side of the wood has been cut and 100 English bluebell bulbs have been planted. The cut will also help expose one of the large areas of snowdrops when they emerge early in the New Year. Areas where, in previous years, primroses and oxlips have flowered were also cleared of tall vegetation that might otherwise have smothered their early growth.

The combination of warm temperatures and occasional heavy rainstorms has led to some vigorous growth of both grass and broad-leave plants in the meadow and nettles have spread in many places. These are now becoming invasive and will need some serious effort to contain them. The centre of the meadow was cut in late summer but the edges were left, so these are now due to be cut and the woodland edge was completed by the early October working party. The western edge will be cut later, taking care to protect woodland margin species that we hope will flourish on this sunnier side. The whole area will need a further cut before spring, to ensure cowslips have a chance to grow.

We are keeping a close watch on the Ash trees for evidence of Ash die-back disease and one mature tree in the centre of the wood is looking clearly less healthy than those around it. Fortunately, being away from footpaths, it does not pose an obvious and immediate threat to the public but it may need to be removed in the next year or two. It will be replaced with another local native species to help to maintain continuity of woodland in the reserve.

Sadly, within hours of the end of the working party, a bush near the seat on the edge of the reserve had been vandalised, apparently by a local young teenager. It will need to be coppiced to tidy up the damage and hopefully stimulate recovery from ground level but ten years of progress towards an attractive resource of spring-flowering and autumn fruiting has been lost or at least put back.

Cleaning and repair of nest boxes will be important this year and should probably be tackled before Christmas, as birds often use the boxes for shelter in the worst of the weather in January and February, not to mention the frequent discomfort of working in the wood in those months. More work on trees and bushes is also scheduled for the winter months, when they are dormant.

We hope to be able to tackle spring and early summer tasks such as control of cleavers and hedge parsley (after flowering) in 2022 without the interruption of Covid lockdowns.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group 29

A Meldreth Garden In the dark of winter, with limited opportunity to garden, read a classic like Christopher Lloyd’s ‘In My Garden’ - the diaries of Great Dixter. His observations and dry wit remain unparalleled.

Looking back, we had an exceptional spring, utter disaster of a summer and an outstanding autumn when flowering went on and on. I am progressing the shady bed described last month, having dug up and moved some snowdrops to this area.

Not the time to move, but we shall see. A good shrub for winter that will have a place in the shady bed is Mahonia Japonica, with its bright yellow scented racemes of flower at this time of year. Note, not Mahonia Aquifolium a runty, suckering, tedious plant. I will be removing leaves from the lower branches of bamboos to reveal the yellow and black stems of non-invasive ‘phyllostachys’, which looks good and provides light to the understory.

Spring weather has become unreliably dry and difficult, so I have been sowing seeds of perennials normally sown in the spring, scabious, red hot poker ‘Knopfia’, knapweed, Coneflower ‘Echinacea purpurea alba’, a white cultivar that I lost in the drought. I will bring them on in the greenhouse or cold frame if they germinate and hopefully survive the winter.

In the allotment I have planted broad beans and peas, cut down autumn fruiting raspberry canes, weeded the beds and removed dead and dying leaves to the compost heap. I have staked tall brassicas; broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts and covo, a perennial kale from Zimbabwe that can only be grown from cuttings. It was donated to me by one of the African allotmenteers.

Here are a few jobs to do now: Flower Garden  Prune deciduous trees, hedges and shrubs (prune evergreens in spring). Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls).  Prune wisteria shoots to two buds. My wisteria died.  Check winter protection is still securely in place, large tubs at risk of cracking in the frost should be covered with bubble wrap, hessian or fleece.  Check that greenhouse heaters are working if you use them, insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing, if cold.  Tender plants should be brought into the greenhouse or conservatory, if not done already.  Continue to cut back faded herbaceous perennials, e.g., remove faded blooms from autumn flowering heathers.  Alpines can be sown from seed this month. They need a period of frost to break the seed dormancy. Clear leaves and debris from alpines, they have no tolerance to damp.

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 Apply a mulch to protect plants that are borderline hardy. Soil conditioner is available free from waste recycling sites in Waterbeach, Alconbury and March. I take a chance in leaving my dahlias in the ground with a thick mulch, having taken cuttings as a back-up.  Hellebores, or Christmas/lenten rose: cut away this year’s old and tattered foliage and mulch. Flowers look more spectacular without grubby leaves surrounding them and it removes the fungus hellebore leaf spot.  Bring forced bulbs into a warm room to encourage them to flower once you see the green bud developing.

Vegetable Garden  Dig up and divide old clumps of rhubarb.  Sow onion seeds.  Check stored fruit and vegetables and dispose of anything that's begun to rot.  Cut back grapevines.  Prune gooseberries and currants.  Mulch asparagus and berried fruit bushes.

Hats off to the team maintaining the flower barrels at Meldreth Railway Station, it’s been a superb show.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

Station Garden The Meldreth Veg Club has been working to plant a garden on a patch of derelict ground at Meldreth Station.

It has been planted with shrubs and roses.

The project was a cooperation between the Veg Club and the Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership.

Meldreth Veg Club hope to continue to maintain the garden area at the station.

Members of Meldreth Veg Club Photograph by Sarah Grove

Margaret Lynch

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In Praise Of … … Pears Each month the focus will be on seasonal fruit and vegetables with some recipes to inspire you. This month it is pears: pears can be thick- or thin-skinned with juicy, sweet flesh that can be buttery or slightly granular in texture, depending on the variety. The main British-grown varieties are Doyenne du Comice, Conference and Concorde. Comice has a meltingly soft texture, while Conference is slightly more granular. Concorde, a cross of the two pears, is buttery-textured.

Pear and Chocolate Cake Preheat the oven to 180ºC or gas mark 4. Bake 20 mins Ingredients 100g caster sugar 100g butter or soft baking spread 2 eggs 100g self-raising flour

25g cocoa powder 50g dark chocolate chips 1 x 5ml spoon baking powder 2 pears

Method Grease and/or line a single sandwich tin. Cream the sugar and fat together, ideally using an electric hand whisk, until light and fluffy. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Add the beaten egg, a little at a time, to the fat and sugar. Sift the flour, cocoa and baking powder into a bowl, or onto a plate or piece of greaseproof paper. Fold the flour, baking powder, cocoa and chocolate chips into the mixture, a spoonful at a time. Spread the mixture in the cake tin. Core the pears and slice thinly. Arrange the pear slices over the cake mix.

Place in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, until golden brown and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Spiced Poached Pears with Blackberries Preparation time less than 30 mins, cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour, serves 8 Ingredients 1 lemon, 1 orange 750ml red wine 200g fresh root ginger 1 cinnamon stick 4 whole cloves 5 fennel seeds

1 fresh bay leaf 1 sprig rosemary 500g caster sugar 300g frozen blackberries 8 pears, peeled and cored leaving top stem intact

Method Using a vegetable peeler, pare the zest from half the orange and the half lemon, then squeeze the juice from each fruit.

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In a large saucepan over a medium heat, bring the orange and lemon zest, wine, ginger, spices, herbs, sugar and blackberries to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid into a clean pan and return the cinnamon stick to the strained mixture.

Add the pears and any juices and simmer over a very low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the pears are tender, turning once.

Lift the pears carefully from the liquid and set aside. Simmer the sauce until the volume of liquid is reduced by two-thirds, then strain through a fine sieve.

The pears can be eaten warm or at room temperature. Pour the sauce over the pears and serve alongside custard or ice cream.

Jane O’Hagan

Volunteer Drivers Desperately Needed Royston & District Community Transport need more volunteer drivers in this area to help them provide their vital service to the community.

For more information or to volunteer, please see www.roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.

The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 3rd November 2022 This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions District and County Reports The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for the very useful information they continue to provide each month; the latest report can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 41-43 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

All residents are asked to take part in the public consultation about the Cambridge “City Access” proposal (of which a congestion charge forms part) as there are important issues relating to access to the City and key services. It was noted that there is no current plan to include the Trumpington Park and Ride within the restricted zone but the situation regarding hospitals remains unclear.

It is important for residents to make their views known about local bus services and what services are needed in the future to ensure that journeys by bus can become a priority choice for local bus travel. There will be public meetings about this question and everyone is urged to take part, as this is an essential ingredient in organising our future travel alternatives. The consultation closes at midday on 23rd December. For details of the proposals and to access the survey, see http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/mc-2022.

MCCS Good progress is being achieved in setting up “Warm Hub” facilities at the Elin Way Community Room and by the time this summary goes to press the scheme should be well under way [see page 3]. The food bank [page 49] has similarly been established at the Community Room.

Recreation Ground and Pavilion Most of our equipment remains in good order. Repairs and adjustments are being carried out as quickly as possible, subject to the availability of contractors.

The Council has investigated and will now purchase more robust dog signs for installation at the Recreation Ground.

Village Infrastructure Some of the necessary work has now been completed to repair and/or install equipment and the Council remains in good contact with its contractors over 34

outstanding issues. It was agreed to add repairing the roof of the stocks bus shelter to the list of work needing to be carried out.

Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD) The Council looks forward to the activities of MAYD being resumed and has made its contribution to the next period of funding.

Traffic Working Group The Group has a list of projects that will now be taken forward in discussions with Highways; these include central road line markings (no overtaking) on the railway bridge and the possibility of a 20 mph speed limit in the village. It is considered that lower speed limits on our village roads will hopefully have the desired effect of reducing traffic speeds but will also provide a more favourable background to the consideration of other traffic calming measures.

Flower Tubs The Council welcomes the plantings both at the railway station and on the green verge opposite the village shop and will continue to give financial support for these pleasing village features. We thank the railway group and other volunteers for their valued assistance in running these projects.

Community Projects The Working Group, the successor to the Futures group, is now actively engaged in considering village projects. It has four projects under current review and will report its recommendations to the next Council meeting. The Group will continue to welcome ideas and proposals from members of the village community.

Finance Working Group This Group is meeting shortly to set the budget for the next financial year and to consider the future strategy for the management and allocation of community funds from our local solar farms.

Next Council meeting: 1st December 2022 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Dog Fouling It has come to the attention of the Parish Council that there is an increasing amount of dog mess being left on the Recreation Ground. There are new signs asking for dogs to be kept on leads and one of the reasons for this is to be able to monitor where dogs are exercising.

Dog fouling has been found, not only on the football pitch but also increasingly within the children’s play area. This is just not acceptable.

Meldreth Parish Council 35

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

(01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci

07400 236329

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon

(01763) 262822

c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr Helen Meridew

07787 734973

helenmeridew@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt56@gmail.com

vacant

Meldreth Parish Council Va c a n c y Have you thought of becoming a Parish Councillor?

There is now a vacancy for a co-opted member.

Closing Date: Friday 16th December 2022 The Parish Council meet every first Thursday of the month, apart from August.

If you have applied before but were unsuccessful, please do not let that stop you from reapplying.

If you are interested or would like further details, please contact the Parish Clerk: Mrs Judy Damant, Meldreth Parish Council, Sheltered Communal Building, Elin Way, Royston, SG8 6LT Tel: 01763 269928 Email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk 36

Cop27 What's behind this acronym that flashes up in the news?

It's the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference, held annually since 1995 following the first UN climate agreement in 1992. Since then, the sea level has risen 10cm or 4 inches, atmospheric carbon dioxide has gone from 360 parts per million to 420ppm, and global average temperatures have risen by 1.1°C. But what does that mean for Meldreth? Has climate change happened, and for us is it now about mitigation and adaptation? Should we be digging out historic ditches and "ponds" in the village, or should we be creating new soak-aways to avoid the worst flooding - a taste of which we saw in October? Should we also explore community projects to reduce ongoing carbon dioxide emissions - because every additional tonne emitted will stay in the atmosphere and exacerbate the global warming we are already seeing?

The Parish Council has a 'low carbon' working group. Should this group be revived as a 'climate adaptation' or 'net zero' group and explore what Meldreth can do in this area? What other groups and initiatives are already under way in our area that we could support or join forces with? If you feel we need to do more, are already active in this area, or just want to learn more, please drop us a line. We want to take stock of local action.

Councillors Adam Bostanci, Nick Garner, Roger James (contact details on facing page)

Refuse Collections in December and January At the time of going to press, refuse collections were scheduled to take place on the following dates: 6th December Black bins 13th December Blue and green bins 20th December Black bins 29th December* Blue bins 5th January* Black bins 11th January* Blue and green bins 17th January Black bins * changed dates due to public holidays For more information see https://www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling-and-bins or download the Bin Collections app and receive a weekly reminder.

Kathryn Betts Editor 37

Planning Matters The information below has been taken from the minutes of recent Parish Council planning meetings. Not all minutes were available at the time of going to press.

When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Parish Council Ref. & Address Details Fenny Lane Outline application with all matters 22/04018/OUT reserved, other than access, for the erection of nine self-build dwellings on land at Fenny Lane Farm

PC Decision Recommended ‘Refusal’ with comments: This would be an inappropriate use of a Rural Exception site that is not accommodated in the Planning Policies and there are obvious issues of precedents being established for other sites in the village and the protections of current Planning Policies and their importance to our residents could thereby be diluted or lost.

S73 to vary condition 1 (drawings) of Recommend ‘Refusal’ Land South ref: 21/01443/REM (approval of West of with comments: The matters reserved for appearance, 31 Whitecroft noise of traffic would landscaping, layout and scale Road, cause a nuisance; this following outline planning permission would include noise from Troy Homes S/0971/18/OL for residential 22/03920/S73 vehicles waiting for development of 9 dwellings. access; traffic unable to (A resubmission of 20/02313/REM to gain access would also seek house type alterations, the have to reverse back onto introduction of front entrance access the road. gates and amending access to the badger sett for maintenance purposes.)

Noted; no comments.

Former GoCold S73 to vary condition of ref: Building, Station S/1502/17/FL to read: No devt. above Yard, Meldreth slab level shall take place until provision of fire hydrants to a 22/04077/S73 standard recommended by the Cambs Fire and Rescue Service has been approved by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall not be occupied until the approved scheme has been implemented.

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Ref. & Address Details Former Gocold Building Station Yard Meldreth S/1502/17/ CONDF 11 Marys Way 22/03739/HFUL

PC Decision

Submission of details required by condition 9 (Hard and Soft Landscaping) and 21 (Traffic Management Plan) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL

Noted with comments: ‘Why does the wall that separates the houses and the flats have to be 8ft high?’

Single storey rear extension.

‘No Recommendation’. with no comments.

Other items: Street name for the development of nine dwellings at Whitecroft Road. Names suggested: Meridian Close, Meridian Meadows, Elbourn Way and Victoria Drive.

After a short discussion the name Damson Close was proposed by the Planning Committee.

Planning Authority Decisions Ref & Address

Details

Dimples, Woolpack Way 22/03768/HFUL 38 High Street 22/03423/HFULr Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road 22/03920/S73

Permission granted for single story extension

61 High Street 22/0957/TTCA

Permission granted for a roof extension and front, rear and side extensions.

S73 to vary condition 1 (drawings) of ref: 21/01443/REM (Approval of matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL for residential development (nine dwellings) (Resubmission of 20/02313/ REM) to seek house alterations, introduction of front entrance pillars and amended access to the badger sett. Permission granted.

T3-T6 Cypress remove. No objection.

Completion to be within two years.

Former GoCold Building, Station Submission of details required by condition 5 Yard, Meldreth. (surface water drainage scheme) of planning S/1502/17/CONDG permission S/1502/17/FL. Refused to discharge the condition.

Former GoCold Building, Station Approval of details required by condition 21 Yard, Meldret (Construction,traffic management).

S/1502/17/CONDF Refusal of details submitted with regard to condition 9 (landscaping, management).

Details of all planning authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team 39

Giftware & Homeware

Men’s, women’s, baby & home

At The Old Barn The British Queen, Meldreth (rear of the car park)

Call us on: 07821680936 Email: info@queenbeemeldreth.com Instagram: @queenbeemeldreth Opening times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

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

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District and County Councillors’ Report Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme This is funded by the Department for Education. Families in receipt of incomerelated free school meals can access a holiday scheme for up to 16 hours per child and will receive enriching experiences, a meal and snacks daily. Ukrainian and refugee families are welcome to attend, as well as families struggling financially.

Please check the ‘Cost of Living’ section on the home page at scambs.gov.uk.

Recent Unusual Rainfall and flooding October 20th saw unusual rainfall in various parts of Meldreth, in common with neighbouring villages. This was a truly extraordinary event and has created new flooding concerns. It would be helpful to know where these incidents took place, so that we can make the County flood risk team aware. Please google ‘Cambridgeshire report a flood’ or feel free to contact us directly.

Anglian Water We’re seeking an update from Anglian Water on the water infiltration remedial work planned for Meldreth. Anglian Water’s new public affairs representative has accepted an invitation to meet for a general chat about issues in our area, including these planned works.

Patching of High Street and Station Road This is scheduled for the first week of December as this required a road closure application lead time – apologies as we’d been told this would take place in October. Hopefully this will go ahead as planned, and allow further work next year.

E-Scooters E-scooters are not legal to use outside of private property, in spite of the fact that they are available to purchase from commercial retailers. The only local exception is the ‘VOI’ brand scooters in Cambridge. Nevertheless, there is increasing use of e-scooters on local roads, and much concern about safety. This has been brought to the attention of the neighbourhood policing team, at the request of concerned residents.

SCDC Trials Plant-Powered Bin Lorries In our latest step towards decarbonisation, South Cambridgeshire District Council has conducted a trial with eight bin lorries using biofuels, cutting their net carbon emissions by 90%. During the past two months, Greater Cambridge Shared Waste, a partnership between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Councils, ran the eight vehicles on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel.

The Councils are transitioning their fleet of around 50 bin lorries to electric and alternative fuel vehicles to reduce net carbon emissions. Currently, a significant proportion of the waste service’s, and therefore the Councils’, carbon emissions 41

originate from diesel bin lorries. Two fully electric bin lorries are already being used in the city of Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire and a solar farm is planned at the service depot to be able to charge more of them in future.

Once a sustainable fuel source is secured, the Councils could purchase further vehicles which could be powered by HVO. This would be an interim solution ahead of more electric or hydrogen trucks joining the fleet as and when they become available from manufacturers, and in-line with the depot charging facilities becoming operational.

Cultivate Cambs More funding is being made available for voluntary and community organisations in Cambridgeshire to support residents. Find out how you can apply here: https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/more-funding-for-voluntary-and-communityorganisations-in-cambridgeshire County Council Budget Planning If you are interested in knowing more about where the Council’s budget comes from and what it’s spent on, you may find this of interest. There’s also a survey asking for people’s views on choices being made for next year’s budget: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/residents-invited-to-give-their-views-oncouncil-spending-direction-1 Inflation – What are the Consequences?

Inflation is very much on our minds at home of course, but also at Cambridgeshire County Council. For the current financial year, the total service budgets are £456 million (net) for revenue and £164 million in the capital fund (with a total programme of over £1 billion). In setting budget in February, we did provide for significant budget growth which allowed for inflation costs of £9.991 million, demand growth £9.615 million, pressures (e.g. increased non-inflation costs or reduced income) £16.236 million and investments of £7.253 million. All this was funded by this year’s council tax increase, savings, and Government funding.

In June, the Council allocated additional resources to meet expected inflationary pressures in the current year. These are mainly due to energy prices and to some of the Council’s large contracts which are linked to national inflation figures. The Council also created a reserve to meet unexpected inflationary pressures. Apart from pay inflation, the Council therefore expects to be able to meet the costs of inflation in its revenue budgets this financial year.

Even so, the Council is currently forecasting a small (£2.368 million or 0.5%) overspend for 2022/23, mainly due to the effects of the expected level of public sector pay inflation for this year, which exceeds the estimates used in budgeting.

But what of next year and beyond? Inflation remains a significant concern in looking ahead to setting the Council’s medium-term financial plan for the next five years. When the Council set its Medium Term Financial Plan in February 2022 it did include a the budget gap. Budget planning is still ongoing, but the 42

budget gap for the coming year 2023/24 is now looking considerably higher than £17.396 million – currently projected at £29 million. This will again need to be filled by council tax, savings, and any Government funding awarded between now and February 2023.

Changes in energy prices affect the Council beyond costs such as simply heating buildings or running street lights. The Council is engaged in a number of energy projects, including retrofitting its own buildings with clean energy, building solar farms, installing solar panels on park and ride sites, and the flagship community heating project at Swaffham Prior. The business cases for all these projects change very significantly as a result of changing expectations for the costs of the oil and gas they are replacing. So this places very considerable pressure on the Council.

Zoom Cuppa – Every Monday 5.00-6.00pm We hold a Zoom Cuppa surgery every Monday afternoon – please get in touch if you’d like to come along and we’ll send you a link. Or get in touch anytime by telephone or email, and we’ll do our best to help with any queries or concerns.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574

Reflections Hair Studio

Moorlands Court

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Why not give us a call?

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

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

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We are recruiting!

Would you like to join our amazing team of Support Workers at Aurora Meldreth and Orchard Manor?

Find out how you could make a difference to the lives of children and young people with multiple complex needs.

Call:

01763 268 000 to register your interest or visit:

https://www.theauroragroup.co.uk/meldrethmanor 44

Number Spoofing Scams Many telephone handsets, particularly mobile phones, now let you see the number of the person calling before you answer. This feature – known as 'Caller ID' or 'Calling Line Identity' – is a handy way of screening the calls you want to answer from the ones you don't. However, the Caller ID can be modified by the person calling. Sometimes there's a good reason for a caller to modify the Caller ID (for example, a caller who wishes to leave an 0800 number for you to call back on), but with spoofing, scammers change the Caller ID to either hide their identity or to try to mimic the number of a real company or person. For example, scammers who want to steal sensitive information such as your bank account or login details sometimes use spoofing to pretend they're calling from your bank or credit card company, or scammers may use spoofing to show the local area code so that you are less suspicious of an unexpected call.

With any unsolicited telephone call, stop to consider whether the call is genuine.

Don't let the Caller ID convince you that a call is genuine, and don't give out any personal information. If in any doubt, hang up and call the company on a number you know to be correct, for example from a bank card or from the company's website. If possible, use a different telephone. If that is not possible, wait for five or more minutes and ensure that there is a dial tone before dialling.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on, and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https:// www.actionfraud.police.uk.

If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Cleaner / Housekeeper wanted for house near Meldreth Sta on.

Approximately 5 hours / week.

Times by arrangement.

References essen al.

Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

07880 795705 45

Home-Start Christmas Cards Home-Start Christmas cards are now available for sale and we are excited to introduce some new designs this year, created by our wonderful supporter Lois.

Cards cost £3.50 a pack; we have some packs of eight and some of ten.

Pop into our office at Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, SG8 6JP, to purchase your Christmas cards any weekday between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Cash, cheque and card payments are accepted. Cards can also be purchased online: https:// www.hsrsc.org.uk/shop.

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

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

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

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

Registered Office: The Letting Centre Ltd, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Nr. Royston, Herts. SG8 6HH Tel: 01763 263039 Registered in England No. 4472384 VAT No. 700035112 Director Mrs Angie Rixon E-mail: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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01763 260 526 07837 645173

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Email - iplaster@outlook.com CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTE IAN NORTH END MELDRETH

Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

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Susan Countess of Hardwicke Charity Vacancies for Trustees Vacancies have arisen for two trustees for the Susan Countess of Hardwicke charity, which administers the almshouses in Arrington. These comprise four dwellings, built in 1846 by the fourth Countess of Hardwicke, in memory of her mother Susan, and originally forming part of the Wimpole Estate.

You would be one of seven voluntary trustees and your duties would involve attending meetings as required (normally two to four per year), to ensure the proper administration and care of the fund, the almshouses and their residents, with occasional site visits to inspect the properties and meet the residents. While no special qualifications or skills are required an interest in financial management would be especially useful at this time.

If you are interested in applying for one of these positions or would like more information, please contact the Clerk or the Chairman (details below) who would be delighted to discuss this with you.

Clerk to the Trustees: Mandy Carter, telephone (01223) 207169 or email mandy.carter93@btinternet.com Chairman of the Trustees: Charles Cook, telephone 07944 037130 or email charlesbcook@icloud.com Mandy Carter Clerk to the Trustees

Royston and District Transport and Co-op Charity Support Royston & District Community Transport is pleased to announce we have again been chosen by the Co-op as a supported charity. If you shop at a Co-op you can help us raise funds by nominating RDCT as your chosen charity.

To do this you do need to be a member of the Co-Op, this costs £1 and can bring some additional benefits. See https://www.co-op.crs/membership. To join and nominate RDCT you can start by going to https://membership.coop.co.uk/ causes/70236 and click on ‘become a Co-op member’ or sign in and pick us, if already a member. Alternatively, ring 0800 0686 727 to join. Joining by telephone does mean you can only pick your local Co-op and the charities that it supports. However, RDCT is supported by the Melbourn shop as its local shop.

Royston & District Community Transport Tel: (01763) 245228, email info@roytrans.co.uk Registered in England & Wales, No. 6744379, and limited by guarantee Registered charity No. 1127052 47

Cost of Living Support – South Cambs District Council Discretionary Housing Payments This is a fund that South Cambridgeshire District Council has which supports residents on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit with housing costs. The Council can award this to residents whose housing costs are not fully met by benefits, or where household costs are high, and they are in exceptional hardship. The Council is planning to add an extra £100,000 to this fund to use it to support more people. Residents can read the full eligibility criteria and find out how to apply at www.scambs.gov.uk/dhp or email benefits@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713 000 if they have questions.

Discretionary Council Tax Discounts This is a fund that South Cambridgeshire District Council operates in order to support people who are not eligible for the Local Council Tax Support scheme but are in extreme hardship. If you qualify, the Council may be able to offer you a discount to help make your Council Tax instalments more affordable. Currently, the main qualifying criteria are that residents are in financial hardship; they have tried to improve the situation before applying and have no assets or savings.

Residents can read the full eligibility criteria and find out how to apply at www.scambs.gov.uk/reductions-discounts or email revenues@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713 000 if they have a question.

Charitable Giving South Cambridgeshire District Council is proposing to establish a grant fund which will be used to provide lower cost options for cooking and staying warm, such as slow cookers and electric blankets to those in need. Residents and businesses who are financially able will be welcome to contribute towards this charitable fund if they choose. The Council will allocate £15,000 to the fund to get it up and running. Criteria will be created to ensure the most vulnerable families and those just about managing can access support. In the coming weeks, residents will be able to visit www.scambs.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support to find out more and to donate, if they are able.

Community Chest South Cambridgeshire District Council’s popular Community Chest fund provides grants to voluntary and community sector groups, charities and public sector bodies wishing to further improve quality of life locally. Recently, the criteria were amended to allow bids that include contributions for any project that has a positive impact for communities related to the cost of living crisis. Parish and town councils can also now bid for Community Chest grants linked to this cause.

Please visit www.scambs.gov.uk/communitychest for more details, or email Community.Chest@scambs.gov.uk.

Susan van de Ven

48

MCCS – Community Support MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Winter Emergency Food Bank [see below] and Warm Hub [see page 3]. There’s also lots of Cost of Living Support coordinated by South Cambridgeshire District Council [see facing page].

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

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 If you have any other questions, please let us know.

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

Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank The Winter Emergency Food Bank is open at the Elin Way Community Room every Tuesday from 10.00am-12 noon, and will run until spring.

Please feel free to contact Food Bank coordinator Jo on 07572 443522 for support if Tuesdays are difficult for you. Another time for you to visit can be arranged.

No referral is necessary – just come along.

Donations of Food Please leave any donations of food or toiletries in the box at the end of the drive at 62 High Street (opposite Elin Way) or ring Jo on 07572 443522.

Thank you so much to everyone who has already popped something in the box!

Susan van de Ven 49

Village Directory

Village Hall Chairman

David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

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

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com or Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/

County Council Offices MP

0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Children

Clubs & Societies

Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

Sport

Neighbourhood Watch One Stop

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

Church

Facilities

Litter Picker

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954)

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

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

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

(01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Emergencies

Support Services

Health

Streetlights (faulty)

Non-merg.

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

Misc.

Transport

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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Advertising Rates Size Half page Quarter page Eighth page/banner Business listing per line

per issue £27.25 £16.50 £8.75

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 ........................................4 Melbourn Auto Services ...................6 AngliEAR Hearing ...........................44 Melbourn Flooring ..........................22 Art of Clean .......................................9 Melbourn Village College .................33 Art of Clean Wood ...........................46 Meldreth Landscapes ........................4 Meldreth Motor Company .........Cover Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........44 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................13 Bury Lane Farm Shop ..................Cover Moncraft Computers .........................9 Cam Valley Orchards .......................22 N J Chapman, gardening .................12 CHS Day Centre ..............................43 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 2 CHS Group ......................................10 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......31 Cleaner Wanted ...............................45 P D Property Services .......................6 Community Support for Dementia .....2 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...................2 The Country Store ............................16 Queen Bee .......................................40 County Broadband .............................6 Reflections .......................................43 Daniel Anderson Gardening ...............3 Richard Burns Electrician ...................3 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........13 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Eve Construction ..............................10 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................22 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......16 Sparky’s ...........................................31 iPlaster .............................................46 Specialist Dental Partners ................40 Lawn Partners ..................................45 Trademark Kitchens ........................31 The Letting Centre ...........................46 Travel Counsellors .....................Cover Little Hands Nursery School ............12

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 52

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

RML

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RML IT Consultants Ltd Newton Hall, Town Street, Newton, Cambridge CB22 7ZE Tel: +44 (0) 1223 873747, Mobile 07946 216268 Email: info@rmlconsultants.co.uk

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Angels are coming to Meldreth!

Follow the Advent Trail along Elin Way, Whitecroft Road, Westacre, Howard Road and Flambards One new angel will appear in a window each day in December When you have spotted them, come to the church on Christmas Eve (4 - 5pm) to collect your reward Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

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