Meldreth Matters, December 2023 by Meldreth Matters

December 2023

In this issue …

Events include …

Melwood Rail News Traffic Safety Measures

Advent Trail Carols at the British Queen Christmas Tree Festival

Christmas at

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Contents Cookery In Praise of … 28-29

What’s On in December Carols at the British Queen 5 Christmas at Meldreth Hub 5 Christmas Tree Festival 5 & cover Events at Melbourn Hub 7 Rat Show 5 Things to Do in December 26-27

Miscellaneous Letter to the Editor 30-31 Meldreth Matters Deliverers 3 Children & Education Activities for Families 20 Meldreth Advent Trail 22 Shepreth Spitfires 23

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 17 Local History Group 14 Photographic Club 18 Women’s Group 18

Local/National Government Local Councillors 39-41 Parish Council 33-35 Planning 36

Village News & Issues Fenny Lane Burial Ground 36 Meldreth Foodbank 17, 44 Rail News 14-15 Remembrance Sunday 6-7 Traffic Safety Measures 8-9 Village Christmas Cards 14 Village Hall Garden 13 Village Hub 5

Advice/Information 17 Bus Service 45 Advertisers’ Index 48 Home-Start 43 MCCS 45 Mobile Warden Scheme 16 Neighbourhood Watch 30 Refuse Collections 24, 43 Village Directory 46-47

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 12-13 Blackcaps in Winter in the UK 11 Melwood 10-11

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

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Editorial Welcome to the December issue of Meldreth Matters. In the lead up to Christmas there are several festive events taking place in the village including an Advent Trail, Carols at the British Queen, two carol services at Holy Trinity Church, a Christmas Party at the Hub and Holy Trinity’s Christmas Tree Festival. As another year comes to a close, I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our deliverers (named below), our advertisers (see the list on page 48) and to 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 Matters: Deliverers We would like to say a huge “thank you” to the following people who delivered MM during 2023: 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

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Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 3rd December Saturday 11.00am-5.00pm. Sunday 11.00am-4.30pm; Advent Service at 5.30pm. See our poster on the back cover for more information. Margaret Goddin

National Fancy Rat Society Show The National Fancy Rat Society is returning to the Village Hall for their Christmas Cup Show from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 9th December. There will be many beautiful rats to see and some to meet, as well as stalls from Rat Rations and Fuzzbutts selling pet food, accessories and gifts for their owners too. Visitors are welcome to drop in. Please don't bring rats unless they are entered in the show, but you can email cyber_ratty@yahoo.co.uk for details on how to enter. Mary Giles (Zephyr Rat Stud)

Carols at the British Queen Please join us at 7.00pm on Monday 18th December. We look forward to seeing everyone for our annual get together! Pauline Penfold

Meldreth Village Hub Community Room, Elin Way every Tuesday, and Thursday 12.00pm – 3.00pm Come and join us for a free lunch on Tuesdays and refreshments on Thursdays. Donations welcome! Please note that The Hub will be closed on Boxing Day. If you would like to join our friendly team as a volunteer, please contact Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer on hmeridew@btinternet.com or 07787 734973 *** Christmas at Meldreth Village Hub Tuesday 19th December 12.00pm – 3.00pm Lots of festive music, food, tombola, and an amazing raffle Everyone is welcome – we look forward to seeing you! Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer 5

Act of Remembrance Have you passed by the War Memorial at the junction of Whitecroft Road, High Street and Station Road by the wooden shelter and not noticed it? Not so on the morning of 12th November at 9.30am when The Act of Remembrance was held. Rev. Andrew Birks led the Act of Remembrance and many people helped with the sound system, Last Post and Reveille, traffic management etc. The local Guides, Brownies and Rainbows were there along with the Army Cadet Force. Both the Guides and the Brownies wrote poems which they read after the two minute silence. There were lots of local people there and afterwards refreshments were served in the Village Hall, thanks to Lindsay, Maggie and their team; it was good to chat with people and to put faces to names. Thank you to all who helped and attended as we try to ensure that we remember those who sacrificed so much for us and try to honour them by the way we live. Pat Smith

Guides Poem The following was written by 1st Meldreth Guides and was read out at the Service at the War Memorial by Guides Lottie Hardwick and Scarlett McMurrough. Scarlett: The ocean of rubies floods my eyes, A wave of emotions crash through me. I think of all the lost lives, But peace came eventually. The flowers are a symbol, that even with the deepest loss, new life and happiness shall bloom. We will remember them. Lottie: As the poppy blossoms We are reminded of the bright future that it symbolises. The idea of love we welcome, The prospect of harmony arises. When we think of remembrance we think of poppies, we cherish these flowers because they remind us not of the sorrow but of the hope. We will remember them.

Remembrance Teas It was lovely to welcome people to the Village Hall for refreshments after the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial on Sunday 12th November. Thanks to the Parish Council for its support, and for all those who either baked delicious cakes and biscuits or helped to serve them during the morning. Donations totalling £59.03 which were collected on the day were sent to the Royal British Legion. It was lovely to see you all. Maggie and Lindsey

Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk We would like to thank all the customers who filled in our recent customer survey. We are grateful for all the feedback and are considering the areas you said you’d like us to improve on. 97% of you said you would recommend the Hub to others; we feel very proud of this result and are glad to be so valued by the community. As we head into December, we are looking forward to a busy few weeks at the Hub and one of our most popular events, “Turn Onto Christmas!” We’ll turn on the Christmas lights and host a festive afternoon. Becky Iles will be our artist of the month in December - do pop in to see her work! Here’s what else is on. Please check our website for further information. Weekly Events Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice 9.30-11.30am No need to book, just drop in! Every Friday - Children's Story Time 10.00-10.30am For under 5s. Come and enjoy a story and a singalong. No need to book! Special for December Sunday 3rd December - Covid Vaccine Walk-in Clinic 9.00am-3.00pm For those eligible, no need to book, just drop in. Saturday 9th December - Turn Onto Christmas! 4.00-6.00pm There will be mulled wine, a bar, café and music, culminating in the Christmas tree light switch on. The event is about bringing the community together for seasonal celebrations and we hope as many of you as possible can make it! Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub 7

Summary of Parish Council Views on Traffic Safety Measures Several residents have commented recently on, and have written letters about, the Parish Council’s application to be considered for County Council funding in respect of a 20mph speed limit in the village. There is a lot of published information about this proposal and it may be helpful to summarise what has already been said in the Council’s application and discussions at Parish Council meetings. First, the application has been published on the Parish Council’s website and can be viewed at: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk/uploads/20mph-application-paper-formmeldreth.pdf?v=1697532784. We urge all residents to look at this application. The Parish Council has now received the first draft of the 20mph scheme and will consider the County Traffic Officer’s proposals in more detail as regards the coverage of the scheme, signage of limit changes and other similar matters. Under their standard procedures for public involvement, the County Council will publish notices in the local press, in affected roads and possibly in business premises. These notices will indicate at which Council offices the proposals will be open to public viewing. The notices will invite the public to comment on the proposals; such comments to be made in writing to the address specified in the notices. Substantial objections and contentious issues will be reported to County Councillors. This seems a straightforward process and should enable all residents to communicate their views if they wish to do so. County Highways are fully aware of all the protocols that are needed for everyone involved to comply with the legal and regulatory framework for this sort of exercise and to give appropriate guidance to residents for completing their responses if they wish to take part. The Parish Council wants to play an active role in the design of the scheme but public comments either in favour or against the scheme, and the associated advertising etc. will be in the hands of the County Council. As published, the County Council received 88 proposals from Parish Councils and other applicants under a specific funding plan in respect of 20mph proposals. These were all reviewed by the County and a decision was taken to offer funding to the leading 20 applications. Meldreth was ranked 5th in this process. It needs to be understood that the funds allocated under this scheme cannot be spent by recipient Parish Councils on projects other than their 20mph applications. Meldreth obviously has a strong case based on traffic and safety issues and this was reinforced by the location in our village of a special residential facility for disabled young people who require wheelchairs to navigate the village, a process that involves frequent road crossings. Both Aurora and our local village Primary School have expressed strong support for the measures. We also have an above average age cohort in our village and our more elderly residents will also be helped by this measure. 8

It is sometimes alleged that non-coherence and a lack of enforcement should mitigate against these measures. Others though expect a process of observance and respect that will establish itself over time, although we also believe that there will be immediate improvements that will encourage all road users into a direction of observance and compliance. Our Traffic Group is also considering other measures to have a positive effect on speeding traffic include speed reduction measures that could be part of a separate application for funding under the Highways Initiative or possibly funded by the Council itself. These could include “gateway” features at the side of the road (not “chicanes”) that would alert drivers that they are entering the village. The Council is also acquiring a second permanent speed indicator device (SID), solar powered, to be installed, with the existing portable SID being moved from time to time between agreed locations. We know that the footway and highway along Station Road and at the railway bridge are matters of concern to residents and this is under review. It may be necessary to arrange a formal survey to determine opportunities for improving this black spot for pedestrian users, especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. In addition, the Parish Council is working closely with the County Councillors and Officers to manage several areas of vegetation impinging on highways and footways. We hope that this summary will help to improve the understanding of why we and many other local councils think these measures will make an important contribution to increased safety in our village for all residents, whether car users, cyclists, pedestrians or wheelchair users. Meldreth Parish Council PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) 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

Wa nted: Volunteer Drivers Royston & District Community Transport Visit www.roytrans.co.uk or call us on (01763) 245228 9

Melwood www.melwood.org.uk Autumn and winter are the time when the most intensive work goes into the management of the Melwood Local Nature Reserve. The summer growth is dead or nearly so, flowers have scattered their seeds and the birds and mammals are preparing for whatever the winter will throw at them. As autumn slides into winter, some plants are already preparing for spring, most notably the great show of Snowdrops, which usually manage one or two flowers as early as New Year. All these factors have to be taken into account as work on the wood is planned, but weather can often throw a spanner in the works. With the group given a green light to take a more active role in management of the meadow, although it is not yet formally part of the reserve, the September work party gave the meadow a preliminary ‘hair-cut’. This was rendered much harder by the wet condition of the grass and a clean cut was impossible. The lower layers of straw remained flat to the ground and may pose problems for seedlings if we cannot clear much of it by spring. What was cut was raked away to prevent it rotting down in situ. A few dry days in October gave us the opportunity to cut a few small areas of the meadow a bit closer and the continuing mild weather coupled with moist soil gave a perfect opportunity to plant some of the many potted wild flowers that the group members have been nurturing over the summer. Eight species were planted, including Foxglove Feverfew, Marjoram and St. John’s Wort. We will need to avoid these when cutting the meadow in the spring and summer. The working party will scarify the meadow and sow seeds of Yellow Rattle, which needs a period of cold to germinate. This will help to control the vigour of the meadow grasses and with better control of grasses, docks and nettles, we will be able to introduce species that can tolerate being cut and will recover to flower again quickly. Honeysuckle was planted along hedge lines. The Yew hedge along the river path has not been cut for many years and was becoming so high that it was shading much of the meadow in late afternoon, so work was started in bringing that down to the level it had been all those years ago. Looking forward at the time of writing, the November working party will need to give a light cut and rake to the areas where snowdrops will start to appear during December. Care will also be needed in areas where daffodils may start to appear if the weather remains mild. Also in November, we should check and clean nest boxes. That will leave them undisturbed over winter to provide shelter if needed before they become occupied for the breeding season. Unfortunately, a recent inventory of the boxes has shown that only six of the thirteen bird boxes and two bat boxes were fit to be used again. A combination of old age, squirrel and woodpecker damage leaves others in need of repair or replacement. This is a moveable task but must be completed by the beginning of February. Replacement of many seems inevitable. 10

During the remainder of the winter, the group will need to clear the floor of the wood of smothering vegetation, making space for a range of spring species. Any coppicing needed to create light or regenerate overgrown bushes will also take place before March. With many Ash trees in the middle of the wood succumbing to Ash Dieback, the increased light produced will favour an enriched ground flora in that area. Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group www.melwood.org.uk

Blackcaps in Winter in the UK The Blackcap is a small European warbler which visits the UK in the summer to breed. The male has a black ‘cap’ and the female a brown ‘cap’. In winter the birds tend to ‘head to the Med’ to escape the colder weather. However, in recent years a proportion of birds from northern Europe have begun to over-winter in Britain. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are monitoring this change and licensed bird ringers are colour ringing individual birds caught over the period November to March. Each Blackcap is ringed with a unique combination of four rings – two per leg - so it can be identified from a distance. Last winter in Meldreth, I colour ringed ten individuals and a colleague in Royston ringed nine. This year we will be looking out to see if these birds return, and/or new birds appear. This is where you and your children can help if you have bird feeders in your garden or a neighbour’s garden. If you see a bird like the one pictured left and are able to record what you see, I would love to hear from you.

A female brown ‘cap’

It is important to record which leg has which combination of rings. In this photograph, the right leg – the nearest one – has a metal ring above and a light blue plastic ring below. The left leg has a pink plastic ring above and a red plastic ring below. [Editor’s note: it may help to view this image in colour online www.issuu.com/meldrethmatters.]

The study this season began on 15th November and will end on 31st March. However, all sightings are welcome. Jan Butchers jan.butchers@gmail.com 11

A Meldreth Garden The darker evenings and colder wetter days limit my ability to get into the garden. I have though, populated winter pots with tulips and daffodils, stored away summer pots that are not frost hardy and am currently cutting down some damson trees that are dead. Small branches are put through the shredder for the compost heap, other branches are cut into lengths for the wood pile and trunks are cut up for fire logs. Two wood piles, one old, one new, have a good selection of wildlife inhabitants including big black beetles, staghorn I think. The log piles form an effective screen. Now is the time to get to grips with winter pruning as structures can be better viewed after leaf fall. I have trees needing control; an apple will be severely lopped back so that apples can be picked readily and a fig tree is growing too tall and lush. With standard fruit trees, the aim is to develop a cup shaped open arrangement of branches. A number of shrubs can be hard pruned if they have become disorderly including, juniper, lilac, elder Sambucus, philadelphus, deutzia, weigela and Japanese rose Kerria japonica. They won't like you after severe cutting back but they will come back rejuvenated for the loss of a year’s flowers in some cases. Viburnums, evergreen or deciduous, respond well to a severe pruning as do camellias. Be careful though as some plants including forsythia can sulk and die following severe cutting back so it is better to remove a portion of older branches every year over three years. If hardiness is an issue, then it is better leave pruning to the springtime. When bushes have gone into irretrievable decline, now is a good time to take hardwood cuttings especially if the plant is one that you value. Many deciduous climbers can also be propagated in this way, e.g. fallopia and lonicera species. I should cut to the ground one of my black bamboos Phyllostachys nigra; I don't know if I'm brave enough but it would provide me with a plentiful supply of canes for next year. Plant of the month, winter box, is an easy, slow growing evergreen shrub, with glossy, deep green leaves. In winter, inconspicuous, very sweetly scented, creamywhite flowers are followed by glossy black berries. My winter box Sarcococca confusa has never been attacked by either box tree caterpillar or box blight. I have been on the allotment cutting autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground, weeding, feeding and removing dead and dying leaves from winter brassicas, purple sprouting broccoli and Tuscan Kale Brassica oleracea 'Nero di Toscana', the vegetable of last resort; I am also staking up flopping Brussels sprouts and broccoli. I am also harvesting carrots, turnips, radish, chard, leeks and celeriac; the latter has done really well. The beetroot has been attacked by rodents who are now turning their attention to carrots that I will lift and store. In the cutting garden I have planted Sweet William Dianthus barbatus, grown from seed sown in late summer, and drumstick allium, ‘Globemaster’. I will be 12

digging up and transplanting some gladioli bulbs that appeared spontaneously in the garden and finally, I will transplant an established asparagus for its foliage. The Flower Garden  Cut out hellebore leaves to allow the flowers to shine.  Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding; grape vines are pruned back to their basis structure.  Trees and shrubs can be planted and transplanted throughout the winter.  Regularly remove any diseased or dead vegetation from overwintered plants.  Those seeds that that require a period of freezing weather (vernalisation) before they will germinate, should be sown in sharp sand  Pot up lily bulbs and tulips.  Sow pelargonium seeds for summer bedding. The Vegetable Garden  Sow onion seed.  Cut back autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground.  Lift and store half hardy vegetables like beetroot, celeriac and carrots; celeriac particularly is susceptible to frosts.  Care for seedlings and plants stored in the greenhouse and in cold frames.  Winter prune apple and pear trees, apply a winter wash and place grease bands around apple trees.  Cut back asparagus stems to ground level once they have died back and mulch the asparagus bed. Enjoy your Garden. Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

Village Hall Garden The new garden at the Village Hall was officially opened on Sunday 5th November by Richard Goddin, Chairman of Meldreth Parish Council. Photographs by Kathryn Betts 13

Village Christmas Cards www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Meldreth Local History Group has produced some new full-colour multiview Christmas cards this year. These are available to purchase now. We have also designed some new multiview notelets which are blank inside. So that we can assess the print run required for the notelets, please place an advance order with us. The cards and notelets are both A5 size and cost £5 per pack of ten cards. Cards may also be purchased individually for 60p. To purchase the Christmas cards or to place an order for the notelets, please telephone Joan or Tim on (01763) 260129. All money raised will go towards supporting the work of Meldreth Local History Group. To see our range of merchandise, visit www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/about/mlhgmerchandise/merchandise. Meldreth Local History Group

Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail News Rail Station Ticket Office Closures – No Longer Happening The Government has announced a welcome abandonment of its plan to close Meldreth and Royston ticket offices. Good Luck to Bern at Royston We wish our wonderful Meldreth ticket office manager Bern Parsons all the best in his full-time job, now at Royston Station. Mobile Assistance Teams A new service is underway at our three stations, for anyone who may need mobility assistance embarking or disembarking at Meldreth, Shepreth or Foxton. GTR Explains Mobile assistance teams are in place to provide you with assistance at some of our accessible stations when they are unstaffed and there are train services scheduled to call there, including:  Assistance with getting on and off trains  Assistance around the station and to the platform  Assistance with luggage  A guiding arm if you are blind or visually impaired 14

 Boarding and alighting with wheelchairs/powerchairs, scooters and mobility aids  Assistance to and from connecting train services and onward transport, for examples buses, trams and taxis within the station area. How to Contact our Mobile Assistance Teams If you choose to book and your journey involves travelling to or from one of our stations served by a mobile assistance team, we will arrange this as part of your booking. If you chose not to book your assistance, then you can also arrange assistance upon arrival at the station by:  Pressing the “emergency & assisted travel” button on a station Help Point  Calling our freephone number: 0808 168 1238 (only to be used for emergencies and immediate assisted travel support at the station)  Texting us on 07970 511077 Whether you chose to pre-book your assistance or prefer more ﬂexibility, where possible we recommend arriving 20 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure time. This is so we can make sure arrangements are in place at your destination (or interchange) station such as the availability of staff and transport. Needless to say Meldreth has step-free access only on the Cambridge-bound platform. When you book your journey, arrangements will be made for a lift from Shepreth or Royston Stations. Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership railusergroup@gmailcom

Travelling by Train? Please Check First! Engineering works and strikes are planned during December. On Sunday 3rd December there will be no trains at Foxton, Shepreth, Meldreth and Royston Stations and there will be no replacement bus service. Please check before travelling: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions.

Huw Shortle

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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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Friends of Holy Trinity Church www.foht.org.uk Tom Heap Talk 17th October – Mission Possible The talk by Tom Heap was very well received by a capacity audience which filled the meeting room. Tom talked about his early career with the BBC and now also with Sky and then moved on to describe several interesting projects from around the world. These were mainly taken from his BBC Radio 4 series and the associated book, 39 Ways to Save the Planet. He also had copies of the book for sale which were all eagerly purchased. Next year we have developing plans for some more talks, a couple of music events and a theatre event or even two. More information about these will be available in due course, so please continue to watch this space! Burns Night Supper - Friday 26th January We are currently looking into the feasibility of holding a Burns Night Supper in the meeting room. If you would be interested in attending such an event please contact Julie Draper by emailing juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk. Piano Recital by Toni Leigh and Students - Saturday 9th March We are delighted that Toni Leigh has offered to organise a piano recital evening with some of her students. If any of you saw and heard her students performing at the Church Fete last summer, you know we are in for a real treat by exceptional musicians. More details in due course but meanwhile do please save the date. Persuasion by Jane Austen - Friday 17th May We have provisionally booked the This Is My Theatre group to perform in the main church. More details of the production will be available later but for now please save this date in your calendar. Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch. Ian Mitchell Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com

MCCS - We Need Your Help The MCCS JustGiving funding campaign is now open. Please help us to …

Deliver CheerBoxes this Christmas to over 30 individuals in Meldreth Open FoodBank throughout the winter for over 50 residents in Meldreth Talk to the FoodBank team every Tuesday from 9.00am - 12 noon at Elin Way Community Centre, contact the Treasurer Roger James on 07808 235873 or visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mccs2024. 17

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small friendly group who meet monthly in either ASCH Melbourn or in the Holy Trinity meeting room Meldreth. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and usually last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in house entertainment, followed by coffee and biscuits and an opportunity to chat. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses. We also have the chance to donate to the charity that we support, which this year is Camsight. New members are always welcome. In October we had fun making decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church. In November we always have Advent Reflection, which this year will be led by our new vicar, the Reverend Andrew Birks. We do not meet in December, so therefore our next meeting is on 23rd January 2024 at ASCH., when we will have our AGM followed by a bring and share supper. For any information, or a lift to a meeting, do telephone one of the committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 and Mary Purdy (01763) 260864. Angela Leach

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com As one year ends and another begins, we have a full and varied programme for mid-winter and in December, we have two competitions. Please note that the Club will not meet on 19th and 26th December and 2nd January due to the Club Christmas recess. December Meetings: 5th: Mono Competition – Judged by Tony Braley 12th: Points of View - Judging lead by Richard Cassidy Image File Management by Andre Neves Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall, from September 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 free of charge before deciding. To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary 18

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Things for Children and Families To Do in December Friday 1st - Sunday 17th December Nutcracker Christmas Trail, Royston Find the 12 festive nutcrackers hidden in Royston town centre shop windows for the chance to win some amazing prizes. Friday 1st - Friday 22nd December Twelve Days of Christmas, Stapleford Granary A different event each day from concerts and carols, to a craft fair, theatre to a Fairy Tale trail. For details and booking see www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. Friday 1st December - Sunday 7th January Skate Letchworth, Icknield Way, Letchworth SG6 4UF A state-of-the-art ice rink for beginners and experts. Live out your Frozen dreams as Elsa on ice! Book on www.sll.co.uk. Saturday 2nd December, 10.00am - 4.30pm Winter Wildlife Family Day Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ Free hands-on activities. Explore the world of animals we see in our cities in the colder months. Find out how to have a more sustainable festive season. Poetry workshop running all day. Drop in - no need to book. Saturday 16th December, 11.30am - 3.30pm Orwell Christmas Fair, Orwell Village Hall SG8 5QN Stalls, raffle, face painting, music, food. With special guests Anna and Elsa. Raising funds for Addenbrooke’s A3 Ward. Saturday 16th December The Tractors are Coming! Baldock 6.00pm, Letchworth 6.45pm, Hitchin 7.30pm 150 tractors decorated with lights and festive characters roll through the three towns raising funds for Garden House Hospice. Saturday 16th December plus 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December Santa’s Grotto Shepreth Wildlife Park, Shepreth SG8 6PZ Book discounted admission to the Wildlife Park on www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk. Additional charge of £10 (NB cash only) to meet Santa and receive a gift. Funds raised go to the SWCC Hedgehog Hospital. Friday 22nd December, 9.30am - 12.30pm Careers in Conservation, Wildlife Trust HQ, Cambourne CB23 6DH Informal talk for ages 11 to 17 followed by a sociable walk round the Reserve. www.wildlifebcn.org. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 20

Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings Experts in home automated motorised solutions FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 www.sageblinds.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm

Meldreth Advent Trail Spot a new picture each day of December in Meldreth windows. See if you can find all (or nearly all) 24 then come to the church porch on Christmas Eve between 4.00pm and 5.00pm to claim your reward. The theme this year is

CANDLES Start on Elin Way then Whitecroft Road, Westacre, Bell Close and the High Street. Hilary Crawforth

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

Licensed bar Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates) Snooker room, Pool table Large children's outdoor ac vity area Petanque pistes Football pitches, changing rooms

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

Shepreth Spitfires www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk Shepreth Spitfires had their own Halloween Celebration Football Tournament which took place at Eternit Sports and Social Club. All age groups attended and took part in a fun football tournament along with other activities and games. There were wonderful contributions from the players in a colouring competition and the delicious cakes, donated by Sinfully Sweet, were enjoyed by all! The Under 12 Squadron 19 team had a fabulous win at Shepreth Recreation Ground against Saffron Walden but the Under 12 Squadron 66 game against Shelford result was a loss for Shepreth. However, Squadron 66 played extremely well in switching play! Charlie scored from a fantastic free kick and Hayden was awarded player of the match! The under 11 Squadron 66 played an away match at Haverhill and despite suffering a loss of 2-1, all players played the match with determination and tremendous effort. James received player of the match for his consistent positive performance. Alfred was also awarded player of the match for his effort and played the game as coached. We would like to give tremendous thanks to our gardener Matt. He maintains the pitch to the highest standards and, despite the recent bad weather, his efforts have enabled games to be played without cancellations. If your child may be interested in joining Shepreth Spitfires Football Club, please see our website, www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk, or call 07510 175370. Julie A Wilson 23

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs

See page 43 for more dates

Last day of term: 20th December

1st-24th Dece Advent Trail (see page 22)

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Choir 6.00-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 6.00-7.20pm D. Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.15am-2.00p Hartbeeps (pre only) 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T Pilates 7.00-9.00pm T

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 1.30-2.45pm Choir 6.00-7.20pm D. Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-3.00pm 6.00-6.45pm T Pilates

Refuse Collections Black bins: 5th, 19th Blue bins: 12th, 27th* Green bins: 12th

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app 9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 F. Fitness 11.00-12.00 T P Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides 7.00pm Carols at the British Queen (see p5)

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub Christmas Party (see p5) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

11 12 13 14 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

18 19 20 2 25 26 27 28 12.00-3.00pm

10.00am Sung Eucharist Christmas Day

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

ry - December 2023

sday

Friday 9.30am Slimming World

ember:

1 9.30am Slimming World

Village Hub Acro T P Pilates Table Tennis h Council

pm e-bookings

9.30am Slimming World

Saturday 11.00am-5.00pm Christmas Tree Festival (see back cover)

Sunday 8.00am Said Eucharist

11.00am-4.30pm Christmas Tree Festival (see back cover)

11.00am-4.00pm National Fancy Rat Show (see page 5)

8.00am Said Eucharist

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

9.45am Sung Eucharist

5.30pm Advent Carol Service

10 4.00pm Carol Service

4 15 16 17

Village Hub Acro Trigger Point

Table Tennis

Village Hub 9.30am Slimming World Trigger Point

9.45 Said Eucharist 4.00-5.00pm End of Advent Trail, Holy Trinity Church (see page 22)

1 22 23 24 Village Hub 9.30am Slimming World

8 29 30 31

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

Things to Do in December Here are some things happening in December in the local area. To let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Friday 1st to Saturday 23rd December, different time slots available Christmas at Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ Explore the richly-decorated rooms in the house, visit the sensory winter garden, go festive shopping or enjoy the Hoe Fen woodland play area. Entry to house by pre-booked timed ticket only. NT members free, otherwise normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Saturday 2nd December, 11.00am to 4.00pm Barley Christmas Market Barley Town House, Church End, Barley, Royston SG8 8JP Lots of great stalls - crafts, charities, Christmas presents and decorations, jewellery, candles, pottery, cards etc. Tasty refreshments. Free entry. Wednesday 6th December, 10.00am to 12.00pm Winter Tree Walk at Wandlebury Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Learn how to identify our native trees using bark, buds, shape and form on an expert-guided walk through Wandlebury’s woodlands. Meet at the car park noticeboard. No need to book. Please wear suitable footwear and warm outdoor clothing. Free, but donations welcome. www.cambridgeppf.org. Wednesday 6th December, 2.00pm to 3.30pm Crime and Mince Pies Cambourne Library, Sackville Way, Cambridge CB23 6HL Enjoy lively conversation with crime writers Nicola Upson and Mandy Morton and discover some great new reads! Tasty mince pies, too. Tickets £3; contact cambourne.referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 0345 045 5225. Wednesdays 6th & 13th December, 7.00pm to 9.00pm (doors open 6.00pm) Public Open Evenings, Cambridge University Institute of Astronomy Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA Free entrance and no need to book unless in a group of more than fifteen. A 30 minute talk about astronomy followed by (if the sky is clear!) stargazing with a chance to use the historic Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes. Visit www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk for talk topics. Further dates available until March. Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th December and each Wed., 9.30-11.30am Citizens Advice Walk-in Sessions Melbourn Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn SG8 6DZ Free advice on employment, cost of living, housing, legal, consumer and other issues. Available not just to people from Melbourn but the surrounding area as well. No need to book, just walk in. See: www.citizensadvice.org.uk. 26

Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December, 7.30pm A Christmas Carol Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Chapterhouse Theatre Company performs Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. With dazzling musical sequences and authentic period costuming taking you back to Scrooge’s London nearly 200 years ago. Tickets £19.50, Children 5-16 & students £12, under 5s free. www.elycathedral.org. Saturday 9th December, 7.30pm Orwell Singers Christmas Concert Orwell Village Hall, 32-66 High Street, Orwell, Royston SG8 5QN Popular local choir presents a concert of Christmas carols and other seasonal music under their new conductor, Jonathan Hatley. Ticket price of £10 includes a buffet and there’s a licensed bar. Call David Smith on (017653) 662983 or email vintage.smith.bean@gmail.com. Choir also performing at Wimpole Hall Sunday 17th December, 11.00am. Sunday 10th December, 10.30am to 4.00pm Pumping Station in Steam The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD Enjoy the sounds and smells of the Pumping station’s magnificent steam engines running in public again after an extensive restoration programme. The Engineer’s House will be serving craft beer, wine and pizza plus great coffee. Tickets: adults £10, concession £8.50, children £5.50. Book online at www.museumoftechnology.com/tickets. Wednesday 13th December, 7.45pm (doors open 6.00pm) Elina Duni and Rob Luft - Candlelit Advent Concert Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP Internationally-celebrated vocalist and jazz guitarist perform jazz, folksong and ballads. Tickets £22, under 25 £11. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. Sunday 17th December, 11.00am Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Orwell Singers (see item under 9th December). Sunday 24th December, 9.00am to 1.00pm Gransdens Farmers Market, Little Gransden Village Hall SG19 3DP Excellent market for last-minute Christmas shopping. Tuesday 26th December, races start at 12.00pm Grantchester Barrel Rolling, Coton Road, Grantchester, Cambridge Teams compete in the village Boxing Day tradition of rolling large wooden barrels along the Coton Road. All welcome to enjoy an hour of eccentric, charity fundraising mayhem. Why not combine it with a Boxing Day walk through Grantchester Meadows? Compiled by John Crawforth 27

In Praise Of … Oranges This month we showcase oranges, a fruit for Christmas which works well in both sweet and savoury dishes. There are two main types of oranges: sweet oranges and bitter (Seville) oranges. The former can be thick- or thin- skinned, with or without seeds, and has sweet-tasting orange or red-flecked flesh. Bitter oranges have aromatic dimpled skin with very bitter pith and very sour, pale-orange flesh. They always contain seeds. Blood Orange, Mozzarella and Rocket Salad Ingredients For the dressing 3 blood (or normal) oranges 3 tbsp olive oil 2 x 125g balls mozzarella, torn 3 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 big handfuls rocket 2 tsp caster sugar ½ red onion, thinly sliced 2 tsp wholegrain mustard 1 tsp mustard seed (black or brown) 1 tsp poppy seeds Method Finely zest one of the oranges and mix with the dressing ingredients and some seasoning. Cut the peel from the top and bottom of each orange, then sit each flat on a board. Using a small knife, cut away the peel and pith from each orange, working in downward strokes all the way around. Thinly slice the oranges and scatter over a platter with the mozzarella, rocket and onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and eat with crusty bread, if you like. Sticky Orange Cake Serves 6 – 8, cook time 50 mins Ingredients 2 medium unwaxed oranges 225g caster sugar 1 tbsp honey 6 eggs, separated 150g ground almonds 150g plain flour 1/4 tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon or mixed spice Handful of flaked almonds, toasted

For the syrup 2 ordinary oranges 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1-3 tbsp caster sugar, to taste 2 tbsp candied orange peel

Method Put the oranges for the cake in a small pan and cover with water (they will bob to the top). Cover and bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, turning once, until soft. Drain and allow to cool slightly, cut open to check for pips and then puree them. Heat the oven to 180°C, and grease and line a 23cm springform tin. Beat together the egg yolks, sugar and honey until thick and pale, then fold in the almond, flour and spices, followed by the puree until well combined. Whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff, then gradually fold into the batter, being careful to knock as little air out as possible. Spoon into the tin and bake for about 50- 60 minutes, or until firm on top. Meanwhile, squeeze the fruit for the syrup into a pan and add the cardamom and a spoonful of sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then taste and add more sugar as necessary. Add the peel then allow to cool. Take the cake out of the oven and leave it in the tin and poke a few holes in the top with a skewer. Pour over the syrup a little at a time, and allow to sink in, then scatter with almonds and leave to cool completely before transferring to a plate. Goes well with: vanilla ice cream Jane O’Hagan

The ABCD to Avoid Being Scammed At the Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch meeting in October, we were pleased to have a representative from Cambridgeshire Constabulary to talk about scams and cyber-crime. He introduced us to the ABCD of how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam: A: Assume nothing B: Believe no-one C: Check everything D: Discuss with a trusted friend Scammers are experts at Social Engineering, which is defined as "The clever manipulation of the natural human tendency to trust". Their aim is to prey on people's emotions, and get them feeling rather than thinking. One of the main tactics used is pressure. This can be time-related (you need to do this now or you will be in trouble) or financial (unless you do this, you could lose a lot of money). But even if we become suspicious that something might be a scam, we can be very bad at saying no to people, so using an alternative phrase like "I can't make that decision without authorisation", or "I will not make any decisions without speaking to someone first" can be useful. Whether you use one of those phrases (or something similar) or you simply say no, a genuine professional will not mind. If someone becomes pushy or insistent, the odds are fairly high that it's a scam. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham on (01763) 260358 or Linda on (01763) 261405. You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Letter to the Editor Thermal Imaging For a Cosy Home Cambridge Carbon Footprint are once again delighted to offer to residents and organisations across South Cambridgeshire the opportunity to borrow and learn how to use a thermal imaging camera, free of charge, to help create more cozy and efficient homes. Learn how to interpret thermal images, discover draughts, gaps in insulation, heating problems, etc. Having this information is great for deciding on home improvements, and making fixes, both for homeowners and renters. The Project also encourages individuals or organisations to undertake training to survey multiple homes. In 2022 a Heydon Parish Councillor borrowed a camera and surveyed 20% of the village’s homes and intends to do more this year. 30

Training Sessions Four free training sessions will take place online from 7.00-8.30pm on: Thursday 14th December, Monday 22nd January and Thursday 29th February. We only lend cameras to people already trained. Bookings for cameras are now open and free loans of fourteen cameras will continue until early April: Each loan will run from Friday afternoon to Monday morning or Monday afternoon to Friday morning from fourteen volunteer camera hosts around South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City. Cambridge Carbon Footprint Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 2nd November 2023 This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council noticeboard; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting. Discussions and Decisions District and County Councillors’ Reports The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest Report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 39 to 41 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. It was noted that County Highways are willing to cut back the vegetation on the College Farm-North End bend and will be asked to attend to siding up the footway to increase its effective width. Village volunteers should be cautious about working in this location because of traffic risks. Flambards Estate Gigaclear has been asked to investigate whether they could use the internet ducting that was installed by County Broadband. They will look into this. The safety survey in respect of defects in hard standing areas will be commissioned after further inspections of affected areas have been carried out by Councillors. MCCS Update The Food Bank is in need of further funding and the recently launched crowd funding initiative has not yet produced significant income. Further measures include seeking grants from other sources including the County Council. At the Council meeting, a County representative gave a very useful summary of the areas in which help could be sought. The Parish Council is also open to being approached for further help; it believes that the Food Bank is an important source of support to members of the community in the current and foreseeable economic conditions. The Hub facility is financially sustainable at the present time and is looking for ways to broaden its activities. Cambridgeshire ACRE plays an important part in helping to finance the Hub. Recreation Ground The Council will arrange for more regular inspections of the equipment in addition to the annual RoSPA report. The equipment continues to require minor repairs and adjustments from time to time and more regular inspections will help to ensure that maintenance and repair tasks are dealt with on a timely basis. Some other tasks continue to await better weather and contractor availability. 33

Village Traffic The Council has just received the first draft of the 20mph scheme and will now consider the County’s traffic officer proposals in more detail as regards the coverage of the scheme, signage of limit changes and other similar matters. It was noted that the public would then be given appropriate opportunities to convey their views on the scheme directly to the County Highways Department. Public involvement is a statutory process with notices provided throughout Meldreth, plans available for inspection and an extended window for views to be submitted to the traffic officers. Other issues being considered by our Traffic Group include speed reduction measures that could be part of a separate application for funding under the Highways Initiative or possibly funded by the Council itself. These could include “gateway” features that would alert drivers that they are entering the village. The Council has already acquired a second permanent speed indicator device (SID), solar powered, to be installed with the existing portable SID which is being moved from time to time between agreed locations. The footway and highway at the railway bridge are under review with County Highways and it may be necessary to arrange a formal survey to determine opportunities for improving this black spot for pedestrian users, especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. Editor’s Note: Please also see the separate article from the Parish Council on pages 8-9 of this issue. Mettle Hill Update An approach has been received from a planning consultant about the possible use of Mettle Hill. It was agreed to give the consultant a general background of the site and to ask for an outline of the specific proposal that he may have in mind. Village Housing Needs The Council agreed to ask Cambridgeshire ACRE (CA) to carry out a village survey of housing needs. This was last done by CA about six years ago and is a very useful background to the Council when considering planning issues and our likely future needs. Next Parish Council Meeting Thursday 7th December 2023 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room. Meldreth Parish Council

Be Seen, Be Safe! Cyclists and pedestrians:  Please wear bright, light or reﬂec ve clothing  Pedestrians, please carry a torch  Cyclists, use front and rear lights 34

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)

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Jenni Bone

Contact details had not been provided at the time of going to press

Cllr Adam Bostanci

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon

c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net Cllr Alan Land

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey

j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

nppellatt56@gmail.com

All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance

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Fenny Lane Burial Ground The Parish Clerk would like to put a working party together for the burial ground at Fenny Lane. If you would be interested in helping, please contact the Clerk at the Parish Office. Areas to be considered: painting the outside of the shed, clearing and cleaning the inside of the shed and possibly putting up some shelving. We would also like to clear some of the foliage around the grounds. If you have a grave and would prefer us not to touch it can you please let the Clerk know. Headstones are the property of families but there are some headstones that have no family associated with them and the Parish Council would like to tidy some of these up. Judy Damant Parish Clerk (01763) 269928

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 17th August and 2nd November were not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. The following item is from the minutes of the meeting on 21st September. Land at rear of 106-108 High Street, 22/04489/FUL Construction of a single storey commercial unit. Revised red line of application site showing access to the highway. Highways comments have not been addressed. Access is still a major concern. Recommend refusal of the application. Planning Authority Decisions Land at rear of 106 - 108 High Street, 22/04489/FUL Construction of a single storey commercial unit. Permission granted. 45 Whitecroft Road, 23/02767/FUL Change of use from hair salon back to residential use. Permission granted. Details of all applications and all Planning Authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications. The Meldreth Matters Team

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 36

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www.angliearhearing.co.uk

01223 661399 info@angliearhearing.co.uk

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738

DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK

District and County Councillors’ Report 17 Bus Service Thank you to Meldreth residents who attended the meeting on 6th October of the Cam Vale Bus User Group. Information from bus users lifeline was shared with officers who are now recommending that the 17 service be retained – formal approval needed from the Combined Authority Board in late November. This is really encouraging, because while we have to fight to retain this subsidised service every new financial year, this year was particularly concerning. Ridership appears to have risen sharply since a new operator took over in April. People say they are now confident that the bus will turn up and on schedule. Our Bus User Group suggested it could be stronger still if bus timetables were kept up to date and on display at bus stops, and indeed, if all bus stops could be demarcated. Flooding When Storm Babet hit Cambridgeshire on 20th October, some households were left with external or even internal flooding to their homes, or without flushing toilets, as well as seeing a number of roads closed. To learn from this event for the future, County Council highways officers have been working through the various incidents logged, and the Flood and Water team is pulling together an overall picture of events. If you were affected by flooding and have not yet reported it to the County Council, please do so, as it is really important to build up a full picture of what happened. Properties in Meldreth were affected – thank you to those who got in touch with us:  You can report general and ongoing flood issues affecting your home or property at cambridgeshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Flood_reporting  You can report highways-related flooding (blocked road drains, sewers, gullies, for example) at highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk Meanwhile, the District Council has a limited supply of sandbags that can be delivered to domestic properties that are at imminent risk of flooding only, and not as a preventative measure days or hours in advance of potential flooding. This is aimed specifically at our most vulnerable residents and only intended for people who have no friends, family or neighbours who can assist them fast enough or in advance. Bearing this in mind, residents requesting sandbags during normal office hours should call us on (01954) 713000 or email streets@scambs.gov.uk. For emergencies outside of normal office hours contact our out of hours number for Environmental Health Emergencies on (01253) 501055. Supermarket Vouchers Continue Cambridgeshire County Council’s supermarket voucher scheme will continue to operate for all eligible families in Cambridgeshire until the February 2024 half 39

term using the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions and additional funding provided by the Council. Eligible families are sent regular voucher via email or text. These can be used at a choice of ten supermarkets. The voucher scheme has been a huge success since it was introduced and appreciated keenly by families struggling in the current financial climate. A survey revealed that over seventy per cent of families said the vouchers had helped them cope with the rising cost of living. Thank You to Neighbouring District Councils As has been in the news, SCDC is trialling a four day week. This means that while the Council itself runs five-days per week and emergency out-of-hours, staff are adopting new more focused way of working, each covering the same workload as before but over a four-day period. Thus far the trial has seen staff recruitment and retention improved, money saved through less reliance on more expensive agency staff, lower sickness levels and greater productivity. The trial is set to run till the end of March. Sadly, the trial has attracted what other councils across the political spectrum describe as bullying from central government. Minister Lee Rowley has repeatedly demanded the trial be stopped and not responded to invitations to visit South Cambridgeshire to learn first-hand. He has now served a ‘Best Value Notice’ on the Council, a tool designed to monitor underperforming councils which SCDC is not. SCDC has received strong support from other local authorities across the political spectrum, including all five Suffolk District Councils and SCDC’s partner in Shared Services, Cambridge City Council. More information can be found here: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/your-council-anddemocracy/four-day-working-week-trial. Healthwatch Primary Care Access Survey Healthwatch launched a survey on 1st November to gather people’s experiences of accessing Cambridgeshire Primary Care services, such as GP services. This survey, which will remain open until 17th December, is being conducted independently by Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with the support of NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - who understand how important local access to health services are and are keen to hear your experiences, feedback and thoughts on ways in which you currently access local GP services and how these could be improved. Thank you for completing the survey: www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk/form/primary-care-access-survey. Gritting Volunteers Anyone interested in volunteering to help the County Council grit Cambridgeshire during the winter months is invited to visit the Council’s website to find out how they and the local community can get involved: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/helpwith-gritting. County Council Budget Gap Cambridgeshire County Council’s estimated budget gap for 2024/25 has increased from a predicted £16m to more than £23m, largely due to increases in demand for 40

services and inflationary pressure. Without action being taken this gap will grow and is predicted to be more than £20m in the following year, and a further £19M and more the year after that. Cambridgeshire is not alone. The Local Government Association currently reports that councils across the country face an ‘inflationary storm’ with a predicted £4bn funding gap over the next two years. A report from the Council’s Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance and Resources points to wider national and international issues which have an impact on the council’s pressures, including interest rates which the Bank of England has said are likely to remain above five per cent until 2026. This will affect all goods and services the council buys, the cost of borrowing, and pay award costs for council workers as well as for a large externally commissioned workforce which includes staff working in residential care for vulnerable adults and children. The report highlights how all services in the council have been the subject of a comprehensive exercise to find efficiencies, alongside a number of specific reviews into particularly high-cost areas including school transport, children’s social care placements and high levels of historic adult social care debt. Zoom Cuppa Monday Afternoons We hold a Zoom Cuppa every Monday from 5.00-6.00pm, or please contact us by telephone or email any time for any concerns or questions you may have. May we wish you a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year! District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 07905 325574

The Most Thorough Clean or it's Free!!

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rugs & Stone/Tile Cleaning Call today on 01223 790020 Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

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Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.  Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staﬀ gives family carers me for themselves.  Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.  Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.  Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping. To ﬁnd out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing. Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We have a wide range of home hair care retail. Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Home-Start www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire are taking part in the Big Give's Christmas Challenge - an annual, online matched funding campaign that can double your generosity for our charity. The Christmas Challenge supports a diverse range of causes and last year raised an incredible £28.6m for 1,021 charities. Donations to our “Critical HomeVisiting Support - Fragile Families” campaign will help us to provide weekly, tailored support to local families in need. One donation, twice the impact The challenge will run until Tuesday 5th December and all donations made during this period will be doubled. So, if you're considering donating, please do it during the Challenge to get the most out of your gift. To donate, visit the campaign page link: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/ a056900002RXpTLAA1. Home-Start Christmas Cards Christmas cards, exclusively designed by one of our supporters, Lois, are available at our office at Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, SG8 6JP. They are £3.95 for a pack of 10 cards, two designs, five of each. If you call into our office, you can pay by cash, cheque or card or if you prefer, you can order online through our Home-Start shop https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/shop. Tracy Aggett Fundraising Events Support Manager

Refuse Collections in December and January

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

MCCS - We Need Your Help The MCCS JustGiving funding campaign is now open. Please help us to …

MCCS – Community Support MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub. Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS). Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below. Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 If you have any other questions, please let us know. County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

17 Bus Service This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return. The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm. Susan van de Ven 45

One Stop Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore: email meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com

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 Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Table Tennis Tennis Club

David Rich—(01763) 262116 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Litter Picker

Vicar Bells Ian Mitchell (Friends)

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178 Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Guides (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

Julia Moore—07403 462198 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Email: 1stmeldrethguides@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 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

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

Children

Village Directory

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

Royston Taxis

(01763) 0250811

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

Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page/banner £8.75 Business listing per line

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. Melbourn Flooring ..........................21 Melbourn Village College....................2 Meldreth Landscapes ......................32 Meldreth Maths Tutor ....................19 Meldreth Motor Company ..............16 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................38 Moncraft Computers .........................9 N J Chapman, gardening ...................3 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service42 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......19 P D Property Services ......................31 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...................2 Queen Bee .......................................32 Reflections ......................................42 Richard Burns Electrician ...................3 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Sage Blinds and Interiors .................21 Sparky’s ..........................................32 Specialist Dental Partners ................19 Trademark Kitchens ...................Cover

A10 Timber .......................................4 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................38 Art of Clean ....................................41 Art of Clean Wood ..........................31 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........37 BBA Developments ............................4 Bury Lane Farm Shop .................Cover Cam Valley Orchards .......................21 CHS Day Centre ...............................4 CHS Group .....................................42 The Country Store .............................9 Davey’s Butchers .............................29 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........22 Eve Construction .............................35 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......15 Knibb’s Butchers ........................Cover Lawn Partners .................................41 The Letting Centre ..........................44 Little Hands Nursery School ...........15 Melbourn Auto Services ..................37

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 48

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Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church Meldreth 2nd & 3rd December 11am to 5:00pm Saturday 11am to 4:30pm Sunday Free Parking & Entrance

Noah the donkey 11:00am - 4:00pm Refreshments, Seasonal Craft & Produce Stalls (cash only please) Advent Service 5:30pm Sunday 3rd Dec 2023 v2.2

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

Meldreth Matters, December 2023

Articles inside

In Praise Of … Oranges

Meldreth Advent Trail

Friends of Holy Trinity Church

A Meldreth Garden