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.

Club Facili es

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

Entertainments

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

Refuse Collections

Black bins: 5th, 19th

Blue bins: 12th, 27th*

See page 43 for more dates

Green bins: 12th

Getremindersonyourmobile: downloadtheBinCollectionsapp

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

9.00-10.00am Cardio

10.00-11.00 Functional

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point

Last day of term: 20th December 10.00am

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

4.00-5.00pm 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.

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?