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Meldreth Matters, February 2015 Contents include … Janet McClean (1935-2014) Keith Jacklin (1917-2014) February Events in Meldreth Royal British Legion Cycling News General Election 2015 Friends of Holy Trinity Church News Local History From the Archives End of WW2 Grants WI Women’s Group Good Companions Gardening Link Murang’a Pre-School Primary School Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council District Councillor’s News New Shelter for Meldreth Station Letter to the Editor Winter Gritting and Oil Club Planning Matters 509 New Homes Melbourn Village College Local Events Help and Advice Local Links Index to Advertisers Local Telephone Numbers
Page 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 21 22-23 23 25 26-27 28 33-36 38-39 40 41 43 44 46 48-49 50-51 53-56 58 59 60
Welcome to the February issue of Meldreth Matters. I am writing this in midJanuary, but signs of spring are already appearing. In the gardening column (page 22) Julie Draper mentions that her auriculas were in bloom in December, several months earlier than usual. In London recently, I noticed a number of daffodils already in flower. In my own garden, they are only just starting to push through the soil although many of the snowdrops, often cited as the first sign of spring, are already flowering. The gardens at Anglesey Abbey boast 320 different varieties of snowdrop, including 20 that were discovered there. The winter garden is spectacular and is well worth a visit. Closer to home, there is Melwood, our very own Local Nature Reserve, together with approximately ten miles of public footpaths, waiting to be explored. Kathryn
Cover: Stained glass window, Meldreth Primary School. Photo by Andrew Jones The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.
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Janet McClean (1935-2014)
Janet was born and brought up in Leicester. She was married to Bill and later she had three sons, Tim, Greg and Peter. They moved to Cambridge because Bill went there with his firm. Later they moved to Hauxton and then on to Melbourn. Janet worked in Melbourn for some time. The family then moved to Elin Way, Meldreth. Janet also worked at Meldreth Manor School. Those who knew Janet will miss her. Rest in Peace. Mr and Mrs Evenden
In loving memory of Janet McClean who passed away 31st December 2014. Our darling Nanny, Mum and Mother-in-law. We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Love always, Tim, Teri, Becky and Amy xxxxxx 3
Keith Jacklin (1917-2014) Oldest man in Meldreth dies, aged 97 Keith lived in Meldreth for almost his entire life. He was born in Jubilee Cottages, North End in 1917 where he lived with his mother and grandmother. His father was away at war in the Army and when he returned they moved into a thatched cottage in the High Street where they pumped their water from the well across the road. When the Council houses in Kneesworth Road were built the family were fortunate to be allocated one. This area was so remote from the village that it was nicknamed 'Little Russia'.
Keith pictured in 2007 Photograph by Tim Gane
Keith was a very hard worker and as a schoolboy held a job with a local farmer, herding cattle from one field to another at the end of his school day. He also helped the Vicar to keep the Churchyard free of hemlock, for which he was paid sixpence. This was used to buy his boots. He left school at the age of 14 and was given full time work with the farmer. However, this involved handling heavy horses and became too difficult so he sought work in a nursery in Shepreth where he was in charge of keeping the cucumbers well watered. He always enjoyed carpentry at school and also liked to try his hand at mechanics so his next job was to work at Shepreth Garage, which he enjoyed. The garage also built caravans and he longed to be involved. His chance came when war broke out. The garage was charged with fitting out vans in order that they could be used as stretcher carriers and Keith was asked to help: this kept him out of the war for the first year. Eventually he enlisted with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and after a very short training period found himself aboard a troop ship heading for Singapore. The ship went under heavy fire but thankfully survived. However, the Japanese had already captured Singapore and they were re-routed to India via South Africa, Ceylon and into Bombay where they travelled overland to Ranchi, a very uncomfortable journey. Keith was now part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers – all this for a young man who had barely been outside his own county, never stayed away from home, eaten foreign food or experienced high 4
temperatures! During his time overseas his carpentry and mechanical skills were much sought after, sometimes in a way he hadn't expected. When Colonel Wingate was killed in a plane crash Keith was honoured to be asked to craft a cross for the grave which he made from local teak. When he returned from the war Keith continued to live in Kneesworth Road. In 1947 he married his sweetheart, Eileen with whom he had exchanged letters throughout the war. At first they rented rooms with an aunt in Shepreth and it was here that Carol and Susan were born. The family moved to Howard Road in 1953 which is where Keith and Eileen enjoyed 66 years together. By now Keith was working in Letchworth for a firm of coach-builders and he travelled daily by steam train. He continued to work in Letchworth until he retired in 1982. By then he had been working for a design company in Letchworth for over 25 years. It was here that he achieved his proudest moment. He was appointed Project Manager and built the first Popemobile for which he received much praise, featuring in both the local and national press. Keith was an avid gardener and as well as his own lovingly tended garden at home, he worked an allotment in Whitecroft Road for many years. He was also a member Meldreth Bowls Club and was awarded honorary life membership. His carpentry skills were always in demand and there must be many examples of his work around the village. Keith was a loving and loveable man who enjoyed nothing better than spending time with his family and friends. Besides his two daughters, he has two grandchildren and four great grandchildren and only as recently as 2013 the family celebrated his 96th birthday with him in his garden at Howard Road. Keith spent the last nine months of his life in a care home in Royston where he passed away just before Christmas, surrounded by his family. He was always willing to help others and notorious for always having the right tool for job when help was needed. Much to the amusement of his family, he always carried a multi tool penknife in his pocket just in case someone needed help. His love of nature, fresh air and gardening has been infectious and has left his family with an amazing legacy. He will be sadly missed. Carol Mander Editor’s Note: to read and listen to some of Keith’s memories, visit www.meldrethhistory.org.uk and search for “Keith Jacklin” 5
February Events in Meldreth To see your events listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Saturday 7th February 10.30am-12 noon Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Coffee, tea and squash are served at very reasonable prices together with a choice of biscuits. There will be a ‘Bring and Buy’ cake stall and any donations for that stall would be very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you. Marion Long, (01763) 261365 Saturday 28th February 7.30pm Talk: “The Future of the Past. Why Protect Heritage?” A talk by Peter Draper based on his experiences with the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and English Heritage In aid of The Friends of Holy Trinity See page 14 for further details Saturday 28th February 7.30 for 8.00pm Race Night Meldreth Village Hall Entry £10 to include a hot supper Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Kate on
(01763) 261489 or from the Pre-School This is a fundraising event for Meldreth Pre-School For more details, please see back cover 6
Melwood Conservation Group Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 18th February, 7.45 pm in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall Guest Speaker: Mr Peter Walker - Warden of Gamlingay Wood Refreshments available All members of the village community are welcome; you don’t have to be a Group volunteer. Please come along and support your Local Nature Reserve. The AGM will provide an opportunity to find out more about the Group and to contribute ideas for the next draft of the Management Plan which will be prepared during 2015. The business part of the meeting will be followed by our guest speaker who will be talking on the subject of managing 114 acres of ancient Wildlife Trust woodland as a nature reserve. Gamlingay Wood is a site of special scientific interest which is mentioned in the Domesday Book and appears to have been woodland for at least 1,000 years. *********** Nominations for positions on the committee are invited from other interested parties - please register beforehand with the Acting Chairman, brucehuett@compuserve.com or call (01763) 232855
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Royal British Legion, Women’s Section Melbourn and Meldreth Branch As usual at this time of year we have had a lot of activities and functions to attend. In November it was arranged for some of our ladies to meet children from Melbourn Village College at the Hub. The British Legion ladies helped the children to make poppies to decorate All Saints Church on Remembrance Sunday. On that day I first took the Standard to Meldreth War Memorial (pictured below) and then went on to Melbourn to the Cross. Afterwards I took the Standard into the Church for the service, which was packed with members of the public.
The Standard was also present when some members attended the Memorial Service at 11.00am on Tuesday 11th November at the Cross. I would like to thank everyone who attended for their support. At this point I would like to thank Mike and Anne Swan for their hard work in organising the local Poppy Appeal. The total raised was ÂŁ6,500. The British Legion would also like to thank John Chamberlain for his loyal service of twenty years as Meldreth Poppy Appeal organiser. His work has been greatly appreciated. 8
At the end of November, six members attended a conference at Manea in the fens. The Standard was taken along. Several members also made the journey to the Tower of London to see the display of ceramic poppies in the moat. It was a breathtaking sight. We were surprised to see so many people viewing the poppies. In December we held a table top sale, tombola and raffle at Meldreth Community Room to raise funds for the Women’s Section. We were invited to the Parish Council Chairman’s Christmas Reception. I was unexpectedly given an award for Services to the Community as the Standard Bearer representing Melbourn and Meldreth. Now the New Year is here we are looking forward to a busy calendar including visiting speakers and social meetings. We would still like more members so if you would like to join us please come along to our meetings, which are held at 2.00pm on the last Wednesday of each month in the Vicarage Close Community Rooms, Melbourn. For more information, please contact the Chairman, Anne Neaves on (01763) 261227 or our Secretary, Betty Murphy on (01763) 220841. Pauline Parkinson Standard Bearer (01763) 262619
International Playwriting Competition Sky Blue Theatre’s one act playwriting competition is now in its fourth year. Renamed the British Theatre Challenge, the plays must be written in English for more than one character and have a running time of between ten and thirty minutes. The closing date for entries is 30th March and there is a submission fee of £15. The judges will be choosing ten winning plays, all of which will be performed in a London venue and filmed in October 2015. In the past two years, eighteen of the twenty winning plays have been given offers of publication. For more information and an entry form, visit skybluetheatre.com. Sky Blue Theatre Company 9
A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign
A10 Corridor Cycle Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport Investment Writing this article on 13th January, it looks very likely that on 28th January, the A10 corridor between Royston and Cambridge will win a significant slice of Greater Cambridge City Deal funding to maximise sustainable transport opportunities. One piece of this funding would be used to develop Foxton Station into a transport interchange (drop-off, cycle parking, vehicle parking, bus access), if and when Network Rail decides to fund the closing of the level crossing and create a bridge or underpass in the field to the side of the current A10, on the Barrington side. The other piece of funding would be for a comprehensive network of safe cycle links to join up the whole of the Royston-Cambridge corridor. All cycle links would be designed to be wide enough to encourage both walking and cycling, and would also accommodate mobility scooters. First on the list would be a connection between Melbourn and Royston, a stretch of only one mile. The reasons for this investment would be primarily to mitigate against gridlock congestion on the A10 and to enable people to travel unhampered, especially on regular journeys to work – whether on a train, in a car, on a bus, on a bike or even on foot. If the network is good enough and a culture change is achieved in terms of people’s travel habits, there could be many associated benefits. Improved physical and mental health go with walking and cycling and if we can persuade people not to drive locally when it isn’t necessary, there could be less pressure within villages for High Street parking near shops and schools. The studies that underpin this work are based on the 2011 census results and projected growth for our area; the host of speculative planning applications currently in the pipeline are not factored in. Indeed, what is most striking about the analysis by transport strategists 10
is that if we do nothing and our area grows according to plan, the A10 approach to Cambridge will become gridlocked. There will be a chance to hear news hot Corridor Cycling Campaign meeting on Harston Mill, Harston, 7.00 for 7.30pm) Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group (Melbourn Hub, 7.00 for 7.30pm).
off the press at the A10 29th January (Sagentia, and also at the Meldreth meeting on 11th March
Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk "When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
To find out why Meldreth Primary School’s staff (below) were all dressed up, turn to page 26.
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General Election 2015 The General Election will take place on Thursday 7th May. A profile on the Conservative candidate, Heidi Allen, was included in the January issue of Meldreth Matters. This month, we have a profile on the Green candidate, Simon Saggers. It is hoped that profiles on the other candidates will be included in future issues of Meldreth Matters.
In September last year I was selected as the Green Party candidate for South Cambridgeshire. Generations of my family come from South Cambridgeshire. I was brought up in Bassingbourn and returned, after some time working in the charity sector, to establish the Guilden Gate smallholding with my wife, Jacqui. Guilden Gate supplies seasonal fruit and vegetables, grown without artificial pesticides or fertilisers, to local customers. I am 46 and I have a 13 year old son, George, and an 11 year old daughter, Maddie, both of whom attend Bassingbourn Village College. I am proud to be part of the vast network of local volunteers who help South Cambridgeshire village life to flourish. Over the past 15 years I have been a Parish Councillor, a trustee of the Elbourn Memorial Housing Trust, part of the Bassingbourn Living Local Group and a governor at Bassingbourn Village College. I was lucky to grow up in this area and want to play my part in looking after it now and handing it on to my children and future generations in great shape. I would be very happy to meet you and to discuss the very different policies offered by the Green Party. Please call me on (01763) 243960 or email simon.saggers@googlemail.com. Simon Saggers simon.saggers@googlemail.com (01763) 243960 12
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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Supper, 17th January The supper was as popular as ever and once again all tickets were sold. We are always grateful to the committee who prepare all the food for 50 plus people with a few variations to accommodate dietary needs. With all the chatter there is not much need for entertainment, however Colin Limming’s quiz always goes down well.
This month’s event: Saturday 28th February - 7.30pm “The Future of the Past. Why Protect Heritage?” A talk by Peter Draper based on his experiences with the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and English Heritage Tickets cost £7.50 (Friends £7.00) including wine and nibbles They are available from: Robert Long - (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 Steve Marshall - (01763) 261442 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742
Forthcoming Events April – Open Gardens – date to be agreed Friday 15th May - AGM John Price 14
Holy Trinity Church Projects Church Heating Two further grants have been obtained and the project is now fully funded. Following re-rendering of the north wall of the Nave it has now been lime-washed and it looks very smart. The 160mm diameter insulated underground heating pipes from the store to the Church have now been installed and in cold weather they have been difficult to manipulate and bend. The skirting heaters and pipe work are in the progress of being installed and the fan heaters have just been delivered. Bell Restoration This project is 75% funded and an application has been made for a Land Fill Grant to complete the funding and by the time the February magazine is circulated we will know if we have got through the initial sifting phase. If the initial application has been successful a full application will need to be made in March. John Price
Holy Trinity Church Services Sunday 1st February 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 8th February 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 15th February 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 22nd February 8.00am Holy Communion
Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 17th February at 8.00pm at 85 North End Meldreth. Please join us if you would feel the need for prayer and meditation. We are open to prayer requests which are always treated in strict confidence. Marion Long (01763) 261365 15
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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk With our First World War project coming to a close, we have begun to plan our events and activities for 2015. Coffee Morning Our first event will be another of our popular coffee mornings. This will take place on Monday 23rd March from 10.00am to midday. Our theme for this coffee morning is Meldreth Railway Station, so please come armed with your memories. As usual, free refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome. AGM Our AGM will be held on Monday 11th May from 10.00am to midday, when our presentation will focus on the use of genealogical techniques in researching local history. Projects for 2015 We will be focussing on a number of projects this year, including the following. Meldreth Football Club This project is being led by Chris Duguid who intends to research the history of the Football Club and trace photographs of the players and teams. If you have any documents, photographs or memories of the Club, please telephone Chris on 07946 484389 or email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk. Law and Order John Crawforth is leading this project which will look at crimes involving Meldreth people, together with the development of the justice system. If you have any relevant information, please contact John on (01763) 262848 or email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk. Our other topics include Archaeology and Manorial History. If you would like to be involved in our activities, please email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk, telephone Joan Gane on (01763) 260129 or pop in to the Sheltered Housing Community Room one Monday morning between 9.30am and 11.30am. New members are always welcome and no experience is necessary. Kathryn Betts Secretary, MLHG 17
From the Archives Each month, I will be including an item from a local newspaper or archive. This month, I have dipped into the Meldreth Matters archive to find the following gem: In 1989 Meldreth Matters was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the prestigious Village Ventures Competition run by Cambridgeshire County Council. The magazine’s first issue was published just a few months earlier, in November 1988, with the aim of filling the gap left by the demise of the widely-circulated and popular Drifts magazine, produced at Melbourn Village College. The award was made to the eight-page Meldreth Matters “in recognition of a valuable example of community self-help”. The editorial team at the time is pictured below. They are, from left to right, Ann Barnes (founder member), Sherida Inman, Pam Mynn, Helen Leighton and Lesley Farbridge. Ann and Lesley remain members of the Meldreth Matters Team today.
Kathryn Betts 18
End of World War 2 Commemoration Small Grants Next summer marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In celebration of this important anniversary, Cambridgeshire County Council is pleased to announce a Small Grants Fund to encourage community activity. On 8th May 1945 more than a million people took to the streets to celebrate VE Day, the end of the war and peace at last in Europe. Huge crowds amassed in front of Buckingham Palace as King George VI and Winston Churchill greeted a nation full of joy and relief at the prospect of peace following six years of conflict and hardship. Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on 15th August (VJ Day), Japan formally surrendered on 2nd September signifying the end of World War II throughout the rest of the world. The anniversary is an opportunity for communities and Cambridgeshire residents to come together to remember the wartime effort, celebrate peace, reminisce about the ‘unforgettable forties’ era and capture some of the celebratory mood of the time. Whether it be a community tea dance, the researching and sharing of stories of the time, a lindy hop event, raising morale through music or sport, a ‘make do and mend’ community craft project, creating a ‘Dig For Victory’ garden or giving your fete or festival a forties theme, we would like you to design and deliver activities within your community that motivate and encourage people to get involved. Small grants will be awarded to local groups and organisations to support community activities linked to and inspired by the 70th anniversary, wartime Britain and the 1940’s era. Each grant will be up to a maximum of £500 and additional funding or support in kind will be expected. The grants will be awarded in two rounds. The deadlines for applications for each round are 9th February and 9th March. To request an application form and for details of how to apply for a grant, please email ww2commemoration@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call (01954) 284615. Nutan Patel Community and Business Support Officer Cambridgeshire County Council 19
Meldreth WI The January meeting of Meldreth WI was well attended. It started as usual with minutes of the last meeting and announcements about forthcoming outings and events. Sewing and darts are to resume after the Christmas break and hopefully walking will resume on 19th January provided it is not too muddy. Ann Askham then read out the possible resolutions for the 2015 AGM of the WI and after some discussion members voted for the one they preferred. The majority at the meeting favoured the resolution to increase public access to defibrillators but the final decision on the resolution to adopt will only be made after much discussion nationwide. Our speaker for the night was Joe Kennedy who runs the BlackBar Brewery Harston. He had always been interested in science and engineering and when a teacher at Long Road suggested doing a degree in brewing at Heriot-Watt University he jumped at the chance. Since graduating he has done various jobs and travelled extensively but for the last three years he has run his own brewery. Beer was first brewed about 7,000 years ago and some people believe that bread making, the basis of agricultural civilisation, was an offshoot of brewing. Joe began by telling us that the most important aspect of brewing is cleaning. He then went on to talk about the four main ingredients of beer: water, malted barley, hops and yeast - all important in the final product. Our local hard water is best for heavy dark beers but he also modifies water to make the light citrusy beers currently popular. He told us that East Anglian barley is the best in the world for beer. We also saw and smelt two different kinds of hops for comparison. Joe likes to try adding things to his beer - herbs for instance - to make something a bit different, as he feels there is no point in simply copying the big breweries. He supplies his cask beers to some local Cambridgeshire pubs, the nearest to us being the Green Man in Thriplow. He sells bottled beers direct to the public from his brewery in Button Lane industrial estate, Harston on Saturdays between 10.00am and 2.00pm. He also sells some of the more standard bottled beers to Shelford Deli and Bury Lane Fruit farm. It was a very enjoyable and informative talk. Mary Gregory
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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group The Women’s Group is for all women of any age. Meetings are held at 7.45pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December. We have no annual membership fee but have a charge of £1 each meeting to cover expenses plus an option to donate to the charity pot. At the time of writing the charity for this year has yet to be selected at our AGM. Our next meeting will be on 24th February when we meet at All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn. We are looking forward to a talk by Anna Taylor who is a trained milliner and will give us a talk on “Hats and The Role of Women”. Feel free just to come on the night but or if you would like any more information please contact Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955 or Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775. Pat Smith
Good Companions We do not normally meet in January but we thought it would be nice to get together this year and catch up with everyone. Our meeting was held on 15th January at a member’s home and I will report on that next time. Sadly we lost a member of the Club on New Year’s Eve – Mr Dennis Dash - and our condolences go to all his family. This month’s meeting will be held on Thursday 5th February. Please contact me for details of the venue. L. G. Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432
New to the village? Information on village facilities and over 30 local groups is available at
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 21
Notes From a Small Garden Jim and Jane are experimenting with growing strawberries from seed, which was sown last summer. When flowers appeared they were discarded and the plants were transferred into small clay pots. They are now in a greenhouse and will be hardened off in a cold frame in the spring. We will keep you informed of their progress through the summer. During most Februaries there are several good gardening days and full advantage should be taken of these and any shrubs and fruit trees which have been heeled-in should be planted. It's a good month too to prune vines and late flowering clematis. The jackmanii and viticella varieties grow really well locally. Julie usually cuts them down to about twelve inches; any lower runs the risk of slugs and snails making a beeline for the new shoots! A little later she will be taking the old growths out of the spireas; just cut out about 5-10 thick growths right out at the bottom. We've already had more frost this winter since last year, but February is usually our coldest month so Julie will keeping an eye on her small collection of the lovely spring flowering Auriculas, which were so loved by the Victorians. They come in such amazing colours and she had her first flowering of a green and blue variety in December. They are supposed to be spring flowering! Meantime Jim has some good advice for the vegetable plot. A sowing of carrots (Amsterdam Forcing) and lettuce (Little Gem) can be made in a cold frame. Keep some fleece handy to cover them in the event of a hard frost. In the greenhouse he has already sown peas and broad beans in three-inch pots to follow on from the ones already growing outside. Things to do Towards the end of the month cucumbers (Burpless) and melons (Emir) can be started but these will need warmth and the seed set on edge in small seed trays. Place them in a clear plastic bag and put them in the airing cupboard and inspect every day. As soon as shoots appear move them into a light frost-free position and remove the plastic bag. Pot them into small pots when four leaves show. 22
When sowing seeds early, place the trays or pots in a shallow receptacle containing clean tap water enabling them to be watered from underneath. Plant a row of early potatoes and have some fleece ready to cover when frosty. Prune autumn fruiting raspberries to six inches from the ground; they fruit from the new growth. Good gardening. Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824
23
MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Hig h Street, Meldreth Tel: Karen 01763 243604
Coton Electrical for all Domestic wiring Full rewiring Consumer units Lights and switches New sockets Gardens Kitchens & bathrooms
NEW! Inspections PAT Tests NEW!
Free estimates www.cotonelectrical.co.uk david@cotonelectrical.co.uk
Call David on 07749 850026 17 Flambards Close, Meldreth
24
Meldreth Pre-School www.meldrethpreschool.com
We are a friendly Pre-School offering a quality term time service at competitive rates in line with NEF funding. We take children from the age of two and are happy to welcome children in nappies. You can find out about our Pre-School by visiting our website www.meldrethpreschool.com. We are filling our places fast, so anyone looking for new or increased hours needs to contact the Preschool as soon as possible. Either call Lorna on 07518 173653 or email Sarah Helme at preschool@meldrethpreschool.com Staff Vacancy We are looking for someone with a CACHE Level 2/3 in Childcare to join our team. Shifts are 8.30am-12.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This is available as one role or could be shared between two people. Overtime shifts may be available to cover training courses. We are also looking for qualified and unqualified bank staff to join our expanding team. For more information about these opportunities please email Sarah Helme at preschool@meldrethpreschool.com. Meldreth Pre-School
Meldreth Pre-School is holding a Race Night on Saturday 28th February to raise funds for the Pre-School Please see back page for details 25
Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk School has experienced a busy start to the new term and New Year that has included Book Week running from 12th to 16th January. The focus was to immerse the children in reading, writing, speaking and listening to and about books for a whole week! Events have been varied and exciting. Two guest authors have visited the school, delivering writing workshops, sharing their stories and giving a book signing. A rather tricky book quiz (with numerous house points up for grabs for the winning team) tested the most “book astute” amongst the children. Guessing the author and title from artistic display boards depicting books all around the school, tested both the children’s book knowledge and their illustrative capabilities. More to the point, which teacher’s favourite book is ‘Ballet Shoes’ or ‘Arabel’s Raven’ or ‘White Fang’? Were the children able to guess from the rather tricky hints that were given to help them make their decision, or are Meldreth’s teachers masters at undercover, indecipherable clues? Did the daily “story teller” sessions (where children from all years pick a story and/or story teller they are desperate to listen to) result in sneaky revelations about the clues for the “Favourite Books” quiz (Miss Cole reading ‘The Wind in the Willows’, for example – what a giveaway… she’d never make it in an Ian Fleming novel!)? Or did it, on the other hand, simply result in Meldreth Primary children wandering from room to room until they found the funniest, scariest or most engaging story to listen to. Finally, what emerged from the Meldreth Staff Dressing Up Box on Book Character Day?* Past creations have ranged from Nanny McPhee to Miss Trunchball to The Enormous Turnip (yes an inanimate object!). What a week! Life is far from dull at Meldreth Primary School! Sally Willan Teacher, Woodpecker Class * to find out, see page 11 26
Our Book Week by Grace Hooker, Year 6 - Woodpecker Class Monday On Monday we had a gentle start to the week where all of the classes in the school went into different classrooms after we had lunch, to choose the book that we wanted to listen to. The stories I listened to were quite short so Mrs Willan read us lots of them from the ‘Hairy Maclary’ series. The main characters include: Hairy Maclary, SlinkyMalinki and Scarface Claw (the mean cat!!)
Tuesday Tuesday was excellent as Ian Macdonald, an exciting author, came to visit our school. In the morning we didn’t have a normal assembly. Instead, Mr Macdonald came to talk to us about how to plan and write a good story. At the end of his assembly he read us some of his book! In the afternoon, all the Year 5/6s had a workshop with Ian and he read us an extract of his book. We had to close our eyes and use our imagination to then open our eyes and draw what we saw. We then got to write a chapter of our very own story!!
Wednesday On Wednesday, we had a special visit from a local author called Gillian Overitt when she read us her book, ‘Max’s Magical Dream’. Although we haven’t got there yet, the last two days include Book Day where the whole school has to dress up as characters from a book of their own choice, something we do every year and we love! In the past we have had lots of different characters ranging from Miss Trunchbull to the GRUFFALO!!!!! I can’t wait to see what will turn up. I’m sure the whole school will have a great day!!!
Our Book Week. What it means… by Hattie Walker, Year 6 Woodpecker Class Tomorrow we are all going to dress up as characters from children’s story books. Last year there were loads of people dressed up as really funny things. Every afternoon we get to go to a classroom to hear a “storyteller” teacher read you stories - ‘Hairy Maclary’ read by Mrs Willan was really funny. My favourite character was Slinky Malinki – a naughty cat! We also do a book swap - everyone brings in a book they have read and swap it for another book you haven’t read, but would really like to! 27
Volunteering Opportunities The following organisations are looking for volunteers. If you need volunteers for your organisation, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire HSRSC is looking for volunteers who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope. A ten-session training course for new volunteers is being held during February and March. The course will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm, dates to be confirmed. F or more details contact Sarah or Jackie at:Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP Tel: 01763 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk www.hsrsc.org.uk
Royston & District Community Transport RDCT is looking for drivers to help provide transport for people who are unable to use conventional public transport. Drivers use their own car and receive 50p per mile. Personal accident and public liability cover is provided through the scheme. Volunteer drivers are also needed to drive the RDCT minibus. For further information, telephone (01763) 245228
28
ROYSTON FENCING
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prompt delivery competitive prices
FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES
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SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS For full details of all our services please contact Diane
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SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE
Also hedge trimmers & pedestrian mowers
Mulching Ride on mowers
Machines collected and delivered
Saffron Walden T.01799 543208 29
toby@abreyandson.com
Meldreth Village Dia Monday
Tuesday
Copy deadline for the March issue of Meldreth Matters is Thursday 12th February
Wednesday
Thurs
Half term is the week beginning Monday 16th February
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group
10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children
5.30pm Slimming World
7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm Slimming World
6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45pm Bell Ringing
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group
10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children
5.30pm Slimming World
7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm Slimming World
6.00-7.00pm Brownies
2.00pm Good Companions ( 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis 7.30pm Parish
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30 pm WI
Copy de for Marc
7.45pm Bell Ringing 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group
10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing
7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 8.00pm Prayer Group
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 10.45 - 11.30am Mobile Library 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics
9.30-11.30am B & T Grp 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45pm Bell Ringing 7.45pm Melwood AGM
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis
5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45pm Bell Ringing
Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 N Councillors’ Surgeries, Meldreth Local History Group and the ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Clo 30
ary - February 2015
sday
Friday
Saturday
9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School
g
venue tbc) m Fitness
Sunday
10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Break
8.00am Holy Communion
m Table
h Council 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School
m Fitness
eadline ch issue 8.00am Holy Communion
Fitness
m Table
m Fitness
m Table
7.30 for 8.00pm Pre-School Race Night (see back cover) 7.30pm FOHT Talk, Holy Trinity Church (see page 14)
Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com.
North End. Good Companions, A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Meetings, District & County the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies & Melbourn and Meldreth ose. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 31
Lynn Driscoll DipCFHP, MPSPract 10, The Moor, Melbourn
Foot Health Practitioner
(Relocated From The Old Post Office)
Member of the Accredited Register of Foot Health Practitioners
Debbie, Amy & Leah Specialise In: Creative Cutting, A Wide Range Of Colouring Techniques And All Other Aspects Of Unisex Hairdressing.
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We Use Colours And Products By Products Are Available For Purchase Late Night Wednesday Senior Citizen Tuesday to Thursday Barbering Evening Tuesday 5 Until 6:30 The Salon Is Equipped With Wi-Fi
Long nails trimmed Thick nails reduced Corns & Verruca treated Hard skin/callus reduced Fungal Infections Dry and cracked heels Diabetics cared for
Nail Technician - Thursday and Friday
Mobile service providing foot care in the comfort of your home
Call For An Appointment: 01763 262020 Or Pop In: We Are Next To The Plumbers
Tel: 07771 735300
facebook.com/looksgoodhair
College Farm Bed and Breakfast
Telephone: 01223 260082
Pet & Livestock Feeds, Bedding, Hay & Straw, Wild Bird Food New Lines: Rat Poison, Road & Water Softener Salt Email: judy@fenfeeds.co.uk
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The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!
Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning
Friendly, family run B&B, in 17th century farmhouse.
Tel 01223 208955
Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag”
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Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering
32
Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 8th January 2015 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Mr S Hawkins - Chairman, Mr R A Searles, Mrs C.J. Fallon, Mr J Fenner, Mr C A Land, Mr N Pellett and Mr D Stewart In attendance: J Damant (Clerk) Apologies: Mr A Keena and Coucnillors P Hart and S van de Ven (attending Shepreth Parish Council meeting) Public Participation: There were four members of the public in attendance. The footways along the High Street are getting worse; they are very narrow in places and appear to be sloping making it very difficult to walk along safely. There is a lot of water collecting along the gulleys in the High Street which is unable to exit through the storm drains as they are full of debris. This is causing concern as the water is pooling in the street. The Chairman explained that the Parish Council is very aware of this and is presently carrying out a survey on all the drains which are supposed to have been jetted. Report from District Councillor In her absence Councillor Hart’s report was read to the meeting. The key points are: Energy Survey Councillor Hart has had an energy survey of her house carried out at the reduced rate (£29) currently being offered to residents by SCDC and recommends that all residents make use of this while it is available. Changes to Planning The Government has announced changes to revise the threshold for the number of dwellings/aggregate size of development and will now allow applications for up to ten dwellings or 1,000 square metres before triggering a requirement to provide affordable housing or developer contributions. 33
Report from County Councillor: In her absence Councillor van de Ven’s report was read to the meeting. The key points are: Footway, Kneesworth Road CCC Planning and Highways will inspect this imminently. Melbourn prospective development of 199 homes off New Road This will have an impact on various aspects of Meldreth life including parking at and in the vicinity of the Station; pressure on doctor’s surgery and early years education places, both of which are at capacity, as well as impact on A10 traffic and junction points. Cllr van de Ven will be arguing against the development on the basis that speculative development outside of planning policy frameworks by definition has no accompanying infrastructure plan to anticipate and address the infrastructure needs of the increased population. Meldreth Station Cambridge-bound platform Great Northern will be installing a new shelter on the Cambridgebound platform. A10 Corridor Cycling Cycling infrastructure for the whole of the A10 corridor between Cambridge and Royston is included in the proposed first round of City Deal funding, to be formally agreed later this month. [See pages 10-11 for details.] Footway at Biddall's Boulevard Concern has been expressed by the Parish Council regarding the footway. Street furniture is still in place and the material used appears to be very loose and has not been compacted. CCC and SCDC will be inspecting the footway. It was suggested that the Parish Council should recommend to not discharge the planning condition for the extra showman sites until the footway is rectified and fit for purpose. Bury Lane Solar Farm The Clerk is still looking into projects whereby Parish Councils have set up separate committees to oversee financial projects. Mettle Hill The next working group meeting was due to take place on 12th January. Mr Searles reported that the idea of park homes, which would allow mobile homes to be made available to older people, was a 34
possible option. The working group has also been looking into a community solar scheme and had tried to get feedback from a similar scheme at Reach. However this scheme appears to have not progressed as no information after May 2014 is available. Mr Fenner has inspected the site and drawn up a site survey which will be suitable to present to contractors. Playground The play equipment appears to be in good working order apart from the roundabout, which needs repairing. If this is not economically possible it is proposed that a new roundabout be purchased. Village Emergency Plan A template is now available and the clerk and councillors will start the process. Correspondence and Clerk's Report Mrs Margaret Lynch has agreed to be the Parish's Tree Warden. Grants of up to £500 available for to local groups and organisations to support community activities linked to and inspired by the 70th anniversary of World War 2. [See page 19 for further information.] Bollards at the Stocks Information on bell shaped bollards was discussed which may look well at the Stocks’ area. It was also suggested that, depending on cost, one of these could be erected at the War Memorial. Speedwatch and Signage Hedges at the corner of Fenny Lane and Whitecroft Road are a concern on visibility and a site inspection will be made Clearing of ivy from trees on Whitecroft Road near Fenny Lane to see if the sight lines at this junction can be improved. The Clerk has been in touch with the landowner but if this does not work then the recommendation of CCC Highways to have the trees or some of the trees removed will need to be investigated further. Councillors' Reports: The Parish Council agrees with the public that the footways are getting very bad and that some of the hedges in the village need cutting back. Councillors will report back on this so that letters can be sent out to residents whose hedges are obstructing footways. 35
Station Road Bridge The recent accident at the bridge has raised concerns over the hedge/ fence along the bridge on Station Road and a site survey indicates that the fence in place is not sufficient and needs looking at. The Clerk is to make enquiries to CCC Highways and Network Rail. Community Donations for 2014/15 It was agreed to make donations to Meldreth Lunch Club, Melbourn and Meldreth Lunch Club, Melbourn District Villages Association (Library), Meldreth Good Companions, Royston and District Community Transport and Holy Trinity Church (refurbishment of the War Memorial Bell). Community Donations for 2015/16 It was agreed to make a donation to Royston and District Community Transport. This payment will not be available until April 2015. Precept It was agreed, after discussion, to request a precept for 2015-16 of ÂŁ55,500.00. This will make the council tax due to Meldreth Parish Council for a band D house ÂŁ74.32, which is unchanged from this year. Co-option All legal requirements have now been fulfilled and as there have been no other nominations or interests by any other party, it was proposed that Mr David Lee be co-opted onto the Parish Council and all agreed. Mr Lee accepted. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop. Meldreth Parish Council contact details: Web: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk; Email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Telephone: (01763) 269928. For contact details of Parish Councillors, see page 60. Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Meldreth SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon. By appointment at other times. 36
We can make life a little easier Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court Homecare: our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Sitting service: a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers time for themselves. Day Centre: based at Moorlands Court with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service: nutritious, hot lunchtime 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, call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564 or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
CASH PAID For Old & Modern Books Also Purchased: Programmes, Post & Cigarette Cards, Old Toys & Cars, Medals, Coins, Stamps, Comics, Jewellery, Furniture, China and Collectables.
Phone: 01763 849789 Bespoke picture framing service, with 12 years experience, offering friendly professional advice using quality materials.
NEW STUDIO & WORKSHOP Unit 2, Cambrad Building College Farm Business Park, North End Meldreth. SG8 6NT
www.the-picture-framers.co.uk Mon - 9am-3.30pm / Tue-Fri - 9am-5pm Please call for Saturday and evening appts.
Tel. 01763 261972
37
District Councillor’s Report Unsurprisingly, it has been a quiet month. Energy Survey I reported last month on the reduced rate (£29) currently being offered to residents to have an energy survey of your dwelling carried out. I have now had a survey of my own property carried out and can report that it was very thorough and professional. The preliminary results were presented at the end of the visit and we await the full report. At this stage I have not received any hard sell of the products (loft insulation and external or internal cladding) sold by Climate Energy, the company contracted by SCDC to roll out the government's Green Deal. I recommend that any residents interested in learning where they might obtain grant money towards making their property more energy efficient make use of this while the government is still offering this scheme, particularly at this price. Mettle Hill Working Group The group met again on 12th January. Possible uses under discussion (requiring further research) are still live/work units, a chalet park, selfbuild and solar or a combination thereof. We are trying to look at sustainable uses which could be income-generating and might also serve as village amenities. I estimate that we will need to have at least another couple of meetings before we are in a position to draw up a shortlist of possible projects. The next step will then be to consult with the Parish Council and all residents. Should you wish to see full minutes, they are being published on the village website. Local Initiatives As you know, local solar energy firms SunEdison and Lightsource are set to give one-off donations of £50,000 and £250,000 respectively to the village over 25 years. We have been asked to account for how this money will be spent and to that end we looked briefly at a draft list of local initiatives which could attract funding from these sources. A working party is likely to be set up to propose, prioritise and price local initiatives. This exercise will need to be carried out on a rolling basis to account to Lightsource and to assist in applying for other funding sources. philippajhart@btinternet.com (01763) 261255 07811 323571 38
District Councillor’s Surgery The next councillor surgery will be held in Shepreth in the meeting room upstairs at The Plough on Monday 2nd February from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. This is open to all residents. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone or email. philippajhart@btinternet.com (01763) 261255 07811 323571
County Councillor’s Surgery I hold a drop-in advice surgery at the Melbourn Hub on the first Monday of the month, from 2.30 to 3.30pm. The Melbourn Hub is in Melbourn High Street, opposite the High Street public car park. As always, if this is inconvenient please get in touch and we can arrange to meet at another time or closer to home. Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk
Reporting Faults and Problems Please report faulty streetlights by using freephone number 0800 7838 247, giving the SC or CCC identification number, street name, village and fault description. Problems on the roads, including potholes and poor pavement surfaces should be reported on the Cambridgeshire County Council website: http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/Highways/ ReportProblem1.aspx Meldreth Parish Council 39
New Shelter for Meldreth Station melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup Five years ago, at the very first meeting of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group, Jim Eggleton asked the then train operating company if we could have a shelter on the Cambridge-bound platform to provide somewhere dry to wait outside booking office hours. At last, that looks set to happen! The Rail User Group included the shelter in its list of aspirations for Meldreth, when the new train operating company Great Northern took over in September. We don’t know when it’s coming, but now that it has been announced we can at least look forward to it. Thanks to local train travellers for keeping us informed about improvements that are needed. The next meeting of the Rail User Group will be on 11th March, at 7.00 for 7.30pm at the Melbourn Hub. All welcome! Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk
Refuse Collections Collections in February will be on the following dates: Black bins: 6th & 20th February Green bins: 13th February Blue bins: 13th & 27th February
MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 40
Letter to the Editor Firework Attack on Recreation Ground I would like to make you aware of an incident that occurred on the recreation ground on the morning of Friday 2nd January at around 6.45am. I was walking my two dogs around the recreation ground. I was carrying a torch and both dogs have flashing lights on their collars; other than that it was rather dark. An adult male hurried past me and as I continued walking, a firework went off just a few yards away from me, right where my dog was sniffing. An explosion of red lights and rockets caused me to panic and scream and both my dogs bolted. Luckily no lasting damage was done other than the shock but I can only believe this was done maliciously. The person will have been fully aware of my presence as I was carrying a torch, wearing a high visibility coat and both my dogs have flashing lights on their collars and had already done half a lap of the park in that direction. I have reported the incident to the Police and they have asked if anyone has any information as to who lit the firework to contact them. Someone could have suffered serious injury or anxiety attacks and it worries me to think there are people in the village that would do this. Chris Bennett
Meldreth’s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you.
Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 41
Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration
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Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 42
Winter Gritting Update Details on which roads, footways and cycleways are included on the County Council’s gritting schedule can be seen on the Cambridgeshire County Council website. If it’s helpful, Philippa Hart and I have included a link to it in our monthly email newsletter, which is always posted on my website, www.susanvandeven.com. The Council’s Highways and Community Infrastructure Committee has worked together to find ways of preventing cuts to the gritting service, in spite of a 59% cut to the committee’s non-ring-fenced budget. ‘Route optimisation’ including higher quality and differentiated weather forecasts and fine-tuned spreading mechanisms, mean that a very large budget saving will be made without compromising the actual service – though next year the job will be even more difficult, as the council faces several more years of severe cut backs. Nevertheless, renewed efforts will be made, I’m sure! Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk
Oil Club With a few weeks of winter left to come, it is worth sending out a reminder about our bulk buying Melbourn Division Oil Club, set up to help people get the best prices on household heating oil. This is open to anyone who lives in the cluster of villages around Melbourn and there is no fee or obligation of any kind. There’s an article about it on my website, susanvandeven.com, or you can simply contact our bulk buyer, Jeremy Cole, directly by emailing Jeremy@agricole.co.uk or telephoning ( 01954) 719452 or 07860 904045. Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk 43
Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address
Detail
Parish Council Recommend
104 High Street Erection of five S/2519/14/FL residential flats
The Parish Council recommended 'No Objections' with comments. 'The Parish Council have concerns on the increased parking on the east side of the High Street, considering there are already parking concerns on the west side. SCDC to consider some sort of parking restrictions in this area.
90 High Street S/2824/14/FL
Detached double garage
The Parish Council recommend 'Approval' with no comments.
98 North End S/2882/14/FL
Single storey side extension
The Parish Council recommend 'Approval' with no comments.
84 High Street S/2928/14/FL
Single storey side extension
The Parish Council recommend 'No Objections' with no comments.
12 Fenny Lane To shorten stem C/11/17/071/02 growing over drive by 25% to reduce lever arm and weight. To undertake crown reduction of 15-20% over entire crown to mitigate limited decay at base following 'Picus' test
The Parish Council recommend 'Comments'. The Parish Council's Tree Officer's comments will be sent to SCDC.
SCDC Decisions 1 Station Road, S/1240/14/FL has been granted permission for installation of solar panels on farm land for the production of electricity. Land South of Melbourn, S/2358/14/FL has been granted permission for an underground cable and associated work between solar farms and substation. 29 Whitecroft Road, S/1569/14/FL has been granted permission for a two storey side extension and garage.
Meldreth Parish Council 44
J.P.K. Plumbing and Heating Jack Kew
Flambards Close, Meldreth Hertfordshire. SG8 6JX
Tel: 01763 260693 Mobile: 07870 496498 Email: J.p.k@live.co.uk
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
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509 New Homes in Neighbouring Villages: shared infrastructure plan missing I am looking at the application for 90 homes in Foxton, 199 homes in Melbourn and 220 in Barrington with concern about the principle of speculative planning applications, which by definition means that there is no appropriate accompanying infrastructure plan. All of these applications have been made in a policy vacuum, while we wait for the Inspector to sign off the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. A total of 509 new homes presents a very significant cumulative impact on the same cluster of local services. We know that early years education and doctors’ surgeries could not cope with that extra demand and indications are that potential contributions to grow Barrington, Melbourn and Foxton Schools will fall woefully short of what is required. The County Council is coping with unprecedented cuts and has no spare cash. There are concerns about increases in vehicle pressure on traffic conflict points, particularly at junctions and level crossings, and as good as cycle and rail options might become, it is reasonable to expect that the prevailing use of the car will continue. The positive aspects of these applications include an increase in the supply of affordable housing and new students for Melbourn Village College; however the foundation stage of education needs a properly funded framework. Everyone needs access to a GP and proper infrastructure planning would include assessing necessary funding for doctors’ surgeries. While Cemex has engaged extensively with Barrington residents, Gladman in Foxton and Endurance Estates in Melbourn have held no public meetings to answer our queries or to explain their plans and applications are being rushed through. If you are concerned about having missed the consultation deadline and would like me to relay any particular points on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Susan van de Ven County Councillor (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk
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HOME FOOTCARE
MELDRETH LANDSCAPES
Jane Cavanna
Design & Layout Plans
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Tel: 01763 261463
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01777 816696 or 07769 347903
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Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn
Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers: Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions”
We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court
All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted
For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com
Day Centre
Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays.
Richard Burns Electrical Services
Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.
Please call me for any electrical needs
Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages.
Tel: 01763 263 121 Mob: 07958 028 729 Email: sockets@tesco.net
From just £7.90 per day. To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Certified work to BS7671 Based in Meldreth
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Melbourn Village College Charity Roundup Students at Melbourn Village College have undertaken three successful charity projects this term. Students’ hard work, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, saw more than 150 poppies adorn the Book of Remembrance table and lectern in Melbourn church to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. Some students spent the day with the RBL creating poppies while others were made in Art, Citizenship and RPE lessons. The poppies, painted, paper and knitted, were combined with those made by the RBL to create a miniature version of the Tower of London art. Marta Gunner, the teacher in charge of the charity projects, said: “There was a lovely community feel to this project with those students involved working with the Royal British Legion ladies. With the help of Miss Heeks in the Art Department, I feel the students really understood what we were commemorating.” Melbourn students also delivered 34 shoeboxes packed with Christmas cheer for families and older people, to the charity Link To Hope. They will be shipped to Romania, Moldova, Albania and Ukraine where the charity is committed to rebuilding lives and communities among some of the poorest people in Europe, many of whom have no electricity or running water and who have to choose between heating and food with nothing left to celebrate Christmas. 48
This was Melbourn’s first year working with the charity and Ms Gunner was delighted with the contribution. “We’ll be aiming for more next year but this was a good start,” she said. “We would like to thank Country Gardens and the businesses within it who helped advertise and collect boxes for us as well as everybody who donated a box. Lastly, staff, students and members of the community were invited to knit or crochet tiny hats to benefit Age UK. Melbourn has again signed up to the Innocent Big Knit and is hoping to beat last year’s total of 250 hats made by student knitters, their families and friends. In the spring donated hats are put on bottles of Innocent Smoothie drinks and for each one sold, the company donates 25p to Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign, helping older people during the cold winter months. Alison Friday Communications Officer, MVC
Melbourn Sports Centre www.melbournsports.com Our Kidz Factor holiday playscheme will run from Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February from 8.30am to 5.30pm and is open to children from 5 to 13 years. Children can be booked on the full day course if they were at least five years old on 1st September 2014. Half days courses, from 8.30am to 12.30pm or 12.30-5.30pm are available for children in Reception. Activities covered during the week will include swimming, arts and crafts, team games and trampolining. For further details, or to book a place, telephone (01763) 263313 or drop into the centre. We also have our usual range of indoor activities and fitness classes, so the winter weather is no excuse not to exercise. For more information, please visit www.melbournsports.com or telephone us on (01763) 263313 . Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Sports Centre 49
Local Events in February Below is a selection of events happening nearby this month. To see your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Saturday 7th February, 2.00pm and 4.00pm Britten Sinfonia Family Concert: I Want My Hat Back West Road Concert Hall Following its premiere at the BBC Proms, join Britten Sinfonia and presenter Hannah Conway for this interactive family concert based on Jon Klassen’s charming picture book, I want My Hat Back. Featuring music by Debussy, Beethoven, Elgar and Gershwin plus songs to sing along to, this is a perfect introduction to orchestral music for the young. Tickets: adults £10, under 16s £8. Suitable for children aged 3-7. For bookings, visit www.cornex.co.uk. Friday 27th February, 7.30 for 8.00pm start Quiz Night Bassingbourn Village College Teams of up to eight. Tickets £8 per person to include a delicious home cooked supper. Licensed bar. For tickets telephone Bassingbourn VC on (01763) 242344 or Catharine Walston on 07757 086380. Tickets must be purchased by Monday 23rd February. Saturday 28th February, 10.00am to 12 noon Jumble Sale Melbourn Village College Donations of good-quality second-hand books, toys, clothing, household linen, crockery, cookware, etc. would be appreciated. Donations can be taken to the Melbourn Village College site office (to the rear of the school) during school housrs or between 3.30 and 7.00pm on Friday 27th February. For further information contact Amanda Davis on (01763) 223400 or email a.davis@mvc.org.uk. Coming up in March …. Sing-a-Long Mamma Mia! Saturday 14th March 2015 at Royston Picture Palace. Fancy dress optional. Tickets £15 per person to include a welcome drink and goodie bag. For tickets contact Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire on 07762 754809 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk. 50
Men’s Breakfast Meetings, Foxton We are a group of gentlemen and their guests including ladies who meet for a full English or continental breakfast at 8.30am each month in Foxton Village Hall. Our guest speaker talks for about 30-35 minutes followed by questions and a discussion before departing at about 10.00am. A donation is given to the agreed charity of the speaker's choice. The group's aims and objectives are to provide friendship, support and Christian based outreach for men from the local community to enjoy a meal together. It is sponsored by the Anglican Four Churches Benefice of Foxton, Shepreth, Thriplow and Fowlmere and the Methodist Church. The meetings are open to all comers. Our next meeting will be at 8.30am on Saturday 21st February. We will have a talk on ‘Modern Day Pirates’ from our own Christopher Hindley. You may have seen the film called “Captain Phillips” but come and hear from someone with first hand experience of dealing with ships and aircraft supplying resources to the scientists working in the Antarctic. Our March meeting will be on 17th March when the Reverend Trudie Morris will give us her ‘Easter Message’. This will be our last chance to say farewell to Trudie before she moves on to pastures new. If you would like to join us and give a donation (£7 covers our costs and gives a contribution to charity) or simply help with the washing up then we would be delighted to welcome you. Bring a friend - ladies are welcome and they will not be expected to do the cooking or washing up! If you have a topic to speak about that would be of interest then please let us know for future meetings. Topics later this year will include footpaths and the A10, planning and associated matters at County Council level and deafness in a world of modern communications. It’s definitely not all politics and church! Please contact Tony Garrick on (01223) 510201, email garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard on (01223) 503377, 07785 703413 or email Mark-Howard@UWclub.net to reserve your place. Tony Garrick
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Police and Crime Commissioner Launches Connect Newsletter Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Graham Bright, has launched a new monthly newsletter to highlight some of the initiatives under way to help make Cambridgeshire a safer place. The monthly Connect newsletter will cover a range of topics on policing, crime and community safety. The first issue includes features on support for the victims of crime, the new Volunteer Police Cadets scheme, tackling alcohol-related crime, improving mental health support and safer cycling. Sir Graham says: “This newsletter is one of the new ways I plan to communicate with people in 2015. I hope that people will use it as an opportunity to feedback to me their thoughts and concerns on the issues raised. I pledged to be the voice of the people so it is important to me that people tell me about local issues – the good and the bad.” The newsletter can be downloaded from: http://www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/whats-new/newsletters/ You can sign up to receive www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/
the
newsletter,
visit
http://
Charles Kitchin Director of Public Engagement and Communications Office of the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Newsletter Cambridgeshire's Adult Safeguarding Team have published the latest issue of their Safeguarding Adults and Mental Capacity Act newsletter. It includes useful information and updates for people who use services, families and carers, the general public, and professionals who work with vulnerable adults. The newsletter may be downloaded here: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20100/ safeguarding_adults_and_mental_capacity_act/523/ adults_at_risk_from_harm Amanda Davies Cambridgeshire County Council 53
Healthwatch Cambridgeshire Our job is to make sure you have a say when important decisions are made about local health and care services. We are interested in any recent experiences you have of a local health or care services that you are happy to share with us. The big health story in the news this New Year is about pressures on our local hospitals. We know that these are linked to other issues like getting to see a GP when you need to and getting care in place when you are coming home from hospital. We have two new projects that will look at some of these issues from a different view point. In our “First Steps to Health” project we want to find out about the first thing you would do to solve different health issues. Would you work it out yourself, see a pharmacist, call NHS 111 or see your GP? We all solve things in different ways. Knowing what you do can help our local GP Practices and the people who make decisions about local health services plan better care. Please do take part in our survey either on our website or by contacting our office. We also need you to help us develop our local “Care Home” project. We want to use our statutory “Duty to Enter and View” local care homes. This means we have a legal right to visit places that provide public health or care services, to see what kind of care they are providing. We need to recruit volunteers to be Authorised Representatives. Your role will be to go into local care homes and talk to the people there about the care being provided. This might include talking to residents, their relatives, friends and care home staff. You will get lots of training and support. Do you have any recent experience of a local care home, or do you know someone who has? Please tell us about it. We will use what you tell us to plan which homes we will visit and what to look at. We are also talking to the County Council and the Care Quality Commission, to help us plan where we should visit. Get in touch to find out more or we can come and talk to your group about Healthwatch. Call us on (01480) 420628 or visit www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk. Angie Ridley Healthwatch Cambridgeshire 54
55
Telephone Scams Help protect yourself and your neighbours against telephone scams We have seen an increase in reporting of telephone scams this last month and in particular the type of calls where the caller impersonates either a Police officer, a Fraud Officer or a bank employee, then either tries to get bank account details from the resident or suggest they will send someone to collect their bank cards and any valuable items to ‘keep them safe’. Please be wary of telephone calls warning you of fraudulent activity on your bank account. Genuine banks, businesses or organisations will never telephone you and ask you to give out personal or financial details. The fraudulent caller may ask you to hang up and call your bank or the police to prove they are genuine, but they don’t hang up, tricking you into thinking that you are through to the genuine officer. To protect yourself, make sure you hear a dialling tone before you make your next call or telephone a friend to check your call goes through before calling the number on the back of your bank card. Ask your telecoms provider to set up caller ID on your telephone so that you know who is calling your number before you decide to answer it. Register with the free Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. You can register on 0845 070 0707 or online. Be cautious and if in doubt, hang up. To report a scam contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Cambridgeshire County Council
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Personal Trainer Michael Easton
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01763 249254
James For all gardening / handyman jobs give me a call… For grass cutting / weeding / fence painting / hedge cutting and handyman jobs as well. Phone: 01763 249004 01763 241744 Email: klf2011@hotmail.co.uk
57
Local Links Cambridgeshire County Council County Councillor: Susan van de Ven Fix My Street Friends of Holy Trinity Govia/Great Northern Melbourn & District Photographic Group
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk Email: susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk www.fixmystreet.com (Report, view, or discuss local problems) www.foht.org.uk http://www.thameslinkrailway.com www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.com
Melbourn Sports Centre
www.melbournsports.com
Meldreth History & Meldreth Today Meldreth Manor School Meldreth Matters
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk atschool.eduweb.co.uk/Meldreth/textandinfo/index.html free.yudu.com [search for Meldreth]
Melwood Conservation Group MP: Andrew Lansley Parish Council
www.andrewlansley.co.uk Email: lansleya@parliament.uk www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Pre School
www.meldrethpreschool.com
Primary School
www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
Rail User Group
www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup/
Royston CAB
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Royston & District Community Transport Shape Your Place South Cambs DC Stagecoach Train times/tickets
www.melwood.btck.co.uk
http://www.roytrans.co.uk/ http://southcambridgeshire.shapeyourplace.org/ www.scambs.gov.uk www.stagecoachbus.com/cambridge/ www.qjump.co.uk/index.html 58
Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line
6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00
12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber .................................... 52 Abrey Agricultural .......................... 29 Art of Clean .................................... 32 Art of Clean Wood ......................... 42 Berry Accounts and Business ........... 13 Boiler Juice ............................... Cover Cam Valley Orchards...................... 24 Cambourne Self Storage ................. 42 Cambridge Roofers ........................ 57 CHS Day Centre ............................ 47 CHS Group .................................... 37 College Farm B & B ....................... 32 Coton Electrical ............................. 24 The Country Store ......................... 37 Ely Design Group............................ 16 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........ 16 Fen Feeds Limited .......................... 32 Gilhooly ......................................... 42 Home Footcare .............................. 47 iPlaster ........................................... 45 James, Handyman ........................... 57 JPK Plumbing and Heating ............. 45 Keyholes Driving School ........... Cover The Letting Centre ........................... 2 Little Hands Nursery School ........... 47 Looks Good Hairdressing ............... 32 Lynn Driscoll Foot Care ................. 32
Maycroft Care Home ................. Cover MCT Construction .......................... 42 MDA Plumbing & Heating .............. 16 Melbourn Flooring ............................ 2 Melbourn Village College ................. 45 Meldreth Landscapes ........................ 47 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 40 Meridian Lawncare .......................... 13 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ..... 57 Mikes Books .................................... 37 Moncraft Computers ....................... 45 NCB Electrical ................................. 57 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 45 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ...... 16 On the Leash .................................... 29 Penn Farm Physiotherapy.................. 57 The Picture Framers .......................... 37 Pippa’s Guardians ............................ 52 Reflections Hair Studio .............. Cover Richard Burns Electrician.................. 47 Rod’s PC Support ............................. 52 Royston Fencing ............................... 29 Shelford Energy ................................ 29 Slimming World ............................... 24 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 13 Village Cycle Repairs ........................ 13 59
Local Telephone Numbers WI: Jane Bates 261638 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036 Holy Trinity Church: Rev. Andrew O’Brien 260295 Adult Choir: Pauline Penfold 260163 Bells: John Gipson 262846 Friends: John Price 260048 Sunday School: Karen Lillie 261885
Meldreth: Community Access Point 262199 Litter Picker: Mick Taylor 261118 Neighbourhood Watch: Police Co-ordinator Graham Borgonon 260358 Pre-School 07952 295655 Primary School 260432 Lunch Club - Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 Village Association (MVA) 07961 128323 Village Hall: Chairman: Paul Ray 260304 Hiring: Sherida Richards 262512 Meldreth Clubs and Societies: Babies & Toddlers Club: Lynda Heard 260545 Bowls Club: S. Lambert (01223) 207888 Croquet Club: Janet Pope 248342 Local History Group: Joan Gane 260129 Melbourn Mushroom Club 260258 Melwood Cons. Group: B Huett 232855 Revelation: Miriam Skuce 262440 Tennis Club: Tracy Aggett 243376
Melbourn: Doctors Surgery: appointments Dispensary Baby Clinic Library Village College Melbourn & District U3A District Council Housing Services Waste, Recycling and Environmental Health Councillor Philippa Hart
260220 261246 262861 269956 223400 260399
03450 450500 03450 450051 03450 450063 261255
MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL - CONTACT DETAILS http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Mr D Lee Mrs C J Fallon Mr J Fenner Mr S Hawkins (Chairman) Mr A Keena Mr C A Land Mr Nigel Pellatt Mr R A Searles Mr D Stewart
parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk david@oakrits.plus.com joan.fallon@btinternet.com julian.fenner@tomblackwell.co.uk s.hawkins@dsl.pipex.com alankeena@aol.com c.land963@btinternet.com nppellatt@btconnect.com rob.searles@orcharddene.demon.co.uk derekstewart67@hotmail.com
269928 261571 262822 268523 261451 260267 260020 262444 260435 261562
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS Emergencies Crimestoppers Police (non emergency) S Cambs Fire & Rescue Cambridge CAB Royston CAB Childline Samaritans NHS Direct (24-hr service) Addenbrooke’s Hospital Report potholes (Highways) Royston Health Centre
Miscarriage Support Community Transport Anglian Water Cambridge Water Co. Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency National Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus Cambs County Council Councillor: S. van de Ven S Cambs MP: A Lansley Home-Start R. & S. Cambs
999 or 112 0800 555 111 101 01223 376283 08448 487979 08444 111 444 0800 1111 08457 909090 0845 4647 01223 245151 0345 045 5212 242981
Village shop opens 7 am - 10 pm 7 days Tel. 01763 262158
07906 559756 245228 08457 145145 01223 706050 0800 111 999 08007 838838 08457 484950 01223 433275 0345 045 5200 261833 01954 212707 262262
Station tkt office opens Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm Tel. 01223 453702
Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes
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MAYCROFT CARE HOME — Specialist residential care for people with dementia — • Warm, safe, homely atmosphere • Expert, specialist care tailored to meet the needs of each resident • Daily activities & regular outings – games, quizzes, bingo; garden centres, country drives, pub lunches and lots more • Bi-monthly meetings and support for residents' family and friends We understand that moving to residential care is a big step for our residents and their families. Let our management team of 40 years' experience make the transition easier. Please drop in and visit us at your convenience! Manager: Lynn Ward 01763 260 217 manager.maycroft@advinia.co.uk 73 High Street, Meldreth, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6LB
Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all Aspects of Unisex Hairdressing. Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We use only the best quality products by Matrix and have a wide range of home hair care retail. Gift vouchers and hair accessories available. Please call for any enquiries. 01763 260431 Reflections Hair Studio 45 Whitecroft Road Meldreth SG8 6LS
Meldreth Pre-School would like to invite you to a
RACE NIGHT
Saturday 28th February Meldreth Village Hall 7.30pm for 8.00pm start Come along to help raise funds for Meldreth Pre-school £10 entry – includes a hot supper Licensed bar Bets can be placed on each race. Races will be shown on a big screen, £££’s to be won!! Tickets must be bought in advance by calling Kate on (01763) 261489 or from the Pre-School
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407