Issuu

February 2020

In this issue … Meldreth Laptops Melbourn Timebank Speed Indicator Device

Events include … FOHT Talk Melwood Conservation Group AGM Race Night

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Club Facili es

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1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingoâ€”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

Contents Transport

What’s On in February

A10 Cycling Campaign 12 Rail User Group 13 Speed Indicator Device 16-17

FOHT Talk 9 Football Fixtures 3 Live Rock Music 3 Local Events 24-25 Melwood Conservation Group AGM 3 Race Night back cover Summary of Meldreth Events 3

Miscellaneous 2020 Craft Markets 27 Carol Singing 5 Melbourn Time Bank 8-9 Meldreth Laptops 18-19

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 9 Local History 14-15 Photographic Club 10 WI 6 Women’s Group 5

Local/National Government Local Councillors 41-44 Parish Council 46-48 Planning 44 Reporting a Highways Problem 49

Children & Education

Advice/Information

1st Melbourn Rainbows 30-31 Events for Families 36 Meldreth Manor 34-35 Primary School 32-33 PTA Quiz Night 37

Advertisers’ Index 56 Free Energy Efficiency Audits 52 Free Funding Info Event 52 Mobile Warden Scheme 48 Neighbourhood Watch 38 Refuse Collections 29 Village Directory 54-55 Volunteering 51

Gardens & Nature Gardening 21-22 Newspapers for Hedgehogs 23

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.

Editorial Welcome to the February issue of Meldreth Matters. The issue of speeding in the village is obviously a concern for many people; this was highlighted recently by a number of comments posted about the problem on the Spotted in Meldreth Facebook page. It is therefore interesting to examine the data that was obtained from the Speed Indicator Device (SID) when it was located in Fenny Lane (see pages 16-17). I was shocked - but not necessarily surprised - to see that the highest speed recorded on Fenny Lane (where there is a speed limit of 30mph) was 69mph. Please turn to pages 16-17 to see what effect the SID has had on traffic speeds. Also in this issue, pupils from Meldreth Primary School share their hopes and predictions for what the future may bring (pages 32-33). It’s always fascinating to see the world through the eyes of children: some of their ideas may surprise you! I hope you enjoy reading these and the other articles in this issue. Have a good month! Kathryn

This Month’s Cover Picture: Early Morning in Meldreth High Street © John Hagger, December 2019 Many thanks to John for permission to use his photograph on the cover. John lives in the village and has a blog called Stargoose and Hanglands: https://bystargooseandhanglands.blogspot.com, where he shares beautiful photographs and words on Meldreth and the surrounding area.

Did You Know? You can download a free South Cambridgeshire District Council app onto your mobile phone that will remind you when a bin collection is due. The App is called SCAMBS Bin Collections and is available for both Android and iOS devices. 2

February Events in Meldreth

Wednesday 5th 7.45pm Melwood Conservation Group AGM Green Room, Village Hall

Friday 7th 8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Music with Freak Barn Accident Eternit Sports and Social Club Whaddon Road All welcome; free entry; licensed bar with real ale, etc.

All Welcome

Saturday 22nd

Thursday 20th

7.00 for 7.30pm 7.30pm

Race Night in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

FOHT Talk by Peter Allen Holy Trinity Church

Village Hall

See page 9

See back cover

Football Fixtures

Meldreth Matters is Online

Saturdays: kick off 2.00pm 1st February 29th February

To view this or past issues, follow us on: issuu.com/ meldrethmatters

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Carol Singing The British Queen really was the place to be on Monday 16th December! Where else can singing, conviviality, mulled wine and enjoyment take place? It was a brilliant village event with Clare and the Lift Off choir plus the church choir, young children in the front row and all ages behind. Thanks to Sue and Alan for providing the venue, erecting the marquee and organising the charity collection, Tim and Nicky for the mulled wine and Dave Chappell on the sound. Making their debut at the event, the Lift Off Choir were surely stars of the night so huge thanks to Clare Silver, Director and to everyone in the tent. Thank you all for coming and contributing to the charity collection. Just over £580 raised for the Salvation Army, which The British Queen will generously match. We look forward to next year. Pauline Penfold

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group In January we held our AGM when we elected our committee members and selected the charity which we will support for this year. We also issued our programme for this year and are looking forward to our next talk on 25th February at All Saints Church Hall in Melbourn when Una Cleminson will be talking about The Royal British Legion. The meeting begins at our usual time of 7.45pm. We are a small friendly group. We charge £1 on the night and there is an option to donate to our charity pot. We finish our meetings with tea/coffee and biscuits. If you’d like to know more about the group please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 and Kimmi Crosby, 07976 228377. Pat Smith 5

Meldreth WI Our January speaker, Amanda Sutherland, has inspired many groups over the last five years with her talk “My Creative Journey”: a journey through her college days and her work in the fashion industry. Working with many of the well known designers and then on to fashion and costume work, Amanda eventually started her own business. She has assisted on many TV productions from Tudor times to ‘EastEnders’. She brought many of her accessories; many made from eco crafting. It was hard to believe some of the brooches were made out of empty beer cans and that the fascinators were made from washing up liquid bottles. Creativity was certainly the fashion. At the meeting we also discussed the short list of resolutions for the AGM which members from all institutes in England and Wales vote for. There was a very varied list, from stem cell donor registration to protect our precious helium. Last year we celebrated our 99th birthday. This year hopefully we will be able to celebrate our 100th (no I wasn’t a founder member!). It would be nice to have some new members, especially some younger ones, to bring some new ideas into our meetings. We also had a most enjoyable Christmas party with entertainment from Clare Silver who also takes the weekly singing group. She soon had all the ladies singing both modern and Christmas songs. Kathleen Thompson

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

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Melbourn Timebank https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn Is your New Year’s resolution to do a good deed, to help others, make more effort to get to know your neighbours or do more for your community? If so, you can achieve all of that by joining the Melbourn Timebank! The Timebank is growing steadily; we now have members from Royston, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton too. Over 830 hours have been exchanged in the Timebank’s first year! We hold regular social events, a weekly Coffee Morning on a Thursday from 10.00am – 12 noon, either in The Hub or at Moorland Court, a fortnightly Art and Craft Club that runs in the pavilion on a Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm – 4.30pm and a monthly Evening Social/Timebank Games Night at The Black Horse in Melbourn, the next event being on Monday 24th February at 7.30pm. Non-members are always very welcome to come to any of these events to learn more about Timebanking and meet other members. If you have missed previous articles about the Timebank, here is a quick summary. Timebanking is a way for local people to come together and help each other by exchanging knowledge, help and skills. Everyone has something to offer a Timebank from making a cake, picking up a prescription, walking their dog, doing some gardening, visiting someone for a cup of tea, welcoming new residents to the village, whatever you do will make a difference to the person that needs your help. You get an hour’s time credit which you can use to get something back. That may be help with your mobile/tablet, learning how to hem a skirt, someone picking up a loaf of bread, or gaining some new skills. Everyone’s time is equal, so one hour of my time is equal to one hour of your time, irrespective of whatever we choose to exchange. However … it’s not just about giving and receiving. Timebanking is also about bringing people together to build a stronger, safer and happier community. The exchanges can go on and on, as do the new friendships, connections and networks that are made. Members feel less isolated and more supported in their own community. 8

For more information about any Timebank events, or to join us, please contact Cath on 07483 176929 or (01763) 263303 Option 3 or by emailing timebank@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk. You can also visit our website https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/melbourntimebank. Catherine Sharman Timebank Coordinator Melbourn Parish Council

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk This Month’s Event: Thursday 20th February, 7.30pm - Talk by Peter Allen Covering fifty years spent as a journalist in newspapers and on radio and television. This has included spells at Independent Radio News as their political editor, at ITN as chief political correspondent, and twenty years presenting radio programmes with Radio 5 Live. Tickets cost £7.50 (Friends £7.00) including wine and nibbles. To book, please telephone: Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 John Price - (01763) 260048 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742

Future Events: March - details are being finalised Friday 15th May 2020 - AGM Friday 29th May 2020 - Jane Eyre by ‘This is My Theatre’ group in the nave of the church John Price 9

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

With the season entering its last few months, we have a full and varied programme ahead including five competitions, three lectures and one club evening. February meetings are as follows: 4th: Battle with Saffron Walden and Letchworth at Foxton. Judge: Colin Strong 11th: 3rd Projected Image Competition. Judge: Adrian Stone 18th: All the gear and no idea. Lecture by Roger Hance 25th: The Art of Mono. Lecture by Micki Aston

Deer in Dawn Mist by Peter North

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 to 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April and visitors are welcome (ÂŁ2 entry fee). The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members whatever their ability. Anyone wishing to know more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club 10

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign https://a10corridorcycle.com Path Maintenance The A10 cycle path is seeing some major overhanging and side-growth vegetation cutback, thanks to a grant sought by the A10 Corridor Cycle Campaign and provided by AstraZeneca at Melbourn Science Park. We now have a dedicated team of path wardens who keep an eye on different segments, report problems to Cambridgeshire Highways and liaise with our vegetation maintenance contractor, Herts and Cambs Grounds Maintenance. There are more things we’d like to do that go beyond the scope of our grant and Cambridgeshire Highways is aware that the path needs a complete siding out (vegetation scraped back off the sides of the path to reveal its original width). This will happen as soon as possible after the start of the next financial year, as will some repair work to the awful rudimentary path along the A10 towards Royston. Annual General Meeting Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 12th February from 7.30-9.00pm at TTP, The Technology Partnership, Melbourn Science Park. We’ll be preparing for the March meeting of the Greater Cambridge Partnership which will make a decision on the Melbourn Greenways application, including the proposal for a cycle/pedestrian bridge connecting Melbourn and Royston. All welcome. The agenda will be posted on our website: www.a10corridorcycle.com. Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Contacta10cycle@gmail.com Dog Walker & Animal Sitter Plus Holiday House Checks My name is Kim, I am a caring and experienced dog walker with Kennel Club gold certificate. I can also cater for other pets in your own home. I know your Pets are Family. References available. Insured. I also do house checks for those on holiday with or without pets. References available.

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Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group https://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk Shepreth Station Level Crossing We will shortly be meeting Network Rail at Foxton Signal Box for a detailed look at the way full level crossing barrier downtimes at Shepreth Station are managed, in the hope of identifying scope for alleviating the lengthy periods of barrier downtime when traffic queues build up, people miss their trains, and general chaos ensues. Both Shepreth and Foxton level crossings are manually controlled from the Foxton Box while the operation of the half-barrier level crossing at Meldreth Road is managed and regulated according to an entirely different protocol. We’ll report back on our findings. We’ve invited our new MP to visit the stations in order to learn about our key priorities, including accessibility at Meldreth and the lack of parking at Shepreth. This will take place in late March. Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday 25th February, from 7.30-9.00pm, upstairs at the Melbourn Hub. All welcome. The agenda will be posted at: www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership railusergroup@gmail.com Village Garden Services

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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Brian Pepper’s Memories of His Wartime Childhood and his Father’s Service in the Home Guard Brian Pepper, whose obituary appeared in the November 2019 edition of Meldreth Matters, was a valued and much loved member of the Meldreth Local History Group. Brian had a fund of stories about growing up in the village during and after the Second World War. An early memory was accompanying his father in his baker’s van to collect bricks from a burntdown chapel in Whaddon; they were used to build an air raid shelter at the bottom of their garden in Allerton Terrace (pictured above). His father, Leslie Pepper, joined the Home Guard in June 1940 and was later promoted to Corporal. He was entrusted with a Sten gun which he hid in the bedroom wardrobe but had scarcely any ammunition. His battalion practised firing their rifles at Barton and throwing hand grenades at Barrington. Once, out on a bread delivery round in a neighbouring village, he had to dive for cover under his van when a lone German aircraft swooped low and began spraying the high street with machine gun bullets. As a young boy Brian remembered seeing Italian Brian with his Dad, Corporal Leslie Pepper prisoners of war in his Home Guard uniform maintaining the railway line and being taken by his grandfather to stand on Meldreth Station as several train loads of American GIs stopped briefly on their way to Cambridge. At the sight of a small child they flung the carriage windows open and, whistling 14

and cheering, threw sweets and cookies on to the platform. He could also recall standing with his parents in their garden late into the evening and listening to the rattle of anti-aircraft fire as the shells and tracer bullets soared towards a German plane illuminated in the sky many miles to the east of Meldreth. On another occasion Brian rode on a small seat on his father’s handlebars through the local villages and remembered being taken to Bassingbourn where giant B17 bombers with one engine running were manoeuvred slowly across the road into the wooded areas north of the airfield. In December 1944, he A World War II bomber takes off over the stood with his mother on Bassingbourn airfield tower the corner of Trumpington Road by Hobson’s Conduit to see the massed ranks of the Home Guard, his father included, march by on the way to their Standing Down Parade on Parker’s Piece. As the country celebrated the end of the war in Europe there were large gatherings in Trafalgar Square and at Buckingham Palace. Brian wrote that “in Allerton Terrace a tea party was arranged … and we sat around a wooden table on the grass outside the residence of Mr and Mrs Frost at No.1 just chatting, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company - a fitting way to end a very traumatic period in our history.” For a fuller version of Brian’s wartime memories see: “The War Years in Meldreth” on Meldreth Local History Group’s website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/page/waryears. John Crawforth MLHG Coffee Morning and AGM Meldreth Local History Group’s Coffee Morning and AGM will be held on Monday 6th April at 10.00am in the Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way. More details will be given in a future issue of Meldreth Matters. 15

Speed Indicator Device Data For Fenny Lane A Parish Council funded speed indicator device (SID) has been in operation in the village since October of last year. The data collected for its initial location in Fenny Lane over two months is summarised here. Initially, the monitor was in place with the screen switched off, to enable us to obtain background speed information. The following month the screen was switched on, allowing drivers to see the speeds at which they were travelling. SID Data Prior to the Display Being Switched On Evaluation time: 31st October, 10.00am to 14th November, 5.00pm.

Speed Limit Speed Violations ADT AYT Evaluation Direction

30mph 40.87% 936 341,640 Both

Vehicles Vd (mph) Vmax (mph) V85 (mph)

13,382 29 69 35

Key to tables: ADT AYT Vd Vmax V85

Average number of vehicles per day Number of vehicles per year median speed of vehicles in miles per hour maximum speed recorded in miles per hour the average speed in mph of 85% of the vehicles recorded. 16

SID Data After the Display Was Switched On Evaluation time: 14th November, 5.00pm to 12th December, 10.00am.

Speed Limit Speed Violations ADT AYT Evaluation Direction

30mph 24.02% 553 201,845 Towards Stocks

Vehicles Vd (mph) Vmax (mph) V85 (mph)

15,329 28 63 32

Summary  After the SID was switched on, speeding (>30mph) reduced from 41% of all traffic to 24%.  The fastest recorded speed was 69mph, Vmax (mph) (see the table on the facing page).  V85 (mph) is the average speed of 85% of all vehicles observed travelling past the detector.  Vd (mph) is the median value; more vehicles travelled at this speed than at any other speed past the detector. Conclusion Speeding was halved on Fenny Lane in using the SID, but some traffic is still travelling much too fast. Meldreth Traffic Working Group 17

Meldreth Laptops Regular readers of Meldreth Matters might recall that I have often asked for donations of redundant laptops which, when refurbished, were much valued and used by the humanitarian NGO we have supported for some years in Cameroon. Sadly, due to tensions between the Franco and Anglo regions of the country, plus the further problem of Boko Haram incursions from Nigeria to Cameroon, the regular stream of international volunteers who work on educational, healthcare and environmental issues, has had to be suspended for the time being. So what happened to those laptops which could not be sent out with visiting volunteers? For several months we built a stock of over a dozen completely refurbished machines which could not be moved anywhere. A chance conversation with a volunteer involved with “Missing Maps” produced a solution. Their co-partner was desperate for machines to support an educational project in Peru! We were able to ship all the machines out with their volunteers in October, and they were put to instant use (pictured). “Missing Maps” is a not-for-profit organisation which uses volunteers world-wide to help produce raw data to update maps in parts of world with no proper mapped areas but which are afflicted by disasters of any kind, man-made or natural. The data is fed to another without-profit, “Map Action”, which works on the ground with local people and whatever humanitarian NGO is involved. A current example is, MSF, Médecins Sans Frontières, engaged in the Ebola crisis in the DRC & Uganda. Back to Peru, GAL (Global Active Learning) is an education organisation in Cusco, Peru, working to improve education in the area. It uses various techniques to teach Information Communication Technology (ICT), skills. GAL empowers 11-16 year students to develop their own projects for social good using OpenStreetMap, Open Data (data freely available for everyone). The students from different schools in the Cusco region are currently developing mapping projects in four main areas of focus: Disaster 18

preparedness - Cultural Heritage, Transportation and Gender awareness. These are all issues very relevant to circumstances in Peru. The thing about “Missing Maps” is that just about anyone, anywhere, anytime, can be a mapper and help with the enormous work needed to support humanitarian organisations working in difficult and distressed parts of the world. You just need an internet connected laptop, sign up for the software, and get going. Many towns across the globe hold ‘Mapathons’ - Cambridge has one, usually held monthly and often hosted in friendly company offices or schools. Anyone wanting to know more can go to the following websites: www.missingmaps.org www.hotosm.org/projects/gal-school-peru-55e5b7 https://mapaction.org. Please do not let unused laptops moulder in the loft – they could be given a new life for use in less advantaged parts of the world. Email me on gvborgo@borgognon.net. Graham Borgonon

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Notes From a Small Garden At this time of year I always feel guilty. Winter is the season of rest for gardeners but our tools deserve a bit of special care before they are hung up. From spades to scuffle hoes, cleaning the metal of your tools and sharpening your spades, trowels and secateurs will extend the life of your tools, make them more useful, and put them in ready-to-use condition for spring. Cleaning and oiling wooden-handled garden tools will keep them in top condition and extend their lifespan. Itâ€™s quite difficult to find details of how to best care for your tools, so here goes. See also advice from various sources including www.daviddomoney.com/quick-gardening-guide-how-to-clean-gardentools. Cleaning Wooden Handles on Garden Tools Things get chaotic in my big vegetable garden in summer, so I need to start by rounding up tools that are lost or left behind near the place I last used them. Some of them, however, turn up in the bonfire! Once gathered together, they all need a good scrub with a stiff brush and hot, soapy water. Alternatively, you can clean dry tool handles with a metal brush and damp rag, the goal being to relieve the handles of soil and scum that has accumulated in the crevices. Should you encounter splinters or other rough spots, use fine sandpaper to smooth them out. Oiling To get good coverage, saturate a cloth well with your chosen oil and slather it on. Let the handle sit for ten minutes or so, and then wipe it down lightly with a dry cloth. A second or third oiling may be needed for older wooden handles that have baked in the sun all summer, but once youâ€™ve finished you will be amazed at the transformation. Sharpening Secateurs and Other Cutting Tools Cutting blades become blunt after lots of use, so use a metal file to sharpen the edges. This works on shears, hoes and secateurs, as well as on the edge of spades. 21

Put a little bit of general purpose oil like WD40 on the blade before you sharpen it, and clean with some wire wool first. This will help to remove rust. When sharpening, remember to move the blade over the file, not the other way round. Once your tools are clean and sharp, apply a general purpose oil (vegetable oil will do) on the metal. Rub the oil into the surface before wiping away any excess. Let the first layer soak in and apply a second coat. This helps prevent rust and ensure that dirt doesn’t stick to the blade. This year for the first time I have washed ALL my pots which is a real triumph! Now that I have cleaned the pots and cleaned and restored our tools, some of which I treasure as they belonged to my parents, my garden room looks really nice. Jobs for February:  Prune small-flowered clematis down to eight inches  Prune vines, soft fruit and apples if not done already  Continue to spread muck/compost on beds  Order and then chit seed potatoes  Leave an area of the garden a bit wild with brambles and ivy as good cover for small birds, and insects  Look out seeds saved from last year and make list of ones still needed. Good gardening from Jim and me. Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

New to the village?

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today section for information on

footpaths * village facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 22

Local Events in February Here is a selection of events happening nearby in February. To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Saturday 1st February, 10.00am to 12.00pm Orwell Pannier Market Village Hall, High Street, Orwell, Cambridgeshire SG8 5QN Large village market. Over 25 stalls - local food, crafts, cards, skincare & horticulture, plus popular tearoom. Free entry. Wheelchair-friendly. Saturday 1st February to Sun 8th March, 3.30pm Wild Swan Feeding at Welney Marshes (floodlit in February) WWT Welney, Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Wisbech PE14 9TN Enjoy one of the best winter wildlife spectacles in the UK from the comfort of a heated hide. Admission: adults £7.28, children 4-16 £4.17, under 4s free. 10% discount online; www.wwt.org.uk for further details. Saturday 1st February to Sunday 15th March, 9.30am to 4.00pm (Sundays 12 noon to 3.45pm) Crowns and Gowns - an Exhibition Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL Fabulous collection of costumes, jewels, props etc. from some major Hollywood movies filmed at Ely Cathedral. Included in usual cathedral admission £8 (Sunday exhibition £5), accompanied under 16s free. Sunday 2nd February, 2.00pm to 4.00pm World Wetland Day Walk at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP Walk with one of the rangers to learn all about one of the UK’s best wetland habitats and how its wildlife is being safeguarded. £10, including tea and biscuits. Warm winter clothing, paths can be muddy. No dogs. Booking essential: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events. Tuesday 4th February, buffet from 12.15pm, chat 1.00 to 2.15pm Home-Start Literary Lunch with Clare Mulley The Ballroom, The Old Bull Inn, Royston SG8 9AW Introduced by Jude Simpson, Clare Mulley is an award-winning author and broadcaster contributing to historical and current affairs journals, TV and radio. Tickets £15, to include buffet lunch, by email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc. 24

Wednesdays, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th February, 7.00pm to 9.00pm Public Open Evenings Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA Listen to a half hour talk by an astronomer then, if it’s clear, go star gazing using the Institute’s historic telescopes. If it’s cloudy, tea and biscuits instead! Free. No need to book. www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk. Wednesday 5th February to Sunday 1st March, 11.00am to 4.00pm Snowdrops at Benington Lordship Garden Benington Lordship, near Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 7BS Spectacular display of naturalised snowdrops, hellebores and winter aconites growing around remains of the Norman keep and its moat. Admission £5 (£6 Sundays), under 16s £2, under 5s free. Refreshments. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th February, 10.00am to 4.00pm St. Ives Antiques Fair Burgess Hall (One Leisure), Westwood Road, St Ives PE27 6WU Friendly and popular fair with around 50 dealers offering affordable antiques and vintage pieces. Ceramics, glass, maps, china, jewellery and more. Brief ‘café chats’ on antique collecting. Free parking, wheelchair access and on-site catering Admission £2.50, concessions £2. Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February 7.00pm for 7.30pm Ghost Stories by Candlelight, The Manor, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 9BN In the atmospheric music room of one of the oldest continuouslyinhabited houses in the country, built in the 1130s. Stories written by M R James, presented by Robert Lloyd Parry. Tickets £17.50. For more details visit: www.greenknowe.co.uk. Warm clothing recommended! Friday 28th February, 3.00pm Foyer Jazz with Paul Higgs Quintet Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER End the week with a laid-back evening in the Saffron Hall foyer. Food truck serving American-style hot dogs and fries, licensed bar and live jazz. Tickets £13.50: www.saffronhall.com or call 0845 548 7650. Saturday 29th February, 10.00am to 1.00pm Drawing from the Collection Workshop Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Spend your extra leap year morning drawing, taking inspiration from the museum’s collection. Led by an artist who will help you with your sketches. £25, refreshments included. Book at: www.kettlesyard.co.uk. 25

Compiled by John Crawforth

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CRAFT MARKETS in MELDRETH VILLAGE HALL on Saturday 18th April & Saturday 14th November 2020 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm We are looking for people who would like to sell their crafts, e.g. woodturning, jewellery, patchwork, pottery, etc. as well as plants and food.

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Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Refuse

The copy deadline for the March issue of Meldreth Matters is Wednesday 12th February

Blac Blue Gree

Half Term is 17th-21st February

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.30-11.30am Toddler Grp 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45pm Melwood CG AGM (See page 3) 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.00-10.30am Yoga

9.15am Cycling Group

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World

9.00-10.30am Yoga 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

1.30-2.30 Aerobics 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.00-10.30am Yoga 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba 9.00-10.30am Yoga 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Thurs

10.00am Hart

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.30pm Parish 10.00am Hart 12.00-2.00pm BQ

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30 Mob. Library 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00-10.00pm OT Dancing

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pmCrafters

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.30pm FOHT Trinity (see pa

10.00am Hartb

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meldreth L Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Womenâ€™s Group meet in the Holy Trinity (HT) me opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 28

ary - February 2020

sday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion

Collections

k bins: 4th, 18th bins: 11th, 25th en bins: 11th

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO

8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Music with Freak Barn Accident, Eternit Sports & Social Club

Fitness Table

8.00am Holy Communion

Council

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Family Communion

Pub Club,

ACRO Fitness

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO F. Pilates

7.00 for 7.30pm HomeStart Race Night (see back cover)

8.00am Holy Communion

Table

T Talk, Holy ge 9)

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO Fitness Table

ocal History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. eting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by 29

1st Melbourn Rainbows The end of term was very busy for the Rainbows. They choreographed firework dances in groups to perform for the other rainbows and then we sat around our glow-stick fire to sing campfire songs. We travelled around the UK, all in one evening! We used Rainbow Railways to get from place to place, starting with a trip to Ireland where the rainbows used torches to find four leaf clovers hidden in the garden. Once we had all made a wish, the Rainbows split into three train carriages, each travelling to a different destination: England for scones and tea, Scotland for tossing the mini caber and Wales where they decorated love spoons. Continuing with our travelling theme, we made a model village of Melbourn and the rainbows were able to place many local landmarks. We talked about the buildings around us and what made a landmark special. We helped a local charity in Cambridge by collecting items for the homeless and the girls exceeded our expectations with the volume of donations. Coats, scarves, hats, sleeping bags, food and toiletries were all collected and the girls talked about the people who needed our help and what it would mean to receive the items the girls had brought in. Finally, both the Bees group and the Butterflies came together for the last meeting of 2019 at our Christmas party. We made hot chocolate snowmen jars using marshmallows and chocolate. The girls played pass-the-parcel and we ended the party with a very special presentation. Since the new badge system has been in place, our girls have all been working really hard to 30

achieve as many badges as possible. We were thrilled when our District Commissioner visited us to present four of our Rainbows with the coveted Gold award! This award is only given out to Rainbows who have earned a set amount of badges in each section, both at home and at the meetings. It is a lot of work for the girls and we were extremely proud to have four members gain this award before they left us to go on to Brownies. We also said goodbye to our two young leaders, Snowdrop and Iris. They are concentrating on their GCSE studies, and we wish them all the best and thank them for their time spent with us. Rainbows is a Girlguiding section for ages five to seven years. We meet every week during term time at All Saints Church Hall, Melbourn. We are run by volunteers. We try to cover a range of topics and activities each term, and we try to make it as fun and interesting as possible. For enquiries, please www.girlguiding.org.uk.

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk It’s always quite testing to produce fresh copy for MM in the first week of January. It’s almost certainly too late to regale readers with all the hilarious things that happened in our Christmas and Nativity productions, since with a new decade unfolding, we find ourselves looking forward rather than back! The copy deadline for this article fell at the end of our first week back after the break, so I have turned to the children themselves once more to seek their views on the near and slightly not so near future: a mix of resolutions and crystal ball gazing into how children feel Meldreth might change over the next decade. To start with, here are a few thoughts from children in Year 5. In 2020 I’d like to be able to cook an omelette by myself. Amelia I would like to see more elderly people out and about because they are always so cheery and make me happy. Charlotte I’d like to learn how to cook a meal because being able to cook is a great ability. Scarlett I’d like to spend more time with my neighbour who is ninety because she tells great stories and she has sailed the Atlantic Ocean! Keira In the next ten years, I would like them to build a Meldreth secondary school so when I’m old enough to have children, I can take them there! Lucia One special thing I would like to see in Meldreth is a homeless shelter and a nice warming place for elderly people who need help. If the school football team wins the league three times in a row, I’ll take them to McDonalds! Elliot Meanwhile, In Osprey Class, our lower junior children have shared their visions of how they believe Meldreth will look in ten years’ time… Joni writes: in the next decade, I think Meldreth will turn into a town or even a city. The city will have flying cars and rocket ships that fly 32

you into a different universe. The homes of people will have been extended and they will all look more modern. People will also get bigger jobs and live happier lives. Her classmate, Edward writes, In the next decade, I think the world will be split into four pieces. One bit will be a big school that floats. Another bit will be all robotic because a bomb hit that quarter and it broke off so they replaced it with metal. The other two bits will be Fortnite and Roblox. I think there will be a car that is a caravan with big wheels that you can store stuff in. In the next decade, I think all the planets will have hands and legs and the Earth will have a moustache! In the next decade there will be ladders between the countries, and three moons. In stark contrast to all of the above, two of our younger children, in Wren Class may well have encapsulated the hopes of all of us. Spelling has been preserved as delivered, for maximum effect! My new years resolution is to lean to do plats. I want to get better at being boncas because I'm a banna. My resolution is to eat more bananas. I want to get better at holaoping. Hannah Y2 I want to be beter at since and experiments. Well to be happy most of the time! I woud also like to get as good as I can at reding and maths. I am so so exited it is 2020. Mljet Y2 Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher 33

Meldreth Manor School In the cold dark mornings and long dark nights, it can be so important to look back at what a fantastic Christmas season we had at Meldreth Manor School as it can help spur us on as we look forward to the coming year. It was a very special Christmas for our children and staff, made all the better by the support and kindness of those around us. We had so many special events that it is difficult not to turn this article into a list of diary events. We were so lucky to have received a visit from Santa on his sleigh which was a joyous uplifting sight. On the same day ‘Capital Wings’ rode their awesome motorbikes all the way from London and delivered the most amazing bespoke presents that they had purchased, wrapped and labelled for each of our children and young people. These generous presents have brought such joy both for the children and young people, but also for the staff who support them. To know that there are strangers out there that value and recognise what we provide is very rewarding, and gives our spirits a lift. As well as gifts of toys, ‘Capital Wings’ delivered the gift of unquestioning love, and joy from their impromptu carol performance. Music is so important to children and young people. We were treated to a fabulous choir concert by the ‘Ensemble of Friends’ choir who visited Meldreth and Orchard Manor. It 34

was very moving to see how engaged and responsive our children and young people were to such a special experience. Meldreth Manor School was very proud to host our very first Festive Bazaar. Our children made some amazing Christmas crafts and treats which were snapped up by family and friends. We were particularly pleased to welcome our neighbours from Maycroft House; it is always so positive to see the generations join together. On the last day of term we all had a very special Christmas lunch, and I mean everyone at Meldreth and Orchard Manor. A visit by a very cute reindeer (who looked suspiciously like a Shetland pony with Christmas antlers) and of course Santa himself, completed a magical day. On our return in the New Year, we really welcomed new students and staff, all of whom are already like part of the family and have settled in brilliantly. We took our students to a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) friendly pantomime at Cambridge Arts Theatre, an awesome event for all; not only our students but also our staff who are visiting from other countries who had never had the experience of a pantomime before. We are continuing to enhance our school by providing vegetable trugs close to the classroom so that all our children and young people will have access to growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. Our forest schools area now includes some fruit bushes, so hopefully we will be able to forage for our own berries in the autumn. Even though we may be slightly sad to pack away our Christmas jumpers and decorations, we have much to look forward to for the coming spring. We are looking forward to the first spring flowers and buds that are a great sign of the future and opportunities that we create here at Meldreth Manor School. Nadine McFadden Head of Education Meldreth Manor School nadine.mcfadden@the-aurora-group.com 35

What’s On for Children and Families in February Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February, 11.00am - 3.00pm Get Hands on with History Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF Become a Home Front hero and a super spy and experience the life of a soldier. Tickets available on the day. Adults £14.30, children £8.60 (includes entry to the event and grounds). English Heritage members free. See www.english-heritage.org.uk. Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February, 2.00pm - 3.00pm Puddle Jumping Competitions WWT, Welney, near Wisbech,Cambridgeshire PE14 9TN Who can make the biggest splash? Daily winners on the splashometer. Also dissect owl pellets or build a bird feeder, explore the reserve and watch the swans feeding. Details on www.wwt.org.uk. Adults £8.09, children £4.63, under 4s free. Save 10% by buying online. Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th February, 11.00am - 3.00pm Flight Academy, IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR Dress like pilots in flight jackets and goggles, try pilot reflex challenges, design the perfect paper plane and parachute. Tuesday 18th and Thursday 20th, 11.00am - 3.00pm Aeroplane Investigators, venue as above Join expert conservators trying to preserve the iconic aircraft. Ages 7+ Both events free with normal admission, drop in. Adults £17.10 online, children £8.55. See www.iwm.org.uk. Thursday 20th February, 2.00pm The Amazing Bubble Man Broadway Theatre, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3DD Louis Pearl explores the dynamics of bubbles, combining artistry and comedy with audience participation and bubble tricks. Ages 3+. Lasts 70 minutes. Tickets £14. www.broadway-letchworth.com. Sunday 23rd February, 12.00pm Hansel and Gretel Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP A short version of Humperdinck’s opera ideal for primary school age children. Three performers sing and dance. £15 adults, £8 under 16s. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 36

Neighbourhood Watch Sir Richard Branson Warns about Scams that Use His Name Being rich and famous can have its downsides, as Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin group, knows. He has been personally targeted by scammers and scammers also use his name or the Virgin name to make scams look genuine. In a bid to raise awareness of online scams, and particularly those that use his name or his company name, Richard has released an animated guide to explain the ways that criminals use his name and likeness to steal personal and financial information. In the video, Richard warns people that scammers are contacting people who post on the Virgin social feeds, and are using the Richard Branson or Virgin names to lure people into investing in cryptocurrency, or to claim free offers from Virgin, or to apply to recruitment campaigns. Virgin has opened its own reporting portal at virgin.com/online-scams, where you can watch the video and also other videos related to Richard Branson and online scams, read advice about what to look out for, and report any cases featuring Richard Branson or Virgin that seem suspicious. The general advice for these scams is the same as for any other potential scam: ď‚&#x; Always beware of any unsolicited messages, whether emails, texts or social media direct messaging, however genuine they may seem; ď‚&#x; If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, it can be helpful to talk to someone else, for example a friend or one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 38

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District and County Councillors’ Reports County Council: Potholes – of course We’ve had a new spate of potholes. Thanks very much to everyone who has taken the trouble to report them on-line and alert us. To find the online reporting page please Google ‘Cambridgeshire Report a Fault’ – it’s an easy and effective method, and the sooner something is reported the better! [Editor’s Note: see also the instructions on page 49 of this issue.] We continue in a reactive mode with emergency repairs, and no prospect of any significant change so long as local government finance remains the way it is. Due to the County Council’s own financial situation, there is now a regular enforced period of staff time-off during the Christmas holiday period, so that action on Highways repairs takes a break too. However, for very dangerous highways problems, we are asked to contact the Police non-emergency number, which should trigger an immediate temporary repair. County Council New Premises – first spade in the ground The first spade went into the ground for the County Council’s new Civic Hub (HQ) in Alconbury Weald, which is advertised as being in synchrony with new transport links, though it’s unclear as to what these are unless we’re being encouraged to drive as the site is notable for its lack of public transport! Shire Hall site will be developed into hotel and office space by Brookgate, the developers of the CB1 (Cambridge Station area) and Cambridge North Station. New Archives Centre, Ely The archives held in Shire Hall basement have now been moved across into the repository of the new building, where they will be stored in environmentally controlled storage for the first time. Archive boxes are scanned by the archive team’s barcode scanning unit. The barcode system matches a historical document’s entry on the online database to that specific document’s location, thereby enabling staff to locate a document within seconds no matter where it may be stored in the new centre’s amazing seven miles of shelving! We’re awaiting precise information on an opening date. Climate Change and Environment Strategy consultation The consultation closes on Friday 31st January. In case you receive 41

your Meldreth Matters a bit early, please do read and respond to the County Council’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy: https:// consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/climate-strategy.

District Council: Three Free Trees for Parishes To encourage the planting of trees and to promote its many benefits, the District Council is offering every Parish in the district a voucher for £60 to cover the cost of three small trees, in exchange for an undertaking to plant the trees on Parish Council land. The deadline for applying for the voucher is Saturday 14th March 2020 and the garden centres will only accept the vouchers until Tuesday 31st March 2020. [See Parish Council report on page 47.] Green Belt We feel it’s important to establish some facts in the wake of negative campaigning during the recent election, including the assertion that the District Council is promoting greenbelt sites to developers. In fact, South Cambridgeshire District Council has just been independently assessed as being the most successful council in the region for promoting the environment in all its activities and operations. Leader Bridget Smith is in the advantageous position of being the political lead for the environment for the Oxford Cambridge Arc. It is not the business of the Council to ‘promote’ any sites. What has happened is that in preparation for the next Local Plan (see below), landowners have been invited to submit sites for development to the Council for consideration. A lot of sites have been submitted but only a small percentage will be successfully allocated in the Local Plan, and this is a process that happens for every Plan period. District Wide, Local Plan: Issues and Options Consultation Opinions are being invited from all quarters to help inform the next Local Plan which covers the next twenty years. The conversation is proposed to be structured around four big themes: Climate Change, Wellbeing and Social Inclusion, Biodiversity and Green Spaces and Great Places. These will underpin the more obvious things that a Local Plan includes such as where jobs, homes and infrastructure are needed. The minimum amount of housing needed to be planned for in Greater Cambridge (Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire) is 40,000 for the period from 2017 until 2040; this is mandated by Government. The 42

adopted current Local Plan has already allocated sites to supply a good quantity of this need as this is a rolling process. Given growth projections and assuming the growing Greater Cambridge economy means that this figure could go up to 60,000-66,000. The consultation is being held until 5.00pm on Monday 24th February. It will renew the call for a sites exercise which took place last year and includes a call for sites to be used for green infrastructure. The consultation can be found on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website via this link: https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org. Empty Houses There are currently 648 unoccupied houses in South Cambridgeshire. That’s quite a large village-worth! The Council gives advice and assistance to get property back into use so please get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Other issues for information: Opportunity to Work with Children and Young People with Disabilities The Community Support Service and CamPlay provide short breaks to children and young people aged 0-18 years, with additional needs, as part of the Cambridgeshire Local Offer for children and young people with disabilities. CSS advise as follows: “We offer support in the home and community, Saturday clubs, community clubs and holiday clubs throughout the county of Cambridgeshire. We are always looking for enthusiastic staff to join our team and we are currently recruiting for both services on a relief contract basis. The flexible nature of the job provides a way of ‘topping up’ hours in holidays, after school, weekends and evenings. We also provide a comprehensive training programme and support in working with children and young people with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities, which are skills that can be brought back to your existing job. We are based in Huntingdon but have work available across Cambridgeshire. If you would be interested in applying or have any questions, please get in touch on Community.SupportServices@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or (01480) 379 800. We have ongoing recruitment with regular interviews and you can visit www.publicsectorjobseast.co.uk to apply.” 43

Helping the Forces A new mobile app has been launched to direct members of the armed forces community in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to support and advice in their area. In just four clicks, the free Forces Connect app allows serving personnel, veterans, and their families, to find local services and organisations offering support in just four clicks. To download the app, search Forces Connect in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or ideas. We’d be delighted to meet or talk with you at any time. Our contact details are given in the Meldreth Matters, Village Directory on pages 54-55 of this issue. Jose Hales and Philippa Hart, District Councillors Susan van de Ven, County Councillor

Planning Matters Details of any planning applications or issues will be included in the March issue of Meldreth Matters. Should you wish to check any applications in the meantime, full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the SCDC website http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display. Kathryn Betts Editor

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK

since 2009 Winner: British Renewable Energy Installer of the Year, 2018

Call us anytime on 01223 863 885.

cambridge-solar.co.uk

New Yoga Class for Meldreth Meldreth Village Hall Mondays 9.00 â€“ 10.30 am th

Starts 14 January 2019 and runs weekly during term time Friendly, supportive classes in a non-competitive environment helping you to develop strength, flexibility and well-being. Suitable for all abilities. ÂŁ10 drop-in or ÂŁ90 for a 10 class pass. More details at www.yoga2.co.uk or email Chris and Shelagh: yoga2@btinternet.com

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 9th January 2020 The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting. Discussions and Decisions  District Councillor’s Report: The latest information on the Local Plan consultation was noted for further review. The availability of tree-planting vouchers from SCDC for planting in the Parish Council’s public space was noted and a decision was reached later in the meeting (see below).  Traffic Working Group: The severe pothole in Whitecroft Road

has been extensively reported to Highways both by members of the public, the Parish Council and our County Councillor. It is hoped that it will be repaired as a matter of urgency. Highways will continue to be contacted in respect of the many other defects reported in our roads that have not yet been attended to. We are attending a Local Highways Initiative panel on 16th January to press our case for our recent submissions. It was agreed that further road safety initiatives should be focused on our High Street. The data collected by our mobile speed indicator device will be discussed at the next meeting of the Traffic Working Group and a decision taken on how this might be used for best effect.  Kissing Gate: It was decided that more urgent attention is needed

as the gate is damaged and is due to be replaced with a more wheelchair-friendly arrangement. The Clerk will raise further enquiries with the relevant authorities  Recreation Ground: The play equipment continues to be in good

working order other than the “witch’s hat”. This is awaiting attention from one of the play companies to replace some bearings and this matter is in hand. The Parish Council will investigate the cost and feasibility of installing a hard surface between the two basketball hoops. 46

 Village Infrastructure: The dog signs at the Recreation Ground

need to be reviewed as they are not as visible as they might be. The fingerboard signpost at the Stocks continues to need repair and there is a case for a dog bin near the War Memorial. The Clerk will investigate the various options.  Cemetery Pest Control: The Parish Council approved the filling in

of rabbit holes so that active warrens could be identified. The Parish Council did not support the shooting of deer in the cemetery but will investigate points of entry, how these might be better secured and what damage was actually being caused by deer.  Budget/Precept 2020/21: For the year commencing 1st April

2020 the Parish Council improved a precept of £66,000, representing an increase of £4,000 on the current level. This increase is necessary to help meet the rising costs of the Parish Council and to ensure reasonable alignment between income and the ongoing normal expenditure of the Council.  Village Tree Planting: It was agreed to apply for a voucher for

£60 from South Cambridgeshire District Council to finance tree planting at the recreation ground [see page 42].  Annual Tree Survey: The Report has now been produced and will

be circulated to Parish Council members. Next meeting: Thursday 6th February 2020 at 7.30pm in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall. Meldreth Parish Council

Dog Waste Can all dog owners please dispose of their dog's waste in the dog bins provided on the recreation ground and not in the litter bins, especially in the children's play area. Also, please do not dispose of dog waste in the blue recycling bin outside the community room. Judy Damant Parish Council Clerk 47

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What is the service? We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia. Who provides the services? Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked. What will it cost? We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as ÂŁ7.50 per week. How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity 48

Reporting a Highway Problem to Cambridgeshire County Council If you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding, or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online. 1. Go

to the Cambridgeshire County https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

Council

website:

2. Navigate to ‘Report a highway problem’ using the following

thread: Residents > Travel, roads & parking > Roads and pathways > Report a highways fault

3. The link takes you to a map

of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. Here is an example showing reported potholes and other issues in Whitecroft Road and the High Street.

4. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a

‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole as this measurement affects the response time from the council. 5. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can

track progress on a fault already reported. 49

The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning Now treating paddocks & large areas

Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

BESPOKE LAWNCARE SERVICES SINCE 2005 Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

Volunteering Opportunity Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Being a parent is hard for everyone; for some it can be overwhelming. Some of us have a fantastic support network of family and friends to help, some of us don't. With your knowledge and experience as a mum or dad, grandparent or carer, you could be the vital support a family needs and make a big difference to their lives. By becoming a volunteer, you will:  gain access to free, high quality training  learn new skills  enhance your wellbeing  make new friends & connect with your community  change the lives of the families you support We're there for parents when they need us most. Join us and make their early years count. If you could give as little as two hours a week to support a parent and their children, then please get in touch. Tracy Aggett HSRSC Office Manager Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth SG8 6JP (01763) 262262 http://www.hsrsc.org.uk

admin@hsrsc.org.uk

You Can Also Support Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (HSRSC) in Other Ways Select HSRSC as your chosen charity on the following websites: 1. Easyfundraising.org.uk. Raise funds for HSRSC when you shop online. 2. Easthertslottery.co.uk. Half of the cost of tickets (£1 each) will raise funds for HSRSC and you will have a chance of wining £25,000. 51

Free Funding Information Event for Community Groups, Clubs or Charities We are a charity set up to offer advice and support to community groups. We are hosting a FREE event supported by SCDC at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton CB22 6RN on 19th February. Part 1: Do you want to find out more about putting together a good grant funding application? We are running a workshop 4.00pm to 5.45pm. Part 2: Could you use some extra funds? A chance to hear speakers from funding organisations including SCDC Community Chest grants 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Attend one part or both. More information is available on our website: www.cambridgecvs.org.uk/training-events/events or telephone (01223) 464696 or email enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk. Christine Trevorrow Training & development Worker Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service

Free Energy Efficiency Audits Small and medium sized businesses are invited to book a fully funded energy efficiency audit to help save money on their business energy bills. The audits will look at current energy usage, which is a very real and rising cost within businesses, and make recommendations for how to cut this usage. Just 30 free audits are available on a first come-first served basis and visits need to be undertaken by the end of February 2020. The free audits have been made possible through funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Businesses can sign up at www.beecp.org/sign-up or telephone (01733) 882549 to check eligibility and for further information. Cath Boughton Marketing Officer Business Energy Efficiency, Cambridge & Peterborough 52

THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for 2020!

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR REVISE YOUR EXISTING WILL? FREE initial appointment to discuss: Wills; including Care Home and Inheritance Tax advice. Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Please note that reduced rate wills will be available every week day from 8.00am until 6.00pm and on Tuesdays evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only. FREE WILL SERVICE for those aged over 55 years old through the Cancer Research Free Will Scheme for simple Wills. For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts. SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241 121 t.pilcher@walkerspartnership.co.uk Wills | Probate | Las ng Powers of A orney | Conveyancing | Commercial Property

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

Day Centre Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch. Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages. From ÂŁ8.40 per hour. To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

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

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrookeâ€™s NHS

(01763) 260220; Dispensaryâ€”(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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. ADDS ................................................7 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................39 Art of Clean ....................................50 Art of Clean Wood ..........................26 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job)..........50 Cam Valley Orchards ........................7 Cambourne Self Storage ..................12 Cambridge Solar .............................45 CHS Day Centre .............................53 CHS Group ...............................Cover Coton Electrical ..............................11 The Country Store ...........................50 Dog Walker/Animal Sitter ...............12 Ely Design Group ............................31 Eternit Sports and Social Club ...Cover Eve Construction .............................39 Gilhooly ..........................................19 The Green Lounge ...........................40 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .........7 iPlaster ............................................26 Lawn Partners .................................50 The Letting Centre ....................Cover Little Hands Nursery School ...........26 Melbourn Flooring ..........................40

Melbourn Village College (1)..............4 Melbourn Village College (2)............20 Meldreth Landscapes .......................20 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................44 Moncraft Computers .......................26 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................26 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service11 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......20 Office to Let ......................................7 P D Property Services .......................39 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ..................4 Reflections Hair Studio ....................31 Richard Burns Electrician ...................7 Rod’s PC Support ..............................4 Royston Fencing ..............................26 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................40 Shelford Energy ...............................12 Slimming World ........................Cover Summit Landscapes ..........................53 Village Garden Services ...................12 Walkers Partnership Solicitors .........53 Yoga2 Classes ..................................45 Z Web Hosting ................................11 56

The Letting Centre Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area. Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack. The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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

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