Meldreth Matters, February 2021

February 2021

In this issue ‌ Blackcaps Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Meldreth Local History Group

Friendly, Professional, Expert

Visit our lovely private clinic on Melbourn Science Park for all your dental needs including general maintenance, fillings and restorations, braces, implants, tooth-whitening and much more. New patients are most welcome. Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk 9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB Free parking outside world-class dentistry, on your doorstep

The Letting Centre is a dedicated letting agency established for 29 years, operating from High Street premises in Melbourn. We offer an expert, tailored service to suit each clients’ individual needs. Covering Cambridge, Royston, Melbourn and surrounding villages. Friendly, no obligation advice on how to achieve the best possible return on your rental investment with clear and simple guidance on your legal obligations. The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6AP. Tel: 01763 263039. Email: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk. www.letting-centre.co.uk

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

Contents Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 22-23 Activities for Families 19 Primary School 16-18 Shepreth Spitfires 20-21

What’s On in February Diary 3 Things to Do From Home 34-35 Coronavirus Information Community Transport 31 Coronavirus Rules 31 Covid Vaccine Roll-Out 27 Covid Vaccine Scam (NHW) 25 Healthwatch Cambridgeshire 32 How to Support GP Surgeries 26 MCCS Advice & Information 28-30

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 14 History Group 36-37 Meldreth Cycling Group 12-13 Photographic Club 39 Women’s Group 11

Miscellaneous Advent Trail 4-5 Church Services 15 Letter to the Editor 41

Local/National Government Local Councillors 43-45 Parish Council 49-51 Planning 45

Village Issues Meldreth Market 10 Meridian Maycroft Arts Centre 11 Recycling Plastic 40 South West Cambridge 46

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 56 Home-Start 52-53 Mobile Warden Scheme 38 Neighbourhood Watch 25 Refuse Collections 3 Village Directory 54-55

Gardens & Nature Blackcaps 6-7 Gardening 8-9 Tree Planting 51

The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

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

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Home Tutor Does your child need a bit of help catching up? Keeping up? Developing enjoyment of a subject?

I am an experienced Primary School teacher providing 1:1 tuition for primary school children (KS2) in a calm, caring environment, based in Shepreth. Focussing on Literacy and Numeracy. Please contact me for more information: Carol Dutton BSc (Hons) PGCE cassakd@icloud.com / 07986 978 358

Richard Burns ELECTRICIAN For installation, repair or advice please call

Tel: Mob:

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Club Facili es

Entertainments

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

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

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

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Editorial Welcome to the February issue of Meldreth Matters. I would like to welcome Lesley Pemberton and Maggie and David Smith to the MM Team. All three very kindly volunteered to take over the distribution of the magazine and will soon be receiving some training from our outgoing Manager, Bill Peters. With all events cancelled due to the national lockdown, I have removed the centre pages diary from the magazine. The refuse collections and two key dates are shown below. As we continue in national lockdown, the most important thing we can all do is to stay at home as much as possible to help limit the spread of the virus. If you have symptoms or have tested positive, you should remain at home. Help with shopping, picking up prescriptions, etc. is available if needed (see pages 28-30). Inevitably, there is a lot of coronavirus-related information in this issue, which I have grouped together and can be found on pages 25-32. In addition to information on the vaccine roll-out, there is a reminder of all of the support that is available in Meldreth, should you need it. Kathryn

Cover Photographs Front cover: Snowdrops in Melwood Back cover: Flooding off Malton Lane Photographs by Kathryn Betts

Refuse Collections Black bins: Blue bins: Green bins:

2nd, 16th 9th, 23rd 9th

February Diary Thursday 4th 7.30pm Parish Council (online meeting) Friday 12th Copy deadline for the March issue 3

Advent Trail 2020 We knew things would be different as we embarked on our Advent 2020 journey but we were determined most things could still go ahead albeit in a slightly different format. Trails were organised in both Melbourn and Meldreth. In Meldreth Hilary Crawforth designed an Advent Calendar Trail, with displays throughout the village in homes with ‘good windows’ along the High Street, Whitecroft Road and Chiswick End. In the churchyard, decorations adorned the trees, there were Christmas tree booklets for the children and biscuits welcomed visitors to the porch display and the nativity scene. Thank you to Carol, Dick, Hilary, Julie, Marilyn, Peter D, Rachel and Richard, Sherida and the generous people who offered their windows. For the Christingle Service a number of children and adults arrived on screen complete with props: oranges, ribbons, cocktail sticks and sweeties/raisins as Pat talked us through the meaning of the Christingle. Pat really is the Queen of Christingles and gets better at it each year! With construction complete and candles lit, we said a prayer and sang Away in a Manger. A few days before Christmas, an online Christmas Messy Church with a short story, prayers and carols was enjoyed by a number of families. So a huge HOORAY for Zoom that enabled these things to happen! We are so looking forward to the day when we can enjoy Messy Church in its proper format. 4

Huge thanks to all who visited and took part in our Advent preparations. We hope you enjoy the photographs. We look forward to the new season and summer. I am writing this on 4th January and spring bulbs are already appearing in our garden. Keep safe! Pauline Penfold

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Blackcaps Have you seen any Blackcaps this winter with colour rings on their legs? A Blackcap is a small warbler, which regularly visits Britain and Northern Europe in summer to find a mate and to breed. Its body is greyish brown, with the male sporting a black cap and the female a chestnut brown cap. Typically, Blackcaps would fly to Spain or North Africa for the winter months. However, recently it has been found that some birds that have bred in northern and central Europe, overwinter in Britain. This means that when spring comes, they have a shorter flight back to mainland Europe and can establish the best breeding sites, earlier than those returning from Spain or Africa. For the last three winters, researchers from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Oxford University, have been monitoring this change in behaviour, by performing a colour ringing study. This aids identification of individuals (e.g. on a feeder) without the need to capture them. Each bird has a numbered metal BTO ring put on one leg, along with a plastic colour ring; the other leg has two plastic colour rings put on. These are very small and light and the colour combinations unique to that bird. Last winter, between 27th December 2019 and 10th January 2020 I colour ringed three male Blackcaps as follows: · Bird 1: right leg – metal + light blue, left leg – yellow + mid blue · Bird 2: right leg – metal + light blue, left leg – yellow + red · Bird 3: right leg – metal + light blue, left leg – yellow + white So far this winter I have colour ringed two male Blackcaps: · Bird 4: right leg – metal + light blue, left leg – yellow + yellow · Bird 5: right leg – metal + grey, left leg – mid blue + mid blue 6

Last winter the birds were present in the garden until the end of January. The BTO and I would welcome your help in looking out for these birds, and any other colour-ringed birds you might spot. If you are able to note the colour combinations (not always easy!) it would be most useful in monitoring their migration patterns. Thank you in advance. Jan Butchers jan.butchers@gmail.com

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

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

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Note from a Small Garden We have had a good cold snap for a week as I am writing this and it looks as if it will continue for a few days yet. I am sure it keeps the slugs and aphids down. During the last few days, I have been pruning the gooseberries and currants and embarking on the long job of trimming up the apple trees. For once I have brought inside all the plants which have been flourishing in the garden up until Christmas, including mini-marguerites and auriculas. My aunt gave me a white mini marguerite many years ago and each year I have taken cuttings to replenish my stock and to give away to family and friends. I have three quite large plants in pots which are probably five years old which I put out in the spring in useful places where they make a show. They come in various colours and work well in a border where you have had the odd unexpected loss. Marguerites like having their bases properly covered in compost during cold spells; it’s a temptation to leave them and other plants you are trying to overwinter in last year’s compost as it shrinks with watering. I usually go round during the early spring adding fresh compost and repotting plants that have outgrown their pots. Speaking of pots, this year instead of buying yet more pots (such a temptation for me), I plan to discard any pots that are cracked or badly chipped. I have also put some geraniums and marguerites in plastic pots for the winter and used the terracotta plants for bulbs. One or two big pots have small irises in them for the spring and then lilies for the summer. But watering is a long job on summer evenings; will I have fewer pots to water by the time June comes? Now to our vegetable patches. Luckily, we have a neighbour who lives over the road and who has horses, so we have loads of free muck! I’m often lazy about making a plan of our potager/vegetable plot, but before I forget which vegetables we planted where, I shall draw out a plan for this spring and summer. Our potager isn’t large and over the years I have planted a number of annuals, which happily seed themselves; hearts-ease, camomile, clary, Californian poppies (escholzia) and nasturtiums, the latter which are good companion plants, great at keeping the white fly and cabbage white butterflies off. 8

Our food bank would love to have a source of fresh vegetables, so why not plant extra beans, salad, (which most of us have a glut of at any one time) and courgettes which you can plant on the compost bins, but make sure that they have enough light, and in hot summers, water. Now I am off to finish pruning the currants. I have left those perennials and bulbs with seed heads till now, but some of them are collapsing, and offending the eye, so they will go on the compost heap. Good gardening (such an antidote to these dark times) and go well and safe, from Jim and me. Julie Draper Juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

Spotted in Meldreth Can you spot the Little Egret in this photograph? There have been several sightings of Little Egrets on and near the River Mel recently. This photograph was taken by Christine ProvĂŠ. Why not send us photographs of any birds, wildlife or flora that you spot on your lockdown walks around the village? Our email address is meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. The Meldreth Matters Team

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Meldreth Market, 2021 Having had our wings severely clipped once again, it is perhaps not the best time to try to fix a date for our Walking Market, at least not in the early part of this year. Instead, perhaps we can put this time to good use and search out and box up those things we don’t really need, or want, to make this into an event that is worth doing later in the year and perhaps in better weather than we might have had in March. It will provide an opportunity to sell anything you no longer want or things that you make and have perhaps normally sold at craft fairs which have had to be abandoned. For example, clothes, games, books, toys, plants, hand made crafts and art etc. It could be a very enjoyable social event and provide an opportunity to meet people. The proceeds of at least a part of your ‘market stall’ should be given to support Holy Trinity Church or a good cause of your choosing, local or otherwise. In doing so, it will give you a space on the map that will be made available so everyone knows who will be selling what and which good cause they are supporting. Please register your interest at any time. It commits you to nothing but it will give me an idea of how many people are interested enough to make this work. Contact details are provided below so if you would like more information, have any suggestions or wish to register your interest, I will be pleased to hear from you. Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com (01763) 261578

Huw Shortle

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Meridian Maycroft Arts Centre I moved into Maycroft Care Home at the end of last year. Recently, Lynn Ward, the Manager of Maycroft, took me to my home to see if I could return to live there. While we were there, Lynn saw my art studio and over 50 of my artworks. Lynn was impressed and told me of her plan to create an Arts Centre at Maycroft for residents, staff and all who live in Meldreth. I had had similar plans at one time myself so I was enthusiastic about Lynn’s plans. Lynn offered me the opportunity to stay at Maycroft and to help her develop the Arts Centre and I was pleased to accept her offer. My books, paintings and sculptures will form the nucleus of the Centre and be on permanent loan to Maycroft. I intend to take an active role in guiding, supporting and encouraging others to create art. More details of our plans will be included in the next issue of Meldreth Matters. Peter Stone

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We will have held our AGM by Zoom on 26th January and the reports and accounts will have been received and accepted. Our committee will have been elected. As we raised very little last year due to our curtailed activities, we will adopt The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity again. We look forward to The Reverend Mary Price leading us on a reflection for Lent on Tuesday 23rd February and this meeting, together with future meetings, will take place on Zoom due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. If there is any change to this, we will let members know. If you wish for an invitation to be sent to you, or would like to know more about the group, please contact me or one of the committee members: Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Diane Blundell (01763) 221415. Pat Smith (01763) 262575 11

Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group How sad we are in ‘super lockdown’ and not to be able to cycle with our jolly group. However, it does give us a chance to think of ways to satisfy our cycle mania and possibly consider our carbon footprint. Most bicycles or components for them, whether electric or conventional, are manufactured in China. Maybe we should consider very low carbon footprint materials such as bamboo, which can be grown successfully in the UK. See the photograph above right of a bamboo bike, for which kits are already available.

A bamboo bike

Sisal is another material for resin reinforced structures and considerable research is being carried out into other organic possibilities. If you have the time, another idea is assembling a conventional bike from damaged or recycled parts. Sadly the police no longer hold their auctions as they used to but there are numerous sources online for cycle parts, including Brick Lane Bikes (www.bricklanebikes.co.uk). Alternatively, contact one of our local cycle dealerships. Some of our group members might be able to advise on other sources. Electric bicycles are becoming more and more popular now. Recently, some of our members have purchased Swytch kits (www.swytchbike.com) and have converted their bikes to e-bikes. See the photographs on the right and on the following page for examples. Other similar kits are also available. 12

An electric bike

A Swytch conversion

Local Repair Workshop On 24th February, there will be a repair workshop in Bassingbourn run by Outspoken Cycles. It will be held at Elysium Spa, The Mews, Low Farm, Brook Road, Bassingbourn, SG8 5NT. Advance bookings are A Brompton (folding bike) essential: converted to an e-bike using a Swytch kit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/freedr-bike-repair-sessionelysium-salon-bassingbourn-sun-28th-feb-tickets-132966128269?aff= There is a government scheme supporting the inspection, repair and fitting of minor parts to bicycles. The scheme is for anyone who has an unused bike in need of a repair. It will help them get it back on the road by providing £50 towards the cost of a service and repair for one bike per household. At the time of writing, all vouchers have been allocated but if you believe that you may be eligible, please check to see if registration has re-opened: https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk. When we are allowed to cycle as a group again, we look forward to seeing you on your ‘super trimmed bikes,’ whether conventional or electric. Keep safe and well. John Rogger Meldreth Marvels Cycle Group

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Here are some more pictures illustrating our fundraising events, plus an example of one of our projects: the provision of some portable staging which has been used for many of our events since 2001. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, we have been unable to hold any events during the past year. John Price 2014 Spring Open Gardens

2011 Mad Hatters’ Tea Party

2016 Galapagos Talk - S Marshall

2001 Portable Staging for Events

2009 West Gallery Quire

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Suspension of Services at Holy Trinity, Meldreth, and All Saints’, Melbourn https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk Following the recent announcement of a new national lockdown, together with the new more infectious variant of Covid-19 and high local rates of infection, the decision has been taken to suspend public worship in both Holy Trinity, Meldreth, and All Saints', Melbourn, until further notice. We are very saddened to have to make this decision, but hope that you will understand our desire at all times to act out of care and love for everyone's safety, and with an abundance of caution. We will keep a close eye on the situation, but we envisage the suspension lasting for at least six to eight weeks. Rest assured we will endeavour to keep everyone updated. Churches are Open for Private Prayer and Small Scale Funerals Even though public worship has been suspended in our churches, both are still open for private prayer and small scale funerals. Weddings are not permitted (except in very exceptional circumstances), and neither are baptisms. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, we will not be able to livestream our Sunday 9.45am Eucharist at present. Those on Wednesdays at 4.00pm and Sundays at 11.00am will continue. Links to Online Worship Ely Cathedral (Sunday Eucharist at 10.30am, Choral Evensong at 4.00pm): www.elycathedral.org/public-worship/live-streamed-services-concerts Four Church Benefice, Deanery of Shingay (Sundays at 11.00am): www.thefourchurchbenefice.org/livestreams Little St Mary’s, Cambridge (Sundays at 10.30am and other times throughout the week): www.facebook.com/LittleStMarys Great St Mary’s, Cambridge (Sundays at 09.30am): www.facebook.com/GreatStMary Lizzie Shipp

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk My Perfect World Reflecting on our own seemingly rather imperfect world, children in Kestrel Class reflected on what their own perfect world might be like. Here are some of their thoughts! Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher

My perfect world is going to have enough hospitals for everyone in need and there are no illnesses so everyone is healthy and happy. Not just people have to be happy, the planet does too and the animals on it. There are going to be big tree farms with every tree you can get like oak trees, palm trees, apple trees and pine trees so the air is clean and healthy. There is going to be fresh and healthy food for everyone and even the food that you don’t like is going to taste delicious! We will be able to grow meat so we don’t have to kill the animals, so people and animals are friends and they live together in peace. There are no zoos where animals are locked in cages. In this world cars are actually good for the world because instead of fumes coming out, flower seeds come out so wherever you walk you would always be surrounded by the most beautiful flowers. There is no global warming and there’s no plastic so the ocean is happy and the animals in it are happy too! Boredom does not exist in this world. We are always having fun and enjoying ourselves. There is a ginormous trampoline park with big trampolines, small trampolines, medium sized trampolines and even trampolines on the ceiling. People are always nice to each other and never make people sad so there are no bullies. Sunny P In my perfect world I would have lots of wild animals roaming free in their habitats so that they will be able to find food and survive more easily. I would have a house in the middle of a deciduous forest which 16

is full of fresh air. My house would be snug and warm with a comfy fireplace in the corner of my living room, along with two soft cosy armchairs for me and my pet. I would have a super power to talk to animals so that I can help them as well as having fun and playing with them because my bear and I would like a nice game of hide and seek along with a picnic with cake and cucumber sandwiches. Isla J Evie’s Perfect Planet

In my perfect world I will have many things to survive with, for instance food, fresh air and clean water. Also, I will live in a blue castle made out of fluffy and soft mattresses. Only people I like and 5000 strangers will be allowed on my planet. Furthermore, no animals will get killed. In addition to this, vegetables will taste like meat and fruit will taste like sweets. Every day in the winter, it will snow up to my knees and most importantly, global warming won’t exist. There will be loads more trees and habitats for all the animals. Above all, there will be no pain or injuries and as a result you will only die when you are 1000 years old. Finally, there will be no bad or annoying people! Sam F In my perfect world, the words racism and sexsism aren’t even words. No one has ever even thought about judging people by anything like 17

that. It’s not fair that in this world people are treated differently because of something they can’t help having. When we go to school (which seems like something very hard to do right now) we don’t have S.O.D.A. maths to do in the morning, instead we have colouring, or reading and fish, fruit, flower, because although the maths has helped me a bit, it’s not a great way to start my day. I know it gets my brain whirring and ready to go, but we do maths already. Of course, this is the thing that is irritating everyone, especially people in England: Coronavirus. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re an alien (which must be quite cool, so text me about it when I’m done). Coronavirus would go poof with a click of a finger and if I wrote it down again, it would be underlined in red, because (no offense, Covid-19) this annoying virus is stopping us from going to school, seeing our friends and family, having lots of fun and not getting toys because all the toy shops are closed!!! Chloe P Meldreth Primary School

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Things for Children and Families To Do From Home Thursday 4th February Harry Potter Book Night Register for a kit by 3rd February and plan an evening of fun with the family on a Harry Potter theme. www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com. Friday 5th February World Nutella Day Love Nutella? See www.nutelladay.com for ideas to celebrate chocolate spread - write a poem or song, create Nutella art, do some baking. Tuesday 9th February Safer Internet Day Download lessons or family activities and watch films (ages 5 -18 years and for parents/carers) about what you can trust on the internet. Friday 12th February Chinese New Year - the Year of the Ox Make lanterns or dragons, learn about Chinese New Year and do activities: www.activityvillage.co.uk and www.redtedart.com. If you are home schooling primary age children you might consider subscribing to www.twinkl.co.uk to download resources, information and worksheets. Sunday 14th February Valentine’s Day Make cards and decorations - see www.activityvillage.co.uk or www.twinkl.co.uk. Tuesday 16th February Pancake Day Get the children involved in pancake-making as well as eating! Again, see twinkl.co.uk, activity village and www.kidscraftroom.com. Saturday 27th February International Polar Bear Day See www.polarbearsinternational.org for film, live chats, find facts and follow bears on a bear tracker. Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre production on youtube.com - available until half term. 19

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club

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Once again it is a bit of a strange time at our club and for us all and we really hope that everyone is keeping up health and spirits as best as they can. The Spitfires are not allowed to play at the moment but just before 'Lockdown Three' there were reasons to celebrate. Firstly, the long awaited raffle was drawn and it was one of our youngest players that won the Arsenal Team signed football and he was absolutely over the moon ... even if he couldn't kick it about in the garden! Other lucky winners will be enjoying things such as a Brewboard Brewery tour and tasting experience in Harston, a meal voucher for the Plough Pub Shepreth, lots of lovely aromatic coffee from Hot Numbers and an Indian head massage from Cambowen Therapy in Barrington. These were just a few of the prizes donated and we are so grateful to all of the companies who donated and of course to the parents and family members who bought raffle tickets. In total the raffle made ÂŁ1,400 which was amazing. Some of the money has, just this week, been put to good use as equipment has been bought for our newest under-7 team and a top up of footballs has been purchased for our three under-11 teams. In addition to this, some of the money that was raised has been spent on the second half of The Spitfires' floodlit winter training area. This area at the Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road, Meldreth is already amazing and the children love it. They will be so pleased to see it, even larger, when they return to football. This area will also be sporting brand new goal posts donated to us by Mick George Skips who have done so much to help the club grow over the past three years. If anyone in the local community would like to sponsor the dug outs for this area please let us know using the number below. The Shepreth Spitfires are also looking forward to taking the children to lots of summer tournaments and hopefully also hosting our own at 20

Eternit again. Some very happy memories are made at football tournaments; last year two of the under-11 teams won a few tournaments each and one tournament was even won by the under 11s playing up an age group in an under-12 tournament. So here is to happier days where, fingers crossed, things will be safe for us all. Take care to everyone, from all of the volunteers at Shepreth Spitfires Football Club. If any children would like to join Shepreth Spitfires please contact Lucy or Sean on 07510 175370. The club is especially recruiting children in school years 3 and 4 at the moment but we also have some spaces in other age groups. Lucy Smith

Home Schooling? As home schooling resumes, we know there will be lots of children disappointed that they haven't been able to visit our stations, or for us to come and see them in school. To make home schooling fun for little ones, we've put together some resources to help keep them entertained and educated. Visit our website, where you'll find everything from colouring in, to tours of a fire station: https://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/community-safety/ come-and-play. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service 21

1st Melbourn Guides You can lock us down, but you can’t knock us down! When our November plans for a socially distanced Remembrance ceremony were dashed by Covid restrictions, technology stepped in. Isla Cooper laid our wreath at the war memorial whilst her Mum Stef recorded it on her phone. We showed this video at our Zoom meeting, then six girls read out all the names of the fallen soldiers on the memorial, to the backdrop of photographs from the two world wars. Aliya played Taps on her saxophone at the end of the ceremony, then we all made paper windmill poppies. Young leader Abi finished the meeting with a memory game using war and peace themed objects. The following week, Eva’s Mum Anna, a Aliya playing Taps dance teacher, led a yoga session at the start of our Healthy Living themed evening. We followed this with a themed quiz using the Kahoot app, then finished with a step-by-step demo of how to carve an owl from two apples. The Taskmaster TV show has inspired many Scout and Guide groups to run their own evenings of silly challenges. We ran our own competition, starting with the task of making a musical instrument from a piece of household equipment. Memorable offerings included a detergent bottle flute, a Tupperware and elastic band guitar, and a trombone of plastic tubing. There followed a range of paper and pen drawing games, a spoon balancing competition, and a race to see how many socks you could fit on one foot in one minute. The joint winners were Isla W, Izzy, Daisy and Eva practicing yoga Alexandra. 22

The fun continued in our Christmas party evening, with a quiz, Mhairi’s drawing game, and Abi’s craft session to make a paper reindeer head. The spring term has continued with themed Zoom sessions again; we started with an animal themed evening comprising modelling animals using salt dough and drawing an imaginary creature to represent our own personalities. The following week was a Showtime theme, with microwave popcorn, a home-made puppet show and a hand-jiving session led by Naomi from DanceMatters. We are hoping to start a Ranger unit for our small group of older Guides later this year, and would welcome another leader or helper. If you would like to know more, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com. You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more. Hilary Marsh

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Coronavirus Vaccine Scam Since the beginning of January, Action Fraud has been receiving reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for the coronavirus vaccine. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website. The coronavirus vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer or a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. The NHS will never ask you for details of your bank account or ask you to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or telephone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam. Remember:  The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details. The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.  The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.  The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Peter (01763) 260323

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How to Support our GP Surgeries Thank you for the questions we’ve received about our local GP surgeries, including what we can do to support them at this unprecedented time. Most importantly, STAY HOME if you are unwell – please do NOT visit the surgery to collect prescriptions. If you need help collecting your prescription, please contact Nick Garner on 07968 568599 at Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support, or either of us. Only attend your surgery if you have been asked to do so. If you must visit your surgery, you must wear a mask and keep socially distanced. Please check the written instructions outside the surgery door which will guide you, depending on the reason for your visit. Staff are working round the clock, often on their own reduced workforce due to any self-isolation requirements. In the patchwork roll -out of the Covid vaccine, at the time of writing GP surgery staff are waiting their turn. Thank you to all at our GP surgeries in Melbourn, Royston, Bassingbourn, Harston and beyond. Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales

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Covid Vaccine Roll-Out The vaccination roll-out is being managed and delivered centrally by the NHS, with patient information provided by surgeries directly to the NHS. Details on the first roll-out groupings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care -home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phasepriority-groups We can report via our contact with Orchard Surgery that:  Vaccinations will commence in Royston shortly.  Invitations are being sent by 'NHS central' by text, with a link in the text for individuals to book a slot.  Those without mobile numbers in their medical records will be contacted by 'the centre' by other means to book a slot.  The Practices are not involved in invitations at this stage.  Practice staff from Orchard Surgery, Melbourn will be at the vaccination site each day, so workflow will scale back to allow for this. It’s important that you are registered at a local surgery for the vaccination roll-out. Please register now if you haven’t already done so. Please help spread the word: DO NOT ring your surgery, pharmacy or the NHS to inquire as to when your turn will comes up, as all our health services are swamped and need to be freed up as much as possible to stay focused on the job in front of them. You will be contacted by text, letter, email or telephone and are asked to attend the slot provided. We’re also asked not to turn up very early for vaccination appointments, as this creates problematic queueing. Transport to Vaccination Appointments Royston & District Community Transport may be able to arrange transportation to your appointment. To book a lift, please call the RDCT Office on (01763) 245228 between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday at least three working days before your appointment. Otherwise, help is available via the County Council’s Countywide Hub on 0345 045 5219. Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales County and District Councillors 27

Meldreth Coronavirus Co Please STAY HOME We hope you are staying safe and well during the lockdown. With Covid-19 spiking to unprecedented levels and our hospitals and GP surgeries at risk of becoming overwhelmed, our focus now must be to support everyone to STAY HOME, and to only have contact with people you don’t live with if it is absolutely essential. A reminder of the reasons for which you are permitted to leave your home are shown in the shaded text box on page 31. At the same time, we want to remind all Meldreth residents of the support services available to the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable in our community: Register for Support If you are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable you (or someone else on your behalf) can register online using this link: https://www.gov.uk/ coronavirus-shielding-support. Pharmacy Deliveries If you are unable to travel to a pharmacy, medication can be delivered directly to you by a number of methods. Please ask your local pharmacist - WELL Melbourn on (01763) 260221 or Bassingbourn Pharmacy on (01763) 250660 - about the services offered. Our coordinator for pharmacy assistance is Nick Garner on 07968 568599. Local Shops, including telephone orders and deliveries There are several businesses located in Meldreth and Melbourn including One Stop, Fieldgate, Davey's Butchers, Cam Valley Orchards, Bury Lane, Co-op, Leech & Sons, and Premier. Home delivery is available from Fieldgate, telephone (01763) 260737 and Bury Lane (01763) 260418. For Leech & Sons ring (01763) 260255 to collect outside in the car park at the back of the shop. Assistance from MCCS If you are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, shielding or have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace and your usual support is unavailable, please contact Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support using the contact details on page 30 and we will do our best to assist. 28

mmunity Support (MCCS) Please STAY HOME Meldreth Food Bank Meldreth Food Bank continues to support local families and has been greatly helped by generous donations from local residents. Please feel free to drop any food donations in the box outside The Gables, 69 High Street (opposite the British Queen). If you’d like to make a cash donation, please contact our treasurer Roger James on 07808 235873. You can visit the Food Bank on Tuesdays between 10.00am and midday or Thursdays from 2.00-4.00pm, or just contact Anne Bobeckyj, Food Bank coordinator, on 07592 355279. Meldreth Talking Friends Please remember that our team is always on hand for a friendly chat by phone, and we hope you will pick up the telephone any time. Our Zone leaders’ phone numbers are shown on the following page. Meldreth Walking Friends and Meldreth Footpaths We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Meldreth Parish Paths Partnership who maintain the extensive network of paths around our village for their fantastic work to benefit all, especially now when local outdoor local exercise is so important. Meldreth Walking Friends is adapting to the times, running for now with socially distanced walks of a total of two people. Please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support MCCS leaders recently took part in training on looking after ourselves and one another at a time when people might be feeling down or overwhelmed in the current circumstances. We are supported by the very useful resources available to all at CPSL Mind – including their common-sense helpful reminders and also telephone numbers and links. If you’re worried or anxious and need to talk to someone who can help, please feel free to make contact or if you prefer complete anonymity use the resources on the website: https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/top-tips-selfhelp-resources. For general queries please call 0300 303 4363, from 9.30am – 5.30pm. 29

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Volunteers from Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support are available to help if your usual support is unavailable and you are clinically extremely vulnerable, shielding or have been instructed to selfisolate by NHS Test & Trace. Please contact your Zone Leader using the telephone number below we will do our best to assist. Neighbourhood Zone Leaders  Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838  Elin Way and Howard Road Zone:

David Hollamby, 07732 106828  Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose:

John Crawforth, 07595 627684  High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station

Yard & Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598  Bell Close and Gables Close:

Cathy Walston, 07757 086380  North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm:

Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. County and District Councillors, Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales and all at the MCCS team 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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Coronavirus: Stay Home Do not leave your home unless necessary. One in three people with the virus have no symptoms, so you could be spreading it without knowing it. You may leave your home for the following reasons:  To shop for basic necessities for yourself or a vulnerable person  To go to work if you cannot work from home  To exercise with your household or with one other person, if you are on your own  To meet your support bubble if you are legally permitted to form one  To seek medical attention  To attend childcare or education if eligible

For more information, see https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Royston & District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk Royston & District Community Transport is continuing to transport people to their medical appointments and for essential shopping. We have put special Covid-19 safety rules in place. Volunteer Drivers Required As more and more people receive Covid-19 vaccination appointments, we are anticipating an increased demand for our service. We would therefore like to appeal to any drivers who may be able to help to take people for their Covid vaccinations to get in touch with us. Advice on the safety of both passenger and driver will be given, and drivers receive 50p per mile expenses. For ease of passenger loading, you will need at least a medium size, four-door car. If you can help, please telephone the RDCT Office on (01763) 245228 between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Royston & District Community Transport 31

Your Feedback Helps NHS and Care Teams Support Us All www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk

Have you seen your GP lately? Had a hospital or dental appointment? Perhaps you have care services at home or visit a loved one in a care home. If you, a family member or friend have used a local health or care service, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire wants to hear about your experience – good or bad. We’re the local health and care champions. And by sharing your feedback with us, local NHS and care services can find out what’s working well or needs improving. Please support our new campaign 'Because We All Care' by giving your feedback about the services you are using. It’s being run with the Care Quality Commission and follows on from our big Covid-19 survey across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough earlier this year. It only takes a few minutes to share your views with us. And you feedback helps services to continue providing the right support to local people. Share your views online at www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.ukshare -your-views You can also call Healthwatch on 0330 355 1285, text your views on 0752 0635 176 or email enquiries@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk. Kari Payne Communications Officer Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

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Things to Do in February - From Home In the absence of so many of the usual events and activities, here are some things you might like to do in February without leaving home. If you want to let us know about any future event or activity please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Thursday 4th February, 7.30pm First Steps in Family History Research A free Zoom talk run by Suffolk Family History Society, presented by Roy Winchester. Using mainly British records with family examples and lots of practical hints and tips based on 25 years of tracing his ancestors. To join in email: membership@suffolkfhs.org.uk. Thursday 4th February, 8.00pm to 10.00pm Cambridge Guitar Club Online If you’ve been working on your guitar skills during lockdown why not have fun playing or listening online at the Cambridge Guitar Club? Classical, flamenco, acoustic and jazz guitar. All standards welcome. Over sixteens only please. Visit: www.wherecanwego.com/item/ e122612/cambridge-guitar-club-online or call (01223) 565552. Saturday 13th February, 10.00am to 1.00pm Birds of Prey Online Webinar, Suffolk Wildlife Trust During this morning course, experienced birdwatcher and tutor, Paddy Shaw will guide you through the UK’s main groups of raptors, tell you how to identify them and give you tips on where and when they can be found. Book your place by 12th February at: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events/2021-02-13-webinar-birds-preycourse-online. Course fee £20. Virtual Walks around the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge If you’re missing your visits to these lovely gardens why not go online at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk and be guided round the latest seasonal highlights on a ‘Wellness Wander”? Short ten-minute videos plus a library of previous ones. Also, free daily Plant Quiz to test or improve your knowledge. See: www.facebook.com/CUBotanicGarden. Cambridgeshire Libraries Online Can’t go to the library at the moment? Don’t worry - join online and get access to over 7000 eBooks, 50 of the latest magazines to read for 34

free, local, national and international eNewspapers plus thousands of audio books to download and enjoy. Or why not find a new reading group or take your existing one online? Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk and search for ‘Library online’. The Courtauld Gallery, London World-renowned gallery and centre for the study of art is closed till late 2021 for a major refurbishment but you can take an online stroll through the rooms of the gallery as they were. View the famous collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in amazing close-up: www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery. Free. Cambridge Astronomy Online During the current national lockdown the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge is offering a range of online talks and activities for children and young people. Topics covered so far include the ‘Solar System and Beyond’, ‘Hunting for Aliens’ and ‘When Black Holes Collide’. Or register for a free Skype a Scientist session and be connected to an astronomer for a space-related chat! See: www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk. NASA TV ... and if the Cambridge Institute whets your appetite for all things space go to www.nasa.gov for live streaming of their programme on YouTube with replays of missions and earth views from the International Space Station. Twilight at the Cambridge Museums Held every February half-term, this is traditionally a time when local museums open their doors for an evening of torch-lit exploration. That can’t happen this year due to Covid-19 restrictions but they plan a programme of activities, games and videos to enjoy online at home. Watch out for further details at www.museums.cam.uk or on the University of Cambridge Museums Facebook page. Down on the Farm during Lockdown at Wimpole Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a farm? The animals at Home Farm, Wimpole need a lot of looking after. While you can’t visit, watch their weekly video diaries to find out what goes on throughout the year - from lambing time, harvesting the fields of wheat, to bath time for a shire horse! Visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ features/down-on-the-farm-during-lockdown-video-diaries-fromwimpole. Compiled by John Crawforth 35

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Not Conforming in Meldreth These days we take it for granted that people have the freedom to hold any religious views they choose or none at all; to attend church services, go to the temple or mosque or never pass through any of their doors. But it wasn’t always this way. If you had been living in Meldreth in the late seventeenth century you could not meet more than five people for any religious reason at all unless you followed the services laid down by the Church of England. Church wardens were expected to report to the bishop anyone in their parishes not attending church or receiving Holy Communion. You could be taken to court and fined, as several Meldreth villagers were in 1665. Resentment against the established church had been growing with the rise of Puritanism at the time of the English Civil War. Increasingly, people resisted the Church of England’s attempt to restrict their freedoms and were drawn to the radical teachings of people like John Bunyan, author of a ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. Originating from nearby Bedford, Bunyan is believed to have preached at Meldreth, possibly from an earlier version of the pulpit you can see in Holy Trinity church today. Rev. Joseph Oddy, a Yorkshireman, settled in Meldreth after he was thrown out of Trinity College, Cambridge for his non-conformist views in 1662. Said to be an earnest and eloquent preacher, he travelled all over Cambridgeshire and the east of England often addressing large crowds of people gathered in a field or barn. He was eventually imprisoned for his activities but allowed out by a friendly gaoler at night to carry on his preaching! If you’d like to find out more about this fascinating period in the village’s history, the Meldreth Local History Group has a new page on its website on the rise of nonconformism in seventeenth century Meldreth: https:// www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/new-contributions/non-conformism-inseventeenth-century-meldreth By the nineteenth century, non-conformism had taken a strong hold across the country with denominations like the Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists becoming well-established and attracting large followings. In Meldreth itself a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was built 36

in 1850 in North End. It had fallen into a poor state of repair fifty years later with what were said to be some of the most uncomfortable seats to be found anywhere and windows that let in the cold winter winds! Major renovations were carried out in 1906 and the chapel re-opened in a much-improved condition. You can read more on this story in a ‘New Chapter in the Life of Meldreth’s Wesleyan Chapel’ on the History Group’s new website: https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/ new-contributions/new-chapter-in-the-life-of-meldreths-wesleyanchapel.

Did You Attend Services in the Wesleyan Chapel in Meldreth? We would love to hear from you if you remember attending the Wesleyan Chapel in Meldreth before it closed in 1970. If you have any memories to share with us do please get in touch via our email address: info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on the number below. John Crawforth Meldreth Local History Group (01763) 262848

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

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com With the season entering its last few months, we have a full and varied programme including two competitions, three lectures and two club Evenings. February dates are as follows: 2nd The Way We Were - Lecture by Peter Bartlett 9th

Club Evening – Lighting

16th 3rd Open PDI Competition - Judge: Jonathan Vaines 23rd On the Streets - Lecture by Alf Meyers Meetings are usually held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from September to April. However, because of the Covid-19 situation, all meetings for the 2020-21 season will be held virtually via a Zoom broadcast until further notice. The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability and despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

Cormorant by Stephen DeHavilland

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two of our Zoom meetings free of charge before deciding. To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club 39

Recycling Plastic in Cambridgeshire Most people know that the Council can recycle much of the plastic we use. What the recycling plant can’t recycle at the moment is BLACK plastic and the items below:  Plastic and foil pouches, such as those from pet food or baby food (but these can be recycled by Terracycle)  Biodegradable or compostable plastic (wrap, bags, cutlery or cups); these cannot go in your green bin or blue bin  Drinking straws  Nappies  Crisp packets with metallic insides (these can be recycled by Terracycle)  Hard plastic, such as buckets, toys, and storage boxes; check what you can recycle at household recycling centres  Polystyrene takeaway containers and packaging TerraCycle is a company which recycles hard and other plastics but TerraCycle cannot sort all the plastic items which SCDC cannot recycle. Terracycle therefore has deals with individual companies for specific items which can then be recycled and manufactured into useful goods. All the plastic collected by them is used by other companies which make the recycled plastic into objects like hard wearing solid plastic wood, such as is used in some of the paths at Fowlmere Bird Reserve, watering cans, benches and playground equipment. At the moment there are several collection points near Meldreth. The one you use depends on what you want to recycle, e.g. used toothpaste tubes or crisp packets or Christmas wrapping paper (without glitter). See their website, https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB, to check our nearest recycling locations. Hopefully South Cambridgeshire District Council will be able to take the lead on recycling those plastics which at the moment do not go in our blue bins, so watch this space! Julie and Peter Draper Juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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Letters to the Editor Dog Mess and Toilet Stops Whilst out walking, I am disappointed to discover that the amount of dog dirt not picked up by owners is increasing. In fact, one very large heap was recently deposited on my driveway. Most unpleasant! Can I please ask dog owners to pick up after their pet(s) and to take the bag home or deposit it in one of the dog litter bins in the village. In addition, whilst walking around Melwood looking for the emergence of the snowdrops, I noticed that the back of the wood is being used as a makeshift toilet stop. The tissue left behind trees is a giveaway. It is understandable that one might be caught short whilst out walking in the recent cold weather, but could I ask that a plastic bag is carried to enable the used tissue to be taken home or put into one of the litter bins around the village? I am sure you can appreciate that it is both unpleasant and a health hazard. Everyone I talk to is enjoying getting out into the fresh air and discovering their local paths, so it is down to us all to keep them free from litter and waste. On a brighter note, I spotted the first snowdrops in Melwood on Boxing Day, although they have not yet emerged in my garden. Lin Wallbridge

Ring Found A ladies ring was found in the High Street on 4th December. If you think it may be yours, please call (01763) 261576. Linda Clarke

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District and County Councillors’ Report Local Covid Rates These rose sharply over the holiday period and school outbreaks became widespread across South Cambridgeshire toward the end of term. County Council and Rapid Lateral Flow Testing for Schools Just before the Christmas break, the Government directed secondary schools to carry out rapid lateral flow testing, to start in January. This caused considerable concern regarding organisation. At the time there was no mandate for County Councils or local authority Public Health teams to become involved in the exercise except in an advisory role. County Council and Schools Reopening We reported to the Parish Council in early January that, as at the time of writing, the Government had required schools to reopen; the County Council does not have the power to close them. Needless to say, events have moved on. We are maintaining contact with our schools in the event that any community support is needed in their current partial opening; this matter is being considered by Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support. Thank You to Meldreth Community Food Bank The Food Bank successfully distributed the Christmas cheer boxes to about 75 households young and old in Meldreth, and helped many on free school meals, in Sheltered Housing, or in regularly accessing the Food Bank. In addition, food boxes were prepared for those in need, and on Friday 23rd December the Food Bank coordinator personally distributed Christmas meals provided by SCDC, to twenty individuals. Thank you to all who contributed to this effort including the cheer box fundraising. Drainage We toured the core area of concern with the Highways and the contractor in mid-December. A number of points of concern were established, including:  no system for blocking off streets from parked cars, or returning to tend to drains inaccessible due to parked cars or missed out for other reasons. 43

 lack of resource to check-up on jobs commissioned and carried out.  web reporting page map doesn’t work on some mobile phones  web reporting page response system unsatisfactory To start again from scratch:  Every gulley in Whitecroft Road, High Street, Fenny Lane, Elin Way and Station Road will be emptied.  If pooling/problems arise on any of these, please report. Team will return for jetting.  If pooling/problems arise on any of these, please report. Team will return for underground investigation. The same exercise will be undertaken in Melbourn which has experienced very similar issues. Pavement Resurfacing A welcome piece of good news, following the promise of these works over a considerable period of time, is that Fenny Lane and High Street pavements are in the process of being resurfaced. Note has been made of ongoing works around the Maycroft entrance and the need for damage to the access area to be addressed at the appropriate time. Potholes and Other Problems Including Broken Street Lights and Water Leakages Thanks to all for reporting on the County Highways web reporting page; it is vital to log reports for the public record. The link is: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/ roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults (or google ‘Cambridgeshire Report a Fault’ and you’ll be directed to the right place). County Council staff are required to take annual leave over the holiday period and so there is always a long queue of Highways faults greeting the team in January. Govia Thameslink Railway Timetable Discussions It was very good to see our half-hourly services resume in December, though of course now we are in a new lockdown and all timetables have been put on a reduced schedule again. Nevertheless, GTR have invited Community Rail Partnership representatives to meet and discuss future ‘peacetime’ timetable adjustments, in line with our aspiration to 44

reintroduce additional morning peak services. We can’t promise anything but welcome the chance to examine any opportunities with GTR. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do our best to help. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Jose Hales, District Councillor

Planning Matters Parish Council The minutes of the planning meetings on 3rd December and 17th December were not available at the time of going to press. For further information, please check the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. SCDC Decisions The following decisions have been made recently. Reference and Address

Decision

20/04349/HFUL 9 Flambards Close 20/04418/PRI03Q Fenny Lane Farm 20/04573/HFUL 95 North End

Permission granted for single storey rear extension and internal remodelling Prior approval of change of use of agricultural building to 1 No. dwelling house (Class C3) Permission granted for single storey front and rear extension to house

20/04667/HFUL 14 Bell Close

Permission granted for lean-to single storey front extension

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications. The Meldreth Matters Team 45

South West Cambridge New Town Proposal Following the sudden announcement on 8th December of a development proposal by Thakeham developers for a new town dubbed ‘South West Cambridge,’ consisting of 25,000 homes between and encompassing the villages of Meldreth, Melbourn, Foxton, Shepreth, Barrington, Orwell, Wimpole, Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth, and Whaddon, the ‘South West Cambridge Action Group’ was set up by District and County Councillors representing these villages to see off what is clearly a speculative proposal that goes against the structures and principles of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan population growth structures and processes. The Action Group has been trying to learn as much as possible about the intentions of Thakeham, in particular their preferred route for achieving such an ambitious goal: while the District Council has insisted that Thakeham work through the same transparent Local Plan processes as any aspiring developer, government has the power to facilitate channels that override local planning authorities. In an early January meeting with Thakeham representatives, Thakeham confirmed that it is indeed pursuing those higher central government channels, which gives us great cause for concern. The Action Group is holding regular public information meetings via Zoom and has created a website and Facebook page where all information updates are posted – please do take a look, via the following links: www.swcag.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/southwestcambridgeactiongroup If you’d like to receive information and meeting notices by email, please contact info@swcag.org.uk to join the mailing list. We’re always happy to chat by telephone, so do feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Councillor Susan van de Ven 07905 325574 Councillor Jose Hales 07703 262649 South West Cambridge Action Group info@swcag.org.uk

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48

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 7th January 2021 This meeting was held through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 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 Public Participation There was one member of the public present. On behalf of the church, questions were asked on the status of the maintenance of the church walls and if a reduction in the frequency of grass cutting in the churchyard could be implemented as part of carbon reduction initiatives in the village. Guidance will be given by the church. District and County Councillors’ Reports It was disappointing that the promised clearing of drains has not taken place; this was due to staff holidays over the Christmas period. Work has started on resurfacing of footways on the High Street and it is hoped that Fenny Lane resurfacing will follow. 25,000 New Houses for Southwest Cambridge Members of the Southwest Cambridge action group had a meeting with developer Thakeham. The developer said that they intended to submit their proposals into the SCDC local plan process by Easter. However it is believed that they would prefer to go direct to government. This is being monitored. Meldreth Parish Council will propose a representative for the action group. Covid-19 Good feedback has been received on the distribution of Cheer boxes over the Christmas period. The food bank continues and funding should be available from SCDC. Our District and County Councillors will seek a prominent notice in the next Meldreth Matters highlighting the need for full support for the government initiatives to control the spread of the coronavirus. 49

Annual Budget and Precept for 2021/22 The budget proposed by the finance working group was accepted and it was agreed to maintain the precept at the same rate as the current year. Recreation Ground Phase One of the plan for improvements to the recreation ground were accepted in principle. This involves planting eight trees and 50 shrubs with herbaceous planting in two wildlife areas. A total of six items of adult exercise equipment will be installed with three items in phase One. Details of suitable equipment will be studied by the Parish Council to make a decision at the next meeting. Residents will be given the opportunity to purchase equipment, seats or plants. Traffic Working Group The proposed traffic survey will be delayed until traffic levels are back to normal following the current lockdown. Cemetery Rabbit fencing and associated works have been subcontracted and will be carried out as soon as possible within lockdown restrictions. Community Transport An enhanced grant to Royston and District Community Transport was agreed, given the heavy load they have during the vaccination programme. Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme It was agreed to continue financing Meldreth residents who use the scheme, to cover up to six residents. New Houses on Whitecroft Road It was agreed to write to SCDC with questions relating to the effect on the existing footpath to the Recreation Ground and who was responsible for the maintenance of the ditches. Next meeting: Thursday 4th February 2021. Meldreth Parish Council

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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 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

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

Village Tree Planting Would you like to fund a tree or shrub to improve our environment or maybe to remember a loved one, or an important or special event? This year the Parish Council will be establishing wildlife areas in the recreation ground and planting more trees throughout the village, so if you wish to have your tree or plant included please let us know. Perhaps donating a bench to be sited in a quiet spot would be nice? If you would like to participate, or have another idea you would like us to consider, please contact the Parish Office by emailing parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk or by calling (01763) 269928. Pat Gilmore Meldreth Parish Council

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Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Magazine Article: Become a Home-Start Volunteer in 2021 The Cambridge Dictionary online defines a volunteer as: A person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it. But it means so much more to us at Home-Start: committed, kind, reassuring, non-judgemental, creative, generous ‌ the list goes on and on. Our volunteers have many different reasons for joining the HomeStart family; regardless of the motivation, what unites them is that they find volunteering with us rewarding and fulfilling. A Lifeline of Support Home-Start volunteers provide support to local families when they need it most. Our volunteers all have parenting experience which they can share with families so that they can give the right support at the right time in a way that suits each family individually. Our volunteers do all of this as an integral part of our friendly, supportive Home-Start team. For some people, being a parent can be overwhelming. Many of the parents that Home-Start supports don’t have an established support network of family and friends to help them. A friendly connection once a week can make such a difference to someone who is struggling – a lifeline, as one of the families described it this year. Home-Start volunteers provide individual one-to-one home visiting and a range of other targeted support for parents and their children. Over the last year we have had to think creatively about how we offer support to families. We now have a variety of tried and tested services (online and in person) all of which are based around the principle that volunteers offer no judgement, just compassionate, confidential help and support. At Home-Start we value the skills, expertise, time and commitment volunteers give to families, and recognise how it is important that they feel well supported. The volunteer training course gives volunteers the opportunity to build solid relationships with co-ordinators, who then provide formal and informal support. We believe that the course fully prepares you to feel confident and able to begin supporting families. 52

As well as receiving regular support from a co-ordinator, we offer volunteers ongoing training around a variety of topics and provide plenty of opportunities to meet with other volunteers for mutual support. Just Two Hours a Week Can Make Such a Difference If you could give as little as two hours a week to support a parent and their children then get in touch today. Our next course for volunteers begins at the end of February 2021 and if you’re a mum, dad, grandparent or carer we would love to hear from you. With your knowledge and experience developed through being a parent or carer, you could be the vital support a family needs to help change their life, and while you’re doing it, it might just change yours! Still in two minds? Read what one of volunteers said about their role: “Working for Home-Start truly gives me riches that no pay packet ever could - the fulfilment and privilege of being invited into a family home to encourage and support parents and young children is just wonderful.” If you’d like more information about the Volunteer Prep Course, please visit https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/volunteer or give us a call on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk. Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager Home Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

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One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

(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

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

Church

Litter Picker

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 Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

Please see details at end of Parish Council report 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

Neighbourhood Watch

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

Children

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

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.

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(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

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223 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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Bill Peters 260983; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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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. AngliEAR Hearing ...........................47 Art of Clean .....................................26 Art of Clean Wood ...........................53 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........42 Cam Valley Orchards .......................47 Cambourne Self Storage ...................53 CHS Day Centre ..............................24 CHS Group ................................Cover The Country Store ............................30 Ely Design Group .............................38 Eternit Sports and Social Club ............2 Eve Construction ................................5 Home Tutor .......................................2 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........10 iPlaster ...............................................5 Lawn Partners ..................................48 The Letting Centre .....................Cover Little Hands Nursery School ............10 Melbourn Flooring ...........................18 Melbourn Village College..................33

Meldreth Landscapes .......................48 Meldreth Motor Company .................7 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................37 Moncraft Computers ........................30 Nancy Foster Footcare .......................2 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service23 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......42 P D Property Services .......................24 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................38 Reflections Hair Studio ....................42 Richard Burns Electrician ....................2 Rod’s PC Support ......................Cover Royston Fencing ..............................33 Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................23 Slimming World ...............................48 Sparky’s ...........................................47 Specialist Dental Partners ..........Cover Trademark Kitchens ..........................24 Tudor Access Scaffolding ..................33 Village Garden Services ....................26 56

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