Meldreth Matters, February 2023

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Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

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

Entertainments

1st Friday of the month

Melbourn Rock Club

One Saturday a month

Melbourn Rock Club

Rock and Roll Night

Every Thursday night

Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm

Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year

Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es

Club Charity - LUPUS

This What’s On Events at Melbourn Hub 10 Things to Do in February 20-21 People John Stubbings 4 Village Groups AFVBC Melbourn 10 Lift Off Choir 7 Petanque 7 Photographic Club 8 Women’s Group 8 Village News & Issues A10 Underpass 35 Auction of Promises 3 Easter Market 3 Food Bank 40 Melbourn Community Library 11 News from the British Queen 11 Speedwatch 24 Warm Hub 40 Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 12-13

picture: Cookery In Praise of … 14-15 Miscellaneous Letter to the Editor 34 Children & Education Activities for Families 18 Children’s Activity Page 17 Primary School 16 Local/National Government Local Councillors 31-34 Parish Council 26-27 Planning 28 Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 44 Charity News 38-39 MCCS 40-41 Mobile Warden Scheme 4 Neighbourhood Watch 37 Refuse Collections 22 Village Directory 42-43

Road

by Peter

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.

Thelastdateforcopyisthe12thofeachmonth

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

Editorial

Welcome to the February issue of Meldreth Matters.

A reminder that MM is one of three community projects being supported by the Tesco Community Grants Scheme. You can vote for Meldreth Matters now in the Tesco Extra and Tesco Express stores in Royston. Voting will continue until the end of March, so please ask for a token when shopping and vote for us!

Kathryn

Auction of Promises

You will be aware that Meldreth Matters is struggling financially to keep going due to the loss of advertisers over the last couple of years. Although we are gradually gaining advertisers once again as confidence in the future grows and have been applying for and securing funds from various sources, we are anxious to grow funding to provide a financial cushion to ensure its continued publication.

With this in mind, we are organising an Auction of Promises in early summer and want to attract as many people as possible, so we are looking for a variety of items and experiences. For example, at the higher end, we have a flight in a light aircraft and at the more affordable end, a beaded glass tea light holder! Do you, or someone you know and who you think would like to help, have something, a talent, an experience, a service, an item, you can donate please? Please respond to Lesley Farbridge at lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or call her on 07917 065465.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Easter Market

For your diaries and for Easter gifts plus much more, the next market will be held on Sunday 12th March in the Village Hall. So far, the Christmas and Easter Markets have been able to financially help Meldreth Matters, the Primary School swimming pool and MCCS. If anyone knows of a local charity or project that could benefit from the Easter Market, please let me know.

Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com

John Stubbings (15th November 1933 – 9th December 2022)

John ‘Stubby’ Stubbings was born and attended school in Cambridge. He was conscripted into the Royal Air Force where he fulfilled his National Service obligations as an aircraft fitter. This included a period of service in Kenya maintaining Avro Lincoln bombers during the Mau Mau uprising.

John was apprenticed as a joiner and subsequently established a joinery company, Stubbings and Tofts in Whittlesford Road, Cambridge which he managed until his retirement. John moved to Meldreth in 1965, having built a bungalow in North End. In 1967 John married Audrey at All Saints Church, Little Shelford. Eventually he was the proud father of a daughter and grandfather to her two children.

John joined Meldreth Bowls Club in 1970 and soon became established as one of its best players, much feared by his opponents. He won the Club singles competition in 1992 and was made a life member in 2008.

In his retirement John enjoyed travelling and pottering in his garden. He passed away peacefully at home and will be remembered by his many friends as a quiet, loyal, family man.

The Stubbings Family

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth

Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week.

How can I join?

For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976.

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

Lift Off Choir

The period leading up to Christmas was a very busy time for the choir, with many performances. The community carols at the British Queen is always a heart warming event. If you have never attended, be sure to join us this year. In contrast we were delighted to be invited to sing at both Meldreth and Melbourn Church carol concerts, which are always a highlight of the year. We even spread our wings this year and sang at the Christmas Lights turn on in Royston. So, all in all a busy time for rehearsing and performing, and of course we had a fun festive session on the last week coupled with lots of laughs and chatter.

If you are looking for a new local activity that runs in the daytime, why not come and join us on Wednesdays from 1.30-2.45pm in Meldreth Village Hall. Contact me on 07548 247755 for more information.

Clare Silver

Petanque (also known as boules) in Meldreth

For the last twelve years, there has been a petanque team playing competitively in Meldreth, initially at the British Queen and currently at Eternit Sports and Social Club in Whaddon Road. We play every Wednesday evening (8.00pm start) under lights in the South Cambs Petanque League on a home and away basis against pub teams. Last summer we visited the White Horse, Foxton (which had two teams), the Hare and Hounds at Harlton, the Chequers at Barley (which also had two teams), the Crown at Buntingford, the Hoops at Bassingbourn and the Blind Fiddler at Anstey.

This coming season, the team finds itself short of players as some of our regulars have moved away from the area and we are looking for new blood. The basics of the game are easy to learn and the matches are played in a very friendly spirit, although of course we all want to win! We propose to hold two or three practice sessions at Eternit, either evenings or weekends, during the first half of April in readiness for the start of the new season which will probably be Wednesday 19th April.

If playing the game appeals to you then please email rl38@myphone.coop or telephone me (01763) 261405. There are six players in a team and we are looking for a few extras to allow for holidays and unavailability. Experienced players and beginners are equally welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

Roger Wallbridge

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

By the time you read this, the group will have met for its AGM. We will have selected a charity to support and received the programme for the coming year. We always have a bring-and-share supper after the formal business has been concluded, providing a chance to catch up, sharing good company and good food.

We are a small friendly group and meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December). We vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn and Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room, Meldreth. Our meetings usually begin at 7.45pm and we either have a guest speaker or ‘in house entertainment’ followed by biscuits and tea/coffee. We charge a small fee to cover the hire of the hall and this is being reviewed at the time of writing.

If you would like to know more about the group, arrange a lift to meetings or get a programme, please contact one of the committee members: Sue Toule on (01763) 260955, Angela Leach on (01763) 262793 or Diane Blundell on (10763) 221415.

Pat Smith

Melbourn and District Photographic Club

melbournphotoclub.com

With the season entering its last few months, we have a full and varied programme including competitions and lectures. February events are as follows:

7th Mono Lecture by Bill Hamilton

My Masters Degree Project - Lecture by Sam Buchanan

8th (Wed) Wilmslow & Hebden Bridge Battle (not at Foxton)

14th RAW Edit Session - David Stocks

Getting Off Auto Session 2 - Phil Dent

21st Panel Print Competition: Judge: David Steel. Pairs Trophy

28th Creative Layering Techniques - Lecture by Glenys Garnett

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30-9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability.

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

Peter North Secretary

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Melbourn Hub

http://melbournhub.co.uk

Regular Events

Every Wednesday - Citizen's Advice - 10.00am-12 midday

To book a slot, please contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.

Every Thursday - Primary Care Network 10.00-11.30am

Drop-in session providing advice and support on health and wellbeing.

Please note that for 2023, this has moved from Mondays to Thursdays.

Every Friday - 10.00-10.30am

Children's Story Time. No need to book!

New Lunch Club

We are very excited to be launching a new monthly lunch club in February. Come and meet others and enjoy a social lunch together. Set main meal and dessert for £10. The first lunch club will take place on Wednesday 22nd February. Booking is essential so please contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk by Friday 17th February (places subject to availability).

Gallery Space Available

We have space available during February and March for local artists to exhibit their work on our 9 metre gallery wall! Please get in touch if you are interested, whether amateur or professional, on (01763) 263303 or by emailing hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.

AFVBC Melbourn

The Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs are groups of all arms, serving and veterans of His Majesty’s Armed Forces and his allies, who meet regularly to break bread together in a safe, social, informal environment, to allow them to ‘return to the tribe’ They are free - no subscriptions or fees.

Buy your own breakfast, meet old comrades and new friends, and indulge in some good old military banter. Our Breakfast Club meets on the first Sunday morning of the month from 10.00am at The Dolphin, 105 High Street, Melbourn SG8 6AP.

For more information, contact us on 07927 397531 or email melbournafvbc@gmail.com.

Melbourn AFVBC

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

Melbourn Community Library

Author Lucy Lewis Visit

Melbourn Community Library has again arranged a visit from a local author, following two previous successful evenings. You do not have to be a member of the library; anyone interested in coming on 9th March is most welcome.

Lucy Lewis was the UK's first female bomb disposal operator and is now the first female University Marshall at Cambridge. She operated as a Bomb Disposal Officer with the Royal Engineers and served with the Royal Military Police. In her book ‘Lighting The Fuse’ she writes about her life as a woman in a man's world and her experiences in bomb disposal. She is coming to Melbourn Hub on Thursday March 9th at 7.00pm. Free entry, alcoholic and hot drinks will be available to buy. Copies of her books will also on sale. Book your free place by emailing hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk, telephone (01763) 263303 or visit Melbourn Hub and book at reception.

Jane Stevens

News From the British Queen

www.thebritishqueen.com

Happy New Year to you all. We hope that you enjoyed the recent festivities, and would like to thank you all for your ongoing support of the British Queen.

December was a very busy month for us all, but we would especially like to thank Pauline Penfold for yet again organising the carols at the British Queen and Tim Elbourn for his kind, but very deadly mulled cider contribution. The event raised a grand total of £625.00. This has been donated to Home-Start, a local charity [see page 38], which we have also been donating our Sunday meat raffle money to. To date, they have received a total of £336.35 from the meat raffles.

Our new manager Kaz has been settling in and finding her feet. If you have any questions for her or any of the team at the pub, feel free to pop in or email; I am sure that she will be only to happy to help you out.

The Vintage Car Club, kicked off the new year with a massive turn out. The cars on show are so varied and beautiful. Please come along and have a look; they meet at the pub on the first Monday of each month.

Finally, if anyone is interested in joining a darts team, please come in and speak to Steve or Kaz. The darts team disbanded during Covid, but we are hoping to encourage some new people to join in. They play on Tuesday evenings, alternating between home and away games. Come and give it a go!

We wish you all a happy and healthy 2023 and hope to see you all soon.

The British Queen Team

A Meldreth Garden

A time to reflect on the destruction caused by the winter cold snap, the worst cold spell I have experienced in Meldreth, and how that changes sowing and planting plans for the year ahead. As spring develops, the damage to shrubs and bushes will become apparent. A number of half-hardy plants both in the ground and in the greenhouse have succumbed to the cold, including begonias, dahlias and geraniums. This provides an opportunity for change and redesign. In the vegetable garden even the Brussels sprouts, broad beans and spring greens were frozen to a green mush. Broad beans may re-sprout from the base; if not there is time to re-sow for a later crop. I am looking out for regrowth from those plants that have been cut down by the severe cold weather. I suspect that many plants in the half hardy category will not survive. Irreplaceable are my two magnificent Agave Americana plants, generally protected from frost in the carport; one looks particularly grim. These were grown from offsets collected 25 years ago during a holiday in Ibiza. I do have some small offsets, though not sure I have another 25 years to cultivate them to maturity. Of course we would not think of bringing plant material or seeds back from abroad today due to the risk of introducing non -native plant diseases.

It is time to think ahead. But only consider direct sowing in the garden or vegetable plot when you see weeds germinating, a clear sign the soil is warm enough. I will be sowing indoors, seeds of annuals and half hardy perennials grown as annuals under cover, to give a bit of ‘zing’ later in the gardening year; these include zinnias, cosmos, rudbeckia, tagetes, sunflower and dahlias, nicotiana and salvias. Salvia Cambridge Blue, one of my favourites whose seed I keep year on year, is a tender perennial that I grow as an annual, flowering in a rich blue late in the summer and autumn.

As well as the snowdrops and winter aconites flowering at the moment, it is time to enjoy the fresh colours of the spring garden which holds iris sibirica, Japanese quince, hellebores, native primula, cyclamen coum (my cyclamen persicum was killed by frost after several years of winter survival). Noticeable at this time of year is the sweet perfume of winter box (Sarcococca confusa, the white flowered cultivar), winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) and Viburnum tinus.

One recommended visit for winter garden inspiration is Anglesey Abbey, one of the best gardens in the country. There is free entry for RHS and National Trust members and note, off-peak pricing after 2.00pm for non-members.

Flower Garden Tasks

 Prune evergreen hedges and winter flowering jasmine after flowering.

 Separate and replant congested clumps of snowdrops and aconites.

 Prune shrub and climbing roses before they break into leaf.

 Start Dahlia tubers into growth by potting up in a warm place.

 Deadhead winter pansies to keep them flowering.

 Cut back dogwoods (Cornus) and willow (Salix) that have been grown for their colourful winter stems, before they break into leaf. This year’s growth will provide the most colourful stems next winter.

 Buy new compost.

 Avoid grey mould botrytis in the greenhouse by removing dead and dying leaves.

 A good time to clean, polish and sharpen garden tools and maintain mowers.

Vegetable Garden Tasks

 Chit early and second early potatoes in a cool (not frozen) airy and light place. I will be growing casablanca early, charlotte second early and pink fir apple main crop, and will chit them in old egg boxes.

 Sow tomato seed and germinate in a propagator, heated greenhouse or on the windowsill.

 Sow carrot seed under cloches for an early crop.

 Seeds can be sown under cover for growing on and planting out when the weather improves; these include lettuce, Brussels sprouts, spinach, summer cabbages, cauliflower, beetroot, etc.

 Regularly check the progress of forced rhubarb.

Iain McPhee

In Praise Of … Beetroot

This month we showcase beetroot. Enjoy beetroot recipes for salads, risottos or soups with a dollop of cooling soured cream. You can also roast, pickle and oven-steam it. The sweet, earthy flavour of beetroot and gaudy colour also work well in cakes. Chocolate and beetroot is a particularly heavenly combination. Here are two recipes to celebrate beetroot in all their glory. Enjoy.

Beetroot with Smoked Mackerel, Horseradish and Potato

Salad

Serves 4, preparation time 15 minutes, cooking time 1 hour

Ingredients

5 medium beetroot (approx. 500g)

3 tbsp olive oil

1½ tsp white wine vinegar

½ tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp caster sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 fillets of smoked mackerel, flaked

250g small potatoes

2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

2 chopped spring onions

1 tsp of horseradish cream

1 tsp of dill fresh or dried

Method

Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7.

Lay a sheet of foil on a baking tray. Place the beetroot in the middle of the foil and cover with another sheet of foil. Crimp the edges all around to create a seal, leaving a 5cm opening. Pour 4 tablespoons cold water into the opening, then seal tightly. Transfer to the oven and cook for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and open the foil carefully to allow the steam to escape. Leave to cool slightly, then unwrap the packet. When cool enough to handle, rub off the skins with your fingers. Slice the beetroot into a serving plate or bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients together in a bowl, whisking until thoroughly combined. Pour over the dressing and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the potatoes in salted water until soft and allow to cool. Mix with mayonnaise, spring onions, chopped dill and horseradish and flaked mackerel.

Serve both salads together with crusty warm bread.

Baked Root Vegetable Crisps

Ingredients

2 beetroot, 2 carrots, 1 large parsnip, all scrubbed and very thinly sliced on a mandolin or with a vegetable peeler

1 tbsp sunflower oil

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp garlic granules or powder

Method

Lay the vegetables on a tray and pat dry using kitchen paper or a clean tea towel. If you have time, leave them sandwiched in kitchen paper for 5-10 minutes to really dry out – this will give a crisper result.

To Oven Bake

Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5.

Put the vegetables in a big bowl, drizzle over the oil and some salt and pepper and mix with your hands, working the oil through thoroughly until all the vegetables are coated. Spread the vegetables evenly on two baking trays. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn over and bake for a further 8-12 minutes until dried out and golden brown.

Scatter with the herbs and spices, if using, and leave to cool and crisp up before serving.

To Cook in an Air Fryer

Follow the first step under method, then mix the vegetable slices and peelings with the oil, salt and pepper. Air-fry in small batches at 180C for 5–7 minutes or until dry and browning. The parsnip and smaller beetroot crisps might be done first. Leave to crisp up on trays or plates while you cook the rest. When all the crisps are done, mix together the herbs and spices, scatter over and gently stir to coat.

Jane O’Hagan

Meldreth Primary School

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk/web

Happy New Year from all of us at Meldreth Primary! It was wonderful to throw our school gates open once again for a brand new year of fun, friendship and learning, and to see the sea of excited faces ready for what 2023 has in store for them! We rounded off last year by resurrecting one of our most treasured pre-Covid dates in the calendar. Our talented Key Stage 2 students raised the roof of Holy Trinity Church as our community enjoyed music, songs, readings and drama in the Christmas Carol Concert. It was an amazing evening filled with warmth and festivity.

After such a positive end to 2022, our school value for this term, ‘determination’, seemed fitting to ensure that this year is just as successful as the last. With that in mind, we asked our students to set themselves a goal or a New Year’s resolution. Here is a selection of what some of our children are setting out to achieve:

‘I want to work hard in school and always be good at home!’ (Ava-Rose in Puffin Class)

‘I am going to practise my handwriting every day! (Reggie in Swift Class)

‘To practise my spellings!’ (Victoria-Grace in Wren Class)

‘To practise my times tables and learn how to do division! (Felicity in Osprey Class)

‘To tidy my room and keep it spotless every day! (Emily in Kite Class)

‘To learn every single word to my favourite songs! (Amelia in Kestrel Class)

‘To read more high quality books! (Darcey in Hawk Class)

Daniel Chapman Assistant Headteacher

Children’s Activity Page

This month’s activities all have a Valentine’s theme.

Colour in the hearts. You can find more Valentine colouring in pages and activities at https:// www.crayola.com

Valentine’s Word Search

Can you find these words in the grid?

Arrow

Flowers Heart Hugs

Kisses

Love

Romance

Valentine

Things for Children and Families To Do

Saturday 4th February, 10.00am - 1.00pm

Cool Carnivores, Cambridge Botanic Garden, Brookside CB2 1JE

Learn about carnivorous plants, see them through magnifiers and make your own paper Venus fly trap to take home. Free event. Ages 3+.

Tuesday 7th February, 10.30am

Family Folk Show, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB

Join award-winning folk duo Megson for a special concert for young children including old and new children’s folk songs. Free but donations welcome.

Friday 10th - Monday 20th February, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Birds at Work Trail, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP

Follow the family bird trail on the Boardwalk then collect a kit to take home to make a bird feeder. No need to book. £4.25 per child, £8.50 per adult or £12.75 for family with 1 adult. Parking £3. National Trust members free.

Saturday 11th February, 12.00noon - 4.00pm

Creative Youth Council

Wysing Arts Centre, Fox Rd, Bourn CB23 2TX

Join monthly meetings based on creative ideas and activities. Work with artists and help develop creative projects and events. Book on www.eventbrite.co.uk. Free but bring a packed lunch. Drinks and snacks provided. For ages 14 - 18.

Sunday 12th February, 10.30am and 12.00pm

Storytelling Sunday, Stapleford Granary, Bury Rd, Stapleford CB22 5BP

Story of Granny Dumpling, an old Japanese tale told with imaginative props. For ages 6+. Tickets £4.50. More stories on 19th February and 12th March.

Monday 13th February, 3.00pm - 6.00pm

Polar pop-up: Twilight at the Polar Museum, Cambridge CB2 1ER

Explore the museum with only your torch to guide you. Free but book a time slot on www.museums.cam.ac.uk.

Tuesday 14th February, 10.30am - 12.00pm or 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Bird Collage Workshop, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely CB7 5XP

Use marbling and collage to create an owl picture to take home. All materials provided. For accompanied children aged 6+. Free; parking costs £3. Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Sunday 19th February, 11.30am and 2.30pm

Breathe, Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX

A celebration of trees, nature and finding space in a buzzing community - a story of forests as seen by an acorn. Puppets, detailed sets, music and live camera work. For ages 5+. £8.50 - £12.50.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

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Things to Do in February

Here are some things happening in February in the local area. If you would like to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Until 19th February, daily from 9.30am to 4.00pm

Wassail Walk at Wimpole

Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

Discover the ancient traditions of wassailing and celebrate the produce of the Hall’s orchards and walled garden. Have a go at traditional rhymes, create a ‘hullabaloo’, help welcome the birds and pollinators ahead of spring. Free event with no booking required but normal National Trust admission applies.

Throughout February, daily 10.00am to 4.00pm

Snowdrops at Chippenham Park Gardens

Chippenham Hall, Chippenham Park, Newmarket CB7 5PT

Spectacular displays of aconites, snowdrops and winter garden in lovely 40 acre parkland setting. Licensed Potting Shed tea room for drinks, lunches and homemade cakes. Entry £7, children 5-16 years £3. NB entry and tea room are cash only. Dogs welcome on leads. www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Fridays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th February, 11.00am to 12noon

Pepys Library Tours, Magdalene College Cambridge CB3 0AG

Visit the fascinating 17th century library of Samuel Pepys, housed in its original bookcases and including his famous diaries. Guided tour with 45 minute talk by Dr Jane Hughes, Pepys Librarian and Fellow of Magdalene College. Suitable for adults and children 12 and above. Tickets £8. Unfortunately no wheelchair access at present. www.eventbrite.co.uk to book.

Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th February, 7.45pm (also 2.45pm on 11th)

Sunday in the Park with George ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge CB5 8AS

Performed by Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is based on the life of French artist Georges Seurat. Recommended for people of all ages. Tickets Tuesday to Thursday £13-£16; Friday to Saturday £15-£18, from boxoffice@adctheatre.com or call (01223) 300085.

Friday 10th February, 7.45pm to 9.00pm, doors and bar from 6.45pm

Madison Violet in Concert

Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Cambridge CB22 5BP

Canadian duo Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern are exceptional singersongwriters, storytellers and multi-instrumentalists, their music a mix of folk, pop, indie, bluegrass and country. Tickets £22, under 25s £11 from www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.

Saturday 11th February, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Winter Wonderland Walk at Great Fen Countryside Centre

Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, Cambridgeshire PE26 2RS

Discover more about wildlife in winter, with expert help in identifying wintering birds, trees and spotting animal tracks in the mud, plus advice on how to support wildlife in your own garden. £8 Wildlife Trust members, £10 non-members. Book in advance at www.wildlifebcn.org.

Saturday 11th February, 11.00am to 5.00pm

Cambridge’s Craft and Flea

St. Paul’s Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1JP

Authentic twist on the traditional craft market with huge selection of high quality products from illustration to vintage bric-a-brac, plants to jewellery, sustainable products to food, ceramics to candles. Entry £2.50, under 12s free; pre-booked tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Saturday 18th February, car arrival from 8.30am; departure from 9.30am

Snowdrop Run 2023

Starting from Melbourn Village College, The Moor, Melbourn SG8 6EF

This annual fund-raising event organised by the Cambridge and District MG Owners’ Club finishes at the Raptor Foundation near St Ives after a 60 mile car run. This year it supports SERVSC who transport blood and other essential medical supplies for our local hospitals. Entry fee of £30 per car (it doesn’t have to be an MG!) includes light refreshments at the start plus free admission to Raptor Foundation. See www.cambsmgoc.com for entry form.

Saturday 18th February, 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Chinese Calligraphy and Crafts

Cambridge Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge CB2 3QD Come along and try your hand at Chinese calligraphy and crafts in this community-led event hosted by the Cambridge Chinese Academy. Suitable for people aged 18 and over. Free but please reserve your place at www.eventbrite.co.uk. Wheelchair accessible.

Tuesday 28th February, 12.15pm to 2.15pm

Home Start Literary Lunch with Rachel Lawston

The Ballroom, Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8

9AW

Host Jude Simpson will be chatting with children’s author Rachel Lawston about her beautifully written and illustrated books. Tickets, to include buffet lunch, £15 per person available from www.hsrsc.org.uk or call (01763) 262262 or email: event@hsrsc.org.uk.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Refuse Collections

Black bins: 14th, 28th

Blue bins: 7th, 21st

Green bins: 7th

Getremindersonyourmobile: downloadtheBinCollectionsapp

Church services, Women’s Group meetings and FOHT talks are held in Holy Trinity Church. The M Holy Trinity Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Warm Hub are in the

9.30am Slimming World pm ulti classes)

9.45am Sung Eucharist

Warm Hub

Acro Pilates

Table Tennis

9.30am Slimming World pm ulti classes)

Warm Hub

Acro Pilates Table Tennis h Council

Warm Hub Pilates

9.30am Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Cafe

8.00am Said Eucharist

Copy Deadline for the March issue

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12

9.45am Sung Eucharist

Table Tennis

9.30am Slimming World pm ultiple

Warm Hub Pilates

Table Tennis

adlineforthe ofMeldreth ers is hFebruary

7.00 for 7.30pm Film Night: Top Gun Maverick Pre-booking essential. See back cover for details.

6 17 18 19 3 24 25 26

Vote for Meldreth Matters in Tesco’s Royston!

Meldreth Matters is one of the community projects being supported by Tesco’s. Please vote for Meldreth Matters by putting a token in our box!

Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet in the lay-by opposite Community Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

Meldreth Speedwatch-2022 Review

In 2022, the village Speedwatch team operated some 63 shifts totalling around 77 hours of volunteer time, checking traffic at morning rush hours on our Meldreth roads where 30mph speed limits apply.

Meldreth Speedwatch, just one of many teams active in South Cambridgeshire communities, relies on a group of dedicated local people who commit to shifts on a monthly basis through the watch season, usually running from February to early December.

Compared to 2021, vehicle traffic seems to have increased by around 32%. However, there has been a small drop of 1%, in the vehicles logged as exceeding the speed limit. Speedwatch only logs traffic driving at 35mph and above and these vehicles are reported to Cambridgeshire Traffic Police Unit who may decide to write to vehicle owners to remind them of the speed at which they should be driving! Vehicle owners logged three times may expect a Police officer at their front door! In 2022, six letters were delivered by police officers. We know from feedback given by local drivers that receiving a police letter does remind people that the 30mph restriction on village roads is there for the safety of all road users. This year, in our morning rush hours, eight percent of drivers risked the safety of themselves and other road users by driving above the limits; several of these drivers were logged with speeds in the high forties.

Whilst Speedwatch teams cannot be on watch 24/7, most of us have observed motorists at other times of the day who would seem to be clearly driving faster than 30mph in the limited areas. Our Speed Indicator Device (SID) does operate 24/7 to remind approaching drivers of their speed and indicating whether it is within the limit or above; data from the SID help communities track traffic volumes by date, time & speed.

Those reading this article are pretty likely to also be motorists. But even motorists are also pedestrians and maybe even cyclists, either just for pleasure or for that short trip to the local shops. So in our non-motorist mode, we will doubtless all have become aware of vehicles driving too fast or not giving good enough space for us as cyclists, particularly when many of our roads have unrepaired potholes. Let us move into the New Year with more care for our local speed limits.

Over the year, some volunteers have had to stand down and we do need replacements if we are to be consistent in the number of watches we can mount. If you are interested in joining the Meldreth Speedwatch team or would like further information, please email us on csw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Speedwatch

Reflections Hair Studio

Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Cutting * Colouring Techniques

* Hair Extensions

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth

Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 12th January 2023

This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions

District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 31 to 34 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives. There continue to be important references to surveys and consultations about local and regional issues and residents are once again urged to consider these. The report contains an update on the issue of roadworks in Meldreth, describing how earlier plans for work were interrupted by the extremely cold weather with record low temperatures.

MCCS

The Warm Space initiative in the Elin Way Community Room is now operational on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 3.00pm and all local residents are welcome to attend for drinks and other refreshments. We need to thank our team of volunteers for their continuing commitment to this important resource that provides not only a warm space but also a great opportunity to meet and chat with other residents. The Food Bank at the Community Room provides a valuable facility to the village. Again, we thank those who commit their time and energy to setting up and running the Food Bank.

Recreation Ground and Pavilion

Work is needed to repair gutters and downpipes.

Village Infrastructure

This is an especially busy time of year for our usual contractors. Some of the necessary work has now been completed to repair and/or install equipment and the reminder will be completed as soon as possible.

Traffic Issues

The possibility of a 20mph speed limit remains under active investigation along with other measures to address questions of safety, particularly with regard to speeding traffic. Discussions with the Highways authority are in hand. Residents are asked to report any highways accidents that come to their attention. The poor condition of many of our roads has been worsened by the recent low temperatures. All residents are urged to report defects and the

Council is considering how it can exert more effort to encourage speedier resolutions. Investigations are taking place to clarify the rights of road users to claim compensation for damage arising from defects in road surfaces.

Community Projects

In response to our enquiries about the status of the footpath from Meldreth Station towards Melbourn and how this may have been affected or changed when the A10 by-pass was built, the Council has now received a helpful and detailed explanation from the Highways Department of Cambridgeshire County Council. Subject to work required to accommodate cyclists as well as pedestrians, this footpath is expected to form part of the Greenways initiative, including the upgrading of the pedestrian underpass, which forms an early stage of the overall project. The Council has therefore now approved Meldreth’s contribution of £2,000 and this will be paid as and when the funds are required.

Co-option

The Council approved the appointment by co-option of local resident James Mossey who fills a Parish Council vacancy and will bring our Councillors to its full complement of nine members. We wish him well in this assignment and thank him for his interest in our affairs.

Next Council Meeting

Thursday 2nd February 2023 at 7.30 pm at the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details

http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times

Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061 goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci 07400 236329 adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon (01763) 262822 c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner (01763) 268328 nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085 roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land (01763) 261004 conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr Helen Meridew 07787 734973 helenmeridew@gmail.com

Cllr James Mossey

Contact details not provided at the time of going to press

Cllr Nigel Pellatt (01763) 260909 nppellatt56@gmail.com

Planning Matters

No planning information was received from the Parish Council this month and the minutes of the planning meetings held on 1st September, 6th October, 3rd November, 17th November and 12th January were not available online at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Planning Authority Decisions

Ref. & Address Details

Manor House East Manor Road

22/1211/TTCA

Land SW of 31

Whitecroft Road

22/03920/S73

Tag 1280 Lime, remove major dead wood, remove basal shoots; Tag 1281 Elm, remove 2 Elm shoots (approx. 10ft high) from 1 stump; Tag 1282 Cypress, fell and remove stump. Approved.

S73 to vary condition 1 (drawings) of ref 21/01443/REM (Approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL for residential devt. (9 dwellings). Resubmission of 20/02313/REM to seek house type alterations, the introduction of front entrance pillars and amending access to the badger sett for maintenance purposes. Approved.

Land SW of 31

Whitecroft Road

S/0971/18/CONDJ

Land SW of 31

Whitecroft Road

22/04077/S73

Submission of details required by condition 8 (Ecological Design Strategy) of outline planning permission S/0971/18/ OL Approved.

S73 to vary condition 27 of ref: S/1502/17/FL to read: “No development above slab level shall take place until a scheme for the provision of fire hydrants to serve the development to a standard recommended by the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall not be occupied until the approved scheme has been implemented”. Approved.

Details of all planning authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Vote for Meldreth Matters in Tesco’s, Royston!

Meldreth Matters is one of the projects included in this round of voting.

Please Support Meldreth Matters by putting a token in our box!

The Moor Melbourn

SG8 6EF

07163 223400

office@melbournvc.org

www.melbournvc.org

A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum.

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed:

‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’

‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’

‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’

‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’

Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

Five great reasons to book your next trip with me: 1. Expert travel guidance 2. Personal caring service 3. ATOL & 100% Financial protection 4. Always available to take your call 5. Covid-19 guidance

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District and County Councillors’ Report

There is a huge amount of news at the start of the year, but we have chosen a few snippets here. Please feel free to contact us directly for our longer report!

Free Health Checks, Melbourn Hub

A new year’s reminder that anyone can drop into the Melbourn Hub – now on Thursday mornings from 10.00-11.30am - for a free health check. Get your blood pressure checked or just have a chat if something’s worrying you. This fantastic newish service is sponsored by the Meridian Primary Care Network, including surgeries in Melbourn, Harston, Royston, Comberton and Bourn. See http://melbournhub.co.uk/health-at-the-hub.

Question for My Health Visitor about My Baby or Child

Parents of young children with a health visitor question can get in touch with the Cambridgeshire Healthy Child Programme any time, via telephone or text: call 0300 029505, or text 07520 649887. The Healthy Child programme is still catching up post-Covid but all children are being seen, albeit sometimes a bit late. Much practical information is available online – please search Cambridgeshire Healthy Child Programme.

Grants available: Riparian Owners and Ditch Maintenance

The County Council is offering a ‘riparian grant’ to help with maintenance of privately owned watercourses, that would benefit adjoining networks for overall community drainage benefit. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/business/planning-and-development/flood-and-water/ community-flood-action-programme/watercourse-maintenance-grant.

Police Online Community Meetings

Cambridgeshire Police now hold quarterly online community meetings. These are a good opportunity to raise any local case work. The next one is on 7th February. Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cambridgeshireconstabulary-14356769797.

Recycling Batteries

Effective immediately, residents can put out their batteries weekly on top of their green, black or blue bins. Please note that to make collections more efficient we now ask that residents place a small, tied plastic bag containing the batteries on top of their bin, rather than tying it to the bin handle.

Potholes

Potholes have worsened dramatically following the December freeze and continuing wet weather; unsurprisingly given the effects of freezing temperatures and water on long neglected infrastructure resulting from decades of underfunding and a policy of ‘managed decline.’ Last summer’s drought has had an additional impact on soil beneath road structures, causing further problems.

We have been working closely with our Local Highways Officer to log potholes for action and we would encourage everyone to please check on the

‘Cambridgeshire Report a Fault’ webpage (just google those words to find it) to find out whether potholes you are concerned about have already been logged. If not, please log the pothole and note the reference number. If there is a problem with the reporting page please let us know. Please note that currently, when the subcontractors go out to fill potholes, they can only address what has been logged on the system, though the Council is looking at whether this can be changed.

Believe it or not, for Cambridgeshire as a whole, this year has seen a reduction in the number of potholes, despite further real term budget cuts from Government. Over the past year the Council has adopted the use of new scanning technologies to identify surface defects so it can intervene earlier, and also have larger area patching systems, but it still needs sufficient people and funding in place. Our Local Highways Officer, who reads the log and creates the work list, manages a ‘patch’ consisting of 22 villages.

Please note that Meldreth High Street and Station Road were scheduled to see significant large patch repairs to potholes in the first week of December, as a precursor to getting the road surface up to a standard where it would qualify for resurfacing next year (resurfacing requires certain road conditions). Unfortunately, that same week the big freeze happened. So instead of the patch repairs, we have a proliferation of potholes that inevitably follows freezing temperatures. Susan put it to County Highways that we really need this work to be done before the end of the financial year, in order to stay on track.

South Cambs Magazine

It’s not clear why so much of Meldreth - certainly North End and part of the High Street - does not receive the quarterly South Cambs Magazine. This has been reported on multiple occasions. We are seeking to rectify the situation but need to hear in writing from anyone who doesn’t receive it. Please feel free to drop us a line if you are one of those people and do indicate your address!

Meanwhile you can read the magazine online: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/yourcouncil-and-democracy/the-south-cambs-magazine.

Domestic Abuse Housing Accreditation

Two years ago, the Council signed up to complete its Domestic Abuse Housing Accreditation (DAHA). The accreditation was not limited to housing services but covered the whole organisation and involved a thorough review of policies and procedures for staff and customers. More importantly, the accreditation was part of the Council’s goal to change the culture around domestic abuse and embed a survivor led approach. This included training for staff and members, publicity and awareness campaigns and the introduction of Domestic Abuse Support Champions within teams.

At the start of December, the Council was officially assessed against the DAHA standards and has been officially accredited.

Useful resources to share are located here: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/housing/ housing-advice/domestic-abuse-advice-and-information.

Disability Home Adaptation Grants

Cambridgeshire Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has a range of grants available to people with disabilities living in South Cambridgeshire to help adapt homes. This may be particularly relevant to those who are elderly, vulnerable or have family members with disabilities as well as friends or neighbours.

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a mandatory Government grant aimed at people with disabilities and older people on low incomes or low-income benefits, which helps towards the costs of making changes to their home to allow them to continue living there safely and comfortably. Each year Cambs HIA enables around 300 older people and people with disabilities to adapt their homes. Although some work such as ramps, stairlifts, specialist toilets, automated door entry systems and level access showers require an Occupational Therapist’s referral, other work such as new boilers, roofing repairs, new doors and windows do not. The agency can help homeowners or those in housing association properties make a wide variety of adaptations and repairs (www.cambshia.org).

We can also help self-funders who are unable to organise and oversee the work themselves. You can reach Cambs HIA at hia@cambshia.org or take a look at their Facebook page - facebook.com/CambsHIA

Greater Cambridge Partnership - Making Connections Consultation

The Greater Cambridge Partnership Making Connections 2022 consultation closed on 23rd December. Around 23,000 responses were received and the Greater Cambridge Partnership expects to publish a final report on the consultation outcomes and next steps for consideration by its Board in June 2023. Significant work in the coming weeks to take on board the consultation responses will then inform that report. From our area, the Cam Vale Bus User Group, Community Rail Partnership and A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign lodged responses focusing on ways in which bus services, access to rail and cycle/walking links could be improved.

Greater Cambridge Local Plan

The First Proposals for the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan were published in 2021. Following a full consultation on these proposals, the planning authority has been moving towards producing a draft Local Plan this year. A report with an update on the development strategy has just been published by the Joint Director of Planning, and this will be considered by the District Council’s Scrutiny and Overview Committee in January and by Cabinet on 6th February.

This report confirms the development strategy from the First Proposals, with its focus on delivering the required housing and infrastructure in a sustainable manner, and on environmental protection, particular with regard to water supply. It confirms key strategic sites in north-east Cambridge, east Cambridge and near the Biomedical Campus.

As required by the National Planning Policy Framework, the report includes an objective assessment of development needs for the plan period. This has identified

an increase in the expected number of jobs of around 8000 over the First Proposals, principally due to the unexpected resilience of our local economy throughout the pandemic, with a corresponding increase in the housing requirement.

Residents who would like more information about the Greater Cambridge Local Plan Development Strategy Update can view a recorded webinar which will be available on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan website. Just Google it or contact us for the link, which had not yet been published at the time of writing.

Zoom Cuppa Surgeries

We hold a weekly councillors’ surgery on Mondays from 5.00-6.00pm. Please let us know if you’d like to attend and we’ll send you the link. Alternatively we can talk/meet up in person any time.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303

District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649

County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574

Letter to the Editor

We have put together a “Contact us” guide, which can be accessed via the Constabulary's website so that you can find out how and when to use our telephone lines and online services. To view the information in detail, visit our website, but here is a useful summary of the services available:

1. If you require immediate police attendance because someone is in danger or the situation could escalate, always dial 999.

2. If you don't need police to attend straight away, this is classed as a nonemergency and you have a few options of how you can contact us:

 If you want to report a non-urgent crime, you can fill in one of our online report forms.

 If you want advice or guidance about a non-urgent issue, you can speak to operators using live web chat. You can also report non-urgent crime on web chat.

 If you want to report a non-urgent crime or seek advice/guidance but you do not have online access, you can call 101. Please note that during busy periods, you may have to wait on the line for an available operator. For more information please refer to our online guide: www.cambs.police.uk/ police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/campaigns/contactingcambs.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Meldreth-Melbourn A10 Underpass

Spring Clean & Artistic Magic on the Way!

Thank you so much to the 375 people who responded to the consultation on the A10 underpass that many of you use on a regular basis for walking to and from Meldreth to Melbourn. This was a fantastic response and we’re especially grateful to all those Melbourn Village College students who took a moment out of their morning commute to let us know their thoughts about how to improve an increasingly forlorn and neglected space.

The key results from the survey are as follows:

 59% of respondents were from Melbourn and 25% were from Meldreth

 36% of respondents would avoid using the underpass in the evening and 69% of respondents would avoid using the underpass at night

 62% feel the underpass is not well enough lit at dusk and 81% feel it is not well enough lit at night

 49% of respondents would like new artwork in the underpass, designed by the community

 38% would like the vegetation to be trimmed and kept neat. Change is now on the way and over the course of the next few months you will notice more light, a comprehensive spring clean and new art murals fit for 2023! All based on thoughts and ideas from the consultation response.

Lots of you said that you’d like to help out in future on a voluntary basis, to help keep this space smart and tidy – a bit like Meldreth Station where the platforms are kept clean and cheery thanks to Meldreth Station gardeners.

If you provided your contact details with your consultation response, we’ll be in touch directly – or please let us know that you’d like to be involved. Thanks again!

Sarah Grove, Susan van de Ven, Sally Ann Hart, Jose Hales and the Underpass Partnership Team

Little Hands Nursery School

The Moor, Melbourn

A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives

High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two

We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds

For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

N J Chapman

Garden Services

Handyman

Mobile: 07592 725 169

Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com

Keeping Online Accounts Secure

Your most important online account is your email account, because it may contain details of other online accounts and personal information, and can also be used to access your other online accounts using the 'forgot password' feature (which often sends you an email).

Personal details such as date of birth can be used by scammers to convince you that they are calling from your bank, or to try and access your bank accounts directly. For this reason, the password for your email account should be unique and strong.

The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advise using three random words to create a strong password. The three words should mean something to you so that the password will be easy to remember, but should not contain any personal information e.g. children's or pets’ names, which can be found from your social media profile. To make the password even stronger, add in some numbers and/or symbols and a mix of upper and lower case letters. You could also consider enabling two-step verification (also known as two factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email account, so that even with the correct password, the account can only accessed by entering a one-time code which is sent to your mobile phone.

As much as is possible, the passwords to your other online accounts should also be unique. In order to remember all the different passwords, you can use a password manager. Browsers such as Chrome, Safari and Edge have a password manager built in.

The password to access your password manager should be unique, otherwise a criminal may gain access to all your passwords. Your password manager may be able to automatically fill in passwords when logging into accounts, making access much quicker and easier, and even warn you if a password has been compromised.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://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 on (01763) 260358, Linda on (01763) 261405, Peter on (01763) 260323 or Tim on (01763) 262801.

You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

www.hsrsc.org.uk

This year our wonderful charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary!! Home-Start has been helping families in Royston and surrounding villages, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire since 1983. That's 40 years of offering friendly, confidential, compassionate help to families who are facing tough times.

To mark our 40th anniversary, we have created a donation page in support of this amazing milestone in our scheme's history. Please help us to fill the stars with your lovely messages and help us reach our £40,000 target: https:// visufund.com/hsrbsc-40th-anniversary-fundraiser

We are planning some exciting ways to mark our 40th anniversary, so watch out for details on our website and social media about how we plan to celebrate and how you can be a part of our special celebratory year ... and if you would like to help us mark our special anniversary by getting involved with our fundraising with some ideas of your own, then please get in touch by emailing admin@hsrsc.org.uk or call us on (01763) 262262.

Tracy Aggett Fundraising Events Support Manager

Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.

 Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.

 Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.

 Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.

 Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Active with Parkinson’s Cambs (AwPC)

Parkinson's Disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Its symptoms can include tremor, rigidity, stiffness and slowness of movement, poor balance and co-ordination. Unfortunately there is no known cure (yet) but exercise can really help address the symptoms and is as important as taking any prescribed medication.

Specialised exercise classes are held in Sawston on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Tuesday and Wednesday classes are based on the Parkinson's Warrior regime and Friday is Nordic Walking for People with Parkinson's (or Smoveys as an indoor alternative).

All classes are fun, enjoyable and motivational, led by our award winning instructor Paul Goddard who has many years’ experience as a neurological disease exercise instructor. If you or anyone you know has Parkinson's Disease and would be interested in attending please contact Deb Liddington on 0774 3324288 or email debliddington@btinternet.com for further information.

AwPC is generously supported by John Huntingdon’s Charity, South Cambridgeshire District Council Community Chest, Sawston Parish Council, Shelford Parish Council, Living Sport, Sport England and the National Lottery.

Deb Liddington Treasurer Active with Parkinson's Cambs

Volunteer Drivers Desperately Needed

Royston & District Community Transport need more volunteer drivers in this area to help them provide their vital service to the community. For more information or to volunteer, please see www.roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.

Call today on 01223 863 632

Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

07852971696

andersongardening@outlook.com

Meldreth Warm Hub

Hello 2023! We have been up and running for eight weeks and have met some amazing people. Our Christmas event was very busy; 52 visitors including twelve volunteers, lots of music, festive nibbles and a raffle with prizes donated from the Food Bank and from many kind people.

We are getting a programme of events together; a talk about the work of the hedgehog hospital, and UK native birds, arts and crafts, darts and scrabble and possibly bingo! We would love to hear from you about activities that you would like. Can you sing, play an instrument or have an interest that you would like to share? If you have any questions or ideas about what you would like, please get in touch with me.

Drop into our free sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12.00-3.00pm at the Community room in Elin Way. We look forward to seeing you.

Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com

Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank

Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank is open at the Elin Way Community Room on Tuesdays from 10.00am-12.00 noon, running until spring. No referral is necessary – just come along. Please feel free to contact the Food Bank coordinator, Jo, on 07572 443522 for support if Tuesdays are difficult for you. Another time to visit can be arranged.

Donations of Food

Please leave any donations of food or toiletries in the box at the end of the drive, 62 High Street (opposite Elin Way) or ring Jo on 07572 443522.

Thank you so much to everyone who has already popped something in the box! And thanks for cash donations received – these have really helped too. To donate cash, please contact Roger on 07808 235873.

Meldreth Cares – Community Support (MCCS)

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank and Meldreth Warm Hub – see above for further information.

Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils plus a

core funding initiative from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre:

John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road:

Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close:

Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

Facilities

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

One Stop

Village Hall Bookings

Village Hall Chairman

Clubs & Societies

Sport

Church

Children

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Nicola Searle—(01763) 852738

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Meldreth United FC 07930 650036

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Post vacant

Rev. Mary Price (01763) 261569

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451

John Price (Friends) (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

Councils & Govt.

Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com or Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com

Hartbeeps Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649

Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/

County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm

Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

Potholes, problems,Highways etc.

http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212

Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Community Support for Dementia

Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299

Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

Advertising Rates

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone

Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

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Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

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