Meldreth Matters, February 2024

February 2024

In this issue …

From the Rev. Andrew Birks Meldreth Food Bank Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Group

Events include …

Easter Market Village Hall Film Night

Specialist Physiotherapists Keeping You Active 01223 874433 pennfarmphysio.com

Haslingfield Scan for an appointment

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

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

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

Contents What’s On in February Melwood Conservation Group AGM 5 Easter Market 5 Things to Do in February 38-39 Village Hall Film Night 5

Miscellaneous Letter to the Editor 15 Melbourn Hub 14-15 Shepreth Eco Fair 6 Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 18-19

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 10 Lift Off Choir 7 Local History Group 6 Photographic Club 9 Women’s Group 9

Cookery In Praise of … 20-21 Local/National Government Local Councillors 31-33 Parish Council 26-27 Planning 28-29

Village News & Issues Carols at the BQ 3 From the Rev. Birks 11 Meldreth Foodbank 12 Meldreth Village Hub 13 Neighbourhood Watch 25 Speed Monitor Data 16

Advice/Information 17 Bus Service 41 Advertisers’ Index 44 MCCS 41 Mobile Warden Scheme 13 Refuse Collections 22 Village Directory 42-43

Children & Education Activities for Families 36 Shepreth Spitfires 35

This month’s cover picture: Snowdrops in Meldreth Photograph by Kathryn Betts 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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Food Hall, inspiring gifts, friendly cafe Childrenʼs Fun Barn Your local, independent Farm Shop Open 7 days a week, large free car park Follow us on social media for PYO, seasonal produce & events Bury Lane, A10 Bypass, Melbourn, Royston, SG8 6GT What3Words: months.wells.tanks Tel: 01763 260418 www.burylane.co.uk

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FOOD HALL • DELICATESSEN • BUTCHERS • FISHMONGERS • CAFÉ • GIFT HALL • GARDEN SHOP • FUN BARN

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Editorial Welcome to the February issue of Meldreth Matters.

Several village groups and organisations are appealing for help this month, so if you have some spare time and would like to get involved in village life, please consider volunteering. It can be very rewarding! See in particular the articles from Neighbourhood Watch (page 25), Meldreth Village Hub (page 13) and Meldreth Local History Group (page 6).

If you would simply like to join a group or try a new activity, then please take a look at the centre pages diary for what’s on in the village or read some of the reports from local groups in this issue. You will find details of other groups in the Meldreth Today section of the Local History Group website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/category/meldreth-today.

Kathryn

Carols at the British Queen At the end of last year we welcomed the Reverend Andrew Birks to our two parishes of Melbourn and Meldreth and it was great that Andrew was with us for our annual village get together. Our thanks to Sue and Alan Tobin for hosting the carol singing in the marquee at The British Queen. It was a varied and jolly evening on Monday 18th December with everyone in full voice!

Thank you to Clare Silver and the Lift Off Choir as well as the church choir for all the singing that weekend; Lift Off Choir at the Village Hall on the Saturday and two church Carol services the previous evening - a big ask. Thank you too to David Chappell for arranging the sound and Cam Valley Orchards for the liquid refreshment.

Each year Sue and Alan decide which local charity should benefit from the ‘bucket’ collection. This year they chose our parish church. I know the Vicar and Churchwardens were hugely grateful for this gesture, which collected the grand sum of over £500. Our medieval church of Holy Trinity Church has stood for almost 1,000 years, being there for everyone over the centuries. However, the building is presently suffering from severe damp and money needs to be raised to deal with the problem which is why your generous donations were especially welcome. Thank you so much to everyone.

Pauline Penfold 3

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Melwood Conservation Group www.melwood.org.uk Notice of AGM Wednesday 7th February 2024, 8.00pm The Queen Elizabeth Meeting Room, Meldreth Village Hall If you have any issues you would like to raise, then please email brucehuett@compuserve.com and they will be included on the agenda or a separate meeting can be arranged with the committee.

Bruce Huett

Easter Market This year’s Easter Market is an opportunity for you to buy gifts for Mothering Sunday and Easter all under one roof at Meldreth Village Hall on Sunday 25th February from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

There will be ceramic and retro items, novelties, greetings cards and ceramic, silver and beaded jewellery among many other lovely hand-crafted and unique gifts.

Home Start are providing refreshments which will be available throughout the day, so please come along to browse and perhaps buy. It will be lovely to see you there.

Lesley Farbridge

Huw Shortle

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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Meldreth Local History Group is planning some interesting meetings during 2024.

Coffee Morning, Monday 4th March We are beginning with a presentation on Monday 4th March at the Community Centre in Elin Way at 10.30am on “The history and development of Whitecroft Road over the last 100 years”. If you are interested in Meldreth’s history then please put this date in your diary. Everyone is welcome and free refreshments will be provided as usual. If you need local transport please let us know.

We continue to maintain our website and Facebook page for you all to enjoy. We still have information to be uploaded onto the website. If you use a computer we would love to hear from you if you can spare a few hours of your time to upload information and photographs. It’s very straightforward and training will be given! Please contact us by email on info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on (01763) 260129 for more information.

Meldreth Village Notelets We are pleased to announce that we now have some new notelets available. Showing four seasons in Meldreth, the notelets feature photographs taken by Meldreth Local History Group members. They are blank inside and cost £5 for a pack of ten cards, including envelopes.

To purchase them, please email us on info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on (01763) 260129.

Please see our website for details of our other merchandise, which includes walk booklets and leaflets. All profits go towards supporting the work of our Group.

Joan Gane, Chairman Meldreth Local History Group

Shepreth Eco Fair Shepreth’s first Eco Fair was held in January. Organised by local group Sustainable Shepreth, the fair had stalls on gardening, energy saving, train and bicycle travel and the River Shep as well as talks, a Christmas tree drop-off and cycle marking by the Police. The event was very well attended. Thank you to all who helped make it such a success.

Roger Faires 6

Lift Off Choir Christmas is always a busy time for choirs and 2023 was no exception for Lift Off Choir. Rehearsals started early in the autumn as we prepared for all our Christmas music making and out reach community events.

An incredibly rewarding and heart-warming event was our joining the Memory Cafe's Christmas celebration on a Saturday afternoon in December. With a large audience, we sang a repertoire of carols and Christmas songs, encouraging participation from our hosts with song sheets. It turned out that encouragement was not really needed as the whole room was quickly singing. It never fails to amaze me how music has the power to truly unite people and emotionally connects loved ones when that may not be possible in other ways.

In candlelit venues we took part in the carol concerts in both Meldreth and Melbourn Churches. These concerts are always popular events with our choir, and the acoustics of the Church are always a joy to sing in.

Our live events culminated with community carols at the British Queen.

Goodness! So many people turned up and the singing of both carols and Christmas favourites was in full swing. It's fair to say the choir and the crowd were buzzing. Thank you to The British Queen for inviting us along and to all those who lent their voices to make it so much fun. Our final surprise for 2023 found us making our radio debut on a special Christmas broadcast on Boxing Day with Royston Radio. We sang several songs and were rather pleased with the result.

What will 2024 hold for the choir? Lift Off Choir meet every Wednesday during term time at Meldreth Village Hall from 1.30-2.45pm. For more information contact me on 07548 247755.

Clare Silver

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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

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com The programme for February includes one competition, two lectures and one Club Evening, as follows: 6th: Panel Print Competition and Pairs Trophy – judged by Clive Harward 13th: TBA - lecture by Glenys Garnett (Zoom) 20th: Artistic Competition, judged by Jonathan Vaines 27th: Third Open Print Competition, judged by Ben Pike Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at 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.

Annette Willacy The Butterfly

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, please email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com Peter North Secretary

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small, friendly group who either meet in ASCH Melbourn or the meeting room at Holy Trinity Meldreth. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment. There is a charge of £2 to cover expenses and the opportunity to donate to the charity pot. This is followed by refreshments and the chance to chat to each other. Our January meeting consisted of our AGM and a Bring and Share Supper. Our February meeting is on Tuesday 27th and is entitled ‘Lent Reflection’. This will be led by our vicar, the Reverend Andrew Birks, at ASCH Melbourn.

If you require any information about the group, or would like a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of the committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 and Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.

Angela Leach 9

Friends of Holy Trinity Church www.foht.org.uk Burns Night Supper - Friday 26th January At the time of writing, Julie Draper reports that the Burn’s Night Supper is almost totally sold out. That is a wonderful result, and I am sure everyone who attended enjoyed a good evening.

Piano Recital by Toni Leigh and Students. Change of date.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the piano recital has had to be rescheduled. It will now probably take place in July on a date yet to be confirmed. More news on this next month.

Persuasion by Jane Austen - Friday 17th May We have provisionally booked the This Is My Theatre group to perform in the main church. More details of the production will be available later, but for now please save this date in your calendar.

Continuing Banking Problems!

Along with many other small community organisations and businesses the Friends had issues with our bankers last year, due to their confusing and ever-changing requirements for information. This resulted in the bank unilaterally closing our account without advice or warning! Despite our appealing Barclays has refused to reopen the account. We are now in the process of opening a new bank account.

No progress has been achieved on this over the Christmas and New Year period.

Any Friends who have tried to pay a standing order recently will have had their payment refused. I will be writing individually to all the Friends as soon as we have our new bank account and apologise for any confusion this has caused.

Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch.

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From the Reverend Andrew Birks May I start by wishing you a Happy New Year!

As many of you will know, I was appointed as the Vicar for Meldreth Parish and Melbourn Parish on 1st November 2023. It has been a rather busy couple of months since arriving, but we are now at the beginning of a new year and there is lots to focus on going forward.

I wanted to write and introduce myself, but I think that there is quite a bit about me on the website (ww.MelbournMeldrethCofE.com) so in short, my partner and I have moved here from Chichester where I was in ministry for nine years, working in both urban and rural ministries. I began my working life in retail and then joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary back in 2001 and remained serving in the police until 2019, finishing in Croydon in the Metropolitan Police. I hope that in time I will get to meet each of you at one event or another, or feel free to contact me and we can have a chat at any time. As time goes on, you will hopefully see more and more activities being advertised across both parishes as we seek to put the church at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the church, and I would encourage you all to get involved, where you feel able to and help us to continue to provide a wonderful space for worship and our community.

Sadly, I note that there has been some criticism of the church of late in relation to the funeral bier which has been wonderfully and skilfully restored and was displayed at our Christmas Tree Festival in early December, with lots of people positively commenting on it. I personally had not been asked about whether it could be housed in the church, but since Christmas I have met with representatives of the History Group and we are now working together to find a more permanent home, where the bier can be displayed for all to see. However, this is not as straightforward as it may seem. Firstly the bier is owned by the Parish Council and not the Church and therefore we need to recognise who is responsible for it.

Secondly, placing anything in our churches requires permission (akin to planning permission) which is a requirement under Ecclesiastical Law, remembering also that Holy Trinity is a listed building. Thirdly, we need to recognise how, if it were to be stored in the church, it would be protected and insured, given the church don’t own it. Having said all of that, the Parochial Church Council have committed to identifying formally where we could place the bier in the church, and (if we can do so) making sure we have the right permissions and protection for it. It is absolutely right, in my opinion, that our history and local skills are recognised in the most appropriate way and not hidden away so that they can’t be appreciated. We will of course let you know how we get on!

With prayers and best wishes for 2024!

Reverend Andrew Birks Vicar of All Saints, Melbourn & Holy Trinity, Meldreth 11

Meldreth Food Bank Thank You Everyone!

The Food Bank team would like to say a huge thank you to all the generous people who have donated cash or food to the Bank in the last few weeks. We are delighted to say that we now have enough stock and cash to continue operating for the coming months - and what a good thing as our numbers are steadily rising.

Collections at the church, village shop and High Street continue to top up our supplies - thank you to all who deal with these gifts each week. Cash donors and individuals who pop in regularly with a bag of carefully chosen items all make a huge difference to what we are able to offer. One mum organised a sponsored event for her daughter to take part in - she raised £100 for the Food Bank.

Through a contact in Meldreth, the Wood Green animal charity has promised us a regular supply of cat food - a great help for those struggling to feed their pets as well as themselves.

We were going to include here photographs of the stock before and after a Tuesday morning Food Bank session but something wonderful happened towards the end of the morning. A van drew up and a young man came in saying he had a few things for the Food Bank. There had been a whip-round at work and he’d been to the Cash and Carry to spend the money. How he knew exactly what to buy we couldn’t imagine but in came tray after tray of tins, packets, jars - all the staple foods and toiletries our visitors most appreciate. So we ended up with more in our cupboards than at the start of the day - unheard of! Thank you so much!

Our youngest visitor is just three months old and our oldest a pensioner. You have made their lives so much easier. One mother of four told us how pleased she was to be in Meldreth and said her contact with the Food Bank had made her ‘feel loved’. When the wider world sometimes seems full of hatred, it’s a comfort to know that in Meldreth we are surrounded by so many very kind people.

Hilary Crawforth Meldreth Food Bank

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Meldreth Village Hub Tuesday and Thursday 12.00 – 3.00pm Community Room, Elin Way Everyone is welcome to join us for a FREE lunch on Tuesdays and refreshments on Thursdays (donations gratefully received).

Would you like to join our friendly Team as a volunteer? There’s lots of flexibility around your availability. Please contact me for more details.

NEW for 2024!  Jigsaw puzzle library - if you love doing a jigsaw, pop into the Hub on Tuesdays or Thursdays and borrow one of our puzzles.  The Blue Car Quiz – back by popular demand!  Talks by local people to keep us interested through the winter months  FREE books – if you love reading!

More information will be posted on Meldreth noticeboards. We look forward to meeting you.

Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com 07787 734973

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

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Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk Ten Years of Melbourn Hub: 11th-17th February We are very excited that in February we will be celebrating the Hub's tenth birthday! Starting on Monday 11th February, we'll be running special offers, culminating in a special day on Saturday 17th February where we will mark ten years of the Hub. We would love to see as many of you as possible over the course of the week as we say thank you to the community for all your support over the years and look back over the story of the Hub. Keep an eye out on social media and for leaflets nearer the time about our plans!

Melbourn Hub was truly born out of the community it serves. Residents of Melbourn were consulted in 2009/10 in order to develop a Village Plan, canvassing opinion from every house on every street. It was established from this that the community strongly wanted the local library saved from closure, as well as a “Village Centre’ where people could come together and that offered a range of facilities including a café.

When the original police site on the High Street was sold to Social Housing developers Hundred Houses Society, an approach was made by the Parish Council asking if a bespoke building could be accommodated on the site to provide the facilities that the community had asked for. The developers agreed and the Parish Council commissioned and purchased the Hub building, leasing it in 2013 to a volunteer management group to run it on their behalf and deliver the services the community wanted. Therein started the Hub’s journey!

The Hub’s potential eventually outgrew the existing building and so began the expansion of the Hub during the Covid lockdown of 2021 to become the unique building you see today. The investment resulted in extra meeting rooms, all beautifully equipped to the latest standards. The outside terrace was extended to provide more outside seating space, along with an updated kitchen and stylish redecoration.

Our mission throughout this time has never changed - to provide residents of Melbourn and beyond with the services, events and facilities they want! We are therefore always growing, changing and improving the services we offer, including activities and events. Notable is ‘Health at the Hub’ which is a collaboration between the Hub, local GP practices and the wider NHS including the NHS Covid vaccination teams.

The café has proven to be the Hub of the village, bustling with people who enjoy the friendly welcome and value for money, which The Hub has maintained as part of its community ethos of inclusion. The popularity of the café has enabled the Hub to dramatically increase the employment opportunities we are able to offer local people.

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Although we have a fantastic small team of paid staff running the kitchen and café, none of what we do at the Hub would be possible without the dedication, loyalty and unwavering support of a wide range of volunteers. Our amazing team of volunteers enjoy the inclusion and wellbeing that volunteering brings for so many people wishing to remain active in the community.

Last but not least the library, which was important to the early planning of the Hub, has gone from strength to strength. A skilled and dedicated volunteer group keeps this vital local resource very much alive. Membership has steadily increased and has recently branched out with regular in-person author evenings.

The dedicated (and also volunteer) Management Team that have run the Hub in recent years set their sights on making the operation as financially sound as possible. The Hub is a public-facing charity with a hard-wired obligation to provide services at rates everyone can afford.

As we mark our ten-year anniversary it is very satisfying to report that the Hub now routinely operates at a surplus of income over expenses. Grant support from the public purse is not required.

The Hub’s management group, many of its serving staff and all of its administrative and library staff do what they do on an entirely voluntary basis.

This, and our long partnership with Melbourn Parish Council, means we can offer Hub space and service to all who want to use it. Sincere thanks to all!

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

Letter to the Editor May I say a big thank you to the Parish Council who have worked hard over the years to improve the play area for small children on the Recreation Ground - not to mention the adult gym equipment and the zip wire on either side that mean there is truly something for everyone. I had not spent much time on the Rec since my children were children, but now I am on weekly granny duty and the Rec play area is our favourite destination, even in January on the coldest day. And there are always other people there having fun.

A special thank you to Joan Fallon who 'led the charge' in her understated but passionate way, to get the Rec into top shape - what a wonderful legacy.

Susan van de Ven

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 15

Speed Monitor Data Summary Evaluation time: 2nd-18th December 2023 Speed limit: 30mph Direction Whaddon to Meldreth Average daily total of vehicles

Speed violations

Total number of vehicles

Average speed

Max speed

85% of the vehicles travelling slower than or up to

975

49%

15,892

31mph

94mph

36mph

Direction Meldreth to Whaddon Average daily total of vehicles

Speed violations

Total number of vehicles

Average speed

Max speed

85% of the vehicles travelling slower than or up to

917

53%

14,932

32mph

92mph

37mph

Yes, you read that correctly, maximum speed measured 94mph coming into the village on Whitecroft Road, 92mph going out on Whitecroft Road, a road with a 30mph speed limit. These speeds were recorded on Monday 11th December between 7.00am and 8.00am and on Saturday 16th December between 7.00pm and 8.00pm. These are single occurrences; overall the summary data is similar to that recorded in November 2023.

Pedestrians have a higher chance of survival if hit by a vehicle at 20mph, with a 2.5% chance of death, compared to 20% chance of death when a vehicle travelling at 30mph hits a pedestrian, rising to 90% chance of death if hit at 58 mph.

Meldreth Traffic Working Group

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A Meldreth Garden The February garden is bursting with life in the lengthening days and spring sunshine; spring bulbs, hellebore, winter aconites, snowdrops and the perennial shrubs, Mahonia japonica, winter honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima, winter Jasmin Jasminum nudiflorum and sweet box Sarcococca confusa are in flower.

For jobs to do in February, refer to last year’s edition if you have retained it or view Meldreth Matters online at: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters/docs/ mm_february_2023_issuu.

I will be sowing seeds, many from retained/gifted seeds from last year. These include Calendula officinalis pot marigold, Chrysanthemum carinatum annual chrysanthemum, Clarkia amoena godetia, Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity', Gypsophila elegans baby's breath, Helianthus annuus sunflower, Lavatera trimestris tree mallow, Matthiola incana night-scented stocks, Tropaeolum majus 'Milkmaid' nasturtium, Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl' corn cockle (saved seed of this white cultivar tend to revert to purple), Amaranthus caudatus love-lies-bleeding, Briza maxima quaking grass, Cerinthe major 'Pupurascens', Echium vulgare 'Blue Bedder' viper's bugloss, Nicandra physaloides apple of Peru, Orlaya grandiflora white laceflower, Phacelia tanacetifolia fiddleneck, Salvia viridis annual clary, Xerochrysum bracteatum 'White' everlasting flower. Leave the sowing of halfhardy seeds to later in the year.

In the cutting garden, I will continue to clear out the weeds that have grown during the winter and transplant into their final growing positions some aquilegia, astrantia and lily bulbs. Towards the end of the month I will prune the winter flowering shrubs indicated above, winter box, etc., and Clematis cirrhosa 'Wisley Cream', all pruned after flowering. Next year they will flower on this year’s growth.

It will be time to transplant the seedlings of vegetables including beetroot, broad beans, peas, lettuce, cabbage and kohlrabi from the greenhouse to their permanent positions, weather allowing. I only direct sow seeds in the allotment when weeds are seen to germinate, otherwise it is still too cold. First and second early potatoes are chitting in old egg boxes. This year I have retained seed potatoes from my fir apple main crop potatoes; they have high disease resistance and can be left in the ground in winter until needed.

I will be pruning dogwoods cornus and willows salix which have provided muchneeded winter stem colour; pruning is undertaken before leaf development. The received wisdom is to prune all last year’s stems to the base. This is good practice for vigorous cultivars like Cornus alba 'Ruby' and established willow. Some dogwood cultivars including Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' which has bright orange new stem growth and yellow mature stems, needs a less vigorous pruning regime. I prune my established plants, two years old and more, by cutting out all dead, dying, diseased and crossing stems and then remove one third to half of the 18

oldest remaining stems. Some plants I prune to near the base by coppicing and some plants I prune to a height of about a metre from the ground, by pollarding.

Other cornus cultivars that could be considered for the garden include Cornus alba 'Sibirica' with red stems and leaves that become red or orange in autumn, Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' with dark purple stems, Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' with red stems and variegated summer foliage, and Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ with green to yellow stems. Stem colour can vary considerably, so see before you buy. Planting in a sunny location will give the brightest winter stem colour. Propagate through softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn.

The problem with growing dogwoods in Meldreth is that they prefer neutral to acid soil and a moist root-run. My garden is alkaline and prone to summer drought, so cornus needs lots of organic garden compost to overcome these issues.

Additionally cornus is susceptible to honey fungus that is present in my garden.

The genus cornus includes a number of other recommended garden worthy shrubs and trees, grown for their flowers, foliage and autumn colour and brightly coloured autumn berries. Consider the cultivars Cornus controversa ‘variegata’, the Wedding Cake Tree, a deciduous tree with layered branches having clusters of small, star-shaped, white flowers in summer; the variegated leaves are oval, pointed and turn yellow in autumn.

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' a flowering dogwood has flowers with particularly large and broad, creamy white bracts reaching up to 12cm across; these flowers look stunning in May against a background of lush green foliage.

The leaves turns rich red and purple in autumn.

Chinese dogwood Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Madison' is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 3m high, with oval-shaped, deep green leaves. Its large, creamy white flowers are produced in late spring, followed by strawberry-like fruits that ripen to pinkish-red. New leaves produced in hot summers are often flushed yellow and red, before turning orange and red in autumn.

Good gardening!

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com Visit your local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 19

In Praise Of … Potatoes This month we showcase potatoes or pommes de terre. The world’s most popular vegetable, the versatility of the humble potato is vast. There are over 5,000 types of potato each with a specific texture, taste and use. Potatoes are a staple food that we can enjoy all year round and they have an excellent nutritive content being rich in vitamin C and potassium. They can be fried, steamed, roasted, etc. In truth, the potato is one of the world’s superfoods even though it’s not exotic or trendy and if you’re eating potatoes, you can generally eat local, healthily and dirt cheap.

Here are two recipes to celebrate potatoes in all their glory. Enjoy.

Potato, Onion, Sage and Gruyère Tart Preparation time less than 30 mins, Cooking time 10 to 30 minutes, serves 6 Ingredients 4 tbsp olive oil 6 sage leaves 3 onions, peeled and finely sliced 250g ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry 3 large cooked leftover roast potatoes (or boiled potatoes), quartered 150g gruyere Method Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.

Put the olive oil and sage leaves in a pan. Fry until crisp and then immediately remove the sage leaves and set aside.

Add the sliced onions to the same pan. Cook over a low to moderate heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelised. Set aside.

Lay the puff pastry out on a lined baking tray and top with the caramelised onions, leaving a border all around. Top with the potatoes and grated gruyère.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Remove from the oven when golden-brown, garnish with the crisp sage leaves and serve.

Bombay Potatoes Enjoy Bombay potatoes as a brilliant side dish to an epic feast. These Indian-style potatoes made with nuggets of juicy tomato are super-easy to make, spicy and moreish.

Preparation time 15 minutes, Cooking time 25 minutes, Serves 4 20

Ingredients 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated 2 large garlic cloves 6 large vine tomatoes, halved, deseeded and chopped 800g new potatoes, halved 3 tbsp sunflower oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 green chillies, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced 1 tsp black mustard seeds 2 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp garam masala Small bunch coriander, chopped Method Put the ginger, garlic and four tomatoes into a food processor and blitz until smooth. Set aside.

Put the potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and leave to steam dry.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onions and a large pinch of salt and fry for 15 minutes, or until the onions are golden and sticky. Add the chillies, mustard seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin and garam masala to the pan and fry for another 2 minutes. Tip in the tomato mixture and bring to a gentle simmer, then carefully stir in the potatoes and remaining tomatoes. Season to taste. Gently simmer the Bombay potatoes for a few minutes until everything is warmed through, then serve topped with the coriander.

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Meldreth Village Diary - February 2024 Monday

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Meldreth Village Diary - February 2024 Monday

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MELDRETH

Nigel Wigg

LANDSCAPES

Home Improvement Specialist • Exterior and interior home

Design & Layout Plans

decorating • Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda design and construction • General home repairs • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming • Professional service

Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

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 24

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Group Our village has had a NHW Group for many, many years.

Sadly records do not go back far enough to check exactly when the Group was set up.

Crime in Meldreth can be said to be low when compared to other South Cambridgeshire towns and villages. But one can guess that there will be several village households who have become victims of criminal behaviour at some time or other. There can also be few of us who have not come across cyber crime which is probably one of the best and most successful activity for criminals who know their chances of being discovered are tiny. Always expect the unexpected!

So what does NHW do? Its a system of Street Coordinators who try to keep track of suspicious activity in their area and if necessary are able to alert nearby friends and neighbours. Additionally, insurance companies sometimes have interest in active NHW schemes and maybe adjust their risk calculations accordingly. Well maybe!

In the last few years the village has continued to grow but the cadre of Street Coordinators has not. Indeed, for various natural reasons, our numbers have diminished though some of our coordinators should have long service recognition! The following areas of the village, some old and some new, now have no NHW cover: High Street, Whitecroft Road, Burtons, Flambards, Marvell Green, Chiswick End, Oakrits. With developments ongoing there may be other areas not mentioned here.

Readers of this magazine will have noticed NHW has regularly posted articles on cyber crime, something which is here to stay and is ever changing. Our cyber crime author of many years has recently moved from the village and we have a vacancy for someone to take on this task.

And finally, our Village Coordinator, in post since 2002, would also like to hand over to someone, perhaps somewhat younger! If the village wants NHW to continue, we need replacements.

If you are interested in joining or want to know more, please contact me on nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Next NHW Meeting: Wednesday 28th February Our next NHW meeting will be on Wednesday 28th February at 8.00pm in the Queen Elizabeth II Room at the Village Hall. So please come along if you are interested in NHW continuing.

Graham Borgonon Meldreth NHW Coordinator 25

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 4th January 2024 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 noticeboard; 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 31-33. Questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

Attention was drawn to the forthcoming repair and surfacing work on the High Street but the timing of this will clearly depend on weather conditions.

A Flood Avoidance Group visit will be organised by our County Councillor to inspect areas of the village where there is considered to be a flood risk.

Village Maintenance The Council continues to take steps to undertake the outstanding work on items of village infrastructure. A broken signpost at the Stocks will be added to the items awaiting repair.

Village Traffic The Local Highways Initiative application for ‘gateways’ (more visible road signage) at the Whaddon Road ‘entrance’ to the village has been submitted. The Council has just taken delivery of its second Speed Indicator Device (SID). This is solar powered and will be installed as soon as possible. Statistics from our SID in Whitecroft Road are included in this issue of Meldreth Matters [see page 16] and were also in the January edition and confirm that there are serious breaches of the limit in this part of the village.

Community Projects Funding Meldreth Bowls Club have confirmed that the defibrillator that they wish to purchase will be installed at the Club pavilion in a position where there will be ready public access. Subject to a sign at the Club gate indicating clearly the location of the defibrillator, the Council approved a donation of £717, being 50% of the cost. This is subject to the Club providing the remainder of the costs.

Finance 2024-2025 As previously reported, after several years in which there has been no increase in the village precept (Council Tax), the Council has submitted its request for a 26

Precept of £70,000 for the forthcoming financial year. It was also agreed that the Council needs urgently to investigate how it can obtain a reasonable interest return on its balances and reserves, with of course proper provision for future funding arrangements and contingencies.

Next Parish Council Meeting Thursday 1st February 2024 at 7.30pm 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)

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Jenni Bone

Contact details had not been provided at the time of going to press

Cllr Adam Bostanci

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Nick Garner

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net Cllr Alan Land

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey

j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

nppellatt56@gmail.com

vacancy

Be Seen, Be Safe!

Cyclists and pedestrians:  Please wear bright, light or reflec ve clothing  Pedestrians, please carry a torch  Cyclists, use front and rear lights

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All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 17th August 2023 and 4th January 2024 were not available at the time of going to press.

When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

The following items were taken from the minutes of 7th December.

20 High Street 23/1428/TTPO Tree work to trees with a TPO. T1 Elm - monolith to where green growth starts at approximately 8m T2 Elm – monolith to where green growth starts at approximately 6m. This has already been approved by SCDC. Fenny Lane Farm 22/04018/OUT Outline application with all matters reserved other than access for the erection of nine self build dwellings at Land at Fenny Lane Farm. Will be going to appeal. It was agreed to submit representations by the deadline of 18th December 2023.

The Parish Council has considered the latest document submitted. This relates to the visual impact. The Council considers that the very significant objections already submitted in terms of planning policies, local disruption as expressed already by the Parish Council and by numerous residents are not mitigated by this further comment on appearance.

The following applications were also discussed:  Chiswick End 23/04424/CL2PD  80A High Street 23/04460/PRIOR and 23/04408/PRIOR  Valley Farm Station Road 23/04179/S73 We have not included the information from the minutes here as the Planning Authority have since made their decisions (see below). However, those interested may read the minutes on the Parish Council website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Planning Authority Decisions Details of all applications and all Planning Authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

Land Adjacent To The Warren 79 North End 23/1528/TTPO 5 Day Notice Ash fallen. Permission granted.

80A High Street 23/04460/PRIOR First floor extension. Permission granted.

80A High Street 23/04408/PRIOR Single story rear extension. Permission granted.

Valley Farm Station Road 23/04179/S73 S73 to vary condition 2 (Approved plans) of planning permission 22/02850/FUL (Construction of a replacement dwellinghouse) raise the roof pitch from 28

35 degrees to 50 degrees to create studio space within the roof volume.

Permission granted.

55 Chiswick End 23/04424/CL2PD Certificate of lawfulness under s192 for change of use from a gym to dog grooming (Sui Generis). Permission granted.

19 Whitecroft Road 23/04134/HFUL Two storey rear extension, single storey front extension, glazed link, conversion of garage and storage building, erection of single garage/store and internal alterations to existing dwelling. Permission granted.

The Meldreth Matters Team

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

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The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org

EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

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

Giftware & Homeware

Men’s, women’s, baby & home

At The Old Barn The British Queen, Meldreth (rear of the car park)

Call us on: 07821680936 Email: info@queenbeemeldreth.com Instagram: @queenbeemeldreth Opening times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

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District and County Councillors’ Report Water Problems - Flooding Needless to say, the new year opened with exceptionally severe rainfall, which caused many problems, notably foul water back-up and disabling of household kitchen and bathroom plumbing for many residents. We are very grateful to residents for contacting us about these issues; we have conveyed the seriousness of what took place firstly to Anglian Water which has responsibility for our foul water sewage, and also to both South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council for awareness and direct contact with Anglian Water.

The County Council has an oversight flood risk function and would welcome any reporting to them of issues which you feel needs conveying to any authority (including Anglian Water, Environment Agency, Cambridge Water, District Council and themselves). Please search ‘Cambridgeshire County Council Report a Flood’ or feel free to contact any of us in confidence and we’ll put you in contact with the team.

We have been meeting with Anglian Water every year to review issues in our area and hope to do so again next month. Pumping station capacity in Meldreth will be on our agenda.

Meanwhile, we are pleased to support the Parish Council’s Flood Risk Subcommittee and are in the midst of arranging our annual tour of village hotspots, for the purpose of identifying any possible prevention work, together with our District and County Officers, as soon as possible.

Please remember that anyone with watercourses (including ditches) running through their property has a ‘riparian’ responsibility to keep them cleared.

Finally, please continue reporting any flooding issues directly onto the Cambridgeshire Report a Fault website (search those words) which is the same tool used for reporting potholes.

Any questions do please get in touch.

New Highways Maintenance Way of Working From April, highways maintenance jobs will be signed off and coordinated by specialist teams rather than Local Highways Officers, though our LHOs will act as intermediaries to keep specialist teams informed of local needs and priorities.

Specialist teams will deal with signs, lines, road surface treatment, path treatment and gullies. Teams have formed in anticipation, and we are all getting familiar with new ways of working - we will do our best to help make the transition.

Please note that logging jobs on the Highways reporting site is still the right first step. Search online for “report a highways fault Cambridgeshire”.

Regularising Gulley Clearing As we have previously reported, prior to the 2021 County Council Joint 31

Administration, there was, shockingly, no systematic recording and care of gulley maintenance. As part of a massive overhaul of Highways maintenance systems, and within a context of managed decline legacy and a visibly deteriorating network, highways maintenance is transitioning to a more accountable system, though resource remains very stretched and need very high. Indeed, the upcoming budget requires significant additional expenditure to simply stand still.

All gullies have, for the first time, been mapped and recorded on a system called KaarbonTech. An initial program has been put in place to ensure all gullies are cleared every two years. Data on the state of each gully is now being recorded with each of those cleans. The next step is to put that together and adopt a smarter gulley cleaning regime. Not all gullies need to be emptied every two years, but some will need much more frequent routine work. The aim is to build up the data picture and be smart about where scarce resource is deployed. Parish clerks are now receiving cyclical gulley clearance notices. Any hotspots should be logged on the Highways reporting site: Report a highways fault - Cambridgeshire County Council (search these words) Street Care and Cleaning Street care and cleaning - South Cambridgeshire District Council (search these words).

This website provides information on the next visit to our area by the street care team, which works on a ten-week cyclical basis and is managed by South Cambridgeshire District Council Environmental Health (not County Highways).

You can use the contact information provided to request special clearance of a hotspot area.

We have requested a special clean-up of the road and pavement overspill outside Aurora Meldreth Manor side gate entrance.

High Street Repairs As reported last month, the major repairs to the High Street were scheduled to take place in January, weather permitting. Wet weather has pushed this back; there are many jobs county-wide that are waiting for work to begin.

Path Upgrade: Meldreth Station to Melbourn Preparatory work for the upgraded Meldreth-Melbourn path, connecting from Meldreth Station, is going well with construction work expected this spring.

More details to come.

Police Online Community Meeting – 28th February, 7.00-8.00pm To register for this meeting please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/southcambridgeshire-community-engagement-meeting-february-2024-tickets772918489007.

Please note also the encouragement to fill out the community survey to help inform Police priorities. Anyone is invited to participate in the survey and the public meeting.

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Budget Time All local authorities are now preparing their proposed budgets for approval next month – Parish, District and County Councils, the Combined Authority and Police and Fire Authorities. Please note that these six precepting authorities combine to form our overall council tax bill. The collection of council tax for all six authorities is the responsibility of the District Council – though their share of the council tax pie is only one piece.

It is a humbling time of the year. Many people face unprecedented pressures, and public services are stretched tight and public infrastructure is in need of far more investment than is available. However, there are plenty of bright lights, particularly what happens right here in the community through acts of kindness and neighbourly support.

Zoom Cuppa Mondays 5.00-6.00pm Please let us know if you’d like to join our online councillors’ surgery on Monday afternoons, or contact us any time if you’d like to discuss a problem or concern.

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, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 07905 325574

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Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings Experts in home automated motorised solutions FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 www.sageblinds.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm

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01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk 34

Shepreth Spitfires www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk We had our Christmas party for our younger football teams! There was lots of fun, noise and a visit from Father Christmas; it was a delight to see such happy children! Thank you to the Shepreth Football Community and wider community of Shepreth, Meldreth and beyond for giving up their time, donating wonderful prizes, coming to the Christmas party and buying many raffle tickets. We’d like to give our special thanks to Shepreth Wildlife Park, Hot Numbers, Eco-Energy, Brewboard, Haynes American Diner, Tesco Royston and Bury Lane Fun Barn who kindly donated generous prizes!!

We have fantastic news! Shepreth Spitfires oldest team will be embarking on their first overseas tour this year! They will be playing clubs from Toulouse in France! The attendees will enjoy sightseeing, stadium tours, canoeing and enjoying the company of overseas teams!

There will be lots of exciting activities for them to enjoy!

Shepreth spitfires Squadron 66 Under 11 had a fantastic start to the new year having a victory at their home ground in Shepreth! The team put in 100% effort, a fantastic team performance! Charlie H and Charlie B were strong as always. Alfred and Walter, our two wide players, were both very effective along with our other two central defenders. Riley, Charlie W and Hari worked tirelessly until the end. And there were fabulous goals from Freddie, Charlie W, Riley, James, and Walter.

Players of the match were awarded to Alfred, who battled continuously for the team throughout the match, and Freddie for his continued improvement and tremendous effort!

Please contact us if your child may be interested in joining our friendly local football club. Our website is www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk or call 07510 175370.

Julie A Wilson 35

Things for Children and Families To Do in February Weekends in February and half term, 10.00am - 2.00/3.00pm Family activities, Imperial War Museum, Duxford CB22 4QR Free activities such as I Spy in the Sky - aerial photography for ages 5 - 12 and Prepare for the Big Jump - be a paratrooper recruit (ages 7+).

Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th February, 6.30pm - 8.30pm Crown and Coronation, Ely Cathedral CB7 4DL A celebration of the Crown Jewels and Coronation ceremony. A spectacle of colour and light projected round the interior of the cathedral. Tickets £9 adults, children £6 from www.elycathedral.org. The experience lasts about an hour, entry at 15 minute intervals.

Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th February, 10.00am - 4.00pm Half Term History Makers Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF Join characters from the past for historical fun. Meet the archaeologists and find out about their work and about Roman times. Adults £20.00, children £12.50.

English Heritage members free. www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Saturday 17th to Saturday 24th February, 10.00am-4.00pm (closed Sun, Mon) Polar Activity Station: explore puzzles, books and activities.

Polar Museum, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER Monday 19th February, 2.00pm - 4.30pm Polar Pop-up: Twilight Craft Session A drop-in craft session for ages 5+. Free. Create the Northern Lights with chromatography or make a polar picture of an aurora.

Tuesday 20th February, 11.00am - 1.00pm Big Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Royston Library SG8 9JN A Booster Cushion Theatre performance. £4 per person. Tickets from the library or www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd February, 11.00am - 12.30pm or 2.00pm - 3.30pm (timed slots) Discover World War Two, Stapleford Granary, Bury Road CB22 5BP What was life like in the 1940s for the people of East Anglia? For accompanied children aged 6+. £4 per person. Interactive, hands-on display and outdoor drill demonstrations by the Living History Group at 12.30 and 3.30pm. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.

Thursday 22nd February, 10.00am - 12.00pm or 1.00pm - 3.00pm Festival of Stories, Byron’s Pool, Woodend, Trumpington CB2 9LJ Free wild play sessions for children aged 2 - 5 including stories, scavenger hunts, crafts and play. Book on www.allevents.in.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 36

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Things to Do in February Here are some things happening in February in the local area. To let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Thursday 1st to Sunday 25th February, 9.30am to 4.00pm Wassail Walk Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW Help wake up nature, discover the ancient custom of wassailing and learn about sustainable food and farming as you follow a trail through the Hall’s orchards and walled garden. Free but normal National Trust admission applies.

Wednesday 7th February, 10.30am to 12.30pm Iron Age and Archaeology Walk Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Join a warden-led, gentle walk around the Park to see and learn about Wandlebury’s Iron Age history. Meet at the noticeboard in the car park. No need to book. Please wear suitably warm outdoor clothing/footwear. Free but donations to www.cambridgeppf.org will be appreciated.

Sunday 11th February, 3.00pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra - Songs from the Movies Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH An afternoon of film music featuring scores from some of your favourite movies by some of the greatest composers to write for the screen. Tickets from £18; under 25 £11; under 18 £6. To book visit www.saffronhall.com.

Wednesday 14th February to Sunday 17th March, usual opening hours A Celebration of Bridal Gowns Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Exhibition shows how wedding gown styles have changed over the centuries telling us as much about social history as fashion and fame. Includes designer dresses created for blockbuster movies and replicas of those worn by royal brides. Admission included with Cathedral visitor ticket.

See www.elycathedral.org for further details.

Sunday 18th February, 3.00pm to 6.30pm World Food Festival - organised by Women’s Voices for Africa Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Road, Arbury CB4 2JL Get ready for a mouth-watering celebration of tempting flavours and delectable dishes from around the world. Live music, children’s face painting and raffle.

Entry: over 12 £2, Children 6-12 £1, under 6s free. Tickets from 07918 024471, 07767 960537 or from eventbrite.co.uk.

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Thursdays 22nd, 29th and Saturday 24th, 9.30am & 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm (each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours) Tours of David Parr House, 184/186 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LW Led by a trained guide, you’ll enter an ordinary terraced house with an extraordinary hand-painted interior. Home for 40 years to David Parr, a Victorian working class artist, the house is a striking example of beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts workmanship. Admission (guests must be 12 plus) £14.50 per person.

Booking essential at www.davidparrhouse.org.

Saturday 24th February, 11.00am to 4.00pm Quinky Vintage Fair The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RP Vintage, retro and quirky clothing as well as unique accessories, handmade gifts and quality crafts. Plus music and a tea party. Entry £2. For more information and to sign up for future events in the local area visit www.quinkystore.

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th February, 10.00am-3.00pm The Leys School, Fen Causeway, Cambridge CB2 7AD Rowan’s Annual Art Exhibition This year the exhibition will celebrate “The Journey” and showcase the work of local artists who have produced artworks inspired by their interpretation of a journey. Every piece, whether by an amateur or professional, will sell for £45. All money raised will go to the charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities. Entry free. See www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk for more information.

Sunday 25th February, 9.00am to 1.00pm The Gransden Farmers Market Village Hall, 6 Primrose Hill, Little Gransden, Sandy SG19 3DP Excellent local market, held on the fourth Sunday of every month. Wide variety of locally-produced artisan food, drink and homeware. Admission free, breakfast available from Market Café or one of visiting food trucks. Ample parking.

Monday 26th February, 12.00pm to 2.30pm Traditional Jazz at the Old Bull Inn The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band invite you to their monthly jazz club in the splendid ballroom of the Old Bull, accompanied by good food and drinks. A warm welcome awaits. Admission £10.

Tuesday 27th February, 12.15pm to 2.15pm Home-Start Literary Lunch The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Writer-in-residence Jude Simpson is in conversation with local author Elena Mannion about her remarkable and imaginative children’s book ‘The Happy Hedgerow’. Tickets £15 to include buffet lunch. To book please call (01763) 262262, email events@hsrsc.org.uk or online: www.hsrsc.org.uk/events.

Compiled by John Crawforth 39

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MCCS – Community Support MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub. 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, in One Stop or at the Church 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. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our 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

17 Bus Service This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

Susan van de Ven 41

One Stop Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore: email meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com

Village Hall Chairman

David Coton—07749 850026

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.org.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Table Tennis Tennis Club

David Rich—(01763) 262116 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Litter Picker

Vicar Bells Ian Mitchell (Friends)

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178 tba 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Guides (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

Julia Moore—07403 462198 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com (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 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices

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

MP

42

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954)

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

Community Support for Dementia 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 Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299 (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 Police

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

(01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis

(01763) 0250811

Emergencies

Support Services

Health

Streetlights (faulty)

Non-merg.

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

Misc.

Transport

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

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

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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 on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.

Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

A10 Timber ......................................4 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................37 Art of Clean ....................................10 Art of Clean Wood ..........................21 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........40 Bury Lane Farm Shop ........................2 CHS Day Centre ..............................17 CHS Group .....................................24 The Country Store .............................7 Davey’s Butchers .............................17 Eternit Sports and Social Club ....Cover Eve Construction ........................Cover Faux Floral ........................................4 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .........5 Knibb’s Butchers ............................33 Lawn Partners .................................34 The Letting Centre ..........................29 Little Hands Nursery School .............7 Melbourn Auto Services .............Cover

Melbourn Flooring ..........................34 Melbourn Village College .................30 Meldreth Landscapes .......................24 Meldreth Maths Tutor ....................17 Meldreth Motor Company ..............37 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................8 Moncraft Computers .......................10 N J Chapman, gardening .................21 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service29 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......24 P D Property Services ......................40 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...........Cover Queen Bee .......................................30 Richard Burns Electrician ...................5 Rod’s PC Support .............................8 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................34 Sparky’s ...........................................40 Specialist Dental Partners ..................2 Trademark Kitchens ..........................4

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