This month’s cover picture: The new footpath across the Meads. Photograph by Kathryn Betts, January 2025.
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.
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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.
Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk
Editorial
Welcome to our February issue.
Perhaps one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to try volunteering? If so, there are several village groups looking for additional helpers. If you have time to spare on Tuesday mornings, the team running the Food Bank needs more help (page 9). The Baby & Toddler Group is in danger of folding if no one comes forward to help run the group on Wednesday mornings during term time (page 29). Or perhaps you would prefer to join the Village Hall Trustees as a Trustee or as Treasurer (see pages 16-17). Two local organisations, Home-Start (see page 13) and Royston and District Community Transport (see page 20) are also seeking volunteers.
Kathryn
Carols at the British Queen
The Reverend Andrew Birks was the DJ for another excellent evening, with Clare and the Lift Off choir singing popular Christmas songs and the church choir leading the carol singing. It’s always a fun village event singing in the tent, fortified with mulled wine generously donated by Nicky and Tim Elbourn. Thanks go to Sue and Alan Tobin for hosting the evening in aid of Home-start, their chosen charity this year. Over £630 was raised for this worthwhile cause so thank you one and all! This year’s carols will be held on Monday 15th December, so please mark that date on your diaries and calendars now!
Twenty Years of Editing!
In December, our Editor, Kathryn Betts completed her (first!) 20 years editing Meldreth Matters. It is not a task lightly undertaken as it requires real dedication and commitment. Her life practically revolves around each 12th of the month deadline and she, with the help of other team members, works to get the magazine into shape and to our printer in time for it to go to our distribution manager. From there it goes to each deliverer to be put, free of charge, in every letterbox of every house and business in Meldreth before the first of the month. Every month! So I, as Chairman, and on behalf of the rest of the MM team, wish to thank her very much for her dedication and for the splendid job that she does. It is no small achievement.
Lesley Farbridge Meldreth Matters Chairman
Pauline Penfold
Edward Mallen: Ten Years Gone
As many in Meldreth will sadly recall, the village lost my dear son, Edward Mallen ten years ago this month. For me, this simultaneously feels like a lifetime ago and just yesterday. As this anniversary approaches, it is helpful to remember Edward and reflect on all that has happened over the past ten years. It is also time to formally thank the people of Meldreth.
Edward was two years old when we moved to the High Street in 1999. He thrived at the preschool and learned to ride his bike in The Grange. He went on to become Leader of the School Council at the Primary School and Head Boy at Melbourn Village College. As well as delivering the village newspapers in all weathers, Edward became a gifted pianist and played cricket for the Royston youth team. He was the scion of our family and was voted by his classmates as the person most likely to go on and become Prime Minister one day. Academically brilliant and following in my footsteps, he was offered a place at Cambridge University.
All of this came to a tragic end in February 2015 when Edward took his own life following the sudden, inexplicable and catastrophic onset of clinical depression. He died just six weeks after his 18th birthday. As many will recall, this was a terribly sad time for the village as Edward’s ashes were laid to rest in the churchyard following his funeral in the overflowing church, with the media waiting outside. Without wishing to be melodramatic, those inside the church on that fateful day will recall that I made Edward a promise as I stood, heartbroken and bereft next to his coffin. I pledged that I would investigate his untimely death and seek reform where appropriate. This was the very least my dear lad deserved.
After a decade of trauma, toil and strife, I was accorded the Honour of a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List from His Majesty the King last month for services to mental health and suicide prevention. Whilst it is of course positive to have one’s efforts recognised, this award is inevitably overshadowed by the loss of Edward and I dedicate this Honour to his memory. At the same time, I firmly believe that this Honour also belongs in part to the people of Meldreth.
In the depths of unspeakable grief following Edward’s demise his mother, Suzanne and I and his siblings Charlotte and William, were supported by the good people of Meldreth. In this cynical and selfish world, we recall the kindness, warmth and generosity of so many friends and neighbours in those dark days. Some debts can never be repaid and, a decade on, I remain in humble recollection of those times.
Edward Mallen
Without the kind support of the village, my family may not have weathered the storm and I would never have been able to start making good my promise to Edward. Shortly after Edward died, I founded and chaired The MindEd Trust charity. Many will remember a long schedule of fundraising and awareness initiatives with music concerts, fun runs, skydiving, amateur dramatics, golf matches and cycle rides being just some of the many activities which brought us together around a worthy cause. I am pleased to report that the bulk of the monies raised for the Trust were donated to three Faculties at Cambridge University last year to create a 3-5 year research programme aimed at reducing mental illness and suicide in young people. It is hoped that this groundbreaking programme will lead to new innovations and methods to prevent future tragedies. This follows a long running wellbeing-inschools programme funded by the Trust in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and a community education programme in collaboration with Cambridge United. None of this would have been possible without the people of Meldreth and the surrounding towns and villages.
In further honouring my promise, I found myself in Westminster, the upper echelons of the health service and the national media. Edward’s passing, together with that of so many other young people, resonated across our society and we are all now well aware of a sea-change in attitudes towards mental ill-health as old taboos are swept aside and we talk openly and honestly about the challenges we can all face. I am pleased that Edward and I have been part of this improvement in social attitudes.
I have also been pleased to co-found the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) with senior health professional colleagues and strong political support, most especially from our former MP, Heidi Allen, but also Jeremy Hunt MP and Sir Norman Lamb. To date, the ZSA has nearly 900 member organisations from all sectors of the economy and nearly 3,500 individual members, most of whom have been impacted by suicide. The online training modules developed by the ZSA have been accessed by a remarkable 2.8 million people.
The complexity of mental illness is reflected in a host of other roles, actions and initiatives I have been invited to participate in which include the Health Select Committee, the NHS Long Term Plan, the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the National Confidential Inquiry into Self-Harm and Suicide. Until recently, I was a Governor at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). There is now a support-after-suicide service in every local authority district in this country where there was none previously.
Steve Mallen
Everything noted above traces back to Meldreth, where Edward was raised and his family prospered. In writing this piece, I had thought to reference those special people and events to whom myself and my family owe so much. This is just not possible. Were I to attempt this, the list of thanks and citations would fill this entire edition of Meldreth Matters! After many difficult years, Suzanne and I have sought pastures new in the Highlands of Scotland, but our hearts and memories reside in Meldreth. We cannot thank the village enough for its kindness and support over the past decade. The Honour bestowed on me belongs to all of you too.
Steve Mallen
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
Meldreth Food Bank: Can You Help?
Are you free most Tuesday mornings? Could you join our friendly Food Bank team at the Community Rooms on Elin Way? We meet at 8.45am to unpack groceries and then distribute food to Meldreth families from 9.00am to 12.00 noon. Contact Jo on 07572 443522 if you can help.
Hilary Crawforth
Meldreth Village Hub
Every Tuesday and Thursday 12.00 – 3.00pm Community Room, Elin Way (not the Village Hall)
As Spring approaches why not pop in and join us for a FREE freshly cooked lunch every Tuesday. Just turn up, no booking required. We also offer FREE refreshments every Thursday. This is a warm, friendly and welcoming group. We have lots of chit chat, laughter and games and it is an opportunity to make new friends.
If you have any questions about Attendance Allowance, school/child worries, Blue Badge parking, Winter Fuel Allowance, or anything else that concerns you, please get in touch; all chats will be in complete confidence.
Date for Your Diaries
Tuesday 25th February, Music Quiz
We are having our first music quiz! It will start after lunch at 2.00pm and will be hosted by Pete Butchers, a friend of the Hub.
Tuesday 4th March, Talk on Rogue Trading
We are pleased to say that Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch have arranged for the Neighbourhood Support Team at Cambridgeshire Constabulary to visit us on 4th March to talk to us about rogue trading. The police representatives will be helping to raise our awareness of common methods used by rogue traders, how to spot if a company is genuine, how to protect ourselves and how to report incidents. Their presentation will start at 2.00pm, after our regular lunch. Everyone is welcome to come along to the talk, whether or not you already attend the Hub.
We couldn’t provide the lunches and fun activities if it wasn’t for our amazing volunteers. Would you like to join our friendly team? We can be very flexible around your availability; we all have other commitments and family always come first! If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com
07787 734973
(Donations gratefully received)
Friends of Holy Trinity Church
www.foht.org.uk
‘Return to the Crocodile Caves of Madagascar’ 7.30pm, Thursday 20th February, Holy Trinity Church
This month we are delighted to present an evening talk by Jane Wilson-Howarth about her exploration and conservation work in the Ankarana Massif in northern Madagascar. Jane and her team explored some of the 60 miles of cave passages, some of which are home to crocodiles that take shelter in the caves during the dry season. The forests in and around the massif are rich in other wildlife including lemurs and chameleons and Jane will show photographs to illustrate the talk. Jane is a medical doctor, zoologist, lecturer and author. She has written three travel health guides, two travel narratives, a novel and a series of wildlife adventures for children. This talk promises to be an informative and entertaining evening by this much travelled presenter. The talk will be held in the meeting room and so is limited to about 50 people. Tickets are £10 each, payable at the door by cash or card, and will include a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles after the talk. Please reserve your seat by emailing, texting or calling me, using the contact details shown below.
Future Events
By popular demand, further talks, music and theatre evenings are also being planned for this year. We would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise and if you are new to Meldreth, please come along to our events.
Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com
07726 936635
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small friendly group who meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month, at either ASCH in Melbourn or Holy Trinity meeting room in Meldreth. Our meetings comprise of a guest speaker or some in-house entertainment; there is a charge of £2 to cover expenses and an opportunity to donate to the charity pot. The evening closes with refreshments and a chance for a chat. In January we held our AGM and Bring and Share supper. Our meeting on 25th February will be an ‘Early Lent Reflection’. This is at ASCH Melbourn, and will be led by our vicar, the Reverend Andrew Birks.
If you require any further information about the group, or need a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of the following committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955 and Mary Bailey (01763) 220171.
Mary Bailey
Lift Off Choir
Christmas is always a busy season for choirs and ours is no exception. In December, we sang for hundreds of people in local performances at the Memory Café, The British Queen and Meldreth and Melbourn Churches. We also appeared on special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shows on Royston Radio. After a short rest, we now move on to our next concert in aid of Home-Start at Royston Church in March. With seven songs to learn in seven weeks, we will be busy again, but happy to be joining our voices together to make music.
If you are interested in joining our sociable and fun choir of mixed voices, do come along and give us a try. Your first session is free of charge. We rehearse every Wednesday during term time, from 1.30pm to 2.45pm at Meldreth Village Hall.
For more information contact me at www.claresilver.co.uk or on 07548 247755.
Clare Silver
Melbourn and District Photographic Club
melbournphotoclub.com
With the season entering its last few months, we have a full and varied programme including six competitions and two lectures. The programme for February is as follows:
18th Royston Interclub Competition Judged by Carmen Norman
25th 3rd Open Print Competition Judged by Ben Pike
Water Nymph by Paul
Ravenscroft
Meetings are held weekly from 7.30pm - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, with roughly equal numbers of men and women, and has a friendly atmosphere. We welcome 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.
Peter North Secretary
Moorlands Court
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. Local Community Services
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Melwood Conservation Group www.melwood.org.uk
Notice of AGM
8.00pm, Wednesday 26th February
The Queen Elizabeth II Meeting Room, Meldreth Village Hall
If you have any issues you would like to raise please email them to me at brucehuett@compuserve.com and they will be included on the agenda or a separate meeting can be arranged with the committee.
The AGM will be followed by a talk by Andrew Flegg from the County Council Biodiversity and Greenspaces department about local nature reserves.
Bruce Huett Secretary
Poppy Display at the War Memorial
Attention All Knitters and Crocheters
We need your help to knit or crochet lots and lots and LOTS of poppies for a spectacular display of poppies to mark Remembrance Sunday on 9th November. All poppies will be needed by 1st October to construct the display next to the War Memorial and the display will be in place for the week before Remembrance Sunday. So a big PLEASE to pick up those knitting needles and crochet hooks, pass the word on and encourage as many folk as possible to get cracking!
Wool supplies and knitting/crochet patterns are available. Please contact one of the following to arrange to collect them: Julie on 07976 879350, Yvonne 07814 597177, Janet on 07368 523157 or Jenni on 07792 578786. Alternatively, email me at jenni.bone@hotmail.co.uk to request wool and patterns and I will deliver to you (Meldreth village only).
With many thanks to Meldreth Parish Council who have kindly agreed to donate funds for purchasing the wool.
Jenni Bone
Wise Local Crafters Group
We have news for you! Our fresh new group for all things arts and crafts has started. It is held at Eternit Sports and Social Club where there is lots of free parking and fully accessible facilities.
Our first session took place on 9th January 2025 and we had fabulous attendance of over twenty like-minded ladies! We are aiming for weekly sessions from now on. Please feel free to pop in anytime from 10.30am until 3.30pm every Thursday. Sessions cost £3 and include a cup of freshly brewed coffee from local supplier Hot Numbers, as well as tea; other refreshments will be available to purchase.
This is a group where you can socialise and enjoy a chat, and share inspiration and encouragement, and bring along your projects to work on. Hopefully, the group will bring together the local community. Thank you to Lucy from Eternit for her support and the opportunity to use the fantastic facilities. Please contact me on 07772 738913 or email julawil66@gmail.com for further details.
Julie A Wilson
Meldreth Village Hall Trustees’ Update
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Firstly, a Happy New Year to everyone. We’re a bit late with this as we missed last month’s deadline! Our New Year’s resolution is to write the deadline in the diary!
A quick summary of the past couple of months. The Village Hall was busy over Christmas and New Year, hosting assorted parties and celebrations. Many of our regular groups stopped for the holidays which gave the trustees an opportunity to sort out some maintenance and general housekeeping issues. We’re sure you all saw the magnificent tree that stood outside the hall for the Christmas period. This was supplied by Fieldgate, paid for by the Parish Council and erected and run by the Village Hall. Thank you to everyone involved, and also those who made compliments about the tree.
The hall is now back to its usual routine with the many classes back in the calendar and plenty of events coming up. We will have a new experience as a Comedy Night is coming to the hall on Saturday 8th March hosted by Melbourn Football Club (see the poster on page 10). Tickets are available from www.eventbright.com; search for ‘Melbourn Football Club’.
The Trustees have also organised a couple of fundraisers in March, when we will see the return of the Table Top Sale on Saturday 15th March and the Quiz on Friday 28th March. The Table Top Sale is just £10 a table and there will be lots of brilliant bargains to be had. The Village Hall will have its own table again and will be running a raffle; every penny raised from the raffle and table will go to the Village Hall. If you have any bric-a-brac that is in good order and complete that you’d like to donate, please contact Andrew on 07572 553647. Sorry, we will not be accepting books or clothes.
On Friday 28th March we will be holding another quiz with tables of up to six people, £8 per person. We will have a licensed bar and raffle. To book a table please contact Andrew on chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or Thomas on secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or ring 07572 553647. Please put these dates in your diary and book your tickets. Your money helps the local community grow and provides facilities for the village.
For further details on events at the Village Hall please check the calendar in Meldreth Matters, the village noticeboards, or look at our website www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or Facebook page @MeldrethVillageHall.
We have plans for one or two quite special fundraising events for later in the year, including a fantastic opportunity to see and hear a choir who are regularly invited to sing at major services in cathedrals around the UK. More details on this will be available in the next couple of months.
Our fundraising activities have become quite a major task for us as many of the grant authorities and organisations around the UK have changed their criteria for
eligibility. We are struggling to find suitable sources for additional funding which we need for a number of major projects, including a new front door, repairing the rear external wall, repairing and restoring the hall floor and raising the floor in the main store room.
We could really use your help. If you have any knowledge of local companies who are prepared to contribute towards projects to improve the Village Hall and help with its regular upkeep, or if you can help us raise funds, then we would be delighted to hear from you. The Village Hall Trust is a registered charity. Please contact either our Chair on chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or our secretary on secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk. Any contributions are most welcome.
Our Treasurer, after many years of dedication to the trust, has decided to step down from this role at our next Annual General Meeting. We have recently re-evaluated the role and tried to design it to be a much more manageable job for a volunteer. The role of treasurer with the Trust does not have to be a trustee position and attendance at our monthly meetings will not be necessary, so it could be taken on by a volunteer outside of the trust. We are now looking to fill this role and would love to hear from you. We have no criteria for the individual although some form of accounts management, small or large, and electronic banking would be of benefit, but is by no means essential. If you have any queries or questions regarding this role please contact Andrew, our chair, on chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or on 07572 553647.
To book the Village Hall for your event or organisation, please go to our website: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk. For anyone interested in booking the Village Hall or the events held there, it provides everything they need to know.
We understand that not everyone likes to use online systems, so bookings can also be made through bookings@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk but our preferred method is via the website. If you wish to book the hall or make an enquiry but are unable to use or don’t have access to the internet or email then please contact Julia on 07403 462198, Andrew on 07572 553647 or Thomas on 07817 727429.
We are always trying to increase the usage of the hall, looking for new ideas and new helpers, so if you think you can help or be a Trustee, then please email either Andrew Young at chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk or Thomas Bennet at secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk. Alternatively, please call Andrew on 07572 553647.
Thank you and hope to see you at a fundraiser soon.
Village Hall Trust
Meldreth
ameldrethgarden.co.uk
An increasing range of plants are flowering in the garden to tempt one out; these include, of course, the hellebores in dark purples, whites and self-seeds in various dappled colours of pink and mauve. Early flowering snowdrops like Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’ have been a feature since early January; now the typical snowdrop Galanthus nivalis provides a white carpet to the drive together with pale yellow naturalised Primula vulgaris. Also Cyclamen coum, white petals with pink centred flowers, and a season favourite Iris reticulata ‘Natasha’ with strongly scented white flowers infused with pale blue veins and a yellow flash, and ‘Catherine Hodgson’, large broad flowers in an exquisite combination of summer sky blue with unusual veining. The dogwoods, Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter fire' and Cornus alba 'Sibirica' with intense orange and red stems respectively, look good along the plot border. The cornus will be pollarded or coppiced later in the month.
In the vegetable garden, it is time to make an early start and to sow under protection, radish and carrots such as 'Nantes 2' or Carrot 'Adelaide' F1 Hybrid. Tomatoes to be grown this year are ‘Crimson Crush’, ‘Nagina’ and ‘Buffalosun’, all reputedly blight resistant. Seedlings are pricked out into 9cm (3.5 inch) pots and kept on a warm window sill after seed germination in a heated propagator. Sprouts, cabbages and cauliflowers are grown-on in the greenhouse after germination in a propagator; potatoes are chitting in light, cool, frost-free conditions.
Keeping the soil in good health is important in the garden and even more so on the allotment; vegetable flavour comes from the soil so it's worth putting in the effort. When the soil isn't too wet or frozen, tidy up vegetable beds to get rid of weeds and the remains of last year's crops and other debris. Cloches provide useful protection for early crops.
If starting a new garden or reimagining your garden this spring, here is a list of some easy, low maintenance flowering plants I have grown successfully that may be considered. I do not include the likes of sweet peas that require a lot of work, not least in enriching soil, tying-in plants to supports and picking flowers every few days.
The list follows: aster, perennial autumn flowering; honeysuckle a climber; annual and perennial poppy; cat mint Nepeta, provides the effect of lavender without the effort; globe thistle Echinops, in white or blue, a bee magnet; hardy geraniums in the range of pinks, blues and whites; lupins covering a rainbow of flower colours (they are perennial but I treat them as annuals); daffodils, consider position as they die-back disgracefully needing six weeks before fading foliage can be removed; alliums, I have ‘Christpohii’ and Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'; Peruvian Lilies Alstroemeria, I would not be without Alstroemeria 'Apollo', pull out faded flower stems, don't cut them out; English lavender, hates
sitting in wet ground, I prune hard back after flowering; roses in a range of types and colours are indispensable in any garden; hydrangea, in my garden Hydrangea paniculata, is grown in pots; Verbena bonariensis, a tall, short-lived perennial will self-seed; Stonecrop, until recently called Sedum now Hylotelephium, popular for late-summer flowers; biennial foxglove will self-seed, I have the white form; hollyhock Alcea, blooms in a wide range of colours, flowering from early summer to autumn; spider flower Cleome houtteana, tall, upright annual with strongly scented, white, pink or purple flowers; cosmos, easy to grow annual with feathery leaves and saucer-like, white, pink, red, orange or yellow flowers. I grow white cosmos ‘purity’ and perennial chocolate cosmos Cosmos atrosanguineus that needs lifting and storing frost free in winter; salvia covers a range of hardy, halfhardy and tender plants, I have Salvia ‘Amistad’ purple, Salvia patens 'Cambridge Blue' frost tender and treated as an annual and red flowered, cold hardy to -5°C Salvia ‘Royal Bumble’.
Small trees, as previously covered, and shrubs are important to provide structure in the garden too.
Happy Gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
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Visit www.theauroragroup.co.uk/careers or Scan QR Code.
Rewarding work that changes lives
Royston & District Community Transport
www.roytrans.co.uk
Royston and District Community Transport is a charity operating in Meldreth. We have volunteer drivers who use their own cars to ‘take you where you need to go’.
The service is available to anyone over 60 and those with mobility problems and unable to use public transport. There is a mileage cost to cover driver’s expenses of 60p per mile, with a minimum charge of £6.
The service is door-to-door, with the driver waiting for you, unless the appointment is over two hours. This happens often for the eye clinic and day procedures etc, needing a double run with the driver returning to pick you up at your request.
The majority of our journeys are health related, for instance to hospital, doctors and dentists. Depending on driver availability, we can usually offer other journeys too, for example to hairdressers or barbers, for shopping and possibly social occasions.
We ask for at least two days’ notice to enable us to find a suitable driver. For more information, or to book a journey, please contact our office on (01763) 245228.
Drivers Wanted
Although we cover the majority of journey requests, we always need volunteers to give flexibility and greater coverage. As a volunteer you would need to let us know your availability. Some drivers can only assist us on certain days or just one day, but any additional help is always welcome.
We ask for at least a mid-size four-door car, as many of our passengers have difficulty getting into and out of vehicles. We would also check that you can accommodate a wheelchair or walker aid. You would receive 50p per mile, which is the current mileage allowance under HMRC rules, with the mileage charge starting from your home.
If you can offer us some of your time please contact our office on (01763) 245228.
Ron Comben RDCT Communications Officer
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Over 720 pages on Meldreth, past and present
Speed Monitor Data from Meldreth Speed Indicator Devices
Speed Monitor on Fenny Lane
Evaluation time: 10th November to 21st December 2024. The speed limit is 30mph.
Vehicles travelling from Donkey Hall crossroads towards the Stocks
Vehicles travelling from the Stocks towards Donkey Hall crossroads
Speed Monitor on Whitecroft Road
Evaluation time: 10th November 2024 to 6th January 2025. The speed limit is 30mph.
Vehicles travelling from Donkey Hall crossroads towards the monitor
Vehicles travelling towards Donkey Hall crossroads
Please note, a lot of traffic on Fenny Lane travelling towards the Stocks will be slowing down to turn into Meldreth Manor School and on Whitecroft Road much traffic will have just manoeuvred into Whitecroft Road from the crossroads and therefore on average was travelling appreciably slower.
Working Group
Meldreth Village Dia
For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
9.00-10.00am FS Training
10.00-11.00am F Fitness
10.00-12.00 History Grp
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
1.00-3.00pm Hope Active, Community Room, Elin Way (see back cover)
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
9.00-10.00am FS Training
10.00-11.00am F. Fitness
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
6.30-8.00pm Guides
9.00-10.00am FS Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.00-10.00am FS Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00am-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance
5.00-6.15pm Rainbows
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
Half term is from 17th-21st February
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TPoint Pilates
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
10.00-1.15pm H
10.30am-3.30pm
9.00am-12.00 Food Bank
12.00-3.00pm Village Hub
1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics
7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.30-11.30am B&T Group
1.30-2.45pm LO Choir
6.00-7.30pm Brownies
6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise
7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
12.00-3.00pm V 2.30-3.30pm To 4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm TP
7.00-9.00pm Ta 7.30pm Parish C
10.00-1.15pm H 10.30am-3.30pm
12.00-3.00pm V
2.30-3.30pm To 4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates
7.00-9.00pm Ta
10.30am-3.30pm
2.30-3.30pm To 6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates
7.00-9.00pm Ta
7.30pm FOHT Trinity Church (See page 11)
10.00-1.15pm H
10.30am-3.30pm
2.30-3.30pm To
4.00-5.00 Acro
6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates
3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27
6.30-8.00pm Guides
8.00pm Melwood AGM
(see page 13)
7.00-9.00pm Ta
Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Ch Bank & Village Hub are in the Community Room in Elin Way. Wise Local Crafters meet at Etern
hurch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food nit Sports & Social Club. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
In Praise Of … Mangoes
Mangoes are grown in many tropical and sub-tropical regions and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They can be round, oval, kidney-shaped or egg-shaped, with yellow, green, red or purple-flushed skin. Their stones can be large or small, their skin can be thin or thick, and their flesh yellow or orange, with varying degrees of fibrousness. Mangoes should be kept at room temperature, rather than chilled, to maximise their flavour.
Coronation Chicken Sandwich
Prepare overnight and cook for 10 to 30 minutes. Serves 2 to 4.
Ingredients
125ml milk or buttermilk
1 heaped tbsp mild curry powder, plus extra for seasoning
4 chicken thighs, bones and skin removed
125g fine semolina
65g corn starch
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
100ml mayonnaise
¼ lemon, zest and juice
½ tbsp hot chilli jam
25g flaked almonds
5cm piece cucumber
¼ mango, peeled and finely sliced
A few coriander sprigs, leaves
4-8 slices white or brown bread
To marinade the chicken, put the milk and curry powder into a bowl, add a generous pinch of salt and mix well. Cut each thigh into three equal pieces and add to milk mixture. Cover and set aside in the fridge to marinade, ideally for 24 hours. In a medium bowl, mix the semolina and flour then season with salt and pepper. Set your deep fat fryer to 170°C, or shallow fry.
Remove the chicken chunks from the marinade and coat in the flour mix, knocking off any excess. Carefully drop into the hot oil and deep fry for 5 minutes until golden, then drain well on kitchen roll. Sprinkle with the curry powder.
To make the chilli mayonnaise, mix mayonnaise with lemon zest and juice, chilli jam and a pinch of salt into a medium-sized bowl and combine everything evenly.
Preheat the oven to 150°/170°C, Fan/Gas 3½. Put the flaked almonds on a baking tray and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can do this in a dry frying pan but just keep a close eye as they can burn easily.
Halve the cucumber lengthways then slice into thin semi-circles. Take two slices of the bread and spread generously with the chilli mayonnaise. Divide the chicken between the slices then layer on the sliced mango, cucumber, almonds and coriander. Spread the rest of the mayonnaise over the remaining bread slices and top the sandwiches, mayonnaise side down.
Charred Mango Salad
Prepare less than 30 minutes. Cook 10-30 minutes. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1 large ripe mango
1 red onion, thinly sliced
100ml of apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp caster sugar
250g pouch pre-cooked basmati & wild rice
Method
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Large handful chopped coriander
100g roasted and chopped cashews
Start by charring the mango. Either put it under a grill and watch it carefully, moving it as it chars, or use tongs to hold it directly over the flame of a gas hob, turning it as the skin blackens. Alternatively, use a blowtorch.
As soon as the skin is completely blackened, set the mango aside to cool. Add the red onion, apple cider vinegar and caster sugar to a small pan and place over a high heat. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes, then take off the heat.
Drain the red onions, reserving the liquid in a jar or bottle so it can be used as a pickling liquor for other recipes.
Chop the mango – flesh, skin and all – into cubes and place into a bowl. Add the cooked red onion. Heat the rice following the packet instructions, then add to the bowl with the mango. Sprinkle in the chilli powder and ground cumin and mix through. Stir in the coriander and the cashews, then serve.
Jane O’Hagan
MM is Available in Colour Online
To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters
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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 any future event or activity please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Throughout February & until Wednesday 16th April, 2025, 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm) From Snowdrops to Daffodils
Chippenham Park, Ely near Newmarket CB7 5PT
Start the year with their famous winter snowdrop walk with an amazing display of aconites, hellebores and, of course, snowdrops. Winter doesn’t have to be grey! Entry £10 adults, £3 children 5-16. RHS members free on weekdays. Cash only on the gate and in the Potting Shed tea room.
Wednesday 5th February, 10.30am to 12.30pm
The House, The Horse & the Holes in the Ground
Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB 3AE
Join a stroll around Wandlebury Country Park and discover some of its fascinating history from an Iron Age hill fort to the 18th century country estate and stables. Free but donations welcome. Meet at car park noticeboard. Book on www.cambridgeppf.org, or just turn up.
Saturday 8th February, 2.30pm to 8.30pm World Food Festival 2025
St Paul’s Church & Community Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1JP
Taste different global foods, arts and crafts for all ages, raffle, children’s art competition, DJ music and more. Free entry, ticket from: bit.ly/4f1v2Sa.
One of the Reserve’s regular, themed, guided walks. Always something exciting to see with the change of seasons. Around 2 to 3 miles in length, mainly on gravel paths or grass. Bring binoculars if you have them or contact us in advance to borrow a pair. £10 per adult, Members £8. Booking essential on www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2025-02-10-monthly-meander.
Wednesday 12th February to Sunday 16th March, normal opening times
Clothed in Glory, by the Community of the Sisters of the Church Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
A unique exhibition of exquisite church embroidery from 1876 to the 1960s. Admission included with Cathedral visitor ticket or pass. www.elycathedral.org.
Friday 14th February, 3.00pm to 3.45pm
From Darwin to Dodos: Cambridge Museum of Zoology
David Attenborough Building, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Uncover the fascinating stories behind the Museum’s collections, from the beetles of Charles Darwin to the tale of the fin whale. This expert, guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. Book your free place via: www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Saturday 15th February, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Health Action Day, Royston Leisure Centre
Woodcock Road, Royston SG8 7XT
Free health checks, wellbeing advice and support plus chance to join in fitness sessions. Learn about what’s available locally to keep you healthier and active.
Sunday 16th February, 3.00pm - 4.50pm
Afternoon of Film Music with Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH
The orchestra will take you on a tour of some of the greatest films ever made and some of the finest composers ever to write for the silver screen. Book early on: www.saffronhall.com. Tickets from £18. Not recommended for children under seven years old; no children under five will be admitted.
Friday 21st February to Sunday 1st June, normal museum opening hours
Discover the history of the fight to end transatlantic slavery through the stories of the people, communities and anti-slavery movements who campaigned for abolition. Tickets available soon from: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Look behind the scenes at what it takes to restore, maintain and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of veteran and vintage vehicles and aircraft. There will also be a fantastic range of demonstrations, talks and STEM activities for all ages. Tickets £20 adult, £17 member from www.shuttleworth.org.
Tuesday 25th February, 12.15pm to 2.15pm
Home-Start Literary Lunch Bull Inn, High Street, Royston SG8 9AW
Distinguished author and historian Clare Mulley in conversation with host Sarah Harrison about Clare’s latest book ‘Agent Zo’, the remarkable biography of a Polish WWII resistance fighter. A wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, ask questions, and perhaps even discover your next great read! Tickets £15, to include buffet lunch, from: www.hsrsc.org.uk or telephone (01763) 262262.
Tuesday 25thFebruary, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Swifts, Masters of the Sky (organised by Friends of Therfield Heath) Royston Town Hall, Melbourn Street, Royston SG8 7BZ
Clive Fleming from Hertford Swift Group will talk about these extraordinary birds and efforts being made to help their declining numbers recover. Admission £5 (£4 members of the Friends or Royston Wildlife Group).
Compiled by John Crawforth
Things for Children and Families To Do in February
Family friendly sessions 5.00pm - 8.00pm (Weds, Sat)
Life by Luxmuralis at Ely Cathedral, CB7 4DL
A breathtaking sound and light show which takes you through a single day on our planet, inviting you to reflect on the beauty of the planet and humanity’s impact on it. Tickets - adults £10, children £6 from: www.elycathedral.org.
Thursday 13th February, 6.30 - 9.00pm
Museum Late: Glenn Ligon ‘All Over the Place’ Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Enjoy a lively evening of art, music, fashion and conversation. View the Glenn Ligon exhibition, join a workshop or talk. Refreshments provided. For adults and young adults. Free but book on: www.tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.
Saturday 15th February, 2.30 - 3.30pm
Children’s Craft Drop-in
Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard, Cambridge CB2 3QD
A friendly, relaxed creative session for children aged 4 - 11 (with parents). Part of the Cambridge Arts Festival. No need to book.
Half Term History Makers, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Join characters from the past for fun and games inspired by history. Free event but admission charge for non members. See: www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Saturday 15th February - Sunday 2nd March, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Photofinders Trail, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP
Pick up a trail sheet and seek out all the photo locations, trying some of the photo challenges. Free event but admission charges for non members. Check the boardwalk is open if the weather is frosty: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
See the National Trust website for details of other February events at Wicken Fen, including Beetleantics, Make a bird feeder, owl pellet dissection and mucky pups.
Holiday Bushcraft, Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge CB22 3AE
Outdoor activities such as shelter building, knots, whittling, cooking, crafts and games for ages 5 - 12 years. £45 per day. See: www.wildthymeandembers.co.uk.
Sunday 23rd February, 11.30am or 2.00pm
Neon Sun Roller Circus, Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX
Tricks and stunts on the roller rink with a blaze of neon lights and (loud) music. Street culture meets circus. For ages 7+. £15 adults, £11 children. See: www.junction.co.uk.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group Needs Your Help
As the only community group that runs within the Village Hall, we are desperately looking for a volunteer or volunteers to take over the running of this group, every Wednesday term time only from the end of February. If no one can be found, then unfortunately the group will have to close.
If you are available between 9.00 and 11.30am on Wednesday morning during term time and are interested in helping, please email NannaT2020@outlook.com for more information.
Tracy Wedd Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group
Make Praise and Story
We have been running a monthly after-school club at Meldreth Primary School called Make Praise & Story. We meet for an hour on the second Thursday of the month, at 3.10pm. In November we talked about Remembrance and Remembering, in December we heard about the First Christmas and in January we heard about the visit of The Three Kings to Jesus.
We usually make a poster to go into Holy Trinity Church and the children make a craft item to take home. They have taken home nativity pebbles, an epiphany plate and elephants with the saying ‘An elephant never forgets’. You can see their large cards in Holy Trinity Church Meldreth.
We look forward to continuing with this club and thank everyone at Meldreth Primary School, who make us most welcome and take the bookings using their school system.
Pat Smith
Reader/Licensed Lay Minister Holy Trinity & All Saints Churches
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
February at Melbourn Hub
We’ve had a busy January at Melbourn Hub, providing a warm and welcoming place for our customers to spend time during a very cold month! In our recent customer survey, it was the Hub’s friendly atmosphere that our customers commented on the most and 99% of our customers said they would recommend us to others! If you haven’t been to the Hub yet, come along and give us a try.
In February all our usual community events and services are running as normal. The cafe is open Monday to Saturday and the library is open from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on weekdays and 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays. As well as our usual menu, we offer a range of daily specials, cakes and pastries. If you’re looking for catering for an event or party, we also offer great-value buffets. Our artist of the month in February will be Clare Collins. You can find out more about all we offer at: www.melbournhub.co.uk.
What’s On This Month
Special for February: Thursday 6th February - Healthy You
Free health checks for those eligible. You can self refer by calling Healthy You’s contact centre on 0333 005 0093 or find out more details via their website: https://healthyyou.org.uk.
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club
A weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others, over a two course subsidised, meal. Lunch Club is currently full but if you would like to join our waiting list, please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice – 9.30am -11.30am
No need to book, just drop-in! Citizens Advice offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings for you so please contact Citizens Advice directly on 07469 517912.
Every Friday - Relate Counselling – 9.00am-12.00pm
Offering relationship, autism and personal counselling. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings. To book a session, please telephone Relate on (01302) 347886 or email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk. Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings.
Every Friday – Storytime – 10.00am - 10.30am
Offering stories and songs for the under 5’s. No need to book.
Don’t forget you can always see the full range of events and services we offer by visiting our website: www.melbournhub.co.uk
Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub
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Meldreth Parish Council
www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 2nd January 2025
This Parish Council meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points 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.
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 35 to 37. Questions arising from their report and requests for further information on local issues can be raised directly with our District and County representatives.
Village Traffic
We are waiting to hear the next steps for implementing the 20mph proposal. The Traffic Working Group is considering other measures to calm traffic and intends to focus on areas of danger outside the proposed 20mph area, in particular the crossroads junction at Kneesworth Road/Fenny Lane/Whitecroft Road and the general issue of speeding in Whitecroft Road in both directions beyond the planned 20mph boundary. The Council will be employing a Highways adviser from the County to help us identify the best measures. The issues of speeding and junction safety are connected and it is likely that we will initially favour solutions that are of relatively low complexity, namely signage and white-lining, and capable of earlier implementation than a more complex scheme that would involve speed bumps or chicanes.
Community Rail Partnership
We have not yet received any response to the request to Network Rail for more information about the actions being proposed or taken regarding the change in barrier style at Shepreth level crossing.
Village Maintenance
The Council hopes to accelerate the process of repairs to village infrastructure including bus shelters and signs, following the clearance of the recreation ground ditch and the gutter repairs at the pavilion.
Finance Issues
Precept 2025-26: the Council decided to ask for an increase in our Precept from £70,000 per annum to £72,000 for the year 2025-2026, an increase of 2.9%. It is anticipated that exceptional expenditure in 2025-2026 can be met from the Council’s other sources.
Recreation Ground Issues
A primary issue at present is to clarify with SCDC S106 officers how our S106 funds can best be allocated to our current needs and plans. A meeting with SCDC will be arranged to better understand how funds can be employed.
Parish Burial Ground
The Council confirmed its intention to tidy certain graves and other areas that have become overgrown, and to maintain these in good order in the future. The water supply to the burial ground has been turned off following the discovery of a leak which will require professional attention. It was decided to defer repair in view of winter weather conditions.
Parish Clerk
Due to illness, our Parish Clerk continues to remain on long-term absence. Parish Councillors are covering all the Council duties so please continue communicating with us via the normal channels (telephone, email etc.) even if our response times may be slower than usual.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting will be on Thursday 6th February 2025 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room.
Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
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
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Meldreth
District and County Councillor Report
Path from Meldreth Station to Melbourn
We have been asked why there is an un-tarmacked (and currently muddy) section of path alongside the tarmac. The new path has ‘bridleway’ status, in response to interest from equestrians and this section accommodates that.
Frozen Green Waste Bins
At this time of year, there is a risk that the contents of green bins can freeze and stick to the inside, preventing the bins from being emptied properly. The District Council’s web pages on bins and recycling contain some advice on how to minimise the risk of your bin freezing.
Speed Cameras
The Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways & Transport Committee has been asked about whether the council might consider the introduction of more speed cameras; this produced an interesting answer. In a discussion about Cambridgeshire’s ‘Vision Zero’, whose the aim to reduce to zero the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, a Councillor pointed out how few speed cameras there are in Cambridgeshire compared with, for example, Staffordshire. The answer from the road safety manager focused on the cost but another factor was that ‘there have to be the appropriate available court slots to deal with anybody committing speeding offences’. Increasing enforcement could lead to people ‘falling through the cracks’ as there would simply not be space to ‘push them through’ the court system and this was ‘a bigger problem to solve’ than the cost.
£2 Bus Fare
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has decided not to increase the current bus fare cap of £2 per journey. This comes despite the decision of the Government nationally to increase the fare cap to £3, and will be welcomed by many bus passengers. The new Tiger on Demand bus service, which replaces the Ting demand responsive service in the west of Huntingdonshire, will soon be coming to East Cambridgeshire and opening up public transport opportunities for many village residents there. There has been interest in South Cambridgeshire too and we are hopeful the same opportunity may come our way.
£10 million for Road Maintenance
The Government has announced how much each council area will receive for highways capital maintenance for 2025/26. For the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area, it is £10 million, with a quarter of that amount to be held back until the respective councils have proved they will meet certain, still to be announced, criteria. £10 million sounds a lot, but the Government may hold back 25% of it; it includes Peterborough as well as Cambridgeshire and in Cambridgeshire alone, the backlog of highways maintenance is around £600 million. Better than nothing, then, but a long way from what we need.
Non-Recycled Waste
A recent article in the Guardian newspaper reported that 87% of Cambridgeshire’s non-recyclable waste goes to landfill, second only to Essex. The council commented: “Our first priority is to reduce, re-use and to recycle as much as possible, as there are limited methods available to treat the waste that is left over in the short-medium term. We are actively working with both our waste contractor as well as Central Government, to try and find the best long-term solution to manage the county’s waste.”
It is important to note that all blue bin mixed dry recycling collected from Cambridgeshire households and household recycling centres is recycled and all food and garden waste collected from households is composted. Where legislation prohibits sending waste to landfill, the council is in full compliance and where possible, black bag waste is treated using energy recovery or mechanical biological treatment to divert as much as possible from landfill. The whole waste industry and legislative framework is currently going through a period of significant change. The council is awaiting detailed guidance from Government to inform its long-term waste strategy.
Council Tax Increase for Vacant Properties
From April 2026, Council Tax will be doubled on long-term vacant properties in South Cambridgeshire as an incentive to bring the estimated 2,600 empty properties in the district into use. Exemptions exist for properties that are on the market, subject to probate, or are under renovation. This approach has been used successfully by other councils to bring properties back into use and is expected to help address the high demand for housing in the district. It is estimated that the change will generate an additional £100,000 a year in income for South Cambridgeshire which will help support vital frontline services.
Herbert Protocol
Have you heard of it? It’s a scheme the Police support that can help find people with dementia if they go missing. It encourages family and friends to keep a document that will help officers in the event a loved one goes missing, by collating key pieces of information, such as a physical description, familiar places, health details and an up-to-date photograph. Feel free to share this and help spread the word about this important scheme. Keeping a completed form means you don’t have to try to remember the information when you are under stress if someone goes missing. And it saves time, so the Police can start the search sooner. For more information, please search: Cambridgeshire Constabulary Herbert Protocol.
Campaign – Support for Young Carers
The Digital Poverty Alliance wants to make more people aware of the support on offer to equip young carers with digital access and skills. The Alliance is not reaching everyone who could benefit so we are sharing this information and asking Parish Councillors to contact people in their communities who they think could be supported. More information is available at the Digital Poverty Alliance website.
Help for People Working with Health Problems
The District Council has worked in partnership with neighbouring councils to launch a free programme called WorkWell, which offers help to anyone struggling to find or keep a job due to health problems. This is a valuable initiative that seeks to improve the lives of those affected, to work with the wider community to understand and overcome the barriers involved and to help boost our local economy.
Zoom Cuppa on Monday Afternoons
We offer a Zoom Cuppa drop-in surgery on Mondays, from 5.00pm-6.00pm, or get in touch with us by telephone or email. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns and we will do our best to help.
Sally Ann Hart, Jose Hales and Susan van de Ven
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
Moorlands Court
Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely? Why not try our Day Centre?
Meet up for a chat and lunch?
Our Day Centre is comfortable, friendly and easily accessed.
Open Tuesday to Friday every week.
Transport can be arranged.
Why not give us a call?
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
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Take Charge and Be Safe
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen an increase in fires involving lithiumion batteries over the last few years. Many devices, including mobile phones, laptops and games console controllers, have these batteries as do cordless tools and garden machinery, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries can heat up and cause a fire if not used correctly.
You can take charge and be safe by following a few simple tips:
Charge batteries when you are awake and alert
Only use the battery, charger and cables supplied by the manufacturer
Before you go to bed, check that anything still charging is switched off
Do not overload sockets
Do not charge e-bikes and e-scooters in escape routes.
Lithium-ion batteries can be a fire hazard if they are not disposed of properly. They should never be put in household rubbish or recycling bins. During the processing of waste or recycling, a battery can be compacted and damaged, which can lead to ignition of the highly reactive lithium, leading to a fire. Any kind of battery can cause a fire if not disposed of correctly and safely. This includes vapes or other e-cigarettes as well as standard batteries.
Fires involving batteries cause damage to refuse vehicles and roads, as well as significant delays to bin collections and road closures.
How to Dispose of Batteries
There are many places to safely dispose of batteries. As well as local recycling centres, many shops around the county have collection bins in-store. Batteries can be recycled at One Stop in Meldreth. For other collection points, visit either www.recyclenow.com or www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.
Help Keep Your Home and Family Fire Safe
You can carry out your own home fire safety check online by visiting the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service website. The online home safety check helps you carry out your own fire risk assessment and is a simple way to help reduce risks and keep your home safe from fire. It takes you through some simple questions about you and your home and then provides an action plan that you can download and print. You can fill it in for yourself or a member of your family that might need help. Visit https://bit.ly/Home_Safety_Check to find out more and start your online home safety check.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
There were no minutes available from recent meetings. Planning meeting minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Planning Authority Decisions
37 North End, Meldreth 24/03695/FUL and 24/03696/LBC
Permission granted for the conversion of a redundant barn to ancillary residential accommodation.
128 High Street, Meldreth 25/0017/TTCA
Belated five-day notice for T2 Beech that failed during a storm in November 2024. Permission granted for tree works.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
Meldreth Bus Services
17 Bus Service
This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston. 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.
26 Bus Service
Operated by A2B, the core service runs Mondays to Saturdays via Melbourn, Foxton/Fowlmere, Harston and Trumpington Park and Ride en route to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. All fares are £2 per journey. The 10.53am service from Royston Tesco will now stop at the Stocks in Meldreth at 11.18am and then in Shepreth High Street at 11.22am, arriving in Cambridge at 12.05pm. The return service leaves Drummer Street Bus Station at 2.40pm, arriving at the stocks in Meldreth at 3.26pm. The bus will stop on request at other Meldreth bus stops in addition to the one at the Stocks. For more information on this service visit a2bbusandcoach.com or call the A2B free telephone number 0800 001 6255. Susan van de Ven County Councillor
Village Directory
Litter Picker
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Laura Elvin—(01763) 261084 meldrethnhw@gmail.com
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Village Hall Chairman Andrew Young—07572 553647
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
U3A
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
Table Tennis
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
Christine Knight—(01763) 261676
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk
Churches Together
Baby & Toddler Group
Brownies (1st Meldreth)
Guides (1st Meldreth)
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Julia Moore—07403 462198
Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com
Email: 1stmeldrethguides@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 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/
County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ MP Pippa Heylings; Pippa.heylings.mp@parliament.uk
Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7.00-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm
Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline www.thetrainline.com
Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge
Potholes, problems,Highways etc.
Streetlights (faulty)
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212
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.
Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 805000 or (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Meldreth Food Bank Jo—07572 443522
Meldreth Village Hub Helen Meridew—07787 734973
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112
Gas 0800 111 999
Electricity 0800 783 8838
Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk
Cambridge 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
Royston Taxis (01763) 0250811
For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.
Advertising Rates
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Index to Advertisers
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TheMeldrethMattersTeam
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 Assistants: Robin Farbridge, David Marsh; Distribution: Sharon Dunford 07415 171295 Founder: Ann Barnes
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