Meldreth Matters, January 2015

January 2015

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Meldreth Matters, January 2015 Contents include … January Events in Meldreth Melwood Poppy Appeal Christmas Tree Festival Carols at the British Queen Letter to the Editor Friends of Holy Trinity General Election 2015 Good Companions & WI Women’s Group SPEP Pre-School Primary School A10 Cycling Campaign County Councillor’s Surgery Rail Travel Superfast Broadband Volunteering Parish Council Photographic Club Gardening Melbourn Sports Centre Photo of the Month District Councillor’s Report Planning Matters Pre-School Race Night Local Events Fitzwilliam Museum News East Anglian Air Ambulance Local Links Index to Advertisers Local Telephone Numbers

Page 3 4-5 6 7 8 8 10-11 12 14 15 16 19 20-21 22 22 23 25 26-27 31-35 37 38-39 39 40 42-43 44-45 46 48-49 51 53 54 55 56

Welcome to the January issue of Meldreth Matters. On behalf of the Meldreth Matters team, I would like to wish all of our readers, contributors and advertisers a very Happy New Year. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try something new, then take a look at the volunteering opportunities on pages 26-27 or perhaps attend one of the local events featured on pages 48-51. One of the things that 2015 has in store for us is a General Election. This month, we have the first of a series of profiles on local candidates. Turn to page 12 to read more about Heidi Allen, the Conservative candidate who is replacing the retiring Andrew Lansley. Kathryn

Cover: Holy Trinity Church in winter - 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 or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers: Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions” All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

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January Events in Meldreth To see your events listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Saturday 3rd January 10.30am-12 noon Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way At the Coffee Break morning, coffee, tea and biscuits will be served at very reasonable prices. There will also be a ‘Bring and Buy’ cake stall. We look forward to seeing you there. Marion Long (01763) 261365

Saturday 17th January 7.00 for 7.30pm FOHT Supper Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room tickets in advance only Please see page 10 for further details

Friday 30th January 7.00 for 7.30pm Meldreth Tennis Club Quiz Village Hall See back page for further information 3

Melwood: a Review of 2014 Much of the hard work in creating a small local nature reserve in Melwood is now complete. In 2015, we will complete our five-year management plan and we must now consider the next five years. Conservation of habitats is often a slow process but some tasks recur each year. Cutting the meadow, control of scrub and management of invasive species such as nettle and ivy will continue, along with routine tasks such as cleaning and repairing nest boxes and strimming taller growth in the wood. 2014 started much as every year, with an excellent show of snowdrops. Although a few plants responded to a remarkably mild winter, the peak blooming was during the first two weeks of February, not much different from usual. The birds, on the other hand, were already in spring mood by this Snowdrops in Melwood - photograph by Tim Gane time and our scheduled cleaning of the nest boxes in early February was cancelled, when we observed that many were already occupied. The BTO advised us that they would probably do the cleaning themselves. Nonetheless, we decided to bring cleaning forward to December in 2014 and found that far fewer boxes had been used than in 2013. Sallow and barberry bushes at the side of the meadow are making good progress and should be contributing pussy willow catkins and hanging clusters of yellow flowers respectively in the next few years. Controlling the nettles around these bushes remains one of the summer’s more uncomfortable jobs. The new hedge planted along the eastern side of the wood continues to make slow progress and is still at risk from deer and rabbits. More work will be needed to encourage the establishment of the new hedge. The adjacent dead hedge needed repair in the autumn but should maintain the border until the new bushes mature. 4

During the year, a number of old and tired-looking hawthorns were coppiced in order to encourage new young growth. This improved light to the floor of the wood in an area that had previously had nothing but ivy covering the ground. A brush cutter was used to break up the ivy in large parts of this area and by clearing the cuttings, some bare soil was exposed that could benefit seed germination. We hope to see an increase in woodland flowers in this area. The oxlips that were planted, in some cases more than five years ago, continue to flourish but sadly produce little seed, as the flowers get eaten by rabbits. Where plants were specifically protected, it was possible to collect seed and plant young seedlings back into the wood in 2013. In 2014, these showed themselves to be a remarkable mixture of hybrids between oxlip and cowslip and oxlip with primrose. The latter produce bigger and showier blooms, for which we can thank some very busy bees. Dusky cranesbill and nettle-leaved bellflower did well in 2014, plants appearing and blooming in areas well away from where previously introduced. Enchanter’s nightshade is a new species for the wood, which has found its own way in but must be watched, as it is possibly invasive. Butterflies had a good year in Britain as a whole in 2014, thanks to some well-timed warm and sunny weather. Melwood meadow reflected this and resident species such as Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Green-veined white and Orange tip all fared well with flowers to feed on when needed. Field Cranesbill is making Meadow Brown butterfly: an impressive carpet of blue in the photograph by Jim Reid summer but needs to be watched, as it is becoming increasingly dominant and it would be a shame if it smothered the other main summer bloom – musk mallow. Dock and nettle continue to need control measures. Expansion of the range of flowering plants remains a key objective, as this will lead to expansion of pollinating insect for the benefit of gardens and crops alike. Flower meadows remain the most threatened habitat in South Cambridgeshire. Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group For more information on Melwood Conservation Group, visit our website at www.melwood .btck.co.uk. 5

Meldreth Poppy Appeal 2014 I would like to thank the residents, collectors and local businesses for their support and generous donations to our 2014 appeal. Our appeal raised £1955.10 which was up on last year's total of £1659.62. On Remembrance Sunday, wreaths were laid on the War Memorial by Councillor J Fenner on behalf of Meldreth Residents, followed by Mrs A Neaves for the Women’s Section of the Melbourn and District Royal British Legion Branch and Councillor J Fallon for Meldreth United Football Club. Sprays of poppies were laid by Meldreth Brownies and pupils from Meldreth Primary School. This was followed by a short Act of Remembrance, which was attended by a large turnout of local residents, the brownie pack, primary school pupils and the Women’s Royal British Legion Branch. Thanks to Reverend Andrew O'Brien for taking the service, to Mr John Price for directing the traffic, Mr Steve Hawkins for supplying the sound system and finally to Richard Remnant for clearing the memorial triangle prior to the day. I would like to thank Anne Handscombe and my wife Eve who have retired after more than 25 years of knocking on doors. Thanks to Meldreth Matters for publishing my request for new collectors. This plea was answered by Janet Pilkington, Sarah Westbrooke, Julie Hardy, Cliff Hardy and Stephen Hobbiger. It is with great regret that Christine Lindsell has joined the Poppy Appeal Team above. Finally this was my last year as Poppy Appeal Organiser for Meldreth. Once again thank you Meldreth. John Chamberlain Meldreth Poppy Appeal Organiser 6

Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival The Committee of the Christmas Tree Festival would like to thank all the people who helped make this year’s festival such a success. The number of people involved runs to several dozen and help is given in so many different ways … providing cake and soup, helping over the weekend, bringing and decorating trees, helping set up and clear up. It is impossible to mention them all.

Some of the trees at the Festival. Photograph by Malcolm Woods

This year the Church looked particularly beautiful and a huge amount of thought and care had been put into the decoration of the trees. A great number of visitors came over the weekend and this led to a record sum being taken for the Church. As all visitors know, entry is free and funds are raised through the sale of cakes, preserves, crafts and refreshments while donations in our carboy were very generous this year attracting a further 25% of gift aid. Very many thanks again to everyone who helped. Also to all the people who came to the Church over the weekend, which makes all the effort worthwhile. A Christmas tree brooch was found whilst clearing up – it can be claimed by the owner by telephoning me on (01763) 263484. Anne Young 7

Carols at The British Queen Thank you to all who came and sang carols on 10th December! Thank you, too, to David for providing and setting up the keyboard and sound system - (not forgetting the roasted chestnuts); to Nicky, Tim and Keith for fortifying us with mulled pear and wine to keep out the winter chill. Thank you to Sue and Alan for again hosting the evening and for all they do for our village throughout the year . The collection this year was for Holy Trinity Church and raised ÂŁ167.67 towards the repair fund where essential work to the north wall of the nave is being carried out. Pauline Penfold

Letter to the Editor MADS Pantomime Thank you members of MADS for yet another entertaining pantomime; we enjoyed it very much. We all cheered, laughed and sang our way through the whole performance. It was summed up by our 8 year old grandson who said, "that was the best pantomime ever ... until next year." Happy New Year from Janet & Stephen Greeves and the three grandchildren who accompanied us

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Supper - Saturday 17th January 7.00pm: Reception with a glass of bubbly and light nibbles in the Church 7.30pm: Supper - in the Meeting Room Menu Tarragon chicken with creamy vegetables and side salad with dressing Pavlova with pineapple and ginger Coffee and Mints including wine or juice and also a table quiz Tickets cost £15.00, paid strictly in advance, and are available from: Robert Long - (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742 John Price - (01763) 260048

Forthcoming Events Saturday 28th February 2015 “The Future of the Past. Why Protect Heritage?” A talk by Peter Draper based on his experiences with the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and English Heritage April – Open Gardens – date to be agreed Friday 15th May - AGM John Price 10

Holy Trinity Church –Projects Church Heating All the re-rendering of the north wall of the nave has been completed and it will be lime washed when it is fully dry. The insulated underground heating pipes will come from the boiler in the store room and 200mm diameter holes have been diamond drilled in the 1-metre thick wall for two sets of pipes to enter the Church. Bell Restoration The Faculty (ecclesiastical planning approval) has been granted for this project and 72% of the cost has now been raised. An application for a major grant will be submitted this month. John Price

Holy Trinity Church Services Sunday 4th January 9.45am Family Communion Sunday 11th January 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 18th January 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 25th January 8.00am Holy Communion

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 20th January at 8.00pm at 85 North End Meldreth. Prayer requests are welcomed and treated in confidence. For more information please call me on (01763) 261365. Marion Long 11

General Election 2015 The General Election will take place on Thursday 7th May. Below is a profile on the Conservative candidate, Heidi Allen. Profiles on the other candidates will be included in future issues of Meldreth Matters. In October 2014, I was selected as the Conservative candidate for South Cambridgeshire, replacing Andrew Lansley MP who is retiring in 2015. Originally from a village in Yorkshire, I studied Astrophysics at university and for 18 years have worked in a variety of industries; the last six have been running my family’s manufacturing business. I am not a career politician; in fact it was the Tottenham riots of 2011 that spurred me into action. Quite simply, I felt I had to do something. As I began my parliamentary journey, I soon realised I didn’t want to be an MP just “anywhere”. I want to represent somewhere where my skills and experience will be useful and my understanding of village life, science, big and small business relevant. I’m excited by economic growth, but not at the cost of rural communities. South Cambridgeshire feels like somewhere that I will be able to make a difference. My husband Phil and I have just moved to the constituency, to Steeple Morden. If you would like to meet me, please do get in touch on 07718 287999 or email heidi-hi@heidisouthcambs.co.uk. Best wishes, Heidi Allen South Cambridgeshire Conservative PPC 07718 287999 www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk @heidiallen75 Editor’s Note: Heidi Allen will be the speaker at the Men’s Breakfast Meeting in Foxton on Saturday 17th January. Please see page 48 for details. 12

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Good Companions Our Christmas Party was held on Thursday 4th December at a Club member’s home. Mary Price held a lovely service and several carols were sung with great gusto. Games were played amidst much leg pulling and laughter and a buffet tea was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Mary and also to Ron for his very kind donation to the festivities. A big thank you to Larainne from all the members for making it such a pleasant and festive afternoon. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to come and join us in 2015. Our next meeting will be held on 15th January - venue to be confirmed. We’d like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful New Year. L. G. Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432

Meldreth WI Our last meeting of the year was, as usual, a lovely Christmas party. After a splendid buffet provided by all the members we were entertained by the Royston Ukulele Orchestra. What a lively group they were. Soon we were all singing along to carols, modern songs and songs from as far back as WW1. We finished our evening with our own rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. At our next meeting we have Joe Kennedy coming to tell us about the Blackbar Brewery, so do come and join us on Thursday 8th January in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. You will be made very welcome. We will begin planning next year's programme soon so watch this space. Kathleen Thompson 14

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small friendly group and we meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month (excepting December) at 7.45pm either in the Community Hall behind All Saints Church in Melbourn or in the Meeting Room attached to Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth. We are open to all women and usually either have a speaker or some in-house entertainment followed by coffee/tea and biscuits. We have no membership fees; just a charge of £1 on the night to cover expenses and an option to donate to the charity pot. Our meeting in January will be held in Melbourn on 27th and this will be our AGM where we will conduct the formal business of receiving reports, electing committee members and selecting a new charity to support for the year – please come with some suggestions. We usually manage this quickly and follow it with a bring and share supper, if you would like to come please contact me on (01763) 262575 to let me know and indicate what food you plan to bring. This will enable us to ensure there are enough seats set out. If you would like to know more please contact me, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955 or Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775. Pat Smith

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Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership The ‘Green Deal’ scheme, under which finance is available to fund energy generation and conservation measures has just announced that another £30 million is available to fund home improvements. Homeowners will be able to claim up to £1000 for two measures from an approved list, which includes a condensing mains gas boiler, secondary glazing, floor insulation and energy-efficient replacement doors. A further £500 is available for those who apply within 12 months of buying a new house. To be eligible, these improvements need to be recommended following a Green Deal Assessment, carried out by an approved provider who will assess the current energy performance of your home and indicate where improvements can be made. This survey has to be paid for, but £100 can be claimed back under this scheme and the savings which result could, of course, be substantial. This new tranche of money is likely to be snapped up quickly, so please look on https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures and make progress towards a cosier home and lower fuel bills. For those interested in solid wall insulation, South Cambridgeshire District Council have their own scheme, offering up to £6000 against the cost of this work. The Council also has attractive grants available for energy saving measures, generally in the private rented sector. Look on www.actiononenergy.net/ for more information. David Smith SPEP member for Meldreth

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Welcome back to a new year! We have seen a massive increase in numbers since we opened in September and we welcome the five new children starting with us this term. We will continue with our sounds of the week and looking at the community around us. We welcome parent carers to come and help in setting whether it be reading a story or playing a game or just general housekeeping. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for up to date information. We are running a raffle, which will take place in February and tickets will be sold from the Pre-School. There are lots of great prizes, so please look out for more information about upcoming ticket sales. We would like to say a big thank you to the following companies that provided donations and raffle prizes to us at the end of 2014: Shepreth Wildlife Park, Hotel Chocolat, Activity Superstore, Clarks Shoes, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Stagecoach, Yuma, Blue Tree Gifts, Country Homes, Wimpole, Clown Around, Cambridge Building Society and Norbury. We are a friendly village Pre-School offering a quality term time service at competitive rates in line with NEF funding. We take children from 2 years old and are now able to take funded two year olds. So pop along to the children's centre to see if you qualify for 15 hours of free childcare. You can find out more about our Pre-School by visiting our website www.meldrethpreschool.com. Meldreth Pre-School Meldreth Pre-School is holding a Race Night on Saturday 28th February to raise funds for the Pre-School Please see page 46 for details 19

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Meldreth School Peer Mediators Last summer we ran training for a group of our older children to support their development as peer mediators. Peer mediation is a form of peer support, something we know of at Meldreth School as a highly valued part of learning. We have a well-established School Council who make decisions about our school with Mrs Howard, the Headteacher. We also have an Anti-Bullying Council. During the training sessions the children reflected on what makes a good mediator and how their skills can be used to help other children resolve disputes. This approach links seamlessly into our No Blame culture. They also considered situations when they would need to involve an adult to help them. All our peer mediators have clear rules to follow and report to Mrs Hiscock, Mrs Pedge and Mrs Samways. Training was challenging and thought provoking and we were very proud that the children understood the significance of their roles. They truly earned the chocolate treats!

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We have been up and running for just over a half term, so how’s it going? ‘I like being a peer mediator. I help solve problems with little kids and make them happy. I also like being a role model because people come to you to solve their problems. I like the fact that we have purple t-shirts so they can find us.’ ‘Being a peer mediator is different than what you might think. You would think it’s about sitting in a room and waiting for someone to come in and speak about their problems. But we actually play outside and get told when someone has a problem. I like being a peer mediator because I’m a role model to the other children in school. I like my role because people trust us more.’ ‘There are far fewer issues for us to deal with at lunchtime. The peer mediators are able to help resolve many of the low level disagreements and disputes in a supportive and positive manner. They handle it very well indeed.’ Our peer mediators are having a very positive effect on our school community. They have enthusiastically taken on their new roles and show great skill in handling a range of situations. Well done to them all. Kate Samways

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A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign

The next meeting of the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign takes place at Sagentia, Harston Mill on 29th January, with doors opening at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. We always finish promptly at 9.00pm. This should be a particularly interesting meeting as we are at the juncture of arguing the case for City Deal cycle network funding to be applied comprehensively to the A10 Cambridge-Royston corridor. Please do come along if you can. If you feel strongly one way or the other this will be a good chance to add your views. Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

County Councillor’s Surgery I hold a drop-in advice surgery at the Melbourn Hub on the first Monday of each month from 2.30-3.30pm, so the next surgery will be on Monday 5th January. The Melbourn Hub is in Melbourn High Street, opposite the High Street public car park. Immediately after my surgery on 5th January, I will join Philippa Hart for her 3.30-4.30pm surgery in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way, Meldreth. As always, if this is inconvenient please get in touch and I can make an appointment to meet at another time or closer to home. Susan van de Ven (01763) 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

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Department for Transport Approves our 50% Student Discount When Govia took over our train service, we were well aware that under the new ‘management contract’ framework that governs the new franchise, we might be called upon to make our case to the Department for Transport for the retention of some of the schemes we'd negotiated in the First Capital Connect era. The reason for this is that under the old system, all train service revenue went back to the train operating company and it was up to them to agree or not agree to press forward with unique local schemes. Under the new system, the Department for Transport pays the train operating company a fixed fee for running the service and takes all the revenue. Unique local schemes have to prove that they are good for revenue. First and foremost, the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group has been anxious to protect our 50% 16-19 student discount fare which has seen a modal shift to rail among local sixth formers and other students. The annual rail fare is significantly cheaper than a County Council-subsidized seat on a bus and the service is vastly superior in terms of frequency and speed of journey. The other coveted schemes also painstakingly nurtured – are the free and reduced parking charges which have transformed empty car parks at Shepreth and Meldreth into well-used ones. It is good to report that the Department for Transport has now agreed to retain the 50% student discount and the advice is that this should not be reviewed before 2016. We hope that the case for car park arrangements will be equally obvious - they bring more people to use the train service. Many thanks to Larry Heyman and his colleagues at Govia for their role in helping to present the case. Larry was the First Capital Connect officer responsible for saying 'Yes, let's go for it' when the scheme was proposed and agreed back in 2009. The scheme remains unique; the national standard is 33% off the adult fare. Susan van de Ven Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk (01763) 261833

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24

The Superfast Broadband Not Quite Everywhere Roll-out Following the recent arrival of fibre broadband in Meldreth – part of the County and District Council funded Connecting Cambridgeshire project – it transpired that two whole neighbourhoods, Burtons and Marys Way, have been left out. Marys Way is a new development that came into being just after the County Council contract with BT was signed. It now transpires that while the contract specified that 95% of the county would be provided with Superfast Broadband, post codes were not pinned down and no plan was made to accommodate new developments. Burtons is a mystery as it predates the contract by several years and the Connecting Cambridgeshire team is looking into this. When the anomaly around new developments became apparent, the Connecting Cambridgeshire team successfully obtained government grant funding for an extension programme specifically to address new developments that had been missed out. This extension programme is now being mapped out by BT and we should have an idea soon of what will be included and when. Hopefully the situation in Marys Way and Burtons will be rectified sometime next year. The Council has also developed policy conditions adopted by all five Cambridgeshire districts about laying the infrastructure for fibre broadband at construction stage. This is not a legal requirement however, because the National Planning Policy Framework does not require it. District planners can attach the condition by being proactive. However the condition is designed for large developments of around 25 houses or more. Typical village housing developments come in much smaller numbers and I’ve asked the Connecting Cambridgeshire team if they could extend their policy work to this level of development. Meanwhile it’s important for Parish and District Councils to take the initiative on planning applications and address the need for fibre broadband connection at planning stage. If you have any queries – or are aware of other anomalies – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk (01763) 261833 25

Volunteering Opportunities Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking for volunteers in the Meldreth area to join our successful Community Champion scheme. Community Champions encourage local residents to carry out fire safety checks in their homes, visit community groups and educate about fire safety and escape plans. We will train you, give you a uniform and provide you with a wide range of activities to choose from, all of which will help to keep our communities safe from the risk of fire. Cambridgeshire ACRE coordinate the Community Champions Scheme on behalf of CFRS. Anyone interested in becoming a Community Champion should call Rachael Brown at Cambridgeshire ACRE on (01353) 865038; email rachael.brown@cambsacre.org.uk or visit cambsfirechamps.org.uk. Care Network Cambridgeshire: your New Year’s Resolution? Could you become one of our volunteers who, like our Help at Home volunteers in 2014, provided practical and emotional support over 2000 times for people who were unwell, returning home from hospital or in a crisis? Or our Community Navigators who provided over 6000 pieces of information to help older people make informed choices about useful or enjoyable activities in their area? Your New Years’ Resolution could turn a small amount of your time into a big difference in someone’s life! We believe it’s important that volunteering is flexible and can fit around your other commitments. You give as much or a little time as you would like. Care Network volunteers are people who help older, isolated or vulnerable people living in Cambridgeshire to stay independent and maintain social contact. They are all ages and from many different backgrounds, but have one thing in common; they gain great satisfaction from helping people. They are trained, supported and paid any out of pocket expenses. Could you be part of our volunteer team and make a difference with just a few hours a month or are you interested in setting up a group or activity to support older or vulnerable people where you live? Check the Care Network website, www.care-network.org.uk, telephone (01954) 211919 or email volunteering@care-network.org.uk for more information. Charity No. 1120693. 26

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire is looking for Home Visiting Volunteers

Our volunteers are all parents or grandparents who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope. All parents need emotional and practical help to get through the first few years, but not everyone has friends or family nearby. This is when Home-Start volunteers can help! A home visiting volunteer would normally have parenting experience with an understanding of the problems and pleasures of family life. We link this well-supported and trained volunteer to the most suitable family referred, offering home visits, usually for 2-3 hours a week. Our volunteers support families in a huge variety of ways which can include: offering a nonjudgemental listening ear, helping parents to manage their children’s behaviour, providing practical help around healthy eating, accessing other community services and supporting parents in keeping their children safe.

A 10 session course for new volunteers is planned for February/March 2015 to be held between 9.30am – 2.30pm. Please contact us if you are interested in joining this course.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP. Tel: (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk. www.hsrsc.org.uk. Registered Charity No 1105385. 27

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

Copy deadline for the February issue of Meldreth Matters is Monday 12th January

Wednesday

Thur

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates Term starts on Tuesday 6th January

7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

3.30-4.30pm District Councillor’s Surgery

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children

5.30pm Slimming World

7.30pm Paris

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

7.30 pm WI

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children

5.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

7.45pm Bell Ringing

6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45pm Bell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children

5.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

8.00pm Prayer Group

7.45pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 10.45 - 11.30am Mobile Library 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies

2.00pm Goo Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

7.30pm Slimming World 7.45pm Bell Ringing

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 Councillors’ Surgeries, Meldreth Local History Group and the ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell C 28

iary - January 2015

rsday

Friday

m Fitness

Saturday 10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Break

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion

m Table

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

sh Council

d (venue tbc) m Fitness

7.00pm FOHT Supper, Holy Trinity Church (see page 10)

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School

m Table

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

m Table

m Fitness m Table

7.00pm for 7.30pm Tennis Club Quiz (see back page)

Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com.

North End. Good Companions, A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Meetings, District & County n the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies & Melbourn and Meldreth lose. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 29

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Tel. 01763 261972

30

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 4th December 2014 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Mr S Hawkins - Chairman, Mr R A Searles, Mrs C.J. Fallon, Mr J Fenner, Mr A Keena, Mr C A Land and Mr D Stewart In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Councillor P Hart (SCDC) and Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) Report from District Councillor: Sustainable Energy Partnership (SEP) and Green Deal: [Editor’s Note: please see pages 16 and 42 for details] Report from County Councillor: Road works: Following sewerage works on the High Street near the Station entrance, Councillor van de Ven has alerted the Highways team to the fact that the yellow paint markings, including Bus Stop Clearway, have been compromised, the seal around the corrective works is not complete and the verge has been torn up. The Highways Department will send an inspector. Drains: following on from ditch clearance in front of College Farm Business Park, Councillor van de Ven has asked the Highways Department to clear the drains on and near the College Farm bend. Fibre Broadband anomaly: it has only recently transpired that Marys Way and Burtons have not been included in the superfast broadband roll-out. It is thought that these two neglected areas will be addressed next year and more information should be available soon. [Editor’s Note: see page 25 for more details.] Community Transport for vulnerable people: Councillor van de Ven is proposing a motion about the need for a more joined-up approach to community transport commissioning, given the danger of falling budgets and the viability of community transport schemes. Currently there is no coordination of NHS, Social Care and Passenger Transport in the funding and commissioning of community transport, which has now been shown to save the NHS considerable costs. 31

Rail campaign: Great Northern will be providing the Rail User Group with funds for platform gardens, to be drawn down as needed. Under the new ‘management contract’ framework that governs the new franchise, we may need to make our case to the Department for Transport for the retention of some of these schemes. First and foremost, reduced parking charges have transformed our nearly empty car park into a well-used one, and our 50% 16-19 student discount fare has seen significant take-up. [Editor’s Note: see page 23 for further details.] As reported previously, plans for a second full barrier level crossing in Shepreth are questionable as it is felt this could create new problems due to the longer time the barriers would be down. Mr Searles said he had seen no problems with the current half barriers. Councillor van de Ven will be meeting Network Rail on site next month to discuss this. Funding for MAYD from our train operator. Earlier this year Councillor van de Ven received a complaint about graffiti in the Foxton Station waiting room. Great Northern said it was reluctant to redecorate as this was an ongoing problem. Councillor van de Ven suggested to Great Northern that they might consider providing a grant to the Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD) Youth Club in order to support community development work. GTR and Groundwork, the Youth Club provider, attended the November Community Rail Partnership meeting to discuss ideas. A draft proposal by Groundwork was brought to the table and GTR were very interested in supporting it – to be responded to at our next meeting, in January. The proposal is for a special ten-week film-making project on the problem of disabled access at Meldreth Station. This would entail a range of skills and would involve raising awareness of the issue of disability in our community. If the project is funded, it would take place in spring 2015, supplementing MAYD Youth Club evenings.

Matters arising from Minutes: Permission has been granted from SCDC for the Parish Council to co- opt. Notices will be put on the noticeboard asking for nominations to serve on the Parish Council. Clearing of ivy from trees on Whitecroft Road/Fenny Lane. Clerk has contacted the Landowner. 32

The bollard at the war memorial has been reported to the Highways Department. Solar Farm Community Fund A list of possible projects was discussed. Councillor Hart reported that the money will not be available until the project is running and there will be an Open Day. The money is to be used on community projects and not used as part of local authority costings. It was suggested that a working party be set up to look at the proposed projects and how best the money can be used. It also might be advantageous to have a separate committee which will have members of the Parish Council, to run these projects. Clerk to make enquiries with other Parish Councils. Mettle Hill With regard to the contribution from Sun Edison of £50,000. Ms. Hart (who was not acting in her capacity as District Councillor on this issue) would like the Parish Council to consider Mettle Hill for some of this funding as it now appears that the recent figures printed in Meldreth Matters are incorrect and there is a shortfall. The Mettle Hill Working Group has recently met and other ideas beings discussed are self build live-work units and a chalet park. [Editor’s note: see pages 42-43.] Sun Edison have indicated that they are willing to explore this as a community owned solar scheme. It should be noted that such a scheme does not have to be on community owned land – the solar scheme at Reach is leasing land from a local farmer. Mrs Hart is currently getting feedback from Mr G Borgonon and Mr David Smith as the SPEP representatives. [Editor’s note: see page 16 for further information.] Village Maintenance The Highways Department is not in agreement concerning the ownership of the lay-by in Flambards Close. They state that 'the concrete bays in Flambards are not public highway and are thus not maintained at public expense'. The Clerk is still looking into correspondence which supports that these were adopted by Highways; Mr Searles and Mr Hawkins will also look at their paperwork to see if they have anything which can support this. Correspondence and Clerk's Report 1. The Highways Department has been contacted regarding the following: reinstatement of yellow lines at Flambards Close. This will be done soon. 33

another 'No Parking' sign at Allerton Terrace. Highways state that there are the required number of signs and if cars are not parking in accordance with this then it is a matter for the police. 2. The Clerk is still waiting for confirmation of the street name for the new development near the Station. 3. The Parish Council is presently inspecting the gullies and the Clerk is putting together a list for cleaning. This will be submitted to Pauline Peachey at SCDC once it has been completed. 4. The 70th anniversary of the end of WWII will occur during the summer of 2015. 5. Vehicles parking along the High Street and obstructing the footway will be ticketed by the PCSO's. Village Hall The disabled bay in the car park is to have further yellow hatching to prevent blocking of the pedestrian exit. Boundary fence damage: Andrew Cole (SCDC) is still looking into ownership of the fence. Councillors' Reports: Mr Stewart reported that MAYD held a meeting on 27th November and attendance figures were looked at. There are now 21 members registered who are between the ages of 11 and 14 years, plus three members of staff. Funding from PPCF has been successful but the allocations of the funds is yet to be decided. There will be a meeting at the Melbourn Hub in January 2015. Mr Keena reported that the tree near 2 Howard Road needs attention. The Clerk will inform the Tree Officer at SCDC. the lighting at the underpass on Station Road is not working. The Clerk will inform Balfour Beatty. the path wardens will carry out the annual Path Survey to determine the 2015 work schedule. Mr Chamberlain will be leaving Meldreth in the New Year and hopes that a Parish Councillor will take on the role of the Parish Paths Coordinator. 34

Burial Ground: A notice was put into the December issue of Meldreth Matters asking for volunteers to help in the burial ground. The Clerk is still waiting to hear back from companies concerning fencing and leaf clearing. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 8th January 2015 at 7.30pm in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.

Meldreth Parish Council contact details: Web: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk; Email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Telephone: (01763) 269928. For contact details of Parish Councillors, see page 56. Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Meldreth SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon. By appointment at other times.

Refuse Collections There will be no collection in January prior to 9th due to public holidays. Collections in January will be on the following dates: Black bins: 9th & 23rd January Green bins: 16th January Blue bins: 16th & 30th January Please see the advertisement on page 21 for information on important changes to winter bin collections. 35

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court Homecare: our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Sitting service: a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers time for themselves. Day Centre: based at Moorlands Court with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service: nutritious, hot lunchtime meal delivered to you. Housekeeping: we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping. To find out more, call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564 or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

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www.fenfeeds.co.uk

36

Melbourn and District Photographic Club www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk The Club season is now reaching a halfway point with an exciting mixture of photographic talks, competitions and Club Evenings. Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall through to April 2015. The Club welcomes new members, whatever their ability and will provide support to beginners to help them to take better photographs and to improve their post-processing skills. The programme for the early part of 2015includes: 13th January

Panel Print Competition

20th January

A talk, "Winter Wonderland"

27th January

Club Evening

3rd February

A talk, "An evening with Caroline Guthrie"

10th February

3rd Open Print Competition

17th February

Inter-Club Competition versus Royston The full program and other useful information about the Club, including a selection of our work, can be found on the Club's website: melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk. Anyone wishing to know more details about the Club should email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Keith Truman

Trebarwith Strand by Anne Truman 37

Notes From a Small Garden Now that midwinter has arrived, us gardeners have time to think how to make our gardens more productive. Fruit trees could be the answer as once they are established minimal maintenance is required. They can be obtained on various root stocks and this will control the size of the mature tree. If you decide on a single tree, make sure it is a selffertile variety as they do not require a pollinator, e.g. James Grieve apple or Victoria plum. These are marked in some catalogues with “SF�. The most reliable peaches are Rochester and Peregrine. Blueberries need a lime free compost and are best grown in a large pot covered by a net: the blackbirds get up early in the morning. It's also a good time to think about architectural features in the garden. Box hedges and topiary look particularly good on a frosty day and grasses can be spectacular against a winter sunset.

We've got a good list of things to do in January: prune your wisteria plant now, cutting back summer side-shoots to two or three buds you can plant bare root roses now in a sunny position for spectacular summer colour cut down the old stems of perennial plants like sedum, being careful of any new growth remove old hellebore leaves to make the new blooms more visible as they emerge in spring remove any faded flowers from your winter pansies as this will help them to continue flowering and will stop them setting seed prune apples and pears 38

buy seed potatoes and set them eyes-up in trays and keep them in a light frost free room cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses before growth begins - clip them to within a few centimetres of the ground. Don't leave it until it’s too late, as it's difficult to cut down the old growth when there are a lot of new shoots coming through the old foliage. Good Gardening and Happy New Year! Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

Melbourn Sports Centre www.melbournsports.com We would like to wish all our customers a Healthy New Year! It’s cold outside but that doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise. Our indoor facilities include a swimming pool, squash courts and a sports hall and we have a lot of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including boxercise, zumba, swim clinic, aquafit, fitness pilates, boot camp and body workout. We also have badminton and table tennis sessions. Half term is fast approaching, so please contact us to book your young ones onto one of our children’s activity courses. These include swimming crash course, snorkelling and our Ofsted PlayScheme. Our normal opening hours are from 7.00am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday and from 8.00am to 4.00pm at weekends. We are closed on bank holidays. Please visit www.melbournsports.com or telephone the us on (01763) 263313 to find out about our full range of activities and fitness classes. Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Sports Centre 39

Photo of the Month Janice Turrell telephoned to say that the photograph in last month’s magazine showed the old Methodist Chapel in North End, which she attended as a young girl. According to John Price, the chapel was bought by Ken and Dorothy Kefford in the 1970s and was converted and joined to their white house. The buildings were subsequently separated by Maurice and Christine Prové prior to the building of their oak-frame house.

From the Archives Each month, I will be including an item from a local newspaper or archive. This month are two “wrinkles” that appeared in the Royston Crow during World War One. (A “wrinkle” in this context is a clever or useful trick.) My thanks to Ann Handscombe, who found these when searching through old copies of the newspaper in Royston Museum. “Take care of your linoleum. One excellent way to do this is to gum small discs of felt, cut from an old hat, to your chair legs if they happen to be without castors. The felt saves the linoleum wonderfully.”

“There is one use of carrots which is not fully appreciated, and that is as a substitute for eggs in pudding-making. One small carrot finely grated takes the place of two eggs, and the pudding, while having the same flavour, is much more digestible.” Kathryn Betts 40

Shelford Energy prompt delivery competitive prices

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41

District Councillor’s Report Sustainable Energy Partnerships and Green Deal I recently attended the re-launch of the Sustainable Energy Partnerships. Residents should be aware that their Parish Council is signed up to this partnership, which supports sustainable energy awareness raising and initiatives. The following initiatives are available: 1. Training has recently been held locally to increase the number of people eligible to conduct thermal imaging of residents' homes. We have a Meldreth resident who is trained: please contact me to put you in touch with him if you are interested in having your home photographed with a thermal imaging camera. 2. Residents are able to borrow a green light bulb library for a period of a fortnight from SCDC which enables them to try out a range of low energy light bulbs in their homes - please email siobhan.mellon@scambs.gov.uk. 3. Most importantly, residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to have an energy assessment undertaken of their home at a new reduced price of £29 (down from £80) under the Green Deal. Uptake of this scheme in South Cambridgeshire has been poor but is available to all residents, however they own their homes (shared ownership homes included). Please call 0800 0933303 to book an appointment. Neighbourhood Plans These were discussed at our Liberal Democrat group meeting recently and it was observed that production and adoption of Neighbourhood Plans has been very poor in our district, compared with nationwide. This is perhaps because figures have been bandied about suggesting that the cost of producing such a plan runs into the tens of thousands of pounds. This is incorrect: plans are averaging around £12,000 to produce and Parish Councils are eligible for a grant of £7,000 towards the cost. The plan is undeniably still costly, but its benefit would potentially be to strengthen the parish's ability to influence planning and development. Mettle Hill The Mettle Hill Working Group (MHWG) has met again. The three proposed uses - a chalet park, self build and live work units - are all still 42

possibilities and further research is being carried out on their viability by working group members. Added to this is the possibility of a community owned solar scheme, which the Bury Lane Solar Farm developer SunEdison is currently exploring with us. Please see below for further information about a local community solar scheme planning application. Minutes from the MHWG meeting and from future meetings will be available on the village website. Community Owned Solar Scheme Reach, a small village north of Cambridge, has put in a planning application for a community-owned solar scheme. The government has recently produced guidelines to encourage the solar industry to consider community ownership as the way forward for solar power. This anticipates the reduction in March of the large tariffs which have encouraged commercial solar schemes such as those coming to Melbourn and the one at Bury Lane in Meldreth. The MHWG will be looking into this model of community-owned sustainable and income producing scheme, but it is relevant to point out that such a scheme need not necessarily be put on communally owned land. The Reach scheme covers three acres and the land is leased from a local farmer. Next Open Surgery Elin Way Meeting Rooms Meldreth from 3.30-4.30pm on Monday 5th January. philippajhart@btinternet.com (01763) 261255 07811 323571

Reporting Faults and Problems Please report faulty streetlights by using freephone number 0800 7838 247, giving the SC or CCC identification number, street name, village and fault description. Problems on the roads, including potholes and poor pavement surfaces should be reported on the Cambridgeshire County Council website: http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/Highways/ ReportProblem1.aspx Meldreth Parish Council 43

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

1 Station Road Installation on S/1240/14/FL farmland of solar panels for the production of electricity. Additional information: 'Method Statement'.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend Refusal with comments: 'this additional information does not change the Parish Council's earlier recommendation of Refusal. However if SCDC is minded to approve then the Parish Council has concerns at the disruption and danger to people using the public right of way between Melbourn and Meldreth which is used not just for access to the station but by children and people accessing the facilities in Melbourn'.

29 North End S/2617/14/LB and S/2618/14/FL

Meldreth Parish Council recommend Approval with comments: 'it is hoped that the materials used can be agreed to be sympathetic to the other listed buildings close by.

Station Yard, High Street S/1699/14/FL

Land south of Melbourn S/2358/14/FL

Demolition of existing 1970's extension and removal of outbuildings, alterations and extension to the Grade II listed building. Alterations & extensions to existing buildings to form additional cold storage and loading facilities in conjunction with overall site reorganisation (revised scheme S/1107/10/). Additional Information – night time noise management scheme and operational hours.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend Refusal with comments: 'the Parish Council recommend refusal and would like to reiterate their earlier comments which should be on record when the application was discussed at the Parish Council meeting of 21st August 2014'.

Underground cable and Meldreth Parish Council recommend associated works 'Approval' with no comments. between solar farms and substation. Revised Site Area. 44

Planning Matters Reference and Address Land North West of A10 Meldreth, S/1928/14/FL

33 Whitecroft Road, S/2772/14/FL Former Cemex Cement Works S/2365/14/OL

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Electrical Substation – amendment: updated Highway Method Statement, Traffic Management Plan and Archaeological Evaluation. Garage conversion and rear extension

This was for Information Only. Meldreth Parish Council noted the report and have no comments.

Outline application for the demolition of all existing buildings and structures and redevelopment to provide up to 220 residential units.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'No objection' with comments: 'the access road to the houses appears to be a shared access with the quarry so that domestic traffic and heavy commercial vehicles will be mixed together on the road, causing a potential hazard to pedestrians and vehicles. This is especially of concern with the number of children there may be in this area'.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'No Objections' with no comments.

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address

Decision

Land between railway and Sewage Disposal Works, Royston Road, Melbourn S/1427/14/FL 102 High Street, S/2167/14/FL

Permission has been granted for a Solar Farm and Associated Development Permission has been granted for single storey rear extension.

Land North West A10, Meldreth, S/1928/14/FL

Permission has been granted for an Electrical Substation.

Other Items: 19 Whitecroft Road, S/1336/13/FL - appeal has been withdrawn. 40 Bell Close, S/2228/14/LD – application for a Lawful Development Certificate has been granted.

Meldreth Parish Council 45

Meldreth Pre-School would like to invite you to a

RACE NIGHT

Saturday 28th February Meldreth Village Hall 7.30pm for 8.00pm start

Come along to help raise funds for Meldreth Pre-school £10 entry – includes a hot supper Licensed bar

Bets can be placed on each race. Races will be shown on a big screen, £££’s to be won!! Tickets must be bought in advance by calling Kate on (01763) 261489 or from the Pre-School

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Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all Aspects of Unisex Hairdressing. Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We use only the best quality products by Matrix and have a wide range of home hair care retail. Gift vouchers and hair accessories available. Please call for any enquiries. 01763 260431 Reflections Hair Studio 45 Whitecroft Road Meldreth SG8 6LS

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Local Events in January Below is a selection of events happening nearby this month. To see your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Thursday 1st January, 11.00am - 12.30pm Wimpole Estate New Year’s Day Walk What better way to begin the New Year than with a relaxing walk through Wimpole’s historic parkland. The walk will be led by one of the outdoor team. No booking needed. For more information, telephone (01223) 206301 or email rosalind.lawrence@nationaltrust.org.uk. For other events at Wimpole Estate, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday 17th January, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting Foxton Village Hall The subject of this month’s meeting will be “The problems and hurdles of becoming a prospective Parliamentary candidate” from Heidi Allen, who will also talk about becoming 40. It will be her birthday ... We ask for a donation of up to £7 per head to cover costs and so we can make a reasonable donation to the speaker’s charity. If you would like to attend, please let us know by contacting Tony Garrick on (01223) 510201 or garrick.tony@gmail.com; or Mark Howard on (01223) 503377, 07785 703413 or Mark-Howard@UWclub.net. Tuesday 20th January, 8.00pm Royston Choral Society - free Open Rehearsal Royston Parish Church You won’t be asked to sing on your own. Men especially welcome! For further information about the choir please telephone 07876 444701, email david.boarder@virgin.net or visit our website at www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk. 48

Saturday 24th January to Saturday 14th March Jack’s War Royston Museum An exhibition developed by the museum about local man, Jack Halstead and his experiences during the First World War. Royston Museum is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.00am to 5.00pm. On bank holiday weekends only, the museum is open from 2.00pm to 4.30pm on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free. Saturday 31st January, 7.30pm Burns Night Supper Barley Town House Tickets £17.50 including welcome drink, three course home cooked meal, music, reeling, haggis and more! Buy tickets soon for this annual popular event. All proceeds to Save the Children Telephone Liz on (01763) 838172 or email luciecoleridge@gmail.com.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree Saturday 10th January, 9.30-11.30am - The Plough, Shepreth Bring your Christmas trees to be “chipped”. Please bring a bag if you would like to take your chippings home, otherwise they will be recycled. Hot drinks will be on sale and if you would like to find out more about recycling and composting, advice will be on hand. For further information, amanda.davis1@tesco.net.

please

email

Amanda Davis 49

ROYSTON FENCING TEL 01763 261150 Your local lawncare company, offering:

FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

• Lawn moss killing • Scarification • Aeration • Complete weed and disease control • Bespoke feed programme • Reseeding • Hard surface moss & weed control

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS

Please contact us for a free Lawncare Analysis

SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE

Tel: 01763 242909

WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK

meridian.lawncare@btconnect.com

KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

Cambourne Self Storage

NCB Electrical

• • • •

Fully experienced and qualified electrician

Cost effective, secure, convenient self storage Various size units to suit household & business storage CCTV monitored site with access at your convenience NEW SITE NOW OPEN AT GREAT GRANSDEN • •

All types of work undertaken including:

■ Maintenance and repairs ■ New installations ■ Heating and lighting ■ Electrical condition reports ■ Voice, data & media installations ■ Fire detection

•

Your personal unit Store your goods, lock up, keep the key 5 min from Cambourne

01767 676189

www.cambourneselfstorage.co.uk Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

Specialists in advanced LED & low energy lighting solutions.

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Tel: 07976 83 83 73 Email: info@ncbelectrical.co.uk

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

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News from the Fitzwilliam Museum This spring we have two major free exhibitions, Silent Partners and Treasured Possessions. Featuring over 180 paintings and drawings, books, films, photos and objects, Silent Partners tells the story of the artist’s mannequin. It is open to 25th January. Treasured Possessions shows incredibly beautiful hidden items from the Fitzwilliam. See silks, silver, jewels, porcelain, shoes, armour, embroideries, fans, pocket-watches and tiny keepsakes, most from the amazing rarely seen reserve collections in the Museum. It is open from 24th March to 6th September. Alongside, we also have a show of stunning miniature gold and jewelled boxes from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection. In 2016 the Museum will be celebrating its 200 year anniversary. This year we will be announcing a series of exhibitions and events to mark the occasion! We hope you can visit us soon. The Museum’s normal opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free. Find out more at www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Fitzwilliam Museum News Team 51

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

We can make life a little easier

FOR Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATIONS

Day Centre

NEW PROPERTIES, EXTENSIONS, LOFT CONVERSIONS, ETC.

Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays.

CONTACT US now to arrange a FREE on-site meeting at your convenience to discuss your project.

Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.

ELY DESIGN GROUP ‘Architecture By Professionals’

Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages. From just £7.90 per day.

www.elydesigngroup.co.uk/mm1.php

Tel: 01353 649649 Mob: 07939 158482 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk

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

The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management •

Established 20 years and based in Melbourn, we manage around 100 properties in Cambridge and the surrounding area • We offer discounted management fees for multiple properties and free, no obligation visit to value for the purpose of rental • We have no ‘hidden’ fees and do not take commission on maintenance charges Call us for a Landlord Pack and Letting Centre leaflets providing information about fire, furniture, gas, electrical regulations or tax

The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039

Fax 01763 263458 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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East Anglian Air Ambulance East Anglian Air Ambulance is a 365 day-ayear lifesaving helicopter emergency medical service working across B e d f o r d s h i r e , Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. EAAA receive no direct government funding, so the £7.6millon needed this year to continue our work comes directly from our generous supporters. Many local supporters chose to show their support for EAAA through holding charity fundraising events. An event that raises £280 for EAAA is enough to fund three lifesaving Autopulse life bands which are used for chest compression. Jean and Rob Blackham, from Balsham in Cambridgeshire, held a celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary and raised £300 for EAAA, enough to fund three Autopulse lifebands. The couple asked their 32 guests to donate to the lifesaving charity in memory of EAAA Fundraising Manager, Alison Horsley, who lived in the village. Jean said, ‘We had a fantastic time with our friends and family and we are delighted to have raised £300 from the event. We asked our guests to donate to EAAA in place of giving gifts as we have been together for 50 years and have everything we need. ’ If you are interested in hosting an event for EAAA, and helping us to fund our service over East Anglia, why not contact your local Fundraising Manager, Barbara McGee on (01763) 262697, who would be happy to help. If you are looking for an even quicker way to help the charity, why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter? East Anglian Air Ambulance

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Local Links Cambridgeshire County Council County Councillor: Susan van de Ven First Capital Connect Fix My Street Friends of Holy Trinity Melbourn & District Photographic Group

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk Email: susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk www.fixmystreet.com (Report, view, or discuss local problems) www.foht.org.uk www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.com

Melbourn Sports Centre

www.melbournsports.com

Meldreth History & Meldreth Today

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Meldreth Manor School

atschool.eduweb.co.uk/Meldreth/textandinfo/index.html

Meldreth Matters

free.yudu.com [search for Meldreth]

Melwood Conservation Group MP: Andrew Lansley Parish Council Pre School Primary School Rail User Group Royston CAB Royston & District Community Transport Shape Your Place South Cambs DC Stagecoach Train times/tickets

www.melwood.btck.co.uk www.andrewlansley.co.uk Email: lansleya@parliament.uk www.meldreth-pc.org.uk www.meldrethpreschool.com www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup/ www.adviceguide.org.uk http://www.roytrans.co.uk/ http://southcambridgeshire.shapeyourplace.org/ www.scambs.gov.uk www.stagecoachbus.com/cambridge/ www.qjump.co.uk/index.html 54

Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber ...................................... 2 Abrey Agricultural ............................ 9 Art of Clean .................................... 18 Art of Clean Wood ......................... 50 Berry Accounts and Business ............. 9 Boiler Juice ..................................... 41 Cam Valley Orchards...................... 36 Cambourne Self Storage ................. 50 Cambridge Roofers ........................ 17 CHS Day Centre ............................ 52 CHS Group ................................... 3.6 College Farm B & B ....................... 30 Coton Electrical ............................. 17 The Country Store ........................... 2 Ely Design Group............................ 52 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........ 13 Fen Feeds Limited .......................... 36 Gilhooly ................................... Cover Hallewells Painting and Decorating 30 iPlaster ........................................... 13 James, Handyman ............................. 2 JPK Plumbing and Heating ............... 2 Keyholes Driving School ........... Cover The Letting Centre ......................... 52 Little Hands Nursery School ............. 2 Looks Good Hairdressing ................. 9

Lynn Driscoll Foot Care ................... 17 Maycroft Care Home ................. Cover MCT Construction .......................... 24 MDA Plumbing & Heating .............. 17 Melbourn Flooring .................... Cover Melbourn Village College ................. 30 Meldreth Landscapes ........................ 13 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 41 Meridian Lawncare .......................... 50 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ..... 18 Mikes Books .................................... 36 Moncraft Computers ....................... 13 NCB Electrical ................................. 50 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 13 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ...... 24 On the Leash .................................... 41 Penn Farm Physiotherapy.................. 47 The Picture Framers .......................... 30 Pippa’s Guardians ............................ 18 Reflections Hair Studio .................... 47 Richard Burns Electrician.................... 2 Rod’s PC Support ............................. 24 Royston Fencing ............................... 50 Shelford Energy ................................ 41 Slimming World ............................... 18 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 47 55

Local Telephone Numbers WI: Jane Bates 261638 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036 Holy Trinity Church: Rev. Andrew O’Brien 260295 Adult Choir: Pauline Penfold 260163 Bells: John Gipson 262846 Friends: John Price 260048 Sunday School: Karen Lillie 261885

Meldreth: Community Access Point 262199 Litter Picker: Mick Taylor 261118 Neighbourhood Watch: Police Co-ordinator Graham Borgonon 260358 Pre-School 07952 295655 Primary School 260432 Lunch Club - Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 Village Association (MVA) 07961 128323 Village Hall: Chairman: Paul Ray 260304 Hiring: Sherida Richards 262512 Meldreth Clubs and Societies: Babies & Toddlers Club: Lynda Heard 260545 Bowls Club: S. Lambert (01223) 207888 Croquet Club: Janet Pope 248342 Local History Group: Joan Gane 260129 Melbourn Mushroom Club 260258 Melwood Cons. Group: B Huett 232855 Revelation: Miriam Skuce 262440 Tennis Club: Tracy Aggett 243376

Melbourn: Doctors Surgery: appointments Dispensary Baby Clinic Library Village College Melbourn & District U3A District Council Housing Services Waste, Recycling and Environmental Health Councillor Philippa Hart

260220 261246 262861 269956 223400 260399

03450 450500 03450 450051 03450 450063 261255

MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL - CONTACT DETAILS http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Mrs C J Fallon Mr J Fenner Mr S Hawkins (Chairman) Mr A Keena Mr C A Land Mr Nigel Pellatt Mr R A Searles Mr D Stewart

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk joan.fallon@btinternet.com jfplantservices@btinternet.com s.hawkins@dsl.pipex.com alankeena@aol.com c.land963@btinternet.com nppellatt@btconnect.com rob.searles@orcharddene.demon.co.uk derekstewart67@hotmail.com

269928 262822 268523 261451 260267 260020 262444 260435 261562

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS Emergencies Crimestoppers Police (non emergency) S Cambs Fire & Rescue Cambridge CAB Royston CAB Childline Samaritans NHS Direct (24-hr service) Addenbrooke’s Hospital Report potholes (Highways) Royston Health Centre

Miscarriage Support Community Transport Anglian Water Cambridge Water Co. Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency National Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus Cambs County Council Councillor: S. van de Ven S Cambs MP: A Lansley Home-Start R. & S. Cambs

999 or 112 0800 555 111 101 01223 376283 08448 487979 08444 111 444 0800 1111 08457 909090 0845 4647 01223 245151 0345 045 5212 242981

Village shop opens 7 am - 10 pm 7 days Tel. 01763 262158

07906 559756 245228 08457 145145 01223 706050 0800 111 999 08007 838838 08457 484950 01223 433275 0345 045 5200 261833 01954 212707 262262

Station tkt office opens Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm Tel. 01223 453702

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes

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MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Cherry Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Fax: 01763 262450 Vast Range of Carpets, Vinyls, Real Wood, Laminates, Karndean, Amtico and Project Floors Free Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff Dulux Paint stocked in a wide range of colours Over 6000 Wallpaper samples Colour co-ordination service by experienced staff Designer Fabrics, most with next day delivery - Curtain making service Match flooring to walls and fabric for a designer finish New Tile showroom at 26 Royston Road, Foxton, CB22 6SE, 01223 870011. Covering all your tiling needs. www.melbournflooring.co.uk j.shepherd@melbournflooring.co.uk VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF. AMPLE FREE PARKING.

MAYCROFT CARE HOME — Specialist residential care for people with dementia — • Warm, safe, homely atmosphere • Expert, specialist care tailored to meet the needs of each resident • Daily activities & regular outings – games, quizzes, bingo; garden centres, country drives, pub lunches and lots more • Bi-monthly meetings and support for residents' family and friends We understand that moving to residential care is a big step for our residents and their families. Let our management team of 40 years' experience make the transition easier. Please drop in and visit us at your convenience! Manager: Lynn Ward 01763 260 217 manager.maycroft@advinia.co.uk 73 High Street, Meldreth, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6LB

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