Meldreth Matters, January 2017

January 2017

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Meldreth Matters, January 2017

Contents include …

Elizabeth (Betty) Izzard Events in Meldreth Meldreth Local History Group Primary School What’s On for Families Preschool Messy Church Church Matters Friends of Holy Trinity Photographic Group Gardening Choosing Your Pet’s Diet Meldreth Highway Maintenance District Councillor’s Report WI County Councillor’s Report Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council Local Events Laptop Appeal Transport Matters Women’s Group News from Heidi Allen Planning Matters Neighbourhood Watch Forthcoming Events Poetry Matters Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 2-3 5 6 8-9 10 11 11 13 14-15 16 18-19 20-21 22 24-25 25 26-27 29 33-38 40-41 42 44-45 47 48-49 50-51 52-53 54-55 56 58-59 60

Welcome to the January issue of Meldreth Matters.

We’ve been notified of just two events that are taking place in Meldreth in January so it looks as if it’s going to be a quiet month in the village.

Perhaps this will give us all time to relax after the Christmas rush and to make plans for the coming year.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try something new, why not join one of the groups mentioned in this month’s issue? Further details for most groups can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

On behalf of the Meldreth Matters team, I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2017.

Kathryn

Cover: The River Mel in Snow. 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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Elizabeth (Betty) Izzard,12/5/1934 – 4/12/2016 My mum moved to Meldreth in March 1958, after she and dad got married. They spent the first three years of their married life in North End before moving to Howard Road when I was two years old.

While I was at the Primary School Mum was a part of the newly formed PTA and I have great memories of the school bonfire nights held at my friend Susan Silver Jubilee celebrations in Meldreth in 1977 Haywood’s house next door to the British Betty organised a party in the Village Hall for Queen with Mr the children and this was taken as she Harding in charge of led them through the village the fireworks and my mum helping to serve up the hot dogs and tomato soup. After my brother started school in 1969 mum began working at the wool shop in the High Street. Then, after a short spell in what is now One Stop she moved to Warren’s in Whitecroft Road which was owned by Cyril and Peggy Warren. The shop changed hands and names several times between Cyril Warren and Russell Davey but mum was the continuous familiar face there during all the changes. When I was 15 my sister Amanda was born and mum’s working life was temporarily put on hold.

Mum was always full of life and fun; she loved children and used to enjoy my birthday parties every bit as much as me and my friends so as Amanda grew up it seemed a natural progression for her to start arranging parties that any child from the village could go to and enjoy.

But it was when mum started working as deputy warden at the Sheltered Housing Scheme that she really came into her own. She really 2

threw herself into making the lives of the elderly residents of the village that little bit more enjoyable and went far beyond the requirements of her job. She arranged fund raising events such as bingo, coffee mornings and tea dances and instead of keeping them exclusively for the residents she welcomed anyone from the village who was past retirement age to take part. Mum would always ensure that any special birthdays were celebrated in the communal room. She arranged outings to the seaside and for Christmas shopping and even took them on longer trips which enabled many of them, who wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, to have a holiday.

Mum continued to work there right up to a few weeks before her 70th birthday but she still wasn’t really ready to retire from the job she loved: so much so that on her retirement she moved away from the village she loved and always considered her home. I think it fitting that her wake was held in the Sheltered Housing community room where she had such wonderful memories even though, sadly, most of the people she cared for there have since passed away too.

Sue Mathieson

Can You Identify This House?

This photograph below of “Plum blossom in Meldreth” appeared on the front cover of The Lady on 29th April 1954.

Can you identify the house in the picture?

If you can help, please email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on (01763) 268428.

Kathryn Betts 3

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January Events in Meldreth Saturday 7th January, 10.30am to 12 noon Community Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way This is an opportunity to catch up with friends for a chat and enjoy either coffee or tea (with biscuits) at very reasonable prices. We look forward to seeing you.

Saturday 14th January, 7.00 for 7.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity Supper Holy Trinity Church See page 15 for further details Friday 27th January, 7.00 for 7.30pm Meldreth Tennis Club Quiz Night Meldreth Village Hall Teams of up to six ÂŁ10 per person, to include supper See back page for details.

Marmalade Alert!

Are you a marmalade maker? We have just had a very successful Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity when all our lovely home-made marmalade sold out within two hours. If you are making your marmalade now, would you be kind enough to save some for sale at our 2017 festival which will be held the first weekend in December?

Contact me on (01763) 260456 or at bagginsbarn@icloud.com if you think you can help or just bring your jars on the day. Many thanks.

Carol Osborne 5

Meldreth Local History Group: Richard III Talk The sold out sign was on the Village Hall door when Mathew Morris came on 2nd December to give his talk on Richard III - The King Under the Car Park. Mathew was the Fieldwork Director on the Greyfriars project which took place in Leicester in 2012. Channel Four Television were involved from the beginning of the project, after the BBC and Time Team had turned down the project.

Mathew began his talk by explaining how Richard had been killed in the Battle of Bosworth on 22nd August 1485 during the Wars of the Roses. His body was taken to Leicester and put on display so that people could see he had been killed before he was buried in Greyfriars.

A story went round that his body was thrown in the river and there is still a plaque near Bow Bridge stating this fact.

When the project began, over 83% of the Greyfriar’s site was inaccessible. Digging started on the Social Services staff car park. After just six hours of digging they came across a leg, then another, until finally the body was discovered minus its feet. Mathew thought the body, which was at a peculiar angle, was thrown roughly in the grave, possibly out of lack of respect for Richard. There was no coffin and probably no shroud.

When the spine of the skeleton was uncovered several days later it revealed an unmistakable S-shape and the archaeologists thought for the first time that they may have found Richard III’s remains. There were several battle wounds on the skeleton and Matthew described the type of weapons that could have been used to kill Richard, concluding that he may not have been wearing his helmet at the time of his death.

At this stage, the archaeologists still had no proof that it was Richard III but after a lengthy DNA process, which involved two people descended on an all-female line, it was finally established that the body was Richard III. At the end of the evening Mathew answered questions from the audience and signed copies of his book. This was a very enjoyable presentation and the Local History Group can look back with great satisfaction for making this happen.

A wealth of information on the project is available on the University of Leicester’s website, www.le.ac.uk/richardiii.

Terry Dash 6

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk The Vikings Coming!

are

In December, Olaf Olafsson and his Viking hordes descended upon the school to celebrate recent victories in Britain against the Saxons.

There was pottery and jewellery making, carving and leatherworking, boatbuilding, cooking and much more besides. In the afternoon, a magnificent feast in the Great Hall was held, interspersed with storytelling, dancing and singing! Oh a Viking we shall go!

Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher We made a great big boat with Mr Jones, except he was called Olaf Olafsson and he had a gigantic beard!

Tristan 11 I really liked making shields for the boat. We had to decorate them and then we got to take them home.

Lewis aged 11 My favourite thing was soap carving. So! You had to have a spoon or something and carve Viking runes on it. I carved, ‘DESTRUCTION!’ and then I carved a sword on the other side. I might use it for washing.

Henry aged 10

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The teachers did a play about Thor battling with some giants. It was extraordinary, because Mr Jones had to wrestle Mrs Pemberton and then pick her up. It was hysterical!

Lucy and Olivia aged 10 We did some Viking orienteering outside with Miss Jackson. She was a Viking but I can’t remember her Viking name. There were lots of Viking signs that you had to find and collect. It was freezing cold, but good fun.

Phillippa aged 9 I liked making the leather pouches.

You had to bang a metal puncher with a hammer to make the holes. I nearly bashed Tom’s finger. Mrs Willan was scared we’d all bash each other’s fingers!

Annabelle aged 10

I loved the Viking banquet. The food was good, the mead was excellent! Then there were some really good celebrations!

Luca There was a fantastic stew which we made from our own hands. It had chickpeas and loads of vegetables. I ate about three helpings.

Daniel Aged 10 We were given a disgusting drink called Elderflower. I absolutely hated it!

Shania 10 Viking Day was not like doing normal work, but it’s still education. You got to know how the Vikings really lived by being Vikings for the day.

Isaac 10 The teachers mixed up all the Year groups together and you got a really good feeling of what you would have to do in a Viking village. I was called Garth for the day.

Eddie 9 9

Meldreth Primary School

What’s On for Children and Families in January Saturday 7th January, 11.00am – 3.00pm Family Activities – Feed the Birds, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE Free, drop-in session. Adults (who must accompany children) pay admission fee of £5.50. Call (01223) 336265 for details.

Saturdays from 7th January onwards, 2.00pm Knit and Giggle, Royston Museum, 5 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL Free informal group, refreshments provided. All abilities welcome.

Call (01763) 242587 or email: curator@roystonmuseum.org.uk.

Saturday, 7th January, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Family First Saturday, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Free activities on the theme of animal sounds, including guided open rehearsal at 3.00pm by students of the Britten Sinfonia Academy.

Sunday 15th January, 1.00pm – 4.00pm Family Wildlife Cycle Ride, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP Get active, join the rangers on a family bike ride around the fen and spot winter wildlife. Tickets £8 (including bike hire) or £4 if you bring your own, from (01353) 720274. See: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events.

Saturday 21st January, 10.30am – 12.30pm Playful Pottery, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Make clay textures and painted patterns inspired by the art of Lucie Rie. £8 per child (ages 5 – 7 years). To book call (01223) 332904 or email education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Sunday 29th January, 11.00am and 2.00pm Family Jam – Drums!

Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Two hour workshop for families with children over 6 years. The amazing musicians of Drum Works help you to make some noise whether you like hip-hop, jazz, grime, funk or rock and roll. £8.

To book, ring 0845 548 7650 or go to: www.saffronhall.com.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 10

Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschoool.com The end of the winter term is always exciting for the preschool and this year was no exception. The children participated in lots of festivethemed activities, not least preparing for their fantastic end of term concert. The parents were able to see the results of their hard work and kick off the Christmas holidays with a generous helping of festive cheer, while the children enjoyed a visit from a very special visitor.

The new term has plenty in store to make 2017 start with a bang – the children will have plenty of opportunities to play, learn, discover and build on the skills they learned last year as they look forward to spring.

They will continue to visit the woods on Wednesdays and might even get the chance to play in the snow this month.

There are still spaces available at the preschool for children aged 2 and above who want the chance to socialise, play and learn. You can make an appointment to visit the preschool to meet the staff, see what happens in a typical day and talk about your requirements. Simply telephone our manager Cassie on 07518 173653 or email manager@meldrethpreschool.com.

Meldreth Preschool

Messy Church Messy Church is starting in Meldreth next month.

Do come along and enjoy an afternoon of family fun.

There will be activities for children of all ages, songs and a story then a simple meal.

(See page 25 for further details.)

Our theme in February is ‘Who loves you?'

We look forward to welcoming you.

Hilary Crawforth 11

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Church Matters South Aisle and Porch Roofs The work to replace the stolen lead roof with stainless steel roofing has now been completed and it looks excellent. The company carrying out the work has a proven record, having worked on Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and will soon be involved in forthcoming work at Buckingham Palace.

A condition of further roof insurance cover will be a professionally installed alarm system.

Church Organ One of the consequences of the internal flooding after the lead was taken was that the organ could not be played for a month as some of the wooden moving parts had swollen. A further concern was that many parts are glued together with animal glue which is soluble in water but fortunately all of the joints held together. The estimate to repair the organ is over ÂŁ5,000 and recently Dr John Rowntree, an independent organ advisor acting for the loss adjusters, inspected the organ and has approved the repair cost. Of its type he was impressed and he advised the casing would be worth restoring and some grants are available.

Bats In 2007 an assessment was made by Natural England regarding the question of bats. There was some evidence of them in the North Chancel and Nave but not the South Aisle. The Ely Registry would not grant a Faculty until a further review was carried out. Fortunately an ecology consultancy in Shepreth was able to do this work at short notice and did not find anything to prevent work taking place on the South Aisle and Porch roofs.

This concludes a difficult period as winter approaches and although there will not be any financial benefit, five people have been arrested for multiple lead thefts in and around South Cambridgeshire.

John Price 13

Friends of Holy Trinity The Galápagos Islands - (Realising a Dream) Steve Marshall gave a superb talk about his visit with Marilyn earlier this year to the Galápagos, illustrated with his excellent photographs and videos. Most people will know about the uniqueness of the volcanic archipelago islands with their diversity of plant and animal species, visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. One of the impressive things was that the wildlife is not frightened by visitors which means that close up photography and videoing is possible. An example can be seen at the local fish shop.

A couple of appealing videos were shown of turtles lazing underwater in a rock pool and surfacing very slowly for a breath of fresh air and two juvenile flamingos sieving for tiny shrimp in the edge of the sea.

The evening provided one of the best illustrated talks The Friends have had and was much appreciated by the audience in the Meeting Room, which was full to capacity.

This month’s Event: Saturday 14th January Supper - see facing page

Forthcoming Events: Friday 17th March Mountaineering - locations, techniques and experiences. Talk by Peter Finklaire Date to be agreed The Experiences of a Mini Racer and Performance Tuning - an illustrated Talk by Peter Baldwin.

Friday 12th May AGM Sunday 4th June Open Gardens - now in early summer.

John Price 14

Friends of Holy Trinity Annual Supper Saturday 14th January Reception - 7.00 pm with a glass of bubbly and light nibbles in the church Supper Menu - 7.30 pm in the Meeting Room

MENU Salmon steaks with red pesto on sliced sweet potato with green salad Marmalade bread and butter pudding with cream including wine or juice and also a table quiz Tickets limited at ÂŁ20.00 per person, strictly paid for in advance Booking closes on 11th January Seating will be prearranged and if you want to be in a group please indicate that when purchasing tickets; this will be taken into account as far as practical Vegetarian, coeliac and other special dietary needs must be advised when tickets are purchased To book your place, please contact: Robert Long (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory (01763) 260120 Peter Chilvers (01763) 260742 John Price (01763) 260048 15

Melbourn and District Photographic Club The start of the New Year offers a varied programme including three club competitions, three inter-club competitions and three lectures. Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall from September to April.

January Program: 3rd : Club Christmas Meal 10th: Panel Print Competition. Judge: David James 13th: Inter-Club Print and PDI Battle – Melbourn v Gamlingay in Gamlingay 17th: Ten thousand miles of ocean. Lecture by Sarah Kelman 21st: Cambridge Digital Inter-Club Competition, Whittlesford 24th: Club Evening 31st: Three Counties battle with Saffron Walden and Letchworth in Foxton. Judge: Vic Hainsworth The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability.

Anyone wishing to know more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary/Webmaster

Meldreth’s Favourite Recipes Have you tried Meldreth’s favourite recipes yet?

Books of recipes, many with stories about their origins, available from Hilary Crawforth.

Telephone (01763) 262848 or email hilaryjcrawforth@btopenworld.com 16

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Notes from a Small Garden I am so sorry that notes from small garden didn’t materialise for the December edition of Meldreth Matters. Something went wrong in the ether I think, as they flew from my computer to our Editor’s!

Jim reports that this is the best time of year to plant trees and shrubs. Dig the planting hole slightly bigger than the root spread. If dry, fill the hole with water. If it does not drain, push a fork into the full depth of the prongs but do not turn the soil over. Do this all over the bottom of the hole. Get the planting depth correct by laying a straight rod across the top of the hole (a hoe handle will do).

Put the plant in it and add soil underneath until the stem is level with the original planting depth. Spread the roots out and sprinkle them with Mycortizal Fungi, which is available at garden centres. Cover with soil a few inches at a time and firm. The old boys would say ‘tread on it as though it was your mother-in-law’. There are some exceptions to the rule; for example, clematis should be planted deeper and the surface covered with a thin layer of stones to keep the roots cool. It is easier if you have two people to plant roses; one holding the plant on the end of a fork and the other filling in with the soil.

I asked Jim about caring for our fruit trees; we have apple trees including a Crispin and a Commice pear tree. We have no plums apart from the Cambridge Gage, though I am thinking of getting a Marjorie seedling tree this winter, my favourite of the plum family apart from damsons.

We also have a Quince, Medlar and Persimmon.

Overwintering insects and their eggs are a common cause for concern in the fruit garden. The likes of aphids, red spider mite, scale insects and codling moth grubs can sit out winter by tucking themselves into the tiniest of nooks and crannies found within a tree's bark. They'll then rear their unwanted heads in spring as soon as warmth returns. Early winter is your chance to scupper their plans by spraying a winter tree wash onto your dormant trees. A repeat spray can be applied at the end of winter. One preventative pest defence is the glue band, which stops egg-carrying moths from climbing up into a tree's branches from ground level. Tie the sticky bands securely around the trunk of each tree, glue-side facing outwards. Use string at the top and the bottom of the band to give a really tight fit so that the moths can't climb up beneath it. Catching the apple moth can be done inexpensively by 18

wrapping sacking round the base of the tree, and later shaking the caterpillars or pupae into the bonfire!

Always weed around fruit trees as this helps to eliminate pests as they will have nowhere to hide. Also it looks nicer! Fork in some good mulch in the spring.

I was just taking a neighbour home and I spied some Christmas roses out. Mine always seem to get eaten by slugs, but these looked so healthy and cheerful!

Here is a nice old saying from Jim: “These are words/phrases which were in use when I was a little old boy and which have now almost disappeared: countrymen would say 'Dag meaning Dew'”.

Happy New Year and good gardening everyone!

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

Letter to the Editor Jane Moore nee Findlay, previously living at 2 Fenny Lane (opposite the Stocks) the family home for many years, would like to wish all friends in the village that I didn’t get a chance to see personally, a very Happy New Year and goodbye.

Unfortunately, I left my interim residence, Northfield House in Malton Lane (with many thanks to Raymond and Ian Course) rather quickly, as house buying never goes quite as planned!

I have moved to Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria which is on Morecambe Bay, so I get the benefits of sea air, rain (lots of it) and I am in easy reach of the Lake District, which as all who know me will be aware was something I was always going to do.

The new owners of my old home are Harry and Charlotte. They are keen to join in village life and I know you will make them welcome.

They are a lovely couple.

Best wishes to you all for 2017.

Jane Moore (nee Findlay) 19

Choosing the Right Diet for Your Pet The pet food market is a multi billion pound industry; after all, everyone with a pet is going to have to feed them something! But when it comes to diets, the difference in quality between the best and the worst is astronomical. There truly are some terrible diets out there which are almost the equivalent of feeding your pet McDonalds every day, being very high in fat and salt - the two things that make it most palatable. For the consumer it’s a minefield, with so many companies offering so many different benefits, that it’s sometimes very difficult to see the wood for the trees, and we get many people asking advice who are just plain confused about the whole thing!

The key thing to look for is that the diet is complete, but also balanced.

Pet food companies can claim a food is complete when it contains excesses of nutrients, so the important word is balanced. Another myth to debunk is that all dried food is good for your pets’ teeth. In fact there are only a handful of diets that have proven dental benefits and some dry foods do nothing for dental health at all because the size of the kibbles means that animals just swallows them whole!

One of the great pet food misunderstandings is that animals like their food because for the way it tastes. This allows pet food companies to sell us all manner of fancy flavours, but the fact is that a dog or cat eats a food because of the way that it smells above anything else. Strong smelling foods are very attractive to dogs and cats and may be a reason why they always want some of our human food when there is plenty of pet food sitting in their bowl! Let’s face it, we can all manage a bit of something that's delicious even when we are not hungry. So many pets are overfed for this reason. If your cat or dog doesn't eat all of its food, don't be tempted to give it something better because guess what; they will hold out for the "something better" every time and you'll end up with a really fussy eater.

Luxury tinned foods are usually very high in fat salt and sugars and as such are a bit of a disaster for health, particularly in cats. If your cat has become fussy and will only eat these foods then it might be worth a vet check to find out why. Another thing that's important to look for in cat diets is that the diet supports urinary health. Basically, a decent diet will keep the urine acidity to a point where urinary crystals are unable to form and cause massive, sometimes even life threatening health issues.

20

The very best diets on the market will take into account the life stage of the pet - puppies and kittens have very different requirements nutritionally to elderly cats and dogs for example - its potential health issues and palatability. Hills Veterinary Essentials diets can be recommended because they have proven health benefits, especially to teeth, but there are other good diets out there and your veterinary team are the best people to advise. Hills have an online tool where the veterinary team can find out what the best diet for your pet is and exactly how much to feed based on their weight, age and condition; a real personal recommendation.

So, what’s my message? Don't listen to the hype or the glossy television adverts. Look for a diet that is complete and balanced. Take into account the life stage of your pet and be very aware that things like Dreamies, Bonios and Dentastix are upsetting the balance if they are fed daily. Most overweight dogs who come in for weight clinics with me are being fed on Dentastix. You therefore need to adjust the feeding accordingly. When it doubt ask your local veterinary nurse - he or she will have lots of training in this area and will be very well placed to advise.

Joanna Brown, RVN

2016 Poppy Appeal Last year’s Poppy Appeal in Meldreth has raised just over £2,000 to date for which we are very appreciative.

We would like to thank everyone who either assisted with the collection or contributed to it for their support.

Mike and Ann Swann Area Organisers West Way and Burtons To all those residents who contributed so generously to the poppy appeal in November and together raised £65.13 - a big thank you!

Daphne Jones-Barrie House-to-House Collector in West Way and Burtons 21

Neglected Meldreth Highway Maintenance October's issue of Meldreth Matters carried a Parish Council article calling for volunteers to do jobs no longer being carried out by Cambridgeshire County Council's Highways department, due it is claimed, to budgetary restraints.

Until recently anyone walking, cycling or even driving through the village will have noticed several indications of this neglect: dirty or obscured road signs, overgrown footways and litter beyond the arearemit of the Parish Council's diligent Litter Picker.

That was then, this is now. Several volunteers did step up to the challenge. As a result, in November road signs were cleaned and any obscuring vegetation was removed and sight lines recovered. A start has been made on 'siding out', that is recovering footway edges which have disappeared under grass and weeds so that paths are now their proper widths, helping people with baby buggies and wheelchairs. This work is ongoing, although not all footways in the village will be able to benefit from this treatment.

Litter on our village roads seems a perennial problem. The District Councillor's mass litter pick a few months ago highlighted the issue and bags and bags of rubbish were removed. But in many outlying areas of the parish we are back to square one ‌ the volunteers will address this as an ongoing challenge.

Some Highway problems like high overgrown vegetation cannot be tackled by volunteers with hand tools so these will be listed and reported to the Parish Council for professional Highway operatives to deal with. Likewise, overgrown hedging on private land which encroaches public footways or highways in the village will brought to the Council's attention for action with landowners.

The Parish Council would like to thank all volunteers who have so far stepped forward to help. If you value our local environment and have some time to give please volunteer to participate in this scheme. Contact the Parish Clerk for details by emailing parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Judy Damant Meldreth Parish Council

22

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23

District Councillor’s Report Marley (Planning reference S/1901/16/OL*).

There have been several meetings this month related to the Marley planning application with a general theme of aiming to assess what impact this scheme might have on our local community if it goes ahead.

It should be emphasised that this work has been carried out without prejudice to village opposition to the scheme.

The developer has made a revised submission in response to queries and objections raised during the first consultation. I spoke to the case officer earlier today. He awaits formal responses from all statutory respondees but was able to tell me that highways and contamination are still issues which remain unresolved and that he awaits feedback from Carter Jonas on the Residential Viability Appraisal.

Devolution Like the County Council, SCDC voted (not unanimously) for devolution in a combined Cambridgeshire/Peterborough authority, under an elected Mayor. Election for the Mayor will take place in May next year. Heidi Allen has announced her intention to stand for Mayor as well as being our MP. This is what she said when announcing her intention to stand: "Given that the main issues facing my constituency are mirrored across the whole County (e.g. housing and infrastructure) and I have detailed knowledge of the DWP and benefits system (you will know the devolution powers also extend to welfare delivery) I do feel it would be possible and indeed sensible to play a dual role. I have the blessing of my Association, Leader and Cabinet of SCDC, Conservative Party Chairman, SoS DCLG, Chief Whip and our Prime Minister."

I am sure the readers of Meldreth Matters will make up their own minds about whether their MP should also be their Mayor.

Local Plan The inspector continues to deliberate over the Local Plan. There have been a few tweaks to the sites identified for development, notably an area of green belt land on the southern edge of the Addenbrookes Hospital Bio-Medical Campus.

24

Pile of earth and other building spoil behind development at Old Mill Court, High Street SCDC enforcement officers have visited the site and requested that the pile be removed within three months of their visit.

Councillor Philippa Hart Meldreth and Shepreth Ward (01763) 261255 or 07811 323571

Meldreth WI Lots of members with coughs and colds meant there were very few at our Christmas party, but it didn't stop those present enjoying themselves. After a lovely meal, those who were able enjoyed a spot of line dancing. The evening ended with coffee and mince pies. This month we have a talk on the wonderful work the Guide Dogs for the Blind do: Thursday 12th January at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Do come along; you will be most welcome.

Kathleen Thompson

25

County Councillor’s Report Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough The County Council voted (not unanimously) on 22nd November for a new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ‘Combined Authority’, to be overseen by an elected paid mayor with accompanying new bureaucracy and decision-making taken upward away from councils. This is a new layer of government and will cost £950,000 per year to run. The mayor will be elected in May 2017.

Community Health Centre Last week I visited the Community Health Centre in Orchard Road Melbourn. I was alarmed to learn that, in light of the centre’s recent planning application having been refused, there is no clarity as to where this service will be able to relocate in this area. I have arranged to meet Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust in January to learn more about available options.

Highways Faults - cracks, bollards, line painting I’ve reported a number of road faults where an old road repair or utility work patch has developed ruts along the seams. County Highways has a budget specifically for ‘crack sealing’, however this pot ran out in November and no more repairs can take place until the new financial year in April. Once again I would encourage anyone who is concerned about a fault on the highway to report it online. If you forget the link, just google Cambridgeshire Report a Fault and it takes you straight in.

26 Bus I’ve asked Stagecoach why they will be reducing the frequency of the 26 bus to once every two hours, commencing 3rd January (see page 45).

This is a good service to Cambridge that is accessed by some Meldreth residents who are entitled to a concessionary bus pass. The expected answer was that there has been a reduction in passenger numbers.

However, this was not a sharp reduction; the service has long been marginal so it has just tipped over the threshold. In addition to the concern for bus users having access to a less frequent service, there is the problem of the commercial strength of a weakened service.

Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering Slots to Fill?

Watering the plants at Meldreth Station garden has been a mainstay activity for Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award students – timing arranged to suit, and a wonderful way of contributing to the community. Another task that teenage volunteers have undertaken for 26

the Community Rail Partnership is taking minutes at meetings – a useful addition to CVs. Again please get in touch if you are interested and want to know more.

County Councillor’s Surgeries I will be holding a surgery on Monday 9th January at Melbourn Hub from 2.30-3.30pm.

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

Thank You A big thank you to everyone who donated to our ‘Chocolate Tombola’ stall at the Melbourn All Saints Bazaar in November. The generosity of people was overwhelming and we contributed £71.00 to the church funds. Thank you again.

Marion Long

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28

Volunteering Opportunities Protecting Older or More Vulnerable Residents in Meldreth Did you know that Meldreth has two No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZ) located in Elin Way and Whitecroft Road? These zones were set up to discourage cold callers and to give residents the confidence to say ‘no’ to uninvited sales people – helping to prevent people falling victim to distraction burglars and rogue traders. Whilst the zones were originally introduced by Cambridgeshire Trading Standards, it is recognised that community-led action is much more effective in protecting local people from unscrupulous tradespeople. Indeed, the best prevention and support for residents comes from within their own community.

We can offer a range of materials for your residents including door stickers, advice on how to spot a rogue trader and tips to prevent unwanted mail and telephone calls. We invite a local coordinator to disseminate this information and look after a NCCZ on behalf of its residents. This would preferably be someone living within the zone but could also be someone residing close by. Could that be you?

If you feel you can help, even if your time and ability is limited, we would love to hear from you. A NCCZ can really be reinvigorated with a little community action; just a good neighbour keeping an eye out makes all the difference. For more information please contact Elaine Mountfort, Community Protection Officer by emailing elaine.mountfort@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or telephoning (01954) 286006 or 07810 153604.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is looking for volunteers 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.

No previous qualifications or specific skills are needed. The scheme is run by the charity Groundwork on behalf of CFRS. To find out more about the Community Champions scheme, contact Katie Dean on katie.dean@groundwork.org.uk or telephone (01480) 587140 or 07736 132870.

29

Meldreth Village Di Monday

Tuesday

2 9 16 23 30

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

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

Wednesday 9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World

Thurs

6.00-7.00 Brownies

2.00-4.30pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.30pm Parish

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slimming World

8.00pm Prayer Group

6.00-7.00 Brownies

3 4 5 10 11 1 17 18 1 24 25 2 31 6.00-7.00 Brownies

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

Copy dea Februar

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

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

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

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

9.15am Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts Slimming World 6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

Did You Know?

Every copy of Meldreth Mat January 2009 onwards is a online at free.yudu.co

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Browni Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite Holy Tri 30

ary - January 2017

sday

Friday

Good

Saturday 10.30am-12 noon Coffee Break

Sunday

1

9.45am Family Communion 5.00/8.00pm BQ

5 6 7 8 2 13 14 15 9 20 21 22 6 27 28 29

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

m T Tennis h Council

5.00/8.00pm BQ

m Fitness

7.00 for 7.30pm FOHT Supper, Holy Trinity Church (see page 15)

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School 5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ

dline for y issue

8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

m Table

5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ 8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen

m Fitness

m Table

tters from vailable om

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School 5.00pm Meat Raffle, BQ

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

8.00pm Quiz & Open the Box, British Queen

School term

The copy deadline for the February issue of Meldreth Matters is Thursday 12th January

starts on Wednesday 4th January

North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History Group and the es & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The nity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

31

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32

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Below are extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 1st December 2016.

Present: Councillor C A Land - Chairman, Councillor N P Pellatt - Vice Chairman, Councillor R Goddin, Councillor A Keena, Councillor D Lee, Councillor R Searles, Councillor D Stewart, Councillor A Young Apologies: Councillor CJ Fallon In attendance: Mrs J Damant (Clerk), Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) and Councillor P Hart (SCDC Public Participation There were two members of the public in attendance.

Concern was raised in regards to ownership/maintenance of the ditch at the back of the recreation ground which backs onto the houses on Howard Road. Clerk explained that they were in the process of setting up site meetings with the local authorities.

Report from District Councillor: The full report is published on pages 24-25.

Report from County Councillor: The full report is published on pages 26-27.

Planning application as discussed by the whole Council Marley/Eternit, S/1901/16/OL - amendments including: amended access arrangements - a separate access to the Social Club is no longer proposed so there would be two access points onto the main road as opposed to the three originally proposed - and additional highways information. additional landscaping details. amended master plan reflecting the changes.

Declaration of Interests: Councillor Land declared a personal interest as Chairman of the Sports and Social Club at Marley Eternit. Councillor 33

Keena declared a personal interest as an employee of Marley Eternit.

Both Councillors left the room during voting. Councillor Searles proposed refusal, seconded by Councillor Goddin; all agreed. The Parish Council therefore recommend 'Refusal' with a vote taken – Support 0; No objections 0; Refusal 6 (1 Councillor absent, 2 Councillor declared an interest). During the vote Councillor Pellatt took the Chair. Concerns were raised about the amended plans: entrance to the development is still not acceptable; the volume of traffic will increase on an already hazardous bend; the proposed footway/cycle route is not safely illuminated; who will maintain the footway/cycle route and the hedges.

Marley Eternit: Proposed development of 150 dwellings The S106 projects were discussed. Councillor Goddin will make the required amendments and reissue to Councillors. The projects being put forward are: bicycle storage; Village Hall car park; Bell Close parking; adult gym equipment; multi-use games area; land purchase; extended footway near Fieldgate; crossing from Village Hall to school; Village Hall items.

S106 Project for the flats at Station Yard (S/1140/15/FL) (See also page 51.) Councillor Hart reported on why this situation has happened. The developers had already started work before a S106 agreement had been agreed with SCDC; however SCDC felt that it was not viable to stop the works. Normally permission is not granted until a S106 agreement has been issued; this is now being done. The flats can not be sold until a S106 agreement has been completed.

Playground Clerk has inspected the equipment and all appears to be in good working order. Playground/hedging quotes are to be discussed at the January Meeting.

Recreation Ground Ditch, trees and shrubbery at the recreation ground: Clerk has now met with SCDC Housing officers to look at the ditch. It is being proposed that this area could be filled in but there are issues with the existing drain which runs under footpath 8. Responsibility for the maintenance of ditches is demarcated down the centre of the ditch. So for the far side it would mean that responsibility is with the householders and the side backing onto the recreation ground is the responsibility of the Parish Council. However, the Council also take on responsibility to make sure that the ditch is clear of debris so that water can run and not 34

back up and flood the recreation ground. The Parish Council has always cleared the ditch of debris. However, it is the excess foliage, self seeding trees and shrubs which have grown at the back of people’s houses which is now causing concern.

Pavilion Temporary storage for the Football Club floodlights has been found.

The work for the refurbishment of the pavilion is scheduled to start in the New Year.

Correspondence and Clerk's Report A Local Highways Improvement Initiative application for kerbing along North End near No. 22 and 72 has been submitted.

City Deal - the results of the consultation, and the project team recommendations to the City Deal Executive Board were published on 23 November 2016. You can view these on the Western Orbital website.

Cambridge Communities Innovation Fund: an innovation fund, initially worth £1 million, has been set up by CCC to help community organisations to invest in ideas that help keep people safe, independent and well preventing the need for costly services.

Voluntary and public sector organisation, including constituted community group, parish councils and social enterprises are eligible to apply for grants of £2000 upwards.

SCDC Local Development Framework: SCDC adopted the Cambridgeshire Flood and Water Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on 8th November 2016.

Notification of Tree Work: Clerk has written to residents of Howard Road telling them that work on the trees is due to be undertaken on Monday 13th February 2017.

Telephone Box on North End/Defibrillator – Clerk has now contacted Community Heartbeat (CH) with regards to placing a defibrillator in the North End telephone box. The box is to be inspected for any remedial work and CH reported that they can assist with getting paint if BT will not paint it before handing it over. A second defibrillator is to go outside the Village Hall in a steel box. Clerk has contacted the insurance company and has been informed that the equipment will be insured. As long as the councils own the defibrillators they will be covered on an all risk 35

basis. Zurich have confirmed that as the ambulance service advise they prefer unlocked cabinets/storage containers, they are happy to provide cover.

Melrose: John Koch (Planning Officer SCDC) has reported that a landscape officer has been out to the Melrose site and has gone through the historic landscape plans.

CCC – HGV Covenant: CCC have adopted a document for parishes and local communities to agree certain conditions with local haulage firms. It is for communities to contact hauliers to discuss specific requirement and using the relevant document to set out an agreement covering what communities can expect from haulage companies and their drivers and what they will do in return.

Precept/Police: due to budgetary pressures set to continue over the next few years and the need to save a further £6 million by 2020/21, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Jason Ablewhite is considering a small increase in the policing element of the Council tax for 2017/18. This would be just under 7p per week (£3.60 per year) for an average band D property which equates to an increase of 1.97%.

Boundary Commission: Public Consultation Following the Boundary Commission proposal Meldreth recognises the relationship they have with Melbourn, Bassingbourn etc and hope that this can be resolved with Meldreth remaining in South Cambridgeshire.

If this cannot be done then Meldreth would have to accept a separation from Melbourn as Meldreth wishes to remain in South Cambridgeshire as an absolute preference. Councillor van de Ven reported that she had not yet submitted her response but that it was going to follow Heidi Allen MP’s response which is that the whole ward which consists of Meldreth, Melbourn and Bassingbourn be brought back into South Cambridgeshire. The Boundary Commission have stated that they value local ties. As these parishes work together on many items it does not make sense to split them or to move them into North East Herts as that will create a border community.

Work Place Pension Report Councillor Goddin reported that he and the Clerk had attended a recent pension meeting organised by Melbourn Parish Council. The Council need to decide: 36

1. On a payroll service 2. On a pension fund 3. What contributions the Parish Council will pay.

Precept for 2017/18: (Local Government Finances Act 1992 s41) Requests have been received from Melwood Conservation Group, Good Companions, RDCT, Meldreth Tennis Club and Meldreth Lunch Club.

A further meeting of the finance group to look over the budget for 2017/18 will be held so that they can report back to the Parish Council in January.

Request from Jose Hales: (LGA 1972 s145 (1)(a) A request from Jose Hales has been received by the Parish Council for funding support for the Tea Party which is held in Melbourn but is well attended by residents from Meldreth. Clerk has received confirmation from CAPALC, that Meldreth is able to support this. It was proposed

by Councillor Young to agree to a donation of ÂŁ200, seconded by Councillor Goddin, all agreed.

Councillors' Reports Councillor Goddin: the refuse bin collections are being changed and 80% will be emptied on a different day. This will take effect from 27th February 2017.

Mettle Hill: is still work in progress.

The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 5th January 2017 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.

New to the village?

Information on village facilities and over 30 local groups is available at

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 37

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon.

By appointment at other times.

Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Councillors: Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr R Goddin

(01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land (Chairman) (01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

david@oakrits.plus.com

(01763) 261571

Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr D Stewart

(01763) 261562

derekstewart67@hotmail.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmaail.com

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What are our Services?

The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc.

What will it cost?

We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples).

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 38

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Design & Layout Plans

Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

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Day Centre

Planting & Water Features

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

Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.

Pergolas, Decking, etc

Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages.

Tel: 01763 261463

From just £7.90 per day.

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

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

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

39

Local Events in January Here is a selection of events happening nearby this month. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd January 10.00am to 4.00pm St Ives Antiques Fair, Burgess Hall, Westwood Rd, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 6WU Around 50 expert dealers offering wide variety of affordable quality antiques. Free car parking. Refreshments available. Tickets: adults £2 (concessions £1.50). For further information: (01480) 896866.

Monday 9th January (until 28th February) 9.30 am to 4.30pm Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey Quy Road, Lode Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ See one of the country’s finest snowdrop collections as the gardens are transformed into a sea of white. Normal National Trust admission applies. Guided tours available from 11.30am with pre-booking on (01223) 810086. For further details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Thursday 12th January, 8.00pm to 10.00pm Cambridge Guitar Club St James Centre, Wulfstan Way, Cambridge CB1 8QJ Bring your own classical, flamenco or acoustic guitar and have fun playing – or you’re welcome to come and listen. For more information see: www.cambridgeguitarclub.awardspace.co.uk.

Friday 13th January, 8.15pm Custard Comedy with Larry Dean Comberton Sports and Arts, Cambridgeshire CB23 7DU Acclaimed Scottish Comedian of the Year with supporting acts. Tickets from £5.50 (early bird) online, or £8 in advance by phone (£6 concessions) or £10 (£8 concessions) on the door. Over 18s only. To book (01223) 264444 or visit www.wegottickets.com.

Saturday 14th January, drop in from 11.00am to 3.30pm Volunteer Recruitment Day Wimpole Hall, Arrington, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW The National Trust is looking for volunteers to welcome the thousands who visit Wimpole each year and to help bring its long and fascinating history to life. Meet the team and see how you can get involved. Free and no booking needed. See: www.nationaltrust.org/events.

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Saturday 14th January, 11am to 3.30pm Hedgelaying at Wandlebury Country Park, Babraham CB22 3AE Learn this ancient art and improve hedges for wildlife. Tools provided.

Free but booking essential: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on.

Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st January, at varying times 21st Cambridge Winter Ale Festival University Social Club, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX CAMRA event featuring traditional winter beers and locallyproduced ciders. For more details visit: www.cambridgebeerfestival.com.

Saturday 21st January, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast meeting, Village Hall, Foxton CB22 6RN Rev. Angela Melaniphy will talk on ‘the Christian Response to our Shifting Political landscape.’ Contact Tony Garrick (01223) 510201 garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377 markhoward@uwclub.net to reserve your place. Women and guests welcome.

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22 January 3.00pm to 5.00pm Winter Wildlife Walk Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP Join a National Trust ranger on a guided walk to discover the reserve’s seasonal highlights, finishing at the visitor centre to watch (hopefully!) the hen harriers roosting at sunset. Booking essential: (01353) 720724 or for more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events.

Sunday 22nd January, 7.45pm Sinfonia of Cambridge – From the Heart of Europe Concert, West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge CB3 9DP Young French pianist, Patrick Hammerlé joins the orchestra for music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Dvorák.

Tickets cost £18 (£15 concessions), under 16s and student standby £5. To book ring (01223) 335184 or for more information: www.sinfoniaofcambridge.org.uk.

Saturday 28th January, 9.00am to 12.00 noon Great Shelford Farmers’ Market Memorial Hall, Woollards Lane, Great Shelford CB22 5LZ Wide variety of tempting local produce on sale. Ample parking and refreshments available. Visit: www.farmersfayres.co.uk.

Compiled by John Crawforth 41

Laptop Appeal - Africa This is often the time of the year when many of us splash out on the latest laptop computers as Christmas presents for family members.

What can be done with the old kit? If you really have no good use for it consider passing it on for needy folk in sub Saharan Africa. For many years we have supported a Cameroonian NGO which builds schools, trains nurses, runs a bio-farm, supports women's rights and lots more.

It is based in Bamenda, a city of some half a million people which is the English speaking capital of Cameroon's North West Province.

SHUMAS, the NGO, was started by local people some years ago who realised that the country's francophone government fell short of providing many educational and social needs for poor rural populations of all religions in remote areas. Over the years it has become recognised and supported by local government officials and many charitable organisations in Europe including the UK, the US and Canada. When we visited sometime ago we saw how desperate was their need for computer hardware to be used for vital administrative use, for study and for communication with supporters and for co-workers in the field.

From early on SHUMAS relies for its work on local university interns and volunteers as well as a regular supply of international volunteers, many from the UK. We arrange for these folk to take laptops in their hand luggage.

Donated machines have their hardware refurbished, all software and files are completely stripped and replaced by new LINUX 'open source' software which comes with everything needed to be compatible with proprietary office suites. Africa as a whole has made great strides in innovative use of IT especially with the spread of cheap mobile phones and useful apps but many, many challenges still exist. Even in big cities reliable electricity is often lacking so laptops are ideal when users have time to save their work and charge batteries when power returns.

Donating a laptop avoids our mounting pile of e-waste and gives older machines a new lease of life for use by this NGO working for the rural poor in sub Saharan Africa.

You can learn more about their work from their blog and website: see www.shumas-cameroon.org and https://shumascameroon.wordpress.com. And ... if you have a laptop you can give, please contact me on gvborgo@shumas-cameroon.org.

Graham Borgonon 42

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Transport Matters Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership is the umbrella organization looking after community work and doing collaborative strategic planning for our rail stations, while the Rail User Group does the lobbying work for daily service improvements. As we have reported, there is a growing work load involved in looking after our local interests as use of our rail service grows rapidly, footfall is growing at about 10% per year. Train service capacity will quadruple from 2018. More help is needed.

Community Rail Partnerships are supported by the Department for Transport and most have a part-time paid post. We are now making this transition.

A grant by the four parishes most directly served by local rail service has now been gratefully received (for Melbourn and Meldreth, this comes from Lightsource community contribution). This has been supplemented by a grant from Govia Thameslink Railway. South Cambridgeshire District Council is exploring the possibility of hosting the administration of this paid post, although all monies would be held by the Community Rail Partnership. Further grants for small station improvements have been received from the national Association of Community Rail Partnerships which is funded by the Department for Transport.

This feather in our cap means that we are in a better position to attract serious support for longer term strategic improvements – including station infrastructure. It is surprisingly difficult to get a waiting shelter on the Cambridge bound platform at Meldreth Station. To this end, we have requested financial support from the Greater Cambridge City Deal toward ‘Station Travel Planning’ – an exercise aimed at capturing data on travel patterns and needs of passengers connecting to particular stations, to understand transport interchange requirements.

For example, would a shuttle bus from Bassingbourn and Whaddon ease parking pressure at Meldreth? To what extent should cycle parking be extended? Where else could car parking be sensibly provided? Station travel planning is a necessary step to accessing Department for Transport infrastructure funding, within the mind-boggling complex world of the semi-private, semi-public rail industry. The City Deal has agreed to part-fund this.

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The Community Rail Partnership can also – and has – leverage grants for community projects, such as the ‘Edible Gardening’ project currently underway in Melbourn and making links with Melbourn Village College, where the after-school STEM Club is trialling some new ideas.

There are many small jobs to do locally and if you have any particular interests and want to test the waters, please get in touch.

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

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Informal and formal January get-togethers Thanks to all those who supported the Santa Cycle Ride around Royston last month, to help make the case for a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the A505 at the A10 junction.

We’ll be meeting up for a drink and chat at the Jolly Postie in Royston on 18th January at 7.30pm and our AGM and next proper meeting is on 26th January, 7.00 for 7.30pm at the Plough in Shepreth. All welcome!

Susan van de Ven susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Stagecoach: No. 26 Bus, Royston to Cambridge From 3rd January 2017 off-peak frequency will be reduced from hourly to every two hours. There will be no change to morning and evening peak journeys.

Passenger Transport Team Phone: 0345 045 0675 Email: passenger.transport@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 45

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our November meeting was held in Holy Trinity Church meeting room in Meldreth where sixteen members met to be led on an Advent Reflection by Pat Smith. Pat explained that Advent was originally a penitential time, like Lent and it was used to help prepare those who would be baptised in the New Year. Over time it has come to be linked with the coming of Christ, both as a child at Christmas and the promised second coming of Christ at a time that is known only to God. We looked at the symbolism of the advent wreath and Pat linked the four candles to Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. She had made an advent wreath and prior to lighting the four candles we had readings from the Old and New Testaments to help us think about these four attributes.

Then after each candle was lit there was an opportunity for silent reflection. At the end of these reflections we each lit a tea light which formed a circle of light around the wreath and we turned the lights off and listened to a recording of O Come O Come Emmanuel.

Anne Harrison gave a vote of thanks and some lovely flowers to Pat. Our AGM will be held at 7.45pm on 24th January in All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn. We will receive reports and accounts and choose a charity to support for the year for which we will hold a raffle. Hopefully we might elect someone new to come onto the committee. If you would like to know more about this please talk to one of the committee members listed below. We will also receive our programme for the coming year. After this formal business has been concluded we will have a bring and share supper. Please contact Pat Smith to let her know what you plan to bring. Committee members are: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775 and Angela Leach (01763) 262793.

We would like to thank everyone who supported our stall at Melbourn’s All Saints Christmas Bazaar; not only those who donated or bought things but also to the many who helped on the day and those who helped with the preparation and setting up and taking down of the stall. We also thank everyone who helped with the Christmas Tree for the festival in Meldreth.

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

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News From Heidi Allen www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk I can’t believe that another year is almost over; may I wish all readers a prosperous New Year?

I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Hinxton in November for her visit to the Sanger Institute Wellcome Genome Campus (see the photograph on the right). Theresa May was impressed by the world-leading research taking place and took the opportunity to announce the launch of a £2bn fund intended to © Sanger Institute, Genome Research Limited keep Britain at the forefront of research and development in science and technology. I was so proud to be showing off our constituency!

You’ll have seen from the Autumn Statement that South Cambridgeshire is now part of a ‘growth corridor’ from Cambridgeshire to Oxford.

Cambridgeshire received a massive infrastructure boost with the announcement of £27m for the Oxford to Cambridgeshire Expressway (£10m of which will specifically explore options within South Cambs); £110 million of funding in East West Rail and a grant of £1.5m to repair our roads and potholes.

This kind of investment will deliver further infrastructure improvements similar to the A14 upgrade which is finally underway. The next phase of upgrade works was formally started by Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport last month, quite literally with a shovel! However, I am told diggers will be made available to speed the project up! You can find out more about the infrastructure changes taking place in our area on my website www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/infrastructure-southcambridgeshire.

I met the Secretary of State for Transport again recently, to follow up on the Autumn Statement proposals. I’ve also been working with Network Rail and local user groups to find a way forwards and funding for the Foxton crossing. I also met with other local MPs and Highways England at the A428 Member’s Forum to ensure we keep the dualling project on track. I’ll keep my infrastructure web page updated with the latest news on these initiatives.

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Business was on the agenda when I took part in the Post-Brexit Settlement for Cambs discussion, hosted by PWC. This is the fourth of such meetings I have hosted or attended and it’s an opportunity for Cambridgeshire business leaders to come together to discuss how to nurture investment and innovation for our region in the wake of Brexit.

Turning to National legislation, I tabled an amendment to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill requesting the needs of the elderly and disabled be considered at a local planning level when long-term housing plans are drawn up. With our ageing population, I think this issue is so important. On the back of the work I’ve been doing as a member of the DWP select committee, I’ll be hosting a roundtable in January to discuss the DWP’s Green Paper currently out for consultation. If you’d like to make your thoughts heard on disability and work related benefits please visit https://consultations.dh.gov.uk/workandhealth/consult/.

After my Disability Confident event in September I was inspired to visit Andy’s Kars in Bar Hill. Andy Kent runs a small family garage that has trained and mentored over 650 young people with physical and mental health conditions.

His team gives young people life-changing opportunities whilst also providing great service to their customers.

Andy should be very proud of the work he has done over the years.

I hosted my Initial Teacher Training event in November to find more outstanding teachers for South Cambs. The event was an opportunity for people to find out about routes into teaching within Cambridgeshire be it PGCE, school-centred paid or non-paid or Bachelor of Education.

Over 120 people attended and you can read more about the event here www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/news/heidi-allen-mp-hosts-gettingteaching-event-cambridgeshire-county-council-and-anglia-ruskin.

I rounded off the month by meeting with local early years providers to discuss the roll-out of the 30 hours childcare proposals. We’ve committed to work together to ensure this policy delivers for everyone – working parents, children and EYFS schools and nurseries.

My no appointment surgeries are proving to be increasingly popular so if you feel I could help, don’t hesitate to pop along to the next one.

Visit www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries or telephone (01954) 212707 or email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk for details. I look forward to hearing from you!

Heidi Allen MP 49

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

94 High Street, The British Queen, S/3056/16/FL & S3057/16/LB

Extensions and alterations in conjunction with re-engagement of the external site area & provision of a garage building.

The Parish Council recommend 'Support' with comments. 1. The revised layout access to the existing dining room will pass a food area, this could cause of congestion of staff and customers. 2. The dining room now appears to be conventional with a small window, the earlier plans appeared to have a nicer aspect. 3. This application which provides storage and cellar space is needed if the pre application plan S/1554/16/FL and S/1555/16/LB for accommodation is approved.

Bury Lane, S/2655/16/FL

Erection of glasshouses and ancillary storage area.

The Parish Council recommend 'Support' with comments. 'No retail use and restricted to growing purposes only'.

104 High Street, S/2866/16/DC

Discharge of planning condition 1-8 of S/2519/14/FL

Information Only - noted.

73 High Street, Discharge of conditions 3 Information Only - noted.

S/3181/16/DC (landscaping), 5 (materials), 6 (foul water drainage), 7 surface water drainage, 19 (TMP) and 21 (bin storage) of planning application S/0984/14/VC. 72 North End, Various trees and shrubs Councillor Searles proposed S/3201/16/TP adjacent to footpath – cut 'No objection' seconded by back to wall and up to 2m Councillor Land, agreed by all. high. Remove low limb from ash tree over road.

Clear pedestrian access and general maintenance.

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Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

2 Fenny Lane, S/3231/16/TP

Removal of T1 (Thuja) owing to safety concerns, poor amenity value and unsuitability for its location and context.

Removal of T2 (Acer) owing to safety concerns. Mitigation: 2 trees to be planted at the front of the property and maintained as a suitable size.

Councillor Land proposed 'No objection' seconded by Councillor Searles, agreed by all.

The full minutes of Meldreth Parish Council planning meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

SCDC Decisions There were no SCDC decisions.

Other Items: Flats at Station Yard (S/1140/15/FL) Work has already started on these flats even though planning permission has not yet been given. The subject of S106 projects to be discussed at full Parish Council meeting. Councillor Searles requested that it might be a good idea to keep a running record of applications and when they get approved by SCDC on a spreadsheet. Clerk currently keeps noted records but will switch to a spreadsheet format, which will make it easier to track applications. Building should not start until S106 agreements have been finalised, regardless of whether they have been approved by SCDC; this did not happen. SCDC made the decision to allow the works to carry on and will be finalising the S106 agreement. The flats will not be able to be sold until this has been done.

Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display

Meldreth’s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you.

Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 51

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch A new type of scam has been reported in the Daily Telegraph and posted on the Action Fraud website. The scam involves convincing letters being sent which are a replica template from Lloyds bank and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative. The letter tells recipients that there have been some “unusual transactions� on their personal account and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.

When victims call the number, an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth, as well as their security number.

This is a sophisticated version of a type of email scam knowing as a "phishing" scam, where people are tempted to click on a link in a genuine-looking email that is actually a scam. The link will take the victim to a website where security details are asked for, or a virus is downloaded onto the computer. However, people tend to be less suspicious of letters than emails, and so are more likely to believe that a letter is genuine. As an added twist, the letters may be received just before a weekend or bank holiday, making it more difficult for the victim to contact their bank to check or report the fraud and giving the scammers more time to take money from their victims' accounts.

If you receive an unsolicited letter from your bank (or any organisation that you have financial dealings with e.g. utilities companies) asking you to call a number, you should be suspicious.

Never call the number in the letter. Instead, call the customer service number on the back of your bank card, or on a recent statement or bill in the case of a utility company.

Never reveal any personal details, e.g. card numbers, account numbers, date of birth or security codes, in response to an unsolicited letter, email or phone call.

If in any doubt, talk to a friend to get their opinion before acting on an unsolicited letter.

Don't forget the trusted contacts who you can talk to about a possible scam, which may include being asked to buy by a cold caller: Graham (01763) 260358; Peter (01763) 260323; Linda (01763) 261405; Tim (01763) 262801 52

Anyone can report a scam to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

The Cambridge Police website for reporting a variety of issues is: www.contactcambspolice.uk.

If you are the sort of person who likes to watch out for neighbours and notices things out of the ordinary, joining Neighbourhood Watch in Meldreth will allow you to contribute to keeping crime low across South Cambridgeshire. Please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

G I L H O O LY

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Phone Mick on: 01763 263248

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK

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Home-Start Aquathon Is keeping fit one of your New Year’s resolutions? Take part in our Schools’ Aquathon on Sunday 5th February from 6.00 to 10.00pm at Royston Leisure Centre, Woodcock Road, Royston, SG8 7XT. Raise money for both your local school, playgroup or nursery and Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire which supports local families in crisis.

Gather a team of between one and six people together to swim in relay for 55 minutes. Teams can be of any age or a combination of ages.

Every member of the team seeks as many sponsors as possible and the money raised is split 50:50 between the team’s school, playgroup or nursery and Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire – it’s a winwin for local families.

Contact us by email on admin@hsrsc.org.uk or telephone (01763) 262262 to register your team(s) and we’ll send you our Schools’ Aquathon Sponsorship Pack so that you can start fundraising.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire provides a unique home visiting service delivering crucial support for local families with young children who are at personal crisis point and struggling with issues such as post-natal depression, illness, isolation, bereavement, disability and domestic abuse. Over 90% of identified needs are met or partially met as a result of our support.

This event sponsored by SLL, Royston Leisure Centre and North Hertfordshire District Council.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 17th January at 85 North End Meldreth. Please join us if you feel the need for prayer and meditation. We are happy to take prayer requests which are accepted in complete confidentiality.

Marion Long (01763) 261365 54

‘About Love’ Concert Local choirs, including Foxton Singers, Guysing, Ad Hoc and Reed Church Choir will be singing some old favourites and beautiful, lesserknown songs, all on the theme of ‘love’, in Royston Parish Church on Saturday 11th February, in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire.

Doors open at 7.00pm for 7.30pm and tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 13s and are available by emailing admin@hsrsc.org.uk, telephoning (01763) 262262 or online from ticketsource: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc.

There will be a raffle and a licensed bar and opportunities for you to sing along, too!

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

Refuse Collections Collections in January will be on the following dates: Black bins: 7th* & 20th January Blue bins: 13th & 27th January Green bins: 13th January day late due to public holidays Changes to Collection Days From 27th February 2017 the majority of residents will be affected by a change to their bin collection day and/or the sequence of collections.

Information will be delivered through your door before the changes take place. We will also include them in the spring edition of South Cambs Magazine that will be delivered between 28th February and 19th March.

You will also be able to find out details on: www.scambs.gov.uk.

South Cambridgeshire District Council 55

Poetry Matters The Hunter in the Heavens There’ll be peace in the heavens tonight Although a sword sparkles bright in the sky, For Orion still hunts over the fir tree’s great height.

The Hunter displaying his power and his might, With his constellation’s arrow poised to fly; Yet there’ll be peace in the heavens tonight.

His belt glints with a cold crystal light On a background of blackness that pierces the eye, As Orion still hunts over the fir tree’s great height.

White hoar frost holds the Earth, brittle and bright In a grasp of ice feathers under the cold still sky, But there’ll be peace in the heavens tonight.

All is lit by an icy clear light, A night owl sends out his haunting cry As Orion still hunts over the fir tree’s great height.

The Hunter glows silver, an awesome sight Stamped on black velvet of a sky so high: Yes, there’ll be peace in the heavens tonight While Orion still hunts over the fir tree’s great height.

Yvonne Chamberlain December 5th 2016

Village Christmas Tree Many thanks to Indy, Serena and Marc for putting up the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall again. It does take a lot of time to prepare once it has left Doug Oliver's garden. As you can see the team are pleased to have it safely put up and decorated. Our thanks go to them all.

Joan Gane

56

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Personal Trainer

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

Michael Easton

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Training in Your Own Home or at Melbourn Gym Individual, personalised programmes http://backtothefitness.co.uk

Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag”

01763 249254

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Richard Burns

To advertise in this space, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

ELECTRICIAN For repairs, installation & advice please call

Tel: 01763 263 121 Mob: 07958 028 729 Email: sockets@tesco.net Part P approved Certified installer

Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

See page 60 for our rates.

57

Cycling Group Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger (01763) 260809 L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Maureen Moody—(01763) 260938

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

(01763) 220626; www.meldrethchurch.org.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

Rosalind Wing - 07432 150721 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—(01763) 261255 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/

Councils & Govt.

Photographic Group

Sport

(01763) 262199 Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

Church

Community Access Point Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

(01763) 261833; www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk or on the PC website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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 Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com (search for Meldreth)

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

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

A10 Timber ....................................28 Affordable Plumbing ......................43 Armstrong Window Cleaners ...........4 Art of Clean ....................................28 Art of Clean Wood .........................57 B2B Automotive .............................12 Bracey’s Accountants .................Cover Cam Valley Orchards ....................46 Cambourne Self Storage ..................4 Cambridge Roofers .........................17 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................43 CHS Day Centre ............................39 CHS Group .....................................17 Coton Electrical .............................23 The Country Store ..........................12 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........17 Gilhooly ..........................................53 Handyman .....................................39 Home Foot Care ..............................4 iPlaster ............................................12 Keyholes Driving School .............Cover Lawn Partners ...............................32 The Letting Centre ............................4 Little Hands Nursery School ...........12 Mandy Thornton Counselling ..........7 Melbourn Flooring ....................Cover

Melbourn Village College ................43 Meldreth Landscapes ........................39 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................53 Meridian Lawncare ..........................23 Michael Easton Personal Trainer .....57 Moncraft Computers .......................28 Nancy Foster Footcare .......................7 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service39 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......32 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................23 Prime Bookkeeping Services ............46 Quicksilver Yoga .............................23 Reed Autos ................................Cover Reflections Hair Studio .....................57 Richard Burns Electrician ................57 Rod’s PC Support .............................28 Royston Fencing ..............................32 Shelford Energy ................................23 Slimming World ..............................27 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............57 Summit Landscapes .........................46 Village Cycles .................................46 Village Garden Services ...................12 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ............7 Weight Loss & Nutritional Advice ..32 60

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Keyhole’s School of Driving The Key To Success

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To discuss driving lessons or courses please call:

Kay 07816 361 733 or Grant 07807 862 126 www.keyholesdriving.co.uk

****Special Introductory Rates**** Please call for latest offers

Uifpsz!Uftu!Xfctjuf Worth £8.00 per month to all our pupils www.keyholes.theorytestpro.co.uk

QUIZ NIGHT You are invited to join us for a light hearted and fun Quiz Night with Supper at Meldreth Village Hall on Friday 27th January 2017 - 7.00 for 7.30 pm We would welcome teams of 6 maximum please feel free to give your team a name.

If you are unable to make a full team, please do still join us and we will include you within a team.

Proceeds in aid of Meldreth Tennis Club Tickets ÂŁ10.00 per person (to include a supper of fish, chicken, sausage or veggie burger and chips).

You are very welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles along to this event.

To book your tickets and confirm your choice of supper, or for further information, please call Tracy on (01763) 243376 or 07815 148022 Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407