Meldreth Matters, January 2020

January 2020

In this issue … Join the MM Team! Letters to the Editor Local History Melwood

Events include … FOHT Supper Messy Church Police Surgery Tennis Club Quiz

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Contents Gardens & Nature

What’s On in January

Gardening 11-13 Melwood 8-9

FOHT Supper 37 Local Events 52-53 Messy Church 41 Police Surgery 24 Summary of Meldreth Events 3 Tennis Club Quiz back page

Miscellaneous Almshouses Vacancy 33 Christmas Tree Festival 14-15 Forthcoming Events 54 Join the MM Team 5 Letters to the Editor 32-33

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 36-37 Local History 6-7 Photographic Club 39 Women’s Group 34

Local/National Government Local Councillors 25-29 Parish Council 18-21 Planning 22-24

Children & Education 1st Melbourn Guides 46-47 Events for Families 50 Meldreth Manor 48-49 Messy Church 41 Preschool 40 Primary School 43-45

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 60 Home-Start 57 Mobile Warden Scheme 54 Neighbourhood Watch 17 Police Surgery 24 Refuse Collections 31 Village Directory 58-59

Transport Transport Groups Meetings 29

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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Editorial Welcome to our first issue of 2020. I have been editing Meldreth Matters for fifteen years, but several members of the current MM team have been working on the magazine for much longer than I have; namely Lesley Farbridge, Richard Burns and Ken McLean. Ken joined the team in 2000 and along with his proof-reading duties, has been in charge of the distribution of the magazine during that time. Although Ken will be remaining as proof-reader he has reluctantly decided to hang up his distributor’s hat. On behalf of the MM Team, and in fact all those who receive MM, I would like to thank Ken for the quiet and efficient way he has gone about this task. The start of 2020, therefore, presents an opportunity for one person - or perhaps two people, for it’s a job that can be shared - to join our small team of volunteers at Meldreth Matters. For more information on what the role entails, please see the information on page 5 or speak to a member of the MM team - our names are on page 59. A Happy New Year to you all! Kathryn

This Month’s Cover Picture: The British Queen At one time there were seven public houses in Meldreth. Today, only the British Queen remains. The first known publican was Nathan Driver in 1841. Unlike the other pubs in Meldreth, which were beer houses, the British Queen had a full licence, so wine and spirits could be sold in addition to beer. In 1954 the pub was bought by Flowers Brewery. Whitbread owned it from 1962. In 2002, they sold it to Enterprise Inns, who in turn leased it to Kew Inns. John Smith was the landlord from 1995 until 2010. Sue and Alan Tobin bought the British Queen in July of that year and began serving food again after a break of fifteen years. For more information on Meldreth’s pubs see www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Photograph by Kathryn Betts 2

January Events in Meldreth

Tuesday 14th

Saturday 18th

10.30am-12.00 noon

7.00pm

Police Surgery

FOHT Supper Holy Trinity Church

Elin Way Community Room See page 24

See page 37

Sunday 26th

Friday 31st

3.30pm

7.00pm for 7.30pm

Messy Church

Meldreth Tennis Club Quiz Night

Holy Trinity Church

Village Hall

See page 41

See back page

Melwood Conservation Group AGM

Wednesday 5th February 2020 7.45pm, Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall All Welcome 3

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Join the MM Team in 2020! Meldreth Matters Distribution Co-ordinator Required For the last twenty years, Ken McLean has been the link between the printer of Meldreth Matters and our stalwart deliverers. Reluctantly Ken has decided that the time has come to relinquish this task, so we are looking for a replacement. What is involved? Currently the printer delivers the magazines to Ken, towards the end of each month. The first task is to separate the 850 magazines into 26 bundles containing the number required by each deliverer. Then all that is required is to take the bundles to the deliverers. We aim to do this before the last weekend of the month so that they can land on your doormat before the first day of the following month. Ken will provide his replacement with a print-out identifying the deliverers, their location, the area to which they deliver and the number of copies which each requires. Although Ken has chosen to perform both functions himself, there is no reason why the role could not be divided in two, i.e. one person doing the bundling and another distributing the bundles to the deliverers. If you would like to volunteer to take over this job from Ken please contact him on (01763) 261243 or email ken.mclean34@yahoo.co.uk. Meldreth Matters Team

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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Meldreth Local History Group is that you get to meet interesting people from all over the UK and the world. We also discover new aspects and stories of Meldreth’s history at the same time. Last month, two young women from Canada telephoned to ask about the history of The Homestead, in Meldreth High Street (now Maycroft Care Home). They are researching a world famous violinist called Kathleen Parlow who lived in The Homestead with her mother. I knew of Kathleen Parlow and her association with The Homestead but not her full story. They asked me to show them around Meldreth as they are planning to make a film about Kathleen. They absolutely loved Meldreth, even in the rain, and particularly The British Queen which they found to be so welcoming and very 'English'. Kathleen Parlow was born in Calgary, Canada in 1890 and became a world famous violinist /teacher between 1908 and her death in 1963. She began playing the violin at the age of four and moved with her parents to San Francisco where her talent was discovered. She went on to study in St Petersburg, Russia. At the age of fourteen she played for the King at Buckingham Palace and by fifteen she was on a world tour and played at Wigmore Hall, London. 6

Her relationship with Meldreth began in 1912 when her mother Minnie found a house for them both away from all the world publicity. Her mother bought The Homestead in Meldreth High Street and it became a haven for Kathleen to relax away from her Kathleen photographed at The Homestead frequent tours all over the world. She seemed to immerse herself in books, music and the garden at The Homestead. There are pictures showing her relaxing in the garden with her cats and spending time with her chickens, quite in contrast to her busy touring life. She played in 375 concerts between 1908 to 1915. She was unable to travel between 1917 and 1919 due to travel restrictions during the First World War. Kathleen left Meldreth for the USA in 1926 and sadly had a mental breakdown the following year. She ultimately had a career teaching the violin in the USA and later Canada. There is still more to discover about her stay in Meldreth at The Homestead and there may be a connection with Ralph Vaughan Williams as we know he rented The Warren in North End for some time during 1906. and enjoyed living in this tranquil village. I would like to thank Lynn Ward , Manager of Maycroft, for sparing the time to show our Canadian visitors around The Homestead. It was so interesting and still has features from the early twentieth century. It is awaiting renovation now. This and more information on Kathleen Parlow will be added to our website soon. Joan Gane Chairman, MLHG 7

Melwood Wildlife and Early Winter Work 2019/20 As I write this in the run-up to Christmas, the winter has made a fairly typical start, with some spells of mild and wet weather and some cold days with an occasional night frost. The first of the named winter storms is currently rattling the pots on my patio and in the morning I will need to check the wood to see if any tree damage has occurred. The fairly considerable rainfall has now thoroughly moistened the soil in the wood and with the soil temperature still quite good, we have been able to plant some foxglove seedlings and native wild daffodils. We’ll be lucky if these flower in 2020 but they should put on a show in 2021. Most of the floor of the wood has been cleared of the dead remains of summer growth and the brush cutter has kept ash and sycamore seedlings under control. Ivy has been stripped from many tree trunks and in particular, from hawthorns that have been coppiced and are now regenerating. The material cut from the floor of the wood has been raked into piles that are being left to turn to compost. That compost will then be used to increase the fertility of patches of bare soil in the back of the wood. Some piles of wood left around the margins will eventually be cleared but for the present, they will remain undisturbed, as possible winter homes for mice and hedgehogs. Ash die-back is a fungal disease that has been very much in the news recently. As its name implies, it kills ash trees and it is unfortunately present on many of the trees in the wood. Most of the oldest trees in the wood are Ash, so we will not be in a hurry to cut them down, but the chances of survival of the Ash saplings we are retaining is significantly reduced. The main area of old Ash trees is in the centre of the wood and along a protected tree line to the east. Fortunately, there is a patch of younger trees of mixed species in one area and some rapidly maturing beech trees elsewhere. Near the seat is a clump of Elms that seem to be resistant to Dutch elm disease, another fungal disease fatal to its host. These trees are probably all clones from one original tree and should all be equally resistant. They may even be from the same stock as the trees opposite the station, which also appear to be a resistant clone. In anticipation of the eventual loss of the older Ash trees, we are planting young saplings of other native woodland species including Oak, Hornbeam and Birch. This year we managed to get the nest boxes cleaned out before Christmas. In the past, it has been a bit of a gamble whether we could 8

get it done before the birds started showing an interest in them about the end of February. The January work party has been hit by bad weather on a number of occasions. News from the boxes was good this year, with nine out of thirteen showing signs of having been used. There was also a Great Spotted Woodpecker that reared a brood of young in a natural hole in one of the trees in the wood. As always, there are good numbers of small birds in the wood at this time of year, as they clean up the insects left behind from summer. Later, they will become more reliant on garden bird feeders, although some species, like Coal Tit and Goldcrest (pictured) continue to make use of conifers and the insects that shelter in them. Despite all the recent rain, the water level in the River Mel remains quite low. It can take over six months for rainfall to work its way down into the aquifer and as the number of new houses increases, so does abstraction from the aquifer. A number of Hertfordshire chalk streams have dried up completely in recent years and it is to be hoped that the same fate does not await the Mel. Although very few trout have been seen in the river this winter, the Little Egret has once again taken up winter residence along the river and there has been an occasional sighting of a Kingfisher, so there must still be some fish to be found. By the time this article arrives on your doormat, the first snowdrops should be appearing, heralding the full show in mid-February and the promise of spring. The Melwood Conservation Group is holding its AGM on Wednesday 5th February in the Green Room of the Village Hall. Anyone interested in finding out more about the group will be welcome to attend or contact me on (01763) 260231, Bruce Huett on (01763) 232855 or visit our website: http://melwood.btck.co.uk. Jim Reid 9

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Notes From a Small Garden Our Veg Plus Club and the village were enormously supportive of our Tree Planting Day on Saturday 30th November. We held this event in aid of the Woodland Trust, a charity which amongst other things, looks after our ancient woodlands. They were encouraging tree planting all over the country that day, in order to combat climate change. We raised £160.00 in donations from people who came and chose trees/saplings for their gardens, and when I later rang the Woodland Trust, they reported that overall they too had had a very successful day. We have many people to thank, not least the British Queen for hosting the event and for laying on teas and coffees, and Phillimore’s Garden Centre who provided at cost, some common saplings; beech, hawthorn, acer and many others. Aurora students made delicious biscuits and cakes and bought along their contraption for roasting marsh mallows as you will see here. One of our oldest residents bought an oak tree for her garden down by the river, and we now have enough saplings to finish our hedging down at the end of the garden by the bonfire. Lastly, the Primary School lent us some of their magnificent drawings and writings which are part of their project for the importance of trees in combatting climate change. A big thank you to them all. Now we need to persuade the Parish Council to plant more trees on the verges, where it is safe and also on the recreation ground when plans for adding new equipment are completed. Since, according to the Met Office, we are in for a cold winter this year I have covered my tree peonies with fleece bags which can be closed at the bottom and also the auriculas as they take up too much room in my garden room. I can’t bear to lose certain geraniums, so have cut them back to encourage new growth in the spring. 11

There was a lively Veg Plus club on Saturday, which alas I missed having elected to go on a harpsichord course, but there apparently was as usual lots of talk about leeks and beetles. One member managed to avoid getting this infestation in his leeks which were planted out first, but not the later plantings. I planted them three times and they all got infested with the wretched bug! Next time I will follow Jim’s advice, which is to cover the plants with enviromesh from planting time onwards. It is also helpful to plant fast-growing varieties as early as you can. And now to our other concern; Honey Fungus, the common name given to Armillaria fungus that attacks and kills the roots of many woody and perennial plants. The most characteristic symptom of honey fungus is white fungal growth between the bark and wood, usually at ground level. Clumps of honey-coloured toadstools sometimes appear briefly on infected stumps in autumn. The main symptoms are decaying roots, white fungus between bark and wood and rhizomorphs, causing sudden death of plant. Non-chemical control can be used to prevent honey fungus spreading to unaffected areas. A physical barrier such as a 45cm (18in) deep vertical strip of butyl rubber (pond lining) or heavy duty plastic sheet buried in the soil will block the rhizomorphs. It should protrude 2-3cm above soil level. Regular deep cultivation will also break up rhizomorphs and limit spread. Avoid the most susceptible plants and instead use plants that are rarely recorded as being affected by honey fungus. Some less affected plants include: Acer negundo, Arundinaria (and other bamboos), Buxus sempervirens, Carpinus betulus, Chaenomeles, Erica, Fremontodendron, Garrya, Ginkgo, Hypericum, Jasminum, Juglans nigra, Larix, Nyssa, Pittosporum, Quercus ilex (holm oak), Tamarix, and Vaccinium. See the Royal Horticultural Society website www.rhs.org.uk for a more complete list of susceptible and less affected plants. Unfortunately there are no chemical controls available. Difficult……!! Jobs for the New Year:  If you want to move perennial plants to another part of the border. Do it now, not when the ground is hard from frost. 12

 Continue spreading compost

and muck on the garden but don’t disturb the soil by forking over the ground first. Remove weeds like nettles but leave the rest to rot down under the compost.  Have

fun in these dark evenings with seed catalogues, choosing which annuals and veg you would like to be growing next year.

Happy New Year from Jim and me. Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival 2019 The Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s event including the tree exhibitors who triumphed again this year with some very original tree designs which were much admired by our record number of visitors. Over the weekend, we had in excess of one thousand visitors to the Church! Many favourable comments were heard from visitors from outside the village, some commenting on how beautiful the Church looked and how wonderful to have such a great community spirit. Thanks also to local electrician David Coton for setting up the lighting and to John Price for his major contribution once more towards all the complicated arrangements required for us to stage a successful event. Also our thanks are extended to the Craft Group which made beautiful handmade gifts, our produce makers who made delicious seasonal food, and our soup and cake bakers who made an important contribution to our refreshments. Also thanks to those who were on the various rotas, whether looking after the younger visitors in the Messy Church area, in the kitchen, stewarding or car park duty. And of course thanks to Roger Wallbridge for being in charge of Noah and Bambi for two days. Thanks also go to Scrambells, the hand bell ringers, who entertained our visitors and were much appreciated by everyone. Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Margaret Goddin

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A Good Day It was such a good day On the First of December, When I came to Meldreth A day to remember. The Christmas Tree Festival Was in full swing, And the Handbell Ringers Were ready to ring. We listened spellbound As the carols rang out, Then time for Jingle Bells So we gave it a shout . But humbling, overwhelming, Was the welcome from friends, In this special place of worship There is Joy without end. By Liz S.

The Meldreth Matters Tree Thanks are due to Judy McLean for our “Bouquet of Flowers” tree (pictured above) which you may have seen at the Christmas Tree Festival last month. Judy came up with the idea for the tree and then worked for months making all of the “flowers”. It’s a shame that MM isn’t printed in colour as these black and white photographs don’t do it justice. Photographs by John Crawforth and Lesley Farbridge 15

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Neighbourhood Watch Automated Scam Telephone Calls We often receive automated telephone calls along the lines of ‘Your broadband is about to be cut off. Please press 1 now to speak to someone’. In case you weren't sure, these are scams. However, in early December, we had a call that said ‘Your Mastercard has been used for an unauthorised transaction of £600 to a foreign country in the last fifteen minutes. To stop or authorise this transaction, please press 1.’ This sounds very similar to the other calls so is probably a scam, but because it involves a credit card and a significant amount of money, it is a bit more worrying. So how to confirm that this is a scam? First of all, never respond to the call directly, for example by pressing the number or dialling any other number suggested. This will put you straight through to the scammers, and so you are at risk of having your personal information stolen. Instead, find your card and look at the Customer Services number on the back. This is the only number that you should ever ring with a query about your card. Before you phone your card company, be aware that scammers sometimes hold your phone line open, so you end up talking to the scammers. You can either call your home telephone from another telephone and check that it rings, or use that other telephone to call your card provider. Only use your own telephone if you are sure that it is safe. Don't be embarrassed about telephoning your card company; they will be only too willing to help to confirm that it is a scam, and would rather that you call them to check than fall victim to a real scam. We phoned regarding the £600, and they confirmed to us that they hadn't contacted us and there was no transaction, so it was a scam. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, it can be helpful to talk to someone else, for example a friend or one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham

(01763) 260358

Linda

(01763) 261405

Peter

(01763) 260323

Tim

(01763) 262801

For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 5th December 2019 The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting. Discussions and decisions:  Village tree planting: there was a verbal report from a resident on the recent well-attended tree planting initiative and it was agreed that the Council’s Carbon Group would be the point of contact (see below).  Kissing gate at railway footpath: the ownership needs to be clarified but urgent attention is needed to the gate, which has recently broken. The sharp edges are a hazard and urgent repairs will be organised. In the meantime residents need to take care when opening and closing the gate. The question of replacing the gate with an alternative structure remains under review, with costings and justification being the main considerations. (See p.25)  Finance Group: proposals for the 2020-2021 Council Tax Precept will be presented for discussion at the next Council meeting. The Council’s policy is to set the Precept at a level that covers day-today expenditure with some margin for unexpected costs. Costs continue to rise remorselessly and some increase in Precept is therefore likely to be recommended; the Finance Group is also considering areas where savings or cost recovery can be achieved.  Futures Group: a recommended proposal to support Melbourn Dynamos Football Club in the purchase of new goals for junior football was withdrawn, as the equipment specification had changed and a new submission will be required via the Futures Group. The Council accepted the Futures Group’s recommendation to donate £100 towards the costs of Melbourn Library, as this is a service that is well used by Meldreth residents.  Traffic Group: the Council agreed the submission of a Local Highways Improvement (LHI) scheme proposal whereby 18

improvements would be made to signage and road lines at the Fenny Lane crossroads. The Council is offering to contribute £2,500 towards total Highways costs of £8,794. There is also some allowance for directional signs at the junction of Fenny Lane and High Street. This LHI scheme is supported by our County Councillor who will add explicit endorsement to the proposal. Data is now being gathered from the mobile speed device in Fenny Lane, which suggests that improvements are evident; a detailed report will be provided to the next Council meeting. In the meantime the movable device will be installed in Whitecroft Road for a further trial period so that further data can be collected. Discussions with Highways continue on the subject of High Street/school traffic parking and the provision of a ‘lollipop’ pedestrian warden is also under investigation. A new item on the agenda for discussion with Highways is the danger inherent to footway users at the College Farm Business Centre bend in North End and what steps might be taken in mitigation.  Carbon Group: the Council supports all initiatives that improve the public space and contribute to carbon reduction. The Council’s Carbon Group will be asked to liaise with the organisers of the tree-planting project that was launched on 30th November. One objective is to refine the search for locations in the village where new trees could be planted.  Churchyard: discussions have been opened with the churchwardens regarding the repair work that needs to be done on the churchyard wall. It was noted that although the wall is in the ownership of the church, the Council has certain legal responsibilities for its maintenance under the closed churchyard provisions.  GoCold Development Appeal: our Chairman and our District Councillor both attended an appeal hearing before a Government Inspector. Strong submissions were made on the grounds of access, danger to other users of the site and station precinct, general sustainability issues (transport, village services) and affordable housing questions. The appeal has not yet been formally closed as the Inspector is considering late changes to access from the highway.  Recreation Ground: Equipment: It was reported that the equipment remains largely in good order but some further work is needed on the witch’s hat 19

pivot bearings and this will be undertaken by the installers. One further contractor is due to report on the kickwall and toddler tower and a decision can then be considered for the next steps. The usual contractor/groundsman who attends to the main pitch for the football club has said that he cannot mark the five-a-side pitch and the alternatives will need to be reviewed. ď‚Ź Other issues: The dog signs have been installed and the security bollards at the Howard Road entrance have been installed and are fully operational. The recreation ground ditch has been cleared of vegetation and the Council discussed possible safety issues. There have been previous discussions about piping or installing a safety fence; all such schemes have complications and more work needs to be done to consider what might be possible. The pavilion guttering is in need of repairs and the Clerk will arrange this. ď‚Ź Tree Survey: the survey has been carried out and the results are awaited. ď‚Ź Remembrance Sunday: the event was well attended. The refreshments organised by two residents in the Village Hall after the event were a great success and the Council warmly thanks the organisers and all those who volunteered to staff the event and to provide cakes etc. This was a good community occasion, bringing us all together in a very positive way on a significant day on the village calendar. Next meeting: the Council agreed that the January Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday 9th January 2020 instead of Thursday 2nd January. Meldreth Parish Council

Dog Waste Can all dog owners please dispose of their dog's waste in the dog bins provided and not in the litter bins, especially in the children's play area. Judy Damant Parish Council Clerk 20

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

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Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

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Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Detail Address

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Former Stables Building Station Yard S/3696/19/FL

Change of use and external alterations to form dwelling

Recommend ‘Object’ with comments. The Council can see little difference in this recent application. There is still concern regarding access visibility issues. The PC would like to reiterate their previous comments. ‘There is concern that if planting, erection of garden shed and fencing occurs then this could lead to visibility issues. The proposed development is looking at turning, what is at the moment, a grass verge into a garden and this may exacerbate the issues already experienced in this area with regards to traffic’. The plan shows a red boundary line which appears to go over the highway verge, though it appears the fence is not including this, there is concern that any fence, hedge would cause a visibility issue if erected.

108 High Street, S/3830/19/PA

Prior approval for a change of use of B1 Unit to residential dwelling.

110 High Street S/3919/19/TC

Recommend ‘Support’ with comments. ‘It is assumed that this application is for a change of use to a residential dwelling but the Council would not support a planning application based on the information given on the layout of the 5 residential units. The Council support the principal of this application’; however, they have a major concern with the parking and if there is sufficient allocation for the parking spaces within the site. The High Street is not able to accommodate further parking’. This was noted with no comments

To fell and replace a dying Hazel tree. Retrospective Recommend ‘Support’ with no comments application for erection of new kiosk over the top of existing kiosk.

Meldreth Booster Station, S/2538/19/FL

22

Reference and Address 79 North End S/3794/19/TP

Detail

Fenny Lane Farm, Fenny Lane S/3600/19/DC

Information Only. Discharge of condition 2 (Traffic Management), 3 (site access), 4 (Refuse bins), 5 (Contamination), 6 (Remediation), 7 (contamination and remediation), 8 (roofing samples), 9 (Boundary treatment), 10 (Foul and surface water), 11 (Arboricultural method statement) and 12 (Bat ecology report) of planning permission S/3418/19/PA.

This was noted with no comments

134 High Street (Almshouses) S/3939/19/TP

T1 – Sycamore. Further to earlier refusal notice ref: TPO 0007 (1966) and Application Ref: S/0676/19/TP now reinstating request to remove T1 Sycamore based on additional seasonal monitoring/investigation results. Refer to MWA Subsidence Report dated 27/09/2019. Information Only Discharge of conditions 4 (boundary treatment), 5 (hard and soft landscaping), 8 (Stream/ditch), 9 (Scheme for ecological enhancement) and 22 (Archaeological works) pursuant to planning permission S/0241/18/FL.

This was noted with no comments

70 Whitecroft Road S/3705/19/DC

Greengage Cottage, Bury Lane, S/4054/19/LD

T1 – Ash Crown reduce tree by 3 metres and crown lift 3 meters from top of wall. Tree is in close proximity to the house and has started to create large shadow to house. Tree has begun to drop dead wood and debris over area of parked cars.

Parish Council Recommend This was noted with no comments.

This was noted with no comment

Lawful development certificate of The Parish Council note existing use of Greengage Cottage as this but made no an independent dwelling since August comment. 2004.

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

Planning continued …. 23

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address

Parish Council Recommend

S/3187/19/VC, 64 Whitecroft Road

Has been granted permission for variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission S/2195/19/FL for erection of a single storey annexe to rear.

Other Items: Councillor Goddin and the Clerk along with District Councillor Hart attended the Gocold appeal on the 13th November 2019 at Cambourne. There have been some boundary changes which neither the Parish Council nor SCDC had been informed about. These will now need to be looked at in more detail by the Planning Inspectorate. Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the SCDC website http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display

Police Surgery Tuesday 14th January 2020 10:30 – 12:00 Elin Way Community Room Meldreth Join us at a police surgery to seek crime prevention advice or chat about any raising concerns in your community. Special guest – Nigel Sutton to talk about Cyber Crime/Scams (Approved and Appreciated by residents of Melbourn and Fowlmere) 24

District and County Councillors’ Reports Local Issues From Susan: Kissing Gate I’ve now had confirmation that it would be up to the Parish Council to obtain a quote for removing the kissing gate and replacing it with a different structure. I have suggested a staggered gate that allows pushchairs and wheelchairs through but prevents people from running from the path into the road. This would fall to the parish because the present infrastructure could be left as is for public use. This would then need to be checked with Peter Gaskin at the County Council. Since composing this update, the kissing gate has been damaged (see page 18). Mud on Malton Lane I have had complaints again about the excessive mud on Malton Lane. The Local Highways Officer is ‘dealing with the culprit and recharging for time spent’. Unfortunately the landowner is a distant one and so communication is poor at best. Mud on Kneesworth Road The landowner has been responsive to the Local Highways Officer’s request to clean the road, although at the time of writing that promise has not yet been fulfilled. County Council Climate Change Strategy: The County Council’s draft Climate Change Strategy is due to be published on 20th December. Please look it up on the council website. It will be interesting to see how transport and travel issues are dealt with, given the complicated local governance arrangements now in play. A significant emphasis is expected on tree planting. ‘Plantlife’ Campaign ‘Plantlife’ campaign has launched its new road verge guidelines which aim to fundamentally transform the management of the UK’s verges. The guidelines provide practical advice on how local authorities can fulfil their biodiversity duties whilst reducing management burdens over time, using real life examples of how good management is already being 25

implemented on the ground. Over 700 species and nearly 45 per cent of our total flora are found on our road verges. 97% of our wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s, so these crucial habitats need to be properly managed. The less and later, two-cut approach suggested in the guidelines would replenish the seed bank, restore floral diversity, save councils money and provide pollinator habitat estimated to equal the size of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh combined. A County Council team of members is asking highways officers for a briefing on what differences these guidelines would mean for Cambridgeshire, and how the council is planning to implement them. Fostering a Child The County Council is trying very hard to dispel some fostering, as we always need more foster families who help with the 600 or so children in care at any Cambridgeshire. Fostering is a hugely rewarding role – thought about it?

myths around are willing to one time in have you ever

In particular, one myth is that foster carers do not receive any support with their work. However, all of our foster carers receive a generous allowance as well as 24-hour access to support and training with an allocated fostering social worker who is the main point of contact. In fact, the only requirements are that prospective carers are over 21 and have a spare bedroom! You can be single, married, in a civil partnership, in rented accommodation or retired. For more information on fostering (and adoption), see here: https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/fosteringand-adoption/. South Cambridgeshire District Council Local Plan Update The first public consultation - a six-week Issues and Options Consultation - will be launched by the joint Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Planning Authority on Monday 13th January. Responses to the consultation will feed into the new joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge and will feature four big themes: climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, wellbeing and social inclusion and great places. The themes will inform what types of new homes are built and where, where new jobs are based and businesses can locate and how infrastructure such as transport links, schools and healthcare can 26

support new homes and jobs. Visit the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/local-plan after 13th January to find out more and have your say. SCDC Community Chest Grants The Grants Advisory Committee remains keen to receive applications that help to: 

Promote active and healthy lifestyles



Build inclusive communities



Enhance the natural environment

Mobile Warden Grant Scheme The Mobile Warden grant scheme opened on Friday 29th November and SCDC will be accepting applications until 5.00pm on Friday 24th January 2020. In 2019/20 fourteen schemes were supported across the district, covering over 25 villages and supporting approximately 314 residents. The schemes support older people to live independently in their homes and the community they know. They are complementary to statutory care services and can help to combat loneliness and social isolation. View the criteria, guidance notes and application form on the SCDC website or contact Ellen Bridges by emailing ellen.bridges@scambs.gov.uk or calling 01954 713294. Three Free Trees for Every Parish SCDC is committed to supporting the transition to zero carbon by 2050 and the doubling of nature so the council is launching an offer of ‘Three Free Trees’ to every parish in South Cambridgeshire at selected participating garden centres from early January. More details to follow. Contact: Email Emma Dyer on emma.dyer@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713344. Zero Carbon Communities Forum In January SCDC will be holding the first in a series of quarterly forums/workshops to support local action to move communities in South Cambridgeshire towards zero carbon. These are part of a new Zero Carbon Communities Programme which will replace our Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership work and will run alongside the Zero Carbon Communities grant scheme. Details will be sent to Parish Clerks and to the Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership mailing list in December.

27

Funding to Boost Energy Efficiency of Homes and Make Repairs South Cambridgeshire District Council provides funding towards making homes more energy efficient, as well as other essential repairs. For example, if people are struggling to heat their homes due to an old, faulty or inefficient boiler, we may be able to help pay for a new one through our Discretionary Grants scheme. To qualify for a grant, householders will need to have owned and lived in their home for at least two years and be in receipt of one of the following means tested benefits:  Universal Credit  Income Support  Income based Job Seekers Allowance or Income Based Employment Support Alliance  Working Tax Credit with gross income less than £18,000  Council Tax support  Guaranteed Pension Credit or child tax credit with a relevant income less than £18,000 If householders receive one of the above benefits, this grant scheme could provide them with funding to help improve their current heating system. The Council may also be able to help with improving home insulation, replacing draughty windows and doors and carrying out a range of other essential repairs. See http://www.scambs.gov.uk/housing/home-improvement-grants for more information, or email HIA@CambsHIA.org or telephone (01954) 713330. South Cambs Magazine The winter 2019 edition of South Cambs Magazine should have been delivered to residents by Sunday 8th December. If you did not receive your copy, please get in touch with Smart Distribution by emailing scdc@smartdistribution.co.uk or telephoning 0800 6444 011 as soon as possible. You can view an edition of the latest South Cambs Magazine online: http://www.scambs.gov.uk/the-council/south-cambs-magazine. Fly-tipping signs The council has been running a campaign to tackle fly-tipping since the summer and the next planned activity is to erect anti fly-tipping signs in particular hotspots across the district from 13th December. ‘Let’s 28

S.C.R.A.P fly-tipping’ leaflets are available for parishes to provide information on prevention, what people should be doing with their rubbish, and how to report fly-tipping. If you would like to receive some of these leaflets please let the Waste team know. Contact: env.health@scambs.gov.uk or telephone 03450 450 063. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at any time. Our contact details are in the Village Directory at the back of Meldreth Matters. County Councillor Susan van de Ven District Councillors Jose Hales and Philippa Hart

Transport Groups: Meetings Cam Vale Bus User Group We meet next on Wednesday 22nd January at 2.00pm at The Limes Community Room, Bassingbourn. If you need a lift to the meeting, please let me know. Cycle Campaign Meeting The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign AGM and meeting will take place on Wednesday 12th February, from 7.30 to 9.00pm. Details will be posted on www.a10corridor.com Rail User Group The Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group AGM and meeting will take place on Tuesday 25th February, from 7.30-9.00pm. Details will be posted at www.meldrethsheprethfoxton.org.uk. Susan van de Ven 07905 325574 Susanvandeven5@gmail.com

29

Meldreth Village Di Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 5.30pm Slimming World

School Term begins Tuesday 7th January

7.30pm Slimming World

Thurs 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

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

9.00-10.30am Yoga 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.00-10.30am Yoga 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.00-10.30am Yoga 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba 9.00-10.30am Yoga 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

10.00am Hart

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

4.00-5.00pm A

1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

5.30pm Slimming World

7.30pm Parish

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

7.30pm WI

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.30am-12.00 Police Surgery, Elin Way 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30 Mob. Library 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00-10.00pm OT Dancing

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 1.30-2.30 Aerobics 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pmCrafters

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.30pm Slimming World 10.00am Hart 12.00-2.00pm BQ

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm 7.00 - 9.00pm 10.00am Hart

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm 7.00 - 9.00pm

10.00am Hartb

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00 - 6.45pm 7.00 - 9.00pm

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meldreth L Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity (HT) me opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 30

ary - January 2020

sday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Table

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Family Communion

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

8.00am Holy Communion

ACRO Fitness Council

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

Pub Club,

7.00 for 7.30pm FOHT Supper, Holy Trinity Church (see page 37)

9.45am Family Communion

ACRO F. Pilates T. Tennis

beeps

8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Slimming World

3.30pm Messy Church (see page 41)

ACRO F. Pilates T. Tennis

beeps

ACRO F. Pilates T. Tennis

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

Refuse Collections Black bins: 8th*, 21st Blue bins: 2nd*, 14th, 28th Green bins: 14th * late collection due to public holidays

ocal History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. eting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by 31

Letters to the Editor Tree Planting Event What a splendid tree planting event we had here on 30th November! I think we all should give our heartfelt thanks to Julie Draper and her group of helpers for all they did to make it all possible. The village is so fortunate to possess such people willing to give time and energy, so that we can participate in such an occasion, giving the Woodland Trust the support it so desperately needs. But what a miserable response to its happening was made by the Parish Council at their November meeting, as reported in the last Meldreth Matters. If all they can offer is a dreary warning about verge planting it is a sad reflection on their spirit and whole way of thinking. I should like them to put on such an event and really lead the village. As it is we are doubly lucky to have in our midst the super citizens we have. Margaret Hunter

Maycroft Residential Care Home The Residents and Staff at Maycroft would like to take this opportunity to offer a sincere Thank You for all the support we have received from local people throughout 2019. We always appreciate the regular visits made by Families and Friends and those people who so generously donate to our Annual Fete and Sponsored Walk for Alzheimer’s UK. Recently a lady came to our door to donate a bouquet of flowers which was a welcome act of kindness. The Residents thoroughly enjoyed arranging them. We failed to get her name but if she’s reading this, many thanks. During December we were very pleased to welcome the Primary School Choir and the Preschool Children who came along with their teachers and entertained us with Christmas carols and songs. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy New Year and look forward to welcoming you all to Maycroft during 2020. Maycroft Care Home

32

West Way and Burtons Thank you to all those who contributed to the house-to-house collection for this year’s Poppy Appeal. The total raised was £85.98. Daphne Jones-Barrie

Meldreth WI Jane and the Committee would like to wish all members and friends every good wish for a healthy and happy 2020. Meldreth WI

Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouses The Trustees of the above Almshouses will shortly have a vacancy in the middle one of the three properties. If you are interested in applying, please contact Peter Chilvers on (01763) 260742 or email him at peter.roger.chilvers@gmail.com. There are certain stipulations which applicants must fulfil: 1.

They must have reached the age of sixty years.

2.

They must have some connection with the village, either residing here themselves or have a relative living here.

3.

Applicants should not own a dog or a cat although other pets may be allowed at the discretion of the Trustees. Peter Chilvers

New to the village?

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today section for information on

footpaths * village facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 33

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group In November we met in Holy Trinity Church meeting room to join with Reverend Mary Price who led us on an Advent reflection. What a special time it was! Mary started with some music which she said might not be what we expected and she was right! It was I'm On My Way by The Proclaimers and there were feet tapping to it! Then she read the first half of an excerpt from Adrian Plass’s book of short stories, The Final Boundary. The story was The Visit, which was most unlike anything most of us had heard before. It told about the visit of God to a church, about the expectations, the hopes, the desires of the people and about mankind’s agenda being different to God’s. Mid way through, we had an opportunity to reflect on what we had heard and listened to music of a quieter nature (Sinfonia from Bach's Christmas Oratorio) to give us space and time for our reflection. We then heard the second half of the narrative and I found it very moving as indeed did others. In a way, we felt that we had been blessed with God’s presence and it made us think about the different characters in the story, their reaction to God and it certainly made me think who I was most like!! Our final music selection was Gaudete sung by The Angelis Choir. We finished with an Advent poem by Rowan Williams and there seemed to be a general reluctance to move from that time of quiet and reflection. Our next meeting will be Tuesday 28th January 2020 and this will be our AGM which will be held in ASCH Melbourn behind All Saints Church. It begins at the usual time of 7.45pm and we will receive the reports and accounts, elect a committee, choose a charity to support for the year and receive the programme for 2020. After the formal business we will join in a bring and share supper. If you’d like to know more about the group please contact Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 and Kimmi Crosby. Pat Smith

34

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35

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk November's Talk on Hedgehogs Liz, from the Hedgehog hospital based at the Shepreth Wildlife Conservation Charity, passed around photographs and gave an interesting talk on her knowledge and experience with hedgehogs, which soon developed into an open forum discussion. A few of the many facts we learned were that: (1) The hospital typically handles between 500 and 800 admissions per year, and aims to be able to return the hedgehogs to the area where they were found, once they are healthy; (2) Warm autumns lead to late litters of hoglets which may then try to hibernate when only two months old and may weigh only 200 grammes. Unless a hedgehog is at least 600 grammes when hibernating, it will not survive the winter without specialist care, and even then not all survive; (3) Three local villages have become ‘Hedgehog friendly’ having many accessible gardens; the hedgehogs will roam up to 1.5 miles a night; (4) Any hedgehog out in daytime is in trouble and without rescue will probable die that day. At the conclusion, Liz was congratulated on her interesting talk and said she was donating her speaker's fee to the charity; both the Friends and a member of the audience donated bags of hedgehog food. The hospital is always grateful for any donations of newspapers for bedding, food (they eat hedgehog food, cat food (not fish based), dog food (without gravy) and money, to help them continue with their valuable work.

This Month’s Event: Supper - see facing page for details. Future Events: Saturday 18th January 2020 - Annual Supper Thursday 20th February 2020 - Talk by Peter Allen, BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster March - details are being finalised Friday 15th May 2020 - AGM Friday 29th May 2020 - Jane Eyre by ‘This is My Theatre’ group in the nave of the church John Price 36

37

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• • • • • • •

Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch. Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages. From £8.40 per hour.

Garden design & build Planting plans Landscaping Patios Decking Fencing Fully qualified

Mobile: 07957 256320 Phone: 01763 260400 www.yourgreenlounge.com

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

New Yoga Class for Meldreth Meldreth Village Hall Mondays 9.00 – 10.30 am Starts 14th January 2019 and runs weekly during term time Friendly, supportive classes in a non-competitive environment helping you to develop strength, flexibility and well-being. Suitable for all abilities. £10 drop-in or £90 for a 10 class pass. More details at www.yoga2.co.uk or email Chris and Shelagh: yoga2@btinternet.com 38

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

Following our two-week Christmas recess, the programme for the beginning of the New Year includes four competitions and three lectures. January’s meetings are as follows: 7th Club Christmas meal 14th Panel Print Competition. Judge: Ben Pike 21st Street Photography: Light and Life on the Streets. Lecture by Damien Demoulder 28th Inter-Club Battle with Gamlingay. Judge: Sarah Kelman

Back-2-Front by Nigel Northwood

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 to 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April and visitors are welcome (ÂŁ2 entry fee). 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 me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary, Melbourn & District Photographic Club 39

Meldreth Preschool This half term certainly seems to have been a busy one learning about Diwali, Halloween, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day. The children have also been busy raising money for Children in Need (by coming to preschool in their pyjamas) and taking part in World Nursery Rhyme Week. Thursday woodland walks continue to offer the opportunity to make the most of the changes in the season, looking at the different colours and shapes of leaves, searching for sticks and making dens. The children have even put up a bird feeder so they can look forward to watching visiting feathered friends. On 1st November the preschool staff arranged a very enjoyable bingo night raising much needed funds for the preschool. Thank you so much to everyone involved in organising this event and to everyone who attended. We are delighted to announce that the amount raised was ÂŁ934 which will go a long way to helping to equip the preschool with essential equipment. In December, with Christmas just a matter of weeks away, the children were busy getting into the festive spirit exploring shapes and colours whilst making decorations to adorn the preschool tree at the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival at the Church. Later in the month the children enjoyed a special trip to Maycroft Care Home in the village to sing Christmas songs for the residents. Very many thanks indeed go to the outgoing Chair, Treasurer and Secretary of the preschool committee who are handing over the reins to a new team of volunteers. The previous committee all put in a huge amount of time and energy over a number of years to see the preschool through some steep challenges and big changes including the move from the Village Hall to the brand new space at the Primary School. The new committee are grateful for all their help in the handover process and are pleased to be taking up their new roles in January. Applications are now being taken for September 2020. Please contact manager@meldrethpreschool.com for more information. Julia Moore Preschool Chair

40

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Compiling this piece on the eve of the 2019 General election, I am fully aware that by the time readers come to mull it over, the election will have passed, the new government will have formed and all of the political problems of the past few years will have been sorted out! Nonetheless, in the week before the election, I canvassed the older children in school to try and ascertain the views of some of Meldreth’s young people on some of the pressing issues of the day. On Brexit, the over-riding feeling is that it has been going on for too long. Elliot explained, “People keep on moving it to different dates. It’s like when someone asks a question and then everyone just ignores it and makes up their own mind!” Meanwhile Finlay thinks Brexit is bad because “we will have higher prices on food, toys and homes”. A large number of children have relatives abroad and Brexit troubled them in that they felt it would be harder to travel and visit loved ones in other countries. Jude summed up his own position very succinctly: “I think we are just running away from our friends!” Many children, including Alfie, felt strongly that climate change is a far more important issue. Chloe pointed out that “Global warming is bad, because I am worried there will be floods and fires and too many people smoke, which pollutes the Earth.” Matthew felt that the Extinction Rebellion protesters “are doing a great job, but no one is listening to them”, while Emily and Maya focused on polar bears who are losing their ice! And Joe reminded us all that we should only use our cars if we need to – “and they should be electric cars,” added Sunny. “I think we should take care of all the rainforests and use less plastic and paper. We should do what Greta Thunberg is trying to do!” Well put, Isla! Many children had clear views of who they would vote for. Chloe “would get Heidi Alan to be Prime Minister even though she quit, because she was a really good MP and people think she’d make a great Prime Minister.” The most popular party mentioned was the Liberal Democrats, largely because children felt they would stop Brexit and sort out climate change, though Jonny was adamant “that Boris Johnson can be a good Prime Minister, and he’s very funny!” Scarlett, however, has been doing some background research and put in her case for Plaid Cymru, “because they would give free social care to the elderly and give £300 million extra for schools and colleges – with also free childcare for 43

forty hours a week!” Joseph took a more sanguine view: “I wouldn’t vote for anyone; no one is doing anything right!” On the subject of the Royal Family, the overall (but certainly not overwhelming) feeling was that they are ‘a good thing’. In fact the children in Year 6 were significantly more cynical about the role of the Royals than those in Year 4. Despite not having much time for them, Eva admired “how Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge are supporters of people with mental health issues” and Annabel explained “I like how none of them are bad people. I also like that they have dogs, because it shows that animals are important” Indeed many children described the corgis as their favourite Royals! Harley, Tom and Isla respectively liked their castles, their massive house and their pretty dresses! Homelessness among young people was a matter of significant concern. Almost all children felt that their homelessness was the fault of others and that the government should give them generous handouts. Sophie suggested “the Government should give them all a giant flat so homeless people can come in and get keys and then inside the flat there will be money.” Evie pointed out that the problem is that there are not enough homes to start with. “I think we should build more flats because it won’t take up so much land and then we should sell them much cheaper so poor people and homeless people can buy them”. The children almost unanimously felt that Climate Change and Global Warming are our most pressing issues, “because if we don’t sort it out, we won’t be here,” though one of the younger children wisely put it that in order to empower this generation of young people to help meet the challenges ahead “you’ve got to learn kids good and help them grow up good,” which is exactly what we aspire to do at Meldreth Primary School. Happy New Year! Caroline Maskell and Heather Prince At the end of term we bade a fond farewell to two of our longest serving teaching assistants, Mrs Maskell and Mrs Prince. Mrs Heather Prince has been a dedicated and reliable member of our Early Years team for fifteen years. Being part of our Reception staff, she has been ever present to welcome our youngest children as they start on their long journey through primary school. Well loved and very fondly 44

remembered by all her young charges as they develop into hulking great Upper Key Stage 2 children, we will all miss Heather enormously as she sets out to enjoy her retirement. Mrs Caroline Maskell has been a hugely valued and well-loved member of the school team since 2005. As a parent of two of our pupils, Alex and Jess, and as a lunchtime supervisor, Higher Level teaching assistant (HLTA) and governor, Caroline could not have given more. Always generous with her time and expertise she has been an invaluable member of staff with diverse but extremely important skills to share with us all, from face painting to leading expertly in the development of our computing infrastructure in school. Her input in this area has advanced us hugely in the use of information technology in school, for which we are ever grateful. A HLTA, she has taught children of all ages across the school and assisted on many an exhausting school residential trip with our oldest children. We wish her every success and happiness in the future. Andrew Jones Join Us as a School Governor You don’t have to have children at the school to be a governor. You do have to be over 18 and pass a formal check for your suitability to be within a school. Schools need a good mix of people from their local community, from all walks of life, who can bring different viewpoints, experience, skills and fresh ideas with them. They can be resident in the locality or representatives of local churches and businesses. You don’t need to be an expert. What’s really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education. Come and join us to support our school. Contact chair@meldreth.cambs.sch.uk. Meldreth Primary School

Be Seen, Be Safe! Cyclists and pedestrians:

 Please wear bright, light or reflective clothing  Pedestrians, please carry a torch  Cyclists, use front and rear lights 45

1st Melbourn Guides Girlguiding has always striven to equip girls with skills for their future and we have continued to embrace this in 1st Melbourn Guides. This term we have focussed on completing our First Aid skills builder badge. We investigated different types of calming techniques and took it in turns to lead a calming session. We next tackled ‘temperature terror’ and drew posters to illustrate the causes, symptoms and treatment for heatstroke and hypothermia. Our practical first aid skills have also been honed by practising the recovery position and CPR. A first aid challenge evening brought everything together and involved a quiz, a first aid kit memory challenge, bandaging skills and a role play exercise involving an unconscious casualty which required calling an ambulance. We had an excellent turnout for the Remembrance Day service and carried our unit standard in the parade. We also helped at the All Saints church bazaar and ran the children’s tombola. This term has also seen us introduce the ‘Take Action’ theme, designed to help girls make a difference. We debated global goals such as affordable and clean energy, responsible food production and the protection of our oceans and endangered wildlife. The evening finished with games and an indoor campfire with some of our favourite camp songs. 46

December saw us round off the term with a favourite activity – cooking! The girls made dishes including pasta Bolognese and chilli con carne, and our Christmas cupcake decorating challenge saw some fantastic designs. Finally, we made Christmas door wreaths from Cypress foliage decorated with ribbons, baubles and pinecones. If you would like to know more about joining our waiting list or becoming a leader, or if you have any skills, charities or interests which you would like to share with us, please contact Hilary Marsh on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com. Rachel Challands Guide Assistant

MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Vast Range of:

 Carpets and Vinyls  Real/Engineered Wood– Woodpecker, Xylo and many more  Balterio & Quickstep Laminates  Karndean, Amtico, Moduleo and Project Floors– Luxury Vinyl Tiles  Safety Flooring  Brand leading manufacturer samples available to take away Free survey and Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOMS 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.

www.melbournflooring.co.uk

@melbournflooring

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Meldreth Manor School “It’s not the end, it’s a new beginning.” December has been a very busy month for us. We greatly enjoyed being involved in the Meldreth Tree Planting Day, and contributing to the Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church. It is important for us to have these opportunities to celebrate the work and achievements of our unique students, and for us to be made so welcome in our local community. The New Year is a great time of year to make plans for the future. Within our grounds, the students have planted ten new trees in the Forest School area, along with some wild foraging bushes (raspberries, blackcurrants and gooseberries) as part of the Forest School three year development plan to create a sustainable and wild area for the students. We have had some very welcome news that The Friends of Meldreth have agreed to donate £9,000 to purchase a number of outdoor musical instruments for our sensory garden. Additionally we have been fortunate to receive some other donations that we will put towards purchasing some sensory plants for the sensory garden. We are very excited and working hard to have this all in place for the spring weather. “It’s not the end, it’s a new beginning” has become an important phrase to us as we say goodbye to our long standing, highly valued colleague Sue Broadhurst. After forty years of loyal service to the children and colleagues of Meldreth Manor School, Sue has made the decision to take a well-earned retirement. Meldreth Manor has always been proud of being a place where families can be together, and 48

that we are as a community one large family made up of a number of families. Sue and her family have over the years all been important members within the Meldreth Manor family. Sue met her husband here at Meldreth Manor, and together they have brought up a wonderful family (who incidentally have also worked at Meldreth Manor). Just like her real family are, her Meldreth Manor family are all so proud of what Sue has achieved, the commitment and sheer hard work she has put into providing the very best for our children, and all that Sue has overcome. Thank you Sue on behalf of all the children you have cared for and provided for, and all your colleagues past and present who will miss you so much. Happy New Beginnings. Nadine McFadden Head of Education, Meldreth Manor School nadine.mcfadden@the-aurora-group.com

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Top branded designer Wallpapers and soft furnishings Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings Experts in home automated motorised solutions FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 www.sageblinds.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-4pm

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda design and construction

• General home repairs • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming • Professional service

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514 49

What’s On for Children and Families in January Thursday 2nd, Saturday 4th, 12.00pm, Friday 3rd and Sunday 5th January, 4.00pm Melting Snowman, Cambridge Science Centre, Clifton Rd CB1 7ED Create a baking powder snowman head then take it home and melt it. Drop in. Free with entry ticket (£3 per child, £4.50 adults). Other activities available - see www.cambridgesciencecentre.org. To Sunday 5th January, 10.00am - 3.00pm The Board Game, Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode CB25 9EJ Explore the gardens, bidding on parts of the estate to try and raise your fortune. Fun challenges along the way. £1 per player. Sunday 12th January, 12.00noon - 4.00pm Studio Sunday, Kettles Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Artist-led workshops for families. Respond to the displays and exhibitions and make your own artworks. Free. Drop in. Most suitable for children between 3 and 11 years. Tuesday 14th January, 10.00 and 11.00am Little Explorers, Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER A Polar story about Immi with storyteller Marion Leeper. For accompanied under 5s. £1.50 per child. Under 1s free. Book online at www.spri.cam.ac.uk. Fridays 24th and 31st, 7.30pm, Saturdays 25th January and 1st February, 2.00pm and 7.30pm Jack and the Beanstalk, Royston Town Pantomime King James Academy, Garden Walk, Royston SG8 7JH Tickets (£12, £6 concessions) from www.postitickets.co.uk or from the box office 07925 674967. Friday 31st January, 10.00am or 11.00am Early Years Studio, Kettles Yard, Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AQ £5 per baby/child. Book on www.kettlesyard.co.uk. Activities to help children explore the world around them and to play with new materials. Sessions are led by an artist who helps children to make the most of sensory and creative activities and to communicate. 50

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

MELDRETH

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”

LANDSCAPES

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

Design & Layout Plans

Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

Hard Landscaping & Lighting

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

Planting & Water Features The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

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

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

The Letting Centre Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area. Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack. The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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Local Events in January To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Until Sunday 23rd February, at normal museum opening times Rembrandt and the Nude Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Steet, Cambridge CB2 1RB Exhibition of etchings showing the beauty and power of Rembrandt’s treatment of the female form. In Charrington Print Room 16. Free. Wednesday 1st January, 11.00am to 1.00pm New Year’s Day Walk at Coton Countryside Park The Plough, 2 High Street, Coton, Cambridge CB23 7PL Start the New Year with a sociable stroll through the reserve. Meet outside the Plough pub. No need to book, just turn up. Warm clothing and walking shoes/boots. Free event but donations appreciated. Thursday 9th January, 8.00pm to 10.00pm Cambridge Guitar Club St James Centre, Wulfstan Way, Cambridge CB1 8QJ Take your guitar and have fun joining in or just go and listen. Classical, acoustic, flamenco, jazz - all standards welcome. Admission £5. Saturday 11th January, 10.30am to 12noon Mindful Winter Wanders at Trumpington Nature Reserve Grantchester Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LH Experience the benefits of getting outdoors for your physical and mental well-being. Guided walk with chance to practise mindfulness. No previous experience needed. Adults £5; to book email: clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com. Tea & biscuits at the end. Wednesday 15th January, 10am to 12.00noon. Winter Tree Walk at Wandlebury Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog, Cambridge CB22 3AE Learn how to identify native trees using bark, buds, shape and form. Guided walk around Wandlebury with one of their wardens. Meet at the noticeboard in car park. Free event but donations welcome. Saturday 18th January, 10.00am to 2.00pm Wimpole Volunteer Recruitment Day Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Cambridgeshire SG8 0BW Drop in for a coffee in the Old Rectory Restaurant, meet the team and find out more about current volunteering opportunities at Wimpole. Free event, no booking needed. See: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events. 52

Sunday 19th January, 10.00am to 4.00pm Peterborough Book Fair Highgate Hall, Overend, Elton, Cambridgeshire PE8 6RU Popular and friendly fair in pretty village not far up the A1. Wide range of dealers. Home-made refreshments. Admission: adults £1, children under 15 free. Free parking. See: www.missingbookfairs.co.uk. Sunday 19th January, 10.00am to 4.00pm Ware Antiques and Collectors Fair Age Concern, Priory Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0DE Over 30 exhibitors offering antiques and collectables. Admission: £1, concessions 50p. Free car parking. Food and drink available. Sunday 19th January, 12 noon (coffee from 11.00am) Coffee concert by Daniela Rossi (Guitar) Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP Exciting classical guitarist from Argentina and winner of London International Guitar Competition, 2015. Tickets £12, under 16s £8. Call (01223) 849004 or visit: www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. Thursday 23rd January, doors open at 7.00pm; film at 7.30pm Orwell Film Club, Village Hall, Orwell SG8 5QN Annual membership just £6 per year with no further charges for meetings, which take place on the fourth Thursday of every month except December. Excellent range of films. Free coffee, tea and biscuits before film begins. Members can borrow DVDs from the last ten films shown without further charge. Programme for early 2020 meetings to be announced soon. See: www.orwellpastandpresent.org.uk. Saturday 25th January, 10.30am to 4.00pm Kettle’s Yard Welcome Day Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Discover your local art gallery with introductory tour of the house, short talks on current exhibitions and ‘have a go’ hands-on art workshops for all ages throughout the day. Free, drop in event: www.kettlesyard.co.uk. Tuesday 28th January, 7.30pm Arctic Svalbard - A Royston Wildlife Group Talk Royston Town Hall, Melbourn Street, Royston SG8 7DA Learn about the fantastic wildlife of this remote and beautiful region. A talk by Alan Lindell, Melbourn and District Photo Club. Compiled by John Crawforth 53

Forthcoming Events Literary Lunch: Tuesday 4th February 2020 The Old Bull Inn, High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Buffet lunch from 12.15pm; chat 1.00 to 2.15pm with time for questions Local entertainer and Home-Start’s Poet in Residence, Jude Simpson hosts a chat with Clare Mulley, author of The Women Who Saved the Children - a Biography of Eglantyne Jebb: founder of Save the Children Tickets: £15 from (01763) 262262 admin@hsrsc.org.uk online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc. All proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Charity No. 1105385

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What is the service? We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia. Who provides the services? Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked. What will it cost? We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week. How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity 54

since 2009 Winner: British Renewable Energy Installer of the Year, 2018

Call us anytime on 01223 863 885.

cambridge-solar.co.uk 55

delicious! bewith Slimming World MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall High Street, Tel: Alison 07812 825 389

slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

Home heating oil Now treating paddocks & large areas

• Prompt delivery service

• Competitive prices

01223 846846 www.shelfordenergy.co.uk

BESPOKE LAWNCARE SERVICES SINCE 2005

Cambourne Self Storage

Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

Outdoor Storage

24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

Keypad Entry and High Security Locks, Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors

01767 676189 www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk

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Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start Royston Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire (HSRBSC) provide practical and emotional support to families in Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire. Referrals are on the rise. In fact in the first three quarters of 2019/20 there has been a 52% increase compared with the same time period in 2018/19. HSRBSC support families with at least one child aged nine and under. We do this through our Home-Visiting Service and two Family Support Groups that take place weekly. Volunteers from the local area are recruited and trained, learning about aspects such as confidentiality and safeguarding in the context of Home-Start, as well as taking time to reflect on their own experiences of being a parent and considering the pressures that people with young children are facing today. Parenting is tough. There is no guide book, no right way to do it, every child is an individual and every family's needs vary. We live in an information rich society with easy access to material that might not always be helpful or accurate. Social media has improved the ability for people to be connected virtually, we can face time, we can link together on Instagram or Facebook, but this presents its stresses for today’s parents. For some, particularly those struggling with mental health challenges, social media can become the main way of keeping in touch, but social media can be misleading. You can present on there what you want people to see, the perfect holidays and days out, the perfect children - all well behaved and achieving, perfect family relationships. If that's what you see day in day out, with little else to compare yourself to, it's no wonder parents lose confidence in themselves. Our next training course for new volunteers will be starting on Monday 27th January, 2020. Can you give two hours a week to support a parent and their children and really make a difference in your local community? If you would like to join us as a volunteer please get in touch. For further information and visit hsrsc.org.uk or contact the office at admin@hsrsc.org.uk or telephone (01763) 262262. Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth SG8 6JP (01763) 262262, admin@hsrsc.org.uk 57

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

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

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

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices 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

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

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 Melbourn Time Bank 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 (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

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

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.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; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.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. ADDS ..............................................4 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................42 Art of Clean ....................................51 Art of Clean Wood ..........................16 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job)..........51 Cam Valley Orchards .......................4 Cambourne Self Storage ..................56 Cambridge Solar .............................51 CHS Day Centre .............................38 CHS Group .....................................10 Coton Electrical ..............................35 The Country Store ...........................10 Dog Walker/Animal Sitter ...............35 Ely Design Group ............................21 Eternit Sports and Social Club ...Cover Gilhooly ....................................Cover The Green Lounge ...........................38 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......35 iPlaster ............................................21 Lawn Partners .................................56 The Letting Centre ..........................51 Little Hands Nursery School ...........51 Melbourn Flooring ..........................47

Melbourn Village College (1)............42 Melbourn Village College (2) ......Cover Meldreth Landscapes .......................51 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................14 Moncraft Computers .......................21 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................10 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service13 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......49 Office to Let .....................................4 P D Property Services .......................42 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................4 Reflections Hair Studio ....................13 Richard Burns Electrician .................16 Rod’s PC Support ............................16 Royston Fencing ..............................16 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................49 Shelford Energy ...............................56 Slimming World ..............................56 Summit Landscapes ..........................13 Village Garden Services ...................10 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ...Cover Yoga2 Classes ..................................38 Z Web Hosting ................................35 60

G I L H O O LY

Unit 1, Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, SG8 8NE

MOTS Cars and vans Service and repairs to all COMMERCIALS HORSE BOXES MINI BUSES

VANS

Flexible working hours to suit you Monday — Saturday

Phone Mick on: 01763 263248

QUIZ NIGHT You are invited to join us for a light-hearted and fun Quiz Night with Supper at Meldreth Village Hall, Meldreth On Friday 31st January 2020 - 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 ÂŁ12.00 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