Meldreth Matters, January 2021

January 2021

In this issue …

Meldreth Flood Avoidance Group Meldreth Parish Charities “South West Cambridge” new town Whitecroft Road Archaeology

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Contents Village Groups

What’s On in January

Friends of Holy Trinity 17 Photographic Club 21 Women’s Group 18-19

Local Events 8-9 People Herbert Woitschik 4-5 Mike Hardiman 6-7

Gardens & Nature Gardening 22 Local Chalk Streams 23

Village Issues A10 Cycling Campaign 43 Chiswick End Housing Devt. 12 Flood Avoidance Group 42 Join the MM Team 3 Meldreth Market 16 Parish Charities 26 South West Cambridge 13 Whitecroft Road Archaeology 10-11

Local/National Government Local Councillors 44-48 Parish Council 38-40 Planning 14 Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 56 Coronavirus Support 24-25 Fire & Rescue 53 Home-Start 50-51 Mobile Warden Scheme 11 Neighbourhood Watch 41 Refuse Collections 28 Village Directory 54-55

Children & Education Events for Families 37 Melbourn Village College 34-35 Primary School 31-33 Shepreth Spitfires 36

The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

1

Editorial Welcome to the January issue of Meldreth Matters.

Once again, John and Hilary Crawforth have come up with an interesting and varied selection of things to do and places to go, so if you are in need of some inspiration, please take a look at pages 8-9 and 37. As it is impossible to say what restrictions will be in place during January, please check before travelling or attending any of the events they have mentioned or any of the classes and events listed in the diary.

The new year brings with it the opportunity to join the Meldreth Matters team as we are looking for a new Distribution Manager. More information on the role is shown on the facing page. This is a job that could be split between two people if desired. I would like to thank Bill Peters, who took on the role early in 2020, shortly before COVID struck and made the job more difficult! Bill has done a wonderful job for us during the past year and we were very sorry to hear that he will be leaving the MM Team soon. If you think you would like to join our team and take on the important role of distributing the magazines to our deliverers each month, please contact Bill by telephoning (01763) 260983 or emailing bill.peters1@hotmail.com or email us on meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. We wish Bill and his wife, Carol, all the best for their move to Letchworth.

Finally, on behalf of the MM team, I would like to wish all of our readers and advertisers a Happy New Year.

Kathryn

Cover Photographs Front cover: Topcliffe Meadow. Photograph by John Price.

Back cover: The Speedwatch Scarecrow, from July’s Scarecrow Festival.

Photograph by Kathryn Betts.

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Join the MM Team in 2021!

Meldreth Matters Distribution Manager Required

What is Involved?

Our printer delivers the magazines to our Distribution Manager 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. The bundles are then taken to our team of deliverers. We aim to do this on or before the last weekend of each month so that they can land on doormats before the first day of the following month.

The new Distribution Manager will be provided with details of the deliverers, their location, the area to which they deliver and the number of copies which each requires.

Although to date these tasks have been undertaken by the same person, 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 our current Distribution Manager, Bill Peters, please contact him on (01763) 260983 or email bill.peters1@hotmail.co.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team

3

Herbert Oswald Woitschik Born 15th October 1923 Buchendorf, Germany Died 13th November 2020 Cambridge, England Herbert was born into a family of four boys and two girls in Silesia in the interwar years. He left school at fifteen and worked on the family farm for two years before taking up an apprenticeship with a master butcher in Friedrichswille.

This only lasted a few months as he was drafted into the army in October 1941 and initially served in the 5th Infantry Company Ersatz Batallion (mot) 51 based in Görlitz, a town on the present German/Polish border. Having been wounded in battle in Russia on 8th December 1942, Herbert was sent to Bad Gandersheim, a spa town dating from AD852 to recuperate. On his recovery he was assigned to the 1027 z.b.v. Regiment and on 3rd March 1944 was captured in Netunno during the Battle of Anzio.

He spent some time as a Prisoner of War in Italy and North Africa before landing in North America in May 1944, where he spent the next two years working on farms in Virginia and North Carolina, which he always remembered with tremendous fondness.

He was a hard worker and popular with his fellow PoWs and their employers, one of whom would have ‘adopted’ him had he been allowed to do so. Instead, Herbert was repatriated - well, almost: the ship that was to take him back to Germany was re-routed, and he found himself in England in March 1946. Like many PoWs in this area he was employed by the local firm, Chivers, and was set to work on Cantelupe Farm in Haslingfield.

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He moved from there to Shepreth and then in 1951 started working for the Peppers at Brewery Farm in Meldreth. It was while he was here that he got to know Resi Patterson, an Austrian who had settled in the village after the First World War with her Scottish husband, John. It was also around this time that Herbert met Ingrid at that most romantic of locations known as Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. Ingrid had come to England in 1950 to work as a nanny for the Bull family in Landbeach, with the intention of returning to Germany after six months. Instead, she and Herbert married in June 1953 and moved into a Nissen hut in Fowlmere before settling in Cambridge, where they stayed until 1977.

Herbert maintained contact with Resi over the years, helped look after her garden when it became too much for her and had her to visit their Cambridge home on numerous occasions. Having no surviving family of her own, she left Herbert and Ingrid the house and gardens known as Firlees in Meldreth in 1972 and five years later they rebuilt it and moved in permanently.

Herbert was a country man, he loved nature, animals, tending the garden and growing his own vegetables. He was also able to fix practically anything and make things from scratch; skills that he willingly put to good use for his family and friends throughout his life.

He was a much-loved member of the team at Moorlands Care Home where he worked as gardener, handyman, bus driver and general go-to person before retiring as late as he possibly could. Even that didn’t stop him helping where and whenever possible. He will perhaps be most remembered in the village for delivering the Melde, locking and unlocking the church on a daily basis, fixing and mending things and even climbing trees until his late 80s/early 90s - much to the consternation of his neighbours.

Deafness and dementia took their toll in his last years. Dementia robbed him of his speech as well as his mental capacity, but it didn’t rob him of his ability to make the best of life. He was loved in the care homes that he stayed in during his last year of life for his courtesy, his caring attitude towards the staff and other residents, and his lovely smile. He has left a big gap in the lives of his family, his friends and the community of Meldreth that became his second, and longest, home.

Karin Kaye (nĂŠe Woitschik) 5

Mike Hardiman Mike Hardiman was a local boy. He spent his childhood in Royston, going to Queens Road School. His brother was part of the Royston Town Band and enrolled him to play the cornet.

Gerald was five years his senior and very tall and therefore, as the shorter brother, Mike got the nickname ‘Nip’. When he left school Mike joined Uptons, the family antiques business in Baldock Street with both his father and Gerald.

Three weeks before he entered National Service, Mike met Ann when he was on an errand to buy cigarettes for his Dad at Kirkhams Confectioners.

They maintained their relationship whilst Mike was in Preston on National Service, and eventually got married in 1958.

In 1966 Ann and Mike and their two children moved to Melbourn and, with his brother Gerald, he opened an antiques shop in the High Street.

Gerald and Mike ran the shop for many years; buying, restoring and selling antique furniture together. Apart from being work colleagues and brothers, they were also best friends.

Mike loved sport from a young age. He participated in various sports, including golf, into his 80’s. He played football for Royston Town. He was captain of Royston’s second cricket team. He played snooker at the Manor Social Club and won various awards, individually and in teams over the years. He started playing bowls after he moved to Melbourn. He held the posts of both President and Chairman of Meldreth Bowls Club, where he played for almost 40 years. His sporting experiences always presented opportunities to meet people and socialise, which he really enjoyed.

After retiring, Mike greatest joy was to spend time with his family and grandchildren. He also loved travel, both within the UK and to various countries around the world. Lots of happy memories were made on these trips and lifelong friendships made.

Mike’s health issues started in 2015 and over the last few years, stopped him doing many of the more energetic things he loved.

However, he still enjoyed spending time with his friends and socialising 6

and debating. During his final year, visitors were always the highlight of his day.

He will be sorely missed by his wife Ann, his brother Gerald and his children Sue and Graham.

COVID regulations required that Mike’s Service of Thanksgiving was a private event. It is hoped that the regulations will enable a public Memorial Service to celebrate Mike’s life to be held at Holy Trinity Church on 22nd April 2021.

Sue Bergquist (née Hardiman)

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Things to Do in January Here is a selection of events and activities happening in January.

NB Things are changing week by week so please check details by phone or online.

To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Saturday 2nd January, 10.00am to 12.00pm Orwell Pannier Market, Orwell Recreation Ground, SG8 5QJ Check out the wide range of stalls, shop in safety and enjoy a hot drink while chatting with family and friends - socially distanced, of course!

Wednesday 20th January, 7.00pm to 8.30pm Taming the Flood - a Beaver’s Tale Suffolk Wildlife Trust This Zoom webinar gives a rare insight into these amazing creatures, absent from East Anglia for probably a thousand years but being reintroduced into the wilds of Essex. To book visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org. Suggested donation £3/£5/£10.

Sunday 31st January, 9.30am to 4.00pm Newmarket Racecourse Antiques and 20th Century Fair The Heath, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 0TF Over 200 indoor and outdoor stands of antiques, Art Deco and collectables, plus antique valuations and restoration workshop. Free parking and full catering. Admission £4. www.antiques-atlas.com.

Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays - see website for timings Virtual Tour, David Parr House, Gwydir Street, Cambridge Discover one of Cambridge’s best kept secrets - an ordinary Cambridge terraced house containing an extraordinary secret world. Book an online guided tour and explore an Arts and Crafts worker’s home with many stories to tell. £12 per person. Book: www.davidparrhouse.org.

Cambridge University Museums Reopen These great museums on our doorstep are now open again. Some have revised opening times. Full COVID-secure admission arrangements and timed ticketing systems are in place. Free tickets can be booked online at www.museums.cam.ac.uk.

Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, Downing St CB2 3BZ Tuesday to Sunday 8

Museum of Zoology, Downing St CB2 3EJ: Thursday to Saturday Scott Polar Museum, Lensfield Rd CB2 1ER: Saturdays only Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington St CB2 1RB: Wednesday to Sunday Kettle’s Yard, Castle St CB3 0AQ: Wednesday to Sunday Winter Gardens Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ Dramatic birches, brilliantly coloured dogwoods and early snowdrops.

Entry on a timed basis and advance booking needed; free to National Trust members. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, near Chelmsford CM3 8ET Peaceful NHS garden, lovely in winter, with far reaching views, big skies, wide open spaces. Advance booking required. www.rhs.org.uk.

Chippenham Park Gardens, Newmarket CB7 5PT Award-winning gardens in a parkland setting with lakes, canals and woodland walks. Masses of snowdrops and aconites in late winter.

Open from Saturday 23rd January, 10.00am to 4.00pm. Admission £5, cash only, children free. Excellent refreshments at the Potting Shed café.

See: www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Ickworth House, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5QE An all year-round treat with a mix of formal and informal gardens to stroll through. New multi-use trail for you to walk/cycle/scoot. Carpets of snowdrops and aconites in late winter. Admission by advance booking only; free for NT members. See: www.nationaltrust.uk.

Winter Walks A great time of the year to get outdoors and work off all those extra Christmas calories. A selection here for you to try: Lodes Way, Anglesey Abbey - an 8 mile cycleway/footpath, Anglesey Abbey to Wicken Fen. Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbeygardens-and-lode-mill/trails/the-lodes-way-to-wicken-fen.

Houghton Mill - a short circular family walk (1.8 miles) round unspoilt water meadows with wonderful views of the Hemingfords. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/houghton-mill/trails/houghton-meadowswalk.

Wimpole Estate - woodland thrones walk - discover rustic thrones overlooking beautiful views (3.2 miles). See: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate/trails/wimpole-woodland-thrones-walk.

Compiled by John Crawforth 9

Whitecroft Road Archaeology Interesting evidence of the early history of our village recently emerged as a result of archaeology undertaken prior to the construction of nine new homes on Whitecroft Road. Developers are sometimes required to commission archaeological investigations as a condition of their planning approval, and this was the case here.

The new development on Whitecroft Road Photograph by Robert Skeen

A series of test pits dug by Archaeological Solutions Ltd showed that there had once been a large hollow on the site, probably of glacial origin. These are fairly common in the chalk landscape of Southern Cambridgeshire. There are other notable examples at Melbourn and at the Hinxton Genome Campus. The test pits showed that lower levels of the hollow contained fragments of worked flint and Neolithic pottery. These may possibly have been washed into the hollow over time. It is likely that a water filled feature like this would have attracted, at least seasonally, prehistoric activity because it could provide water for livestock or attract game and wildfowl which could be hunted. The higher levels of the fill included pottery and other material which suggested that there was Roman and medieval activity somewhere in the vicinity of the site.

All this is consistent with the findings of the Meldreth Local History test pitting project conducted in 2013. Some 32 test pits were dug by 10

volunteers throughout the village and the flint and pottery found suggested that there had been a significant prehistoric presence in and around Meldreth. Roman pottery also suggested Romano-British activity. The majority of the finds, however, were from later periods and suggested that the village had formed in the late Saxon to early Norman period and had then expanded rapidly It then appeared to go through a period of decline starting in the late medieval period and which continued until it reached the growth experienced in the past few centuries.

It is remarkable what can be learned about our past through archaeology. Even though no written records exist, an analysis of flint, pottery, artefacts and environmental samples can paint a picture of our past. If you would like to learn more about this then visit the archaeology section of Meldreth Local History Group’s website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

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Chiswick End Housing Development An Update Following Residents’ Discussions with the Developer Work is starting on the construction of six new houses at the far end of Chiswick End. For those of you who use Chiswick End for business, recreation, exercise or dog walking, we would like to make you aware that during January and February 2021 (Phase 1) there will be many large construction lorries using the road during working hours: 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am to1.00pm on Saturdays.

Chiswick End is quite narrow and bendy and there are concerns over the potential for accidents involving cars or pedestrians, particularly near the bend at the entrance to Chiswick End from Whitecroft Road.

There will be temporary warning signs and 20mph signs placed along the road. The developer informs us that the site will be extremely busy when construction starts and will remain busy throughout 2021.

There will be a site manager who is in charge of the frequency of the traffic and who will attempt to avoid peak hours such as school run times. The construction site itself will be fenced off and the pathways kept clear, so it will still be possible to walk along the lane by the site and get full access to the other footpaths in the area. All lorries will turn within the site and construction workers will park within the site, as required by the approved traffic management plan.

The developer, Gavin Nelson, of Bonnel Homes (email gavin@bonnelhomes.co.uk) has made contact with local residents to discuss their views and hear their suggestions regarding potential safety issues and the protection of the environment of Chiswick End. He has promised to keep local residents informed during all the stages of the development.

Joan Gane Visit the new local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 600 pages on Meldreth, past and present See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 12

New ‘South West Cambridge’ – a town overlaying our villages?

A West Sussex speculative development company is proposing to create a new town sprawl of 25,000 homes between and encompassing the villages of Shepreth, Melbourn, Meldreth, Whaddon, Bassingbourn, Wimpole, Orwell, Barrington and Foxton. The new town, dubbed ‘South West Cambridge’, would be half the size of Cambridge and would profoundly change the hinterland of a multitude of villages and eradicate the rural nature of much of South Cambridgeshire.

The developer, ‘Thakeham,’ has missed the deadline for the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan’s ‘Call for Sites,’ in spite of having spent the past two years preparing its scheme, during which time it will have been fully aware of the South Cambridgeshire Planning process. It now proposes a late submission to the Call for Sites.

While it had contacted relevant landowners, prior to its announcement on 8th December, Thakeham made no contact with local residents or their elected representatives.

The South Cambridgeshire development hierarchy is structured around its largest population centres at Cambourne and Northstowe, which are served by the A428, the guided busway and the planned new Cambourne Station, as well as its new schools and health services.

Together with District and County Councillor colleagues representing the eight directly affected villages, we have formed the South West Cambridge Action Group (SWCAG).

We have set up a website and Facebook page where further information will be posted.

See www.swcag.org.uk and www.facebook.com/groups/southwestcambridgeactiongroup.

Please feel free to contact us at SWCAG by emailing info@swcag.org.uk.

Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales County and District Councillors

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Planning Matters Parish Council The following items were discussed at the Parish Council Planning meeting on 5th November. The minutes of the planning meeting on 3rd December were not available at the time of going to press. For further information, please check the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Reference and Detail Address 70 North End Raise floor level of kitchen in line with 20/03943/HFUL existing floor level of house. First floor rear dormer extension above kitchen raised to accommodate new ceiling height and install new lean-to rear porch.

9 The Grange 2-storey side extension 20/04088/HFUL

Parish Council Recommend It was proposed to positively support this application.

It was proposed to positively support this application.

SCDC Decisions The following decisions have been made recently.

Reference and Address

Decision

TPO 0002 (2013): Tree on shared boundary of no 6 Old Mill Court and The British Queen

Permission refused for: T.1 sycamore to fell to ground level (due to excessive shadowing in rear garden of no 6 Old Mill Court). Replant with 1 x oak tree.

70 North End 20/03943/HFUL

Permission granted to raise floor level of kitchen in line with existing floor level of house. First floor rear dormer extension above kitchen to be raised to accommodate new ceiling height. New lean-to rear porch to be installed.

9 The Grange 20/04088/HFUL

Permission granted for part two storey side and single storey side extension

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team 14

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Meldreth Market 2021 There was a good initial response to my proposal of having a Walking Market in Meldreth next year and I am grateful to those who contacted me showing an interest.

It was pointed out that the date I originally selected (14th March) is Mothering Sunday. It is possible that we may still be subject to restrictions so this may not have a great impact. I have also learned that the ladies who organised the previous walking market in Melbourn and Meldreth are planning another for 27th April and since overkill is not the intention, I am reconsidering the date for that reason also.

Planning is still in the early stages so there is time enough to consider moving the date. If anyone has any thoughts about this, it would be helpful to know. I will be glad to hear of anyone who is having a clear out or making or growing things and is interested in having a stall, alongside the opportunity to raise money for a good cause.

In the absence of a preferred charity or affiliation to a local group that needs funds, you might like to consider that our church is fundraising and I know they will be grateful for any support.

There will be an update in the next edition of Meldreth Matters but if, in the meantime, you have any comments or ideas, or you would like further information, please contact me.

Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com (01763) 261578

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk A Review of the Friends’ Activities We are continuing our review with the following events and activities.

To view the photographs in colour, please view this issue online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters.

John Price 2003 Vestry Cupboards made by Michael Walford

2008 Path Repairs

2018 Talk Round the World by Container Ship: by Peter Hesketh

2001 Meeting Room Store

2008 Re-pointing Merlons

2018 Blue Skies Big Band

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We met for our November meeting by Zoom for the first time and it was a delight for us to have 20 members present. We are sorry that not everyone is able to join us on Zoom and we will continue to be in touch with those members who are unable to do so.

Pat Smith led us on an Advent reflection based on the lighting of the Advent wreath.

The talk had four sections, the first based on The Patriarchs who were the men regarded as the forefathers of the Jewish faith.

Pat linked the experiences of Abram, leaving something safe to up sticks and move to a new country whilst trusting in God to be there for him. We were asked to think about what physical or emotional journeys we have undertaken and to think if we have been aware of God’s presence during them.

The second candle reminds us of the Prophets and we were reminded that they were people chosen by God to give his message to his chosen people. Often the message would be an unpopular one as they would be reminding the people of how far they had strayed from God. We were encouraged to think whether prophets were just people we would find in the bible, historical figures or are there prophets about today.

Who speaks God’s word to us today and are we prepared to speak out when we see that things are wrong?

The third candle reminds us of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin who was seen as going before Jesus to prepare the way for him. God knew about John before his birth and had a role for him. God knows about each of us and has a role for us – we can take time to reflect on it.

Candle 4 is lit to remind us of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We are told of her visitation by the angel Gabriel. Was she young and naïve?

Probably, but who wouldn’t be amazed at such an experience! She said yes to God’s call and with the support of Joseph, became the mother of Jesus. The rest is history, or is it? She experienced big ups and downs 18

in her life and yet still trusted. Can we today echo Mary’s response and trust in God? Our next meeting, our AGM, will be by Zoom on Tuesday 26th January 2021; an electronic invitation will be sent out to those who can join. We will elect/re-elect committee members and receive accounts and reports. We would like to express our thanks to Anne Harrison, our secretary for many years, as she hands the baton on. We wish Anne and her husband, Mike, every happiness in their new home and thank them both for their support. We usually choose a charity but we will suggest that we keep the same charity as chosen last January.

Hopefully we may have time for a Zoom social afterwards.

If you wish to know more about the group, please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 or Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377.

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com Following our two-week Christmas recess, the programme for the beginning of the New Year includes two competitions, four lectures and one Club Evening.

January dates are as follows: 5th: Club Christmas Meal (likely to be cancelled due to COVID -19) 12th: Creative Composites - Lecture by Glenys Garnett 19th: Chasing the Light - Lecture by Keiran Metcalf 26th: Inter-Club battle with Royston - Judge: Ron Tear Meetings are usually held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from September to April. However, because of the COVID-19 situation, all meetings for the 2020-21 season will be held virtually via a Zoom broadcast until further notice.

The Club has a diverse Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias membership, with a friendly and

by Keith Truman supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability and despite the COVID -19 restrictions.

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two of our Zoom meetings free of charge before deciding.

To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club 21

Note from a Small Garden What an odd year last year was, not to mention only COVID-19 but also the weather. We watched a BBC programme on the wild weather in the UK, induced by climate change. It was very sobering, but we will have to get used to wetter winters and early springs, with very hot and prolonged springs and summers. A host of organisations can help us, however, not least the Royal Horticultural Society and Garden Organic. The latter has some beautiful heritage seeds for sale, so I will order them soon, before they run out.

By the time you read this I will have finally put the garden to bed, with the vegetable patch covered in leaf mould made from a neighbour’s oak leaves. I also popped in a new blue rose from David Austin, Rhapsody in Blue, and for the first time I’m going to try planting a camellia, Dr King, which is a good red. I’ve got a sheltered spot for it, facing south, in the corner of the garage and the barn, and I will dig in a bag of ericaceous compost. It is replacing a shrub rose which I didn’t really love and had got too big!

My grandparents had a beautiful conservatory with many camellia plants. I always loved exploring the plants as a child. This reminds me to say that I have become a more ruthless gardener as I’ve aged, fortunate really, as we needed to tailor our garden to what we can manage. This year we have spent much more energy on the vegetable patch, which really paid dividends. On the other hand, we have also planted more fruit trees and new shrubs and logged them on the Country File planting website. Sadly I had to be ruthless with a spindle tree, with its pretty pink flowers and wonderful autumn colours. But it blocked the view of the very old Worcester Tydeman tree with its small scarlet apples from the house.

It was too big to dig out so it received a hefty prune.

Jobs for January  Clean pots and greenhouses/polytunnels for spring  Prune apple and pear trees; start forcing rhubarb  Plan rotation of vegetable crops for the coming spring  Have fun looking at brochures and ordering seeds!

Good wishes for a very healthy and happy New Year and good gardening from Jim and me.

Julie Draper Juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk 22

Protection of Your Local Chalk Streams Cam Valley Forum Celebrates 20 Years of Campaigning The dire state of English chalk streams, of which there are several in Cambridgeshire, has recently attracted national attention with celebrities like punk rock star Feargal Sharkey campaigning to save them.

In addition, in December the local Cam Valley Forum celebrated 20 years of highlighting the problems faced by these wonderful natural resources. This has included supporting the local River Mel (rising in Melbourn) and the Shep, (rising in Fowlmere); both of which flow into the Rhee/Cam. Recently the group published a manifesto analysing the problems and a report ‘Let It Flow!’ with potential solutions. These documents, more information and a membership form can be found on the group website: https://camvalleyforum.uk.

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Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support We start a New Year with hope for the new vaccine, and thanks and gratitude to all in Meldreth for helping the community to come together and provide support to those who have faced a particularly difficult time.

Christmas Report At the time of writing in early December, we are delighted to report an amazing response to the call for donations of food and Christmas things, and on Crowdfunding, for our Christmas Cheerboxes, prepared by our Community Foodbank team.

In addition, South Cambridgeshire District Council has provided Christmas dinners for all those supported by the Meldreth Foodbank. With the pandemic and its effects continuing into the new year, the Community Foodbank continues.

Meldreth Calling Friends If you need help with essential shopping or prescriptions, or if you’d just like a friendly chat, please feel free to pick up the telephone and call your neighbourhood coordinator; either they or one of the neighbourhood team will be able to help. And do get in touch if you’d like to join the team.

Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard & Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 Meldreth Walking Friends This new group continues to adapt to current COVID restrictions. If you would like to come for a walk and chat in a small group, please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121 for Saturday walks or Joan Gane on 07711 803861 for Tuesday walks, or emailmeldrethccs@gmail.com.

24

Along with this, we would encourage you to use the outdoor public spaces in Meldreth to keep in regular contact with your friends and relatives, as permitted under the current regulations. If the weather looks patchy, remember there are covered spaces with windbreaks at the pavilion, the bus stops and the war memorial. We hope to keep walking through the winter months and into spring.

Meldreth Community Food Bank If you are experiencing shortages of food or essential items and are unable to fund their purchase then we encourage you, in all confidence, to visit the Food Bank at the Annex 69, The Gables, High St (opposite The British Queen) on Tuesdays from10.00am-12 noon or Thursdays from 2.00-4.00pm. Or simply contact the Food Bank Organiser, Anne Bobeckyj on 07592 355279 at any time and we’ll work out an arrangement to suit. Any donations of food and supplies basics would be gratefully received; please drop off in the box outside 69 High Street, or contact Anne as above.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MeldrethCoronavirusCommunitySupport Thank you to all our volunteers, and for all friendship and support in the community.

County Councillor Susan van de Ven: 07905 325574 District Councillor Jose Hales 07703 262649 Email: meldrethccs@gmail.com

25

Meldreth Parish Charities Meldreth Parish Charities (Charity Number: 233979) comprising Robert Halfhead (1658) Lettice Martin (1562) James Addlestone (1723) These ancient bequests were set up to provide an annual income which was originally disbursed at the discretion of the Trustees. Over time, this purpose was modified by the introduction of the Welfare State and Social Benefits and subsequently the Trustees have been able to use the annual income to provide assistance to residents who have a particular need that cannot be met by normal sources of income or support.

A reminder that we are here to help: There is money available from these historic bequests to help Meldreth residents or village organisations with a particular financial need that cannot be met through normal sources of income or support.

Examples:  Provision of books /equipment for students  Costs involved in hospital visits, medical prescriptions  Special payments to relieve sudden financial need, illness or infirmity Applications are invited and can be made to any of the Trustees or the Clerk. Applications are, of course, treated as strictly confidential.

Trustees Mrs Ann Askham (01763) 262133) Mrs Jane Bates (01763) 261638 Mr Graham Borgonon (01763) 260358 Mrs Joan Fallon (01763) 262822 Theresa O’Malley (01763) 260433 Clerk to the Trustees 26

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Meldreth Village Di Monday The copy deadline for the February issue of Meldreth Matters is Tuesday 12th January

Tuesday

Wednesday

Updated informa on on COVID restric not available at the me of going to

Refuse Collections Black bins:

7th*, 19th

Blue bins:

13th*, 26th

Green bins: 13th* * changed collection date

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 24)

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

Thurs

All events/mee ngs listed are subj change or cancella on: if in any d please check before a ending

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

7.30pm Parish (online meeting

Start of School Term 11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

Copy deadline for the February issue

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children 7.30-8.30pm A10 Cycling Campaign Zoom Meeting (see page 43) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

10.40-11.30am Mobile Library, Bell Close

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 24)

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Church Services are held in Holy Trinity Church. Football matches take place on the rec

28

ary - January 2021

sday

Friday

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 24)

c ons was o press.

Sunday 9:45am Sung Eucharist

2.00pm Football Match

ject to doubt, g.

beeps

Saturday

9.30am Slimming World

8.00am Said Eucharist

ACRO

Fitness

Council g)

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ACRO

10.45am MCCS Group Walk (see page 24)

9.45am Sung Eucharist

Fitness

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

8.00am Said Eucharist 10.30am Football Match

ACRO

Fitness

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

2.00pm Football Match

8.00am Said Eucharist 10.30am Football Match

ACRO

Fitness

creation ground. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

29

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, 107 High St, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6AP Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

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

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

30

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Meldreth Primary School’s (not so) Secret Garden “Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” (Thomas Berry) There was a Secret Garden in the grounds of Meldreth Primary School.

An over-grown, impenetrable muddle of tangled branches, roots and leaves that no one had ventured into for years. It remained untouched and abandoned, hiding behind an ever-expanding hedge, like a fairytale castle swamped with impassable brambles so that it had almost been forgotten.

Almost…

Now, a few months after the Secret Garden Project was launched, the area is still wild and natural, but it is certainly not forgotten!

The Secret Garden at Meldreth Primary School is hugely important for the school and its pupils. We are lucky enough already to have a wonderful open field where the children can let off steam, practice sports and play. However, this new Secret Garden area will be a place of calm and learning in a wild and natural environment. Nestled under the canopy of a huge Elm tree, the newly refurbished area will fulfil many roles: an outdoor classroom, a quiet area for peace and relaxation, a nature detectives’ base, a hub for Science, DT and Art, a mindfulness area, a shady place on a hot day, a magical story-telling escape and a little oasis of calm.

Recent studies have highlighted some benefits of outdoor learning for young children:  Higher levels of conversational language  Greater independence  Improved health and sleeping patterns  Greater physical competence and agility  Improved time focus on activities and more concentration  A greater understanding of nature and the environment  Improved social skills, involvement and initiative 31

We feel incredibly lucky to have this space in our grounds and it will become an integral part of the children’s learning experience.

From conception, the project has involved many people, both contractors and as ever, amazing volunteers. Before we could even think about how it might eventually look, Shire Trees Services were called in to cut down the small self-seeded trees and shrubs that were preventing any sort of access into the area. Once the worst had been cleared and we could see what was out there, we quickly got to work on the old pond. The bare bones of it were still there, but wow, did it need a face-lift!

Years of fallen leaves, branches and who-knows-what were dredged out and spread along the back of the garden to create a raised bank and wild flower area. The old pond liner was removed, crumbling paving slabs and tree roots taken away and a new wildlife friendly, sloping entrance to the pond was created at one end, a deeper area in the middle for water lilies, shelves were put in around the pond edge for marginal plants and a very important new row of sturdy paving slabs around one side for pond dipping!

Our team of volunteers came in during the weekends and created the bark chip pathways, seating circles and bug hotels, which now give the area a clear purpose and plan.

Children from Year 2 have been planting spring bulbs and we will sowing wildflower seeds in the spring. Parts of the area have remained untouched to maintain wildlife habitats and we are keeping everything crossed that these bug hotels, hedgehog piles, lizard-lounges and water ways will attract a host of animals and insects.

Much like our pupils, we know that what knowledge and skill we can bestow on this garden, we will see come back ten32

fold in the future and we are excited to see this garden grow and develop over the coming years. It will be hard work and will require care and attention, but with continued effort and enthusiasm, we will reap the benefits for years to come. A nice little metaphor for life really!

Many thanks to Meldreth Primary School PTA for making this project possible, to Shire Tree Services for ‘finding’ the garden again and to Imas Aquatic Services for creating a beautiful pond for us all to enjoy. And to the amazing parents who always come out and help make these things happen!

“Everything is made out of Magic: leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.

In this garden—in all the places.” Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden.

Emily Millington

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Melbourn Village College Lockdown 2020 When the UK was forced into a nationwide lockdown, pupils had to go from being in school five days a week to being at home all the time. Learning from home during lockdown was a strange experience and harder than learning at school, as we couldn’t see our teachers and missed our friends. Our weekly schoolwork was set online for us to complete and we then emailed photos or documents of the completed work to the correct teacher. We also had online video lessons on Microsoft Teams with some of our subjects once a week, which helped us consolidate work we had studied recently.

These lessons were interesting and engaging but weren’t the same as being in school, though they gave us all a small sense of normality.

Currently, we are all back in school full time and it feels like things are slowly getting back to normal, which is reassuring. However, there are lots of measures in place to keep us safe from COVID-19. At the start and end of each day, on the school buses, we must wear face masks throughout the journey. In school, each year group has their own separate area on the field with a marquee, which they must stay in to minimise contact with other year groups. This is called a bubble or bubbling. The school also operates a one-way system and requires everyone to wear face coverings when they aren’t in a classroom or their bubble. When we enter a classroom, we must sanitise our hands and sit according to a designated seating plan, so the school knows who we have been in contact with.

Some of the biggest differences have been with PE, lunch and enrichment. Now, whenever we have PE, we must come to school in our PE kit and remain in it for the rest of the day, whereas before we would get changed after the lesson had finished. Two small bonuses are that we have more time for the PE lesson and fewer things to carry around that day. One of the weirdest things to get used to has been getting our lunch. Before lockdown, we would go down to the lunch hall, order from a selection of incredibly delicious hot or cold food and then eat in the lunch hall. Now we must collect our pre-ordered lunch 34

(still incredibly delicious) and take it to our bubbled area to eat.

Unfortunately, the school has had to suspend the enrichment program due to COVID-19; the school previously offered a range of after school activities such as running club, homework club, pottery, film club, revision classes, sports teams and more.

While we are all still adjusting to life back at school, it is safe to say that everyone at MVC is being mindful of others and respecting the rules that have been put in place to help everyone at MVC feel safe and reduce our risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus around the community. We are looking forward to things getting back to normal at some point.

Despite all this change, our teachers and pastoral team have done the very best they can to make sure all students feel comfortable, happy and have the support they need to have a successful school life during these challenging times. This effort doesn’t go unnoticed, and we know fellow students will agree, the teachers and pastoral team are doing an amazing job.

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35

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club

.

Firstly, a Happy New Year and all our best wishes for 2021 from the children and volunteers at Shepreth Spitfires FC. Just before the New Year, the young Spitfires were hoping for a little luck as we were all waiting eagerly for the draw of the Christmas Raffle to raise money for the facilities, kit and equipment that the children need. One of the top prizes was an Arsenal signed football which as you can imagine, caused some delight among the children. This raffle was hugely supported by local businesses. Barker Brothers Butchers, Hot Numbers Cafe, Brewboard Brewery, Law Storage Orwell, EcoEnergy, Eternit Sports and Social Club, GS Landscapes and Wrights Mowers were just a few of the local companies that supported this fundraiser and we are very grateful indeed.

On a footballing note, another of the new Shepreth Spitfires U7s teams had their first friendly match a few weeks ago and were delighted to come from behind to win. This team will join the other Shepreth U7s teams in the Cambs League after Christmas; we wish them lots of fun and we will enjoy seeing them develop over the second part of the season.

Though 2020 has been tough for everyone, the children have had some happy footballing memories too. However, we wish that everyone will enjoy better health and peace of mind through 2021. The Spitfires will hopefully get a long run of matches and training and get to have even more great times with their footy buddies during 2021. Once again, a Happy New Year to everyone and take care from the Spitfires .

If any children would like to join the Shepreth Spitfires Football team please contact Sean or Lucy on 075101 75370. The teams are especially recruiting children in school years 3 and 4 at the moment but do have some spaces in other age groups.

Lucy Smith 36

Things for Children and Families To Do Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd January at a time of your choice The Snow Queen, Cambridge Junction online show Online adventure with music, storytelling and animation for ages 5+.

Book online at www.junction.co.uk, pay what you feel (from £2.50) and watch whenever you wish.

Thursday 7th January, 7.00pm - 8.30pm Wildlife Live Webinar - Mammal Tracks and Signs Book online at www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org for a minimum donation of £3. Webinar, then questions and answers.

Tuesday 19th January, 4.00pm - 6.00pm Plastic Planet with Dr Claire Barlow A lecture for ages 16+ with a physics problem-solving session for the first hour. Free but book. www.admin.cam.ac.uk.

Thursdays, Fridays, 1.30pm - 6.30pm; Saturdays, 9.00am - 5.30pm; Sundays, 9.00am - 4.30pm Clip ’n Climb, 34 Clifton Road, Cambridge CB1 7EB Climbing walls for different abilities, safety harnesses and safety briefings. www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk.

Online activities and information Space Tutorials and quizzes about space, e.g. How and when can I see a shooting star? How to find out what’s up in the sky tonight? www.starwalk.space.

Sciences Activity sheets, coding lessons, challenges, experiments, websites at www.winchestersciencecentre.org.

STEM challenges such as building a bridge out of spaghetti or skewering a balloon without popping it. www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk.

Art Art activities for children. Try Bomono or Aminah’s World to create your own works of art. www.mrsmooresartpalette.weebly.com.

How to draw demonstrations for ages 5 to 12. www.skillshare.com.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 37

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 3rd December 2020.

This meeting was held through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 2020. 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 District and County Councillors’ Report [see pages 44-48] The clerk has asked the Police Commissioner’s office what the impact will be on Meldreth of the proposed changes to neighbourhood policing. A reply is awaited.

The Flood Avoidance Committee will put a note in January’s Meldreth Matters asking residents to report drainage issues. [See page 42.]

Street Name for New Development to the Rear of 79 High Street The Parish Council’s nomination of the name “Marvell Close” has been rejected by the developer who favours “The Elms”. It was agreed to respond to SCDC that this is not appropriate as only one elm tree will be retained on the site and this shows signs of Dutch Elm disease.

COVID-19 The Parish Council voted not to support, at this stage, the costs for erecting an open marquee adjacent to the Village Hall for informal gatherings under Tier 2 restrictions. It was suggested that the village’s open bus shelters could be used as they were located around the village and have now been repaired.

Recreation Ground Plan It was agreed to increase the height of the kickwall and then monitor its use before deciding whether to add side wings.

A detailed plan with costings is being drawn up to increase the number of trees and herbaceous planting by the Recreation Ground.

38

Traffic Working Group Areas where improved road marking is needed have been identified and reported to County Highways A traffic survey has been requested covering the area around the station bridge and the war memorial.

The promised jetting of the village drains has not happened.

Tennis Club The Tennis Club has asked if the Parish Council will take over the maintenance of the evergreen hedge alongside the tennis courts.

There are safeguarding issues involved and further discussion with the Tennis Club is required.

Women’s Institute It was agreed that the tree to mark the 100 years of the WI will be planted on the land opposite 3 Bell Close. The Clerk will check with the landowner for permission and with the tree warden for a species recommendation.

Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouses The Parish Council agreed to nominate Mrs Joan Fallon to represent the Parish Council on the trustee board.

Cemetery The path has been repaired. A quotation to install rabbit proof fencing around the cemetery has been accepted.

Local Plan The Parish Council were represented at a SCDC consultative workshop on the emerging local plan. Reduced carbon emissions are one of the main drivers and this favours development closer to Cambridge, where the jobs are, as development in the villages produces three times the amount of carbon dioxide.

No consideration has yet been given to the impact of Brexit and COVID-19. The first formal consultation will be in the summer of 2022 with delivery to the Secretary of State in autumn 2023 or spring 2024.

Next meeting Thursday 7th January 2021.

Meldreth Parish Council

39

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 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

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

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Preventing Banking Scams The Banking Protocol is a UK-wide scheme that enables bank branch staff to alert their local police force when they suspect a customer is being scammed. Police will then visit the branch to investigate the suspected fraud and arrest any suspects still on the scene. £19.3 million of fraud was prevented and over 100 arrests were made through the scheme between January and June 2020. The latest figures mean the scheme has prevented victims losing a total of £116 million of fraud and led to 744 arrests since it was first introduced three years ago

by UK Finance, National Trading Standards and local police forces.

Among the scams prevented are those where victims are persuaded to withdraw a large amount of cash and hand it over to a fraudster posing as a courier, or where victims are persuaded that their account is unsafe and to move money to a "safe" account.

Although the Banking Protocol is designed to try and prevent these scams, it is always best to remember the advice from the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign: STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358

Linda

(01763) 261405

Peter

Tim

(01763) 262801

(01763) 260323

You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Neighbourhood Watch 41

Meldreth Flood Avoidance Group What you can do for your property and in your street Back in 2006 the Meldreth Flood Avoidance group was formed in the wake of severe rainfall that led to household flooding in parts of the village.

This group is attached to the Parish Council and is supported by District and County Councillors, as there are many responsibilities in working to avoid flooding. Over the years, we have learned a lot about how water works in Meldreth and the important role of ‘riparian’ responsibility - proper maintenance of ditches and watercourses running through or bordering one’s property.

You can read more about riparian responsibility in the County Council website’s ‘Riparian Leaflet’, on this page: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/business/planning-anddevelopment/flood-and-water/watercourse-management.

With many ditches and watercourses in Meldreth, and some connections to the surface water drainage system, it’s important that these are kept properly cleared – and that one clear stretch leads to another next door and all the way down the road.

Thanks to street working parties, regular practical action has continued to be organised for the benefit of all. Please let us know if you need any support, either with existing street working parties or in setting one up.

Finally, please be assured that the matter of poor maintenance of Highways surface water drains is being pursued with County Highways.

Susan van de Ven, Pat Gilmore, Jose Hales, Joan Fallon and Rob Searles

MM is now Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 42

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign While we haven’t been able to meet in person during the pandemic, we will be holding a virtual meeting on Monday 18th January from 7.308.30pm. On the agenda will be an update on the ‘Melbourn Greenway’ scheme that will connect Melbourn to Royston and improve the overall cycle route to Cambridge, plus our efforts to create a good maintenance plan for the existing route and the evolving network. This meeting will also be our AGM, marking the start of the campaign’s eighth year.

To join the meeting, volunteer for next year’s committee or receive campaign updates, please contact us at: contact10cycle@gmail.com and we’ll send you the Zoom link. Or feel free to contact Susan on 07905325574. Many thanks.

Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior Jones

MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

Design & Layout Plans Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463 www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

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District and County Councillors’ Report Local: Meldreth Flood Avoidance Sub-Committee Following our recent tour of Meldreth, together with Councillor Gilmore, we propose a refresh on communication to the village on riparian ownership responsibilities and the common-sense importance of keeping all ditches and watercourses properly maintained, for the sake of the overall system. There are one or two sites we’d like to visit again to understand any need for action.

Drains As previously reported, the County Council is no longer doing routine gulley maintenance, i.e. not clearing drains on a regular scheduled basis. That this is the case is a matter of deep concern. Our drains, roads, pavements and other elements of highways infrastructure are in a state of ‘managed decline’ with nowhere near the funds needed to bring them up to an acceptable standard. This year, an already stretched workforce has been further challenged by the secondment of a number of staff to COVID-19 response. The upshot is a system that’s not working properly. Susan is working with officers to take forward parish concerns. Sadly the financial situation is not expected to improve (see below) while a new major redeployment of staff to the COVID-19 Hub and to the vaccination effort is about to take place.

Thanks to everyone who’s been reporting faults on the County website, which is important to do for the sake of establishing a public record: https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Path to Meldreth Station Since the Melbourn Science Park S106 contribution has been activated, adding to the New Road Melbourn housing development contribution, we are working with County and District Council officers and Govia Thameslink Railway on access improvement to Meldreth Station. This will be a challenging but important project for a much-needed improved access to the station with an upgraded path and a new ramp to the London platform which is currently accessible only by stairs.

There are of course other components of accessibility improvement at Meldreth Station and these continued to be pursued.

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'Nottingham Knockers' We have been asked to disseminate the following. “Recently received reports indicate that 'Nottingham Knockers' have been operating in different areas of the county. Nottingham Knockers are traders who sell items from a bag on the doorstep, typically cleaning products such as dusters, sprays etc. They usually tell a story that they are former prisoners who are rehabilitating themselves and getting back into work in order to appeal to residents' emotions and get them to purchase their wares.

Items are usually overpriced and often just shy of ten pounds each so that if anyone does agree to buy, they have to find a note to pay. This helps criminals to identify addresses where cash may be kept in the house and therefore prime targets for future distraction burglaries and other crimes. Please spread the word about this to any vulnerable people you may know and please remind them that it is quite acceptable not to answer the door to cold callers.”

Cambridgeshire County Council Next Year’s Budget Depending on how the COVID-19 battle goes, the County Council will need to find savings of between £40-82million in the financial year starting next April. Unless more cash comes Cambridgeshire's way, the options available to the Council will mainly be 'efficiency savings', cuts to services, increased fees and charges, commercial investments and council tax.

Commercial investments are not working so well at the moment. The money put into buying student accommodation in Cambridge and leisure facilities in Wisbech isn't making good returns during the pandemic.

Government has announced a council tax rise ceiling of three percent for Adult Social Care and two percent for a general rise. Indications are that administration councillors are favouring an increase of two percent in council tax for adult social care (a service facing huge increases in need) and zero council tax increase for general services.

The Council administration has been vocal in recent years about not raising council tax but at the same time squeezing budgets, which impacts services including those for people who are vulnerable. The 45

Council is now approaching Government to ask for more financial support. Government will want to see the Council doing all it can to bridge its own gap, including a general council tax rise.

South Cambs District Council Electric Bin Lorry SCDC is very pleased to finally be trailing a new electric bin lorry with a view to gradually exchanging the whole fleet of refuse vehicles as part of its work to become a zero carbon authority.

South Cambridgeshire District Council Planning Service The District Council has been working very hard to improve the new shared planning service between South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City. Things are moving well in the right direction and the processes are getting quicker and more efficient. There is now one, streamlined validation process for both authorities which has successfully removed the historic backlog. The team are now working toward reaching the target of five days to validate an application.

New Business Grants Businesses premises forced to close as a result of COVID-19 restrictions are to be eligible for government grants of up to ÂŁ3000 per month. To be eligible, you have to be paying business rates but we are expecting further guidance on discretionary grants which we hope will be available to those businesses that are experiencing serious hardship or have had to close but do not meet the criteria of the main grant pot.

All the latest information is on the website which is updated daily. You can also get regular updates by registering for our Open For Business Newsletter which will be updated every time significant new guidelines are issued.

If you have any queries that are not dealt with on the website, do not hesitate to email openforbusiness@scambs.gov.uk to make contact with our specialist business support team. Any businesses who believe they are eligible can find information on how to apply, along with eligibility criteria, on the Council’s website.

Community Grants SCDC has made further money available to help community groups remobilise to deal with the second lockdown. These are small amounts of money in the first case but if your community has special 46

circumstances, you can apply for additional funding to help you meet your community’s specific needs.

Government’s Planning White Paper The consultation on the government’s Planning White Paper (PWP) has now closed. The PWP is thin on detail and ignores opportunities to address the inadequacies of the National Planning Policy Framework or the very damaging consequences of newly permitted development rights. Nor does it pay heed to Government putting its own planning inspectorate in order. This inspectorate was partly responsible for the 4.5 years it took to approve the current South Cambridgeshire local plan, resulting in two years of no five-year housing land supply and 4000 unplanned houses built with no financial contribution to the communities in which they were sited.

The Government loves to play to its audience and its ‘Build Beautiful Commission’ does just that. But if a national design standard to deliver ‘beauty’ results in houses with no reference to local, indigenous architecture then we have countrywide ‘cookie cutter’ developments.

Moreover, there is little mention of standards, climate change, or homes that support health and wellbeing, all the things that really matter to people.

The last fifteen years has seen a fifty percent decline in numbers of small and medium sized builders and developers and although they often build better, build quicker and build cheaper, they will need help to purchase our very expensive land. If the government is not going to give them that help, then councils need to have the powers and resources to do so.

Additionally, the PWP’s proposal that no affordable housing will be required for developments of less than 50 units will preclude any new affordable homes in many of our villages. This will deprive people of the choice to live where they want to live, often close to family, support networks or jobs.

Housing Minister Mr Pincher was quite convinced that parish councils and residents would be so delighted that they were to play a full part in local plan formation, that they would not mind that this would be the point at which their voices ceased to be heard! Once ‘zones’ are created development could go ahead! Our view is that the voices of the parish council and the residents adds hugely to the evidence for and against development.

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This White Paper appears to be a ‘developers’ charter’, removing democracy from planning, silencing local voices, and centralising decision making.

Police Policing Changes Cambridgeshire’s Chief Constable has announced changes to policing in order to assist in saving £1.7 million in 2021/22. Included in the cuts are the reduction of Police Community Support Officers from 80 to 40. These PCSOs will have a single role profile, improved alignment to their team and they will cover all 28 neighbourhoods in the county to deal with the issues that matter most to the local community. Also going is the community safety team resulting in the reduction of six community safety officer posts and the closure of nine enquiry offices (not the police stations), with the implementation of a team of police officers to provide people in each local authority area with an appointment-based service to allow members of the public to make an appointment to speak to an officer.

Chief Constable Nick Dean said: “We have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions over the past twelve months when considering how we balance the needs of the community and the policing service we provide, with being able to manage within the budget we have. We simply could not continue with the existing neighbourhood policing model with the budget constraints we currently face, and are likely to have in the coming years.”

Volunteer Police Cadets The police are encouraging young people between thirteen and eighteen to join the Volunteer Police Cadets. The aim is to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship in anyone wishing to support their community and gain an understanding of policing. It is not aimed at the recruitment of police officers for the future. If you are interested and can spare three or more hours per month, please contact; Cadets@cambs.pnn.police.UK Please feel free to get in touch any time with questions or concerns, and we'll do our best to help you.

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Jose Hales, District Councillor 48

Friendly, Professional, Expert

Visit our lovely private clinic on Melbourn Science Park for all your dental needs including general maintenance, fillings and restorations, braces, implants, tooth-whitening and much more. New patients are most welcome.

Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk 9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB Free parking outside world-class dentistry, on your doorstep

Huw Shortle Pure Water Window Cleaning

07915 378397 info@huwclean.co.uk PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

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Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk eBay Volunteers Needed Did you know that it’s possible to support good causes when you’re shopping on eBay? Whenever you’re looking for that last-minute gift, unexpected bargain or random-butessential item, eBay offers the chance to donate to charity while you’re doing it.

You can use the EasyFundraising tool (www.easyfundraising.org.uk) to donate as you shop, or you can select the “donate to charity” option during the eBay checkout. Both are easy and both allow you to support your favourite charity while shopping in safety from your sofa.

But what about when you’re having a clear out, and want to sell or donate items in support of a charity?

Clearing the Decks for a Good Cause At Home-Start, we are very lucky to be gifted with lovely, unique and useful items from our kind supporters. Sometimes, we can’t make use of those items straight away, but they do offer us an alternative source of support: income from eBay! EBay offers charities the chance to sell items online, just like in a regular charity shop, with all proceeds going straight to the charity to fund our vital work in the community.

We are looking for two or three people who would like to volunteer as eBay sellers on behalf of Home-Start.

Here’s How it Works When we receive a donation we will assess it for immediate use, to see if any of our current families can use it. If it is not of immediate use, we will then consider its value as an eBay item. This will involve checking with the donor to make sure that they’re happy for us to do so, and passing it on to our eBay volunteers to process for inclusion in the eBay shop.

The eBay volunteers will need to photograph the item and list it on eBay, manage the listing and process the item for shipping once a sale is made.

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Our eBay sellers will receive full training in how to use eBay on behalf of a charity, and just need to have access to a phone with a camera (for photos) and a laptop or other device to access the eBay site to manage their listings – and somewhere to keep the items they’re selling, if at all possible!

If you think that this volunteer role would suit you, please get in touch: we are keen to hear from you! You can contact us via email (admin@hsrsc.org.uk) or by phone (01763 262262) or find out more about us on our website: www.hsrsc.org.uk.

Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager

Family Support Volunteers Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire is looking for people to sign up to our Volunteer Preparation Course. This training course will provide you with all the knowledge you’ll need to support our families.

If you have parenting experience and could give as little as two hours a week to support a parent and their children, then please get in touch.

Our next course for volunteers will begin at the end of February 2021.

Please feel free to share this information with friends and family: you could be the vital support a family needs to help change their life, and while you’re doing it, it might just change yours!

Trustees We are also looking for two or three enthusiastic people to join us as Trustees.

If you’ve got experience in People Management and Financial Management and Reporting we’d be especially keen to hear from you.

But don’t worry if not, if you’re interested in helping local families we would like to welcome you on board, so please get in touch!

Contact us on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk.

Paula Maplesden Home-Start Royston, Buntinford & South Cambridgeshire Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire 51

ROYSTON FENCING

Nigel Wigg

TEL 01763 261150

Home Improvement Specialist

FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE

design and construction

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

DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

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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Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service www.cambsfire.gov.uk Distraction is one of the biggest causes of fires in the home, most of which start in the kitchen. You lock your door when you leave the house, but do you unplug your chargers? You turn off your oven when you aren't using it but do you regularly ensure there isn't a fat build up in your oven, hob and grill?

A simple fire safety check list can help you avoid an unnecessary fire in your home. These simple tips simply stop the chance of a fire: 

Never overload sockets. Multi-socket adapters, often used in homes to provide more plug sockets quickly and easily, are particularly popular during the winter period when people are more likely to plug in heating devices, lights and other items. If used incorrectly, however, these can be very dangerous and cause an electrical fire through overloading the socket. ‘One appliance, one socket’ is the safest approach to avoid any danger of fire in your home.



Switch off, turn off. If it isn't meant to be left on (like fridges and freezers) switch it off and turn it off at the plug when it isn't in use.



Charge safely. Only use electrical charging devices for the purpose for which they were intended. Always keep leads away from cookers and hobs. Avoid purchasing counterfeit, cheap charging devices for electrical items.



Fat-Free, Fire-Free. Fat can build up slowly over time through regular use of kitchen devices and as it does, it increases the chance of a fire when cooking. Therefore, ensure you regularly maintain hobs, grills and ovens and keep then clear from fat build up.



Distraction causes fires. Over 50% of fires in the kitchen are caused by distraction. Pay attention and avoid cooking if under the influence of alcohol or medication or if feeling tired.

For more information, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk, follow us on social media or call (01480) 444500.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue 53

One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

(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

Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Litter Picker

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 Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 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 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; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

Children

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223 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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Bill Peters 260983; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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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.

AngliEAR Hearing ...........................20 Art of Clean .....................................35 Art of Clean Wood ...........................7 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ....Cover Cam Valley Orchards ........................7 Cambourne Self Storage ..................35 CHS Day Centre ..............................15 CHS Group .....................................27 The Country Store ..........................30 Ely Design Group ............................20 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........15 Eve Construction .............................35 Home Tutor ....................................16 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......49 iPlaster .............................................33 Lawn Partners .................................27 The Letting Centre ...........................30 Little Hands Nursery School ............30 Melbourn Flooring .........................52 Melbourn Village College .................40

Meldreth Landscapes .......................43 Meldreth Motor Company ........Cover Meldreth Plant Hire ..........................7 Moncraft Computers .......................49 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................49 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service43 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......52 P D Property Services .......................27 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................30 Reflections Hair Studio ....................23 Richard Burns Electrician ..................7 Rod’s PC Support ......................Cover Royston Fencing ..............................52 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................15 Slimming World ........................Cover Sparky’s ...........................................23 Specialist Dental Partners ................49 Trademark Kitchens .........................19 Tudor Access Scaffolding ..................20 Village Garden Services ...................16

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

MELDRETH WEDNESDAY PM Alison 07812 825 389 FRIDAY AM Angela 07708 444 991 Meldreth Village Hall High Street Booking Essential

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