What’s On Events at Melbourn Hub 8 Tennis Club Quiz 9 Things to Do in January 30-31
Village Groups
Friends of Holy Trinity 28 Photographic Club 10-11 Women’s Group 13
Village News & Issues
Coronation of King Charles III 11 Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouses 13 Food Bank 45 News from the British Queen 10 Selection of a New Vicar 27 Support Holy Trinity Church 27 Warm Hub 44
Gardening and Nature
A Meldreth Garden 15-16 Melwood 14-15
Cookery
In Praise of … 18-19
Miscellaneous Christmas Market 5 Christmas Tree Festival 6
Children & Education Activities for Families 23 Children’s Activity Page 22 Primary School 21
Local/National Government Local Councillors 37-39 Parish Council 32-34 Planning 35
Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 48 Charity News 42, 45 Fire & Rescue Service 43 MCCS 44 Mobile Warden Scheme 19 Neighbourhood Watch 41 Refuse Collections 25 Reporting a Highway Problem 28 Village Directory 46-47
This month’s cover picture: The Stocks, December 2022. Photograph by Kathryn Betts.
The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
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.
We start the new year with some good news: thanks to some recent grants and donations, we have secured the immediate future of Meldreth Matters. We are very grateful to have been awarded money from the village’s community (solar) fund. We would also like to thank the individuals who have kindly donated towards our printing costs. Finally, we are delighted to have been chosen by Tesco’s as one of the community projects to be voted on in the next round of the Tesco Community Grants Scheme. Voting in the Tesco Extra and Tesco Express stores in Royston will commence in mid January and continue until the end of March 2023, so please ask for a token when shopping and vote for us!
During 2023 we are keen to broaden the appeal of MM, so please let us know if you have any ideas for new content. For this issue, I have added a children’s activity page; if you would like to see this become a regular feature, please email us at meldrethmatters@hotmail.com with your comments.
Finally, I’d like to thank all of our advertisers for their continued support of the magazine. They are listed on page 48 of this issue. Please remember to mention MM when contacting them.
Kathryn
A huge thank you to everyone who helped, in any way, to make the 2022 Christmas Market a success. To Home-Start for providing refreshments, to Friends of Foxton Primary School for organising Christmas Crafts for the children, the Village Hall committee who once again charged a reduced rate for the hire of the hall and of course, the stall holders, some of whom could not attend but who kindly donated all or part of their fee to this year’s chosen cause. Thank you also, to everyone who came, whether to browse or buy. It was a very enjoyable day and we were able to donate £282.00 to Meldreth Crisis Community Support.
The Easter Market approaches!
Lesley FarbridgeHome-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk
Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our refreshment stall at the Meldreth Christmas Market in November. It was such a lovely event, with a wide range of stalls selling quality gifts. We were overwhelmed with the support we received. From our lovely bakers who made the most fabulous array of cakes, mince pies and sausage rolls, to our volunteers who gave up their time on the day to help. We were astonished that visitors gave such generous donations for their refreshments and purchased so many of our Christmas cards and raffle tickets for our John Lewis hamper which was donated by Bruntwood Ltd, Melbourn Science Park. We are pleased to say we raised a staggering £668 from this event. This will help us to continue our work supporting local families in our area. The lady who won the hamper then kindly donated it back to us as she was on her way back to Sheffield when we called her. This enabled us to take it to Melbourn Science Park Christmas Fair and raise further much needed funds. Thank you again to everyone who supported us and a special mention to Lesley Farbridge and her helpers for the excellent organisation of the market and for Lesley’s continued support of Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire.
We are always looking for new volunteers to help us at our various fund-raising events. If you have some time to spare, please email us at events@hsrsc.org.uk or ring us on (01763) 262262 for more information on how to become involved.
Tracy AggettHome-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire
It was wonderful that we were able to be back to normal for the Christmas Tree Festival after two years of restrictions due to Covid-19. We were delighted that we did not have to use marquees again this year.
We would like to thank all residents and friends who attended for your support. We were thrilled to see that there were many more families attending the event this year. The children’s trail was very popular and at one point, we ran out of chocolate treats but this was soon rectified.
We would especially like to thank the brilliant, imaginative groups who created the amazing exhibits this year. The Church looked beautifully festive and welcoming, especially with the expert lighting arrangement designed and implemented by David Coton and his team, which enhanced the wonderful magical atmosphere over the weekend. Also thanks to John Price for his contribution over the weekend. We are very fortunate to have such talented individuals living in our midst.
Thanks to the dedicated craft group for their beautiful handmade gifts, the produce makers for their homemade jams, marmalades and chutneys and the bakers for their delicious creative bakes.
Thanks to Jill Price and Theresa O’Malley for working out the complicated rotas which involves a massive amount of co-ordination, and to all those who gave up their time to be on one of the many rotas including the Church Stewards, car park attendants, stall holders and those on refreshment duties.
A special thank you is also due to Roger Wallbridge who gave up his weekend to look after Noah and Bambi; he definitely has a special bond with his animal friends.
This event could not happen without every one of your contributions. This is what makes our community a special place in which to live.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season.
The 2023 Christmas Tree Festival will take place over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd December. We hope that you will be able to join us again next year.
The Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival Committee
Editor’s Note: Looking back through the MM archives, I discovered that Meldreth’s first Christmas Tree Festival was held in 2004.
Vote for Meldreth Matters in Tesco’s, Royston! Meldreth Matters is one of the projects being included in the next round of voting, commencing in mid January.
Please Support Meldreth Matters by putting a token in our box!
Every Monday - Primary Care Network 10.00 - 11.30am, drop-in session providing advice and support on health and wellbeing.
Every Wednesday - Citizen's Advice, 10.00am - 12.00pm. To book a slot contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbourn.co.uk.
Every Friday - 10.00 - 10.30am. Children's Story Time. No need to book!
Sunday 8th January, 10.00am - 3.00pm
Melbourn Community NHS Health and Wellbeing Day Services include Covid-19 vaccines for those eligible, child immunisation checks, general lifestyle advice and free NHS MOTs.
Wednesday 25th January, 7.00 - 9.00pm
Community Support for Dementia Event
The purpose of this event is to reach out to family members, friends, and personal carers who are caring for loved ones ‘living with dementia’ and for those ‘living with dementia’ in their own homes. It will predominantly be of interest to those who have recently received a diagnosis or are at a stage whereby you may think your loved one could have dementia but is unwilling to seek any medical help or advice. Chris Elsley, of ‘Forget Me Knot Training’ will be giving an introduction and understanding into the most common types of dementia. There will also be information and advice available on local dementia-friendly activities and groups, benefits that you will be entitled to after diagnosis, care agencies offering sitting services, day centres and personal care and carers’ cafés. For more information please contact Davina on 07961 574104 or email davinabiswell@gmail.com.
If you would like more information on events at the hub, please call the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.
Linsey CraikeRaise donations for local causes when you shop online. Start your online shopping at easyfundraising, then shop as normal and retailers will make a donation to your chosen charity. There are over 5000 retailers to choose from and so far over £35 million has been raised for community groups, sports clubs, schools and charities across the UK. www.easyfundraising.org.uk
Hello everyone from The British Queen. We do hope that you have all had a lovely Christmas and we would like to thank you all for your continued support throughout 2022. Please keep coming to see us throughout 2023.
We would like you all to give a warm welcome to our new manager Kaz. She is probably known to many of you, as she has worked locally for many years. We would like to wish her well and hope that our newest recruit makes lots of new friends in the pub and the surrounding area.
All our birds have to remain in the back barn with a small outside enclosure due to the Avian Flu that is still an ongoing problem. So although they are happy, we do hope this situation is resolved soon, and the chickens can start scratching about and the ducks can travel up and down the River Mel. We would like to ask all dog walkers once again, whilst walking along the river walk or on the pub land, to keep all dogs on leads.
We are continuing with our weekly meat raffle on a Sunday at 5.00pm, with all proceeds going to local charities. Please come along and join us for a little village pub fun on a Sunday afternoon.
Our little shop at the rear of the pub in the old barn, The Queen Bee is open Monday – Saturday from 10.00am - 5.00pm. Please come and have a little look around. We have a variety of gifts, homeware, clothing and much more. Finally, we would like to wish you all a healthy and happy 2023. See you all soon.
Sue Tobinmelbournphotoclub.com
Details of January meetings and events are as follows:
3rd Christmas Meal – to be confirmed
10th Panels Evening Lecture – Chrissie Hart
17th 3rd Open Print Competition. Judge: Sarah Kelman
24th Little Print Show – Lecture by Jonathan Vaines
31st Inter-Club battle with Royston. Judge: Naomi Saul Meetings are held weekly from 7.30-9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability.
For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two meetings free of charge before deciding. To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.
Peter North SecretaryThe coronation of King Charles III will be held on Saturday 6th May and Monday 8th May will be a public holiday. The following advice has been received from Cambridgeshire County Council’s (CCC) Highways Department for those planning coronation events.
All street party applications must be received at least eight weeks in advance (by 10th March 2023) via the CCC website. Highway Events applications must be submitted at least twelve weeks in advance (by 10th February 2023).
The following documentation must be included with street party applications:
Traffic Management plan clearly showing the affected sections of public highway and diversion routes.
A draft copy of the residents notification letter.
Copy of the event risk assessment.
Highway event applications will need to include the following:
Traffic Management plan clearly showing the affected sections of public highway and diversion routes.
Evidence that public liability insurance for up to £5,000,000 for any one event is in place for the event.
Written confirmation from the company or qualified individual who will be undertaking traffic management duties for the event. If this is a specific individual, copies of their personal qualifications will need to be supplied.
A draft copy of the residents notification letter and map/list of the area where distribution will take place.
Copy of the event risk assessment.
Copy of the event management plan.
For more information see the CCC Coronation Events website, https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-andpathways/highway-events/coronation-events.
Meldreth Parish CouncilThe Letting Centre is a dedicated letting agency established for 29 years, operating from High Street premises in Melbourn. We offer an expert, tailored service to suit each clients’ individual needs. Covering Cambridge, Royston, Melbourn and surrounding villages.
Friendly, no obligation advice on how to achieve the best possible return on your rental investment with clear and simple guidance on your legal obligations.
The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6AP. Tel: 01763 263039. Email: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk. www.letting-centre.co.uk
Registered Office: The Letting Centre Ltd, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Nr. Royston, Herts. SG8 6HH Tel: 01763 263039 Registered in England No. 4472384 VAT No. 700035112 Director Mrs Angie Rixon E-mail: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk
Members met in All Saints’ Community Hall and I gave a reflection on Advent to encourage us all to make use of the season as a time of reflection rather than it disappearing in the midst of Christmas preparations.
Pauline Hay had made a lovely advent wreath which I used as a visual aid, lighting the four candles to represent hope, love, joy and peace. Members read various quotations from the bible to help us think about these Christian attributes during the evening. The talk was finished with an advent hymn. Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks and a gift of chocolates, we then had refreshments which Avril and Pauline had prepared.
Our next meeting will be on 24th January 2023 in All Saints’ Community Hall at 7.45pm. This will be our AGM where reports will be given and committee members elected. Please note that Pat S, Mary B, Kimmi C and Pat A are not standing for re-election. Please consider joining the committee to give Sue, Angela and Diane your support. We will choose a charity to support for the year. The new programme for the year will be available at this meeting and after the formal business has been concluded we will have a bring and share supper. Please let me know what food you plan to bring.
If you would like to know more about the group, need a lift to meetings or would like a copy of our programme please contact any of the following committee members: Sue Toule on (01763) 260955, Angela Leach on (01763) 262793 or Diane Blundell on (01763) 221415.
In November, Richard Remnant retired as Chairman and Trustee of the Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouse charity in Meldreth.
The charity owns and maintains three almshouses located on Meldreth High Street.
Richard steered the charity through several changes, in particular the re-fitting of all the bathrooms to a high standard.
All the Trustees wished Richard well and presented him with a bottle of whisky.
The Trustees of the Emilie Agnes
www.melwood.org.uk
Despite the drought, there has been quite a lot of growth in Melwood and to give spring bulbs some clear space when they start to emerge, the old vegetation on the wood floor has to be cut back, so over the autumn period the Conservation Group have been working to cut and rake clear the central areas of the wood. Further cutting in smaller areas will progress during the remainder of 2022. The very warm October weather may result in the snowdrops appearing earlier than usual.
In past years we have sometimes been a bit late in checking and cleaning the nest boxes in the wood but this year most were done during October. All of these had apparently been used and contained old nest material. One also contained four abandoned eggs tentatively identified as those of a blue tit. There remain a few to clean and a few more to be added to replace those too badly damaged to be repaired. The bat boxes that were taken down for repair will be in place by the end of November – too late to be any use for hibernation this winter but available as soon as the bats resume activity in spring.
Three small dead trees will be cut down and the trunks of two of these will be used to mark the edges of the paths. The third has apparently been killed by honey fungus and the roots will need to be dug up and destroyed, along with any soil that can be removed from adjacent to the roots. There is no treatment available to cure this highly invasive disease so hygiene is the only option. Fortunately, a young Hornbeam planted not far from the affected tree is in the top group of species for resistance to infection. Hazel, however, is at the other end of the scale, so we must not let infected material get anywhere near any of the many Hazel bushes in the wood.
Although it is not easy to see fish in the river, the Little Egret that regularly visits the river in winter has returned and the occasional kingfisher can be seen in quieter periods.
The bonfire site at the back of the wood is being used later in the year than is usually the case and it is sad to report that the litter left following those visits is increasing. A green plastic chair left beside the site was smashed in what appears senseless vandalism. It has also been noted that the revellers seem partial to the use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to stimulate their activities. Blue canisters used by the bakery industry were found in the ditch behind the site. One has to hope that the visitors were sufficiently recovered to avoid trains before attempting to return home across the railway line.
Work in November was effectively an extension of October. Further areas of the floor of the wood were cleared, ensuring all the early spring bulbs have room to grow and be seen but the icy conditions mean that growth is likely to be later than last year, rather than early, as seemed probable back in October. The area in the centre of the wood that has not been cut will provide some cover for small
mammals if they venture out in the cold. A few bat and bird boxes that were not installed in October went up in November.
Work to define the edge of the paths with felled or fallen logs from within the wood has been put on hold until the weather is a bit less hostile to the workers but before the freeze, one of the older of existing logs had started to rot and developed a lovely display of small bracket fungi (pictured).
Dog faeces remains a problem for the workers in the wood, as some bagged poo is just thrown into the bushes and more is left uncovered off the sides of the paths. Please bag it all and take it away with you.
Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group
A new year, a new season; how can we as gardeners be more ecologically responsible in 2023? Severe climate change and environmental destruction appear insurmountable. We as individuals can and must, in our limited way, help. This could include growing and enjoying local, seasonal, responsibly grown fruit and vegetables, especially home grown produce. Asparagus in April, strawberries in June, cherries in August, apples in September. Chilean supermarket plums in January look wonderful but they are inevitably a disappointment in flavour and carry a debt of herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and over 7,000 air miles. I do not use any pesticides in my flower or vegetable garden although as a result I do suffer losses and some reduction in quality. In 2023 I shall stop using chemical fertilisers too. Last year tomatoes did very well with home grown comfrey and nettle liquid fertilisers. Other environmentally friendly activities include; collecting rainwater in butts, composting garden, kitchen and organic household waste (e.g. cardboard and shredded paper). Make a pond; no matter how small it will be a magnet for wildlife. Grow open flowered plants that provide nectar and pollen, avoid full double flowers like narcissus ‘bridal crown’, Impatiens ‘walleriana’ and Paeonia 'Lady Alexandra Duff’ etc, that have little or no attraction to insects.
Now is the time to plan for the coming season, to ensure that we have the seeds and the environment in which to grow our own produce and plants. Plan for a continuity of fruit and vegetables throughout the season to lessen gluts. I am currently planting seeds of those vegetables which require a long season including, celery, celeriac and both sweet and chilli peppers.
My onions and perennial flowers, Californian poppy, red hot poker, knapweed and scabeous have all germinated well from seed and are being potted-on in the greenhouse; a few did not germinate or died out in the cold, including the phlox.
I have been asked how important it is to undertake tasks by a defined date. Generally it is not critical, for example winter pruning can be undertaken anytime from December to the beginning of February. Better done than not. Generally, articles define an early date for tasks, but many jobs on the task lists can still be undertaken. Here are a few of the jobs to do this month.
Check stored plants for rot and moisture, e.g., keep stored Dahlia and begonia tubers almost dry.
Sow hardy perennial seed, e.g., aquilegia, astrantia, pasqueflower ‘pulsatilla’ (seed needs a period of freezing weather to germinate), hardy geraniums, lavender, hellebores and milk parsley ‘Selinum wallichianum’.
Sow the seeds of summer bedding; lupins, coleus, cineraria, bedding dianthus, salvias, lobelia, petunias and antirrhinums (snapdragon), verbena, begonia and mayweed, etc., in a protected environment or propagator.
Lift and divide ‘in the green’ congested clumps of winter aconites and snowdrops.
Plant lily bulbs in pots and in the garden.
Keep on top of weeding.
Prepare and plant new hedges from bare root plants.
Prune buddleia and elder hard, back to their base.
Spread a 10cm layer of mulch in flower beds, if not done in autumn; avoid getting compost round the neck of trees and shrubs.
Cut back ornamental grasses before new growth begins.
Prune summer flowering clematis.
Prune shrub roses, gooseberries, apples and summer flowering hardy shrubs and hardy trees like hazel.
Trim wall climbers around windows, gutters and eaves.
Move badly placed shrubs to a more suitable site; we all make mistakes.
Plan your crop rotation and planting scheme for 2023.
Rhubarb crowns can be forced after digging up or in situ, for an early crop.
If you dig the vegetable garden, now is the last chance to get on with it to make use of the spring frost to break up the soil.
Protect peaches and nectarines from the rain to control peach leaf curl; my peach tree died unprotected from the wet.
Lime the soil for brassicas if you suffer from clubroot.
Sow and bring-on in a heated greenhouse crops that have a long growing season like celery, celeriac, sweet and chilli peppers and aubergine. Or like me, use a propagator and windowsill.
Warm beds with black plastic if you think it makes a difference.
Happy Gardening.
Iain McPhee, mcpheia1@gmail.com
This month we showcase chillies. Chilli peppers are a small, fiery variety of capsicum. They can be green, yellow, orange, red or black. There are more than 200 known varieties and they differ greatly in size, colour and level of hotness. In general, the smaller the chilli, the more potent, but it's worth bearing in mind that individual chillies of the same variety and even from the same plant can contain different levels of capsaicin, the volatile oil that gives chilli its heat. Chillies work well in sweet as well as savoury dishes: a little chilli helps to cut through the richness of chocolate.
When you try these preserved chillies in oil, you will discover their versatility and they are also super simple to prepare!
Choose glass jars with airtight, metal lids and ensure they have been washed in the dishwasher or by hand in hot soapy water then rinsed well. If the lids have rubber inserts, allow them to air dry instead of placing in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 130°C (270°F). Place the jars and lids on a baking tray. Heat in the oven for at least 20 minutes, then remove and allow to cool before filling.
Chillies, salt, white wine vinegar and olive oil
Carefully wash and thoroughly dry the chillies. Remove the stalks and finely slice the chillies, seeds included. In a non-reactive glass or ceramic bowl, prepare a vinegar and salt brine. Combine the two ingredients and stir them well. Add the chillies along with their seeds. Ensure that they are covered with the brine, adding more if necessary, using a ratio of one tablespoon of salt for each cup of vinegar.
Stir the chillies then cover them with cling wrap and set them aside in their vinegar and salt bath for a minimum of four hours or overnight. Stir once or twice during this time. This process removes some of their moisture, increases acidity and assists with preservation.
After that time, drain the chillies well using a fine sieve. Discard the vinegar, pack the chillies into the sterilised jars and completely cover with olive oil. There will be some air pockets; wait until the oil has settled, you may need to add a little extra. Store the chillies in a cool, dark place. The chillies will last for about three months, alternatively you can store them in the refrigerator. The olive oil will solidify and become cloudy but will become liquid again when the chillies return to room temperature.
Use the oil on pizzas, in pasta sauces, to jazz up stews, over salads or mixed with salad dressing, to spike mayonnaise, for topping bruschetta and similar offerings.
Makes 15, preheat the oven to 160°C, fan 140°C, gas 3. Bake for 25 minutes.
175g plain flour
25g cocoa powder
125g soft unsalted butter
100g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
A pinch of chilli flakes
50g dark chocolate chips
50g white chocolate, melted
Place the flour, cocoa, butter, sugar and chilli flakes in the bowl of a food processor and pulse together until the mixture comes together to form a soft, claylike dough. Tip the dough into a bowl and mix in the chocolate chips. Turn out on to a piece of clingfilm and shape into a log about 5cm in diameter. Chill for at least an hour to firm up.
Line two baking sheets. Once the dough has chilled, cut the log into fifteen pieces, each about 1cm thick. Place the biscuits on the lined sheets and bake for 22-25 minutes. Leave to cool completely before drizzling with melted white chocolate.
Jane O’Hagan
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
www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk/web
For the first time since 2019, we approached the end of the Autumn term at Meldreth Primary with no restrictions in place and a genuinely festive feeling! December was a wonderful month, when our children again enjoyed a variety of different activities and excursions. Here are some highlights: Our Movie Night was a fully-booked event, run by our fantastic PTA and enjoyed by children (and a fair few members of staff too!). It was a time for popcorn, pyjamas and pillows as ‘Minions’ was played on the big screen.
As a pre-cursor to our Christmas festivities, performances and concerts, we donned Christmas jumpers, played the cheesiest Christmas songs and went off-timetable for the day. With classes mixed across key stages, the children journeyed from classroom to classroom to craft a wide variety of different Christmas decorations such as bird boxes, snow globes and wreaths to adorn the school for the season.
On a beautiful, sunny and crisp November morning, a selection of talented runners from each class from 7 years plus competed in a cross-country race at Wimpole Hall Estate. Close to a thousand runners took part from all over Cambridgeshire and our children performed exceptionally well, representing our school proudly.
Our youngest children, threw themselves into their nativity performances of ‘A Christmas Recipe’ in December, and what a triumph it was! Their story imagined all the ingredients that go to make a wonderful Christmas being mixed together in a bowl! With a host of colourful 'ingredients' (robins, presents, snow, Father Christmas, and much more) the children's first live performance ever gave us a very special Christmas performance with some brilliant dance moves, confident acting and superb singing. All round PROUD parents and relatives were treated to two outstanding performances.
Chapman Assistant Headteacher
New for 2023! If you would like to see this page remain as a regular feature, we would appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if your children enjoyed doing the activities and any other puzzles or content you would like to see included, by emailing meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Kathryn Betts EditorAll of the following can be found in Meldreth. See if you can find the words below in the word search grid.
Bridge Bus Stop School Sta on Church Pub Shop
Stocks Railway River Mel Sign Swings Watermill
Left: colour in Ariel
Below: can you find a way through the maze so that each piece of fruit ends up in the correct box?
Saturdays and Sundays throughout January, 6.30pm
Floodlit Swan Feeds, Welney Wetland Centre, Norfolk PE14 9TN
Watch swans and ducks feeding at close quarters from a heated hide. Arrive 30 minutes before the feeding time. Free but admission charges applyadults £8.31, children £4.77, family £22.27. www.wwt.org.uk/welney.
Sunday 8th January, 10.30am and 12.00noon
Curious about Ralph Vaughan Williams?
Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP
The story of the composer with shadow images and live music for solo violin. For accompanied children aged 6+. Tickets £4.50. Lasts about 35 minutes.
Friday 13th January, 10.30am - 11.15am or 11.30am - 12.15pm
Animal Tails: Aardvarks to Zebras
Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Discover an animal alphabet with stories and play - snuffle like an aardvark, grumble like a bear and find deer antlers. A free event for children aged 2 - 5 years. Register on www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Saturday 14th January, 10.00am - 11.30am
Dads United, Trinity Life Church, Royston Town Hall, 4, Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL
A group for dads and children aged 0 - 5 years. Brunch, play, craft and a chance to meet other dads. £2 per family. See Trinity Life Church Royston Facebook page.
Saturday 14th January 2.00pm and 4.00pm
Lucy’s Legendary Dancing Day Out!
West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge CB3 9DP
Family friendly celebration of music and dance from all over the world. Quiz and singalong. Tickets from £12. www.cambridgephilharmonic.com.
Saturday 21st January, normal museum opening hours
ReMake: Clay Animals of the Zodiac
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Explore the art in the gallery and create your own animal in clay, helped by an artist. For 11 to 13 year olds. This is a practical workshop; wear suitable clothes. £5 per child. www.tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.
Tuesday 31st January, 10.30am
Fitz Family Folk Show
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Join local folk duo Megson in a beautiful gallery for a fun musical performance for under 5s. One free family ticket for up to 2 adults and up to 3 children. Donations welcome.
9.15am Cycling Group
10.00am-12.00 Food Bank (see page 45) 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub (see page 44) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group
1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm
(see page 44) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T
9.30am Zumba
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba
9.30am Zumba
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba
9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba
9.15am Cycling Group
10.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
Start of School Term
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm
9.30am Zumba
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes)
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
9.15am Cycling Group
10.00am Church Service for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (HT) 10.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub (see page 44) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.15am Cycling Group
10.00am-12.00 Food Bank 12.00-3.00pm Warm Hub (see page 44) 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing
9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 10.45-11.30 Mob Library 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing
Please check classes/ groups before attending over the New Year period as full information was not available at the time of going to press
(see page 44) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish 10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 12.00-3.00pm (see page 44) 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T
10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 12.00-3.00pm (see page 44) 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T
Thecopy deadline February issue
MeldrethMatter Thursday 12thJan
Church services, Women’s Group meetings and FOHT talks are held in Holy Trinity Church. The M Holy Trinity Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Warm Hub are in the
9.30am Slimming World pm ulti classes) Warm Hub Acro Pilates Table Tennis
2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Cafe
9.30am Slimming World
8.00am Said Eucharist
9.45am Sung Eucharist
9.45am Eucharist with the Archdeacon Alex Hughes pm ulti classes) Warm Hub
Acro Pilates Table Tennis h Council pm ultiple Warm Hub Pilates
Table Tennis
9.30am Slimming World
pm ultiple Warm Hub
Pilates
Table Tennis
9.30am Slimming World 7.00 for 7.30pm Meldreth Tennis Club Quiz. See page 9
1.30am-3.00pm Singing Workshop with Linda Bance (07753 636443) Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.30pm. Village Hall Film Night: Operation Mincemeat. Pre-booking essential. See back cover for details.
9.45am Sung Eucharist for Candlemas
forthe of ers is anuary
Refuse Collections
Black bins: 5th*, 17th, 31st Blue bins: 11th*, 24th Green bins: 11th* * changed date due to public holidays
Getremindersonyourmobile: downloadtheBinCollectionsapp
Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet in the lay-by opposite Community Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Our good news is that the Diocese of Ely has invited us to start the process that will lead to the appointment of a new priest for our Melbourn and Meldreth following the resignation of the Reverend Dr Lizzie Murgatroyd-Shipp. We are now beginning this work and are very keen to hear your views on what sort of qualities you would like to see in a new vicar.
Our first task will be to write a Parish Profile which includes factual information about our churches and parishes and what sort of person we want to attract to this post, so please do get hold of us if you see us around, or email your views to vicarsurvey@coton.me.uk. You can also write to Julie Draper at 23 Chiswick End, Meldreth SG8 6LZ or telephone her on (01763) 260323. Your views, of course, will remain confidential.
In the next months we hope to keep you abreast of developments as far as we are able, although there are of course constraints in the Church of England’s procedures and legal requirements. Happily we are extremely fortunate in that in the meantime, Mary Price, our associate priest, and Pat Smith, our licensed lay minister, will continue their ministries in our two parishes.
On behalf of the churches, we send our best New Year greetings to you all.
David Coton, Mary Bailey & Julie DraperWe are tremendously pleased and humbled by all who financially support our church in many ways, and we are now registered with Easyfundraising, which means you can help us for FREE.
Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use Easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! All you need to do is sign up and remember to use Easyfundraising whenever you shop online. It’s easy and completely FREE! These donations really mount up, so please sign up to support us at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/holy-trinity-meldreth/? utm_campaign=raise-more&utm_medium=email&utm_content=rm-en-n1.
My personal and sincere thanks go to those who already use Easyfundraising on behalf of our church, some of whom have spread the good news to families and friends.
David Hollamby Holy Trinity Meldreth PCC Treasurerwww.foht.org.uk
The Friends of Holy Trinity would like to thank our supporters for helping us to raise funds towards maintaining the fabric of our Grade 1 listed church during 2022.
We wish you all a Happy New Year and hope to offer a mixture of interesting events during 2023.
John PriceThis service was held on 4th December in All Saints’ Church and were delighted to see so many people back after the hiatus caused by Covid. It was a lovely atmosphere as we heard about The Children’s Society and why they have chosen to use the Christingle as a reminder of their ongoing work to support children and families. The collection will be forwarded to The Children’s Society.
I would like to thank the Guides and their leader for helping to prepare the Christingles on the Saturday, and Diane for donating the items to make them. Thanks too to Alex who played the organ for us and to the people who helped on the day. Most of all, a big thank you to all who came. We look forward to seeing you next year and perhaps you can bring a friend too.
Pat SmithIf you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding, or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online.
1. Go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
2. Click Report > Report a highways fault. Then click on the blue box, “Report a highways fault online”.
3. The link takes you to a map of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a ‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole, as this measurement affects the response time from the council.
4. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can track progress on a fault already reported.
Meldreth Parish CouncilThe Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org
A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum.
OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed:
‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’
‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’
‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’
Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org
Here are some things happening in January in the local area. If you would like to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Saturdays until 28th January, normal cathedral opening hours
Ely Cathedral West Tower Tours
The Chapter House, The College, Ely , Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL Climb 288 steps to the top of the West Tower for stunning views over the city and surrounding fens. Tour takes 1 hour and requires a certain level of fitness and mobility. Tickets £10 for adults (no children under 10) in addition to normal cathedral entrance. Maximum of 10 places per tour. Advance booking essential from www.elycathedral.org or call (01353) 667735.
Until Friday 31st March 2023, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Visit the Winter Garden
Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
The Winter Garden is ablaze with colour throughout January and the winter months - ornamental trees, striking coloured stems, fragrant shrubs and early bulbs. A winter wonderland to brighten even the dullest of days. Free admission but normal Botanic Garden admission applies. Visit www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.
Saturday 7th January, 10.00am to 1.00pm
Cars and Coffee
Grange Farm, Horningsea, Cambridge CB25 9JD
View a wide range of supercars, classics and highly modified cars in an indoor display area. Tea, coffee and nibbles provided. £5 entry per car - cash on the day or tickets in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Wednesday 11th January, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
In this online event Henry Stanier will help you learn how to identify birds of prey - and when and where to see them. Followed by an optional field trip to the Great Fen with 1:1 guidance on Saturday 14th January, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. See: www.bcn.org/events/2023. For event admission price and to book call 07793 606026 or email trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org.
Friday 13th January, 3.00pm to 4.00pm
Guided Tour, University Museum of Zoology
Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
Uncover the fascinating stories behind the museum’s collections, from the beetles of Charles Darwin to its dodo skeleton and amazing fin whale. Suitable for ages 12 and over. Suggested donation £5 per person. See www.museums.ac.uk/events/guided-tour.
Friday 13th January, 8.00pm to 10.00pm
Royston Arts Society Art Demo
Market Hill Rooms, Fish Hill, Royston SGW 9DW
Hashim Akib will demonstrate how to paint seascapes in Acrylics. Entry £3, members free. NB These events take place monthly throughout the year, featuring different artists and subjects. For further details visit www.roystonarts.org.uk.
Saturday 14th January, 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Board Games Social Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge CB2 3QD
Meet on the third floor of the library for some relaxed and friendly board games fun. The library has a great range of games to choose from or you can bring your own from home, plus any drinks and snacks you would like. For ages 18 plus. No need to book, just turn up.
Thursday 19th January, 11.00am to 12.30pm
Aroma Experience Wellness Walks
Fen Drayton RSPB Nature Reserve
Off Fen Drayton Road Busway NCN52, Fen Drayton CB24 4RB
Try a different experience to greet the new year: take in some nature, get your steps in for the day while experiencing the benefits of essential oils. Enjoy this mindfulness walk with friends and make some new ones. Tickets £7 from www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Sunday 22nd January, 12noon to 1.00pm
Ant Law and Alex Hitchcock Quartet
Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP
Innovative guitarist Ant Law and renowned tenor saxophonist Alex Hitchcock teamed up to produce their first album, written during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 and linking musicians across several continents. This concert features music from that album plus some new material. Tickets £18 (£9 under 25). Book at www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. NB Book early to be sure of a ticket.
Saturday 28th January, 10am to 4.00pm
Volunteer Recruitment Days
Wimpole Hall, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW
Ever thought about becoming part of the Wimpole story and joining their team as a volunteer? Opportunities to help out in the farm, gardens, parkland, house, shops and catering areas. Drop in, chat to the team and find out more. Free event. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cambridgeshire.
Compiled by John Crawforthwww.meldreth-pc.org.uk
This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.
The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report. This can be seen on pages 37-39 of this issue of Meldreth Matters and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives. There are often important references to surveys and consultations on local and regional issues which residents are urged to consider.
The Warm Space initiative in the Elin Way Community Room is now operational on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm and all local residents are welcome to attend for drinks and other refreshments. We have a strong team of committed volunteers to help with this and we need to thank them for all that is being done to set up and manage this important and welcoming facility. The Food Bank has similarly been established at the Community Room and is open on Tuesday mornings. Again, we thank those who commit their time and energy to setting up and running this facility. Both these measures bring relief and benefit to those attending in this most difficult of times.
Most of our equipment remains in good order. Repairs and adjustments are being carried out as quickly as possible, subject to the availability of contractors. New signage and bins are now prioritised for attention.
Some of the necessary work to repair and/or install equipment has now been completed and the reminder will be completed as soon as possible.
The Working Group recently met and discussed projects relating to a possible 20mph speed limit and other measures to address questions of safety particularly with regard to speeding traffic. Discussions with the Highway authority are in hand. Residents are asked to report any highways accidents that come to their attention.
The Working Group reported its recommendations on four proposals for community funding:
1. Village Hall: two pieces of equipment for floor cleaning £868.79. Approved for payment.
2. Relate Charity: donation of £500 to help provide subsidised counselling to Meldreth residents. Approved for payment.
3. Meldreth Matters: £1,500 of short term funding support to help bridge a period of uncertainty regarding advertising revenue and printing costs whilst the MM management team considers measures they might take in response to current economic and financial conditions. Approved for payment.
4. Pedestrian underpass on the route between Meldreth station and Station Road: £2,000 contribution by Meldreth Parish Council for refurbishing the underpass at a total estimated cost of £16,000. Approved in principle subject to timing. It was further decided that the questions outstanding with County Highways regarding the status of part of the route needed to be clarified prior to payment being made.
The Council accepted the Group’s recommendation to maintain the village Precept (Council Tax) at its current level of £66,000. Costs are of course increasing and the Council believes that it is important in this time of financial stress and economic uncertainty to look at all our costs very seriously, to see where savings might be possible.
Next Council Meeting Thursday 12th January 2023 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.
Meldreth Parish Council
Vote
in Tesco’s, Royston! Meldreth Matters is one of the projects being included in the next round of voting, commencing in mid January. Please Support Meldreth Matters by putting a token in our box!
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 Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk
Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061 goddin@btinternet.com
Cllr Adam Bostanci 07400 236329 adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com
Cllr Joan Fallon (01763) 262822 c.jfallon@icloud.com
Cllr Nick Garner (01763) 268328 nickphgarner@gmail.com
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085 roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land (01763) 261004 conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr Helen Meridew 07787 734973 helenmeridew@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt (01763) 260909 nppellatt56@gmail.com vacant
No planning information was received from the Parish Council this month and the minutes of the planning meetings held on 1st September, 6th October, 3rd November and 17th November were not available online at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.
Ref. & Address
Former Gocold Building, Station Yard S/1502/17/CONDJ
Former Gocold Building, Station Yard S/1502/17/CONDI
Former Gocold Building, Station Yard S/1502/17/CONDH
Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road S/0971/18/CONDI
Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road 21/01443/CONDB
Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road S/0971/18/CONDH
Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road S/0971/18/CONDG
30 Chiswick End 22/03606/HFUL
32 Chiswick End 22/04066/HFUL
11 Marys Way 22/03739/HFUL
Submission of details required by condition 14 (Ecological Enhancement) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 3 (Contamination) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 7 (Surface & Foul Water Drainage) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 14 (Carbon Emissions) of outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 3 (Boundary Treatment) of reserved matters application 21/01443/REM. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 5 (Construction Management Plan) of outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL. Approved.
Submission of details required by condition 13 (External Lighting) of outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL. Approved.
Two story font extension and single story rear and side extensions. Approved.
Extension to side and rear, existing roof alterations with new dormers & roof tiles replacement. Approved.
Single story rear extension. Approved.
Details of all planning authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
The Meldreth Matters Team
We will be meeting with Anglian Water again this month to catch up on key issues in our area including some specific concerns in Meldreth. Thanks to people who’ve been in touch.
We were glad to know that SCDC’s watercourse team were out not long ago for maintenance purposes, clearing the watercourse on the eastern side of the road.
Bus user group meetings were held in December to seek bus users’ input for any future changes to services – and to hear from people who would use the bus if the service met their needs. This has now fed into a response to the Making Connections consultation.
There are some basic requirements flagged up for Meldreth, including a link bus to our rail stations, early and late services (the current one service per day is not adequate), truly accessible buses that will take more than one buggy or wheelchair, integrated ticketing with one ticket covering a journey requiring changes, Saturday and Sunday service, access to Royston Tesco and Gateway.
As part of the ambition to improve walking and cycling links between villages we have highlighted the need for safer connections between Meldreth and Whaddon, and Meldreth and Shepreth. Both would help with active travel access to rail stations.
The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership has received accreditation status from the Department for Transport for the third consecutive year. This is a mark of excellence in terms of financial stewardship, collaboration, community involvement and trust. It also allows our CRP to access special Community Rail funds for local projects. Our thanks to Sarah Grove, our Project Officer, whose outstanding work has made this possible. Thanks also to our Community Interest Company directors.
At the time of writing, the Council faces a budget gap of about £29 million due to inflation. Much work has been done to close that gap ahead of the February budget meeting, but a £13 million gap remains to be filled. The lion’s share of the County Council’s budget is directed to children and adult social care. Government’s social care reforms have been largely postponed for the foreseeable future though much work has been done over the past year in the expectation of their imminent implementation.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Point Grant is available to fund installation of Electric Vehicle Charge Points for use by the public, and related works, in the car parks of community buildings and village halls within South Cambridgeshire. The deadline for 2022/2023 applications is 31st March 2023: https:// www.scambs.gov.uk/climate-emergency-and-nature/grants-funding-andcommunity-support/electric-vehicle-charge-point-grant.
Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire have between them about 500 hosts for Ukrainian guests. With the war in Ukraine continuing, the six-month hosting arrangements have needed to be renewed, although not all hosts are in a position to continue. Anyone who might be able to provide a spare room for a guest from Ukraine is asked to get in touch with SCDC, or please contact any of us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Please remember that there’s loads of clear and concise information on the SCDC website homepage (scambs.gov.uk) – and also listed in the South Cambridgeshire Magazine, which you can read online: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/your-counciland-democracy/the-south-cambs-magazine.
SCDC’s Community Chest fund provides grants to voluntary and community sector groups, charities and public sector bodies wishing to further improve quality of life locally. Criteria have been expanded to allow bids that include contributions for any project that has a positive impact for communities related to the cost-of-living crisis. Parish Councils of any size can also now place grant bids. A ringfenced total sum of £20,000 has been made available for these new Community Chest grant applications, provided by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, to ensure support is co-ordinated effectively and directed at those in need locally this winter.
The government has worked with a range of Internet Service Providers (IPSs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deliver low-cost broadband and telephone service packages, called social tariffs, for those on low incomes. Social tariffs are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, with some providers offering deals from £15 a month.
The Warm Home Discount scheme will provide a discount of £150 off electricity bills for three million low-income households this winter. Most households will receive the discount automatically. The government has launched a new online tool, to make it easier for the public to check if they are eligible for the discount. The online tool will guide customers through the eligibility criteria in England and Wales, asking questions about electricity supply, the benefits they receive and
characteristics of their property. All customers will receive a letter before midJanuary 2023 confirming their eligibility and the payment will be made automatically through energy suppliers by March 2023. The government is also writing to customers who may be eligible, advising them to use the tool linked below to check eligibility, as well as to use the helpline for particularly complex cases. https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.
People are invited to donate to a new emergency Go Fund Me campaign which will help finance the response to the cost of living crisis in South Cambridgeshire. SCDC has kickstarted the initiative to help provide more vulnerable residents hit hardest by the cost of living crisis with lower cost options to keep warm and cook. https://www.gofundme.com/f/scdccostofliving.
The Go Fund Me page has been launched, with money raised being added to Council support for people just about managing. The funding the Council has pledged could see around 400 people supported with free electric blankets and slow cookers; more can be done if donations are received. In the first stage of the scheme, the Council will write to people who receive a 75-85% Council Tax discount as they have been identified as potentially in greatest need of support. This group may be expanded depending on the number of donations received. The first group of people eligible will have three weeks to claim the support offered by completing an online form. A telephone number will be provided for people without internet access to call and go through the form with a member of Council staff.
If more budget becomes available after three weeks due to donations, the scheme will be expanded to more people on lower brackets of council tax discounts. The Go Fund Me page is part of a wide range of support worth about £400,000 being put in place by the Council to support residents.
Please remember we are always available to try and help with any questions or concerns, whether by telephone, email, or in person or at our 5.00-6.00pm Zoom Cuppa surgery on Mondays. Let us know if you’d like to join in and we’ll send you the link.
District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303
District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649
County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574
To advertise in the magazine, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176. Our rates are on page 48 of this issue.
Earlier this year, the parent company of Cambridge Water discovered that they had been the victim of a cyber attack which had stolen customers' personal data, including bank account details. Many people (including members of NHW) have received a letter informing them that their details were amongst those stolen. This letter is not a scam; it is a warning to be aware that criminals may attempt to use your personal data to commit fraudulent activity. The greatest dangers from this sort of breach are that criminals will try to set up direct debits on your bank account or try to apply for credit in your name. Those affected by the data breach are being offered a year's free subscription to TransUnion, which monitors whether credit has been applied for in your name. Unfortunately, this can only be done if you have access to the internet, but there are other steps that everyone can take to watch out for fraudulent activity.
Check bank and credit card statements carefully for unexpected transactions. If you see something suspicious, contact the bank or credit card company immediately.
If you receive any unexpected bills, statements or demand notices in the post, contact the lenders to inform them that the credit was obtained fraudulently. Always be wary of any unsolicited telephone call. Scammers may have more information about you than you realise, so don't be fooled by a caller just because they know your name or other details. If in doubt, hang up, wait for five minutes or use a different telephone and call the company on a number you know to be correct, for example from a bank card, statement or the company's website.
If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://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 on (01763) 260358, Linda on (01763) 261405, Peter on (01763) 260323 or Tim on (01763) 262801.
You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by telephoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.
Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
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
www.maggiescentres.org
What is Maggie’s? Maggie’s provides practical and emotional support to those with cancer, their family, friends and carers. The centre is a warm and welcoming place, with qualified cancer support specialists offering an evidence-based free programme of support which complements medical treatment.
Practical support includes information about eating well, coping with hair loss, or empowering visitors with information about their cancer treatment and benefits entitlements. Or visitors can talk to our psychologists and counsellors, explore their creative side through Art Therapy or get help to manage stress.
Then there is our kitchen table which is at the heart of our centre; a place where visitors can sit and chat with others in a similar situation, or maybe just take some quiet time with a cup of tea.
Examples of support can be anything from Art Therapy to Yoga, Men’s Support Group to Menopause workshop, Living with Prostate Cancer to Brain Tumour Support Group. In addition, a cancer support specialist is always available for a chat and to listen. They will always meet a new visitor, help them decide what support best suits their needs and make the appropriate referrals. Read more about our offering on www.maggiescentres.org.
Primarily we are a ‘drop in’ centre, Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm. Drop in anytime, but we are also happy to answer any questions prior to a visit on (01223) 249220. Maggie’s is located at 21 Milton House, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AD.
Monica Starr VolunteerSolutions to the puzzles on page 22
www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Complete a Home fire Safety Check Online
Did you know we have a free home safety check tool on our website? The website will guide you through a home fire risk assessment, which can create an action plan on how to help keep your home even safer. See https://www.safelincs.co.uk/free-fire-risk-assessment-form.
Do you use a motorcycle all year round? Are you prepared for the winter weather on the roads?
We offer free Biker Down sessions to give motorcyclists the opportunity to learn skills to help avoid a crash, as well as what to do if they are first on the scene of a collision. Book a place: https://orlo.uk/yQyQl.
in Tesco’s, Royston! Meldreth Matters is one of the projects being included in the next round of voting, commencing in mid January. Please Support Meldreth Matters by putting a token in our box!
Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves. Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you. Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank and Meldreth Warm Hub – see below and following page for further information. Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils plus a core funding initiative from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (local NHS).
Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by phone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.
Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838
Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684
High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345
Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380
North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635
If you have any other questions, please let us know.
County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team
Join us for hot drinks, cakes and biscuits and soon, hot food as well - in a warm and friendly space - all provided free of charge.
All welcome at the ‘Meldreth Warm Hub’ at the Elin Way Community Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.00-3.00pm.
Please keep your eye on the village noticeboards and social media for any updates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Helen on 07787 734973, hmeridew@btinternet.com.
Meldreth Cares – Community Support (MCCS)
Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank is open at the Elin Way Community Room on Tuesdays from 10.00am-12.00 noon, running until spring. No referral is necessary – just come along.
Please feel free to contact the Food Bank coordinator, Jo, on 07572 443522 for support if Tuesdays are difficult for you. Another time to visit can be arranged.
Donations of food
Please leave any donations of food or toiletries in the box at the end of the drive, 62 High Street (opposite Elin Way) or ring Jo on 07572 443522. Thank you so much to everyone who has already popped something in the box! And thanks for cash donations received – these have really helped too. To donate cash, please contact Roger on 07808 235873.
Meldreth Cares – Community Support (MCCS)
Royston & District Community Transport need more volunteer drivers in this area to help them provide their vital service to the community. For more information or to volunteer, please see www.roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.
Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198
Village Hall Chairman David Coton—07749 850026 Cycling Group John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 U3A Chris Davison—(01763) 264189
Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036
Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Rev. Lizzie Shipp (01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk Rev. Mary Price (01763) 261569
Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 John Price (Friends) (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk
Baby & Toddler Group Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com or Julia Moore—07403 462198
Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Hartbeeps Kelly@hartbeeps.com Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com
Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
Parish Council
Please see details at end of Parish Council report
District Councillors Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303
District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/ County Councillor Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/
County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/
Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm
Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline www.thetrainline.com Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge Potholes, problems,Highways etc. http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212
Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112 Gas 0800 111 999 Electricity 0800 783 8838 Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk
S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223
For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section 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: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters
