Meldreth Matters, July 2016

July 2016

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Meldreth Matters, July 2016 Contents include … July Events in Meldreth Changing Seasons in Melwood Gardening The Chain of Wild Flowers Letter to the Editor Motorcycle Show Cycling Church Services Friends of Holy Trinity What’s On For Children Racing Evening Pre-School Primary School Good Companions Women’s Group Meldreth Then and Now Meldreth Tennis Club Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council District Councillor’s Report County Councillor’s Report Neighbourhood Watch Local Events Cambridge Open Studios Forthcoming Events Melbourn Sports Centre Charity & Advice Pages Planning Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-11 12 13 15-17 17 18 20 21 23 24-25 27 27 28 30 30-31 35-41 42-44 46-47 48 50-51 52-53 54 57 57-59 60 62-63 64

Welcome to the July issue of Meldreth Matters. We have a varied issue for you this month with news of a number of events in Meldreth and the local area. Let’s hope we finally get some summer weather so we can all get out and about and enjoy what’s on offer. There was good news for the village recently, with the £50,000 community contribution from Sun Edison being received by the Parish Council. Last month there was some doubt whether Sun Edison, who filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, would make the payment. However, this sum will now join the money given by another solar farm developer, Lightsource, and can be put towards community projects in the village. Kathryn

Cover: Meldreth Meridian Marker, Fenny Lane The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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July Events in Meldreth To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Friday 1st July, 8.30 - 11.00pm Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road Live Rock Band “Radar” plus support All welcome Free entry, licensed bar, real ale etc.

Saturday 2nd July, 10.30am-12.00 noon Elin Way Community ‘Coffee Break’ Please join us for a chat and fresh coffee or tea served with biscuits. There will also be a ‘Bring and Buy’ cake stall and donations of cakes would be most appreciated. If you wish to use our monthly coffee mornings to promote any charitable events, then please get in touch with me. However, please note that there will be no coffee break morning in August. Thank you. Marion Long (01763) 261365 Saturday 2nd July, 7.00 for 7.30pm Racing Evening Meldreth Village Hall Come along for a great evening. Fun and frivolity with friends! Tickets £5 from Tracy on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk In aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire See page 21 for further details 2

Saturday 2nd July, 7.00pm Summer Garden Concert in the Churchyard Songs for a Summer’s Evening by the Cantus Singers. Bring your picnic, drinks, picnic chairs or rugs. The concert will be held in the Church if the weather is inclement. Parking will be available in the churchyard. Tickets £7.50 (Friends £7.00) - see page 18 for further details Friday 8th July, 5.00 - 8.00pm Meldreth Primary School Summer Swim and BBQ BBQ, licensed bar, swimming, face painting, games and much more! Raffle: win LodeStar Festival tickets (see page 54) For further details see back page

Meldreth Local History Group has a new pack of notelets for sale Featuring four new colour photographs of Meldreth today, the packs are composed of eight cards (two of each design) and are priced at £4 per pack. Packs can be obtained from Joan and Tim Gane on (01763) 260129 or

info@meldrethhistory.org.uk Melwood in Autumn

Village Sign

Marvell’s Green and the Village Stocks

Topcliffe Mill in Winter

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Changing Seasons in Melwood http://melwood.btck.co.uk/ As the last of the spring blooms fade, a new carpet of flowers covers the floor of the wood. By mid May, the daffodils had gone, the primroses, cowslips and oxlips were setting seed and the bluebells had started to look rather tired and faded. In the sunnier parts of the wood, there is now a mass of hedge parsley and Garlic Mustard (also known as Hedge Mustard and Jack by the Hedge). Both of these plants have tall white flower heads much favoured by a wide range of insect species. Greenveined White and Orange-tip butterflies can be seen feeding on the blooms and both these species may also use Garlic Mustard as a larval food-plant. On the downside, both plants are quite invasive, spreading readily by seed and in the past, we have controlled hedge parsley by pulling up plants before the seed ripens. With Garlic Mustard, we must be more careful, as orange-tip larvae like to feed on unripe seed pods and we do not want to do anything that will reduce the population of this most attractive spring butterfly. Other flowers widely scattered around the wood include Dog Violet, Sweet Violet, Herb Robert and Ground Ivy. More scarce species such as single-flowered Leek are present but it takes some searching to find them. Dusky Cranesbill is also present in still rather limited numbers but those who look will easily find the attractive purple flowers on stalks which are just tall enough to rise above surrounding vegetation. There Above: Dusky Cranesbill. are also two patches of Forget-Me Not, the Photograph by Jim Reid origins of which are uncertain, as it does not appear in historic records. Garden escape or introduction seems likely. Although widely introduced, Wood Anemone seems to have survived in just one location and in very low numbers but at least that is some encouragement. At this time of year, it is easy to confuse the leafy stems of Nettle-leaved Bellflower with stinging nettle and as the bellflower is a fairly scarce but attractive bloom for later in the summer, taking care not to damage it needs a trained eye, especially when cutting the meadow. 4

Butterflies have had a mixed start to the year, with hibernators such as Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock having a good start in warm March sunshine but then suffering with a poor April. Small and Green-veined White numbers are about normal, as also was the Orange-Tip but the Holly Blue has had one of its best years for ages around the gardens of the village. This is a species that has two generations each year, the first making use of Holly blossom and recently quite a few other garden bushes. The second generation, in August and September, seems to prefer ivy as a larval food-plant and in this area it finds abundant food for both generations. As it suffers from parasitic wasps that attack the larvae, this causes big fluctuations in numbers in a classical predator/prey cycle.

only identified by their song and not actually seen. A fresh breeze probably kept many sitting tight in the cover of bushes. This event was previously held in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and numbers recorded were amazingly consistent, with either 23 or 24 species listed in each year. Although consistent in annual totals, the species mix was often a bit different and over the four years, a total of 35 species were listed, with only seven recorded in all four years. Seven were also recorded for the first time in 2016. Melwood Conservation Group

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This is also a time of year to see if our nest boxes have been accepted by the local bird population and both Blue Tits and Great Tits have been seen busily flying in and out of some of the boxes. On 21st May, a bird walk from the church to Flambards, following the river, was organised by the Conservation Group as a public event and was led by Mike Foley of the BTO & RSPB. Twenty-four species were recorded, although many were

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Notes From a Small Garden Jim and Jane's laptop is on the blink so they asked me to get on and do the honours by myself! Luckily there is always lots to write about in June. I went round Jim's garden two days before going to print. His sweet peas are well on. The flowers of mine are being eaten by some nasty snails despite my having put slug pellets down. His auriculas are also more coming along fine. Alas apricots and peaches are having a thin time this year. As also are apples. His broad beans were looking so healthy; mine are quite spindly by comparison. What is his secret. More sun, I think. We had a most successful and happy Veg Club Plus meeting in Sherida and John Richards’ garden. Sadly quite a lot of people were unable to be there. They missed a feast of plants, veg and flowers, not to mention coffee and cake in their lovely garden which has many unusual plants. The good thing is that Sherida had plenty of plants left over for the Church Fete garden stall. If anybody wants to join Veg Club Plus, please get in touch. We meet about once a month, sometimes in the week around 6.00pm and earlier in the winter, sometimes at 10.00am on a Saturday. It's all very informal, with everyone being very generous with plants, seeds and seedlings and general know how. Here is a question I was asked by June MacKay. She has two enormous green/grey phormiums in her tiny garden. But how can they be dug out, retaining the roots so that they can be replanted elsewhere where they can have more room and be seen in their full glory? If you would like to try, please ring June on (01763) 261041. So thinking about July and jobs to do, about five years ago I, like many was moaning that the roses were over and the colour had gone from the garden. I remembered my mother's two huge herbaceous borders. Two plants came to mind; phloxes and dahlias, the latter which I never really loved. However I now have quite a lot of purple/ 6

blue phloxes, even a white one. I also have lots of dark red/pink dahlias with dark red leaves. There are quite a lot of these now including Bishop of Landaff. Looking after them in the winter is another story which we will include in November's issue of Meldreth Matters. Now going round the garden in July is a delight. A few more jobs for July: Check for clematis wilt (application of an anti-fungal might help) Keep deadheading perennials and bedding plants Give half a bucket of water to all new perennials, once a fortnight Good gardening. Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 7

The Chain of Wild Flowers ‘The Chain of Wild Flowers’ has now planted our seeds in the Millennium Copse meadow patch in Melbourn. Little green fingers are hopefully, as I write, pointing the way to a colourful display in the summer. We have arranged a family event, on Saturday July 16th, from 1.00pm to 9.00pm around this flower patch. There will be a day of theatre, poetry, prose readings and music. Anyone who wishes can join our ‘open mic’ sessions. We have a local folk duo, ‘Joint Venture’, performing throughout the day, and also hopefully Royston Folk Club will participate. There will be an exhibition of our work so far in the pavilion, which will be open throughout for refreshments, toilets and shelter should it rain. Wild Ivy Theatre Company, although London based, are a contact supplied by Cambridge Touring Company, to whom we are most grateful. They are performing for us a family favourite: ‘The Wind in the Willows’. They are committed to producing vibrant adaptations of classic tales for young people and family audiences, using movement, music, storytelling and singing to bring to life the much-loved characters of our favourite stories in theatres and in more ‘quirky’, sitespecific locations. They will bring us a fanciful and haughty Toad paired with the shy and careful Moley to tell the story of our favourite riverbank characters once upon a midsummer … And, guess what children (of all ages!) … they are bringing Mr Toad, Ratty and Mole, maybe others to Melbourn, to play under the giant willow, in their magical production. Over the last few weeks there have been a lot of mysterious ‘goings on’ at Toad Hall. Now we know why! I actually wrote a poem about his escapades - see following page. If any children would like to have their photos taken with the riverbank folk, this will be possible and great fun! We are presenting this day of fun to give something back to our community and to thank all you wonderful people who have helped us. For funding we thank South Cambridgeshire District Council, Melbourn Parish Council and TTP. The Co-op has generously helped in kind. 8

If I have omitted anyone please forgive me, as hopefully your donations, however small, may continue to flow. Advice and support on planting was given by SCDC Ecology Officer Rob Mungovan, without whose help we would never have got started. Thank you Rob. We also thank our volunteers and all the people who have helped in so many ways. So please come along and join us, and enjoy yourselves … see you there. Yvonne Chamberlain Treasurer ‘A Chain of Wild Flowers’

The Seven Crashes of Mr Toad Mr Toad lived in a mansion, Dressed himself in the latest fashion, Thought himself the grandest of all, He was Toad of Toad Hall. He had many mad obsessions: Fleeting fancies, eclectic possessions. One day he saw a shiny motor car, ‘Poop poop’ went the horn, heard from afar. All other fancies he then forsook: This was love, love, love at first look! He adored the reddest, the shiniest best, Until he could drive it he had no rest. Early morning he donned his gauntlets and scarf, Goggles and helmet, and gave a great laugh. Careering and swerving he went off the road; The first crash of Mr Toad. The crumpled car he locked in the garage, Went to the auction, creating a barrage, Upping the bidding until he’d bought The steed of steel he so desperately sought. 9

continued …

Delirious with delight, with his new car he flew ‘Poop poop’ down the lane in a flash of blue. The farmer’s tractor chugged down the road…. Bang! Wallop! Second crash of Toad. Toad escaped with just a few scratches, His limbs all covered in water proof patches. The car was scrapped along with the other, Put in the garage under a cover. The third crash happened late at night: The second hand Porsche had only one light. Rounding a bend far too fast, failing to see That the road was blocked by a fallen tree. That crash had Toad three weeks in hospital; He thought the care was most hospitable! One more car now added to the heap, Which was growing a little bit deep. Toad’s passion was still not deflated, And purchase of cars went unabated. Crashes, 4, 5 and 6 came and went On his perilous way he was still hell bent. He even stole a car, ending up in jail, Inside for a while he turned quite pale. He hated confinement in dirt and dust. He made a big plan: escape he must. He devised a clever and daring plan, It worked: Happily down the road he ran. He was offered a lift in the car he was caught stealing, The irony left his little mind reeling. He talked them into letting him drive. He went faster and faster, feeling so alive. Of course, you’ve guessed it, of speed too fond Crash number seven ended up in the village pond! His friends were so angry, they made him ashamed, That ‘mad dog Toad’ he was named. So he reformed no more cars, no crash number eight, And so it continues to this very date. Yvonne Chamberlain 10

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Letters to the Editor 20's Plenty – Traffic Calming - Update The response to our petition of the introduction of a 20’s Plenty speed restriction through Meldreth has been overwhelmingly in favour. Only a very few residents oppose this action so we hope our councillors listen, accept our proposal and take action to make our roads safer. Although we handed the petition to the Parish Council at their meeting on Thursday 7th April you are still able to add your signature to the more than 600 signatures gathered so far. The petition is open at Reflections Hair Studio, 45 Whitecroft Road (you can get your hair done at the same time) and we thank Linda for helping us. We have asked Parish Councillor Andrew Young to champion our cause at council meetings, but we still need your support so as well as signing the petition please try to attend meetings and voice your concerns about the current situation. Twenty miles per hour will undoubtedly make our roads safer, especially for children and our older residents. Let us hope it will not be too long before we join the other 15 million UK residents who enjoy a safer 20’s Plenty environment. Take a look at the national campaigning website: 20splenty.org Thank you for your support, together we can make our village a safer place to live. Pat & Sandy Gilmore (01763) 263138 Speeding Speeding is a constant concern in many of our villages. I'm pleased to say that I have successfully bid for a small grant from the Road Safety Partnership to put on a 'train the trainer' course in the use of speedguns. This training is now complete and means that I now have all my front-line officers trained in the use of speed-guns. Some of you may know that we have a page online where you can request speeding enforcement to take place in areas where you consider it to be a problem - you can find this page at http://tinyurl.com/SCSpeedteam James Sutherland Chief Inspector South Cambridgeshire 12

Royston & District Motorcycle Club The Royston & District Motorcycle Club held its annual Bike Show at their new venue: the Eternit Sports & Social Club on Wednesday 15th June. The show was once again very well supported and feedback on the new venue has been very positive. In spite of unsettled weather forecast predictions, over 1400 visitors turned out to socialise, meet friends and view a wide range of classic and custom bikes. Thankfully the weather remained dry for the evening. Monies raised from the evening are donated to a number of charities including Meldreth Manor School, East Anglian Air Ambulance, SERV Blood Runner volunteers who provide a vital out-of-hours service to deliver blood supplies, breast milk and other medical transport support needs free of charge to the NHS. The show attracted 35 trade stands providing a variety of interest for visitors along with the bikes on show and as a bonus, the East Anglian Air Ambulance dropped in to thrill the crowds. Peter Jennings RDMC Press Secretary

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Cycle Routes Around Meldreth This month I describe a 29 mile circular route via Haslingfield, Longstowe and Wimpole along some of our wonderful rural Cambridgeshire lanes. This is a longer route than I have described before and there are some hills; the most challenging of which is Chapel Hill between Barrington and Haslingfield. Please don’t be put off - hills are both a challenge and an achievement for a cyclist! From the village stocks ride out of Meldreth along North End to Shepreth. Turn left at the T-junction in Shepreth and ride towards Barrington. Ride through Barrington and continue over Chapel Hill to Haslingfield. Turn left at the T-junction then left towards Harlton. In Harlton turn left towards the Eversdens. At the A603 turn right then immediately left and ride through Little Eversden then Great Eversden. Continue to Kingston and turn left towards Bourn. At the T-junction turn left onto the B1046. If you want a cafe stop there is a good cafe in Bourn called the Abantu Cafe. It is in Bourn village but will be moving to the Wysing Arts Centre on the B1046 near Bourn in early July. At the A1198 turn right then immediately left. Ride through Longstowe and continue towards Little Gransden. Watch out for gliders from the gliding club on your right. Before reaching Little Gransden turn left towards Gamlingay. About one third of a mile after a sharp right hand bend turn left and follow this road over a hump back bridge over the disused Cambridge to Bedford railway. Disused railways make great offroad cycle paths and this one could serve Cambridge, Cambourne, Sandy, Bedford and the nearby villages. At the T-junction turn left and ride through Hatley St George. As you descend Croydon Hill look out for and take the left turn towards Croydon. Ride through Croydon and Arrington. At the A1198 dismount and cross over to enter the Wimpole Estate. Ride through the estate past Wimpole Hall. Continue to the road entrance and at the T-junction turn right and ride to the A505. Turn left and proceed along the road or the adjacent path. Continue past Hurdleditch Road and turn right onto Fisher’s Lane into Orwell. Ride through Orwell then turn right onto Malton Road towards Meldreth. In Meldreth turn right at the T-junction and this takes you back to the village stocks. I do hope that these suggested routes are proving useful and are encouraging more people to get out on their bikes into the lovely local countryside. Ralph Betts 15

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign https://a10corridorcycle.com Some good news to report: 1. The City Deal Board has approved funding to construct an off-road

cycle path between the Frog End Shepreth A10 junction and the entrance to Melbourn Science Park in Cambridge Road, Melbourn. This means that the overall Cambridge-Royston link is ever closer to realisation. It is very heartening to know that the owner of Melbourn Science Park is intending to create a new dedicated cycle entrance to the site to contribute to the encouragement of cycling to work now that a new safe link is being created along Cambridge Road Melbourn. 2. As you will no doubt have noticed, the grass is growing tall

alongside the stretches of new path. Cambridgeshire County Highways has budgeted for only TWO verge cuts per year, clearly inadequate. I did my best as a Councillor to argue against a reduction from what was already a poor programme – three cuts per year – but not enough other Councillors on the Highways committee saw things the same way. This aspect of maintenance is not costly, which simply shows how dire the budget situation is. Over the past few months we have had some good conversations with AstraZeneca, who need to encourage their workforce to take up cycling or other sustainable transport to work, in preparation for the move from Melbourn to their new Cambridge Biomedical Campus site, where there will be very limited parking. They have very kindly agreed to help pilot a sponsored maintenance programme, providing supplementary verge cuts, sweeping, siding out, etc, for two years. We need to figure out the nuts and bolts so apologies if things don’t happen instantly, but we’ll get there. 3. Work to apply the final surface to the new Foxton-Shepreth path

will take place soon, in conjunction with work around Foxton Level Crossing itself. 4. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership

is making a bid to central government for funding to connect Melbourn and Royston via path and bridge. We are working with local businesses and Hertfordshire County Council colleagues to organise letters of support. It would marvellous to have letters of support from A10 corridor Parish Councils – these will be requested. 16

Finally – yes it’s a strange world of funding. How can we build stuff but not afford to cut grass? Infrastructure funding comes from central government, but our council revenue budget is severely depleted because government has decided to switch off the revenue tap and that’s where the grass cutting budget sits. This is frustrating and distressing. Our next meeting will be in September – date and venue to be announced. Susan van de Ven County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Church Services Sunday 3rd July 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 10th July 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 17th July 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 24th July 11.15am Family Communion: a special service introducing our new Priest-in-Charge, The Reverend Lizzie Shipp Sunday 31st July 9.45am Family Communion Marion Long

Joint Parish Prayer Group There will be no Prayer Group meetings in either July or August. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 20th September at 8.00pm at 85 North End, Meldreth. Our prayer circle will still be operating in July and August so please do get in touch with me if you have any prayer requests. Thank you. Marion Long (01763) 261365 17

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Saturday 2nd July at 7.00pm: Summer Garden Concert in the Churchyard Songs for a Summer’s Evening by the Cantus Singers. The first concert was held in 2002 when the Cantus Singers performed and the event, with various forms of musical entertainment, has continued into its 15th year. Cantus Singers are a chamber choir of around 20 singers, which was established in 1991. They meet weekly in central Cambridge during term time to prepare for a number concerts each year. Bring your picnic, drinks, picnic chairs or rugs. The concert will be held in the Church if the weather is inclement. Parking will be available in the churchyard. Tickets £7.50 (Friends £7.00) from: Robert Long - (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 John Price - (01763) 260048 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742 Sunday 4th September: Car Show The 12th year of this event. The exhibits are being progressively signed up including this excellent 1934 Wolseley Hornet Special to be accompanied by other new and some previous exhibits. Friday 21st October The initial stages of the British East India Company’s involvement in India an illustrated talk by Gregor Davey. Saturday 14th January 2017 Annual Supper, to be confirmed Other talks in the planning:The Galapagos The Experiences of a Mini Racer and Performance Tuning John Price 18

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What’s On for Children and Families in July Friday 8th July, 7.30pm Danny the Champion of the World Fowlmere Village Hall SG8 7RY Outdoor performance of Roald Dahl’s story by Illyria. Tickets (non refundable) £14 adults, £7 children (£1.95 fee for online booking) Illyria.uk.com or ring (01763) 208516 or (01763) 208364. Bring seating/rug. Performance lasts 1 hour 45 minutes including interval. Saturday 9th July, 10.00 - 10.30am Weekend Stories, Royston Library SG8 9JN Regular event, second Saturday of the month for under 8s. Sunday 17th July, 10.00am - 6.00pm Parklife, Milton Country Park CB24 6AZ The event starts with a 2K junior park run then try a range of activities from paddleboarding to den building, pond dipping to archery. Live music, dancing, martial arts and lots more. For information, telephone (01954) 713070 or email duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk. Saturday 23rd July, 10.30am - 3.30pm Stone Age day, Royston Museum SG8 5AL Handle prehistoric finds, try cave style painting, make stone age pottery, jewellery and arrowheads and build a shelter. £3 per child. For information contact curator@roystonmuseum.org.uk or telephone (01763) 242587. Saturday 23rd July, 10.30am - 12.30pm Summer Sculpture, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Discover how artists use natural forms in art then create your own sculpture, helped by an artist. For children 8 to 12 years. £8 per child. Telephone (01223) 332900. Tuesday 26th July, 2.00 - 4.00pm Gruffalo Woods! Wandlebury Country Park, CB22 3AE Explore the woodland starting from stories, rhymes and songs. Find out what lives here and get creative. For ages 3 to 6 years. £8 per child (must be accompanied). Telephone (01223) 243830 or book online at cambridgeppf.org. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

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22

Meldreth Pre-School www.meldrethpreschool.com After a relaxing half term where everyone got a chance to recharge their batteries, the children are back and ready to play, learn and explore. Now that Cassie has settled in as Manager, everyone at Meldreth PreSchool is getting used to having a song for every occasion and the changes that have been implemented recently. We are also pleased to have Hannah on the team until the end of term: she has proved very popular with the children, who have been showing her the ropes by involving her in their favourite games. We were thrilled to receive an incredibly generous donation from the British Queen and we have enjoyed spending the money on some new resources. These have included a new easel that the children have been using to express their artistic sides and a set of blocks which have inspired their imaginations and allowed them to build a range of different things. There has been plenty of other fun stuff too – we had class pictures and those who are leaving to go to big school this summer got the chance to dress up in a graduation gown and mortar board which made for some fantastic images. Thanks to Anna Marriage for bringing out the best in our little leavers. We are also lucky enough to have had some fun sessions with Disco Ducks – the children have been practising their groovy moves and learning some new ones all with their favourite feathered friend. There is more to look forward to in the second half of this term, including our sports day on 1st July and our leaving party and graduation ceremony on 19th July, which is also the last day of term. Those children who are leaving to go to Meldreth Primary will be doing school visits to get an idea of what they can expect come September, so it’s another exciting month for all of us before we close for the summer. Meldreth Pre-School is currently accepting applications for places in September and although we are booking up fast, most sessions still have some availability at the moment. We recommend that anyone who wants a place for the autumn term gets in touch to arrange a visit - you can contact us by telephone on 07518 173653 or via email to manager@meldrethpreschool.com. Meldreth Pre-School 23

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Meldreth Local History Key Stage 2 in Meldreth Primary School have been looking into the history of the village. For research and fact finding, we have made great use of the documents, pictures and information on the Meldreth History website (www.meldrethhistory.org.uk). In Woodpecker Class (Years 5 & 6), the English focus has been on learning to write persuasively. The context for the writing is historical – it is 1904 and a debate is raging in Meldreth as to whether a school should be built in the village or whether the children should simply continue to attend schools in Melbourn or Shepreth. Woodpecker Class were asked to take on the role of one of the Meldreth residents who had attended the Public Inquiry – “Educating Meldreth: The Case for the Village’s Own School” - in November 1903 which was held in the Parish Room on North End. They had to present their arguments in support of a school being built in Meldreth, seeking to persuade others to agree with their point of view. Sally Willan Woodpecker Class Teacher

Harry Hiscock (11 years) wrote the following:

Should Meldreth Have a School? Since the dawn of the Victorian era, the children of Meldreth have had few options for their education. This is due to the fact that there is no school in Meldreth. As a result, the majority of the village youngsters must trek to a neighbouring town to acquire their education. Shockingly, there are seventy-three smaller inhabited areas in the Royston Union that have their own schools, yet we don’t! Furthermore, we pay the second highest rates in Royston and what have we received in return? Near to nothing! I will now make my intentions on building a new school as clear as can be. One of the most conspicuous motivations for the new school is the fact that 98% of Meldreth’s inhabitants signed a petition insisting that one is built. In addition, vast numbers of villagers attended the public inquiry. The most enthusiastic by far were the labourers; they are 24

determined to give the next generation the opportunity to receive the education they missed out on. Who could disappoint them? Who? Who could deny that this is exactly what the young children require at such a vital stage in their lives? Another explicit reason for building a local school is the extended journey times getting there now. Those against my point of view may claim that our young residents need the two mile walk there and back. But that is utter rubbish; walking in the cold and wet every day is causing illness and, in some cases, death! Do you really want your children risking their lives for their education? Some may argue that Melbourn School is not full - however, it is majorly understaffed. It is clear to see that the education your children are getting is way below the average standard. On the contrary, there are masses of people in Meldreth who are willing to work at a new school. For my final, and most powerful, point, Mr Fordham has generously donated one acre of land at Fenny Lane for the new school, meaning that we won’t have to buy the land. All we will have to pay is the £1000 building costs. Some people against the school, may believe that £1000 is too much to be worthwhile, but the Parish Council and the community have agreed to split the cost 50:50. Any rational being would agree that this is a great deal. So how can you deny that we need a place of education for our children in Meldreth? A school is what our children are begging for! Meldreth Primary School

New to the village? Information on village facilities and over 30 local groups is available at

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

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

26

Good Companions June’s trip out to Haverhill went well in spite of the freezing cold weather and biting wind. Morning coffee, a stroll around the shops, a nice lunch and a lovely community bus driver all added up to a very enjoyable day. Our next meeting will be held in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way on Thursday 7th July from 2.00 to 4.00pm. This is a free afternoon when Club members can choose what they would like to do. Everyone welcome. Laraine Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our summer supper was held on 24th May in All Saints Community Hall. It was a lovely evening with 30 members and their guests attending, the food having been prepared by committee members. Our thanks go to Marion and Bridget for providing extra puddings: there certainly was a lovely selection. A raffle was held in aid of The Laughter Specialists, which is our chosen charity for this year and the sum of £41.50 was raised. Our thanks to Sheila for running the raffle. Our thanks also go to Angela Leach for providing the quiz which was tackled by all and a big thank you to those who helped with the setting up, clearing away and washing up. Our next meeting will be on 26th July when we will have a games evening in All Saints Community Hall beginning at our usual time of 7.45pm. We are a small friendly group and if you would like to know more about us please contact Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775 or Angela Leach on (01763) 262793. Pat Smith 27

Meldreth Then and Now Each month we are showing ”then and now” images of Meldreth scenes. This month’s images show the war memorial and Whitecroft Road. The top image is from a Bell’s postcard from the 1920s and the lower image was taken by Francesca Churchill in 2016.

28

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MELDRETH TENNIS CLUB invites new members to join us We are a friendly and enthusiastic club seeking to increase our membership ALL STANDARDS WELCOME Come and try us out at the following times: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings 10.00 - 12 .00pm Wednesday mornings 9.30am -12.00pm Tuesday evenings 6.00 - 8.00pm For further information telephone Jo Kitteridge on 07771 823064

Volunteering Opportunity Police volunteers If you’d like to get involved in policing and give something back to your community, why not consider applying to become a Special Constable? Other volunteering roles include independent custody visitors (ICVs), police cadets, and police service volunteers. Specials provide support over a whole range of policing activity, from road policing, football matches and emergency response to major crime and other specialist areas such as domestic abuse and the rural crime team. Specials must commit a minimum of four hours a week to their duties. We also encourage employers to support their staff in volunteering as Special Constables through our Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme. It is a partnership with benefits for all involved – the employer, member of staff and the police service – and helps increase public safety and confidence. For more information on becoming a Special and how to apply, visit www.cambs-police.co.uk/recruitment/specials/ and for other volunteering opportunities, visit: http://www.cambs-police.co.uk/ recruitment/volunteers. 30

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31

Meldreth Village Monday

Tuesday

Did You Know? Every copy of Meldreth Matters from January 2009 onwards is available online at free.yudu.com 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Wednesday

Terms ends on 19th/21st July

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

Thurs

The copy deadl August iss Meldreth M is Tuesday 1

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

2.00-4.00pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI

4 5 6 7 11 12 13 1 18 19 20 2 25 26 27 2 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

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

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

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 9.00 pm

7.30pm Parish

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

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

10.00-12.00pm Handbells

5.30pm Slimming World

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

7.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

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

10.00-12.00pm Handbells

5.30pm Slimming World 10.45-11.30am Mobile 7.30pm Slimming World Library 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Browni Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherw 32

Diary - July 2016

sday

Friday

Saturday

8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Band “Radar” plus support, Eternit Sports & Social Club

10.00am-4.00pm Mouse Show 10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Break (see page 2) 7.00pm FOHT Summer Garden Concert (p. 18) 7.00 for 7.30pm Racing Evening (p. 21)

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion & New Seekers Sunday School

1 2 3 7 8 9 10 4 15 16 17 1 22 23 24 8 29 30 31

ine for the ue of Matters 2th July

Good

m Fitness

m T Tennis

5.00-8.00pm Meldreth Primary School Summer Fair BBQ and Swim, Primary School (see back page)

8.00am Holy Communion

h Council

m Fitness

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School

m Fitness

11.15am Family Communion—special service introducing The Reverend Lizzie Shipp

m Table

m Fitness

9.45am Family Communion

m Table

North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History Group and the es & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The wise indicated. 33

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 2nd June in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Mr C A Land - Chairman, Mr R A Searles, Mrs C.J. Fallon, Mr A Keena , Mr D Lee, Mr N Pellatt, Mr D Stewart and Mr A Young In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Councillor P Hart (SCDC) and Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) Public Participation: [For up to 15 minutes members of the public may contribute their views and comments to the Parish Council - 3 mins per item.] There were 12 members of the public in attendance. Mrs Lynch thanked the Parish Council for what they have done in the past but wanted to enquire if any of the present Councillors would consider stepping down to allow new people onto the Council? Mrs Lynch asked that if this was not possible could the Parish Council be expanded in order to incorporate those candidates who were applying to be co-opted? The Clerk answered that the size of a Parish Council is determined by the number of electors there are within that Parish. Melbourn is a much larger parish and therefore they are allowed 15 Councillors. If Meldreth increases in size, that may be an option in the future. At the moment there is only one available seat. The Chairman responded that full elections take place every four years and any qualified resident is able to put themselves forward for election. In recent years this has not been taken up and the Council have had to co-opt additional Councillors. Criticism was made of the Parish Council’s decision to refurbish the pavilion. Mr Pellatt responded that the pavilion project has taken time and a decision on the best option has been changed from extending it to a refurbishment, which is what the Parish Council are now doing. The pavilion is a sports building and football has been a part of village life for many years and it would be a shame to see the tradition disappear. Once the pavilion has been refurbished it is hoped that other organisations will want to utilise the facility, such as the Tennis Club and various residents for children's parties etc. 35

Mrs Hunter stated that she was concerned to hear of issues such as the pavilion, Mettle Hill and the inability of the Parish Council to secure the ÂŁ50,000 from Sun Edison. There are some potentially serious issues in the near future, on which the Parish Council will have to make decisions. Mrs Hunter then stated that the Council can do many good things but on the whole it is inadequate and inefficient and she expressed a vote of 'no confidence' in the present Parish Council as she feels they are not capable of seeing things through. (Sun Edison have now completed their obligation and paid ÂŁ50,000 to Meldreth Parish Council.) Mr Searles responded that there is a lot to do and it is encouraging to see so many residents interested. Over the next two years it is hoped that many residents will work with the Parish Council in the function of working groups and it is hoped that when the next elections are due, in 2018, there will be many residents that come forward for election. A question was asked regarding the Mettle Hill questionnaire which did not achieve what the working group set out to do as there were too many anomalies and residents may not have understood what they were being asked. Following from the Annual Meeting will there be another questionnaire going out with more detail? They were also surprised to see this being discussed again with Showmen/Travellers as they believed that the question of putting Showmen/Travellers on the site was rejected. Mr Young responded that although the government puts them in the same category, Showmen are not Travellers and are very different. This may have caused some confusion for residents at the Annual Meeting when the speaker of the Eastern Counties Showmen was trying to explain the Government criteria with respect to planning issues. One resident stated that there will not be a project for Mettle Hill that will please everyone and maybe the Parish Council should just put it back to a 'green area'. The original questionnaire had a 27% response from the village and Mrs Hart explained that Park Homes was the favoured response. Agreed Statement from Councillor Hart addressed to Parish Councillor Searles I am sorry about what happened at the Annual Meeting. I truly hope I did read something into your question that wasn't there and that we can put this behind us and continue to work for the good of the village. 36

Extra item from the Chair: Chairman's Discretion It was proposed by Mr Searles that Mr Pellatt be Vice Chairman, seconded by Mr Young, all agreed. Mr Pellatt will sign his declaration of office as Vice Chairman at the next meeting Co option of New Councillor There were five candidates for the one vacant seat. A ballot vote was taken. Mr Richard Goddin, with a majority vote of five, was co-opted onto the Council. The Chairman thanked all those residents who had put their names forward and said that their help and expertise would be very welcome on the working groups, including the Marley/Eternit Working Group. A further working group for Mettle Hill will be set up soon. There is also expertise needed in updating the website, with Mrs Munday and Mr James accepting the task. Network Rail – Closure of the Level Crossing near Fieldgate There is an ongoing public consultation on the closing of 140 level crossings on the Anglia route, one of which will be in Meldreth and is across Footpath 10 beside St John's Farm near Fieldgate. The Clerk has requested the flyer relating to Meldreth and forwarded information to Steve Marshall (Parish Paths Partnership). There was a public exhibition on the 10th June from 2.00-7.00pm and a public consultation will run from the 10th June to 1st July. Mr Borgonon was asked to speak with regards to the Parish Paths Partnership and he stated that the group were strongly opposed to the closure of the crossing, as the footpath is regularly used and its closure would also mean closure of the footpath. Mr Young responded that though this is a 'rights of way' issue it also a health and safety issue as the alternative route is less safe; there are no visibility splays and it is therefore more dangerous. The Clerk will write to Network Rail. Speedwatch Update from Mr Borgonon. It is unlikely that Bassingbourn can field a viable Speedwatch at present but Steeple Morden & Litlington are keen to join Meldreth and Whaddon in purchasing a kit, thereby quartering the purchase price for the public purse and maximising the use of the equipment. This means a reduced cost price of around £600 per village. Meldreth have agreed to this in principle but Mr Borgonon stated that the Parish Council need to draw up a document on who will lead this 37

and to make a Councillor the Speedwatch representative. There is also a need for more volunteers to make the system work. Grass Cutting on SCDC Land Some of the areas where the work was previously carried out by SCDC are now, supposedly, under the jurisdiction of CCC. Clerk is awaiting confirmation and has suggested a site visit with both CCC and SCDC to clarify the situation. Solar Money Working Group Cycle racks at corner of Bell Close/High Street: awaiting response from Land Officer at SCDC regarding permission to place these racks as the land is owned by SCDC. The Tennis Club have submitted a request for ÂŁ25,000. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Mr Searles suggested a site visit to see what improvements need to be done. The Clerk will send out financial request forms to all those organisations that have made enquires. This information needs to be submitted to the Parish Council before the next meeting. It was proposed by Mr Young to give the WI ÂŁ70.00, seconded by Mr Lee, all agreed. SunEdison Solar Fund The Clerk has been notified by SunEdison that the contract is awaiting signature from the director and payment will be issued. Mr Goddin suggested that it may be helpful to carry out an internal review. Marley Eternit The public meeting which took place on 25th May was well attended. The questionnaires are presently being processed. They are looking at putting in an application in July for 150 houses on the brownfield site. It was suggested that information be put onto the website. Playground 1. All equipment appears to be in good working order 2. ROSPA inspection has been carried out. 3. Sovereign will be installing the new railings on 14th June and will

inspect the zip wire seat and the top level of the zip wire. 4. The Clerk has requested two new baby swings and new brackets for

the larger swings. 38

Pavilion A third quotation has not been received and this will now hold up the proceedings as another quote is sought. A funding application is in process with Rugby Cement and Tesco's. Annual Meeting (Village Meeting) Update on items raised by residents. A New Questionnaire to be circulated to all households with the final selection of uses for Mettle Hill. It was agreed by all at the meeting, that it is better to take the time and make sure that the decision is the correct one. Mr Young reported that only 27% of residents responded which meant that 73% did not. Mr Searles stated that he did not think that 27% response is enough to make a decision but this was questioned by Mr Young who stated that there only needs to be 2030% response for it to be valid. Mr Goddin also believed that if the Parish Council wanted to make a decision on Mettle Hill using the original questionnaire response, they could. The next questionnaire needs to be done correctly and then a decision made. Mr Searles reported that some residents were concerned that there was to be an age restriction, however this has been rectified by Tingdene. The types of conditions are set in agreement between the Park Homes company and the Parish Council. Mr Young will form a new working party for Mettle Hill which will produce a questionnaire, the findings of which will then be presented to the Parish Council in September. However, the proposed planning application from Marley/Eternit may take precedence. Update on the Pavilion. It was asked what is happening with the pavilion, as it has now been eight years in the planning. The pavilion has been an ongoing item and it was decided, some months ago, that a refurbishment would be the better option as the cost to build a new facility or extend the pavilion was going to be too expensive. Village Maintenance Kerbing along North End at the bend near no. 22 and near the Victorian post box near no. 72, is in poor condition. The estimated cost for both areas is ÂŁ12,200. Mr Searles responded that these works should be included in the Local Highway Improvement Scheme (LHI) and this would propose ÂŁ10,000 from the improvement with the 39

remaining coming out of the precept. The application is due out later in the year. Keeping Britain Tidy New Glow in the Dark dog fouling signs which are part of the 'We're Watching You' campaign from Keeping Britain Tidy. Melbourn are doing their own but this could be a joint venture with Shepreth, as the cost of the notices are ÂŁ25 each but a purchase of 10 is required to qualify for this price. Shepreth Parish Council is interested in a shared project. All agreed. Clerk will contact Shepreth. Councillors' Reports Councillor Searles: Proposed that Councillor Goddin be another cheque signatory and go on the financial working group. Seconded by the Chairman, all agreed. Clerk will arrange Councillor Stewart: Councillor Hales has resigned as a Parish Councillor for Melbourn. MAYD will now require a new chairman from within Melbourn PC. Councillor Land: There has been a complaint regarding the cows in Topcliffe meadow. The Clerk will contact the owners of the field to enquire if a notice can be put up asking that dogs be kept on leads while there are calves in the field. [Notices had already been put up to this effect.] There is a need for another litter bin along the High Street between the school and the station. The Clerk will enquire about costings and placement. Action: Clerk Boundary Changes It has been proposed that the District Council becomes a two member ward with Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth and Whaddon. Proposed changes to the County Council will have an affect on the working partnership of the District and the County Councillors for Shepreth, Meldreth and Melbourn. Meldreth will be aligned with Whaddon and Melbourn, while Shepreth will be joined to Foxton and Duxford. Mr Young proposed that the draft letters be sent to the Boundary Commission with regards to the changes for both CCC and SCDC, seconded by Mr Searles, all agreed.

40

Audit Figures have been inspected by the internal auditor, to be agreed and signed off by the Parish Council. Clerk read out the Annual Governance Statement 2015/16. It was proposed by Mr Pellatt and seconded by Mr Searles that the statement should be signed, this was agreed by all. Chairman and RFO then signed the document. Clerk will now send to the External auditors. Insurance Policy for 2016/17 Proposed by Councillor Pellatt, seconded by Mr Searles, that the insurance is agreeable to the Parish Council. Conduct of the District Councillor The matter was discussed with no further action to be taken at this time. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon. By appointment at other times. Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Councillors: Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr R Goddin

(01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land (Chairman) (01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

david@oakrits.plus.com

(01763) 261571

Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr D Stewart

(01763) 261562

derekstewart67@hotmail.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmaail.com

41

District Councillor’s Report Marley Eternit - 153 houses on the old factory site Thank you to all the residents who attended the second presentation organised by the Marley Eternit team. Responses on completed questionnaires were much the same as from the first presentation. PLEASE NOTE: there was some confusion generated by the information boards. The proposal is apparently now only to apply on the old factory site (Proposal A), NOT the agricultural land (Proposal B at the first presentation). It looks likely that a formal application will not be made until July. The Working Group is busy preparing for this and working closely with SCDC planning department to ensure that ample time is built in for local consultation. The centrepiece of taking the temperature of the local community will be a village-wide consultation, conducted in Meldreth and Whaddon, the results of which will be fed into the planning process and which will inform the working group and your village representatives about next steps. It is very important that we get a good turn out for this consultation; every household and business will receive an envelope and every resident, young and old, is invited to take part. Mettle Hill - more consultation needed The future for the village-owned former travellers' site at Mettle Hill was discussed at length at the annual meeting and there was a considerable lack of clarity about the outcome of the previous village consultation. The summary of the results of the consultation last year were as follows: Proposal

In Favour

Neutral

Against

Self Build

59

53

127

Live/Work

63

52

122

115

31

104

Sell Land to Park Homes Developer

48

21

167

Sell Land to Showmen

54

40

148

Do Nothing

70

47

123

Park Homes

42

There were clear indications from the results: 1. Those responding were strongly against selling the site. 2. Self build and live/work were the least favoured options. 3. Those responding were against doing nothing with the site by a

margin of nearly 2:1. 4. The most favoured option by a considerable margin - over 2:1

against all other options - was for Park Homes. Given the disinclination to sell the site we can conclude that this option was favoured on a leasehold basis, with the village retaining an interest in the site. 5. A large number of residents indicated in the comments section that

they favoured a mixed use site, with additional village amenities. The most favoured of these were a wildflower meadow and allotments. 27% of the village responded to this questionnaire. The current planning use on part (approximately one third) of the site is for travellers to reside and the other two thirds has an agricultural designation. It should be remembered that whatever the village wishes and the PC may eventually decide they want achieved on the site, it may not be forthcoming under planning regulations. It was decided at the annual meeting that the Mettle Hill Working Group be reconvened with a view to working in consultation with SCDC planners so that when the village is consulted again, the proposals put forward will build upon the findings of the first consultation and put forward uses for the site which are likely to be achievable in planning terms. The Parish Council is looking for residents to join this working group with a view to achieving a positive outcome for the site in the near future. SCDC The District Council has a new leader from the majority Tory party, Peter Topping, his predecessor Ray Manning having stepped down after serving ten years. Planning The planning department has issued an announcement of improvements to the service, including a dedicated registration department for new applications guaranteeing validation of any application within five days from receipt (provided all paperwork and fees are in order). It should also be more easy to track the progress of an application online, 43

including seeing the responses from statutory consultees. No news yet on recruitment of additional staff. Devolution The government is attempting to bulldoze through a devolution package for this area, which would involve another layer of government in the form of a combined authority and an elected mayor. The "carrot" in this is the offer of investment, although the eagle-eyed amongst us does not think this will be "new money" but re-packaged money which would come to this area anyway. Although SCDC members will be asked to consider a Cambridgeshire/Norfolk/ Suffolk model at full council in June, it is unlikely to receive the support of authorities in Cambridgeshire and an alternative devolution package is likely to be promoted as a counter-offer to government in the form of a Cambridgeshire/Peterborough partnership. Negotiations are ongoing and much will depend upon whether there is sufficient funding to be able to make a considerable contribution to affordable housing needs in the area. South Cambridgeshire District Councillors will be voting on the devolution offer on 28th June. Residents, to whom the power is supposed to be being devolved, will not get to vote on this very important issue. Sun Edison You will have seen that I expressed grave concerns about the inordinate delay in receiving money first offered in October 2014 by SunEdison in last month's issue. I am delighted to report that the long-promised ÂŁ50,000 community contribution from SunEdison has now been received by the Parish Council. This will join money given by another solar farm developer, Lightsource, and be able to be spent on community projects in Meldreth. Philippa Hart District Councillor, Meldreth and Shepreth Ward philippajhart@btinternet.com 07811 323571 or (01763) 261255

Meldreth’s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you. Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 44

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County Councillor’s Report The following report was presented to the Parish Council at its meeting on 2nd June. 1. I’ve sent the Clerk estimates for kerbing the bend in North End,

between the church and the stocks. I have had requests from local residents about this for all the years I have been a councillor, and am aware that the lack of kerbing is causing the erosion of the verge which in turn often makes the footpath impassable. I’ve also asked for an estimate for kerbing the area in front of the Victorian letter box in North End, because I had a local request for this. The problem there is that vehicles pull up to post a letter, and come on and off the verge, tearing it up in the process. 2. Grass cutting: three tiers of local government are involved when it

comes to keeping grass cut in villages. It all depends on who owns the land and whether or not arrangements have been made to amalgamate responsibilities. Because of budget crises at the District and County Councils, contractors are being instructed not to cut beyond official boundaries – not a drop of fuel to be wasted. Therefore pockets of grass outside official remits that might have been cut in the past, just because it seemed sensible to do so, are now being left to the council that bears official responsibility. Anomalies are now being clarified and information sent to the Clerk. 3. Fenny Lane Crossroads: the Road Safety team is now reviewing the

basics and will be in touch shortly to set up a meeting with us, to develop a scheme. The officer must review accident data first, because this is an accident cluster site. He hopes to be in touch with the Parish Council around July. 4. As I reported to the Annual Parish Meeting, County Highways have

agreed to bring the Kneesworth Road footway into a decent condition, with a tarmacked surface, and will cover the cost. They have said this will be done in late summer. 5. Chiswick End footpath level crossing proposed closure: some months

ago I discussed this proposal with County Council Rights of Way officers, who said they would object due to the fact that pedestrians would be forced up the Station Road vehicle bridge, which is not a safer route over to the St John’s Farm and Bury Lane Meldreth area. I have had more representations from residents along the same lines, and have made the same points myself. 46

6. Long-term projects which I hope you agree are worthwhile:

Path connecting Meldreth Station over the field to Melbourn - the long-term project that is a bit stuck. The issue is creating a really good link to the station that will encourage people to walk rather than drive, because the station car park is now filling up and there is no capacity for future growth. Very simple lighting in the form of solar studs would make a big difference to the path. For wheelchairs and pushchairs the path should be just a bit wider and the uneven surface corrected. This project is for us to push because it is a public right of way, whereas a ramp to the platform is on Network Rail owned land. Because this project needs Parish Council support, I would like to invite representatives of Meldreth and Melbourn Parish Councils to attend the September meeting of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group. If we work together we will improve our chances for any funding opportunities that arise. Alongside ambitious aims the Rail User Group continues to look after the station environment. Meldreth Station gardening took place on 1st June. We have received generous donations from Bury Lane and Phillimore’s, for which many thanks. All the tubs have been replanted for summer. Four Duke of Edinburgh students from Melbourn Village College helped out with litter picking and heavy lifting and will be keeping the tubs watered. A gentleman on the platform handed them a £10 donation toward our efforts and this was put towards our gardening supplies. We need a new 350 litre water butt, because the second-hand water butt donated to us is leaking – Great Northern will supply this. Thanks very much to Hilary and David Marsh for sorting out this water supply system! 7. The City Deal Board will shortly be deciding on a proposal to fund a cycle way between the Frog End junction and Melbourn Science Park, as a continuation of the A10 Cambridge-Royston cycle link. [Editor’s Note: see article on page 16 for details.] 8. The County Council is holding an extraordinary meeting on 28th June to discuss the Government’s devolution proposals. Susan van de Ven County Councillor 07905 325574 susanvandeven5@gmail.com

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Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch The scam this month is particularly unpleasant, since it involves threats in an attempt to persuade the victims to provide money and personal details. Local officers in South Cambridgeshire visited two victims. One victim received a call from a female claiming to be an employee of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The female stated the victim owed £4,000 and if payment was not made police officers would be attending their home within 45-60 minutes to arrest them and seize bank cards and account details. The female, going by the name of Susan Brown, also asked the victim for their Social Security number, which was not disclosed. The victim was also told the call was being recorded and would be used in court. The female was described as unprofessional and confrontational. The other victim also received a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC. The caller said the victim’s partner owed £3,200 in unpaid tax. The male caller was described as threatening and demanded that payment be made immediately. The victim was told that if payment was not made then the police would visit and conduct an arrest. Threats were also made in relation to removing the car, confiscating a driving licence and closing the bank account of the victim’s partner. Both victims were vulnerable due to their health and/or age. Fortunately neither victim gave out any personal information, or agreed to make a payment. Never give out personal details (e.g. bank account details, National Insurance number) over the telephone to an organisation you cannot verify is genuine. If you are suspicious or have concerns that the caller is a fraudster, you can contact the police, or report the details to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk. The Cambridge Police website for reporting a variety of issues is www.contactcambspolice.uk. If you are the sort of person who likes to watch out for neighbours and notices things out of the ordinary, joining Neighbourhood Watch in Meldreth will allow you to contribute to keeping crime low across South Cambridgeshire. Please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 48

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Local Events in July Throughout July, during normal opening hours Art for All, The Plough, Shepreth SG8 6PP Like to see your own paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery or fine crafts on display during July? Open to the creative of all ages. Entry pack available at the bar or from: art@theploughshepreth.co.uk. Saturday 2nd July, 7.30pm Take That at Gardeners’ Question Time, Foxton Village Hall Featuring local Foxton personalities, Deborah Clark from Royston and Foxton singers performing songs by Take That. Tickets £7 from Foxton Post Office Shop and White Horse pub. Further information: Andy Ranner on (01223) 874143; email: AndyRanner@yahoo.co.uk or Mark Howard on (01233) 503377; email Mark-Howard@UWclub.net. Weekends of 2nd/3rd, 9th/10th, 16th/17th and 23rd/24th July Cambridge Open Studios, various locations See a huge variety of artists at work during this month-long summer event. Free. For more information see www.camopenstudios.co.uk. For examples of local open studios please see our feature on pages 52-53. Monday 4th July, 11.45am to 12.30pm Adult Movement Class, Royston Library SG8 5AL Dance and movement workshop for the over 50s. Fun, creative and suitable for anyone - all abilities, no previous experience needed. Suggested donation £3 per person. Must book in advance. Further information: roystonmuseum.org.uk or telephone (01763) 242587. Wednesday 6th July, 11.00am to 1.00pm Wednesday Walk, Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Join a different guided walk each week. Best views, woodland paths, wildlife in Wimpole’s lovely parkland. 3-5 miles, can be muddy. Free, no booking needed. Meet by stable block ticket office. Friday 8th to Sunday 10th July, throughout the weekend The Big Weekend, Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CB2 1AA Dazzling fireworks on the Friday evening plus show-stopping artists on all three days. Enjoy games, science and sports workshops, face painting, storytelling, pop-up art gallery, French market, food stalls & much more! Free. More information: colc.co.uk.

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Thursday 14th July, 7.00pm Codebreakers and the Battle of the Atlantic Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP Intelligence expert Mark Baldwin examines the role of Enigma codebreaking in the sea battles of World War Two. Tickets £8 from staplefordgranary.org.uk or telephone (01223) 849004. Saturday 16th July, 1.00pm to 9.00pm An Afternoon of Theatre and Music Millennium Copse, Melbourn SG8 6ED Presented by A Chain of Wild Flowers, with refreshments at the pavilion. Bring own rug/chair. For more information see pages 8 & 11 or telephone 07789 078933. Saturday 16th July, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting, Village Hall, Foxton Dr Carrie Herbert will talk about the Red Balloon project which supports young people who self-exclude or suffer from bullying or isolation at school. To book breakfast contact Mark Howard at Mark-Howard@UWclub.net, (01223) 503377 or Tony Garrick at garrick.tony@gmail.com, (01223) 510201. Sunday 17th July, 10.00am to 6.00pm Parklife 2016, Milton Country Park Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, cycling, archery, bouncy castle, den building, ball sports, dancing, story telling, etc. Free entry. All day car parking £4. For further information see www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife or telephone Clare Gibbons on (01954) 713290. Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th July, various times The Cambridge Comedy Festival, Jesus Green CB2 3QE No need to go to Edinburgh! Some of the biggest names in comedy and latest emerging talent. Picturesque site, bars, food stalls. More information: cambridgecomedyfestival.com. Tickets (01223) 511511. Saturday 30th July to Friday 30th December COLOUR: The Art and Science of Illuminated Manuscripts Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB To celebrate the Fitzwilliam’s 2016 bicentenary, a stunning display of 150 illuminated manuscripts from its rich collections. Galleries 12 and 13. Free. For further information: fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Compiled by John Crawforth 51

Cambridge Open Studios www.camopenstudios.co.uk Artists from a huge range of specialisms, including fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture making, among others, will open their doors to the public over four weekends in July. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to see artists at work, discuss their inspirations and techniques and to browse, purchase or even commission their work. As always, visitors are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome and no pressure whatsoever to buy anything. Cambridge Open Studios is completely free to visitors of all ages. Below are the artists who are located closest to Meldreth. You will find information concerning the days and times the artist will be exhibiting as well as their location, the genre of their work and their contact information. Please note that not all of the artists open their studios every weekend. The weekends the artists will be exhibiting are identified as follows: Weekend 1: 2/3 July, Weekend 2: 9/10 July Weekend 3: 16/17 July, Weekend 4: 23/24 July Helen Lanzrein Pastel, charcoal, bleach and ink 22 Elin Way, Meldreth, SG8 6LX 07449 816027 lanzreinhelen@gmail.com Working from an illustrative perspective, my work deals with transformation, night and the ambiguity within it. I am inspired by fairy tales and myth. Open weekends: 2, 3 and 4. Spindependence Collective Mixed-discipline studios Harlton Village Hall, Coach Drive, Harlton, CB23 1EN 07535 088004 lyn@spindependence.com www.spindependence.com Contemporary artisans showcasing textile techniques to create unique work, using dye, weave, felt, stitch, handspun yarn, line, print and photography. Open weekends: 1 and 2. 52

Jane Hollidge Potter and Painter Ivy Haus, 30 Foxton Road, Barrington, CB22 7RN (01223) 872422 janehollidge@gmail.com www.janehollidge.co.uk Abstract ceramic slab vessels and pinch pots. New work – abstract paintings and landscapes. Garden on river bank, with refreshments. Open weekends: 2 and 3 Janet Gammans Acrylic and watercolour 6 Greenford Close, Orwell, nr Royston, SG8 5QA (01223) 207702 janet@janetg.co.uk www.janetg.co.uk Acrylic painting influenced by coast and marine life. Watercolours, mostly wildlife (specialising in hares). Variety of cards and prints available. Open weekends: 2, 3 and 4 Jane Harvey Oil paint The Studio, 41 Ermine Way, Arrington, Royston, SG8 0AG (01223) 207057 jane@janeharveyartist.co.uk www.janeharveyartist.co.uk I paint commissions of animals, particularly horses and dogs in oil. I also do imaginative wild pictures. I have originals, prints and cards for sale. Open weekends: 1, 2, 3 and 4 Peter Miller Slate, wood, aluminium, GRP 120 North End, Bassingbourn, Royston, SG8 5PE 07977 060165 info@petermillersculptures.co.uk Sculptures in various media, including slate, wood, aluminium and glass-reinforced polyester (GRP). Open weekends: 1 and 3 The full Guide to the Cambridge Open Studios can also be accessed and downloaded via website our http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk. Cambridge Open Studios

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Forthcoming Events Sunday 7th August: Royston Kite Festival Summer means just one thing to members of Royston’s Rotary Club: kites! The Club’s flagship event of the year is set for Sunday 7th August on Therfield Heath, and the team of Rotarians who make the show happen are moving into top gear. “Even though we’ve been organising the Kite Festival for 15 years, it still needs a lot of work by lots of people”, explains Jonathan Berks, this year’s event manager. “We can’t take anything for granted – caterers, loos, marquees, signage, insurance, our famous tombola, sponsors, publicity – everything has to be spot on. It’s a good job we have an experienced team.” This year’s event will follow a well-established course. Royston Lions will be running their popular kite making workshop for children, who will have the chance to fly their own creations at the end of the day. “So much of the Kite Festival is about children and families,” adds Jonathan. The Club expects to bring back one popular feature missing from 2015: the Teddy Bear Parachute Drop. “We know the children love it, and we’re confident we can bring it back this year” says Jonathan. “The one big uncertainty is the weather. We’ve been incredibly lucky in previous years, so we’re optimistic about that” is Jonathan’s comment. So let’s keep everything crossed for another lovely kiting day on 7th August. Neil Heywood Rotary Club of Royston Friday 2nd September - Sunday 4th September: LodeStar Festival LodeStar is a family-friendly festival. In its eight years it has grown by word of mouth and support from the community. Gates open at 10.00am and close on Monday 5th September at noon. Book your tickets now online www.lodestarfestival.com or telephone (01223) 813318. Exciting new artists performing live music; family fun on flat, lawn-like fields; creative crafts and colourful market stalls; great workshops; captivating theatre and top entertainment; archery; power kiting; face painting; quality food and drink. For full details, or to purchase tickets, visit www.lodestarfestival.com. Gaby, Lodestar Festival 54

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Melbourn Sports Centre www.mc-sport.co.uk We have a variety of children’s activities to choose from over the summer including our Ofsted Registered Playscheme (The Kidz Factor), trampoline crash course, sport taster sessions and a swimming crash course. Also available are our very popular children’s pentathlons (weekly sports camps) which are a fun way to try out both mainstream and specialist activities. In addition to our fully equipped gym, we also have fitness classes for teenagers and adults including teen training, boxercise, aerobics, boot camp, core stability and body sculpture. If you are an experienced triathlete or would like to try taking part in a triathlon, the newly formed Meridian Triathlon Club could be what you are looking for. Please email looksgoodtome@meridiantriclub.co.uk for further details. Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Sports Centre

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Local supporters have made a real difference to the local community, raising over £500,000 for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity by playing our fundraising lottery which has been running since May 2011. Local support continues to grow with almost 8,000 numbers played each week. The money raised makes a significant contribution to the £2 million which the Hospice is required to raise each year to supplement the funds contributed by the NHS, making a huge difference to people living with life limiting conditions across Cambridgeshire, who can access their service free of charge. Your Hospice Lottery costs players just £1 a week and offers a chance of winning one of up to 111 weekly prizes, including a potential rollover jackpot prize which increases weekly up to a potential £10,000! The current jackpot standing at its highest yet of £6,750. For information or to join the lottery, please www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk/arthur-rank-hospice-charity.

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Healthwatch Cambridgeshire Healthwatch Cambridgeshire is your local health and care champion. There are lots of important conversations happening at the moment about the future of our local health and care services. It is our job to make sure you are listened to when decisions are made. We are there to ask questions on your behalf. Some of the conversations we’ve been involved in recently include: * Hinchingbrooke Hospital merger * Care at Addenbrookes and the Rosie * The future of older people’s health care and adult community services * Children and Young people’s mental health * Crisis mental health care * NHS 111 and out of hours GP care We have also published Thriving, our report into children and young people's mental health. We wrote Thriving to help make sure children and young people are listened to by local commissioners and providers. They are using it to help redesign children and adolescents’ mental health services. Talk to us. We need know how health and care is working in Cambridgeshire for you and the people who are important to you. We will listen to your experiences and share them with the people who make decisions about local services, without identifying you. We also provide an Information Service and can help you find out about: * health and social care services near to you * what to do if you have a concern or complaint * organisations that can give you help or advice We are always happy to talk to local groups and attend events, so please do invite us. Contact us www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk or call 01480 420628. Healthwatch Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service We are starting to see the first glimpses of summer and the hot weather – long may it continue. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service hopes you have all been staying fire safe with your latest outdoor activities, but just in case, here are our firefighters’ top tips: When out camping or using a tent, never use candles inside or nearby and always discourage smoking nearby. Never cook inside a tent either. If cooking outdoors, keep barbeques on level ground, never pour accelerant on them and use them well away from fences, sheds and foliage. If you have a bonfire, build it well away from buildings, tents or other flammable objects and make sure it is properly extinguished when you leave. When out in the countryside, extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of them responsibly – never throw a lighted cigarette into a field or wooded area. Don’t forget to stay safe around our county’s waterways and if you see someone in trouble in water, call 999 immediately with clear details of your location. For the latest news, incidents and safety advice, or to contact us, log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk or call 01480 444500. Sign up to email alerts and find us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

Meldreth Millennium Trails These trails were created to celebrate the life and environment of the community of Meldreth and to be a permanent marker of the second millennium. These booklets include five trails around the village and include maps and illustrations. They cost £3.50 and are available from Joan and Tim Gane, by telephoning (01763) 260129. Proceeds to Meldreth Local History Group. 59

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address 9 Gables Close S/0999/16/FL

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Proposed single storey side extension

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Support' with comments. The proposed building goes right up to the footway which may cause an obstruction during the building process.

29 Elin Way S0937/16/FL

Proposed single storey side and rear extension 10 Whitecroft Road Proposed S/1091/16/FL first floor extension above existing garage

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Support' with no comments.

Land at Erection of 9 70 Whitecroft Road residential properties S/1073/16/OL and other associated works

Meldreth Parish Council objects to the erection of 9 residential properties and other associated works with comments: loss of land outside the village envelope (local development framework) which may be available in the future for affordable housing for local people. There would be two roads joining Whitecroft Road in close proximity to each other. The Meldreth Parish Plan of 2005 strongly supported the development framework in place at that time.

Meldreth Parish Council support this application with comments: if SCDC are minded to approve this application construction vehicles should park on-site and not on the Highway.

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

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

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

Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (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 Maureen Moody—(01763) 260938

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 Tracy Aggett—(01763) 243376

Church

Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

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

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

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

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found on the PC website,

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com (search for Meldreth)

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

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

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber ...................................... 22 Affordable Plumbing ....................... 26 Armstrong Window Cleaners ........... 61 Art of Clean ...................................... 61 Art of Clean Wood ........................... 29 B2B Automotive .............................. 14 Bracey’s Accountants .................. Cover Cambourne Self Storage .................. 49 Cambridge Roofers .......................... 22 CHS Day Centre .............................. 49 CHS Group ...................................... 26 Cleaner Vacancy .............................. 45 Coton Electrical ............................... 56 The Country Store ........................... 14 Eternit Sports and Social Club .......... 55 Gilhooly ........................................... 56 Handyman ......................................... 5 Home Foot Care .............................. 34 iPlaster ............................................. 61 Keyholes Driving School .............. Cover Lawn Partners ................................. 56 The Letting Centre ...................... Cover Little Hands Nursery School ............ 19 Lynn Driscoll Foot Care .................. 49 Mandy Thornton Counselling ......... 61

MCT Construction .......................... 14 Melbourn Flooring .......................... 45 Melbourn Village College ................. 49 Meldreth Landscapes ........................ 22 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 25 Meridian Lawncare .......................... 34 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ..... 49 Moncraft Computers ....................... 29 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 55 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ...... 22 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................. 45 Quicksilver Yoga ............................. 29 Reflections Hair Studio ..................... 34 Richard Burns Electrician ................. 14 Rod’s PC Support ............................. 55 Royston Fencing ............................... 19 Salisbury String Quartet ................... 29 Shelford Energy ................................ 61 Slimming World ............................... 29 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 26 Summit Landscapes .......................... 61 TCS Design ................................. Cover Village Garden Services .................... 19 Walkers Partnership Solicitors .......... 19 Weight Loss & Nutritional Advice .. 34 64

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Keyhole’s School of Driving The Key To Success

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To discuss driving lessons or courses please call:

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

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

Uifpsz!Uftu!Xfctjuf Worth ÂŁ8.00 per month to all our pupils www.keyholes.theorytestpro.co.uk

The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area. Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack.

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

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

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