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Meldreth Matters, July 2019

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July 2019

In this issue … A Fond Farewell Letters to the Editor Spotted Flycatchers Events include … Maycroft Summer Fete Messy Church Open Studios


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Contents What’s On in July Cambridge Open Studios 36-37 EASTFest 35 Local Events 32-33 Summary of Meldreth Events 3 Waterlight Film Project 34

Miscellaneous A Fond Farewell 4-5 Letters to the Editor 30-31 Transport Community Rail Update 20-21 Melbourn Greenways Consultation 23

Village Groups Church Fete 31 Friends of Holy Trinity 8 WI 8 Women’s Group 7

Local/National Government Local Councillors 44-47 News from Heidi Allen 49-51 Parish Council 40-42 Planning 24-26

Children & Education Design a Kite Picture 15 Events for Children 18 Preschool 14-15 Primary School 16-17 Toddler Group 14

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 56 Have Your Say 11 Jail for One Stop Gangster 53 Mobile Warden Scheme 42 Neighbourhood Watch 39 Refuse Collections 29 Register Your Appliances 52 Summer Fire Safety 52 Village Directory 54-55

Gardens & Nature Gardening 12-13 Spotted Flycatchers 10-11

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

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

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Editorial As you may know, Meldreth Matters was started by Ann Barnes in 1988 and she has remained a valued member of the MM team to this day. This month, Ann and her husband Rod will be leaving the village after forty years. On pages 4-5, Ann reflects with typical modesty on their time in the village. They have been so involved in village life over the years that it is quicker to say what they haven’t been involved in rather than what they have! The MM team would like to wish Ann and Rod every happiness in their new home in St. Ives. Kathryn This Month’s Cover Picture I took this photograph on a recent walk through Melwood Local Nature Reserve, which is adjacent to the River Mel. Footpath 6, which goes through Melwood, can be accessed from North End, Flambards Close and the High Street. For more information on Melwood and Melwood Conservation Group, visit www.melwood.btck.co.uk. Kathryn Betts

July Events in Meldreth Friday 5th 8.30 - 11.00pm

Sunday 14th 3.30-5.30pm Messy Church

Live party music with Special Groove

You are invited to a Wedding at Holy Trinity Church!

Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road

See back cover

All welcome, free entry, licensed bar, real ale, etc .

Saturday 27th 11.00am-1.00pm Summer Fete Maycroft Care Home, High Street 3


A Fond Farewell When we came to Meldreth in 1978 there were folk who warned us that we would “not belong” properly until we had lived here twenty years, but they were all proved so wrong. And now that we have been here for a lot longer than that, it is proving hard to break the ties that we have built up, but at the same time it is exciting to be moving to a new home and a new community in St. Ives. We have yet to confirm a moving date, but we do not want to leave the village without saying a big “Thank You”. We owe so much to so many people for making our lives here so happy – to all those teachers who guided our four children through Primary School, to those amazing people who ran the clubs that they attended, to those who set up groups and activities that we have joined in – I think particularly of Melwood, the River Mel Restoration Group, the station gardening, the Veg. Club and many more. And of course, to those many people who helped get Meldreth Matters, Link Murang'a and the Friends of Holy Trinity off the ground, and build them up to the amazing enterprises that they are today. This is one amazing village, with so much going on quietly in the background, enhancing the community, and making such a difference in small ways. Now looking back over the forty-one years that we have lived here, it is fun to reflect and see how much some things have changed and how much has remained the same. When we moved here, both the Grange and Flambards Close were relatively new – perhaps it was only a decade or so since those pieces of land were open fields, and there were folk who would reminisce about playing in them. There was no bridge over the river at Flambards Close and the footpath on the other side was little used. What is now a thriving conservation area at Melwood was unmanaged woodland, and the river was overgrown and in places quite sluggish, but healthy enough to have trout in it, as well as sticklebacks. For some years after we moved here, there were by my reckoning, thirteen retail outlets in the village – albeit some very small. The VG store, now One Stop, was run by Mr and Mrs Hardwick, the Post Office on the other side of the road by Mr Bates and opposite him Mrs Gadsby ran the wool shop. There was a DIY Store, which later became a pool shop. Craft items were sold by a friend of Margaret Hunter from her front room, Mrs Handscombe sold eggs from her garage and the Burltons sold turkey meat from their farm in Station Road. There 4


was a butcher and another general store on Whitecroft Road, as well as a hairdresser and Arthur and Doreen Ward sold home-grown vegetables and fruit from a table in the drive of their home in Fieldgate. John Gipson had his garage where the terraced houses are on the corner of the High Street and Woolpack Way, and Elbourn Apples was a thriving business that not only sold apples and plums from the farm shop, but provided part-time work fruit-picking for some of us young Mums during the summer months, and for our children during the summer holidays. The railway line from London to Royston had already been electrified when we moved here, but the trains from Royston to Cambridge and beyond ran on diesel, which meant changing trains at Royston when travelling up from London. I can remember walking up the platform there on more than one occasion when the train was scheduled to go non-stop to Cambridge to ask the driver if he could possibly stop at Meldreth to let us off, and – kind people as they were – they obliged each time! Sadly, many of the clubs and groups that our children enjoyed have now closed down. In the 1970's and 1980's there were Guides, Scouts, Cubs and Brownies in the village, a Red Cross Group, a Woodwork Club, and our children were even able to access swimming lessons in the pool at Meldreth Manor School. Other things have taken their places and there are many unsung heroes working really hard to make life in Meldreth so special. Many old friends, and people we knew less well, but who made great contributions to the life of the village, have passed on. And the village has grown – sometimes I feel it must be twice the size it was forty years ago! There have been many changes, but also many constants; the Church, the School, and the Village Hall remain focal points in the village and village life, as does the British Queen, and that precious sense of community is still here. It has been such a privilege to have been a part of it. We leave with sadness but also a great sense of gratitude. Ann and Rod Barnes

Meldreth Matters is Online To view this or past issues, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters 5


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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our May meeting was the annual summer supper which was attended by 42 members and their guests. The committee provided a ploughman’s supper followed by a tempting array of desserts and our thanks go to them for their hard work. We also held a raffle in aid of Acorn House and the sum raised will be sent to them. Thanks to all who helped with the setting up, clearing away and with the washing up in the kitchen; all much appreciated. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd July at our usual time of 7.45pm at Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth when we look forward to hearing from Joan Munden about the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which operated during the Second World War. Joan will explain how she came to know more about the SOE as a result of researching her family tree. We are a small friendly group, we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month except in December and we vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. We either have a guest speaker or in house entertainment followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. There is a fee of £1 on the evening and a chance to make a donation to our charity of the year which is Acorn House at Addenbrookes Hospital which supports families who have children in hospital. If you require a lift to any of our meetings contact one of our committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 or Kimmi Crosby. Pat Smith

South Cambs Magazine This magazine is no longer delivered to every house in the village. However, the Summer 2019 issue is now available online: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/13340/web-south-cambsmagazine-summer19.pdf It includes an article on the Waterlight Project (see page 34 of this issue of MM).

Kathryn Betts, Editor 7


Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk

Future Events: Sunday 22nd September - 15th Churchyard Car Show This year marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Mini and it is hoped that a selection of models and years of manufacture can be assembled. As usual, a selection of cars from the 1920s to the 1980s is planned including some sporting examples. In addition there will be motor bikes from the same era and an enlarged selection of pedal cycles. Thursday 17th October - Talk by Tamsin Wimhurst on David Parr House, Cambridge February 2020 - Talk by Peter Allen, BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster Events Currently Under Review: Rescheduling the Remap talk - making aids for people with disabilities The Importance of being Earnest by "This is My Theatre" Group. John Price

Meldreth WI “Weather and hotel good, wish you were here”. Do you remember when we used to send holiday postcards to family and friends? Not these days … click, click, click with the thumbs on a little box and a postage stamp costs more than the cards! However, Vanessa Mann, this month’s speaker, is an eager collector of Edwardian postcards and gave us a brief look at the history of them. Some of the ones she had were rather risqué and some written in code that could do with a Bletchley code breaker! She had a set of cards sent to a maid at the Three Counties Asylum. Some had been posted just hours before she married the Governor. This month, we will be having an evening meal at The Green Man in Shepreth. See you there, fellow members. Kathleen Thompson 8


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The Cambridgeshire Spotted Flycatcher Geolocator Project 2019 You may recall, from previous articles in Meldreth Matters, that for the last two years Spotted Flycatchers, an endangered species, have nested in the vicinity of Holy Trinity Church. During this time experts from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have monitored the birds, fitting them with rings to identify them and geolocator tags to record their movements. This year the focus of the study is to retrieve the geolocator tags which were put on breeding females last year, to enable the data to be downloaded and analysed. As in previous years we anxiously waited to see if the birds would return to Meldreth. With great delight our first Spotted Flycatcher this year was seen in the churchyard on 17th May. On 22nd May, a female was seen sitting on the nest which had been used last year to raise two broods. We were hopeful that this was the same female that had been fitted with a geolocator and a red ring on her left leg last year. The male from 2018, with a blue ring on its left leg, just visible in the photograph, was in attendance. On 27th May and 30th May, a male bird was seen with a beakful of insects which he delivered to the female in the nest. On 6th June it was confirmed that the female was un-ringed. So, we are still searching for our redringed female equipped with the geolocator. She may have found 10


another mate, or be nesting elsewhere, or she may not have survived the journey to Africa and back. We may never know. By 11th June five young chicks were present and were being fed. On that very wet morning, Michael and Lee from the BTO allowed Jan to help ring the young birds. The chicks were returned to the nest within a few minutes. Shortly afterwards, both adult birds were seen visiting the nest with beaks full of insects for their brood. We are grateful to the owners of the garden in which the nest is located for allowing us access. Jan Butchers and Ken McLean

Have Your Say  Melbourn Greenway Public Consultation Following early engagement, with the public, a route has been designed to enable cyclists, walkers and equestrians to travel sustainably from Melbourn into Cambridge. We would like your input to help in creating this community-led scheme that local residents can be proud of and use frequently. You can find all of the detailed information on the proposed route and give your feedback via a survey on our consultation website. The consultation will run until Monday 5th August 2019. www.greatercambridge.org.uk/greenwaysconsultation.  A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Improvements Highways England have launched the latest stage of their consultation, and are seeking views on the proposed route for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements. The consultation, which is open until Sunday 28th July, is available here: https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/a428-black-catto-caxton-gibbet-improvements.  New South Cambridgeshire Police Station Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jason Ablewhite would like your views on his proposal to build a new police station on the outskirts of Milton, Cambridge, next to the Milton Park and Ride site. The survey runs until Friday 5th July: https:// www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CCZK7CM. Kathryn Betts Editor 11


Notes From a Small Garden June this year has been an interesting month for gardeners. As I write, we are experiencing the second day of almost continuous rain; how different the pot plants look, better colours and healthier looking in every way. Do you remember that very hot weather in May and early June? I was getting prepared to water for the next four months! This year I took my two daughters to the Chelsea Flower Show. I hadn’t been for several years and it’s always cheaper for members on the Tuesday afternoon. I thought it was more fun than I remember; lots of smaller gardens, good craft stalls and coffee shops to stop at and rest one’s feet on a very hot day. The girls, who are not what I would call serious gardeners, enjoyed it all hugely, especially the displays of foxgloves, lupins and delphiniums. As always, I made a bee line for David Austin’s stall where I told the man at the gate my extraordinary story of last year. We had a re-thatch and weed killing of the top of the thatch which was sprouting in the spring and by June, all the roses under the thatch had triffid-like growths with tiny flowers. I cut off the offending stems and luckily, the next lot of blooms all looked normal. We agreed that the weed killer must have had something to do with it! I have labelled my daughters as girls who want a nice garden to look at, and fit in with the décor of the house (not quite true of one of them who asks for advice and we always look round her plants each time I visit). So what is a serious gardener? Maybe someone who revels in being outside, planning, sowing, planting, weeding and sometimes having new ideas. Someone perhaps who wanders round the garden several times a day, pulling out an interloper here and there, deadheading the roses, and rescuing plants which have been planted too close to another which is smothering it. Or someone who visits gardens and garden centres whenever there is a chance, or who endlessly swops plants with friends. What do readers think? By the time you read this, the Church fete will be over and hopefully you will have acquired some good plants from the plant stall. The veg plus club will have certainly collected a great selection.

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Jobs for July I usually crib my list from the RHS site, but today I discovered the Good Housekeeping site, which I think is more useful, so here are some of their suggestions: 

Keep deadheading roses and the marguerite family.

Water new plants at least twice a week with a good dousing.

In hot dry weather set the mower a bit higher. If the lawn is going brown, don’t worry as it will recover when it rains.

Snip off climbing beans when they reach the top of their supports. This encourages maximum growth of the side shoots.

Cordon tomatoes need stopping after the fourth truss. weekly and don’t let them dry out, whether inside or out.

Feed

Good gardening from Jim and me! Julie and Jim juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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Toddler Group Meldreth Toddlers is a friendly, inclusive group for preschool children and parents or carers which is held in Meldreth Village Hall. We run on Wednesdays from 9.30-11.30am during term time and charge ÂŁ2 per family. We welcome new faces and love to have a busy room. The group is a great chance to meet fellow mums and for the little ones to make new friends. We will run up to and including Wednesday 24th July before breaking up for the summer. If you would like any further information please contact me on 07930 893201. Thea Peacock

Meldreth Preschool This month, the children have been looking at life cycles. We had caterpillars which turned into chrysalids and hatched into beautiful butterflies. The children let them go in the garden and watched them fly off to complete their life cycle. We also had a group of children who collected tadpoles which completed their life cycles and were release back into the wild. We have also had a lovely time visiting Topcliffe Mill where we received a warm welcome from our very generous Editor. The walk to the mill was a chance to spot flowers and listen out for wildlife and the children really enjoyed looking around the mill, learning how it worked and seeing the end product for themselves. We have now turned the home corner into a school classroom, where the children have had fun trying on the school uniform. For those moving up to school, we have talked about the transition to school. There are exciting times ahead and we want the children to be prepared and feel excited about the next step. We were very lucky to have some incredibly generous donations from our preschool families, so we would like to thank Charlotte’s grandparents, Jill and Richard for putting the garden equipment 14


together for us. Also thank you to Troy Peachey and Gareth Venn for donating the hardcore, soil and flowers for our sensory garden. The children have been very keen to make the most of our planter by growing flowers, tomatoes and peppers to make a sensory garden. With all the lovely weather, we hope they will grow big and tall! Thank you for all the donations we have had so far. This term we will be doing “Mini-Movers Dance Class” with Kate every other Thursday where the children get active and learn new moves each session. This has already been a huge hit with the children and perhaps later we may see some on Strictly! On the alternate Thursdays, we will be planning more trips out. We will be busy with practising Sports Day and getting our Graduation practice underway, for those moving on this summer. We are experiencing high demand for some of our sessions, so if you are interested in a place at the preschool, please get in touch for details of our application system. For any other enquiries, please contact Manager@MeldrethPreschool.com and we will get back to you with any details you require. Meldreth Preschool

Royston Kite Festival Children’s Art Competition: Design a Kite Picture Please design your picture on a piece of A4 paper or card, then add your name, age and telephone number on the back of your picture This competition is open to children up to the age of 11 and will be judged in the following age categories: under 3; 3–5 year olds; 6–8 year olds; 9-11 year olds Please post or deliver your entry to us by Friday 2nd August: Home Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth SG8 6JP or come along and see us on the Home-Start stall at the Kite Festival on 4th August and do your picture then There will be a display of pictures on our stall and entries will be judged towards the end of the event. Prizes will be awarded for each age category and winners will be notified For further information, please call the Home-Start office on (01763) 262262 15


Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Year 3 and 4 Greek Day

This term in Osprey (Year 3) and Kite (Year 4) classes, the children have been learning all about Ancient Greece. To deepen their learning, both classes joined together to take part in a ‘Greek Day’, where everyone dressed up in traditional Ancient Greek costumes and took part in lots of exciting activities. These activities included: making Ancient Greek brooches; printing traditional tiles; crafting mythical creature masks; writing their names using the Ancient Greek alphabet; and finally, creating laurel wreath crowns. To further their experience, the kitchen staff kindly created a special Greek menu to immerse the children in Grecian culture. The children really enjoyed this meal, with many of them saying it was their favourite part of the day. In the afternoon, both classes took part in their own ‘Ancient’ Olympics, adapting a range of ancient sports and modernising them. Although there was more than a smattering of rain, the children took part with enthusiasm, especially when engaging in ‘tag wrestling’! This Ancient Greek experience comes near the end of an exciting topic, where the children have furthered their knowledge of ancient cultures and the methods used by archaeologists to discover more about our 16


ancestors. This term the children have focused heavily on the art, architecture and literature surrounding the Ancient Greek civilisation. They have created collages of Grecian pottery; compared Ancient Greek homes to our own; looked at the lives of children both then and now; and retold some of the ancient myths, as well as creating their own mythical stories. Miss McGinty and Miss Whitton

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What’s On for Children and Families in July Friday 5th - Sunday 7th July Big Weekend, Parkers Piece, Cambridge CB2 1AA Fireworks, live music, dance, food, sports zone, French market, children’s area with art workshops, Mela. www.cambridgelive.org.uk. Saturday 13th July, 12.00 noon - 5.00pm Castle Hill Open Day, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Historians, musicians, dancers, artists, food. Free. Drop in. For details see www.kettlesyard.co.uk. Saturday 13th July, 5.00pm - 7.00pm Family Concert, Fitzwilliam College, Storey’s Way CB3 0DG In aid of Wintercomfort, a charity for the homeless. Adults £10, children £3 from www.eventbrite.co.uk or at the door. Saturday 27th July, 11.00am - 4.30pm Teddy Bears Picnic, Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Near Biggleswade SG18 9EP Crafts, entertainer, games, face painting and teddy trail. Take a teddy. £10 adults, £3 children, under 3s free. See www.shuttleworth.org. Saturday 27th July, 11.30am - 12.30pm Bach to Baby Family Concert, Little St Mary’s Church, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1QG A concert series for families. Outstanding musicians and performances. Book on www.bachtobaby.com. Adults £12. Tuesday 30th July - Friday 2nd August, 11.00am - 3.00pm Family Art Week, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Circus themed activities and performances inspired by circus strongman The Great Belzoni. Free. Drop in. See www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Wednesday 31st July, 7.30pm - 9.00pm The Wind in the Willows, Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Play adapted from the well known children’s book, combined with folk music. Tickets (£5 - £12.50) from www.thisismytheatre.com. For August: Design a Kite Competition for Royston Kite Festival Royston Kite Festival will take place on 4th August. See page 15 for details of a children’s art competition being run by Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire. 18

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth


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Community Rail Update Lots to report, and a lot of variety this month! Sustainability Fortnight: Composting, Recycling and Cycling/Walking/ Training for a Pint The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership is joining up with one of its partners, The Plough in Shepreth, to promote sustainability at a community level. Three events are planned at The Plough over a fortnight in July:  Saturday 6th July 2019, 1.00 - 3.00pm: Learn how to compost under the tutelage of three Master Composters including the Chairman of SCDC Councillor Douglas De Lacey (who promises to wear his chains of office with his composting clothes), Bob Noden and Amanda Davis.  Thursday 18th July 2019, 10.00am -12.00 noon: Tour of Amey Recycling plant; 16 places available; sign up at: Hello@ThePloughShepreth.co.uk  10% off a Pint if you walk, cycle, train or get to the Plough other than by car: concession lasts 6th-18th July 2019. Shepreth Level Crossing Bad news, good news and much work to come. Network Rail have confirmed that they will not be reopening the unofficial car park at Shepreth Station for public use, as this constitutes important and useful depot space. Unfortunately, this diminishes the capacity to relieve parking pressure in Station Road. Following the most recent Community Rail Partnership meeting, Network Rail agreed to fully fund the minor highways improvements in the vicinity of the new level crossing barriers in order to keep road and drive junctions clear, restore a key segment of footway to keep pedestrians off the road, and encourage queuing drivers to turn engines off. Shepreth barrier downtimes do seem shorter. The Rail User Group has asked Network Rail for data from which to ascertain any improvement trends. Train Driver Shortages The Rail User Group has been alerted in advance to another unfortunate period of rail service disruption over the coming months, mainly expected at weekends. This is due to a shortage of drivers in part, GTR say, because the introduction of a new fleet requires new 20


training for drivers. Bern Parsons at Meldreth is keeping passengers alerted via our Facebook page. The Rail User Group has asked GTR if student rail passes can be accepted on Stagecoach Busway A from Melbourn in the event of weekday peak disruption. Passenger Benefit Fund Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton, along with the other stations most affected during last year’s timetable disruption, have been allocated £80k from the fund for passenger improvements. The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group will be putting together a submission for these stations, and would like to hear what passengers think would be the best use of the fund. Please contact railusergroup@gmail.com. More information is available on our website, www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. Volunteers at our Station Gardens If you are looking for a volunteering slot, there’s always room for more help with our station flower tubs. Please feel free to contact us. And ‘thank you’ to all our station garden volunteers who keep our flower tubs replanted for the new season and tended throughout the year. Community Rail Partnership Celebration It’s not often that one can report the arrival of an eight-carriage train cake on the bar of a local pub, announced in person by the local station master! On Friday 24th May, the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership held a party on Platform 2 at Shepreth Station, followed by refreshments at the Shepreth Plough. This was a great opportunity to say thank you to everyone who contributes to our collective efforts.

Susan van de Ven, Chair, Sarah Grove, Project Officer; Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group and Community Rail Partnership railusergroup@gmail.com 21


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The ‘Melbourn Greenways’ Consultation This long-awaited consultation by the Greater Cambridge Partnership on the improvement of the A10 walk/scooter/skate/cycle route between Cambridge and Royston is now live and runs till 5th August 2019. It is the best opportunity we’ve had in years to get a safe connection to Royston, including a foot/cycle bridge over the A505. It’s also an opportunity to enhance the existing A10 route with spurs and small connections that would unlock access to the core route from further afield. Please note the following dates and come along to support if you can. A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Meeting There was a great turn out for the recent A10 Corridor Cycle Campaign Awareness Ride on 9th June (pictured). Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 10th July 2019 7.30-9.00pm, upstairs at The Plough in Shepreth. We’ll be fine tuning our plans to ensure that the consultation reaches as many people as possible. Grab a pint and come on up. Melbourn Greenways Consultation Events The Greater Cambridge Partnership Greenways team will be on hand with maps and information, and to answer all your questions on Thursday 11th July 6.30-8.30pm at the Melbourn Hub and Thursday 25th July 6.00-8.00pm at Harston Village Hall. There are a total of twelve Greenways projects in the Greater Cambridge area. Let’s aim for over 1000 responses and get the strongest consultation response of them all! Please respond online via this link: www.greatercambridge.org.uk/greenwaysconsultation and share it as widely as you can. Paper copies are available too. Please feel free to contact us: Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones, A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign; Susanvandeven5@gmail.com; 07905325574. Any questions can also be directed to the Greenways team on (01223) 699906 or consultation@greatercambridge.org.uk. Susan van de Ven 23


Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Detail Address

Parish Council Recommend

34 Whitecroft Demolition of existing garage and single Road storey side extension. Proposed two S/1422/19/FL storey front and side extension, proposed single storey rear and side extension, new front porch, new boundary wall to highway and dropped kerb extended.

Planning Committee recommend ‘Support’ with no comments.

18 Fenny Lane, S/1577/19/FL

Erection of single storey side/front extension

Planning Committee recommend ‘Support’ with no comments 25 North End, T3 – Sycamore – Crown reduce – Remove It was agreed, by S/1667/19/TC any deadwood from the entire canopy but all, that the then reduce the codominant stem over the comments from the garage by between 0.5 and 2.5m in order Tree Warden be to reduce the overhang over the building sent to the Tree and the weight loading exerted on the Officer at SCDC branch union lower down. The codominate branch union appears to be quite well formed, however 0.5m along the scaffold branch there is swelling and evidence of decay from old pruning wounds. 70 Whitecroft Discharge of conditions (4) boundary Conditions have Road, treatment, (5) hard and soft landscaping, been noted. S/1579/19/DC (7) aboricultural method statement and tree protection, (8) stream/ditch, (9) ecological enhancement, (13) traffic management plan, (17) surface water drainage, (18) foul water drainage, (19) part discharge of (a), (b) and (c) contamination, (22) archaeological works, (13) fire hydrants of planning permission S/0241/18/FL for proposed demolition of 70 Whitecroft Road and associated outbuildings and the erection of 9 new dwellings, including new access. 24


Reference and Detail Address

Parish Council Recommend

51 Whitecroft Front extension and side Road, infill, roof extension with S/1392/19/FL dormer and conversion of existing garage to habitable use.

Recommendation is to ‘Refuse’ with same comments as of 21st March 2019. 1. If you are minded to approve this application it should be conditioned that the property not be turned into two separate dwellings. 2. The extension to the front of the dwelling is also of concern due to size and mass in relation to the neighbouring similar properties. 3. The authority would need to be satisfied that the extension does not impede sight lines of traffic using this very busy road.

9 Station Road, S/1646/19/LB

The Planning Committee recommend ‘No Recommendation’ with no comments.

Internal alterations, new window opening & weatherboard finish to existing rendered garage

Manor House Take down existing West, damaged chimney stack Manor House, and re-build as existing. Meldreth Manor S/1332/19/FL & S/1333/19L

The Planning Committee recommend ‘No Recommendation’ with comments. The structural engineer has made specific recommendations to use frost resistant brick which are to look the same as the original bricks and to use a cement, lime and sand mortar. However, it was noted that the application differs from these recommendations as it does not refer to using frost resistant bricks to match and the mortar is described as sand and lime. There is also a discrepancy around the measurements under Section 7c it states 2.55 for both.

The full minutes of Meldreth Parish Council planning meetings are available on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. 25


SCDC Decisions Reference and Parish Council Recommend Address 11 Flambards Permission granted for a single storey rear, side and front Close, extension S/1087/19/FL Land at Permission granted for the retention of eight flats, bin store an Station Road, associated parking. S/4458/18/FL Other Items: Appeal Decision: S/0971/18/OL (APP/W0530/W/18/3214057 Land to the south of Whitecroft Road The appeal is allowed and outline planning permission is granted for a residential development (nine dwellings) on land to the south of Whitecroft Road, in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref S/0971/18/OL, dated 4th January 2018, subject to the conditions. The Parish Council were disappointed with this decision. District Councillor Hart will make some further investigations concerning the access route into Whitecroft Road as the wording on the appeal is ambiguous. Meldreth Parish Council

Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the SCDC website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/ wphappcriteria.display

Lost Property If you have lost an item around the village please contact Mick Taylor, the Meldreth Litter Picker, on (01763) 261118 in addition to posting on the Spotted in Meldreth Facebook page, as Mick is not on Facebook. Judy Damant Meldreth Parish Council Clerk 26


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Meldreth Village Monday

Tuesday

9.00-10.30am Yoga

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

7.30-8.30pm Zumba

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 8.00-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Wednesday

Thurs

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

10.00am onwa Hartbeeps 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

5.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 9.00pm

7.30pm Slimming World

7.30pm Parish

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 9.00-10.30am Yoga

9.15am Cycling Group

7.30-8.30pm Zumba

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

10.00am onwa Hartbeeps 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00-10.00pm OT Dancing

9.30-11.30am B&T Grp 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am onwa Hartbeeps

9.00-10.30am Yoga

9.15am Cycling Group

7.30-8.30pm Zumba

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am B&T Grp 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.00-10.30am Yoga 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-8.30pm Zumba

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group 9.00-10.30am Yoga

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

7.30-8.30pm Zumba

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

12.00-2.00pm British Queen 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

End of school term 5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meldreth L Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 28


Diary - July 2019

sday

ards Fitness

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club

8.30-11.00pm Live Party Music with Special Groove, Eternit Sports & Social Club

5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

Table Tennis Council

8.00am Holy Communion

ards Fitness

3.30-5.30pm Messy Church

Copy Deadline for the

5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

August Issue

Pub Club,

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club

Fitness

5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

ards

T Tennis Fitness Table

The copy deadline for the August issue of Meldreth Matters is Friday 12th July

11.00am-1.00pm Fete, Maycroft Care Home, High Street

8.00am Holy Communion 5.00pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

Refuse Collections Black bins: 9th, 23rd Blue/Green bins: 2nd, 16th, 30th

ocal History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by opposite 29


Letters to the Editor Ann and Rod Barnes I would like to mention Ann and Rod Barnes, a very active couple who have lived in the village for over 40 years and will be moving to St. Ives, Huntingdon in July. I know that Ann Barnes was one of the first people to start the Friends of Holy Trinity and Meldreth Matters and had dealings with Meldreth Scope and the Brownies. Also, that she would often been seen taking meals to sick people or looking after those living alone. I think Ann has had a hand in most things throughout their time here. Also Rod Barnes ran the Nature Club at the school religiously every week for years. I’m sure there are many things that they have been involved in that I don't know about. Recently though, they have been involved with open gardens, the rail group, railway tubs, litter picking, vegetable club and sewing of church kneelers to mention just a few. Plus Ann’s involvement with Meldreth Matters as well as delivering the magazines and party political leaflets. I think it would be a shame for them to disappear without an acknowledgment of thanks for their involvement in so many things in the village. I for one will miss them as I'm sure others will too. I would like to wish them health and happiness in their next venture and new home. Karen Cook

Mail Delivery Thank you to the very kind resident who dropped off some paper that was left on their doorstop instead of at the Parish Office. It was very much appreciated and an especially huge thank you is due as you had to deliver it by bicycle! Judy Damant - Parish Clerk

Choir Thanks The Lift Off Choir would like to thank Clare Silver for all her hard work in making the choir such an enjoyable experience. We enjoyed performing at the Church Fete. Thank you to all those who listened to us as well. We will be back. Members of the Lift Off Choir

30


Party Litter My husband and I often walk around the village and if there is any litter we routinely pick it up to dispose of properly. On the morning of Saturday 1st June we were coming along Whitecroft Road when we picked up a purple and yellow festive serviette. We then picked up another, then another, then another. We eventually picked up fifteen serviettes, all of which had been used. It looked as though food had been consumed on the way home from a children's party by fifteen children. Please parents, would you educate your children NOT to discard litter but to take it home. The adults that were looking after these particular children should be ashamed of themselves. Pat Gilmore

Meldreth Church Fete Meldreth Church Annual Fete was held on Saturday 16th June and the organisers and the Church PCC would like to say a huge thank you to the over 500 people who attended and to Heidi Allen MP for kindly opening the fete for us. Our thanks must also go to the dozens of people who helped us on the day with stalls, the physical hard work, providing the masses with refreshments, those people who helped in advance with leafleting and bottle collection and to those companies and individuals who kindly donated services and items. Again favourite stalls like the bottle stall, plant stall and book stall were there and were joined by a selection of games for all the family, including several games of tug of war. New for this year we were joined by two choirs - the Meldreth Primary School Choir and the Lift Off Choir, who performed inside the church. Outside, music was provided by Naomi and Adrian. Thank you again and we all look forward to seeing you in June 2020. Hilary Crawforth 31


Local Events in July To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Wednesdays, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st July, 6.15pm - 8.00pm Sounds Green at Cambridge University Botanic Garden 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE Season of five open-air music performances from Cambridge Summer Music, each lasting about an hour. Normal garden admission applies. Book online: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Enjoy the garden afterwards; gates close 8.00pm. Food/drink available or bring a picnic. Weekends throughout July, 11.00am to 6.00pm Cambridge Open Studios See artists at work in their own studios. Over 350 artists at 222 locations, all free. See pages 36-37 for more details. Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th July; Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, 8pm: Shakespeare at the Leper Chapel Barnwell Junction, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ Cambridge theatre company performs Julius Caesar (4th to 6th) and Hamlet (13th/14th) in the round in the historic chapel setting. Tickets £15 from: www.insitutheatre.co.uk or buy on the night from 7.30pm. Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July, 9.30pm (doors open from 8.00pm) The Luna Cinema at Audley End off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF Cinema under the stars against the wonderful backdrop of Audley End House. The Greatest Showman (5th), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (6th), Bohemian Rhapsody (7th). Ticket prices and booking details: www.lunacinema.com. Full catering, licensed bars etc. Saturday 6th July, 10.00am to 3.00pm Coton Countryside Walk Starts at Great St Mary’s Church Cambridge CB2 3PQ Sociable (and flat) 6.5 mile walk from Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, past historic colleges, along the Backs, through West Cambridge to Coton Countryside Reserve, returning to City Centre. Free but donations appreciated. More details: www.cambridgeppf.org. Sunday 7th July, 9.00am 6.00pm Shuttleworth Military Airshow Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire SG18 9EP Celebrating all things military from aircraft to vehicles: vehicle parade 32


at 12.00 noon; air display 2.00pm - plus family entertainment, gliding simulator and more. Tickets in advance: adults £25; up to 4 children free per adult. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org; telephone (01767) 627933. Sunday 7th July, 2.00pm to 5.00pm Clare College Fellows’ Garden, Cambridge CB2 1TL One of the most beautiful gardens on the Cambridge Backs. Two acres with stunning herbaceous borders, fine specimen trees, sunken pond and tropical garden. Admission (for charity) £4.50, children free. Saturday 13th July, 7.00pm for 7.30pm Quiz Night for Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire Village Hall, 29 Hay Street, Steeple Morden SG8 0NQ Teams of eight (or you can be included in a team). Please reserve tickets by 10th July: £13.50 to include light supper. To book (01763) 262262; email admin@hsrsc.org.uk; visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc. Saturday 13th July, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Jazz in the Gardens with Django Tiger Wimpole Hall, Arrington, SG8 0BW Talented and fun Cambridge-based band playing jazz in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli plus a selection of contemporary gypsy music. Tickets: adult £10; child £7. Booking essential: call 0344 2491895. NB outdoor event - bring suitable clothing and a picnic. Saturday 20th July, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Coffee Morning in aid of Home-Start Royston and South Cambs 52 Sun Hill, Royston, Herts SG8 9AX Enjoy a coffee with delicious home-made cakes and biscuits. Bring your friends. Games in the garden for children. For details of Home-Start’s work please visit: www.hsrsc.org.uk. Thursday 25th July, 8.00pm ‘An Evening with the River Mel’ - Waterlight Film Project, Community Hall, All Saints Church, Melbourn Watch recently-completed film and share your own memories of the river. Refreshments provided. See page 34 for more details. Saturday 27th July, 2.00pm to midnight EastFest Rock Festival The Coach House Hotel, Flint Cross, SG8 7PN All proceeds to The Minded Trust. See page 35 for details. 33

Compiled by John Crawforth


Waterlight Film Project The Film Comes to You! You may have read about this project in previous editions of Meldreth Matters. Inspired by the River Mel, poet Clare Crossman wrote nine poems capturing the essence of our beautiful chalk stream. She then linked up with film maker James Murray White to make a film about the river based on her poems. Further filming has been carried out by Nigel Kinnings who has also edited the film. More details about the project can be found at waterlightproject.org.uk. After a year of capturing memories, interviewing residents, involving Meldreth primary school children and extensively filming, the film is now going to be shown in Melbourn. You are invited to “An Evening with the River Mel” on 25th July at 8.00pm at the Community Hall behind All Saints Church in Melbourn. The film will be shown and, after a break for refreshments and chat, we will share experiences of the river recounted to us by local residents. For instance, one said “the river was our playground when I was a child” and then described her various activities in and by the river. Following this we hope attendees will participate in a general discussion and share their memories of the river, triggered by the film, which we can record for the website. Following the local showing, the film will be shown in Royston and at venues in Cambridge. It is planned to also show it at film festivals around the country. Bruce Huett Waterlight Film Project Event Co-ordinator

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EASTFest

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Cambridge Open Studios 2019 Region’s Largest Art Event set to Return this July Cambridge Open Studios (COS) has announced the 2019 dates for its month-long summer art event, which will feature an exciting range of exhibitions by over 350 artists at 222 locations in the city and surrounding areas. This year there will be 95 new members taking part in the region. Artists will open their doors to the public over four weekends in July. Among the huge range of specialisms will be: fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture making.

The weekends are: July 6th/7th, July 13th/14th, July 20th/21st and July 27th/28th. Studios are open to visit between 11.00am and 6.00pm. However, as not all artists will exhibit every weekend, it is important to check the website, or refer to the famous yellow guide. These guides will be widely available in local outlets including libraries, tourist information sites, galleries and selected shops. There’s an app for that Cambridge Open Studios now has an app to help visitors find exactly what they are looking for and plan their days out. You can search by the artist’s name, medium (painting, pottery, glass etc.), and location. There’s also a button that suggests studios to visit nearby. So it’s easy to find exactly the kinds of work you want to see and to work out a route around a particular area. The app is available to download for both Apple and Android devices. 36


Marion Curtis, board member of Cambridge Open Studios, said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to see artists at work in their studios, discuss their inspirations and techniques, and to browse, purchase or even commission their work. We’re hoping even more members of the public will download our ingenious phone app that allows visitors to find workshops to suit their tastes and location. It couldn’t be easier to make a day of visiting a selection of studios. As always, visitors are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome at all the studios, and no pressure whatsoever to buy anything. All Cambridge Open Studios are completely free to visitors of all ages.’ Find out more online The studios are spread throughout the whole region, not just in the city centre. As usual, the distinctive yellow COS flags will be out to identify participating studios. In the months leading up to the open studio event, many artists will be running workshops, courses and exhibitions. Members of the public can keep up to date on their activities via the COS website, www.camopenstudios.co.uk or by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using @CamOpenStudios.

Studios close to Meldreth that will be opening their doors include the following. Please check the website or app for opening weekends/times as most studios are not open every weekend.       

Phyllis Dunseth, 15 Vicarage Close, Melbourn (mixed media) Janet Gammans, 6 Greenford Close, Orwell (paintings) Jane Hollidge, 30 Foxton Road, Barrington (pots and paintings) Dan Walmsley, 5 Wimpole Road, Great Eversden (land & seascapes) Justin Rowe, 6 Rectory Lane, Kingston (book art) Peter Miller, 120 North End, Bassingbourn (sculpture) Anna Pye, 3 Station Road, Steeple Morden (lino-cuts & monoprints) Cambridge Open Studios 37


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Neighbourhood Watch HMRC Scams: the Good News and the Bad News HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have deployed new defensive controls to put an end to fraudsters spoofing the tax authority’s most recognisable helpline numbers (often beginning with 0300). The ‘spoofing’ scam worked as taxpayers would receive calls and, on checking the numbers online, would find they appeared to belong to HMRC. This often led people to believe fake calls were real and enabled fraud. In the 2018-2019 tax year, HMRC received over 100,000 phone scam reports. Unfortunately, fraudsters are still spoofing other genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the telephone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards. If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the fraudsters make a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation. Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little if any paperwork or ability to verify the claims. In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via letter and potentially follow up that letter with a telephone call at a later date, where they will quote the reference number on the initial letter. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of and will NOT demand immediate payment. Also, legitimate organisations will NOT ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you're not sure whether something is a scam please talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358, Linda (01763) 261405, Peter (01763) 260323 or Tim (01763) 262801. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Every report matters. For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 39


Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk The main points of the Meeting held on Thursday 6th June 2019 are set out below. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting. Discussions and Decisions  Kissing Gate: County Councillor Susan van de Ven reported that useful discussions were taking place with regard to replacing the kissing gate on the railway footpath approach with pushchairfriendly posts. It was agreed to retain the kissing gate, which has historical provenance, for possible installation elsewhere.  Traffic: Councillor P. Gilmore reported on the work of the Traffic

Working Group including speed control measures, notably movable traffic speed signals and more effective speed limit signs. Further technical information is required. She also gave the results so far on pothole reporting.  Melbourn Area Youth Development:

it was agreed that the Chairman would sign the agreement for a period of one year.

 Mettle Hill: a discussion took place about the breach in the eastern

boundary between our site and the adjoining orchard site. It was agreed to write to the landowner of that site.  Playground: on the basis of Councillor Fallon’s monthly report, it

was agreed to replace the rusted netball/basketball posts out of Community benefit funds; the Clerk will investigate costs and the purchase will be made immediately if costs are within discretionary limits. The kickball wall will be demolished as it is in a decayed state and has been reported on by RoSPA in its annual survey of our equipment. The Clerk will ask the contractor to give an indication of the cost of replacement, which will inform the Council’s decision regarding possible early action or, alternatively, waiting until S106 funds are available.  Recreation Ground, dog fouling problems: the Council noted its

extreme concern that dog fouling was taking place at the recreation ground, including inside the children’s play area. It was agreed as a 40


first step to erect more effective signage at all entrance/exit points. The Council will investigate the introduction of a Dog Control Order, under which penalties can be imposed for non-compliance.  Insurance:

it was agreed to increase the insurance cover for the pavilion from £100,000 to £200,000. The Council is offered renewal of its insurance arrangements at a premium of £1,190 (to include the higher amount for the pavilion) compared with last year’s premium of £1,303. The insurance will be effected with Royal Sun Alliance on the same cover terms as previously provided by Zurich. It was agreed to proceed on this basis.

 Car parking in High Street:

this is causing congestion and inconvenience as well as anger between motorists competing for limited space. The Clerk will take up this issue with Highways, to include the possibility of a limited stretch of double yellow lines. The Police cannot act because, as there are no current parking restrictions, there appears to be no breach of the law.

 Trees at Flambards Close:

representatives of the Flambards Residents Association have requested a meeting to discuss tree management issues; this will take place shortly.

 Death of a Senior National Figure: the Council defines these as

HM the Queen and HRH Prince Philip and has agreed measures to address this sad but inevitable issue, a step being taken by most Councils. Draft statements are held on file and the Primary School has agreed to allow its flagpole to be used and the Clerk and the Chairman will source a suitable Union Flag.  Footpath management: it was noted that Mr M Burlton had kindly

agreed to cut back the foliage impeding Footpaths 9 (Station to Melbourn) and 10 (Chiswick End to Fieldgate).  Tennis Court public bookings: the Council agreed that internet-

based booking should be introduced to give better public access to courts. The Chairman will write to the Tennis Club.  Overhanging foliage on footways: the Traffic Group will update

its list of sites where action appears to be required and the Clerk will present this to the Council for discussion and the agreement of letters of request to residents concerned. Meldreth Parish Council 41


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

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

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

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 42


Home Extension Plans Thinking of extending your home?

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

I have helped many local people with ideas, practical solutions and preparing drawings for approval. I offer competitive fees and my initial visit is free ring John Clements on 01763 - 263275 to arrange an appointment.

ADDS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & DRAWING SERVICE

adds.clements@btinternet.com

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

• • • • • • •

Day Centre

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

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

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

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

43


District and County Councillors’ Reports Here is most of our parish council report – we’ve left out some items concerning the Mayor and Combined Authority and Marshalls departure from Cambridge Airport. You can read the full report at www.susanvandeven.com, under the Meldreth page. Cambridge Ice Rink This new facility located near Newmarket Park and Ride (funded in the main with a large donation by a Cambridge University alumnus, but also with an additional loan arrangement from South Cambridgeshire District Council) is nearly completed and is scheduled to open in July. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) CEO The council is currently undertaking the recruitment of a new Chief Executive. We will report on the outcome of the recruitment process in due course. SCDC Investments Government grants to local authorities to pay for services such as bin collections and planning services are a thing of the past. The only option that councils of all tiers now have is either to cut services or to find ways to generate income, either through investments or through their own operations and activities. There are limitations on which of their own operations and activities they can earn money from. For example, we are not allowed to make a profit from handling planning applications. SCDC has decided that it does not want to decrease the services it offers its residents and in fact aims to increase and improve them. In order to achieve this, SCDC has committed to an investment portfolio of up to £100 million over the next five years. Although the council does hold some modest reserves, it is able to borrow relatively unlimited sums from the Government’s Public Loans Work Board, at fixed, long term interest rates. This means that councils of all tiers (including parish councils) can borrow money to purchase assets that will deliver them an income. South Cambridgeshire has already installed photo voltaic panels on the roof of its waste collection depot in Waterbeach. In the past three weeks we have also purchased a premium office block on the prestigious Science Park at a cost of £13 million. This will deliver a return of over 5% which we shall use to support services to our residents. 44


We are especially interested in investments that, as well as giving a financial return, also provide what is referred to as Environmental Capital or Social Capital. Environmental Capital means that the project does something to improve the environment such as generating sustainable electricity or saving water. Social Capital means that it benefits our residents; so investing in a doctors’ surgery would benefit the patients of that surgery. New Local Plan SCDC is now working with Cambridge City on a new Local Plan. The ‘Call for Sites’ has resulted in about 700 potential new sites for development across the Greater Cambridge area. Some of those will be relatively small but others will be very large with potential for thousands of new houses. Parkside Police Station Set to Move There will be a verbal report on this issue. ‘South Cambs is a Good Place to Work’: SCDC is the only council in the area where women are paid on average more than men. So why is SCDC bucking the gender pay gap when the national picture is terrible? The reality is that when we look around SCDC’s offices, we see a real mix of men and women at all levels working together for our communities. We have been successful in recruiting and retaining talented females by being a flexible and modern employer, offering flexi time, generous maternity leave and a lot of helping with work-life balance, including ensuring they have good mentoring and opportunities. Diversity exists across the Council too as we have a proper mix of ages, background and sexes within our elected members. This certainly wasn’t the case before the elections last year. Community Sweeper Last year, SCDC initiated the Community Sweeper pilot scheme in Melbourn and along the A10 cycle path. The core principle of the pilot involved volunteers fully trained to drive and operate the SCDC street sweeping vehicle, which was transported to Melbourn from the Waterbeach depot on a number of weekends when it was not in use elsewhere. The pilot has now been assessed and has been judged to have successfully improved the state of paths, and engaged the local community. However, costs have been higher than expected. A new phase of the pilot will therefore commence with SCDC deploying the street sweeper with its own operatives in areas specifically identified as needing attention; more information on reporting mechanisms is to 45


come. Along the cycle path, the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign will continue to assist in liaising with the local community on litter picking ahead of grass cutting, to reduce waste debris along the path. Melbourn Greenways Consultation Starting this Month This long-awaited consultation on the improvement of the A10 cycle route between Trumpington and Royston starts mid-June and ends lateJuly. This is our best shot at a cycle/walk link connecting to Royston. [A note on the Melbourn Greenways’ consultation is given on page 23.] Climate Emergency Last November as you know, South Cambridgeshire District Council declared a Climate Emergency and set itself a Zero Carbon by 2050 ambition, setting the basis for adapting new policies to meet its goals. The new Zero Carbon Communities Grant is one example. In April, school children planned a demonstration at Shire Hall to raise awareness at Cambridgeshire County Council of the Climate Emergency. At the May meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council, Leader Councillor Steve Count brought forward a motion pledging to continue and improve the council’s good work on environmental challenges and proposed that officers be given six months to develop a new Climate Change and Environmental Strategy. The Liberal Democrat group proposed an amendment acknowledging the Climate Change Emergency and setting a Zero Carbon target ambition for 2050, in line with many other local authorities; the amendment also tasked a group of cross-party and cross-committee councillors to take the lead on setting new policy. The amendment was lost, with objections raised against the Zero Carbon target and councillor involvement. However, the amendment proposer (Susan) came back with a suggestion confined to the declaration of a Climate Emergency and this was unanimously agreed. While this may seem painfully preoccupied with process, the outcome was significant because consensus building does not often happen in this way. It’s good to see consensus developing across the councils too. That said, the County Council’s planned move to Alconbury, away from public transport links, will be difficult to reconcile in climate emergency terms. Shire Hall Following a meeting behind closed doors, Cambridgeshire County 46


Council has announced regeneration company Brookgate as its preferred bidder for its Shire Hall site in Cambridge. The decision was taken in a confidential session very much against the spirit of openness and transparency. Brookgate will lease the Shire Hall site for a period still to be agreed, and the company proposes to establish a hotel and office accommodation, while the County Council moves its HQ to Alconbury. The Lib Dem group opposed the move to Alconbury, on the basis that there are too many levels of government in Cambridgeshire, and we should not be building an expensive new headquarters at a time when we should be reducing the number of councils and moving to a unitary structure. The proposed lease arrangement leaves the council with a high level of future risk. As the expectations of income over the next 30 years depend on complex calculations of inflation and rental income, this income is far from certain. We’d be delighted to answer any questions or endeavour to help with any concerns – please feel free to get in touch any time. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574 Jose Hales, District Councillor jose@josehales.me.uk, 07703262649 Philippa Hart, District Councillor Philippajoyhart@gmail.com, 07811323571

iPLASTER

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers:

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions”

01763 260 526 07837 645173

All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

Email - iplaster@outlook.com CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTE IAN NORTH END MELDRETH

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

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 47


A garage for the village, run by people from the village MOTs|Servicing|Tyres|Repairs|Diagnostics|Exhausts|Clutches|Cambelts Cars|Light Commercials|Free Collection and Delivery

Book Today Tel: 01223 491005 Email: Info@b2bauto.co.uk Web: www.b2bauto.co.uk

*Unit 2 * Whitecroft Road * Meldreth * Herts * SG8 6NE *

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

48


News From Heidi Allen, MP www.heidiallen.co.uk MP Matters Before I launch into my usual monthly constituency update, I thought it important to explain what has happened recently in terms of my own party allegiance. As you will know, I left the Conservative Party in February to sit as an Independent MP because I was concerned the Party had drifted to the right, and it was more concerned with its own survival than the national interest. Early polling results gave us, as Independents, the confidence to formalise a party structure named Change UK, to fight the European elections at the end of May. However it soon became clear that the Brexit Party was storming ahead. Since I believe passionately that the national interest must always come first and that Nigel Farage did not have the right answers for the country’s future, I felt our support should shift to other Remain parties who were faring better than us in the polls. I was unable to convince a majority of Change UK MPs of this strategy and they remained steadfastly of the opinion that the party should seek to achieve as many votes for itself rather than collaborate with other parties. Now the European elections are over, I remain unwavering in my strong belief that the country must always come first. As such, I have stepped down from Change UK and returned to sit once again as an Independent with four other colleagues: Sarah Wollaston, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith and Gavin Shuker. There are two principal reasons why I have done this. First, I do not believe I can serve my constituents and country well if I put party interests ahead of theirs. Secondly, the political landscape remains very volatile and in the coming weeks and months, I can easily envisage that MPs leave the Conservative Party because they cannot tolerate a new Prime Minister who advocates a hard Brexit or no deal Brexit. Equally, there are Labour colleagues who will no longer tolerate Jeremy Corbyn’s inability to fight as an opposition leader should. Although I recognise that it is very difficult for MPs to leave their parties and immediately join other ones, I believe my role will be to help convene a safe neutral space in the centre ground of Parliament and offer a home for like minded MPs. It will allow us to work alongside the Liberal Democrats, Greens, SNP, Change UK and Plaid Cymru in 49


the national interest, ensuring we do not crash out of the EU with no deal. As an Independent MP with a reputation for cross party working and who prioritises the national interest over party allegiance, I feel strongly that I will be able to help act as a convener. It is my strong belief that this is what the country needs right now. A more detailed statement, including a video setting out my views, can be seen on my website: https://heidiallen.co.uk/explaining-the-decision-to-sit-as-anindependent-member-of-parliament. Local issues Highways England have launched the latest stage of their consultation, and seek your views on the proposed route for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements. The consultation webpage has flythrough videos which show what the roads and the junctions will look like; these video presentations are an excellent way of getting a clearer understanding of the route, including specific pinch points along the route including Black Cat roundabout, the Eltisley junction and the roundabout at Caxton Gibbet. There are also a number of local consultation events taking place including:  Monday 15th July from 12.00 noon to 8.00pm at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Cambourne  A mobile visitor centre on Friday 12th July between 8.30am to 2.30pm at Pendrill Court, Ermine Street North, Papworth Everard. The consultation, which is open until Sunday 28th July, is available here: https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/a428-black-cat-tocaxton-gibbet-improvements. I was pleased to read the National Lottery Community Fund had awarded £136,666.40 to six community projects in South Cambridgeshire, including Fen Drayton Primary School, Cambridge Branch of the National Childbirth Trust, Cambridgeshire Hearing Help, Kingston Village Hall, Guilden Morden Community Pub Limited and Headway Cambridgeshire. The National Lottery Community Fund makes awards to groups who are improving their communities. If you are involved with a local community group and looking for funding, why not take a look at their website at: https:// www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk. Well done to everybody involved in these community projects! Finally, last month, I was delighted to formally open the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership. I extend my thanks 50


to its Chair, Councillor van de Ven for her kind invitation to its anniversary celebrations. This initiative is designed to connect users with their rail network, Great Northern, and to give a voice to passengers and the local community. We celebrated the anniversary in style with a fabulous train-themed cake and refreshments at the Plough in Shepreth! If you are a rail user and would like to connect with this group please visit http://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. My newsletter can only provide a snapshot of my work on your behalf but if there is anything you would like to talk to me about, my next surgery is on Friday 5th July, an appointment-only surgery between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at The Melbourn Hub, 30 High St, Melbourn, SG8 6DZ. If you would like an appointment, please call my office on (01223) 830037. Further surgery dates will be added to my website soon: https://heidiallen.co.uk/constituency-surgeries. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, please email: heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office. See you next month! Heidi Allen MP The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

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

Home heating oil • Prompt delivery service

• Competitive prices

Call today on 01223 863 632

01223 846846

Please quote “Meldreth Mag”

www.shelfordenergy.co.uk

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

51


Summer Fire Safety Cambridgeshire residents have been urged to stay fire safe when outdoors this summer. In hot weather, fires in open areas of land can easily spread and become out of control. There are seven simple steps we urge residents to take to help prevent an outdoor fire: 1. Ensure cigarettes are completely out. 2. Do not throw cigarettes out of car windows. 3. Put disposable barbecues on bricks, do not place directly on grass. 4. Do not leave glass bottles lying on the ground, the sun’s rays reflect through the glass and can start a fire. 5. When camping, do not leave campfires unattended and make sure they are completely out before you leave them. 6. Use barbecues on a hard, flat surface, away from grass, shrubs or fencing. 7. Talk to your children about the dangers of starting a fire. For the latest news, incidents and safety advice, or to contact us, log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk. Sign up to email alerts and find us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

Register your appliances We are encouraging residents to register their appliances for a safer 2019. All you have to do is visit registermyappliance.org.uk, and register large appliances bought in the last twelve years. Registering appliances can instantly improve safety in the home as it ensures that householders can be contacted swiftly if a safety repair is ever needed or if an item is recalled by the manufacturer. As an incentive, many of the leading brands on registermyappliance.org.uk are offering to enter registrants into free draws for a range of desirable prizes. Appliances being registered don’t have to be in warranty or brand new. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service 52


Jail for One Stop “Gangster” A self-proclaimed “gangster” who robbed One Stop in Meldreth High Street twice in four months, taking more than £20,000 cash and goods, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. Troy Aldous, 22, of Newman Avenue, Royston, committed the first robbery at One Stop on 9th August 2018. He entered the shop with an accomplice, who pointed a handgun at two members of staff. The pair made off with more than £13,000 worth of stolen items and damaged a CCTV data storage unit to cover their tracks. On 7th January this year, Aldous and an accomplice once again entered the shop and threatened two members of staff with a black handgun. The pair got away with a number of items, including £5,262 in cash, 1,813 in euros, £930 worth of scratch cards and £69 in coupons. DC Mike Minett, who investigated, said: “By his own admission whilst in custody, Aldous aspired to be the biggest gangster in Meldreth. He now has to face the consequences of his chosen lifestyle.” Cambridgeshire Constabulary

53


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

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

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Marian Oakman—(01763) 261481 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

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

Church

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

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

Baby & Toddler Group Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidiallen.co.uk

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

54


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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

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.

Health

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

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

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

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. Abode Town & Country……53 ADDS………………………………....43 AngliEAR Hearing ....................Cover Art of Clean ....................................51 Art of Clean Wood ..........................35 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job)..........22 B2B Automotive ..............................48 Cambourne Self Storage ..................34 Cambridge Solar .............................17 CHS Day Centre .............................43 CHS Group ...............................Cover Coton Electrical ..............................27 The Country Store ............................2 Dog Walker/Animal Sitter ...............22 Ely Design Group ............................38 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........2 Gilhooly ..........................................19 The Green Lounge ...........................43 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......22 iPlaster ............................................47 Lawn Partners ..................................9 The Letting Centre ..........................48 Little Hands Nursery School ...........47

Melbourn Flooring ..........................27 Melbourn Village College (1) ............38 Melbourn Village College (2) ............13 Meldreth Landscapes ........................6 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................47 Moncraft Computers .......................35 Nancy Foster Footcare ......................9 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service22 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......9 P D Property Services ….………........19 Penn Farm Physiotherapy……………..6 Reflections Hair Studio ....................27 Richard Burns Electrician ..................2 Robin Walker “The Organist” ........19 Rod’s PC Support ............................38 Royston Fencing ...............................9 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................43 Shelford Energy ...............................51 Slimming World .........................Cover Summit Landscapes ...........................2 Village Garden Services ...................34 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ...........6 Yoga2 Classes………………....…Cover 56


surprised! be with

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

slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

New Yoga Class for Meldreth Meldreth Village Hall Mondays 9.00 – 10.30 am th

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


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