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Community Screenbank

This remarkable project, initiated by Meldreth resident Andy Thomas, is now supported by a veritable team of IT and electrical engineering experts. The purpose has been to refurbish unwanted, second-hand computers for Melbourn Village College students lacking the necessary home IT equipment needed for home study. The call out has seen a stream of donations in from far and wide: Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Foxton, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Haslingfield, Histon, Cambridge, Barrington, Royston, London, Buntingford, Sandon – and even one from elsewhere in the UK, posted in by someone by the name of Leo! So far, 65 Melbourn Village College students have been provided with the means to carry on with their studies at home and we have some 40 more systems in the pipeline. Our ‘team of experts’ stretches from one end of Meldreth to the other, with sixth former Oliver Sharp working through monitors, keyboards and mice. The team moves sideways out to Burford, yes that’s Burford in the Costwolds, where Andy’s mentor Martin, who is self-isolating, rebuilds laptops that Andy drives over to him. Andy deals with the desktops and maintains an increasingly complex spreadsheet detailing all work in progress, while David Coton continues to PAT test everything to be deployed.

Oliver Sharp and Andy Thomas with the air compressor

Funds that have been raised are being used to purchase some of the bits and pieces needed to complete a piece of work. Part of the fun is finding ways of making do and that allows what has been raised to stretch far. For example, instead of buying aerosol cans of compressed air at £5.99 apiece, Andy has got hold of a repurposed fire extinguisher that provides compressed air (fashioned by his father) and brought to life by a donated car battery. Free air! Attention is now being turned to providing internet access to people who are isolated and lack home computers, but would like to venture into the on-line world: maybe to stay in contact with far-flung loved ones; do grocery shopping on-line; or attend a virtual language lesson,

church service or exercise class. All these things should be possible and we’re creating a pool of loan computers for all of these purposes. We’re delighted to receive donations of the following: PCs and laptops running Windows 7 or later as these can generally be updated to the latest version of Windows 10, Apple laptops and desktop computers, iPads and Android tablets. We can also use many accessories such as screens, keyboards and mice. We’re looking to deploy volunteers who can be the contact point for a device to loan out. The first such volunteer has designated herself a ‘Screenbank Runner’. So do get in touch, whether to make a donation or sign up as a Screenbank Runner or user. We especially want to hear from people who would like to try out a computer but are hesitant! Thank you to all.

Susan van de Ven and Philippa Hart Susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574 philippajoyhart@gmail.com, 07811 323571 Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week.

How can I join?

For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976.

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

A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum. OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed: ‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’ ‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’ ‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’

Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact

Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org