Meldreth Matters, June 2024

June 2024

Inthisissue …

30 Years of Community Transport

Meldreth Food Bank

Melwood

Events include …

Church Fete

Cream Teas

Table Top Sales

What’s On in June

Charity Tractor Run 4

Church Fete back cover

Cream Teas 5, 7

Motorcycle Show 5

Table Top Sales 9

Things to Do in June 18-19

Village Groups

Bowls Club 12

Cycling Group 11

Friends of Holy Trinity 6

Lift Off Choir 11

Women’s Group 13

Village News & Issues

A10 Awareness Ride 4

Food Bank 9, 23

Join the MM Team 3

Village Hub 8

Miscellaneous

Community Transport 33

Duxford Workshop Taster 12

Home-Start 44

Letter to the Editor 14

Melbourn Hub 20-21

Rail News 34-35

Church News

Holy Trinity Church Repairs 14

Children & Education

Activities for Families 17

Primary School & Preschool 16

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 26-27

Melwood 28-29

Cookery In Praise of … 30-31

Local/National Government

Local Councillors 36-37

Parish Council 39-41

Planning 42

Advice/Information

17 Bus Service 45

Advertisers’ Index 48

Charity News 44

MCCS 45

Mobile Warden Scheme 31

Neighbourhood Watch 22

Refuse Collections 24

Village Directory 46-47

This month’s cover picture: Topcliffe Mill and Meadow

Photograph by Kathryn Betts

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

Thelastdateforcopyisthe12thofeachmonth

Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428

The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

Editorial

Welcome to the June issue of Meldreth Matters.

Meldreth Food Bank continues to help over 50 people in the village. In June, in addition to supporting the Food Bank through donations of money and/or food, there is another way to help. There will be a Table Top Sale held outside the Community Room in Elin Way every Tuesday from 9.00am to 12 noon. Please donate any unwanted items you may have and/or go along to one of the sales and make a purchase. Further details are on page 9.

There are plenty of other things going on in the village this month, including the Church Fete, Motorcycle Show, Charity Tractor Run and Cream Teas in the Village Hall. If you have young children, you may be interested to know that there will be an Open Afternoon at the Preschool this month. See the centre pages diary and relevant articles throughout the magazine for more information on all of these.

Kathryn

Join the Meldreth Matters Team

Many thanks to the two people who came forward following our article in last month’s Meldreth Matters and offered to help with the distribution of the magazine.

Unfortunately, we received no response to our request for someone willing to cover for our Advertising Layout or Editorial roles when needed. Don’t be shywe’re sure someone must be interested!

The advertising role involves liaising with advertisers, preparing advertisements and inserting them into the magazine, as well as liaising with the MM Treasurer and Plumridges, our printers. The editorial role involves liaising with contributors and other members of the MM team, editing and formatting articles and designing the layout of the magazine.

Excellent computer and literacy skills and attention to detail are essential and familiarity with Microsoft Publisher would be advantageous. Involvement on a monthly basis is not essential but when required, the volunteer will need to have very good availability around the middle of the month.

If you are interested in joining us or would like more information on the above roles, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

The Meldreth Matters Team

A10 Awareness Ride/Walk/Scooter, Sunday 9th June

Please join us once again for the annual A10 Awareness Ride/Walk/Scooter which will be taking place on Sunday 9th June.

 By bicycle – from Trumpington Park and Ride, departing at 10.30am, cycling off-road to the Phillimore Garden Centre front lawn.

 On foot or scooter – from outside Melbourn Hub, departing at 11.00am, walking or scootering to Phillimore Garden Centre front lawn.

Refreshments will be available on the lawn at Phillimore: donations of cake or other edibles would be greatly appreciated. Please bring your own water bottle!

Can you assist as a marshal, to help with key crossing points along the cycle ride? If so, please get in touch!

Susan, Adam, Terry, Tina and Ian A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Committee

Contacta10cycle@gmail.com

Charity Tractor Run

Hello it’s that time of the year again our 5th Annual Tractor Run will be taking place on Sunday 23rd June.

We will be arriving in Meldreth at approximately 1.30pm after our lunch stop at Barrington. Our route through the village will be High Street, Whitecroft Road, Fenny Lane and then we will be doubling back via North End to Malton Lane.

We will again be raising funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.

Over the last four years we have collected £16,830 for them. Our aim is to top £20,000 and with your help this could be achieved.

Our route, with approximate times, is: Caldecote 10.30am; Toft 11.00am; Comberton 11.05am; Barton 11.15am; Haslingfield 11.40am; Barrington 12.00 noon (lunch stop); Shepreth 1.15pm; Meldreth 1.30pm; Orwell 2.00pm; Bourn 3.00pm.

Ray Parcell

The 2023 Tractor Run in Meldreth Photograph by Kathryn Betts

Royston & District Motorcycle Club Show

This year’s show will take place on Wednesday 19th June, from 6.30pm at Eternit Sports & Social Club on Whaddon Road, Meldreth. Last year the show raised over £15,000 for charity. Entrance fee: £5, cash only.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Cream Teas at the Village Hall

The Village Hall team will be serving Cream Teas from 2.30pm-5.30pm on Sunday 23rd June. This is to raise funds for the ongoing development of the Hall. Can you spare an hour or two to help? We are looking for:

 People to make scones and cakes

 People to help on the day; setting up, serving and clearing up.

If you would like to be involved, please contact me on 07749 850026 or email david@coton.me.uk.

Otherwise, just come along on the day with your family, relations and friends and enjoy a cream tea.

David Coton

www.foht.org.uk

Annual General Meeting - Friday 14th June, 7.30pm

The AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Friday 14th June in the meeting room at Holy Trinity Meldreth. All Friends of Holy Trinity are invited to attend the meeting and there will be light refreshments afterwards.

Next Month’s Event:

Festival du Piano - Friday 5th July, 7.00pm at All Saints’ Church Melbourn Award-winning pianists play a dazzling programme of Chopin, Liszt and Debussy. The Cann Twins, Nam Nguyen, Penny McMurray, Aymeric Tsyganov, Ruihan Wu & Philip Xiao will be performing.

The programme will have two parts of about 35 minutes each with an interval, when refreshments will be available.

Tickets are £15 for adults (over 16) and £5 for children (16 and under). To buy tickets for this event please contact Rev. Andrew Birks (01763) 230178 or Ian Mitchell 07726 936635.

Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch.

Ian Mitchell Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com 07726 936635

Meldreth Village Hub

Everyone welcome!

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 noon – 3.00pm

Community Room, Elin Way (not the Village Hall)

Pop in and join us for a FREE lunch on Tuesdays and refreshments on Thursdays (donations gratefully received).

The table football, air hockey and table tennis cause much fun and laugher, bringing out everyone’s competitive nature. And don’t forget our jigsaw puzzle library!

We are planning another popular Blue Car Quiz, a walk at Fowlmere RSPB, a visit by a musician and much more.

Would you like to join our friendly team as a volunteer? There’s lots of flexibility around your availability.

We look forward to meeting you and if you have any questions please get in touch.

Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com

07787 734973

Lift Off Choir

Last month, the Lift Off Choir was thrilled to start singing together again after a three-month break due to me being unwell.

The break reminded us how much singing together means to us; similar to the pause we all experienced during COVID. Coming back and hearing our voices together has been amazing. A choir is more than just singing; it's a community working together to create something we can all be proud of. I can vouch for this, as the love I felt from all our members during my time of illness was truly heartwarming.

On 29th June, we're excited to be part of the annual Church Fete at Holy Trinity, Meldreth. It's a great chance for us to sing together, enjoy the event and contribute to our local community.

Are you interested in joining our choir? Even if you're just curious, come and try it out. We welcome everyone with open arms. Your first session is free, so there's nothing to lose. Come and join us and be part of our choir community. Your voice could be just what we need.

Clare Silver 07548247755

www.claresilver.co.uk

Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group - You’re Kidding!

A little while ago, we cycled on a glorious but cool morning to Wood View Farm Shop and Café near Gamlingay, whereupon some of our cyclists leant their bikes against the pygmy goat enclosure.

Shock horror, they then noticed that a goat, on his hind legs, was starting to nibble a saddle. Fortunately, only slight damage was incurred, otherwise it might have been a rather uncomfortable ride home!! So, the moral to this tale is, beware where you park your bike!

On another subject, if you are a mountain biker, the Austrian Alpine Club (UK) covers you at a reasonable cost, for accident or injury. For more details, check on line or call me.

John Rogger (01763) 260809

Meldreth Bowls Club

www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk

Just like waiting for a London Bus, you wait all winter for some good news and then two pieces come along together!

The first piece of good news is that the defibrillator network in the Meldreth area has been increased by one, with the installation of a defibrillator at our Bowls Club. This is contained within a weatherproof cabinet mounted on the exterior of our clubhouse. This was funded, in part, by a kind contribution from Meldreth Parish Council which is much appreciated. The defibrillator is registered on the national network called ‘The Circuit’ which means that its existence is known to the emergency services. So, in the event of a ‘heart event,’ a 999 call will summon an ambulance as well as receiving the code to access the defibrillator.

The other piece of good news is that the sun is shining (well it is as I pen this article) and our summer bowls season has started. Hopefully some of the residents of Meldreth will have tried out bowls at our Open Day held on 11th May. If you missed that however, there is always the chance to give it a go at our roll-ups held on Tuesdays between 10.00am and noon and on Saturday afternoons between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. All you need to bring is a pair of flat soled shoes and we will provide the rest. You are assured of a very warm and friendly welcome.

More information about our Club, as well as contact details, can be found on our website https://meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.

Jim Hatch Immediate Past Chairman

Duxford Saturday Workshop Taster Session

https://duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk

We are holding a FREE taster session on Saturday 29th June from 11.00am12.15pm at Duxford Primary School, St. John’s Street, Duxford CB22 4RA. At this event, experienced tutors and players will help you to have hands-on, practical experience of one or more instruments. They will be available to answer your questions and to help you to decide which instrument is the one for you. Instruments included in the Taster Morning are: violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cornet, trombone, guitar and ukulele.

There is no need to book in advance: just turn up on the day. For more information on the Duxford Saturday Workshop see our website: https://duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk.

Peter Howarth

Duxford Workshop Management Team

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group

We are a small friendly group meeting at either ASCH Melbourn or in the meeting room of Holy Trinity Meldreth. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and last around one and a half hours. We usually have a speaker or some in-house entertainment. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and we have refreshments afterwards, which gives us the chance to talk with one another.

At our April meeting our speaker was Ron Sutcliffe who last year took part in the Camino Walk in Spain. This is a pilgrimage from Santiago de Compostela to Saint Jean Pied de Port. The walk attracts over 300,000 people a year, covers 779 kilometres and takes around 40 days to complete. It was a thought provoking talk, very much enjoyed by all and to show our immense appreciation, Sue Toule presented Ron with a cheque for the charity of his choice. At our May meeting we will have had our Summer Supper, a social occasion where partners are invited to join us. On 25th June, our meeting will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth, where David Hollamby will talk about his trip to Kenya.

If you require any information regarding the group or a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of our committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Janet Backer (01763) 221492 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.

Angela Leach

MELDRETH MATHS TUTOR

Holy Trinity Church Repairs

Our good news from the church is that we are now completing the final application for funds from the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to carry out the third part of the drainage work which is so desperately needed. The church will then need to dry out for some six months before we tackle the main stonework and plaster repairs to the church. This will be a considerable body of work costing around £500,000. Happily we are able to source Church Grant, an organisation which seeks grants on behalf of organisations and buildings such as ours.

To have repaired and restored the church of its damp and drainage problems and to repair the consequent damage, will be a huge plus to all of us who use the church. Again we extend our enormous thanks to you all for your continued interest and support.

Rev Andrew Birks, Toni Cann, Church Warden and Julie Draper, PCC Member

Letter to the Editor

Road Closure in North End

We are just writing to say a very big thank you to all the local people who had to tolerate the road closure in North End at the end of April while essential work was carried out on the main sewer connection to our house. An especially big thank you to our very local neighbours who on top of this, had to put up with not only a lot of noise from machinery but also drivers turning round in their drives when they found that the road really was closed. Not having undertaken this type of work before, we had absolutely no idea of what to expect and as days went on we realised that we could not underestimate the amount of disruption being caused for many people, particularly to those who have to use North End on a regular basis. We know from remarks made to us and to our excellent contractors that one or two people felt particularly aggrieved by the road closure and we can only hope that now the road is open any ill feeling will subside. Again thank you so much for your patience and also the goodwill of many people towards our very hard working team of contractors.

Chris and Anne Adams

Please continue to donate food to the collection boxes in One Stop, the High Street and the Church or call Jo on 07572 443522

Meldreth Primary School and Preschool

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

After a long, cold and wet Spring, Summer is finally upon us at Meldreth Primary and with it comes a raft of fresh challenges, experiences and celebrations. Our Year 6 pupils completed their SATS assessments after a huge amount of hard work and dedication from themselves and their teachers and support staff. The general mood seemed to be one of excitement, pride and relief that they were over and they could enjoy the rest of the Summer term and their last few weeks at primary school. The entire school community are extremely proud of them and their achievements. They are now looking forward to their week long residential trip later this month!

Our Year 4 pupils have enjoyed an absolutely amazing trip to Grafham Water Centre where they completed a huge range of challenges, ranging from making their own beds to climbing to the top of the infamous ‘Jacob’s Ladder’! For many of them, it was the first time they had stayed away from home, so the experience was transformational, allowing them to explore their independence and build resilience.

As per usual, our sports teams outdid themselves on the field, with our netball and football teams competing and performing brilliantly in the league and the BEE tournament. In addition to this, was our annual celebration of Skipping Week, with most of our students gaining the highest possible ‘Gold’ award for dedication and talent when performing a host of challenging manoeuvres.

Preschool Open Afternoon: Saturday 8th June

We look forward to meeting our newest pupils and their parents later this term and supporting them through the journey to starting school in September. Meanwhile, after developing our high quality 2 year old provision we are hosting a Preschool Open Afternoon on Saturday 8th June from 2.00-4.00pm. Please join us for a tour of our Preschool rooms and an opportunity to talk to staff. Working parents of 2 year-olds can get up to 15 hours a week of free education and childcare. We look forward to meeting you!

Visit your local history website www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present

See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups

Sasha Howard Headteacher

Things for Children and Families To Do in June

Saturday 1st June, 10.00am - 1.00pm

Herb Planting, Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE

Part of National Children’s Gardening week. Decorate a herb planter. For ages 3+. Free for accompanied children. Adults pay normal Garden admission. Book on www.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June, 10.00am - 4.00pm Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Royston Museum, Lower King St, Royston SG8 5AL Design a vehicle, see how far you can fly your plane. £3 per child. Drop in.

Tuesday 4th June, 4.15- 5.15pm

Coding Club, Royston Library Computer Lab, Market Hill SG8 9JN For ages 9 - 13. Learn to build websites, video games, apps etc. This is week 2 of a 6 week course. To book email coding@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Wednesday 5th June, 1.00 - 2.30pm

Young Parents Group, Mortlock Street, Melbourn SG8 6DB

A stay and play session for young parents (25 and under) with children aged 0 to 5 years. Self-weigh facilities for babies over 6 weeks old. For this and other activities for parents and pre-school children. See www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk.

Tuesday 11th June, 10.00am - 12.00pm

Angels Workshop - Managing Meltdowns (online event)

Angels is a charity working to help parents, offering professional advice. Free Zoom session. Book at info@angelssupportgroup.org.uk.

Thursdays 13th, 20th, 27th June, 10.30am - 12.00pm

Little Acorns in the Gardens, Wimpole Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW

Stories, songs and outdoor activities for ages 2 - 5. Normal admission applies. Book on www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday 23rd June, 10.00am (run starts at 11.00am)

Royston in Blue, Therfield Heath, Royston SG8 5BG

A 5k fun run (or walk) for families in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Adults £15, under 18s £10. Book on www.racebest.com.

Saturday 29th June, 10.00am - 12.00pm

Wildlife walk, Trumpington Meadows CB2 9LH

Guided wildlife walk with opportunities to see flowers, butterflies and riparian mammals. £4 for non members. Dogs on leads welcome.

Saturday 29th June, 11.00am-12.15pm

FREE Musical Instrument Taster Session

Duxford Primary School, St. John’s Street, Duxford CB22 4RA

No booking required. See page 12 or visit duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Things to Do in June

Here are some things happening in June in the local area. To let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Throughout June

Cambridge Nature Festival, various venues/times

This festival returns for a third year, this time with a river/water theme. Over 90 events and activities including nature walks, live music, bat punt safaris, talks, workshops, films and more. Most events are free or affordable. For the full programme and bookings visit www.cambridgenaturenetwork.org.

Sunday 2nd June, 2.30pm to 5.00pm

Hinxton Water Mill Open Day

Mill Lane, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1RD

Experience this lovely 17th century, working watermill in picturesque surroundings on the River Cam in historic Hinxton. Guided tours, popular ‘Where’s Ratty’ contest for children, river walks and picnic tables. Cambridge Past, Present and Future members free, non-members £3 adult, £1 child.

Wednesday 5th June, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Summer Wildflowers of Coton

Coton Countryside Reserve, Grantchester Road, Cambridge CB23 7PZ

Gentle country walk led by a knowledgeable guide. Learn how to identify wildflowers by their colour, form and habitat. Meet at large noticeboard in car park. Free event with suggested donation of £3. Book at www.cambridgeppf.org or just turn up on the day.

Saturday 8th June, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Festival of Plants 2024

Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE

Enjoy a fun-filled, fact-finding day out in the Garden when it’s brimming with summer colour. Free guided tours, ‘ask the gardener’ panel, craft stalls, live music and pop-up food trucks. Free but normal Garden admission applies. Pre-book online at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk or pay on the day.

Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th June, 9.30am to 5.00pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Bletchley Park 1940s Weekend

The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

Fun for all the family, this two day event is a chance to step back in time and enjoy a weekend of vintage entertainment. Live music, market stalls, reenactments, food vendors, family activities. Why not enter the spirit and come in 1940s attire? For admission prices and to book: www.bletchleypark.org.uk.

From Friday 21st June to Sunday 22nd September, 10.00am to 5.00pm TuesdaySaturday; 12.00pm to 5.00pm Sunday

‘Beneath Our Feet’, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ

New exhibition on the archaeology of the Cambridge region explores the traces of where people have lived, worked and died for thousands of years in Cambridgeshire. Using specific times, places and individuals it provides a snapshot of what life might have been like and how we know about it. Free.

Saturday 22nd June, 7.00pm

Star Shine Night Walk

Shelford Rugby Club, The Davey Field, Great Shelford CB22 5JJ

5 or 10 mile fund-raising walk in aid of the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Starts at Great Shelford Rugby Club. See www.arhc.org.uk for more details and to register. More than £40,000 raised last year for people living with an advanced serious illness or life-limiting condition. Help make the 2024 event even bigger!

Saturday 22nd June, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (bar/BBQ from 6.00pm)

Outdoor Courtyard Concert

Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP

Renowned folk duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan perform in the unique setting of the granary’s covered courtyard. Tickets £24, under 25 £12 (bar/BBQ not included in the price). Book at www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.

Monday 24th June, 12.00pm to 2.30pm (and every last Monday monthly)

Traditional Jazz at The Old Bull

Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW

Dave Rance’s Rockin Chair Band invite you to their monthly jazz club held in the hotel’s splendid ballroom. A musical feast accompanied by good food and drinks. A warm welcome awaits. Admission £10 on the door.

Friday - Sunday, 28th to 30th June, 9.00am to 9.00pm (5.00pm Sunday)

Festival of Flight

Shuttleworth Aerodrome, Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9DT

Three days of entertainment, activities and spectacular air displays, celebrating 60 years of Shuttleworth airshows. View the historic Shuttleworth Collection including the world’s oldest aircraft. Family activities include outdoor cinema and fun fair. Full range of catering available, also camping facilities. For detailed programme, admission prices and to book visit www.shuttleworth.org.

Saturday 29th June, 6.15pm to 10.30pm

Home-Start’s Got Talent

King James Academy (Senior Site), Garden Walk, Royston SG8 7JH

Hosted by Jude Simpson, an evening of dazzling entertainment with a line-up of talented singers, musicians, dancers and even an aerial act! Plus raffle and grazing boxes by Honest Fig (pre-book with your ticket). Admission £12, Under 13s £8. Tickets from www.hsrsc.org.uk or from www.tickettailor.com.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.co.uk

Summer has finally arrived and we’re excited about what June has in store. The parasols are out on the terrace, we have a range of ice creams on offer in addition to our usual selection of food and drink and lots of events and activities happening for all!

Our artist for the month in June is Debra Manning, we have the next in our series of free health events in partnership with Nuffield Health, two Covid vaccine walkin clinics and lots more. Melbourn Hub is also proud to be catering at Melbourn Fete on 15th June! Drop by our stall for hot dogs and burgers, including vegetarian options.

Don’t forget you can always see the full range of events and services we offer by visiting our website - www.melbournhub.co.uk.

Weekly Events

Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course, subsidised, meal. There are a few places available for Lunch Club. If you are interested please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk.

Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice - 9.30-11.30am

No need to book, just drop in!

Every Friday - Children's Story Time - 10.00-10.30am

For under 5s. Come and enjoy a story and a singalong. No need to book!

Every Friday, Relate Counselling - 9.00am-12.00pm

Relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. To book a session, please contact Relate on (01302) 347886 or email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk. Melbourn Hub is unable to take bookings for this service.

Last Wednesday of the month (26th June) - Breakfast Club - 9.30-11.00am

Come and socialise, make new friends and enjoy breakfast or just a coffee! No need to book – just come along.

Special for June

Sunday 2nd June and Sunday 30th June - Covid Vaccination Clinics - 9.00am3.00pm

No appointment needed, just walk in if eligible (you may be eligible if you are aged 75 plus or aged 6 months to 74 years and at increased risk).

Wednesday 4th June - ‘Let’s talk hip replacements’ - 6.30-7.30pm

In partnership with Nuffield Health, Professor Carrothers will discuss when to consider talking to your GP or surgeon about painful hips and treatment options

available, followed by a Q&A session. Booking is essential – contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.

Wednesday 19th June - Menopause Support - 10.00am-12 noon

Monthly session online via Zoom and face to face. Advice from health and wellbeing coaches and Q&A with a GP. Come along and share your experiences. For more information email cpicb.meridiancare@nhs.net.

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch: Scam Alert

Scams are unfortunately on the rise, with criminals constantly finding new and inventive ways to con the unwary out of their money. Raising public awareness is one of the best methods of ensuring we stay one step ahead of the fraudsters. Among the numerous scams circulating in recent months are the following.

Fake QR Codes in Car Parks

It is becoming increasingly common to pay for car parks via a parking app, often accessed via a QR code. Scammers are known to cash in on this by sticking false QR codes onto parking machines (sometimes covering over genuine codes), which lead users to a fake site where they unwittingly enter their payment details. Some of these fake QR codes have been reportedly found in North Hertfordshire District Council car parks. The Council issued a statement in April clarifying that it does not use any QR codes on its payment machines and asking anyone who spots one to report it by emailing parking.services@north-herts.gov.uk with details of the machine in question.

Counterfeit Postage Stamps

Barcodes were added to postage stamps a few years ago in an attempt to make them harder to forge. Unfortunately, counterfeit stamps, which can be very difficult to distinguish from genuine ones, continue to circulate in huge numbers, with Royal Mail having allegedly seized 1.5 million of them. In theory, the recipient of a letter bearing a fake stamp can be asked to pay a £5 penalty, although Royal Mail has temporarily paused this system while it makes further investigations. In the meantime, customers have been advised to buy stamps only from Post Offices, large reputable retailers or the official Royal Mail website.

Telephone Preference Service Impersonation

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) aims to reduce receipt of live unsolicited sales and marketing calls. It is a free service, for which anyone can register. However, there have been reports of calls from scammers claiming to be from the TPS or BT and demanding a fee in order to renew an existing registration. TPS encourages anyone receiving such a call to report it to www.actionfraud.police.uk.

If you would like to know more about local NHW or are interested in joining the Group, please contact Graham on nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Laura Elvin

for Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

MM is Available in Colour Online

To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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

Monday

9.00-10.00am TB Workout

10.00-11.00 F. Fitness

10.00-12.00 History Grp

11.00-12.00 T P Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)

6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00-10.00am TB Workout

10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness

11.00-12.00 T P Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)

6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00-10.00am TB Workout

10.00-11.00 F. Fitness

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)

6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00-10.00am TB Workout

10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness

11.00-12.00 T P Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)

Meldreth Village D

Refuse Collections

Black bins: 4th & 18th

Blue & green bins: 11th & 25th

Getremindersonyourmobile: downloadtheBinCollectionsapp

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank & Table Top Sale (see p.9)

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank & Table Top Sale (see p.9)

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank & Table Top Sale (see p.9)

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank & Table Top Sale (see p.9)

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

6.00-7.30pm Brownies

7.30-8.15pm TP Pilates

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

10.00am Said Communion

1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

6.00-7.30pm Brownies

7.30-8.15pm TP Pilates

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

10.00am Said Communion

1.30-2.45pm L O Choir

6.00-7.30pm Brownies

6.30pm Motorycle Show, Eternit (see page 5)

7.30-8.15pm TP Pilates

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

10.00am Said Communion

10.45-11.30am M. Library

1.30-2.45pm L O Choir

6.00-7.30pm Brownies

6.30-8.00pm Guides

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

7.30-8.15pm TP Pilates

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-3.00pm V

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm T

7.00-9.00pm T

7.30pm Parish

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps

12.00-3.00pm V

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm T

7.00-9.00pm T

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps

12.00-3.00pm

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm T

7.00-9.00pm T

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps

12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T

3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27

7.00-9.00pm T

Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Chu Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Village Hub are in the Commu

Diary - June 2024

pm

Village Hub

Acro

P Pilates

able Tennis Council

pm

Village Hub

Acro

P Pilates

able Tennis

pm

Village Hub

Acro

TP Pilates

Table Tennis

pm

Village Hub

Acro

TP Pilates

9.30am Slimming World

9.30am Slimming World

7.30pm FOHT AGM, Holy Trinity Church (see page 6)

9.30am Slimming World

1 2

12.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

2.00-4.00pm Preschool Open Afternoon (see page 16)

6 7 8 9 3 14 15 16 0 21 22 23 7 28 29 30

Table Tennis

rch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Cycling Group meet opposite Holy Trinity unity Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 8.00am Said Eucharist 09.45am Sung Eucharist 9.45am Sung Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World

11.30am-3.30pm Church Fete (see back cover)

11.00am Sunday @ 11 (all age worship)

1.30pm approx. Charity Tractor Run (see page 4)

2.30-5.30pm Cream Teas (see pages 5 & 7)

ameldrethgarden.co.uk

A big change in the garden; the wallflowers, white honesty and forget-me-not except those left to seed, have passed, been removed and annuals planted in their place. These will take time to settle in and flower. By the time you read this, the snowball bush Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, mock orange Philadelphus and early flowering clematis 'Early sensation’ will have flowered and be ready for pruning to maintain a compact habit; these plants will flower next year on the new growth after pruning. Repeat flowering roses have given their first flush of flower and it is time to feed them a high potash fertiliser for the next flowering phase. I have Rosa iceberg, a white floribunda rose but a hostage to black spot and there are better white cultivars. Deadheading repeat flowering roses encourages repeat flowering.

Now the risk of frost is over and critically night-time temperatures are higher, plant out tender perennials, of which I have salvias, dahlias and tobacco plant Nicotiana, etc. Of 24 sunflowers planted out, the vast majority of them have been completely eaten off by slugs and as a result I have sown more seed which will hopefully flower later in the season.

It is time to sow biennials that will flower next year such as foxgloves, wallflowers and Sweet William, etc. It is also time to sow the seed of winter bedding to flower early in the spring including violas, pansies and primroses; pansies seldom get sown in a timely way necessitating buying-in for my winter pots. House plants are banished to the shade of the carport for their summer vacation. Too much direct sun would burn them as, like me, they are not used to bright sunlight.

In the allotment I sow seed for continuity; beetroot, carrots, radish and lettuce etc. Now the weather is warmer I will be planting out tomatoes in the allotment and sweet peppers in the greenhouse. My tomatoes are blight resistant cordon varieties that are tied onto canes and planted into well composted soil. They are hungry feeders so I will remove any side shoot as they appear and feed weekly with comfrey liquid. It’s time to plant out leeks. I dig a hole almost as deep as the leek is long, pop a leek in the hole and water to bed it in. All alliums are now under enviromesh to deter the allium leaf miner. Tender vegetables, cucumbers, courgette and French climbing beans etc. have been planted out; it is pointless putting these out before warm weather as they just sit and sulk. This is the last month for picking rhubarb as from the end of June, it should be left to build up strength in the crown for next year.

Propagation is a large topic covering a range of techniques for growing new plants. We are all familiar with sowing seeds, either self-collected or commercial for flowers and vegetables. Other techniques that I use include division; herbaceous perennial shrubs, grasses and vegetables like rhubarb benefit from being divided every three to five years. The process consists of digging up established clumps of a plant in autumn or spring, dividing into sections of the

most vigorous outer growth and re-planting into enriched garden soil. This process can be applied to include daylily Hemerocallis, asters, lily-of-the-valley Convallaria, Hosta, Lychnis, Lysichiton, irises, Ajuga, primulas. Aster, elephant’s ears Bergenia, Crocosmia, Delphinium, Epimedium, sea holly Eryngium, spurge Euphorbia, gentian Gentiana, etc. Divide grasses in the spring as new growth begins, and divide iris rhizomes after flowering.

A technique frequently used is taking softwood cuttings from shrubs and herbaceous perennials. A cutting of fresh new growth from a non-flowering shoot about 10cm long, cut below a leaf node and with the lower leaves removed, is placed into free draining compost. A plastic bag is placed over the pot which is watered from below; keep bright and warm out of direct sun and wait until you see new top growth or roots at the bottom (3 to 4 weeks) before potting-on. I take soft wood cuttings from garden perennials such as pelargoniums, penstemon, dahlias and salvias; this ensures survival of a backup plant in case of a severe winter. Mediterranean herbs will damp off if kept too moist. Softwood cuttings do not need a plastic bag covering.

Basal cuttings from herbaceous shrubs are a safe bet. A new shoot is taken in the spring with a piece of basal woody tissue attached and then potted-on; this can be done with day lily Hemerocallis and Peruvian lily Alstromeria, etc. Another technique is to take hardwood cuttings at the end of the season or early spring by pushing a 30cm length of leaf free semi-mature shoot two thirds of the way into the ground in a trench dug and bottomed with grit. For me this is a numbers game! From twelve hardwood cuttings of climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, two are showing new growth and therefore have rooted.

Enjoy your garden.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

By the end of March, the snowdrops were long gone and the daffodils had succumbed to recent wind and rain. There was plenty of strong foliage but rather fewer blooms than expected on the cultivated varieties. By contrast, the scattering of wild daffodils, still growing as single bulbs three years after planting, all bloomed successfully. In the long term we hope to get a well-established area of native English daffodils. English bluebells planted two years ago have failed to produce any better show than they did last year. A few scattered individuals are showing a clearly more intense blue then their Spanish counterparts.

Many years ago we planted some dormant roots of Wood Anemone but few showed in the following year and nothing was seen of them thereafter. Wood Anemones prefer damp woodland but will sometimes thrive in other habitats. Melwood is certainly not a damp woodland but over the last couple of years a few leaves have appeared at one spot where fallen leaves accumulate and last year these produced a single flower. This year, the same clump flowered again but at a different location; a group of flowers appeared where no leaves have previously been reported. Occasional single leaves were also seen elsewhere in the wood. This may well be a benefit from the very wet winter. Perhaps it is worth trying again if global warming is going to give us a wetter climate.

A downside of wetter weather is the spread of a very invasive alien onion species, Few-flowered Leek, (single-flowered Leek) Allium paradoxum var paradoxum (pictured right). We thought we had been successful in digging these out over the last couple of years but this year it is appearing all over the river end of the wood. We have had another attack on these plants to prevent them completing flowering and producing many bulblets from each flower-head, all of which could grow into new plants. Evidence of what happens if you don’t control it can be seen in some of the grassland at Cambridge Botanic Garden, where it has taken over completely and is probably now uncontrollable.

Recent working parties have started creating low boundary fences along the edges of paths to protect the verges from expansion of the paths, especially when they get muddy. The verges will be easier to manage and plant with appropriate wild flowers. In late April, this was taken further by closely brush cutting the back of one such path edge to enable planting with foxglove and other woodland species in fairly open soil.

By the end of April, most of the established woodland species were coming into bloom, with Hedge Parsley and Garlic Mustard widespread and the small purple blooms of Dusky Cranesbill managing to force their way into the sunshine around the seat and elsewhere along path edges. Wild Garlic (Ramsons), Allium ursinum, is now flowering well in two patches, having been first discovered rather smothered in just one small, well-hidden clump about four years ago. We will continue to protect these two areas from smothering competition. Cleavers, Galium aparine, looks set to be a smothering green carpet of trailing stalks, as in past years. This species seems to be problem in most woodland nature reserves in the area and nobody has yet told me a better way of controlling it than hand weeding – very hard work and time consuming and only really practical around specific plants and saplings that need protecting.

Although the flowers are the indicator of spring that most people notice, for me, spring really moves towards summer when I hear the call of the chiff chaff. As usual, this was about the end of March or first week of April. Both Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers have been heard in the wood this spring and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers are certainly breeding somewhere locally, perhaps in the same hole they have used over the last couple of years. Our nest boxes look very busy with both Great Tits and Bluetits showing interest. Butterflies have been rather scarce so far and only the Peacock and Brimstone had been seen in the wood by the start of April but warm weather at the end of the month brought Orange Tips out in good numbers. The Garlic Mustard, mentioned earlier, will be protected from cutting until it is completely dead, as it is a favoured foodplant for this species. Holly Blue butterflies will find Holly flowers on which to lay their eggs but they are now equally at home in gardens, where they can use a number of species such as Pyracantha.

If you are interested in joining the conservation work, please contact us via our website, or call me on (01763) 260231 or Bruce Huett on (01763) 232855.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group

Wild Garlic or Ramsons

In Praise Of

… Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is a bulbous, perennial plant and a relative of chives that grows wild in damp woodlands and is often found in marshlands (fenlands) or near water drainage ditches in Britain and throughout Europe. It can be used in many of the same ways you'd use ramps, leeks, or green garlic, but especially as garlic itself, with some minor alterations and imagination: added to scrambled eggs or frittatas, tossed into pasta dishes and stir-fries, or added to soups.

Wild Garlic Pesto

Ingredients

100g wild garlic leaves

50g flat leaf parsley

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated

¼ lemon, zested and a few squeezes of juice

50g pine nuts , toasted

150ml rapeseed oil

Method

Rinse and roughly chop the wild garlic leaves. Blitz the wild garlic leaves, parsley, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and pine nuts in a food processor to form a rough paste. Season, and with the motor running slowly, add almost all the oil. Taste, season and add a few squeezes of lemon juice.

Transfer the pesto to a clean jar and top with the remaining oil. It will keep in the fridge for two weeks.

Asparagus and Wild Garlic Linguine

Serves 2, cooking 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp mint

35g pecorino or parmesan cheese

4 spring onions

4 tbsp olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

50 g wild garlic leaves

200g linguine

12 spears of asparagus

Method

Bring a large, deep pan of salted water to the boil. Finely chop mint leaves, grate pecorino or parmesan cheese, and zest from a lemon. Set all aside.

Thinly slice spring onions. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet, then add the sliced spring onions and let them cook for 5 minutes or so until they start to soften. Tear wild garlic leaves into small pieces and add them to the softened spring onions.

Generously salt the boiling water, then add linguine. While the pasta is cooking, trim spears of asparagus and cut them into short lengths, about 10cm long.

Add the asparagus to the spring onions, cover with a lid and continue cooking over a moderate heat, with the occasional stir.

Drain the linguine as soon as it is tender but firm (usually about 7 minutes) keeping back around 50ml of the pasta’s cooking water.

Stir the linguine into the onion and asparagus, add the grated pecorino or parmesan followed by the cooking water and the lemon zest and mint.

Jane O’Hagan

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.

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

• Earn from £11 per hour - no experience necessary as we’ll train you.

• Earn an extra £25 per night shift.

• Plus, a £1,000 welcome bonus, great benefits and opportunities to develop your career with qualifications fully funded by us!

30 Years of Royston & District Community Transport

2024 is our 30th anniversary. It was back in 1992 that the secretarial team at Royston Health Centre recruited a team of volunteer drivers, using their own cars, to transport patients to their hospital appointments when they could not get there by other means. In 1994, having grown in size, they moved to Royston Hospital, and became Royston Community Transport (RCT).

RCT then merged with the Melbourn & Meldreth car scheme and changed its name to Royston & District Community Transport (RDCT). Later, cover was expanded to Duxford, Shepreth and Chrishall, covering areas of North and East Hertfordshire, South Cambridgeshire and a bit of Essex. In 2008 RDCT became a registered charity.

In 2020 RDCT was going strong, with a client list of approximately 1,000 people, averaging nearly 50 bookings a day. The arrival of Covid caused immediate issues in regards to passenger and driver safety and also cancelled appointments, causing a reduction in journeys. RDCT survived, adapting and updating its systems, under the leadership of our late Chairman Dr John Hedges along with the trustees, who take on various unpaid roles. In addition there are just three part-time staff, plus a part time bus driver, and of course our invaluable volunteer drivers who cover around 120,000 miles per year!

We continue to provide affordable transport and prioritise all types of medical appointments. However, we also take people to day centres and on other journeys if they have no other means of getting to their appointments for whatever reason. We also have two wheelchair accessible vehicles which we use daily.

We receive funding from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Councils, as well as Royston Town Council and Melbourn, Meldreth and other Parish Councils and Thriplow Daffodil Weekend (which we drive for). We also run a monthly lottery, have had a Christmas raffle and have been supported by M&S, the Co-op, the Masons and are the 2024 charity of The Royston Runners. In addition, we receive donations from many kind individuals, all of which are greatly appreciated.

If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer driver, then please contact us; we are flexible on days and times!

If you need help getting to medical appointments etc, then to pre-book transport, please contact the office between 9.00am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, email info@roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.

Ron Comben RDCT Newsletter Editor

Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group and Community Rail Partnership

At our most recent Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group meeting, the idea was floated of amalgamating our Rail User Group (RUG) and Community Rail Partnership (CRP) into one entity. We said we would look to make changes this spring.

Before proceeding however, we wanted to put the question to our rail user community: would anyone be interested in taking over the Rail User Group, continuing under the same structure as at present?

By way of background, the Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group was founded in 2009 as a constituted group constitution (meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk). The scope of its activities developed significantly and in 2013 a Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership (MSFCRP) was formed, to pursue more fulsomely community development projects aimed at community cohesion and access for all, with a focus on young people and their futures.

The CRP was further strengthened in 2018 with the creation of a Community Interest Company to oversee the CRP, and funding for a Project Officer post. That post has from the inception been hosted by South Cambridgeshire District Council, with salary costs funded by the train operating company and four parish councils – Melbourn, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton. The MSFCRP is accredited by the Community Rail Network and publishes an annual report, which can be found on our website.

Key achievements of the rail campaign that the CRP has worked to sustain over the past 14 years include:

 a unique 50% discount fare for 16–18-year-olds living, learning and travelling within Cambridgeshire

 free parking at Shepreth and greatly reduced parking charges at Meldreth, in recognition of year-round volunteer efforts to maintain well-tended station platform gardens at all three stations.

 lobbying for optimal day-to-day train services including forthcoming direct link to the new Cambridge South Station.

 active travel infrastructure for connections to stations.

The Rail User Group remains part of the Meldreth Shepreth Foxton Rail endeavour, as set out on the umbrella website but its ‘campaigning’ functions sit apart from the CRP. The CRP could amalgamate the RUG’s ‘train services’ interests into its brief; certainly, the CRP’s core purpose depends on healthy, optimum local rail services and it would seek to champion this through collaborative working with the rail industry and local stakeholders. But rail users

may prefer to retain a measure of independent campaigning, under a standalone Rail User Group heading.

Your views would be welcome and certainly if you have any interest or curiosity in taking over the Rail User Group, please get in touch and we’d be delighted to speak with you. If we do not receive feedback, we will proceed to wind down the RUG in its current constituted form and look to absorb the responsibility for championing optimum rail services within the context of the CRP. Regardless, a public RUG meeting will be held on Tuesday 2nd July at 2.15pm at the British Queen in Meldreth to move to either outcome. All welcome and please look for us, probably outside or up on the balcony – please ask at the bar!

Finally, we would love to hear from anyone who might like to play any role in the rail campaign: whether getting involved in station gardening, helping with admin for our occasional meetings, attending rail consultation events happening all around us, or anything else.

Thank you!

Susan van de Ven, Chair Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group and Community Rail Partnership susanvandeven5@gmail.com or railusergroup@gmail.com

District and County Councillors’ Report

Meldreth Annual Flood Avoidance Tour

Appropriately, this tour took place on a wet day. Councillor Garner and Councillor van de Ven were joined by Brian Heffernan of County Flood Risk and Denis Vacher of County Drainage. We toured an area on both sides of Station Road, partly escorted by the local farmer to understand better how an old network of drains and watercourses that sit beneath and alongside the A10 bypass could be impinging on Station Road highways drains. We also viewed the drainage ditch along Bury Lane. County officers will seek to ascertain from their mapping where responsibility lies for the former set of drains and watercourses. Some clearing of those drains near Station Road had taken place, by County Highways, to alleviate avoidable highway flooding in that area, which does seem to have had a beneficial effect.

Anglian Water

Slowly but surely – notes of our March meeting are nearly there with Anglian Water’s input, and they have responded positively to making some changes in their reporting system. Thank you to everyone for their patience.

South Cambridgeshire Planning & Building Control

Following the Anglian Water meeting we met with SCDC Planning and Building Control to explore possible ‘small’ actions that the council could take in order to improve outcomes for foul and surface water management. They have actioned as follows:

 Building Control - we have requested informatives regarding surface water discharges to be added to decision notices

 Planning - we will include the same informative on decision notices for householders etc.

 Anglian Water - Greater Cambridge Shared Planning will send weekly decision notices to Anglian Water

 County - this has been shared with County counterparts

 Intern Project - we will progress this with the University of Cambridge (aiming for six interns) in the summer

 Comms - GCSP to draft leaflet for Parish Councils to share with their residents (informative) with input from Lee Hillam.

Blocked Drain Reporting

Susan has checked North End and the High Street. Most drains are not blocked but a good number are and have been reported. Highways has now added these two roads to the gulley emptying list; we’ve asked when to expect this work. Susan will do the same in Station Road and Whitecroft Road, followed by the smaller roads.

Gulleys Found!

The Joint Administration of the County Council continues to work to turn round the disastrous state of highways and this includes gulleys - a report to the council’s Highways & Transport Committee on 30th April said, "through regular review of the road network, there [have] been a further 1,855 gulleys added to the programme which had not been previously plotted on the system".

Melbourn Greenway Path from Station to Melbourn

The start date seems to be always imminent! The delay is due to three separate permissions each for different bits of land; one involves Network Rail and this one is particularly bureaucratic.

Melbourn Sports Centre

We await news from the Cam Academy Trust following the closure of the Sports Centre, due to the management company Be Active going into administration. We have received a significant volume of emails of understandable concern that reflect the importance of the Centre over a wide area and concern over lost subscriptions and suspension of service.

Local Interest: Wimpole Hall Carriage Drive, via Orwell

Via our neighbours at Whaddon Parish Council, we have learned of concern for the status of the old Wimpole Estate 'Carriage Drive' that runs from the A603 near Orwell village, and which has been used as a right of way by the public for at least the last twenty years, together with the old 'Wimpole Way' path that ran through the woodland belt to the north and northwest of the hall, plus the diagonal path across the two fields south of the Home Farm, from close to the old telephone box to emerge onto the drive just east of the stable block. There is concern that the National Trust may now want to restrict free access to these paths. If you’d like to see the relevant public notices, please contact us and will email a copy to you.

Zoom Cuppa, Mondays 5.00-6.00pm

Please let us know if you’d like to join our weekly Zoom cuppa – or contact us at any time for a chat about any concerns or questions you may have. We’re always ready to help. You’ll find our contact details below.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303

District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649

County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 07905 325574

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Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 2nd May 2024

This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council noticeboard; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions

and Decisions

Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman

Councillors Richard Goddin and Roger James were respectively appointed to serve in these posts for the forthcoming year.

Membership of Planning Committee

The Council’s Planning Committee does not take decisions about planning in the village but is consulted by SCDC for its views on local planning applications. The following Committee appointments were agreed: Councillors R. Goddin, R. James, J. Bone, N. Garner, A. Land and N. Pellatt.

Working Groups

The latest memberships of the Working Groups can be seen on the Council’s website; some of these are restricted to Councillors but others consist of Councillors and residents working together. These Groups make important contributions and members of the community are encouraged to consider assisting in this way. Please contact the Parish Clerk or the Chairman if you would like to take part or need further information.

District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 36-37 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of local issues can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

Village Maintenance

Melbourn Parish Council is now considering the possibility of co-operation with Meldreth on essential repairs to village infrastructure, for example bus shelters and local signs. Our Council continues to seek other contractors to perform essential maintenance when required.

Village Traffic

County Highways have notified the Council that the proposed 20mph speed limit in the village would be open to public comment from Friday 3rd until Thursday 23rd May, with written submissions to the County being the required format.

The Council has been in contact with Highways Department about the installation of the solar powered Speed Indicator Device in Whitecroft Road and is awaiting a response about this.

As reported last month, the Council would like to see greater formalisation by our higher authorities (County, District) of regular highway and other maintenance tasks in the village for which those authorities have responsibility with, ideally, a regular programme by them of reviews and consequent actions. The current system is essentially one of reaction to local reports by members of the public and others and does not deliver acceptable progress in many cases. The Council agreed to present a written submission to the next meeting of the Highways Authority, making this suggestion as a necessary improvement in procedures.

Other Issues

It was agreed that a new contract for the supply of electricity to the village’s street lights should be arranged as soon as possible. The existing arrangements with Drax are out of contract and there has consequently been a sharp increase in pricing. This supply is however unmetered and it has been proving difficult to arrange an alternative contract but the Council has now identified other options and will conclude a new contract as soon as possible.

Village Meeting

The Annual Village Meeting provides an opportunity for all residents to meet and discuss issues of interest to our community. This year it was scheduled to take place in the Village Hall on Thursday 23rd May.

Next Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 6th June 2024 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way, Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times

Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Jenni Bone jenni.bone@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Adam Bostanci adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Glenn Foulger glenn.foulger51@gmail.com

Cllr Nick Garner nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com

RML

(0)

All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance

Planning Matters

Meldreth Parish Council

The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meeting on 4th January and 18th April were not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Planning Authority Decisions

73 High Street, S/0984/14/NMA2

Non-material amendment on application S/0984/14/VC to change the wording of the conditions 16, 19, 20 and 21 of the S73 to vary condition 2 of the Decision notice Ref. 23/04561/S73 to reference the updated plans and documents. Granted permission.

Holy Trinity Church, North End, 24/0318/TTCA

T101 SYCAMORE - Reduce to clear neighbouring property by 1.5 to 2 metresCrown is touching neighbouring property and roof. Have no objection.

Veterinary Surgery Stone Lane, 24/00842/PRIOR

Change of use of ground floor from Class E to residential (Class C3), to form enlarged dwelling together with existing flat on first floor. Prior approval not required.

106 High Street, 24/00698/HFUL

Permission granted for the erection of a greenhouse in the rear garden.

Emilie Agnes Elin Almshouses, High Street, 24/0154/TTPO

T.1 London plane - fell to ground level heavily leaning tree over concerns from trustees of failure and root plate movement. Granted permission.

Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

Meldreth Matters Team

Nigel Wigg Nigel Wigg Wigg

Home Improvement Specialist Home Improvement Specialist Home Specialist

••

• Exterior and interior home Exterior and interior home Exterior and interior home decorating decorating decorating

•• • Tiling Tiling Tiling

•• • Carpentry Carpentry Carpentry

•• • Refurbishment Refurbishment

•• • Timber carport and veranda Timber carport and veranda Timber carport and veranda design and construction design and construction design and construction

•• • General home repairs General home repairs General home repairs

•• • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming Pruning / hedge and tree trimming Pruning hedge and tree trimming

•• • Professional service Professional service Professional service

nigelwigg@gmail.com nigelwigg@gmail.com nigelwigg@gmail.com T

Moorlands Court

Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely? Why not try our Day Centre?

 Meet up for a chat and lunch?

 Our Day Centre is comfortable, friendly and easily accessed.

 Open Tuesday to Friday every week.

 Transport can be arranged.

Why not give us a call?

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

Arthur’s Shed: Free Creative and Informative Sessions

Arthur’s Shed is a purpose-built studio set in the beautiful grounds of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity at Shelford Bottom, Cambridge, right next to the Babraham Road Park & Ride.

Creative and informative sessions are open to the general public and you do not need to have a connection with the Charity to attend. Sessions are free of charge, although a suggested donation of £5 is welcomed to cover the cost of materials. Sessions must be booked in advance.

For details of all sessions visit https://www.arhc.org.uk/open-to-all/arthurs-shed.

Book your place at Laughter Yoga, Astronomy, Meditation, Card Making, Papercrafts, Still Life, Flower Arranging, Clay Work and/or Sugar Crafts by emailing arthurs.shed@arhc.org.uk or calling (01223) 675777.

Virginia Goode Communications Officer

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Part-time Family Support Co-Ordinator Wanted

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire are looking for a part-time Family Support Co-ordinator to join their friendly and supportive team.

Home-Start wants to see a society where every local parent has the support they need to give their children the best possible start in life. It’s not always easy to ask for help or know where to go. Home-Start provides regular support and practical help to families under stress, helping to prevent family crisis.

The role will include managing the planning and delivery of the Family Support Groups, visiting families in their own homes and training and supporting volunteers with the existing service delivery team.

If you have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and enjoy being part of a team, then we would love to hear from you. Please email recruitment@hsrsc.org.uk for more details and an application pack.

Closing date for applications: 7th June 2024; interviews week commencing 1st July 2024. Please note An Enhanced DBS disclosure check will be required for successful applicants.

Tracy Aggett

Fundraising Events Support Manager

Hom-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub.

Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team

17 Bus Service

This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

Susan van de Ven

Village Directory

Litter Picker

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days

Village Hall Bookings

Julia Moore: email meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com

Village Hall Chairman David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Bowls Club David Rich—(01763) 262116

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178

Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com

Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Guides (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com

Hartbeeps

Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

Jose Hales—07703 262649; Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Station Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.15pm

Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline www.thetrainline.com

Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Potholes, problems,Highways etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220

Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151

NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)

Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299

Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk

Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk

Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn

Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency 999 or 112

Gas 0800 111 999

Electricity 0800 783 8838

Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk

Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org

Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis (01763) 0250811

For details of village groups & facilities see the Meldreth Today section www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798 586875; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

Advertising Rates

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 on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.

 Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.

 Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.

 Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.

 Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

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