Meldreth Matters, June 2017

June 2017

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Meldreth Matters, June 2017 Contents include …

Michael Rogers Barry Burchett Meldreth Events Holding Out a Lifeline Meldreth Fete Melwood From Spring to Summer Friends of Holy Trinity Notes from a Small Garden WI Good Companions A Night at the Races What’s On for Families Did You Attend MVC? Meldreth Primary School Meldreth Fete Parish Council Problem Parking Meldreth Futures Group County Councillor’s Report Local Events in May Melbourn Bloomsday Festival Women’s Group Maycroft Care Home Meldreth Tennis Club Pet Advice Home-Start Farming Dementia Group Planning Matters Camms Meals on Wheels Fire & Rescue Service Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 3 4-6 8-9 10-11 12 14-15 17 18-19 20-21 21 22 23 25 26-27 28-30 35-38 40-41 41 42-43 44-45 46 48 49-51 51 52-53 55 55 56-57 59 60 62-63 64

Welcome to the June issue of Meldreth Matters.

Please remember to vote in the General Election on Thursday 8th June—perhaps we could achieve a record turnout in Meldreth?

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in the village this month with two fetes, the open gardens event, a race night and an event at the British Queen to name but a few.

Please note that eight bays in the Village Hall car park will be cordoned off in June and July while the tennis courts are refurbished (see page 51 for further details).

Finally, for those of you who sometimes look at MM online, the latest issues are now available at https://issuu.com/ meldrethmatters .

Kathryn

Cover: 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.

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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Michael Rogers Michael Rogers was born in Hatfield and his family moved to Arrington when he was about fifteen. He was a very keen footballer from a young lad to when he retired from the game at around 50 years of age.

His father Paul and a few others were keen to form Arrington Football Club but they were refused entry to the League as there was a tree growing on the proposed pitch. This was duly dug out by hand and Arrington Football Club was formed, with Michael being a key player.

At the age of eighteen he was called up for National Service and joined The Royal Army Medical Corps.

During his two years of National Service Michael was based in Germany and played football for the Army.

In 1954 the family moved to Meldreth and when he finished his National Service Michael became a driver for Fyffes Fruit Company.

He continued to play football for Meldreth and in one season in the 1970s Meldreth won all the competitions and cups they entered. In one memorable game Meldreth beat Comberton 9 – 1, with Michael scoring eight of the goals. He later played for Royston Town.

Michael became a site manager at Twigden Homes in Royston and after he retired he was caretaker of Barrington Primary School for five years which he enjoyed immensely.

He was a very sociable man who loved being with his family and loved spending time having a pint with his friends at the local. He was a very passionate man when it came to his family, his country and football.

Michael leaves Margie his wife of 56 years, two sons Andrew and Jason and four grandchildren.

His loss coming so quickly and unexpectedly has been a great shock to all his family and he will be greatly missed by them all.

Ann Rogers 3

Barry Burchett 14th April 1932 to 16th April 2017 Dad was born in Fulham, South West London, to Norah and Harry on 14th April 1932, a younger brother to Bryan. He grew up in Sangley Road, South Norwood, just a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park Football Stadium, the home of Crystal Palace.

During that time World War II broke out and Dad would often tell me and my brother about one particular air raid. When it was over his mother, who was described as a ‘no-nonsense’ lady, told him to get on his bike and get off to school. He managed to dodge the many unexploded bombs that had fallen along the way.

Once he arrived safely at the school gates a teacher asked what on earth he was doing there and he was sent straight back home to his mother with a flea in his ear! Shortly after this Dad was evacuated.

Once the war was over and he had returned from evacuation he continued his education. After leaving school he enrolled at Croydon Polytechnic, studying construction. This course led to him serving his National Service with the Royal Engineers. Whilst the delights of Aldershot were vaguely interesting, it was the wonders and beauty of the mountains and lakes around Klagenfurt in Austria that he never forgot. Completing his National Service Dad returned home and began a career in the building supplies industry working for several companies, including Ready Mix Concrete. During this time he met Anne at the Royal Tournament of 1957, she was a nurse at Kings College Hospital. They married two years later in September 1959 at All Saints Church, Orpington and moved to Brokenhurst Way, Norbury. Like many newlyweds of that era, they had few possessions and then spent several years working hard to furnish their first home.

A few years later their first son, Hugh, was born. Dad was a member of Carshalton Athletic Football Club, playing as goalkeeper. This association led Mum and Dad to buy a house in Warnham Court Road, Carshalton Beeches. Almost immediately followed the birth of their second child William. By this time Dad had a sales job with Blue Circle Cement.

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Ten years later and with a promotion to Sales Manager for the Eastern Region, based at Normans Cement Works in Coldhams Lane, Cambridge, the whole family moved to Meldreth into the brand new development of Oakrits. Mum and Dad soon immersed themselves into village life and made many friends, who to this day remember them fondly. Mum became a friend of Meldreth church, ran the pre-school and became the deputy warden of the sheltered housing complex in Elin Way. Dad, although very busy with his new work commitments that his promotion brought, still found time to join the Parish Council. One of his proudest achievements, however, was starting a Saturday morning Football Club behind the Primary School, along with Alan Hazelwood. He loved coaching the boys, watching them develop and become more skilful. Dad enjoyed few things more than a good game of football on a Saturday morning.

Unfortunately during this time Mum was diagnosed with cancer and after a very long battle she passed away in December 1988. Dad continued to have an active role in the community, still on the Parish Council and a member of the Bowls Club. Dad’s brother Bryan has recalled recently Dad’s love of amateur dramatics. He remembers when they were young that Dad would hang around the theatres of Croydon, smoking cheap cigarettes in the manner of Noel Coward, all of which came to the fore again in Meldreth where many times Dad would compère the Meldreth “Frollies” in the Village Hall.

In the latter years of his time in Meldreth Dad was only living there at weekends whilst working and living in Kent during the week, as he had been promoted within Blue Circle to manage sales in the Southern Region of the UK. He was involved in major projects such as the Channel Tunnel and Orwell Bridge Construction. When he eventually retired from Blue Circle Cement he met and married his second wife Jill in September 1997 at St John the Baptist Church, Aldbury.

He sold the Oakrits house and moved to Tring, the other side of Hertfordshire, where he enjoyed a long, active and happy retirement in the beautiful Aylesbury Vale with Jill, embracing his new extended family in Nottingham and Giens on the Côte ‘Azur. He immersed himself in his new life in Tring. Holidaying and golfing were among his favourite hobbies, in between regular visits to his many friends and family in Meldreth, around the UK and the South of France. He could also often be spotted partaking in the other love of his life - eating cake in the many coffee shops of Berkhamsted. continued …

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I eventually settled in Meldreth with my wife and two children in December 2012. Dad was over the moon that I‘d returned to the village, as it always had a special place in his heart. It meant so much to all of us. He was extremely proud that we’d built our own house in Chiswick End and are about to build a second for my brother. Even in his 80s he would turn up on site to spend time helping out with the new build and lending his many years of experience in the construction industry. He enjoyed this immensely.

In June last year Dad found out he had stomach cancer. After initially considering surgery, his team of oncologists decided it was not in his best interests to operate. Whilst various different treatments to eradicate the cancer were tried, in January this year he was told that it had spread and was terminal. He spent the last three weeks of his life in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. I’m grateful that we managed to spend some lovely evenings together there, reminiscing about all the good times he had in Meldreth, especially hearing about some heated debates he’d had at the Parish Council meetings and the nights spent drinking after bowls matches with the Bowls Club members.

Given Dad’s love of Meldreth it is no surprise that his dying wish was to have the interment of his ashes in Meldreth churchyard. He said he liked the thought of being able to end his days listening to the gentle chitter chatter of the bowlers and the sound of the bowls clacking together on the bowls green across the road on balmy summer nights.

His wish was also to have inscribed on his stone the words “Always a friend of Meldreth”.

We will be having a short service at Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth at 12.30pm on 6th June and a gathering at the Bowls Club afterwards. If anyone that knew Barry would like to join us, they will be very welcome.

Will Burchett

Did You Know?

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See easyfundraising.org.uk for further information.

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June Events in Meldreth Friday 2nd June, 8.30-11.00pm Live acoustic music with local performers Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road, Meldreth All welcome free entry, licensed bar with real ale, etc Saturday , 3rd June, 10.30am until 12 noon Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Please join us if you can. Coffee or tea and biscuits are served at very reasonable prices. We look forward to seeing you.

Sunday 4th June, 1.30-5.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity: Open Gardens visit some of Meldreth’s gardens, from small to large £4.00 per adult; 50p per child See back page for details Thursday 8th June, 7.00am-10.00pm General Election Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall Saturday 10th June, midday onwards The British Queen, High Street Music in the garden from 4.00pm BBQ in the garden from 4.00pm Soul & funk DJ in the bar from 8.00pm For further details, see page 7 8

Saturday 10th June, 7.00pm for 7.15pm Race night Meldreth Village Hall £12 per ticket, includes a ploughman’s supper In aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire See page 22 for more information

Saturday 17th June, 11.00am-1.00pm Maycroft Summer Fete Maycroft Care Home, High Street See page 50 for further details Tuesday 20th June, 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Trust AGM Meldreth Village Hall Please come along if you want to know what we do or suggest what we should do Saturday 24th June, 12.30pm-4.00pm Meldreth Fete Holy Trinity Churchyard See pages 12 & 28-30 for further details Friday 30th June, 2.00pm WI’s Strawberry Tea Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way All welcome 9

Holding Out a Lifeline I spent my teenage years at a girls’ boarding school. I hated it, and dreaming dreams became a part of my coping strategy. Letters too, were a big part of those things that brought joy into our lives at school, both receiving and writing them. I longed for a pen friend, and one day was given the chance to write to a boy in Norway. This indeed was the stuff of dreams – this lad (I forget his name now, sadly) was bound to be fabulous looking; we would correspond for years, and eventually meet. And . . . , and . . . ! Well – the stuff of romance! I was thirteen at the time. I wrote to him, he wrote back, I replied, and wrote again, and there it ended. I just had to revert to finding solace in the weekly letters from my mother.

Fast forward nearly sixty years, and I found another pen-friend. He comes from Texas, his name is Larry, and he writes regularly. He sometimes calls me Ladybug, and says he regards me as a true friend.

He types his letters, and always ends them with a hand-written ‘SMILE’ and a lovely smiley face. He takes a lively interest in my family, my garden, my life here and some of the things I do. He has researched and found that seaweed is one of the best deterrents for slugs (if anyone is going to the seaside this summer and can bring me some back I would be so grateful!). He tells me that coyote poo is good for deterring rabbits from the garden, and is amused when I reply that I have already tried tiger poo and it didn’t work. He has sent me recipes for using okra, and many suggestions for growing tomatoes. When I told him about our recent campaign to have a footpath/cycle track built on the Meldreth-Shepreth Road as a condition of planning permission for the proposed greenhouse complex, he wrote vehemently strong letters to our County Councillor and to the Shepreth Parish Council, urging them to ensure this happened and produced ideas for how the issue could be resolved.

He has taught me much in other ways too – the value of a smile when things get tough for starters. He encourages me in my tiny efforts to make the world a better place and seems to enjoy hearing about and entering into some of these activities. He has allowed me to see and value the preciousness of each moment, the beauty in everything around us, fresh air, sunshine, wind and rain, and the immense value of freedom.

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I value his friendship, and feel so privileged to have this contact with someone in his position, and to learn how he copes, to find that kernel of strength in him that keeps him going, keeps him sane, and keeps him able to stay positive. Yes, he does have long periods of depression, and yes he does despair at times – who wouldn’t after nineteen years incarcerated in a tiny concrete cell in the Death Row unit of a huge prison complex in Texas? But that kernel of hope and strength is amazing, as is his refusal to let anger get the better of him.

My admiration for Larry is huge. Through his letters I get tiny glimpses of the hell that life on the Row is – the self-harming and suicides that take place, the frustrations when mail is not delivered, the restrictions on personal property, the food, the regular lock-downs when exercise and proper meals are denied, and the loneliness. I get glimpses, too, of the kindness of some of the men to each other, of the friendships built up and the support given and reciprocated. And of the devastating loss when a fellow inmate leaves for his last contact with his fellow human beings – his executioners. Despite all this Larry stays positive.

There are men on Death Row all across America who have asked for pen-pals and are on a waiting list for someone to write to. I know from my own days at boarding school how precious letters can be, particularly when feeling lonely and home-sick, so if writing to one of these men, or women, is something you feel you can do, do please get in touch with me, so I can tell you more and put you in touch with LifeLines, (www.LifeLines-uk.org.uk). It is not the stuff of dreams, and it is a big commitment, but there is plenty of support from LifeLines, and it is so worthwhile.

I end this piece with a short quote from Larry’s latest letter to me: ‘Every day I deal with different difficulties. With these trials come choices. I could easily act out and not follow the rules, be consumed with anger for being here when I shouldn’t, the list is long. Who would fault me for being this way? . . . I deal with these feelings everyday, and everyday have to make the choice to be a better man and grow in my faith for when this time is over . . . . Even dealing with all this still very blessed to have plenty food, water, shelter, a few extra things that so many do without . . . . .Why see the glass half empty when it’s equally half full, just open your eyes to this. . . . . Until our next letter take good care and SMILE.’ What a guy!

Ann Barnes 11

Meldreth Fete in the Churchyard Saturday 24th June, 12.30 – 4.00pm What a tremendous response we’ve had so far this year from the local community! Over 50 businesses have generously given us their support in many different ways.

Now we need your support: please come and join in the fun!

Start your day from 12.30pm with our lunchtime BBQ and stay for afternoon tea with homemade cakes through until 4.00pm.

Come and bid for a bargain in the Grand Auction with lots donated by local businesses. There are more than 30 lots in the pipeline as we go to press!

Raffle: 10 prizes including a top prize of £100!

Traditional competition classes [see entry form on pages 29-30]: jam, marmalade, chutney, flapjack and sponge cake and can we have more cakes for the cake stall, please?

Displays of flowers and vegetables.

Traditional stalls: bottles, books, plants and many more …

For children we have organised many exciting games, competitions and activities, including Beat the Goalie, Lucky Dip and the Treasure Map. Inside the church you will find the display and competition results of the Primary School Painting Competition.

Music from The Memphis Jazz Band The Grand Auction at 2.00pm Lots include: Leech & Sons - meat, cheese or deli to the value of £25; SMC Cleaning Services - windows cleaned to the value £15; Shepreth Wildlife Park – gift ticket for two adults and two children; Meldreth Driving School - introductory lesson value £40; Sheene Mill - afternoon tea for 2 value £38. Plus - haircuts, manicure, riding lesson, golf lesson, vouchers for garden centres & an MOT … the list goes on.

For information, please visit www.meldrethchurch.org.uk/fete, search for Meldreth Church Fete on Facebook or call Jane and Richard on 07702 632051.

Jane Remnant 12

FRIDAY 23 – SAT 24 JUNE ORWELL AND BARRINGTON 24 HOURS OF LIVE MUSIC 2PM – 2PM Highlights Include Hot Numbers Jazz Band: 9.30pm Friday evening in St Andrew’s Church Orwell.

Coffee and Croissants served from 9am at Barrington All Saints Church to the sounds of Eversden Brass Band.

Grand finale and raffle draw at The Royal Oak, Barrington: a Hog Roast with the music of folk rock band Carnac.

For the full line-up see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/24-HourMusic-Marathon-138747049948124/ and posters around the village.

Raffle tickets and a sealed bid auction will be available from 1st June to the end of the marathon.

Donations and sponsorship welcome: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/24hourMarathonMusic Please support this amazing event in aid of the Cambridge Cancer Help Centre

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Melwood from Spring to Summer Spring came in a bit of a rush, after a rather slow start. Snowdrops put on a good show, although a bit later than in recent years. The daffodils were also an excellent display, although as every year, I regret that they are all of cultivated varieties and not the true wild species. Cowslips in the meadow were even fewer than last year and the bluebells and primroses were heavily grazed by rabbits or deer but with large numbers of bluebell seedlings growing in pots and quite a lot more scattered in the wood, we may eventually reach a point where they grow sick of them. Other species encouraged by the Conservation Group are spreading and look to be fairly well established.

Occasionally, species appear as if from nowhere and this applies to a single flower of Ramsons, discovered in early May. Will it establish and spread or will it disappear, like the one that flowered briefly in a different part of the wood about ten years ago? Only time will tell.

By the middle of May, the trees and bushes were well into leaf. Small potted bushes of various species, planted last autumn, seem to be growing well but will need watering if the current drought continues.

Seedlings in pots intended to supply a bit of colour later in the summer will have to wait until the ground is much wetter before they can be planted.

Some of the Ash trees are now quite green, whilst others seem to be much slower, a few showing hardly any signs of bud burst. I don’t think this is anything to worry about but they need to be watched over the next few weeks. There was no evidence of Ash Dieback disease last autumn, so I am expecting that the slow ones will eventually catch up with the rest. On the Wimpole Estate, Ash Dieback is quite widespread in one wooded area but seems to be taking mostly the young and recently coppiced trees rather than the big mature specimens.

I have not yet seen signs of great activity around any of the nest boxes, although I have heard the characteristic tapping of birds working on the entrance holes. Blue Tits and Great Tits are both very busy gathering insect off the large Hawthorn bushes and should probably be feeding young soon, if not already engaged in this activity. It will be easier to see which boxes are in use as the chicks get bigger, as the parents will need to make very frequent feeding visits.

Butterflies seem to be making use of a larger area of the wood than in past years, probably as a result of the more sunny clearings now 14

present. The group has been criticised in the past for removing trees to create these sunny areas, so I include a couple of photographs of how this is done in a larger wood. A recent guided walk around Hayley Wood included the areas which are coppiced on about a 14 year cycle.

We saw the emergence of many young plants in the area coppiced last winter and the change of species in areas coppiced four to five years ago before bushes take over completely after eight to ten years. Areas of 1-acre are coppiced at a time.

On the left is the area coppiced last winter and on the right, the border between four and eight year coppice. In the foreground is the ground flora from four years ago and in the background the growth of bushes after about eight years. This is the traditional woodland management scheme and its re-introduction into Hayley Wood has resulted in an increase in many woodland plants, including Oxlip and Early Purple Orchid. In a wood as small as Melwood, the best we can do is create small pockets of light and hope this will be enough to allow species diversity. It is also worth noting that in Hayley Wood, the coppiced areas are surrounded by an eight foot wire fence to keep deer out. That is something else we cannot do in Melwood.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group

Refuse Collections Collections in June will be on the following dates: Black bins: 13th & 27th June Blue and Green bins: 6th & 20th June 15

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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk AGM The year’s events and future plans were reviewed using a PowerPoint presentation. The meeting approved funding for a roof alarm which will not only greatly improve security but will increase the level of insurance cover in that area. In this connection a person has been charged with theft of lead from Holy Trinity and also criminal damage and has been charged with a total of 18 offences relating to 9 different churches across various counties. He will appear in Peterborough Magistrates Court in early June.

After 14 years on The Friends committee Sandra Searles has decided to stand down. During this period she has made a major contribution to The Friends particularly during catering for the larger events and she has been Membership Secretary and handled publicity for much of the time. We are most grateful to Sandra for her contribution and support.

We are please to welcome Harry Stevenson who will join us in Sandra's place as one of the PCC’s nominations to The Friends committee.

This Month’s Event: Open Gardens, Sunday 4th June, 1.30-5.30pm Entrance: adults £4.00; children 50p For further information, see back page.

Forthcoming Events: Sunday 3rd September 13th Annual Churchyard Car show Initial planning has started.

John Price

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 20th June at 8.00pm at 85 North End, Meldreth. Please join us if you can. Prayer requests are welcomed and treated in strict confidence.

Marion Long (01763) 261365 17

Notes from a Small Garden As I write this column, that very cold and grey spell, lasting nearly a fortnight has been replaced by a simply glorious May day: cold at night but really hot in the afternoon. It's been such a patchy month so far in terms of weather but curiously some plants, like lilies of the valley have flowered early. Jim always gives me some of his sweet pea plants, which I planted out in the first week of April, and now they look so healthy and strong as they start to climb the canes. Jim starts the seeds off in November and picks the tops off when they are very small encouraging nice bushy plants.

This month one of the big successes has been the Montana group of clematis. I have a variety called Queen Elizabeth which has a lovely scent. As I passed on my way to Shepreth recently I saw a white Montana covering a long fence looking quite glorious. I must get another, as I lost mine some years ago. The key to stopping the formation of a "birds nest" of dead looking tangles of old woody stems is to prune the plant straight after flowering. It also helps to continue to cut back new stems throughout the summer and autumn.

And now to June, and for rose growers, one of the loveliest months, as well as much to do for those who enjoy growing vegetables. The extra long days and warmth encourage exuberant growth, but also encourages the weeds. Keep on top of them by hoeing regularly where you can as it saves a lot of time. I am always late on this job, but then I rather enjoy hand weeding on my knees these days. Unfortunately I sometimes 'lose' plants, especially new ones by letting the weeds take over. Am I the only one? Don't forget to: water and feed pots and hanging baskets pinch out side shoots on tomatoes prune spring flowering shrubs continue to plant lettuces and radishes Jim suggests that any trees or shrubs which were planted in the autumn/ winter should be given a good watering now and if possible a mulch of manure/compost at least three inches deep.

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Don’t forget the Open Gardens day on Sunday 4th June and the Veg Plus visit to Gotha Gardens near Ashwell on the afternoon of Sunday 11th June.

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Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

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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.

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

Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 19

Meldreth WI Mrs Bates welcomed us to the May meeting and forthcoming events were discussed. Names were taken for a visit to The Gotha Gardens Ashwell on 25th May. At 2.00pm on 30th June there will be a Strawberry Tea in the Community Room Elin Way. Everyone is welcome so please come along and have a cup of tea and enjoy a social gathering.

Carol Pook made her third visit to us in May. Her talks are always very interesting and this one was about Agatha Christie. Apart from writing detective novels, at times quite a mystery surrounded the author. Born in 1890 into a wealthy family living in Torquay, she served as a nurse in WW1 and began writing soon after. She was initially unsuccessful until the 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' was published in 1920. One of the biggest mysteries about Agatha Christie was her disappearance in 1926: her husband Archie who she loved passionately asked her for a divorce as he had met and fallen in love with a lady he had met while working at the British Empire Exhibition. They had a terrible row at Christmas and he left the house to go to his mistress’s home. Agatha got into her car and drove off telling her maid to cancel all her engagements for a month. Her car was found abandoned on a cliff edge near where he was staying and there was no sign of her. After an extensive search involving the police and even an aeroplane she was discovered living at The Swan Hotel in Harrogate. She claimed loss of memory but was it, or was it a publicity stunt or a case of 'hell hath no fury' etc? 'The little grey cells' must get to work!

Next month we will have Stephen Poyser talking about Beekeeping and the Gardener Do come along at 7.30pm on Thursday 8th June but please note change of venue for this meeting only—to Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way. Kathleen Thompson

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Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 20

WI Programme: 2017-18 8th June

Beekeeping and the Gardener - Stephen Poyser

13th July

Dinner

10th August

Georgian Society and Costume - Fran Saltmarsh

14th September Wet, Wild and Green - Geoff Evans 12th October

'A Puppet's Tale' - Angela Collins

9th November

Fun With Science - Glynis Pilbean

14th December

Christmas Meeting

11th January

You Couldn't Make It Up: Life as a Novelist - Sarah Harrison

8th February

What is Pilates? - Eileen Dixon

8th March

AGM and puddings

12th April

Flowers and Fun - Kathleen Doggett

10th May

Silver Jewellery from Natural Sources - Carol Banks Kathleen Thompson

Good Companions At our last meeting we tried to concentrate on a lively game of bingo. Marion operated the electric machine which did not always connect towards the end of the session giving us time to relax. Afterwards we had our usual cup of tea and biscuits and we drew the raffle. Our June meeting will be held on Thursday 1st June at 2.00pm in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way when Jane Poole will be giving us advice on how to keep 'young at heart'.

Laraine Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432 21

22

What’s On for Children and Families in June These events are taking place in the local area. For Meldreth events, please see pages 8-9.

Thursday 1st June, from 10.00am Wood Green Animal Centre, Godmanchester PE29 2NH Gardening fun, vet role play, crafts and the Cotton Tail Trail – become an animal detective and find out about rabbits to win a prize. Free. No need to book. Bounce! provides unlimited use of the inflatables for £8.

Bounce! and Cotton Tail Trail also available Friday 2nd June.

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June, 10.30am – 5.00pm Joust for Elizabeth, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF Meet Queen Elizabeth I, see minstrels, musicians and falcons. Watch knights battling for love. Learn about court etiquette. Adults £19.70, children £12.10, families £51.50. For information ring 0370 333 1181.

Sunday 11th June, 10.30am – 5.00pm Steampunk at Denny Abbey! Ely Road, Waterbeach CB25 9PQ A day of Victorian and science fiction fun with aliens and zombies. In association with Cambridge Museum of Technology and Steampunk.

For information see www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk.

Saturday 17th June, 10.30am – 12.30pm Animals of India, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Search for animals in the Indian miniatures show and sculpt your own Indian-inspired animal. Ages 5 – 7years. £8 per child. To book, ring (01223) 332904 or email education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 17th and Saturday 24th June, 1.00 – 3.30pm Marmalade Cake at Peckover House, Wisbech PE13 1JR Experience the busy kitchen of the house as servants prepare a birthday tea party for Alexandrina, age 10 – and engage in a bit of gossip. No need to book. Free but admission charges to house and garden are £7.80 for adults, £3.90 for children. For information, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Sunday 25th June, 11.00am or 2.00pm Family Jam – Sing! Saffron Hall, Audley End Rd, CB11 4UH A song workshop for all the family (children aged 5+) £5 per person. To book online, go to www.saffronhall.com or ring 0845 548 7650.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 23

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24

Did You Attend Melbourn Village College?

If so, the College would like to hear from you. We are trying to get in touch with as many past pupils as possible from all walks of life to find out where they are now and what they are doing.

Deputy Principal Regina Lawrence said: “It is part of our ‘Somebody Amazing’ starts at Melbourn Village College programme to inform and inspire current students. It doesn’t matter whether you left the College three years ago or 30, your story is still one we want to hear.

“We are also offering alumni the chance to get involved with the College again – if they want to – as mentors or by offering work experience to current students.”

Melbourn alumni include Olympic diving medallist Dan Goodfellow, Lucy Landymore, a Young Musician of the Year finalist, Harry Galloway, part of the National Youth Dance Company, and Stephanie Winiecki, a member of the Young Shakespeare Company.

For more details of how to tell your story or to get involved, please contact Alison Friday on (01763) 223400 or office@melbournvc.org or visit the alumni page of the website www.melbournvc.org.

Melbourn Village College

Volunteering Opportunities Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery Exciting opportunities exist for new volunteers to become involved. A variety of skills, experience and enthusiasm are welcomed to take on a range of roles to ensure the smooth running of the museum. Additional help is needed with providing information and answering questions about the collection, offering a warm, friendly welcome to visitors, processing shop sales using the till and answering the telephone.

There are also opportunities to help prepare for and volunteer at events, assist with making object inventories and input this information onto a database and more.

For further details please contact Royston and District Volunteer Centre, info@roystonvolunteer.org.uk or telephone (01763) 243020.

25

Meldreth Primary School Year Six - Stepping up to SATs The summer heralds the last term in primary education for the Year 6 children. It also heralds Standard Assessment Testing (SATs) of the children, when they sit not one exam, but six (a rather pertinent number) - a reading comprehension, a grammar & punctuation paper, spelling, maths arithmetic calculation and two longer maths reasoning papers.

As usual, there has been plenty of furore in the media. Should 10 and 11 year olds face testing? Does it put them under too much pressure?

Have a quick peak at some example questions taken from the tests ‌ could you do them?

1. Underline the verb form that is in the present perfect in the following passage: Rachel loves music and has wanted to learn how to play the piano for years. She was hoping for piano lessons, and was delighted when her parents gave her a keyboard for her birthday.

2. Which verb completes the sentence so that it uses the subjunctive form?

I wish I _____ able to join you, but it will not be possible.

3. Circle all the prepositions in the following sentence: He walked through the doorway and sat behind the desk.

4. Calculate the size of angles a and b in the diagram on the right.

So how do my marvellous Meldreth Primary Year 6 (pictured below) feel? I asked them to share their thoughts both before the test week commenced and then again once they had finished the tests.

26

Here are some of their responses - they make me pretty proud that I have such a set of superstars in my class. They just get it…..

Before: Mostly I feel excited as we are prepared for them. It’s a little nerve-racking doing something for the first time but the challenge will be good fun! I’m just excited to get them out the way.

After: SATs were a lot better than I thought! In fact, I was surprised that I enjoyed them.-Lola B Before: SATs are next week…I’m fine about it; we’ve done loads of practice and they’re only tests (hurrah…great attitude says Mrs W). I don’t think they’ll be that bad and I’m excited that I then won’t have to think about big tests until GCSE’s!

After: SATs were much easier than we were told. The week went really fast and just felt like normal school days!-Abi B Before: I can’t wait for the challenge and to show them what I can do!

After: I don’t know why I thought it would be difficult…the arithmetic was the easiest.-Lucas N Before: Honestly, I will just take it as a normal week. I will use the week to show my next school what I can do. With the support I’ve had, it just calms me down! If I finish the SATs without a breakdown, my parents will be proud… and so will I! (I should think so too! – Mrs W).

After: It wasn’t what I expected…I say that, as in I thought they would be difficult … but NO! It was too easy! I am proud of myself! (Phew!

No breakdown then!?! – Mrs W).-Daniel F Before: I’m not really looking forward to it. I know it’s not that big a deal, but the pressure is building on my nerves. I think I will do alright, but I get anxious and have butterflies in my tummy when it’s mentioned. Then only thing I look forward to is laughing my head off at the Year 5’s having to work their socks off while us Year 6’s do hardly anything! (…….mmmmm…oh dear! There may be trouble ahead… I need to break it gently. Year 6…doing nothing. Think again….. this is Woodpecker! – Mrs W).

After: It wasn’t bad after all. The worrying before was an overreaction! By the second one I was used to it. What made it better, in my opinion, was the support AND THE BISCUITS!!-Olivia D 27

Sally Willan

28

Meldreth Fete Saturday 24th June, 12.30-4.00pm Produce Competition Classes

Domestic 1.

Jar of jam

2.

Jar of marmalade

3.

Jar of Joan Gipson’s chutney

4.

Six pieces of flapjack

5.

A sponge cake

Flowers and Vegetables 6.

A bridal nosegay

7.

Spray from a flowering shrub

8.

Rose or spray of roses for scent

9.

Three stems of roses (same variety)

10.

Three stems of a single perennial

11.

Bouquet garni (five different culinary herbs bunched together ready for the pot)

12.

An unusual vegetable

13.

A lettuce

29

Meldreth Fete Flower and Produce Entry Form Name: Address:

Telephone: Please ring classes entered: Domestic:

1

2

3

4

5

Flowers

6

7

8

9

10

Vegetables

11 12

13

Please bring your entries to the Church before 10.00am on Saturday 24 June SCHOOL COMPETITION & DISPLAY

A painting/artwork on the theme of vegetables (judged in school the previous week) 30

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31

Meldreth Villag Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs

2.00-4.00pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis 7.30pm Paris

1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 1 19 20 21 2 26 27 28 2 The copy deadline for the July issue of Meldreth Matters is Monday 12th June

To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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

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

Copy deadline for July issue

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 12.30pm Service for Barry Burchett, Church 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 6.00pm Veg Club Plus, 90a High Street 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

7.00am-10.00 Day, Green R

6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

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

7.30pm WI (C Room, Elin W

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm 6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing Tennis

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

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

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Trust AGM 8.00pm Prayer Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

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

9.15am Cycling Group

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00-7.00 Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.45pm Women’s Group

Church Services, Bell Ringing and Messy Church are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Gro Group and the ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in t otherwise indicated.

32

ge Diary - June

sday

Friday

Good

8.30-11.00pm Live Music, Eternit Sports and Social Club (see page 8)

Saturday

Sunday

10.00am - 4.00pm Mouse Show 10.30am-12 noon Coffee Break

8.00am Holy Communion 1.30-5.30pm Open Gardens, Holy Trinity (see back page) 2.30-6.30pm Tea Dance 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

4.00pm onwards Event at The British Queen (see page 7)

9.45am Family Communion for Trinity Sunday 5.30pm Meat Raffle, BQ

1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 5 16 17 18 2 23 24 25 9 30

m Fitness

m Table

h Council

0pm Polling Room

m Fitness

7.00 for 7.15pm Race Night (see page 22)

Community Way)

m Fitness

m Table

m Fitness

m Table

2.00pm WI Strawberry Tea, Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way (see page 20)

11.00am-1.00pm Maycroft Fete, Maycroft Care Home, High Street (see page 50)

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

12.30-4.00pm Meldreth Fete, Holy Trinity Church (see pages 12 & 28)

8.00am Holy Communion 5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

Mobile Library The Mobile Library will visit Bell Close on the third Tuesday of the month from now on. That means this month’s visit will be on Tuesday 20th June from 10.40 to 11.30am.

oup meets at 85 North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History n Way. Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless 33

MELDRETH

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Tel: 01763 261463

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THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR REVISE YOUR EXISTING WILL? If so, please take advantage of our reduced rate wills offer.

Please note that reduced rate wills will be available every week day from 8.00am until 6.00pm and on Tuesdays evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only.

Also on the Saturday morning of 10th and 24th JUNE and 22nd JULY 2017, again by appointment only: Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £250.00 plus VAT Single Will - £130.00 plus VAT HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF ROYSTON. For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241121 t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk 34

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 5th May 2017 in Meldreth Village Hall.

Present: Councillor R W Goddin (Chairman) Councillor N P Pellatt (Vice Chairman), Councillor C A Land, Councillor R A Searles In attendance: Mrs J Damant (Clerk), Councillor S van der Ven (CCC) Apologies for absence: Councillor J Fallon, Councillor A Keena, Councillor D Lee, Councillor A Young.

Councillor P Hart (SCDC) also sent her apologies.

Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman Councillor R W Goddin and Councillor N P Pellatt were respectively nominated for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively and their appointments were agreed. Councillor Goddin took the chair.

Public Participation Five members of the public were in attendance. Mrs Clare Silver, the Chair of Meldreth Futures, read out her report, to be discussed later in the agenda. It was requested that the next Parish Council meeting should consider the Council’s computer system and website. Regular articles will be provided to Meldreth Matters covering the activities of the Futures Group.

Report from District Councillor was noted.

Report from County Councillor (see pages 42-43) was noted.

Councillor Goddin noted some concerns about the effects on road traffic likely to arise from the construction of the cycle path/footway through the village of Harston.

The election of Planning Committee took place and nominations to Working Groups/Key representatives and Trustees were confirmed.

Tennis Courts The establishment of the Working Group was confirmed. It was noted that following considerable due diligence, the Tennis Club had chosen the contractors and that work would start in the near future. It was 35

agreed that the Council had no objection to Meldreth Tennis Club being the contracting counterparty.

Of the total required of approximately £58,000, the Tennis Club had raised all but £5,000 of this amount, the latter being offered by the Meldreth Futures Fund.

The Tennis Club and the Council have each agreed to allocate £1,500 towards annual costs.

Parish Councillor Vacancy The deadline for co-option applications is 19th May 2017 and co-option can take place at the Council meeting in early June.

Train Station Network Rail have not yet replied to the Council’s submission regarding the decision not to extend the platform at Meldreth Proposed closure of the railway crossing on footpath 10: the Council and Councillor van der Ven have responded to this proposal and await replies from the Secretary of State for Transport.

Church Wall Repairs A response is awaited from the architect in the form of a specification.

This will then be submitted to SCDC. Meldreth Futures Working Group Following the verbal report earlier in the meeting, the Council considered the following detailed matters arising: The deferment by Melwood of the decision to purchase machinery from a Futures grant, to enable Melwood to appraise various types of machines. This is intended to ensure that the most suitable machine is acquired. The Council agreed to this deferment subject to being kept informed of progress, it being noted that allocated funds need to be used within a reasonable period of time.

A proposal from Melbourn Village College for financial assistance for disadvantaged pupils was rejected on the basis that it lay outside the powers of the Council to award community funds for the purpose requested.

The case of Meldreth Pre-school having been awarded a grant of £1,500 in May 2016 and having spent the grant largely on items that were not the subject of the original request. This matter remains under review and the issues will be raised with the recipients as a matter of priority.

36

Marley Eternit Proposed development of 150 dwellings. It was reported that the application would be considered by SCDC at their Planning Committee meeting in June.

Playground All equipment reported in good working order; rocking horse repaired.

Quotes awaited for tree and hedge work on recreation ground.

One tree needs more urgent attention and it was agreed to spend £190 to enable work to proceed.

Recreation Ground Guidance awaited from SCDC regarding ditch work required.

Councillor Pellatt suggested writing to SCDC and riparian owners regarding clearing the ditch into which the longer ditch drains. Both ditches need clearance to avoid water backing up. Councillor Goddin suggested asking the proposed contractors for the longer ditch to provide a quotation for clearing the shorter ditch on the other side of Footpath 8.

Pavilion Issues Construction: Councillor Pellatt reported that progress is good and that water can be made available to the tennis court contractors. Some urgent plastering was omitted from the original specification. This was undertaken through the Football Club and it was agreed to reimburse expenses of £700 for this work.

Security: positioning of CCTV security system to be discussed with contractors and reported to next meeting.

Management programme: articles for cleaner and overseer positions have been submitted to Meldreth Matters and notices placed in the village shop.

Football Club Rental Payments It was noted that the Saturday Club had not been invoiced for certain rental payments over a long period. Noting that the Saturday Club has actively helped the Sunday Club with regard to the pavilion and the pitch marking, it was agreed that in lieu of unpaid rents the Club would pay for a professional painter to decorate the rooms in the pavilion, to include the cost of materials. Rents will now be set at £300 pa and invoiced every four months.

37

Insurance Issues Councillor Pellatt will review and action the insurance documents and quotations for the Council’s insurance.

Melwood wish to hold a children’s event in June and it was agreed that they should be advised to effect separate event cover for this.

Tree Survey The Clerk has prepared a draft Tree Policy, to be sent to Tree Warden Mrs Margaret Lynch for her review and comment.

Mettle Hill Update Councillor Goddin reported that discussions were taking place with two affordable housing developers. It is apparent that the financial return to the village from an affordable housing scheme would be considerably less than from a park home scheme. The Working group, which is now focusing on these two proposals, both of which will require planning consent, is moving towards making its recommendations to the Council.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Thursday 1st June 2017 at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Parish Councillors: Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

(01763) 261571

david@oakrits.plus.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

38

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Meals service: nutritious, hot lunchtime meal delivered to you.

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39

Problem Parking in South Cambridgeshire Village Communities As a result of concerns expressed by the public attending local police panel meetings, the Area Commander, South Cambs, Chief Inspector James Sutherland, agreed to see what could be done ...

So in February 2017 the Police launched a website where the public could register complaints about parking in village communities.

As promised, information posted to the police on the site initiated the running of their first two crackdown days. During these days they ringfenced PCSOs to deploy them only to the places where parking was reported as a problem. Before deployment, a careful review of the information was made from which it was clear that a lot of the parking being complained about wasn't necessarily illegal.

This is due to some confusion about the difference between a Highway Code Rule and the rules established by the Road Traffic Act. Without getting too technical, there are some rules in the highway code which are 'should not' and some that are 'must not'. Only the latter can be legally enforced. However, the police recognised that anti-social parking that breaches the highway code was a concern in many communities, so rather than take no action, a letter highlighting the rules of the Highway Code was placed under windscreen wipers of any car found breaching one of the rules.

The police say they looked at ways of using technology to set up this PCSO activity cutting out some back office work and ensuring no additional expense to the public purse.

Over the course of the two days an impressive combined ticket/letter total of 200 was issued. The police say they aim to repeat crackdown days at unannounced intervals throughout the year, striking a balance between dealing with parking concerns and the other very important work that our PCSOs have to do. So, please continue to use the website to report concerns - we are essentially starting with a clean sheet so if parking is a problem in your road, you need to tell us about it.

You can find the link here: http://tinyurl.com/SouthCambs-Parking (The information in this article was taken from an email sent by Inspector Sutherland to all members of the public who subscribed to the ECOPS messaging system.

You can sign up to ECOPS at 40

https://www.cambs.police.uk/ecops/ to receive regular updates about crime and anti-social behaviour.)

For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Meldreth Futures Group Welcome to the latest Meldreth Futures Group update.

We meet up every two months to review any applications for funding for Meldreth projects. We are working in between to find and research suitable projects that will benefit Meldreth residents and the village as a whole.

During May we will have been working on the Meldreth Futures website www.meldrethfutures.org.uk so that information about the Solar Funding and other funding can be viewed on this website.

The website is linked to the Meldreth Parish Council website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

The new application form has been designed to make applications easier and to clarify the criteria required for such an application. It will be available soon for downloading from the website. It is not difficult to complete and help is available by contacting our Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

There were no new recommendations in May. However, we are working on a few projects and will report back again soon.

It is good to see a new generation of residents now coming forward to support our great village and working so well together.

Keep those ideas coming!

Joan Gane on behalf of Meldreth Futures Group

New to the village?

Information on village facilities and over 30 local groups is available at

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 41

County Councillor’s Report Biodegradable Bin Liners It turns out that not all bin liners sold as ‘biodegradable’ are of a high enough standard to be able to be processed with our green waste. Therefore, bin liners are not to be put into green bins. The information provided about this is somewhat obscure and I’ve posted the query I received about this, and the County Council’s lengthy response, on my website blog.

Multi-use All–Weather 9 kilometre Trail at Wimpole Hall The National Trust is working with Sport England to create an all-yearround multi-use path at ten National Trust estates around the country, including Wimpole Hall. The idea is for the trail to be easy to use by everyone, including wheelchair and pushchair users. The project is planned to start this year and will comprise a circular route, about 9km long, around the estate. There are echoes of the Greenways project here and together these could constitute a very welcome recreational asset for our area.

Meldreth Station Booking Office Govia Thameslink Railway have confirmed that a permanent post for the Meldreth Station Booking Office has now been offered through a recruitment exercise. Hopefully we’ll have more definitive news at next month’s Rail User Group, on 13th June, 7.00 for 7.30pm, at Foxton Village Hall. Unfortunately, the lack of temporary staff cover has meant that the station is still frequently unmanned.

Cam Vale Bus Users Group About 20 regular bus users attended the Bus and Community Transport Information Evening held on 19th April at the Elin Way Community Room. Royston and District Community Transport also attended and provided much useful advice. It was agreed that bus users in our area would benefit from a dedicated bus users’ group. Those present christened it the Cam Vale Bus Users Group and it will meet again in late June to adopt a constitution – details to be confirmed. For the time being, I’ve posted the minutes of this group on my website. Would the Parish Council and/or Meldreth Futures Group like to be involved in finding out more?

Shuttle Service to Meldreth Station One of the very useful things I have learned while election canvassing in the new ‘Melbourn and Bassingbourn Division’ is just how much traffic flows through to Meldreth from Bassingbourn and Whaddon, largely 42

because those villages have such poor public transport – and because Whaddon, so close to Meldreth, has no off-road path. In particular, it seems to be sixth formers who rely on Meldreth Station. A shuttle link service would be good for everyone – providing lifts and freeing up parents who may be needing to get to work, and reducing road traffic. Royston and District Community Transport is prepared to provide an early morning/late afternoon shuttle service. The job now is to conduct a household transport needs survey in those villages needing the service, to understand the strength of demand and cost out the options. The idea would be to start in September. As discussed at the Cam Vale Bus Users’ group, should a commercial provider put forward a proposal to run a shuttle, RDCT would welcome this – but as our local community transport provider they are also prepared to step in and get it started.

A10 Cycle Path Directional signage and ‘dual use’ signs indicating the paths are meant for walkers too, are now being placed at key points along the whole route. While the tarmac is down, it’s essential that these other aspects of work are attended to. Meanwhile, it’s good to see the beneficial effect of the AstraZeneca maintenance grant and improved cut-back of vegetation. It has now been confirmed that work to create a dual use path through Harston is scheduled to begin at the end of July and will take 4-6 months.

Station Tubs Flower tubs at Meldreth Station will be ready soon for summer planting. We now have Duke of Edinburgh and Girl Guide volunteers helping with watering.

Drop-in Advice Surgery I’ll be continuing to hold my monthly drop-in advice surgery at the Melbourn Hub, every first Monday of the month from 2.30-3.30pm. If that’s inconvenient or you’d like to meet at another time and closer to home, please let me know and we can arrange this.

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group We’ll be holding our next meeting in Foxton Village Hall, at 7.00pm for 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Everyone is welcome. An agenda will be posted nearer the time on the Rail User Group website.

Susan van de Ven Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 43

Local Events in June Here is a selection of events happening nearby in June. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Until 11th June “Captured” Photography Exhibition The Plough, 12 High Street, Shepreth, SG8 6PP Three photographers - Sarah Ringsell, Steve Dehavilland and James March - each with very different and unique styles and subjects.

Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th June, 10.00am – 5.00pm Hatfield House Food Festival, Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ Over 150 exhibitors, including local producers, artisan food and drink.

Plus live music, BBQ master classes. Tickets £9 adults (seniors£6); children 5 – 15 years £5. www.hatfieldfoodfestival.co.uk.

Sunday 4th June, 2.30pm to 5.30pm Madingley Hall Open Gardens, Madingley CB23 8AQ Enjoy a stroll in the attractive 8 acre gardens of this 16th century manor house and have home-made tea at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Admission £5 adults, free for children. Proceeds to National Gardens Scheme charities. Further information: www.madingleyhall.co.uk.

Saturday 10th June, 11.00am to 4.00pm Trumpington Meadows Discovery Day Nature Reserve, Grantchester Road, Trumpington CB2 9LH Celebrate the rich variety of wildlife on this beautiful reserve at their annual ‘Discovery Day’. Activities, meet with local community groups, refreshments. Free. Further information & other events: www.bcn.org.

Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th June, at various times Melbourn Bloomsday Festival, venues throughout Melbourn Readings in period costume from James Joyce’s Ulysses, plus a lecture, exhibition, film, live music, creative artists and writers talking about their work. All events free but donations to Water Aid welcomed. See page 46 for further details. Full information available at: www.facebook.com/MelbournBloomsdayFestival.

Wednesday 14th June, 6.30pm The Health of the Nation – Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century; Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL Lecture by Professor Gina Radford. Tickets £7.50, £4 students from Cathedral Box Office (01353) 660349 or www.tickets.elycathedral.org.

44

Saturday 17th June, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting, NB at Green Barn, Fowlmere SG8 7TG Rev. Colin Smith will talk on ‘Confessions of a Methodist Minister’!

Book with Tony Garrick (01223) 510201 garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377 mark-howard@uwclub.net.

Saturday 17th June, 7.30pm Jazz in the Gardens, Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Relax with a picnic and listen to vintage jazz band Dickie de Vere and the Dorchester Mavericks play your favourite dance band tunes.

Tickets: adults £10, children £6: www.liveadvanceticketing.co.uk.

Wednesday 21st to Monday 26th June, at various times Cambridge Midsummer Fair and Market Midsummer Common, Cambridge Enjoy a day out at a traditional summer fair at one of Cambridge’s most historic events, now in its 806th year! Fun fair plus stalls, food, clothing, crafts: www.visitcambridge.org for further announcements.

Friday 23rd to Saturday 24th June, 2.00pm to 2.00pm Orwell and Barrington 24 Hour Music Marathon St Andrew’s Church, Orwell and All Saints Church, Barrington Featuring classical, jazz, folk rock, the Orwell Singers, Eversden Brass Band and many others. In aid of Cambridge Cancer Help Centre. See page 13. For the full line-up see their Facebook page and posters around the village.

Saturday 24th June, 2.00pm to 4.30pm Stapleford Village Show The Marquee, Stapleford Recreation Ground CB22 5BQ 90 Competitive classes including fruit and vegetables, flowers, home produce, arts and crafts, photography – this year’s theme the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book! Plus stalls, games and refreshments. Admission: adults £1, children free.

Saturday 24th June, 7.30pm Royston & District Choral Society: Music for a Summer Evening Chrishall Parish Church, Chrishall, Essex SG8 8QU Varied programme to suit all musical tastes, with guest choristers and choir under the directorship of Andrew O’Brien. Tickets £12, concessions £9 and school students £1 from Caroline Franks on (01920) 822723 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/366497.

Compiled by John Crawforth 45

Melbourn Bloomsday Festival Following the successful events in 2015 and 2016, Bloomsday in Melbourn has expanded in 2017 with FREE activities from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th June. Details are shown below. For further information, please see the Festival’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MelbournBloomsdayFestival.

The central activity of the Festival is “Bloomsday” - always on 16th June. Held in major towns and cities of many countries, Melbourn is now added to that prestigious list. Villagers, local college students and participants from nearby villages and Cambridge will stage readings, in period costume, from James Joyce’s seminal novel Ulysses.

DATE

TIME

PLACE

ACTIVITY

Tuesday 13th

10am to 11am

Hub

Launch & short story reading

Tuesday 13th

7pm to 9.15pm

MVC

Film Show: Howards End

Wed. 14th

10.30am to 12.30pm

Hub

Creative Arts Seminar

Thur 15th to Thurs & Fri: 9am to 5pm Hub Sat 17th Saturday 9am to 4pm Thursday 15th 10.30am to11.30am Baptist Church Hall Thursday 15th 7.15pm to 9pm MVC

Friday 16th

All day

Friday 16th

11.45am to 12.30pm

Friday 16th

7.30pm to 9.30pm

Saturday 17th

11am to 3pm

Saturday 17th

9pm till late

Various venues United Reformed Church All Saints’ Church Pavilion, The Moor The Black Horse

Art Exhibition “T” for Tolerance Tea Break

Lecture by Dr Jeremy NoelTod, UEA, on the influence of James Joyce Readings from James Joyce’s Ulysses Concert

Concert Performances and Creative Arts Folk music by Greenshoots

All the events are FREE but donations to Water Aid are welcomed.

WaterAid is an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation.

We look forward to seeing you at one, or many, of the events.

Bruce Huett 46

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The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages.

We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area.

Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack.

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47

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group In April Terry Morris from Herts Police HQ came and talked to us about scams - but only after reassuring us that we live in one of the safest counties! Incidents of mugging and burglary have declined but scams have increased. There are three main types: computers, phones and others all after your money.

Telephone calls from police: they will never do this, they would always call at your house so never believe that the police are on the line.

Scammers have devices that can make you think you are ringing from your phone but in fact you are still talking to scammers posing as police or your banker. In short, don’t get into conversation with anyone as they will elicit more information from you in an effort to con you into believing they are genuine. Similarly with calls claiming to be from Microsoft or PPI scams.

Computer scams abound – even from such sources as HMRC, FedEx and PayPal to name but a few. They may look genuine but they are not. If you don’t know the source of an email don’t open the link as opening a hyperlink can allow viruses to be downloaded onto your computer. The advice is to have different emails for different sources and to change your password every six months.

ATM machines – beware of people looking over your shoulder or distracting you whilst others pinch your money. Similarly, be aware of people shoulder surfing in the supermarket whilst you are putting your PIN in, this may be followed by distractions outside whilst your card is stolen. General advice is be aware of those around you and if need be cancel your transaction and ask them to step away.

Terry gave us information sheets, bells to attach to our purses to deter thieves and foil pouches to put credit/debit contactless cards in to prevent scanning of them – illustrated using an app downloaded on his phone!! Ann gave a vote of thanks to Terry for a very enjoyable evening. He can be contacted at terrymorris2@herts.pnn.police.uk.

Our next meeting is on 27th June at Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room, Meldreth and begins at our usual time of 7.45pm. We are looking forward to hearing more about “The Laughter Specialists” which was the charity we sponsored last year. If you would like a lift please contact one of the committee members.

Pat Smith 48

Maycroft Care Home Our last trip out on Thursday 13th April took us to pastures new to one of our residents. It was a bright spring day and the gardens at Maycroft were full of vibrant colours and birdsong. The Royston and District Community Transport minibus arrived so three staff and Ray accompanied five house mates to go to Bassingbourn via Fenny Lane and Mettle Hill. We travelled on to Litlington, Steeple and Guilden Mordens and then to Ashwell. We enjoyed seeing all the old timbered houses especially in Ashwell. As we went along, the fields were full of bright green spring wheat, the hedgerows were sprouting white blossom and yellow dandelions smothered the verges. We decided we would count the number of lovely pink blossom trees we saw and by the time we arrived back we had reached about 120! We crossed the A505 and progressed through Kelshall, Therfield and along past the Heath. After going through Royston we made our way back to Maycroft. We'd had a very comfortable and enjoyable trip out.

Carol and Ray

On Thursday, 4th May we went to Wimpole Hall Farm to see the young animals. This was a date suggested by the farm itself, as being a good day especially for the lambs. We arrived at the specially arranged back entrance after driving through the lush green parkland, full of grazing animals. When we entered the farm we first saw them harness up two magnificent Shire horses and attach them to the farm cart which ferries visitors to and from the main house to the farm. Then we were greeted by the urgent cries of recently born lambs. In fact we were lucky enough to see two, only just born, stand up for the first time on very wobbly legs. We saw others suckling while the mothers stood eating hay from hanging baskets. We then witnessed the large rare White Park cattle with their calves nearby. They have many breeds of rare British pigs with quite large litters of piglets. We very interested to see how hairy some of these breeds are. There was so much to see but it left us with very happy memories to take back to Maycroft.

Rosemary and Carol continued ...

49

Our monthly musical entertainment continued with Sing-Along with Jim who made two visits during May. He also included a musical quiz where we played against other care homes he visits. Juke Box Legends returned, when Elvis always made an appearance as usual. One of the male residents really likes the female singer, who comes as one of the pair of entertainers. Julie, the activities coordinator always brings out the keyboard at least once a week so we can join in singing our old favourites.

On the third Thursday of every month a vicar from Melbourn or Meldreth parish churches comes along with some of the parishioners to have a short service with the residents. Pauline Penfold accompanies the well known hymns on the keyboard. They bring the large print word sheets with them so everyone can join in if they wish.

Maycroft Annual Fete Saturday 17th June from 11.00am to 1.00pm This is the main fundraising event of the year and one in which the residents take pride, from helping to make bunting to assisting on some of the stalls. We do hope some of you will be able to support us even if it is only for a short while. We will have all the usual stalls, such as plants, cakes, tombola, games, jewellery and a great raffle. Also new this year is a picture and art stall and the book stall, which will include CD’s and DVD’s. There will also be light refreshments available throughout the two hours.

If you can donate anything to any of the stalls you can either bring it to the home and put it in the large green box outside or alternately we can probably collect if you can leave a message with the office ring (01763) 260217.

Sponsored Walk Sunday 20th August at 10.30am for Alzheimer’s Research UK We have chosen this charity as their research benefits all types of dementia and they are locally based. We will start from Maycroft and it is proposed that the walkers and wheelchair pushers will walk along the High Street past the shop to Flambards Close. The wheel chair users can then see the walkers off as they go over the bridge and through Melwood to Topcliffe Mill. The wheelchair users will reverse and go back towards Maycroft. Here the pushers can decide with the resident, on one of the three options according to the weather and strength of the 50

pushers to welcome back the walkers. All the participants will be able to have refreshments either out on the lawn or inside. Everyone can get the sponsorship forms verified. We estimate this will take about an hour of your time along a very pretty walk, especially if you are not familiar with the area.

Further details next month.

We hope you all find it interesting to read about what goes on at Maycroft and hope you all enjoy the summer.

Rosemary, Ray and Friends of Maycroft

Meldreth’s New Tennis Courts After many meetings, a plethora of form filling and lots of other hurdles to jump, Meldreth Tennis Club has finally reached its target and raised the £60,000 required to refurbish the dilapidated tennis courts on the recreation ground. The Contractor is due to commence work at the beginning of June. The build will take approximately 8-10 weeks and will involve removing the grassed area inside the fence, resurfacing the tarmac area and colour coating the finished courts in an attractive two tone green. All the old fencing, gates, nets and posts will be replaced and new benches installed.

While the work is under way eight parking bays adjacent to the courts in the Village Hall car park will be fenced off to enable the contractors to work safely on the site. The Tennis Club apologises for any inconvenience this will cause.

When the work is complete the Club will be holding an open day, so watch out for details to be advertised on court, in Meldreth Matters and on the Clubs’ website. We look forward to you all coming down to try out your new courts.

Follow the building progress on the www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub.

Club

website:

Meldreth Tennis Club 51

Neutering Your Cat ... Important Things to Consider It seems that for many years I have been championing cat neutering in practice. The act of sterilisation in males and females is such a short, easy and uncomplicated thing, often with financial contribution from charities who are all working hard to promote it, so I still struggle to understand why so many people don’t do it. The only conclusion I have come to is that owners don't fully understand the implications of the ever growing cat population.

In London, where I moved here from, the feral cat population is absolutely out of control and becoming a real welfare situation for the cats themselves. With not enough food or healthcare you end up with colonies of feral cats who just continue breeding, getting bigger in number and becoming a reservoir for dangerous viruses such as feline leukaemia and FIV (Feline AIDS) both of which can be spread by mating. Cat hoarders with houses and gardens full of cats, unable to look after them all are living in really unsavoury conditions and posing a real danger to their own health, let alone the animals. In one case we visited in London, an elderly lady had eighty cats living in her loft and the urine was seeping through the ceilings. She had started with two cats a couple of years earlier and was in a real pickle! Of course, out here in the sticks the situation is nowhere near as dire, but there is still a cat overpopulation problem here: usually in pockets in industrial estates, old farm buildings and less commonly in private houses where pet cats have not been neutered.

A common myth is that female cats should have a litter before they are spayed. This is actually not the case and the gold standard care now is actually to have your cat spayed at four months old. They bounce back from this early neutering much more quickly and it has been proved to have beneficial effects to long term health, preventing uterine and ovarian cancers and reducing the chance of mammary masses later in life. Boys can also be done early, preventing the nasty “tom cat” smell you get when the hormones kick in! They are also much less likely to fight with other cats and come home with war wounds.

Many people don't neuter because they want another kitten. I would ask these people to have a walk around Wood Green, Cat's Protection, Celia Hammond Animal Trust or the Blue Bross in kitten season and see just how many very young cats are looking for a loving home. It’s honestly heart-breaking, and not all charities have a “non destruction” policy. Many cats are put to sleep each year because they don't have a 52

home to go to. All these charities have cats at their heart and they are all on a mission to neuter!

Rescue centres for specific breeds also exist. I rescued a pedigree Birman cat myself and I have seen almost every breed there is needing a new home. Cats such as Sphynx and Siamese are becoming more and more common in rescue centres.

We have a responsibility as pet owners to our pets’ wellbeing and care.

We should always do what is best for them and as far as neutering goes, it is really a no brainer. The evidence is all there and we certainly don't need to breed. There is no shortage of cats in the UK. If you're considering a kitten, please do consider a rescue kitten. Bear in mind that cats are seasonal breeders and so from March to September the centres are overflowing with kittens. If you own an unneutered cat then please do consider the snip, it really is the kindest option and there are lots of charities that will help with that if you ask.

Every cat deserves a warm bed and a loving home and due to overbreeding unfortunately they don't all get the option. It’s only cat owners who can really do something to change that.

Jo Brown, RVN

Topcliffe Mill Open Days Topcliffe Mill in North End was open for two days in May as part of National Mills Weekend. The event was very successful with over 100 people visiting the mill, some of whom had connections with the mill during its working life.

Keturah Sesstein, a Meldreth resident and Senior Reporter with That’s Cambridge, a local TV station came along to the event and put together a short video which can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX20gsFHONs. Our thanks go to Keturah and all the visitors to the mill for making this such a successful weekend.

Kathryn Betts Meldreth Local History Group 53

Voices4Choices Do you or someone that you care for have a disability or a long term health condition and are receiving support such as home care, a support worker, day services or respite care? A Direct Payment is one way to fund this care and support. It is Council money that aims to give you more flexibility, choice and control. For example, you could use the money to pay a friend or neighbour rather than use a care agency.

If you would like to find out more, please come along to one of our four Direct Payment Awareness Raising Events. Events will take place from 2.30-4.30pm as follows: Tuesday 20th June Huntingdon Library; Thursday 29th June March Community Centre; Thursday 6th July Owl Café, Sawston; Thursday 13 July Ely Library. Events are free and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Hot and cold drinks will be provided.

For more information or to book into one of the events, get in touch with James or Leisha: email james@cambridgeshirealliance.org.uk, leisha@cambridgeshirealliance.org.uk or call 0300 111 23 01.

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Do You Shop at the Co-op in Melbourn?

If so, then you can help support Home-Start The Co-op are running a scheme until the end of October 2017 to raise funds for three local charities and Home-Start is one of these. If you already have membership with this store, all you need to do is choose Home-Start as the charity to support by signing into your co-op account, choosing us as your charity and with any purchases you make on Co-op own brand products, 1% comes to us.

If you do not have membership and would like to support us, please ask in store; you will be issued with a cardboard card and you pay ÂŁ1.

When your plastic card arrives in the post you will receive a ÂŁ1 voucher to spend. Then you can sign up to support us on-line at: https:// membership.coop.co.uk/sign-in?redirect=https:// membership.coop.co.uk/dashboard Please help if you can - it is a great opportunity for Home-Start to raise extra funds to help us to continue to provide the vital service that we know our local families need.

Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

Farming Memories: Dementia Group Farming Memories is an agricultural group that meets every other Friday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at Wimpole Home Farm.

It is a group for those in the early stages of dementia, memory loss and their carers who have a background or interest in agriculture. Get involved in farming activities with time for a tea break and a catch up!

Farming Memories is a joint project between Care Network and the National Trust. There is no charge. To find out more about the group and how to join please contact Care Network on (01954) 211919 or email admin@care-network.org.uk.

Mirella Teague Care Network 55

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address Detail Land rear of Erection of 18 dwellings (including affordable) with all no. 79 High Street, matters reserved except for access S/1124/17/OL Parish Council comments: The site is large but the development will have an effect on the already agreed development taking place at Maycroft Residential Home which will be a large development of three storeys with bay windows from bed/living rooms of residents of the care home. Maycroft is an already approved application and this development will cause an overlooking problem.

The houses will be too close to the boundary of Maycroft and the new care accommodation is only four metres from the boundary and therefore may cause a concern of overlooking by residents of both developments and loss of visual amenity for residents of the care home. The proposed hedge is unlikely to be able to screen the upper stories of Maycroft. Affordable housing has been suggested and at the moment there is supposedly 53 on the housing list so there is a need for affordable housing in Meldreth. The proposal is also outside the village envelope where exception sites are the only type of development normally allowed. The access road cuts through both the conservation area and a PVAA. We are concerned that the proposed play area is badly sited, close to the turning head that will be used by refuse lorries and other traffic. If SCDC are minded to approved this application, the Parish Council would like to see a full landscaping plan and would also need to know who will be responsible for the wooded areas. Parish Council recommendation: Refusal - vote 5 in favour of recommending refusal. The Parish Council also requested that this should go to Planning Committee.

4 Whitecroft Road, First floor and loft extension S/1187/17/FL Parish Council Comments/Recommendation: : The previous application was refused due to its overbearing size and materials proposed. The reapplication has dealt with the roof line and windows, but has not addressed the size of the proposed extension which is still the same, nor the materials being proposed which is still wood cladding. Parish Council recommendation: Refusal: vote 4 in favour of refusal with 1 abstention.

23 North End, S/1333/17/TC

Reduce mixed Cypress and Leylandii hedge by 1/2 metre to create on flat level, trim sides. Reduce Cypress in height by 3 metres and trim sides.

Parish Council Comments/Recommendation: The Parish Council had no comment on this application.

56

Reference and Address

Detail

Land between Burtons and West Way, off Whaddon Road, S/2939/16/FL

Amendment to Ecology Report update, Amendment to Plot 5, Landscape details and visibility splays

Parish Council Comments/Recommendation: These are mainly technical amendments however new information has been received regarding the ecology report. Taking into account the public concerns regarding the removal of trees prior to the ecology survey being carried out is of concern. It would appear that the trees in the area were removed before any bat survey was conducted.

The ecology report was carried out in November 2016 and the trees were severely cut back between 26th September and the 6th October, thus destroying any possible existing bat roosts. Parish Council recommendation: No Recommendation, all agreed 120 High Street, Horse Chestnut: fell due to severe storm damage.

S/1447/17/TP Sycamore: remove most of the large low branch, back to the first union. Lime: remove the large stem which leans towards the house. Limes: re pollard back to previous pollard points. The Horse Chestnut and Lime tree are CA and not TPOs. Parish Council Recommend: This application was withdrawn as the residents had not requested the work.

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

Meldreth Parish Council

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address

Decision

S/0700/17/FL – 114 High Street (Court Stables).

This application was considered by the Chair of the Planning Committee and the Head of Development Management on 24th April at SCDC. 'Having considered the application against Development Plan policy and taking into account all other relevant material consideration please be advised that officers will now be proceeding to finalise their delegated report refusing the application

Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 57

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01223 846846 www.shelfordenergy.co.uk

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

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

Telephone

on 01763 261250 or 0791 3913955

Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

Nancy Foster MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

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Meals on Wheels delivering hot meals daily.

We make a dierence.

Main course and dessert just ÂŁ5.50 We deliver to Cambridge and all villages, St Neots, St Ives and the surrounding areas and throughout Cambridgeshire & Ely and surrounding towns and villages.

We now offer a three-course choices menu each day Sample Menu

Beef & Stout Pie Vegetable Lasagne All Day Breakfast Fish Pie Chicken in Red Wine gravy

-------------Treacle Tart Cold chocolate Mousse Sticky Toffee Pudding Cherry Pie Rice Pudding

Here at CAMMS Meals on Wheels Ltd we pride ourselves in providing meals that are good quality and nutritious for the elderly, infirm and those who are temporarily unable to prepare meals for themselves and all at affordable prices.

We are able to offer a tailored approach to your meal, with vegetarian and most other dietary requirements catered for ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

All our meals are delivered by our friendly local drivers. They get to know you and your dietary needs and provide a first class service delivering your meals to you on whichever days you require.

Our service not only provides meals but our clients and their families have peace of mind knowing that they or their loved ones are receiving a regular visit from a familiar face as well as a hot meal.

To find out more telephone (01223) 314288 or cammsltduk@googlemail.com or visit www.cammsltduk.org

email

CAMMS Meals on Wheels Ltd, Cherry Trees Kitchen, St Ma hews Street, Cambridge CB1 2LT Registered Charity 1098072 Company limited by guarantee 4229429

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Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue: Safe and Well Service Our Safe and Well service is available FREE of charge to support vulnerable residents in our communities.

Developed with our partners locally, the Safe and Well model offers a holistic approach to support people living in their own homes by building on our traditional Home Fire Safety Check model to include other areas including: preventing falls in the home, monitoring alcohol use and consumption, staying well, warm and nourished at home and crime reduction including fraud and scams. The Safe and Well visit now provides the Service with sufficient information to support individuals and, with consent, to refer individuals to selected partner agencies, who will be able to support them further.

Paul Clarke, Community Risk Manager at CFRS, said: “Although we target our work through partner agency data sharing to reach those most vulnerable people in our communities first, it is vitally important that people make referrals to us if they think someone they know, whether it be a loved one, a neighbour or a friend, could benefit from our completely free of charge service too. We will never share data for any commercial purposes and you are never under obligation to answer any questions that you do not want to, but the more information you provide us with, the better we will be able to support you. We can also provide advice in relation to promoting the health and safety of individuals with hoarding concerns, as well as providing valuable information to care providers.�

For more information on Safe and Well Visits, please visit our homepage at: www.cambsfire.gov.uk and click on Safe and Well visits, contact us at firefire@cambsfire.gov.uk or call us on 0800 9179994.

You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue

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

60

The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

CP

Podiatry

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

Offering professional footcare in the comfort of your own home.

Call today on 01223 863 632

Claire Duguid MSc BSc (Hons) MChS HCPC registered podiatrist

Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Cambourne Self Storage Outdoor Storage 24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

*Routine footcare, including nail cutting and removal of hard skin and corns. *Diabetic footcare, including assessment, treatment and advice. *Prescription of insoles to offer pain relief. *Footwear advice.

24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting

Call today to make an appointment

Keypad Entry and High Security Locks,

01763 661841 or 07810805433

Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors

01767 676189

claireduguid@hotmail.com

www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk

G I L H O O LY

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

MOTS Cars and vans Service and repairs to all COMMERCIALS HORSE BOXES MINI BUSES

VANS

Flexible working hours to suit you Monday — Saturday

Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 61

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

John Rogger (01763) 260809 L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

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

(01763) 220626; www.meldrethchurch.org.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Photographic Group

Sport

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

Church

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

Childn.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

62

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

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

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found 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; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

63

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

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

A10 Timber .....................................31 Affordable Plumbing ......................16 Art of Clean ......................................61 Art of Clean Wood ..........................54 B2B Automotive...............................16 The British Queen .............................7 Cambourne Self Storage .................61 Cambridge Roofers .........................39 Cambridge Sunblinds ................Cover CHS Day Centre .............................31 CHS Group .....................................39 Coton Electrical ..............................58 The Country Store ...........................31 CP Podiatry .....................................61 Eternit Sports and Social Club .........24 Four Counties Tree Services ............58 Gilhooly ..........................................61 Handyman .........................................2 Home Foot Care ..............................31 iPlaster ............................................54 Lawn Partners ..................................7 The Letting Centre ..........................47 Little Hands Nursery School ...........58 Mandy Thornton Counselling ..........7

Melbourn Flooring ....................Cover Melbourn Village College (1) ...........54 Melbourn Village College (2) ..............2 Meldreth Landscapes ........................34 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................60 Meridian Lawncare ..........................39 Michael Easton Personal Trainer .....19 Moncraft Computers .......................47 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................58 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service24 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......34 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...................2 Quicksilver Yoga ............................47 Reed Autos ................................Cover Reflections Hair Studio .....................24 Richard Burns Electrician ................19 Rod’s PC Support .............................13 Royston Fencing ..............................24 Shelford Energy ...............................58 Slimming World .........................Cover Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............47 Summit Landscapes .........................16 Village Garden Services ...................31 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ..........34 64

summer! live happy thiswith Slimming World MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Meldreth Village Hall Hig h Street, Tel: Alison 07812 825 389 slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000